Wednesday, December 31, 2014

As 2014 comes to an end...

It's 2 1/2 hours before the new year 2015 begin.

As I sit and reflect on the happenings of this year, I would like to take this opportunity to also list down the things to be thankful for.

I thank God for His goodness and faithfulness throughout the years, 2014 no exception.

I am grateful and thankful (not in particular order):

1. He has blessed Daniel and I (and Brownie) with good health the entire year and has also protected us from all harm.
2. He has watched over our family (and extended) both in AS and Kch.
3. Daniel is transferred to Penang and that we could live together (in one place) after 3 years of marriage.
4. For the daily walks we had with Brownie and the countless of cooking experiments we have had throughout the year.
5. For good colleagues and a boss that is understanding and has given me one final advice which is to keep improving my soft skills.
6. For my 20+ cell group members (C.L.E.Y) which were there for me, and whom I've grown to love. I will miss them a lot.
7. Brownie did not sustain any serious injury although being attacked by stupid dogs several times (whose owners are darn irresponsible and careless).
8. For Brownie whose puppy dogs eyes, charming antics and a wagging tail never fail to melt my heart. Seeing him each day calms my nerves and reduces my blood pressure:)
9. God has blessed us with more than enough, food, finances and good relationships.
10. Daniel has gotten his transfer to JKR KL and that we are finally moving to our new house end January 2015.
11. How God has made it such that Daniel's claim is more than enough to cover the relocation costs. This is how incredible and amazing God is.

Year 2015 will not be an easy one. With prices of things soaring, the bleak outlook of the economy, an uncertainty whether I will get a good job in a good company, moving to a new place, making new friends/connections, the list goes on. It may seem scary, but I know that if the hand of the Lord is upon me, I will be able to march into the new year with confidence and assurance of His everlasting love and never-ending faithfulness. Year 2015 will be another year of faith-testing; to continue trusting Him that His plans for me are always good, 'tho I may not see them yet.

With that, this is my final post for the year 2014.
Adieu 2014 and welcome 2015.

God bless you.


Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Pin Xiang Thai Food Restaurant @ Taman Anggerik Alor Setar

This restaurant used to be known as Anggerik Pertama. Located a stone's throw from where our church is, we used to head over for dinner after service. They serve wonderful 'zhu char' with with reasonable prices and adequate portion.

We were here last week on Christmas night. The restaurant has moved to a new building which is just next door and has changed its name to Pin Xiang Thai Food Restaurant.



I must assure you that the food is really excellent and the prices are really freaking reasonable.

We ordered 5 dishes for the 4 of us.

Stir-fry bitter gourd with fried anchovies sprinkled on the top. This is our family favourite, especially my sister's. Eating this with 'sambai' what I usually do.


Bangkok duck is another family favourite which has been tried so many times but we still keep coming back for it.
The crispiness of the duck paired with with a tangy sauce makes this dish really special.


We tried the claypot Japanese tofu. This was good too.


We ordered the kappa (clams) in spicy sour sauce. Absolutely delicious.



Last but not least, we ordered their signature dish; fish in some kind of spicy sour sauce. I can't remember what it was called, but it's something like khengsom. The fish was fresh, the sauce was addictive. We kept taking never-ending spoonsful of the sauce. Love the spiciness of this dish.


Can you guess how much in total the whole meal costs including drinks (chinese tea)?
It's RM 77.50. Reasonable don't you think?

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Christmas 2014

Wow a year has passed! This year we celebrated Christmas with my family in Alor Setar.

Here are some pictures of the day for remembrance sake:) 


Our usual we-fie on Christmas morning:


This time with Brownie, who does not like looking into the camera.



The man and his best friend =)


My sister and I. Many people say we look alike.


We went to the Christmas celebration service in church that morning.

A few more pictures were taken:





Our Christmas 2014 family photo




Su-Yen and I. We knew each other since we were in sunday school.


Last but not least, a pose with the Christmas tree.



Monday, November 24, 2014

The Bake and Brew @ Lebuh Penang

We celebrated Shaun and Mookie's birthday at The Bake and Brew yesterday after church service.
Olivia suggested the place and made the booking for the 21 of us.


Just look at those desserts staring at you...



I was running around from both tables trying to capture what everyone was having before they started digging into their food.
It is true when people say photography cannot be rushed. Some of the pictures turned out blur:(


Garlicky Aglio Olio with Mushroom (RM 15.90)

Sausage Platter (RM 22.90)

The New Yorker (RM 17.90)

Garlicky Aglio Olio with Bacon and Ham (RM 15.90)

Pomodoro pasta with Bacon and Ham (RM 16.90)

Hubby ordered the Slow roasted chicken thigh. He commented that the overall taste was just okay. Chicken wasn't that fresh and not thoroughly cooked.

Slow roasted chicken thigh (RM 19.90)
I had their Beef Stew Pasta. It was surprisingly good. Take this from someone who excels in making beef stew...lol! There were generous chunks of beef in this pasta.

Sorry the picture doesn't do any justice. I tried many times to capture a good shot but this is what I could manage. Perhaps garnishing with some parsley will add 'colour' to the otherwise greyish coloured gravy.


Beef Stew Pasta (RM 19.90)
English Omelette (RM 9.90)
Classic Carbonara (RM 17.90)
English breakfast (RM 17.90)

Pomodoro pasta with grilled chicken (RM 13.90)
Classic 'English' fish & chips (RM 19.90)
Baked chicken thigh (RM 19.90)
Japanese Cheese Cake
Chocolate Cream Puff (RM 3.90)

Really had a wonderful time with these bunch of people.



Overall the food was okay, portion was big and price was not too steep.

Here's the address:




Monday, October 20, 2014

Crafted by Mei - handmade jewellery

Ask my husband and you'll know that I'm extremely fussy when it comes to choosing earrings or necklaces.
I stumbled upon this blog craftedbymei.blogspot.com several years ago. Amelia is a very talented girl who makes beautiful handmade jewellery. Browse through her blog and you will see pretty bracelets and necklaces of different themes and colours.
My first purchase (2 years ago) were 2 necklaces; both simple and sweet to be worn for casual outings.




Earlier this month, I emailed Amelia and told her I wanted to order some pieces. We emailed back and forth discussing the colour of the flower cabochon I wanted, the charms and their positioning, etc. Finally after 2 weeks, her work arrived at my doorstep via poslaju.

Here, let me show you:)



Packaging
Here are my earrings with light purple flower cabochon.


          

Next, are the rings:) Aren't they pretty?
I asked for bright pink and aquamarine flower cabochon.




Up next are 3 lovely necklaces.

The first necklace has an orange flower cabochon at the center, with a gothic key and heart charm on its side.



The second necklace has a key charm at the center, with a blue flower cabochon and blue enchanted series charm at the sides.


Last but not least is the necklace I've been eyeing since its debut in Dec' 2013.
It's called Baby's Breath Crystal Ball necklace. It comes in a variety of colours and if you're interested do email Amelia. You can see better pictures here.




If you like her work, head over to Amelia's blog: Crafted by Mei (craftedbymei.blogspot.com)
Whether it is for yourself, for your sister, your friend or your bridesmaid...there's something in her blog that you will surely like.

Kaede Japanese Restaurant @ Alor Setar

Last week was one of the weirdest week ever. If you know me well, you'll know that I'm not a big fan of Japanese food. Like I said, it was a weird week since I had Japanese food (almost) 3 days in a row. Yesterday, I treated mum Japanese food for her birthday.
Kaede is not a new restaurant. In fact, it has been around for 4 years and this is my first time there (now you know I don't fancy Japanese food).



We arrived about 1pm. The place was not packed thankfully.



Mom ordered the Yakiniku set (chicken and cabbage dish with rice, miso soup and 2 slices of watermelon).

Yakiniku Set (RM 15)

Other half was late, so I ordered Beef Teppanyaki for him.

Beef Teppanyaki (RM 15)
I had cheese baked curry beef rice. Thumbs up!

Cheese baked curry beef rice (RM 16)

We ordered 2 scoops of green tea ice cream. I'm actually craving for it now.

Green tea ice cream (RM 2.80/scoop)
The total bill was RM 54.50 which includes 2 cups green tea (RM 0.50/cup) and 1 glass ice lemon tea (RM 1.90).