Chinese New Year 2013

Today is the final day of the current Chinese year and, whilst the new year doesn’t officially begin until tomorrow, the Year of Snake is actually already upon us. From a Chinese zodiac perspective, you’re already in to the following year once spring has begun and this is why the New Year is also referred to as Spring Festival in Chinese. So all those people who think they’re just scraping in and giving birth to dragon babies, well, that boat was missed once 4^th February swung around this year. However it does mean that your baby has arrived perfectly timed to receive lots of “lei si” red packets!

Afternoon tea & canapés

So what has everyone been up to these past couple of weekends? Whilst the weather may not have been that great, please spare a thought to our neighbours up in Queensland who have sadly once again faced with torrential rains and flooding. The overcast and generally miserable Sydney weather does make for ideal conditions for staying indoors and general lazing about however. And, after 3 weeks of both the husband and I being sick with a cold/throat infection/allergies, we are now finally well enough to engage in some social activities. Any longer without social contact and we would’ve started our transformation into hermits!

Cooking is always a labour of love and I do put more effort into cooking for those whom are nearest and dearest. (On the contrary, when I don’t care as much is when I do stupid things like leaving out key ingredients – stodgy, eggs-forgotten choc mudcake, anyone?) Wifey and Mistress are two of the most supportive and important women in my life, and I may just have gone a little overboard when planning our late lunch/afternoon tea menu.

Farewell to Munich

A happy new year to you all!

While I may have just returned from enjoying the company of family in Hong Kong, that doesn’t stop me from wondering whether the year ahead will hold any promises of travel and also has me reminiscing about the final week of our European holiday mid-last year. Of course as with any holiday, local or overseas, there are always must-see sights as well as must-try eats. So how could we make it all the way to Germany without sampling at least some of the following delights?

Christmas 2012

Hello! I’m still here...sort of. And still blog...rather infrequently. But I am still here!

How sad it is that work changes have meant less time for blogging! *Boooo...* And whilst I know my new boss understands the need for work/life balance, I’m not sure she’d understand my need for work/life/BLOG balance as such.

So in almost the blink of an eye, Christmas is once again upon us. I’m not religious but it really is my favourite time of year. The idea of bringing people together to spend time over conversation and, of course, food brings all kinds of warm and fuzzy feelings into my heart. That, coupled with colourful and sparkly decorations helps to bring the child out in me as well.