A CYNIC IS ONLY A FRUSTRATED OPTIMIST...

Nobu at Crown Casino

2011-05-27T17:20:00.001+10:00

I have been meaning to post this for a few days, but so lazy getting photos from my phone to my laptop. I really cannot stand winter! I simply cbf with anything…

Last Wednesday night, babe and I went for an obligatory celebration dinner, and we decided to give Nobu a try as he has never been there and while I visited a few times over the years, I always have good memories. (Last time probably being 2009 so it has been a while….)

I start with some refreshing cocktails with lychees, and I am so nice, I share the lychees with babe!

Then we order a few signature dishes sans the black cod:

New style salmon sashimi - nice but salmon slices too thin to really taste the texture.

Shiitake salad - I am surprised to see the 5 tiny poor-looking shitake mushrooms on the plate, they are unnecessary really.

Beef tataki with garlic chips & ponzu : pretty picture, very mini-sized

Crispy Oyster with Creamy Wasabi and caviar: I loved this dish and ordered it every time I come here, for $12 per oyster, it is yummy but over priced IMO.

King crab leg tempura with amazu ponzu: quite tasty but the ponzu is way too sour.

So I guess it is obvious I was not very happy with all the dishes we ordered, and it was annoying because we wanted the dinner to be special! The serving sizes are just shocking. Not the amount of the slices on the plate, but more on the thinness of the fish/beef, even oysters and shiitake mushrooms were so small I didn’t even know you can find them in the market.

Honestly, as much as I want to love Nobu’s food (I loved them before) I am more than happy visiting Horoki or Heirloom or Izakaya Den. Having said that, we noticed alot of people actually ordred sushi platter to share which I think might be a better option?

However, what saves the night were the desserts @ Nobu

Green tea trifle mousse layered with vanilla brûlée, almond and coconut meringue and milk chocolate ice cream, with and lime and vanilla foam.

This looks stunning on the plate and everyone turned their heads admiring it as it was coming towards me. haha, the size is actually good for 2 to share (but I didn’t share lols) I love the green tea mousse, it wasn’t too sweet.

don’t remember the name, but it has caramel and some sort of penna cotta with yuzu ice-cream (I scoop it away from babe i know he doesn’t like sour stuff) Babe loves this dessert, he would have licked the plate if there were less people.

So I guess at the end, we walked out of the restaurant happy (because of the dessert!!) Nobu is lovely but considering the vast options you have in Crown, I don’t think it would be my top choices in the future….

For relevance, I wore my new H&M dress, it is like the first item I have ever bought from H&M:

Had one of those hate-my-hair-to-the-max moment that night again, so just pulled it all back to a pony tail. I can’t stand my hair!!!!!

my tumblr

2011-05-18T14:44:00.000+10:00

So that is a miserable fail on the 30days of photos, I have been quite busy and stressed. But I promise I will complete this.

Meanwhile, I have been mostly posting at my tumblr for photos and short posts. I am still working on how to keep this going as well as my tumblr, I might make this more of a food blog and focus more fashion on the other.

http://bisoumoments.tumblr.com/

it has been too long

2011-02-22T01:14:00.000+11:00

I cannot believe I have neglected my blog for this long...
The thought of updating has always been at the back of my mind and .... I don't know... I have been too busy with other matters other than blogging.

Anyway, I came across this lovely idea of 30 days of photos which I am very interested to try. Unsure how long it will take for me to go through the whole list but we shall wait and see.

30 DAY PHOTO CHALLENGE -
(i might do more than one per day if I feel like it I guess...)
day 1. your facebook profile photo
day 2. a photo of yourself a year ago
day 3. a photo that makes you happy
day 4. a photo of the last place you went on holiday
day 5. a photo of you
day 6. a photo that makes you laugh
day 7. a photo of someone you love
day 8. a photo of your favourite band/musician
day 9. a photo of your family
day 10. a photo of you as a baby
day 11. a photo of your favourite film(s)
day 12. a photo of you
day 13. a photo of your best friend(s)
day 14. a photo of one of your favourite family members
day 15. a photo of you and someone you love
day 16. a photo of you at the last party you went to
day 17. a drunk photo of you
day 18. a photo of one of your classes
day 19. a photo of you on a school trip
day 20. a photo of something you enjoy doing
day 21. a photo of you standing up
day 22. a photo of your town
day 23. a photo of your friend as a baby
day 24. a photo of you that your hair looks nice in
day 25. a photo of a night you loved
day 26. a photo of your favorite weekend
day 27. a photo of last summer
day 28. a photo of what you ate today
day 29. a photo of someone you find attractive
day 30. a photo of you when you were happy

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Day 1 - facebook profile photo
This was taken from my most recent overseas trip to Japan Last November. I loved my Japan trip so much I am still experiencing withdraw symptoms... :( I was at Ginza in the photo and the roads were closed since it was Sunday. It was lovely to be able to roam free right on the middle of the streets, especially there are millions of people. It was really cold at the time so my face was really numb and I could only squeeze something which I thought as a smile... (obviously not now I take a closer look). I loved this photo because the road seems endless.

I just want to be your everything

2011-02-17T00:21:00.000+11:00

If I could take you away
Pretend I was queen
What would you say
Would you think I'm unreal
'Cause everybody's got their way I should feel

Everybody's talking how I, can't, can't be your love
But I want, want, want to be your love
Want to be your love, for real
Everybody's talking how I, can't, can't be your love
But I want, want, want to be your love
Want to be your love for real
Want to be your everything

Everything...

Everything's falling, and I am included in that
Oh, how I try to be just okay
Yeah, but all I ever really wanted
Was a little piece of you

And everybody's talking how I, can't, can't be your love
But I want, want, want to be your love
Want to be your love, for real
Everybody's talking how I, can't, can't be your love
But I want, want, want to be your love
Want to be your love for real

Everything will be alright
If you just stay the night
Please, sir, don't you walk away, don't you walk away, don't you walk away
Please, sir, don't you walk away, don't you walk away, don't you walk away

And everybody's talking how I, can't, can't be your love
But I want, want, want to be your love
Want to be your love, for real
Everybody's talking how I, can't, can't be your love
But I want, want, want to be your love
Want to be your love for real

And everybody's talking how I, can't, can't be your love
But I want, want, want to be your love
Want to be your love, for real
Everybody's talking how I, can't, can't be your love
But I want, want, want to be your love
Want to be your love for real

I want to be your love, love, love

Mad Smoke: having a ciggie anywhere any time is appropriate.

2010-10-06T17:40:00.000+11:00

I wish we are still allowed for a bar at every office

2010-10-06T17:35:00.000+11:00

Izakayas dining is all I wish for.

2010-09-21T19:14:00.002+10:00

Anyone who knows me would tell you that I am C.R.A.Z.Y. about Japanese. To me, sushi sushi is not Japanese, it is a healthier choice for lunch take away... (and try to cut half of the rice out in a roll). I have a handful of restaurants that deemed to be true Japanese in my mind and frequented them on a regular basis. One trend I am seeing since last year is the rise or Izakaya @ Melbourne. I cannot stop prising Izakaya enough, basically they are essentially bistros with small sharing plates and a lot of different alcohol which cater for people to have a good drink and bite after work. They are often opened til very late and the whole atmosphere is usually buzzing. An asian version of Tapas bar I suppose. I love alcohol and I am all for having as many different dishes as possible. Sometimes I wish I can order 3 entrees instead of my proper entree, main & dessert.

The Izakayas in Melbourne are not all quite the same but they all have their own charm. I supposed I would be over the moon if more of these are open later but I am happy enough. One of the most popular one would be Izakaya Den.

Izakaya Den
http://www.izakayaden.com.au/
114 Russell St
Melbourne Victoria 3000
(03) 9654 2977
(They don't take booking unless it is more than 5 people at nights)

This place has been on my radar since it was first opened however I wasn't very interested after my not-so-impressed 2nd & 3rd visit to Verge. Until I start seeing rave reviews all over the blogs. And when I finally gave it a try, I cannot believe I did not bother to do this earlier. Now they have won The Best New Restaurant of the year, It would probably be Impossible to get seats.... I would still wait actually...

First visit:

(their super famous Spicy Tuna tataki, garlic & soy: this dish is mind-blowing, the tuna literially melt in your mouth and the sauce are super tasty. I wish I could have this dish myself)

(Another famous dish which they also featured at their pop-up store during Taste of Melb2010, sweet corn "kaki-age with wasabi salt. It is amazing something so simple yet taste so wonderful, the corn flavour really comes out in this dish. )

(Kingfish sashimi with Asian style dressing, this dish reminds me of the cured fish from Bar Lourinha but with different dressing, the fish was fatty but not as good as tuna tataki. It was a very refreshing dish)

(it was the special of the night, Char grilled chicken ribs with nori and wasabi, the wasabi gives the dish a big kick, however not super special)

(Baked fish and ginger miso: I forgot what fish it was but this is a heart warming dish and full of Japanese flavour. There were shitake mushroom at the bottom soaking all the fish juices yummi!!)

I think we also had the miso soup with pipi which were very flavoursome but I forgot to take photos. We were drinking heaps as well because my dining companion and myself love alcohol very much. (This should be an unspoken rule for my blog)

I was so over-the-top happily surprised by how yummy these dishes are, I dragged my friend back for another visit a week later...

(Special on the projector screens interchanged with cartoon characters and all, very interesting and specials seem to change often as 80% of them were different than my last visit merely 1 week ago)

(had the sashimi again because my friend loves kingfish but I prob will give it a miss next time because there are way too many others I would like to try)

(the cute cup for water and they use this cutest glass bottles for sake, they carry pretty nice sake& sochu)

(have to order this again, actually we ordered 2 servings because they are so nice!)

(yum yum, another must order for me)

(Ox Tongue spring onions: very tasty, I love ox tongues! their cut is slight thicker which create great textures and very juicy)

(Deed Fried chicken, I don't know why this was ordered because I should saved my tummy space for other stuff!! pretty juicy though)

(Sakate coated prawns with citrus mayo, both my friend and I love Prawns as fat as these prawns appear, they lack prawny taste which we concluded were because of the missing heads. One of my pleasure in eating Jap is eating deep fried prawn heads, which are actually quite common. I have a feeling the staff probably have the prawn heads themselves because look at the size of these prawns! their heads would be mega yummy!!)

(Jumbo quail with sansho peper, slightly dry for my liking and way too full by then. )

(Fuji Apple Millefeuille: It is hard to imagine after having all those above dishes plus 3 drinks each, we still charging for he dessert menu. People around us and the staff probably thought we are monsters.... lols. This dessert is not just amazing, it is 'epic'. I would not try this at home because it can only be created in Izakaya Den, everything is perfection from the air-dried apple slices to the citrusy sorbet and sweet linger honey, we were in heaven! to die for, I don't know what to say. I love Izakaya Den!!)

(Houjicha Ice-cream: very creamy and tasted a bit of the tea. I think this is what houjicha is for? very special but my mind is trying to grasp the reality after flying in heaven after the Fuji Apple milliefeuille so this one does not shine as much. Still very tasty!)

I supposed by now you can tell I Raved Izakaya Den and cannot wait to go back for more tasting on their delicious food!

Another Japanese which I visit frequently and really in my mind would be an izakaya too is Horoki casual dining bar. I have been a loyal customer to Horoki for years, I started going there when each dish were only about $10 (such were the good days) and now although prices have gone up a little, it still remains as one of my favourite because they are too damn tasty! And the dishes are still cheaper than some entrees from the big restaurants. There was a time I used to go once a week or every 2 weeks and ordered very similar things. I won't know what I am going to do if one day they decided to take a long break or close!! *touch wood*

Horoki

19 Liverpool St
Melbourne, 3000

(03) 9663 2227

I don't take photos every time when I go which is funny considering how often I visit Horoki, but the photos below almost capture whaPublish Postt I would order each time.

(Diakon Salad, diakon is pretty much what we called white radish, it teamed with fresh sashimi of kingfish, tuna, salmon & scallop, I still yet to work out the crunchy thing on top. I love this dish so much, so refreshing and perfect for warm nights)

(Tuna carpaccio, another big favourite of mine, fresh tuna sashimi with parmesan cheese shaved on top with mayo and sauce. Love this)

(Kingfish tataki, or sometime they use swordfish. it has dried garlic slices and some exotic spices which make this dish stand out.)

(steak tartare: oh my, this is literially one of the best steak tartare I tried in Melbourne. Not really authentic western but taste simply amazing. The beef are so tender and well seasoned. Love the quail egg to make it all smooth. I only wish they can be a bigger serve. Must order if you love raw beef like me)

(special of the night, some spicy pork belly with korean chilly/kimchi? not my favourite)

Something I love about Horoki is how the chef is constantly looking for new dishes and every time I go, I get very excited checking out what new dishes on their special. Some really good ones become permanent e.g. the crab dumplings with dill... *drool* I have some other must-order dish that I don't have photos such as eggplant with duck, wasabi scotch fillet and mentaigo pasta. I will sure take some photos next time and post up. Horoki is not very big at all and it has a long bar around the kitchen and the bar area. I actually prefer sitting along the bar than the table as I feel more intimate this way. They have a reasonable sake selection and I love their very-strong-yet-not-too-expensive cocktails.

Very good tea selection also. Actually I just realised they store quite a bit of alcohol for a tiny restaurant.

Very limited dessert selection, I remember when it was newly opened they didn't have menu dessert but you do get some sort of icy penna cotta at the end of the meal

Chef hard at work in a tiny open kitchen. He is quiet. I really want to tell him personally how much I love his food but he hardly chats to his customers.

Okie this is me. Look how happy I am eager awaiting the food to come out. The dress is from kookai and I have had it for years. There is even moth holes (shock) and I can't be bothered to fix. I think I was very into dramatic tights around that time. hahaha

okie I think that is it for now. Of cos there are other izakayas in Melbourne such as Meyadeya & chuji but I didn't take photos when I visited them previously so would have to continue my izakaya experience later.

Urban Remedy Detox

2010-09-20T16:46:00.001+10:00

I decided to do a detox program prior to my trip to HK because if I may confess, I have been on a diet since Jun this year. The diet is not a strict one but merely to cut out fast food and carbs. It was worrying on how much food I would be stuffing my face when I go to HK so why not give myself a full cleanse for 3 days before hand?

I also managed to score $20 off by linking them to my FB. It is not cheap though. even after discount, each juice works out to be just over $10. I was delivered 3 days worth of juices with a cute cooler bag. You have 6 juices per day and you drink them according to the numbers every 2 hours. My personal summary of the juices are per below:

Juice 1 - tasted healthy with slightly gagging factor. I think it could be de to cucumber... (consists of apple, lemon, cos lettuce, celery, silverbeet, parsley, cucumber)

Juice 2 - Very nice and sweet. (I would love to have more mints, very refreshing, consists of pineapple, apple & mint), This juice is def something I would love to make myself in future for summer.

Juice 3 - I can't work out which I like less, Juice 1 or Juice 3?( consists orange, acai berry, cucumber, pineapple, carrot, broccoli) really not liking carrot and cucumber.. ewww

Juice 4 - This looks quite scary but I actually like it because I like the taste of beetroot. (Consists of beetroot, carrot, aple, lemon, spriulina and ginger) again, I would love to have more ginger. This is prob my 2nd or 3rd favourite.

Juice 5 - this tasted like lemon water to me, I kept on wanted to heated it up and add some honey. (consists lemon, water, agave nectar and cayenne pepper) This juice is good to drink during the afternoon when you are thirsty.

Juice 6 - I have to say I did not drink much of this juice... because I wasn't very hungry by then. It has raw cashews, cinnamon, coconut milk, agave nectar, vanilla bean and water.

During the whole time, extreme hunger didn't really hit me. I am not sure why... I like some juices alot but some of them I really have problem finishing.

I also felt very cold all the time because the juices have to be refrigeratored to keep fresh and I decided to do this at winter... Another problem was the constant visits to the toilet... But that is flashing your toxin out.

I actually stopped on the 2nd day after juice 4, I was determined to do this detox and not cheat at all. However after I finished juice 3 on day 2, I felt really cold as well as this gagging sensation. I thought I would have Juice 4 sooner because I like the taste it. And somehow very soon after juice 4, the feeling on gagging got worse and I ended up throw up in the toilet. Warm beetroot juice definitely didn't taste good :(

The only explanation I can think of is because I drank the juices too quickly one after another. I pretty much have them 1.5hr apart. Or maybe I am not suitable drinking this many varieties juices.... So I quit the detox there and then. Went to Izakaya Den for dinner... yummy!!

I liked the detox idea, and to be honest, I would still consider doing this again in summer because it would be alot easier and refreshing. I hope there is an option for ppl to choose opting some ingredients out. I can force myself to drink juices I don't like so much but if my body rejects them and I ended up throwing up, it is better not to include them in the firs place...

Oscar, we were not meant to be....

2010-09-20T15:55:00.001+10:00

Beautiful Navy box tied with black bow arrived one day.

Revealed my pretty...

The exquisite embellishment and the exotic snakeskin leather.

But it was only a dream....
When I woke up eventually;
They were gone...

damn size 36!!!

(Oscar de la Renta ballet flats)

Melbourne sun rays are deceiving. Sunny but freezing....

2010-09-20T15:24:00.002+10:00

Just a quick recap on the past weekend, we visited some friends who were staying at Rye, we were meant to stay as well but I decided to stay back at Melbourne spending sometime with my parents before they fly back to Asia. It was a really fun day, we visited a private owned garden full of maze and compete in teams... Tried lavender ice-cream and it really tasted odd to me...

On Sunday we were running errands for my parents and I wore the below:

(Thurley wool top, Manning Cartell silk top, Siwy jeans, A.Wang Rocco Mini bag)

I love my Rocco Mini but the bag is really becoming very dirty... The photo looks really weird because it was too yellow and I was changing the color/contrast. Very bad job indeed.

I don't know if I have mentioned this but since August this year my weekends have been filled with different activities and it really contradicts my version of "weekend"..

I remember reading an article once about how it is very modern that people fill their weekends with different social activities and packed all to the max. I was thinking to myself that I would never do that because for me, weekends are for sleeping in and laze around... doing things at my own pace. And little did I know, I am becoming one of those when my friend wants to do a quick catch up, I would be like "when? oh let me check my blackberry.... hm... I have a lunch then busy at night, how about we do a 2hour coffee/shopping in the arvo?" that just sounds so snobbish! Anyway, I think as the weather gets warmer I probably will have less time to myself. Maybe I just have to get used to it.

My travel outfit and essentials

2010-09-14T02:32:00.002+10:00

I really don't fly that much but a recent trip to HK got me thinking about what items do ones really need when they fly. As I don't have the luxury of flying business or first class...yet! (one day... one day.... ) I don't get to have a roomy seat (or should I say roomy bed?!) and have to endure almost sitting up the whole flight. I have tried to pack items that will make my flight as comfortable as it can be.

I have no patience when it comes to flying and any tiny thing will have me very frustrated. One of the biggest frustration for me is sitting close to a crying baby.... On my flight back from S'pore to Melbourne, I had not one not two but FIVE babies around me and they took turns cry and scream. I can totally understand there is really nothing you can do because that is what babies do. But it was pretty frustrating for me to even fall asleep with all these crying around me for a good 8 hours... and I had earphones on!

Anyway rant over, so this is what I wore at the last HK trip:

(Witchery crop jacket, Temt navy harem style pants, Chanel CC necklace)

* The harem pants are so comfortable and lucky sweat pants/harem pants are in this year, so I can wear it w/o being too casual. I don't know I still feel uncomfortable flying in trackies...
* I would always carry a light jacket even to a tropical country, this 3/4 sleeve crop jacket is from Witchery SS10/11 I will bring a shawl for extra warmth and socks to wear on the plane as my feet always gets cold.
* Witchery top again very comfortable and the Chanel necklace IMo kinda style up the outfit so it is not too meh.
* trusty YSL Downtown not shown in the photo it fits so much and extremely light...

(I don't know why such face... stupid much?)

For my other essentials in the bag, other than the passports/glasses/phone. I will pack the below. I used an A5 document bag which is much more durable than what they give you at the airport)

(By Terry Light expert, Smashbox under eye brightener, Nars Super Organsm, Make-Up Forever aqua eyes, Rosebud slave, Prescrptives super flight cream & Neutrogena fine fairness uv lotion)

* By Terry light expert: love this dewy foundation even it is expensive for the amount the tube holds. It is portable and easy to blend. I use very little just to even out the skintone and it smells great.
* Smashbox under eye brightener: Must cover the dark circles, I don't know anyone who doesn't have dark circles after a long flight. This is a sample I got. Don't love it but does the job.
* Nars Super organism: can be a bit over the top during normal days but really comes in handy when I need to brighten the face up esp make up is so minimal.
* MUF eyeliner: best one I have used, glide on easily and doesn't smudge.
* Rosebud Slave: I used it on my lips, cuticles or dry patches on the face. Love the rosy scent.
* Prescrptives super flight cream: especially formulated to nourish and revive climate - drained skin. It can be used as mask or moisturiser. Perfect. I usually lather a heavy layer as mask after cleansing my face. It is safe to use around the eyes too. This cream really makes a difference for my skin. (my face still look horrible with the dark circles. damn no sleeping)
* Neutrogena Fine Fairness UV lotion (SPF 50+ PA +++): I think you can only get this from Asia. I love the high SPF and it is very light & watery. Might be a tad too dry for Aussie land but perfect for hot humid HK. Always crucial to have sunscreen on.
* Neutrogena make up wies: (not in photo)I really love this product because my face feels so refreshed afterwords compare to other brands I have tried. This is especially handy when I am stuck at the window seat and too lazy to get out.

Voila, time for holiday. :)

I tend to try drinking as much water as I can without visiting the toilet because I hate to keep on asking people to let me pass through. I usually give the air plane food a miss also. And it might come as a shock from me but I don't drink alcohol either for my skin's sake. I tried to sleep and immerse myself on the in flight enterainment. I think the best scenario for me would be, onto the plane, have water, clean my face and put mask on, sleep and wake up on arrival un-interrupted. But this never happens..... boo........

This a a long post... maybe I will end it with everyone's favourite, Mr. Muffie. He was watching me taking photos for this post but I think he got so bored so he dozed off....

I have to show you this

2010-09-10T02:58:00.000+10:00

it is too cute for words!

(baby w my godson, he kicks his legs when he is happy, so cute!)

I always heart thee

2010-09-10T02:48:00.000+10:00

Oriental pearl, forever charming. I just love the buzz.
Managed to have 5 days break to Hong kong. I was so glad that I can escape the cold/rains/hails in Melbourne and meet baby from his way back from his India business trip.
It was end of Summer in Hong Kong. So Stuffy and Humid.
I love it.
I feel like home.
I can't deny all the loud noises jolt me and I was even scared to cross the road if it has no traffic light.
But it just felt so comfortable and I was feeling like I was walking on the clouds. (literally because I was dizzy the whole time...)

Also managed to caught up with a couple of my girlfriends via High Tea at Four Seasons. It is sad that all 5 of us are scatter around the world and we actually have to find a 'middle point' to meet... it was always so sweet seeing how my babes.

And who can overlook the food!! I had japanese 3 nights out of 5.
I was so happy. Too Happy.

I might put on another post just about food.

(roast goose from yun gi)

Last but not the least. My bestie and my god son. He is an angel. I was experiencing withdraw symptoms when I got back to Melbourne. I can't stop thinking about his cute face!!

(Mr. fashionsta is spotted with vintage H&M tee)

I know it has been too long since I blogged.

I will try to catch up. For now, I need to try to knock myself unconscious as I only slept about 4 hrs each for the last 3 nights...

Wish to be amazed @ Maze

2010-08-02T01:40:00.005+10:00

It has been ages.... like way too long.
Last time I entered an entry, the weather was still bearable.
Now the average temp is around 12 every single day teaming with rain, hail & icy winds.
Winter has set deep in indeed. It is a very cold year this year.
I am feeling so uninspired about blogging.

Oh and that I am using my really shitty Sony Camera...
The photo editing afterwords drive me insane. Have to make myself bring out the D90 next time instead of pulling my hair out while editing photos on ACDsee (another reason annoys me but let's not get into that for now.)

Not that my life has been boring.
Actually I ate out quite a lot in the last few months,
I think I just can't be bothered to blog about it.
Thought I would try to get back in by adding my last night's experience dining at one of the latest creations by Gordon Ramsay - Maze Restaurant.

I was very excited about this dinner because the reviews I came across have been mainly positive and their degustation is so reasonably priced... I used the online booking which instantly confirm the availability and really appreciated that. I am mildly annoyed with all these casual-hence-do-not-take-booking dining venues popping up in Melbourne these days because they are so popular (due to the food not the no booking policy) it is a norm to wait between 30min to 1.5 hrs... on week nights! (Mamasita anyone?) which I think really defeat the whole 'casual no-booking' policy. Maybe they just want you to keep on drinking while waiting at the bar... Anyways...

We opted the chef menu and started with fresh bread (of some sort) and seaweed butter which everyone raved. The seaweed taste came through beautifully but I exercised self control knowing we have 7 dishes ahead.

Marinated beetroot with goats curd, cabernet sauvignon vinaigrette, toasted pine nuts: The combination of beetroot with goats curd are really nice. The tang of the beetroot made my mouth water and really get ready to enjoy the dishes later on.

Applewood smoked kingfish, fennel puree, pickled celery, globe artichoke & finger limes: first of the 3 courses diner can choose between 2 dishes. I purely chose this because babe opted for the other. Tasted lovely but didn't really impress me.

Seared yellow fin tuna, white radish, yuzu, enoki mushrooms & black garlic: the other choice other than Kingfish. This was probably the best dish of the night for ALL of us. The melt-in-your-mouth tuna teamed with what I thought being miso sauce (mayb it is yuzu) was just simply divine. Love this!

Pan seared scallop, caramelised kelp, samphire, mussels & champagne foam: famous dish of Maze. Quite nice probably my 2nd favourite. The scallop were actually from Canada which surprised me a bit because GR is all about fresh local produce isn't it?

Pan roasted barramundi, butternut squash, compressed cucumber; pumpkin seeds: 2nd choice to do of the night. I didn't choose this even though barramundi is probably my fav fish atm. I cook them alot at home myself. Actually I think that is why I decided to go for the quail. I only had a bite and it was ok if not a tad dry. I was told the fish skin were very crispy.

Quail with vegies: errr just realised this dish is actually not on their site hence my poor description. The quail has fast becoming a favourite ingredient of restaurants in recent years. I had tried the best one ever from The Press Club and I just thought I would give it a try again. (not a big fan of quail esp done Chinese-canton way). Beautiful platting and I think they only take the best parts of the quail and lightly fried. (they were from Bendigo btw) Very tasty but not as juicy as I hoped. Maybe I should just go back to The Press Club...

Lamb Cannon; shoulder, cauliflower puree anchovy, stinging nettles: last choice of the night for us to make which is not mine as I am not a big fan of lamb. And turned out a bit too lamb-y for everyone's liking. I only had a little bit.

Ox "tongue & cheek" caper; raisin, carrots; horseradish pomme puree: my last savoury dish and it is hm.... alright. Tasted very much like braised beef that my mum makes but with western sauce. The tongue has been braised for perhaps too long and lost its special texture that you go for when you order tongue... the carrots was actually very sweet.

Have to say... something about the main courses, each components just didn't seem to compliment each other well enough IMO... Moving on to deserts, please excuse the blur pix, actually please excuse the shit photos, the dim lighting and my crap camera produced the worst possible photos. My Sony has this amazing ability to take blur photos even I have turned on: close focus, dim-lighting, auto-focus-at-nights. go figure.... argh!

another dish not included on the web menu. I remember it being passion fruit sobert and merigue with some fresh fruit: they are nice and sour which I love in a desert.

Maze "lamington", rosella jam with coconut sorbet crisp teamed with chiffon cake: a slight variation from the website again. Lamington is rich in chocolate and my favourite parts of the dish were the coconut sorbet with the crisp. I actually didn't finish this dish because a chocolate desert has to be amazing to make me finish all. (like that one from Jacques Raymond)

A pleasant surprise at the end, I think it is strawberry ice cream coated with white chocolate. I really liked it actually. Wish I could had 2 or 3. We were also given a little bag with sugar/chocolates to take home.

All in all, I think the chef's menu of $95 for 7 courses is really good value for money. However the whole menu lacks certain something to really impress me... 15hours on, I can only remember beetroot/goats curd and the tuna. I recently visited Embrasse whom proudly procure many local produces in their dishes and they were simply mind-blowing. I think I am slightly confused at what Maze is trying to achieve as it is not really a casual dining joint, yet the dishes are slightly too simple for a fine dining restaurant seeing its very modern deco/ formal service.

Furthermore, apparently all the dishes are designed to be shared OR order more than just your usual entree/main/desert. But the serving sizes are leaning to the petite side...even for degustation. The boys actually commented on how they ain't very full after all 7 courses + bread. And to be honest, with $95 p.p budget, I can get an amazing entree and descent steak from Rockpool Bar&Grill. The service is friendly however I felt a little rushed at times perhaps I just eat too slow.

I never think my blog is a foodie one and I don't think I am capable reviewing the food like a pro food critic esp with my fobby English. At the end of the day I just want to record the food I have because my memories are getting really rustic. I feel I was perhaps expected too much from GR/Maze but I had a fantastic time with babe and 2 dear friends. That is what matter the most. After dinner we walked to Crown and shops were still open so we went shopping. You can't get any better than that. :)

maze Melbourne
Level 1, Crown Metropol
Corner of Whiteman and Clarendon Streets,
Southbank, Victoria 3006

sleepless night... yet again!

2010-05-18T03:20:00.019+10:00

awww so pissed right now...
I did a post and something happened..
so the whole editor only left with the letter 'n'
!!!!

Great this makes me even less sleepy. Just Great.
Someone come over and smack me unconscious.
These sleepless nights are getting too much.
I have been experiencing difficulty to sleep well in the last couple months.
Not every single night but most nights I would toss and turn for hours.... sometimes still awake at 4 or 5 am... on a Work Day.
Despite my no-intake on caffeine.
I really don't understand why esp I used to be someone who sleeps ALot.

Vaguely... I think I know what is happening.
My life has changed fair a bit this year...
I cannot say for better or worse...
but whatever happening around has made me very anxious about my future
This covers almost all aspects...
Of cos instead of worrying I should really just get onto them but I have to admit.
I am not moving things fast enough.... almost procrastinating even...
I don't understand...
It is not me afraid the unknown but I am afraid of something I do not know.

Anyhow... no point stand in one spot and worrying. I should really get onto them!
Not that I have more years to waste on my hands...

To finish this post on a happier note,
here I present you a series of photos of one of Muffie's fav past time
The reason I said it is one of his favourite is because he doesn't do much apart sleeping all day
so I can only guess the remaining activity being one of his favourite...

Muffie: time to start grooming

Muffie: it is important to check where extra attention is required

Muffie: hard working is me!

Muffie: close the eyes and enjoy the moment

Muffie: time to sleep as soon as I am done.

Like the beat beat beat of the tom-tom

2010-05-18T02:25:00.007+10:00

When the jungle shadows fall

Like the tick tick tock of the stately clock
As it stands against the wall
Like the drip drip drip of the raindrops
When the summer shower is through
So a voice within me keeps repeating you, you, you
Night and day, you are the one
Only you beneath the moon or under the sun
Whether near to me, or far
Its no matter darling where you are
I think of you

Day and night, night and day
Under the hide of me
There's an oh such a hungry yearning burning inside of me
And this torment wont be through
Until you let me spend my life making love to you
Day and night.
~~ written by Cole Porter

Yup it has been 3 weeks. Since the last long weekend.
I have been holding myself back really really hard.
But for how much longer??

Alexander Wang Baby/Mini Rocco
photo credits: tpf

patterns and frills can actually match

2010-05-10T03:01:00.002+10:00

Anyone who knows me would totally agree with me that I love frills.

I always pick up frills when I go shopping so I have really restrained myself not to buy them so often

Came across this lovely Karen Walker dress a while ago when I was shopping for The outfit for babe's bday party.

I loved it but didn't ended up getting it as it wasn't cocktail enough for me

Destiny led me back to him a few weeks ago when I drop by Green With Envy (yes I do happen to drop by and that is My story and I am Sticking to it!)

I met him again and somehow he told me he is 50% off so I have to take him home.

Karen Walker A/W 10 Gypsy Tea Dress (look 35)

Just realised it looks so much nicer with the belt. Maybe I should try that. The above is actually the back of the dress and I think the gold zip adds something extra. The patterns make the frills almost hard to recognise IRL.

Wore the dress to H* birthday dinner a couple weeks ago with Asos over the knee boots. So comfortable and the 3/4 sleeve black jacket is from Rodeo Show. (gosh I take terrible outfits photos of myself... bleh..)

Jacques... you hold a special place in my heart.

2010-05-03T03:35:00.005+10:00

To Edit: start this post back in March, tried in April and finally finished in May....
Jacques Raymond is such a well known restaurant in Melbourne... Or I should say in Australia. It has been taking 3 hats every year from The Good Food Guide for as long as I can remember.
I visited it a couple years ago and enjoyed it reasonably however VDM was still the love of my heart.
This year we decided to visit Jacques Reymond for babe's 30th plus our anniversary. And the food... oh the food... they were so amazing that every dish taste, aroma linger in my head for days after.
Definitely would love to visit again, especially Mr Raymond changes the menu per season.

We opted for the degustation. There seem to be some very nice selection from A la carte also which I like because you prob enjoy the food so much you visit regularly. The a la carte provide you choices.
(p.s. to my dismay a few days later after we dined at JR they changed the menu so I could only describe the dishes to a certain extent)

Bread Puffs: to start with. A bit salty and quite tasty

Delicate rock lobster chakin, broth of blue swimmer crap and asian sense fragrant coconut milk, palm oil: One of my top 3 of the night. The chakin is so soft and bouncy in texture. Every spoonful oozes ocean to me. I love love it!

Hiramasa king fish and ponzu, Harvey Bay Scallop, spice nougatine warm leek and chilli gherkin dressing: scallop is quite lovely. babe loves the king fish but I thought it was only alright.

Snapper with 4 peppers, fennel and white balsamic, sencha and lime emulsion: always loves fresh fish. the 4 peppers IMO is a bit too asian-influenced. Big fan of the foams. The taste it brings is very interesting. Certainly not a dish you can recreate at home.

Tempura quail breast, organic black rice, whipped persian fetta: babe loves this dish. the black rice is interesting. I like quail more and more and do notice them being used more in Melbourne restaurants.

Wallaby with lemon Myrtle and apple jelly, cider vinaigrette, combu celeriac cooked in salt crust: I never had wallaby before and wasn't looking forward to this dish in particular. However this is my top 3 of the night! the meat.... oh the meat.... how tender and juicy was the meat?! I could not believe it. It was fresh, sweet and incredibly tender. Love the dashi and the jelly gives a bit of tang. LOVE this dish big time!

Wagyu rump with something something: we also opted for this just in season truffle all the way from France and honestly I was tipsy and full by then. The truffle wasn't doing the whole dish much favor. Pretty nice... as much as you would expect a wagyu to be...

Babe gave me his truffle and we were joking saying each slice worth $5... (extra $25 per head me thinks)

This is me after a long day of work... obviously I need to visit my hairdresser soon to retouch my roots... which I did the very next day...

Darling birthday boy

Martini of bittersweet chocolate (mousse), coffee ganache, bourbon vanilla chantilly and cripsy rice puffs: I am never a big fan of chocolate desserts but the chocolate is not too sweet and the rice puffs provide some interest textures.

Pear and caramel, earl grey and orange tea ice cream, pedro ximenez jelly: last but not the least, my final top 3 dish of the night. This dessert is Amazing. My poor photo taking does not do it justice! (excuse me I was so full and so tipsy..) the caramel mousse was so creamy and the earl grey tea ice cream is to die for!! (heaven heaven heaven!!) then it teams with the plum jelly and bring the whole taste to another level. Def will go back to JR just for this!

Petit fours: time to go home. I didn't have any I was so full...

My meal will not be completed with tea. I need something to keep me awake after all the booze...
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Jacques Reymond Restaurant
www.jacquesreymond.com.au
78 Williams Rd
Prahran VIC 3181(03) 9525 2178
($250/head drinks inc)

Perhaps it is another drunken night away

2010-04-29T02:08:00.001+10:00

I just want to know my life is not wasted away
I sit there everyday wondering what I could have become had I gone through my life
made choices differently
I do not want to regret my decisions nor would I am

A great life is not measured by the number of breaths you take
but the moments that take your breath away

I want to live my life knowing I have done what I can and be happy with my choice.

I will never forget you

2010-04-28T02:52:00.002+10:00

It has been way too long since my last blog entry.
I have been extremely busy initially with the Kitty then parents arrived back Melbourne after 3 months away.
Everyday has so much to do yet so little time.
It would be really nice to be able to write more on my blog.

So back to my last entry about the lost Kitty. I put him outside the house the next day when I went to work to see if he would go back to his home.
And he was There when I got home! He was waiting at the front of my house for me.
I was quite moved because all I did was fed him and let him sleep in for the night.
And he would waited for me for hours.... ( I went out for dinner so didn't get home until about 10pm)
I started really have him around. He eats like a Monster. I fed him 2 cans of cat food a day plus dry food and he will still tries to eat Muffie's food.
Muffie is so inexperienced at these (or he is just a chicken!) that he could not do anything but standing next to his food bowl watching kitty happily eating away.
I probably can't say these two have a great relationship... Muffie was always very tense while Kitty is around, you could tell he wanted to be friendly but he was really jumpy.
Took Kitty to vet and all checked healthy and even Desexed.

I letter dropped around my neighbourhood hoping his owner will come to find him.

Meanwhile Kitty is happily keeping me company. He is just so affectionate however can be too clingy at times.
I didn't get a Persian for no reason. lol

Kitty kept me company while I was working from home one morning. He was sleeping and snoring....
Just Love his Silky fur.

Around 2 weeks ago. A kind man contacted me asking me if anyone has came for the Kitty and if not, he is happy to give him a home. I queried him as much as I could without sounding like carrying out an interrogation.
I was this close to ask him if I can inspect his house... He sounded lovely though and has one other cat also.
I knew he would give Kitty a good home.
I wanted to keep Kitty but in reality it is not possible for me... Deep down I knew he was not going to be with me for long.
That is why I never give him a name...

I will never forget him. xoxo I am glad he is being cared for.

Meanwhile Muffie is obviously much relaxed now he is back to be the King of the Jungle. lols

Muffie sleeps peacefully knowing no Kitty will jump on him suddenly or tries to scratch his tail... However I kind of think he would miss him too don't you think?

...............................................................

LOVE LIFE 珍愛生命‧永不放棄向全天下最偉大的母親致敬!

2010-04-23T00:26:00.000+10:00

the missing kitty

2010-03-29T01:17:00.000+11:00

I had all my Sunday planned out.

A lazy morning and cleaning the house and my room

Cooked some food and to pack lunch for Monday before get some work done

I was even pushing myself to finish the long over due Jacques Raymond dinner that we went 2 weeks ago

But All these got Interrupied badly when Muffie was miawing by the door when I came down stairs

It was raining outside so I thought Muffie is being sensitive like he always does

Then I heard miawing rather clearly for a few times after Muffie settled down

When i opened the door, I realised there is a kitty standing on the tree outside

He eventually came down and rubbing my legs

He purrs non-stop and was just so affectionate

I took him in and gave him some food to which he ate them extremely quickly

Baby came later and said I should push the cat back out so he would find his way home

But the kitty was very hesitant to step outside and even after he came out,

he rushed back into the house.

I decided to keep him for the night. And Still deciding what to do.

The kitty is very clean, silky furs, clean ears and eyes. I can't help to think it was probably kept indoors so there was no collar. It is probably 6 months? seems quite skinny though. But not like those homeless animals skinny. I can't work out if it is a boy or girl. But I 'think' it is a boy.

The kitty seems very insecured and would need to be me or babe. (so very used with human) Purrs Non-Stop. I mean Non-stop. I put him at the guest bathroom downstairs with food and kitty litter. he would miaw every time I walk past and I would want to go in and pat/stroke him.

Poor darling. I know my bf says I should just let him outside because obviously he was kept in someone' home before.

But it is at night and raining and cold so I think I made the right decision keeping him in.

I will figure out tomorrow... either putting him out tomorrow to see if he still comes back to my house, this means he has not where to go or he has forgotten where he lives. Then I will post papers with his photos on hopefully people can see. Or i can take him to the vet to check and make sure it is ok. I don't know about taking him to RSPCA because he needs so much attention and I don't want him just go there be another homeless cat waiting for someone to adopt... argh...

Poor kitty... I hope you find your home soon. If you are homeless then I will find you a home. You are so Adorable.

Kitty purring right next to my feet. His nails haven't been cut and he kept on digging them to me. lols

So Cute. He insists on climbing onto my legs and purrs before finally falling asleep...

Porcini Mushroom Risotto -- delizioso!!

2010-03-22T03:27:00.003+11:00

Yes, contrary to many others might think, I can cook and it doesn't involve me burning the kitchen down "touch wood"

Actually I should rephrase to that I cook, not that I "can" cook.

These days as my parents are not in Melbourne, I have to look after my own meal situations

I do not deny I eat out alot and I like to eat out and try different places.

But sometimes you just want to come home for a warm comfy meal.

In the last couple months other than dishes I already knew, I have tried potato & leek soup, mushroom soup, some others I do not remember and then this, the above, Porcini Mushroom Risotto with pancetta.

It all started with me craving The Italian at 101 Collins. I Love their porcini risotto. It is the best I have tasted anywhere. The strong flavour of porcini and moist risotto left me dreaming about this dish for Days after my first visit. So I decided to try my own.

I googled the receipe and adopted mostly from:http://www.abc.net.au/local/recipes/2008/06/13/2273702.htm from ABC. But I twisted a little.

I am one of those person who loves read up alot of receipes for one dish before settling for The One. The One I think would taste the best and usually involves the most extensive process. Lucky for me this time I decided to cook after work on Friday so I could only quick check online before dashing to Shoppingtown. For my own reference I will write my recipe as per below, next time I just need to refer to my Own Blog. ha

PORCINI MUSHROOM RISOTTO

Serves: 5 - 6 (I ate them from Fri to Sun)

Ingredients:

* 200g Swiss flat mushrooms

* 200g Swiss brown mushrooms (I cannot usually find these from Coles/Safeway, I ended up buying all my stuff from this mini-supermarket next to Coles, seems to be more pricey but more mushroom choices)

* 20g dried procini ( this was a hard one as I had no idea where I could get these, managed to get the Last Pack from The Jones Grocer - love this shop Too Much btw. Definitely need to look out for them next time at Lygon St)

* 500g Arborio rice (should try carnaroli next time)

* 1 medium brown onion

* good squirt of garlic paste (being naturally lazy and hate how my hand smells afterwords, I buy the pre made mince)

* 1 Shallot

* Lots of butter, maybe 150g?

* 400ml of chicken or vegetable stock

* salt & pepper

* olive oil

* some white wine (the drier the better)

Method:

1. Boil water and soak the porcini mushrooms in hot water (200ml) for at least 20mins. The water would have a lovely smell which can be used as part of the stock at cooking

2. Slice all mushrooms and dice all onions/shallot

3. In a Medium Sauce pan, with medium heat with olive oil and butter, cook onions/garlic paste/shallot until soften and onions becomes a little translucent

3. Then pour in all the rice, add more butter, ensuring all rice are coated with oil/butter before pouring the white wine in slowly

4. Once you can smell the wine flavour coming off, put in all the sliced mushrooms including the porcini that have been soaked in the hot water.

5. Start to pour in the stock little by little while stirring them constantly. You can alternate with the mushroom stock.

6. To be Honest I am still trying to work out how long it should really take but I guess it really depends on personal preference as I do not like my rice not cooked thoroughly, ie has the white uncooked bits in the middle. But I think for 500g rice, it would take about 30 to 45mins?

7. season with salt & pepper, and let it rest for 5 mins.

Serve with parmesan cheese. For the above, I decided to bake some pancetta bought from Jones the Grocer to make them crispy and add onto the rice. The Pancetta are so nice and fatty. Would be really tasty if broken into little pieces to eat with the risotto. I couldn't resist but eat them as soon the dish is done.

We cooked this on Friday night with lightly stir fried green beans as sides. It was so delicious. We were both Very Satisfied. I am reading up Bolognese sauce and very eager to try asap. I actually did this sauce before when I was making lasagne but I thought I would do a big batch and just defrost them during work day with vegies etc.

Had a pretty quiet weekend with alot of resting as someone is Sick and no doubt I probably would be the lucky one to get Sick very soon.... bummer!

Sunday night chilling with Muffie and my new throw bought from Costco. It is super comfy and Muffie would not stop purring while sitting on it! So cute. Time for bed, another week begins... so not motivated... :(

after life being too hard, I simply cannot go to sleep

2010-03-16T03:56:00.000+11:00

Hence still staying up staring at the TV at first flicking though all channels aimlessly, then move onto the strange patch on the wall. Would it be water stain? or dirty spots on my glasses? Perhaps it is a spider that is dirty and running around that part of the wall in circles... *sign*

I was thinking to blog the amazing dinner last Friday night at Jacques Reymond. But I have been so lazy updating and I actually visited some nice restaurants back in Feb 2010. So I guess I will just update one by one for now. I wonder if they do spelling check because I certainly cannot be stuffed at the time of the hour.

Baby and I decided something very low key for our 4 year anniversary that is no big celebration and no present. (later is still disputable I insist) Our anniversary 11th actually fall on a Wednesday and I wasn't really thinking doing something special so baby suggested we visited Aux Batifolles for 'old time sake'. Aux Batifolles has a special spot in my heart as it is one of the place we loved when we first started dating. And that is a long time ago indeed. Back then babe wasn't big on fine dining and this lovely bistro has such a charm, the waiter greeted you warmly with french accent plus the delicious food. I was pretty happy that we are having dinner there.

On to the photos, they definitely say more than my words.

Whole bottle of French wine to drink over dinner. It is quite light. I actually seldom drink wines outside Australia and I tend to find them quite light compare to Aust's own?

Cute photos of Paris? on the wall with specials wines/dessert. They tell you the specials of the day though.

Me, it was so humid and was actually raining when we were driving to dinner. My hair is uncharacteristically limp. Considering how much I have dried them out over the years of dying/bleaching.

Us. 4 years. How did we Make it babe? lols

We both love raw meat fondly. And Aux Batifolles made one of the nicest Steak Tartare.(Although I personally prefer asian way of raw beef) This one is made in the most Traditional way and just the right proportion.

Pardon me as I did not take down exactly what was ordered from the menu, I have googled the menu in the hope this is what I ordered. Moules A La Normande - half shelled black mussels with apples and cider. I do think the sauce is a bit different as mine taste alot of garlic. The mussels are cooked right although some tasted overcooked. I decided to try something a bit different this time as normally I am a big fan of the fresh shucked oysters OR the scallops.

Yumm My delicious main, Confit De Canard Etson Maigret Poele Aux Figues (confit & crispy duck leg, pan sealed duck breast, server with iran figs sauce) Now I am not a big fan of Mains in French Cuisine and from my experience at dining at AB, this dish can be a bit of hit and miss. But this time it was cooked really nice. The leg was crispy, fatty and juicy teamed with the beautiful fig sauce. Such a shame as I could not eat much after my entree and constant wine consumption.

Without fail, babe usually go for big fat steak for his choice of main. This is Tournedos Aux Deux Sauces: prime eye fillet, served with bearnaise and red wine sauce. And as always, you can't fault the steak.

First side: Salade Verte Au Bleu Et Noix: green salad with blue cheese dressing and walnuts

Because it was a special day so we wanted to go all out and order yet another side. I do not know how our brains work sometimes as we were obviously Full after the generous sized entrees! I think this is green beans in butter? or garlic and pepper. It was so yummy.

So as I was saying we were really full however we both decided to order desserts because you are in a French Restaurant! how can you say No to the traditional French Dessert? Are you Insane? This is Traditional Vanilla "Grerne Brullee" and it actually taste rather disappointing. :( same applies to my Warm Upside Down Apple "Tarte Tatin" they tasted like it was made a while ago and wasn't reheated properly? shame shame shame!

So other than the desserts, we were pretty happy with the meal and the bill came to... hm... I can't quite remember but I think it was under $150? Pretty Reasonable for 3 course dinner pluss a bottle of French wine.

Lastly, Happy 4 years my dearest babe.

Sometimes I don't know what I do without you

Sometimes I thought you can just piss off

But overall, you are a super special person in my heart

Because you let me be who I want to be (with certain restrictions)

xoxox

Really, it is your own doing as you ate 1//2 of my entree, 2/3 of my main and 1/4 of my dessert.... j/k he does not look like this normally.

So seeing the clock ticking closely over to 4am.... I am still Awake... Quite Wide Awake.... my skin will be terrible tomorrow, so is my concentration. Hate this! I want to Fall Asleep!!

Life is simply too hard sometimes

2010-03-16T01:21:00.000+11:00

argh....

why does it have to be so hard. :(
I hate having problems with solutions that cannot resolve everything
especially it is related to my P.......!!!

it is too hard!
What am I going to do?!

she wants a new color for ages

2010-03-13T23:24:00.003+11:00

I got so much to update because so much happened in the last couple weeks
but I am so lazy and right now, all I can think about is the 5.2km WALK. tomorrow morning (as much as everywhere advertised it as Run for the kids, my apologises all I can do is try my best to Walk the 5.2k)and I have to wake up super early. Probably about 6am on a Sunday! and everyone know how much I love my weekends sleep ins.

On another note, I went to see my lovely hairdresser today for an long overdue appointment. Could not stand my dark roots anymore. I walked out with a whole new darker hair-do... Plus a Fringe!

From this

to this

ta dah! I actually don't mind the darker shade. It has been a while and I always think darker shades create much more warmth in colder days don't you think?

first day of autumn

2010-03-01T21:56:00.003+11:00

argh
so sad, summer is officially over.
the weather has not been as hot as last year and not many bad bush fires dare I say... I am glad there weren't that many 40C plus days to endure

the whole Feb past in such a blur
personal life wise, had heaps of gathering/dinners/birthday and anniversaries. (4 years and counting OMG).
Work wise I wonder how I got through this month,
it was supposed to be such an important month and somehow along the way,
things gradually changed... I am pretty numb to even consider if it is for better or worse. I just know Feb did not turn out as I would expected.
I feel like I am still standing at the same spot and there are all these voices and people's faces around me moving around and fading... their voices are so distant even though they faces are near. I think I am just trying to grab my inner voice hard right now.

And I am sick!!! feeling so crap and not up for anything...
I need to get better because got so much on in the next few days
argh!!

this is me at Lorne, we were on our way to the great ocean road with my cousins visiting from tw and I bought the viet rolls for snacks(for everyone), I truly love this stuff and the person who invented putting all sort of over-processed meat together with some animal fats and pate is Genius. Even my cousins who tried for the first time love the rolls too. just don't eat in the car because the fish sauce stinks. I was so into eating them I didn't even know this photo was taken.

Then it is muffie, the post would not be completed without him. Time to snuggle up with muffie in bed with Cold & flu tablets.

where on earth is the charger

2010-02-01T03:23:00.002+11:00

Had a very busy and dramtic week
I thought nothing much happened but there was so much each day
But all that is bugging me all week is that I cannot find my stupid Sony camera charger!! gosh it is so frustrating!
Anyway, I might just do a quick note on the events:

Monday: Had a wedding and while I was already feeling down, it didn't really help when I only knew 5 people (two being the bride and groom) it was beautiful though. We left just before midnight and I decided that I Had to go to Dandenong to.. hmm I don't know... twirl in the forest or something. I get a bit crazy when I am feeling f*cked in my head. Despite me changing back to my sensible self 2mins later and scrap the idea, babe was being extremely nice and thanks to the not-so-helpful inbuilt Tomtom in his iphone. He drove all the way to the gate of the Dendenong lookout only to realise it was closed and locked at 11pm. Not to mention I fall asleep long way before our arrival because.. I was... Drunk with capital D. So I woke up, looked around, thanked babe and hugged him and he drove me back home. It was so sweet of him. *beams*

Tue Australia Day: had fish & chips in this park that was supposed to have alot of kangaroos but I think they were all moved due to lack of water. Watched the fireworks in Mithcham and it was amazing. I never ever sat this close to fireworks at this large scale. I felt like it was a private show.

Wed: just work, but I decided to wear proper suits because I have been feeling very sluggish with work and hopefully this will motivate me better. And it worked.

Thurs: so much dramas throughout the day. I am simply so over dealing with certain people. They never fail to surprise me on how low they will to go. I don't know if they have anything else to do in life.
Visit popo and the baby after work, she is super cute, she was in this specialised box getting a tan when we visited(obviously it was for her health etc) she had this cutest stuck on sunnies and popo is doing very well. I am so happy for them! note: best presents are not flowers but nappies. Oh and had dinner at Squires Loft yum yum. I think I could only have 150g worth of meat. They are so tender. I have to take photos next time.

Fri: had a lazy night and stayed over at babes. Watched the swedish move "the girl with dragon tatoo" I thought the book was better.

Sat: sad sad sad day for me :( I had a car accident while driving home with babe's car... *Sob sob* I replayed the whole event in my head repeatedly since and just couldn't believe why the car did not stop... The few seconds are so clear yet blur. When I realised the car at the front stopped suddenly, I pressed break straight away and when I realised the car did not stop instantly I pressed it harder but I think what I should have done was pressed the break hard as soon as I realised I needed to stop. My car would have skit and usually my car would have stopped by then. BUT I was not driving my car. :( So I quickly turned the other side but still too late. I was really upset because I know how important the car means to him. The rest of the day to me was a blur because the accident was all I could think about.

Sun: barely slept the night before, woke up as it was too hot and dropped the car off back to babe and he was better. Lucky his insurance allows him to claim with multiple driver. Then a quiet night watching Aust Open until I fall asleep.

My sleep pattern is so stuffed. I think I should really sleep now but I can't. It still really bugs me that I cannot find the charger!!

so f*cked up

2010-01-25T02:49:00.000+11:00

I
am
sad
and lost

so
Lost

I
wish
I
can
trust

but
all
still
popping
up

no
trust
just
sad

sad

at last, my darling walk down the stairs

2010-01-19T02:22:00.003+11:00

Attended one of the most amazing wedding early Dec.
It was such an amazing experience and I was so happy for my bestie. I wish her nothing but the best of the world.
At last my love has come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like a song
At last the skies above are blue
And my heart was wrapped up in clover
The night I looked at you
I found a dream that I can speak to
A dream that I could call my own
I found a thrill to press my cheek to
A thrill that I have never known
You smiled, and then the spell was cast
And here we are in heaven
And you are mine at last
( name: at last, was played when the Bride entered)

Bride's dad passing the bride to the groom, it was like 37C

Aww, first kiss aft the ceremony. My babe is so lazy to get onto the front so some heavy cropping required for most of the photos... =.=!!!

babe get on drinking already. doesn't he look dashing. It was so hot for him and me tho.

Me and my babes, I think I was laughing at my ever falling dress due to boobies not big enough to fill them. :( Gosh I was so happy to see my babes, we flew all over the world to this island for nini's wedding. Last time we were all together was Jan09 for popo's wedding. Too bad popo couldn't make it because Megan is anxiously waiting to pop out.

This one with nini's sis, Catherine, she is the cutest girl in the world. So adorable.

a side snap while the photograper was at work. it was almost sunset.

Lastly, with my babe who was wearing AG wool trousers, I ditched shoes for the wedding because the only pair of shoes I brought this trip was red havs.... The dress was custom made in HK and really pretty, however I think the fabric was slightly heavy for the weather I was sweating all over while wearing the dress. Then I think it was returned as is. lols

new look for 2010

2010-01-19T01:22:00.003+11:00

I was playing around the blogspot tonight and found out alot of interesting features. hence the new look.
I doubt anyone would have seen my old look blog but I certainly feel very good that I can present this one stop closer to a personal level.

I have been feeling very hm... upset? annoyed? worried for the past few days. It is almost that I am having the 'mean reds' from "Breakfast from Tiffany's" you just can't explain it. My days have quiet though.

and just before, I spent hours browsing some blogs that was written by someone I kind of know. I think I am very obsessed with this person, well she has very good fashion sense in my eyes and at the end of the day, if you put your life out there on a blog, then people would read it. The blog hasn't been updated for a long while and I think it has moved to another blog hence me spending the next hour trying to search it. I supposed I could have just emailed/FB her and ask, but I don't want to. Is this a stupid obsession or what...

I have been trying to put together a folder with my favourite photos after my pathetic realisation that my 2009 truly sux. And then I spent hours again trying to allocate all photos to the respective folders. Talking about wasting time. My head is really having the Mean Reds.

Time to put some favourites of mine and move on:

What else other than muffie to put a smile on my face. Taken with my new Sony T1 camera. I really hate this new camera :( it can actually takes blurry pix while the flash is on. What is with that?!

oh my gosh too cute! the British shorthair!!!

Me and my girls at Popo's wedding, couldn't find one with nini. Search continues.

Que sera sera, what will be, will be

2010-01-10T16:23:00.007+11:00

I was looking through all the photos that were taken in the last year and to my astonishment, I cannot recall or found many photos in 2009. I know I was away for less than a week to Tw for popo's wedding and again in Dec for another wedding. More weddings scatter throughout the year, but just myself or with baby... I cannot remember much we did. Isn't it pathetic? and here i thought we did alot because I kept on putting places we visited, restaurants we went in 07 and 08 to be part of 09. The only thing came to my mind would be Weribee mansion weekend away and that would be 2 nights.

I don't want to have my life passing by without noting events down

2009 was probably more because of my hectic work life I barely have time off

I do not wish for 2010 to be a repeat

I shall try my best to anchor my life to the direction I want

Went back to my MSN Space where I used to blog and it was so nice reading them because honestly I have forgotten so much it is almost that I am reading someone else life.

I was trying to move all the entries to blogger but this does not let me to input to the old dates and I don't want to clutter all those entries in the beginning of 2010...

Something is probably best to stay where they are.

It is quite interesting to read that I was working more and more and I actually complained about leaving work at 7pm?! how funny is this... as 7pm is a norm these days.

I had so many trips in 07, Thailand, gold coast, Sydney and the big one in the beginning of 08. That was a good year now I look back.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Even if I cannot move all the entries here, I still want to add the amazing experience at Tetsuya Sydney when we visited at Aug07

Tetsuya only offers degustation (14 courses not 10 as i remembered) for $185 p.p
On the night, Baby decided he wants to get smashed...
on no I mean, truly experience this whole thing
so we opted to have the degustation with matching wines (10 of them priced at additional $90 p.p)

Bread with Butter w truffie & cheese (I don't think I appreciated truffle as much as now so I wasn't big about butter)

1. Pea soup with Bitter Chocolate Sorbet

2. Smoke ocean trout & Avruga Caviar - loved this dish! to die for!!
- teamed with Tamano Hikari Sake, Junmai0Ginjo, Kyoto Japan

3. Leek & Crab Custard
- Teamed with 2006 Vynfields Classic Riesling, Martinborough, NZ

4. Scallop Carpaccio with red wine vinaigrette
-teamed with 2005 Crawford River Riesling, Henty Vic

5. Confit of petuna Tasmanian Ocean Trout with Konbu, Daikon & Fennel w Seasonal Green Salad - most famous dish, I was way too full by then, but baby really loves this dish.
-teamed with 2006 Henschke Joseph Hill Gewurztraminer, Eden Valley, SA

6. Ravioli of Queensland spanner crab with tomato @ basil vinaigrette
- teamed with 2005 Pierro Chardonnay for Tetsyua's, Margaret River, WA

7. Baby abalone with braised ox tail & orange sauce
- teamed with 2005 Bass Phillip Pinot Noir for Tetsyua's, Gippsland VIC

8. Twice-cooked de-boned spatchcock with caper & olive jus - had spatchcock at VDM just one monthh before and they both taste quite nice. I am a big fan.
-teamed with 2003 Parker Estate Terra Rossa Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra, SA

9. Grilled Wagyu Beef with Lime & Wasbi
- teamed with 2004 Torbreck Grenache / Shiraz for Tetsyua's, Barossa Valley SA

10. Comte with Lentils - taste a bit wired to me

11. Beetroot & Blood orange Sorbet/ Strawberry Shortcake

12. Vanilla Bean Ice Cream with White beans & Dates
- teamed with 2005 Tamar Ridge Botrytis reisling, Tamar Valley TAS

13. Chocolate Terrine with mascarpone & cognac anglaise
- teamed with Romate Pedro Ximenez Cardenal Cisneros, Jerez Spain

14. Coffe or Tea & petit Four

just realised the photos are too dark, this is pre-DSLR.

So full afterwords

If I can visit again i def would, maybe better for lunch. The food and service as impeccible.

KAOHSIUNG CONCERN STARY ANIMAL ASSCIATION

2010-01-09T14:10:00.002+11:00

I just came across this website today and they are in urgent need for donation. The actual name is actually 高雄市關懷流浪動物協會 and you can read more about what they do here: www.kcsaa.org.tw/Joomla_159 I supposed it is a bit stupid to donate money all the way to Taiwan but this is an issue that touches deeply in my heart. I have to say sometimes I look at the animals in RSPCA and all those animals in need in Taiwan, the differences are huge. I wish overtime, the education system would gradually teach Taiwanese about the importance of lives not just human's own. Stop mistreat/torture these poor animals for money! They are all innocent!!

Please help. 十萬伙集，串連換飼料，延續旗山受虐狗生命!

2010-01-09T12:59:00.003+11:00

I always feel very strongly about animals being tortured or treatly unhumanly. Sadly, where I came from, Taiwn is probably one of the worst county that treat cats/dogs like they are just things. It is mostly hurtful for me to read these news, I tend to avoid them these days because the fact I am in Australia, makes hard to offer any help other than money.

I hope by posting this would help in someway.
98年11月10日高雄市關懷流浪動物協會，從繁殖場業主手中救下了數以百計的受虐狗，殘忍的繁殖場，將銷售較差的犬種，一率斷水斷食，活活餓死……死掉後全都拖出來，小一點的就打包丟在水溝裡，大一點的就隨手將牠棄置在狗場的一角，任其腐爛….

已經死亡發臭的狗屍體
許多籠子裡的狗狗就連這樣的餿水都沒得吃

為什麼會有棉花在籠子裡呢？走近一看才驚覺這是一具只剩皮毛及不成形的屍體...

柯基、狼犬、梗犬全都擠在一起。

●詳見原文【狗間煉獄．凌遲處死】

目前救援行動後已使狗兒重獲自由，其中七成的狗兒都患有疾病，龐大的醫療與飼料支出都讓協助救援的協會難以負荷，目前狗兒們即將斷炊、將無法醫病，希望大家不要遺忘這些狗兒，請接力的用你的力量將此訊息轉PO出去。

痞客邦正為狗兒們發起10萬串連捐10萬飼料活動，邀請希爾思一同為每一筆串連文章捐出1元飼料費，希望能拋磚引玉，透過你手中的滑鼠，將狗兒們需要物資、救命的飼料營養品、善款等資訊傳遞出去，一起有錢出錢、有力出力。

●請點我進入串連

你我的轉貼訊息只是微薄之力，也可能是一狗兒們求生的一現曙光，請大家幫忙這些可憐的小生命，無論是捐物資、善款幫忙，都請不要忽視自己的力量，縱使只是棉薄之力，凝聚微薄的力量就能匯集成幫助狗兒們的大力量。

協會目前極需協助:
　1.營養補給品，及維他命注射液
　2.募集飼料、罐頭
　3.認養或助養
　4.募集結紮及醫療善款
　5.您的轉貼募集資訊，讓更多有心想要協助或認養的善心人士能夠參與

串連活動網址:http://emkt.pixnet.net/blog
串連貼紙:

in 2010, she yarns for a change

2010-01-06T00:10:00.003+11:00

it has been a while, how I wished I could write more here....

the last 2 months have been such a blur

so much happened, I always thought I am one of those people that is quite cynical, however I really opened my eyes and see how reality can be.

I have came into alot of realisation within my own life and others

Alot of time life is all about choices.... like I always said, you are who you are depending on the chices you made along the way. I have alot of thinking to do....

Attended my dearest's wedding early Dec in Paimali resort early December, it was simply breathtakingly beautiful. I didn't ball my eyes out like expected, it was more of a very long weekend packing with fun activities every day. I am so sorry to my dear bf whom I ignored quite a bit because of my work... I had a minor breakdown because at one point, right in the middle of this beautiful serene resort, all I could think about is work. Not my friends that I see barely once a year, not my baby or others. Just work. And now I just look at photos and try to remember how beautiful the whole trip was.

Another new year, a new decade. I will be heading towards the big three o this year. I have so much to look forwards to and so much I cannot wait to embark. Alot of decisions, hard or easy.... I believe I will choose my own path and I want to follow my heart.

Hello 2010, we will have lots fun together. :)

Friday happys

2009-10-30T13:33:00.003+11:00

Came across this cutest photo via a blog, couldn't resist to put on my own... hmmmm but looks lik it is not moving in my blog... :( boo

awww so happy just got it to work! yay

I love the kitty in this... xoxo

I am sure you would start clapping too

2009-10-27T01:12:00.001+11:00

the men who won the title for being the 'fastest' clapper? in the world, quite cool.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAzsc6hP9zc&feature=player_embedded

sometimes you thought you have done enough

2009-10-19T00:11:00.004+11:00

but to find out later no matter how much prevention you have done, it might still happen.

I was woken up by my mum's angry screaming today as she thought Muffie being extremely naughty by refusing to come out of the kitty litter...
I was alarmed as soon as I heard all the information from what I could collect bits and pieces from her over-the-top hysteric complaints about how much she does for me and Muffie and how she kept pushing him out of the kitty litter but he kept on going back....
Persians especially male neutered Persians are very prone to UTI and when it is left untreated, can cause many serious life threatening cases....
So I cleaned up his litter and stay with him the whole day, Poor Muffie was quite stressful, didn't do his favourite nap, walking around, kept going back to the toilet only to pass small amounts of urine. I tried to get him to drink water but he would just sniff then walk away.
I kept on calling all the vets in the hope one of them would open on Sundays but the only one I could found was the animal emergencies at Mt Waverley and it was charging $150 minimum. I was tossing all arvo if I should wait until tomorrow to take him to the cat clinic where he usually gets checked or get to the emergencies asap but they have no idea of his past history... Later in the arvo Muffie followed me to my room and slept for a few hours peacefully for the first time today, I then thought he might be alright since he stopped visiting the litter every 5 minutes, so I also went to work for a while.
By the time I got back home, mum told me Muffie has been going to the litter again while crying in pain. To my astonishment I saw his urine has blood in it, I had to rush him to the emergencies... it was extremely worrying. The emergency hospital is probably the most unpleasant vet there is as all animals went are seriously ill and require immediate attention.
I had to fight back my tears alot seeing poor pets in pain, Muffie was so restless and miawing non-stop. so I had to sit next to him and kept on patting him to make him feel a bit more secured.
After about 1.5hr of waiting, the vet finally checked him and obviously he has FLUTD (which is like humans' UTI) the good thing is because he could still pass urine so this means the crystals (if there is any) has not blocked his urethra.... she didn't want to give him any treatment other than one injection to relieve his pain as Muffie hasn't been eating so no point... (I hate this because pets unlike humans know sometimes it is necessary to eat bitter medicine or forcing oneself to drink alot of water so we can get better, he just doesn't want to eat or drink because he feel sick and I can't even make him!)
I have to wait until tomorrow and take him to the Cat Clinic and do a thoroughly check up.
At least I know Muffie's conditions is not critical and hopefully the injection has made him felt better....
I was thinking what I would do if Muffie was seriously ill, I felt so bad that I was out late Friday and yesterday.... there was so much "i should have" but really I could not really prevent this from happening as Persians male cats are more prone to get it more than any others... I tried to give him the best cat food, regular check ups, making sure plenty fresh water around... Still he got it at the age of 3!! I suppose I should have changed the kitty litter much more often... my poor darling I was bashing myself the whole day...
I know how painful FLUTD can be, and I wish I could have taken the pain for him... I wish him be better as soon as possible... he is like my baby and I don't want him to suffer from anything. xoxox

I know i am a mean mummy making fun of you, please get better darling muffie!!

"I love beauty... it is not my fault"... Valentino

2009-09-28T01:24:00.004+10:00

Had a very quiet weekend.
oh my, how long has it been since I drop a note here...
I feel the same thought when I looked at my unbelievably messy room.. I think I am seriously considering paying someone to clean my room properly because i will described it 'disgraceful' right now...
To my defence, 90% of messiness were from my clothes and it is all due to the lack of wardrobe space...
Anyway, I didn't end up doing much this weekend other than caught two movies... which is a good break from the usual actions/plans packed weekendd. Watch Surrogate on Friday and didn't like it very much... interesting idea though.

Watched Valentino, the last Emperor today. I love love loved this movie!

Valentino is not a brand that has been extremely popular especially in the recent years IMO, while Karl Lagerfield takes Chanel to the next level by giving a twist on its classic tweed suits as well as elaborating bags/shoes collection, Valentino has remained rather unfazed with the fashion trend changes and insisted on making something he believes in... timeless beauty in classic designs. He wants to make women beautiful. That is his sole goal.

I think the movie is a documentary for a couple of his last collections, mainly haute couture as that is probably his main focus. The dresses showed in this movie are breathtakingly beautiful. They are exquisite made, almost all hand sewn by experienced seamstresses over long hours. Valentino joked that he bought one sewing machine for 100 of the ladies and still no one used it. I see delicate fabrics got patterend and sewn together, going through sessions of fittings and emerged beautiful garments... almost like a piece of artwork. I cannot really describe how moving I felt seeing these amazingly gowns being made. They are truly timeless and does not follow trend. I do admit I am a big sucker for romanticism and Valentino's designs are right up there for me... Admittedly I never bother to check out his collections as I used to dismiss them being too mature. however after watching this movie, I see a man who holds such a strong view and vision on what he believes in. It is indeed beautiful.

On another note, it is interesting to see the interactions of Valentino and his long time business partner/lover of over 45 years, Giancarlo Giammetti. It is amazing how long they have been together even just from lover point of view. Giammetti seemed like a very charming man, while Valentino takes on the design part, we see Giammetti looks after pretty much every other aspect of the brand. He was asked repeatedly in the movie about whether he is happy to be Valentino's shadow and has gracefully answer them with pride about helping on the side. Both Valentino and Giammetti were always dressed in immuclate tailored suits and perfect hair in every scene of the movei. They sure know how to dress impeccable at every occasion. Valentino might have been portrayed as someone who has great ego and at times very difficult to deal with, however Giammetti has been able to calm him down and comforted Valentino's insecurities.

Hm.... I just realised somehow I have been typing this like an essay. Overall, it was a very enjoyable movie, I was teary at some scenes on how beautiful those gowns are. It is quite sad to see not all great designers are great businessmen, considering after Valentino's retirements and its not so successful collections thereafter, the future of the brand Valentino remained uncertain. His retirement certainly marked ther end of an era. I have recently also watched September Issue and loved it heaps also! I am so happy there are quite a few fashion house/mag documentaries around. They are so fascinating..

....

2009-08-11T02:16:00.001+10:00

The direction you take in life is influenced by not knowing what lies ahead of you. Sometimes knowing what to expect can hold you back; but most of the time, not knowing where you’re heading can drive you further in life, love, and the universe.

from http://kissesandpunches.wordpress.com/

a cutie quotie made me smile

2009-08-11T01:15:00.002+10:00

"Oh, you hate your job? Why didn't you say so? There's a support group for that. It's called EVERYBODY, and they meet at the bar."

randoms

2009-08-10T00:12:00.003+10:00

perfect to start with Muffie sleeping on my bed, he slept though the whole Sunday. I am amazed he doesn't get tired sleeping.

My first buy of Diptyque candle, caved in @ Belinda. Chene oozes a rich oak aroma, warming for the cold days, but I saw today @ GWE another Diptyque Lavender w something else, and it smelled absolutely divine....

my lovely KW leatherette jacket, so happy i tracked down a sz4! they fit like a glove.

The Givenchy e/s palette, I think it is the holiday edition, loving all the little silver beads, they move as you tilt them around.

Nine pretty brown e/s which i don't think I will be using, should try to sell it because no point me keeping them and not use it...

Err... purchase from US from the Friends/Family sale. Really cheap compre to Aussie prices, so stocked up some brushes

Uni!! Love love luuuuuv them!! all the way from Tassie, give me them anytime anywhere of the week and I would happy eating them and nothing else!

I think it is lightly grilled kinfish fin? oily part with spring onion. melts in your mouth.

Lightly grilled Scallop, beautiful and tasted wonderfully fresh.

Sashimi entree: the pink ones on top are Toro! and my Fav ika.

another quick recap

2009-08-09T23:35:00.004+10:00

So it has been nearly 3 weeks since I last updated something.

Sunday night as usual with Muffie sleeping next to me.

The only different is that my dear baby is @ Bangalow India for work, he woud not return until next week and it is weird to have to spent weekends without his presenance.

I do think i am doing better this time in comparision to his trip to Las Vagas. I guess it is because i know he is there working hard not partying non-stop. I have had a really busy week at work, I pretty much past out after I got home so that leaves me little time to think about. I miss my baby bad though.

I actually managed to have a very relaxing weekend, one of the first that I do not start to get stressed about Monday during Sunday. I do have a long list of things to do tomorrow. I am glad I finally discussed different matters to different ppl that are related. it made me realised things I was too busy to notice and I was faced some facts i would need to deal with. I do appreciate everyone's feedback as I strive to improve at what I do and contributee more at my job.

Well onto the more interesting stuff: New shoes for the week:

The black patent croc pair are extremely high and so difficult to walk, I had dinner with Soc on the night I first wore it, I swore I was walking like a cripple and that just didn't look good at all... =.=!! regardless I love this pair alot because it is height!! i don't need to walk that much in the office anyway...

I also recieved my ASOS order which the main thing was this Marc by Marc Jacobs avitor sunnies, bought it on sale! bargin!! I actually really like the style of avitors and I am glad my face is rather suited for this sort of frame. The sunnies is a tiny weeny big for my face but it is so light I don't think anyone notices except me.

Asking Muffie to modelled for me, my good boy always let me make fun of him, he has this 2 minutes tolerance timeframe to which in this two minutes he would patiently let me do whatever outragerous stuff on him while not move a thing. But once the time frame is past he would get really annoyed and started to paw me.... i guess by the time I put on chloe on him it was kind over the 2 minutes lol.

I do want to post more photos but this super slow connection is killing me. it is so slow and this stupid windows message kept popping up just annoys the shit out of me! Damn!! SO i am going to try to read those magazines that have been piling up beside my bed before falling to sleep.

nighty night. :)

random photos of us

2009-07-17T00:30:00.004+10:00

kinda drunk already

obviously already tipsy with my wine in hand lol

my staple bag

2009-07-17T00:27:00.002+10:00

I wonder why i didn't buy this sooner,

perfect size for everday and the calf leather is just divine...

drop me off to the fairyland

2009-07-17T00:01:00.007+10:00

so.... it has been a long while since I post anything here.

i don't know.... my life has been so busy I just don't have the energy writing up anything when I get home late at night

a couple weeks ago I went back to my old blog @ youthwant and read them all over again

I was amazed at my great chinese writing lol

and realising it is really great recording something in my life because I honestly won't remember in the next month

Anyway, work has been extremely busy these weeks while reaching some sort of stress peak this week. I have been doing alot of thinking and I wonder if it is because my personality or am I really not able to be better organised with my workload.

I was so stressed early this week I couldn't eat and couldn't sleep properly... sometimes I even thought I was about to have an anxiety attack. Of course I learnt to keep my mouth shut in the office, I mean this is not an easy topic to speak to anyone about. And honestly I am not sure if anyone can really understand how I feel. Not that they are expected to.

There was even a point that I wonder why am I doing all these and getting all stressed for? I can just quit and do my share trading earning a bit on the side, further my studies while work on a carefree job.... one job that i would not care more than my personal life. Just a stress free job and get paid on time. I don't know what I am holding on right now.

Enough of the rant, daddy is back to Ozland and I have hardly seen him. Tonight I managed to arrive home before he gone back to his bedroom however not much conversation was exchanged. Perhaps I was/am feeling a bit down also. I somehow ended up wondering in NAP and bought the below which is an absolute bargin as these are going for over 700 in Australia. What happens to the beautiful patent black Chanel glasses with pearls on the side then...?

I was also eyeing this beautiful crystal beads necklance but after all ACB sounds like a new brand from US and I guess i can get something similar here so I past it on.

The urge of shopping kinda of haunt me all night tonight for some unknown reason. I should really get off my laptop before doing anymore damage.... Having said that I bought a lovely tibi dress a while ago but ended up return it as it was too big for me. However now i look at the photo i thought it might be okie. the 60s necklane is just so cute. oh well.

current mood

2009-05-06T21:52:00.001+10:00

I am going mad!

as we get older

2009-04-28T01:17:00.000+10:00

there is so much to do
but so little time...

a few good things

2009-04-24T00:06:00.003+10:00

When I travel, I tend to eat alot of stuff, but what comes back with me would be these:

I LOVE YSL

grabbing that last free moment

2009-04-20T01:34:00.005+10:00

okie.... 1.30am in the morning of the sunday night, I have drown down two glasses of sav blanc.... (or 2.5 or.... 3? oh well who is counting) I was contemplation whether I should stop by work tonight after being dropped off from baby's house. But my stomache was so bad I spend a couple hours recovering and by the time I felt better, it was already 10pm...

So let's see, I had a rather relaxing weekend with Friday finished early at 3pm. Took my mum and baby to watch Cirque Du Solei's DRALION.... was supposed to take daddy but he had to fly home last week, such a shame becuase I know he would love something like this. The tickets are very pricy and it was certinaly very good value for money. We had a great time, the perforamance was breathtaking. I was very stressed during the day for no reason, perhaps there was alot on at work and I knew I had to leave early therefore I was stressed to the max.... but I decided not to think too much about work since I am taking my mum to see this show. We then had a good dinner at Kobe Jones @ Docklands. It has very good views to the bay. Didn't love the food though.

I have been craving for yum cha for as long as I could remember. The last time I had yumcha was not long after Christmas at this shabby place @ Blackburn. The food were quite disappointing hence I have been wanted to have 'good' yum cha. it is times like this I have to really thank my baby for tolerating and spoil me for what I want. He is happy to eat pho from home but I instisted him takinng me to Golden Dragon today knowning they are fully booked and insisted on waiting for a good half an hour before we were given a table. The food were as good as I wanted, I had all my yumcha fix, the chicken feet, pork spare ribs and TOFUHUA my favourite! Baby sat there watching me destoying the food with such understanding smile... you just gotta love the guy.. lol. I certainly got punished later on from a stomache as the food from yumcha are way too oily for what I can handle... :( I loved the food, I ate the food and I guess I had to endure the pain these food would brouhght. I dont care, I love yumcha.

So... I guess I can't complain my weekend... although again I cannot stop thinking about work, I am really rather lost now as I don't know why I have been so stressed over work even at my own private time. Don't they say you should just shut out everything when you step out of the office? I simply cannot do that and frankly I am pretty tired of all of these. I pride myself for able to deal pressures at work however being sat in the dark for the last couple years, I emotionally am feeling rather exhausted... no doubt these are the tests god put me through and want me to be stronger. Sometimes I cannot help but wonder if what I am doing is really what I should be doing. I have taken such different path compare to most people at my age because of the situation I have been in. I do no complain, as a matter of fact I appreciate the hurdles I have to overcome as they make me to appreciate and push me to learn and adopt my surrounding environment. I become more confident and smart on how to do things. However at the end of the day, there is still this ruler in my heart and if I can't really mesure up I know I am not doing the right thing no matter how much I have been trying to convince myself....

I am jsut exhausted....

Neverthless, one of the reason of this blog is to really let this out and hopefully gives me the courage and energy facing another day.

I guess I will finish my entry with the lovely lunch I had with baby celebrating our 3 years @ The Bontonical back in Feb 09. The food were quite nice, but I got way too full before the main course. We had amazing 1.5 dozen of oysters from all over Australia. They are just wonderful, not those you can buy from the markets. These ones are so detailed noted on their origin and so fresh!

The pavalova desert we had, with sobert and all

Us, happy bday and happy 3 years anniversary baby!

the old fashion way.. clicky clicky

2009-04-19T12:49:00.006+10:00

Spot this polarid progrem on the polarid webiste, I love polarids, there is an old world, retro charm about polarids. I had the very old one and the sticker ones that were sold for $29.95 about 10 years ago. Recently I bought a fujifilm one which I quite like, however the films cost alot and you can't take photos as sprangly as your digital camera.

With this progrem, you can convert your digital photos into polarids, it even has that special over expose, slightly greeny photo effects. Loving it!

This is me and Muffie, he was very unhappy abt this particular photographic session.

Super delicious baked eggs from Madam Sousou, one of our favourite breakfast spot @ Brunswick street.

Me with glasses.

Love this photo of Muffie, taken on my bed. focus on his paws. Super adorable.

Last but not least, another favourite of mine, love the over exposed color in this photo and Muffie's eyes still shine through.

these red picks me up from blue to happy moode

2009-04-17T03:12:00.003+10:00

nailpolish: Shu Uemura jelly red, have to put quite a few layers
color looks better in the bottle, still cute

randome pix of my made-up face, definitely not good enough. I thought I have done alot on my eyes but just doesn't show when I take photos. Blue top by Dsquared from a Jap shop in QV. It has really cute balloon sleeves but can't see in this pix.

is it really 3am already?

2009-04-17T03:01:00.004+10:00

I am so tired.... really exhausted but not sleepy...

thanks to the red bull I had about 8pm

Have been going home from work at the decent time this week

but I can no longer push away the piles on my desk

I will be drown soon if I don't go through them

So I did,

until 1.30am tonight

Those things aren't even very important or difficulat

but just takes so much time to sort them, attend the ones required etc

I have to do this though because I am leaving work early for Cique De Solei

So I really need to finish what I have to do this week.

Can you believe it will be weekend soon again?

I have been in whole lot of jumbles re work these days

I don't know....

Sometimes i envy those ppl who have so much time on their hands

whereas me.... probably spend 70% of my weekend thinking about work still

how sad is that.

I want to appreciate the sky and take time to enjoy the surrounding as well

now i can only take a few pictures when I get out of the office.

I wonder...

2009-04-14T22:58:00.007+10:00

does it make you an alcoholic when you feel like a glass or wine after work.
and you drink alone at home... but just one glass! or two but not more than 3....??

me after a few drinks by myself on a random night. Taken with my super blurry camera from Eeepc...

AW09 de lovely

2009-04-13T02:56:00.004+10:00

Lovely present from my baby for my bday last year, I received a beautiful patent wine colored wallet but decided to return it because finger prints get on the wallet so easily and it was a bit small than what I wanted. I have been visited Chanel ever since then until I found this beautiful baby. It is in the most beautiful lamb leather, so soft and smells so gooood!

Not so productive Sunday

2009-04-13T02:36:00.007+10:00

I woke up this morning about 11am from my phone alarm and snoozed all the way to 2pm until baby dropped by my house from his bike ride.

I was feeling bad that I seemed to waste the whole morning again however that doesn't stop me from wasting the afternoon laying in bed and watch 30rock straight through to 5pm....

I really enjoy such lazy sunday although I can't deny work is always at the back of my head. And it makes worse that I have not really checked into my work email or accounts since last Thursday. Is this what you call Workholics?

I finally decided to start this blog again after numerous trials I would not be able to confirm how far I can continue this but I would like to try. I did so many things in the last few years and I can't really remember much, I stopped taking photos when I go out also so I don't even have anything to refer back to. And I don't want that...

Oh well... only if I can work how to work out this photos things. Looks like I can only upload one photo at the time? if that is the case. Let it be this one today. Actually I just found out I can upload mutiple ones at the same time but somehow I can't really edit the photos or re-upload. This is driving me nuts!

still the cutest even being naughty

2009-04-12T03:53:00.002+10:00