Wednesday, December 17, 2025

When it’s rainy

Cooling weather at this time of the year means the towels in the bathroom can’t seem to dry properly. Today’s humidity level in the house is 82% . OMG! 

Thankfully the heated drying rack not only help me expedite my laundry but also a quick rescue mission like this today.


Brought the towels out under the heater as I was drying the floor mats

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Pleasing to the eyes

When I suddenly want to make my food look a little nicer.
#additionalthingstowashnow#




Turned this plain yoghurt



Into this nicer looking serving presentation.

Added some blueberry sauce






Friday, December 12, 2025

Jellycat cafe

Rushed to bring lil’ one out this week coz next week a company would like her to do a trial. Meaning she’ll be back working after 4 weeks of break. 

I know this is on her TO-DO list



She’s so happy surrounded by so many plushies.  



Her must have - French onion soup


Biscoff latte jellycat 


Mr K consists of osmanthus, passion fruit & earl grey tea





Classic fish n chips 


Bangers and mash 



She likes this ravioli and was hinting that she wants this on her graduation bouquet. I’m deaf I’m deaf I didn’t hear what she said


“Mom Dad, I’m married. 我结婚了!”
#withthisringitheewed#


Didn’t buy a lot of cakes home. Only bought 2 Xmas special cakes




In the night :
ate this blackforest Swiss roll



*edited on 15/12


Are the matcha pistachio Christmas tree cake


Work Study Diploma

As lil’ one ends her internship and 3 months to graduation we need to know what’s her next step?
a) polytechnic. That was what she wanted, ideally what I wanted too. But … grades. Sad to say everything in SIN is based on merits. 
b) private 
c) work study diploma 

“You wouldn’t know”
Everything is so uncertain, we have no idea if she’ll be successful in her application in Feb after the release of her final results. Her grades isn’t the fantastic kind, that will put her in the ‘you choose what course you want, not the course choose her’ edge. We just have to be realistic, she was so insistent to concentrate on studying, on polytechnic. I would have preferred her to do that too but if she’s not the theory kind of learner then how? 

For poly application, she was selected to do the entrance test but didn’t get called for interview with Temasek Poly so she probably didn’t pass. 

Next intake will be in Feb, but her results isn’t that fantastic. So there’s the worry that she might not make it. 

Application window period for first round : 3rd Nov - 12th Dec. For those who initially didn’t want to apply but decide to, can apply during their second round of application : 5th Jan - 27th Feb. All application is for their April 2026 intake. 


What is work study diploma?

Students in the WSDip programme, introduced in 2018, work full-time and attend courses at ITE concurrently. It typically takes 2½ to three years for an ITE graduate to earn a diploma.Students in the WSDip programme, introduced in 2018, work full-time and attend courses at ITE concurrently. It typically takes 2½ to three years for an ITE graduate to earn a diploma.

Open to mainly ITE graduates, the WSDip programmes partner about 900 companies, which employ the students and provide them with mentorship and work experience.








She did the application on 1st Dec by listing the courses she wants. Actually she only wants to do HR but she couldn’t leave the other 4 blank. Listed option as :
1) Human Resource Mgt [College Central]
2) Event Management [College Central]
3) Customer Experience Management (Aviation Services) [College East]
4) Accountancy [College Central]
5) Hotel & Restaurant Management [College West]

Realised she didn’t update her résumé 🤨 after her recent intern ended. Couldn’t send any attachments coz she has her attachments all over the place 😖🤦🏻‍♀️ something is in pdf, dunno what certificate using the phone scanner. So untidy! Thank goodness we have scanner at home, made her scan the items into the laptop. By the time we finished, I was mentally tired. Next day, will do the submission next day 


2nd Dec (Tue) 
Once we go into the portal, they listed all the companies for the 5 courses you indicate. She was adamant to only choose HR companies, no event companies no aviation 😂. In the end, she submitted applications to 7 companies.  观音菩萨 please por pi por pi her. 

Companies selected :
1) HA @ Kaki Bukit
2) V @ Tampines ✅ 
3) C @ Ubi ✅ 
4) HE @ MacPherson
5) S @ Ubi ✅ 
6) D @ Seletar
7) R @ Changi ✅


3rd Dec (Wed)
We were out and didn’t notice the missed calls. She returned the phonecall at close to 3pm. As we arrived into Funan carpark, told her to check if the phonecall came from any company or scam call 😆. Didn’t want her to return call in the most mall this asked her to return call in the car. She didn’t want me to hear the convo and kicked me out of the car 🤣. Aunty ah! Your mother is feeling so hot standing outside k? 

Company R called and wanted to arrange an interview. First round will be online, only selected applicants will be notified and proceed to the second round. She chose the online interview to be conducted on Friday


4th Dec (Thu) 

at 11am received an email / notification from Company S. She has to answer some questions first.  

At 3pm, received a phonecall from Company V to arrange for an interview. They hastily arranged for one the next day. Wah. Heng ah..I didn’t plan to bring her out or made any booking for movie. 

Only did the questions at home in the late afternoon as requested by Company S close to dinner. By the time she submitted it, it was already past office hours. I wonder what impression she left for them for not being prompt in her reply. So does it mean she has to make sure she keeps her phone diligently on ringing tone next to her now? Or should she just stay at home? 



5th Dec (Fri)

10am : in person interview with V

Just arrived home not long after (close to 11am) and after she showered aka washed the whole toilet, told me S returned back and asked her to choose the timing for in-person interview on Wed 10th 

2pm : online interview with R

Taped this sign to the door, have to warn just incase we forget or someone opens the door abruptly and asked loudly “Aricia what do you want for dinner?” 




9th Dec (Tue)

I was reading through WSD website and noticed that some companies might want the student to start working earlier, before the school term commences in April. I asked her about it. How was I to know I jinxed mouth 😅 the next day.


10th Dec (Wed)

9am - 9.45am : In person interview with Company S

Dropped her off at 8.48am as I wasn’t sure of this whole Ubi place. 


Ulu place, basically no mall nearby to while away my time. Armed with my fans 😂 and stayed in the car



That got me thinking, we started with the application rather late. If we had done it when this opens, does it mean the interviews would have been conducted when she was doing her internship? Or do they consolidate all applicants ? How do they select then? When will they inform that the applicant is successful? 

Somehow altho 我心痒痒很想出一个国 (so tempted to go HKG or BKK for food hunting) glad that I didn’t plan to travel in December. But what happens if they inform in Jan when we’re away? Aiyoh! Torlong torlong 观音菩萨 please work your magic and have at least 1-2 companies want her and inform us sooner. We have no idea if competition is tough? But she has the experience and is familiar with most responsibilities indicated in their recruitment page. Please put this cutey girl at an advantage, be top of their list. How many applicants in the company ultimately? 

All done at 9.39am.

Spent $4.36 on parking  for sitting inside the car

As usual would check with her on how the interview went. She was offered to do a trial first. Huh? Naturally I was wondering if the trial was for the company to see where her skills are at and decide whether they want to sponsor her, but she says the trial is for her to see whether she is comfortable with the company. Afterall if she takes up this offer she’ll be stuck in the company for 2.5 years. If she gives up halfway she has to pay back the $$. 😳 Anyway she’s an accounting student with HR internship experience, so I think she has a little more advantage over others. 

Trial starts next week. So soon! I guess coz we’re travelling in early Jan so the next 3 weeks will probably give her a gauge whether she’s comfortable with them. If she confirms to take up the offer, they can settle all the arrangements so that she can enjoy her holiday in peace. 

Why didn’t her internship company didn’t opt for this WSD program? 
I asked her why they’re not in the program. If they are, would it be a good idea for her to go back or should she have a change of environment? The colleagues are very nice there, her supervisor is very good to her.
According to her, it’s a NPO so they will have problem finding funds to sponsor a student. 


12th Dec (Fri)
She received an email from Company C. Another option for her. 

I think will have to give some days after today’s closing application date for them to decide. No sure if she’ll get a third offer somewhere else. I’ll just end my blog for now and get this posted out. 


Qué será,será
Not sure if she’ll continue with this WSD or if she wants to risk her chances in poly application, or ultimately end up being a private student. Really I told her it’s all up to 观音菩萨 to plan everything for her, based on what’s best for her. She’s a hardworking girl so whatever lies ahead of her I’m sure she’ll make good for it.



Thursday, December 11, 2025

Cat cafe

There’s never a school holiday where I won’t bring her to the cat cafe at least once. It’s a hassle everytime after a visit, as I have to make sure I don’t bring any cat fur flying about in the house. 可是没办法、她喜欢猫。


The look lil’ one gives me when I ask her to help me mop the floor 😂









this little cutie is the youngest, at 4mths old


Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Trying this

Aiyah, that girl’s constant throat pain is a headache for me. Nagging at her to sleep early, to avoid heaty food etc.. and she’s not listening. Make herself suffer only. 

Dropped by 大宝 when I went to PP to meet N for lunch. 老板 recommended this. Pray hard it works, together with the 石斛 and what nots I’m giving her. Most importantly is she must remember to take the tablets herself lah! I can’t be reminding her all the time right? It’s her own life leh! She has to tahan the pain herself forever. Of course it pains a parent to see their child suffering but I can only help her this much. 

About this product, click HERE


I thought it was going to cost a hand and leg but surprised it’s only $8.50 for this 10 day course


NATURE'S GREEN SOPHORA TONKINENSIS SORE THROAT TABLETS

精制山豆根片


Relieves symptoms of pain, swelling and tenderness on both e cheeks, painful swelling of the throat caused by parotitis, tonsillitis and pharyngitis.

Dosage: For oral administration, take 3 tablets, 3 times daily.

功能主治:清热解毒,散肿止痛。用于热毒内蕴所致的两腮肿痛,咽部红肿,咽痛;腮腺炎,扁桃体炎,急性咽炎,慢性咽炎急性发作及一般喉痛见上述证候者。

用量:一次3片,一日3次。




Ingredients : 

山豆根

Radix Sophorae Tonkinensis

500mg

牛黄

Calculus Bovis

18mg

珍珠

Margarita

18mg

连翘

Fructus Forsythiae

240mg

桔梗

Radix Platycodonis

280mg


广东土牛膝


Radix Eupatorii Chinesis

280mg

板蓝根

Radix Isatidis

280mg

猪牙皂

Fructus Gleditsiae

50mg

天花粉

Radix Trichosanthis

480mg

了哥王

Caulis et Folium Wikstroemiae 480mg

Indicae


诃子

Fructus Chebulae

240mg

冰片

Borneolum Syntheticum

18mg



More information on each individual ingredients 
山豆根 (Shān dòu gēn) is known in English as 
Bushy Sophora Root (or sometimes Mountain Soybean Root). It is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb with a bitter, cold, and slightly toxic nature. 
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), its uses include:
  • Clearing heat and resolving toxins.
  • Dispelling swelling and promoting a healthy throat.
  • Relieving cough and clearing phlegm.
  • Treating acute and chronic sore throat.
  • Addressing tonsillitis, coughing related to lung heat, and fever symptoms associated with common colds. 
**************

牛黄 is known as 
Calculus Bovisox gallstone, or simply bezoar. It is a highly valued ingredient in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) used to treat various serious conditions. 
The primary uses for Calculus Bovis include:
  • Clearing Heat and Detoxification: It is widely used in formulas aimed at reducing high fevers, inflammation, and general "heat-toxicity" symptoms in the body.
  • Calming Convulsions and the Mind: A key use is to treat convulsions, seizures, and related symptoms, especially in acute febrile diseases.
  • Neurological and Cerebrovascular Support:It has been used for over two millennia in China to address cardio-cerebrovascular issues, including treating strokes, comas, and unconsciousness in emergency situations.
  • Opening Orifices: In TCM theory, it helps "open the mind" or "restore consciousness" in cases of mental confusion or delirium.
  • Symptom Relief: It is an ingredient in remedies for various common ailments like sore throats, swollen gums, oral sores, bad breath, and constipation. 
**************

珍珠 (zhēnzhū), or 
pearl powder, is used in English-language product descriptions for throat care, often in combination with other herbs, to relieve symptoms of sore and swelling throat, oral ulcers, and tonsillitis. 
These products are typically marketed as "Pearl Powder Sore Throat Tablets" or "Antelope Pearl Sore Throat Relieving Capsules". The intended uses are: 
  • Relieving inflammation
  • Alleviating soreness and irritation in the throat
  • Soothing a dry throat and difficulty swallowing
  • Maintaining the health of the mucous membranes in the throat 
*************

连翘 (Lian Qiao) translates to 
Forsythia Fruit or Weeping Forsythia Capsulein English. 
It is a common herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), primarily used for its antipyretic (fever-reducing) and anti-inflammatory properties. 
Key uses in English-speaking contexts, particularly within herbal medicine and cosmetic industries, include:
  • Treating infections: Traditionally used for bacterial infections, such as carbuncles, boils, and certain skin conditions (e.g., erysipelas).
  • Alleviating cold and flu symptoms: It is a key ingredient in popular TCM formulas like "Yin Qiao San" (Honeysuckle and Forsythia Powder), which is used to treat early symptoms of upper respiratory infections, including fever, headache, and sore throat. It is also found in Lianhua Qingwen, a medicine used for fever, cough, and fatigue caused by some types of influenza and novel coronavirus pneumonia.
  • Reducing inflammation: Modern studies have noted its anti-inflammatory effects, leading to its use for swelling and certain airway illnesses.
  • Skincare: In cosmetics, forsythia fruit extract is used to fight acne-causing bacteria, reduce inflammation, maintain skin firmness, and promote cell renewal.
  • Other traditional uses: It has been traditionally employed as a diuretic and a cardiovascular tonic. 
In TCM theory, it is considered to clear "heat" and "toxins" from the body, targeting the Heart, Lung, and Small Intestine meridians to restore balance. 
************

桔梗, known in English as the 
balloon flower, the Chinese bellflower, or by its Latin name Platycodon grandiflorus, has extensive uses in traditional medicine, culinary dishes, and as an ornamental plant. The root is the primary part used. 
Medicinal Uses
The root (known as Jie Geng in Chinese medicine and doraji in Korean medicine) has been used for over 2,000 years, primarily to support respiratory health. It is valued for its saponin compounds, which help clear mucus and reduce inflammation. 
Common traditional uses include:
  • Relieving respiratory ailments: Treating coughs with phlegm, bronchitis, asthma, and chest congestion.
  • Soothing throat issues: Alleviating sore throats, tonsillitis, hoarseness, and painful swallowing.
  • Expelling pus: Traditionally used to help clear pus in lung abscesses and other infections.
  • Other traditional uses: In Korean traditional medicine, it is also used to treat hypertension and diabetes. 

**************

广东土牛膝 (Guangdong Tu Niuxi) refers to the plant 
Eupatorium chinense L., which is commonly known in English as Chinese bonesetor Japanese thoroughwort. 
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and folk remedies, various parts of Eupatorium chinenseare used for a range of ailments. 
Traditional Uses in English
  • Circulation and Postpartum Care: The root is highly regarded as a restorative tonic for women after childbirth and is thought to improve blood circulation.
  • Pain and Swelling: It is used to reduce swelling, alleviate various types of pain (including rheumatic pain), and treat general inflammation.
  • Infections and Fevers: Folk uses include treating diphtheria, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, colds, and fevers. An infusion is used to promote sweating and reduce fever.
  • Skin and Wounds: The leaves are used topically for skin conditions, snakebites, and various wounds. The milky latex has been applied to treat goitre. An oil infusion is also used as a treatment for dandruff.
  • Gastrointestinal Issues: It has been used for digestive disorders such as diarrhea, heartburn, flatulence, and general indigestion.
  • Women's Health: The seeds are specifically prescribed in China for the "36 diseases of women".
  • Other Uses: The leaves have been used as a diuretic and for numbness of the hands and feet. 
****************

Banlangen (板蓝根), also known as 
Isatis root, is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine primarily used to treat conditions associated with "internal heat" in TCM. Its main uses and benefits in English contexts include: 
Key Uses and Benefits
  • Combating Colds and Flu: Banlangen is widely popular in Chinese households for preventing and treating symptoms of the common cold and influenza.
  • Alleviating Sore Throats: It is a go-to remedy for painful, swollen throats and pharyngitis.
  • Reducing Fever: The herb helps to "cool down" the body and is used to treat fevers and febrile disorders.
  • Clearing Heat and Toxins: In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), its core function is to clear heat, eliminate toxins, and cool the blood, which addresses inflammatory and infectious conditions.
  • Treating Skin Eruptions: It is applied to ailments such as rashes, chicken pox, measles, and erysipelas.
  • Supporting the Immune System: It is thought to enhance the body's resistance to viral infections and support overall upper respiratory health. 
**************

"猪牙皂" (Zhū yá zào) is the Chinese name for the fruit of the Chinese Honeylocust, scientifically known as 
Fructus Gleditsiae Chinensis. It is a significant herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with a history of use spanning over 2,000 years. 
Its uses in English medical contexts and general applications include:
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Uses 
In TCM, Fructus Gleditsiae Chinensis is primarily used for its properties to resolve phlegm, dispel wind, and reduce swelling and toxicity. 
  • Respiratory Conditions: It is often used in formulas to treat coughs, asthma, and various respiratory issues, functioning as an expectorant and helping to remove water retention in the lungs.
  • Skin Ailments: The herb (or its thorns, Gleditsiae Spina) is applied topically to manage skin conditions such as carbuncles, abscesses, sores, and scabies, due to its ability to "disperse swelling" and "promote discharge of pus".
  • Other Medicinal Uses: It has also been traditionally used for treating apoplexy (stroke-related symptoms), headaches, and constipation. 
General and Modern Applications
Beyond specific medical applications, its rich content of saponins means it has been widely used as a natural detergent. 
  • Natural Detergent: The fruit has a long history of use in China as a natural, eco-friendly soap for general cleaning, laundry, and hair washing.
  • Oral Hygiene: It is used in some traditional and natural oral care routines as a "tooth soap" to help remove plaque, surface stains, and freshen breath, sometimes as an alternative to conventional toothpaste.
  • Research: Modern scientific studies are exploring the active compounds found in Gleditsia sinensis for potential anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and even anti-tumor properties, often in laboratory settings. 
****************
In English, the traditional Chinese medicine herb "天花粉" (Tiān Huā Fěn) is most commonly known as 
Trichosanthes Root or Chinese Cucumber Root. 
It is the root of the Trichosanthes kirilowii plant, and its uses in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are primarily to clear heat, generate body fluids, and resolve toxicity. 
Traditional Chinese Medicine Uses
Tian Hua Fen is classified in TCM as an herb that "Clears Heat and Drains Fire," entering the Lung and Stomach meridians. Its main applications include: 
  • Clearing Lung Heat: Used for conditions involving cough with thick or blood-streaked sputum, phlegm-heat, and lung dryness.
  • Generating Fluids and Quenching Thirst:Applied in cases of heat-induced thirst and irritability, or conditions like diabetes (known as "wasting and thirsting disorder" in TCM terms).
  • Resolving Toxicity and Expelling Pus: Used internally and topically for hot, toxic carbuncles, sores, and abscesses, especially breast abscesses. 
***************

The plant referred to as 
了哥王 (liǎo gē wáng) in Chinese is known in English by several common names, including Indian stringbushtie bushbootlace bush, or small-leaf salago. 
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where it is considered one of the 50 fundamental herbs, different parts of the Wikstroemia indica (its scientific name) plant are used for various purposes. 
Common uses in TCM:
  • Branches and leaves: Used to clear heat and remove toxins, resolve phlegm, disperse swelling, relieve pain, and dissipate binds.
  • Roots or root bark: Used to clear heat and remove toxins, induce diuresis, eliminate stasis, resolve swelling, relieve pain, and act as a parasite killer. 
**************

The Chinese herb 
訶子 (hē zǐ) is known in English as Chebulic Myrobalan, also commonly called Haritaki or Inknut. It is widely used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for various health benefits, particularly for digestion and detoxification. 
Common Uses of 訶子 (Haritaki/Chebulic Myrobalan)
訶子 is considered a highly valued "King of Medicine" in traditional systems due to its wide range of applications. 
Medicinal & Health Uses
  • Digestion and Constipation: It is best known as a natural and gentle laxative and bowel tonic, used to treat constipation, indigestion, gas, and bloating. It is a key ingredient in the famous Ayurvedic formulation, Triphala.
  • Respiratory Health: It is used to clear mucus and phlegm from the airways, helping to alleviate coughs, colds, sore throats, bronchitis, and asthma.
  • Immune System Support: Rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C, it is used to boost the immune system and protect against infections.
  • Anti-inflammatory Properties: Its anti-inflammatory qualities are used to reduce swelling and pain, including symptoms of arthritis.
  • Skin and Hair Health: When applied topically as a paste or oil, it is used to treat skin conditions like acne, rashes, ulcers, and cracked feet. It's also used for hair care to strengthen roots, reduce dandruff, and prevent hair loss.
  • Oral Health: Its antibacterial properties make it useful as a mouthwash to prevent dental caries, gum disease, and mouth ulcers. 
****************

"冰片" translates to 
borneol or borneol camphor in English. It is a bicyclic monoterpene alcohol with a pungent, bitter taste and a cooling, balsamic odor. 
Borneol is widely used in both traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and various commercial products. 
Uses in Traditional Medicine and Pharmaceuticals
In traditional Chinese medicine, borneol (Bingpian) is a key resuscitation drug used for over 1500 years. Its primary uses include: 
  • Arousing the spirit and opening orifices in cases of coma, syncope, and wind stroke.
  • Clearing heat and relieving pain for conditions like fever, red and swollen eyes, mouth sores, and a sore throat.
  • Topical application to reduce swelling, numb pain, and assist in the healing of wounds, including hemorrhoids.
  • Improving eyesight and removing cataracts.
  • As a drug carrier, borneol is a novel agent that improves the delivery and absorption of other drugs into the central nervous system.
  • A specific pharmaceutical combinationcontaining borneol (edaravone/dexborneol) has been approved in China for the treatment of stroke.