Jules in Sydney

New WordPress Blog

2009-01-19T13:34:00.002+11:00

Okay, after reading that livejournal has laid off about a fifth of their employees, I have decided to go with WordPress. It is hugely open source and has a lot of free themes. But who knows, I might just give up and not write like my current blog. We shall see.

Blog Layouts

2009-01-19T11:45:00.002+11:00

Okay I have to be honest, the blog templates on blogger totally sucks. I don't really like any of the templates available that I have since signed up with LiveJournal AND wordpress. Would that mean that I would blog more? Well, I guess I feel that I would blog more if I had more feedback which incidentally, I don't get a lot of feedback. So will going to the other blogs improve this? I don't know. Maybe it would. I like the other blogs better as they have more templates, are free and probably has more of a communitity then blogger. Am I missing something here?

Merry Christmas Everyone

2008-12-29T09:28:00.001+11:00

Merry Christmas Everyone
Originally uploaded by Juju | Sydney

Christmas has come and gone. I hope everyone had a great holiday so far. My sister is visiting and we're having a great time.

Mustard Pork Chops with Gnocchi

2008-10-02T21:31:00.001+10:00

Mustard Pork Chops with Gnocchi
Originally uploaded by Juju | Sydney

Ingredients:
2 Pork Chops
A glass of Cider (extra dry)
250g Gnocchi
Spinach Leaves
1 tbsp Wholegrain Mustard
50 ml Cream (or more)

Cook Gnocchi according to packet instructions and set aside.
Cook pork chops for about 5 minutes each side on medium heat.
Remove pork chops and turn off heat.
Pour Cider into the pan and let juices meld into the pool of cider.
Then put mustard and cream into sauce.
Pour some sauce on the pork chops and put reserved gnocchi into the sauce and combine.
Serve with Pork Chops and Spinach.
Serves 1 ( a big hearty dinner)

Recipe by Nigella Lawson.

Visit to Singapore and KL

2008-09-21T00:04:00.002+10:00

Singapore City
Originally uploaded by Juju | Sydney

I just came back from ten days of vacationing in Singapore and I must say that I definitely enjoyed this trip way better than any of the previous trips. Why, probably because this time around, I did touristy stuff, I had a nice comfy mattress to sleep on and most importantly, I had quality time spent with good friends and family. I basically ate and walked around the whole time.

The only time I didn't really enjoy myself was in Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia. There I fell sick and spent most of the time in the hotel room recovering for three days. My sis and brother-in-law also fell sick. What are the odds of us falling sick and each with different symptoms?
Needless to say, I was happy to return to Singapore where my friend, Danny took me to the pharmacist and purchased some medicine for me. And I immediately felt better and was able to resume having a great time in Singapore.

The heat was mostly bearable but it did get to me sometimes. It was hard to go around shooting with my new DSLR in the heat but I soldiered on and have posted the pictures up on my flickr web site.

I really do miss having my friends and family around. But I do love my life and where I live now.....

On my way to work

2008-07-23T16:18:00.001+10:00

Hmmm......
Originally uploaded by Juju | Flicks

Waking up to a freezing 5 degrees Celsius, I went on my merry way to work. Only to pass this cool honda, and finding the wheels missing. Somehow I doubt that the owner would have taken all the wheels off his car..... I'd hate to see the owner's face... I hope they catch the buggers....

TGIF

2008-06-27T13:53:00.001+10:00

Going Home
Originally uploaded by Juju T

It's Friday, the end of the working week, and I am looking forward to a nice weekend with the bf. Winter, as you know has arrived and the wind really starts to bite at you when you're out walking. I haven't put up as many pictures as I'd like on Flickr but hopefully we'll go out and take some nice pictures this weekend.
I was initially going to try to buy an entertainment unit but at around $400 or more, I can't really afford it as yet. This is what happens when you move 3 times in the last 2 years. Why do I want one, well first to stop using the dining table as one, so I can actually invite friends over for dinner, and secondly to set up my DJ gear. I've been aching to compile a new cd for ages but because the gear isn't set up, it's kinda hard to make that happen. But I guess, good things come to those who wait.

Winter is here

2008-06-19T16:04:00.001+10:00

Foggy Morning
Originally uploaded by Juju T

It's not too cold as yet, but it's really rainy. The closet in my apartment looks like it's having issues with letting outside moisture in, resulting in moldy coats. Not good. I really need to think of something more interesting to write about. but writing the blog at work, isn't very inspirational.

Morning in my new home

2008-04-29T11:12:00.003+10:00

Morning in my new home
Originally uploaded by Juju T

After a couple of hectic weeks of packing, organising, cleaning, I have now moved into my new home in Summer Hill. I must say that the suburb is way better than the one I've lived in before and I am totally loving it. It has a very nice village feel about it and last weekend, a guy was playing jazz with his saxaphone in the rain and it was surreally beautiful. I am looking forward to unpacking the rest of my stuff and having friends over.

Rollercoaster ride of house hunting

2008-04-03T21:39:00.001+11:00

Rollercoaster
Originally uploaded by Juju T

I have spent the last three weekends househunting and it ain't no fun at all. Imagine looking for a one-bedroom place with at least 30 people coming to see the property. One can't help but feel frustrated. That is how bad the rentals in Sydney are. But after all that, I managed to secure a place in Summer Hill ( a suburb just west of Sydney). It'll be good as it will be closer to my friends and I do love the area. Now I just have to start getting organised with packing, culling stuff I haven't used (had a dream about that last night) , and the removalists. Even though I was just getting used to Marrickville, moving to Summer Hill is exciting as it feels very much like moving to another country. (well more like a new routine). Marrickville has been very vietnamese and greek for me, and I do love having access to all the fresh produce. Summer Hill feels more European and it has a good deli and butcher in the village. I will move in about 2 weeks. Now I just have to think about what to do with the cat......

Music Idol 2 (bg) - Without you (aka Ken Lee), Mariah Carey

2008-03-13T20:57:00.001+11:00

Ken leeeeeeeeee!

The thought of moving

2008-03-11T15:09:00.002+11:00

My apartment is on the market to be sold. That totally sucks ass. I've only lived there for almost a year (come 29 March). It's frustrating with rental market in sydney being so high and prohibitive. Sometimes, I wish that I have won the lottery and just buy myself a place to live. But like everyone, I have no such luck so I guess it's all about saving and maybe having a mortgage when I can.
I will be concentrating on moving to a place in Marrickville. Not too fussed about moving back to Newtown. It all comes down to price and availability. A lot of the places out there are dumps.

At least I can look forward to spending the weekend in Melbourne. Going there to celebrate my birthday's and M's was yesterday. So that should be nice.

Mughlai Chicken

2008-02-09T20:59:00.001+11:00

Mughlai Chicken
Originally uploaded by Juju T

We've been having quite a bit of rain in Sydney. And that in turn has made the weather quite cool. Cool enough for a nice warming, Indian spiced chicken curry, Mughlai Chicken. It was delicous and I have a bit left for dinner sometime during the week!

Ingredients

2.5 cm fresh ginger, peeled
4 cloves garlic, peeled
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon dried chilli
4 tablespoons of ground almond
half a cup of water
5 cardamon pods, bruised
1 cinnamon stick
2 bay leaves
4 cloves
4 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
1.5 kg boned, skinned, chicken thighs, chopped into pieces
2 onions
200 ml of greek yoghurt
a cup of chicken stock
125ml cream
100g sultanas
1/2 teaspoon tumeric
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 tablespoon caster sugar
1 teaspoon of salt
75g toasted flaked almonds

Put ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, tumeric and chilli in a mortar and pestle and pound to a smooth paste. (You can also use a food processor if you like.) Then add ground almonds and water and mix to a paste. Set aside.

Heat the oil in a large pan on medium and then brown the chicken meat in batches. Once they have a nice colour, remove and set aside. Add the onion and cook until softened and slightly browned and then add the cardomon pods, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and cloves. Keep stirring to prevent the spiced onion mixture from catching. Add the pounded paste, and cook until everything starts to colour. Add the yoghurt, stirring gently until it becomes a thick sauce. Then add cream, stock and sultanas.

Put the browned chicken, along with all the juices that collect at the bottom of the bowl, back into the pan. The add garam masala, salt and sugar. Cook for 20 minutes or a gentle heat or until chicken is cooked through.

When serving, sprinkle with toasted flaked almonds.

Recipe from Nigella Lawson.

Sleepless in Sydney

2008-01-19T04:29:00.000+11:00

My fault really. I went to bed about an hour after I've finished dinner. Indian. Needless to say, it was 2 am, and my dinner was repeating on me. So here I am awake, too late to go out, too early to go back to bed. Two hours later, I am still awake, still full and probably will be cranky tomorrow. SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT! New Years' Resolution, try to eat an early dinner. If not, then stay awake till after 3 hours to give food a chance to digest. *Burp*

The last day of my annual leave holiday

2008-01-13T11:46:00.001+11:00

Well, it's sunday, I've just had a shower; The bf has gone out shopping; Flickr is down; and it's a very hot day outside. Here I am lying in my darkened bedroom trying to get motivated to head out and get some lunch and some groceries. But before I do, I thought I write about the highlights of the year 2007.

Definitely an event which pops up to mind is meeting the BF. I did date a bit last year and I feel I have met a really nice guy and it going along smoothly.

Next would have to be my DJ gig at the Oxford Hotel for Bobby's 30th party. It was my first time playing at a club, even though it was for an hour only. I played after Seymour Butz but I was so nervous having a set after a well established DJ. But Seymour was very gracious and even took time to give me a little pep talk. And I was able to get into the moment and really DJ from the heart. The crowd went wild from Seymour's sexy grungy tunes to my disco house groove! I managed to beat-mix into seymour's last song and slowly increased the tempo! I could feel the crowd lift up to another level and it was incredible to have a whole club full of people dancing to my music! It was the most memorable gig I have done and I will remember it always. I have also met two people from flickr, Muzbot and Morgan Carpenter which I thought was great as I've always liked Muzbot's blog and Morgan's photos! It's great how the internet brings people together!

Now is 2008 and I have a few things I want to achieve. So, on with it! Peace to everyone.

To the beach

2008-01-06T21:39:00.001+11:00

Walk to the beach
Originally uploaded by Juju T

Today, we made the trip to Cronulla Beach. The water was beautiful and it was just a perfect way to spend Sunday. I was tired but somehow, a chocolate milkshake and a very tasty sausage roll perked up my energy levels and I enjoyed a swim in the ocean. Nice and refreshing! I love being a beach bum. Also the number of hot bods around. Yeesh, I need to get back to the gym....

Christmas Holidays so far

2007-12-28T21:17:00.001+11:00

Coogee Baths
Originally uploaded by Juju T

Had a wonderful Christmas with the bf. I got a lovely french cookbook which I'd been eyeing for a while. Now I just have to try out the recipes... Oooh la la...
The days have been nice and lazy. I guess it's nice to be on holidays for three weeks and I plan to make each day eventful and fun. I have been spending the last couple of days swimming at various different baths (sea pools).
Today, I went to the Wiley Baths at Coogee. The water was initially cold to get into, but once you're in, it's wonderfully salty and crisp. I found swimming in the sea pool very refreshing and somehow rejuvenating. Only three more days to the new year!

Merry Christmas

2007-12-19T23:41:00.001+11:00

Merry Christmas
Originally uploaded by Juju T

Peace and goodwill to all men....

Right Ankle Sprain

2007-11-12T17:49:00.001+11:00

Feet....
Originally uploaded by Juju T

I hate my ankles sometimes. In january, I managed to twist my left ankle. This time, I managed to injure my right one. I don't know exactly how I did it, but it must have something to do with gym. I haven't been going to the gym as much as I did. And I didn't warm up my ankles, as I thought just doing the cross trainers would be sufficient as a warmup. I was fine all saturday and sunday I even went for a swim. Come Monday, I had to go on site... and I was hobbling and limping as my ankle started to ache really badly. Tuesday, I have been staying at home since I could not put any weight on it and my foot was very swollen. I must have sprained it. there was no sudden trauma like a missed footstep or something. But nonetheless, I was in severe pain last week.
This week, much of the swelling is gone down. However whenever I put weight on my right ankle, it feels unstable and the ankle hurts. It's hurting a bit now but I've put on a strong brace for it. It's a bit tight but it seems to be keeping everything where it should.
Luckily, I am able to work from home. The benefits of being in IT. However, some days last week I just want to take the day off. I hope I will be fine and dandy by next week.

Chicken & Almond Pilaf

2007-10-12T19:11:00.001+10:00

Chicken & Almond Pilaf
Originally uploaded by Juju T

I felt like something different from the normal stuff I always cook. So I thought I'd try the recipe below:

Ingredients:

Baharat (Spice Mix) 1 tablespoon (Smells a bit like Garam Masala)
700g Boneless Skiness Chicken cut into strips
400g Basmati Rice
750 ml (3 cups) chicken stock
2 tablespoons of butter
1 large onion chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground tumeric
400 g tinned tomatoes
1 cinnamon stick
4 cardomom pods, bruised
4 whole cloves
1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
3 tablespoons of chopped coriander (cilantro) leaves
2 teaspoons of lemon juice
40g (1/3 cup) of slivered almonds
40g (1/3 cup) of sultanas

Method:
Combined the chicken and baharat in a large bowl and marinate in the fridge for an hour.
Bring stock to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat and keep at low simmer.
Heat Butter in a large heavy based saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes or until golden and soft. Then add the chicken and tumeric and cook for another 5 minutes or until browned. Add the rice and cook so that the rice is covered with the aromatic butter and onion for about 2 minutes.
Add the tomatoes, simmering stock, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir well and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a tight fitting lid. Simmer for 20 minutes or until the stock is absorbed and the rice is cooked. Remove from the heat and allow to stand for 10 minutes.
Stir in Coriander, lemon juice, almonds and sultanas. Season to taste... and EAT!
Serves 4 to 6.....

MattBites.com

2007-08-22T11:05:00.001+10:00

Chimichurri
Originally uploaded by MatthewA

Not only do I love his photography, I love his food articles as well.

Photography vs DJing

2007-08-21T14:47:00.001+10:00

Orange, Blue and Red
Originally uploaded by Juju T

I've spent the last couple of weeks hanging with my apple of my eye, MBR and so far it's been really swell. It's really nice to be dating someone special. Anyway we've spent a lot of time taking photos which is great but I do miss DJing. I'll be flying up to Ballina to play at a private party this weekend and I am looking forward to it. The only thing I'll miss is MBR ;-) Anyway, I guess I should get off my lazy arse and do that mix cd that I have been talking about for months....

Colonial State Ad

2007-08-16T10:40:00.001+10:00

I was at a party when I first heard about the ad. My friend Mark did a fantastic interpretation of the ad and I was in stitches. The next couple of days, whenever I thought about it, I had a quick giggle to myself. Finally a few days ago, Lisa emailed me the ad and I was in stitches again, this time, AT WORK! ;-)

Green Light - (Freemasons Radio Mix) - Beyonce

2007-07-23T17:22:00.001+10:00

Beyonce's so hot right now! Love the new remix by the freemasons. Might put that into a new mix cd...

Photoshopping Madness

2007-07-23T16:28:00.001+10:00

Cheetah Bug prowling in the Urban Jungle
Originally uploaded by Juju T

I had a great weekend. Started off Friday at home watching DVDs. (Working Girl and Dangerous Minds). Saturday, hung out with Mark R. and went to the Glebe Markets. I didn't buy anything but I do love the markets. There was a poor lady who lost the kid she was minding, but luckily she managed to find him and vowed never to let him go the rest of the day... Anyway, I've learnt quite a few photoshop tricks and was playing around with it later on Sunday. Check out the pictures on my flickr

Then I met friends out for a drinks and dinner and didn't get home till 2 am... I got pretty tipsy but if I can remember the ride home, I guess I wasn't that drunk now, was I? ;-)

Sunday was spent quietly at home.. playing on the computer... until a power failure happened on marrickville and we were plunged into darkness... Just as I was starting to cook dinner! It was interesting to see the entire suburb in darkness. People lighting candles. It shows how dependant we are on electricity. Speaking of which, I should get a torch.

I was going to mix a cd.... but I haven't got around to it. I do like Beyonce's new song Green Light remixed by the Freemasons! Excellent opening track....It's has a great lyric. Basically it's telling the one you love, that the light is green , let's proceed with our love (If you want to, you've got the green light. You're holding up traffic, GREEN MEANS GO!). If you're not interested, you've got the green light. You're holding up traffic, GREEN MEANS GO!!!!

First DSLR Photo Shoot

2007-07-16T17:01:00.001+10:00

Me
Originally uploaded by Juju T

I do like going out on friday nights. You can go out all night and have Saturday and Sunday to recover. Sort of having a long weekend anyway!

On Sunday, my friend Mark and I went down early (9 am) to Circular Quay and the surrounding areas to take photos. He very generously lent me his Canon 400D SLR and I happily took shots of everything I liked. I do like shooting with the SLR. Obviously it's way better than my ultra compact. But it's a big thing to lug around. Even so, I found it really light and was very happy to play photographer.

Sunday Night

2007-07-09T10:14:00.000+10:00

I met up with David and Mark at the Forrester's Bar in Surry Hills for David's birthday drinks. It was nice until someone I didn't like got all drunk and aggressive. He must realise that he's a real pain when he gets drunk because he doesn't do it when his mother is around. He's on his best behaviour.
We went to the shift, which was really nice since no one was allowed to smoke anymore inside, and later moseyed down to Manacle, where Jbear was doing some country music gig. It was fun but I was more in the mood for some house music. Then we ended up at Arq (Yes, Monday morning, how tragic) And I cannot believe it but I've lost my phone! Oh My Gawd-Father! I've lodged a claim as I had it insured but I'd have to pay for the excess. More $$$. Yeesh

Yet another cool video

2007-07-06T10:48:00.001+10:00

Roasted Chicken Pumpkin Risotto

2007-07-05T12:25:00.001+10:00

Roasted Chicken Pumpkin Risotto
Originally uploaded by Juju T

It was a cold winter's night, so I had to run over to the grocery store to get food, and I thought, "Dang, it's a good night for risotto"

So here's my recipe,

Ingredients:
1 Chicken Breast (Cut up into strips)
1 kg of pumpkin (seeded and chopped into pieces)
1 Leek (white part only)
Garlic (whole)
Arborio Rice (1.5 cups)
Chicken Stock (1.5 litres)
White Wine (1 cup)
Parmesan Cheese (to taste)
Olive Oil
Butter
Italian Herbs
Parsley

On a small pot, bring chicken stock up to a simmer....

Put chicken, garlic and pumpkin in a roasting pan and drizzle with olive oil and italian herbs (or fresh herbs if you have some, rosemary is good). Put in a 180 degree celcius oven for about 40 minutes while you make the risotto.

Put the butter (1 tsp) and olive oil (1 tbsp) in a pot on medium heat. (The oil prevents the butter from burning, thanks Nigella) Then put in the leek and cook down to a pale green colour. Then put the rice in and let it get slicked with the vegetable butter.

Then put a cup of white wine into the rice and stir. (You have to wait till the rice has absorbed the wine before adding the next ladle of liquid). After that add another ladle of stock and keep stirring until the rice absorbs most of the liquid. Repeat and stir for about 4 ladles. Then you can add more stock without stirring too much. (Just make sure the rice doesn't catch at the bottom of the pan)

After about 20 minutes and most of the stock is used, taste to see if it's "al dente" (as the italians like it., it's a matter of taste actually). Once the rice is ready, get the roasting tin out. Fish out the garlic from their skins, and mash them in a seperate bowl.

Finally, mix the garlic mash (add as little or as much as you want), roasted chicken and pumpkin into the rice. Top with parmesan, seasoning and parsley. And serve!

Makes about 4 portions. or 2 GREEDY Portions!

Miss Cleo vs. Milan

2007-07-04T16:00:00.001+10:00

Oh my GAWD, Miss Cleo's a beeyatch!!!

I YouTube..

2007-07-03T16:23:00.000+10:00

I thought I'd supplement my blog with a video blog on Youtube. (Goodness, I am really spending way too much time on the internet.) I thought it'd be fun to actually record videos of me rambling. Might have to do one when I'm drunk or something. I haven't loaded anything up as yet but I have subscribed to Jeremy Lucido's channel as I find him hilarious and amazingly cute too. Especially this one with him and his friends quite drunk and VERY Funny ! But this one which stood out for me as it's very honest in a kind of lamenting sad way.

Being by myself = SHOPPING!

2007-07-01T23:36:00.000+10:00

Ok, ok. I admit, I love my shopping. But this weekend, I went out to Broadway Shopping Centre, and somehow I had a little (read BIG) moment(s) of extravagance. I bought a 16 piece drinking glass set and... A NEW SEXY BLACK MOTOROLA PHONE!

I really like the slide out bit of the phone. It's very "Matrix" like and I kinda feel like Neo.... Now all I need is a really cool black jacket of sorts....

It was also a weekend of meeting a new friend, brockwell: (a fellow photographer whose work is fantastic) and bumping into an old one :-)

Today, Donna came over to load songs into her new ipod. She was really excited about being so "High Tech" now :-) We stayed at home and Alison joined us and we watched Fantastic Four on DVD. I can't wait to see the new Fantastic Four and Transformers movie!

Washed Phone and Famous Amos

2007-06-30T10:35:00.000+10:00

I was looking for my phone this morning, only to find it in the wash... Damned. It was a nice phone too. Maybe it'll work once it dries out... I doubt it would. At least I managed to find the only Famous Amos Cookie Outlet here in sydney! and it's in Chatswood Chase. I was having lunch with my colleague yesterday, who also worked in singapore. and I came across a familiar smell.... then I realised it was the famous amos cookies! We rushed down and bought a couple of bags. And for some reason, after downing a few of them, I don't feel as bad about the phone.......

It's late, and I'm about to go to bed

2007-06-30T01:01:00.000+10:00

Been a real busy day today. I do like going out to customers but it's pretty mentally exhausting. Luckily, I had a colleague with me and it made the impossible task..much more manageble.

Had to rush back as my managing director's last day was today, so I was glad to farewell him.

Had a quick chat to sis, and suddenly she said, "it's better to be lonely, than be stuck in a relationship which isn't working..." . And that is something I have to remind myself daily. I am open to meeting new people and I look forward to expanding my circle of friends and learning more about myself and life. I feel good about 80% of the time. Which is more than I can say a couple of months ago. Life's good. and I am here... :-) Peace all!

The Goal of the Journey

2007-06-28T08:51:00.001+10:00

I've read this , believe or not on someone's profile on bear411. I thought it was quite good so here it is...

When you're committed to a journey of a thousand miles, a few steps in the wrong direction can't possibly bring you down. But if you have no overall direction, each negative step can be devastating.

If the little things are constantly bringing you down, that's a sign that the big things aren't compelling enough. If the minor annoyances seem like major setbacks, then work on looking beyond them.

There is some purpose that will lift you above whatever setbacks may come. There is some purpose that will compel you to a positive action, even when the circumstances of the moment work against you.

There is some reason you want what you want. There is some desire that drives all of your desires.

Look beneath the surface of your day-to-day life and ask why. Dig deeply and discover the rich, special purpose that makes you who you are.

Focus your attention on the goal of the journey. And you'll hardly even notice the detours along the way.

Feeling better?

2007-06-27T20:32:00.000+10:00

It's been a while since I've blogged. I guess I got out of the habit but I think I am ready to start again. I've had a real epiphany about myself. I am not as bad off as I thought I am. And there's so much to life now. It took me a while, but I guess if I shelve finding a partner and concentrate on meeting new people, and seeing who's out there. Maybe one day, I'll bump into him. I still have my values, beliefs, and all that stuff. I'm not doing too bad at all. :-)

Work's been pretty smooth sailing and they are getting me out to more clients. Getting more exposure I guess. It's daunting but exciting at the same time. I am sure it'll all work out.

Planning to go to NZ with sis in the end of the year.

Also want to buy a DSLR. Goodness, where am I going to find the money?

I've been asked to DJ at sandy's place in august. So that will be fun. They are flying me up to Ballina.

I've also been asked to photograph a guy. Hrm. that would be interesting. Hopefully, I can do a good job.

I'd Promise to write soon.....

2007-06-27T15:59:00.000+10:00

wink wink ;-)