how are you doing baby?

Changing season delivers a lot of surprises, mostly expected of course.

And then, occasionally, you might taste the little glimpse of unexpected. 
Some good. Some bad...

Things are turning pretty hectic now. 
Unexpected... 
Just like that.

Couple of images from the latest collection I put together for my salon, have gone through to the regional final of industry's prestigious competition. 
Toby's new found moving image adventures have finally taken off the ground safely. 
So many birthday wishes to be fulfilled with different people and places. 

And in the middle of all this, we've got this MOVING business to deal with. 
Every weekends are completely booked up for the catching ups with friends and family.
This weekend, we ticked off V and Y off the list.


Funny thing about life is the irony of its ability to bring people together.


V had already gone through this serious illness three times. 
Through that battle, he also had gone through few relationships, discoveries of friendships, highs of hopes and lows of realities, loss of job, loss of home and the brutal truth of surviving.


Y's been trying to get rid off that bitter taste in her mouth. 
Going through such a hell of being let down and having to fight against this monster, she is trying to spit it all out.


She has never met someone so kind, she says.
He says he has finally found his soul mate and he doesn't mind, doesn't mind at all.


For change, V is looking after Y.
He knows what she is going through. 
He knows the one thing and the only thing she needs right now is a shelter.
I hope it passes. 
I hope for the bright future of these beautiful people at the other end of this gloomy tunnel.


Just because...
And if there is anyone..., they deserve little unexpected deliveries of happiness of this changing season.


''How are you doing, baby?''
''I am okay. I'm good.''

Grilled clams with miso 




1kg clams
1 1/2tbsp white miso
2tbsp soy
1/2tsp sugar
4tbsp sake
1tbsp sesame oil
8tbsp water
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tbsp ginger, grated
2 spring onions, chopped
1 red chilli, slices
some pepper




to garnish
few thyme leaves, picked
few handful of China radish sprouts




This is very simple and easy dish that is so effective if you are a shellfish lover. Its Miso marinade can be used for all sort of shellfish, so don't be limited to clams. Obviously, cooking time will have to be altered depending on what you are cooking.
All you need to do is to mix all ingredients with the clams in a large baking tray or dish. If you can leave them for anything between 10-30mins, great!
Preheat the grill on high and cook them under the grill for 10 mins max.
I tend to put them not too close to the grill. Just because it could burn the shells if the tray is placed too close to the grill.


When the clams start to open and sizzle, it is time for you to enjoy them. 
Maybe with some rice noodles or on its own with nice cold glass of white.

We often forget that someone is actually fighting for the matter of life and death.
We often forget how lucky we are to be able to take it for granted.


Love to you both, V and Y.