Love Little Apple

NY RESOLUTION INSPIRATION FROM BOOKS

2012-01-17T11:47:00.010+11:00

picture is taken from http://jessepinkman.tumblr.com/

LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE.

From the book 'STRESS LESS, LIVE MORE' by Richard Blonna

1. Calculate the no of days you have lived so far.

2. Substract this no from 30 000.
This is the approximate no of days you have left on this earth.

3. Compile 3 lists :
a) Things I want to start doing.
b) Things I want to continue doing.
c) Things I want to stop doing.
Take your time and consider each very carefully.

4. Describe how you want to spend the rest of your life, using the details from those 3 lists.

5. What are the stressful thoughts, scary pictures & painful emotions that are keeping you from doing this?

6. What are you willing to accept and take action on in spite of the things you listed in step 5?

From the book 'CHANGE THE WORLD 9 TO 5' , these are few of my favourites reads from the book :) ==>

63. Practice good manners.
Do always try to listen. It's simply charming when people do.
Do try not to snoop into the business of others - no one likes a nosy parker.

76. Use one of these email signatures.
(I like this one) Sorry this is an email and not a face-to-face conversation.

77. Show empathy.
Everyday, with measureless heroism, people are dealing with all kinds of terrible things. We are not asking you to stick your nose in where it's not wanted. Just treat people with respect. Be aware that we are all sentient, suffering human beings.

79. Give up some spare time.
If you used some of that time to help other people, you'd feel better. It just happens to be one of the few immutable laws of the universe.

84. Smile when you answer the phone.
You can hear a smile.

85. Support small businesses.
Use your local newsagent and your local local.
To prevent them from disappearing.

93. Don't judge someone by the job they do.
For instance: just because someone is a corporate lawyer doesn't mean that they are necessarily a selfish, heartless person driven by greed.
Ok, 99 times out of 100, it does. But keep believing and you'll meet the 100th one day.

99. Know how you fit into the bigger picture.
When John Kennedy bumped into a janitor at NASA and asked him what he did, the man replied, 'Helping to put a man on the moon.'
That's a genuinely inspiring story.

“If we wait until we’re ready, we’ll be waiting for the rest of our lives.” — Lemony Snicket

Food Diary 2011

2012-01-02T05:59:00.033+11:00

Mini gelatos and petit fours after a gold degustation dinner at Captain Cook Cruise. Beautiful food, which includes the friendliest service, canapes and sparkling wine on arrival and the best breads to start. I'm serious the bread is amazing! haha, and just the way I like it (soft, warm, white and delicious). Depart from Circular Quay on sunset and circling the water for 3 hours. Such a lovely & magical ride. Would love to do it again soon. I love cruises dinners/lunch/high tea anything :)

I had a beautiful degustation dinner (with matching wines) on my birthday at the magnificent Altitude restaurant, Shangrila Sydney. The view is breathtaking, This is the beautiful chocolate dessert that end a very memorable meal :)

From Ms G's, Potts Point : Packaged cocktails
-Good Morning Vietnam $14
Shochu, raspberries, lime, palm sugar, Vietnamese mint, soda
-Ms G’s Famous Yuzu Slushee $14
Limoncello, Russian Standard vodka, yuzu juice, Regan’s orange bitters
And Mini crisp pork belly buns.
Afterwards we also ordered the packaged Pina Colada which has pearls in them (similar to those pearls you find in milk teas). Oh, How brilliant is the idea of the packaged cocktails?
Ms G is my new favourite restaurant in Sydney. The food is of modern Asian, and the menu and coctails are interesting, playful and quirky. The decor of the restaurant is adorable and I love the foods (to death) !

"Enter through a door bathed in pink neon to find four floors of unexpected dining; including a graffiti wall, communal tables and even a veggie garden courtyard."

“Stoner’s Delight 2.0” doughnut ice cream, peanut butter, raspberry jam, candied bacon, potato chips, mars bar slice, banana fritter, from Ms G's .
This dessert tastes fabulous and so interesting and clever! I couldn't stop smiling eating them. And I love the candied bacon :)

at Stuzzi Bar/Spiedo Restaurant, Westfield Sydney .
Homemade strozzapreti, wild boar ragout &
Fettuccine, prawns, zucchini, tomato.
My other new favourite restaurant:) Their pastas are so so so so so delicious and out of this world!

Breakfast at Cafe Ish, one of my favourite places for coffee/breakfast/lunch. The place is pretty close to where I live and It serves native australian & japanese food. The menu is very interesting, including crocodile sausage, karaage crab omelettle, kangaroo&prawn gyoza, saltbush lamb sliders, smokey soy caramel wagyu short-rib, chocolate risotto, etc etc etc. Wow Wow Wow!

I had this (freaking fantasting) porkrib at Cairo Cafe, an African restaurant at Cremorne Sydney. This is the first time I've ever been to an African restaurant and OMG I can't fault the food AT ALL, I had a prawn entree which is so good and a mint tea ice cream with rose syrup for dessert which is seriously the best ice cream eva!

Salad of Buffalo mozarella & Tomato at Cafe Sopra, Walsh Bay.
The tomatos are very juicy :) My favourite salad ...(I know not exactly a healthy one) (I don't care).
I love Cafe Sopra. The foods (and pastas :p) are so good and the portion is very filling :)!! I used to go to Waterloo for it. Now they have one just across to Sydney Dance Co!

Bucatini alla carbonara at Cafe Sopra, Walsh Bay.
This is my favourite version of a carbonara pasta. The sauce is not too heavy which is nice. So you can eat alot without feeling sick :)

Linguini with lemon, chilli, and pangrattato at Cafe Sopra.
No bacon, no prawn, no meat, nothing, but is so good!!!
Pangrattato is some sorts of crunchy breadcrumbs :)

Banoffee Pie (take away from Cafe Sopra). Unbelievably good. THE BEST of THE BEST!

Appetito Pizza Pasta Bar, The Rocks. Fried calamari, soft shell crab and school prawns with roasted garlic aioli.
Love fried stuffs esp with lemon and garlicy mayonaisse :) The calamari is so tender and lightly crisp. The aioli Oh My God I wish I can dip any fried foods into this. I would be a very happy and satisfied woman :)

Appetito Pizza Pasta Bar, The Rocks. Potato gnocchi, alaskan king crab, tomato and cream.
This doesn't look too great visually but this pasta tastes so much yummier than it looks.... :) the gnocchi melt in your mouth..OOHH MANN I love beautiful pasta ssss!!!

Ichiban Boshi, The Galleries Victoria. Ramen with roast pork, corn, butter, deep fried tofu.
I love ramen (or anything !! ) with butter :) this place has great ramens ...and cheap too. It is just next to Kinokuniya bookstore which I frequently visit. Food & Books. What else do I need? :) (booze & a man lol)

Korean food. Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
(Chilli chicken with cheese, Pork belly, Korean Seafood pancake)

Italian food at Glebe (Calamari, Prawn, Bruschetta). This time didn't order pasta hehe ^^

LL Wine & Dine, Potts point, a very cool place to eat.
(Wok fried rice, Prawn & pork wonton, Crumbed soft shell crab with wasabi mayonnaise, Crisp duck pancake with orange-y sauce, Crab springroll).!!So, This address was formerly an illegal adult bookshop and gambling den. When the current restaurant owners cleaned things up, they found bags of vintage porno magazines which they then decided to pasted them on one part of the wall. Good decision I say because it gives the place an erotic twist (lol I can't believe I just said that) and I always love a place with an interesting history :) The food is amazing of course! and they have live singer+musician & awesome coctail jugs during sunday yumcha brunch.

I also went to the Easter show last year and basically what I did all day is ate. I had so much fun! :)
Choc banana on a stick

Curly fries with sour cream and sweet chilli. How cute right.

Fried strawberry cheesecake :)

Hmm Yumm!

Country women's fresh warm scones

Oysters and a glass of white from De Costi oyster and wine bar

Ps : I also ate a hotdog, fresh fruit salad from the farm, sample a few cheese and a mini pie from the deli. And bought myself a cotton candy to eat on the way home ^^. Forgot to get some Easter egg chocolates for my flatmate :(

Things I Learned in 2011

2012-01-01T20:47:00.008+11:00

photo from http://celebrator1975.tumblr.com/

These are some of the things that I learned in 2011. I have this obsessive need to always have to write every-single-thing down :). I'd like to share them with you and hopefully you guys like it. x

On LIFE

1. “What matters in life is not what happens to you but what you remember and how you remember it.”
— Gabriel García Márquez

2. "There were so many of us who would have to live with things done and things left undone that day. Things that did not go right, things that seemed okay at the time because we could not see the future. If only we could see the endless string of consequences that result from our smallest actions. But we can’t know better until knowing better is use less.”
— Looking For Alaska

3. "Happiness is not a destination. It is a mood, it is not permanent. It comes and goes and if people thought that way then maybe people would find happiness more often.”
— Julian Baker

4. “You can never be overdressed or overeducated.” — Oscar Wilde

5.
“To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.”
— Oren Arnold

On LIFE LESSONS

1. “Sacrifice is a part of life. It’s supposed to be. It’s not something to regret. It’s something to aspire to.”
— The Five People You Meet in Heaven, Mitch Albom

2. “If you are still breathing maybe it is not such a bad day after all.”
— Darren Laws

3. “And yet with every bad, there is a worse.”
— Thomas Hardy

4. "Pain is a part of life. Sometimes it’s a big part, and sometimes it isn’t, but either way, it’s a part of the big puzzle, the deep music, the great game. Pain does two things: It teaches you, tells you that you’re alive. Then it passes away and leaves you changed. It leaves you wiser, sometimes. Sometimes it leaves you stronger. Either way, pain leaves its mark, and everything important that will ever happen to you in life is going to involve it in one degree or another.”
— Jim Butcher

5. “For everything you have missed, you have gained something else, and for everything you gain, you lose something else.” It's about your outlook towards life. You can either regret or rejoice".

"Even when the flower falls, we love it. That’s the heart of the Japanese person. Flowers dying is not a sad thing."
- The Tsunami and The Cherry Blossom

ON LOVE

1. “A heart that hurts, is a heart that works.” — Placebo, Bright Lights

2. “Some of the biggest challenges in relationships come from the fact that most people enter a relationship in order to get something. They’re trying to find someone who’s going to make them feel good. In reality, the only way a relationship will last is if you see your relationship as a place that you go to give, and not a place that you go to take.”
— Anthony Robbin

3. "The hardest-learned lesson: that people have only their kind of love to give, not our kind.”
— Mignon McLaughlin

4. "It's a risk to love. What if it doesn't work out?
Ah, but what if it does?"
- Peter McWilliams

" I’m not the silly romantic you think. I don’t want the heavens or the shooting stars. I don’t want gemstones or gold. I have those things already. I want a steady hand, a kind soul. I want to fall asleep, and wake, knowing my heart is safe.” — Shana Abé

On BOOKS

1. "Bookshelves are trophy cabinets for people who don’t shoot animals.”
— CJ Werleman

2. "The best moments in reading are when you come across something - a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things - which you had thought special and particular to you. And now, here it is, set down by someone else, a person you have never met, someone even who is long dead. And it is as if a hand has come out, and taken yours.”
— Alan Bennett

3. "Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.”
— Charles W. Eliot

"Reading gives us a place to go when we have to

stay where we are."

On COURAGE AND PASSION

1. "Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying :'I'll try again tomorrrow'.
- Mary Radmacher

2. “The saddest people I’ve ever met in life are the ones who don’t care deeply about anything at all. Passion and satisfaction go hand in hand, and without them, any happiness is only temporary, because there’s nothing to make it last.”
— Nicholas Sparks (Dear John)

3. "We all know fear. But passion makes us fearless.” — Paulo Coelho

4. “Without obsession, life is nothing.” — John Waters

“Passion. It’s a force so potent we still remember it long after it’s faded away. A drive so alluring it can push us into the arms of unexpected lovers. A sensation so overwhelming, it can knock down walls we’ve built to protect our hearts. A feeling so intense, it resurfaces even when we try so hard to keep it buried. Yes, of all emotions, passion is the one that gives us a reason to live, and an excuse to commit all sorts of crimes.” — Desperate Housewive

ON GRATITUDE AND DISCOVERY

1. “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”
— William Arthur Ward

2. “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”
— Marcel Proust

3. “Put it before them briefly so they will read it, clearly so they will appreciate it, picturesquely so they will remember it, and above all, accurately so they will be guided by its light.”
— Joseph Pulitzer

4. "Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it." - Confucius

5. “The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” — W.B. Yeats

"...what we've seen is always going to be a very small cup dipped out of a very big ocean, and turning your back on the ocean to stare into the cup can't change that". - Linda Holmes

On FRIENDSHIP

1. "If you judge people, you have no time to love them."
- Mother Teresa

2. “I am a part of all that I have met.” — Alfred Lord Tennyson

3. “Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” — Anais Nin

UNRELATED POST : COOL TIPS ON TRAVELLING :

1. Eat different cuisines than the country you’re in.
And I’m not referring to the lasagna from your hotel restaurant. Thai food in India is different than in Thailand – obviously. But it’s also different than Thai food in Seattle. I’ve had great Mexican food in Athens, great Greek food in Bangkok, and some stuff I didn’t recognize on a Biman Airlines flight while over Pakistan.
But more than good, these meals were interesting — and that’s what travel should be.

2. Send postcards
They’re fun. People like getting them. If you must send an email put all the contents in the subject line: "Mom — I’m alive, in Italy, not going back to school next semester. XO"

3. Steal soap from your hotel and give it to kids in developing countries as a present.
Studies have shown that distributing soap to kids in poor countries saves lives. Travelers are always thinking up things to give to kids that ask for handouts (pencils, erasers, candies) but nothing beats the gift of clean hands. And don’t just collect 1 or 2 from your hotel bathroom. Hit the hallways while the cleaning staff are having a smoke and grab a couple handfuls from the service carts. When you are saving lives, GO BIG.

From
http://mylittlenomads.com/thrilling-amazing-tips-travel-vacationand read the rest of them, they are so cool! I especially love no 2,3,12,13,15

Happy New Year Everyone !!!!! X

Birthday foods!

2011-09-22T02:20:00.010+10:00

1. Grab & Tucker, Newtown

Eaton Mess
Beautiful dessert! Tasted even better than it looked :)

2. Red Lantern, Surry Hills

One sunny afternoon, I went to Red Lantern for lunch. Red Lantern is a beautiful Vietnamese restaurant which is located at the busy street of Surry Hills. There are alot of great restaurants at Surry Hills and Red Lantern is one of the busiest place, especially on Saturday nights. Red Lantern promotes ethical eating and as much as possible, uses the freshest in local sustainable and organic produce. Red Lantern was voted Top Ten Most Environmentally Sustainable Restaurants Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2010. Red Lantern was one of my fav restaurants in Sydney!

Goi Cuon $16.50
Soft rice paper rolled with prawns, pork, vermicelli, perilla leaves and garlic chives
Yummm!! This is the best rice paper rolls I've ever had. The rice paper is so thin and smooth, the filling is so fresh and the dipping sauce is so delicious. Such a perfect entree because it makes you even more hungry!

Mi Xao Voi Vit Quay $36.00
Roasted Thirlmere Duck Maryland with wok tossed egg noodles and tamarind sauce
So Last year I went to Red Lantern and had their duck salad. That thing is one of my favourite dishes anywhere ever. I couldn't stop thinking and talking about it for months, but unfortunately they don't have it anymore :( (they change most of their menu every season)
So I thought this time I ordered something duck again just to make up for it :p (Well I like duck anyhow anyway). I'm glad I ordered this because it tasted great.
Note : But I still love the duck salad more (our bond is that strong) ^ ^

Bo Luc Lac $35.00
Cubed pasture fed Black Angus sirloin wok tossed with garlic, sesame and black pepper
The beef is sooo tender (yet fully cooked/ well-done)How is that possible achievable?? Hmm.. I remember I had this exact same dish last time, and back then, it was actually a bit chewy. But this time, Oh My God! so tender! and the salad is refreshing and fresh. YuM!. And I don't normally like salad that much!

3. Manta Restaurant, Wooloomooloo Wharf

A week before my birthday, my flatmate took me to Manta Restaurant for my birthday. He was heading overseas so he took me out early. Manta is a fine dining restaurant with views of the beautiful Wooloomooloo Wharf.
We started with some bread which we soaked with some delicious olive oil and (seriously) the most amazing balsamic vinegar! We ordered half a dozen of oysters (from different regions) to share and an entree, a main and a dessert each.
Manta's oysters are hand picked and delivered directly by the grower to ensure proper care all the way to the plate. They are opened to order and tasted so fresh!

Lemon and pepper seared yellow fin tuna, lime, wasabi, avocado mousse and gazpacho salsa 28
Yum! I love Tuna!

Steamed mud crab – bottarga, parsley and lemon butter.
The crab is so juicy and perfectly cooked! Probably the best crab I've ever eaten!!!

Textures of amedei dark chocolate and piemonte hazelnut 18
Hmm this dessert has so many different textures. There are other chocolate stuffs underneath the square chocolate disc (which can't be seen from the picture). Everything is so amazing, It is smooth, luscious, yet refreshing and not too sweet (which I like) and the chocolate ice cream is so delicious!

First post of 2011.. This year is going to be AMAZING

2011-04-24T23:53:00.019+10:00

‎"Enjoy yourself. These are the good old days you're going to miss in the years ahead."

So, I haven't written since last year. and I am not going to say that I'll write more often (Because that's what I said last time) lol so I'm just NOT going to say that again this time. Ok let's just read this page :)

In the past few months :

1. I've moved to my new place.

view from my new room

Oh how I wish I did this ages ago, finding the perfect room, perfect apartment, perfect flatmate. I always thought that since I am not at home most of the time anyway, I don’t need to spend alot on rent. But since I moved, I’ve learnt that a good place make such a huge difference. For me personally at least. Because this is the place to wind down, to relax, to rest, to read, to dream, to think, to reflect, to recharge.
The slight higher price is definately worth it. I love my new place now. My room and living room overlooks the Hyde Park and a bit of the St Mary Cathedral. It is close to Oxford St, Chinatown, Sydney Myer & DavidJones, about half an hour walk to Kings Cross, there are regular buses nearby that can take me straight to Circular Quay, The Rocks, Newtown, Glebe, Balmain and my place is just opposite of the Museum Station. It is also only a minute away from World Square which the monorail/tram can take me to Darling Harbour, Star City and Fishmarket. So the position is perfect. I share this 2 bedroom apartment with a male flatmate. And he's perfect. He doesn't get bothered if I get home late and take shower at 3 am. We have our own bedroom and our own bathroom. We keep things to ourselves but we are friendly to each other. He travels a lot so I often have the place to myself. Well which can be nice :) hint. hint.

2. I saw 2 great musicals, The Boy from Oz and Dr Zhivago.

Oh how I love musicals! And the music from Dr Zhivago is just so so romantic and beautiful. I almost cried as the lyrics are quite sad. The songs have such deep meanings and the Russian winter costumes are lush and gorgeous. Anthony Warlow is so perfect and I so love him ! :)

The Boy from Oz, on the other hand, is very entertaining. And the fact that it is based on a true story of Peter Allen makes it touching and heartfelt as well. I am a fan of Liza Minelli and there is a bit of Liza Minelli and that Fosse style dancing in here which I soooo love. Also the ending (the Rio number) is so amazing!!! Probably the best closing any musical can have. It is such a high! It makes you happy and want to get up and dance and leave the theatre smiling. I saw the version of Todd McKenny as Peter Allen. And he is fabulous.

3. I’ve discovered Indian food.

To be honest I wasn’t a big fan of Indian cuisine in the past and maybe that’s because I’ve never been to a really good Indian restaurant in Sydney. What I ate Indian-wise is just something in food court which is rarely fresh and the meat is often hard and the aroma is too strong.

Since then, I have now been to two of the best Indian restaurants in Sydney, Aki’s at Wooloomooloo and Abhi’s (which is owned by the same family). The food is fabulous. How can curry be so fragrant? And the bread soaking up the sauce can be so delicious! Seriously if you don’t like Indian food, go to Aki’s or Abhi’s. They will change your mind :)

4. I saw a few movies at the Sydney French Film Festival.

OH How I love French movies! If you've read my list of favourite foreign movies, most of them are French.
There is one movie in particular at this festival which I really really love. It is charming and magical and it touches you and leaves you with something to reflect and think about while at the same time entertain you with its characters, imagination and story. It is THE AGE OF REASON.

It is a story of Margaret (who is played briliiantly by the amazing Sophie Marceau) who is a high-powered executive, who manages her career with steely determination. Her hyper-structured life revolves around Blackberry appointments, business dinners and a secret sexual relationship with her colleague Malcolm. But on her 40th birthday, a retired provincial solicitor delivers a package of long-forgotten letters from a long-forgotten stranger: her seven year-old self. Margaret quickly finds herself overwhelmed by hidden memories of her childhood that throw her worldview into chaos, as she realises she's become the exact opposite of what she hoped for herself.

Watching this movie makes me think of what matters to me now and when I was 7 years old. what I want nowadays is success in career, and to have lots of money, to buy beautiful clothes, bags, jewellery (doesn’t every girl?), and to dine in nice restaurants, and to live in a nice place. Money to me now is very important. It allows me to have private dance classes with the top teachers, private skating coaching and to experience art such as seeing a ballet or musical in the theatre and having the best seat.

But when I was 7 years old, I was so simple (perhaps everybody is), all I wanted is to spend time with my family out dinner on Saturday night, to go to ballet class, to visit my grandma up the mountain, to read ballet comic books. It was never about material stuffs really. So watching this movie is quite nostalgic and somehow sad. I guess it is also because my family and relatives are so far away so I don’t get to spend time with them anymore.

5. Other great movies that I saw the past few months are :

- The Black Swan (Natalie Portman is so perfect as the obsessed perfectionist beautiful ballerina)
- King (Indonesian movie about this boy who wants to b a badminton athlete and his dad who is too poor to support him) It is really a touching and inspiring movie :)
- The Way Back (a gorgeous, beautiful movie)

- New York I love you (a lot of different love emotion in this star-studded movie and every story is quite magical)

6. I also saw a few great Tv series on DvD :

- Heston feast Season 1 & 2(THIS GUY IS A GENIUS !)
- 6 Wives of Henry VIII (I love historical drama and all its ancient costumes and settings) Love it Love it LOVE IT!
- Nikita Season 1(Since I saw 'SALT' starring Angelina Jolie, I became obsessed with female spy/action hero type of movies/Tvs :) )
- Top chef Masters season 1 & 2 (I love cooking shows especially when all the contestants all award-winning chefs)
- Modern Family season 2 (I love all the casts, they are so hilarious and I love how the scripts are so clever)
- The Good Wife Season 1 & 2 (I love the characters, the actings and the whole great drama/law/criminal story)

I like this picture (from http://lovequotesrus.tumblr.com/)
awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww how cuteeeeeeeee !! ^_^

And I like these words :

“You can tell more about a person by what he says about others than you can by what others say about him.” Audrey Hepburn

“If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.” Haruki Murakami (Norwegian Wood)

“I have noticed that if you look carefully at people’s eyes the first five seconds they look at you, the truth of their feelings will shine through for just an instant before it flickers away.” The Secret Life of Bees

“In nineteen minutes, you can mow the front lawn; color your hair; watch a third of a hockey game. In nineteen minutes, you can bake scones or get a tooth filled by a dentist; you can fold laundry for a family of five.
In nineteen minutes, you can stop the world; or you can just jump off it.” -Jodi Picoult (Nineteen Minutes)

Until next time xx

WEEKLY DIARY

2010-11-18T00:38:00.006+11:00

It's been another long time since I updated my blog. I rarely turn on my computer nowadays. Lately I've doing things such as: read my long-forgotten novels, window shop, go to more dance classes, go to salsa clubs, go to cafes and read their old magazines, watch some dvds, work.

Anyway I can't believe that time goes so fast and it's almost Christmas soon! I always love the vibe of christmas. The peaceful happy christmas songs/music, festive decorations, christmas movies (home alone/love actually/sister act). Everything looks beautiful, the moods seems peaceful and everbody looks happy getting together with their family and friends. I'm a bit sad that my family is not here, but this year I'm planning on getting together with close friends to have a really beautiful dinner in a really amazing restaurant. (Last year I worked on Christmas to get a double pays :( sad )
I am definately going to make it happen this christmas :)
photo from http://www.flickr.com/photos/sowrongitssara/4524290961/

"There are four things you cannot recover in life. The stone after it's thrown. The word after it's said. The occasion after it's missed. And the time after it's gone. So live life to the fullest and regret nothing."
- Anonymous

THINGS THAT I LOVE THIS WEEK :

picture from http://theuberblog.tumblr.com/
ISN'T THIS FUNNY? LOL

These quotes

"Tell me and I'll forget. Show me, and I may not remember. Involve me, and I'll understand."

-American Indian Proverb.

"Mistakes are a part of being human. Appreciate your mistakes for what they are : precious life lessons that can only be learned the hard way. Unless it's a fatal mistake, which, at least others can learn from."

-Al Franken

SOMETHING THAT MAKE ME SAD THIS WEEK :

"A family photo that shows a little girl beside her father and his fellow soldiers in uniform as they prepare to go to war has resonated well beyond the tight knit Bennethum clan.
Four-year-old Paige Bennethum really, really didn’t want her daddy to go to Iraq.
So much so, that when Army Reservist Staff Sgt. Brett Bennethum lined up in formation at his deployment this July, she couldn’t let go.
No one had the heart to pull her away."

I LOVE THIS ARTICLE FROM OPRAH :

Jenny Peterson, who received a prosthetic implant in January 2010 to restore the sight that she lost in 1976 after a reaction to antibiotics.

"Simple everyday things bring me To tears. Watching butter being spread is fascinating. Cutting my meat without struggling gives me so much joy. I look at my husband and say, 'I did that myself.' I'm surrounded by so much beauty and color : my husband's blue eyes, the red pieces on the Candy Land Game that my grandson and I play, the way the light hits the colored glass windows at church, the stark branches against the blue winter sky. I've been watching movies of my children when they were in high school, playing volleyball, acting in plays. Imagining them doing those things wasn't the same. I was 23 when I lost my sight, and my children were 2 and 5. When I see my young grandchildren, it's as if I'm looking at my children again when they were little-picturing how the wind blew my daughter's hair across the side of her face. I can't wait to witness my granddaughter's first steps. And I love watching my grandson dance. When he used to visit and wanted to play outside, he always knew that Grandma stayed on the deck. But I recently told him, 'Grandma isn't going to stay on the deck anymore.' "

“Find ecstasy in life; the mere sense of living is joy enough.”
-Emily Dickinson.

xx

THE PARADOX OF OUR TIME by Bob Moorehead

2010-11-09T05:21:00.009+11:00

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgement, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbour. We conquered outer space but not inner space.

We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but Learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information to produce more copies. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throw-away morality, one-night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the show window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.

Remember to spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember to say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember to give a warm hug to the one next to you because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember to say "I Love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to Love, give time to speak, give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind. To all my friends in my life, thanks for being there!

Live with intention, walk to the edge. Listen hard, practice wellness, continue to learn. Laugh, play with abandon. Choose with no regret. Appreciate your friends.

There is a saying which I am sure you will recognize: "Do what you love, live as if this is all there is. Life's journey is the destination…so dance like no-one's watching, work like you don't need the money, and love like you've never been hurt before…"

by George Carlin

WEEKLY DIARY

2010-11-04T00:34:00.005+11:00

THINGS I LOVE THIS WEEK :

This article from Oprah :Richard O'Barry : The power of passion
" Richard O'Barry has a unique calling. "If there's a dolphin anywhere in the world that's in trouble," he says, "my phone rings." Through a combination of techniques that include undercover operations and negotiations with hunters, governments, and dolphin-exhibiting businesses, O'Barry has rescued dolphins in the Bahamas, Nicaragua, Brazil, and the United States, among other places, animals that have been abused in squalid aquariums, unfiltered tanks, and concrete pools that are the marine mammal equivalent of padded cells.

His passion to protect these animals from commercial dolphin shows and swim-with-a-dolphin resort programs (a healthy dolphin can sell for more than $200,000) began 40 years ago, after O'Barry, then head trainer at the Miami Seaquarium, was hired for the television show Flipper. As it happens, the title role was played by five bottlenose dolphins, one of whom ultimately swam into O'Barry's arms, looked up at him, and stopped breathing. It was such a deliberate act that he believed it to be suicide. Today, as a result of that experience, he's the ultimate dolphin freedom fighter.

The world got a moving look at his mission in last spring's Oscar-winning documentary, The Cove, which chronicles O'Barry's determination to end a secret dolphin slaughter in Taiji, Japan. In the movie, O'Barry faces off with local fishermen and fishery officials, who call their annual cull of up to 23,000 dolphins "pest control." Using hidden cameras, The Cove revealed the truth—that most are gaffed with metal spears and die slow, frantic deaths; a smaller number are herded into pens to be sold. "Once you see this movie, you're gonna think twice before you buy a ticket to a dolphin show," O'Barry says.

At 70, O'Barry remains tireless in his defense of one of the ocean's most intelligent creatures, roaming the Earth to help them. His ultimate hope is simple: "Basically, I would like to be put out of business. That's my goal." "

I love this picture :

I love this article about Kate Moss from Madison Magazine Dec 2010 edition :
" Mario Testino encountered Kate Moss backstage at a Galliano show when she was just 14 years old. She was sobbing, disappointed because she'd only been given one outfit to model. In Kate Moss by Mario Testino - the photographer's 10th and latest book - he recalls that he said to her, "In Life, there are perfumes and colognes. You need to use lots of cologne as the scent fades away; with a perfume you just use a drop and it lasts all night. You are a perfume, you will go on and on." He couldn't have been more right - in the two decades since, Moss has served as one of fashion's most reliably on-point ambassadors to the world, posing and vamping and skulking like no one else. "

also from Madison Mag :
Word of Wisdom from Diane Keaton, 64, actress,
"When I was younger I had these enormous vanities about what I expected from myself. I'm glad to have a comfortable and fascinating life, but now I see it for what it is, so I can be braver and more spontaneous and say to myself, 'Oh, screw it, just go out there and do it"

I love this quote :
"Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best" - Henry Van Dyk

I love this advice from Kristina Karlsson, Founder of Kikki.K :
"Start each morning in a refreshed working environment by spending around 5 minutes at the end of each day filing documents and tidying your workplace. You'll be more organized, and feel inspired to make your time more efficient."

4 THINGS I DO THIS WEEK :
- I've finished watching season 3 of So You Think You Can Dance Canada. It is amazing! I especially love any dance numbers that Dennis and Amanda do together. They are so passionate. I love them :)
- I've been drinking Nudie Coconut water. It is refreshing and not too sweet. It's perfect when I crave sugary drink!
- I've been listening to Ali Milner's music http://alimilner.bandcamp.com/ I especially love her songs 'I dare you' and 'I wanna be loved by you'. Gorgeous songs! They are my favourite songs at the moment.
xx

Quotes & Pictures from one of my favourite blogs http://theuberblog.tumblr.com

2010-10-29T09:06:00.022+11:00

http://theuberblog.tumblr.com is a blog full of beautiful inspirational pictures & words. These are just a few of my favourites.
(Please read ONE BY ONE SLOWLY) they are all wonderful :)

HOW TO LIVE A LIFE from http://imanurse.tumblr.com

2010-10-29T08:33:00.008+11:00

WEEKLY DIARY

2010-10-23T10:33:00.012+11:00

I'm sorry it has been a while since I wrote a post. I’ll write more regularly from now on, as I feel that the more I write, the more I want to write whereas the less I write, the more I can’t be bothered. And also the reason I have a blog in the first place is to reflect on my daily/weekly life. So I’ll write a weekly dairy every week, no matter how busy I am. Afterall there is a reason it’s called a weekly diary :)

Things I love this week :
Oprah article '11 ways to find your calling'. It is about 11 people from all different career background talking about how they know about what they want to do with their life. I find it lovely and inspiring. These are the 4 (in bold font) that I most relate to (although all are lovely).

1. Peggy Whitson PhD
NASA's Most Experienced Astronaut (377 Days in Space)

On day three or four of my first orbit in space, I remember thinking, "I get to stay up here." It was this sensation of being in the right place. I knew then that I would be back. One hundred and eighty days later, it was still hard for me to leave.

I love the word 'of being in the right place'. I like to dance & perform, part of it is because of the sensation I feel when I am on stage. It feels like I am in the right place and it always feels amazing, even since I was a little kid performing in a school christmas concert. I'm sure the same thing apply with other jobs (vet= around animals, writer = laptop, chef= kitchen).

2. Judith Jamison
Dancer, Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

I live my life day by day with a lot of prayer and not necessarily immediate revelations, because I always think God takes his good time in lettin' you know what's doin'.

I love this because it reminds me that if you want to be something good, there is no such thing as a short cut. Something worth achieving needs tremendous hardwork and a lot of mistakes and problems to build up experience and maturity. It needs 'a good time' to get there.

3. Kathleen Sebelius
Former Governor of Kansas, Now Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services

I am a believer in the need to take a few risks. You don't get a new job unless you put yourself out there. I'm not suggesting jumping off the tops of buildings without parachutes, but having some willingness to say, I don't know everything about this, but, boy, I can learn it as well as anybody, and I can roll up my sleeves and work really hard. So I'm going to walk through that door, and if it's not open I might kick it a little bit and then walk through.

I like the word 'kick it a little bit'. Life is not easy and at the end of the day however wonderful our peers are, we still have to stand up for ourselves. And all those successful person are usually the ones who are not afraid of obstacles and show a lot of determination and guts and courage to ‘walk through’ them.

4. Masaharu Morimoto
Iron Chef (Food Network), Owner of Two Eponymous Restaurants in New York and Philadelphia

I had two dreams. One, I wanted to be a professional baseball player. The other was to be a chef. Every couple of months, right after my father got paid, we went out to dinner as a family. My father was relaxed, my mother pleased to be out. I admired the sushi chefs, who looked very cool in their starched white jackets behind the sushi bar. That was one of my happiest times as a child.

This one reminds me of my childhood dream. When I was a kid and (at that time) I wanted to be a ballerina, it was first because of the pink tutus. It was the whole appearance that I fell in love with: the pink tutus, ballerina buns, how the ballerinas have their head up and posture straight. I thought they look so elegant and pretty.

I love this picture from http://-sexappeal.tumblr.com

I also love this interview from Madison magazine Nov 2010 edition.

MY BALANCED LIFE by Charlotte Dodson :

Here Miranda Kerr and Rachael Finch’s yoga teacher explains how various therapeutic approaches, from the dietary to the creative, keep her body and mind in shape :

DAILY: Every morning I start my day with a glass of lemon juice and purified water. Lemons are alkaline-forming and aid in balancing out any acidity within the body, and water activates my internal maintenance systems. Along with this, I take a shot of E3Live, a wonderful aqua-botanical superfood that acts as a tonic for the mind and body.

WEEKLY: I strum my heart once a week during a guitar lesson. The rhythmic patterns and vibrational colours of music provide the quickest route to connecting with your inner soul- to finding that place of peace and pure joy. It gives me time to zone out and disconnect from my inner dialogue and enter into the world of melody and tone.

MONTHLY: With the amount of yoga I practice and teach, a remedial massage releases any stressors and built-up impurities I may be holding onto and maintains my body’s vitality on all levels. My masseuse nurtures my physical self from head to toe and puts my various alignments into perfect balance.

I love this Disney quotes from http://rachealxgreatestever.tumblr.com

I love MoS Burger.
I used to live in Singapore and there is this Mos Burger outlet which I love so much. This week I suddenly have this urge to eat them! MOS Burger is one of the largest hamburger chains in Japan. After returning to Japan from living in Los Angeles, Mr. Sakurada started his hamburger shop venture and set up the first MOS Burger shop in Tokyo in 1972. MOS stands for Mountain Ocean and Sun. Committed to producing food fine-tuned to the Japanese palate, Mr. Sakurada inspired his team to create innovative products that would stand the test of time. One of the finest creations was the Rice Burger, which proved a smash hit when it was launched in Japan in 1987. I love those rice burgers. They are so amazing!

Hot Yakiniku Rice Burger
Yakiniku Rice Burger
Ebi Rice Burger
Unagi Rice Burger
Teriyaki Chicken Burger

5 Things I do this this week :

- I have been saying good morning to the person standing next to me in the elevator.
- I saw 'Eat Pray Love' in the cinema. Bali is gorgeous and those italian foods! Oh My!
- I have finished watching the TV show 'Drop Dead Diva' season 1 &2. I love that show! Stacy is so adorable.
- I had a wonderful facial at Ella Bache. Not only my beautician has a flawless face, she is so lovely too.
- Last weekend there was this Australian Salsa Classic, which is the national competition for salsa. Watching the competition gave me a mixed feeling. I was somehow sad because it made me miss skating. In a way it made me miss my skating friends and those skating years, the competitions that I used to participate and friends’ competition that I used to watch and support. I always love watching skating competitions because I got to sit back and see people stressing out :) Lol I know but seriously after going through all those stress yourself (the day before, for example), it was nice to be in the audiences, just cheering and watching a show, not worrying too much. So yes, I miss my skating years :(

picture from http://allthosenames.tumblr.com

picture from http://-sexappeal.tumblr.com

FOOD DIARY (SEPTEMBER)

2010-10-12T19:46:00.010+11:00

Breakfast at Baffi & Mo, Redfern
French Toast with Passionfruit, Lemon curd, Ricotta and Strawberries.
Peppermint Macaron with Flat White

Last month on the 7th is my birthday. I woke up around 7 am and walked to the Fishmarket to have a lobster & some prawns & oysters for breakfast :)

Cakes from Adriano Zumbo Pattisserie
Mont blanc Macaron, Raspberry & beetroot macaron,
SHABALICIOUS: Caramel crunch, caramel sponge, caramel cheesecake, caramel chew & caramel cream cheese mousse.

Passionfruit Tart, Lemon Tart.

(top) WHEELY WEMON: Lemon agar agar, Kalamansi creme legere, lemon dacquoise, lemon meringue batons, lemon puree & Kalamansi curd (Gluten Free).
(middle) I'LL GET BACK TO YOU BARRY: Chocolate yogo creme brulee, soft chocolate gel, chocolate cereal crunchy, chocolate sable breton, chocolate caramel mousse, chocolate plaquette.
(bottom) I don't remember this one. Chocolate with some sort of chilli in it. Not my fav.

2042 Cafe & Deli, Newtown
I love this place, it's a cafe & restaurant and deli in one roof, which they also serve wine & cocktails. The deli has wonderful selections of local & imported cheese, cured meats, antipastis, jams, olives, teas, freshly made cakes, tarts & biscottis.
The jamon iberico comes from free-range pigs that feed on acorns in the oak forests on the border of Spain and Portugal. The deli and restaurant opens until late most nights.
Schultz Smoked Wagyu Beef, Hot Spanish Salami, Prosiutto di Parma, Jamon Iberico (24 months).
At the bottom, is some beautiful jam for my (beautiful) bread :)

Ribs from Hurricane Grill's
Hmm, Big, lean, tender Pork Ribs. This famous tasty Hurricane's Pork ribs is basted in Hurricane's own special rib sauce originating from South Africa and grilled until tender, and served with baked potato with sour cream and chives.

Pizza from Pizza Mario, Surry Hills.
Pizza Margherita 'extra' (buffalo mozzarella, parmesan, fresh tomato, and basil).
Pizza Mario is my no1 favourite pizza restaurant/take away. Their pizzas are the traditinal ones and just the most delicious & amazing. I remember the first time I ate their pizza, I keep thinking about it for days until I had to go and buy another one. Their pizzas is thin and dough-y. They follow these 5 disciplines:
- after rising, the dough must be worked and shaped only with the hands.
- the oven must be only wood burning
- the pizza must be cooked on the oven surface and not in any pan or container
- the toppings must not be in conflict with the rules of gastronomy
- the pizza should be soft, well cooked, fragrant and have a high soft crust.
Pizza Mario is the only pizzeria in Australia given the seal of approval from the Verace Pizza Napoletana – the governing Italian body that makes sure pizzaioli (pizza makers) are doing the right thing by their clientele.

Swirlie's Frozen Yoghurt
I love frozen yoghurt, they are healthier than ice cream and taste just as good. This is the(Premium low-fat) Green Tea Frozen Yoghurt with Cranberries.

Gelato from Gelato Messina, Darlinghurst
(Left to right) : Figs poached in marsala, Italian nougat, Dulce de Leche, Pistachio, Coconut Pandan.
Gelato Messino has won numerous times as the most favourite gelato/ice cream retailer in Sydney. Their product is made fresh on the premises daily, offering a range of 40 flavours and selection of gelato cakes.
"When making gelato at Messina we ask ourselves one simple question, “How would they have made it 100 years ago?” The answer to this simple question is; use ingredients in their raw, most natural form. “Ready made ingredients” such as colourings, flavourings, preservatives and pastes are not used in our gelato at Messina. Because of that, we achieve full bodied texture and flavour in all our gelato. The dairy flavours have less fat content, and our sorbets are completely fat free, dairy free and full of fruit."

MY FAVOURITE FOREIGN MOVIES

2010-10-07T20:47:00.014+11:00

I love foreign movies. These are 16 of my very favourites in no particular order. They are all amazing in their unique, different ways. They are all from different genres, Most are French, but there are also others from other countries. I repost this old post because I add 10 more movies. Please share with me your favourite foreign movies. x

1. Downfall (German)

This movie tells the story of the final days and downfall of Hitler. The duration is quite long but it is so intense from beginning to finish. This movie (to me) is the best made movie ever. and the most perfect. Im not into war movies but this is just have to be seen to be believed.

Awards = 15 wins and 13 nominations (including nominated for best foreign movie 2005 academy awards)

2. Les Choristes (France)

This movie tells a story of a school teacher (and musician) and his modest ambition of having the school choir to sing his song. and his modest ambition to teach music. It is the most touching and endearing movie and the music is just the most haunting and beautiful. there are also some very funny moments. But Everyone who watch this movie will cry at the end. One word to sum up this movie 'magical'.

Awards = 11 wins and 21 nominations (including nominated for best foreign movie & best music 2005 academy awards)

3. Head on (Turkey)

This movie tells a love atory between two very different people. a 40 year old man and a 20 year old girl who are from different cultural background and met in a psychiatric facility after both trying to kill themselves. watching this movie is like a rollercoster emotional journey, there are very real romantic moments, and there are the most tragic bitter moments. The characters are very complex and emotional and the acting are just the most amazing. The ending is sad :( . But the love is beautiful. This is my personal fav movie :)

Awards = 23 wins and 11 nominations (including won best film in 2004 European Film Awards)

4.Priceless (France)

I've probably watched this movie way more than i should. A real feel-good movie. The most charming movie. Probably not everyone would agree because this is not the typical hollywood romantic comedy. Girl meet boy. Get married. No. The girl here is a gold digger. Played by my fav actress Audrey Tatou. First of all, i dont think anyone speaks charm more than Audrey Tatou. And the most amazing thing about her is she is not the sexiest or the most beautiful star (like Penelope Cruz or Marilyn Monroe). But she has a very unique face, combined with a very extraordinary acting. She is so special. And I love all her movies. She made very good choices of movies.

Awards - 1 win and 1 nomination

5. Amelie (France)

Every minute of this movie is pure genius. We see the ordinary world through the eyes of Amelie and she makes everything much more extraordinary. Amelie, with her own sense of justice decided to help those around her. And punish those who are bad. For 20 years the director Jean-Pierre Jeunet collected small astonishing and intriguing moments in his life, taking notes in his diary. The things in this movie are quite an everyday thing, but watching it, the way it is made, directed and acted are so magical and such a total escapism. Its like entering another world. A lot of people say that this movie is a masterpiece. I cant be more agree.

Awards = 51 wins and 46 nominations ( including 5 oscar nominations)

6. The diving bell and the butterfly (France/USA)

This is a true story of Elle France editor, Jean-Dominique Bauby, who in 1995 ( age 43) suffered a stroke that paralysed his entire body except his left eye. He then made his memoir using that left eye by blinking to communicate every single alphabet for every words in his books. Yes every single word. This is a very remarkable story told and shot from Jean-Dominique's body (you see the world as he views) making watching it just even more real and heartfelt (especially the sealing of his eye part). The way this movie is made really cant be any more beautiful and the audiences also experience some truly funny moment in alot of scenes. Also feeling Jean-Do's sorrow trapped like the diving bell while his imagination and the gorgeous cinematography make you feel like a butterfly. An amazing inspiring movie.

Awards = 41 wins and 33 nominations (nominated for 4 oscars)

7. He loves me He loves me not (France)

Another brilliant movie starring Audrey Tatou. I love French thriller. Because it is so tastefully done. This movie is about a crazy love. And who do love film better than the French? This film has a surprise for you. You just got to watch it. I won't spoil it for you!

Awards = 2 nominations

8. Caramel (Arabic)

This movie is a story of the friendship of 6 women in Beirut. 4 of them work in a beauty salon. What happen when they get together, gossiping and talking about life and love happiness and problems. This movie is beautiful in its simple, modest way. It is enchanting and charming. You can't help but falling in love with all the women and their characters. The movie has this warm, watchable enjoyable feeling and yet it touch you and move you deeply. The fact that 2 of the main characters never acted before and this is the director's debut film, just amazed me even more. I can't help but fall in love with this film.

Awards : 4 wins and 5 nominations

9. Maria full of Grace (Colombia)

This movie is about a young pregnant 17 y o Colombian who becomes a drug mule to make some desperately needed money for her family. She comes to America by swallowing 62 pellets of cocaine in her stomach. In America some 'problems' happen but in the end she decided to stay in America to be able to give a better life for her child.
Maria has such a high human spirit which is so touching. You can feel her nerve, fear, lost and hope. What is also amazing is the fact that this is a Colombian movie which is written/directed by an American and it is low budget. That simplicity makes it so believable and real. It touches such a sensitive subject, and it succeeds.
Catalina Sandino Moreno who played Maria is brilliant and was nominated for best actress at the Academy Awards.

Awards = 30 wins & 22 nominations (nominated for 4 Oscars, win Audience Award at Sundance Film Festival)

10. In the mood for love & 2046

Wong Kar Wai is my one favourite movie director. I've seen all his movies that I can get access to. His movies are the types of movies that I feel strongly connect to & that I can so feel and relate to. It's funny because his movies are abit of 'in its own world', even fantasy-like. It's very hard to describe my feeling, I feel like those things in his movies are the stuff that are in my dreams & imagination & fantasy the whole time. I get this dejavu whenever I watch his films, its like it's tailored-made for me. Strange.
In a whole, maybe also because his movies are lush and visually gorgeous. He can always capture the romance and passion beautifully (or sad at times, or both at the same time), the story-line is simple, but rich, it often doesn't have a proper ending (which I can make my own ending the way I imagine it) Not all movies can get away with that, but his movies are so special and intimate, you kind of know how it is going to continue. Always beautifully sounded, the tracks are softly played but the melody is again gorgeous. His movies are the sorts of movies that you long remember after you see it.

Awards : In the mood for love (31 wins and 23 nominations), 2046 (22 wins and 30 nominations)
In the mood for love was awarded 'Best Foreign Film' in the 2001 France Cesar Awards & 2001 German Film Awards and 'Screen International Award' in the 2000 European Film Awards, and 2046 was awarded 'Screen International Award' in the 2004 European Film Awards. Wong Kar Wai was awarded 'Best Director' for his other movie 'Happy Together' at the 1997 Cannes Film Festival.
Wong Kar Wai's first full English feature film "My blueberry nights" opened the 2007 Cannes Film Festival, starring Norah Jones, Rachel Weisz, Natalie Portman and Jude Law.

11. L'appartement (France)

L'appartement is an elegant romantic thriller with its brilliant plot. And brilliant I mean it will absorb you from the start, and keep you guessing and feeling suprised and amazed until the very end. This movie starred the beautiful Monica Belluci and the French superstar Vincent Cassel. This is the first French movie that I've ever seen (long time ago) and I've forgotten the plot now but I still remember how brilliant it is, at the same time beautiful and sophisticated (How does the French does it?). I was in awe for a few days. The movie was out in 1996 and until now, people hasn't forgotten about it. It is that 'classic'. The American remade this movie (Wicker Park, starring Josh Hartnett and Rose Byrne) and of course this original version is the one you should watch

Awards = 2 wins & 1 nomination (win BAFTA Awards for best foreign movie)

12. Spanish Apartment (France)

I've lived in foreign countries away from my parents since I was 12. And since then, I've shared apartments/houses/rooms with so many different types of individuals. That's why I love this movie so much. It's about a few people from different countries and characters who live in one apartment. Not often you get to see a movie with a few different languages in it. This movie is also a very delightful comedy which you will remember for a long time. It shows friendship, some happy or crazy moments when you are young. And it is so funny! (My favourite actress Audrey Tatou was in it too)

Awards = 8 wins and 8 nominations. (It also won Audience Award in 2003 Sydney Film Festival and 2003 Brisbane Film Festival)

13. The class (France)

Some movies evoke my emotion. Alot of movies of course make me sad or happy. But only a rare few can make me angry. This movie does it. This is the story of Francois Begaudeau (whom he played himself), who also wrote the book upon which this movie is based on. He is a junior school teacher in France, where the students are multi-cultural and come from middle working family. It gives us insights on how frustrating and hard it is to teach children. And we cant really hate the children because they are children. It shows what happen beneath that classroom wall. Back when I was in junior school, we listened to whatever the teachers said, but in this movie, its more of a two-way communication classroom. Students listen to teachers and vice versa. Some of what the students said are quite interesting!!
This movie doesn't really feel like a movie, it's like half a movie half a documentary. It feels really real. It's outstanding.

Awards = 9 wins and 14 nominations (including the coveted Cannes Palme D'or 2008 and Academy Award nominations for best foreign movie 2009)

(This video doesn't really show how outsatanding this movie is)

14. The white haired bride 1 & 2

Visually gorgeous, beautifully acted. Brigitte Lin is one of the most beautiful and one of the most gifted Chinese actress. She played the betrayed lover and you can feel her love and betrayed emotion. This is truly one of the most visually breathtaking movie I've ever seen. And I was so happy that the sequel is as good as the original.

15. City of God (Brazil)

Whenever I see people/ movie critics top 10 best/ favourite foreign films, this movie is always included. This is a very powerful and heart wrenching movie that shows a true story of crime and horrifying violence in Rio de Janeiro. The editing is probably one of the best editing i've ever seen in a movie. You are always in the edge in your seat, and this is not some horror fiction, this is real. Real people whose life are so wasted in fights and gangs and die too easy. This movie is such an eye opener.

Awards = 55 wins and 25 nominations (nominated for 4 oscars)

16. La Vie en Rose (France)

"Her voice is the soul of Paris". This is the true story of Edith Piaf, a French singer who has one of the most beautiful voice. Ever. I almost feel that beautiful is an understatement. Her voice is one of a kind, it's special, unique, it is overloaded with heart and soul. It has so much depth and feeling that you can feel her passion, even though you don't see her sing. Of course Marion Cotillard performance is magnificent, I dont think that anyone can play Edith Piaf better than her, and to my humble opinion, No actress can act better than Marion. Her acting is simply stunning and the makeup is unreal too(Oscar win for make-up) Marion transformed from this beautiful actress to this very believable old woman. The love story is very touching, I haven't feel moved by a love story like this for a very long time. And I love the French setting in that older era. It's so french :)
The Oscar winning performance of Marion, combined with the colourful passionate true story of Edith Piaf (and combined with the most beautiful soundtrack) make this movie one of its kind. It is special.

Awards : 29 wins and 33 nominations (win 2 Oscars including best actress to the very deserving Marion Cotillard)

Weekly diary

2010-10-04T12:50:00.001+11:00

WHAT I LOVE THIS WEEK :

This article from Oprah magazine, written by Sara Corbett. This is a few paragraphs of it:

While other 16-year old girls thought about prom night, Abby Sunderland had a different dream: To become the youngest person to ever circle the globe without stopping, alone on a 40-foot sailboat. "Go for it!" said her family. "What were they thinking?" said the world. Is this the story of a brilliant adventure—or really shoddy parenting?

Why, honestly, would any kid want to do that? This is what everyone asked. Abby Sunderland's answer was always simple, and people either got it or they didn't. Most often, it appeared, they didn't. Because what she said didn't address the specifics—the small fortune it was costing, the fact that she had limited experience sailing alone in open seas, or that it involved utter solitude, a diet of mostly freeze-dried food, and sleeping only for short stretches while strapped into a narrow, planklike bunk. There was also the real possibility that she could die. On the imaginary balance sheet that weighed both the risks and the rewards, the rewards—the psychic payoff that comes with having achieved a near impossibility, with being the first or the youngest or the most brave—were far harder to convey. Fear she said, is a natural but unuseful emotion. When asked what on Earth compelled her, was not the sort of answer people tended to take seriously, especially coming from a girl who'd just turned 16. But she gave it anyway. What she said was, "It's always been a dream."

As Laurence and Marianne Sunderland see it, there is more harm in underestimating a teenager than in overestimating her. The decision to let Abby go had not been made lightly. They had weighed the risks. “There are people saying we should be prosecuted for child endangerment,” Marianne said, trailing off.

”What do I think of the ocean?" Laurence said. "The ocean scares me, and that's a healthy sort of fear." He added that the rewards, in their eyes, trumped the risks. "Frankly, life is unsafe," he said. "Life has a 100 percent mortality rate. We're all going to die, you know? I think the saddest thing about living, one of the saddest things about living, is getting to a ripe old age and never having fulfilled a dream in your life."

I love this video :

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6902333n&tag=contentMain;contentBody/
This video shows the lunch program in 2 public schools in France. The menu includes a 5 course meal for 3 year olds.
This video amazed me! I think you would be amazed too. Please take a look:)

I love The 2010 O Power List :

The power of vision...Sarah Lewis
"[My latest project] is an opportunity to ask the fundamental question, one we're still grappling with: Are we really separate from one another? And it offers a resounding no."

The power of taking a stand...Kamala Harris
"Having grown up around strong women, I know firsthand the importance of never taking 'no' for an answer and following your dreams. What a long way we have come! But we have so much more work to do."

The power of living large...Julia Roberts
"Loving what you do is the secret to everything."

The power of play...Jane McGonigal
"Games support happiness....Studies have shown that playing a short game—having something concrete that you can accomplish—actually gives you the motivation, energy and optimism to go back and tackle real work."

The power of taking a leap...Lisa Shannon
"Somehow, women being able to help other women helps them feel powerful."

The power of proof...Esther Duflo
"I see my job as trying to uncover little pieces of knowledge."

The power of power...Teresa King
"I just want people to be able to fly."

The power of make-believe...Sarah Ruhl
"Art is a way of freezing time, or extending time...it's another way to bridge the gaps between us."

The power of graceful gravitas...Diane Sawyer
"Whatever you want in life, other people are going to want it too. Believe in yourself enough to accept the idea that you have an equal right to it."

The power of presence...Viola Davis
"You can't be hesitant about who you are."

The power of bearing witness...Lynsey Addario
"A genius is a talented person who works really, really hard."

The power of endurance...Marge Champion
"I think stretching is the most important thing. And the next most important thing is to keep the lungs busy. You can do that with singing, dancing, walking, anything that makes you fill your lungs right down to the bottom."

The power of the big picture...Rebecca Onie
"It's a simple solution.... You change one thing, and suddenly you've changed everything."

The power of one voice...Lynn Henning
"We must change—it is the right thing to do. And if we do, I truly believe we will become a green, sustainable society. I am confident that we will make a difference together."

The power of fearlessness...Zahra Rahnavard
"We've made this promise, and we'll stand by it. I'm here to say that men and women are equal."

The power of style...Vera Wang
"The idea that I could always do better, learn more, learn faster, is something that.... I carried with me for the rest of my life."

The power of authenticity...Jane Lynch
"I start by being honest with myself. And I always expect the people in my life to help out with that. If I'm not seeing something clearly, I want them to tell me."

The power of connections...Kelly Chapman Meyer
"We all have been given a gift of one kind or another; it is important to realize and utilize those gifts for the benefit of mankind."

The power of heart...Zenyatta
"She's absolutely perfect at her profession and that is very rare—not just in sports but in all things." — Laura Hillenbrand, author of Seabiscuit

The power of speaking out...Pakistani rape victim
"I decided to speak out because I thought if they ruined my life, they could do it to some other girl, too. And I [would] be responsible for that."

The power of smart...Deborah Kenny
"There is, perhaps, no task more difficult than teaching, and none more important."

I love these words of wisdom from all around the world :

The word is all.
It cuts, it flays.
It models, modulates.
It disturbs, drives mad.
It cures or kills.
It duly magnifies, brings down.
It excites or mellows souls. -Komo-Dibi-

Everyone knows the usefulness of the useful, but no one knows the usefulness of the useless. -Chuang-tse-

Great intelligence includes; slight intelligence discriminates; Great words are brilliant; slight words are verbose. -Chuang-tse-

Opposites are useful and the sweetest harmony is born from elements that are different. -Heraclitus-

Books have the same enemies as human beings : Fire, Damp, Insects, Time; and Their own content. –Paul Valery-

The journey is the reward. -Chinese Proverb-

So what am I? A thing that thinks.
What is a thing that thinks? It is a thing that doubts, conceives, affirms, denies, wants, does not want, but also imagines and feels. -Rene Descartes-

As usual I love Sarah Wilson's blog (her newest article on 'how to really have a holiday'), and as you (I) can see I have to mention some sort of things (article, quotes) from Oprah every single time. I'm glad to have these people/websites to look up and refer to. I'm thankful to be insipired.

Ps: even the picture is from Oprah website too :(

AMAZING AMAZING BOOKSHELVES

2010-10-02T16:59:00.000+10:00

I love these bookshelves pictures. Most of them are from www.bookshelfporn.com and a few are from www.community.livejournal.com
There are many more great pictures from those websites, but these are my favourites. Sorry I couldn't provide most of the pictures' descriptions :( x

Interior of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County “Old Main” Building, photographer unknown, 1874.
In 1874 the Public Library of Cincinnati took possession of a small building intended to be an opera house. According to John Fleishman, “the parcel at 629 Vine Street was transformed in two stages into a library building that startled America with its cutting edge design. Its vast Main Hall featured five tiers of cast-iron book alcoves that could house over 200,000 volumes.”

Door leading to a room filled with books!!

Desk made out of books from the architecture library at Delft University of Technology.

Book building of the day. As part of a local children's bookfair, Slovakian artist Matej Kren was invited by the Museum of Modern Art in Bologna to install a massive fortress composed of thousands upon thousands of books.

Which one is your favourite?
(Now I feel like buying more books!!) :) x

BIRTHDAY POST (3) - Guide to work, health and happiness, taken from Oprah's website

2010-09-29T15:50:00.001+10:00

My other favourite cake (especially if you love great pastry) Gateau St Honore, from La Renaissance Patissierre, The Rocks. Puff and choux pastry base. Filled profiteroles surround vanilla creme patissiere, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruits.

WORK

In his recent book, The Art of Happiness at Work, coauthored with the Dalai Lama, psychiatrist Howard Cutler, MD, reports three basic approaches to work, whatever the profession. "People tend to see work as a job, a career, or a calling,".In the job approach, work is seen as a means to an end (money), offering no other reward. Career-minded folk have a deeper personal investment in their profession, marking achievements not only through monetary gain but through advancement within their chosen field. Finally, those who view their work as a calling show passionate commitment to "work for its own sake," focusing as much on fulfillment—human relationships, how what they do affects the world—as on monetary gain.

In 1997 Amy Wrzesniewski, PhD, who is now an assistant professor of management and organizational behavior at New York University's Stern School of Business, coauthored an important study of people in various occupations, from so-called menial to high-level professional. The reported levels of Subjective Well Being (SWB) were consistent with the approach each individual took toward his or her work. Those subjects who felt it was a calling had "significantly higher" SWB than those who saw it as a job or a career. Work—whether inside or outside the home—can be a place to express ourselves, a place to practice being happy, or the seventh circle of hell. We can learn to "craft" our jobs into a calling. ' believing that what they were doing— however outwardly mundane—mattered nevertheless. '

Professor Lord Richard Layard, director of the Well-Being Programme at the Centre for Economic Performance at the London School of Economics, says "We find, as nations grow wealthier, that once we're above abject poverty, wealth makes little difference to citizens' well-being." "When everyone is striving, it's like a football game where everyone stands up: You still have the same view only now you're less comfortable because you're standing." With upward mobility comes other unfortunate side effects as well, depriving families of time together and fragmenting communities.

In his lectures, Layard points to evidence that rates of clinical depression, alcoholism, and crime have all increased in the post–World War II era despite periods of economic growth. Working beyond our own limits, as Layard suggests, not leaving enough for ourselves on the side, we often compromise our own happiness as well as the greater good. "The last two decades have seen a serious assault on the communitarian ethic," says Layard. "There is such a thing as objective happiness, but it must be shared." If we stop focusing on personal gain as the only path to happiness, then perhaps we can turn outward. "I badly want to reinstate the Enlightenment belief that the moral act is always the one that produces the greatest overall happiness.

HEALTH

Dr Mehmet Oz Ultimate Health Checklists :

1. Find a doctor and schedule a checkup.
People who have doctors live longer and they live better.

2. Know the five ingredients to avoid.
"When you look on the back of a food label, they have to list the ingredients from the most common to the least common. You want to actually make sure these five ingredients are not in the top five on the food label."

- High fructose corn syrup.
Inexpensive sugar, Commonly in soft drinks.
- Sugar
Dr. Oz says when you eat sweets, your brain receives schizophrenic messages. "It says: 'I got calories, but I didn't get any nutrients,'" he says. Your body will keep craving food until it gets those nutrients.
- "Enriched"
products made with "enriched" flour, like white bread. "Why would they take bread and have to enrich it? Because they take all the important vitamins out of it, and they sprinkle just a little bit back in there," Dr. Oz says.
- Trans fat
Also known as hydrogenated fat, these are fats that were once in liquid form but have hydrogen added to make them solid at room temperature. "It extends the shelf life of the product, But it shortens the human life."
- Saturated fats
These fats come from four-legged animals like pigs and cows.

3. Healthy foods to add to your diet.
Starting with foods that don't need a label, like fresh fruits and vegetables. "If they're coming out of the ground looking the way they look when you eat them, they're good for you in general,"

-Antioxidants
( tomatoes, broccoli, kidney beans, blueberries, artichokes and prunes. Try to eat five to seven servings of these foods every day.)

-Omega-3 Fats
( 3 grams a day. "Remember, 80 percent of our brain is fat," Dr. Oz says. "We need to have the right kinds of fats in our body to make sure our brain is the most resilient to stress and can learn the fastest." Some good sources include ground flaxseeds, walnuts, salmon, scallops, soybeans and squash.)

-Fiber
( about 24 grams/day. Oatmeal, 100 percent whole grain bread, lentils, pine nuts, peas and raspberries)

-Olive Oil
( about a tablespoon every day).

4. Take a multivitamin every single day.
If you are pre-menopausal, take multivitamin that contains iron, as you'll need the iron to make new red blood cells.

5. Know your numbers.
Measure waist size (less than half of your weight), blood pressure (approximately 115 over 75), your resting heart rate (when you get up in the morning, close to 60), cholesterol, blood sugar, vitamin D.

6. Find a health advocate.
Can be anyone (friend, spouse), Bring someone who is actually going to pay attention, and understands the process and takes notes.

7. Organise your health records.
Update your medical file, know your family history.

8. Get the medical tests you need.
Annual check up, dental check up every 6 months, eye exam every 2 years. more variety as you get older.

9. Exercising.
Walking, get your heart rate up, Flexibility, Strength training (rebuild those muscles so you dont get frail as you age)

10. Get 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
You can lose the benefits of step 1-8 if you skip sleep.

HAPPINESS

" Just as Italians have eight words for for love, we need more colors for happiness. The simple-minded version will not do; life is too complex, we know too much, there's too much pain to be satisfied with a naive idea of what it means to be happy—and to be human. To accommodate a larger vision, Martin Seligman, PhD, the godfather of the positive psychology movement, has created a three-zone model of happiness.

Beyond the first tier, what he calls the Hollywood view of happiness ("getting as much positive emotion as possible"),

a second kind of happiness arises from discovering our "signature strengths," which range (in Seligman's list of 24) from honesty, kindness, and forgiveness to ingenuity and love of learning.

Seligman's third zone consists of using your strengths in the service of something larger than yourself.

So it seems that transcending our own needs, now and then, and learning to sacrifice what we want for the greater good could boost our happiness to another level. "

QUOTE

What I know for sure by Stephen Doyle, Creative Director, Doyle Partners :

Don't tell me, show me,
Don't show me, touch me,
Don't touch me, tell me.

BIRTHDAY POST (2) - Life advice

2010-09-27T07:50:00.002+10:00

My other favourite cake, Mousse Picasso, Layers of white and dark chocolate mousse, wrapped in folds of milk chocolate (gluten free).
from the amazing La Renaissance Patisserie, The Rocks, Sydney. They must have some of the most fabulous cakes and macarons (in the world!) because whatever I ate there (also croissant, danishes, coffee) taste beautiful.

“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.”

In Elizabeth Edwards's book Resilience , she quotes the Leonard Cohen song "Anthem": Ring the bells that still can ring, forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything; that's how the light gets in. That's an amazing insight-to know that nothing's perfect and it's not intended to be.

Leona Watson's tips for pursuing your dream career:
-Ask yourself what you would do if you had a free Sunday. That's your passion. Then think about how that might work as the focus of a new business or career change for you.
-Before you go to sleep, spend five minutes imagining yourself in your new career and note how good you feel. Whenever you get the 'wobbles', this will remind you you're on the right track.

In her new column for O, author, political commentator, and veteran campaign strategist Donna Brazile offers her rules to live by.
1. Be the buffalo.
Wilma Mankiller, the first female principal chief of the Cherokee nation, once told me how the cow runs away from the storm while the buffalo charges directly toward it—and gets through it quicker. Whenever I'm confronted with a tough challenge, I do not prolong the torment. I become the buffalo.
2. Organize the small to make room for the big.
I am addicted to gadgets. Trouble is, I keep forgetting where I put them. A friend once said, "Our lives are spent in moments—how many of them do you want to waste looking for your cell phone or BlackBerry?" Finding a place for everything frees up time to pursue what you really want.
3. Go help someone.
My mother wasn't a very patient woman. If I complained about being lonely or bored, she'd tell me to go help someone, anyone. To this day, when I start feeling sorry for myself, I look for a good deed to do. But I keep in mind one thing....
4. Ask the turtle.
I'm proud to call Gloria Steinem a friend, and this advice came from her. While on a field trip in college with her geology class, she discovered a giant snapping turtle that had climbed out of the river, up a dirt path, right to the edge of a road. Worried it would soon be run over, she wrestled the enormous reptile off the embankment and back down to the water. At that moment, her professor walked up and asked what in the world she was doing. With some pride, she told him. He said that the turtle had probably spent a month crawling up that long dirt path to safely lay its eggs in the mud on the side of the road and that she had destroyed all that effort with her "rescue." Gloria tells this story to illustrate the most important political lesson she ever learned: Always ask the turtle.
5. Wear comfortable shoes.
Men don't wear high heels, and they don't make allowances for women who do. Tottering down the corridors of power in beautiful but crippling stilettos telegraphs your preference for style over substance.
6. Take care of your body.
This has always been a difficult one for me. I sleep too little, go too fast, and indulge too often in minor vices. But as my Grandma Frances said, "You can only go as far and as long as your body will take you." That's why I slow down to enjoy an occasional glass (or two) of finely aged single-malt scotch. I don't think it's what Grandma Frances meant, but taking that moment is what allows me to keep going too far and too fast the rest of the time.

I find this writing below long time ago, I forget where or who wrote it, I remember I saved it on my computer because I really like/d it: (From anonymous),

If I could live my life again, I’d laugh at my misfortunes more and other people’s predicaments less. Spend more time counting my blessings, less time scrutinizing my blemishes.

I’d spend more time playing with my children and grandchildren, less time watching professional athletes perform. More time enjoying what I have, less time thinking about the things I don’t have.

If I could live my life again, I’d walk in the rain more without an umbrella and listen less to weather reports. I’d spend much more time outdoors in small towns and much less time in tall buildings and big cities. I’d eat more of everything healthy and delicious, less of everything each meal, saving enough on the bill to feed a starving child.

If I could live my life again, I’d get more beach sand between my toes and less friction between myself and others. I’d take more long baths and fewer showers (I can’t explain why I’ve always been in such a hurry to spend my time). I’d spend more time with old people and animals, less time with strangers at clubs and parties.

I’d act the age of my children and grandchildren more and act my own age less. I’d visit libraries, bookstores, and computer networks more and malls and movie theatres less. I’d play the piano more and play fewer mindless games like solitaire. I’d give my spouse and children more tender touches and much less advice.

If I could live my life again, I’d spend more time fully involved in the present moment, less time remembering and anticipating. I’d be more aware of my core values and life mission, and less concerned with the reasons why I might not measure up.

I’d smile more, frown less. I’d express my feelings more, try less to impress my friends and neighbours. I’d forgive and ask forgiveness more, and curse my adversaries less – but most of all I’d be more spontaneous and active, less hesitant and subdued.

When a great idea or spur-of-the-moment adventure popped up – an Easter egg hunt, an open house at school, a game of hide-and-seek, an oppurtunity to solve a problem at work or to satisfy a disgruntled customer, a hay ride, a chance to build a snowman or paint over graffiti, an invitation to watch a lunar eclipse or a shuttle launch. I’d be less likely to stay in my chair objecting, “It’s not in our plan” and more inclined to jump up and say, “Yes, let’s”.

And finally this Randy Pausch's video is my favourite. This video changed my life for the much better. Thanks Randy, RIP x

Please share with me what are your favourite life advices x

BIRTHDAY POST (1)

2010-09-23T10:27:00.002+10:00

One of my favourite cakes ever, Monet, from La Renaissance Patisserie, The Rocks, Sydney. It's so delicious!
Layers of vanilla sponge and bavaroise (creme anglaise mixed with whipped cream), with raspberries, wrapped in folds of white chocolate.

It was my birthday 2 weeks ago, on the 7th and I haven't been posting since because I wanted to write something about birthday and I didn't know what to write.

Hm. Reflecting back,

I feel that there are things about me that have changed over this past year :

- I now have a desire to travel.
I used to feel lazy about the process of travelling, such as packing, unpacking, planning and the idea of if I get lost and who I should go with. Of course I always like the idea of travelling, the beauty and wisdom of it, afterall people said that it could change your life and open up your eyes and horizons but I'm such a lazy bum. If I have a holiday, I'd rather stay at home and sleep.
Maybe reading the book Eat Pray Love tweaked that travel desire and I started to think that maybe I can figure out my life by travelling. I'm 26, and If people ask me what I want to be or do for the next ten years, I would have no idea. Of course I would make up stories just so that I don't look too clueless, hopeless or even irresponsible. But the truth is I really don't know. There are so many things that I want to do that I have trouble choosing and I don't know where to start. I also seems to live in the present, and not think about the future too much (which is good or bad I don't know) and take one day at a time. One thing for sure is I want to earn money doing something which I love, I want to keep dancing and I want to live everyday like my last day on earth. Or like a Sunday. I want to look forward to each day with so much enthusiasm. And be passionate, excited and interested. As Florence Henderson said, "Be interested and be interesting, Don't be boring." She is in her 70s and currently doing Dancing with the stars!

- I now want to live in Paris.
I have a very good friend and he ever told me that he wanted to live in Paris one day. I thought it was cool but I used to never think about it or want to live there. Paris was a bit foreign to me, and I have to learn a new language! And as you know I'm a bit lazy. But I always love French film and this past year I saw so many French movies and realize that I love them all. There are something about French movies that drew me right in. They are effortless-ly beautiful and the language is good to the ear as well. I also came to realize that 2 of my 3 favourite actresses are French. Audrey Tatou and Marion Cotilliard. Alot of my favourite movies are French (The Apartment, Priceless, Les Choristes, The diving bell and the butterfly, La Vie en Rose). And La Vie en Rose soundtrack (which is in French) is one of my favourite song ever. Really it is mesmerizing. I love Chanel and watching the movie Coco Avant Chanel which is about the live of Coco Chanel just made me love Paris even more. The culture, the setting, the elegance. I've always loved perfumes and of course French perfumes are wonderful. I love dancing and have always wanted to visit the Moulin Rouge. A few months ago I saw a burlesque DVD of The Crazy Horse Paris performance which is AMAZING! Dita Von Teese is known to always see the show whenever she's in Paris. Lastly this past year, I've been eating alot of French food. And sometimes when I dine in at a nice French restaurant with its French waiters and French diners around me, I can't help but feeling and imagining that I'm in Paris. I've always loved bread and butter and those which they served at the French restaurants are especially delicious. And the foods, cheese souffles, Sirloin steak cafe de Paris, Fish in lemon butter sauce, etc etc, creme brulees, French pastries, butter croissants, and somemore Souffles. French campagne! I've realized that I love so many French things, why don't I just live there for a little while?

The places that I want to visit one day:
Italy - I want to eat pasta pizza and gelato like in the book Eat Pray Love. I want to go to the same exact restaurants/shops Elizabeth went to.
Tokyo- I want to stay at the Love Hotels, eat the most creative and amazing bento boxes, (I love Japanese food!). I want to see Geisha and the crazy technology and vending machines. And the amazing Tokyo culture.
New York - I want to see all the Broadway shows and look at the breathtaking view from the Empire State Building. I want to experience a wonderful white Christmas (like in the movie Home Alone). So Christmas-Y & lovely!
Las Vegas - I want to see all the Cirque du Soleil shows in Vegas (there are like 7!), Glamorous ShowGirl shows, experience the best entertainment (famous comedys, concerts, productions, magics, musicals, from Criss Angel to David Copperfield, from Disney Lion King to Cher, Celine Dion, Elton John to Holly Madison) They have the most amazing shows in Vegas! Eat at all the famous restaurants (From ex-Iron Chef Wolfgang Puck, Michelin superstar Joel Robuchon, pretigious chef Charlie Palmer, Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, Iron Chef Bobby Flay, to the most honoured/awarded Chef Andre Rochat who has 3(!) award winning restaurants in Vegas). There are so many award winning chefs around the world working at Vegas. Not only Vegas has the best dining scenes, it has the most beautiful dining rooms/ the most luxurious menus too, (as people go to Vegas to spend money). Vegas has the best buffet too! (And actually, if you compare it to Sydney, the foods/good foods there are cheaper).
London - I want to have a Degustation dinner at The Fat Duck, have an Afternoon Tea at the Langham (which is said to be the best in England, that says alot), experience the Harrods foodhall (which is like the biggest food paradise in the world), watch theatre/musical at the London West End, hang out with Prince William (?)
Crazy Horse Paris
Love Hotels, Tokyo
Bento box
Langham's award winning afternoon tea
Las Vegas Showgirl
Joel Robuchon Restaurant, Las Vegas
Joel Robuchon Restaurant, Las Vegas
Andre's at The Monte Carlo, Monte Carlo Resort Hotel, Las Vegas (Chef Andre Rochat)
Alize Restaurant at the top of PalmS Casino Resort, Las Vegas (Chef Andre Rochat) LOOK AT THE VIEW!
Alize Restaurant, Las Vegas
Aureole Restaurant, Las Vegas (Chef Charlie Palmer)
Aureole Restaurant, Las Vegas
Aureole Restaurant, Las Vegas

Like Elizabeth Gilbert, I want to (one day) get out there, travel and marvel at something.
Niagara Falls at night

(It would be perfect if I can one day share these amazing journey/experiences with my parents and sister and brother) xx

As for my birthday, I got myself a new netbook. It's an Eee Pc Seashell Karim Rashid limited collection. I originally wanted the purple colour but they didn't have any in the shop but now I've started to love this brown one. I have alot of pink/purple accessories anyway (pen, notebook, coin purse, etc).

" When I woke up this morning I asked myself : What are some of the secrets of success in life? I found the answer right there in my very room. The Fan said - Be cool. The Roof said - Aim high. The Window said - See the world. The Clock said - Every minute is precious. The Mirror said - Reflect before you act. The door said - Push hard for your goals. And don't forget, most importantly the Carpet said Kneel down and pray." Anonymous

“For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run his fingers through it once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge you’ll never walk alone.” Audrey Hepburn

Ps : These pictures are from the internet. I saved it to my computer and forget where I got it from :( I'll try to look for it. Most of it are from google and tumblr.

THIS WEEK ...

2010-09-11T08:52:00.000+10:00

WHAT I LEARNT :

--- About sperm donor (from cosmopolitan usa)
"The price per vial of sperm varies between $300 and $600, depending on things like how educated the donor is (PHDs are pricier than bachelor's degrees). Many women don't get pregnant the first time, so you may have to do a few rounds. However, if you do get pregnant immediately, you can have the extra sperm stored and use it later if you want your child to have a sibling. Even if you don't choose to give the kid a sibling, he/she may have a half brother/half sister out there since other women may have bought sperm from the same person. You and your child may never know since the purchasing info is confidential, but there is the Donor Sibling Registry, where people can sign up and try to connect with siblings who are open to meeting."

--- Protect your bond from infidelity by making sure you're the person your guy confides in the most. (from aus cosmo)

--- According to Doctor William Fry from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in California,one minute of intense laughter or 100 laughs, equates to 15 minutes on an exercise bike.

--- Tips on how to create laughter : (I forgot where I read this from)
- Practise smiling, this is the start of laughter.
- Count your blessings- make a list of all the good things in your life.
- When you hear laughter seek it out- ask 'what's so funny?'
- Share funny stories.
- Spend time with people who have successfully incorporated humour into their everyday lives.
- Spend time with children to enhance playfulness and add humour to your life.
- Take yourself less seriously. Viewyour life in context, deal with stress, dress less seriously, keep a toy at your desk or car and laugh at yourself.
- Create opportunities to laugh - watch a comedy, go to a stand up gigs and read funny books.
- Figure out what makes you laugh and do it more often. Develop your own sense of humour. Picture from http://www.retirement-quotes.com

WHAT I DID :

--- I saw Swan Lake on Ice at The Lyric Theatre, Star city.

The first time I saw Imperial Ice Stars Swan Lake is a few years ago when they came to Sydney. Since then, it became my second favourite show after Cirque du Soleil. I thought it's beautiful, cleverly choreographed, and convincingly acted. So when I saw it again this time around, I had high expectation and because I did alot of figure skating, so I know what is great skating and I can spot mistakes. Australian public doesn't usually watch figure skating as there is none in free Tv, so every spin the skaters did was followed by huge applause. :) I would say the spin and jump were not up to competition standard (I think there is only one or two triple (toe) that I saw) but its understandable considering how small the ice is. But the choreography is beautiful, especially the 4swans Pas de Quatro and the introduction of the princesses from different countries.
1. I wish there are more skaters who dance in the air (with string).(last time there were three, this time only one which is Odette).
2. Last time there were four swans in pointe ballet shoes, Odette and 3 other swans. This time only Odette. I understand it's a skating show not a ballet, but the scene of a male skater dance/lift those three (in pointe shoes) swans back then was one of the highlights. I mean he lifted 3 persons in one time!
3. The one who played the witch Rothbart last time was better (sorry!) my favourite scene back then was when Odette confronted Rothbart after The Prince gave Odille the ring. It sent me goosebumps. I love the music they skated to, too. The whole act was so memorable.
4. One of the other highlights of the show is when the prince dance with both Odette and Odille. It was just breathtakingly beautiful. This time the prince doesn't do the death spiral with both Odette/Odille. Last time, he did and that element was the highlight of the whole number.
4. This time I thought the Prince is better acted and Odette (played by the same skater as last time) played the role more beautifully too.
5. The Pas de Quatro is so much better. LoveeD iT!
6. The Pair tricks in the introduction of the princesses are more difficult and more dangerous. AmAZinG! This is the part that the audiences clapped the most.
7. I love the Closing this time (after everybody bowed, they do a final closing number which is amazing, the trick-highlights are all repeated everywhere across the ice).
8. The costumes and the scenery are as beautiful as last time and as it can be.

So overall, I was happy with the improvement, yet I wished they didn't take away the parts that I like :(

The You Tube video above : This is the old production of Swan Lake on Ice (with the amazing Rothbart whom I like very much, a male skater lifting 3 swans on pointe, 3 swans dancing in the air)

---I saw/watched :
-Step up 3D in the cinema (the dance choreo is amazing AMAZING).
-The Emmy's Award on Tv (Love the opening number, Don Draper dance!!).
-Annie, The Royal Adventure On Dvd(Camilla Belle was so adorable!!!! when she was a kid).

WHAT I LIKED READING/WATCHING :

From www.galadarling.com
" Recently, in a large city in Australia, a poster featuring a young, thin and tan woman appeared in the big window of a gym. It said, “This summer, do you want to be a mermaid or a whale?”
A middle-aged woman, whose physical characteristics did not match those of the woman on the poster, responded publicly to the question posed by the gym.
To Whom It May Concern,
Whales are always surrounded by friends (dolphins, sea lions, curious humans.) They have an active sex life, get pregnant and have adorable baby whales. They have a wonderful time with dolphins stuffing themselves with shrimp. They play and swim in the seas, seeing wonderful places like Patagonia, the Bering Sea and the coral reefs of Polynesia.
Whales are wonderful singers and have even recorded CDs. They are incredible creatures and virtually have no predators other than humans.
They are loved, protected and admired by almost everyone in the world.
Mermaids don’t exist.
If they did exist, they would be lining up outside the offices of Argentinean psychoanalysts due to identity crisis. Fish or human? They don’t have a sex life because they kill men who get close to them, not to mention how could they have sex? Just look at them… where is IT?
Therefore, they don’t have kids either.
Not to mention, who wants to get close to a girl who smells like a fish store?
The choice is perfectly clear to me: I want to be a whale. "

From www.mamamia.com.au

Rachel's Birthday Video from Kristian Anderson on Vimeo.

This is so touching :(

Fromhttp://heyscotty.tumblr.com/post/1077966649/hi-mommy-share-sunday-july-11-2010-at-1-16pm
THis is so sad. I DARE YOU NOT TO CRY.

QUOTEs THIS WEEK :

Beginnings are usually scary and Endings are usually sad, but it's Everything in Between that makes it All Worth Living. -Anonymous

It is absurd to divide people into good & bad. People are either charming or tedious. -Oscar Wilde

The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2011 is out. I was happy that a few of my favourite restaurants, Sake Restaurant & Bar, Cafe Sopra, Spice Temple and Golden Century have finally gained its first one-chef-hat. Although Sake only recently opened.
I was quite surprised that Tetsuya lost a hat (from 3hat to 2hat) and Pier lost two hat (from 3hat to 1hat). Galileo lost its one-hat and Yoshi lost a hat (from 2hat to 1hat). I hope they are not sad, there are so many great restaurants in Sydney and I understand how tough the market is :) I'm going to dine in at all the restaurants that just lost/drop hat/hats. To make them a bit happier :)

FOOD DIARY (August)

2010-09-07T08:52:00.003+10:00

BREAKFAST

Sweet Potato cake with smoked salmon, spinach, avocado, tomato, poached eggs, special mayonaisse. From Cook & Archies cafe, Surry Hills.

DRINK

Soy Chai tea latte at Clipper cafe, Glebe.
Love a good chai !

ENTREE

Boudin de St Jacques, Bisque de Crustaces
Silky Sausage of scallops with crustacean bisque
When I dined in at L'etoile Restaurant & Bar, Paddington, I ordered this as an entree which is the signature dish of chef Manu Fieldel . This is also the dish that he cooked during the Masterchef celebrity challenge (2009). Manu Fieldel himself had won an impressive three chef's hat (3 years running) when he was the executive head chef at the famous Bilson's Restaurant. He then left the very fine dining Bilson's to open his own modern French bistro, L'etoile. Manu often appears on Tv as a guest chef, he also co-host and judge the hit-show 'My Kitchen Rules'. His great-grand-father, grand-father and father are all chefs (!!!!!). I love this dish. It's delicious, fragrant, the texture of the sausage is silky-smooth and you can taste and see (bits of) the scallops.

(top-2nd): photo by Quentin Jones from www.smh.com.au

MAIN

Mini Burritos Spicy Chicken Guerrero (rice, cheddar cheese, black beans, salsa and grilled chicken in GYG Guerrero marinade with Pico de Gallo salsa and Tomatillo salsa. Rolled in a soft tortilla). Quesadillas Barramundi Mild (grilled soft corn tortillas, melted cheddar cheese and barramundi with salsa)
from GUZMAN Y GOMEZ, Newtown. The burrito is voted to be the best burrito in Sydney.
GYG is Australia's first and most awarded fast casual Mexican restaurant concept.
- Use restaurant quality tri rump steak and chicken thigh fillets that are marinated overnight and grilled to perfection. The beef and pork are slow roasted for 13 hours until pull apart tender
- are grilled, seasoned and prepared before your eyes with only the freshest local ingredients and imported spiced and chillies found in Mexico.
- fast, delicios, healthy, flavoursome, nutritious. A great source of protein, low fat, low GI, low sugar, gluten free(tortillas), lactose free.
- was voted by Time Out Sydney for 'Best Cheap Eat.' Good quality food for a low price!
Guzman Y Gomez is named after two of (founder) Steven Mark's childhood friends.
My fav dish is the Barramundi Quesadillas. They also serve Corona and Margaritas. HmmYum .

DESSERTs

Fresh berries with passionfruit sauce and ice cream

Chocolate mudcake with ice cream
I have a friend from Melbourne who stayed at the Star city Hotel. We ordered this from the room service :)

ICE CREAM

Ben and Jerry Ice Cream, CHUNKY MONKEY (Banana Ice Cream with Fudge Chunks and Walnuts ), PEANUT COOKIE-BURRA DOUGH (Malt Ice Cream with globs of Peanut Butter Cookie Dough and a Peanut Butter Swirl), CHERRY GARCIA (Cherry Ice Cream with Cherries & Dark Chocolatey Chunks). With whipped cream. Say with me. HmmmmmMM

CAKEs
Black star pastries, Newtown.
Hm I don't really remember the cake names :) I think at the top-left is Orange & Passionfruit Cake, top-right is Lemon Curd Biscuit. Bottom-left is Coconut & Passionfruit Macaron, bottom-right is Pistachio and Apple tart?
They are all delicious :) I mean everything is delicious from that little Black Star Pastry kiosk :)

CHOCOLATE

Just William, Paddington.
Just William, handmade chocolate, retail shop, in William Street, Paddington, has become a landmark catering for the top end of the chocolate market since its establishment in 1984.
Just William Chocolate was awarded Gold Award in the Sydney Royal Cheese And Dairy Produce Show.
My favourites are the Grand Marnier Truffle &
70% Dark Chocolate Truffle (top-left, top-2nd-left)
(Truffles have a smooth texture centre consisting of a perfect blend of delicious pure chocolate, sugar, butter, honey, glucose, cream and the special flavouring ingredients of fruit, nuts or alcohol. The final stage is a coating of pure milk, dark or white chocolate.)

I also love The Gianduja cones (bottom) and Champagne ganache shells (the one that lookd like a shell). They also have a touch of gold on them !

Tequila bomb (third from top, far right) is A smooth flowing texture ganache crème centre topped with alcohol sauce. This perfectly balance centre is encased in a dome of delicious milk chocolate.

The Strawberry Echiona (middle,middle) and Strawberry Frappe (bottom,left) are delicious too. The frappé is fresh while the echiona has strawberry and strawberry marsmallow in it.

I think the prettiest one is the Lemon myrtle (third from top, in the middle). I bought it because of its looks. (when will I grow up huh).

How many hours should I run/exercise to burn off this calories, I wonder?

That's okay, I don't want/need to know the answer xx

This week (I watch Miss Universe)

2010-08-30T07:00:00.001+10:00

Breakfast : Free range poached eggs served on organic Italian ciabatta with proscuitto, tomato relish and pecorino cheese.
(from Clipper Cafe, Glebe). So good :)

with (Orange, Apple, Carrot) Juice. It is nice, refreshing and good for you.

This week :

I learnt :

- If a man has sex 3 times in 24 hour, he can use up his body's entire zinc supply!

Both strawberry and raspberry have high level of zinc in their seeds. These berries are also incredibly high in anti-oxidants which help to optimize blood flow to the sex organs, making them extremely beneficial in the bedroom.

- Iron Chef Australia is going to be on soon! I cant wait! The Australian Iron Chefs will be Neil Perry, Guillaume Brahmi and Guy Grossi.

- Sugar gives you wrinkles, according to a report published in The British Journal of Dermatology. Sugar latches on to proteins in your skin, affecting collagen and elastin, the compounds that keep skin firm and taut.

Vitamin C is vital in creating collagen, so citrus fruits can really help your complexion.

- 'Example isn't another way to teach, it is the only way to teach' - Albert Einstein

- Ben and Jerry ice cream Counter has now opened in Broadway Shopping Centre!!
Well maybe I am destined to be fat in the future afterall.

- Rob Pattinson said about Tina Fey : 'I don't really have a a 'type', but I like smart people. I really like Tina Fey, she is, like the sexiest woman.'

Note : I want to be Miss Tina Fey ^ ^

This week :

I watch

Miss Universe 2010
I love watching Miss Universe, Miss USA and those type of beauty pageants. Yes, I might be superficial to some, but I guess I love and appreciate beauty, glamour, elegant evening gowns, gorgeous jewellery and beautiful smart 'sparkly' women get dolled up. My favourite part of the Miss Universe pageant is the national costume and I think this year's costumes are amazing!

My favourite 2010 national costumes are Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Great Britain, Guam, Guatamala, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Puerto Rico, South Africa, Thailand, Trinidad&Tobago, Turkey, US Virgin Island.

Some of my favourite past years higlights :

Normally all Miss Universe s took their final/farewell walk wearing elegant gown (and most of the times their crowns), but Riyo Mori, Miss Universe 2007 did it wearing a tuxedo and simple jewellery. And watching her among all other women in glamorous gowns, I think she had such a strong presence and elegance :)

My favourite top 5. Everyone is so gorgeous.

I think this is the best song for the swimsuit competition. So alive!

And this is the best opening song ever. I mean the lyrics 'Tonight is going to be a good night,...' I heard this song in almost every dance concert rehearsal & competition opening that I went. It's such a good energy good feeling kinda song. One of my favourite song ever :)x
Ps : LOVE MISS USA COSTUME! and Venezuela.

Most beautiful Asian contestants are:
Honey Lee, Miss Korea 2006

Fonthip Watcharatrakul, Miss Thailand 2010

pS : 4 wishes :
- I have to start jogging in the morning so that my body would look (something) like those.
- I Wish the winter will never end so I have a reasonable excuse to not morning-jog/ to sleep in.
- I Wish I wake up tomorrow morning looking super hot (with the flat-est stomach). And super smart (like Tina Fey).
- I Wish all my three wishes above come true.

- 5th wish : I WANT ICE CREAM CAKE.

TABOU, Surry Hills

2010-08-30T00:40:00.000+10:00

http://yourrestaurants.com.au/static/media/x600/56293_53973_.jpg

One beautiful Friday night, my girlfriend and I felt like having French for dinner. We first saw Tabou at the front part of Crown st, then we walked along Crown st (for about half an hour) yes until the very end (with my super high heels) and finally decided to go back to Tabou. Back At Tabou, we needed to wait 45 minutes for a table, so we stood outside, hanging aroung, staring at the food menu (occasionally also stared at the diners' foods).
I know, very polite.

Once we were seated, of course we were starving. The complimentary bread and butter, to me, is probably the best bread and the best butter I've ever had in my life. Not because I was beyond hungry, but they are simply Goood. With triple o that is. o-o-o. And capital G. The bread is crunchy on the outside, warm and soft in the inside. The butter is not salty, but so tasty and soft super spreadable too. A little goes a long way. Wish I took a photo of the bread and butter, but I was too busy eating. Hey I can't be blamed.

COQUILLES SAINT JACQUES $26
Seared scallops, braised Wagyu oxtail, celery puree
This little entree is AMAZING. The scallops are perfectly cooked and the beef is so tender and the sauce is AMAZING (I'm not that good of a food blogger, am I? :) because my vocabulary is limited to 'great' and 'amazing')

SOUFFLÉ AUX FROMAGES $22
Twice baked gruyere and goat’s cheese soufflé
Cheesy goodness! I was in heaven. (NO, I WASN'T DEAD)

AGNEAU $35
Roast lamb rack, braised shoulder, sweetbreads, ratatouille
This lamb is AMAZING too. Tender. The sauce is subtle so you (I) can taste the lamb. We asked for extra sauce to dip our french fries into. The french fries is crispy, thin and not oily. (not oily = okay to finish the whole bowl). The chef is AMAZING!

PARIS BREST $13
Paris brest, praline cream, almond sorbet
Seriuosly, I mean seriously, the almond sorbet is delicious (and pleasingly light at the same time). The whole dessert is (yes here we go) AMAZING.

The restaurant is beautiful and cosy. It is packed, but The waiters and the lady manager are still so friendly and nice. I love those type of great, welcoming service. The whole dinner experience is fantastic.

I love Tabou. It's hard to pick my favourite dish because everything is so freaking 'AMAZING', but I would say the scallop.

I was still thinking about the food the next day, even now. And writing this only drive my stomach crazy.

"Close your eyes and imagine an intimate French bistro on La Rive Gauche. Open them and you've got Tabou..." SMH Good Food Guide 2008

Ps : Tabou Is awarded 'Favourite Bistro' in the Sydney Good Food Guide Awards 2006 & 2009.

This week (I take a look at Taipei and men)

2010-08-20T18:51:00.000+10:00

Breakfast : Scrambled egg with country white Sourdough toast, Bacon, Boston beans, and Potato Hash

Macarons (Mocca, Raisin toast), Capuccino

At Baffi & Mo Cafe, 94 Redfern st, Redfern.
Baffi & Mo always use free range, organic eggs, and their potato hash is apparently one of the best in Sydney.

WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK :

- I watched 'After Midnight' on Travel and Living channel. It's about this Tv presenter who goes around Asia and show the viewer at home what he did/ what happened at that country at night time.

So, one time he went to Taipei. What he did there :

- There is this 24-hour giant bookstore in Taipei!
In Taipei, the literary rate is 95% and that bookstore is HUGE, with English and Chinese books (including comics). There are chairs and tables inside, and it is okay to sit down and read for hours (How nice).

- There is this 24-hour foot massage centre.
Reflexology is very popular in Taiwan for health and relaxation purposes.
Taiwan/Taipei also set the Guinness book of record for having most people receiving a foot massage at one time. It is joined by 2016 participants (1008 reflexologists and 1008 tourists) and the attempt was organised by Taiwan Tourism Bureau to promote health tourism.

- Spring City Resort. Hot spring bath with sulphur at 2am.
Do you know that Sulphur is very good for your skin? It can soothe/treat eczema and acne. It can also relieve arthritis pain, for detoxifying effect and for other health benefits.

- Night Market.
There are 6 major night markets in Taipei and all are located near train stations. Not only there are many food stalls, there are also various forms of entertainment, alot of shopping (clothes,etc),games with prizes, fortune teller, tattoo parlour, etc.

- The presenter join a hip-hop dance crew practice. The members usually practice at night because they work during the day (when do they sleep?). There are also not many people on the streets, so for space purposes.

- The presenter went to this 'snake alley' in one of the night markets. He was served 5 shots in something like tequila little shot glasses. The row of five shots glasses consist of:
1.snake venom (good for the skin).
2.snake oil
3.snake blood + honey
4.snake bile
5.ginseng
One of those shots have something made from snake penises in it (I forgot which, maybe the ginseng?) My brain was still digesting the fact that THOSE ARE SNAKES!
The vendors may also cut the snake and drain the blood in front of you if you wish to see/ be entertained/ want to make sure it is really a snake so you get your money worth.
And after draining the blood, the rest of the meat will be made into snake soup.
Those are apparently very (very) good for health and men's sexual health.
Note to men: I will never kiss you again if you drink those.

I looked for some pictures in google and I found this
http://www.travbuddy.com/travel-blogs/53884/Taipei-1
Snake soup & row of snake shots

- One of my workmates was having a birthday and there were lots of cakes in my workplace's fridge. I was so excited and inspired to go to work for days after (just up til all the cakes were gone) :)

Mango & coconut cake, Assorted cakes

- I bought :

aren't they cute? I bought the 'Hush money' and 'Cash stash'.

- I learned that

Turn that music down. 1 in 5 US teenagers now suffers from hearing loss. Most of the hearing loss was "slight," defined as inability to hear at 16 to 24 decibels — or sounds such as a whisper or rustling leaves.
"A teenager with slight hearing loss might not be able to hear water dripping or his mother whispering 'good night'. Those with slight hearing loss will hear all of the vowel sounds clearly, but might miss some of the consonant sounds, such as t, k and s," said Dr. Gary Curhan of Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. It can cause problems in school and can also set the stage for hearing aids in later life. Loud music isn't new of course, but today's young people are listening longer, more than twice as long as previous generations (older technologies has more limited battery life).

(from Oprah or Dr Oz I dont remember) " Up to 90% of Erectile Disfunction cases can be attributed to a physical problem (the other 10 to 20 % of cases are linked to psychological issues). Often the condition is an indicator of early stage cardiovascular disease. Clogged arteries, for instance, can slow the flow of blood to the penis. An diabetes, over time, can damage the blood vessels and nerves that control erection. (The average man with diabetes will develop ED 10 to 15 years earlier than a man who doesn't have diabetes). Impotence may also be the result of obesity. Fat cells in the belly help convert testosterone into estrogen, and low testoterone levels can decrease a man's libido or interfere with his ability to achieve or maintain an erection. "

Your husband/boyfriend/exboyfriend/secret lover/etc should talk to his doctor, who can help him determine the cause behind his ED and come up with a solution. (Snake shots, anyone?)

I watched this documentary on Tv which said that if you want to know if your ED is physical or psychological, Put a (something like a string of very thin paper) around your penis at night just before you go to sleep. If the string/paper breaks when you wake up in the morning, it must have snapped when your penis got hard when you were asleep, so it shows that your physical is fine (your penis can get hard), it must be psychological problem, then.
Maybe you are still in love with your ex-girlfriend.
Move on, dude!

*Peace*

Ps : I should really make this 'weekly diary' a real weekly diary, rather than once in a two/three weeks diary or when-I-feel-like-it diary. Or when-I-don't-have-a-date-nothing-to-do-diary.

Hmm it's Friday night, I should be going out! Where are those men who are supposed to take me out and buy me pink roses?

DARLING HARBOUR

2010-08-17T22:32:00.000+10:00

Icecube Seafood Grill & Bar

Last Saturday night, me and a girlfriend went to Icecube Seafood grill & Bar for dinner. It's overlooking the beautiful waters of Darling Harbour. The weather was breezy and place was Lovely. The food's beautiful :)

Hot and cold seafood platter for 2 $135.00
Half lobster tossed in garlic, fresh king prawns, grilled king prawns, freshly shucked oysters, crisp fried fish, salt ‘n pepper calamari, blue swimmer crab, smoked salmon & mussels. Served with fries & garden salad

Fluffy bitter sweet chocolate mousse with nougatine and berries $12.5

There were fireworks just before our food arrived. I know the picture is bad. But just to prove that the fireworks was there :)

We were so full. The mousse is just to my liking, rich but not too sweet. It's really delicious and the seafood is fresh. We were seated outdoors and we checked out guys who walked past the restaurant (which is alot because the restaurant is near the taxi stand) . Lol

Adria Rybar and Grill

The next day, on a Sunday night, I met up with a guy for drinks and dinner. He suggested that we met at Darling Harbour. We went to Adria Rybar and Grill, which has a gorgeous view overlooking the water/harbour as well. He was so nice, he let me order desserts. That's the type of guy whom I want to marry one day :)

Chargrilled Calamari, Roasted Capsicum Salsa, Lime and Pepper Mayonnaise $19

Barramundi Fillet, Truffled Risotto and Mediterranean Caponata $34

Chocolate Fondant with Zabaione Canolli and Ice Cream $13

The fondant is perfect and runny when I cut it open into half. The barramundi dish is so fragrant! I couldn't stop sniffing it (and I asked my date to sniff it too!) (Now I wonder if I'll have a 2nd date with this guy). The calamari is a stand-out dish for me, Its so tender, and the mayonnaise is so delicious. If it's not the first date, I seriously would have finished that bowl of mayonnaise. Man! We also ordered the Garlic & Parsley bread which is probably the best garlic bread I've ever have in my life. The service here is also friendly and fantastic.

So both nights have been filled with great food, great company, great conversation, and great views. Probably the Sunday one is a tiny bit better because my bill was paid for.

Don't hate me because I'm being honest. X

--------------------------------------------------------------------

What do you do when you're feeling stressed?

2010-08-09T21:16:00.001+10:00

When I am feeling stressed, I :

- If it's guy-related, I'd rent 7 romantic comedy dvds and do my own little sad movie marathon with lots of microwaved caramel popcorn, a large prawn+mushroom pizza, a tube of cookies n cream ice cream n a big bottle of coke. Diet coke if the problem isn't so bad. And a big box of tissue to cry/wipe my messy mouth.

- If it's money-related/very broke, I'd drink lots of green tea 1teabagto7cups ratio. Have a long hot shower and sleep. Try not to be stressd as it can cause bad skin/pimple hence has to spend somemore money on facial. Hence will be more stressed.

- Other problems(family,work,study) Similar approaches - drink bottles of coke, eat tubes of ice cream n snack on good quality ham. Salt n sugar somehow help. Put on a mask to prevent bad skin n take vitamin to prevent from getting sick/die of saltsugar overdose.

After I feel better (or full), I'll break down the problem in my head, find each solution, realize that it's not the end of the world, and tell myself that everything has a solution/ the world won't give you more than you can bear/ everything will be allright in the end, if not, it's not the end/ things happen for a reason/ stop stressing idiot, you'll get a pimple.

Maybe I should try that playing chess + drinking tequila combo.

What do you do when you are feeling stressed? Which pizza toppings do you normally order? Do you prefer butter or caramel popcorn? Which flavour of ice cream do you like? I especially love soft serve ice cream! xx

FOOD DIARY (July)

2010-08-06T13:10:00.002+10:00

BREAKFAST

French toast brioche, bacon, maple syrup, from Adriano Zumbo Chocolat Cafe

Adriano Zumbo's Milk hot chocolate. So good!

SUSHI

My favourite sushi selection-
Top (Eel, Seared scallop, Sea urchin, Salmon roe)
Bottom (Beef tataki, Flying fish roe)

DRINK

One of my favourite drink ever! - Gloria Jeans white hot chocolate (with marsmallows)

SNACK / ENTREE

The Italian Bowl's Bruschetta. This is really delicious.

PASTA

One of my favourite pasta, from The Italian Bowl.
Fettuccine King Prawn Alio Olio (king prawns, garlic, chilli, white wine, extra virgin oil & fresh rocket). Hmmmmmmmm

ICE CREAM

Cold Rock ice cream's - Turkish delight, Bubblegum, Donut.
The 'donut' has a cinnamonny flavour which is surprisingly my favourite out of all three!

CAKE

Pompadour - Raspberry and passionfruit mousse with pine nut nougatine and almond sponge. from La Renaissance Pattisserie, The Rocks.

CHOCOLATE

Belle Fleur handmade chocolate.
Belle Fleur chocolates are made fresh daily and they don’t use preservatives, artificial colouring or additives. They draw on four generations of chocolate-making expertise, using the best quality ingredients - high-quality Belgian couverture, fresh local dairy products and ingredients sourced from around the globe. There are more than 50 different chocolates on display in the shop at any one time.

From top - FLAT WHITE (coffee chocolate ganache), SESAME (milk chocolate and tahini ganache with roasted sesame seeds, LEMONGRASS, MELBA (whipped cream with hints of peach and raspberry)
top2 - VENEZUELAN TRUFFLE (43% venezuelan chocolate cream, enrobed in milk chocolate and rolled in milk shavings), BELLE FLEUR (smooth hazelnut with a hint of orange), LIME&COINTREAU (whipped cream with fresh lime and cointreau), ROSE (chocolate ganache infused with a hint of rosewater),
3- VIOLET, WATTLESEED (white chocolate ganache with finely crushed native wattlessed), MANDARIN (mandarin flavoured chocolate ganache), SAFFRON (white chocolate ganache infused with saffron threads)
Bottom - CHOCOLATE MOUSSE (smooth and creamy dark chocolate mousse), APPLE PIE, PASSIONFRUIT (white chocolate ganache with passionfruit), _____(i forgot)

My favourite would be the VENEZUELAN TRUFFLE and LIME&COINTREAU

Ps: Are you hungry?? I am. Still.
x

Laugh, read the funniest novel and laugh somemore

2010-07-30T18:52:00.001+10:00

photo taken from http://helenkosings.wordpress.com

One UCLA study documented that on average, at age 5, we engage in creative tasks 98 times a day, laugh 113 times and ask 65 questions. By age 44, the numbers fade to two creative tasks a day, 11 laughs and six questions.

As we get older, we don't laugh as often anymore. We get more worried about our increasing responsibility & expectations.
Career, mortgage, family, hence more dramas, more problems, more stress.

As I get older, I tend to watch/read more serious stuff. Then when I get familiar with the world's concerns and problems, I'll get thinking. Sometimes sad.
I even swap Tv comedies to shows such as Oprahs, Dr Phil, The View
and current affair news. And I swap channel Arena and Hits (where stupid reality shows and Friends and comedies are at) to Lifestyle channel, Travel and Living channel. Adventure and Bio channel. Even National Geography for what I care. The idea is to make myself wiser, smarter, more aware and more adult-like.

And for conversation topic starters too :) (??)

So I become wiser, yes, but I also laugh less (because I dont watch comedies & varieties shows anymore)
So do you choose to be happy or to be wise?

Alot of studies show that laughter can prolong one's life. Cancer patients who have good sense of humour are said (and proven) to survive longer than cancer patients who are not. Laughter is also
-strengthen your immune system,
-boost your energy,
-improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow (help protect against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.)
-a good laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.
-triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, and can even temporarily relieve pain.

The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy. Best of all laughter is all around us and cheap, if not free.

One of the ways to laugh is to read Lucy-Anne Holmes novel 50 ways to find a lover. The book is really hilarious. Sometimes I wonder why people read thick serious (abit depressing) deep-thinking book about happiness when you can read comics or chicklits, where you can laugh (which leads to happiness) ? But some chicklits have too-over-the-top stories or cliche/boring stories which make me even more depressed :(
But I love this novel. Lucy-Anne is so funny xx

Lucy-Anne Holmes ia an actress living in London. 50 ways to find a Lover had its genesis in Lucy's blog www.spinstersquest.com cataloguing her real-life love woes.

Lucy said

I make a pledge: I will explore fifty ways to find a lover. I will start with speed dating. I will also enlist some help in what to wear and say. I will stop dressing like a male road protester and brush my hair. I will stop asking men stupid questions such as 'Have you ever seen a ghost?' and 'If you were a biscuit what sort would you be?', which only I ever find entertaining.

It's so tempting though.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
These are 3 of my (many)favourite lines :
From page 13

" A few days ago I started the important steps of thorough room-tidying, which are:
1) picking up everything on my floor and putting it on my bed
2) hanging up one or two items of clothing
3) getting bored
4) going out
5) coming home and needing to go to bed
6) moving everything on my bed on to my floor again "

----------------------------------------------------------------------
from page 38

" I have announced in my blog that Quest No. 1 is Speed Dating. I even hatched a plan, which I described in my blog. The plan involves
1) talking to all the men as though they are ugly. I reasoned that it is always much easier to talk to ugly people
2) asking all the men if they know any good jokes, then at least I will learn something. "

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
from page 333

" There is a covert operation going on in the flat. Simon's planning me a surprise thirtieth-birthday party. Where Simon's covert operation fails is that he does all his planning on the phone to Julia early in the morning. He forgets that he has a voice like an old tractor and that when I am lying in a bed with eyes closed I am asleep, not dead. So far, I know where it is and who's coming, but they seem to be stuck about what to tell me.

'We've got to tell her she's going out somewhere so she puts some clothes on or she'll just be wearing those crusty pink pyjamas with red-wine lips.' It's a good job I am not a sensitive type.

I can even hear Julia on the end of the phone. Laughing.

'Listen, we've got to get in touch with Paul the Plonker, Jules. He can pretend he's taking her to dinner, but in actual fact take her to the venue. Genius. Then she'll dress up. Have you got his number?'

'Fuck, no!' screams Julia.

'I'll go in her room and get her phone now,' says Simon, opening my bedroom door and tripping over a pair of my shoes. I hear him mutter, 'Dirty goat' as he stumbles around in my dark room, hoping to locate my phone. He's never going to find it. My phone is currently situated inside my coat pocket, which is in the living room draped over the sofa.

'It's not here, Jules,' whispers Simon. 'I'll have to hang up and call it.' Simon leaves the room and closes the door. Two seconds later I hear my phone ring.

I spring out of bed and run into the lounge. This could be fun.

'Morning! Who's calling me at this time, I wonder?' I say innocently to Simon.

'Oh, um, me!' he says as I take my phone from my coat.

'Why?' I say with wide-eyed innocence.

'Wake-up call!' he chants. 'I thought we could go for a run.'

'Oh, that would have been lovely, Si, but I think I've hurt my foot; oh yes, it's very bad!' I say, pretending to limp.

'I'm only trying to help, Sare. You have to take a lot of clothes off in that play, remember.'

'Hmmm,' I say, frowning. the play involves me getting down to my underwear. The sight of me in my underwear is pleasant only for blubber specialists. 'Maybe later... I was thinking about my birthday, Si.'

'Oh yeah, when is it again, Sare?' he says casually. He's a better actor than me. Bastard.

'Oh, it's Saturday, but I think I might just go down to stay with my mum and dad for the weekend.'

Simon pulls a face as though he's stepped on a drawing pin. I go back to my room, clutching my phone. It's not that I don't want a party. On the contrary, my two best friends organising one for me is so touching I'm sure I'll cry. I just want to tease them a bit.

'Sare, your mom's on the phone!' yells Simon, banging on my door.

'I didn't hear the phone ring', I say.

'Oh, didn't you?' Simon's innocence is increadibly belieavable. I start to distrust everything he's ever said to me.

I pick up the phone.

'Er, darling, you can't come down this weekend, we're, um, going away,' she says. Now, my mother can't act at all. i start to fear I might have her to blame for my failing career.

'Where?' I say.

I can hear the cogs in my mother's brain turning while she tries to think of a destination.

'Oh, um,' she hesitates. 'France.' A triumphant sigh.

'Can I come?'

A silence. This is painful for my mother. She hasn't worked out her back-story at all. I start to feel bad. While I am feeling bad I can hear Simon tripping around my room, obviously getting Paul's number from my mobile phone.

'Let me talk to your dad. I'll call you back.' She hangs up. I run to my room, hoping to catch Simon with my phone. But he's already finished. Imeet him coming out.

'That was quick,' he says.

'What were you doing in there?'

'Oh, I was going to make your bed. But then I changed my mind.'

We both glance at my unmade bed with the mobile phone sitting proudly on the mattress. It starts to vibrate.

'I've got a text,' I say, picking it up. 'From Jules.'

I look at it and grin. I read it aloud to Si. '"REMINDER!! PARTY!! Saturday. Surprise for Sarah's big thirty (the old trout)! Eight p.m. sharp. Fifty-one Greek Street. If any of you fools tell her I shall personally pee in your bath."'

Bless her, she sent it to evryone in her address book. Including me. I look at Simon. He's shaking his head.

'I knew already, Si, I heard you on the phone this morning.'

'Ah. I thought I was doing well.'

'You were. Your acting was really good! You could have a new career. You could be the next James Bond.' I hug him and kiss him on the forehead.

'Thank you.' "

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ps : It is so much funnier when you read the book page by page :)

Weekly diary (Love increase creativity and Jenna Jamison's tattoo)

2010-07-28T21:13:00.001+10:00

Sydney Breakfast : Strawberry Heart Custard Tart & a cup of Long Black.
The tart is surprisingly light and not too (sugary) sweet. Love it! And Pretty to look at too :) It took me like ten minutes before I started eating it.

at Bacino Espresso, 232 Darling st, Balmain.

Quote this week :

When nothing goes right, go left. Anonymous

A man is defined by what he owns and I don't like what I own so I got rid of everything. Sam Worthington (he had a garage sale).

What I discovered this week :

-Vigorous exercise dulls your apetite, while moderate exercise stimulates it. What matters more is exercise intensity.

-(copy-pasted from Oprah website)
Last year psychologists in the Netherlands reported on a study where they asked a group of young men and women to imagine taking a long walk with their beloved (those without a partner imagined taking a walk with an "ideal" one). A different set of volunteers were asked to imagine having casual sex with someone they found attractive but were not in love with. Before and after, both groups were given a battery of tests to examine their creative and analytical abilities.

The results: Thinking about a romantic partner stimulated "global processing" mechanisms in the brain, which increased long-term focus and improved creativity. Thinking about sex, on the other hand, stimulated "local processing," which increased focus on the present and heightened analytical thinking.
Another explanation for these results. Feelings of romantic love can boost levels of dopamine, a neurochemical associated with creativity, while sexual desire can raise levels of testosterone, known to promote analytical skills.

This week dessert(s) :

4 Times The Vitamin C: Blackcurrant jelly, blackcurrant marshmallow, vanilla violet mousse, pistachio feuilletine, pistachio dacquoise & blackcurrant glacage
Toffee Apple Eclair: Pate a choux sable, shortbread creme patisserie, apple tartin puree dipped in toffee

From Adriano Zumbo Pattiserie. Of course

This week I watch :
- LA Ink. LA Ink is a reality show about tattoo artists. I watch this show at times because although I dont have a tattoo, but so often people who get tattoos have interesting stories behind it (which what their tattoos are based) and thats really interesting to know.

One day guess who walked in? Jenna Jamison!! The so called the world's most famous porn performer! (She won many Adult Industry Awards). Jenna's movie is quite artistic compared to other porn movies and she did not do anal/ double penetration and ever quoted said that she would never do such movies.
She is also an entrepreneur,
-has clothing businesses,
-Pornography entertainment company (Club Jenna) (which the Playboy Tv hosts her Jenna's American Sex Star reality show where aspiring porn stars compete for a Club Jenna contract.)

Jenna also has crossed to mainstream Tv,
-guest star voice role in Family Guy (as herself)
-guest star voice role in video game : Grand Theft Auto : Vice City,
-starred in Eminem music video,
-starred in a movie Zombie Stripper
-guest stints in a few other Tv shows.

Jenna wrote her autobiography How to Make Love Like a Porn Star : A Cautionary Tale which spent 6 weeks in New York Times bestseller list
-also created a horror comic book Jenna Jameson's Shadow Hunter.

Jenna currently has retired from porn performer and has removed her DD breast implants. (She is now C cup and still continues to run her $30 million-a-year ClubJenna empire).

So anyway, during L.A Ink, she got a tattoo said I'm not afraid. I was born to do this which I thought is an amazing saying. Its a quote by Joan of Arc whom she idolises.

I also watch :
Dr Phil : the episode is about mothers who verbally abuse their children saying 'I hate you', and other horrible words. Dr Phil said that verbal abuse is worse than physical abuse. It is even 7 times worse than sexual abuse and it can cause mental illness. So please people watch what you are saying.

Geo-Adventure channel : an episode about vodka, they went to a snowy country (forgot which country) where they prepare sashimi (raw fish + salt + a splash of vodka in an ice plate), they also dig snows (to catch a fish) then make a cup from the snow and pour vodka into it for them to drink while waiting for the fish to take a bait. They also went to the Absolut Vodka factory, look at the production, do some vodka tasting and hear the executive management talk about the origin and varieties of vodka. Very interesting actually!
They also go to an ice bar where they are served vodka (straight) in an ice glass.

photo from www.mutineermagazine.com

photo from www.gadling.com

Apparently there is an Absolut Vodka ice bar in Stockholm, Shanghai, London, Copenhagen, Japan, and afew other countries. I always know there are ice bars, I just never knew that they are Absolut Vodka's!

Ps : Do you like vodka? How do you normally drink it? If you don't like vodka, what is your favourite cocktail? If you don't like cocktail, what is your favourite alcoholic drink? If you don't like alcoholic drink, what is your favourite non-alcoholic drink? Btw back to the 'dont drink alcoholic drink', are you serious I mean SERIOUS? What do you normally do for fun then? Or when you are bored? Are you going to drink vodka now after reading this post? Why/Why not?

I normally mix vodka with cranberry but after watching that vodka tasting part, from now on, I'm so going to drink it straight on the rocks :) (like a pro).
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Love aphrodisiacs (Which is the best?)

2010-07-23T07:44:00.000+10:00

picture taken from www.gourmetsleuth.com

The ancient Romans ate oysters, the Chinese have shark fin soup, and the Arabs were keen on camel's hump.

The interest in aphrodisiac foods began when Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, rose from the sea on an oyster and then gave birth to Eros. The first aphrodisiac food was born.

Interesting facts of some of our favourite aphrodisiac foods :
Avocado
Often called 'Ahuacuatl' translated as 'testicle tree' because the fruits hanging in pairs on the tree resembles the males testicles.
It was forbidden by the Catholic priests in Spain because they found it to be obscerely sexual.
Asparagus
In the 19th century France, bridegrooms were served three courses of asparagus at their prenuptial dinner.
Figs
It is Cleopatra's favourite fruit.
The ancient Greek held them as sacred and associate them with love and fertility.
Vanilla
It is believed that Xanat, the young daughter of the Mexican fertility goddess, loved a Totonic youth. Unable to marry him because of her nature, she transformed herself into this plant that provide pleasure and happiness.
Honey
In Egyptian times, many medicines were based on honey, including cures for sterility and impotence. Lovers on their honeymoon drank 'mead', a fermented drink made from honey and it was thought to 'sweeten' their marriages.

People's favourite seems to be Chocolates, which we know to also promote relaxation and wellbeing. A happy food to many and many's favourite desserts and favourite snacks. The symbols of Valentine's day (besides flower) and so the symbol of love. It contains :
- anandamide, the psyochoactive feel-good chemical,
- PEA (phenylethylamine), the ‘love chemical’ which
1. releases dopamine in the pleasure-centres of the brain and peaks during orgasm.
2. help induce feelings of excitement, attraction, and euphoria.

My favourites aphrodisiac would be:
Oysters
Just because I love oysters. Period.
It is also high in protein and zinc. For men, it helps produce sperm and increase libido. Just saying.
Champagne
(Also) just because I love bubbles. period. (drank moderately of course).
Strawberries
' strawberries invite love and are described in erotic literature as fruit nipples '.
(Also again) just because that strawberry is one of my favourite fruit. And what happen when 3 of my favourite foods (oysters, champagne and strawberry) complement one another and go amazingly well all together? Magic happens and dreams come true. X X
Not only the food itself, but also the whole wonderful idea of romance and seduction. (Ohhh) Don't you just love them?

But Helen Fisher, PhD (Oprahh Magazine) said that the most powerful aphrodisiacs are already inside our bodies. "Humans have evolved three different brain systems to encourage mating: sex drive (lust), feelings of attachment (trust), and romance (being in love). Each of these systems plays a role in desire".

Lust : High Sex drive is often associated with the level of testoterone in the brain (women and men). Today women with low libido can get a prescription for testosterone.
Other ways to raise testoterone productions are
-playing competitive sports (it proved to affect women more than men)
-having regular sex (the more you have, the more you crave)

Feelings of attachment (trust): caused by the chemical oxytocin. "In a study conducted at the University of Zurich, couples who used a nasal spray containing oxytocin before discussing an ongoing marital conflict were more likely to engage in friendly, positive communication than those who didn't take a whiff."
Other ways to stimulate oxytocin naturally is
-TOUCH
-Hold hands while you watch TV
-Give each other massages
-Sleep in each other arms

Romance (being in love) : the chemical 'dopamine' is found to cause love.
Ways to trigger the release of dopamine are :
-Taking risks/try something new.
-Not necessarily in the bedroom, even if trying new cuisine or new hobbies/adventures.

Hmm I still want to eat oysters and strawberries and sip bubbles thou.
Tell me what is your favourite aphrodisiac? Maybe we can share tips and swap secrets and be besties? :) Loveexx

Weekly diary "Lets be happy and get into the zone."

2010-07-18T07:18:00.001+10:00

Breakfast : Homemade Belgian waffle with Rhubarb, Brown sugar yoghurt and Maple syrup. YuM

I had this at Cafe Giulia, which is located in a renovated 100 year old corner butcher shop in Chippendale, I love this place! There are so many breakfast menu to choose from and they opened from 6.30 am on weekdays. And its about 5 minutes walking distance from my place. Café Giulia is popular for its diversity of its breakfast menu, cool relaxed vibe and of course great taste. The menu is written on the big blackboard and there are some artworks along the wall and the latest newspapers to read.

(both photos are taken from Cafe Giulia appreciation society group in Facebook) x

This week favourite quote :
It’s usually the smartest ones that take forever to get married - their minds aren’t in sync with their hearts. Patti Stanger.

Conquer fear before it conquer you. Ricky Martin.

Highlight of the week :
I am watching the Secret Diary of a Call Girl season 3 tv series in youtube. I can't wait for the season 3 Dvd to come out. They didn't/haven't aired the season 3 in Australian Tv :(

Now, It's been 5 years since I read 'The Intimate Adventures of a London Call Girl' novel which is a bestseller in both the UK and Australia. Based on Belle de Jour's popular online diary which attracted 15,000 hit each day, Belle de Jour became a controversial phenomenon. I love it. Then I read 'The Further Adventures of Belle de Jour',and the 'Belle du Jour guide to men'. All books are charming, sometimes shocking, often hilarious and always thought-provoking glimpses into the professional high class sex trade in London. I think it was about 2 years ago when the season 1 of the Tv series Secret Diary of A Call Girl , which is produced based on the books aired in Australian TV. And much to everybody (including me) surprise, the TV series is successful and good. Great even. Fantastic. The series premiered in the U.S. on Showtime to the highest ratings the cable channel had seen in four years for a television premiere. The series debut reached almost one million viewers.

Nobody can play Belle more perfect than Billie Piper and the production of the show is slick, sexy, and funny. Sex worker is not ridiculed, in fact it is portrayed in an acceptable and fun way and sex is also talked in a humorous way. The fourth (and final) season is currently aired in the UK.

Season 3 previews :

Meet belle :

Quick look on the 1st season :

Things I learn this week :
It’s contagious. Happiness – and sadness – spread like disease, say researchers at Harvard and MIT.

Do you know Sarah Wilson? Sarah is probably the coolest wisest woman I've ever known (well not personally, just through her weekly newspaper column). Every Sunday Sarah has a column in Sunday Life which she tries new ideas that challenge her and she take people on a journey to have a better, sweeter life. (the idea is from Eleanor Roosevelt's mantra 'Do something everyday that scares you'.) Sarah is a rare journalist and personality: She is an ambassador, speaker, adept social commentator, following a career that’s spanned newspapers, magazines, radio and television and her voice can extend from politics, health advocacy, restaurant reviewing, opinion writing and trend forecasting. She is now the host and program developer for the Australia’s newest channel Lifestyle YOU.

Throughout her amazing life, She
-begins her 17-hour days at 5.30am with mediation in her make-up trailer.
-had tea with Edward de Bono (the world's greatest thinker)and was invited to meet Dalai Lama.
-was the presenter of Masterchef Australia, which the first series has a record biggest ratings in Australia.
-was an editor of Cosmopolitan magazine for 4 years, During her tenure, the magazine experienced its highest recorded circulation and readership figures and increased its lead in the category.
-In September 2007, Australian Cosmo entered the Guinness World Book of Records when Sarah staged the largest swimsuit shoot on Sydney’s Bondi Beach and it is featured all around the world.
-became the first women’s magazine editor to interview the then Prime Minister of Australia Mr John Howard and current Prime Minister Mr Kevin Rudd, in the lead-up to the 2007 election.
-she came runner up in the Australian Young Journalist of the Year Awards. Sarah also contributed a weekly column for the Sunday Herald Sun’s opinion pages and was the youngest person in Australia to have such a column
-grew up on a subsistence-living farm, had her first business at 12, ride a vintage one speed bike, and she advocate minimalism and trift.
-loves A sand run at sunrise on the beach, mountain biking, organic and gluten-free foods, tap water (she kind of convert me from bottled water),yoga classes, adores all things food and takes pride in licking the plate clean. (she afterall was a Sunday magazine restaurant critic for 2 years).
Sarah has a blog (where you can read her Sunday life column) and her blog is the most amazing intelligent interesting adventurous thoughtful wise cool all combined into one. (www.sarahwilson.com.au) My favourite article is all her articles. If she is a man, I would have stalked her by now (or at this very second).

One of the thing Sarah said is about Ray Bradbury. Ray was a broke freelance writer. Unable to afford an office, he’d go to the public library to write, where he’d queue to hire a typewriter in the basement for 30 minutes at a time. It cost a dime a pop; he had to get value for money (and time). So he’d write in efficient bursts. He’d wait his turn again, then another 30-minute burst, and so on. The result was the classic novel Fahrenheit 451, written in some ludicrously efficient, self-disciplined record time.

Sarah said that this kind of discipline enabled the writer to access “flow”. Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi pioneered this concept back in the early 90s and showed that some of life’s greatest contributions occurred when their creators were in flow (or “the zone”), that is they were so completely focused on the task at hand that time stopped, distractions ceased and much got done. When we engage in something fully we activate so many neurological functions at once that our brains get bamboozled and shut down the part that makes us aware of what we’re doing and how much time has passed. Ergo, flow. Sarah then talked about the Pomodoro Technique. Developed in the 90s by an Italian efficiency enthusiast, it’s recently experienced a surge of popularity. You pick a task and take one of those kitschly 90s red tomato kitchen timers and set it to 25 minutes. Next, churn through your task, ignoring distractions, not stopping to make tea or stare at the ceiling. Rest for 5 minutes and repeat the cycle three more times, after which you rest for a good half hour and grab lunch or read emails. The aim is to work to these 30-minute cycles daily, building up the self-discipline muscle.

(copy-pasted Sarah's writing). Of course.

I tried this, and it actually works! Amazing how I finally find a way to cure my short-attention disease-type thingy. (see How I write compared to the articulate beautiful Sarah) (sob) anyway I wish I have known this method since when I was still at school. I probably graduated with honors now.

Anyway (again) (now, finally notice the short attention?)
Sarah then said,

"I couldn’t bring myself to use an actual ticking tomato (too twee), so I used focusboosterapp, a customised online timer replete with ticking.

The ticking, which Pomodoro proponents say is key, certainly instilled a sense of urgency. I churned, and refrained from editing, to keep the flow and do as I’m told. And I did get in a flow. The time flew and I staid completely into the writing, no toggling, no lack of clarity and perspective. In my five-minute breaks, I walked around the block, which cleared my head. Then back to it, as instructed.

In the longer break at the end I contemplated why my brain got so sucked in by a virtual ticking clock as to behave itself so extraordinarily, not darting off to play silly buggers on Facebook or to lead my appetite astray to the fridge. I concluded it’s because our brains are simple little things that like boundaries. And external motivators, however kitsch they might be. They’re also easily bamboozled and fooled into flow.

The good news, however, is we can control this and dupe our brains to our advantage."

Sarah wrote so many amazing articles, I dont even want to duplicate or replicate one.

So, I'll end this weekly list with what she said. (which face it, is better for everybody). She interviewed Mitch Albom once, the author of the bestseller Tuesday with Morrie, which is the biggest selling memoir in history (you can write the interview in her blog).

At the end, she quoted the little insight from Mitch's newest book Have a Little Faith,
"When a baby comes into the world, its hands are clenched...because a baby, not knowing any better, wants grab everything , to say, 'The whole world is mine'. But when an old person dies with his hands open. Why? Because he has learned the lesson."

Have a happy week ahead! I'm going to eat a scoop of ice cream now and daydream alittle. If I have some extra time, maybe I'll do my laundry. Or maybe eat another scoop of ice cream. Love xx

Weekly diary "Lets drink teas and look at the greens".

2010-07-14T07:59:00.000+10:00

Breakfast : Free range poached eggs served on organic Italian ciabatta with roasted mushroom, pesto and pecorino cheese.
This is one of my favourite breakfast ever. The pesto sauce is so yummy.

Banana and mango yoghurt smoothie. Nice, sweet, smooth and creamy. To start my sweet morning :)

Breakfast at Clipper cafe, Glebe, which I love because they open really early! (6am)

This week favourite quote :
“A lot of people are afraid to say what they want. That's why they don't get what they want.” – Madonna -

"With you here, I know that life is much more fun." - pooh n piglet -

Things I learn this week :
I should drink :
-Redbush or rooibos tea
It Keeps your brain in shape while you sip. Protect brain against being attacked by free radicals linked to degenerative brain diseases, such as Alzheimer's.
Also contain tooth-friendly calcium, manganese and fluoride content.
-Oolong tea
It Boost kilojoule burns by up to 294kj a day, thanks to it's high caffeine and polyphenol content.

I also should ( from oprah website)
"Fill my eyes with green
It's the color many jewelers use as a backdrop when they're working on a delicate piece; green is said to be the easiest color for the eye to see. It's also thought to balance emotions and bring on a feeling of calm. Have you ever been mesmerized by the dense green of a palm as it swayed in a tropical breeze?"

Advice of the week :
Even if he doesn’t make your toes curl in the beginning, give him time he might grow on you. Patti Stanger

Joke of the week :
My husband is German, every night I get dressed up as Poland and he invades me. Bette Midler

Sweet of the week :
Homemade Tiramisu. (original recipe since the cafe opened in 1982)
I have this at Badde Manors Cafe at Glebe. This eclectic multicultural cafe has central-European feel and serve contemporary vegetarian dishes (from 7.30am up to midnight or 2am on weekends), beautiful Italian coffee and gelatos and Hungarian, French, Italian and Portuguese cakes/desserts.

This week I read :
50 ways to find a lover by Lucy-Anne Holmes.
I've finished it. The book has officially become my favourite book ever. That GOOD! It's so freaking funny.

Highlight of the week :
I bought 3 books at Sapphos book and cafe second-hand bookshop. I loved this place. There are a lot of variety of books, most of them about $10 for softcover and they don't look that bad appearance-wise. The bookshop itself has a courtyard cafe and they opened from 8.30am until 10pm. The cafe turns into wine & tapas bar at night and at times host events, such as poetry reading, sunday night live band, sunday afternoon live jazz. CooL huh??

(these two pictures are taken from http://gggiraffe.blogspot.com) Thank You!x

I bought :
- 50 ways to find a lover by Lucy-Anne Holmes.
- God's callgirl, a memoir by Carla Van Raay
( a true story about a woman's life journey from a convent girl at 18 to a sex worker at 34.)
- 90-day geisha by Chelsie Haywood.
( a true story about one english girl's immersion in the world of Tokyo hostessing, a late night entertainment for wealthy Japanese men drawn from the traditional institution of the geisha. )

Ps :
I love Zoe Foster. www.zoefoster.com.au
She was the beauty and lifestyle editor at Cosmopolitan Australia for 3 years before becoming the beauty director at Harpaar Bazar Australia. Currently she is the editor in chief of www.primped.com.au which she developed. She is also a (weekly) beauty columnist for The Sunday Telegraph and a (monthly) relationship columnist for Cosmopolitan magazine. Wait it's not over. In between she has a charming funny blog about beauty (makeup and more) at http://www.primped.com.au/zoes_blog and has written 3 novels.
1. Air Kisses, a fiction chicklit about the life & romance of one beauty editor. She included some amazing beauty tips and the books got a lot of praises.
2. Textbook Romance, a self-help relationship & dating advice book (written in her signature charming funny witty manner).
3. Playing the field, a fiction chicklit about the world of WAG (wife and girlfriend of footballers), (Zoe herself dated one footballer for 10 years).

There you go.

So yeah, although I'm so jealous about her life story (biting my bottom lip at this very second), but I also love her. Loveee her. I mean wow, what is it that she can't do? she hasn't done? or more importantly, What does she eat?
Her writing is intelligent, funny, fresh and charming. She's gorgeous too! (I should write a blog about Is Life Really Fair?) :)
Zoe is currently holidaying in Europe (and somewhere) for 2 months (while still fully working from her laptop).

(I'm still biting my bottom lip) Hmm, maybe I'm hungry? I'll have a chocolate after this :)

So.

Today I bought Air Kisses and Textbook Romance. For all I care, if Zoe Foster write books about kinitting or gardening, I would still have bought it. xx

How long do you wait to have sex?

2010-07-11T11:29:00.002+10:00

(picture taken from www.funnyden.com)

Does waiting for sex make love last longer?

How long do you normally wait to sleep with someone?

The reason why I normally wait :
- because I want to make the men work a little bit and earn it.
- I don't want to be labelled as easy.
- the steps towards sex are exciting. Today we kiss, next week he can touch my boobs , the following week he can see me topless, the following week I am naked. Isn't that more interesting than just do everything today?
- if I have sex today (I'm sure it will be great), our next dates will be full of watching DVD at his place and order pizza. (so that we can have sex.) And I do like it, but at the start of knowing someone, I want dinner dates and romance. And desserts.

I did sometimes have sex on the first dates. That's normally when I drink too much wine and feel all happy and in love:). And that the world is beautiful and that tomorrow maybe the end of the world. What is that Quote, Life for today?
I still remember the sex the next day though, because I've never been totally drunk or wasted.

Sometimes you wonder will the guys brand you as 'that type of girl' , slut, one night stand material?
Really which nice girls have sex just like that without making sure that the guy is serious?
Will he think that way? Will he ever call again?

I think yes he will call again if the sex is great. If the sex Is bad, no way, because after one date, he hasn't known you well enough to really develop a feeling for you.

Will he only call to make random booty calls? If you are drunk and looked silly, and act slutty probably that's how he sees and feels about you. But If you showed him that you are a girl with substance and a great personality, it doesn't have to be the case. He may want more than sex and that he may want to get to know you better. He'll remember at how an amazing girl you are rather than just how great is the sex.

Some people wait to have sex because they are worried that the sex will not be good enough. "Im not that experienced, my body is not perfect", this and that. At least after a couple of months, the spouse had developed feelings and bad sex are forgivable. Right?

I know couples who break up because the sex is not great. I think the longer you wait for sex, the more is the expectation to be special, and when it is not great, you are disappointed. And part of the reason is because the longer you wait, it get to your nerve and fear. First date sex, no pressure. I don't love him anyway. After 3 months, I have to be the best that he's ever been with. Because I love him.

But there are some people who think that bad sex is not everything. What we had, relationship is much more special. And when they are toO cool about it, they don't realize at how big a deal it is.

Face it, sex is a big deal. It's more than just jerking for a man and a vibrator for a woman. It's more than orgasms. It's the intimacy, the touching and kissing and the giving and receiving pleasure. Sex is very important in a relationship and we shouldn't take it too lightly.

Waiting on how soon to have sex varies among people.
But personally i dont Wait until marriage because we are human being and sex is a natural needs, if God doesn't want us to have sex, and why he create us with this hormonal factors? Not everybody get married early for various reasons and Sex with people (with protection) Is much healthier than masturbating and sex toys, don't you think?

Sex is also known for many health benefits :
- regulate your period.
- youthful glow.
- raise the oestrogen levels, make hair shiny and skin supple.
- boost production of the antibody immunoglobullin A (lgA), to prevent cold and flu.
- the stimulation of the vagal nerve has the effect of the hormone oxytocin. -> reduce stress.
- sex raises levels of oxytocin and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) which r thought to help prevent breast cancer.
- sex release endorphins, which have been shown to decrease feelings of pain. Ex: period pain.
- sex also increase levels of corticosteroids and endorphins which raise pain thresholds and have an analgesic effect. Ex: to ease joint pain.

So, are you going to have sex tonight? :)

Xx

Weekly diary "Happy birthday mom, let's go cruising together".

2010-07-10T08:05:00.001+10:00

breakfast : Ricotta and strawberry pancake with maple syrup.

This week favourite motto
Noone can meke you feel inferior without your consent - Eleanor Roosevelt

Things I learn this month:
From oprah magazine.
Dont be afraid of The "bitch" label. If everyone likes you, it probably means you aren't saying much.

From cosmopolitan magazine Australia.
'Word is that certain sexual positions can have a direct effect on whether you conceive a girl or a boy. Sperm that carries the Y chromosome (which results in a malebaby) travel faster than X-chromosome-carrying (female) sperm, but they have less staying power. One theory is that if you want a boy, rear vaginal entry, or 'doggie style', where the sperm is deposited close to the cervix, favours the faster male sperm , as it would be likely to reach the egg first. However, Dr Thomas Stuttaford, author of What's Up Doc? Understanding Your Common Symptoms, says, 'The evidence that this is successful is not good, but it's worth a try.'

This week I eat

I love pepper lunch to death. I used to live just opposite the road and I ate there almost every day. This is the rib eye steak, and it is so tender and for 20$ including rice and drink, it is cheap for a good quality steak.

Sweet of the week

Creme brulee is probably my favourite dessert. And I had this at Swissotel Wentworth Sydney. Room service, my friend from Melbourne ws staying there and it is super delicious with vanilla ice cream and almond biscotti.

Highlight of the week
It's my mom's birthday 2nd July this week.

Low of the week
I wish I can see her. We are in 2 different countries. I miss you and love you, mom. xoxo

Ps:
I was Watching 'Cruise Ship Diaries'(National Geography Adventure channel)
I've never been to a cruise ship and always wanted to go. This is about the giant Costa cruise and Watching this is amazing.

The ship is HUGE and gorgeous! It has theatre, full scale shopping centre, restaurants, a library with its 24 hr internet cafe, an art gallery (where you can bid for the original collections of well-known artists), casino, swimming pool & sauna, jogging tracks on the open deck, basketball & tennis & volleyball court, 5 star room suites, etc.

You can sign up to vairiety of classes (art n craft)(culinary classes),golf courses, pasta tasting classes, italian language classes (costa is an italian cruise).
There is Salsa&bachata& other dance classes on-board, also aerobics classes, yoga & pilates classes, the most modern technogym, aquagym, etc. Varieties of massages & therapies &(turkish bath!), beauticians, and hairdressers. They are said to have the bigggest health and beauty centre afloat. They even host a wedding onboard.

There are ballet shows, broadway themed shows, concerts by internationally known-singer, fancy-dress evenings, you can spend time in the piano bar or a live music bar, wine bar or whisky & cigar club...hmm hard choice.

I go to the website to take a look at the daily program, it is so interesting and totally endless, there are so many things (group morning walk, seminar on how to lose weight, many varieties of parties, etc)
For dining they have :
-breakfast delivered to your cabin/ self served buffet breakfast.
-afternoon buffet by the pool
-bbq ing on the deck
-deluxe dining in specialty restaurants (there are quite a few restaurants)
-cozy pizza & gelato bistro
-midnight buffet (start at 12.30 am)
-aperitif/coctails during sunset overlooking the sea.

We also take a look at the dancers' dance rehearsal for the cruise ship shows,the emergency drills, lots and lots of children activities (art&craft, education & dressed-up disco evenings, treasure hunts, circus & clown shows, pirates party)(of course babysitters are available),

There are vow renewals for married couple and cocktail party for honeymooners hosted by the cruise captain.
wowww.

Cheap and tasty foods

2010-07-03T07:03:00.000+10:00

I believe that good food doesnt always have to be expensive. Maybe because i was brought up in indonesia where the street foods are so cheap and amazing! and I've visited such country, such as thailand where the cheap street foods are so good and interesting.
So Although i do love fine dining and the delicacies such as lobster, crab, caviar, scallops, etc, I dont always have to have them. I'm happy to go to unknown restaurant around the block with an open mind and positive thought.

SAIGON SAIGON, Glebe.

It was a saturday night, and the red lightning inside was really inviting. (I always love red lightning, hmm)

Char-grilled chicken cutlets (very tender and tasty).

Vietnamese salt and pepper prawn. (love, love, love salt and pepper dishes)

In the mood for Thai, Surry Hills.

Seriously everytime I eat Thai food at any restaurant, I either eat :
-pad thai duck / seafood
-red curry duck/ seafood
-Choo chee duck / seafood
-tom yum soup
-papaya salad
I came to this place determine to eat anything other than those above. But then, just about 30 seconds after I placed my order, I changed one of the main dishes to surprise, surprise, Choo Chee lamb. (different name but the same description).
well....At least it is lamb. Still?

Marinated Lamb cutlets grilled and served in a spicy red curry sauce with creamy coconut milk. (a.k.a choo Chee lamb cutlet)
I love the sauce. Yum !

Fried fish fillet in black pepper sauce.
This is yum too. The fried fish is not soggy at all.

I am full. Let's go to sleep now and dream about having Giselle's body. Xx

A Letter To Men by Christina Hendricks

2010-06-30T07:06:00.000+10:00

I think Christina Hendricks is BEAUTIFUL. And SEXY. And if you watch mad men, you'll agree with me.

I love her so much so her name is one of the 100 lists of things that I google every morning.

This is a letter to men by Christina Hendricks. Taken From Esquire magazine website.

“

We love your body. If we’re in love with you, we love your body. Your potbelly, everything. Even if you’re insecure about something, we love your body. You feel like you’re not this or that? We love your body. We embrace everything. Because it’s you.

Speaking of your body, you don’t understand the power of your own smell. Any woman who is currently with a man is with him partly because she loves the way he smells. And if we haven’t smelled you for a day or two and then we suddenly are within inches of you, we swoon. We get light-headed. It’s intoxicating. It’s heady.

We remember forever what you say about the bodies of other women. When you mention in passing that a certain woman is attractive — could be someone in the office, a woman on the
street, a celebrity, any woman in the world, really — your comment goes into a steel box and it stays there forever. We will file the comment under “Women He Finds Attractive.” It’s not about
whether or not we approve of the comment. It’s about learning what you think is sexy and how we might be able to convey it. It’s about keeping our man by knowing what he likes.

We also remember everything you say about our bodies, be it good or bad. Doesn’t matter if it’s a compliment. Could be just a comment. Those things you say are stored away in the steel
box, and we remember these things verbatim. We remember what you were wearing and the street corner you were standing on when you said it.

Never complain about our friends — even if we do. No matter how many times we say a friend of ours is driving us crazy, you are not to pile on. Not because it offends us. But because it adds to the weight that we carry around about her.

Remember what we like. When I first started dating my husband, I had this weird fascination with the circus and clowns and old carnival things and sideshow freaks and all that. About a month after we started dating, he bought me this amazing black-and-white photo book on the circus in the 1930s, and I started sobbing. Which freaked him out. I thought, Oh, my God, I mentioned this three or four weeks ago and talked about it briefly, but he was really listening to me. And he actually went out and researched and found this thing for me. It was amazing.

We want you to order Scotch. It’s the most impressive drink order. It’s classic. It’s sexy. Such a rich color. The glass, the smell. It’s not watered down with fruit juice. It’s Scotch. And you ordered it.

Stand up, open a door, offer a jacket. We talk about it with our friends after you do it. We say, “Can you believe he stood up when I approached the table?” It makes us feel important. And it makes you important because we talk about it.

No shorts that go below the knee. The ones almost like capri pants, the ones that hover somewhere between the kneecap and the calf? Enough with those shorts. They are the most embarrassing pants in the world. They should never be worn. No woman likes those.

Also, no tank tops. In public at least. A tank top is underwear. You’re walking around in your underwear. Too much.

No man should be on Facebook. It’s an invasion of everyone’s privacy. I really cannot stand it.

You don’t know this, but when we come back from a date, we feel awkward about that transition from our cute outfit into sexy lingerie. We don’t know how to do this gracefully. It’s embarrassing. We have to find a way to slip into another room, put on the outfit as if it all happened very easily, and then come out and it’s: Look at me! Look at the sexy thing I’ve done! For you, it’s the blink of an eye. It’s all very embarrassing. Just so you know.

Panties is a wonderful word. When did you stop saying “panties”? It’s sexy. It’s girlie. It’s naughty. Say it more.

About ogling: The men who look, they really look. It doesn’t insult us. It doesn’t faze us, really. It’s just — well, it’s a little infantile. Which is ironic, isn’t it? The men who constantly stare at our breasts are never the men we’re attracted to.

There are better words than beautiful. Radiant, for instance. It’s an underused word. It’s a very special word. “You are radiant.” Also, enchanting, smoldering, intoxicating, charming, fetching.

Marriage changes very little. The only things that will get a married man laid that won’t get a single man laid are adultery and whores. Intelligence and humor (and your smell) are what get you laid. That’s what got you laid when you were single. That’s what gets you laid when you’re married. Everything still works in marriage: especially intelligence and humor. Because the sexiest thing is to know you.
“

Weekly diary "Lets be grateful, courageous and stop the complaining already".

2010-06-16T19:25:00.000+10:00

My typical McDonald breakfast (Cappuccino, Orange juice and Apple pie)

One thing I learn this week =
Studies show That we cant be anxious and grateful at the same time.
So the more grateful we are in our everyday life, the less anxious we are, hence so the happier our lifes are!

This week favourite motto =
Life expands or shrinks in proportion of one's courage.
So lets all be courageous people :)

We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses. A Lincoln.
Its a beautiful way of saying always look at life half full rather than falf empty.

Highlight of this week =
Watching season 3 of mad men.
Some tv shows lost its charm/good story over seasons. Not mad men. Its just getting better and better over time (I feel like saying 'like wine') :)
Watching 2010 Tony awards in foxtel.
My fav is the memphis short performance and all the nominee doing their dance numbers. I love broadway!!!

This week I eat =

There is a japanese restaurant 'maki maki' just opened near my apartment, and all the sushi rolls are 50% off for 3 weeks or so. and i ate there almost everyday:) I mean its so cheap, and i love sushi rolls, they are so healthy. and theirs are fresh and delicious too.

Beauty buys of the week =

Top (left to right) = 'The Body Shop' Milk bath powder, 'In Essence' In Love massage oil, 'The Body Shop' Brazilian nut body butter.
Bottom (left to right) = 'Lush' WOOOSH temple balm, Lanolips lip balm pink.

Ps =
I had a first date with a guy initialed 'T' . He is not the same 'T' guy that I dated a few months ago. Current 'T' is half Maltese half Egyption. We had a coffee and a chat on a saturday night for 4 hours (continued with foods). I had a wonderful time, he is such a gentleman, he put his scarf over my neck when its getting cold and he texted me afterwards thanking and complementing me. Hes so lovely :)

so long, such a lovely date to end a lovely week xxx

Nobody heard me cry - John Devane

2010-05-09T09:24:00.000+10:00

page 242
' It is only when something is lost that its preciousness is fully appreciated, and my daughter was the light of my life.
I'd stopped crying a long time ago. I knew better than most that tears served no purpose whatsoever. But that night, on my knees on the floor, my tears flowed freely. I know who was to blame for the desolation and loneliness I was feeling'

-------------------------------------

'I was eight years old when my childhood was stolen from me, twelve when my pimps first took me to the docks. By the time I was fourteen, all sense of self had been destroyed. It took years to regain any sense of a decent, normal life but I managed it, in the end.'

Nobody heard me cry is the shocking true story of a young boy growing up in poverty and neglect in Limerick, and the cycle of sexual abuse that followed. Years later, having completed his training as a solicitor, he still cannot escape the demons of his past and turns to alcohol to escape. Then one bleak night, John is called to a police station to defend a man on charge of sexual abuse, and he himself face-to-face with one of his previous attackers. His abuser doen't recognise him however, and now John is faced with a decision whose consequences will affect the rest of his life.

I love this book because it is touching and sad especially when John fell in love with Shea, one of the good-looking rich successful man who he met while he's working as a rent-boy. Shea took care of John for a while and one day John saw Shea with another young boy.

page 216
'You'll get over this', you have to. It's just the way things happen.'

'Thing is,' I said, near to tears, 'I've actually fallen in love with him.'

'I know,' he replied. 'But you're not gay, this is a passing phase'
'Listen , Shea isn't for you. He does this to everybody, he'll do it to me. I guarantee he'll be with somebody else by tomorrow night.'

'And you don't mind?' I felt shocked at how casual he was about it all.

'It's just the way it is,' he said.

I love these Reality Shows

2010-05-07T07:31:00.000+10:00

1. The Millionaire matchmaker

WoW This show really changes my dating regime. This show is about the millionaire club, a matchmaking agency whom only millionaires and billionaires can join in (and have to pay expensive fees)and they will be matched with the girl of their dream. The girls can join for free but they have to have beauty, brain and class and selection is strict. Patti, who is the owner and ceos of the millionaire's club really gives great advices and insight on women, men, dating and relationship. Some of her advice actually I've heard and read many times in magazine articles, etc, but the way Patti say it here (honest straighforward no-nonsense) is way more convincing.
Such advice as 'only date a man who gives you saturday night, not monday night or tuesday night because he might spend the saturday night with someone else. Dont settle to be the second choice.' OR 'If the guy doesnt call a girl for too long(a week), if the girl is smart, she's moved on'. And many more.
I think in the past i always want to be a cool girlfriend. The one who let the boyfriend to have a boys night out every saturday night. and if he disappear and doesnt call for a week, i would be fine, and would welcome him with an open hand and even bigger smile. Gasp. (I am trying to find an excuse now) (can't find any).
Hmm.
Let's talk about someone else now.
In various episodes, you'll see the difference between a nice guy and a player/a jerk/or an arrogant player plus jerk. You'll also see the various girls, the smart independent ones (who moved on when the guy doesnt call) and the dumb one. You cant help but feeling irritated with the dumb one, although wait a second, i was just like them in many occasions.:)
although in Patti's club, most of the women are not only beautiful, but also strong and smart, so they are kind of an example actually, in dating and what to do with a man who is not serious :)

2. The Amazing Race

Every season this never fails to wow me. The challenges are so interesting and culturally educational (is there such word?). my fav of course is this all star season, where contestants from different seasons compete against each other. How amazing is that?? I was so excited to see Rob and Amber competing again against Uchenna and Joyce. On season 7, Rob and Amber are clearly the smartest, the quickest and always team no 1 at almost every pittstop. Yet on the final episode, because Rob & Amber taxi driver somehow got lost, Uchenna and Joyce end up winning the final prize and become the champion. I always love Uchenna and Joyce because they are such a good-hearted couple, I remember that one time, when they give some of their money to one other contestants because that other contestants get stripped of all their cash as a punishment. isnt that kind? So however good and fast Rob and Amber are, but everything need a little bit of luck at the end, and I guess Uchenna and Joyce have more luck (maybe the prayers from other contestants?). I love season 7 because most other season's winners are sometimes selfish and cunning and for a change, i'm so happy when Uchenna and Joyce win.
So at this all-star season, again Rob and Amber came first at the first three pitt stops, I actually think they are going to win this season, because they are clearly the smartest, the most efficient, the most competitive and the quickest team! but to everyone surprise, they dropped from top to bottom at the fourth pitt-stop and got eliminated. (maybe it got to do with Rob's on screen arrogance and Amber's lie to Charla & mirna)(and they also steal charla&mirna's cab). So they left and funnily, charla & mirna came from bottom to team no1 at the next pitt-stop.
Anyway, I always want the old couples not to get eliminated (poor thing, they are old and still race against the young, i totally admire them) so i'm quite sad when Team Guido and Teri and Ian came last and got eliminated. But someone got to go, right?

3. Toddlers and tiaras

This show is about little girls entering beauty pageants. They wear fake hair, fake teeth, fake nails, fake tan, and fake eyelashes. They had their full make-up on, their nails are freshly manicured and pedicured. They wore the most sparkly beautiful little dresses. In this show, you'll see that some of the little girls cry while their parents clearly are more interested in the pageant themselves. some others are so spoilt and already have rude attitudes towards their parents. Yet there are a few rare little girls who are so well-behaved and so engrossed in the competition and so talented in the dancing and singing and walking and smiling and waving. They are the most adorable ones!!

I'm sure you'll say 'I'll never enter my kids to this kind of competition. EVER!!'
Haha, me too, at first especially after watching how bitchy the parents are!(they are calling other children ugly in front of their kids! come on, no wonder the kids become rude and spoilt) but after watching those few (well-behaved, talented) girls makes me want to enter my future daughters into these kind of competition.
yes, i understand that this show is about supporting physical beauty.
And that inner beauty of a person is totally more important than physical beauty with fake this and fake that. But lets be honest in this world, if you are pretty, you are more likely to be noticed more, and if you can achieve both inner beauty and physical beauty, why not? of course entering your kids into this type of superficial competition is more about teaching them about sportmanship and just to have fun. when they get older, when they lookd back, they'll remember how cute they are and they'll laugh at how ridiculous the whole thing is! i'll only enter them if they are interested, im not going to force them if they are going to scream on stage. whats the point? and i think competition is good. medal makes you happy and losing makes you humble. my mom put me and my little sister in a few national costume competitions when i was in primary school. We had fun! It formed special bond between me, my mom and my sister because we did stuff together.

4. My other favs consist of cooking shows and dance shows, such So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing with the stars USA, Iron chef and Masterchef Australia.

-to be continued-

The Best Tv Series

2010-04-15T21:15:00.000+10:00

So I have a lot. nowadays in fact the tv series are so better than most movies. And they are very addictive. as i always watch them in dvds, so when i have one season, i mostly finish them in one sitting or two.

These are some of my favourite. (from the most recent to the old favourites)

1. Hotel Babylon.

I always love hotels. I love the way it makes you feel like you are in a totally different world and you can be someone other than yourself for a while. It certainly holds many memories for me, good and bad. although mostly good.

and this show is amazing. it's posh, its like las vegas but the story is better. its part true events, part fiction. The stories of what happen behind close doors. the different types of guests, the various main hotel staffs. I am addicted.

2. The secret diary of a call girl.

The tv series is based on a bestselling novel, which the novel is based on the blogs of a real life London-based high class callgirl.

And Billie piper is so perfect as belle. The beautiful, witty, sexy, naughty belle. and the series is so mysterious, funny, charming, and slick. It is just the sexiest show in Tv.

3. Satisfaction

Satisfaction is an australian tv series about a group of women who are working at an upmarket brothel. its about their life and their friendship. The settings, the costume, and the dress are just gorgeous. The women, the stories are beautiful and touching. The sexual fantasy is interesting. This show are critically acclaimed in Australia and win/nominated in a few Tv awards(best drama, best actress). I love this show. Its amazing.

(The reason why I only post video for satisfaction is because other videos dont do the other series justice. This is the only good overall insight video.)

4. Damages

The stories, the way they twists and turns are genius. You just keep guessing and thinking and you wouldnt want to do anything else when you have this dvd. You'll watch it in one sitting and ignore all calls. or at least i did. Its so gripping and amaZing.

5. Mad Men

This show is so stylish and ohh i am so loving the old hollywood glamour feel. The women are so feminine with their long dresses, accessories, jewelleries and perfect hair-dos. The beautiful housewifes, the cheating husbands, the redhead sexy secretary and The clever adverstising slogans. I'm totally happy if i can just watch January Jones and Christina Hendricks getting dressed up all day long.

6. True blood

A tv series about vampire. Why am i feeling that this is the most romantic tv series ever? haha. i mean the idea of the story is so beautiful. and the way they produce it is out of this world. It is so fantasy-like, yet the way they portray the story is so real. and i feel that everything is so beautifully romantic. I personally love this, way more than Twilight.

7. Friends

What can I say about this one? The funniest thing ever! Ohhh I just adore them and i can really watch the show over and over again and still laugh!

8. Sex and the city

You actually learn alot from this!
Not only the fashions are fantastic, but the show is educational, it is funny, it is entertaining, It gives grerat insights on sex, dating, and friendship. Its like a reading a self help manual but much more interesting with the drama, designer fashion, shoes, bags, and the New York background. I love New York....!

9. Gossip girl

Not only the casts are gorgeous in all their very different ways, the story line is very addictive. Its like a soap opera (with the beautiful casts) but with a great non-monotone story. Its about the upper east Manhattan elite circle friendship and drama. So of course the fashion is fantastic. The girls can best friends at one time and enemies soon after and back to friends again. The bitchiness and the competition among each other can be quite addictive. It's a good-quality guilty pleasure.

10. Greys anatomy

There are so many medical dramas in Tv. What makes grey anatomy so special is because
-the cast is very strong, each cast has a big personality, big story and big acting.
-the medical stories is very upto date and interesting,
-i love the way meredith talks about life in the beginning and in the end of each episode. its like sexandthecity narrated. and it often involved very interesting and reflective words and quotes.

-----to be continued-----

I was really scared

2010-03-24T08:05:00.001+11:00

So last weekend, on saturday morning, around 5.45am, I was in the convinience store near central station. I was really hungry, so I was out buying hotdog and a juice and I sat just in front of the store to eat them (there are a few chairs around).

There were 3 young girls entering the store. One of them came out first carrying a can of coke. The other two were still inside.

The first girl, was around 15 years old, she was standing beside me. She whispered, her voice was totally creepy.

'You little slut, I'll bash you if you don't give me your bag'

She was totally on drugs, her eyes were red and watery. She had so much hatred in her eyes. She looked at me as if she was going to to kill me. she wasnt afraid of anything.

I said 'what?' prentending not to get it.

I was thinking what to do. I definately didnt want to give her my bag. I had afew hundred dollars inside, my phone, ipod, etc. But i was so scared of her.

She said, in a slightly louder voice, showing me her can of coke.

'I'll break your head if you don't give me your bag, bitch'

So i said 'okay'.

I stood up and ran inside the store. she didnt chase after me or jump to me. wuihh! I told the guy that she's crazy and what she just told me. I know the guy. I go to that convinience store quite often. and he said yes, her friends were trying to steal some stuffs. They then left.

I was so scared to go home afterwards, worrying that she's watching over me and that she hated me even more then. So I hanged around at the internet cafe nearby for a little while.

I thought, if not only her, but her other two friends were circling me too, I wouldnt be able to do anything. Or if I had my bag on the table, instead of on my lap, she would just grab it and ran.

I know the situation was not that life threatining considering she didnt have a knife or gun, but her eyes scared me like endless. And she was about fifteen!

I walked on the street of sydney so many times and seeing people asking passerbys for money. They would say they needed a bus ride fare home, they haven't eaten for days. I used to give them when they asked. I thought of karma you know, how difficult is their life and how blessed is mine and that 5$ is nothing to me. But apart of that, I was quite scared too. I was scared of them cursing me, screaming at me, being angry at me, I was scared of being hated.

But nowadays I dont give anymore. If they are old or disable, I would. Really I swear i would. But if they are young and healthy, and I know exactly that they can get enough money from social security regularly to be able to live decently. And I know that they ask money from people daily. it's like their everyday job. And they are all yound and healthy! Sometimes they harass people for it. and we, on the other hand, work so hard to earn every cent of our money. If its indonesia, totally different story, people there are really really poor and starving, they cant really get money from the government just by saying they are jobless. and there are barely jobs there too. people dont have money because they truly can't find any work. My heart goes out to them and i would give them any money if I have.
It saddened me and touched me how poor fathers (in underdeveloped countries) works and sweating from early morning to late at night, doing hard tiring demanding stuff to earn very little income to just keep their family alive and hopefully to send their kids to school. And when it comes to food, they would selflessly give their shares to their wife and kids.

And these people when they have had social security still demanding money from strangers. Not 1 or 2 dollars, but sometimes 10to 20 dollars.
So now, i say no to them. The first time i did it was hard. I'm the type of person who doesnt like to disappoint anyone or for people to hate me. But it got easier from time to time.

Their response was usually 'Fuck you, bitch' or other types of nasty swear words.
One particular woman is the same woman who asked me and I gave 5$ the week before. (yes, you'll meet the same person). She didn't even remember or respect me, does she?

Dance

2010-03-16T03:59:00.002+11:00

Dance first. Think later. It's the natural order. ~Samuel Beckett

To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful. ~Agnes De Mille

There is a bit of insanity in dancing that does everybody a great deal of good. ~Edwin Denby

Dancing faces you towards Heaven, whichever direction you turn. ~Sweetpea Tyler
It takes an athlete to dance, but an artist to be a dancer. ~Shanna LaFleur

I don't want people who want to dance, I want people who have to dance. ~George Balanchine

Dancing can reveal all the mystery that music conceals. ~Charles Baudelaire
Dance is music made visible.

Dancing is the loftiest, the most moving, the most beautiful of the arts, because it is not mere translation or abstraction from life; it is life itself. ~Havelock Ellis
Dance is the hidden language of the soul. ~Martha Graham

Dancing is just discovery, discovery, discovery. ~Martha Graham

The dance is a poem of which each movement is a word. ~Mata Hari
To dance is to give oneself up to the rhythms of all life.

To watch us dance is to hear our hearts speak. ~Hopi Indian Saying
Nothing is more revealing than dancing.

They who love dancing too much seem to have more brains in their feet than in their head. ~Terence (definately me=p)

The moment one knows how, one begins to die a little. Living is a form of not being sure, of not knowing what next or how.....One leaps in the dark!" -Agnes Demille, Dance Choreographer

I am a dancer. I believe that we learn by practice. Whether it means to learn to dance by practicing dancing or to learn to live by practicing living.... In each it is the performance of a dedicated precise set of acts, physical or intellectual, from which comes shape of achievement, a sense of one's being, a satisfaction of spirit. One becomes in some area an athlete of God. ~Martha Graham, c.1953
Socrates learned to dance when he was seventy because he felt that an essential part of himself had been neglected. ~Source Unknown

Dance till the stars come down from the rafters
Dance, Dance, Dance till you drop.~W.H. Auden

ps = Let the music move your body.

Dreams

2010-03-16T03:57:00.002+11:00

by Langston Hughes

Hold fast to dreams,
for if dreams die
Life is a broken winged
Bird that cannot fly

Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go,
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow

My own way

2010-03-16T03:56:00.002+11:00

I found this quote from greys anatomy

'what's important is that we never stop believing that we can always have a new beginning, but its also important to remember that amid all that crap, there are a few things that really worth holding on to'

isnt it true?
if you feel that you want to hold into something dear and for you its just very worthy,
then you dont have to follow all those important saying that says 'move on'...'get over it'...'start over'
because its your life
and live life listening to your heart
and it may not be the most correct thing,
the wisest thing,
or the smartest thing at all,
but,
i like to live life my own way..

Life lessons

2010-03-16T03:54:00.001+11:00

If you want your dreams to come true, don't oversleep.

The smallest good deed is better than the grandest intention.

Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important.

The best vitamin for making friends....B1!

The 10 commandments are not multiple choice.

The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.

Minds are like parachutes.. .they function only when open.

Ideas won't work unless YOU do.

One who lacks the courage to start has already finished.

The heaviest thing to carry is a grudge.

Don't learn safety rules by accident.

We lie the loudest when we lie to ourselves.

Jumping to conclusions can be bad exercise.

A friend walks in when everyone else walks out.

A turtle makes progress when it sticks its head out.

One thing you can give and still keep...is your word.

One thing you can't recycle is wasted time.

The pursuit of happiness is the chase of a lifetime

Quote from a book

2010-03-16T03:40:00.000+11:00

Book : Have a little faith
Author : Mitch Albom
Page : 176

I walked a mile with Pleasure;
She chatted all the way;
But left me none the wiser
For all she had to say.

I walked a mile with Sorrow,
And ne’er a word said she;
But, oh! The things I learned from her,
When Sorrow walked with me.

This is true

2010-03-16T03:11:00.001+11:00

I will

2010-03-16T03:10:00.001+11:00

I will do more than belong,
I will participate.

I will do more than believe,
I will practice.

I will do more than forgive,
I will forget.

I will do more than teach,
I will inspire.

I will do more than care,
I will help.

I will do more than dream,
I will work.

I will do more than give,
I will serve.

Be More Than Safe

2010-03-16T03:08:00.002+11:00

Haven't met you yet

2010-03-16T02:20:00.000+11:00

I'm not surprised
Not everything lasts
Have broken my heart so many times,
I stopped keepin' track
Talk myself in
Talk myself out
I get all worked up
Then I let myself down

I tried so very hard not to lose it
I came up with a million excuses
I thought, I thought of every possibility

And i know someday that it'll all turn out
You'll make me work, so we can work to work it out
And I promise you, kid, that I give so much more than I get
I just haven't met you yet

I might have to wait, I'll never give up
I guess it's half timing, and the other half's luck
Wherever you are, whenever it's right
You'll come out of nowhere and into my life

And I know that we can be so amazing
And, baby, your love is gonna change me
And now I can see every possibility

And somehow I know that it'll all turn out
You'll make me work, so we can work to work it out
And I promise you, kid, that I give so much more than I get
I just haven't met you yet

They say all's fair
in love and war
But I won't need to fight it
We'll get it right and we'll be united

And I know that we can be so amazing
And, baby, your love is gonna change me
And now I can see every possibility

And someday I know it'll all turn out
And I'll work to work it out
Promise you, kid, I'll give more than I get
Than I get, than I get, than I get

Oh you know it'll all turn out
And you'll make me work, so we can work to work it out
And I promise you kid to give so much more than I get
Yeah, I just haven't met you yet

I just haven't met you yet
Oh, promise you, kid
To give so much more than I get

I said love, love, love, love
Love, love, love, love
( I just haven't met you yet )
Love, love, love, love
Love, love
I just haven't met you yet

Finding Mr Right

2010-01-24T09:52:00.000+11:00

Sometimes I wonder if everybody really has a Mr right somewhere. Someone that you truly clicked from the first moment you saw each other, talked to each other, kissed each other and made love to each other. Or is it love more of a process? A process of learning and improving and adapting like everyhing else.

It would be cool if love at first sight really do exist. It will be romantic like in those Disney movies that I always watched when I was a child.

I heard those saying that if you love a person, then let him go. If he's meant to be yours, he'll come back. But really, seriously, do you want to take the chances to let go? Don't you want to make it work, doing some personal adjustments?

I've been dating heaps of guys last year. heaps! I've never dated so many guys in a year before. Usually I'm quite busy with study, work, dancing, hobbies, myself, sleeping, etc.
But last year I joined this internet dating website and just take the chances to meet guys and guys in person, even though sometimes it didn't seem to be the right guy over the internet.

As up till now, I havent found the right man yet, and I wonder if I ever will be, after those so many guys that i dated. I'm quite tired now. I just want to go to sleep and dream about winning a lottery. I told my good friend last month that I would give another 5 guys a go. After that, I would be done with dating. (Not forever of course, just until I change my mind again).

and now just after 2 men, I think I'm going to give up.

As I know I'm not perfect, I still wish there is a perfect man for me out there. Someone who is funny, smart, has a good career, loving, kind, romantic, sensitive, charming, loves to cuddle, has a positive outlook on life and doesn't look too bad :) Someone who I share the deepest physical connection and sexual connection. Someone who can be my best friend, someonewho who i feel comfortable and can be my self around. someone who gets me, cares for me and respect me.
someone whom I dont want to let go when i hug him. someone whom I miss all day and all night. and someone who is appreciative of what I did to him.

Maybe I am asking for too much? I mean that's a lot of someone.

Does a perfect man and such a true connection really exist?

I dated many men who are all smart, successful and not bad looking. But why nowadays Mr right is not just all about looks and car? everybody is busy, everybody is tired, everybody has to put the effort if they want a relationship to work. Or maybe I havent found the right one yet?

or maybe I'm the one who is the problem?

:( :( :(

To be continued to part 2

Part 2 would be really interesting, Because I would tell all of you that I am not the problem afterall :)

Now let's all go to sleep and concentrate on winning that lottery.