more charm than good

Moved!

2011-01-13T14:15:00.003-06:00

You will be redirected shortly.

morecharmthangood.com

Sew Psyched by Essie

2011-01-05T20:18:00.002-06:00

I am just a bit in love with this soft sage green from Essie. I feel like I just dipped my nails in some rich green tea ice cream. Matches my couch, too.

Garlic, Chive and Asiago Knots

2010-12-29T13:30:00.000-06:00

Thankfully, my violent little battle with the common cold has met its end and I can now function like a normal human being. In celebration of that, I decided to bake some bread. Only natural, right?

Aside from using my mother's breadmaker back home as a 12 year-old, I have never baked bread from scratch. When a recipe calls for dry active yeast, I turn away in fear. But as I've recently discovered... it's just yeast! You toss it in, let it do its work, the dough rises-- nothing to it!

The original recipe calls for dried Italian seasoning, but the fresh chives at the grocery store were calling me with their fantastic greenness, so chives it is. I also had some shredded asiago lying around, so I added a pinch after the knots had been baking for a while.

Let me tell you, these darlings will cause your kitchen to smell like a happy little garlic and butter paradise. And when they're fresh out of the oven, they are warm and soft and quite simply... the perfect partner for your dinner.

Grahamwich

2010-12-27T21:49:00.003-06:00

Popcorn with truffle oil, grated parmesan, chives, sea salt and cracked pepper.

Beef shortrib sandwich with pickled shallots, watercress, horseradish and shoestring potatoes.

Orange-ginger soda.

I was curious about Graham Elliot's new sandwich shop, and it met all my expectations. How I love you, Grahamwich!

Christmas

2010-12-26T01:15:00.007-06:00

I never thought I'd get here, but here I am... the long nights and boring critiques of the semester behind me. I still have plenty to do for the next year, but I am going to enjoy doing nothing for a few more days.

So, it's Christmas! I was so excited about the holiday season: putting up a tree, listening to an insufferable amount of Jackson 5 Christmas music, and even throwing a small ugly sweater soiree. Unfortunately, I spent Christmas Day itself with a sore throat and a healthy dose of lethargy. Sad, really. I was hoping that maybe, JUST MAYBE, I'd hit December 25th without picking up some awful bug, but nope! Somehow, Paul and I ended up sick.

We had to skip out on his sister's Christmas meal so I decided to make our Christmas feast (ha!)-- congee with shiitake mushrooms and egg. Perfect food for the infirm. This is a good guide to making congee. I used minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil and plenty of scallions. Nothing quite to it, so I won't go into great detail... just remember to crack an egg in towards the end.

I hope we feel better soon, because my sister and brother-in-law will be in town for New Year's and the last thing I want is to be this bumbling tired mess of germs. I have a nice plump list of restaurants to dine at-- determined to show them what Chicago's made of! Maybe I'll even cook a bit.

Well, one thing's for sure. I'll be updating a bit more frequently now that I am no longer plagued with finals and critiques, perhaps some of you even missed my updates. :)

Xiao Long Bao (Soup dumplings)

2010-11-04T21:08:00.005-05:00

I have a fair lot of work to do this week, so this will be brief.

I like soup dumplings, and Tasty House in Chinatown makes them quite well. Reminds me of home, which I miss.

Yellow Light

2010-10-29T01:34:00.008-05:00

Two areas of my apartment must always have some form of yellow light: the living room and bedroom. I think a soft amber glow is vastly more relaxing than a stark white glare, which to me, speaks of workworkwork. Dim yellow lighting, candles, music, and I'm yours. And probably asleep.

Things have been busy, but mostly in a good way. I think I may be an art history student soon. Doesn't that sound exceedingly romantic? So very Mona Lisa Smile. I have been considering the BFAAH program for a while. I mean, firstly, the School has an excellent museum and Art History program. I often forget how fortunate I am to read in class about Seurat's A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte and then take a few steps over to our museum where I can absorb the original work in person. Really, there are things I can't stand about my school, but the museum certainly is not on that list.

Secondly, there always seems to be an array of classes in the department calling my name each semester. Since transferring to art school, I do miss (and enjoy) writing papers and sitting myself down with a pile of reading, which is what art history classes often consist of. It just seems like a sensible fit. After a few meetings with my advisor, I think I am finally going to make it official. My degree will still be a BFA, but it will (hopefully) be with a concentration in both Art History and Fashion Design. Maybe Sotheby's will find some use for me.

Some good news: my boyfriend landed a job at Groupon, we are very excited about it. October has been largely satisfactory; I expect that November will only be better!

Staying Afloat

2010-10-18T20:55:00.008-05:00

Of course, the most hectic period of the semester has to coincide with the prettiest Chicago weather, right? I mean, really, there are about 33 things I'd much rather do, like sip tea with Nicole Krauss' new novel 'Great House'. Or take long walks around the neighbourhood, admiring all the gorgeous little dogs out for their evening exercise. Or bake muffins only to give half the batch away to a friend.

I've quickly found the key to my sanity in this rigorous design program, and that is to allow myself some time to absorb the things around me and to do things I actually find true pleasure in doing. Going to farmers' markets, picking out enticing recipes to try at the end of the week, cooking with my boyfriend and taking pictures of leaves on a sidewalk. This keeps me sane. So in a way, I owe some gratitude to my blog, because it is inexplicably easy to find myself overwhelmed in a whirlwind of deadlines and late nights filled with hours upon hours of manual work. It's all okay if at the end of the week, I can come back home, heave a sigh of relief, and whip up a fresh pot of stock out of some leftover chicken bones. More Charm Than Good, you keep me grounded.

Rosemary, Honey and Sea Salt Shortbread

2010-09-30T20:11:00.006-05:00

It is without question that tea's best friend, lover and soulmate is shortbread.

At first glance, it may seem bizarre. Rosemary, honey and sea salt? Oh, but doubt me not! It is ethereal; each little nibble crumbling and melting in your mouth, leaving you with a curious and intriguing aftertaste. Fresh rosemary brings such fragrance to this buttery shortbread, and the sea salt sprinkled before baking elevates this beautifully. You know how there are certain things in life that fill you with plump satisfaction, yet, even after, you find yourself yearning for just a little bit more? This is exactly that.

I discovered three things after starting the recipe:-

a) I don't own any cookie cutters. None, zilch, zero.
b) My neighbourhood grocery store, Potash Brothers, does not have cookie cutters in stock until the holiday season.
c) Champagne flute glasses make marvelous cookie cutters if you're in a bit of a rut, as I was.

Mmm, and need I remind you that it is perfect for the coming tea season? For me, it was partnered with a slightly oversteeped cup of chai, no sugar. Delectable. Look at how darling these are, little butter-white circles playfully speckled with fresh rosemary!

Recipe: from Epicurious. I found it easier to chill the dough for a few minutes before rolling it out and putting my champagne flutes to work. Also, I highly recommend a light dusting of coarse sea salt just before you pop it in the oven.

Say Hello to Autumn

2010-09-28T18:31:00.003-05:00

I am waiting in great anticipation for the leaves to change, to see both trees and the ground swathed in a flurry of strong reds and oranges. This is my favourite time of the year! Tights the colour of a ruby port, pumpkin spice, and just enough nip in the air to require a soft cardigan, but not quite a wool coat.

My boyfriend and I decided to usher fall in by going to the Lincoln Square Apple Fest. Fresh locally harvested produce, pastries, cider, and buckets of apples, apples, and apples, of course. We bought some concord grapes and I've been wanting to make something out of them (jam, perhaps?), but they are so incredibly robust and flavourful on their own that I am unsure they will last even a few more days in my fridge!

I was sad that we missed out on the legendary apple pie (word on the street is that people dream about these at night!), but there's always next year.

On our way back home, we stumbled upon Lawrence Fish Market. Try to visualise the most unassuming hole-in-the-wall EVER where they serve up fresh and affordable sushi, and you have LFM. $2.95 maki rolls and $1 generously portioned nigiri? Unheard of in Chicago, but not at this dinky little fish shop. You will see a worn and tattered carseat in the store, and you may think twice... but don't. Just do it.

Enjoy the weather, everyone. Especially if you're in Chicago, because we know the ugly days will soon be upon us. :)

Caramelised Figs and Cream

2010-09-26T22:06:00.004-05:00

If you feel like your life may need just a smidgen of heaven, make these. Drizzle ripe figs with honey, pop in oven, whip cream, and say hello to the great beyond. I think this may be one of the most seductive and simple desserts ever.

Avalanches

2010-09-24T19:46:00.011-05:00

It seems that I hardly write about my schoolwork, which is funny, because as a full-time student... school is my life! Some background information: I attended the University of Virginia with the intent of being an English and Economics major... and then I switched to fashion school. Yes, really. And believe me, it was as crazy a transition as one would expect, maybe even crazier, and a transition I am still getting used to even as a junior in the fashion program.

But I love it! It is costly and the hours are long and arduous, but few things in life are more satisfying than seeing your model walk down the runway wearing something that existed only as a pencilled sketch a few months before. Really, nothing quite like it.

A few pictures of my two-piece look from last spring's runway show, held in The Modern Wing of our Museum. Only the one-shouldered look is mine.

The semester has started getting busy, and pretty soon I know I will be by the trusty industrial machines in the studio, belting out some BSB with my classmates as we work towards getting our garments finished!

Weeknight Dinner

2010-09-23T16:54:00.004-05:00

Just a simple dinner that takes less than 40 minutes from stove to dining table. Pork chop a in palm sugar-garlic-soy sauce-sesame-oil glaze, brown rice, and lots and lots of greens. I bought a nice fistful of organic fresh spinach (with roots and bits of soil and everything) and I think it's safe to say that my days of bagged spinach are over.

Yum.

Pavlova

2010-09-12T13:57:00.004-05:00

Oh, pavlova. Even its name ignites thoughts of a clandestine lover of some sort. Making this dessert was an almost emotional experience, because it was only something I had at picnics and dinner parties with my Australian girl friends back in beautiful Mount Eliza. Pavlova, to me, is synonymous with weekends spent on their farms and homes, playing out in the garden or floating on a tube in a pond and coming back to a meal, and of course, dessert--- all lovingly prepared by their mothers.

It has been 5 years since I have seen any of my dear old friends, and 5 years since my tongue last tasted pavlova. I miss Australia and boarding school all the time, but making this allowed me to have a slice of Australia back.

I remember the first time I had it, a whimsical symphony of crisp meringue with a cloudlike soft centre, topped with an avalanche of fresh cream and finally... seasonal fruit. Raspberries, I think, are divine with this, as the tartness perfectly counterbalances the sweetness of the meringue. You can use whatever you may have on hand.

I made more than my boyfriend and I could possibly eat (out of any regard for our waistlines), so I gave a generous serving to my favourite doorman. He looked amused, and I trust he enjoyed it.

It is one of my favourite desserts, for the reasons mentioned above. You absolutely must make it! Recipe here.

Fall 2010

2010-09-10T19:02:00.006-05:00

It's been a while since my last update. School has been busybusybusy and I have settled back into the swing of things. My apartment is an absolute mess and already I am planning trips to the fabric store and trying to figure out model casting for my first project. I even transformed one of my closets into a makeshift pattern rack... it's sad. But really, it's nice to have so much to occupy myself with.

My friend Derek just moved to Chicago from my past school, University of Virginia, so we had some Arnold Palmers at Bourgeois Pig. I have always loved that cafe! Good place to cozy up with some solid reading or an old friend.

Here are pictures of two things that make me very happy: chirashi, and mango with sticky rice. Yum.

Blueberry Pancakes

2010-08-27T12:05:00.004-05:00

I have been sleeping very strange hours due to jetlag. Last night, I nodded off from 8pm - 2am, and then again from 4am - 8am. Being up that early with nothing to do, I decided to make blueberry pancakes for Paul. I'm not a sweet breakfast sort of person (I prefer scrambled eggs with chives and other savoury goodies) so I took only a few bites before surrendering my portion to my boyfriend.

These were good. Fluffy, sweet and satisfying. I substituted milk with vanilla almond milk; I thought it tasted lovely like that! Vanilla almond milk is my absolute favourite.

Anyway, we are going on a mini trip somewhere close today! Tip: it's Southern.

From Kuala Lumpur to Chicago

2010-08-22T21:24:00.003-05:00

Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Changi, Singapore (SIN)
Changi, Singapore(SIN) to Incheon, Korea (ICN)
Incheon, Korea (ICN) to San Francisco (SFO)
San Francisco (SFO) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)

We had a surplus of miles with United's Mileage Plus program so we decided to use it on an international award ticket, which we've done several times now. The only downside to this is that you do not necessarily get the route that you want because there are only a few award travel seats allocated on each Star Alliance flight. My preferred route is through Tokyo Narita flying straight to Chicago, but those seats were full at the time of booking.

The upside? My Singapore Airlines flight to the other side of the world set us back a grand total of $54.20.

I love miles, and I am looking forward to eating good food at Incheon!

Bring it on, jetlag.

No Place Quite Like Home

2010-08-19T10:43:00.003-05:00

It is nearly time to leave. Why do I feel robbed by time? When I left Chicago in July, August felt so far away, and now it's past mid-August and my string of flights over the Pacific is only four days away.

So I have been absorbing a year's worth of memories and sensory details to last me the next 365 days or more. Probably more.

Like falling asleep to the music of Malaysian rain at night. I say 'Malaysian' rain because it sounds different compared to rain in Chicago. I'm serious! Rain in Chicago often strikes fear in my heart. It's almost vengeful. But the nightly showers here are like beautiful wet xylophone notes to my ears.

Oh, and being woken up by a pair of sand-coloured paws prodding against my arm. It's almost always too early for that, but dogs don't always have the greatest sense of time. Sometimes as I am typing away on the computer, she decides after an hour that she has had enough of this lack of attention. So she plants herself next to the desk and whines until I call out various permutations of her name (Lou-Lou, Alou, Louette, Woo Woo, Booette, Little Lou-Lou, etc.) in her favourite language... Babytalk. Alouette has my heart.

Let's not forget durian, and the wonderful durian stalls with their huge colourful umbrellas littered around the city, ready to serve you the creamy custard fruit of the gods. If you are Southeast Asian and you do not like durian... I cannot trust you.

Kuih tako, I saved you till last because I am most thankful to you. Your soft pandan and coconut milk self amuses my bouche and has saved me from the monotony of a strict post wisdom teeth extraction diet. Mashed up fruit gets old after a while.

Sigh. I am sad to leave home, but very happy to have been here.

Borneo

2010-08-17T10:02:00.004-05:00

What an eventful and busy few weeks! After my sister's Chinese wedding reception in Kuala Lumpur, we packed our bags and boarded a flight to Sabah, located on the island of Borneo, Malaysia. We had a rather large entourage consisting of 10 and spanning 3 generations! It has been a good while since I last travelled in a large group, but it was very fun.

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru was beyond lovely. Upon arrival, we were greeted with the strong resonant boom of a gong at the entrance to the resort. Sipping on our welcome drink of chilled lemongrass tea in the dark wood and amber-lit lobby, we enjoyed the gentle lulling of the gamelan musician. Fell in love with Shangri-La from this moment on! It's the little things that make a lasting impression: having a bowl of fruit in your room every morning and pink and white shells as delicate little soapdishes. My future home will have shells as soapdishes. :)

Visiting a cultural village deep in the Sabahan forest made me see things very differently. Such richness and variety in culture. And all in my very own Malaysia! These were all things I learnt in textbooks growing up, but seeing things in person is something else. I felt so bland and boring culture-wise, being raised in the city of Kuala Lumpur instead of some obscure tribe of Borneo. The village itself was lush and green, with babbling waterfalls and creeks and slightly rickety bamboo homes. In that idyllic setting, I found myself wondering if I could live such a simple life. It would be nice to get away from the concrete jungle of Chicago and lose myself in all that greenery and fresh fruit (haha), but the answer is probably no. I'd have to work a little harder on my blowpipe skills, for one. Oh, and I would miss sushi, Anthropologie, and um... the ability to Google.

Meet my friend, Masa. Masa is an orangutan and she was my favourite in the sanctuary. She would look right into your eyes if you called her name, and such warm and kind eyes she had! The tigers are clearly in love; the one in the foreground is obviously me and the one displaying his masculinity/trying to get me to leave him alone is Paul, my boyfriend.

I cannot wait to go back to Sabah or anywhere else in Borneo. It did not feel like I was in Malaysia (it felt more like Indonesia) and it was agreed upon by all that Sabahans are much friendlier than KLites! Also, the seafood. Mmmm, sweet sweet seafood. Till next time, Borneo!

Want

2010-08-06T02:57:00.007-05:00

- Ruche

I don't remember the last time I wore jeans or pants (aside from American Apparel yoga pants for lounging around). I live in dresses. With a wardrobe devoted almost exclusively to a good variety of this feminine one-piece garment... I find it easier to get dressed and out the door. Pick a dress that strikes your fancy, a cardigan (if needed), and a pair of shoes! Efficient.

Oh, and in the winter? Thick sweater tights are my best friend.

I sort of really want these dresses to be waiting for me in Chicago when I return. That hemline of the second one is whispering my name across the Pacific. "Have me. Wear me. I'm frivolous and fun, and you will love me." Hmm...

Nestum Prawns with Curry Leaves

2010-07-29T06:33:00.005-05:00

I have been home for 2 weeks and I have already made this twice. Nestum is this wholegrain cereal thing (so descriptive, I know) that comes in dry flakes and tastes sooo good with warm milk and a little sugar. And for some odd reason, it also just happens to make for a perfect crisp coating for prawns. This dish is pretty popular in Malaysia, and was often a staple during our family dinners at seafood restaurants... ahh, the ones with red or pink tablecloth (sometimes even plastic sheets) and huge lazy Susans in the centre.

Basically, it's really good. The garlic is lovely with the distinct zing and earthiness of the curry leaves; there's this crisp texture and just a smiiidgen of sweetness and heat to bring this together. And if you don't go all out with the oil, it really isn't that awful for you.

So I gathered some curry leaves and plucked a few chilli peppers from my garden, and off to the wok I went. Can I just say how much I love being able to do this? I wonder if a cili padi plant would flourish perched upon my somewhat sunny windowsill in Chicago, hmm. Doubtful.

In other news, my sister and her husband will be arriving sooner than anticipated. I'm really excited!

Recipe here.

Equatorial

2010-07-25T05:22:00.006-05:00

I know just four months from now, as I am stomping my way through the delectable grey mixture of snow and dirt in knee high waterproofed boots, cursing myself for choosing to fly to the other side of the world FOR WHAT? ...FOR THIS!--- I am going to wish so much to be home. In my garden, surrounded by coconut trees and leaves as large as my head and sweet pink guava picked fresh. Shushing my Alouette, who is barking up a tree at a silly squirrel.

Okay, okay. I think I'll try to forget about the W word (hint: it rhymes with 'splinter') and just bask in what I have now.

Teh Susu

2010-07-20T02:02:00.004-05:00

So I am here. Home in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Coming home is always a little strange... even jarring at first, particularly after one and a half years of being over 9000 miles away. This morning, I was in a hawker centre with my father and the lady yelled across the restaurant asking what I would have to drink. I was craving the quintessential tea with milk, but my mind was drawing an absolute blank as to how to order it with hawker stall finesse. You know, to NOT sound like a tourist. I glanced at my father in slight panic, and said, "Uhm... the tea drink with a bit of milk and sugar?"

"Teh susu!"

"Oh, right."

How embarrassing for someone who carries a bright red Malaysian passport and has been raised speaking English, Malay and Indonesian!

I have been thoroughly enjoying the food that I miss 11 months out of the 12. Fish ball noodle soup, rojak, pork floss, char siu, pork ball noodles, sayur asam, Nestum curry prawns, freshly made sambal belacan, and DURIAN DURIAN DURIAAAN. I have missed durian so much! You can find durian smoothies in Chicago (I recommend Dong Ky's by Broadway Market), but nothing beats the sweet intoxicating yellow pulp of fresh durian... particularly when its thorny embrace has been pried open mere seconds before. O durian, my fruit drug, how I adore thee!

Speaking of fruit, I cannot believe how much more fruit I eat at home. Fruit as a snack. Fruit as lunch. Fruit after breakfast. Fruit after lunch. Fruit after dinner. I feel spoilt rotten by the kaleidoscopia of Southeast Asian tropical fruit, and my local Dominick's in Chicago just does not quite compare. Apples and oranges are so boring, really.

Oh, but this morning I had my two wisdom teeth removed. I had mashed jackfruit with milk for lunch. Hi, my name is Jasmine, and I will be eating like a toddler for the next few days.

Oak Park

2010-07-11T19:21:00.007-05:00

Transformers 3 was (still is?) filming in Chicago this weekend, so we decided to trade the noisy city and annoying street closures for Oak Park... just 8 miles away. I have been wanting to see this suburb for myself, so this was a highly anticipated day trip! First, we stopped by Freddy's in Cicero for some pizza and basil gelato. Such perfect gelato! It was abundant with chopped basil leaves and robust with flavour. I could not recommend the gelato more.

A trip to Oak Park would not be complete without a stroll by Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural works. We only made it to the homes on Forest Avenue, but what remarkable homes they were! My favourite was the Arthur Heurtley home (pictured directly above), beautiful brickwork in earthy tones.

At the end of Forest Avenue, we stumbled across Austin Gardens where actors were rehearsing Shakespeare's Love's Labour Lost for next week. After a leisurely walk in the quaint downtown area (so many cafes and restaurants!), it started drizzling on us so we had to head back home. I loved this weekend. Chicago is nice, but sometimes you just need a change of scenery!

A change of scenery is definitely what I will be getting this week. I leave for Asia on Wednesday. December 2008 was the last time I was home, so this has been a long anticipated trip. I will miss my Second City though... my comfortable apartment, my little blue Betta fish named Staccato, and the people I love here.

Such is the life of a student far away from home.

Pork and Four Ingredients

2010-07-09T00:16:00.010-05:00

Sometimes, there are those nights when I am sitting in my apartment, admiring my new grey-beige dipped nails against my white laptop, my boyfriend's out playing basketball, my class reading has been sufficiently absorbed and... I just feel like making dinner! In my ambitious little mind I am visualising the most elaborate and exquisite meal. And then I pore over the contents of the pantry. Hmm. Limited at best! So this is me winging it and working with what I've got on hand. And it turned out to be one of the simplest and most satisfying meals I've ever prepared.

I marinated a few thin pork chops in palm sugar, a pat of butter, soy sauce, and excessive amounts of minced garlic. I think it was almost an entire knob? Who knows. Another thing about me: I'm not very good at measuring ingredients. I can never get enough garlic, and my SlapChopper Wannabe aids me so well in this garlic-loving plight. I then browned the pork in a pan, then popped it in the oven for 10 minutes or so. I also roasted carrots, skin-on potatoes and shallots in the oven, drizzled with rosemary, sea salt and pepper.

Sophia, my friend, you were not kidding about roasted shallots. My apartment was filled with eau de caramelised shallots. Smelled divine, tasted even better! Smooth, tender and surprisingly sweet. The pork was good as well, for such a simple marinade. My boyfriend's plate was clean, white, and sauceless. Maybe it was because he was starving from two hours of basketball, but I'd like to think it was because his girlfriend made him a pleasing meal. :)

Things That Matter

2010-06-30T00:08:00.009-05:00

Aren't these so lovely? The gold heart was a gift from my mother... I never take it off. The tiny bow (A Box For My Treasure) is from Paul, and the ivory rose earrings (Liz Hutnick) are just a little something I wanted for myself! I have always loved Etsy, you can find such darling pieces.

A few days ago, my boyfriend decided to fire up the grill and make me Greek souvlaki! It was divine! We had it with tzatziki, rice pilaf, roasted peppers, corn, and onions halved and placed face down on the grill. One of my FAVOURITE ways to have onions because they end up so perfectly sweet.

Summer is going swimmingly so far. I've been enjoying my summer class so much. Have you any idea how captivating the art and architecture of India is? There's so much to absorb and I highly doubt I'm even making a decent dent in it in this 3 week summer class, but I am so glad I decided to take it! And honestly? It's not bad having to go to class every day of the week when you're actually interested in the subject matter. Oh, school. I'm not sure how much I am looking forward to the long and gruelling hours in the fashion department this fall, but I know one thing: summer is lovely so far and I am not going to waste it.

I am going back home to Southeast Asia in about two weeks. Very excited, and counting the days. :)

Ruche Boutique

2010-06-24T12:08:00.004-05:00

- Ruche

I was pleasantly surprised with my recent discovery of Ruche, a boutique based in California. I love the soft fluttery feminine details, it makes me want to put a pretty floral dress on and go peach-picking in a faraway countryside orchard. And the designs are all so reasonably priced!

Stormy Wednesday

2010-06-23T19:37:00.006-05:00

Currently in the middle of a storm. I was downtown for my Indian Art & Architecture summer class and I just made it back in time before the torrential downpour began. Lucky me! I must say it's sort of lovely, staying in watching the lightshow through my big windows in the living room.

Anyway, I decided to make a quick and easy dinner: curry udon. I used S&B Golden Curry roux, fresh udon noodles, a splash of dashi broth, chicken, carrots, onions and green onions. Yum!

I thought about heading to the 30th floor roof deck to snap a picture of this rainbow, but decided against it when I saw more flashes of lightning. Instead, I went downstairs and nearly got knocked over by the strong winds outside my building! The sky was dabbled orange-mauve in some parts, blue in others. Very lovely.

In other news, my big brother moved to Jakarta for good yesterday. He gave me those cubes and little green jars to keep, it was part of his apartment decor in Philadelphia. I like them!

"Beach"

2010-06-18T18:50:00.009-05:00

Here's the thing. It's a bit hard to see Lake Michigan's shoreline as a real beach. The term 'beach' seems to be geologically accurate when referring to a lake, but when I think 'beach', I'm thinking of seashells, seaweed and the tart smell of salt in the air. I suppose this "beach elitism" comes from years of growing up with gorgeous Southeast Asian island holidays with the family. That's okay, I can settle for Lake Michigan. If you don't go in the water, you can almost pretend!

My friend Brie and I decided to head north towards Loyola, where we found Hartigan Beach. It was nice. We sipped on ginger tea (recipe below) and let the hours dwindle away talking and talking as we watched people flitting about in their swimsuits. I would never swim in Lake Michigan, mostly because my boyfriend tells me horror stories about how contaminated the water really is. No, thank you! I'm quite content on a blanket with sunglasses and a sundress. All in all, it was a lovely day.

Ginger Tea (Teh Jahe)

6 cups of water
Fist-sized amount of sliced and peeled fresh ginger
Palm sugar (Brown sugar will do, but palm sugar is preferred-- check your local Mexican or Asian grocery store.)

1. Bring water to a rolling boil, drop the slices of fresh ginger in. It seems like a lot of ginger, but it produces a perfect ginger tea when you're done... promise!
2. Boil for at least 20 minutes. Taste and ensure the ginger flavour is tangible.
3. Add desired amount of palm sugar.

This is one of my favourite drinks, and is delicious served hot or cold. Teh jahe always brings me back to rainy nights in Manado, Indonesia where they serve this warm after dinner. It's great for digestion and won't keep you up at night!

P.S. Please let me know if you have a blog you think I would be interested in. I need some links to add!

Summer 2010

2010-06-17T00:59:00.001-05:00

Ginger tea, a pair of beautiful red soled heels, and two good books. I am happy. I start summer school on Monday, and I am actually looking forward to learning all about art and architecture in India.

The weather has been so strange. For the past few days, I've had to leave my apartment with a light cardigan, which is okay, but hey! It's summer! To love or to hate Chicago's temperamental weather? Anyway, tomorrow should be warm, so I am going on a little picnic girl-date by Lake Michigan with my friend Brie! I even made fresh ginger iced tea, so excited

Missing

2010-06-14T13:11:00.001-05:00

My mother has been in the country for a little over a month. It has been SUCH an eventful month. We've done a lot in those 30+ days:- swaying at 10,000 feet in the air in a cable car over Sandia Peak in New Mexico, zipping each other up for countless ceremonies during my sister's wedding celebrations in Taos, and the two things that are inevitable with us: staying up far too late talking about family, love and life, and of course, shopping.

She just left this morning and it feels very weird not to have her suitcases sitting in my apartment. I got her two miniature lemon poppyseed muffins from the free breakfast downstairs and put it in a ziplock bag for her to eat. I like doing little things for my mother when she visits, like cooking for her and making sure she's comfortable. I guess it's because I see her once a year.

I've been saying goodbye to my parents since I was 15, when I moved to Australia for boarding school. It just never really was something I got used to. At least this time I know it won't be a year before I see her next. I'll be home in my beautiful equatorial trifecta (Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia) in a month!

Off to watch Italy vs. Paraguay.

Late Night Thoughts

2010-06-12T03:29:00.000-05:00

It is half past three in the morning and the humid Chicago summer nights are keeping me awake. I suppose this is what happens when you go to sleep forgetting to turn on the AC. Somehow, I kicked off the covers and decided to write an entry? Hah.

I bought a white dresser tonight for $20 from a boy in my building. I wonder if I will ever grow out of all cream and white bedrooms. I doubt it. I mean, look at this! I could sleep forever in an all white bedroom. Maybe I'll take pictures of my own, just not when it's nearly 4 in the morning!

- apartment therapy

So here begins my blog. I shall write about things I find beautiful and things I think about. Let's see how this goes.

And on that note, I am going to sip on some water and head back to my all white and cream bedroom.

Beginning

2010-02-18T01:11:00.000-06:00

Well, hello. It's been a while since I have made my thoughts and pictures public. It is currently in a temporary state; I intend on getting down and dirty with some HTML coding whenever I find the time. I hope you enjoy this blog.