Accept my flaws

Everyone is an archive. It keeps record of your past, just another chapter of your history. Little do you know that one day when you thought everything was over, that its left in the past, but it came back hunting you. Normally, its your worst nightmare that you thought its never going to happens in real life. You can’t run away from it. It was you. It was pieces of you.

A close friend recently broke up with her fiance. Reason pretty much reasonable and understandable. (I am not going to elaborate more details here, not only its privacy, but for the love of me to my dearest friend) I was shocked. They have been through a lot, tears and heartbreaks certainly visits. So, why? I don’t dare to ask. Until she revealed. No doubt they love each other. She loves him very much. Perhaps his love isn’t adequate. Its not enough to accept her flaws. At least, this is not happening on the day or day before their wedding day, not after announced husband and wife.

I thought love is acceptance.

Everyone have pasts. Some good, some bad. Regardless, these history made who she/he is today. Of course, we cannot expect everyone to understand, but the least one can do is to respect, and decide to like/love the person according to who she/he is now. It pain me. Is the fragility of love? Or its an individual’s acceptation level? Was love itself strong enough to pull everything together?

It gotten me. I was sunk in my thoughts and flashing past memories of myself and of Roy’s. We had our dark days. It still hunts me every now and then, but I got over it with his promises and love. However, I text Roy [I'm very blessed that you accept me for who I am and still love me even I'm not perfect. I love you x. He later replied [I love to be imperfect with you, and that's what make our love to be perfect. Love.] My heart skipped a beat. Touched with simple things like this.
Yes, I am very blessed.

xoxo

Bah Kut Teh Recipe (Pork Bone Tea Soup)

One of the thing pop in my mind when anyone mentioned Malaysian food is our famous Bah Kut Teh (Pork Bone Tea Soup). Please be aware that the Malaysian Style and Singaporean Style of this dish is totally different. Malaysian's, is more to herbs and heavy taste of the pork bone soup. Singaporean's, to me its basically pepper pork tripe (stomach) soup. Big difference. So, pick your preferred.

Lets get it started !!

Getting ready part I: Mushrooms, Tofu puffs and 2 garlic bulbs. All kind of mushrooms are welcomed! Put as much as you like, same goes to tofu puff.

Getting ready part II: The meats are normally pork ribs. But this time I mixed with pork belly. Cut it in the size you want. Big, small, square, round, triangular. Its your dish, so, really is up to you.

First, use boiling water to sort of wash your pork ribs and bellies. Preferably not more than a minute. It helps to kill the germs and soften it.

Then, put everything including Uncle Sun's Bah Kut Teh's Packet (which has herbs such as Angelica Sinensis, Polygonati Odorati, Cinnamon, Pepper, Codonopsis Radix, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Ligustici, Caryophylli Flos, Citri Exocarpium, Star Anise) pork ribs, mushrooms, tofu puffs, garlics in a pot of boiling water.

After approximately 2-2.5hours of slow cooking(boiling), put in the seasoning - 2 teaspoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of dark soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, few dashes of white pepper powder - stirred and taste to make sure its blend in the soup before serving. To reduce the strong taste, I put 1 teaspoon of oyster sauce instead of a tablespoon.

A bowl of rice (or more) is essential.

If you're in Melbourne, like myself, I prefer Uncle Sun's over a varieties of Bah Kut Teh packets. It certainly taste better and not artificial. Go to your local groceries in China Town, you should be able to find it. I bought mine from Great Eastern Asian Grocery.


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Magnolia Square Boutique Market

Love markets. Its not a must to be able to "buy" anything. I simply enjoy to stroll along stalls. This week,  I went to Malvern Town Hall for Magnolia Square. Its a boutique market.

Beautiful weather never fails to cheer me up. Its my first time to Malvern Town Hall. Or Armadale. I am not too sure. According to GPS, here is Malvern. But signboard, Armadale. Anyway, this place is a small town. I like small town.

A market place putting the best fashion & design, jewelery, home-ware, paper goods, stylish crafts, gourmet treats and things for children like handmade toys.

 Kids stall. There are different stall for parents to pamper their children. From clothing to sweet treats like cupcakes and macaroons (Apparently, not only for kids, moms love 'em).

 Ricci's Bikkies. I bought the Garlic, Olive & Parmesan Turkish bread. It contains wheaten four, mustard seeds, paprika too. Snacks for everyone. Perfect replacement for chips.

Magnolia Square
Malvern Town Hall
Corner of Glenferrie Road and High Street
Malvern
Tel: 9495 6204

Check out for the next one in town! Web: http://www.magnoliasquare.com.au


(I have my own domain now! Please visit www.sixty4point6.com ) 

Quanjude (Melbourne)

I was craving for Peking duck for a while. Used to visit a Peking duck restaurant at Toorak few years back where I had the best ever tasted in Melbourne. However, I couldn’t remember the name. Anyway, Roy and Henry saw ads of Quanjude on Melon the other day. We decided to give it a try.

 Quanjude was established in 1864, the third year of Tongchi, Qing Dynasty.  With 70 restaurants in China, holding a history over 140years.

  We ordered Quanjude Roast Duck $68 a set which includes a whole Quanjude Peking Duck, Pancakes, Scallions, Cucumbers, Sweet Sauce and Duck Soup.

 Duck Tongue. Nothing extraordinary. Its pretty dry though.

 Quanjude Roast Duck $68 set. Duck meat is juicy and soft but its skins are not crispy. Pancakes are sliced thinly.

 I normally put some sweet sauce on the pancake, some scallions and cucumber slices, duck meat and skins on top, then, another layer of sweet sauce before folding it. Hold it like your sushi roll, and bite it!

Steam spinach with crab meats and egg white. The sauce which is made of egg white and crab meats went well with the green. Not salty. The taste of each ingredient is clear. Surprisingly, the crab meats are real, I think they are not from the can but may be frozen one.

 Braised Sea Cucumber with mushroom and fish maw. I am not a big fan of sea cucumber but this is delicious.  Mushroom and fish maw are soft. The whole pot is very well blend.

Duck Soup. This is where disappointment step in. Tasteless. Watery. The ratio of duck essence and water is totally out. It taste like tap water with cucumber and a slight hint of duck.

Food: 8/10
Price: 6/10
Service: 7/10
Ambiance: 7/10
Overall: 7/10

Quanjude
299 Queen Street
Melbourne VIC
Tel: 9670 0091
Web: www.quanjude.com.au

Opening hours
Lunch: Sun-Fri 12.00-3.00pm
Dinner: 6.00-11.00pm

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Laksa King (Melbourne)

I couldn’t let go of Malaysian food. And somehow,  in Melbourne, you can always find/spot a Malaysian cuisine restaurant. Almost one on every street, every corner. Laksa King was one of my favourite place to go for lobak, Hainanese Chicken Rice and Curry Laksa.

 New menu. Laksa King was located outside Video Ezy at Flemington. It was a little shop with approximately 12-14tables. Recently, they moved to a bigger shop.

 The new location is bright and spacious. Lightnings are sufficient. Good for food-blogger who need it to snap pretty and at least look-delicious picture. New tables are clean and well, new. But its a little uncomfortable as its small, and backless.

Curry Laksa. As usual, with prawns, eggplant, chicken, tofu skin. However, its not as good as before. The soup is weak. Doesn’t taste like the tradition laksa. Not spicy at all. Delivered in 25minutes (after ordered)

 Hainanese Chicken Rice. Another backslide. Rice is dry, chilli is sour, chicken is oily and bad. I accept frozen chicken. But I don’t tolerate with tasting the frozen-ness. Its like the chicken has been in the freezer for quite sometimes. Even the sauce taste watery. Delivered in 45minutes (after ordered)

I wonder, the kitchen is way bigger, employee doubled, space tripled, but it takes really long to served. The service wasn’t as slow before. It normally took 10-15minutes to be served. But at this new location, serving time average took 25-30minutes. There were approximately 4-5 tables when I dined.  Another thing, too many waiter/ress standing around without any servicing but chit-chatting.  Its a big disappointment. I haven’t try other dish but I have no intention to come back for more. Sorry! (I have better place to replacement)

Food: 3/10
Price: 6/10
Service: 3/10
Ambiance: 7/10
Overall: 5/10

Laksa King
Eastwood Street and Racecourse Road
Flemington, VIC
Tel: 9372 6383
Opening hours
Lunch: 11.30-3.00pm
Dinner: 5.00-10.00pm

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To dig at your look

I love you, but can you make a plastic operation appointment for boobs and nose job? I'll take care of the bill.

How would you response to this? This certainly is a controversial issue. Some ladies may be disgusted by the idea, some may actually accept it. But, is it possible? That he love you, but at the same time, dislike your appearance. Should you question or to have doubts on the quality of love? Maybe, maybe not.

 

Picture from Sow Cartoons and Comics

If he is antipathy with your appearance, he can take this as an excuse to leave and hunt down a beauty queen, right? So if he is willing to pay for the surgery, does it mean he adores your personality, cherish feelings you shared and the agrees on your affection to him? Perhaps. But don't be surprise that your girlfriend feel insulted.

The remaining question is, why does he cares about boobs and nose? Or generally, how you look? Maybe its all because of his appreciation of the beauty, that he scour for perfection. Think about it. If you have a boyfriend, who's perfect in every sense; he's knowledgeable, thoughtful, valued filial piety, good cook, sporty, adventurous, romantic, have good sense of humour; but you feel sorry for his appearance;-

Maybe he's below 155cm, pimples covered face, crooked nose, abnormal ratio for everything else. Now, you won a lottery. Managing your monies into travels, future planning, clearing current debts, bought not only a home but also a holiday house, have sufficient amount in account for retail therapy and body indulgence expenses for the next 20 years; after all that, you still have extras to pay for a body makeover.

Now would you ask your boyfriend to go through plastic surgeries?

Anyhow, the decision or agreement is still depending on how you communicate with your partner, and his/her affection to you. Its insulting at some level, but not unreasonable. Nevertheless, it sure

weight enough to trigger arguments and doubts in a relationship. So, good luck with that!

In your own skin

I like late night SBS. That's the time selected documentary will be put on the channel. Often rare and 18-and-above classification. Last week, it's showing Miss Nude in Australia. I have never in my life heard of such contest. It is not just in Australia, but there is Miss Nude World International pageant, just like other beauty pageant since 1991.

There are stories behind these Miss Nude. Not all are supported by their family. Some parents blamed themselves, often end with divorce or disown. Expected, I thought. It's worst if it happens to an Asian. Or specifically, Chinese. Honestly, it might kill the parents (Heart-attack or stroke).

Watched their performances. All I saw were their confidence, beautiful costume (at least at the beginning), pole dancing choreography and incredible gymnastic movements. Nothing sexual, of course, they are sexy with all the teasing and flirtatious dance move, but I don't have any inappropriate thoughts, not at all.

Picture from Kid Sis

Anyway, I do believe pole dancing is a healthy gymnastic sport. People should be a little more open minded with it. Don't be judgmental. A person does pole dancing doesn't necessary means she's bad or sexually lusting anyone (Although many night clubs ladies did it for a living). It can be purely for the beauty in body movements and its a great form of exercise. Er, maybe not the nudity part.

xoxo

2 months to go

August already!

3rd week of my final semester. Another 10, and it's the end of my affair with RMIT. I thought I am going to be over-pressured. Maybe later, perhaps when its getting closer to examinations. But now? I am more than happy to go to class. Promised (and keeping it) not to skip any class for any reason. The truth is, when every class I attended finished, it's telling me, I am a step closer to graduate. Every Saturday reminds me I am a week closer. That's what motivating me, cheering me despite this is the hardest and most heavy workload semester I've ever had.

Many asked.  
Are you applying P.R of Australia? 
I am not applying for a P.R. 
Staying to work or to pick up another course?
Not looking for a job here and if study, it would be somewhere outside the Oz.  
What are you going to do next?
I am going to take a half year break, spend times with family, and perhaps take a loan from Papa & Mama Chang to travel before entering workforce.  
Are you going to marry Roy? 
I am not marrying Roy, (he hasn't propose and) we are unemployed, financially insufficient to tie the knot and having a family.


xoxo

Its just...touching

This video is in Chinese. But I would really like to share it with everyone. So, I translate them into English. Hope you can still feel it like I do.




English Translation
JC = Jie, Chu ; XS:Xue Shi, Chin ; FH: Female host ; MH1: Male host 1 ; MH2: Male host 2

JC: My name is Jie, Chu.  And this is my boyfriend, Xue Shi, Chin.

XS: First time joining a competition, she never say its on China's Talent Show

JC: Eventhough I'm 23 years old, but everyone thought I am a child.

Stage Assistant: Jie, are you tired of waiting for  your turn? Felling asleep?

JC: I'm fine

JC: I like to sing and dance. Although I am small (physically) but I'll give my 100% hard work, to stand on the stage to sing. I'll stand on the stage, sing wholeheartedly.

FH: Hi kid,  what is your name?

JC: My name is Jie, Chu, I am 23 years old now.

FH: You really look like a child,  at first I thought you're just 11 or 12 years old. Do you face any difficulty/persecution with this?

JC: For 23 years, I have been experiencing severe persecution. For example, when I'm waving for a cab, cab drivers sometimes don't stop for me, because they wonder if a kid would be able to afford the cab fare. These kind of incident often happens.

MH1: Your voice never change?

JC: Never.

MH1: Everyone please listen, beautiful child voice.

JC Sings.

Firefly Firefly, flying slowly
In summer night, in summer night, wind blows lightly
Children whom afraid of the dark, don't worry and sleep
Let firefly gives you a glimpse of light
Burning up its little body in the night
Lighting up directions for traveler during the night
Lifespan is short, but working hardly to be bright
Bringing hope to this dark world


Firefly Firefly, flying slowly
My heart, my heart, is still following
The city lights are still bright and shining
Who will remember you burning brightly

JC: Thank you

MH2: Do you know whose song you're singing?

JC: Yes I do, its sister Yi (Female host).

FH: You remind me that when I was singing this song, my voice is just like yours.

FH: Jie,Chu, I would like to ask you a question. For your physically look-like-a-child situation, does it stop you from being in a relationship (love)?

JC: No, it never. Just like the place I work in, there is a lot of admirer. They like me. And I believe I am going to be happy /bliss/well-being.

MH1: My tears are going to drop. Its very rare for me to hear such touching words. Although its just a simple word. We all believe you are going to be happy/bliss/well-being.

JC: Thank you.

MH2: Your smile is beautiful.

FH: Does your family or friends accompany you to this show?

JC: My boyfriend is here.

FH: AH! Really? Call him out!

JC: Please welcome.

MH2: They look perfect for each other! How old are you?

XS: I am a year older than her, I am 24.

MH2: How do you know each other?

XS: We met at Beijing Dragon in Sky Art Group.

JC: We went for the interview together. Then get to know each other there.

MH1: Be in a relationship is such a wonderful thing. Such happiness.
MH2: Back then, who make the move (who fell in love first)?

JC: Well, many people like me.

MH2: So he is one of your admirer?

JC: Right.

FH: I would like to ask XS, what do you like about Jie, Chu?

XS: Jie, Chu, I like everything about you!

JC: Actually when I'm singing the song, I feel as if the song is about me. I am the firefly. Although it is small, but it can still be bright and light up.

MH1: We really appreciate and thank the both of you. You have brought us a lot (touching, happy, believes).

MH1: Yes
FH: My answer is YES
MH2: We wish you happy forever and in love forever.
MH2: Congratulation, you are up to the next round!

Koko Black Blogger Meetup by Nuffnang

Giving chocolate to others is an intimate form of communication, a sharing of deep, dark secrets. - Milton Zelman, publisher of "Chocolate News"

Thanks to NuffnangAU and of course our two lovely host - Violet and Penny, on 24 of July, we have 2 tables of Melbourne blogger at Koko Black on Collins Street diagnosed with chocolate overdose. I think almost all with RSVP attended. Well, nobody would turn down a chocolate "deal".

Photo by Sylvia (me!!)

This is my first time attending a blogger meet-up. Its a great pleasure to finally meet Violet in person, especially after months of chit chatty over our blog and tweets. She is truly adorable, in the internet world and in person. And because of this event, I get to know a bunch of food blogger - Michelle, Emma, Simone, I Hua and Ceri! Ladies who love food are far more attractive, healthy and happy!

Prior that, I was thinking whether to bring my big camera for the occasion. However, Violet promised me it would be the last thing to worry as blogger meet-up usually means lots of pictures from blogger! Anyway, I brought my Sony digital and managed to capture a few candid, but sitting far at the corner, I couldn't get a good squeeze on our chocolates and other blogger, louis vuitton handbags so I asked permission from other blogger to use theirs And they are all too lovely to say YES!

#1 Sort of a group picture. It isn't complete because not all are in it.

Credit to Penny

#2 The table I sat. With a bunch of lovely lollies.

Photo by Sylvia (me!!)

#3 2nd table was full too! I know it looks empty in this picture, it is because I took it before they arrive =D

Photo by Sylvia (me!!)

#4 Sarah Stokely ordered chocolates for us.

Credit to Simone

#5 I ordered Ice Chocolate. Its too sweet to finish the whole thing by myself! And nails are done by me too =)

Photo by Simone

#6 Michelle is a psychology student in Melbourne Uni, and she is from KL! As soon as I know she's a food blogger, I asked if she ever tried Papa Chang's restaurant. Guess what? She loves Grand Imperial and had written a review on Bangsar's branch of G.I.

Credit to Michelle

#7 Chocolate Affagato. This is going to be my order for the next visit. A must! They absolutely makes my mouth waters with greed :P

Credit to I Hua

#8 Simone from A Look In My Book, I Hua from The Chronicles of Ms I-Hua and the cutest host,  Violet Le Beaux

Photo by Sylvia (me!!)

Once again, thanks NuffnangAU, thanks Violet, Penny and everyone who came! We should do this again =)

xoxo

Showground Farmers' Market

I never been to a Farmer's Market. So when I found out Melbourne Showgrounds Farmers' Market, which opens every Sunday, I know I am going.

Apparently, there are lots of farmers' market in Victoria. Check them out on : Farmers' Market. Most of them are once a month thing, like first Sunday, 3rd Saturday. But if you want an every Sunday one, go to the Showgrounds - located at Federation Hall, Gate 7 Leonard Crescent from 9am to 1pm.

Very fresh Orange juice. I$3.50 per cup, $3 for small bottle and $5 for a bigger one. I bought $5 Orange because Tangelo ran out of stock. Guess next time, I should come earlier.

Biggest carrots I've ever seen in my life. So I wonder, can rabbits pull it out? You know, in cartoons where rabbits pulled out gigantic carrots.

I always look for sausages stall or hotdog stand at markets. The smells of sausages always fill the air. And check out their sauces. Home-made tomato sauce is a must if there is any.

So this time I found Alloway Gourmet Buffalo Fresh Sausages. It has a variety of Honey & Rosemary, Bratwurst, Chilli and Garlic.

Managed to take a picture of my outfit of the day while waiting for the sausage.
Hair bow from Camberwell Sunday Market
Grey Coat from Cotton On at Hot Item section
Pink Dress from Cotton On under $10 section
Bag from Limited Edition, Marina Bay Shopping Mall
Flats from Target

I picked Garlic Buffalo Sausage with onions. Its my first time having buffalo sausage! Before putting them in my big mouth, I got some home-made tomato sauce and mustard on it. The sausage itself is tasty. Juicy but chewy. Its very different from what I had before.

Red Beard Bakery is very popular among all other stalls. Its always in queues. And the bread ran out fast. So when its our turn, there isn't much left.

Bought one home. Although many tell me it taste better with olive oil, I still prefer bread with butter!

The man behind these bread. I like people who is friendly and welcoming for me to take a picture of their products and themselves! I think he's one of the reason why everyone buy bread from him.

I love Sunday with sun and blue sky with a little cloud. What's better? Grass and food!

The boys getting some minestrone soup. Although sun is up, but the weather is still a bit chilly. So, what's better than sharing some hot soup.

My company to all Sunday Markets =) Roy

The guy who live across Melbourne Showground but doesn't realize there is a farmers' market every Sunday! Henry.

And yours truly,

p.s Next week is going to be Geelong's if good weather. *finger crossed*


xoxo