How To Make A Trash Bag Using Newspaper ( No Glue, No Scissors )

Singapore uses at least 1.76 billion plastic items a year - or almost one plastic item per person per day - but less than 20 per cent is recycled, according to survey results announced by the Singapore Environment Council (SEC).

In a survey of more than 1,000 people online, the non-governmental organisation found that people in Singapore take 820 million plastic bags yearly from supermarkets.

Only 2 per cent of these supermarket plastic bags were recycled by consumers. Two-thirds were used for the disposal of waste. The average Singaporean uses an unconscionable 13 plastic bags a day.

Here's what we can do :
- making trash bins out of newspapers to reduce the use of plastic bags

- opt for eco-friendly and reusable mesh nylon bags for vegetables and fruits at the market. Shop on Shopee Singapore.

- choose reusable microfiber pads for makeup removal to reduce the use of cotton pads. Shop on Shopee Singapore.

- keep a reusable bag in your backpack to store your purchases and refuse their store paper bags and plastic bags.

More tips on how to reduce, reuse and recycle at the comfort of your own home.

KDrama : Hospital Playlist

A drama depicting the stories of people going through their days that are seemingly ordinary but actually special, at the hospital, a place known as the microcosm of life - where someone is being born and someone's life meets their ending. The five doctors are long time friends of 20 years who started their undergrad in 1999 in the same medical school, and now they are colleagues in the same hospital. The drama will also deal with a story of a band formed by the group of doctors.

Initially when I first watched the first episode, I was bored and switched it off to other Kdramas but after reading about the raving reviews on this drama and judging from a recommendation by an Instagram friend, I decided to give it a 2nd chance. Boy! Am I so glad to have re-watch it!

Love the friendship and the chemistry among all 5 of them, that I almost wished that I have friends like them too! Young, successful, rich with professional careers and good singing abilities - they are so perfect!

I felt almost sad when I watched the last episode last night.It doesn't even feel like its the last episode at all and I guess thats because there is going to be Season 2 next year! Yay!

Unlike other medical genre, Hospital Playlist delved more into the more human and day-to-day aspects of a hospital life, instead of life and death situations, political rivalry and power struggles.

It is heartwarming, sweet, relatable and touching at times. Doctors are only humans and despite how busy they are, they still make time for friendships, meals and taking care of one another.

Where To Purchase : Shopee 

This song represented my feelings for the show! Please go watch it!

KDrama : The World Of The Married

Ji Sun-Woo (Kim Hee-Ae) is a family medicine doctor. She is married to Lee Tae-Oh (Park Hae-Joon) and they have a son. She seems to have everything, including a successful career and a happy family, but she is betrayed by her husband and others.

Meanwhile Lee Tae-Oh dreams of becoming a famous movie director. He runs an entertainment business with the support of his wife Ji Sun-Woo. Even though he loves his wife, Lee Tae-Oh falls into a dangerous relationship.

After watching the last episode of current hottest drama last night - The World Of The Married, I was alittle disappointed on how the ending panned out. Given the roller coaster ride this drama had given us right from the first episode, the ending was somehow subdued and almost anti-climax.

As much as I know it is impossible but I was still rooting for Kim Yoon-Ki, that he would end up with Ji Sun-Woo, considering how much care and concern that he had for her and was always there supporting her at her lowest point. And its somehow strange that he was present at the dinner gathering to celebrate the "reunion" for Ye Rim and Je Hyuk - were they friends in the first place?

Min Hyun-Seo was such a good friend that I felt almost sorry that she left. As far as I can see, Kim Yoon-Ki and Min Hyun-Seo were the only 2 good characters in the show and I was hoping that there would be lovely closures for each of them. Well, at least Min Hyun Seo escaped from her abusive boyfriend although he died from a supposingly suicide attempt ( we never know if its really true though ) and that made her sad.

As strangely as it sounds, all the other characters remain as good friends despite the betrayals, hurt and pain inflicted on one another.

To be honest, would you be able to remain good friends with the guy who had a one night stand with your wife, or remain as best buddies with your girlfriend who condone the affair that your husband had, and even went on a trip with them behind your back? And how does Lee Joon-Young survive one whole year outside without money and contact with his parents?

Overall, The World Of The Married is such a thought-provocating drama - its relatable and shows how damaging a divorce is, not only affecting just the couple but everyone in the family, especially the child who may be too young to understand.

I like that Ji Sun-Woo remains as strong as ever, from before to after the divorce, she stands tall and refuses to back down.

You should’ve… taught your daughter to be more careful. She shouldn’t have touched someone else’s husband. She shouldn’t make moves on a man with a kid. No matter how easy you are, only terrible people… break up someone else’s family.

I heard you got married, but you don’t look happy for some reason. I guess I can understand. A man who cheated once…will most likely cheat again. 

I was mostly sad rather than being angry. My tears rolled when I saw her walking into the sea, attempting suicide while feeling her pain. I was touched to see how anxious Kim Yoon Ki was for her and really hoped for the best for the both of them.

Have you watched this show? Do you like the ending?

Its been awhile since I wrote my musings on this blog and during this period, I have watched plenty of Kdramas and those worthy to mention are Crash Landing On You, Itaewon Class, Dr. Romantic 2, Memorist, Tell Me What You Saw, Nobody Knows, Woman of 9.9 Billion, When The Camellia Blooms, Vagabond, Her Private Life, He Is Psychomatic, Doctor John, Touch Your Heart, VIP, WWW, Memories Of The Alhambra, Doctor Prisoner, Miss Lee, The Last Empress, Live Up To Your Name and My ID Is Gangnam Beauty.

If you have the time, you can consider watching Touch, A Piece Of Your Mind, Because This Is My First Life, Encounter and Melting Me Softly but before these, please watch the Korean Movie Parasite - its a must watch!

Chateraise Premium Matcha Ice Bar

An icy coated matcha ice bar with a subtle creamy and milky matcha interior. I prefer a bolder flavour, but I guess there is a reason why its called the Ice Bar. $1.20

Chateraise Premium Ice Cream Kyoto Uji Matcha

December 1954, the first Chateraise was opened in the foothills of Mt. Fuji. Today, the brand has expanded to over 470 shops across Japan and 24 shops around the world: Dubai being the 15th shop, opening first time in the Middle East region.

Chateraise sweets are made exclusively from specially selected fresh ingredients produced by directly contracted farms and pastures. They produce desserts only in our their factory and deliver to Chateraise shops all over the world.

This range comes in 3 flavours - matcha, vanilla and rum and raisin. Being a matcha fan, it was apt that I chose this flavour. $2.50 at 80ml

There is a slight bitterness to the matcha, without being overly sweet which is the way I like it. Worth a repurchase.

Ingredients : Skim milk, cream, sugar, starch, syrup, egg, green tea

Marusanai / Tonyu Matcha ( Marusan Matcha Soy Milk )

Founded in 1952 in Okazaki, Marusan has dedicated it's mission to serve its customers with products using only the best ingredients and promoting healthier choices. Soybeans are high-quality proteins, is flavones, vitamins, minerals and many other nutrients good for human health. Each packet is packed with nutrients and vitamins that helps you fulfil your daily nutritional requirements and is also convenient to drink on-the-go.

Marusan Matcha soy milk is blended with authentic Nishio matcha, a pleasant flavour twist from the original soymilk. Compared to standard soy milk drinks (the table 2010 soy milk drink malt Japan food standard ingredients coffee), Marusan Matcha Soy Milk has 50% lesser calories.

The soy milk has a hint of matcha flavour and its not as sweet as the usual soy milk. The sweetness level is just right for me but the matcha soy milk taste is an acquired taste.

Where To Purchase : Shopee

Ingredients :
Soybeans (Canada or United States) (not genetically modified), powdered green tea, lactic acid, potassium hydroxide, salt, agar-agar, yeast extract flavour, gellan gum, acesulfame potassium, sucralose

Dulcet n Studio Karuizawa Green Tea Bread

At Dulcet n Studio, located at Liang Court entrance, is this Asanoya bakery selling the signature Karuizawa Green Tea bread. 2 slices cost $3.50 and their bread is freshly baked daily.When I was there, it was going for 40% as they were trying to clear their bread and I was holding the last 2 slices. 

The bread is airy, soft, chewy and fluffy with a subtle green tea flavour and fragrance. However, I felt that it is still alittle too dry for me when I had it without any additional jam. The following day, I added the O'Sulloc Green Tea Milk Spread, and it was much better.

The size is too much for me, even for a meal, so sharing would be preferred.

Don Don Donki : Matcha Warabi Mochi

Japanese discount chain, Don Don Donki has 3 branches in Singapore - Orchard Central, 100AM and City Square Mall. I bought Matcha Warabi Mochi at the Orchard Central branch for $3.

Tender and wobbly with the matcha bitterness matching the sweetness of the mochi, it is really oiishi and is a must-try from the store. It is $3 and you can probably finish all within 10 minutes.

Where To Purchase : Shopee

Bestore Mochi ( Matcha/Red Bean/Mango )

Sweet Hug Green Tea Spread

Sweet Hug Green Tea Milk Spread has a rich green tea flavour paired with almond powder and almond bits. Best enjoyed as a jam, dressing, and topping on plain crackers and bread, salads, ice creams

I bought all the 4 spreads when I was in Seoul. They are so much interesting than what we had in our local supermarkets in Singapore, and just thinking of them made me look forward to breakfast every morning!

Sweet Hug Green Tea Milk Spread has a thick creamy texture with almond bits that provide that crunchy bite. Even though I am not a almond fan, I still enjoy having this Green Tea Spread on my bread as the almond taste is not too distinct while the crunchy bites provided a good texture.
The Green Tea has a certain level of sweetness without being overboard and there is no bitterness.

Will definitely repurchase if I chance upon it again.

Where To Purchase : Amazon | Shopee
O'sulloc Green Tea Milk Spread ( Shopee )

O'sulloc Green Tea Langue De Chat ( Shopee )

O'Sulloc Green tea Wafer Cubes ( Shopee ) 

O'Sulloc Matcha Powder Green Tea ( Shopee )

O'Sulloc Premium Matcha Powder ( Shopee )

KDrama : The Miracle That We Met

An ordinary man dies in a car crash, but his spirit awakes inside another man with the same name and age but an entirely different background. He becomes the head of two families and agonizes over his two different wives.

He holds himself responsible for fixing the life of the man he finds himself in, including his damaged relationship with his workers, wife, and children, before he deems himself righteous to return to his old life and old family.

However, he falls in love with his new life and family in the process and faces the ultimate dilemma of choosing between the two families who share places in his heart.

This is yet another show with a "reset" life button although the plot is very different with a soul-switching element to it. The veteran casting actor and actresses ( Kim Myung Min, Kim Hyun Joo, and Ra Mi Ran ) brought the plot to life, with much reality and tears. Even the kids ( Kim Hwan Hee and Seo Dong Hyun ) acted very well, despite being caught in Your Dad VS My Dad situation.

I really enjoyed the show. I can literally feel their thoughts and emotions, making my tears roll each time, a heart-wrenching scene came onto the screen.

The underlying message in this show, is to never take your loved ones for granted. Kudos to the 2 wives who tried desperately to hold on to the husband, in order to keep their family together. And a thumbs-up to Kim Hwan Hee's touching performance for needing her father that just keep my tears flowing non-stop.

That aside, I would have hope for more relentless pursuing from Joseph Lee, who was keen in Kim Hyun Joo initially, yet he just disappeared without much of a fight in the end. It would have been interesting to invoke some jealousy from Kim Myung Min. Haha!

Hope you enjoy the Korean Drama as much as I do!

Source : MyDramaList, HelloKpop

CNY Clean-Up : Donation Drives

Global Ehsan Relief Singapore

With the upcoming Chinese New Year, most of us would be cleaning and clearing our house, so where will your excess clothes go to?

Wacoal Singapore

Join Wacoal in their Bra Recycling Campaign!
Reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and landfill activities to preserve lands for agriculture and development.
⠀
From 1st Dec 2018 to 28 Feb 2019, receive 5 Wacoal membership points* (equivalent to $5) instantly when you drop a bag of old bras into Wacoal’s bra recycling bin at any of our outlets!

https://www.facebook.com/EcoBankSG/

If you have something that’s too good to throw away, EcoBank it!

Ecobank’s collection drive starts TODAY, and we are welcoming donations of toys, clothes, books and accessories that are in good, resaleable condition. All donated items will be sold at our Ecobank Bazaar happening soon in March, the proceeds of which will go to charity, so do keep an eye out for more updates!

Collection ends 28 January, 5pm.

Items can be dropped off at any of our 7 collection points below:

Republic Plaza - 9 Raffles Place​, Level 1
Quayside Isle - 31 Ocean Way, Basement 1, Management office
City House - 36 Robinson Road, Lobby
Fuji Xerox Towers - 80 Anson Road, Lobby
Central Mall Office - 1 Magazine Road, Level 1, Customer service counter
City Square Mall - 180 Kitchener Road, Basement 2, Near escalators
South Beach - 38 Beach Road, Basement 1, Near Starbucks

Do note that we do NOT accept donations of:

1. Textbooks and exam practice books
2. Inner wear
3. CDs

https://projectdignity.sg/dignity-mama/

Items to donate:

Storybooks, Comics, Management books, Encyclopedias, Magazines, Arts and craft books, Autobiographies

Please ensure that the books and magazines are in a good state as these books will be sold as second-hand books by beneficiaries of Dignity Mama Stall to members of the public to raise funds.

Where : Drop off your books at the National University Hospital, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital and Dignity Kitchen.

Kdrama : Go Back Couple

Choi Ban-Do (Son Ho-Jun) and Ma Jin-Joo (Jang Na-Ra) are both 38-years-old and a married couple. Choi Ban-Do has been burdened with being the breadwinner and Ma Jin-Joo is a housewife with low self-esteem. Even though they loved each other when they married, they now hate each other. They both regret marrying at such a young age. The couple travel through time and find themselves as 20-year-old university students, when they met for the first time.


I watched Familiar Wife first and realized both dramas are almost similar with 2nd chance between a married couple as the core but if you can only watch one, I would highly recommend Go Back Couple. It is so much better in terms of plot, maturity, relatability ( with the son being brought in ), high-emotions, family love, etc.

Initially, I had wanted to skip the show, because So Ho Jun and Jang Na Ra looked like an unlikely couple but because of A-lister Jang Na Ra and how her dramas always shine, I decided to watch the first episode and boy! was I hooked!

The chemistry between the 2 leads and the 2nd leads are all so sweet and endearing and I really like the fact that all of them are level-headed and mature even to the point of knowing when to let go of their unrequited love.

You can't help but to root for Jang Ki Yong as the 2nd male lead, simply by the way he adored Jang Na-Ra. And the way that Son Ho-Jun and him fighting for her attention is just so hilarious, especially where both of them slept together beside her.

Watching the show reminds me once again, how fragile a relationship is, be it family or your love partner and how one should always cherish the time of having them by your side because one day, they will no longer be around. After all, our life on earth is limited.

Personally, I thought the ending for the last episode was too abrupt, there is no proper closure to those around the main leads - I would love to see where each and every one of them ended up with.

I also dislike the numerous to-and-fro between present and the past, making me a little confused at times, wondering which "era" the plot is in at that time frame. Then again, it is a small issue, as I get over that pretty quickly after a few minutes.

Go Back Couple has this feel-good factor with no jealousy and evil plots, but regrets and what-ifs that make tears roll and how the couple try to make things right, with the given chance. A must-watch Kdrama!

KDrama : Signal

Hae-Young (Lee Je-Hoon) works as a criminal profiler and is also a police lieutenant. Even though he is a cop, he doesn't trust cops due to his own past experience. Back in 2000, when Hae-Young was in elementary school, his classmate Yoon-Jung was kidnapped and later found dead. Hae-Young saw a woman taking Yoon-Jung from school that day, but the police announced that the suspect was a man. Hae-Young even went to the police station and told the police officers that he saw the kidnapper and she was a woman. The police officers though didn't pay attention to him. The killer was never caught and her case remains unsolved to this day.

Hae-Young meets a reporter at a cafe to reveal bombshells about a celebrity scandal. Meanwhile, veteran detective Soo-Hyun (Kim Hye-Soo) is at the cafe staking out the meeting, unaware that Hae-Young is a cop. She arrests Hae-Young for stalking celebrities. While leaving the police station (the same police station he went to as a kid), Hae-Young hears someone talking to him. He looks around to find a walkie-talkie. The man who is talking to Hae-Young is Detective Jae-Han (Cho Jin-Woong). The detective though is from the year 2000 and he is investigating the disappearance of Hae-Young's elementary school classmate. Hae-Young and Detective Jae-Han begin to communicate via the walkie-talkie.

This is such an excellent show, that I would highly recommend anyone who is into murder, mystery and thrillers to watch it. No wonder, it becomes one of the highest rated dramas in Korean cable television history with a peak audience share of 12.54%. It received praises for its solid acting, tightly-constructed plot and detailed and sophisticated direction.

Loved the show and especially Cho Jin-woong who put in a solid performance as the male lead, losing the lady he loved and also his own life, just because of his pursuit for justice. The emotions he portrayed in his role, had me tearing as I can feel his pain and his loss. To be honest, I didn't know who he was, before the show " Signal" but now I can see, why he is known as one of Korea's best actors, because he truly deliver an exceptional and flawless performance. You just have to watch the show, to get what I meant.

Cho Jin Woong,as a male detective, is so different from the "genius" male leads that we are so used to - he is simple, pure, idealistic, persistent, relentless and vulnerable, that you can't help screaming "don't do it!" at the TV screen at times, or quietly praying that nothing will happen or secretly rooting for him, in your heart for the things he did and did not do. There is a surge of emotions for him, as the one and only uncorrupted detective in the whole police force, where he is faced with different obstacles along the way to unraving the deadly plot.

The plot is complex, yet kept one rooted at the edge of your seat with every episode. Most of the cases are based on real crimes - one of it, being the famous Hwaseong Serial Murders which remained unsolved till today. Several films and television shows are based on these murders, such as Signal and Tunnel. As much as I enjoyed watching Tunnel, I would still recommend one to watch Signal if you can only watch one show. Signal would always be a winner in my heart. It is really that good.

You can purchase the video here, the books here, the audio OST here and the DVD set here. I would love to hear if you like the show!

KDrama : Familiar Wife

Cha Joo Hyuk works at a bank and has been married to Seo Woo Jin for five years. When a strange incident happens one day, Joo Hyuk makes a decision that impacts his life and those around him in unexpected ways. Suddenly, the life he had with Woo Jin and his best friend, Yoon Joong Hoo are gone and he is leading a very different life. How will his first love, Lee Hee Won, factor into his new life? And will it be possible to get his old life back?

The first episode was so relatable that I can't wait for more. I know of guys who are like him, who blamed the wife for the married life that went wrong, without realizing that he was the one who caused it to happen. 

I like how he started out as a self centered guy who only think of his own misery and unhappiness, with disregard to how his wife is handling the marriage to moving on and realizing that he was the one who caused the marriage to breakdown, and leaving his wife to her own, most of the time. 

The story gives both characters a 2nd chance in life and how Cha Joo Hyuk learnt more about himself and those around him to become a better person. In the last episode, you can see that both main leads have decided to love, support and cherish each other in managing life, work, marriage and family. And thats what makes the drama so endearing!

Kang Ha Na as his other wife is just so pretty, I can't help but to stare at her sweet dimple all the time. Watching her on Running Man tells me that, she is aware of her own beauty because she accepted all compliments without saying anything as though she hears them all the time. HAHA.

This is a good drama for married couples.

You can purchase Familar Wife OST from Amazon.

KDrama : A Korean Odyssey

In 2017, Son Oh-Gong and Ma-Wang are in conflict with each other as they look for a true light in a dark world where evil thrives. Having made a contract with Seon-mi 25 years ago, entitling her to seek help from Son Oh-Gong whenever she calls him in exchange for letting him free, the two meet again in a fateful encounter. From there, Son Oh-Gong is bound to his protective role towards Seon-mi, the little girl he had met years ago.

Earlier this year, A Korean Odyssey was so popular that has everyone talking about it and with a friend highly recommending this drama to me, it was apt that I should be watching it too. To add on, this drama was written by the famous Hong Sisters who have written many popular romantic comedies like The Girl, You're Beautiful, My Girlfriend Is A Nine-Tale Fox, The Greatest Love, Master's Sun, etc which I enjoyed. A Korean Odyssey is also known as Journey To The West remake.

Main lead, Lee Seung Gi as Son Oh Gong is so in love with female lead Oh Yeon Seo as Jin Jeon Mi that he will do anything to protect her. Despite his fiery temper, he has a soft and endearing side towards his friend, Cha Seung Won as Woo Hwi Chul and their constant bickering are just hilarious.

I like Jin Jeon Mi's office assistant who is a simple, kind and lovable character who always manage to inject a comical touch to the story. Every character just flourish under the Hong Sisters' writing and the humour is just so on point and makes it an enjoyable drama.

The plot is fantasy-like ( which is expected, since most of them are demons ) and each of the demons has an interesting personality and power.

Unfortunately, I thought the power of Black Dragon was alittle overhyped because it was killed by Son Oh Gong too easily, without much of a battle. And Jin Jeong Mi, with so much power, died alittle too quickly too. I was expecting more though.

However, I do like that Woo Hwi Chul managed to find out who his son is, and how he start to protect him from afar, without revealing who he is.

A nice drama!

You can purchase the DVD on Amazon.
A Korean Odyssey DVD
A Korean Odyssey Monkey Plush Toy
A Korean Odyssey Bangle
A Korean Odyssey Necklace

KDrama : Marry Me Now

Park Yoo-Ha (Han Ji-Hye) studied hard in medical school and finished her intern course. She works hard to become a doctor due to her father. Her father raised 4 children by himself and her oldest sister also sacrificed for the family. Park Yoo-Ha is not interested in other people. Suddenly, her father marries a woman rich enough to own a building.

Meanwhile, Jung Eun-Tae (Lee Sang-Woo) works as a doctor. He volunteered for performing medical service abroad, but he comes back to Korea. Jung Eun-Tae is not interested in marriage, because his father placed priority on his medical work over family and Jung Eun-Tae believes he is like his father.

Korean drama, Marry Me Now has recently ended its run of 50 episodes. I followed the show religiously, since episode 1. It was such a heartwarming plot and I don't even feel that its 50 episodes long. Kudos to the filming crew and the cast. Every character has his/her own time to develop in their character as we get involved in their family affairs.

I am not a fan of family dramas because their stories tend to be long and draggy but Marry Me Now was never boring. Even though the plot is simple and light but it displays the love and affection each had for another.

And while some may cringe upon PDA ( public display of affection ) between old folks in dramas, which this drama has, fret not, as both main leads have put in excellent performance to not make you feel that way. The female lead  Jang Mi Hee as Lee Mi Yeon fell head over heels for male lead, Yoo Dong Geun as Park Hyo Seob, ever and both are just so endearing and sweet to each other, that you can't help but to feel happy for their new found love at their age.

If you are into heartwarming and loving family drama, then this is a must-watch. I really enjoyed the show and I sincerely feel that, if every family can be like them, our world would be a better place.

KDrama : Whats Wrong With Secretary Kim?

Lee Young-Joon's family runs a large company and he works as the vice-president of the company. He is smart, rich and handsome, but he is arrogant. His secretary is Kim Mi-So. She has worked for him for years and she is perfect for him, but Kim Mi-So decides to quit her job.

The show ended yesterday with everything coming to a perfect closure. I enjoyed the show. There is no evil mother-in-law, revengeful plot, love affairs, backstabbing, just a simple and pure office cum romance, with comical characters round the corner. 

It has a perfect sweet ending where every other couple, other than the main leads, get together according to their wishes too. Just like a happily-ever-after fairy tale. 

Park Min Young is so beautiful in the show and I actually went to do some googling to see if its natural beauty. It turned out that her plastic surgeon did a good job in transforming her. The clothes that she wore, showed off her curves in all the right places and its been said that she lost 4 kg specifically for this role just so that, she can look good in office wear. And certainly she does, in her chic and polished office wear. Park Min Young, you rock!

Park Yoo Sik ( Kang Ki Young ) is downright funny being Lee Young Joon's best friend and director in the same company as he dishes out love advice to him.  

Chairman Lee and his wife are always giving sarcastic jabs to each other which is totally hilarious!

And of course, all the other characters in the office are good as well. Every character has been brought to life and there is a feel-good vibe for each of the character in the show, that you can't help but to root for them - their lives, their relationships, their friendships, etc. 

Love the perfect ending, and I hope you enjoy the show too!  

You can purchase the DVD from Amazon

Whats Wrong With Secretary Kim DVD
Whats Wrong With Secretary Kim Plush Toy

Matcha Azuki Mochi

A friend has just came back from Osaka and bought a box of Matcha Azuki Mochi for me. Thankfully, the Azuki is hardly delectable which had me enjoying the small box of Mochi.

Sharing among 4 of us at home, meant that we polished a box of 10 mochi within 10 minutes. Mochi are small balls made of glutinuous rice which can be sweet or savory.

The sweetness of Matcha Azuki Mochi is just right - not overly sweet, with a subtle matcha flavour which can be stronger. However, the addictive part is the mochi which is very very soft, chewy and dense.

You can check out other mochi on Amazon
Japanese Green Tea Mochi + Yomogi
Japanese Mochi Fruits ( choice of strawberry, green tea, melon, orange ) - Popular Amazon Choice
5-color Traditional Japanese Mini-Confectionery Holiday Bundle
Traditional Japanese Sweets YOKAN Sweet Jellied Red-bean Paste Dessert Snack

Black Knight : The Man Who Guards Me

A man risks fate for a woman he loves.

Soo-Ho (Kim Rae-Won) is a successful businessman who lives abroad. Those that oppose Soo-Ho always seem to suffer misfortune. He decides to go to South Korea find Hae-Ra (Shin Se-Kyung), but first he goes to Slovenia.

Meanwhile in Seoul, Hae-Ra works at a travel agency, but she has never had a chance to travel abroad. She had a happy childhood until her parents died. Her life has been miserable ever since. She thinks back to a purple cashmere coat that her parents ordered for her as a Christmas present, but she could not pick up because of their demise. She decides to go to Sharon's Boutique and look for that coat in hopes of changing her fortune. After meeting Sharon (Seo Ji-Hye) at the boutique, she opens her eyes and finds her purple cashmere coat. Afterwards, people who give her a hard time suffer misfortune. She goes to Slovenia and meets Soo-Ho. Their fate has been intertwined since their past lives.

The opening of the drama was sleek with a rich man ( Kim Rae Won ) in the background of Slovenia's lush mountains and pastures, and then moving on to how he met the female lead, Shin Se Kyung. It begins innocently enough with the sweet pursuit of Shin, and how attracted he was to her when actually, he already knows who she is. 

“Black Knight” tells the story of a sad yet beautiful love between a man and a woman transcending time. Love that had failed once in the past due to the chaotic reality continues to the present day with intensified emotions.

Somehow, it gives one hope that love never dies. If both of you are meant to be with each other, you will still get to meet and fall in love - akin to a red string binding the both of you. But of course, Korea drama will go 1 step further, pairing you with a perfect gentleman - romantic, rich, suave, love you to death, a great cook, CEO of a company and giving whatever you want. 

In Black Knight, Soo Ho is always there for Hae-Ra, just like her knight, protecting her from all danger. The ending is sad, because Hae-Ra grows old while Soo Ho will always be the way he is but he will be lonely as she will eventually left him when she died. 

The story started off pretty well, giving me the vibe to watch it further but it starts to get draggy, with all sort of plots being throw in. Then again, this story is never normal in the first place - it just started off as normal. 

Sharon is evil throughout because of her love for Soo-Ho but I still wish that she could have turned better, realized her folly and did some good things for them, instead of having such an easy death. 

I am touched by the love shown by Soo Ho for Se Kyung. His love for her never waver. Whatever he did, is always for her. He has her in his thoughts all the time. 

I can't say that this is a must-watch but its worth considering when you have watched all the essential dramas. 

Matcha Chocolate Daifuku

My brother bought a box of Matcha Chocolate Daifuku for me while vacationing in Tokyo 2 months ago. As the name implies, Daifuku mochi is a traditional type of Japanese confectionery which is soft and chewy like mochi. 

The matcha flavoured soft and round rice cake with white chocolate filling is addictive and the bite-sized portion makes it easy to digest. Oiishi!

Alternatively, you can purchase other matcha snacks from Amazon or Shopee.
Green Tea Flavour Rice Cake
Japanese Matcha Mochi Rice Cake
Japanese Matcha Kit Kat

Bestore Matcha Sandwich Cookie ( Shopee )

Aji JapanStyle Tart ( Shopee )