The Little Things

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Little by Little [Cutting Wedding Cakes]

-Cutting Wedding Cakes-

Relating back to my previous Little by Little -3- 'Ombré Wedding Cakes' post.
Got me so obsessed about wedding cakes the whole night.

And I thought:
Hey, how do they cut them so perfectly to distribute to the guests?
How do we know if the cake is able to accommodate the large amount of guests?
How big should we cut each slice?
What if its a an oddly shaped wedding cake?

I even have troubles estimating and cutting a simple round cake for guests. Yes, i do.
And plus, wedding cakes are huge and has several tiers. So, I googled.

And found the most helpful guide on Wilton's webpage. Now i can be a pro wedding cake cutter !

-FYI, Wilton Enterprise is a leading innovator in cake decorating and candy making designs and product since 1929. They are currently based in Illinois, USA AND if you want awesome and large variety of baking products, its a must to look them up! -

-Wilton's Guide to Wedding Cake Cutting-

This guide shows how to cut popular shaped wedding tiers into pieces approximately 1 in. x 2 in. by two layers high (about 4 in.). Even if a larger serving size is desired, the order of cutting is still the same. The first step in cutting is to remove the top tier, and then begin the cutting with the 2nd tier followed by the 3rd, 4th and so on. The top tier is usually saved for the first anniversary, so it is not

calculated into the serving amount.

The number of servings listed are intended as a guide only and offer a small portion of wedding cake. If cake is the only dessert and/or portions larger than 1”x2” are served, then you will have less servings than the chart indicates.


Round Tiers: Move in two inches from the tier's outer edge; cut a circle and then slice 1 in. pieces within the circle. Now move in another 2 in., cut another circle, slice 1 in. pieces and so on until the tier is completely cut. The center core of each tier and the small top tier can be cut into 3rds, 4ths, and 6ths, depending on size.

Square Tiers: Move in 2 in. from the outer edge and cut across. Then slice 1 in. pieces of cake. Now move in another 2 in. and slice again until the entire tier is cut.

Heart Tiers: Divide the tiers vertically into 1/2ths, 4ths, 6ths and 8ths. Within rows, slice 1 in. pieces of cake.	Petal Tiers: Cut similar to round tiers as diagram shows.

Oval Tiers: Move in 2 in. from the outer edge and cut across. Then slice 1 in. pieces of cake. Now move in another 2 in. and slice again until the entire tier is cut.	Hexagon Tiers: Move in 2 in. from the outer edge and cut across. Then slice 1 in. pieces of cake. Now move in another 2 in. and slice again until the entire tier is cut.

Paisley Tiers: Move in 2 in. from the outer edge and cut across. Slice and serve 1 in. pieces of cake, similar to oval tiers as diagram shows. Now move in another 2 in., repeat process until the entire tier is cut.

Reference from:
http://www.wilton.com/cakes/cake-cutting-guides/wedding-cake-cutting-guide.cfm

Little by Little [Ombre Wedding Cakes]

-Ombré Wedding Cakes-

Cakes - i love to death.
Wedding cakes - even more.

I've came across many outrages, weird and over-the-top wedding cakes. But how weird is it that i've never came across ombré wedding cakes?

I can never resist anything in ombré. Clothes, hair colors, shoes, accessories, etc.

Especially that they have been crazily in trend lately.

So, discovering ombré wedding cakes makes me want to get married NOW! Just to own the cake.

LOL. Or.., i could just get one on my own now and munch it all down.

Check them out below: B.E.A.U.tiful

Pic Reference:

www.confettidaydreams.com

meandyoulookbook.wordpress.com

Pic Reference:

www.bellethemagazine.com

Pic reference:

www.shefinds.com

Pic reference:

www.weddingelegancesd.com

blog.sofiascakes.com

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Mee Goreng Esplanade [Penang]

If you're looking for the typical local Penang Mee Goreng, this is the place.

Located in a big shaded food court called Kota Selera in Penang Esplanade (beside Fort Cornwallis), this famous mee goreng stall (also known as Hameed 'Pata' Mee or Mee Sotong) is always filled with tourists and also the locals.

Some say the taste is too overwhelming and spicy - but for me its PERFECT! There are a couple more stalls around Penang that is famous for their mee goreng but to me, this is THE best !

So, try it out and i'll let you be the judge.

And oh, it comes with awsome coconut juice too.

The legendary stall!

Mee Sotong/ Hameed 'Pata' Special Mee or as we Penangnites usually call it - Mee Goreng

The noodle comes in non-spicy, spicy and extra spicy flavor.

I am a big fan of spicy food, so for me - extra spicy satu please!

Oh, and the noodles are filled with a generous amount of spicy squids! *love*

The drinks stall.

Coconut juice, coconut shake, ice kacang and etc.

Coconut juice. My fav.

Choose your preference. In a glass. Or a whole big coconut!

Love:

The extreme spiciness and squids in the noodles.

Not so much:

None!

Re-visit:

Been a huge loyal fan since forever!

Location:

Kota Selera, Esplanade,

10200, Penang

(Beside Penang Fort Cornwallis)

Business Hours :-

12.00 noon to 8.00 pm

Closed on every Sunday

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Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Little by Little [Tea Tree Oil]

Something for the girls... or guys.

-Tea tree oil-

Never really had much faith in it. Tried bottles of The Body Shop tea tree oil wash but never really helped much with the acnes. Ergh, those suckers.

But, recently i was intrigued by Michelle Phan's post on the benefits of tea tree essential oil.
So, as easily influenced as i am, i ended up with a bottle.

Been using it for a week now, and it actually works! Dries up my pimples in about 3 days!
And plus it usually comes in small bottles which makes it really easy to carry around. And.. cheap!

I bought mine from The Body Shop which costs RM28 (you probably could get it for a cheaper price elsewhere) and you only need a few drops on those pesky zits. (which means that this little bottle could last you a long long time)

Below is the link to the full review by Michelle Phan: -Thank You Michelle!-
http://michellephan.com/blog/post/skincare-spotlight-tea-tree-oil

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Little by little [Nutella Facts]

A weekly/daily short post (and i mean real short) to share the little things i find interesting and learnt.

And yes, to all of you who has already known it, i did not..till now.

But hopefully, i will be able to pass on these bit of findings to those who don't. :)

Oh.. and ps: if you find any information that are incorrect, please do let me know. I'm no genius!

Thanks!

So, to start off with only one finding today:

1. Nutella

- To me, best invention ever. Never came across my mind to look up the genius until today.

- Place of origin: Italy

- The genius: Pietro Ferrero, owns a company called Ferrero SpA. (well technically, his son Michele Ferrero revamped the original composition from Supercrema to Nutella)

- Ferrero: Sounds familiar and yes, Ferrero Rocher is also created by Ferrero SpA company.

Oh, and if you check out the small print below the word 'Nutella' on the bottle, it says 'Ferrero'.

Hm. This shows how much i pay attention to small prints.

Question:
Why is the 'N' in Nutella black?
I don't think i found a reliable source that explains this.
The only explanation i found was that the 'N' in black is suppose to draw attention to the NUT in Nutella.
Not sure if it makes sense?

Do let me know!

Image reference:

http://www.nutella.com/image/journal/article?img_id=466372&t=1343227977889

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Penang Camera Museum

A short post for those photo addicts. This is the place for you.

Noticed that quite a number of my friends have been visiting the camera museum. So i decided to see what all the buzz is about. Did not regret it at all but the place is still partially under renovation - the first floor and art galleries are open for visitors but the second floor is still closed and under renovation.

What can you find here? A gallery of stunning art/photographs along with old vintage cameras.

The museum is separated into 4 sections - First two sections (art gallery and old vintage camera prototype displays) , third section (souvenir/gift shop) and the last section (the museum cafe).

Took some shots of the museum. Enjoy!

Welcoming banner!

The camera museum entrance.

A typical old vintage camera. Placed at the entrance to welcome visitors.

Mega huge camera! Right at the centre of the museum.
Don't think you will be able to miss this one.

Different themes/types of photographs and art all around the museum. Do you call them themes?

I'm no expert. I shall just leave it as that.

A prototype of an old camera.

First section of the museum. Beautiful lightings and art arrangements.

Theres always something so mysterious about empty corners with dim lights.

Posing for my best shot.

Second section of the museum.

More photos and art.

Third section of the museum. Heading to the gift shop.

Packed with tourists!

The Gift Shop.

Cameras, cameras and cameras.

Don't think i found an item here without symbolizing cameras.

Super cool and unique though. Love it.

Last section of the museum.

Food! A cafe with wooden setting filled with artistic photographs.

Unique camera image stains on wooden chairs and tables in the museum cafe.

Love:

-Simple and artistic interior design in the museum.

-Awesome and stunning photographs/art.

Not so much:

-Could have more photographs/arts and old vintage camera displays.

Still new probably? Waiting for their second floor to be completed. Hopefully more to come!

Revisit:

Most probably - when the second floor has completed.

Location:

49 Lebuh Muntri, 10200 Penang George Town

Contact:

04-261 3649

FaceBook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/PenangCameraMuseum

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Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Stage Play - Postcards From Rosa

In conjunction of the Penang Georgetown Heritage Festival 2013, Penang Performing Arts Centre (PAC) organized several events - stage plays, musical, dance performances and etc.

Don't think i remember the last time i watched a stage play. But, this time around, i made an effort to attend the latest stage play by Penang PAC and it was unforgettable.

Ticket price - RM33 and totally worth it. Will definately look forward to more events on Penang PAC.

Brief summary of the play:

Play Title: Postcards from Rosa
Starring Marina Tan
With the voices of Michael Chen and Qahar Aqilah
Written by Desmond Sim
Directed & Designed by Christopher Ling
Projections by Goh Choon Ean
Lighting Design by Alvie Cheng
Sound Design by Carmen Chong
Executive Producer by Dato Faridah Merican
Artistic Director by Joe Hasham OAM

The play was inpired by the writer's own grandmother and centers around Bibik Rosa and her grandson, Benny from a typical Peranakan family. Benny is located in Australia where he pursued his education and career. He has also been visiting many parts of the world, writing postcards to Rosa until one day he stopped.

The play started off on a very happy and hillarious note with Rosa in the airport departure hall - heading Down Under to find Benny with a mission to find out why Benny stopped writing to her. Rosa also handed out handmade pineapple tarts to the audience to start off the play.
(it was part of the play dialogue, but i did not get to taste them because i was seated at the last row. )

Rosa continues to act out scenes of her life journey and flash backs to her past - her as a little kid
to being matchmade to wed into a millionaire family.

The play then goes on to a solemn atmosphere, where she was slaved in her in-law's family and lost one of her son and son-in law.
(Yes, I teared and i noticed most of the audience had watery eyes too - Its amazing how one woman is able to portray such strong emotions/characteristic that had such a great impact on the audience)

Despite the hardships in her life, she too found happiness through the yearly festivals, celebrations and family gatherings. (weddings, chinese new year and etc.)

Her life journey came to an end when Rosa realised that it was not Benny whom stopped writing to her but it was because she stopped receiving them and that she had all along imagined her journey to visit Benny.

The play ended with loud applauses and a standing ovation from the audience.
No doubt this is an unforgettable play and performance by Marina Tan.

More information about the play:
http://www.thesundaily.my/news/755758

http://www.action.org.sg/archive/Postcards%20from%20Rosa/productioncontent.html
http://penangpac.org/content/display/article/site:penangpac-param:postcard_from_rosa-link:1750

What i did not expect:
1. One woman play - Which was very impressive. Who knew that a solo act could portray so many different personas and scenes! Pure Talent.

Love:
1. Quotes and phrases used during play
2. Little details that portrays and symbolizes the typical asian/peranakan culture. (e.g the do s and don't s of the Peranakan culture, usage of Malaysian accents and etc.)
3. Interactions with audience to keep us entertained and involved in the play.

Not so much:
Nothing !

Revisit:
Totally