Belkin DFD 15.6" Slim Backpack

Since the Dell Studio 1555 which I have ordered online about 2 weeks ago doesn't come with a bag, I thought the logical thing to do was to get a bag to protect my laptop. After searching for a bit, I decided to order the Belkin DFD 15.6" Slim Backpack - Pitch Black Soft Grey on 27th May and much to my delight it arrived on 29th May which was rather good compared to my laptop which has no sign of any delivery yet. I was told by Dell that there were some technical error and as a result my order was cancelled and now my order is in process. I have been waiting for 2 weeks now and hopefully by next week it will arrive at my door step.

I am quite happy and satisfied with the Belkin bag. It is slim, lightweight, plush soft-touching and overall pretty sleek design. It also has room for pen, mp3, power supply, business cards and other accessories. The shoulder straps have extra padding for comfort. The only thing that is missing now is the laptop. Still waiting.......................

Rib Eye Steak

On Sunday we had rib eye steaks served with steamed broccoli. I made some gravy for the rib eye steaks and it turned out to be quite good as commented by my partner. :-)

The ingredients that you will need: -

. 2 or 3 Rib eye steaks or Sirloin steaks

. Olive oil

. Salt

. Black pepper

. 1 tbsp soy sauce

1) Brush both sides of steaks with olive oil, season with salt, black pepper and soy sauce on both sides. Let it rest for a few minutes.

2) Put 1 tbsp of olive oil on the grill/frying pan and place the steaks on the the pan over high heat. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side. Reduce heat to medium. Don't turn the steaks more than once to prevent the meat from being tough.

3) Remove and allow the steaks to rest for a few minutes before serving.

4) To make gravy for the steaks, add in 1 onion cut into quarter and 1 whole bulb of garlic cut into half into the same grill/frying pan, stir briefly, then add some red wine, salt, black pepper and some plain flour to make a thick gravy for the steaks.

5) Serve with your favourite vegetables.

Tamia & Elijah

Tamia is 4 years old and Elijah is 2 years old. They are my niece's children, so adorable and cute. Both have their mum's smile.

Roast Chicken with Rosemary

I made these over the weekend for dinner. Roast chicken with rosemary and steamed cauliflower with cheese sauce.

. 1 chicken
. Salt
. Ground black pepper
. A handful of fresh rosemary
. Butter
. 1 whole bulb of garlic cut into half
. 3 small potatoes

1) Rub chicken inside and out with a generous amount of salt and ground black pepper.
2) Rub chicken with butter and chopped rosemary.
3) Push garlic into the cavity of the chicken.
4) Leave in the fridge until you are ready to cook.
5) Cut potatoes into half and put around chicken before putting into the oven.
6) Preheat oven to 180 C.
7) Cook in preheated oven for 1 hour or until chicken is cooked.

DisneyWorld - Florida

I have always wanted to visit America at least once in my life time. My dream finally came true when my boss was kind enough to allow me to take almost a month's leave. With my bags packed I was ready to go, first to LA and then to Houston. We spent about 2 weeks travelling on the road. My brother-in-law drove us from Houston right up to New Orleans and back to Houston. One of the stops we made was Florida, DisneyWorld for 5 amazing days. Really had a fantastic time. One of the food that I really enjoyed eating was the unforgettable Turkey Leg in DisneyWorld. Huge and tasted so good...mmm.....

Galvestone - Texas

These pictures were taken at Galvestone, Texas in January 2008, one of the few places I visited while visiting my sister, brother-in-law and nephew in Houston. The weather was cold and windy never the less I felt so excited and happy to be there.

Potato Salad

Potato salad is rather easy to make and it complement well with your grill steak or salmon or as side dishes.

. 3 or 4 medium size potatoes
. Spring onion
. 1 white onion
. Salt
. Black pepper
. Mayonnaise

1) Boil the potatoes with skin until tender but firm, let it cool and peel skin
2) Cut the potatoes into bite sizes into a large bowl
3) Cut white onion, spring onion and mix in with the potatoes
4) Add salt, black pepper and mayonnaise and mix well
5) Refrigerate until chilled

Apple Pie

I found this lovely apple pie recipe at http://www.videojug.com/ It is so delicious and since then I am hooked on these easy steps on how to make good apple pie. I made some adjustment by cutting down the sugar and peel off the skin of the apples. I recommended Granny Smith apples to those who are trying out for this recipe. You won't regret it. Making the pie crust is not easy at first but all it takes is some practice. You can eat it on its own without the vanilla ice-cream or fresh fruit. Really yummy...

· 2 ½ cups (620ml) all-purpose floor
· 1 tsp salt
· ¾ cups (190ml) butter
· 6 green apples
· 1 cups (250ml) white sugar
· 1 cups (250ml) brown sugar
· 1 tsp cinnamon
· ½ tsp nutmeg
· 1 lemon juice

1) Pre-heat your oven to 375 F (190 C).

2) In a large bowl, combine 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup (170 g) butter and 1 tsp salt. With your electric mixer on the lowest setting, begin to blend together the ingredients. Sprinkle in 1 tbsp of ice water and mix until the batter starts to thicken. Continue to add an additional 6 to 8 tbsp of ice water, mixing thoroughly after each one, until the batter becomes a moist dough. Be sure not to over water or the dough will become too wet. Remove the electric mixer and roll the dough into a ball.

3) Place the dough on a cutting board coated with flour. Cut the dough into two halves. Roll the first half into a 9" (22 cm) circle to form the bottom crust of the apple pie. Carefully roll the thin dough around the rolling pin and transfer it into the pie pan. Use a sharp knife to cut off any excess dough around the edges. Roll the second ball of dough into a 12" (30 cm) circle. This will go over the pie filling before baking.

4) In a large mixing bowl, add 6 apples, cored and sliced, 1 cup (200 g) white sugar, 1 cup (220 g) brown sugar, 1/2 cup (60 g) flour, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Mix all ingredients together until every apple is coated. Pour the apple mixture over the bottom curst in the pie pan and smooth it out evenly. Finish by topping the apples with 2 tbsp butter.

5) Cover the pie filling with the 12" (30 cm) rolled dough and pinch the two crusts together. Trim off any excess dough. For crimped edges, use a fork around the crust. Cut several slits on top of the pie for ventilation while baking in the oven. Place the pie on the center rack of the oven and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until the pie crust is a deep, golden brown.

6) Cut the pie into 6 to 8 slices. Serve warm on a chilled plate with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream or fresh fruit to accompany the sweet apple flavor. Enjoy!