Tomorrow I leave straight after work with bags in hand and head towards Rottnest Island, home of the Quokkas and beautiful beaches.
I be bringing my dslr and having fun in the sun (and possible be freezing my butt off seeing as the nights are still really cold).
Can't wait.
Until then, have a lovely weekend, and I shall be finishing off the rest of my posts which are on hold at the moment.
ps. Jackson's Restaurant is OVERRATED. Never again. Will tell you another time.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Told to save..
So my lovely father just informed me that I have save $x__,___ of dollars (that gap btw is a comma not a decimal place) until 2012 so I can afford my lovely apartment by then.
Which means the following cuts:
As of tonight:
** NO coffees from cafes - sorry sweeties if you want me at a cafe I'll come for the goss and to see you lovelies, but I must stay away from buying any.. (Only occasional allowances) $4.50 x 300 = $1350 (65 days for any off days).
** MUST not have cakes/churros/sweets at cafe shops $6.50 x 52 = $338 (again approximate, i'm sure I don't go and have cake/churros/sweets at cafe 52 times a year, definately less than that, but that's just for any odd circumstances).
** MUST find cheaper means of parking at work, most likely taking the bus - MUST get smart rider to save even more $10.40 x 260 = $2704 vs. $1.33 x 2 (return journey) x 260 = $691.60 therefore, saving $2012.40 (and that's not even including the cost of petrol, this is just the cost of parking).
** MUST not be tempted to buy chocolate/ice-cream/eat at work/go out to eat for lunch at work $10 x 260 = $2600
** MUST not by magazines $8 x 52 = $416
TOTAL SAVINGS (from only cutting down these unneccessary expenses) = $7408
Eventually I must cut down on the amount of shopping trips I do and the amount of fine dining that I do (which is probably the hardest thing ever). Nevertheless, the above already shows how much it costs. It's ridiculous. If I can cut down on this it'd be terrific, because I would have saved a lot, plus I won't get fat, because I'm cutting the junk.
I figured I allow my self at least once a month of fine dining, and once every fortnight of eating out. I mean if I actually calculator the amount of money I spend eating out I'm sure it'd be in THOUSANDS. Scary thought. So I will try, however, tonight I have a S's 23rd Birthday and it's a degustation at Jackson's restaurant. A premium restaurant. So how can I say no to that? Plus, it's a birthday.
But after today I get my gymming back on track (the last two weeks have been bad, I've only been going once a week instead of at least twice a week, plus I've been pigging out. Starting this new job has totally impacted on my waist line and my gucci wallet line) and I WILL SAVE LOTS.
Which means the following cuts:
As of tonight:
** NO coffees from cafes - sorry sweeties if you want me at a cafe I'll come for the goss and to see you lovelies, but I must stay away from buying any.. (Only occasional allowances) $4.50 x 300 = $1350 (65 days for any off days).
** MUST not have cakes/churros/sweets at cafe shops $6.50 x 52 = $338 (again approximate, i'm sure I don't go and have cake/churros/sweets at cafe 52 times a year, definately less than that, but that's just for any odd circumstances).
** MUST find cheaper means of parking at work, most likely taking the bus - MUST get smart rider to save even more $10.40 x 260 = $2704 vs. $1.33 x 2 (return journey) x 260 = $691.60 therefore, saving $2012.40 (and that's not even including the cost of petrol, this is just the cost of parking).
** MUST not be tempted to buy chocolate/ice-cream/eat at work/go out to eat for lunch at work $10 x 260 = $2600
** MUST not by magazines $8 x 52 = $416
TOTAL SAVINGS (from only cutting down these unneccessary expenses) = $7408
WOW!!
I figured I allow my self at least once a month of fine dining, and once every fortnight of eating out. I mean if I actually calculator the amount of money I spend eating out I'm sure it'd be in THOUSANDS. Scary thought. So I will try, however, tonight I have a S's 23rd Birthday and it's a degustation at Jackson's restaurant. A premium restaurant. So how can I say no to that? Plus, it's a birthday.
But after today I get my gymming back on track (the last two weeks have been bad, I've only been going once a week instead of at least twice a week, plus I've been pigging out. Starting this new job has totally impacted on my waist line and my gucci wallet line) and I WILL SAVE LOTS.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Cancer Coucil - Relay For Life Fundraiser
Nothing is better than raising money for the Cancer Council on a bright and sunny weekend. This involved walking around the Oak Lawn at UWA for 24 hours with family and friends sponsoring your cause. I was part of Chris's time the "Unbreakables" but unfortunately I couldn't do the walk for 24 hours as I had a full day Saturday and again a pretty busy Sunday but I did spend a few hours walking around. Of course you don't have to work the whole 24 hours that's why you in teams and you get to camp out on the Oak Lawn.
There was also a candle ceremony which defined what the Relay for Life is, which is to provide hope for the future, to hopefully find a cure or at least better treatment options for the patients. It was also to remember the loved ones that have died from cancer.
Overall, the candle ceremony was touching and thought provoking. I have lost a grandmother to colon cancer, grandfather who battled prostate cancer last year and my other grandmother who had liver cancer which resulted in a liver transplant. So raising funds for causes like these is close to my heart.
There was also a candle ceremony which defined what the Relay for Life is, which is to provide hope for the future, to hopefully find a cure or at least better treatment options for the patients. It was also to remember the loved ones that have died from cancer.
Overall, the candle ceremony was touching and thought provoking. I have lost a grandmother to colon cancer, grandfather who battled prostate cancer last year and my other grandmother who had liver cancer which resulted in a liver transplant. So raising funds for causes like these is close to my heart.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Arigataya Ramen House
I love ramen houses because I love my noodles, especially good noodles, and one of the things I love is good JAPANESE ramen noodles.
Arigataya Ramen house is pretty authentic in its noodle making, encouragingly similar to ones from Japan and the broth is yummy and it's a fast satisfying meal, esepcially when you are really hungry and its lunchtime.
It's located on Roe street in Northbridge, you can locate it by its yellow sign which is written in Japanese (with little romanised Japanese at the bottom).
The noodle house is simple, the staff friendly and the menu - a large variety of noodles to choose from, from ramen to udon. On top of that there is a decent amount of other japanese dishes from katsu, teriyaki, Japanese curry, entrees like takoyaki and gyoza.
Overall, it's one of the few good ramen houses in Perth, but probably one that offers a variety of ramen noodle options. Definately one to try and to dine at if you ever in Northbridge and it won't blow the budget at around $10-$15 for a satisfyingly big bowl.
Arigataya Ramen house is pretty authentic in its noodle making, encouragingly similar to ones from Japan and the broth is yummy and it's a fast satisfying meal, esepcially when you are really hungry and its lunchtime.
It's located on Roe street in Northbridge, you can locate it by its yellow sign which is written in Japanese (with little romanised Japanese at the bottom).
The noodle house is simple, the staff friendly and the menu - a large variety of noodles to choose from, from ramen to udon. On top of that there is a decent amount of other japanese dishes from katsu, teriyaki, Japanese curry, entrees like takoyaki and gyoza.
Overall, it's one of the few good ramen houses in Perth, but probably one that offers a variety of ramen noodle options. Definately one to try and to dine at if you ever in Northbridge and it won't blow the budget at around $10-$15 for a satisfyingly big bowl.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Hong Kong BBQ Northbridge...
This little restaurant used to look rather run-down, was rather dirty and typically unattractive with no real appeal in its physical appearance, but the BBQ duck, roast pork and BBQ pork from there was fantastic and their servings were rather generous, something that brings its customers back to their restaurant. But after a long and much needed renovation, the restaurant looks very nice and fancy. I was pleasantly surprised by the fresh, modern deco, but unfortunately, that's about where it stopped.
They say don't judge a book by its cover, and rightly so, although a huge improvement in the deco and the overall appearance of the place, I can't say that the quality of the food remained the way it was.
For the price we paid the dishes we got were unbelievably small - not enough for 7 people to taste the dish. The staff were only helpful to the customers who had wine and what not and forgot about what we asked for (and they weren't even busy) - the taste is average too.
I wouldn't go back. In face, I felt as though I wasted an evening even going there, bad choice on my part, should have gone next door to Dragon Palace and would have paid the same price/same bill but with better chinese food. ALSO granted the first two photos of this post are half eaten but the rest are the exact serving size they served to us and as you can see it's ridiculously small.
They say don't judge a book by its cover, and rightly so, although a huge improvement in the deco and the overall appearance of the place, I can't say that the quality of the food remained the way it was.
For the price we paid the dishes we got were unbelievably small - not enough for 7 people to taste the dish. The staff were only helpful to the customers who had wine and what not and forgot about what we asked for (and they weren't even busy) - the taste is average too.
BBQ trio - look how small the serving is..
BBQ Duck, Roast Pork, BBQ Pork
Jelly Fish
Sweet and Sour Pork
Chilli Prawns
Beef
Sizzling Tofu
Friday, October 15, 2010
Tenkadori
What to eat on a Friday night? Somewhere where the after work crowd isn't there, that doesn't need booking, is tasty and something that would satisfy your Japanese food craving? The only thing that pops into my mind was Tenkadori, a new Japanese restaurant addition to Subiaco. A Japanese restaurant that specialises in the popular gourmet dish, yakitori. Tasty and healthy yakitori.
The restaurant is located in the newly built buidings at the end of Hay st, near the IGA. It's a tiny little restaurant that sits only 20 people. There were a few empty tables when we arrived, and we quickly took them. Inside, the beer fridge holds a permanent place next to the front counter and kitchen, holding varieties such as the Kirin Ichiban Shibori, Yebisu, Asahi Super Dry, as well as sake, shōchū, and plum wine.
I must say I felt like I was transported back to Japan, although its been a few years since I was there. The menu was written in Japanese, the staff, the owners, the patrons were Japanese so we knew we were in for real authentic Japanese treat. What was more was that looking at the menu it was hard to pick what we wanted, everything just sounded devine.
We decided that we would have two entrees/sides, a main each and a yakitori tasting plate ending with delicious homemade ice-creams, I was particularly craving Black Seasame. I haven't had black seasame icecream since Osaka days.
The first to arrive was our sides, our squid salad, which unfortunately, I only got to take the end product of it, which was nothing left, shows how tasty it was.
And the Renkon chips - which particularly reminded me of my trip to Japan. Crispy lotus root slices at its best.
The yakitori plate then arrived. There was chicken thighs, minced chicken skewers, which were marvellous. Grilled over coals in the kitchen, browned caramelised, with sweet, tender juicy meat. There was the field mushrooms which were juicy and sweet and grilled zucchini covered in Tenkadori special sauce.
Then our delicious mains came out, all of us opting for katsu chicken, which was a bit of a pity in a way, should have tried something different. But never the less, the katsu chicken was delicious. It came in a perfectly portioned sized rice to chicken ratio, so you didn't over eat your carbs, nor your food.
The restaurant is located in the newly built buidings at the end of Hay st, near the IGA. It's a tiny little restaurant that sits only 20 people. There were a few empty tables when we arrived, and we quickly took them. Inside, the beer fridge holds a permanent place next to the front counter and kitchen, holding varieties such as the Kirin Ichiban Shibori, Yebisu, Asahi Super Dry, as well as sake, shōchū, and plum wine.
I must say I felt like I was transported back to Japan, although its been a few years since I was there. The menu was written in Japanese, the staff, the owners, the patrons were Japanese so we knew we were in for real authentic Japanese treat. What was more was that looking at the menu it was hard to pick what we wanted, everything just sounded devine.
We decided that we would have two entrees/sides, a main each and a yakitori tasting plate ending with delicious homemade ice-creams, I was particularly craving Black Seasame. I haven't had black seasame icecream since Osaka days.
The first to arrive was our sides, our squid salad, which unfortunately, I only got to take the end product of it, which was nothing left, shows how tasty it was.
And the Renkon chips - which particularly reminded me of my trip to Japan. Crispy lotus root slices at its best.
The yakitori plate then arrived. There was chicken thighs, minced chicken skewers, which were marvellous. Grilled over coals in the kitchen, browned caramelised, with sweet, tender juicy meat. There was the field mushrooms which were juicy and sweet and grilled zucchini covered in Tenkadori special sauce.
Yakitori (chicken thigh) and Tsukune (minced chicken balls) skewers, with field mushrooms and zucchini
Chicken Katsu
Then the best part of the evening, icecream!
green tea ice-cream, where you can taste the matcha powder
The Black seasame ice-cream - fantastic, but still not as authentic as the one I had in Osaka but brilliant stuff for Perth, definately rivalling Matsuri Black Seasame icecream.
And the Red Bean Ice-cream - this was delicious. Next time I'm having a whole bowl to myself
Overall, Tenkadori is a lovely, cosy establishment that does fantastic specialised Japanese food in a city that lacks authenticity, in its Japanese establishments. I be back for more.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
fragile...
I might die today. Maybe my brain will burst or someone on the road will disregard the stop sign. Perhaps a freak accident will claim my life, or that suspicious-looking backpack lying on the ground will detonate as I walk past. Or maybe I’ll drift off to sleep tonight to never wake up and tell my mother I love her one last time.
If it doesn’t happen today, it could happen tomorrow. Or the next day. The following week then.
The thing is, all of us know that eventually our time will come. But most of us don’t believe it. And it intrigues me to the point where I wonder what our lives would be like it we believed it. How different it would be if we made every minute count. If, every time we stepped outside, we would appreciate every fresh breath of air our lungs are still able to take.
Having just heard the other day about one of the guy's in my uni year passed away from an aneusysm and he had updated his facebook status on Sunday night, another from high school had lekuemia and died, and a patient whose so very healthy no risk factors what so ever, had a heart attack and now has heart failure.
It makes you realise how fragile we really are, how one little tiny thing can change your whole entire world, and the way you live. Whether it is finding out that you have cancer, or an incurable disease, whether you have a simple headache when you go to sleep only to never wake up again because you had an emphseyma.
Whatever it may be that reminds you that life is short, believe it. And live and love until it hurts.
If it doesn’t happen today, it could happen tomorrow. Or the next day. The following week then.
The thing is, all of us know that eventually our time will come. But most of us don’t believe it. And it intrigues me to the point where I wonder what our lives would be like it we believed it. How different it would be if we made every minute count. If, every time we stepped outside, we would appreciate every fresh breath of air our lungs are still able to take.
Having just heard the other day about one of the guy's in my uni year passed away from an aneusysm and he had updated his facebook status on Sunday night, another from high school had lekuemia and died, and a patient whose so very healthy no risk factors what so ever, had a heart attack and now has heart failure.
It makes you realise how fragile we really are, how one little tiny thing can change your whole entire world, and the way you live. Whether it is finding out that you have cancer, or an incurable disease, whether you have a simple headache when you go to sleep only to never wake up again because you had an emphseyma.
Whatever it may be that reminds you that life is short, believe it. And live and love until it hurts.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Epic Espresso Barista Course
J and I woke up early to attend a barista course, something we've been meaning to do for a while. We chose to do it at Epic Espresso, a cafe purely devoted to making coffee, you can call it a coffee bar, with beans from 5 senses (locally roasted coffee beans from WA's South West area).
They are located on Hay st, West Perth, on the corner of Outram street. They offer 3 courses, Espresso Mastery, Latte Art and Advanced Espresso Mastery. J and I took the Espresso Mastery (sort of a beginners sort of course). It was taken by Natalie, a lovely sweet lady with a passion for coffee (who also makes the PERFECT lattes - no joke!) and the coffee beans from Epic Espresso are just beautiful. According to another student in the class, Ian, who is a regular customer of Epic Espresso, they make awesome mochas, which I must try out one day.
The workshop was informative, interesting and practical, providing backgrounds about how to source good coffee beans, bean storage, identifying roast profiles and of course teaching as the fundamentals of perfect espresso dosing, milk texturing, machine maintenance, the creation of espresso-based drinks and machine and grinder management. They was a lot of practical time allowing as to perfect the perfect latte making etc.
The course/workshop has given me a better knowledge of coffee and has even allowed me to identify what's wrong with the bad coffees I've had, and it's more than just burning the beans or the milk! I didn't realise that there was so much art, science and technic that goes into making a good coffee! And having a small group (only 3 people this morning) allowed us to have more time to play around and perfect the skills.
I'm even comtemplating completing all 3 workshops when I have more time, oh and of course getting myself a coffee machine at home!
If you get the chance you should definately take a barista course, it's just so much fun and hey you learn something new and interesting so why wouldn't you?? I plan to/dream to open up a nice little cafe one day hahhaa maybe when I'm sick of doing what I'm doing at the moment.
All photos courtesy of Epic Espresso
They are located on Hay st, West Perth, on the corner of Outram street. They offer 3 courses, Espresso Mastery, Latte Art and Advanced Espresso Mastery. J and I took the Espresso Mastery (sort of a beginners sort of course). It was taken by Natalie, a lovely sweet lady with a passion for coffee (who also makes the PERFECT lattes - no joke!) and the coffee beans from Epic Espresso are just beautiful. According to another student in the class, Ian, who is a regular customer of Epic Espresso, they make awesome mochas, which I must try out one day.
Natalie - our Barista Trainer
The course/workshop has given me a better knowledge of coffee and has even allowed me to identify what's wrong with the bad coffees I've had, and it's more than just burning the beans or the milk! I didn't realise that there was so much art, science and technic that goes into making a good coffee! And having a small group (only 3 people this morning) allowed us to have more time to play around and perfect the skills.
I'm even comtemplating completing all 3 workshops when I have more time, oh and of course getting myself a coffee machine at home!
If you get the chance you should definately take a barista course, it's just so much fun and hey you learn something new and interesting so why wouldn't you?? I plan to/dream to open up a nice little cafe one day hahhaa maybe when I'm sick of doing what I'm doing at the moment.
All photos courtesy of Epic Espresso
Thursday, October 7, 2010
simplicity...
"Breathe in the minutes..breathe in the moments..
We'll dance through the streets in the dark, through all the trees and the fields.
Sing to the sound of my heart,
sing with me..."
- Kiss Me Quick (Amy Meredith)
- Kiss Me Quick (Amy Meredith)
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
naps... *hearts*
I love how you take me into your arms in one smooth motion. Your bright blue eyes gazing down at me.
You put your hand on my heart. I caught my breathe and held it for what seemed like an eternity. And then you leaned down and kissed me softly and held me.
Our breathes becomes one, our arms and legs entangled, in the warmth of your arms I enter into the world of dreams.
I love how we take naps together.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
you look beautiful
She floats down onto the bed, the sheets flying out around her.
He looks at her, smiles, leans down and whispers..
you look beautiful.
before his sweet lips meets her...
Monday, October 4, 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
"From every human being there rises a light that reaches straight to heaven. And when two souls are destined for each other and find each other, their streams of light flow together and a single brighter light goes forth from their united being." - Baal Shem Tov
I attended a very beautiful wedding ceremony today.
The beautiful decorations, the string quartet and flute playing in the background..
The beautiful bridal party, the handsome groomsmen.
The bride looking absolutely radient as she walks down the isle to approach her groom, who looked so happy to see her.
But none of that really matters...
The best part was witnessing the love in their eyes, eyes that only see each other, is just amazing.
I couldn't help but smile the whole entire time. It was just the most beautiful thing I've seen .
Love that brings together two people to become one.
To witness that is truly a blessing.
The beautiful decorations, the string quartet and flute playing in the background..
The beautiful bridal party, the handsome groomsmen.
The bride looking absolutely radient as she walks down the isle to approach her groom, who looked so happy to see her.
But none of that really matters...
The best part was witnessing the love in their eyes, eyes that only see each other, is just amazing.
I couldn't help but smile the whole entire time. It was just the most beautiful thing I've seen .
Love that brings together two people to become one.
To witness that is truly a blessing.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
busy busy busy
I'm having a full-on weekend and I'm totally exhausted. T_T
I have an engagement party for a good friend of mine on Saturday, going to the Perth Royal Show straight after that, then have a b'day party for another friend.
Then Sunday I have a wedding to attend.
So much for resting up on the weekends. *SIGH*
I'm so exhausted at the moment but I do love a packed weekend and seeing/catching up with everyone.
I have an engagement party for a good friend of mine on Saturday, going to the Perth Royal Show straight after that, then have a b'day party for another friend.
Then Sunday I have a wedding to attend.
So much for resting up on the weekends. *SIGH*
I'm so exhausted at the moment but I do love a packed weekend and seeing/catching up with everyone.
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