Speaking of a gift

Okay, recently I have been obssessing on taking photos with my camera. No, I don't have new lens, or some other new thing (not counting that my boyfriend bought us matching camera necklaces/straps). Must just be the increasingly better weather. Slowly we are saying goodbye to winter, and in a week's time we would be entering Spring time! How exciting!

I have been posting my photos on my other sites, and am encouraged by the number of people commenting and viewing them. I am now thinking of coming up with gifts for Christmas and considering putting all my really nice photos (favorite ones) in a digital picture frame to give to my parents and my boyfriends' parents. His dad absolutely loves photos as much as we do, so I am sure he will like this. We may even think of giving them these ones on our wedding day as our personal souvenir to them. It is amazing whoever came up with this thing!

Another perspective of the city I love

Last week when I was feeling a bit better, hubby bf and I went to the park and took a few photos. It was a lovely, lovely day! It's a prelude to spring, which I am so excited about! The photo's not the best one coz of the glare, against the sun. But I think it turned out better than expected.

I can't imagine how seemingly quick winter's gone by. And by next week we would be officially in Spring! Expect more photos from Spring onwards. And then, go back to hibernating again next winter!

The break of dawn

I have always wanted to wake up early every day to catch a glimpse of the new day before it gets too busy. I have tried a couple of times, but when I am in my usual daily life I can't seem to. I find that I can wake up to see sunrise when I am on holidays. I think it is because I know that it's not everyday that I will be waking to that city (wherever that is). Here is a photo taken one morning (sunrise) in Mauritius. Land of the smiling sun. (I made that up). :)

My Mauritian Creole Chicken

I dont think I've posted this one here! But I've been meaning to!

A few weeks ago I was craving this Mauritian Creole Chicken that I was served during my trip to Mauritius. I was not sure how they make it (like really make it), but I was able to satisfy my craving using my OWN tastebud's version. It turned out pretty well. To think I am not usually good with cooking up something out of nothing. My boyfriend loved it as well! :) Yipee! Here is a quick roundup of what I did:

Stuff needed:

Oil, (sliced), onions, sugar, chicken breast fillet, roast chicken spices, (diced) tomatoes, pepper, and any other spice that suits ones taste.

The process:

Heat oil in a pan, caramelise onion by adding bit of sugar. Fry until golden brownish. Set aside or just keep them on the sides of the pan. Add the chicken, fry until golden. Sprinkle the spices onto the chicken (both sides). Add tomatoes just enough to create texture, but not overpowering the chicken. Mix together until tomato juice gets onto the chicken bits.

Voila! Serve while hot, together with rice.

I did not take a photo of my ensemble, but it should look something like this:

Before I get married/Start a family

I had this conversation today with my boyfriend. I told him I was thinking of traveling alone overseas before we get married. He felt a bit bad about me wanting or even thinking of traveling alone, meaning, without him. I tried to send my message across that it was something I have just been wanting to do. It does take a lot of courage, planning and money involved, but the world is very much a safer place to travel alone. A female solo traveler is not as frowned upon as days before. It’s not like I won’t tell him where I will be all the time. I don’t intend to travel to rural areas. Just major cities/city. Today, when we were out with a girl friend of mine, she mentioned she also wanted to do this. I told boyfriend this is really one of those things that some ladies aspire for. I think it’s not for everyone though. But I am glad I have come across another lady blogger who feels the same way! :)

Collectibles

I am such a travel agent. When I went to visit the Sydney Observatory this month I took a photo of this map! :) A cool map if I may say so.

At work, I have a few maps on my desk. Different sizes, colors and perspective ( I have a political map even!)

I guess it comes with the job.

I collect brochures as well. I think I could fill up a room just with my brochure "collection". I sometimes mean to throw away the old ones but I just end up taking too much time deciding which to keep and which to throw, that I end up just...keeping them all!

I collect postcards as well. I've collected a few from my travels, but sadly I've left most of this in my memorabilia bag in Manila. I do hope to be reunited with them one day...

I collect fridge magnets! I just love the different shapes they come in. I have one the shape of a backpack, another the shape of a slipper. I have mountains, sharks, among others. It's good my fridge is quite big to accommodate them all. Sooner rather than later I may have to buy a whiteboard to collect them in.

What have you been collecting recently? Do you feel attached to them? I remember the feeling of being in a particular place when I see my fridge magnets. I am amazed at how creative some of these stuff are.