Recipe: Gingerbread Man

As mentioned in an earlier post, Gingerbread Man is something I always wanted to do but yet took such a long time before I get into the kitchen to start baking. I remember I always find the recipes rather 'unfriendly' as there are some ingredients that looks so alien to me.

Most gingerbread recipes usually contains an ingredient called 'molasses' which we do not usually have it at home. Hence, this always give me a reason (or excuse) for me to not get started. Determined to do it this year, I went online to find a recipe that is simple and can be easily made.

The recipe I found on mycookinghut.com is simple with ingredients that I can get from any supermarket locally. In fact, I managed  to baked at least 30-40 medium-size Gingerbread Man.

You will not believe how excited I am when I see (and taste) the final product. It is heartening that it received pretty good review from my friends and they wanted to try after seeing the photo I posted on Facebook.

Do note that the recipe may not be as hard/crunchy as a cookie as it is more like a gingerbread that is soft.

I can't decide which picture to post, so i decided to post all 4 here! :) Aren't they cute? This is my first try in making the Gingerbread Man! Getting ready for X*mas! #weecancook

A photo posted by Jaron Tng 唐偉亮 (@w33liang) on Dec 12, 2014 at 5:41am PST

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Gingerbread Man

Ingredients:
125g butter, softened plus extra for greasing
100g brown sugar
125ml golden syrup
1 egg, separated
375g plain flour, plus extra for dusting
1 tbsp ground ginger
1 tbsp mixed spice
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

150g icing sugar
1-2 drops red food colouring
1-2 drops blue food colouring

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 160°C. Lightly grease the baking tray(s) with melted butter.
2. Use an electric beater to beat the butter and sugar in a bowl until pale and creamy. Add the golden syrup and egg yolk. Beat them well. 
3. Stir in the flour, ginger, mixed spice and bicarbonate of soda. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. Press dough into a disc. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to rest.
4. Use an electric beater to beat the egg white until soft peaks form. 
5. Gradually add icing sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. 
6. Divide icing among 3 bowls. Cover 1 bowl with plastic wrap and place in the fridge. Add red and blue colourings to the remaining two bowls respectively. Store them in the fridge like the first bowl.
7. Take out the dough and roll out until about 4mm thick. Use a gingerbread man cutter to cut out shapes. Place on trays about 2-3cm apart. Repeat with any excess dough.
8. Bake in oven for 10 minutes or until brown. Remove from oven. Transfer to a rack to cool.
9. Place prepared icings in small plastic bags. Cut a small hole in a corner of each bag. Pipe icing over gingerbread men to decorate.

Tips:

1. You may want to place the dough between 2 sheets of baking paper so that it will not stick to the roller.
2. Put the remaining dough back to fridge after you have filled up the baking tray so that the dough remains manageable for cuts.
3. Replaced some brown sugar with white sugar if you like the final product to be slightly harder.

Recipe: Christmas Fruit Cake

Christmas is around the corner and I decided to do try out something that I always wanted but have not been doing (due to laziness). When I had a day on my own during a weekend, I decided to finally get things going! I bought the ingredients a day before to save some time.

I always wanted to make a Gingerbread Man and a Christmas Log cake. Although I did not managed to make a log cake yet, I managed to bake some really simple and cool Gingerbread Man, which I will talk about it and share the recipe in another post soon!

In the end, I happened to stumble over a Christmas Cherry Cake recipe which looks simple and good. I replace some of the ingredients and quantity for my liking and it appears that my parents love it alot!

Unfortunately, the cake was cut before I could turn it into a Christmas Cake. I shall make one more soon and will take a good picture of it to share! =)

Till then, enjoy the recipe =)

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Christmas Fruit Cake

Ingredients
200g caster sugar
225g butter (room temperature, cubes)
2 eggs
115ml orange juice
225g plain flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
100g sultanas
300g dried mixed fruits
200g halved glace cherries

Method

1. Preheat oven to 140 degree C. Grease a 23cm x 13cm (9 x 5 inch) loaf tin and line with greaseproof paper.
2. Cream butter or margarine and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add beaten eggs and orange juice and mix well.
3. Sift flour and baking powder. 
4. Reserve 75g of flour mixture and toss with sultanas and cherries (this will keep them from sinking to the bottom of the cake). Add the rest to the mixture and blend. 
5. Then add floured raisins and cherries to dough and mix until just combined. 
6. Pour mixture into prepared tin.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 2 hours. 

Tips:

1. Reduce the sugar amount if you do not want it to be too sweet as the mixed fruits/sultanas/glace cherries are usually pretty sweet
2. The recipe was further adjusted as the original recipes turned out to be sweet and contains too much fruit mix to keep the cake together.
3. Temperature is lowered to have a lighter brown top layer.
4. Sprinkle icing sugar after the cake is totally cooled, which can take quite a while.

Recipe : Mango Cheesecake

It was the time of the year again where my mango-lover friend is celebrating her birthday! Hence, I decided to get into the kitchen and make the cheesecake the way she like.

Although I made the cheesecake last year, I misplaced the recipe. Hence, I have to start experimenting with a new recipe. For this recipe, I actually halved the quantity from what I found in a recipe book.

Still, I'm glad it works and remains likeable by my family and friends.

If you are mango lover or like to make desserts without using oven, give this recipe a try. Do share with me on how I can improve the recipe too! =)

Mango Cheesecake topped with cookie crumbs. Halved the proportion of a new recipe! 😘 #weecancook

A photo posted by Jaron Tng 唐偉亮 (@w33liang) on Oct 10, 2014 at 6:45am PDT

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Mango Cheesecake

Base
110g Butter
200g Digestive Biscuits (Finely crushed)
50g Cornflakes, crushed (Optional)
2 tablespoons Brown Sugar

Filling
250g Cream Cheese
60g Castor Sugar
230g + 50g Mango
2 tablespoons Gelatin
150ml Whipping Cream

Method

1. Prepare and sprinkle the gelatin over 3 tablespoons of water in a bowl.
2. Melt the butter and mixed it well with the sugar, digestive biscuits and cornflakes.
3. Press the base mixture evenly over a baking tin (or any containers you prepared). Leave it to cool inside a fridge.
4. Prepare the mango puree. Set aside.
5. Whipped the whipping cream and set aside.
6. Mix the cream cheese and castor sugar together till smooth.
7. Add in the mango puree and whipping cream. Mix well.
8. Melt the gelatin mixture over low heat till liquid state.
9. Add in the mixture bit by bit while continue to mix/blend with a mixer.
10. Pour the mixture into the baking tin and leave it to chill in the fridge over at least 3 hours or till set.

Tips:
- Gelatin is soaked in the water so that it is easier to manage when needed.
- I will heat the gelatin over a pot of water, like how we usually melt the chocolate.
- Usually, I will leave the cheesecake overnight to set.
- Noticed that there is no mango cubes in the recipe. This is because my friend don't like the mango fruits mixed inside. Feel free to add some to increase the texture.
- If you are using the mangoes that are not in season, it is likely that the mango is sour. Add some sugar to neutralise the sourness to your liking.

Recipe : Gula Melaka Sago

I fell in love with Gula Melaka Sago when I first tried it back in April 2012, during my trip to Malacca. It is a simple dish with three main ingredients - Gula Melaka (Palm Sugar), Coconut milk and Sago. I tell myself and my friends that I will want to make it when I return back to Singapore!

Took in 2012

The one we had was served differently as compared to others. Usually, the sago are served like a soup, like chendol or cheng ting. The one in Malacca was served like a 'kueh' submerged in the sweet syrup and coconut milk.

Though I did buy the ingredients last year, I ended up not making it due to my pure laziness. Now that I tried it, it was so simple, cheap and I definitely do not mind doing it again! =)
I did play around with the recipes but decided to post the recipe based on the original clip I saw on Youtube. I added sugar which belongs to another recipe from SBS . I like the sago to be slightly more chewy and less soft hence I rinsed thoroughly. Do try it out and enjoy!

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Gula Melaka Sago recipe

4 tablespoon sago
900ml water

200ml coconut milk
a pinch/dash of salt

2-3 pandan leaves (tied)
10g sugar
70g Gula Melaka (Palm Sugar)
2 tablespoon water

Cooking

1. Boil the water. Add in the sago and cook till the sago turn translucent.
2. Drain away the hot water and rinse the cooked sago under running water to wash away the starch.
3. Pour the sago into small containers and put in the fridge.
4. Heat the coconut milk till lightly thicken. Add a pinch/dash of salt for taste. Leave it aside to cool.
5. Chopped the Gula Melaka and melt it with the pandan leaves.
6. Serve the sago in the containers or removed the sago from the containers, onto a plate to serve.
7. Pour coconut milk and Gula Melaka over the sago.

Tips:
- May want to add pandan leaves (or flavoring) when cooking the sago for fragrance.
- Leave a little bit of starch if you prefer the sago to be softer.
- Salt in the coconut milk is to enhance the taste of the Gula Melaka.
- Add white sugar if Gula Melaka is not sweet enough.
- Do not cook the Gula Melaka for too long. You do not want it to be too thick or dried up.

Recipe: Apple Strudel

My friends recently went to Europe and visited a number of countries. Apart from the usual souvenirs that we usually received, I received post cards from them reminding me not to forget to work hard on my baking skills. They told me they are going to bring back recipes to me.

Ok, they went to strudel show but not making any notes. They just brought back the Original Wiener Strudelshow's recipe. Afraid that I will lose the recipe, I decided to type it here and post it. But I did not know that Cafe Restaurant Residenz is so gracious and post a short clip of the show online with the recipe that my friends got for me!

Hence, I decided to share their video and recipe here. If you are visiting Austria, don't forget to pay them a visit! =) I will prepare myself and get into the kitchen to try this recipe out!

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Original Viennese Apfelstrudel recipe

(i) Strudel dough

250g plain flour, 2g salt, 50g eggs, 100g lukewarm water, 20g oil.

Knead all the ingredients into a soft dough until the dough no longer sticks to the hands or table surface. Form the dough into a ball, brush with oil and let sit for 20-30 minutes. Then roll the dough out into a rectangular square on a floured cloth. Flatten the dough out very thinly by hand and brush with melted butter.

(ii) Buttered breadcrumbs

100g breadcrumbs, 50g butter.

Melt the butter in a heated pan, add the breadcrumbs and cook until golden brown.

(iii) Cinnamon sugar

140g fine crystal sugar, 10g cinnamon.

Mix the dry ingredients.

(iv) Filling

150g breadcrumbs, 150g cinnamon sugar, 170g raisins, 10g lemon juice, 1kg peeled-cored-sliced apples, one shot of rum.

Mix ingredients thoroughly.

Cooking

Spread the filling on the flattened-out dough rectangle, trim any uncovered edges of the dough, using the cloth as support, carefully roll up the dough. Cook on a buttered baking tray at 190 degrees centigrade until golden brown.

Tip:
Brush the strudel with butter after removing from the oven.

Recipe can be found on Cafe Restaurant Residenz

Recipe : Butter Cookies

Over the weekend, I finally walk into the kitchen and try out this new recipe. I have been wanting to do it for weeks and, yes, i did it... The process is pretty simple and I have all the necessary ingredients ready since I do bake once in a while. It wasn't a hard recipe for any new bakers but it does take a little bit of time on the sifting and if you do not have a electric mixer at home.

But not to worry, if you do not have an electric mixer, you can still use the recipe and do it. The only difference is that it may be a little bit of hard work and slightly longer 'Prep time'. I have to say that I love how it turned out. I love the texture of the cookies though I know I can do it better. But since this is such an amazing recipe, I decided to share it out.

Enjoy!

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Butter Cookies
(from Christine's Recipe)

Prep time: 30 mins
Cook time: 15 mins
Yield: 25 pieces

Ingredients:
•       150 g plain flour / all-purpose flour
•       30 g corn flour / corn starch
•       20 g custard powder
•       160 g butter, softened at room temperature
•       50 g icing sugar
•       1/4 tsp vanilla extract
•       1 tsp baking powder

Method:

1. Combine the plain flour, corn flour, custard powder  and baking powder and sift through a sieve. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and icing sugar until fluffy and pale. Mix in the vanilla extract.
3. Sift in the flour mixture. Beat at low speed with an electric mixer. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula. Lightly knead into a dough. Wrap with a plastic film and roll into a tube in 3½cm thickness. Wrap it up and refrigerate for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until it’s workable.
4. Preheat oven to 180C / 356F. Line two baking trays with baking paper.
5. Remove the dough from refrigerator. Slice into 1½cm-thick portions. Place each portion in single layer on the lined trays, each at least 3cm apart. Use a lightly greased fork to gently press the small dough. Bake in preheated oven, for about 15 minutes, or until lightly brown. Remove from oven and let hem sit for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack until completely cool down.

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Notes:

• If you are using smaller oven, like me, do rotate the tray inside the oven to make sure that the tray of cookies are evenly cooked.
• Leave the mixture in the fridge (Step 3) longer so that you are able to slice it easily. 
• Do check out some other notes originally provided by Christine's on her recipe. 

說話的藝術

This is a something I find interesting when I was in my old company. I asked my friend to print out and I brought over to my new company. Facing it, I will read it once awhile. I find it pretty meaningful and hence decided to share with you all! =)

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說話的藝術

急事， 慢慢的說

大事， 清楚的說

小事， 幽默的說

沒把握的事， 謹慎的說

沒發生的事，不要胡說

做不到的事， 別亂說

傷害人的事， 不能說

不開心的事， 找對的人說

開心的事，看場合說

傷心的事， 不要見人就說

別人的事，小心的說

自己的事，聽聽別人怎麼說

尊長的事，多聽少說

夫妻的事，商量著說

孩子們的事，開導著說

Source : carrefourtelecom.pixnet.com

National Day Songs

There is one thing that I look forward to every year, during Singapore's National Day celebration. That is the theme song for the National Day Parade ('NDP'). So when it was announced that there will not be any new theme song for this year's NDP, my heart sank. Why do they do that?

When I was young, the parade and the fireworks were the highlights at every NDP. As the years go by, fireworks became pretty common and can be seen in many occasions and I no longer look forward to it. The only thing that I look forward to is the theme songs. The catchy classic NDP songs, like 'Stand Up for Singapore' and 'It's The Little Things', ended up looping in my mind whenever I heard the three alphabets, 'N', 'D' and 'P', together. Wait, I can also sing the newer songs too!

Since the late 90s, music videos of the NDP theme songs were played on television for countless times and we could pick it up unknowingly. But in recent years, I needed to go online to search 'NDP theme song' to find out who the singer is and the theme song. I wonder if it is a sign of decline in the need and popularity of a new theme song.

There are a few notable events over the years, and I noticed that since I am a supporter for the theme songs and 'Sing Singapore'. In 2004, NDP 1998 song, 'Home', was rearranged and used for NDP that year. I am sure that awards-winning singer JJ Lin, who sang in 2004, can come up with an original song for the country. Ok, I don't like that rendition. More recently, since 2010, no Chinese lyrics are penned for the NDP songs. In 2013, 'Sing A Nation' was held to select singers to form a choir for NDP 2013 theme song, 'One Singapore'. You may read more about the changes over the years on Wikipedia.

So in 2014, the idea of having a new song was abolished. There will be no new song theme song for this year's NDP. But this does not mean that there is a lack of talent in songs writing for NDP. In fact, it should become a push factor for local lesser-known talents wanting to be heard. There are many indie artistes locally which do produce notable music and they should be given a chance and platform to showcase their talent. Like 'Sing A Nation' last year, where 'singers' were chosen through a competition. A song-writing competition might be a good move for NDP in the future. Apart from uncovering new talents, it will engage more Singaporeans to be part of the annual event.

This is also a message that Audris Ho and Charlyn Too wanted to bring across when they penned and recorded their 'unofficial' NDP 2014 song, 'There's No Place Like Home'. Recorded at home for Youtube, it may not sound as polished as those past year's NDP songs yet, but you can hear their sincerity and their love for Singapore through the voice. If you don't believe me, listen to what they have to say and their song!


Audris and Charlyn may not be the only two. Thanks to them, I came upon another singer who seems to be having a song every year in conjunction with National Day. We have Lorraine Tan (陈莉芯) who started 'My Singapore' Project since 2011. Her songs are getting better and better over the years. She even had songs in two languages in 2013! Not only her songs are inspiring, she engaged different walks of life in Singapore to be part of her songs. She is also doing her part in charity through concert too!

Click the links below to watch her music videos:
2011 - My Singapore
2012 - Smile And Love will Grow
2013 - Shine Singapore & 最幸福的感动
2014 - Moments of Love


Although we cannot deny that the classic songs may already provide what is needed for this year's theme, 'Our People Our Home', I still hope to have a new song to sing along with. Plus, I don't it will do any wrong to provide a good platform for locals to step up for their nation. Right?


Past NDP Songs:

Year	Song Title	Singer(s)
1984-1985	"Stand Up for Singapore"	-
1986	"Count on Me Singapore"	Clement Chow
1987-88	"We are Singapore"	Jonathan Tan, Roslinda Baharudin, Anne Weerapass and Robert Fernando
1990	"One People, One Nation, One Singapore"	-
1992	"It's the Little Things"	-
1997	"Future in My Dreams"	SAF Music and Drama Company
1998	"Home"	Kit Chan 陈洁仪
	"家"
	"City for the World"	-
1999	"Together"	Evelyn Tan 陈毓云 & Dreamz FM 梦飞船
	"心连心"
2000	"Shine on Me"	Jai Wahab
	星月	Mavis Hee 许美静
2001	"Where I Belong"	Tanya Chua 蔡健雅
	"属于"
2002	"We Will Get There"	Stefanie Sun 孙燕姿
	"一起走到"
2003	"One United People"	Stefanie Sun 孙燕姿
	全心全意
2004	"Home"	Kit Chan 陈洁仪 & JJ Lin 林俊杰 (MTV versions were choral renditions performed by Young Voices*)
	"家"	Kit Chan 陈洁仪 & JJ Lin 林俊杰
2005	"Reach Out for the Skies"	Taufik Batisah & Rui En 瑞恩
	"勇敢向前飞"	Rui En 瑞恩
2006	"My Island Home"	Kaira Gong 龚诗嘉
	"幸福的图形"
2007	"There's No Place I'd Rather Be"	Kit Chan 陈洁仪
	"Will You	Janani Sridhar, Asha Edmund, Emma Yong, Lily Ann Rahmat, Jai Wahab, Shabir Mohammed, Sebastian Tan, Gani Karim
2008	"Shine for Singapore"	Hady Mirza
	"晴空万里"	Joi Chua 蔡淳佳
2009	"What Did You See?"	Electrico
	"就在这里"	Kelvin Tan 陈伟联
2010	"Song for Singapore"	Corrinne May
2011	"In a Heartbeat"	Sylvia Ratonel
2012	"Love at First Light"	Olivia Ong & Natanya Tan
2013	"One Singapore"	68-member choir "Sing A Nation"

(* Young Voices comprises the Choirs from the Tanjong Katong Girls' School and Tampines Primary School.)

Café Fest Singapore 2014

Do you know that "Café Hopping" is not a common hobby overseas other than in Singapore?

Or at least, if you search using #cafehopping, there will be more Singaporeans than others using it. Try searching #cafehopping or #cafehoppingsg in Instagram or Twitter. We even have a twitter account just for CafeHoppingSG. 

Amazing, isn't it? And now, we are going to have the world first cafe hopping street in Singapore! According to I-S Magazine, Café Fest brings 12 selected homegrown cafés together in one single location! Expect the 'street' to be filled with coffee aroma and music with 'Live' performances from local bands. 

Personally, I have been to Toby's Estate and The Providore for brunch, and Smitten for coffee and cakes. (Read about my review for Smitten here). I just can't wait to try out the food from other places! Jimmy Monkey is always so crowded and I could not get a seat when I went to the café, so this is a very good opportunity for me!

Other participating cafés listed include OZ Speciality Coffee, Maison Ikkoku, I am..., Cake Love, Hatter Street...

The event will be free admission but only festival pass holders will be able to purchase F&B items from participating cafés.

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Café Fest

When: September 6-7, 2014

Location: Waterfront Promenade, The Singapore Flyer, 1/F 30 Raffles Ave. Singapore, Singapore

Phone: 6734-8829

How Much: Free admission

Area: Marina Bay

Nearest Train: Promenade

Visit their website or Facebook for more information.

Pandan Leaves : Scent of Southeast Asia

Last Saturday, we went to Food For Thoughts (at 8Q) after my Ukelele classes at Replugged Music. I came upon an article about Pandan Leaves and they featured the two recipes in that article (titled "Pandan Leaves: Scent of Southeast Asia"). I must apologise for not taking down the name of the magazine and details of the article. No copyright infringement intended. The reason I noted down the two recipes (or I actually noticed the first one only) is that I love making simple hassle-free desserts! Recipes in magazines usually attract my attention a lot!

Hence, I decided that before I get to try and make it, I shall post it here for all to share! Let me know the results while I will share mine once I get to try it out.

Till then... have fun!

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PANDAN COCONUT CREAM, AKA PANNA COTTA

1. Bloom 5g gelatine in 25ml.
2. Cut 18-20 pandan leaves into 2-cm lengths.
3. Blend the leaves with 250ml milk in a processor, then strain the liquid in a muslin cloth or through a fine mesh strainer. 
4. Simmer the pandan milk, 50g sugar, 150g cream, 100g coconut cream and a pinch of salt for 5mins. 
5. Stir gelatin and pour into six 100ml glasses, about three-quarters full. Chill to set.

PANDAN BARLEY

1. Simmer 100g barley and 4 knotted pandan leaves in 1.5L water for 20mins or until the  barley is soft.
2. Add 100g dried wintermelon and 1 tbsp sugar and cook for another 10 mins.
3. Discard pandan leaves.
4. Cool, then stir in juice from 1 lemon.
5. Serve chilled with ice cubes. Serves 4.

"he lets his art do the talking"

I just an article (titled "He lets his art do the talking") that was posted by The New Paper ("TNP") online yesterday. Before I started reading the article,  my attention was drawn to the cute doodle on the 'black board'! Reading the article begin to amuse me further, the illustrator is Isaac Liang who is deaf. Sorry if I sounded a little bit rude, I couldn't think of a way to phrase it better. Pardon my standard of English Language. *sad*

Even with short notice, Isaac produced an excellent set of poignant cartoons that was eventually incorporated into his portrait above. His set illustrate some of his experiences and encounter growing up deaf. I couldn't help but envy his skills in this area and his decision in pursuing his interest and let his talent shines. I decided to 'promote' him a little and make his talent known in the cyber world by tweeting, posting on tumblr and here!

Now, take a look at his simple yet cute drawings:

 

Yes, he is now a free-lance illustrator specialising in Painting, Drawing, Illustration, Concept Art and even 3D. Wow! Isn't he talented? His works that are showcase on his websites include Caricatures, Illustrations, Urban Sketches and Visual Development (Characters Design).

"I love doing character designs for Animation. I also am doing caricatures traditionally and digitally. Feel free to email me at isaac.augustin.liang@gmail.com if you are interested in my services. Critiques are welcome." 

- Isaac Liang

If you like the work he did and wanted him to do some for you, what are you waiting for? Contact him!


See more of Isaac’s work at isaacliang.carbonmade.com

Read the article at The New Paper.

All photos in this article are from the article posted by TNP

The Lego Movie : Review

Synopsis

“The LEGO® Movie,” the first-ever, full-length theatrical LEGO® adventure, directed by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, opens in theaters February 7, 2014. It stars the vocal talents of Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Nick Offerman and Alison Brie, with Liam Neeson and Morgan Freeman.

The original 3D computer animated story follows Emmet, an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure who is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared.

Source: FB/The Lego Movie




What I Think

Everything is Awesome. The story is pretty awesome and the introduction of different Lego sets over the years is great too. Though not all super heroes have a big part in the movie, they are equally awesome. This movie will definitely be awesome for Lego fans. Everything is awesome!

Emmet, the main character

Alright. Enough of saying 'awesome'. There is this song, "Everything is Awesome" that is so catchy and upbeat that I fell in love with it! haha. Not going to reveal the whole story, if you are interested about the storyline, read wiki. They have an extensive write-up on the story.

Among the extensive characters, I only know most of the superheroes. But one guy that caught my attention and bring me back memories is... Benny, the astronaut in the 80s. I remember my brother have this spaceship and the astronaut is exactly like the one in the movie, wearing a blue suit! Oh my, it brings back so many fond memories with Lego.

There are many moments that bring some additional highlights or fun factor to the movie.... like the point where Vitruvius turned into a ghost and trying to sound like one. You must definitely watch it with a open mind as it is more Lego-ised than the usual action pack effect, and you will love it.

Here are some of the cool posters I found while googling! haha...
Enjoy the positive song, "Everything is Awesome", from the movie...

Official Website : http://www.thelegomovie.com

Official Main Trailer:

Personalised Your Social Greeting Card

Making an DIY card is often something very special, personal and unique.

Imagine all those personalised 'Thank You' speech in the cards'. Awww... I always make it a point to keep those hand-written cards or personalised cards in a safe place!

But I think it is not easy for people to squeeze out their precious time in designing and making or printing self-designed cards nowadays. Imagine I need to make so many invitation/thank-you cards at one go. But I came upon a greeting card company, The Card Room, that actually offer personalise greetings and signoffs on their cards! Cool huh?

Moreover, there's a 10% off for their Social Greeting Cards! The promotion ends on 28 Feb!

I managed to get in contact with The Card Room and find out how to go about ordering...

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Here are the few steps to get your very own SOCIAL GREETING cards:

Step 1: Select the design. (Check out their design here.)

Many designs available. But I love this most!

Step 2: Prepare the personalised pen-off note/quote.

Step 3: Decide on the Quantity needed.

Step 4: Email the above information to info@thecardroom.com.sg

Available in single card or folded card.

From there, they will send you the draft and the cards will be in production within one week after confirmation from you. The cards will be delivered by post, so don't forget to state the postal address!

Isn't that simple? 

Follow The Card Room latest promotion and news on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

JEUNESSE® - RESERVE™

Source: http://jarwee.jeunesseglobal.com

Recently, I went to a health (and business) talk and was introduced to 2 main products. Yes, the first product is what I blogged earlier today, LUMINESCE™ cellular rejuvenation serum. This is the second one. To be honest, despite the logical business model initially, I had been quite sceptical about the MLM business structure that was introduced at the later stage. Hence, I decided to focus on the product itself. =)

I was given to test a package of Reserve by my friend. What's better than testing the product yourself. Anyway, since its a 'free sample' (paid by my friend), I decided to test and taste. It tasted like some berry juice and it may taste a little sweet if you had it early in the morning. We were told to drink it before we brush our teeth as our body are 'hungry' and will be in the best state to absorb all the nutritious ingredients and nutrients in the drink. This is also likely because I do not have the habit of having a fruit juice early in the morning.

Reserve is said to have help quite a number of people on their health conditions and balance what their body needed. Some reduced their blood pressure, sugar level, while others recover from white hair and showing signs of black hair at the root, near the scalp. Since my friend's dad is one of the example and the price is ok per pack (if I used member price), I decided to give it a try for a month and monitor my health condition.

Being a Chinese, this year is not that good for those who born in the year of Rat (Chinese Zodiac). It might be good for me to take extra care of my body. If it is good, I do not mind sharing with friends who needed them. Those who know me well enough will know that I have white hairs, so if it can really turn white hair black after a while, I will be a good testament for the product, isn't it? =D Oh for my own monitoring purposes, I started drinking yesterday (12th Jan '14).

Anyway, in case any reader passes by and wanted to look at some explanation, feel free to take a look at these clips or google it (use scholar.google.com for scientific papers).




Note: Below product information is extracted from JEUNESSE® product website.

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RESERVE™

With a botanical blend of antioxidants that super-charge your internal systems, RESERVE™ is a naturally sweet supplement bursting with exotic fruit juices. It contains a host of powerful ingredients that repair free radical damage and protect cells against future harm. Your cells stay healthier, live longer, and leave you looking and feeling great.

Formulated to provide you with all the protection you need, this delicious and nutritious gel will infuse your body with youthful vitality and a feeling of overall good health. RESERVE’S™ superstar ingredient, resveratrol, is accompanied by a supporting cast of other powerful antioxidants like açai, pomegranate, blueberry, dark sweet cherry, aloe vera, grapeseed, and green tea. This incredible supplement will jump-start your day.

BENEFITS

• Antioxidants resist oxidative stress and premature aging
• Anthocyanins support healthy cardiovascular function
• Essential fatty acids assist in digestive tract function
• Reinforces a healthy immune system
• Helps maintain a healthy metabolism
• Helps boost energy
• Supports healthy joint function
• Positive cap-e test results indicate that RESERVE™ penetrates and protects live cells from oxidative damage*

INGREDIENTS'

• Water
• Dark Sweet Cherry Juice Concentrate (Prunus Campanulata)
• Blueberry Juice Concentrate (Vaccinium)
• Concord Grape Juice Concentrate (Vitis Labrusca)
• Pomegranate Juice Concentrate (Punica Granatum)
• Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis Miller)
• Resveratrol 
• Grapeseed Extract (Vitis Vinifera)
• Açai Extract (Euterpe Oleracea)
• Green Tea Extract (Camellia Sinensis)
• Citric Acid, Natural Flavor
• Potassium Sorbate (preservative)
• Xanthan Gum
• Carboxy Methyl Cellulose.

For more information, check out the product here.

Check out other posts on my blog on Jeunesse products here.

LUMINESCE™ cellular rejuvenation serum

Source: http://jarwee.jeunesseglobal.com

Scarring is always one of my major issue when I look into the mirror. Even though I may received positive comments about my looks (don't laugh!), I still feel insecure as my skin looks dull and ugly with the facial 'potholes'. Hence when I come upon this product, I decided to give it a try.

Dr. Nathan Newman is the innovator of Stem Cell Lift™ - cutting edge cosmetic surgery, without cutting. This stem cell technology allows the cells to rejuvenate and recover, naturally. If I am to explain, it may take hours and I may missed out many points too. Hence, I will recommend you google about the technology and products by yourself. Trust no one (especially salesman) but the scientific information. haha! I will go read up myself too!

For now, I started to use this product (since last night) and hopefully, I can be more hardworking in documenting the progress through my blog and so I can see the difference and share with those who are curious and wanted to see progress of a user, more than those 'Before-And-After ones.

Note: Below product information is extracted from JEUNESSE® product website.

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LUMINESCE™ cellular rejuvenation serum

This silky serum has the highest percentage of growth factor complex possible to encourage cell renewal. Use it twice daily after cleansing and as a primer for the daily moisturizing complex or advanced night repair. Its corrective properties make this the most popular product in the LUMINESCE line.

Based on the latest available technology, LUMINESCE™ cellular rejuvenation serum makes a powerful debut as the first anti-aging product that supports your body’s natural ability to restore and rejuvenate the skin. Using an exclusive patent-pending formula derived from adult stem cells that contains over 200 key human growth factors and cellular messengers, LUMINESCE™ cellular rejuvenation serum gently transforms your skin and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Look younger, healthier, and more radiant as this revolutionary serum helps you restore life to tired skin.

BENEFITS

• Helps even out discolored and blotchy skin tones
• Provides a youthful luminosity to the skin
• Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Refreshes collagen and elastin
• Helps maintain smooth skin texture
• Replenishes skin’s natural stores of proteins to sustain a youthful, firm appearance
• All natural, hypoallergenic, and paraben free

INGREDIENTS'

Adipose Derived Adult Stem Cell Conditioned Media, Purified Water, Glycerin, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Gluconolactone (and) Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, DL-Panthenol, Sodium PCA, Allantoin, Superoxide Dismutase, Sodium Hydroxide.

For more information, check out the product here.

Check out other posts on my blog on Jeunesse products here.

Frozen : Review

Synopsis

In “Frozen,” Anna (voice of Kristen Bell), a fearless optimist, teams up with extreme mountain man Kristoff and his sidekick reindeer Sven in an epic journey, encountering mystical trolls, a funny snowman named Olaf, Everest-like extremes and magic at every turn in a race to find Anna’s sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), the Snow Queen, and save their kingdom from eternal winter.

From the studio behind 2010’s “Tangled” and this year’s “Wreck-It Ralph,” Walt Disney Animation Studios presents “Frozen,” the coolest comedy-adventure ever to hit the big screen. When a prophecy traps a kingdom in eternal winter, Anna, a fearless optimist, teams up with extreme mountain man Kristoff and his sidekick reindeer Sven on an epic journey to find Anna’s sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), the Snow Queen, and put an end to her icy spell. Encountering mystical trolls, a funny snowman named Olaf, Everest-like extremes and magic at every turn, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom from destruction.

The film is directed by Chris Buck (“Tarzan,” “Surf’s Up”) and Jennifer Lee (screenwriter, “Wreck-It Ralph”), and produced by Peter Del Vecho (“Winnie the Pooh,” “The Princess and the Frog”). Featuring music from Tony®-winner Robert Lopez (“The Book of Mormon,” “Avenue Q”) and Kristen Anderson-Lopez (“In Transit”), “Frozen” journeys into theaters November 27, 2013, in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

Source: Disney Animation

What I Think

If you think that the Snow Queen is the main character of the show, I would think that her sister Elsa steal most of the limelight. The story unfold with romance-seeking Elsa finding her true love among the two main male characters, while finding her sister and saving their Kingdom.

Frozen's main characters

Anna, the Snow Queen, on the other hand appears more often when she was a kid. The animation was made so beautiful that I couldn't let my eyes off the screen. The flakes, the snow, the ice castle... amazing. The music of the show is also amazing. Anna (voice of Kristen Bell) and Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel) had great voices and immediately nailed the songs in the mind of the audiences.

 "Let It Go" is one of my favourite and  "First Time in Forever" is another amazing one. Disney didn't disappoint with their fairytales revolving queens and princesses before, and they definitely didn't disappoint now either. If you have not catch the movie just yet, go catch it before the movie ends.

Till then, enjoy the music "Let It Go" from the movie...

Photo Courtesy of Frozen's Facebook

Official Website : http://movies.disney.com/frozen
Follow Disney Animation/Frozen on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Youtube!

Movie Trailer:

Movie Teaser:

Disney's Frozen "First Time in Forever" Trailer:

Article: "20 Common Grammar Mistakes"

Yesterday, I saw an article shared by my friend via Facebook. Titled "20 Common Grammar Mistakes That (Almost) Everyone Makes", this is a column by Jon Gingerich back in Jan 31, 2012. Quite an interesting article, especially for those who wanted to improve their English language. Even if you are good with the language, there is no harm taking a look and see if you agree with the article.

From the list, how many common mistakes have you been committing without realising? =)

1. Who and Whom
2. Which and That
3. Lay and Lie
4. Moot
5. Continual and Continuous
6. Envy and Jealousy
7. Nor
8. May and Might
9. Whether and If 
10. Fewer and Less
11. Farther and Further
12. Since and Because
13. Disinterested and Uninterested
14. Anxious
15. Different Than and Different From
16. Bring and Take
17. Impactful
18. Affect and Effect
19. Irony and Coincidence
20. Nauseous