The Key to an SAHM's Sanity

Of all the jobs in the world, they say a stay-at-home-mom's (SAHM) job is the toughest one. We are expected to run the household and multi-task. Nothing can prepare us for this job. We learn to go with the flow (not exactly smooth ones) and are expected to wear many hats at home. We help ourselves solve specific tasks, as much as possible. Those without external help would know what I mean. It's not so much of physical tiredness. It's just.... emotionally draining.

The many sleepless nights with my bubs at this stage, as I was nursing both of them concurrently.

Having been a SAHM for the last 13 years, there are possibly many things that I could have done to better manage my well-being, IF I had known better. Opportunities to manage the burnout feeling I felt at the end of the day was too insignificant to remember that I am being appreciated at home. I was an angry, grouchy and emotional mom in the earlier years. My identity was lost until my children went to school. Only then I could find a little bit more time to myself to pursue my interests.

Selfies did exist in the year 2004! :p

So listen up, all you new SAHMs out there, especially with the younger bubs who are not yet in school. This is really really important to have.

Looking back, I think it would have been perfectly alright to ask for some time off, to remember there is a 'me'. Moms are the reason for the existence of our children and I don't see why SAHMs should not take regular healthy time-offs to recharge and be energized. Wouldn't it be nice to go home feeling ready to face new challenges and embrace our family with a more loving and positive mind?

So whether you can squeeze in some time off to have a meal alone (without having to eat leftovers), get a hair wash at your neighborhood salon, bake a cake - anything that will make you feel on top of the world. Do it. You will appreciate yourself more. Your family would too.

Here's a recent photo of us enjoying each others' company! When they are older, things get much easier despite teenage angst. That's another story for another day. :)

  Till the next post, have a blessed week!

Next up on the blog train!

Pauline, a mother-of-two, a home cook, a baker and a crafter. She has been a SAHM for almost 7 years now and she’s still enjoying every minute of being one. Days with the children, to her, are never dull and having a hobby or something interesting to be kept busy with makes life so much more easier. Beyond her interest in cooking, baking and sewing, blogging keeps her sane as she shares with many like-minded moms about her struggles, moments of pride and everything in between, so visit her blog tomorrow to find out more!

This post is part of a blog train hosted by Gingerbreadmum where 31 stay-at-home mums share their survival tips. We hope that you'll find our tips useful and remember that you're not alone!

[RECIPE] Roasted Meat - Char Siew

 

Planning for meals in my home can be a daunting task - at times. Thankfully, char siew (or roasted pork) is definitely not a daunting dish to prepare. It has been well-received in my home and I am pretty pleased to have modified this dish to our liking. Knowing too that meat is a man's kinda dish, it is no doubt one of my husband's favorite. And I'm more than happy to be cooking this for him and of course, my children too!

*Now listen up to the daddies reading this post, you can do this easy peasy dish and impress the wifey and family!*

My advise for good tasting char siew is to use the pork shoulder portion, known in Chinese as 五花肉. The difference is in the fat proportions, in between the meat which makes the char siew tender and juicy. Using pork loin may turn out tough and dry, so you've been warned!

 

Preparation time : 5 minutes    Grilling time : 40 minutes   Serves :  4-6

Marinade (to be done at least 8 hours and placed in fridge or best if done overnight) :

- 450gm pork shoulder (五花肉) ask the butcher to slice it into longish portion if you like
- 4 tbsp hoisin sauce

- 2 tbsp light soya sauce
- 1 tbsp black soya sauce
- 2 tbsp honey (or substitute with sugar, if you prefer)

- 2 to 3 dashes of sesame oil

Place the meat in a large ziplock bag and put all the above sauces into the bag and massaged them on the meat through the bag so you don't get your hands messy. Remember to marinade it a day before grilling it, or at least 8 hours in the refrigerator, to get the best taste of this sweet meat dish. Mmmm! Dang, it is good!

Cooking method :

- Pre heat oven at 180 degrees 

- Line your baking tray with foil paper before placing the meat on it. Leave the excess sauce from the marinade aside for making the char siew sauce later.

- Grill about 20-25 minutes on each side. *Tip : if you like some burn bits on the char siew, raise the temperature to 200 degrees at the last 5 minutes before taking the meat out to cool.

- To complete the char siew sauce for drizzle on the meat or on your rice, dilute it with a little bit of water (depending on your preference for thickness) and bring it to boil in your sauce pan. This should take no more than 5 minutes.

- Once the char siew has cooled, slice and serve.

- Enjoy!

 

Updated post with this latest photo on 30/3/2015.

   

  Till the next post, have a blessed week!

[Recipe] Begedil with Minced Beef

This has got to be one of my favorite side dish when I have my nasi padang fix! Better still, when you have begedils to go with bee hoon soto or mee rebus! It somehow brings out even more flavor to these noodle dishes.

Usually the ones sold at the food stalls are meatless but I had been wanting to try out one with minced beef filling, although you can always omit the meat from this recipe if you prefer.  Best part is, it's relatively quick and easy to prepare! I made 11 patties, ate 1 and the rest was walloped by my family! Definitely a keeper!

Preparation time : approx.40 mins  Portion : 10 or more, depending on size

Ingredients :

- 500 grams holland potatos (because russet potatoes tend to be too flaky)

- 150 grams minced beef

- 1 tbsp shallots (I've used store bought one in a bottle to save cooking time)

- a bunch of spring onions, sliced

- 1 tsp coriander powder

- 1 tbsp salt

- pepper to taste 

- 1 egg, beaten (used for coating)

- oil for frying

Method :

 - Boil the potatoes till cooked. Skin and mash it when it has cooled down.

- Mix all the ingredients together.

- Scoop out 2 tablespoon portion and shape/compress them into round patties. Make sure it's not too thick, so it'll be easier for the beef gets cooked.

 - Heat oil in frying pan. You can either deep fry or pan fry, so less oil is used. I've used the latter.

- Once the oil is ready, dip and coat the patties in the beaten egg, one at a time, before putting in to fry.

- Fry both sides till golden brown. Approximately 2 minutes on each side.

- Serve and enjoy!

Till the next post, have a blessed week!