Shu Uemura Glowing Fit Lasting Compact Powder Foundation (SPF26)

We have been advised not to neglect the basic routine of cleansing, toning and moisturizing our skin. I really don't see a reason for toning my skin, so it’s conveniently left out. But cleansing and moisturizing are a must twice a day with Eye cream and sun block included for my daily use. I also apply a light layer of powder when I am out and about. Over the years, I have tried several brands of powder foundation. At one time, my favorite was the two way cake foundation. 

Curry Leaves Pepper Soup

My numerous attempts at growing a curry leaf plant failed. I tried growing in pots and on the ground, yet none of the plants survived. Somehow the last one planted one year ago is striving. Ah!!! What an achievement. The joy is overwhelming because I feel so good, as though it’s a major breakthrough. Nothing can make me happier than plucking my own curry leaves from my little garden.

Cucumber Carrot Achar (Pickle)

Whether you call it achar or pickle, its basically the mixture of vegetables, cooked with vinegar. This is a typical Malaysian style pickle, usually eaten with briyani or plain rice. You will find such pickles as part of the dishes available in Malaysian nasi kandar restaurants. I shall skip the details about nasi kandar and move on with my version of pickle, a simplified dish - light spicy,sweet and sour tastes with a totally awesome true crunch.  

Maritime Shipwreck Galleries ( Fremantle, Australia) Part 2

As mentioned in Part 1, this museum is for those interested in history and shipwrecks. For the first half an hour, I discovered the fascinating stories about the shipwrecks. There were too much of information so I just read whatever I could gasp. The displays of artifacts, maps, books etc etc were equally fascinating. I followed through to the rest of the adjourning galleries and continued looking at other things recovered from the shipwrecks.

  

Chili Coriander Steamed Fish

In my previous recipe of "Thai StyleFish", spicy sauce was prepared separately and poured over the fried fish. For this version, I steamed the sea bass with the blended/grounded fiery sauce. I don't know about your level of intake for chilies but we are really up there. We have chilies almost every day in the food we eat; curries, sambal and stir fries or other types of dishes.  

Grilled Unagi

I have already been terrified about cleaning fresh eels. The elongated slimy fish give me the creeps. I can ask the fishmonger to do the cleaning yet I still keep a distance from fresh eels. That said, I quite like the taste of eel, also known as unagi in Japanese. Unagi is usually grilled in thick sweetened soy sauce and paired with rice. Nutritionally speaking, unagi is high in protein, vitamin A and calcium.

Flamingo Hotel - 2 bedroom suite (Jalan Tanjung Bungah) Penang

By noon and after the early morning family function, we were back in Ixora. We rested for a while before checking out of the hotel. Our next destination was Penang Island. From the town, it was an easy drive to Flamingo hotel. Initially I was under the impression that we were booked into a single room. Later on, I found out about the arrangement of sharing the 2 bedroom suite with other family members. We tried to switch by requesting for a single room. Since most were already taken up, we had no choice but to share the suite. 

Salted Fish And Vegetable Soup

I think almost anyone can make a soup. All you have to do is select the ingredients you prefer, add into a pot with water, season and simmer over low fire. A slow cooker will be a good investment for those who are busy yet prefer homemade soups. The same method applies - adding the ingredients into the cooker, switch it on and the soup will be ready when you get back home.

Rose Garden Riverside - Khlong Toei (Bangkok, Thailand) - Buffet Lunch

Within a couple of minutes, we arrived in rose garden from Phra Pathom Chedi. Our lunch was arranged in the restaurant, situated across the lake. I walked in and noticed that there were ample empty tables among the few occupied by others who were tucking into their lunch. As usual, I took snapshots on the spread of dishes

Curry Leaves And Chili Lala (Clams)

Whenever we dine in Chinese restaurants, we tend to order a plate of lala dish as part of our meal.  However a lala dish at home is once in a while treat, mainly because of the tedious cleaning process.  Cleaning lala isn't about cutting or slicing, but more of soaking, rinsing and scrubbing to remove debris and sand. You wouldn't want to sink your teeth into an unpleasant lala dish with sandy and gritty particles. I start off with scrubbing, followed by rinsing as many times as possible and lastly draining off the excess water. You can also pat dry the clams if overly wet. For this recipe, you don't have to pat dry because a little amount of water is needed to cook the clams. 

War Remnants Museum - Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) - Part 3

From the museum (Part 1 & Part 2), I followed the direction and arrived at the outside open area. I looked up straight and saw the signboard, "Tiger Cages". At first it didn't mean anything and I had no clue what so ever about the cages. I stepped inside. And..... I froze after seeing the pictures and reading the information. Gosh!!! It struck my mind that I was in for some shocking discovery, an area exactly resembling the torture chambers. 

Dhal/Lentil And Radish Gravy

My mind went in circles trying to coin a name for this dhal recipe. I wasn't sure, should it be a curry or side, maybe a dish squashed between both. Really it's up to you to decide on the intermix of mung dhal, also known as yellow split green beans with radish, spices and coconut milk. Its' a typical and traditional Indian style dish, popular among the Indian community. Such a dish can be paired with rice or with bread as a dip. 

Brotzeit Bier Bar & Restaurant (Sunway Pyramid)

While we were deciding on a lunch time spot, my companion kept harping about Brotzeit, situated a stroll away from where we are. By nature, I am an adventurous person, therefore I didn't mind checking out a new eatery. On arrival, we were greeted with a pleasant welcome. I didn't know what to order. My companion pointed to the pork knuckles on the menu. I looked at menu and the price. The portion was way too big for the two of us. 

Avocado Mint Dip With Fresh Salad

The last few days were hectic. It wasn't work related or the daily chores. We traveled for family functions, lined up one after the other. There were functions early in the morning and in the late evening. In between we visited our relatives. Though we had a great time catching up with people whom we have not seen for a while, we were tired, traveling and attending functions. I was also tired listening to those those who can't stop bragging about themselves, indirectly showing off their wealth. 

Orange Cheesecake

If I am not mistaken, a slice of cheesecake is priced between RM7-10 dollars, depending on where you buy and subjective to the decoration of the cake. A slice with few fruits and stripes of chocolates will cost more than a plain one. I have to agree that the attractive decor can influence us, especially when we buy a whole cake for occasions and functions. 

Maritime Museum Shipwreck Galleries- Fremantle, (WA, Australia) - Part 1

Before we made our way into the museum, situated across Explorer's Monument and Fremantle port, we had an up-close view of the big anchors in the compound. I was excited (as usual) because its my first experience of seeing anchors. There were different shapes, sizes and heavy duty anchors.  

Thai Fish Style

There were days I felt like throwing away from my job. I know we have to embrace changes and remain competitive. But when changes are rolled out every now and then, I feel like kicking the changes. I don't support the way we are manipulated. The so called feedback meetings are a platform to voice our opinions yet end of the day, decisions have been made. So what do I do? I can hang on or decide to move away. For the time being, my passion for my job keeps me going. I have survived so far and I hope I can continue to do so until my passion dries up.  

Restaurant Choy Kee - SS19/6, Subang Jaya

Curry laksa tops my list of favorite local food. Therefore when I was told about the curry laksa in Choy Kee, I had to try it out. We assumed we knew the exact location yet we fumbled.  Despite the little commotion, we located the restaurant and arrived way earlier than lunch time. The restaurant was already 3/4 filled up with customers. We had to quickly grab the nearest empty table. Before my friend walked over to the stall to place our orders, I reminded her that I am fine with anything except pork.  

Rasam - Tangy Peppery Indian Soup (home made rasam podi/powder)

Whoever invented rasam must be a genius because for us it’s a miracle soup. We connect strongly to rasam for the health benefits and remedial effects it holds.  Even if we don’t have any solid reason, we will still reach out to the Indian tangy soup. The luscious color and taste of rasam are from the ingredients - commonly pepper, garlic, cumin, tamarind, dried chilies, curry leaves, mustard seeds and turmeric. With these basic ingredients, many have coined other types of rasam and there's plenty. If you don't belief me, Google and the varieties of rasam recipes will float up. 

Ixora Hotel - Perai, Penang (Part 2 - Buffet Breakfast)

We came to Penang and stayed in Ixora to attend an important family prayer. That didn't allow us to sleep in late and we were indirectly forced to crawl out of bed quite early. After a warm shower, we came down for our breakfast. I am certainly not a breakfast person. I can't eat very early in the morning yet I didn't want to miss the spread of Western and local foods.