Eating in: Popiahs

Popiah is actually a larger version of spring roll. The popiah skin is made of flour and it is eaten fresh, not fried. This dish is popular amongst the Hokkiens. Gan's mom made popiahs today, so I brought home some for parents and myself.



The usual ingredients used to prepare popiah:

• popiah skin
• stir-fry turnip, carrots, French beans, shrimps (cubed)
• fresh greens
• shredded eggs
• fried shallots
• sweet sauce (hoi sin sauce) and chili sauce
  

Popiah is really good for those who are tired of having meat all the time. It is rather refreshing to go plain once a while. Besides, it is good for those who are on diet too. This is my wrapped-popiah. A little loose on each end though. It tasted really good. Gan's mom makes popiah monthly. I think



After a mouthful bite on my popiah. You can see the eggs and the turnips blasting out from the crepe, hehe. Great meal to end with on National Day.

Eating out: Padi House

Padi House is located in Cyberjaya. I was there tonight to meet up with my friends, Seema and Eza from the previous workplace. It has been months since our last makan session.



I thought Friday night will be less crowded, since most folks would want to head home for the long weekend. But no... It was so packed that some people needed to queue. Luckily we got there bit early, we managed to grab a table.



Seema ordered the Salmon Steak Rice. She said the rice is too grainy and hard. While Eza has already had her dinner at home.



I ordered the Chicken Burger with salad and fries. There're 2 layers of chicken patty, a slice of cheese, tomato and lettuce. But I find the fries too skinny.



Thank you for the treat and the gossip! Can't wait to see you guys again :)

I'll be missing you

Sung by Diddy, Faith Evans and One-twelve.

I've been playing this song the entire night. The lyrics is really meaningful. I know, it's an old song (not that old la), but old songs rock no? Enjoy the lyrics!

i'll be missing you.... :)

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

Yeah... this right here (tell me why)
Goes out, to everyone, that has lost someone
That they truly loved (cmon, check it out)

Seems like yesterday we used to rock the show
I laced the track, you locked the flow
So far from hangin on the block for dough
Notorious, they got to know that
Life aint always what it seem to be (uh-uh)
Words cant express what you mean to me
Even though youre gone, we still a team
Through your family, Ill fulfill your dream (thats right)
In the future, cant wait to see
If you open up the gates for me
Reminisce some time, the night they took my friend (uh-huh)
Try to black it out, but it plays again
When its real, feelings hard to conceal
Cant imagine all the pain I feel
Give anything to hear half your breath (half your breath)
I know you still living your life, after death

Every step I take, every move I make
Every single day, every time I pray
I'll be missing you
Thinkin of the day, when you went away
What a life to take, what a bond to break
Ill be missing you

I miss you big

Its kinda hard with you not around (yeah)
Know you in heaven smilin down (eheh)
Watchin us while we pray for you
Every day we pray for you
Til the day we meet again
In my heart is where
Ill keep you friend
Memories give me the strength I need (uh-huh) to proceed
Strength I need to believe
My thoughts big I just cant define (cant define)
Wish I could turn back the hands of time
Us in the 6, shop for new clothes and kicks
You and me taking flicks
Makin hits, stages they receive you on I still cant believe youre gone (cant believe youre gone)
Give anything to hear half your breath (half your breath)
I know you still living youre life, after death

somebody tell me why

On that morning
When this life is over
I know Ill see your face

Every night I pray, every step I take
Every move I make, every single day
Every night I pray, every step I take
[puff] every day that passes
Every move I make, every single day
[puff] is a day that I get closer
[puff] to seeing you again
Every night I pray, every step I take
[puff] we miss you big... and we wont stop
Every move I make, every single day
[puff] cause we cant stop... thats right
Every night I pray, every step I take
Every move I make, every single day
[puff] we miss you big

source

Mid-Autumn Festival

... aka Mooncake Festival is just around the corner. Chinese from all over the world, celebrate it annually on the 15th day of the 8th month, based on lunar calendar. And this year, it falls on 14 September.



I notice that renown restaurants like Oversea, Kam Lun Tai, Tai Thong and etc, have started selling mooncakes as early as July! I guess business is very competitive, that they need to sell earlier than the rest.

As most Thursday goes, I will be in Midvalley. Today, there are more carts selling mooncakes located on the center court, lower ground floor. Mostly are big hotels such as, Westin, Nikko, Renaissance, Shangri La, Hilton, etc.



I'm not a mooncake fan myself, but I do like the mini mooncake from Shangri La. We bought 3 mini mooncakes, 2 are Lotus Seed and 1 is Bird's Nest Custard Ping Pei.



Apart from mooncakes, you can get lanterns too. These days, lanterns are powered with batteries. Tsk, nothing beats the traditional, old school lanterns. They use candles! Mine was a unicorn, what's yours?

Anwar won!

Yeap, as predicted, Anwar won the Permatang Pauh by-election. He won with a majority of over 15,000 votes! I guess all the residents of Permatang Pauh came out in full force.

Apart from winning the by-election, he will also be returning to a familiar building, the Parliament. The 10-year wait is finally over for him. He will definitely be making headlines this day onwards.

Merdeka is just around the corner. Anwar Ibrahim has many reasons to celebrate this day, with his family and party members.

We'll see what's in store for us on this upcoming Merdeka. Don't forget September 16 too. The day when Malaysia was formed.

There comes a time

Earlier today, I received a mail that reads:

...There comes a point in your life when you realize: who matters, who never did, who won't anymore AND who always will...

That is so true isn't it?

When I was in school, I didn't get to hang out as often (that's for having strict and over-protective parents). Apart from school, the only time I got to see my friends was during tuition. FYI, I went to Sekolah Kebangsaan. I got along really well with my fellow peers of all races. Then came SPM aka graduation. Right after examination, we had a small gathering at the nearby KFC. Only then I felt "Wow, this is it! We're gonna say our goodbyes." We took tons and tons of photos. It was all too memorable then.


Sorry la, can't find any secondary photos in my PC :p

But now, the photos have been chucked aside, along with all the autographs that we used to write to one another. Besides, I have not spoken to them since. Only a handful remains.

Then it was college life. I was able to stay in the hostel, had late nights with my friends, shared blood and sweat developing projects together and had hearty talks. It was the best time in my life, to date! I met so many of my friends whom I am still keeping in touch with. And it was during college life too where I found my besties and love.


Second year, Inti-UC

Though my heart was shattered not once, but twice, it made me stronger and value my friendship even further. Thus, I am blessed to have such girlfriends to share my ups and downs with. The 3 years I spent in Inti was over in a zap. Whenever I think back of the good 'ol times, it always bring a smile on my face.

Then came the corporate life. My first job was with Victoria Station, as an IT admin, where I worked for 3 months. Second job was with an IT company in KL. There, I got really close with my colleagues. Every Friday after work, we would go for karaokes, pool and sometimes, bowling at the nearby mall. It is in this company too that I found love once again. I am thankful for that. However, the company wasn't performing well. So I decided to leave before it was too late.


Chinese New Year 2007

Next, I landed in this MNC based in Cyberjaya. Though we did not have so much fun outside the company, but being one of the organizing community member, we made sure the fun starts from within. We celebrates birthdays every month, different theme costumes each month and BBQ dinners, treasure hunt and even inviting the radio crew over.

I have left the company for over a year now. I still keep in touch with a handful of them. We will meet up and talk/gossip over lunch. Mostly are still working there and many have left and moved on.

I might have a lot of friends, but most of them are too busy and have other priorities in life. Therefore, it's easier for me to keep few friends closer, hehe. And I'm happy to be treated like one too.

Now, I know who matters, who never did, who won't anymore and who always will.

Eating out: Golden Phoenix

Gan had his annual increment this month. So we, together with my parents, went to Equatorial's Chinese restaurant for lunch. We are often seen dining in this restaurant. So often until the captain and his staff have known our likes and dislikes.


Salad Prawn, priced at RM30

This has got to be one of our favorite dish. We love that our prawns is served without shells. Each prawn is covered evenly with mayonnaise and roe. You can feel the roe bursting in every bite. Fresh fruits is served as the base.


Teo Chew Vermicelli Soup, priced at RM16

Instead of having rice, we ordered the appetizing Teo Chew styled vermicelli. It tastes a little sour. It is served with condiments like fish, shrimp, squid, spring onion and green vege. Also, it is not as heavy as having the entire bowl of rice. Other than these two dishes, we also had Sliced Fish with Ginger and Spring Onion, priced at RM33.

Golden Phoenix serves dim-sum on weekends too. Whilst waiting for our main course, we had few plates of dim-sum: Avocado Baked Bun, Deep Fried Tuna Yam Puff and Steam Yu-Mai. All dim-sums are hand-made by the chefs themselves. Hence, the quality is absolutely assured.

The Olympics

08-08-08 is definitely a date to remember. It happens once in our lifetime. It is also when the Summer Olympics is held. The night of the opening ceremony, I made sure I'm home and get ready to watch this event. It was really fascinating that the Chinese managed build the Bird's Nest, Water Cube and other Olympic villages on time. And the opening ceremony, watched by millions all over the world, was awesome!

The past Olympic games did not mean much to me. This time around, it meant more. Perhaps that I have been to Greece and have witnessed the ruins in Olympia itself. It is the very birth place of the first Olympics game.


Ruins in Olympia

I stepped on the same ground where past athletes step foot on. Now, almost 3000 years since the first game was held, the mighty stones of yesteryears is still around. Though it no longer stood highly on the ground.



Did you know that these mighty stones is made of shells? Here, take a closer look. Amazing huh?


Priestess lighting up torch

This is Maria, our friendly Greek tour guide. She formerly worked as a History teacher in a local university. We were well-fed with the Greek ancient myths and stories of Gods and Goddesses. Here, she showed us that in the past, a holy priestess would light up the torch before passing it to the torch bearer.

Now that the Olympics is nearing its end. It will be another 4 years before the next Summer Olympic takes place in London. Make sure you stay home this Sunday night and watch the show on your comfy couch.

Eating out: Cook's Idea

It is Hui Bao's and my night out again. This time around, we went to a familiar place for our dinner: Nelson's Cook's Idea in Seri Kembangan.


Chocolate Banana Shaved Ice, priced at RM5.80

Hui Bao ordered the Chocolate Banana. It is her favorite combination, ever! Plus, it comes with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream. Just look at that, are you salivating already?


Red Bean Shaved Ice, priced at RM5.80

I ordered the best selling Iced Red Bean. It too, comes with a scoop of ice-cream... yumz~


Thai Styled Fish, priced at RM6.50

This particular dish comes with a bowl of rice. Since Hui Bao and I were not that hungry, we chose not to have the rice. Come to think of it, it is really economical coz you get to have 5-6 slices of fish and rice to go with it. Other cafes might charge at least RM8 for the dish, taxes too.


Salad Chicken, priced at RM6.50

The mayonnaise is really appetizing. There is slightly tumeric powder in it, rather than just plain mayonnaise, which is quite bored.

So, if you are ever in town (Seri Kembangan that is), drop by to try the food and drinks out.

My Ipanema flipflop

I bought my first pair of Ipanema flipflop today. I know it's been out for a while, can't blame that I'm kinda slow when it comes to fashion. Some say, better late than never.



And they also say, good things come in twos. So I bought 2 pairs straight away *beam* However, I'm not so sure the exact name of this model, think should be one of G2B Pure category.



I bought it at Studio R, 1Utama for only RM36.90/pair. When I checked it online, it is selling at £15.99/pair. woooot~ Saved so much.



Can't wait to parade it on the beach :D

Eating in: Grilled Ribs

Very often, I am triggered after watching AFC. And from there, I will try to improvise using any ingredients that I can find in my fridge. For dinner, I tried the Tex Mex Pork Ribs which was found in that site too. But my recipe is much, much simpler.



I only use:

• paprika
• salt & pepper
• brown sugar
• oregano (I used parsley instead)

If you could follow exactly like the given recipe, I'm sure it'll taste much better than mine. Keep the ribs marinated for at least 4 hours.



Lately, I'm really into garlic spread. So, I tried that on one the ribs. This is only seconds away before being grilled. Remember to preheat the oven for at least 10 minutes at the highest temperature. Mine was set to 300ºC



According to the instruction, I have to leave the door open at the first position.Barely 5 minutes in the oven, the aroma filled my dry kitchen. About 8 mins later, I turned the ribs over and continue grilling, with door closed. And at this time, I have chopped some capsicum to be grilled as well.



7 mins later, timer stopped and I removed the grilled tray from the oven. Tada~ My ribs!



Just look at them. MmMmmMm~ Crisp on the outside, juicy in the inside. Not too well-done and tasted just nice. However, I need to double up my ingredients. I can barely taste the paprika and the parsley. My ribs tasted a little sweet. The rib with garlic spread tasted good too. Basically, the taste was covered with garlic and not paprika anymore.

Mom and I had a tough time washing and rinsing off the stains and burnt meat that were sticking on the grilling grid and trays. It wasn't much fun after all.

Preview

About a month ago, I gave a very important duty to my trusted Shally: to design invitation card. 'Coz I know she won't let me down in anyway.

So earlier today, she sent me 2 artworks that she designed and drafted.



Isn't it gorgeous? All I did was tell her my requirements and tada~ simple yet marvelous. Just what I wanted it to be.

Now, all I need is to finalize the details and let her midas touch beautify it up. All credits goes to her *mwahs babe*

Eating out: The Cave

The Cave: Couple Cafe & Restaurant is an eatery located in SS2. I spotted this cafe some time back and its advertisement in our dailies. So, Gan and I went to check this place out.



All seatings are from 1st floor upwards. We climbed a flock of stone staircase. The entire structure is made of stone. It really looks impressive.



All waiters/waitresses are dresses like cavemen. Nah, I'm just kidding :p Most of the seating arrangements are comfortable for 2. However, if there're 3-4 of you, there are always extra chairs around. Perhaps, there are even bigger cave dwellings to occupy 3-4 person nicely.

The Cave offers western and Asian food. As we're dining in such an extraordinary place for the first time, we opt for western food. You know, the mood and atmosphere is as such that having Asian food is totally out of our mind :p


Salmon Fillet, priced at RM26

Both Gan and I ordered seafood. Gan had the Salmon Fillet, to which he said is fresh, but tasted rather bland. It was served with mashed potato and spinach.


Barramundi Fillet, priced at RM22

Mine is served exactly the same as the Salmon Fillet, which is a disappointment. I thought it is cooked in a different style but it is not. The Barramundi is worse than the Salmon, the skin is hard and cold, like it's being heat up with microwave.



Eh baby, your neck looked so long! :p Anyway, I don't mind going there again to try out other choices. Price is quite reasonable too, won't hurt one's wallet.


The Cave
16-18, Jalan SS2/61
43700 PJ
Tel: 7873 9888

Been tagged!

Two Things

This tag was passed to me by Ayeen

Two names you go by
1. Lian
2. Carol

Two things you are wearing right now
1. Specs
2. Earrings

Two things you want very badly at the moment
1. Splurge myself with an expensive, luxurious holiday!
2. Repeat no 1 over and over again!

Two things you did last night just before bed
1. Brush teeth
2. Get cozy with my quilt :p

Two things you ate today
1. Japanese food, yumz
2. Ipoh's dim sum, wooot

Two people you just spoke with
1. Parents
2. Gan

Two things you are doing tomorrow
1. Visit my late brother
2. Go KampungKu to pay deposit

Two longest car rides
1. 3-hour ride from KLCC-home, which usually takes 30 mins
2. To the east coast

Two favourite beverages
1. I don't
2. have one

Two persons who are chosen to do this meme:
1. Shally
2. Winston

Eating out: Sushi Zanmai

We like Japanese food very much. There aren't much frying nor marinating needed in preparing the food. Most are eaten raw or cooked lightly. Today, we had lunch in Sushi Zanmai in Midvalley. Sushi Zanmai is operated by the corporation that runs Rakuzen. Hence, its quality and even presentation are up to standard. This is our nth time dining in. You can tell how much we love them :D


Toro Salmon Sashimi, priced at RM13

We ordered 2 sets of sashimi. The amount of Omega oil in each piece is high that you can feel in every bite. After dipping into wasabi and soy sauce, you can still taste the freshness of the salmon. Simply succulent!


Rolls, priced at RM12.80 each

We also ordered Caterpillar Roll and Dragon Roll. We love that each piece is topped with avocado. These two are definitely in our must-have list. Not forgetting, Stamina Roll too. Stamina Roll is topped with sliced Unagi.


Cha Soba (small), priced at RM8.80

Cha means green tea. This soba is served chilled, even the accompanying sauce is chilled. It tastes really good. I still can taste it in my mouth, yumz~


Salmon Salad Maki, priced at RM4.80

Other than those, we also had some sushi. We took few plates from the sushi conveyor. There are many varieties to choose from. You might have a hard time to decide which sushi to get.


Natto Maki, priced at RM3.80

This is not the average sushi you can get anywhere else (at least that's what I think). Natto is actually fermented soybeans that the Japanese usually take for breakfast. It is really good for health and it is said it can reduce blood clotting, lower cholesterol, full of Vitamin K and prevent cancer. However, not everyone can acquire it. The texture is rather sticky and has a strong flavor. I used to eat this daily whenever I'm in Japan. Just eat for the sake of health :p

A short trip

My parents and I went back to Ipoh early this morning. We didn't stay over-night though. The reason for such a short trip was my aunt had gone for a mastectomy surgery last weekend.

Weeks after my grandmother had hers, it was my aunt's turn. She was discharged just after 2 nights of admission. Though she might looked a little pale, but told us that she didn't feel any pain nor discomfort. Just that the wound affects her mobility to run errands. That's what my grandmother told us too. I am glad they are thinking so positively and give grace to our Lord.

My mom and I volunteered to cook them a simple, healthy lunch! My mom's in-charge of Miso Steamed Chicken, while I cooked Aglio Olio Spaghetti. My grandmother isn't a big fan of Japanese and Western food, she only had a few bites on both dishes. My aunt, on the other hand, ate with acceptance, hehe.

Most of us kids are grown-ups now. The only time we gather around is during festive seasons. That is, if everyone is back to hometown. It saddens me whenever I think back of the past, where we share laughter and joy. Even if times like this are hard to seized, I will make sure I treasure every moment.

Surprise!

Take a peek! Don't worry, it's not virus nor spam related sites. It's totally safe to be clicked wherever you are, be it office or home.

Still feeling doubtful? Well, it's your loss!

Pilates

I have yet to post any photos of the studio where I have my pilates at. Let me do so today...



The studio is very simple with only one workstation. Seen here, there are a notice board, floor mats, workout balls and few more items which I don't know what to call them. There are also sweat clothes for sales.



These 3 equipments are the usual place I workout with. Using these, I focus on areas like my back, arm, shoulder and abs.



The 2 equipments that looks like bed is called reformer. I get to workout on my belly, back and legs (thigh, calves, ankle and foot). Not to forget, a gym ball too helps a lot.



Yes yes, this is the only equipment where I have yet to conquer. I've seen other pilates mates who work on this get to focus on their abs and waist.

I've been going pilates classes regularly for almost 4 months now. I managed to shed few pounds and toned up just a bitsy tiny little. Most importantly, it helps my back. Hopefully, my lumbar lordosis won't get worst.

Eating out: Hong Ngek Restaurant

... is located at Jalan Tun HS Lee. This restaurant has been in operation for more than 30 years. Though the look looses out to the new stylo-mylo cafe these days, this restaurant is usually packed on weekdays. Expect to wait in line during peak hours.



It was Pui Kwan's birthday yesterday. Yes, she was born on 8th August. So, we treated her a satisfying lunch at this restaurant.


Sambal prawn, priced at RM32

Sambal Prawn: is absolutely yummy. There wasn't much gravy to dip in, but there were shredded dried shrimps underneath the prawns. It tasted a little spicy and at the same time, a zest of sweetness.


Steam fish, priced at RM28

Steam fish. There were chopped garlic and ginger all over the fish, with a little chili padi too. It was rather simple and not too oily.



This restaurant is famous for its fried noodles. And traditionally, noodles must be ordered during birthdays. It signifies longevity. So, we ordered this fried handmade mee suah. Yummy, but bit oily though.



This is fried crab meatball (hai chou). In it, there's minced meat, radish, carrot and Chinese 5-spice herbs. Good to go with chili sauce. And also a green vege: Hong Kong Choy Yuen. The total bill came upto RM95. Yea I know, not exactly a cheap affair...