Drama - 原来是美男 (He's Beautiful)

Oh yes ... I've conquer yet another K-Drama :p In fact I wasn't very keen to watch this drama reasons being:-

1) Had watched a preview of it on SCV (episode 1) and kinda thought it was so-so only.
2) The box set cover of angels n stuff ... it was kinda turned me off.

But ... the in-charge at my usual video rental shop highly recommend this show and since he had not disappoint me ever, I took his words and gave it a try. It turned out to be quite nice. There's very nice music Incorporated in the drama. Other than the usual love/hate/sacrifice plot, there's some humor in it too. Hence it was quite entertaining overall.



Go Mi Nyu is a sister-in-training. When her twin brother Go Mi Nam successfully auditions into the musical band A.N.JELL but is forced to leave for the United States to correct a botched plastic surgery effort, she is approached by his manager to pose as Mi Nam for the duration of his recovery. Against her wishes, Mi Nyu accepts in order to fulfill her brother's dream of finding their mother. Now, posing as Mi Nam, Mi Nyu enters the group A.N.JELL and meets its members; Hwang Tae Kyung, Kang Shin Woo and Jeremy.

Initially disliked by Tae Kyung, the group's leader and composer, Mi Nyu slowly falls in love with him, only to find herself entangled in a love triangle between him and Shin Woo. Jeremy also harbors a one-sided love for her despite not knowing she's a girl. As a result, all three members of A.N.JELL fall in love with Mi Nyu. Additionally, Mi Nyu finds herself rivaled against Yoo He Yi, an actress who also has feelings for Tae Kyung.

Now Mi Nyu has to wait in the "Mi Nam disguise" until he comes back from US, but its not easy due the media and paparazzi. Will she be able to hide her identity? Will she be able to keep up with this little secret that she is not a guy until the real Go Mi Nam comes back..?

Recipe - Banana Chiffon Cake

I guess I am on a baking frenzy once again ... LOL

Cake of the day is Banana Chiffon Cake ... so happen that I've got almost 'rotting' bananas in my kitchen and it would be a waste to just dump them away and hence the making of this cake.


Hmm ... so now what's next??? Hahahaha ... Luckily I got a neighbour who is ever so supportive. If not how to finish all the things I'd made in the past few days!!!

Recipe - Golden Pumpkins (黄金和果子)

Hmm ... ok ... this recipe had been sitting in my recipe file for the longest time but I've yet to find the time/chance to try it. Finally the chance had arrived ...

I am pretty sure the recipe calls for normal pumpkin (those from Australia) but due to size issue, I've decided to pick up the Japanese ones instead. My only regret is the red bean paste used. I've bought the ones from Phoon Huat, which I already know they are not the very good quality ones. But because this recipe is a try out, I feel that it would be a waste of the good red bean paste if this turn out to be a disaster. Also, I've yet to find a good commercial red bean paste suitable for such use. Anyone out there can recommend?

Anyway, this turn out to be quite easy to make. The only thing required is patience.

Drama - 宮S (Goong - Prince Hours)

After 宮 (Goong - Princess Hours), I am so deeply impressed by the story line that I had actually looked forward to the release of 宮S (Goong - Prince Hours). I was still awed over the plot and story line etc back when when I watch this drama. Now re-watching it, personally I think 宮 (Goong - Princess Hours) is still a better production over all.



Her Royal Highness, the Queen, is still unwed despite being in her early thirties. Since she is the only daughter with no prospect of bearing a child in the foreseeable future, the royal succession is left in uncertainty when the current heir to the throne meets a sudden death. As the conservative faction begins plotting for the crown, the Queen secretly searches for a new Crown Prince outside the palace walls and discovers Lee Hoon, a young man who had been making his living by delivering Chinese food, in complete ignorance of his royal heritage.

Lee Hoon is forced to compete with Lee Joon, the perfect candidate for Crown Prince strongly backed by the extended royal family. The two young men vie for the royal succession as an intricate web of conflicts, plots and schemes unfold around them.

Recipe - Lemon Cheesecake with Jam Toppings

This is the 3rd time making this cake but this time I manage to find Double Cream as per required in the recipe. Double Cream is so hard to come by especially the Cold Storage supermarket in my area are not the very big outlets. So to substitute it, I've used Bulla's Pure Cream for the past 2 attempts. When I managed to locate the required Double Cream, I cannot resist the temptation to give this cake a try again.

I am totally satisfied with the end product with Double Cream. The cake taste creamer compared to when using Pure Cream. I guess the difference is in the fat content of each product. Double Cream being the one with higher fat content hence would be my prefered choice. It makes the cake taste so creamy and smooth ... YUMZ!!!!

Recipe - Pitta Pizza

After trying out so many different base for making pizza at home, I finally found the best substitute. Presenting PITA PIZZA !!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OSWALD!!!!

My dearest boy turns 5 today. Big boy liao already ... he had grown so much. Looking back, it seems like it was not too long ago I was still carrying him in my arms. Now, he is all grown up and learning to be independent etc. 不认老也不行了.

Today, being his actual birthday, he gets to celebrate this special day with his friends in school. I'd ordered a cake for him from Cafe Pralet (as usual) - Mango Cake. I'd wanted them to design a 3D cake for Oswald but because they are preparing for a baking event held over the weekend they were unable to do it. Though I was a little disappointed but the cake with art work did not turn out that bad too. In fact, the cake was really good tasting and some kids even come back to extra serving.

** Mango Cake with art work on white chocolate **

As it is family tradition to celebrate birthdays together, Oswald get to skip music class today and head to grandma's place for dinner. And since we are celebrating a birthday ... the cakes cannot be left out!!!

** Mummy's creation ... prepared with TLC!!! **

** The boys are so in love with the Chipmunks till the chippies get a share of the cuppies ^_^ **

Drama - 宫心計 (Beyond the Realm of Conscience)

Though it took me a long while to finish this show (because hubby wants to watch too, so can only watch it when both of us are in the mood to), but it is really a nice one.


Imperial Household Bureau is responsible for managing and directing all household services to the Emperor and the Imperial family in Tang Dynasty. It is composed of four departments, namely Jewels, Attire, Food and Furnishings.

Lau Sam-ho (Charmaine Sheh) and Yiu Kam-ling (Tavia Yeung) are introduced into the bureau in their tender age and brought up in the disciplines of the palace. The two girls are diligent. Yuen Tsui-wan (Susanna Kwan), Head of the Jewels, and Chung Suet-ha (Michelle Yim), Head of the Attire, are both very fond of Ho for she is a kind-hearted young girl. Soon, they start fighting for the fellowship of Ho.

Ho always remembers her mother's words left to her before she passed away, that she was told, "Doing good deeds, speaking good words, showing good will." She lives her life of being gracious and kind-hearted in the palace. On the other hand, Ling believes her survival in palace is achieved through cruel and calculating tactics. She cheats and schemes her way to the top and finally becomes the concubine. Though she realizes that Ho has fallen in love with the chess master Ko Hin-yeung (Kevin Cheng), her jealousy still arouses by Ho's attraction to the Emperor Lee Yi (Moses Chan).

Fearing that she is losing power, she ruthlessly makes up a false allegation against Ho for murdering the Empress (Mary Hon) and condemns her to death. No matter how clever she is to scheme, things do not go the way she planned. By using a strong comparison of the two distinctive characters, Ho and Ling, the message of the drama is that "benevolence" is the only way to gain final victory.

Oswald's Birthday Celebration!!!

Time flies ... almost another year had passed and my boy is turning 5 soon!!!

This year Oswald gets to celebrate his special day over an art session with his friends. Initially he had wanted to throw a party at one of those indoor playground places ... but they are TOO COSTLY!!! I'd sourced for alternatives and luckily had managed to find a replacement - ART WORK (which is something Oswald likes too)

Called a few places and Hans Art is so far the cheapest and have got available time slot to slot us in for a birthday celebration.

Click HERE to see how much fun we all had.

Drama - 拜托小姐 (My Fair Lady)

Hye-na Kang, the only successor of Kang-san Group, is the owner of the ‘Lady Castle’ and lives a ‘princess-like’ life with her servants. Hye-na’s parents died from a plane accident and her grandfather brought her up. Hye-na is strong-headed, selfish and world revolves around her; it is because she could not experience the warmth of family when she grew up.

One day, she comes across Dong-chan. He makes Hye-na to do community service, kidnaps her, and now appears in front of her as the new household manager! Hye-na makes every effort to throw him out from the castle, but this guy has tenacity in him!

Movie Marathon

1st it was Toy Story 3 with the boys ... definitely worth watching. It is definitely better than Shrek.


Then it was Karate Kid with hubby and friends. Very enjoyable show and really had a good laugh at certain scenes.


Woh ... that is 2 movies in 1 day. SHOIK!!!

Dolling up Time ^_^

Today is Yuling's (my SIL) big day ... with this as an excuse, I got chance to pamper my poor fingers and toes. Sat my butt on my manicurist chair for a whole 5 hours just to pamper my limbs. Scrub + Mask + Nail Art ... HEAVENS!!!


With a set of pretty nails, a nice dress plus a nice hairdo ... I am all set to attend tonight's dinner ^_^

Omakase @ Tenza Izakaya

It's MIL birthday and father's day round the corner. A very good opportunity to bring the whole family down to our friend's restaurant - Tenza Izakaya.

This time, we opt for Omakase. We left it to the chef to prepare our menu for the night and here's the menu for the night ...


The food presented was really good plus good beer and good sake ... the old folks really enjoyed themselves.

The night's meal ended with a Green Tea Red Bean cake made by me ^_^

** Before additional decorations **

** After additional decorations **

Just another SUNDAY!!!

I guess age is catching up ... late nights really drain me out. For 2 nights in a row, hubby and myself slept late but got to get up early because of the kids. Just 2 nights is enough to make us wanna stay indoors on a Sunday. Rest and relax was all that we did for the whole morning and after a light lunch, we even took a nap with the kids.

After the long nap, we are both recharged!!!

We brought the boys out for dinner. This time, we've picked Outback Steakhouse @ Millenia Walk.


It had been a long while since my last visit. The place still look pretty much the same. But this is the 1st time I am trying out their kids menu. Hubby went to meet a friend to get some stuff done and hence I am all by myself with the kids for dinner ^_^.


Our order = Mac-A-Roo N Cheese & Spagehetti and Finger Combo.

On top of that, I've order a serve of their Soup Of The Day - Potato Soup.


There is 2 size to their soup. You can have it it a cup or a bowl and the cup being a smaller portion which I think is pretty perfect for a kid. For an adult, unless you only plan to drink soup, else it would be a wiser choice to choose the cup too. The food portion here is of a considerable size, at least to me ^_^.

And not to mention their complimentary bread ...


Too bad, hubby took too long to finish his stuff and by the time he join us, the kids are done with their meal already. So ... I did not manage to place order for myself. Oh well, I guess that leave me an excuse to come back again.

The kids get to spend a few days at my in-laws place and to our next destination we go ... TMM Chalet!!! After dropping off the kids, hubby and myself went to get dinner. We headed back to Bugis area to meet up with friends, dinner and walk around. We did a bit of shopping here and there and went to check out Illuma. A pretty new shopping centre just opposite Bugis Junction opened sometime in 2009.

While we were checking out the new shopping centre, this display caught our attention.


We were all so amazed at the art work and did not realised there's a write up on the works by the creator unless we stop staring at it and stood up.

Day Out with the Boys

SHREK Forever After ... here I come!!!

Had promised my sis to go watch this movie with her but did not have a chance to do so till now. But with initially plan to just go watch with her, ended up have to watch it with the boys.

Took me awhile to convince Oswald to go watch this movie. I'd equip the boys with drinks and snacks hoping that they will sit through the movie. Luckily the boys are quite cooperative. Oswald only started complaining about 3/4 way through the show. He said, "Mummy, I don't want to watch SHREK." As for Owein, he sat on his own for the initially part and finish off the movie on my lap. Hee hee ... anyway, it was a successful movie screening.

After movie, it is time to plan what to cook for dinner. Having a craving for soup, so I head to Eu Yan Sang to pick up some soup concentrates.


I've seen these concentrates around for quite awhile already but never bother to give them a try. A friend introduced it to me quite recently and it really taste not bad. With such, cooking herbal soup is no longer a headache and hassle. No need to keep unused herbs and not to mention the heap of herbs to be thrown away after cooking. How easy cooking can be nowadays ... ^_^.

Here's my American Ginseng Soup ...


According to the write up on the box, "this pleasing soup revitalised you, helping you stay at your best every day." It is so easy to prepare ... all you need is a whole chicken and a bottle of soup concentrate and you can start boiling!!! With this, I can make herbal soup more often to 补补身 already.

Recipe - Sweet and Sour Pork

Hmmm ... I'm never a fan of DEEP FRYING (which I also believe a lot more others out there share the same view as me). Hate the cleaning up after that and the waste of oil. But ... since my sister had especially requested for it ... no choice loh.

I had done a Hawthorn Berry version sometime back. But I don't think she will like it as much because that was a wee bit on the more sourish side. So I'd decided to do it the traditional way.

Drama - 宮 (Goong - Princess Hours)

Princess Hour is a drama that depicts a modern Korea constitutional monarchy. Shin Chae-kyeong and Lee Shin (the Crown Prince) go through numerous incidents in which they end up fighting. Chae-kyeong witnesses the scene where Lee Shin proposes to another woman to avoid their arranged marriage. The story evolves from the fact that Chae-kyeong's grandfather was very close to the former monarch, whose wish was for her and the next Crown Prince to get married.

Faced with the decreasing popularity among the public for the Royalty, a grand wedding for the Crown Prince, Lee Shin, is decided to be the best publicity move to improve the image of the Royalty and at the same time prepare Shin for immediate succession. This gives some impetus to the otherwise unrealistic union of the two. A perfect boy from a noble bloodline, with good looks and a sense of unpolished beauty has to marry against his will to an ordinary girl from an ordinary family, with a clumsy character, average grades and average looks.

After 14 years of living in England with his mom, Lee Yul appears all of a sudden. He is Shin's cousin as well as the former Crown Prince. Everything seemed to be going normally until Chae Kyung's optimistic spirit wins the heart of internally lonely, Yul. As the Crown Prince Shin and simple-minded Chae Kyung's relationship appear to developing deeper feelings, a series of scandals are exposed to the public right after the pair were officially announced married. Will love prevail all in a world of political pressures and martial hardships? Or will being in the spotlight of the public be too much for the young newlyweds to endure?

The process how Shin Chae-kyeong and Lee Shin fall in love with each other unfolds with excitement in this drama.

Feasting TIME!!!

We had a great feast at a friend's newly open Japanese restaurant - Tenza Izakaya @ Sunset Way last night.


Tenza Izakaya
Sumibiyaki & Sake Bar

106 Clementi St 12, #01-38D
Singapore, 120106


A decent sized restaurant which offers both indoor and outdoor dining. Enjoy fresh air and embrace in the serenity while dining outdoors. With comfortable seats (provided for both adults and the little ones), candle lights flicking and wind blowing gently to enhance atmosphere accompanied by the delicious food and drinks and served by friendly staffs ... what more can you can ask for to end your day!!!

Not to mention, if you choose to dine indoors, you get a full with of what's happening in the kitchen with their open concept kitchen.

Hmm ... ok I think I better stop LOL if not it will sound like I am advertising for my friend :p But then again ... WHY NOT!!! hehehe

Anyway, my dinner on Saturday night were as follows:-

Starter for all diners. Cabbage with their special in house miso. Just dip the cabbage leaves into the sauce and start munching away. First time I ate my cabbage RAW and I never expect I would enjoy eating raw cabbage that much. I can't stop munching ...


Sashimi was served finally and see how pretty it was ... almost can't bear to eat up what's being served but the sashimi looks so delicious, it would be a SIN if I don't eat it ... LOL. Sashimi is so FRESH. The fishes are freshly imported on every Tuesday, Fridays and Saturdays.


Next item, Kani Karaage (deep fried soft shell crab). Fried till perfection and the sauce that came with it really compliment the crabs. I was taken surprised by the sauce as it tasted very different from those served at other places. I usually eat my soft shell crab as it is because I find it actually tasted better without the sauce. But here, I soaked my crabs in the sauce before sinking my teeth into them.


This is Tatami Iwashi (grilled sardine mat). 1st time seeing and trying this. Basically it is a Japanese processed food product made from baby sardines laid out and dried while entwined in a single layer to form a large mat-like sheet. It serve as a snack or accompaniment to sake or beer drinking or you can even eat it just like that.


This dish is Unagi Jyoyo Age (deep fried eel with yam). Yam paste is used to coat the unagi before sending it to be fried. That being said, the distinct taste of the unagi is there when you bite into it.


Asari Sakamushi (sake steamed clam). I guess no need to say much for this. Sweetness from the clams + sake ... OISHII!!!


Not done yet ... more to come. Buta Yawaraka Ni (8 hours braised pork). For fatty meat lovers, this is one that you cannot miss. Feedback from some customers said that the meat should be more fatty but to me, I think this is just right.


Our last dish ... Tai Tuba Maki Ni (snapper rolled with beancurd skin). I've only got one word for this ... OISHII!!!

If you are interested, you can follow their updates on facebook or their blog.

Satisfying My Cravings ...

Got craving for 扣肉包 so decided to make my own version of it for dinner tonight ... ^_^

Braised Pork Belly + Steam Bun

I've already tried my best to choose the most 'lean' piece of PORK BELLY from the butcher to reduce guilt but FATS is something that cannot be avoided for this dish.

Being able to sink my teeth into those fats can be considered as an indulgence especially you have an eyeful hubby who is always on the look out for those fatty tissues.

The next thing after this meal ... find ways to burn off those extra fats consumed!!! LOL.

US ... here I COME!!!

Erm ... US stands for Universal Studios and not United States :p

Finally it is my turn to try on the rides at US. The last time we were there we got kids with us and hence cannot go on the rides. Taking my sister as an excuse, I have a chance to re-visit US once again. Sister is on vacation and she got a friend with her this time so ... what a perfect excuse to head to US again!!!

The weather was good, the company was great and we had so much fun!!! The only pity thing about this visit is that the famous Cylon (blue track) & Human (red track) coaster ride is not ready yet. It was closed down awhile back due to some technical issues. But it is ok ... give me another excuse to go again hahahaha

Check out the pictures we took HERE.


P/S: Hubby almost 'dumped' me upon reaching US. He was not feeling very well and was thinking maybe he just drop us there and come pick us up later. I just kept quiet when he made that suggestion. Luckily he decided to just come along despite the fact that he's unwell. Thanks dearie ... thanks for coming along and hence make my day so special.

Movie Treats

Woo Hoo ... haven been to the movies for the longest time. Finally had the chance to do it and that resulted in 2 movies in a week ... YIPPIE!!!

Hubby and myself had caught Iron Man 2 last sunday (1 May 2010) and IP Man 2 last night.

My personal preference ... IP Man 2.

Mother's Day Project

Mother's day project from the boys' school.


Though it was nothing much but it was really touched to received it from the boys ^_^

Drama - 冬季恋歌 (Winter Sonata)

冬季恋歌 (Winter Sonata) was the second of the season-themed drama series directed by Yoon Suk-ho. The other titles to the series are:

秋天的童话 (Autumn Fairy Tale)
夏日香气 (Summer Scent)
春天华尔兹 (Spring Waltz)

The story begins when Joon-sang, who is the son of an eminent musician who moves to Chuncheon; a rural city in South Korea. As an extraordinarily talented student, Joon-sang is welcomed by his fellow students as well as teachers, but remains a quiet, introverted young man. As a result of his belief that his father is dead and serious conflicts with his mother, Joon-sang believes that no one truly loves him.

On one fortuitous day on the ride to school, Joon-sang's classmate Yu-jin interrupts him on the bus. Joon-sang soon falls in love with Yu-jin, who opens herself to him with an innocent heart. Their love, however, is cut short after Joon-sang is involved in a serious auto-accident and, due to brain damage, is unable to recall his past life.

Joon-sang's mother, desiring Joon-sang's love and respect, has Joon-sang brainwashed by a psychologist, so that Joon-sang will not remember his painful memories of growing up as an illegitimate child. As a result, Joon-sang's memories prior to the accident are erased. Joon-sang's mother decides to move to the United States with Joon-sang, where he can start a new life under the identity of Li Min-hyung. As such, both his friends and teachers are told that Joon-sang is dead.

Ten years later, Joon-sang is an award-winning architect in the United States. He does not remember anything about his life in Korea. He is completely different, an open-minded person who cares about other people, including his mother. He returns to Korea and Yu-jin sees him on the street, prompting her to put off her engagement to childhood friend Sang-hyuk. Little does she know that Joon-sang is dating her friend and sometime rival Che-lin. The story's plot intensifies when Yu-jin begins work at the firm where Joon-sang is employed, and tries to find out if he is her lost lover Joon-sang.