Wedding ideas : Flowers and corsages!

Would love to do the flowers in bottle theme for my guests' table if budget permits. Simple and quaint.

The past few days, I have been browsing Green Wedding Shoes' blog. It is so creative and inspirationally filled with loveliness and awesomeness! The ideas, sweat and love poured into each couple's special day is just astounding, if not mind boggling as to where they get their creative juices from!

Loving this tiny flower pin ideas for the groom's and his hengdais' (brothers) lapel.

Outdoor wedding here in Australia during the lovely breezy weather is just spectacular unlike Malaysia's humid heat!

I am SO loving this cute little ideas!! Mine is going to be BLUE that's for sure!

Then again, there are just SO many ideas popping into my head seeing all this cuteness!

I think it would be lovely to see more Malaysian brides take their weddings to a whole new level...

and see some Malaysian flavour in their wedding theme!!

Bouquets here are vibrant in colour and exotic in choices of flower.

They're either bold and colourful, or demure, sweet and simple!

If not, they're pretty funky and stylish!

Thinking of making mine blue ish themed with white flowers and blue butterflies??!

Somehow, this thugs at my heart making me go "awwww...."

Such bouquets are still beautiful. Love the bride's dress!

I should have sourced for one like this instead of my tube top one. =(

Not digging the shoes but l.o.v.i.n.g how the head piece sits on the bride's hair!

This is one cute and quirky 'Mario and his princess' themed wedding...

And this is all for now...

... even with just ONE site, I've got so many ideas and I can only go with ONE idea. Dang! It's really hard to plan when one's theme is all over the place- Blue, high school and poker!

The venue where my reception and luncheon is going to be held is decorated in red and gold, inline with the auspicious Chinese theme of a Chinese restaurant. I am hoping (obviously in vain) that they might change their deco to blue and silver to suit my theme. =p

I really am trying not to be bothered of how red and gold might clash with blue and silver! People usually have ONE colour theme for the whole wedding. Whilst I'll be having two, one that is not of my choice.

Blue to Chinese apparently isn't a good colour for wedding as it's part of the funeral colours! What more to say when it's matched with white!

Oh well, I'll just feign ignorance over the clash or pray super hard to the high heavens for a miracle that I'll be able to pull it off!

LOL... hysterically.


ps : All photos taken from Green Wedding Shoes...

Kooky Pics #454 My love affair with Tom Yam

I can never get sick of Tom Yam... and today's dinner is no exception! =)

Last Saturday at Laurent

Last Saturday, I was at Toorak Road and Jo suggested that I give Laurent, a premium coffee place, a try whilst waiting for a friend. It was pretty easy to find the place with my Sammie 2. Besides, I was just opposite the road when he gave the suggestion whilst I was talking to him on my phone.

For once, I decided to splurge a bit and indulge in a mocha latte and a Christine, the cake. Initially, the plan was just to have a cuppa to warm myself. You see, I forgot to wear my scarf and the wind was pretty strong, rendering my neck and the rest of my body COLD! So, I step into this quaint cafe. Ambiance wasn't very appealing though at the back with very little sitting about. Hence, I took a sit right at the front facing the street.

I didn't know what to order and only intended to have a cup of coffee but the attending barista tempted me with some recommendations. Cheeky fella. *hehe* Anyways, upon his recommendation, I gave Christine a try. It was good and worth it.

Total damage for the cup of mocha and cake is AUD12.50 which isn't so bad considering this is somewhat a higher end type of coffee cake shop. I only found out later on that in the Entertainment Book, there is an offer for buy 'a cake and coffee' and get 'a cake and coffee' free!

I shall drag Mr. C to Laurent another time. If not, a girl pal who may appreciate a little decadence more than Mr. C who can be a party pooper at times, restricting me from satiating my sweet tooth.

Besides, Laurent has a few other shops, one in the city on Little Collins Street and another in Wellington Parade.

Nice but a tad too sweet. Would have been perfect to have shared this with someone.

Laurent Bakery
16/279 Toorak Road, Melbourne
(03) 9824 1414

Kooky Pics #453 Sweetness in abundance

The beautiful roses from sweet Aunt M that has decided it's time to bloom! 

And bloom they did!

I love having beautiful things and seeing such loveliness... <3

Kooky Pics #451 Wednesday Lunch

Mr. C and I, on diet. I ran out of lettuce or salad, hence, I only had egg sandwiched with bread and tomatoes! He, on the other hand had cabbage and beans with his gado- gado sauce. And this is the scenario during lunch hours, us being cows (munching on our veges exception of today) whilst keeping abreast with current events! Pantry is awfully spacious and cozy!

A healthier lifestyle

Mr. C and I bought a table tennis off ebay last week and it is worth it! On Saturday, we had a table tennis party with his colleagues and their partners together with a round of steamboat session! 

In all my life, I've hardly played this sport. 

The only time I did was in Standard 5. The story is a little bit funny. All I can remember now is that inter class competition was being held and an announcement was made that whoever who wanted to play should go to so and so hall. 

Strangely enough, I proceeded to that hall. 

Then, I have never played table tennis (aka ping pong) much less touched a bat. Up to this day, I have NO idea what compelled me to join but I just did. Nturally, I didn't make it far or past the first match! LOL.

Anyway, Mr. C and I have been feeling flabby and tired all the time. It is probably due to our horrendous food indulging coupled with our non existent exercise life. And this is said with us having only four months left to our special day! Hence, we have decided to try and adopt a healthier lifestyle by eating more fruits and veges together with regular exercises.

Suffice to say, I am happy that we went jogging yesterday and today. My stamina is abominable. I can only jog non-stopped for about 15 -30 seconds. Definitely must push myself harder and see some improvement by next week. 

After jogging, we headed home and fixed up the table tennis at our courtyard. Despite it being winter, after a few rounds of ping pong banter, we were warm enough that we had to take off our jackets! 

Yesterday, Mr. C taught me the basics. He showed me the right way to hold the bat. Next, he taught me how to 'hit' the ball the right way as I tend to return my shots 'gan cheong' ly with the ball hitting the my fingers holding the bat.

I tend to get super 'gan cheong' (excited) when I play and I'll try to hit the ball as fast as I can and in my haste, I'll do silly return hits. It is this 'just hit the ball over no matter what' mentality that I somehow adopted from young  whilst playing badminton with my dad who LOVED to smash the shuttle cock at us, kids that I need to unlearn.

Today, Mr. C says I've improved. I can now return his low and fast serve whilst giving my own fair share of good serves. I am faster at taking his shots and am able to at least bounce it back to his side. The tips he imparts reminds me of my noob badminton skills and 'tips' my friends used to give me - 'follow through!' 'Use your wrist, not your hand!' 'Always be on guard.'

In due time, I really hope to play better and more competitively! And it will be even more satisfying to wipe off Mr. C's occasional smirks when he tries to show off his 'skills' by smashing and screwballs!

Kooky Pics #450 The simple things

Sweet roses from sweet Aunt M...

Working world, here I come!

So, after more than a year of hiatus from the working world, I stepped back into the 'rat race' reluctantly. Picture above is me trying to 'look' awake at 8something in the morning! Malaysian time 6am. 

LOL. 

First day of work was alright. It was nothing complicated nor stressful. 

I would say it is a humbling experience. Seeing how I am a chartered accountant who left one of the Big Four accounting firm after close to four years of audit experience (not that I am trying to brag) what more to say after achieving Assistant Manager position (I am seriuosly not bragging just trying to give you an insight of where I am coming from ;p), I am now doing data entry part time. 

I don't think I can do this long term though NOT because I don't have what it takes but more so that it is rather tedious, mundane and repetitively no brainer.

However, for a part time job whilst I find other jobs, the pay is about the same, if not more (after conversion, that is) than what I was earning back in Malaysia as an AM. So, it's all good. Besides, I would say this is yet another one of God's blessings to us this past week.

Blessing #1 I can now legally work. Blessing #2 I was given this part time job without an interview involved! 

And I can dress like that to work!! Wheee... Time to go shopping for more 'work' clothes!! Thanks to NiNi who took me shopping yesterday!!! Had great girl time with the pretty lady!

Forgive the unflattering pictures... didn't have much time to take better ones! Ensemble for first day of work... loose, flowy shirt from Temt at Knox paired with black leggings and boots!

After work, we headed to Chaddy Shopping Centre. I had my Fajita Burritos from Salsa's and Mr. C had some spicy wanton from Urban Asia. My fajita was a real let down. It used to be really good but the last few times, I've been disappointed. The portion is smaller and the food is lukewarm.

Loving winter and how we get to wear boots!!

Mr. C's spicy wanton. 9 measley pieces for about AUD9.80! 

Too pricey IMHO. 

They should have given 10-15 pieces as the wanton sizes were puny!

My disappointing Fajita..

This super cute cake display (forgot from what shop)...
I can't decide which I prefer - the ice cream round shapes on the left or the fairy like cake on the right.

Kooky Pics #449 Guess where I went?

Overhyped macaroons

Today has been a nice hang out day with NiNi! I really do miss shopping and especially with a lady friend! One that gives me feedbacks on clothes I try and doesn't have the urge to usher me out of the shopping centre as soon as possible.

Knocked ourselves out at Knox Shopping Centre's Temt and Valleygirl and ended up making a few purchases in Temt! Shopping some work clothes for my part time job. LOL. Spending money even before I earned it. Well, someone have said, 'you got to spend to earn'.

We lunched at Grill'd, this awesome burger shop situated in the Knox Ozone. I had the 'Baa Baa' burger upon recommendation from NiNi and it was finger licking good awesome! No points for guessing what meat burger it is. For the obtuse, it's lamb burger. Get it? Baa Baa sheep = lamb meat.

It costs AUD11.90 but if you have the Entertainment book that I blogged about previously over HERE, you can buy a burger and get one free. The burger is all about it's grilled lean lamb pattie with avocado paste, cheese, salad, tomato and some mayo.

We next headed to Brandsmart near her area. It's like DFO (direct factory outlet), a big shop with many shop lots inside it. It was rather quiet ish today. Not many people about, perhaps 'cos it was a weekday. Bought this amazingly soft bamboo bedsheet that cost a fair bit of money and Mr. C didn't even bat an eyelash! Phew. Wait till he sees the stuff I bought from Ebay! =p

Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures of my day out with NiNi. Come to think of it, I am forever snapping pictures of everything and I didn't take any shots of our day out together! I must have been so engrossed shopping and chatting that the thought of taking pictures just flew out my mind!

However, I remembered to snap a photo of my first ever Macaroon! NiNi was sooo sweet and bought for me two - chocolate and raspberry. She reckons the raspberry is better but somehow Mr. C and I prefer the chocolatey one.

It's rather light and a tad crispy ish on the outside but you feel the gooeyness once your teeth sinks into it.

I must say, I do wonder what is the big hype and crazy over macaroons 'cos I found it really sweet. And this is said with me being a sweet tooth!! Maybe it's just not my cup of tea but I reckon I will try other flavoured macaroons and blog about it in the future. Who knows? It might be an acquired taste kind of food!

Honestly, I've been dying to try it after hearing heaps and heaps of people groaning about how delectable this little creation tastes. I guess media is a highly influential advertisement in our today world because it became a huge hit after starring on Master Chef last season when Marion and some other dude had to do it for their challenge.

Nevertheless, thanks NiNi for my first ever macaroons!

Grocery day at Coles

A 30 day project

I got this idea from Pauline's blog, once again.

Read the tab on 30 day project and it lead me to the below. I think I shall give it ago. I gather I rather have structure and guide that helps me to narrow down on topics to blog about. Sounds stifling but then again, I am trying to break out of this mould I've placed myself in - in the box mould.

• Day 1-Myself
• Day 2-Favorite Food
• Day 3-Favorite Animal
• Day 4-Favorite Place
• Day 5-Best friend
• Day 6-Favorite Book
• Day 7-Favorite Movie
• Day 8-Favorite Animated Character
• Day 9-Favorite TV show
• Day 10-Favorite Candy
• Day 11-Biggest Impact Moment In My Life
• Day 12-Most Recent Accomplishment
• Day 13-Comic
• Day 14-Favorite Fairytale
• Day 15-Family Picture
• Day 16-Inspiration
• Day 17-Favorite Plant
• Day 18-Just A Doodle
• Day 19-Something New to Me
• Day 20-Something Orange
• Day 21-Something I Want
• Day 22-Something I Miss
• Day 23-Something I Need
• Day 24-First Crush
• Day 25-Scenery
• Day 26-Something I Don't Like
• Day 27-Someone I Love
• Day 28-Anything I'd Like
• Day 29-A Place I Want To Go
• Day 30-Something Good From This Project

Going bonkers

This is me going bonkers...

There are just so many thoughts running though my mind. The thousand and one things I have to do or the thousand and one things I feel that I need to do. The books I have yet to read. The piano that I haven't touched in awhile. The photos that I have yet to sort out, print and compile. The shoes and ties and what nots that I have yet to source. Who can I source to make a Kebaya and maybe a Cheongsam within my budget? Any other make up artistes or hairstylists at a 'lower' price than the ones I've been quoted? Who do I need to meet and what do I need to do when I get back??

And the list goes on.

Now, to top it all, I have to start my job hunt.

For the life of me, I wished I knew why I feel irritable and annoyed. It's like something's bugging me that I just feel so frustrated and angsty. And he isn't helping matters. In fact, he's making it worse.

But all I do is keep my silence besides exhaling a long sigh....

Kooky Pics #447 & 448 Wednesday's dinner

Omelette with Onion and Parsley

Let's just say eggs and Parsley are a no-no!

I thought that's what people occasionally do put in their omelettes but I reckon it's supposed to be Coriander instead! LOL. Was rather difficult to digest as the parsley was just too overpowering in a non complimentary way.

And best to season the eggs with salt and pepper first before frying it with onions. Throw in Coriander NOT Parsley and add some cornflour mixed with water beforehand. The cornflour and water will give the egg a bit of a starchy feel like the eggs in Oychien (Eggs with oysters famously fried by hawkers in Penang, Malaysia).

All in all, Mr. C tried his best and that's what matters! =)

Ham Choi Thong (Sour vege soup)

Mr. C is a big fan of soups! He declares it's due to his Cantonese heritage. LOL. Hence, he asked me to make this soup for him

This turned out pretty tasty and well but a tad too salty. Basically, this is the kind of soup that one has to boil all day long or at least, half the day. I cut the salted vege bought from Shirley's Grocer at Scoresby into slices and put it into the pot of boiling water together with sliced tomatoes and dried oysters. After about an hour of boiling, I put in pork hork.

Dang! Forgot to take pictures of the pork hock. For those who don't know, pork hock is the portion of the leg otherwise known as port knuckle! Next time we'll put in a smaller piece to ensure the soup doesn't end up super salty. Felt hundreds of my hair dropped that night as a result.... ;p

Kooky Pics #446 Guard of the tv room