Time flies. Like always.

In just 14 more hours, 2013 is officially over. It feels like 2012 was only yesterday and the next, its already 2014. We somehow know time will always pass so quickly but often choose to believe we have all the time. This year was definitely better than last year because I did new things, met new people and gained valuable life lessons from daily life. I shall do a 2013 rewind to recap on what I've been doing:

1. CG had SYF and of course, we worked hard by practicing all day and the result - Distinction. Best moment ever to end my journey with this amazing CCA.

2. Days with Shi Lin, Zoyi, Natalie and Jennelle. We had the time of our lives.

3. Korean BBQ with Shi Lin was the funniest. We literally sat in the restaurant for 3 hours and ate non-stop to make the money we paid worth. 

4. Visiting river safrari for the first time with my family.

5. Work attachment during the June holiday made me have a good learning experience about working life.

6. Heritage adventures with Syafiqah.

7. Higher mother tongue nonsense in class.

8. Birthday surprise in class and Sentosa celebration with my peeps.

9. Baking and cooking took over my holiday schedules and ended up forgetting to revise my homework.

10. Explored Tiong Bahru estates. Lovin' that place.

11. A getaway to Korea. 

12. Amazing dinners during the weekends as my father bring us to eat good food.

13. Hanging out with Bryan and Mark. We always ended up at Raffles City for no reason.

Everyday was different. They were all filled with different surprises that left me either good or bad memories. I still appreciate both.

Lastly, I want to thank my family, friends and people around who helped and stayed by my side when I hit rock bottom. I know I will be facing the national examinations next year but we all need a breather time to time.So, my first and last resolution for 2014 is Happiness comes from within and I am choosing to be one. 

P.S. Addicted to drinking pumpkin soup.
P.S.S I cut my hair. Having it in short now.

Earl Grey Tea cakes recipes.... 

By the way, for my baking. I made Earl Grey Tea Cake. Tea is my favourite and incorporating it into cakes is just a perfect match. My mother accidentally deleted the photos of the process so I've got only the end product. Yeap.

Here's the recipe!

Ingredients: recipe adapted from the book of Okashi page 130

     150g Plain flour

     1/8tsp Baking powder

     150g Butter, softened

     130g Confectioner sugar (icing sugar)

     1/2 tbsp Glucose/golden syrup or honey

     3 Eggs (70g each)

     1/8 tsp Salt

     5g Earl grey tea dust from 2 tea bags

     15g Ground almond

     1 tbsp Fresh whole milk

     Lemon zest from 1 large lemon

     To make lemon syrup for brushing

     - 50g sugar + 100g very hot water, stir well and add 2 tbsp lemon juice in it, mix well, set aside.

     Methods:

• Preheat oven to 170C. Line a 19 x 9 x 8cm loaf tin with parchment paper all sides up.
• Sift flour and baking together twice, set aside.
• Beat butter, icing sugar and glucose together until light and very fluffy. Gradually add eggs and beat well, then add salt, tea dust, ground almonds, lemon zest and milk. Mix well.
• Add flour mixture and fold through completely using a spatula. Surface of batter should be glossy and smooth.
• Pour batter into prepared loaf tin and for 50 minutes or skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Note that the baking time may vary according to your oven.
• When the cake is done, unmould cake and peel away parchment paper. Place cake on a wire rack and brush with lemon syrup while cake is still warm.
• Leave to cool completely before serving. If storing, wrap with cling wrap

Recipe adapted from : Anncoo Journal

Hi.

Enjoy your last day of 2013! I think I will be watching some fireworks. 2014 will be a better year for all of us and cheers!