Conclusion to the Year 2009

We are now in the last hours of 2009. Some of us would be reflecting on the year, some would look forward to the new year. While others unfortunately are not able to do any of those.

On a cab ride home on 30th December 2009, on the expressway home, alone there was 2 accidents diagonally across each other. It has then occurred to me that the family members/loved ones might have planned a splendid party for the New Year!?

It was a pretty disheartening sight as one of the accident was fatal. That was like a bad ending. May the family come to peace with this tragic end and the victim - rest your soul.

Now on a lighter note, 2009 was indeed a crap year for every level! Global Warming isn't helping anyone of us. An increase in everything else (THAT does not include our pay!!) didn't help either. Why not take this last day of the year and cast away of the unluckiness? I know I would be doing that for sure. :)

2009 not only brought some of us pain and sorrow, whilst others had a tremendous year of happiness BUT most importantly, if you are reading this little post - you have made it!! You are alive!! Whatever bad luck, pain and hurt it will and shall be left in 2009.

With some enthusiasm, we shall all embrace 2010 with the hope that we will be able to realise our dreams! Regardless big or small.

I personally would like more work done towards saving the environment - people, please reuse, recycle and reduce. It is really important, though it requires a little extra effort but I am sure we want to have a planet earth for as long as your kids have great great grand children. :)

Wishing you a safe year ahead and may 2010 be way better than 2009. For those who loves the lottery - HUAT ah!

Solemnization of Shervin Sim And Arica Sin

29th December 2009 is a special date for this lovely couple. They are my secondary school mates, its funny how things or I should say love sparkle. :)

Shervin & Arica

Who would have thought they would tie the knot after 10 years of not having crossed each other's part and cupid decided one day to pull this pair together.

It was a simple affair with close friends and relatives. I do not have much photos to show but I must say its a sweet sweet affair.

Below are the photos I have taken of myself and the wedding favours!

All Dolled Up for the Wedding

Shopping Bag !! In PINK!

Candies with "Double Happiness"

Painted my Nails GOLD to match my accessories

Maybe I should somehow next time have a simple affair too. :)

*Verdict* Nutella Cupcakes

The Nutella Cupcakes were a HIT!! Though I personally think that I could have added more Nutella.

Because I promised my team of nail technicians that I will bring them some cupcakes. I am going to make another batch and bring it for them!

In 3 days time, we would be ushering in 2010. New hopes, new goals!!

Let us all have a great time and take on 2010 with enthusiasm!

Nutella Cupcakes & Chocolate Mousse

This post marks the last day of baking for Christmas!!

I created this Nutella Cupcake for my special someone but sad to say, he won't be able to try it ever. *sigh* its another story altogether. But let's not damper the spirit of baking during this festive time !!

How I came about this was his liking of Nutella and hence, I used the basic cupcake recipe and stirred in 1Tspn of Nutella into each individual cupcakes. The results - Yet to know as I have not tasted it myself.

Lookwise, its like a pocket size of marble cake. I will do a follow up post when I finally sink my teeth into it.

An earlier post featured chocolate mousse that I had to try out for a Christmas Party that I am attending on 25th December. I made 10 pudding cup size. I added melted chocolate to the base of the container. ( It is not visible from the picture though)

These gorgeous babies are now sitting pretty in the fridge and would be savoured at the party in the evening!

I wish one and all a Happy Christmas and a may the new year bring you good health and new hopes!

Double Chocolate Cookie

This would be the last few post I would do for the year 2009. These 2 months has seen me writing a blog again after 3 years of hiatus.

Now that I am back, I will make 2010 a year to document done the food that I make, places that I dine at. Do more reviews (hopefully one day someone will notice it again and decide to sponsor me somehow. LOL) Nuffnang did not exist when I was mad diving and blogging religiously. *hint hint*

I made these yummy cookies - double chocolate because there's cocoa powder and PLENTY of chocolate chips. Almost overdose if you ask me. ;)

Similar with the Oatmeal cookies, it was quick and simple to make. Not much fuss just the cleaning up part require a wee bit of effort to tidy the place up. LOL - that's why we have kitchen assisitant. Though in this situation, the kitchen assistant double up as the baker too. FML.

End results is always how I like it (Nothing close to Famous Amos ones though) But I am sure my girlfriend and her family are loving them. They love whatever I bake. :) Bless them!

For all of you out there (whoever you are and wherever you are) have a blessed Christmas and let us all work together for a green environment and reducing our carbon foot print.

Something Girly!

2 things today to talk about.. :)

First, I got myself a head band. Its hot this season, especially if the head band has some kind of accessory on it. Having searched around for some time, I have finally settled on this pink butterfly motif. Its small yet simple :) That's how I like it.

Alongside I got my nails painted to a shade of hot pink!! My manicurist selected the colour as I can never decide what shade to have and is hardly adventurous. Left the fate of my nails to her and ta da - she painted them a shade of HOT PINK!!! I prefer hot pink over pastels but I have never ever imagined that I would ever have my nails in such a colour shade.

I love it!! HAHAHAHA.. posted a picture of it on Facebook and my friends commented that I'm going ga ga over PINK!! Like since when - they asked.

But hey, it makes me happy and that's what matters!! :) The best part, the nails and the headband matches! I am wearing these 2 items for a BBQ on 25th December!! You bet that I would be in a PINK top too!

I think I will be the PINKEST person at the BBQ!! *Happy*

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

This is my first try at making Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies. The receipe did not call for any chocolate chips.. but I added them anyways because EVERYONE loves chocolate chips!!

Cookies in the oven

It took me from the begining till end a total of 50 minutes!! How easy is it to make these cookies? Just 20 minutes in the oven (depends on individual ovens) and ta da.... Cookies are done!

Cookies are ready!!

Leaving the cookies till its cool to touch. (That's about a good 20 minutes) I packed them up into plastic containers to be given away to my best friend for Christmas!!

Packed away in a plastic container

Stay tuned for the next post!! I'm going to make a ALL time favourite - Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Sick Before Christmas

Its just a couple more days to Christmas!!! And I'm sick. HOW the hell did that happened!?

I have no idea how I got myself with a blocked nose and also aching body! I hate it.

I need to get well before Christmas Eve, have been drinking so much water I am literally parking myself on the throne! Well on the plus side - at least I'm not craving for food ALL the time!!

Well wish me luck on getting well instantly!

Christmas Fruit Cake

I was never a fan of fruit cake for as long as I can remember. Sometime in 2005, a colleague made some and brought it work and shared it with us. I tasted it and was immediately a convert to her Fruit Cake.

Her version taste so good!! Its moist and packed with dried fruits and it does not have that overwhelming taste. And I love how moist the cake is, then the truth got revealed. The cake is steamed rather than bake!! Which explains the moistness of the cake that a regular fruit cake not have.

Since then, I have made fruit cake this way. Steamed to perfect moistness. I have shared them with friends but do not remember if they enjoy it as much as I do.

Now the cake is packed up in a box ready to be savoured by hopefully a group of new converts!

Reflecting

I was reading my older blog and realised something. My style of writing has changed. I don't find myself writing more interestingly as before.

What happened? Did I lost my mojo? Have I lost my direction? Something must be desperately wrong somewhere? Or could it be there isn't anything more interesting happening in my life?

Is this a sign of aging ALONE? What's up??

So RESOLUTION for 2010 :-

Number 1: Spice my life up a notch!

And here I leave you with something I liked ( Oh.. Its definitely better than "Tomorrow is Another Day")

Luck is when Opportunities Meets Preparations.

6 More days to Christmas!! :D

Chocolate Mousse

Christmas is round the corner (7 days to be precise). I have and started making Christmas goodies!! I love to make all things chocolate. :) Not that I like chocolates BUT my boyfriend and friends love it!

And so today I made my 1st Christmas Party MUST HAVE item - Chocolate Mousse.

This version that I make was taken off a magazine that I read about 4 years ago. :) I made it once with a little twist and it has since then became a hit with friends!

Quality of the ingredients used is VERY important. That is what I feel. If the ingredients aren't good enough it might not be mamamia!!! LOL....

So this week, I will showcase my series of chocolate work of art. It is nothing fancy but pictures do speak a thousand words. Chocolate mousse in a plastic container doesn't do it justice. I will upload a better picture when I make it again for the BBQ on 25th Dec!!

Stay tune for more mouth watering chocolate goodies. Let's countdown to Christmas !!!

Display and layout of Blog

If you have read enough blogs, you would have noticed that most of them are designed with gorgeous lay out and pictures to boost the site.

Well if you could see mine, it is not something that I would say I am proud of BUT I am always trying to improve and trying to make the blog layout prettier (some way) and also more pleasing to the eyes of readers (IF there are some or ONE out there).

I am no IT genius but with the help of Blogspot tutorial, I have actually manged to insert my twitter updates on the blog. Due to some recent hiccups, the tweets that are shown are everyone else's BUT mine. So I have to have it removed until it gets resolved and I will have to try and pimp the blog up a little.

There is one more item that I would really like to add on the blog is a feature photo. Why not? Twitter was invented /started to have bite size status updates. Why not have a photo update whenever you want? Since its like almost everyone else has a camera phone these days! Tell me this is not a good idea ;)

So if any kind souls out there could work something out like that, please do so and share it with the world!! This could not only make you rich but also famous!! Then you can thank me for giving you such a brilliant idea.

For Technology.

Malacca 12 Dec 2009

Right so, we made a trip to Malacca. My last time there was about 4 years ago. If you asked me what is there to see or do. I can't tell you really. :) Its a small town with much to see if you have the time to spare.

But us being Singaporeans, malls seem to be on the MUST see place. Malacca City is a world heritage site since July 2008. So I suppose with this, the volume of tourist there has increased tremendously and of course tagging on the recent telecast of Little Nonya ( which is a little over the top and also at least a year ago) fever , the place has suddenly seem to show case more of the Pernarakan Culture.

We arrived at about 3pm to Malacca, bad traffic at the causeway of Singapore and Johore was the cause of our delay. But we ain't complaining as we weren't in no hurry but holding on to our pee is no fun!

This is also the first time that we have drove to Malacca in many years, the streets are much cleaner now and road signs are much more friendlier too. Thank goodness for it, otherwise, we could be going round and round without a clue.

We were hungry when we arrived into Malacca City. We have set off at 730am and searching for a sensible parking spot was rocket science. We were very lucky to chance upon a public parking area that also has "security" people watching the cars for you! Charged @ 2RM parking till 2am! Its a steal!

Lunch was the famous Chicken Rice Ball from Hoe Kee. The rice balls were the size of a fishball.

The restuarant has a queue waiting time average of 20 minutes. The line outside this place isn't fast moving but surely it does not seem to stop people for waiting in the sun to sink their teeth into this famous Chicken Rice Ball Shop.

We stood in line for less than 10 mins. Ordered 1 whole bird and we were allocated the number of rice balls. :) and a serving of loose rice. Apparently, the shop also serve curry fish head but the star is definitely the chicken rice.

I must say, it is nothing to wow about. Chicken Rice in Singapore definitely taste much better. Not being judgemental here but the taste of the Malacca Chicken Rice Balls lacks something. Oh.. and its a tad too oily for my liking. Sometimes I feel like I'm drinking a small dosage of sesame oil with Chicken.

The plus point? It has a pretty interior. The weird bit, they serve you styrofoam plates to eat on and metal cutlery. Cute.

Bangers N Mash

This is something that I enjoy cooking and eating.

Firstly, its potatoes mashed up with salt, butter, milk and black pepper. Sausages grilled or pan seared to juiciness - yummy! I mean who wouldn't enjoy a good sausage? (Sorry Vegans or Vegetarians out there). Topped with gravy laden with sliced onions - Sweetness of the onions in a velvety pool of savoury goodness.

Following are some photos of my process of making this delicious comfort food.

The Sausages!!!!

The Gravy

Potatos Boiling in Pot of Salted Water

Sliced White Onions - Loads of it.


Assembled Delicious

Man, after this post I am feeling hungry already! LOL...

My New Mobile Phone

This is a little over due. But nevertheless, I still have to write about this little machine that I love.

What's that to love about you might ask? For a person like me who is always on the move, keeping in touch with friends via MSN/Facebook or emailing is a big plus. (Not forgetting about Twitter!!) Weighing at 134gm, I can do all the above and what's more? I love is that I can connect with my friends overseas who also have a Blackberry.

This must be a much sort after phone as I had to wait for 1 month before I can lay my hands on this sexy machine (in my opinion). I love the track ball it makes everything else seem effortless.

My Happiness In A Box

With this machine, I have been praised that I reply my emails quicker and more contactable. LOL. Sounds as though I am a technology idiot aren't I?

Nah, I love my toys. Though I might be a little slow at being updated with the latest software BUT eye candy is always welcome. And tell me who does not like owning something new and shiny every once in a while? :)

If Research In Motion (RIM) is reading this post, please send me another blackberry to try out :) I love it! Also, if RIM could possibly grant my Christmas wish =) Please come up with a better battery life for all your models.

I can't charge the phone like 3 times a day. I need a trusty battery to match the macho mobile phone.

NB: I've been good all year so kindly do me this favour. Thank you.

Fruit Paradise - Fruit Tart Shop

Attracted by the colourful display of the variety of tarts offered.

One cannot resist but want to try EVERYTHING on display. Of course having the eyes bigger than the belly, it is impossible to do it all at once.

So today, my third visit to this attractive tart shop, I can finally sink my teeth into the absolutely bright contrast Grapefruit and Orange Tart. The lightness of the fresh cream and cream cheese base, a delight! Combined with fresh fruits, I won't mind having a 2nd slice BUT the waistline of my skinny jeans is screaming for room to breathe!

Fruit Paradise has a dine-in special. For every slice of tart that you order, a pot of blended tea is

going for $4.00 per pot.


Oh... I forgot to mention. :) Price range for a slice of the fruit tart starts from S$7.80 to S$8.30. The whole tart requires 2 days advance booking and would cost range from S$75.00 to S$80.00.

Fruit Tarts ranging from Blueberry to Mix Fruits Tarts, Banana Caramel to the all time favourite of Strawberry Tart.

Matched with either cream base/special cheese base and chocolate mousse base. Its a tart wonderland if I may say so.

Some do not like the fresh cream but I assure you that the cream used in these tart are so light and airy that you can finish the entire tart when they are put in front of you. The gorgeous presentation of the tarts are so pleasing to the eyes too!

Picture posted above is just evidence! :)

Well if you have the chance to visit Fruit Paradise at either Raffles City Basement 1 or Orchard Central Level 5.

Be warned though - On the weekends, Fruit Paradise is packed! Be prepared to wait before you get a seat. :)

Unpleasent Experience At Nolboo Hangari Galbi‏

This happened just last week at Nolboo Hangari Galbi located at Orchard Central on the 8th level.

This Korean eatery serves BBQ meat marinated in traditional sauce and grilled at your table for a authentic dining experience. Food served at the restuarant was of a pleasing portion. Wait staff were courteous but due to peak dining hours, they were a little slow BUT they have not forgotten our request or orders. It took them just a little longer to come back to us but it did not bother me much as they did their service with a smile.

Service Industry has this rule of thumb. Regardless what the situation might be, a smile will always make the situation slighty more bearable. I fully adhere to this.

What made me have second thoughts about returning to this place and recommending it to friends was the store manager on duty when we dined at Nolboo Hangari Galbi.

We were presented with our dinner bill in the midst of our meal when it was not asked. I was in awe when the manager himself presented the bill announcing that he has to close our bill because there is a reservation at the entrance waiting for this table. Could you believe it? The manager himself came to our table and announce, yes announced. He did not even asked if it is was alright for him to give us the bill as there are reservations for the table waitng at the entrance.

I supposed we did play it cool. We paid for the bill BUT I had the manager returned to our table to be questioned. :) I absolutely loved the reply he gave when the only question I asked was: Why was the bill given to us when we did not asked for it?

I was showered with explaination of the restuarant's turn over time for dining and information running a business.

Did not gave him a chance to explain further as I do not think any of whatever crap he said concerned my question of having the bill presented without being asked. He could not answer me either when I questioned if he was indirectly asking us to leave. Makes me wonder how he managed to get the to the position of a Manager in a service industry.

Now tell me is he stupid or rude or both? I'll go with both stupidity and rudeness. :)

What supposed to be a celebratory dinner for a birthday ended rather disturbing.

I loved the food, honestly I did. But the person who supposedly to be running the show and should have the highest level of tolerance and CUSTOMER SERVICE prompted a wake up call to question oneself if I should be paying for such service when they automatically induce a 10% service charge.

NB: By the way, the complimentry dessert did not help in any slightest way.

Frikadellen - German Traditional Meatballs

The boyfriend made this for dinner. It was my first time having it. Enjoyed it thoroughly as it was made with love.

1000 Awesome Things

Someone gave me this link one day when I was feeling bored. I think its an inspiring website.

1000 awesome things in life. Its only up to its 600odd.. so do check it out when you can.

It sometimes make me feel that life is great and more appreciative about smaller things in life.


http://www.1000awesomethings.com/

Enjoy the read!

Concert Classique - Maksim

Maksim - A Croatian pianist who made "Flight Of The Bumble Bee" appealing to Gen Y.

I watched this amazing pianist played 3 times now and my latest was on 18th November 2009.

Acoustic. Amazing. This concert showcased what a talent he was (not that I don't already know). It was just him and the grand piano.

Each key stroke could be heard so clear. What can I say, it was marvelous.

I hope Maksim would come back again soon for another amazing performance. He can skip Japan or Hong Kong for once. :)

Sashimi

I enjoy Japanese cuisine. Well Sashimi is part of the Japanese Food Culture, I must say for some it is something that require some getting used to. But for others, its an instant hit!

Being in Singapore, access to great food from around the region is simply a stone throw away. Japanese and Korean Cuisine has taken over Singapore like a heat wave. So when you crave for either some Tonkatsu or Bimbibap you are bound to find it just round the corner or at the other end of the street.

We might not be a big country but I have to say we do have access to the food from around the world.

Sweet N Sour Pork

I grew up in a Cantonese household. Sweet N Sour Pork is something that my grandmother would whip up whenever we have a gathering. Be it for a birthday celebration or Chinese New Year, this dish will definitely have a spot on the menu.

Well as the years go by, culinary skills improve (along many kitchen disaster), I have and I think perfected a version that maintains the taste of the meat and sauce.

Take a look at the ingredients:

The Raw Ingredients

Pork coated in flour

Pork Sizzling in Hot Oil

Crispy Pork

The Sauce with all the Vegetables

Sweet N Sour Pork - wholesome goodness

I hope the photos speaks for itself, of course it is delicious :)

NB: If you like to have a copy of this recipe, please email me at joannes.sim@gmail.com

Simplicity in a Bowl

I love fried rice. Be it the Chinese / Malay or Indian version of it. I love the simplicity of it. No frills. Just put everything you can find in your refrigerator and into the wok and stir up a storm!

Some genius must have came up with this and now has the whole world repeating his (or her) creation and for many many decades.

Here I have my very own version. Made with simple and store cupboard ready ingredients.

Frozen Mixed Vegetables

Beaten Eggs (I used 5 of them) *loves*

Chinese Sausage (Lup Cheong)

Cooked Rice

Woking Up!

Magic in a Bowl!

So if you are looking for something to wok up on a lazy Sunday (maybe not) Fried Rice is a simple fuss free one dish meal. It is a dish suitable for all ages.

NB: If you want a recipe for this, drop me an email at joannes.sim@gmail.com