Dinner @ Cafe Sienna

We had our dinner @ Cafe Sienna. I remembered the first time we patronize this cafe, it was two years ago. I couldn't remember what we ordered but i vividly recalled how Lucas pooed in his pampers and we had to leave fast before the smell stink the whole place.

Lucas was super-friendly saying hello to all the staffs the last visit and this time is not exceptional, both the brothers are super-friendly.

After the meal, the boys started their adventures...

LACHLAN

~ Lachlan helped cleaning up (using his hand!!) the table. (he knew he mess up as spilling the salt on the table!!) The patrons approaching the table even thanked him for the cleaning job.

~ Lachlan walked around the place and poked his fingers on almost every tables, even those occupied tables and two ladies laughing out loud at his actions.

LUCAS

~ Lucas pulled a chair and sat opposite to a lady who was waiting for her friend. Mr Boss saw that and waved him back telling him the proper manners such as he should always ask first. So funny, Lucas listened and really asked the lady if he can sit down. Not long after, her friend arrived and coudn't help laughing asking her how come she has a date with a little kid. haha.. Of course, Mr. Boss asked his boy to come back to our table so not to disturb the ladies.

Haha.. forgot to mention what we had for our dinner... here we go...

1. Linguine Novello

Lachlan loves the Pasta as he ate almost a big bowl. If something is not that tasty, he will tell you that he is full after a few spoonful. Indeed the pasta was nice, taste great and not oily.


2. Bruschetta

Should be 3 pieces of bread but before i got the chance to take the photo, one piece already inside Mr. Boss's mouth munching. Am i too slow or Mr. Boss is too hungry i wonder?

3. Warm Chicken Salad

I enjoyed this salad very much and Mr. Boss too

Sweet & Sour Fish

Fish i used: Barramundi Fish

Other ingredients:

Shredded Red Onions
Shredded Cucumber
Shredded Spring Onions
Tomato

Sweet and sour sauce:

Tomato sauce
Chili Sauce
Salt
Sugar
Soya Sauce
Vinegar
Pepper
Water

Lucas and Lachlan 's Orientation

We reached the Kindy CC centre around 2pm as scheduled. Mr Boss said he will wait for me in the car. Lucas was still reluctant to go, hands covering his seat buckle didn't want me to unbuckle him. As for Lachlan, he is like usual, not knowing that i will be leaving him there. In fact, Lachlan was enjoying carrying his Thomas Bag pack.



Lucas only willing to get down from the car after telling him that i will put Lachlan in his room first. We went into Lachlan's R.Roost Room and greeted by the room assistant Megan. Lachlan said he wants to play outside and Megan brings him out. This Lachlan has totally forgotten about us and so we left and went to Lucas's A.Trail Room. I met Lucas Kindy teacher, Margie and have a word with her.

Lucas entered the room and we met the assistant Richard and most of Lucas old friends like Liam, Gus, Lucas K and James. Lucas didn't want me to leave at first so i told him i will stay for 10 mins. He then later did some painting and played with some legos. About 15 mins later, i told him i will be back and i got to go check on Lachie and he agreed.

I went back to CC centre about 1-2 hours later. Amy, Lachlan's room leader, told me that he was a little bit upset and he was playing outside in the sand pit. I went out and saw lachlan sitting and holding a spade digging the sand. Megan was sitting next to him. Lachlan was alittle bit upset and he wants his backpack with him. Haha..no wonder i saw the backpack next to Lachie as it supposed to be in the locker.

The first day orientation went absolutely smooth. Margie adviced me to come earlier the next day so Lucas can enjoy more as Margie only be around from 9am to 3pm. We will try :)

Melbourne Greek Event

On Saturday 22nd March around 5pm we reached city and found a parking spot less than 10 minutes. We didn't realise there was this Greek Event held with Big Stage performance, Food stalls selling all kinds of Greek food and many many people enjoying themselves there.

Melbourne is said to be home of about 350,000 Greeks (2006 Australian census) including Greek-Cypriots, and is the third largest Greek city in the world (after Athens and Thessaloniki). Melbourne Greek events and festivals often attract many people to them.

What a pity that i didn't bring my camera and not able to show the pictures here. We stayed for a while watching the performance and bought some donuts for the kids. The children were fascinated by a man dressed up in a big Chef Costume of at least 8 to 9 feet tall.

It was really a very nice event to go to rather than just sitting at home doing nothing. Enjoying the Greek Food and Cultures.

French Toast Roll

Got this recipe from this blog http://www.wretch.cc/blog/mitong/20341079. Her creations are absolutely fabulous. One of my favourite blog sites that i love to visit.

The bread i used is 100% wholegrain. It will look much much better with white bread but for nutritional value, a bit of presentation sacrifices is worth it. :)


Ingredients:

100% Wholegrain Bread (Rolled flat)
Ham
Cheese
Basil Leaves (minced)
Eggs (Beaten)

For a complete and detail recipe with pictures, you can click on the website above. :)

BBQ Party

We have a wonderful BBQ birthday party at home yesterday. Its has been ages since our last BBQ. That was i think two years ago. We didn't prepare many dishes as there are just five of us plus two kids.

The kids enjoyed it and finally got to see and feel what it is like to have a BBQ party :)

All of us contributed something to the party. I made the potato salad and dyed the eggs red, the birthday gal Annie made the Spring Rolls, Fion made Jelly and the guys of course in charge of the BBQ.

Lachlan First Orientation

Monday was Lachlan first orientation in the Childcare. It was just an hour session and with me around. He was quite familiar with the place as he been there countless times when Lucas was there last year.

He spotted the lego blocks right away and quickly found himself a good comfy seat. Most of the kids were taking their afternoon nap. It was 2.20pm.

I talked to the teacher while lachlan busy playing. Then, after a while, Lachlan wanted to play outside and he played in the sand pit having lots of fun digging and building sand-castle all by himself.

At about 3.10pm we went back inside the room and lachlan played with the track and train toys on the rug.

At about 3.15pm, its was afternoon tea time.

Mommy: Lachlan, do you want to have some fresh milk?

Lachlan: yes..

Mommy: okay, can you please wash your hand first

Lachlan: (looking at his hands) my hands not dirty......

Then he just ignore me and continue with his play.

Not long after, the teacher brought some crackers in and that was his favourite. So i asked him again if he wants crackers and milk. He said yes and he washed his hand and enjoyed his snack.
He wanted more and he looked at me. haha.. i told him to ask for it himself and he did. So, he got himself another round of crackers. Very soon, tea time over and he continue to play happily on the rug.

And we left very soon at about 3.30pm. Next half hour orientation will be on Wed 25th together with his bro Lucas this time.

Spaghetti Bolognese with Meatballs

Made something simple for my brother to bring for lunch. This picture was taken @ night time so its slightly dark. The sauce i used here is Bottled Spaghetti Bolognese with Red wine which is very easy. Just fry the ingredients, add sauce and pour over the Spaghetti.

Ingredients

Frozen Peas
Sliced Mushrooms
Sliced Onions
Parmesan Cheese
Beef Balls


Beef Balls Ingredients

Minced Beef
Minced Red Onions
Salt
Pepper
Bread Crumb

Lachlan: Yes ! goh goh

Conversation between the two brothers
Venue: Toilet
Time: 10.00am
Present: Lucas, Lachlan and Mommy

Mommy: Boys.. come and brush your teeth now !!

Lucas and Lachlan running to the toilet

Lucas: mommy, can i use your toothpaste

(Their kids toothpaste just finished. All squeezed out by lachlan)

Lachlan: i want too

Lucas: no, lachlan.. our toothpaste finished. You cannot use mommy's toothpaste. You will swallow. Mommy said cannot swallow!!

Lachlan: i want... (still insisting)

Lucas: no.. listen to me, lachlan, listen... use water.

Lachlan: waaterrr?

Lucas: use water, and the ants ants will go away..okay lachlan?

Lachlan: Oookayyy...

Mommy: LOL

Its our fault.. as we told the kids better to brush kids day and night or else ants ants will come after their teeth

oh..did lachlan use water to brush? yes, he did. He listens to his brother most of the time :)

Pork belly with Lotus Root

I still have half lotus root left in the fridge and it was so expensive in Melbourne. Believe it or not, I bought one about 20cm long and it costs me roughly AUD15 dollars. Not only Lotus root that is expensive here, turnip too. One medium size turnip easily cost AUD9-10 dollars.

Anyway, i always like to eat the thinly cut Lotus Root as the texture is very crunchy and the sauce absolutely nice to go with rice.

Ingredients

Olive Oil - 1 1/2 tbsp
Lotus Root (thinly sliced)
Pork Belly ~ half bowl (optional - can be replaced by minced chicken or pork)
Long Beans ~ Cut Diagonally
Onions
Chopped Garlic
Chopped Shallots
Water (approx. 150 ml)

Sauce/Gravy
Salted Soya Beans (1tsp) - mashed
Oyster Sauce (1 tbsp)
Dark Soya Sauce ~ 1 tbsp (optional)

Marinade for Pork Belly
1. Salt (1/4 tsp)
2. Sugar (1/4 tsp)
3. Dark Soya Sauce (1 tbsp)
4. Pepper (a dash)
5. Ground Cinnamon (a dash)
6. Ground Nutmeg (a dash)
7. Light Soya Sauce (1 tsp)


Methods

1. Heat the wok. Add the olive oil.
2. Add Shallots, Garlic, Onions and fry til fragrant
3. Add Pork belly, Lotus root and Long Beans
4. Add the Sauce mixture
5. Add water, reduce heat and simmer for about 10-15 mins or til gravy thicken.

Sambal Fish Fillet

Tonight, the fish fillet i used is Marlin. I got a tray from the market last Sunday. Marlin fish texture is slightly hard so preferably not to over-cook it. Just pan-fry will do and work on the gravy separately.

Ingredients

Fish Fillet (any kind)
Finely chopped Shallot x 1
Tomato x 1
Chopped Tomato x 1 (Skin removed)
Red Onions - Medium Sliced
Chopped Garlic
Sambal Chili ~ 1-2 tbsp
Soya Sauce ~ 1 tbsp
Sweet Soya ~ 1 tbsp (optional)
Sugar ~ 1/2 tsp
Salt ~ 1/4 tsp
Pepper ~ a dash
Water

Stir Fry Chicken Strips

Ingredients:

Chicken Breast (cut strips)
Broccoli
Onions
Garlic
Ginger x 2 slices
Lemongrass
Carrot (strips)
Spring Onions
Shiao Xing Wine (2 tbsp)
Salt & Sugar (1/4 - 1/2 tsp)
Pepper (a dash)
Light Soya Sauce (1 tbsp)
Dark Soya Sauce (1/2 to 1 tbsp)
Oyster sauce (1-2 tbsp)
Cornstarch (1/4tsp)
Water

Chicken breast is better not to be overcooked. Best is stir fry the chicken breast til cooked and set aside and work on the gravy separately.

Perspective from a 4 yr old child

I cannot recall where we get this little U-shaped The Incredibles pillow. Either it came with the Mcdonald's Happy Meal or probably a gift from someone. Okay, let's forget about the origin of this pillow.

We need abit of imagination here. What does this pillow reminds you of? Anything from your mind? well, here is what a boy of 4 year old sees from his eyes....

OUR CONVERSATION

Lucas: Look mom... its a N

Mom: yes.. it is :) what else?

then Lucas turned the pillow

Lucas: mommy..look its a "C"

Lucas: and.. its an "U" (turning the pillow)

and Finally... he kept thinking and thinking

Lucas: mom... its a Horse Shoe (saying with a beautiful smile on his face)

Mom: (LOL) well done! Lucas :)

Curry Fish Fillet

Fish Fillets i used:

1. Blue Grenadier (still have some leftover in the freezer) and
2. Barramundi Fillet

Actually these fish fillets not as suitable as it easily breaks apart once cooked and stir. Its been very long since i last cooked curry fish. Its more like assam fish but i don't have the full ingredients.

No tamarind juice ~~ i use lime
No curry leaves ~~ i use mint.. (odd huh as thats the only herbs i found in my fridge) haha

Luckily i still have one stalk of lemongrass in my fridge, otherwise, the curry fish won't smell as fragrant. Presentation wise, need to work on it more :)

Ingredients

Fish fillets
Curry powder
Shallots
Garlic clove
Mint leaves
Tomato
Lemongrass stalk
Lime juice
water
Salt and sugar

Lucas Creation

Some artpiece he drew many weeks ago. He loves drawing and so far he has drawn many many.
He likes to fold to paper aeroplane after finished with his drawing.



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Lucas built this transformer (he claims) with Duplo blocks

Fried noodle 炒手卷面

Very simple fried noodle that we had for lunch few days ago but forgotten to upload. I didn't buy this noddle but found it in my pantry. From the packaging mentioned suitable for soup and frying. I chose stir fry. As i didn't put a lot of oil so its a bit dry but its ok. I tried to retain some gravy but the noodle soaked up all the water.

I guess the best method is, cooked the noodle and just stir in all the seasoning and sesame oil.

Stewed Pork Belly 燜花腩肉

常會在家煮的一道豬肉料理。很好送飯的哦。。 但是我家老闆總是應酬的吃一或兩塊。他是真的不大喜愛豬肉。 可是沒辦法啦誰叫他老闆娘喜歡。。連大少爺也喜歡。。哈哈

這次煮得太多汁了一點。而且cornstarch 放太重了。嘿嘿。。。 下次煮乾一點吧﹗

清炒菜心 Stir fry Cai Xin

清清的﹐都挺好吃。 沒有放太多調味料所以也適合孩子。

What do you like to dress up as?

Our story tonight:




Page one


"Hello there! Are you ready for a party? You're probably wondering why Pluto is dressed up like a bee and i am wearing a magician's costume. where do you think we might be going? Can you see that envelope inside our mailbox? That's right, we've been invited to a Halloween party!

Page two


And oh boy, doesn't everyone look swell for the party? Minnie is dressed up as a witch. Daisy looks very special too as Little Bo Beep. Can you see Donald? What's he dressed up as? Yes, that's right, he's a cowboy. And of course i can't forget Goofy, who is dressed up as a knight in armour. "
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After i've finished reading the book, you know its always good to ask the kids a few questions like do they like this book? what they think about the book etc.

So, here is our conversation:

Mommy: so boys, what do you like to dress up as?

Lucas: I want to dress up as Cowboy..

Lachlan: I want... i want... a Bee

Mommy: oh.. a bee.. ha. ok. mommy will get a cowboy costume for Lucas and a Bee costume for Lachlan.. how about that?

Lachlan: its too tie....

Mommy: too tie? (absolutely cannot figure out what he trying to say, so i turn to Lucas help)

Lucas: mommy.. lachlan said.. it is too tight... the bee costume is too tight..

Lachlan: yes.. too tie.. me cannot wear

Mommy: ooh... ic.. its ok i will get something of your size alright?

Lachlan: (nodded his head)


The boys love this storybook so much that i have to read 3 times tonight. :)

Lucas and WALL E

This morning, Lucas told me he dream of Wall E. Yes, one of his favourite cartoon show that he hasn't watched since went back to m'sia.

Here is the mother and son little conversation:

Lucas: mommy, i dreamt of wall E last night

Mom: really? were u playing with Wall E

Lucas: nope

Mom: what else

Lucas: the Axiom spaceship.... and... thousand of vacuum robots..

Mom: wow..vacuum robots !!! Do you wanna watch Wall E

Lucas: yes mommy but i don't know where is the disc?

Mom: we will look for it together ok?

Lucas nodded his head.

In fact i am the one keeping the disc all along as i didn't want them to misplace it. :)

Fish Nuggets

I don't know what else to call this, ok.. just keep it simple : Fish nuggets.. haha as it does look like nuggets right.

I didn't use alot of oil, just shallow fry. It turned out very nice and crispy (for the first 30 mins) and so my advice is better tuck in while its hot.

The fish i used is Blue Grenadier again. :)

Ingredients:

Fish fillet
Egg (i used half only)
Self-raising flour
Bread Crumb
Finely chopped Basil
Salt (1/4 to 1/2 tsp)
Sugar (1/4 tsp)
Pepper (a dash)
Mayonnaise (a teaspoon)

Recipe: Own mix and cook

Macaroni Cheese

Yup, this is another Lucas's favourite easy-to-prepare meal : Macaroni Cheese. But mine, i added different ingredients each time depending what is available in the fridge. This time, we had Celery, Carrot and Basil leaves.

Lachlan doesn't really like it but he will take a few good spoonsful of just 'macaroni'.

Ingredients:

Macaroni
Fresh Milk
Cream Sauce
Kraft Cheese
Basil leaves
Celery
Carrot

Preparation and cooking time: 15mins

Lucas First Cactus

We bought this cactus from Victoria Market about half a year ago. We walked pass the stall and lucas wanted to get one. The vendor gave us the instruction on caring the plant which is very easy

Only two things required:

1. Water (just once a month)
2. Sunlight

The small little green plant next to the cactus was quite small when first bought. It is growing sideway. We didn't put it directly under sunlight thats the reason i guess.

After we brought the cactus home, we told Lucas he can help water it every month. He did and either water many times or totally forgotten about his cactus. I once placed the cactus on the TV bench and knocked down by Lachlan. Poor cactus ! So from now onwards, it is safer to put it as high as possible... at least not within their reach.

I am not a plant lover person so sometimes i do forget to water it too.. haha.. Most of the caring part is done by our Mr.Boss !

Steamed Fish Fillet

The fish fillet i used here is Blue Grenadier. Fish i prefer to steam with ginger and 1/2 tsp of soya sauce. This is specially made for the kids as fresh from the market.

Red Onion and Basil Omelette

Very simple dish but first time adding Basil in my omelette. I am usually not very fond of herbs but brother bought a big bunch from market. Since my ramen smell so much fragrant after adding the basil leaves i guess no harm adding inside the omelette. I always like to put red onion in my omelette rathern than brown onions as red one taste much sweeter. I used to hate onions but now i must have onions in my cooking esp. soup.

Ginger Chicken Ribs

I don't mind having this everyday as the gravy is so yummy to go with rice. Yes.. Mr Boss ever said i am a Fan 桶, the literal translation means Rice Bucket. I just cannot go on days without rice. Since i still have some ribs in my freezer, lets have Ginger Ribs again. :) Previously, the ginger i used wasn't 'hot' enough. This time i even marinade the ribs with sliced ginger for at least 3 hours in the fridge.

Ingredients:

Chicken Ribs
Spring Onion
Chinese Mushroom
Garlic whole clove (optional)
Ginger sliced and Shredded
Light Soya sauce
Dark Soya sauce
Pepper
Salt
Sugar

Fried Ramen with Basil

Tonight's Ramen is presented upon Little Prince's request. Fried noodle is pretty easy and quick meal to make. The noodle i used is Hakubaku Organic Ramen suitable for stir fry, soup or salad.

Ingredients:
Onions
Bak Choy
Shredded Carrots
Minced Pork
Dried Shrimp
Spring Onions
Egg
Basil Leaves
Soya Sauce
Salt
Pepper
Sesame oil

Home Cooked Meal 07.03.09

Tonight feel like eating Ikea Frozen Beef Balls that i bought earlier. Ok set.. tonight's dinner:

Mashed Potato with Beef Balls and Caesar Salad


Very easy. Just need to oven-baked the beef balls, prepare the salad and potato... and our dinner is ready. :)

Mashed Potato with Peas


Caesar Salad


Ikea Beef balls

Earthquake in Melbourne

@ 9.40pm
I was surfing net and suddenly i felt things shaking.. the floor lamp, the table, and the chair i sat on for a few seconds. I looked up the ceiling and heard the machine wash was in spinning cycle. (the laundry room was above me) Could it be the spinning that shake the things??? never thought that melbourne will have earthquake...

@12.30am
Saw cousins's FB status remark then i knew that the tremor i felt wasn't from the machine.. it is really an earthquake....

This tremor reminded me of the shake i felt in our bedroom during the Tsunami time. Of course that time was worst. Mr. Boss sure still remember right. Lucas was just a mth old.

Scary.. scary.. the earth is seriously sick....

A Day at Chaddy...

Reached Chaddy at around 2pm. Not been to Chaddy for more than 3 mths and some changes to the parking sites, barricades everywhere. More parking space but still in progress. Parked near D.Jones and walked to Kids Central, our first stop. Kids central has brought in more toys, whole new section of Thomas Friends toys and the price seems dearer.

Then before we moved on to Toys R us, we stopped for Sushi Sushi. Lucas had 3 Tamago Sushi rolls. wow, very big appetite he has. I only had two Crispy Chicken Roll and i'm already full. As for lachlan, of course he didint take any as sushi is not his favourite. Mr Boss should know what ur lachlan had..yes.... milk... He must be bored waiting for us taking our late lunch. Well, he sure know how to entertain himself.. singing !!! haha

Toys R us, as usual, i let them hang around in the shop just to play with the toys and bikes. Love to see them having fun. :)

Looking at the watch, 5.30pm. Time to go home. Kids were totally alright about leaving Toys R Us not buying a single toy. haha.. but i got them BEN10 colouring book set each @ AUD4.99.

Walked pass "HOUSE".. attracted by the 50% sales sign... and got myself a new Maxwell Williams Casserole Round pot @AUD10.00 (Originally AUD29.99) what a bargain right ! :)



Drove out from the carpark and on the highway... suddenly

Lachlan yelled out: 'go there.. go back there'..

mommy: where? where lachlan?

Lachlan: there... Macc..Mac.. donald...... nuggets... i want nuggets...

Aiyoh.... this fella. saw the Mcdonald Fast food just next to Chaddy Mall. No choice i have to make a U-turn and kids had Nuggets and Cheeseburger for dinner :)

My Blown Away Slippers.....

Pull away the curtains and saw it was raining outside. The BBQ cloth cover still lying idly on the floor. Time to put back the cloth. So i step outside searching for my Nike Slippers.

hm.... where is it? Can't see... oooohhh... saw one underneath the BBQ, the other side.. no where to be seen.. Must have blown away!!!

Suppose to throw this pair long ago as the sole came off but Mr. Boss said can be worn outside balcony. I guess, time to throw since left one side only.


BYE BYE... nike slippers. This Nike slippers was a gift from Dee when i was pregnant with Luke.


TODAY's MEAL

Still have some beef inside the freezer.. hmm.. just bought the Japanese Curry Paste. why not? :)

Here is the soup for the kids..

Melon and Carrot with Red dates Soup


Stir Fry Vegetables AND Curry Beef with Potato and Carrot

Outing to Chapel St

Brought the kids out to Chapel St in the afternoon to pick up the vacuum head mentioned earlier. Bro came home around 12 plus and we went out together around 1pm. Kids were happy of course after not been out from the house for few days.

Today's weather was abit chilling so i put on jumper and jacket with hood for the kids. We went to Coles for grocery shopping. Kids happily going after their favourites, Ginger bread man, Star-shaped Cheese, Yogurt and CHEESEBalls... have been asking for cheeseballs for many many days.

It started to rain after we done our shopping. We headed to Hungry Jacks for our lunch. Lucas is very alert, he told Lachlan to put on the hood as it is raining. That lucas even got angry at the strong gust of wind that keeps blowing away his hood.

Lucas: Kou fu (addressing my My bro in Cantonese), why my hood kept blowing away but how come Didi (referring to his bro) one is not?

Bro: thats because you got smaller head..... Didi's head is bigger !!

Lucas: .....huh ??? (he obviously didn't get it)

Tonight's Meal

Simple tonight as bro is not home for dinner. Decided to have salmon as my bro doesn't take salmon. The only salmon he will take is salmon sashimi.

Stir Fry Chinese Cabbage with Beancurd




The taste is not bad if you're vegie lover.

Grilled Salmon with Ginger




Salmon (except Jap. Salmon Sashimi) often is not everyone's favourite as it has a strong fishy smell. However salmon is a very nutritious food and which is why Mr. Boss always encourage the kids to have more. By grilling it and adding Fried Ginger on top and lastly a few teaspoon of Soya all over, hmm... not bad.. worth trying. Of course eat while its good is even better.