Lemon Garden Cafe at Shangri-La Hotel KL

Having heard so much about the Lemon Garden Cafe Hi Tea at Shangri-la Hotel in KL, me and bubbles decided to make a trip there on a lazy sunny Sunday. The road leading to our destination was smooth and there were just a handful of cars on the road. Thank god for that for I am always dismayed for being stuck in the famous congested traffic-jams in KL.

We managed to reach there at about 1pm, which is just nice as the Hi Tea buffet started an hour ago and there were not much crowd in the cafe. Well, not wasting any time... we started our buffet adventure!

ughh.... There were so much choices!! I had a tough time choosing what to eat first...

Grilled Zucchinis, Braised clams in broth, Mushroom risotto with pesto, Fresh oyesters and mussels, Chicken with dates, Vegetarian lasagna, Chinese dim sum, Marinated baby octopus, Tandoori chicken, Cheesecakes, Smoked Salmon, Scallop, Maki Sushi, Satay, Tiramisu, Curry Mee, Dried Scallops, Ice Cream, Oysters, Salmon, Mussels, Turkey, Eggplant, Prawns, Chocolate Fountain, Strawberries, Blueberry Tart, Raspberry Tart with White Chocolate, Vanilla with Strawberry and White Chocolate, Lemon Cheese Cake, Tiramisu, Raspberry Cheese Cake, Mini Chocolate, Mango Pudding with Pomelo, Chocolate Pie, steamed whole crab with ginger, chocolate ball, strawberries tart, strawberry mouse and coffee, Grilled lamb with mint sauce, Braised beef cheek, Fried Squid Tentacles, Raw salmon, assorted dim sums and braised sea cucumber with mushrooms, Sweet and sour prawns, prawn dim sum and steamed cod fish, oysters, Cocktail prawns, mutton curry, Cream puffs, Chocolate coated marshmallows, strawberries and kuih bahulu, mini chocolate brownies, chocolate cake,Vanilla, chocolate and chocolate mint ice cream, Cold Cuts, Juice Counter, Curry Laksa, Smoked Salmon, Teriyaki Salmon & Sake, Sashimi, Teriyaki Salmon, Nasi Lemak, Dal, Puri, Brinjal & Sotong Sambal, Sushi Roll & Sashimi, Ham. Cheese & Smoked Salmon Bagel, Pain Au Chocolat & Croissant

our starters...

the prawns & oysters were very fresh...

local favourites... Satay with spicy peanut sauce!

Feeling like a little Italian?

Whoa! delicious food and lovely bright environment...

Now... DESSERT time!! I've been waiting for this since ariving...

Chocolate coated grapes, mini marshmallows & strawberries... Normally I love it with strawberries but this strawberries are a little too sour... so the grapes were the best!

and these... fuhhh!! can't get enough of 'em!

The sweet raspberries and the soft strawberry flavoured cream combines perfectly!

Assorted cakes!

Here are the price:

High-Tea Buffet - RM 68++ (12pm-4pm)

I heard if you have OCBC creditcard, there will be a special 50% discount on food. Hmm... I don't have so I did not find out in detail about the offer. Nevertheless, it was indeed an enjoyable meal with great food, lovely environment and perfect companion to share the adventure.

Beware: Potential politicians around you!

There is just no exception on political situation wherever we go and surprisingly too much talented politicians surrounding us. Look around you and observe the faces and actions of everyone, the talent might just be standing right in front of you or might be whispering 'nothingness' into someone's ear behind your back at this moment.

While having a sumptuous lunch at 'Delicious@Midvalley' with a close friend this afternoon, she shared some insight of her political situations at work. Her situation is similar to mine with just a few different details here and there, and so her situation is quite the same as some people I know as well. Hmmm, come to think of it, I think it's almost the same as my brother's too!

The overview of the story here is; there are some ungrateful 'someone' who thinks highly of themselves, and wants every Tom, Dick & Harry goes licking their shoes while polishing 'em til it shines like the mighty sun. While there are some 'blur'cases or people who have dignity and ignores the shoe polishing theory, then 'somehow, somewhere, someone' used a lil' poison and drops it everywhere so the dignity vanishes and the 'ungrateful' someone gets their revenge.

The details might change a little according to different characters but the structure of the story is always the same.

Having heard so many versions of the story above, it's reminding us that there will be poisonous people out there waiting for the right situation and timing to do their thing. So be cautious not to end up being in the middle of someone's political circle and avoid 'helping' these people spread the poison. You can save somebody's life.

Appreciate your father

Today is a special day indeed. The world celebrates the greatness of our fathers. No matter who your father is, today he is the hero in your life and today will be stored in our memory as another happy celebration to be remembered and treasured.

As for me, eventhough my dad is no longer around, in my heart I am celebrating the day with him in my memory. He will always be the best father and the hero in my life! The Fathers' Days celebration with him when he was alive will be the most treasured memories in my heart.

Blogging about Fathers' Day today still bring tears to my eyes. Last year I blogged and every words were blurred by my tears, as every word came directly from my heart. Thus, my article touched the hearts of those people behind the Star newspaper and they printed my article on Fathers' Day.

Links:
Happy Fathers' Day to Daddy (MistyBlush) - 14 June 2009
Happy Fathers' Day to Daddy (Star Newspaper) - 21 June 2009


To all the people who is reading this, appreciate and love your father. Let him know today just how special he is in your life. There will be times when you think he is not right, no matter what, be glad that he is still around you to show you what is wrong.

To my daddy, wherever you are right now. Happy Fathers' Day to you and hope you know just how much I love you and would give everything in the world to be celebrating this special day with you. I am now missing your laughter, your wisdom (sometimes categorized as 'nag'), your love and care, the smell of your cigars, your love for food and holidays, your time of joy whenever we have family gatherings, those times you waited for me when I went out til 'early' morning, and mostly I missed the most is your presence... *sad* 

This photo is exactly how he is when he was alive: with all his favourites!

1. Green Nike T-shirt

2. Brown suspender

3. Coffee + cigar

4. His favourite 'tongkat'

Looking at this photo is making me very sad because I only started to appreciate him when he passed away. I didn't think to appreciate him when he was around and used to believe he is only there to 'nag' me and make my life miserable. Now, I missed those times where he 'nagged' me and would give anything to hear his voice again.

I want to work!

I need to start working again or I am going to be crazy!

What bullshit is this?
I was so happy for the short break and then followed by another long break... however, halfway thru the long break... I am actually feeling too freeeeeeeeeee!! Now I feel like jumping back into my armour and going back into the battlefield!! Ughh... I have a feeling there are people who will be reading this and have a sudden urge to 'SLAP' me!! Haha!!

Here I am having all the free time and complaining about it! :P bluekkk..
Maybe I need to find more "FUN' stuffs to do rather than hanging around and doing what I would normally do. Hmm... any suggestions to the FUN stuffs??

WHAT TO DO??

1. Do pole dancing again?

nyek nyek.. there are Monday evening classes just a few minutes from home...

2. Learn a new language?

... could be boring... but what language? Spanish? Jap?

3. Find a gf for Muffin - my mini schnauzer?

he has been showing signs that he is a man already! Muahahaha....

4. Get a new hairstyle?
... so I feel fresh again?

5. Go for a short trip... but alone?

... because everybody is working!! sigh...

Aiyo... making this list also not easy ler... I'm getting bored all over again.... H-hELpPpPpppp~~

Right!!

I must be contented...

I must not complain...

I must be grateful...

I am grateful for the break for I'm not sure when I will be having such long breaks again! Haha!

The world is selfish

Even if we think we are saints, even if we think we care for others, even if we've done many charities and helped many people in our lives... there is still some thoughts and acts of self-centered and selfishness in every single person.

Let me say it in simple English... you are a selfish person! We are all born to be selfish...

You don't agree with me?

Well, even I have to surrender to that statement and realized just how true it is. When we stepped back to look at our actions and the actions of people around us, we might observe that every single details are hinted with a tinged of selfishness.

I have encountered friends who seems to be very caring, however, I've also experienced self-centered actions from these friends of mine. No matter how much I cared for them or sacrificed my time for them, at the end of the day, it is their own advantage and welfare that is being prioritized. I have looked pass all these since I have my own first best-friend-experience in school. Every single friendship has taught me a lesson and every single time I have to remind myself over and over again not to give myself totally in any friendship. But everytime, I always end up hurting myself because I always try to be a good friend. Probably I am a little more wiser at this age and might not be so easily fooled *wink*...

Now let's look at people that is in our family or those we have a love-relationship with. Are these group of people genuine or are they similar to the above group?

Perhaps they are slightly different because they might have our goodwill in mind, however, the fact is nobody is perfect. Somehow, somewhere, something might occur and selfishness is a natural attribute to the humankind.

My mom will always give me a certain *stony* face if I failed to spend time with her during the weekends and sometimes she will ignore me and purposely not cook for me just to show me how unhappy she is! Haha! But she is my mom and deep inside my heart, I know she have never failed to provide me with her love. So, I chose to adapt to her selfishness.

How about Bubbles? He seems to be a perfect guy who give me everything I need, so are there any selfish agendas in his diary?

Bubbles is a great guy and I love him more and more every single day. Every action of his are meant to built my confidence in our relationship and every decision are for my happiness. However, Bubbles are also living in the exact same world as mine and to say he is not affected by it will be saying he is a saint and not human. I would rather have my Bubbles as a human than a saint *wink*...

So, to conclude my years of observation, from childhood to adult, from acquaintances to buddies to classmates to workmates to strangers to partners to families... everyone has a tinged of selfishness in them, some more some less. You can argue with me if you think I'm wrong *smile*

However, so many years of experiences have never taught me just how much I should give my trust to everyone. Just when I give a hundred person to someone, something will bounce out of nowhere and disappoint me! How can I react to situations that seems unfair to me? To this case, it is more disappointment than unfair... I felt a tinged of sadness for being treated like I'm not important...

Agape Love

Agape love is
:
“…the self-giving love of one who looks exclusively for the good of the other.”

This definition of love speaks of its unconditional, self-sacrificing, volitional, rational and divine quality. It’s caring for others without expecting something in return. It’s a willingness to sacrifice to help or meet a need. It’s an intentional choice to be available, and a rational rather than emotional consent to put the interest of another ahead of mine.

Also read : MistyBlush - 10/06/09 10 Keys To Love

Strip me naked...

What if I were to strip off all my titles, my name, my job, my family, my status, my relationships, my education... everything!

Who am I exactly?

When I lay beneath the earth, destined to be turned into dust...

will I be remembered for my titles?

will I be remembered for the fame I've collected?

will I be remembered for the love I have spread around?

The family portrait that will never be repeated in any lifetime for my father has been taken away from our lives 2 years ago... In my heart, he will always be remembered as my father... the guy who have provided me love since I was born in his own unique ways... also the guy who has indirectly nurtured me into who I am today...

He was born on the 5th July 1949 and will be almost 61 years old if he is still alive today. He was extremely active when he was young and a fierce & strict parent when he had us.

He believes himself to be a good friend, a good mentor, a leader with a vision, and a good family man. He always tried his best to help his fellow friends & family, to guide and provided leadership to those who needed to succeed in their career and life... He always would help in whatever way he could to those he cared. I remembered, he silently helped financially to those he cared and never complain a word about it.

However, when he died... most has forgotten who he is, what he has done to helped them and how he worried about them when he was alive. I dare say 'some' people have taken his good intentions for granted and all is now forgotten.

No doubt, I believe my daddy is very peaceful now. He is a good man when he was alive and no matter where he is now... he would be continuing his journey & destiny...

But for myself... where am I going and what is my destiny?

Also read: MistyBlush - 23/12/08 Appreciate Every Moment 

Wanna make Pistachio Chocolate Fudge?

The football season is here yet again! Hmm... what is more perfect than yummy dessert + football? Beer + Football?

Why not this equation?

yummy dessert + beer + football = Heaven

Here is my recommendation....

Pistachio Chocolate Fudge

I love how the chewy texture of the rich chocolate melting in my mouth and the crunchy nutty pistachio in between the dark yummy chocolates... this recipe is a MUST try!

If you're keen to show off your skills in making some yummy dessert...

Here are the simple ingredients:

350g of dark chocolates

2 tablespoon of cocoa powder

300g can of condensed milk

30g butter

pinch of salt

150g pistachios (Bash into little & big pieces)

Methods:

1. Put chopped chocs + condensed milk + butter + salt in a pan on low heat

2. Stir occasionally and well to ensure no burning (no need for double boiler :P)

3. Add nuts into choc mix

4. Pour mixture into a foil tray about 23cm square, smooth the top

5. Let fudge cool and the refrigerate for about 2 hours or til set

6. Cut fudge into tiny square pieces (about 64 pieces; 3x25cm, 8x10lines)

That's it!

It's so easy to make and yet so delicious! Don't forget to buy several flavors of ice-cream to eat with the fudge...

Worrying about the calories? STOP worrying and indulge first...

Life is meant to be enjoyed... worrying will take away your youth!

Ooh la la!

Now we're ready for the Worldcup! woo-hoo!

Bubbles is loving it!

The choice is mine

A week has passed since I've chosen to venture into a new chapter in my life's journey. Although that new chapter has yet to be revealed and I am taking another short break to rejuvenate my mind & soul before putting on my armor again.

For the past 7 days, I've encountered contradicting emotions...
1. Excited for the change yet afraid of the unknown
2. Relieved yet heavyhearted for leaving
3. More excitement again yet distressed
4. Thrilled for the opportunity yet anxious for the change

Sometimes it's just so difficult to choose.

WHY?

Because you won't know if it's the right choice.

But then again, who knows what is right and wrong? Nothing is certain. In life, we are forced to make decisions everyday. Little, small, big, important, unimportant... all decisions mould us into what we are today. Most of the time, decisions are being influenced by people, circumstances, status, environment...etc.

SO... there will not be WHAT IF in my vocabulary regarding this decision. I have made my choice.

WHY NOT?

1st year of love celebration

5th June 2010

I would say the celebration started even earlier than expected... Bubbles got me a gorgeous pink rose that will never fade away, which is exactly what he wishes for our love to be!

Forever...

However, he hid the pressie in a place where I can see every single day but cannot touch! It was pure torture! Ughh... I was so curious that I could kill a........c-cat! *gulp* Every single day, I walked pass the pressie and have the urge to just grab it and tear it open to reveal the mystery!

Sigh... too bad I was brought up in a family that practices good manners... who would not touch anything that isn't intended to be...

However, I would say... the wait was worth it! I love the pressie and the meaning behind it...

It was certainly a great night!

Celebrating our important day at a famous Japanese Restaurant - Rakuzen.

The food was delicious, the ambiance was great, the company was even better...

Nothing is ever greater than a shared evening with someone that matters!

Although I don't really fancy raw food other than salmon... the dish certainly looks delicious!

The salmon was so fresh and sweet... the rest was pretty good as well, Bubbles love it!

Ooohh... my favourite of all!

Yummy baked Oysters and sushi!

After dinner, we proceed to the place where our love story begins...

How can we end the night without our favourite jazz?

I can still remember the day when Bubbles "accidently" grabbed my hand while I was so mesmerized by the jazz... the feeling of his warmth overwhelmed the entire jazzy atmosphere... it was also the day where he did not let go of my hand...

We celebrated our 1st year of love with style indeed, enjoying another jazzy live performance at Alexis@Ampang with bubbling champagne to seal the deal.

Hmm... the deal?

Our vision for our relationship...

the love story will continue... in style,

with love and with a pinch of excitement every now and then...

*wink*

Thanks for the love & TLC that you have given since the beginning...

A remarkable year of love

Happy 1st Anniversary my darling!

You’ve given me hope, inspiration and love
Because of you I feel alive once more
When heavy storms have come our way
Your love has always made me stay

Each morning I wake and see your face
I know in you, I’ve found my place
Our bond is extraordinary, beautiful, magical, and rare
It’s remarkable how wonderful you make me feel

We belong together, both you and I
That, the world cannot deny
Never in my life will I find another man
Who could ever fulfill me the way you can

The life we’ve shared this past year
Has proved forever it shall persevere
I will love you forever in every way
That I hope, will remain constant until my dying day.

A truly remarkable man, Bubbles... who have touched my life in every way possible. The above poem have not fully reflected what is in my heart for words cannot describe just how incredible our first year journey has been. I am wishing for more anniversaries to be shared and more memories to fill our heart.

Thank you for just being who you are and loving me for who I am.

Wisdom from Oogway

It feels so strange, the chapter ends abruptly and yet I have spent so many hours, days and months going through it.

The new chapter that I am going to explore will be even more challenging and I am more concern in adapting to the changed environment. I feared change. I was very afraid of the unknown. I have murdered millions of brain-cells trying to figure out the future. To lessen the feeling of being lost in my vision to the future. In other words, preventing change.

I was watching Kungfu Panda on TV once night and the Master Oogway enlightened me. It's such a joke to admit that it takes a turtle to show me the wisdom in life.

It says "You are too concerned with what was and what will be. There's a saying: Yesterday is History, Tomorrow a Mystery, Today is a Gift. That's why it is called the Present".

All of a sudden, I understand what I need to do. I need to "Believe". To believe in the flow of life itself, to believe that every event, every decision, every step I make... is meant to be. There will be no right or wrong because the future is a mystery. There are also no accidents in life as every outcome is the reflection of our action. This is the cycle in our life. A cycle that will be filled with joy and satisfaction if we believe in it. Most importantly, believing in ourself. Believing in our decisions and choices, believing in our actions...

Especially when opportunity is now knocking loudly at my door, eager to be welcomed into my life! There's just no time to worry so much about whatever... as I've mentioned before, opportunity just doesn't knock twice!

Sucha a wise turtle! I am now awaiting for another new chapter to unfold and anticipating the challenges & excitement in my newly chosen journey in life... jia you!!

Translation: jia you (mandarin) = gambate (Japanese) = add oil (English)