My Week So Far...

I had a pretty hectic week. Monday - Thursday was spent in uni, helping out at Orientation Week. Super tiring. I wasn't prepared for the tiredness. haha

But it was still fun. Being in uni again meant I was able to squeeze in some time to have lunch with my girlfriends. 4 girls having lunch at Kaki Lima meant good old Malaysian food with loads of talking. :p So much so that we didn't have time to camwhore. Sigh. So this is the only 2 pictures I managed to snap -.- Super fail. 

Deco at Kaki Lima

Mee Bandung

This sounds ridiculous. But it was my first time at Kaki Lima. I know right, despite being here for 2 years+. *shakes head* Definitely coming back for more Malaysian food. Next time I'd want to try the Mee Bandung. :D

Fast forward to Thursday now...

My 2 BFFs since Foundation days just came back from home. So naturally we wanted to catch-up with each other over food. :p This time round we headed to Bacco at QVB for tea. The desserts were super yumm and veryy affordable. Choose any 3 desserts for $15. We had the strawberry tart, their signature chocolate dessert and this other yummy roll which name I can't remember. Would definitely recommend this place. They serve high tea too. So if you fancy anything like that.. You should give this place a try. 

I really enjoyed the ambience of Bacco. This place was cosy, warm and welcoming. (: A really nice place to chill out with your friends. 

After tea, I headed to Pandora and got another 2 charms. (: Thought of getting 4 initially, but I decided to go  slow. 

I wanted to get the blue butterflies, but the maroon ones looked better in real life. :p Also, I got the money bag as a self reminder to save and that money doesn't grow on trees. I've to work hard for whatever I want in life. (: haha

Now, here I am wondering how I'll spend my weekends before uni starts. Do you have any plans? Anything interesting to share? (:

xX

Five Things

These are five things which are making me happy...

I'm currently obsessed with macaroons! Well, they're my favourite after cupcakes :p I got these on the way home from uni a few days ago from Coco Cafe at the new Westfield in the city. Chocolate and Strawberry Rose. I still prefer Chocolate. These were definitely yummm... They're probably as good as the ones at Lindt Cafe. Will definitely be back for more :D

Nespresso Capsules. These are the ones which my brother recently purchased. I'm not a big fan of coffee, but I enjoy watching the brother poke around his Nespresso machine. LoL It's so easy anyone can do it! Just push a capsule in, let the machine do it's thing and wa-lah, a perfect cup of coffee is there waiting for you (:

Mini Ice Ice Mocha by Sereni & Shentel. Bought this gem more than 6 months ago and have been wearing it regularly. This headband has made a comeback into my wardrobe this past week. Beautifully handmade and it's so durable (: Totally worth my money spent! :D

Ginger Bread Man prints! I have this on my pajama pants from Peter Alexander. My cousin actually got me these. She knows me too well :)) I'm really loving the light pink background and the smiley faces on the ginger bread men. And the best part is... They're so comfy. But then again, you don't expect anything less from Peter Alexander. 

My Royal Doulton Tea Set. Well, technically not mine cos I didn't pay for it. haha Already had tea using these. But I guess it'll be nice to have a tea party or a high tea at home... Well, well, well... Let's see if I've time to make this happen, considering uni is about to start this coming Monday. *cries* But definitely loving these tea cups and saucers. Gold plated Old English Rose set.. I LOVE. 

Hope everyone's week has been great. The weekends are drawing near. yayy!

xX

BOWERHAUS. I Love.

Have you ever taken part in an online treasure hunt competition??

Sounds awesome and exciting aye?

Well, exciting and fun stuff are meant to be shared!! So, here goes...

Australian jewellery designer Bowerhaus have a game called Treasure Hunt Tuesday. As the name suggests, this lil game runs every Tuesday on their site. One free item with an amount of $0.00 would be listed at any time of the day. The first person who finds it, adds to cart and checks out would win that piece of jewellery. Sounds too good to be true? Believe it! 

If you haven't already know, sisters Elizabeth and Shentel Lee are the brains and beauty behind Bowerhaus. Even though fairly new to the industry (they only started in December 2010), they're already taking Australia and the rest of the world by storm. They've been featured in Harpers Bazaar and Ode to Liberty. AND guess what? Serena of Gossip Girl has been spotted in a Bowerhaus G'Day Necklace. Now, that's just awesome right? :D 

Bowerhaus definitely has something for everyone. From necklaces and bracelets which are perfect for everyday- wear to bold pieces which will make you stand out in the crowd. 

Here are some of my favourites...

God Dag Trio

Ni Hao Trio

Salut Trio

Hi

Bonjour

Bon Giorno

Hello Shiny Disco Ball

Hello Shiny Disco Ball and Bon Giorno are reallllyyyyy on TOP of my WANT list! 

Good news for us who are in Australia.. Free shipping! For those back home (Malaysia), fret not! Bowerhaus ships worldwide! :)) So you guys aren't missing out. :p

They also offer Same Day Delivery Service with Foil Helium Balloons. This would be perfect if you're sending it to someone special :) I'd melt if I see this at my doorstep :p 

Look at that! Too pretty..

Be sure to check out their site! And the Bowerhaus blog to have a look at their lookbook. I'm pretty sure you'll be able to find a thing or two that you'll LOVE! 

All images are taken from the Bowerhaus website and blog. 

xX

P/s: Don't forget Treasure Hunt Tuesday! LIKE their facebook page to get hints for the treasure hunt. :p

My Charm Bracelet

I've got a big thing for charm bracelets. I've no idea why actually. Just 'cos they're girly and pretty I guess. hehe So today on the way back from uni, I passed by Thomas Sabo and Pandora in the city. I made a stop at both outlets. :)

Last month when Aunty No. 3 was here, she spoilt me silly with all the shopping and food :p Fun times! So anyway, when she was here I didn't accompany her to all the shopping trips she had. All mostly around the city anyway (QVB, Westfield, Castlereagh St. etc). But on that 1 day I didn't tag along, she came home with this...

She got me the double-leather bracelet 'cos she thought it was more suitable for younger girls. I'm still a 10-year old in her eyes :p haha And along came 2 charms she picked for me. Hmm..I think my Mom helped pick too. Cos my Mom choose the angel charm. I LOVE the charm! Too cute :))

Now I want to fill this bracelet up! 

Since I didn't get a good look in the store today, I made sure I browsed through the collection online. Now these are my favourite few..

Silver Safety Chain

Charm Smiling Sunshine

Silver Charm, Pearl

Sterling Silver + 14 ct Gold Bag

Silver Charm, Enamel

These are my top picks. Should be visiting Pandora soon! :p 

Are you girls as charm bracelet crazy as me? Or is it just me?

Images of charms are from Pandora at www.pandora.net 

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On another note, my heart and prayers go out to all those who are affected by the earthquake in Christchurch. 

xX

O-Week!

Yeapp.. So today is the start of O-Week at UNSW.

People walking into me

It's pretty exciting seeing a few thousand students, new and old, swamp the Main Walkway. It was so difficult to walk in a straight line with so many people walking into you from left, right and centre. Thank God the weather was pretty good today. Well, my definition of good weather is one without the scorching heat! It was pretty gloomy and cooling, with the occasional light breeze. 

Arrived in uni at 10.30 am. I was scheduled to drop off goodie bags at Bexter College (one of the residential colleges in uni). It was pretty fun as I managed to talk to a couple of new students. I think all of them are freshies, all pumped up and excited for their first year of uni. Oh such fun! :p 

I didn't really man my stall today. Oops! I was just walking around, bumping into friends, talking, talking, getting free stuff haha (I got a free razor lol and a year's free newspaper subscription), eating and talking. Oh yes, girls talk a lot if you haven't already noticed :p

This must be their new razor 

Newspaper subscription 

So yeap.. I'll be in uni again tomorrow. But this time, my "shift" starts at 9am! *cries* I hope I'll be able to wake up. And I've planned for lunch with my girlies tomorrow! Can't wait!! hehe

Hope your Monday has been good! Have a good week ahead lovelies!

xX

Something I Didn't Expect!

Remember a few days ago I said something about signing a contract for a part-time job?

Well, I'm currently employed by my university (UNSW)! Yayyy!!!

I'm going to be taking up the roll as a PASS (Peer Assisted Study Session) Tutor. It's a pretty big deal to me. Why? 'Cos when I went in for interview last year, I didn't think I would be selected. Being a tutor for Statistics/ Quantity Analysis is beyond me. haha I don't see myself as the brightest student there! 

But after attending the 2-day training session last week, I feel like I'm pretty up to the job. Yes, there are loads of preparations I've to do. For instance, I've to study/ revise the subject again. But I guess I'll be able to handle it! :)) 

I'll be taking 2 classes a week! Now, that's a start. Hope I do not disappoint as a tutor. And along the way I hope my future students will enjoy the course. *fingers crossed*

O-week will start tomorrow and uni will resume the following week. I actually can't wait! It all sounds pretty exciting. 

I hope your weekend has been filled with nothing but fun, joy and laughter! :))

xX

Yum Yum Yum, My Favourite!

I thought I'll just share the cupcake recipe I use with my readers. 

I've been using this recipe ever since I found it (a year ago). It's so easy, it basically takes less than half an hour for you to get your yummy, freshly baked cupcakes on the table. It's the perfect thing to bring to a house-warming party or even for a movie night-in with your girlfriends! :)) 'Cos let's face it, who doesn't want a cupcake? Especially those with pretty decorations. :p 

I can't remember which website I got this from...But here's the recipe:

Basic Vanilla Cupcake

Ingredients:

150 g of butter- softened

150 g of castor sugar

175 g of self-raising flour

3 eggs

1 tsp of vanilla extract

Steps:

1. Pre-heat your oven t 180C.

2. Line your cupcake pan with cupcake papers.

3. Crack the eggs into a cup and beat lightly with a fork.

4. Place all the ingredients in a large bowl.

5. Beat with an electric mixer for approx. 2 mins. until light and creamy.

6. Divide the mixture evenly between the cake cases. 

7. Bake for 17-20 minutes until risen and firm to touch. 

8. Allow it to cool for a few minutes and then transfer to wire rack. 

Butter Cream Frosting

Ingredients:

150 g of softened butter

250 g of icing sugar

1 tsp of vanilla

2 tsp of hot water

Steps:

1. Beat the butter and sugar together with an electric mixer.

2. Once well combined, add in vanilla and water. Beat until smooth and creamy. 

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Both recipes make 12 cupcakes. Adjust the butter cream frosting to your own liking. For instance, some people prefer it to be not so sweet, etc.

I love using this recipe because my cupcakes always come out moist :)) So that's a plus point!

I actually used this recipe to bake my heart-shaped cake as seen below. It was awesome too! Go try it for yourself and tell me about it! :))

xX

This and This

I've been so drained out the pass couple of days/ weeks. An average of 5 hours of sleep per day. Sleeping late and waking up early isn't a good combination at all! And I just realized that summer hols are going to be over in a week or so. But since I've to help out during O-Week (Orientation), might as well count my summer holidays to be over! :( 

My feeling now: Exhausted BUT Happy.

 I just signed a contract for a job today! :)) Studying and working part-time this coming semester is going to force me to learn to juggle my time properly! 

To a growing bank balance, That shoe and That bag! ;)

xX 

Five Things

I LOVE LOVE LOVE cherries! These were from a cherry farm in NZ. On the way down from Queenstown. I can't remember the name of the place. It was actually quite embarrassing. Ahem.. 'Cos we were trespassing someone's farm/ property and we didn't know it! Oops! Honest mistake.

ANG PAU-S or better known as red packets! What's not to love about having an elder passing you a red envelope with some cash in it for the new year ;) It's the Chinese tradition. Anyone married would be giving away these 'red packets' to those who are younger/ not married. Every child's favourite part of Chinese New Year if you ask me. The 'red packets' above are customised with my family name on it (in chinese). My mom managed to get these when we were in Hong Kong last year. Although not red (it's a gold coloured packet actually), it's still a very good colour for the new year as gold symbolises wealth and good luck. Yeap, pass a chinese anything in red or gold and they'll love you. 

These are called NGA KU. Basically they're just potato chips. But somehow, they taste a lil bit different. Very yummy if you ask me! :p And they're only usually available for sale during Chinese New Year. Unless, you know how to make them yourselves. haha

One of the best Chai Latte's I've tasted. This was from Fiordland Pizzeria in Te Anau, NZ. I'm not hard to please when it comes to Chai Latte. But this was pretty smooth and the aroma was just... (can't explain..haha). And compared to the one I drank at the airport (horrible!!), this was one of the best! But then again, everything tastes better when you're on a holiday. 

Ok, this is silly. But Gossip Girl! What better way to sit back and relax and enjoy yet another episode of Gossip Girl. Just observe the clothes, Chase Crawford, the clothes, the clothes and the clothes. haha :p

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I forgot to write a Valentine's Day entry yesterday. My day was sooooo packed and at the end of it I was too tired to do anything else but to lie down flat on the bed. 

Here's my attempt at a heart-shaped cake. Vanilla cake with buttercream frosting. I tried to make the frosting look like flowers :p 

I had a good Vday knowing I was loved. Not just on Vday, but every other day of the year! :D 

<3

Hope all of you had a good V'day!

xX

OWL

I've been jewellery-obsessed the past few months. I thought it was a short phase. But it looks like this obsession is here to stay! :p

Anyway, I've been hoping to get an owl necklace for quite some time now. I just find it fascinating. I mean... It's quirky.. and can definitely spark my boring ordinary outfits back to life!

The problem is...

I've seen so many owls out there. And to be honest, they all look the same sometimes. I wonder if they're all from Diva. haha

So a couple of weeks ago Aunty No. 3 spotted this at Lovisa. 

I saw it and knew right away that I've to have it!

Look again...It's no ordinary owl. It has glasses, diamond eyes and layered leaves as its body. 

LOVE.

xX

My Best Friend Turns 20!

Here's to one of my best girlfriends whom I've known for more than half my life... 

The first girl I met in Standard 1. The only girl who has been in the same class as me, from Standard 1 to Form 5 (Anyone wanna beat that? :p). The person I call everyday till her grandmother recognizes my voice over the phone. One of the most hardworking person I've ever known. High-achiever. Straight A's student. A leader. Future dentist. My sister from another mother.

I just wanted to wish you...

HAPPY 20th BIRTHDAY, CAROL! 

May God continue to bless you in every way. Thanks for being who you are. 13 years of friendship and still counting. I miss you. Love you loads woman!!! 

<3

The Big 2-0

Turned 20 yesterday. Celebrated by dining at Japanese Restaurant (Wagaya). The feast continued at Le Monde for brunch. This time 'round it's strictly GIRLS ONLY with my 2 favourite cousins. 

Still learning to live life to the fullest. Hope I've grown a year older AND a year wiser. :))

This is how I look at 20. Wonder how I'll look in another 20 years.. :O haha

Top: Veronika Maine

Necklace: Swarovski

xX

January Review

Wow! It's February already. Time passes by so quickly it's scary sometimes. 

February marks a new decade for me as I'll be turning the big two-oh very soon. Another not so exciting fact is that, the end of February will mark the end of my uber long summer holidays. :( To be fair, I'm actually kindda looking forward to going back to uni again. I guess it's time to work my brains, before my intellectual ability goes down the drain. haha

One month has already gone by... And January has been nothing but good to me. Definitely a great start to the new year. (: 

I'm actually very grateful for being able to join my parents on a holiday again (to NZ). Even though annual overseas trips are a 'tradition' for this family of mine, I've realized that I shouldn't take it for granted. All these are just examples of blessings from God. The best part of this year's trip was that Aunty & Uncle No.3 managed to join us as well. (: I really enjoyed the time spent with all of them! One thing I've learnt or rather was reminded of this month is that the family unit is so important. Your family will be there for you no matter what.. To provide love, support and help you need. 

Keep your family close. If you have family members scattered around the world, put in effort to keep in touch! :))

Chinese New Year is in 2 days! woohooo!!! Here's the muruku I've been attacking :p 

I'm ready to welcome in the new month. Have a great month and year ahead everybody! 

xX