Travel&Living

Gurney Drive in The Gardens

noreply@blogger.com (CatLover) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:37:00 +0000

Gurney Drive has duplicated its entry in the city centre of Kuala Lumpur. After hearing so many good words from the my fellow blogger friends, we have made our very first date after our sweet heart was born.

We were a bit surprise to find that it was actually located at the 3^rd floor where there was no other neighbouring food outlet and it does not resemble Gurney Drive in Penang at all. Guess the name Gurney Drive is only to indicate the food origins.

The ambience was quite relax anyway. Not crowded with people and the decoration was very oriental with a row of bamboo plants at the side and a old-time bicycle at the front door.

We order a plate of Char Keow Teoy, A plate of Lo Bak and hubby ordered his all time favourite Air kacang and I ordered a cup of local hainanese coffee.( By the way the cup of kopi was way too big until it looks more like a bowl of coffee.)

The Char Keow Teoy was really tasty, it was served piping hot and the Lo Bak was ok only. Hubby did not comment about the air kacang, but I find it too sweet for me.

We were given a complimentary dessert of local delight after our meal..

Overall we are quite satisfied with the food and the service and yes, we will come again, soon !

Dessert @ Vivo City

noreply@blogger.com (CatLover) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 02:41:00 +0000

After a long journey to Singapore, we finally settled down and managed to spend some time at Vivo City. At least something new apart from Orchard Road. We went to this dessert shop which sells Hong Kong style dessert and made 3 orders, one "Ice Kacang", one "Tong Sui" and a "Chu Cheong Fun".
All three tasted great. Love the "Chu Cheong Fun" most for the sauce is quite special, it was a mix of peanut sauce and sweet sauce.
The "ice kacang" is a bit unique in the sense that it is not so sweet. Although it resembled the ice kacang in Malaysia, it does not add in any evaporated milk, it was coconut milk instead.

Thai Restaurant @ Suntec City

noreply@blogger.com (CatLover) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 02:47:00 +0000

As I mentioned before, Thai cuisine is my all time favourite. Since I have been craving for Tom Yam for so long, we decided to go for Thai food.
Located on the top floor, we were attracted by the name "Tuk-tuk". Tuk-tuk is one of the vehicle in Thailand which is like a taxi but looks more like a motorbike. Because of the heavy traffic in Thailand, this type of taxi will bring you to your destination faster.
We ordered our favourite dishes : Pineapple fried rice, Tom Yam, Pandan Chicken and Fried Kailan. All the dishes are so yummy especially the pineapple fired rice. A bit disappointed with the Tom Yam, it was too hot until it burned my lips. All are authentic Thai food. Overall the service is good and minus the Tom Yam, I will rate this restaurant a good one and yes we will come again next time.

Yummy Pineapple Fired Rice

Malaysia - Pangkor Laut

noreply@blogger.com (CatLover) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 09:12:00 +0000

Situated in the middle of west Malaysia, this is an isolated island in Perak and is a YTL project which is very well managed. Both me and my husband had a great stay at Pangkor Laut Resort. If you looking for a holiday getaway from the city life. This is the place for you and your loved ones !

A long bridge to Jetty and the Water Chalet

Sembawang Park

noreply@blogger.com (CatLover) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 03:06:00 +0000

We went to Sembawang Park yesterday. It is not a huge park but quite a good place for family outing. Lots of camping and barbeque sites and I love the greeneries there. Plenty of trees which you will never get sun burnt while enjoying the sea views.

Shopping in Singapore

noreply@blogger.com (CatLover) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 03:37:00 +0000

This time round, my shopping experience in Singapore is getting more and more adventurous. Unlike the past, I only shopped along Orchard Road, as though there is no other places to shop in Singapore.
After a few trips to Singapore and staying here for more than 1 month, I made a conclusion. If you want to shop like a local, Orchard Road should be the last in your list. I always find Orchard Road is a place for Channel, Gucci ... and all other branded stuff which you may only want to buy one or two items in your life time.
If you want some casual shopping, Junction 8 at Bugis Junction is a better choice. There are quite a number of local boutiques which sells better designs which is more unique to Singaporean taste and yet fashionable.
What impressed me more is the Food Junction at Junction 8. The ambiance there is very good for friends gathering and they have a great variety of food.
Think of going there this weekend. Will post some pics if i make it !

East Coast Park

noreply@blogger.com (CatLover) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:56:00 +0000

This is my second trip to East Coast Park in Singapore ! The first time I went there is to attend a casual dinner at No Brand Seafood Restaurant. This time round, we went there for a walk at the seaside.
It was relaxing and I like the place. Simply because it is clean and there are plenty of trees there which you would not get sun burnt. And if you have kids, you may want to bring them to a new attraction called Big Splash !

Check out the pictures from Singapore Canlah !

Did not manage to take much pics as I did not bring along my camera. Just took a few shots with my phone. Look forward to the next trip to East Coast Park !

My lunch for today

noreply@blogger.com (CatLover) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 07:55:00 +0000

Have been craving for sushi since last week. Since I went to Mid Valley today, have picked this few from Jusco Supermarket for my lunch. This meal cost me about RM10.

Thai Food

noreply@blogger.com (CatLover) — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 04:47:00 +0000

Of all the cuisine I have tried, Thai Cuisine is always my favourite. Simply because I like the spicy and sour taste of most of the dishes. Whenever there is a chance for me to go Thai, Tom Yam Kung is a must order and also 'Tub Tim Kob" - my favourite Thai dessert. It is a mixture of jackfruit strips , coconut milk and waterchesnuts cubes wrapped with tapioca. We went to The Gardens yesterday and found a new eating place - Rak Thai. No sign board yet as it is still new. We ordered a Pineapple Fried Rice, A Tom Yam Kung Meehoon, Pandan Chicken and my favourite Tub Tim Kob. The lighting there was a bit dark, so the shots taken was not very clear. Overall, the food is delicious but the portion is too pathetic, we only filled half of our stomach. =) Perhaps this is an area for improvement.

Healthy Snacks

noreply@blogger.com (CatLover) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 07:31:00 +0000

Do you remember what used to be the most popular snacks during Chinese New Year? Kuaci, Peanuts and a lot of pickled fruits in bloody red.... etc Most are produced with excessive sweetener and coloring.
I was surprised that these days, I don't get to see much of these sinful and unhealthy snacks when I visit my relatives and friends. What I see sitting on the table are some dried vegetables, assorted nuts where the label on the container says "Healthy Snacks".
Just the other day, I bought these:

These are dried bitter gourd slices produced from Vietnam. It tastes nothing else but bitter gourd. So I believe it is not processed much but dried.

These 2 are assorted nuts bought back by my brother-in-law from Taiwan. Another "Health Snacks". Seems like everybody now are becoming more health conscious OR is it because the food industry are running out marketing ideas?

Mickey and Minnie Mouse

noreply@blogger.com (CatLover) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 06:56:00 +0000

This is another item that I bought from Hong Kong DisneyLand in 2006 when I visited Hong Kong.
It was a key chain with magnet. I find it very cumbersome to use as a key chain so I transformed them into a display unit. As the magnet is on the mouth, it will form a kissing posture. Cute ?

Cute Jewelry Box

noreply@blogger.com (CatLover) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 05:33:00 +0000

While doing spring cleaning today, happened to find this cute little box sitting on my side table. This is a jewelry box which I bought from Perth two years ago. The jewelry box was handmade and I got this box from Fremantle Market. The girl who made this was too shy to get into the picture so I didn't manage to snap her lovely little stall selling all sorts of cute little stuff. Perhaps if you have a chance to go there, do look for this stall and I personally think she is very talented and I like the boxes she made. Don't you think the box is lovely ?

Change Management

noreply@blogger.com (CatLover) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 13:55:00 +0000

My company just completed a merger exercise and it took us 2 full years to integrate the two entities and I would say it is a strenuous exercise ever as it is not easy to merge two companies with two extreme cultures. One from east and one from west. Both our organizational design and working culture are just so different.
Prior to the kick off of the merger activities, the management has attended a change management
workshop to learn about how Performance Management particularly on how to manage staff expectations from both side of the company.Hopefully this year, we will get better bonuses !

LifeLock Identity Theft Protection

noreply@blogger.com (CatLover) — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 14:03:00 +0000

With the increasing popularity of e-commerce and other online stuff, did you realize we are actually exposing our identity to others who might be spying on us ? Sounds scary isn't it ? Even though most websites claimed they are hacker safe, how well can you trust them ?
With your identity being stolen, do you know what will you end up with ?
The most common one is your identity being used to take up a loan. Worst still if you have a credit card being stolen. With so many online purchase easily accessible, the identity theft could have made numerous purchase before you could even request the bank to terminate the credit card.
How to prevent our identity being stolen? We can actually enroll in some of the fraud alerts services. This service provider will monitor our credit reports and also help to eliminate our names from junk mail list and pre-approved installment loans and credit offers.

LifeLock is one of the leading service provider and they have some promotions with specific LifeLock Promotion Codes. You just need to use the LifeLock.com Promotion Code RD32, you will be entitled to 30 days free plus an exclusive discount.

Do not forget to use the LifeLock.com Promo Code RD32 if you ever sign up for one !

How to remove sticker's stain ?

noreply@blogger.com (CatLover) — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 13:50:00 +0000

If you have kids at home, one of the challenges you have would be cleaning the mess they left over. Be it their Van Gough drawing on the wall or other stain which make up a 101 Dalmatians patterns on your furniture.
One of the way to clean the stain when you tear of the stickers, is to use vinegar and tissue paper.
1. Wet a tissue paper with some vinegar.
2. Press the tissue paper on to the stain.
3. Leave the tissue paper on the stain and let it dry.
4. Peel off the tissue paper, and the stain will go away with the tissue paper.

New travel technology

noreply@blogger.com (CatLover) — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 13:17:00 +0000

From my observations, travelers can be classified into 2 major types:
Type A :
People who used to travel frequently, they will normally engage with a travel agent whom they know well. For this type of traveler, they would not mind putting some money into the travel agent's pocket to get things done.

Type B:
The other type of travelers who could be more cost conscious or more particular would prefer to do all the bookings by themselves. For this type of travelers, they drill into every single detail to make sure things are done their way. However, for this type of traveler, they normally end up in disappointment as they set very high expectation on things they are not familiar with or rather they may be ignorant on certain cultural factor.
How then can we assure ourselves we get to travel on the way we want without paying too much a fee or go through too much hassle ?
There is a new travel technology in the market which is a global platform which connects travelers and suppliers. The travelers no longer need to deal with travel agents to get things done, nor do they need to shop all over the place to find the cheapest hotels or air tickets. What they need to do is to register with this free service and get everything done online. The best thing is it offers its full range of travel content in the local language and completes the financial transaction in the local currency.

This travel distribution channel connects travelers with its worldwide network of online travel agencies, travel supplier web sites, travel related web sites and personal devices such as cell phones, PDAs and personal navigation systems that use its booking engine. Travelers can do their booking anywhere, any time.

What do you think about this new platform ?

How to clean bottle with narrow bottle neck ?

noreply@blogger.com (CatLover) — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 13:00:00 +0000

The next time when you fry an egg, don't throw away the egg shell immediately. Clean the shell, crunch it, leave it dry and store it in a container.
What do you use the egg shells for ?

Trust me, you will find it useful when you have a bottle with narrow bottle neck to clean.
1. Put some crunched egg shell into the bottle.
2. Add in some water and a teaspoon of salt.
3. Close the cap tight and shake the bottle for a few minutes
4. Rinse the bottle with some clean water
Your bottle will look brand new again !

Buying Antiques

noreply@blogger.com (CatLover) — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 06:45:00 +0000

A friend of mine just bought an antique vase from China. He has been traveling around the world to collect antiques. According to him, all the antiques has very good value and will appreciate in near future. It is another kind of investment which can be very profitable.
However, he told me he has a tough time recent years when come to bringing back those antiques especially those which is fragile and easily broken as the airlines now has very strict rules in passengers' cabin luggage. The cabin luggage that the passenger is allowed to carry on board has to follow certain measurements and weight provided.
I advised him to go to this website called Fine Art Storage where they provide services from crating, transporting, storing and showcasing virtually any kind of fine art including portraits, sculptures and antiques. Why take chances if that piece of antique is so valuable and there are experts out there to provide you professional service ?
The service they provide is customized to each client's need and the client's budget. They will discuss with the client to come out with the best solution. In this new era, everything has become so convenient as long as you are willing to pay, there is always a way to get things done, in a better way !

Get Rid of bad smell on Chopping Board

noreply@blogger.com (CatLover) — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 02:47:00 +0000

One simple way to get rid of bad smell on chopping board is to make use of Lemon.
Cut a lemon into half and rub it on your chopping board. Leave it for a few minutes and rinse your chopping board with running water.
You will have a fresh chopping board again, odorless !

Custom Writing Service

noreply@blogger.com (CatLover) — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 02:13:00 +0000

Writing a term paper can be a challenge if a subject is not something you are familiar with. I have came across situation where students committed suicide just because they were stuck somewhere and do not know how to continue writing it. Things get worse if it is coupled with deadline pressures.
With the latest services available, this is no longer a problem. Custom writing is a new service available in the market where you can customized your requirement and buy a term paper. The service provided covers vast range of subject. You can even get your Law Coursework written by them.
However, my suggestion is : Use the term paper as a reference only. You should still do your own paper. After all, that is why you attended a course, right ?

Ashop Commerce

noreply@blogger.com (CatLover) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:28:00 +0000

Shopping online has been an emerging new business distribution channel. Almost every organization has established an e-commerce department. For the consumer, buying online save them lots of time. Especially for those who stay far away from the city. They no longer need to spend a few hours to get something which may only cost them a few bucks ! And for the seller, they no longer need to spare space to display their goods, they can display them online. What a wonderful win-win situation.
One of the factor that make this new form of business even more popular apart from the benefits above is the easy handy e-commerce software to build up the business. Instead of dealing with the IT expert who only speak computer language which you can hardly comprehend, you now only need to buy a shopping cart software -Ashop Commerce which get things done right away. It is so convenient and user friendly to the extent you can just do it yourself without asking any IT expert for help.

I can see in few years time, e-commerce is going to be one of the "must-have" for every business. Especially in this new era where an 80 year old can be IT savvy. Who say IT is only meant for young people ?

How to get rid of awful smell in your car ?

noreply@blogger.com (CatLover) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 13:39:00 +0000

Simply place a few pieces of charcoal in your car and leave it there for one or two days. It will absorb any unpleasant smell in your car. One precaution to take note. Charcoal can be inflammable. Please make sure your car is not exposed to sunlight/ heat. Otherwise, you might see your car turned into "charcoal" before you even get rid of the odors in your car. =)
I always do this after buying durians. Everyone would have a good excuse not to board my car for a few days unti I get rid of the awful smell.
You can do this to your fridge too.
Apparently, bamboo charcoal has been introduced lately in the market. It was packaged in cute and handy packets in which you can even tug it in your shoes.

What determine the rate for your car insurance ?

noreply@blogger.com (CatLover) — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 13:58:00 +0000

I have been working with insurance company since graduated. Of all types of product we offered, underwriting car insurance in our country is most boring as the rate is tariff based so nothing much to study about. Unlike in other countries, there are so competitive rates offered by different insurers and the factors which could determine whether you get a good rate or are not only depending on your car but also the driver's history.
Some of the determining factors would be:
Car
1. Age of the car - An old car would definitely go with higher premium
2. Condition of the car - Any accidents before will add some loading to it
3. Usage of car - Personal use of course will warrant a lower rate
4. Type of car - A premium car will go be higher rate or a loading will be added

Driver
1. Gender - In some countries, lady drivers are offered a lower rate because they are careful driver
2. Age of driver - The younger you are, the cheaper rate you will get
3. Driving history - A clean driving history with no summons would always favor the insurer

In some countries, a No Claim Bonus is given to driver who has not make any claim before. This normally reduces the premium a lot.

If you want to explore more about the car insurance, hop on to this website to get auto insurance quotes You will get to compare what is the best rate for you !

Buy glasses online

noreply@blogger.com (CatLover) — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 13:38:00 +0000

I have been wearing glasses since I was in primary school. It has been bothering me since then as I was always teased by my schoolmates every now and then. When I graduated from uni, I switched to contact lenses and since then, I never want to wear my glasses again until one day, I was shocked to see my eyes were swollen. I went to see an optician and I was told both my eyes had caught an infection due to unhygienic handling of my contact lenses, i.e. never wash properly.
I was then recommended to wear my glasses again, though unwillingly.
However, I realized that nowadays the frames are so fashionable. Some people even wear it as part of their accessories.
Only yesterday, I came across this Great Discovery: Zenni Optical where you can even order your glasses online. I was really impressed with the convenience technology has brought us.

Peanut Cookies

noreply@blogger.com (CatLover) — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 05:59:00 +0000

Made the first attempt to bake my own new year cookies this year. The price of new year cookies in the market is crazy - one container of peanut cookies is selling at a price of close to RM18. Yesterday,i went to Popular book store to find the recipe, memorize the ingredients and hop to some interesting cooking blogs in mandarin for some tips and here we go, to bake my favourite peanut cookies:

Ingredient:
200 gm peanuts
150 gm flour
100 gm castor sugar
1 teaspoon salt
70 ml cooking oil
1 egg york

1. First ground the peanuts with blender, remove the skin
2.Stir the peanut powder, flour, castor sugar and salt evenly
3.Add in the cooking oil slowly
4.Make the dough into small little balls
5.Beat the egg york and paint the peanut balls with a little dot
6. Preheat the oven
7. Bake the cookies 15 - 20 minutes with 170 Celsius