Songs I'm currently addicted to:
1. Tik Tok - Kesha
2. Breathe - Taylor Swift
3. Halo - Beyonce
Friday, November 27, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
I have a confession. I love eating at Yoyogi.
Yes, it's trashy. Yes, it's not even Japanese! Yes, nobody would even entertain the idea of eating there with me. Which is why I decided to lunch alone and sit down with this wonderful, wonderful bowl of Niku Udon. Have not had it for 3 years or so because of the lack of dining partners.
It was heaven.
Yes, it's trashy. Yes, it's not even Japanese! Yes, nobody would even entertain the idea of eating there with me. Which is why I decided to lunch alone and sit down with this wonderful, wonderful bowl of Niku Udon. Have not had it for 3 years or so because of the lack of dining partners.
It was heaven.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
No. 47 - Get A Toni & Guy Haircut
Went down to Melbourne for a weekend and had a great time. Did some gentle shopping and also managed to get a haircut at Toni & Guy.
It all stemmed from when we (me and my friend) were poor undergrads wondering if there's a difference getting a designer haircut as opposed to just any hair place.
My conclusion? It's good, but it's not spectacular. Probably not worth the price tag but hey - another item off my list!
Also went to Leftbank for cocktails and some tapas. Yum.
I'm almost halfway through my 50 new places to eat (this makes 23). Pretty pleased with my 101 progress.
It all stemmed from when we (me and my friend) were poor undergrads wondering if there's a difference getting a designer haircut as opposed to just any hair place.
My conclusion? It's good, but it's not spectacular. Probably not worth the price tag but hey - another item off my list!
Also went to Leftbank for cocktails and some tapas. Yum.
I'm almost halfway through my 50 new places to eat (this makes 23). Pretty pleased with my 101 progress.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Revisited
Music was a huge part of my life when I was growing up. I have plenty of memories in regards to my piano and violin lessons/ practice sessions.
I still remember hating scales. My mom made it more interesting by cutting bits of paper with the key written on them and making me draw them from a cup. Whatever I drew I had to play. Which makes no ridiculous sense now because at the end of it I still had to play every single scale anyway. But I guess it made things a little less mundane.
And I remember how I'd practice the pieces so that I could get a sticker for my hard work. Amazing what a sticker could do when I was 6.
Anyway, ever since I moved to Australia 7 years ago (has it really been almost 7 years??) I have let that part of me slip away. Not having a piano at home was probably the biggest issue. I kept putting it off, telling myself that I'd get one once I get a 'permanent' home.
However, my housemate went to Melbourne and came back with... a keyboard! An extremely exciting development. Played a few tunes and am pleased to say I still know how it works. And it made me realize I miss that part of me.
Now... time to learn the unofficial Bella's Lullaby from Twilight for fun. Always thought it was a simple and haunting melody and it's been stuck in my head for the past 3 months. Have to get it out.
I still remember hating scales. My mom made it more interesting by cutting bits of paper with the key written on them and making me draw them from a cup. Whatever I drew I had to play. Which makes no ridiculous sense now because at the end of it I still had to play every single scale anyway. But I guess it made things a little less mundane.
And I remember how I'd practice the pieces so that I could get a sticker for my hard work. Amazing what a sticker could do when I was 6.
Anyway, ever since I moved to Australia 7 years ago (has it really been almost 7 years??) I have let that part of me slip away. Not having a piano at home was probably the biggest issue. I kept putting it off, telling myself that I'd get one once I get a 'permanent' home.
However, my housemate went to Melbourne and came back with... a keyboard! An extremely exciting development. Played a few tunes and am pleased to say I still know how it works. And it made me realize I miss that part of me.
Now... time to learn the unofficial Bella's Lullaby from Twilight for fun. Always thought it was a simple and haunting melody and it's been stuck in my head for the past 3 months. Have to get it out.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Benalla Festival
It was Benalla Festival last weekend and we went down on the Saturday night to the lake to watch the fireworks.
It was probably the first time I've ever had such a good view and it was really nice to be there with the crowd (which wasn't that crowdy) and watch the show.
Pretty exciting stuff. Not sure if I'm being sarcastic or not. Starting to get very home-bound and unworldly.
Then the day after it was the Benalla Craft Market at the Rose Garden.
There was someone riding around on a penny farthing! How quaint, no? The roses are all now in full bloom as well.
In this picture, on the left is a man making wooden figurines and such with a traditional spinning wheel thingy. Then on the top right, I'm looking really excited because I spotted 2 of my interests in the same section: astronomy and plaster painting.
Astronomy because I have always been fascinated with the night sky, plaster painting because there's a childhood memory associated with it.
When I was young I went to Vacation Bible School (VBS) and one of the projects we got to do was to paint a plaster figure. I painted a beautiful grey kitten and the teachers put it out to dry. Unfortunately, someone stepped on it and smashed it to bits.
Just thinking of it is making me sad again... *sniffles*
Anyway, I have to say I was extremely tempted to paint another plaster figure to make up for the one I lost. However, decided I was a serious dentist and stopped myself in time.
Ended the day sitting under a tree with a sausage slathered in tomato sauce and onions, sandwiched in trashy white bread. One of my big weaknesses in life. Every time I see a store selling these I have to get one. It's soo bad it's soo good!
It was probably the first time I've ever had such a good view and it was really nice to be there with the crowd (which wasn't that crowdy) and watch the show.
Pretty exciting stuff. Not sure if I'm being sarcastic or not. Starting to get very home-bound and unworldly.
Then the day after it was the Benalla Craft Market at the Rose Garden.
There was someone riding around on a penny farthing! How quaint, no? The roses are all now in full bloom as well.
In this picture, on the left is a man making wooden figurines and such with a traditional spinning wheel thingy. Then on the top right, I'm looking really excited because I spotted 2 of my interests in the same section: astronomy and plaster painting.
Astronomy because I have always been fascinated with the night sky, plaster painting because there's a childhood memory associated with it.
When I was young I went to Vacation Bible School (VBS) and one of the projects we got to do was to paint a plaster figure. I painted a beautiful grey kitten and the teachers put it out to dry. Unfortunately, someone stepped on it and smashed it to bits.
Just thinking of it is making me sad again... *sniffles*
Anyway, I have to say I was extremely tempted to paint another plaster figure to make up for the one I lost. However, decided I was a serious dentist and stopped myself in time.
Ended the day sitting under a tree with a sausage slathered in tomato sauce and onions, sandwiched in trashy white bread. One of my big weaknesses in life. Every time I see a store selling these I have to get one. It's soo bad it's soo good!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
No. 99 - Buy Fresh Flowers For Self (2)
It's late afternoon and I'm at my little corner in my little room, admiring my new flowers. Because yes, a mere 4 days after my first purchase I've decided surely I can get another bunch.
Also took the liberty of making a chilled mango cheesecake, hoping that it would take the edge off the hot weather. Because it's very hot and our air conditioning isn't working. What have I done to deserve this??
Also took the liberty of making a chilled mango cheesecake, hoping that it would take the edge off the hot weather. Because it's very hot and our air conditioning isn't working. What have I done to deserve this??
Chocy Mouse
Went for dinner with the my colleagues at the Tatong pub. When it came to dessert it was time to make a choice.
There it is. A real chocy mouse.
There it is. A real chocy mouse.
To-may-to, To-mah-to
One of our household's favourite dishes is... well, we haven't named it. Anyway, it's mince beef with diced tomatoes, drowned in tomato sauce, soy sauce, a pinch of sugar and salt. With fried eggs served on top.
My housemate was the one who introduced it to me and there's something about the saltiness and sourness and sweetness that's really addictive. I think it's the tomato sauce.
It's come to the point where I'm pouring more and more tomato sauce into the dish that we decided to buy a 2L bottle of tomato sauce. No kidding.
It's already half gone.
My housemate was the one who introduced it to me and there's something about the saltiness and sourness and sweetness that's really addictive. I think it's the tomato sauce.
It's come to the point where I'm pouring more and more tomato sauce into the dish that we decided to buy a 2L bottle of tomato sauce. No kidding.
It's already half gone.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
No. 43 - Try 50 New Recipes (21/50)
I've baked sponge cakes many times and have never been fully satisfied with the results. Sometimes they were too domed. Sometimes they were dry and crusty. Sometimes the crumb was rough. Somehow, I could never get it just right.
Until today.
2 sponge cakes sandwiched with homemade strawberry jam and whipped cream. Very pleased with the fact that I can finally close the chapter on sponge cakes and tick it of my extensive to-do list.
Until today.
2 sponge cakes sandwiched with homemade strawberry jam and whipped cream. Very pleased with the fact that I can finally close the chapter on sponge cakes and tick it of my extensive to-do list.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
No. 99 - Buy Fresh Flowers For Self
It's a hot Saturday afternoon and I'm back from the week's grocery shop, ready to cook up a storm so that we don't starve next week. Also brought home some flowers for my room.
They're irises and I can't wait for them to bloom!
Anyway, I'm quite pleased with my 101 list progress. I guess the problem is that I've kinda done all the easy stuff, leaving the harder ones. It's all going to be uphill from here.
Here they are fully bloomed in less than 24 hours! Lovely - but I don't think they will last long.
They're irises and I can't wait for them to bloom!
Anyway, I'm quite pleased with my 101 list progress. I guess the problem is that I've kinda done all the easy stuff, leaving the harder ones. It's all going to be uphill from here.
Here they are fully bloomed in less than 24 hours! Lovely - but I don't think they will last long.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
I have a lot that I would like to say, yet I am obviously not free to express it here.
I can't really talk about my work - although it's actually a very interesting topic. But obviously interesting stories are best left untold when one is not anonymous.
I can't really talk about what I'm really feeling - too many people know who I am and I don't wanna appear weak now, do I?
So really - what I blog about is just a tiny part of my life. Probably the most boring part.
Vaguely considering writing a slightly more private blog, which I have done in the past. But that means password protecting it etc and that's just plain hard work.
Hmm... what to do what to do?
I can't really talk about my work - although it's actually a very interesting topic. But obviously interesting stories are best left untold when one is not anonymous.
I can't really talk about what I'm really feeling - too many people know who I am and I don't wanna appear weak now, do I?
So really - what I blog about is just a tiny part of my life. Probably the most boring part.
Vaguely considering writing a slightly more private blog, which I have done in the past. But that means password protecting it etc and that's just plain hard work.
Hmm... what to do what to do?
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Whyyyy
Got home from work and proceded to devour:
1. A Magnum. Love Magnums. Especially Magnums with the almond slivers. Whenever I stock them in the house I end up eating at least one a day. Kinda like the way I like Cornetto's. And Rainbow Paddle Pops. And Splits. And.. and... alright I just really love ice cream okay?
2. Pork Ribs. I have this recipe of pork ribs that I cook in my beloved Le Creuset. Can't get enough of it.
3. Japanese Cheesecake. Have perfected the recipe. Well, almost. Next time I will strain out the tiny lumps instead of going meh.
4. Bread and butter. White bread with Lurpak butter and a drizzle of honey. Yum.
Feeling so sick yet at the same time craving for another pork rib.
Whyy??
1. A Magnum. Love Magnums. Especially Magnums with the almond slivers. Whenever I stock them in the house I end up eating at least one a day. Kinda like the way I like Cornetto's. And Rainbow Paddle Pops. And Splits. And.. and... alright I just really love ice cream okay?
2. Pork Ribs. I have this recipe of pork ribs that I cook in my beloved Le Creuset. Can't get enough of it.
3. Japanese Cheesecake. Have perfected the recipe. Well, almost. Next time I will strain out the tiny lumps instead of going meh.
4. Bread and butter. White bread with Lurpak butter and a drizzle of honey. Yum.
Feeling so sick yet at the same time craving for another pork rib.
Whyy??
No. 43 - Try 50 New Recipes (20/50)
I love making souffles. Thing is, I never make enough of them because of the fact that it has to be eaten right here right now before it sinks.
However, since we had 4 to dine last night I decided to go ahead with it. Followed every single souffle trip and trick in the book and ended up with this:
2.5cm above the rim of the ramekin!! I was so proud of myself.
See the one at the back? That was the first one out of the oven and it sank to that in about... 1 minute. Shows how time sensitive these little things are.
Recipe from here. With a couple of modifications to the ramekin prep, which makes all the difference in the height of the souffle.
1. Brush with melted butter evenly all the way to the top surface of the rim and sugar the entire surface very very well. That's going to make sure the souffle rises all the way up and out of the ramekin.
2. Make paper sleeves and tie it around the ramekins to help the souffle creep up further.
It's very very rewarding. Definitely recommend you guys try it at home.
However, since we had 4 to dine last night I decided to go ahead with it. Followed every single souffle trip and trick in the book and ended up with this:
2.5cm above the rim of the ramekin!! I was so proud of myself.
See the one at the back? That was the first one out of the oven and it sank to that in about... 1 minute. Shows how time sensitive these little things are.
Recipe from here. With a couple of modifications to the ramekin prep, which makes all the difference in the height of the souffle.
1. Brush with melted butter evenly all the way to the top surface of the rim and sugar the entire surface very very well. That's going to make sure the souffle rises all the way up and out of the ramekin.
2. Make paper sleeves and tie it around the ramekins to help the souffle creep up further.
It's very very rewarding. Definitely recommend you guys try it at home.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Wangaratta Jazz Festival
When I suggested to my housemate that it would be a good idea for us to go away somewhere during the Melbourne Cup Weekend because how often do we get 4 days free of work - what did she say?
"We came to work in this area because of the Wangaratta Jazz Festival! So I'm definitely staying to experience it."
"My career path was determined by the Wangaratta Jazz Festival???"
Had a small mental breakdown over it.
Anyway, I was too sick to go anywhere anyway this weekend so I guess it all worked out. Went to one of the local wineries to see a live performance.
See me looking so happy there? That was before I tasted one of the worst ravioli I ever paid money for. For the astronomical sum of $15.
Never going back there again.
That said, the jazz performance was good. It was held in one of the barns and that was when I realized that small twinkly lights can be very effective in dressing up a place.
"We came to work in this area because of the Wangaratta Jazz Festival! So I'm definitely staying to experience it."
"My career path was determined by the Wangaratta Jazz Festival???"
Had a small mental breakdown over it.
Anyway, I was too sick to go anywhere anyway this weekend so I guess it all worked out. Went to one of the local wineries to see a live performance.
See me looking so happy there? That was before I tasted one of the worst ravioli I ever paid money for. For the astronomical sum of $15.
Never going back there again.
That said, the jazz performance was good. It was held in one of the barns and that was when I realized that small twinkly lights can be very effective in dressing up a place.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
No. 43 - Try 50 New Recipes (19/50)
Just a week ago I was complaining that it was still too cold and will summer ever come?
Suddenly it's 34 degrees now and me and Milton are just languishing around the house, longing for cooler weather again.
Where did the days with 20+ go to?! I think we only got 2 of them and suddenly it was just straight up to the 30s. Am I asking for so much when I request for moderation?
Anyway, because of the extreme heat we decided to make a watermelon basket. By we I mean me, except I badgered my guy housemate to do all the initial hard work of getting the shape of the basket right and dicing all the fruit. Oh, and going to the grocery store to get the fruit. Then all I did was decorate the edges and dropped the blueberries in.
In my defense, I have been very sick for the past week, which is why everyone has been extra nice to me. I haven't even had the energy to fully unwrap and show you guys the latest additions to my kitchen and house. I will - later.
Isn't it pretty? I was so proud of it and wished we had a party so that more people could appreciate it. As it is, it's sitting in our refrigerator, where it will stay and keep us busy for the next couple of days.
Suddenly it's 34 degrees now and me and Milton are just languishing around the house, longing for cooler weather again.
Where did the days with 20+ go to?! I think we only got 2 of them and suddenly it was just straight up to the 30s. Am I asking for so much when I request for moderation?
Anyway, because of the extreme heat we decided to make a watermelon basket. By we I mean me, except I badgered my guy housemate to do all the initial hard work of getting the shape of the basket right and dicing all the fruit. Oh, and going to the grocery store to get the fruit. Then all I did was decorate the edges and dropped the blueberries in.
In my defense, I have been very sick for the past week, which is why everyone has been extra nice to me. I haven't even had the energy to fully unwrap and show you guys the latest additions to my kitchen and house. I will - later.
Isn't it pretty? I was so proud of it and wished we had a party so that more people could appreciate it. As it is, it's sitting in our refrigerator, where it will stay and keep us busy for the next couple of days.
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