'It's a New Day'.....'Muffin Top' & All!

“It’s a new day” the song composed and sung by Will.iam for the inauguration of Obama the 44^th President of America. It struck a chord – A New Year, A New Day - everyday IS a new day and yet don’t most of us take our life for granted?

Incidentally it reminds me of an elderly aunt whom I spoke to recently. I wised her A Happy New Year & A Happy Birthday (her birthday falls on the 1^st of Jan too). She retorted that everyday is a New Year and everyday is Happy BIRTHday in all it’s sense! She continued to say what would A New Year, A Birthday or every single day be if one was ill or bedridden on these occasions! What a wise outlook – I appreciated her sharing as it came as an eye-opener.

My mind is racing with lots to talk about as there’s so much for me to thank God for…but health must top the list. For it’s only when we are healthy can we look forward to living life to the fullest. Don't you agree?

The good news is that my hubby and I have begun our morning walks after a year’s layoff! …..Yup! A year’s layoff! Well I must be honest and say that I was not discipline enough. I shall not blame, make excuses or justify! I’m enjoying the fresh air now and knowing that I am doing something positive about my overindulgence over the Christmas season. Opps! Did I tell you that I have developed a “Muffin Top” (literally)? He! He! View picture.

I was truly motivated by an article of a prominent figure, Datuk Anna Lim (twice crowned beauty queen) here in Malaysia. She has the passion to take good care of herself both physically and mentally. She believes that effort and love of oneself produces positive results. Besides being fit and fabulous it also boosts ones self confidence.

New Years Resolutions are made each year. Some may have achieved theirs while others may have forgotten what resolutions they made. There are some who don’t bother making any. If you are guilty (like me) just forgive yourself and move on! Make a CHANGE! Out with the negative and in with the positive!

Well I have decided to take the advice of the experts on achieving resolutions - will update you with the 10 steps recommended in my next post. In the meantime enjoy your life and have a lovely weekend with your loved ones and frineds. Happy Chinese New Year to all of you out there!

Cheers !!

Sherry

Muffin Top (or Muffin Top Girl) is a slang term for someone who wears both tight fitting low-rise jeans (or pants) and midriff-baring tops.

For people not sufficiently slim, the resulting spillage of flesh at the midriff is often said to resemble a muffin top.

Welcome to Muffin Huntin' dot com. The world's only museum dedicated to the Muffin Top, and the never-ending Muffin Hunting season.

Cos I'm Worth it!

Hello it's me again..I'm overjoyed today as I have finally pampered myself to a long over due facial! Well, i was offered a 50% off birthday gift from a Spa, Body, Mind & Soul outlet which I used to frequent during my working heydays, so I grabbed it!

History has it that during my previous luxury working days when I could afford to enjoy occasional facials plus yoga classes. Oh yes, did I mention to you that I had quit my very lucrative job just to be a stay at home mom to tutor my younger son who was starting Primary school in 2005? Well let me confess that it was all worth it!

Anyway back to my experience at the spa today - First of all the specialist (Jennice) cleaned my face to determine the condition of my skin. Then she said that I needed to have double face masks as I had too many white and black heads...guess what the first mask that was applied was of a pineapple fragrance while the second was of a mint fragrance. Hum...Yummy, it reminded me of the pineapple coconut and choc mint muffins that I made not too long ago!

So as a bonus i want to share with you one of my favourites; Choc Mint Muffin recipe. Hope you'll enjoy it and also have a glimpse of the heavenly peaceful Spa.

Enjoy!

Sherry

Choc Mint Muffin
225 g self-rising flour 115 g unsalted butter
4 tbsp coco powder 225 g icing sugar
1 tbsp baking powder 1 tsp mint essence
225 g caster sugar Green food colouring
225 g unsalted butter; softened 100 g choc chips
4 eggs
1 tbsp mint essence
100 gm choc chips (optional)

For Icing
115 g unsalted butter, softened
225g icing sugar
1 tsp mint essence
green edible colouring & 100 g chocolate chips

Sieve flour, baking powder and coco powder. Set a side. Beat sugar and butter in a bowl until creamy. Add eggs one at a time. Add flour mixture gradually. Stir in mint essence and choc chips.

Spoon mixture using an ice-cream scoop to get even sized muffins and then bake in greased muffin pans for 20 mins. Test for readiness -(when cake prick or toothpick comes out clean from the cooked muffin, then its done.

For icing: Beat the butter and icing sugar in a clean bowl until smooth and creamy. Add just enough green colouring and mint essence. Top it over the cooled muffins. Sprinkle some choco chips...there you have it! The most refreshing and sinful creation for tea or a birthday celebration!

Oh yes my boys lovingly (occational raised voices and all) made this for my birthday on the 10th of Jan! I was honestly touched and it made my day!

Take care