Pledge for a Malaysian Breastfeeding AD

Did you ever think about breastfeeding before you were married or had kids?

I didn't.

What was the idea you had in your head when it comes to feeding a baby?

Yeah milk and some water in the first few months I guess?

How did you react when you see a mother breastfeeding?

I have never seen one!

Did you ever wonder what you were fed with when you were a baby?

Nooo idea until I had my own, hahah!

How many of you have had these same thoughts and questions after you had a baby?
I sure do hope I'm not the only one.

Breastfeeding is something I learnt during pregnancy.
Yup, like most people I knew a baby drinks milk. It was only during pregnancy I started asking myself, what milk?
I thought yes okay formula, which to me was milk. I didn't even know that infant milk that comes in a tin is called formula, to me it was..,well milk.

My sister and my brother's wife both recommended me to check out a breastfeeding talk.

Wait, what? Breastfeeding? Breastfeeding talk?

Ouh ya totally forgot about breastfeeding. It is only the most natural thing to do, breastfeeding your baby!

My sister was going to give me a super long lecture if didn't sign up for the talk. Maybe she might just skip the lecturing and just drive me there and tie me to a seat during the breastfeeding talk.

So I went for it, together with my mum and husband.

Thank you sis for the push :)

I started thinking, the marketing of baby formula was so convincing that they have successfully implanted deep in our heads that feeding your baby formula is the norm, for years!!!

I have nothing against formula, I too wasn't a breastfed baby. I'd like to think I turned out fine, hahaha!!

BUT what I find disturbing is that the concept of breastfeeding has been pretty much wiped out of our heads. The fact that we think formula feeding is the way to go because that is what most of us know and breastfeeding isn't socially accepted especially when in public.

Shouldn't breastfeeding come first, and if for some reason it cannot be accomplished then it's formula milk?

I swear the world we live in is so weird. You are already given what you need but somehow we are programmed to think that what we have is not enough.

After going for the talk, I joined a breastfeeding group on Facebook called The Breastfeeding Advocates Network aka TBAN.
Having read through their files, questions and comments from everyone was a massive eye opener.

I too have realized the importance and benefits of nursing your baby.

Did you know that they're mothers who go on hormone therapy to breastfeed their adopted babies? 

Induced lactation.
I have never thought of such thing. Or even thought it's possible.

TBAN was created by Gina Yong, a breastfeeding advocate. She holds talks, runs a confinement center, a breastfeeding peer counselor, a daughter, a wife and a mother of 4! 

Along with her group of friends, the admins of TBAN, they have tirelessly been sharing information and organising events and/or talks to normalise breastfeeding since 2009. TBAN today has over 65000 members and are growing.

The admins of TBAN are all mothers with children and full time jobs, sacrificing their time to create an awareness on breastfeeding. 

This too means getting messages from distressed mothers at 4 am who are wondering why isn't my baby latching or help me I don't know what I'm doing etc.

Bless. I cannot imagine having that amount of responsibility.

When I found out that TBAN needed help, I felt it was simply the right thing to do to offer a hand, and so I approached them.

One of the main reasons why I started out my blog was to not only share my journey in motherhood but to write about breastfeeding.

As you may have noticed, I have not done so. This is shall be a good time to start.

I will start by seeking your help into the production of the very first Breastfeeding AD in Malaysia that the admins of TBAN  have been working on.

Yes yes.

You and I know its about time.

Thanks to the admins of TBAN, the idea is now made possible.

Any idea how much a TV Commercial would cost though? Even a magazine spread costs a bomb, imagine advertising on TV.

That's where we come in. The commercial will only be possible if we help.

A total sum of USD65000 needs to be reached to make this commercial possible. That is approximately MYR200000.

I know it looks like a big lump sum but it isn't that big when there are thousands of people involved in donating, crowdfunding!

All you got to do is maybe skip one thing that you were planning to spend on for a day and donate instead! 

Skip that LV bag?
Skip that one night of having dinner in a restaurant?
Skip that Starbucks drinks for four?

All you got to do is skip it one time.
Trust me you will make all the difference.

I'm no where near that LV status or even having dinner in a fine dining restaurant (Yes being a SAHM comes with a very tight budget, haha!) but I'm skipping a day out in the mall to donate.

Here's the link to send in your kind contributions TBAN Breastfeeding Video.

In addition to that, TBAN Gift Of Love will be organizing a Charity Bazaar in August 2015.

It's the world's Breastfeeding Month!!

Everyone is welcome to join in and support. A note to Mummypreneurs and businesses, come on over and open up a booth! Check out their page for more information and updates. They are having an early bird promotion till the end of June 2015. Drop them an email at tban.giftoflove@gmail.com. 

Here's a big hug to EVERYONE working together to reach a goal that brings back a little bit of what I believe is the natural way of life to the masses, breastfeeding.

Thank you Gina, Daphne, Felicia and Ashley for your constant efforts in normalizing breastfeeding.

Felicia, Ashley, Daphne and Gina (TBAN Admins & Breastfeeding Peer Counselors)
Photo take from: Indiegogo Gallery

Pledge and share.

Kisses of love from That Skinny Elephant.

Black Milk Project Raya Collection

Here's a confession.

I have been stalking a mother on Instagram.

A mother who happens to be a very talented illustrator and designer for Black Milk Project, her very own canvas.

Photo credit:Black Milk Project

I was thinking to myself, since I have this platform, why not showcase Black Milk Project to all my lovely readers! Everyone has got to see her work, yes yes!

(If you are wondering why do I keep saying yes yes a couple of times in my posts, it's simply because I've watched Lisa Nichols videos one too many times, haha!!) 

After a few weeks of figuring out what to say, writing, scrapping it off and then re-writting again, then saving it in my draft folder (you get the drift) I decided to go for it and sent her an email. I kept delaying because I was trying to maintain 'I'm really a big fan but I don't want to end up sounding like a stalker' tone in a professional manner.

She replied! Yes she did, tee hee. 

Ms Wei Tieng, the founder of Black Milk Project, is one upbeat mummy, as she puts it  "who loves all things whimsical and quirky". By looking at her designs, I totally agree!!

The sweetest wife and husband duo, Wei Tieng & Thomas

All hail BabyCruz!!
Photo credit:Black Milk Project

Her son, BabyCruz, fuels her artsy hands. How adorable is he? Babies are one of the most precious inspirations you'll ever get. I personally believe so. They make you as dreamy and imaginary as they are until you come to a point and say why not?

Why not I do what I love and be merry.

Wouldn't the world be a better place if everyone did what they love. I feel like I'm going to break into a song.

Stop.

I'm pretty tone deaf. It's not even funny.

Black Milk Project's mama does just that. She loves designing and BabyCruz drives her passion further. She has been doodling his pictures since he was born. Black Milk Project's Instagram has loads of BabyCruz's doodles, do check it out. She even has videos of her art in progress, it's only a few seconds but I love watching it coming to live.

That face!!! BabyCruz
Photo credit:Black Milk Project

There're plenty of companies designing customized rompers and tees out there, what is it about Black Milk Project that I love?

Besides the fact that I fully support mums who are trying to break from the office working cycle aka Mummypreneurs, Wei Tieng's designs are from the heart and some are even hand drawn.

Wei Tieng aims to have her designs fully hand drawn in the future. Currently Black Milk Project offers both printed and hand drawn pieces. You are free to brainstorm with her if you'd like your own design or choose one of her existing prints. 

Now let's talk Raya!!! 

I'm not a Malay, but I am a Malaysian.

A true Malaysian who loves celebrating wonderful festivals that we are blessed with from the ALL the different cultures in our very rojak land, hee.

With ketupats and pelikats in abundance, I'd like to introduce Black Milk Project Hari Raya Collection, featuring Encik Kuching!

Too cute. I swear.

MYR49.00
Photo credit:Black Milk Project

So unique. Her designs have so much character, even the little ketupat is a smiley weave!

MYR49.00
Photo credit:Black Milk Project

Bring on the green packets!!

MYR45.00
Photo credit:Black Milk Project

These Jawi printed tees are one of my favorites. Simplicity at its best.

MYR39.00
Photo credit:Black Milk Project

See what I mean about passion driven business?! All the effort in little details and personality on each design. 

Black Milk Project has a variety of customizable prints, from kids rompers & tees, adult tees, tote bags, head gear (a very cute knitted crown which you have to check it out!!) and the latest, plushies!

Get in touch with them at Black Milk Project and follow them on their Facebook & Instagram for the latest updates and cute doodles!

That's not all folks, Wei Tieng is extending a 10% discount code for all of my lovely readers on any purchase of Black Milk Project items!!

Just type in the discount code below upon check out in Black Milk Project. Offer is valid till the 30th of June 2015.

Enjoy browsing through their witty designs, and be sure to say Hi to Encik Kucing ;)

Thank you Black Milk Project for being a sport!

Salam Lebaran.

Kisses of ketupats from That Skinny Elephant.

*This is not a sponsored post. 

Photo Credit:Black Milk Project

That Purple Beauty - Beaba Babycook

I was eyeing on this beauty
.

Beaba Babycook Solo

My soulies know me too well (I call my bestfriends soulies because simply said, we are soulmates). They booked it on Petit Suite and surprised me during my Baby Shower. Bless.

My beautiful Soulies
Photo credit : Sabine

Not only did they organize my baby shower with help from Ms All Things Pretty Party Planner aka Ms Babyclopedia aka my super awesome brother's wife, Krystal, they got me the Beaba Babycook Solo. 

One of my soulie is missing here cause she was busy with her thesis in a different part of the world. (Flying kisses to Padfoot!)

They know my love for desserts, Heee.
Photo credit: Sabine

The Beaba Babycook allows me to give Bubs a healthy start with his meals because it is so convenient for me to make them!

During my pregnancy, I pretty much decided that I was going to pureè Bubs food once he was ready to eat. BLW (baby led weaning) has its advantages but like I mentioned in my previous blog on Solids, it's too traumatising for my sanity.

And Ooooooh boy you got to wait for the best part.

We can't deny the fact that these days we need things to get done at a certain speed.

For the working mamas (FTWMs), you want to spend more time interacting with Bubs whereas the homemakers mama's (SAHMs), you would like a little time out once in awhile (note to self-it's ok, stop feeling guilty).

Hence instead of me being in the kitchen for...ever, I just have to Beaba Babycook it!

Step 1

Chop chop.

Pears & Peas

Step 2

Add water in that little hole.

Step 3

Press steam button. Wait 15 minutes. 

The Beaba Babycook lets out a beeping sound to let you know its ready and the steam light flashes.

Keep your distance when opening the lid due to the steam coming out.

Step 4

Blend. Or mash it.

Homemade Brown Rice Cereal & Broccoli
Want to make your own cereal too? Here's the link - Homemade Brown Rice Cereal

Step 5

Give em' to Bubs!

Puree's are smooth

See it's so easy.

Now the washing dishes phase.

Before I continue, did you realise suddenly you have something to wash frequently ever since you had a baby? I swear sometimes I feel that my relationship with the sink and washing machine is much closer than with my man.

Hpmh.

Ok. Back to Beaba. Three things to wash. Thats it.

The blade, sieve and jug. Plus the cover if you blend.

Life just got simplified eh.

I must mention that the blade is removable. This means I'm able to wash it clean everytime after use. Some blenders has its blade fixed, and I can't really give it a thorough cleaning. Unless of course you get a really small brush to scrub, immerse in hot water, bla bla bla...yeah no. Enough time spent at the sink thank you very much.

You must be wondering what's the best part.

Well, it's the fact that you can operate Beaba Babycook with one hand!!

Once it's cooked, you can lift up the sieve using the spatula provided. I find that brilliant!

Our little ones are jolly one minute and the next they can be crying (think teething or growth spurts phases). Not a problem, you can still cook.

Real life saver this Beaba.

My sister is always ready with her manicured nails hence my star hand model there, tee hee.

I think it's important to have a separate blender and steamer for Bubs. This includes utensils when cooking for Bubs. By doing so, I'm minimising the risk of food contamination.

The Beaba Babycook Solo has a large capacity which allows you to prepare a big amount of pureè for freezing. Perfect for working mums like my sister.

In addition to that, this lil' beauty does not take up much counter space. I have a small kitchen thus the compact design is definitely a plus point. The plug-in is safely tucked in under the Beaba Babycook, so it looks neat and most importantly safe.

We are planning to travel next year, little did I know that the Beaba Babycook has a perfect bag. It's big enough to fit in the machine and baby food. It does come with a hefty price tag (Well not-so-hefty if you are a FTWM) but I couldn't resist.

Look at how it sits! Love!

Fits all three types of Beaba Babycook

There are a few Beaba Babycook designs, me and my sis has the solo and my sis in law has the original with size being the major difference. In my review, I'm showcasing two different colours, purple and grey, it does come in other colours too. 

My fellow mummypreneur on Petit Suite no longer orders the Beaba BabyCook, hence the revision of this post. Beaba Babycook however is now available at Happikiddo!!

Yes, that mummy store which is run by a mummy herself! I did a review for them recently and we are now collaborating to offer you a discount on any model of the Beaba Babycook from Happikiddo Stores.

Upon visiting their store, all you have to do is mention my blog " That Skinny Elephant" and provide the discount code above. This offer is valid from 2nd of June 2015 till 15th of June 2015.
It's only running for two weeks, so be sure to get it by then yes!

www.Happikiddo.com.my is under maintenance hence the code is only applicable for in-store purchases of the Beaba Babycook.

I hope you found this review somewhat helpful for you in someway.

To all Mamas & Papas starting their Bubs on solids, happy experimenting!!

Waiiiit!

I decided to run a contest called Guess 'That Purple Beauty' item/product I was going to review. I had so much fun reading through all your guesses and interacting with you. Thank you so much for your participation and support. I might just run contests regularly just cause it feels good making someones day.

It's was pretty hard choosing a winner, most of you got it right!

Here it is, introducing our first ever That Skinny Elephant lucky winner, Ms Angel Ng!!!

Hit me up with your contact details Angel, your mystery gift awaits! 

Thank you once again for joining in the contest. More to come in the future ;)
Kisses of mushy broccoli from That Skinny Elephant.

*This post on Beaba Babycook Solo is a personal review based on my experience with this awesome machine. It is not sponsored a post

Purple Frog Patches at Keiko's Store

Essential oils.

Say it in a whisper, immediate zen effect.
Whispering is kind of relaxing. Maybe thats why my man can't hear what I'm saying half the time. My brain is subconsciously telling me to relax. Apparently I speak softly, but I swear it sounds really loud in my head. Strange.

Anyhoos, yes I drifted of topic, again. We can't be whispering all day long now can we!?

Now let's say this again, Essential oils.

Whoa. Did you feel that? Hahah

I remember when I lived at my own place, I had these little bottles of magic.
A few drops in my candle burner and walla, the mood is set. One of the subtle natural things in life that helps you unwind.

I meet Keiko during HappiKiddo launch. She kindly offered to take a picture for me because I guess it was pretty obvious that I was struggling to take a 'wefie?' with Bubs while carrying him.
Thanks again for that Keiko :)

Keiko's Store

She gave me a few samples of one of the products she has in her online shop Keiko's Store. It was pure essential oil, in the form of patches by Purple Frog. What a brilliant idea!

Can you imagine if I knew about this while I was flying? With its Snooze Button series, I might have actually fallen asleep in the crew bunks during our long haul flights.

These patches contains 100% essential oils. It's about the size of the Malaysian  50 cents coin (I must say I really like the old 50 cent coin, less confusing cause it was pretty obvious it's bigger than the 20 cents!).

Purple Frog Patch Snooze Series

All you got to do squeeze the little patch and stick it anywhere!

But don't be a fool like me and look at it so close while pressing it. You might just get some essential oil in your eye!
Hence read the instructions no matter how excited you are. Yup.

Purple Frog, a brand from Canada, is an idea by two couples passionate about 'keeping it natural'. Sounds like my kinda thing.
The couples behind Purple Frog are advocates in clean living as well as aspiring entrepreneurs. They came up with the use of 100% plant oil patches after their dogs were attacked by a swarm of mosquitoes at a National Park. With the essential oil patch, there's no need to re-apply lotions or spray, plus it's chemical-free and effective.
I am all game supporting sustainable and chemical-free products, which you must already know that by now, hee!

I gave it a little test run in the neighborhood park. Undiluted essential oils gives of a pretty strong effect. Hence I decided to use only one patch which I stuck onto my shorts. The three of us (Bubs, husband and myself) came home bite free! I must say that is quite a risk I took especially knowing the fact that I am a mosquito magnet.
The patch had a pleasant smell to it too, obviously.
Bubs had double protection though, with a spray that we usually carry along with us, cause I am paranoid with dengue cases.

Purple Frog essential oil patches comes in 3 different series. Each set carries 12 patches which are made in Korea. Here's a brief breakdown on its All Natural Essential Oil types;

1. Purple Frog Snooze Button
Primarily Lavender Oil, concoction of orange peel oil, bergamot oil, chamomile oil and ylang ylang oil with sunflower oil base.

Purple Frog Snooze Button

2. Purple Frog Awakening
Primarily Peppermint oil, concoction of eucalyptus oil, rosemary oil, and lemon oil with sunflower oil base.

Purple Frog AirAwakening

3. Purple Frog Insect Shielder (DEET-free Repellent)
Primarily Lemongrass oil and Citronella oil, concoction of cedarwood oil, geranium oil, rosemary oil, peppermint oil, orange oil and lemon oil.

Purple Frog Insect Shielder

DEET free and safe for pets! 

Well I don't have a pet so I can't really confirm say BUT during our walk in the park the monkeys survived. Yes there were monkeys on the park. And no I am not a fan of that particular type of monkeys because they freak me out. 

My thoughts on these patches? 

It is handy to have it while travelling. Instead of lugging your diffuser around, this is much more convenient.

I would say these patches gives an instant aroma-therapeutic relief anywhere anytime. Be it in the office, yoga class, bedroom, parks, bathtub, tents and when you are on your way home in that train jam packed with various after work odours, heh. 

The Insect Shielder (Repellent) patches are safe to stick around kids too, I personally would place on strollers or their backpacks because concentrated essential oils might be too strong for toddlers little nose.

Purple Frog Patches are available for purchase in Keiko's Store, along with other unique baby products which I will be reviewing in the coming weeks. Definitely a space to watch out for yes!

Purple Frog are a member of 1% for the planet. That basically means, with every purchase you make on these patches, 1% from the Purple Frog's annual income goes to ongoing environmental projects and/or initiatives. For further reading about 1% for the planet or if you are interested in becoming a member, have a look at One Percent for the Planet.

To learn more about Keiko's Store and her products, be sure to follow her on Facebook for the latest updates.

www.facebook.com/KeikosStore

Along with other goodies Keiko's Store has, these patches are available for purchase online or at the following stores;

1. Happikiddo Stores

2. Camomile Spring in Bangsar Village II 

3. Baby Land in SS2

4. Chubby Chubby in Desa ParkCity

I hope you enjoyed reading my review as 

much as I enjoyed getting my aromatherapy on with some plant oils, hah!

Kisses of lavender scent from That Skinny Elephant.

Note
This post is not sponsored however samples were given for review.

Breakdown

Ola everyone

How did your May go?

Besides the fact that I had an episode of breaking down, It was generally alright.

How many mothers out there has had a moment of feeling broken down? Totally lost it? Gone cray cray? Please somebody say yes just so I don't feel alone (even if you have not, haha). Doesn't matter if you are a full time working mum or a stay at home mum, I believe we have our own set of challenges.

It's times like these I'm feel grateful again for having people around me that I can relate to and re assure ourselves that it's okay.

It's okay to cry.

But what about mother's who have no support system?

I hope you will find this post of mine someway somehow, just so you know, you are not alone.

Let me share a scenario and how random these crying outbursts.

Scene.
Cleaning up after Bubs meal times 7 days in a week 3 times a day. That is wiping the table, high chair and floor with a wet cloth, then dry cloth, sometimes with anti bacterial wipes which will then need to be wiped over again because you don't want Bubs touching the chemical laden surfaces. Wash up Bubs. Do the dishes for the 100th time.

That's is just one activity I'm sharing.

Just try and imagine doing that everyday, with no breaks, or time for yourself, not even a the type of shower where you can gently rub facial wash on to your face without rushing.

One fine Saturday, while having my lunch with my dear husband and little Bubs, I just cried.

For reasons that I can't really explain because it sounds dumb saying it or typing it. There is so much more going on around the world. I felt guilty for even crying.

I think I really need some sort of real me time without feeling like I am a bad mother leaving Bubs for a little while or that I am so ignorant about how there are people suffering globally, with real problems!

Please understand that I am in no way complaining. He is my sun, I'd anything and everything for him.

I just need a break once in awhile. Simple as that. An hour or two is perfectly fine.

Have I mentioned that I have not had a pedicure or a massage or a proper spa since I was pregnant? Yeap true story right there.

Being a woman who woke up in a different country every week, who used to be spontaneous in life and independent (primarily in terms of finance & transport), this was quite a change. 

There are days that I got to take it all in and persevere (like pretty much the whole month of May), but most of the time I try very best to make time for myself with the support of my man, my dear husband.

The man is pretty exhausted with work too, so a little compromise has to be made. We try.

For example we have sandwich nights or take-outs when I want to lay off the kitchen and hug a pillow instead.

On days when I get time for myself, I do little things to get my sanity back. Making most of the time when Bubs is asleep. 

So how can we work this out? Having time for ourselves or creating a space to let loose a little without being judged?

1. Connect with minds alike

It is really helpful to have people around who are going through the same as you are. Talk to them and share your stories.

2. Join a group in Facebook

There are various groups created by mothers for mothers e.g. stay at home mothers group, breastfeeding groups, full time working mothers group and so forth.

I am in quite a number of groups, haha! When I go through the rants by moms, I sometimes laugh and realise how much in common we have with each other. 

3. Catch the sunrise

This is a little bit of a challenge for me sometimes, especially when I am exhausted. Waking up early really sets the pace for me. I get to do all his meal preps for the day, soak up the sun with some stretches, have a cuppa with the husband and relax. 

4. Get out

Playdates, malls, parks, anything! Just head out, have a little change of the environment, get some fresh air and tire your kid out with activites so he/she takes longer naps, hahah!!!

5. Find your muse

What gets you going? What inspires you? What interests you? I mean you, the woman not the mother. Do that. 

6. Create a routine

This is another thing I struggle with. I do not like doing the same thing everyday at a set time. However  having a fixed time for meals, naps, shower does help organize your day tremendously.

7. Meal planning

What to cook today? Sounds familiar? I ask myself that question all the time. Meal planning gets the work done fast cause you cam always do your preps earlier and you save time cracking your head on what to cook next thus having more time for yourself.

If somehow you are unable to do any of the above, retrieve your laundry basket and hide. Hopefully Bubs will be too occupied to notice.

Lastly, stop being so hard on yourself. (I like I how I'm writing this as a reminder to myself, haha!). Let those feelings out, promise yourself you will spend an hour a day just for you. Replenish that beautiful soul.

Kisses of space from That Skinny Elephant.

Homemade Basic Bread

So here I have a breadmachine, who I named Elephanette today.

Maybe she should be a Mammoth instead.

This bulky machine, takes up my counter space, in the most awesome way.

Elephanette bakes bread. 

Woah. Happiness right there.

Take up all the counter space you need girl! 

Honestly, the size is a little inconvenient for our humble kitchen. BUT, still happy, cause Mama has the chance of having homemade bread. 

It did take me 3 months to get a proper loaf of bread. I kept getting hard, rubbery densed bread because I wanted a wholemeal option. One attempt was alright when I added unbleached flour and wholemeal flour together, but still wasn't good.

My dear sis-in-law (brother's wife aka Babyclopedia aka Fashion Goddess) then gave me a little tip, use milk instead of water. I loved the sound of milk in bread, my oh my, how rich it would be, YUM.

At the same time a recipe from Joycescapade popped up on my news feed, Light Buttermilk Bread. I got super excited as I did have some buttermilk left in my fridge, only to find out later that it had expired before its due date. Bummer.

So I studied Joyce's recipe a little and made a few changes, using what I have. It was another risk fooling around with the quantity of fresh milk I had because buttermilk is much thicker. 

Well, I fooled it right this time. Just look at this beauty.

It is not soft as store bought bread, but its soft enough for me. Plus the husband (who loves soft breads) and Bubs approves! 

I used a couple of organic ingredients like organic unbleached flour and wholemeal flour, however it is not necessary. Only reason I went for organic is so that Bubs can have some too, he loves bread!

Recipe adapted from Joycescapade.

I have arrange the ingredients in sequence for my Tesco Breadmaker.

1 1/4 Cups of Fresh Milk (room temperature)
2 tbsps of Honey

4 tbsps of Butter (room temperature)
1 Egg (lightly beaten. Any eggs would do as long as its size is grade A or B)
1/2 tsp of Salt
1 3/4 Cups of Unbleached Bread Flour
1 1/4 Cups of Organic Wholemeal Flour
1 1/8 Tsps of Instant Yeast 

Bread Machine Settings
Basic, Light Crust, 2lb (900gm).

Tips
It terms of liquid used, in this case fresh milk, it should not be too cold or hot as it may disrupt the growth of yeast. I usually zap it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds to get it to room temperature. 

For Yeast placement, make an impression with your knuckle on top of the flour. Pour in yeast granules in the impression.

Don't be afraid to open the breadmaker lid (I was, haha!) during its kneading process to check on the consistency of the dough. It should be slightly sticky when touched.

Plus it is a good time to scrape off flour stuck on the sides into the dough, using a rubber spatula.

After the bread is done, let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. Don't leave it in the breadmaker for too long, condensation will take place.

Bread stays fresh and soft for about 2-3 days. Pop it in the freezer if you like to keep it for a week or two. 

Doesn't the thought of a preservative free bread make you want to jump for joy at the most random moments as you go about your day? Yes yes!

Go on and give a try, let me know how it turns out!

Kisses of homemade bread from Elephanette and That Skinny Elephant.

All about Fish - Part 1

Ahoy!

So cliché. Just because I'm talking about fish today, I go all nautical with my lingo.

Embracing the sea vibes you see, hah!

This was a picture I took years ago in Perth. I can still remember strolling by the lake.

Bubs was introduced to fish when he was about 10 months old. After a little research, I found out that fish is safe for babies to consume at 9-10 months of age, but a number of studies now say it's good to introduce at 6-7 months. I personally felt like it was too soon for Bubs at 6-7 months. I'm no nutritionist but I do take 'some' advice from Bubs pediatrician, however, I follow my instincts and Bubs cue. 

I was curious too see how he would react to the taste of fish, so I kept his meal simple. Plain oats with a little bit of broccoli and blanched fish. It was too fishy for me but Bubs went for it!
Today, approaching his 14th month, the boy loves his fish. It was even one of his first words (I say one of his first words because I can't remember which came first, either fish, car, or bubbles, haha!). Side note, I'd like to add that a few days ago he said 'eyes' (23rd April) and 'dog' ( 24th April)!!! Tee hee, stoked Mama is writing this for her own reference. 

Fish was the first type of meat Bubs ate. I'm not sure what I would classify fish as because its flesh from an animal but we usually refer meat to beef, pork, chicken or some sort of mammal flesh. Anyhow, I won't go much into categorizing cause I'm sure this post will drift to a whole different direction. 

Why fish? 

For the simple reason that it is a complete protein source (contains all 9 amino acids that our bodies need but can't produce) high in good fatty acids - Omega 3, and Vitamin D. These nutrients are crucial for a developing brain and nervous system. It is advisable even for us mothers to take fish oil during pregnancy and while lactating.

Such an amazing gift from mother nature yes? We humans just had to pollute the waters resulting mercury in them. Yes mercury exist naturally, for example from volcanic eruptions and forest fires, but we make it worse by emitting mercury from industrial wastes, power plants emissions, you get the idea. Fishes with high mercury are so toxic, it has the ability to impair brain development. Therefore I feel it is wise to be aware of the types of fish our little ones can consume. 

Definitely gave me a headache this one, first I worry about mercury levels, then I worry about the use of formalin (liquid form of formaldehyde) on fishes to keep them fresh in wet markets and the unsettling games your brain plays in your head on the freshness of frozen fish. 

What, when, where. Howwww??!

We can educate ourselves on the types of fish that are high or low in mercury. Various sources are available online. For example, these fishes are a big no no to Bubs due to high level of mercury;

1. King Mackerel        

2. Shark (Ikan Yu, honestly even I don't eat them, especially shark fin soup)

3. Tuna

4. Swordfish

5. Barramundi
In general, most large or predatory fishes are high in mercury. It makes sense to me, because the longer the fish stays in the water, the more mercury in absorbs. Plus fishes that eat smaller fishes accumulates more mercury.

Whereas, these are types of fish with low mercury levels that Bubs has consumed;

1. Threadfin (Ikan Kurau)

2. Fourfinger Threadfin (Ikan Senangin)

3. Salmon

4. Cod 

5. Pomfret (Ikan Bawal)

Fourfinger Threadfin (Senangin)

*Photo credit: www.ofish.com.my

Pomfret (Bawal)

*Photo credit: www.ofish.com.my

Other examples of low mercury fishes that Bubs have not tried are as follows;
1. Indian Mackerel (Mabong)
2. Tilapia
3. Terubok (that is the Malay name)
4. Anchovies

Indian Mackerel (Mabong)
*Photo credit: www.ofish.com.my

I used to think that buying fish from the wet market is the best, until I googled fish preservation. I discovered, a little too late, that most wet markets use formalin to maintain the freshness of the fish. Apparently to tell if it contains formalin, the fish will smell and break apart during frying. These chemicals should be banned, its carcinogenic even. Sigh. I'm hoping that all of us will have that trusted fishmonger or...let's just all move to an island.

Ever since I started cooking at home, visits to the local market every week was a norm. Though I'm not very good at spotting fresh produce yet, I am learning, heh. If you are a newbie in the wet market like me, here are some tips on selecting fresh fish;
1. Bright, bulging eyes
2. Red gills, (Not brick red. If it's too slimy, could be a sign of excessive formalin)
3. Firm and elastic flesh
4. Scales should be close to each other (Not dried out or ruffled)
5. I know fish smells BUT it shouldn't stink. It should only smell like seawater, seaweed, anything sea-like.
With regards to frozen fish, look out for ice crystals in the packaging. This indicates moisture loss, not a good thing as its probably a result of thawing and refreezing.

I'd love to share with you on cleaning a fish, but I don't know how to, haha! My dear fishmonger does it for me, I even ask them to fillet it for Bubs. 

That shall be my next project to share with you, with my chopping board and loadsa lemon juice after.

I hope my post will be of some help for many of us newbies in the kitchen, whether or not you are a mum. 

You are always welcome to share your thoughts and views, I'd appreciate it actually. We all learn something new everyday.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

Kisses of cool sea breeze from That Skinny Elephant.

*www.ofish.com.my is an online fish market. They delivery fresh fish to those living in Penang, Malaysia.