Screams YUMMY!

You know of how that first glance of a food when looking through a menu makes you go watery in the mouth? And instantly having you saying "I'm so having this!" without even reading what makes the food? Its a funny reaction don't you think, of how such photos can give a great impact especially for something you probably have not tried, ever... or maybe, you were really just plain hungry...

So, here's some "tricks" that make some food look so appetizing and screams yummy! You can even use these tips and try it at home... or simply when eating out!

The Art of Plating Food

http://youtu.be/Gy8-SKIm4Fs

How to take stunning food pictures

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IHf6UwQC4s

Always remember the Rule of Three!

Cream Puffs Madness!

Hello everyone! This is my first attempt in baking cream puffs and I hope to receive your valuable comments  as to how I can do it better. I believe there are still room for improvements, especially on my éclairs (which I failed, on both tries sadly!)

Anyway, here’s the recipe I used for the choux pastry. It makes about 15 mini cream puffs!

40g plain flour

¼ level tsp salt

70ml water

1 level tsp sugar

25g butter

1 egg

Before I begin, I went to youtube to view videos on how to go about making the choux pastry. By the looks of it, the preparation looked very simple. Not until I started on my own… This was the outcome of my paste and the puffs on my first trial! Such failure L

As you can see, my batter was not thick like how it should be. Reason being, when I was beating egg into the mixture, the paste turned out to be sticky and elastic. I thought that should not the case, hence I added another egg to the paste.

Upon baking, I did not watch the baking temperature carefully hence the oven became too hot. The pastries rose, however, the exterior was already baked within the first 15 minutes. Choux pastries require baking time of about 30 minutes. Hence, the interior was still mildly "wet" and not fully baked, and the pastries started to flatten when it was left to cool.

I called up my group mate, Azyan and she came to the rescue. She told me that one egg should be sufficient as the paste is meant to be sticky and elastic. This time, I followed the recipe diligently and took note of the baking temperature and time. And, these are the outcomes of my batter and choux pastries…

Yes, my éclairs were burnt despite them being under my watch! Hmph! But I think my oven has the tendency to heat up too quickly? Or was the paste too little for éclairs? I need to give the éclairs another try next time. But nonetheless, my puffs turned out the way it should be! It rose and did not deflate, not too soft and with a hollow interior J

On to the confectioner’s custard next! The recipe…

25g butter

25g flour

125ml milk

25g sugar

1 egg yolk

¼ tsp vanilla essence

And here’s the outcome! I’m still unsure if the texture of the custard should be like the one I made. It was a tad lumpy; probably because I did not mix in the flour properly. Otherwise, my brother commented that it was not too sweet and tastes good!

Here’s the final product- my mini cream puffs. I still need to master my execution and of cause, this is to better facilitate my micro teaching later. Keep the comments coming in… Will really appreciate it J

Reflection on Lesson Plan

I have never encountered a lesson plan in my life, until I entered NIE. Critiquing a lesson plan seems to be an easy task, where most of the time, we pick out more mistakes than the good job done. However, this should not be the case as it is not a platform for us to pick on another person's mistakes only, but, to actually learn from them both- good and bad pointers.

1) Critiquing lesson plans allow me to set the kind of expectations I hope to achieve when writing one. I do not think I will ace on my first try, but I will definitely keep trying till I get better and be familiarize with it. Constant practices, exposures to lesson plans and also feedback from lecturers/supervisors will help me to write better.

2) When we spot mistakes in others' works, we should think of ways to correct the mistakes instead. Questions like, "Why was it put at such? What was the writer trying to imply? How can I make it better?" should be drilled in our minds. This is another way we can learn and do better as well.

3) Before writing my lesson plan, I need to be focus and construct my thoughts and ideas in a proper manner. This is to ensure the lesson is delivered smoothly, is well-organized and that the students will remember the important objectives of the lesson.

As a teacher, it is one thing to have good knowledge but a setback if our students fail to learn from us.  

E-learning assignment by Nurul

Consumer Review of indiesin.com

Image 1: indiesin.com - Homepage

Image 2: indiesin.com - Main Selling Page

indiesin.com is a local online store that offers a wide range of fashion apparel and accessories to cater to the needs of both male and female teenagers and working adults. Indiesin promises "high fashion, at a zero cost", (1) where its goods are the most affordable you can get amongst other local stores. And what is fashion without accessories? The online store also features accessories from bangles to belts, bracelets, earrings and necklaces to mix-and-match with your desired look. While you’re at it, why not complete your look with the selection of bags and shoes.


As items are personally sourced out from overseas, indiesin has the liberty to pick and choose items of quality. This ensures consumers that they will be purchasing and receiving goods for the amount they paid for. Consumers need not worry about stained or rejected goods despite purchasing online. Any defects upon receiving your item, indiesin without any questions asked, will replace the defected item or refund your money if items goes out of stock, within 3 days from the receipt of the item. 

Image 3: Carting System

Shopping at indiesin is made easy with the carting system provided. Consumers can first browse all the items available in store and add items which they like but have yet to decide to purchase, into "Shopping Bag". Once they have finalized their purchases, they can "Check out" their orders for payment. Shipping method available for orders are via singpost, that is, normal or registered mails and payment methods that are accepted are internet or bank transfers and paypal. For added security with such payment methods, indiesin.com has also been issued a GeoTrust QuickSSL which gives consumers a piece of mind(2) when sending in their card details for payment.


To thank their loyal customers for their support, indiesin offers future incentives by launching the "Indiesin Diamond Points" Program. For every SGD$1 spent at indiesin, customers will earn 1 point. Points that have been accumulated can be used to pay for future purchases. 

Image 4: Facebook and Twitter Fan Page

Indiesin remains connected to their new and loyal customers through their facebook and twitter page. To be constantly in touch with updates, backorders or new launches of the month, or to simply say hi, add them up to your personal account. They are genuinely nice, they won't bite!


With this, my overall experiences with indiesin have been very pleasant and I have been a satisfied consumer of their online store. Not only are they affordable with designs that are up-to-date, shopping is made so convenient- just a click away.

How indiesin.com can be used for teaching C&T lessons

Image 5: Reading Tags

The downside of online purchases is that, the consumer is unable to feel the material and try the item on to see if it fits. Knowing how to read measurements and understanding the type of fabric used would be essential when making decisions. 

As seen above, indiesin included measurements (width, length and waist), material used and fit guide for the Kiki Polka Dotted Dress (Pink). This allows consumers to take measurements on their body and make reference to the measurements provided to see if the item fits. Understanding the different fabric used can allow consumers to choose material that will suit Singapore's humid weather. 

For instance, polyester has an outstanding characteristic to resist wrinkling and springs back into shape when creased. In addition, polyester washes and dries easily and quickly and has excellent wash-and-wear and minimum care characteristics. However, due to its low absorbency, stain removal can be a problem. Hence, this can be one detail, consumers should take note when wearing a polyester material. 

Chiffon would be an appropriate choice of fabric to wear in a humid weather like Singapore. This sheer fabric is light and thin hence it dries quickly and is comfortable to wear. It also gives a beautiful drape when worn, hence accentuating one's appearance.

Image 6: Care instructions

It is also essential for consumers to be able to read care instructions of a certain garment or apparels. The size, where it is made, registered identification number, style number, type of fabric and care instructions are usually provided by the manufacturer and can be found on the garment itself. Proper handling and storing of garments between uses can extend their life and keep them at looking at their best. The Care Labeling Rule requires clothing manufacturers and importers to provide at least one satisfactory method of care necessary for the ordinary use of the garment. The label must also provide warnings against the use of any method which the consumer can reasonably expect to use that would harm the product. (3)

Apart from measurements, materials used and care instructions to make informed decisions; we as educators need to reinforce the differences between needs and wants to our students. Students may not have the means to make frequent purchases; hence, it is important that they understand and practices budgeting so that they will not misuse their allowances. It is one thing to look good and be broke another. These are essential life skills that we need to foster so that they can take them with and be responsible adults.

Bibliography

(1) Indiesin. (2011). Indiesin - high fashion at zero cost. Retrieved August 21, 2011, from Indiesin: http://www.indiesin.com/

(2) Geotrust. (2011). SSL Certificates froma Leading SSL Certificate Authority- Geo Trust. Retrieved August 21, 2011, from: Geotrust: http://www.geotrust.com

(3) Fabric Link - Fabric Care Centre. (2010). How to read a label. Retrieved August 21, 2011, from: http://www.fabriclink.com/care/CLabel.cfm