Monthly Archives: April 2011

Holiday with Mother-in-Law 2

20 Wednesday Apr 2011

Posted by in Everything else...

≈ Leave a comment

For those of your who had been reading my blog, you would know that I have just recently return from my 2 weeks holiday with my MIL.

I am proud to announce I have survive the ordeal… So have my MIL (i hope). hhehehee…Unfortunately for her, I ain’t a typical daughter-in-law. And I suspect she’s starting to really see that.  I don’t believe in buttering my words / pretending to be nice and sweet.  This doesn’t mean that I go all out to be nasty. Let’s just say, I am just being my own true self – bossy. ;p

I think it is important that we don’t try to be someone who we are not. But then, a good friend of mine did point out that if the MIL is the purse holder, I might tone down and be a little more docile… True.

However, this does pose a question in my mind. How long can one hide their true nature without bursting into flames ? All the pent up energy will surely blow up, right ? Or maybe it is just me.

As for my MIL, she definitely starts showing her true nature more during this trip. So far, it is nothing over the top. Just little quirky habits here and there. I guess everyone have a little bit of those. And every family have their own quirky habits. In fact, i think i like her better this way. Previously, it was always nice and polite.. which is a little annoying to me since I am always so bossy… it makes me feel like I am the bad guy all the time. ;p

Conclusion, if she has to bear with my overbearing nature, I’ll bear with whatever quirkiness she has. it’s only fair, right? ;p

Don’t get me wrong. I do love her. 🙂

Dutch Oven / Cast Iron pot

18 Monday Apr 2011

Posted by in Kitchen wares, Shopping

≈ 19 Comments

Tags

, , , , ,

I love to cook as much as I love to eat.

Unfortunately, I never did have many opportunity to cook since most of the time the kitchen I use are own by other people. (i.e. my mom) Mom is pretty fussy about us using her kitchen and playing with her cooking utensils. ;p

So, the only time I get to do any serious cooking is whenever she’s away and during my time studying in Melbourne. However, Melbourne days were filled with assignments and exams which also means cooking time is slashed down to simple quick dishes (a.k.a. microwave food)

As I am busy pouring over interior design for my new home, I also started dreaming about the entire different cooking utensils which I wish to own in my future kitchen. One of the item from the list is the dutch-oven / cast iron pot.

Previously, I dare not look at these pots because it is usually so expensive and not owning my own kitchen will means that my precious pot might be not used as carefully as I want. Now that I am planning for my own kitchen, how can I not look?! And so, begin the journey of my research on these amazing pots.

Being a frequent traveler to France, I am bias towards French brands for these babies. So, I cut my choice down to 2 brands (Le Crueset and Staub). After religiously pouring over the forums and interviewing friends, I come to a simple conclusion. Both are equally good with pro and cons for both brands. (I am not going to go into details about the difference between the brand as I think the internet has already have ample information on that)

However, I did notice that Le Crueset is much more raved about in the USA. Perhaps it is because most of their celebrity chef uses Le Crueset. Initially, I was planning on getting the Le Crueset as this is the only brand I can find in Malaysia. But, the price seems a little too high for me. The 27cm oval would probably cost you about RM 1,100 – 1,200 (USD 365 – USD 400).

As for Staub, I didn’t manage to find it anywhere. Sigh… So, I couldn’t compare the price. The nearest place to get Staub would be in Singapore!!! and even then, prices are about SGD 350 – 400). But, I was told by a good friend that sometimes during sales, you can get a good price of SGD 150 for the pot. Personally, I preferred Staub because Paul Bocuse endorses it !!!  And several of my favorite restaurants in France uses it too.

In the end, I decided that the main factor which will dictate my decision would be the price. Now begin my journey of hunting for a good bargain. Finally, I manage to find this online site in Sydney which offers really good deal for the Staub pot. Without hesitating, I bought 2 of them!!! I got the 31cm Oval and 24cm Round for a total of AUD 247 (approx. RM 770) courier to Melbourne (since I am heading there anyway – and also because the site only deliver within Australia).

The next problem is lugging it back to Malaysia . Let me tell you, these babies are not light. The 31cm weights about 6kg and the 24cm about 3 kg. So, about 9 kg of my allowed weight was taken by these pots. My hubby just rolls his eyes when he saw how the pots took up almost 90% space in my luggage. hehehe…

I am now a proud new owner of 2 Staub pots. Love the colors too – Pesto.

Holiday with Mother-In-Law

01 Friday Apr 2011

Posted by in Australia, Travel

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, ,

Chulet very excited this morning. She will be heading for her first REAL long holiday after a long time.

Previously, all traveling are mainly for work. So, it is not the same. This is FULL-on holiday !! Hallelujah !! Melbourne here I come …!!

At 8am, I rush of the work. (YES – i still have to work at least half-day today T__T). I was busy planning what me and hubs could do in Melbourne. And then, I started to realize many activity is out-of-question since (i just remember) my MOTHER-in-LAW will be with us in this trip. Well – to be fair, my mom will also be coming.  So, no – it’s ain’t going to be just us two lovebirds. The thought of going off and facing my MIL for the whole 2 weeks is kinda freaking me out. I mean, I would wake up to see her right till the sun set !

Don’t get me wrong, she’s a sweet thing. Always ensuring others’ comfort and happiness above hers. But then, there are times when she gets a tad bit overprotective over her son / my hubs. (blehh…) But, to be fair, I think all mothers babied their son. I don’t met up with my MIL very often. Maybe 2-3 times a week. Hence, it has always been sweet and polite every time we meet (too civilize if you ask me ;p). well – there are a few things here and there which irks me.. but, it’s perfectly normal since no one can’t please everyone anyway… and we did have a very different upbringing  (hubs and me). But, overall, she has been very kind and friendly to me. but then, You know how it is that you always put on your best behavior with strangers ? and only show your true color with family?

So, you would understand why I am nervous. I hear so much horror MIL story . Do I finally get to learn the REAL person my MIL is?

I guess I’ll never know until the trip.

Our flight leave this evening… Wish me luck.