Oh hai

Hi everyone! Has anyone missed me? *crows cawing*

I'm getting more and more terrible at this :( Even my period comes more regularly than me blogging wtf.

Nothing much really. Mainly work, bit of shopping, cooking and Candy Crushing (lots of it). Can't believe how quickly time flies. I just had my work review a week ago, marking the 6th month into my first official job in Australia. Which reminded me how I still haven't mentioned anything about it here in the blog. Next post!

About some time ago I went to Salon Melbourne, which is a Hair and Beauty Industry Expo held annually. I remember going there for the first time last year as a beauty student. I couldn't afford anything substantial at that time but this year I went in with a target in mind and a well-prepared wallet 8) 

 

So I got a complete waxing kit (pots, waxes, lotions, strips, applicators) simply because I've always wanted to start doing waxing services at home. Unfortunately at this time I can't as my spare room has been rented out so for now the best I can do is use it on myself. 

Honestly if you ask me 2 years ago whether I would get waxing services I'd tell you "Hell no, lao niang don't need it ok!". I'm not bragging here but apart from my armpits (can shave), eyebrows (can tweeze) and misai (can tweeze too but super painful knn), I really have no lawn anywhere else that needs mowing. I thank my mom's good genes for this. Even my brother has no hair on his legs, which I think to men isn't something to be proud of hahah.

When I went to beauty school it was the very first time I've ever gotten a waxing service, and of course performing the service. Apart from being the one doing the waxing you'll have to be used as a model for other students to practice. I'll go "Pffft I'd love to help but I've got nothing for you to wax" especially when I've just gotten my underarm, eyebrows or upper lips waxed.

Anyway, after trying out waxing, I've decided it's really a lot better than shaving. The only reason I haven't done it is I can't be bothered to visit a salon regularly to get it done. Shaving is just so much easier. Now that I have it at home and I know how it's done, it's a different story. 

I tried doing it myself the other day and omggg, I think if I have spent more time on it I could have gone cross-eyed. It's not painful mind you, when done right the pain is actually very tolerable. It's because I only have one hand to manage things, plus I have to look at my reflection in the mirror which made it so difficult. At the end of it I was telling myself "Nah, I'm sticking to shaving." Then I saw the results... waxing is still better. Usually by half/one day after shaving, I can already see stubble. And oh gosh the itch, fucking hate the itch in the pits especially when you're out in the public. With waxing, there's no stubble AT ALL even after 5 days. The hair grows at a much slower rate, and finer too. Best of all, no itch. 

So guess I'll be sticking to waxing then until I can be bothered to go for IPL.  

Do you know what's better than having a day off work? Having another day off the next day. And what's better? Having your shopping parcel delivered to you while you're still in your PJs. And what's even better? Everything fitting perfectly. 

Parcels always make a girl happy :)

It's been getting colder lately and what better way to warm up than to have a warm dessert? :)

Made chocolate fondant, which is also known as chocolate lava cake, or chocolate pudding. I don't know who the hell invented this and couldn't decide on the name, it's so annoying. So anyway basically it's a rich chocolate cake with a molten/half-cooked center so when your spoon cuts through it, the liquid center should ooze out of the cake like a lava flowing out of a volcano. 

I recently saw a picture Maggie posted on Instagram of her chocolate fondant and I decided to try it too. Instead of only chocolate cake batter, I added some peanut butter in the center of the cake.

IT IS ZOMFG DELICIOUS DOT COM OK. Served with ice cream, the combination of rich chocolate cake, molten peanut butter and cold ice cream was just mind blowing. And I've always had trouble trying to get the center to still be runny, they always turn out a little cooked so they never ooze out. With the peanut butter there, no problemo. Perfectly lava-like. Used this recipe, but used this method to incorporate the peanut butter.

On Saturday I was called in for a late start at work so we decided to quickly grab brunch before starting. Decided to try out this place in North Melbourne called Fandango. 

My cappuccino was a little different from the usual ones I always have at breakfast/brunch places. Instead of one with latte art and dusted with cocoa, this has no art but a sprinkle of what looked like chunky cocoa. The cocoa was sweetened, so it was quite nice having a sip of the froth with the sweet cocoa, before hitting the espresso.  

I had the Pesto Scrambled Egg. It was delicious, I think. Haha I was in such a rush because the food took quite a while, I was paranoid that I'll be late for the tram so I ate in a hurry.

Wk had the scrambled eggs on sourdough toast, with mushrooms. The scrambled eggs looked so perfectly silky and cloud-like. Tasted great too. 

This morning I was supposed to be at work for training but it got canceled so had the whole day off work woohoo! Decided to bake Japanese Cheesecake again. This is probably my 8th (or more) time making this. Still not happy with how the cake would crack at the top a little but everything else, I am supper happy with. 

Look at how beautifully it stands up :)

After it cooled down the top deflated a little so the cracks weren't obvious anymore. But I still would prefer it to have no cracks in the first place #anal

The other day I suddenly had a craving for lamb shanks, which is weird because I'm usually not a fan of it. I'm guessing it's the cold weather that made me want a warm, hearty plate of it with lots of flavourful gravy on top of mashed potatoes. He made it couple of days ago but it wasn't what I was expecting. He decided to try out another recipe in hopes of surprising me with something different to what he usually makes but poor, poor boy, I wasn't impressed hahaha. There wasn't gravy in it which was what I was looking forward to the most.

So yesterday I decided to make it myself, this time sticking with the recipe we always use. Lots of gravyyyy!

It's so easy to make. Just brown off some seasoned lamb shanks. Stir fry some aromatic veggies, then throw the rest of the ingredients (herbs, tomato base, stock) in and let it slow cook for 1.5 hours or until meat is very tender and detaching from its bone. Easy peasy. Recipe here.

Mmm so satisfying. The meat was just starting to fall off the bone. 

Ok done with this post. Till the next one. Ciao.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

A couple of days ago I was on my way to work in the train, a stranger approached me and said hello. He was a young white guy, wearing shirt and slacks with a tie. He introduced himself, but I forgot his name. He said he's a volunteer for a church. Usually if someone like him approach me while I'm walking on the streets, I'd dodge it by saying I'm rushing to somewhere and I haven't got the time (it's usually the truth, but sometimes I do lie). Today I was standing in the train, there wasn't really anywhere I could go to, obviously I couldn't say I was rushing to anywhere.

He tried to create small conversations, asking me where I'm from yadda yadda. To be polite, I responded and I kept the conversation going until he got his motive across. It's nothing really, he only wanted to get people to join the church he volunteers for. He wasn't pushy, all he did was ask me if I'd be interested to drop by the church one day. I said "No" as politely as I could, because that's a fact and I don't think it's necessary to beat around the bush and tell lies. 

And then the train reached a station and people walked pass in between us trying to get down to the station and this man in his 40s in office attire, walked pass us and told him "She's not interested" and gave the young man the 'quit-it' face.

Really? Did he really have to do that? 

Why are people so rejective so quickly these days? It's true, I wasn't interested, but I don't think telling that in the young guy's face is necessary. He's only trying his best to accomplish what he had to, and he's there to do what he believed was good. He wasn't trying to get me to buy something, he wasn't even trying to get me to fork out a cent. He was only trying to interest me into visiting the church, and most importantly he was being really polite in doing so.

The point of this post is, give others the opportunity to be heard, and no need to be rude if you're not interested. I'm sure at one point of your life you wanted to be heard too. Job interviews, sales, friends, family. I'm sure you're not a listener your entire life. As long as the person is not bothering, annoying or irritating you, as long as you have the time, why not give him a chance? I feel sorry for him because I know exactly how it feels to want to be heard, and be shut off like that.

There are ways to reject an offer and I believe in the phrase "do unto others as you would have them do unto you". It's a biblical statement and I am 100% not religious at all but I truly agree with it. If you wouldn't want to be rudely rejected, don't do that to others. Treat people the way you want to be treated, simple as that. 

A new beginning

I'm seriously losing this whole blogging mojo :( from 4 updates in a month, to 2, to now a pathetic 1. Anywaaaaaay.

Don't really have anything in particular to blog about so I'll just put some pictures and elaborate on them since people these days don't seem to bother reading anyway, most people tend to scroll through and stop at pictures that interest them the most. Correct or not correct or not?? You're lying if you say no. I know because I'm like that wtf.

Recently bought 2 new pairs of Converse shoes. Just thought I could use a pair of hipster-ish sneakers :P Seriously, all I have are sandals, flip flops, boots, heels and a pair of Nike running shoes. Obviously I NEED not one, but TWO pairs of sneakers. Wk got a pair for himself too.

 This is one of the best things that happened lately :) I'll elaborate next time!

Made buttermilk pancakes with bananas, hazelnuts, maple syrup and a side of vanilla icecream. Buttermilk pancakes are so yummy and they're so easy to make! No need to rest the batter, no need to mix till the batter is smooth. Lately I've been trying to eat healthy so I've been trying to cut off foods high in sugar and fats e.g. icecream. But alas, I succumbed. The pancakes with only the bananas and hazelnuts were too dry. If I were to choose whether to have more maple syrup or icecream, definitely icecream! The taste of vanilla, hazelnuts and banana go well together. Plus the combination of warm pancakes and cold icecream...mmm.

Yesterday we went to DFO because I wanted to get myself a pair of shoes which I can wear for work. Yes in case you didn't know, you need a pair of new shoes for every freaking occassion, my bestfriend Esther Toh taught me that tee hee. No but really, I needed a new pair cos I'll be standing a lot so I definitely wanted a good comfy, solid pair that'll last. What was supposed to be 1 pair of shoes, turned into TWO pairs, 2 tops (3 tops for Wk) and a grill pan =_____= 

Anyway no pictures of the shoes because they look really boring wtf. They're from Supersoft by Diana Ferari. Diana Ferari is probably the only place with good working shoes in terms of comfort, quality and design and they're affordable. It was an outlet so everything was discounted, not that cheap but since the shoes felt really good, I think they're worth it.

Why 2 pairs? Because I need to spend that extra money wtf. No lah. Wk picked out the 2nd pair and I really liked it too, so had to get it. HAD TO GET IT - there's no better excuse.

We've been wanting a grill pan for a while now and since there was a little promotion at Matchbox, we decided to get it. It completes the set of cookware we're having at the moment, Jamie Oliver by Tefal. This grill pan came with a cookbook by Jamie Oliver! Can't wait to try out the recipes!

This was one of the tops I got yesterday. It's a russet knit from Country Road and it was discounted heavily! Only $20! It's currently spring here in Melbourne but sometimes it gets cold when the weather decides to have PMS or something. So having an extra knitwear is definitely handy. Check out the length. Kind of like the high-low/dip back type of thingie that's really in style now. I thought that was quite interesting.

Woke up this morning wanted to have my bowl of cereal and saw this. ISN'T THIS THE MOST ANNOYING THING EVER?!? It was impossible for me to get my cereal out into my bowl without it spilling everywhere. All thanks to a certain someone who refused to use the freaking scissors to cut it open, but decided rip the shit out of it. Maybe the scissors was inconveniently stored you may guess?

Tell me it's inconvenient. Tell me it's inconvenient and I'll bitchslap you. (Of course I can't but I would love to)

Ok that's it for now. Time to hit the sack. It's Melbourne Cup Day tomorrow. I don't give a shit what day it is but it's a holiday and that's all that matters :D We're heading out to get some stuffs early, Wk thinks I won't be able to wake up. I shall prove him wrong.

33 degrees

I am home!!!

In a new home some more hehe. My family shifted early this year before CNY. Coming back to a new place felt a little awkward at the beginning... I didn't know where the plates or cutleries were kept, didn't know how to turn on the TV, there seems to be a million switches and I had to try a million times to be able to switch on freaking fan -.- 

The moment I stepped onto Malaysian ground, there's only 2 words to describe my feelings. SIBEH HOT! Wtf.

I don't know if it's just a transition from winter to a tropical weather, or the weather has just been super hot lately. Hazy too! I feel sweaty, oily and sticky all the time ughh.

Doing nothing much but watching AOD (Astro On Demand). This is a long awaited break for me, obviously I have to be doing nothing ;) Went to this new mall about a week ago!

Not bad lor quite big, got cinema and some nice shops too. My sister wanted to meet up with her friends there so we (other sister, grandma and I) tagged along. Wanted to try the dessert place Tong Pak Fu but it was so packed. Not bothered. But I tried Gong Cha! And I loved it!

It was my first time trying so I didn't want to be adventurous. I tried their milk tea with pearls, very nice! I can even say it's nicer than the Chatime in Melbourne, don't know about the Chatime here, haven't tried yet. I can't wait to go back for my 2nd time :D

While waiting for my sister we shopped around. Ok more like I shopped around hehe. I haven't been properly shopping for more than a year already ok! I'm so shopping-deprived lol.

I spotted this small nude patent leather shoulder bag with chain straps (not seen) and detachable studded straps. I was contemplating for a really long time whether or not to buy it cos the pricetag was rm100 which I personally thought was expensive for such a small bag. BUT I REALLY LIKED IT! It was originally rm140, with rm40 of the price it's still quite pricey. There were many black ones of the same design, but there was only ONE left of this nude colour. After thinking for almost 20 minutes, I decided to get it. When the cashier scanned it, she said "rm70", which of course surprised me. When she saw my surprised face she asked me "rm70 kan?" and I stupidly asked her back "bukan rm100 ke?" which she then looked at the pricetag and decided to ask her colleague to check. At that point I seriously felt like a complete idiot and I should have kept my mouth shut. But thank goodness, her colleague came back and confirmed that it's rm70.

SCORE! :D

Also went to Daiso and bought some random stuffs. Julienne peeler! I can't wait to try it. If it works well, Imma make some Thai papaya/mango salad. Julienne means to cut food/vegetables into small strips. Bought a skimmer cos the skimmer I have at home in Melbourne is hopeless.

Apart from AOD I've also been helping my grandma with cooking dinner. My mom bought some tin gai, paddy frogs, the other day so I decided to give it a try. Made Gong Bou Tin Gai. Paddy frogs are similar to chicken, except that frog has less fats, is smaller in size and so cooks a lot quicker.

That's all as far as my Instagram pictures go. The sisters and I are going to Hong Kong this weekend/raya! I don't really like crowded places so not looking forward to that but definitely looking forward to the food! Egg tart, polo bao, dim sum... I'm too old for Disneyland but it's my first time so maybe I should be looking forward to that too? I don't know.

This is what we've been up to.

Hot Hombre

Time for some random pictures update ala Instagram.

Met up with Beatrice while she's here for a vacation and look what she got me! This pack of peanut butter goodness is evillll. Wk and I couldn't stop eating it for as long as it's within our reach until I decided to pack it and put it aside where it's not so visible. But as I'm typing this I'm popping one into my mouth because it's right next to the computer. Evilllll...

Tried this new drink from Starbucks, Cinnamon Dolce Latte. Mmm it was perfect for that rainy cold day.

Macarons from Cacao... yummeh.

Chillin' in my new jammies that I got from DFO. Only $20!

Random message made me cannot stop smiling :) I was smiling to myself in the lunch room when a classmate saw and called me crazy lol.

And so we did went out for dinner and watch a movie.

Had a new burger from Grilled called the Hot Hombre. Homaigaah it was so spicy.

Dessert before the movie! Had a BOGO free short stack at Pancake Parlour. I seriously prefer whipped butter over anything but decided to go with icecream because whipped butter is so fattening :( Ice cream's good but it's just not as good as butter. And after going through half the pancake I feel quite sick of it already lol.

We watched Dark Shadows. It wasn't a fantastically good movie but it was entertaining to watch, especially with Johnny Depp in it. Come on, everybody loves Johnny Depp, admit it. Eva Green was stunning, as she was in Casino Royale as Vesper. I like that name, Vesper, sounds so... venomous hahah. Ok nvm.

I can haz Instagram!

Last week was probably one of the most satisfying weeks I've had in school. Passed my final questions for manicure, got a final for body massage then passed the final questions for it, got a final for facial, and then passed the final questions for facial. Finally got a chance to work on my waxing - which I am so bad at cos I haven't done it in a while, I'm so losing touch. I need more, seriously. Will be doing makeup in the coming week, can't wait for it! I've washed all my makeup brushes, all ready for it! Hee =D

Right now, that makes me officially a semi-qualified manicure, pedicure, body massage and facial therapist! Semi-qualified because I haven't gotten my diploma yet but I'm considered competent in all that already :)

Was about to iron my black pants before I wear it to school when I discovered that it hasn't been completely dried in the dryer. So no pants for me :( Yes, I only have one pair of black pants. I have black tights, skinny jeans but those aren't allowed so I had to skip school today. I could have dried it, go to school late and clock in as half day but what's the point if I'm late and I'm not going to get the clients I need. Good time anyway cos I need to get my business plan assignment started.

Yesterday I went to this beauty expo and it was an eye-opening experience. I've never been to an event like this before. It's a trades-only event so it's not for the public, only for people in the industry. Lots of booths with different products and brands, it was a good exposure.

I just installed Instagram! Erm.. on Wk's iphone hahaha. 

Some lashes and brushes I bought at the expo.

Went to Laksa King yesterday (AGAINNnnn haha).

Instagram is like a picture sharing app. It's really easy to use. Take a picture, filter it to however you like, and share. It works like twitter, but in the form of pictures.

Ok time to be productive. Ciao.

Story of peanut butter and I

Last weekend was spent being as couch-ridden as a couch potato. I was very unfortunately down with the flu. I like to rest on my couch more than my bed just because my couch is near the balcony where we like to keep the sliding door wide open so we get lots of light and air. It just feels a lot better than breathing in all the 'sick air'. So that's why it's couch-ridden instead of you know, bedridden.

Anyway when I was younger I was taught that 'flu' is runny nose. Lol of course it's not. Flu stands for influenza, which is caused by a type of virus that comes in specific season - according to information on the net, it's late fall to spring. Common symptoms include severe headache (hate hate hate), exhaustion, muscle aches and fever - exactly what I had. The virus spreads really easily and it is really common. The doctor told me there has been many cases already this time around and it's easy to get it when your immune system is weakened - happens usually when you're stressed because it depletes Vitamin C which helps in boosting your immune system. Smoking does it too.

I went to school yesterday eventhough I wasn't feeling completely alright but because I had to get some things settled in school I dragged myself out anyway. I requested for early leave because I decided to see a doctor later that afternoon, which was how I found out I had this viral infection but the thing is it was already my 4th day with it, I wasn't feeling as crappy anymore. I just went to the doctor for a peace of mind and I wanted to get the doctor's prescription for some drug anyway. 

The doctor said it is highly contagious and advised me to stay home and rest for a few days until I am completely recovered before I go out and see the world. So he gave me 3 days sick leave WOHOOO! And when I was at school earlier one of the teachers told me "Hmm let's hope it's not contagious" which I actually took offence at at first because hey, I'm sick here instead of showing concern you're telling me about being contagious? Ugh. But oops. Looks like I am contagious hahah.

And the funny thing is for the past few days of being sick I was guessing that it's a mild food poisoning eventhough there's no vomiting and diarrhea... Ok truth is I've been eating expired peanut butter. I know, people are going to tell me "WTF why do you eat expired food?!" I tell you why!

There's a jar of crunchy peanut butter which is expired, and a jar of smooth peanut butter which is not expired. I hate smooth peanut butter, only bought it for baking purposes but I loooove my peanut butter! So I decided to eat the expired one. Also because I have this mindset that if it says "Best Before", means it's ok to eat after the expiry date. If it's "Use Before" like milk or cream, means it's NOT ok to eat after the expiry date.

So for the past few days I was mentally beating myself thinking that it's the PB. After visiting the doctor's yesterday, looks like it's not the PB's fault :)

Anywaaaaay. I've already thrown that expired PB out already before anybody come telling me I shouldn't eat expired food.

Yesterday while we were doing some Asian grocery shopping, I almost couldn't believe my eyes when I saw some Teluk Intan Heong Peng!

Let's hope it's good! I super hate heong peng(s?) that are soft.

When we saw the biscuits Wk immediately asked me hesitantly how I usually eat them. I looked at him and said "On it's own lah what else" and he told me he used to eat it with guess what?

CONDENSED MILK! 

Ew?? Heong peng is sweet on its own I don't understand how could people eat it with condensed milk lor! But anyway he insisted to get a can of condensed milk so that he can eat with it or he won't buy the heong peng wtfffff.

 

These are apparently the famous Apple Strudel from Perth!

The first apple strudel I've tried was from Frutti, it's a cafe in Panmour area, near Delta tuition centre. Students always hang out around there before/after or even during (ponteng) class. Speaking from experience hahahaa.  They claimed their apple strudel was from Australia but back then I didn't know what an apple strudel was and I didn't give a shit so I just tried. It was disgusting. The pastry was soggy, the custard was too much and bleghh, didn't taste any apples. That was probably the first and last I've ever had apple strudels.

On Monday Kai Mun gave us this long block of apple strudel which he brought back all the way from Perth when he traveled there. It is apparently really really famous and good, from this pastry shop called Corica. Tried it the moment he brought back and at that time I was actually still pretty sick to be eating dessert but from the looks of it, I couldn't resist. I had to have a slice. It was so good! I can imagine it being 10 times nicer if we could eat it fresh.

There's a good balance of custard and pastry. The custard is really good, it's what a good custard should taste or smell like. The level of sweetness is just nice. Pastry was not crunchy anymore since it's not fresh but it's still nice and light, not soggy! My favourite part? The fine sugar crusted layer of pastry at the top. Overall everything was just a pleasure to eat. You take a mouthful but everything's light and fragrant, not cloyingly sweet or dense.

It's been a year

since I first came to Melbourne.

Has it been a good year? I don't know but I will definitely celebrate the things I've learnt, the changes I've gone through, the changes I've made to myself as a person. It was definitely good to be able to reunite with my other half after 4 years of long distance relationship. We were planning and we were hopeful with everything in the future eventhough we weren't sure if it would work. Well, half worked, half didn't. 

There were two things I wanted when I decided to come here - PR and a job. After almost a year, I'm really glad my PR application was approved. With PR, I can stay here indefinitely with Wk while he works and build his career, while I can work without limitations too as well as figuring out what I want as a career. We no longer have to stay apart. Sadly, I still have not gotten a job due to being a full time student now. I came here as a tourist thinking I could convert my visa when we apply for PR. Plans had to be changed when we found out I couldn't apply while I'm holding a tourist visa, I needed to at least be on a student visa. It led me to enrol in a course which I've never wanted to talk about because of many petty reasons. I figured since it's been a year here and after going through so many circumstances, I'm finally feeling comfortable to mention it.

I'm currently a full time student doing a Diploma of Beauty Therapy. The course goes on for a year. You may wonder, what does a beauty therapist do? Nothing related with music that's for sure. A beauty therapist performs all services related to beauty which include waxing, manicure, pedicure, body massage, facial, makeup, spa and aromatherapy. 

Music is a part of my life, I didn't want to waste time and money on a music course or a school that is not decent. Even if I am qualified to enter a good university to do a Masters degree, I couldn't afford to pay the fees as an international student. I'm too old to be taking money from my parents and I have 3 other siblings who need the money more than me. 

What I needed was something affordable, short in duration and I have interest in. I initially only took it as a stepping stone to my PR application as ultimately, I don't want to abandon music. I wanted to do makeup  but was told it's not offered to international students at that time. Instead, I was convinced to do beauty therapy and switch to makeup when it's available, which they presumed wouldn't be long. When I had the chance to switch finally, I decided to stick with beauty therapy. Simply because I was half way into the course  already (6 months) and it would be a waste to not finish it when I'm that close. Besides, I think it has a better career prospect than makeup, it makes me more marketable/employable, and I somehow became interested in it. I still have interest in makeup but I guess the timing was just not right.

I should be finishing before August this year and I have no idea what's in store for me but I have made plans for what to do after this. Now what's left is to hope everything works out fine.

Nothing comes easy, I get it. I just have to keep trying my best.

Some random food pictures, as always.

Beatrix

It's a breakfast place at North Melbourne. It seems to have garnered quite some good reviews and ratings but honestly, I find it so-so. Can't remember what's that roll called, it was a weekend special. Most people praised their sweets. The red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting was again, so-so.

Homemade Katsudon

The first time I made Katsudon my pork was as tough as old boots because I didn't know how long I should deep fry them for. This time, it was good but I wished it could be a little bit more tender.

Laksa King

Had lunch here after an interview because it was only 2 train stops away. Great place during those laksa-craving days. Their teh tarik is seriously fawesome! Nothing I've tried in Malaysia was as good.

Beautiful night sky view with 2 stars. Can you spot the crescent moon?

Quarter of a century

Does anyone absolutely hate it when you get uneven eyelids? I do. Check out my regrowths. It's as though I dip-dyed/ombre-d my hair. Mine's better. It's FREE! But takes almsot one year for 'results' to show lol.

Hahahahah this picture. I was cooking while Wk was playing Plants VS Zombies. It was kinda chilly that day so he wrapped himself with the throw, which looked really funny so I took a picture. I literally squtted and laughed really hard when I looked at this picture. Oh yeah if anyone's wondering, that's a TV slash PC monitor screen.

Fruit Ninja is dabombdiggity! It's a game in iPhone, super addictive at first but I got bored when nobody could beat my highscore, except myself *proud*. 

Another one which I really like (and am really good at *proud*) is Vege Samurai. This was my last best score, before they supposedly 'upgraded' the game, screwed up the audio and the control system.

***

I've been through birthdays for so many years I think I'm too old to be excited over it already hahah. Tomorrow I'm turning a year older. My usual friends and my family are not with me this year but I'm still grateful that I won't have to be alone. Wk's taking me to a steakhouse for dinner tomorrow. Perfect timing to wear my newly bought Topshop dress.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Hey there smexy

Omgggggg this GIF is making me crazy. This hot thing is not only cute, when he sings... *melts*.

I don't know what I was looking at in Youtube yesterday but I found a video of a young Charice belting out big songs like a boss. Then one video led to another... and I found one where she was in Korea singing the Aladdin song with this Korean guy who has crazy platinum blonde hair. And I thought "Heh. Some Kpop guy. Let's hope he doesn't embarass himself singing with Charice" but then...

 

I was in awe because well, I know I shouldn't be thinking this way but I can't help but to think that he wouldn't be able to even pronounce properly! When he sang, I thought this guy must be an American born Korean or something but no. He's pure Korean, who just happens to love learning and picks up language really fast. He can even speak a little bit of Mandarin.

And then after some ahem 'research', I found out he's from this Korean band called Super Junior (famous for their notorious "Sorry Sorry" song). I do not care for Kpop boys mainly because I do not understand a word they sing, their music isn't my cup of tea and I do not find them attractive AT FIRST. But I have heard of Super Junior even before discovering this guy. What I didn't know is how good some Korean guys can sing. And they have these 'charm' that works slowly. The more you look at them, the more charming they get lol.

I'm not sure if this is an unfortunate thing or not because I don't really give a shit, but this guy has had double eyelid surgery done before. I've seen his before surgery picture. Omg cannot make it at all ahahahahahah. But it's ok. Now he's all cute and charming and when he sings I just cannot stop smiling.

Ok enough of this silly fangirl post.

Hello December

Feels unreal looking at how time passed so quickly. Feels like it was just yesterday when I first came to Melbourne, feels like it was just yesterday when I cried and bid everyone goodbye, leaving my family and my closest friends behind in the airport as I took the steps to be here. Hey, it has been 9 months now.

It was my mom's birthday on the 30th last month. I called home with Skype and unfortunately the webcam in the other side could not work so it was a 1 way video but we did manage to have a chat. Yesterday, the 1st of December was my sister's birthday. I wished her on Facebook and we laughed about how my dad actually sent her a Happy Birthday SMS in the midnight. It was funny because my dad is not an SMS type of person, neither is he the type who wishes people during birthdays lol. 

Been doing nothing much lately except for fully utilizing the internet and the kitchen - what I do best hahaha. 

Asian Style Lamb Cutlets

In my previous post I talked about buying these cutlets and how expensive they were. The recipe I used was actually good, really loved the marinade and sauce except that I could not figure out how to cook the lamb well enough. I did not want it overcooked but it ended up being very undercooked. I followed the instructions really carefully especially the cooking time but maybe my pan was not heating up properly. What a shame. The sauce was mainly dark soy sauce, vinegar, Szechuan peppercorn and others which I do not remember. I shall try making it again but no way am I buying 16 pieces of lamb cutlets the next time.

Steamed Toothfish

I also talked about buying these fish cutlets which resembled codfish very much. It actually tasted exactly like codfish too! So our initial guessing was correct, this could most probably be codfish with another name here. I steamed the fish then drizzled soy sauce over the top but I have discovered another way to make the sauce a lot more tasty. Will talk about that next time. The fish tasted obviously good but the only let down was I slightly overcooked it and I did not check if the scales were properly removed before steaming it. Not that I am a fan of eating fish skin anyway but it is really annoying to find fish scale in your mouth. I did not see this fish in the market last weekend so I am guessing it is a seasonal/catch of the day thing.

Bah Kut Teh

Not sure if anyone remembers me saying this but I have never been a fan of Bah Kut Teh and this is coming from someone who grew up in Klang hahaha. I've never eaten so many times of BKT in a year until I came to Melbourne, frankly. The only time I would eat BKT in Malaysia is after visiting my grandfather's grave during Cheng Meng cos my uncles and aunties would come down to Klang from Subang and having BKT is like a tradition already. It is actually not a very healthy choice of meal but I cannot deny how easy it is to prepare it. Just get the BKT packed herbs, boil water and throw everything in it. One pot wonder.

Son In Law Eggs

When I first saw this on Masterchef, I was intrigued. How does an egg have a hard-boiled white but soft-boiled, runny yolk?! Whatmore, the egg was deep-fried! I personally dislike eating hard-boiled eggs except for the tea leaf, herbal ones. Even with that, I always throw the yolk away because I absolutely detest that powdery texture and that weird taste (sulfur) in my mouth. After a few tries and finally succeeding in getting my eggs cooked just the way I like (hard whites, soft yolk), I attempted to make this Thai dish and can I proudly say it was delish?? =D I might make a whole post about this cos there's so many things I discovered while making this. 

Pineapple Fried Rice

Hooray for making my own pineapple boat =D But it's so freaking difficult to eat from it so we ended up transferring the rice into a proper plate hahahaha. Using fresh pineapples to cook tastes so much better than using the canned ones. Fresh ones have that tanginess to it, canned ones are just full of sugar syrup.

Lamb Shank

This one is not a new thing. I have cooked this so many times but this time, I am most happy with the outcome. I used my shallow, non-stick pan to slow cook the shanks. This gives a much more even heating instead of stacking the shanks on top of each other in a deep pot. They usually come out not the texture I like (so soft it falls off its bone) but this time, it was perfect. Also made some garlic mash which turned out pretty good too.

Tonight I will be making Katsudon, a Japanese rice bowl dish with deep fried pork cutlet, egg and sauce. 

It is the weekend! I will be off planning for next week's meals as well as what to get from the market. I have learned that it really helps me to save more money as well as eating healthy when I plan my meals ahead. At least I keep track of how many times in a week I eat my red meats, seafood, etc. And I also get to make sure I use up all the things I buy instead of leaving them to go bad. Planning last minute is like impulsive shopping. It always result in getting ingredients I use that one time and never end up finish using it before it turns bad. When you plan ahead of what to cook, you take into consideration of what you still have in your kitchen and that helps you to spend your money more wisely. Buying produce from the market is usually cheaper and fresher. You also get to plan and pack your lunch. Eating out in the city ALWAYS cost a bomb. Always. We usually only do it once every 1 or 2 weekends. My friend suggested me something which I found to be really insightful in terms of eating healthy: keep at least one day in the week free of meat, in other words go vegetarian because that allows the liver to not work as hard, processesing all the protein we consume.

Tomorrow night we will be heading to this place called Ibuki for Japanese dining with Wk's friends. Hopefully we will get to go swimming this weekend, did not do it last weekend because we woke up late and after running errands, it was getting late. Wk was saying that he might have to work this weekend... which means we might not be able to swim and I might have to go to the market alone =( not fun lugging groceries ok.

Anyway. How is everyone spending their weekend? =)