Friday, April 30, 2010

Reluctant Baker?

Last Minute Baking

Been rather busy baking buttercakes the past few days. They are not that difficult to do but we need to focus to ensure delicious cakes.

Stressed Up!

What a relief when the cakes were collected! Its sometimes rather stressful and I like to take a break before the next big order.

I do feel like a reluctant baker. Its really enjoyable to bake only for fun and for friends. But its a responsibility to bake for others.

Well, I cannot be telling my friends and customers that. Some of them know I'm busy and feel bad about troubling me. They somehow think they are doing me a favour by buying their cakes at the nearest bakery instead of calling me! It really makes me want to cry!!!

Heavy Load

All baking ingredients are heavy - imagine having to carry all the heavy items like butter, sugar, flour, nuts, milk and eggs back to the car that's parked way down the road! In hot weather, its like gym and sauna at the same time!

Bonus of Being Baker

Some customers are so very appreciative. I have received RM10, 20 and 30 tips often through the years. They graciously say "keep the change". Not only that, I am frequently invited to join many of their family gatherings and functions.

Wonderful Blessing

Many of my regular customers have become good friends and they are an indispensable part of my life. I thank Allah SWT for this wonderful blessing. My dear beloved sisters, you know you are! :) :) :)

Watch What You Eat

It is good to use butter, molasses and healthier eggs, unbleached or wholemeal flour and organic baking powder and yeast. Cakes should only be occasional treats and these days people often request more wholesome versions.

Suggestion:

Be adventurous. Try healthier versions of your favourite desserts. That way you can enjoy more with less guilt!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Mad Mad Rush

Great! Its nearly midnight and I just finished baking for the day...ahem!! night, I mean. Bit of a pressure since its been a long day.

Its true, some of us perform well under pressure. We allow ourselves to get distracted when we have ample time to complete an assignment or project. Maybe that's why most of us like to handle a couple of projects at the same time. And its not so routine though it can spike our blood pressure when things get too pressured...

Monday, April 26, 2010

Pineapple Tarts and other delicious Cookies

Delicious Pineapple Tarts!

Couldn't resist opening the last packet of pineapple tarts and thinking of scoffing the lot! Really buttery and not too sweet.Past 2.00am, kind of late or rather, too early now to be eating pineapple tarts!

Business Benefits

I only sell the stuff that I personally like. So I have the privilege to eat any of the goodies I like since I usually have ready stock for my customers. Hmmm... nice kind of business.

Choose Careers You Truly Enjoy

People should choose careers and businesses that they truly enjoy. There are so many benefits in doing what you love and enjoy. Your clients and customers will benefit as you will only give them your best. Handmade with love.

Baker and Instructor

I'm a baker and I love to sew and design clothes. And also teach occasionally. My last job outside the home was as a part time Home Economics Teacher at a private school. Had to stop when I moved back to my own home in Subang Jaya, quite a distance from the school.

So Much to Do and So Little Time

There are so many things I want to do that there is just not enough hours in a day. It can be exasperating, stressful but also very challenging. I'm sure there are many crafters out there who feel exactly the same way.

Caring for the Family

Caring for the family must always remain priority. When we make a commitment, be prepared to do our best. The rewards are indeed plentiful.

Suggestion:
Be brave to make a career change. Follow your heart. Love your work and give your best. I switched to baking and clothes when my son was born. And I also included writing besides baking. My sale of magnesium is also bringing me regular customers, Alhamdulillah!

Home business is great as we can enjoy our kids and our work at the same time. Best of both worlds!

Expressing Appreciation more often

Quiet Time After Midnight

Its past midnight now. The neighborhood is really quiet tonight. No sound of dogs barking or the stray cats fighting and snarling. So tranquil that I really treasure this quiet time.

Most of us are so busy, attending the needs of our families and doing work that brings home the bread and butter. Daily cooking is a real responsibility and sometimes no longer fun but a chore.

Tired but Happy?

However, when we see the delighted faces as they enjoy the food, the tiredness melt away and we feel satisfied that it was well worth the effort! Don't you feel like that sometimes? Tired but happy?

Appreciate

Of course it really helps when the 'beneficiaries', young and old remember to show appreciation more often. A smile and 'thank you' will do nicely.

Babies and little kids are spontaneous and show their joy and delight any time of the day. Why do some people become so different when they grow up?

Suggestion:

Say 'thank you' more often. People will not be tired of listening to your compliments that come from your heart!

Malaysia is Beautiful!

I'm from Malaysia, where it is sunny and bright almost all the time. We have lots of trees and flowers, even in the cities!

The downside of course is we perspire easily (though it cools and detoxes us) and we never get to experience the beauty of winter wonderland! For cool weather, visit our hilly resorts for fresh air and flora.

Food is great and people are warm. Lots of cultural attractions as the country is made up of Malays, Chinese, Indians and other nationalities.

Suggestion :

Visit us! To know Malaysia is to love Malaysia.

Introduction

Asslamu alaikum & Hello World!


The World is my University!

I enjoy reading so many blogs and can never cease to be amazed by the wit, enthusiasm, knowledge, caring and generosity of so many people. Looking forward to learning and sharing. The World is my University!

Look for the Silver Lining!

Life is not always black and white, right and wrong. Even with dark clouds, there are silver linings. Let us look for these beautiful rays of hope and joy, constantly seeking the positive in every situation.

ENJOY YOUR LIFE!

I would love to share my passions with kindred souls in a borderless world. Looking forward to getting to know you and thank you so much for dropping by. :) :) :)

Have a Blessed Day!