Cia Cia: life

Showing posts with label life. Show all posts

Hello... How r u people? Hope you all do great.

It's been way too long since I blogged last time.
Days by days were quite busy. I almost baked everyday. If you were thinking that my business is going so great and popular that I need to bake everyday every time... NO, you are wrong. It doesn't always mean like that.

Macaron business is doing OK for now. Not like nothing at all but not THAT popular... yet. I wish *fingercross

Besides, I was busy traveling too. hahaha... Yes, I just went to Korea last month with friends in a tour. It was super fun, super exciting. Korean food was yummy, korean people were great and Korea itself... it's pretty. I don't mind going back there for the second, third or fourth time. A lot of things to be explored there and a lot of food you need to eat.

Anyway, right now I am thinking what I should do next for my business. How to make it grow? How to make it bigger and more popular? How to gain more market? Hence, I am thinking to move to another city, bigger city... but it's all just in mind and heart now. Nothing confirmed yet, especially the permission from my parents. Hope they agree... *fingercrossagain

Secondly, I made another macaron boxes which is prettier than before. I wish this can bring up the name and attract more people. If you want to see more about my macarons, you can visit its Instagram page (ID: cappellomacaron) or its Facebook page.

'til next time then :)

Labels: blog, business, cappellomacaron, dcappello, dessert, life, macaron, macaroon, sweet, yummy 1 comments | |

It Feels Good Planning Holiday

Nothing do to while I'm waiting for my friend to pick me up.

Going to Semarang for another friend's wedding.

Another friend also got proposed yesterday. Hmmm.... :s

Anyway, posting this to spend my spare-time. Travelling plan this year:

1. Korea in April with friends.

2. Philippines in June with boyfie and his friends.

Definitely will do culinary there. I tried Philippine's food once in Cairns and I am in love. So tasty, so yummy, so delicious, so homey. Yum!

3. A friend asks to go to Greece and Turkey, if possible I really would like to go. In fact that his holiday plans, places and activities always amaze me hahaha...

Time to save money :)

Labels: friends, happy, holiday, life, overseas, place, plan, trip 1 comments | |

New Year, New Me, New You

Hi hi...

It's been a while since my last post... long time indeed.

Oh, 1st of all Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you :)
I thank God for everything in 2013, all of His blessing, His guidance, His plans for me and every little things happened in my life in the past one year.

Secondly, life has been very busy lately with the new macarons business here in my hometown.

Even though it's very small now, I hope it will be big someday. I hope it's growing slowly but surely.

Even though when I am not busy doing work, I will be enjoying my me-time. I admit that I do appreciate it more now.

It's hard to have time with yourself alone when you live back with your parents, surrounded by your dad's and mom's employees.

Somehow I don't find peace here, I don't feel homey but what can I do? I just need to survive it for now.

Besides, my business is going fine for now so it's kind of my motivation. I am getting more orders and more people know it better recently and I am thinking of opening another side-business.

I know it's too soon but at this age, at least for me, I can't just sit back and do nothing. Not that it's a stupid and reckless idea, I will surely think and plan it really carefully if I want to open one.

My mom said to me one day not to bake because the weather is really bad (bad weather is macarons' enemy), but I insisted and she said to me not to be afraid of what people say, I need to think about what I do, if it's not good to be done on that day then don't do it.

I was like 'what do you mean, mom?'. She replied, 'Don't just do work because you're afraid people will say you're jobless.'

I was like 'What? No!' I am not afraid of what people say. It's just not my thing to sit relax and do nothing when what I've done is not 100% perfect yet. People also say 'Do something you love, and you will love doing it'. EXACTLY! I love to bake so I love doing it. Even in a bad weather, even when the results are not perfect I still love doing it. And when finally I see the good and perfect results (even in a bad weather), it's a double satisfaction for me :)

So, I am still planning on what's next, searching and building new ideas, trying to realise it, keeping everything in order and making what I've done to be even better.

Sometimes, I feel I don't have time to think about anything else. In my mind, the only 2 things I concern now are to be successful and to travel a lot. Hehehe... still, travel is a list! (:

Ok, time to go to bed now.

Happy new year peeps once again, may this new year brings us luck and health and may we are all be blessed. 'Til next post!

Labels: 2014, business, job, life, new year 1 comments | |

What I am up to...

Hi hi...
Can't believe it's September... it's been a while indeed since my last post.
Nothing much happened but I am here in Indonesia for good, my hometown to be exact.
A small but peaceful city called Solo. lol!

I am currently trying to adapt with the new life, new people and new environment.
Maybe it doesn't make sense to you why I need to adapt with my hometown as I was born and grew up here. But trust me, it matters!

For example, I get no more freedom by living with your parents. Second and third and fourth and etc, the citizen, the place, the weather, the goods in supermarket, oh no...!

Anw, enough with the complaints. I am trying to open something here based on my passion.
The big issue is I am a bit dilemma whether I should go to Jakarta and work in the big companies, living surrounded with my bf and best friends or opening my small business in this city. While I haven't got any job, I am trying to realize what I have in mind... which is baking. A lot of trying here, baking in a new country with this humid weather is torturing.

What I have mastered in Melbourne is all now gone. I need to start new from a scratch. I need to understand and get to know with Indonesia's ingredients (I can't even find an exact same egg and castor sugar here). The feeling when you baked something and it turns out to be disaster is torturing. Oh God, help me!

So, yes! This is what I've been struggling of. I tried to bake and make what I make turned out perfectly with the new ingredients. It's a disaster I must say. It's just exploring new things from the very beginning again. You play with the recipe, the ingredients, the weather and a lot lot lot of research again. Arghhh! So frustrating.

But, I know I won't give up until I really find and make the perfect one and finally succeed.
Wish me all the best so I can start my own dream very soon :)
Ciao!

Labels: back, bakery, baking, business, dilemma, for good, hometown, Indonesia, life, me, Solo 0 comments | |

Macaron and Drive Test

I read a blog from Trissalicious about macaron and driving license and this sounds exactly like me at the moment.

I am going to have my driving license test tomorrow morning and I am nervous as hell.

Not that I can't drive properly but because I've been driving too long... but in my home country not here in Australia.

Why that makes a problem? Because in my country, road laws are made to be broken (well, except the traffic light). So, in fact I've been driving more than 10 years there and with no proper lesson from the certified instructor (my instructor is my mom) who follows all the road rules, I have made all this behaviour planted to my body and to my brain.

When I drive, I drive safely but in my own way. That means I discard all the steps in how to be a good driver, especially when you drive in Western countries but I still do all the basic and necessary steps in driving tho (I'm not that bad).

I had my driving lesson just to make myself sure what I need to do on the day and it just made me more nervous.

Head check, mirror, sign, break, road sign, merge, tram, bicycle. Oh man!

I know all of that things but do I need to literally move my head to check just on the mirror? Cry!!!!

I am seriously scared facing the test tomorrow, I hope I will pass though so I won't deal with it anymore.

And cos I am stressed out, I am baking macaron today.

I feel if I can make it right, I am gonna pass my test tomorrow. Finger crossed!!!!

Anyway, I did try the Italian method today in making my macaron.

This time is Oreo Cheesecake macaron. Sounds yum, isn't it?

I heard that the Italian method produces the best and stable results.

Well, it probably is. My macaron has the stable form and feet, not like last time when I use the French method. Sometimes I get beautiful look macaron but sometimes I don't even dare to take a pic of it. hahaha...

So, I will probably stick with this Italian method from now. But, I still can't get that shiny surface on the top. I noticed it should be glossy but mine looks more matte.

I wonder if this is because of the oreo mixture or I did something wrong. Sigh!

Recipe is adapted from here

In conclusion, I am able to make macaron perfectly today so I do really really hope everything is going to be fine tomorrow and I will get a kind tester.

Wish me luck!

Labels: baking, cookies and cream, drive test, driving license, filling, life, macaron, me, melbourne, my kitchen, oreo cheesecake 0 comments | |

Trip, trip and trip

It's always exciting to talk about holiday and trips, especially if it is your holiday.

I know I have been travelling a lot recently but that's what you should do when you're young, isn't it?

Once you have your own family and particularly when you start having your kids, travelling becomes harder.

I know I need to settle as soon as possible. I need to find a decent job and makes my parents and also myself more calm.

But I can't help myself planning my next trip. Ups!

Well, in mid-October I am going to Bali for my friend's wedding and will b there just for few days. Enough to have fun, it's gonna be a sweet getaway accompanied by best friends and amazing Bali's beach view.

In mid-November, my big family and I will be going to Hong Kong for my cousin's wedding.

Damn! Everyone is getting married but thanks to them so I have more reason to travel.

And.... in June next year (I know this one is too long to be told now), but anyway... my boyfriend, his friends and I are going to Cebu Philippines. I know we should go to Boracay or Palawan (the popular place) or at least Manila.

But we got $2 ticket for return to Cebu, so why not? As long as it's overseas, we can still explore something new. Correct?

I can always enjoy Philippines' food if there is nothing else to see in Cebu.

I tried their food once in Cairns and OH MY GOD, I love love love it!

It makes me wanting to try more but they don't have it here in Melbourne and I doubt it as well in Indo.

My cousin and my Filo friends also told me that when you're in Philippines, everything everywhere is pork.

Oh man! I am drooling already! Can't wait til next year.

Labels: bali, beach, cebu, holiday, hong kong, life, next, plan, trip, wedding 0 comments | |

For Good?

Life is getting so depressing for me at the moment.

Doing nothing is suffering for sure.

Maybe I am crazy, but for now, I can't wait to go back to Indo.

I booked my seat yesterday from my 1-year return ticket, and it will be next month.

Sounds so close, but for me it's like 100 years.

Sad? Of course. I will leave my friends here and leave what I've been familiar with in the past 6 years... ohhh almost 7 actually.

But I believe this is the best for me now, I need change, I need new environment, I need to find my passion, I need my best friends and of course my boyfriend.

Besides excited, I am scared too. Deep down in my heart, I am afraid that if I can't do well when I am back there. What if I can't find any job?

What if I find a job that I don't like again?

What if I don't like the environment in the end?

What if I can't stand the traffic and the country itself?

I really want to start and open something that I like but everything is not that easy.

I am confused too if I should stay in my hometown or really move to Jakarta.

Either way, I wish I can go back now or even few months earlier cos I feel I am wasting my time here by doing nothing. In Indo, everything is much easier especially to start something new.

However, one day, I still hope that I can go back to Melbourne as I love this city so much.

Even tho Indonesia is my birth country, living in a country that follows rules where everything is so clear and organised is beyond everything.

You find peace which you can't get in Indo.

Anyway, that's it for now. Looking forward to it next month.

Labels: depressed, heart, job, life, me 0 comments | |

Next!

I am going to New Zealand. Confirmed!

It's all so sudden and we just talked about it last week, plan the trip and destinations, arrange the time and finally book everything today.

Anw, after a long thought, we decided to just go to Auckland and Wellington for now, but we will also stop over in Rotorua.

Don't think it's cheap, it's expensive considered it's close to Melbourne.

Anyway, will be a tiring week but hope everything is going well and smooth.

Labels: auckland, getaway, life, new zealand, plan holiday, rotorua, trip, vacation, wellington 0 comments | |

To Sum Up

I know it's been a while since my last post.

I understand my previous post's title is 'til the second day',

but 2nd day, 3rd day, 4th and so on... I have no more energy to blog.

We always got back home really late between 11pm to 1am.

Our feet were killing us every day. We were super duper tired but it's all worth it.

We enjoyed every moment, every food, every heat in Singapore. I swear it's so hot.

I remember Singapore is used to be chilling and has just a perfect weather. Guess global warming is really happening.

Anw, my boyfriend went back to Indonesia already this evening. Sad? Of course.

8 days are too fast. And just because he went back, I have a lotttttt of time to do whatever.

In fact, I don't know what I should do. I will also have the whole day tomorrow to spend. Haiz....

I wish I can go back to Melbourne today as well.

Well, forget about that, now let's talk what we did this week.

We basically just eat eat and eat, walk walk and walk.

We were being a tourist for few days and it's so damn tiring.

Ohh... we also went out several times with our friend here.

Being with a local is always good, we tried new food, new things, know new places. Just nice!

Not too forget... we watched Fast Furious 6. Of course! And it's the premiere one, with the normal price. I have no idea how this works in Singapore, or is it normal?

Last but not least, we shopped. In Singapore, who doesn't?

00:00 now... Good night!

Labels: boyfriend, enjoy, holiday, life, me, singapore, trip, vacation 0 comments | |

Til the Second Day

Been eating like crazy since the first day...

Guess I seriously need to be back on my diet as soon as I come back to Melbourne.

Anyway, enjoy the pictures and til the next post :)

I love Emirates

Labels: asian, chinese, culinary, food, holiday, life, me, singapore, trip 0 comments | |

Zara's Wish List

I am going to Singapore in 2 days.

I hope Zara has updated their Singapore stocks as I didn't see any of these in Australia stores.

Anyway, will be in Singapore for 9 days with boyfriend (sadly he'll be there for a week only) and need to take care some of my father's business plan for one day (only.. ups!). So, there is no doubt that we'll go shop... Yeayness!

Hopefully I can find what I want there... as Zara is cheaper in Singapore, even though not much difference and only for some goods, but still... 1 cent is money.

Anw, I am after a pair of mid-heel sandals but guess need to try and see how it looks first... as my experience, every time I like Zara's shoes or sandals, by the time I tried it.... gone! I think twice to buy it.

Then, move to clutch. Well, apparently paper-bag looked alike clutch is a trend now.

Zara has it as well, called Basic Messenger Bag for EUR 19.95.

What color should I get? The red one is lovely, but I haven't had any sea green color bag. Or should I just go with the basic brown one? (doesn't look appealing tho)

I know, it looks like Celine's clutch or I can say Chloe too?

Well, not sure who copied who but Zara one is the cheapest one and we all know Zara one is not original leather. But consider for daily routine? Why not?!

Let see how it goes then :)

Labels: bags, celine, chloe, clutch, fashion, life, mid-heel, plan, sandals, singapore, zara 0 comments | |

Good Night Kiss

Good night to you my dear...

I'll see you soon :)

Labels: boyfriend, goodnight, kiss, life, love, me 0 comments | |

I Am Watching....

I have been addicted to these series since my friend aka my neighbour across the street copied some seasons to my hard disk, for a sake cos I am so free at the moment (forget this part).

Starting on season 2 for Nikita and still try to finish season 1 on Elementary.

They actually broadcast Elementary on TV as well but I'm so impatient to wait ;p

Well, try to watch and enjoy!

Labels: addicted, elementary, holmes, life, me, movies, nikita, series 0 comments | |

Past vs Present

Been in Melbourne for the past 6 years is something.

It changed my style, my life and my kind of food.

Been here for 6 years, I can now eat mushroom and yoghurt. Ohh... also more vegetables, cheese and chili. Huahhhh...! I am proud of myself.

So at this time at night, I can't believe my stomach is making a sound.

Thinking to eat cassava chips but decided to be a good girl tonight, starting to eat healthy snack.

Opened my fridge and lucky I saw small boxes of yoghurt. This is the 1st time I bought proper yoghurt in my life.

And I actually like it.... hmmm, maybe people do change huh? Good on me.

Labels: food, healthy, life, me, midnight, mushrooms, snack, supper, yoghurt 0 comments | |

Grateful

I am in the middle of nowhere at the moment.... of my life.

I am confused for what I want, am trying to find my identity.

I am trying to look for what I am capable of and what I should do for a living, for future.

And with all the problems in it, happens to me or to anyone who is related to me,

I sometimes think that 'why I don't have a life like her/him', 'why I don't have a job like them' or anything that human can think of a jealousy.

Thus, I look at my surroundings again, not too far, started from my close friends....

then I realize I am still a lucky person. At least I have everything I want so far, most of my plans work smoothly til now and I still live my life adequately.

There is a friend said to me one night, "You need to live your life 100%, either you have a job or not, either you are happy or not, either you have money or not, either you are in problem or not... I know it's not like you choose your life to be miserable but it is a life from God, you've been given a chance to live so if you do it 100%, you will find a way and you'll be helped."

Well, I am not a very very religious person but when he said that to me, I was like 'Dammit, it goes to my heart and to my mind!' It's maybe true cos what I do til the previous second is just complaining.

So for what I have and for my life, I'm grateful. I thank God and I will always be.

Labels: family, friends, God, grateful, heart, job, life, me, thank God 0 comments | |

Sad and Mad

I am so sad sad sad and mad mad mad.

I don't know which one to blame, Indo or Aussie.

Okay, let me explain the problem here.

My boyfriend planned to come to Melbourne next week for holiday for about 7 - 10 days.

Well, Thanks to Australia Immigration in Jakarta that successfully ruined our sweet, short and romantic holiday plan.

They refused my bf's visa application. Yes, it is a Visitor Visa only.

Why? Because they said:

his passport does not have a lot of stamps in it (what the? it's a new passport. Geez!).
his family card is not strong enough to show his relationship with the family in Indonesia which made them think that he will not go back to Indonesia and will stay in Australia illegally.
his bank account's transaction or history is not stable even the total amount he has is enough for travelling and staying in Australia.
what else did they say? I even forgot cos it doesn't make sense. In conclusion, they are afraid that my bf is not travelling genuinely and are scared that he will stay in Australia forever. Dohhhh!!!!

Did he provide all documents required? Yes.

Did I sponsor him? Yes, I did!

Does not make any difference apparently.

In my experience applying a Tourist Visa, you can actually explain or even give argument when something is not right. At least you can actually speak to the officer and go through the documents together and if they need additional documents to support the application then they will tell us and we will provide it happily. Apparently, this does not happen in Indonesia or for Australia Visa. Sighhhh!

So once the decision has been made, it is a dead sentence, checkmate and we need to accept with open hands and minds. You can't even request for re-appeal?

Don't ask if we tried to contact the department or not. Many times! And only 1 person replied to our email, maybe there is only 1 person working as a support there. And as expected, the answer is not helpful at all, it's just like an automatic answer based on the template they agree on.

What happen now? No more holiday plan as he can just come here next week, not the week after, not next month or not even the next 2-3 months. Why? Because he needs to work and do his project in Indonesia. See, how sincere he is to go back to Indonesia? I wonder if this kind of issue happens to a lot of people or not.