Stella McCartney Pre-Fall 2019

Stella McCartney Pre-Fall 2019
(Images via Vogue)

It's officialーprints are starting to grow on me big time, all thanks to the amazing Stella McCartney. As usual, her latest collection is filled to the brim with her signature chic yet unique pieces, and amazing shoes and accessories to match. Stella can truly do no wrong. 

Heat Wave

Today's post is going to be a little different. More me. I guess. Anyway.

There's been a heat wave going on here in Melbourne, and it ain't pretty. We're talking temperatures over 40℃ for four days straight (which is apparently the longest run of 40℃ days since 1908) and it is safe to say that no-one is enjoying it. Especially the tennis players participating in the Australian Open, including a Canadian player who apparently hallucinated that he saw Snoopy. Weird.

Out of concern for my health, and a complete unwillingness to experience the full extent of the heat, I've opted to stay inside this week, until Saturday when the heat wave ends (hallelujah). As a result, I've been marathoning American Horror Story to the point that I'll be up-to-date later today, and I'm not so sure that's a good thing. Mostly because I also really don't like cliffhangers.

Yesterday we battled through the heat by closing the blinds and cranking up the fans. It was... bareable, to say the least. Today, however, we have given in to the siren call of the aircon, so it's not that bad. Actually, no, it's great as long as I don't go outside. Which I don't see happening until the temperature drops. Thank god for airconditioners.

I hope you're all doing well, and not suffering too much if you're suffering through this heat wave too. But then again, a lot of people have it a lot worse than a four-day 40℃ plus heat wave. Perspective.

Ganbaranba

I'm not gonna lie―blogs are so much more interesting when the person writing them actually has something (i.e. a life) to write about. And I haven't really done all that much since returning to Melbourne, so I'm taking it back to Cairns in 2019 for another post about ramen and gyoza.

Because there's really no such thing as too much ramen and gyoza.

So as you may have gathered, this delectable set of ramen and gyoza is from Ganbaranba, a popular if not the most popular ramen joint in my hometown. So popular that there was a bit of a wait two out of the three times I went when I was home. And for good reason too, because it's freaking delicious. My mouth is watering at the thought of it, no lies.

As a ramen restaurant (or "Noodle Colosseum" as they sign describe it), naturally the main item on the menu is ramen, but at Ganbaranba, the menu filled to the brim with different varieties of pork and chicken-based broths. So you're basically spoilt for choice, unless you don't like ramen. In which case, shame on you.

My personal favourite is the shio ramen (on the far-right) which is a slightly salty chicken-based broth with pork, spring onions, bamboo shoots, and bean sprouts. Definitely one of the most plain choices, but hey, if it ain't broke don't fix it. However, on one particular visit I decided to be adventurous and ordered the ikemen ramenーa pork-based broth infused with chilli and garlic alongside the usual toppings.

Then there's the gyoza―oh my god this gyoza is the shiz. Ganbaranba's pork gyoza are home-made daily and they are probably the best gyoza I have ever had. There must be something else they put in them to make them so amazing, but I honestly don't know what it is. What I can tell you is that they are juicy yet crispy and simply so, so delicious.

I miss Ganbaranba when I'm in Cairns. Seriously. Although I have found a place in Melbourne with some promise, and I'm hoping to visit soon! Which means more ramen and gyoza on this blog―because like I said, there's no such thing as too much.

Anyway, on that note, if you're ever in Cairns, do put Ganbaranba on your to-do list. You won't regret it. Trust.

Happy 2019

And just like that, 2019 is so last year. I swear it feels like Christmas was only a week ago. Or maybe that's simply because the Christmas decorations are still up.

2019 was a big year for me―not only did I start university, but I also moved to Melbourne all the way from Cairns to do so. Although I have spent long periods of time away from my family before, moving to Melbourne was the first time I have ever left them permanently, so there was a lot of adjusting to do. Luckily I love living here, and I also made some good friends at uni, so overall, it has been a good year. Honestly, it's crazy to think that it's already.

This year, my biggest goals are to be more positive, stress less, and just enjoy life. Not the most exciting of goals, I know, but they are reasonable enough to accomplish, and that's why I chose them. Although on the second thought, the first two might be harder due to my somewhat negative mindset and how easily I get stressed out... but that probably isn't how I should be thinking about, is it? Baby steps, baby steps.

I've already got some exciting things coming up year, but I can't wait to see what else the year brings me.

We're only three days in, but I hope your year has been great so far!