Goodbye to the great Mr Lee Kwan Yew

It's been rather quiet on this space. For a reason -- Death. 

Death. It is feared by many and celebrated as much as life itself by others. Yet, it is a quintessential part of cultural life, not just a personal affair but a communal one. Just over the weekend, Singapore, a little red dot, mourned the death of one of its greatest leaders, the founding father of Singapore -- Mr Lee Kwan Yew,who passed away on 23rd March 2015 at the age of 91. There was much grieving and reflecting as people paid tribute to this great man. A 7-day national mourning was declared. While death is a topic largely avoided by most, Mr lee's death was the topic of the town. Everywhere on social media, his quotes, photos and stories were mushrooming. What really struck me was his tenacity towards life, his love towards his wife and his loyalty towards his people. Low crime rate and general orderliness in Singapore society would appear to bear testimony to the effectiveness of his rule. It was also the first time I read and saw pictures of the interior of his house and was appalled that despite being so wealthy, the decorations were so humble.

Above all, what really drew me to read on was his love and dedication towards his wife. I'm a hopeless romantic. However, the hubs isn't one who will quite reciprocate in the same way as I do. This is completely different in the royal love story where Mr Lee's love for his wife was evident in his daily life. He was a great husband who spent every evening, at least 2 hours, reading her favourite poems during her remaining days. Madam Kwa Geok Choo was more than just the woman behind LKY. She was a woman who silently gave her all to the nation and her family. Back then, she was the only female student in Raffles College in Singapore and crossed path with Mr Lee. They stated off as competitors but ended up as lovers. Classic isn't it? Kindof like how it was like for the hub and I. I hated his guts back then. Moving on, Mdm Kwa was a good Asian wife, walking two steps behind her husband. She was more than a wife, she was also Mr Lee's confidante and adviser. When she suffered her first stroke, Mr Lee took care of her complicated medication regime, measured her blood pressure several times a day, and meticulously picking up the food which she dropped. Mdm Kwa passed on after being bedridden for 2 years. That was Singapore's very own royal love story. While Mr Lee had been courageous and resolute in pursuing his dream and love, much has been credited to Mdm Kwa whose consistent rational and emotional support were his driving force. They are truly a model couple. Mr Lee might had  been critisized for his ways in politics. however, I'm sure it is without any argument that he was and still is a role model for husbands. With his demise, he can now be reunited with her in another realm.

29th March. It was the day the world sent Mr Lee on his last journey. Singaporeans lined the streets in salute as his casket went past the street. A grand funeral which no other man in Singapore ever had. That day, the heavens opened and rain was beating hard on this little red dot which Mr Lee played an instrumental role in building. The throbbing sadness was palpable. From dull, monotonous gray drizzle to fast and furious raindrops, the sky seemed to be making a tonal melody that matched the mood of many Singaporeans. His dedication for his country was evident in the respect garnered by the people who queued for as long as 8 hours just to enter the Parliament house to pay their last respects. Listening to his children deliver their eulogies, I too, shed an uncontrollable tear. I tried explaining to Big K about the passing of this great man. I told her Mr Lee is now watching us from above. And she replied,"He's in heaven?" I told her without this man, Singapore wouldn't be who she is today..We wouldn't have MRT to sit on or schools to go to. Then Big K continued," We wouldn't have playgrounds to go to and no house to stay." Wow! She seemed to understand what i said! A 3.5year old comprehending the impact that LKY made in our lives! I feel very blessed indeed that I'm born in this country I call home and am deeply thankful for this great man who built it. 

Thank you Mr Lee! #rememberingLKY

Gong xi fa cai

I know. I'm late. hey, but i'm penning this down on the last day of Chinese New Year. Chup Gor Meh (15th day in Dialect) so technically, i'm not late right? Ok, excuses excuses. But definitely legit. You see, Small K developed a fever on Day 9. It spiked to 40 degrees celsius on Day 10! I was terribly guilty as I checked him at 730pm before putting him to bed. He was good. 37.4. But, 2 hours later when the hub came home and checked, the boy had shot up to 40!! We stripped him naked and sponged like mad. I didn't quite sleep that night. Waking up almost every hour to sponge him and check his temperature. Thankfully the fever subsided the  next day. However, on Day 12, a sudden rash surfaced. It was then i realised he was having Roseola. Roseola is a fairly mild and common viral illness that usually strikes children between 6 months and 3 years of age. It's caused by a kind of herpes virus, although not the type that's sexually transmitted. roseola usually starts with a sudden, relatively high fever. The fever typically lasts three to five days and may end abruptly, followed by the telltale rash. The rash may last for days or only hours. The rash is pink and may have small flat spots or raised bumps. These spots may have a lighter "halo" around them and will turn white if you press on them. The rash isn't itchy or uncomfortable, and contact with the rash itself doesn't spread the illness. It usually shows up on the trunk and neck, but can extend to the arms, legs, and face. My poor baby was a grouch and coupled with a whiny three year old, oh boy!!!

Anyhoots, here's a quick round up of Chinese New Year for us this year. It's special this year coz I've a new arm candy and I was really gearing myself up in terms of their clothings. 

 

The day before Chinese New Year.

Reunion outfit: 

On Me: Top from Love Bonito; Skorts from a Korean supplier

On Big K: "I'm a mini" tshirt from MiniRodini & Right Left tights from Hello Merch

On Small K: "daddy's little dude" romper from Carters & Socks from BabyStyleIcon

 

 

 

Day One

On Me: top and bottom from Zalora which incidentally has amazing service! I bought the wrong size and accidentally clicked on two for the same item but I was able to return them and exchange for the right size! No questions asked! I just had to pop by the post office and return. Postage borne by Zalora!; Shoes from Taobao

On Big K: Elmo Pillowcase dress from Etsy

On Small K: Dragon Romper from Taobao

 

  

Day Two. I decided to play matchy matchy. 

On Me: Top from Tracyeinny; Skinny Jeans which failed to make me skinny, from Uniqlo

On Big & Small K: Outfits from Elly. Shoes from Pediped and PUMA respectively. I've resisted on buying a cheongsam for Big K since birth. reason being, it's mostly worn only on special occasions. Mileage isn't too high. The cost of one isn't cheap too, but i caved in this year simply because it's too cute!

 

Check out the boy's new bib! Sud bo? It's one of his Chinese character by the way. Really hope this boy will be happy everyday. He's been bringing me so much joy every day. A very smiley baby whom I'm really thankful for. A miracle child who I can't wait to hug after work everyday. 

  

I just had to play matchy matchy again!

Tops and rompers from Hello Merch

Small K's dinosaur pants from Babystyleicon

 

 

Having two in tow this year is really different on all fronts. I used to be way ahead in decorations and crafting but this year, the above was all I did. A first DIY attempt at making paper pom poms and fans. Not bad eh? The decals were from Taobao. Bought it way in advance but pasted only the night before CNY! On crafting with Big K, I really did close to nothing. If you consider colouring an activity, then ok, I did heaps! 

 

Check out the many designs for red packets! The evolution is amazing. No wonder collecting red packets (sans the money that is), has been in vogue in the recent years.

 

 

Was excused for cooking on days one and two. but come day 3, I had to get something together lest the family starves. So the hubs and I decided on some unhealthy but delish noodles! A luxurious treat if I might add.  

 

Day 4

The kitchen was in full gear and I tried making Har Cheong Gai. Recipe taken off The Domestic Goddess Wannabe. I attempted to use the air fryer however, I failed miserably as the flour was still visible. Ultimately, I heated up some oil and shallow fried. The result, YUMMEH!

 

Day 5

Braised mushroom with dried oyster. A must-have in my family during Chinese New Year. This year, Empress Dowager made things difficult and decided not to cook reunion lunch, so we didn't have this. I decided to cook for my family instead. It's really a very simple dish to whip up. 

My recipe:

• 12 Dried mushroom soaked for an hour (i soaked overnight though)
• Moss (Fa Cai which is suppose to represent prosperity)
• 4-5 dried oysters
• 1 dried conch
•  a few Smashed garlic  
• Water/ Broth enough to cover the mushrooms

• Seasonings:
• 2 tablespoon of abalone sauce (oyster sauce also possible but i ran out of it)
• 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce
• if you want the colour to be darker, you may add dark soya sauce. But taste to ensure it's not too salty

Method:

• fry the garlic till it's fragrant, then add the mushroom
• after stir frying for a bit, add the abalone sauce
• add broth/ water + conch and boil
• transfer to a slow cooker and add the light soya sauce.
• You may use the regular pot to cook if you are not cooking overnight in a slow cooker like I did.
• This dish somehow tasted better overnight. 
• Approximately half and hour to an hour before you serve, add in the moss. If you like, you may add cornstarch solution to thicken the gravy.

 

Lastly, we managed to have our annual brunch with the Mahjong Kahki. Ok technically, only a few of them play mahjong. I, for one, am not. I guess I'm so over with that game after spending nights after nights losing at the table during my University days instead of studying! Am feeling very blessed for this bunch of friends. Many who were from my Secondary school and some whom I've known for 2 decades! The longest standing one, however, has to be the hubs whom I've known (but was absolutely disgusted with back then) since Secondary two! It's really quite a sight when we have to take the annual group photo. Terribly difficult to coordinate this year with the kiddos running around! Soon to come, we probably should have a shot separate for the kids! And a table for them at lunch as well! Wow! this family sure is growing!

So how was your Chinese New Year? Hope it had been a Meh-ry one!

injecting some positivity: My happy breakfast

I haven't been blogging much lately. Coz I've been terribly tired, busy and well, perhaps, just perhaps, a little ill-disciplined. Apart from the massive spring cleaning which I've been doing every other night and online shopping for CNY clothings for the fam, the kids and hub took turns to fall ill and the only person who has to stand strong is me. The cycle hasn't been broken and this has been ongoing since the beginning of 2015 and I'm truly knackered. Coupled with several other financial issues and unexpected hiccups like a neighbor's leaking ceiling due to seepage from our toilet, I'm inclined to think that 2015 isn't quite the year for me. Once one problem is solved, another comes along. They just simply sprout out like mushrooms rendering me breathless.

But I'm adopting the cockroach attitude - 打不死 (beat cannot die). The more curveballs life throws  atme, the stronger I'll become. I tell myself to be more positive and things will somehow work out.

One way of injecting more positivity is to start the day right! Being with the kids every morning means i can't go out to some cafe to have a pretentious tai tai breakfast. I do feel jaded at times and even mistreated coz why issit that I've to be the one bathing Big Small K, feeding, making them nap and playing with them every morning n not my other half?? I love my kids. Don't get me wrong but i guess the reason why I'm so disgruntled is because almost every other morning, the hubs will say his goodbyes and off he goes, not to office, but to breakfast with his buddies! Where is the fairness in this? 

Sigh, but, it's honestly useless to wallow in self pity. N hey, I've got the kids! *sticking my tongue out. Anyhoots, while some mummies are busy packing bentos for their kiddos, below are my happy meals!

What do YOU normally have for breakfast?

It's 2015 already?

Hi 2015!

Yup ok, I'm late. It's mid Jan and I'm finally sitting down penning things down before my post natal brain starts acting up on me again. To be fair, I've been typing stuff here and there. Drafts galore, just never quite complete. This eats me up coz it kindof reflects how i treat the projects in life too, except for being pregnant and giving birth! Anyhows, for ritual sake, I have to do this post. it's afterall a new year. #nowthenpostnextyearalready.

Most of us love holing up at home. It renews tired souls and is a sanctuary got all our favorite this. It's a place where we can truly be ourselves and express all our true colour. Having said that, home is a reflection of you. Indeed, if you were to swing by my place, you'll see the mess it is in. Somewhat like my life eh? It's depressing sometimes. Everything's so random these days. I'll just decide on what to cook the very day, or the activity to do with Big K that very minute. No wonder tempers were flaring over the last two weeks. You see, we didn't want to be holed up since New Year's eve, but Big K was hit by a nasty bug and developed a fever at the stroke of midnight. Prior to that, we were at a friend's party, hoping to usher in the new year with her little friends. But alas, we had to cut short and head home and be sponging the little one at midnight and beyond. Definitely not my idea of a celebration. The days which followed were tough. In fact, tempers flared during this season as Big K decided that whining was her forte. She'd whine at the slightest thing. If she couldn't get a toy to work, she'd whine. If she dropped her pencil, she'd whine. As if that wasn't enough, she'll create a scene by rolling non stop on the floor and screaming at her soprano voice. It was really challenging to keep my tempers down. Fortunately i had heaps of training from work. And, to address this issue, i choose to walk away, leaving her to wail incessantly. There was really no point talking sense to a 3year old when she is consumed with angst. I didn't know a small human being could be so explosive. It drove me bananas and caused the hubs to snap. The usually calm and collected (read: bo chup) husband was the one who lost it this time round. He had been lashing out threats and executing punishments like locking her up in the toilet. In the middle of the night mind you. An action i strongly disagree on. Extremity was taken to a new high one evening when Big K broke out into her usual scream halfway through her sleep. After a mere 5mins, i heard him yelling at Big K. I was nursing Small K then but I ran to her rescue and saw him yelling into her ear! Literally an inch away! I was dead mad and pulled him back but he was a strong man and i had to use force. It was disheartening to see such a scene and heartwrenching to see Big K sob her eyeballs out! Who was this monster? He's usually not like that. Anger and mobile gaming can do so much to a person! No matter what we did: the fast food method from the Happiest Toddler on the Block, or telling her she has to find her happy heart before talking to us, or banishing her to the naughty corner, to bribing her with her favourite activity (that probably works for only 5mins), they all failed miserably. I don't understand why she has to scream and wail at a thing like not wanting to go to the toilet despite having a tummyache. Just go la! why do you need to scream and wail? Seriously! I am suppose to be the patient one in this household, and that night I simply had to pull the hubs away and took over everything as if he was not around. Yup, I mambo-ed with both Big and Small K. Small K was constantly aroused by Big K's screams in the middle of the night. The screams were so constant it completely drained me mentally and physically. I could be nursing Small K at 2am and somehow, Big K could sense that i left the room (we co-sleep) and wail endlessly even though the daddy was right next to her. Next, she'll totter into didi's room and drive me up the wall. I really wanted (still do) to bury my head and cry. Our last resort, to send her to my in-laws for the night. She spent two nights there. Our excuse - we needed her to recuperate and not spread the germs to didi. For those two nights, the hubs and I were couch potatoes and very happy parents! Falling sick was actually a blessing in disguise as we were forced to rest at home for a whole week and bond as a family.

Fast forward, we are still battling with Big K's tantrums and both Big and Small K are still sick. Fortunately the hubs is in town to deal with it together. I suspect she is seeking a lot of attention from us because Small K has started to become more mobile. He has been crawling, standing and cruising quite a bit. In the past, he was just a lump, waiting to be carried. No threat. These days, he has shown preference too and the moment he is put down in the playpen, he'll wail. Or if i turn my back to head to the toilet, i'll have to endure pitiful cries. By the way, he'd cry and mouth "mama" in between. Cute much? So yeah, I can only pray that I'm patient enough to face each day as it comes. Also, in my short (and probably unrealistic) list of resolutions, I hope I can be on the ball with entertaining Big K over at Mama's School. This helps in containing her anger and making her a happy toddler. Been very lax in that area which adds to her tantrums. I used to be doing stuff with her every few minutes and that, she loves. Now, I always find myself asking her to self entertain while i bathe or feed Small K. Pretty unfair to her i guess. Also, seeing several mommies posting on social media how their kid is able to write their 1,2 3s and ABCs or hot housing them by enrolling the child in Chinese classes or keyboard classes etc stresses me out. I think I'll fail terribly if my resolution were to be a Tiger mama. So yeah, back to resolution number 16547, Prioritize! That explains a whole lot why my blog has been radio quiet for a bit. I had to concentrate on nursing the both to health before everything else.

Recap of 2014

2014 was a really big year in every sense of the word. I gave birth to Small K didn't I?

Phew! thankfully for that else the year would have been wasted big time!

I also gave birth to another baby of mine: Rhapnroll -- a place where I translate my creativity to gifts of joy for newborns and beyond. To summarize, I sell diapercakes.

A bit of shameless advertising here but do drop by my site if you are in the market for a gift for a newborn or even a toddler. 

Despite having such achievements, I find that I haven't quite accomplish much. Ironic huh? I have been pretty lazy on many other fronts but i guess sometimes you have to slow down or you risk burning out.

Resolutions

I don't usually pen down my wishes for the year, but let's just do it for the heck of it:

Do less but more

Ironic. I confuse myself sometimes too. Really hope that in this new year, I can spend time to better myself, whether to perform at work or to enrich myself as a parent. But yet again, i hope that everything and every project I do, is gonna contribute to my life in a big way. you see, I'm often a person who wants it all. I want to be part of this and that. Hence at the end of the day, I end up with nothing. So, in 2015, I'll strive to do a bit less in order to get more out of life.

To be more patient

With Big K turning three 2 months ago, the terrible threes syndrome has just started. I shall not deceive myself with the mantra which many mothers always tell me -- "it gets better". Come on la! who are you kidding? So to tackle the problem, I hope that I can be a more patient person, be it towards the children or the hubs (he has been infuriating me with his obsession with his stupid mobile games but that's another story for another time).

Be more organised

this is gonna be a tough one but I'll try hard nonetheless.

To spend time more productively with the kids

Really hope not to always be nagging them to go to bed or to pack their toys. Life is such a rush that every morning I've to hurry Big K in doing her routine stuff instead of stopping to smell the roses or hit the playground for half an hour of fun. The evenings are no better. With my crazy schedule, by the time I'm home, I've to get them to sleep almost at once. Winding down routine? What's that?

Be less of a hoarder! Throw throw throw!

I've been working on this lately with the impending Chinese New Year. However, I think I haven't been ruthless enough. I've been throwing a bit of stuff every single day and at my peak (when Big K was spending the night at my in-law's), I managed to throw out 3 boxes of stuff and pack three big bags and a big carton for giveaways! Woohoo! But I'm still seeing clothings which I have kept since 1999! Am in denial that I'll fit into my prenatal clothings. And by prenatal, I mean pre-Big K. Sigh...who am I kidding? Shall find a new home for them and revamp my wardrobe! haha! Excuses excuses.. but yes, I think I should be more selective with my buys from hereon.

Put in more effort in my beauty regime
A few days back, a Primary 1 girl commented at how much older I look compared to her mom (who is, by the way, of the same age as I am!) and that I've a whole lot of wrinkles which I tried to cover up by telling her it's because I smile and laugh too much. That, however didn't quite work as she questioned me by saying "isn't smiling and laughing a good thing? So does that make wrinkles a good thing?". With that, I'm DETERMINED to put in more effort in salvaging those crows feet and lackluster skin. Considering the late nights that I do, THIS, is going to be tough! If there are any miracle water which you swear by, PLEASE hit me with it!

Be more focus, efficient and positive

This is gonna be tough to given my very random nature. Hard to tell yeah judging by the many things I've been doing? But i'm not gonna beat myself up even if I can't achieve this goal. Gotto learn to be more chillax too. Even if the kids are ill, and their sleep patterns are like SH**, I'll try to look at things from a different perspective -- immunity is getting stronger.

Save!
I failed miserably with my grand plan to save in 2014. Am very determined to succeed at the 52 weeks money challenge this time round! Am erm, however, behind by 2 weeks! haha

In essence, all the above resolutions can be summaried in one word: DISCIPLINE! 
Wish me luck!

The start of the year is always full of hope and symbolises fresh beginnings. So here's to a great start! Bring it on, 2015!

Review: Christmas Workshop at BlueTree Education

Last week, Big K and I had been utterly busy. That probably is an understatement! We attended a 5 day Christmas workshop at Bluetree Education and I had to rush Big K to school in the afternoon before heading to work! I was beginning to empathise with mommies who work from 9 to 5 and have to settle the kids before and after work! I'm a working mother too, but thankfully, my hours are a little more forgiving in the earlier part of the day. Though I end work late, at least I don't have to get myself into a mad frenzy at dawn and be sending the kids to childcare etc during peak hour. 

Friends of mine would know that when it comes to education, I'm always very enthusiastic. Hence when Bluetree Education invited Big K and I to attend their Christmas Holiday program, we were more than willing. This couldn't come at a better time as after an entire year of "schooling" at her nursery, I needed to let her take a break from the norm, expose her to new people and new stuff. That said, I wasn't too "hardworking" in research and wasn't busy signing Big K for Chinese enrichment/ Speech and drama enrichment/ Science enrichment etc. That sounds so hot housing! Though I believe the time will come when I'll join the crowd, given my nature (not that I'm kiasu, i'm just very very excited when it comes to education matters), I believe in giving Big K space to explore. She loves crafting, songs and dance. No doubt, her school is always doing those, it was essential for her to mingle with new friends. She did, afterall, get comments like not being a team player, from her form teacher in school.

On Day one, Big K was rather reserved. New environment, i don't blame her. 

 

Acting as a little reindeer during circle time. 

  

  

Slowly, with all the dramatic play, stories and sing alongs, Big K integrated and was warmed up. I applaud the teachers, particular Teacher Mabel who had to dramatise (read: sometimes having to act like a baboon) in order to engage the little ones. In her courageous act to do so, she incorporated little nuggets of Xmas info and words. 

By the end of the 5 days, the children probably had learnt a total of at least 15 new words! 

  

Part two was crafting session conducted by Teacher Diana. This Super and heavily pregnant mama is amazingly creative! Even i enjoyed making the stuff!

 
 

 
 

See! so creative right?

 

We enjoyed ourselves during the 5 days and the highlight of the workshop must had been ho ho ho, you've guessed it, SANTA CLAUS!!! it was the first time Big K saw a real life Santa and the impression made was so deep that she has been a good girl each time i mention Santa will only give presents to obedient little children! haha

 

A bit of background on BlueTree Education. It is run by a team of ex-MOE teachers and curriculum specialists who have taught in Singapore schools. With their many years of teaching experience and many success stories of implementing various pedagogical initiatives in schools, they bring with them their love for learning, teaching and the desire to nurture the potential in every child to the classroom at BlueTree Education Learning Centre. It is so important to have passion! Many a times, that's what's lacking in school as teachers are so bogged down by mundane administrations. Can't blame them honestly! It's tough to ignite the younger generation's fire if the teachers themselves needs a bit of rekindling. Personally, it's also important that the background of the teachers at an enrichment centre is top notch. The credibility has gotto be there. I personally have encountered centres who engage tutors without running a proper checks on them and worse yet, allowing them set their own curriculum for a class of P3s to P6s! While this might (not advisable and difficult) work for certain subjects like English, other subjects, particularly Science needs proper classification!

At BlueTree Education, they want to grow a child to be a thinker, a learner, an achiever. Their curriculum is designed not only with academic excellence in mind; They want every child to acquire the core thinking skills of thinking critically, inventively, and reflectively as their foundation for learning. That is oh-so-important in today's society where everything seems to be modeled out for the student! Students are so spoon-fed, they can't think! To add, their current affair knowledge is stifled as well. They may be the laughing stalk in the world if nothing is done. BlueTree Education recognizes that, hence, their differentiated teaching strategies and small-class sizes facilitate a learning environment that supports a thinking culture.
  
Details on BlueTree Education:
Website: http://bluetreeeducation.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueTreeEducation
Address: 271 Bukit Timah Road, Balmoral Plaza #02-15 Singapore 259708

Disclaimer : We were invited to attend the above workshop. No monetary compensation is involved and all opinions are of my own.

My picks for Rainbow cakes

 Lately, after seeing so many gorgeously photographed pictures of cakes on instagram, I've developed a penchant for cakes. Actually, the sweet tooth isn't an overnight development. It just got rekindled and seems to be spreading like wild fire as I'd be grabbing a slice whenever I pass by a bakery. In particular, I can't resist getting a rainbow cake whenever i see one. The visual impact of the cake is simply too great to ignore! Friends on my facebook have commented (and probably are in awe) that I've eaten so many rainbow cakes. So I decided to do a post on those i've tried:

 

Rainbow Cake $5 (slice) $45(500g)

  

Lynda Ann Cakes for Friends. This has gotto be da best! Just look at the colours!! Her rainbow cake slices are always sold out the moment she does a shoutout on fb. And each person is only limited to 2 slices! Should you want the cake itself, you'd have to preorder. Her ingredients are really top notch. At $5 a slice, when I first bought it, the hubs complained and exclaimed at how expensive it is. But trust me, it's worth every cent! She uses Italian Butter Meringue for the frosting which is lighter on the palate than traditional butter cream frosting. The lady in the kitchen is, surprise, surprise, Lynda Ann. She is a graduate in psychology. Wow right? Lynda started baking cakes for her friends even before pursuing her degree. It was when she had just completed her basic degree that she decided that her calling in life is to bake a cake. 

There are many other cakes sold at her shop so if you are in the market for a lovely cake, do check her bakery out:

Lynda Ann

Cakes for Friends

122 Bedok North St 2

#01-98

Singapore 460122

12pm to 7pm (Tues-Fri)

10am to 4pm (Sat)

Big K recently just celebrated her 3rd birthday. Which reminds me, I need to pen down the event!! Gosh i'm so behind time these days. Anywayz, the theme was "Hello Kitty" and i wanted a cutout cake but the minimum weightage was 2kg. Not ideal as it was just a small celebration with her friends in school. I wanted a rainbow cake, in line with the theme of the week in school and that would be crazily expensive if we were to do a 3D fondant cake or a cutout cake. We've been doing fondants for the last 2 years and honestly, apart from the visual appeal, I hate them. They are oh so sweet and we end up peeling away the fondant! What a waste of money! So when Diana, the Domestic Goddess Wannabe suggested a simple cake and beautifully topped with a name bunting, I contemplated. I wasn't immediately sold as I really wanted more of the cat on the cake, but after seeing how pretty her bakes are, I thought I give it a try. The result: NO REGRETS! Everyone, students and teachers alike, LOVED the cake! the kids took second helpings and even the little boy who ate nothing but rice all the time, was seen gobbling up the cake! haha..the father would have been so happy!  Diana's creation is so classy and together with my diy Hello kitty toppers, the cake really was a crowd pleaser. Plus, the best part was,  it ain't too sweet!  You know how it is like when you eat a cake and feel like you are eating a million chemicals,  well, not this one.  Though i do know I'm eating hell lot of colorings!

Do check out her blog or drop her a note!

oh did I mention, she's the winner of the best cooking blog in this year's Singapore Blog Awards! Talk about talent! And be warned, if you are a fan of her fb page, she's always posting dangerously tantalizing shots of her bakes. It makes me hungry and craving for sweets every time! And it makes me wish I had an oven! Then again, I have absolutely no aptitude for baking.

DEAN & DELUCA

---

I visited this place several months ago, even before all the hype over the rainbow cake. Was lucky that I was able to have a taste of one of its top sellers. This Rainbow Cake (S$9) has gotto be one of the healthiest around. The pastry chef uses six different fruit extracts – strawberry, orange, lemon, green apple, blueberry and grape – to give the cake its brilliant rainbow colours.
PS: No pictures for this unfortunately as I tasted this quite some time back.

Dean & Deluca

#04-23/24 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road

Tel: +65 6509 7708

Mon to Fri: 11am – 10pm

Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm

Nearest Station: Somerset

Next up: Coffee Daily. I've heard so much about this place and been wanting to pop by whenever I'm in the vicinity. Finally had the chance to on a nice rainy day. Talk about ambiance. The vintage decor really adds to nostalgia. They even provide complimentary old-school iced gem biscuits! You know the type your mother used to buy for you as a kid if you were born in the 70s or 80s? Their rainbow cake is frosted with cream cheese, which makes it special but doesn't come cheap though. It's priced at $10 per pop and sells out pretty early in the afternoon so be sure to go early.

The Coffee Daily

75 Brighton Crescent

Tel: +65 6284 8894

Mon to Thu: 12pm – 10.30pm

Fri: 12pm – 11.30pm

Sat: 9.30am – 11.30pm

Sun: 9.30am – 10.30pm

NOM BISTRO & BAKERY

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Sick of the usual rainbow cakes? Head to Nom Bistro & Bakery at Macpherson Community Club. It offers three different versions of the rainbow cake (S$7.90) – salted caramel buttercream, chocolate ganache, and oreo buttercream. My Verdict: very nice presentation but a tad sweet for my liking. Probably because it was salted caramel which I had tried. However, they seem to be doing a lot of very pretty customised cakes. I'll probably give them another chance given that it's a good price for such a thick slice.

Photo credit: http://danielfooddiary.com 

NOM Bistro

Level 1, Macpherson Community Club

400 Paya Lebar Way

Tel: +65 6747 3839

Daily: 11am – 11pm

Nearest Station: Macpherson/Paya Lebar

TOBY's the desert asylum @ Parkway Parade

I patronise this outlet pretty frequent as it's located close by. Their food are decently priced and tasty. Coupled with their one-for-one deals occasionally, this place is a must-go for families! So I passed by the other day and was drawn by their rainbow cake. It's covered with a layer of chocolate which gave it a sense of maturity. The colours was of course, the main attraction and I couldn't resist but to takeaway a piece! For this Christmas, they are even having a rainbow log cake! OMG! dream come true!

Photo credit: Toby's

TOBY's The Desert Asylum

80 Marine Parade Road,

#02-68/69/70 Parkway Parade

Singapore 449269

Mon- Fri: 11am -10pm

Sat - Sun: 9am - 10pm

Last on my list: Rainbow cake from Craftsmen Coffee. Newly opened at Siglap V, Craftsmen Specialty Coffee is the latest addition to the endless waves of cafes opening in the east Each time i pass by,  i kept wanting to get it. The price tag was a little too high to stomach. At $9.90 per slice,  it really be worth every cent. To be fair, it's quite a thick slice. My verdict: very pretty and vibrant but a tad too sweet. Nevertheless, still a delight to have as it really brightens up my day. Psst, you might wanna check out their croissant and other bread while you are there. Those are yummeh!

Craftsmen Specialty Coffee

2 First Street

#01-01 Siglap V

Singapore 458278

Opening Hours:

Sun – Thu: 8:30 am – 8:00 pm

Fri – Sat: 8:30 am – 9:30 pm

There you have it. My list of rainbow cake connections thus far. Have you got a favourite haunt for rainbow cakes? Share with me if you do!