the white PHO PLACE: Lemongrass Cafe

I swear the more I work out the more I eat. After a long day at work I went to the gym and worked off the stress for a good 1.5 hours. After pouring sweat I became hungry and asked Dustin to go somewhere to eat. We were lazy so we headed to Lemongrass Cafe. I had only been there one time before with a friend and I had bo bu hue. It wasn't very good and the broth tasted funny but I was willing to give this place another try.

 The inside featured some attempts at modern art with framed pictures along the walls.

 Snapshot of the menu. There seem to be a huge selection but the PHO portion was lacking.

Their washroom seemed clean but reeked of the CHEAP washroom cleaning product smell.

 After much deliberation we decided on an appi of green onion cake. It came about 5 min later and though it was fresh it was definitely not he best green onion cake i have had. The inside was almost too doughy and under cooked and it was not as fluffy as other green onion cakes I have had. $6

I went for their house special combo for their rice pate. The rice was good but the contrary to the description in the menu there was only 2 shrimp and not much meat at all. There was lots of onion and one that I had in mouth tastes SOUR as if it was already past its due date and they still cooked it in there. Overall this dish was too salty and not to my liking. $14 

Dustin ordered #16 and it was ok, the broth tasted fine but nothing special and there wasn't much meat in it. $10

The meal cost us 31.50 without tip.
In my mind this was a waste of money and it made my stomach hurt. I would not go back again unless I was beyond desperate for pho and no place was open.

To me it was overpriced WHITE PEOPLE VERSION of what pho should be. To be honest when I looked around I was the only ASIAN there in the restaurant. The other 15 or so people were all white. I guess for those who prefer the "WHITE WAY" of chinese food or vietnamese food this would be the spot for you.

Manicure Monday: Feeling Purple with Taylor and Trina

Obviously my favorite color is shades of purple. I recently found two shades that I particularly love. (Taylor is the lighter purple and the darker is Trina) The lighter purple is great and adds a POP of color with my otherwise darker ensemble. However, I have been trying to bring out my spring clothes despite the horrible weather. I paired this light purple with a dress I bought from H and M which has flowers all over it. This lighter purple reminds me of the upcoming holiday: EASTER. Using Julep nail polishes seems to be what I have been doing for the last few Manicure Mondays. I believe, I use these colors not only because I get 2 to 4 new ones every month but also I love their color scheme, the ease of putting the nail polish on and how they are long lasting and made in USA.

The darker purple is how I am feeling now. It actually has sparkles included in it to give it a glimmer in the light. Though its spring and there are only about 36 days left before my BIG TRAVELS I am still stuck in dreary Edmonton facing essays and final exams. This darker purple reflects my mood and my mood to come. It is good with most of my darker clothing however, it does bring out the redness in my fingers. (My finger tips are often red and swollen since I have sensitive skin and I am prone to bleeding all the time)

DREAM TEA HOUSE (BBT)

I love BBT, I love the slush types, the real fruit types, the powder type and even the plain old original type. There are a few BBT places in Edmonton (nothing compared to TAIWAN) I discount the places in the malls usually since their BBT is catered to the WHITES that know nothing about a BBT and what it should tastes like. To get good BOBA or pearls or bubbles it requires some balancing skills. Cook it too long and its soggy and the balls disintegrate. Cook it not long enough and the powdery inside (tapioca powder) still exists. You are going for that slightly chewy a bit soft texture and taste. YES HARD TO ACHIEVE for a novice .

Off course as you all know my ALL TIME FAVOURITE BBT place is actually a Taiwan run little store called OPPS TEA. (click here to read more)  Before I found Opps I often went to Dream Tea House ( I did go to OSA for high school which is just on whyte) . Dream Tea use to serve more than just BBT or shaved ice, they had actual food. That quickly went away and when I can back from BC they moved to only drinks and shaved ice. They have re-added some wings and some light snacks. appis. 

Dream Team House recently celebrated their 10th anni at the Whyte Ave ish area. This BBT location is right in the same complex as Dollorama, Seafood Buddy and Bikram Yoga. It is across the street from B-Bell Bakery. This is a perfect place to hang out late at night (late store hours). I remember coming here after my graduation ceremony. 

Dream Tea House usually has pretty consistent products be it at their WEM location or Century Park. Right now the fanciest location would be the Whyte Ave one, with newly done up inside decor. They have a fireplace and even a bar like atmosphere. 

These are Dustin and Mine's usual selection, we try to sway from trying new things because it can be a HIT or MISS. Take for example when I tried their Jasmine Honey BBT, it was soooo strong and no honey it ended up being too bitter so I threw it away. 

Dustin always goes for the Taro (powdered) BBT. In calgary there is a little asian strip mall that makes real TARO BBT which is DIVINE Dustin usually double fists that drink . I go for the less sugary fresh watermelon drink whenever they have it in season. Its just such a refreshing drink ! 

We also love shaved us the more colors the betters and the more condense milk the better. When I was younger I owned a shave ice machine but since then I broke it. Though the shave us in TAIWAN is 100x times better this will have to do. It is great on a hot summers day to relax and cool you from the inside out. 

Any add on of jellys is 75cents and if you don't have a bill of 10 dollars it costs you a transaction fee. They also have a punch card = buy 9 and then 1 free. 

Yes come here.... if you want their shaved ice... 

Dont come for their BBT, go for OOPS instead.

Want the ambience or decor COME

if not Opps has a cute little design. 

Here is their website: Click Here 

The Harms of Living in Edmonton QEII

March 21 marked the beginning of spring. Well I guess the groundhog never saw his shadow because Edmonton saw a huge snowfall that lasted all day and well into the night.

Click here for the CBC news link

When I went out the door early 6:00 am yesterday it was already madly snowing. The flurries just wouldn't stop. It wasn't as if it was extremely cold, more that the flurries obstructed your view and hid all the black ice on the floor. Driving conditions were horrible.

This storm as reported by CBC caused injuries to 100 some people and involved several deaths.

Police first got reports around 11 : 30 am. Initial numbers of those hurt were estimated to be about 300 but after assessment the final number of injured fell to about 100 people.

Around 22 were transferred to nearby hospitals for treatment while about 80 were treated onsite.

To avoid the congested high way and the tricky high way roads, Dustin actually took the backroads leading back to Ellerslie from Nisku at about 20 km/ hour. Others that I knew taking the highway inched along at 30 km/hour.

Yesterday made for a scary EYE OPENING drive and a look at the horrors of an Edmontonian Spring gone wrong.

Its days like this that I wish I was living in some tropical country... Even the bank closed down early yesterday at 6 pm instead of 8 pm.

On a brighter note, the sun is out today and it seems like yesterday never happened... except for the ginormous piles of snow.

fashion friday: how to survive a photo shoot (flashback)

You don't have to be a glorified model to have a photo shoot. Take me for example I am not THIN to say the least nor am I over 5 foot 10. I am more of your average ASIAN who likes hello kitty and bubble baths. However, there comes a point in your life where you might have to participate in a photo shoot. IN MY CASE we had to pay for it and not get paid. SIGH

These photos were done in Taiwan. I have yet to find a place like this in Edmonton, the closest would be a BOUDOIR shoot ..... thats a bit more sexual then what I was going for. 

FIRST OF ALL: the day before the photo shoot you really go to cleanse your skin I went for a face mask and also nose strips from  BIORE. At this point in my life you can tell i was really into the sun since I am a good 4 shades darker than DUSTIN. (PS also do a deep cleanse after the photo shoot to clear your pores from all that CAKED ON MAKE UP)

(sorry for the sideways photo and you having to crank your neck) 

NEXT STEP: I don't suggest you drink any AQUA/ water after 6 pm the night before or else you may end up looking bloated or loose sleeping when you keep having to get up all night to pee. 

You should also get your nails done a few days in advance and choose a color that easily matches many outfits. SO DONT GO TOO CRAZY. I chose a nice purple hue with Swarovski gems on each finger. ( i didn't pay for this my aunt did but I don't think it cost more than 40 $ ~ things are so much cheaper in taiwan) 

Next find a photo shoot place that has a make-up artist specially for you. Don't get one that is bouncing around doing everyone's make up. Also get one that seems like she knows what she is doing AKA she her self is pretty or has good make up on. Our makeup artist changed our make up every set for our photo shoot. She was also good with asking questions such as " is this ok?" " are you good with that style" 

Next find a way to eat your lunch gracefully without ruining your FACE. 

And make sure your photo shoot place carries lunch or gets you lunch. This is a whole day ordeal and you WILL need sustenance to keep going and looking good.

Posing is actually really hard. 

Also make sure you get a good wing man for those outdoor shoots in case a HUGE RAIN SHOWER happens to occur. The shoes are also important though they should be dangerously high they should also be WALKABLE or even RUNABLE. 

Dustin went for the sexy look in his kimono and we went for that biker ambience for this photo (right) ~ yah hub cap designs 

I off course went for the cute look with my fake long wig (very japanese doll like) we went for the sexy adulterous scene in some back alley with a dim light (right)

Kimono all the way, I think they look better then the Chinese traditional CHI PAO. The long finger extension were a pain and the decorations in my hair were HEAVY HEAVY HEAVY I think I lost lots of hair here.

The above were some of the products of our HARD WORK AND LABOR.
These supposed effortless looks really requires alot of effort and attention.  I was sweating under the lights too. Thank god for MAKE UP TOUCH UPS.

This is our grand finally a TESTAMENT TO OUR LOVE and it is blown up and hanging over our fire place to this day. Its very ARTSY FARTSY for sure.


BELOW are some candid shots done during the shoot (not professional)

strike some buffer poses they you don't want to have in your portfolio also you don't have to OPEN YOUR EYES real big for these shots. THANK GOD my eye balls hurt after the 10 hour session.

Pose randomly so if your photos turn out bad you at least got your own.

Make super funny faces while you still can to relax those jaw muscles so that WHEN YOU ARE ON SET you can PERFORM PERFORM PERFORM.

Be a camera whore and take tons of pictures of your DOLLED UP SELF. (esp if you are like me and don't make any effort usually)

NOTE: if you have eyelash extensions DO tell your makeup artist so they can be extra gentle with your eyes. This photo shows that I have long thick lashes when in truth the makeup artist was able to lightly add 2 more layers to my eye lash extension giving me that BAMBI eye look. (the look that makes boys buy things for girls) ~ yes that look does exist

After it all and after cleansing your face and taking a nice hot shower HAVE CAKE. This is from 85 degrees C cafe in taipei, a layered crepe like cake. DELICIOUS


There are many things you must watch out for when choosing a place to do your photo shoot. The quality of their photos, the quality of their equipment and setup and the quality of their photographers. No matter how hot or NOT you look, a GOOD photographer will make you look that much better but a horrible photographer can make even a victoria secret model look somewhat hideous.

When they tell you their are editing your proofs remember TOO MUCH editing and you don't look at all like yourself... DID YOU PAY 700 dollars to not look like yourself and people doubt you? Too little touch up and it looks like you tried to play dress up at home and shoot a video.


HERE COMES THE END of my HOW TO SURVIVE a PHOTO SHOOT ENTRY.

=P

Another Pho Place: PHAT Noodle

My father and I both frequent Jasper Ave. His place of work just so happens to be right on the same street as many restaurants. One day we got tired of eating I LOVE SUSHI (our go to place) and decided to try this somewhat newly opened Pho place. It use to be another sushi place that got shut down. It was under renos FOR A LONG LONG TME. Finally they opened their doors. The first time I went I was MEDIOCRE. The food selection wasn't what I was use to their menu is printed on lime green paper and there is only a few types of pho and not even a 5+ color bowl. Oh well it was fast and quick. 

The second time I went to it I was very disappointed even ANGRY. There was a long line and we were in a rush. They insisted they could fit us in, in fact they could first take our order and charge us and by the time we sat we would have our food.... SAVING TIME RIGHT? wrong.... we chose and paid finally got our seats no water came I had no chopsticks and our food was never made. We ended up waiting some more. I being the BIG COMPLAINER went right to the kitchen GOT a little LIVID. I asked " who is the chef here?" he chef came out apologized and gave us free shrimp salad rolls (6 of them) I guess he sure knows how to deflate our anger.

I then went a few more times with friends and a co-worker. I only took one photo, I feel like their food is so simple, not even decorated nicely so I never take a picture. The place itself is tiny and the chairs and table wobbly THOUGH ITS BRAND NEW. Overall Its a ok place for a quick lunch with co-workers BUT DONT BRING YOUR BOSS. The broth is ok the selection slim but what can you do when you are on the run and I LOVE SUSHI is packed with people out the door. 

P.s. Had their green onion cake once. It was hot and fresh but nothing too crazy. 

Yes they serve all their stuff in plastic plates or plastic bowls.... CANCER?

This is a picture of my vermicelli plate and my friends rice plate. Choices are limited to chicken or beef or both.... SO YES NOT MUCH TO CHOOSE FROM.

I guess this is good for those who can't really decide on what to eat.
(Service is a hit or a miss )
(food quality is mediocre)

We bought a Zoo: a 3 Zoo comparison

Today we will be comparing three different zoos: Edmonton, Calgary and Taipei. I personally love zoos and will be visiting the UENO ZOO in Tokyo in May. I have visited several zoos and all of them thus far have been bette than the Edmonton Valley Zoo.

In high school I spent a few summers volunteering at the City of Edmonton Events and was throughly disappointed. There was hardly any animals in the exhibits and enclosures looked old and falling apart. (Poor animals =/)

I finally visited the Edmonton Zoo again... ( on their free day in September) 

They had a few more animals this time round, a cute wolf

some sort of lemur/ monkey

Lucy the super old elephant who paints. (her paintings are ridiculously expensive)

and also lamas. There were some other animals as well such as ground squirrels and other indoor exhibits. 

This was my outfit of the day a flowly high low dress in stripped blue and white with a tie back bra.


Now moving on to the  zoo in Taipei ...

They had such a cute gift shop and I bought this panda hat though I have had to a chance to wear it here in edmonton... people find it embarrassing.

they had more than one elephant

their key exhibit was their panda exhibit which had 2 pandas. They were very active, playing around. The zoo in Taipei is fairly inexpensive to go to, works out to be less than 4 dollars canadian a person. There are also lots of food places inside and far more exhibits than the one in Edmonton. It is also very easy to get to the zoo with a direct MRT line to it. 

These photos are from the Calgary Zoo :

They got their own elephant

some cute hippos

monkies of all sorts

awesome tiger enclosure

and peacocks everywhere, I got scared since they started chasing me.

Overall the best zoo out of the three would be the Taiwan one not only because of the panda exhibit and how big the zoo is but also because it was cheap and fun and you could spend a whole day there.