Kuishinbo~Meow~

$100 challenge 2011: Final post day 26-31

2011-11-01T17:04:00.000-07:00

The hubby gave me a surprise on Thursday's night. After the conference, he decided to come to visit me again.

So, for my last few days during my budget month, all the expenses were spent on him. As a gratitute, I bought a roll cake that cost $4.59 to treat him.

My electricity this month is US$24.03.

And, the toll spent to fetch the hubby was $0.80.

So, from $100 in the beginning of the month... I spent a total of $92.77.

My remaining for my 31-day challenge is $7.23.

Most of the expenses were not for foods, but rather for things like gasoline, utility, grocery and postal service.

I was hoping to have $10.00 left, but I'm equally happy with how it turned out.

Thank to my dearest hubby... I shall put all the food photos that he had treated me.

As a gratitute, fish fish shall spoil him in November. Snowy snowy Chicago is waiting for him for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Yes, he will be here again during those two seasons.

And thank you all for following this challenge of mine.

Next... which is starting this month... my low carb low fat high workout challenge. I'm targeting to get back to the healthy me during Form 4. My sweet 16.

XOXO, Fish Fish

$100 challenge 2011: Day 25

2011-10-26T05:56:00.000-07:00

Quick one before I'm heading to work.

Yes... a morning blog. Forgot when was the last time I blogged in the morning.

The big tree outside my apartment is turning into beautiful mixture of green and yellow. Try to appreciate this nice weather more before it gets too cold in November.

I am targeting to put the photos when the hubby was here tonight.

Foods that I got for FREE. Heeee... You should hear his comment, really really cracked me up. My cute hubby, has his own humorous way.

Day 25 fund: $36.65
Spending: None

$100 challenge 2011: Day 22-24

2011-10-25T05:24:00.000-07:00

The past three days, the hubby was in the house. Apart from the expenses I spent to pay the tolls to fetch and send him off, he had been spoiling me for the past three days by kindly refilling my gasoline and brought me around for good foods. More details with photos will be posted later this week.

Now I have quite a few work tasks to catch up.

So here is what I still have.

Day 24 fund: $36.65
Spending: $3.60 (tolls)

$100 challenge 2011: Day 21

2011-10-21T20:58:00.000-07:00

The hubby will be in the house tonight. This weekends, will let him decide what he wants to do. Miss him. Want to see him. No update for the next two days. Strictly private moments with him.

Going to spend 80 cents later on for the toll.

So here is my pre-calculated deduction:

Day 21 fund: $40.25
Spending: 80 cents (Toll)

$100 challenge 2011: Day 20

2011-10-20T20:13:00.000-07:00

It's almost 2/3 of my challenge.

My 3rd day at the gym. It is getting easier for me, I think my body is building slowly for the routine workout I used to do daily.

In fact, I am in a very sleepy mode now after writing two pages of Chinese novel. It's been a long long time since I did this. I used to like to handwriting stories a lot... but that passion fade away years ago, and now, I'm picking it up again. Feeling really good.

Dinner for tonight after the workout session. Mini seashells + cabbage + half pack of pickled squid left by the intern that was going away. With tom yam paste... this was actually good. 1/4 of the cabbage really soaked the umami of the squid and tanginess of the tom yam paste very well. With a few dried curry leaves... even better.

Finally went for my gasoline refill today. But I only refill $15, since that will make me survive until end of this month. My past three weeks gasoline have been really kind to me.

So, here is the summary for today.

Day 20 fund: $41.05
Spending: $15 (gasoline)

$100 challenge 2011: Day 19

2011-10-19T19:59:00.000-07:00

It's cold, rainy and windy outside.

But I like it.

My apartment feels so warm... I'm even sweating.

My 2nd day at the gym. It feels good. I'm not giving myself anymore lame excuses that I'm tired, no time.. blah blah blah...

I feel good after the workout. And... it was a good sleep for me last night. I'm hoping today will be the same too.

No photos of my foods, since they are almost the same as yesterday. I'm already completed 60% of my challenge.

Is it tough? In a way yes, since I can't eat some of my favorite food that will cost half of my budget easily with one purchase.

But in a way it's fun, since I'm using my "creativity" to combine things in my cabinets and refrigerator to make "yummy" meals.

So far they have been good.

I'm glad my half tank gasoline have survived until now, but tomorrow will definitely a refill.

Day 19 fund: $56.05
Spending: None

$100 challenge 2011: Day 18

2011-10-18T19:23:00.000-07:00

Another very tiring day for me. Not only because of work, but also the 1 hr gym I did. But it felt sooooo good, I am almost in a sleepy mode now.

Shall let my photos do most of the talk tonight.

I bought this a while ago.

Finally got the chance to mix with a pack of tofu, and made 4 tofu burgers. Ate one as my breakfast with a cup of milktea.

Dinner was using another ready to use ingredient that I had in my food storage.

Japanese sara udon is good to make Kuching's style tomato gravy crispy noodle.

My version of tomato gravy, unused packets of Heinz ketchup from the fast foods and lots of Chinese blach vinegar. Used some of the seasoning from the instant sara udon to thicken the gravy.

That made a pretty awesome plate of tomato gravy noodle. The crispy noodle soaked the gravy, making eating it at slow and fast path giving different kinds of noodle texture.

I love my napa cabbage so much tonight. It was cooked to retain the crunch from the succulent area.

After my cup of sleeptime tea and an email to someone VIP, I shall head to the bed.

Oyasumi. I think my workout really helping my mind to relax.

Day 18 fund$56.05
Spending: None

$100 challenge 2011: Day 17

2011-10-17T18:09:00.000-07:00

A quick post for tonight.

Exhausted. Waited for my doctore for 2 hrs. Spent a total of 3 hrs in the clinic. All because of the frontier staff that screw up a whole day flow. The doctor kept apologising to me.

And she said, "She will be gone tomorrow."

I feel bad for the lady, but I can see the impact if patients scheduled are screwed. I was having a meeting with my boss, I had to go back to my company to reschedule it, because stupid fish fish left her cellphone at home, so no boss's number to contact.

Dinner. A simple one. 10 min preparation.

Mini seashell pasta + sweet pea + frozen carrot strips + fresh cauliflower + mini anchovies + leftover chicken meat from boiling chicken soup.

Seasoning: only Japanese soysauce and Chinese cooking wine.

My dinner and a hot shower... I feel so much better now.

Signing off. Private time for myself.

XOXO, Fish Fish

Day 17 fund: $56.05
Spending: None

$100 challenge 2011: Day 16

2011-10-16T18:06:00.000-07:00

A beautiful is going away too fast. Didn't go anyway these two days, except went out for a run/walk yesterday evening.

Busy cooking at home whole day. I'm in the mood of cooking, since it made the room warmer.

There were 4 quarter legs remaining in my refrigerator. Decided to make them my source of protein for the next 5 meals.

Meal 1: A lunch using linguine. Stir fried linguine with Tom Yam paste with lots of vegetable, chicken strips and an egg.

Good stuff, the Tom Yam paste. One seasoning was all I need for this yummy plate.

After reading a chapter of book and a short nap, decided to deal with the remaining chicken. Separated the bones to make some chicken soup.

Used the first batch for cooking brown rice.

And refilled with some water again to make chicken soup. Scratched the meat on the bone before throwing the bone away. Making myself a simple bowl of clear mushroom chicken soup.

What is a Sunday without a glass of my whiskey? Opted for Glenlivet today. Listening to one of my favorite song, Rhythm of the Rain by Dan Fogelberg over and over and over again, recalling the sweet moments. It was soooo good.

The meat, I used some himalayan salt, ground and powdered pepper, curry leaves and 21 ingredient spices to marinate them for 30 min and used some peanut oil given by a friend to deep fried them, making myself some homemade friend chicken.

These meat were divided to be my protein for four meals.

1st meal from the fried chicken was combined with the chicken soup absorbed brown rice and some stir fried cabbage, and a bowl of chicken soup.

Sunday's dinner, a homemade one, not bad after all.

And I ended the meal with lemon meringue pie Jell-O, free stuffs given by my coworker.

I think I'm clearing my food storage in a good pace. So nice to them getting less and less by day.

And now, I need a good hot shower and giving my scalp a good massage.

Have a good Monday.

Day 16 fund: $56.05
Spending: None

$100 challenge 2011: Day 15

2011-10-15T19:16:00.000-07:00

I love my Otaku style Saturday. A day totally belongs to myself.

Woke up at 8 a.m. Went for my blood and urine test with empty stomach.

At 10 a.m., cooked myself a huge plate of stir fried noodle with lots of cabbage, mini anchovies and two eggs. Finished the whole thing in 30 min!!

After a Skype session with friends, went to have a nap on my couch for 2.5 hrs. Such a peaceful sleep.

Woke up at started to cook my dinner around 3 p.m.

While my dinner was cooking, I made a bowl of instant dried noodle.

An hour later, at 4:30 p.m., my dinner was ready. A huge bowl of chicken soup with lots of napa cabbage. Put a lot of ground pepper and some soysauce and flavoring.

I would like to use ginseng, but I don't have any at home.

Surprisingly, this one better than I thought too, though less light than the ginseng version.

At 5:30 p.m., I went for a 40 min workout. Run and walk. Caught a bit of cold, kept sneezing. But the hot shower helped to ease it.

And after cleaning my bedroom and kitchen... I'm ready for my sleeping session again.

Just a simple Saturday by myself. It might sound boring to many people... but when you have busy routine most of the days, a day like this is pure happiness.

Day 15 fund: $56.05
Spending: None

$100 challenge 2011: Day 14

2011-10-14T20:50:00.000-07:00

Ah... I like Friday.

But I don't like what my doctor told me today.

And I don't like to have to spend money sending out another letter. Because another $5.65 is gone. Poof!

Fish Fish, you can do it, I tell myself. Hehe...

Going for a body check tomorrow's morning, starving for 14 hours.

There was free foods one the public desk area at work, took one turkey sandwich as half dinner. Ended up heat 1 bowl of tomato bisque + steaming two eggs + a pack of instant noodle + a glass of green tea for my remaining half dinner.

Geez... I still don't understand my gigantic size appetite sometimes. Shame shame... And I am scared of my own appetite.

Nite nite everybody.

Day 14 fund: $56.05
Spending: $5.65

$100 challenge: Day 13

2011-10-13T17:11:00.000-07:00

Not in the mood to upload any photo.

So just a short update.

It's a very tough night for me today. No worry, I'll be strong. At least I didn't cry. Good girl fish fish, think of the good side. :)

Pardon my low mood, my dear blog.

Day 13 fund: $61.70
Spending: None

$100 challenge 2011: Day 12

2011-10-12T17:12:00.000-07:00

Not a good day for me despite I didn't spend any money.

Went for a business trip. Departed on 7:30am and reached home at 6:00pm.

Three things happened today...
All involved around car.
Sigh...

A bit painful in heart... but things happened.

Oh well.

I need a kiss.

Day 12 fund: $61.70
Spending: None

$100 challenge 2011: Day 11

2011-10-11T18:37:00.000-07:00

Another tiring day for me.

Woke up at 4:30 a.m. to do work, until 4:30 p.m. Exhausted. I bet tonight will be a very good sleep for me.

My lunch. Chicken curry + soysauce tofu. Almost like I was back to Malaysia with Chap Fan. I miss that.

Dinner, another modified dish using my chicken curry. Curry Mee Sua Soup.

And tonight, I need to spend $2 to do my laundry. Usually $4, but this time, I'm skipping the drying part, and will hang them to naturally dry.

So with that...

Day 11 fun: $61.70
Spending: $2.00

$100 challenge 2011: Day 10

2011-10-10T17:20:00.000-07:00

Worked 10.5 hrs. Tired.

Ate big bowl of curry noodle. Good.

Taking some time to rest after a full dinner. Sleepy.

Thinking of my hot shower later. Relaxing.

No money is spent. Great.

Yes... not quite an update, but at least an update.

Day 10 fund: $63.70
Spending: None

$100 challenge 2011: Day 9

2011-10-09T18:25:00.000-07:00

Lazy Sunday. Lazy to tag my photos. Shall be an update with more photos.

My dinner for last night. Half grilled fish with tofu dish. Asian. A bit tired of creamy pasta. After that, went for my 10 hr sleep due to headache.

Today, is bargain hunting day.
Look what I've got. All these for only $22.88.
Here are some of the deals: $0.15 per lb cabbage. $0.39 per lb napa cabbage. $1.09 per big pack tomatoes. $0.99 per lb long bean. $0.99 per 8 oz mushroom. $0.49 per lb cauliflower. $0.99 per pack tofu. $2.34 per 26 oz bread. And.... the best part... $0.79 per lb chicken. These will last me 2 weeks. An average less than $2 per day for my foods. ^_^

I decided to cook a big pot of modified Malaysian curry tonight, without the coconut milk. $3 chicken + $1 long bean + $0.30 cabbage + a pack of ready to cook vegetarian curry paste brought by the hubby few months ago. And with little bit of soy sauce added...

I'm surprised how good that it is. I had to go for 2nd round. :P No coconut milk made me less guilty.

And these shall last me for a whole week of lunch = $1 per lunch.

Lunch was something more westernized. Smoked salmon sandwich with tomato and yogurt. And a 1/4 pack of tomato and roasted bell pepper bisque. And a tablespoon of greek yogurt and chopped fresh basil from my little "garden"... Ah... life is good.

And with that big pack of $1 tomatoes... I decided to make them into ready to use tomato puree with some dry basil and a pinch of freshly ground mixed peppers. I shall use them for either pasta, pizza or even as topping for my sandwich.

It's been a long long time since I am bargain hunting like this. I miss this kind of fun. A great satisfaction from this achievement.

$100 challenge afterall, is not really torturing at all if you know where to look for the good price stuffs.

And my saving for today was $10.50.

Day 9 fund: $63.70
Spending: $22.88

$100 challenge: Day 8

2011-10-08T16:22:00.000-07:00

A very quick update today. Headache is attacking me, the outcome of 6.5 hrs under hot sun. Cycled almost 20 mile and walks in botanical garden for 4 hrs. It was a good exploration, but very tiring.

The woods are very pretty with fall color. Making me missing the ones I love so much. Aishiteru, you know who you are.

I'm proud of myself today, despite only brought some cracker, and hungry like hell, I resisted the temptation on spending money on food. I did it. Came back quick quick cooked myself a dinner, as when I get too hungry, my whole body can get shakey.

No regret in doing that beautiful one-man trip today.

Good night everybody. I shall take a good shower and go to bed. Slept only 6 hr last night, that for me, is very short. I'm a 8-hr sleeping baby.

Day 8 fun: $86.58
Spending: None

$100 challenge 2011: Day 7

2011-10-07T19:09:00.000-07:00

TGIF!!! I'm so glad.

But a ridiculous thing happened, my no lock bedroom was locked. Eventually, with the help of my landlord, we managed to unlock the door. Turn out the knob inside had worn out, so it was locked both inside and outside.

Good that I don't have to sleep on my sofa, but sleeping on my sofa, is not a bad idea at all. I love the body scent on it.

Breakfast. Instant noodle with leftover veggie by one friend, and leftover egg by another friend.

Lunch, I made this in 5 min. Super easy. Using cooking cream, turkey bacon and sweet pea all leftover by friends.

Dinner... another pasta menu. Again, sweet pea and turkey bacon and cooking cream. And with that, my turkey bacon is finally gone. So is my parpadelle.

I'll make a non-pasta meal tomorrow.

I need a whiskey. My Uigeadail. My dail dail.

I had to spent almost $8 today, for my medicine prescription. *sigh* All my money spent this month, none is food related. So with that, I am $8 poorer.

Have a good weekends everyone. Love love.

Day 7 fund: $86.58
Spending: $7.83 (medicine)

$100 challenge 2011: Day 6

2011-10-06T17:56:00.000-07:00

Update update!

6th day, still surviving, well, indeed.

A fruitful day. Busy day at work, and a 4.5 mile walk, and now getting ready to go to sleep in 20 min.

A nice dinner from my neighbour. I love her. I'm so glad I'm so blessed with such a girlfriend. She is indeed my best neighbour I ever had. Lucky.

That cucumber pickle is addictive. Me like. Thanks Nely, for the wonderful dinner.

Not only that, the meal also came with dessert. I ate this before my walk.

Hmmm... tonight will be a good sleep for me. Want to be an early bird tomorrow to do some work at 4am.

Thanks to the good foods, I'm able to survive another day without spending a cent.

Tomorrow... I'm going to buy my medicine. Yike!

Day 6 fund: $94.41
Spending: None

$100 challenge 2011: Day 5

2011-10-05T18:41:00.000-07:00

Fifth day. My lunch was leftover from yesterday.

Tonight, I cooked an early dinner. A simple turkey bacon with tofu. Ate it with brown rice, pickle and Chinese fermented tofu.

Simple yet pretty yummy.

Went to see my primary care doctor today. This time, I chose a female doctor. Easier for me to ask sensitive questions.

Also my first time did a pap smear. Pretty embarrassing moment for me. But a good experience definitely.

Next... I need to look for a Dentist and an Optometrist.

Been putting on a lot of weight. Yike!!! Time to hit the gym again.

My kind neighbour brought 2 plates of foods for me. She knew I'm having the $100 challenge, and hoping that will help me. Ah... all the kind samaritans in my life. I love you all.

I'm glad to announce that I survived my 5th day well, without spending a cent.

Day 5 fund: $94.41
Spending: None

$100 challenge 2011: Day 4

2011-10-04T17:52:00.000-07:00

Today is a good sunny day, but I was stucked in the office. Going no where. Tried to start my gym today but failed, because of workload. Tomorrow need to go to work by 7am. Such is life. But it's ok... seeing that I have a job and actually enjoy doing it... not too bad.

My dinner. No lunch photo, it was the leftover from yesterday's lunch. My boss saw me holding it, and commented that it would help in the $100 challenge. Hehe... definitely.

Dinner was also leftover, but with a slight twist. Added some turkey bacon and carrot stick. Lunch tomorrow going to be almost the same, minus the carrot stick. Oh... I added an egg in this dinner too.

I like to munch on some snack after my dinner. Tonight, decided to go for some Chex Mix. Got them 2 months ago, but didn't get the chance to eat them. Finally a good excuse to do so. Never tried chex mix? Then you have to try them yourself. I love~~~ chex mix.

Nomadic meow commented my food storage can last me a whole month. Hehe... might be true for many people, but for a huge appertizer like me... I think they can only last 10 days. :P

I'm happy to declare that my 4th day survived well without spending a single cent. Geez... I actually feel sleepy now. Going to bed at 9pm tonight. Aiyayah~~~

Day 4 fund; $94.41.
Spending: None

$100 challenge 2011: Day 3

2011-10-03T17:49:00.000-07:00

This week is our company volunteering week. They do this every October. I joined my group to do volunteer work in a shelter home. There were a total of 50 people joining this one, and I was in the cooking lunch session.

We need to prepared food for 200 people. The meal must include milk, bread, vege, fruit and a main entree. The foods are donated, and we, around 10 of us, help to prepare the foods. In normal days, there will be only two people doing the work that 10 of us were doing.

It was a very eye opening volunteering session for me. Including the average age of homeless (9 year-old), the number of homeless, and even the number of people applying for home versus the actual amount available (imagine 40,000 spots versus more than 600,000 applications).

What is potrayed as homeless in the media (pulling a cart, with all sort of things, heavy odour, dirty...) are just a small group of them. Majority of the homeless just look like you and me... they might have their own jobs, but the income is not sufficient for them to even rent a place to stay. Even those in the shelter homes, are the lucky small groups that gets some aids while they are trying to get their feet back to the ground. A lot of them are actually homeless families, with kids as young as new born. With the economy in U.S. is bad... or worse... the situation does not help to ease the homeless issues at all.

The lady gave us an example. A newly opened Target needed 350 staffs... and the applicants turned out to be more than 8000 people. It is almost like winning a lottery to even being picked for working there. I

After helping with the volunteering... my boss decided to bring us to lunch. We ordered the same lunch special at Pita Inn. A big plate of this with pita bread... only cost $4.95. I ate half, and another half shall save for tomorrow's lunch. This is definitely helping me for my $100 challenge.

Really love the falafel and the tumeric rice. Definitely is a good fast food place to go again. I want to try their baba ganoush and tabouli next time.

Dinner... I just digged out a pack of frozen Yoshinoya cooked beef that I bought few weeks ago, add in a pack of tofu, plus some Japanese wine... and I have a tofu + beef dish that can last me three meals. Cooked brown rice using my stove rather than rice cooker, because the gas is included in my rental, but not the electricity. It was a good dinner for me... simple yet delicious.

I did spend some money today for sending out a letter. Not something I like, but have to do. And another letter is received today for another purpose. Geez... all these things never end. Shall deal with that later of this week. But the letter sent out cost me 1/20 of my $100. Bless me.

Tomorrow shall walk to work. I need that. Kill two birds with one stone.

So, with that, my fund is not $100 anymore. Oh well...

Day 3 fund: $94.41.
Spending: $5.59 (mail)

$100 challenge 2011: Day 2

2011-10-02T19:15:00.000-07:00

I am staying at home as an otaku for the past 2 days. It feels good actually, not going out of the house at all.

Tomorrow I'm ready for another week again.

Here is just a simple update of my day 2 challenge.

My Sunday brunch. The last batch of my Tom Yam. This time I cooked it with Orzo, and make it like a Western porridge. Nice... goodby my Tom Yam. I'm gonna miss you.

Evening... decided to use parpadelle and my garden basil to make a plate of pasta, using turkey bacon and fresh shrimp, all courtesy from the vast food sources I have at home.

Good, another day without any spending.

My car petrol is half full. Hmmm... I should have refill it to full tank before the challenge, but then... with a half tank, it will make my challenge more fun.

Shall go for something more healthy cooking tomorrow, hopefully.

Day 2 fund: $100
Spending: None

$100 challenge 2011: Day 1

2011-10-01T18:42:00.000-07:00

Hi, it's been a long time since I revisited my own blog. It's that time of the year again, $100 a month challenge. September was a heavy traveling month for me. Looking at my food storage and the money I have spent, it is only rational for me to have my challenge again this month to balance out the expenditure.

As my first day effort... I cooked two meals, with only remaining stuffs in my refrigerator.

This shall be my only financial support for this month. Excluding the fixed payment each month, this $100 will be for all my electricity, petrol, groceries and foods.

In order to make that possible, I guess I'll have to use my bicycle or walk to work for this month, and shall leave my Black Stallion a good rest, after the 2000 mile long drive few days ago.

My brunch. Leftover tom yam soup made by nomadic meow. I used it to make tom yam spaghetti soup. Delicious!!

Later in the evening... I found some fresh ingredient from my refrigerator, including the fresh basil that I plant, and made myself a good Arabiata spaghetti.

Initially, I wanted to start my no carb meals this month, but it shall be postpone to November since I need those carb to have a cheaper meals option.

Not a bad starting at all for my first day, I consider those two were good and rich meals.

Let see what will be next.

Day 1 fund: $100
Spending: None

Dangerous...

2011-07-17T17:00:00.000-07:00

... as I almost forgot my new email's account password.

Thank goodness it was figured out after the 5th try.

Should have opened my drawer and see the password I wrote down.

Since the last time blogged, a lot of foods have gone in and out of my body. Posted more than 50++ food photos on FB alone yesterday, just about one trip to New Orleans. Lazy to do the remaining.

These few weeks have been busy with work, trying to cope with the hot and humid summer in Chicago. It is said that there's only two seasons here, winter and summer. It is hard for me to imagine a place with such an unbearable summer will have an extreme winter too. How contradicting.

Missing is a very strange thing, it can strike you so easily, so strongly that you can't even control it. Damn myself. I'm a grown up adult... should handle it better.

I blame it on the summer. Go away summer, I don't like you. I want September to come soon.

Change of my email address

2011-06-26T12:33:00.000-07:00

After using my Lycos account for years in this blog, I have to stop using it. My account was hacked, and no way I can log into it anymore, and frankly speaking, Lycos have been a pain in the axx to use these two years. Time to move on.

Created a new email account on Hotmail, especially for my blog. My blog's activities will be moved to this new account.

There are a few of my blog supporters that have been writing emails to me personally through my old Lycos. I'm sorry for losing all your contact emails in that old account. If you read this, will you please send an email to my new email? Just click on the sidebar for the "My email".

C from Chicago, will you please write me an email? We should really try to meet during this summer.

I've been cooking 2-3 times per week lately. They are mostly quite easy to make dishes. Usually it took about 10 min from preparation to ready-to-eat.

I'm quite into smoked salmon lately. Especially wild caught smoked coho salmon. I'm not a big fan of sockeye salmon, the color is very pretty, but it is just a bit too fishy for even a fishy Fish Fish.

Just a sharing session of what had been cooking in my small little kitchen. ^_^ (Jason Mraz's music is playing...)

My two little plants that just joined me three days ago. Got them for free from the community garden in my company. Ended up spending $12 for the pots and the soil. I did not inherit green fingers from my grandma... anything I plant, ended up pretty bad eventually. But somehow, I want to make these two break that tradition of mine. Please, my dear little basils, grow strongly for me, will you?

Staying next to a Trader Joe's is so convenient. I've been buying things regularly from there. One of my favorite section, there spices selection. I especially love their Himalayan salt and 21 seasoning salute, you can almost make anything delicious by simply adding in these two bottles.

On Friday, I decided to try to grill a steak for the first time. Chosen an Angus Beef New York Strip. $11, quite expensive, but I just want to spoil myself a bit. I just simply rub some Himalayan salt, 21 spices salute and black pepper to marinate it for about 5 min. After that, broiled in the oven for a while, before lowering down the temperature to 200 degree F.

Initially, I was aiming for a medium rare...

But a virgin try usually didn't quite turn up how you want them to be. My steak turned up to be medium. Surprisingly, it was really good. Very flavorful. The spices and salt only accentuated the flavorful and jucy peace of meat, yet did not overpowering the steak itself.

I would give myself a 70 points.

Next time, I'm aiming for a 80 points.

Do you feel like every evening after you long busy day at work, your body and mind are just too exhausted for you to even want to have anything cooking in the kitchen?

Well, you don't have to if you don't want. Yet, you can have a nutritious, yummy and well-balanced meal ready for yourself in less than 5 min.

I like to have some hard salami in my refrigerator, and fresh veggies. And of course, some old school style bread.

This is just an example. Just grill your bread in the oven for a couple min, meanwhile, just slice your salami and cut your veggies into appropriate size. For some simple yet yummy dipping, I like to have olive oil mixed with balsamic vinegar.

Have a glass of wine as a companion, easing your day with a simple meal.

I've been eating two meals per day on Sundays. Brunch and early dinner.

For brunch, it all depends on how my mood was on that Sunday. Sometimes, I prefer something more Western, sometimes, Eastern seems to be more appealing to me.

Another simple brunch prepared in less than 10 min. A cup of coffee went so well with it. I like mine with half and half and sucralose.

I bought a slow cooker for only $15. It has been helpful for preparing my lunch for the week.

The above photo is my roast pork with veggies, using BBQ sauce. I don't even brown my meat. Just put everything in the slow cooker, after a few hours, voila, it is all ready to eat. All you have to do, put them all in and wait... let the slow cooker does the job for you.

A fusion Japanese style brunch. It was a very hot summer day, higher than 90 degree F, with extremely high humidity. I wanted cold ice, I wanted cold air... I even wanted a cold ice bath. A cold noodle sounded so much appealing to me than anything else. Just found whatever I felt combine well, and just make them into a plate of nutritious cold noodle. I love natto, and natto in a cold noodle is always a cheering ingredient for me.

With a glass of cold sake... it makes even the hottest summer day more bearable.

I am obsessed with smoked salmon lately, smoked wild coho salmon to be precise. Trade Joe's has a good one, though a bit expensive, 4 oz for $5. But it usually lasts me 2-3 meals.

One of my more fancy dinner. Added a bowl of creamy mushroom soup. Bread and Port Salut cheese are good to go with this thing. Persian cucumbers and sweet colorful peppers, such a good choices as munching snack, and side dish for this case.

Same smoked coho salmon, but a different way of preparing. Penne boiled with spinach, sauteed mushroom. Mixed with Japanese Ume pasta sauce. And just topped with smoked salmon and dried nori.

Instead of the creamy rich style pasta that makes you feel sick when you are having too much, this thing is so light one can go for a 2nd portion easily. Just watch out it might be too sour for you, if you have low threshold for sourness.

A couple days ago, I decided to try out the a different smoked salmon, farm-raised nova salmon. Not as good as coho version, but I will choose this over the sockeye anytime. It is cheaper too, 8 oz for $7.

One of my dinner... smoked salmon with Tuscan bread. My salad was cut tomato + cut orange pepper + mozzarella cheese + olive oil + balsamic vinegar + dried basil + Himalayan salt, and just mix everything together. It turns up to be a very satisfying salad.

I had this with a small glass of Ardbeg Uigeadail. Not bad at all.

This morning, another way of using my smoked nova salmon. I bought a very fresh bunch of asparagus. Using spaghetti and mentaiko sauce this time, I made a different version of healthy style pasta brunch. Boiled my spaghetti al-dante, and add in my asparagus at the last 1 min to soften it. Mixed with the mentaiko pasta sauce, and just topped with salmon and nori. This is a version better than the ume sauce. And went very well with a glass of cold sake or a diet soda.

One thing that I'm not quite good at, getting my grilled salmon right. I always overcook it. Brown rice and veggies Japanese curry. A bit too fusion on the curry, but it is a healthy version.

I am so glad Mitsuwa is just 10 miles away from my apartment. Going there twice per month to get my source of fish. They even have cleaned version, make preparing fish in my kitchen so much easier. I just sauteed my sweet pea with a bit of oil and some light soy sauce. My sanma was grilled, only salt and pepper. Sanma is a flavorful fish by itself, not fishy too. The only problem, if you don't like bone, this will be a fish "too troublesome" for you to eat. I like fish with bone, and eating it is fun.

Another fresh fish from Mitsuwa. Rainbow trout. My first time on a rainbow trout, it was ok, not the type of fish I will get excited with. Will I buy a rainbow trout again? Maybe, since there is a recipe that recommed to used with lemon juice, maybe that will change my perception on this fish.

What should be my coming cooking projects? Maybe different way of cooking beef. Shall see.

Have a great Sunday, everyone.

XOXO, Fish Fish

A sunny cold day

2011-03-31T18:04:00.000-07:00

Looking at the sunny photo alone in this suburb of Chicago, you will be deceived how good weather it is. So sunny, yet the temperature is freezing cold.

I was talking to a staff in the hotel I'm staying, he told me I should try the cold in upstate NY. Military in Alaska go their to have extreme coldness training. He was trained in the military at -40 degree F. One night, his friend was trying to pour hot coffee on him, but the coffee turned into beautiful black flakes befor they even hit him. They decided to make a few more cup of flakes. Maybe I should try that next time.

I did something great just now. I actually ate a whole golden fresh apple without my teeth feeling horrible. This is the first for many many years. I might try to buy these golden apples in the future if I want the good taste of apple.

Still, my dislike towards cilantro, century, colored contact lense, unfriendly people and boastful men still remain the same.

I am so grateful with my life now. Yes, the Hubby is 2000 miles away from me, but we can always be connected easily with a 4 hr non-stop fly. He will be coming here in two weeks time.

Work is coming to the end of 3rd week. Busy tend to make time goes by fast. Sooner, it will be September. Ah... the lovely September. A beautiful start of a fall season that will make little kitty feels so at ease. Great season to enjoy delicious mutton and yummy fish. With a nice glass of wine. Laying warmly on my heated floor. Pure bliss.

Home is 8500 miles away, but Skype has been able to connect hearts that are far far away, amazing isn't it? Mom had her birthday on March 30. All I need to do is to dial my Skype, and there she was at the other end, sounding as though just beside me, hearing me saying to her with a smile, "Happy birthday, mommy!" I was grateful for the warm and kind-hearted one to send my birthday cake to her.

Last year, she told me nobody gave her a birthday cake. It made me sad to hear that. It's ok if she has more than one birthday cake this year, I just want to give her mine. ^_^ In exchange, KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK. Deal?

Okay, I hope my post is not too confusing. Winter is still around, my mind needs spring to wake me up.

XOXO, Fish Fish

To do list

2011-03-27T19:15:00.000-07:00

Moving to a new city, even for only one person, is not as easy as I thought.

Emotionally, I have to prepare for everything new and unfamiliar. Which is not too bad.

Job load keeps getting more and more. Which is not too bad too, if I get to finish them faster. I do know, next week I'll need to do a lot of OT at home.

These two days, have been very busy days for me to do shopping for things I need, since I'll be moving into my apartment next Saturday. I just got the key this afternoon. Yeah!

Have been looking at all the furniture, and make note of every single one that I want, but I'll wait until when the hubby comes, to decide if those are the good choice.

Today, I went to buy my bicycle and mattress. Also, yesterday night I signed up for my internet and TV services. These three things will enable me to go to work with no problem, sleep very soundly at night and connecting with my loved ones at home early morning and late night.

Yes, I opted for riding a bicycle to work for the two weeks while waiting for my own car to finally arrive, because I figure renting a car for another two weeks really not economically wise. My apartment is just 1.1 mile away from my work place, and riding a bicycle will be a piece of cake for me. I can even walk to work during a good weather day. So yes, once I return my car this Saturday, I'll start my 2 weeks commute to work on my beautiful white and olive bicycle, which I paid $513. My most expensive investment on a bicycle to date. Hah!! Well, if compared to my extremist friend who spend thousands on a bike, my case is considered mild. :P

Another very heavy investment, my lovely bed! Oolala~~~ My most expensive mattress to date! But I want a good bed, so that I get very good sleep and well rested for the next day. No head board.

The Hubby complained I put too much investment on these two items, but hey, I depend on them for my work efficiency and performance, definitely a worthwhile investment for me.

Signed up with AT&T for my internet and TV. But I'll stick with my prepaid phone for now. I rather put my $85 per month on saving and car payment.

Oh yes, my car, that will be my most expensive investment among all the new things I have bought or going to buy. The reveal shall leave until it is delivered to me. I am sooooo excited even thinking about it.

What else? We have fitness center in the company, so I can scratch my expenditure on that every month. I got a Sony MP3 with 8 GB from Amazon, only $60, I consider it a smart investment.

Ah... I feel really good planning for my finance plan now. Once everything is settled down, I'll be my own accountant and try to maximize my monthly saving if possible. It is never too early to save more for your old days.

Hehe... that's my report about my to do list.

Till next time. I hope can show you guys my new apartment soon!

XOXO, Fish Fish

A perfect Saturday

2011-03-20T17:48:00.000-07:00

My 1st week at work was good. Better than expected.

It was a week full with meeting people, attending meeting and even have made myself dirty in a pilot plant observation. I think I might love this job more and more. I have already got my 1st paycheck, in the hand of the Hubby. Oolala~~~

There are many places I have stayed, and visited. For some strange reason, I feel I can settle down in Chicago. It is a weird feeling I never had, despite Chicago is a city with extreme weather. So far, only Kuching, my own hometown really made me feel that way.

Southern California is very nice in term of weather, undeniably. You can find almost everything there. The beautiful beaches and mountains are just hours away. But there is something that I don't feel quite right when my 1.5 years staying there. It is sunny and beautiful most of the time it almost feel like an utopia, too ideal.

I am looking for something more variability. I miss the white view after a snowy day, the noise and mess after heavy rainy day, red and yellowish leaves that paint the city into evening color during fall... and Chicago will be able to give me those.

My going-to-be apartment will be the best place for me to enjoy those things. Protected and secured.

As I was travelling from my hotel room to downtown Chicago, I have a mixed illusion that I was passing from Kyoto to Kobe to Tokyo. On the train, when passing by those cramply built apartments with high-floor, which are just inches away from the train rail, it is almost like back to the days of getting around in bustling Tokyo.

The tranquility I felt at the long pier of gigantic Lake Michigan, with a Ferris wheel at far way, it reminded me of Kobe.

While looking at Chicago River flowing in between the skycrappers that standing proud at both sides of it, watching seagulls were fighting for foods given by a passerby, my mind flew back to the time I was enjoying scene in Kyoto. I wonder if Uji River and Kamogawa River are still the same.

Ah yes, a perfect Saturday was what I had.

Woke up at 9 am after a late night chatting with my best friend. Enjoying a warm cup of coffee to make me alert. Talking to the Hubby over the phone, hearing how excited he is for the LA marathon on Sunday. Took a train to downtown Chicago. Ate a late lunch in a German restaurant with a nice mug of amber beer (I rarely drink beer, not to mention at noon!) to go with my sausage trio and German potato salad. Walking down the streets of Chicago downtown, responding to the smile of friendly strangers, popped into any shop to buy something impromptu, walking from the Chicago River to Lake Michigan, shivering in a temperature below freezing point with no cap and gloves, to finally went back to my hotel at 9 p.m.

Life can be very beautiful, if you don't make yourself worry about something far beyond. I really should enjoy my life to fullest now with what I have.

:) Have a good week, everyone.

XOXO, Fish Fish

How low can that be???

2011-03-15T19:11:00.000-07:00

Angry!!!

And I know there will be innocent people fell into this trap.

I was in a good mood this evening, until I received this scam email in my mailbox.

Totally, horribly, utterly absurd!!!

How can they still have the heart to do such shameless things when the situations are worsening in Japan. There are situations where 7 people have to share 1 blanket, ok???!!!

Here is the version of the email I received.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am Dr. Scott Perry (nobody decent human will call himself Dr.), of the International Red Cross, UK division. I am a member of the newly constituted Save Japan Initiative Team (SJIT) (you mean "screw" instead of "save", right?). I am writing to you in respect with the most recent Disasters ( Earth-Quake and
Tsunami) that has ravaged Japan bringing her to her kneels.

We are currently trying our best to assist many of the displaced and
injured survivors of this recent Disaster, most especially those around
the exploded Nuclear Plants. The death toll is already running into
thousands and the displaced is in the millions and counting.

We are presently in dire need for assistance Worldwide from Groups and
Individuals, in form of Volunteers, Human Resources, Medicals, Relief
Materials (all these are bullshits to you) and most especially financial Donations (what you really want is this) so as to enable that Japan is re-built within the shortest possible time.

We all have a duty here to perform and we shall succeed in the end. Please
do your bit by making your voice and donations count through Western Union (Red Cross will not use Western Union for donation!!!) Money Transfer to our Save Japan Initiative Team (SJIT) Receiving Officer:

Mellisa Edmonds,
31 Abbey Grove, Abbey Wood,
London, SE2 9EU. U. K.
(Oh, a lady's name?? If you want to create an address, make it more convincing.)

Please note that no amount is too small as we are in the process of
ridging the gapbetween despair, determination and destination. Do well to
send us the Money Transfer Control Number(MTCN) to email: (
red.cross-intl-uk@hotmail.co.uk ) (Seriously, Red Cross using Hotmail???) soon after any such donation is made through Western Union so that we can forward it immediately (You mean into your own account right??? Making them your dirty money from good hearts).

We hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for your kindness.

Yours,

Dr. Scott Perry.
Save Japan Initiative Team (SJIT).
(Another shameless signature!)

___________________________________________________________________________

British Red Cross officially warned people about the donation and email fraud.

If you want to donate, please do it only through these proper Red Cross sites.

American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/
British Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org.uk/

Donation and email fraud
Donations
If you are suspicious about a donation request, either by email or a door-to-door solicitation, then please contact the British Red Cross supporter care team:

0844 87 100 87
supportercare@redcross.org.uk

Fraudulent disaster appeal emails and websites

Please note: Unfortunately there are currently some fraudulent emails circulating claiming to be raising money for the Japan Tsunami Appeal, please be aware we will never ask for people to donate through companies such as Western Union or Money Bookers. We have not sent any emails soliciting donations for the Japan Tsunami Appeal.

Whenever there is a disaster, such as the Japan earthquake and tsunami and the New Zealand or Haiti earthquakes, there will be those who seek to take advantage of people wanting to donate for the relief effort. Many scams involve emails that claim to be on behalf of the Red Cross and there are numerous variations:

They may direct you to a fake website where you are asked for credit card details.
They may offer you a position collecting money on their behalf for a percentage, retaining the money you send or using you to launder money from criminal activities.
They may ask you to donate cash through money transfer companies such as Western Union.
If you receive an unsolicited email alleging to be on behalf of the Red Cross or collecting for the Red Cross, do not respond to it or provide any personal details, but delete it immediately and do not forward or otherwise circulate it.

Please ensure that you only make donations on the official British Red Cross site www.redcross.org.uk

Any emails requesting donations to us through any mechanism other than secure donation via redcross.org.uk or 0845 054 7200 are fraudulent.

All British Red Cross marketing email addresses end @mail.redcross.org.uk and we do not use general email providers, such as BT Internet or Googlemail, to solicit donations.

If you are suspicious of an email you have received, please contact the British Red Cross supporter care team:
0844 87 100 87
supportercare@redcross.org.uk

New stage

2011-03-13T13:13:00.000-07:00

Hello~~~ it's been a long long time. I'm sorry my dear little blog, the little space that I used to come and write something on you daily, I've been ignoring you.

It has been a very fast moving 4-month for me. I attained the 2 things I wanted the most, after so long. Going so smooth I am still scared that they are only dreams.

I've moved out of California. Don't worry, the Hubby and I are perfectly ok in term of relationship. But we will be in LDR again.

My new stage will start in the windy city. I just arrived last night. Tomorrow, I'll be starting my new challenge. It's a quite dramatic and unexpected turn for me, but I'm glad it is leading me to the right direction.

Life is a very very strange thing. The Chinese idiom, "山穷水尽疑无路，柳暗花明又一村。" aptly described things that happened to me.

I'm going to be writing more from now on. A promised I made myself for my Da Ge, Nya~ Nya~. ^_^

I'm so Lucky.

Thank you for loving me, and giving a life that I am loving. ^_^

XOXO, Blessed fish fish

Happy Pyon Pyon Year

2011-02-12T01:20:00.000-08:00

That's how the Japanese describe rabbit to little children. Pyon pyon... while saying that, I remembered imitating the rabbit jump.

My sister is a pyon pyon, a mommy pyon now. The last time I saw her, she was having a tummy with a 5-month Tung Tung inside. This is already Tung Tung 2nd year celebrating Chinese New Year, and I've never met her in real life yet. One thing for sure, she looks so much like the 50% daddy and 50% mommy.

I received a surprising Ang Pow from my boss. So nice to be still receiving Ang Pow though my status is now shifted to the one that should give out Ang Pows.

Called mom and dad on the 2nd day of CNY. I didn't get to talk to as many friends as previous years. Not even my pyon pyon sis. Now I am wondering should I still call and say CNY to those unscratched names on my list.

Six more days, and the rabbit celebration will be over. But I think the rabbit year has been very nice to me. Except that it is making me sick and putting on weight. I'm not complaining though.

Happy Chinese New Year.

I know this is not sounding like a CNY post at all. Maybe I am just feeling a bit sentimental now.

It was a beautiful date yesterday, 02.11.2011

I should have written a post then.

XOXO, Fish Fish

Sagittarius? Serpentarius?

2011-01-16T01:46:00.000-08:00

I was a very strong believer in Zodiac signs during I was younger. One of my favorite part while visiting a bookstore or book exhibition was to read as many Zodiac books.

I hsve since stopped doing this for years, but still, the Zodiac signs prediction never ceased to amuse me, which the Hubby likes to define me as "superstitious".

Maybe I am. He thinks it is so contradict to the scientific side of me.

And, for the longest time it exists, finally the Ophiuchus, or Serpentarius is becoming a hit topic on internet lately. I learned about Serpentarius about 10 years ago from a Zodiac book, but have totally forgotten about it, until yesterday.

From 12 to 13 signs.

And the 13th sign is the only sign that is originated from a real person, not just myth.

And, for a December 4th baby, I am going to be a Serpentarius, instead of my long-time Sagittarius.

Hmmm...

Guess I'll just read both signs from now on.

The Serpentarius does explain some of the things in me that Sagittarius couldn't.

Maybe I'll just call myself a Sagittarius Serpentarius. Just like the Secretary Bird. ^_^

Hello, I'm a Sagittarius Serpentarius. These are some of my traits.

I love to travel, and I traveled quite a lot.
I am pretty outgoing.
Risky things make my heart beats so fast.
I have 33 first cousins.
I started to be away from home since I was 20.
I like peace and wisdom.
People say I am my father's favorite.

How about you? Do you think you like the idea of 13 Zodiac signs?

XOXO, Fish Fish

Two years

2010-12-30T11:59:00.001-08:00

That's how long I've been married to the person I kept calling Da Ge (Big Brother) since we met each other online. Even now, this habit won't change, and I know how people look at us when they hear the way I call him the first time. :P But then, isn't it common for Malay to call their husbands "Abang"? I'm just adapting that tiny culture.

Years back, never in my wildest imagination that I would have known my lifelong half through the so call unsafest place to meet someone, internet.

For a person who is a bigger risk taker than her own look (I can look pretty nerdy), there are many things in life that I've done, regretted some, but this is the one I cherish.

Two years is just a short time. And there will be many more years to come. But when I think of how I can depend on him when I have to, I'm not afraid to walk through the unknown path lay ahead of me.

I know, he will be walking together by my side.

Dear Da Ge, aishiteru!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T01:50:00.000-08:00

It was a fun and nice Christmas Eve. Went to a Christmas party, courtesy of Uncle Leo and Aunt Terri. Totally love their remodeled backyard. It is like a hotel's lounge.

We had a very fun session of White Elephant. Some of the gifts were so creative. The Hubby got a Patron Tequila, and it was a highly sought after gift. Hehe...

I got an Urban Decay Pony Set as the gift, in hoping another girl will fall in love with the eyeshadows quality of this brand.

In return, the Hubby got an Adidas travelling set and I got a set that include a Coca Cola drinking bottle, Altec Lansing Headset with Microphone and a few pairs of socks. We totally love our choices since these are very usable daily items.

The Hubby is watching the Christmas Story now. He does that every year, and every time, he never failed to laugh so loud with the movie.

We are going to have a nice cup of eggnog and Panettone tomorrow. And after that, I'll be working whole day from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm on Christmas day. Bleh~~~ Oh well.

Time to take a bath.

Merry Christmas.

Love, Fish Fish

Just back

2010-11-28T23:25:00.000-08:00

It was a busy busy week for me.

Monday to Thursday, work.

Thursday night, Thanksgiving dinner. The Hubby cooked Turducken (imaging chicken wrapped in ducked wrapped in turkey being baked for 15 hrs). I made a 1-hr dish, sweet potato casserole, with lots of butter and pecan. Just the way southern like it.

Friday, we went to join the Black Friday fun. Amazing how many people were willing to camp outside just to get the best deals. Walmart was insanely packed with people. We decided to make it more crowded. Only by the end of the Black Friday, we finally bought something from Best Buy. The Hubby got one black camera for him, and kindly bought a pink one for me.

Saturday and Sunday, we brought our new cameras to Santa Barbara for two-day getaway. Santa Barbara is beautiful and quiet. Far enough to get away from home, yet near enough to drive less than 4 hr. It was a great break for both of us. We loved using our new cameras, the only down side is human face looks weird in these camera. I got to eat very fresh uni, tacos made from eyes and lips of cows, and coincidently joined a Mexican food fair for fund raising. We visited two nice missions. I learned so much about this historical side of California. And now, our goal is hopefully to visit all the 21 missions in California.

That's how I spent a whole week. Back to work again tomorrow.

XOXO, Fish Fish

Antique

2010-11-20T00:12:00.000-08:00

I just finished watching an 11-episode Japanese drama.

Antique.

It was adapted from a Japanese manga called "Antique Bakery". I've never read the manga version. But I've watched the Korean movie version, which followed the manga's plot closedly. I did not like the Korean version that much, since I don't know those actors at all. And I don't think their actings were that good.

But this Japanese drama version is totally my thing.

Let's talk about the actors, I like all 4 of them. Especially the one that acted as Keisuke. He is one of the best actors in Japan, and I've never seen him casting in such a comedic role. There are quite a number of "big actors" in this drama. How could I miss that when I was in Japan?

I laughed, cried and felt sweet so much in this drama, that I am also like a dumb, but totally enjoyed it.

The beautiful cakes that they showed in the whole series were already enough to give one enough rush from the infinity combinations of flour, sugar and egg. Don't you just love that sweet, buttery and caramalized aromas released from the oven. I love how our kitchen smelled whenever mom was making cake for Chinese New Year.

Thank you Antique for reminding me how much I loved my kitchen during CNY, and how much I loved Japanese dramas. :)

XOXO, Fish Fish

Gwyneth Paltrow and Glee

2010-11-16T23:10:00.000-08:00

The two things that I have never imagined will my in sync!

I have watched quite a lot of Gwyneth's movies, but none of them really turned my head on her. I know she is smart and talented, but I am never fond of her.

Funny how a high-school musical dramas finally converted me.

I couldn't get the "Forget Me" and "Singing in the Rain/Umbrella" out of my head. LOL

I love her fashion in the "Forget Me", totally my style.

I'll put up the full version of Singing in the Rain/Umbrella when Youtube has it.

$150 Challenge: The Final Day

2010-10-31T21:51:00.000-07:00

Finally, the last day of our challenge. It's been a good month doing it together with the Hubby.

Here is a breakdown of what we spent for the whole month.

Gasoline: $61.39 (40.93%) One really can't survive in L.A. without a car.Food: $42.09 (28.06%) Thanks to the free employee meals, we saved a lot.
Cosmetics: $24.57 (16.38%) I was so glad even with these purchases, we still made it!
Others: $11.00 (7.33%) which include:
         Medicine: $5.00 (3.33%)
         Entertainment and fun: $3.25 (2.17%)
         Laundry: $2.75 (1.83%)
Money remaining: $10.95 (7.3%)

The challenge has been fun with the Hubby doing it with me. He has been coorperative.

We will bring forward the remaining money into our eating out fund, which will start in November. From now on, we will limit $100 per month for eating out from January to August and October, September another $150 Challenge month,  $300 for November and December for $200. We need to do this because sometimes we ended up spending more than $500 per month for eating out only, which is definitely very unhealthy practise.

And thank you to all of you who have been patiently supporting us this month. ^_^ I hope you had fun together "with us".

XOXO, Fish Fish

$150 Challenge: Day 30

2010-10-31T00:14:00.000-07:00

We are almost there. 1 more day, and we can conquer our challenge this month.

Worked 10.5 hrs today. But I am not feeling tired, except for my legs. The sales at dinner was double lunch time.

A lot of people dressed in a fancy way, since there was a Halloween party 5 shops away. We had a greedy group of customers (three of them) who spent $50 on food, yet only tipped $3, and took two-hand full of trick or treat candy each person (which only meant for the little kids). So shameless!

Seriously, these people need to work in a restaurant to know how the business operates. Ok, better turn off my waiter's rant mode again. I need to finish this and enjoy my mask and shower time.

Remaining fund: $10.95.
No money spent!

So proud of ourselves. Halloween party tomorrow!! Just 5 min away from our house.

XOXO, Fish Fish

$150 Challenge: Day 29

2010-10-30T00:02:00.000-07:00

Lalala~~~ two more days and we can accomplish our mission.

But we spent a lot on food today. It is better this way, since the Hubby has a strong tendency to eat snack. With bread, peanut butter and Cheetos at home, no excuse for him to buy some small portion overpriced snacks!

We bought 5 items.
The Hubby's mini M&M and mini Snickers $0.40
Sara Lee 100% Whole wheat bread $2.29 (Saved $1.70)
Skippy Extra Chunky Peanut Butter $2.50 (Saved $1.19)
Cheetos Limited Edition Mighty Zingers $0.99 (Saved $2.00)
Barilla Spaghetti Rigati $1.00 (Saved 1.19).
Total spent: $7.18 (Saved $6.08)

With that, we only have $10.95 remain. I forbid the Hubby and me to spend anymore money for tomorrow and Sunday. He wants to buy coffee tomorrow, I suggested he just go to World's Market and Sprout for his free coffee, like he did today. :P Better, make his own at home. An excuse for him to use his expresso machine.

Lunch picture: Handmade noodle. :P It was ok. The gluten network was not good. But edible. The soup and the other ingredients were yummy though.

Dinner. Love this one. My first time trying a Spaghetti Rigati, I actually prefer this over normal round spaghetti. Sugar cured country ham was browned with olive oil. Frozen zucchini and tomato were shimmered to soft. The fluid from these vege was added with Marsala wine, flour, powdered white pepper and garlic chips. Our patio basil leaves for garnishing.

It was awesome. The salty and sweet ham added such a good flavor to the whole plate.

Weekends with a lot of Halloween fun is coming. ^_^

XOXO, Fish Fish

$150 Challenge: Day 28

2010-10-29T00:45:00.000-07:00

The Hubby spent money again today on foods. Hmmm... I should have bought another loaf of bread, that would have saved us more money.

He spent $1 on burrito and 40 cents on a pack of cheese cracker.

Ok, I'll just go to get some bread and peanut butter tomorrow. All I am asking now is we have at least $10 remaining at the end of our challenge.

Dear Hubby, can you make it happen?

Anyway, I am happy that today I got a free deluxe sample on skincare. ;) Thank you Origins. Hop over to my beauty blog if you are interested with the details.

I went to deposit my paycheck and tips. ^_^ Watching the figure in my bank account increasing is great for mind peace. I am the type of person the more I work, the less I spend. When I am jobless, I tend to spend a lot to release the stress. And eating a lot too.

Here is our fund update.

Day starts: $19.53
Day ends: $18.13

3 more days!

XOXO, Fish Fish

$150 Challenge: Day 27

2010-10-28T00:21:00.000-07:00

Update: Just got to know the Hubby spent $1 on Hawaiian Bread. So yeah, our fund is $1 less. Yike!

Woolala~~~ I am excited for my challenge to come to an end soon.

Another day of not too good tips. Got to know the tips that we earn for a week is equal to what they earn in another branch. *sigh*

Oh well, I am taking this place as my means to get training.

I was not really in a good mood this morning, quite a lot of things happened. But by the end of the day, when I decided not to care for these things, I felt more relax.

On a good note, my face condition is recovering. I love love love my well-trust skincare. It is expensive, but seeing how fast they heals my face, I guess it worth the money. I almost forgot how smooth my skin was during the days I used them in a daily basis.

We did not spend a single cent again today. I promise myself to focus on job applications for tomorrow and Friday. And, a proper beauty post in my beauty blog. :P

Here is an update of our fund.
Day starts: $20.53
Day ends: ~~$20.53~~ $19.53

XOXO, Fish Fish

$150 Challenge: Day 26

2010-10-27T10:19:00.000-07:00

I finally finished watching the drama that I was hooked. Warned the Hubby no more taking out other dramas to show me, as I know I will not stop until I have finished the whole thing.

I need to put take care of a few priorities in my life now, so time to focus on those. A paper to finish, submit more applications to find a career, and read more books, not the entertainment types, but the intellectual types, that will help to make my brain active again. Do more workout, have a healthy sleeping habit and maintain a well-balanced lifestyle. Read less blogs.

Another day at work later, here is the update of my remaining fund up to yesterday.

Day starts: $20.53
Day ends: $20.53

I can see how much foods in our fridge and cabinet have reduced. I don't remember the last time we could actually reach to the back of our cabinet.

Maybe it is time for a huge Fall cleaning. ;)

5 more days. Yes.

XOXO, Fish Fish

$150 Challenge: Day 25

2010-10-25T23:59:00.000-07:00

Today is an emo day for my coworker and me.

I am getting fed up with most of the customers quality of our restaurant. I am going to find a 2nd part time job, once my face crisis is cleared.

Imagine our average tips today was only 8.7% for noon! Doesn't matter how good our service were, these people can never be satisfied. Luckily I still have Saturdays to earn a little bit more.

But I am still glad I worked in a worse condition, because I know when I get the experience, and be able to work in a more proper restaurant with different level of customers quality, it will worth the hardship now.

Anyway, another successful day of our challenge.

Day starts: $20.53
Day ends:$20.53

^_^

XOXO, Fish Fish

$150 Challenge: Day 24

2010-10-25T10:45:00.000-07:00

Just a very short update before I go to work.

Yesterday was our most boring Sunday at home. We did not even go out of the house one step. :P Blame it on the Hubby, I was suggesting to rent a movie to watch from Red Box using my free promo coupon, instead he introduced me a whole 50 episodes series of a drama. I am totally hooked. So, our dating was done at home, cooking remaining foods. He planned to make bread, but since we don't have yeast and eggs at home, we gave up the idea. Maybe next week.

Another thing is making me sad now. I don't know if it is because of the new BB cream that I tried, or because of the sauna-like condition that I experienced for the whole Saturday at work, my face had the worst breakout I have ever had. I don't even dare to go to submit another part time that I planned earlier. Please let me recover quick. I beliebe it is the BB cream since I have never used one before, and my face does not feel itchy. Now I just have to use my well-trusted skincare and no makeup for a few days, hopefully it will go back to my normal skin condition.

The Hubby nearly scared me when he said he need to go to a dentist appointment on Saturday. And he took $20 to go. I was a bit mad he did not tell me earlier, or else we could cut down the sausage we bought. Turned out he was pulling my legs, since the dentist visit was covered by the insurance fully. *phew~~~*

1 more week, and we are done with this challenge! Yeah! Did not spend any money on a Sunday. ^_^

Day starts: $20.53
Day ends: $20.53

XOXO: Fish Fish

$150 Challenge: Day 23

2010-10-24T00:14:00.000-07:00

Another long and very busy day at work. I am very exhausted now after 12 hr work, but I just have to tell this incident today.

*waiter's rant mode on*

I have never felt so pissed about a customer like I did today. But I did remain my cool, although I did not smile a her the whole time. What can I say, a very inconsiderate, selfish and rude lady. I didn't even want to serve her, and thanks to my coworker I don't have to deal with her that much.

Basically, we were at our peak time, busy with so many customers eating, settling checks and leaving the tables.

Earlier, there was 4 empty seats at the sushi counter, I asked if she would like to sit there, but she insisted a booth or table. I told her it would take some time, she said ok. So I gave the counter seats to the next two customers.

After about 15 min, she appeared again, and said, "Hey, there is a table empty already." I told her I know, but I have to deal with the bill first. But she said, "Why can't you clean the table for us now?" I told her will be soon, just a few more minutes as I have two checks on my hand to settle the paying. She could not wait, and started to say, "That's not a proper way to do business, you have to clean the empty table first."

F***! For the first time, I was cursing this word inside me, and instantly, I am not smiling at her at all from that point onward. I just cleaned the table for her, and let her sit down. While the other customers just looked at her bewilderedly. A few customers even felt sorry for me. Oh well, some people just think they are on top of everything.

I did not go to take her order. My coworker did deal with her, and she even wanted to just shove the food in front of her face. But that was not it, she requested more than 10 times my coworker to bring every single thing to her. Like a napkin, a small dish, refill water, a sauce, etc... all at different times!!

Since my coworker does not speak Mandarin, she had been trying to call me instead all the time, doesn't matter I pretend not hearing her, after she called me for the 5th time. Then, I would just attended her at minimal courtesy by giving her what she wanted. I am very amazed with her "thick face" though. The husband kept telling her, "It's ok, we don't really need that." But she just insisted my friend to must bring that. Like instead of asking for two boes, she just request for one box at a time!! F***!

My poor coworker had to deal with another pain in the ass customer at the same time, while I have to deal with all the customers at the front part.

Seriously, I don't care if she is not coming anymore, in fact, we will be more than happy if she decided to do so. In fact, one of my customer made a remark about she should just go to eat in somewhere else instead of making such a big fuss for waiting for a few more minutes. A few customers waited for more than 30 min, and they didn't even make a single complain, and say, "It's ok, we know you guys are very busy." Talking about different level of courtesy.

Ok, I think enough of this kind of people. Our dinner time was super busy, but at least we don't have extra hard to deal with customers. Instead, most of the customers are very nice tonight. Thank you all for making my day better at the end of the day.

Ah, I am glad I have an off day tomorrow. *heart* But I am stressed with my face condition now, I think my new BB cream (1st try yesterday) caused myself break out very badly now. :(

Anyway, the Hubby spent $1 on buying a McCoffee.

So, here is a track of our remaining fund.
Day start: $21.53
Day end: $20.53

XOXO, Fish Fish

$150 Challenge: Day 22

2010-10-23T23:51:00.000-07:00

Just a very short update on what I spent yesterday.

$5 on medicione refill.
$0.19 on a banana.
$1.99 on a pack of sausage
$0.40 on the Hubby's snack
Total: $7.58

Day start: $29.11
Day end: $21.53

XOXO, Fish Fish

$150 Challenge: Day 21

2010-10-22T00:27:00.000-07:00

Another day without sun. Cold. Making ones lazy to go out.

Made a lentil soup and chicken with asparagus tonight. Roti canai was our carb. With guilt, I just had to fry some spring rolls and keropok to heal my crave for some sinful munching.

Then, in the middle of the night, the Hubby just popped out of the bedroom munching on a Vietnamese sandwich. -_-""" Sometimes I think I am married to a Peter Pan, seriously.

Glad that this is another day without expenditure.

Day starts: $29.11
Day ends: $29.11
Dinner for tonight: Pureed soup with lentil, tomatoes, zucchini and onion powder, seasoned with paprika powder and tumeric powder. Used some light soysauce and 1/4 cube of chicken cube for create the savoriness. Stir fried asparagus with chicken, flavored with wine. Pan fried two frozen roti canai for the Hubby while 1/2 piece for myself only, as I think I consumed too much carb earlier.

We are running out of peanut butter. Gosh! Didn't even know that we finished that quite fast. I think I am also addictive to milk tea lately.

XOXO, Fish Fish

$150 Challenge: Day 20

2010-10-21T12:20:00.000-07:00

I was tired and forgot to update my challenge last night. The business last night was bad, and worse, we had to replace extra $2 for the account balance at the end of the day, and we hardly earn any tips. There was $2 lack of a stack of $1 notes which was supposed to be a $20, but after counting three times, it was still $18. Must be the mistake from last night (since I know the person who do the counting don't count the bundled $1 notes, but I have no proof). So from now on, going to make sure I recalculate everything from the night before to make sure it is not our mistake.

Anyway, no money was spent yesterday.

Day starts: $29.11
Day ends: $29.11
Money spent: Nada

XOXO, Fish Fish

$150 Challenge: Day 19

2010-10-19T18:18:00.000-07:00

Just came back from work. Slow day again. Rainy day makes Southern California more lazy to go out, I suppose.

The Hubby is working late again tonight. Decided to ditch my gym tonight, just want to relax and cook some dinner at home, watching my favorite TV program, and getting ready for another long day at work tomorrow.

Promise myself to submit at least two new job applications this Friday. *crosses my fingers*

Anyway, I spent a lot of money today! Oh gosh, our fund is getting less so much in a single day. But it is for good reason, to fill up my gasoline. The gasoline today's is 20 cents more expensive per gallon than the last time I refilled it. Ended up paying $36.91 for almost 12 gallons gasoline. I used it for work and 2 short-distance outings. So in average, I sepnd about $3.50 per day to go to work. Not too bad, but I hope I don't have to take over someone's else half-day again, it is just not worth it, rather do the whole day shifts.

Also, the Hubby spent $1 on buying breakfast today, while I stock up another whole wheat bread ($2) and margarine ($0.99).

So, here is the remaining fund we have, not much remaining. But the big spender (our gasoline) have been settled, so we are pretty confidence to be able to make it until end of this month. In fact, I am hoping we can have at least $20 remaining by the end of the challenge. ;)

Here is the update (retyped some of the amount for past few days as I missed out an expense).
Day start: $70.01
Day end: $29.11
Money spent: $40.90

Ok, no more spending for the next four days!

XOXO, Fish Fish

$150 Challenge: Day 18

2010-10-19T00:54:00.000-07:00

Today was not a good business day at work. Oh well.

Tomorrow is working half day again, one co-worker requested me to swap one of my shift with him. And he will be doing my shift on my Thanksgiving Saturday. Can't wait for that to come!

Anyway, we did good today. No spending.

So, here is a short "update:.

Day start: $70.01
Day end: $70.01
Money spent: $0.00

Ok, I'm tired. Till tomorrow.

XOXO, Fish Fish

$150 Challenge: Day 17

2010-10-17T19:40:00.000-07:00

It was an awesome outing day for the Hubby and me. We went to Orange County's Marketplace to enjoy Rod Piazza & the Mighty Flyers 2-hour performance. This has to be my favorite performance by far of all the Blues artists the Hubby had brought me too. Instead of just focusing on one of the most outstanding, I was so busy noticed each of them. They are that good. Definitely is one of the best Blues team. I was very happy too to be able to see Honey Piazza played the Piano with the toes in real life, after watching it on TV. ^_^

How much did that cost us?
$2.
The original entrance fee is $2 per person, but if you bring a canned food with the printed coupon, you get to enter the marketplace for free. We decided to get 4 Campbell soups which cost us only $2 (normally would cost $3.96), and with the coupon, we had this very great entertainment. Ended up we actually saved $2 for entrance fee.

But that was not it.

We even bought fresh vege that will last us until end of this month!!

Guess how much all of them cost?
The above photos included 3 banana skins, 5 russet potato, 10 jumbo tomatoes, 3 bunches of asparagus, 9 bell peppers and 25 zucchinis!!!

The answer: $5.25!! Except for the banana which was $0.25, the other veggies were at $1 each. I was especially shocked at the price of the three huge pack of zucchinis which cost only $1. Total 25 of them! All in good conditions.

Too good to be true? I'm not joking. Eventhough these veggies are not premium quality, they are totally yummy as fresh veggies.

For dinner, I decided to use just one super jumbo tomato, 4 zucchinis, 2 large russet potatoes and remaining frozen beef to make a huge pot of healthy vegetable soup. It was such a great dinner for a cold day like this.

The Hubby and I had two bowls of these goodies each. Very easy to prepare, nutritious, and the most important, absolutely warmylicious!

Also homemade some fries from a russet potato as appertizer. No salt. Try to be healthy (ok, fries are not really healthy, but at least I feel save with my own homemade version).

Tonight, I'm going to be busy cutting all the remaining fresh vege into chunks and store them in the freezer. With free meat and rice from my employee's meal, we might spend very little on foods until end of this challenge. ;)

The Hubby's gasoline was quite expensive today though, $24.48! Silly Hubby, he told me to fill up his gasoline from an empty tank only cost $20. Guess what? He always read the "gallon" meter, not the "price" meter. -_-"""

We also bought a $1 souvenir for someone that we are pretty sure she will like. The thing is so her.

With that, here is our quite severely damaged remaining fund.
Day start: $102.74
Day end: $70.01
Money spents: A total of $32.73. Gasoline ($24.48), canned foods as entrance tickets ($2), Foods ($5.25) and a souvenir ($1).

Oh gosh, now I am dreaded for another great damage for my gasoline refill on Tuesday.

XOXO, Fish Fish

$150 Challenge: Day 16

2010-10-17T01:05:00.000-07:00

Yeah, we are only half away from finishing our challenge.

I worked 11 hrs today, and the tips percentage was not good, as the kitchen was slow in preparing the foods. Some customers were very unhappy. *sigh* We had the highest sales tonight, since I started to work, if only the tips were better. Oh well.

I am excited for tomorrow. It is our off day. The Hubby and I will go for a date at Farmer's Market, watching concert, buying closing hours cheap foods. ;) The last time I went, I was totally awed by how cheap some of the stuffs can be. Imagine 8 huge mangoes for only $2, 8 peaches for only $1, etc. Of course the quality will not be that good, but totally good enough and quite yummy to eat.

I am proud to say, we finish 50% of our challenge by spending less that 1/3 of our budget. Awwww~~~

Day start: $103.94
Day end: $102.74
Money spent: The Hubby's snacks ($1.20)

I am absolutely loving this lately - a bowl of Japanese rice with small tofu chunks, ready to use konbu, immersed in hot miso soup, with a little bit of vietnamese spicy chili sauce. It heals my hunger better than anything else. ;) Absolutely addictive!

XOXO, Fish Fish

$150 Challenge: Day 15

2010-10-15T23:57:00.000-07:00

Hohoho! We are almost come to half of our challenging days.

Only spent some money to do laundry. Cleaned 13 large and small towels at one time. Glad that the washing machine could fit all of them.

Someone treated the Hubby a lunch. I used the lunch that he did not bring to make a dinner for us two, adding a lot of green bell pepper and carrot chunks.

He is working tomorrow, I am working tomorrow. But we are planning to go for some cheap concert on Sunday. ^_^

Day start: $105.94
Day end: $103.94
Money spent: $2 on laundry

XOXO, Fish Fish

$150 Challenge: Day 14

2010-10-14T23:46:00.000-07:00

We spent money today, quite an amount actually considering the budget that we have. It was a money well spent though, for a "good" dinner at home.

Usually, we are eating out every Thursday, but we did not do it last Thursday to save money. Instead, I semi-made some simple roti chanai with curry to pretend we were eating something special.

And this week, since our foods were running low, and I figured we could afford some fresh foods for another good Thursday night, I suggested to have hotpot. A good choice for cold night.

The ingredients cost us US$10.02. We brought US$20, and glad to spend only half of the money.Our shopping spot was a Korean supermarket.

Frozen sliced beef at US$2.99 per lb, we got almost 3 lbs, which cost us US$8.19. (Not good quality, but heh, it is still great for a month like this).
Napa cabbage at US$0.99 for 5 lbs, and we paid for only US$0.35 for the one we chose.
Kikuna for only US$0.59 per bunch, the Hubby got a huge one.
And, a pack of Korean tofu for only US$0.89.

For the hotpot purpose, I used half of the beef (the remaining half will be for next Thursday, maybe to make some yummy Japanese beef dish), half of napa cabbage, half of kikuna, and a whole pack of tofu. The seasonings were very simple, only a slice of dry konbu for making the dashi, some powdered white pepper and some light soy sauce. Since we do not have any portable hotpot, we opted for using our rice cooker. It worked fine, except it took longer time to cook our foods.

It was a warm and fuzzy moment at home. Hotpot, three types of alcohol and entertainment from the TV Chinese channel. Not too bad. Normal Thursday night out would have cost us an average US$30 for only two dishes + white rice + tax + tips, and tonight, at less than 1/3 of what we usually spend, we still have a great Thursday.

Also, I spent another US$2.82 for buying a good deal mascara, and US$0.25 for borrowing a book.

With that, our money are getting less, but we are feeling good on what we have spent it for.

Day start: US$119.03
Day end: US$105.94
Money spent: US$13.09

I hope we will still have US$100 by the end of Day 16. And I believe we can. ^_^

XOXO, Fish Fish

$150 Challenge: Day 13

2010-10-13T23:22:00.000-07:00

Same minds think alike. Since the Hubby and I are trying hard this month to reach out $150 budget, we tried every possible way to save our daily expenses.

As usual, I brought back a huge meal, and some leftover California roll, which is enough for our dinner and his two-day lunches.

He too, brought some leftover pizza from the company's meeting which he did not involve. :P

Instead of eating the usual Japanese style dinner, we had pizza with some California rolls. Once again, we managed to spend nothing today. Lalala~~~

Summary for today.
Day start: $119.03
Day end: $119.03
^_^

XOXO, Fish Fish

$150 Challenge: Day 12

2010-10-12T23:24:00.000-07:00

Every couple days of the month, my appetite seems to be extremely good. Today is one of those days.

I tried to eat as little carb as possible, but failed today.

Ended up making this "cheap" dinner for the Hubby and me.

Again, using the Fu Chow "Ang Chou and Chinese Wine, I made this fusion style spaghetti with an oriental touch.

Ingredients were rehydrated mushroom, fresh roma tomatoes, basil from our "garden" and pathetic piece of non-yummy thawed oceanic cod.

Well, it did serve the purpose to fill up our hunger and provide the essential nutritions. ^_^

Another happy note, I finally start to receive my first issue of free Women's Health. It will be sent to me for "free" for 10 issues.

It was actually an automatic subscription (worht US$9.99, that did not require purchaser to pay extra for it) when I bought more than US$30 from e.l.f. website in April. But for some reason, I did not get anything form it even after three months. Luckily I called the magazine issuer and found our the supplier did not have my information. But luckily the issuer promised me they will make sure I will be in the supplier system. And finally, after almost three months waiting, I got my first Women's Health! And I do like it.

So, here is a short update of our non-changed status.

Day start: $119.03
Day end: $119.03
Money spent: Hehe... none. *beaming*

XOXO, Fish Fish

$150 Challenge: Day 11

2010-10-12T00:26:00.000-07:00

Surprisingly, today's tips was not too bad. And, my co-worker kindly keep my forgotten foods in the fridge.

So tonight, I brought back a dinner plus a huge lunch that will be good for two-day for the Hubby. ^_^

Last night, when I asked the Hubby what he planned to eat for today lunch, he said he will buy a 50 cents cup noodle. No, I shook my head. After 10 min in the kitchen, I made a simple yet much more nutritious alternative for him. It was angel hair pasta stir fried with Foochow "Ang Zhou", tomato, carrot and vegetarian ham. :D

I am happy we didn't spend a single cent today.

Day start: $119.03
Day end: $119.03
Money spend: 0

Tomorrow is my day for library and gym. ^_^ Ok, and also looking for more job openings.

XOXO, Fish Fish

$150 Challenge: Day 10

2010-10-10T20:22:00.000-07:00

Almost doing nothing at home today. Woke up at 10 a.m. today, then slept again from 12-2 p.m., with hungry tummy.

Woke up drank a glass of soymilk with grass jelly, cook a pack of Maggie curry mee (me 2/3, the Hubby 1/3), and dinner was the BBQ and hotdog leftover from two years ago. The Hubby brought them back from a friend's rooftop party, and totally forgot about it. I digged them out. And now, just a couple min ago, had two teaspoons of manichai, thanks to the Hubby's decision to gave his "baby" a "haircut". Just a little, but yummy.

We went out for our weekly groceries. Here's what I we got.
A whole wheat bread, 2 green bell peppers, a pack of baby carrots and 4 roma tomatoes, total of $3.97. Not too bad for a whole week food huh. :P
Of course, my free employee meals will supply us with the proteins. :)

I don't know why, but I feel so sleepy tonight, though I slept a lot.

My summary for today's project.
Day start: $123.00
Day end: $119.03
Money spent: $3.97

3 more weeks to go. And the best, the last day is Halloween!

XOXO, Fish Fish

Oh wow!

2010-10-10T10:23:00.000-07:00

Unplanned, I woke up at 101010 at 10 morning, despite sleeping at 3.50 a.m.

I wonder what happened during year 1010, Oct 10, 10 a.m.

Ok, I am going back to zzzzzz for some more again.

XOXO, Fish Fish

$150 Challenge: Day 9

2010-10-09T23:53:00.000-07:00

I am so careless tonight. After a whole busy day at work, I totally forgot to bring my dinner home. :(

Ended up the Hubby had to cook instant noodle for us. It was one of the most delicious instant noodle, I guess when you are hungry and tired, the simplest thing just taste as good. :)

Got to call my co-worker to keep my will be rotten dinner into the fridge.

Business was good today, tips was not good, but I like to work on Saturday, since it is the best to earn more tips.

Here is a short update of our money spending.

Day start: $123.75.
Day end: $123.00.
Money spent: $0.75 on drying clothes.
The Hubby did house cleaning at home today, while I was busy at work. So basically, that's how our Saturday was spent.

Hmmm... we might try to find some free entertainment tomorrow. Now, I need a good shower.

XOXO, Fish Fish

$150 Challenge: Day 8

2010-10-09T00:14:00.000-07:00

*guilty, guilty, guilty*

Today is not a spend-less day for us, because of me.

Read the reason here.

Anyway, because it was such a good offer, I just had to order the two items I have wanted. I was debating whether should I put that as part of our budget, and I decided to do so.

Simply because it was something I can leave without, but I chose to spend. So, we are $21.75 poorer today. I actually thought about it for quite some time before I decided to buy them.

Here is a summary for today. I think we are still doing pretty good, considering a week has past.

Day start: $145.50
Day end: $123.75
Money spent: $21.75
Entertainment: Watching animation online. Worked 5.5 hr tonight.

It was a busy night for our business. The tips were not that good, but much much better than Wednesday. It is even more than enough for my online purchase today. :P I am glad for this extra shift.

Tomorrow will be another busy day for me. Will work from 11.30 to 22.30, with 1.5 hr rest in between, that is if everything is smooth. Sometimes, I end up having only 45 min to rest, and finish work at 11 p.m.

Ok, time to continue my animation and go to sleep soon. Good night.

XOXO, Fish Fish

$150 Challenge: Day 7

2010-10-07T21:37:00.000-07:00

One of the main reasons for me to do the October challenge is to clear up whatever foods that are still in our fridge and cabinet.

Based on the October issue of Fitness, page 152, the average family of four in U.S. wastes about $1,350 in groceries annually. We too, might have wasted foods unconciously, and that was not our initial intention when we bought them.

Try dig into your storage area, you'll be surprised how much foods you actually have while trying to stuff more fresh foods on top of them.

It has been the 7th day since we started this challenge, except a loaf of bread and a can of peanut butter that we bought on the 1st day of our challenge, we have not bought any new foods since then, and yet, we are still able to survive with whatever food I can find in our storage area.

Tonight, instead of splurging $30 to have our weekly Thursday eating out like we usually would, I persuaded the Hubby to have this session at home tonight. Surprisingly, he agreed.

In our friged, I digged out 3 items and made this not very common dinner.

We have a few packs of frozen chicken, some even are showing some signs of freeze burning. I used two of the packs with a pack of curry sauce we brought back from a party, and turn them into Malaysian style curry chicken. One of the chicken packs actually have some rancid smell, due to the oxidized skin and fat, I had to cleaned them really well beforehand. But the curry turned out yummy, nonetheless, thanks to the good curry sauce that our friend made.

We also have a few pack of frozen roti canai, gifts from our friend. After pan heating two pieces, we were ready for a good old Malaysian style dinner.

It was nothing fancy, but on a cold night like this, the curry and roti canai warmed us up.

The Hubby has a habit in snacking, though he tried to deny it some time. Well, let's just say, when I opened a pack of snack and ate a few pieces of them, I tend to keep them in the cabinet. However, two days later when I craved for some more, often I find the snack had miraculously became 1/10 of its original content.

It is obvious why he always forbid me to buy more snacks, because he is afraid of the temptation.

We finished the last pack of snack we had in the cabinet today. After looking around, I found the "keropok" that mom brought for me during her visit. And also the "keropok" that the Hubby bought here few years ago. (See his bad habit. Mine too, actually.)

I decided to deep fry our own keropok. They are crunchylicious. I was very surprised with the average joe keropok (tube looking) that mom gave me, never judge by their looks. The texture are very light, crispy and "fine". A very good balance of potato and shrimp tastes. Beat many snacks in the supermarkets!

Thanks mom!

There you go, 7th day without a penny spent. I am very proud with our progress, much better than when I did it myself.

The summary for today.
Day start: $145.50.
Day end: $145.50.
Money spent: None.
Entertainment: Finished Manga book 1 and 3. Book 2 is delivery in progress, I will have to pay 25 cents when it arrives. But then, today I found out book 3 is not the end. Gosh... after searching through the internet, there are a total 20 volumes! Oops! 18 x 25 cents to get the whole series. Still, it is quite an interesting Manga called Cheeky Angel (original Japanese title is Tenshina Konamaiki) by Hiroyuki Nishimori. A story about a boy who made a wish with a wizard popped out from a book given by a mysterious guy, and the wizard granted him an opposite wish. He wished he could be the manliest man on Earth, and he was turned into a womanliest woman on Earth. And the story starts from there... I think I might opt to find the animation version on internet. :P

I am a sucker for such kind of stories. I remembered my favorite animation was Ranma 1/2.

Another topic.

Yuriko, who have left U.S. on Sunday, sent me a parcel. When we talked over the phone, she told me it was just a card and some photos.

The parcel reached on Monday, but not until today I managed to go and collect it from the apartment office.

My first reaction, wow! Why is it so heavy, and have some kind of liquid moving sound?

When I opened the box, it was too obvious she lied to me.

Sure there was a very very nice card. The message was very touching, and yes my dear Yuriko, it is forever for me too. Chu~~~ you deep deep. I shall keep the content to myself. :)

There was not even one photo.

Instead, it was a bottle of Apple Cider and 4 apples she bought for me and the Hubby. These are the local produces from Cornell.

I have stopped eating fresh apple for years as I am phobia towards the texture. But today, I made an exemption. I ate a whole apple. Sure the texture is still as scary for me, but I love the sweet and sour taste, and the thought of Yuriko's and Reika's love inside them.

Thank you so much dear. You really don't have to take all the trouble when you were really busy with packing up.

Mata aimashone~~~ Nihon de mo, Amerika de mo, Tai de do, Maresia de mo.

I did not go anywhere today, but it was definitely not a boring day for me.

Boss called today. Tomorrow evening I have an extra shift at work, to replace someone. Whoo hoo~~~ more pocket money and a free meal. ;) Someone up there must have been helping me in reaching my October Challenge. ;)

XOXO, Fish Fish

$150 Challenge: Day 6

2010-10-06T23:44:00.000-07:00

I am full with guilt now because ate too much sushi roll tonight. Don't ask me how many, just too many for my daily carb limit. No more such behavior.

But anyway, the business tonight was really really bad. The worst since I started to work. Only three tables of customers. Most of the time, I was just standing there, talking to my co-worker and counting the time to finish the shift.

Brought back quite a lot of California roll for the Hubby for dinner andlunch tomorrow. Got two big pieces of grilled chicken too. So, tomorrow will most probably be another spend-less day.

Here is the summary for today.
Day start: $145.50.
Day end: $145.50.
Money spend: Zero.
Free entertainment: Read Manga that borrowed from the library. I still think reading Manga with English subtitle is so weird. Japanese is the best, Chinese is not bad too. But with English, something is just not right. But I can't be too choosy, it is free after all. The Hubby has his co-worker bought a lunch for him. How nice. He can save today's lunch for tomorrow or Friday.

Will have two days off, time to submit more job applications. :)

XOXO, Fish Fish

$150 Challenge: Day 5

2010-10-06T00:02:00.000-07:00

I am very sleepy now. The Hubby have been occupying the computer the whole night. So now, I am going to use three min for a very short update and go to zzzzzz...

Photos taken today will be uploaded on Thursday.

Work whole day again tomorrow. Woohoo! More pocket money and free food to challenge my budget.

Anyway, here is the update of day 5. We are still doing great.

Day start: $145.50.
Day end: $145.50.
Money spent: Nil.
Entertainment for "free": Borrowed some mangas from the library. Just got to know we can borrow 50 books at a time. Wow!! Also, gym session for 70 min. Burnt 750 Cal. That's probably why I am so sleepy now.

I hope tomorrow will be another day with no spending. Then we will complete our 1st 7-day. ;)

XOXO, Fish Fish

$150 Challenge: Day 4

2010-10-04T23:26:00.000-07:00

Oh wow! We come to the end of the 4th day of our challenge. So far, it has been very smooth as the Hubby has been very coorperative.

He did not spend a cent today.
So was I.

I worked whole day, so the two meals were sponsored by the boss. ^_^ Ate lunch at my work place while brought dinner back to eat with the Hubby. We saved 1/2 of it for him as lunch tomorrow. :P

So here is our summary for today.

Day start: $145.50.
Day end: $145.50.
Money spent: Zero!
Entertainment for free: Feeling sentimental with the rainy day outside. It has been months since the last time it rained. Grewing up in a city like Kuching, I didn't know how much I can miss rain, especially the very heavy rain, until no rain for few months. Have a good chatting session with my co-worker. And... fun chatting session with the customers.

Tomorrow will be day for gym and library! Yum~~~

XOXO, Fish Fish

$150 Challenge: Day 3

2010-10-03T23:24:00.000-07:00

Sunday is usually a dating day with the Hubby. But since we are on tight budget now, we did not go to anywhere today. Slept until almost noon since I worked for almost 12 hours yesterday.

We were watching movies on TV. We seldom watch TV, and yet every month the Hubby pays US$70 for the cable network. Such a waste!! So today, he just fully occupied the TV as our form of entertainment. It was actually nice just to relax at home, munching some snacks, and ooh-aah with the actions.

Earlier, we planned to go out for an evening walk, and it has been a gloomy evening, so we decided to scratch that off.

Instead, I cooked udon for him as dinner. My dinner was two pieces of bread with peanut butter, some kaya and margerine. And I just had a yogurt as supper. These yogurt have been in the fridge more a whole week, time to clean it up. And yes, I have been using what is remaining in the fridge and the shelves to cook, until they totally run out.

Day start: $145.50.
Day end: $145.50.
Money spent: Nada!
I am proud. We have not spent a single cents for two days already. I think we can achieve another day of no money spend tomorrow. ;)
Activities for free: Wash my clothings with hands. A form of light work out. And I took a whole hour to practise my makeup. The Hubby ask, wouldn't that be wasting your cosmetics? LOL Definitely not. I have to many cosmetics to last me years. Especially on my eyeshadows. Not using them are wasting!

Although we did not go out at all, it is still a nice thing to look pretty at home once in a while.

XOXO, Fish Fish

$150 Challenge: Day 2

2010-10-03T00:33:00.000-07:00

Worked whole day. My tips for today even more than my two-day tips on weekdays. Even much more tired, I rather to be this way, than doing nothing. Guess I am a workaholic after all. :P

Anyway, here is my update for Day 2 Challenge.

Day start: $145.50.
Day end: $145.50.
What we spent: Nothing! ^_^
What we got for free: Two employee meals. For lunch, I ate half of mine, saving another half for the Hubby Monday's lunch. For dinner, brought home together to eat with the Hubby. Poor Hubby, he did not each anything for the whole day until dinner. Waited for my meal. Well, please don't take it wrong, he likes to torture himself to do fasting whole day sometimes, and October is obviously a good month for him to do so. Also, I got another free newspaper for him, saving our 75 cents. It was an unwanted newspaper by a customer. I was thinking, why not take it home for the Hubby to enjoy his dumping time.

So, there you are. Not a bad day 2. ;) My two co-workers seriously doubt that we'll be able to make it, but I know I will.

XOXO, Fish Fish

$150 Challenge: Day 1

2010-10-01T22:47:00.000-07:00

Have been a busy week. But at leat tonight I can make myself relax.

The Hubby and I is starting our October challenge today. We will try to survive with only US$150 on groceries and gasoline, including all forms of entertainment. I used to do this every year for one of the month since my student's life in Japan, only that it was US$100 then. And I did it everytime.

This blog will be my daily record until end of October. No Oktoberfest for us this time. We will try to figure out how to still enjoy the Thursday eating out. I want to show him, saving on money does not mean that we have to compromise on everything.

It is a good month for us to do this challenge since he had spent too much during his trip to China, and November and December will require a lot of spending for holidays.

Day start: $150.00
Day end: $145.50.
What we spent: Bread - $2.00 and Peanut butter - $2.50.
What we got for free: The Hubby three small cups of coffee from a groceries store and my free 10 min magazine reading in a drugstore.
Our form of entertainment tonight: Work out in the gym.

29 days remaining. Tomorrow is easy since I will be working the whole day, I will be getting two free meals. ;)

XOXO, Fish Fish

A day later

2010-09-24T01:33:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Mid Autumn Festival. Could not make it to enjoy on the exact 15th. But 16th turned out to be even better, Mr. Weather is very good to me toonight, Miss Moon was as round as it could've been.

I was working whole day from 11:30 to 22:30 yesterday. And I work another half-day shift today. But the evening was a total blast for me, enjoying the companion of the hubby, two friends and a dog.

Nothing really fancy. A beautiful Susuki as a decoration. Just a light dinner with super delicious deep fried Vietnamese tofu with Japanese soysauce and green onion as appertizer. Then, a simple yummilicious bento box made into a beautiful photo - imaging eating round moon, moutain and tree. ;)

Photos will be posted in my next post.

Our desserts were five types of mooncake and nuts. Sweetness overloaded. Totally unhealthy, but it was for the special occasion. Better, we tasted three types of tea with a proper tea set. Naomi and Ayumu are absolutely the best hosts. Everything simple turns out extraordinary through them. Some people try to be sophisticated, but these two are sophisticated from within.

I know nothing much about proper tea drinking, but I am truly amazed how different is the taste of the tea when it is prepared a proper way.

Also, how could we leave out the traditional paper lanterns. I asked the Hubby to search for then during his trip to China, he couldn't find any! We ended up finding them 7 miles away from our apartment! Only 99 cents each! How ironic! L.A. does has everything.

I am excited to share my photos soon. ;)

XOXO, Fish Fish

Vietnamese Restaurant: Quan Hop

2010-09-19T22:00:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I did a proper food review. Today, I just have to share this good experience with you all.

I wanted to Pak Tor with the Hubby on the only day of the week that both of us are not working. We went to Block of Orange to do some window shopping. Then, went to Westminster (more known as Little Saigon) to have some food.

We went to Quan Hop on Brookhurst Street. The interior was clean and spacious. This place was strongly recommended by the Hubby's Vietnamese customer. He claimed that it has one of the best Pho Filet Mignon.

Decided to believe his customer palette, we went for a Pho Filet Mignon, and out of curiosity, a Hu Tiu Hop.

I have tasted many Pho of different versions, but this one is truly a winner. The filet mignon is so soft and flavorful, unlike one that we tried two months ago, which was nothing to shout about.

The soup was full of "umami". Not the MSG umami, but the true umami that one could only get from real meat. Despite having some cilantro inside this bowl, I just couldn't help but to sip a few spoonful of this soup, while kept picking out the cilantro. LOL Not a beautiful sight to see.

The Pho came in small portion, but we like it that way since both of us try to eat less carb.

I am already thinking to go back there next week for another bowl of Pho Filet Mignon!

The Hu Tiu Hop came in dry form, with some seasoning sauce and a bowl of soup. I just simply dumped the whole seasoning sauce onto it, and mixed the whole thing. Once again, the Hu Tiu came in small potion, so another less carb bowl for us.

This was a new noodle dish for me. A bit look like the seafood kolok mee in Kuching at one glance, but the taste was nothing near to that. I like it, but not loving it. The pork and shrimp were okay. This is something that I could skip next time for trying something new. They also have the beef stew version, maybe I will opt for that.

Through my experience, I just have to say, Vietnamese have some kickazz soup noodle. There is something very special about the soup base that they use, be it the clear version like Pho or the more intensed version like in Bun Bo Hue.

It was a good Sunday. :)

XOXO, Fish Fish

Still sleeping

2010-09-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

Usually, the Hubby is the one that always get out of the bed earlier that me. Not this Saturday though. No matter how hard I tried to wake him up, he just stay still in his cocoon position.

And he has been sleeping since 11 pm last night, that is almost 13 hrs already. I guess the China trip and non-stop catching up with his work have worn him out.

I have an evening shift today. I love this shift the most because it is the busiest among my weekly shifts. I hate standing doing nothing, I rather be too busy than too free. And the busier it is, the more tips I can earn. ;)

My past Monday employee lunch. I decided to go from the baked mussels and pork cutlet. The kitchen staff already kinda know I don't like any sauce and dressing on my foods. The grilled salmon collar was a pleasant surprise, a nice little gift from the kitchen staff. We don't sell salmon collar, and every time after they partition a whole salmon, they will try to use the collar to make some extra side dish, and I like the idea of a grilled salmon collar. ;)

I enjoy my rice with some furikake on top. It's one of the best simple foods I learned to love during Japan years.

I am hungry now, and I need my bread and soymilk.

XOXO, Fish Fish

First Pay Check

2010-09-16T17:44:00.000-07:00

Received my first pay check yesterday. Although it is not much, I am very happy to finally receive a pay again after asking pocket money from the Hubby for almost a year.

It will be my treat tonight. Lalalalala~~~

I have to admit, this job is allowing me to encounter with so namy types of people. I thought I have came across a lot of different people before this, apparently I'm not. LOL

Just don't get me started on the tips that some of them gave.

XOXO, Fish Fish

Tonight

2010-09-14T18:32:00.000-07:00

...the hubby is coming back. Life have been busy for these two weeks, but I am ready for him to come back to my life again.

Going to the airport in another 2 hr.

A lot of things are waiting for him, including my big hug and medical bills. :P Changing to less premium insurance policy is suck.

My neighbour is grilling BBQ now. So torturing. I have never craved for some grilled beef as much as I do now. It reminds me of an old time story. The rich man ate luxurious foods every night, and his very poor neighbour ate his bowl of white rice by smelling those nice foods.

I am so tired of chicken these days until I think I want to enjoy a nice feast of Korean BBQ buffet, without the chicken, of course.

Ok, that's it. I am going out to eat my BBQ now. The cheap Hawaiian BBQ, better than nothing. :P

Talk to you all again soon.

XOXO, Fish Fish

Over Indulged

2010-09-13T00:32:00.000-07:00

Busy busy night yesterday. It was the highest sales to date of all my shifts. My tips for the night was better than my whole day work during weekdays. Got to really love Saturday.

For the 5 hours, I bet I have walked a few miles. No wonder my legs are so sore today. Good exercise. Not complaining though, I am killing two birds with one stone, earning pocket money and moving to lose weight. Biceps are forming from all the movements. :P

Before continuing my story, here were my lunch and dinner for today.

Half pack Maggi Curry Mee + Egg White + Final Three Stalks of Kailan + Chicken Strips + Button Mushroom = A Hot Bowl of Long Time No Eat Instant Noodle.

I just wanted to spoil myself with some carb today.

Dinner(s) were almost carb free.

Went to buy a protein style In and Out Cheeseburger. The bun was replaced by lettuce. Was too hungry from window shopping, couldn't wait until go home. It was awesome, except for the dressing. I forgot to ask them not to put.

Then, came home decided to make myself a plate of grilled chicken and steamed white tuna salad from my free employee meal that I brought back 4 nights ago. Bad decision to make because I was so bloated after that. What more I licked two teaspoons of peanut butter before the salad and drank a cup of soymilk after meal (so hooked to soymilk these days). I could still feel the salad is stucking in my tummy even after more than 5 hrs, yet I need to go to sleep in another 20 min. Work whole day tomorrow.

Working days have changed my eating habit. Instead of three meals per day, I usually just had two slices of wheat bread with peanut butter and magarine + soymilk as brunch. Then, an early dinner around 4 pm. Unless it was a very busy night, I would eat nothing until the next day.

My weight is not dropping, but today I managed to fit in a short pants that I couldn't fit in two weeks ago. Still tight, but improving. Hohoho... motivation.

Just before ending this post, let me just said, I finally encountered with a very annoying "customer" last night. There were 7 of them, and they did not do any reservation. This was a story about one of them. When he came in, there was a 7-people table laid out for reservation that would come in another 10 min. He got mad, and said, "What kind of place that need the customer to wait for eating and paying??" (Hello~~~ it's a common sense to wait when you are in big crowd and didn't do any reservation.)

Seeing there was another 10 minutes, and one of the table going to finish soon, my coworker decided that we might be able to let them have the reserved table first. So we did. Then he sat down, looked at the menu, and started to whine "What do you mean by coming soon??" and pointed to the only three items that we wrote "Coming Soon", while there were literally 100 other choices for them. I apologized for not having those three items that he wanted, and suggested he ordered from smaller items. But he was saying "We are ready to eat a lot and spend a lot of money. But look at what you guys have? Nothing!! What kind of business is it, open yet don't have the items still dare to put coming soon? How do you guys do business?? Nothing for us to order, obviously!" (Hello~~~ the other 100 items are not for ordering???)

I felt like biting off his head at that moment. 1000% annoying! I was so hoping they would leave. And I think he did it on purpose. But I had to apologize with a smile (Man, I think I am learning to be pretentious.) Eventually, the group decided to go somewhere else. Oh man~~~ I think my prayer worked. We were so happy and relieved the moment they left. Two min later, the true reserved group came in. They sat down and my night have never been better. We might have marginally caused the second group to get frustrated if the first group didn't leave.

Lesson of the day, never give the reserved table to people who didn't do the reservation. Especially the barbaric type.

Story ends. :)

XOXO, Fish Fish

A funny man

2010-09-10T23:39:00.000-07:00

I am kinda sick of my free employee meal, decided not to eat one that I brought home two nights ago.

Instead, I went to the supermarket to get something different. Bought back a whole roasted chicken for only US$5 and a king salmon fillet for only US$3.50.

My less than US$2 lunch. A quarter chicken + brown rice + stir fry kailan.

Plus a cup of soymilk for less than 50 cents. Nutritious, simple and yummy brunch.

Dinner. Usually I skip dinner, but since I had only brunch, and went to my workout just now, decided to make one tonight. Cost only US$4.50, and prepared in 20 min. Plus a cup of soymilk, only US$5.

It's been quite a while since I made my own salmon. My usual preference is to marinate the fillet with honey, pepper and soysauce. But this time, I opted for healtier version. Only soysauce and cajun seasonings.

The salmon fillet was quite tasteless, probably because I did not marinate it. And it tasted fishy, had to broiled it for longet time. Maybe I should stick back to my sweeter recipe. But for health sake, better not.

While I was doing my workout today, there was a man flung his flirtatious glance at me. At first, I thought he was looking at someone else, but then I realised there were nobody else except me there. He was at the pool side, while I was at the machine area. We were separated by a glassy wall. He was macho, yet his expression that time reminded me of Russell Peters comedic moments. In case if you don't know who is Russell Peters, here is a short video of him.

I didn't know how to react. It was too hilarious. Pretended I did not see him and decided to hold my laugh until I left the area.

Too funny.

XOXO, Fish Fish

Moving out

2010-09-09T21:07:00.000-07:00

Our neighbour on the left is very loud. Not just any kind of noise, but the noise that they make during the intimate moments. It is understandable to have appropriate amount of noise, but this one definitely has gone overboard.

They make this noise early morning, in the middle of the noon, even when everybody has went to sleep. And they like to have their window wide opened so that everybody can hear their screaming and moaning. Who needs a porn movie when you can get a free one, when you don't want one. We never complained although there were couple times we nearly did. Should have done it.

Things have gone out of control. They even nearly caused a fire because of their damn cigarette butts that they dumped outside their patio. They have received three warning letters after complaints from other neighbours, nothing changed. Finally today, another neighbour of mine was telling me they are ordered to move out for good by end of this month.

Good gracious!

No more sudden awakening by the noise, and looking at the clock to count down the minutes they will finish the business.

Adios neighbour. Bless you new neighbours.

XOXO, fish fish

New insurance sucks

2010-09-07T17:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, the Hubby's company changed their premium insurance to a cheaper version. He used to have to pay US$600 a month for both of us. And now, he only need to pay US$300 for both of us. A "saving" of US$300 per month.

But, the down side, I will have to pay more when visiting a doctor, refill my presciptions and getting my body diagnosed.

I just received a bill from Quest Diagnostics that did routine health check for me. For the past few times, it has always been included into the insurance. This time, after covered partially by the insurance company, I have to pay US$66 for it.

Sucks!!

Ok, dear Hubby, you better come back fast and write a check for me.

Just a little update

2010-09-05T13:09:00.000-07:00

This was my dinner for last night, my free employee meal. I get to order a free employee meal for every shift. For night shift, I usually keep my meal for the next day, but I was too hungry last night after the 6 hr work, I decided to spoil myself a bit with this supper. I know it was just a very simple dinner, but it was yummilicious at that moment.

I like my part time job. Most of my coworkers are very friendly and helpful, treat me with respect, except for one. I have only worked with her once, but the way how she came up to me a few times in a 4 hr shift, asking me "Are you doing anything? Or are you just standing?", is annoying to the max. Also, when she ask me to get stuff, she sounds like she is the boss. Even when she "teaches" me, she just said, go to the back and take this and that, when I don't even know where it is and what to take. Until another coworker told her, "You need to show her, she is new, remember?"

What make her think that I am not doing anything? What makes her think that she is more senior than me? Even though I am very new there, does not make me a dumb and lazy azz. Well, seeing that she is still young, a third year college student, I'm not going to spoil my mood for a brat like that. Just pray hard I will have no or at least minimal shift with her. She better stop being a brat. If she continues to act like this, don't blame me for being mean back.

I was working with another girl last night. She has been working with my boss for 5 years. She is a 4th year student in Nutrition, oh gosh... I simply LOVE her and her smile!!

Only she and I were on shift last night, despite a busy night, both of us did a good job together. I enjoyed so much partnering with her. She has a very positive aura. Patience and nice when teaching me new things. Our conversation was fun. I hope to have more shifts with her. I can see why my boss even let her do the account closing for the night.
I'm thinking of getting another part time job or doing a volunteer in sync with this job. Crosses my fingers to get it soon.

It is amazing how much of my stress have been reduced since I started to work again. Staying at home is not an option for me. I still have to find my full time job, but meanwhile, why not enjoying learning new things, meeting people and earning pocket money from what I am having now.

One bad news, my Canon died on me because it was flooded by miso soup. Don't ask me how. Just say I was too careless and, in this case, dumb. Canon is definitely fragile.

Not going to get a new one. Just can't convince myself to spend my hard earn money now. Luckily, I still have my Olympus that I bought 4 years ago, and it is still functioning very well. Welcome back, my Olympus darling. And Mr. Canon, I am sorry I have to go back to my old love.

I do still hope magically one day, my Canon will function normal again. Let's see.

Ok, going to my gym workout soon.

XOXO, fish fish

Home alone

2010-09-02T22:37:00.000-07:00

For the next 12 days, I'll be alone at home.

Just sent the hubby to LAX. He will be enjoying himself in Fu Zhou. Balik kampung.

Although I am a bit sad I could not follow, I am glad I will be occupied with my job finding and paper writing and book reading and some single life again.

I just started with a part time job. Something I've never done before, with minimum pay.

But I am just so glad I have something to do now. At least I can earn my own pocket money. In fact, I think I like what I am learning. I don't think I'll be able to get this kind of exposure in school. :)

Hmmm... the house is a bit too quiet now. Never know the hubby can make so much noise. :P

XOXO, Fish Fish

Homemade Char Kueh Tiaw

2010-08-25T23:30:00.000-07:00

Looking at the last piece of beef in the refrigerator, I decided to make something Malaysian tonight.

Went to an Asian supermarket to get some eggs, bean sprout and fresh flat rice noodle.

25 min of preparation and cooking...

Tralalala~~~ not quite Malaysian style Char Kueh Tiaw.

It turned out pretty good. I am quite proud of myself. I was preparing the amount of three people, but the Hubby decided to finish them in one meal. ;P

I enjoy seeing him eating my cooking. It is very easy to tell, if it was a bad cooking, he would eat half a plate. Good cooking, he will eat two people's portion.

The weather are so so hot these few days. It reached 41 Celcius today. No wonder I have been feeling extra sleepy in the noon lately. Couldn't survive without my 20 min nap.

Glad I got a Thai coconut few days ago. Just the right time to decrease the "heat" after a huge plate of "heaty" Char Kueh Tiaw. I am still wondering why Thai coconut has such a strong aromatic flavor as compared to the Malaysian version. I can drink Malaysian version everyday, but Thai version is good for me only once in a while.

I guess I am just so used to the sweet sour flavor coconut juice. More refreshing and thirst quenching.

I love my Char Kueh Tiaw campur Air Kelapa tonight. ^_^

XOXO, Fish Fish

The forgotten mango

2010-08-19T23:10:00.000-07:00

I seldom forget the food items I bought, especially not a mango.

We went to a beach four weeks ago. In one of the supermarket, I saw these really huge green mangos were on sale for 49 cents each. I am a huge huge sucker for mangos, and never let go of them during good price.

These were different from the typical large fibrous Mexican or the small yellowish Asian mangos. Green skin, humongous (about 1.5-2 times the size of Mexican mango), and were described as SWEET and FIBERLESS.

I decided to buy one.

Anyway, happily, we continued our outing for the day. By the time we reached home, it was almost midnight. Somehow, we totally forgot about it.

Today, when I flipped through my refrigerator to get a fruit, I noticed my fruit inventory is running low. All of sudden, that huge green mango popped up in my mind.

Hmmmm... I don't remember eating it at all.

I tried to search high and low in the kitchen, to no avail. After the dinner, I asked the Hubby if he remembered where he put the mango. He didn't even remember I bought one. He altered the passengers' seats these few weeks as we were having guests. Somehow, my instinct told me, it might still be inside the car.

I was right. I was so glad to find it hidden at a corner, under the Hubby's hat. Even more relieved to find it remained intact.

Of course, while nagging at the Hubby, I cut the mango into nice pieces for him. It was one of the largest, sweetest and juciest mango I have had to date. Oh boy, I'm so glad I remember it. It was so sweet I could only eat four pieces and let all the remaining finished by the Hubby.

Sorry no picture, as by the time I remember to take out my camera, the whole thing was cleaned by the Hubby.

At least the next time if I spot another one, I am going to buy it again for sure. :)

XOXO, Fish Fish

Hi, this is Reika

2010-08-10T23:01:00.000-07:00

I am 19-month old and I was born on same day and month as Fish Fish. My mama has been a closed friend with Fish Fish for almost 10 years. This is the first time I met Fish Fish in person.

I am going to take over fish fish's blog for a few posts.

This was my first morning at fish fish's apartment after a long sleep. It was a very tiring trip for me and mama the day before, but we are ready to have fun around L.A. *kanipeace*

I decided to change into something more colorful to match my colorful Mardi Gras necklaces that I got from a Cajun restaurant's owner. *kanipeace*

In case if you are wondering what is a Kanipeace, it is my unique way of doing the "peace" sign. Instead of the normal V^_^V, mine is a crabby closed claw X^_^X. Feel free to imitate mine.

We went to the old Mexican market called Olvera Street. It was different from Ithaca. It was nice and happy until mama bought a Pina Colada, and didn't even let me had a sip!!

Although I felt better when I got to drink my own water...

I still think I need to get something else from her for not giving me that Pina Colada!

Now, this is better. X^_^X

We were tired and hungry, it is time for the next Paku Paku (eating) session.

We went to the famous Phillipe and ordered their famous French Dip.

My favorite fruits bowl!!! X^_^X

And some new thing that I have never seen.

I almost finished the whole fruits bowl by myself.

Mama really enjoyed the double dipped lamb sandwich.

While I love that new thing. Oh! Now I know it is called Macaroni Salad.

This thing is yum~~~ I couldn't stop eating it.

I was feeding myself with a huge fork while mama busy talking over the phone.

Do I look like a pro in using the folk? X^_^X

Fish Fish was so impressed she took a video of me.

I wanted to finish the last few bits, but fish fish didn't want me to overeat. Oh well, I had enough. The fruits and macaroni salad were oichii~~~

I have my guarantee chop on Philippe foods. So if you go to L.A., remember to visit it!

X^_^X Reika

Buffet that made me slept so deep

2010-08-10T00:14:00.000-07:00

I don't think I have ever had any lunch with the Hubby during his normal working day. As an exception, he miraculously called me, asking me if I wanted to join him for lunch at an Indian restaurant nearby our house. I did not know he was assigned to be a manager to starting today.

I thought he had only one companion, so I decided to join them. Turned out there were 4 of them! Oh shoot, now they all saw my temporary eye tattoo above my chest.

Anyway, it was a buffet style Indian lunch, which was pretty good. Quite authentic.

I had a bowl of instant noodle about an hour earlier, so I was half full. Still I ate quite a big plate lunch, with a quarter piece of nice warm naan, and the very sweet indian dessert and watermelon to end the meal. I could with twice the amount if not because of my late breakfast.

SD, the only Indian in our group, was joking we would get very sleepy later.

He was absolutely right. I was so so sleepy that I decided to have a nap around 3.00 pm. I didn't know anything after that. I was just sleeping and sleeping... until when I finally opened my eyes, it was an hour and 20 min later!!

It has been a long long time since I last had a nap, what more a deep nap like it, it felt good and bad at the same time.

Even with that long nap, I am actually very very dizzy now.

So, I'll just end here. Good night everybody.

National Cheesecake Day

2010-07-29T23:22:00.000-07:00

Went to fetch Yuriko from LAX today, a closed friend that I have not seen for over 4 years. The last time we hugged, I we were in front of the Kyoto Station.

After these years, she is married and have a 19 months baby girl, Reika. Reika and me wee born on same day and same months, I like to think we are twins that is separated by many years.

It is so great to be able to see her again. Instead of the care free time we had, our activity have to be fully adjusted to Princess Reika's mood. She is such a beautiful baby girl. ^_^

So here I am, typing in my bedroom, because Yuriko is trying to make Reika sleep. She has been sleeping on the flight for more than three hours, will take time for Yuriko get her to sleep.

Then, I saw Cheesecake Factory was No.1 search for today. Curiously, I clicked on it. Wah lah!!! I am glad I did. It is National Cheesecake Day on July 30th. Gosh, they might as well have one National (Insert Food Name) Day for everyweek, then we will have special offer on foods everyweek.

Anyway, in conjunction with the National Cheesecake Day, The Cheesecake Factory is having Any Slice, Half Price promotion for their cheesecakes. Hmmm... I like their cheesecakes. I guess I will go there for lunch with Yuriko tomorrow. ^_^ There will be a new flavor called Reese Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake. Sounds yum~~~ and fattening~~~

XOXO, Fish Fish

Maybe in August.

2010-07-26T01:51:00.000-07:00

I was so eager to try making the Bun Bo Hue from scratch this weekends. We went to the supermarket, then I pulled out the ingredients list that I printed out. Showed it to the hubby.

He looked at them and shouted out, "Wah! So long! How much are we going to pay to get these ingredient?"

I looked at the list with more than 25 ingredients, he was right. Maybe it is not a good idea at all to do it just for two people. A right procedure will take two days! A whole banana blossom already cost US$3. Only he will be saying "Yummy! Yummy!", even though half of the time he said that just to please me.

"How about we make it in August?" I asked.

"How about YOU make it in August." He replied with a smirky look.

Hehe... I know "We" will do it together, he cannot resist my persuasion. Maybe try to do it during fall is a better idea. I don't want to sweat like hell for making myself a bowl of Bun Bo Hue.

"Ok, maybe I'll just make it using the ready to cook paste from supermarket?" I suggested.

"Hehe... how about we just go to eat them in the restaurants? That might be the best option." He pulled me over and put his hand over my neck like a python choking its prey. That's a silent gesture from him that his wife is being silly again.

Well, true. But I still want to make Bun Bo Hue one day, for sure.

XOXO, Fish Fish

Homemade Bun Bo Hue!

2010-07-21T01:56:00.000-07:00

Today, yours truly decided to make Bun Bo Hue. Of all the Vietnamese foods, this noodle dish that originated from Central Vietname, Hue (順化) is on top of my list.

It is almost like a bowl of Sarawak Laksa to me, the uniqueness.

So today, I decided to make it for the first time. ^_^

Tralalala~~~ Nice? A lot of hidden vegetables under those meat, in case if you wonder.

The truth - it is just partially homemade by me. Hehe...

Our Vietnamese friend gave us some homemade Bun Bo Hue paste prepared by her sister. All I need to do was just dump everything in, simmer the soup under slow heat, then it was done.

We did not get any fresh lemon grass, nor banana blossom as it was my first experience. I wanted to start from a more simple try.

The paste was actually very good, although I would like to have more lemon grass flavor.

My bowl of Bun Bo Hue was loaded with pork hog, beef with tendon, shrimp cake, purple perilla and bean sprout. No lime wedges this time.

It was a good dinner for E and me, despite the pork hog was a bit too soft.

My next mission? I think I will try to make Bun Bo Hue from scratch, which will take two days! I have already got the recipe online. :P

OC events: OC County Fair

2010-07-18T01:33:00.000-07:00

Yeah! Ever since we got the fan since yesterday, our apartment has turned into a lovely place. At least I don't sweat hell anymore. We bought a fan, but we will return it as he found a better one from the dumspter. What a good timing. Only that the oscillation function is broken. But the wind power is amazing, even comes with a remote control.

We went to the Orange County Fair this evening. Watched an X-treme Freestyle Moto X. These guys are Dare Devils. The audiences adrenaline definitely ran wild with their motions in the air. US$10 per person entrance fee is worth just to see this. I've recorded a few short videos. Will share with you all later.

Also, we saw some nice Peking Acrobats performance. E is absolutely impressed with their flexibility, until he made some creative comments. He and his mind.

I went to L.A. County Fair last year, and I was in N.C. State Fair for three years. One distinct difference in O.C. Fair, a lot of fake boods with branded bags swinging around. My man slanted his eyes at the earlier while I ogled at the later.

Texas-style turkey leg, funnel cake and waffle fries in the fair. Then Hu Tieu Soup and Grilled Rice in a Vietnamese restaurant to end the night. Lots of food and walking. It's been a fun day.

XOXO Fish Fish

I love Bun Bo Hue

2010-07-16T03:26:00.000-07:00

Ever since the day we found out our beloved place to fix our craving for a great bowl of Bun Bo Hue Dat Biet, E and I have been trying to find a replacement. Time by time, we have been disappointed. Nothing quite near to what we used to love.

Luckily, one of E customer, who is very familiar with Vietnamese food, kindly introduced this place to him. That's E showing off his worked out arms.

Quan Hy is located in Little Saigon. It is a nice little restaurant. We didn't have to wait for a long time before our foods were served.

Both of us ordered Bun Bo Hue, which came with the vegetable plates and a small portion of extra seasoning sauce. One with a beef, pork and shrimp patty.

Another was with beef, pork and pork patty. It usually comes with cilantro and raw onion, but since I don't eat both of them, I requested E and mine to be prepared without them. Poor E, he likes cilantro and onion a lot.

However, the vegetable compesated E desire for cilantro.

We were quite happy with this one. It is definitely one of the best we have tried, still not as good as the one we loved. The price is also US$3 more expensive, smaller bowl and less ingredient as compared to the older one.

However, I really like the extra seasoning paste. It makes the lemon grass flavor in the soup stood out more. The noodle was a bit too soft for my liking though.

We actually got some homemade Bun Bo Hue paste from a friend a couple weeks ago. One of these days, E (~~and I~~) will defnitely try to make one at home, when we get our hands on the fresh good big fat noodle. ;)

XOXO, fish fish

Homemade Kolok Mee by Chef Bobby

2010-07-14T16:52:00.000-07:00

This post is dedicated to all my fellow Kuching langs who are away from Kuching.

My dear E bought a pack of good Japanese ramen just to get the noodle to make Kuching kolok mee. He even tried to make minced pork and char siew.

May I present you Chef E version of Kolok Mee. Not bad looking huh?

My honest opinion?

He just spoiled a good ramen. I could see what a good bowl of saliva dripping bowl of ramen could that become instead.

Oh well, another failed cooking experience to put into his Failed Archives.

Good thing that he posted it on his FB, thinking to show off.

Then, the real Kuching hawker's food pro - Chef Bobby, who happened to just join FB very recently, commented that looked absolutely like a bowl of instant noodle.

A couple days later, Chef Bobby decided to invite us for a taste of real Kolok Mee during the WC final.

It was a sunny lazy Sunday afternoon.

Meet the Chef of the Day - Bobby. He was teaching me how to separate the kueh tiaw strains easily.

I had a three-course meal that day.

My appertizer was a bowl of Sarawak white pepper loaded whole quail soup. I am quite familiar with the taste of grilled quail, but a simmered quail was my first time.

Mmm~~~~ Mmmm!!! Man, that was kicking good! The soup was competence to a good white pepper pig stomach soup. The quail itself was so tender that it would just fall off the bone with hardly any effort.

Look at how small the wing??

Next, my main entree for the day!

Tralalala~~~~ May I present you the REAL KOLOK MEE!

Made to order - extra charsiew, extra shallot and few prawns (we don't call that shrimps in Kuching, ok?).

The noodle was Q to just the right degree. Every bite, it brought me nearer to a Kuching kopitiam. Close my eyes, with the noise of the TV behind me, and the heat of the summer, I was indeed in Kuching.

I'm sorry my E, you know I chu you. But I definitely chu Bobby's kolok mee much more than yours. *sayang*

It was not just a bowl of noodle, it was a bowl of Kolok Mee that brought back nostalgic memories once back in the far far land.

I did try to learn from him. I might want to try to get the noodle next time and see how my version will turn out. ;)

Chef fish fish boleh!!

But before that, just let me enjoyed my "dessert" first. Char kuey tiaw. Hehe... not too good this time because the Chef ran out of black soy sauce and it was very hard to control the heat in normal residential kitchen.

Still, I like my "dessert".

That was a good Sunday.
Bloated stomach.
Spain won the WC.
Paul the Octopus becomes the WC's hero.
And not to forget... a cooling glass of Sangria made by E that was refreshing and sweet.

Ah~~~ even a jobless time can be quite enjoyable with simple stuffs like this. ^_^

XOXO, fish fish

Handmade kolok mee for the win

2010-07-11T19:31:00.000-07:00

Just came back from a Kuching's friend's house.

We were planning to go to a Spanish restaurant to watch the WC final, but this friend called us last night. His invitation to watch the WC with him with a bowl of homemade kolok mee is too hard to resist. We scratched our initial plan and opted for his offer.

It was the right choice.

Oh man~~~ that was a good bowl of kolok mee (photo will be added in this post later on. Now to tired to download the photos into my computer).

The noodle texture was very Q. I thought I was in a kopitiam. Instead of a cup of kopi kao kao, I was eating my made to order kolok mee with a nice glass of Sangria. Cynthia dear, this is a real deal from Spain. ;)

Paul the Octopus predicted correct again. Spanish did win with a nice goal at the last few minutes, although the first 105 min of the final was, honestly, boring. The match of Uruguay and Germany was a much excited and nice techniques match IMO. Hmmm... I wonder will Paul predict the games again in four years?

I am now having THREE BLOGS!!

I am serious.

This old one.

My new Gluttonous Beauty. Imagine I have two huge boxes of items lining up for me to blog.

The third one, not really my blog. It is a 2nd version of my Kuishinbo~Meow~. I called it Kuishinbo~Meow~II.

Kuishinbo~Meow~ has been using the classic version of blogger.com to do postings. This old version is lack of a few useful features that the new blogger.com has to offer.

In order to use the new features without messing up with my posts, I decided to export all my posts and comments into a new blog to revamp. The new features of "Read more" and "Sidebar categories" will be added into this new version.

I tried last night. It is working, not in a one-button-push way. Blogger.com did not allow me to post all of my posts at once. I guess maybe 890 posts with a few thousands comments is a bit too much for it to cope. Therefore, after saved my template of Kuishinbo~Meow~ in xml format, I import them into the temporary blog that use advanced editor mode. My 890 posts were just being imported, and not published yet. I will need a few weeks to upload them one by one.

Each post will be added Read More and Labels to make it more neat and readers friendly. It will make me pick up my blogging interest again. I have already done about 20++ posts. Read Kuishinbo~Meow~II and tell me how to you like the idea of this newer version.

After everything is done, I will move the whole things over my Kuishinbo~Meow~, if possible. If not, this Kuishinbo~Meow~II will be my new blog for this site.

Ok, sigining off in this blog now. Time to update my Gluttonous Beauty. ;)

XOXO, fish fish

Getting the blogging fun back

2010-07-10T23:23:00.000-07:00

It's has been quite a while since the last time I tried to figure out those HTML things by myself.

Today, I am glad I learnt another two useful features in blogger.com. See my Gluttonous Beauty and you'll know what I mean.

The first one is called Jump Break. I have a lot of long posts, which definitely not looking good in my main page. i have seen other blogs in a very neat form by simply using "Read more" link. After some searches, I am glad that blogger has this feature with a simple button. Silly me! I guess I will have a lot of work to do with my 6 years post as I plan to Jump Break them one by one. *wipe cold sweat*

Another feature is the categorization of my blogging topics. I just realized how good the Labels feature can be. All I need is simply input keywords in the Labels, then on my side bar, with the new easy editing mode of blogger.com, I can have a section that show the whole categories. Nothing much of the pain in you know where, except my 6 years of post to be labelled on by one. Oh gosh~~~

Hmmm... what is next? Since I am jobless now, maybe trying to earn some income through my blog is a good option?

XOXO, fish fish

I forgot my baby's birthday and a NEW blog

2010-07-09T16:35:00.000-07:00

Oh gosh, for the first time, I totally forgot about this blog's anniversary on July 1. I am so sorry my baby. I am seriously very stressed about something, until I neglected you. Hug hug hug.

So yeah, could you just kindly say happy belated 6th to this blog of mine. Thank you. I hope next year will be a much much much better moment for me to celebrate it with you.

Anyway, I decided to take my blogging to the next stage.

I decided to create a NEW blog.

Ehhem... yeah, you did hear it right, a NEW blog.

I call it Gluttonous Beauty. :P It is just fresh out of the oven today. Nothing yet, but new things will be added frequently.

Why am I adding a new blog when this blog of mine have been very idle?

A couple reasons.
I am not that passionate in documenting the foods I have tried lately. Although there will be a few posts talking about more happening food events for these two months.
As late as it may sound, I am very into beauty products and makeup recently. My speed in picking up the information is exponential. I want to have a place for me to document my own beauty experiences, but I don't want to mix it with my foods.

Ok, please help me to decide. I like both of these photoshopped photos. One of these will be my Gluttonous Beauty profile photo. Left: Pencil Color. Right: Stained Glass. Which one do you think is better? Please vote in the comment box. Thank you~~~

I'll have new posts to talk about my favorite makeup gurus and my latest haul from Sephora in my new blog soon.

Jump over to say hi to my new baby too. ;) Thank you.

XOXO, fish fish

$1 bookstore

2010-07-05T02:07:00.000-07:00

We attended two great parties.

One was the Kuching folks gathering, with lots of homemade foods, great people, beautiful scenery and lovely weather. Thank you Ah Xin!!

Another one was more of the Filipino folks with yummy Indian foods, variety of desserts and a nice 1 mile walk to the Pier to watch the firework. Thank you Aunt Terri!!

So, that was how E and me spent our July 4th weekends.

It is my first time really celebrating a July 4th, eventhough I am in U.S. for almost 4 years.

We are very tired now, but E just got addicted to Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. He couldn't put it down. I told you it is a great book, dear. ;)

I got it in Hard cover for only US$1. No kidding! I found it in a great place for treasure hunt - a whole shop full of books priced at US$1 only! I was skeptical at first, until I stepped in.

Holy shoot!! Even with tax, each of them costs only US$1.10.

Ok, it is my time too to read the book I just got from Amazon lately for only US$6.

Deluxe: How luxury lost its luster. This is another must read book.

Good night.

E is cooking kueh chap again...

2010-07-02T20:42:00.000-07:00

Only this time will be 8 times more than what he cooked few days ago.

The kueh chap will have a lot of pork, tofu puffs and eggs. Besides the normal pork, we also bought pig ear, tongue, stomach and intestine.

This will be one of the many homemade dishes to feed the Kuching crowd in the Independence party. Can't wait to know what are the other dishes. :D

I like to have this kind of gathering with people from hometown that we met here. 10,000 miles away from home, yet we share so many common likes and hates.

So happy to find one of them was actually my super senior from same elementary and high school. What is the odd? He also is the host for this party. TQVM, X!

E of course as usual, elimited me from his cooking thrill. Ok, he did assign me to do one thing, to boil the eggs. -_-"""

Oh well, at least I get to enjoy the celebration on the TV.

Have a good Indepence day, everybody. ^_^

I must have Urban Decay Naked Palette!

2010-06-30T18:55:00.000-07:00

I am a huge fan of Urban Decay products, especially their eyeshadows and eyeliners. I do like the Urban Decay Primer Potion(or known as UDPP), but definitely not the silly design of the bottle. Urban Decay seriously need to redesign that pretty but impractical bottle.

For the past few months, I have bought many eyeshadow palette from different brands. My personal favorites are Sephora 5 in 1, Too Faced Eye Shadow Insurance Policy High Impact Eye Shadow Collection and four Urban Decay Shadow Boxes (Ammo, Deluxe, Wallpaper and Skull). I also have many quads I got for free from Lancome, Estee Lauder and Clinique when I bought their products during promotions (I hardly use them as they are really not that good if compared to my favorites). Another brand, a very economic brand that surprised me totally with their low price good quality is e.l.f. That will be a story for another day.

Ok, so back to Urban Decay. After buying that four palettes (I strongly recommend Deluxe as your first try), I told myself I am done with their eyeshadow palettes for quite a while, or so I thought.

Until yesterday, when one email from them came into my mailbox.

It was the introduction of their Fall 2010 New Arrivals. One of them really caught my attention!!!

Photo Source

Tralalala~~~ The new Urban Decay Naked Palette. It was love at first sight.
Personally, I think this might become the best palette Urban Decay have made. At least for my dark brown eyes. :P
Out of the 12 colors, only Sin and Smog are already in my other palettes, so I will have another 10 new colors to add to my collections!
It came out on June 29, and within a day, it is sold out!! It is already the best selling on urbandecay.com.
This thing is not cheap, pricing at US$44 before tax (pretty good price for the good quality and the choices of color), and those crazy ladies out there have grabbed it clean.
I want this, but I am going to hold on. I don't think this is a limited edition as starting August 1, other sites such as Sephora and Macy's will start to sell it too.

Here is a nice Youtube video introducing the pretty and practical 12 colors in it. Plus, it comes with 2 shades eyeliner (love love love their eyeliners) and a mini UDPP.

The owner of this video also have used the colors in the palette to do a makeup tutorial. Check it out on Youtube if you want.

Woooo... I am so in love with this palette, even before I get it. ;) Good job, Urban Decay!

Homemade Kueh Chap

2010-06-29T23:13:00.000-07:00

Tonight, E experienced with cooking kueh chap. He is planning to make it for the Saturday's party. There will be a lot of Kuching's folks there.

I liked the soup. But I told him the meat should be more tender. Ok, E was not that happy with my comment. I am a kueh chap lover who used to eat it twice per week, I was just telling him the truth.

E is great, but sometimes, he can be really stubborn, especially when concerning his cooking.

Well, he might cook better than me most of the time, but I think I detect texture better than him. :P

Still, thank you for the kueh chap dear.

Amazon.com is super speedy

2010-06-27T23:05:00.000-07:00

Just came back from the 24th Annual Long Beach Bayou and Mardi Gras Festival. It was fun. Dancing, eating, sunbathing, and watching mini colorful parade. We were sitting at the main stage, where Zydeco artists were performing. Tito Jackson, elder brother of Michael Jackson was there too, performing some Blues music and the Jackson Five classics to close the stage for this year. More details with photos coming up. Hopefully a couple videos too.

I have to tell you guys about my experience with Amazon.com lately. Very impressive.

I ordered a DVD and a book from them online on Tuesday night. Since they cost more than US$25, I am eligible to have Free Super Saver Shipping.

Chose to send them together since shipping them separately will have extra charge.

Somehow, after 5.5 hours, I received an email telling me they have sent out the book at no extra charge, which is schedule to arrive 6-8 days later. I was pretty impressed they shipped it out that fast, as from my past experiences with other websites, they took 1-6 days to ship out my order.

Then, then next day around noon, I received another email telling me my DVD was shipped too.

And... after 25 hours, the postman knocked on my door.

Woolalala~~~ I received my DVD, "My Neighbor Totoro" in 2 days after I ordered it, using normal shipping service! It is a classical Miyazaki Hayao movie that I have wanted to watch it since a long long time ago.

That afternoon, I just couldn't wait to finish the whole anime. I love love love Mei chan~~~ She reminds me so much of my niece. I know this is something my nephew and niece will fall in love with.

Eventhough I am still waiting for my book, which I am equally excited, Amazon.com excellent customer service definitely made my day. :) Thank you!

Have a good week ahead, everybody.

Fake eyelashes

2010-06-26T17:40:00.000-07:00

For the first time in my life, I bought a pair of fake eyelashes, out of curiosity. I have only put on fake eyelashes once during my wedding day photo shooting.

Thanks to Youtube tutorial, I decided to bring my makeup challenges to the next level, using something fake.

Went to Target to get these two items.

Picture sourse for eyeslipsface.com

Natural Lash Kit in Black by e.l.f. for only US$1. I chose it because it is the cheapest, and is made of synthetic hair. This Natural is still too dramatic for me, but for trying out first time, it is a good investment. Oh, by the way, e.l.f. is one of my favorite budget brand.

Picture source from target.com

I did not use the glue comes with the lashes as a lot of tutorials advised not to. Got this Ardell Duo Eyelash Adhesive in Clear for around US$6. Wanted to get the Black one, but they only have the Clear type.

Youtube tutorials is the best place to get experienced Gurus. A lot of good tips too on what works the best.

The result was not too bad, considering it is my first time, without any tweezer nor a proper portable mirror. I have to use the Hubby's work place mirror to put them on. One turned out good at first try, another one I have to put on two times before it turned out ok.

My eyes look huge with this thing. But still, I don't think I will like the idea of having this on me every single day. I can feel them above my own lashes. Not a bad idea to have fun with it occasionally though.

Girls who use this every day truly amaze me!

I sent a photo to my sister, and her reply was "Not bad, but why your makeup so fierce one?"

-_-""" Hello sis, this is smokey eyes makeup, k?