ASHton + ETHan + kayLEE = ashethlee | the drivers of my life

I decided a few months back, to get a regular full time position. It was time to relook at my portfolio, I felt I would start falling back in times and demand if there was any further delay. I used LinkedIn for my job hunt, and the more I browsed through, the worse I felt. I could sense the need to improve myself in today's context, especially for people from my 'era' of graduating before social media became the buzz. What I do have is the hands-on experience, perhaps a bit of different departments, not a niche expert though. The problem about looking at LinkedIn I felt, was that only the big brands stood out, and as such, the number of applicants per job was ridiculous. It was just too easy to click "Apply Now" in today's digital platform. Naturally, many of such applicants would have just clicked without reading much about the job description. I began to wonder what a tough time HR would have had going through those hundreds of applicants per position.

Today, I disappointed myself in something, and walloped in self-pity, felt very down. I came home in the evening, plonked myself in bed and went straight to nap abit. Kids probably knew something was amiss and this was not my usual self. Well, Ashton stepped up and ordered me to shower, like I always do to him. But I dozed back to sleep. I got up after a while, and it was their bedtime. I told them I was upset and I asked if they would put themselves to bed just for one night, so I could go wash up and rest. Ashton told me, "Don't worry mummy, just go and rest. I will settle my brother and sister." Such a grown-up. I took my daily hugs and kisses early tonight, and out they went from my room. Kaylee obeyed my instructions and got changed, brushed her teeth without any delay. In fact, she fell fast asleep! I later peeked and saw Ashton and Ethan scribbling little post-it notes, they were speaking in hushed tones and told me to stay in the room. Thereafter, they i

Had an intense craving for kong bak bao, and since I have lotsa Chinese spices, I decided to create one for dinner. Here's what went in: 400-500g fresh pork belly, sliced to thick strips 3 shallots, sliced thin 6 cloves of garlic, crushed 1-inch of old ginger 4 tbsp black soy sauce 1tsp salt 2 tsp brown sugar 1-2 packs Leaf buns / mantou (purchase from a supermarket) Spices:- 1 stick of cinnamon 2 star anise 5 cloves 1tbsp 5-spice powder 0.5tbsp cumin powder  1. Heat about 2tbsp oil in pot. 2. Stir fry the shallots for a while, then add in the crushed garlic cloves. 3. Add in the strips of pork belly. Fry till slightly browned. 4. Add in the salt, sugar, spices, ginger and soy sauce. Add in 500ml of boiling water. 5. Let it boil up, then cover and simmer for about 1 hour. Just before the braised pork is ready, prepare the buns for steaming (about 10min). 6. Steam the buns on a plate for 10min.  ENJOY! I made a mistake of purchasing just one pack of ma

My usual weekdays are packed non-stop juggling 3 kids and all their different activities and timings, homework, on top of social media (work & leisure), work stuff, and also managing the home and meals! No mean feat, I get so tired sometimes. Like today, I had to scoot off at 2.45pm to pick Ash up from his CCA, and I was having a tough time keeping from falling asleep at the wheel. And then, the drive back home. Alas, I got back and got the kids organised and sorted. I started to make my shortcrust pastry. Here's what went in the Shortcrust Pastry : 100g softened unsalted butter 200g plain flour 2 egg yolks 1tsp white sugar pinch of salt remaining egg white for coating 1. Cream the butter with sugar and salt just by using a spatula. 2. Add the flour and yolks and combine well. Knead a bit with hands. (I really like it that I didn't need to use and wash my kitchen mixer, lazy!) 3. Cling wrap it and chill for at least 30-60min, best overnight. Then I realis

Yearly, CHS does a huge English week, where a book theme is selected, and we parents gotta start cracking our heads on making costumes out of recycled materials for a presentation or mini-parade. Usually, the P1 and P2 levels are more hands-on about it (as usual yea... still play-years). So for this year 2017, Ethan (P1) was given the theme "The Enormous Crocodile" by Roald Dahl. He had to make a mask! Daddy helped to join carton boxes up for the shape, and then I did the securing, and arranged the kids to do the painting. Ethan decided to add in some blood and gore (the bloodied teeth and arm) since this crocodile likes to eat children. Here's what the trio all chipped in to help with: we didn't have green, so we mixed blue and yellow! adding in the 'blood' Here's pics from his class today: It was 100% participation in Ethan's class! Can you spot him? And the best part... he won a medal!!!  For Ashton (P3 this

Somewhere in 2016, I had some fun being part of a kids' variety show challenge from China's CCTV channel. Well, of course what I had to say was kinda directed... so was me conversing in Mandarin, and the host calling me a 模特儿 (model), so don't laugh! Filming is indeed tiring... all the NGs (retakes) and waiting around for each film segment, etc. The director and the cameraman have to be on alert mode and action all day too, definitely more tiring for them. It's no mean feat. Catch me at about 28.2min time stamp. Pororo Park is at about 2.43min time stamp. Alive Museum  is at about 25.5min time stamp. Thanks to Director Yin Lu for including me in this!