Sick as a puppy...

I've been sick since Tuesday and I thought I was getting better but I've been coughing up my lungs and I'm all congested.

So not only have I missed work but missed an all important date with the girls - a triple date and it was to see Danny Bhoy with epic close seats. Sigh.

But my god vicks vaporub is my friend! That and paracetamol.

Birthday spoils

I had my birthday on Tuesday just passed and have been spoilt rotten with wonderful company in wonderful restaurants from the Loose Box with my man to Sandalford Wineries with the girls to Bistro Guillaume with the family.

It's been a week of eating and neglecting my exercise regimen. Only being able to put in 100% for one day on Thursday (I plan to go later this morning seeing as it's 2am Saturday now) and I'm starting to feel sluggish and yuck.

I know it'd only get worse once I jump onto a big jet plane. Although I'm hoping to hit the gym with my brother a few days a week, otherwise my favourite app, Nike Training club is going to get Used like crazy. It has 15minutes intense training so I should be able to fit it in.

So I will write about the wonderful foods once I get sometime to myself. But in the meantime bf got me a very nice surprise present whilst he was on holidays in Melbourne couple of months back (a miracle he even hid it from me for so long!). This is of course for my birthday and Christmas present... Introducing my very own..

CHANEL!!

It's dark red. It's a clutch bag. With straps. It's the classic cushion look. It's timeless. It's elegant.

I love it.

And I love him for getting it for me. And yet I'm really upset because he should not be spending so much money on me!! He should be saving up for that house and that car!

*sigh*

Luckiest girl ever.

Don't you just love it? I take more photos of it later, but for now you can contend with a iPhone photo.

Frenchie times

I can't believe it'd be the end of October tomorrow! Time flies way too fast!

I'm rather excited as November is my birthday month and finding time to celebrate my birthday with my family and friends is proven to be a monumentous task! So I be having several different dinners at places I've been wanting to try but haven't got the opportunity. It also means I'll be very poor..!!

So to start off I am going to my favorite French bistro - P'tite Ardoise in highgate with my closest of friends I've known for over 10 years. The staff at P'tite Ardoise have been so wonderful so far as to accommodate a large group at their small dining room and offering me set menus (which is adaptable).

Then bf is spoiling me with a lovely dinner at the Loose Box. I hope it'd be fantastic because I wasn't impressed with Les Bistro Des Artistes (a post that should be written up very soon).

Then a lovely intimate family dinner with bf and my parents, brothers and their gfs at Bistro Gulliaume. Should be pretty good! A

Noticing a pattern there? All French restaurants!

There goes my savings! Anyone willing to sponsor my meal?? Hahaa kidding...

Then I also have a couple of Hens Party and a wedding!!

Oh did I mention tomorrow I get to dine at the Print Hall dining with a couple of beautiful ladies C & E! So excited.. We'll catch up and it'd be like a bday celebration for all three of us!

So much for losing weight. I've been fairly good most of the time - going to the gym 3x a week but diet wise... If there wasn't so many places I want to try/if the foodie in me would stop and control herself I would be fine... just have to make sure I control myself when I go out and eat... I have a Herve Leger I need to make sure I still fit freaking nicely in! So far I'm just a little blotted.. But there is a quick and effective cure for that... The Dukan Diet. So good!!

Which I will restart again now!

Happy Father's Day!

My dad loves seafood and when he gets a chance eating fish head is a delicacy and something that he enjoys.

This is the head of a tooth fish and he is greatly disappointed in it's lack of "meat" (most fish heads apparently are full of fish to eat).

Mum thinks it would have made better soup..

Personally I couldn't eat it..

Weekend delights

Weekend of delights...

Friday night watching Pixars latest animation, Brave with my younger cousins at the kids session, which was actually filled with adults and then my 10 year old cousin. Pixar didn't disappoint in it's animation, amazing! But unlike other pixar films it is a little childish and the story ended so quickly, felt as though the story could have been developed more (as other pixar films the characters were definitely more interesting and 3D).

Then the awesome waffle at Superstar waffles on Saturday afternoon with JJ. Sweet milk flavour - condense milk goodness with yummy warm waffles and lovely latte.



This was then followed by dinner at Steve's Cafe before laughing my head off at "Wilarious" Will Anderson show with Wells, MM, JJ and bf. Or as my mum says "OH the ABC guy from spicks and specks..." with me going "mm..no.. gruen transfer".... and then she goes.. "oh right from my generation game show on channel ten..he moved to channel 10 right"...Me; "umm.. no still on ABC.." OH dear.. all comedians look like Will Anderson??.. T_T

Then headed to my aunty's were we watched Liv wedding video. Finally! 6 months later. It was however, very well edited and very beautiful and sweet (and totally not boring at all!).

Of course my cold is getting worse.. Sniffles cough and sneezes!

But nothing bets cake after lunch on Sunday! Can even somewhat cure a cold. Red velvet cake for me and a lemon slice for the boy from Sherbet! yummo! Although boy ended up eating majority of my slice! Heh I am suppose to on a diet so he is helping.


Weekends like the one just past are amazing. Relaxing, indulgent and filled to the brim with friends and family.

100 years of family

Bf and I drove down a few Friday afternoons ago, after work to go to Manjimup for a massive family reunion for his family. A hundreds years since his family migrated to Australia from England. Not a bad achievement!

So before spending time with bf's family and before the festivities of the main event, we did a few quick "touristy" things. Mainly at my need to stock up on red wine (which I am ashamed to say is now down to one bottle - mostly because I didn't buy a lot and mostly because I have taken them along to friends' and family dinner parties). 

We ventured to Silkwood wineries. Amazing views from their cafe, which also doubles as their tasting area (I think it's great marketing! - you wine taste - you get whoozy so you stay a while and fill up on food - in our case coffee/milkshake).

Silkwood wineries was a rather peaceful, pretty and serene place. And as the cafe lady said, a favourite wedding venues, especially now that they have completed their gardens. We didn't see their garden because after tasting, buying of wine then having a coffee enjoying the views we had to make our way to our next destination - Wine and Truffle Co. for some truffle-filled lunch at their cafe, which I will talk about at a later time. 

Then the day ended with visiting bf's brother's house and watching Captain America, while the temperature outside dropped, but luckily there was a fireplace. God I love fireplaces on cold winter's nights. They just add a touch of romance and coziness. All that was needed was hot chocolate.

So, the next day, was the main event. I learnt a fair bit about bf's family history and I think he did too. His uncle did an awesome job finding the "descendants" of the family members that migrated to Australia. There was at least 70+ people. Luckily it didn't rain, although it threatened, because I don't think the marquee would have held if it pelted down. 

It makes me wonder what it would be like if my whole entire family were to gather. I know a few years ago there was a sort of family reunion and that was already like 70+ and it was still "immediate" family and people we know. If my family traced back the family tree I wonder what we would find. 

There was so much food, but I would have to say the thing that impressed me most was bf's cousin cooking BBQ on an open wood fire (of course there was a metal tray on top which held the meat). 

 

 

It gave the meat a bit of a woody flavour through it, which made the steak fantastic. I was a little disappointed in myself for not having more meat, or at least having the lamb. 

 

I have to say thought, the person or rather an animal stole the show, and it was a little golden Labrador puppy. So fluffy and such a cutie! Also rather into play fighting with another adolescent dog which was about five times the pup's size. He hasn't got a name yet though.

He is the softest thing you ever felt! So adorable. Totally like the toilet paper ad! Cuddly!

But before we knew it, it was time for us to head back home. With the colour of the sky changing as we drove home, we were both tired and yet felt slightly refreshed to have gotten away from work and everything else for at least 48 hours. Nevertheless, the colours were rather lovely.

I've disappeared because I've been too busy. Along with settlement of house (a place to call my own!), work being chaos and ultra busy, post-grad studies, there is really no time to write about my food adventures at Origins, Amuse, Meeka, Airsuru etcetera... And my other huge excitements. Until the time when I finish my post grad semester this will have to wait.

exhaustion

The combination of ED, AAU and evening shifts, along with the stress of doing post-graduate studies while trying to maintain some resemblance of a life has resulted in the following:

lack of sleep
neglect of this blog
retail therapy (which I am sure I have spent way more than I intend to - I definitely do not need 6 new dresses, but they were ever so pretty!)
and complete and utter lack of creativity when writing this post

The upside to this I guess is that I still managed to go to La Cholita about half a dozen times, enjoyed a lovely date with my bf at P'tite Ardoise, managed to go to the William street Festival, eat yum cha two consecutive weekends and finally had the opportunity to eat Japanese and to top it all of have lots of new dresses to wear!

The downside - I've been unable to go to the gym and keep my exercise routine and unable to save $$.

Always striving for that balance.

At least after an evening shift work on Friday, I'm having a very very late dinner date with M at Modo Mio.

Life can still be great! Even in this sleep deprived state.

Have you been a good boy?.. Or a bad boy?

Sorry babe I couldn't resist showing it off. It's too beautiful and lovely.

Thank you for the dozen roses and for Frankie! And for a lovely Saturday night out at P'tite Ardoise.

And I think the answer to her question would have to be a bit of both.. Even if you do think you being a good boy haha ;)

Much love xoxo

Change for the better..

The last two weeks of 40+ degree celsius has finally made me book that all important appointment and give up my long hair and go for the big chop.

I've been going to Stephanie Chew's cute little salon in Northbridge - S2C hair designs located in Monger street.

My brother has been going to her for ages and been trying to get me to go for a while, but I really couldn't be bothered until last year before I went on my holidays, she fixed by otherwise bleh hair.

Anyway, whenever I get a haircut the priority that all hairdressers must abide by before they touch my hair is the following:

1. Cut a style that suits me

2. Plain and simply must be VERY low maintenance

(I don't have time as it is!)

3. Has to be somewhat trendy... and if I'm for it I'll just go for something completely outrageous..

4. Provide my hair with volume.. it just goes flat too quick and easily.. thanks to my dead straight hair.. T_T

I left it to Steph.. and she did a brilliant job (it's nice and cool as well..no heavy hot head of hair!)

It was however, such a shock. 

The amount of hair on the floor... it looked like a pile of animal fur or a furry decent sized animal! Or a small puppy sized animal at least.. T_T

And feeling it omg.. I can no longer comb my fingers through my hair!

It's a little choppy to give it volume..

Has a side fringe to shape the fringe..

I think I look a little too Asian.. but meh I am so not surprising there..

I also had my hair coloured... Burgundy..

Thank God it's all one colour.

 

Getting my hair coloured.. and the assistant finishing off the colouring as Steph cuts another customer's hair..

Then.. the final look... 

 

I feel so cheeky with the haircut.. Like I can get up to anything.. HAH..

Now the fun part... matching my hair to all the clothes I have!

OH and I feel as though I look like one of those Japanese/Taiwanese drama girls..

Especially the girl from Hana Kimi..

LOOKIE..

Of course she is a lot cuter! All I'm saying is that the hair is exactly the same! 

PS. I was not asked by S2C design OR Stephanie to promote her business.. I'm writing it because I rather like my haircut and I haven't had one in ages.. It feels good to feel the breeze on the back of my neck instead of hair that goes sweaty.. ewww

Letter of concern

Dear self,

I'm glad you've finally come around to writing this letter/reminder.

Firstly, you must stick to the plans and lists you make everyday and stop your procrastination and enroll into that course as well as take a leap into that unknown path of study to sit that other thing you been putting off studying.

Secondly, don't forget to save. I realize you love lovely dresses, tops, skirts, belts and other accessories but you can spend it all on that again once you build your nest and future. It's only another 5 months of saving!

Thirdly, love, get your act together and clean that desk filled with piles of paper so you can then sort out your finances, read books, write eloquently again and of course study.

Muchly concerned about your sheer laziness at present,

Me

helllloooo is there anyone out there?

I was just thinking...

wow I really haven't written much at all in the past year..

Needless to say I've accumulated a bazillion photos and stories I want to share but just never had/have the time/energy to.

I've told myself I want to fill in all the missing posts from my travels, my foodie adventures, my experience of life, of growing up, my thoughts on issues etc. primarily so I can look back and go 'oh yeah! I did that! I ate that! I went there!' etc, even if they're from two years back *ambitious*

Not sure if anyone still reads

But it doesn't matter!

Cafe-styled breakfast at home with love

One bright and sunny Saturday morning bf arrived at my house early while I struggled to get out of bed due to many late nights. He came with a bag of goodies - chorizos, portobello mushrooms, baker's delight freshly baked bread and eggs. He then whipped out the knife and got to work chopping the chorizos, mushrooms before lightly pan-frying them.

Then he tried his new trick - poached some eggs. Although, he remembered what the Masterchef programme has taught him, he got a little too excited after adding the white vinegar wine to the boiling pot of water he just carefully placed the eggs in. Although, however, not very round and presentation wise the eggs weren't that great, they were definitely poached well, the yolk was still runny on the inside when cut. Alas, he has succeeded in making the perfect poached egg (minus the presentation).

Next, was the mammoth task of making the hollandaise sauce to go with the eggs. After much whisking it was done. 

The bread was then toasted, the eggs were dried on paper towels before being placed on the slices of bread, the hollandaise sauce poured on top with the chorizoand mushrooms on the side.

While he was busy in the kitchen, I was busy trying to catch some zzz in order for me to stay awake for the beautiful breakfast he made with much love.

I must say he did a fabulous job, although next time I might remind him to salt the eggs and to keep an eye on the chorizos and mushrooms and not burn them. 

Regardless, I can't believe he made me a fabulous breakfast, allowed me to attempt to go back to sleep while he cooks. Massive love.

Gift from my love

I got very spoilt on my birthday. Loved all my presents from my family. Got beautiful flowers from S.

And of course a little surprise from my other half.

It's just so delicate and pretty. Diamonds in a heart. What's more romantic, and symbolic of love than that?

Little surprise

Bf and I went shopping for my birthday gift yesterday which turned out to be a birthday combined with Christmas gift.

It's beautiful, sweet, and dainty. I opted out on the elegant looking one because I don't think I would be able to wear it everyday. But this one we both chose is perfectly suited.

I just have to wait another 12 days to receive it.

Holiday blues

My boyfriend drives me crazy. And not necessarily in a good way. Sometimes being stuck with just one person on a holiday sucks big time. I can tell you he wouldn't win the amazing race anytime soon. He can be such a sook!

So close yet so far

6 more working days... Just 6..
After waiting 357 days it doesn't seem so bad...
But it still seems so far away...
Too excited to contain my excitement. I think I'm starting to annoy people.

numbers

6kg - weight lost in 6 months
4kg - more kilos to lose until reaching goal weight
10days - until I board a jet and go on my long awaited trip to UK, Ireland and France
10kg - expected weight to gain from trip... MUST NOT LET IT HAPPEN!
488days - bf and i being this thing called "coupledom"
9376506130561057 - possible number of photos expected to be taken on trip
roughly 3 months until Christmas again.
 

painting the road..

Listening to the radio - the morning talk shows rumbling about yet another superficial thing.

Steering along the same road, dodging cars, changing lanes, knowing exactly which lane will be faster - then - knowing how to get back onto the right path, such routine can be done with eyes closed.

As I drove down Mounts Bay, the same road, I see a familiar car, whom I swear drives down with me every morning, a driver rushing to their day jobs.

I look to the sky, same route, but the colours of the sky today is different - in fact everyday is different.

It gives me hope that even if I'm sticking to the same path, I can still break free and paint the colours of my road every colour of the ever changing sky. I just need to take the chance, slow down and paint.

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

WOW!!

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.