When I first started blogging back in 2003, the community was pretty small. So it was pure coincidence I came across Karen’s blog just about the time she had her first born. Fast forward 6 years and now she is at baby number 3.

We soon became readers of each other’s blog, and finally after years of online correspondences, we finally met last November.

Karen is a super mum living in Perth with her hubby and 3 sons Callum, Sean and Liam. Her blog is beautifully written about her life down under where she writes a lot about parenting, fashion, and everything in between.

We met at the park near the city and had coffee/tea at a café overlooking the Swan River. She is such a lovely lovely person, and was glad we managed to meet up.

Karen, Sean and I at the Park. Second photo is Sean’s idea of a funny face

Here’s her blog post of our meeting!

Sony Ericsson is holding a contest where you blog about your football story, and stand a chance to win tickets to watch the FIFA World Cup 2010.

Contest ends today 31 March 2010, so I doubt I’ll stand a chance but I’d like to share a short story on my love of football anyway.
Read more…

On the return route from Swan Valley, there were a couple of places we wanted to check out before we called it a day. One being the Cape Lavender café off West Swan Road. Initially, I envisaged a place with organic-designed wrought iron gates, a long driveway lined with thick bushes of lavender on either sides and the road slowly opening up to fields of purple lavender.

Forget that, it was just short dusty drive to a small building with a few lines of lavender bushes in the front. Even the lavender on the café tables were plastic!!

Only saving grace was the little café which served up lavender scones with raspberry jam and lashings of clotted cream. Wasn’t hungry at all, but I really wanted to give it a try.

Verdict: Felt like I was eating potpourri!?!

Beside the café was a little gift shop with all sorts of lavender gifts and edibles such as jams, chutneys, honey and preserves. All of which you can sample before you buy.

After speaking to the lovely lady at the counter did we realize that the Cape Lavender farm is actually in Margaret River, and this place was just an outlet.

Cape Lavender (Swan Valley outlet)
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm
Address: 6 Cranleigh Street (off West Swan Road), West Swan
Tel: +61 (08) 9250 7711
Website: http://www.capelavender.com.au/cape-lavender-swan-valley.html

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Margaret River is the chocolate factory. Now before you start imagining a place like Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, get rid of that thought immediately. You won’t find no chocolate lake or copious amounts of candy on the walls and hanging off trees.

Let me help you out here and manage your expectations. It’s just a huge shop with a shelf full of chocolate, and a back room with a few heavy machinery churning melted chocolate in cauldrons. But don’t let the appearance discourage you, the chocolate is good!

Entry is free, and so is the sampling of chocolate pastelles in dark, milk and white from huge bowls located at the entrance of the shop.

The Margaret River factory was opened in May 1999 by two friends who had no experience in chocolate, retailing or tourism but did have a passion for chocolate. Chocolate is one of the most luxurious, indulgent and universally loved foods in existence and has a rich history dating back more than 3000 years. Several hundred years after this the Aztecs christened it as the “Food of the Gods”.

It may be a small factory, but they do have a lot of flavours: Dark, milk, white, sugar free, rocky road, sprinkles, biscuits. Gourmet hand-made truffles are displayed in the glass cabinet: hazelnut toffee, Turkish delight, strawberry cream. One of their award winning flavour is dark chocolate with candied ginger.

You can view the chocolate making process through a glass window. The factory also has a café serving sandwiches, coffees, chocolate fondues, fudge cake, brownies and ice cream sundaes.

They did so well, another outlet in Swan Valley was opened a year later for people like me who didn’t want to venture that far for a piece of heaven.

The Margaret River Chocolate Factory
Address: 5123 West Swan Rd, West Swan 6055 WA
Tel: +61 (08) 9250 1588
Opening hours: 9am – 5pm
Website:www.chocolatefactory.com.au/

It was Friday night which meant the boys were game for a big night out!

Having left Perth a few years ago, I’m not up to date with the latest trend spots in town. Once thought of as the cool and hip nightclub, Metros, is now apparently quite trashy. And favourites such as Luxe on Mount Lawley are finding hard not to be out shined by newer, swankier underground bars like 1907.

1907 is a world class restaurant and bar housed in a 100 year old rag trade factory, situated in the hub of Perth´s former fashion district. 1907 is the result of an idea to evolve Perth´s inner city, maintaining its old charms and incorporating cutting edge design to match a world class dining experience provided by our enthusiastic team of hospitality professionals.

Jon said this place makes an amazing Passionfruit & Vanilla Martini at A$18 a pop. Verdict: Expensive but worth it! One of the best tasting Martini combination EVER! And of course such magic juice had to be replicated at home no? So I saw the ingredients on their menu online and hope to try it out one day.

Passion fruit & Vanilla Martini
Fresh passion fruit and home-made vanilla syrup shaken with a large serve of our very own local Wild Swan vanilla vodka, Licor 43 and pressed lemon juice. Served straight up with a vanilla sugar dusted rim.

And as you can guess, we didn’t stop at just 1.

1907
Address: 26 Queen Street, Perth, WA 6000
Tel: +61 (08) 9436 0233
Website: www.1907.com.au
Opening Hours: Bar (Wednesday, Thursday 5pm – midnight, Friday 4pm – 1am, Saturday 5pm – 1am)
Restaurant (Lunch – Tuesday to Friday from 12pm, Dinner – Tuesday to Saturday, from 6pm)

About 4 years ago when my parents came to Perth to visit, we came across a lovely picnic spot by the Avon River at Swan Valley. It was purely by chance that I drove there again last November.

This spot is approximately 35mins drive from Perth City in the Brigadoon district. A short drive on the gravel road will take you further in till you reach the car park. The annual Avon Descent White Water Race is held here, and apparently this place is the prime spot to view the race.

Recommended for picnics and bush walks but not for swimming!

Bells Raid, Swan Valley
Address: Cathedral Avenue, Brigadoon, Perth

Best time to appreciate the Perth City skyline is at dusk. If you’re planning to take photos there, suggest you bring a tripod for better results. Was a challenge to get my photo sharp!

This was taken from South Perth esplanade, just around the corner from home.

• http://twitpic.com/1a4tdr – Must.finish.today.just.20.pages..left! #
• http://twitpic.com/1a6g8s – What's on YOUR table? Homemade luncbox tofu beetroot olives tomatoes mushroom #
• En route – holland rd http://twitpic.com/1acdyr #
• http://twitpic.com/1adn3f – What's on YOUR table? #
• http://twitpic.com/1aet78 – I do miss you. Me thinks this weekend wld be a gd time to take u out to the trails! #
• watchin justin bieber for the 1st time. Wht's the big deal?Young punk trying to act all grown up and sexy?Dude, you're like 13 or somethin! #
• Time.is.going.by.so.slowly.today. #
• http://twitpic.com/1akj5d – What's on YOUR table? #
• RT @milhaus12: @angelaleowgray this is both hilarious and sad at the same time. make sure you watch the end! http://tinyurl.com/ylcxl68 #
• En route – Dover mrt http://twitpic.com/1apxt9 #
• What's on YOUR table? http://twitpic.com/1ardzr #
• http://twitpic.com/1ax7ue – What's in the papers today Julian? #
• have just discovered the automatic stapler on the copier machine..thanks to Bryan…. Talk about cheap thrill…w00t! #
• My fav black marker is missing!!ARGH!!U noe wht i'm like with my stationery!!Where is it! If u took it,i promise to spare u ur pinky finger? #
• Jazz event with @d4nl1 and lush 99.5fm #
• Jules learns to count! Watch his video on my blog http://bit.ly/bYtneP #
• Rise & shine @d4nl1 ! Time to go go-karting w/ the drakar racing team! #
• Doing my part. Earth hour on now! #earthhour http://twitpic.com/1b9c9g #
• Off to bed to read my book and sleep! Early morning tomorrow hopefully for some mountain biking! #
• Back on the saddle. Bukit timah Gangsa http://twitpic.com/1bfg2z #
• Pulled my back on one of the climbs on BT! Am in quite the pain! #

Right in the heart of Subiaco you’ll find the 100-year old Subi Hotel. Having promised Farmer that he should try Jesters pie up the road, we opted for a light lunch at the Subiaco Hotel Restaurant/Cafe located just round the corner from the main entrance of the hotel.

Lunchtime crowd was full of businessman negotiating their next big deal with clients. And me, looking like a complete tourist with my dslr camera and sandles.

What was on my table?

• Caesar salad with candied bacon and smoked salmon
• Fish of the day – If I remember correctly was the barramundi on a bed of cous cous

Winning dish is definitely the Caesar. Candied bacon was special!

Subiaco Hotel
Address: 465 Hay St, Subiaco 6008 WA
Tel: +61 (08) 9381 3069
Website: www.subiacohotel.com.au
Opening hours: Daily 7am-10.30pm
Cuisine: International
Prices: Entrée: $15-$20, Mains: $17-$30, Dessert: $10-$15

“Shake” and it gets thicker!

British supermarket chains were among those said to be interested in the Supashake frothy milkshake concept from Australia. PB Foods is looking to license its technology, which allows the drinks to become cafe-style thick shakes when the cartons are shaken before opening.

Product manager Suzanne Perry said it took three years to perfect the Supashake technology

My friend Duncan wanted a chocolate milkshake, and I remembered the Supashakes you get from the supermarket or gas station. Just keep on shaking until it sounds all frothy inside. They don’t stock this in Singapore… wonder why?

Because I spent so much time by the river and other parts of Swan Valley, we only had time to stop by one vineyard. We turned into the closest one called Lancaster Wines. It was spring going on to summer, so the vines were boasting luscious green foliage.

We walked down a few lanes in the vineyard, each row marked with its grape variety on a wooden post at the start of its planting strip. Peeking under its leafy hoods revealed little bunches of grapes. cute.

After the short stroll, we headed towards a quirky and rustic little tin shack to enjoy free tastings of Lancaster’s premium wines and gourmet cheeses. Apparently this vineyard boasts some of the oldest vines in Swan Valley, producing “outstanding Chenin Blancs, Verdhelho, Chardonnay, Rose and Old Vines Shiraz.”

I may not have a trained palate, but I guess choice of wine is subjective. I really didn’t think much of their whites.

Definitely a worthwhile stopover if you’re doing a tasting with friends, atmosphere is more casual and relaxed compared to the other bigger established vineyards in the area.

Lancaster Winery & Vineyard
Website: www.lancasterwines.com.au
Tel: +61 (08) 9250 6461
Address: 5228 West Swan Road, West Swan, 6055
Email: wines@lancasterwines.com.au

The fire comes leaping through the woods
Burning all of Nature’s goods.
It jumps and sways from side to side,
Using each tree for its scorching ride.
It sputters left and sputters right–
Killing life with greedy delight.
It plays with leaves and very tall pines,
Breaking in places, then it combines.
The trip is ended, the forest is gone.
It all started just before dawn.
So many were happy while they lived here;
Now, they’re all hiding in fear.
It only takes a single match..

~George E Thompson

Plans to go deep sea fishing were canned due to season closure, which was a shame because there’s alot more fish breeds we would have been allowed to reel in. We had to opt for something more serious (and expensive)…Samson Jigging.

Deep sea fishing targets fish like: Dhufish, Pink Snapper, Baldchin Groper, Queen Snapper, Mulloway, Silver Trevally (Skippy), Breaksea Cod (black arse), Red Snapper.

Samson jigging only means you’re fishing for Samson fish.

I called up Mills Fishing Charters to book us in for a day trip out from Hillary’s Boat Harbour, just 20mins drive out of Perth city.

We were told that on-board tuition in jigging techniques will be provided by their specialist crew for customers who have never battled these fish.

The Samson fish (also known as Sambos to the locals) are well known for their strength and is apparently one of the best fighting fish around. And I had sore arms at the end of the day to prove that.

It’s quite bizarre, but during the season, the Sambos school up in particular hot spots 1hr boat ride out from the coast and are easily found by the captain’s fish finder. When we reached the area, the boat would circle… waiting for the frantic beep of the fish finder, at which we are told to drop our lines!

10 lines are dropped down to approximately 80-100m till it reaches the seabed, after which you’re meant to reel and tug the line mocking the movement of the live bait. Usually within SECONDS you would have hooked a Sambo. Sometimes you even get one on the way down!

It’s tough work reeling them in, by the 3rd Sambo reeled in, I was ready to call it a day. If you get a feisty one, expect the big fella to be pulling your line for ages. The further he goes, the more line you have to reel in. Oof!

Mill Charters
Samson jigging season runs from November to February.
Contact: To book call (08) 9246 5334
Price: A$220 pp
Price includes:

• the use of latest Shimano spinning reels and Shimano jigging rods
• Breakfast, sandwich lunch, snacks and drinks (non-alcoholic)

Things to note:

• There are on board male and female toilets
• Bring something warm to wear
• It’s BYO for alocoholic drinks
• Bring your ipod, it’s a one hour boat ride to fishing site
• Sunblock
• You WILL smell like fish, bring wet wipes
• Perhaps bring a change of clothes so your car won’t smell

• Up before light.1st day of buddy week at EVolve for muay Thai. Ready to break a good sweat! http://twitpic.com/18mp1c #
• En route – china square central http://twitpic.com/18nutq #
• RT @ickleoriental: Was fun having @angelaleowgray in class this morning – Bike buddy has become fight buddy! #
• Audrey frm littleshopofhorrors is the hot favourite for new flower in my desk. http://twitpic.com/18pf85 #
• Another late night and it's only Monday!! Going home and jumping into bed if I want to make it to MT tomorrow morning… #
• En route – holland rd. http://twitpic.com/18teob #
• Damn cutting it close. Train service was disrupted. http://twitpic.com/18tjo0 #
• Need more caffeine. http://twitpic.com/18uko0 #
• Wish he was coming to Sinngapore.Wld love to have brekkie w/ him too RT @jamie_oliver: http://twitpic.com/18u7w1 – Lovely hong kong brekkie #
• Personal milestone today. I think it's time. Have finally come to terms with some issues and I'm ready to talk….. #
• Step 1: edit Facebook photo album privacy setting. #
• I want to meet @jasoncastro here in singapore …saw him perform on idol tour in Vegas August 2008 –> http://tinyurl.com/yg2yt3n #
• En route – Headin 2 Evolve with bruised elbows following a night of broken sleep.Zzz… http://twitpic.com/190ali #
• 3rd morning in a row…it's slowly coming back to me. http://twitpic.com/1918hi #
• AHAHHAha too cute!!!!!!! watch this video–> http://tinyurl.com/y9hqx4a #
• HELP: Does anyone have a wild west themed costume? Pocahontas/red indian/cow girl/hat/tassels/whip/anything??? Please msg me! #
• Was told last year my name in Spanish is Angelita prnouned like An-hel-leeta… It has grown on me. I like it! #
• Not sure..was told that. How should it be spelt? RT @fazabdulgaffa: @angelaleowgray It should be an-hel-la, why an-hel-leeta? #
• Days like this…I just really dislike my job & clients! #
• Hope to get to bed early tonight. Muay Thai tomorrow morning. Sand bag = ppl who I dislike at the moment. Need to release all this angst!?! #
• Been up since 415am. Shld I try to sleep more or just wake up for class? #
• Last stretch.Wish i had more free time to read!was aiming for a book a month!lots of catching up to do. http://twitpic.com/197d3x #
• What's on YOUR table? http://twitpic.com/19agar #
• En route – Chinatown http://twitpic.com/19fm2o #
• http://twitpic.com/19fnxs – The list has grown. A decision has to be made soon! #
• Ok, embed to blog function not working, but let's give it a go anyway http://bit.ly/bPtgFy #
• What's on YOUR table? Mines salad beetroot pumpkin olives tomato http://twitpic.com/19gy6n #
• My sister on msn to me,gr8 association jiejie: "i thought of u during lunch at liang court today,there was a pushcart selling a shit list!" #
• She needs a name, poll closes 31 March! http://bit.ly/bPtgFy #
• We had the attitude nailed down. Can't say the same for that lynard song on GH! http://twitpic.com/19i8ji #
• 6:16am……. good night! #
• Uploading photos from last night // Shld you be scared? #
• here we go here we go HERE WE GO……*post* #

Anyone can anyone help name these trees?

Saw this one en route to Swan Valley.

This one was taken at Fremantle on the coffee strip.

*UPDATE
Thanks for the comments guys, finally got the names.

Purple one is a Jacaranda mimosifolia
Red one is a Brachychiton acerifolius – Illawarra flame tree

Another picnic spot discovered by chance in the Perth Hills is Lake Leschenaultia, a manmade lake constructed in 1897 for the Western Australia Government Railway, to water Steam Engines at the Chidlow Well Station.

This was after our pony ride in the Perth Hills, and we had asked our guide where would be a nice place to lay a mat and have a picnic. Soon we were punching in the destination on the GPS and heading towards Lake Leschenaultia.

There is a small entrance fee to enter the park. $6 per car, but I’m not sure why but the booth wasn’t in operation when we were there. So it was free!

For all the road trips out of Perth, I made an effort to pack lunch, drinks and snacks so we could always find an excuse to detour and find a nice picnic spot. Again, this place was a winner.
We found a grassed area and laid out the mat and ate chicken coriander sandwiches (My Auntie Rosie’s famous recipe).

It was quiet, breezy, picturesque and the best part…there were ducks to feed

My bread at home was getting a bit old, so I brought it along hoping I’d come across some ducks or swans to feed. When we turned up at Lake Leschenaultia, there were probably 60 ducks in waiting for my loaf. All gone in 60 seconds.

Driving Directions
40km east of Perth at Lake Leschenaultia, Rosedale Rd, Chidlow.
Entrance is via Rosedale Road in Chidlow.
Approximately 1 hour from Perth via Great Eastern Hwy.

Further Information

• Barbecues
• Stokers Cafe is open Wednesday through Sunday and Public Holidays. It can seat up to 60 people and also provides a canoe hire.
• From December to April anglers can try their luck with the rainbow trout with which the lake has been stocked.
• Wildflowers and fresh growth bloom during September until October all over the 600 acres of Parkland.
• Tent camping and camper trailers only, no caravans permitted. Booking for a site is to be made prior to the date.
• Fires are permitted when conditions allow.
• No dogs.

• En route – river valley road http://twitpic.com/179rdo #
• Shit! I think i swallowed the tip of my plastic spoon together with my mushrooM!?!? #
• Gyu kaku for dinner with nattles and ben. #
• http://twitpic.com/17g90t – En route – outrum park mrt #
• Sleepcycle app doesn't work! i'm waking up even more tired than before.. Zzzzzz #
• http://twitpic.com/17hnes – What's on YOUR table? #
• Egad! Spins espresso machine under maintained.luckily there is another coffee place next door and I brought cash. #
• ARgh!! John Mayer going to Manila and Tokyo but not Singapore! Come on… a little love for us @johncmayer i'd die happy if he came. #
• Really needed this today. http://twitpic.com/17iwgy #
• Finally heading home! Good night @vivianche0ng too! http://twitpic.com/17kf8h #
• En route – ghim moh road http://twitpic.com/17n7a3 #
• What's on YOUR table? http://twitpic.com/17oa71 #
• What's on YOUR table? Afternoon stress snack non fat yoghurt & granola http://twitpic.com/17oxqh #
• AM ON THE VERGE OF DOING THE UNTHINKABLE…. #breakdown #
• Eating instant noodles from 7-11 for dinner now, tastes soooo gooood #
• Heading home. Darn taxi smells terrible! Driver has terrible BO ! http://twitpic.com/17qvqi #
• Lots of love for the little rascal. Xoxo http://twitpic.com/17tj3v #
• Me thinks i need to chew more. #
• 63 emails in Gmail… time to do some reading. #
• Correction: 63 unread emails in Gmail…time to do some reading! #
• Hungwweeeeee…. time to get food! #
• http://twitpic.com/181j80 – She needs a name. Suggestions please ! #
• Plant is working I think, good fengshui! #
• I.Need.To.Get.Out.Soon.Before.I.Slit.My.Wrist.With.A.Plastic.Knife.Over.And.Over.Again #
• http://twitpic.com/182x4y – What's on YOUR table. This was lunch, late post. #
• …Yes i'm the girl with a million and one status updates… #
• waiting for @d4nl1 to pick me up….. retail therapy and brunch!! #
• http://twitpic.com/18ar4j – SURPLICEEEeeeeeeee! happy birthday silverfox! Valentinos then party party tonight. #
• Enroute to stereolab! Reeaaaddddyyyyyyyyyyy #
• Early but a good night! Looking forward to hot shower and cold sheets! #
• Why am i awake at 830am! I only slept at 4… damn you body clock! #
• Shld have slept earlier 630am muay Thai tomorrow morning. Oof! Night night #

I graduated in 2006 in June, convocation in July. Unfortunately I had to travel to the UK that summer and had to miss it. So I got my degree posted to me by Fedex. My mum is quite sentimental about these sort of things, and insisted that I take photos in my gown at Uni. So on my last trip back, I went down to the rental shop, rented the regalia for A$55 and got D to help me snap some photos. Couldn’t help but mess around with the hideous formal gowns they had for rental!
3rd picture on the right – Currie Hall was the on campus housing I stayed in for 3/4 year before I moved into my apartment. I’ve met wonderful people there! In fact some of my best friendships started in that hall.

I quite like my department colour: Flamingo Pink

It was quite amusing walking through campus having people walk by and say congratulations! Little do they know I’m 3 years late!

This ones for you mummy!