I haven't had much time to cook lately, thus the lack of updates on the food front. My grandmother, lola as we called her, sadly passed away this month and I had to go to California to be with the family.

Simple dishes like this opo squash reminds me of her. She was and is a great influence in the way I cook, eat, and my attitude towards food in general. When we were growing up, she always cooked this type of squash sauteed with a bit of pork or shrimps. Sometimes she made it saucy sometimes she made it dry or with noodles. I do all those methods too but when I'm in a rush and just need to get a vegetable on the table fast, this is my latest method of choice: (click on the link for the recipe)
Opo Squash in Tomato Sauce




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My girls could use chopsticks by they time they were old enough to feed themselves which was around 6 or 7 years old. Oh, I know it's nothing to brag about kids all over China are using chopsticks at a much younger age. But considering my kids only used chopsticks when we go to Chinese or Japanese restaurants, I think that was pretty good! That or we were going out to eat way too much. lol!

The girls actually became fascinated with using chopsticks after a kindly waiter made one for them that they can actually use. He made it by slipping a folded piece of paper between the two pieces of wood and creating a spring by tying it all down with a rubber band.

Now, they have these cute chopsticks for kids in varying designs and colors. My girls would have loved these when they were still learning how to use chopsticks.



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Happy New Year! How did you ring in the New Year? When I was young, it was always an event to wait for midnight and counting the gongs on the grandfather clock. We don't have a grandfather clock anymore so sadly, that tradition is foreign to my girls who only know of clocks as the silent, unobtrusive objects on the wall good only for telling time.

We didn't have one of the full sized grandfather clocks, my parents had one of those that sat on the mantel. It still had to be wound in order for it to keep ticking and it did gong every hour on the dot, one for every hour of the day. Midnight and noon were special because we had to wait for all 12 beats, counting along with it.

Those were special times and I wish I could repeat it for my children too. I have been wanting one for our den but I was thinking we should get a more contemporary style to go with our decor. Luckily, contemporary style grandfather clocks are available now. You don't have to go with the ornate antique ones unless you're lucky enough to have inherited one. Now there are grandfather clocks with more sleek and modern designs that will go with your decor.

Check out the more contemporary makes of grandfather clocks at 1-800-4clocks.com and see if there is a design that will suit your home. I'm sure you'll find something. They carry brand names such as Howard Miller clocks, Ridgeway clocks, Kieninger clocks and Hermle clocks. If you don't have room for a full sized granfather clock, they also carry mantel clocks, wall clocks and atomic clocks.

My daughter, The Clone, has been out of school all week because she had the flu and a nasty cough. She's missed a whole week of school but luckily, her teacher loves her and told her not to worry about the missed work. She's an excellent student :)

I'm crossing my fingers (and washing them) that I won't get whatever it is that's going around. I can't afford to be laid up for a week. Here's some sage advice on how to avoid colds...

Doctor advises how to avoid colds

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (UPI) -- It's cold and flu season again in the United States, but people can take steps to try to prevent misery, a medical expert says.

Dr. Esther Yoon of the University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor, Mich., suggests parents cab help prevent colds by washing hands frequently, using liquid hand sanitizers, teaching children to cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze and making sure children are well hydrated, have good nutrition and are getting enough sleep.

"Other good tips include disinfecting the home, kitchen countertops, door knobs and toys," Yoon says in a statement. "Children should get plenty of vitamin C and E to help fight germs and a multivitamin is also helpful."

Cold symptoms caused by a virus typically last between four and five days. But if they continue for more than five days, Yoon recommends taking the child to a doctor. A child having difficulty breathing or is wheezing should be seen right away. Infants younger than 3 months old with a fever should also be seen right away.

Copyright 2009 by United Press International

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I was talking to my sister over the holidays and she was lamenting how hard a time she had looking for 'cute' kids' clothes for her girls (they are 5 and 6). Most of the clothes at the department stores, she said, were miniatures of teenage clothes. Too sexy and inappropriate for little girls.

That's why I was glad to see a shop like the Retro Baby. They sell infant and toddler clothing that are just way too cute for words. When my girls were that age, they lived in onesies and baby rompers but the plain kind. The ones at Retro Baby are chic, hip and just adorable!

I wish my girls had some of those tie died and printed tees. They can be cool like rock 'n rollers or adorable like a smurfette. Whatever the style you want to go for they have them at Retro Baby. And the great thing is, they aren't miniaturized version of adult clothes, they are made appropriate for their age, cute. They even have a Confusius baby section if you're into thinking zen about baby poo and goo. lol!

Do you have a young person in mind? You've got to check these cool clothing for kids. I'm sure you'll find something just perfect for your cutie.