mellomouse* » DIY

BabyNatey 49: Bread Puffs.

mellomouse — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 15:45:56 +0000

Two months after Natey started taking solids, I began “making” our own snacks. Toasted bread stripes is one of the top recommended choices. It is easy to make and definitely a healthier alternative to over the counter snacks.

I started with stripes but quickly improvised into bite size squares, which proved to be more of a favourite for Natey and mess-free for Mommy. He loves his bread puffs so much that he learned the word Bread, very quickly and pronounced it accurately too. It is his favourite treat and ask for it all the time

Healthy Wholemeal Bread
Cut a slice of bread into small squares

Toss into the Oven
Toast the squares until desired crunchiness

Keep airtight for Freshness
Ready to eat whenever and wherever!

After removing the skins, I cut a slice of bread into 5 stripes and into 25 squares. Previously before Natey knows how to ask for food all the time, that ration could last for 2-3 days but now he could easily finish all in a day. I call them puffs because once the bread is toasted, the squares really does look and taste like crunchy puffy snacks

I would put 10 puffs into the round container and keep the rest in the Lock&Lock to maintain its crunchiness. Natey will ask “Bread, please!”, puts his tiny hand through the plastic divider, takes one, puts into his mouth cheekily and goes about his business. He will return again when finished and ask for one more. By the 5th piece, he would have forgotten *hehe*

Now that I’ve started Natey on Anmum Essential mixed with baby cereal for breakfast — he still refuses the formula on its own — I’ll dip some puffs in the remaining formula and feed him as a starters. It is really yummy just like having cereal puffs with milk! He would be more accepting to take a few spoons of the formula after finishing the puffs. Hopefully soon he can take it in a cup *fingers crossed*

If you haven’t already tried toasting bread for your toddler, and is looking for an economical — kids snacks are not cheap (esp the way they down it like water) and sugar packed — yet healthy snack, why not give this a try. Improvise with different bread or toast it with some fruit puree for extra taste

You Might Also Be Interested:
BabyNatey 18: My 1st Home.
Why Not? Organic Cereal.
Growing Up Milk, pt 1 – Anmum Essential Step 3.
Bellamy’s Organic Toothie Pegs.
Rafferty’s Garden Banana Milk Rusks.

Natey365: Day 132.

mellomouse — Thu, 12 May 2011 05:41:59 +0000

The Tiger’s Den
How many square feet are there in here?

The Belly Cast Journey:
Pregnancy Belly Cast, pt 1 – Failed Attempt!
Pregnancy Belly Cast, pt 2 – It’s Alive!
Pregnancy Belly Cast, pt 3 – Home Sweet Home.
BabyNatey 18: My 1st Home.
Natey365: Day 132.

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Natey365: Day 148.
Natey365: Day 154.
Natey365: Day 175.
Natey365: Day 259.
Natey365: Day 264.

Turning 31, pt 1 – Pre Bday Dinner.

mellomouse — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 15:27:15 +0000

It’s another milestone for me this coming Monday. A big Three decades plus One milestone! I can’t believe it, can you?

The Husband has been planning a crabby cookout for his beloved Mouse a few weeks ago and finally called it done tonight. We bought the crabs fresh from the market, alive and wriggling in their captive. Natey amused himself while Daddy showed him what Cancers looked like *hehe*

Hello Crabs!
Our brave heroes of the day

Three Fatty Crabs
Weighs a satisfying 1.5kg++

Butcher Crab
It’s a bloody-less murder!

Supporting Actors
Cheddar, Curry Leaves, Garlic, Chilipadi, Butter & Evaporated Milk

Sauna Away Crabs
Steam for 30 minutes before tossing into the frying pan

Bon Appetit Everyone
It really tasted as good as it looks!

From start to finish — preparation, cooking to washing up — the Husband did everything on his own. He even cracked the shells and removed the meat for me. I am loved ♥

I’m not going to be bias, but the Crabs were really good. I had 3 dinner rolls soaking up almost all the gravy. I was so full earlier, I was literally walking sideways *burps*

Thank you, Mr Tan for the wonderful dinner! It is almost perfect. What’s missing now to complete it all would be a sinful slice of chocolate cake *muaks*

After Monday, we need to go on a diet!

You Might Also Be Interested:
Turning 31, pt 2 – I Am.
Turning 31, pt 3 – Oink.
Beary 3rd Anniversary, pt 3.
Mother’s Day 2011.

Natey365: Day 79.

mellomouse — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 13:04:06 +0000

A train ride away
To Rule the World

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Natey365: Day 132.
Natey365: Day 24.
Natey365: Day 46.
Natey365: Day 73.
Natey365: Day 78.

Paper-baked with Love Project.

mellomouse — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 15:28:40 +0000

The husband’s birthday was around the corner. I’m usually not a last minute person, but ever since being a Mommy, there’s been many firsts in my life so there’s no complain. Hubby has unfortunately taken the backseat *hehe*

I had a week and I was at lost because I didn’t want to Buy — penniless with no regrets — so that means I would have to Make with whatever that I have. And I have lots of fancy papers since college days to begin with. Choosing to make a pop up surprise was just pure genius

Day 1: Whipping out my Gadgets
Took 2 hours to get all the parts right

Day 2: The Baking Begins
The simple cover design that became as I went

*Peekaboo*

*Drumroll*

*TADA*
The cake successfully stood tall!

At 3am last Wednesday, I placed the card inside the husband’s laptop, kept everything “un-suspiciously” into his bag and tiptoed back to sleep. If the surprise went as planned, he should be at work when he finds his cake.

So was he really surprised? I wished I had a hidden camera to immortalise that discovery

Feast for the Body, Heart & Soul
No birthday is complete without yummy in the tummy!

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Paper-baked with Love.
love is His plan.

Paper-baked with Love.

mellomouse — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 01:57:04 +0000

Indulge without the guilt
Hope you liked this deliciously sinful popup treat

♥ Hugs & Kisses ♥
Mellowifey, Natey and Scubby

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Paper-baked with Love Project.
love is His plan.

BabyNatey 18: My 1st Home.

mellomouse — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 15:15:50 +0000

Me & my 1st Bachelor Pad
Space reserved for 1 only

Mommy, why is my house on the floor?
I missed my wet cozy home *patpat*

I’m gonna crawl right back in
I don’t think it fits me anymore! *sobs*

Not so long ago…

The Belly Cast Journey:
Pregnancy Belly Cast, pt 1 – Failed Attempt!
Pregnancy Belly Cast, pt 2 – It’s Alive!
Pregnancy Belly Cast, pt 3 – Home Sweet Home.
BabyNatey 18: My 1st Home.
Natey365: Day 132.

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pregnancy Belly Cast, pt 3 – Home Sweet Home.
Natey365: Day 132.
BabyNatey 16: 151 days!
BabyNatey 11: Bumbo, pt 1 – The Temptation.
BabyNatey 14: 3rd July 2009.

Pregnancy Belly Cast, pt 3 – Home Sweet Home.

mellomouse — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 08:18:39 +0000

Remember this project?
My pregnant bump at 37 Weeks in February

The make believe Nathaniel lies in his cot
Patiently it awaits the rightful owner

♥ Wearing my bump with awe ♥
What fond memories it brings *sniff*

A sight of amazement!
Natey: Why does this look so familiar?

Nathaniel at 1 month, 1 week & 5 days
Natey: This was my Home Sweet Home for 38 Weeks! ♥

The Belly Cast Journey:
Pregnancy Belly Cast, pt 1 – Failed Attempt!
Pregnancy Belly Cast, pt 2 – It’s Alive!
Pregnancy Belly Cast, pt 3 – Home Sweet Home.
BabyNatey 18: My 1st Home.
Natey365: Day 132.

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pregnancy Belly Cast, pt 2 – It’s Alive!
Pregnancy Belly Cast, pt 1 – Failed Attempt!
BabyNatey 18: My 1st Home.
Natey365: Day 132.

Pregnancy Belly Cast, pt 2 – It’s Alive!

mellomouse — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:41:38 +0000

Failure is the stepping stone for success. What do you think? But maybe if we paid RM119.90 in the first place, there wouldn’t have been a failure to begin with *pokes the husband*

After our homemade Belly Cast attempt fell miserably apart on Monday, we went to Isetan at KLCC that evening itself and bought the 100% Failure Proof Baby Art Belly Kit. Thanks to the CNY Sale, we got a 10% off saving. And I got to eat my Spider Temaki! I ♥ Sushi *yums*

The boxset comes with
1 pair Gloves, 9 packets of Plaster & 1 container of Belly Gel

The Baby Art Belly Kit
A super quick & easy to make keepsake that last!

Once again Scubby wonders:
Why Mommy never made a Belly Cast of me?

#1: Cut the plaster rolls into strips
(i) 15cm – Breast, (ii) 30cm – Chest, (iii) 40cm – Belly

#2: Prepare water for dipping the ready cut strips
Make sure they are not too wet when applying

#3: Press strips softly but firmly over belly
Overlap 3-4 layers to get a firm impression

#4: Satisfied with your masterpiece?
Remove carefully 15 minutes later

Voila!
♥ My 1st Pregnancy Belly Cast at 37 weeks ♥

And now it lays adorably in LBJ’s cot
Isn’t this a heartwarming sight?

Aren’t you tempted to do one too?
♥ It’s definitely a keepsake I will treasure forever! ♥

For the final finishing touch, the belly cast would need to be sand papered for a smooth look. The husband is busy this weekend, so hopefully next week he can get it done. Unless LBJ decides to surprise us with his grand presence!

I’m planning to get it framed later — to protect it from itchy hands! — but definitely after getting a shot of LBJ lying inside! *aww*

So look out for Part 3 ok

The Belly Cast Journey:
Pregnancy Belly Cast, pt 1 – Failed Attempt!
Pregnancy Belly Cast, pt 2 – It’s Alive!
Pregnancy Belly Cast, pt 3 – Home Sweet Home.
BabyNatey 18: My 1st Home.
Natey365: Day 132.

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pregnancy Belly Cast, pt 1 – Failed Attempt!
Pregnancy Belly Cast, pt 3 – Home Sweet Home.
Pregnancy Updates 00: We are Expecting!
BabyNatey 18: My 1st Home.
Natey365: Day 132.

Pregnancy Belly Cast, pt 1 – Failed Attempt!

mellomouse — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:26:42 +0000

It was the 2nd day of CNY. With not much time left before LBJ decides to greet us, the husband decided to be adventurous and immortalise a part of our 1st pregnancy *2 thumbs up*

After watching the YouTube below, he got into his “idealistic” DIY mode and his heavily pregnant wife “faith-fully” followed suit, only to be left plastered without success 2 hours later

A picture paints a thousand words
And these unlucky 7 will say so much more

He may be cheekily smiling here
But trust me, it’s not for long

Because 2 hours later
His DIY Belly Cast fell miserably apart!

Poor LBJ was struggling the whole time as I worked the noisy blow dryer back and forth over my baby bump. Evidently he didn’t like being cast when there were no injury occurred, or being blown dry as he enjoys being wet *heh*

So what happened after this?

If there’s a Part 1, surely there is a Part 2. The husband wouldn’t be dampened and give up that easily when it comes to his DIY obsession

The Belly Cast Journey:
Pregnancy Belly Cast, pt 1 – Failed Attempt!
Pregnancy Belly Cast, pt 2 – It’s Alive!
Pregnancy Belly Cast, pt 3 – Home Sweet Home.
BabyNatey 18: My 1st Home.
Natey365: Day 132.

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pregnancy Belly Cast, pt 2 – It’s Alive!
Pregnancy Belly Cast, pt 3 – Home Sweet Home.
Pregnancy Updates 00: We are Expecting!
BabyNatey 18: My 1st Home.
Natey365: Day 132.