It’s been 19 days since my last post—I’m so sorry to have left you all news-less for over 2 weeks! Let me tell you about some shop updates with regards to Christmas gifts, and also about what’s been going on in the household with regards to new family members and what a typical day for me is like.
Okay firstly, I’ve been taking a few orders for Christmas gift sets, whether custom made or as listed here. Making gift baskets is so much fun, I don’t tire of putting them together and making each one unique! I’ll find the time to upload some photos of baskets that I have done. 
(Also, big thank-yous to my customers who have been stocking up on their soap as part of their own routine purchases, you really help keep Kinder Soaps afloat! And I’m really glad to know that your skin conditions have improved as well.)
In other news, our newest family member would like to say hello. Meet Kacang, our beautiful, spirited Siamese Fighting Fish, otherwise known as betta splendens. He darts around his little tank perched on the shelf above my workstation so we keep each other company. He tells me when he’s hungry by swimming left and right repeatedly at the bottom of his tank, and swimming to the surface when I show him his jar of fish food. Smart little chappy.
I’ve been spending LOTS of time in the kitchen. Unfortunately not making soap, but churning out meals for the family as often as I can. Managing the household has been a challenge for my husband and me, but I reckon we’re getting into a comfortable routine these days. With the two kids there is no shortage of cleaning to do. Thankfully, Brandon is more than happy to help with some easier chores like loading up the washing machine and dryer so it keeps him happy, while Andrea is quite contented to empty my lingerie drawers and place her stickers all over the sofa. Stepping back and assessing my daily activities, it really looks like 24 hours of cooking and eating, interspersed with chasing after the kids, cleaning them and whatever else, and sleep.
On the even brighter side of it, I’ve been making stuff like vichyssoise, pumpkin soup, bak kut teh, pasta baskes, oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies… Here’s the spinach and cheese tart on a shortcrust pastry base that’s going on the table tonight for dinner. Cooking is a big effort for me, but the results are always worth it. Plus I know there aren’t any funny ingredients going into what my family eats.
And finally, here’s a shot of Andrea at play, just for fun.
Oooh! The spinach tart look delicious. I have to say making and baking cakes etc at home is very satisfying. I wonder why I never enjoyed it when I was younger.
omg!! that tart looks absolutely yummy!! i’m crap at cooking… the only thing i use my oven for is baking … baking clay!! LOLZ!! what a cute little family you have
i dunno how you do it! you must be superwoman or you must know some magic spell that i dunno about! hope you’ll get a replacement maid soon … you’ll need one as you get closer to delivery 