The Sum of Dim Sum

A couple of weeks ago we managed to have a nice relaxing dim sum lunch as a family. Well not that little E could eat any of it but he did have a ball looking up at the red Chinese lanterns and old Christmas decorations hanging from the wall.

It was my turn to pay, so up I went.

There was a queue. A tall middle-aged Aussie man in front of me holding a wine bottle in a paper bag, and in front of him two non Asian women.

When waiting my turn took unusually long, I naturally decided to eavesdrop a little and check out what was taking so long.

The boss who operates the cash register himself was ringing up the bill for the women.

Woman: ....so....how much was the veges?

Boss: Nine dollar.

Woman: Oooo wow, NINE dollars for a plate of veges?

Boss: Yea, because it's not a lunch special.

Woman: How much was the fried squid then? I'm just asking.

Boss: Ten dollar. (gloomyface)

Woman: Oooo I see. I'm just askin' ya know? Just askin'.

Boss: (not impressed look or maybe that's his natural self)

Woman: So, when is lunch special then?

Boss: Lunchtime.

Woman: Oh.

By then, her card had been accepted. Without a word, she grabs her card and walks out with her blonde friend.

Man in front of me: So, is that price (referring to his bill) lunch special?

The serious looking boss and his wife cracked up a rare laugh. "That bottle you're holding is the last special, after that no more," she exclaimed cheekily.

The man laughed and paid.

Then he turned around, shook his head and flashed a grin before putting his sunnies back on and leaving.

That was the weirdest paying experience ever.

What's happened?

Ok. Before anything- I just changed my background. Things were getting a little too pink for me!

I have been so busy bonding with bub and getting my life in order that I haven't been blogging much. Finally, today bub is pretty settled at the moment and I have some time to myself.

So what's been happening? Well two main things besides the obvious.

Firstly, life is really short, you never know when you'd be next. Or who would be next. Recent experiences constantly remind me of this. Love those around you, live everyday to the fullest! No regrets.

Secondly, I am revamping the kitchen. Or should I say my Cooking Style!

Most sauces are in the bin now as I move towards a healthier lifestyle. I'm eliminating certain foods in my diet or trying to keep them to a minimum at least. Like canned food, and preserved stuff. And soy sauce and oyster sauce. And Chinese sauces and things.

So, the pantry is overflowing with spices! And the garden with herbs! Here's whats in my garden:

Parsley, Rosemary, Thyme, Lemon thyme, coriander, mint, chilli plant, spring onion, chives, and more recently marjoram and dill. Welcome to the family!


Here's what's in my kitchen in place of all the packet sauces and supermarket sauces:
Tumeric ground
Fennel ground
Cumin ground
Cloves
Star anise
Cinnamon quils
Cinnamon ground
Nutmeg ground
Paprika ground
Red Hot Chili Powder
Coriander seeds

I still want to add:
Vanilla pods
Some nuts
and..lots of other spices but I haven't had time to think of them!

Spices are good for you. Even one spice, for example tumeric, has 20 benefits already (see http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/20-health-benefits-of-turmeric.html ). I'd rather have that than preservatives and boric acid!

And raw sugar instead of sugar. Sea salt instead of processed salt. And freshly thermomixed juice instead of sugary supermarket 'juices'.

And boiling chicken frames and putting the stock in the freezer rather than buying cubes or readymade supermarket chicken stock.

And buying less snacks although they're on special (very tempting)!

But I wouldn't go as far as substituting TimTams for carob sticks! Or eat lots of seeds and nuts for brekkie.

I still love my chocolate, chips and fried foods.

Some things just cannot be substituted.

Yummmm.....!

A New Concept

I came across a very unique photographer the other day.

Joshua Hoffine is his name. Ever heard of it? Probably not, unless you're into re-living your childhood fears and nightmares.

This is why I do not wish to employ a babysitter.

But I think his scariest work of art yet is of Lady Bathory, a real 16th century evilwoman. Sends shivers down my spine. Watch out, virgins! (phew I am safe)

And how about this for jewelery?

His website and blog http://joshuahoffine.wordpress.com/

Not your usual photographer eh!

A Cutting Experience

I had to wear something 'nice'. This was the first time I could get out of the house to do something pampering for myself. Unfortunately in this modern world, to be treated with a little respect you need to dress up a little.


So I put on my heels, tights and a tunic dress (actually I think it is meant to be a flowy top) and some makeup and off I went.

I couldn't help but feel a little intimidated as a creative-looking man lady opened the front doors with pride. The girls were just starting work and one had trouble turning on the ipod which would later fill the whole place with chic music.


"Hello, is your name Rachel? Here have a seat and fill in these forms and I will be right with you," I was suddenly noticed.


"Ok, come through here with me," the black-haired woman in her 30's showed me to a spacious, brightly lit room full of big mirrors. Then she put a fuscha pink cloth and a bright orange one around my neck before we both decided what would be best.

A cuppa and three fashion mags later, I found myself at the equivalent of a dentist's chair, only comfortable and pleasant, much to my delight. It was then my head received the biggest treat of its life!

Then I was politely ushered to the other side of the room for the final cut.

"Sorry about the wait," she said. A thin, tall dark skinned lady whom I met earlier came around with a big smile on her face. "There, I found the picture I was talking about earlier. See, a bit like Gwyneth Paltrow's?"

So we agreed.

"So did you say you just had a baby?" She muttered in disbelief. "Yeah," I replied. "Two months ago,"


And with that, the conversation ended. She must have thought I was some little girl having babies out of wedlock and somehow made her uncomfortable. But she did concentrate on the cut, and looked pretty passionate about what she was doing. So I went on and read more beauty mags. How surprising to see a very detailed story about Bernie Maddoff in a beauty mag! Do girls read this stuff?


And the end of it all I came out refreshed, pampered, and as if a weight had lifted off my shoulders (literally).


Was it worth it? Would I do it all over again? It was well worth my $100 voucher. And worth the $95 hole in my pocket. All up it was $195 but it was the best haircut experience I've had. It included tea, coffee, politeness (which you don't usually get at a hairdressers unless it's Edmund), a head massage to die for, and the latest beauty and fashion mags. It also included a free lipstick, some free food and nightclub vouchers, not that I would be able to use them
anyway.


Maurice Meade does live up to its name after all.


Now back to reality...