Randomness: Cartoons?!?

Switching out my iPhone case again.

What do you think? Too much going on?

In My Footsteps: New Year Countdown

It is the end of the year again and time to contemplate what you have done. Was this year productive? What was the highlight of the year? Or was it just another boring year passing by?

I plan to write out my New Year resolutions within today and tomorrow. There are already a few things I know I "must" do on the list. One of them is... make sure to give myself a proper vacation (like 5-7days).

In the meantime, I'm spending the rest of 2012 up in the mountains to enjoy the cool weather.

Wishing everyone a happy new year :) and a great 2013 ahead

Foodies Alert: Grandpa & Grandma Steak (ตากะยาย)

Grandpa & Grandma Steak (ตากะยาย) is a small stall in a big shopping mall.  It is part of the Food Bazaar section in Paradise Park shopping mall.  There are many small stalls here which sell a variety of food from snacks, fruits, dessert, to noodles, korean food, and of course steak.  There is a separate food court located nearby but they are managed by different owners.

My family has eaten at ตากะยาย for several years now.  They started their business before Paradise Park was renovated when it still went by the name of Seri Center.  There was a fresh market (Seri Market) on the left wing of the ground floor and a supermarket (@ease) on the right wing.  @ease also had a food court so this was where the first ตากะยาย was located.

Their current location is probably their 4th location.  Only one downside about it is that there is no proper kitchen space so they aren't able to have as much variety as their previous locations.

Grandpa is making my steak!

I love this picture because they managed to find grandparent dolls. So cute!

Their food is made of very good quality and everything is homemade.  From the salad dressing to the pepper sauce on the steaks.  I managed to find out that the now retired Grandpa used to be a chef at the world renowned Mandarin Oriental Hotel.  No wonder everything tastes so good.

I ordered the pepper pork steak.  Basically, this is what I always order.  It comes with 2 sides which are salad and pasta.  My brother always goes with a double serving of the steak.

Since I'm not so good at describing tastes, all I can say is that this is a must try dish if you are ever in the area.  It isn't very often that I actually come straight out saying that something is really delicious.  Usually the ... it's alright or it's good. :)

The price is not expensive at all.  This pepper pork steak was only 75baht (2.5USD).  Honestly, I would rather eat this than go to Sizzlers.  Their steaks aren't always the best quality and it has a lot of fat.

Location: Ground floor of Paradise Park, near Lock N Lock store.

Review: Sugarmoustache.com

Where to go for all your moustache needs?  

Answer: Sugarmoustache.com

I happened to find this store via Instagram when they just started up and haven't even completed their online site or Facebook page.  It didn't take very long for them to become big as the moustache craze began.  Plus, they ship worldwide (not that I need it since its based in Bangkok).

Not sure whether they have already improved but at the time I ordered their stuff, it was probably at their peak where things weren't organized and set up yet.  Hence, super slow delivery.  Hope that they have already hired more people and stepped up their game.

The website has a pink and white theme.  It is separated between local (Thailand) and everywhere else (worldwide) orders.

The payment confirmation part is a little bit complicated.  Inputting the details on the website is fine but no one came back to confirm payment (at least for my case) until I wrote an email.

All of their stuff is super cute.  I'm actually eyeing one of their Iphone cases now.

The 2 products I bought from them were a moustache t-shirt and a moustache bracelet.  Both have been featured here before.

>> I haven't been able to take a picture of the bracelet in good lighting yet so I'll update it later. (If I don't forget all together, oops!)

If anyone is in Bangkok for vacation, they finally opened up a store in Siam Square (an outdoor shopping area in the heart of the city).

Instagram: SUGARMOUSTACHE
Website: SUGARMOUSTACHE.COM

Randomness: Keep calm and carry me home

Saw this iPhone and fell in love with it. Still waiting for Mr. Right to sweep me off my feet.

One of my friends commented that it is perfect for a night out when you are getting a bit tipsy. Show the iPhone case and message is delivered :)

On a side note, I really wanted to do a Nail of the Day post too but I kind of messed up my nails. Wanted a good close up. I didn't wait for the glitter polish to fully dry so it smudged. Can't tell right?

Nails:
-base: Opi Bubble Bath
-glitter: gift from Korea (might from the brand Étude but not sure)

In My Footsteps: Chillax Time

After working for 5 days, the weekends are precious. The time to unwind and let go.

This weekend I'm off to the beach about 3hrs away from Bangkok called Huahin. Here is just a small snap shot from this morning.

More to come....

Review: Dialogue in the Dark

An hour as a blind person

We live out our days working, watching movies, driving, and hanging out with friends.  We tend to forget that there are a group of people who aren't has privileged as us.  

Dialogue in the Dark is a great example of how 'normal' people can experience what is it like to be blind.  We use our eyes everyday but forgot how really important they are.  I wish I had 20/20 vision, on the other hand, just being able to see with the innovation of prescription eyeglasses is already more than I can ask for.  Just imagine what it would be like 200 years ago. 

Before you enter the exhibition, the personnel will ask you to take off all objects reflecting light along with any valuables.  (There is a locker provided).  After that, you will be given walking sticks.  

I would actually recommend doing this with a few friends.  At least you can share the experience.  Plus, it can be quite scary at first when you enter the rooms.

Then someone will walk you through a pitch dark hallway and you will be greeted by your guide.  The entire experience takes about an hour.  The guide will take you through various rooms where you can experience things that we usually experience in daily life as a blind person.

Dialogue in the Dark does various exhibitions around the world so check out the one closest to you!

Go to their website for more information:

Website: http://www.dialogue-in-the-dark.com/

Randomness: Halloween 2012

Ready for Halloween?

Ok, Halloween weekend has already passed so all the adults could have fun but now it's time for the kids to start trick or treating? Later, resulting in sugar high from all the candy.

Its been a while since I had a proper Halloween. Don't even remember what was my costume. Anyways, it's time to start carving the pumpkins.

Happy Halloween!

Randomness: Moustache/ Mustache fever

Looks like its been going on for a few months already but I finally decided to change my Iphone case to go with my moustache screen saver.

I've actually seen another case where its ballerinas and the tutus are moustaches.  Super cute! 

Another random fact: I write moustache in a British way even though I have an American education. Weird!?!

Foodies Alert: Baan Ying Cafe & Meal

This is another place which I love to go for a simple and delicious meal.

Baan Ying (บ้านหญิง) takes your normal home-cooked Thai meal to another level.  It's amazing.  Some people may say that its a bit of fusion Thai food rather than traditional.  All I know is that I love their food.

There are two branches that I know of:
1. Siam Square (moved from Lido to Siamkit building)
2. Terminal 21
(I heard there is also one at MegaBangna but I haven't been or seen it yet)

This is a bit of the atmosphere of the restaurant at Siamkit building.  It is located on the basement level near the escalator.  It is a wide open space.  However, it can get very loud and crowded especially during lunch time.

I started off with a Hazelnut Latte.  It's not too sweet or bitter for me which is good.  I usually take my coffee quite sweet to have the perfect balance with the bitterness of the coffee.

One of the most basic things to order is their omelette.  It is one of their most well-known dishes.  There are actually different toppings that you can pick from.  This one is 1. Meat Sauce, 2. Mushroom, and 3. Cheese.

Also listed under the Recommended list is another dish that I always order: shrimp stir-fry with garlic and chilli.  If you can't eat very spicy food, I would suggest asking them to put in less chilli.  Trust me, a little bit of chilli changes the taste and is a lot more delicious.

Honestly, I only managed to take 2 photos of the dishes I ate.  Everything else was gone in a blink of an eye.  From all the dishes I've had their so far, no one of them have disappointed me.  You just can't go wrong.

Anyways, what meal wouldn't be complete without dessert!  There is always room for dessert.

This is their green tea cake.  I would have to say that it isn't a 100% green tea cake because it has some brownie or blueberry type filling inside.  I can't remember exactly now but its not proper green tea cake.  One of my friends said that they don't make their own desserts so I would recommend just sticking to the food.

Overall, I love this restaurant and would recommend it to anyone.  The price is not bad too.  It usually comes up to about 300THB (USD10) per person, depending on how much you eat.  Each dish is about 100-200THB.  You can order to share or have your own individual dish.

NOTD: Dots and more dots

Ready for dots?
Polka dots are back in fashion in a dozen of different colors and sizes.

Kate Spade's new collection is all about the dots and more dots! Luckily, I managed to get my hands on Kate's polka dot nail stickers. Love them!

Had some difficulty putting them on as it's my first time trying the nail stickers. The results are satisfactory. If you see in the close up, not perfect but will do. I still got another pack so will give it a second try.

Quote of the Day: Because You're Worth It

It's been a gloomy few months at the office. Several people want to quit but no one dares make the move. Other people keep waiting for the right moment.

Time to awake folks! We aren't getting any younger....big 30 is coming whether you want to or not. One of my friends told me that she would only have a job that she loved no matter what the pay. Inspiration For everyone on what work really should be. It's not worth it to slave away your time for nothing.

The quote came to mind last night. Thought that it would be able to motivate some people for the nudge/push they need to take the next step.

On a totally different note, another friend told me I needed to lower my standards in guys. Sorry folks, that ain't happening. Don't settle for less just because someone or society says so either. It's your life! My prince charming is out there ^_^

Randomness: New Iphone case

Considering that Apple just announced the launch of Iphone 5, I decided that I needed to go out and get a new Iphone 4s case.

Reason?  Because the Iphone 5 is a total new facelift, none of the previous gadgets can be used with it.  (It's thinner and wider.)  Hence, all the accessories companies will be in a rush to roll out cases to fit the new Iphone and mine would be obsolete :(  Just my thoughts.

This is only my 3rd case but will probably be buying another one soon....

Foodies Alert: Nara Thai Cuisine

If you have a craving for authentic Thai cuisine, Nara is the place to go. 

They have several branches in Bangkok:
1. Central World
2. Eight Thonglor
3. Erawan

First item on the menu... appetizer

Larb moo tord (ลาบหมูทอด)
Description: Fried mince pork with Thai herbs and spices.
The dish itself is quite flavorful so there is no need to add any sauces.  The fresh vegetables that come along with the dish is to even out the flavor. Larb is an North Eastern Thai dish and this is an adaptation from the original by making it into patties and frying.

Then comes my main course

Sukhothai Noodles (ก๋วยเตี๋ยวสุโขทัย)
Description: Noodles in hot and spicy tom yum soup with roasted pork, shrimp balls, etc.
The restaurant is very popular for their boat noodles and Sukhothai noodles.  I've never tried the Sukhothai one.  The tom yum soup is different from the traditional one which they serve at most Thai resturants.  This one doesn't have any coconut milk or any of the herbs such as galangal and lemongrass.  The reason why we call it "tom yum" is because the soup contains vinegar, lemon juice, and chilli. (Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. I'm just a food lover who doesn't know how to cook.)

Then the finale... dessert :)

Nara Coconut Ice cream with assorted Thai sweet condiments (ไอศครีมนารา)
No description required :P

There was a selection between Thai milk tea or coconut ice cream.  I picked Thai milk tea instead.

And now all the Thai sweet condiments which come with it.  There are total of 8 sweet condiments which you can pick from.  Basically, take whatever your heart desires.  I don't know the English names for some of them so hope that pictures will help.... or not.

Bird's eye view of all the condiments and ice cream.

Making you hungry?

Overall, I like this restaurant and will probably come again but not often.  The price is not something that I'll be able to eat everyday.  The meal came to about 500THB or 16USD.  It is not expensive in US dollars but you need to remember that in Thailand, you can get a proper full meal for as little as 3USD too.

Official Website: http://www.naracuisine.com/

Foodies Alert: Dakasi - Milk Tea with Pearl

Calling all bubble milk tea lovers...milk tea with pearls...milk tea with tapioca

Whatever it is called..... I love it!!

There are a ton of different chains out there but this is my #1 choice --> DAKASI 

 It is differentiated with its yellow star logo.  The brand is originally from Taiwan (as with a lot of other brands).

They have a lot of drinks on their menu but the most popular has to be (of course)... milk tea with pearl "Classic".  One of the reasons why I like Dakasi is that you can also pick the sweetness level.  I usually ask for 50% sweetness and with no ice.  Some brands don't have the selection of the sweetness level because of the drinks are premade.  Simply put, this is just way better :)

Lots of tapioca pearls.  Yummy!
I've just noticed recently that they have increase the amount of pearls they put in.  Otherwise, it could be that I took a long break from drinking this and now I feel like I chew a lot more than before.  Just a note:  I love the pearls so much that I usually try to drink the more milk tea and less pearls.  Now, the milk tea is all gone and I'm left with a lot of pearls.

Has anyone tried the cotton foam one?  I'm still too scared to try it.

Location: Chamchuri Square, Bangkok
Company website:  http://www.dakasi.com
It is in Mandarin and I can't read Chinese T_T

Fashionista: Taylor Swift dress

It's coming closer to the end of the year which also means it is wedding season.  In November alone, I have 1 engagement party and 5 weddings to attend to.  (It is actually only within a 2 week time span too!).

Now, since a girl can never have too many dress, I did what any girl would do..... get one tailored.  Custom fit is one of the best ways to flaunt your curves and hide what you don't like.

Although I can't show the dress at the moment (since its still getting made in the shop), I'll show you the style of inspiration for my dress.

Apologize for not taking a picture of the fabric earlier (silly me), its a Pantone 2716. Yes, I did a google search :P  It is this beautiful purple with blue tint to it.  Even the seamstress asked me what color it was and I couldn't describe it either.

Back to the dress, I'm not making it as see-thru as Taylor.  If you notice, she actually has a skin-colored lyra mesh which is helping to hold the dress together.  Mine will be higher in both the sides and the back.  Will definitely post pics once it is done.

Cr. Teen Choice Awards 2012

Fashionista: Uniqlo Haul

This is actually the 3rd weekend that I've gone to Uniqlo and came home with a bag full of clothes.

For those of you who don't know, Uniqlo is a  Japanese retail chain.  It is a place to go for simple and basic attire.  The quality is great and price is afforable.  I love their premium cotton t-shirts.  Uniqlo has many branches worldwide such as  China, France, Korea, Singapore, USA, UK,etc. (I hear they are opening up a branch in San Francisco soon!)  The brand also loves to collaborate with many designers such as Banner Barrett and Lulu Guinness.  

The sale signs are calling my name...... 

Each week they will have a sale of specific items in-store.  So, be sure to always update on what's the next sale items. 

The final results and damage for this week are: 

I bought all sale items this week with the exception of the red shorts.
1. Red shorts - 390baht
2. Jean shorts - 490baht 
3. Tanks - 100baht each (200baht for 2)

Just a note, the tanks sold out really fast.  I actually tried going back again to buy more but only L and XL were left :(  It's ok.  Need to stay positive.  If it went on sale once, it can be back on sale again.

Website: www.uniqlo.com

Foodies Alert: Cafe Amazon @PTT Life Station

Cafe Amazon is a coffee shop that is located is most PTT gas stations.  It is easy to find.  Although I've tried their coffee before, I will always order their Iced Cocoa.

I'm constantly searching for a coffee shop/ cafe which makes really good iced cocoa.  Seems easy right?  What I've discovered is that not many places get it right.  At least, according to my tastes.  Just like dark chocolate, cocoa already has its own sweetness so it's not necessary to add a lot of sugar.

Some cafes will call it "Iced Cocoa" but its actually "Iced Chocolate".  Can't tell the difference?  Its basically sweeter and more milky.

What is the perfect Iced Cocoa? 
- It must have a rich intense cocoa flavor (loads of cocoa powder!!)
- Not milky
- Just the right amount of sweetness

For iced cocoa, it is 50baht (less than 2USD) per glass.  It might be expensive for some people considering that you can also find it for as little as 15-20baht.  But then, you will have to gamble whether you are getting proper cocoa or chocolate. On a side note, another one of my favorite places to get iced cocoa is actually from a market stall near my office.  Only 15baht!  Sadly, they closed down a few months ago.  :(  I have yet to find a replacement.

Cafe Amazon: can be found in PTT gas stations all across Thailand

In My Footsteps: 24hrs in Shanghai

It's coming towards the end of the year and my travel schedule is packed again.

Today I'm off to Shanghai for a whole 24HOURS!! Wow! Yep, I was bored of my bedroom so decided that it would be an interesting experience to change to a 5 star hotel room instead. :) truth is: I have an early business meeting the next day and really want to be back home asap. Hence, 24hours.

You can say that I'm spoilt when it comes to my business travels.... The pictures say it all.

Time for some bubbly and light reading before take off.....

Then a lovely chauffeur to take me to my hotel. It doesn't get better than BMW series 7 plus wifi in the car!

Finally reach the hotel for the night. Instead of the usual welcome drink, I got welcome tea... Chinese-style. Still need to finish off some work so I'm hoping that I'll get a few hours sleep before I head off to early morning meeting.

Won't have time to do any sightseeing but I'll try to do the best I can. Luckily, I should have time for sightseeing when I come back next month.