mustardqueen | Journal of Food, Travel and Life.

It's nice to say that we've played in the dirt...

2012-01-28T23:34:00.002+08:00

Pictures from my phone. Really, lugging around my big ass Nikon is kinda a bitch. Now, I can bring a small bag whenever I want! Besides with so many filters/functions/apps, I can edit pretty pictures =P

Just got my tragus pierced yesterday and I must say, I love it!!! It didn't hurt at all and all the worrying and shit was just bullshit la. Went with gun cause they didn't have needle services (did it at Dragonfly 1 Utama btw) whole process took like, 10 seconds, or maybe less. Alcohol to cleanse/numb, ready? *Pap* Done. It helps when you have a hand to squeeze onto hhahaha

Braiding my hair is like my favourite thing to do now. Cause I hate the colour now (faded berry pink can you imagine!?) and I can do a little grooming to it to at least make myself feel better. Reorganized my makeup with the RM5 Ikea plastic organizer and I love my hair for my CNY Reunion dinner. I think I took 3-4 attempts to achieve that braid! Didn't help when you have sore shoulders from pumping weight the day before.

and the first picture is my 10% Prada shoes. It's practically free!! I know it's from the A/W 09 collection, but really?? RM300, size 41, leathery goodness wrapped around my feet, down from RM4000, HOW NOT TO BE HAPPY!? :D

A DREAM IS A WISH YOUR HEART MAKES

2012-01-26T12:55:00.002+08:00

Favourite quote from Cinderella.

If there is one word that I could describe the feeling I had when I was in Disneyland, it'll be... Happiness. This weird tingling feeling that you're unsure of, but only happiness could make you feel so. Yes, blinded by fairy tales and happy endings, fed by Mr Disney's stories of evil stepmothers and evil queens, that was my childhood. In fact, I can't really remember the stories I've watched when I was younger till I recently rewatched them. Still feels the same, magical.

Something my dad told me during our drive to the Japan embassy...
" Disneyland now damn exciting! They got new rides all very exciting..."
"Oh what rides? New roller coasters ah?"
"Oh no la after the earthquake the ground became uneven so the rides also become more exciting *hand gestures of steeper ride drops*"

-_-

Shit my dad says.

ps: Contrary to what pictures show, my hair is now a disgusting shade of orangey pink, and I need to do something to it. Colour suggestions? And I want it more ombre.

Shit Asian Girls Eat

2012-01-22T09:48:00.003+08:00

I'm hooked on to this Shit _ Says/Do *insert action* thing on Youtube lately. Some of it is just fucking funny!! My favourite is... Shit Korean Girl Says and Shit Asian Girls Say (must see the one with the real Asian in it it's damn good hahahha)

and we go home saying "oh I'm so fat". Hello where's self control?? hahahahaha Oh the irony, I love the food in Japan. May-juh love.

Rockstar Diaries

2012-01-21T17:02:00.001+08:00

Postcards From Italy from andrew+carissa on Vimeo.

New favourite blog. Happy family + Dog + cute baby = my cup of tea.

You turned around and gave me one last touch

2012-01-20T10:31:00.002+08:00

You know those moments when you look back, be it a really bad memory or a really happy one, if it makes you smile because of that spur of stupidity or pure joy, those are the ones that really matter. Those are call memories, moments that sculpt the present, that leads to your future. Make every moment count.

Shells of Silver

2012-01-18T22:41:00.002+08:00

I think I need to sort out my life. As of late I've just accumulated way too many things that I want to do, getting my priorities right and just really get back into track on what I need to work on. Too much is going on, and I'm not so sure what's right and what's wrong. I know I want to document my recent Tokyo trip here, but right now, I just don't feel like it.

Tokyo Diaries

2012-01-18T00:04:00.002+08:00

the only japanese words I know: Ginza, Ueno, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Harajuku, Sashimi, Sushi, teriyaki, sukiyaki, yakitori, Tokyo, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Sony,Mitsubishi, Meguro, Fuji, Dorayaki, Okonomiyaki, Gyu, Ikura, Tamago, kawaii, kirei, yuki, Azabu-juban, daijobu, chottomate kudasai, taskete kudasai, uso, baka, umeishu, sake, garubi.

that's all.

I let it fall my heart

2012-01-14T12:40:00.002+08:00

Tokyo through my iPhone. There will be more I promise. Tokyo was nothing but amazing. The hospitality and mannerism is just indescribable and something about every single Japanese is so humble and nice about them, be it their clothes or perfect hair to nicely groomed brows. Maybe their pasts has taught them that probably being humble would be better off than having a massacre (WW2 I'm talking about here). But really, no matter how dead tired I was, I was enjoying every single minute of it.

Did I mention, their strawberries are actually SWEET? How is that possible? Manage to snag a box for 650yen, prolly one of the best buys of my trip, it was THAT good. And besides I think it's even cheaper than the overprices strawberries selling at Cold Storage! Taste wise, the Ichigo win hands down. I need them in my life, right now, every day. And yes, no matter where I go, I'm blessed with good food, even the dodgiest of lanes in Shinjuku serves up the best pork belly on rice. Juicy fat belly that melts in your mouth. mmmmm

Braided my hair almost throughout the trip, can't stand my too-straight fringe, and you get to see a glimpse of my pink hair. It's still bleeding whenever I wash, so... I'm expecting orange "highlights" in a week or two.

KONICHIWA

2012-01-09T23:32:00.002+08:00

Having the time of my coldest life, freezing my ass off but then getting heated on heated toilet seats and train seats and nomming on ramen everyday =D Life isn't complete without pork and crepes and dorayaki :D

Best of all??? I got Prada shoes for 90+% off MADNESS. Story for another day. Just to let you know it's pretty damn cold and amazing here. :D

2012

2012-01-05T22:00:00.002+08:00

2012, please be kind.

Series of unfortunate events that happened in 24 hours.
-broke my lunch bowl (we chinese call it rice bowl aka our job wtf)(and it's Pyrex T_T) and how am I suppose to bring lunch next time HUH!? Bring plastic container lor easy. Worst part? I broke it in the office, have to clean it up T___T I mean yes, you need to clean up after your own mess wherever you are but in the office is just.. so public, everyone was like what happened T_T
- Maggots attack in the office, because a rat died in the aircond. Quite near my seat. T_T Stank up the entire office I wanted to DIE.
- my 6 month old Havaianas strap snapped, I'm this close to sticking it back. Thank goodness I was back home already when it snapped =(
- Left my runners at home, only realized it when I parked my car and ready to go up to the gym. Drove back and got stuck in a motherfucking jam, witnessed a car accident where the Prius bumper got smashed quite badly by a Myvi.
- I think I need to change my hair soon, I don't like the two streaks popping out.
- I just bought film for my Holga, but I realise this household has no cellophane tape, how to tape the ends to the roller -_-

Well, I believe there's always a silver lining to things. And... I'm going to Tokyo tomorrow night. TOKYO BITCHES!!!! :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D It's our "redemption" trip cause the last time we've been there we were just wrong... Dressed wrongly, wrong wrong wrong NO NAI NEH NADA CANNOT MAKE IT hahahaha.

Let's just hope it'll be really fun, no earthquakes, and no radiation. Maybe all this bad things are happening to me, so it'll be a REALLY good trip =D Because I believe better things always fall together when things fall apart (no pun intended. read: my slippers and my bowl T_T)

Ok so no updates for a week. TOO BUSY.

sayonara.

(that's one out of 5 japanese words that I know btw, oh the horror)

1,2,3 counting out the signs we see

2012-01-02T10:35:00.002+08:00

they were right, the best things in life do come free. :) I didn't have to pay a single cent to buy my family and the friend's I've been for years.

Δ

2011-12-31T22:15:00.000+08:00

Delta [ˈðelta] dhélta)

Change. I told myself.

This year has been nothing but changes. At the first day of 2011, make that the last minute of 2010, I told myself, this coming year I'll change. Change for the better, change for good. Just change. I needed changes. I don't know what has gotten me in 2010 that I was really upset, I didn't really have a place to turn to and I found that I was dwelling in my own sorrow day after day. (but for those who cared, and stuck on, you know who you are, and I'm ever grateful *kiss*)

And I told myself, I need to change. I took charge of whatever that I had, I told myself I will first shed some weight, which I did, but now more so that, I'm no longer too concern with my weight, but being comfortable with myself. Self loving is most important, but of course, family loving is the best and you cannot deny it. :) You thought that being comfortable with yourself is the easiest thing to do in the world, because you see yourself everyday, you're living in this shell everyday that what's there not to love?? You can't hate something you see everyday, just like RICE, you eat them everyday, you don't hate them. But you're wrong. I have this self loathing thing going on all my life, why my parents don't love me more, will my best friend leave me just because she's in a relationship, or what if I do this, will people dislike me. I spent most of my life pleasing people, so that I won't get hated. I needed the company, the attention, the love from others. It was horrible. I didn't know how to love myself that I do things to please people just because I don't wanna be disliked. I didn't go to the extend that I'm some child slave but you know, just doing things out of my reach to please people. And that was the wrongest thing I've ever did. And then slowly I found this strength within myself that I didn't know I had. Some inner energy that nothing can really describe it that, my mind went a little like "you know what? Screw you, if you're gonna hate me for wearing a Chanel purse, I can't give a fuck". See? I spent most of my life caring what others think about me, SO WHAT if I don't smile all the time? Do I have to put on a fake smile if I don't want to? I have a choice of doing the things I WANT to do. Sometimes when I want to cry, I'll just CRY.

One of the best things is having alone time. Like alone time in the gym, music so loud that I can't hear a thing, stretching my ass off, doing bridges like a boss. Ignoring what others think, so what if I cannot deadlift 500kg? SO WHAT? You know what YOU should be taking care off?? Your wedgie in your very tight compression tights (and it's a man I'm talking about oh the horror). Alone time in my room, with my candles lit up, smelling like caramelized chocolate and good music.

I think what I found is solace. There's always this great abyss that one can never seem to understand, this extreme deep hollow space in our minds that we'll never figure out what that is? We tend to use other things to fill it up, material, immaterial, tears, sorrow, laughter, anger, we find things to fill unfulfilled needs. But maybe, if you stop for a little while, you'll find it. Be it you found yourself lying on the bed alone, or with your dog, or your other half, just stop for a moment, just breathe (if you have smelly underwear/socks in your room, I suggest just a small breath will do wtf). Things may not be as complicated as you think. I think too much. (I never hear the end of this ever since my MCM days cause they call me Ting, and they relate it to Thing and Think and Ting, and they go Ting I think ah Ting, or Thing Thing -_- le sigh but it's good laugh hahahhaa). Yes, I overthink things, and whenever I do that I stop. I go back to square one and try to simplify things. Maybe things are better off the way they already are.

The biggest change in life is not about physical changes, but more so the change in your thoughts, and how your mind works. I always tell myself that I can't do this shit what if I break my back blablabla. And then I never give it a try. I stepped out of my comfort zone and this new life I'm leading has finally begun. Sometimes you have to be selfish for yourself, forget about others and do the things you love. If reading is what you love, read. If swimming is what you love, swim. If sleeping is what you love then sleep! Nothing is going to stop you from what you love to do. And when you're finally loving what you do, you'll love yourself more, love the life you have, because it's the ONLY life you have.

I didn't set any resolutions for 2011. Because when I set a limit, then I won't push through what I've set. When I have limits, I'll just stay within it, obeying rules and just being the usual coward self. But I told myself to change, with no boundaries. I'm sorry if you hated how I've changed, but maybe you're one of those changes I'm making in my life. I don't need others to hold me back, I'm marching forward and nothing's stopping me. Because I have a clear vision of what I want to be, and I won't stop till I'm there. As for my career, this whole chef thing, may have overwhelmed me, I don't work well under pressure. It's been a great journey being in MCK, but really?? Prepping and cooking everything in a time limit, it's not really my thing. All I can say is I'm lacking of practical training and due to my inexperience and some other circumstances that, working in a kitchen is not an option for now. BUT, that does not mean that my dream/vision/goal of opening my own cafe/restaurant won't come true. Just not now, or in the near future (you gotta look at the finances ok! unless some kind soul would like to invest? haha dream on, it's better to do it on your own than to depend on others). Right now I'm looking into getting a job, or getting into a culinary course. I got support for either routes, and that is one thing I am so blessed with, my parents and family's support.

2011 has been nothing but a great year. I've gained so much more than I could have imagined. The people I met, the events I been to, the changes I made, it's all about stepping out of your comfort zone. I'm not sure if 2012 will be as good as 2011, so stop making comparisons, live everyday as if it's your last, keep your chin up, and march on. Life goes on.

Loysel's Toy

2011-12-30T01:28:00.002+08:00

I'm not a coffee addict, but when it comes to a good cuppa, I CANNOT SAY NO. How to refuse when it's named Singapore's BEST coffee?? Loysel's Toy by Papapalhetta it is! :D Even the name is so indie kitschy happy funky, so yes, even after a bubble tea, heavy breakfast and some other random shit, we headed for TEA :P

One thing is, they have quite limited selection of food cause by 4pm everything was sold out/kitchen closed, so I was "force" to choose something from the display case. ALMOND CROISSANT. Omg reminds me so so much of Brunetti's on Lygon Street!! Pefectly toasted silvered almond flakes on flaky puff croissant with a dash of icing sugar. How to resist?

My latte was good. Just the way I like it. I have no idea how to describe the way I like my latte but, I think it has a lot to do with the milk. I was scrutinizing the bar area to checkout the brand of milk, but no luck, the latte machine was too big, blocking every single possible view -_-

ps: pardon my greasy hair, we braved rain and shine to walk around Parkway and then it rained when we were on our way to Loysel's. Hence ugly hair. But it's ok, at least I looked cute drinking coffee wtf

Loysel’s Toy Cafe by Papa Palheta
66 Kampong Bugis #01-01

When in doubt, eat and run

2011-12-27T20:53:00.004+08:00

Update: You know I swear that Youtube has been following me or well, just some sort of correlation that I cannot explain. But I was just tweeting about me wanting to go for The Color Run cause it's so fun and colourful and LOOK!!!

I'll run 100km if I get a change to participate. COLOURS!!! :D:D:D:D:D:D So pretty *melt*

Yah anyway I was just posting about the Christmas present thing about the little girl Bethany, and this evening while driving home during rush hour, Fly FM was talking about the video!!! ME GUSTAAAA. Coincident? I think not. heh

You know, I hate to say this but, I really have no blogging mojo or whatsoever. All I'm concern about now is my health/nutrition/diet. I'm on a cut. Trying to cut my body fat percentage to below 20%, not sure how much is it now but when I feel the time is right, or when my body is ready, I'll go for a check. Did you know that for female, if you want to see abs, you'll need to have about 11-12% body fat?? I think I'm about twice as much. The last I check in June was around 28% and I can feel that it's lower now? Cause when I try pinching my fats there's less to pinch especially on the obliques (more bicycle crunches it is!) And besides I'm building more muscles so it's sorta replacing the fats stored. Someone tell me the mechanisms in these I'm noob

What I've been doing?? Crazy. I've been playing Santarina for the past couple of weeks, every package is like a gift from me to others hahahahaha. Anyway, I've been bringing my own lunch and having an obscene, I mean OBSCENE amount of protein. I mean, not as extreme as some but I had 7 egg whites the other day. HA!! 4 at the mamak stall and 3 at home. Scary mou?? We'll see how long this will last, and I don't really intend to stop, even if I get wtf looks from my sister who just returned from Sydney. Oh and the -_- looks from my grandparents when they see the egg nest is empty (la la la...). Mmm what else, egg whites, protein shakes, egg white oatmeal pancakes. I discovered a way to incorporate more protein, which is by adding my protein powder to my eggwhite oatmeal batter, add a dash of cinnamon, a banana and sometimes blueberries, and just pan fry it like a pancake. The pancake turns out more fluffy!!! :D

And I'm happy!!! Because last week I met some people I haven't seen for ages (2 months maybe) and they say I lost weight!! But the thing is my weight is still the same, maybe 1-2kgs less (funny how ppl often use the term weight when you seem smaller haha). :D See, means what I'm doing is WORKING. So yeah I'm gonna continue doing what I'm doing right now. Then switch it around so my body will stop plateau-ing. -_- And really the best thing is I'm still eating reasonable portions and filling myself up! Win-win.

I'm lifting heavier eventhough less reps cause I seriously cannot take it my chest/shoulders were just in pain/death. Yah when I say heavier I didn't mean benchpressing Arnold ok -_- I'm upping it bit by bit. :)

To those who don't have to do anything to maintain a good physique, you're one lucky bitch you hear me? But you know what?? You're kinda missing out on the fun. ;)

Anyway I'm bored. Tell me something. Ask me a question, leave a comment, say hi. Please?

ok bye.

Forget about the Price Tag

2011-12-26T23:47:00.002+08:00

2:02

I die.

I think that moment would beat the moment

- when I first got the news that I'm gonna be on TV.
- when I clicked on my results page and knew that I was gonna graduate (seriously that moment was just super suspense cause my student account was suspended then, talk about suspense and couldn't check my results for 2 days -_-)
- if Ryan Gosling pretended to be Santa and surprise me when I'm sitting on Santa's lap asking for gifts/grant wishes. Ok I kid, that'd be better than any moment wtf.

See? Sometimes the best things in life comes free.

Let Them Eat Cake.

2011-12-25T16:57:00.002+08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!! :D Feeling extra festive today cause I get to roast a chicken, spent 15 minutes tackling the damn headless creature with cotton strings to truss the damn bird! And I realize they chop off its ass -_- You know you need to tie onto the tail and then you start trussing the chicken and yes, no ass, so I had to improvise -_-

Anyway!! More pictures of my previous Singapore trip :D Had dinner at Antoinette cause Alison recommended!!! And because it's a pretty place, with PRETTY desserts, with pretty macarons, so a yes for me. It's pretty near Lavender station and I had this sudden urge or getting TOMS shoes, and it happen to be a Saturday shops closes at 11 :D WIN WIN situation. Off to the MRT we go and Got my TOMS and other shit Mua ha ha ha ha ha.ha ha. ha ha.

It was freaking raining that day and the restaurant is FREEZING cold (hence my unglam photo but I had to post it cause I look, well, cold!) I'm such a sucker for meringue cookies tucked well in a glass container in all shapes and sizes!!! And and and my dream is to own a really pretty cake stand with a really pretty cake on it!! (I still haven't get on my birthday cake project and my birthday was 3 weeks ago -_-)

I had the gnocchi with bacon ($18) and Nancy had carbonara ($18). Actually they both tasted the same cause they had bacon and cream sauce! Initial taste was really satisfying, cream, the smokey flavour of bacon and soft cushiony gnocci. And after 20 gnocchis later I was feeling pretty sick to the core. I dunno why but everytime I have gnocchi it's just damn jelak!! It's just potato and flour lor, why!? I don't see how I get jelak with pasta when pasta is like 100% flour + water and gnocchi has potatoes in it and I love my potatoes mashed! Didn't expect much from the mains cause after all this place is call Antoinette (think Marie Antoinette, and let them eat cake, I suppose this is more of a high tea place than a place for mains)

Anyway, the macarons there were yums! Better than High Society's one cause there's a balance in sweetness! My personal favourite was the hazelnut praline (can't go wrong with anything hazelnut, think ferrero vocher and nutella :D) and the violet. I can't remember how the violet tasted already since it was almost a month ago, but it's not lavender flavour. I really can't recall, but rest assured, it's a pleasant flavour that I keep telling myself that I'll have it again! Rose was pretty good too! If only they have Champagne (like Lindt's!) I think they'd make pretty good ones. hurhur

As for desserts, I had Antoinette. It's chocolate hazelnut mousse infused with earl grey with some crispy puff like pastry (but it's not puff pastry it's biscuity but flaky I can't recall the name =( ) and see that globe above it? It's actually a sphere of RASPBERRY COULIS. Looks like a fucking crime scene after I cut it open. I have a video of it but I'm too lazy to edit heh heh.

Macarons range from SGD 2.50- SGD 3.00. Pretty steep if you convert it to ringgit la of course who ask you to convert!? Give it a try! I also heard that Canele has pretty good macarons but no luck! Was too busy roaming around and no time to try T__T And also this sugar cut thing ain't helping my dessert cravings either -_- meh.

Here's a rudolph picture of me! :D

Merry Christmas :D

May your troubles go away

2011-12-25T00:38:00.002+08:00

Merry Christmas.

I hate to say this, but December is almost gone. Now now, to set my resolutions for 2012. That deserves a post by itself because really, what I've achieved in 2011 was pretty amazing and it deserves not just a post, it deserves so much more. Here's to a wonderful Christmas day ahead with lots of gifts and delicious food! But please eat in moderation. :P

6 more days till this wonderful year ends, what else better could happen, really? :)

December is my favourite month of the year because well, I don't have to state the obvious, my birthday month, there's Christmas, there's NYE, there's so many sales going on. This time last year I was still in Melbourne celebrating Christmas in a chinese restaurant sipping piping hot tea, muching on yummy egg tart with Wen and her ex colleagues. One year later, fast forward, so much has changed, even though I don't carve turkeys every year nor do I love eating them, here's to those who are celebrating, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays :) A virtual toast to a better year ahead.

All I Want in Life

2011-12-22T13:52:00.005+08:00

Sorry for not updating at all. The thing is, I cannot be bothered. Do I look like I care?? I do? Yeah that's cause I do.

I'm going to start every sentence with All I Want in Life, this shall be a really long list HEH!

All I Want in Life is to eat cake every day and not get fat
All I Want in Life is to have a fridge filled with avocado. Better yet if I have an avocado farm.
All I Want in Life is to look in the mirror and see a lean body and not feel bad about myself. I feel better about myself, but not good.
All I Want in Life is to have Royce chocolate everyday (and yes, not get fat)
All I Want in Life is to wakeup with Ryan Gosling by my side.
All I Want in Life is to walk in pretty heels that I've collected through the years and not feel too tall
All I Want in Life is to have perfect shiny hair be it long or short. I want it healthy and bouncy soft.
All I Want in Life is to not worry about what will happen next
All I Want in Life is to not try to impress people who don't give two shits about me
All I Want in Life is to lift heavier weights without hurting my back (yes I'm doing it wrongly, bloody hell this is how one squat in a wrong form can give you. -_-)
All I Want in Life is to have my protein shake not to be clumpy. (the trick is I just mix it with water, let it in the fridge, go shower, and it'll dissolve)
All I Want in Life is not having to go to the toilet every half an hour to pee just because I'm trying to hydrate myself.
All I Want in Life is to not wakeup at 4am when I set my alarm at 6am.
All I Want in Life is to not wakeup at ungodly hours to pee and unable to fall back asleep.
All I Want in Life is to have more hours in a day on busy days.
All I Want in Life is to have crispy skin salmon fillet at least 5 times a week.
All I Want in Life is to have me lifted off the ground when being hugged.
All I Want in Life is to have pretty hair everyday. Braided, curled, twisted, anything.
All I Want in Life is to have ombre-ed hair in marshmellow pastel colours.
All I Want in Life is to have all the ingredients prepared for me before I bake.
All I Want in Life is to have my wardrobe organized.
All I Want in Life is to decorate my own room.
All I Want in Life is to own a kitchenaid in Ice Blue.
All I Want in Life is to have THE perfect kitchen. Shiny bench top, built in oven and stoves, dishwasher, and all the kitchen appliances to be stainless steel in pastel shades.
All I Want in Life is to have God tell me all the things I've always wanted to know so I don't have to keep on guessing
All I Want in Life is to have poach eggs on toast with PB latte every morning.
All I Want in Life is to wear pretty clothes not having the sleeves stuck at my shoulders (FTS I know my shoulders are broad)
All I Want in Life is to have perfect teeth.
All I Want in Life is not having to worry about not waking up on time/being late.
All I Want in Life is to have enough rest.
All I Want in Life is to have an apprenticeship in Pierre Herme/Laduree
All I Want in Life is to own my cafe with lots of happy customers
All I want in life is to stop having so many wants and start working for it. Miracles will happen when you work and strive hard for it. But then again that's no longer miracle, it's your reward for your hardwork.

that's all.

what do you want in life?

Cause in your perfect eyes they're all I can see

2011-12-20T21:53:00.002+08:00

Christmas is SO NEAR. I'm in the mood to celebrate, I've gotten invites from friends to go to dinners/events/potlucks. AHHHHH jolly jolly jolly! :D But I have a feeling I'll just be stuck at home, online, binging on protein shakes and jiggle my belly fats wtf.

PICTURE POST! Surprisingly the iPhone camera quality is PRETTY good! :D Some of the pictures just needed a slight twitch in lighting and VOILA!

1. BEST KATSU DON EVER!! This frigging pig is from HUNGARY, thinking about it makes me HUNGARY haha GEDDIT :P:P Free flow or rice, miso and cabbage salad, which you DIY the sauce/dressing. I love my sesame dressing!! I poured half a bottle of the dressing, sprinkled some freshly grinded sesame seeds and pinch of salt. YUMMEH OH the pork, so succulent.

2. 3. 4. 5. Last night bonding with Nancy =( Pardon me, my friend is very vulgar (just like me :D)

6. Fail jumpshot at USS! :D Hello calve muscles :D

7. Garrett's popcorn will be the death of me. Diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, heart attack. But it is so fucking good. It's like the right amount of ultimate sweetness and buttery, it's like eating toffee crunch in every bite, but POPPED (hahaha so lame)! I have about half a bag everyday *shifty eyes* And the worst news?? They're opening in 1 Utama -_- TOO EASILY ACCESSIBLE MUST RESIST TEMPTATION. Someone get me the 6 gallon tin caramel crisp please? I'll MARRY YOU!!!

8.9.10. Candilicious :D They have the CUTEST candies and I "custom" mix my M&M :D

11. EMERGENCY CHOCOLATE hahahaha read the description it's too cute. :P

12.13.14.15. Breakfast at Plan B. Someone please serve me perfect poach eggs on sourdough with avocado? Oh with a side of Garrett's popcorn and Latte. OR French toast with honey/maple syrup with macadamia nuts and mascarpone cheese AND BANANANANANANANANA I'll MARRY YOU.

16. Honey milk tea from KOI singapore. I die.

17. Surprise from le bunch :) HAPPY!!! Twas also the day we were at Plan B :)

18. New runners from NB, for Bootcamp cause my Lunarglides were giving me sprains cause it's so not made for the field.

19. CHOCOLATE CANDLE ANYONE?? Everytime I lit it and people come into my room they'll be like did you just bake cookies? Or are you eating chocolate hahaha YUM

20. Chobani. The most expensive yogurt I ever bought, but I cannot find it ANYWHERE, only in the overprice cold storage in Paragon singapore. 0% fat, packed with protein and it's GREEK. Perfect. But it doesn't taste that good, but then nutritions > flavour. OH WELL! At least I tried.

Let's see how many marriage proposals I'll be getting after this wtf!!!

Childhood

2011-12-16T21:29:00.003+08:00

Kki. 7 Ann Siang Hill, Club Street.

Was walking around Ann Siang Hill (where I took my Mohamed Ali picture haha) and I love this little store call Woods in the Books (pun intended cause books are made from paper made from wood?!!) That's where I bought my pop-up book, and I love every single book in there!! I wanted to get some Christmas theme books just because Christmas is near! :D I even saw some vintage collection of Noddy. OMG Seriously, NODDY!!! I used to play Noddy on the big ass computer with the super big butt (the computer! not me wtf) where you go by challenges and not get caught by Mr Plod. Anyone remembers?? :D I still remember there's one where you'll have to drive around in the toy car and not get caught that was my favourite! :P

Anyway if you have time drop by at Kki and have some cakes. Didn't try the coffee there cause I had coffee in the morning. Had the honey jasmine green tea and it was really refreshing with just a tinge of sweetness. :) I had Emily, a strawberry and champagne sponge with mascarpone and Nancy had this melon cheesecake which tasted good! Something different!! I think Kki is like japanese inspired cause they use ingredients like Melons, yuzu etc. Mine was just so-so cause the champagne taste was a little overpowering, more fermented like how the owner told me beforehand. But oh well never try never know.

Kki also shares half the store with The Knick Knack store, which sells knick knacks!! They have super cool shit brought from everywhere around the world, independent designers, cute brooches to your childhood novelty items like a WOODEN RULER!!! I remember I got hit on the KNUCKLES with a wooden ruler by my class teacher for not completing homework (but I never kena hit by my parents before I swear not even once!) and also times like when you were young and stupid, you'll buy wooden rulers and play with your friends testing which part you hit on the hand/palm will hurt the most. Knuckles win hands down <- no pun intended. Knick Knack store sells lomo cams, polaroids, films etc too!! Got some random shit like this!!

They also have "Bird fly high, hard to catch, Friend like you, hard to forget" HAHAHAHAHAHA OMGGGGGG that was one of my favourite poems to write in autograph books back in primary school LOLOLOLLLL Oh Oh and you see that pack of biscuits there?? It's actually some butter biscuits I got from Tanjong Pagar market while randomly walking. Remember the picture I posted with lots of old school biscuit tin previously? Yeap from there. Good old times when I go to the market with my grandma at SS17, I've always loved that biscuit and will only get it as a treat (wtf sound like dog) and also those mini bites with colourful icing topping?? What is it call!? Nah here's a picture of it!! Oh man I missed those times!!

Another thing that I remember is that every time we go to SS17 market, my grandpa will bring me to this empty space next to Southern Bank (now closed down and dunno what happen some other shop took over) and I'll just run around playing. I also found out that one of my crushes (long time ago hahahaha) used to play there too. Maybe that's why I fell in love more deeply with my then crush WTF Awww puppy love wtf.

And I used to tear whenever our car pass by Sentosa Cinema (burnt down bout 10 years ago?) cause I saw an old beggar sitting at the doorstep, in front of the metal railing (damn old school) and have those visions of helping the poor and be all hero when I grow up. Some day, it might happen. :P And yes, my grandparents used to FORCE us to eat Mcnuggets when we were young (say 5-6 years old) for god knows what reason. Tough love huh? Now I'm trying to RESIST it like how I used to do when I was 5/6.

One more memory is creme caramel!!! The Hoes used to go to Buttery at Lake Club for food (they have pretty good char kuey teow by the poolside) and when we go to Buttery I'll have the creme caramel or beg for it! Then when we're feeling luxurious wtf we'll order "pink guava juice" which is actually cordial, and they still serve that!!! hahahahahaha SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE, that's why I love places that don't change, so when I go back I still get back the memory that I had.

Thinking about all these makes me miss my childhood a lot. Funny how we always wanted to grow up, move out, go away, earn your own money but now that we're all grown up all we wanna do is spending time in the comforts of home, reminiscing old times and never wanting to grow up.

I think I had a pretty happy childhood, cause most of the things I could recall are all happy ones, be it with friends or family or our dog (RIP Mickey.. T_T)

What's the FONDEST childhood moment you had? SHARE!!!

Mud Slide

2011-12-15T22:55:00.004+08:00

Post bootcamp session picture. Can't believe I still have the energy and mood to SMILE for a picture. -_- I'm happy with my biceps progress, it's now quite hard without having to flex, but I want that nice silhouette when I don't flex, you get what I mean? Oh well guess gotta push harder, lift heavier and just push my limits. :) Had fun today as we were playing Santa pushing a "sleigh" with sandbags on! You thought it looks easy but god my glutes were hurting like crazy after. D: My legs are now in complete failure, my knees are burning and I'm having spots all over -_- You're not working hard enough if you're not panting!!! And if you look like shit after, you're doing it right!!! You know what's the best feeling??? Coming out of the studio all sweaty and face flushed, and pop myself into the shower. Ahhh bliss.

just some boring old gym/workout talk. I've been doing so many squats and lunges lately I think my knees are dying soon =/ But but but I can now do continuous single switch lunges during Attack and I'm proud!! I used to do a few and stop and curse like a motherfucker but now I can do a full set not caring the crazy burn in my thigh! :D See!? That's progress :)

I often think i'm pushing myself too hard that I wakeup at 5.30am for bootcamp (suppose to be 6 but my body just wakes me up at 5.30 -_-) and another crazy session at the gym at night. But I never walk out of the gym feeling awful, instead I thank my determination for going for it. I hate the feeling of not working out and regret after. So when I say I'll go, I WILL go.

Now excuse me while I let my exhausted body rest.

And everytime I see progress?? I love myself even more. :D

Wicked Fabulous

2011-12-14T21:51:00.002+08:00

I'm going to Singapore again. Yes again. This weekend. For WICKED!! :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D Ok to be very honest, I've completely forgotten how The Wizard of Oz is about, all I remember was there's a lion, a tin man, a girl and a witch. I'm PRETTY SURE there's another character that I missed out but yes, that's all I can remember. A broom or scarecrow right right wtf. Just hope that I won't fall sick (god knows what virus I caught on, been having some crazy sore throat but I can still talk but it's just annoying to have a sore throat! And runny nose! -_-). Pretty rush huh?? This Satuday and I'm returning on Monday. Hmmm....

Bit and pieces of Singapore that I captured. (not in chronological order for artsy effect)

If you notice, I like to take pictures next to animals or roadsigns. lalalala I mean come on it's Mohamed Ali Lane, I just had to.

The Plain

2011-12-12T19:53:00.002+08:00

Singapore 2011: Breakfast version. OK FINE we woke up too late so yes, brunch/lunch it was *shifty eyes*

Was asking on twitter for places recommended to have brekkie and Alison suggested a few and decided to head to The Plain! When I visit the website all I could think of is... Wah very plain. BUT simplicity/minimalism is always good because then you'll expect less, and you'll end up having more! :P

One thing I like about Plain's is that they have half and full portions. BECAUSE being a greedy freak I am, I love to try varieties when I'm at new places, same goes to everyone right? So yes, I ordered a half and half portion and it was JUST NICE, wasn't like OMG SO FULL nor huhsolittleyoukiddingme sorta portion. ME LOIKE!

The thing with the waitress complimented on my Azorias top, made my brekkie a lot more pleasant, plus I love her hair (ombre-ed blue ends yum)

Location, located next to this junk store which I fell in love with cause they had antiques sold there plus the old man looked pleasant! You know how some old people just look very, pleasant and sincere?? Like my grandparents?? haha

Anyway they have SMEG fridge, not one but TWO. Damn nice lor T_T The last I check a small SMEG fridge costs about... RM 9999 -_- For a fridge. Well your food don't really double its nutrients nor duplicate overnight in the fridge, it's just for the design. I know right but it's so nice!! I'll go for a fridge than a car anytime! And I love the red one!!! Ok baby pink sounds nice too. *melt* We were seated right behind at the benches with few others ah but who cares, we're all there for food :D

Some things NEVER change. Back in Melbourne days, me and Nancy will order the same drink. Hot chocolate for her, and latte for me! My breakfast wasn't like HUMONGOUS RIGHT? I think it's a normal portion. Normally people have like 2 toasts with 2 eggs and ham etc. I had half of Darling Eggs (poach egg, ham, cheese, roasted tomatoes on sourdough) and half of Bircher's Muesli (oats with honey infused yogurt, strawberries, almonds, apples and grapes). It was perfect. I don't know why but it was really satisfying (plus we were just really hungry wtf). And can someone tell me how they made the poach eggs so perfect?! Nancy had the turkey ciabatta (with pesto and avocado!!! i mean how can anything taste bad with avocado!?). The moment I cut my poach egg into half, I knew this is a place I HAVE to go back again. Why must you be in Singapore?

Price wise? I think it was pretty alright, both of us end up paying SGD 29.50. If I remembered correctly my muesli was 3.50, darling eggs about 8.90 and 3 plus for the coffee. Pretty decent, considering you pay RM32++ for a MEH big breakfast set at La Bodega? I'd pay that price for this ANYDAY. I find my comments a bit biased but, that's what you get when I like a place!!

Plus point?? Good lighting for picture taking =P

sorry VERY big pictures just because.

Few things

2011-12-11T21:19:00.002+08:00

1. I have been breaking out lately. And after my "soymilk dilemma" issue, I realize that, the soymilk hasn't made me gain weight but more so the shit I take in *shifty eyes* Instead, I realize that drinking soymilk makes my skin better!! Apparently this whole hormone imbalance shit is real and since soymilk is packed with estrogen, I now know what I'm lacking of.

2. I need to eat more vegetables. -_- Avocado is a fruit (right?) and I'm not taking enough greens!!

3. I haven't slept so much in a day!! 3 hours nap and 9 hours last night? I'm feeling good!! :D Nothing beats a good rest and let em muscles rest enough. I hate it when I workout so hard, and then I don't get enough rest, I don't see any progress!! Rest helps relieves soreness and well, more sleep is always better (not too much!)

4. My shins has been hurting really badly (especially after running on uneven surface and too much running -_-) and I just found out that it's call a shin splint. Remedy? Rest. -.-

5. I dropped my phone 9348472 times this week. PLEASE DON'T DIE!

6. I've got dying roses in my room.

7. Was clenching my fist so hard while punching that I cut my skin on me palm HA!

8. Meeting with some happy people tomorrow!! :D:D:D:D

9. I love my birthday presents. :):):) All to bits. Pictures soon? :P

10. Was browsing for places to go in Tokyo and I was all psyched when I found they have Pierre Herme in Tokyo!! SO near to Shibuya :D All I'm hoping for is that I won't get all radiated when I return =/ Radiate and Radiant totally different thing ok.

11. I cannot wait till I get a haircut, should I grow it out? I'm having new hair again cause it's a new year hahahahaha

12. That also means, december will come to an end. Why do all good things come to an end?? Whatever happen to happy ever after!? Doesn't it come to an end wtf. BUT SOKAY! 2012 will be better for all of us! :D

13. I wanna join a marathon. Well we have to start somewhere, so why not start with a small run?

That's all. See? Quick random updates, that pretty much sums up my life.

I am the BEST

2011-12-09T22:56:00.003+08:00

Lengthy post ahead, more like wordy post! HAHA

2011, has been really really kind to me. YES there were the hard times, the struggle (especially with the weight issue, will go to that later) and with the competition ahead of me to me, right now, I can say that, it's been a long time, and I've been through a lot. The past year was to find strength from within, and to keep myself going.

My 21st has been one of the greatest birthdays ~~ever~~ so far. Better things have yet to come and I'm glad to wake up each day, to be able to have my favourite cereal with yogurt and blueberries. They say count your blessings, not the money in your pocket. It's quite true. For the longest time, I've wished to have happiness and love and money and all things superficial. But what I've been missing it, stopping for a moment, and take a look at people around me, people I've been ignoring and things I didn't notice. Those were the things that mattered most to me, and now that I've realized that? I feel so much happier. Happiness was always by my side and it's not just about having a pretty dress cling on my shoulder or a brand new bag. It was those small things like seeing your grandparents sipping on overpriced milk tea and chewing pearls (that was epic haha). Happiness is when walking into a candy store, buying M&Ms in your favourite colours, and discussing how good Garrett's popcorn is with your little brother. Happiness is when you lit a scented candle and your room smelling like chocolate after. Happiness also happens when you stop giving a fuck of what others think, let go, have a break and a cup of coffee.

I've been holding onto something that I myself not too sure what it is, and when I let it go, have a slice of cake, followed by another slice of croissant, and cups of good coffee, I feel good. For once, I am content. Yes, there are a million pairs of pretty shoes in my size waiting for me to get them, but that's not it! I now find buying runners to be pretty exciting :P

I spent most of my life caring what others think about me, but it's quite true that most of them are just curious, and very few of them actually care. I've been insecure all my life, about my looks, what if I look fat in this? What if my makeup made me look like ah kua? Will these shorts give me double takes? What if I sweep my hair this way will the hot guy notice? Screw this shit. I could be wearing the prettiest dress by Valentino and someone would still say it's ugly, what's the point?! As long as YOU feel GOOD, that is what matters most. I admit, sometimes I don't wear the most flattering piece of clothing, but come on... sometimes the cotton just feels so damn good on my skin I HAD to. Face this, no matter how successful you are or how great you are?? There will ALWAYS be people who'll try to bring you down. Maybe because they can't be where you are right now?? Or maybe because they tried to be you, and failed to be, and so they feel inferior towards your success. But if you strive so much to be someone else you're not? It defeats the purpose of living a life, you'll then live in someone's shadow. Why!? When will people understand the term "difference"?

I remember I used to give so much excuses when my mom start criticising about me gaining weight, I'll be all protective over myself and go "oh erm PMS I eat a lot of cookies" now I'm just like *glance back* ignore. My tummy is still bulging out but I believe with positive thoughts comes positive results. :) At least now I'm happy with what I'm eating and i no longer feel hungry ALL the time. I hated how I was all "starving myself" and feel miserable. Now?? When I;m hungry I'll have some toasted almonds and honey bunches of oats! :D How awesome is that? Or a piece of fruit. Such simple treats are divine. I used to be so cooped up with what I'm eating when I'm with others, If I have too little, I'll be thinking they must be thinking "that's all she's having" or if I'm having too much they'll be like "gee she never stops eating does she?" Fuck you all and your judgments. What do you know?? I work like a motherfucker at the gym and I know my body better than you. I need fool to fuel my muscles and my soul. I've been switching my workouts all over even I myself can't keep track! But one thing for sure, I'm lifting heavier and it's a good thing. Let there be muscles and guns. One day baby, I'll have that tone arms without even flexing :D And damn those instructors for pump have the best bodies!! All LEAN and MEAN!! WANT!! and will work for it! :D

Just a piece of advice, if you ever feel like giving up, think of why you held on for so long and look at how far you've came. Finish what you started, and if you're thinking of when to start?? NOW is the time. No matter what happens, just get back on track, if you've left the track and can't seem to go back on it?? Start again, it beats not starting and giving a shot. I remember reading a story about a punctured tyre. It's like your tyre punctured. Do you go ahead and replace the tyre so you can go further or you go ahead and jab the 3 other perfectly fine and running tyres? See what I mean? If there's no progress, take a halt, reconsider, try new ways and get back on it.

I give myself till... Oh wait, there's no time limit. This is a lifestyle, I bet this will be going on till I die! Screw achieving goal weights or dream body within time limits. I'm creating the best version of myself, and there will only be progress. What if I did reach say... 55kgs, and I'm not as content as I am right now?? I may have achieved my personal best today, but I'll be even BETTER tomorrow. What's my personal best?? I don't know, I'll let you know tomorrow. ;)

Geeeee, where have all these positivity been when I needed them most!!??? Perhaps I did grow up a lot this past year. 21, isn't just a number, it also represents the life I had in my years!

Be happy people, for when you're happy, you look the best. A smile is the most beautiful curve you have on you. :) And for when you're down, wear something sparkly! Be it glitter nail polish or a shiny cap, it just brightens one up (literally). :)

*sprinkles happy confetti*

Sexy High Society

2011-12-08T22:45:00.002+08:00

I'm back from Singapore!!! I am unsure the reason why but I think this is one of the BEST trips to Singapore that I've had. I think it's cause I've finally been to parts of Singapore that I've never been to, and cause I finally get to reunite with Nancy!!! :D Oh Oh not to mention I get to meet my nephews *melt* That, leaves a post for another day :D:D:D:D:D

I've been FILLED with happy energy lately. I was so looking forward to my birthday, it came and gone, just like that. But it's good!! Because I'm sure better things are coming!! There might be another round of Singapore to watch Wicked, and maybe the unconfirmed Dubai trip and Tokyo in January :D

I went slightly mental and I blame it on the chinese tea I had the night before (is it me or that, a lot of people can't drink tea at night? I can't sleep!!). I ended up only having 3 hours of interrupted sleep last night, wokeup at 6am, drag my ass to Bootcamp, left to office and rush through peak hours traffic (surprisingly not too bad cause I was on the other direction) to go for double session at le gym. I am now running on water and adrenaline. I need to rest, else my body will cry D:

Anyway bootcamp was madness today T_T Well, sergeant pushed me to this hardcore group and we had to carry a log on our shoulders (actually arms but it was a weird angle so I rested them on my shoulders) and buggerrrrr fucking chat diu lan macaohai heavy my shoulders are now inflamed. Hope there are no bruises later. I admit, I didn't push myself hard enough, after a short while I switched to ropes cause I simply couldn't take it, cause there was height difference with other "soldiers" and it'll be unfair for the shorter ones cause all the weight will be forced unto them! Yes, we ran one round (ok fine walk/jog) along Jalan Utara and looked like mad people =P Did some back workouts too!! Who says girls can't lift weights?? Gaining muscles = lower body fat % = ultimate goal! I could feel my upper back BURNING while doing low rows. Did chest press and pecs exercise! I always feel that while benchpressing I can't feel the burn in my chest, now I do!!! But I like it! I mean when I'm being pushed to do things that I'm not comfortable with, I learn. I grow stronger. And I left the gym feeling happy because my instructor said "GOOD ENERGY". See how positive motivations work on people?? I may not be pin thin tomorrow, but all these?? All these will be worth it one day. The pain I go through during squat lunges, the sprained ankles and grass allergies, I'm not saying it's easy, but I'm telling you that it'll be worth it. :D Best part is?? I had FUN!! Chicken Hor FUUUNNNNN hahhahah wtf

High Society - Marina Bay Sands

Was roaming around MBS and we were both... hungry -_- after dinner and decided to have TEA! for supper hahaha ok fine desserts. See that cabinet there? SPOILT FOR CHOICE! Ultimate sinners it felt SO GOOD to just down desserts without thinking about a thing! It's my vacation and I told myself to let go, as long as I get back on track when I return, and I did. :)

Please do yourself a favour and try the Raspberry Mille Feuille? It's like, so simple, but yet so wholesomely awesome yummy. Perfect puff crust, you can feel it crumbling on your tongue. Mmmmm. My Yuzu, Apple and White chocolate combination wasn't as great. It was just missing something. Macarons were a tad toooo sweet at High Society but pretty interesting flavours there.

Can you imagine my excitement when I was browsing through the cabinets with rows and ROWS of sweets?! It was sort of like when I was on the Superman ride in Gold Coast. Butterflies and orgasms wtf!

Love how Singapore has all these nice cafes that you can just chill with desserts!! Reminds me of Melbourne =( Gives me inspiration for my future cafe/restaurant too! =D Well, long long long way to go. Keep up girl heh!

I'm just gonna pretend all these happy energy are confetti and SPRIKLEEEEEEEE all of it everywhere. :))))

Yesterday

2011-12-06T19:37:00.003+08:00

If I had a chance to change the past, I wouldn't have changed a single thing. Because every little thing that happened shaped who I am, and I wouldn't be where I am right now. Eve of birthday, surprisingly this year, should be a big year for me. Great things happened and I'm extremely grateful for that. I got more than what I expected and I've also learnt to expect less and give more. Such is life. For the past 20 years, it has taught me that this special day is just another day, maybe because I live everyday to my fullest, let life be filled with celebrations everyday. Live as if you're gonna die tomorrow. :)

Binge

2011-12-04T15:01:00.002+08:00

Singapore so far. Dessert binging, shoe hunting, macaron tasting, bubble tea guzzling, breakfast gorging. Best of all?? Going to places I've never been in Singapore before. :) So far it's been fun!! :D It's like a foreplay to an amazing 21st birthday. :)

Btw, I'm in Singapore now if you haven't know already.

Bootcamp: Day 2

2011-12-01T13:03:00.002+08:00

No I didn't suddenly become skinny after just 2 sessions.

The thing is, joining bootcamp is to test my limits, because you won't know how far you can run after you try.

I'm happy. I'm content. I'm proud.

Lots of lunges, burpees and drops today, to failure. And running too, which I hate. Hearing what the other team members say to me is just motivating, they thought I'm a runner *wipes tears* And because I seem like I can handle it, being one of the newbies, I was the only newbie called up to carry the sandbag and complete the assessment. Which I finished the lap *phew*

And I love how everyone is so motivating during the workouts! They actually continue running with you even AFTER they're done with their turns. T_T If only I have the stamina... Because in bootcamp they don't say "You suck, you're not doing it right, you can't make it" Instead they play with words. "Come on, X round left, stand up tall, go do it!, good work" The only negative thing they said was " I don't wanna see people walking in my field, RUN".

I think the statement that exercising releases endorphines and makes you happy is true. My mindset have been rather positive lately and I'm loving it!

December, a new month to begin, rid all expectations and go with the flow. It may mark the end of a wonderful year, but this only mean a new chapter is coming right up. :) Keep going on till you find your own happy ending.

Now now, I need to focus on getting my form right, perfect those pushups and do more of it. :) Guns in the making, I ain't kidding.

Nut Milk

2011-11-29T22:38:00.002+08:00

Found this REALLLLLLY cute video on how you can make your own almond milk (or any sort of nut milk)

My New Roots - How to Make Nut Milk from My New Roots on Vimeo.

Alternative to milk for the lactose intolerant. :) I am pretty sure I cannot take dairy but my love my cakes/desserts has never stopped me from taking dairy so yes, I'll just sacrifice more time in the toilet. And they say the only way to overcome this is to build up resistance no? So I continue taking dairy la! *shifty eyes*

And I've read somewhere saying that soy milk contains high contents of Estrogen, which will cause hormonal imbalance if over-consumed (well, everything over board is not good). And it will lead to weight gain (!!!!!!!!) *insert me gusta face* Not sure how true is that, any nutritionist would like to point it out? And I've once experienced hormonal imbalance while I was away and it was one of the worst period of my life. =/ My skin was breaking out all over, face, chest and back, it was really bad. And the worst part? I had to go for shooting. So, yeah, now you know why my skin looked so bad on TV cause that was the lowest point (in terms of skin condition) cause of the heat in the kitchen and hormones. Damn you.

Maybe I should try making almond milk! :D It looks so yummy and is PACKED with nutrients. And I can dehydrate the almond pulp and eat it after :P Or make it into almond meal = MACARONS!

ALSO, this is the MOST natural way of making almond milk, no additives, no sugar, just pure almond goodness. :)

Also update: Went for my first day of bootcamp, I ran on muds and lied on the field. I was covered in mud by 0800 hours. It surprised me how beautiful the sky is early in the morning. Pure blue skies with slight fluff of clouds while doing my crunches. And the best part was the motivation you get from your partner/team mate and the instructors. They keep you going. They give you positive feedback instead of saying that you're a fat burrito hahahaha And they thought I'm a runner because I can "run". Sprained my ankle a little cause I didn't control my landing while running (damn you uneven terrains!) but nothing a little stretching won't do. I finished 2nd quickest for my assessment at 8:49 (cut off time 10 minutes). Pretty good for a first timer. And I finished the 800m run/jog in 5:15. I think I'm proud with my results, I mean this is coming from a girl who used to take 10 minutes to run 1k (ok fine ~~brisk~~ walk).

What else? I've gone completely crazy waking up at 4 in the morning unable to sleep cause my body thought I was taking a nap wtf -_- And I pushed myself and went for evening session at the gym for Attack and Pump, after my morning bootcamp session!! Been lifting more weights and I'm loving it more and more, my quads are still burning from too many lunges and squats, my shoulders are aching, but better feel sore than sorry like they always say!!! OH my gluts are aching too hehehehehe

Did I also mention that I haven't weigh myself in like... almost 2 weeks? I'm ditching my scales, because my weight does not define what a wonderful person I am :P But then again, the heavier I am, the more awesome I am right right? :P

HOOOOYA!!! :)

ps: I'm allergic to grass, or maybe those filthy field bugs bit me, I'm having red spots all over my legs. MEH, it'll get better.

Shiny

2011-11-28T18:43:00.004+08:00

1. Jimmy Choo Glitter iPad case. Wowza. No, I don't have an iPad nor do I have the money to buy it, it's just so... SHINY.

2. Sparkly nails. It feels like snake skin. A tad sharp cause I don't have a proper buffer to buff the edges, but it's shiny as hell and I love shiny things. Nuff said. Pardon the yellow nails, instagram don't exactly make nails look very well groomed.

3. I fell in love with this pair of Zara heels the moment I set my feet into it. Hurts like a motherfucker (cos the largest size they have is a 40 and I'm about a 40.5 -_-) but so gorgeous. It sparkles when I walk!!!! Lighting in Zara makes it ever prettier than ever. I feel like a grungy Asian Cinderella.

By the way, Bootcamp officially starts tomorrow at 0700 hours. I'm EXCITED, this body is going down. And I might be crazy enough to hit the gym at night for some weights. hehe >=)

Bootcamp

2011-11-26T21:08:00.003+08:00

Update: I update twitter more often than my blog (duh) so follow me. It's locked because I hate freeloaders.

You got it right. I'll be joining Bootcamp. I don't know where this will lead me too, broken knees or scratched skin, ultimate suffering, blood, sweat, tears whatever. I've seen people coming out with amazing results, and it doesn't hurt to try. Never try never know and at least I'll have a 50% probability that I'll come out with a leaner and fitter me. :)

Because I'm sick of being the unfit one
because I wanna know what my true strength is
because I wanna be fit
because I can do it and I WILL do it
because I wanna see what my body is capable of
because achievement is impossible without dedication
because I wanna fit into a bikini and not feel fat
because I want to be the best I can
because I want to be able to say "I did it"
because I want to feel proud of myself
because I want to be the change I want to see
because this should be my prime
because I'm doing something for myself rather than to myself
because I want to see what I'm made of
because it'll all be worth it one day
because I want to be healthy and happy
because I want to surpass all limits I thought I had
because I want the perfect abs
because I want to look good and feel good
because I can.

Tuesday 7am. I can't wait!!

Sergeant, this soldier is ready to roll.

YODA HANGLIPO

2011-11-25T22:29:00.004+08:00

I think I was the only Chinese during the YODA Islamic Fashion Festival, held at JW Marriot (Thank you Zery for the invites! :D) and the theme was, The Legacy of Hang Li Po! If you didn't know, Hang Li Po was married to one of the Sultans and she's Chinese wtf HISTORY FAIL!!! hahahah

I still remember Zery asked me to go backstage and become the "muse" of Hang Li Po wtf cause I'm CHINESE!!!! -__- hahahahaha

blazer: forever new; sequin tank: bardot; jeans: bettina liano; shoes: zoe wittner; bangle: singapore; bag: miumiu; necklace (really tiny ruby pendant): korea

thanks to 5 inch heels and a good cut jeans, and standing next to Zery and Shahmin, I look really skinny HAHAHA I'm so mean.

Is it me or I'm in a super duper happy christmassy mood lately? Eventhough I don't celebrate christmas? But it's just so joyful and merry =D

Take a chance, make a change, and breakaway.

2011-11-24T15:03:00.002+08:00

For there is a chance to make a change, change. For every changes you make, you'll get new chances. Be the change.

21st

2011-11-21T09:40:00.000+08:00

Wishlist.

I Run Like Hell

2011-11-20T20:06:00.003+08:00

Update:

RYAN GOSLING FATHER MY BABIES!!!

/end update haha

Nike sure do like to contradict people. -_- I saw this cutest t-shirt online and I told myself "I MUST get this" and I was searching high and low for it!! Little did I know it's actually men's tee! But who cares I own things like a bow tie, men's shirt and have a little fetish with men's perfume wtf. Don't judge!!

Was seeking ways to get these baby in my hands and tadaa I found it in the KL store but... there's always a catch. They didn't have it in black ~~because black makes people look thinner~~ And the sole reason why I wanna get this is so I'll have the "motivation" to keep running (I havent' been running lately because I really, don't like running -_-, my legs feel extra heavy when I'm on the treadmill or the roads fts)

Like super angsty just like me! I can so imagine myself running and go like where the fuck is the finish lineeeeee WHERE!!??? And then stop and drink water, rest, and procrastinate then rest. lalala

yah thanks I found the answer.
(there's also a shirt for this -_-)

and why ar?? Why Nike Men get nicer tee shirts!!?? WHY? They even have nicer shoes! UNFAIR!!

Acceptance

2011-11-18T17:17:00.002+08:00

Some pictures from not so recently I took. (if you noticed they are the contestants in MCM but yeah just to let you all know we do have lives HAHA)

If you recognized the last picture it was the day I was eliminated huhu

After all this time, I'm looking for a sign, a sign to tell me that it's time for me to start fresh, and I think it's here already. :) Things are slowly falling in place and let's just say I'm content and very happy with what it is. And the only thing I need from you is support.

Looking back, I had fun, I had tears, I had some major fan craze going on (seriously I still need to get used to people asking if I'm from MCM and answered with a coy "yes") and I'm very VERY happy that eventhough I'm out so early in the competition I still get people liking my page (if you haven't already, LIKE IT !) and people sending the nicest messages to me. :)

BUT, I need to learn to accept the fact that if it's over, it's over. Wen was telling me, all these is past and you need to move onto something new. My parents talked to me about what I wanna do in the future, and they are more than supportive (which I loveeeeee them for) and no matter which way I wanna swing (culinary or the corporate world) I sort of have a plan for. :) Time will tell.

Talking about acceptance, I too have accepted the fact that I love food and that I need food to fuel myself, I'm not giving up on diet, but all these I wanna be 50kgs and skinny is bullshit. I'm happy with how I look now and I'm on my way there. My thighs may not have the biggest gap but my quads are thick as hell but you know what? At least I work on them and I'm proud. My arms may not be the skinny thin type but you know what?? I'm getting some guns growing and I'm proud. We need to learn to accept how we are, we are all born differently. I see the smallest sized girls all around, do I wish to be like them? Yes I sure do, but the thing is, I am not them, I am me.

My goal?? Is to feel comfortable with myself, and I am happy with how I am now (ok except for my face it's so big T_T And there's not really a workout to slim the face wtf I can't be using my nose to lift weights wtf!). From time to time I get comments from my mom saying I gained weight etc but you know what? I'm not affected, because I am happy with where I am now. I'm eating a lot cleaner lately and despite my love for cooking, I cook really shitty food for myself, but I enjoy them. Canned tuna in water (drained) with avocado is my favourite!! I look forward to every single clean meals I have! :D The last time I had Mcdonald's was 1.5 months ago (omg that WAS a long time ago). I do have my occasional slip-offs but please, some times a scoop of ice-cream won't make you gain 5 pounds, as long as you get back on track. :)

Here's some pictures of myself because I'm feeling PRETTY!!! After attending the Islamic Fashion Festival (Zery was showcasing few pieces from his collection! Updates bout that later. :D )

ps: I think I look better with my fringe up? I dunno cause everytime I try to put down my fringe I look... funny HEH!

Each day you're born a new person. Live each moment, if you want to be happy, be.

Instant

2011-11-16T13:15:00.002+08:00

1. Moodboard during MOFEW. Reminds me of my room back in Melbourne. hurhur But this time with cuter pictures and less depressing quotes HA!
2. I love that picture of cherryblossomgirl and it goes well with pink damask frame!
3. During setup day we found this super good spot right at the entrance and it's lot 888!!! Damn huat haha
4. Made goma ice-cream. First attempt ya'll!
5. New DIY nails. It'll be a bitch to remove the glittery parts -_-
6. Wen surprised me with this piece of cloth "Keep Calm and Cook On" the day after my elimination episode. *touched*
7. Free green tea frappe + Norwegian Wood + Chocolate Chip Banana Muffin + trance = one of the best moments in life that I enjoy (i'm so sad that I finished reading Norwegian Wood, now now I need to get other of Murakami's books :D)
8. I float while cutting hair WTF Nothing changed just touched up roots and a little trim, at least my bangs don't look like it's bitten by rats and I'll be getting new hair in Jan!! :D Excited =D
9. Met Shahmin at the gym, I screamed ok who would have thought! haha yeay new gym buddy!
10. Avocado. Cannot live without. *insert me gusto syok face*
11. Saw this pair of pink heels, last pair in my size and it's too expensive. T_T But it's so lovely and I don't wear heels, but I collect them. err. ok.

I feel that... my style of blogging has changed so so much? I'd like to think of it as a good thing because I'm no longer that OH TODAY THIS HAPPENED IMMA UPDATE RIGHT AWAY kind of blogger anymore. Besides, this space is more for, updating my life, feelings, food.

I love how handy my phone is to take pictures as I go, and I actually remember better when I see images, I can visualize how I was feeling at that very moment.

OH OH I just went for bodypump yesterday and let's just say, I LOVE IT. It's always good to try new things and to build better strength so when I go to the weights section at the gym I won't look like a wuss hehe Better feel sore than sorry!! :D Anyone experience extreme shakiness when doing weights because I sure was wobbling like a tower in the japan earthquake T_T I know doing weights and squats/lunges ain't that good for the knees, but if it hurts, the pain will eventually go away. If you're injured it'll eventually heal. I haven't felt like this since a long long time. Die you fats DIE!!!! I intend to get rid of it and never see you againnnnn

Big News

2011-11-15T10:27:00.002+08:00

Guess who will have perfect teeth in 2 years time (to be confirmed haha)? :D

YES After so so so many years, LE FINALLY I decided to get it done... Braces it is.

Why not Invisalign you ask? Because it's too expensive. No I kid, it's cause of my condition. Well you see, not everyone has the qualified teeth (wtf) to wear invisalign and in my case, it's overcrowding (31 freaking teeth mind you), so braces it is!!

I remember I called this dental clinic up for a quote, usually patients will wear the aligners for 12-18 months and she quoted me... Rm25k to 30k (wtf right)

And I called another clinic up, which is the clinic I'll be getting it done, it's about RM15k. Yalah I know I'm vain la because I don't wanna have metal brackets all over my mouth and I heard it gives you ulcers and it's fucking painful when you get it tighten every month. T_T But it's okay, maybe after all this is what I've been missing in my diet plan AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA CONTROL wtf. I mean since I cannot control my appetite, I'll have braces as my appetite suppressant wtf.

Random, but did you know I used to have this "tiger teeth' (we call it that cause it juts out like tigers' fangs) on the right side? My lovely mom used to have this case and her dentist suggest she remove one of the teeth so the teeth that juts out has space to shift downwards. It worked! Just that my entire top jaw shifted to the right cause there was extra space. So basically... my jaw is screwed thats why my jaw is actually senget *shifty eyes*

NAH proof that my teeth was straight shortly after I removed that stupid tooth!!! And also a picture of me when I was 14 I looked rather different from how I look now. I always take the longest time to clear immigration during holidays cause they'll be looking at the picture for damn long T____T Can see resemblance la but look different right? RIGHT? Please say yes, please hahahahah

So yesss I am excited!!! When I say I want changes I MAKE changes. :) Be the change you want to see (eventhough it requires money -_-). Gotta snap some pictures of my BEFORE teeth ngeheheheehhe

Ben's

2011-11-13T08:10:00.002+08:00

Decided to meet up with some of the eliminated contestants, JUST FOR FUN!!! Shahmin and Zery!! In such a big group there will surely be groups of people that you most often hang out with, unfortunately Shahmin wasn't in the top 24 but it's okay! We still "lepak" even after we're out! :D

Lunch at Ben's. I love the interior, very simple, casual yet chic, I love the colour tones, bright lime green with white walls and black screens. Maybe I ordered the wrong dishes cause I didn't find it to be that good =/ And I'm not really a fan of pastas (and partially cause of my mi kuning pasta incident wtf) and fried stuff (cause I hate the guilt after having oily fried stuff T_T) so maybe I'm missing on the goods T__T

That's me saying ti-ra-mi-SUUUUUUUUU hahahaha

It's good to catch up and discuss who's gonna win this thing and what we've been doing what we were doing during the competition and getting recognize by random people at Pavilion hahahahaha Also damn fun cause apparently we're now food connoisseurs that we critic on the food okay!! Their tiramisu is quite shityt cause it's so soggy and tasteless, mine better wtfwtf *perasan*

Anyway will still be at MOFEW for the last day today. :) Drop by k! =D

Dog eat dog world.

2011-11-10T12:53:00.002+08:00

If you have not follow me on twitter, you prolly don't know that my dog, BB hasn't been feeling the greatest and whenever this shit happen, I'll be dragged into it and I do not like it because everytime it'll end up the same. Oh consultation fees and the medicines are too expensive, just let it be, they will get well eventually.

what. the. fuck.

I just came back from the clinic, even the doctor was a little like "ok, it's your decision" and he gets it when I gave him the face when my grandpa said, "eh so expensive".

BB was puking bile juice, some yellow substance from the liver and apparently there might be possible liver infection with some high tech name I couldn't pronounce. So he recommended to go for a blood test at the lab to see what bacteria/virus/infection has been attacking BB. Basic blood test results showed that BB is not okay, her WBC count is WAYYYYYY higher than normal range (9-19) and hers is 28.7! And RBC count is slightly above normal range.

The reason for not proceeding with the procedures??? "I paid RM200 for adoption from SPCA, now I'm paying more than RM300 for the medication, not worth it."

What the fuck.

Another thing I'm so pissed is that, I said "this is a LIFE we're talking about here, what if it dies"

"Just let it die la!! We can adopt another one, there's so many dogs that we can adopt"

Inside I was thinking, seriously, can you bear your dog that you've been rearing for the past few years, feeding it everyday, showering it and caring it for the past few years to just be put up for adoption again? I can't!!

See???? The story always end up the same! It's either the dog dies, or it's sent back to SPCA, just like that!!! Easier done than said!

I'm so sick of having to deal with all these, if a dog is sick and you refuse to cure it, I better suggest you DON'T adopt it in giving it a false hope of having a loving home and care and then after a while get sent back again. There are better solutions to give animals love and care, like going to the pound for voluntary work, at least to show some love, they will appreciate it! Everytime I go to SPCA I get all emotional and wanting to adopt them all because all these fucktards left them. As hypocritical as it sounds, my family is now one of them! I feel ashamed!

Can someone shoot me already?

If you don't get the picture please go shoot yourself. To be very honest, the hoe family doesn't really have great records of taking care of dogs, I'm not sure why but our dogs never seem to stay in the family longer than 5 years. True story. The longest history was Mickey (for which he stayed with us for more than 10 years, died of old age) and Choppy (my beloved cocker spaniel T_________T)

Yah so now just hope for the best that her current meds will make her feel better.

comments off, can't be dealing with other bullshit right now

I'm Out.

2011-11-07T23:54:00.005+08:00

If news haven't traveled fast enough, maybe because you don't stalk me enough! The truth is, I'm eliminated from Masterchef Malaysia. So soon right?? I thought so too.

To be very very honest, it came to me as a surprise, such a big tight slap that this is all real. I'm eliminated. I did not expect myself to be out this early of the competition but just my luck (and my abilities to cook laksa HAHA). I mean I never thought that I will be out this early because you know, I might have overestimated my own abilities, and then a bowl of Laksa threw me out, just like that.

The scariest part was taste test. Never in my wildest imaginations that I thought I'll go into a taste test. Watching the Australian Masterchef is bad enough, try going through one. More so a bowl of laksa, I mean the only thing I know is Assam Laksa from penang and they have asam, and there's actually more than one kind of asam (what!?). When they revealed that there were 27 ingredients, I thought it might be Rendang or maybe Lemak or some other traditional dishes. WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT LAKSA HAS 27 INGREDIENTS!?

I mean a logic person would name what they see first right? And stupidly, without trying (yes I was nervous, I forgotten to try...) and I answered yellow noodles. And guess what!? No yellow noodles, the noodles were actually spaghetti.

-________________-

FEELING ONLY LA LAKSA!!!! I don't know much about Malaysian food apart from the usual nasi lemak, rendang, satay, laksa and the common ones like bak kut teh wtf but who would have thought there's different kinds of laksa in different states, and different methods of cooking!!!

And I still remember the moment we were called back to the kitchen. The moment I open the door, I see the stoves setup. Fuck. I didn't know we were suppose to be cooking in the 2nd round... Ok fine... And the best part was recipes weren't given. Maybe the God of Lucks weren't by my side (Where are you when I need you huh?!) and I just went with what I know. Saute blended ingredients (I think I blended lemongrass, galanghal, ginger, garlic, onions) based on the "agak-agak" ratio. And really la my first attempt in Malaysian cooking, I didn't know that you're suppose to pour in a lot of oil to "saute" the blended ingredients, that's more like deep frying can T_T I mean all this "diet" thing has taught me to not use so much oil so I just put my definition of a lot of oil. but no, apparently you need a lot more because soon after that mine was a little burnt =/

And god I want to kill myself for not removing the bones, my fault cause I was short of time, my spaghetti wasn't cooked through and through but I was just crossing my fingers and toes that it'll cook through in the hot soup (for which not much) and thank god it was sort of al dente according to the judges. And yes, it was an offset rivalry between me and spaghetti after that :P:P

I did read a lot of comments saying that it is unfair for a chinese to cook Laksa in such short time (45 minutes challenge) and that Imelda has an advantage over me because she's used to cooking malay food. I think this is a competition and I should have done my homework beforehand, this is not so much about equality or fairness, I can only put the fault in myself. We all have our strengths and weaknesses and my forte is in making desserts and maybe a little bit of the contemporary dining side, but when it comes to traditional cooking, maybe it's more on Imelda's strength. Fair no? I understand the show is call "Masterchef Malaysia". I have to know all sorts of cooking but in my opinion, cooking should be based on what you're most passionate about, I don't wanna be a jack of all trades and master of none. That's why they have different chefs in a restaurant, pastry chef, pantry chef, vegetable chef, fry chef. They do what they are best at, specialising in what they love.

The night before the challenge was really emotional for me because I did not expect myself to be in the bottom 3. I did get negative comments from the judges and my stupid fish crackling (yeay I made fish crackling) was too salty cause I added too much salt in the hopes that it'll dehydrate quicker. Because there weren't coarse salt so I had to use fine salt, else I could just wipe off the excess coarse salt. Oh well moment...

Anyway, it was one of those nights that I cried so much that I actually felt numb. I remember saying that I started to doubt if I could actually cook. When you started doubting yourself, you don't usually get the good out of it, I was feeling ultimately down and defeated right at that moment that all I could do was cry. I didn't bother reading up recipes or caring about the next challenge. I was tired. I prepared myself for the worst and I rid all of expectations of what will I be facing the next day. Zery left the competition and I did have the thought that HEY maybe I won't get eliminated because Zery withdrew himself but I didn't wanna get my hopes high. I remember crying on the way back to the house, I couldn't hold my tears. I pretended to "sleep" and just let the tears fall. It was heartbreaking if anyone seen it but I couldn't care less. I started crying when we were still shooting and I couldn't stop, I had a minor panic attack and hid under my work station because I was scared. I was scared shitless that all I could do was just cry and cry. I was not okay.

And when I reached home, took a rather long shower and just went to sleep right after. I didn't have the mood to write in my journal (I did keep a journal about challenges that we went through, things we did etc maybe I shall put it up here someday!). I didn't want to think about anything but just let my tired self rest, and be prepared.

I cried the hardest when I was in the kitchen, couldn't hold back, I could barely make a sound. Mostly cause I was having a slight panic attack and also cause I was having a mic with me. It was more of a cry of one's crushed dream, in the hopes of going far in the competition.

I remember the day before I was just talking to Brian about, why are we here, what are we doing here? Both of us have no expectations of winning the competition or whatsoever, it's more of for the experience, and get through every challenge with our group of close friends and just do our best and have fun. Our aim was to go as far as we could, and maybe my furthest is just being in one of the top 24. It all seem just so recent that it's still fresh in my memory that what we have gone through really seemed like something that happened just a few days ago.

The truth is I never expect myself to leave so early, and so I did not make ANY plans of what I want to do after coming out of the competition. It did, felt like a tight slap on the cheeks, for which it still aches when I think about it.

I remember coming back feeling all sorts of lost and was wandering around. Till today I have not recovered. I thought I am feeling better until they release the episode. And then I crash again. Remember my Korea trip? It was rather recent. I booked my tickets just 2 days before departure. My dad was being really nice to pay for the trip, maybe he thought I could use a vacation to clear my mind. It was good, and tiring. All I wanted to do was to sleep. Because when I rest I don't have to think about it. I was heartbroken, it hurt more than a broken heart because really, I fell, hard. I did not cook for almost a month, until one day I realize that my diet is out of control and I started cooking for myself again, then slowly I started baking again. Though only once but I'll start again soon. All these because I started doubting myself. I didn't want to cook because I'm tired of cooking. It's a cooking show, and all we did was chopping, cutting, cooking, heat all over and I was just exhausted. Tired from all of these. I was in denial.

I am so happy that I stepped out of my comfort zone to do something for myself, from sending in the applications just couple of hours before the closing date, to attending the auditions, making it to the top 40 and the top 24. Seeing my face in the opening credits feels great. They say your life only begins at the end of your comfort zone. It has taught me that, doing things that you never thought you could do can bring such great success, such satisfaction. An opportunity of a lifetime. This gap year that I'm taking ever since I graduated has never been better. My mom was actually really happy that I joined Masterchef and that it gave me time to think what I wanna do in my future. And I think I might have found it. I remember telling myself in the middle of 2011 that, this year is all about finding strength, to keep me moving on in my life, to find myself. And I did. I can finally see all the missing links coming together, as a whole, I might have not reach yet, but the puzzle pieces are starting to form this big picture.

I'm quoting so many people here that, they say "Seize the opportunity", I did. No regrets. No turning back. The only time I look back is the moments I had back in the kitchen, with all my friends, reminiscing the good and bad times, memories I had and the experiences I gained. Winning the competition wasn't my goal at all, but really RM100,000 is pretty attractive and a book deal and the fame and fortune that follows after. I'd be damned if I say I didn't wanna win. But more so the experiences that I'll be gaining. I don't think the RM100,000 can buy me all these because out of thousands of applicants, I'm chosen to be part of this, it is FRIGGING AMAZING to the core. Also I'll have a good story to tell people! Like HI my name is hui ting, yes THE Hui Ting in the first season of Masterchef Malaysia. :) I can be one of the alumni members in MCM ok, how cool is that :P:P

And one more thing, not sure if you all noticed but I had all these funky hairstyles during the show =P THANKS TO THE MAKEUP CREW!!! Love them =P I never thought I could sport the big top bun style but they manage to do it hehehehehe The makeup artist always liked to play with my hair and when I was eliminated she was one of the saddest ones because there won't be anyone's hair to play with anymore!!! So cuteeeee :DDDDD

Me getting serious at work. :)

Not sure if they are reading this, but to the production team, thank you so so so much for everything. There are so many things involved in this production and without them, there won't be Masterchef Malaysia. It hurts so bad when I read comment regarding the show sucks, editing suck yadda yadda. What do you know what we have been through? In my opinion, everything turned out just as what I was expecting, if not better. Nothing is perfect because perfection is when expectations are met. Just a big fat THANK YOU to all of those who are involved in this, especially our talent coordinators aka babysitter for bearing with my diva attitude (inside joke).

Don't worry, I will overcome this pain some day, in the pain, there is healing. I may be out, but with all the fans support (eh JOIN MY PAGE LEH!!! HERE!!) I'm sure I'll be able to do this. :) Watch out people, because some day a new cook will be burning up this town with some good food. ;)

ps: I think I'll still be sharing some of my challenges, my feeling/thoughts on challenges I went through. Because really I can never share enough of those! :P

Pursuit of Perfection

2011-11-06T01:13:00.002+08:00

I had this very interesting topic that I sorta had an argument/discussion.

Perfection.

The word perfect, always seem so... Intimidating no? Just like prefect, I always get so confused with these two words cause the spelling is just the location of the alphabe 'e'. And yes I was afraid of prefects back when I was young and stupid, no doubt, whenever they're here to check your fingernails (seriously come to think of it that is ridiculous haha)

I can't recall exactly when trigger this whole "perfection" discussion, but it was something about doing something perfectly. I replied with a "nothing is perfect", and she said "there is!! or at least I'll make it perfect".

From what I know is, no matter how "perfect" a plan is, or anything, there will be flaws that people WILL find fault it. No matter what. Megan Fox is so hot she's the perfect woman with perfect face, but then some will find fault that oh she has plastic surgery, or that her tattoos are awful blablabla, not so perfect after all?

And then came Tumblr (of which I side), where there's always ways to make things better. To make you feel less like a douche that not everyone is perfect. Everyone has flaws, perfection lies in the eyes of the beholder, seeing the imperfect person perfectly.

But to me, perfection is something unattainable, because we are only human, there is always room for improvements. Example, you bought the "perfect" dress, you're wearing it to your prom/first date/wedding/special occasion. Is there a way to improve it? YES, because we are human and we are NEVER satisfied with what we have. Oh here you may use a little hemming, or you can have a little extra something to add to your dress, or your makeup, your hair, accessories. There are SO many elements that you can put a fault on. Because we often find things to be inadequate. There is always something that you can make it BETTER.

And hence yes, I do feel that perfection is something that is relative to one's blindness of flaws. The word "imperfect" is spelled I-M-perfect, they say no one is perfect and therefore, everyone is the same, it's the society that puts too much emphasis on being the best, the perfect one, the creme of the crop? All for?? Pride? Glamour? Dreams?

Here comes the ultimate discussion, your say, is there such thing as perfection?

I've already stated mine, there is no perfection, only progress.

Last Sunday

2011-11-05T14:12:00.002+08:00

To those who've missed the Prelove Party at OldBlossomBox last Sunday, you don't know what you missed!!! What I need to say is, you missed out on A WHOLE LOT!! haha

Had so much fun eventhough Wen wasn't there because she was down with a fever, but twas fun hanging around mingling having meringue cookies that Shakira nicely baked (i sapu-ed her samples *shiftty eyes*)

just some random shots. And also thank you to those who came and said Hi. You know who you are ;) And it's my first time meeting the infamous Debab (Jezmine's cat) and he is SO CUTE OMG I'm this close to buying a cat so I can cuddle it and play with it, so fluffy and soft *melt* I secretly like cats too, ok not so secret anymore but yeah, ever since my "cat encounter" back in Melbourne days, I have develop some sorta cat fetish. Cat prints, cat pictures, cats, cat related things (Read: Hello Kitty). Miao.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Adha by the way. :) Drive save and enjoy the long weekend. :D

Smile Lines

2011-11-04T00:11:00.002+08:00

Took this really happy picture of my grandpa last Sunday during parents' 28th wedding anniversary dinner. Can't recall what we were talking about but grandpa had this big smile on his face. This picture best describe the saying "see teeth don't see eyes" the cantonese always use.

It pains me when flipping through old pictures (taken with film camera!! =O) back when I was 9, he was then 70. Firmer skin, less crow's feet and his smile lines weren't as deep. But what never changes is that he's still the man who wakes up at 5am to do qi gong, eats a lot of bananas and takes care of the dog. :) Often times I wonder and would love to ask him about his life stories, but never had the guts to do so (such a coward).

It also pains me to see him to have to go through medical checkups few weeks ago. MRI, blood tests, scans because he was dizzy for the past few days. It must have worried him that he thought it might be stroke or something serious, but the doctors confirmed that he's all fine and it's just of old age. Le sigh. And then he said "can't deny that we're old already lor". =(

purpose of this post is to... show this really happy picture of this happy old man and grandma. love you ye ye and ma ma.

By the way, they've been married for 57 years!! Kim Kardashian who? haha

Life So Far

2011-11-02T01:06:00.002+08:00

Super Long post ahead, but be sure to read them all!! Finally a real post on my journey in Masterchef Malaysia. :D

Also, I've just started my own Facebook Fan Page as Hui Ting at Masterchef Malaysia. :) Do join!! And to catch me in action in Masterchef Malaysia, watch the episodes HERE!! :D

Sorry for not updating more... Life have been... Rather... Mundane. Ok fine not so when you know you're on national television and that you get stares whenever you walk around hehe. I get people asking me if I'm THE Hui Ting from Masterchef and weird families pointing and staring, I just need some getting use to. :P

Just some pictures I stole off the official Masterchef Malaysia website. Better quality than the ones I screen shot from the videos, but the best pictures, are stalled in my memory, no one could really describe how everything is in the Masterchef Kitchen, Bootcamp, the studio set and everything else. I was actually OVERWHELMED when I first step into the kitchen. To be able to participate in this great project and cook in the Masterchef Kitchen, and most important of all, I made it to the top 24, out of the thousands of applicants who went for auditions throughout Malaysia. If that is not good enough, I'm not sure what is. :)

Challenges that we have attempted in so far are pretty challenging, else it won't be called a challenge for nothing.

Day 1: Chopping onions
- cried like a motherfucker cause them onions sting your eyes ok despite chopping the heads off etc, try chopping half a sack of onions I see you cry or not!!

Day 2: Separating egg yolks from whites
- I was the last one who made it through, else I'll have to whisk egg whites till stiff (which is what I did back in Aussie cause I was too poor to buy a handmixer haha and it still is quite a workout for me now!). I think I easily cracked 200 eggs during the challenge cause I had to redo 3 times -_-

Day 3: Perah Santan
- no idea how to write that in English, basically just grind the flesh from coconut, pour a little water and squeeze till you can't recognize your mom and you get coconut milk. Didn't make it to top 10 so missed out a chance on getting the apron... =/ Wasn't too surprise cause come on, it's my first time doing that, I usually just buy Ayam Brand coconut milk can? haha And that coconut grinder thing has some serious grip issues that some of the contestants got cuts/blisters from it. =/ I was being all bimbotic, I used tissue (thanks Scott's haha) to wrap the handle to protect my hands *diva*

Day 4: Deboning Chicken
- Not something I normally do either, I usually go to the market and buy ready chopped chicken -_- I'm pretty sure in the real commercial kitchen they do that too no? Correct me if I'm wrong I'm no pro, I'm amateur remember? During the challenge, I did not finish the entire task, I left out a chicken drumstick to debone =/ But Chef Jo did compliment on my chicken boxing for being really clean!! :P Missed out ANOTHER chance on getting the apron.

Day 5: Mystery Box + Pressure Test
1) Mystery Box
I was teamed up with Imelda, one of my closest mate in the competition. We always hang out/eat together and there are just people that you can or cannot click with, and she's one of those that I can click with thank god haha. Well... In the box I expected to be filled with ingredients like how I see in the Australia Masterchef but no.... When we opened it, there was only glutinous rice, coconut cream, rice, brown rice and flour. I was being all ambitious that I wanna make mango crepes with coconut cream. Some fuckery happened and my crepes were like scrambled eggs instead... The audience (aka the other contestants who made it to top 24) saw me retrying 6-7 times to get it right, I redid my batter twice and still no miracles. Scrap that and Imelda suggest that I try making fritters (aka lempeng) instead. Just some flour and water. I screwed up my dish... The coconut pastry cream tasted awesome, judges said it tasted okay, but my "fritter" which was meant to be crepes was tough like rubber and my candied almond got STUCK onto the plate cause I didn't have time to stir in butter and cream. Oh wait, we didn't have cream cause we were only allowed to take 12 items. So yes... Imelda's dish was a winner, the judges said it tasted really good, innovative, overall positive comments but mine was.... =S I broke down after hearing the comments from judges, mostly because I disappointed myself and my partner, and also because maybe I wasn't prepared for such negative comments... Hence this face wtf... Trust the photographer and camera men to catch the most unglam moments man...

I was feeling guilty as shit because it's a team challenge, mine was worst dish of the day (well seeing the others did well, I assume it is the worst of the lot) and my partner's one was really good!!! I felt so so sorry I kept telling her sorry and she was all "NO it's a team effort don't say that" but I did let her down!! She could have gotten the apron if it wasn't for me... =/ Lastly, 8 of them got the apron and 12 of us were left with fear and anticipation of the next challenge.

2) Pressure Test
- Guest Chef, Chef Riz came with his signature dish. At first all of us was like ok there's cream cheese, flour sugar etc, this is a baking challenge. Also there were ovens lined at the side. YESSS, this MAY be my challenge because I do bake a lot as compared to others but WHAT IF the exact ratios weren't given in the recipe? What if we have to recreate the dish with only what we know? It's Tiramisu, and ok, to be honest, I've NEVER made sponge fingers from scratch I use store bought ones. What's the diff man, store bought ones are prettier haha

I was all sort of idiotic that day because I didn't know that we could request for extra eggs (and also of all stupidity I did not ask!!!!! -_______-) So I was short of one egg, and I had to make do with it and go with my own calculations of the recipe to make the sponge fingers. =/ There was some oven drama issues that I myself wasn't too sure what happened but I think I'm involved in it *shifty eyes* but all is well... I didn't really have enough time to let the sponge fingers cool, and they weren't really fingers because by the time there's 30 minutes left I was like screw this I won't have enough time to bake another batch, I took them out and pour the batter in to make a sponge layer instead. It turned out to be a good decision cause the sponge layer made the cake layers more even!!!

And the rest is history, and I'm now called the Tiramisu girl.

Moments like these make me feel like, hey, this is for real!! Like how we watch in Masterchef Australia, that feeling is just amazing when you get praises for your hardwork, you get through something successfully. It was sort of a redemption from my previous challenge that I screwed up, and that I got an A+ from Chef Yahaya okay!! And an A from Chef Riz for my presentation. :D That's my style of how I want to present my dishes, and I'm glad of what I did. I did my best, and *IF* I didn't make it through, at least I had fun!! One of the most fun part is choosing the berries from the pantry and eating half of them dipping in the Zabaglione =PPPPP

And the best part is??? I got my apron, ticket to Top 24!!! To compete in the Masterchef Kitchen in the coming weeks. :) Best of all??? I get to have a scene at the starting credit hahahahahaha

Mine is a scene of me breaking a baguette!!! I was hoping for piping meringues or something baking related lol but breaking baguette is fun like HAH!! Becareful I might break your bones =P

What more can I say??

Life only begins when you're out of your comfort zone. It feels weird, yet amazing to be in this. I'm glad that I grasp this opportunity when it came by, and without regrets, one of the best decisions I've made so far in my life, for myself. :)

Remember, watch the episodes HERE!! :D
and, JOIN my page HERE!! =D=D=D

Colour me Tuesday: Rainbow

2011-11-01T03:47:00.000+08:00

The Love I Never Admit

2011-10-29T00:15:00.002+08:00

It's like words that never came out from my mouth, a secret kept from all. It's like forbidden love. Sealed lips (no pun intended). There's this secret connection that we share that every time we exchange stares, there's a spark. Chemistry. It may not come as a surprise but it's something that I treasure with all my heart.

Hello Kitty it is.

hahahahahaha

FINE I admit it! I was in LOVE with Hello Kitty when I was younger till now. I never admit my love for it. I knew we had this strange connection because though simple, just a kitty cat with no mouth, but I always find it so cute T_T

BUT I never admit it because of peer pressure T____T My sisters always "hated" it, but contrary to that statement they seem to spent the most time at the Taiwan airport Sanrio store taking pictures -_-

Wen was always like YUCK Hello Kitty is disgusting, and because I wanna feel accepted in the family (tough love huh wtf) I had to pretend I didn't like it either. Not dislike but HATE it... T___T Such a strong word. And you know how Hello Kitty is like symbol of GIRLISHNESS and DITZY and you know how little girls always wanna be all princessy and girlish but I cannot cause I apparently "hate" Hello Kitty.

But I'm glad I came out of the closet wtf. I LOVE HELLO KITTY. I wanna own plush toys of Hello Kitty, I was super happy when we collected Mcdonald's Hello kitty happy meal plush toys and I was damn happy wtf. I remember I kissed them good night while Jing was asleep *shifty eyes*

AND THEN WE WENT TO KOREA!!!!! And there was a Hello Kitty CAFE located less than 500m away from where we lived. *weak knees*

Last picture EPIC!! We both have a sip of our latte/macchiato and our kitty's neck went all SAGGY hahahahahaa facelift maybe?? ahahaha

and sorry I was in my specs and sans makeup because I was supposed to be rushing to the airport but I HAD to make time for Hello Kitty cafe. Cannot be missed hehehehe
And I was just jokingly saying "HA! Every cafe in Seoul has wi-fi I won't be surprise if the password for the HK cafe is Kitty". Turns out the password IS Kitty hahaha I'm genius. I mean... a kid would have got it right on her first try. =p

I even bought a necklace as souvenir *loser*

LONG

2011-10-27T04:21:00.003+08:00

UPDATE: Please join my official facebook fanpage (as a public figure lololollll) HERE!!

Show me some LOVE people. :) Like my page and show some support. =D

I wish my hair grows as fast as how my leg/armpit wtf/pubic hair does WTF!!!

last december during my graduation ceremony T_T

I miss my long hair, I miss how I can tie it in a high bun and curl it and play it around =((((( Should I keep it short though? =/ I think I look "fresher" but then again it's always a dilemma when you look good both long and short hair wtf I kid. But yahhhhh I miss my long hair a lot. =////// I've been having short hair for almost a year and I'm growing it out and see what magic Yen will do upon it (she's like my hair's fairy godmother haha)

And another dilemma is... I wanna go back to redddddddddddddddd T__T Why Rihanna can do it!? I want also!!!

Stereotype

2011-10-26T10:46:00.002+08:00

I wear coloured contact lenses so I must trying to be angmoh.
I wear makeup means I'm insecure about my looks, not to enhance beauty.
I'm tall means I'm the oldest (roll eyes)
I weigh more than 150 pounds and therefore I'm fat.

What do YOU know about ME?

Why must we put labels on everything and every person?

Colour Me Tuesday: Monochrome

2011-10-25T03:45:00.001+08:00

MyeongDong :D

2011-10-24T15:39:00.003+08:00

Not sure how do people actually do travel logs cause all I do is write down places I go and maybe restaurants I dined in.

Started our day pretty late!! It was the only day that I got proper sleep but that's only like few hours cause it was quite noisy outside. But not a cuppa coffee wouldn't help! Anyway, went to this restaurant that's apparently really famous for GalGuksu which is knife cut noodles! Seulgi warned us that the kimchi they serve there has LOADS of garlic, I love garlic in everything! Apparently they have garlic butter popcorn served in cinemas in Korea, how crazy is that? SERIOUSLY!? Should have tried when I was there (nevermind there's always a next time hehehe)

Soup noodles with dumplings and EXTRA dumplings! They also had this crazy delicious garlic sauce with spring onions that you add into your noodles. It was crazy... So so good!! Hot soup plus burning dumplings mmmm And that kimchi??? It's like eating raw garlic with chilli sauce hahaha More like garlic with cabbage wtf but so gooooooddddd

Fret no garlic breath cause they will give you Xylitol chewing gums after you pay for your meal hahaha so it's like if you don't pay you'll have garlic breath for the rest of the week! :P

Was looking for the shop that sells TOMS shoes, wanted to get a pair but it's so overpriced!!! So much more expensive than getting it online/singapore so mehhh instead we just took pictures outside the shop cause it looked pretty!

And off to Star Avenue. =3 I secretly wanted to pay this place a visit the last time I was there. Because there's pictures of Song Seung-Hyun. =3

that sohai overthere blocking a really pretty actress wtf and me and TOP held hands WTF!!!

this post ends with a touristy picture of me with flowers.

ps: I know a lot of you don't really give a fuck but if you're free just go to the Masterchef Malaysia facebook page. Walau the crowds there gone mad ok, look at the comments!!!! And yeay my backstory is out on last night's episode! At least my cupcakes look pretty on screen wtf

Masterchef Journey: The Onion Conflict

2011-10-23T14:10:00.004+08:00

UPDATE: You can view the episodes here. :) Just register for an account and you're good to go! :D Also show some support!! Like the Masterchef Malaysia facebook fanpage here. :D

WHADDUP PEOPLE!? Was really tired last night to do a review on the episode cause I was back late from watching the premiere of Masterchef Malaysia with a bunch of great people. :) Anyway here's the video/review thing I promised. This is actually more for myself to vent out my feelings that they didn't show/edited away so you know, I like to let things go so I need to let it out. :D Actually this is my way of getting more airtime because I am famewhore hahaha. :P

ps: pardon my toad like voice, just recovered from a bad cold from Korea and I do sound like that when I'm on videos -_-

Some screen shots :P (yes all me cause I'm self centred like that).

When Chef Yahaya was chopping the onion halve real quickly my face was like...

hahahahha SORRY I WAS STRESS OKAY!? He was chopping it so quickly and his eyes were on the contestants (there's a way of doing it la but no I haven't mastered it yet)

What do you expect me to show a really happy face when he's showing some flashlight chopping skills? HA!!!

And this really funny scene of Imelda and Wee Giap fighting for a sack of onions to chop hahahaahahahhahahaha (top right corner)

And said moment when I screamed my lungs off without thanking the judges *shifty eyes*

Sorry no face, I was practicing my running skills to be Flash this Halloween.

see what I mean when I say not a lot of airtime LOL!

And confession, I didn't chop onions for a really REALLY REALLY long time after. I think it's the quota for a couple of months, and my fingers smelled of onions for the rest of the week -_-

To those of you who didn't watch the video, well, basically, what you see is not what you really saw because, the intensity in the bootcamp was just, as bad as a 100% humidity, you cannot breath or more like I stopped breathing while chopping onions, too stress la dey. All of them were tearing including me, and the knives were really really sharp that just running through the blades will cut your skin and bleed. It was a total silence, no one talked, no one said a word but continued chopping onions. One after another one after another till judges tap their shoulders to stand back.

My grandma gave this rather insensitive comment like, you all only chop onions ma. Hello grandma, if you know how big that bowl is you will cry T____T It's I think approx 8 inch diameter, and it's 9inches tall -_- MOTHER OF ALL BOWLS, I think I now know why they posted the Penulis Novel Mangkuk comment. That bowl is seriously... urgh if I see it again I'll break it! HAHA

And come on!!! It's only the first episode, there's MORE to come!!! :D

PB

2011-10-21T20:30:00.001+08:00

My must go to place when I visit Korea. Paris Baguette. I cannot live without their hot latte. Did I mention their Streusel mini croissants (behind the big danish) are to DIE for? Flaky puff pastry topped with candied streusel. oh. my. god. And the cream cheese and blueberry danish was good too!! Apart from being a little too big to bite to get even portions of blueberry and cream cheese, all else is good. But then again, my mouth can stretch like a cobra when it comes to food. YUM! Always with cream cheese, and butter.

And yes, I love stalking cute korean kids . I first discovered their love for beautiful hair in 2004 (when I first visit Korea) because kids as young as 3-4 years old had their hair permed/coloured. I was greeeeen with envy because when I was 3 I was forced sitting in front of the porch, with newspaper underneath a plastic stool (I believe it was the brand caveman or some sort bought from then Fajar) with a pair of foldable scissors and an inexperience "hairstylist" mom standing in front of a teary eyed me. Tip for cutting fringe, just go above eye brows so it won't obstruct vision. I'm sure every kid in Malaysia (even till now) has experienced that.

I shall now go on a quest to seek for an alternative to great lattes that I've tasted.

EXPLAIN!

2011-10-20T22:56:00.001+08:00

I think most of you would have guessed and already knew that my act of disappearance was rather obvious (and for those who follows me on twitter, quite obvious that from 5000 tweets a day to none, I mean come on who am I to kid). My "trip" that was mentioned before was actually a lie. I'm a big fat liar and I'm sorry.

But you should be happy for me because I am happy with what I went through and let's just say it is an opportunity of a LIFETIME. I'll be all "MOMMY LOOK I'M ON TV" and geee I wonder what it'd be to see myself on screen?!

They say "bad decisions" make good stories!! (not that it's a bad decision, it was a spur of the moment thing!). At least I can tell my future kids/grandkids that hey your mom/grandma been on TV before!! And proceeds to dig out old memory sticks and try to find an appropriate drive to insert (ala Sheldon and his floppy disk drive hahahaaha)

It is for you to find out what are the challenges that I'll be going through. See for yourself!! Catch me on Masterchef Malaysia, Astro Ria (Channel 104) this Saturday 22 October 2011, 9pm. :D

oh my god it's this Saturday, can't believe the auditions was in May and everything happened in a blur. Do you know how hard it is to keep it from people? And how hard it is to NOT let people know what's happening? But to be honest, some of you may be doubting if I'm actually writing this on "real-time" or is this scheduled. HAHA Confusing much? This is actually a schedule post... Or is it??

It only felt like yesterday when I receive the good news and went "AHHHHHHHHHHHH" in the room with Wen with shaky fists and stomping feets. :) Looking back at those moments, it was really heart warming and looking back at what I did, foolish or wise decisions, they are things that have already happened, I can't make any amendments nor I can try to fix things, what's done is done. And I'm content with where I'm standing right now.

AND GODDDDDDD!!! The people that I've met in the top 40?? Let's just say... Interesting characters. :) I've met a lot that I could click with *waves at them* and we spend most of our times together, and these are the moments that we will all look back and think "what were we thinking that time!" and laugh our asses off. :) After all, we're in this together, like a big family, the 40 of us and the rest of the production crew.

I am *still* figuring out how you can transfer a video on Facebook to normal channels ie Youtube, because it's not that cool to be a digital dinosaur thanks. Any tips? So I can post the video of the MCM commercial etc

I'll write posts as the episodes come up and share my thoughts and and some insights to the episodes ;D OH I just came up with this great idea!!! I shall do videos of my thoughts on the episode!! That way I can get airtime online hahahaha I'm such a fame whore HEH!! And well you can actually feel more when you see me explain with my voice and expressions. :D

Traditional

2011-10-19T23:19:00.003+08:00

If there is one thing I'll NEVER understand is how the Koreans stay so skinny yet every meal they have about 30 different side dishes, lots of rice, a lot of fatty pork belly (mmmmmm the one I had during the traditional lunch was amazing, i don't know how they prepare it but it's moist, succulent, juicy, melts in your mouth and it tasted a tad smoky, yet it's as soft as braised meat),
kimchi, soup and hell a lot of veggies. Anyone can tell me what's their secret ingredient?!

And I love their rice! It's a mixture of brown, white and black glutinous rice. I tried recreating it yesterday, I love the taste of black glutinous rice so I added equal amounts of brown rice and prolly 1 tablespoon of white rice. Tasted like black glutinous rice (not complaining I love it). Need to master the art of cooking rice in pot (not rice cooker!!)

ps: Notice the same outfit as Coco Bruni? That's cause this is my 3rd meal of the day. 1st being the meal I had before shopping. 2nd being a croissant coffee meal at PB and 3rd meal is lunch! There's also 5th and 6th meal of the day, TBC!! :P

It "WILL" be okay

2011-10-18T12:39:00.001+08:00

I believe things happen for a reason. For every door closed, there will be a window or some sort of opening left open, or maybe another door. Things fall apart so better things can fall together.

So hang in there. You, are stronger than this.

And because we are only human, as kiasu as we are, and that we never want to be/feel defeated, so when you know that something is unattainable, you work towards something that is within your reach, you work towards something that you are able to, or at least you believe that you can.

They say seeing is believing, but believing in what you see is equally as important.

Colour Me Tuesday: Blush II

2011-10-18T03:40:00.000+08:00

Coco Bruni

2011-10-17T16:17:00.002+08:00

I just had a 10 second long dejavu session scrolling down these pictures in the draft. WEIRD!!!

I had no sleep the night before (spent the night shopping till 8 in the morning!!) Popped back to the room, checked out my new buys and took a hot shower and OFF I go again to the streets!! Not without a cuppa PB hot latte with no syrup!!! Is it me or that I just love my latte without any sugar? Starbucks latte can go suck my toes okay, even I myself can make a better cup!!

Met up with baby Seulgi T___T The last time I saw her was back in Melbourne! She's now a graduate and damn, the Koreans sure do know how to torture fresh grads! They have to write like some sort of short story to submit along with their resume!

Meant to try out Coco Bruni the last time I was in Seoul but didn't get to. I was left with 30% body battery, too tired to continue walking and I kept hinting to Seulgi that why not we get a drink. And another half of the shopaholic side was like let's check out this cute little shop that sells cute accessories, and shoes, and clothes, and more clothes and maybe some cute knick knacks. And tadaa here we are at Coco Bruni. Good coffee, only manage to try this overly sinfully sweet chocolate delice, complete with 4 mini macaron shells at the side. Sold cause it looked prettiest amongst the others. :P

And I need to work on my "sip-the-coffee" look. Koreans do it better huh? lolll

ps: the cafe looks really empty but actually it was full at the corners ie windows, booths etc. Why people don't like to sit on ordinary seats ar!?

Coco Bruni Chocolatier & Barista
Garosu-gil
Sinsa Station Exit 8, walk straight till you reach a handphone store and turn left. Or easier option, just follow the crowd! :D

Newsflash

2011-10-16T15:16:00.003+08:00

HO!
wtf

I can has braid too!!!!

2011-10-16T04:08:00.000+08:00

Some pictures of my blank canvas face before I left!!!! Remember my braids post!????? I'm sure you can't remember shit but it's okay!!!

My attempt in braiding my fringe cause that's the only part I could see and reach without tangling my arms!

I mean... for a non-pro attempt it's pretty good! In my opinion la haha, YOU TRY AND SEE LA *kiasu*

NAH and here's a picture of me with makeup looking a lot ~~older~~ more mature MEH

ps: I miss home =(

MEME

2011-10-14T16:57:00.000+08:00

I can’t get to sleep without: my pink piggy (name tujuh)

If I were a doll, the accessories packaged with me would be: shoes, clothes, comb, hair tie, jewelry

I have an irrational fear of: ghost, death of any living organism, loneliness

At my grandparents house I usually eat: my grandparents live with me, so... cereal with yogurt, oats with soy (both with honey and cinnamon) banana!!! My gramps love bananas!

When I was born I weighed: 6.7lbs

I am most opposed to: people with insecurities

I like to stalk: pretty girls

I am too old to be: sliding down a slide

I find the thought of childbirth: to be beautiful. I want a baby.

Next door to my house is: a house that is renovating. and every morning at 9am sharp tools start clinging and hammers start smashing.

My feet are: 9.5US or a 41

My preferred style of jeans are: skinny/cut off

I know how to cook: a lot of things!! Someone gave me the name "dessert queen" *blush*

I am annoyed at: people who can't stop talking about themselves, messy space, dusty area, dirty fridges and many more

Men should always: look well groomed and have manners

Women should never: have to be dependent on a man

The scariest sea creature is: hmmm Kraken?

The world is over populated with: inconsiderate drivers

I recently broke: something that I can't recall

I last cried because: of something rather... heartbreaking. You will know why later on...

I would like to be in an advertisement for: weight loss companies so I can get free treatments

My favorite shoes are: oh god where do I start.

My mothers’ greatest fear is: me and my sisters not able to marry someone as good/nice as my dad

When I think of Full House: MICHELLE! I still can't get over the fact that Michelle was played by two different people aka the Olsen twins -_-

I Say This You Say That

Pill: meds

Sticker: bandaid

Swirl: straight

Bird: sparrow

Drop: dead

Coaster: cup

Wave: curl

Enough: empty

Coupon: freebies

Button: earings

Nail: manicure

Market: fish

Rust: colour

OJ: with mango

Trash: whore

Key: 21st

Pick: an answer

Snack: sunflower seeds

Snow: cold

Bake: steam

Curl: straight

Ring: wedding

Soil: mud

Cross: jebus

Whats your middle name? Hui

How big is your bed? queen

What are you listening to right now? spinning fan

What are the last 4 digits in your cellphone number? 8177

What was the last thing you ate? yogurt with special K drizzled with honey and cinnamon

Last person you hugged? My sister before I left on the shuttle bus to incheon

How is the weather right now? HOT!

Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? Momma

What is the first thing u notice in the opposite sex? Face then eyes then nose then lips

Favorite type of Food? OH BOY OH BOY everything....

Do you want children? YES preferably 2, a boy and a girl.

Do you drink? When I feel like it...

Ever get so drunk you don’t remember the entire night? Nope I practice self control.

Hair color? Dark brown almost black.

Eye colour? brown

Do you wear contacts/glasses? yes

Favorite holiday? So far I've enjoyed all my holidays, they've all been great, filled with moments that made me who I am today.

Favorite Season? Spring

Have you ever cried over a girl/boy? Duh

Last Movie you Watched? My Name is Khan

What books are you reading? Norwegian Wood

Piercings? lobes and one helix (soon one tragus I WANT!)

Favorite Movie? Hmmm... I only watch movies that I like? So... hard to tell... Captain America was good!

Favorite college football Team? Urrr

What were you doing before filling this out? At a book fair,,,

Any pets? BB the confused dog.

Dogs or cats? I love how loyal and cuddly a dog can be and cats can be really manja at times which I love. =3

Favorite Flower? Hydrangea, Lily, Tulips

Have you ever loved someone? I love my family.

Who would you like to see right now? Hmmmm... You.

Have you ever fired a gun? BB gun! And and and erm... My brother's toy gun

Do you like to travel by plane? If the seats are comfortable and if I'm able to sleep. Most of the time I can't fall asleep so... I'm indifferent about plane rides.

Right-handed or Left-handed? Right

If you could go to any place right now where would you go? Europe/USA

Are you missing someone? I wish you were here with me

Do you have a tattoo? Nope

Do you still watch cartoons on Saturday mornings? Maybe?

Are you hiding something from someone? I'm hiding something from EVERYONE except from someone

ARE YOU 18? 21 soon T_T

WHAT IS THE WALLPAPER ON YOUR CELLPHONE? Liar Liar Liar

DID YOU GET ENOUGH SLEEP LAST NIGHT? I wish.

FIRST THING YOU THOUGHT ABOUT THIS MORNING? Gotta have breakfast before going to the market.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE HANDY AT YOUR BEDSIDE? my bedside is useless, everything I need is next to my pillow cause I'm sleeping on the wallside.

GRILLED OR FRIED? grilled

WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE? I write my own story. And I don't wanna be someone I'm not.

ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DARK? Yes. Especially when you have siblings who sit in front of the computer screen backlit on their faces that resembles a chinese ghost -_-

FAVORITE HANGOUT? Just chilling with a good cup of latte

3 THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? Money, water, love

FAVORITE SONG? too many

ARE YOU A GIVER OR TAKER? most of the times giver, I should start taking.

WHAT ARE YOUR NICKNAMES? Ting, ting ting, mustard.

WHAT IS YOUR DADS MIDDLE NAME? This is too personal.

WHATS YOUR MOTHERS MIDDLE NAME? Again too personal!

STUCK ON A DESERTED ISLAND & COULD TAKE ONE THING? Stupid, just don't go to a deserted island (actually cause I didn't know what to take haha)

FAVORITE T.V. COMMERCIAL? PERFECT ITALIANO hahahahaha

WHO’S YOUR CELL PHONE PROVIDER? Maxis

FIRST THING YOU’LL SAVE IN A FIRE? Passport/Wallet

Whats your favorite color? Turquoise/pink/red/orange/blue/purple/all

WHAT ARE THE THINGS YOU ALWAYS TAKE WITH YOU? wallet, car keys, lip balm, water bottle, phone, headphones, pen

WHAT DID YOU WANNA BE WHEN YOU WERE A KID? a fashion designer

WHAT DO YOU USUALLY DO WHEN THE CLOCK TURNS 11:11? I dunno, prolly on tumblr. But I always look at the clock at 12:07

THE COLOR OF YOUR BEDSHEET? orange and blue (colour blocking at its best)

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT BEFORE YOU GO TO BED? why am I here/go to sleep

Regret Something You Did In The Past? too many but oh wells are always better than what ifs.

Country You Wanna Visit: France, Italy, USA, England, Japan, Around the world.

Way You Wanna Die: peaceful death

Like Thunderstorms? not a single moment of it...

Get Along W/ Your Parents? sorta. we don't really talk.

R U A Health Freak? I TRY!!! But I always end up binging

U Think Ur Attractive? Maybe?

Do You Believe In Yourself? I try to believe in whatever possible ways that I can.

Wanna Get Married? yes

Wanna Go To College? graduated.

Shower Daily? yes.

Want Kids? yes. this is the 3rd time...

When Do U Wanna Lose Your Virginity? When I'm with someone I love...

Do U Hate Anyone? I try not to hate because that means that person is always on my mind and is not worth occupying precious space in my head.

Can You Unwrap A Starburst W/ Your Tongue? We have Sugus here... never tried.

Do You Think You Can Sing? Not for the weak hearted.

Can You Open You Eyes Underwater? Yes and then it goes all bloodshot

Eat Whatever And Not Worry? not before this year.

Can You Whistle? out of tune

Can You Walk In High Heels? yes and then it'll hurt my back.

Do You Sleep W/ The Light On? nahh

Do You Like Super Spicy Foods? yes then I'll head to the toilet really often mmmm

Can You Multitask? one mind cannot be used in 2 tasks (chinese proverb lol)

Touch Your Nose W/ Your Tongue? noooo

Can You Fit In Your Locker? We don't have lockers =(

Do You Spit? eew no..

Can You Taste The Difference Between Pepsi And Coke? Yes

If You Could Wish 4 Anything…What Would You Wish? better world, richer, happiness and love

What Kind Of Perfume Or Cologne Do You Wear? Iris by Prada, Chloe by Chloe

What Kind Of Soap Do You Use? Johnson's Baby!

What’s Your Favorite Scent? Something that catches my senses, it's hard to describe

Would You Choose To Live Forever If You Could? No... then I'll have too long to settle my own problems and worry about others while I'm at it... It may be short lived but things are good as they are now.

WAFFLE TIME

2011-10-13T11:44:00.003+08:00

Here's a distinct difference of when I do "street style" pictures, and when Korean models do it...

Exhibit A: Stylenanda model (effing pretty I need her surgeon's number kthxbai)

Exhibit B: Me (and a bit of Wen haha)

blazer: forever new; white tee: cotton on; palazzo pants: korea; shoes: charles&keith; bag: miumiu; necklace: topshop; bangle: korea

I'm sorry but the waffle was too good to be true and I had to say "Peenatu Chaklet Wappu". The waffle girl (very pretty also) was holding up my freshly toasted (or what's the correct term for you cook the batter in the waffle machine? cooked?) waffle and was swinging it from left to right. Quite a scene. But then when we took a bite, and we knew why she did it, to make the waffle CRUNCHY. om nom nom.

Hence the pictures of me keep stuffing myself into waffles. Can't help it.

I look so happy in pic #1 and #2 with my food baby popping out and my flyaways. Ahhh, bliss. :D

I'm also really happy with my outfit that day cause my new palazzo pants I got just the night before, or was it just before dawn wtf, IS SO COMFY!!! Just right for the 19 degree cloudless weather. It was also THE DAY I discovered my undying love for Duty Free shopping in Korea. USD11 for OPI nail polish (after 15% discount + additional 5% off, applies to other cosmetics as well *melt*). And USD28 for my YSL lipsticks <3<3<3<3<3 (even cheaper than US stores LOVE!) And really, it's so much cheaper than cosmetics anywhere!!! My friend sort of unfriend me for a moment cause I can have unlimited amount of purchases whereas locals can only purchase up to Korean Won 300,000. :P

AND HELLO Unflattering picture :P

Colour me Tuesday: Blush

2011-10-11T03:35:00.000+08:00

I think this will come in a second instalment. I just loveeeee the blush tone. A pink hue so light that it's almost like a girl's cheeks when she's shy, yet so pure.

Anyone of you can guess which is my current iphone display? :P (hint: flower)

Routine

2011-10-11T00:05:00.002+08:00

I thought a break from my usual routine was all I needed. But apparently after one goes back to their usual routine, things remain the same. Nothing progressed, nothing has gone backwards either. It's like I'm stuck in this time loop, doing the same thing over and over again.

If only there's this "sanctuary" that I can check-in to, like Naoko (from Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami, read it, it's such a great great book) where everyone with problems stays together, when birds of the same feather flock together, you won't feel as weird, you won't feel like a social outcast. I know everyone has their own problems to deal with, but maybe it's just I don't know how to deal with mine. I'm cooped up in this comfortable space for too long. Maybe the break from my routine isn't traveling nor doing things I've not done before, maybe it's something that is SO common that everyone does it everyday but yet we've ignored it on a daily basis. What's that? Not sure.

I haven't had the time to go all "healthy" and shit but I'm still trying. This plateau that I've been at for the longest of time is not driving me insane (yet) but I feel alright, I don't feel "fat" like how my mom told me before I left. Right now, I'm working more towards on gaining muscles instead of being all skinny, I'm pretty sure that when I'm all toned out I'll look leaner. I give myself till my 21st, I wanna look pretty in my birthday dress that I've bought in April (for which I was able to fit in at that time not too sure about now), and also I wanna give myself a birthday gift. A gift for holding on for so long, a gift for myself, something significant and something I'll treasure. On a funnier note, while lugging my luggage around during my trip, it was as if I'm doing deadlifts at the gym! Who says you can't workout while travelling? I walked till my knee dimples came back hah!!

This "gap year" that I've taken is for me to find strength, to seek truth, to seek my own self. Such is reality and hopefully with positive thinking, things will go right, in some way. And for whatever that I've wished for, I'm sure my god will work his magic in making things right, just not right now, but in some crazy ways that he thinks that suits me best.

Have faith.

Like a diamond in the sky

2011-10-09T23:00:00.003+08:00

Random note: I have no idea what gajah is in the ceiling but I can hear stomping, running and rumbling sounds. Kinda creepy and I hope it doesn't break the ceiling if not I'll freak!!!! I think it's some cat chasing after rats. Geee go elsewhere please?

******************************************

Back from Seoul!!! Super tiring trip, let's just say I didn't sleep a lot, and when I do sleep I'll slap on a mask just so my skin won't suffer too much from the lack of rest. T_T I think I had 3+4+4 hours of sleep. Total of 11. I did NOT sleep on the night I arrive and shopped till morning and met up with Seulgi the afternoon after. Bought lotsa basic tops that I can live in forever!!! :D So happy and the quality beats those from F21/topshop handsdown!

Pictures later. I had fun dressing up in the cold-ish weather!! Just nice to roam around in shorts (for me la I didn't put on tights heh but it wasn't that cold! Around 20, I used to wear sleeveless in 20 degrees Melbourne weather k!). Pretty people, pretty boys, pretty clothes, GREAT COFFEE (2-3 cups a day omnomnom) and some eye candy hehehehe. LOTSA cosmetics and face masks, they better do good to my skin!!!

And just a mini update I had minor acne outbreak 2 weeks ago while I was away. And it was all over my chest, upper back and face. Small little bumps all over my face, such a pain to put on makeup! It was that bad I had to take antibiotics -_- And it doesn't help right after I return I set off to Seoul again and no rest, so yes, face mask during sleep is a must! Will do some reviews on the masks I got! :D

PRETTY PINK NAILS!!! Got the OPI nail polishes from Lotte Duty Free! SO CHEAP OKAY! Liek RM 35 per bottle. #WIN!

*******************************

One thing I love flying alone is that you can sleep whenever you want, read whenever you want and just do whatever you want! But I hate having to sit at the windiw seat and not able to go to the toilets! -_- But yet I love window seats cause everytime I take a night flight, the night skies never fail to put a smile on my face. It gives this sense of serenity in the dark, stars glistening brighter than any Cartier diamonds. I could almost play connect the dots with all the stars. I'll always spot for Orion's belt, and try to make out the entire image of the archer.

And there will be one star that shines the brightest, it's always located slightly below the belt and I notice it's always there when I look up the skies (even when I'm not flying). There are stars that didn't shine as bright, but its light never goes out, they are like the shy ones, shining every now and then. But without them, the entire night skies won't be as bright. Ahh, how cool is this?

And one more thing that I'll do apart from sticking my nose on the window to take a closer and clearer look at the skies, I'll always make a wish because it's always better to have wishful thinking. Who knows, for every star that I was concentrating on, there might be shooting star(s) crossing paths that my human eyes might have missed.

Sorry this may bore you, but next time, really, take a look out of the window. Think out of the box. Expect the unexpected. Make a wish, take the fall if it's what you wish for.

Ok that gajah in the ceiling is still here -_-

Style Inspiration

2011-10-08T03:59:00.000+08:00

Not sure why but somehow I'm not so into following trends as of late, but somehow I find these few looks to be so so comfortable yet CHIC!!!

"Fashion come and go but style is forever." - Yves Saint Laurent

All I can say is.... ONE KIND!!! Don't you see the similarities?? I still think I'm forever living in Spring Summer. LOVE!!

Colour Me Tuesday: Yellow

2011-10-04T03:22:00.002+08:00

Homebound

2011-10-03T22:16:00.002+08:00

Some call it itchy backside but I prefer to call it jetsetting. :P

Finally home, and let's just say the past month has been a whirlwind of emotions, homesickness and a little weaker (in the sense of stamina haha). Buckets of tears were shed but that only prove that I'm still alive and still going on. :)

Reinstated my gym membership and went for my first session today, huffed like the big bad wolf during combat and skipped a track. My heart was beating so fast that I left to the ladies and lied flat on the bench and blacked out for a moment, was pretty intense considering that I almost puked after drinking a little water and hence leaving half way for a quick break and continue again. On a brighter note my 1km run time improved, only by a mere 6 seconds but this time I ran from start till end and kept going till about 1.5k!!!

A little upset today cause I wanted to sign up for the Nike KL 10k run thing but it's full already =(((((( I'm trying to look for marathons to test my limits and GO FOR IT!!!

Anyway continuation from my first sentence.

Guess where I'm heading next :P

seriously my grin is like super wide hahahahaha

SEOUL YA'LL!!! I'll be heading with Wen for the 2nd time and I'll be meeting Seulgi my pretty petite baby =D SO EXCITED!!!! And and and the best thing is I booked my tickets less than 48 hours before departure. #likeaboss #winning

SHOPPING and dressing up!!! :D:D:D:D:D Neeeee

Past. Future.

2011-10-02T11:21:00.001+08:00

Forget what hurt you in the past. But never forget what it taught you. And in the pain there will be healing.

:)

Pretty Faces

2011-10-01T03:53:00.002+08:00

Sometimes we wonder why we are not models and here's the answer why hahahahaha Just look at those PIERCING eyes, each and everyone of them!!! Something so hauntingly beautiful about them!! Especially Ashley Smith, Abbey Lee Kershaw, Barbara Palvin, Frida Guvtavsson, Daphne Groeneveld and Arizone Muse. Can someone tell me the name of the rest of them?? Especially the brown girl with blue eyes and the girl with the piercings, so so so pretty.

Colour me Tuesday: Turquoise

2011-09-27T03:03:00.001+08:00

Legit

2011-09-23T11:02:00.001+08:00

"Is there an illegal version of it?"

Wen asked.

The conversation started "I thought you were making kuih lapis as in the 9 layer kuih with red pink and white stripes! Say la it's Sunflower* cake"

The sentence before was actually "It's call Kuih lapis Legit". And hence Wen's reaction of the illegal version.

*Sunflower cake is a brand that sells only kuih lapis Sarawak, which taste like heaven and cinnamon together, moist and fattening, just the kind we love. And one fine day the bakery at Uptown decided to vanish into thin air, leaving heaven no longer a place on earth. But hope is still there when there is a hungry kid with the time to spare, a little patience and 20 egg yolks.

It was Raya and all I can think of is kuih lapis (the sunflower version, not pink red stripe_ and prior to that one of my friend gave me a small loaf of Nescafe kuih lapis, but nothing taste as good as the original flavour. And so I went in search for Kuih Lapis Legit recipes. Recipe adapted from MadBaker, but I changed it a little. Instead of 340g of sugar I used about 290grams (and it taste alright, not too sweet!) and for the mixed spice I made it myself by mixing cinnamon powder (1 teaspoon), star anise (about 5) and cloves (about 12). (REMEMBER to sift your ground spices before adding into the flour!). And I double sifted my flour cause I want more air incorporated (did you know that the more you sift your flour, the less you'll need? I actually had extra 10 grams of flour after I double sift it!)

Kueh Lapis Spekkoek (legit!)

Ingredients
20 egg yolks
4 egg whites
500g salted butter
3 tbsp condensed milk
290g sugar
200g plain flour
2 tsp ground mixed spices
2 tsp vanilla essence

Method
1. Butter the base of an 8″ X 8″ X 2.5″ pan and line with baking parchment.
2. Pre-heat your oven, selecting the grill function.
3. Sift the plain flour and mixed spices together.
4. Beat the egg yolks and sugar together until pale yellow, thick and creamy
5. Cream the butter and condensed milk together until soft and fluffy. Add the creamed butter to the egg yolk mixture and mix until combined.
6. Beat the egg whites until medium firm peaks.
7. Fold in the egg whites, followed by the flour mixture into the rest of the batter.
8. Stir in the vanilla essence and rum until well-combined.
9. Spread a thin layer of batter onto the parchment paper.
10. Grill for 7 - 8 mins on the lowest rack in your oven or until lightly golden brown.
11. Remove cake pan from oven and press the baked layer down lightly with a metal fondant smoother. Prick all over the layer of cake with a toothpick.
12. Repeat steps 9 to 11 for each layer. (Optional: Add prunes on every second or third layer).
13. For the last layer, turn the oven down to 180 degrees C and bake on middle rung for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
14. Remove from oven and run a paring knife along the edges of the cake pan.
15. Turn the kueh lapis out of the pan and remove the baking parchment.
16. Flip cake back upright and let cool.

This is like my version of daring bakers challenge. You'll never know how the processes work till you try it! It was pretty tiring considering you'll need to check it every few minutes. I think it's best to preheat your pan in the oven so the batter spreads easily around. Use a scoope or measuring cup to pour into the pan to get more even layers. Mine was a little burnt cause I made a mistake by grilling the last layer first THEN I bake it for another 10 minutes or so. Also it doesn't help if you're skyping with a friend in Singapore while baking cause you get preoccupied and forgotten to check on the layers hence there were darker "lines" in certain layer cause the top was a little charred. And that's prolly the reason my cake was a little dry at the end, but I guess after leaving out for a couple of days it should be more moist and the flavour of the spices will set it more. Give it a go!!! I took about 3.5 hours to prep and bake. For easier steps, prep everything before you start mixing the ingredients, that way things will go smoothly and you won't mix up the steps. ;)

20 egg yolks, is a whole lot of cholesterol. Did I mention 500 grams of butter too? No wonder they taste so good.

Tip: for normal oven without the top bottom option (like mine) put on Grill function and what I did was place a pan at the very bottom rack to "shield" direct heat on the bottom layer, so the only the top layer is being grilled. And I've read recipes of them baking it in a waterbath, I think that's how they make it more moist, shall try it next time!! :)

Ash

2011-09-19T10:48:00.000+08:00

note: this is no an advertorial.

Some backdated picture before I left. Heard lotsa raving reviews about Liese bubble hair dye and because I am marketers' dream come true to be so easily sold by advertisements and the little adventurer in me decided to give it a shot! I simply had no time to spare to head to Yen's and my regrowth is disgusting. I think the Hoe sisters have this thing of whenever we're leaving home for a longer period we'll need to fix our hair, because who knows what might happen (read: maybe meet a new guy and no you don't want ugly 3 inch regrowth, and no, it's no where near the ombre effect wtf)

At RM38 a pop, I'd say it's a pretty good deal (unless you get to buy at a cheaper price I hate you!). Known as the queen of DIY hairdye in the family, this is probably my 10th time or so dying my own hair so the processes were no stranger to me!

I have always wanted to get ash brown colour though the "ash" that Liese has is not the ash that I wanted, I want like more ash you get what I mean (more la la wtf). They have I think 8 different colours and I think I wanna try this purple thing shade next wtf.

Trust the Japanese to do it better. Their packaging is prettier, the gloves are better (they gave RUBBER gloves (can top as condom if you run out of it wtf) and the usual brands like Loreal, Garnier etc they give you PLASTIC gloves. -_-

The usual process, mix colourant into oxidizer liquid (they call it empty 1 into 2 haha) and INVERT it instead of shaking it vigorously. I always find it so scary that whenever I try to shake the bottle vigorously the bottle might explode or the tip of the squeezy bottle will pop open and splat all over. Then I cap on the foaming cap! Funny is you don't press to release the foam but you squeeze the bottle gently. (Reminds me of the Neutrogena foaming cleanser hahaha love that).

Apply evenly onto your hair and massage it into your hair like you're shampooing your hair.

Wait for 20-30 minutes (I did the mistake of leaving it on for 35 minutes cause I was watching drama -_- But then again the longer you leave it on the more intense your colour becomes cause your hair strands will work its magic with the oxidizer and become more damage and let it DYE (haha pun intended).

END RESULT:

sorry no picture wtf. The colour came up pretty close to what it shown on the packaging! Except that my hair was previously dyed red so there's still a tinge of red undertone to it, but I'm very satisfied with the end results!!! My hair is evenly dyed (or is it my skills? haha) and my roots were nicely covered in a slight ashy tone. LOVE IT!!!

So verdict: Get a pack if you don't have time for the salon or maybe the wallet to pay for salon coloured locks. It's actually pretty fun to dye your hair on your own just that you'll need to wear black, and avoid staining yourself case getting dye on your skin is similar to Mondays, like a bitch.

Tom Ford

2011-09-17T16:44:00.000+08:00

Remember me mentioning about wanting to get new specs? I did! And I'm in love!!! Still need some adjusting to the new lenses (fml power increase by 0.25 on right eye, I thought my power was stabilized and was considering lasik T_T)

I think I look... a little funny, or maybe I'm not used to. Or also maybe cause I was trying it on with makeup on. You know this kinda decision you have to make with your hair up and down, fringe up and down swipe back side sweep with makeup without makeup. But then I cannot be bothered wtf. I mean it's what I've been looking for, tortoise shell, squarish frame and it's new!! hahaha I'm so superficial ~~sometimes~~ I mean all the time.

PS: I realise I haven't been posting pictures of myself lately =/ Don't know why but haven't been feeling... pretty. No mood to dressup, no mood to put on makeup etc. le sigh.

RELAX TAKE IT EASY

2011-09-15T11:31:00.000+08:00

Was looking through my pictures and found these!!! AHAHAHAHAHAHA This was in 2009 when the sisters popped by Melbourne and we were having dinner at Stalactites (Greek food mm yummy baklava and souvlaki) but look at this!!!!

and damn I look kinda different right? hahaha please say yes!!!! hahahahaha

Words don't come easy

2011-09-12T23:15:00.002+08:00

I don't know how to put this in words. Many people have asked me and wondered what I have been doing for the past few months and so many months has gone by. To be honest, I have been doing nothing. It must sound really disgusting, living off my parents, all I do is waste money (well that is all what you're concern about no? how we spend our money, really it's none of your business) and waste time cooking. I mean to me it's not a waste of time, it's something I find enjoyment in doing, past the time. And no, I have not found a job. And no I don't need you to tell me what I need to do, really, I spent most of my lives listening to what I should do, but actually what I COULD and WOULD do, is totally different from what I should do and what I wanna do. WOULDA COULDA SHOULDA whatever.

Life goes on and so here I am. I'll be taking some time off, to myself, with full support of my parents and rest of my family and my friends (well most of them don't have a choice anyway haha) and I'm going away for couple of weeks. There is a return ticket, don't worry (unless anything happens *touch wood*).

What I know is this ticket comes with a complete package that will guarantee me with unlimited time to myself (#foreveralone wtf), happiness, soul searching and maybe discover a side of me that I never know and a guaranteed lifetime experience that though money is spent to gain it, but it's something more than, way way way much more than what money can buy . It has always been a dream of mine to go away on my own, search for things that I've never seen before, discovering new routes in life, eating different weird food and delicious ones of course :P Maybe I have been too hard on myself on the whole diet fitness thing, maybe I am unsure what I want in life, maybe a break from routines is all I need.But here I don't need any of your judgments nor your support, if you hate what I'm doing, I can't do a thing, if you are here for me to show your support, I thank you in advance.

I will still be updating this site when I get the chance too, some might be scheduled, some might be impromptu, who knows? :)

I just hope this hiatus won't go on for too long, but then again, who knows how long this will take? How far will I go? Only time will tell.

All the best in your lives, come back soon, there will be updates, I promise. :) *crosses pinky*

Triple chocolate!!!

2011-09-08T22:25:00.002+08:00

Was dad's birthday last week and decided to make triple chocolate cheese cake!!! Wanted to make like a zebra print on the inside, you know looks like stripey when you cut it open!

Made with oreo base YUM!!!

SORRY I SUCK I never take after shots!! Was too busy eating LOL but taste a bit funny and too jelak!!!

Solutions for leftover oreo's? EAT!

3 random things that happened today.

2011-09-06T05:27:00.002+08:00

source: justlittlethings.tumblr.com

1. Didn't manage to spend more time with my family (read: supper) but in the end I sacrificed sleep for some awesome Bak Kut Teh fix. Now now if only I can have some lau sah pau mmmmmm ALSO I manage to print out pictures that I've been wanting to print and give out to friends and some just for keep's sake. I miss flipping through photo albums. I have 469 pictures printed in total and god I'm still not done sorting them out! But looking through the pictures made me noticed how much I've changed and nostalgia came flowing like Nigeria falls.
2. People actually remembers the random things I say! GOOD ON YOU MATE! Pay attention to those you are talking to next time, you never know how itty bitty details count! :)
3. Thank you to random dude with long hair and the gf for letting me go first by holding the door. I always, ALWAYS say THANK YOU louder when someone do so.

Anna Catherine

2011-09-04T12:07:00.001+08:00

photos credit: vanessa jackman

I think I have a major girl crush on Anne Catherine. Don't know where she came from but her smile is just GORGEOUS!!!!! I'm considering chopping my hair short like hers despite my pau-like face. T___T I mean how can one make leopard print + check print work!!!?? SHE DID!!!

Love her style, her smile, her hair, her eyes, her clothes. I think I might just turn lesbian for her wtf! (sorry I'm straight, I will still dream to marry Takeshi Kaneshiro, fuck Hugh Grant/jong yong-hwa/goong yoo/song seung-hyun/top/ryan gosling/theo hutchcraft and whichever hot men I've mentioned here before hehehehe)

I mean like her style is so... nonchalant chic. "So today I feel like carrying a huge bag and wearing skirt so I put on a beret and voila!" T__T Doesn't help much that these people are born pretty and thin and lean and they can carry off any shit.

I need to rediscover my style... Haven't been having the "zen" to dress up lately but then again I've spent way too much on my "kitchen". OH WELL!

Don't Say No Two Panda

2011-09-02T23:05:00.002+08:00

My title is so punny... GEDDIT GEDDIT!???? No TWO panda cause it's my second attempt?? hahahahahahahaha I'm so witty that's why you love meeeeee :D

For recipe please go to here. I made a mistake by using normal plain flour and cause I need to mix the dough twice to add in colouring and what not so my bread was kinda tough =/ But well it was cute while it lasted!!! And also cause I ran out of milk so I used my brother's chocolate milk! My panda loaf is named Beyonce cause she's brown! Jezmine made a joke by saying it's a Malay panda wtf, and just in time for Raya!!!! (sorry you're missing all the fun on twitter aww there there)

tip: when shaping the dough, it's best to let your dough rest for a while (say at least 30 seconds to 1 minute) to let the gluten relax, then it's easier to shape it again to your desired shape/length. It'll come to a point where your dough will stop changing shape and you're only breaking it apart, let it rest. That's why they say baking is science for lazy people.

p/s: that 4 roll of black stool looking thing is actually the dough for eyes and ears of Beyonce wtf.

My panda's eyes are still droopy (it runs in the family yo) and also cause I never had the patience to wait for it to rise properly so I sneak out for lunch and market while waiting for it to rise and was left out for twice the amount of time that was supposed to be left out *shifty eyes*. It's okay. Afterall, that's why Botox was invented no?

Maybe should try FROG next, I'm sure le bestie would love it. :)

Footnoting

2011-08-31T10:45:00.004+08:00

I find it hard to be positive as of lately. I used to be this "inspiration" to quite a number of people by giving positive talks and all optimism but I seem to have misplaced it somewhere. And then there are those who have the full unnecessary intention to bring me down but I don't give two hoots. Then there are those who told me to just keep your head up high, things will fall into place if you stop caring so much. The more you care, the less happy you'll be. Quite true. And then now I've decided that I'm going to be happy and positive because it's good for my health. Vice versa if I'm healthy I'll be happy*.

You see, when I told myself at the first second of year 2011, I will CHANGE **. I wanted changes. A breakthrough. Something different. Not just physically but also emotionally/mentally. So I started by changing myself. Then I started to see some changes. People's attitude towards me changed as well (or maybe they have changed who knows?), I try to be more "approachable" but that only applies to new people/strangers that I've met. Part of me (mostly) is still this shy/awkward person.

Maybe this year is about me finding strength within myself and not looking to others for it. Maybe this year is about me finding myself, discovering my weaknesses, my capabilities, my future. I'm turning 21 this year ***. It may have only took me several minutes of realization to discover what I want in life, but the past has taught me so much in discovering myself. Maybe the change that I was hoping for is to breakaway from my past. Maybe this change is not to change who I am, but the direction of life that I'm heading to. As confused as this may sound, I have no clear pictures or ideas of where all of this leads to. But this is the beauty of life, no one can tell me what lies ahead. One single wrong turn may lead you to another road that may have better opportunities or maybe a dead end. It is never too late to turn back.

Happiness is a mood and not a destination. If you want to be happy, BE ****.

footnote:
* this is from a girl who just had roti pisang with condensed milk for supper the previous night, this statement may or may not be true. Statement partly true cause girl mentioned above is extremely satisfied with her buttery roti pisang drizzled with condensed milk.

** The exact statement was actually "I will lose weight/get thin no matter what it takes". Keyword: no matter what.

*** Stop giving me the "WHAT? You're only 21?" "You look mature" bullshit. YES I know I need to stock up on facial lifting cream thanks.

**** Examples of activities includes: Eating, shopping, watching a good show, watching cute little puppies roll around, put your knees close to your chest wrap your arms around it and roll around like a fool, looking at cute babies laughing.

p/s: this is just a self reminder note thing to myself to remind me why I held on for so long.
p/p/s: I have some major news to announce soon.

Monday

2011-08-29T14:45:00.002+08:00

So why be so blue on a Monday unless you want 1/7th of your life to be blue and miserable.

******************************

Recently (like very recent, last Friday) I've started attending Yoga! YES you heard me, I'm quite tired of running around, cardio everyday, lifting weights and it is quite awkward for me to walk to the machines and lift at 20kg plates. Everytime I try to adjust the plates to my choice I got a shock at the previous users' weight 40-50s kg range wtf -_- And where are the girls when I need them to lift weights with me!?

Went for hot yoga and omg I was sweating like a pig!!!! I know it's not good to sweat too much cause you lose out body fluids and just drink lots of water after to replenish! And one whole hour of pure stretching and balancing and breathing got me leaving the studio feeling more refreshed than ever. And on a brighter note, I can feel my biceps and triceps so tight and sore just after 2 sessions, for real. I mean it's not easy to support a 70kg body doing downward dog and planks and upward dog positions. I think that beats the 25kg plates I've been doing on my low rows HAHA!!! And it's only my first week so don't be too harsh on me, I don't understand all the tamil/hindu words they were saying for the poses like Deepak Chopra chapati thosai Chakra wtf Sorry do not comprehend.

NEEEE so cute. UPWARD DOG POSITION hahahahahaha

Hopefully in few months time I'll be able to twist myself into a pretzel :P

Orange

2011-08-28T21:52:00.002+08:00

Was mad craving craving CRAVING for Mart130's infamous toast that I cannot stop raving about. But it's about 6000 kilometres away from where I am right now so I have to settle for less T_T I'm short of mascarpone cheese and time. I specially made panda brioche (cause I like to eat cute things) for this!!! If you wanna know what is dedication, please refer to picture number 1 wtf cause I made the loaf to make french toast!

Panda brioche post another day.

From what remember (I'll never forget it btw) the name of the french toast is French toast with orange syrup, macadamia nuts, bananas and vanilla bean mascarpone. I'm short of macadamia nuts as well (cause those damn nuts cost like 50 bucks for a pack -_-). And because I was rushing for gym and I **HAVE** to eat before working out, I made orange infused honey instead of orange syrup (and less sugar too yeay! Honey is natural honey ok...) and for more flavour, I added orange zest into my butter for the toast! :D Top with a little vanilla bean and a banana om nom nom.

Of course it's not AS good as the mart 130 one, but close enough. ONE DAY when I'm not in such hurry I shall make a proper one. I can eat that shit everyday (and digestives too)

ps: my panda bread crack when I tried to flip it and looks like it has a smirk on it in the last picture haha. HAPPY PANDA!

Something personal

2011-08-26T23:15:00.002+08:00

As cliche as it sounds, some day I'd like to get myself a star, heart and triangle tattoo. Just a matter of time, not now. Not yet. Triangle is due to personal reasons which I believe I've explained before, something significant to myself. As of sparrows, it's cause I love how they look (read: miumiu ss10 collection?) and they look so pretty, I'd love to have outlines instead of fully coloured though. Not sure what my parents are gonna say about it but I think the first one would definitely be somewhere hidden. I'd also like to have one on my arm, inner arm, ankle, ribcage, sternum and maybe nape. But as much as I love those really colourful looking alice-in-the-wonderland kinda body art, it's not really my thing, I think it looks pretty in black ink itself! :D

If you were allowed to get a tattoo or you would want to get one, what would it be, where would you put it and why? SHARE!

insert title

2011-08-25T21:56:00.002+08:00

They say give it time, everything will fall in line.

ps: I'm sorry about the so called half hearted posts as of late but really, my life will bore you if I were to write everything down. Same old, but fatter and heavier. that's all.

Little things in life

2011-08-23T23:59:00.000+08:00

Wen just left to Korea for yet another stocking trip for Azorias and you know what that means!??!?!?! New arrivals hehehehehehehehe hopefully that woman will be able to score some really pretty shit for me ya'll =3 And I'm left all alone BOOOHOOOO not!! I'm not that sad ok I still have *some* friends left in le home country. Can you believe it's Raya next week already!? I haven't been a good Embun I haven't been fasting on Fridays!!!!!! (!!!!!)

so.... Yah after wen left I'm left with nothing to do but to starve myself and go to the gym and so to stop myself from eating I went shopping. And you know what they say when you go shopping hungry....

this always happens even if I'm not hungry. Can't help but I have a bottomless stomach (no one can ever deny when they see me eat T_T)

new shoe :D I need more flats since I'm too tall for heels fuck that shit lor, not my fault that I'm tall ok, ppl should just stop staring when I'm 6ft 2 (after heels that is)! T_T

Been looking for a pair of woven flats for ages!!! The last time I saw one was at Sportsgirl during christmas (that was like what? 8 months ago yo) and I regret not buying, I mean it was rather simple nude leather woven peeptoes, but they were so cute!!!! But these ones are cheaper, and they're mustard and navy! :D Impulse or whatever, I need more flats that is. :D And I'm quite surprise that C&K shoes are really comfortable! I tried on these other pair of loafers with fringe and they were like cushions underneath my feet. I cannot tell you what's gonna happen later but it was love at first slip :D

Was early for gym so headed for some skinny Mocha (how skinny can that be when there's CHOCOLATE SAUCE clogged at the bottom of the cup haha) and some good read!!! I got this book about a month ago. No regrets. Taught me so much about time, thinking about life, wasting precious seconds away and it's from a science fiction HEH! Highly recommended and it's like super random/boh liao, just my kind of book (rather than the usual chick lit, licking pussies etc wtf!)

And super random moment! Was about to collect towel from the counter and they were giving out free Anlene samples lately and the usual towel guy gave me TWO hahahahah MADE MY DAY!! Yeah so now I have a mini collection of Anlene in my fridge hahahahaha (yah I don't drink milk cause it gives me the runssss la la la)

See? It only takes so little to make me happy. Why oh why have i been hating on myself lately.

That was my Monday. Come to think about it, it wasn't as blue eh??

Hypocrite

2011-08-22T22:41:00.001+08:00

Update: Boudoir-Boudoir updated, please clear some of the items? Thanks love!!

If there is one thing I hate about myself is that I always say I should go for it, but I never do so.

BRAID

2011-08-21T13:33:00.002+08:00

I have a confession to make... No it's nothing big but... I. cut. my. own. fringe. and now it's at this not too long or to short stage that's covering my eyes and it's uneven and it has those mice-bitten like edges and I don't like it -_- And when I see all these pretty pictures of long hair braided with flowers (DID YOU WATCH TANGLED HER HAIR IS LIKE OMGDJAHBJBDFS AMAZING) and now I miss my long hair but I think short hair suits me more?

T________T

I need to get a trim soon cause me hair is ~~getting~~ already out of shape. D:

HOW DO THESE PEOPLE MASTER THE ART OF BRAIDING!??? I've been trying to do the one in pic #5 and #6 but fail big time cause my hair is too short and when I try to "curl" it I look like an ahjumma wtf. So all I can do now is braid my fringe fml cause that's the only part I can see -_- and even then my fringe is too short and the ends keep poking out #storyofmylife.

follow me on twitter!

Almond Frangipane

2011-08-18T17:50:00.003+08:00

In the mood for tarts again!!! I love having sweet tarts and decided to make some new flavour. Tried out Tartlette's frangipane almond tart with pears! :D Did you know that Pate Sucree and Pate Sable is 2 different things!!!?????

So this recipe requires honey and you know how I love honey with almonds (even my cereal has almonds and honey in it! Post Honey Bunches of Oats!).

Picture of my tart!!! Loving the colours, the golden brown of the frangipane and honey, salivate!!!!!

I just started this whole food photography thing and I even bought new table cloth for my dining table!!! I even bought rose petals (ok fine my mom did!) and erm to decorate.

Chronological.

2011-08-17T14:03:00.000+08:00

Most people I know live their lives moving in a constant forward direction, the whole time looking backward.

Time

2011-08-16T10:01:00.000+08:00

"It's true: Time does heal. It will do so whether you like it or not, and there's nothing anyone can do about it. If you're not careful, time will take away everything that ever hurt you, everything you have ever lost, and replace it with knowledge. Time is a machine: it will convert your pain into experience. Raw data will be compiled, will be translated into a more comprehensible language. The individual events of your life will be transmuted into another substance called memory and in the mechanism something will be lost and you will never be able to reverse it, you will never again have the original moment back in its uncategorized, preprocessed state. It will force you to move on and you will not have a choice in the matter."

So true. So much to tell about time, and how time will tell. Time. Simplified.

Mango Tango

2011-08-14T16:28:00.002+08:00

I need to whip out my camera to take proper pictures not just phone camera!!!! I wanna do food photography can??? hahahaha I need a prettier dining table, a prettier house and a prettier kitchen. Too greedy meh.

MANGO CHEESECAKE!!!! The last time I had this was when le bestie's mom made them for me cause she knows I love them (and also my extended family WTF). This time cause I was low on cream cheese so I used 250gms of cream cheese instead of 500gm so it turned out to be more moussy than like a cheesecake. This is a no-bake recipe, and I was just roughly estimating the amount of gelatine to use, so I think I only used like... half a tablespoon instead of one -_- Hence the mousse like texture but taste wise it is AWTHUMMMM :D

You'll need:

500gm mangoes, cubed (I use 2 Waterlily mango, super sweet!)
500gm cream cheese (I was too kiamsap, I used 250gm)
1/4 cup sugar or enough to taste (my mangoes are already really sweet!)
juice of 1 lemon
zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup water
1 tbs gelatine powder (fuck did you know after you dissolve gelatine it smells like ass? like literally)
300ml cream (I used non-dairy cream, it's more sweet than the usual milky rich cream, but you can use normal whipping cream)
about 8-10 Digestives biscuits, crumbed
1/4 cup butter, melted

You will have to:
- mix melted butter + digestives biscuits, pour into your pan/mould and press firmly with your fingers or a spoon, chill in freezer till you need it.
- dissolve gelatine in water in microwave for about 20 seconds (BEWARE: Smells REALLY bad). Stir well and set aside to cool.
- cream the cheese and sugar with lemon zest and juice. Blend cream with half of the mangoes.
- Mix the mango cream into cream cheese mixture, add in gelatine and mix well.
- Gently fold in remaining mango cubes into cheesecake batter, then pour onto prepared pan/mould.
- Refrigerate for few hours or overnight till set.

I realise I used more butter than required cause I didn't weigh/measure how much butter I needed but just a rough estimation, so when it's chilled the butter hardens and hence my base is more crunchy/hard. But who can complain when it's DIGESTIVES biscuit base hahahaha. LOVE! Try it, it really is damn yums =D

Also I've read some recipes that they used WHIPPED cream (well you whip it yourself la, store bought ones are just horrible), does it help it to set more?

Talking about le bestie (i miss her loads boo), look at her DS Lite skin!!! SO CUTEEEEEE TOKIDOKI ROAR MONSTER BLABLABLACKSHEEP TOO KIUT.

yeay thigh gap hahahaha this was taken 1 mth back. I've gained like... 5 kgs over the past month, I'm almost back to my original weight, fuck me.

Say Hey

2011-08-13T01:24:00.002+08:00

BOOOO!!!!

Got this new fake frames and I kinda like it! :D Contemplating to get real lenses prescribed to these :D And and and if not I wanna get new frames cause the ones I'm currently wearing is around 5-6 years old and the lens are scratched to the core (no thanks to travelling packing yada yada and just chucking it into my bag tralala) and I just need new frames don't chu get it!?

Saw this amazing ones from Viktor & Rolf on the SA at miumiu and I love itttt but haven't tried it wtf I fall too easily for pretty things HEE!

PRETTIEST TEA EVER!!!! Mine came in a heart shape block of tea leaves and it bloomed to have this flower circle bush thing after soaking in hot water (for damn long wtf just because I'm a hopeless romantic to choose heart shape!). The aunties chose other shapes and it came up to some really pretty looking flowers too!! :D Best thing it tastes yummy and mummy's getting some as well HEEEE. Oh China you've outdone yourself again.

I know I haven't been blogging properly and have been overusing my camera in my phone but it's so convenient! I need to drag myself out and start taking pictures!!! Maybe a KL day out alone and just roam around like a tourist =DDDD FUN!

Littlest thing

2011-08-12T00:10:00.002+08:00

Really I am 85% confirmed that the post written few days ago was due to hormones, but really, I'm a lot better right now. And having nasi briyani and mango cheesecake for dinner can't be that bad eh? :P But thank you all for those lovely comments, these small little things will soon become a big picture. :)

Another thing to cheer me up is... SS2 wai sek gai (i call it that cause I dunno what should I call it, the ABC store has been there ever since and it still taste the same!!)

One thing I LOVEEEEE about their ABC is the generous amount of gula melaka and rose syrup that balances so well, and not too sweet, and it taste like JELLY!!!! It's a compliment when we say the food taste like chicken nuggets or mango pudding or jelly or anything processed, cause seriously when you make something from scratch to taste like processed food, it says something hahahha what kinda logic.

YUMMMMMMMMM

a little project I'm working on now, (well of course that is not my kitchen, I wish it'd be though T_T) is to clean out the kitchen so I can work on more yummy food and actually cook more often, so at least I know what's going into my food! So far I'm sorta done sorting out some new plates and cutleries I just got and the dining area. Sort of done but I still have to clean the wet kitchen, find a space to accommodate my new pots (it is love, pictures up soon :P) and my pink mixing bowl =3. Just one more pink kitchenaid and ice-cream machine and food processor and a pink set of knives and I'll be fucking happy!!! :D

Can't wait till the day the kitchen can go into some serious makeover, cause the cupboards are getting old (14 years since it was installed I think) and it hasn't been well maintained until recently I decided to CLEAN it with dettol, antiseptic, lemon juice etc can you imagine the amount of shit collecting?? And my grandma has been keeping god knows what so it was more like THROW THROW THROW and getting rid of things that we don't use, to be put into better use (like donating some unused tumbler bottles and reusing the 29831289237483 tupperwares -_-)

I hope I can get my Kitchenaid for my 21st T____T Wanna sponsor me?? :P

ps: I'm sorry if I'm turning into such an aunty but, you see... I don't have a choice cause my mom dropped me this "job" to clean the kitchen and make it a better place. For me at least :P

Coconut

2011-08-10T23:04:00.001+08:00

Had a can of coconut cream lying around and decided to make CAKE. This was made early last month in my crazy crazy cake fest. Was craving for some coconut, and some cake layer goodness, so Coconut Cream tiramisu it is.

You'll need:

a can of coconut cream (I use Ayam Brand, 400ml, but there'll be excess)
5 tbs Baileys (or depending how alcoholic you are)
1/2 shredded coconut, toasted till golden brown or a little crunchy (or more if you want more artery clogging action)
250gm mascarpone cheese
3 eggs, separated
3 tbs sugar
100ml water to dilute the coconut cream
20 sponge fingers
silvered almonds (toasted) for garnishing

Makes 1 4x8 inch loaf + 2 ramekins worth of tiramisu

cream egg yolks and sugar till pale and fluffy
beat mascarpone till creamy, then fold into yolk mixture, add in a little Baileys and coconut cream, till you get a creamy texture, mix in shredded coconut
beat egg whites till stiff peak stage
sacrifice a little egg white into mascarpone texture, and carefully fold into egg whites.
Dilute coconut cream (or use coconut milk/coconut water, just for flavour). You may add more Baileys if you wish.
Soak sponge fingers into coconut milk.
Assemble: layer thick layer of the coconut mascarpone cream, then arrange soaked sponge fingers evenly.
Repeat till you get about 2 layers, and finish off with a thick layer of coconut mascarpone cream, top with almond flakes and toasted coconut shreds. Chill till set, few hours or overnight.

EAT.

ps: no finished product cause I forgotten to snap a picture before it's gone. yumzaaa

I'll go back to RED~~~

2011-08-09T12:31:00.000+08:00

Major dilemmmaaaaaaa I was looking back at my old pictures and I really REALLY miss my red hair =(((((((((

The last time I dyed it red was when I was in Korea for holidays and I missed it so much after looking at the pictures again!!!! =(

It was SO BRIGHT RED and I love it cause I'm so AA (attract attention wtf) and it looks so silky smooth when it's red!

SHOULD I!?????

Pursuit of Happyness.

2011-08-08T10:51:00.003+08:00

update: Thank you for all of your kind kind kind lovely comments! Do not worry about me. I am very very blessed to have all I want and need in my life, maybe it's just that I'm a little too obsessed over the whole weight issues and maybe there are some other things which I don't know what yet but I do appreciate everything around me, be it having my lovely family around me and beautiful people surrounding me giving me great advices (yes YOU included) or small little things like a cute kid smiling at me. Maybe I'm too used to living alone and doing everything I want, the freedom I get, it's just different now. Life is more than just a smile, but at least it'll make things a whole lot better. :) And looking through the comments reminded me a lot of moments that I was really happy at that one point of time, after all, I am a happy kid :D

Mind if I ask one question? When was the last time you felt happy? (well, you may post anonymously if you wish)

To be honest I can't recall the last time I was really "happy". Was it recently when I was doing something randomly out of the blue that hyped up my spirits or was it so long ago I couldn't actually remember or was it when I was 11 making snow angels in Beijing??

One thing for sure is that I was really happy during holidays (i mean who isn't?). Looking back at the pictures that I had, be it in my facebook or my laptop, I missed the moments I had back in Melbourne. I truly loved that place so much, I had so many happy moments that triumph the very bad moments I had back there.

It's not that I'm not content with my life or unhappy with what I'm doing. Really, no one will EVER complain if they're living the life I have right now, how wrong can things go but when you've given the best you want the better. I've met new friends who've been through way way way more than what I've gone through, tougher lives and they have better stories to tell. And it left me wonder how could they go through life with such big smiles when clearly they've been through tougher times, or are going through something hard?

And then one day I was just talking to a random stranger (ok fine it's one of those virtual diet buddies) and she told me no matter what, just smile. I used to give a lot, like a WHOLE LOT of my caobin face to everyone because I simply cannot be arsed to lift a face muscle. Not sure if it's the whole insecurity/confidence issue but I just wasn't happy enough to smile. I was watching Biggest Loser last night and one of the contestants was saying that she was really unhappy when she was all happy and unhealthy, and that now she lost 140 pounds (wtf?!) and she became a lot happier. Healthy is happy?? Not too sure about this saying, I myself doubt this saying. I do think that i've changed to a more positive person after shedding some weight, but I don't think "happiness" is proportionate to "health". Sometimes it's just so hard to find the right balance.

But at least I now know, no matter what just at least try to lift those corners of your lips. Don't fake a smile, think positive/happy/good thoughts and just try smiling. Just try. Or at least I'll try.

purpose of this post is cause I need to lift my spirits up high high high cause I've not only left a plateau, but more like I gained weight away from my plateau, hah! What's new babies. So yeah, smile to keep my mood high up in the clouds and I'm sure it'll go down again!!

Say hi to Lapin

2011-08-06T14:44:00.000+08:00

Lapin, also known as Rabbit in French, is my new toy bunny!! :D

Le bestie (see we so frenchie wtf) bought it for me from Korea, well she bought it for herself but cause I insisted I want it so she gave it to me *melt*.

pulling a Nick Carter wtf HAHAHA :D

I think if you google Le Sucre you'll find more lovely outfits! Like Fifi Lapin!! :D I remember seeing it in Seoul, they were selling it on the streets and I regret max not buying T_T BUT NOW I CAN HAS BUNNY :D And Lapin are besties with Tappo! :D

Photobomb wtf

end.