Quote

 

Happiness is not found in money or things.  

It comes from simple moments, like a smile, kind words or time with loved ones.  

Choose to be happy with what you have.  

Be thankful and stay positive.  

True happiness grows inside your heart

and makes your life peaceful and meaningful every day.

Happy Lunar Eclipse

I can't believe that the 15 days of the Chinese New Year are over! Time really flies.  This year our 15 days ended with an exciting phenomenon - the Blood Moon.  First time I think on Chap Goh Meh and a rare coincidence!  The old and superstitious think it is a very inauspicious event and so stayed at  home and avoided looking up at the sky.  For the young and brave, they were out scanning the sky hours ahead!  

There is an age old superstition which says that eclipses are caused by a heavenly dragon or dog devouring the moon. To scare away this celestial beast and prevent disaster, people made loud noises by banging drums, gongs and pots, lighting firecrackers, or shooting arrows.  I didn't hear anything in my neighbourhood, so I guess there are no superstitious people in our area.  

As for me, I went to bed early.  Better be safe than getting in the way of some supernatural beast hungrily munching away at the moon.  After all, I can see all the photos the next day in the social media....

Fruity Tea for Two

 

Tarts from Shinammon

I got these cute fruit tarts from my favourite bakery recently.  The toppings are strawberry, lychee and peach sitting on a bed of cream.  Very nice with a cup of tea!

Lunch Today

 

Food from 7Village

With most eateries closed for the Chinese New Year, I was lucky to get this Chicken Bento from a nearby outlet.  Simple and nicely presented.  I finished up with warm Tong Sui (lotus seed and dried longan tea).  Now I know where to find food when CNY comes around again!

Happy Chinese New Year

 

Wishing you a prosperous Year of the Horse filled with good fortune, health and happiness!

GONG XI FA CAI

Tea Break

 

If you've been dusting and cleaning to get ready for the Chinese New Year, it's time for a break!  These lovely pineapple tarts go down very well with a cup of tea and are just right for your afternoon tea.  They symbolize wealth, prosperity and good fortune.  In Hokkien, the name "pineapple" is "ong lai", which translates to "prosperity arrives"!

So get yourself some pineapple tarts and have a prosperous Chinese New Year!

Good Morning