Swirls and Twirls

Life Unexpected

2011-09-07T01:18:00.001+08:00

Being happy isn't a permanent state.

You have to keep working at it.

Well, on the bright side... I guess it becomes a whole lot more satisfying knowing that you've earned it!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

:)

2011-08-08T23:36:00.006+08:00

Well, hello! It has been ages since I have last updated and I may not be making it a habit to continue... I just didn't want to leave this space hanging on such a depressing note.

Today's the day that I turn twenty seven. The past few updates were mainly around the time I turned twenty six - a good year ago. A lot has changed since then and a lot has not.

I've not grown any taller. I did lose some weight, but after tonight's meaty and fatty dinner... that just might change. I do have shorter hair. My guinea pigs have both died. The list goes on and on, but the biggest difference between the 27-year-old Allie and her 26-year-old (yes, I still refer to myself in the third person) is that she has found her happiness, inner peace, balance, etc.

I used to beat myself up trying to understand what it takes to be happy so much so, that I just couldn't be happy. No matter how good things were, no matter how much I had... I couldn't be happy. It was like an obsession or a curse. Things felt so dark and I lost my voice.

After what seemed like forever, I finally took baby steps to rediscover myself. Priorities became clearer and so did my thoughts. Positivity and self confidence took over and before I knew it, I was happy. I realised I was chasing the kinda happiness that exists in one's head and not the kind that radiates from deep inside your soul. I know, it's like d'oh! So, I'm a little slow... I never claimed to be a genius.

Anyway, I'm in a really good place now and I intend to be here forever. Wishing everyone out there loads of love and peace.

Find me a shell

2010-10-14T22:31:00.000+08:00

I'd like one that I can crawl into and hide out until this storm ends.

Would be good if the shell comes with: a swimming pool, an open bar, lots of good books, a masseuse, a manicurist, personal shopper, sushi chef and a cuddly husky that loves me.

I Think Too Much

2010-09-06T18:18:00.002+08:00

Have you ever had something which was bothering you. So, you think about it, dwell on it AND wreck your brains out trying to put the issue to bed.... until you reach a point where you almost forgot what you were thinking about and why it was bothering you? Well, all I know is that I have this unpleasant feeling that just won't go away.

Happiness is Overrated

2010-08-31T17:50:00.000+08:00

When I see lovey dovey couples, I feel like scoffing. I hate to be sour grapes and all, but today is one day where I don't see a point in some of the things I do anymore. It is all so confusing and I don't know jack shit.

Sorting Out My Life

2010-08-28T00:45:00.001+08:00

Been rather emotional and lost lately. Still am lost - maybe I'll never be found? Who knows.

I guess I've never been comfortable in my own skin. Sure, I can sure talk alot and crack silly jokes easily... But deep down I've never really been alone.

I've always had someone to share my life with for a good part of my 'growing up' age and even for all my 'grown up' age.

So, I don't always do things for me. It's centered arnd my significant other. Sometimes I feel that I don't know myself very well. What do I really want in life? Do I really like the colour pink? (YES! I do. Thts all me).

I envy people who can be comfortable by just having themselves as company. I guess if we can all be convinced tht wihin ourselves lies the answers, there wld be alot less lonely people out there.

I blame me nt being bestfriends with myself on the fact that I never gave myself the chance to make ME happy. Far too often I ran into comforting arms the moment I felt unhappy.

I want to swim and be able to talk myself out of panicking underwater. I want to be comfortable having a meal alone. I wanna be comfortable spending a weekend at home without any plans.

I wanna be happy.

I've Lost My Voice

2010-08-21T17:00:00.000+08:00

I realise it has been ages since I've updated and don't worry everyone, I'm not dead. I'm very much alive although it doesn't quite feel like it at times. My birthday came and went. I am 26, but why do I feel not one bit wiser than I was years ago? This is my life and it is freaking surreal.

WORLD CUP 2010

2010-07-08T04:25:00.007+08:00

It has been a thrilling 2 weeks of non-stop footy fever all over the world. Footy fans go crazy supporting their country and cheering on to their favourite stars. This World Cup had by far the most surprises and history created. Giants and world favourites being knocked out in the first round. Italy, my team defending champs drew with New Zealand?? France, the team went on a strike after Nicola Anelka was sacked from the team for verbally abusing the head coach which eventually resulted to a disgraceful loss that sent them bottom of the group. The 2 South American giants Brazil threw away a comfortable 1-0 lead and was ousted by the Oranje and Argentina thrashed with no chance to respond from a formidable young Germany squad. England sad to say my second favourite team scored only 2 goals. No, wait 3.. 1 from their own keeper Robert Green. Which cost me my bet!

New footy legends have been made while heroes faltered. Messi the footballer of the year didn't manage to score a single goal. Same goes with Rooney, Lampard.. he did score but it was disallowed which led to the demise of the match. Torres had yet to net in a single goal. Cristiano Ronaldo the 'peacock' did but only against North Korea. Why 'peacock'? Well, to me besides his undeniably great footballing skills.. he's just like a male peacock prancing around throwing tantrums when he doesn't get things his way. Sorry fans of Ronaldo I am just writing the obvious you guys should know I am telling the truth.

However, new records and history made congrats to the Asian teams Japan, South Korea, North Korea all did really well and put up a really tough fight against the favourites. Especially Japan who made it to the second round for the first time I think if I am not wrong. African nations Ghana made it thru until the quaters. Great run!

More history in the making as we await for this Sunday's finals. It is already history being made as this is the first time ever for Spain to reach the finals. Well done! 2 more matches and its the end of an enthralling 2 weeks of football fever and we return to our daily lives and loved ones.

I really do hope, wish and pray for mine to be in respond to a tweet I gotten during these 2 weeks of footy action. :)

All the best SPAIN & NETHERLANDS!!

Goodbye Milk :(

2010-06-03T23:36:00.000+08:00

Dear Milk,

I am sorry that I didn't stop to say Hi this morning when I came by to see if you had food and water. I hope you are in guinea pig heaven eating all the sweet carrots you can munch on.

I will miss your squealing.

You've been a good pig these four years...

Your brother Milo will miss you! And so will all of us. :(

XOXO. Rest in peace.

Dermedex Is Keeping Me Sane...

2010-05-29T17:09:00.001+08:00

I have a confession to make. When you see my pictures, you may believe that I have quite good skin. In fact, that isn't quite true. While, I don't have horrible skin... I have naughty skin.

My skin likes to mess with my sanity. Growing up, I did not generally have pimples. Then in college, my skin decides to have a damn zit party. Being the vain pot that I am, seeing pimples on my face was totally disturbing. It felt like the freaking end of the world. I felt like every time anyone spoke to me they were speaking to Pimple #7 on my chin. Anyway, through Dalacin-T and a calming mask (now no longer in production) the outbreak was contained and tamed for a few years.... UNTIL NOW!!!

A couple of months back marked the return of the zits and boy, oh boy... they were back with a vengeance. There was blood, tears and pus. I was at my wit's end. Dalacin-T was not working its magic. Then Eva (god bless her) recommended Dermedex and this product has been keeping me sane!

My face is not spotless, but its a marked improvement. My t-zone is now oil-managed. And the zits are not so angry anymore.

Now, I'm sure you might be tempted to google Dermedex and you will come across the steroids scandal. This is where I am completely torn. Can this product that's helping me out be a trojan horse as well?

But it does seems that the illegal ingredient has been removed and the product has been repackaged. I am still cautiously using the Skeptic Challenge Pack which in turn, ironically carries a cautionary note to users: "You may fall in love with this product. Do not be surprised to see results on first application".

Sigh, can I be naive and claim that ignorance is bliss? :(

Recent New Eats

2010-05-16T22:49:00.001+08:00

One fine evening, I decided to brave the notorious Friday-after-work-everyone's-going-home-early-traffic-jam and met Vic in Tropicana City Mall. We had heard about the pork burgers at Ninja Joe ages ago and decided it was the time to put it to the pork test.

I think the ninja character is really cute.

The burgers are tasty, but I wouldn't call them fantastic. It's a simple burger that has all the porky basics covered so that a pork lover will recognise and appreciate it. Not too pricey as well.

*****

The Lawn @ KLCC

I rarely hangout in KLCC. Something about that place never makes me feel quite comfortable. Maybe there's simply too many people. Anyway, it was HomeDec weekend and so KLCC was the place to be.

Must send Vic for camwhoring lessons.

Spaghetti Aglio Olio

*****

Restoran LYJ @ Kampung Baru Sungai Buloh

It was time for a food adventure so the gang got together and almost traveled back in time to the small town of Kampung Baru Sungai Buloh where development seems to be taking place in slow motion.

Restaurant LYJ is like some super famous makan place amongst local celebs and food experts.

The place is packed with people! Come early to get seats or you ending up waiting for nearly 30 minutes like us!

Rice with pork lard

Pork-dunno-what-but-tastes-superb

The portions were huge! And the price was pretty affordable as well. LYJ is well known for their 'poon choy' dish (basically, everything meat, seafood and vege are thrown together in a pot and cooked together), but we did not manage to try it out. Maybe next time!

Photo Updates

2010-05-01T00:35:00.000+08:00

Went down to Melaka for a day trip to attend a funeral. So far, there seems to be a lot of funerals this year... I wonder why?

I love SATEY BABI.

To be Chinese is to pork.

Heavenly bites!

Our relative's place is the Portuguese Settlement and we took a short walk to the jetty there.

It totally feels as though we are in somewhere far and foreign...

*****
This is the first fish 'soup' dish I have ever ordered... and it was very good. Light and healthy. Can't remember the name, but it was at Rib Lees in Hartamas.

Grub at a friend's wedding in Courtyard Garden. It's a cosy romantic place to have a night reception. But of course, if you need to invite the whole village... this venue would not fit!

*****
What's a post without pictures of me? :D

Same angle. Day and night.

*****

A rare old school Hasselblad that the visiting Germans carried around.

*****Kar Yean told me about this seriously good udon joint in Taman Desa called Sanuki Udon and guess what? It IS seriously good.

If you like udon, want it authentic and fuss-free... here's the place for you to come. But be warned, seats are limited... so come at off-peak hours! Prices are also relatively wallet friendly.

I know this looks just like Kin Kin pan mee, but it is a whole different plate of noodles.

*****

Chef Vittorio's Creations

Spaghetti carbonara with bacon and Parmesan cheese. Yummy.

Roast chicken

Vic is pretty darn amazing in the kitchen. He can cook almost anything and he does it all without my help. Hehehehe. Oh sure, I help to polish off the food on the plates. But really, I don't give him enough credit for his kick-ass culinary skills. :)

Cosmo, the old dog looking cute after grooming.

Just So-So

2010-04-29T23:46:00.000+08:00

Been a little bit emo lately. There are things bugging me and I don't know if it's just me being sensitive or... If I should indeed be upset.

I just want to see the best in everyone and assume that everyone gives their best too, but I'm afraid that it isn't so always.

Sometimes I feel lost and that everything is just bigger than me. It's like I'm grasping frantically for a hand to hold me steady and guide the way, but all I get is air.

I want to get stuff off my chest, but there's no one who fully understands. Sigh. It's end-May and three months has passed on turbo fast forward. Life, would you just slow down so I could smell the roses? Thank you.

I Miss HK

2010-03-31T22:17:00.000+08:00

I wish we could go on holidays every single day, but if that were so... then holidays wouldn't be as special as they are now because they would be so common. Right, right, right? WRONG! Sigh. Who am I kidding? Even if I went on holidays every single day, I would love it still.

I had steamed milk pudding at a HK dessert shop in SS2. Needless to say, the local version did not even come close to what I had in Hong Kong.

Anyway, here's a compilation of MTR station signages.

Random Food in February Twenty Ten

2010-03-27T14:37:00.000+08:00

Sometimes I just can't stand looking at my own foodie pictures because I get so effin hungry just editing them. Most pictures are edited because I am a control freak. :P

Early in Feb, we went to Sanbanto in SS2, right opposite the Wai Sek Kai and on the same row as KTZ and the Rocket Cafe.

Cute cartoons of pigs on the menu. This is a pork specialty shop, which not only sells cooked food but along with the Euro Deli cafe concept, meats and cuts as well. I'd say this is something pork lovers should definitely try.

The VIP guest for all outings - Baby Lauren who's even cuter than before. She can now talk more and calls me 'Ehsson' because she can't pronounce my first name. Vic is 'Arter' short for Uncle Victor.

The yummy salad with pork belly.

Some rib pasta and spaghetti carbonara below.

Pork burger.

*****

After work japo dinner at Sakae Sushi.

Chawan mushi is a favourite.

The salmon was superb, not overcooked -- just the way I like it.

*****The view from Dragon Hut Restaurant at Desa Waterpark.

*****

We had BBQ for Dad's bday.

Dad not only blew out all the candles at one go, but he also distributed his saliva all over the cake! :P

*****Belated Vday Dinner
Since Valentine's this year landed right smack on CNY, most Chinese couples would have to make plans for a belated celebration.

We headed to Neroteca for some Italian food! Vic strongly believes that it isn't authentic Italian if they don't serve pork and at Neroteca, they do!

Dried meats hanging above.

The food was great. Pharma ham rocks!

This below is a pic of fresh Parmesan cheese.

Love :)

*****Had good Chinese grub in Meru at Restaurant Kuang Fong. The old man has only one front tooth.

Fried lobak. A must try.

*****

Cristang's for the famous pork burger

Picture Story: Macau/HK Day Six

2010-03-22T17:55:00.001+08:00

The grand finale...

Rise and shine! The view from the apartment.

We hurriedly got ready and headed out for breakfast. Was kinda sad because this would be the last day of our holiday and we were supposed to leave by 7pm to the airport for our flight. :( I hate the last day of any holiday. It's inevitable, but yet you somehow wish that a miracle could happen and you'd have more days to enjoy.

Breakfast was at the delicious Margaret's Café e Nata.

Where they serve the best Portuguese egg tarts you only dream about!

Crispy, fresh, eggy-licious... Never a huge hardcore fan of egg tarts, but this are undeniably good.

Homemade pizza. Reminds me of the pizzas they used to serve at school in New Zealand. We'd have to fill up order forms and pay in advance for our lunches and I remember that the pizza tasted just like this!

Fresh bread with cold cuts of roast chicken and avocado.

Be prepared for a wait at Margaret's... because there is always a crowd there. It gets quite bad as there's more people than seats.

I spotted this graffiti on the wall next to the cafe. Is she a ghost? Or a happy little girl?

*****

CNY decor at the shopping area around the Ruins of St Paul's.

Inside a church...

there's a mini museum!

*****

One of the reasons why we headed to the shopping area was because we wanted to go to Sasa. After the girls were done with Sasa, they boys were all gaga over the cheap sneakers being sold at the retail outlets. Look at my pair of black all stars - RM98++ ONLY! You can get really good bargains on authentic brands - fragrances, skincare, sports apparels.

*****

ALL HAIL THE KING OF PORK CHOP BURGERS!

Pork Chop Burger (I can't remember exactly where it is, but if anyone is interested... I will get the address). The bun is fresh, crispy and the pork, fried and tender. Nicely marinated too!

Same pork but with noodles

Coke, lemon and ginger

Famous pastries

*****

You know, I can't really emphatise with people who go to Macau and say they are bored or that there is nothing to see/do/eat there. Macau was simply fab for me. The food was awesome, there was lots of shopping, casinos were time consuming and if we had not spent all our time at the casinos, we would have explored all the sights.

How can Macau possibly be boring when they sell this bloody amount of leggings at the market? All types, textures and colours!

Picture Story: Macau/HK Day Five

2010-03-21T15:13:00.000+08:00

We had dim sum for breakfast the following day as well and this time we wandered further around the neighbourhood. Look at the number of old folks having breakfast. The oldies in HK and Macau are very active and they can be seen walking around at all hours. I would love to be as happening as that in my golden years.

Pic below of prawn chee cheong fun.

The dim sums are pushed around in traditional pull carts.

A sweet custard dessert.

*****Off to Hong Kong Island to experience the Peak.

The stark difference beween Kowloon and HK Island. Old VS new architecture.

As we exited the MTR, we saw a peaceful protest taking place. Again, I sent Vic to take pictures. :P

The tramcars which makes Hong Kong so unique from any other Asian country.

*****

Pierce and Michelle say, "HI!"

Me taking a peek and all I saw was...

It was so bloody misty. I bet the peak would have been prettier at night. All the lights twinkling back at you.

T'was cold and so breezy. I had to hijack Vic's jacket.

*****

St John's is everywhere.

Do we look alike?

On the way back, we dropped by another H&M outlet and saw this really huge spoon and pau (left).

*****
The view from the ferry...

Our fave wan tan mee joint in Macau.

All of us in our new shoes.

God. The wantan in Macau is so different than the ones in KL. There's so much prawn and porky goodness in it.

Another makan stop before the end of the day to McDees. Double pork burger.

Picture Story: Macau/HK Day Four

2010-03-20T00:15:00.001+08:00

After starting the new job for over a month and a half, the holiday in Macau/HK does seem like ages ago. :( Time for another holiholiday? Teehee. *I can just imagine Vic giving me dirty looks when he reads this*

Anyway, this is the view from our small pigeon hole hotel room in the Dorsett YMT. I'm totally fine with the small space because the room was really well kept and soooo clean. Can't emphasise enough on the importance of having a clean hotel room. It totally freaks me out when the room is all dirty and run down. I can't even shit in peace.

What does one eat for breakfast in Hong Kong? Dim sum, of course! Right behind the mango dessert shop (which is opposite the hotel) is a dim sum restaurant. Talk about being in the right location. Food everywhere!

As the picture shows: Hsin Kuang Seafood Restaurant

Totally awesome fried 'foo chok' thingy with a lot prawns.

I think this was some sort of custard pao.

Char siew pao.

Chicken feet for Vic.

Har gow

Dunno-what-name-but-got-scallops-innit!!! This is so delicious. I wanted to order another one, but Vic gave me the evil eye.

Some steamed liver dish

*****
Can someone tell me what hourly hotels are for? I can only think of one use for them and don't call me dirty minded, ah! For people to go have quickies - either paid or FOC. What other reason lah? To store luggage? To take a shower? To sleep for one hour?

Egg tarts! Oh boy, these are good ones.

I sent Vic to take the picture below in fears of getting scolded by the many gangster/kuwak chais hanging around. Later people scold my mother, not very nice lor!

*****

WE ARE GOING TO DISNEYLAND!

Just kidding. Well, not really. We did go. We paid for the MTR ride. Sat on board the special Disney express, but we only went to look see outside. There simply wasn't enough time.

*****

After our visit to the entrance of Disneyland, we headed to Tung Chung factory outlet aka the Citygate Outlets.

There were tons of branded shops there -Adidas, Nike, Puma, Swatch, Coach, Camel, Esprit, etc. But the prices were only so-so. Except for one shop --- Crocs! Checkout the shoes worn by the model below. For about RM50, you can get brand new Crocs. These aren't the fake/factory overruns being sold at night markets in KL, it's the real deal.

*****

I think we walked at the Citygate Outlet mall until my back broke for the third time. First time was at Zhuhai and the second was at the Argyle Centre. So, time for grub and we headed to Australia Dairy in Tsim Tsa Shui.

To be honest, their noodles/pasta were not that great.

But they do have good eggs!

And super yummy hot milk! If only my mother had given me milk that tasted like this instead of the god awful powdered stuff, I would have drank gallons and would be as tall as any normal person. FML. What to do? My height is lesser than that of the average Asian woman.

One thing we noticed about waiters and waitresses in HK and even Macau, they are quite impatient and rude. Okay, maybe they are just straightforward and efficient and we are slow and indecisive.

But anyway, we had ordered food to share at Australia Dairy and had sorta rearranged the table accordingly. Then this grumpy waiter comes and mumbles something in Canto about him being 99.99% sure we would knock over the plates. We looked up and continued eating. Next thing we know, he is rearranging everything on the table. We gape at him, too afraid to say anything They all look like triad members there.

*****

H&M IS PURE EVIL.

It makes you want to shop. You walk in and gorgeous dresses, trendy accessories and really cute tops assault you. There is no defending yourself from H&M's attack. Next thing you know, you are at the fitting room and the sales person tells you that only five items can be brought in. Wtf do you do with the other 24 items you've dragged there? Sigh. H&M, oh how much I hate you for making me love shopping in your store.

*****

Ladies Market @ night.

Lo and behold, the notorious STINKY SMELLY TOFU!
It's actually not that bad. I can eat them without adding any sauce. Oh you know, only pansies who are afraid of a little natural flavour need to pile on the chilli. :P

Some spare parts. Eww.. Now that's something I wouldn't try.

Dinner at Temple Street.

Me and the Chef.

Fried oyster and egg.

Sweet and sour pork. The ones in KL are so much better though.

Claypot chicken with chinese wine

Oh look. We found ciggies. :P

Apparently you have to crush it for a mentol chill. Very cool.

Again, I dispatched Vic to take a picture. It just wouldn't look right if a girl were to snap pictures of a porn video shop, right.

Picture Story: Macau/HK Day Three

2010-03-09T21:41:00.004+08:00

On our morning walk to breakfast, we passed by this temple, which is just down the street from where Chris and Shiow Ling live. We had to take a picture because it was quite rare for the temple's shutters to be open and its inner courtyard is hardly ever seen.

Fast food, the chinese way. Shoot! I've forgotten the name of this restaurant chain.

The meal was so-so, but the pork saved the day.

Toast, ham and eggs.

*****

On board the ferry to Hong Kong! Was quite excited. The ferry tickets were not cheap, but I feel it is indeed worth the price because the ferry 'ada standard', not like the lousy ones that we always use to get from mainland to the islands.

We are in Hong Kong! The place always seen from the countless TVB serials that I have watched. Note: there are a lot of hamsap/dirty magazines for sale at the newstands, but we were too stingy to buy one for the sake of 'market research'.

Out from the MRT Yau Ma Tei , we got lost! Should we turn left or right? Thank god SL speaks good canto and can read Chinese!

Just like on TV, eh?

Our humble accomodations. We actually went in from the car park area.

Receptionist: Vic-tar and Chris-TO-fer

Large ass picture of our small ass bathroom. Small, but very well designed and it is spotless.

Thumbs up for the room ambiance and decor. Small, but very comfortable. Won't go wrong in Dorsett Seaview (no sea view, of course). The hotel is also centrally located, a mere 10 minutes walk from the Yau Ma Tei MRT stop and if you are feeling like it, you can walk all the way to Ladies Street.

*****
After dumping our bags in the rooms, we left on foot to explore Hong Kong. We walked and walked until we reached Ladies Street and erm... Sneakers Street? I don't know the exact name, all I know is that there are so many shops selling sneakers, sports shoes, sports attire, etc. All your Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Puma, Converse, Kappa, Lotto, and more on one easy street.

This was lunch at some random restaurant that we decided to try.

*****

Ah! The famous mango dessert shop right opposite our hotel, Hui Lao Shan.

The reason why we headed back to our hotel after our walk was because we had stopped by Argyle Centre in Mongkok and well, I had accumulated quite a few shopping bags.
*****

Onwards to Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) where we were treated to a 15-minute long dazzling display of lights and sound along Victoria Habour waterfront. I have the video somewhere, but looks like it will be quite a while before I come around to youtube-ing it.

*****

YEE SHUN MILK COMPANY, HAS THE BEST EFFING STEAMED MILK PUDDING.

I am so totally in love with this dessert and trust me, this is the one thing from HK that I crave for constantly.

Steamed Milk Pudding

Steamed Egg Pudding

Coffee Pudding

Chocolate Pudding

Picture Story: Macau/HK Day Two

2010-02-22T19:57:00.002+08:00

After exploring some of Macau and its older casinos on the first night, we woke up excited the next day for our day trip to Zhuhai, China. Zhuhai is located at the border of Macau and you can literally walk over.

I can finally say that I have gone back to China - THE HOME LAND! BAHHAHAA. Back to where all Chinese originated from... but the sad thing is that I don't belong there. I can't speak mandarin or read/write Chinese. I've been brought up differently than my Chinese race people. You know what? Come to think of it... I don't belong anywhere. Even in the country where my passport is issued, it feels like we are not true citizens. It is an extremely worrying feeling to have when you don't know where home really is.

Oh! On a lighter more scandalous note... there are many prostitutes in Macau! Chinese looking young girls with boobs pushed up the the max, long hair, fair complexion and slim figures walk around the streets and inside some of the older casinos.

We stopped at this corner at the old Lisboa Casino and during that short span of maybe five to 10 minutes, I saw four girls approach the uncle selling fruits. The old man kept shaking his head and waving the girls away. It was like a parade, every other minute a different bunch of girls would breeze pass. Short skirts, tight low-cut tops and a lot of glitter and shimmer. All of them are made up heavily. Age is hard to tell and they look really young.

Okay, back to the pictures. Here's breakfast...

Breakfast at the Chef's favourite coffee shop

Milk Coffee - They all taste really good & thick

Wantan Noodle Soup with Egg & Luncheon Meat

Pork Chop Mee Hoon Soup

Polo (Pineapple) Bun

Ham & Egg Toast

Macao/ Zhuhai, China Border

Cina girl from KL

Zhuhai, China.. Port Plaza. Loads of cheap & imitations. Warning: Don't bargain if you aren't buying! For chances are, they will chase after you screaming lotsa bad words you probably won't understand anyway.

I was told that the shopping here is really good, but... I prefer the feel in Hong Kong any day. There are indeed a lot of cheap stuff you can get - nice ballerina flats for RM20, fake watches for a fraction of the original price, but somehow... I felt intimidated here. Maybe I'm not used to the culture or style of bargaining but many times I felt too scared to ask for the price.

Cheap stuff can also mean products of lesser quality and in the case of the stuff sold here this does apply. Some of the items I saw just looked plain tacky. My heart still belongs to Bangkok when it comes to shopping for cheap stuff.

The streets of Zhuhai.

Free shuttle bus from the border to City of Dreams Casino!

The mermaid on display. Her boobies look like large pasties stuck on.

I think that 'Your luck is this way' roughly translates to: Send your money this way.

A fine replica of Venezia.

I think the weather wasn't that cold, but we wore the jackets anyway because we had already carried em!

Little Bro and Big Bro -- how cute >.<

*****

In case you are wondering how come there are no pictures of lunch, it is because we got carried away walking around and gawking at stuff (and people) that we skipped right through lunch. We weren't even that hungry!

So, anyway... dinner was at Restaurante Fernando, which seves god awesome portugese food. No offence, but the stuff they serve in Melaka's Portugese settlement... pales in comparison. We took a bus opposite the Venetian to this restaurant which is located at one far corner of Macau -- by the beachside! Bet it would be really beautiful had it been in summer and not on a cold winter night.

Waiting for grub.

This bread is really something else. Soft inside and all crispy and chewy outside. Fresh out of the oven!

Portugese beer - Super Bock. I was so blur, I read it as Super Block and kept commenting that Super Block was a dumb name. Then I noticed it was Super Bock and had nothing further to say.

Prawn in spicy garlic sauce

This grilled bacalhau (salted codfish) dish hits the right spot. Effing deliciouso.

Honey roasted chicken

A highly recommended place to go for authenic Portugese food in Macau. The ride to this restaurant is a scenic one and you even pass by a prison. Hahaha.

*****

The one word which will makes all girls go WILD --- SALE!!!

However, even though the shops at the Venetian were on sale... I can't afford them without having to eat bread and instant noodles for months!

Pic above and below: Vic's favourites

The shopping and F&B area of the Venetian is so pretty! It is nicely done to mimic the outdoors.

The Grand Canal..

Rialto?

Another fine replica of the Campanile

Arr.. Palacio Ducale! So much effort is placed in creating the casinos in Macau to make it a place where you can eat, shop and lose money happily.

Picture Story: Macau/HK Day 1

2010-02-20T21:52:00.009+08:00

The trip to Macau and Hong Kong had been something I was looking forward to for a long time. So long that it seemed like it was never going to happen. Two years back when Air Asia had their free flights promo, we got really cheap air tickets to Macau. Dirt cheap!

I didn't have much expectations of Macau. I only knew it was a place to gamble and that it was a small country. Vic's bro, Chef Chris and his wifey, Shiow Ling are based there so, the trip there was to hang out with them and explore Macau and HK.

Prebooked in-flight meals - Chicken Rice and Nasi Lemak. Not bad, tastes better than MAS'!

I love flying when blue skies and fluffy white clouds are all you see.

*****

In the cab! Our gracious hostess SL, met us at the airport. Only thing missing was the board with our names! :P Nevermind, next time ok? HAHAHA!

The weather was quite foggy when we arrived and it was comfortably cold, although Vic would prolly wish it to be muccch colder.

The neighbourhood where the Chef lives.

Vic and sis-in-law, SL behind a backdrop of real estate posters. Apartments for let/sale.

Off we go to explore Macau by foot. We walked some 15 to 20 mins from home to the city area.

*****

Zoomed straight to Mc Donalds! It is same same but different everywhere in the world!

Pork McMuffin

Being food curious people that we are, we joined in the queue of people lining up for food at a Manchurian restaurant.

Turns out to be some sorta dumplings with lotsa garlic and chili sauce! Good stuff!

Other pit stop that we made on our walk to the tourist hub of St Paul's Ruins, milk tea with jelly strips - Police Tea.

Beef Offals? Eeeek. :S

*****

One thing I noticed about Macau and HK is that the streets are really clean! The public benches are clean and in good condition, you can actually plonk your butt down without worrying. *cough* this is so unlike a certain country...

Cobble stone streets.

Standard issue touristy pictures.

Panda bear shop? So cute!

The streets in Macau have this quaint old school Western feel to it. The architecture and streetscape is simply charming. I'd recommend couples who wanna shoot wedding pictures to come to Macau if they want a European feel to their portraits.

Nearby St Paul's Ruin is the bustling shopping area. Branded goods, no name goods, China products... all also got.

But things that are much cheaper in Macau than in Malaysia are: sports shoes, makeup and cosmetics. I got me a pair of Converse sneakers for only RM100. Original, mind you.

The BBQ-ed meat in Macau isn't quite like the ones in Malaysia. It is thicker and drier.

At St Paul's Ruins.

*****

And finally, the Chef is done with work! Time for some grub at Restaurante Vela Latina for some "Portugese culture, Macanese cuisine"!

Bacalhau fried cutlets

Fried cabbage with Bacalhau

Spicy pork Chorizo

Cream of Bacalhau

Good ole Portugese pork ribs!

THERE IS REALLY SO MUCH MORE TO MACAU THAN JUST THE CASINOS! THE FOOD IS AWESOME! (why am I shouting?)

*****

After dinner, we took a walk to the Grand Lisboa...

Feng Shui stuff on display.

More to come, there's Day Two, Three, Four, Five and Six! Pictures galore.

Recent Omm Nomm Nommz

2010-02-19T14:23:00.002+08:00

I know it isn't exactly recent when the draft for this post has been lying around for more than one month. Oh, I know, I am such a horrid procastinator. Will I ever be forgiven?

Duck King, Jaya One

The food and the roasted duck there is pretty darn good! It took me a while to try this place and I have no idea why! The food there is seriously yummeh.

With lovely gramma

Pork oil rice! How fattening can this be?!

This is my all time favourite. Seaweed beancurd. It is so freaking sedap.

*****
Pop Mie is everywhere in Indonesia, so I decided to buy myself a cup and give it a try.

Taste-wise, I still prefer the Malaysian brands but the noodles are better.

*****

Fish Gusto, Taipan

My favourite-st green fish thingy ever! I can't remember whether the paste is parsley or coriander?

*****

Standard vain ass picture of moi

*****
Japo at Hyotan, SS15

*****

I am unable to give a proper review of this fish head noodles because I was suffering from an upset tummy that day. Right before I got halfway into the bowl, the roti canai man in my tummy woke up. He decided to pound, flip and toss my stomach around like roti canai dough. Imagine that your stomach is performing Olympic winning gymnastics moves, would you be able to finish an otherwise delicious meal? I left fleeing to the toilet feeling extremely 'tak puas'.

*****

One day, Vic and I decided to explore Little Korea in Ampang for Korean food. We circled around, parked and got down but did not know which restaurant to pick. So we ended up googling and checking blogs and stumbled upon Woo Ga Chun. They were having a discount so the bill was 10% off!

This egg dish is my favourite in Korean BBQs!

*****

Spotted. Two little piggies in Dragon-i. Made out of lotus paste, they shit out black goo from their eyes when squeezed. Eat with caution. Cuteness kills.

The Musical Fountain Show at Wynn, Macau

2010-02-18T22:55:00.001+08:00

Oh why oh why didn't I just take a damn video? At least, I wouldn't have to painstakingly convert my pictures into gif images! Phooey! Anyway, I'm working (after work) on the close to 1,000 pictures I snapped throughout the trip. The gif image doesn't do justice to the pretty lights at Wynn. Gamble in a casino called Wynn and you will surely WIN! Bahahaha. Suckering in all ye' gamblers.

A friend told his young son that the water was dancing along to the music. It sure looks like that. I have concluded that casinos offer you a lot of freebies so you will be more willing to part with $$$. Free water, beer, wine, coffee, performances, etc. Nice!

I'll Be Back Folks!

2010-02-08T22:46:00.000+08:00

My apologies for not updating, but everything has been mad mad MAD after Macau/HK. Five over days of feasting, shopping and gambling flew by faster than I ever thought possible. Had a wonderful time and there really is ao much more to Macau than the casinos!

Started at the new place, it's been a week plus now and I'm adjusting and learning new stuff. Feels weird not having a story to hide behind/ work on... But it's also great to explore different tasks. I will be a sponge and absorb as much as I can. A steep learning curve is way better than a flat one!

I'll try to update soon, but I'm still adapting to the earlier working hours. I get so tired each night that I'm in bed by midnight. What can I say? It's age catching up. Anyway, more later. Have a great snooze peeps.

- Posted from my iPhone

Favourite Pictures from Jakarta

2010-01-18T17:48:00.000+08:00

Too many pictures to ever post them all; so, I'm sharing my favourites for all you millions who read my blog. Haha.

One of the brightest kids around.

Little Miss Pouty

Little Miss I-Want!

Playtime

The Hoh Residence and the pool that I never went in. Sob sob.

Jakarta City Malls

I love this decor. The fake blue skies and white fluffy clouds are so pretty.

Pink lights.

The absolutely beautiful toilet! Surprisingly, the washrooms in the Jakarta malls are so much cleaner than ours!

Getting creamed. :P The famous creambaths of Jakarta. Basically, it is a head and scalp massage. Really good. It is so famous in Jakarta that L'Oreal is selling creambath hair treatments too.

Look at how they blowed my hair! All poofy and big!

Prices are pretty darn affordable.

With darling Amber.

It's Three Am; The House Alarm Went Off

2010-01-18T03:17:00.000+08:00

I can't really get back to sleep after the alarm went off. This is the second time this year this has happened and I'm starting to dread that sound.

Everytime I'm awakened from my slumber to the sounds of the siren wailing, I find myself wishing that it would shut the eff up. But without that noise we would not know if there has been a breach and that a break in is at bay.

The first time we blamed the cat or the rats. This time we have no animals to fault. All doors and possible entry points have been checked and all appears normal. I know alarms can be faulty, but one can't help but worry. It would be easy to dismiss it all as a techical glitch, but is it really?

I wanted to arm myself but all the ammo I had was a pair of blunt scissors.

What's a home when you don't feel safe in it?

- Posted from my iPhone

Indonesia Dec 09: Taman Safari & Puncak

2010-01-15T12:37:00.001+08:00

Somewhere during the middle of our stay at the Hoh's, we had planned to visit Taman Safari and Puncak. With two mpvs, three families, two maids and two very patient drivers we headed up to the highlands for some fun.

The journey up to Taman Safari was not that badly congested and we had arrived after a restful nap in the car.

Sights along the way.

Mohan decided to step out of the car to flash his money clip when buying veges to feed the animals.

Baby carrots and bananas for the animals.

Taman Safari is a really cool erm.. safari that I highly recommend to anyone who is around the area. I was impressed by the overall concept and the maintenance and upkeep of the animals living there. It was thrilling being in a car right next to wild animals. A must for animal lovers and families.

Elephants!

Zebra shaking its ass.

Tapir!

Camel and its humps.

Feeeeeedddd meeeeee!!!!

Everyone loves this picture. NGAUMM. Om nom nom nom. Baby carrot. Yum.

So pretty!

Ginseng+carrot= Ginrot!

Oh dear!

Big bird.

Some lembu.

Bongo? Hahahahaha... Such a cute name.

Cheeky fella. Kept coming back for more.

Hippo and its BIGEFFINGHUGE mouth!

I was so busy snapping pictures that I did not react in time when the elephant's trunk came through the window. Scared the shit out of me that I landed on the floor of the mpv.

A very cool looking bison!

LION ALERT!

It's a special kind of rush knowing that you are THIS close to a ferocious lioness.

One sulking rhino, one alert rhino and one arse-in-your-face rhino!

Funny how the lions and tigers are allowed to roam freely within their compound, but the great bear is fenced up.

This Orang Utan was so adorable! The joker basking under the sun, twirling a leaf around with its mouth and completely oblivious everyone staring at him.

The R&R area where they have animal shows. The food here sucks by the way. Overpriced too!

Sweetie pie Lauren puked twice during the journey! Poor girl gets carsick.

At Novus Puncak Resort

It took us another half hour or so from Taman Safari to the resort.

A few things to note about this resort and Puncak:

1. IT IS NOT COLD AT ALL. Highlands? What highlands? No where near Genting or Cameron's. It felt slightly cooler than Bandung. That's all.

2. THE RESORT DISAPPOINTS. Sure, it is huge. Sure, it has many restaurants. Sure, it has cool facilities. Sure, the pictures on the website look amazing. However, in reality... this resort is not worth what they charge per night. The rooms and bathrooms are run down. There are... 4 or so restaurants in the resort BUT all of the food comes from one kitchen.

3. THEY MAKE THE ROADS ONE-WAY DURING PEAK TIMES. Enough said. Choose your travel times wisely or you might be stuck in traffic that does not move one inch.

The unique Christmas tree.

Amber and Maya.

The food here... was less than satisfactory. Even fried rice didn't meet the mark. The best thing on this plate is the fried empeng (kerepok).

Ai yo! Naughty girl.

Amber is never camera shy!

Attempting the 1 out of the 1, 2, 5 Act Cute pose.

Around the resort.

Pancakes and maple syrup for breakfast.

The ride back down was so jammed that we stopped by a hotel, which turned out to be an extension of the Taman Safari chain, to use the restrooms and grab lunch.

Can't decide if these two were once real.

The many faces of Amber! This girl is so photogenic. All of her expressions here were done naturally. I didn't even need to ask for funny faces.

More animals at the Taman Safari Hotel.

Here are the smelly otters. They do stink.

Chow time for the resident leopards. Dead chicken.

Watch him/her go for it! MEEEOOW.

*lick*

I bet that was a great meal. Wonder if the leopard would have enjoyed KFC?

Airports and Planes

2010-01-14T16:18:00.003+08:00

Going to Jakarta!

It's been so long since we are flying on anything except Air Asia. For the Jakarta trip in December, we bought MAS flight tickets simply because they were around RM100 more per person. Food plus extra comfort? Why not.

Plus KLIA is a much prettier airport. LCCT makes me feel like I have to go and sanitise my hands immediately.

Why the uncle looking at me like that? With hands on his hips and all. Scary.

My new sneakers.

Vic, the Cadbury Man! Hahaha.. Doesn't this look like an advertisement?

Very funny. Lowering yourself to my wonderful height. Doesn't the air smell fresher from down here?

One of the advantages of being short is..... MORE LEG ROOM! In cars, buses and airplanes.

Wonder what's inside?

Hmm..

Fish Something..

The Chicken Briyani tastes not bad.

Walau! Since it has been a while, we were quite jakun when they brought out the Baskin Robbins ice cream.

Our ride to the Hoh residence.

Going back home! :(

The Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

The flight home had SUCKY food!!!!

Sucky Chicken.

Beng-beng? WTF. Where is our Baskin Robbins? Ferrero Rocher?

The variety of the food served varied greatly between the two flights. Hmmm... I wonder why?

First Few Pictures from the Canon S90

2010-01-13T14:30:00.000+08:00

Taking pictures with the Canon S90 is so much easier because of one simple reason: its SIZE.

It is small, light and really convenient to carry around. It is with me everyday, tucked comfortably in my handbag. However, don't be fooled by its physical appearance for this baby can take kickass pictures... well, at least pictures that satisfy ME.

The mani that I had done for the festive season. It is dark purple with red speckles, really pretty. Thanks to OPI.

The gingerbread girl that Dom made.

Black Beauty @ home.

Pebbles that we painstakingly dug up and carried in our cars from the old house to the new one.

My nail art pedi.

Driving also can look so blur ah?

Off to Sungei Wang for some last minute Christmas stuff.

Honda, pay me money.

How dangerous! This father had his young daughter balance this large box while riding pillion on the motorcycle! BAD DAD!

Us @ Christmas dinner in Terminal Subang.

We had two dinners to juggle that night and we went to both!

Nigel's Christmas manger, complete with nativity figurines.

How cool is this? So creative.

The Especkerman family go all out for Christmas! <3

The red and gold themed Christmas tree that Clara designed.

Guess who I found at their home?

Miss GAN POOI MUN as Santarina!

Sara is Now an Adult (Uber Late Post)

2010-01-11T18:36:00.005+08:00

Sara's bday was at the end of November LAST year. But I was pretty occupied and so here are some of my favourite pictures from the family dinner and her partaaay.

Picture with Momma.

Cutie pie KK rocking the sticker on face look. It's a shinny caterpillar, by the way.

Chef Vittorio cutting up his yummy shepherd's pie.

My lovely grandma and cool grampa.

Sara, don't kill me for this picture.

We had a freaking feast for Sara's 21st. All so delicious.

Mom and Dad. After many shots, here's a nice happy one!

Popo opens her pressie. Lo and behold, a bag! Whee.

I'm feeling this picture. Pretty Sara and Handsome Bro. Good genes.

Moi and Cuzzy. Red heart to protect my modesty.

Dear Sara, You are now old enough to vote and start incurring debt. Haha. The credit card monster, you must avoid. Investing and saving, you must start. Now. I love you gorgeous goofball cousin.

Howdy!

2010-01-11T16:26:00.000+08:00

Gosh. It feels like forever since I last blogged. So much has happened. Before Christmas, I resigned. Will be starting a brand new job adventure in February right after one week of shopping and eating madness in Macau/Hong Kong/China. I heard that the food in Hong Kong is awesome. I can't freaking wait.

Christmas was fun and oh... I LOVE MY CHRISTMAS PRESSIE!!!

The Canon S90. Thank you Vic, thank you, thank you, thank youuuuuuuuuu.

Jakarta was love and hate. Loved spending time with people (little people) who matter. Hated the horrid traffic jams in Jakarta. Nothing spoils the mood than being stuck in the jam. Heck, it is so bad that it totally turned me off shopping in the city centre.

Towards the end of the Jakarta trip, I came up with a sore throat and stomach upset. I spent the whole of last week on MC down with a full blown flu and a bad case of the shits. I know, it is not a good way to start the year by being sick, but I take it as my body cleansing itself of 2009's negativity. Onwards to a positively smashing 2010!

...

2010-01-04T22:31:00.001+08:00

I feel that nothing I do will ever be good enough. No matter how hard I try. How much effort I make. The worst is always the main focus. Am I that horrible? Maybe I am. Sigh.

- Posted from my iPhone

Choose One!

2009-12-23T19:02:00.002+08:00

Dear Mr Grumpy/ Victor Chin,

You have not been a good boy/man. So out of the three lovely Christmas presents below, you can only choose one. Choose wisely because each box has something different/pleasant/unpleasant inside.

1. The Small Cute Box

2. The Medium-Size Box

3. The Big Box

Beautiful wrapping courtesy of Sook Ting.

- Posted from my iPhone

Christmas Is Around the Corner!

2009-12-22T08:30:00.001+08:00

Everyone, have an awesome Christmas and fab new year. I know I will! ;)

Okay. I just downloaded Puri! on my iPhone. It's bringing out the teen in me. Haha.

- Posted from my iPhone

I'm Busty Studying

2009-12-10T10:53:00.001+08:00

Ooopsie! Typo. I'm BUSY studying. But while we are on the topic of busts, look what I recently bought for RM20.

Silicone IMPLANTS!

Naah, just kidding. It's actually a 'freebra'. I know it looks obscene and salah. Haha.

- Posted from my iPhone

Everyone is a Little Crazy

2009-12-04T18:01:00.000+08:00

I just read Norwegian Wood by prolific Japanese author Haruki Murakami and this is one of a few books that left a haunting impression on me. His depiction of death and depression is disturbingly real. Norwegian Wood explores the facets of the human emotion and the complexities that lie within.

The characters in Norwegian Wood are flawed; they walk on the tight rope known as mental illness. Three characters plunge to their deaths when life deals a blow that leaves them imbalanced. Murakami's description of their struggle with the dark side of living is intriguingly fascinating.

Everyone has a little crazy in them. A streak of absolute insanity that remains dormant until something triggers it. Be it the death of someone close or the realisation that everything we've ever lived for is meaningless. A small crack in your personality and slowly, you begin to slip. Lose grip of who you are. Humans are fragile and it doesn't take much for someone to cross over into no man's land. But once the core of your soul crumples, it is immensely difficult to return back to sanity.

Try dwelling onto the most negative thoughts in your mind. Think about it repetitively, everyday and every waking second and the chances are you would feel not quite right. I have memories and feelings that I choose not to revisit. These bits from the past hurt so much that I've buried them in a corner of my heart. I honestly believe that if I think about them frequently, I will never succeed in being a happy person. Instead, I would be a successfully depressed person.

That's the Equivalent of 162 Toilet Seats!

2009-12-04T17:07:00.002+08:00

Created by Oatmeal

ROFL!

Worried

2009-12-02T23:09:00.000+08:00

Grandma has been in hospital since Monday, but she'll most likely be discharged tomorrow. While that's good news, there's also more to worry about. The maid is back to Indonesia for a break and there's no one to help cook n clean for the old folks. Grandma isn't well enough to do all these and neither is grandma. Things wld be better whn the maid returns, but till then I guess hiring a temp maid wld hv to do. Daily temp maids aren't cheap! RM100 from 9am to 5pm. And the temp maid wld need to be trained! Sigh.

- Posted from my iPhone

Donating H Juice

2009-12-02T13:10:00.000+08:00

Yesterday there was a blood donation drive going on in the lobby of Menara Standard Chartered and I knew I just had to give mine. This is my second time donating, the first was about two years back. I've always wanted to donate after that but somehow I kept missing the dates of blood donation campaigns. The picture above is of me looking damn 'hero'. Fear not, needles only hurt pussies.

However, checkout my face below. I'm grimacing in pain. OKAY. I wasn't that painful. Like an intense ant bite.

Vic and I have been watching True Blood. Apart from the totally unnecessary nudity and excessive inclusions of sex scenes i.e, Jason Stackhouse humping some middle-aged divorcee behind Merlotte's, I love the show. Anna Paquin is delightful to watch and very endearing as Sookie Stackhouse. The plot is crazy fun.

Blood is a life force. Everyone who is healthy and able, should try and make it a habit to donate blood once in a while. You never know when your loved ones might need some. :)

So, click here to find out where the National Blood Bank will be having their blood donation drives and head on over there!

P/S: According to Wikipedia, "A typical Whole Blood donation is the equivalent of burning approximately 650 calories..."

From the Past: Graduation

2009-11-30T18:01:00.000+08:00

Over the long weekend, I stumbled upon these! My degree graduation was way back in August, 2006. It was my first time on University Sains Malaysia's (USM) campus grounds and I must say, it is a really beautiful university. I took a Mass Communication twinning programme between Taylor's and USM; so, I didn't have the chance to study in the Penang main campus. I must've missed out on the fun campus life.

Me and bro.

I am so waiting for his graduation next year! I'm going to buy the biggest teddy bear and make him hug it in front of everyone! HAHAHAHA!

Miss Gan Pooi Mun! I <3 you! I don't know why I did not manage to take pictures with Priscilla and Chin Pooi Mun. :(

My complexion looks so perfect in this picture. You wanna know the secret?

I piled on soooo much make up in the morning. Foundation. Powder. Concealer. Eye shadow. Mascara. Eyeliner. So that it lasted throughout the ceremony and the sweltering heat. My face is actually full of sweat. Haha.

P/S: Do I look better with long hair or my current shot one?

Why Do I Blog?

2009-11-29T01:55:00.000+08:00

Every now and then, someone passes a comment about my blog that makes me kinda uncomfortable. It's usually something along the lines of, "Wah, your blog all about food, food, food. No wonder you fat already!" or "Wah, your blog very pink ah.".

Granted, these are perfectly normal comments with no harm intended. However, comments like these are also unnecessarily redundant. I like food and the colour pink IS my favourite shade and naturally, my blog would evolve around the things that I like. So, why repeat it? The nicest thing anyone has probably said about my blog is... "Nice photos". LOL!

Sometimes, I fall into a lazy spell and stop blogging. True, I'm more motivated to blog when there are pictures involved. Hey, I enjoy photography. I like pretty pictures. Umm... posts with pictures still constitutes as blogging, no? Anyway, during bouts of laziness... I contemplate giving up blogging. You know, ignoring this blog until it falls into a state of boring neglect. But then, I can't (so far)! Slowly but surely, something will come along to spark the blogging bug and I am back to posting about food, myself and umm.. myself.

All bloggers have their own reasons to blog. Some do it for the money. Some do it for the fame. Some do it because they are bored. Some do it simply because they enjoy it. I think I've sorta fallen in love with blogging. I started over two years back because I wanted something to occupy my disturbed mind (and heart) and now, I find myself voluntarily typing away for www.mcallie8.blogspot.com.

I blog mainly for personal satisfaction and for family and friends. Nothing pleases me more than a finished entry complete with pictures and text. It's the same proud feeling seeing your author byline in the papers. Most of the time, I blog about fluff... nothing serious and nothing that hits too close to home.

It's always assumed that just because you blog, you blab away everything on your blog. I can't speak for others, but for me... I'm always cautious. Everyone uses the internet. So, you never know who's reading right now! I've read blogs where people bitch about their jobs and bosses. How super dangerous! Bosses could be reading every gripe that their employees make online! Eek! Hi Boss! I LOVE MY JOB!!!

I'm really straying from my title and I guess it is because my thoughts are all over the place. I hope this post is reminds myself on the days I feel like giving up, that I actually enjoy doing this shit. It would be pretty cool that if in ten years I'm still at it. I would have 12 years of my life archived online.

Semangat False Eyelashes

2009-11-26T18:16:00.000+08:00

Last year, I had a desire to master the art of wearing fake lashes. I was so into it that I bought the best fake lash glue -- Shu Uemura's Eyelash Adhesive. Then after several attempts, I got lazy and forgot all about wearing falsies... until yesterday during lunchtime. I was so inspired that I bought new falsies and wore them this morning.

And, it looks pretty good! Even Mom gave them the thumbs up!

Surprisingly, it did not take me very long to put them on. Take eyelashes out of box. Practise sticking them on eyelids. Put on Shu's glue. Stick em on. Adjust, adjust a little bit. Batt lashes to make sure that they don't drop off. Examine corners to ensure all nicely stuck on. Done!

I promise not to be lazy anymore. After all, there's no such thing as an ugly woman... just a lazy one. LOL! A make-up artist told me this once.

Got mine for RM8.90 from the FaceShop. I chose this pair because of its rather unique lash pattern.

Mask Me

2009-11-26T10:29:00.000+08:00

I've been super paranoid about my complexion lately. Getting old. Will soon be 30! Wrinkles and sagging boobs all come hand in hand with age. Damn you, TIME!

I want to have my 16-year old body forever. You know, cos I stopped growing taller somewhere around that age and since then, I have been expanding sideways! How sad indeed.

Thus, I've been indulging in masks to try and preserve and pamper my skin. Of course I don't use everything all at once, but each periodically.

These Montagne Jeunesse masks have been sold at Guardian for several years now, but I never felt the urge to buy them until recently when I was on the hunt for masks. What attracted me? Well, the models on the packaging looked so deliriously happy with those stuff on their face.

Look at her... her eyes are covered by some leaves and strawberries, but still smiling like damn syok.

I bought the strawberry souffle and I tell you, it smells so freaking good. Like got damn alot of strawberries all squashed and smeared on my face. Bliss.

Sometimes I get very stressed out

Everytime I use this mask, I do feel somewhat calmer and more zen. It smells great!

Some two for RM9.90 mask that I bought from Sasa. Have not used it yet!

My long time favourite peel off mask or 'masque' as it says on the packaging. I like to analyse all the dead skin and blackheads stuck onto the mask after I peel it off my face. Satisfying.

I used to buy Pure and Mild's hydrating mask, but since that brand has been discontinued... I decided to try ZA's. Not bad lah, it's very cooling and my face feels soft and supple the next morning.

Was introduced to this brand by Jean. This L'Occitane mask is damn cun ok! Can feel my pores tightening and being cleansed the five to ten minutes I have it on. Smells fab as well.

Please ignore my horrid nails. I didn't buy this Biotherm mask, it was a freebie that Vic got. Whenever I wash my face in the morning after applying the mask at night, I can still feel it there! Quite a lasting eh!

And the last...

Bedak sejuk! (Cold Powder)

Cheap, smells nice and effective when having an outbreak of red angry pimples!

Take a few pellets, dissolve in cold water and apply on face. If you have a stand fan, put your face in front of it for the ultimate chill. Cold cold cold!

Remembering

2009-11-25T23:17:00.000+08:00

A long time ago, I was in an unhealthy relationship that left me less than whole when it ended. I didn't know who I was. My individuality was chopped off to fit in the image of his ideal girlfriend.

I vowed to never again allow myself to be treated that way... and I have not ever since. I guess, in some ways I'm lucky. That experience made me realise how easy it is to be confused and consumed by 'love'.

Nowadays, I believe that if someone loves you...

They want the best for you
They will be your biggest cheerleader
They will always be there
They make time
They recognise you as a top priority
They listen
They care about your feelings
They give you the freedom to explore yourself
They encourage you to be the best tht you can be

This is love at it's greatest.

However, if 'love' for you means crying yourself to sleep, starving to be skinny, feeling constantly insecure, having to put up with substandard treatment... then my friend, that is not love but instead an ugly emotional imposter.

Before I sleep tonight, I'm gonna pray n hope that all those stuck in bad relationships get the perfect and pure kinda love that everyone is entitled to.

- Posted from my iPhone

RIP Pantyhose

2009-11-25T08:33:00.000+08:00

You kept me warm and comfy for two days.

- Posted from my iPhone

Sulk

2009-11-24T00:02:00.000+08:00

My CFO says cannot buy the Canon S90 ANY TIME SOON. I iz very sad :( Bah!

- Posted from my iPhone

The Night I Ate Sperm

2009-11-23T14:22:00.002+08:00

It was a rainy night a few weeks back when this incident occurred. It was a special night for Vic and I, so we decided to try something we've never done before

SPERM

I ate sperm. Well, to be exact, BOTH Vic and I digested sperm!

HAHAHAHA! I bet a few of you grossed out at the title of this entry, but I assure the all mentioned above did take place

Since everyone assumes that bloggers blog about every disgusting little dirty detail in their lives, I'm going to give you the low down of that scandalous night

Where the sinning took place: Xenri D'River View in Wisma Elken, Old Klang Road

What it sperm tastes like: Chawanmushi

What sperm costs: RM28

What sperm looks like:

Wha? What? Waitaminute.... I'm talking about food. Not whatever xxx things I lead you into thinking that I was talking about. Teeheehee

The picture above and below are of Tara Shirako also known as Cod Fish Sperm Sacs. And they taste pretty much like chawanmushi, folks. Texture wise, it was rather mushy with a buttery feel

Vic and I have been meaning to try Xenri for the longest time when I first heard about this place from Chze Hong. Thus, to celebrate a special occasion for the both of us, we headed over to Xenri for a royal feast

Everyone has been commenting that Vic lost a lot of weight and I am positively jealous because I am getting nothing but fatter. *glares at Vic*

And no. I'm not naked, just wearing a black tube dress with pink flowers

The Mizuna Salad (RM18). We were told that this was a very special Japanese salad dressed with wasabi sauce

Next up, Igloo Sashimi! At RM138, this is the most expensive dish we've ever ordered for the both of us. But this is also the best sashimi we've both ever had in our 59 years of living (25+34)

The sashimi is insanely fresh. The tuna oh-so-freaking-soft-that-it-really-melts-in-your-mouth! Salmon uber yummy and the other fishes were so so lovely. Sharks must have a grand ole time eating raw fish. Haha. Bonus points for the cute igloo and decor that came along with the sashimi; though Vic believes that they priced all that in

Ta-ta-tasty!

Grill Tuna Jaw (RM68) was also another highlight of the dinner. That jaw came from one big Tuna! It was the length of my forearm and was grilled to perfection. Crispy skin with soft tender flesh. Gawd, I'm salivating thinking about this dish

This is a must for all fish lovers

Cute teapot here is Dobin Mushi (RM16), seafood soup

A squeeze of lime adds zest to the soup. Yums

Garlic fried rice (RM9). Nothing terribly fantastic with this one, but it did not disappoint either. I guess, it is almost impossible to screw up garlic fried rice?

I heart Hotate Ringgoyaki (RM25) aka Scallops in an Apple. Another aesthetically pleasing dish that made my tums happy

Scallops with apple cubes in some kinda creamy custard-like sauce

Master of the Obvious: pictures of the menu

The green tea ice cream (RM8) was pretty good! One of the best I've tasted in KL, but still losing out to Ma Maison's in Singapore

Xenri is located at a quiet corner off Old Klang Road. You would never find this place unless you blur blur make wrong turn. At night and weekends, there's ample free parking.

For reservations, call 03-7783 8118.

I recommend this place for a nice party or a romantic dinner.

They have private rooms too!

Soooooooooo stuffed.

After dinner, we went to inspect Vic's new house. There was an intruder there.

He was green, slimy and looked like a frog.

SHOO!

Of Hot Stones, Bad Skin and Salty Food

2009-11-19T17:26:00.005+08:00

Had a great girly day out with my bestie Sheau Ing. Every time she comes back from Singapore, I feel like I am playing tour guide! Haha.

Planned for an all out indulgence session at Holistic Esthetics in Solaris Mont'Kiara. They were having an anniversary promotion and so we had the Hot Stone Spa Massage package for RM128 (normal price: RM380)!

The package included: aromatherapy relaxing massage for an hour, hot stone back massage - 30 minutes, ear candling and aromatic body polish. All together two hours plus of bliss.

Did we enjoy ourselves? The massage was great. The hot stone back massage was awesome during the session, but the skin on my back was red and felt burnt the following day. I don't know if it is supposed to be this way, but it was not very pleasant. The ear candling was pure crap. I'm not going through another session ever. First, it's not one bit enjoyable and therapeutic. How can the sound of a slow-burning wick in your ear be nice? I kept imagining that a bomb was going to go off.

Of course, after the session... there was the product pushing. I received feedback that I should start going for facials as my complexion was less than perfect. :(

We were famished after the massage and headed to Ole Ole Bali.

I like the ambiance and the food here. It's salty and tasty!

The rice was fragrant and everything else sure had enough salt.

Post dinner drinks

Goofy pictures of me

A pretty picture of Ing

What a Beauty... the Canon S90

2009-11-18T14:50:00.000+08:00

Took a walk around Sungei Wang yesterday to check out the latest in Canon's revived S Series - the Canon S90.

And I think I'm in love.

She's really pretty and responded well to my fondling.

Price wise: Retailing at about RM1,700 at the Canon Concept Stores. Whereas a survey around Sungei Wang had prices of RM1450+2GB memory card (Bintang), RM1550+8GB memory card (Boeing Photo ground floor).

So far, I've read a lot of good reviews. This review by Ken Rockwell hails the Canon S90 as the World's Best Digital Pocket Camera.

I'm pretty much sold on the Canon S90, unless someone offers me a Leica D-Lux 4...

My Back is Whack

2009-11-15T22:56:00.000+08:00

Ouch. I slipped and fell down the stairs last night. My back feels sorta numb and stiff. I pulled a muscle in my neck too. :( Advise to all: don't walk down the stairs with slightly wet feet (I wiped my feet on a mat but it was no help). Sure fall and land on ur ass. In my case I landed on my butt and spine. Urgh. Pls let me wake up tommorow feeling normal.

- Posted from my iPhone

3

2009-11-10T22:53:00.000+08:00

#1 Swim class was fab! I enjoyed my one hour lesson and I can't wait for the next round. Blup blup blup! Learnt how to breathe properly and how to really use a kickboard. Been holding it the wrong way!

#2 I'm eyeing a new cam. I want something small but powerful (like me! Lol). Something that's compact and yet able to deliver. So, Canon G11, Canon S90 and Panasonic Lumix LX3 are what I have in mind. Price is of course a concern.

#3 In efforts to reduce my eye bags and lines (NOT WRINKLES) I've been sleeping earlier every night. ;) You know, I won't stay 16 forever *cough cough*

- Posted from my iPhone

The Time Traveler's Wife

2009-11-09T11:49:00.001+08:00

I cried. At the movies and when reading the book. I'm always rather biased towards movies that have been adapted from books as in most cases; movies just don't do justice to the depth and richness found in books. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind such movies, it is just that I'm a book lover and would pick a good book over a movie any day. Movies provide a graphic visualisation of the book's characters and story plot and if you've enjoyed reading a certain book... chances are the movie would bring to life everything that you've imagined in your mind.

Anyway, back to the Time Traveler's Wife. There's been a lot of buzz about this movie and many have hailed this as THE most romantic movie of 2009. I read the Time Traveler's Wife before watching the movie. The book really moved me and I found myself weeping at the end (I won't include any spoilers here, don't worry). All I'm gonna say is that I'm a huge sucker for stories where the two lovers are separated against their will. The ending in the book was so utterly tragic and yet, so completely sweet --- love's unwavering promise. I thoroughly enjoyed the read.

And since I loved the book, I was pretty excited to catch the flick. Rachel McAdams proves that she can pull romance in The Notebook (another book that I cried while reading). I thought she is the perfect actress to play Clare. Thank god that McAdams and the oh-so-hunky Eric Bana (Henry) had chemistry. Overall, I thought that the movie was pretty good... except for one major gripe..... WHY CHANGE THE ENDING? The movie would've delivered more impact and been better off with the original ending. Bah.