a brewing mind

Happy Birthday, Jo!

2012-02-27T18:10:00.000+08:00

Last evening, Cindy & i had a lovely catch-up with Jo (My Wey of Life)

at Senoji Japanese Restaurant, Vic Park.

green tea at Senoji

curry croquette (front) crispy! & tori karaage (back) juicy!

grilled Kingfish head & wing -fresh!

love these drawings on the ceramic plates from Japan

We had prepared a mini birthday surprise for Jo. Her birthday is coming up soon so we thought it would be lovely to celebrate it before she goes on her holiday.

ta-da!

Tweaked all together 'birthday' cake (recipe adapted from 'Afternoon tea' by Frankie magazine.)
cute cake toppers handmade by Cindy.

and yes, amazingly Jo finished most of the cake! Thumbs up*

(check out her blog to read about her birthday awesomeness)

birthday girl, Jo

it was a memorable evening.

Here's to all the laughter and things we shared together. Cheers!

Thank you again, Jo for the chocolate treats. They were so yummy! Well done!

made by Jo xoxo

Much Love Monday: Frankie #46

2012-02-20T18:55:00.000+08:00

Today i am loving Frankie new issue #46 with lots of inspiring bits as usual. Also it's my day off today! Hooray!

Frankie latest issue 46 & their Afternoon tea recipe book. (think baking soon!)

Daniel Evans talks about packet cake mixes pg 78-79

Loving this song today...such a hot day!

'Brighter than the sun' by Colbie Caillat

I have it stuck on replay!

Check out more Much Love Mondays over at

xxx

Happy Monday!

Love Always xx

2012-02-16T18:33:00.000+08:00

Here's a little bit of Valentine's Day...

a few Valentine-related items i gathered from my study table.

Made a red pom pom a while ago

kikki.K Love conversation starters card from a dear friend. haha.

felt alphabets, XO

a page torn from a vintage book with kikki.K Love rubberstamps

Heart shaped ceramic buttons

Heart shaped butter cookie i've baked

Heart felts

Heart cookie cutter

a heart balloon.

...i think of Love.

Love that makes you all warm and fuzzy inside.

I think of the people i love and care about.

It was a day for me to be all cheesy and to that one special person. hehe.

Sending them messages of love & smileys to fill them up with love to the max!

baked a heart shaped chocolate cake for my dear sis whose birthday is today!

Went to visit my little niece and sprinkled little heart felts on her. I love her pretty pink dress! Too cute!

She's turning 1 very soon...

baked with love for my Valentine.

lovely Afternoon tea recipe book by Frankie! Valentine's gift from him.

paper cut-out Love Never Fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). Gave it as a gift for my sis.

Kuching in snapshots (2)

2012-02-08T18:30:00.001+08:00

More pictures from my Kuching & Sibu trips. All taken with iPhone 4.

Captions for pictures from top left to right.

These were some of the memorable highlights from my trips.

1. SugarBun! (Fast Food exclusive to Sarawak only!) Love the pickles & raisin rice.

2. Pomfrets! tasted so yummy fried.

3. Wonton aka Bien Nuk (Foochow) made by my uncle (The Best in Sibu!)

4. Laksa Breakfast with my friends!

5. 3 different sizes of milk tea (teh C) the Largest was about 1 litre!

6. My cousin's sweetheart turned 3, her super hot chic barbie cake! tasted so Good! (Mango spongecake)

1. Kuching Cat dressed up for CNY

2. Make-up session at Shu Uemura

3. Hanging out with my childhood friend

4. snapshot with mum

1. Love to order different drinks in kopitiam (Cafe) I had hot lemon tea.

2. Mum's longlife noodle with chicken soup on first day of Chinese New Year.

3. Ice Potong Kacang Merah (Red Bean ice-cream) My favourite! must have it everytime i went back!

4. Kampua!! (Foochow delicacy) grew up eating this in Sibu!

5. Laksa (the Best in Kuching) haha

6. childhood memory relived! what do you call this anyway... it's so fun!

1. Ah Yeo's ice kacangs (ABC) The shop owner was super hilarious! Tell him what you feel like, and he will intro the right combination for you! Definitely will quench your thirst.

2. Fort Margerita (Historical building) go google to read about it. hehe.

3. Doodles with a bunch of friends at Bing! cafe late at night, chilling & playing iphone games! :P

4. Sampan (little boat) trip crossing the Sarawak River to the Fort Margerita.

5. Waterfront Kuching. Dragon or Crocodile?

1. Mount Santubong

2. At Orang Ulu's house (in Sarawak cultural village) He was playing 'Better Man' on his electric sape!

3. Gigantic traditional house (in Sarawak cultural village)

4. Sape (Local Iban instrument) I think it's so cool!

1. Damai beach, Kuching

2. Performances in the Sarawak cultural village.

3. Interesting bridge made from wood logs and bamboos. (in Sarawak cultural village)

4. Gigantic Hornbill sculpture at Damai beach.

1. Hiking trip with friends up to Mt. Singai.

2. Visiting Iban Longhouse at Annah Rais.

3. Free Range chics, Annah Rais.

4. Part-time tour guide as my friend said. haha.

5. Angry looking rooster, Annah Rais.

6. Good company. :)

1. Sunny Hill Ice-cream! Must try Pandan flavor! haha.

2. Sarawak Laksa again for brekkie.

3. Cats Museum, Meow~!

4. Gorgeous Orchids at orchid garden

Last but not least, it was the good company that made it all even better & enjoyable!

For friends who shared fun & laughters, I thank God for each of you. :)

This Chinese New Year has been so special & meaningful as i get to celebrate it with my beloved family and friends. (group house-visiting with friends above)

Throughout this trip, i have been reminded of God's amazing grace & providence, also the rich culture of my hometown. It was truly amazing.

Couldn't resist to add a snapshot of my little niece (she's so cute in her cheongsam dress & big pink bow)

Chinese New Year in Kuching (1)

2012-02-07T13:50:00.000+08:00

Hello! I'm back!

The past 3 weeks of holidays had been amazing!

The good fun outweighed the not-so-fun e.g I was down with a nasty flu for days!

Going through the holiday photos reminds me of those good times &

precious memories we shared together.

Sigh... i really miss you, you & you.

Here are some of the highlights from my trip back to my hometowns Kuching & Sibu.

1. Kolo Mee! (Kuching specialty) 2. Fireworks on New Year's Eve

3. Kuching Waterfront 4. Mandarins

5. Teh C (must have) 6. Watercolor (i was bored)

1. Homecooked meals (blessed) 2. More mandarins!

3. Durian (YUM) 4. CNY decorations (dunno what the plant called)

5. Kuih Bangkit (simply melts in your mouth!)

more to come~

See you on the other side

2012-01-16T21:27:00.001+08:00

I'm now sitting in between bored passengers waiting for boarding.

Going back to my hometown, Kuching for Chinese New Year.

Did a quick doodle for the Year of Dragon this morning. Was playing with watercolor & finishing my sketchbook project.

Will share more on that when I come back in early February.

Alrighty... Time to board. At last. So tired after a long day of laundry, baking, cleaning, packing and watercoloring. Quite a mad rush. Haha.

Hope you have a good week ahead & to my friends who are celebrating Chinese New Year, have a lovely time & may the New Year brings you hopes and prosperity. Hehe.

Bye!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Word play & Round Montage

2012-01-14T17:46:00.001+08:00

1. lake monger, 2. , 3. Aal izz well, 4. #ampersand, 5. Around the world. #travel #perth, 6. Seize #today #saturday #live #love, 7. , 8. Hello #giraffe, 9. Rise & Shine (lake monger) #saturday #morning

I downloaded the Montage iphone app yesterday and have been hooked on it since then. haha.

Do you use Montage? If not, go download it and i'm pretty sure you'll be addicted to it too! lol.

Been playing with some old photos on my iphone and making them

into little random round montage featuring sceneries of beautiful Perth city.

Also, i fell in love with HelveticaNeue-Ultra Light Italic.

a catchy piano tune stuck on replay: Fade into darkness by Avicii.

This is my favourite. The blue boat shed along Mounts Bay Road, Crawley.

This was taken with my iphone back in September 2011

while we were on a ferry passing by the Statue of Liberty.

Ah, New York... i miss you.

Here's to a fantastic weekend!

earl grey cookies

2012-01-10T12:17:00.000+08:00

Over the weekend when i met up with April, she gave me a jar of earl grey cookies baked by her.

I like the presentation of the cookie jar. The cookies were yummy.

How did she know i like earl grey? I should ask her for the recipe. haha.

She loves to sew softies too and she made a giraffe for my niece. How sweet of her!

Also she's doing a project where she would leave little quote-note tags at random places. She left one at the iconic blue boat shed. And very nice of her to give me one too, attached to the cookie jar.

Hope someday we will see each other again. Perhaps another day at the beach. haha.

On my playlist

2012-01-10T11:56:00.000+08:00

Where you invest
your love,
you invest your
life.

1. Awake My Soul - Mumford and Sons

2. Marching On - One Republic

Happy Tuesday!! =)

Much Love Monday: Impromptu Beach Day

2012-01-09T14:25:00.001+08:00

Cottesloe Beach, Perth, W.A

April's inspiring project, leaving little quote-notes around at random places in Perth!

Over the weekend, i went to the beach twice with my friend, April. She loves the beach, the ocean & the sun.

We were walking along Cottesloe beach after lunch and i said that i don't recall when i last ran into the sea and just get soaking wet. I thought to myself, one of these days maybe.

On Sunday arvo, she texted me if i would like to join her at the beach. Same place as before.

I thought, ''hmm...why not. I'll just slip on my swimwear and go."

The breathtaking sight of the ocean was just mesmerizing. It was thrilling fun to wait for the big waves and get carried away. Got myself soaking wet but it was worth the fun.

Then we found a spot on the beach and we read our books & chatted about books & movies we like.

Before we knew it, it was near 5pm, time to say goodbye.

We might not see each other again as she'll be leaving Perth soon but it was really nice knowing her.

here's a perfect song to go with that summer jolly feeling.

follow me on instagram. username: iamlillian

check out More Much Love Mondays over here.

Much Love Monday: Welcome Bro

2012-01-02T14:41:00.000+08:00

Much love First Monday of 2012!
It's a happy day coz my dear bro has arrived in Perth this morning.
He's here for good now. yay!

Just realized i haven't seen him since his graduation in Adelaide back in Dec 2010.
Has it been that long!?

Here's to the many great days ahead, bro! Cheers!

click here

New Year thoughts: Good Madness

2012-01-01T19:43:00.001+08:00

It's that special time of the year

when we all feel a little hyped about new beginnings

and setting our new year resolutions.

Imagine all the new opportunities the new year holds.

I hope you are looking forward to the many new encounters the new year shall bring.

Just want to share this intriguing thoughts from Neil Gaiman.

My friend, Sam told me about Neil Gaiman's inspiring work.

So i just want to quote him,

"May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art -- write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself." (taken from his recent blogpost)

i like the phrase 'good madness'.

He wrote the above about a decade ago.

You have to continue to read what he shared for this new year here.

You just have to.

It struck me.

So this new year, I sincerely hope that you always have some inspirations and actually do what you are really passionate about.

Let's hope that we all be a little braver, a little more hardworking and kinder than we were. =)

paper garland i cut out on new year's eve. Say hi to my giraffe. lol.

Today Matters

2011-12-30T09:26:00.002+08:00

Today Matters.

Whatever you're up to...hope you pause for a second

to ponder upon this year 2011.

Think of the good times, the bad & the not so glamorous times.

These are the moments we will take with us into the new year.

Funky badges from my friend, Cheryl! All the way from Malaysia!

Thank you! =)

These super funky badges were made by iHeartBadges based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Lovely surprises came through the mail yesterday. iLike!

On a different note, just want to share a rather relaxing day-dreaming song with you to cap off 2011.

Musing thoughts on backpacking around Europe.

2012 is full of new dreams, new hope, new strength, new adventures.

"We question what we are
This I spent the best so far
And I miss you
When we're apart"

Melbourne: Market Lane Coffee

2011-12-30T08:44:00.000+08:00

If you happen to be strolling around Prahran in Melbourne, along Chapel St...

do drop by Market Lane Coffee for nice coffee and cakes.

afternoon tea at Market Lane Coffee. Thanks E =)

Sam with her iPhone.

we had iced latte

image from Market Lane Coffee website

http://www.marketlane.com.au/

Prahran Market
Shop 13 Prahran Market
163 Commercial Road
Entrance on Elizabeth Street
South Yarra 3141
Australia

Macarons & Christmas tree

2011-12-27T18:25:00.000+08:00

Yesterday i made some macarons for a Christmas dinner party at Jo's (My Wey of Life). I was rushing so i didn't get to take any pictures. Managed to baked all the trays except for one. So after i came home from the party, i baked the last tray of macarons. One good thing about macarons is that you can leave the piped domes for a couple of hours and they will still have perfect feet. haha.

The party was AWESOME! Meeting many new people. The table was filled with absolutely delicious food all cooked by Joe & Jo and also their friends. Really enjoyed the food & the super-cool games! Wish i could stay longer but i had to go earlier. Got a hairdryer from my secret Santa! nice! Thank you.

So this morning, I experimented with the filling. I made some cream butter filling and added crushed pistachio and sandwiched them with the macaron shells.

Gave some to a lovely couple who lent me their bean bag. Thanks so much, Jin! =)

The rest went to my mum's tummy. haha.

Found my Christmas tree cookie cutter few days ago. Planned to bake some cookies but didnt get around to do it. Instead, i had fun playing with it for my breakfast.
Made myself a peanut butter & sprinkle Christmas tree toast. haha!

and a Christmas tree watermelon was just perfect for a hot summer day.

Hope you have been enjoying these few days. If you have been busy, i hope you find time to rest and be refreshed now. New Year is on its way!

Flickr Favourites: Christmas

2011-12-27T16:18:00.000+08:00

by Sayaka Minemura

by Mafalda Laezza

by The LEGO woman

by ILoveDoodle

So cute that i just have to share them with you.

May you feel loved and inspired today.

O Holy Night

2011-12-25T20:34:00.001+08:00

Jesus we adore You

Jesus we celebrate You

You are the Reason for the Season

You are the Source of all Joy

You are the Greatest Gift

All Glory be unto Your name

Luke 2:10-11

Wishing all my friends
a Blessed & Safe Christmas
&
A Joyful
New Year!

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

Greetings from Germany

2011-12-21T13:23:00.001+08:00

Yesterday i received three surprises in the mailbox! One of them was from Nadine ( Time to Shine ) all the way from Germany. Her sweet notes just cheered me up instantly. =)

Hope you are feeling much better now, Nadine! Good to know that you have lots of friends caring for you.

Cheers to a better brighter New Year!

ps: i love the little stars you sprinkled on the card. =)

Postcard from Nepal

2011-12-20T12:59:00.000+08:00

about 2 weeks ago, i received the postcard my friend sent me from Nepal. Finally! after 2 months of patiently waiting... We decided to write to each other instead of writing to ourselves on our last day in Nepal.

It feels nostalgic reading what she wrote for me. Words of encouragement.

I must say, words of encouragement is one of my love language. Simple words stringed together can have such powerful impact, at least for me.

And i believe we all need words of encouragement... you never know someone out there might just use a little to feel uplifted and hopeful again. =)

Much Love Monday: Moonlight Cinema

2011-12-19T12:16:00.003+08:00

2 tickets for 'The Help' at the Synergy Park, Kings Park on 11 December 2011.

you & me

Little snacks

Cheers

We watched the movie 'The Help' starring Emma Stone.

We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves that night.

The weather was lovely and warm.

Even better if the sky was full of stars.

But clouds were fine.

i love clouds.

We found a nice spot for our picnic mat.

Nice and early.

We shared a bean bag.

lying there talking & snapping random photos.
I love the time we spent together.

&
i miss you lots.

The movie was perfectly cast, heart-warming, witty

& i simply adore the 1960's.

The friendship and compassion in the movie moved me to tears.

One of my favourite movies of 2011.

Watch the trailer here.

today i joined the lovelies of 'Much love Monday'.

Please check out the rest of the lovelies by clicking on the icon.

Happy Monday!

Blogger Meet-Up

2011-12-17T17:34:00.000+08:00

Brunch date with my blogger buddy, Jo (my wey of life)

at the Tuck Shop, Newcastle St, Northbridge

this morning.

So finally after months of interactions with Jo online, leaving comments on blogposts & instagram...

we have decided that it's time to meet up!! haha!

So excited about this.

First time ever.

Funny we just clicked straight away...kept talking non-stop. lol!

And she even made me the cutest Christmas cupcakes ever!!

aww, so sweet of her!

She stayed up late just making them.

Feel so loved! :)

Jo designed the cute 'Mantou' box too!

So Thanks so much, Jo!!

Cheers!

see you real soon again!

The 12 Days of Christmas Trail

2011-12-16T14:21:00.001+08:00

On 13th December (exactly 12 days to Christmas),

friends and i went around Perth CBD with a little guide book on the 12 days of Christmas,

following an enchanting trail through the colourfully decorated window displays.

we started from 12th - 12 Drummers drumming at San churro on James st, Northbridge, then to 11 Pipers Piping at New Edition, William st, Northbridge.

10 Lords a leaping at the Fox Hunt on William st.

9 Ladies Dancing at Specsavers on Barrack st,

to 8 Maids a milking (relocated to 268 Barrack st)

7 Swans a swimming at Pigeonhole in London Court.

6 geese a laying at very cool shop, VENN shop on Queen St.

Then to 5 Golden Rings at Jean Pierre Sancho on Hay St.

4 calling birds at Jurlique on William st.

the cutest 3 french hens at the Little Lolly Shop in Carillon City,

2 turtle doves in Roc Candy, Picadilly Arcade

Finally, a Partridge in a Pear Tree at Murray Street Mall! :-)

Anything interesting in your city this Christmas?

Frankie issue 45

2011-12-15T14:39:00.002+08:00

yay! Frankie new issue is out!

Bringing it to work to read today.

The Mansion, Werribee Park

2011-12-15T14:24:00.000+08:00

The Mansion at Werribee Park.

Check out more info here.

i like these bikes parked at the front of the hotel lobby.

Perhaps guest can rent these and cycle around the beautiful park.

Garden Wedding at Werribee Park

2011-12-09T17:01:00.000+08:00

I was honored to be part of this

beautiful wedding of Eileen & Joshua

last weekend in Melbourne.

Thank God for the fine weather.

It was an extravagant wedding.

The new Mr. & Mrs looked stunning

and the special occasion was joyfully celebrated

with closed family and friends.

i simply adore the cute succulent that i get to keep.

everything was green. love the green tea cupcake. yum.

Guests having little nibbles before reception.

More photos of the wedding and Melbourne trip over at my Flickr.

Melbourne 2011

2011-12-01T23:10:00.021+08:00

taken Dec 2010 - Melbourne

I'll be away for the next few days as i will be in Melbourne.

Yay!

I'll be at a lovely wedding witnessing the beautiful couple says 'I do.'

I hope to check out some funky shops & cafés...

sipping good coffee while catching up with my friends.

I shall be back hopefully with some lovely photos.

DIY: Paper Bows

2011-11-29T12:51:00.001+08:00

Lately I have also been making some paper bows out of old music manuscripts, old magazines & wrapping papers. They are so easy and fun to make. Good way to reusing your old magazines too.
Brilliant decoration for gift wrapping this Christmas.

For instructions, go check out 'How About Orange' tutorial on making these lovely creatures here.

DIY: Masking Tape (MT) fridge magnets

2011-11-29T12:50:00.000+08:00

A vintage camera rubberstamp bought from Typo yesterday. $1.95.

I punched out some round pieces from thick papers with MT on them

and adhered them to the cut-out magnets.

Adding colors to daily mundane =)

DIY: Paper Box Ornaments

2011-11-28T21:53:00.000+08:00

This morning I made paper boxes out of old music manuscripts from thrift shop a few years ago. Finally using them in craft. It was fun making these boxes. So excited to see them forming together.

Stumbled upon this origami box ornament tutorial by Samantha Miller via Creature Comforts' blog on making these little cute boxes. Go check it out!

They are perfect craft idea for Christmas or any occasion really! They are so pretty as decoration.

Imagine you can surprise someone with little novelties hiding inside these cute boxes.

Friday Five

2011-11-25T23:22:00.000+08:00

Today's blend. Blueberries & Strawberries.

Received a lovely card from Cindy today! Love the map envelope. Very randomly sweet of her.

check out the pretty map envelopes by Bespoke Press.

Did a mini painting of Fish Tail Mountain and framed it in a red paper-mache photo frame i bought from Nepal. Haven't painted in ages so i thoroughly enjoyed myself this morning. Quite happy with the result. I used a card from Nepali friend & magnet picture for reference.

Few nights ago, i cut out alphabets that spelled Merry Christmas.

It begins to feel like Christmas except that i dream of a white Christmas.

Can't believe it's that time of the year already! Time flies when we enjoy the ride.

love this Acrylic lasercut Ampersand from 'The Future Shelter'

Free Shipping for online purchase at Mr Sparrow! Quick take a look!

Upmarket this Sunday 27th Nov at UWA! Christmas themed! Yay!

Pink sky & more crafts

2011-11-24T22:59:00.000+08:00

Today's beautiful evening sky

Playing with MT tapes.

did a bit more cards this evening.

Weekend Craft

2011-11-21T20:45:00.000+08:00

On Saturday my friend, Cindy came over to my place to play & make some Christmas cards. It's been a really long time since i had so much fun making crafts. Finally sorted my craft papers, punches, mt tapes & a lot more and putting them to good use! 'Clearing stock' we both agreed! haha. Here are some pics of the cards i made. Will post more soon!

Happy Friday

2011-11-18T23:45:00.001+08:00

doodling on my mini whiteboard (a piece of tile i got from Bunnings. hehe)

Verse of the Day: John 8:36

In Jesus there is freedom.

Love made of mini pom-poms? at Mt Lawley

sipping latte with bro at Exomod cafe, Mt Lawley.

a visit to Zakka Box & got a packet of MT tape stickers. Cute!

Kind Yuka gave me a freebie! yay!

been making some red buntings for Christmas...

bought some jelly powder for tomorrow! =)

Before i die

2011-11-15T17:29:00.002+08:00

a giant chalkboard stenciled with the sentence “Before I die I want to _______” became a space where we could learn the hopes and dreams of the people around us.

A brilliant thought-provoking idea by Candy Chang, New Orleans. Read about how it came about over here.

this participatory public art project is currently expanding to cities around the world, including Perth during Beaufort St Festival last Saturday. Thumbs up!

It was so interesting to read what others wrote on the chalkboard. Some were funny, some were inspiring.

This really got me thinking...what would you want to do before you die. You could choose to do a million things. But what really matters to you is what it really matters.

Linking in with the international movement, the Before I Die project will encourage festival-goers to add to the festival ‘bucket list’ of the must see and do things within our lives in a blackboard installation.

Go see other walls at the before i die website!

I ask myself before I die I want to...

Much Love Monday: Cloud Cookie Cutter & Ghostbird by Zee Avi

2011-11-14T14:28:00.000+08:00

Today i am joining the fun of Much love Monday. Head over to Much Love for more lovely posts!

Lately i am obsessed with

my cloud cookie cutter,

i love playing Zee Avi's new album 'Ghostbird'

while driving on the freeway.

Favourite track is 31 Days.

11 random things on 11.11.11

2011-11-11T23:31:00.000+08:00

Playing with iPhone screenshot to capture 11.11.11

Finished night shift at 07:30am. Slept for 3 hours. oh dear...

What did I buy today? - brown sugar. Going to bake this weekend!

Emo-ing to James Morrison's new song 'I won't let you go' on youtube.

Watch this video - 'A year in New York'

Cute illustration over here.

Nice print design on totebags via pinterest.

Smart eco-friendly idea - water bottle cookie package over here.

A recent flickr favourite - Today felt like it's new year to me. lol!

meeting a new friend tomorrow at the Beaufort Street Festival. yay!

Was at the 'Turning on the Christmas Lights' family event in city tonight. The city was illuminated.

Can't believe it's coming to the end of 2011 soon!! eeep!

Check out more pictures over at Perth 2011 photo set.

Upcoming Perth event: Beaufort Street Festival 2011

2011-11-10T19:49:00.000+08:00

http://www.beaufortstreetfestival.com.au/

One of Perth’s most popular streets will be closed to traffic

this Saturday for the second annual Beaufort Street Festival.

On November 12 between 12pm and 10pm

Beaufort Street will come alive with an array of music, arts, food and fashion.

-WAtoday

Beaufort Street, running through the centre of Highgate and Mt Lawley, offers a vibrant and dynamic street culture and an eclectic mix of music, art, food and fashion in a heritage streetscape – and Beaufort Street Festival celebrates everything that’s unique about the area as one of Perth’s most cutting edge retail and cafe strips.

An estimated 50,000 people attended the first ever Beaufort Street Festival last year and in 2011 the Festival is bigger and better than ever with a MUSIC program reflecting Perth’s independent music scene; ARTS showcasing local and new innovative talent; FOOD representing the best of Beaufort Street’s café, bar and restaurant scene; and FASHION from Beaufort Street’s quirky and off-beat boutiques. -EnjoyPerth

Movie: Drive

2011-11-10T19:39:00.000+08:00

Recently i watched the movie Drive starring Ryan Gosling & Carey Mulligan.

Read that it has good reviews plus the trailer looked promising.

But i didn't know that it came with sickeningly bloody scenes.

I had to close my eyes to avoid those brutal moments.

I should have known it's rated MA15+ haha!

Drive is a gripping thriller with ultra-violent and shockingly gruesome man-killing.

It keeps your heart racing.

What i find fascinating about this movie was the 80s inspired soundtracks, the setting of balmy weathered LA, the blossoming romance and the strong determination and values the main character, Driver (played by Ryan Gosling) hold. Also, his super long cool death-stares without the eyes blinking & his stunning scorpion-motif jacket that he wore almost all the times.

My favourite part of the movie was when he took Irene (played by Carey Mulligan) & the child on a care-free drive and how they exchanged shy eye contacts while in the car.

watch the trailer.

"Drive, above all else, reminds us why Gosling has been hailed as the new Sean Penn,

or even a 21st-century Brando. He is outstanding." -Ed Gibbs

"Refn's style is to draw out scenes to make a slow film punctuated with strong violence."

-Mark R. Leeper

"Nicolas Winding Refn's Drive is an LA pulp thriller, very brutal, very slick.

Ryan Gosling, playing the permafrost-cool hero with no name. He's a Hollywood stunt driver with a toothpick in the corner of his mouth, wearing a sleek bomber jacket with a scorpion on the back." -the Guardian

Have you seen this movie? If so, what is your favourite part of the movie?

Ok i must admit i watch Drive because Ryan Gosling is such a heartthrob...haha...and i want to watch him in his other recent movies like 'Crazy, Stupid Love' (i like Steve Carell too) & the upcoming 'The Ides of March'.

Don't hold back

2011-11-09T18:19:00.001+08:00

pages from Inspire, a typo-quotebook by kikki.K

Last weekend baked goods

2011-11-09T18:19:00.000+08:00

I found myself back in the baking mode once again.

Bought some overripe bananas and decided to bake a banana cake, using Poh's best banana in the world recipe. This time is a great success. I used chocolate glazing & crushed peanuts instead of hazelnuts.

Cake is meant for sharing so bringing it to church on Sunday was simply the best idea. =)

made some butter cookies too, played with the icing and alphabet rubberstamps. Perfect little gifts for friends when we do catch-ups. Maybe it's a good idea to bake for this Christmas.

page from Inspire quotebook.

inspirations today

2011-11-07T14:38:00.001+08:00

"Every day we should hear at least one little song, read one good poem and see an exquisite picture."

Having this catchy song stuck on replay.

"All the other kids..."

Read this inspiring article on travel while you're young.

Quote from the article:
"Be careful of the yeah-but. The yeah-but will kill your dreams."
---
What inspires you today?

Much Love Monday: iPhone cases & kikki.K

2011-11-07T10:27:00.000+08:00

for my iPhone. Bought these at Bugis, Singapore for just SD$15 each.

2 of them were given to me as gifts, and i bought the one with apples for myself

just because it's cute. GST excluded too, at Changi airport.

Spotted this book in kikki.K. A collection of inspirational quotes inside. Adore it.

inspiration is all around you

2011-11-06T23:16:00.000+08:00

fold out poster from Inspire book, by kikk.K

sometimes all we need is a little dose of inspiration to keep us going. =)

iPhoneography

2011-11-02T20:07:00.001+08:00

Little moments

Here are some of my recent photos edited

using iphone photography apps such as instagram & ps express.

11:11
my iPhone screen

iCloud
baked 'you & me' cloud cookies with icing on 1 Nov 2011

received the wedding invitation card in the mail today! =)

1.11.11
Banana & Strawberry Smoothie..so healthy so yummy =)

Picturesque Perth-fect view from Mill Point on 30 Oct 2011

Church Outing to Abingdon Miniature Village, Mandurah
on Queen's Birthday, 28 Oct 2011

maze at miniature village, Mandurah

cafe at the miniature village, Mandurah

my little gorgeous niece is turning 8 months soon =)

tried Vegemite favoured chips.
Can't take more than 2 pieces. too salty!

with Nepali children while at Bandipur, Nepal 20 Oct 2011

at Lincoln Memorial, Washington DC back in September. =)

November daily consumption project

2011-11-02T18:36:00.000+08:00

Inspired by the book, Obsessive Consumption by Kate Bingaman-Burt, i have decided to start a 30-days daily consumption project for this new month.

So for each day in november, i will draw an item which i've spent money on. For example, today i spent $ on petrol. Yesterday i bought a cup of chai latte.

I guess it will be a good record of where my money goes to and what i spend it on.

All doodled in a navy pocket size moleskine.

Let's just hope i'll stick to it til the end.

CHOGM 2011 Perth

2011-11-01T18:25:00.001+08:00

For the past weeks, Perth has been bustling with various Commonwealth festival events as part of the CHOGM week.

Photography display at the People's Space.

"A showpiece of the Festival is this stunning outdoor exhibition of more than 40 large-scale images from the Royal Commonwealth Society Photographic Awards. This is an insightful view of the world through the eyes of emerging young photographers from across the Commonwealth." - People's Space

Last Saturday, mum & i went to join the crowd to welcome the royal couple at the Big Aussie Barbecue at the Esplanade. It was such a warm sunny day! There was live music, sausages and water booths. Over 600 volunteered for the event. All purchase of sausages and water went to charity work.

People started flooding the Esplanade a few hours prior to the royal couple's arrival. We were pretty early so we got to stand in front of the stage. While waiting, there was some live performances on stage.

The royal couple finally made their way to the stage at around 11am. The Queen gave a speech and they strolled through the booths before heading off to the airport.

We were quite thrilled to see the royal couple from such close distance. hehe. They looked so cute.

Cloud Cookies

2011-10-25T14:17:00.000+08:00

Cloudy sky today.

Janice gave me a shoebox full of goodies for my birthday when she visited 2 weekends ago. One of the surprises was a Cloud cookie cutter!! I was psyched! Been hoping to get it and it's on my wishlist. Amazing how she knew about it!

So thank you, Janice!

Today i made a small batch of simple butter cookies.They are very easy to make.

Recipe:

Ingredients:

75 g butter

165 g all-purpose flour
65 g raw sugar
1 egg
Preheat the oven to 175 degrees C.
Melt butter or margarine over low heat. Remove from heat and add the sugar and the egg until it is all blended. Slowly add in the flour. Mix all together thoroughly.
Form the dough into a ball and wrap in cling wrap and chill in the fridge for half and hour
Then, roll out the dough on a floured area to a thickness you fancy. Cut out the cookies using cookie cutters Place the cut outs about 1 inch apart on the cookie sheet.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until brown on the edges.

Much Love Monday: Sketchbook Project & Frankie

2011-10-24T22:04:00.001+08:00

So before i left for Singapore, i signed up for the Sketchbook Project 2012. And it just came through the mail today! How timely! Time to get some doodling started! =D

Went to my local newsagency to get a copy of Frankie latest issue, 44. Saving it for night shifts! haha! =D

Listening to 'Getting into you' by Relient K. Heard it on the radio while driving home today.

Lyrics:

When I made up my mind
And my heart along with that
To live not for myself
But yet for God, somebody said
Do you know what you are getting yourself into

When I finally ironed out
All of my priorities
And asked God to remove the doubt
That makes me so unsure of these
Things I ask myself, I ask myself
Do you know what you are getting yourself into

I’m getting into you
Because you got to me, in a way words can’t describe
I’m getting into you
Because I’ve got to be
You’re essential to survive
I’m going to love you with my life

When he looked at me and said
I kind of view you as a son
And for a second our eyes met
And I met that with a question
Do you know what you are getting yourself into

I’ve been a liar and I’ll never amount to
The kind of person you deserve to worship you
You say you will not dwell on what I did but rather what I do you say
I love you and that’s what you are getting yourself into

He said, I love you and that’s what you are getting yourself into

updates

2011-10-24T21:26:00.001+08:00

Fishtail Mountain, Pokhara, Nepal

Where should i begin!?

So much had happened during the past 2 weeks. I went to Singapore & Nepal. Safely got back in Perth on last Saturday night. Back to work tomorrow!

Good to be back! Just slowly easing back into the daily grind again!And it's near the end of October already!

SO much to reflect on and give thanks for! I'm running out of words to describe how i feel right now!

Dinner at Rockpool

2011-10-11T23:03:00.000+08:00

Janice was here over the weekend and we went to Rockpool Bar & Grill for dinner on Saturday night.

Janice had My steak tartare with chips

for starter, i had Roast squid, smokey chilli and pork belly (very generous serving!)

Janice had Fillet minute style with Cafe de Paris butter & potato puree as side.

I had Confit Tuna with braised zucchini bucatini with chilli

So it was really great to catch up with Janice again after our USA trip 2 weeks. This dining experience brought us back to the many foodie experiences we had in New York.

Thought we should try some nice fancy food while she was here visiting, so i checked out the various websites and reviews on restaurants and listed out a few options like Rockpool, Nobu & Modo Mio. But because i pushed it too late to the time to book, by the time i called Rockpool, it was all booked out. So we tried Nobu and it was full too given it was a Saturday. We ended up going to Burswood Entertainment Complex anyway just to see if we can walk in to any of the restaurants. So we walked into Rockpool, which had an elegant corridor with candles on the sides. There's tables at the bar and serving same menu, so we were delighted!

The atmosphere was quite romantic although the kitchen area was bustling, full of steam. The service was top and friendly, the entrees/starters we ordered were actually quite big generous servings. The mains were good too and we thoroughly enjoyed them. And we were feeling so full that there's no room for desserts!

For more juicy review on the restaurant, please check out Jo's blogpost on Rockpool cause honestly after i saw the review & pics, i wanted to go there too! So thank you, Jo for your reviews and recommendations!

happy birthday (i)

2011-10-07T13:24:00.000+08:00

The idea of helium balloons came as an impromptu. haha. It was quite fun! Felt like a little kid again!

happy birthday (ii)

2011-10-07T09:15:00.000+08:00

My family and i went to Tsunami, a japanese/infusion restaurant at Mosman Park for my birthday dinner.

Enoki Gyu
Fresh Narrogin enoki mushrooms wrapped in Wagyu beef with lotus roots.

Geko Roll
Seared salmon outside, unagi & avocado inside, topped with salmon roe & wasabi mayo.

i had char-grilled salmon girded with a sash of green tea noodles (interesting) with sweet potato mash and zucchini. Tsunami signature dish.

Plantagenant Pork Rack
bro had this organic and free range pork dish with herb infused, teppan roasted with sweet potato mash, bernaise sauce and salad.

The restaurant has nice atmosphere with music playing in the background. Service was quite good.

Thanks to Jo's recommendation, it was a good dining experience. Read about her review on Tsunami over here.

Tsunami

18 Glyde St
Mosman Park

After dinner, we went to my sis place to cut the birthday cake.

Sis bought me a chocolate mud cake. It was super rich & went so well with vanilla ice-cream! yum!

A rich, moist chocolate cake baked on a shortcrust base and covered in dark chocolate shavings and icing sugar from Chez Jean-Claude Patisserie.

I feel so blessed to receive many birthday wishes from my family and friends. Thank you everyone for making my birthday so special and memorable! xoxo

twenty-four

2011-10-06T16:47:00.042+08:00

Turning twenty-four.

Looking back on the past one year, I am truly amazed by the grace of God. Through the ups and downs, I have tasted His goodness and faithfulness. Glory to Him.

For the days ahead, i just want to hang on to His guiding hand. I want to be teachable and submissive. I know without Him, life has no meaning. I want to truly live life.

Whirlwind

2011-10-05T23:58:00.001+08:00

The past one month has been exactly that. Whirlwind.

Last blog entry was back in Los Angeles, the first stop of the 4 cities my friend, Janice and i visited.

It has been an amazing, mind-blowing experience that really drained us out...! I guess it's always the case with travelling, it can be fun AND super exhausting too!

We left Boston on 21/9 evening and only arrived back in Australia on 24/9 early morning. Super jet lag!

Few days later i was back at work. Back to the mundane. Felt so surreal! Back to a long list of things to catch up and handle. But it felt great to be back from a foreign place to familiar surrounding, people and even smell!

Last few days, it has been so sunny in Perth. And i can smell the sweetness of ripe nectarines in the front yard.

Ok, so for the past one week i've finally done my e-tax return (dreadful), did 2 night shifts, suffered post-holiday blues...
Long story short, the mood to blog is back again, for now. I hope i will spend some good hours on recollecting the pieces of my travel experiences and share them with you, if i could squeeze this in before i take off again....eeeep. Also, it will be a good personal recap of the memorable travel adventure, so i should try my very best. With lots of pictures. =P

Please stay tuned... =)

fresh-picked nectarines

2011-10-05T23:35:00.002+08:00

Yes, it definitely smells like spring to me! The tree is bearing nectarines, oh so sweet! So i picked some nectarines today and took 2 to work. Loving spring weather at the moment. Sunny these few days. Sweet!

Travel USA

2011-09-05T15:40:00.001+08:00

Day 2 in LA. Weather is pretty warm here. All went smoothly from checking in at Perth International Airport to transit at Kuala Lumpur, staying overnight there, onboard the following day, surprisingly we had an hour transit at Taipei (4 hours from KL) then another 13 hours to LA.
Reached LA around 7:40pm. Took Super Shuttle bus to our hostel, Stay ON Beverly.

Today: Found our way to Hollywood via buses... Checked out the farmers market; tasted sweet pluots and berries; dropped by a church in Hollywood, strolled down the walk of fame, Hollywood bowl; lunch at Bouchon on Canon Drive; strolled down Rodeo Drive & a bit of Melrose Ave; then took a bus down to Downtown; strolled around LA Live; had coffee at starbucks while using the free wifi; found & bought Zee Avi's new album, Ghostbird!; dinner at Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill; travelled by buses back to hostel...

just saying... LA public transportation is not so tourist-friendly. We spent a lot of time walking from one place to another. Which was quite good also but becoming tiring.

It's Labor Day in USA tomorrow... Initially we were going to Venice Beach, but now we have something else in mind... =)

- Posted using BlogPress from
my iPhone

Location:Los Angeles

Adventure awaits

2011-08-31T21:56:00.001+08:00

31/31: adventure awaits

This random 31 days project of mine has finally come to an end. It has been fun and quite challenging to actually take pictures of everyday. Some days i just couldn't be bothered to take any pictures...

Anyways...i had fun and it's a way of documenting little moments in life...

Today also marked the end of winter 2011 (gone too quick!!)

Today in History: Happy 54th Independence Day to my country, Malaysia!!!

September: Change of season, a new chapter in life awaits ahead of us. A fresh start again, a whole new adventure awaits.

Coming up next: with my travel buddy, Janice, we'll be exploring 4 cities in USA.

Thrilled!

{ 31 days project }

25/31: plunger coffee

2011-08-25T11:03:00.000+08:00

Romeo no. 5 to kickstart my Thursday.

Having a day off today. Hope to get the most out of today! Carpe Diem! =)

{ 31 days project }

My List of things-to-do:

Disciple class homework

Tax return! e-tax!

read Frankie 43

evening jog

read up on Washington DC

~~blog~~

craft (long-overdue)

make more lists!

Awesome friends

2011-08-25T10:52:00.001+08:00

In previous posts, i've mentioned a bit about my friend, Janice who recently just celebrated her birthday with her boyfriend, Justin.

Today just seem like a fine day... (some lame excuse...haha) Anyway, i just want to introduce their awesome blogs to you!

Janice's personal lifestyle blog, Jan - be inspired by her passion for life, good food, good music & sewing ideas!

Justin recently started a food blog which is very exciting for the couple! And i said i would help to promote the blog!! lol.

So you should really check out Justin's food blog, A Kitchen for Friends - follow his culinary adventures and try some of the recipes.

As a couple, they are both passionate about God, making good music, singing & cooking top-chef dishes.

Also, check out & subscribe to their youtube channel, JaniceandJustin for some of their covers.

ok, i stole this pic from Janice's blog. =P

oh and also, exciting news! Janice and i are going on a BIG trip to USA in A week's time! Gosh, counting down to the take-off day!!

LA, NYC, Washington DC & Boston, here we come!! Woo-hoo!

Kikki K new products 2012

2011-08-25T10:28:00.001+08:00

I went into kikki K store recently and saw their new line of 2012 diaries and calendars featuring whimsical watercolour doodles. See more of their new releases and Father's Day's gift ideas over here.

Interesting finding: Levitation

2011-08-25T10:08:00.001+08:00

Levitation (from Latin levitas "lightness")^[1] is the process by which an object is suspended by a physical force against gravity, in a stable position without solid physical contact. - wikipedia

A while ago, i heard about this interesting way of taking photos trend via a Taiwanese talk show. Then my friend sent me a link via twitter to this amazing Japanese lady's blog.

Just how cool are these photos!

Go read about how she took these shots over here.

Have you tried taking shots like these?

Frankie issue 43

2011-08-25T09:38:00.001+08:00

introducing Frankie latest issue...

24/31: frankie time

Frankie 43 issue is out today! It's thicker and loaded with pages of good stuff! I went to my local newsagency first thing after work to get a copy! You should see my eager look! haha. My friend asked why didn't i subscribe? Well, i guess i enjoy the thrill of buying it on the day it's out!

{ 31 days project }

Read more about Frankie over here!

special stickers for jam jars!

apple cider bottles illustrations by Dawn Tan

diary for 2012

moss rabbits

time to immerse myself in these wonderful pages... =)

Giant Yellow Rabbit

2011-08-24T09:58:00.001+08:00

by Florentjin Hofman

Introducing the 'stor gul kanin (big yellow rabbit)' by florentijn hofman in örebro, Sweden.

Have you seen this ginormous rabbit installation going around on the internet lately?

It's just simply too cute! I wonder if people can climb on it...like little enthusiastic kids could easily climb to the top...provided it's safe to do so!

or maybe soon this rabbit will be made into a soft toy!!

My niece would love it to pieces!

Read about The Big Yellow Rabbit over here!

by Florentjin Hofman

All images are of Florentjin Hofman from here.

by Florentjin Hofman

Also, here's another creative public art installation by talented Florentjin Hofman.
Inflated Fat Monkey made of Flip Flops! How adorable!

'fat monkey' made of flip flop by forentijn hofman in sao paulo, brazil

Please VOTE for my lil niece!

2011-08-19T22:25:00.000+08:00

VOTE for me!! =P

This is my niece, Isobel, nicknamed Bel. She was born on 10 March 2011. She has LOTs of hair as you can see. LOL!

So my sis asked me to promote lil Bel's photo on Huggies for Jeans for Genes photo competition.

i told her i have shared on facebook, tweeted about it repeatedly...

and now on my blog too! lol!

Just for you, sis!

Click here and click LIKE. As simple as that!

And please spread the word too! to your family & friends!

Thank you!! You've just made my sis's day! =D

Thank You so Much!! xoxo

15/31: hip hip hooray!

2011-08-15T21:13:00.001+08:00

15/31: hip hip hooray!

Today is my dear friend, Janice's birthday! Yellow reminds me of her. It's also represent friendship. I thank God for blessing me with a friend like her.

{ 31 days project }

scrabble mug is simply too cool!

both of us all decked up for Harajuku, Tokyo 2010 =)

Once again, here's a birthday shout-out to you, Janice for being my awesome friend!!

lots of love & see you soooon!!

Postcard from Germany

2011-08-13T21:16:00.000+08:00

A while ago i swapped a postcard with a lovely blogger called Nadine after reading her post saying that she loves to send & receive postcards. I love to send & receive postcards too. Used to sign up for postcard swaps at swap-bot.com. I have collected many handmade postcards too. It's always interesting to read what they wrote. It could be a little something about themselves, their hometown & recent encounters.

All the way from Germany!

lovely handwriting. =)

Once again, thank you Nadine for your lovely postcard! Go check out her lovely blog now!

200th post! =)

2011-08-12T21:12:00.000+08:00

wow, reaching 200th post today! and also, it's been a year since i started this supposedly-art-blog-but-turned-into-something-rather-lifestyle-blog.

12/31: smiley toast

i came home from work and made myself a quick breakfast. Had a piece of toast and made a smiley face.

missing you & happy friday.

{ 31 days project}

i like to put my feet up against the wall after long day at work. and just look at the map and have a little day-dream moment.

dusk today. i just walked outside for 5 min to breathe in the air and saw the sky was so amazing. the moon so bright...then i remembered that it has been a month since he came to visit. =)

also listening my way through one of my favourites, Mat Kearney's latest album, Young Love on youtube.

still kinda sleep-deprived and feeling the weight on my shoulders....guess all i need is a good sleep now.

it will fix all things. =)

9/31: freshly blended

2011-08-09T18:23:00.000+08:00

9/31: freshly blended

i blended some fresh strawberries with milk, honey & homemade yogurt for breakfast today. yum.

{31 days project}

Much Love Monday: Pinwheel

2011-08-08T19:19:00.001+08:00

8/31: honey bee pinwheel

a quick & easy DIY craft for my little niece. Went to visit sis and we went to Claremont for Koko Black & grocery shopping.

{ 31 days project }

I spotted some pinwheel at Paper Fusion at Mt Hawthorn last week. The shop owner showed me how to make my own. Thought my little niece would love it! =)

love the paper straw!

spotted some colourful pinwheels at ETSY too!

colourful pinwheels by PaperPolaroid

7/31: Polaroid

2011-08-07T21:11:00.000+08:00

7/31: little polaroid on a sunny Sunday arvo.

look carefully and you’ll spot the moon in upper left corner! Beautiful Sunday arvo just chillaxing.

{31 Days Project }

my bro bought a polaroid out of impulse recently from ETSY. So we were playing pretend this arvo with the camera with no film. lol.

more photos over at my Flickr.

Party Pictures

2011-08-06T18:01:00.000+08:00

So my dear friend, Janice has been sending me photos of her birthday party via mms today. And i just wanted to share the pictures here! They looked so good! =)

the wooden spoons for the Beeramisu they made!

the paper bunting & the pom poms *she made some gorgeous ones too

the drinks looked so GOOD with the paper straws!

and i sent her this... lol.

To the Awesome Duo, J & J

i have a pom pom hanging above my bed. =P

Pick of the day: Strawberries

2011-08-06T17:41:00.001+08:00

6/31: Strawberries. red juicy sweet strawberries. In season. yum.

{ 31 days project }

5/31: TGIF

2011-08-05T20:29:00.001+08:00

5/31: Thank God it's Friday!

Moss Rabbit is looking forward to the weekend.

{ 31 days project }

Happy weekend to you!! =)

Birthday Party Kit

2011-08-04T20:34:00.000+08:00

So i expressed the Birthday Party Kit parcel to my friend in Adelaide. It arrived faster than i thought when i read her exciting email early next morning! Awesomeness!

Here are some pictures of what i did for the kit. It was so fun! I enjoyed putting them together!

the result...

This picture was sent to me via SMS

Glad to know that she loves it all! Look how the pom-poms turned out!! Beautiful!

Assorted Ampersand

2011-08-04T20:08:00.000+08:00

These Ampersands just look so enticing, don't you think?

spotted this at Tumblr via theothereugene =)

Paper Bunting

2011-08-02T23:15:00.000+08:00

Today i made some paper bunting for a dear friend's birthday party this Saturday. Actually, a cute couple birthday party.

i picked this as the picture of the day.

I chose some lovely papers with yellow bits to go with her colour theme for the party. Hope she'll love it!
The paper bunting is on its way to Adelaide now, along with a few other little surprises. Yes, what a shame i can't be there for her... that's why i wanted to put together something just for them. How i wish we live in the same state!

1st of August

2011-08-01T22:31:00.002+08:00

oh how time flies!

i've been away from the blogosphere from days to weeks!

many things have happened and i am grateful for each day...Significant & mark-it-in-diary events...along with many little moments of life experiences of work, church, family, friends & travel planning. And oh, rainy days!!! love-hate feeling...haha.

recollecting & cherishing the moments turned into memories... =)

and here we are, it's August already! and i am psyched about many upcoming agendas!

one of them is an impromptu to challenge myself with a 31days project.

take pictures of everyday, pick one & post it at Tumblr & Flickr .

Evening sky at 17:31 today

oh, and since it's the 1st of a new month, thought of giving my tumblr a new look! i like the speech bubble dp.

Also, another important challenge followed by the sermon on Sunday...31 Days Bible Reading on Proverbs.

'Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.' - Proverbs 1:7

Will return...

2011-07-13T22:56:00.000+08:00

will be away from blog for the next few days...coz i'll be busy being a tour guide! LOL! =)

baking spree

2011-07-12T23:43:00.030+08:00

Today i went on a baking spree!

turkish delight

chocolate & green tea macaron shells

I baked a batch of around 40 macaron shells in 3 different colours. I am quite happy with the result! This time i used the Italian meringue technique instead of the French (uncooked sugar) technique which required more tedious steps. But it is all worth the effort & time!

watermelon macarons

heart shaped macarons

I attempted piping in other shapes like heart shapes which were really tricky! i managed to pipe mini ones.

oh, and i made some mini blueberries cupcakes too.

More photos at my Flickr.

Made with love. xoxo

Baby Shower

2011-07-11T22:27:00.000+08:00

Green themed Baby Shower!

Last Saturday i went to a friend's baby shower. 2 of her friends hosted the event and some of us helped to set up/bake/prepare food etc. It was so much fun arranging/decorating her dining table. I made some macarons too. One of her friend baked rabbit cupcakes! so yummy! We ate, chatted, laughed, played games, took LOTS of pictures & opened all gifts. The mom-to-be was overjoyed! we all are so excited to see her first baby girl's arrival in a month's time!

yummy nibbles!

and i think my friend's faux moss rabbit is just too cute!

the Hosts printed lovely design/deco & made a nappy tier! Too cute!

Her baby's room is so cute!!the rabbit wall stickers are too cute! i want them too!

layered jello! see the cute rabbit jelly!

It was so funny!!! we had so much laughters!

a green tea macaron & The mom-to-be baked some lovely cookies as gifts for guests.

Angry Birds

2011-07-11T19:22:00.000+08:00

source: sardonicsalad via Tumblr

This made me laugh! LOL!

Interesting finding: B & M felt

2011-07-04T23:33:00.001+08:00

WA's No. 1 Fish 'N Chips

Photo from B&M Blog

And for lunch today, I met up with my bro and we went to Fremantle for fish & chips lunch at Cicerellos. Then we walked around window-shopping. Wecame across a lovely shop called B & M. It has shelves full of attractive things like bags (Bag 'n' Noun from Japan), accessories, stationery, greeting cards & homewares. They also stock some Tin Tin collectibles too. Very cute!

I'm glad i've found another lovely shop for gift-hunting. Adding it to my favourite shops list.

B & M loves felt, and they are Australia's supplier of premium German 100% wool design and craft felt. Check out their website & blog for more felt-loving posts & felt products.

B&M Store
49A High Street
Fremantle (West End)
Western Australia 6160

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Breakfast at Toast

2011-07-04T23:32:00.001+08:00

This morning I had brunch at Toast with my friend. We both ordered corn fritters with avocados & poached eggs drizzled with hollandaise sauce. For drinks, I had a latte while my friend was having a chai latte.

I was looking forward to this brunch 'trip' at Toast as i've read about it via Urbanspoon. It is one of the popular spot/talk of the town so i had quite a high expectation of the experience. It has many good reviews by food bloggers so i thought it should be pretty impressive.

However, the food was slightly disappointing in my view. I ordered a latte because i was hoping to get a 'leaf' on my latte, but sadly no 'leaf' pattern for me. I could have just ordered a cappuccino (my usual preference) Anyway, the coffee tasted alright. passed.

As for the dish, i was hoping to cut into runny eggyolks for my poached eggs with my knife, but it didn't happen. And the hollandaise sauce somehow wasn't quite 'right' for me. The corn fritters were a bit bland lacking seasoning, some corn kernels were dry. The fritters could have been a bit more dense in texture.

When i saw corn fritters on the menu, i was reminded of the corn fritters at MART (a tram stop turned into cafe) at 130 Middle Park, Melbourne. I reckon they make the best corn fritters. So sadly that's why i had no choice but to compare the corn fritters of Toast with Mart.

Anyway, overall the service was good, staff was friendly. The ambience was lovely, have a beautiful view of the lake. And i like their collection of various kitsch homewares.

Food: 3 out of 5

Ambience: 4 out of 5

Service: 3.5 out of 5

Maybe i'll order something else, like a sweet dish, if i'm coming back again for breakfast/brunch.

Toast

Shop 21 / 60 Royal St
East Perth, 6004

www.toasteastperth.com

ps: i am now getting a lot more better, recovering from a cold. Thanks everyone! =)

Earl Grey Tea Cake

2011-07-01T22:30:00.002+08:00

Too pink?

This morning I was having a cup of earl grey and thought of using earl grey in baking. Not long ago i saw this gorgeous looking earl grey tea cake with rhubarb cream cheese glaze (sounds so yummy) over at Raspberri Cupcakes blog. Did i mention that i love earl grey? Yes i love earl grey for its unique, intoxicating bergamot aroma. I bookmarked it hoping to try the recipe one day...and today was the day! Plus no work today - self declared Bake Day!

See recipe here.

Experimenting-

I looked into the pantry and saw a packet of wholemeal self-raising flour (i was curious to try it in baking so bought it) and thought, why not i replace white self-raising flour with the wholemeal. Then i saw a packet of brown sugar tucked away at the back and same thought, why not use brown sugar instead of caster sugar. And i used soy milk instead of full cream milk (next to each other in the fridge). I was curious to see if these ingredients would make a difference to the cake.

Also, i didn't have rhubarb so i used food colouring instead. I put too much and ended up way too pink! (reminded me of Masterchef when Billy made his pink icing too pink! haha!) so i had to pour more icing sugar to somehow make it lighter in colour... (and i used Merle's icing technique Oh she's just too cute!)

Icing¾ cup icing sugar

5g butter

1 tablespoon boiling water

And the cake turned out very good. Soft & moist, with a *faint hint of earl grey taste. *maybe due to the flu, my tastebuds not working so well. I made a cup of earl grey tea to go with a slice of the cake. Very comforting & i was tempted to have another slice!

More cake photos over at my Flickr.

ps: I am nursing my cold/flu with lots of lozenges, warm honey lemon drink, Panadol & Sudafed...just hoping this will pass soon! Thanks again for your concern! Have a lovely weekend ahead!

Friday Funk: B for Broccoli

2011-07-01T20:36:00.000+08:00

source unknown. Reblogged on Tumblr.

brilliant idea by Brock Davis

Soapy love

2011-06-30T10:18:00.001+08:00

soapylove from tiger in a jar on Vimeo.

This cute soapylove video featuring

almost-edible-looking adorable popsicles & lollies is simply too Bubbly Cute!

Make me giggle! lol!

Happy Thursday!

ps: i think a sore throat is on its way...noooo....think i'm going down with a flu. Self-medicating with lots of strepsils & warm lemon & honey drink. Thank God for a lemon tree in the backyard. *sneeze*

Cherry Blossoms

2011-06-29T14:19:00.000+08:00

There's a nectarine tree in the front porch. Little cherry blossoms are blooming and they are so pretty that i just have to snap a few pics of them! It has also been quite rainy in Perth lately.

This morning

I like the refreshed feeling after rain. The sun is up at the moment. Yay!

O Red Velvet Cupcakes

2011-06-28T14:25:00.000+08:00

Red Velvet cupcakes for morning tea?

you know how sometimes you feel like having some freshly baked cupcakes, probably just a few little ones. And you don't want to bake like a dozen, but just a couple. A scaled down to size recipe would be really handy!

So i stumbled upon this food blog few days ago and decided to try out the Red Velvet Cupcake recipe which makes 4 cupcakes. It was quick & easy! I managed to make 5 little ones. They looked good with some cream cheese frosting. Bro had some too and he liked them! yay, succeeded!

See recipe here!