Cheryl.

A New Beginning

2012-01-04T01:44:00.002+08:00

Happy New Year my dearest readers.

Even as I type, my lungs are giving way. I can't stop coughing and it doesn't improve each passing day.. well I'm probably to be blamed too cause I don't really trust medication. I will normally let myself heal naturally.. this time I'll probably choke to death. I bet there are a few people who wants me dead. *cynic

Anyway, recap to 2011 has been way beyond amazing..!! Seriously.. it's BEYOND amazing!

1. Called to focus on - prayer and missions.
2. Left Wesley in September and entered Gateway City Church
3. Visited Bangladesh for 2 weeks. Amazing place, amazing people. A LOT happened.
4. Confirmation of gift on prophesy and prayer
5. An android convert from iOS. Honestly, iOS is crap!! Sorry iOS fans.. I was once you.. hehe...
6. Traveled to Medan to witness a dear friend's wedding with a bunch of my favorite friends and family
7. Paid for my parents' annual travel escapade. Always broke when it comes to this, but it's always a joy to be able to bless my parents!
8. Celebrating Mel and Rols wedding as well as Celine's wedding.... at Parkroyal
9. Celebrating Nana's 30th birthday.. in Esplanade.. haha definitely one she will cherish forever.
10. Learning the hard truth about love, and faithfulness.
11. My adorable fat little baby niece Rachel turned 1 years old. :)

BUT THE TWO MAIN HIGHLIGHTS for 2011 for this is the following:

1. Cleared off loans/debts (housing, consequence of a bad business decision, bangladesh) totaling to RM35,000 (because I prayed a prayer to God to help me clear off my debts by the end of 2011.. and God came through for me. All of it. ALL CLEARED!! I don't know how but it is miraculous!)

2. Received 2 promotions and 3 pay increments within the span of 18 months. (Anything is possible with God.. but rewards come to those who obey. God told me to not worry about climbing the corporate ladder but to be a servant where I'm at. To serve just as how Jesus washed His disciples feet. It was a long humbling journey learning to deny myself in many areas and to just serve, but God came through for me!!)

How can we ever doubt God! God's LOVE is so GREAT and sooo intensely overwhelming.. there are no words to describe how much He loves me.. and you.

There's definitely more good things to add in for 2012 :) God is abundant! Believe it!

Going to cough myself to bed...

Much love, xoxo.

Pig Pops Poppin'

2011-09-22T10:45:00.000+08:00

Life is poppin'! How's yours?

Embracing my new season... and excited of what is ahead!!!

On a side note, prior to Bangladesh, I was busy experimenting with cake pops.. one that was requested specially by a customer. Hopefully she likes it. :)

More to come! :)

Denying oneself.

2011-06-01T11:05:00.003+08:00

You see your enemy on the front line.

Pride kicks in. Muscles stiffen. Heart rate goes up a 100%.

You close your eyes and mutter a short haphazard prayer under your choppy breath.

"God... please!! Amen."

Then, out of humble submission of obedience..... you give in.

"Hello."

Denying yourself is the beginning of something wonderful. I was assured.
Faith comes with action. Without action, what good is faith?

"We please God by what we do and not only by what we believe" (James 2:24)

"And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while." (1 Peter 1:5-6)

Easter Cake Pop/Ball

2011-04-22T15:27:00.002+08:00

Just because it's Easter weekend & Good Friday today, I made these sinful rounded minions (chocolate moist cake + cream cheese icing covered in bitter chocolate), or so they call them Cake Pops. Starbucks is selling them for RM6 each. Please order from me. I'll sell you half of that and cheaper!! Much cheaper!!

I made cake pops for each one of my colleagues to raise the awareness of Easter and to spice up their lives! Took a whole lot of work and a day off just getting them prepared and packaged.

BUT.. it doesn't matter. All the toiling totally paid off.............. they LOVED it!!

For the boys....

For the ladies.....

I asked a colleague of mine if I should actually consider selling them, and he told me this is worth selling.

So if you're interested, please give me a holler at cherylchu@gmail.com

Anyway, have a blessed Good Friday & Easter. Let's be reminded of the cross and the empty grave. Jesus has conquered death on the cross for us. Be blessed... you're all sweethearts.

Sweet Potato Puff Pastry

2011-03-01T15:19:00.002+08:00

Thanks to Mo the diva who is currently sipping endless authentic Vietnamese coffee and Pho.. (sigh, wish I could do the same..), she made us this yummy pastry with sweet potato so I am reliving what she made for us... (it was a very memorable time consuming those pastries as we were riding in a bus traveling back from a funeral)... as morbid as it sounds, it is not that bad, alright..!

RECIPE:
1 Sweet potato boiled, peeled then mashed
2 Ready made puff pastry

INSTRUCTIONS:

**Heat up oven at 180 degrees

1. Boil sweet potato until soft on a low heat
2. Remove skin

*TIPS on removing potato skin*
Remove potato from the hot boiling water and IMMEDIATELY dump it into cold water. This will help you peel off your potato skin real easy!

3. Cut potato into slices.

If you're lazy, you can STOP RIGHT NOW, and finish up all of it... but if you're adventurous.. continue reading.. :)

4. Mash it up

5. Cut your pastry in however shape and size you want...

6. Fill the mashed potato towards the middle of the pastry

7. Roll it up tight, and seal the ends together so that when you bake and the pastry expands, it will not open up and lose it's shape

8. Bake for 15 minutes or when it turns golden brown and crisp

9. DONE! :)

10. Transfer them from the baking tray to cool down

Oh Oh... Someone's in trouble!!

2011-02-25T16:35:00.001+08:00

Was at work minding my own business when all of a sudden, I glanced across my desk and what captured my sight next was horrifyingly unbelievable!!

MY MEK MEK PANG SAI!!!!

Not only is Mek Mek gonna be in trouble... I WILL BE TOO!!

So, what happens next?

OBVIOUSLY I had to clear the mess!!

Who else would.. Mek Mek? Pfft.

Yucks!

Hmmm... where do I dispose of the evidence??!!

NOM!

It wasn't too bad.

Tasted pretty good actually.

Hmm.. tasted something like a Korean snack.

Should get some Mek Mek sai for yourself!

Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T17:03:00.003+08:00

Today, is yet another over-hyped typical love fest magnified a million times greater.

Sunn and I won't be celebrating Valentine's Day as we believe that love should be declared each day, and not on a yearly basis. We try to focus on "us" once a week, but even that fails due to our tight and busy schedules. So there's actually not much "us" time at all!

But that never fails because we know that we are surrounded with good people, and healthy activities!
Tak maksiat or haram langsung!

Tonight, we won't be focusing on us, but we will be focusing on people who are dear to us... like a potbless party that's happening tonight. Free food and drinks... we are only bringing our empty stomachs along.

It's a steal on Valentine's Day! Haha!

How are you celebrating yours?

[Updates from yesterday]

Pictures courtesy from Nana's LomoLomo.. hehe..

I love you guys muchmuch..

Just for silly pleasures, all of us broke a fortune cookie..
Guess what mine said"
"Love will always find a way into your life....."

Before cracking our fortune cookies.. wait.. was this before or after? lol..
I can't remember!

.. we ended up feeding ourselves instead.

Chinese New Year Peanut Cookies Recipe

2011-01-28T15:30:00.003+08:00

This little cute perfectly rounded indented peanut cookies are one of the most sought after, loved and well craved for cookies consumed during CNY. It will not be perfect without having them at home! Well, that's personally for me of course..

EASY, DELICIOUS & CHEAP!!

This will cost you around RM5 for one large bottle, as oppose to purchasing RM18 per bottle outside without knowing the contents of those cookies. *face cringe*

The RATIO on the ingredients are....

2:2:1:1:1

2 cups of grounded peanuts
2 cups of flour
1 cup caster/icing sugar (as needed)
1 cup cooking oil/ canola oil
1 teaspoon salt
*egg white to glaze

FRESH UNSALTED PEANUTS
Make sure to pick out the bad peanuts, and only keep the fresh ones.
I buy fresh peanuts from the market with the skin still intact.
300gms can make 2 large bottles.
Fry them (DO NOT NEED OIL) till they are brown and lovely.
Taste the nuts, and if it's fragrant, you're done.
Let it cool, and remember to remove the peanut skin..
Don't store too long! They have to be fresh!

GROUNDED PEANUTS
I blend mine. They need to be real fine.
You can also use a food processor.
Have fun! ;)

*Preheat oven at 170-180 degrees

1. Add 2 cups of grounded peanuts into a big bowl
2. Add 2 cups of flour
3. 1 cup of icing sugar/ caster sugar
4. Use your hands and mix them well together
5. Slowly add in oil little by little until they combine together
*make sure it is not too oily and the dough doesn't crumble
6. Make them into bite sized balls
7. Indent with a straw
8. Glaze with egg white

Bake for 10 - 15 minutes at 170 - 180 degrees depending on your oven.
This is the normal temperature for baking cookies..

They literally melt in your mouth. Really awesome.
Make sure to never over bake these little sinful minions.. hehe..

HAVE FUN! <3

Looking beyond.......

2011-01-28T14:01:00.000+08:00

............the empty cradle and cross.

I pray, I pray, I pray..... take my world apart....

Awesome song by Jars of Clay - Worlds Apart

Was having a conversation with Salz.. although this song is a classic, but really.. it has so much depth. I hope it speaks to you as well.........

I am the only one to blame for this
Somehow it all ends up the same
Soaring on the wings of selfish pride
I flew too high and like Icarus I collide
With a world I try so hard to leave behind
To rid myself of all but love
to give and die

To turn away and not become
Another nail to pierce the skin of one who loves
more deeply than the oceans,
more abundant than the tears
Of a world embracing every heartache

Can I be the one to sacrifice
Or grip the spear and watch the blood and water flow

To love you - take my world apart
To need you - I am on my knees
To love you - take my world apart
To need you - broken on my knees

All said and done I stand alone
Amongst remains of a life I should not own
It takes all I am to believe
In the mercy that covers me

Did you really have to die for me?
All I am for all you are
Because what I need and what I believe are worlds apart

[Additional lyrics:]

I look beyond the empty cross
forgetting what my life has cost
and wipe away the crimson stains
and dull the nails that still remain
More and more I need you now,
I owe you more each passing hour
the battle between grace and pride
I gave up not so long ago
So steal my heart and take the pain
and wash the feet and cleanse my pride
take the selfish, take the weak,
and all the things I cannot hide
take the beauty, take my tears
the sin-soaked heart and make it yours
take my world all apart
take it now, take it now
and serve the ones that I despise
speak the words I can't deny
watch the world I used to love
fall to dust and thrown away
I look beyond the empty cross
forgetting what my life has cost
so wipe away the crimson stains
and dull the nails that still remain
so steal my heart and take the pain
take the selfish, take the weak
and all the things I cannot hide
take the beauty, take my tears
take my world apart, take my world apart
I pray, I pray, I pray
take my world apart

A Tattered Emo Mess & A Brand New Year

2010-12-29T15:46:00.002+08:00

3 more days to a brand new year... another year.... just like the other..... all the hype on resolutions.. reflections and such. I am pessimist at this close of 2010. Well, more so today. Today, I am more emo than yesterday or tomorrow. I will let God paint mine in the coming days...

Hope you had a great Christmas and a wonderful start to a thriving 2012! ;)

Lots of love... xoxo...

Candy Canes and Christmas All Around...

2010-12-23T17:27:00.000+08:00

As we go around exchanging gifts this Christmas....

Let us not forget the ultimate gift of all..............

It is not about Candy Canes, Santa Hats or Christmas trees....

Know why Christmas is so meaningful to me?

Jesus was born on this day!! Christmas, is Jesus' birthday! :)

Jesus died on the cross and washed away my sins, redeemed my life and walks with me daily.

Jesus, is like my best friend.

May each of you find the true meaning of Christmas this year.

I know I have...

Lot of love xoxo

Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies for Christmas

2010-12-16T14:23:00.004+08:00

This is probably one of the easiest and most delicious recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookies..

You can bake them this Christmas and bring them over for your house parties or share it among your family and friends.

Do not forget that ultimately, Christmas is a time of giving and thanksgiving. God has blessed us with the greatest of all gift.....

*Props goes to Cookiemadness!

Classic Crunchy Chocolate Chip Cookie Ingrediants

*Makes about 24 pieces

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, unsalted, room temp

4 tablespoons shortening (butter flavored) - I replaced with 4 tablespoons of butter

1/2 cup brown sugar, very firmly packed — mixture of light and dark

1/4 cup granulated sugar *I reduced on the sugar

1 teaspoons vanilla extract

3/8 teaspoon salt

1/2 tablespoon apple cider or white vinegar

1 ½ tablespoons lightly beaten egg

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup flour, all purpose or white whole wheat (4 ½ oz)**

1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chips

Some toasted pecans (handful, optional) - I skipped this part

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Have ready an ungreased cookie sheet. Non-insulated cookie sheets work best.

Cream butter, shortening and both sugars until light and fluffy; Beat in vanilla, salt and vinegar, scrape sides of bowl and beat in egg. When egg is well mixed, add baking soda and beat so that it is well distributed; Stir in the flour, being careful not to over-beat. Stir in the chocolate chips and if using, the nuts.

Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the cookie sheet. Bake for 10-14 minutes. Let cool on cookie sheet for a couple of minutes then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

And.......................

*drum rolls*........................................

You have 24 pieces of freshly baked

ORGASMIC CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES to devour!!

No longer home...

2010-12-13T08:49:00.000+08:00

A church I once called home, is no longer home.

It is filled with bitterness & condemnation.

Nowadays instead of walking into a house of love, joy and warmth, I am greeted with a courthouse of judges and juries.

What happened to the place I once called home?

I guess it is time to go up to the hillside, draw circles on the ground, pray and look to the only Author of my life.

I am not afraid, I am not fearful, I do not hate but rather, I am filled with utter disbelief.

Above all, God has already come through for me, and I know it's good.

LOVE.

2010-11-15T15:25:00.000+08:00

Again, I was reminded after a tough month............................................

LOVE.

[by Jason Ma.]
Now Hollywood wants to make you think they know what love is. But I'm a tell you what true love is. Love is not what you see in the movies. Its not the ecstasy, its not what you see in that scene, you know what I mean? I'm telling you right now, true love is sacrifice. Love is thinking about others before you think about yourself, love is selfless not selfish. Love is God and God is love. Love is when you lay down your life for another, whether for your brother, your mother, your father or your sister, its even laying down your life for your enemies, that's unthinkable, but think about that. Love is true. Think.

Chorus:

I'll put you in front of me
So everybody can see
My love, this is my love

I know that I'll be alright
As long as you are my guide
My love, this is my love

Verse 2
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, it always perseveres.
Love never fails. Love is everlasting, its eternal, it goes on and on, it goes beyond time, love is the only thing that will last when you die, but ask the question why? Do you have love?

Chorus

Verse 3
There is no greater love than this than he who lays down his life for his friends. Now are you willing to lay down your life for your friends? You're probably willing to lay down your life for your mother, your father, or your best friends, but are you willing to lay down your life for even those that hate you? I'm going to tell you who did that, the definition of love is Jesus Christ. He is love. The nails in his hands, the thorns in his brow, hanging on a cross for your sin my sins, that is LOVE he died for you and me while we still hated him, that is love. God is true love, and if you don't know this love, now is the time to know, perfect love.

But most importantly, while struggling through my toothache, I learned 3 important elements:

TREAT PEOPLE WITH DIGNITY, RESPECT & LOVE.
Hard to do, but a must.

Going for my root canal tomorrow. Pls pray for my survival & a painless ordeal!

Sometimes, I wonder...

2010-10-18T00:31:00.000+08:00

If she knows..................
that she was the result, of his unfaithfulness (plural)......................

I pray and bless them on their beautiful marriage, nonetheless :)

A leopard will never change its spots. Perhaps, God will?

Of Love and Servanthood...

2010-10-15T01:17:00.003+08:00

I've learned two important things this week.

LOVE and SERVICE.

Like any normal human being and of fleshly mortals, when we give in forms of service or of tangible items, our expectations are set, but when expectations fail us, our limits are then pushed to the corner as if we are hitting a rotten rock.

For instance, if you have a bruised friendship, you try to love them, pray for them, buy them gifts, try not to hurt their feelings, smile and be nice... but none of your actions are ever reciprocated. You ask yourself if you're at fault...

BUT I was told that LOVE, is more than this.

Nobody is ever at fault.

If you find yourself having difficulty loving the unloved, then we do not understand the full length of love and what it really means.

Luke 6:32-36
If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even "sinners" love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even "sinners" do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even "sinners" lend to "sinners", expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful......

SERVICE. What is service? Service means to serve not for God, not for yourself and not to show how great and holy you are...... but you serve to honor the value of a person. Be lavish in love and in kindness....are you a Martha or a Mary? :)

Ultimately, I am challenged to love and to give in service.. I guess God is preparing me for something far greater..

I have also learned that loving Sunn Chang is definitely a gift from Heaven and is worth every sacrifice sowed. Thank you dearest for showing me what unfailing love means.... :)

Having an emo evening.... emo evenings are good for the soul sometimes... hehe!

Japan, Tokyo and Good Night :)

2010-09-27T01:40:00.000+08:00

First Japanese word for the night...... <3 おやすみ!
Oyasumi..... which means, Good Night. Got this off Google Translator, so it may not be perfect. LOL. Japanese teachers, please correct and teach me.

I cannot wait for Japan. Nana-san and I have started discussing/planning on our short-term exposure trip by OM next year. I was called by God since 8 years ago over at a Missions conference. He specifically said "TOKYO"! Even before Poks/ Nana-san was called to go. Unbelievable things started revealing and confirming itself over the span of 8 years. I guess now is a good time to do SOMETHING about it! :)

It wasn't me!

2010-09-22T13:36:00.000+08:00

Sandwich (Poached Egg & Pumpkin)

2010-09-17T22:55:00.002+08:00

Made dinner for Emaks and myself because Bapaks was out for some fancy dinner with his friends leaving the two ladies stranded at home with no dinner. I had to rummage through the leftovers from my lasagna and whipped out something easy for the both of us!

Instructions
1. Fry pumpkin/squash with cherry tomato fillings till soft, season it with salt & pepper
2. Beat egg together with a few dollop of heavy cream, mozzarella, salt and pepper & microwave it for 3-5 minutes. Make sure your egg comes out soft, fluffy, creamy & moist.
3. Toast bread, cut off skin.

Pile them on: Toast bread + Egg + Pumpkin, and we're done!

Then, stuff whatever that's leftover - Toasted bread skin + Egg + Pumpkin into the cherry tomatoes!

Baked Lasagna Recipe

2010-09-12T22:45:00.002+08:00

If you plan to make this lasagna, PLEASE, I beg you.. PLEASE.. make sure you prepare it a FEW HOURS BEFORE dinner. I started at 6pm & only completed by 10.20pm. *guilty*

Major fail for time management, but 5 star lasagna as "supper"!

Anyways, Sunn/Turks requested for Lasagna Jamie Oliver style.. so as any loving girlfriend would do, I obliged. We decided to shop for the ingredients day before, and baked the following day. Mega chaotic in the kitchen.. but it was fun while it lasted! Haha...

Here's the original recipe: Jamie Oliver's Simple Baked Lasagna

Ingredients (from Jamie Oliver.. we replaced/removed some):

• 4 rashers pancetta or smoked bacon, finely sliced - replaced with 200gm sliced Chicken Ham
• a pinch of cinnamon
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and finely chopped

• added a handful of coarsely chopped White Button Mushroom
• 2 handfuls of fresh herbs (sage, oregano, rosemary, thyme) - used bottled herbs
• olive oil
• 400g shin of beef or stewing beef, minced coarsely
• 200g pork belly, skin removed, minced - skipped this one!
• 2 x 400g tins of good-quality plum tomatoes - used chopped cherry tomatoes & tomato paste
• 2 glasses of red wine or water
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 butternut squash, halved, deseeded and roughly chopped - normal sweet pumpkin/ squash
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds, bashed - skipped
• 1 dried red chilli, bashed - skipped
• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 400g fresh lasagne sheets - used dried lasagna sheets, soaked in boiling water till soft
• 400g mozzarella, torn up

For the white sauce
• 1 x 500ml tub of crème fraîche - heavy cream
• 3 anchovies, finely chopped - skipped
• 2 handfuls of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
optional: a little milk - advisable to use milk!

LET'S BEGIN!!

Make sure your ingredients are ready. Preheat oven at 180 degrees/350 F.

Beef and Ham Mixture:

1. Fry your Ham. Add a pinch of Cinnamon. Fry till golden brown...

2. Add Onion, Carrot, Garlic, Herbs, Mushroom & 4 tablespoons of Olive Oil. Mix together.
3. Once mixed, add beef and pork. Cook for about 5 minutes.
4. Then add tomatoes + wine/water + bay leaves, and bring to a boil.
5. Cover with wet greaseproof paper, and cover with lid.
6. Simmer on the hob over a gentle heat for about an hour and a half/ two.

Once sauce is done, season to taste with sea salt and black pepper.

While waiting, get your squash baked!

Baked Sweet Squash:

1. Cut your Squash in slices.
2. Rub in with Olive Oil, Salt and Black Pepper.
3. Bake for 45 minutes at 180 degrees. (Alternatively, you can fry it on low heat for 20 minutes.)

While your meat and squash is baking/ cooking, you can now prepare the white sauce. I have forgotten to take a picture of this, but it is very easy.

White Sauce:

1. Add cream
2. Add milk
3. Add grated parmesan cheese, mix thoroughly

Now, you need to stack the final product! Turn the oven now to 200 degrees.

1 Layer : Line the baking pan with Olive Oil thoroughly
2 Layer : Line the pan with soft Lasagna Sheets.
3 Layer : Meat sauce
4 Layer : A little white sauce
5 Layer : Cover with parmesan cheese
6 Layer : Squash/ pumpkin

Continue the same till you reach the top. Leave room for the last layer.

Last layer: Once you reach the top, cover it with MOZZARELLA CHEESE!
Bake for 35 minutes at 200 degrees.

FINALLY, the end product :)

This feeds 6 happy people!! :) Tedious but it is so orgasmic-ly perfect. My dad gives this 9/10!!

2010-09-06T22:35:00.001+08:00

That Little Wine Bar, Georgetown, Penang

2010-08-27T15:37:00.004+08:00

Pls bear with the pathetic pictures because Ramone (my camera) ran out of battery juice (how timely), leaving me with the ol' faithful iPhone 2g. Meh.

I would have to say that this place is personally one of my favorite so far!

Came here two nights consecutively. Once with Sunn aka Turks and another with Panjang Wanjang..
Spoiled by both. *love eyes*....

A brilliant guy by the name of Stewart hails from Liverpool. He moved to Penang under the "Malaysia My Second Home" program & decided to start a quaint little cozy Wine and Dine restaurant. The food is AWESOME and it's not expensive either for what you're getting (Presentation + Taste + Quality + Ambiance).

For all wine enthusiasts, their wine is mainly imported from Austria, also France, Germany, Argentina, etc etc etc. Their house wine is Chilean. =)

The wine cellar where we dined on the 2nd night...
I almost needed a little staircase to get me up on the bench. I'm short what do you expect right?
So Stewart helped me up and got me seated comfortably. Haha..

Btw, we had a little peek of the upstairs as well.
These are Private Dining room with special menus..
http://www.thatlittlewinebar.com/privatedining.html

This picture is a balcony that combines private dining room 1 & room 2.

Now.. for the BEST part... :)

So.. since it was my birthday and all..... ♥
I was spoilt a little more than normal. I better be!

Turks pre-ordered Appetizers, Mains & Desserts...

They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach? Well, works the same for me! lol..
(Btw, the menu is Ala-Carte)

Click HERE for the menu.

Hi.

Yes. This is the ONLY picture of the Salad we had. HAHA!
Comes in a large bowl and it tastes AWESOME!

♥ Salad Niçoise - RM20.00
Tuna, potato, boiled egg, cherry tomato, lettuce leaves
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥/♥♥♥♥♥

*Pic from 2nd night
And because it was so awesome.... we had to order it AGAIN!

♥ Beef Carpaccio - RM35.00
Thinly sliced NZ tenderloin with parmesan cheese and drizzled with olive oil
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥/♥♥♥♥♥

Hmm, I don't quite like this one.... it tastes rather bland.

♥ Mushroom Soup - RM25.00
Variation of mushrooms (5 types) in a parmesan and herb broth
Rating: ♥♥/♥♥♥♥♥

If you see the bread basket on your left. It is home made.
I don't like it, cause it's cold & hard.
As for the Onion Soup (we had this on the second night), it was fantastic!
It comes with baked cheese croustillades.

♥ Onion Soup - RM22.00
Rating: ♥♥♥♥/♥♥♥♥♥

Mine. Delish. My snappering fish was cooked to perfection.

♥ Red Snapper - RM28.00
Served with beurre noisette and vegetables
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥/♥♥♥♥♥

Turks had this. Much more expensive compared to the birthday girl's. Hmpf.
He ate the cow medium rare. Talk about cruelty.. but we were both happy! :)

♥ Crusted Beef Tenderloin - RM45.00
Mushroom Royale, oxtail pralines, special mash and red wine emulsion
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥/♥♥♥♥♥

I believe others may like this, as for me, I'm not a pineapple fan..

♥ Carpaccio of Pineapple - RM18.00
Thinly sliced pineapple with strawberry and raspberry coulis, served with
a crisp pineapple wafer and mango ice-cream
Rating: ♥♥♥/♥♥♥♥♥

The macadamia ice cream is really delicious but too small a serving.

♥ Warm Apple Filo Pillow - RM12.00
Apple pillows served warm with macadamia ice cream
Rating: ♥♥♥♥/♥♥♥♥♥

Got this FREE for my Birthday!!!!! and look.. there's a CANDLE too!! *beams*
The cake was served by their happy chirpy awfully sweet workers, while singing Happy Birthday to me..
Love the attention people. Thank you so much! :)

♥ Chocolate Cake - RM12.00
Deliciously light and airy chocolate cake
Rating: ♥♥♥/♥♥♥♥♥

Oh the Specials. Took this on our second night from my bench.

The sirloin was a little hard because we have kinda forgotten to tell him that we wanted it medium rare. One of the waiter (I think he's new) have probably forgotten to ask us. The sourdough was good.

♥ Sirloin & Sourdough - RM32.00
Rating: ♥♥♥/♥♥♥♥♥

Meh. Tasted better.

♥ New York Cheesecake - RM10.00
Rating: ♥♥/♥♥♥♥♥

Anyway, below are a few more pics taken from the first day...

So, have I convinced you enough? :)
Please make bookings though, because it's easily filled up.

LOCATION:

Map

PARKING:

Park anywhere along the road ala Penang style.

ADDRESS:

That Little Wine Bar
54 Jalan Chow Thye, Georgetown, 10050, Penang, Malaysia

CONTACTS:
04-2268182

BUSINESS HOURS:

Monday to Satuday: 5:00pm till midnight

Closed on Sundays

MENU:

Click HERE for the menu.

WEBSITE:

http://www.thatlittlewinebar.com/

Sandwich (Luncheon Meat/ Ham + Cheese + Egg)

2010-08-17T00:04:00.006+08:00

This is sinfully delicious! Make sure you eat it hot and when the bread is crisp!

Ingrediants
2 pieces of bread - I use wholemeal
1 egg
1/3 Finely chopped Carrots
2/3 Finely chopped Onions (I ran out of onions so none for me!)
1 slice of cheese (2 slices if you love cheese)
Tulip Luncheon Meat
Dash of Tomato Paste
Brown Sugar
Black Pepper
Butter
Milk

Instructions
1. Melt a small chunk of butter in pan, throw in onions then carrots, add a small dash of tomato paste, add brown sugar to taste. Stir until carrot/onion is slightly soft, put aside.
2. Melt a small chunk of butter in pan, throw in egg and start stirring, when it's almost done, add a little milk and black pepper. Stir and remove from pan. Do not overcook the egg.
3. Fry luncheon meat till it turns golden brown
4. Butter bread, toast, once done throw into pan.
5. Lay first toasted bread on the pan, stack luncheon meat, egg, carrot/onion and cheese
6. Finish off the sandwich with the second toasted bread (and your 2nd slice of cheese!)
7. Keep turning the bread, make sure not to spill anything between.. most importantly, make sure the cheese is melted.. keep flipping the bread so they are evenly fried.

So.

2010-08-11T00:27:00.001+08:00

Cherzza has gone private in Twitter - just about 2 hours ago? Hehe... I feel much more liberated Tweeting to people I am familiar with. The reason I have decided to stay private is not because I want to avoid the public.. well, maybe in some ways.. but mainly because I feel at ease knowing that I am not being stalked or snooped on! ;) Anyway, don't be shy, you can always follow me on Twitter by clicking on my customized button towards the right. If you're dodgy, I won't approve!

To my beloved sister-in-law and family on the passing of your daddy and my uncle-in-law. May he find joy and rest where he's at. This incident is truly an eye opener on how fragile one's life is. Never take your loved ones for granted. Time is ticking away and it waits for no one.... do not allow the enemy to steal away time that will never be returned...

Few days back was Ryan aka Ah boy's THIRD Birthday! He was born on 8-8-08! My little baby nephew with very cute choppy vocabulary. It was really a blessing that we were able to celebrate his birthday here in Penang as a family!

Anyway it's getting late.... this is a fresh new post that is not about food.... I also FINALLY get to see baby RACHEL!!! More to come.. but we'll leave that for next time.. I am falling asleep blogging!

Good night everyone... and God bless..

DURIANS at Mt Erskine, Penang

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

Durians.

Love it or Hate it... it is still the KING of all fruits!

What are Durians? Click here for dummies.

I went crazy over Durians last month.. mad cravings.. and here's where I got mine. The durians in Penang is running out fast... actually there's not much left anymore... season is almost over for us!

Got my Durians along Mt Erskine in Penang (Along Mt Erskine Road and Lorong Erskine 1). His Durians are reasonably priced (cheaper than most places) and u get quantity + quality.

Side View:

Front View:

Not only that, if you're lazy like me, the Durian Uncle also packs them into plastic boxes so you won't need to go through the extra physical activity, mess and trouble in tearing open the Durian skin!

He also sells prepacked Durians.. but nah... Fresh ones are much better! More expensive, but much better. I like mine bitter.

My delicious durians... imagine the rich creamy texture melting into your mouth... heavenly!

It's an acquired taste. The stench itself might drive you away but you will need to try this gorgeous fruit at least once in your life!

Great. Now, I'm craving for Durians again!

LOCATION:

Map

PARKING:

Ample! Roadside is sufficient.

ADDRESS:

Lengkok Erskine 1/ Erskine Crescent 1, 10470 Georgetown, Penang

BUSINESS HOURS:

Late Morning till Evenings.

A Gift for Someone Special: Butter Cookies decorated with Icing Sugar (Bursting with sweetness!)

2010-07-27T00:38:00.003+08:00

Made something sweet (both in and out!) for Sunn :)

He will see this first thing when he gets to work tomorrow morning!!

And a message hidden beneath the lining of the cookies.......... let's hope he likes it! :)

Cinnamon Roll Using Puff Pastry (Cinnamon Pinwheels) Recipe

2010-07-25T00:08:00.006+08:00

Firstly, I want to thank HTTP://WWW.KIMBASKITCHEN.COM for delivering me this awesome set of books all the way from Melbourne after winning a contest draw! Woohoo!

Her site makes me hungry all the time! She's a superb cook.. and a wonderful person. You will regret for not checking her site out! :)

Winning the books were definitely a blessing in disguise. There's 200 recipes of all kinds including desserts, appetizers, juices, meat, poultry, vegetarian etc etc. Very useful for me as I am a struggling lazy new cook and I like to make simple stuff.. well, definitely not as complex as Kimba'sKitchen... YET! lol..

So today I had a little time to spare at home and I felt like making some nibbles. Cooked noodles for my dad for lunch (didn't take pictures of it though, he was HUNGRY! Haha..), and since it was FOUR ingrediants.. I flipped the pages and came across this page.....

Yep! Cinnamon Pinwheels! :)

Ingrediants

1/2 cup caster sugar

2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

250g puff pastry (I buy prepacked ones)

Beater egg to glaze

Directions

1. Preheat oven 220 degrees Celsius.

2. Grease a large baking sheet

3. Mix the sugar with the cinnamon in a small bowl

4. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to a 20cm/8in square and sprinkle with half the sugar mixture

5. Roll out the pastry to a 25cm/10in square so that the sugar is pressed into it

6. Brush with the beaten eggs and then sprinkle with the remaining sugar mixture.

7. Loosely roll up the pastry into a log, brushing the end of pastry with a little more egg to secure the edge in place

8. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into thin slices and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.

9. Bake for 10 minutes, until golden and crisp.

10. Sprinkle with more sugar and transfer to a wire rack to cool...

[Update]: I also made Cinnamon + Raisin Pinwheels yesterday! Received fab feedback from it. Will be making more for sure. ~~Pics will be posted up soon~~! Definitely tastes much better too! :)

Here's my version. I realized that my prepacked Puff Pastry is too thick. I should have flattened them out a little bit more & roll further. That way, it won't expand and lose it's shape while it's baking.

And here's the end product. It was crisp, not too sweet, and melts in your mouth.

Best to eat it while it's still warm....

Have fun! :)

I give this THREE & HALF MURRFLES LOVE....

El Mondo Italian & Western Cuisine, Penang Bayan Lepas

2010-07-24T02:07:00.005+08:00

Hello folks. :) Had a sumptuous lunch today with my team mates between work. Boss paid the damage.....and Boss drove. :) such luxury hehe.. I'm so ridiculously blessed.

So bookings were a little tough in the beginning. We called several times during mid-day but nobody attended to our calls until later in the evening. I guess the phone lines are only attended during operation hours.

This is at Krystal Point, Penang Bayan Lepas

Here's a glimpse of their menu:

(Was pretty embarrassed to be taking pics of the menu..)

Value Set Meal - RM19.90. It's a good deal...

Food is decent. Not sure how long this set will last though but you can always call to inquire.

I would say the food is reasonably priced for the quality you're getting!

The ambiance is small, cozy and warm.. It can accommodate to basically any kind of agenda you have.. corporate, casual, family eat-outs or a date with your loved one.. *ahem* :)

Here's what we had.. was busy snapping pictures, my colleagues and bosses had to stop eating, shift their cups and all so that I could get decent shots of the food. Some uglier shots were taken by my colleague. Muahaha.. anyhows, I love you guys. Thanks for sacrificing that few seconds for me.

Ala Carte Mushroom Soup - RM10.90
It's delicious. :) Apologize for the half eaten picture though.. :P

Tuna, Tomato & Bread Salad - RM12.90

The Ala Cart Menu ranges from RM10 to about RM30 for standard Appetizers & Mains

Seafood lasagna that looks totally diff from the menu..... but it was good.
Took forever to arrive though... it cost about RM25 for this plate

Cappucino Blended - RM10.90
According to the two daddies, this is 4.3/5 awesomeness

Customer service was superb as well. :)
Friendly, efficient, fast, responsive...

I give this a grand total of THREE & A HALF Murffles Love!

LOCATION:

Krystal Point: Map

E-Gate: Map

PARKING:

Parking at Krystal Point & E-Gate can be a pain during peak hours.

E-Gate would be much easier if you don't mind paying, or you can park across the road at Tesco.

ADDRESS:

Krystal Point:

B303-1-20, Krystal Point, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 11900 Bayan Lepas Penang

E-Gate:

1-1-03, E-gate, Lebuh Tunku Kudin 2, 11700 Penang Malaysia

CONTACTS:

Krystal Point: 04-642 5555

E-Gate: 04-659 2328

BUSINESS HOURS:

Krystal Point:

10.30am -3.00pm, 3.00pm - 10.30pm DAILY

10.30am - 10.30pm Sat-Sun/ Public Holidays

E-Gate:

11.00am -3.00pm, 6.00pm - 11.00pm DAILY

11.00am - 11.00pm Sat-Sun/ Public Holidays

WEBSITE:

http://elmondofood.com/

Fried Bread, Pork Floss and Luncheon Meat

2010-07-20T23:29:00.008+08:00

Wasn't exactly hungry after bingeing a whole day at work.... not in the mood to prepare anything drastic either.. so here's what I had tonight....

I give this thing Two Murrfles Love

It's a little embarrassing to list down the ingredients here.. like what ingredients? Anyway, I'll write it down.. who knows it might be useful for some... hopefully.. hehe..

Ingrediants (Serves One):
A slice of Luncheon Meat chopped into small pieces
A handful of Pork Floss
A piece of Buttered Wholemeal Bread (skin removed)
A teaspoon of Unsalted Butter

Directions:
Melt butter in a small pan
Throw in the Luncheon Meat till partially cooked
Move the Luncheon Meat to one side of the pan
Fry the buttered bread till slightly brown
Remove the bread
Add the Pork Floss with the Luncheon Meat
Fry it for a bit and pile them on top of the bread!

Simple Puff Pastry (Tomato + Luncheon Meat + Parmesan)

2010-07-20T00:52:00.002+08:00

I don't know what to call this simple recipe I whipped up for dinner. I needed something savory, appetizing and not too filling as it was getting late. The food needs to digest!

Anyhow a lazy cook like me wants everything to be simple.. even dishes. I hate cleaning up!

So here goes....

Ingrediants (serves one)
1 very tiny tomato chopped into small squares
1 teaspoon of Olive Oil
1 teaspoon of Butter
1 tablespoon of Tomato Paste
1 slice of Luncheon Meat
1 square piece of puff pastry
Parmesan Cheese
Black Pepper

Directions:

*Pre-heat oven at 160 degrees

Fillings:
1. Melt Butter
2. Add Olive Oil
3. Fry Luncheon Meat for a short while

4. Add in Tomato Paste

5. Throw in the chopped tomatos
6. Cook on low heat till the mixture combines
7. Add black pepper to taste

Preparations on puff pastry:
8. Draw lines on the four edges of the pastry lightly (1.5cm)
9. Fold them into a square box (Image below - before the corners are folded in)
10. Fold the corners in

11. Fill the pastry box with the cooked fillings
12. Cover the top with parmesan cheese
13. Bake at 160 degrees for 15 minutes
14. Check occasionally, you don't want to burn your pastry.
15. Ready to be served!

I am going to give this THREE Murrfles Love (Instead of Michelin star)!

Plain Porridge

2010-07-19T00:11:00.003+08:00

After consuming unhealthy meals all through this week, it is time to relax, unwind, watch TV and eat something really simple and easy to prepare. Rummaged through the fridge and found very limited supply of ingredients so we made full use of what's left!

Plain porridge with a dash of sesame oil..

Instructions:

1. One cup of rice or less for 2 people

2. Wash the rice twice until water is clear

3. Fill the pot/ rice cooker with water
4. Put it to boil & add water accordingly depending on how you like it
5. Add a dash of sesame oil (up to your own preference)

6. Remove from heat once rice is cooked. You can always keep warm.

*Remember to stir occasionally if you are cooking with a pot

Minced Chicken, Carrot, Celery & Egg

1. Marinate chicken with sesame oil, soy sauce & oyster sauce

2. Heat oil, and fry garlic

3. Add the vegetables in

4. Followed by the marinated minced chicken meat

5. Add a dash of sesame oil, oyster sauce and soy sauce to taste

6. When almost done, add egg

Simple and delicious :)

If you think porridge is for sick people and grandmothers..then I apologize for an unappetizing post! Haha..

Village Park Nasi Lemak, Damansara Utama, PJ

2010-07-12T15:28:00.004+08:00

This place was introduced to me by my Ex. My last visit was about 2 years ago. Long time! Haha.. Anyway, since we were travelling down to KL, and I've been having this strange craving for Village Park's Nasi Lemak, we decided to search our GPS under ALL FOOD - Village Park, Damansara Uptown.

I would say the standards have dropped a little since 2 years back. It used to be a humble little shop.. but the business have been growing tremendously over the years! Despite the number of customers, the wait takes about 10 to 15 mins tops.

Anyway, I took pictures of the MENU for your reference :) It wasn't stated there that I'm not allowed to take pictures of the menu, right? :P

Village Park Food and Drinks Menu

All of us ordered their signature Nasi Lemak dish...

Nasi Lemak with Fried Chicken - RM7.00

The chicken USED to be orgasmic..... I don't know.. maybe they chose the wrong chicken for me.

Rating: 3.8/5 la (better than 3.5 but not 4. 5 is Michelin Star already lol)

Blend Bandung - RM3.90 White Coffee - RM2.50 Barley - RM2.00

LOCATION:

Here's the map

PARKING:

If you've ever been to Damansara Uptown, parking is madness la. People double park and all. So yes, parking may be a problem if you're impatient.

ADDRESS:

5, Jalan SS21/37, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor D.E., Malaysia

CONTACTS:

03-7710-7860/ 03-7710-7680

BUSINESS HOURS:

7.00am - 7.30pm DAILY

7.00am - 6.00pm Sunday/ Public Holidays

Paula The Octopus

2010-07-10T00:10:00.007+08:00

Updates: PAULA and PAUL's right! SPAIN did it! Another hour of sleep then off to work. It's all worth the sacrifice!

Updates: Came home and found out that PAUL also chose SPAIN! Although, I dunno why Paul can be so dumb. He goes to one box, eats watever that is inside and just stays there. IF I'm Paul, I would be eating from BOTH boxes!!

Here's the original video of Paul The Octopus choosing SPAIN instead of Netherlands. Muahaha!

Since I ~~will be away~~ was away this weekend, and will be back just in time for the World Cup Finals................... I am dedicating this blog post for your amusement during my absence....

Leaking!

2010-07-09T01:47:00.000+08:00

Recently, I discovered that Urkle (my Malaysian made car) is LEAKING.. not only ONE leakage, but TWO. Can you imagine the pain?

I haven't found time to fix Urkle yet and it has been raining like coconuts lately. I am SO tempted to sell off my scrap metal and buy a new car.

I am angry with Urkle.

Penang George Town Festival 2010

2010-06-25T18:25:00.006+08:00

There is going to be a month-long (SO LONG!) celebration in Penang in conjunction with the 2nd anniversary of George Town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 7th!

Do you know 7th of July is a Public Holiday for us? but... don't be jealous cause I'm not gettin any either. The company I work with does not recognize this day. Mr Lim, please do something about this! It's not fair! How to celebrate like that?

Anyway, there's going to be more than 80 exciting programs featured throughout the month such as: theatre, music, dance, film, art, opera, photography, talks, food, sports and more!

Sounds exciting! Haha..

For more details, call 016 – 4644211 or email info@georgetownfestival.com

Official Website & Facebook page

Sugar Cookies with Decorative Icing

2010-06-24T18:55:00.008+08:00

Made these little cuties for a few reasons:
1. In celebration of my new baby niece for friends, teammies and family..
2. To surprise Sunn.. (He finished my whole LARGE container of cookies! *love eyes*)

BUT...due to some miss-communication..... My mom took ALLLLL the containers to work and distributed them out! Hillarious!

Anyway, I can always bake again.. it's not difficult at all! Very easy for beginners too - like me! :)

Here's what you need:

Ingredients:
Cookie dough
3/4 cup salted butter (BEST to use SCS of course.I used Buttercup. Cheapskate but still delicious)
3/4 cup granulated sugar (You can reduce the sugar to half if you're planning to decorate with Icing)
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 large egg
2 cups all-purpose flour

Icing
1/2 cup confectioners/icing/caster sugar
1 tablespoon milk (or you can add half milk, half cream.. make sure it's not too diluted/stiff)
A few drops vanilla to taste (you can add other flavors as you wish)
Add colouring according to preference. Just a drop will be sufficient.

Directions:
COOKIE DOUGH:
1. Cream butter with an electric mixer (if you need a good workout, use your hand!)
2. Add Sugar and Salt.. and sprinkle some love.. :) Continue mixing
3. Add Egg and Vanilla, and mix

4. Add flour slowly and mix till even

5. Gather the dough, pat smooth and put it in a container or fold it in a plastic wrapper.

6. Chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours, or freezer for 1/2 hour
7. Once it's ready, remove it from the container/wrapper
8. Use a rolling pin and roll the dough to1/4 inch thick.
9. Cut into shapes.... :) You will need a cookie cutter for this..
10. Place the cut out cookies on a baking sheet
11. Bake in a preheated oven of 160 degrees for around 10-13 minutes. REMEMBER: to let it cool.

ICING:
1. In a bowl, add in the confectioners/caster/icing sugar
2. Whisk it so that the sugar is evenly distributed
3. Add milk/cream and stir
4. Add vanilla essence
5. Add colouring

DECORATION:
Decorate as you wish! :)
You can leave just the icing alone... or.... decorate it with sprinkles..
It's all really up to your own creativity!

Have fun and spread some loveeee...<3

A new addition to the family!

2010-06-23T16:45:00.002+08:00

My brother and Cindy just gave birth to a beautiful little princess - Rachel Chu Jae Xian.

She's such a pretty little darling. I will only get to see her when the family returns home NEXT YEAR during Chinese New Year. What an agonizing wait!! By the time she's back, she will be teething and probably biting everything in her way.. including me!! *munch*

Happy Father's Day - Stir Fried Bee Hoon

2010-06-21T02:15:00.006+08:00

How was Father's Day? :) I hope all daddies are loved and blessed this very day!

We didn't do much today since we have already celebrated earlier. This morning, I gave my dad a peck on the cheeks & said a short silent prayer!

In the evening, we stayed home and watched World Cup! Italy would have lost to NZ if it wasn't for the penalty! Who would have thought the sheeps would beat the mafias first? A lesson to learn.

Got hungry in between.. and cooked something quick and simple.

You can whip this up during half time too! :) This is what I call Late Night World Cup Noms!

Stir Fried Bee Hoon (Serving: 2 pax)

Bee Hoon/Rice Vermicelli for dummies. Click here.

Ingredients:

7-8 cloves of garlic chopped finely

2 big leafy lettuce sliced finely

2 cups of marinated chicken meat

2 cups of blended/minced mushroom (if you notice that I have been using a lot of mushrooms lately that is because of the recent mushroom soup fund raiser we did. I am left with 3 HUGE BOWLS of blended mushrooms.. and I need to finish using them asap!)

1/2 a big carrot sliced

1 big purple onion sliced/chopped finely

2 bunch (however u call it) of Bee Hoon (Rice Vermicelli) enough for 2

1 cup of chicken stock

Oyster Sauce, Chili from Lee Kum Kee's Chiu Chow Chili Oil, Sesame oil to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat up cooking oil/ olive oil (Up to your preference. I use cooking oil cause it's cheaper.)

2. Throw in garlic and onion, stir for 2-3 minutes

3. Add in mushrooms and chicken, stir for another 2-3 minutes

4. Throw in carrots and cabbage together and slowly pour in the chicken stock

*You can add/minus chicken stock depending on how dry you want it, I like mine WET! ;)

5. Stir for a couple of minutes, add in oyster sauce to taste

6. Add in the Bee Hoon (Rice Vermicelli)

7. Mix until equally distributed

8. Add chili and sesame oil, mix well and the baby's ready! :)

Have fun! It's very simple!

Mini Bites - Puff Pastry (chicken + mushroom)

2010-06-20T01:42:00.003+08:00

Before I started with my puffs, my dad told me to boil some potatoes. So I did.

These are Indonesian Sweet Potatoes.

They are REALLY HUGE and cost RM1 each.

Sweet Potatoes for dummies. Click here.

Picture credits to: http://japanesekitchen.files.wordpress.com/

So after boiling them, peel off the skin and slice them to pieces.

Perfect finger food/snack for lazy freaks like me!

***

Now for the puffs. I wanted it to be fast but because I did not have a proper oven, it took 30 mins for each batch. Almost died and was late for my cellgroup meeting!

Very very simple.

Prepare the chicken and mushroom mix as below according to preference (Taste and go: TAG):

Ingrediants:

1 cup Minced chicken

1 cup Blended fresh/boiled mushrooms

1/2 Finely chopped/grated carrots

1 Finely chopped/grated onions

4-5 cloves Finely chopped/grated garlic

3 tablespoons of Tomato Paste

1 cup Chicken Stock

Salt and Black Pepper to taste

5 tablespoon of butter

Puff pastry (You can buy from the supermarket)

Preparation/Instructions:

1. Heat butter till melted and bubbles

2. Throw in mushrooms and stir for 1 minute

3. Throw in minced chicken and stir immediately for 2 minutes

4. Pour in chicken stock slowly while stirring

5. Throw in onions, garlic, pepper

6. Add in Tomato paste and stir

7. Add salt and black pepper to taste

*Try not to cook till it's too dry as we need to throw them into the oven

8. Preheat oven for 15 minutes at 240 degrees

9. Prepare your puff pastries. Cut them into little squares.

10. Add the mix on top of the puffs (It's really up to you how you want to design it)

11. Add strips or pieces of cheese on top (crucial! it adds a lot to the taste!)

12. Pop them into the oven at 340 for 15 minutes (depending on your oven)

13. Monitor every few minutes and remove them when they turn golden brown

Then, pack them in a box, and bring it to your partay!

Have a fruitful weekend ya'lls :)

Happy Bak Chang Day

2010-06-16T18:14:00.004+08:00

Today is Bak Chang/Zongzi/Chimaki-des (Chinese rice dumplings) Day!!

MERINDA FOO, I am dedicating this blog post to you as promised! :)

She is coming to wits end working her ass off in London. I'm eating the changs on your behalf & I love you! Come home soon......

What's the story behind these bak changs? Click here.

Apparently, in old ancient times, the king was thrown into the sea.. and because he was much loved by his people, they threw rice dumplings into the sea so that the fishes wouldn't eat him up! Hehe.. so cute.

I like the "pua kiam ti" ones... which means, in direct translation to English would be.. "half salty sweet" dumpling. Don't know what they are called in english but they really taste "half salty and sweet"!

Here's after peeling through the oily leafy surface...

And this is the BEST part...

My half eaten Pua Kiam Ti Chang. Awesomest ever!

Rating: 4/5

Here's where you can buy this yummy awesome bak chang!

LOCATION:

Batu Lanchang Market, Penang

It is a stall outside the food court, next to the wet market.

For directions, click the map

PRICE:

Don't know.. hehe daddy bought for me *beams*

Shouldn't be expensive. If it's ex, he wouldn't have bought them :)

Simple Shepherds Pie Recipe

2010-06-16T01:07:00.005+08:00

Okay.. this is probably the most simplest Shepherd's Pie ever for a lazy person like me! Haha..

Here's a YouTube on Gordon Ramsey's Shepherd's Pie. So awesome!

Anyway, I was lazy.. and my kitchen is limited.. so here's my version:

Ingredients

Fillings

Minced chicken (marinated with soy sauce & sesame sauce) better to use lamb/beef :)

Minced mushroom

Butter (I ran out of cooking/olive oil! Fail! Haha)

1/2 Grated carrot

4 Grated garlic cloves

1 big white onion

Dash of Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce

Half a cup/ a cup of chicken stock

Pinch of Salt & Pepper

Mashed Potato

4/5 potatoes (up to your serving)

2 tablespoons of milk

1 tablespoon of butter

Pinch of salt and pepper

Chopped Cheese

Instructions

Fillings

1. You want to boil your potatoes while you chop/prepare your fillings. Add salt to the water.

2. Prepare your fillings.. once it's ready and your potatoes are soft..

3. Remove your potatoes from the boiling water and immediately run it in cold water. The skin easily peels off

4. Melt butter, when it bubbles, throw in your mushrooms and cook for about a min or two.

5. Throw in your minced chicken and start stirring

6. Slowly pour in your chicken stock, stir for a min or two

7. Throw in your chopped/grated onion, garlic and carrot

8. Add in Worcestershire Sauce

9. Remember to add salt and pepper to taste

Mashed Potato

1. After peeling your potatoes, mash them

2. Add butter, milk, salt and pepper to taste

3. Stir them together and add small bits of cheese

4. Continue stirring till it's smooth

Add fillings then cover with mash potato.

Pop it into the microwave and bake for 2 minutes!

30 minutes and ready to be feasted!

Coconut Palms Delicious Seafood

2010-06-10T02:23:00.005+08:00

This is actually my very first attempt in doing a food review in my blog!

We celebrated my dad's birthday yesterday and I had this wild idea of blogging my reviews since many Penangites are still wondering whether this restaurant is worthy of a visit or not.

You be the judge.. :)

The place is called Coconut Palms Delicious Seafood. I have no idea how Coconut Palms is connected with seafood.. but they do have a dessert with some ginseng served in coconut that costs RM25.. that means RM25 per coconut. If the coconut is big nvm.. but how big can a coconut get?

So here's Coconut Palms, and no, it's not located by the beach. It's right smack in Pulau Tikus, Penang (Previously Audees). I will provide the map and information at the end of this blog entry.

*Picture taken from lingzie.blogspot.com

Reservations were fairly easy.. although the woman on the other line did not confirm the time of my reservation and hung up, so I assumed we can walk in anytime of the day!

When we arrived, a woman was taking our orders. She was quite persistent towards her suggestions and most of the items she suggested, I could HARDLY understand her hokkien/chinese. She had to repeat multiple times to us, and I could see the frustration growing on her face.

We requested for a menu, but they didn't have one.

I guess it's like a "choo char" place, just more "high class". Choo char in a bangalow.

The amount of food below is for 9 pax.

Deer Meat - RM22.00

It tasted like any other. Meat is tender. Worth ordering if you're a fan :)

Rating: 4/5

"Choon Pniah" Spring Roll - RM14.00

We ordered 4 rolls. Not great - dry. Tasted better ones.

Rating: 2/5

Bangkok Chicken - RM16.00

Famous dish. Tasty! Worth ordering!

Rating: 4/5

Long Beans with Dried prawns "heh bee" - RM14.00

Nothing spectacular. Vege is crunchy and fresh.

Rating: 3.5/5

Sizzling Salted Fish Bean Curd - RM14.00

This is yummy! Bursting with flavor and worth ordering!

Rating: 4/5

Curry Fish Head - RM46.00

Rip off! Fish head was chopped into blocks. No texture and blend.

Hehe, our Japanese visitor loved it though. I've tasted better.

Rating: 2/5

Longan Coconut - RM20.00

Serves about 10+ bowls. Common. Nothing to shout about.

Rating: 2.5/5

Miscellaneous expenses:

1 plate of nuts - RM2.00

1 Towel - RM0.40

1 bowl of big rice - RM1.00

Cockage - RM10/table

The total bill is only subjected to 5% service charge.

LOCATION:

Here's the map

ADDRESS:

188, Jalan Burma, 10350 Georgetown Penang

CONTACTS:

Thor Tat Pin (Executive Chef): 012-4558236

Thor Guik Looi (Captain): 017-4552686

Restaurant Tel/Fax: 04-2276686

BUSINESS HOUR:

11.30am - 2.30pm/ 6.00pm - 11.00pm

Time at the Gym..

2010-05-26T16:06:00.007+08:00

Gym is hard work! It takes every fiber of my body to walk into one....

It can kill you - mentally, physically and emotionally.

I'm on a FREE 2 week trial - thus the motivation! Hehe..

Went for body pump on Sunday.. had to carry weights and do funny squats!

My frail little body is STILL aching all over.

And so... love prevails... :)

2010-05-11T23:37:00.007+08:00

Say hello to my new banner and layout... a cute little character I created years back. Tell me what you think :) I also brightened up the blog so it is no longer black and dull.

Life has been surprising lately.. but nothing is going to tear me down.

I've learned that love and commitment comes hand in hand. You can't do without one.

Sunn once told me.. "Once committed, forever is the duration". Well, it's true.. and love is here to stay.

*Pls forgive my dirty carpet.. hehe..

Time is running out...

2010-04-05T12:20:00.002+08:00

Who are you living for today?

Today is the day You reign, and I will sing for joy, and I will be glad in You!
Today promises are true, Your mercies are new, and I will rejoice in You!

JESUS, is alive! He has risen from the dead! :)

And so my voyage continues

2010-03-26T23:59:00.003+08:00

Before I go off and get myself ready for bed... here's a little snippet of my time here in HK so far.

Since we have decided that this is gonna be a more relaxed holiday, there is nothing drafted out in our itinerary. We wont be doing much touristy stuff anymore, since we've been to most places, sometimes twice. So it's just gonna be pure family bonding time... which I love :)

These are pictures from my old faithful iPhone emailed to TweetPhoto..

That's me standing on City Plaza's escalator for the first time..

Went around the mall for a couple of hours...
Did a little shoppin in H&M..
..and me always being the el'cheapo shopper..
I managed to buy 3 items for less than $100!
Which is already expensive for me!

The floral tee dress cost HKD50 which I found from the children section! Haha.. and yes being SHORT, I get the privilege and option to shop in the kiddies section too! Not only cheap but it fits perfectly!
Don't need alteration! Hehe..

Then there's that plain black baby tee which everyone needs when they're feelin fat, which in my case is at all times. I've worn out all my black baby tees, so this HKD50 top comes at a perfect timing!

My sunnies? Haha that's an extra.. *snickers... a gatal moment.
I'm gonna look like a fly.. and I don't care :P pfft.

But the highlight of our time spent in the mall would be this...

Obviously we didn't leave empty handed! I would've killed myself if we did (Note: figuratively speaking. I am not suicidal. Will not die for food for sure).

So we bought some home and had them for breakfast this morning over coffee.
It was heavenly.

Simplylife, for sure.

Hello Hong Kong!

2010-03-24T15:56:00.005+08:00

As soon as we arrived.. look what greeted us!

My 6 year old niece drew it, and hung it up before she went to school.. so when we arrived we could see her welcome note! How sweeettt!!

I am obviously ko ko (pronounced as korkor)... hehe.. my niece calls me that :)

And the wings on the plane "GGKK" stands for "Grandma, Grandpa and Ko Ko"!

So cute..

2 more sleeps

2010-03-23T00:48:00.003+08:00

to Hong Kong..........

I can't wait to see smiles plastered on Renee (my niece) and Ryan (my nephew's) face! :)

Dumpling of a Schedule...

2010-03-18T02:52:00.003+08:00

As for the daily prayers... I will post them up on a seperate blog and not here la.. I don't want to be spamming my own blog.. and of course.. I should prolly be updating it once a week.. depending on availability. Schedule is packed like bak changs (you call it 'dumplings' in English).

Anyways.. will update this space soon. I'm going to bed. It's been a good, and hectic week so far. :)

Prayers.... Day1 & Counting..

2010-03-16T18:04:00.004+08:00

Sunn and I, have decided to pray for one person each day (No dateline as to when we'll stop) everyday. I have decided to blog about it because there is no point hiding what God can do from the world. So with utmost confidence, I am confiding in you that prayer moves the hands of God.

Yesterday, we submitted Sunn's parents in prayers.

We will pray for a name today..

It takes time :)

2010-03-15T10:09:00.007+08:00

Reconciliation takes time. There is no point in rushing things.
Everyone needs to heal. When the time comes, it is always perfect timing.

Confrontations ain't easy, only when it edifies, I'm on the wagon.
The tongue of the bitter, I will not entertain.

Just as how I've said it in my Private blog post [Edited]: "...I realized that there is no point grumbling on non-edifying mumbles. We should be praying instead of engaging in empty chatter..."

But beyond all the dramas... I am grateful for your selfless love.
Just know that through it all, I will stand by you..

Thank you for providing me with the trust and love that I thought I would never find.

You're truly a gift from God - just like how He has put it matter-of-factly!

Judgement

2010-02-22T09:30:00.003+08:00

Please look at yourself before passing judgment on others.. you're not much greater than anyone else.
We are all equals living in the image of God.. If you insult your fellow brothers, doesn't that mean you're indirectly insulting God?

..and by passing comments about me, and my life and the people I love, it's disheartening to know.

Respect is earned, and not given.

I have lost mine for you.

Please stop talking behind people's back because you are not radiating God's light by doing so.. and worse when you're a leader. I do not want my kids to grow up like you.

Anyways, I am venting.. and this is a public blog, and I really hope if it's meant for your eyes, you will stumble upon this blog post of mine.

Please just stop slandering others thinking that you're superior, when really, you're not Jesus. Stop that poisonous tongue. What does it say in the bible about the tongue?

Does it mean then that I am less "spiritual" because I do not know God's word... or.. does it mean, that I am materialistic because of my outlook and appearance? You do NOT KNOW ME to begin with.. so stop all your false accusations and malice, and focus on yourself first.

My threshold is only this much, do not go over the line.

INDIA!

2009-11-13T23:13:00.002+08:00

Honestly, I am enjoying every bit of my time here.. it is truly an eye opener on how blessed we really are back home.. although I am in the center of a thriving Silicon Valley - Bangalore, the poverty level is high.

On the way to work this morning, we almost killed a woman running across the street.. and then I saw people living out of tents.. a man peeing by the main road without shame.. cute furry black and white cows... I was impressed how many multinational companies are investing here... and then we got to work, and had to put names to faces that we've been dealing with.. and there were like a whole floor of them! It's going to be a challenge tomorrow! Anyway, lunch was FAN TARS TIC! I loved the food!! The dessert was heaven! On the way back to the car... guess what? I STEPPED ON COW DUNG! I knew things like that would happen to me. Hahahahhahahhahahaha my fault for not seeing where I was walking!!! Shouldve known earlier that I'm walking in India..! Anyway, after work, we almlost got into an accident again. The car in front of us, did not have break lights. Our driver (the same guy) took an emergency break and all of us flung to the front.. and I started laughing! Hahahhahahahahhahahahhaa it was really hillarious. The traffic here, is CRAZY! Worse than you can ever imagine. According to our room service guy, Calcutta is the worst, followed by Bangalore. Nice! I am actually impressed though.. cause seriously the traffic is MAD! and none of their cars have scratches or dents! I really do not know how they do it... seriously..

I love the people here.. although there's SO MUCH to laugh about.. like seriously tonnes.. ahaahhahaa.. it's a joy to be able to be in India and experience something which I would never in my life imagine I would. hahahhaa.. i'd always laugh at my friends and tell them that I will NEVER in my life step foot in India.. and guess what.. I am now in India!!

When I first stepped out from the airport, I almost died. I had to take several small breaths for a pretty long time. The whole journey from the airport to our hotel.. I was suffocating.. I couldnt breathe properly.. it was dusty and stinky.. and I am more amused when our driver started honking in the interval of several seconds ALL THE WAY from the airport to our hotel.. and I AM NOT JOKING. It was hillariouuussssss yet annoying at the same time!! What a greeting.. ahhahahhahahahahhahaha... I still cannot imagine i'm in India. really. Hahahahhahaa...

Anyways, on a serious not, work is crazy... so busy! I'm going go to bed now, and it's only 9am in Bangalore. We need to wake up at 3am the next morning. My other 2 team mates need to wake up at 12am! I pray that everything will go well tomorrow. :)

I'm loving my room... :) WI-FI in the room.. a huge LCD TV.. super comfy king sized bed.. room service for dinner. I had lamb chop and mashed potato then finished off with Tiramisu for dessert. Currently, I'm sipping a cup of whisky coke to soothe my nerves. God is good in the midst of all my challenges! :)

Then it's QT and prayer.......... a perfect closure to my day!

The death of this blog

2009-09-21T15:48:00.033+08:00

I believe everyone of you have given up reading this dead blog of mine eh? but don't worry, I will still update this dead blog of mine, though it takes a little while longer than normal.

So please consider this blog very much alive.. just that it's on hibernation mode most of the time. Haha..

The reason why I am blogging today besides rotting and being very lazy at work is because... hari ini, hari "spesial" kerana.. saya mahu mengucap kesemua (at this rate, you can tell that my BM sucks!) kawan-kawan (my BM really sucks!) melayu saya.. "Selamat Hari Raya! Maaf Zahir dan Batin" yer!

I randomly passed a comment to my colleague asking him whether he is organizing an open house.. but it took me almost a minute to figure out what open house was in BM.. rumah buka.. buka rumah.. rumah.. rumah aper?! haha.. dia respon.. rumah terbuka. I'm like WHY rumah terbuka.. doesn't the term "ter" means "accidental"? "Terberi" (Accidentally given), "Terbuang" (Accidentally threw). So in this context, it means your house is accidentally open? Haha.. dia kater.. buka setengah. Aku konfuseeee tau? Haha.. buka setengah.. macam maner nak buka setengah? Sarong buka setengah I paham ler.. tapi rumah buka setengah buat per ni? Haha..

Anyways, I have FINALLY updated my Jakarta and Bundung pictures. It was MORE than a year ago when we made this trip Haha. There was a large group of us that made the trip for a church friend's wedding.

A very memorable and timely trip..
It was also the trip after finding a heartbreaking truth about a person who mattered, and who no longer matters now.. hehe!

That's MO! The "D.O." - Difficult One.
She eats her curry mee seperated (mee and soup), with a lot of other intructions.
We will not want to ever do her business if we are hawkers, though we still love her..
Now, look closely at the banner, and not Mo!
Do you see what I see? It reads, "We now go to the airport!"
It sounds wrong.

And "We now go to Jakarta!"
No, you stay. I go. You stay and go see pictures.

Before our flight to greet the Indons...

Guess who we bumped into? BUNBUN! Hehe.. so we greeted BunBun first.
He was heading back to the States..
I miss this little cute guy... :)

Upon entering into Jakarta, Indonesia.. Mo and I have declared ourselves MILLIONAIRES!!! and also, Million Hairs! Hehe..

SHOPSINGS!! Lots of SHOPSINGS!! :)
Vhee areeee the richh!

The lobby of our hotel...

Me and my emaks (mum)..
The day before the wedding, we left for Bandung.. for some serious shopping!

When we arrived, we expected them to hold outlets by brands, but unfortunately it does not work the same as the outlet malls in US. In Bandung (refer to the picture below). An outlet by the name of "Secret" will hold many brand names.. so it's actually like a "Scavenger Hunt"! The clothings will be randomly placed around, and you have to go through one by one of their labels.. some are fakes too, so be careful and know your originals. Don't buy the designer bags, cause they are mostly fakes.

The food was actually just O-kay. This was some random food we could find opposite one of the outlets @ Bandung, Indonesia. Since it was a year ago, I have forgotten the name of the outlet.

This was the end of our Bandung trip. We had to head back to Jakarta.
We were glad we made this trip before anything else and splurged ourselves crazy, because in all honesty, shopping in Jakarta itself sucked! The only highlight of our shopping in Jakarta was - Mee Goreng Indo~

The Day of he Wedding!

Parents, Mo and I :)

BJ (The groom) entering the hotel entrance, and anxiously walking to Davina's room..
No pictures after that cause we got on the bus to a local church.. lol

Davina - the gorgeous bride.. and her daddy walking in to meet her future husband (already husband.. haha)...

and more random pictures of the church wedding..
MARRIED! :)

Finally.... :)

That's me with stomach discomfort and loads of flatulence an hour before the wedding.. and yet, I can pose for the camera.. haha.. it comes with a lot of experience.

Mo and I saw Elmo and a clown hanging around our hotel lobby so we literally ran over, grabbed Elmo by the arms and made them take pictures with us! Hehe..

I did not take pictures during the wedding dinner. It was by the poolside, and well, it was dark but insanely beautiful. I had major stomach discomfort then and could not stand for long (It was a standing party which is commonly practiced by the Indonesians. Of all things lah right when I was constantly farting with stomach cramps, and there were no chairs around..). So of course, I did not bother taking any pictures. I was only looking for a place to sit the whole time. Haha! Pfft.

Anyways, this was the aftermath of the dinner... and being very Malaysian, we took (we were ASKED by the bride to take them) beautiful flowers back to our hotel room.. "kerana nak ambik gambar miang"! Haha..

This is Si Mo carrying one of our "props - an Iron board" as our camera stand! Haha!

Then, it's camwhore to the max! Unbelievable. It was hillariously funny!

Love this shot of MO. We call her the "Greek Goddess!" Haha.. but with the flower and her new (not so new anymore at the time of this blog) PRADA hooded jacket (si ai bin!) from Bandung, I think she can be Miss LilyPot.

Miss LilyPot's friend - LilyPong.

And if this is not enough, we changed into our pajamas and got more people to join us!!

Thongs (in yellow with glasses) and Pons (grey with glasses)!

It was good times. Haha..
The whole trip, Mo and I spent ordering Room Service. We didn't even bother going out the moment we hit the comfort of our bed. Haha.. we didn't even cover the circumference of the hotel. We only walked extra because we had to. Just like Mo carrying the Iron Board. She did it because she wanted to camwhore!

Tsk tsk!

Time Away With My Girlies

2009-05-08T18:15:00.006+08:00

In between stress, PMS-ing and all things chaotic, a Skype conference of complaints and grunts between the girls resulted to an idea of a getaway..

This is to ultimately get our sorry asses refreshed and recharged for 2009! :)

Have a good weekend folks.. Hopefully I'll find more time to blog..

Passing Away of a beloved aunt..

2009-04-16T00:48:00.004+08:00

I received a phone call late this evening from my mom about the passing of my aunt whom we fondly refer to as Phong Phong Chi (I'm actually uncertain on how she got the name.. Charls, any idea?). It is indeed shocking to learn of this news. Not only is she dear to us all, she is also my brother's Godma. For the longest time ever, she have been struggling with a hole in her heart.. but despite her condition she still walks miles and miles long to work. She is always so jovial, and happy.. and leads a tremendously simple life. The saddest bit of all for me personally would be the time when I missed the last CNY visitation this year just because I had to work. I will definitely miss her presence.. :(

I hate goodbyes, and what more, a permanent one.

I pray that through this season of loss, the family will soon come to know Christ.

On a Hiatus!

2009-04-09T01:36:00.005+08:00

I want to be that tree!
There's no clutter.

Beach getaway!

2009-03-27T08:01:00.002+08:00

Wooohoooo.. i'm off for another well deserved break! Work's been S-H-I-T!
Will be back on Sunday, don't miss me while I'm gone. :)

This is it

2009-03-07T01:23:00.013+08:00

Sigh..

Back to the buzzing city streets of annoying Penang drivers, stinking wet toilets, blardy motorcyclists, flippin hot humid weather, WORK, and just the thought on how our Msian government have morphed into is giving me the chills. I don't know what's gonna become of us when ~~Najis~~ Najib takes over.

Anyway, I shall not think that far.

****

Will be transiting in KL tomorrow, my dearest panjang wanjang and dgmon will be picking us up from the airport.. thanks you guys.. u'll get to indulge in endless loh por phengs later. lol..

Btw, i'm already looking fwd to dinner..

****

Siiiigghhhh.. the day's come to an end, my vacation is officially OVER. I have to wake up early tomorrow and catch my plane back home..

ANYWAY, here's a recap on yesterday and today's episode.

I didn't take lots of pics cause we spent most of the time shopping.. so, I really can't be stuffed snapping away pictures like a true tourist. A true asian tourist! Haha..

Yesterday, after shopping at flower market (FA YUEN KAI), we took the MRT to Causeway Bay which is on the Island.. i didn't buy much.. from there I met my friend WALLACE at Sogo!

It felt really good being able to meet up with old friends and just bitch about everything again! Uni was depressing but having friends that u know u can keep a lifetime is really a blessing! :)

Walls brought me to this really fancy Jap restaurant at the World Trade Centre..

Tonkichi Restaurant - World Trade Centre, Causeway Bay

One set cost approx RM90 - RM120..

You HAVE to order the SOFT SHELL CRAB (which Walls had issues saying it out loud & fast! Haha)
and the OYSTERS! oommggg... they were ORGAAASSMICCC!!

Here's what we had...

Then, because my family were at the other restaurant in Causeway Bay having some HKD900 (RM450) worth of steamboat, and while waiting for them to finish off their dessert, Walls and I went off for our own as well..

Not only are the PORTIONS BIG, AND DELICIOUS in HK, it's FREAKING EXPENSIVE!!!!

mango dessert with grass jelly & grass jelly and vanilla ice cream..

Here's my Wallace of a gromit friend.. hahaha.. this is cop sirim Wallace, he put on quite a bit of weight ever since uni, it's funny ahhaha but he's still the same Walls before and after.. haha..

I miss everyone.. including T, O, O2, M, Vic, Wheeks and all the dramatic funny weird silly course mates we used to have! I have completely forgotten that these guys called me C back then, until Walls started calling me C! lol.. the good ol' miserable RMIT days..

Here's another shot of him.. hahaha

The night ended perfectly well :)

Today...

We woke up fairly early than most days..

We dropped by to visit Renee's school.. and because this is a public blog, I will keep my niece's school info private :)

After that, we had brunch.. and my goodness! I just remembered we didn't head back for triple O's burger!!! :( That's it lar.. my abs will have to courier them burgers over! Haha..

We had Shanghainese I think.. haha.. food of my roots.

BUT the best was this!

GODIVA'S CHOC DRINK!
I went to the moon, and didnt wanna come back!

Wah this is to.die.for!!

Anyways, on the way home... we picked Renee up from school and head over to the local driving range... it was amazing how certain people can survive by just playing golf as their past time, and not a professional career. Where does the money come from?!

Then, we head home to rest....

and now my nose is blocked because today's temp is only 15 degrees and I have mild sinus.. :( So, it's not making things easy for me! I am going to have a pretty wild time adjusting my body back to the Msian temperature!

I guess that's it for my one week's worth of HK vacation...
I forgot to bring Ramone out kaikai today, so the rest of tonight, i'll leave it to your wildest imagination...

ultimately.. the ONE THING I am going to miss MOST out of this hols.. would be the time spent with my family...

I love them more than anything in this world!

This is it folks.. after this, we'll have to settle for my mundane stories off my transit in KL, and my life back in Penang. Although I feel that my life is rather interesting.. lol, so watch out for this space.

Rainy, Gloomy Day Five..

2009-03-05T00:50:00.015+08:00

I am so going to miss Hong Kong. I do not know why this trip besides my two other trips, i have grown fonder of this place. Maybe it's because of the weather.. I think it has to do with the weather. Haha!

Anyway, this morning, as we set out to Ngong Ping's cable car ride, it was drizzling.. although the rain comes and goes. The weather forecast here is pretty accurate, compared to ours back home.. but not like we care anyways. Haha..

Tomorrow's forecast will be heavy downpour and the temp is gonna drop till about 18 deg. I looooveee it! The weather makes me miss Melbourne so much!

Anyways.. here are pictures from yesterday and today's adventure...

I bought these little sweeties from Ocean Park for the little occupants at home.. couldn't resist not buying them!

Sea lion for Ryan, and dolphin for Renee :)

I need to show u guys what I had in McDonald's yesterday!

The Taro Pie was gooooooddd, and for me who doesn't like taro/yam, this one was exceptionally good... much better than our banana pie~. The wings weren't fantastic, they were coated with thick layer of CHICKEN FAT.. so you can skip ordering them.

Anyways, back to TODAY..

We had yummy milky curry braised beef rice, duck & roasted pork rice, something baked rice at this restaurant called Cafe de Coral at Sha Tin. They also serve siew ngap aka goose meat. Haha.. we will probably have it on Friday...

Cafe de Coral, is like fast food, only that it's chinese!

Then, we took MRT's and MRT's for our cable car ride up to Ngong Ping Village.

The cable car ride costs us HKD98 per adult.. it takes us to this place called Lantau Island where the huge buddha sits..

The way up was spectacular.. we were given these visuals before we departed.

But all we got on our return trip was this...

It was all FOGGY.. and we were seriously SWAYING from side to side cause the wind was really strong.. and I kept praying that our cable wont snap!! I'm paranoid I know!

So, we just went berserk taking pictures of ourselves.. hahahahhaa..

The journey took approx. half an hour one way. So imagine..
It was really fun though..

Once we arrived, we walked towards the village... it's PUNY, and there weren't much to see, and we didn't wanna walk over to see the buddha anyways, cause we've seen it before 3/4 years back..

Here's a decent shot of the 3 folks in Ngong Ping Village! Hehe..

And the two Chu Dynasty! haha..

And although it was freeezing I couldn't resist the word - gelato.

One thing I love to do, is to eat ice cream in the cold! :)
Even better to have them during winter...

Here's a little snippet of the village...
They sell a lot of touristy stuff.. candies, souvenirs of ngong ping.. and that's about all. We weren't interested in the buddha walk, etc..

So we left after one and a half hours of camwhoring. lol

Once we arrived, there is this outlet mall that holds brands like AX, CK, DKNY, local upcoming designers, Nike, Esprit, Timberlands, Quicksilver.. but I would have to say the prices can't beat the outlet malls in US!

I went home empty handed. For the first time in my life, i DID NOT buy anything from an outlet mall. I'm apalled, and yet proud of myself for being able to withstand the temptation!

So, to compensate for the day.. we came home to a blissful home cooked dinner by my sister in law whom I fondly refer to as AH SOH! Haha..

Here's what she prepared for us.. a Taiwanese meal..

That's all.. if u notice pic 3, do u see Ryan's head there? lol he kept saying "cheesee.. cheeseee..." cause he wants us to take pictures of him. SO CUTE!

It's 3am, and I'm still WIDE AWAKE. I have been having problems sleeping.

Tomorrow is another long day... I'll be meeting my long lost buddy during my uni days in Melbourne for dinner, can't wait to catch up with him! haha..he's a wallace of a gromit! lol

Good night.. :)

Fourth day and falling sick..

2009-03-04T00:20:00.012+08:00

Woke up with a sorethroat, headache and was groggy for the first half of the morning.. thank God for eggtarts, chocolate bread and coffee to keep me sane.

I arrived at Ocean Park with my parents around noon.. the bus ride took us an hour plus, and as usual I dozed off! Hehe..

This was the entrance of Ocean Park, obviously! Haha..
We had to walk for about half an hour from the bus stop to where the park is..

The FIRST thing we saw were PANDA BEARS! I am SO IN LOVE with them! Now, I believe in love at first sight - it happens!

They were seriously REAL and MOVING! Hahaha... no more Animal Planet and Discovery Channel.. I have them live!

SOOO INCREDIBLY CUTE riiiighhhtt?!!

Then, there were these really funny looking little fellas that were doing acrobatic stunts alongside two fat thingys.. Haha.. I only managed to capture one fat fella.. lol dont think i can fit two of them in one frame. hahahaha...

After that, we took the cable car to the other side of the park..

My bapaks as usual was hungry, so we stopped at the next available place for lunch.. it was a cosy little al fresco area which served yucky food.. haha..

Uuueeeekkkkss...

Then, we head off to meet the SEA LIONS! I cannot believe how obediant they were! How do you train a sea lion? It's unbelievable! Hahahhaa...

Then of course for the best part... DOLPHINS!!!
They were THE CUTEST THING EVER!!!!

So, I know my pictures are puny.. u can always click to enlarge them :)

Don't you think these animals are just sooo awesome? I cannot believe how incredible God's creation is!

Then, we headed to the aquarium which were 4 stories high.. I've never seen such a HUGE aquarium before in my life.. I know i've been living in a nutshell! Haha..

and, HK just happens to introduce everything in XL for me this trip! It's crazy.. I think I have gone on an overdrive of sea creatures.. Haha...

So nice right?

Hahahaha.. I love Ramone. He serves me well. If you don't know who Ramone is, he's my camera who happens to be gay. His full name is Ramone Rambures. My sexy gay thing.

I think that's about it for today.. I'm lazy to blog, it's late, I'm sick and I need to sleep. Turks is nagging down my throat, not that it's not already infested with bacteria! Hehe.. So, I better crash now...

Will update again tomorrow.. :)

On the third day......

2009-03-02T23:14:00.010+08:00

The morning started off with a phone call to the local bank on a few things I needed to clarify before I journey down to Kowloon. Anyway, to cut the story short, I was told that there's no point of me going down to Kowloon and that I can settle them when I'm back home. I am not sure if this is good or bad news, but for what I know, it is not urgent.

At least I get to spend the additional time with my family...

So, we head off to China Red, at this mall near my bro's place..

And here's what we had for BRUNCH.. I did a photo collage because I couldn't be stuffed uploading one picture after another.. hahaha..

So, here's a chunk of it!

Yummers! hehe..

and here's what we had the previous night for dinner, also at a mall near my bro's place, but a different one.. the name of the rest and mall have slipped off my mind atm.

Let me know if u do want me to upload single pictures instead of a collage.

After lunch, we headed to Flower Market (more local, better deals) instead of Lui Yan Kai (more touristy, ppl are bitchier, got to bargain!).

Btw, Flower Market is not a market that sells flowers ok?! Haha.. my dearest friend Tits aka Sher innocently asked me today after I told her where I went.. "Wahhhh the flowers must be nice!" Hahaha.. so cute.

Here are a few things I bought lar... and i did a photo collage too. lol

See, Pic 1.. that gorgeous boots - costs me ONLY RM30. Can u believe it?

Pic 2.. cost me about RM20

Pic 3.. a total bargain.. RM10! Haha..

Pic 4.. with white top, blue chiffon cami + necklace, RM45

Pic 5.. RM10 too!

Pic 6 was about RM30

Pic 7.. RM10 for 3 earrings :)

Pic 8.. RM57, got this during dinner @ Hollywood Plaza, Diamond Hill.. it's from this label called Veeko, opened by Sammi Cheng. Haha.. law, u proud of me?!

Anyways, I'm a bargain shopper, what do u expect right? lol..
Forget the Lanvin, Gucci and Pradas!
Flower Market's the next best thing!

I didn't take much pictures at all during dinner, know why? because I had to foot the bill, so I was disorientated. Haha.. although dinner was superb. The bill came up to about HKD438 i think. Eating in HK is EXPENSIVE! It's like breaking every single coconut that's left in India!

Desserts are always the best!
So, here's me leaving you with a sweet ending to my 3rd day in HK!

I really dont want this to end...
I'm loving HK so much right now...

The thought of going back to work is giving me the shivers!

Off to Ocean Park tomorrow! Wheeee... :D

A very sinful post

2009-03-01T18:21:00.042+08:00

DAY 1 - Evening

My niece kissed me on my cheekies as we were cruising out for dinner yesterday..

Supposed to watch some laser show from atop the buildings at Tsim Tsa Tsui, but as usual, we were late.. and I only managed to take two lousy laser beam shots from the car.

Although we didnt manage to catch the laser show, the view was really beautiful.. and the weather was just perfect! It was cold for some.. but I LOVE IT!

From the rooftop of Ocean Terminal, Harbour City

Typical Asians taking pictures wherever they go..

I love this picture! :)

Dinner was at Sweet Dynasty - Tsim Tsa Tsui

The queue was madness, and the food is simply orgasmic. I would say.. on my second day here, and I've already had multiple orgasms! Hahahaha..

This was what's hiding underneath the dried ice!

I'm TIRED! so much pictures to go.
Let's see how long more I can sustain blogging about my trip!

Anyway, to cut things short, dinner was splendid!

While walking back to the car park, we stopped did a little impulsive shopping, but I didn't buy much.

Here's a really nice view from the car park's rooftop!

This was it from yesterday night!

DAY 2

We didn't manage to attend church because my abs made plans with our family friends for brunch in IFC, at this restaurant called Tasty Noodles! Haha

I didn't take pictures during lunch lar.. didn't wanna appear "SUA KU"!

But I went SUA KU all the way during dessert, also in ICF, at this place called
Honeymoon Desserts, must visit!

Durian Pancake - orgasmic.. it melts in your mouth although it's icy cold!

Durian glutinous rice, and vanilla ice cream
I'm still burping durians, if u wanted to know. hehe..

Mango dessert with pomelo and sago

TAN TARTS (EGG Tarts) - Tai Cheong Bakery at Soho

The queue grew incredibly long within 10 minutes!

HKD5 for an explosive tongue experience is too cheap!

THE BEST EVER.. u have eat them while it's HOT!
Don't even bother tapao-ing them home...

Chicken and BBQ Pork Pies

Chinese Donuts!
They were seriously goood!

I have to go off for dinner now.. hahaha

I hope you're not drooling by now.. but if u are, too bad!

Blissful 23 degrees - Day 1

2009-02-28T18:27:00.028+08:00

It has been AGES ever since I experienced weather this fine!

Arrived HK at 10AM today. The queue at immigration was MADNESS~! This would be my 3rd trip here, and each time, the number of visitors increases! While I was in the queue, I wrote/replied a few e-mails, and updated my Facebook status in the name of FREE Wifi & boredom.

Here's a little snippet for today, while the family is resting.

Keeping myself occupied in the plane.. part of the items in my bag. scarf, mobile, notebook, wallet.

Trying to read a book while dozing off a million and one times. also to tell the owner of this book that it's in safe hands, and she's now in HK with me!

TRANSIT in KL, and slept in Concorde Inn for only 3 hours.
Apparently, the room we stayed in cost RM250.
Mom got it for RM35. Haha!

Too sleepy for pictures.

Me & Emaks in the plane from KUL - HK

We have FINALLY landed after 4 hours of butt torture.

I thought I'd never get to see HK today..

It was only a fraction of a second to my death..
How cool is that?

We're still alive though...
Bro & Co picked us up from the airport..
It's soooo goood to have everyone together again...

My darling niece - Renee aka anubs
and of course my sisinlaw's exposed back! Haha..

and...

My darling nephew - Ryan aka Chuppa Chuppss..
He cried because of an airplane flew over us... lol..

Petrol is HKD12.99 per litre! That is MADNESS!
My bro pumped about HKD580 for a full tank! O_o

The two mad folks at the back of the car taking pics of our pink shoes! Hehe..

Bro's house....

...not.. THIS is my bro's house The previous pic is his neighbour's! Haha..

Check out how EXPENSIVE properties here cost! Even if u were to do a Brazillian and buka kaki everyday,
it's really.. impossible.

and THIS, is the BEST coffee I've had in 2009!

and the BEST pork noodle..

What's Kim Gary compared to this?

Then we had a short drive over to Sai Kung..
Love this place.. they have the most ABSURD looking sea creatures ever!

That's a freaking squid!

MORE scary looking squids.. or M'sians call them SOTONG! Who in their great minds would eat something SO HUGE!

Fresh scallops!

HUGE ASS lobsters and ugly military helmet aka horseshoe crabs Don't even know why they are called horseshoes.

But the BEST was THIS!

I became instantly amused with theseeeee.. what do u think it looks like? hahahaha..
Yummmyyy! lols!

Not only that, they sell them in boats too!

Have u ever SEEN SUCH A HUGE STARFISH?
I am sooooo amused by how HUGE these sea creatures are! Hahaha

and see these HUGEASS ugly fishes peering through the glass!

EVERYTHING IS HUGE!

EVEN THE DOGS!!

I've fallen in love with this place! hahaha..

Ok, i'm done for now..

Off to Tsim Tsa Tsui for fireworks..

Off to Hong Kong..

2009-02-27T11:55:00.006+08:00

Life's been HECTIC!
I will be jetting off to HK for the whole of next week..
I can't wait to jump and cuddle the two little darlings that I miss so terribly :)

I am swamped. Will update more as soon as I reach HK.

All In A Day's Work

2009-02-23T18:41:00.010+08:00

7AM to 530PM

*Note: that this happened about a week ago...

As usual, I was running late for work! Hand-off from US was at 7AM and the clock was already hitting 6.30am... considering that I live at the other end of the island, I got ready in lightning speed (and I mean lightning!) and sped off to work, got there in time just to realize that my pocket on my dress was THE OTHER WAY around! I had to sneak to the toilet and SHIFTED them to the front. It was HILLARIOUS!! Haha..I was laughing crazy alone in the toilet stall at 7+am in the morning!

Notice the flippin pocket? Haha..

So, then anyways, once I settled in and laughed myself silly, I had to consume my daily dose of caffeine. Yes, i'm a druggie.

I walked up to the vending machine, and dropped in coins, but I noticed that the counter incremented more than what I put in, and the next thing I know.. I was getting FREE COFFEE! Like hello things like this doesnt happen for the next thousand years! It was FANTASTIC.. and It went on for another TWO more days! Haha.. (BTW, the machine actually returned MORE than what I put in too!)... well, that is UNTIL I overheard TWO ladies wanting to tell facilities of the problem. SO KAYPO FOR WHAT!?! SHUT UP and enjoy your FREE coffee and $$ la!

The following day, coffee wasnt free anymore.
Until today, I remember their face!
It's haunting!

During the day, while I was dozing away consistently, I decided to keep myself awake by stuffing love letters in to my mouth. As usual I was bitching with Disastrous Salz, and she started complaining that she's never received love letters (literally) from her lovers (notice that it's plural).. hahaha.. and I guess im deprived in that area as well.

No more romantic stories to share with our grandchildren. How? I don't wanna die single, old, and bitter! Somebody write me a love letter, please?! Ahhahaha..

So, then, while stuffing love in to my mouth... I received FREE TAU HUA just because my dearest friend and colleague was SCARED at the look of it. No idea why! She's weird (I know ure reading this!) Hahaha and of course for me, how can I ever say NO to an offer so tempting!

I devoured on it like there's no tomorrow.. hahaha

Oh, btw my boss single handedly interviewed, introduced, and prepared our new team mate's cubicle that day... Up to this day, he's sitting at his spot happy and comfortably.. and if I were to look 45 degrees across, there is always this smile plastered across his face! Sometimes it scares the shits out of me!

Meet SpongeBOB darlings! :)

Uncontainable Joy

2009-02-17T23:42:00.007+08:00

Even as I am writing this, every fiber of my body wants to shut down and cave in to bed. I cant type much right now but I know I owe you guys and update.. so here goes..

Valentine's was special, it was really romantic. I woke up at 7am, and my date was already waiting! I couldn't even muster a single strength to walk towards him.. but I managed somehow. We spent the whole day literally glued to each other until approximately 11pm. After the hours spent together, I still find it really difficult to love him.

Meet my date -

How? handsome or not? Hahahaha..

This is a lame post cause i'm sleepy, so deal with it.

A farewell party, after a death and a celebration!

2009-02-12T18:25:00.012+08:00

Yesterday was really fun, yet sad at the same time. It was a small get together we pulled for Aunty Wai Mei and Eythan Yeoh before they jet off for good old Perth tomorrow. We had a feaaasttt and of course with my hands too occupied with food, I did not bother taking any pictures except for 2 vain shots of Law and myself! I look horrendous so I've decided to save my skin, and not include my pic in. Hahahaha..

It was hilllarrriiouusss how Poks' gyoza turned tragic! Hahaha.. her supposed fried gyoza turned into some steamed measly mess of a gyoza. Despite the tragedy, I would say they were really yummy! :)

After makan, we morphed into 11 year olds again.
I'm lazy to recall back what we did.. so here's an excerpt from Law's blog: Haha..

"loved the food that we had in Aunt Wai Mei's house though Poks' food didn't turn out the way she wanted. played lots of stupid games, and we laughed like mad. heart attack ( it's called heart breaker according to Eythan), Pictionary (modified version), Eagle and Hen, A.E.I.O.U and Pepsi Cola... wow! so much for old time sake!"

Both me and Turks aka BCF (Best Chicken Friend) left Aunt Wai Mei's place about 1.30am just catching up on lost times. I'm going to miss our conversations! Before we left for the night, she told us to add her in Skype... and all I thought to myself was this:

Is that all it is when it comes to distance and friendships?
Sometimes it is sad to see people you love leave, but you know that the other side of the grass is greener for them, and we can only hope and pray for the best of God's will and blessings in their already blessed lives :)

A death after a celebration

2009-02-10T17:09:00.004+08:00

Let's see.. after the tremendous knocking of coconuts (which, I did not perform any if you were wondering) and the lingering and sometimes overwhelming coconut scented city over the weekend, I received an early morning phone call today from The Ex who asked whether I did knock any coconuts over the weekend. Ironic!

Anyway, I had a fantastic laid back weekend, and if you ask me, I wouldn't want it any other way. So, what if I were to give up the chance of working OT on Thaipusam? Pink Panther 2 together with great looking friends and for being RM337.50 (OT) + RM10 (Movie) + RM10 (lunch) + RM8.20 (dinner) poorer, compensated the day.

At the same time, we received news that Aunty Lean Mei's GRANDMOTHER (can you imagine?) which is Cal's GREATGRANDMA of 90 over years old, have passed away peacefully yesterday. She has been going through a series of strokes, and I guess God just told her that her time is up! Enough of suffering! :) My very thoughts and prayers goes to the family at this time of bereavement. Sigh, i miss all the old folks.. there's so little of them left now... :(

We are canceling dance practice and attending the wake service, at 8.30pm tonight.

Veil Veil!

2009-02-06T16:15:00.002+08:00

It's Thaipusam and I'm gonna jet off from work now to avoid the massive traffic jam!!

Have fun knocking your coconuts and drinking milk!

Take care and well, as for me, I have found my One true Savior~ I don't need no kavadees to prove my love, or breaking of coconuts to ward of evil! Hehe..

Toast To The New & Improved 2009!

2009-02-05T08:11:00.004+08:00

Cheryl's life epic story starts right here, right now, on a brand new slate. This blog is called Cheryl, and it's dedicated to me, and only me. I am so full of myself, that I scare myself sometimes. Haha!

Many or some may know that my life has been rather, shocking lately.. worse when I hit mid of 2008. Since then, things started to turn downhill for me. One thing led to another and soon I found my life crumbling in pieces.

The most recent news, and well, surprising for many is that I have broken up with my long distance love of 4 years, whom I very much refer to as BOOBS in short. We are still GREAT friends, and yes, the break up was - mutual. :) I believe you need to know this, because there is no point in keeping mum about things that has already happened...

So here I am flying my kite, and embracing the new 2009! :)