Diamonds are girls best friend

I was completely loosing my self today, when my dad brought me into diamond's shop, Frank & co jewelery. It's hard to say no to any kind of jewelery for a women. Even though, I am not big fan of wearing them.

I sat at the counter and they showed me some samples ... WOW, it's so bright and shiny 0_0 I was slightly blinded by it. In few seconds, I was enchanted by the beauty of it. In few minutes, I was having dilemma choosing between two different diamonds pendants >_<

Sigh, my plan entering the shop was just playing along, pretending that I want to get one. I realised I have completely fallen into my Dad's trap. Seriously, I don't need any diamonds!!! it's such an indulgence, it's so inappropriate wearing that nice thing on my neck T_T it's very pretttyyyyyyy though, very hard to resist.

In the shop, they even serve a free cuppa tea that I found very very delightful. I even asked what tea label that they served :p there was a slight nice tinted sweet taste into it. It turned out was Dilmah infused with Strawberry. (I am totally gonna buy heaps of them to bring them back to Aussie).

So in the end, I couldn't make the decision between two pendants >_< ooohh, I was actually running away and giving that excuse 'cos I don't need it. But please, by posting this I don't want to discourage any future bf of mine not to give one. In fact, I would cherish the gift. It will be a real precious thing when it's given from my love one (but I don't need one from my Dad, I love him though).

ps: For anyone who is going to visit Jakarta and planning to go to the big shopping centre. My suggestion is to make a visit to those diamonds jewelery shop for a nice free relaxing break. Just pretend you are going to buy an engagement ring or something. Any of those shops would definitely serve you a nice cuppa tea :)

Happy CNY and Valentine's Day!!! I am doing very well and enjoying my break at my hometown, Jakarta. (slightly nervous about meeting up special someone from the past though) Btw, should I take my Dad's generous offer?

Grill’d. Saturday trip part 1

Seriously, I couldn’t believe my self that I was actually craving for a Burger. Not just a Burger but a BEEF Burger!! There this image kept running in my head just exactly like a Hungry Jacks ads. I asked my friend to join me to try on Grill’d burger — Healty Burger at New Farm

The trip to get the burger was so daunting. We drove into the wrong lane that caused us have to drive around again. It was too much hassle that I was about to give up the idea of getting the burger. (Seriously, remember Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle. It was so stupid idea, right?)

Arrived there, I ordered my self ‘HOT MAMA’ (LOL). It is with 100% lean beef, roasted peppers, dill pickled, tzatziki, salad, tasty cheese and harissa. It was still so unbelievable that I got my self a beef burger!

We’re checking on the burger. It was huge! We weren’t so sure what is the easiest way to eat our burger. It was definitely fresh! I was so sure that I would love it.

The first bite. … … … my taste bud reaction was: it is a BEEF!!! Why did I order this?!!! Arggghhh… I don't like BEEF >_< (Big chunky piece of meat usually make me feel sick. I prefer to be vegetarian now and then). It was so far away, from my first perception. I thought I would change and become more normal like other people who love steak. Turn out, I was wrong. I still don’t like steak -_-“

I think the beef definitely needs to be marinated longer or have more herbs. It lack in its taste (I can only taste beef). My friend has the same opinion. Nothing special about it. Maybe other people would enjoy it since they won’t mind the strong taste of Beef. (okay, you might thing I am a weirdo).

But their hot chips were so so good. I would definitely go back to buy just the chips. It was covered with rosemary. It was tasty and crisp.

In the end, I pretty much finished everything since I was so hungry. The trip continue…

I heart New York

Start spreading the news, I’m leaving today
I want to be a part of it — New York, New York
These vagabond shoes, are longing to stray
Right through the very heart of it — New York, New York!!!

Excerpts lyrics from Frank Sinatra New York New York

Remember that song… so much energy! My colleague just came back from her around the world trip. She showed us all her trips photo. Geeshhh, New York really is a big city!!! No wonder that there's so much diversity over there.

My friend and her partner traveled from New Zealand, New York, Vancouver, Boston, Rome and Bangkok -_-" I envy her so much, I can't wait to have my own trip. Let's put New York on the list. I am planning to go to Korea and Japan first, hopefully this year!!!

Where would you like to visit this year for getaway?

Image from New York magazine. I really like the magazine it self. It tells all the hip stuff happening over there. I love the typeface used as the masthead too. I wonder what is it. Anyone can guess?

The Country Lane shop, Montville Village part 2

I promised to post more about this shop, so here it is. This is the shop that highlighted my trip at Montville. The presentation of the shop is very welcoming and very unique. The shop was just full on with country crafty objects. It's a really lovely shop. I spend nearly an hour just in that shop, I can't decided what to buy.



Finally, we (my sister and I) decided to buy the door sign for our bathrooms and a welcome sign. The star was actually said 'welcome'. But when I was about to hang it at home, it turned out that our main entrance door was already quite lovely with its glass decoration. Rather than not using the sign, I repainted the words turned it into toilet instead chuckled. I think it turned great, no one will ask where is the toilet anymore. (or accidentally open my room when looking for the toilet, since my room is just next to the toilet).



Visit Country Lane website here, you can browse or buy their items online. Although, it won't replace the unique experience visiting the real shop.

Relaxing Saturday at Montville Village

Last Saturday I went to Montville with my family, one of the Sunshine Coast hinterland towns. It sits amongst lush green fields and pocket rainforest, about 90 kilometres north of Brisbane. It took us around hour and half drive from my place (the south of Brisbane).

Once you’ve drive up the hills, the views just so spectacular. Lots of green hills dotted with dairy farms and acreage living, I had lots of fun looking at the cows. The weather is great since it’s in the hinterland the temperature is always cooler. You can feel the air is just so clean, so much better than in Brisbane (even though it’s winter now).



Montville is famous for their pretty village. There are plenty of small shops along the roads. I was so excited looking at their cute cottages looking shop. The antique and craft shops steal my attention straight away. Did I mention that there is a water wheels in front of a tea shop? (Sorry no photo posted)



Although, to be honest I was expected more of the shops. You can feel it’s kinda bit too commercial, lot’s of nice gifts shop but they aren’t that original. You could feel a bit touristy too around the village. But I did find some good ones, which are: The Country Lane, craft / vintage shop sells mainly tole painting signs and home wares, very crafty country objects. It’s my favourite, I’ll post more about it separately. The cuckoo shops is very famous for their original German’s manmade cuckoo shops. They are very lovely. I can’t get enough with the candy shop, very ‘licious. The small antique shop is nice too. Oh, I really like the witch statues (photo above). They are around $125 AUD each. I want one for my backyards (to creep some crows away ehehe or just for fun). Visit here for more Montville guide.



The rainforest walk is the other famous thing to do at the hinterland. I went for an hour rainforest walk. The trees are probably around 600 years old. Its huge and tall, it’s quite amazing to see them. Nearby the rainforest walk, there are some nice spot for BBQ and kids too play around. The view from there is amazing, facing the glasshouse mountain (photo above).

Around Montville, there are some winery, nursery and strawberry farms you can visit too along the way. I didn't have enough time to do them all, maybe next time.

Apart from the busy shop, Montville is a great place for quiet relaxing (or romantic) getaway, great for family holiday too. It’s a peaceful place. I could imagine having a small lodge over there.

ps: I was nearly catch a cold after the trip (probably too tired)

Visiting the strawberry farm

It was an unplanned trip, we decided to make a stop for our finale dessert. Just after we had a big meal ribs at a birthday lunch at Mike's Kitchen at Gold Coast. The strawberry farm is located in between Gold Coast and Brisbane (exit 49 from Brisbane).

It was my first trip to the strawberry farm, everything looked dry at that time. I wasn't quite sure if strawberry could grow in such hot climate, since it was summer. We parked our car in front of their small shop. They sell their own homemade products and strawberries (of course, heaps of them). The one that intrigues me the most is their chilli jam. I've heard of it once, but I still wasn't quite sure what was it. (if anyone know, could you tell me what it taste) Unfortunately, I was running out of cash. I needed to spare my money for the main thing, which is the strawberry ice cream. So I didn't buy anything much, just a big tray of strawberries.



I just love strawberry ice cream more than any other flavour. But this ice cream is not like any ordinary strawberry ice cream, it is filled with fresh, chopped strawberries covered with the strawberry ice cream (of course) and thick whip cream on the top. This wasn't my first experience eating this kind of ice cream. I had it twice at Ekka festival and it was the BEST strawberry ice cream I've ever had. (Ekka festival is held around early August).

I was so thrilled about the ice cream, since I thought I can only get this kind of ice cream at the festival. After I tried it, it turned out to be a disappointment. The strawberry wasn't really sweet, it taste a bit bitter. I guess it might not be the right season for strawberry.



The ice cream wasn't the only thing they served. They have strawberry fudge, waffle, and etc. So why don't you visit the strawberry farm for a break on your way to Gold coast. You can even pick your own strawberries at the farm if you have plenty time.

This trip was actually happening a year ago. I forgot to post it and yet it's an exciting story to tell.

What is the best ice-cream that you have tasted before? Any favourite pit stop that you would like to share?