Tuesday, 30 June 2009

Dinner @ CurryFavor Stamford House


Last night, I went out for the first time to town on my own, on public transport to meet my geography girlfriends :D I haven't seen them for donkey months it feels, the last i saw them was during the exams 7 weeks ago. Joce came to visit me with Macdonalds breakfast (ha ha ha, MacGriddles no less) a week ago though. :) :)

Geog Honors class is coming up with a calender to commemorate our 1 year as a class together, and the times we have spent. So everyone have become calender girls and boys. My group is doing 'Mirthful May' and we are discussing what to wear and what theme to adopt. I think it is so cool to have a class calender, and to be calender girls no less. HAHAHA. :) So yesterday i brought all sorts of Japan Vivi pictures to show them my beach + whimsical girls with lots of accessories photoshoot idea.

Soph was working dinner shift at CurryFavor yesterday so in order for a all of us get-together, i got the rest to dine there. The first time i went there, i didn't exactly like the food because it was not flavorful enough for me. I ordered some Half-sized beef curry stew in 'regular'; but it was not spicy enough. Their portions are huge so i am really glad they came up with half-sized portions for small eaters like me. This time, i ordered the half-sized Pork Katsu Curry rice (the recommended one) in 'spicy' and was completely blown away.

As someone who cannot live without sweet chili, this is my kind of thing. Flavorful curry that is made from scratch instead of using instant japanese curry mix. Most (or all other?) restaurants use instant japanese curry mix because it is hard to make Japanese curry from scratch, i read that it takes 5 hours to stew it with vegetables and potatoes and spices. Although i personally like Waraku's beef curry don and believe it to be the best i've ever tried, i think Curryfavor wins it hands down this time round. The stew is thicker and completely original because it is made from scratch, i like made-from-scratch stuff (: Feels homelier?

I didn't take pictures, this is from someone's blog but this is exactly how my half-sized Katsu curry look like, i think its the same dish!
Beside the curry which was really delicious, the pork cutlet was cooked tender and just right with a nice crispy coating of breadcrumbs, while the Calzone rice is a little sticky and shaped so cutely! It has a nice chewy texture too. The sides - pickles and crabmeat salad was really, really good too. YUM, now i have all sorts of craving to dine there again. My dish was only S$9.80 :)

Other famed dishes includes their tofu curry and mushroom curry but my favourite is still Katsu.

Oh yes, and i shopped a bit yesterday!

xoxo, principessa

Bon nouvelle!

Il n'est pas partir, il peux rester à Singapour un mois plus, mais il travaille à Hanoï maintenant. L'université française a laissé de longue durée pour un conférence à Juillet.


Saturday, 27 June 2009

The Dating Persona Test

The Priss

Deliberate Brutal Love Dreamer (DBLD)

The Priss


Mature. Responsible. Aristocratic. Excuse me. The Priss.

Prisses are the smartest of all female types. You’re highly perceptive, and confident in your judgements. You’d take brutal honesty over superficiality any time—your friends always know where they stand with you. You’re completely unfake. Don’t tell me that’s not a word. You’re also excellent at redirecting internal negative energy.

These facts indicate people are often intimidated by you. They also fall for you, hard. You have a distant, composed allure that many find irresistible. If only more of them lived up to your standards.

You were probably the last among your friends to have sex. And the first to pretend that you’re pregnant. LOL. Though you’re inclined to use sex as weapon, at least it’s not as one of mass destruction. You’re choosier than most about your partners. A supportive relationship is what you’re really after. Whether you know it or not, you need something steady & long-term. And soothing.


Verdict:
It is a pretty cool test and it is quite accurate. :) What do you think?

xoxo, principessa

Il est parti

Mon chéri, il est parti. Les jours dernier, je suis heureux être avec lui. Le temps est peu, mais c'est tres importante pour nous. Chaque fois nous rencontrons, il j'aime plus.

Je t'aime beaucoup.

Mille bisous,
principessa

Thursday, 25 June 2009

Thinking about chemistry

I am so confused.

And listening to an Air Supply song that i like doesn't help, it's so sad!
I missed their concert in Singapore because of my injury, that's sad but well.. life's like that. :(

"I would rather hurt myself than to ever make you cry
There's nothing left to say
But Goodbye

I don't want to let you down
I don't want to lead you on
I don't want to hold you back from where you belong"

He's back. Yes, for a few days. And making my mind so messed up. Completely messed up.
Resolve dissolves, stupidity creeps in. Heart racing, and so scared. Because he's going to leave again. I am not prepared to follow.

Some people will always remain friends no matter what happens, no matter how much time has past, no matter how hard he/she tries. And some, they can never be just friends with you because they incite too much feelings. Is this called chemistry? Chemistry is instant, you either hit it off or you don't. And he either goes to the 'friends only' pile, or the 'potential ____' pile, or the 'impossible for anything' pile.

xoxo, principessa


Tuesday, 23 June 2009

Bleeding love and barbie nails

Something happened for the first hour i am with you
My heart melted as if it found something true
And everyone's looking around thinking i am going crazy

But i don't care what they say
I'm in love with you

They try to pull me away but they don't know the truth
My heart's crippled by the vein that i keep on closing
You cut me open and I keep bleeding...
Keep keep bleeding love
.

I just love this song. I listened to it at least 5 times a day on US radio every single day when i was there. Constant exposure made it mandatory to either like it or hate it.


As there is nothing much to do at home (actually there are many many things), i've been painting my nails and doing many random things. I think i can go out already, i can walk without crutches now. Anyway so here are my barbie pink nails!!!



Yes, I am wearing something.. A teal dress


Some weeks ago before my injury, and feeling all inspired about home cooking for myself.
I made some healthy vegetable soup for lunch, and everyone loved it!

I should have taken the picture when the cabbage is still green but i had to take a call...and when i came back it's no longer green!!!! But it tastes really, really, really good. :) It is my lunch, a one pot settle all soup.

And when Joy and Anna visited me for the first time, they baked some very yummy healthy muffins with carrots, green apples and pumpkin seeds. I love it, it's better than the sugary ones outside that taste too buttery. Although i love sweet things, I am craving for my gfs' homemade healthy muffins instead.

Now, WHERE IS MY OVEN I NEED TO BAKE THESE!!!

It is not so sweet because most of the sugar is from the apples, and they have less oil so it taste more like steamed cakes than muffins, but i can seriously eat two or three of these at a go.

And lastly, these macaroons from Jasper which i talked about previously. I love this flavour.

xoxo, principessa

Monday, 22 June 2009

Online shopping madness!

When you have to miss the Great Singapore sale offline, you have to get into the action online. How can we miss this fabulous discount madness time?! Although the wares i have been getting my hands on are quite irrelevant to the GSS...

But, who cares right? ;) Shopping is shopping and it makes you H-A-P-P-Y.

Joy keep asking me to show her the new bikini i've bought from Korea. So here it is! YAY isn't it nice? :D

A picture of it worn by the model, in a different color and pattern, but in the exact same cutting, click on the picture for a better view. Too bad i'll never look as slim as her, but if we don't wear such pretty things now, we may not have a chance in future! So girls... just have fun, it's summer! :)


Beside the most adorable mint green polka bathers, i also bought this ruffled white shirt. Seems like it could be worn for work in future. If only i am as daring to pair it off with a floral skirt like that, i realise my clothing silhouettes are quite boring, i should try out more things such as this one below. Hmmm, first i'll need a floral skirt and a cute waist belt..



And these casual open-toe flats with a cute tie-back! I love simple and comfy shoes. Which means i practically live in ballet flats and strapped open-toes. I think i should be more adventurous with shoes too, why am i so boring?

All the stuff i bought are from Korea by the way. Authentic Korean :) They're not very cheap but more affordable than the direct korean imports in Far East Plaza. I love Korean quality and their adorable cutting.

Heh, and i also bought these ivory rose earrings which are quite intricately made. There's one in coral too and it's really sweet, but i thought this could be worn to the office. Argh i really should be more exciting, i'm always so safe..


So i kind of spent quite a bit yesterday online.. but i'm happy and hope the clothing fits me well.

Some weeks ago, i bought a rhinestone embellished earphone (yes, also from Korea).



Hope the stuff comes soon!! :D
xoxo, principessa

Saturday, 20 June 2009

Saxaphone version of a favourite song of mine



She is really, really impressive. This Japanese lady is pretty and so good with the saxaphone.

xoxo, principessa

Wednesday, 17 June 2009

French Macarons

Thanks to Jasper, who is really sweet to visit me with lunch yesterday,
and gift me with a box of macarons from Artisan Sweets ! :)




I love macarons, good ones taste like love at first bite. They are delightfully sweet and it leaves you wanting for more. These ones are wonderfully crispy and chewy with creamy inner filling that is soft and smooth at the same time. Filled with rich chocolate, french cream, sweet butter and more, depending on the flavour.

It seems like there is a surprise in every flavour too. I had one with dark chocolate and a krispy chocolate ball, one with french cream and a pretty berry filling. My favourites are those with a chocolate filling but the cream ones are really really nice too. YUM :)




These pictures are from their website of my favourite macarons! Rose Petal (rose cream), Chocochip (Valrhona chip + cream), Black Forest (70% Chocolate + cherry) and Berry Chocolate (70% Chocolate + Berry). I didn't try everything of course, only 3 of them but i know i will like Berry Chocolate just from its description!

Beautiful things make me so happy. I think it is hard to get good macarons in Singapore and so far, these are the best i have tried. These look and taste really exquisite. :)

For my dessert tea party in future, imagine..

Heh, too pretty to be eaten!!!

But don't say i didn't warn you.

xoxo, principessa

Saturday, 13 June 2009

Pictures of Perth

My trip to Perth is full of surprises. I've been told that it is a boring place and I was mentally prepared to see less sights and enjoy time with the girls instead but i was so wrong! Perth is exciting in its own laidback way.

People are friendly, traffic is non-aggressive. The natural sights and beaches are the best part of Perth. My only gripe? The ultra-harsh sun made worst by the cloudless skies but gives pictures such a contrasting shade of blue.

Welcome to Perth City!

99cents cupcake - it is so cheap! But too sweet.This is my late-morning snack.

London Court Shopping Area
The inscription is so meaningful
Lunch @ their almost non-existent Chinatown
Vietnamese Pho with Beef - i like!

Swan Bells and Perth City


Dinner by the Lins siblings
Roasted Lamb and Yams, Avacado Salad, Mushroom Soup all made from scratch! And apple crumble dessert with ice cream

We stayed at Deb's house the whole time we were in Perth, and it was the best part of the trip to be altogether. Deb's family is really hospitable and kind to us throughout. They have a very warm close-knitted family it feels like a real home :)


Trip to Fremantle + Fish @ Chips!

Fremantle is one of those places where you can chill out with a beer and fish @ chips (though i do not drink beer, i hate it), enjoy a lovely breeze in the shade (because Australian sun is no joke, it burns. Very harshly) and watch fishing boats go pass. You could prepare a picnic on the grass, or walk to the Fremantle markets to buy nougats, coffee beans and nuts.


A common bird there, besides frightful seagulls

Shopping at Fremantle Market

Morish Nuts from Perth is so good. Caramel coated nuts that are so addictive, just like popcorns.
We bought ALOT back.


Fish @ Chips Lunch

Fremantle Beach

A shop called 'Cake Soap' that makes pretty cakes of soap that are so realistic and intricate. They look good enough to eat but i'll not want to use them. How can you bear to!

Jolly is mad. This train track is a functioning one used regularly





2D2N Farm Stay + Margaret River Visit

It takes 3 hrs to drive from Deb's house to the farm and it was my first time experiencing a country road drive at night. We set off at about 6pm and it was dark, no lights except for the car's on the quiet deserted roads. We were expecting kangeroos or road kills but thankfully (must be Jolly's fervent prayer) that we met no kangeroos and i haven't seen any road kills!

Just about a week ago, Deb's bf car got hit by a kangeroo and it was baaaaad. Can be really dangeroos because wild kangeroos are huge and hop really fast.

Road trip to Deb's Farm + Woodfired Pizza Dinner at a Travern

Chunks of really good meat and cheese. I never had such a fulfilling pizza, Pizza Hut is really just blah compared to this! It was sooo good. We were too hungry (FAMISHED) and i could only take a quick (blur) snap before quickly gobbling some food. So hungry!! Partly because we waited for maybe half an hour for it? They burnt our pizza and made a new one for us.

Relaxing at the backseat while Deb drives on

This is a tough job, opening the farm gates in the dark of the night where snakes and kangeroos lurk, thanks to Anna and Jolly!

We sat by the fireplace at night to dry our hair, and talk about boys and relationships.
It was so fun :) I missed you girls!!


Scenery during sunrise - Tres Belle Vue!!! (Very beautiful view)


Breakfast - Beef & Mushroom Porridge + Lots of Green peppers made by Jolly

We have crumpets and toast the next morning, no pictures though -pity!! Crumpets is also something new i've never tried before, they sort of taste like mix of a pancake and kueh. I love to toast them and have them with butter + honey, or butter + jam. Why can't they have it in Singapore though?

Exploring the farm and pictures!


Those are young macademia trees in a distance



Margaret River (1) - Cheese, Fudge, Nuts and chocolate factory

After much cheese tasting, i have concluded that blue cheese are not my kind of thing. I love Camberet Cheese though, they are creamy and just right, and light cheeses with some flavour.

Fudge are not my thing either, they are too sweet! Give me dark chocolate anytime..

Make your own museli! How ingenious. I'll love to mix my own breakfast cereals


Chocolate Factory - not too fantastic



Lunch @ Woody Nook

The ambience is perfect for a lunch date, the food is fresh and tasty. I haven't been exposed to much higher end European cuisine, it is my first time tasting some of the food. We ordered a tasting platter for two and a salad, with fudgey we bought at the factory for dessert.

I have concluded that cheese and fresh greens are the mains in European food!! And some wine of course..

The cheese, fudge and chocolate tasting earlier left us so full!



A visit to a large winery and pictures





Sand, sun, sea and bathers @ a secluded beach

This is a highlight of our trip, WA's beaches are one of the most beautiful and cleanest I have seen! The water is so clear and refreshing and although it is cold in Autumn, the sun keeps us warm.

We took so many pictures it was crazy!!!


Slapping on copious amounts of sunblock


Wenny's specially cooked Dinner - Teriyaki Chicken Pasta + Stir fried Veggies

Yea, i don't often cook for others, much less a full meal! So the girls are my first special dinner guests, i'm glad they love the food! We cooked so much, 6 organic chicken thigh, 1 brocooli and half a cauliflower for 4 girls.


And Jolly's homemade Corn Soup - it was soooo good!


Comfy bunk beds with electric blankets - so cosy! The nights are really cold but the sky is completely lit with stars it is surreal. I'll say, if you miss the country area of WA, you're missing out a whole lot of WA!

Perth City is really not the best part of Perth, try a farm stay if possible :)


Clear blue skies with wispy clouds - what a perfect day!




A visit around Margaret River (2) - Ice cream and picnic lunch

Fall is here, can you see it?

What makes everyone happy?

ICE CREAM! From G-spot ice cream

Wildberry sorbet for Jolly, Mint Choc Chip for Deb, Butterscotch for Anna, and Rum & Raisin (i will love it much more if there's cookie dough) for me. You know, it is somehow accurate in representing our personalities that day. I usually choose dark chocolate, cookie dough or rum & raisin. :)

Picnic lunch at Harvey Dam

The lovely podium and area under the shade is fab for our picnic. Moreover there is nobody there and Deb did a rendition of Shakespeare's most widely quoted verse

D: "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players'

And I'll say.. 'Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?'

A morning walk through King's Park



A visit to the UWA Campus and Lunch


Pide with chicken, beef and lamb. They taste like Arabian Pizza with the soft chewy dough and spicy filling. I love it though it is a tad too oily - but oh so good! YUM. Where can we find it in Singapore? This is Turkish food.


The flaky Turkish dessert does not fail us either, made of layers of pastry and syrupy honey like goodness. Certainly made for sharing. Thou shalt try new food, be adventurous!


With a view like that to de-stress at the UWA campus, it is impossible to feel stressed, how can NUS compare? I think we will produce better students if our weather is less humid less hot and has views like that!!


Black swans along the Swan River
Beautiful arches of the campus - i feel like a student in this outfit
I belong here!!



Shopping at Leederville

A quiet shopping suburb with quirky boutiques and many hangout spots - i like this more than downtown Perth! Anna is the only one who shopped mainly. I wasn't so interested in the clothes here because the Autumn/Winter collection is not my kind of thing. I love Spring/Summer.

But Deb and I took pictures while waiting


Dinner by Deb - Lamb Stew :)



A visit to the Pinnacles, wildlife park and sand dunes

We paid for a one day Pinnacles + Cavensham Wildlife Park + Sand dune adventure + Picnic Lunch package that costs about 168AUD because koalas, kangeroos, wombats and the pinnacles cannot be missed or you'll feel like you haven't been to Australia. Luckily for that, we travelled in comfort in a nicely air-conditioned bus instead of having to drive 5 hours (and maybe more) in the hot sun just to see some over-raved stones. A package tour is most worth it, quick and easy, just eat sleep and see! :)

I will never do this in the city though, one day is enough. Tours make one lazy and passive, but once in a while it is good! Moreover, we have an overnight flight to Sydney at midnight.

Soft soft fur of koalas, they look really cute and huggable :)

I love this picture :D It is so carefree and beautifully composed.


At the Sand dunes

The sand here is soft and cool because the sun is setting. At first, i was so irritated with the sand entering my shoes and it weighs my foot down when i walk. So i took them off and ran around the sand, it was so fun, wheeee!!!! *anna style*

We had to wax our sand-boards so that it is easier to slide down. It was fun but i was so busy enjoying the feel of the sand on my feet and taking pictures of everything, to truly have a substantial sand-boarding experience. It lasted for only 15 minutes? Pity, that's what i hate about tours - time limits!

See how happy Anna is!

We also went for a 4-wheel drive adventure where we have to put on the seat belts and the driver will drive up and down huge sand dunes. It wasn't as scary as it looks but it was sure STEEP!! It's like you can't see anything in front and the vehicle is tilted so precariously, it was fun though!

Lovely sunset at the dunes


Ciao Italia!


Best Italian food i've ever ever tasted.. i will fly to Perth for it :)
With this, we end our travel in Perth. I'll post pictures of Sydney when i have the time :)

CIAO!
xoxo, principessa