The Many GIFTS My MUM Left Me #9

Music/SONG N DANCE

Mum encouraged me to join the school choir because I was always singing in the shower.
For many years I sang in the choir but never did become a "Singer",although I developed a passion for Music.
I recollect Mum was enjoying the 80's hit "Girl's just wanna have fun" sung by Cyndi Lauper.
She was singing the chorus Girls just wanna have fun...that put her in the happy mood.
I realized then"Being Happy" was her choice and no exception for making her day go well.

When Dancing was concern Mum only watch. Mum encourage me to learn how to dance.
When I was a teenager I had to ask her permission to attend Tea Party(Dance party which ends before Sunset}
Mum being "open minded " (to a certain extent) said,"Enjoy yourself but pls do Disco only no hugging,hugging o.k."
"Mum,we have to hug our partner in order to dance" I quipped
"Okay,no hugging or kissing,dance far ,far apart." said mum.
I replied" O.k. so the elephant can pass through." in order to gain her TRUST.
Mum being Mum of course trusted me. From here she thought me How to TRUST.
Mum's unconditional Love thought me Trust. to be cont...

The Many GIFTS my MUM left ME#8

STYLE: NOTHING to Wear!

"Mum, I have Nothing to Wear...what am I going to wear tomorrow?"
Mum remarked "Take a look at your wardrobe, you have too many clothes;
YOU are the creator and designer of your own STYLE so be HAPPY,confident and comfortable with what you are wearing.

There was a Light bulb moment-that statement stayed with me forever.
(Thank you Mum)
Henceforth I learn to create my own identity where fashion is concern.
I DRESS to suit myself,feel happy,confident and comfortable.

Through the years I learn to Mix and match and remain as stylish as ever.
You need not spend a bomb and dress in expansive couture to be STYLISH.
You can spruce up the simpliest dress with the latest accessories.
I have lived through four decades of evolving fashion,I find it mandatory to dress for the occassion.Most of all know what suits you.

Barbara Cartland had her own STYLE too,feeling forever young and graceful.

Favourite Links: Harpers Bazaar http://Bit.ly/ygWiu
:Style-Online VOGUE:http://www.style.com

I will be giving tips on fashion and links on My Blog: 88surprises.blogspot.com
so feel free to visit. Thank you

to be cont...............

The Many GIFTS My MUM Left Me #7

EAT & DRINK well
To be Healthy you have to drink water upon arising to cleanse internally.
Mum always drank a glass of water before brakfast.
Have Oats and eat a well balanced diet including fresh fuits and vegetables'
No doubt mum never really liked vegetables but she always made sure we ate them.
(Celery,Morning Glory,Bittergourd,Lettuce,Romaine lettuce,etc- you name it)
Mum advise to eat morderately so we stayed slim and healthy.
For my good complexion,so to speak Mum made me Double Boiled Bird's Nest Soup.
Her chicken soup(health tonic) had Ginseng, Goji and chinese herbs in it.

Treat yourself to a pack of Brandy -"Yum Seng"(a toast) to good health but
When you Drink don't Drive was her advise.
Ladies should sip your wine or Brandy but sometimes I see Mum gulping the whole glass . "Be a good sport ;its one pack only." she replied.

The Many GIFTS My MUM Left Me #6

Girls & Boys(The subject of Virginity)

Even before I reached puberty Mum lectured and frequently drum into my head.
"I was a Virgin before I married your dad" she spoke in a prideful way.
"During my time you are not suppose to touch your future husband until you are officially MARRIED"
Mum had seven children with Dad(her prince charming,Dad was Macho and handsome then)
Her marriage was one made in Heaven.
She was faithfully married for 64 years to her one and only love.
She lauded Girls with no self esteem or dignity.Her policy was" NO! to premarital sex".
" Nice Girls can wait till they are married!" she exclaimed.
She often advised me "if you have a daughter make sure she has ,Girl Moral".
Unfortunately I don't have a daughter so it was never an issue.
Moreover times has changed, nowadays you see young couples engaging in premarital sex and what about MORAL?

The Many GIFTS my MUM left ME #5

NONYA FOOD>
Mum loved Nonya (fusion of Malay and Chinese) cooked with plenty of spices

Mum 's favourite dishes which she frequently prepared were:

Itik Tim (Soup- Stewed Duck with Pickled salted Cabbage)
Ayam POng Teh(Chicken braised in Bean Paste-Taucheo with Potatoes),Shld be eaten with Sambal Belacan (spicy chilly with shrimp paste mix)
Nonya Rendang Chicken(Chicken cooked in a traditional way with lots of spices)
FISH HEAD CURRY with salted fish ( cooked in rich coconut gravy with spices and vegetables like long beans brinjal long beans and chillies)
SAMBAL Petai (stink beans with chilly paste-hot and spicy)

Each time I visit Precious OLD CHINA- recollect fond memories of Mum.
Miss her GOOD COOKING !!

The Many GIFTS my MUM left ME #4

COOK with LOVE:
If you have to cook,please cook with love, Mum exclaimed!
Mum never used any Cookbook. Its was amazing,astonishing as she had it all in her head.

I am intrigued with her as she spend hours in the kitchen just to prepare a decent meal.
Her ideology of being a Fabulous cook-" You have to cook with LOVE."
Preferring a simple ONE Dish meal-quick or eat OUT would receive mum's objection.
Often she gets compliments for her good food>her pride and pleasure

A handful of this and that ingredient;
A pinch of this and that seasoning;
A spoonful of this and that sauce;
and like MAGIC -Viola!
Yet her food turn out to be so great and palatable.

It often make one clueless and wonder how she remembered the recipes handed down from her
Grandmother.
She cooks Fusion food.Chinese (Cantonese,Hokkien ,Teochew,Hakka)Nonya,Indian,Malay
Lucky I kept some of her recipes in a Journal which I hope to share later.
To be cont.........

The Many GIFTS my MUM left ME #3

Parties> Plenty of Good Food (ABUNDANCE)
We were brought up to be kind and generous.
For generations it runs in our family to throw lavish parties..

When mum throws a party there are plenty of food,enough to feed an Army.

Mum quote: Its customary and hospitality in case you have an unexpected guest who gate crash or the guests are hungry.

More often we end up having to eating left overs the next day. Well Mum says never to waste good food!

Mum was a Great COOK and this was the best time to show off her Culinary Skills.

to be cont............

The Many GIFTS my MUM left ME #2

SMILE!
Look at yourself in the mirror and smile,much better if you were to LAUGH out LOUD!
It takes a simple smile to light up and make a brighter day.

Mum loved listening to the song "Smile" sung by Nat King Cole.

Smile to someone, maybe a stranger you meet today and see what kind of reaction you get.
Chances are more frequently you will get a Smile in return.

Mum's key to be nice, by Smiling a sweet smile.
So what are we waiting for.... Start SMILING.............


to be cont....

The Many GIFTS my MUM left ME

The Many GIFTS my MUM left ME:

My mother did not go to school but she led a full ,Happy and contented Life. She lived to 80.

She was warm,friendly,level headed, caring and passionate and happy.
She loved and Celebrated Life .
I intend to share with you,Mothers who have sons/daughters what my Mum taught me,is sort of old school> manners..

THANK YOU! Say "THank You" -Whatever for? When you are given a "service" or "something" ,be grateful.Thank you also means you appreciate the "service"
It doesn't cost you a single cent/dime to say" THANK YOU "not forgeting the word "Please" too.

Thank you,Merci, Arigatogozaimas,Sehseh,Tor cheh,Em Koi,Kum Siah,Terima Kasih.

To be continued............

Welcome & Thank You

WELCOME & THANK YOU, MERCI, ARIGATO, TERIMA KASIH for visiting 88Surprises!!

I wish to share with everyone:

• My personification of great style and beauty sense.
• My attitude to great trendy fashion and apparel.
• My fun and creative way of living.
• Occasionally some jokes.
• My hobbies (Barbie Doll Collecting)