Love under the umbrella..

(image via unexcitable)

The World’s 10 Best Vacation Islands

Here are the world's 10 best vacation island according to this website.

1. Bali, an exotic oriental destination in Indonesia.
2. Boracay, the perfect destination for both those seeking relaxation and adventure.
3. Bora Bora, an island in French Polynesia, perfect for fishing in the tropical waters sunbathing.
4. Maui, welcoming both romantic couples and families with open arms.
5. Anguilla, the heart of the northern Caribbean, a melting pot of cultures blended with the beauty
6. Jamaica, perfect climate, amazing tropical plants, sandy white beaches & crystal blue waters
7. The Seychelles, a perfect destination to to explore a cluster of 115 islands
8. The Island of Hvar, situated along the Croatian Dalmation Coast and is full of history.
9. Galapagos Island, perfect for those who are interested in nature and botany.
10. Aruba, found off the coast of Venezuela, is a home to some of nature’s most beautiful art

So..what are you waiting for? Pick one favourite spot, make your reservation and pack your bags. Off you go to your destination=)

living with patience and gratitude...

(images via gatekeeper, wears heart on sleeve)

Chocolate Souffle

Martha Stewart's Choco Souffle...Some indulgence for your weekend

Ingredients: (Makes one 1-quart souffle):

• Unsalted butter, room temperature, for dish and collar
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, plus more for dish
• 3/4 cup milk
• 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs, separated
• 2 ounces best-quality bittersweet chocolate (about 1/2 cup), finely chopped
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder, sifted
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• Confectioners' sugar, for dusting (optional)

Directions:

1. Position rack in center of oven. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Cut a parchment collar about 20 inches long by 6 inches high. Brush the top half of one side with butter. Butter sides only of a 1-quart souffle dish; coat with an even layer of sugar; set aside.
2. In a small heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk together 1/4 cup sugar and milk. Bring to a boil; remove from heat. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup sugar, the flour, and egg yolks. Slowly pour the hot-milk mixture into the egg-yolk mixture, whisking constantly.
3. Transfer milk-and-yolk mixture to saucepan. Whisk over medium-high heat until mixture thickens, about 40 seconds. Make sure to whisk along side of pan to prevent scorching.
4. Remove pastry cream from heat, add chopped chocolate, and whisk until melted. Add cocoa powder; whisk until combined. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
5. Using an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine egg whites and cream of tartar on low speed until frothy. Increase to medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add 2 tablespoons sugar. Increase mixer speed to high, and whisk until stiff but not dry peaks form.
6. Whisk chocolate pastry cream to loosen and release steam, add 1/3 of the egg-white mixture, and whisk vigorously until mixture is combined and lightened.
7. Using a rubber spatula, lightly stir remaining egg-white mixture to loosen; this will keep you from overmixing the souffle. Fold remaining egg whites into lightened chocolate cream.
8. Transfer souffle mixture to prepared dish, and smooth top with a spatula. Secure parchment collar around dish with kitchen twine so that the collar extends 3 inches above the dish. Place in oven, and bake for 10 minutes; reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees, and cook for 20 minutes more for a creamy center or 25 minutes more for a slightly drier center.
9. If desired, dust souffle with confectioners' sugar; serve immediately.

Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker

This ice-cream maker is called Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker from Outblush.com. I'm sure every one of us loves ice cream. You'll love it even more if it's made by you..in your own kitchen.

"This ice cream maker with dispensers for three condiments has a pull down handle to serve ice cream into a bowl and can make 1-1/2 quarts of frozen goodness in as little as twenty minutes. Parts can be removed for easy cleaning and the mix-ins from the dispensers can be added as the ice cream is dished up. Who cares if it's getting cold outside — ice cream is good all year long."

You can have if for $130.

Book Store

Book store can never be a boring store for me. I always get excited by book store. Small, big, old, new, whatever the store is as long as it sells book..I'm on it=)

(images via flickr and about a girl)

Julie Christie - Sienna Miller

What do you think about them? Look alike? I definitely think so.

(image sources: Julie, Sienna, Julie, Sienna)

Summer retreat

Ideal Home Magazine discussed the decor on the outdoor living. I have picked my favourites decor. I know it's not summer yet, just posted it to give you an idea on what you should prepare for the ultimate summer time when the grass is green and sky is blue.

couple..

Nothing beats the time you can spend on your special day with your boyfriend. For me, this picture really express my feelings. The happy feelings you can get seeing your loved one stop by at your door with the cute cake with lots of candles...Just to make sure that you blow those birthday wishes of yours. No birthday present required! I want nothing but him and only him.

Superman is taking Wonder Woman on a date..I wonder where would they go. Most probably sailing on the open sea or perhaps flying to the moon and back=)

(images via twentythree and preconcieved notion )

i heart this window..

(image via here)

Legs...and more legs...

(images via princessleah, half-heartedly, freehugs)

Cheddar biscuits supreme

An easy Cheddar biscuits supreme recipe...

Ingredients: (Serves 12)

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon cream of tartar
• ¾ cup butter
• 1 ¼ cups milk
• 1 clove of garlic (diced)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 450F. In a large bowl combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and cream of tartar. Using a pastry blender (or a fork) cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Add milk all at once. Using a fork stir just until the mixture is moistened. Fold in the garlic and cheese. Don’t work it too much or you’ll take the air out making the biscuits less fluffy.
2. Using a large spoon, drop dough into 12 mounds on to a greased baking sheet.
3. Bake for 10-14 minutes or until golden. Remove biscuits from baking sheet and serve warm.

vintage country home...

I can imagine myself being away from the hectic city and enjoy the silent weekend in the country side with this vintage decor country house. Baking cakes, making soups, sipping hot tea, enjoying the long hot bath, reading my favourite books and sleep.

(images via the inspired room and living etc)

Panda can always make you smile

(images via free hugs and bonnie)

Great gift idea...

Sunjar

Bright Feet Lighted Slippers

The above pictures are two of the great ideas if you're running out of an idea what to give to someone you love for the special day (birthday, graduation,etc). The sun jar can store up sunshine during the day so you can use it at night! Surely you can save cost on the electricity bills.

The slippers slippers can keep you from tripping or stumbling when you move through your home at night. You can buy these cool stuffs from gift.com.

Last night's desserts

Last night I had quick Domino's pizza early diner with my boyfriend while waiting his car to be washed and cleaned. After that we went to a bistro to chat and had a dessert. And this was our menu. I was soooo full and when I got home I was wondering how much calories I just had...But what the hell..who cares about calories if you can actually spend a quality time with your loved one=) I had a great time yesterday...And it's all because of my boyfriend..who can always bring a smile on my face=) Love U Big Bird...

Her morning elegance

Mont Blanc Dessert

All my life I thought Mont Blanc was only a famous brand of pen until I came across this picture. It said there that the food called Mont Blanc dessert which is a common dessert in France. Other than France itself, Mont Blanc dessert is also famous in Japan which they call it Monburan. The reason that it is so famous in Japan (you can find this in every corner in Japan!) is because Japanese are very Francophile, which means those who have has a strong interest in, or admiration for French culture. French cuisine certainly is one of it. This dessert is a made of meringue as the base of it, whipped cream and chestnut cream.

I posted the recipe..who knows you might want to try it..I personally fell very curious about this dessert but I didn't manage to find one here but the search will continue and I will not give up until I find this famous Mont Blanc dessert.

Ingredients (serves four):

• 750 g chestnuts
• 3 cups of milk
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 2100g sugar or syrup
• 1-teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 200ml cream

Method:

1. Carve an insertion into the skin of each chestnut and boil them in water for about 5 minutes.
2. Peel the chestnuts while still hot; once cold this is almost impossible
3. Put the chestnuts and the milk in a large pot, bring to the boil, cover with a lid and simmer until the chestnuts are soft and easy to crush, about 35 minutes.
4. Strain the chestnuts and puree them with the butter.
5. Add the sugar or syrup, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt
6. Put the mixture on a plate and shape into a cone
7. Refrigerate for at least one hour.
8. Just before serving, whip the cream with a little sugar and use to decorate.

(images via epicureandebauchery and parisbreakfast)

Creative Bookshelf...

A very creative and unique bookshelf. I love how they make the shape of the chair. From toxel.com

stars in the sky

(image via wears heart on sleeve)

Brownie Pop

Cute party favors...

As quoted from beau-coup :

"What’s glamorously chic on the outside, yet sensuously sweet on the inside? No, not the birthday girl—these monogrammed brownie pops! But the glam chocolate monogram is just the icing on the cake: at the center of each pop is a delicious fresh-baked brownie or blondie. They’re the perfect gourmet favor for any bridal shower, birthday party or bachelorette fete"

smile

These two pictures (pancakes and peace) will surely make everyone happy and SMILE=)

(images via another random space)

Tiramolla Loft Bedrooms

This loft bedroom is perfect for small-space room. It's made by Italian furniture manufacturer, Tumidei. Click here for more.

sugar cubes

Look at this..isn't it a really interesting photo...do you think it's nice because of the fresh brew coffee or because of the colorful sugar cubes? I wonder whether the different color of the sugar cube has its own flavour...

(image via overflowing)

Pretty Marylin...

I just realized that I actually love Marylin Monroe..I don't know why but I guess it's because of the way she brought herself in such a way that people can see her as one glamorous and glowing goddes.

Here's a quick bio from Marylin Monroe's website:

She was born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926 in Los Angeles, California, to Gladys Baker. She spent most of her childhood in foster homes and orphanages until 1937. On June 19, 1942 she wed her 21-year-old neighbor Jimmy Dougherty, whom she had been dating for six months. She divorced Jimmy in June of 1946, and signed her first studio contract with Twentieth Century Fox on August 26, 1946. She earned $125 a week. Soon after, Norma Jeane dyed her hair blonde and changed her name to Marilyn Monroe (borrowing her grandmother's last name). The rest, as the saying goes, is history. On June 29, 1956, Marilyn wed playwright Arthur Miller.At the 1962 Golden Globes, Marilyn was named female World Film Favorite, once again demonstrating her widespread appeal. Sadly, in a shocking turn of events on the early morning of August 5, 1962, 36-year-old Marilyn died in her sleep at her Brentwood, California home. The world was stunned. Marilyn's vibrant spirit and beauty made it impossible to believe she was gone. On August 8, 1962, Marilyn's body was laid to rest in the Corridor of Memories, #24, at Westwood Memorial Park in Los Angeles, California.

(all images from allposters.com)

"I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go. Things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they go right. You believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart, so that better things can fall together." - M. Monroe

Zooey Deschanel

This is the home of Zooey Deschanel. One eclectic and talented young actress and musician.

"Zooey was born on January 17, 1980. She loves old music, vintage clothes she has a style more reminiscent of an early Hollywood movie starlet than that of most of the actresses of today"

(Zooey house tour via DominoMag)

Mini chicken meatballs

Mini chicken meatballs from RealLiving

Ingredients: (serves 4)

• 500g chicken mince
• 2 slices bread with crusts removed, soaked in milk
• 1 egg, beaten
• ¼ cup grated parmesan
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Plain flour, for coating
• 4 tbsp olive oil

Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced finely
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 carrot, diced finely
• 1 stick celery, diced finely
• 700g bottle tomato passata
• 1 cup cold water
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¾ cup pitted green olives, sliced (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped herbs (eg, parsley, basil)
• Fresh chopped parsley, to garnish
• Pasta or steamed rice, to serve (optional)
  

Directions:

1. Make meatballs Mix mince with bread, beaten egg, parmesan and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Shape into small balls and coat lightly in flour.
2. Heat oil in pan and shallow fry meatballs over medium heat for 10 minutes until lightly browned all over. Remove and set aside.
3. Make sauce Heat oil in shallow pan and fry onion, garlic, carrot and celery for 5 minutes until softened. Add passata and water and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until thickened and slightly reduced. Add cream and stir. Return meatballs to pan and heat through.
4. Add olives and chopped herbs to mix and stir. Sprinkle with parsley to garnish. Serve with pasta or steamed rice, if desired.

Teach the children

(image via JustLia)

Photos...

(images via Take me away, Bonnie, La princesse)