Have you heard of Pinterest? It is absolutely addictive. I’m constantly inspired by other people’s creativity, and this it is like a huge, beautiful, online scrapbook. So one day I was not minding my own business and saw the word ‘ombre‘. What is this word? And why are all these beautiful colour tones connected to it? It was a fascinating half-an-hour, Googling the word and seeing the fantastic things people have come up. Inspired, I decided that I would make an ombre cake. (If you have an Pinterest account, do add me: http://pinterest.com/happeemonkee)

Baking an ombre cake was a really tedious process, only because I had one baking tin to make four layers. It wasn’t as though I could bake the whole cake and sliced it as I normally would. I had to gradually add colour to each batch as I went and this torment (I am not a patient person by nature), took about six whole hours, including icing it. Mr. G, who was working from home that day, was very good and stayed out of my way as I slowly but surely put it all together. He was very pleased that he was rewarded with cake!

For the recipe, I used Sarah Magid‘s Vanilla-Bean Butter Cake and Classic Americana Icing from her book Organic and Chic (which is to date, one of my favourite and go-to books for cakes). It was absolutely sublime! My sister-in-law was so impressed with the cake, she had it for breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper. Not very healthy and totally sugar-loaded, but that girl is still as slim as a pole. Gawd, I want her metabolic rate.

I’m also taking this opportunity to show off my NEW iPhone cases on Etsy! What do you think? I’ve only started very recently and will add more to the range. The dreamy blue one on the top left is doing so well on Society6, it’s just amazing (and I’m very grateful). I’m working on some new things too with my photos, which will happen some time this week. So, yes, I’m keeping myself a busy bee!

Oh, did I mention, I’ve got a 10km run coming up in July? On a whim, I signed up for the Melbourne Run in July. I haven’t ran for something like 10 months, so I’m trying to slip it back into my schedule. I’m also off coffee and chocolate for a month – in fact, it’s only two days to go until my 30th day.

I realized one day that I was having coffee and chocolate every single day and I wanted to see if I could kick the habit. Interestingly with chocolates, I noticed I was more aware of sugar in ice cream, cookies, beverages. I still like something sweet after lunch and dinners, but instead of reaching out for ice-cream and chocolates, I have a piece of fruit. I know it’s strange but I do like setting challenges up for myself and watch myself grow in the process (while ignoring all the ‘Why on earth did I do this?’, ‘My legs are killing me!’, ‘I need coffee now!). It’s not always easy and I do have to be constantly mindful of negative thought patterns.

However, I’m only human and I have had two mini Easter Eggs during my 30-days self-imposed chocolate ban, but I haven’t slipped on coffee. I will celebrate with a cup of weak latte though, once this is all over. I deserve it.

Creative Ways to Productive Procrastination

1. Come up with challenges. I saw this video on Ted.com and was inspired by one of the speakers who challenged himself to a 30-day challenge. He started cycling to work, writing a book, basically, did things that he wouldn’t normally do. As a result, he broadened his circle of friends, climbed a mountain, loss weight and, hey, appeared on Ted.com. Pretty good for an ‘average guy’. So I’ve decided that for 30 days, I’m eliminating coffee or chocolates (staples) from my diet.
2. Do something else. We all know I’m an irregular blogger. I have recipes/ stories/ interviews lined up BUT I have been ‘busy’ and ‘occupied’. So, today, I’m getting my act together (yes, I may be avoiding doing something else, but I’m still being productive by blogging).
3. Take a walk. It’s a great way to clear the head and get some exercise into my routine. Especially if it’s such a pretty day like this – and the fact that I signed up for a 10km run in July.
4. Bake. Now that I’m back in Melbourne, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to bake hobnobs proper. Results? Yum. I basically drowned the whole thing in golden syrup.
5. Go on eBay and bid for something you’ve been eyeing a long time… like for example, a push bike. I bought a mountain bicycle for $80 online which is a fair deal because a brand new one can go up to $250 and above. A friend told me she bought hers for $800! So because I’m a cheap-arse, I went on eBay and found something I could explore Melbourne in. I’m so in love with her. All I need now is a bicycle helmet. (If anyone has an extra, not-in-use helmet and willing to give-it-away, I’m happy to take it off your hands).
6. Remember something really important (this will usually takes a long time, but it will look as though you’re in deep concentration and no one can accuse you of slacking off). Right so, I’d scribbled down the recipe for this pumpkin & ricotta ravioli on some random piece of paper (I made it up so I can’t refer it from anywhere) and I might have chucked it out from an overeager effort of spring cleaning. Meantime, I give you luscious photos of this pumpkin & ricotta ravioli I made about a month ago. Ta-da!

So much has happened since I last updated this blog with food. {NOTE: Not that I will promise more this year (am not a big believer in undelivered promises) but I have two other dishes on my laptop waiting to be blogged. So in March, at least, it will be a foodblog feast!}. Mr. G and I are now proud uncle and aunt of the first grandchild in the W. family. He’s a beautiful baby and you can be assured that he will be well-fed as soon as he’s on solids.

G. and I have also just returned from Malaysia.  This time, we explored two beach destinations – Pangkor Island and Cherating. They are absolutely stunning – especially Pangkor Island. Still so untouched. And it reminded me of Bali (or what it would have been like 15 years ago). Locals were really friendly and although, food was at tourist prices, it was still decent. Heh, and it was my first time there. Trust an Australian to bring the tourist out of me hey?

Jaffa Chocolate Mousse (serves about 10 people if using teacups like I did)
—————————————————————————————————–
(adapted from Taste.com.au)

Ingredients:

• 400g dark chocolate, chopped
• 600ml thickened cream
• 100ml orange liqueur (like Cointreau)
• Zest of an orange
• 1 tsp orange essence
• 2 eggs, separated
• 4 tsp caster sugar
• 1 punnet strawberries, chopped

Method:

1. Place chocolate into a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water.
2. Add orange zest and stir until chocolate has melted.
3. When the chocolate has completely melted, strain chocolate into a bowl to remove orange zest. (This will also give the mousse a smoother texture). Set aside to cool.
4. Place cream into a bowl and beat with electric beaters until starting to thicken.
5. Add Cointreau and orange essence and beat until soft peaks form.
6. Fold one-third of the cream mixture and the egg yolks into the chocolate until combined.
7. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add caster sugar beating until stiff.
8. Fold remaining cream and egg whites into chocolate mixture until just combined.
9. Spoon mixture into ramekins, glasses or teacups.
10. Cover and chill for 2-3 hours. Serve with strawberries and sprinkle with chopped mint if desired.

Bon Appétit

xoxo,
Mable

What’s your working music? I’m usually a classical music and jazz person but I find I work really well with Lady Gaga especially when I’m doing something visual like photo-editing or mucking about on my Etsy shop. However, when I’m writing,  I’d prefer quieter, unsung music like bossa nova. Words, I often find, do not work well with words. I need all my concentration and prowess to form words. I keep my distractions at the minimal and that helps me to focus a lot better.

When I was in Sweden, I was part of a fabulous Etsy group called European Street Team (EST). It was the very first team I’d joined and it was full of friendly people. I met so many lovely people and one of the shops I took noticed of was Miss Babacilu. Her style is so soft and feminine, dreamy and romantic – it’s like the jewellery version of my photos! So, without further ado, I’ll like to introduce the very talented, and gorgeous Ioana, the creator of Miss Babacilu.

I’m Ioana, the miss behind Miss Babacilu. Based in Bucharest, Romania, Miss Babacilu is a brand of costume jewelry with a touch of preciousness, elegance, romance and delicacy.

I’m a self-taught bead and wire wraper, jewelry designer and blogger. I tried lots things (photography, for instance) and my mind always thought about creative things. I graduated Political Science and I’m curently studying for my MA, though in a subject that has nothing to do with this, but has a lot to do with the world, as I like to say.

But let me tell you more about Miss B. She’s somehow me, or a great part of myself and my imagination. She is an elegant young lady, sipping tea in late mornings and afternoons from her fantastical hand-painted china sets. She is a charming presence, a good-mannered young lady and a romantic. You will always find her with a book in her hand or dreaming about glamorous fabrics, lace and ruffles, flowers and all the amazing things that nature and life itself gave us.

Miss B has evolved from my passion for fashion, jewelry, manners and protocol and of course tea. It’s also the result of my urge of making things with my hands, following the paths inspiration made me drew on tissues and papers. I’m happy to be able to design and actually make accessories that stand for elegance, strength, delicacy and femininity.

You can see more of Miss B’s beautiful work here:

// Shop // Other Shop// Facebook // Twitter //

Firstly, I like to apologize to the dear sweet Keri for this really late Etsy feature. The last couple of weeks was just a little crazy and then I’d spent the whole of Friday, Saturday & Sunday at MMI (which was pretty darn fantastic!). It’s been so long since I’ve done a food post too, so yes, I’m well-aware that I’m behind things and I really need to get my act together.

I love having the back pass into someone’s life and see how they work; what they do; and who they are. One of my reasons why I have started featuring (especially, new) Etsy sellers on this blog is because I like to help them get some extra exposure. Most people know how challenging it can be to start a new business, and on Etsy it’s no different. There are so many talented artists working to get their foot in the door and I know how it feels as a fellow seller. I’ve met so many fantastic people already and they have been incredible generous with me. Perhaps, this is my way of paying back that kindness by paying it forward.

So, let’s begin with a peep into another artist’s world. Today we have Keri, the creator and imagineer, of Color Work Studio.

Hi! My Name is Keri Gressell. I am a wife, mom, artist, & photographer living in Northeast Pa. My shop has been on Etsy since the end of January. I have had the pleasure of working with many talented people, such as Mable Tan, who has so kindly given me this opportunity to take you into my studio! 

I work at home in a large area, which contains my art studio, office, storage, and wall space for my personal gallery in preparation for exhibits.  In addition to photography & painting seascapes, I paint candles, clay pots, & make jewelry from seashells I collect & paint. To get the real effect of my studio, picture paint, brushes, photos, & paper strewn chaotically on all work surfaces, add two cats, a big latte, & you’re there!

My love for the ocean & NYC (combined with years of photos, ever growing) and being situated relatively close to both has enabled me to share these very diverse moments with others. From the city to the beach, I hope you too can feel the peace & beauty of the sea, as well as the culture, excitement, & everyday moments that take place, even in New York City! Thank you for allowing me to share this with you!

Do take the time to visit Keri’s shop and Facebook fanpage!

// Shop // Facebook //

]]> http://www.mabletan.com/2011/11/colorworkstudio/feed/ 6 http://www.mabletan.com/2011/11/colorworkstudio/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/HappeeMonkee/~3/zoVdIE6UOoc/ http://www.mabletan.com/2011/11/etsy-feature-misala-handmade/#comments Wed, 16 Nov 2011 11:38:14 +0000 Mable Tan http://www.mabletan.com/?p=1406

I have been so busy with so many things I have not been able to blog about food. And for this I have to apologize. I reckon it must be the holiday buzz. With Christmas just a little more than a month away (I know!), all of us on Etsy are hurrying off to get stuff done in time for the Christmas shopping. Which is also why I feel an importance to support the Etsy community. I know for a fact that we are all trying our best especially at this time of the year. We are Santa’s little helpers. Forget elves in green suits, we are the modern day toy makers – or if you prefer the ‘adult version’.

Meet Michelle, creator & extraordinaire of Misala Handmade. She is, no doubt, very good with her hands because she makes the cutest (on-the-scale-of-10-they-are-12), most adorable money bags. I absolutely adore her shop. Let’s have Michelle tell us about herself….

Hi! I am Michelle from Misala Handmade. I was originally from Hong Kong, but moved to Dubai to follow my husband and his job. The move had given me the time to think about what I really likes to do and explore my creative side, and that’s how Misala Handmade was born!

I love using kisslock purse frames in my creations and giving them life with kawaii, cute and colorful styles. Every once in a while I would stop and be amazed at what I have created – I could not have imagined that I would be making so many of these cute, beautiful things with my own hands if I had not started doing this!

It’s been almost a year since I started my Etsy shop, and it was such a rewarding experience! I made a lot of new friends, met some amazing talented people and interacted with sweet lovely customers from around the world, and I would love to keep doing this until I am too old to pick up the needle!

Be sure to visit Michelle’s Etsy shop, Facebook & Twitter!

*  Shop * Facebook * Twitter

Happee Monkee supports another Etsy seller for the week. Today we feature jewellery designer, Maria, creative mind behind the shop DesignByThyll. Not only does Maria lives in Sweden (which I think is the best place in the world), she’s got a gorgeous personality and a lot of fun to work with. Maria’s shop is currently offering FREE SHIPPING around the world. Great time to save some money and do some Christmas shopping.

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I’ve been a creative person for as long as I can remember. Crafting has always been a big part of my life! I call myself a multi-crafter, and by that I mean that I love to create within a lot of different styles. I do jewelry mostly, but also painting, drawing, sewing, knitting, crochet, clay, scrapbooking etc. You name it! 

When I create jewelry, I’m inspired by a lot of things, so I can’t really tell something specific. It can be almost anything! I often doodle down my ideas in my crafting note book so that I won´t forget some new idea that popped up in my head. 

Be sure to visit Maria’s shop & Facebook!

*  Shop * Facebook *

I love catalogues. I used to collect them as a kid for all the pretty, glossy photos but eventually have to give it up because it took too much space.

Thank goodness for the Internet! You can read the NY Times on line, read the latest Marie Claire from my iPad (which I’m still manifesting, so it’s on it’s way!) and best of all, view catalogues from a screen – totally paperless and, no doubt, very environmentally friendly.

I am so in love with Lovely Clusters’ Fall/Winter 2011/12 Catalogue! Everything is beautifully curated and grouped together. It’s such a beauty to look at! As a bonus, some of my photographs are featured in the catalogue. Hooray!

It is such an honour to be featured alongside very talented and skilled artists from all over the world. It’s inspiring to look at, and it makes me appreciate the beauty that surrounds us all.

Thank you Lovely Cluster for this amazing opportunity! Do drop by their wonderful blog and if you’re on Pinterest, you can follow them here >> Lovely Cluster Pinterest. Have a great weekend everybody and see you next week!

xoxo,
Mabs

Ever since becoming a seller on Etsy, I’ve discovered so many new friends who are awesomely talented. All the skills and products you see on Etsy are just amazing and I would like to share them with you. Today, we have the French-born designer behind blog/shop Etincelle Creative Studio, Marie, to give you a snippet about herself, her family and her shop.

Hi, I’m Marie and I’m a mother of two catching up on her passion for pretty delicate things that sparkle and shine (Etincelle means “sparkle” in French). Currently based in Singapore, I’m carefully sourcing my materials during my travels in Asia and beyond.

The label features beautifully decorated bags and accessories. Colours and prints are harmoniously mixed and matched to create colourful and unique designs with a distinct transcultural twist. The handmade embroideries using sequins and beads are enhancing bags, jewellery pieces and dresses. The label also features the Mini-Me dolls – my very own pretty version of the Russian dolls – great as room decoration (if beaded), or as a fun play companion (non-beaded version).

An aspiring prop stylist and photographer, I have also recently started planning children’s birthday parties and is a regular contributor of Bloesem Blog, a blog dedicated to design, handmade, vintage and travelling. My purpose is to to create designs that inspire, amuse and delight and have fun in the process.

Be sure to visit Marie’s shop, blog, Facebook & Twitter!

 Blog * Shop * Facebook * Twitter

So, Miss B. is on a three-week gluten-free diet. But before I go on, I digress by saying, the blender blew up. There was a really loud POP! and the only way I knew it wasn’t the bacon fat sizzling was the gradual smoke snaking from the blender. I hope my FIL isn’t too attached to it.

As I was saying, Miss B. is on a gluten-free diet and I thought it’d be easier if everyone went on the same diet. Mainly, because I am way too lazy to cook two separate meals, and really, gluten-free is the easiest thing to cater for. Next to vegetarian. Give me vegan or dairy-free, I’ll probably throw in the towel.

The first thing I did was to type into Google, ‘What is gluten-free?‘ Easy. It’s basically, what I think is, an Asian diet – more rice, no wheat. Fundamentally, the same. Then I find out that there are LOTS of things that contains wheat. Bread, cookies, pizza, pasta, flour…. So, last week, our shopping list got a little longer (and a little more expensive).

I have to say, though, that I’m enjoying this challenge very much. So far I’ve made steak with sweet potato chips; zucchini, pumpkin and feta fritata; Thai style pork mince & rice noodle stir-fry; and paella. I’ve even improvised with a gluten-free ginger cake recipe which is super yummy. This gluten-free thing has lead me to find new recipes that I wouldn’t have tried otherwise.

Anyway, got to share this one – it’s definitely a thumbs up – easy, tasty and ready to eat within an hour. What’s not to love?

Ricotta & Rocket Gnocchi in Tomato Sauce & Bacon
(adapted from Coles Gluten-Free Recipes)

Ingredients:

Gnocchi:

• 750 g fresh ricotta cheese
• 1 cup rocket, chopped
• 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese finely, grated
• 1 cup gluten free flour, sifted
• 3 large eggs
• extra sifted gluten free flour (coating)
• a pinch of salt and ground black pepper

Sauce:

• 10 black olives, pitted
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 cup of rocket leaves
• 400g can of chopped tomatoes
• 3 rashes of bacon, sliced (Note: Omit bacon for a vegetarian version)
• salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Mix ricotta, rocket, Parmesan cheese, eggs and flour together with ½ teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper.
2. Once everything is well combined, scoop a ball of gnocchi mixture – around a tablespoon size – and roll into oval shapes and place on a large plate dusted with a little more flour to prevent sticking.
3. Cook a few at a time in a large pan of boiling water for 2 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon.
4. For sauce, throw garlic cloves, canned tomatoes, olives and rocket leaves into a blender. Blend well. (At this point, I don’t recommend the blender to blow up)
5. Heat olive oil in a medium pan, fry bacon until brown and then, add sauce.
6. Simmer sauce for 10 minutes or until thickened. Season and gently toss with gnocchi.
7. Serve with a sprinkle of parsley and Parmesan cheese.