Din Tai Fung

As mentioned in my earlier post, I met up with my DFG girls for lunch today and I'd like to share what we had today so here goes...

This is my FAVORITE!

It's the 1st item on the list on the appetizer section and it's called Xiao Cai.

I forgot what it's called in English.

It's so light and delicious, I can eat 2 x plates of this myself!

I believe this is from the appetizer section as well.

It's I believe cucumber wrapped with pork belly with a garlic sauce.

Yumz...

Drunken Chicken

I'm not quite sold on this one as I find that the 'jelly' wasn't thick enough. Ha!

Some prawn pancake

Not bad... Surprisingly not oily!

A trip to Din Tai Fung wouldn't be called a trip to Din Tai Fung if you hadn't eaten their Xiao Long Bao. This is really nice... My only complain is that the juice in the Xiao Long Bao isn't hot enough.

Add in some ginger and vinegar and you're good to go!

The girls had fried rice with pork.

Many people raved about the fried rice in Din Tai Fung.

I find that it tasted alright. I guess it's 'cos it's cold by the time I tried it.

I shall order this the next time I'm there. I'm thinking of bringing dearest Mommy there along with my Bro. Her birthday falls on a Saturday! Nice...

This is what I had as my main - Pork & Shrimp Wanton Noodles.

Yummy yumz yumz! Love the shrimp! A tad small though... =(

So there you go! We had it at Raffles SC.

I prefer the outlet in Bishan. Perhaps it's 'cos it's nearer to home? Ha ha...

Have a great one Peeps!

Dreamy C

How Have I Progressed So Far???

So, I got my iHerb parcel on Saturday late afternoon and you may be wondering how I've been doing. Well, I've been busy planning and making my meals when I got my parcel. Let me first show you what I've been consuming...

This was what I had for breakfast on Friday. Bear in mind that I've not received my parcel yet.

This is just some cherries, greek yogurt with blackberries & strawberries and a toast with homemade Labneh. I forgot to add in some chopped up almonds.

I had sushi for lunch.

For dinner, I had Beef Steak along with some Greek Salad.

In my Greek Salad are baby carrots (not in the recipe but I added some anyway), tomatoes, cucumber, onion, capsicum and feta cheese.

I've forgotten to add in black olives. 

The dressing is Creamy Greek which consist of greek yogurt (I love this stuff! So creamy!), olive oil, lemon juice, feta, garlic (diced), oregano, sale & pepper.

Saturday breakfast was Banana Ginger Smoothie and a toast with Labneh and some almonds.

Lunch was Greek Salad with a cup of Strawberries.

As a snack, I had 12 x toasted almonds.

For dinner, I had Protein Packed Salad which consist of cherry tomatoes, green beans, egg and chickpeas with Spicy Honey Mustard Dressing.

The dressing consist of Olive Oil, White Wine Vinegar, Honey, Mustard, Garlic, Cayenne, Salt & Pepper.

As you can see from the photo above, I also had some cherries.

Come breakfast today, I had Banana Ginger Smoothie again (Boy I Love this smoothie!) but this time round, I added in 2 x tbsp of Ground Flaxseed purchased from iHerb.

You can read all about it HERE. Can't bear reading so much? No issue! There's a video at the end of the write up. ^^

Lunch today was at Din Tai Fung.

I had a lunch appointment with my DFG girls so I 'cheated'! Ha!

Dinner was Protein Packed Salad. This time round, I also added in egg, some chopped almonds and Alfalfa.

I bought some Baby Spinach and Coconut Water.

I'm going to have Green Smoothie 1 tomorrow!

I'll talk more about it tomorrow. Meanwhile, you can watch this video which shows you the baby spinach and coconut water. A word of caution - I'm also showing you what I purchased from NBC in the video along with my manicured nails.

In summary, I'm really happy to know that I managed to visit the toilet on Fri, Sat AND Sun!

A great success for me! Only constipated people will understand my joy.

I shall continue to monitor both my food intake and my output. ^^

Enter this code in iHerb website HPW978

This code will give you USD5 discount for purchases less than USD40 or USD10 discount for purchases more than USD40 for 1st timers!

Have a great one Peeps!

Dreamy C

My 1st Parcel from iHerb

My first and definitely WILL NOT be my last... ^^

I was really excited and looking forward to receive my parcel on Fri as that was what was stated in my order but it was not meant to be. I called DHL only to find out that they will deliver either over the weekend or latest by Monday. I was so disappointed... I had meals planned up. I guess they will have to wait... =( Well, I'm just glad they are FINALLY here in my hands! Let's take a look!

Tree of Life, Original Almond Beverage, Unsweetened (946ml)

USD3.40

I have a feeling I'm going to need more of this...

Jarrow Formulas Organic, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (454g)

USD11.87

Vegan

No Trans Fatty Acids

Source of Medium Chain Triglycerides (You can read all about this on Google)

Too many good stuff from coconut especially when it's organic and extra virgin.

I bought this for my constipation problem and I'm thinking of using this on my hair as I also am suffering from hair loss...

Sea Fare Pacific, Seafood Bisque (255g)

USD5.75

I put this in my cart to try. I'm a soup person so...

I'm going to try this out and tell you guyz all about it...

Bionaturae, Organic Balsamic Vinegar (500ml)

USD7.19

I've always liked balsamic vinegar on my salads.

Since I'm buying stuff from iHerb, might as well get this too!

Walden Farms, Original Barbeque Sauce (340g)

USD4.13

I read that this is good with grilled pork.

Sounds yummy... Can't wait to try it out...

Annie's Naturals, Organic, Worcestershire Sauce (185ml)

USD3.76

Again, this one to try out. Haven't really thought of where I'll use this...

Bob's Red Mill, Organic High Fiber Coconut Flour, Gluten Free (453g)

USD8.97

For making pancakes or maybe coconut muffins? I'll have to look for a recipe for that...

I've no problem with gluten but J can't take gluten so perhaps S can make some pancakes for him with this flour. 1 stone hit 2 birds! ^^

Spectrum Essentials, Organic Ground Premium Flaxseed (396g)

USD6.48

Lots of fibre! I'm going to add 1 tbsp of this goodness in my yogurt! =)

Nutiva, Organic Chia Seed, Black (340g)

USD9.78

I used to have a packet of Chia Seeds from NTUC Fairprice. Most of it got unused and I threw it into the bin. Yes, I threw it into the bin! What a waste! Click on the link to read all about the goodness of this superfood.

Arrowhead Mills, Organic Quinoa (396g)

USD8.53

I tried Quinoa once when J was on the Paleo diet and I didn't appreciate it.

I found some recipes for Quinoa. Let's see if I still continue not to like it...

Enjoy Life Foods, Mini Chips, Semi-Sweet Chocolate (283g)

USD4.54

For making Granola Bars. Yumz...

Now Foods, Organic Coconut, Shredded, Unsweetened (284g)

USD3.92

I read that this is so good and addictive.

I'm going to use these and make me some yummylicious Granola Bars!

Made in Nature, Organic Mangos, Dried & Unsulfured (85g)

USD5.03

For making Granola Bars, put in my Greek Yogurt or as a snack.

Eden Foods, Organic, Dried Blueberries (113g)

USD11.32

For making Granola Bars and to put in my Greek Yogurt.

Eden Foods, Organic Dried Cranberries (113g)

USD4.14

For making Granola Bars, put in my Greek Yogurt or as a snack.

Let's move to tea now shall we? I LURVE my tea! I got to know about this brand - Yogi from YouTube videos and couldn't seem to find it in my supermarket. Initially, I had selected more than 10 types of tea from iHerb. Then I told myself, "Hey! You're only trying out... You don't even know if you'll like this brand! Do you really need to jump on the wagon and get so many?!" Hence, I concluded at 5 different types. Ha ha...

Yogi Tea, Perfect Energy, Vanilla Spice, 16 Tea Bags (32g)

USD4.46

Yogi Tea, Positive Energy, Sweet Tangerine, 16 Tea Bags (29g)

USD4.46

Yogi Tea, Purely Peppermint, Caffeine Free, 16 Tea Bags (24g)

USD4.46

Yogi Tea, Breathe Deep, Caffeine Free, 16 Tea Bags (32g)

USD4.46

Yogi Tea, Woman's Moon Cycle, Caffeine Free, 16 Tea Bags (32g)

USD4.46

Thank you for reading till the end... ^^

Here's the video version:

Interested to also get some stuff from iHerb?

Click HERE to bring you to the website and enter reward code HPW978.

Why enter this code? 

This code will give you USD5 discount for purchases less than USD40 or USD10 discount for purchases more than USD40 for 1st timers!

Of course, I get some incentive but before you go Aha!, it's only 6% of your purchase for the first year. Come 2nd year onwards, it's 2% of your purchase so there you go!

As honest as can be... You can also recommend to your friends and relatives once you have your reward code and you can then ride on them!

Have a great day ahead! X'mas is approaching... Can you feel it yet?

Dreamy C

What Do You Do When You Are Stressed Up???

I was just wondering what YOU do when you're STRESSED UP?

Do you munch on junk like choc, candies, cupcakes?

Do you turn to calming tea for help?

Do you go out and take a breather?

Do you play some games on your mobile when you get some time?
Do you go for an exercise?

Feeling stressed is a reality and today, I'd like to share with you, what I do when I'm stressed up.

I take a cupcake like the one I bought yesterday! See...

From Left to Right: Peppermint Choc (taste alright), Red Velvet, Kinda Bueno (taste better than Peppermint Choc but not as good as Red Velvet)

Can you tell this is my favorite? Ha ha...

Instead of eating junk, I thought of eating healthier 'junk'.

I give you... Labneh! It's actually strained yoghurt.

Let's get down to how it's done shall we? ^^

First, you mix 500g Greek Yogurt with 1/2 tsp salt. This time round, I use plain yogurt instead.
Change it to sugar if you lean more towards sweet stuff!
I'm more of a savory person. =)

Put the sieve on top of a bowl.
Bear in mind that it has to be a deep bowl so there's space for the liquid to drip down.

Next, lay some cheesecloth/muslin over your sieve or whatever container you have which has holes so the liquid can drip down. I couldn't get cheesecloth or muslin. So, I'm using Bamboo Cotton. It can be purchased from Spotlight.

Now, scoop the mixed yogurt onto your cloth.

Tie it up with a string or whatever which can be used to secure it.

Place this set up into the fridge for 5 - 6 hours, longer if you like firmer Labneh.
You got to do a few trials to get the consistency you prefer. ^^

The liquid (dripped out) is called whey which you can use to make bread, cakes etc. When the recipe calls for some liquid, use this whey. I read that it's both nice and nutritious!

Now back to the Labneh...

After 5 - 6 hours or even overnight, untie the string and there you have your plain Labneh!

Roll them into small little round balls and store in a jar filled with olive oil and a few sprigs of thyme.
In my case, it's thyme leaves as I don't have fresh ones at point of making.
Leave it in the olive oil for at least a day.

When you want to consume, you can mix the Labneh with some pistachios, parsley and the olive oil from the jar.
Eat it with bread or chips.
Yumz...

What I would do better next time is to leave it hanging so the liquid can better drip down as I find them still a little too soft for my liking despite leaving it dripping for more than 8 hours.

I got to know about Labneh from my cousin by the way.
I've to thank her for that!

Go try it out and eat it the next time you have some cravings or feeling stressed.
I can't wait to try mine...
I wish you a GREAT day ahead!

Dreamy C

Homemade Granola Bars

I just placed an order from iHerb and I'm so looking forward to its arrival!

I'm going to embark on a journey of healthy eating.

Why? No, I'm not trying to lose weight. Constipation is the motivation.

For a period of time, I've been going to the toilet once a day.

Recently, I only went once every 3 to 4 days.

My tum tum was bloated up, frustrations set in, discomfort experienced. This is no joke!

Hence, I placed an order from iHerb after watching some YouTube videos on meal prep, healthy eating etc. Coconut Oil is just one of the items I put in my cart. Yogi tea is another one.

I'm a tea drinker and I'm really looking forward to try Yogi tea.

Without further ado, I shall share a recipe on Apricot & Mango Granola Bar!

First, preheat your oven to 170 deg C.

Mix 1/2 cup almond (chopped) and 2 1/2 cups oats (I used instant oats but the recipe actually calls for old fashioned oats).

Bake this dry mixture in the over for 5 mins.

When 5 mins is up, mix it up and bake for another 3 - 5 mins.

For the wet mixture, combine 1/4 cup butter, 1/3 cup honey, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

Put this mixture in a pot over the stove on medium fire.

Keep stirring until everything is dissolved.

When you are done preparing the wet mixture, the dry mixture is no longer hot.

Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture.

Combine well.

Then add in whatever dried fruits you want.

The recipe calls for 1/2 cup dried cranberries and 1/4 cup chocolate chip.

For me, I did 1/2 cup dried apricot and 1/2 cup dried mango, all chopped up.

Combine well.

Now, transfer the entire mixture into a pan after using a piece of butter to coat the entire pan 

and press it down, hard.

Once it's nicely spread out, wet your hands (don't have it dripping with water) and press the mixture firmly down onto the pan.

It should look like this!

Next, put it into the fridge (remember to cover it) for 2 hours.

After 2 hours, take it out. Remove it from the pan and cut.

Voila! The end result!

I tasted it and it's really yummy...

Not as sweet as the ones purchased from the supermarket.

Being able to make these myself, I'm really happy as I know what's in my granola bars.

I no longer have to eat store bought ones which are loaded with sugar.

I hope you give this a try. You'll be happier now that you're eating healthier.

Once my parcel from iHerb arrives, I'm going to make a Shredded Coconut & Chocolate Chip version! Yummy...

Have a great Sunday peeps!

Dreamy C

Sushi Tei @ Raffles SC

So J & I went to Sushi Tei on Sun. We had wanted to go to our usual outlet at Takashimaya but since J want to get some cheese, we decided to try the outlet at Raffles Shopping Centre which is at City Hall Train Station. Let me share the pictures with you...

Salmon Belly Sashimi

This is my starter. J had the same thing as his starter.

Thick & Yummy!

I don't know what this is called but it's some kind of scallop I believe.

This is one of the 'must order' for me.

We shared this.

I don't remember the name of it though.

Taste good though I would prefer the Mango version.

J's Main - Pork Curry Rice

Very predictable

My Main - Chasoba

Very predictable too

Call us The Predictable Family... ^^

Frankly speaking, the chasoba which I bought from Meidi-Ya 

taste better than this from Sushi Tei. >.<

Teriyaki Chicken to go along with my Chasoba

What's the damage? I am not sure as I'm not paying... 

If you are not expected to pay, don't even attempt to ask. Ha ha...

Out of the topic, J bought 2 x CD. One from Annie Lennox and the other's from Maroon 5.

Both are not bad though I lean more towards Annie Lennox.

Have a great Tuesday Peeps!!! ^^

Strawberry Hugs & Blueberry Kisses

Dreamy C

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and TWG @ Marina Bay Sands

I went to Marina Bay Sands last week to meet up with 2 separate customers.

We first went to Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for lunch.

As it's rude taking pictures of food of others, I only took pictures of what I had. ^^

Pumpkin Soup which happens to be their Soup Of The Day

Not bad...

I believe this is Marinara Seafood Pasta

This doesn't taste good... 

Double Choc with Marshmallows

To be frank, this is my 1st time drinking hot choc with marshmallows.

I'm not a marshmallow lover and if I can help it, I wouldn't take it.

I don't fancy the mushy feeling.

However, I recently watched a YouTube video by Laura In The Kitchen and she put loads on hers.

Hence, I decided to give it a try and I'm sold!

Taste good on the spot and taste good even after the marshmallows have melted slightly.

For the one from CBTL, I would have enjoyed it more had it not been so sweet.

For another customer, we went for tea at TWG.

I can't remember the name of this but it has cherry blossoms.

For tea, I like mine smelling good like floral.

It'll be an enjoyment for me to sit here on a Sat afternoon just sipping on my tea and having some lovely snacks. Probably a cake or two. ^^

I'll never go back to CBTL for meals. 

This was my 2nd visit and I didn't enjoy the food on both occasions.

Dreamy C