Saturday, July 7, 2012

"Sore" Loser

Are your muslces sore from the kickboxing class you joined? According to reserach, Vitamin C - found in high concentrations in citcus fruits, berries and broccoli- helps lessen post-workout pain. It appears the antioxidant inhibits the processess(like the bulid up of free radicals) that cause soreness.

Friday, July 6, 2012

My weekend trip to "garden by the bay"

It was my hubby whom suggested to go "garden by the bay"- the newly opened garden at Marina South. The Spot where we usually go when we were dating. We went to check it out and well, it seems quite differnt but the feeling is there and we were in love again- just like before. We walk around the Garden and Holy-God, It was so huge and we couldn't  cover it all after walking for 4 hours. It was about 4 pm and we left at almost 8pm for dinner.

The view of MBS and one of the super tree.

the trees along the lake
The entrance of the Garden with MBS at the back

The "cow" and its brother "bull"

Me in black with super trees
The hanging bridge connecting the super trees

Orchids

Stones in the chinese theme garden

Swinging bench at the Malay Theme Garden

somewhere in the garden- Lost!!

10 things to give up by the time you're 30

1. Blaming your parents for all your problems.

2. Feeling uppity for calling people over 40 by their first name.

3. Serving chili every time more than one person comes over for dinner.

4. Letting your dad take care of your money.

5. Hating her because she's beautiful.

6. Saving all your love for Johnny Depp.

7. Getting bent out of shape when you have to share he credit at work.

8. Sleeping with the men whose last name you don't even want to know.

9. Thinking for even one second that you could lose 30 pounds in 30 days.

10. Believing that just one person can't do anything to make the world a better place.

Keep clothes 100% moth-free

How is it that you can store a perfectly in one piece sweater in the closet in April and have it be fuill of holes six months later? Those rat-bastards moths, that's how. Keep cashmere-craving critters at bay-without smelling like Great-aunt Gertie-with these tips:

First, clean your clothes before you store them. Moths flock to stains, not to the wool itself. Second, stock up on herbs: lavender, rosemary, thyme and cloves are natural pest repellents. Wrap leaves in sachet or handkerchief and store near sweaters.


How to stock your wine pantry

Sauvignon blanc:This crisp and dry white pairs with fish,light chicken dishes,salad and even fruity desserts. Our pick: Carey cellars sauvignon blanc 2000

Pinot noir: A red that works with grilled chicken breasts yet still stands up to lasagna? Perfect! Our pick: andrew's hopr pinotage 2000

Shiraz: This intense, more full bodied red is just right fit with game, roasts and duck. Our pick: Red dawn high.wood Shiraz 1999


Monday, November 14, 2011

Flavour Enhancers

Used to make pickles, reduce bitterness and add tang to sauces, vinegars are a versatile addition to any pantry.

* Balsamic vinegar
 - This dark brown vinegar is made from whote Trebbiano grapes grown in Modena, Italy.Prized for its distinct and aromatic flavour, it is ideal for marinades and drizzling over grilled meat and seafood.

* Red wine vinegar
- This is amde from matured red wine, and has a strong and rich flavour. It is often used in French cooking, particularly in vinaigrettes, marinades, stews and sauces.

* White wine
- This moderately tangy vinegar is also used in French cooking. It is great for making vinaigrette, mayonnaise, Bearnaise sauce and marinades.

* Malt Vinegar
- Obtained from malted barley, this is usually served with fish and chips, and used to make pickles and chutneys.

* Cider
- This fruity gold vineger os made feom fermented apples. It is ideal for chutneys, pickles, and dishes with apples and marinades.

* Xeres
- Also called Sherry vinegar, Xeres is a Spanish version of balsamic vinegar. Rich and smooth, it is usually added to sauces, stews amd marinades.

* Raspberry
- This pinkness vinegar has a light and fruity flavour that is ideal for salad dressings.

* Rice vineger
- Popular in Asian cooking, this vinegar has a mild and sweer taste and is less acidic than western vinegars.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Brewer's delight

Appreciate the purity of Asian Teas and drink them unsweetened.

Iron Goddess of mercy (Tie guan yin) - This is premium variety Oolong tea mainly produced in China_Fujian province. When brewed, the rolled tea leaves releases a frangrant floral aroma and sweer after taste.

Osmanthus Tea ( gui hua cha) ~ This tea is combined of dried yellow osmanthus flowers and black or green tea leaves. The flowers lend a sweet fragrance to the tea.

Roasted Barley tea  - Known as Korean as bori cha, or in Japan as Mugicha, this tea has a pleasant, roasted and mildly bitter flavours.It is usually served cold.

Corn tea ~ Known as oksusu cha in Korean, this grain tea is made from roasted corn kernels.As it has a sweet taste, it is usually combined with roasted barley tea for a balance of flavours.

Dragon well ( long jin cha) ~ The leaves in this high quality green tea from Hangzhou, China are pan-fried to stop the fermentation process. When brewwd, they produce a yellow-green color, pleasant aroma and rich taste.

Jasmine tea ( Mo li hua cha) This tea makes use of delicate white jasmine flowers to perfume green tea or Oolong tea tea base.

Oolong (wu long cha) ` This tea is partially fermented and dried. Taste wise, oolong has green tea's delicacy and black tea's depth.

Japanese Green tea( Sencha) ~ Like other green tea, this one is also unfermented.The leaves are simply allow to wither and dry. It is a fresh, delicate and grassy and is pale grren in color.