Lekker!

I Couldn't Have Said It Better

2009-11-06T05:11:00.003+01:00

The future's got a million roads
For you to choose
But you'll walk a little taller
In some high-heeled shoes

- Welcome to the '60s, Hairspray

Veni, Vidi, Visa

2009-11-02T16:20:00.008+01:00

I'd wanted to write an engaging piece to go with the photos of my newly acquired Gilia but try as I might, nothing flowed out. I mean, do you really want to read about how I was lusting after Ferragamo's current Fall/Winter season of burgundy shoes with the trademark Vara bow and how I asked to try on each and every single shoe (I'm shameless like that) in said colour? No, I think not.

The truth of the matter is this: I walked into the boutique yesterday (actually it wasn't even me who wanted shoes, it was Hubs, I was there along for the ride) saw the pair on display by the couch and fell in love with it. Sure I did try on the other burgundy ones just to satisfy my curiosity but my heart was set on the Gilia. Being edgier and sexier but still elegant all the same, this was Ferragamo with an attitude.

And I bought them. Attitude and all.

Different touch - brass palladium coated buckle

Four inches of ecstasy or sheer terror, depending on one's sense of balance

The Gilia also comes in oyster white and camel tan but I think black packs the most punch.

Oh, and Hubs did find a pair of work shoes too. A nice dressy one with tassels that arrived the day before and he was the first customer for it. For someone who used to sniff at my long-term love affair with Ferragamo shoes, he's onto his third pair.

Sleeveless Knitted Top For Eldest Aunt

2009-10-24T15:20:00.000+02:00

I haven't posted any of my knits lately but that doesn't mean my hands have been idle. In fact, I've been knitting like a fiend (Sonny-boy has been raising my blood pressure to astronomical heights) and there are other garments waiting to make their debut on my blog but I haven't got round to editing the photos yet.

This particular sleeveless top was made with Eldest Aunt in mind. I picked a classic pattern which can be dressed up in the office or dressed down for the weekend. The main bodice is knitted while the neckline and armholes are finished with crochet work. And in keeping with the green revolution, I selected an eco-friendly organic 3 ply cotton yarn. It fits her perfectly (lucky too, since I knitted this without her measurements!) and if I dare say so, she was very pleased with her present. Here she is, Eldest Aunt sportingly posing for my camera with her new top:

Mooi, heh? (Pretty, eh?)

One-Pan Skillet Ravioli

2009-10-23T14:40:00.003+02:00

Taken from the Italian Fall/Winter 2009 issue of Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications, this recipe is pure comfort food with its rich warm sauce and stringy mozzarella cheese. As if the ravioli wasn't filling enough, we had thick slabs of garlic bread to mop up the leftover gravy too. What can we say, we love our bread and pasta.

One-Pan Skillet Ravioli

What You Need:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 large leek, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans stewed tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
1 tbsp snipped fresh rosemary
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
1 package of refrigerated chicken or cheese filled ravioli
3 cups baby spinach
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grate Asiago cheese
Fresh rosemary for garnishing

What You Do:

In an extra large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add leek and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, rosemary and crushed red pepper. Bring to boiling. Stir in ravioli; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

Stir in spinach. Cover and cook 3-4 minutes more or until ravioli is tender. Top with cheeses. If desired, garnish with rosemary. Makes 4 servings.

Lekker!

Note: If fresh rosemary is not available, 1 tsp of the dried version is a good substitute. Just crush it first to release the flavour. As I couldn't find Asiago cheese in the shops, I replaced it with Pecorino Romano instead.

Night Safari And The Return Of Halloween Horrors

2009-10-17T04:43:00.012+02:00

At the behest of Sonny-boy, we went to the Night Safari last night. We've been many times so I didn't bring my camera along, hence the lack of photos. Besides, flash photography is prohibited as it upsets the animals. It is bad enough we gawk and point at them but to blind them as well ...

We had, quite literally, a screaming good time. We didn't know it was the Return of Halloween Horrors special all of October and the main foyer was crowded. There were long snaking queues for tickets and it was some twenty minutes before we got ours. No matter because while waiting, there was much to look at in the form of ghouls, ghosts and assorted scary fairy tale gone wrong creatures. My favourite was Cinderella who walked around sweet as can be with a bloody gown and her glass slipper embedded into her right temple. That sort of humour. My other favourite was the Tin Man (from The Wizard of Oz) whose red squishy looking heart swung about with only a thread of vein holding it all together.

Also in the main foyer was a Tribal Dance performance. and we were just in time for the fire-eating portion of it. We hovered somewhere round the corner near the front so Sonny-boy could get a good view. He was enthralled. But what really made his eyes pop was seeing Dad being led up on stage as the token guest star of the show. Hubs was very sporting, going along and even adding his own improvisations which drew laughter from the crowd. Sonny-boy was so proud of his Dad. When it was over, we both clapped and cheered enthusiastically.

So that was a good start to the evening.

We boarded our Train of Terror which took us around the various exhibits and ended up with the climatic Gate to Neverland. This was where the fun really began. All manner of scary creatures and displays were scattered along the road. Some stood there, some popped up from no where and went more than boo. Oh, never make eye contact with any of them. I made the mistake of doing that with a butcher who was hacking up a woman on a stone slab. I caught his eye and he ran from across 20m of grass lunging, hand in the air brandishing his chopper making a beeline for me! There was an empty seat next to mine and he hopped onto the tram. I screamed and leapt all over Sonny-boy and Hubs, practically climbing on top of their laps. The other passengers were just as animated and loud. The rest of the ride was just like that and it was good scary fun. For some reason, the last carriage of the tram (where we had the good fortune of sitting) was always a target and that made us a rowdy bunch.

After the ride, with noodles for legs, we went on to the walking trail of The Bridge of No Return. We thought it wouldn't be so bad after the tram ride but no, it had it's own shriek-worthy bits too. I was so high-strung towards the end of the walk that when a fellow visitor accidentally bumped me at the elbow I screamed like a alaughtered pig. Which made her scream too, the poor girl. Then we both stopped, apologized and laughed.

We lingered about the park for a while more nursing our refreshments. I had my bottled water, Sonny-boy his two big scoops of Ben & Jerry's and Hubs a can of Tiger Beer at the hair-raising price of S$12 a pop.

After that, the big people decided it was quite enough and promised the little person we'll come back and do the animal show the next time.

What Not To Say To Mum On A Saturday Afternoon

2009-09-26T09:34:00.005+02:00

My nine year old, who clearly has a death wish, came up to me minutes ago and asked "Mummy, when are you going to clean up my messy room?"

A couple of sharp words later, guess who had to clean up his own messy bedroom which incidentally looks like I have four kids instead of just one.

In other news, I'm all pins and needles now - our new sofa set arrives in thirty minutes!

A Dutchess In Her Sarong Kebaya

2009-09-16T06:26:00.003+02:00

I don't know if you, dear reader, remember a recent post I made about the Sarong Kebaya. In it I also showcased a set I bought from Singapore whilst on holiday. Who would've guessed two months down the road we'd all be here on another of Hubs' posting? Life's funny like that.

Anyway, I thought you'd like to see how I looked when I wore it to the big 75th birthday bash of both Mother and Father-In-Law. They were born within a week of each other, 5km away. Who would've thought the two babies would grow up, fall in love and get married? Life's also funny like that.

Here are the two photos:

Photo #1

Taken by Hubs in our backyard, just before leaving. For my hair, which you can't see and that's why I'm describing it to you, I made a loose knot and clipped on matching crimson fabric orchids from Accesorize. I had on my baroque pearl earrings from Beijing and carried a beaded purse bought from the Gran Canaria a few years ago. To finish the outfit, I wore a pair of Stuart Weitzman slingbacks in gold lace brocade scattered with crystals. The sarong was not a joke. It was so tight, I had to hobble the whole time. Miraculously, sitting was easy, thanks in part to the long pleat in front of the sarong.

Photo #2

Taken by J Velter, a family friend and source of funny emails and crazier photos. He is retired, hence the luxury. This was snapped on his iPhone, a newly procured toy at the time. He caught Sonny-boy and me unawares in a private moment. We were inside the function room and I was cooing all over Sonny-boy like all mothers do when their pride and joy stubbornly refuse to replenish their liquid intake. "I mean it! Finish up your juice or you can forget about going out to play again!" I believe, was the gentle line of persuasion used.

Thanks, J, for capturing this tender moment between mother and son. And above all, many heartfelt thanks for not making my posterior the size of the average Dutch cow. I am forever in your debt.

Familiar Favourites

2009-09-15T15:41:00.006+02:00

Today I decided to really test my stone-age oven that comes with the apartment. It has the impressive number of one function - supply heat from the top and bottom at various temperatures. No fan, no top grill, no bottom heat no nothing. Unlike my beloved oven I left behind in the Netherlands that did everything but place the food to be cooked inside by itself. I want to sob into my apron.

Still, it was better than nothing. At least it didn't trip the circuit breaker. Ovens not in use for an extended period of time in tropical climes tend to go wonky on account of the humidity. Therefore it is advised, even when you're not using it, to turn your oven on from time to time to get rid of any moisture trapped in there. Well no worries for us as I use my oven at least twice a week.

This evening, I made Goat's Cheese and Thyme Stuffed Chicken. I literally haven't made this in almost two years. In fact, I haven't really cooked in the past eighteen months we were in Beijing. I was a bit shaky at first but after slicing the courgette and tomatoes, I got right back in the swing of things. Everything came naturally, thank goodness.

Line the casserole dish with sliced courgette and tomatoes. Give the vegetables a few splashes of olive oil. Spread sprigs of fresh thyme all over.

Slice chicken breast in half, taking care not to go all the way through. Season with a little salt and chopped thyme on the insides before placing the goat's cheese on. Fold the chicken breast in half and secure with strips of streaky bacon.

Place wrapped bundles on the vegetable lined casserole dish. Pop into oven (pre-heated to 200C) and cook until a beautiful golden brown.

Lekker!

While the chicken was getting acquainted with the goat's cheese and streaky bacon in the oven, I prepared the evening's starter - Honey Melon with Parma Ham. It's easily done in a jiffy, just a matter of slicing the melon and arranging the ham as prettily as possible.

Add a bit of salad for garnishing and voilá! looks good enough to eat.

New Reality

2009-09-05T08:00:00.000+02:00

Today I paid €6 for 150g of feta cheese. Oi.

New Home

2009-08-02T18:28:00.010+02:00

We moved into our new apartment yesterday and although it's practically empty, it feels like home already. And how do I know I'm in Singapore? Well, just this morning, upon entering the kitchen, a big fat gecko scurried right across the floor. Now I have a love-hate relationship with them. I hate them, they love to appear right in front of me. This was the first one I met in nine years and what a fright I got. I screamed and screamed and even though shaken, had the presence of mind not to drop the new bone china plate which was the reason why I had to be in the kitchen in the first place.

This happened again later. Same big, fat gecko, but across the door leading to the utilities area this time. This will not do. I cannot be terrified day in day out like that. It's not good for the heart nor my neighbours' ears. So, I've taken to naming the gecko, thus making it the unofficial mascot of the kitchen, hoping it'll take some of my fear off it.

Everyone meet Gekkie. Gekkie, meet everyone. Incidentally, gek in Dutch means crazy or insane. Never let it be said I am devoid of humour.

We are extremely happy with our new digs. All thanks to a very helpful estate agent who took the time to listen to us and knew what we were looking for. We, being Sonny-boy and I ( Hubs had to be in the office to make rent) saw this apartment on the first day of our house hunting. It was the last on the list and completely not what we had requested in terms of location and type of housing. But it sounded good and we like to keep our options open. Besides, viewing is free.

To keep a long story short, I completely fell in love with it the minute the front door opened and revealed this expanse of space. And like the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel, there stood this decent sized patio, complete with an assortment of potted plants, shrubbery and get this, three tall palm trees! I was sold. Those of you who have been following my blog would know we practically live in our backyard during the summer. To be able to have this again in Singapore would be perfect. The rest of the place is nice with good-sized bedrooms, two of which possessing ensuite bathrooms. The kitchen is a bit old, not as flashy as my black marble back home but usable with lots of cupboards, drawers and enough counter space. The refrigerator, washer and dryer are brand new. And best of all, a good sized European dishwasher. Dishwashers are not the norm in Singapore so having one included is quite special. Call me spoilt but after years of dishwashers, it's next to impossible to go back to washing by hand again.

What more can a girl ask for? We have to have this apartment!

With that thought in mind, I arranged for a second viewing with Hubs in tow and his face lit up like a Christmas tree when he saw the patio. We came, we saw, we made a bid. And here, we hit a snag. The landlord was extremely optimistic about rental prices in Singapore but (there's always a but isn't it?) we didn't quite share the same optimism, having made an offer lower than what was asked. I'll have to discuss with the Missus and see what she says, was the reply. It took them a week and I suspect, other potential tenants to realise we were their best bet. So here we are, in an apartment along Holland Road, near Holland Village. For obvious reasons, Parents-In-Law had a bit of a laugh at our new address. I suppose it means I can hold on to the tag of Dutchess for a while yet.

And So.

2009-07-13T11:43:00.004+02:00

Our bags are finally packed. In a few hours, we leave for Schiphol Airport to our next chapter in life.

All week I had everyone telling how nice it must be for me to go back home to Singapore. Out of politeness, I smile and agree but by the time the nth person made the same remark, I was quite ready to thump them with my new handbag. I know they mean well but in reality, I'm leaving my home, not going home. I'm leaving my spacious house, my even more spacious backyard and the nice quiet neighbourhood we've spent a good six years in.

I'm not one to be emotional in public so I better stop while I still can or I really will start crying.

Tot ziens, allemaal!

Birthday Presents

2009-07-07T18:51:00.008+02:00

It's been a month since my birthday but here are photos of the birthday goodies I received from my nearest and dearest anyways. Thank you everyone, I love my gifts.

Beautiful birthday lilies from Kristi and her family. Kristi is our neighbour in Beijing and almost on a weekly basis, we'd go shopping, have lunch or just explore Beijing together while the kids were at school.

*****

Swarovski crystal mobile phone charm from Sonny-boy. After much resistance on my part, Hubs replaced my dinosaur Samsung mobile with a brand new LG Cookie. He'd been pressing me to get an iPhone but iDeclined, saying I only needed to call and send the occasional text message and nothing else. I did want a touchscreen phone though and the LG Cookie looked easy enough. So there we go, new mobile. And new bling to go along with it.

*****

And from The Girlfriend, a cross-stitch pattern from Nora Corbett's Pixie Couture Collection, complete with the necessary beads and metallic threads. The Poppy Chart has been on my to-buy list and I guess you can see why. I'm drawn to the seductive red skirt designed to resemble poppy petals.

*****

And because a girl must treat herself well and not wait for anyone else to do so, my little gift to me: a coffee table book from Tiffany which I lugged all the way from Singapore earlier this year and waited till my birthday proper to open. Ironic then it is currently on its way with the rest of our things back to Singapore. This is going to sit nicely with my special edition Ferragamo book on our new coffee table, whatever it may be.

*****

As previously mentioned, I'm in a jewelry phase right now, hence this marcasite and onyx set in sterling silver ensemble from the Hubby. Its geometric Art Deco style certainly brings one back to the era and I feel quite the glamourous flapper wearing it.

*****

So, my birthday presents for this year.

I am loved.

Next Stop

2009-07-02T07:04:00.002+02:00

So we've gotten confirmation about Hubs' next posting. We are going to ... *drumroll* ...

... Singapore!

Really, really well and truly!

We are all very pleased. More details later except to say we will be arriving on the 14th of July. Yes, as in this month; just another example of the the kind of lives we lead, all rushed and last minute.

In the meantime, I have errands to run and the faster I finish them, the faster I get to my bikini and deck chair.

Later, everyone!

We're Back

2009-07-02T06:37:00.003+02:00

Lots of things have kept me very busy since my last post, most of them downright heart-stopping in a bad way. Then there were the funny, happy bits in between too, all of which I will recount when I'm in a much calmer state of mind. It's been go, go, go and go faster until yesterday when I could finally sink down in my own big leather couch and breathe clean fresh evening air complete with chirping birds in the background.

Yes, everyone, we are back in the Netherlands! It is so good to be home for some much needed rest and relaxation. Our last two weeks in Beijing had sent my blood pressure sky high on a daily basis I'm surprised I hadn't popped a vessel yet.

Today, after restocking the refrigerator and cellar, I'm going to put on my brand new bikini (I have three, each waiting to be worn), pull out the wooden deck chair onto my favourite part of the backyard and catch a tan.

I love my day already.

Law and Order Special Letters Unit

2009-06-15T04:32:00.002+02:00

Clip taken from one of my favourite prime time shows made by my all-time favourite kids show.

I love you Sesame Street!

Happy Birthday To Me

2009-06-11T05:38:00.007+02:00

It was my birthday on Tuesday 9th June.

Happy Birthday to Me!

This is my year too, the Year of the Ox. I was born in the evening, a water ox. Hence I do not need to toil so hard in life unlike those born in the day. According to the fortune tellers, I have it good amongst my bovine kind.

I did have a nice birthday. Hubs could not take time off on the day itself so we celebrated over the weekend. On Saturday we went to pick out my present. Jewelry again (I'm in a phase, okay?) but this time, I wanted an Art Deco inspired earrings cum necklace set.

The following evening, we headed off for dinner at my favourite teppanyaki restaurant Uama. Everything was the same as it always was, excellent food, people watching and funny conversation. Then the chef (not ours but the one over on our right) started flaming the meat. I suppose he was over eager with the alcohol because the fire went whoosh! Most impressive of course. But what really got me goggly eyed was the dish cloth next to him on the grill catching fire. It started with a small lick and the lick morphed into several dancing licks. I tried to catch his attention but it was too noisy for him to hear me. The place was crowded but yet no one else saw what was happening. Save short-sighted me who is blind without her contacts. Unbelievable! Finally, I gestured wildly to our chef and pointed to his colleague, yelling in Mandarin, "Fire! Fire! The cloth is on fire!" who, mind you, puts out the fire and continued on as calmly as you please.

Bless my grilled lamb chops! And there I was thinking we had to make a run for it without getting a taste of the beef wrapped goose liver and vegetable rolls we had ordered.

Tuesday was a couple of notches more serene and less heart-pounding. I went and spoilt myself at The Heavenly Spa by Westin with their Mediterranean olive body scrub and hot stone massage. It started with a foot wash and scrub in petal water while I sipped tea and nibbled on white chocolate bon bons. All this in a fluffy white robe, sinking in a plush seat. For the next two and half hours, I was kneaded like an overworked piece of dough. When it was all over and I had to get off the massage bed, my knees buckled and I almost fell. I was that relaxed.

After this, I slithered down to their restaurant where I had a little lunch of salad and a Reubens sandwich. Then I slithered off home.

In the evening, the three of us mosied on to the nearby Traders Hotel for a buffet dinner. Two of us walked while one of us, say it with me, slithered along.

We are regulars at the hotel's Cafe Noir. As such, we've become friendly with the two executive chefs, one from Devon for the Western kitchen, the other from Penang for the Asian one. This is very handy as the Penang chef would cook up something wonderfully local not found in the menu and slip it on our table. When he has a moment to spare, he'd come by our table where we'd talk about food and cooking, specifically Nyonya cooking.

On my birthday, he fried up some dark sauce Hokkien Mee (with loads of sambal belachan!) and Roti Prata filled with minced beef and scrambled eggs. As if that was not enough, he also let us sample some Chicken Curry and Bak Kut Teh for a private party the cafe was hosting later. We were floored. Hubs wouldn't touch the Bak Kut Teh on account of the pungent smell but everything else went down nicely. Little wonder we hardly had room left in our bellies for the main course.

*****

Before I end this birthday post, Sonny-boy bought me a Swarovski mobile phone charm and my 25th floor neighbour sent a huge bouquet of lilies. I gave myself a little present too - a coffee book from Tiffany showcasing and explaining the history of their various jewelry collection.

Oh, and the dentist hopped on the bandwagon and gave me a gift as well. I had to make an emergency appointment yesterday afternoon whereby she presented me with two root canal treatments back to back. This makes it a grand total of six root canals in three years. And three on the same cursed molar. The treatment took two and the half, almost three hours and when I got off her chair, my knees buckled and I almost fell but this time for an altogether different reason. And no, I certainly did not slither home.

What a difference a day makes!

Hae Mee

2009-05-22T04:21:00.005+02:00

No long worded entries today. Just two photos of Hae Mee (Prawn Noodle Soup) I whipped up on Monday this week.

We are coming close to the end of our ~~sentence~~ stay here in Beijing and I wanted to clear out the freezer by cooking whatever could be used. I found a big bag of prawns, defrosted the whole lot and together with some pork ribs, made the stock for Hae Mee.

No one would touch the stuff (someone didn't feel like soupy noodles while the other declared it stank) so I ate it all by my lonesome for two straight days, both lunch and dinner.

Can't see Hae Mee for three months now.

Sarong Kebaya

2009-05-20T02:06:00.013+02:00

I paid tribute to my Indonesian Peranakan heritage last week by donning on a baju kebaya. I skipped the sarong and replaced it with some modern capris instead and felt very pleased with the way I looked that day.

The yellow kebaya in the photo is almost ten years old and as far as baju kebayas go, this is not the best of quality but it's good enough for daily wear. Every summer, I give it a couple of outings. The thin cotton muslin is so good for the heat.

On my bucket list of things to buy in Singapore was a complete sarong kebaya ensemble. A fine set, meant for special occasions. So while Hubs and Sonny-boy went off doing their men thing, I headed down to Rumah Kim Choo in East Coast Road. The lady in charge, Belinda, was very helpful and had an eye for matching up the various garments. She didn't rush me at all and gave me a whole lot of outfits to try. I think it was the third or fourth ensemble when she and I knew we hit the right combination: A crimson baju kebaya with embroidered flowers and butterflies and a two paneled sarong skirt in dark green and russet.

The sarong is a bit of a cop out. If I wanted to go old school all the way, I would have to fold my own sarong and secure it with a silver belt. Something which:

even though I have the know-how, didn't want to waste time folding the tubular fabric in place and

while wearing it, didn't want to worry when the entire skirt was going to collapse like the walls of Jericho. I am the kind of person these things happen to.

So no, ready-made and folded with all the convenience and security of a YKK zipper, if you please.

When the zipper and stitches are undone, the fabric will unfurl into a traditional tubular sarong, says Belinda of Rumah Kim Choo.

I also bought a set of gold plated kerosang rantay to secure the front of the kebaya. It's got a phoenix motif, to match the edges of my sarong.

Back in the 18th century, during the VOC (the Dutch East India Company) period , the ruling classes in Batavia were made up of Dutch families who had been in Java for generations. The Dutch women took to wearing the kebaya to suit the weather and lifestyle of their adopted country.

Dutch couples, not unlike Hubs' parents and their friends if I may be so bold to add (Mother-in-law reads my blog), playing cards at home in Java, circa 1900. The women wear sarong kebaya and the men are dressed in cotton jackets and batik chelanas or pants. Never mind the clothing or era, some things never change.

The kebaya then was plain, very much like the baju panjang, a long tunic-like jacket. It was only in the late 18th Century where the women started trimming their kebayas with lace. As with every new trend, word gets around fast and very soon, all the Dutch women had a kebaya rendah (lace kebaya) to go with her batik sarong and a new fashion was born.

Kebaya rendah and batik sarong worn by Dutch women in the Dutch East Indies, circa 1900.

Now the Chinese Peranakan women knew a good thing when they saw one and took to it immediately. This new style then got exported to Singapore and made it all the way down the Straits Settlement, namely Malacca and Penang. Over the years, the floral motif and sulam (embroidery) evolved to what we see today on the modern kebaya.

And regardless of style or era, an outfit is never complete without matching footwear. With the Peranakan sarong kebaya, this comes in the form of beaded slippers. This was also on my bucket list but unfortunately, didn't find any that sang to me at Rumah Kim Choo so it will just have to wait for the next time we are in Singapore. By then, I would also like to look for a set of antique intan^* kerosangs, if ~~Hubs'~~ my pockets allow it and maybe add another ensemble to my little collection. The lavender one I tried the last time was quite fetching too ...

*Intan are the shavings from cut diamonds. They are always flat at the back. Good quality intan have facets and are more valuable. The yellow coloured variety was the most popular and highly regarded in the late 19th century.

Of Friendship And Laksa

2009-05-13T02:13:00.004+02:00

Our Laksa dinner tasted extra delish last night. Oh yes it did. And all because of friendship.

Hear me out, I'm going somewhere with this.

On board our flight back to Beijing from Singapore, Hubs lamented how he never got to partake of his favourite bowl of Laksa. Ten days of frenzied sightseeing, shopping and eating and somehow, the humble gravy noodle dish slipped past our taste buds. For shame!

I casually mentioned this to The Girlfriend on one of our morning conversations and promptly forgot all about it. But did she forget? No m'am. She went and sent me a Prima Taste Laksa Spice pack the very next day as a surprise. This made me fuzzy all over when I received it last week.

We couldn't wait any longer so I made Laksa yesterday evening. As luck would have it, I even managed to buy all the ingredients needed so it really was meant to be. You know how it is. Your heart is set on a certain dish but when you do the shopping, the store is out of this, that or the other. Utter frustration, you can imagine.

Anyways.

Hubs tucked into his bowl heartily (so nice to see your other half enjoy your cooking) and got his Laksa fix. I attacked mine too and while chewing on a piece of taupok not unlike a cow chewing its cud, couldn't help but think what a wonderful soul The Girlfriend was. She truly is a dear friend.

Mother Brings Son's Aspiration To Abrupt End

2009-05-06T04:18:00.007+02:00

So I pick Sonny-Boy up from the bus-stop yesterday. It was business as usual except the bus ayi came running after us asking me about seat belt buckles. I was naturally puzzled - what was she talking about? - but a quick interrogation and search on the spot yielded not one, but three buckles from Seat Belt Thief's backpack. And apparently from two different buses too.

Bless my molten lava cakes!

I was mortified and apologised profusely. I apologised again this morning too. One wants to be in the good graces with the lady who is in charge of your firstborn's safety on the bus.

I have also made it very clear to Sonny-boy if he and his French buddy are ever caught swiping the buckles for trophies again, there will be hell to pay.

Which leads me to two questions:

Are the seat belts and buckles on the bus sturdy or even safe enough when nine year old fingers can pry them loose?

Why can't the two boys collect bugs and worms like everyone else?

World's Coolest Flight Attendant

2009-04-27T02:30:00.002+02:00

Now this is what I call inflight entertainment!

Thanks to Trish for the link.

The Spirit Is Willing...

2009-04-15T04:19:00.002+02:00

So I got all kitted up in my workout gear this morning. The grand plan was to attend a 10am Chisel session at the gym located within our compound.

Well, it's 10.20am right now and I never got past our front door. All is not lost though. As I make this entry, I'm exercising my mouth with a lemon puff biscuit which will be followed up by a thick slice of swiss roll. To make sure I really feel the swiss roll action, extra boysenberry jam will be added. I will then cool down and stretch out with a calming cup of sencha (japanese green tea).

I like my workout better.

Confessions Of A Shoe-aholic

2009-04-09T02:29:00.017+02:00

My name is Dutchess and I'm a shoe-aholic.

This recent holiday of ours, I came home with nine pairs of assorted footwear. I had the noble intention of buying only one pair of shoes - the Varina from Ferragamo. But promptly fell off the bandwagon when we went shopping at all my favourite haunts namely Takashimaya, Ngee Ann City and Tangs. Ouch.

Right after the next day we landed - by 'we' I mean my life partner in crime, Hubs and our unwilling sidekick, Sonny-boy who hates shopping unless there's a toy in it for him - we headed straight to the Ferragamo flagship store in Paragon. As we entered, I took a deep whiff. It all smelt so good. I browsed, I tried (hoo boy, did I try. I almost didn't stay on course and made off with a frivolous hot pink peep-toe from this spring's offering instead of a black pump I was there for), I admired myself in the mirror for abit before making my choice. Instead of the Varina, which, to my disappointment made my legs look stumpy, I picked the Carla with its more flattering 4cm heel.

Happiness at my fingertips

Incidentally, I already own a pair of 12cm heeled Carlas in patent red. And, I had brought them with me on holiday ( I wanted to wear them for a lunch outing with a bunch of girlfriends later that week).

Hubs also bought a pair of black suede Master moccasins with the trademark Gancini bit on the front. I would have liked to snap a photo of it but he's gone to work in them today. Here's the leather version though. The suede one is versatile as it looks good under a suit, jeans or bermudas. Walking out of the store, Hubs called me a bad influence but didn't seem to complain when he wore them the rest of the week. Just yesterday, when he got home from work, he commented they felt as comfortable as a pair of gloves. I was very pleased, as though they were mine. Speaking of which, I put my new shoes to work too, whilst on holiday and they didn't disappoint. They felt so good on the feet, even after a full day's worth of walking.

Then there were the other shoe purchases. These were all unintentional buys ( I can hear Hubs snorting now) but I'm glad I came across them anyways. Take for instance, these three pretties sitting in a row from the huge shoe department in Takashimaya.

I believe Lucieno is a local brand and they make affordable and comfortable dress sandals. I'm a regular and buy at least a pair whenever we are in town. I just love my bling!

The following two are from Tangs. I bought it the eve of our departure, on one last shopping blitz, as one would say.

Stacked heel sandals with printed horsehair straps.

This one above is special because the sales assistant very kindly gave me a 5% discount, it being a last pair and all. I would've paid full retail price for it but it's always nice to get freebies, especially so when they are unexpected gestures.

Blue suede moccasins with grossgrain ribbon bow

I have already worn this twice now and it feels so good on the feet, thanks to the thick rubber soles. Best of all, my legs didn't look stumpy, not even with capri pants. Love it, love it, love it!

The remaining number of footwear are made up of beach/casual sandals and flip-flops.

These are from Reef which can be found in the Rip/Curl store in Pacific Plaza. Can you tell I have a weakness for ribbons and bows?

The other two are from Ipanema. I'd read about them in a magazine and got curious. They fit well and look pretty good as far as flip-flops go. Perfect for the beach or slumming around.

Seed platforms from the Gisele Bundchen collection

From the regular range

So that's how it came to be nine pairs of shoes.

My name is Dutchess and I'm a shoe-aholic.

10 Years, 2 Rings, 1 Cuff

2009-04-08T10:48:00.008+02:00

It's our 10th wedding anniversary today.

I could wax lyrical about how wonderful Hubs is but I shan't. The fact we're now at double digit celebrations and still having fun is testimony enough.

I'll tell you about how we marked the occasion though. Thanks to perfect timing, our recent sojourn to Singapore became our anniversary trip. We had a fantastic time, Sonny-boy included. We visited new places, caught up with family and friends and made our credit cards beg for mercy.

And we bought our anniversary presents in Singapore. For the modern 10th anniversary gift, it's tin or aluminum, for the traditional, it's diamonds. No prizes for guessing what my heart was set on.

Initially I had wanted to buy a new set of golf clubs for Hubs but he vetoed the idea. Anxious days on my side ensued. Finally, amidst some protesting, I pulled him into the Tiffany store at the Raffles Hotel where we had just finished our lunch. We are not coming out empty handed I swore.

And we didn't.

We both rather liked the atlas cuff but in the end, decided this was more in keeping with Hubs' style:

Tiffany 1837 titanium and sterling silver cuff.

Mine was a no brainer. It would be a diamond ring but not from Tiffany. We still needed our house to go back to during the summer. No, we scouted around and found this jewelry store in Suntec City which carried many modern yet feminine designs. However, more than an hour had passed and I still couldn't make up my mind. I had narrowed the choices down to two and it was so hard to decide. Even King Solomon himself would have had difficulty. They were that pretty - to me anyhow. As the nice lady who was attending to us puts it, "One is wow, that's an unusual ring, the other is wow, she is being pampered."

I liked the idea of both. Argh.

Anyway, Hubs, in all his infinite wisdom and generosity said let's take the two. The eyes of both the sales lady and mine lit up, but for very different reasons.

So here I am, the proud owner of two rings, here and here.

Happy Anniversary my dear husband.

xxx,

J

Gone Fishin'

2009-03-26T19:39:00.001+01:00

Well, I'll be!

We leave for Singapore tomorrow where we'll bask in the hot tropical sun for the next ten days. It's an early morning flight so we'll have to leave at 6.30am. I've booked the cab, tidied the apartment and tied some loose ends.

All I need to do now is pack our luggage. That and pray our water pipes don't burst in our absence.

Coming home to a flooded apartment after a holiday is just so wrong.