Good to know tips - Kiwi fruits

**When buying the gold and green kiwifruits, pikc those that are slightly soft to touh, as you would when select a peach or ripe mango.

** To ripen kiwifruits, put them in a paper bag with apples and bananas. Both apples and banana produce a natural gas- ethylene- which helps to ripen fruits.

**For a quick brust of energy, grab some kiwi and whip up a smoothie. It's a super energy drink for growing adolescent and hungry kids. They also will help keep coughs and colds at bay.

"Sore" Loser

Are your muslces sore from the kickboxing class you joined? According to reserach, Vitamin C - found in high concentrations in citcus fruits, berries and broccoli- helps lessen post-workout pain. It appears the antioxidant inhibits the processess(like the bulid up of free radicals) that cause soreness.

My weekend trip to "garden by the bay"

It was my hubby whom suggested to go "garden by the bay"- the newly opened garden at Marina South. The Spot where we usually go when we were dating. We went to check it out and well, it seems quite differnt but the feeling is there and we were in love again- just like before. We walk around the Garden and Holy-God, It was so huge and we couldn't  cover it all after walking for 4 hours. It was about 4 pm and we left at almost 8pm for dinner.

The view of MBS and one of the super tree.

the trees along the lake

The entrance of the Garden with MBS at the back

The "cow" and its brother "bull"

Me in black with super trees

The hanging bridge connecting the super trees

Orchids

Stones in the chinese theme garden

Swinging bench at the Malay Theme Garden

somewhere in the garden- Lost!!

10 things to give up by the time you're 30

1. Blaming your parents for all your problems.

2. Feeling uppity for calling people over 40 by their first name.

3. Serving chili every time more than one person comes over for dinner.

4. Letting your dad take care of your money.

5. Hating her because she's beautiful.

6. Saving all your love for Johnny Depp.

7. Getting bent out of shape when you have to share he credit at work.

8. Sleeping with the men whose last name you don't even want to know.

9. Thinking for even one second that you could lose 30 pounds in 30 days.

10. Believing that just one person can't do anything to make the world a better place.

Keep clothes 100% moth-free

How is it that you can store a perfectly in one piece sweater in the closet in April and have it be fuill of holes six months later? Those rat-bastards moths, that's how. Keep cashmere-craving critters at bay-without smelling like Great-aunt Gertie-with these tips:

First, clean your clothes before you store them. Moths flock to stains, not to the wool itself. Second, stock up on herbs: lavender, rosemary, thyme and cloves are natural pest repellents. Wrap leaves in sachet or handkerchief and store near sweaters.

How to stock your wine pantry

Sauvignon blanc:This crisp and dry white pairs with fish,light chicken dishes,salad and even fruity desserts. Our pick: Carey cellars sauvignon blanc 2000

Pinot noir: A red that works with grilled chicken breasts yet still stands up to lasagna? Perfect! Our pick: andrew's hopr pinotage 2000

Shiraz: This intense, more full bodied red is just right fit with game, roasts and duck. Our pick: Red dawn high.wood Shiraz 1999

Flavour Enhancers

Used to make pickles, reduce bitterness and add tang to sauces, vinegars are a versatile addition to any pantry.

* Balsamic vinegar
 - This dark brown vinegar is made from whote Trebbiano grapes grown in Modena, Italy.Prized for its distinct and aromatic flavour, it is ideal for marinades and drizzling over grilled meat and seafood.

* Red wine vinegar
- This is amde from matured red wine, and has a strong and rich flavour. It is often used in French cooking, particularly in vinaigrettes, marinades, stews and sauces.

* White wine
- This moderately tangy vinegar is also used in French cooking. It is great for making vinaigrette, mayonnaise, Bearnaise sauce and marinades.

* Malt Vinegar
- Obtained from malted barley, this is usually served with fish and chips, and used to make pickles and chutneys.

* Cider
- This fruity gold vineger os made feom fermented apples. It is ideal for chutneys, pickles, and dishes with apples and marinades.

* Xeres
- Also called Sherry vinegar, Xeres is a Spanish version of balsamic vinegar. Rich and smooth, it is usually added to sauces, stews amd marinades.

* Raspberry
- This pinkness vinegar has a light and fruity flavour that is ideal for salad dressings.

* Rice vineger
- Popular in Asian cooking, this vinegar has a mild and sweer taste and is less acidic than western vinegars.