This is a postscript related to my post on PICTURE PERFECT : Curves that got me the cool badge here
On May 29 for the first time ever in my life I made my way to Jatinegara Market, my friend Ingrid and I signed up for Jakarta International Community Centre monthly Gemstone Tour over there.
In our head we're expecting to learn a lot of things about gemstone, precious and semi precious one but little did we know that we were in for a big surprise
First of all, it was super HOT day ... the market is quite big with tin roof and stuffy air (thanks to the chain smoker vendors in it). Our tour guide, Otto, ushered us to one shop and start pointing out on several 'rocks' and told us how beautiful and how original it is .. all of us bought some 'rocks' ( there were 6 ladies in our group). Then he took us to the polisher (bunch of smoking boys) and we have to wait for our rocks to be polished and shine so we can have our gemstone ready for some kind of jewelery later on. He didn't tell us that we have to wait over 3 hours for such a tiny little stone (mine was tear shape Lapis Ladsuli) and we were all starving the moment our 'gemstone' ready. No time to pick a pendant or earing to have it custom made, we're back to Kemang for Indian food (arranged by the organizer) and that was our Gemstone Market Tour day.
Will I go back there again ? Don't think so. Was it interesting ? Yes, I made 4 new friends that day Also during those hot and stuffy waiting period I saw my 'Umbrella' Yup, there were soooo many of them, colorful on a hot sunny day, protecting the vendors and the 'gemstone' from direct heat. I only have my pocket Olympus with me but Mr Golden Sun made all the photos come out perfect, some pictures for you all to enjoy (Valerie and April were haggling the vendor for some magnet on the first 2 photos *grin*)
Description: Terima kasih Fitri Cantik alias Ibu Juragan Pisang yang jadi tuan rumah ajang Monthly Foodie Multipliers kali ini, temanya adalah Pisang alias Banana. Buat yang mau ikutan silahkan klik disini Tema Monthly Foodie Multipliers #13 - Info Tambahan
Jamannya masih nebeng tinggal di rumah Or-Tu di Bali sesudah Hari Raya besar rumah pasti penuh pisang, Ibuku akan bikin pisang goreng di hari pertama, pisang rebus hari kedua, pisang rai hari ketiga dan yang terakhir bikin pisang sale (di-salai). Kebetulan Kamis kemaren surudan pisang banyak jadi hari ini bikin Pisang Rai, Ariel & Miguel makannya rebutan, setiap mateng langsung abis ..doyan apa rakus yaaa *smile*
Ingredients: 7 - 8 buah pisang raja atau pisang kepok yang tua 125 gr tepung beras 125 ml air 1/2 tsp garam (sesuai selera) 1 tsp gula pasir 150 gr kelapa parut, kukus dengan 1/4 tsp garam 4 lembar daun pandan, buat simpul
Directions: Didihkan 1.5 liter air dengan sedikit garam, masukan daun pandan. Campur tepung beras, gula, air & 1/2 tsp garam dalam mangkuk, aduk dengan garpu sampai adonan menjadi licin. Celup pisang satu persatu ke dalam adonan tepung dan masukkan ke air pandan yg mendidih. Rebus sampai matang dan terapung kemudian angkat, tiriskan. Gulingkan pisang pada kelapa parut, potong sesuai selera. Hidangkan dengan taburan gula pasir jika suka.
Description: March 8 is International Women's Day, a major day of global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women.
Zorra from kochtopf.twoday.net is hosting Yellow cooking event on this special day, the idea is to post it on March 8 and its over midnite now in jkt so here's my post ;o)
To participate, click here
This is my first attempt to use my mini bundt tins to bake a cake, they are just the cutest thing. My daughter had a blast, she ate half of the cake so fast without moving from her seat (which is very rare), one happy Mommy here ;o)
Directions: Preheat the oven (I'm using gas mark 3) Grease 6 mini bundt tins. In a bowl, beat the margarine & sugar with an electric whisk until thick and pale. Slowly add the eggs and vanilla, beating well. Mix the flour & baking powder in another bowl, add to the margarine mixture in thirds, alternating with the milk. Spoon the mixture into each bundt tin until three quarters full Bake for 35 minutes Then remove from the oven, cool on a rack. Stored in airtight container for up to 2 days.
Jeannette Walls grew up with parents whose ideals and stubborn nonconformity were both their curse and their salvation. Rex and Rose Mary Walls had four children. In the beginning, they lived like nomads, moving among Southwest desert towns, camping in the mountains. Rex was a charismatic, brilliant man who, when sober, captured his children's imagination, teaching them physics, geology, and above all, how to embrace life fearlessly. Rose Mary, who painted and wrote and couldn't stand the responsibility of providing for her family, called herself an "excitement addict." Cooking a meal that would be consumed in fifteen minutes had no appeal when she could make a painting that might last forever.
Later, when the money ran out, or the romance of the wandering life faded, the Walls retreated to the dismal West Virginia mining town -- and the family -- Rex Walls had done everything he could to escape. He drank. He stole the grocery money and disappeared for days. As the dysfunction of the family escalated, Jeannette and her brother and sisters had to fend for themselves, supporting one another as they weathered their parents' betrayals and, finally, found the resources and will to leave home.
What is so astonishing about Jeannette Walls is not just that she had the guts and tenacity and intelligence to get out, but that she describes her parents with such deep affection and generosity. Hers is a story of triumph against all odds, but also a tender, moving tale of unconditional love in a family that despite its profound flaws gave her the fiery determination to carve out a successful life on her own terms.
*About Author*
For two decades, Jeannette Walls hid her roots. Now she tells her own story. A regular contributor to MSNBC.com, she lives in New York and Long Island and is married to the writer John Taylor.
Awards: ALA Alex Award Pennsylvania School Librarian Association (PSLA) "Top Ten (Or So)" Young Adult Books Virginia Readers’ Choice Award Master List
(source : SimonSays)
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Back after the movie last night (ehem .. Rambo IV ) I couldn't sleep so I pick-up this book at 11 pm and finished reading it by 2.30 AM, yes... I couldn't put it down, the writer vividly telling her life stories made my eyes glued to 269 pages of it. Such a wonderful book, I'm not the same person after I read it ... I felt ashamed of myself, how lucky I am for my Parents raised me well, this is a true story, a real life experience and compare to hers mine was walking in the park (sort of *smile*).
A MUST read book, you will not regret it ... it is AWESOME !!!!!
PS. Thank you for the book Ani, you are the best *besos*
Description: Big thanks to Sefa, host for MFM#10 with Seafood theme, click the link here to participate Monthly Foodie Multipliers #10 latest entry is Dec 31st 2007. My husband love this particular dish, in Bali they serve it as appetizer (companied by prawn crackers) but for me its yummy with steam white rice and sliced cucumber :0) Its very easy to make and you can marinate the fish the day before you need it, also you can substitute tongkol with any other white fish available in your area.
Ingredients: 1 small Tongkol (around 400 gr), cut into 4 pieces
Fish paste (to marinate):
2 shallots 2 garlic 1 big red chilli 1 medium tomatoes, seedless 1 tbsp coconut oil 1 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper 1/2 tsp sugar
Blend all the above until it form a smooth paste, season the fish, refrigerate minimum an hour.
*Sambel Matah + Sereh :
2 shallots (sliced thinly) Sliced Bird Eye Chilli (as much as you can stand basically, mine is 5 green & 5 red) 3 Lemongrass, sliced thinly (just the white part) 1/2 Kaffir lime juice (jeruk limo) 1 tbsp coconut oil Salt
Mix shallots, chilli & lemongrass with a fork, add lime juice, salt & oil, put aside.
Directions: Preheat the nonstick pan with a little bit of oil, add the marinated fish,(add daun salam if you wish) cook it over medium heat and turn it couple of times until its cooked.
Let it cool off before breaking it into small chunks. Place Tongkol in a bowl, add sambal matah + sereh and mix it well. Serve immediately with crackers or steam rice.
Welcome to my kitchen, this is where you will find me most of the time this week 'till the day before Christmas Eve. No, I'm not selling any of these cookies,they are home-made gifts for family and friends .. a FESTIVE treat for the holidays. Picture taken with my Canon PowerShot G9 (Santa come early this year for me, thanks a million Miki !)
Just finished baking my last batch of Meringue an hour ago, cookies anyone ?
PS. Picture Perfect theme for this week is F E S T I V E click to participate.
I love Sunset, collected so many sunset pictures from our travelling and one of my favorite is this one, taken recently with my Olympus MU720SW during our holiday in Punta Del Este, Uruguay last November. The sky was so clear that I can see it changing colors slowly, such a beautiful moment, felt like its just between me, the sky and the waves of the ocean getting ready into the night.
How I wish I'm back there again at this very moment.
PS. Picture Perfect theme this week is Into the Night, click to participate.
This is Peter (Isabella's hubby) and Miguel (my other half). Picture was taken last Saturday night in BATS with my Olympus MU720SW, as you can see they're making fun of me, OUTRAGEOUSLY funny, gentlemen ! Will hide my camera now, no more pictures .. LOL !!!
PS. This week theme for Picture Perfect Friday is Outrageous, click here ~ Outrageous ~ to participate.
Once a year the German Embassy together with the ladies association and many sponsors will throw a Christmas Bazaar at Hyatt Aryaduta Jakarta, its always on the first Saturday in the month of December and well awaited for some (me and my friends .. hehe). If you are in town (next year) its a good place to start your Christmas shopping :)
My shopping list consist of advent calendar, lebkuchen & marzipan but you can find almost everything in this bazaar... one thing that is for sure, come early if you want to shop. The bazaar started at 3 pm but by 3.30 all the good things (especially Xmas goodies that is in my list) is gone.... SOLD OUT. We're there early (last year too.. with Ariel in stroller still, this year she's at home with Papi), got everything that I wanted.. yaaayyy !
Another main attraction is the food area, there are plenty of yummy German food to choose from.. typically, I ate like crazy ... hehe...
Some pictures to tempt you below....
The cakes corner... feast to my eyes :)
Lebkuchen yummmm...yummmmm ... my once a year indulgence...
Gluwine stand.. no wonder the AC was suuuuper cold !
Its packed every year, do come early
Our raffle tickets results :)
My 'sugar-indulgence' for the whole month of December
Wherever you stop for coffee in Buenos Aires, ALFAJORES will be offered as an accompaniment. A sort of biscuit sandwich,the Havanna chain of coffee shops produces the most popular brand with the range covering all tastes including dulce de leche, fruit, nut,mixed and two types of chocolate.
There's no day without alfajores for us there, my fave is dulce the leche alfajores covered in white chocolate... its just melted in your mouth the moment you bite it, divine cookies... to die for !!!
Mig's preferred the dark chocolate one, I like it too but not as crazy as the white one ... teheee !
We love having B'fast in their coffee shop, Coffee Cortado for me, hot choco for Ariel, pomelo juice for Miguel and we'll share jamon y queso tostados & media luna, finished it with alfajores... I miss Buenos Aires already ... hiiikkksssss.
They have several outlets all over Buenos Aires and I've been buying endless toys for Ariel here (almost every single day ... too crazy about them). Its a chain from Spain and they have shops in Latin America, Europe and Middle East... the only shop available in Asia is in Hongkong (sssiiiiggghhhh).
Ariel loves the shop entrance too,she knows it very well by now and the staff always give lollies... she's hooked... just like Mami :)
If you have it in your city, please do think of us.
From the epic day May 1810 up to the present, every important event that brings together this society takes place in this famous square. It is surrounded by historical buildings, and the Government House, Casa Rosada (the pink house), where the Argentine President governs together with the members of his (now is her) closest team. Then its also bordered by the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Municipal Palace & also the old Spanish colonial Cabildo town hall.
Plaza de Mayo, as seen today, was redesigned by the French landscape artist Carlos Thays in 1900 but the May Pyramid, located in its center dates from 1856. The square is especially meaningful for the Argentinians since both the saddest and most glorious events of their national history took place here. Even now, demostrations in favor of or against different causes are either started or ended in Plaza de Mayo.
For any organizer, whether the President,a trade union or a social movement leader, 'filling the square' means success. One of the most remembered events in popular memory is Eva Peron's last speech from one of the balconies of the Government House.
* Text by deDios Editore ** Pictures by Miguel & Esti
A superb restaurant serving traditional Argentinian food, we went there couple of times and enjoy it very much. The staff are very attentive, the food is delicious, highly recommended.
On the first visit we tried their Asado for 2 persons, the portion was soooo big that we took the left over home with us. The second time Miguel told me about their speciality that on display which is Chivito (Kambing Guling). I truly enjoyed it, the meat was soooo tender it fell-off the bone the moment you touch it with your fork. It is a must try dish.
English menu available, good value for money.
Pictures below to tempt you....
My Chivito
This is how they make Chivito (kambing guling) Patagonian style.
A splendid restaurant located right by the river in Tigre, we had a superb Sunday brunch there. There's an option to sit inside & outside (this is where we sit), the weather was nice with slightly cool breeze. The service was very good, the food quality is excellent ... we had a great time.
For starter Miguel & I had Ensalada Verde (Green Salad) followed by Spaghetti al oglio with pepperoncini for me (highly recommended if you like spicy food, it was super yummy) and Beef Brochette for Miguel (deliciously big portion, you have to be hungry). We also had clericot (fruit salad with champagne) to drink .... no space for dessert, too full :)
This beautiful spot in Uruguay is amazingly beautiful in spring time, Miguel is soooo happy that we're here at this time of the year, the weather is perfect and based on his experience, almost nobody around compared to summer time. We get to places by car within minutes, walked on the street without rubbing shoulder to anyone and because of Ariel time curfew on meal time and sleeping time we end-up going to the restaurant quite early hence no line-up ever..... WE LOVE IT !!!!
The only problem is after the weekend, most of the nice restaurant are closed. We were lucky we tried everything that we want to eat the first couple of days we are there, when we went out on Monday the whole place felt deserted, most of the people we saw on the street or restaurants on the weekend already left. Hence no point for the restaurant owner to keep the place open. I want to go to couple of places that we tried since we had such a fab meal but they won't be open until the weekend.... arrrggggggghhhhhhh !!!
I thank God that I tasted some of the best food I've ever tried in my life, the memory will stay with me forever, looking forward for the next time I have the privilege to enjoy them again.
Situated at the heart of the port of Punta Del Este, it is a place where "who is who" dine-out. You have an option to sit facing to the ocean or facing to the sidewalk (this is where we sat). Their menu is huge but we do know what we want, Mejillones ala Provencal (clams cooked with butter,garlic & parsley)...DELICIOUS, we could eat lots of them !
For main course Miguel ordered a grilled fish with green salad, for me a bowl of fruity salad (consist of pineapple, green apple & heart of palm) and milanesa de carne (breaded beef) with fries for Ariel.
Our dessert was the famous pancake di manzana (apple pancake) served with vanilla ice cream... soooooo good, I hardly taste the dough... its pretty much sliced apple with caramelized sugar, crunchy and yummy :)
PS.English menu is available, good value for money.
My favourite spot in Punta Del Este for sinful afternoon snack, it is suuuuper delicious !!! You can have your churros plain or filled with chocolate or cream and of course ..... dulce de leche. I could eat 3 of them in one trip .... and still wanting to go back....(aaaaarrrrrggghhhhhhhh), to make it worse one of their shop is just around the corner (1 block away) from where we staying... soooo hard to resist and if I ate them I know they stay forever in my waist.
This is a postscript related to my post on 
