Merrilicious Lunch

We try to make it a yearly affair to have a Christmas lunch amongst the few of us who are slaving away in office during the festive season. And it’s merrier since our beloved colleague (let’s call him Zipangu here) ‘offered’ to buy us lunch! This year, with the opening of Delicious at Marc Service Residence - next to Ascott, opposite KLCC, we decided to pay them a visit, since it is a walking distance away (though we complained that Zipangu who so generously agreed to lunch with us, conveniently forgot his car key on our way out).


I this Delicious!


The fairy-like interior of Delicious
(Thanks Yuety for the photos – taken with her phone camera, mine sucks)

Our MY lil’ ordered the weirdest drink of all – sour plum guava?? Taste like guava juice with sour plum powder mixed into a drink! yucks.. she wasted RM3 of her RM9.90 drink for not finishing. And infamous her also ordered this odd banana pie as dessert, with so much cream on top that is pretty to see but not to eat. Darling who was supposed to share with her, didn’t manage to help her finish too. Understandably, high maintenance girls like her only go for ‘Montel’ bananas (obviously that was some cheap local bananas!). Ms egg roll’s Alio Olio Spaghettini tasted very bland and ‘ingredientless’ apart from spaghetti and olive oil.

Other than all that, the food we ordered - Shepherd’s Pie, Quiche Lorraine with beef bacon, Carbonara Spaghettini with wild mushroom and beef bacon (ordered by yours truly) and Pesto Spaghettini with chargrilled chicken, were all Yummilicious!

Thanks again Zipangu! for the Merrilicious lunch.

Will definitely go back for another Delicious meal. If not for the food, for the ambience. You should go too, or you could offer me another free meal! Anyone?

Christmas! Finally...

a white fake xmas tree for the season festive spirit?

or a tree with wedding cake ornaments?? haha.. your choice

Wishing all of you a wonderful Christmas!

The Search Begins..

Searching for a wedding dress is like playing dress-up for grown ups. Getting engaged is like getting a license to try out wedding gowns. Of finally being allowed to do so.

I was pretty excited at first, picking up dresses and trying them all out. If I was going to spend that kind of money for a dress, I was going to at least try till I’m happy with “the one”.

But how? Just tell me how do you even decide that’s the one?

So ok, I learned after taking off dress no. 20 (or was it 30??) that halter neck emphasized my skinny shoulders, mermaid style looks horrible on me.. and yes, I’ve been told what styles don’t work for me as I’m short, have fat thighs, short waist, boobs not big enough to support and other most unflattering comments I’ve ever heard coming from a sales person. I know they were trying to help and I wasn’t (really) offended.

I just want something simple, but there is a thin line between simple and plain. Because I also don’t want to be seen as being plain. In the end, I actually thought I knew exactly what I want.

Until I’ve been persuaded to try some other cut I didn’t think would fit me.. you know, why not.. since I was already at no. 20th. And surprising, they fit really well too! Thus, I was thrown back to when I first started..

Ok, for your amusement, take a look at the photos below and tell me what you think..

Too princessy for me?


Here’s the comparison :)

This is not to be my dress, but it’s one of those I never thought I could carry off.

Flower Power

I’m a die-hard fan of white flowers. Sure, I love all those gorgeous rich colourful flowers. But white is such a toned down, muted colour that portrays tranquility, peace and soft romance.


Calla lilies from Cameron Highlands


The green assortment adds to a natural elegant look

Only RM25 to brighten up my mood! Well worth it right?


This has nothing to do with my wedding bouquet, wedding photography nor wedding colour palette, ok? Give me a break.. I’m in Christmas Wonderland now.. the world of Christmas ornaments, mistletoe, snowflakes, candy cane.. fa la la la la…

Spellbound presents Sit A Spell Café!

In my dreams, I like to imagine myself owning a little café in a quaint picturesque town* (with the mandatory blue sky above), immersing in the aroma of brewing coffee, feasting my eyes on pretty little cakes (can’t be devouring them daily!), and indulging in mouth-watering food that we serve..

*small quaint town doesn’t mean cut off from the world ya.. I still need to attend to my shopping fits!

Back in reality, I can only envy all these entrepreneurs with each and every new eatery that mushroomed in town. My dream purely consists of the perfect imagery of a café and not with business sense behind sustaining a thriving establishment. Thus, the idea remains warmly tucked inside my dream world.

I’ve recently discovered a new café at Dataran Sunway in Kota Damansara, called Sit A Spell. Sounds like a café I’ll name if I own one? Haha.. no, it has nothing to do with magic charms or witches. The word ‘spell’ here is used on the context of a period, a stretch.



I wasn’t there for a proper meal as we dropped by for a very late lunch after some errands and I had a dinner date on same day too. And I did not really snap photos as I was with my parents and they are not aware of their daughter’s reputation as a shutterbug as yet.

So far, what I like about Sit A Spell?

The name
They have Wi-Fi available


And the Chef cooked my parents this delicious vegetarian pasta on special request (not in menu).

I will reserve my review on the food as I’ve really not tried the varieties available. The black forest and marshmallow chocolate cakes were yummy though. Not too sweet and just the way I like it. If you have a sweet tooth, you might find them a bit bland.

Will definitely return for a main meal soon. Only problem is I’ll have a hard time deciding between Chicken Roulade, Grilled Lamb Shoulder, Dory Fish and Chips, Seafood Pasta with mussels and tiger prawns and other pasta dishes. Also on the menu, (if you’re one of those who can’t live without rice for a day) the Asian meals e.g. Balinese grilled fish in banana leaf, served with rice or the signature Sit A Spell nasi lemak, served with curry chicken.

Care to join me for my next visit?

I know, if you don’t stay or work there, you most likely will not go just to feast there. And that area is full of eateries, why pick this one, right? But then again, why not? Especially if you happen to be near that area.



Disclaimer :
If you’re wondering why the free advertorial on Sit A Spell, yes, ok, I am related to the owner. But have no share or whatsoever in the business and do not earn commission nor get discount because of that, so my opinions will be unbiased.

To also clarify, no, I have nothing to do with the name of the café!

Warehouse Sale and a Strange Remark

The hibernating shopaholics in me emerged when chanced upon a good sale too hard to resist.

And with that, I meant a really good deal like this..


FJ Benjamin Warehouse Clearance – with my fav brands, Gap & La Senza!

Needless to say, an experienced shopper like me went on the Preview Day for HSBC card members all for the sake of enjoying an additional 10% discount. When we were leaving the office after working hours, other colleagues warned how crazy the crowd was and the queue during lunch was so long they couldn’t even get in. Not deterred by that, we headed off.

To our horror, the queue WAS LONG! But we found out that people were lining up to have their bags tied in plastic bags before being let in. Smarter shoppers would have noticed the fine prints in the leaflet that mentioned bags and handbags were not allowed into sales area. Only needed the essential HSBC credit card and mobile phone (wanted to say in case Clients call, but it was mainly for the possibility of being separated!). We walked in promptly upon showing our HSBC card.

The main room as expected was fully packed with people, with clothes, bags, belts and shoes recklessly thrown all over the place and another long queue for the row of fitting rooms. It was worst in the lingerie room of which they sectioned off for La Senza. It was suffocating in there!

The things women do for the love of shopping pretty things for a steal really is amazing. But my salute went to the accompanying guys who were there. Not only do they braved the crowds and risk dying from suffocation, the patience shown by some was truly admirable. We saw this guy patiently giving comments to every piece of clothes his girl showed him. They were going at it so leisurely as if in a high-end boutique and not this over-crowded room with sticky sweating bodies all around them. And while queuing at the cashier, we saw another guy taking pictures of his girl with his phone camera showing off each bag on both left and right shoulders for comparison (there was no mirror in the sales area, unless you queue up yet again for the fitting room just to choose a bag?!), and he also helped her buckled up a bodice-like top with a neat row of little buttons at the back. Oh gosh, cannot imagine bf’s face if I subject him to all these!

So end results – RM280 hard earned cash well-spent in exchange for a short mini skirt from Guess, a spaghetti strap top also from Guess AND a whole (huge) bunch of briefs and thongs, bras and babydoll lingerie all from La Senza.

HAPPY!!! :)


Part 2
When I got home, was trying to sneak into my room with this big plastic bag of goodies so as to avoid Mummy’s questioning my purchase.. only to find that she was in my room. Reluctantly pulled them out to show her (when she asked), but instead of criticizing my lingerie purchase (some are sheer and lacy or er.. feathery.. haha), we had this weird conversation…

mum : after you got married, don’t wear or buy so many of these short skirts.. (holding up my Guess mini skirt)
me : huh??
mum : --
me : but why?
mum : (after a pause) they won’t fit when you’re pregnant.
me : ??????-----------

Oh well, A Girl’s Gotta Dream..

Time to write a new post as fiancé is having nightmare imagining I’m Mohinder Suresh! (I supposed Hello Kitty doesn’t turn him off as badly)

And I guess at some point I’ll start ranting about my wedding preparation as the stress level builds up, so why not start now. Btw, no, no date yet still.. let’s just say we target a year from now. Too early to plan? I thought so too until I found out there are people out there who have booked their event venues, found their gowns and done the whole works, just waiting for the day to arrive a year later. Where did they find the time to do so? And next, after some preliminary calculation, the estimated budget is way beyond our bank accounts balance.

This is when the idea of eloping sounds extremely tempting. You won’t mind, right? If we don’t invite you to the wedding? (if I do invite you, that is if there’s a wedding here at all, no offence, but can I request for ang pows and no gift please? :P)

Every little girl dreams of being a princess when playing Barbies. Many of us have envisioned all things pretty and fairy-tale like wedding when Prince Charming comes along..

The perfect gown..

The perfect bridal bouquet..

The perfect setting..

Vast outdoor setting with greeneries beneath the clear blue sky

The prefect cake..

It’s the stuff of little girl’s dreams, isn’t it?

(All photos from theknot.com for illustration purposes only.. because, don’t dream, mine won’t end up as above)

Sigh..

Reality is.. I simply cannot afford my dream wedding!

So ok, be focus, keep it simple. One thing at a time. And the plan is (mine anyway) to do all the research and gather as much info, work out an ideal plan (not too over the top unrealistic), and prioritize, negotiate, or cut if have to, to work within budget. Not very different from what I do daily at work eh? Sounds manageable enough.

That is until I heard what darling fiancé had in mind. With his definition of keeping the wedding simple, I saw the remaining fraction of my little girl’s dream tumbled...

Which Hero Are You?

Dr. Mohinder Suresh?? Who can’t fly, read minds, jump down from buildings, run through walls or stop time? Don’t get me wrong, I love the character in Heroes. But even given the chance to have superpower, I turned out to be Mohinder, who doesn’t have any power?!! This is so not cool :(

Hmm.. Shall I can retake the quiz!? :P

Ok, a peek at my answers..

The first question – my notion of the world is pretty grim, ya?

Last question

Which answers could I have picked to be Peter Petrilli?? With the ability to absorb the powers of others, he is the ultimate Hero! (unless you want to be Sylar)

* "Which Hero Are You?" is one of the applications from Facebook. Yes, I’m one of those Facebookers who spend Friday nights either poking friends or trying out new applications. How pathetic my life is.. haha..

The Ring

No, it’s not a birthday gift.
No, like most simple-minded girls, I couldn’t have said no to a diamond ring!
So yes, I’m engaged :)

Here’s the ring. Especially for those who have not noticed it on my finger. I told fiance (aw! so not use to this word.. so weird!) that it’s obviously too small if others don’t notice.. (haha, kidding sweetheart..)


I don’t think my camera do justice to the sparkles of the diamond

So here’s another pic.


Better? This is taken from his semi-pro camera

What do you think of my ring?? I know I’m probably biased, but I think it’s gorgeous. Not too big (the rock, not the ring size) till it’s inconvenient for casual wearing and not too small too till I think he doesn’t care enough.

Ok, the standard questions..

When?
A month ago during our Japan trip. Oct 19th 2007 to be exact (putting it down just so I can blame him if he forgets the anniversary!)

Where?


Tokyo Tower on a rainy night


The view I was starring at when he popped the question

How?
Not on the knee kind of drama of course! It was all quite sudden when I was admiring the view and he showed me the ring. The words are all sort of blur after (not my fault, I was blinded by the shiny object!). I asked him later for his exact words, and gotten a vague reply.

So, yes, there you go. I’ve put it down in written words here. Sounds more official now - I’m engaged.

My 6-year-old niece, whenever she sees my ring, will shout “Lord of the Ring! Lord of the Ring!”…

One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them

Haha.. ya, ok, not the One Ring to rule them all, but it’ll be sufficed if it has the power to let me rule my man..

Ok, back to reality. Lots of planning to do and I’ll be glad if I don’t kill him in the process.

And lastly, no fixed date yet, but will keep you posted.

An Enriching Experience

Never thought I would say this, but yes, I’ve enjoyed a cultural event! We had a company Deepavali dinner last week and surprisingly I found it entertaining (if only you know how much I usually dislike all these social functions that we are made to attend).

We were cursing all the way to Sutra House, being stuck in the after-work traffic and worst still, it was pouring when we left the office. We finally arrived at Persiaran Titiwangsa, where the quaint bungalow is situation. Sutra House is very artistically designed and owned by Ramli Ibrahim, a Malaysian dancer and choreographer who is internationally acclaimed (For those who are not familiar with his works, you may have seen him on TV in the Malaysian version of “So You Think You Can Dance?” as one of the judges).

During cocktail, we sat down on the floor surrounding the studio to watch a performance, Pallavan. The Pallavan celebrates the architectonics of Odissi, an Indian dance form, through the vehicle of the female body and spirit. Basic stances and postures of the square chowka and the tribhanga (the three bends of head, torso and hip), combine to form a dignified composite movement through a regulated rhythmic structure. Ramli gave us a brief intro on the rhythmic structures comprising the no. of beats before the performance.








(OMG! my phone is just as bad as my camera in taking video!)

The 7 dancers’ movements were so full of energy and synchronized that I was mesmerized and couldn’t pull my attention away.

After dinner (the usual Indian food fair and it was actually quite good but not the highlight of the night), we were ushered to the Amphi-Sutra. It is a hexagonal Amphi-theatre in the garden to stage performances.

Once we were all seated, Ramli again gave us a briefing on what to expect in the next performance - Kamala, a contemporary piece. This work explores the concept of devotion and piety inspired by eastern and western mythic images related to the ‘Mother Goddess’, the Madonna and Shakti. The lotus and the rose, flowers of great joy and delight, represent metaphors of auspiciousness, beauty and grace. The sole male dancer represents the male principle in his various incarnations and metaphors. Without the female principle, the male form is inert and without his ‘shakti’ or creative energy.



It was a beautiful and touching piece of work.



You can really feel the emotion or Rasa (as Ramli likes to refer to) transpiring within the group.

The night soon came to an end. Finally with the performances over, I took a closer look at the place. It truly is full of its owner's aesthetic tastes.



I love the Balinese touch of the garden.



Before leaving, we thanked Ramli for the great night and I just had to thank Boss too for his excellent choice this time around :)

Last Weekend’s Mission

Was at Sunway Pyramid alone over the weekend for a little shopping trip. I must say the new wing did not leave any impression on me. It was my first visit since they unveiled the extension. Unlike Pavilion and Gardens, I’m not even tempted to take a photo of the newly furnished wing (this is saying something if you know the rate I go about snapping photos wherever I go).

But I was on a mission – to search for a birthday gift. After covering every floors and passing through all the shops (most are under renovations, even my usual trusted Topshop), I walked into Marks and Spencer (no, I don’t usually walk-in voluntarily so yes, I was quite desperate by then.. haha..) and found the gift I hope the receiver will like.


Had it all wrapped up


And here’s the necklace

When I buy gifts for other people, I always have this tendency of choosing things I myself like (I still don’t see anything wrong in this. I have to like it in order to buy it, right?), but this time around, I chose a colour I think suits the receiver as I’m not really a green person. How thoughtful of me… (haha.. imagine the receiver ends up not liking it!)

Thank-you notes

A little belated thank-you note to all of you who’ve made my birthday this year a bit more special. I don’t usually make a big deal out of my birthday but it’s always nice to have an excuse to catch up with friends during this occasion.

Thanks to friends who wished me in person, called to wish, sent me sms-es, posted me birthday cards & gift, and not forgetting all the gifts and cakes and booze and superwall & sticky note wishes through facebook.

A note of thanks to you girls for the great food at Palate Palette.


A double-celebration with my darling whose birthday falls a week apart from mine

A note of thanks for the lovely flowers.


I’m impressed you managed to memorize the name of the flowers I mentioned I like before

Another note of thanks to my dearest friends for the wonderful evening out at SOULed OUT.


my prawn aglio olio (yummy.. minus the spring onions)


the complimentary Guinness draught cocktail

And my marvelous gift! (very imaginative this time as I was expecting our usual ‘ang pau’ - monetary gift)


The Lonely Planet Bluelist 2008!

I think the inspirations are still valid AFTER 2008, right? For I doubt I can afford to go any where beside the booked Hanoi trip early next year. Miku, I’ll lend you first for your end of next year’s plan!

As this post is dedicated to thanking all of you for my birthday, I’ll leave other matters in another post..

My Hunt for Blue Skies

My sentiment - the sky is always bluer on the other side.

On my first day in Japan, I found my ultimate blue sky..


Clear vast blue sky at Kiyomizu-Dera (Buddhist Temple), Kyoto

But my holiday is over. And this is what we get most days in KL..


Grey gloomy sky.. at Menara TM, accompanied by a short live rain too


So you can imagine my ecstasy when stumbled upon my dream blue sky in KL!
Albeit INSIDE Suria KLCC (Level 2, Ramlee Mall, one level below Starbucks).


So what if it was an indoor fake wall?!

I just had to take that pic although shoppers passing by were amused starring at me. And a week later when I was in KLCC, the sky literally has fallen to make way for this new café called The Lawn (why not The Sky??!).



You bet I was converted immediately and walked right in to make an order (was heading to Starbucks initially).

I especially love this little touch of potted lawn to number the order for them to send over.


Customer No. 2 (only?) at that moment

Nice little place to relax and I am pleased with my café latte which is not bad.

The café latte is a bit milky, so only if you’re into full-cream milk.

Shall try out their food next time. I am contented for now to have a new café to hang out. Only complaint is there’s no power point to hook up my notebook although you get free Wi-Fi (courtesy of Starbucks I suspect).

And thus, the hunt continues.. till I come upon my next blue sky..

Happy Birthday Hello Kitty!

Yes, it’s Hello Kitty birthday today.

A friend asked if I’m sick of Kitty yet. She got to be kidding. How often does one get to immerse in all this cuteness, if not in Japan.

Spotted in Universal Studios, Osaka –


Little girl with Hello Kitty balloon
I so wanted to get one (or two or more)! But would not be able to bring home.

Did I meet Hello Kitty? What do you think? Would I ever leave Japan without a photo taken?? I had to fight with lots of kids trying to get close to celebrity kitty! Notice the photo is half-body? That was because the kids were all shorter than that.. hahaaa.. (really, no joke, ask my photographer)


With Hello Kitty at Universal Studios

“Celebrity Style” selling all things Hello Kitty

Guess what I bought??

Bought my clips there :P

Muahahaha… sitting in my hair accessories box gathering dust now

In Tokyo, although we did not go Sanrio Puroland (Kitty’s homeland), sightings of Hello Kitty were inescapable. Thank God in small doses.


Children’s ride at Ueno Park

Sanrio gift shop at Ikebukuro


Ok, last kitty pic - Keychains sold at Narita Airport (you bet I bought.. some)

Enough of Kitty, ya? But since we are on the cute character topic, I fell for this bear bear (don’t know what it’s called). But the shops were using all sorts of mascots to attract customers, this is one of them.

Soooooooooooo cute!!

I know, my camera takes really bad quality video!

Lastly, yes, will upload trip photos into online album SOON!