What a difference this CNY has been compared to last year.
The past year has been good to me. My pregnancy and delivery, though quite difficult at times has been worth it. There is much joy and laughter around us, and like what Superman said: " Good things are worth the wait."
Thank you for being part of our family, my little beanie, we love you a lot.
I am very grateful this CNY. Have a good year ahead, everyone!
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
How to apply for Australia ETA
If you are a Singaporean travelling to Australia, you will need to apply for an Australia Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).
What is an Australia ETA?
An ETA is an electronic authorisation for travel to Australia to visit or conduct short term business in Australia. It replaces a visa label or stamp in your passport and does not require making an application at the High Commission. Passport holders from around 33 countries, including Singapore and Malaysia, are eligible for ETAs. Of the eligible nationalities, eight (including Singapore and Malaysia) are eligible to apply online. Source: Australia High Commission Singapore
There are a few ways to apply for it and the method you chose will cost differently:
1. The commonly known method:
Online via Australia Electronic Travel Authority-Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Well, this is the "official" website, where ETA is available for application anytime, anywhere. You just have to key in your passport and contact details, pay via credit card and that's it. Since it's the "official" website and you are the one entering the information yourself, you can be 100% sure that there will be no problem with the visa.
Cost: AUD 20
2. The inexpensive method (cos it's free!):
If you book the ticket/tour through a travel agent, your travel agent may be able to do your ETA application for free. Or you can get your friend who happens to be a travel agent or trawl the online travel forums for kind and trustworthy souls to apply foc for you.
Cost: Zero
3. The other method:
You can get a professional third party to apply for you either online or otherwise.
Just a simple online search yields plenty of website that will process ETA for a fee ranging from SGD12-SGD20.
If you are concerned about the reliability of these online website, you can just visit any brick and motar travel agency. You can call them beforehand to check on their fees. Remember to bring a copy of all the passports you are applying for. It will cost you between SGD10 to SGD 20.
Cost: SGD10-20
Happy Holidays!
PS: any idea why Australia is now known as 澳大利亞 instead of 澳洲?
What is an Australia ETA?
An ETA is an electronic authorisation for travel to Australia to visit or conduct short term business in Australia. It replaces a visa label or stamp in your passport and does not require making an application at the High Commission. Passport holders from around 33 countries, including Singapore and Malaysia, are eligible for ETAs. Of the eligible nationalities, eight (including Singapore and Malaysia) are eligible to apply online. Source: Australia High Commission Singapore
There are a few ways to apply for it and the method you chose will cost differently:
1. The commonly known method:
Online via Australia Electronic Travel Authority-Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Well, this is the "official" website, where ETA is available for application anytime, anywhere. You just have to key in your passport and contact details, pay via credit card and that's it. Since it's the "official" website and you are the one entering the information yourself, you can be 100% sure that there will be no problem with the visa.
Cost: AUD 20
2. The inexpensive method (cos it's free!):
If you book the ticket/tour through a travel agent, your travel agent may be able to do your ETA application for free. Or you can get your friend who happens to be a travel agent or trawl the online travel forums for kind and trustworthy souls to apply foc for you.
Cost: Zero
3. The other method:
You can get a professional third party to apply for you either online or otherwise.
Just a simple online search yields plenty of website that will process ETA for a fee ranging from SGD12-SGD20.
If you are concerned about the reliability of these online website, you can just visit any brick and motar travel agency. You can call them beforehand to check on their fees. Remember to bring a copy of all the passports you are applying for. It will cost you between SGD10 to SGD 20.
Cost: SGD10-20
Happy Holidays!
PS: any idea why Australia is now known as 澳大利亞 instead of 澳洲?
This Chinese New Year
It's the Chinese New Year 2013! With the new year comes new beginnings and hopes for all. Looking back, this Chinese New Year is quite memorable to me for a few reasons:
Just two days ago, we achieved a new record (at least for my family) of latest CNY house visit by reaching a relative's house close to 11 pm and leaving their house close to midnight. Not that I or her family mind, cos she is a close relative whom I really want to visit and wish her well for the new year ahead.
Also, during one of our bus trips to a relative's place, my usually reticent dad suprised me by suddenly saying: "Let's all go to Parkway now." I was momentarily confused as we were heading to Tampines when he continued with:"We can go to the rooftop playground at 7th floor" I was suddenly transported back to my carefree childhood days where my family hang out at Parkway Parade on Sundays and we children always look forward to the rooftop playground. "I want to eat Long John Silver" I quipped. Dad came with a retort:" Ah boy always ended up eating most of it!" My brother (Ah boy) added in:"Also, I want to have breakfast at East Coast Park Macdonalds!" My mum smiled. At that point, I was suddenly aware of how much my parents have aged since those days. Looking at the sky painted in various hues of orange by the setting sun, I desperately wanted time to stop then. I wished to the heavens that they are safe, happy and healthy always.
Lastly, during our relatives visit, I was asked on two separate occasions when will I "xx"? It's one of the dreaded questions that many unattached, unmarried or childless faced during CNY visit. It really makes me want to escape from it all next year. But I guess this is part and parcel of Chinese New Year, I will try to accept it.
I hope that in this Year of the Water Snake:
May all be safe and protected.
May all be peaceful and happy.
May all be healthy and strong.
May all have ease of wellbeing.
Just two days ago, we achieved a new record (at least for my family) of latest CNY house visit by reaching a relative's house close to 11 pm and leaving their house close to midnight. Not that I or her family mind, cos she is a close relative whom I really want to visit and wish her well for the new year ahead.
Also, during one of our bus trips to a relative's place, my usually reticent dad suprised me by suddenly saying: "Let's all go to Parkway now." I was momentarily confused as we were heading to Tampines when he continued with:"We can go to the rooftop playground at 7th floor" I was suddenly transported back to my carefree childhood days where my family hang out at Parkway Parade on Sundays and we children always look forward to the rooftop playground. "I want to eat Long John Silver" I quipped. Dad came with a retort:" Ah boy always ended up eating most of it!" My brother (Ah boy) added in:"Also, I want to have breakfast at East Coast Park Macdonalds!" My mum smiled. At that point, I was suddenly aware of how much my parents have aged since those days. Looking at the sky painted in various hues of orange by the setting sun, I desperately wanted time to stop then. I wished to the heavens that they are safe, happy and healthy always.
Lastly, during our relatives visit, I was asked on two separate occasions when will I "xx"? It's one of the dreaded questions that many unattached, unmarried or childless faced during CNY visit. It really makes me want to escape from it all next year. But I guess this is part and parcel of Chinese New Year, I will try to accept it.
I hope that in this Year of the Water Snake:
May all be safe and protected.
May all be peaceful and happy.
May all be healthy and strong.
May all have ease of wellbeing.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Walk Together
It's been a long while since I last watched a concert (maybe 20 years?). Decided to watch Sodagreen concert last night with a friend who happen to be a admirer of Sodagreen as well.It was fabulous to be able to have all 6 of them together again live. The camaraderie, the music, the talents, the humour and of course the voice.
The young, the old, the male, the female, the pregnant(spotted 2) and even the blind(spotted 1) gathered to celebrate good music with Sodagreen. To paraphrase my concert companion, good music has no boundaries.
The theme of the concert is Walk Together with Sodagreen 当我们和苏打绿一起走过. On a personal note, there has been some pretty demoralising news recently, but I hope that instead of seeing it as a setback, it should be seen as pointing us in the right direction to our goal. Just that it will take a slightly longer time to achieve it.
Let's walk together. You and I.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Happy Chinese New Year 2012
Wishing all a very Prosperous and Happy Year of the Dragon! May all wishes come true!
Huat ah!
Huat ah!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Swissotel Vertical Marathon 2011
Signed up for the Swissotel Vertical Marathon with Superman months ago under the Lovebirds challenge. We collected the race kit one week before the race at one of the functions rooms in Swissotel.
On the day of 20.11.2011, Sunday, both of us gathered at the area outside Macdonalds at Raffles City. There was people handing out small cups of Vitamin Water to participants as they waited in the sunny weather for their turn. Different categories were staggered at different time slots to report, however no registration is required, just turn up in your race tag pinned in front of your t-shirt, and the marshalls will let you in.
One suprising thing is that the actual start point is about 50m away from the stairway. The stairway is located at the right side on the MRT entrance to Raffles City and the starting point is near Macdonalds. Thus one will need to sprint once you are flagged off by the marshall to the stairway and climb from then onwards. Did I mention that the timing starts at the flagoff point? 6 participants were flagged off at about 30 seconds intervals thus there is no crowding and pushing at any point in time.
After Superman and I were flagged off, we jogged to the stairs following the path directed by the marshalls as the stairs was not obvious to us. Once we reached the stairs, we started climbing at a brisk pace. Superman had to match my slower speed as he is fitter than me and I am nursing a heel injury (though suprisingly, the heel didnt hurt at all in the morning).
Climbing the stairs here was unlike the training I did using HDB stairs. There is a gap between two flights of stairs, thus one will need to walk for a short while before climbing the next flight of stairs whereas for HDB, you just need to do a short turn. The stairways was well-ventilated as the doors to corridors were opened. We rested at every 18th floor as per our usual HDB stairs training but towards the second section, I started slowing down and use the railing to haul myself up.
Around the middle section of the 73 storeys, the turning between 2 stairways shortened with a 2 steps break, thus one will need to climb, walk, climb 2 steps, walk and then climb again. After the third break which is the final section, I was really out of breath and feeling slightly nauseous. And the railings start to feel wet and slippery...(eeewww)...
Fortunately, Superman kept giving me words of encouragement and with his motivation, I focused on just breathing and putting one foot in front of the other. After 73 storeys at a height of 226m, we made it to the top of Swissotel!
The view from the top was breathtaking and as the weather was sunny, we can see very far away. Other than the usual iconic buildings like MBS, Esplanade, Singapore Flyer, UOB Building and PSA Port, we also spotted the colourful Rochor flats that was slated by demolition. Participants were busy taking photos standing at the edge but you do not have to worry about falling off the side as the level below was built jutting out and it houses some aircon/building structures and equipment.
After drinking the bottle of mineral water provided by Swissotel, I felt much better. With finisher medals around our necks, we took some photos around the top though Superman keep saying that his hair is ruined by the strong winds (but he still look good lah).
Participants were advised to leave the top after some time to avoid over-crowding. Going down was just as interesting as well, we need to climb about 3 storeys down to a corridor and we entered the lift landing for the famous restaurant of Swissotel, the Equinox! Live music provided by 2 singers and the smell and sight of the buffet greeted us. An enquiry with the restaurant host revealed that it cost abt $128 per pax to dine here. The view from the restaurant was breaktaking as well!
After reaching level 4 of Swissotel Convention centre, we were greeted by marshall clapping and cheering us for completing the task! And thereafter 2 ladies passed us a can of Red Bull to drink. We walked to the holding area and vitamin bottled water was made available to participants at the reporting area, while photos taken by the organisers were put up at a board for participants to collect.
It was quite messy as participants were jostling to spot their own photos and the photos of different categories were randomly pasted at the same board. After some time, we gave up trying to wait for our photos as the organisers assured us that all photos will be made available from their website at a later date.
I feel that the event was well organised though the photo collection could have been improved. We enjoyed the event and to me, it was quite an achievement to reach the top at a respectable time of about 20 mins.
What a memorable 20.11.2011!
On the day of 20.11.2011, Sunday, both of us gathered at the area outside Macdonalds at Raffles City. There was people handing out small cups of Vitamin Water to participants as they waited in the sunny weather for their turn. Different categories were staggered at different time slots to report, however no registration is required, just turn up in your race tag pinned in front of your t-shirt, and the marshalls will let you in.
One suprising thing is that the actual start point is about 50m away from the stairway. The stairway is located at the right side on the MRT entrance to Raffles City and the starting point is near Macdonalds. Thus one will need to sprint once you are flagged off by the marshall to the stairway and climb from then onwards. Did I mention that the timing starts at the flagoff point? 6 participants were flagged off at about 30 seconds intervals thus there is no crowding and pushing at any point in time.
After Superman and I were flagged off, we jogged to the stairs following the path directed by the marshalls as the stairs was not obvious to us. Once we reached the stairs, we started climbing at a brisk pace. Superman had to match my slower speed as he is fitter than me and I am nursing a heel injury (though suprisingly, the heel didnt hurt at all in the morning).
Climbing the stairs here was unlike the training I did using HDB stairs. There is a gap between two flights of stairs, thus one will need to walk for a short while before climbing the next flight of stairs whereas for HDB, you just need to do a short turn. The stairways was well-ventilated as the doors to corridors were opened. We rested at every 18th floor as per our usual HDB stairs training but towards the second section, I started slowing down and use the railing to haul myself up.
Around the middle section of the 73 storeys, the turning between 2 stairways shortened with a 2 steps break, thus one will need to climb, walk, climb 2 steps, walk and then climb again. After the third break which is the final section, I was really out of breath and feeling slightly nauseous. And the railings start to feel wet and slippery...(eeewww)...
Fortunately, Superman kept giving me words of encouragement and with his motivation, I focused on just breathing and putting one foot in front of the other. After 73 storeys at a height of 226m, we made it to the top of Swissotel!
The view from the top was breathtaking and as the weather was sunny, we can see very far away. Other than the usual iconic buildings like MBS, Esplanade, Singapore Flyer, UOB Building and PSA Port, we also spotted the colourful Rochor flats that was slated by demolition. Participants were busy taking photos standing at the edge but you do not have to worry about falling off the side as the level below was built jutting out and it houses some aircon/building structures and equipment.
After drinking the bottle of mineral water provided by Swissotel, I felt much better. With finisher medals around our necks, we took some photos around the top though Superman keep saying that his hair is ruined by the strong winds (but he still look good lah).
Participants were advised to leave the top after some time to avoid over-crowding. Going down was just as interesting as well, we need to climb about 3 storeys down to a corridor and we entered the lift landing for the famous restaurant of Swissotel, the Equinox! Live music provided by 2 singers and the smell and sight of the buffet greeted us. An enquiry with the restaurant host revealed that it cost abt $128 per pax to dine here. The view from the restaurant was breaktaking as well!
After reaching level 4 of Swissotel Convention centre, we were greeted by marshall clapping and cheering us for completing the task! And thereafter 2 ladies passed us a can of Red Bull to drink. We walked to the holding area and vitamin bottled water was made available to participants at the reporting area, while photos taken by the organisers were put up at a board for participants to collect.
It was quite messy as participants were jostling to spot their own photos and the photos of different categories were randomly pasted at the same board. After some time, we gave up trying to wait for our photos as the organisers assured us that all photos will be made available from their website at a later date.
I feel that the event was well organised though the photo collection could have been improved. We enjoyed the event and to me, it was quite an achievement to reach the top at a respectable time of about 20 mins.
What a memorable 20.11.2011!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Garbage enzyme works!
After waiting for 4 months, I finally tried the garbage enzyme that I "cultured".
The liquid smells of oranges with a hint of alcohol in it. First, I tried in on the grime between the floor tiles of my bathroom and the grime came off quite easily with some scrubbing. Next I tried it on my cooking stove. Now, the stove is covered with grease and some parts are even blackened due to stuborn cooking stains. The grease came off quite easily with a few swipes, however the stubborn stains did not bulge much no matter how hard I scrubbed. In the end, I gave in and use cream stain cleaner and the stains came off after much vigorous rubbing.
Garbage enzyme is an pretty effective cleaner that is environment friendly and does not harm your hands For the really die hard stubborn stains, you may still need a commercial cleaner to do the work.
I love the fact that it smells good (oranges in my case) and is free!
The liquid smells of oranges with a hint of alcohol in it. First, I tried in on the grime between the floor tiles of my bathroom and the grime came off quite easily with some scrubbing. Next I tried it on my cooking stove. Now, the stove is covered with grease and some parts are even blackened due to stuborn cooking stains. The grease came off quite easily with a few swipes, however the stubborn stains did not bulge much no matter how hard I scrubbed. In the end, I gave in and use cream stain cleaner and the stains came off after much vigorous rubbing.
Garbage enzyme is an pretty effective cleaner that is environment friendly and does not harm your hands For the really die hard stubborn stains, you may still need a commercial cleaner to do the work.
I love the fact that it smells good (oranges in my case) and is free!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Cook a pot of Curry!
In support of the Facebook movement to promote tolerance and love of Singapore food, we cooked curry and roti prata for our breakfast on 21 August 2011.
Superman had fun playing out the role of prataman complete with a thick accent and lots of prata flipping and fluffing. Yummy Sunday!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
DIY Garbage Enzyme
Started on a new project this month, making "Garbage Enzyme".
Using kitchen waste (fruits skins and vegetables peels that you would throw away), you can convert them to be used for cleaning the house, freshen the air and even as ant repellent!
I was especially intrigued by the ant repellent part as my home has lots of ants that just does not seem to go away. Insecticides does not work as the ants will simply appear again the next day after spraying, not to mention that insectides are toxic and harmful to both humans and the environment.
What is Garbage Enzyme?
Dr Rosukon's Garbage Enzyme is a complex organic substance made by fermentation of fresh kitchen waste, water and sugar.
What are the benefits of Garbage Enzyme?
1. Natural household cleaner to clean clothes, mop floors and wash dishes.
2. Natural pecticides and insecticides, the waste after fermentation can also be used as fertilizers for our plants.
3. Liquid for garbage enzyme can be used as shampoo.
4. Air purifier for the house, use more citrus fruits such as orange or lemons for the wonderful citrus smell.
5. It is a earth friendly process that release O3 ozone gas to recover the ozone layer and lower global temperature.
How to make Garbage Enzyme?
It's quite simple. Just remember the ratio of 1:3:10, 1 portion of brown sugar, 3 portion of fruit/veg waste and 10 portion of water.
1. Get ready the fruit/veg waste. I simply store my fruit waste (skin/mouldy/rotten parts) in the freezer until I have 300 gm. Try to incorporate some orange/lemons for the citrus scent.
2. Dissolve the brown sugar in the water. I use 100 gm of sugar in 1 litre of water in a 2 litre plastic container.
3. Cut the fruits into smaller pieces and put them into the sugar solution.
4. Leave some space for fermentation. Label the date on the bottle, close the bottle tightly and ensure that all fruits are submerged in the solution.
5. Place away from direct sunlight and in a cool and well ventilated place.
6. Open the cap and close immediately daily for the first month to release the gases. Push the fruits into the solution once in a while.
6. Your DIY garbage enzyme will be ready in 3 months. Filter the waste away and store the liquid. The waste can be reused for another round of garbage enzyme or as fertilizer.
How to use?
1. As fertilizer and pesticides: 1 portion to 100 portion water. Insecticides: 1 portion to 1000 portion water.
2. Shampoo/dishwasher/detergent: 1 tsp to 500 ml water and 1 tbsp to 1 litre water.
There are many more ways to use your own garbage enzyme. The above are the just two of the more common ways you can use.
Stay tuned for more updates on my DIY garbage enzyme!
Using kitchen waste (fruits skins and vegetables peels that you would throw away), you can convert them to be used for cleaning the house, freshen the air and even as ant repellent!
I was especially intrigued by the ant repellent part as my home has lots of ants that just does not seem to go away. Insecticides does not work as the ants will simply appear again the next day after spraying, not to mention that insectides are toxic and harmful to both humans and the environment.
What is Garbage Enzyme?
Dr Rosukon's Garbage Enzyme is a complex organic substance made by fermentation of fresh kitchen waste, water and sugar.
What are the benefits of Garbage Enzyme?
1. Natural household cleaner to clean clothes, mop floors and wash dishes.
2. Natural pecticides and insecticides, the waste after fermentation can also be used as fertilizers for our plants.
3. Liquid for garbage enzyme can be used as shampoo.
4. Air purifier for the house, use more citrus fruits such as orange or lemons for the wonderful citrus smell.
5. It is a earth friendly process that release O3 ozone gas to recover the ozone layer and lower global temperature.
How to make Garbage Enzyme?
It's quite simple. Just remember the ratio of 1:3:10, 1 portion of brown sugar, 3 portion of fruit/veg waste and 10 portion of water.
1. Get ready the fruit/veg waste. I simply store my fruit waste (skin/mouldy/rotten parts) in the freezer until I have 300 gm. Try to incorporate some orange/lemons for the citrus scent.
2. Dissolve the brown sugar in the water. I use 100 gm of sugar in 1 litre of water in a 2 litre plastic container.
3. Cut the fruits into smaller pieces and put them into the sugar solution.
4. Leave some space for fermentation. Label the date on the bottle, close the bottle tightly and ensure that all fruits are submerged in the solution.
5. Place away from direct sunlight and in a cool and well ventilated place.
6. Open the cap and close immediately daily for the first month to release the gases. Push the fruits into the solution once in a while.
6. Your DIY garbage enzyme will be ready in 3 months. Filter the waste away and store the liquid. The waste can be reused for another round of garbage enzyme or as fertilizer.
How to use?
1. As fertilizer and pesticides: 1 portion to 100 portion water. Insecticides: 1 portion to 1000 portion water.
2. Shampoo/dishwasher/detergent: 1 tsp to 500 ml water and 1 tbsp to 1 litre water.
There are many more ways to use your own garbage enzyme. The above are the just two of the more common ways you can use.
 |
| The beginning of my Garbage Enzyme! |
Stay tuned for more updates on my DIY garbage enzyme!
King of the fruits
Nothing beats selecting your durian and queuing up to ask Durian Uncle help you ta-bao back home to savour the creamy delish...nevermind the sore throat after.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
I survived Battlestar Galactica, USS
The Universal Studios Singapore Battlestar Galactica ride was due to open the next day on 21 Feb 11 after shutting down for about a year due to technical problems(read: one of the seats assembly detached during one of its morning testing). As luck would have it, when Superman and I visited Universal Studios Singapore today, it was open for technical rehearsals(whatever that means).
I took the ride alone. It was kind of intimidating at first, walking up to the ride with no one to share the fears and excitement with.
I started with the seated Human coaster (red one) first. There were initial doubts when I realised that the restraints used were lap restraints, ie the upper body was free, not helped by the lady from China next to me who kept questioning on the safety of lap restraints. It was too late to chicken out. All doubts evaporated when the ride was launched at high speed not soon after. It was exhilarating, the sudden dips, climbs and speed of the Human coaster. According to USS engineers, Human track promises more G-force than the Cylon track, at up to 90km/hr. Well, I can vouch for that. The world was slightly spinning when I got off the Human coaster.
The suspended blue Cylon coaster came next. After kicking off my sandals at the base station, I pull down the shoulder restraints tight and felt my legs being suspended as they lowered the platform before starting the ride. I remembered waving at my fellows red Human coaster riders next to me as we were launched side by side. It was intense, as the ride started to invert, twist and turn several times. The best part was when you felt like you are going to hit the ground as it plummets down into a deep pit filled with a mist, only to turn away at the last minute.
In that one minute, nothing else mattered. Work, family, problems, issues don't exist anymore and you only have to focus on holding tight and screaming your lungs out.
It was fun.
I took the ride alone. It was kind of intimidating at first, walking up to the ride with no one to share the fears and excitement with.
I started with the seated Human coaster (red one) first. There were initial doubts when I realised that the restraints used were lap restraints, ie the upper body was free, not helped by the lady from China next to me who kept questioning on the safety of lap restraints. It was too late to chicken out. All doubts evaporated when the ride was launched at high speed not soon after. It was exhilarating, the sudden dips, climbs and speed of the Human coaster. According to USS engineers, Human track promises more G-force than the Cylon track, at up to 90km/hr. Well, I can vouch for that. The world was slightly spinning when I got off the Human coaster.
The suspended blue Cylon coaster came next. After kicking off my sandals at the base station, I pull down the shoulder restraints tight and felt my legs being suspended as they lowered the platform before starting the ride. I remembered waving at my fellows red Human coaster riders next to me as we were launched side by side. It was intense, as the ride started to invert, twist and turn several times. The best part was when you felt like you are going to hit the ground as it plummets down into a deep pit filled with a mist, only to turn away at the last minute.
In that one minute, nothing else mattered. Work, family, problems, issues don't exist anymore and you only have to focus on holding tight and screaming your lungs out.
It was fun.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Happy Chinese New Year, huat ah!
On Chinese New Years Eve:
Lunch @ Wendy's after half day at office-
Cup of organic latte @ Freshness to unwind before heading home:
The very first reunion dinner @ home prepared by me-
May the Rabbit year bring Happiness and Prosperity to all!
Lunch @ Wendy's after half day at office-
Cup of organic latte @ Freshness to unwind before heading home:
The very first reunion dinner @ home prepared by me-
 |
Baked meatballs(金玉滿堂)  Veg and Fishballs with superior stock |
Last minute rush to deck the home with some Chinese New year cheer-
May the Rabbit year bring Happiness and Prosperity to all!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Tale of Two Chefs
Two childhood friends from Ipoh came to our sunny island many years ago. They slaved in many kitchens until one day, they jumped at a chance to open their own business at a little coffeshop corner near Commonwealth MRT.
And hence "Two Chefs Eating Place" was born.
Superman and I finally made our way there after reading many good reviews about this Zi Char. It was a pleasant five minutes walk from Commonwealth MRT.
Fortunately, it wasn't too packed when we reached there at around 7pm. Service was friendly and courteous, and food arrived quickly, within five minutes of placing our order. Probably because we ordered the crowd favourites, this being the first time we ate there.
We had:
Rich, fragrant and tender, this dish will have you at the first bite. The powdery butter makes the pork ribs really really good. Never tasted anything like this before.
And hence "Two Chefs Eating Place" was born.
Superman and I finally made our way there after reading many good reviews about this Zi Char. It was a pleasant five minutes walk from Commonwealth MRT.
Fortunately, it wasn't too packed when we reached there at around 7pm. Service was friendly and courteous, and food arrived quickly, within five minutes of placing our order. Probably because we ordered the crowd favourites, this being the first time we ate there.
We had:
Butter spareribs - $8
Rich, fragrant and tender, this dish will have you at the first bite. The powdery butter makes the pork ribs really really good. Never tasted anything like this before.
Tri-coloured egg with spinach - $8
Another winner, this dish is soft, creamy and smooth with lots of tender spinach. Love the combination of egg, century egg and salted egg with spinach, a perfectly well-executed dish.
Beancurd with enoki mushroom - $8
Smooth beancurd with lots of enoki mushrooms, a dish that you can ladle the gravy over your rice with.
Glad that we ordered the above combination of dishes as the ribs tend to be on the sweet side, beancurd with enoki mushrooms on the salty side and the tri-coloured egg with spinach the perfect foil to the other 2 dishes.
This is a fantastic place for zi char, a yummy date for us that day!
Two Chefs Eating Place
Blk 116 Commonwealth Crescent,
#01-129 Singapore 140116
Tel: 6472 5361
H/P: 9435 4197 / 9437 9712
Spread some Christmas cheer
Bread Society is one of my favourite places to go to in Ion Orchard.
With the warm and inviting decor and cheery service, you will want to buy every cute and interesting pastry there. My only gripe is the store is kinda narrow...anyway...
Look at what I bought!
With the warm and inviting decor and cheery service, you will want to buy every cute and interesting pastry there. My only gripe is the store is kinda narrow...anyway...
Look at what I bought!
It comes packed in a sleek looking box
A Christmas tree in a box. Completely edible and incredibly yummy!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Back to school
Made a trip back to the old school recently and was given a mini food tour by Superman. I was astonished that so much has changed since then.
The grubby and stuffy canteen was renovated and given a new outlook. The sleek decor not unlike the food courts we see in shopping malls nowsaday.
And there was even some vases as decor. I dare say it even looked better than some foodcourts outside.
We had:
Zha-jiang mian.....noodles with minced meat and slivers of cucumber for the refreshing bite.
The xiao-long bao was juicy and most importantly, cheap! At $3.50 for six pieces, it really is value for money.
All these washed down with a cup of coffee....
Superman said that he will treat me to dumpling noodles where they will only start preparing the dumplinds when you order the next time I visit. Oh, and also a slice of cake with coffee at the cafe.
I can't wait.
The grubby and stuffy canteen was renovated and given a new outlook. The sleek decor not unlike the food courts we see in shopping malls nowsaday.
And there was even some vases as decor. I dare say it even looked better than some foodcourts outside.
We had:
 |
Tonkatsu set |
Superman said that he will treat me to dumpling noodles where they will only start preparing the dumplinds when you order the next time I visit. Oh, and also a slice of cake with coffee at the cafe.
I can't wait.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Weekend food post
What we had over the weekend:
From the kitchen:
Just like the way mummy used to cook!
With the addition of Japanese mayonaise and Japanese sauce, perfect!
Dumpling noodles with otak, special sauce concoted by Superman.
Outside the kitchen:
From the kitchen:
With the addition of Japanese mayonaise and Japanese sauce, perfect!
Outside the kitchen:
Looks like hell, taste like heaven. Beach road Scissor cut curry rice.
A mixture of gooey, sticky curry sauce and braised sauce, the Hainanese curry rice here is strangely addictive and satisfying. Superman and I have been eating at this stall for almost 10 years now.
And ever since City Square mall opened nearby, we have been making our way to Toastbox for our drink.
Chilli crab thick toast, soft-boiled eggs topped off with teh si siu dai!
No wonder I can't seem to lose weight!
Monday, November 8, 2010
A long weekend
The long Deepavali weekend gave one an opportunity to do many things.
On top of clearing the piling housework, we also managed to cook some meals and went shopping and eating at Orchard Road.
At Orchard road, we bought two pairs of Uniqlo jeans at $19.90 each and had lunch at TGIF Hereen:
What I cooked for breakfast, pork and liver congee paired with piping-hot deep-fried youtiao, yum!
On top of clearing the piling housework, we also managed to cook some meals and went shopping and eating at Orchard Road.
At Orchard road, we bought two pairs of Uniqlo jeans at $19.90 each and had lunch at TGIF Hereen:
Crisp tortillas topped with bacon-infused refried beans, spicy nacho meat and cheese. Served with pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream and topped with jalapeños. Cheesy, chewy and crispy all at once!
Ribs, shrimps and chicken tenders with TGIF's famous Jack Daniel's sauce. Curiously, the Jack Daniel's sauce is on the sweet side and it reminded me of popiah sweet sauce...
After sharing one appetizer and main course, we were both so stuffed that we shelved our original intention of ordering their dessert.
It was a hearty lunch with a nice view of a busy road junction of Orchard.
Having the luxury of a long weekend, I was in the mood for some cooking.
What I cooked for breakfast, pork and liver congee paired with piping-hot deep-fried youtiao, yum!
What I cooked for dinner, minced pork with tofu meatballs and Hainanese pork chop, double yum!
Love long weekends!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Double celebrations
It was a double celebration of sorts for me. Started with a D24 mooncake accompanied with a birthday song from Superman, interspersed with lots of well wishes from family and friends and ended with a birthday song from my dear niece.
A simple day but I was touched and happy.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Nation's Birthday
Some shots i took of the National Day Parade 2010@ Padang:
It was a beautiful day
The theme of the parade
One of the crowd favourites...
The National Flag
The flypast
The sunset
The Padang
And it ended with a big bang
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