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Mommy’s Diary 28 – Teeth Talk

November 3, 2011 By Chie

Let’s talk about teeth today!

Kiko’s teeth: I was so happy to congratulate my daughter the other morning when I noticed that she had developed 4 visible teeth! Two front bottom teeth, and two wing teeth on the top. She kind of looks like a vampire now. All of the sudden it dawned on me that I might need to start brushing her teeth. So I went to my source of information, aka Baby Center for what to do with baby teeth cleaning. Apparently, they recommend cleaning the baby’s gums with wet gauze even before the teeth come out. I had not been doing that…sorry Kiko. I had no idea. But now that the teeth have popped out they recommend parents to start brushing the baby teeth. So, I went to a pharmacy and got a baby’s first tooth brush..picture below. Babycenter recommends that I put a tiny bit of tooth paste and brush her gums and teeth. I was afraid that she would whine, but surprisingly, she seems to like it. She smiles at me when I do it, so I take that as a good sign 🙂

My teeth: One thing I was proud of was how strong my teeth were. I’ve never in my life had cavities. I wasn’t taking a particularly good care of my teeth besides going to the dentist for a cleaning every 6 months. I hated flossing and I only did it when I felt like it, but still no cavities. Things changed after the baby. I have no idea what happened – I just got treated for 4 cavities, I wanted to cry! Since that horrible visit to the dentist I have begun flossing twice a day, using mouth wash and brushing my teeth religiously. I’m deathly afraid of the dentist and more cavities. Delivery was painful for one 12 hour event, but going to the dentist and getting fillings is painful in long gradual torture kind of way.

Anyway, I hear that mouth PH levels change when you are pregnant, and you are more likely to get cavities during pregnancu. I’m guessing this had happened to me. Has anyone experienced the same?

My Inspiration Board for Wedding Photo Shoot

November 2, 2011 By Chie

I’m putting a photo shoot together using the wedding dress I made for my friend, and a couple of other dresses. I know my friends had some pictures taken professionally, but I wanted to create a wedding lookbook to add to my website. I’ve been collecting images for the inspiration board, and here are some to share 🙂 Most of the photos are from Pinterest, and I’m sorry they are not properly linked…

Putting the boards together, it made me want to do a wedding again! Although I’ve had it twice already, one in Japan and one in the States. But I barely planned it myself, since I was still a student and had no time to plan. Both of our parents helped out on planning, and I literally showed up to my own wedding. They were fun and special, but there are so many things that I would want to do differently had I had time to plan. So I am having fun planning for this shoot!

This week I’m on the hunt for a pretty hanger for the photo hanging from the tree branch, some white balloons as props, and fake flowers to fill the basket.

Rice Cooker Chiffon Cake

November 1, 2011 By Chie

When it comes to cooking and baking, I am all about short cuts. I wish I had all day to cook delicious meals and bake sweets, but the reality is, I have too many other things to do during the day and cooking is not my priority.
I made this chiffon cake the other day when some friends came over for dinner. I found the recipe on cookpad (Japanese cooking website) and the process was super easy and the result was delicious! What’s unique is that you use a rice cooker, instead of oven to bake this. I added some cinnamon to mine so as to add some “fall” flavor.

Ingredients (please note this is Japanese measurements):
– Pancake mix 100g
– Sugar 3 table spoons
– Milk 100g
– Vegetable oil 2 table spoons
– 2 eggs
– Green tea, cocoa or cinnamon (anything of your choice to add some flavor)

Instruction:
1. Separate egg yoke and egg white. Beat the egg white until firm.
2. Mix the pancake mix and sugar in a mixing bowl.
3. Add egg yoke, vegetable oil and milk to the bowl containing #2.
4. Add the whipped egg whites to the bowl containing #2 & #3.
5. Use some oil to grease the inside of the rice cooker pot, and pour in the batter. Hit the “Cook” button of the cooker.