Your days are numbered at 24.

homemade hot chocolate and huge soft marshmallows is love.

it's been so cold these few days, my hands and feet are constantly freezing up and i LOVE it. :) the clouds are perpetually hanging overhead with that mischievous swagger, playing down the sun's heat. cold winds swiftly dance around me, embracing my soul with glee and punctuating my skin with delight.


oooh the things cloudy and chilly weathers do to me. ♥





i headed myself down to Cold Storage at Parade's today to get some ingredients for Wei Wen's lunch tomorrow. i really don't know how to explain it but there's just something about shopping at Cold Storage that makes me super happy. i can walk down the same isle again and again for at least 3 times and i'd still feel delighted at the sight of the neatly arranged products on the shelves.


i walked a little further and discovered the kitchen utensils and electronic products section. i browsed through those and my eyes lit up when i saw the rows of shiny knives and cutlery. i even oogled at the nice pots and pans. my hands itched and twitched, almost went and bought the big blocka knife holder.


i ran my fingers over most of the nice ceramic bowls and plates and almost felt as if i were in heaven. the shiny pyrex bowls and casserole dishes only made me miss my mum even more, and wished i spent more time in the kitchen with her when i were younger.


subang parade's just like a labyrinth of delightful things that's just waiting for me to discover. i'm falling more and more in love with it everyday.









i only found out that scarlett johansson can compose and sing. and she does indie music. INDIE. her vocals aren't very standard because they sound different in almost every song, but the touch of country and indie swing in her voice is tempting. i tried being skeptical but i couldn't help it. i think i'm in love. *goofy grin*

the very typical "what i never leave home without" picture.

did it just for kicks though.

bought my new monologue notebook and i couldn't resist. :) so sexay.





















more grocery shopping tomorrow! hopefully i won't screw up lunch or else 8 people would have to get insurance beforehand. :P

It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep.

You would not believe your eyes
If ten million fireflies
Lit up the world as I fell asleep
Cause they'd fill the open air
And leave tear drops everywhere
You'd think me rude but I would just stand and
Stare

I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns, slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep
Cause everything is never as it seems

Cause I'd get a thousand hugs
From ten thousand lightning bugs
As they tried to teach my how to dance
A foxtrot above my head
A sock-hop beneath my bed
The disco ball is just hanging by a thread
(Thread, thread...)

I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns, slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep
Cause everything is never as it seems
(When I fall asleep)

Leave my door open just a crack
(Please take me away from here)
[ Owl City Lyrics are found on www.songlyrics.com ]
Cause I feel like such an insomniac
(Please take me away from here)
Why do I tire of counting sheep?
(Please take me away from here)
When I'm far too tired to fall asleep
(Ha-ha)

To ten million fireflies
I'm weird cause I hate goodbyes
I got misty eyes as they said farewell
(Said farewell)
But I'll know where several are
If my dreams get real bizarre
Cause I saved a few and I keep them in a jar
(Jar, jar, jar...)

I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns, slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep
Cause everything is never as it seems
(When I fall asleep)
(2x)

I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns, slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep
Because my dreams are bursting at the seams.

adam young you brilliant writer you. <3

Just to save me.

technically i had another CGPA in mind, but i am still very thankful nonetheless. : )


i called up my parents as soon as possible and they were quite happy. i'm glad that all the fees paid off and i didn't waste any of my parents' time and money spent on me this year. i'm pretty happy that i had had my foundation year completed with passing grades (i wouldn't exactly call them flying colours). but i've yet to find out what band i got for IELTS. *bites nails



i've been contemplating about a few things earlier. looking at my final results i was really grateful and i was just sitting here at my table thinking about how fast a year had passed me by. it baffles me to bits how much has happened in such a short period of time, and i'm pretty amazed at the amount of experiences and knowledge i've learned. my friends have told me that i've grown so much, i didn't even realise it.


mum was right though: there is still a lot to be learned about the world.


but whatever happens, come what may.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WEI WEN!

you're finally legal! haha. have the greatest birthday ever! can't wait to throw that party for you this coming tuesday. ^_^







more loves coming your way:

i'm so infatuated with this picture, i swear it's not even healthy.

blazer love again.

nobody knows how much i'd like to lie on the road. could only do that back in miri though.

mmmmm. :)

so many pretty things in life. :)








i think i'm addicted to tumblr. WHY IS MY TUMBLARITY NOT GOING UP!? *rages*



i'm making a list of things to make for tuesday. guest list is out, time for the list of food to put at the table. : )

Of trips in rainy days.

i'm finally back from the 3-day-2-night trip at awana kijal's. unfortunately we visited the place during the monsoon season so most of the time it was raining, but that didn't stop us from having a good time. beach volleyball and swimming, together with indoor charades, card games and TWISTERRRRRR: these make the best hangout sessions ever.


imma miss those nights of fun. : )

have you ever missed someone so hard
that it hurts to even feel the love?

sometimes i wonder
(no matter the distance)
if a person can actually feel it
when we miss them hard enough at the other end.

The kitchen stories and more.

first off, pictures from the other night!

shella, spencer, amelia, KC, brian and i headed off to have dinner at this new place called Gold Cafe near our apartment. even though the food's slightly pricey, it's quite alright. plus, for the ambiance and the service and the nicely made food, i think it's a good place to check out when you just want to have a nice peaceful dinner with friends or your partner. : )

shella happy eating.

my french onion soup. i absolutely loved it, and it's currently on the list for my next kitchen attempt. ;)

spencer's grilled chicken with portuguese sauce.

my grilled dory fish with glazed lemon sauce. :D running @ RM16.50, it's quite good imho.

i've rearranged the stuff on my wall the other day and i made way for something new:

the list on my wall for inspiration.

just in case you guys can't see it, it says:

read books
enjoy the company of others
make things
love people
be happy
visit nice places
say yes
listen to music
do things that make you happy
make a living
have fun
be yourself
forgive and forget
enjoy life.

i find it very motivating. : )








i've been dying to find new things to do rather than lounging at home doing nothing, so today i finally started my adventures in the kitchen. : )


for lunch:

creamy garlic button mushrooms!

this turned out quite well. : ) i went a little extra on the soft cheese though BUT it tasted really good all the same. i am currently in love with white button mushrooms because they're just the cutest little things! :D ♥


having this dish with thick toast is just awfully scrumptious! ^_^





and this was how our dinner looked like:






on the menu, we had:

cashew chicken.

this turned out pretty well despite the fact that the meat didn't look that pretty when it was marinated. i was kindda proud of myself too because i didn't back away when the chicken pieces spluttered hot oil onto my arms when i was cooking them. teehee.

funny enough, this dish turned out to taste quite like my mum's filipino chicken adobo (which i seriously LOVE). wished it tasted as good but this dish was delicious all the same. :)

sautéed spinach.

i bet my mother would scream and say that this is all wrong because the oyster sauce is missing in this. but this is a different version because i took this recipe from an indian cookbook so technically it's indian-style sautéed spinach. even though this dish looks perfectly harmless in the picture, i must warn you that it is SPICY. if you're not a fan of spicy food but is thinking to attempt cooking this dish, get rid of the chili seeds. i kept them in because, well, it wouldn't be very indian of me if i didn't make it spicy now, would it? :P


the dinner attempt was overall a success but i think that much improvements can be done to make it better. i'm pretty happy about today's attempt because it's quite an achievement for a person who has never succeeded in cooking anything at all. : ) i can't wait to get home so i can practice more. :D






...........................................

this royal blazer is love!

constance victoria is my current read. :)

chloe a's funky boyish haircut and petite frame make me so happy. : )

headbands and wrist accessories. ooh! *squeals*

someone hunt this blazer down for me please?

her flats her flats her flats! this is such a stylish do for the beach. :D

it's perfectly cold tonight and i feel so in love. it makes me look forward to my visit to taiwan even more. rainy days and cold weathers can make me smile throughout the day. currently writing down a list of things to pack up for monday and syncing my iPod for on-the-road music.

my heart is beating so fast right now. i can't feel my fingers or my toes, and i'm not sure if it's the cold or the excitement.

i can't wait. for the trip, for my sister's arrival, for the wedding dinner, for the visit. for everything. i'd give anything to feel that way again. : )

Delightful things.

happy napkin with children prints.

if i weren't living in a place with such a weather, i would've gotten myself that leather jacket.

casually classy, i'd say.

i have this thing for blazers worn with casual wear. throw in the head bands as well. love them. :)

quirky love!

blazers. again. :)

checkered shirts, long black pants and them boots. there's just something about this picture which i can't help but love.

who doesn't?

gimme a nice, quiet and comfy place to sleep in with two adorable kittens and i'm all yours.

it's in those eyes.

♥

i wish to be sailing again.

the cutest bunny-tot everrrr. can i hasz one? :P

*squeals* too beautiful for words.

gimme a one room apartment like this and i'll be a happy camper.

i miss reading in the grass with you tiffo.

if only i pulled the sneaker-and-dress look before ms stewart did. :P

comfy casual. sweet. :)

i can't help but smile at ms hathaway's deer-caught-in-headlights look.

what i should be doing with the amount of books i have.

furballs. *swoons*

i'm getting a kitty the first thing i can.

it's such a hot day today. currently sitting on my bed with a cup of cold OJ on the table right beside me as i snuggle with a book in my hands. i really need to get some reading done before i can buy anymore books for myself but i'm feeling so unmotivated at the moment. hopefully looking up for all these delightful pictures can help boost my mood a little.


another bright sun-shiny day. just me, my book and lunch of OJ and creamy garlic button mushrooms on toast.




on a side note:

get well soon amber! we wish you all the best.

An afternoon.

it was a lonely afternoon today. the air around me was hot and stifling and the wind abandoned us, leaving behind only the scorching rays of sunlight beaming against our backs, looking down upon us in the middle of the clear blue sky. there wasn't a cloud in sight and as i looked up, i could see birds descending lazily and perching onto the overhead wires that stretched endlessly along the road.





i've arrived at the station and sat myself down at an empty seat to wait for the next train to come. the originals plans for singing sessions at the karaoke bar earlier today had been postponed due to certain inconveniences and i was left with nothing to do, so i decided to spend the rest of it all at Cold Storage's and Carrefour.

growing up, i've always had an interesting fascination towards grocery stores; the way the vegetables and fruits all bursting with colours and flavours are arranged at the display, the way the neat rows of cans and packets are lined up the isles, presenting themselves with an unspeakable glow. on top of that, it feels really good to be one of the very few early birds at the grocers, where the produce are freshly packed and tidied up. i love browsing through every single thing at the place, to feel its weight and its texture in my hands. i have no idea where this interest first came from - all i know is that it makes me happy. and anything that makes me happy is a good thing. : )

today is one of those very few days when i actually get up and do something for myself. usually i get scared and end up not doing anything because i didn't want to do it alone. however i find it quite comforting to be able to go ahead and do something that i love without having to worry. i definitely need to catch up on some "me" time since i have all the time in the world.

as i sat there at the station waiting for the next train to arrive, i felt a sense of independence growing inside of me. at one point i felt slightly proud of myself, proud because i'm able to do something without having to move along in groups. "i thought you were an individual," i recalled a friend saying. well, i am. : ) it's just that sometimes the fear of being alone scares me so much that i don't even dare to do anything anymore. feeling lonely is one thing, but being able to be alone and not needing anyone is another thing entirely, i realised.

while waiting for the train i observed and i pondered, a habit that i had since i was a child and was picked up again when i was out having brunch with a friend earlier. i think people should be in tune with everything else besides themselves more often; to be able to observe and to take in their surroundings and analyse it. sometimes it baffles me how different and unique each and every one of us can be, but i guess this is what makes it so exciting when we find someone else in the world who is somewhat similar to ourselves.


maybe that's what made her appeal so much to me; what made me so attached.







there was a bargain at carrefour: books and novels selling at RM5 each. i couldn't resist but to get two. i reached into my bag for my newly bought prizes and took out the smaller one out of the two. i started reading it but, my mind dozed off at the seventh page. i realised that i tend to do that sometimes, spacing out and thinking about other things altogether while i am doing something else in the first place. another bad habit that i have.



time has been moving quite slowly recently. maybe it's because there is nothing much to do and all my friends aren't around. i've been texting the woman with good taste today to keep ourselves company. thank God for technology. : )


there's still thursday, friday, saturday AND sunday to go. hopefully i'll be able to survive until then.


my phone is incredibly quiet at the moment. i find the silence unsettling.

i miss them already.

i feel like i should make some croissant bread pudding. if only i had an oven.

lisa, sporting a simple vintage blazer from Forever 21 and shoes from ModCloth. ♥

on a more different note, a reblog from my peyton sawyer that i really like:

“Your heart just breaks, that’s all. But you can’t judge or point fingers. You just have to be lucky enough to find someone who appreciates you.”
— Audrey Hepburn

very true, don't you think?

Tolerating Tuesday.

it's been rather stagnant and boring today. didn't really go out as planned because we've been out for almost the whole day yesterday, so they decided to call it quits. besides cleaning up the house and doing sit-ups, i haven't been very mobile. body's been aching quite a bit too but hopefully that's just a temporary thing.




i spent my afternoon today watching "Alice", the 1988 remake by director Jan Svanksmajer of the children's book Alice In Wonderland. however, this isn't just your everyday ordinary children's movie, because Svanksmajer did a little gothic twist in his Alice and this is not exactly the kind of movie that parents would want their kids watching.




i am rather intrigued by his use of stop-motion animation in this film, and the fact that he placed his own perspective of Alice in Wonderland interests me even more. although this film may not be straight horror but it is considered to have slight gothic literary sources and would appeal to many horror film fans.

i, for one, loved this retelling.

start your gothical journey of Alice HERE.

i'm beginning to think that taking up mass communication made me appreciate movies a lot more. if you were to ask me, i would say that i wouldn't even give Jan's Alice a second glance if it were not for media appreciation classes. somehow i realised that nowadays i become so thrilled with watching all kinds of movies, it's surprising. i look at it as a good thing.


now my mum's going to have a hard time trying to talk me out of watching too many movies. :P



..................................................


on a more different note:

if only they knew how much i'd like to pull these off.

i took a nap earlier this afternoon too and had just the weirdest dreams ever. it would take me a long time to explain, but basically there was an egyptian pyramid built amongst an erupting volcano, me and the rest of my coursemates (but we were pursuing archeology at the time), and the lecturers (tree troll has a role, surprisingly). the second part would consist of... well that's for me to know and for you to find out. :P


will be going through my recipes one last time so i can attempt them on friday. karaoke sessions tomorrow with the bunch. see you there. ;)

A 2kg Cookbook and Improving Fashion Sense.

yet another day today. : ) i was planning to cook today but amelia came over and we headed down to the pyramid for some catching up with gwen instead. guess i'll have to hold my cooking plans for the moment.

this is why i officially name gwen our new "Ms Klutz". wouldn't you be heartbroken if your touchscreen phone ended up like this?? T_T

to summarize it up: we had brunch, walked around and got some stuff while browsing through the apparel shops for a while, and had awesome bak kut teh for dinner. : )


i was trying to update myself on some new mix-and-matches along the way and finally put my newly gained fashion sense to good use. i saw a couple of outfits that i absolutely adore in cotton on and springfield, but both cost a bomb so i'm trying to brainwash myself so i won't have to cry about not getting them. roomie said the clothes i tried on looked good. d'oh the temptation!

the super lovely flats that i am ITCHING to get. YOU ARE MINE, RUBI!

besides that, i caught this awesome bargain of a cookbook at MPH's earlier. i was just looking at all those delicious fiction novels on the shelves (which i can't buy AGAIN, might i add. i really need to finish the 13 novels i have back at the apartment before getting anymore. ugh!) and i happened to stumble upon this magnificent beauty:

1001 Recipes!

hardcover, full-colour print, easy cooking and step-by-step instructions - ALL FOR RM50! :D i couldn't resist! but i did call up my mum for a confirmation first though. hehehe.

1001 recipes!! enough to feed the whole of Africa! (in mark's words)

huge ass book.

but the downside of this book is that it's friggin 2kgs!! and i mean, literally 2kgs! i was lugging this back from the pyramid earlier, walking all the way and carrying this book like it's the last bag of rice on the face of the earth that's going to keep me alive wtf. hahaha.




basically that's just about how my day went. nothing much really. the only highlight of the day was honing my fashion skills. apparently, now i can pick out clothes and look good in them after trying them on. i'm pretty proud of my new found fashion sense. : )

someone please agree with me that selma blair has the HAWTEST HAIR around? ♥

before i sign off, more lovely new picks from Lisa's Likes! i can't get enough of her blog. it's so addictive! ♥

if only i had nicer feet to pull these shoes off. : ) soooo pretty.

lisa and her simplicity. i adore. :D

cute cotton shirt with just the most adorable circus prints! *squeals in delight*

photos above courtesy of lisa.

till then, i'm signing off! : ) goodnight world.

First day of freedom.

i woke up smiling this morning, knowing that it's the first day of my holidays.


i'm still a little bit indecisive as to what i should do first (so many things to do OWH SO MANY THINGS!) and so far i haven't settled with anything yet. i also just realised that i'm actually running low on cash for the week. :( i really need to save up if i want to get the spices and ingredients for my cooking and also go for trips.


roomie and i headed out to Asia Cafe earlier to meet up with Gwen and Jen Wei. after lunch roomie and i ventured to the little DVD shop right next to AC and we spent almost an hour there choosing the perfect movies to watch for the next few weeks. well, technically i made her wait because i couldn't decide between getting all those movies that i wanted or to ditch them so i can save my money for future uses. hehehe.



but we ended up making a pact to get these three awesome ones because it would be a waste to give them up. all issue-related movies though, just because they're worth it. : )



"Tying the Knot", a docurama by Jim de Seve.



i practically LE GASP-ed so loud, the people browsing at the shop looked at me as if some catastrophe happened. i've been looking for this documentary for ages, and we finally managed to find it in a secluded shop. :D

as the picture suggests, it discusses about one of today's hottest issues, the political war between homosexuals and their determination to marry and those who are determined to stop them.

packed with amazing footage of gay hippies storming the manhattan marriage bureau in 1971 and also interviews with gay activists and right-wing politicos, this docurama is definitely an eye-opener for its audiences. i personally can't wait to watch this. : )))))



"A Touch of Spice", directed by Tassos Bouimetis.



one of the most successful film of all time in greece and the film that won 8 national film awards including best picture, best director and best cinematography, Politiki Kouzina or better known by its International english title A Touch of Spice is a greek film about a young Greek boy growing up in Istanbul, whose grandfather, a culinary philosopher and mentor, teaches him that both food and life require a little spice to give them flavor. 35 years later he leaves Athens and travels back to his birthplace of Istanbul to reunite with his grandfather and his first love; he travels back only to realize that he forgot to put a little bit of spice in his own life.

tackling racial issues between turkish and greek, this movie is definitely one worth watching.



"The Bridge", directed by Wolfgang Panzer.



Die Brücke, known as The Bridge is remake of an autobiographical novel by Gregor Dorfmeister. based on a true story, it talks about hitler's germany and it being on the threshold of collapse. during this time of war, 7 innocent boys risk their lives and confront the brutal reality of war.

i've always been intrigued by the issue regarding Genocide and Nazis. and ever since that passion was ignited even further when toamy had us do an assignment on the movie Freedom Writers (a movie made based on a true story, starring Hilary Swank), i am really interested about this issue as a whole.

more info about the story HERE.




movie galore tonight! :D