MOVING

To match up all my user name in social media, this blog is moving to www.minnieivy.blogspot.com :D

Olympus E-PL5

This is a really shocking news, didn't see it coming, or else I would have been prepared, I mean anticipated for it. Almost got a mini heart attack when I saw the announcement on by Olympus Australia on Facebook. So Olympus is releasing new cameras and lenses. And now my E-PL3 which I just bought last year is becoming an old version. They are jumping to release E-PL5 as a newer version now, together with Pen mini E-PM2. Even though I still love my E-PL3, I'm thankful to be able to own it, but damn it seriously! I'm so so so attracted to the E-PL5!!! It's expected to be available mid-October 2012. Wonder what will the pricing be...

So many great features! Although I'm not that good in this, but at least there are things that I can understand what is it and attracts me :O
-16MP Live MOS Sensor and TruePic VI image processor
-180 degree tilt screen,
-faster focus
-8 frames per second sequential shooting
-removable and interchangeable grip

I don't know how does it sounds like to those professional photographer, but for me, all these in a micro four third with good size to fit in my handbag and not too heavy, I'm totally in love with it!!

Plus, absolutely loving the colour combinations!

Obviously this is the combination I love

Other colours:

More information on E-PL5: http://www.olympus.com.au/Learn---Explore/Blog/Olympus-Blog/September-2012/Announcing-the-New-PEN-Lite-E-PL5-from-Olympus.aspx

Information on E-PM2: http://www.olympus.com.au/Learn---Explore/Blog/Olympus-Blog/September-2012/Announcing-the-New-Olympus-PEN-Mini-E-PM2.aspx

French Connection 2012 Spring Runway Show

Last week was Fashion Week in Melbourne, and I've found out that French Connection aka FCUK is providing free runway, definitely not to be missed! It was held indoor on the 7th of September. The venue is very simple but nothing to complain since it's free lol. There are rows of seats reserved for the VIPs/ media. Looking at them, some that you could easily tell from their outfit that they must be some fashion editor. They just leave me in aw. Seriously, I wish I could be like them! But reflecting back to real life, the probability is just near to zero. Not sure is it I don't have confidence to make it happen or I just give it in to life. 

Fashion comes from two parts of the world for me, one part is from Western Countries while the other part is from Asian countries, esp Japan and Korea. Realised that the latest trends from Asian fashion are related to studs, triangular shapes and collar necklace while Western trends for this Spring is of pastel colours. Studs and collar necklaces actually started from Japan since Winter but the trend is coming in Australia during late winter and now is selling all over the shops. FCUK seemed to integrate various collar necklaces to accessorize with their pastel colour outfits. Below are some of my favourites from the runway.

celebration for 22 years of life

日子一天一天，就这样流逝了。
又过了一年。回想起这一年，除了读书，就是吃喝玩乐。
多愉悦啊，相较于现在，好怀念去年。
但我心底懂，无论如何，都该珍惜当下。
是的，至少遇到了些值得珍惜的情谊。
还有，经历了这新环境所带来的一切，好的与坏的。
说实在的，觉得2012年还真不是很容易。

撇开日常的不如意，今年生日还是很开心地度过了。
今年，有他，有多年的好朋友黄秀宝小姐，和今年刚熟但很要好的朋友们一起庆祝。
还有家人的祝福。爸好像很多年都忘了主动祝我，但今年却记得了，还真让我蛮感动的。
现在还真想家了。
很感激身边的人们，很幸运遇到了你们。
感恩。


With my love for beach, a picnic at the beach it is! =D

candid shot by Elaine

 Made all the food hehe.Different types of sushi, sandwiches, potato salad, and fruit mix which we didn't have time/stomach to eat in the end lol.

happy us! Always love group photo =)

yiann and elaine

Was still sick on that day therefore didn't manage to capture more photos. I was taking a nap while the girls are all having fun posing in front of camera lol.

Went for special dinner at Nobu in Crown at night, a really awesome one. Pretty expensive too, each main costs around AUD30-40. We had 3 mains and a dessert. So yummy thus must bring in all the picture so that I remember them the next time I flip back to this birthday post. Thanks B!

Black cod

soft shell crab with kiwi salsa

wagyu beef gyoza

dessert bento - matcha ice cream and chocolate fondant

Supposed to meet the girls at home after dinner and continue for gelato at Freddo's. But! This was what welcomed me. Balloons and cake - a little surprise party =D Thank you so much for all the details people.

And when I was happily done cutting cake and finding for my water bottle, this was what awaiting me in my bedroom. More balloons... and presents!!! Balloons never fail to excite me, what's more with presents in the middle of them!

with bff 

Really feel so blessed to have you guys. Sincerely, appreciate every things from you guys. We were strangers before we met, and now, look at us, we are so close. 

NOOOO that's not all because all those happened on 02/09/12, before my birthday because that's the only date that bao bao and him are both here and only day that yiann don't have test when they're here. So on the exact birthdate, I went for lunch with the girls. Wanted to go for crepe at first as it has been a while since we have it. I meant savoury crepe, not those fruits type. Not sure where to get it back in Malaysia, I never had it in Malaysia actually. But the savoury crepe here has ham, cheese, egg etc. When we reached the restaurant, it was closed! Closed for one week, according to the notice sticked on the door. So we went to the restaurant directly opposite it, called Campari House. None of us ate there before, but I spotted "squid ink fettuccine" on their specials! Have been reading good review about squid ink pasta from bloggers in Malaysia =) Have been longing for it since, how lucky am I to get to try it on my birthday! The squid ink fettuccine was served with bug tail and topped with lobster cream! It was so yummy, the whole plate was just full of seafood flavour! But the portion was quite small, I couldn't get enough of it haha the photo below doesn't justify the size of the portion because I took such a close shot of it. It costs AUD28 but the ingredients used are really good. Wonder what do they serve with squid ink pasta in Malaysia. We also ordered salmon with spicy tomato sauce and pesto. It was good too but it's no beating squid ink pasta haha bias to the max!

Then Elaine and I headed to Le Petite Gateau for tea time. They have a selection of cakes on display, probably around 8 for us to choose from. I had a piece of black forest while she got a baked custard tart. The blackforest was really good. strong liqueur mousse on the top layer, then thin chocolate sponge followed by cream and cherry, lastly another layer of firm chocolate sponge. The cherry for deco on top of the cake tasted like plum and quite liqueur-ish actually. A rather small piece of cake for the price of $8.50 but the taste was real good.

This is our view, looking inside of their baking work place. Can see that they are enjoying their work very much. Made me think of how I should be enjoying what I do, or actually do what I enjoy?