Pumpkin – our first cat

16 Friday Dec 2011

Posted by in Everything else...

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Doesn’t he look like puss-in-boot? hehehe…

Our first cat. Before this, we only had dogs. Pumpkin was a huge thing weighting at about 9-10kg. Our vet used to call him Garfield. heheh… Pumpkin got along really well with our 2 dogs, Mary and Jess. (epsecially Mary). They always play together and sleep together. When Mary pass away of old age, we can see that pumpkin was really depress. This little fellow would lie down on the mat which Mary use to lie down. One month later, he pass away too.

Sob sob…sob. My little sister was hardest hit as she love pumpkin to pieces. I miss you pumpkin. Rest in peace in kitty heaven.

Macarons

15 Thursday Dec 2011

Posted by in France, Gastronomy, Oversea Restaurants, Travel

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When macarons are mentioned, most of us would immediately think about a layer of ganache fillings sandwich between 2 almond meringues. This was not how macarons used to be. Today’s perception of macarons are actually influenced by Ladurée (pastry shop in France since 1862). Ladurée remains as one of the most established macarons makers and is recognize internationally. You should see the amount of tourist lining up to buy them !!!  

During one of my trip to Paris, I saw that the line in front of Ladurée was short and quickly took the decision to queue up for these scrumptious babies… it took about 30 minutes before I got to my turn (YES – even short queue takes 30mins). After selecting some of their popular flavors, I ran out of the shop gleefully and took my first bite. It was a disappointing experience for me. Perhaps it was my first time trying macarons and I had really high expectation or not knowing what to expect. It was extremely sweet to the point that I felt like I got sugar shocked or something. The following bites were with less enthusiasm.  So, that was the last time I bother with macarons. I think that was about 4 – 5 years back. 

This year, a good friend (Ms. J) asks if I could bring back some Ladurée for her to try. So, I told her I’ll try to make my best effort to make time (business trip = no time for shopping). Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to find the time.

But, when I come across Pierre Hermé’s shop and no queue, I ran in to buy 14 pieces. I know it was not what she wanted, but, I thought better than none. And, I did hear a lot of this chef, especially from some of my clients.

In the world of macarons, Pierre Hermé needs no further introduction. He was the youngest to be ever named theFrance’s Pastry Chef of the year and also the ONLY pastry chef to be awarded ‘Ordre des Arts et des Lettres’. Interestingly, he didn’t start his first shop in France but in Japan. His first pastry boutique is in Tokyo on the year 2000. He only opens his first shop in Paris in 2002. The reason was supposedly due to his contract with Ladurée as he used to work there. I guess it’s only fair.

I knew it is not easy to carry these delicate pastry and they have the tenancy to get crushed or too moist over time. So, I was very careful to pack them in a Tupperware (YES – I carry Tupperware with me when I travel especially for business trip) and lo and behold ! I manage to bring back macarons which are still fresh looking and Not crushed !!! bear in mind that I bought it one day before I flight + afternoon flight the next day + 13 hours flight + one more day before I eat them = at least 64 hours. Amazing right?

 

I invited some close friends over to enjoy it together. By the end of the night, we manage to slowly polished off all these babies and M. Hermé convinced me to fall in love with macarons !!! Many people say he doesn’t stick to the original tradition and some of his flavours are too bold and quirky compared to Ladurée. But then, if you think about it, Ladurée also moved away from the original macaron to create what it is today. So, maybe it’s about time it got re-invented? 🙂

My Favourites that night? (not in particular order)

Crème Brûlée / Infiniment Vanille / Infiniment Caramel / Truffe Blanche & Noisette / Mogador

3 Phase vs. 1 Phase Electric Power (Home Reno)

07 Wednesday Dec 2011

Posted by in Renovation

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What a hassle! For some reason which I am very sure I know why… my developer only supplies us with a one phase electric power into the house. Shocking eh? 

For this day this age, most of the houses in Malaysia are built with three phase!!! sigh…but, my developer went with one phase. It only makes sense since most equipment are getting more and more electric dependant. Even we humans are getting more electric dependant. Yes – we knew from the start that it is one phase before we buy. But, we love the location (well – more me than hub actually) and also it fulfilled most of our many requirement for a home. So, we went ahead with the purchase.

Anyway, back to topic…   

I don’t have the right qualification to tell you the technical difference between one phase and three phase but if you Google it, there’s plentiful answers online. So, this post will not be dwelling on the technicality but more on my personal opinion.

For me, one major problem I worry I might face with one phase is the constant tripping of electric. As far as I know / experienced and told by friend, if you have the tenancy to switch on more than 3 air-condition at the same time with one refrigerator and the usage of washing machine / dryer, it might prompt the electric to trip. I am very sure one phase is pretty sufficient for a daily routine at home.

But, my biggest concern is when you are throwing a house party (which I foresee us doing quite a fair bit in the future).  I have actually witness the circuit breaker explode and flamed up during one of my friend’s house party. Not a good thing to happen. It’s pretty dangerous too. So, hubby and I were pretty firm about changing to 3 phase.

 

And so, I would like to share with you my experience with the procedure to apply change from 1 phase to 3 phase inMalaysia. (Thankfully we learned it is at least equipped with 3 phase wiring from the sub station to our house. It is only from the meter to the DB inside which is one phase. IF your house doesn’t have that, the cost is even higher as the TNB people will need to patch one cable from the sub station to your house!!!)

Find a certified electric contractor. You can just ask your contractor and they will know who to find. (When we call the Tenaga / TNB, the electric utility company inMalaysia, we told that they only deal with a certified electric contract for this kind of changes)

The contractor will submit your IC and a form to TNB to start the process. You will need to increase your deposit to TNB

Once approved, TNB will send people over to change the meter outside your house to a 3 phase meter.

Contractor will replace the cable running from the meter outside to the DB inside with a 3 phase cable and also make the require changes in the DB to be able to handle 3 phase.

We are now waiting for the application to be approved. I wonder how long it will take…