I Scream, You Scream

Swensen's, IOI City Mall.

… we all scream, for ice-cream! I've been such a foodie lately. Being cooped up in this house has made me crave for all kinds of food. Watching Master Chef has also made me want to create and experiment with many different kinds of flavors. Have you ever felt like you were meant in the world for something different than what you're trying to hard to earn on paper? Sometimes, I feel that way. I have a weird connection with sweet treats, I find solace in eating them, making them.. and even by looking at them. Hm.

My days with Amir for his summer break are almost reaching to an end. In less than a month - or in three weeks time, he'll be flying back to Bristol for his studies and I'll be left alone, again. I've been meaning to write a post about long distance relationships but I just can't really put it into words. Sometimes I just feel so empty being alone in Malaysia.. which is why I resort to ice-cream. Lots, and lots of ice-cream.

No Bad Vibes

Source: Tumblr

Holiday season has made me reflect a lot - in a good way. I spend most of my time alone at home with my cats watching movies which have induced me with a lot of thoughts and moral values. Guys, believe it or not, I've finished literally all of the TV shows I've watched during my entire life - including new ones. That's how lifeless being at home has made me, but I'm grateful.

What I've been trying to avoid most is social media. A few days ago, I was scrolling my Instafeed and spotted a picture of one of Malaysia's "iconic" fashionistas being bashed for a wardrobe malfunction - which I wouldn't even consider a malfunction considering what she/he was wearing was definitely a no, no. Then I scrolled my Twitter feed to find cynical and sarcastic tweets, bashing here and there. Come on guys, what's with the negativity? 

Sometimes, we may have the purest intentions, to advise a person for the greater good. But there are ways in doing so. 

I, admit. I was once a pessimist who often judged too quickly. A person who spoke her opinions without evaluating different perspectives. But doing it publicly? Is definitely something unacceptable. In fact, I'm embarrassed to once belong in a crowd of people who did so. Being sarcastic isn't something to be proud of. In fact, whining or complaining on social media won't solve your problems either. 

Another thing I realise is our actions on social media may even effect us in a long term. My friend, Amalina and I were talking about how toxic social media has become and how it has actually taken a toll towards our relationships (regardless of partners/friendships). Looking back, life was so much during primary school when we couldn't care less about who indirect tweeted who, or making arguments about different opinions. It's saddening.. and annoying. 

#OOTD: Sunny Evening Out

Yellow blouse: Summershop / White jeans: Mango / Shawl was done by myself / Bag: Longchamp / Sunnies: RayBan Aviators / Jelly sandals (not seen): Coach

Detailed shot.

After weeks of not having a proper date, Amir brought me out today! We went to Cyberjaya to eat Boat Noodles, it was his first time but I'll elaborate on that in another post. 

So yesterday, my friend Filzah came over to Bangi to have brunch with me. We went to Wondermilk at IOI City Mall since I have no idea of any other pretty cafes around the Bangi vicinity except that one - as of now, lol. If you do know though, please, please let me know! Anyway, after going to IOI City Mall, I decided to bring her to Summershop located at Bangi Sentral. I swear, for months, its the only shop I splurge at these days. I can get pretty tops and skirts for such a good price. Last month, I went there with Dina and Jasmine, and they both went crazy too! Haha, so because of that - I broke my whole "no shopping till December" vow and bought this pretty top instead. It was only RM 49 for something of really good quality. What a steal!

Have a good week everyone! x

Vienna, Austria

Pictures captured by Canon 1000D, edited using Adobe Lightroom 5.

It's been more than a year since I visit Vienna, Austria yet only till a few days ago, I started to dig up my collection of photos and begin processing them one by one. I've been to many big cities around the world and I've always known Austria as the country of music, mostly famous for the movie The Sound of Music. However, I was a bit disappointed with our few days there but still made the most of it. Statues of classical musicians such as Brahm, Schubert and Mozart, stood beautifully in their parks. Austria was also known for having many political idealists, the history of the country is amazing. Since it was the last city of my 2014 Europe Trip, my family and I spent our days walking in the park, shopping, watched an orchestra, spent various trips to Spar to buy chocolates and popcorn - basically that was about it. 

I love Europe, especially its architecture. I've been to different continents, specifically cities, villages - places in general, but I've always had a soft spot for Europe, and I don't know why. A few weeks ago, I was staring at the ceiling wondering why am I still stuck in Malaysia when I randomly decided to book a ticket, on my own back to one of my favourite cities inshaAllah, end of this year. Even my parents were kind of shocked to see me proceed with my random decision but I consider myself lucky. My dad has been to many places, around the world and he has never, ever, forbid his daughters from exploring. So I guess this means, in a few months time, I'll smell the winter European air again. But till then, I'll close this chapter here. 

Recipe: Mini Pavlova

The classic meringue topped with whipped cream and fruits. 

I N T R O 

Every year, during Ramadan season usually, I'd sell these. They make look complicated to make and perhaps require a bit of mastering in terms of temperature and patience - but trust me, the result is worth it all. Included below will be list of ingredients I use, method and also a few tips I've learnt from my many, many, attempts of making these. Hope this helps!

I N G R E D I E N T S

• Five egg whites.
• 1 1/2 cups of fine granulated/castor sugar.
• 1 teaspoon of essence of vanilla.
• 1 teaspoon of distilled vinegar or balsamic vinegar.
• 2 tablespoons of cornflour.
• Whipped cream to decorate.
• Assortment of fruits to decorate.

M E T H O D

1. Pre-heat your oven to 150'C.
2. Using an electric mixer, beat your eggs at medium speed. 
3. Once they foam (which takes only a few minutes), add your sugar tablespoon by tablespoon. Turn mixer speed to high.
4. Once your meringue batter turns into a ribbon stage, add in your essence of vanilla, vinegar and cornflour. Continue whisking until soft peaks form.
5. Line your tray with baking paper and either pipe, or dollop your meringue into small circles and place inside your oven. Reduce the heat to 120'C. 
6. Bake for about 45 minutes, until you see small cracks. Turn off your oven, take a wooden spoon to help the oven door be ajar. Leave it to cool for at least another 45 - 60 minutes.
7. Once they are cooled and you're ready to serve, whip your cream. Dollop the cream on top of the pavlovas and garnish with your fruits. Ta-da, you're done!

T I P S 

Here's a few things I've learned from handling these meringues. When beating your eggs, make sure your utensils are clean. Sometimes, I use a slice of lemon to get all the grease out from my Kitchen-Aid bowl. If you're cracking an egg and a piece of shell falls into your egg whites, fret not. The easiest way to scoop that out is by using your egg shell. 

I know some of you have a perception of pavlovas being too sweet. I've tried to decrease the sugar so many times. However, doing so will only result to a flat, foamy pavlova which will be chewy and sticky but definitely not how a pavlova should be like. The amount of sugar I've improvised here is the one that works best for me, but feel free to experiment!

I made this with my friend Sarah just now and she taught me a delicious way to add some flavour to the fruits. Usually, I'd just coat some of the fruits with a teaspoon of icing sugar. Sarah, however, would usually put a bit of lemon juice and sugar to taste. Then she'd mix it with the fruits. It tastes really good, in a way, it brought out more of the fruit's natural sweetness.

#OOTD: Brunch With Cousins

My cousin, who resides in New Zealand, was back for Eid festivities a few weeks ago. I can't believe it's almost a month since the first day of Eid?! Anyway, he decided to treat a few of his cousins and aunties at Jibby & Co. located in Subang Jaya, Selangor. I haven't been shopping for new clothes in a very long time, but I was pleased with what I managed to put together.

Kimono Cardigan: Inhanna Shop (from Instagram) / White Tee: Springfield / White jeans: Mango / Shawl was done by myself / Bag: Longchamp / Jelly Sandals: Coach / Sunnies: RayBan Aviators

I'm currently spending semester break in front of the television, lounging with my cat and secluding myself from reality. My favourite shows include Suits (duh, it's the only show I've ever followed thoroughly), Say Yes to the Dress, Masterchef and I've been watching a few romantic comedies on the DIVA channel. Amir says, the reason why I stick to that channel is because it resembles myself. Really Amir? Really?