Passion fruit

You may have heard of passion fruit, but have not seen one yet? Or may have smell the fragrance of the fruit, but have not tried one yet? No worries, you can easily get hold of it from the local supermarket.

The Wikipedia stated that passion fruit is native to Paraguay, Brazil, and northen Argentina. My passion fruit is from Malaysia. I have not tasted passion fruit from other countries. Little did I know that I have to wait for it to be really ripe, as in slightly wrinkle, then it will taste sweeter, otherwise, is SOUR! I am not kidding! As mentioned, this is grown in Malaysia, maybe is because of the climate and soil, is that why it is slightly sour? I don't know... Well, till next time when I had a chance to try passion fruit from other countries.

One thing I like about passion fruit is the frangrance ... sweet smelling ~ Most importantly, passion fruit is an excellent source of vitamin A and C. My little girl loves it! She can finish one fruit by herself, scooping it with her small little spoon, and she refuses my help [maybe she is afraid I will steal her fruit?]

This is how my girl consume one of her favorite fruit - passion fruit :)  Yummy!

"Spa" for rainy weekend?

The past weekend was a wet and rainy, rainy but not cooling. The worst part about a rainy weekend is not about the laundry, but not knowing what to do with the 100% energetic toddler.

Don't let the rainy days spoil all the fun, especially on family day during the weekend. When rainy weather keeps you and your lovely toddler from heading outdoor, try this for an indoor fun. It does not require advanced planning or specialised equipment, just a bathtub :) but it requires 100% adult supervision.

Gracelle had a treat to the "spa" session before her bath time. She was excited when I told her about "play water", she will then reply "ta, ta, ta" (the sound of beating the water). Once the bathtub is filled with warm water, I can see her grinning from ear to ear as she slowly make her way into the bath tub. She had a great time trying to take a dip or swim within the limited space, splashing water, and the silly act of attempting to drink water from the bathtub (Ohh Ohh!). I will let the pictures do the talking.

Make sure the bath is not too hot, yet not too cold!

Why more married women are not having kids

Is was interesting to read this article on why more married women are not having kids. The topics surrounding child bearing, birth rate, parenthood tax rebates (PTR) to encourage residents to have more children has been going on for years. While I understand the concerns that career is a major consideration but it should not be a hindrance to family planning.

When one earns lesser, an average monthly pay of $2,350, the lack of financial is a key constraint of not wanting to start a family. When one earns more, an average monthly pay of $6,250, the unwillingness to sacrifice career prospects become the main concern. Did we just confuse ourselves, is it a chicken and egg dilemma? It sounds like the decision to have a baby is base on job rather than on biological clock?

How many "horror" stories have you read or heard about being dismissed, treated unfairly at workplace after being pregnant or after giving birth? Working while planning or raising a family is difficult. I was  the main cast for one of those "horror" story. Thank God, by His grace, I have overcome it with victory!

A career ends at your retirement age. A family is for life. Don't be deceived, no one is irreplaceable, especially at the workforce. Make a decision to start a family. The age and fertility goes hand in hand. The older you are, you  may have more financial earning power, but the less fertile you may be. The less fertile you may be, the higher possibilities to go for an Invitro Fertilisation (IVF), and in turn, more financial spending on IVF.

I made the choice to have kids :) How about you?