3...2...1... Do, Re, Mi

Exactly three more days to 'the day'. As some of you may already know, I took up piano again after twenty years to be a living example to my two kids that no matter what age you are, you can still learn new things, albeit a little slower. :)

In three days, I will be having my Grade 5 practical exams.

Yes, 'the day'.

Grade 5 is the crucial stage for me. Twenty years ago, I had failed this grade twice. It was so discouraging, I quit. Yes, I do think I am courageous to take it on again. Especially at my age. I won't deny it. I am worried, to the core. With so many things happening to me this year (arrival of Ron Ron, etc), it has been challenging to find the time to practise.

But I've made the best of the situation. I've practised and practised till little Becky knows how to say 'I want to practise piano!', because I say that to her all the time. The clock is ticking. I think I'm ready. Bring it on!

Gawd... please let me pass! :D

Sausages and berries mini kebabs

Little Becky loves sausages. Whenever she's given a sausage bun, she would eat the sausage inside, and give me the bun. No more! I buy cocktail sausages from the supermarket deli instead, and only once in a while, as it's the kind of processed food that I don't want Becky to eat too much of. So today, it was one of those 'once in a while' occasions, and to up the health factor, I decided to pair the cocktail sausages with some fruits.

It was super easy to make. Just cut the sausages into half and boil them till they are cooked. Half the strawberries, then put them all together like mini kebabs.

Hmmm.. yummy. Becky thought so too, and she wolfed them down in just minutes.

The case of the dropping hair

Yikes! Strands of hair fall again as I comb through my wet, freshly washed mane. Read: MANY strands of hair.

One of woman's greatest fear: the gradual loss of her crowning glory. The other fear? Revealing her age. Ask her anything related to it and risk incurring her wrath. So tread at your own risk. But I digress.

So yes, my dropping hair. No, it's not because of age. I have not reached that stage yet. Yup, I'm one of the unique few who can be quite one about my age, when I feel like it (Another of a woman's privilege: a bearer of deep emotions). In this instance, I will only revel this much. Tread any further and a roaring mummy will emerge. ROAR....

Back to the case. Dropping hair I see? Mostly when I comb after washing my hair, or in the morning after waking up I see? Other times, it just drops randomly, strand by strand, bit by bit? Interesting...

It is a case solved long ago, from the day I started breastfeeding Ron Ron. It happened with Becky, it's happening again. Sigh... oh... my hair, my beautiful hair!

Every day, I sigh with resigned acceptance as I see the hair in the dustbin and all over the floor. Even Becky says 'So many mummy's hair on the floor!' (Me: Darling, it's 'so much', not 'so many'. Becky: 1 hair, 2 hair.....)

But I take comfort in the fact that I am providing Ron Ron with the best nutrition I can give. I persisted with Becky for more than a year, and I'm determined to do that for Ron Ron. No matter how tiring or time consuming it is. No matter how many strands of hair I lose. I will just chop my tresses if I have to.

Ok, I spy more hair on the floor. Excuse me while I go sweep them up.

Breakfast for Champions: 'Cups' & Rainbows for a happy morning munch

Until recently, Becky has been quite contented with her daily morning milk. Lately, she's been asking for a variety of breakfast. So I've been discovering some easy to prepare, yet healthy breakfasts to fulfill her increasing palatable tastebuds, such as Ham & Egg Cups and Rainbow Yoghurt.

Ham & Egg Cups

This is really simple and quick to whip up, and it makes use of a muffin tray in a different way, other than for making muffins or cupcakes. This recipe makes six cups.

What you'll need:

• 6 ham slices (any kind will do. I used honey baked ham)
• 4 eggs, beaten
• Mushrooms, to your liking, diced into small cubes
• Cheese, to your liking

What to do:

• Spray your muffin tray with non-stick spray and preheat the oven to 200 degree Celcius.
• Place one slice of ham in a muffin cup and press down so it creates a 'cup'.
• Add mushrooms and cheese to the beaten eggs.
• Add the egg mixture into your ham cup.
• Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
• If you like, sprinkle some cheese on top after 10 minutes of baking.
• Alternatively, you can crack an egg into your egg cup, without beating it.

Rainbow Yoghurt

Pair it with some yoghurt and fresh fruits! This is a healthy and colourful concoction that is not only delightful to the eyes, but yummy too. Any type of fruits can be used. You can even pre-cut fruits and freeze them, so that you can quickly make it any time of the day, not just for breakfast.

What you'll need:

• Yoghurt (you can use frozen too)
• Strawberries, diced
• Blueberries, halved
• Oranged, cubed
• Apples, cubed
• Cranberries or raisins, cut into tiny bits

What to do:

• In a tall glass, layer the ingredients starting with yoghurt at the bottom.
• Use yoghurt for the final layer.
• Garnish with cranberries and raisins.
• You can layer the fruits in any order - let your creativity fly!

A healthy breakfast for my champion Becky. What's yours?

This is part of a Breakfast for Champions blog hop hosted by Adora of GingerbreadMom. Click the badge above to find out what other yummy delights you can make for your family.