Hiatus!

I have a few posts to do but at the moment I'm studying for the biggest exam of my life.

After which I shall be a registered Pharmacist and can do whatever I like with my time - apart from working that is.

So alas the following explorations that should have been shared will have to wait..

- Mille Point Bookcafe
- The Melbourne Hotel
- The Gala Restaurant
- Nine Fine Food
- Zafferanos
- People Watching @ Luxe, Brisbane Hotel & Northbridge
- My vintage Kenzo dress-shirt
- My Summer Wardrobe

and most importantly - My baby - Nikon SLR D90!

until 4 weeks later.

illusions

His image shutters into a billion pieces as her eyes pierced through his shield.

all the illusions lost.

The ugliness and the beauty that exists within... revealed.

She smiled as she realised he was nothing more than a typical dipshit.

She deserved so much better.

the wanders of love

I have a patient at the moment whose wife of 60 years just recently passed away.

The beautiful, smiling photograph of her sits next to his bedside table.

Everytime I see it, it makes me smile.

When he talks about her, his eyes light up.

It gives me hope.

Allows me to believe in love.

euphoria

He makes me SMILE.






this thing is

EUPHORIC.

The Royal Bar and Brasserie

Situated in the little cove area in East Perth - the quiet part of the city (not that the city itself is very loud); overlooking the river, the man-made bridge and the beautiful housing that lines the shore. It makes you feel like you are are on a holiday and nothing else matters.

The Royal is known of it's lack of service, but tonight it wasn't too bad, maybe they've taken notice of the bad reviews? The bar next door has a huge screen and it often very lively especially in summer and at anytime when there is a big game. On the other end, the restaurant sits, and the ambience there is quite different - it's casual, relaxed and somewhat romantic? Well, to an extent anyway.

The food is NOT wow-amazing, but it's satisfying, filling, interesting and the price is good for the location and the servings are perfect portions. I wouldn't come here expecting the food to be fine-dining quality, after it is a bar and brasserie! I will definitely come here for the views.

Having said that they can be rather adventurous - not so much the food they serve but rather the textures and the tastes. They have a nice selection of cakes - so make sure you have a cuppa.

So definitely check out The Royal for the ambience, for a good catch up with friends over food, wine, beer and the views, especially on a nice balmy summer lunch/afternoon/evening.

Salmon with Udon

Chicken Salad - it was yum and refreshing!

Chicken Pasta

Pasta

Chocolate Mousse Cake

Banana-Butterscotch Cheesecake.. YUMMINESS ^_^

living.....laughing... loving..

Two crazy girls dressed in their Friday's best walked down the street on a cool breezy night.. walked into the darkness, talking about boys... love... friends... cute work collegues.. houses.. fashion.. food.. wine..

For a split second they were young again.

For a second they weren't responsible for anyone else but themselves.

they can laugh out loud... dance.. and sung like nothing else mattered..

like no one else was watching..

it was just them and their crazy techno-coloured-filled world.

Ciao Italia

The little italian restaurant on the corner of Douglas street and Mill Point Road is one of my favourites, the name; Ciao Italia. The owners are Siclians and they make one mean authentic italian meal, with LARGE portions (trust me you'll bring home a doggie bag), great flavour, cosy atmosphere, and when I say little I mean LITTLE - expect to get to know your neighbouring table very very well!

They are always busy regardless of which nights you go to (all except Monday - they are not open). They don't except bookings, so expect to wait anywhere between 10minutes to 40 minutes but trust me it's worth it, especially for their Ciao Italia fetticuine and their tiramasu.

All I can say is, the waitstaff definitely recognises us and we've tried almost everything on the menu. The photos will do all the talking.

 Folded pizza

Seafood Spaghetti

Calamarri

Chicken Parmigiana

Ciao Italia Fetticine

Seafood Pizza with extra chilli!

This is Chocolate haven.. I can't remember what it's called

Hazelnut Ice-cream ball thing! It's delicious! =D

Gelato ice-cream

Raspberry Custard Tart ^_^

and finally.. the star..

TIramasu!!

I let you guys be the judge as to whether it's worth the wait or how good it is! =D

the lady in the suit jacket..

It's hard when you are 21 years old tip-toeing on 22 working in a professional setting, having to grow up so much so quickly. Maturing is something that happens quickly. There are things that occur that make you cynical of the world, lose hope in the goodness of humanity and then you realise that people can really be THAT evil.
You learn the importance of good management, leadership and learn to cope with all the bitches/whores/pricks/idiots/stupids of the work place. You learn and try so hard to stay above the work politics (within all departments) but somehow or other you get sucked it.

I'm glad in a way that I'm learning to deal with all the crap that work throws at me, because I'm learning and I'm learning fast and I'm hardening up and trying to grow a thick skin - only problem is I have to be careful not to lose any bits of my soul to that world.

I feel as though I'm going through a quarter life crisis despite the fact that I have a few more years to go. I guess this is what happens when you have to fill shoes that were meant to sit in your wardrobe for a few years until they become "new vintage" and you grow into it. Alas, with that I hope I survive the remaining weeks to come.

I just have to keep telling myself that at the end of the day, what matters is that you TRY and DO rise above all that and you do so by doing your job and do it WELL and within all that you do it with poise, elegance, sophistication and most importantly with style and grace. Because evidently, those that try to bring you down haven't got any of that.

I won't hesitate no more... open up my mind..

"I've been spending way too long clicking my tongue in the mirror

And bending over backwards just to try to see it clearer


But my breath fogged up the glass


And so I drew a new face and I laughed


I guess what I'll be saying is there ain't no better reason


To rid yourself of vanity and just go with the seasons


It's what we aim to do


Our name is our virtue"

I'm so close to a new chapter of my life.

Scary? YES.

Excited? YES.

Where am I heading? Not sure.

Life's to short to dwell.. there are so many stories to be written and told.. so many adventures to be had...so many people to meet (all with wonderful stories to tell!)..

So many food to try, in so many different outfits and designs in lovely backdrops of beaches, parks, riverbanks, city lights, monuments...

Let the good times roll!

Sopranos Pizzeria Ristorante

The Sapranos is a family owned italian restaurant situated on Mill Point Road in South Perth, just across from the Perth Zoo carparking. The restaurant has a homely, relaxed atmosphere to it, and unlike other restaurants, it literally is a two-storey (HUGE) house turned dining venue. The music, art (lovely paintings around the area) and decor with a cosy wood-styled fireplace in their room fitted nicely with the atmosphere, adding a level of a comfortable dining experience, and a good place for dinner catch-ups.

The wait-staff are friendly, pleasant and are willing to accomodate to your needs (the way they should be!). We booked for table of two to begin with, and when we changed our booking, they went around looking for a spare table to move  us from a two-seater to a more comfortable three-four-people seater (despite the fact that they were busy). A service, that is does not usually occur at other restaurants.

The food is a typical italian menu and does not have a great wine list, but their menu is one that sits within a average price range. They accomodate well for vegetarians able to remove/add ingredients according to person's wishes, which was great for my cousin.

Their food isn't a wow-factor but it is lovely italian, a little on the light side with their fetticuine, but they do make a mean tomato-chilli sauce and pasta dish and I had the Chef's special - chicken tenderloins with pischuitto that was lightly pan-fried along with roasted potatoes and spinach in a lovely sauce was just great chicken - not dry at all!

Excuse the VERY low quality of the photos - i was using someone else's camera and it just didn't do what it was suppose to!

I actually enjoyed my dining experience here. It's pleasant. The dishes are resonably sized and priced - no over-eating will occur and it's situated in a lovely area. If you are bloated you could always walk down to the foreshore and watch the Perth's skyline. It's not the best I've had, but the chef's special are truly special!

finding that spring love...

As much as I adore winter wear - I believe you just look your best in winter; the material and the cuts are nicer, they are more daring with textures, a look can change so much with little effort and of course there is always this certain elegance and sophistication when it comes down to winter wear and fashion. Alas, the colder months are behind us and the sun has finally come out to play, spring is here. I am out (well trying to be) on a hunt for the perfect spring dress with either flower motif but with definite bright colours. I want something in sapphire/rich blue, yellow, red tones in whatever spring/summer wear I like. I also need new pretty skirts I can twill in. Alas I am unable to find any within a fair price range, everything costs an arm and a leg!

So what do I love right now?

Vintage with a twist of modern. Bows - whether its in a form of a belt or headband. Headband - very Blair Waldorf. Very cute, sweet and sexy. Dresses - flowery, flowy, sweet, sugary, girly dresses. For evening wear? Effortless chic, rock and roll. Shirt dresses. Tunics. Accessorising with hats (because it's summer you be needing one), headband (keep the hair out of the face - it's hot and you sweating!), jewellery, flower clips and fun bright bracelets. And for those cool spring days and nights i love just throwing on a cute cardi, a dressy-blazer/man-style blazer complete with tights or long socks.

Photos from Lookbook Nu

Yes I do realise they are very autumny/winter wear, but I still can't find the perfect spring outfit example. When I do I shall post it and it will be what i will try and find in the shops.

a moment of weakness for Dior and Oscar De La Renta...

My recent buys are my babies and I can't WAIT WAIT WAIT until they are at my doorstep next week. Counting down the days until they are here!

They are complete and utter vintage pieces from Claire Inc.  who resides in Adelaide and seeks designer vintage pieces.

I can wear these to work (if I dare too..) or just spice it up when I go out to eat fantanbulous foods and dine in culinary delights.

Vintage Oscar De La Renta top

 

and my continual love affair with Dior ( I LOVE THEIR MAKE-UP and mositurisers!)

Vintage DIOR suit blazer - all I can say is the CUT and colour is HOT HOT HOT!

I do realise that they are both pokey-dotted. But hey a girl needs her spots on some days! They always make you look oh-so-cute-young-and-bubbly!

the first meeting

A slightly dazed girl with a deep rich plum-violet coloured hair, worn in a style of a bob with a black bow headband rushed through the brightly lit, white-floored,  halls trying to avoid bumping into the others, keeping her head low. Avoid at all cost. 
Amongst them a pair of hazel eyes catches her ever-wandering raven-dark eyes. He wore a black shirt with silver stripes through it and black pants - an outfit which shows his dashing fit physique. He was new. He was an eye candy for all the others for sure. But for her, he will not be, she will not fall, not without a parachute intact. She will learn not to fall.

He on the other, was curious. Who could bring a whirlwind of fresh air and an upheaval of all things sterile without uttering a single word. He stared. She moved passed him in a blink of an eye, but not before he had the chance to hold her raven-coloured eyes for a second too long. 

His eyes - why did they catch hers? They were brown - hazel in the bright lights of the hall. And that smile he shared. Just in time for her to know he saw her. He noticed. The smile with the accompanied amusement and curiousity in his hazel eyes, was just for her; it made her feel.... unsettled. This was not a good start. She promised herself she will be invisible and just do what she was suppose to do.

He smiled at her - he noticed, how could he not? She was the only one with a whirlwind feel to her. A rush of fresh breeze on the yet-otherwise-stale climate controlled air. Who was she? He was yet to meet. He was determined to meet. He turned back to look at her, but she was already gone around the corner.

The meeting was on in ten minutes. She has to finish a much as she can and she'll sit there, try to say as little as possible. Try not to draw attention to herself. But why was that so hard to do? why won't they just ignore? let her do her job.

The room was small. A long wooden tablet surrounded by old chairs took up most of the space.
They all have their place, it was unspoken that they all take their own place. She took hers. Then He entered, quickly, loudly and confidently. He took the seat nearest to her. There was a lot of fuss, talk and general excitement. They were all dying to meet him. Dying to introduce themselves. She sat there in between all the fuss, hoping not to be noticed and yet so intrigued by him.

He laughed, smiled and was generally loud as he entered the room. He saw her. He was glad she was in this meeting, it would be a chance to know who she was and what she did. The seat nearest to her was free. He stride across the room, greeting the others. He was new. He wanted to make an impression. The others were so excited about him. He smiled, laughed and kept them amused. Then he saw her eyes quickly darting to look at him, those raven-coloured eyes. He smiled, ignored the others for that split second, then struck out his hand and introduced himself. She smiled. Took his hand and introduced. The name and sound of her voice rung in his ears. Then it was back to the others vowing for his attention. But her voice was all he heard. 

the street sounds of Hong Kong and Taipei enters my ears as Hawkers beckons my tastebuds

Hawkers - A tiny little place in "china town" well really I should say china square. A bustling, busy place (as anyone would expect with any hawker stand right?) - not a place to take for a first date - but definite a place for a quick big cheap meal!

Good late night dinner. When all kitchens in Perth are closed, this little Asian restaurant is noisy, and filled with late-nighters, expect to wait, but the service is quick. It's fits all your food cravings in all the right places, filling and great way to catch up and get rid of the alcohol in your system or just get a late-night grub.

It's a place where the location and the atmosphere takes you all the way back to the streets of Taipei and Hong Kong - so a word of warning - DO NOT WEAR WHITE! =D

The yummiest Laksa!

The famous Hawker's Vermicelli Noodles!

Hawkers Tea! - reminds me of Hong Kong! Warm or Cold it's fantastic!

For more hawker's dishes instead of their late night alcohol absorbers.. click here!

"What I've found does the most good is just to get into a taxi and go to Tiffany's. It calms me down right away, the quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there..."- Holly Golightly, Breakfast at Tiffany's, 1958

You walk through the dark wooden door, climb the staircase, where at the top you are greeted by impeccably dressed doorman with a huge smile, black suit and white gloves. Although, the Tiffany and Co. jewellery store in Perth is quiet small compared to that of Sydney, the magic that takes place there is just as amazing.

On the second floor of the building hides the precious diamonds - rings, necklaces, bracelets - the very things that makes Tiffany's so famous, while the first floor, just above street level, jewellery of a more reserved and every-day wearable things lay - just waiting to be worn by beautiful, gorgeous women, girls, teens of all ages - the prefect present for any milestone or for just becauses.

I love just browsing through their diamond collection, fiddling with their charms, trying on the necklaces and bracelets.. but the best bit?..I love watching the Tiffany's salesperson tie up the little blue box with the white satin ribbon and neatly placing it into their blue signature bag. Divine.

My little treasures of Tiffany marks every milestone I can think of. Beautiful treasures each holding special memories - the way a Tiffany should feel - special, unique, memorable. A visit to Tiffany's should always be an adventure.

Tiffany Heart Key - from their key collection (shown above and below)

The Tiffany and Co. key marked my year as a university graduate and the start of the rest of my working life *DEEP SIGH*. Marking the fact that I am now to be responsible.

 Tiffany Charms - Cupcake and "Return to Tiffany and Co New York" Heart Charm

The two above charms represents the love that other people have for me and how it feels to be love. How sweet love is or can be.

I am yet to receive the diamond Tiffany - but like the wise Holly Golightly said, "it's tacky to wear diamonds before you're forty", well, it's not all entirely true, but you know what I mean... I hope.

oh sweet coffee~!

His voice fliters through the room of gossiping females getting updates about their weekend happenings, "Would anyone like coffee before the meeting?", little to no-one pays attention to him, except the girl with rosey red lips that sits on the edge of the table with her arms acrossed her chest grasping her black file, "Yes, I will, I'm dying for a coffee!".

The boy and girl look at each other for a moment, both unsure of what to make of it, both hoping to go together..
They head across to the silver elevator doors, walking so closely together, despite their being so much room around them. Ever slighly careful not to brush, and yet hoping they will. Her black elbony hair bouncing behind her - she thinks to herself - thank god I'm having a great hair day!.

The silence builds between them and she lets loose a large smile, a nervous giggle and exclaims "I'm dying for a coffee!". He looks across to her and he smiled, "So, I'm guessing you are a big coffee fan then?", "I'm totally addicted" she flashed her smile again, "Aren't you?"

Their body relaxes as their enter the elevator and conversation starts to flow. Both only having eyes for one another.

Just  before the lift touches the ground.. he leans over and whispers into her ear "I think I may be falling for you.." Her ivory cheeks powdered red and her ears burn with those words as a smile escapes her lips and she whispered back.. "I think I've already fallen.. will you catch me?"

Cantina 663 - little italian restaurant with BIG surprises!

Tucked away on Beaufort street, between the old astro theatre and the gelare ice-cream lies a little gem -an italian restaurant with a big mean BITE - CANTINA.

A personal hiding place for my friends and me - a place that cooks hearty italian meals with a good price tag, friendly staff and a relaxed-chilled atmosphere, where time seems to just drag out.

It lies in a little alley way which is guided by iron gates -everything about the area of the place feels very oh.. I don't know like I'm in Italy - sitting at a small tavern/saloon/well... cantina.. having dinner/lunch with great wine (which Cantina has - the wine I mean).

Their menu changes according to the season - so if you gone during the winter season - all the food is very hearty and warm. It leaves this fuzzy feeling of comfort and delight. In spring and summer - it's light and refreshing. The serves? Generous. The desserts? Delightful! Creative! The price? Perfect!

Sorry - taken with dodgey phone camera - anyway - it's asparagus with runny egg and grapefruit - it's an exploration of my taste senses - sweet sweet asparagus with slightly salty eggie taste with a pop of grapefruits sourness - DELIGHTFUL!

 (This was available the last time I was there which was 2 weeks ago)

Potato wedges (from REAL potatoes) with bacon rashes - it's cripsy as! (This was available during the Autumn months)

Housemade gnocchi with goat cheese and vegetables - yummies! (This was available two weeks ago - but a different Gnocchi dish is avaiable currently) - It was perfect.(again sorry taken with phone camera!)

This was K's dish back in March or something can't remember what it was - it was beef with some type of pasta and tomatoes

The delightful fish I had (back in March) - with the freshes tangy salad ever!

Gnocchi - drier version avaiable during the Summer months

PLEASE be aware that you may not get your gnocchi dish if you come during the winter - as i found out when i went then.. no photos of that occasion sorry - totally forgot my phone and camera! T_T you think I learn to always keep my compact with me!

My favourite? Their gnocchi..- it's fluffy, creamy and just melts in your mouth. They also do a mean rabbit, beef and pork!

But HEY, see for yourself.. give them a visit because I be there this weekend!

EDIT: see the other cantina page for more photos and winter offers!