City to Surf 2010

City to Surf is an annual Perth tradition held at the last Sunday of August, from the Esplanade in the city to the surf in City Beach. This year I decided to participate so A, A's aunt, H and I registered for the city to surf 12km walk/run.

It was a beautiful, sunny, warm Perth day, perfect weather to walk/run to the beach. More than 40 000 participants also agreed.

There were so many people, you couldn't even see the start or the end of the stream of people running/jogging/walking. In fact, I was some what surprised by the amount of people, you don't usually get to see that many! Luckily the marathon and half marathon people have their own lane otherwise how annoying would it be to dodge people.

 A's aunty at the 10km mark! yay 2km more!

You just have to love the community spirit, everybody participating, from the young to the old, to the volunteers handing out the water along the way, to the porterloos set ups, the music at some points, this teenager singing to everyone and the cheersquads along the way. It was just a lot of fun and I think next year I might actually run/walk properly, as in more running, less walking. Which means time to start training, especially to get over those hills, who would have thought Perth is so damn hilly??!! We may not have mountains but we have a lot of damn hills.

Crossing the finish line after 12km of walking..The time above is not accurate, but my chip attached to my shoe laces states that I finished the race 2h 6mins and 25 secs!

 

see not even a sweat! leisure walk.. next year we do the run..

 

The circle of unhealthy food..

Oh, the funniest thing (and the most ironic), is that at the end, they have a massive set up of food - where there was a sausage sizzle, red rooster and other fast food joints, and I'm thinking, after all that hard work and exercise you just spent the morning doing, it's being negated and proven to be counter productive by stuffing yourself with the food that is available there. They really need to have healthier options.

Overall, I be doing it again and it's just too much fun, especially if you get a group together.

100

I want most of our days spent together to be like day 1.

The last 100 days have been wonderfully amazing.

Here is to many more 100 first days.

Anatomy of Love

I want to live a life which embodies these things..

Levis Curve i.d.

I hate jeans, I really truly do, only because I find that they never fit right on me, in fact they fit horribly, so much so that I find them uncomfortable and the only truely comfortable ones are the baggy jeans that makes me look 3 sizes too big. They make my thighs look like trunks, my butt flat or just unsightly and to top it off they pinch at all the wrong places, meaning that I always opted for larger size that just didn't fit me, it didn't fit me so much that I can just pull the jeans down.

This is until I tried on Levis new range of jeans - CURVE i.d, and trust me I am not endorsed to advertise their jeans or anything but I just want to inform all you ladies out there that this is truely the best. There are three in the range, made to fit all types of women, all shapes and sizes, and trust me IT TRUELY DOES.

I tried the whole curve i.d. range which comes in, Slight Curve, Demi Curve and Bold Curve. Each "Curve" comes in your favourite cuts, skinny, straight or bootcut in all shades of colour, from black to your typical jeans blue.

Which, unfortunately was definately not made for me, it was the exact same problem I had with all the other "types of jeans" and brand of jeans. It just did not fit! The good thing I got out of trying this on was that I described that I don't have a straight figure.

This my friends was the jackpot. I got the jeans in the right size, it elongated my legs and made me look taller, truth be told, the length was almost perfect (i'm only 5'1/2") and it hugs at my butt and doesn't pinch and it's so comfortable that I forget that I was wearing it. Now I finally have that PERFECT "staple" jeans that everyone says you need.

This pair left a gapping at the waist and I can pretty much pull the pants down without undoing anything. Although, I might give this style another go, only because I don't think I grabbed the right size.

Either way, I'm glad Levis finally have the jeans to fit all shapes and sizes.

Go try it at your nearest Levis, Just Jeans, Myers (or Levi's stocklists stores).

Happy hunting for that perfect pair that flutters your figure and makes you feel and look damn sexy.

busy busy

I've had a full on week last week and a better weekend.

Friday was bf and mine 3rd month.. naaww how cute yeh?.. anyway, he took me to Fraser's Restaurant, and much to my surprise it was actually really fantastic (except maybe the service - it wasn't exactly spectacular, but at least the wine girls really knew how to match their reds to the lamb). Yes, I had lamb, it was so tender and probably the best lamb I've had so far at a restaurant, bf had a scotch fillet steak. No photos, because I forgot to charge my camera - I was really busy that day. The dessert was also very nice.. the roasted almonds (and other things) bread pudding with ice cream, melted chocolate and cream was the perfect treat to end the dinner (and warm your tummy seeing as it was freezing outside), while bf had the missussiipi (no idea how to spell it, too many s's and too many i's) mud cake with ice cream and cream. I was surprise that it was great, only because I've had so many bad things about it. I guess the only complaint I have is that the price was really steep. But overall, with the views of the city through the trees and the food, and the romantic ambience about the whole place (lots of couples), it was fantastic.

I have also just started a new job, and that has been rather interesting. I see how long I can stick around. The pay is great. The hours are great. The work isn't too stressful, just a lot of pressure timewise with meeting deadlines and what-nots. I also get a proper lunch break and morning tea and afternoon tea if I so wish it. As well as having public holidays off (and paid for!) YES!!

I also went to see SALT yesterday after work, took a quick shower, ate and drove to bf's place, where he was still cooking dinner for him and his housemates, then I had his famous cheesecake and O.M.G it truly is the best cheesecake ever!!! BETTER than any of the ones in the shops, better than any I've ever tasted. I LOVE IT. So I requested that he makes it for my birthday (he doesn't make it too often because it's not exactly the healthiest thing, in fact its completely and utterly, deliciously sinful and unhealthy, which explains why it's so damn good!), now I can't wait until my birthday.

I've also been keeping up with my gym work - mum (who is brutly honest when it comes to my weight and size) said that I've toned up and slimmed down, even though it doesn't exactly show up on the scales, bf also commented, so I must be doing something right. I been trying to exercise three times a week at least, and limit eating out to once a week, and in terms of skipping junk, I'm still so hopeless and helpless in that department (just look at the notes in this entry!!). I been doing yoga, bodypump and occasional running, but now I've descovered the perfect cardio that I enjoy (apart from spin class) is BODYCOMBAT. Apart from working up a sweat, it's the perfect stress reliefer on a Wednesday night.

Oh man, it's 11:25pm, I have to read this work manual and sleep, hmm.. I still have a procrastination habit.
Fantastic.

Risk

So what if I dive off the edge of my life

And theres nothing beneath?

What if i live like theres nothing to lose

Just to die on my knees?

At least I'll know

I walked the dark

I took the scars

I risked it all

And learned to love the fall

- Love the Fall (Michael Paynter)

Andaluz Bar and Tapas

Andaluz is little treasure hidden in the CBD of Perth, it's down an alley way lit with little blue lights beneath your feet, before having to go downstairs to the basement. Upon laying my eyes on the interior design, I KNEW I was in for a treat.

I felt like I've just stepped into some 1920s movie, as I navigated my way through the bar, finding little secluded places, with each area decorated in vintage tones of rich chocolate browns, red, mood lightings, fantastic side tables, lamps, drapings, curtains and leather (and velvet!) lounges, couches, seats and sofas. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to capture the design of the place as I wasn't going to be rude and wasn't about the ruin people's whispers and secret doings.

The service at the place wasn't too bad, but our waiter was rather cute, with a nice accent (which turned out to be German and not French like we first anticipated!) and said waiter was rather in the know with what to taste from their tapas and drinks list.

 

Sauteed Mushrooms, Parsley, garlic and fino

 

Seared scallops, Berkshire pork cheek confit

 Ocean Trout Rillette

Black Angus Beef Carpaccio, manchego and herbs

 

Sauteed Prawns, manzanilla, shallots and Jamon

 

 Sorry.. I really don't remember what that was...

Pan Con Tomate (Spanish Tomato Bread)

L: Spanish Deli Cold Cuts - lomo, serrano ham, cantimpalo

R: Grilled Spiced Chorizo with lemon (THE BEST i've had!) 

and the desserts - it was to die for!! Not much to look at BUT we all experienced a little bit of heaven!

Chocolate Caramels with smoked chilli salt (OMG!! CHOCOHOLICS HAVEN!)

Orange and vanilla mashmallows, citrus sherbet

The ambience? It's well... I can only say that I feel like I've stepped onto a movie set, it's brilliant. It's swanky and all that oozes with coolness. I love it. Perth needs more of these types of bars, little hidden gems, that serve great tapas, drinks with awesome interior deco. I just wish, the food wasn't so pricey. But regardless, one of my favourite places and will be back when I have a bigger pay packet!

realisation...

I am so lucky. SO DAMN LUCKY.

I just need to remember that every time I want to throw a huge fuss about anything.

I AM SO DAMN LUCKY.

my parents are just the best. I need to appreciate them so much more than I do. Sometimes I'm such a brat. They have done such a good job raising me and the boys, GOD DAMMIT how I am such a BRAT and a total bitch for not ever appreciating or realising that and only seeing the bad side to it. I'm such an idiot.

again I'll say it...

I AM SO DAMN LUCKY.

Lanna Thai Cuisine

Monday nights aren't exactly the best time to eat out, mainly because half of Perth's restaurants are closed. However, the good thing is that, the ones that are open shouldn't be too busy or loud. AL, Liv and I decided to head to Subiaco picking up Liv at her work. We ventured into Subicao Hotel (only to find that it was full and had a 30 minutes waiting list... and this was a Monday night..), then AL wanted Thai food, in particular, the Thai Apple salad, hence we ended up at Lanna Thai (which made awesome Thai Apple Salad, and bonus that it was on the Entertainment Card - 25% off value of $25).

Lanna Thai Cuisine is located on Hay street, in a little square filled with restaurants - Indian, Noodle Bar, newly established Hippos Creek. The interior of the place is decked out in traditional Thailand momuments and colours of gold and black, like most Thai restaurants. The waiters are friendly and accommodating, and even for a Monday there was a large group having dinner and several couples, as well as numerous take-away orders, but of course it wasn't too busy.

I must say I was quite impressed by Lanna Thai, it was fast service (maybe because it wasn't too busy?), the price was alright, and the food was delicious and rather authentic, and for a change I don't feel as though mum could have made it ( I usually have that impression about eating curry foods like Indian and Thai, I always feel as though mum could have made it and that I was getting ripped off, except this time).

We ordered brown rice - which was fantastic, it had a texture to it, had a bite to it, kind of "chewy"?, it was just this different texture of rice which I've never had before and I loved it, and it's supposedly a lot healthy than your normal "white" rice.

Brown Rice and Beef Panag Curry

 

Our brown rice went very nicely with our Beef Panang Curry - which has the right amount of coconut and peanut flavours. I love it.

Chicken Pad Kiew Wan

 

We also got a stir-fry dish called Pad Kiew Wan (Chicken) - which had a slight hint of spicy-ness due to the cut up fresh chilli in the dish with green beans, bamboo shoots and mushrooms.

Yum Apple

and of course the Yum Apple - Apple salad with prawns with chilli through it. It was the perfect mixture of sweet, sour and a kick of spice. Sorry the photos are a little dodgey, taken by my phone camera - I really need to invest in a good phone with a good camera - seeing as I seem to forget to take my camera to places these days.

Overall, I think the food is delicious, I don't usually rate curry dishes very highly, but this place is rather authentic thai cuisine, the service is resonably good (although I don't know how they would fare on a busier night), the price is also resonable, in fact it's more than resonable, with the Entertainment Card it was considered cheap - considering that we paid about $18 each for our meal (this was including two freshly cut chillis with soy sauce, which were additional sauce orders), and although the servings don't look like it's a lot, it acually is a fair bit, even for three big eaters. In fact we were stuffed and satisfied.

I would be taking my usual restauranters out to try this place so they can compare to Thai Orchid located in Mt Lawley (which isn't bad, but I HATE the service there). Personally I rate this place higher than Thai Orchid in South Perth and Mt Lawley.

Greenhouse Restaurant

Greenhouse restaurant, a restaurant that is eco-friendly and built completely on recycled and recyclable materials is located on St. Georges Tce entrance of the Enex 100 building.  The rooftop even contains a kitchen garden, supplying the ingredients for the restaurant, as well a venue for private functions. I was surprised by the interior of the restaurant, for some reason it reminded me of a shipping container bar that was in Melbourne (maybe its by the same designer?).

I went there with JJ for lunch on a Monday, just after the lunch crowd, so we got a table fairly quickly and were placed on the quieter side of the restaurant, facing a giant mural, generally though it's recommended that you book ahead of time.

The service was quick and prompt, the waiter telling us the the pasta and pizza of the day. It was a bit of a hard choice, as nothing on the menu really jumped out at me, and I did find the prices to be a little steep for lunch, although I suppose for what you are having (such a trout, marron, steak etc. it wasn't too badly priced..).

OJ on the left and Lemonade on the right

After much deliberation, JJ and I ordered, freshly squeezed orange juice for JJ and homemade lemonade for myself. Both were fresh, delicious and truly homemade. You can actually taste the orange in the OJ and the lemon in the lemonade (it wasn't sour, nor did it taste as though they loaded it with sugar). Both drinks were refreshing and I felt oh-so-healthy, the lemonade seemed the perfect detoxifier.

Ocean Trout, papaya and peanut salad with tamarind dressing

As for the food, I eventually opted for the Ocean Trout on top of papaya and peanut salad (which contained cherry tomatoes, green beans, shredded red capsicum) with tamarind dressing. The salad was tangy and reminded me of the light asian tangy salads that my mum and grandma makes minus the chilli sauce, although a bit of chilli would have balanced out the tangy-ness very nicely. The trout was cooked superbly, the skin was crispy and the trout wasn't overcooked.

Pasta of the day

JJ on the other hand wanted the slow cooked goat, silverbeet, white polenta, however they were sold out, so his second choice was the pasta - which happened to be spaghetti lightly drizzled with olive oil and vinegar with cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced squash and mushrooms. The spaghetti was homemade spaghetti, not too thick in size, it was nice and light, perfect lunch pasta.

All in all, it was a great lunch catch-up. Loved the atmosphere and the food wasn't badly done, we left the restaurant happy, our stomachs full and our wallets lighter. It’s a place you have to visit at least once, just to at least admire the innovative design.

leap of faith

Sometimes we have to stop and realise that what we do want isn't ever going to just fall onto our laps, it rarely does, nor is anyone else going to make it happen or just give it to you, sometimes you have stray away from your comfort zone, take a little risk, a giant leap, jump into the unknown to find that thing you are waiting for, hoping, wishing, wanting. And the hardest part is leaving that comfort and leaping into the unknown. But after you've done it, it always feels so good and you wished you've done it sooner.

For me, I'm still struggling to get away from that comfort spot. But I'm slowly learning to have confidence in myself, have faith that it will work out, after all I have wonderful support and so many people that believe I can.

Marc Jacobs Belleville skull-embroidered cotton dress

I had lunch with JJ at the popular CBD luncheon place - Greenhouse - where the restaurant is constructed by recycled materials. But I'll talk about that later.

We visited Dillente - still a store I can't afford, then made our way to Wasteland, where I found the Marc Jacobs Belleville skull embroidred cotton dress - it was on sale. It was $580 and I got it for a bargain price of $170.

It's the perfect prairie pretty styled dress, perfect for spring/summer, but with a twist - it has skulls on it! Pretty in a rock chic styling. It's oh-so-cute when it's on as well.

The above photos courtesy of net-a-porter .. it does no justice to the dress.. kinda makes it look BLAH and boring...

It's the perfect little dress for spring, simple, cute, with or without a belt. Can't wait to wear it out.

Now I will not shop, at least not until I spring clean my wardrobe.

So many things to judge a man by.

It’s not just:

Where he lives. The car he drives. Fashion sense. What he does for a living. What his goals are. What he does in his spare time. His interests and passions. How he treats his family and friends. His values.

It’s also:

How he deals with the dinner bill. Whether he walks you home. Whether he texts you right after. Whether he calls. Whether he’ll message randomly. Whether he remembers the things you say. Whether he takes any interest in your interests. Whether he lives up to the things he promises.

Girls say we don’t have a list, but really there’s one in our subconscious.

And not only that – it still needs to feel right.

Newsflash!

So I got the job - a job with a bit of difference to all the other places I've worked at. A little excited, because it may be interesting. A little scared, because I've never worked in a place like that before. Have to get my organisation, concentration and time manager hats back on.

Secondly, because of that this coming week is my last week of holidays/freedom. As a result I'm having mixed feelings because I was really starting to enjoy learning to cook, going to the gym, occasionally cleaning and shopping. Basically being all domesticated. I don't know how I feel about having to venture into work, after all I will be working for the next 40 years of my life and I will never have this freedom back. ARGH, thinking like that is so damn despressing.

At least I get money, but I probably wouldn't have the time or energy to spend it.

GOD DAMMIT, is there no balance in this life??

Recent buys

I recently purchased my first bodysuit - its in a floral print, three quarter sleeves and most importantly it's comfortable and inexpensive, in fact it was a bargain at $18 from Miss Shop.

I also bought pleated harem-styled pants from Witchery at such a bargain price of $27 - they were a lot cheaper than what I thought and what it was stated... only that much from WITCHERY?? They are so comfortable and as everyone is aware Witchery pants last forever and doesn't look old and worn no matter how many times its been washed. I also bought another pair of pants from there too for $47 (again cheaper than I thought/stated).

I also ended up buying a vintage-style dress from Sportsgirl too but its expensive and I'm regretting it, might return it. It's not worth it, especially seeing as its made from polyester as well. But it's so cute and it'd be perfect little spring/summer wear. Yet, it'd be on sale sooner or later - Sportsgirl always is. I just have to hope that it's still there.

Front of the dress on the left and the back of the dress on the right

The stylists at Sportsgirl and I have the same style because this was exactly how I was going to wear it. I love white dresses like this with brown belts.

I throw together a few of my new buys to go to a dinner with a few of my friends last night at Eat Greek Eat Well in East Fremantle. It was an all-you-can-eat buffet of mainly Greek dishes. The food wasn't too bad. The company fantastic.

Bodysuit: Miss Shop floral printed bodysuit

Jacket: Tu's Rider jacket

Pants:Witchery pleated harem-styled pants

Shoes: Louboutins Decollete 

Headband: Present from collegue at work

Watch: DKNY

Jewellery: Necklace from Taipei (present from Aunty), Ring: Tiffany & Co. Interlocking ring

This outfit is simple, chic, comfortable and versitile. I can take me from work to play, and the florals and the bow just add a little bit of fun and youth into an outfit that's otherwise looking very coporate. It's neat, it's clean but with a twist. Something that's grown up but yet still trying to keep it youthful. Which I guess is what I'm like at the moment. I'm have to grow up and be more mature, professional and responsible but when I'm not working I'm still that bubbly, crazy, silly girl. Plus I've loved mixing things, mixing fabrics, patterns, traditional workwear with casual wear etc. etc. After all fashion is about exploration, experimentation, an excuse to be creative.

oh life..

Working.

Attended an interview for a very interesting aspect of the my profession. Something completely different. Not quite community (no retail aspects of it) not quite hospital (don't really get to do clinical reviews unless I get accreditated - but I do deal with the doctors, nurses, carers etc). They kept telling me that my experiences is what they were after and were rather impressed with my resume. Alas they still had more interviews. I will know the news by the end of the week.

Body pump.

Yoga.

Running.

Not necessarily in that order. I was suppose to go to my body pump class but worked called me. DAMN on-call.

Eating all you can eat Greek food tonight. Should be interesting, because firstly I had a bad experience at this Greek place I went to and secondly it's all-you-can-eat, which generally ends up being not the best of foods. But I'm willing to try new things.

Speaking of new things. I found the perfect pair of shorts for spring/summer and have been assembling outfits for the warmer weather. This autumn/winter fashion didn't do it for me but the spring/summer assembles are rather inspirational. Also partly because I have two moods to me, I have this urban/street/thrown together style of me, which is perfect with all the nudes, the military trends thats coming through and I also have this girlie/pretty/ prairie pretty/elegant/vintage style, which is why I love the hints of floral, lace, and vintage accessories/styles that are out there. I can't wait until I get to let lose my conflicting styles. It really just depends on my mood as to which one I would wear.

I just wish though I would lose weight. I seem to be more flexible and definately my strength improved but I still haven't managed to lose the weight. MUST STOP EATING ICE CREAM. *SIGH*

Kardinya Tavern

When your bf lives in an area where you have no clue where to eat and where we wanted something casual and cheap eat the best place to head to is a pub/bar/tavern. Something I'm somewhat getting used it (in between all the fine dining), after all pub food can be pretty good.

Kardinya Tavern was the chosen place on a Friday night. It was holding a function when we went so it was rather noisy, I'm not sure if that is always the case, but I wouldn't be surprise. It's very brightly lit, somewhat small-ish for a taven, and had a karaoke, (which bf didn't want to go up and sing).

bf's Fish and Chips

My Chicken Parmigiana

The salads I picked from the salad bar - but there are also pasta salads, more potato salads etc.

The food wasn't too bad, average, but for pub food the servings were a little lacking, but I suppose it's probably because they provided a free salad bar, which was good for me because I wanted some greens in me, plus, I didn't mind that the portions of the food were smaller than other pubs - it means you actually might be getting the right sized portions (although I still think it was a fair bit).

The place can get fairly loud, as we found out when the karaoke sessions started. But the whole place has a very family friendly vibe to it. Go there because it's in your local area, I believe the price seems fair, although a few dollars cheaper would be good because the portions seems a bit small for pub food. 

Novembar's Cafe and Takeaway

Novembar's Cafe and Takeaway is one of those neighbourhood secrets that is only known by word-of-mouth, therefore, you know you having exceptional quality, great tasting food and all at the right price. There's nothing fancy about this place, but when you see the window of the shop filled with photos, reviews, and very happy diners you know it'd be good.

The decor isn't much - a simple suburban cafe with great service and great food - and really that's all you really need.

The cafe is known for it's crazy burger ideas, such as the "Hello Burger" which comprises of 101 250g beef patties, 1 t-bone steak, 1 dozen eggs, lots of cheese, bacon and well, there's a long list.  There's the new challenge, the Aussie Aussie! (just see the photo..), for all those who have big appetities and are up for a challenge.

 The Aussie Aussie Burger!!

 The Hello Burger

The size of the Hello Burger - IT was over 2m!!

Do not fear, there are also burgers for people with a smaller-sized stomach. There's the 5cent burger, the poor-man burger, the fried poor man burger (which is a burger that is deep fried!), there's the triple cheese, the November Star 2011, the Hamburger (the LOT), the cheeseburger, and for the chilli lovers, there's the "red hot and runny nose" burger. In fact, they have such inventive burgers and their patties are homemade, so it's none of that fozen icky beef patties.

The awesome and exceptional menu!

The triple cheeseburger!

 

 Hamburger - the Lot

Novembar Star 2011

 

Fat Boy (completely destroyed by CR!!)

To top it all of, Minh, the owner is very enthusiastic, spirited, funny and friendly, open to accommodate to your burger (and pizza, pasta, salad..) needs and wants.

Minh the friendly owner!

For those, not up for a burger? the cafe is known to also make great homemade pizzas, salads, and pasta. But why have those when you can challenge yourself to a Fat Boy or Aussie Boys Don't Cry! I know next time I won't be eating for the whole day and having the "Red Hot and Runny Nose" burger.

Oh to top it off, when i returned to Novembar's after about 7 months later, Minh still remembered me and who I went with and what my friends had. He is awesome like that, and I had a bit of the "Red Hot and Runny Nose" burger and OMFG. it is unbelievable hot. The burger is stuffed with the hottest chillis in the world. I had runny nose after just a bite. I'm glad my uncle had it and enjoyed it and trust me it's because he's had YEARS of training!

Before eating - Uncle with the "harmless" looking "Red Nose Runny Face Burger"

with a Brown's iced coffee chill to drink when the burger gets too hot..

 After - face was red, had sweat on forehead but years of chilli experience and torture meant that he was able to almost completely finish it without actually dripping in sweat completely... warning others may experience worse effects.

 

The Steak Burger

 

This place is fantastic, even if it is just to awe at the wonderous burger creations and to talk to Minh, the friendly owner with a passion for creating the unexpected. He also has a facebook page so add it!