Happy New Year!

Bring on 2013 in style! Normally I don't make resolutions, why make them when you are only going to break them. But this year, I've made an exception :-))

Ben & Jerry's VS Haagen Dazs

The Ultimate Challenge. Ben & Jerry's VS Haagen Dazs.

It's a serious showdown. Which icecream tastes better?

Is it Haagen Dazs... or Ben & Jerry's.

Chatime turns 3! Free chocolates

Kerancia's Loving Free Chocolates! Did you get yours? 

Aussie Breakfast - Bacon & Egg roll

$5.00 Bacon & Egg roll. Picture shows only half of it. It's the real deal!

One of my favourite breakfast meals that I've been having recently is the bacon & egg roll. A common Australian breakfast. Completely satisfying.

S$1.70 cake!

Yummi Chiffon
Bugis Junction, 200 Victoria street, #B1-K7, Bugis Singapore

Only in Singapore... will you find a cookies & cream sponge chiffon cake for S$1.70. I found this little beauty in Bugis Junction food centre downstairs at Yummi Chiffon.

Thought of the day... Candy rules!!!! Yeah..... :)))

Finally heaven understands I'm fairly sure... that Candy rules! :)))

Snacking in KFC

Here are some of my weekend favourites. What have I been eating. A whole.lot.of.junk! A girl has to indulge in some greasy fast food every now and then. Yum.yum.yum. And nothing beats it more than KFC in Singapore. Now..... indulge me please but i reckon the KFC in SG is the best. Crispy, chunky and a whole lot of flavour!

Up close and person - 2 piece feed. See how big & crisp it is?

Well Singapore's national independence celebration 47th years, here is the official web site link to page to see some photos and relive the celebrations on the day, It was truly exciting and memorable experience sea of RED , Loving singapore. What i took away from it, our pledge our home Singapore, look forward to next year's NDP, What do you think? anybody there close by for the celebrations,  vantage points you caught the fireworks?

Singapore Local Dinner

It's so cheap to have dinner and a good meal in Singapore! Here is what I had for dinner tonight:

Nasi Padang (rice with mix of vegetables and meat dishes. The rice is underneath all that food) S$9 = approx AUD$6.90.
This meal was huge and satisfying.

BBQ Pork & Chicken Rice S$5 = approx AUD$3.85 (so cheap!).
Where else can you get this for that price?

Happy National Day Singapore!

9 August is Singapore National Day. Happy NDP everyone! I will be back in Singapore for the celebrations & to catch up on all things Singapore. Looking forward to telling you all about it :) Stay tuned......

How cute is this? :)) Happy days....

Thought of the day.... How sweet is this? :))

Why your burger doesn't like the ad!

Ever wondered why the burgers in the McDonald's ads and posters look so much better than they do in real life? I always do...... I get disappointed when I order a Big Mac and it looks half the size and nothing like the ad. Find out why...

Lunch @ Simply Noodles

Simply Noodles, Top Ryde Shopping Centre, Sydney.
Lower Ground, Shop 2.

Great authentic flavours. The Har Mee here is as good as it gets and reminds me of that which I'm used to eating in Singapore. Yum yum yum. The BBQ Pork Cha Siew was crisp and had a great sauce that packed a punch. I could come here everyday just for their BBQ Pork. All I would need is some plain rice and I would be in food heaven. Highly recommended place to eat. It's a little gem, in a busy suburban shopping centre.

Prawn Noodle Soup (Har Mee) $13.90

Thought of the day - Desserts :))

If you ever need to justify that extra piece of cake, this is how...

Saturday favourites

Here's my sweet foodie favourites I enjoyed this Saturday in pictures!

First stop - Red bean biscuits from Ho's Dim Sum Kitchen on Pitt Street, Sydney.


Red bean biscuits $4.50 (pack of 6) - Freshly made, thin pastry with lots of red bean inside.



Ho's Dim Sum Kitchen

429a Pitt Street

Sydney, NSW 2000

Followed by a tiger vanilla swiss roll from Bread Top. Its a light vanilla sponge that hits my sweet spot perfectly! 

Tiger Vanilla Swiss Roll $7.70

Bread Top
404 Sussex Street
Sydney, NSW 2000

Dean & DeLuca to open in Singapore this weekend

Dean & DeLuca’s first Singapore store opens its doors this Friday June 22, at 8pm. Yay!!! All food lovers can rejoice! I love Dean & Deluca. If the name sounds familiar, Dean & Deluca has been featured in popular TV shows such as Felicity.

Sushi Etiquette

Need a quick crase course in Japanese dining? I certainly do. Sushi Etiquette. Oops, I must admit I am guilty of doing some of the "Don'ts" when I eat Japanese cuisine. You might be surprised to learn what is considered proper and impolite.

3 Stages of Life

Thought of the day...

Zilver Yum Cha

Level G, 477 Pitt street
Sydney Central Building, Haymarket Sydney


I'm in Chinatown today, so a stop off to yum cha beckons at Zilver. It's owned by the same people of the "Eight" restaurant just down the road in Market City.

Here we go....

"Up" Movie - Mr Carl Fredricksen exists!

He exists! Ha! That's amazing..... :)

"Up" Movie

Lauren Conrad's Skinny Jeans Workout - Part 2

Awhile ago I tried Lauren Conrad's Skinny Jeans workout - and I'm feeling like it's time for Part 2! So if you are feeling like me and you've eaten one too many sweets in the last few weeks, fear not. I'll be doing Lauren Conrad's Bikini boot camp workout for the next couple of weeks. Join me and we can do it together!

As with the skinny jeans workout, its quick, easy to follow and you can still eat from the choices available. Skinny Jeans here I come! :))

New Shanghai - Chatswood Chase, Sydney

Shop B-038, Chatswood Chase, Chatswood, NSW 2067

On a shopping trip to the leafy north shore Sydney suburb of Chatswood, I decided to pop into Chatswood Chase (a luxury designer shopping centre) for lunch.

New Shanghai is located in the lower ground floor food court, it's just a bit fancier at Chatswood than your usual shopping centre food court.

MY TIP: Entertainment Book - up to 50% off in Australia

Here's MY TIP for those living in Australia or are coming to Australia to visit:

Body Language Decoder

Body language is intriguing and confusing...

....don't spend hours wondering what a particular action meant. I found these great body language decoders to share with you!

Whether you've just met your man or are in a long term relationship, this Cosmopolitan body language of men guide deciphers the meanings behind his actions.

And for the guys, check out the AskMen Decoding Women's body language.

Ichiraku Japanese Noodle Bar, Eastwood Sydney

Shop 2, 4A Hillview Road, Eastwood NSW 2122

Opened: Tuesday to Sunday: Lunch 11:30am - 3.00pm, Dinner 5.30pm to 9.30pm.

Dinner time finds me in Eastwood, Sydney. Now this suburb is probably more "Chinatown" than "Chinatown" in Sydney city. I think they should rename it. Eastwood is buzzing with people at night, queues and queues of people line up at the restaurants. Makes me feel like I'm in Asia again! Japanese, Chinese, Shanghai and Korean restaurants. Plenty to choose from. But be early otherwise you may find it hard to get a spot to eat!

I'm craving Japanese tonight. So it’s to Ichiraku Japanese Noodle Bar I go.

Wollongong Part 2 - Bald Hill Lookout

Driving the Grand Pacific Drive (the award winning coastal drive) from Wollongong to Sydney, along the magnificent Sea Cliff Bridge and overseeing the New South Wales coastline, we stop off at Bald Hill.

Nan Tien Temple Water Drop Tea House, Wollongong

180 Berkeley Road, Berkeley, Sydney NSW 2506

A day trip to Wollongong finds me in Nan Tien Buddhist Temple. Hungry after a 2 hour drive from Sydney, I was eager to try some vegetarian delights in the Temple's Tea House called Water Drop. Set in a tranquil and attractive setting with a wide variety of exotic teas, coffees as well as an a la carte lunch menu.

Wollongong Part 1 - Nan Tien Buddhist Temple

Nan Tien Buddhist Temple, is the biggest Buddhist temple in the southern hemisphere. "Nan Tien" in Chinese, literally means "Paradise of the South". Situated at Berkeley, a suburb of Wollongong in the state of New South Wales Sydney, it is located in a quiet, peaceful environment, overlooking Mount Keira and Mount Kembla. Find out more...

Encasa, Spanish Food in Sydney

423 Pitt Street, Sydney.

Looking for a relaxed and friendly Spanish restaurant in central Sydney? Then look no further than Encasa. Specialising in Spanish cuisine including tapas, pizza and pasta dishes. Its easy to get to, near Central Station and World Square.

Countdown to Sundown - How to RUN Better

Have two left feet, no? Well I do :) Mid strike, heel strike confuse you? I'm not a natural born runner, and I've had to do alot of work on my running stride and technique. I still have a LONG way to go to become more efficient at running... but check this out...

So moodies....



So moodies sky...

 What are you?



 

Cocobella Coconut Water

What is Coconut Water?

It's a 100% natural beverage made from the water inside young green coconuts which is naturally rich in electrolytes; potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorous.

Coconut water is the latest fad to hit the streets with many celebrities such as Rihanna raving about being a huge fan and the health benefits.

I was intrigued to try.
I like coconut. Tick yes.
I like water. Tick yes too.

So I have all the pre-requisites to like coconut water? Yes, one could conclude that!

Here goes…

Monday Happiness - Garfield Comic

Here's a dose of Monday happiness - even Garfield has evolved into the world of blogging! :) hehe

So you think you can run

Running is what our bodies were designed and evolved to do, unfortunately the modern way of life has left most people wanting to use the car, or take the train, hence the obesity epidemic. As long as you plan your training well, trying not to increase your run distance to far to soon, then running will offer great returns in both fitness and weight loss and always leave you with a natural high.

Running requires both little skill and equipment, however investment in good footwear is essential.

Running can be performed outside on the roads, across country or on an athletics track.

Indoor running machines offer a good simulation as well as a good workout.

Beginners should start slowly and possible hold onto the machine, until they get used to the movement, making sure that they know both how to operate and stop the machine in case of an emergency.

A common mistake made by most people on running machines is to run too slow. This results in a shortened stride, and also wasted muscle actions to hold the leg up, whilst the other leg is travelling back on the running belt.

Basic techniques that will aid in both improving your running, and preventing injury are:

• Foot placement
  
  Aim to strike the floor with your heel and push off with the ball of your foot. Some runners, especially sprinters prefer to run on their toes - aim to make the movement feel as natural as possible
   
• Length of Stride
  
  The longer your stride, the more efficient your running will normally be. Persons in poor health, or in rehabilitation will find a shorter stride more comfortable. Control your stride when running downhill, and aim for faster shorter strides uphill
   
• Body position
  
  Aim to lean slightly forward whilst running up hill, upright when running on the flats and slightly back when running down hill. Your head should be up, looking straight ahead
   
• Breathing
  
  Should be comfortable, ideally in through the nose and out through the mouth
   
• Relaxed
  
  Whilst running your arms need to be relaxed, as they move at the same speed as your legs, on an alternating basis, i.e. left leg / right arm, then vice versa. Aim to move the arms forward and back, keeping the arms close to your sides bent at about 90 degrees
   
• Sprinting & Uphill
  
  When sprinting or running up hills a pumping action with the arms will aid your running

Source:netfit

Din Tai Fung, Sydney

 

Level 3, World Square, 644 George Street, Sydney.

Din Tai Fung is an award winning restaurant, originally from Taiwan. Its specialty - Xiao Long Bao which are small steam dumplings filled with meat filling and hot soup. Hand made with precision, Din Tai Fung claims that each Xiao Long Bao has a perfect 18 exquisite folds. It’s become so popular, that Din Tai Fung has restaurants in Australia, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, USA, and Thailand.

The setting and decor is pleasant, sort of like an up market yum cha restaurant and that comes with the price tag too! Service is quick and efficient. The restaurant is always busy - so get in early otherwise be prepared to share a table or wait.

Pork Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) were yummy, however skill is needed to eat one with grace and poise. Put one dumpling in your spoon and with your chopstick, poke a small hole in the dumpling to let the soup flow out onto the spoon. Drink the soup, then eat the dumpling - this way you avoid the embarrassment of squirting it all on yourself or worst onto your eating buddy! 

Were there 18 folds in the Xiao Long Bao? I don't think anyone notices. I wasn't counting, and it didn't really matter to me. You can find good Xiao Long Baos without the hefty price tag, at other places like Taste of Shanghai which is downstairs in World Square.

Pros: Loved the Crumbed Chicken Fillet with Fried Rice! The Chicken fillet was so crisp and scrumptious, and the fried rice full of egg and flavour - this was one of the best fried rice and crumbed chicken I've had. It gave me that homely comfort feeling :)

Cons: Good food but be prepared for the price tag especially with the dumplings. This meal cost AUD$56 for two people at lunch and I wasn't completely full. It gets super busy, so get in early otherwise be prepared to wait or share a table. All persons to the table have to be there; otherwise they won't let you in.  

Just want dumplings without the restaurant experience? Perhaps try their new Dumplings Bar opened at Level 5, Westfield Sydney, Pitt Street.

Hot & Sour Soup small with shredded Pork $4.80

Pork Dumpling (Xiao Long Bao) 6 pieces $8.80

Prawn & Pork Shao Mai 4 pieces $9.80

Green Beans with Minced Pork & Dried Prawn Mince $12.80

Crumbed Chicken Fillet with Fried Rice $11.80

Lychee Mint Juice $6.
Chinese tea $2 per person  (not shown)

Skinny Jeans was only the beginning.

How 1-Minute Intervals Can Improve Your Health

By GRETCHEN REYNOLDS, Columnist

 

John P. Kelly/Getty ImagesCan brief bursts of exercise improve your health?

While many of us wonder just how much exercise we really need in order to gain health and fitness, a group of scientists in Canada are turning that issue on its head and asking, how little exercise do we need?

The emerging and engaging answer appears to be, a lot less than most of us think — provided we’re willing to work a bit.

In proof of that idea, researchers at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, recently gathered several groups of volunteers. One consisted of sedentary but generally healthy middle-aged men and women. Another was composed of middle-aged and older patients who’d been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease.

The researchers tested each volunteer’s maximum heart rate and peak power output on a stationary bicycle. In both groups, the peaks were not, frankly, very high; all of the volunteers were out of shape and, in the case of the cardiac patients, unwell. But they gamely agreed to undertake a newly devised program of cycling intervals.

Most of us have heard of intervals, or repeated, short, sharp bursts of strenuous activity, interspersed with rest periods. Almost all competitive athletes strategically employ a session or two of interval training every week to improve their speed and endurance.

But the Canadian researchers were not asking their volunteers to sprinkle a few interval sessions into exercise routines. Instead, the researchers wanted the groups to exercise exclusively with intervals.

For years, the American Heart Association and other organizations have recommended that people complete 30 minutes or more of continuous, moderate-intensity exercise, such as a brisk walk, five times a week, for overall good health.

But millions of Americans don’t engage in that much moderate exercise, if they complete any at all. Asked why, a majority of respondents, in survey after survey, say, “I don’t have time.”
Intervals, however, require little time. They are, by definition, short. But whether most people can tolerate intervals, and whether, in turn, intervals provide the same health and fitness benefits as longer, more moderate endurance exercise are issues that haven’t been much investigated.

Several years ago, the McMasters scientists did test a punishing workout, known as high-intensity interval training, or HIIT, that involved 30 seconds of all-out effort at 100 percent of a person’s maximum heart rate. After six weeks, these lacerating HIIT sessions produced similar physiological changes in the leg muscles of young men as multiple, hour-long sessions per week of steady cycling, even though the HIIT workouts involved about 90 percent less exercise time.

Recognizing, however, that few of us willingly can or will practice such straining all-out effort, the researchers also developed a gentler but still chronologically abbreviated form of HIIT. This modified routine involved one minute of strenuous effort, at about 90 percent of a person’s maximum heart rate (which most of us can estimate, very roughly, by subtracting our age from 220), followed by one minute of easy recovery. The effort and recovery are repeated 10 times, for a total of 20 minutes.

Despite the small time commitment of this modified HIIT program, after several weeks of practicing it, both the unfit volunteers and the cardiac patients showed significant improvements in their health and fitness.

The results, published in a recent review of HIIT-related research, were especially remarkable in the cardiac patients. They showed “significant improvements” in the functioning of their blood vessels and heart, said Maureen MacDonald, an associate professor of kinesiology at McMaster who is leading the ongoing experiment.

It might seem counterintuitive that strenuous exercise would be productive or even wise for cardiac patients. But so far none have experienced heart problems related to the workouts, Dr. MacDonald said. “It appears that the heart is insulated from the intensity” of the intervals, she said, “because the effort is so brief.”

Almost as surprising, the cardiac patients have embraced the routine. Although their ratings of perceived exertion, or sense of the discomfort of each individual interval, are high and probably accurate, averaging a 7 or higher on a 10-point scale, they report enjoying the entire sessions more than longer, continuous moderate exercise, Dr. MacDonald said.
“The hard work is short,” she points out, “so it’s tolerable.” Members of a separate, exercise control group at the rehab center, assigned to complete standard 30-minute moderate-intensity workout sessions, have been watching wistfully as the interval trainers leave the lab before them. “They want to switch groups,” she said.

The scientists have noted other benefits in earlier studies. In unfit but otherwise healthy middle-aged adults, two weeks of modified HIIT training prompted the creation of far more cellular proteins involved in energy production and oxygen. The training also improved the volunteers’ insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation, lowering their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, according to a study published last fall in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.

Since then, the scientists completed a small, follow-up experiment involving people with full-blown Type 2 diabetes. They found that even a single bout of the 1-minute hard, 1-minute easy HIIT training, repeated 10 times, improved blood sugar regulation throughout the following day, particularly after meals.

Of course, HIIT training is not ideal or necessary for everyone, said Martin Gibala, a professor of kinesiology at McMaster, who’s overseen the high-intensity studies. “If you have time” for regular 30-minute or longer endurance exercise training, “then by all means, keep it up,” he said. “There’s an impressive body of science showing” that such workouts “are very effective at improving health and fitness.”

But if time constraints keep you from lengthier exercise, he continues, consult your doctor for clearance, and then consider rapidly pedaling a stationary bicycle or sprinting uphill for one minute, aiming to raise your heart rate to about 90 percent of your maximum. Pedal or jog easily downhill for a minute and repeat nine times, perhaps twice a week. “It’s very potent exercise,” Dr. Gibala said. “And then, very quickly, it’s done.”

Source: New York Times