We are in the current process of moving so we haven't been updating the blog. I guess we have been a bit lazy too and these few weeks, I've been hooked on Fifa Online and I guess I've been spending too much time on it.
Anyway we rented a van from Budget to do the move and it definitely helped a lot, considering the fact that we have more than 80 boxes that we haven't opened yet and we still have the bed, the heater and other stuff. It costs $54 per day and it's definitely worth it. I guess you can definitely can a better deal than Budget but so far, it's the least dodgiest and the price was comparable with some of the other more respectable one. Further more, their office is on South St and there's a bus I can grab from my place to reach there. That's the problem when my wife doesn't drive and I can't ask her to give me a lift there.
Will hope to update the blog soon as we've actually tried out some new restaurants and we'll also be going to the Perth Royal Show later this week.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Piano bracelet
Finished! This is the bracelet kit that I was trying to complete. The threading part was really fast but the ending off was a BIG hassle as the needle I had was not thin enough to allow me to go through the hole of the beads a few times. Getting the thick thread through the needle was also tedious. I felt like an old lady threading a needle though the eye wasn't so small. Ending off took as long as I was doing up the beads on the loom!
All that being said, it didn't turn out too bad. Now I'm hooked on trying out more loom work. I have had a few patterns drawn up. The only thing I needed now is to find a few thinner bead embroidery needles and my seed beads. Saw a craft shop on the way back from Tai Chi so the next time round I'll get hubby to make a short stop (hopefully) to check out the place.
All that being said, it didn't turn out too bad. Now I'm hooked on trying out more loom work. I have had a few patterns drawn up. The only thing I needed now is to find a few thinner bead embroidery needles and my seed beads. Saw a craft shop on the way back from Tai Chi so the next time round I'll get hubby to make a short stop (hopefully) to check out the place.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Margaret River
We went down to the Margaret River region in January with our friends and their children for a 3 days trip. It's our first time down there and I've always wanted to go down to try the wineries there. We've been to the Swan Valley and Hunter before but never down to the Margaret region.
We set off really early, at around 7 am from our friend's place at Applecross and our first stop was Busselton where we visited the famous Bussleton Jetty. It's supposed to be the longest jetty in the southern hemisphere and I can believe it. It stretches out to sea for about 3 km and at the end of the jetty, there's an underwater observatory which you have to pay to enter of course.
When we arrived there, it was still pretty early and I was wondering why the place was so quiet since it's a famous tourist spot but when we left at around 11 am, the place was getting crowded.
We arrived at the small town of Margaret River after lunch and we checked into our hotel which was the Margaret River resort. I highly recommend it if you go during the off season as it is relatively cheap but luxurious. There were 3 families there and we shared 2 villas among ourselves. In each villa, there's 2 bedrooms and a loft with an extra sofa bed. There's a living room and a kitchen along with it. It's a really great place to stay and use as a base to visit the region and furthermore there's IGA just around the corner. That evening, Jane cooked for us and I've to say that we were really pampered by the food she prepared.
The next day, we set off for Cape Leeuwin lighthouse. Everybody keeps telling us that we have to visit the place when we go down south as that's where the Indian Ocean and Southern Ocean meets.
It's definitely worth a visit but unfortunately the lighthouse was closed when we were there and we couldn't go up to visit it.
On the way back, we had lunch at this restaurant called Colour Patch. It's just off the road from Cape Leeuwin back to Margaret River and in front of it, there's a bay which is very interesting. The scenery there is amazing and I don't mind settling there. For an off the beaten track restaurant, the food was really good. I liked the burger that I had and PC had fish and chips with a very different type of batter. The batter had different types of nuts and it definitely made the fish and chips taste really different. Definitely worth a meal there.
Now the interesting thing about the bay is that there are a couple of rays that use that as a sanctuary and they can be found swimming along the shores there. I managed to take some pictures of it and I overheard one of the local kids calling it Barry.
On the way back from Cape Leeuwin, we visited Leeuwin Estate and we managed to sample some wines there although we were too late to attend the tour of the vineyard. I ended up buying a carton of wine which they shipped back to Perth for me.
For dinner, we ended up eating back in Margaret River at a restaurant called Waves Seafood. We were there early but they were kind enough to let us in to wait. There were 2 chefs and we can actually see them cook. The food was good! Usually in these types of places, I won't have too much expectations but I've to say that the standard was beyond what I expected.
On the third day, we left for Perth and stopped by Margaret River Chocolate Factory but I'm not a chocolate lover so it did not hold any interest for me. Unfortunately, my friend's daughter fell ill and we decided to cut short our trip and went back from there.
We set off really early, at around 7 am from our friend's place at Applecross and our first stop was Busselton where we visited the famous Bussleton Jetty. It's supposed to be the longest jetty in the southern hemisphere and I can believe it. It stretches out to sea for about 3 km and at the end of the jetty, there's an underwater observatory which you have to pay to enter of course.
When we arrived there, it was still pretty early and I was wondering why the place was so quiet since it's a famous tourist spot but when we left at around 11 am, the place was getting crowded.We arrived at the small town of Margaret River after lunch and we checked into our hotel which was the Margaret River resort. I highly recommend it if you go during the off season as it is relatively cheap but luxurious. There were 3 families there and we shared 2 villas among ourselves. In each villa, there's 2 bedrooms and a loft with an extra sofa bed. There's a living room and a kitchen along with it. It's a really great place to stay and use as a base to visit the region and furthermore there's IGA just around the corner. That evening, Jane cooked for us and I've to say that we were really pampered by the food she prepared.
The next day, we set off for Cape Leeuwin lighthouse. Everybody keeps telling us that we have to visit the place when we go down south as that's where the Indian Ocean and Southern Ocean meets.
It's definitely worth a visit but unfortunately the lighthouse was closed when we were there and we couldn't go up to visit it.
On the way back, we had lunch at this restaurant called Colour Patch. It's just off the road from Cape Leeuwin back to Margaret River and in front of it, there's a bay which is very interesting. The scenery there is amazing and I don't mind settling there. For an off the beaten track restaurant, the food was really good. I liked the burger that I had and PC had fish and chips with a very different type of batter. The batter had different types of nuts and it definitely made the fish and chips taste really different. Definitely worth a meal there.
Now the interesting thing about the bay is that there are a couple of rays that use that as a sanctuary and they can be found swimming along the shores there. I managed to take some pictures of it and I overheard one of the local kids calling it Barry.
On the way back from Cape Leeuwin, we visited Leeuwin Estate and we managed to sample some wines there although we were too late to attend the tour of the vineyard. I ended up buying a carton of wine which they shipped back to Perth for me.
For dinner, we ended up eating back in Margaret River at a restaurant called Waves Seafood. We were there early but they were kind enough to let us in to wait. There were 2 chefs and we can actually see them cook. The food was good! Usually in these types of places, I won't have too much expectations but I've to say that the standard was beyond what I expected.
On the third day, we left for Perth and stopped by Margaret River Chocolate Factory but I'm not a chocolate lover so it did not hold any interest for me. Unfortunately, my friend's daughter fell ill and we decided to cut short our trip and went back from there.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Lunch at Northbridge again
We went to Northbridge for Saturday's lunch again after Tai Chi and frankly we were getting a bit sick of eating either noodles or dim sum every Saturday, so we thought we would try something different. As we were driving along James Street, we saw a vegetarian super market and I though that we should get some supplies as my wife enjoyed the vegetarian char siew and back in Singapore, we tend to have it on the 1st and 15th of each Lunar month as she is Taoist.
After parking, we were walking to the shop when we decided to try out the Japanese restaurant that was at the corner of Shenton and James St. It looked kind of posh and although we were not really dressed for it, (we were in our track pants and sweater as we didn't bother to change after Tai Chi), we just went in, Tansawa Tei (1, Shenton St (Cnr of James St) Northbridge Tel: 92280268). The place has been in operation since 1996 and the guy running it is very nice and has been in the restaurant business for a long time. I ordered the Bento set while my wife ordered the Tempura udon set and we were not disappointed at all. The meal started with a agemono dish which was a starter that consists of octopus tentacles in a sweet and sour orange sauce. It was served in a pretty, petite, traditional bowl. Doesn't it look really appetising?
This is what was served to me. Looks like a real big serving but each dish is not as big as you think (that's Japanese style). The overall serving is just nice.
This is what my wife was served. You must really give it to the Japanese when it comes to the presentation of food. They take the utmost care and pride. The serving size is just right too. She was still worried that they would serve rice with this (as it was indicated in the menu that all set menu comes with rice).
When we first came to Perth, we were complaining of the lack of good Japanese restaurants and I'm happy to say that we are slowly finding pretty good Jap food for decent prices. The bento set costs $18.90 while the Tempura udon set was $16. At the end of the meal, we were happy with the quality of the food and the service and we will definitely recommend it for lunch. For dinner, the prices are definitely more expensive and I'll commend on it after visiting them for dinner.
After lunch, we went to Vegetarian Market (1/220 James Street, Northbridge Tel: 9328 6406) which is a shop that specialises in vegetarian food. We managed to get vegetarian prawns, char siew, rendang mutton and some other stuff. My wife also bought vegetarian 'wu ren' mooncakes there. They also have a restaurant Sri Melaka Restaurant which we'll try next week. Apparently they have a buffet lunch on Fri and Sat for $13.50 per head.
After parking, we were walking to the shop when we decided to try out the Japanese restaurant that was at the corner of Shenton and James St. It looked kind of posh and although we were not really dressed for it, (we were in our track pants and sweater as we didn't bother to change after Tai Chi), we just went in, Tansawa Tei (1, Shenton St (Cnr of James St) Northbridge Tel: 92280268). The place has been in operation since 1996 and the guy running it is very nice and has been in the restaurant business for a long time. I ordered the Bento set while my wife ordered the Tempura udon set and we were not disappointed at all. The meal started with a agemono dish which was a starter that consists of octopus tentacles in a sweet and sour orange sauce. It was served in a pretty, petite, traditional bowl. Doesn't it look really appetising?
This is what was served to me. Looks like a real big serving but each dish is not as big as you think (that's Japanese style). The overall serving is just nice.
This is what my wife was served. You must really give it to the Japanese when it comes to the presentation of food. They take the utmost care and pride. The serving size is just right too. She was still worried that they would serve rice with this (as it was indicated in the menu that all set menu comes with rice).
When we first came to Perth, we were complaining of the lack of good Japanese restaurants and I'm happy to say that we are slowly finding pretty good Jap food for decent prices. The bento set costs $18.90 while the Tempura udon set was $16. At the end of the meal, we were happy with the quality of the food and the service and we will definitely recommend it for lunch. For dinner, the prices are definitely more expensive and I'll commend on it after visiting them for dinner.
After lunch, we went to Vegetarian Market (1/220 James Street, Northbridge Tel: 9328 6406) which is a shop that specialises in vegetarian food. We managed to get vegetarian prawns, char siew, rendang mutton and some other stuff. My wife also bought vegetarian 'wu ren' mooncakes there. They also have a restaurant Sri Melaka Restaurant which we'll try next week. Apparently they have a buffet lunch on Fri and Sat for $13.50 per head.
Moving House again
So far the biggest headache I have is moving house. In another 2 weeks, I'll be moving again and this will the fourth time that I'm moving house. The good thing about is that I've lived in the north, near the beach, in the city centre and in the south and now I've got a good feel of what living in all those areas are like. This will definitely help us to decide at a later stage when we do decide to get our own place. The only reason we are still waiting is that my wife and I are waiting to get posted to the country as teachers and as we will be away from Perth for at least 3 years. It's a bit hard to get a place as we don't know whether we'll be coming back to Perth after the 3 years. We may end up liking country teaching that we will stay there permanently.
Anyway this is the backyard of my current place and I've to say that I really enjoy it. Too bad that I didn't have a chance to use the pool as it's winter and it's too cold.
Though given an opportunity, I'll choose a place near the beach. The feeling you get is very different and during the evenings and the weekends, nothing beats taking a short walk along the beach after work and play with the dogs running around if it's a dog beach. It's really relaxing especially during summer. The down side is that in winter, it gets pretty windy and cold but I can live with it. Prices are also much higher compared to places more inland but bargains can be found if you search for it.
Anyway this is the backyard of my current place and I've to say that I really enjoy it. Too bad that I didn't have a chance to use the pool as it's winter and it's too cold.
Though given an opportunity, I'll choose a place near the beach. The feeling you get is very different and during the evenings and the weekends, nothing beats taking a short walk along the beach after work and play with the dogs running around if it's a dog beach. It's really relaxing especially during summer. The down side is that in winter, it gets pretty windy and cold but I can live with it. Prices are also much higher compared to places more inland but bargains can be found if you search for it.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Loom beading project
Wasn't in the mood to think of new design for my bracelet and wanted to keep busy with something that is a no-brainer (but this was not a no-brainer I assumed it to be). Opened my cupboard and saw the loom I bought during one of the fair. I have never done this before but as there was a ready-made pattern to follow; that decided all of it.
The first thing to do was to thread the loom. The accompanied instruction leaflet was pretty easy to read but not too easy to understand. Luckily, I borrowed Alexandra Kidd's "Beginner's Guide To Beading On A Loom" from the library for another project and the pictures and tips in the book helped.
The next problem came when I ran out of thread that goes horizontally across. How in the world am I suppose to extend the thread? Kidd came to the rescue again. The final problem was how am I suppose to end off and what to do with the vertical threads? Well, there is Kidd again. Thank goodness for the book!
This is the (almost) completed work. The only thing that is left is to attach the clasp to the bead fabric. It took me about 2 hours to get this stage, which I think is pretty fast (and forgetting relatively easy with the help of the book). I am willing to try another project. I am thinking of making a bracelet for a friend who is feeling low at the moment and giving it to her when she comes over (hopefully soon). Maybe I'll pick one from Kidd's book.
This time round I'll go for Toho beads if I can get my hands onto some of them. The problem with the ones from the kit was that they are irregular in size and length so the beads don't sit as nicely as I would like them to be. Got to go up the net to source out seed beads suppliers here later. I missed my craft suppliers back home!
Yet that being said, the thrill of looking for good suppliers her is still something worth looking forward to. The good thing about moving over here is that I have time to indulge in things I like even after work.
The first thing to do was to thread the loom. The accompanied instruction leaflet was pretty easy to read but not too easy to understand. Luckily, I borrowed Alexandra Kidd's "Beginner's Guide To Beading On A Loom" from the library for another project and the pictures and tips in the book helped.
The next problem came when I ran out of thread that goes horizontally across. How in the world am I suppose to extend the thread? Kidd came to the rescue again. The final problem was how am I suppose to end off and what to do with the vertical threads? Well, there is Kidd again. Thank goodness for the book!
This is the (almost) completed work. The only thing that is left is to attach the clasp to the bead fabric. It took me about 2 hours to get this stage, which I think is pretty fast (and forgetting relatively easy with the help of the book). I am willing to try another project. I am thinking of making a bracelet for a friend who is feeling low at the moment and giving it to her when she comes over (hopefully soon). Maybe I'll pick one from Kidd's book.
This time round I'll go for Toho beads if I can get my hands onto some of them. The problem with the ones from the kit was that they are irregular in size and length so the beads don't sit as nicely as I would like them to be. Got to go up the net to source out seed beads suppliers here later. I missed my craft suppliers back home!
Yet that being said, the thrill of looking for good suppliers her is still something worth looking forward to. The good thing about moving over here is that I have time to indulge in things I like even after work.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
So Sad
Just got off the phone with my best friend back home. Her mum passed away suddenly yesterday. I'm in shock and I think she is too. The worst part is that I am so far away and I can't get back to support her.
This really hit home for me as this is the second sudden death I have faced for the last 2-3 years. My uncle died without any last words and he was healthy! But I guess there is little suffering in both cases, which is a "blessing" in a way. My grandma used to say that it is good fortune to die in sleep.
The departure of a loved one is never a easy thing and people always say that time will heal the hurt. I really wish this to be true for my dearest friend. My own experience is that time only dulls the pain not totally heals it.
If you are reading this my dearest friend, hang in there. Give me a buzz if you want to talk. We can Skype. You will always be in my thoughts. Take care.
This really hit home for me as this is the second sudden death I have faced for the last 2-3 years. My uncle died without any last words and he was healthy! But I guess there is little suffering in both cases, which is a "blessing" in a way. My grandma used to say that it is good fortune to die in sleep.
The departure of a loved one is never a easy thing and people always say that time will heal the hurt. I really wish this to be true for my dearest friend. My own experience is that time only dulls the pain not totally heals it.
If you are reading this my dearest friend, hang in there. Give me a buzz if you want to talk. We can Skype. You will always be in my thoughts. Take care.
Project done!
Finally got the necklace done! And tied up a couple of loose ends of some other completed work. I'm thinking of the next project already. I'm trying to do a bracelet next but design is still in the drawing board.
But I'm glad to get my hands on the latest issue of Australian Beading. I'm always on a lookout for the bimonthly issue. It takes awhile for the magazine to get to this part of the country and I wonder why...
In any case, I went up some of the sites recommended by the magazine to source for my stones. I'll probably try 1 or 2 of the online shop to test the quality. I hope I'll not be disappointed yet again. Sigh. Must keep hoping for the best.
But I'm glad to get my hands on the latest issue of Australian Beading. I'm always on a lookout for the bimonthly issue. It takes awhile for the magazine to get to this part of the country and I wonder why...
In any case, I went up some of the sites recommended by the magazine to source for my stones. I'll probably try 1 or 2 of the online shop to test the quality. I hope I'll not be disappointed yet again. Sigh. Must keep hoping for the best.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Spring is in the air
Spring officially started on 1st Sept although the weather still feels kinda like winter.
Went down to Kings Park last week and the flowers have started to bloom and the colours are coming along nicely. I think that in another few weeks, when spring is in full season, it will definitely be fantastic.
Kings Park has organised many activities this month to celebrate the coming of spring and unfortunately the more popular events have already been fully booked. They have the daily walks at 10, 12 and 2 which is definitely worth a visit.
Managed to take some photos but definitely could have been better as I was shooting during lunch and the sunlight was pretty harsh. I definitely have to drop by either earlier in the morning or in the late afternoon.
I though the black kangaroo paw looked pretty interesting but I found it hard to get a proper reading for it.
Wife saw this red and green kangaroo paw and thought it looked like a bird and could not help but to snap a few shots.
We will find time later in the month to really go into the "wild" to take the wild flowers. It will be magical and hopefully we'll be able to capture that magical feel.
Went down to Kings Park last week and the flowers have started to bloom and the colours are coming along nicely. I think that in another few weeks, when spring is in full season, it will definitely be fantastic.
Kings Park has organised many activities this month to celebrate the coming of spring and unfortunately the more popular events have already been fully booked. They have the daily walks at 10, 12 and 2 which is definitely worth a visit.
Managed to take some photos but definitely could have been better as I was shooting during lunch and the sunlight was pretty harsh. I definitely have to drop by either earlier in the morning or in the late afternoon.
I though the black kangaroo paw looked pretty interesting but I found it hard to get a proper reading for it.
Wife saw this red and green kangaroo paw and thought it looked like a bird and could not help but to snap a few shots.
We will find time later in the month to really go into the "wild" to take the wild flowers. It will be magical and hopefully we'll be able to capture that magical feel.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
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