Jasmine Chia

Verifying your Australia visa validity? Here is how...

2015-08-23T15:12:00.001+08:00

My oversea holiday plan has been like on a dry spell until lately, H told me that we need to make a short trip to the land of Oz. So I had to apply for an Australian subclass 601-T tourist visa. This application can be done online and it's easy. On the other hand, I also understand that applying for it will cost me AUD20 per person and seeing how expensive MYR to any global currencies, I decided to google for cheaper alternative.

Finally I ended up using the service from EasyETA, it cost about USD9.95 (at the time of application) and save about AUD8~ per applicant using this service. My application was submitted on a Thursday night at about 11:34PM by the next morning, Friday 7AM my approved visa is already sitting in my mailbox. It's really quite a breeze and all done in less than 12hours!

I was excited but not for long. Seeing that I only received an email with my approved visa in the form of text, not even a PDF file or Australia immigration logo, I became uneasy. In my email, it's even noted as below but that doesn't give me a peace in mind and it just feels too sloppy:

An ETA confirmation email is equivalent to a visa, as there is no stamp or label in your passport and no further need to visit an Australian diplomatic office. Your ETA visa is electronically linked to your passport number.

It's like asking me to have faith in a stranger and you know how our parents always taught us never to trust a stranger. The day of my departure and I get kicked out of my plane, I will be super piss and I can't blame anyone but myself for falling into some sort of stupid scam. Then I started to think, how do I know whether my visa is valid? Rather than waiting to be kicked off the plane, is there any way for me to verify and correct the situation if I really fell for one? There are many scams out there, how can this service be cheaper than the one offered by the Australia Immigration?

So I started to look for ways to verify the validity of my visa and what better way to check other than the Australia immigration website, right?

I click on Check an ETA and came to an input screen with the below:

I don't have a reference number and have no idea where to find one. I entered all possible numbers that I can find from the email I received from EasyETA but to no avail. I became worried, have I been scammed? I've been such a internet savvy person, there is no way I can't sniff a scam. I even google using the keywords like "EasyETA + scam". Thank goodness, I manage to read reviews saying that it's legit but that doesn't mean I can let it go. Surely there is a way to prove that my visa is valid from the Australia immigration, right?

Then I read some where that the only way to know if your ETA is legit is by attempting to apply for one and I did just that. When through all the hassle, keying in the necessary information all over again and right before payment is being made, the system did a verification and notified me with a screen like below:

To cut the story short, there is no direct way to find out your visa validity except you go through with the Australia's immigration system like applying for a new one.

The following are the links I used:

EasyETA

Electronic Travel Authority

I found another cheaper options for visa application (only MYR20!!!) but I have not used it before and can't comment about it's validity. If you have, let me know your thoughts. I may try it the next time I need to apply for visa.

Australia Visa

Cheers!

Riding on a train

2015-08-11T08:28:00.000+08:00

Life is unpredictable.

People come and go.

It is akin to us riding on a train and you have different passengers taking the ride with you. The ride can be long and lonely, it can also be short and interesting and some can be meaningful but none know when they will get off the train. When they arrived at their stop, they will get off the train and not all with a proper goodbye. Some may slip pass you, some may get a chance to say a proper goodbye and with some luck, some can delay getting down the train. Whatever it is, none of these farewell is easy.

While not having a chance to a proper farewell may be something that is beyond our control, appreciating people who are near and dear to us is something within our reach. Rather than living in regret later, why do we procrastinate to treat people around us better? When a family gather together, why do you choose to close up in a corner? Is the show on the iPad more interesting than finding out your kids' daily adventure? I can go on with my list but I think you get what I mean.

Treasure each and every moment with your love ones. You will never know who will be getting down on the next stop and once you missed it, you will not have another chance to take the ride with them again.

Lastly, drop the phone.

The kaya bread effect

2015-07-03T17:52:00.001+08:00

We were really lucky this morning, we found a parking spot directly opposite the entrance as soon as we got here. While others had to park and walk a good 5 minutes or more under the hot 32C blazing morning sun. I hasten my steps and led my small group of hungry eaters to our breakfast spot.

The entrance is lined with makeshift stalls. Each selling assorted items from food to daily ware. A stall caught the corner of my eye. A man pull out a soy sauce chicken from one of the pots he is selling. Then Ron whispered in my ear, "Pots and pans, all your favourite." I have no idea why I'm so drawn to the dish since I'm usually not a fan of meat dishes, so it has to be the kitchen ware. All carefully placed to draw attention from the passerby, hoping one of these can whop in a few sales for the day.

I trod lightly to Ah Weng Koh Hainan Tea (阿荣哥海南茶档), the reason I woke up at 7:30am on a weekend, trying to keep from getting soaked with unknown water source leaked on the floor of the wet market.

A lady thrust three stainless steel mugs on our table. It is our half boiled eggs using traditional cock motif bowl as makeshift cover.

This simple breakfast consisting of toasted bread and kaya evokes a surge of vivid memories from my childhood each time. This is not just a meal for the body but also food for the soul.

A cup of steaming, rich and comforting Hainanese coffee (海南咖啡) to awake the senses.

This place may appear to be seemingly untouched by time but time waits for no man. The surrounding buildings have been pulverized to make way for new development.

Ah Weng Koh Hainan Tea (阿蓉哥海南茶档) // Imbi Market (Pasar Baru Bukit Bintang) Jalan Melati, Kuala Lumpur

Macaron inspired products

2015-06-26T00:37:00.001+08:00

Whether is it pink, yellow, green or blue, it's undeniable that the colours of macaron can easily capture the hearts of all girls. Every once in a while we like to reward ourselves with sweet desserts but this delicate French confectionery can be damaging to our waistline. While we may not be able to enjoy this on a daily basis, yet we can still indulge in some macaron inspired products.

Mini makeup case

Macarons mini makeup case
Image: Nightingale Collection

So kawaii and they come in 5 different colours. One for each day to delight our moods.
Image: Nightingale Collection

This makeup case is small, versatile and light. You can either use it to store your makeup or stationery. They come in 5 different colours, grab all colours, you will be guarantee your day will be sweet as candy.
Source

Hair treatment

Even the bottles are all in very tasty looking macaron colours.
Image: Milbon

When you're not in the mood, you will indulge yourself with some little treats or a day in spa. Why not indulge your hair too?

We subject our hair to all kind of harsh treatment everyday. There are many ways we can do damage to our hair ranging from colouring, perming and blow drying (Oppss... that sounded just like me). In the end your crowning glory will suffer and turn brittle and dry. So what's our hair version of little treat or spa?

Of late, my hair has been looking rather tired from the endless chemical laden treatment. So I did a Inphenom hair treatment at Scissors Empire at Solaris Mont Kiara recommended by Ken. It's a 5-step intense hydrating treatment from Milbon that replenishes essential moisture due to the damaged CMC to help regain power in retaining moisture.

The first step prepares the hair, the second starts the repairing process, third seals the cuticle layers to lock in moisture, fourth locks in repairing ingredients with a ceramide polymer and the fifth and final step restores a lipid coat on the surface of the hair for sine and smoothness. Watch the video below to understand better about the treatment.

After this treatment, my hair feels rejuvenated instantly. Hair is less frizzy, shinier and appear smoother. It's a stark contrast from before the treatment.

I'm just glad and happy that I have a hair salon where I can trust them with my mane.

After the 5-step Iphenom hair treatment, my hair is finally bouncing back to life.

Lip balm

New flavours added to their range

Some of their classic flavours that I also like

My current lip balm
Image: Evolution of Smooth

Even when I'm not wearing any makeup, lip balm is a must for me. Nothing is more turn off than a flaky and bleeding lip. It's big no-no for me. For this, I have eos (Evolution of Smooth) to keep me lip moisturised. It doesn't just maintain your lips but it does taste sweet too. This is highly recommended from me because it's an all-natural and organic product.

What are the macaron inspired products in your life?

Makeup brush drying rack

2015-06-17T16:44:00.001+08:00

The chinese always have a saying ”这世界没有丑女人，只有懒女人 (There is no ugly girl only lazy girl)“. Whenever I get lazy in my beauty routine, I will always remind myself of this mantra and live by it.

One of the many beauty rituals that I do is deep cleaning my makeup brushes. I try to do this on a weekly basis because it's just as important as putting on mask. When we use our brushes, bits of makeup, oil, dirt and bacteria get trapped in between the bristles. After a while the brush tend not to distribute evenly due to the build up. By keeping it clean we can avoid transferring grimes to our face that will lead to clogged pores and pesky breakouts.

Of late, I found a very interesting tool to aid me in my routine. Tada.

My brand new makeup drying rack

When cleaning the brushes, we should avoid getting the barrel below the bristle to get wet because this will cause the bristle to loosen and fall out. The bristle should face downward when drying. If you allow the brush in standing, the water will run into the handle and cause rust. Some people may use netting but I feel the net can still trap water in the brush. In the end it takes a longer time to dry the brushes.

With this drying rack, I get to eliminate all my previous problems. This rack allows brushes to dry thoroughly. The rack contains many different sizes of holes and can hold up to 26 brushes at the same time. In each hole there is a soft rubber that help to hold your brush of any length and any sizes. The rack is easy to keep too, it can be be easily assemble and dismantle. When keeping it, it's just 3 flat pieces of acrylic. So you can even bring it with you for travel when going away for a long period.

Discovering Nasi Lemak: Brilliant Nasi Lemak Uptown

2015-06-11T00:13:00.004+08:00

Nasi lemak has become the staple food for the regular Malaysians morning breakfast. This dish has grown up with us since we were young. It's hard to resist those aromatic coconuts infused rice coupled with basic sambal sauce and even harder it is for us to describe everything in a sentence of two because it brought with it a flurry of emotions. Over time, this dish has also evolved, the rice is still the same but the sambal sauce has incorporated with many other ingredients to cater to the needs of different palates.

On one of our regular Saturday morning, we headed to Brilliant Nasi Lemak for a late brunch and were told that they offer a variety of side dish to go with the coconut rice. Brilliant!

Try to spot this logo when looking for this place. It is right opposite RHB bank.

My order is the one at the top, it's stuffed squid sambal. The one on the bottom is nasi lemak with 3 types of sambal (regular, shrimp and one more don't remember). The dish on the most right is pork curry and that is their most recommended dish.

The meal was splendid for a late lunch. We were hungry and the menu seems to offer almost all my favourite dishes, from nasi lemak to wanton noodle to kaya toasts. Then I ended up eating more than I should (I have a constant battle between loving to eat and not wanting to be fat). Even though the crowd started to pour in (which I don't understand why because it's already quite late for lunch too) but we didn't have to wait long for our subsequent orders, we were rather occupied with our own food.

Halfway through eating, the table next to us ordered this. We couldn't resist not ordering and hate to be a lose out for something that looks so delicious. Boy, I'm glad we did. This fried drumstick is marinated overnight using lemongrass, galangal, turmeric and curry leaves. The result is a drumstick that is rich and flavourful from the spices.

Fried chicken wing, this is more for the health conscious. They use the air frying method, i.e. no oil is used in the process of frying the chicken wing. It's equally tasty and savoury.

Lastly not to be missed is this signature dessert that I can't recall the name, yet again. It helps to soothe the throat after all spiciness and fried stuff we had earlier. The portion is quite generous or perhaps I already had too much prior to this.

Brilliant Nasi Lemak Uptown
56 Jalan SS21/58 Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Mon-Fri: 10.00am-9.00pm Sat-Sun: 9.00am-9.00pm

P/s: If you're there on a weekend, look for Joe, the owner. He is still single.

Villa Shorea: near wilderness experience

2015-06-03T16:20:00.000+08:00

A view from their common dining area, it is quite breathtaking and pleasant when sitting there having breakfast.

Truth be told, when I arrived I was ill-planned and ill-informed. I was not aware this place is going to be naturally cooled throughout the place, i.e. no air con, until a day before arrival. We always love a good family gathering, this place works out perfectly for us. It can accommodate many people at the same time and have ample space for everyone to sit together and chat.

Don't expect your Starwood points to be of any use in this remote area. The villa is located deep inside some remote village, around the edge of some forest. Leaving the villa compound can be quite tricky, it involves exiting from the gate that requires key from the local residents and it's usually locked. You can put away the thought about driving out to buy necessities especially in the middle of the night, we have no idea who to ask to have the gate open too.

One of the many villas available. Villa Shorea is currently the biggest that can accommodate the most number of occupants. One of the cons with this villa is the common kitchen is next to it, so you will be disturbed not just the noise from the kitchen but also the smell.

Looking out from one of our windows. Everything look so serene and calm. The noisy cicadas and crickets will be the only music that will accompany your stay throughout.

You might wonder since we're staying out in the open, we might get mozzies attack but to our surprise, we didn't get any of that. Flying insects may not be an issue but creepy crawlies can be. We experienced an attack by the red ants army in one of the bathrooms in Villa Shorea. Not something you can easily spot with their dim yellow lighting especially at night.

The temperature at night though, is something you need not worry about. One of the nights here, we experienced a heavy rain fall in the evening and the temperature became quite chilly at night. I had to wear my thick jacket to sleep.

One of the helpers hired from around the area. The villa offers in house cooking so that you need not worry about your meals. This is also part of their way to create job opportunities for the villagers around here. I have only tried their breakfast spread and I think it's quite a good try.

A different view that makes me wonder if I will see a Godzilla of some sort coming out from their hiding tonight.

One of my favourite things to do, sitting on the bed by the window.

One of the chandeliers that I have no idea why I'm fascinated with it but I really like the idea of high ceiling. It makes the whole place seems bigger. Over here, if you are a fan of Ikea, you will easily see that a lot of the loose fittings are actually bought from there.

In between our villa and Villa Bougainvillea, is a swimming pool. The pool can be shared by all guests that stay there. We also rented the opposite villa but it's much smaller. Suitable for couple or small family.

This place has a picturesque view in the morning and can certainly capture lots of likes and shares on your Facebook. There are also fast developing the surrounding with more villas to cater for more demands. I suppose that is a good indication of how good this place is but I certainly hope they will retain as much of their nature as possible because that's the very reason why we are there.

Villa Shorea // Kampung Pantai, Jalan Jelebu, Seremban // Open daily

Review: Aravind Yoga

2015-06-01T01:12:00.000+08:00

Image: Aravind Yoga

Yoga for some people is a form of exercise to relieve their stress but to me it’s an exercise so that I don’t get the nasty PMS every month (ah the woes of being a woman). It’s like my pink panadol and if I ever skip then I’m signing myself up for a very bad stomach muscle cramp, very often ending up with me rolling on the bed and breaking out in cold sweats.

When I first started practicing yoga, I didn’t know it would help with my problem. I was only doing it because my friend wanted to try it out but too shy to go for it alone. After a few classes my friend quit but I’m still hanging on to it.

Anyway, a lot of us practitioners are aware how often yoga centers blossom and fizzle out rather quickly. For the unfortunate, they will often end up paying lots of money then only to realize few months later the center has closed shop and they will have difficulties to get refund.

Fortunately for me, I found a very good yoga studio, Aravind Yoga. It is a small studio with simple setting and run by two very warm and friendly people, Christopher and Phillippe. One of the reasons I enjoy here is for their small number of students and the instructor is able to correct your pose quickly. There is also no mirror to make you feel conscious about your body so you have better focus on your stance.

They also engage very experienced instructors and are usually quite consistent with their timetable, example I usually go for Monday that is taught by Phillippe Kerrelle and Thursday by Jonathan Ong. If there are any changes in schedule, they will usually update us via FB page and even if the teacher is on leave there will be a replacement teacher, so you won't miss any class.

Every now and then they will conduct workshop for the more serious yogi that want to further improve on their skill. Sometimes they will even invite oversea guests to conduct the workshops and it’s very beneficial to practitioners that seek out to learn from different perspectives. The teachers will also get to update and absorb the new knowledge from oversea instructors and impart what they learnt to people like me who are only interested in attending regular class.

Of course being a small studio there are things that can’t be compare bigger studios in terms of facilities and benefits. Their changing room can be a bit crammy. You also don’t get a lot of space to hang out after class. As mentioned, this is a small yoga studio, so don’t expect for classes like hot yoga or pilates (no shit Einstein). But I can assure you the teachers here are definitely comparable in terms of their skill.

Their website and FB page is quite updated, so if you ever need any details or information, you can retrieve it from there. In the meantime, I will continue to reach out for my toes.

Aravind Yoga // Facebook

Event: Ridzuan Bohari Collection 2015

2015-05-31T02:23:00.001+08:00

Models and celebrities gathered together for a final group photo

Recently I was invited by a friend to attend a fashion preview at Elegance Club along Jalan Telawi. I've always drove by the bungalow but never step foot into the building. So this time it's a good time for me to check out both the fashion show and the jewellery house.

This time the fashion show is a collaborative work between two locally renowned brands each showcasing their finest in this season's collection. They have adorned all models with beautifully tailored clothes and matching jewelleries to go with the each other.

It's my first time attending a fashion show where models get to mingle among attendees. It provides us with a different perspective and we also get to view the pieces in greater details. The models were very cooperative, posing for us so that we can have a good angle for our pictures. Although on the other hand, my legs were aching towards the end of the show as we are kept standing with not much seats available.

Lisa, dressed in one of Ridz Collection

One of the latest piece from this season's collection, also one of my personal favourite.

Model wearing clothes from Ridz and adorned with jewellery pieces from Elegance Club.

This is another one of my favourite pieces, I like the idea of having a cape. Makes one feel more elegant and precious.

A famous invited celebrity, Rozita Che Wan more lovingly known as Che Ta. She is also wearing from one of Ridz's latest collection. It's perhaps the one that I like the most of all the designs that I've seen that day.

Miss Rozita being served by the lady boss of Elegance Club, Datuk Tracy Ong.

Of course, not to forget my picture time with Miss Rozita herself.

A group pictures of myself with other attendees. I was also wearing one of Ridzuan Bohari's masterpiece and I really love that the dress comes with lots of feather like frills making the dress looking even more outstanding. Thanks Ridz for such an entertaining afternoon!

Our news got a bit of coverage too from the Malaysia Tatler magazine. Lisa and myself is even featured in one of the photos there.

Event: Largest TV Ad Network in Malaysia

2015-05-21T23:11:00.004+08:00

Not too long ago, I attended the AEON TV Network pre-launch, a collaboration between Unique Platform and AEON. The plan is to install over 3000 TV across all AEON Big in Malaysia. It will be the largest TV ad network in Malaysia when it happen.

Can read more details on the event from here - Link

Lots of people from the different agencies that came. I was there mainly because this is one of Ron's projects, so I just mingled and take up space while there. Hehe...

Perhaps my biggest yield that night is a huge box of fruits comprising of oranges, dragon fruits and such. That night I went home as a happy wife.

Phuket: Songkran 2015

2015-05-03T13:56:00.000+08:00

I never really understood some of the people's fascination over beach holiday. A beach holiday will absolutely involves being under the sun and to me that's a big no-no. We have all heard about the damage that can be done being under the sun yet it doesn't deter people away from it. All the talk about skin cancer haven't deter much people to worship the sun.

Not too long ago, when Ron mentioned that we will be heading to Phuket for Songkran festival, I was not the least bit excited about it. Images of me getting sweaty and tanned instantly conjured in my mind. Needless to say while he is all hyped about the excitement awaiting while I am making a mental checklist of the things to bring to block away the sun. Armed with the highest SPF lotion we finally made our way to the island.

Bangla Road, it is where the water war will begin before the rest of the town. If you're not interested in getting wet, check their calendar before coming. I've seen puzzled tourist getting all mad when being splashed with water. Please don't get mad because you're not suppose to and people won't care whether you're carrying a camera around your neck.

No amount of preparation will be enough. Be careful of people wiping you with perfumed powder all over your face. Some of these powder they used can come as strong smelling while some can be just some harmless baby powder. Oh and don't bother about rejecting it because they will do it anyway.

One of the more memorable shootings was when Ron and I shot water at a local young man and he return with two buckets of cold water and rained on us.

In the mean time, it is also Phuket Bike Week. The town will be filled with people riding huge bike and in groups. All will be proudly displaying flags from the different factions they represent. Also lots of local delicacies can be spotted, all gather in a corner so you don't have to find them all over the place.

We spotted a mod car that looks like one that came out from a scene in Transformers. Sometimes it's amazing how much effort and money one is willing to spend on a hobby they are crazy about.

... and of course some alien looking bike for the enthusiast. I think this guy got his inspiration from one of the aliens movie that I cannot recall. Maybe someone can help me on this (perhaps?). I am more interested to see if this bike works.

A secret brunch hideout

2015-04-02T00:16:00.001+08:00

Away from the hustle and bustle of the city's beat. This little tuck shop is located within a high end housing area. When I first came across this shop, I was intrigued by the name Frisky Goat and wondered what food is served behind the blue door. I finally made the move to drop in on a weekend, this place is filled with people and full of activities even though on the outside the street seems quiet and deserted.

I finally succeeded to dine at this place on my 2nd visit. The empty seats outside the cafe is a good indication to me that I am in luck that day. Gleefully, I pushed open the door to be greeted by the friendly staff with a smile and welcomed by the smell of pastries that wafted through the air. There is music playing in the background but drowned by the echoes of voices, humming from the espresso machine and the clinking of knives against the ceramic plates.

Without thinking much, I chose a table at the end of the room so that I can be away from all the physical activities going on in the middle of the room. Preferring to witness the buzz that is going on from the comfort of my little quiet corner. I like the idea that they have a display counter showcasing all the pastries available for the day, albeit rather limited. It was a pleasant visit and hope to return to this place again for their waffle.

Frisky Goat // 72 Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur // Open daily, 8am-10:30pm

a fragment of nz through my lens

2010-10-05T22:32:00.000+08:00

The past two month has been a whirlwind feeling. Like a kid feeding freely on cotton candy land. A part of me is still unwilling to wake up from reverie. Feeling nostalgic today, I'm going through my photos and posting fragments of my memories.

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Ming Court 明閣

2010-10-02T02:53:00.001+08:00

My recent trip to HK is mainly a food trip. With my mum and my aunty, 2 main chef in the family tagging along, it will be injustice to our family to bring them eat mediocre food. By bringing them to eat good food, we can bring some of the taste back with us. *light bulb moment*

One of our nights there, we had dinner in Ming Court, Langham Place at Mongkok. Since Mongkok is more well known as a place for markets and red-light district, it was a great achievement when they were awarded with 2 Michelin star. Sure, there were controversy that plagued when they first came out in Hong Kong but there is no denying that a Michelin rating is great PR for a restaurant. Fortunately for us too, this time we didn't have to wait in a 45 minutes line like our previous experience but instead being waited upon in a VIP room, thanks to some connection.

Roasted crispy pork loin with five spices (五香燒腩肉)

Not sure of the name of this dish but the prawn is really crunchy. When you bite on it you can hear some crunchy sound of the prawn. Worth a try!

Seasonal vegetable with superior soup

Peanut butter paste dessert

Green bean dessert

Chilled sago cream with chinese pomelo and mango (楊枝金露) (Oishii!!!)

Shredded chicken in spicy sauce (辣子雞絲)

Award-winning Stir-fried sliced giant garoupa stuffed with shrimp paste (龍皇披金甲) which won Silver Award at the 2009 Best of the Best Culinary Awards organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board

Smoked duck breast (煙燻鴨胸肉)

This dish feels like Yong Tau Fu to me but not sure what is the exact name over here.

Stir-fried sweet and sour pork with pineapple (鳯朵咕嚕肉)

Sautéed diced beef with sliced garlic and sweetened walnuts (琥珀蒜片牛柳粒)

Roasted suckling pig and barbecued meat combination (乳豬拼盤)

Most people will know that I'm not a fan of pork but this is something really good. It's crispy and there is no odour that you normally get it in the pork, if you know what I'm talking about.

Address: 6/F, Langham Place Hotel, 555 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
旺角上海街555號朗豪酒店6樓
Phone: (+852) 3552 3300

Tim Ho Wan 添好運

2010-10-01T18:01:00.006+08:00

Just in case you’re wondering what we’re doing at the end of the queue there, we’re queuing for possibly the cheapest Michelin restaurant in the world. After trolling heaps of comments and ripples of blog posts on the Internet, we took our chance and waited for 45 minutes. It's best to go in group then you can have someone to take turn to queue rather than wasting time together, unfortunately once your number is being called up you need to have everyone present before they allow you to go in else it will be given to the group after you.

Tim Ho Wan, which means “Add Good Luck” in Cantonese, was started by Mak Pui Gor who hailed from Four Seasons Hotel, left in a bid to carve his own niche. Even though awarded with star, the price of food remains to be affordable and became a ticket for layfolk to sample cuisine that is mostly reserved for the upper echelons of society.

One of the many newspaper / magazine snippets on this famous restaurant pasted all over the window of the restaurant, acting as wallpaper. Take note of the things to order here, so that you will know what to order the next time when you get there.

All the dim sum dishes here are quite good but my favourite of all these will be the 酥皮焗叉燒包 (Baked BBQ pork buns) and 香滑馬拉糕 (Malay sponge cake).

This is what you should expect when you eat here. If you want good food, then you need to start training your patience. I will still come back here for the good food, hopefully this food here will still be as good and price remain the same. They have recently open up a new branch as Sam Sui Poh, the waiting is a lot shorter but I read a lot of negative comments for that branch. Good luck!

Address: Shop 8, Taui Yuen Mansion Phase 2, 2-20 Kwong Wa Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong. 旺角廣華街2-20號翠園大樓2期地下8號舖.
Phone: (+852) 2332 2896

p/s: Perhaps I should also mention this, the cost of our breakfast that morning is around MYR120 for 7 person. Cheap eh, for a restaurant with such big fame.

fishing on Lake Wakatipu

2010-09-08T19:12:00.000+08:00

We chartered a boat to fish in the lake. It was an interesting experience for all of us as it's first of its kind experience to us. I tag along even though I have no interest in it but just so that in future I can say that I have done it. My motto in my life is that we should always try everything at least once in our lifetime so that we don't live with regret.

While they fish, I camwhore

It's a beautiful view, if only I have a better camera (and skill of course!)

The best part about chartering your own boat is you even get to man the boat on your own. This is not acting but I'm really taking charge of it although it's just for awhile. Just making sure that the boat don't hit the rock while the driver is busy helping them with the bait and everything else.

Seeing how much I enjoy being in control of the boat, I think I should consider a license when I get back.

This week in Queenstown

2010-09-08T08:35:00.000+08:00

Gay Ski Week

P/s: Don't break your back.

Morning greeting

2010-08-31T21:30:00.000+08:00

Greetings from Queenstown, a morning view from the room on my second day here. I'm beginning to love this little town.

11 hours and 5419 miles away, I'm now in Auckland

2010-08-31T21:09:00.000+08:00

Hello all, I will be traveling for leisure this whole month, so I won't have access to internet as much as I would like to. So I will be posting some back a series of back dated posts that I wrote when I was not connected. Otherwise, happy holiday everyone... =)

Auckland on arrival...

Arriving at the Auckland airport this morning, I got fascinated with the smoke that was coming out from my breath. An indication that there is nothing much fascinating here that’s why I got so focused with things surrounding me. Of all the big cities I have been, this city is different. There is no skyscraper, no crowded human traffic or bumper-to-bumper crawl on the road. People here are more laid back and relax with their lifestyle. I noticed many Japanese made car and the models are quite boring, nothing fancy. Unlike in Asian countries where car are more than just a vehicle. It’s also a symbol of status reflecting your position in the society.

Another thing I noted here, everything seems a little dull. One shade paler, I wonder if this is because of the cloudy weather. This somehow brings out the lush greeneries around here more outstanding. Over here, the surrounding is filled with plants and trees. Air is a lot more fresh, hardly any smell of carbon monoxide.

This is our first meal since we arrived. It's a very delicious Chinese tuck shop operated by a Hongkie. The portion served in this place is really huge for my petite appetite. I've forgotten the name of this tuck shop but we will definitely pay this place a visit again since this used to be a regular haunt for my partner back when he used to live in Auckland.

So it will be 2 nights here before I head off to Queenstown. My hotel is right in front of a beach. Haven’t found out the name of this hotel but the best part about this room is that I can lie on my bed while watching the sun setting down for the day. Reflections from gold ripple in my room lit up my room in romantic yellow.

I’m excited about my trip to Queenstown now. I wonder what’s going to be there.

traipsing Singapore

2010-08-25T09:17:00.000+08:00

Got up 5AM this morning to watch Up in the Air (and it’s a weekday). Not exactly something I have plan but due to some unforeseen circumstance. Lucky for me, I don’t have to work after this, so I plan to hit back to bed after blogging. Just realized that it’s going to be a month since I quit my job. Many friends have asked me how does it feel being jobless or what have I been doing.

These days I spent my time traveling a bit, doing tourist stuff and spending time with family. So I did stuff where I used to excuse myself of doing because I was having a day job. Traveling is always fun when you have someone around, so I got my family to Singapore and we all had a blast.

Family @ Singapore Zoo

This is me getting a kiss @ Singapore Zoo

Fooling around with my brothers doing some cam-whore... always awesome, always accommodating

Having fun with street performance @ ION. Spot my family.

My first public performance since I started working

Still enjoying her pink dolphin show under hot blazing sun @ Underwater World, Sentosa

Strolling along Sentosa beach

While she enjoys by kicking sand

Some things I learnt:

Singapore feels like a giant shopping mall.
Singapore Zoo is better than Underwater World and it's cheaper.
Carrying a kid while traveling on a crowded train can be daunting,
luckily people do give up their seat.
But not to senior citizens.

I needed to clean up the pores, so I tried Kiehl's mask

2010-05-05T17:08:00.005+08:00

I had the opportunity to try out Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque for a few weeks. This is the first time I am using this brand because I am attracted to the clinical feel in the store. It gives me the feeling that there is nothing fancy just products that is good to my skin.

In the mask, I found out that they have included Amazonian White Clay (Kaolin) from Marajo Island from South America (think fair trade). Generally white clay is suitable to oily skin because the clay helps in absorbing the oil from skin but I have dry/combination/sensitive skin. Does that mean I shouldn’t use it? Not quite so.

I don’t use this product weekly, at most once a week and from what I read, the Amazonian White Clay helps in removing dirt, toxins, excess oils and dead cells (the culprit for clogged skin and enlarged pores) and I needed something to clear up my pores.

When I first apply this product on my face, I have a very slight tingling sensation, at the same time I also can feel my skin feeling tight probably due to the clay drying on my skin. I didn’t leave the mask very long on my face; I think I left it on my face for about 5 – 7 minutes.

The results? My skin feels more matte and pores are visibly smaller. The feeling is like putting on foundation on my skin the next day.

Personally I will recommend one to use this product only when it is needed. As a rule of thumb for me, one doesn’t need to use any of the facial products religiously as stated on their instructions. On the other hand, don’t overdo it. For instance, if they say to use it twice a week, don’t go overboard by using it everyday. Get it?

P/s: Dedicated to my friend, Shevy Yeo.

Boomarang @ Boat Quay, Singapore

2010-04-07T10:39:00.004+08:00

In the spirit of keeping up with the tradition of trying new food, I organized a dinner yesterday with a group of close friends at Boomarang. It’s an Australian joint that serves pizza. Weird combination, I would say, perhaps I was expecting more barbequed food than anything else.

Anyway, I like the pizza here, personally I don’t like thick base where it makes me feel like eating dough all the time nor do I like too thin where the edge becomes too hard to chew after a while. They have a variety selection of toppings and I never know pumpkin as pizza’s topping taste this good.

Peppered Kangaroo Pizza

Boomarang Deluxe Pizza

Perhaps the main disappointment we had that night is the sticky date pudding. Most of us felt that the pudding was too sweet to our liking. Or perhaps it has been an overhyped by all the reviews we found from the internet that seems to give a resounding yes to this dessert.

Then there is also the calamari dish that I will recommend NOT to order. First the calamari has some fishy smell to it and most of the time you can just taste the flour. So the combination of both is really a bad idea for the dish.

Nevertheless, dinner that night was a very good one. I really love dinner with lots of laughter and great company. Looking forward to our next dinner meet up.

Us @ Boomarang

My Luxury Rave: Petite Cherie by Annick Goutal

2010-03-25T23:30:00.000+08:00

It’s sweet, delicate yet light. This is my current perfume obsession (and possession). I’ve tried perfumes of other brand before but nothing captures my interest as long as this. Personally, I will recommend this for people with feminine or girlish personality. Oh when I say light, I really do mean light because I think after spraying it, I hardly smell it anymore after I leave my room. But of course it can also be that my nose is immune to the scent after a while.

Penang Food Fair @ York Hotel

2010-03-25T23:09:00.002+08:00

Always my favourite

Today, I had a quick buffet lunch with my colleagues to catch the Penang buffet @ York Hotel before it ends this weekend. We have been talking about it even before the fair started but never have the time to arrange it until we realized that it will all soon be over.

I am hardly a buffet person because I always think that buffet is a waste of money and the food can sometimes be mediocre to my standard but I have already lost count of the number of times I went to this buffet. This fair is held 3 times a year. Of course it can’t be compared to those you get in Penang but this itself is the best you can have in Singapore and they specially flew in the hawkers from Penang just for this event.

Anyway the lunch was good and satisfying. This time they introduced a new dish but I consider this as a distraction, so I didn’t bother to sample it. I shall not allow myself to steer away from my target, CKT. Lo and behold, in the end I had 4 plates of CKT, 1 bowl of prawn noodle and 3 apam balik. Guess it’s time to do some diet correction before I can head off to face the music of my medical checkup.

PS. Cafe: An experience to remember

2010-01-15T00:13:00.008+08:00

After our exploration last week at a ramen shop on Robertson Quay, this week, HL YM-ed me and popped a link showcasing some of Singapore’s best restaurant. My greedy self of course jump on the chance to try it out with my food kaki. So the first to come under our scrutiny is P.S. Café at Palais that is along Orchard Road. We have been to the one located along Harding Road but it was quite a while ago and at that time I don't think they have this outlet yet.

P.S. Cafe along Harding Road

My first impression when I first checked out the restaurant from the website was, “Oh I so like the setting there”. Then told my friend that we should make a trip there since it’s also along Orchard, makes our traveling easier too. But what I can’t imagine is that this restaurant that seems to have an outdoor setting based on the pictures I saw from the website, to be located within a shopping building. If you have been to this “atas” shopping center, you will know what I mean.

Within the restaurant, they make very good use of glasses and mirror to give depth and sense of spaciousness within room. The casual setting that gives the feel of a Sunday brunch café is actually a semi casual restaurant in the evening, pulling in mainly the expat crowds during dinner hour. I felt a little uncomfortable with the crowd surrounding initially, not sure why maybe because I didn’t know what to expect or I’m too used to a McD setting.

Harry with his lamb as main course

My main course

That's me with my main course

Anyway that’s not the point that I want to make here. Other than the fabulous restaurant setting, the foods were pretty impressive too. For starter, we ordered the soup of the day which is some chicken & bacon soup. Then for our main, I ordered some yellowtail tuna fish as my main course, while HL ordered NZ roasted lamb. These were recommended by the friendly waiter who was very attentive to us throughout the dinner. He keep coming back to check on us to one point I thought he is way too friendly that I can’t focus on my main course. LOL.

For dessert, even though we’re full (I didn’t manage to finish my main, what a waste!) we didn’t hesitate to give it a try. We immediately opted for some granny smith apple pudding and it was awesome… with ice cream melting on top of the hot pudding… yummy…

Ooh la la... that's the dessert

Conclusion: I think I will come back to this place again but hopefully it will be to try out their brunch menu. The have a different menu for different time. Overall, the experience was comfortable because we did mentioned to the waiter that it's our first time there and they treated us with very good service. Their service is definitely いちなん!

P/S: If you're going on weekends or Friday, It will be advisable to make a reservation first.

More links:
P.S. Cafe
Singapore Best Restaurants

Address: PS.CAFE at PALAIS, LEVEL 2. PALAIS S.C, 390 ORCHARD ROAD.
Phone: (+65) 9834 8232

Credit: Singapore Best Restaurants