First Red Bean Shaved Ice of 2013

We made this the other day.  As usual it was delicious and really hit the spot during the hot and humid rainy summer.  Last summer we made our first shaved ice in June, and this year we are a bit late starting in July.  It hasn't really been super hot; it's been more humid hot.

 

Here is more information about preparing shaved ice: http://daughterofkorea.blogspot.kr/2012/06/first-red-bean-shaved-ice-of-2012.html

Korean Baby Food Recipe (6 Months +): Banana and Spinach Mash

Ingredients:

1/2 Banana
3-4 Spinach Leaves

Directions:

Wash 3-4 spinach leaves and cut off the stems.

Boil the spinach leaves in 1/2 cup of water for 2-3 minutes or until tender.

Drain the spinach and squeeze out any water.   Cut the spinach into 0.3cm pieces.

Mash the spinach and banana together.

Serve with water, barely tea, or pear and jujube tea.

Beautiful Seoul

This is what Seoul looks like through my eyes. Enjoy.

Persimmon Season in Seoul

It's that time of the year again.

Free Immunizations for Children and Babies in South Korea

 

It is now possible to get free children's immunizations at the pediatricans' clinics rather than going to the Gu office.  For those living in Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon (the first list) the following immunizations are free.  For those living in other districts the same immunizations are not free but reasonably priced (the second list).  The prices and immunization list are for those under 12 years old.  You need national health insurance to get the free immunizations.

Free Shots:
B형 - Hep B
DTaP
소아마피- Polio
수두 - Chicken pox
MMR
일본 뇌염- Japanese Encephalitis

 

See this post for more information: http://daughterofkorea.blogspot.kr/2012/03/south-korean-vaccination-schedule-and.html

Using Soju as a Cleaner

You can use soju to clean the floors or greasy areas like the cupboards around your stove.  All you need is soju, a spray bottle, and a rag.  There are three methods for using soju on the floor:
1. Put soju into a clean spray bottle, spray the floor, then wipe it with a rag.
2. Pour about 2 TBSP of soju onto the floor and wipe it around. 
3. Pour some soju onto a rag and wipe the floor.

You don't need water.  The smell will quickly dissipate.

To save money on soju you can just collect unused/undrunken soju and pour it in a bottle rather than going out and spending money on a new bottle.  This is the method Korean restaurant ajummas use.  They are very resourceful people.

Mosquito Season 2012

It has been a very dry summer and there haven't been many mosquitoes but the rains finally started and with them the mosquitoes. I saw the mosquito truck for the first time this year which is very late.