Thursday, April 30, 2015

My Favourite Beef Rice Bowl is Back @ Yoshinoya Hanamaru, Mid Valley

I have always been a die-heart Yoshinoya fan after I first tried their rice bowl many many years ago when they first existed in KL in Mid Valley and KLCC's food court. Unfortunately they closed down so it became a must for me to go have their famous rice bowl every time I travel to Singapore or Taiwan. In Taiwan especially, they are still one of the very famous fast food-style Japanese rice bowl restaurants.
So imagine the excitement when I found out they have made a comeback to Malaysia at Mid Valley!
Deardo brought me there just days after they opened to have dinner! This time around, they are under one same roof with another Udon brand, which makes the whole place named Yoshinoya Hanamaru (Hanamaru for the Udon brand).
It looks like a mini Japanese food court, where you can order either from the Udon or the rice bowl counters (self-service) then there is also a counter for drinks where you can purchase your drinks from. I'm quite glad there seems to be quite a huge crowd = I won't see it closing down anytime soon! Yay! :D
Deardo and I went separate ways since I couldn't care much about whatever diet plan and went for the rice while he went for the Udon...
Beef & Vegetable Bowl RM11.80 + RM7.90 for a Set B.
Beef & Vegetables Bowl yaw~!
A closer look at the Chicken Karage,
Beef is Yoshinoya's signature ingredients so I went for the beef and vegetable combo. It was still the same taste that I used to know - light, hearty, nice and chewy thin beef slices. The only difference here is the vegetables which have evolved from zucchini to cabbage and broccoli. Can't really blame them, zucchini are not cheap in Malaysia. The Chicken Karage that comes with the sides are pretty good too, hot and crunchy still, although not the best Karage I've tried.
Curry Udon, RM10.
Chicken Tempura, RM4, Kakiage, RM3, Ebi Tempura, RM5.
The Curry Udon comes with springy Udon noodles with thick curry gravy with not only potato and carrot cubes, but also pieces of chicken, At RM10, that's quite a steal if compared to other existing Udon places in town. We also tried some Tempura but I think they were really quite a disappointment.
So happy to finally have Yoshinoya again! :)
Overall, I really still enjoy my Yoshinoya rice bowl a lot and will definitely go back again just for that bowl of awesome beef rice bowl! If you haven't try it, then you should!

*Prices are based on receipt before 1st April.

Yoshinoya Hanamaru 
Lot T-015b, Level 3,
Mid Valley City,
Lingkaran Syed Putra,
59200 KL

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Embrace Your Imperfection

I was contemplating whether or not to share this because I'm actually a little paiseh to share this because I looked damn fat (those triple chins gaaaaahhhh...) and cried in the video... But then I thought since there were some real hard work from Karen, and from Deardo and myself done for this video shoot, plus a great message the video has, I think it's only fair to share. :)

So what happened was Karen told me about this project she is assisting to do. The idea isn't new at all, I've seen some other brands doing the same type of videos but the theme this time around is 'Embrace your Imperfection'. She was having problem looking for a loving couple who can speak good English to be featured in the video and of course I was all willing to help but it took some effort to persuade Deardo to do the shoot, which I think he didn't regret doing it at all at the end of the day.

Deardo did his interview a day before me without me at the shoot of course. Here are some snapshots Karen sent to me during his interview...
The Director briefing Deardo while the make-up artist put make-up on him... 
Looking cool on screen?
Definitely a first time for him! :p
He was being such a good sport okay. With make-up and all. Hehe...

Then the next day it was my turn, without Deardo around too of course.
Thank god they had make-up artist! 
Hahaha, definitely not the first time for me though! :p
So I was asked a few questions about myself and mostly the insecurities I have about myself. If you work or have worked in video production like me, you'll know the full interview was longer and then was very much edited for the final product. 

If you know me well, my biggest worries are: 1) to get back on the wheels so that I can drive my future son around safely and 2) what will happen to me, our lives and my family's lives when I decide to become a SAHM one day and these are serious problems! I was also asked what do I think are my weaknesses e.g. too straight forward, etc but those were cut out.
I personally think he looks quite 'video-genic'! 
That's the pregnant aunty crying her heart out. :S
Then they showed me Deardo's interview which you can see in the video too. But there were things that he said earlier too which didn't make it to the final cut, like he actually loves the fact that I'm straight forward and confident cos he doesn't like girls who are timid and just hide behind him. That really made me tear up already because for all you know, we know each other too well and for all you know. my husband loves me for the qualities that some may find annoying. :) Of course, he knows all the worries I have and said things like 'let's walk the journey together' and 'even if one day he isn't around my son will be with me'... (I scolded him for saying such nonsense) He was already tearing up in the video, so what do you expect from me? More tears of course!!! 
I was actually more surprised with the fact that Deardo can be so open in telling the entire world how much he loves me and how he will 'walk the journey' with me. :)
Then he made a surprise appearance (seriously I didn't know he was coming), and I was in more tears! Terrible lar this pregnancy hormone I tell you... :S

Here's the cute and touching video...


Like you can see at the end of the video, I mentioned I always know Deardo will be there for me telling me not to worry but I still worry.

And like the message that the video was trying to convey, no one is perfect and I always know that. As much as you see me being most of the time a cheerful and tough woman, there are worries and weaknesses in me that I always worry about. I'm eager though, to take on the challenges lying ahead of me. First thing on my list is of course to drive. I swear this is the first thing I want to accomplish cos there isn't any ways out of this since I need to drive my boy to school, to tuition, activities, classes or even emergencies. So wish me luck guys! :)

Both Deardo and I are very thankful of Karen who wanted us to be in this project so badly because she knows the outcome of the video will make us realise how much we love and appreciate each other and probably also convey a message to my family back home too. So XOXO Karen! :D

P/S: Nope, I'm not a Marketing Manager. They simply put so I let it slide lar. Marketing yes, Manager nope. :p

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Simple Homemade Food & Breads @ Red Kettle, Taman Bukit Desa

That row of shoplot at Bukit Desa is surprisingly becoming pretty happening lately with more F&B outlets opening. We've been there previously for Sanuki Udon and Encore Patisserie. Today we are going to explore a new bakery cafe - Red Kettle

When we visited Red Kettle, they were only 22-day-old but it is quite obvious that they have already become quite a hit, I'm assuming most of them are from the neighourhood, some might be curious customers like us, who read about them from a food blog earlier.
Half of the bakery cafe is their bakery kitchen which makes the entire place smells so good with the fragrance of freshly baked breads. They sell their breads of course, together with some muffins and cookies. But we were there for their hot food, of course.

They have a one-pager menu with some pretty simple offerings, and excitingly, they are non-halal yo! Pricing ranges from RM15-RM25, which aren't that bad. So here are what we had for a hearty Saturday brunch.
Baguette as starter, FOC.
Angel Hair in Broth, RM18.
Sausage & Mash, RM18.
Signature Pork Chop, RM15.
The Angel Hair in Broth is quite an interesting dish - it looks like a Western version of Ramen yet without a big bowl of soup. It's very light and has a very nice fragrance from the roasted sesame while the thin slices of roasted pork shoulder and soy lava egg made the dish pretty delicious! I would have preferred it with a little greens though. I find the Sausage and Mash and Signature Pork Chop just decent but seriously, those flavourful homemade gravy and fluffy mashed potatoes saved the day! Very well done I must say! Just beware that a guy like Deardo doesn't think the portion is big enough.
Iced Lime Juice, RM4.50.
Iced Ribena Lychee, RM5.50.
I was quite disappointed with the fact that they don't serve coffee (they only have Vietnamese drip and cold brew coffee), leaving us with no choice but to order some cold syrup-based drinks (boo~). I hope it is only temporary cos I really think coffee are very important in cafe like this. 
Anyway, with a 10% service charge, the bill came up to RM67.10 (this was before April 1st), which is quite reasonable. Honest opinion from me? Worth a try, especially the food! But I really do hope coffee will be included in their menu soon.

Red Kettle 
37, Jalan Bukit Desa 5,
Taman Bukit Desa,
58100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-7988 0801

Monday, April 20, 2015

16 Shades of Vain #mummyshirlexiaootd

Probably the very last post on my pregnancy fashion since I'm gonna pop VERY SOON! 

Being preggers has pretty much forced me to change my style from tight, small cutting and very feminine dresses to some mixture of oversized, comfy and 'manly' cool clothes. It's all good for a change I must say and I really had a lot of fun picking out clothes and thinking of how to style them with accessories or adding layers to them. :)

Anyway, let's get the ball rolling, shall we?

#1
Simple loose top which would be pretty helpful too when I start breastfeeding! Love the shades of blue in this simple combo!
Approx. @ 26 weeks
Top: H &M (non-maternity)
Leggings: Forever 21
Sandals: FitFlop
Bag: Samantha Vega

#2
Problem with this dress is, it's a bit too short, so as my tummy grew bigger, it has become even shorter too... :S
Approx. @ 27 weeks
Dress: Say Fashion Maternity
Necklace: Diva
Sandals: FitFlop
Bag: Samantha Vega

#3
Oversized t-shirt dress that is so comfy and has zip details and irregular cutting that I really love~! :)
Approx. @ 29 weeks
Dress: Something Borrowed by Zalora
Necklace: Promod
Sandals: FitFlop

#4
Here's the best example of what I normally won't wear - an oversized jersey which doesn't look so oversized on this pregnant woman anymore, LOL! Anyway, love the cute pineapple (wore this to 3e's CNY party so 'Ong Lai' for the prosperity purpose) and love how cool it makes me look! Yeap, definitely diggin' the SWAG yo! 
Approx. @ 30 weeks
Top: F.O.S
Spaghetti Inner: F.O.S
Leggings: Forever 21
Sunnies: Gucci
Shoes: Puma

#5 
Another cool buy from F.O.S! If you are lucky, they seriously have some really cool and good quality stuff, although not all of them cheap!
Approx. @ 31 weeks
Top: F.O.S
Leggings: H&M Maternity
Shoes: Puma

#6 
Basically the same design as #5 in my previous post just this one a black and white polka dots. Got it at H&M's Deal section at RM10! Who doesn't like that kinda deal?
Approx. @ 31 weeks
Dress: H&M
Necklace: Forever 21
Bag: Samantha Vega
Sandals: FitFlop

#7
Same top as #8 in my previous post, with a different skirt this time around.
Approx. @ 32 weeks
Top: H&M (non-maternity)
Skirt: H&M (non-maternity)
Bag: Gucci
Sunnies: Gucci
Sandals: FitFlop

#8
Because I bought a bigger size of the basic pencil dress, the upper part is really pretty low (can see mummy-to-be's cleavage man) so I had to layer it with something else, which is something I don't normally do. But I'm enjoying it cos it's like playing with colours and creativity! *wink~*
And I always love the sleeves of this black top, so edgy and 'futuristic'! Damn cool right? 
And urm, yes, I was holding a McD Sundae! :p
Approx. @ 32 weeks
Dress: H&M (non-maternity)
Top: Very old purchase from my Hong Kong trip many years ago
Bag: Gucci
Sandals: FitFlop

#9
Same dress as above actually, just in a different colour.
Appox. @ 34 weeks
Dress: H&M (non-maternity)
Crop Top: Cotton On
Necklace: Top Shop
Bag: Samantha Vega
Sandals: FitFlop

#10
Dress is the same as #6 too, another RM10 steal with a bright yellow this time! Ha! The very retro polka dots top was actually a gift from Karen. Thanks yo! :)
Approx. @ 34 weeks
Dress: H&M (non-maternity)
Top: Seed
Bag: Gucci
Sandals: FitFlop

#11
Same dress as #8 here but I styled it differently.
Approx. @ 35 weeks
Dress: H&M (non-maternity)
Belt: Cotton On
Lace Scarf: Jaspal
Bag: Gucci
Sandals: FitFlop

#12
Same blue dress as #9 here, with a different crop top. I've never like crop top so much before this! :p
Approx. @ 36 weeks
Dress: H&M
Crop Top: Cotton On
Bag: Samantha Vega
Sandals: FitFlop

#13
Loving the flowy bottom of this dress/long top (see how it flies with the wind haha). The only problem here is I had to wear it with my Nu Bra which cannot really fit my bigger boobies now... LOL! :p
Approx. @ 36 weeks
Top: Something Borrowed by Zalora
Leggings: Forever 21
Bag: Gucci
Sandals: FitFlop

#14
Another very hip-hop style I only started doing since I got pregnant!
Approx. @ 36 weeks
Spaghetti Inner: F.O.S
Crop Top: H&M (non-maternity)
Leggings: H&M (non-maternity)
Bag: Redherrings by Debenhams
Shoe: Puma

#15
Had a very short hair-cut to welcome confinement month and our little baby boy! :) Same old dress at #10 and same old crop top at #6 from my previous entry, but this is a different combination.
Approx. @ 37 weeks
Dress: P&Co
Crop Top: Cotton On
Necklace: Top Shop
Bag: Gucci
Sandals: FitFlop

#16
Same dress from #10 above and same crop top from #9 and made it work on another combination.
Approx. @ 37 weeks
Dress: H&M
Crop Top: Cotton On
Necklace: Promod
Bag: Gucci
Sandals: FitFlop


That's all, bidding goodbye to styling the bump in true style, did I? At least I hope I did not make myself too aunty-ish over this past few months! :D I actually really enjoyed the entire journey of styling myself and the bump on me, almost like how Deardo actually enjoyed taking these ootd photos for me more than before I was pregnant. He said he is going to miss me with the bump so he is basically capturing a lot of photos of me now for memory's sake. LOL.

Here's my earlier entry (again) on my maternity fashion, just in case you are interested.