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Wednesday, 14 December 2011

Cafe Capri - Wynyard Station * recommend*

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This little sacred Italian restaurant in chaotic downtown Sydney and I have been keeping to only few girl friends for a while now. Mind you, it's really difficult to find them, their location need detail directions which is at the end of the post.
It's nearly x'mas and I know some of you are looking for last minute catching up with your friends and possible small team lunch. Here is the place to beat.
Free magazines are available in store, I love to drop by sometimes by myself and just having a bit of good time on my own.


Here is the humble little cafe setting restaurant


Chef's special menu is hand written everyday on the board. My friends and I tried most of things, they're very decent.
Over in Cafe Capri, the atmosphere is very welcoming and relaxing. There are usually only one chef and 2 waitress. If you looking for a lay back lunch rather than fast and chaotic with your friends, I definitely recommend here.

My usual order - Spicy Garlic Prawn with freshly made fettuccine


small cup of coffee after meal


Here has a lot of 


Cafe Capri

Where is it?
Address: 301 George Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000
Phone: (02) 9262 1469

Direction: right outside of Wydnyard station on George street entrance,
on your right,
 there are escalator next to  a Massage place. Take the escalator
right up to top level, Cafe Capri is  just on your left. Good luck finding
the restaurant, you will love it!

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Saturday, 10 December 2011

Christmas Shopping Crunch Time

I was reading Oprah.com this morning and came cross so many good presents. Some you can find in Australia locally, some of them you might need to look for delivery way from their website. I have already tag the websites in the blog. You can always read in a big more details.

Licorice from Olive & Cocoa US$35

I have never heard of Olive & Cocoa in Australia even though it's been advertised as - Aussie Licorice
After a quick glance, they're actually based in Salt Lack City. They give receiving gifts a total new concept. In store, they pretty much offer everything - food, decoration, flower, jewelry, and spa. Check them out: http://www.oliveandcocoa.com/



As for local Aussies, we all know where to buy our liquorice and liquorice candy at Darrell Lea. They have stores all over Sydney.



 Colorama US $10

How could any girl bypass this gorgeous 100 eyeshadows palette offer?
Really I am so jealous friends in US right now. I am sure we can always do the pobox and get it all ship it back to Sydndy.








Clarins by Feed Gift Set US$30

I am a fan of Clarins as always. They've recently joined FEED mission, every bag you purchase can feed 15 nutritious meal to children around the world. In return of your generosity, you will receive this cosmetic bag that will hydrate you from head to toe. (body lotion, hand cream and lip balm)




Loveable Skin Lavender Essentials $ US 39

 This hand cream is one of the best, all natural ingredient protects dryness in your hands and soften the skin. I bought at least 6 this year for Christmas gift value at AUD $49. In Australia, only have rose and Lavender handcream in this gift package. Sometimes I wonder why an Australian base company sale its product cheaper in US? Anyhow, at least it's slightly cheaper here than most part of the world, so can't complain too much.


Our Cause for Paws Silver Charm Bracelet $65 (US only)
For all your furry friends, all sales going to Rescue Paw Foundation and the construction of no-kill animal shelter in Lawrence County, Alabama.
Great Valentines day gifts don't u think?
GO animal lovers!

Haigh's Chocolate 

One of the famous chocolate store in Sydney, and its store covers in NSW, South Australia and Victoria. For luck people living in those Haigh's cities, don't forget to drop by and share your love for chocolate with your family and friends in this holiday season.





Dogeared Karma Mantra Sterling Silver Necklace US$49 
(By typing OPRAH for this price)
Perfect for your friends or teenage daughter's x'mas - it is unique, cute and meaningful



Beats by Dr. Dre Headphones  US$299

 Scratching you head and looking for gifts for your music lover teenage sons and daughters, this coolest looking headphone might be your solution. (slightly expensive but) 
I think US is slightly cheaper on price, remember the other day I went to JB hifi the price is pretty much similar (shocking!!). For JB hifi price list see below link:

Myer and David Jones are on sale, don't forget to check your local stores.
Merry Christmas to you all!
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Wednesday, 7 December 2011

蜀风园 Chili Garden Restaurant - Hurstville

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Our friend recommended this new Sichuan restaurant in Hurstville. Slight a bit too far to drive, but was too tempted to try, decided to visit there anyways.

This restaurant is well decorated inside, very nice and clean. Bear in mind, it's a very busy store don't forget to book before you head. (phone number can find at the end of the post)


Starter:  Beef tripe in Sichuan chili sauce - served in cold
Beef tripe and tenders are nicely cooked, soft but tenderness still remains. Their Sichuan pepper corn is very authentic, I could feel a bit of numbness in my tongue afterward. I guess for Chinese, that's what they looking for in a Sichuan restaurant. Hao!


Homemade Green bean noodle soaked in Sichuan chili sauce
It's slightly spicy and sour. 
I must say I am always a big fan of this dish, great for summer or as an appetizer.


Deep fried fish in Sichuan style
Even though on the menu it says grilled fish, I am pretty sure with the level of crunchiness, It's surely been coated with corn flour and deep fried. Highly recommended!!!
The skin of the fish was very crispy and full of flavor, the meat was so soft that would melt in your mouth.


沸腾鱼 Hot Pot Fish

I think this one just as good as the one I had in Red Chili, but according to my friends who came from Sichuan province in China (professional opinion) told me that they reckon the chef didn't bring the oil to the highest boiling point before pour it on the top of the dish as a finishing touch as result of that the sauce and the flavor does not fell well mixed. To be honest, I thought it was really great. Loved the flavor the softness of the fish!



Rabbit stew with potato chips, mushrooms, and other vegetable and herbs.
By now, my tongue is very numb after accidentally bite on some peppercorn.....*oh no!* if this happen to you before, you would know what I meant. I love the taste of rabbit, it's similar taste as chicken with bones just a bit more tender and tastier. 


Deep fried bum served with condense milk - suitable for all ages


Chinese pancake with shallots - typical Chinese dish


Lucky cat is in store - bring good fortune ^^


Where is it?
Address: 164 Forest Road, Huntsville, 2220

Trading Hours: 11:00am  - 3:00 pm
4:30pm - 9:30pm
Phone:            (02) 9580 0898      





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Monday, 5 December 2011

Cherry Picking in Young - Rosehill Orchards * recommend*

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Cherry Season is finally here!! Weather is getting really funny these days in Sydney, don't you all agree? One day is 37 degree, the next day could be 15 degree. I am so glad all the cherries survived this horrible season and here we come to make our free labor in use.
We were very lucky when on Sat. with a sunny day. 



Young is a small town full of cherry orchards, around 4.5 hours away from Sydney.  You can find direction to Young from http://www.visityoung.com.au/search_resultall.asp?selecttype=521.

Rosehill Orchard is the second orchard we visit. First stop, we went to Allambie - very big orchard with very little cherries hanging on the miserable tree. After 10 minutes of stay, we decided to find our luck where else. Rosehill is just about 5 minutes away from Allambie, and they have very big cherry picking ground. Average this year, cherries at the farm is between $6 - $7 per kilo.
Here we are in Rosehill, get down to business straight away after tasted their fresh product on the tree.



This tree will properly ready in a week time.


 Their cherry this year is so juicy and look at the size!


In the orchard, they also have apricots. At the time of our visit, surely it's not ready so we didn't ask the picking prices.



Great harvest for one day, let's cherish our day of hard work by eating more cherries!
See you next year Rosehill!




Where is it?

Location: Rhodes Road, Young NSW 2594
Phone:            +61 02 6382 4797 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            +61 02 6382 4797      end_of_the_skype_highlighting 

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Wednesday, 30 November 2011

De Pho North Shore Best Vietnamese - Chatswood Lemongrove * recommend*

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To be honest, if you have been to De Pho you would know, my mobile pictures does not do the justice of their food.
No doubt, they're one of the most popular store in Chatswood, obviously can’t compete with the weekend yumcha place in Westfield.



Most likely return customer here to eat their noodle soup - you can choose to have chicken soup or beef soup for any of your soup based noodle.
I love their crispy chicken wings and pork chop. Usually I orderred in soup base or in dry stir noodle. For summer season, you can even order them in your vietnamese salad.

First stop, pork chop with rice noodle soup.
The pork chop is not too oily and very flavorsm. I love it. Sometimes when they busy the meat can be a bit dry, but still recommend to order.













Where is it?
De-Pho Vietnamese & Chinese Restaurant Address
Phone (02) 9904 8870
Address: Lemon Grove Shopg Centre
Shop 21, 427 - 441 Victoria Ave
Chatswood NSW 2067



I must say their crispy chicken is addictive! It’s crispy outside, soft and juicy inside. Not only well deep fried, but also very tasty. To be honest, I have tried to make it at home, and still haven’t found the magic marinate sauce yet.




Generally the turnover is very fast so don't be afraid of their massive line up, or you can easily order a take away and eat in the Lemongrove food court.

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Sunday, 27 November 2011

Totally Natural 7 Day Detox Program Review

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I have been religiously every year planning ahead of my detox program for past few years, due to my slightly slow bowel movement issue. I know there are a lot of skeptical around this particular topic, but I just love what Blackmore detox cleans my body so much. (decided to cover my ears and move on).  My previous review please find here: http://aroime.blogspot.com/2011/08/summers-coming-diet-starting.html
Few month ago I went to pharmacy and they recommended me Total Natural detox program. Apparently this is more focus on your liver cleaning and more health related issues. On the package, it states to relief symptoms such as medically diagnosed IBS, constipation, bloating and flatulence, diarrhoea, bad breath, allergies, poor immunity, indigestion and heartburn. From the sound of it, it is design to tackle some stubborn body and health issue. Could be good for me too!
Been thinking about buying it for a while, finally summer's heading Sydney's way, I quickly went to Priceline and bought one pack. They do come in 14 days or 7 days program. 


The pack is mainly tackle below 4 areas:  stomach, liver, bowel, alive (good bacteria)


Weight cleasing eating plan is also included in your package.


1 tablet with evening meal



1 tablet twice away before morning and evening meal


1 tablet twice away before morning and evening meal



1 capsule daily



For those of you are interested what ingredients it's in the package, I have put it up for your view as well.
Now, after 7 days of hell, here is my result and please be reminded this is only my personal opinion.
Let's start with things I like about this program:
1. It's short only 7 days
2. The eating booklet is very detail
3. It's in capsule or tablet, easier to travel with.
4. Doesn't taste as unpleasant as the Blackmore set 
5. Vegetarian friendly

I was really good following their guided eating plans and avoid absolutely everything is listed in the booklet meanwhile still remain my 3 times gym section every week. Before the starting weekend, I even went went to supermarket and did their recommend shopping.I must admit it was extremely challenging with their restriction (food to avoid) - sugar, salt, animal meats, pork, beef, lamb, chicken, eggs (this is the hardest), all shellfish, dairy products (I don't know how i survived without dairy product for 7 days!!), white bread, white pasta, canned food, packaged food, frozen food, chocolate, cake, biscuits, fruit spreads, all caffeine drinks, all alcoholic beverage, all drinks that contain added sugar and artificial sweeteners. Now you read till here, must be a lot of question marks in your head - what can you eat then??

Here is some of the reason why I HATE this program and will not recommend to any of my friends or people I know directly or indirectly (readers like yourself):

1. If you are not a vegetarian already, have to transform to a vegan on the first day of your diet, this will be as challenging as I found. Also, if you are usual having a balanced diet, and suddenly change your eating pattern, it might affect your digestion as well. (at least that's what I found)

2. I was on diarrhea for as long as the program went, feeling absolutely exhausted at then end. On the package it did mention possible constipation, clearly that wasn't the case for me.

3. Considering a lot of food need to be avoided, I tried to control down my appetite and only eat few selection of food for 7 days. I was quite hungry some of the days. Despite the lack of choices and flavor in your food, the lack of nutrition to your body does appears at the later stage of this program. For someone like me going to gym 3 days a week, without meat, milk or eggs is just as hard as you can imagine.

4. After the program, I had to take a whole week of good bacteria to get my digestion back on track. I personally prefer Inner Health Plus which should be available in any pharmacies, but you can always benefit from yakult.

 5. Overall, I didn't feel any better after the program nor lost any weight. How upsetting?!

I hope we all are going to find a best diet and weight lost program that works for ourselves in the near future, and hoping this review will give you a better understanding of how dramatic diet plan works.
Good luck to all the girls and boys struggling with losing weight, bowel or liver issue. Take care!
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