Encadrè | Prom '15

Ello!

Held on December 15, Prom was excitingly fun! I decided to wear a tux-like attire not because I like dressing up as a guy (nope not at all), but I just can't resist the classy tuxedo look, it represents my style in a way. I love dresses but I just can't seem to find the perfect one right before prom. Anyways, I think it's best that I clarify that the stuff I wore are all ladies wear. Yup, it's possible to look as classy as men in ladies wear aites. Screw them stereotypes.

With the lovely weirdos. (Nedd, Michelle, Yan Jing & I)

2/3 of the Makan Gang! By the way, we're scouts.

Although we were lucky to book Table 1 which is the table nearest to the stage, I swear that my ears nearly got blown off by the electric guitar's amplifier. Seriously, who the heck adjusted the amplifier's volume until the guitar covers the vocals? A table full of intolerant critics, we all left the table once the guitarist played & sang for another session. I'm also surprised that there was no Best Dressed award this year, weird don't you think? Nonetheless, it was a great one because of the burning warmth of my buddies & the enjoyment we had. Everything is fun once the team is present!

Trying to be fancy but nope we just can't. #SneakersSquad

Photo booth spam!

See those photo booth strips above? Well, those were EARNED by hard work - standing in line over & over again in high heels. Yup, I was wearing leather boots with heels, startled how most people didn't realise that until I duckwalked around with a cringing face. In overall, prom was a memorable one, what a way to end the high school journey with the people who matters. <3

Don't hesitate to do crazy things, Alanis xx.

Trip to America! #PartOne

Many people know that I went to the states during the 2014's year-end school holidays, and most of them questioned me about the trip, how was life there like & so on. Without a clue, I started to realised that I actually didn't take any time off to blog or share this rare experience to the curious ones, especially for someone who used to junk her blog 24/7! 

Well, without further ado, here's a collection of much rather random (and ugly) shots my uncle and I took during my one-month stay in the US.

Flight delayed. (3rd from top)

Flight ticket! 

In the cabin with a bunch of French monsieurs & madames.

See any Malaysians? I DON'T THINK SO. D:

I remember myself going insane when in the morning of 28 November, I realised my flight was departing on the night itself! (I thought it was on 29..) Asking me was it a scary experience? - It was terrifying. For someone who doesn't travel abroad often, it's like swimming in the middle of the ocean. But trust me, once you get over the wanna-pee-your-pants phase, it's all good after that. Just follow the signboards & ask for assistance (also learn a little French), and you'll be fine! The 13-hour flight from Malaysia to Paris was literally a pain in the ass though. Luckily I had the aisle seat or else I had to communicate with authentic French people so I could visit the restroom. Hey, a French girl actually sat on my left & I swear I couldn't understand a single word besides excusez-moi. 

Reached Paris! (Paris De Gaulle Airport)

Had to fill this scary form before heading onboard.

This glaced waffle was delicious! Costed me £1.

Once my plane hit the ground of the chilly Paris, I rushed my way to another terminal to catch my next flight to Chicago. The shuttle bus I took gave me a brief view around the airport, including the foreign plants & scenery my eyes wasn't offered in my birth country. Cool vending machines were everywhere - the waffle above was bought from one of them! Before even able to relax my ass in such a country I adore, passengers of the next flight was called to board the plane.

Airplane snack during the transit flight to Chicago. (Savoury & Sweet)

Reached Chicago O'Hare Airport! My uncle's whole family including my cute cousins came to pick me up (not to mention, I gave my Aunt a pretty good scare). We had dinner at a restaurant opened by Malaysians, visited a grocery store then head to a nearby hotel for an overnight stay. Of course, jet lag kicked in as I spent my snoring times on Pac-Man & Tetris on the plane. Next morning, we head to Chinatown for brunch at Wong Kok's after stuffing myself with bacon & eggs. Before the 3 hour drive back to my Uncle's home in Michigan, we hung out at the long walk near Adler Planetarium where we took pictures of the Chicago View & the Zodiac Statues. To be frank, it was FREEZING cold even my fingers were shivering & 'smoke' breathed out from my mouth while I spoke, but the scenery was just too fascinating I could never afford to miss.

Circle of Animals / Zodiac Statues in Chicago.

Some statue outside the museum. (It's Copernicus I think)

Chicago View aka ignore my ugly face.

Chinatown in Chicago.

Snowy view from the hotel we stayed for a night.

To be continued!

Stay tuned for part two, Alanis xx.

Mitsui Outlet Park & MAD!

Bonjour! Here's another holiday throwback - let's all rewind time to last Thursday's outing!

Since the weather was terribly hazy during the holidays, the family & I got rather bored from tucking ourselves under blankets spamming movies in the living room. Thus, we planned a day-out from gluing our eyes onto smartphones & head to an indoor mall to unwind ourselves. But it's not just some mall you get to visit everyday, Mitsui Outlet Park was our destination! 35 minutes away from home, we get to invade on-sale branded shops & chomp on fancy food, sounds like a splendid 2-in-1 win.

A few of my favourite stores there are Nike, Superdry, Cotton On & Quicksilver. Well, to be frank, the ongoing sales there aren't exactly jaw-dropping or rarely found. Prices are still somewhat high after 50% discounts. And some shops like Converse lure me in with fetching banners but the price tags are totally same as the ones in luxurious malls. After violently flipping around clothes in various stores, I got myself a pair of patterned shorts from Levi's & a gray Nike SB snapback I fell in love with on first sight. It's impossible for me to understand how my mom managed to bring home numerous shopping bags when I couldn't even try on clothes after looking at them price tags. Eyyy.

Gray Nike SB Snapback - RM69

Levi's Patterned Shorts - RM79

Halfway thought our shopping adventure, we had our late lunch at M.A.D! (aka Modern Asian Diner). It's a fusion restaurant which design's inspired by bohemian & New York, serves a wide selection of Asian & Western eats & the best part for me, its exquisite modern plating. Like really, food that's plated to feed Instagram. Already impressed of its comfortable surrounding, we were served Penne Chicken Arrabiata (got it with Fettuccine instead), Rendang Lamb Shank, Grilled Chicken Chop & other stuff I either forgot or missed its camera moment. Mine was the pasta, it tasted so delicious but I wasn't exactly warned by its spicyness, causing my sore throat to stay a little longer (welp). The lamb was cooked to perfection, chicken chop just stood on the average line. The drink I ordered was a Caramel Macchiato Double, it was much more smoother than the Apple Caramel Latte I had at Coffeezzo the day before. We even called a Mango Cheesecake for dessert! Slightly above average pricing, but everything was worth it!

Front Counter.

Can this be called a chandelier too?

From top: Rendang Lamb Shank, Fettucine Chicken Arrabiata, Grilled Chicken Chop.

Creamy Caramel Macchiato Double.

Yup, how can you not say it's a satisfying outing? Is it weird that I miss the food more than I miss the shops full of trendy clothing? Probably why this second time visiting Mitsui Outlet Park was so much better than our first visit. Foooooood.

Stay safe hiding from the haze, guys!

Thanks for reading, Alanis xx.

Theater & Omnom

Hi fellow humans! Hooray for the weekends!

Today was a day of contentment, I would say. Got myself a date with Tom Cruise in the cinema this evening before diving into flavourful sticky bones & mocktails for dinner. What a craze! Futhermore, everything was unexpectedly scheduled in the morning which made it all so exhilarating to savor!

Anyways, Rogue Nation was breathtaking. Goddamit it was so beautifully done. Tom Cruise & Simon Pegg sort of stole my heart away (sorry). Also, after deeply thinking about it, I feel so bad for the luckless man who once had his security card in slot 108. Best of luck, mate.

How can I stand such a gorgeous look? #dies

Benji (Simon Pegg) - Perfect Comedic Foil

Later that, my family & I drove ourselves to Empire Shopping Gallery for a fulfilling dinner at Morganfield's. Surprisingly, the mocktail 'Begonia' earned its place in my favourites as I really enjoy the sparkle of fruits & fizz. The ribs were kind of overdone though, I prefer the one back in Pavillion KL. Other than that it was all scrumptiously good!

Garlicky BBQ Spare Ribs.

Begonia (Mocktail Favourite!)

Smokin' Duck Salad.

Bacon Wrapped Meat Balls.

Chili Loco Tacos.

Oh gosh I soberly can't wait for Mission: Impossible 6. See you peeps (and Tom Cruise) soon!

Huge wishes to a fun weekend, Alanis xx.

Random Selfies of Life

"Capture the moments of life as you can't stop time but freeze a frame with you forever." - Me.

Tuition Shot with the Bestie. <3

How I look when I'm taking a selfie. (Horrid)

Another tuition shot with Nedd!

The typical 'fitting room selfie'.

MTV World Stage 2014's BFF selfie!

Yup in case you didn't realise, I'm a Scout!

'Before my Pixie Cut' Selfie. Welp.

'Gotta take a pic with the trees', said my quirky mind.

Finally, a Gif to spice things up a little (or not). :)

Hope you had an amazing start of July! 

Alanis xx.

Nedd a.k.a. BFF

A lady I wouldn't address
But a tigress in a dress
Her ideas so brave it's a mess
Sadly the shy in her is an ass

Her dimples mark her cool
Which I find not so true
She's so strong like a bull
Strength never used for cruel

Her food choice is my rage
So choosey I'd lock her in a cage
Although we share the same age
I believe she owns a younger page

Her worries settle on almost everything
She needs to keep calm and start singing
Her voice so good four chairs would swing
An imperfectly perfect package to be seen

Alas the down side lies on me
The friend who tried not hard enough to show her the world she foresees
I deeply hope she finds joy & glee
And live her dream like honey & bee.

15 year old cat-smiles. Ah, surely miss those junior times. 

- Not exactly inspired but requested by Nedd herself. :D
  Well, it counts though as she IS an inspiration. (written few months ago) -

15 Dots of my Bucket List

"You know all those things you've always wanted to do? You should go do them."

Was I yawning or roaring again?

Here are 15 tiny but mighty dots of my current bucket list. :)


1. Travel all around the world. Backpacking would be a fitting challenge!

2. Master culinary art, earn the title of Top Chef & hold the chance to meet my favourite chefs (Guy, Kristen Kish, Cat Cora etc).

3. Deserve my own YouTube Partner Reward of getting 100K Subs (silver) and 1M Subs (gold)!

4. Receive an invitation to a really cool YouTube Collaboration. (YT Rewind!)

5. Keep my hair real long then flare it up with gentle red highlights. Mmmm.

6. Own 4 kids named Logan, Danielle, Zoey & Asher.

7. Have a collection of my favourite fashion assets: Hoodies, Snapbacks, Sneakers...

8. Open a restaurant of a combination of my two favourite cuisines, French & Mexican.

9. If possible, get a double degree of fine culinary & creative directing.

10. Meet Ed Sheeran & let the inspiring artist sign my guitar with colourful sharpies.

11. Rule the guitar like Sungha Jung & expert drums till I could play by ear.

12. Learn to fluently speak & write French & German.

13. Get fit & toned, I suppose? (Nah this one's a must.)

14. Adopt a puppy / a few puppies! (Husky, Beagle, Akita, Shiba Inu..)

15. Learn Kickboxing & Parkour like a boss. Hmm I'm actually serious about it heh.

Stars on my head, I suppose?

Hope you had a beautiful day!

Alanis xx.

Japanese Cuisine Favourites

Morning everyone!

As a teen who loves eating & exploring real food, I had tasted lots of different cuisines from all over the world. I wouldn't say I own a favourite one as each cuisine has their own uniqueness in spices and techniques I love, like French has their Bouquet Garni while Chinese uses soy sauce as their main seasoning. Today, I choose to talk about Japanese Cuisine & my favourite creations of this cuisine.


1.  Chirashi Don

If you're a HUGE fan of Sashimi, this is a must to try! Thickly sliced Sashimi generously topped on a bowl of sakura-seasoned Japanese rice. Mmmmm speechless. It's just too beautiful for my eyes & tastebuds I got to appreciate every bite. So shut up & don't talk to me, let me eat. The one I love best is from Tokyo Grill and Sushi in Grand Rapids, MI.

2.  Sukiyaki 

 Ah, a bunch of fresh greens, mushrooms, tofu & glass noodles soaked in a sweet-salty base. Don't forget the beef on the side! Let it swim in the egg dip then gently place it into the hot pot for a few seconds for heat to do its thing. When it's done, dive in and oh, you flew to heaven for a moment there. It's just amazing. 

3. Chasuke

Simple but warmly comforting, Chasuke is Japanese dish made by pouring green tea or dashi over perfectly cooked rice topped with savoury toppings such as salmon flakes, nori & roasted sesame seeds. In my country, I have not found a restaurant that serves this traditional creation, but my family often have this at home as it's easy to make. I usually top mine with dried ume, wasabi-flavoured sesame seeds, nori & bonito flakes. Itadakimasu!

4.  Tamagoyaki

If you're thinking "What? Tamagoyaki? What's so special about grilled eggs?" Then you're plain wrong. People don't know that this famous Japanese creation takes YEARS for a chef to perfect, as what Sushi Master Jiro Ono said. His style of making tamagoyaki is different. He doesn't roll it, instead he flips the whole japanese omelette in a squared pan. Yup, it's as tough as it sounds, but a bite of such beautiful food would melt your heart with its soft sweetness & balanced texture. If you have the cash, book a table at Sukiyabashi Jiro now! You can thank me by booking me a seat then picking up my tab. 

5.  Tonkatsu Ramen 

Not just any ramen, but Menya Musashi's Tonkatsu Ramen! It's creamy, boldy flavoured with pork bones base gifts you a flight to Tokyo. I remember my first time trying this, my tastebud got stoned for a second as I had never had such a mouthwatering ramen in my life. Plus it's authentic! Sadly I only get to eat this once in a few months as I'm currently broke. Well, at least I took a photo with its Master Chef Yamaguchi! Welp where's the photo...

6.  Taiyaki

Yes, this famous Japanese treat shows that I'm an Azuki lover. This fish-shaped cake stuffed with sweet Azuki red bean paste was a part of my childhood. I recall the kid-sized me saving up coins just to get a piece of Taiyaki from an authentic Japanese store. Well, I would say these are worth spending for! Taiyaki are also filled with other common fillings such as chocolate, sweet potato and custard, but it's original version won my heart. 

So here you go, these are my Japanese Cuisine favourites! Now you know what to treat me if you bring me to a Japanese restaurant (or Japan). If you haven't try these delicacies, what are you waiting for? Hit your nearby Japanese restaurant and satisfy your tastebuds! Don't forget to thank me with a treat aites.

Have a good day, and I'll see you then!

さようなら, Alanis xx.