Cameron Highlands Tea Plantation, Malaysia

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Wordless Wednesday - Dragon fruit buds





First Commenter

Monday, July 27, 2009

Going Organic

My 3 kids seem to be slightly allergic to cow's milk from an early age. If they drink lots of them, they will develop a rattly chest and cough the following week. I'm also concerned about all the synthetic hormones in their milk and how it's effecting the children in the long run.

As my No. 3 reached 2 years of age, I've started giving her organic oat milk as alternative to cow's milk. Thank goodness, she likes the taste of it and it's worth looking into as another source of calcium as organic oat milk does eliminate a couple of the concerns raised. So far, she eats solids well and I try giving her yogurt, leafy green vegetables and other wholesome food in her diet.

For years, I've been drinking a mug of organic oat milk too to kick start my day and so does my hubby. The grain is simply nutritious and rich in fibre that contains all the natural minerals. My No.1 and No.2 prefer soy milk though as the smooth creamy taste is awesome. Ever since they take organic, they are healthy and vigorous with no health problems. This is one reason why taking organic is such a boost to health. They're costly though but I'd rather pay more money to be healthy.

Here's my little princess sitting and gleefully posing for the camera with 2 tins of organic products.



First Commenter - Mei Teng

Friday, July 24, 2009

PhotoHunt - Utensils

In chinese culture, it is a common belief that the presence of the dragon and phoenix would symbolized a fruitful marriage blessed with much success and prosperity. The utensils used by the newly-weds often bear the celestial of both dragon and phoenix as well as double happiness symbols. Ever since I got married in 1995, I displayed this tea set complete with serving utensils in the corner of my home as a sign of good luck and happiness always.


These blue willow utensils, have been passed down through generations of our family. They have been kept and displayed in my parent's home after the demise of my grandmother. These collectibles are timeless antiques that can be preserved for years if treated with some tender care.



First Commenter - Criz Lai

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Wordless Wednesday - Meet Shaggy

Meet my friend's dog, Shaggy and she's one of the British terrier breeds on the block. She was way too cute that I just couldn't resist snapping pictures of this gorgeous, playful and happy dog. Like all the neighbourhood doggies, she would bark incessantly at almost anything and everything but surprisingly, she was calm and relaxed when I met her. I guess she's fond of me. :)


She has exceptional furry furs!




The dog was content to allow me to capture a full body shot for this week's WW. How sweet:)





First Commenter - Monica

Monday, July 20, 2009

For the love of Art

My 13 year old daughter is a hardcore fan of art and crafts. It's been 5 years since she entered into this creative aspect of her life and she has been immersed in so many fun creative projects at school lately. She's passionate about experimenting with color, designs and numerous techniques to create her pages. For that reason, she loves looking at handmade arts and crafts and ponder over the artist’s enthusiasm, inspirational and hard work put into creating the work.

While we were in KL last month, we wandered around Central Market browsing the work of local artists and craftsmen. This is a great place to pick up souvenirs, personalized key chains and T-shirts in addition to more elaborate handicraft and artwork.

Come to think of it, it's been ages since my last visit to Central Market and things are somewhat different now. My reminiscences took me back a decade ago to the time when I first worked in Leboh Ampang where I used to frequent this place with my colleagues. It was a memorable occasion on many accounts having my favourite place to vent my joys and frustrations.

Until then, here are some pictures that I captured for your viewing pleasure.





You can have your portrait painted here or order personalized made crafts.

As much as I'd love to share more of the detailed handcrafts here, the stores have clear signage that you are not allowed to take pictures. I've approached a couple of other stores, only to be flatly refused ... "no photography allowed". :(

First Commenter - Mei Teng

Friday, July 17, 2009

PhotoHunt - Rock(s)

During a business trip to China a few years ago, I made a brief visit to Huangshan after reading that it had become a favourite getaway for hikers, trekkers and nature lovers. Huangshan or Yellow Mountain which is located in the southern part of Anhui Province, is a fascinating place of attraction that is worth anyone's time. From the unique rock formations to steaming hot springs, ancient pine trees to endless sea of clouds, I was totally captivated by the wonders of this place.

Climbing up the mountain can be a challenging yet daunting task which takes about 3 hours. As the hike up was incredibly long and strenuous, we took the cable car to the top of the mountain, stayed overnight and walked down the mountain the following day. Alternatively, you can take the good old-fashioned way depending on your level of fitness and tolerance for crowds. Trust me, the hike wasn't the easiest thing in the world, with lots of steep pathways.

No matter what route you take, you will discover amazing rocks, beautiful pine trees and wonderful views. I felt content for having seen as much as there was to see in Huangshan.

Apparently, the scenes from the Oscar award movie 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' were partly shot here.


There are a total of 72 peaks in all. Interestingly enough, these mountains with unique rock formations are given fanciful names after some creature or figure they resemble.
It was just an amazing experience being able to see so much beauty in the unexpected.



Have a great weekend and happy photo hunting!

First Commenter - Sue

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Wordless Wednesday - Dragonfly



a buzzing dragonfly probing the flower in our garden


First Commenter

Monday, July 13, 2009

Roadtrip to New Zealand

When a friend of mine, Melissa came back from her New Zealand trip recently, she was absolutely thrilled to show me all her beautiful captures and I guess she made the right choice of going to NZ for a vacation. Being an avid traveler, she couldn't stop telling me about her lifetime adventures, as usual trying to bring back those wonderful memories to me, so I could share her excitement and discovery.

As expected, she has spent a great deal of time with her camera to get all of the breathtaking and scenic shots of the country. And of course, I can't help but share some of her amazing adventures with you. So thanks to Melissa, I'm able to post some captivating shots for your viewing pleasure.

Having been to Europe before, most of the things you see here resembles NZ in so many ways and it almost feels like a part of me was there. It's incredible to find such places as pure, pristine and beautiful as this. Perhaps, I'll get to visit NZ too someday, so in the meantime, I'll have these spectacular pictures to make my dream vacation a reality.





















If you've heard of Bungy jumping, the world's first and most famous of leaps, this is one of the bungy platforms where you jump off and free fall from the top of the bridge

It's really mind boggling to think of it! I'm not a risk taker by nature so there's no way I would put myself through this terrifying ordeal.

First Commenter - Julia
Our Simple Life