tapestries; you're color.

2012-01-17T13:35:00.002+08:00

MOVED.

http://withallthingsbeautiful.blogspot.com/

2011-05-28T19:44:00.001+08:00

One Last Time

~~1. BC Practice Round 1 Group (Deadline: 18 Mar'11, Friday, 7pm)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
2. BC Prep. Work (Deadline: 21 Mar'11, Monday, 2pm) Status: Done!
3. BC Practice Round 2 Group (Deadline: 21 Mar'11, Monday, 4.30pm) Status: Done!
~~4. SM Tutorial 1 (Deadline: 23 Mar'11, Wednesday, 2pm)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
~~5. BC Peer Evaluation 1 (Deadline: 21 - 25 Mar'11, Friday, 7pm)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
6. BC Online Journal 1 (Deadline: 28 Mar'11, Monday, 2pm) Status: Done!
~~7. BC Competition Round 1 (Deadline: 28 Mar'11, Monday, 4.30pm)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
8. SM Tutorial 2 (Dealine: 30 Mar'11, Wednesday, 2pm) Status: Done!
~~9. BC Team Contract, Mission Statement/Strategies (Deadline: 04 Apr'11, Monday, 2pm)~~
~~10. BC Competition Round 2 (Deadline: 04 Apr'11, Monday, 4.30pm)~~
~~11. SM Tutorial 3 (Deadline: 06 Apr'11, Wednesday, 2pm)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
~~12. BC Peer Evaluation 2 (Deadline: 04 - 08 Apr'11, Friday, 7pm)~~
~~13. BC Online Journal 2 (Deadline: 11 Apr'11, Monday, 2pm)~~
~~14. BC Competition Round 3 (Deadline: 11 Apr'11, Monday, 4.30pm)~~
~~15. SM Tutorial 4 (Deadline: 13 Apr'11, Wednesday, 2pm)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
~~16. BC Individual Simulation (Deadline: 15 Apr'11, Friday, 7pm)~~
~~17. BC Competition Round 4 (Deadline: 18 Apr'11, Monday, 4.30pm)~~
~~18. MPP Individual Client Brief (Deadline: 18 Apr'11, Monday, 5pm)~~
~~19. SM Tutorial 5 (Deadline: 20 Apr'11, Wednesday, 2pm)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
~~20. BC Competition Round 5 (Deadline: 25 Apr'11, Monday, 4.30pm)~~
~~21. SM Tutorial 6 (Deadline: 27 Apr'11, Wednesday, 2pm)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
~~22. BC Competition Round 6 (Deadline: 03 May'11, Tuesday, 9am)~~
~~23. SM Tutorial 7 (Deadline: 04 May'11, Wednesday, 2pm)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
~~24. BC Peer Evaluation 3 (Deadline: 02 - 06 May'11, Friday, 7pm)~~
~~25. BC Competition Round 7 (Deadline: 09 May'11, Monday, 4.30pm)~~
26. BC Individual Reflections Paper (Deadline: 16 May'11, Monday, 2pm)Status: Done!
~~27. BC Competition Round 8 (Deadline: 16 May'11, Monday, 4.30pm)~~
~~28. BM Group Project Report (Deadline: 16 May'11, Monday, 5pm)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
~~29. BM Individual Brand Audit (Deadline: 16 May'11, Monday, 5pm)~~
30. ~~MPP Group Report & PPT (Deadline: 22 May'11, Sunday, 9am)~~
~~31. BC Group Company PPT (Deadline: 23 May'11, Monday, 2pm)~~
32. ~~SM Group Project Report (Deadline: 01 June'11, Wednesday, 5pm)~~

Tests & Exams:
~~1. BM Test 1 (09 Apr'11)~~
~~2. MPP Take-Home Exam (Deadline: 05 May'11, Thursday, 5pm) Status: Done!~~
~~3. BM Test 2 (28 May'11)~~
~~4. SM Exam (09 June'11, 6.45pm)~~

*Subjected to changes.

2011-03-28T11:25:00.009+08:00

Find Happiness Within

Treating ourselves to desserts especially ice-cream once in awhile makes our tummies jump for joy and last weekend, YOU♥ and myself stopped by at Marble Slab Creamery, Kallang Leisure Park, and at the same time paying MissAud a visit(:

The brightly-lit store, painted with happy colors of pink and white with a tinch of brown similar to the colors on their signboard/logo, you sure won't miss it. Yet it gives a sense of coziness as you enter.

From so many ice cream flavours and mixtures, and cakes to choose from, Aud recommended Swiss Cocoa Buttercup which has a mixture of Chocolate Swiss with Nestle Crunch Bar, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups & Fudge and Caramel Peanut Butter Crisp which has a mixture of Sweet Cream with Crushed Butterfinger, Chocolate Chips & Caramel, and so we settled for those two.

Specially made by Aud

Both turned out like Aud said, "An absolute must try!" Every spoonful taken was such a delight; the mixture, the flavour, its richness. It just leaves your mouth screaming for more!

The night ended well; stroll by the river (our training ground)

Head down to any of the outlets or visit their Official Website at http://www.marbleslab.com/ to find happiness within(: (Offers Catering call +65 6280 6320)

Junction 8Shopping Center
9 Bishan Place,
#02-52 Junction 8 Shopping CentreSingapore 579837
TEL: 6285-5628

Kallang Leisure Park 5
Stadium Walk #01-09A
Singapore 397693
TEL: 6440 0541

501 Bukit Timah Road
#01-05B
Singapore 2599760
TEL: 6468 6056

201 Victoria Street
#04-01 Iluma Bugis
Singapore 188067
TEL: 68845933

Marina Bay Link Mall
8A Marina Boulevard
#B2-40Marina Bay
TEL: 68343693

6 Eu Tong Sen Street

#01-27, The Central
Singapore 059817
TEL: 6224-4278

2011-03-11T11:56:00.005+08:00

FoodieNosh

Feeling peckish? It is really handy to have a pack or two of frozen pratas in the fridge (you can purchase them as reasonable as $1.83 for 320g at local supermarkets). They not only make a quick snack but also a good substitute for some puff pastry recipes. Plus, it is always good fun to put the piece of pale, limp dough on a hot pan and watch it come alive, huffing and puffing its way to fluffiness and crispiness.

(*Note: Use them straight from the freezer. If allowed to 'de-freeze', the dough becomes sticky and hard to peel off from the protecting wrap in a perfectly round piece.)
~

Motivated, I made this quick snack - Prata Sausage Rolls, for the folks to try.

STEP 1: Pan-fry the sausages of choice and set aside.

STEP 2: Heat a shallow frying pan and place a piece of frozen prata on the pan. Allow a minute or two on each side or until prata turns golden brown.

STEP 3: When the prata has cooled off slightly, roll each sausage in a piece of prata.

STEP 4: Cut the roll into bite-sized pieces and serve with your favourite mustard and mayonnaise.

~
Put 2 spoons of mayo into a small plastic bag (as shown in the picture below), cut one end of the tip to design the top of the roll.

you may garnish the rolls with avocado and sprinkle some black pepper on the top.

Perfect as party starters!

2011-03-10T10:09:00.000+08:00

Who Ate All the Pies?

Pies were originally conceived as a method of using leftover cuts of meats and other ingredients, to preserve them in the time before refrigeration was de rigeur. Now, however, pies are just another way to get a double helping of both pastry and yummy filling, whether it be savoury or sweet.

Last weekend, mom whipped up a hearty, thick-crusted traditional beef & mushroom pie; a good pie that comforts the stomachs!~

A good red wine to complement the beef stew

Avocado Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

Mash Potato with leftover gravy from the beef stew

Garlic Ciabatta from Simply Bread

A light snack to end the night's dinner; roasted cracker with Brie topped with Jam (a must have!)

2011-03-09T11:35:00.001+08:00

Timbre-ling with GFs
~
Had a lovely evening with the girls @Timbre, Substation.
It was my 2nd visit to timbre but my first to savor their food, and their pizzas especially duck meat fillings topped with crackers was heavenly, furthermore it being a hot favorite.

~

~
The sausage platter garnished with onion that we shared was not bad either
(3.75/5 poppycorns)

~

~

~

Great food.

Great ambience.

Great music.

Great company. ♥

2011-03-08T11:30:00.000+08:00

Recipes by a Mini Korean Chef

Dish: Beef Noodles with Red Pepper Sauce

This dish combines paper thin somyeon wheat noodles with gojuchang, the most fiery of Korean codiments. The result is not for the spice-shy but is sure to stimulate the taste buds.

What You'll Need:

150g - 200g beef sirloin (cut into thin strips)

5 - 8 fresh shiitake mushrooms (stems trimmed, caps thinly sliced)

1 - 2 tbsp light soy sauce

1.5 - 2 tsp sugar

2 cloves garlic (minced)

1/2 - 1 tbsp sesame seeds

1 tbsp sesame oil

1 carrot (peeled and cut into matchsticks)

2 tbsp spring onion (sliced)

300g dried somyeon/Japanese somen noodles

2 tbsp Korean hot bean paste (gochujang)

STEP 1: In a bowl, combine the beef and mushroom with soy sauce, sugar, garlic, sesame seeds and sesame oil, and mix until the beef and mushroom are well coated with the seasonings. Set aside.

STEP 2: Heat the pan/wok over high heat and stir-fry the carrot till slightly soft and golden, then add in the beef mixutre and spring onion for 2 - 3 minutes until meat is browned and cooked. Remove from the heat and set aside.

~

STEP 3: Bring half a pot of water to boil. Add the noodles and cook until soft, 5 - 7 mins. Remove from the heat and rinse in cold water, then drain well. (This can be done simulatoneously while cooking the carrots)

STEP 4: Place the noodles into the pan/wok, and add the hot bean paste (gochujang) and stir-fried beef and vegetables, and toss thoroughly until well blended. (*Note: Add a bowl of water if its too dry).Transfer to serving platters and serve immediately.

~

~

Serves 4 - 6

Preparation time: 20mins

Cooking time: 10 - 20mins

Dish: Spinach Omelet Rolls

You may also use mushrooms as fillings if spinach is not your forte.

What You'll Need:

250g spinach leaves or 10 fresh shiitake mushrooms (washed and trimmed)

8 eggs (beaten)

1 tbsp rice wine

2 tbsp milk

Seasonings

1 tbsp sesame oil

4 clove garlic (minced)

1/2 tsp Korean chili powder (gochugaru)

1 - 2 green finger-length chilies (minced)

2 spring onion (minced)

1.5 - 2 tbsp light soy sauce

STEP 1: Bring half a saucepan of water to a boil and blanch the spinach leaves/mushrooms for 30 seconds until just soft. Remove from the heat and rinse in cold water. Squeeze out the excess water and slice the spinach leaves into strips/minced mushrooms. In a bowl, toss the leaves/mushrooms with the seasonings until well coated and set aside.

STEP 2: Combine the beaten egg, rice wine and milk and mix well. (*Note: beat the eggs slowly to have lesser bubbles so that when frying, the egg will not have many holes)

~
STEP 3: Heat frying pan with oil until hot, reduce the heat to low and pour in 1/4 of the egg mixture, turning the pan to form a very thin layer. Cook the omelet for about 2 minutes , then flip over and continue to cook the other side until done, about 30 seconds. Remove from the heat and continue to cook the remaining egg mixture in the same manner.

STEP 4: Place an omelet on a cutting board and spread 1/4 of the seasoned spinach leaves evenly over it. Slowly roll the omelet up into a neat cylinder and then slice it into bite-sized lengths. Repeat with the other omelets and serve immediately.

Serves 6 - 8

Preparation time: 20 mins

Cooking time: 15mins

~
~

Do try cooking these simply dishes!

2011-03-07T11:50:00.001+08:00

A Sunday Afternoon Like This
~

Chanced upon one of mom's many baking cum cook books - 'Appetite' which features from recipes on breads, pies to write-ups on the best places to dine and travel for main courses, bread, pies and sweet treats (would love to dine at the various bakeries in Spain, etc) while enjoying mom's freshly baked scones and blueberry muffins together with a cup of hot Mexican camomile tea. What a bliss! (lucky to have a mother who cooks and bakes the best stuff!) ♥

mouth-watering muffins!

~
Mom's specialty scones

Mexican Camomile Tea with a dash of honey

Hope you had a great weekend, like I did(:

2011-03-06T11:42:00.003+08:00

Korean Favorites

Korea is best known for its beef dishes but chicken plays an equal prominent role in everyday cuisine, particularly in rural areas.

The simple marinade used in this dish leave the meat deliciously tender, as it is infused with the flavor of fresh garlic, ginger and sesame.

Dish: Dakjim Gui (Sesame Ginger Grilled Chicken)

What You'll Need:

1) 14 chicken legs/wings

Marinade

1) 1 spring onion (chopped)

2) 4 clove garlic (minced)

3) 1/3 cup (90ml) soy sauce*

4) 4 tbsp rice wine

5) 4 tsp fresh ginger juice (squeezed from grated fresh ginger root)

6) 1.5 - 2 tbsp sesame oil

7) 1.5 - 2 tbsp sesame seeds

8) 1 - 1.5 tbsp sugar

*Don't have to use exactly 90ml. Do a rough estimation.

1. Using a sharp knife, make 4 - 5 shallow incisions in the sides of each chicken leg/wing. Set aside.

2. Prepare the marinade by mixing the ingredients in a bowl until the sugar is dissolved.

3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, and rub the marinade into all sides of the chicken until well coated.

4. Cover and marinate for at least 3 - 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

5. Preheat a pan grill or broiler over medium heat until hot. Grill the marinated chicken in batches, basting with the marinade, until crispy and cooked, 5 - 10 minutes on each side.

6. Serve immediately.

Serves 6 - 8

Preparation time: 15 mins + 4 hours to marinate

Cooking time: 20 mins per batch

Dish: Salad Guksu (Noodle Salad)

This cold, spicy noodle dish is light and refreshing, and really easy to prepare. The green and orange colors of the vegetables make it a visually appealing dish!

What You'll Need:

1) 2 bundles Soba noodles

2) 2 - 3 leaves cabbage/lettuce (cut into thin 5cm lengths)

3) 1/2 medium cucumber (or zucchini which I used) (cut into thin 5cm lengths)

4) 1/2 carrot (peeled and cut into thin 5cm lengths)

5) 6 - 10 cherry tomatoes (each cut into half)

6) 2 - 4 crabsticks (shredded)

Sauce

1) 2 - 2.5 tbsp light soy sauce

2) 2 - 2.5 tbsp vinegar

3) 1/2 lemon (squeeze for juice)

4) 2 - 2.5 tbsp sugar

5) 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce

6) 1 tbsp crushed garlic

7) 1.5 tsp wasabi

8) 1/2 - 1 tbsp chili powder

9) 1/2 - 1 tbsp sesame oil

1. Combine ingredients for sauce and blend well. Refrigerate to chill.

2. Blanch noodles in boiling water, then wash under cold running water. Drain well.

3. Mix noodles with chilled sauce, then toss with some vegetables and crabsticks.

4. Garnish with remaining vegetables and crabsticks and serve.

Serves 6 - 8

The following 3 dishes has been cooked before but for those interested, here are the recipes again(:

Dish: Our all time favourite, Dukbokki (spicy rice cake)

These Korean rice cakes have a firm, chewy texture and take on the flavor of the dish readily. They are available in the frozen section of Korean supermarkets (or local supermarkets).

What You'll Need:

1) Salt

2) 1 Packet of Hot Sauce (1 packet for 1/2kg rice cake)

3) Sugar

4) Sesame Oil

5) Soya Sauce

6) 1/2kg Korean rice cake

7) Fish cake and Chikuwa (sliced)

8) 1 - 2 Carrot(s) (sliced)

9) 5 leaves Cabbage (cut 4 by 4cm length & width)

STEP 1: Pour 2 cups of hot water

STEP 2: 1 tsp of soya sauce

STEP 3: 1 tsp of sesame oil

STEP 4: 1/2 tsp of salt

STEP 5: 1/2 tsp of sugar

STEP 6: Pour the Hot Sauce in (you can get it at local/Korean supermarkets)

STEP 7: Stir before adding the rice cake (1/2kg)

STEP 8: Wait for it to simmer by covering it

STEP 9: Add about 1/2 tbsp of copped garlic

STEP 10: Add chili powder for that extra AHEM!

STEP 11: When the rice cake softens, add the sliced carrots, fish cake and chikuwa

STEP 12: Add the cabbage last for it to be crunchy when serve

STEP 13: Stir it and mix it well. And ready to serve.

Serve 6 - 8

Dish: Japchae (Mixed Veg. with Beef & Vermicelli)

This light and savory noodle dish is often served as an accompaniment to more substantial fare in Korean restaurants. But, as it's packed with tender beef and fresh vegetables, Japchae can serve as a well-balanced meal in it own right.

~
What You'll Need:
For Beef Marinade (mixed together)
1 - 2 tbsp light soy sauce
2 tbsp minced garlic
2 tbsp spring onion, chopped
1 - 1 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
2 - 3 tsp rice wine
1 1/2 tsp sugar
~
340g Beef, cut into thin strips
340g Sweet Potato Starch Vermicelli
3 - 4 tbsp light soy sauce
2 tbsp sesame oil
1 medium onion, peeled and cut into strips
Salt and pepper to taste (optional) - I did not add this though.
8 Shitake mushrooms (you can add more if you want)
2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into strips
1 green capsicum, seeded and cut into strips
~
1) Marinate beef for 20 - 30mins (or longer if you like)
2) Meanwhile, cook vermicelli in a pot of boiling water till soft, about 3 - 5mins.
3) Remove noodles from the pot and rinse well in cool water.
4) Drain noodles and cut into 10cm lengths
5) Toss noodles in light soy sauce and sesame oil. Set aside.
6) Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan over high fire and add beef, and stir-fry for 5mins.
7) Remove from pan and set aside.
8) Heat remaining oil in the same pan over medium-high fire. Stir-fry onion till it turns golden and soft.
9) Add mushrooms and carrots till soft.
10) Add green capsicum and stir-fry till it begins to soften, about 2mins.
11) Add stir-fried beef and cooked noodle, and mix well.
12) Serve garnished with omelette strips, toasted ground sesame seeds and shredded nori sheets (optional)
~
Serves 6 - 8
Preparation time: 40mins
Cooking time: 25mins
~
~
Dish: Kimchi Chigae (Kimchi & Pork Stew/Kimchi Soup)
A different twist this time round where I added sausages, onion, chikuwa and maggi mee.
~

~
What You'll Need:
1 tbsp oil
200g thinly sliced pork belly
400g kimchi, drained, cut into smaller pieces and liquid reserved
4 sausages (slides)
8 chikuwa (cut into half)
1 onion (sliced)
3 - 4 cups of stock (beef/chicken)
~
Broth Seasoning
1 tbsp chopped garlic
1 tsp dashi powder (available at Japanese supermarkets)
Salt to taste (optional as dashi powder is already quite salty)
300g tofu, cubed
A handful of enoki mushrooms, ends sliced off
Maggi Noodle
2 spring onions (garnish)
~
STEP 1: Heat oil in a wok over medium-high fire. When hot, stir-fry pork for 1 min.
STEP 2: Add drained kimchi. Mix well for 2 to 3 mins or till fragrant.
STEP 3: Add sausages, chikuwa and onion.
STEP 4: Stir in kimchi liquid, stock and broth seasoning. Bring to vigorous boil.
STEP 5: Add enoki mushroom, tofu and maggi mee into the soup.
STEP 6: Bring to a boil again and serve hot. Garnish with copped spring onions.
~
Serves 6 - 8
Preparation time: 20mins
Cooking time: 15mins
~
~
HAVE FUN COOKING!

2011-03-05T11:46:00.000+08:00

We've Turned Two
~
my lil' note to YOU♥

Wanting a quiet, nothing fancy 2nd anni. for the year 2010. We headed down to Square2, Hansang Korean Family Restaurant to savour some good food which we or rather I have been eyeing on(:

The restaurant has two dining areas - BBQ section and Ala Carte section.

For a start, we tried the BBQ section. Service was good. The crew/owner would come by to assist you from time to time. As for those who don't want to end up smelling like BBQ at the end of the night but yet want to enjoy some bbq-ed meat, the crew will be most welcome to bbq them for you and serve it to you at the ala carte section.

We chose the Grilled Galbi Set which comes with grilled marinated beef short ribs, 10 banchan (side dishes), pancakes, sweet potato noodle, rice (Dolsot Bob), choice of stew, coffee/tea, and dessert.

The side dishes were really good! enjoyed each and everyone of them.

Greens to complement the meat

~

~

The beef was well marinated! So juicy! Delicious indeed!

~

~
Kimchi Chigae

A plate of injeolmi (korean sweet rice cake) togther with a cup of hot lemon tea each were served to us. This light dessert tasted something like mochi but its less sweeter and the texture is not as sticky and just melts in your mouth, which I like.

A restaurant I would recommend you to bring your friends/family/colleagues.

The Ala Carte dishes which I tried during my second trip were great too, Jajang Mian, Mukmuchim, Bibimbap, just to name a few.

Hansang Korean Family Restaurant
10 Sinaran Drive

#03-33 Square 2

Singapore 307506

Tel: 63976752/3

Opening Hours

Mon - Fri: 11.30am - 3pm; 5.30pm - 10pm

Sat - Sun: 11.30am - 10pm

2011-03-04T09:35:00.004+08:00

Themed Birthdays

Tests, exam, and projects have taken a week's vacation and yours truly is back on this writing space for couple of days before continuing the last stretch of the "marathon".

Any oh how, 2011 is a pretty big year for most of my friends since its their 21st. Having attended ley's 21st about two months ago, I loved the idea of the theme - 'Gossip Girls', the decorations and how everyone was so enthusiastic on dressing up. This goes the same for my other three girlfriends' 21st which sadly I missed :(

Shux's Glamour Party

Isn't she just gorgeous and those pretty blue cupcakes!

~
Esther's stripes & checkered Party!

~

Aud's Aloha Party!

~

Speaking of birthdays, trishie cubs and myself were thinking of holding a party together since its our year (Rabbits)! We have a couple of venues in mind but we'd like to hear more interesting ideas and recommendations! Any?

Meanwhile, its another interesting theme birthday party to attend later this evening.

Looking forward to Casino Royale....

2011-02-01T11:11:00.001+08:00

We Go Again
~
~~1. IM Tutorial 1 (Deadline: 07 Dec'10, Tuesday, 7pm)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
~~2. IM Tutorial 2 (Dealine: 14 Dec'10, Tuesday, 7pm)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
3. IM Tutorial 3 (Dealine: 21 Dec'10, Tuesday, 7pm) Status: Done!
~~4. IM Major Project PPT Part 1 (Deadline: 21 Dec'10, Tuesday, 7pm)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
5. IM Tutorial 4 (Dealine: 28 Dec'10, Tuesday, 7pm) Status: Done!
~~6. IM Tutorial 5 (Dealine: 04 Jan'11, Tuesday, 7pm)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
~~7. IM Individual Assignment (Deadline: 04 Jan'11, Tuesday, 5pm)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
~~8. CIB Critical Essay (Deadline: 06 Jan'11, Thursday, 5pm)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
~~9. MR Individual Assignment (Deadline: 07 Jan'11, Friday, 5pm)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
~~10. IM Tutorial 6 (Deadline: 11 Jan'10, Tuesday, 7pm)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
~~11. IM Tutorial 7 (Deadline: 18 Jan'10, Tuesday, 7pm)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
~~12. CIB Individual Report 2 (Deadline: 20 Jan'11, Thursday, 5pm)~~ ~~Stutus: Done!~~
13. RMD Group PPT (Deadline: 21 Jan'11, Friday, 9am) Status: Done!
~~14. IM Tutorial 8 (Deadline: 25 Jan'10, Tuesday, 7pm)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
~~15. IM Major Project PPT Part 2 (Deadline: 01 Feb'11, Tuesday, 7pm)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
~~16. IM Major Project Report (Deadline: 08 Feb'11, Tuesday, 7pm)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
~~17. CIB Group PPT (Deadline: 09 Feb'11, Wednesday, 9am)~~
~~18. MR Group Project Report (Deadline: 11 Feb'11, Friday, 5pm)~~
~
~
Tests & Exams:
~~1. RMD Test (15 Jan'11, Saturday, 1pm)~~
~~2. IM Test (08 Feb'11, Tuesday)~~
~
*Subjected to changes.

2011-01-02T11:11:00.003+08:00

NewExcitingXperiences
~
Am sure every Singaporean has heard about the new mall at Serangoon. Looks like NEX is going to be my new hangout place. The new mall has more than 400 shops, an open roof garden (you can bring your pet dog too), and there's even a library!
~
What you can find at NEX,
FairPrice Xtra (24-hrs)
Cold Storage
Food Junction
Courts
Shaw Theatres
Party World KTV
RE&S
Virtualand
Food Republic
Challenger
Isetan
Din Tai Fung
Esprit
Dian Xiao Er
SSF Creative Lifestyle Hub
Body Shop
Charles & Keith
Pet Safari
Starbucks
7-11
Old Chunky
Disney
M1
Singtel
Starhub
Maybank
Comic Connection
Popular (finally, I don't have to travel all the way to amk or j8)
Wendys
Barcelos

Freshness Burger,

and the list goes on.

~
I'm so glad that there's a bubble tea outlet, "Drink Tea 水研社" (as shown in the picture below) and it has been my fav. ever since.

Drink Tea 水研社 was established in Taiwan in 2006, with more than 30 years of professional experience in wholesale tea business.
~
Apparently, Drink Tea 水研社 can be found not only at NEX but at its first branch at Bedok. What’s different and special about this bubble tea is its pink pearls! The signature pink pearls are made from Roselle Plant extract. Having done some research, it is said that the Roselle plant has certain medical qualities, which are used as a treatment to reduce hypertension and fatigue. Hmmm...but I doubt those pink pearls have any though. Nevertheless, its still the best (to me that is). The pearls are chewier and softer. It is also has a light taste and not as heaty as compared to KOI and Gong-cha.
~
Other than allowing you to choose your sugar level, you can choose the ice level (normal ice, less ice, no ice) for the same price. So, if you happen to drop by NEX, don't forget to get yourself a cup of bubble tea at Drink Tea 水研社, located at B2-52! (:
~
Don't know what to try? Here's some recommendations:
1. Roast Milk Tea (25%)
2. Oolong Milk Tea with pearls (25%)

2011-01-01T09:59:00.002+08:00

MY 1ST 2011 MESSAGE:
~
새해복 많이 받으세요 EVERYONE!!!!!
2011 is finally here and it will definitely be a better year.
Resolution for the new year will be a fresh start; live to the fullest. Be positive and smile always(:
~
~
p/s - I'll try my very best to update my blog with interesting posts when I can.
~
Meanwhile, get out of the house and have some fun with loved ones and friends before we get busy again!
God Bless(:

With Love,
Ash.
01.01.11

2010-12-12T22:06:00.008+08:00

23.12.2004 - 03.12.2010
~
His lil' urn.

~
As most of you have heard, Pepper did not pull through.
His op was supposedly to be at 12noon but it got pushed back to 3.45pm.
Exactly at 3.45pm, suddenly out of no where, it started to rain heavily with strong winds over at our side. Was this a bad sign I wondered?
~
A while later, we received a phone call from the doctor. He announced the bad news that they found two masses. One on Pepper's intestines and the other on his pancreas. According to the doctor, they managed to remove the mass on the intestine but could not for the one on Pepper's pancreas. With this, it left us having to make a choice out of the three given to us.
~
1. To cut part of his pancreas but the risk was high, and because the pancreas is an important organ, it could like to further complications such as diabetes, heart attack, etc. Much worse than the situation Pepper currently is.
2. Sew him up and let him continue living till his very last day but he will be in pain
3. Put him to sleep
~
Painfully and saddened, we picked option 3.
I know its for the better and we must not be selfish owners but not having him around hurts badly.

We headed down to Mt. Pleasant to see Pepper for the last time in a private room.
We all shed (except dad but it left him with a heavy heart)
When we reached home, I could not bring myself to tell my maid about Pepper, and when dad told her, her eyes welled up with tears.

So you see how Pepper has impacted each of our lives despite his irritating barks, he has brought us joy and fun into our lives especially with his funny actions. Without him, our lives will be dull and boring. I'll miss everything about him.

I'll miss saying, "HI PEPPER!, "GOODNIGHT PEPPER!".
Sigh.
~
p/s - Its gonna be a quiet X'mas this year :(

2010-11-30T11:28:00.005+08:00

한국 잔치

On today's menu,

1. Chicken Bibimbap

2. Miyeokguk (Seaweed Soup)

3. Pajeon (Seafood & Spring Onion Pancake)

4. Dukbokki (Spicy Korean Rice Cake)

Introducing 3 new dishes...

Firstly, we have Chicken Bibimbap.

What You'll Need:

550g Chicken Drum

200g Natto Sprouts

2 Japanese Cucumber

2 Carrots

14 - 16 Dried Mushrooms

3.5 Cups of Rice

2 - 4 Eggs

1 Rice Bowl Gochujang mix with water & 2tsp sugar (depends on how sweet you want the sauce to be)

Chicken Marinade (as shown in the picture above)

2.5 - 3 tbsp Light Soy Sauce

2 tbsp Gochujang

2 tbsp Minced Garlic

2 tbsp Sesame Oil

3 tbsp Sugar

2 tsp Toasted Ground Sesame Seeds

2 tsp Mirin

2 tsp Rice Wine

(Marinate chicken for 20 to 30 mins but I marinated it for 1hr ++)

1. Blanch natto sprouts in a pot of boiling water for 1 to 2 mins. Remove from pot and rinse in cool water. Drain well. Mix sprouts with 1tsp light soy sauce and 1/2 tbsp sesame oil. Set aside.

2. In the same pot of water, blanch spinach till wilted or for 1 to 2 mins. Remove from pot and rinse in cool water. Squeeze excess water. Mix spinach with 1 tbsp light soy sauce, 1/2 tbsp sesame oil and toasted ground sesame seeds. Set aside.

3. Mix cucumber with 1/2 tsp salt and leave to sweat for 10 mins. Squeeze out water. Heat 1 tsbp oil in a pan over medium-high fire. Fry cucumber for 1 to 2 mins or till fairly dry. Remove from pan and set aside.

4. Season mushrooms with 1 to 1.5 tbsp light soy sauce, 1/2 to 1 tbsp sesame oil and 1/2 tsp sugar. Stir-fry mushrooms over medium-high fire till fragrant and cooked. Remove from pan and set aside.

5. In the same pan, heat 1 tbsp oil and stir-fry carrot over medium-high fire till soft. Remove from pan and set aside.

6. Remove chicken from marinade. Stir-fry chicken for 3 to 4 mins over medium-high fire, or till cooked. Remove from pan and set aside.

7. Place hot cooked rice in a claypot and arrange prepared vegetables, stir-fried chicken and fried eggs on top.

8. To enjoy, mix rice with all the ingredients. Stir in the Gochujang mix.

Serves 8 - 10

~

~

Secondly, Miyeokguk (Seaweed Soup)

Did You Know?

This soup is traditionally served during birthday celebrations and to women after childbirth.
~

What You'll Need:

40 - 50g Dried Seaweed

1/2 tbsp Sesame Oil

1 tbsp Crushed Garlic

500g Beef (cut into cubes)

9 Bowls of Water

1/2 to 1 tsp of light soy sauce, fish sauce and salt (to taste)

1. Drain seaweed and cut into smaller pieces

2. Heat sesame oil in a large pan/pot and add crushed garlic, seaweed and beef. Stir-fry over high heart for 5 mins.

3. Add water and bring to boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 40 to 55 mins.

4. Add soy sauce, fish sauce and salt to taste.

5. Ladle into individual bowls and serve.
~
Serves 8 - 10

Lastly, Pajeon (Seafood & Spring Onion Pancake).

What You'll Need:

150g Pancake Mix (you can get it at any Korean supermarket)

200ml Cold Water

14 Prawns (small), peeled and slice into half

1 Squid, cleaned and cut into rings

2 - 3 Red Chili, sliced

3 Steams of Spring Onion, cut into lengths (about 4cm)

1. In a large bowl, add pancake mix and cold water till it becomes smooth.

2. Add in prawns, squid, red chili and spring onion into the batter.

3. Heat a little oil over medium heat in a large non-stick frying pan. Pour the batter into the pan and sprinkle any leftover ingredients on top. Cook the pancake for 3 to 4 mins until bottom is browned, then turn it over with a spatula and cook the other side for 2 mins.

4. Remove from heat and serve with a serving bowl of the dipping sauce on the side.

Serves 6 - 8

I forgot about the dipping sauce but here is the recipe,

3 tbsp soy sauce

2 tsp vinegar

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 tsp Korean chili powder (gochugaru)

I modified the recipe so suit the family's taste, so modify if necessary to suit your tastebuds(:

Enjoy trying these 3 new dishes on your own!

2010-11-29T10:02:00.003+08:00

Dear God, All I Want For X'mas is a Miracle
~
I was suppose to blog about 2nd year anni. with YOU♥ and dinner with the girls but not so good news came in yesterday which left everyone in the family feeling heartbroken.
~
The family's dog, Pepper who has been with us for the past 5 and a half years coming 6 this x'mas has been vomiting for the past 2 weeks, he began eating lesser and lesser and eventually not eating at all, not even this favourite fruit. He also lost 1kg within a month which is not good because it's equivalent to humans losing 10kg within a month. We brought him to the vet for blood test, everything was fine, so we thought that Pepper was just picky with his food at first but his conditioned worsened when he did not eat for 3 days, and we thought it could be his teeth, so we brought him to another vet. The Dr. said that his gum is whitish in color which is not a good sign either because it shows that his blood pressure is on a low side, and the Dr's advise was to let Pepper go on drips.
~
We brought Pepper to a 24/7 vet/hospital at Whitley, he went for further blood test. Everything was alright so the Dr. suspect that it could be gastric problems and prescribed medicine that would help Pepper but it did not. Pepper continued vomiting and not eating even though you can see that he is hungry but because of the pain, he couldn't, so we brought him back to the vet yesterday. Pepper underwent an ultra-scan and the results showed that he is diagnosed with lymph cancer.
A very big and difficult decision to make. A matter of life and death.
~
If he goes through the biopsy to check if the cancer is active or not, he may not be able to pull through because of his weight. If he goes through the op, he may not be able to pull through either, and the op is too costly.
~
I'm checking every minute or two to see if he is okay while typing this post. Even though, I may not be the owner of Pepper but he's like family. He's always celebrating specially occasions with us, you'll never miss out a family photo without him during birthdays and he'll join in in singing(barking) in his own little way.
~
This very much reminds me of the show '10 Promises To My Dog'. I broke down when I read the 10 promises.
~
1. Listen patiently to what I have to say.
~
2. Trust me. I am always on your side.
~
3. Play with me a lot.
~
4. Don't forget that I have feelings too.
~
5. Let's never fight. Someday I'll win.
~
6. If I don't obey you, I have a good reason.
~
7. You have school and friends but as for me, I only have you.
~
8. Stay my best friend, even when I'm old.
~
9. I'll live for about 10 years, so let's make every moment count.
~
10. Never forget our time together. Keep this in your mind. So when my time comes, please be by my side.
~
So Dear God, all I want this X'mas is a miracle.
~
p/s - Please pray for Pepper during this time and the family especially my sis needs a lot of support.

2010-11-27T10:32:00.001+08:00

In Loving Memory Of...
~
A man I call Grand-dad.
Though not biologically related, he raised me up like one of his own.
I still remember when I was a little girl, he would bring me downstairs every morning/afternoon/evening to the mama shop to get tidbits and let me ride on those toy cars stationed outside the mama shop.
He brought me out, went vacation together, celebrated birthdays and Christmas together every year without fail.
He loved me so much, he even quited smoking for me but because he was a chain smoker before, problems started showing four years ago, when he was diagnosed with liver cancer.
He underwent a major operation.
I was with him everyday after school praying that he would be healthy again.
My prayer helped but not for long.
I got really busy with school and extra curriculum activities, my visits became lesser and lesser, not realising that his cancer came back.
Standing next to his deathbed, I regretted for so many things I wanted to do with him but did not get a chance to.
The weekend I wanted to visit him, he left. I was late for a day.

This year would be the second year since I last felt his last touch.
12 October 2008, he made sure that all his friends and loved ones attended his 'last' gathering.
I felt it.
I felt his heavy heart.
I saw it.
I saw his sadness in eye behind those smiles.
I miss it.
I miss those times.
I miss him.
I love him like he was my own.
~
~
Typing this, 'Kiss the Rain' by Yiruma started playing on my player.
Tears.

2010-11-10T11:11:00.001+08:00

MEETING THE DEADLINES (A Reminder)
~
~~1. C.B Individual Assignment (Deadline: 31 Aug'10, Tuesday, 5pm)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
~~2. IM Individual Assignment - Topical Issue 1 (Deadline: 03 Sep'10, Friday, 5pm)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
~~3. PR Individual Assignment (Deadline: 17 Sep'10, Friday, 5pm)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
~~4. IM Individual Assignment - Topical Issue 2 (Deadline: 17 Sep'10, Friday, 5pm)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
~~5. IM Individual Assignment - Topical Issue 3 (Deadline: 24 Sep'10, Wed, 5pm)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
6. IM Group PPT - Examing the Environment (Deadline: 01 Oct'10, Friday) Status: Done!
~~7. IM Individual Assignment - Topical Issue 4 (Deadline: 01 Oct'10, Friday, 5pm)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
8. PR Group PPT (Deadline: 14 Oct'10, Thursday) Status: Done!
~~9. IM Individual Assignment - Topical Issue 5 (Deadline: 15 Oct'10, Wed, 5pm)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
~~10. SM Group PPT (Deadline 16 Oct'10, Sat)Status: Done!~~
~~11. C.B Group Project (Deadline: 19 Oct'10, Tuesday)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
~~12. PR Group Written Report (Deadline: 22 Oct'10, Friday)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
~~13. SM Individual Assignment (Deadline: 22 Oct'10, Fridat)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
~~14. IM Group Report - Feasibility Study (Deadline: 29 Oct'10, Friday)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~

Tests & Exams:
~~1. C.B Test 1 (09 Oct'10, Sat)~~
~~2. SM Take-Home Exam (Deadline: 15 Oct'10, Friday)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
~~3. C.B Take-Home Exam (Deadline 08 Nov'10, Monday)~~ ~~Status: Done!~~
~~4. PR Principles Exam (16 Nov'10, Tuesday, 3.30pm - 5.30pm)~~
~~5. IM Exam (24 Nov'10, Wed, 9am - 11am)~~

*Subjected to changes.

2010-11-01T23:35:00.002+08:00

Brighter Days

Have been anticipating for this day (submission of our last group project for this Trimester as well as dinner with them after lecture) to come as I look back and forth, counting the number of days left till the 29th on my calendar, filled with lecture & tutorial time slots, assignment and project deadlines weeks ago.

final check before submitting this 59-pages report to student service centre

I really enjoyed doing projects (especially the Zara presentation where the fashion show turned out great!) with them this Trimester and even though we started this report a week ago due to other tight deadlines, I must say we accomplished it! Every group meet-ups were productive, brainstorming our ideas and disagreements with one another like how a good team should do. With this, we treated ourselves with food!

As Kristen and Lin had to head back to school for night classes, we settled our early dinner at Seoul Yummy, Square2.

hungry people = crazy people.

~
Kimchi Chigae, Chicken Dolsot Bibimbap, Samgyetang, Stir Fired Korean Chicken, brown rice + 6 side dishes.

Pa-jeon (korean pancake)

Dukbokki (spicy rice cake)

~
45mins later...

Love the effects of kristen's camera. Lin and myself were playing around with the 'fisheye' effect, and guess what...

Meet Ms. Cutie Bloop

Meet Ms. Pooh-Xu

Meet Ms. Blush Blush

Meet Ms. Fish-Eye (Best Picture of The Day!)

CHEERS to our completion of IM Report and great company!

~

As the girls had to rush back to school, dessert was cancelled in the end. So, instead Lin got herself YAMI yogurt while the 3 of us picked up a cup of bubbletea each at Gong Cha (贡茶). And, after hearing so much of this new outlet, I couldn't resist but to try it, especially ever since the ~~bad~~ influence of Jac, I've been addicted to bubbletea with double pearls.

Gong Cha (贡茶), also originated in Taiwan, serves more than 60 drinks such as House Specials like Gong Cha Milk Alisan Tea, Gong Cha Milk Black Tea, Brewed Tea like Purple Plum Tea, Camellia Tea, Juice like Lemon Kumquat Juice, Creative Mix, Milk Tea as well as Health Tea.

Jac went for the Lemon Roasted Melon Tea (0% sugar) with white pearl (thought that black pearls went better than the white pearl jelly - more chewy. the white one is more crunchy)

While I had Earl Grey Milk Tea (0% sugar).

comparable to KOI, definitely worth trying it again(:

You may also try them at these outlets,

1. 180 Kitchener Road, #B2-K3/K4, City Square Mall

2. 10 Sinaran Drive, #01-172, Square2

3. 1 HarbourFront Walk, #01-111, VivoCity

4. 68 Orchard Road, #01-K1, Plaza Singapura

5. 252 North Bridge Road, #B1-71 Raffles City Shopping Centre

6. 181 Orchard Road, #B1-02, Orchard Central (Opening Soon!)

7. 799 New Upper Changi Road, #02-30, Bedok Point (Opening Soon!)

8. 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, B1-15/16, The Central (Opening Soon!)

The lovely bunch of Lins(:

p/s - I also want to take this chance to thank my other project mates - PR (Shu Rong & Delvina), SM & CB (Howe, Josephine, Pat & Jo) who has fought through this first battle together with me. It has been a pleasure working with you girls! 1,2,3 HWAITING FOR NEXT TRIMESTER!!!

2010-10-31T11:51:00.002+08:00

Some Thoughts
~
"When are you going to get married?", "People age 24 married already, how about you?", aren't they some of the common questions that people bug you every now and then? Well, I'm no exception, especially ever since the oldest daughter of the Ng family got married last year.
~
Honestly, yes I've thought of it, my future, kids etc but it has made me think deeper. Do I really want to get married; settle down by 30? Have kids by 32? Will I be ready in the next 6 - 7 years? I know for sure I'm definitely (94349847948758474843%) NOT ready for this whole settling down right now and I know that even though people are asking, obviously you know I wouldn't diligently listen to them and walk down the aisle immediately but my thoughts now is, do I honestly want to get married ever in the future? I do miss singlehood for some reason. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I love the boy any less neither is a medium to end this relationship. It's just that I do not want to be obliged to having to settle down at this (~~right~~) age, start a family at this (~~right~~) age, just because its part of the 'human lifecycle'.
~
I've always wanted to travel the world, open my eyes to new wonders, not forgetting trying out different kinds of delicacies without having to be tied down by obligations and taking my time in settling down. I've always thought of how it would be great if I was on some Travel & Living (TLC)programme with a companion and we would travel around the world and introduce the best places to go and eat. But I guess I'm not brave enough to take this first step.
~
Maybe I need some time to reflect on what path I should take (though time is ticking).
Maybe I should be brave enough to stand up for my happiness, take the risk/challenge eh?

어떻게해야 하나요?

2010-10-17T23:55:00.008+08:00

Octobrree

This month is a really crazy, busy one for us with almost all our tests, group projects (reports & presentations) and individual assignments due, but nothing beats spending a couple of minutes celebrating "October Babies' Birthday"(:

09.10.10

Right after Consumer Behaviour Test, we surprised Lin with a pretty lil' cake.

"baked" lin's cake in the toilet.

~

~
~
15.10.10

After IM class, after printing & submitting assignments and after all the bloopers of trying to light the candles, surprising Jac with four different flavored slices of cake went well(:

~

~

p/s - I know you drat being 21. But still,

HAPPY 21ST LOVE!

2010-10-16T23:47:00.000+08:00

Simple Pleasures
~
I know I've been consecutively blogging about FOOD as you have noticed in my past posts, and you know my craving for food will never end. So, here are some of my many simple pleasures I've been enjoying for the past couple of weeks.
~
Broccoli Cheese Soup with Toasted Walnut Bread

~
Reese's Chocolate Sticks from RWS

Pasta topped with Cheese & Spag Sauce

~
Red Bean Ice-cream from Sakae Sushi

~
Egg Roll and Rice Ball at Noodle House Ken located at Orchard Plaza

~
Cheesecake from Shang

Red Date Chocolate with Almond all the way from Dubai (thanks love!)

M&M Chocolates from the States

Banana Milk and Pocari Sweat from Seoul Mart and Koreana Supermarket respectively

~
YOU♥ got Hawaiian Pizza from Sarpino's specially for me cuz I was craving for it for days(:

~
And, my usual craving - Korean food!

Seoul Yummy @Square2

~

~

Cooked a bowl of hot Kimchi Ramen for brunch while studying

2010-09-28T18:44:00.000+08:00

A Simple Lunch

With the remaining Kimchi left in the fridge from the weekend's Korean feast, I decided to make use of it to prepare a simple lunch for myself (and enough for dinner for the folks) - Bokkumbap (Korean Fried Rice/Kimchi Fried Rice).

Here's what you'll need to prepare this really fast and simple dish especially when you're out of ideas on what to cook for lunch or even dinner.

200g minced pork

4 tsp light soy sauce

1 tbsp sesame oil

1 tsp Korean chili powder (gochugaru)

400g Kimchi, chopped (but i used 650g)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 onion, peeled and chopped

1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped into cubes

400g (4 cups) cold cooked rice (leftover rice is better)

1) Combine the pork, light soy sauce, sesame oil and chili powder in a bowl and mix well. (I left in the chill room for an hour for the mixture to penetrate the pork)

2) Heat the oil in a wok over low heat until hot, then add onion and carrots and stir-fry till golden and soft.

3) Add garlic and pork, and stir-fry till almost done, then add kimchi.

4) Add salt for taste (optional)

5) Add cooked rice to the pan and continue to stir-fry until heated through and well blended before serving.

Serves 4 - 6

Preparation time: 15mins

Cooking time: About 20 - 25mins

Complement this dish with Korean Seaweed Soup, think it would go really well together! (:

2010-09-27T19:57:00.000+08:00

아주 맛있었어요

My love for food especially Korean now has motivated me yet again to whip up five new dishes two weekends ago.

~
Starting with appetizers, Kimchi (bought from Koreana Supermarket) and Kong-na-mul-mu-chim known as Bean Spout Salad.

What You'll Need:

1litre (4 cups) water

1 tsp salt

300g (10oz) bean spouts

1 spring onion, minced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp sesame seeds

2 tsp sesame oil

1/2 tbsp Korean Chili Powder (gochu-garu) (optional)

1) Bring water to boil in a pot over high heat.

2) Add bean sprouts and salt.

3) Cover and boil for about 7mins until tender.

4) Remove from heat and drain.

5) Add all the other ingredients to the bean sprouts and toss until well combined.

6) Allow to cool before serving

Serves 4 -6

Preparation time: 20mins

Cooking time: 10mins

The first main dish on the menu was Baked Fish with Sweet Chili Sauce. Never thought I would find this in the Korean recipe book and having never tried this dish before, it was quite difficult to determine what the taste should be like. In fact turned out pretty good(:

~

~

~
What You'll Need:

4 tablespoons Korean hot bean paste (gochujang)

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp of water

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp sesame oil

2 spring onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

2 finger-length chilies (baby ones are fine as well), deseeded and chopped

1 tsp minced fresh ginger root

2 tsp sesame seeds

500g white fish fillets

1) Combine all the ingredients, except the fish in a bowl and mix well.

2) Place the fish fillets in a baking tray and spread equal amounts of the mixture over each fillet (you can spread mixture longer on the fillet).

3) Set aside for 15mins for the sauce to penetrate the fillet.

4) Preheat the oven to 180degree C.

5) Oil baking tray and bake the fillet for about 10 - 15mins until cooked.

Serves 4 - 6

Preparation time: 20mins + 15mins to sit

Cooking time: 10 - 15 mins

The second main dish on the menu: Japchae (Mixed Veg. with Beef & Vermicelli).

~

~

What You'll Need:

For Beef Marinade (mixed together)

1 - 2 tbsp light soy sauce

2 tbsp minced garlic

2 tbsp spring onion, chopped

1 - 1 1/2 tbsp sesame oil

2 - 3 tsp rice wine

1 1/2 tsp sugar

340g Beef, cut into thin strips

340g Sweet Potato Starch Vermicelli

3 - 4 tbsp light soy sauce

2 tbsp sesame oil

1 medium onion, peeled and cut into strips

Salt and pepper to taste (optional) - I did not add this though.

8 Shitake mushrooms (you can add more if you want)

2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into strips

1 green capsicum, seeded and cut into strips

1) Marinate beef for 20 - 30mins (or longer if you like)

2) Meanwhile, cook vermicelli in a pot of boiling water till soft, about 3 - 5mins.

3) Remove noodles from the pot and rinse well in cool water.

4) Drain noodles and cut into 10cm lengths

5) Toss noodles in light soy sauce and sesame oil. Set aside.

6) Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan over high fire and add beef, and stir-fry for 5mins.

7) Remove from pan and set aside.

8) Heat remaining oil in the same pan over medium-high fire. Stir-fry onion till it turns golden and soft.

9) Add mushrooms and carrots till soft.

10) Add green capsicum and stir-fry till it begins to soften, about 2mins.

11) Add stir-fried beef and cooked noodle, and mix well.

12) Serve garnished with omelette strips, toasted ground sesame seeds and shredded nori sheets (optional)

Serves 6 - 8

Preparation time: 40mins

Cooking time: 25mins

The third dish on the menu: Daeji Bulgogi (stir-fried pork).

~

~

~

~

What You'll Need:

500g Pork fillet

2 tbsp Hot Chili Paste

1 tbsp Light soy sauce

1/2 tbsp sugar

1 - 1 1/2 tbsp Garlic, chopped

1/2 tsp Ginger Juice

1 tsbp Chili Powder

60ml Pineapple Syrup (Juice)

1 medium onion, sliced

1 tsp sesame seed, roasted (you can get this at Koreana Supermarket)

1) Combine all ingredients except onion, sesame seeds and chili powder in a bowl, and mix well.

2) Cover and leave pork to marinate in a cool place for 6hours (or longer).

3) Heat some cooking oil, add onion and stir-fry till half cooked.

4) Add marinated pork and chili powder, and pan-fry until well done.

5) Dish out and sprinkle sesame seeds over before serving.

Serves 6 - 8

The final dish for the night: Samgyetang (Chicken Stew with Rice & Ginseng).

~

~

~

~

~

What You'll Need:

1kg Sakura Chicken

100g Glutinous Rice

4 Ginseng Roots (25g), cut

7 Garlic (whole)

6 - 7 Red Dates

14 pieces Chestnuts

2 1/4litres water (about 9bowls)

3 spring onion, chopped

2 1/2inch Ginger, sliced thinly

2 tsp salt and pepper to taste

1) Clean chicken, removing as much fats as possible (smaller chicken, the better), then drain and pat dry with paper towels.

2) In a bowl, combine the glutinous rice, ginseng roots, garlic, red dates and chestnuts, and mix well.

3) Stuff the mixture into the chicken's body cavity and then sew up the opening with a needle & thread (satay sticks can be an alternative).

4) Place chicken into a large pot (I used the 5litres Tanyu Pot) with water; it should be completely submerged.

5) Add spring onion and ginger (as well as ginseng roots).

6) Cover and bring to boil over high heat.

7) Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about an hour until tender, taking care not to remove the lid.

8) Season with salt and pepper, and remove from the heat.

9) Skim off any fat that floats to the surface of the soup and transfer to a large soup tureen.

10) To serve, remove the thread (or satay sticks), and garnish with spring onion.

Serves 6 - 8

Preparation time: 30mins

Cooking time: About 1hr 5mins

Ohhhh, ma-si-sseo-sseo-yo! Am growing a belly from all the good food I'm having. This food journey has just begun, with more Korean delicacies coming up in my next post(:

2010-09-11T23:14:00.001+08:00

Irodori.

If you enjoy a free-flow sumptuous spread but baulk at self-service buffets? Here's another ala-carte option for you to ponder - Irodori Japanese Restaurant.

This 2 year-old restuarant located at Riverview Hotel, Level 3, is a bustling, family-friendly outlet with three private rooms that sit eight to twelve people. Its impressive 108-item menu features appetisers, sashimi, various types of sushi, teppanyaki, tempura, soups, noodles and rice will just make you salivate even by looking at the photos.

Green Tea Tofu (melts in the mouth!) and cucumber pickles

A MUST have! Sashimi Moriawase Platter comes with generous portions of fresh salmon belly, yellowtail, swordfish and octopus.

Califonia Maki

Zaru Soba

~
Chawan Mushi

~
Specialities that day - Salmon Fish Head and Ebi Mentai Mayo (king prawns grilled with cod roe and mayonnaise). Its absolutely the BEST! (:

his love for prawns, he had 3 :O

~
Mixed Tempura

~
Shishamo (Capeline)

Miso Soup

~
Satsumaage Yaki (fish cake)

~
Hiyayako (cold tofu)

~
Ninjin (Carrot) and Ika (Cuttle Fish )Tempura

~
Buta Enokie Maki (Beef Roll with Golden Mushroom)

~
our favourite hand rolls(:

~
Shake Maki (Salmon Mayo Roll) and Unagi Sushi

~
Age Gyoza

Chicken Teriyaki

Another plate of hand rolls (yums!)

Dobin Mushi (Teapot Soup)

~

enjoying the moments(:

Rate: 4.25 out of 5
The buffet is definitely worth your money. Lunch & Dinner (daily) $33++ Adult, $20++ Child.

Promotions:

UOB, OCBC and RBS Credit Card holders - 25% off on total bill for Lunch while 10% off on Ala-Carte menu for Dinner (Terms & Conditions apply)

Irodori Japanese Restaurant

#03-01

Riverview Hotel

382 Havelock Road

Tel: 6737-2002

Last of all, here's wishing my pop a happy & blessed birthday!♥

2010-09-10T23:50:00.008+08:00

MOS, NOT THAT MOS

Due to the heavy workload I've been receiving from school for the past weeks, it was hard for me to meet up with all my girlfriends but I was glad that I could squeeze in a couple of hours to spend with trishie cubs. We decided not to head all the way down to town but instead spent our Sunday afternoon in the neighbourhood - Gardens.

~

~

This gave us a great chance to try out a relatively new restaurant named Ministry of Steak (MOS), not Ministry of Sound (also MOS for short) that we wanted to dine a few months back. Settling down at the restaurant, the ambiance was good, with bright lightnings and clean settings. We were pretty early for lunch so it wasn't that crowded yet but slowly the place became packed with teenagers who just came from church. Any oh how, Our orders were served quite quickly.

~

~

Trishie had char-grilled chicken while I had Grilled Fish which were not bad (the sauce for the fish was quite nice), but nothing fantastic to brag about. It reminded me very much of Botak Jones. The cost? Pretty reasonable with one/two sides you can choose from.

Overall, I'll rate it, 2.75 out of 5.

Ministry of Steak

4 Minju Ave

Serangoon Garden (behind NTUC)

Tel: 6280 1633

Open Daily from 11am - 10pm

We moved on to have our all time favourite yogurt from Frolick before going our separate ways. Green Apple topped with Honey Flakes. Simply satisfying! (:

"A friend knows the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails." ♥

p/s - More food posts coming up! Anticipate~

2010-09-06T20:48:00.005+08:00

Voyage De La Vie
~
~
~
When I attended the media call for "Voyage de la Vie" (meaning "Journey of Life") a couple of weeks back, I was unsure if the show would live up to the hype that had been circulating around because reviews mentioned that the production was not that good while some said it was worth watching. But since I had the opportunity to watch this circus theatre spectacular with the family, I decided not to miss it.
~
This play is a story of a boy’s (Jonathan Leong) metaphoric journey of Life and his encounters with Love, Temptation, Imagination, Conflict, Life and Death.
~
Before the show official started, two members of the casts entertained the audience with funny acts together with some magic. Moments later, the show started off with Jonathan singing and some of the cast members dancing while holding a briefcase which reminded me so much of Lady Gaga's MV.
~
'The Boy' then met 'The Game Master' (Alexey Goloborodko), an enigmatic being who brought him into a world of wonder. Guided by the mysterious 'Lantern Keeper' (Viktor Kee), the Boy meets other colourful characters like the illusional duo 'Maestro & Magician' (Jarrett & Raja), the seductive 'Diva' (Melanie Chy), the charming 'Crystal Cat' (Aurelia Cats), the graceful 'Life' (Liina Aunola) and the sinister 'Death' (Martti Peltonen).
~
The act that really made me sit up and take notice was French acrobat Aurelia Cat's trapeze act, which at one point saw her balancing precariously, upside down from the theatre ceiling, with only her feet on the trapeze. Another act worth mentioning is Finnish rope aerialist Liina Aunola's graceful movements on the Cloudswing – a swing several metres off the ground – and a simple rope, which drew thunderous applause from the audience. However, it looked pretty scary because she want swinging at lightning speed, you too would be worried for her safety despite it being her profession.
~
The other acts such as Ukrainian master juggler Kee's juggling routine made it all so easy. His act was just too perfect. thumbs up! Not forgetting the young contortionist who hid in a small box at the beginning of the show when Jonathan received a package really surprised everyone. How did he managed to squeeze "comfortably" in that box you must wonder? In fact, I was a little freaked out by his extreme flexibility and seemingly boneless body. He was like a very skinny rubber boy with no stomach and intestines. I'm not exaggerating.
~
All in all, I must say that it was quite interesting to watch but I don't think I'll watch it a second time? 3.5 out of 5 poppycorns for me.~
~
Alright, I shan't expose too much information on the show. If you're interested, Tickets can be purchased via SISTIC or call 6577-8888 to book now. (www.rwsentosa.com)
~
Ticketing Information Showtimes:
Wed - Fri: 8.30pm
Sat & Sun: 5.30pm and 8.30pm
~
Ticket Price ranges from,
Cat A: S$128
Cat B: S$108
Cat C: S$88
Cat D: S$68
(Excludes Sistic Booking Fees & Handling Charges)
~
Exclusively for DBS/POSB Credit & Debit Card Members:
Weekend Family Special for Children aged 4 - 12 years (30% off).
(Must be accompanied by 1 Adult. Sat & Sun Shows and payment by DBS credit care only).
~
Discounts for selected cards:
DBS Gold & Platinum Cards - 15% off
DBS Classic Cards - 10% off
Genting Rewards Card (Gold & Platnium) - 15% off
Genting Rewards Card (Silver) - 10% off
Genting Rewards Card (Classic) - 5% off
~
Concessions:
Students, Senior Citizens & Full-time NSFs - 10% off
~
*Note:
Voyage de la Vie will be closed for its regular maintenance from 12 - 23 Sep'10. The Show will resume on 24 Sep'10.
~
SO DON'T MISS IT! (:

2010-09-04T23:42:00.001+08:00

Inspiration Comes From...

Imagine Life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air.
They are Work, Family, Health, Friends and Spirit, and you are keeping all these in the air.

You will soon understand that Work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls - Family, Health, Friends and Spirit are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for it.

Work efficiently during office hours and leave on time. Give the required time to your family, friends and have proper rest.

"Value has a value only if its value is valued."

- Bryan Dyson

2010-09-02T19:58:00.002+08:00

"Fly to Your Heart"
~
Touch every rainbow, painting the sky
Look at the magic, glide through your life.

Fly to who you are

Climb upon your star, you believe you'll find your wings

Everywhere you go, your soul will find a home

You'll be free to spread your wings
Soar on the hope of marvelous things

~

~
"I will soar"

~

~

Enjoyed quality time spent with the family last Saturday evening - kite flying.
The last time I flew one was say 18, 19 years ago, it got me excited all over again like a little girl upon seeing so many beautiful kites; big and small, spiderman to lizard kites in the sky as well as getting my hands on our kites we bought a couple of months back. It sure brought back childhood memories for us. Speaking of kites, mom and I are gaga over kites that we got another giant kite for less than SGD10. Hope it is able to fly when we head down to Sengkang this Friday though.

Till then, have a good week ahead!

2010-08-22T23:49:00.013+08:00

BUFFETLIOUS - What's Good & What's Not!
~
It you have been diligently following ch5's mouth-watering English series, 'Buffetlious', then I'm sure these two buffet places that I'll be talking about would be familiar to you.
~
First up, 'Feast @ East' - nostalgic array of authentic Singapore's varied traditional cuisine of the Chinese, Malay, Indian, Eurasian and Peranakan amidst contemporary Asian design at the restaurant.
~
However, it turned out rather disappointing. Many of their specialities that was featured on Buffetlious was not out on the buffet line. For instance, Ayam Buah Keluak, Curry Fish Head, Mee Siam, Yong Tau Foo, Hainanese Chicken Rice. And, those who know me, I'm not picky with food but if something is not good. It means its really ~~good~~ !

~
The only thing that I liked was this (picture below) sweet tidbits and longan drink which was so old school.

~

~

~
Nasi Lemak and Carrot Cake

~
the seafood was a huge disappointing :( tasted spoilt.

~
Prawn Mee and Laksa

~

~
Durian Cake and Durian Pudding, Bread & Butter Pudding

~
more cakes

~
was anticipating my favourite ah bong leng but it turned out one disappointment after another :(

~
i'll give credit to their ice cream and old school tidbits

If you want to try your luck, 'Feast @ East' is located at Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel
50 East Coast Road, Roxy Square (Opposite Parkway Parade Shopping Centre), Level 3,

Tel: +65-63405665

Operating Hours:

Breakfast - 6.00am to 10.30am (Daily)

Lunch - 12.00pm to 2.30pm (Monday to Saturday)

Dinner - 6.00pm to 9.30pm (Daily)

Brunch - 11.00am to 3.00pm (Sunday)

~
LUNCH (Monday to Saturday)

Adult : S$32++

Child : S$16++

Senior Citizen : S$26++

DINNER (Monday to Thursday)

Adult : S$36++

Child : S$18++

Senior Citizen : S$28++

(Friday to Sunday)

Adult : S$38++

Child : S$20++

Senior Citizen : S$30++

BRUNCH (Sunday)

Adult : S$42++

Child : S$22++

Senior Citizen : S$35++

~
~

'Hooked On Heads' - the second buffet restaurant that we went to, serves more than 62 dishes (including Thai specialities). You'll be spoilt for choice!

the famous oh-so-good fish head curry (1/2). You can ask for Whole, the tail or fillet but the fish head is A MUST TRY!

Pineapple Fried

Thai Fish Cake and Hei Zhor (Prawn & Meat Roll)

~
Mango Salad

~
Guiness Chicken and Crispy Home Made Tofu

Black Pepper Beef and Leather Jacket Fish with Bitter Gourd

Tom Yum Soup (not bad but tasted better ones) and Sambal Sotong

Mee Siam (was REALLY GOOD!) and Prawn Paste Chicken

Har Lok Prawns and Mee Goreng (hor fun style)

~
Sambal Kang Kong and Tauhu Goreng

Beef Rendang

~
Was a little disappointed that their famous Banana Fritters Special was sold out so went for another famous dessert - Thai Sticky Rice with Mango (oh so chewy!) YUMS.

Highly Recommended!

Hooked on Heads

6 Sin Ming Road, #01-01/02
Sin Ming Plaza, Tower 2

Tel: 6455-4948

Operating Hours: Monday - Sunday

10:30AM to 2:30 PM
6:00PM to 9:30PM
Last order @ 9:30PM

2010-08-21T23:52:00.001+08:00

on friendship.♥♥♥♥
~

"12 years of boohoos and hahas, keep it going."

p/s - Stay tuned to 2 food posts!

2010-08-19T23:43:00.001+08:00

"Love has no Whys or Hows.♥"

2010-08-13T12:08:00.000+08:00

Paint the Town
~
Finding a place to shop and dine at the same place, but don't want to splash your money on food or those itchy fingers of yours can't stop "vandalizing", then Graffiti Cafe at Far East Plaza will be the place for you.

Located at B1 (lefthand corner at the back near to the restrooms), one can tuck in to the famous Pontian Wanton Noodles - al-denta noodles with char siew, fried wanton and come with a small bowl of soup with more wan ton in it.

Can't take spiciness? No worries, there's 3 variations,

1. Tomato sauce without chili padi

2. Chili padi alone

3. Black sauce with chili padi (A MUST HAVE! As shown below.)

Rating: 4 out of 5

Ohhh..so good!
~

~
It was nice meeting the girls again♥

2010-08-12T23:09:00.003+08:00

ONE OF OUR RUBBISH TALKS...
~
Turned out to make some sense.

It all started after having our healthy and refreshing dessert at Frolick, our conversation went on to the topic of 'Eye Candies'.

I said, "Do you realised that every time we think of our eye candies, we label them as THE perfect guy or girl? But then when we get to know that person personally, he or she doesn't seem right for you anymore?

YOU♥ replied: So was I your eye candy?

I responded: No... (without a pause)

YOU♥: So I am your 'mak sai' (means 'eye shit') lah. Something that is not attractive but somehow or another, you end up with it every morning in bed for the rest of your life?

Both of us: ROFL!!!
~
Just think about it. Heh :D

Nights.

"No matter how dull yogurt topped with milo balls can be and not as colorful as yogurt topped with gummy bears or colorful flakes, you are still the one I love.♥"

2010-08-10T14:14:00.002+08:00

Just Like Family

I've been so preoccupied in being a good godmother, I forgot about playing my part on being a good godsister to the three little ones other than visiting and giving them gifts during special occasions.

Though not biologically related, the whole family has been part of my life since two months after I was born. We grew up together, treated me like one of them, their daughters and cousins got married, was their flower girl, they gave birth to beautiful children, lost a loved one along the way, cherishing the rest more.

Therefore, I brought the little sugars for little Fridays Night Out. They were all excited when their mom told them that I would be bringing them out earlier in the day - Kids. Well, , but I must admit that the last time I brought them out was two years ago. So this is like a bonus to them.

They are just as eager as us in getting the latest i-gadgets (iPhone 4, iPad, you name it!)

Enjoying her 'Donut Raised' from Dunkin Donuts that she had to have (she sure can eat for a little girl!) After having her donut and food at Macs, she still bought snacks from the nearby 7-11 stall.

Everything pretty much went more crazy, after this at Macs. The kids went high. When I say high, I mean REALLY HIGH!

The two sure enjoyed having the chance to use the DSLR, it was like their new pet toy. They were so into it, they snapped a few arty farty shots.

At the end of the day, him 1, her 1, her 2 and her 3 sure enjoyed themselves!

We are very much looking forward to our next outing together(:

2010-08-09T22:18:00.004+08:00

HIGH TEA @ BETTY'S
~

What a better way to enjoy your afternoon having tea with loved ones in the comfort of your own home where you can sip down a cup of hot coffee or tea while savoring your tastebuds with your favourite English delights made out of love by the Ng's very own pastry chef - Mom.
~
I tell you, Mom bakes the best breads and pastries. She somehow has a gift and the 3Ps (passion, patience & perfection) when it comes to cooking, baking and gardening. I've mentioned to her that she should open her own bakery shop and name it, BETTY'S each time she bakes something new from one of her many recipe books. Maybe I should learn some baking tips from her then become an entrepreneur, open up this bakery and name it after her. (one more career thought checked!)
~
Till then..Tea was splendid♥
~
p/s - HAPPY 45TH HOME(:

2010-08-02T22:59:00.001+08:00

What A Start To Uni Life
~
A second disappointment (since orientation day) occurred on my supposedly first lecture & tutorial for the week. I reached the lecture hall at about 2.10pm. Shucks I'm late I thought as I walked in my fastest speed. Opened the door to see no sign of the lecturer. I sighed with a relief and caught my breath while I took a seat. As I got myself organised, someone tapped my shoulder, I turned and saw a familiar face - the sweet girl, Jac I met during orientation. Didn't expect her to be in the same class as me because she's pursing a different degree course. Any oh how, I moved up to where she was sitting and we started talking about our modules, timetable and other misc.
That was when I realized that my Tuesday's night class (ridiculous timing of 7pm - 10pm) has a day class on Thursdays (2pm - 5pm). Shouldn't the school assign me to day classes instead of night classes since I'm a full-time student and not a part-time student unless it clashes with another module.
~
2.30pm, still no sign of our lecturer. So one of our classmates called the office to check. Ten minutes later, one of the staff came and said there isn't any class today, it has been changed to Friday.
~
(.......SPEECHLESS)
A moment of anger and frustration.
~
Shouldn't the lecturer put an announcement on Blackboard or send a mass text message to the students to inform of the change? What an impression of the school!
Heading to the office, it was packed with students having the same problem - clash of modules on Friday. A while later, it was our turn. Jac was settling her modules & e-mail. So, I took the chance to ask if I could do a change for my Tuesdays night classes to Thursday day class. After the big whooha, both of us realized that we were going to be in the same class for all our modules. Yuppies(:
~
Hopefully the days in uni will be better and nothing of such will happen again.

2010-07-30T11:21:00.008+08:00

Sweetest & Cheekiest Lil' J

The day before when I was out shopping with trishie, I saw this adorable blue, red & white checkered shirt which can be worn in two ways (long sleeve/folded up) and so I bought it for lil' J.

As we were about to complete our shopping spree or rather MY shopping spree, I decided to make a last stop at Padini. While browsing through the clothes, I spotted a blouse similar to the one I bought for lil' J and bought it for myself. (oh my, my motherly instincts are showing!)

Conversation between lil' J and me:

While trying on his new shirt,

lil' J: "Same!" (pointing at his shirt and mine)

Me: "That's right! it's the same."

lil' J: "I tell mommy!"

Me: "You're going to tell mommy you have a new shirt?"

He nodded and gave his usual cheeky smile.

I texted his mom about it (and before her reply came in..)

lil' J asked as he pointed on the front compartment of his bag while keeping the shirt in his bag: "What's inside?"

I replied, "I don't know..why don't you open it to see."

He unzipped the front compartment of his bag and I saw a purple and pink metal container consisting of chocolates and a container of cookies.

Me: "Wow, how come you brought so many things to school?"

lil' J: "Mommy give me."

Then a reply came in,

lil' J's Mom: lil' J has a present for you, it's purple and it's in his bag.

Me as I asked lil' J: "Is this for me?" (pointing to the purple container)

lil' J: "Noo, it's mine." (protecting it and putting it back into his bag)

I replied his Mom: "Hahaha..he says it's his now."

I asked lil' J again but in a different approach: "Mommy said you have a present for me?"

lil J nodded and with his cheeky smile, he unzipped his bag, took out the purple container and passed it to me. Sat on my lap, hugged me and gave me kiss on the cheek.♥ xoxo.

2010-07-24T19:14:00.002+08:00

MY VERY FIRST PRAWNING TRIP
~
Having always wanted to go prawning, trishie, yc, YOU♥ and I decided to spend our Friday night at Hai Bin U Enterprise Prawn Fishing. It is located at Bishan No. 603, Sin Ming Avenue. Open 24/7 daily with free parking.
~

The cost was $15 an hour, $25 for 2 hours and $30 for 3 hours. Quite reasonable and the prawns are bigger. And, once you are done with your catch, you can bbq the prawns as the place provides free salt, charcoal, satay sticks and sambal chilli for you to enjoy the fruits of your labour. However, it was already past 12midnight by the time our 3hours was up, so we brought it home with us.

My first catch. The bite was continuous but as the place became more pack, the prawns were harder to catch.

2nd...3rd...4th...

the prawn I caught for luck?

It did help him. A bigger prawn he caught. Luck was indeed on his side or maybe not so ONCE. A stone "ate" the bait.

The man sitting beside us caught this giant one. WOW!

A BBQed prawn swimming around (hmmm...)

patiently waiting for her big catch

You'll never find yourself going hungry, as a restaurant is situated beside the prawn fishing ponds.

Though we caught only about less than 20 prawns in total but it sure was a fun first time(:

2010-07-21T22:10:00.001+08:00

Brownies With An Attitude @P.Osh

For those who are in love with brownies especially pretty decorated ones, here's a place you can check out - P.Osh. You can get them to customize your brownies just the way you want them to.
~

Behind the counter, trishie decorates her very own brownie

Not as easy as it looks for first-timers but with a little help from the expert, Lane who works there, the brownie turned out really pretty.

From a wiggly 'Y' to a neat bold 'Y'

Tada...! Such a sweet thing to cheer someone up(:

HOT FAV! Trip Earle C

~

P.Osh not only sells brownies but cookies and cheesecakes as well.

The cost of the brownies ranges from $2.60 to $3.30 per piece, while cookies cost $2.00 per pack of 6 and nibbles cost $2.50 per 48g pack. For more information, log on to http://www.posh.sg/

Personally, the brownies are a little too sweet for my liking but the cookies sure are addictive.

~
So Quit Drooling! Go try it out for yourselves...
~

Dhoby Ghaut

Dhoby Xchange, Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station
#B1-40

Mondays - Saturdays

Noon to Nine

Kovan

1011 Upper Serangoon Road
The Old House
#01-02

Mondays - Saturdays
Noon to Nine

2010-07-19T22:01:00.015+08:00

KOREAN FEAST
~
Since a new term in the Uni will be staring in a couple of weeks time, I together with my "co-chef" trishie decided to whip up some of Korea's famous dishes for the family.
~
For our 1st Dish: Galbi (Grilled Beef Short Ribs)
Instead of marinating according to a recipe I browsed through online, I found this instant beef marination from NTUC Fairprice - $2.80. It was shockingly much more expensive at the Korean Mart (the exact same brand and bottle).

Remember to marinate it overnight for more flavour in the meat.

For our 2nd Dish, we have Kimchi Chigae (Kimchi & Pork Stew/Kimchi Soup)

Preparation: 20mins

Cook: 15mins

Serves 3 - 4

1 tbsp oil

200g thinly sliced pork belly

400g kimchi, drained, cut into smaller pieces and liquid reserved

3 - 4 cups of stock (beef/chicken)

Broth Seasoning:

1 tbsp chopped garlic

1 tsp dashi powder (available at Japanese supermarkets)

Salt to taste (optional as dashi powder is already quite salty)

300g tofu, cubed

A handful of enoki mushrooms, ends sliced off

2 spring onions (garnish)

Step 1: Heat oil in a wok over medium-high fire. When hot, stir-fry pork for 1 min.

Step 2: Add drained kimchi. Mix well for 2 to 3 mins or till fragrant.

Step 3: Stir in kimchi liquid, stock and broth seasoning. Bring to vigorous boil.

Step 4: Add enoki mushroom, tofu and an additional ingredient - vermicelli into the soup.

Bring to a boil again and serve hot.
Garnish with copped spring onions.

~
The mouth-watering Kimchi Chigae

3rd Dish: Our all time favourite, Dukbokki (spicy rice cake)

~
Side dish: Kimchi

The table is set, the food is served. We are ready to start the FEAST!

Our 4th Dish for the night - Samgyupsal (Grilled Pork Strips)

It is a very popular Korean pork belly meat (similar to bacon), literally translated as three layered meat. Like Korean BBQ, it is grilled on table top and served instantly. Knowing how to eat Samgyupsal will take you to another level of Korean dining experience.

Step 1: Grill samgyupsal, garlic, onion and other prepared vegetables on a griddle

Step 2: Place some rice on a leaf of lettuce. (optional)

If not, place a well-done piece of samgyupsal on top of the lettuce.

Step 3: Add grilled mushroom and garlic. If you like, raw garlic is good, too.

Step 4: Then add the Ssamjang and wrap it up carefully.

When eating Samgyupsal, you may wish to make one for your friend and feed them or just make it yourself. However, the traditional way seems more fun(:

What's this?

This is known as Ssamjang (Mixed Soybean & Chili Pepper Paste).

It is a mixed paste frequently used as a condiment for wrapping a cooked meat and cooked rice within vegetable leaves such as lettuces, cabbages and sesame leaves. It is also widely used as a dip for fresh pepper, cucumber and carrot, and it can be applied as a salad dressing. Ssamjang can be homemade or purchased at Korean supermarkets in readily available jars but I decided to mix it on my own.

⅓ cup kochujang (red chili pepper paste)
½ cup dwenjang (fermented soybean paste)
1 tbsp minced red pepper
1 tbsp minced green pepper
3 tsp minced garlic
1 tbsp rice wine
1 tbsp sesame oil
½ tbsp sesame

Into the Korean mood, we complemented the food with Soju. Kudos to trishie for getting the Soju but ended up not even finishing a shot. The aftermath of a sip was good enough to make us feel the kick. That was how strong it was.

The dinner ended well with everyone pleased.

And one more thing, don't forget to invite friends over to share the feast.

The more, the merrier(:

KOREAN FEAST = SUCCESS!

On a quest to whip up more Korean famous dishes...

Bibimbap, Japchae (Mixed Veg with Beef & Vermicelli), Beef Bulgogi (Grilled Beef) and Korean-style Fried Chicken?

2010-07-16T23:14:00.002+08:00

Can't Get Enough of Korean Food!

After grocery shopping at Koreana, trishie & I were walking along Tanjong Pajar Plaza to find a place to have our dinner when we spotted a small Korean restaurant. Being Korean food lovers, we decided to settle down at that restaurant - Koko Rooloo.

For starters, we were given a plate of Korean-style sushi and Dukbokki.

Really good!

Trishie had the Fish Cake Noodle, while I had Kimchi Chigae. (one word - SHIOK!)

I must say the food there is comparable to Parker or even better because what you get in Korea, is what you get in Koko Rooloo. The atmosphere and hospitality there together with a majority of the customers being Koreans, makes you feel as though you are really eating at one of the roadside stalls in Korea.

The restaurant also has other interesting dishes like SILKWORMS. Shall be daring enough to try it during my next trip to Koko Rooloo(:

A MUST TRY!!!

Koko Rooloo

Tanjong Pajar Plaza

#01-36

Tel: 8233-6000/6223-7505

MRT: Tanjong Pajar Station, Exit A

Bus: 80, 145

Price range: Reasonable

~
Stay tuned for more KOREAN delicacies..

2010-07-12T19:14:00.003+08:00

WORLD CUP FEVER!

Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)

My favourite team lost and went back home (coach sacked).

The underdogs are rising.

Paul the octupus's predictions are amazingly accurate (everyone's talking about it - tako balls).

The final match between Spain and Holland.

Spain takes the CUP home.

2010-06-30T19:52:00.004+08:00

R.I.P Park Yong Ha
~

~
Stumbling upon a shocking news online which read, "Korean star Park Yong-ha found dead in apparent suicide"

It was really saddening to hear that our (Jessica and I) idol we were crazy over back in secondary school days hung himself with an electrical cord in his room.
More and more stars are ending their lives due to depression resulting from too much stress.
According to the Health Ministry, 23.9 in every 100,000 South Koreans committed suicide in 2007, compared with 19.4 in Japan, 16.7 in Finland, 14.2 in France and 14.0 in Switzerland.
Suicide is the highest cause of death among those in their twenties and thirties in South Korea, which in 2007 had the highest suicide rate among members of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Is suicide really the only way out?
~
Sigh.

2010-06-20T23:06:00.006+08:00

Fathers Are God's Masterpieces

As most would say they are much closer to their moms as compared to their dads (i won't disagree, even this has proven according to a study i read quite sometime back in the papers). However, we must still respect and love them as Fathers are just as important as Mothers in our lives.

~
So the note on a old rugged looking paper to my father goes like this...
~
"God took the strength of a mountain,
the majesty of a tree,
the warmth of a summer sun,
the calm of a quiet sea,
the generous soul of nature,
the comforting arm of night,
the wisdom of the ages,
the power of the eagle’s flight,
the joy of a morning in spring
the faith of a mustard seed
the patience of eternity,
the depth of a family need,
then God combined these qualities when there was nothing more to add, He knew His masterpiece has completed and so, He called it, Dad.
~
~

I decided to try out a new dish for the occasion- Pumpkin Fried Rice

Step 1: You'll need cabbage, pumpkin, chicken breast, rice, black sauce, salt

Step 2: Add oil and copped garlic

Step 3: Add the chicken (cubed)

Step 4: Add in the pumpkin (cubed) and cabbage

Step 5: And finally the rice. Pour in black sauce and salt

Step 6: Then pour the rice into the cooker and add water

Step 7: Leave it to cook for about 25minutes

And WALLA...

PUMPKIN FRIED RICE = another success!

2010-05-29T22:38:00.031+08:00

HAPPY 생일 TO ME

Part I: RWS, Starz @HardRock

Having wanting to have a look at the newly built IR, RWS. I requested the 'the visit' to be on my birthday since we were thinking of a place to dine. So RWS it was...

Mode of transportation to RWS? Many.

By car, by public buses, by sentosa express, cable car or even by shuttle bus at AMK/Bishan/Jurong East/Tampines/Tiong Bahru.

Upon arrival, the ground where you will first step into is known as Festiva Terrace.

(don't the roof look similar to the ones at Clarke Quay?)

At Festiva Terrace, you'll be mesmerized by how beautiful the Lake of Dreams can be especially when night falls.

Taking the resort guide, we discovered a shortcut to Hard Rock Hotel on the map but couldn't find it or rather it was a road block so we had to go by the longer way. At least we could explore more.

At Level 1 of The Forum, one can find F&B outlets like 'The Big Easy', 'Hard Rock Cafe', 'Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf', 'Brunette & Social House', 'Seventh Heaven', Asia Street Gourmet such as 'Baits' and Retail shops like 'The Oaks Cellar'.

behind this giant mirror lies a hidden entrance to the kitchen

Our journey continues as we passed by Universal Studio (still ever as crowded)

The Bull Ring which is situated in the heart of RWS has a shop that sells the most addictive popcorns - Garrett (worth trying!)

~
And then they have Hershey's. (my childhood favourite!)

Walking up the flight of steps of the Festiva Terrace, I was amazed by the statues and leaf-like poll lights.

Very tall statues of Adam & Eve.

This area links to 3 different locations - Galleria (which links to Festive Hotel), Crockfords Tower or Hotel Michael.

my fav. window display

As we are heading towards Hard Rock, we had to go by Galleria's route.
A row of luxury brands such as Bally, Bulgari, Canali, Chanel Watches, Chopard, Coach, Jimmy Choo, Omega, Eye-Spy, Damiani, Dunhill, Ralph Lauren, Rolex, Shanghai Tang, Victoria's Secret and many others are offered for customers and/or for in-house guests.

shortcut to the Casino located at B1

Love the interesting colorful lantern lights at the Lobby of Festive Hotel

This way to Starz Restaurant...

I like the concept of the see through gym but the only problem is its location (i sure don't wanna have passersby looking in while i'm doing my workout)

Comparing all the hotels, Hard Rock's design and concept is my favourite. Very classy indeed. With it's dim lighting playing a part, it made the whole atmosphere really cozy.

~
Overlooking the buffet line

I was too hungry to take every photo of the food but here are some..ohh so good!

the coffee ice cream was no joke. so different from the usual coffee ice cream at other buffets i've tried.

Hard Rock's poolside area

Goodbye Hard Rock...

(a minor construction going on there. building a passage way between Hard Rock and Festive Hotel)

Hello Festive Hotel (again) - 2nd tour with sis being our tour guide

exploring Hotel Michael

bell-shaped igloo

To B1, The Forum

~
more F&B outlets to savor your tastebuds

went to racee the function rooms/meeting rooms/ballroom

all the way down

"expensive looking" interior of the lift to the carpark

Part II: Birthday Cake & Birthday Surprises

Don't know what birthday cake to order? Try Guanaja by Rive Gauche!

A birthday full of surprises...

1st surprise on the day of graduation: by 8ight

'The Perfect Bag'

2nd surprise on my birthday: by colorbud, Bridget who came all the way to deliver a DIY frame and my fav. flower(:

3rd surprise: cubby trishie

A personal video, a jumper, a korean phrasebook with cd, and ss501 beachbag

~

~

4th surprise: by YOU♥

A black vest from Basic House and 'LOVE' DIY

To all who remembered and wished.

Thank you♥

2010-05-27T23:44:00.001+08:00

HAPPY 1ST OHH YOU PRETTY LIL' ONE!

♥XOXO

2010-05-27T22:41:00.009+08:00

Graduates of 2010

The 'TRM' gang

The loves (8ight)

The IS buddies

~
The lecturers who have guided us through the 3years

~

~

~

And those who have stood by me all these while...

~

This chapter has ended

These people I'll remember...

My next chapter?