MistyBlush

Good bye to year 2011... I have been a good girl!

2011-12-21T01:01:00.001+08:00

So quickly we have reached the end of 2011… almost the end. Like every year, it is time again for me to reflect on the year and see how good or bad I have been!

This year has been an amazing life-changing year for me! There is nothing that could be categorized as ‘regrets’ in my 2011 journey.

Looking at the first half of the year, my work gave me the opportunity to travel extensively. Throughout these travelling, I have seen a lot, learnt so much, and experienced friendships that I will treasure for a long time! It has been truly amazing!

Lancome is the best!

My beautiful mentor Christine Wang!

Lovely Colleagues from all over!

Cherishing the good times at Loreal Skincare Metier in Shanghai!

This is also the year where my Prince decided that I will be his Princess forever. It has been the sweetest and most memorable second half where we launched our wedding plans and walked hand-in-hand through the to-do list. Every time I think about my Prince, his presence, actions, and love truly makes me feel like the luckiest girl indeed. I believe he did come and rescued me from all those gnomes that surrounded me.

Participating in a bridal race!

Our first experience...

Every weekend spent planning our wedding...
looking forward to a life full of love with my Prince!

Last but not least, I am grateful that all my dearest friends have moved on successfully and happily in their life and thank god for surrounding me with people full of love! People including family, friends & colleagues ^_^

Beautiful friendships forever! 'til wrinkles NOT do us part...

Gals' FUN!
Thank you all for always being there despite busy schedules of work & family!

My boy... cute Muffin!
Never a day did he not make me laugh with joy!

Of course... my life would never be without both of them... love 'em to bits!

And of course, I ended the year rewarding myself with the most precious gift! The window to experience a whole new world with bright eyes again! I am so happy with it!

My last day with glasses...
Thank you to Dr Yeoh Phee Liang from Advance Vision Eye Specialist...

First outing after the LASIK surgery! No eye make-up for a month!

Looking forward to next year with more adventures… adventures that consist of love, laughter & joy!

Blessed Christmas and a wonderful new year to all!

Life is...

2011-10-29T01:27:00.000+08:00

I can't help but to wonder... where will one go after life on earth?

My daddy left us three years ago and his departure still haunts me during some days. Especially days like today, when I have certain issues in life that I cannot handle and I can't help but to wish that he is here to guide me.

Life is certainly too precious to waste away and every minute is to be valued and cherished. However, most people do not think that way. There are too much worries and burden in life that matters more... a lot more to think about... to care about... to worry about... to stress about...

What exactly are we living for?

I really can not understand life. However, I know I am now very afraid of attachment. When there are too heavy attachments in life, there will be too much expectations and too little to lose. That is when life becomes complicated. Is this the right direction to aim for in life?

Certain decisions are made purely for the sake of happiness and the aim of being loved til the end of our journey in this life. But that decision alone will not be enough because you are never alone. There will be people in your life that will have expectations. Everyone has their expectation of other people and not afraid of letting them know and there are many people happily agreed to meet those expectations.

The truth is... are we living our own expectations or are we living in other people's version of our life?

I am very confused indeed. Life is truly very confusing not because of life itself but the creatures that are behind it. It is a never ending journey of pleasing other people and meeting their expectations. Sometimes... the soul feels so tired that it rather give up than to continue being a slave to other people's needs.

Sometimes... will it be easier to just give up?

I wish life is simple...

I wish life is sweet...

but life has a way...

to make you retreat...

No matter how strong you may be...

There will always be...

a rock... a mountain in your way...

to make you stumble...

Life is...

What life is...

It's how you want it to be...

Poem inspired by Joselyn Lee 29/10/11

The 5 Regrets

2011-07-13T23:18:00.000+08:00

A meaningful article nipped from Paulo Coelho's Blog

For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives.

When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:

1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.

When people realize that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.
From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realize, until they no longer have it.

2. I wish I didn’t work so hard.

This came from every male patient that I nursed. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.

3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.

Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

Often they would not truly realize the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realize until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.

TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE: CLICK here

Hong Kong in the hot Summer!

2011-07-10T21:50:00.001+08:00

Ooh la la...

of all the times I have been to Hong Kong...

this time is definitely the hottest Hong Kong!

Another wonderful Retail and Training week with Lancome International CIFL team!

It was the best week of learning, discussions, discovering and inspiration!

The make-up show...

It was such a magnificent show of art in a prestigious and sophisticated way that portrays the luxury image of the brand...

The talented Lancome's National Make-up Artists from Asia Pacific Countries...

I totally love 'em!

the team with the boss...

Everytime...
never once where we attended a training by Lancome... that they did not wine and dine us...

This time was no exception!

Get ready for GAGA night!

And this is one of the reason why Hong Kong was so HOT!!

*ahem*

I might not be GAGA... but I tried to be GLAMOROUS instead...

Green and Yellow might not be that GLAM...
but I LOVE IT!!

I never thought I would look good in green... maybe I might make green permanent?

we were at Lan Kwai Fong...

me and the talented Vic Tu - National Make-up Artist for Taiwan..

I will be his forever #1 fan *smile*

ooohhh.... The real GAGAs!

the gorgeous ladies that are my mentors... I adore them!

Susan Park...

my new best friend!

the fabulous together again!

myself and the great German...

oh my... how can we ever look like GAGA...

Because we are so much more gorgeous!

Linda Linda..

the person who got me this pretty green hair!

I have truly enjoyed the short week in Hong Kong... Most memorable would be the time gathered with all my friends from all the countries! Will be looking forward to the next one... hmmm... I wonder which country would we be going?

Representing Lancome in Seoul

2011-07-01T23:32:00.004+08:00

I was chosen to represent the brand at the WCD - World Congress of Dermatology 2011 at Seoul, Korea!

The moment I heard the news, I was absolutely ecstatic that I was chosen to represent the brand.
*proud*

This is the Lancome booth at the WCD hall..

Trying to impress the dermatologists and doctors from all over the world...

Me talking science and technology...

Representing the brand in perfect grooming...

the lovely Veronique Delvigne

The four of us at the front booth...

The Scientific team of Lancome International consisted of wonderful and great people! It was really an honour to work with them during the one week congress.

Lovely people!

Aurelie and Peggy from the Scientific team

The wonderful Veronique Delvigne, Scientific Director of Lancome International Scientific department in Paris..

I love her!

It was truly an amazing experience to be there at the World Congress where dermatologists and doctors from all over the world attended to learn the latest science and technology of the beauty industry.

Although I did not manage to see much of Korea, but I did discovered some amazingly tasty and yummy local delicacies!

Everyday, I discovered new yummy Korean food...

My favourite Sam Gye Tang!

and Kimchi!!
Somehow the original kimchi from Korea tasted different from the ones I eat in Malaysia...
It is more sweet and slight spicy... and the ones from Malaysia are SUPER spicy to the point of numbness!

even the street food were amazing...
yummy yummy!

The best meal were of course the BBQ pork... the taste of the meat is so sweet and tender that even without any flavoring, the meat is super delicious!

Bonnie, my Korean colleague took us to her favourite restaurant for the best BBQ pork!

We truly enjoyed the amazing dinner at that restaurant...

But of course, it was the time spent with Bonnie and her cheeky son that makes it most interesting and happy...

And it will never be the same without him...
the care, love and support!

*love*

The next time I will be in Seoul... I will definitely be a full time tourist!

A saint in the wrong place

2011-05-05T10:16:00.000+08:00

Nipped from Paulo Coelho's Blog

‘Why is it that some people can resolve the most complicated problems really easily, whilst others agonize over every tiny crisis and end up drowning in a glass of water?’ I asked.

Ramesh replied by telling the following story:

‘Once upon a time, there was a man who had been the soul of kindness all his life.
When he died, everyone assumed that he would go straight to Heaven, for the only possible place for a good man like him was Paradise.

The man wasn’t particularly bothered about going to Heaven, but that was where he went.

Now in those days, service in heaven was not all that it might be.

The reception desk was extremely inefficient, and the girl who received him gave only a cursory glance through the index cards before her and when she couldn’t find the man’s name, she sent him straight to Hell.

And in Hell no one asks to check your badge or your invitation, for anyone who turns up is invited in. The man entered and stayed.

Some days later, Lucifer stormed up to the gates of Heaven to demand an explanation from St Peter.

“What you’re doing is pure terrorism!” he said. “You sent that man down into Hell, and he’s completely undermining me! Right from the start, there he was listening to people, looking them in the eye, talking to them.

“And now everyone’s sharing their feelings and hugging and kissing. That’s not the sort of thing I want in Hell! Please, let him into Heaven!’

When Ramesh had finished telling the story, he looked at me fondly and said:

‘Live your life with so much love in your heart that if, by mistake, you were sent to Hell, the Devil himself would deliver you up to Paradise.’

Awful service at TM Net!

2011-04-30T21:54:00.000+08:00

These days, the Internet line is giving us trouble again. Not anticipating the reporting procedure especially when it comes to TM Net, I reluctantly dialed #100 to the TM Net hotline.

*toot toot* Thank you for calling TMNET. For BM, please press #1. For English, please press #2.

*pressed #2* As I was listening to the instructions patiently and pressing whatever number seems relevant for my report, suddenly the line got cut-off. *Damn* WTH...

A little impatient this time, I dialed again and repeat the same procedure as above...

........... the line got cut-off AGAIN!!

Greatly annoyed, this time I was fuming a little from the inefficient phone line, I dialed the number yet again and repeat the same procedure.

*toot toot*

Operator - "Good Evening. Thank you for calling TMNet. How may I assist you?"

Me - "Hi, I am calling to report the internet line failure at my home. Can you please check what is happening?"

Operator - "I need some verifications before I proceed. May I know your name and contact number please?"

After giving all the needed information for verification, the operator asked me some technical questions.

Operator - "Is your modem... light.... blinking... connect... brand....?"

Me - "Huh? I'm sorry but I don't understand you at all."

Operator - "Oh... Is... your...xxxx... xxxxx.... modem... light.... connect....xxxx....???"

*He is speaking so slowly this time and expecting me to understand him better because of the slow speech*

Me - "I'm sorry but I am not well-verse in this technical stuffs. Can you just do what you can do over at your side? The connection stopped at approximately 11pm last night and this happened 2 months ago. If you check your system, you will see the report."

Operator - "Ya, I see it here. But I still need to go through the procedure with you in order to know if the problem is your side and give you an immediate solution."

Me - "Sigh... ok... What do you need?"

After giving me a tough time doing all those things that I am unsure off, I finally told him that I don't know how and requested to get someone to do it at their side.

Operator - "I'm sorry, but I cannot do that until you do everything I asked you to."

Slightly agitated now, I tried my best to do what he said to do. But there was still no connection. About 50 minutes later, he finally said "Ok. I will send in the report now. Here is your report number. Please wait for 72 hours for your connection. Thank you for calling TM Net."

The connection was back to normal after 2 hours. But exactly 2 days later, the connection was suddenly unavailable again.

Upset and irritated by the lousy internet connection, again, I repeated the same procedure of dialing and waiting for the operator...

A lady operator this time. After all the necessary verification...

Me - "My connection has failed again. Can you please check what is happening? I called 2 days ago regarding the same issue."

Operator - "Is your modem... light.... blinking... connect... brand....?"

Me - "What? Why do I need to go through the same thing again? Can you please check and see that I just made a report a few days ago? There is nothing wrong at my side here!"

.......* a moment of quietness*.....and then with a bored voice the operator replied, "We need to verify if the problem is at your side and provide a suitable solution........"

This time... I.... AM... TRULY... MADLY... DEEPLY... ANGRY!!

Me - "Did you just hear me? I already said that I made a report just 2 days ago. Why can't you re-check again and tell them that the connection is lost again??"

again.... a few seconds of silence.... and the operator replied with just the same bored voice, "Please check your modem......."

Finally, I understand why people need to buy books like this!

Fed-up of her 'don't-give-a-damn-service-attitude'....

Me - " Can you pass the phone to someone else, please?"

Operator - "Why?"

Me - " I am not going to waste my time talking to you when you are not interested to help me here. Please pass the line to someone who is willing and capable to help me solve this repeated problem. I know this conversation is being recorded and I am aware that I have called the customer service-line, but this is bad service... If you are aware that you are suppose to give me good customer service, if not please pass this call to someone else."

At this moment, the Operator said in a little shaky voice - "I'm sorry miss, I can help you with your problem."

Me - "OK, fine."

Operator - "I will check on my side and refresh the system. Can you now re-check again on the connection?"

Me - "OK, please hold on..... no connection still."

Operator - "OK, I will proceed to send the report now. Please check your connection within 72 hours."

Sigh... I really hate to deal with these people.

Why can't TM Net do something to upgrade their service... including the service of the people at the call centre?!

Fun Food Flavorful Penang

2011-04-20T22:12:00.003+08:00

a weekend of FUN, FOOD & FLAVORFUL adventure!

with a handwritten map guiding us from the Penang bridge to our lovely hotel... we finally found our way to paradise after four hours on the road!

clean and gorgeous beach...

look at that cute doggy enjoying the lovely beach... how I wish Muffin was there too!

Bubbles enjoying the sunset...

soaking in the sea...

oooohhh... so gaya!

yay!!

Our first evening, we had dinner at this secluded restaurant next to the beach... recommended by Juliana. Waited for her to pick us up at about 7pm and the restaurant was a few kilometers from our hotel at Tanjung Bungah...

Dinner with these gorgeous ladies...

thanks for the delicious seafood dinner and the enjoyable company!

yummy clams...

fresh and sweet crabs...

absolutely delicious fresh prawns baked with salt and pepper only!

of course... paradise always ends with the sweetness of C-O-C-O-N-U-T

Later that evening... we went in search of the famous Penang Rojak at Gurney Drive... and then continued our adventure at...

Hardrock Cafe!
A rock band will be playing every Fri & Sat...

The next day... we went jalan-jalan cari makan... hmmm... where to eat?

Eh... saw this newly opened food area at Jalan Swatow called "New World Park". Lotsa food choices inside the park and a few boutiques selling affordable fashion items...

where I bought my cute yet feminine beach hat for only RM25...

and the Bah Chang was the best!!

found a huge food court inside the park...

Satisfied after our food victory, we drove around Penang before going back to the hotel for more beach-y adventure...

And look what I found!

My face next to the huge Jalan Penang.. *wink*

In the evening, we continued our food adventure at BALI HAI seafood market at Gurney. This place was highly recommended by our friends... so we decided it is a must-try food place...

The restaurant had a little carpark hidden behind the shop, which was a blessing because Gurney is such a popular area for the locals & tourists during weekends.

Inside the restaurants, we were awed by the seafood choices! All fresh in their respective aquariums. The whole place was neatly decorated by colourful tables and aquariums piled up to the ceiling...

the crabs are all alive!

*Burp*

Salted egg Crabs...

sweet, mouthwatering and tasty!
The crabs are so fresh that the meat just peeled off the shell without much effort...

Mantis Prawn RM35 each!!

Tasty Fried Tong Fun

Overall verdict, the food price is reasonable...
the place is friendly and easy to find...
the food is fresh with lots of choices...
Definitely a great place to enjoy scrumptious seafood in Penang! I heard from a friend that the Dim Sum in the morning is quite good as well...
hmmm, maybe next time for me!

The main purpose of this trip was to get away from the polluted busy and stressful city...

coffee-O time!

Sometimes, getting away for just a few days will help to rejuvenate the mind.

Listening to the sound of the sea... I can seriously get use to the salty windy environment...
Dreaming that one day I am able to own a castle next to the beautiful beach...
*Dreaming*

Totally Paradise!

R&R at the beach...

Before heading home... we made one last stop at the most delicious Assam Laksa at a little green corner coffee shop at Jalan Penang...

Assam Laksa at Jalan Penang...

Right next to the shop, there was a long queue waiting for chendol...

yummy chendol with gula melaka...

even the Fried Kuey Teow was as delicious as the Assam Laksa!
Definitely a must-visit-makan-venue!

Look at Bubbles... he has certainly enjoyed this trip!

Looking forward to my next roadtrip with Bubbles!!

Birthday with love

2011-04-10T19:09:00.002+08:00

After the unforgettable surprise-birthday bash, it is time for a romantic one to one session with me... Although his wish was to spend the day with his mother (who can ever take the place of mothers *Smile*), we went for a drink after dinner @ Library, Midvalley...

Some food to bite while enjoying their live band...

We had the best seats in the house!

Overlooking half the bar and....

right in front of the band!! *whistles*

of course... it will not be perfect without this Chocolate Rum and Raisin cake! It was yum yum...

Beers are always F.U.N

Cheers!

Happy Birthday, darling...

Coming up next... will be a lovely treat of BKT with love...

*muaks*

my homemade BKT as requested by the birthday boy for his birthday treat!

*BKT = Bak Kut Teh (Herbal Pork Soup)

Darling's Surprise Birthday treat!

2011-03-29T00:12:00.003+08:00

Sometimes it is truly a challenge when it comes to celebrating the birthday of someone important in our life.
What is the best birthday gift that will ensure a memorable celebration?

In the end, I decided that no gift will ever take the place of people in our life. Knowing that only people will be able to create a jolly whimsical evening of FUN for him... I decided to give him a surprise!

Decisions made and now the challenging part is the planning... I only know a little handful of his friends...
How am I going to plan a jolly night with just a handful of contact?
How about the location of the party?
What else to prepare for a surprise birthday party?
Oh no... my first time as a Surprise-Birthday-Party Planner with limited resources!

Thank god... with the help of a few good friends, I solved the above issues... managed to get the people...and secured a venue for the party... Now...
How do I bring him there without him knowing it's a surprise birthday for him????

Party details -

Venue: The Hill @ Damansara Heights

Date: a week before his actual born date

Time: 7.30pm (Arrival for his friends)

Theme: Happy Birthday Old Man!

I think I did ok for a first timer... the party was great! All his friends were there on time and shouted "Happy Birthday Old Man!" as instructed. He was truly surprised and although he kept saying he felt something not right but he didn't managed to guess what was going on til we were there! *smile*

Special thanks to E-Chien who *pakat* with me and arranged all his friends there... but no photos of her with me... Have to wait for our official photographer of the night, Mr. Kenny KK to upload those photos...

Thanks to Barry, Abby, Vincent and Joanne who came to surprise him!

And Diana, his little sister joined us for the surprise...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my darling!!

Another year older but still as charming and attractive to me...

They fed him with so many drinks that night...

Sipping Coco's Nutz...

Downing the hardcore Wheat Killer... ughh~

And ended up being dragged out of the place... half alive!

But... it was certainly an awesome night!

Ole-ole Bali!

2011-03-20T23:22:00.026+08:00

Bali is an Indonesian island located in the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. It is one of the country's 33 provinces with the provincial capital at Denpasar towards the south of the island.

Bali was also the place Loreal chose to go for the company's annual convention! Woo-hoo!

We were sent to Bali for a 5 days paid holiday!

We stayed at the huge Grand Hyatt Bali.

Breakfast was wonderful as we were surrounded by nature...

Tanah Lot

One of the most important sea temple; Pura Tanah Lot ("Temple of Land in the Middle of the Sea")

The tiny island was formed by the gradual erosion of the ocean tide over thousands of years. The temple of Tanah Lot is said to have been founded by the 16th-century priest Nirartha, one of the last priests to come to Bali from Java.

After visiting the sacred temple at Tanah Lot, we travelled another hour to LAKA-LÉKÉ for lunch.

LAKA-LÉKÉ means “hideaway” in Balinese, is the sister restaurant of Café Wayan and Bakery on Monkey Forest Road, Ubud.

The name “LAKA-LÉKÉ” is appropriate since the restaurant is literally “hidden away” between two well know places in UBUD, the famous Monkey Forest and the unique wood-carving village of Nyuh Kuning.

Since it first opened, Laka-Leke has become known for its attractive, spacious design, with separate, tree-shaded pavilions offering beatiful views of gardens, lily ponds and rice fields. Fine food, friendly service, and a aromantic atmosphere in the midst of Balinese culture all serve to make Laka Leke a place to visit and experience.

All of us had the famous bebek!

FAMOUS CRISPY DUCK Rp. 75.500,-
Half a duck boiled in balinese spices and then deep fry for a crispy finish. "use your fingers"served with rice and sauteed vegetables.

The decorations at the restaurant was worth it too!

Come day three, it was the most important day of the trip. Started with an hour of ravishing RED team review. About 700 Loreal-ians wearing identical RED shirt in a hall...

One Goal

One Heart

One Team!

*love*

Our boss, Andrew Stanleick - CEO of Loreal Malaysia, giving us a short yet inspiring speech...

Then we were dismissed for another hour to prepare for the big night where all the crabs, prawns, mermaids and jellyfishes make their grand appearances!

Dinner was so-so only but we were more interested to pose for any cameras available!

It was such an exhausting night filled with dancing and bottomless beer... crazy night!

Early the next day, the company break into brands and division for a short briefing or meeting.

For Lancome, it was a short meeting plus a fun training session filled with entertaining yet educational and challenging game...

The best team to win the challenge!

Lancome Malaysia

After the morning session, off we went to taste the best local cuisine...

About an hour plus drive to Dirty Duck Diner aka Bebek Bengil.

Bebek Bengil ( Dirty Duck Diner ) was first opened in 1990. Since then we have been serving delicious foods and providing good services in a friendly, comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.

Many people have asked us how we got the name 'Bebek Bengil',well here's the story..

When we were building the restaurant, we thought long and hard about a name. Many good suggestions came from our friends, but none seemed just right.

We knew we wanted a Balinese name that translated well into English. However, for a long time the metaphor eluded us.

One tropical monsoon morning, when the restaurant was very close to being finished ( we had the concrete floor down, and the tables in ), a flock of ducks from the rice field across the road ( yes, there were rice fields all around us then ) ran quacking and squawking into the restaurant and across the floor and tables. They left muddy webbed footprints all over the place. They were our first guests - those dirty ducks !

How can one leave the land of Bali without undergoing the therapeutic hands of the masseur in Bali.

Massage time!!

This is not my first time in Bali.

My first visit to Bali was when I participated in the Miss Asean 2005 pageant. However, it was only a day trip and I did not managed to visit the gorgeous Bali beach. Although I did not managed to spend a lot of time at the beach during this trip as well but I managed to catch the sunrise *smile*

Marked my name on the sand...

Bali... I will be back!!

Chilly Hong Kong for training

2011-03-01T22:22:00.004+08:00

After four months, I return again to the busy city of Hong Kong! However, traveling alone for work is nothing spectacular...

Landed in freezing Hong Kong after hours of flight delayed and I was extremely hungry and tired. Milk saved the day!

Was welcomed by a little souvenir at Lanson Place at Causeway Bay...

Where the bed was the best!!

I then walked around the corner for dinner and a little shopping. Managed to get myself a fluffy bag and a pair of leather boots... First night victory!

The next day, was so surprised to see some of my colleagues from all over the world staying at the same hotel. Plus, the training centre for Lancome was just a few blocks away from where we stayed... Approximately 15 minutes walk only...

We had delicious Japanese lunch at Wasabisabi at Timesquare Causewaybay.. The service was exceptionally wonderful! Made us all feel like VVIPs!

I had their special lunch set with tender Teriyaki Chicken, Softshell Crab Tempura and Salmon Sashimi...

*Thumbs up!*

Not only lunch was great... after such exhausting day with our brains cramped tight with information, we were again wining and dining at a local fine dining Restaurant...

The restaurant overlooking the harbour with charming and relaxing ambience... It was certainly a night full of laughter and FUN!

Cheers to the Lancome team!

Finally! Graduated with pride...

Happily walking around the chilly streets of Hong Kong after work... Linda who is based in Hong Kong took us for a delicious dinner at some hawker area...

Highlight of the trip!

The atmosphere of the place is like a scene out of a gangster movie of Hong Kong!

Only the locals are able to find such traditional local cuisine...

We ordered a lot of food!

Food + Beer = Relaxing evening

Hong Kong...

No matter when I go or why I need to go... It will always managed to entertain me...

til we meet again... Adieu!

Christina Aguilera - I'm a Good Girl (Burlesque)

2011-02-07T20:25:00.001+08:00

Where I've been all my life...

The dress is Chanel
The shoes YSL
The bag is Dior
Agent Provocateur
My address today, LA by the way
Above Sunset Strip, the hills all the way

My rings are by Webster
It makes the heads twirl
They all say, "Darling, what did you do for those pearls?"
"What"?!

I am a good girl

The age I adore, the day oh no more
Breakfast Polo Launch and pools at the shore
The Chateau for cocktails
The Courtyard at night
Downtown is for dinner
The hell is divine
You know I have found the words goin' round
They all say my feet never do touch the ground
"What"?!

I am a good girl..

My 30th celebration of life

2011-01-31T23:28:00.001+08:00

It was just another typical day when I woke up on the day I turn thirty. The sun was shining in the blue blue sky, the grass looks greener than usual and the birds are happily chirping together. It was a beautiful day.

I felt truly blessed. As what I always say “Age is nothing but numbers”. It is the achievements and experiences of life that I want to celebrate.

What are my achievements?

This year, I spent my birthday with people I love. I have never measured achievements by counting how much is in my bank account or the number of Prada bags I have.

These are my achievements and the best moments in my life…

Started the day with 'lou sang' lunch with my family.

Got my birthday red packet from my granny!

Longchamp Maroquinerie Limited Edition from my darling!

Also, I know he spent a lot of time planning for a romantic evening with me...

Time for me to 'ban leng leng' (look beautiful) for the evening...

Aahh... still looking gorgeous at thirty?

Haha!

Here we are! At Tamarind Hill...

Let's start ordering... hungry hungry...

A quiet corner for the two of us...

A lovely restaurant with relaxing and romantic ambiance...

Camwhoring...

hoping to capture more lovey-dovey moments for the diary

*Posing posing*

Gorgeous wall decor...

Ok... dinner is served... let's see what we ordered...

Duck & Lychee salad...

Pandan Chicken with basil and tomatoes...

The delicious and aromatic seafood tom-yam...

yummy!!

The best part of all... my special surprise!

A birthday dessert made especially for me!

*happy happy*

Happy Birthday!

The gorgeous birthday girl!

Haha!

After dinner, he decided to take me for a drink and he suggested to go to 7atenine... Well, after such a wonderful dinner... I have no complains... satisfied, happy and feeling blessed...

Off we adjourned our evening to 7atenine...

Ordered a bottle of red wine...

Sipping and slurping together...

Delicious!

Then, suddenly...

my birthday cake arrived!

Some friends joined...

He planned it all... without me noticing... without me knowing...

awwww...

*love love*

Another birthday song...

another chance to blow the candle...

*muaks muaks*

I felt like a Princess!

My Prince made it so special...

*happy happy*

A little souvenir from 7atenine...

Continuing my birthday celebration the next day... doing what I love most...

Singing!

With my beautiful mummy...

Another amazing birthday spent with people I love most! Birthdays are no doubt celebrated every year, however I find the meaning behind every celebration is truly important.

Why do people celebrate the date they were born into this world?

To celebrate life. But what is the meaning of life, if life is without all these people who make it so awesome? For me, the most important of a birthday is to celebrate 'love'... the one and most astonishing prize and achievement in ones life. It was a dream come true for me to have spent my special day with all the people I love! *muaks muaks*

Wait... my celebration has not ended... continuing celebration with my Chi-muiz (best friends) soon! *wink* Stay tuned for more!

A song dedicated to me

2011-01-20T21:54:00.000+08:00

ekljnkj

BUBBLES say: Here's a song for my everything:

"So long that I've waited for a girl
To come into my life
And in my world
I can't explain my feelings for you
I guess you're just all my dreams come true
And I'll be your lover
And I'll be your best friend
I'll be there when you're needing me
I'll be your everything
You're everything

I'll be your everything
I'll be all that you want
And all that you need
I'll be your everything
I'll give you all that I have
My love, my life, and me
I'll be your everything

Now that we're together at last
We shouldn't think about our
Problems in the past
'Cause true love takes a miracle to find
I guess that I've been blessed
'Cause I've got you by my side
And I'll be your lover
And I'll be your best friend
I'll be there when you're needing me
I'll be your everything
Your everything

When you're lost and you're down
And you're seeing darkness
And there's no one there that can be found
Just turn around
I'll be there holding out my arms for you
Just reach for me
I'll be the one to set you free

I'll lift you up when you're feeling down
I'll make your whole world turn around
I'll give my heart and soul to you
To let you know this love is true"

I'll be your everything!!!

Super delicious pork burger at Cristang

2011-01-11T21:35:00.004+08:00

Our lovely first weekend of this year was spent cari-cari makan. Heard so much of this place which serves 'petai' pork burger, we made our way there for dinner!

The place:

Cristang Fusion Restaurant

B-G-19, 8 Avenue, Jalan Sungei Jernih 8/1,
46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Tel: 03-7956 7877

Opening hours:
Tues to Sun 11am-3pm, 5.30pm-11pm.
Closed on Mondays.

Cristang is a quiet, laid back place that serves Malacan style Portugese cuisine with some western cuisine dishes too. Their best seller would be their 9 varieties of pork burgers; choosing from P1 to P9 in the menu.

The Menu:

P1 - pork patty (RM 16.80)
P2 - pork patty + back bacon (RM 19.80)
P3 - pork patty + minced pork chili con carne (RM 23.80)
P4 - pork patty + petai stuffed in patty (RM 25.90)
P5 - pork patty + grilled cajun prawns (RM 28.80)
P6 - pork patty + grilled fresh cut pineapples (RM 30.80)
P7 - pork patty stuffed petai + minced pork with petai + melted cheese
P8 - Tandoori Pork Burger (RM 28.80)
P9 - The Korean Inspired (RM 30.80)

I chose the P3 and Bubbles chose P7.

yummy!!

ooh la la!!

We also ordered their super yummy mushroom soup!

What a perfect dinner...

A must try if you're a 'petai' fan, however, if you're not...

there are always other delicious choices of local and western cuisine to choose from.

This place is pretty easy to find as well...

Map courtesy of KYspeaks.com

See if you are able to locate it this weekend!

Whitney Houston - One Moment In Time

2011-01-11T16:56:00.002+08:00

Each day I live, I want to be
A day to give, The best of me
I'm only one, But not alone
My finest day, Is yet unknown

I broke my heart, Fought every gain
To taste the sweet, I face the pain
I rise and fall, Yet through it all, This much remains

I want one moment in time
When I'm more than I thought I could be
When all of my dreams are a heartbeat away
And the answers are all up to me
Give me one moment in time
When I'm racing with destiny
Then in that one moment of time
I will feel, I will feel eternity

I've lived to be, The very best
I want it all, No time for less
I've laid the plans, Now lay the chance, Here in my hands

Give me one moment in time
When I'm more than I thought I could be
When all of my dreams are a heartbeat away
And the answers are all up to me
Give me one moment in time
When I'm racing with destiny
Then in that one moment of time
I will feel, I will feel eternity

You're a winner for a lifetime
If you seize that one moment in time, Make it shine

Give me one moment in time
When I'm more than I thought I could be
When all of my dreams are a heartbeat away
And the answers are all up to me
Give me one moment in time
When I'm racing with destiny
Then in that one moment of time
I will be, I will be, I will be free
I will be, I will be free

10 life lessons in my first 30 years

2011-01-03T22:07:00.002+08:00

In less than a month, I will be attaining the unspeakable age. Yes, I am still unconsciously rejecting the fact that I am upgraded to a higher level in the age category.

Thinking is no more than a tiny aspect of the totality of consciousness, the totality of who you are.

By Eckhart Tolle

OK. Maybe I am thinking too much. AGE is nothing but just numbers. Looking at this in a more positive angle, the numbers are reminding us of the tasks we are to complete before we leave the earth.
So, right now I am asking myself “What have I learn in my first 30 years in life?”

Lesson #1 Money is not everything; family is on top of anything

I was brought up in an environment where money is so important because my parents have to work very hard to earn cash to support the family. There were times where the more money they make, the more they wanted. The sky is the limit. It was a never-ending affair.

Not until the day my dad passed away, I realized that money and all those things that money can buy are useless because it cannot bring my dad back. All those expensive material goodies that my dad treasured when he was alive are left untouched in the cupboard and some ended up in the bin. It was then that I realized family is more important than anything in the world. My workaholic life stopped at that instance.

Lesson #2 Work life balance is the way to sustain a healthy work relationship

This lesson is an extension from Lesson #1.

Realizing that family is top priority, my life is now balanced between work and personal life. It has to be this way because working to a point of obsession is way too unhealthy. I believe in producing high quality work and balancing with good quality time spent with family & friends.

Life has certainly been so much happier. Plus, I am so much healthier too!

Lesson #3 Appreciate the man who willingly shower you with true love

Men are everywhere.

To find the one that truly care for you and love you for who you are, is the true challenge. I have found mine after years of searching and unbearable years of dating disaster. He is more than what I have dreamed of in a man.

“Bubbles, thank you for being in my life and I love you more each day”.

However, to be loved and cherished, I too need to express appreciation and gratitude for it takes both hands to clap.

Lesson #4 People are too busy minding their own business

I used to mind what others think of me but then how can one control thousands of minds?

So, now I am who I am, do what I do best and mind my own business because everyone is actually doing the same. No one has more than 5 minutes a day to think of what you do or what you wear, so don’t be obsessed by it!

Lesson #5 No decision is ever completely right or wrong

Even a spoiled clock is right twice a day!

That’s why I always say there are no wrong or right answers, for it is the only answer available at that crucial moment.

Lesson #6 Happiness is not given; Happiness is a state of mind

Ever said to yourself, “If only I earn ten thousand dollars a month, I’ll then be able to buy that diamond and be the happiest woman on earth!”.

Well, guess what? That kinda ‘happy’ condition will not last forever because soon you will be miserable again for you have another wish in mind to accomplish. However, I know some rich people who suffered from depression everyday!

Don’t ever relate happiness to materials or even to another person. Happiness is something that is nurtured within yourself. Be happy for who you are, where you are and how you are. Start to appreciate your life and happiness will always be there for you.

Lesson #7 If you want something, you have to DO something!

There are no free lunches in this world. Everything you achieved or owned has a price to pay. I have seen people who moaned and grumbled each day about why life isn’t going the way they want it to be and yet they still continue moaning and grumbling every single day.

I am not as lucky as some people who were born with everything on their plate. No doubt I have wonderful parents who will try to provide me with the essentials of life. However, I know what I want in life and I will reach out to do whatever I can to arrive at my desired destination. So far, I am truly satisfied with the results and will still grab any opportunities that will lead me to my ideal situation.

My motto is if you want something, go out there and get it! Opportunities are everywhere. Are you reaching out for it?

Lesson #8 Having good quality friends is way better than having way too many friends

I have made lots of friends throughout my life and will be making more friends as I walk further in life. However, good friends are not easy to find. In a bunch of a hundred friends, only a handful might be considered good friends. I have not a hundred good friends but I have a couple of dear friends who will be cherished and loved because they have done the same for me. You know who you are and you will always be in my heart! Love you gals!

Lesson #9 Learning to love myself

If you don’t start loving yourself, who is going to?

I walked through a painful stretch of my life to realize this simple theory.

Lesson #10 Living life and seeking passion all the way!

Know what you enjoy and doing it every day is the only way to truly lead a fulfilling life. This is something that I have learn so far and yet to achieve. I will take this year to seriously consider my passions and how to live it every day!

Well, I guess it is not that bad because I realized that I have certainly lived a wonderful and fulfilling life so far. Saying this, I should be looking forward to the next 30 marvelous years! Tick tocking to my birthday where I will blow the candles and proudly announce that I am 30 years old.

*proud and pleased*

2010: Closing cycles (from Paulo Coelho's Blog)

2011-01-01T04:09:00.000+08:00

Paulo Coelho's Blog

One always has to know when a stage comes to an end. If we insist on staying longer than the necessary time, we lose the happiness and the meaning of the other stages we have to go through.

Closing cycles, shutting doors, ending chapters – whatever name we give it, what matters is to leave in the past the moments of life that have finished.

Did you lose your job? Has a loving relationship come to an end? Did you leave your parents’ house? Gone to live abroad? Has a long-lasting friendship ended all of a sudden? You can spend a long time wondering why this has happened.

You can tell yourself you won’t take another step until you find out why certain things that were so important and so solid in your life have turned into dust, just like that. But such an attitude will be awfully stressing for everyone involved: your parents, your husband or wife, your friends, your children, your sister.

Everyone is finishing chapters, turning over new leaves, getting on with life, and they will all feel bad seeing you at a standstill.

Things pass, and the best we can do is to let them really go away.

That is why it is so important (however painful it may be!) to destroy souvenirs, move, give lots of things away to orphanages, sell or donate the books you have at home.

Everything in this visible world is a manifestation of the invisible world, of what is going on in our hearts – and getting rid of certain memories also means making some room for other memories to take their place.
Let things go. Release them. Detach yourself from them.

Nobody plays this life with marked cards, so sometimes we win and sometimes we lose. Do not expect anything in return, do not expect your efforts to be appreciated, your genius to be discovered, your love to be understood.

Stop turning on your emotional television to watch the same program over and over again, the one that shows how much you suffered from a certain loss: that is only poisoning you, nothing else.

Nothing is more dangerous than not accepting love relationships that are broken off, work that is promised but there is no starting date, decisions that are always put off waiting for the “ideal moment.”

Before a new chapter is begun, the old one has to be finished: tell yourself that what has passed will never come back.

Remember that there was a time when you could live without that thing or that person – nothing is irreplaceable, a habit is not a need.

This may sound so obvious, it may even be difficult, but it is very important.

Closing cycles. Not because of pride, incapacity or arrogance, but simply because that no longer fits your life.

Shut the door, change the record, clean the house, shake off the dust.

Stop being who you were, and change into who you are.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Creating a better future in 2011

2010-12-31T16:44:00.002+08:00

Forget the past and create a better future.

Today is the last day of 2010 and of course you, me and everyone else wish to have a another great year in 2011. Maybe even a better year with more accomplishment.

However, as I drove pass the house I have been living in for the past 11 years with my parents, many memories came flooding back to me. At that moment, I only have one wish in mind. If only someone is able to grant me just one wish, only one wish. I only wish for my dad to be here right now to enjoy our new home with us.

Two years have passed since he left us and physically, we have moved on. Deep in my heart, I am still wishing that incident two years ago never happened. Does that mean I have not forgotten the past and will never be able to create a better future?

Anyhow, I am not going to dwell on that today for New Year's celebration awaits me!

Happy New Year folks!

See you next year...

Autumn in Hong Kong (part 2)

2010-12-18T12:10:00.002+08:00

Hong Kong, the busiest and certainly one of the most congested city in the world. There are people at every single corner of the street and everyone walks faster and speak even faster.

*WARNING* Do not attempt to stay in Hong Kong if you've the characteristics of a turtle.

Lan Kwai Fong is a place where people come for drinks and F.U.N. It was so crowded when we were there because the world was actually celebrating Halloween. People and Ghost were seen partying in the bars, pubs and even on the streets...

We were in a truly packed mall in Wong Kok. I managed to buy nothing because the crowd was too much and there isn't a space to even stand and breath...

So, the best thing to do in Hong Kong? Cari makan (EAT) of course!!

We asked around and the locals directed us to this famous dim sum restaurant at Sham Shui Po's Tai Po Road. Very easy to reach there... just take the MRT to Sham Shui Po station and walk to Tai Po Road. It is situated right in the middle of the road.

Here's the menu... I can't read a thing because everything is in Chinese!

Super delicious!

I love it!

We visited several tourist destination in Hong Kong and this is one of them...

We are now in a tram... moving high up... towards a place called Madam Tussuad's Museum

Where Bubbles danced with Madonna!

and hung out with martial arts STARS!

Bubbles with Jet Li

and Diana... she was seen dating Aaron Kwok... whoaa... scandal!!

Me? I had a debate with Einstein...

Bubbles continues hanging out with martial arts STARS and were seen learning some stunts...

*when are you going to show me those stunts??**

Whoaa... so tall!!

cai dan ceh (cycling) with Leon Lai... another scandal!!

Also, if you're a fan of Disneyland... please don't forget the World of Disney in Hong Kong!

I had so much fun catching up with my childhood bestfriends!!

Who says Hong Kong Disneyland is boring?
Maybe you went with the wrong people :P

I had the GREATEST times in HK Disneyland!

It is actually pretty easy getting around in Hong Kong. As long as you are able to walk, please take the MRT to ALL destination! It's very easy.

There are maps, signs and even photographs of every destination in Hong Kong...

Check out the photographs...

Of course, our main desire in Hong Kong is Cari Makan (EAT)

So, we tried varies local favourites and managed to list our own favourites...

This wanton is really as what the boss promised. The size of a pingpong ball!!

We also tried the local cafe....

absolutely delicious and one of a kind PORK BURGER!

*WARNING* Non-halal content

This is roast goose... amazing... indescribable... nothing I have eaten in my own country...

It was a pretty amazing trip and although I was a little homesick but I felt sad leaving all the good food behind! I will be missing all those delicious cuisine for a long long time...

Thank you Bubbles... it was you who made it so amazing...

Please go to Autumn in Hong Kong (part 1) to view exciting moments in Macau.

Say hello to 2011 in style

2010-12-18T01:57:00.002+08:00

Soon, we will be saying good bye to year 2010 and welcome in year 2011 with open arms!

Time again for new tasks for next year...

1. Again... Be happy, Stay happy... and spread happiness

2. Living my passion; Doing what I love and enjoy every moment of it

3. Travel to a romantic destination with Bubbles

Simple and hopefully easy to achieved!

This year has been marvelous with several huge changes in my life. No changes are bad changes but interesting challenges to experience.

I will be seeing myself a more experienced and inspiring leader in profession in 2011. At home, I will aim to be even more loving, caring and understanding to the people I love. Next year will certainly be another great adventure to add into my life journal.

Highlights of year 2010

** TWICE... we were on top of the world...**

Sears Tower, Chicago

The Peak, Hong Kong

**My dream came true**

Alas, I met my childhood best friend!

Had a GREAT time with mom in Taipei, Taiwan

**Some great moments with WONDERFUL friends**

6 Steps to Tackle Procrastination

2010-11-23T23:28:00.001+08:00

Is there something you’re procrastinating in your life now?

For example,

• Finishing your work
• Getting a new job you’re passionate about
• Looking for your soul mate
• Losing weight
• Starting a business

Procrastination is one of the biggest time wasters in life. When we procrastinate, we waste away valuable free time and put off important tasks we should be doing until it’s too late. When that happens, we panic and wish we started earlier. I know a few chronic procrastinators, and unfortunately they spend their lives in the cycle of delaying, putting off important tasks, procrastinating, avoiding work, and doing work only when it’s inevitable. It’s unfortunate because they are disgruntled with their lives and they often self-victimize about their situations, when they have put themselves there in the first place.

It doesn’t have to be that way at all. You can take conscious action over procrastination to create the life that you want. Here, I will share 6 useful steps to tackle the procrastination bug:

1. Set goals that you want
If you’re not springing into action, there is probably a lack of desire towards the goal. Rather than push yourself through with the process, let’s start off with the very basic. Do you want this goal? If your answer is “no”, that means this isn’t a goal to pursue in the first place. If that’s the case, pressing on isn’t a solution. Ditch those goals, get back to the drawing board and start forming new goals. Identify the goals that really inspire you.

2. Understand why you want the goal
Understanding why you want the goal will help you get clear of your inner motivations. Whether your goal is weight loss, to change a job, to find your life partner, ask yourself: Why do you want this goal? Write down as many answers as possible, until you feel a strong drive and motivation. The objective is to connect you with your inner desire for the goal. This ‘Why’ is the fuel that’ll drive you towards your goal. If you don’t have a good ‘Why’, you’ll eventually face a lack of interest and give up halfway. With a strong ‘Why’, it’ll drive you to accomplish anything you want to, and overcome whatever is ahead.

3. Develop a clear plan with specific deadlines
A clear plan with specific deadlines is crucial. If you don’t have that, you won’t know the effects day-to-day procrastination has your end outcome. In your mind, there is a foggy idea of what you need to do and when you need to do it. Since there isn’t a clear idea of what needs to be done by when, your impression is that even if you procrastinate for a little while, nothing gets impacted. So you let yourself relax, thinking you can get to it later on.

However, every time you procrastinate, something is implicated. You just don’t know because you don’t have a clear plan outlined. Develop a plan to achieve your goal. Your plan should include the steps you need to take and specific deadlines for each task. This way, you know you have to finish each task by a certain date.

4. Break your work into little steps
I remember when I was working on my 1st ebook, The Personal Excellence Book, a few months ago, I would procrastinate on it day after day. It would be months before I realized that I was never ever going to get to it unless I did something different. I realized I was putting it off because I saw it as a huge task and it was mentally overwhelming.

So then, I broke down the project into phases such as researching, deciding on the topic, creating the outline, drafting the content, writing the chapters, and so on. Suddenly, the whole thing seemed very manageable. From there, I just focused on the immediate phase and get it done to my best ability, without thinking about the other phases. When it’s done, I moved on to the next. My ebook was launched just a few months ago with pre-sales being maxed out in the first couple of hours.

Part of the reason why we procrastinate is because subconsciously, we find the work too overwhelming for us. Break it down into little parts, then focus on one part at the time. It’ll be so simple that it’s easy to start!

5. Drop the perfectionist mindset
As contradicting as it may be, a perfectionist mindset leads to procrastination. Have you ever thought put off your work because you feel like it’s too much work? That’s the perfectionist side of you thinking – in your mind, you see the work to be done in a certain way, to a certain level. However, if you think about it, that sort of mindset doesn’t serve you. For what it’s worth, doing just a wee bit of something is better than not doing at all. Just start off small. Even if it’s a lousy draft, it gets things started. It’s from that 1st draft that you build on to the next draft.

When I write my articles, I always split the work over several days. My objective when I first write it is not to get everything right, but just to get the key ideas down and have a brief outline. It doesn’t even have to look a certain way – editing comes in the later stages. I find that this system of writing makes me a lot more productive than trying to finish 1 whole blog post in 1 sitting.

6. Create accountability
The more accountable you are to your goal, the more better. Tell all your friends, colleagues, acquaintances and family about your projects. Now whenever you see them, they are bound to ask you about your status on those projects. This creates an even stronger motivation to stick to your plans and achieve your goals. For example, sometimes I announce my projects on The Personal Excellence Blog, Twitter and Facebook, and my readers will ask me about them on an ongoing basis. It’s a great way to keep myself accountable to my plans.

This article was originally published on DumbLittleMan.com.
Written on 11/09/2010 by Celestine Chua. Celestine writes at The Personal Excellence Blog, where she shares her best advice on how to achieve personal excellence and live your best life. Get her RSS feed directly and add her on Twitter @celestinechua.

2010 is almost coming to an end

2010-11-19T00:29:00.007+08:00

The year is almost over. Again, it’s time we sit comfortably in our own thinking space and reflect the year’s events. What were achieved? What were placed aside until more time but never found the right time?

My resolutions for the year 2010 were pretty easy to remember, although not as easy to accomplish. It was to:

1. To be happy and stay happy

2. To spread happiness

3. To love and be loved

Reflecting back to the emotional roller-coaster of the year, my conclusion is being happy is easy, staying happy isn't. We are all born to experience the pure delight and pleasurable feeling of happiness. As a kid, it’s easy to feel happy. However, as we proceed to adulthood, more and more discontentment in life causes an imbalance inner feeling to occur. Nothing is ever enough. Nobody is ever good enough.

So, this year I’ve learn to be contented with life.

To accept who I am, the true me.

To be grateful for every waking moment feeling the warmth of the sun shine, for the time spent with loved one…

To have family & friends who stay true to me and always there to support my back.

To be loved truly, madly and deeply by Bubbles.

However, to stay happy is the actual challenge. There is still one particular area in my life that is still bothering me which causes so much emotional rollercoaster that I am almost numbed at heart. This one particular area has been so draining that it stole the sunshine and cheerfulness in me, leaving me a different person… empty and hollow.

Having just finished the book EAT PRAY LOVE by Elizabeth Gilbert, it has given me inspirations for my next year’s resolutions. It is a great book about a woman’s desire to search for life. To search for a deeper meaning in her life. To live her life. To truly be herself and her needs. Her adventures truly moved my heart in ways that I am unable to interpret with words.

So, the only one thing for me to do now til we say goodbye to 2010 is to seriously consider my own desire.

One of the highlights of 2010 will be a special trip to my childhood dream...

DISNEYLAND

and to meet my childhood best friends!

Thanks to Bubbles for making it happened...

*muaks*

Another highlight of the year would be our gals quick getaway trip to Krabi. It is just so impossible to get everyone together on a trip that this opportunity doesn't come very often. It is definitely a blessing!

And not forgetting the amazing adventure with Bubbles in Chicago!

Chicago is where I can freely express who I am... bare-naked me... and I am talking about spiritually, not physically!

Our love

2010-11-08T01:46:00.000+08:00

Look not for beauty
Nor whiteness of skin
But look for the heart
That is loyal within

For beauty may fade
And white skin grow old
But the heart that is loyal
Will never grow cold

- Marie Davis -

And this is just us.

Simple

True

Loyal

Forever

That is our love.

Are we thinking too much?

2010-11-07T12:39:00.002+08:00

Sometimes I do think that life is much happier when we think less. Are we thinking too much?

Take this as an example; Friends made a remark on your dress “Hey! Short skirt…looks ok..”

If this friend is a good friend then this remark would be taken lightly. However, if this friend is someone you have a bad history with; the remark would be translated as “Cute skirt… on elephant legs!”…

Or maybe… just maybe… her comment is “Hey! Short skirt… looks ok..”. Really, that’s it!

Most of the time, we tend to group people up in categories or as a certain stereotypes. And then a lot of times, we interpret conversations based on their categories.

Why would our brains work this way? I’ve seen people who are blind to what’s going on around them. Well, are they really blind or they just simply don’t think about it? Maybe they just don’t want to know what’s going on and move on with their own life.

You see, most people care less about what you do because they spend most of it caring about themselves and what others think of them. In other words, they are busy just minding their own business.

I want to learn from the innocently blinded people who seem to flow through the day not caring about what’s going on in the background. They just moved on and be happy. Life will certainly be happier!

Well, because you've read this... now is time to move on and enjoy a wonderful Sunday spent with loved ones... Cheers!

Time for me to play with my doggy!

Autumn getaway to Hong Kong and Macau!

2010-11-02T22:48:00.008+08:00

Another autumn spent in Hong Kong and a little in Macau. Although it is not my first time there but lots have changed since the last time I've been there. I'm not talking about the place but myself that has changed tremendously.

I would say the highlights of this trip would definitely be Disneyland (my childhood dream to be there!), Madame Tussauds, the transportation & the busiest streets of Hong Kong, and of course not forgetting all the delicious cuisine we tried during out stay in both Hong Kong and Macau.

We spent the first day in Macau and the last day before we end our journey...

So, let's start with Macau...

Just the three of us.

We reached Macau at about 4-5pm by AirAsia and took a free shuttle to the grand Venetian Hotel located at Taipa, Macau. The interior of the hotel is so unique and the ceilings are almost like a huge painting.

The gorgeous ceiling of the Venetian Hotel

The first night we tried their local Portuguese food, which is pretty much like a baked of everything. Not exactly my cup of tea I would say...

This is the Portuguese restaurant we went to that apparently lots of famous people would recommend. According to the walls full of photos of celebrities. Among them was Coco from Coco Cooks (a taiwanese beauty going around Asia trying out local cuisines and pretending to cook some herself)

This is one of their special dish; Baked Chicken Rice, which is very famous among their locals. The waitress told us that people purposely came to their place for this...

The taste is just like another dish of cheese baked rice, with a few small pieces of chinese sausages (lap cheong) on the surface. Nothing much to shout about really.

Another of their must try dish. Baked Cod fish.

I can not actually taste any cod fish for each bite was full of thick creamy cheese and potatoes. Only occasionally do I bite into tiny broken pieces of unrecognized fish.
After this meal, we could not drop another grain of rice into our mouth without feeling like the rest of dinner might pour out of our stomach!

The price was kinda on the high side. Hmm... not a worthy meal.

On the same street, we tried this place the next day before we left for Hong Kong. It was recommended by Diana's friend and the Crab Porridge is the must-try dish...

The porridge was full of the crab's sweetness and I like the way they cooked the porridge. The texture is smooth and the not too watery. Although the crab is not easy to eat this way and we skipped the crab meat!

As for sight seeing, nothing much to do in Macau if you're not a casino person. We went to the Ruins of St. Paul early in the morning, hoping to catch a glimpse of the beautifully burnt building. It truly looks as what it promises... beautifully ruined building.

If you want to read more on the history of the Ruins of St. Paul, click here.

Senado Square is a paved area in the centre of the former Portuguese colony of Macau, enclosed by the buildings of the Leal Senado, the General Post Office, and St. Dominic's Church. The square is paved in the traditional Portuguese pavement.

It is also located just a corner from the Ruins of St. Paul and where we tried Wong Chi Kei's famous Wan Tan (Dumpling) Noodles. They also have a branch in Hong Kong located at Central.
Click here for more info!

If you want to see more delicious mouth-watering photos of their food, click here.

The noodles was alright, a little too dry for me :P The soup was better with a tinge of ginseng taste.

We also went to Mount Fortress which is located just next to the Ruins of St. Paul.

Mount Fortress, built in 1617-26, occupies a hilltop to the east of the ruins of St. Paul′ s. It was constructed by the Jesuits as part of a complex which also included the college and church of St. Paul′ s. The canons were used only once, when the Dutch invaded Macau in 1622. This was also the first residence of the governors of Macau.

The night view of the luxury Grand Lisboa Hotel + Casino

If you've got the money, try staying at this hotel. The price of the room is amazing!

Check it out here!

Do check out the 360 degrees Virtual tour in their website...

I see alot of casinos along the road...

We were lured into this restaurant by a woman who is about my grandmother's age but with eyes as smoky as a runway model.

She claimed that if we did not step into her shop, we will be robbed by other restaurants because her price is no doubt the cheapest and the food is the best!

So we stepped in...

We tried talking to her... but her personality is as scary as her overdone smoky eyes...

The food... it was yummy!
This plate of sweet + sour pork rice can feed at least 2 person.

The price was certainly reasonable, comparing to the rest we have browsed.

The last day of our stay in Macau, we decided to leave in style...

Sharksfin rice...

With an abalone!

A word of advice, Macau is not a very huge island. Get some of these guides from any hotel and follow your instinct. It will never go wrong!

Coming up next!

Disneyland & Madame Tussauds adventure!

Stay tuned...

Fairy-tale Wedding

2010-10-15T23:53:00.000+08:00

On Linh's pre-wedding photoshoot day...

Make-up artist : Joselyn Lee (myself) *wink*

Hair styling : Joselyn Lee

Photographer : Yeh from Wondrous Vision

Woke up at 6am and started our make-up session at about 7am... it was truly a tiring day but a happy one! Seeing her getting married to a wonderful guy... it is truly a blessing!

For me, weddings are always like a fairy tale. Gorgeous bride... happy and handsome groom... lovely memories to last a lifetime... It is also about closing an old existing chapter and opening a new chapter that is full of love, hope and joy. But most importantly is able to spend a meaningful lifetime with that special someone. The one and only soul mate in our life.

It's the wedding season again this time round and I have received never ending invitations to weddings for the past months and the months to come as well. Some people I know are getting married because it is always the 'time' to do so... indeed getting married should be in the agenda, however getting married for the wrong reason is certainly a sad thing to do. Marriage should never be forced. Marriage should indeed not be pressured to happen...

For me... I will only be married when someday my prince appeared in front of me... telling me he wants to be my husband because I am the only woman he feels could complete him and he wants to share the rest of his life next to the one and only who has his heart. His soul mate. His best friend. His love. His woman.

I will melt and most probably slap myself to see if I am dreaming... Haha!

Look at my make-up set! Someone said I look like a painter :P

Linh is looking so radiant and gorgeous...

A happy bride indeed :) so sweet....

Yeh is a fantastic photographer... catch his work at

Wondrous Vision

Bubbles was there too...

he sacrificed his sleeping hours to be there for me because I needed him... *muaks*

Both of us looking very good... although we only slept a mere 2-3 hours!

Colmar Tropicale, Berjaya Hills

One Life; One Joselyn

2010-10-06T12:12:00.005+08:00

Change is the most common phenomena in the world. My dad used to say that to me all the time. Although he is not with us anymore, his advice will always be relevant in my life.

Change, I do believe that I need that right now.

Change, is all I can think of at every second because I have been stagnant for a long time.

Looking at my life, I have everything that people fight very hard for. A job that pays well, a guy who loves me for who I am, a family who provides for me, etc. I am grateful for all and I can say my prayers and thank god for it all.

And then, I look at my life’s philosophy and there is still something missing. A life that is meant to be lived with passion and love. The passion is still missing at work, causing endless sorrow and unhappiness almost every day.

‎"The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.”
“Don't spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door.”

By Coco Chanel

Posted by Michelle Kong in Facebook

I don’t want to regret anything in life when I leave the world. I want a life that is meaningful, well-lived, happy and passionate. Which only means one thing, I need a change and I need to take my chances. Believing in my own ability and believing I can do it!

One life; One Joselyn. Live life according to yourself and no one else.

Now I sound like our PM :P "Satu Malaysia"....

My first achievement

I always wanted to win a beauty pageant when I was young. My dream was achieved at age 24.

My life was never the same again.

How to live a simpler and happy life?

2010-09-18T01:55:00.004+08:00

Life is hard, isn’t it true? Did anyone already pre-warned you before you jump into the realm of reborn?

I bet you wouldn’t have believed them anyway, not unless you have already experienced living life as a human.

For me, I have seen enough, witnessed my share of depression or anxiety outburst from my closest family to friends. Believe me, I rather eat a rat alive than experiencing another anxiety outburst from people I care about.

First, they tend to be truly obsessive and will not stop thinking or talking about it. Second, they are never at peace thus will have difficulty falling asleep at night. Thirdly, they will start to visualize the worst of the situation and will be too stubborn to let go of their thoughts. It could be a colleague that you hated at work and can’t stop bitching about to every human that is kind enough to listen to you. It could also be the husband that did not live up to your expectation or did something once to disappoint you. It could also be your boss who kept breathing down your neck and won’t stop giving you a hard time at work.

In any situation, there could be nails lying around to keep you on your toes.

Blame it on the busy city life that is always so fast that you don’t have time to catch up to analyze the good in any situation. Blame it on everyone that speak to you on a bad day to keep you from having a quiet moment to re-examine your day. Blame it on the sun for only rising in the morning and disappearing at night, if the sun stay where it is then you will have more time, right?

Why not, overlook the negative and always keep the sunshine in your heart everyday of your life?

Life will always be imperfect, or rather put it another way… Life will be perfect depending on how we approach life. Do you see the glass half full… or half empty? It is how you CHOOSE to see it.

See it as half full and be happy that you have something in the glass. Appreciate what you already have in life. Be grateful for every person that cared for you or flashed you a smile on your way to work. Keep life simple. More importantly, keep your thoughts simple. Life is simple, it is only human that made life complicated. I have gathered a few easy ways for a simpler and happier life:

1. Appreciate people who love you, give them a hug everyday

2. Don’t sweat the small stuffs, smile and be grateful that you’re still alive

3. Spend a few quiet minutes a day to smell the flowers or observe your surroundings; be grateful that you’re alive

4. Stay away from people who spread evil-ness, stay with people who are happy and will share a good laugh

5. Laugh more, play with children or your pet

6. No matter how busy life is, be sure to spend quality moment with loved ones

7 Spend time with orphans or at the old folks home; spread compassion

8. Appreciate nature; learn from our ancestors on how to live a simpler life before our time. If they can do it, why can’t we?

9. Look into the mirror every morning and night and say to yourself “I’m so proud of you”

10. Love yourself; be who you are always!

Life is too short to be lived in misery.
Life is meant to be lived happily. Be happy. Be simple. Be alive.

Knowing myself and loving it!

2010-09-07T00:46:00.002+08:00

Today, while surfing blindly on the internet, I found a website that provides quizzes to test your personality and the first one I did was pretty interesting. Why interesting? Hmm... because what it reveals about my personality was almost 90% true.

Check out the website http://www.quizbox.com/personality/test82.aspx

The result:

Your view on yourself:

Other people find you very interesting, but you are really hiding your true self. Your friends love you because you are a good listener. They'll probably still love you if you learn to be yourself with them.

The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:

You are a true romantic. When you are in love, you will do anything and everything to keep your love true.

Your readiness to commit to a relationship:

You prefer to get to know a person very well before deciding whether you will commit to the relationship.

The seriousness of your love:

You like to flirt and behave seductively. The opposite sex finds this very attractive, and that's why you'll always have admirers hanging off your arms.

Your views on education

Education is very important in life. You want to study hard and learn as much as you can.

The right job for you:

You have plenty of dream jobs but have little chance of doing any of them if you don't focus on something in particular. You need to choose something and go for it to be happy and achieve success.

How do you view success:

You are afraid of failure and scared to have a go at the career you would like to have in case you don't succeed. Don't give up when you haven't yet even started! Be courageous.

What are you most afraid of:

You are afraid of having no one to rely on in times of trouble. You don't ever want to be unable to take care of yourself. Independence is important to you.

Who is your true self:

You are mature, reasonable, honest and give good advice. People ask for your comments on all sorts of different issues. Sometimes you might find yourself in a dilemma when trapped with a problem, which your heart rather than your head needs to solve.

What the quiz did not reveal is that I am a person who is true to herself and live life as if there is no tomorrow. Only at times being influenced by negative environment and lost focus, but she will always come back to her life's vision; which is to "Love What I Do & Do What I Love"

I'm numb

2010-08-24T21:14:00.000+08:00

No emotion

No pain
No happiness

No shame

Is this depression, I don't know
An evil monster in my shadow

Changing me into someone

I have never seen

Everythings a daze

Each day’s a dream

I can’t run away

It’s impossible to scream

I’m trapped

In someone I don’t even know

Too lost to find myself

Too afraid to show

I could end it all,

Make the drama stop

But to start it all over again?

I don't know how

I’m too afraid of the unknown

What’s on the other side?

Is it worth finding out?

What happens if a part of you died?

So I stay

The numbness appears

There are no emotions

There are no feelings

It’s a world of blank

No pain, No happiness

No real laughter

Am I going insane?

What’s the point anymore?

I’ve got nothing left to give

I can’t stay on like this,

Life is meant to be lived

I promise to try,

I guess I don’t want to die alive,

I know I can do this

I told myself with a sigh

A little story about forgotten love

2010-08-18T23:10:00.008+08:00

No matter how many times I read this story, I will experience the same sadness and heartache. This is truly a touching story that teaches all of us to appreciate precious moments with our soulmate. Read on...

When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I've got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes. Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly. She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why?

I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn't talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Jane. I didn't love her anymore. I just pitied her!

With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company. She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Jane so dearly.

Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now. The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn't have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Jane.

When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again. In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn't want anything from me, but needed a month's notice before the divorce.

She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month's time and she didn't want to disrupt him with our broken marriage. This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day.

She requested that every day for the month's duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door ever morning. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request. I told Jane about my wife's divorce conditions. . She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully.

My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mommy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don't tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.

On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this woman carefully for a long time. I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her. On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me. On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn't tell Jane about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.

She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily. Suddenly it hit me... she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart. Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head. Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it's time to carry mom out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day. But her much lighter weight made me sad.

On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said, I hadn't noticed that our life lacked intimacy. I drove to office.... jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind...I walked upstairs. Jane opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Jane, I do not want the divorce anymore. She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head.

Sorry, Jane, I said, I won't divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of our lives, not because we didn't love each other anymore. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart. Jane seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away. At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I'll carry you out every morning until death do us apart.

That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run up stairs, only to find my wife in the bed - dead. My wife had been fighting CANCER for months and I was so busy with Jane to even notice. She knew that she would die soon and she wanted to save me from the whatever negative reaction from our son, in case we push thru with the divorce.-- At least, in the eyes of our son--- I'm a loving husband....

The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves. So find time to be your soulmate's friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy. Do have a real happy life with your soulmate!

Perfection in the imperfect world

2010-08-09T21:17:00.007+08:00

Everyone have expectations. Most of these people have the expectation to be perfect. Perfection is seen as ideal to the world. The truth is; why is everyone chasing perfection when life is known to be imperfect?

Every product in the market favors marketing and branding because these are the tools to portray perfection to the targeted audience.

1. The image of the product has to be perfect; with the use of technology, any imperfections can be altered.

2. The positioning of the product has to be perfectly right; with the use of the right marketing strategy and tools, it will target the perfect audience.

3. The awareness of the product has to be perfectly in lined with the launching date; the PR people have to brush with the right channels and of course, the right people too.

The generation of branding; the building block of all brands

So now the product is perfectly launched to the market and people are buying. Analysis will be carried out to monitor the imperfections and areas for improvements. Sales are being compared to competition. Every single product in the market is aiming to rise above competition in ranking and sales. Nothing is perfect yet until it is sitting comfortably at the number one spot in ranking and hitting sales target after target. Ideally, in these situations, it is already perfect.

But what more can be super-perfect when you are already perfect?

Don't forget that thousands and millions of new products are being launched all over the world and people are learning from one another to do just another great launch and branding.

Competitions are never ending, thus the fight to stay on the top spot is never easy. Everyone is trapped in the same never ending cycle.

Being #1 FOREVER

Ideally, it helps to stay as an optimist and try as hard as possible to remain enthusiastic and hope to be able to continue working for perfection. However, chasing a never ending cycle is never easy. In this case, the chase includes expectations to always stay above competition is even harder.

So, the question would be “Are you game for the chase of perfection?”

FYI:

The product above could be anything; including people, fashion, technology, entertainment, etc

Paris Hilton is the perfect example of branding; the rich gal who earns her fame through self-branding

so when is your turn?

Taiwan Taiwan Taiwan - the 2nd night

2010-08-02T18:36:00.002+08:00

There were so many things to do yet so little time to do all! Every single day rushed by without a minute to breath... and this is how I feel throughout the whole week in Taipei. Here is my 2nd evening at another night market in Taipei.

This is Raohe Night Market; although the size and quality of this night market is very different from Shilin Night Market but here... the food is delicious!! This is the place where you can forget your tourist identity and just blend into the crowd of the locals... and experience their lifestyle...

We didn't know how to order at first but there were a few patrons at this stall with the same dish... so we pointed to theirs *wink* I guess this way your food will never go wrong! Haha!

The noodles were delicious indeed! Soupy and with lots of preserved vegetables and meat... We also ordered the stinky tofu again... this time I got the name right because there were a sign showing "Stinky tofu available"... See... I even learn how to speak mandarin throughout the process of food ordering!

Aaahhh... the crabs were delicious!!

We paid about NT100 (about RM11) for 3 whole crabs!

There were also fried balitong and escargots... but I'm more a crab person...

More food....

We saw so many people heading to this stall, so we decided this must be their local favourites! It's kinda like our local Bak Kut Teh but without the rice... the meat is so tender and soup is herbal.

Hmmm... yum yum~

Snow Mountain will never be the same for me after tasting this! The mango is so fresh and the portion is soooo huge! Both of us couldn't even finish the mango... and we only paid RM8 for this huge plate of Mango Snow Mountain! Definitely worth paying... I don't even get half the potion here in Malaysia with the same price :P

Of course not forgetting the local bubble tea! This is a special blend of Mango with milk... I just can't get enough of their bubble teas... yummm~

One thing I noticed is their dogs are so pampered and cute!!

Throughout the long street of endless stalls with food, drinks, fashion and etc... their dogs guarded their owner with pride!

This one is sooo cute!

And this huge doggy... I love her! She is so tame and good mannered eventhough I was disturbing her dinner time clicking away with my camera... She even took the time to smile into my camera... so sweeeet~

Of course, how can we forget the shopping!! It's so cheap... price starting from RM10 to RM50... have your pick of the latest fashion with the lowest price...

That's all for the night market adventure... However, do stay around for I have more stories to tell! Next in line will be my adventure with Taiwan's famous Spicy Hot Pot (in cantonese will be = Ma Lat Fo Woh) and how I caught my limited edition of Hello Kitty MP3 player... which is now entertaining me with my favourite music!! *wink*

Taiwan taiwan taiwan - 1st day

2010-07-26T00:24:00.003+08:00

This will be my fourth trip to Taiwan but the feeling and experience is as fresh and as exciting as the first!

This time I'm here to attend a training and I just have to bring mom with me because I know she will definitely enjoy Taiwan...

Landed at about 4pm in Taipei and started shopping at about 6pm. First stop is to the famous Shilin Night Market where there are loads of food and unlimited excess to the latest fashion!

Aren't these beautiful?

I was refraining from stocking up on SHOES!! The price are sooooo cheap and I sooooo love all the designs and colours and styles!!

So, before we proceed any further and drain all our energy spending our $$$... we need fuel to support our shopping agenda...

FOOD!

Look at these people... they are waiting and waiting and waiting...

For what??

But let me tell you... the wait is worth it!!

There are soooo much food to choose from...

There are so many people from tourist to the locals who came in bunches of friends & families...

Looking for something to eat isn't as easy as it seems, because there are much to choose from! Variety is good but discipline is more important here to ensure not overeating and regretting later! hahaha!

Must must must taste the smelly tofu! I have tasted better but this is not so bad as well...

ooohhhh... the best of the night!

Grilled pork in hot pan... yummy yummy! The meat is so juicy and dip in black pepper sauce, both of us couldn't get our hands off this porky! Will surely dig our teeth into these again before we leave! *Slurppppp*

Aaahhhh... delicious drinks to quench our thirst...

I love the bubble teas in Taiwan. We have bubble teas in Malaysia... but they will not be able to compete with the original ones in Taiwan. To be here in Taiwan and not drink this? SAD!!

Here we go... first day and already soooo much to enjoy... looking forward to moreeeeeee in the next few days!

Easy cooking for the weekend

2010-07-19T23:19:00.001+08:00

I love cooking for friends and family. Recently, I have tried various ways to create delicious and healthy meal that are so easy to make that a twelve year old would be bored making it.

Here is my colourful garden salad...

With 2 types of dressing to choose from...

Apple cider sauce or my "self-create-no-recipe-but-super-delicious" sauce :P

Another favourite recipe that is super-duper easy to make...

My honey sesame chicken :)

Marinate these chicken fillets for at least 2 hours with a little sesame-oil, soy sauce, pepper, basal leaves. Pre-heat oven and pop the marinated chicken into oven for half an hour... but don't forget to add honey and sesame seeds to the chicken 15 minutes before due time... and voila! These delicious tender fillets are ready to be savored.

Our meal is completed with these gorgeous vegetarian tomato pasta that could be pre-cooked a day before and re-heated for dinner.

Hmmm... what's next?

Aahh... Miso soup!! Low in fat and calories yet somehow such a comfort to slurp these soup before a meal... plus it's soooo easy to make! However, I have to admit that I did not make this :P

Wanna know who made this Miso Soup?

Nahh!! If only you can GUESS! hahaha!

Caution: Dramas ahead

2010-07-18T22:48:00.003+08:00

Every single day we are surrounded by dramas.

On the TV...

We see dramas of the West...

We see cat fights of the East...

We see even more dramas in Bollywood...

We even have our yearly Best Drama Kings & Queens...

However, in life the dramas don't stop in an hour or two. The dramas of life continues even after we shut down our hearing system or close the blind of our eyes... unfortunately, it will never go away or end itself.

Since we cannot stay away from dramas... might as well stay tuned and enjoy the sessions with one very important reminder...

Never get involve and hope to get the Best Drama King/Queen Award. Let's be the audience and enjoy the show...

Even Muffin is addicted to create drama! LOL~

and his drama never stops too!

Never say Never.. be Inspired!

2010-07-14T23:24:00.000+08:00

Today I am inspired that it's never too old to do anything!

At 58 years of age, my mom is sitting for an exam this Friday!

Looking at her studying an enormous textbook and flipping through pages and pages of test papers, it's almost unbelievable that after 40 years of not touching any serious textbook, she is now holding one and trying as hard as any teenager of SPM-age who would burn the midnight oil hoping to ace the exam!

I would say my mom will always be my role-model and this... proves yet again that she will never surrender to age. Mom, I respect that alot and so...

MistyBlush is awarding you the title

"The Most Studious Mom of the year 2010"

Even Muffin is inspired! Awesome!

I Love to Touch My Cookie Monster!

2010-07-09T00:03:00.005+08:00

It's time to trade in my HTC for another sleek LG cool creation! Introducing the new LG Cookie series with 3 new exciting models with unique feature and fun colourful themes. See more here.

LG Cookie 3G

LG Cookie Fresh

LG Cookie Plus

Whoa! I'm so eager to touch all three of these sleek creation and get myself one! The best news is it is available in 5 gorgeous colours and can easily match your everyday outfit... oohh... stylo-mylo indeed!

However, right now I am more eager to get into the Monster party hosted by Kenny Sia - the king of all monsters; and savor all the cookies available!

Oh oh... no more time to waste as I need to get my costume up and ready for this party!

What costume you asked? *wink*wink*

Watch out for the Cookie Monster!
woo hoooo~

*slurrrppppp* burppp~~

10 ways to cook Paul; The Octopus

2010-07-08T21:48:00.009+08:00

I can't believe it! My favourite team lost last night!

Again, predictions by the psychic octopus is right and Germany has lost their chance to pursue the Worldcup 2010 championship title to Spain. I'm not sure how this intelligent creature is able to rightly predict most of the matches because right now I am joining the Argentinians supporters to cook the Octopus! I'm sure Paul is now on the 'Most Wanted List' for a meal in Germany too!

Hmmm... let's see...

10 ways to cook Paul the Psychic Octopus...

1. Grilled Octopus -

The easiest way to cook it will be to marinate the meat with a little salt & pepper and put it on a grill. The meat will be tender and sweet!

2. Grilled sweet & sour Octopus -

A little creativity with the grill and voila! Another delicious grilled dish!

Grill sliced octopus with lemon, honey and lotsa olive oil.

3. Toboyaki

The famous Japanese balls using the Octopus's family jewel! *smirk* We're making full use of each parts of the Octopus, even the testicles...

4. Stir-fry Octopus -

Stir fry octopus with chilli, coriander, garlic and ginger and serve it with salad and fries.

5. Octopus in Curry Sauce -

Aaahhh... our local favourite flavor... Curry! Use the spices to enhance the sweetness of the meat, could taste even better than mutton *wink*

6. Octopus Sashimi Salad -

If you love it raw, why not squeeze a little lemon, a little salt & pepper and garnish with some spices to make a delicious fresh salad...

7. Octopus Pasta -

What could be more tasty than a little Italian for dinner and the thought of the psychic squid on your plate? Use your imagination and toss some octopus meat into your pot of Italian sauce...

8. Octopus Soup -

No fuss at all! Warm Octopus Soup! Cooked with fresh tomatoes, some green peas and toss a little basil into the pot... lovely~

9. Stir fried Squid with Chilli paste -

The aroma of this dish will leave everyone in your neighbourhood dripping saliva!! Woo hooooo! Stir fry octopus meat with some chopped chillies, garlic and chilli paste. Serve with rice would be most recommended.

10. Octopus Tempura -

Another Jap way to eat the octopus would be to wrap it like a roll.
Use fried egg to roll the meat and the taste would be even more yummy!Add into the roll some thinly sliced cucumber, bean sprout and whatever you fancy... tailor-made the roll to your liking~

Eventhough Paul is now kept in a safety tank, it will not stop us from visualizing him on our plates and gradually digesting in our stomach... oooohhhh I heard he is now in Aquarium Sea Life Centre in Oberhausen, Germany! Making it easier for the Germans to try the above cooking styles... *muahahahahaha* slurpppppp....

So, maybe now the genius squid will not interfere with the Worldcup 2010 finale result?!

Lemon Garden Cafe at Shangri-La Hotel KL

2010-06-27T20:52:00.000+08:00

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!

2010-06-21T16:11:00.001+08:00

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.