New Perspective on Fashion

Since I started attending the dressmaking class in July, I had a new perspective whenever I go out window shopping for clothes or bags.

Before, I would go to a shop, look for clothes or bags that I like, check the price, try them on and then decide to buy them or delay the buying process till the next visit. 

Now, I go to a shop, check out designs that I like and then my mind works like this:

- what fabric is good for this design?

- how was this top made? 

- will this be good in a different fabric?

- will I be able to make a pattern for this?

- what other design is better for this fabric?

- will my sewing machine be able to sew on this kind of thick fabric?

and so on....

It's like my mind has it's own mind (if that is even possible). I now think of how I can make the clothing or bag that I see on the shops, not if I have enough money to buy them. It's really interesting.

Banana Turon

I was in the mood to do some experimenting in the kitchen as I was craving for something - - - turon! It's banana, rolled in brown sugar then wrapped in lumpia (spring roll) wrapper then pan-fried. Yummy!

I checked out my friend's blog for the recipe and started getting busy. Her recipe had jackfruit (langka) which I did not include in mine as I don't want that fruit (sorry, I hate the smell of it).

Here are the ingredients, cooking instructions and some pictures:
- ripe banana (depends on how many turons you want to make)
- brown sugar
- spring roll wrapper (big)
- cooking oil

1. Cut both ends of the banana and peel off skin. Cut into half, lengthwise.
2. Roll the cut banana into the brown sugar. Make sure each piece is well coated.
3. Wrap the sugar-coated banana with spring roll wrapper as if you were making spring rolls.
4. Heat oil in frying pan. Fry the banana rolls (turon) each side until crisp and golden brown.

5. Remove the turons from the frying pan and drain excess oil. 

6. Serve while crispy.

I'll have to say, I enjoyed making and eating them!

Before saying I DO...

Every time I read the Today newspaper in the morning, I always look forward to the section "a message from Singapore Focus on the Family". Most, if not all, of the articles there are quite insightful.

For the past few days, the topic is about considerations before getting married. I would like to share important parts of the articles in my blog.

Testing Your Relationship (Part 1)

"Marriage is too important to leave your emotions, yet that is how many people choose their mates."

Ways to know whether the relationship is worth taking to the next level by asking yourself:

1.  Do you genuinely enjoy being together? - most marriage counsellors consider this the most important ingredient in a long-term relationship

2.  Are you able to communicate well? -  a good mate is one who shares and listens without fear of judgement

3. Are you both committed to a life-long relationship? 

4.  Are you able to resolve conflicts easily?

If you answered "NO" to any of these questions, you might want to think twice before walking down the aisle.

Testing Your Relationship (Part 2) dated Aug 11

"Before you say "I do", make sure you "still will" 20 years from now!"

Here are a few questions to ask yourself before walking down the aisle (relationship assessment tool of sorts):

1.  Do you spend time laughing together? - laughter is a good sign that the relationship is healthy and vibrant

2. Do you feel comfortable around them - even when you are not being romantic?

3. Do you care deeply for each other? - caring is another critical sign of a healthy union

4. Are you family and friends supportive of your relationship? - if they're not, they usually see something that you don't.

5. Do you feel safe and secure? -  stability is critical to a solid marriage

So, don't be afraid to say "I do". Just make sure you're going into the marriage with your eyes wide open :)

Hope these articles give light to those who are planning to get married or wanting to bring their relationship to the next level.

Busy.... Busy.... Busy.... Kelvin

Exam week is just around the corner and I'm stressed out again. Not because we are cramming, but because there are a lot of things to do, as far as Kelvin is concerned.