Monday, August 30, 2010

Colon Clense Experience

Because I'm in my early 30s now, I've decided to go for a colon cleanse to flush out all those toxins and waste that have been accumulated for the pass 30 years and also to prevent constipation, to boots immunity, help lose weights, detoxify my body and to promote overall health and well being.

So, I went to Lincoln Colon Care 

It was pretty straight forward. Its just like going to the loo for half and hour with a bit of tummy cramp BUT lying down! There was no mess or smell and it's totally safe.

I was advised not to eat 2 hours before the treatment and to consume light meals 24 hours after treatment (pureed vegetable soup, fruits)

To achieve the maximum benefit, a series of at least 3 separate treatment within the duration of 3 weeks is recommended and I'm in my last week of treatment.

Hopefully after the colon cleanse, I will have enhanced energy levels, perked up digestion, healthier hair and clear and radiant skin and felling less bloated. Yay!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Another Best Burger?

Hubby and I went to Ponsonby the other day to get some pictures printed and while we were waiting, we stroll along Ponsonby looking for a place to have lunch.

I saw this attractive sign saying 'Best Burger' Wiscousin and I just had to try it. I want to find out if its the real deal or not.

All their burger comes in two sizes: Grand & Petite and they have kids burger as well.

This is hubby's Beef Avocado & Bacon - petite $9.40, it doesn't look anything like the poster above but he prefer this burger to the 'Coromandel Takeaways' burger we had during our trip to Coromandel.

He also ordered this Beer Battered Wedges - $4.50 and it's crispy and nice. The amount was generous too.

I wanted to try one of their burgers but went for these Lightly Grilled Lamb Bite Size - $7.90 (for limited time only) I usually don't eat lamb because of their strong meaty taste/smell...but I was able to eat these. It goes well with their fresh garlic mayo dip.

They were generous with their ketchup and dip which was good because I like mine with lots of sauce.

I'll definitely be going back again to try out the burgers!

Burger Wiscousin
168 Ponsonby Road
Auckland
09-360 1894

Open everyday for lunch from 11:30am

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Gluten Free Spinach and Carrot Muffins

What should J bring for lunch tomorrow? Do you always have to plan what to make for your little ones the day before?


My first attempt in baking this Gluten Free Spinach and Carrot Muffins

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup Organic Buckwheat Flour
  • 1/3 cup corn flour
  • 1 tsp gluten free, baking powder
  • 3 Tbs boiled Quinoa
  • 1/2 tsp salt & pepper
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg (grated)
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup yogurt or dairy-free soygurt
  • 200g fresh spinach leaves (roughly chopped)
  • 2 carrots (finely grated)
  • 1 onion (grated)
  • 1/2 lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic (mashed/grated)
  • top with raw pumpkin seeds

Set the oven at 350F (approx 120C). Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
Whip eggs and yogurt in another bowl.
Add spinach, carrots, onion, lemon and garlic, stir for a minute and then add all the dry ingredients.
Pour in muffin tins and top with pumpkin seeds and bake for approx 25 minutes.
Makes 12 standard muffins

Outcome:
I put only a pinch of salt so it turns out a bit tasteless.
200g 100g spinach for next time.
1 carrot instead of 2.


We packed 2 muffins for J's lunch and he ate only 1. He said its too dry and didn't taste like muffin. I think he was expecting chocolate muffin or blue berries muffin when we told him he's having muffin for lunch. LOL...

Oh Well...at least mom and hubby liked it and it was all gone the next day...plus it's healthy muffin!

Friday, August 20, 2010

Esprit


Few weeks ago, I went shopping with a friend. I was not intending to buy anything because I think I have enough clothes hanging in the cupboard staring at me and getting out-dated! LOL

We went to a few outlets and I was just browsing through while waiting for her.

We went to Esprit, before picking up our sons from school.

This jacket caught my eyes! I tried it on and it's so comfortable I just had to buy it.
Ooppss...didn't bring enough money, so I went back the next day.
$89.90 $49.90

Lesson learned: There's no such thing as enough clothes for us ladies!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

No Butter Carrot Cake

I'm feeling better now.

And I was in the mood to bake this guilt free Carrot Cake with mom.

Ingredients:
  • 175g self raising flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 150g brown sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 150ml vegetable oil
  • 225g carrots (grated)

Steps:
  • Sift self raising flour together with baking powder, cinnamon & salt
  • Mix vegetable oil and sugar and beat for 3 minutes (use mixer if you have one)
  • Add eggs one at a time, slowly
  • Fold the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients together. Then add in grated carrots
  • Coat baking tin with oil and pour the mixed ingredients in.
  • Bake for 30-45 mins (not forgetting to check once in a while)
  •  

     It's so delicious & easy, you'll want to do it again.
    ENJOY!

    Saturday, August 14, 2010

    Winter Chills

    For the past few days, I haven't been feeling well. It's been rather cold and I've got the sore throat, cold and flu. I also have been staying away from J and putting onions around the house hoping the virus doesn't spread, taking vitamin C, drinking lots of water & tea, and taking Ionic Colloidal Silver to support my immune system.

    I'll be taking lots of rest...and I'll be back when I'm much better.

    Till later...

    Tuesday, August 10, 2010

    Dad's Birthday

    This time last year, we celebrated dad's birthday in Singapore with sis and her husband.
    This year, we're back in Auckland.

     
    L baked chocolate cake and we had our dinner at Orbit Revolving Restaurant at the top of SkyCity.

    Before dinner, we went to the Sky Tower's Main Observation to check out the scenery.

    This is the 'glass' floor and it's 190 meters off the ground. Sscarryyy....

    To start, we had the Handmade Ciabatta served with olive oil with herb, olive paste and some herb butter - $8.50

    (Unfortunately I only have one picture of the main course....) but this is what we ordered:

    Dad & L: Roast Fillet of Angus Pure Beef on olive oil whipped potato, buttered asparagus, sundried tomato tapenade - $38.50, taste was alright, they still preferred the one they had at SALT, Whitianga.

    Mom: Pan Fried Snapper Fillet on artichoke and sundried tomato Israeli cous cous with roasted capsicum and chili dressing - $35.50

    I had the Lemon and Thyme Marinated Chicken Breast with pumpkin purée, wild mushroom arancinie (fried rice balls coated with breadcrumbs, said to have originated from Sicily) and spiced chicken jus - $31.50

    Little J had: Chicken n fries - $21.50 and chocolate ice-cream for dessert. (lucky him!) I was quite surprise his chicken tasted just the way I liked it. I thought it would be dry and bland.

    I think next time I should order kid's meal...taste good, not that expensive and it comes with a dessert! LOL...
    "Happy Birthday Pa"


    (Look at the amazing view!!)

    Sunday, August 8, 2010

    Wrap My Dinner!

    Few days ago, we had Tortilla for dinner and it was EXCELLENT!

    We bought wholemeal Tortilla wrapper from Pak n Save (supermarket)

    For the fillings...lets see...we had:
    • Yummy juicy chicken
    • Avocado spread
    • Alfalfa sprout
    • Spinach 
    • Fish
    • Mushroom fried with onion
    • Grilled pepper bells
    • Grated cheese
    • L's style of tomato salsa spread with spicy beans
    It was a nice family meal. Everyone get to choose their own filling. Mom being a vegetarian had fish, J liked the idea of rolling his own meal (of course with the help from dad) and I ended up having two rounds!

    It's so yummilicious and healthy we'll do it again soon.

    Friday, August 6, 2010

    Before Heading Back to Auckland...

    After lunch at Coromandel Town, we drove another 3 km North to the Driving Creek Railway & Potteries.

    We took the one hour return train ride built by Barry Brickell - owner, developer, conservationist, engineer and artist. I have to say, it was a long ride as J was getting a bit restless but luckily there's a short stop at the 'Eyefull Tower' where we can see The Hauraki Gulf and Islands.

    The double-decker track. It was an educational and fun trip. I was surprised that a lot of people turned up even though it was raining.

    We reached Auckland at about 7pm that day. It's nice to be home and the first thing dad and J did was to feed their fishes! Poor fishes, got nothing to eat while we were having a feast. LOL!

    380 Driving Creek Road,
    Coromandel.
    07-866 8703

    Wednesday, August 4, 2010

    Lunch @ Coromandel Town

    After a nice soak at The Lost Spring, we headed North to Coromandel Town. There, we had our lunch. As usual, we didn't know where to eat, what to eat. So, we walked around the town. Coromandel is a really small town and we found just the place to eat. 'Coromandel Takeaways'

    When I was looking through the menu board, one of the name struck me. 'Da Whopper Burger'. I remember seeing this name on the TV something to do with Burger King not happy with them using the name Whopper but the communities didn't want to change the whole name and mentioned Da Whopper Burger is the best burger. So, we gave it a try.

    Dad ordered Fish n Chips (yeah...alot of fish n chips this trip..) The batter wasn't too oily, the fish was fresh and the chips was salt-less (L always order salt-less chips for J) and they provide small sachets of salt on the counter for you to put your own salt which I think is a good thing to eat less salt. I've never come across any fast-food outlet like that.

    Husband ordered Da Whopper Burger with double beef patty, bacon, mushroom, egg & cheese - $10.50 and he said it's alright. I took a bite too and I think it was tasty (I don't usually eat beef burger, I usually order either chicken or fish)

    Behind is J eating his (super unhealthy) fried sausage with chips and cinnamon donut as dessert. We should have ordered the kid's burger meal...but oh well...there's always another trip. LOL...

    I had the Maddie Burger with real chicken schnitzel, ham, cheese & pineapple - $9.- and I tell you...it's the BEST chicken burger I've ever eaten!! I liked the crispy chicken schnitzel and the pineapple in it makes the taste unique and slightly sweet.

    I'll drive there again (when I have the time) and this time I'm going to try the Trent Burger.
    Yummy! I miss the burger already...LOL

    Coromandel Takeaways
    124 Wharf Road
    Coromandel
    07-866 8438

    Tuesday, August 3, 2010

    The Lost Spring @ Whitianga, Coromandel, NZ

    Ok...let me take you to the day we arrived at Whitianga. We went straight to a thermal pool - The Lost Spring (before checking into a motel). Since we reached there quite late, they're not accepting anymore guests AND they only cater for children 14 years and over!

    Oh dear...we've promised J that we'll bring him to a hot pool. The one in Tauranga is closed for renovation and this one is only for children over 14 years! 'shoot'

    So, we asked the receptionist if she can recommend a motel that have a private hot pool. Before she could answer, a guy standing next to us told us he would like to help us.

    He is allowing us to bring J in tomorrow at 10am (before the pool opens for the public at 11am) and we just pay the normal adult price and no charge for J. I felt something fishy, so I asked the receptionist if that guy is the owner...turned out he is the owner and his name is Alan. He also recommended Beachside Resort and told us that Bruce will give us a good price! And he did! Thanks!

    And of course we took up the offer!
    The next morning, we reached there 5 minutes before 10am, got changed and Alan was there to greet us and told us where to go (feeling like VIPs already...HAHAHhaha)

    When we opened the door to the hot pools, it was like we're entering another world.... It's like walking through a beautiful garden of Eden (not that I know how garden of Eden looks like...but you know what I mean...)

    This is the walk way...with Amethyst Gemstone!

    Cave with more Gemstones! (there's about 2-3 caves)

    We finally found the pool, tucked quietly in a secluded place. It was just so peaceful, relaxed and beautiful!! The water was warm and I felt my muscles saying "aaahhhhh....."
    There's even real life exotic birds calling out, soft background music...It was a really really nice place to be, even J wanted to stay longer.

    We met Alan's mom and had a bit of chit chat. We were told that The Lost Spring just opened 18 months ago and it took Alan 20 years to build it! I envy his patience and all his hard work.
    You have to be there to experience the 'garden of Eden' feeling yourself.

    Thanks Alan!

    The Lost Spring
    121A Cook Drive,
    Whitianga, NZ
    07-866 0456
    www.thelostspring.co.nz
    (to be continue...)

    Sunday, August 1, 2010

    My Little Buzz Lightyear

    Lately, J is obsessed with Buzz Lightyear. He went to watch Toy Story 3 with his poh-poh (grandma) in the cinema over the school holidays. He wanted to wear his new Buzz's wing to the cinema but we told him he might not fit in the seat, so he left it in the car.

    He'll climb on the sofa and pretend he's about to fly off to space, he'll pretend to press buttons and say "no time to lose" or "come in star command, come in" and zoom off again.
    It's really cute to watch.

    He have a routine, that before he climbs up to his bed, he'll pretend to press some buttons, his wings popping up and he'll say "to infinity and beyond" and I'll have to carry him and 'throw' him into his bed. It's just too cute.