my boyfriend is awesome..

because for a dress up party - disney themed - he wore:

black suspenders

cap with propellers

big black sequins bow

knee high socks

and a matching t-shirt and black work pants which were tucked into the knee high socks.

just so we can be tweedledee and tweedledum.

Toy Story 3

I've grown up with this movie - well, not as much as my brother has though.. he is about Andy's age and in this movie Andy's off to college and hey my brother started uni this year..

Anyway, disney and pixar has done another fantastic job, and this time, toy story really does tug at the heart strings.. I got all teary. In fact it made grown men bawl their eyes out.

Say goodbye to Woody, Buzz, Jesse, Slinky, Mr and Mrs. Potatoe Head, Pizza Planet aliens, Rex, Hamm and Buttercup one last time.

If you haven't seen it yet, go see it. It's a fitting ending to one of my favourite disney/pixar movies of all time.

doubts..

I wonder if I'm in all this because I like the idea of it rather than actually liking him.

I wonder if he is the same.

Who said leather skirts are just for sexy?

Hyper the look if you like it - hype it using your facebook/twitter account! =D

Health Kickstart..

As of last week..

I have:

Cut down carbs at night time

Went to yoga, Step and Tone, swimming (not very well done but it's a start)

I should be: 

Running

Eating breakfast

I have not:

Eaten breakfast

stopped snacking

This week 

I will continue:

Going to yoga, include body balance and WILL run 3 times this week and may continue to swim

To cut down snacking - meaning no chocolates, chips, cupcakes

To cut down carbs and portion size both lunch and dinner - and in order to succeed I will eat breakfast

Short term goal
 
I will:

Lose 3kg in 5 weeks

and learn to eat breakfast

Long term goal

I will:

Lose at least 8kg by end of October and learn to keep off all the weight

Tiffany 1837 - Interlocking Circles Ring

I finally gotten around to buying the Tiffany's Interlocking Circles Ring that I've had my eye on for a while.

It's so simple and elegant.

Housed in a building steeped in history, with its wooden floor boards and neo-classical sandstone facade, the jewellery store, made famous by Audrey Hepburn in that movie - "Breakfast at Tiffanys", is situated on the corner of Martin Place (which is made famous by the Matrix trilogy) and Castlereagh Street in Sydney. The only thing that is evident that it's Tiffany's is its little blue sign outside the grand, classical building.

It makes me happy.

It's a lot prettier in real-life. The photo on the tiffany and co. website does not show the beauty of the ring.

(a)Lure

It's been several weeks since I've been to (a)Lure - the modern-japanese-fusion-australia restaurant in Burswood. But I must say the taste and the smells of the place has since haunted my tastebuds.

(a)Lure is situated in the Burswood Intercontinental Hotel area - next to Atrium Restaurant. It has a bar at the front - which makes lovely Strawberry Mojitos. The restaurant are is on the side, secluded from the noisy bar. Our table of four was situated in a quite corner overlooking the pools and golf course of Burswood. The service was prompt, in asking for our drink orders, but apart from that it was rather the usual Perth service - a little lacking.

We were given our complementary bread with olive oil and something (not explained to us). The bread was fresh, a little hard.. hmm.. but at least it was warm.

We shared an entree - all of us agreeing on the twice cooked pork belly, spiced pineapple gastrique,
seared scallops. Which was absolutely delicious. The scallops were well cooked, the diced pork belly delicious and the plating makes it all the more appetizing.

twice cooked pork belly, spiced pineapple gastrique,seared scallops

Then each of us ordered our mains - which seemed to take forever to come out - but that could have just been me being extra hungry as we ended up having a late dinner.

S with her Japanese tasting plate - which she commented - the oysters and tuna/sashmi was fresh but the rest was very average and wasn't really worth what she was paying for

Pan seared dhufish, buttered spinach, warm tomato
& caper herb dressing - this was my dish - I felt the fish wasn't all that flash but the dressing was nice

This was what the two boys ordered - I had a taste of the steak and must say it was yummo - but then you can't really do that badly with beef.

Harvey beef fillet, grilled West Australian jumbo prawn,
beef cheek, carrot purée, balsamic shallots

We didn't get any dessert, as nothing interested us. We ended up going to Number 44 King St. Cafe instead.

I guess, considering it was on the Gold Entertainment Card it's worth going. Isn't exactly the best place I've been to, but it's fairly decent for fine dining fare.

The Undisputed QUEEN of Sunglasses

OH AUDREY how i love thee! 

your charm, elegance, sweetness and OH so cute!

Her Morning Elegance - Oren Lavie

The above video clip is so lovely and creative. Watch it!

strapped for cash..

Rather depressed that my shopoholic ways and lack of self control and inability to save have left me to clear out my wardrobe yet again and get rid of any unwanted items - i'm cut truth be told. I have UNWORN REVIEW dresses to put up for sale on ebay, as well as a collection of some of my favourite jewellery - which suffice to say have never been worn. At the moment I have a pair of pumps which I bought from Melbourne early this year and unfortunately, due to my lack of control, despite not fitting into them, my delusional self figured my feet would grow - which it didn't - so alas after wearing them twice I have to part. I bought them for $199.00... and I'm starting my bid at $19.99... AIIYAHH.. all for clearing my bedroom. If you like them, do bid on them! They are brand new and so damn sexy. It's breaking my heart to sell it. But I must learn to part with things that I have not worn - it will got to better homes that would love them and cherish them  as much as I do... and OMG perhaps even wear them!

SIGNS

This will make your mornings... afternoons and evenings...
this is what this whole thing LOVE is suppose to feel like..

my cynicism of people’s intentions will be the death of me...

But I like to sometimes think of it as an artillery in this world where the axis spins on the survival of the fittest, regardless of what area of life it is.

This artillery, I swear is only ever useful if there was some sort of filtering device or compass that actually points at the nasty intentions held by some people. I'm constantly subjecting the ones who love me most to an increasingly harrowing gauntlet of tests. These tests are not saying that I don't love them, in fact in think it's because I love them more than they love me so in fact it's a way for me to soften the blow of getting hurt if they were to betray me in any way. I guess it's not only that, but it's also because I can't quite understand why they love me and why they are here in my life.

In a way, it's a reason why girls love asking their perplexed (and often frustrated) boyfriends why he loves her. The‘i just do’ doesn’t quite cut it. It’s not that we’re vain, or stirring up trouble – we just want to know if you really know who we are and whether you LOVE US for us in all our glory and not so gorgeous habits. Just saying ‘because you’re cute, pretty, smart, kind’ doesn’t cut it either because that analysis isn't particularly thoughtful at all, after all almost every other girl on the street has that combination and there is nothing at all amazing about it.

Someone once told me that he knew he loved her when she was able to put up with all his mess - his messy room, his organised chaos, his inability to self express and her ability to tell him off about things like going to see the doctor..

If only love is as simple as what these kids say..

"It's love if they order one of those desserts that are on fire. They like to order those because it's just like how their hearts are... on fire." Christine, age 9

"I know one reason that kissing was created. It makes you feel warm all over, and they didn't always have electric heat or fireplaces or even stoves in their houses." Gina, age 8

"Spend most of your time loving instead of going to work." Dick, age 7

"I think you're supposed to get shot with an arrow or something, but the rest of it isn't supposed to be so painful." Manuel, age 8


"It isn't always just how you look. Look at me. I'm handsome like anything and I haven't got anybody to marry me yet." Brian, age 7

"Don't say you love somebody and then change your mind ... Love isn't like picking what movie you want to watch." Natalie, age 8

Riverside Drive

It was a full moon tonight

And I realise whenever I'm back in Perth 

I'm grateful for seeing the bright big yellow moon rise above.

I'm glad that there aren't that many high rises (apart from the CBD) area to cover nature.

I'm glad that when I stroll along riverside, the foreshore

I'm glad it hasn't been damaged by man-made harbours and annoying bars and cafes

Whether it's on a humid night...

when I take that stroll along the foreshore

to the Narrows Bridge from the Bell Tower,

the breeze finally rolling in from the coast cools my body and my temperment down.

Then the nights when the river is alive by the lights of the city

and the way they shine back, reflected from the glassy water to brighten my eyes

Then on days when the sky darkens grey,

heavy clouds sit low on the surface of the swan.

The intoxicating mixture of the smell of rain

and slow ripples breaking over still water..

I cannot help but love our sleepy city, Perth.

Vue De Monde

I realise this is a long awaited post, mainly due to my complete laziness and the fact that the photos weren't all that great giving that my compact camera at the time of taking these photos were on its last legs, which topped with a policy of removing flash at any fine dining venue makes it all the more low in quality.

Whatever the case, the photos does no justice to the wonderful culinery experience that I had at Vue De Monde. A french restaurant in the heart of Melbourne city, on Little Collins street in the Normanby chambers. The deco is very understated elegance and luxury, with rich, warm colours highlighted by velvet curtaining, bronze mirrors and  spanish pendant lighting (which many would find it contemporary sheek and "cool" but makes me think that it's rather incomplete - but then again, I've never been one to understand the contemporary look - cool but so inpractical at times). Artwork provides a quirky element and a sense of the mischievous to the dining room.

The waiters were superb in every way, quick, polite and were excellent at describing their degustation options. The first one is their famous GASTRONOME MENU - which consists of 10 courses (minus the palate cleanser, pre-desserts etc. etc. etc.) and their more refined version of the gastronome menu which is 5 course degustation meal - regardless, both could be tailored to our needs, wishes, tastebuds and how bottomless our stomachs were.

The menu we got was the more refined 5 course meal with 2 desserts (which really turned out to be 4 desserts..) and a glass of wine seeing as they have a splendid collection. I opted for a red wine, a 2007 André Kientzler Gewürztraminer Alsace, France, while S opted for the white, a 2005 Domaine Bruno Sorg Riesling 'Florimoant' Alsace, France.

To top it off, the degustation that was available to us (whether it was gastronome or not) was special - it was catered to towards celebrating Easter.

I now present you the menu that was on the 30th March 2010.

Chef in the kitchen doing their culinery thing

The bread and butter - butter was just perfect and it was salted too

Amuse Bouche - Kangaroo charcuterie - Kangaroo cooked in three different ways

Jardin De Legumes - Heide Vegetable Garden

Truite Fumee Acommpagnee De Caviar - Ocean Trout with osetra caviar, wasabi and baby beetroot, smoked at the table - in what looks like a greenhouse glass apparatus.. and omg the trout was gorgeous!! One of my favourites.

Risotto Aux Champignons - This dish is no looker but damn the classically inspired cep and king brown mushroom risotto was delicious (a little salty for me) but it just melts in your mouth!

ÉCREVISSE RÔTIE - Roasted marron with bisque glaze served on hot river stone - sooo delicious i still remember the taste of this!

After the vegie and the seafood tastings a palate cleanser is usually served - its a light, usually very refreshing and most likely tangy.

TROU PÉRIGOURDIN - Palate cleanser - which I believe was some kind of sorbert thing..

The palate cleanser is usually indictive that the more "meatier" courses are about to start..

FILET DE VEAU POCHÉ À LA SAUCE AUX MORELS - Poached veal fillet with morel sauce and pomme mousseline

Then it's time to let our tummy rest - this is where we decided we want dessert - two desserts - little did we know that we would end up with more than 2...

Our toothpick man - given to us after the meats..

Before desserts are served the table is usually scraped clean.

Our transitional dessert - SORBET AU MAIS - Sweet corn sorbet

The Pre-Dessert - OEUFS DE POULES - Prune and Armagnac eggnog, pistachio custard, Grand-Marnier mousse, served in an egg carton - the best one is the pistachio custard!

DESSERT 1: SAGO AU CASSIS - Blackcurrant sago and blackcurrant mousse with raspberry meringue and bubble gum ice cream - i only liked the bubble gum ice-cream but thats probably because i found a lot of the blackcurrent quite sour and the fact that it was the best bubble gum ice-cream ever!!

DESSERT 2: SOUFFLÉ À LA PISTACHE - Demoulded pistachio soufflé with crème anglaise

YUMMO!

NOTRE SÉLECTION DE CAFÉS, THÉS, INFUSIONS ET PETITS-FOURS - A selection of coffee, teas, infusions and petits-fours

The petit fours and the various business cards - given to us due to request.

Seriously the waiters were awesome. They were bemused by us and our chattiness and constant squeals of delights. Even the neighbouring diners got excited due to us. They were also more than happy to take our group photo too.

Vue de monde really defined one of the many reasons why I love fine dining, it is a testament to the belief that restaurant food can be a wondrous, unforgettable experience. A dining experience that cannot be created at home, achieved from sourcing incredible fresh and rare ingredients cooked with a way that just makes your tastebuds sing and then reminisce long after you have dined at the place.

Everything is done to perfection, from the food to the service, including expensive cutlery, glassware and even the business cards. You really don't know fine dining until you been to somewhere like Vue De Monde. It makes Amuse look so much like a pre-schooler.

Will I go back? Yes. Maybe to try their cafe monde. But probably not in a long while.

I'm back

I'm back from sydney and what a four-day trip that was. It went by so fast and yet the trip came at the right time to help me clear my head.

S and I did many things - whale watched, climbed the sydney harbour bridge at twilight, watched the Australian vs. Serbia game at 430am in the morning at Darling Harbour "fifa fanfest" posts (one of a few around the world), saw participatants of Amazing Race rushing through sydney CBD, caught up with Al, made a last minute decision to eat degustation at Aria (instead of just a la carte), shopped for a few hours ONLY, went to Bondi, Manly and walked around way too much.

A short break thats very much needed.

oo and who would have thought a few days away from home can make such a big difference with regards to the news that you get...

I'm starting to think that family and friends only do interesting things when I'm away on holiday..

hm... maybe to even out my travel adventures?

fllllyyy awwwaayy

I WILL BE ON A PLANE HEADING TO SYDNEY IN 5 HOURS TIME.

Then I shall be dining on a platter of seafood - completely to die for at the seafood markets..

Eating fine dine foods at Aria

Having a degustation at Assiette (hopefully - if they return our call - so that we can book a time)

possibly climbing the sydney harbour bridge

watching whales do their dance

and of course... living life to the fullest!

HUZZAAH... sometimes i think i have an awesome lifestyle.

Relativity - Patricia Piccini

I want to venture into the Art Gallery of Western Australia - agains - .. Because I feel as though I should get cultured in what little culture we have in Perth, and the fact that the exhibition held currently by the Art Gallery seems so interesting.

It's called Relativity and it's by Patricia Piccini whose startling sculptures examine the connections between science and nature, art and the environment. The sculptures were created using a combination of materials such as silicone, fibreglass and human hair, Piccinini’s sculptures are familiar yet fantastical in their depiction of possible future species and their interaction with human beings.

I want to go and it'd be fantastic, just need to find people to go with.

Pompeii Exhibition at the WA Museum

This morning I got a phone call from my beloved cousin asking me to come along to the A Day in Pompeii exhibition currently held at the WA Museum - which firstly to my amazement that she wanted to go - she never fails to surprise me, and secondly I've been wanting to see it, but have somewhat forgotten it's on. Living in your own little bubble tends to do that to you.

I've also had a fascination with Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius ever since I was in primary school and we had to learn about natural disasters. A roman city, inhabitated by 12000 people, completely destoryed and buried in 79 AD by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. So, before I visit Pompeii (whenever that is going to be - but it will be on my Europe adventure - which I hope will be soon) I'll get a chance to see a glimpse of it here.

For a change, we actually get an exhibition thats remotely interesting. It features hundreds of extraordinary objects that were recovered by archaeologists in the 1700s - marble and bronze sculptures, jewellery, gold coins and everyday household items – all of which evoke the richness and culture of daily life in the Roman Empire's favourite vacation resort.
There was also a 3D theatre animation which highlighted the town's citizens experience during the 48 hours of eruptions that wiped out Pompeii and encased the town.Oh as well as the body casts of people and animals that were buried by the volcanoes.

It's pretty interesting and I actually learnt a fair bit more than what I read in books as a child.

A Day in Pompeii exhibition is still running and will continue until 5th September at the WA Museum.

imagine that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars.. i can really use a wish like now.. wish like now..

There are two things I really want right now.. apart from happiness, good health etc.

ONE is that I get one of the PERMANENT positions at SCGH.

the other is that bf PASSES his exams in NOVEMBER.

you know you love me.. xoxo

Yes, I have had a massive Gossip Girl marathon - Season 2 - over the past week. I must say despite all her bitchiness, Blair is actually my favourite character. There is something about the way she hides her insecurities and her "sweetness" behind a wall of self-obsession. She's actually really loyal and will stand up for her beliefs and her friends no matter what - even if it means doing the most despicable things ever. In other words, she's complex. Not just your typical "I'm a rebelling against everything" S or just your "BITCH" Georgina. Her bitchness always has a reason. If anything, in a way she's so "real"... exaggerated.. but real.

And of course, how can you not love her impeccable style. She dresses to suit every occasion to a tee. Blair’s style is very classic, preppy, and polished. Her outfit is flawless, and she never has a hair out of place.
Although, I've always been torn between Serena's and Blair's style. Serena is always so edgey, while Blair is so sweet and cute.

BUT hey, who said you have to choose? I'll draw inspiration from both.

In fact, they all dress nicely. Even the boys.

And omg ... CHUCK. who taught him to have that "look" that he has.. *SWOON*

ok, yes, i realise i seem to have this attraction towards the two "anti-heroes" in this series, but hey why like the goodey-too-shoes.. it gets so old and boring.

ps. according to Teen Vogue quiz - which gossip girl are you? - I am Serena. hmms.. hahahah.. I do seem to have trouble follow me.