It's Sunday again! This week was busy as usual. So much I want to blog about but so little time.

If only I spent 15 minutes to prepare an entire blog post, that would be great! JOY.

But no, I take more time that that as I not only edit ALL the photographs to perfection, I also write the article with conviction and ensure in-depth detail.

I really do, and it takes a hell lot of time! Grrr.

But sometimes I wished I didn't. Le sigh!

I think you can tell by now (after 7 years!) that I'm not the sort of blogger who posts up a few photos and several sentences and call it a blog post.

Since when has blogging ever comprised copy-pasted facts and a stock image?

Quality control has always been the key! 

But I do realize I must stop this "perfectionist" attitude from hindering my efficiency & timeliness

It may be my strength, but it can also be my weakness! 

So I just drew up a near-impossible schedule this morning to make the rest of my December even busier.

It's a challenge.

Far-fetched or not, I gave myself incredibly tigjt deadlines to meet everyday in order to clear off all my back log of 30 blog posts!  I can, I must!

In the meantime, my kitty can keep me company all curled up on my lap

while I slave away on the keyboards 

Have you noticed that we are more inclined to be productive and things actually do get done if there is a target, a goal or a dream ahead of us?

If there's none, well, instead of procrastinating, set yourself those deadlines to push yourself!

It's the same principle I apply for my gym workout routines.

If I get complacent, I'll stop taking it seriously and then there will be no point, no drive, no motivation anymore

Moral of the story? If there is no push, there will be no results 

Anyway, here's what I've been up to this week.

Attended the launch of NIVEA's Pure & Natural range at Delicious! Even Kate Middleton uses them

So glad to bump into Nadia, it's been a while  She was the MC for the afternoon too

*full blog post soon!*

Thursday night being serenaded by Vince Chong during the Merry Guinness christmas dinner

at Dirty Nelly's @ Life Centre by Guinness Malaysia

*full blog post will be published on Christmas day!*

My Friday coordinate comprised earthy and neutral shades!

Jessicat wears : Corduroy cropped jacket in brown by Voir | White Paris graphic tank top by TopShop |

Grey denims by TopShop | Metal feather necklace a gift from Konzy |

Buckled leather heels in brown by Pedro | Armbag in white by Seed

Attended the launch of the iPhone 5 in Malaysia on Friday morning

Made lunch! Organic Durum Wholewheat Spaghetti with Haricot Beans, Mushrooms

and lots of freshly chopped garlic, onions & oregano 

Grabbed some dessert at one of my favorite places – Circus KL @ Pavilion KL

Had a Lez 3 Chocolat (it's a special… off the menu!) Thanks Ralph!  It was delicious

Noms & chilltimes with Ralph, Louise & Konzy. Love yall! 

Chilling at The Pressroom Bistro @ Pavilion KL

Konzy had something called Fancy Sencha Tea while I had Bellagio Hot Chocolate

I loved my Hot Chocolate by Bellagio! None of that watered down crap or typical Cadbury sachets

This was rich, thick and the aroma was amazing  The Fancy Sencha Tea? Well, it was good but we didn't find anything too fancy about it… as its name suggested 

Had a lunchdate with Konzy at Teppanyaki Express @ Food Republic, Pavilion KL

He had a Sliced Lamb set (bottom left) with Squids for the sides

while I had Salmon Fish set (top left) with Mushrooms

I've never had teppanyaki made right in front of me with an iron griddle by our own designated chef!

Both our sets came with rice, clear raddish soup, beansprouts and green leafy vegetables 

I loved it. T'was a new experience & a hearty meal! Thanks Konzy  Definitely recommended 

Had a healthy lunch yesterday at O'Briens Irish Sandwich Bar @ The Curve!

I've recommended this joint before in previous editions of The Sunday Times.

Konzy had his usual fave Big Club Sandwich (above) while I tried something new today, the Chicken Slice, Swiss & Guacamole (below). This is one of our choices if we're feeling healthy!

Here's my current song of the week by the way 

Do take a listen to my current fave dubstep track that's been on loop on my iPod all week!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vLFnx2udp0

Might wanna check 'em out 

Before I go, I have some good news to share. I will be roadtripping and making my final drive to Penang with my trusty ol' white Kelisa to make the switch this Wednesday.

Switch? Yes, the switch to my brand new dream car.

It arrived my home in Penang last week and I'm coming for it! 

If you're following me on Twitter, you would already know what ride it will be.

A bright red 1.6CC Ford Fiesta Hatchback Sports Edition that cost a whopping RM86K!

Probably not expensive for some of you rich kids on the block but it is, to me 

Looks like I'll be eating bread and water every month when its time for me to pay the installments haha.

Oh and, I've also paid off all my credit card debts of 2012!

I'm now debt free because I'd hate to carry any debts over to another year. Woohoooooo!

This is how my bank account looks now. Depleted 

Hang in there! I'll work even harder and be more prudent to get you fat and healthy again!

So if you owe anyone anything to anyone, make sure you pay them all off before the new year! 

Wouldn't you rather start your 2013 clean? You have two weeks… The clock is ticking.

On that note, always be prudent and have a lovely week ahead, dearest readers! 

Much love,

Jessicat

———————————————————————————————————————————————–

The Sunday Times is a weekly series; published every Sunday night to recap the highlights of my week, capture what piques my interest and to briefly highlight my recommendations for to-go and to-eat places!

Some of the photos in this edition are posted instantly on my Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr & Facebook

Do follow to get instant updates and pretty photos of the sights & sounds all around me!

Upon receiving an invitation from The Eatertainment Group to attend the media launch of Circus KL held a day before its official launch to the public, one thought immediately came to mind :

Circus?

Well, then I can't wait to be captivated and entertained at this brand new, quintessential hotspot!

Was served my favourite champagne, Moët & Chandon, at the entrance upon arriving! 

A sister venture of its predecessors Al-Amar Lebanese Fine Cuisine & Al-Amar Express setting the bar for high-quality food, I knew Circus KL was the one place to spend my Wednesday night.

So I dolled up for a swanky, stylish yet casual evening and was ready to go!

((STYLESHOT OF THE DAY))

Jessicat wears : Halter-neck bareback top in purple by Wh | Slacks in black by MNG | 

Raspberry Sorbet tote bag in red by Burberry | Hermes-inspired skinny belt |

all accessories from a local bazaar | Criss-cross strappy heels in dark blue by Charles & Keith |

The moment I entered Circus KL, I was wowed by their extensive, artistic and very chic interior! 

I stood before a spacious bistro & cocktail lounge; wonderfully furnished & well-decorated with modern influences.

Look to the left!

If you're a fan of modern art, avant-garde & artsy-fartsy aesthetics, their decor will definitely hit the spot!

These are just a couple of them! The quotes are really inspiring too 

Now, look to the right!

Their bar set-up immediately caught my eye. 

Boasting a wide array of liquor bottle collection, they were placed very creatively on shelves of mass hexagonal cells – very much like the honeycomb in nests built by honeybees! 

How creative can you get? 

The other end of the bar! Check out those unique statues & decorations 

We just HAD to take a photo with it 

Hey, it's not everyday you chill at a bar with honeycomb-inspired fittings!

Some of the choices of draught beer right from the taps!

My favorite from this range is undeniably the Kronenbourg 1664

If you ain't too fond of beers, Circus KL's variety of exotic cocktails might tickle your fancy like it did mine

Bartenders carefully mixing our choice of over 60 different cocktails!

Another range of drinks they have on the menu is the exquisite range of champagnes, particularly Moët & Chandon as well as Dom Pérignon. We were served the former that evening.

My one & only favorite champagne! 

We were lucky to be served so much champagne that evening!

The waiters saw how I never stopped taking swig after swig from my glasses of Moët & Chandon.

They were sweet enough to ask me if I'd like more & refilled my glass after I sheepishly nodded. *hic*

More champagne, if you please? 

Before we knew it, we were given a warm welcome by Joseph!

He introduced the concept of Circus KL – where everyone can wine, dine & mingle in an appealing & stylish ambience in the heart of the city as well as being able to fuse an outstanding culinary experience with stellar entertainment. 

We also learned that it took so much hard work & planning for several months on end to complete Circus KL!

From the planning, designing, conceptualizing, construction, decoration & finally, its execution & launch. I'd say it's a job well done. Congrats! 

Oh but wait, there's something more.

He then directed our attention to the…. CEILING. What's up, doc?

Oh wow! Video montages & other videos flashed across the huge LCD screen placed above us

That was certainly something we all did not expect! Pretty cool, I must say 

Four out of the many people who made Circus KL happen!

MD of The Eatertainment Group. Joseph Afaki & I!

He's really friendly in person! Was nice to know that he remembers me from Al-Amar Express' cocktail party 

Manager of Circus itself, Joshua & I 

More pictures!  With Executive Chef Spaniard David Caral & Joseph

I spotted the chefs preparing food!

It was time for some mouth-watering favorites from all around the world.

We were served various delectable canapés from their international cuisine menu, which we could never get enough of! 

Those bite-sized pieces made to complement cocktail hours really gets you wanting more 

It's tough to choose, really. I was spoilt for choice!

I ended up taking at least one of everything. Okay, make that three…. 

The waiters were busy buzzing around the entire Circus outlet making sure us guests were satiated 

I shall introduce you to some of my favourites – of which are all samples from their menu, by the way!

Ahi Tuna Tatare

Beef Stroganoff with Rice

Mini Pizzas (Should totally check out their gourmet hand-crafted pizzas!)

We were also served plenty of others, such as Mushroom Ravioli, Jumbo Lump Chilli Crab Cakes and Beef Pie!

It was THAT good. Can't wait to go back to dine again 

While we guests were busy gathering, relaxing, mixing, mingling, flirting (!), eating and drinking, there was a DJ playing LIVE for us.

Circus KL also has a podium & a set-up for live band performances too 

Here are some partyphotos of the evening! 

The flow of savoury, delicious canapés soon came to a halt, and paved the way for tantalizing desserts

Here they are!

My faves are (obviously) the chocolate and also the kiwi ones! 

No doubt, Circus KL is a casual, cosmopolitan eatery by day, but as the dinner tables are cleared, the music is pumped up and the bar comes alive.

More mingling, mixing, relaxing & drinking with my buddies!

So if you're up for a charming & exciting date or an outing in style that involves food, drinks, entertainment (and even cigars!)  you know where to go now! *winks* 

Interesting, ain't it, how the word 'Circus' is used to give us the idea of morphing into a decadent world of fun, glamour & excitement.

I sure had a fabulous time… and I'm sure you will too 

How can you not fall in love with the delightful & eclectic interior? 

Thank you Circus KL for a lovely evening!

Looking forward to take some time off to chill at KL's latest dining & drinking hotspot again 

For more information, head on to:

Circus KL's official Facebook page

Circus KL's official Twitter page

Who goes to Australia without eating their famous game animals at least once?

I certainly do not. I finally managed to eat them before I go, as Konzy brought me to eat those rare delicacies one evening. Yay!

Here we are at The Royal Mail hotel and pub!

It was along Spencer Street.

LOLOL I LOL-ed when I saw Batman Street 

So yup, we heard about this Roadkill Wednesday thingy for quite some time already but never got a chance to go. And since the exams were finally over, we decided to make a trip down to the city to go one fine Wednesday 🙂

The Royal Mail

When we entered, I thought we had come to the wrong place because the first thing we saw was a pub.

But the pub was just the first part of the entire outlet!

We took a few steps into the pub…

… and finally saw the restaurant!

Comfy couch! 😀

Needless to say, I chose a table where it had a pretty background 😀

Moments last longer when it is captured on camera, so I obviously wanted my pictures to turn out nice!

This was pretty enough 😀

I liked how the entire restaurant was pretty classy and dimly lit. Good for romantic dates! 

The decoration were mostly pop art paintings and Andy Warhol's version of Marilyn Monroe. So classic! 

There was a group of businessmen clad fully in suits at the table adjacent to ours

We sat close to the fire. Yes.. FIRE!
A wood-fired fireplace… TO STAY WARM!! You won't see this in Malaysia 😀

We placed our orders and it was a pretty easy decision because we *still* were rather full from this afternoon's Malaysian food (yes, omnomnom I recommended him all my local delicacies) and we just wanted to try/taste the wild, game meat.

So we ordered a  whole grazing platter and sausages to share!

T'was yummy!  I'm glad I finally got to taste them.

Here's what we ordered in detail –

 I

Royal Mail Grazing Plate of Australian Game Meats with Duck Breast, Rabbit Pie,

Braised Venison Stew, Roo Sausage and Roo Pepperoni

From left to right (clockwise), here's my verdict :

I wasn't too excited with the duck breast because we have heaps of them back home anyway. But upon tasting it, the soft, slimy texture made me want to puke and I just had to spit it out. I just couldn't stomach it. But on the contrary, Konzy loved it and how tender it is. I guess, to each their own 🙂 If you favour foie gras (goose liver), you might just like this dish.

The Venison Stew was my favourite amongst all. It had a salty aftertaste to it too. I wished I could have some more!

Olives? Don't ask. We both despise olives in general so we can't exactly be the best judge for this.

The Roo Pepperoni was kinda spicy, but in a good way. I'm not quite a pepperoni and salami person, but this was pretty damn good.

The Roo Sausage served with Rosella Sauce was delicious too. It is a native berry and t'was a sweet and meaty combination.

The Rabbit Pie was just delightful! Really yummy  Although it pains me to think that I'm eating my own domesticated pet – I used to rear a fluffy white bunny – I tried to just savour it without thinking of morbid stuff like animal cruelty etc etc.

Trio of Bush Sausages : Emu, Wallaby and Camel with Polenta,

Brussel Sprouts, Sauteed Mushrooms and Pancetta

Here's my verdict :

The Camel Sausage was the toughest amongst the three. It boasts barbequed-burnt flavour to it (yummy!) and the spices complimented the taste well. I liked the chewy texture to it as well.

The Emu Sausage was the softest and it had the sorta melt-in-your-mouth taste. We found this meat too tender for our liking. It even had a slight bitter aftertaste. Meh. Not something for our palate.

The Wallaby Sausage was our favourite of them all. It was a little spicy as well but the flavour was the best amongst the three. Something I would order again! 

Apart from the meat, the veggies, polenta and sauce that came with this dish was an absolute yum.

I ate ALL of it!

Photo of me with his creepy death-stare face in the background 🙁

He keeps photobombing me T___T

After dinner, we were really stuffed! In fact, we couldn't even finish the whole portion of our meal.

I made a trip to the ladies' after him, and I'm glad I did. You shall see why.

Shot these when I was in the cubicle (hey, I can multi-task)

It was sssssoo pretty, even the toilets had a classic and Victorian feel to it!

What I really liked was these nursery rhymes on the toilet walls – 

It brings back memories! Just read them and smile 🙂

I was pretty sure Konzy was waiting for me outside thinking why on earth am I taking so long.

Well, put me in a pretty restroom with a huge mirror and you won't see me coming out anytime soon.

Whee!

Hello! 😀 😀

I also took my time washing my hands with lukewarm water and washed them with this gentle hand wash

Tralalalaala~ 

And then I noticed there was another moisturizing handwash.

So I washed my hands again. See? I'm trying to be sanitary here 😛 😛

Apparently, the mens' restroom wasn't as awesome as the ladies'?

BWAHAAHAAHA. They don't need a pretty toilet, just give them a hole to pee in. End of story 😛

Kidding!

We left soon after – it was time to hit the casinos!

Ka-Ching! $$$$ After my recent win at Star City casino in Sydney, Konzy wanted to put my luck to the test.

Arriving Crown casino in South Melbourne

We left with a happy smile 😀 😀

Needless to say, we won a couple of hundreds 

Zippadee-doo-dah! 😀 😀 Tag-team FTW.

I don't know what is it with me and casinos lately.

I've been recently bringing much luck to everyone who I tag along with to casinos, winning them more than triple and quadruple their capital amount! They say I'm their lucky charm, but I say luck comes and goes…

…and I've been enjoying my winning streak thus far!

Chilling at Ivy Pub in Sydney CBD

With Cousin Bernice over a pint of cider

Cousin Ken, Bernice and I then headed off for dinner shortly after

Ken wanted to bring us to this fine, classy place called Kingsleys Australian Steakhouse!

Had some garlic bread on the house after we placed our orders

Ken suggested we have some wine but since I've already had the whole pint of cider beer in Ivy already, I figured that I didn't feel like having another alchoholic drink. Besides, for a posh restaurant like this, it's going to cost a bomb!

After much persuasion, we ordered 1 glass of wine. I recommended him the Pedro Ximenez Sherry Spain, one of my faves.
 

You can see a little of the decoration of the restaurant behind us

It was classy and dimly lit.. also full of wine bottles everywhere!

The ambience was fab too – good for romantic dates or to celebrate an occasion

On to the food!

A well-done 500 g T-Bone Steak! It's a 90 day grain fed one too 😀

Loved how the meat was so flavourful and not too tough at the same time

A very happy "laughing Buddha" 😛 😛 It was yummy!

Roast Kangaroo with Italian coleslaw, Fondant Potatoes and Juniper Jam

Although it was tasty, the roo, as you can see, only came in 4 tiny slices

I felt somewhat cheated? How can the main star of the dish be in such a tiny portions?

We were hoping to have more kangaroo on it, at least.

Roast Barramundi with Grilled Zucchini, Bush Tomato and Olive Dressing

T'was absolutely delicious. What can I say? Pretty obvious that I'll order fish again – just like every other time.

The flesh of the barramundi was so soft and the veggies complemented the dish well

Was so happy and satisfied with what I ordered!

And finally! Dessert for the sweet-tooths

Although I'm not really big on sweet, sugary stuff, if there's one thing I can't resist, it's chocolate!

Dark Chocolate Delice with Coffee Anglaise, English Toffee and Sea Salt

That's one crazy combo, but it worked perfectly well! Who would've thought?

Major heaps of love for this dessert!

It was SO SMOOTH and creamy, reminds me of mousse but better!

After a scrumptious dinner (thanks Ken!) with our happy tummies, we decided to go for a spin at Star City casino – Sydney's one and only largest casino! 😀 😀 Hmmm.. let the dices roll!

We arrived and I was pretty impressed by the grand drive-through entrance!

The ushers were so friendly and efficient in greeting everyone/opening car doors too

The insides of Star City Casino

WOW! You gotta even take an escalator up where security will check your IDs at 2 different spots

That's my favorite game I always play at casinos, apart from Roulette and Big vs Small

And guess what? I won triple the amount we put in tonight $$$

Three cheers for good luck and masterful gambling skills!!! LOLOL

Woot woot!

Last night was amazing 🙂

So the whole lot of us went up to Traralgon by taxi and joined in the festivity of St. Pat's Day!

There was a sweet promo too, buy a glass of Guinness draught and get this awesome pawesome hat

I'm loving it! 😀 😀

I'm proud to say that the St. Pat's day celebrations in Malaysia are also just as well-celebrated in full scale just like it is here – and probably other parts of the world too :) There was so much merriment in the club!

Just the way it should be

Traditional Irish songs were played by a live band on stage as well

They belted out renditions of various acoustics, non-traditional songs and even modern pop culture ones too

Okay since I'm rushing my E-Journalism assignment research and writings now, this is gonna be a quick one 🙂

So… ta-daaaa! Party pictures with my mates from last night. Enjoy!

After downing some drinks and partying it up a bit, we headed up to Saloon where the real mad-arse party is.

Burn the dance floor with our heat!!

Partied till wee hours of the morning… till the doors of the club shut!

The girls' feet were aching due to our vicious high heels, but ohwell… I took them off and parked them by the stage to make sure I could really party the night away. Shuffle babehhh shuffle!

But poor Bardha!

Her feet hurt beyond madness while wearing her superhigh brand new stiletto pumps

Shot while waiting for the cabbie to take us home

Once we headed home, some of them knocked out back on their beds, the others cooked Mee Goreng for supper, and some of us stayed awake doing our assignments, studies and reports. LOL what a ironic way to end the night! 😀

Crashed at South 9 for the umpteenth again for the night. I swear I live there already haha. Goodnight all!

HAPPY ST. PADDIES DAY!

xoxo