Colours and Food

Thanks Shahirah for the sharing! Looks good :) Something small to add on to your Fortune Cookie, we can add icing or was it royal icing on top of the cookie cause it looks so pretty!
Unable to source the picture again. 

Something colourful too cause holiday is coming :)

This looks like fruity sponge cake, so pretty! Reminds me of Ms Chin's rainbow cake.
The world is brighter with colours and happier with food :)

Cool Ideas

I was serving the net, saw these interesting pictures. Each blog has a step by step tutorial on how to make them.

Home-made Fortune Cookies

We can surprise our love ones with this fortune cookies and insert special notes inside them. :D

Converse Shoes Made from Fondue

SOO CUTE!! :)

Barbie Cake

It's really simple to make this. A basic cake cover with frosting and just stuck the barbie at the top? :P

Ballet Constume

Another great idea to decorate cupcakes with Fondue!

Super cute oreo panda

Stumbled upon this picture online. no idea where to source this picture. everyone's sharing each other's picture.
So basically this is a super cute oreo panda for those chocolate lovers or maybe coffee lovers (you can make the muffin with a mixture of choc and coffee) and if you're making them for kids, maybe just chocolate muffin or chocolate cupcake.

Using the cake pop method you can make the panda's head and you may cover the cake balls using frosting (those cupcake frosting recipes should be good) The challenging part is probably piping the panda's eye, after that you just have to stick a brown M&M and it's done. (not to forget some minor details here and there eg: the nose and etc)

Remember to stick those white frosting on the panda's paw, super cute.

I am so gonna try this in the holidays!

Coursework Facilitating

A two day course, 8 Nov & 9 Nov, on the new syllabus of Nutrition & Food Science (NFS) so we will be known as NFS teachers instead of F&N teachers...

Day 1 - Introduction of NFS syllabus to those who did not take Food and Nutrition during their 'O' levels.

Day 2 - Examples of a low-band and high-band coursework were both given to us for hands-on practice on marking.

Lesson learnt is to always look for linkages throughout the coursework when marking. A high band score will only be given when the students link all the different parts of their coursework together.

Another lesson learnt is to always give the coursework rubrics at the start of the coursework to the students so they will know what is expected of them for their coursework. It is to make sure that the students follow what is required for their coursework so they will not lose marks unnecessarily.

I really salute NFS/F&N teachers as it is not easy to mark the coursework. They have to be fair and follow closely to the coursework rubrics. Nevertheless, it was a good two-day course which will definitely help me in my career in future =)

A Full Stop to all Microteaching

Hello Kitty Kid's Party!!

Phew! Microteaching is over!! Thanks to everyone who have made this microteaching a successful and memorable one. (^_^)
Thanks Aster, Jie Yi, Pooja & Shahirah for taking the time and effort to prepare the decorations and not forgetting our hard work put in preparing our dishes. Well done girls!
Thanks Ms Chin & Ms Su for your advice on our microteaching. Appreciate it!

Our menu......
















and decorations......







I'm a huge fan of Hello Kitty so was extremely happy when we agreed to have a Hello Kitty theme...WoHoo!!!


REFLECTION
From this microteaching, I have learnt to be composed at all times because as a teacher, I must be there to control and maintain the panicking students and not be part of the chaos. Another lesson learnt is to be quick in coming up with solutions. In the case of my sushi, I learnt that I should only give out the Nori sheet for wrapping after everyone had prepared the ingredients lest they become too soggy and hence lose its wrapping integrity. I also need to practice more on the dishes that I had prepared till now to be able to say confidently that I can conduct a practical on any dishes.

And I'll sum up my whole microteaching experience in three words -
Composed, Quick, Practice

First few successful tries, the chocolate are still dripping but it looks decent, finally

Cake pops ready for presentation

Cake pop might seem easy to you but it wasnt easy for someone who do not usually bake like me.
Chocolate were dripping all over the place when I first started but I kept trying and I am glad that I was able to make much nicer looking cake pops.


and so if you can compare the pictures before and after,  my cake pop looks much better, after weeks of practice :))
so here goes the saying, practice makes perfect.

Different Types of Pleats

Procedure A

1. Cut 5 X 36cm. *length should be double the finale/target product length. It also depends on how much fullness the gathered ruffle you want.
2. Using a 3-thread overlock, overlock the sides. *if you cut along the salvage used it as a hem.
3. Mark 1cm along the overlock sides.
4. Use hand needle with single thread to sew through the mark dots all the way.
5. Pull the thread and pin the gathered edge according to you desire fullness of gathered ruffle. *thread can be removed.
6. Place the ruffle strip to the fabric where it is to be applied and sew.

Procedure B

1. Cut 8 X 26cm. Using a 3-thread overlock, overlock the sides.
2. Mark 1cm along the top edge of the wrong side of the fabric.
3. Fold 3cm in the same direction and iron it.
4. Place to the fabric where it is to be applied and sew.

Procedure C

1. Cut 8 X 26cm. Using a 3-thread overlock, overlock the sides.
2. Marked 5cm along the top edge of the right side of the fabric.
3. Fold upwards according to diagram at the sides.
4. Place to the fabric where it is to be applied and sew.

Procedure D

1. Same procedure as C but instead turn the fabric to the ”wrong” side and sew onto fabric.

Linen

http://i00.i.aliimg.com/photo/v0/50119722/100_Linen_Fabric.jpg

The linen fiber is obtained from the stem of the flax plant. Linen has always been considered the fabric of luxury. Linen always look cool, crisp, and clean and gives an attractive appearance.

Properties

- Strength: Durable. 2-3 times as strong as cotton.
- Elasticity: The least elastic of natural fibers.
- Resilience: Stiff and has little resilience. Therefore, it wrinkles easily.
- Drapability: It has more body than cotton and drapes better.
- Heat Conductivity: It is most suitable for summer apparel, as it allows the heat of the body to escape.
- Absorbency: It absorbs moisture and dries more quickly

Suitability

- Handkerchiefs
- Towels
- Sheets
- Pillowcase
- Tablecloths

Acetate

The cellulose acetate fibers are not pure cellulose products. Acetate are chemical compounds of cellulose and have their own unique properties.

Properties

The properties will vary to some extent depending on the type of yard used ( filament, textured, or spun) on the type of fabric construction and the finishing.

- Strength: Acetate is not a strong fiber. It has poor abrasion resistance and is therefore, not suitable for garments that are expected to take hard wear.
- Elasticity: Acetate is more elastic than rayon. It’s elasticity is limited, being much less than silk
- Resilience: Acetate is wrinkle-resistant. The fabric will tend to return to its original shape.
- Drapability: Acetate fabrics have good body and flexibility and therefore, drape very nicely.
- Heat Conductivity: Acetate does not have a high rate of heat conductivity, therefore, it’s warmer. It is more useful for linings and warmer clothing.
- Absorbency: Acetate is not very absorbent. It get wet mostly on the surface and will not become saturated; therefore, they dry quickly.

Suitability

- Raincoat
- Umbrella
- Shower Curtain

Eidil Adha aka Hari Raya Haji & Animal Sacrifice

Just to share what is Hari Raya Haji all about and why do we Muslim sacrifice an animal on this day. Here is a short info about that...

During the celebration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate and remember Abraham's trials, by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, camel, or goat. The meat from the sacrifice is mostly given away to others. One-third is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor and needy. The act symbolizes our willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah's commands. It also symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are in need. We recognize that all blessings come from Allah, and we should open our hearts and share with others.

From: http://www.meskorban.com.sg/korban/eidul-adha-animal-sacrifice-udhiyah-or-korban/38/

I don't usually take pictures during the scarifice of sheep but since this year my sister bought a sheep to be sacrifice and the meat was given to the poor. I decide to take some pictures and share with all of you. Warning you may find some of the pictures disturbing.. :)

Upon Arriving.

In their cages. They are separated according to their species. Below is Weather Sheep and those with horns are Goats.

Time to slaughter them. Poor sheep..

I didn't upload the pictures where the sheep and goats were being slaughter cause some might find it disturbing. Below pictures is where the butcher were busy chopping and cutting the meat.

Saving cost while doing laundry by using what we have in the kitchen

We often spend a lot of money in buying various product to help us with our laundry woes but now that I have read the article below suggested by laundry.about.com, I realise that something that is cheap and what we have in kitchen in abundance can be helpful.

Baking Soda is an inexpensive way to boost detergent and bleach performance, soften clothes, clean irons and control suds. It is one of the best things to green your laundry by reducing your dependence on chemicals.

1. Reduce Odor

Odors in our laundry are caused by bacteria. They can usually be removed as the detergent molecules break up the bacteria cells. In certain types of water and with some bacteria, the detergent needs a boost to work more effectively.
Baking soda helps to regulate the pH level in the washer water by keeping it from being too acidic or alkaline. By adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to each laundry load, detergents can work more effectively and reduce bacteria.
As a natural mineral, baking soda is less harsh on the environment than synthetic perfumes that mask odors. This also makes it a good choice for those with sensitive skin and allergies.

2. Bleach Booster

Bleach is often used to help remove odors and general grime in our laundry. In certain types of water, the bleach needs a boost to work more effectively. By boosting its cleaning properties, you may be able to use less bleach to achieve the same results, saving money and impact on the environment.
Baking soda helps to regulate the pH level in the washer water by keeping it from being too acidic or alkaline. By adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to each 1/2 cup of bleach, it can work more effectively to reduce bacteria and loosen soil.
As a natural mineral, baking soda is less harsh on the environment than synthetic perfumes that mask odors. This also makes it a good choice for those with sensitive skin and allergies.

3. Fabric Softener

Baking soda helps to regulate the pH level in the laundry rinse water by keeping it from being too acidic or alkaline. Adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to each rinse cycle acts as a balance to suspend detergent or mineral deposits that can make clothing feel stiff.
As a natural mineral, baking soda is less harsh on the environment than synthetic fabric softeners with perfumes that mask odors. This also makes it a good choice for those with sensitive skin and allergies.Unlike synthetic fabric softeners that can interfere with fire-retardant finishes on children's pajamas, baking soda can be used safely.

4. Detergent Booster

Odors and general grime in our laundry can usually be removed as the detergent molecules break up the bacteria cells and soil. In certain types of water, the detergent needs a boost to work more effectively. By boosting the detergent's cleaning properties, you can use less detergent and save money.
Baking soda helps regulate the pH level in the washer water by keeping it from being too acidic or alkaline. By adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to each laundry load, detergents can work more effectively to reduce bacteria and loosen soil.
As a natural mineral, baking soda is less harsh on the environment than synthetic perfumes that mask odors. This also makes it a good choice for those with sensitive skin and allergies.

5. Iron Cleaner

Baking soda is a mineral compound that works as a gentle abrasive. To remove built-up starch and deposits from the face plate of a cool iron, mix a paste of baking soda and vinegar. Using a white cloth, rub the paste over the face of the iron and then wipe off with a damp cloth.Your iron will glide smoothly and leave no tell-tale deposits!

6. Control Suds

Overflowing suds from the washing machine looks funny on TV but it isn't much fun when it happens to you in the laundry. With the popularity of the new HE or high efficiency front-loading washers, suds control is a priority. If you mistakenly use regular laundry detergent rather than HE detergent, you'll see those suds begin to flow.
If it happens, turn off the washer and grab your box of baking soda. Sprinkle directly on the suds to quickly break them down. The baking soda will absorb some of the moisture and clean-up will be easier.

Information adapted from laundry.about.com written by Mary Marlowe Leverette.

Scrapbook

When I was younger, I watched this show on tv whereby they teach us how to do scrapbooking and decorate them. However, I never got the chance to do it myself. All thanks to Ms Chin's class that I finally got the chance to make one. So here's the picture. Currently I'm placing it on my study table so I can admire my piece of art work.

If you all realise I had to place my scrapbook in front of something (my calendar) for support cause I can't figure it out on how to assemble the stand. Anyone knows how to do it??

End of Microteaching

Finally, it's the end of microteaching. I am so glad that it's over. A lot of effort was put in for our decorations. I really love how our presentation turned out all thanks to Ms Chin advised and great ideas. I just want to take this opportunity to thank of of my group member for making this happened.

Thanks Aster for making the menu card and bring ur soft toys and boxes. :)

Thanks Angeline for bringing your basket and helping me our with the goddie bags. :)

Thanks Jieyi for putting in a lot of effort in decorating your cake pop stand to blend in with the overall decorations.

Lastly, Thanks Pooja for helping us out by making the chocolate fondue. :)

Overall, great job people!

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