Lasagna for dinner!! Yummy...

A peek into my fridge of perishables revealed lots of cheese, tomatoes and mushrooms. Browsing through my cabinets, I spotted a box of lasagna sheets with pictures of everything in my fridge on it. So much for a kitchen inspiration! I guess that’s why packaging is so important on a product.

Hence with much improvisation, I decided on my own version of lasagna, keeping the components of meat sauce, and cheese fairly simple. The meat sauce derives much flavor from my added use of my favorite pasta sauce and lots of tomatoes, onions and mushrooms; hence there is no need to simmer it for hours on end.

For those who want it even simpler to fit the busy urbanite’s lifestyle, simply use a flavorful store-bought pasta sauce for the meat sauce layer. I’ve tried various pasta sauces for my spaghetti from Prego to Kimball or Classico and they all taste fairly decent. Forget the cooking pros!! There’s no shame in using something from a bottle, whatever works I say.

I had much fun assembling the layers of the lasagna. Very therapeutic, and of course, the feeling of satisfaction you get when serving the lasagna and all the layers stay nicely packed and moist. Here’s my recipe :)

Kathy's Lasagna 

1 pack of ground beef

1 bottle of your favorite pasta sauce

1 box of uncooked lasagna noodles

Button mushrooms – sliced

Onion – diced

Tomatoes - diced

Grated cheese – a lot of cheeseeee!!! or you can use cheese slices

1/4 cup hot water 

Cook beef in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring until it crumbles and is no longer pink; drain. Stir in pasta sauce, onions, tomatoes & mushrooms.

Grease 9 x 12 baking dish; pour a think layer of beef mix on the dish first. Top with noodle layers on top. And then spread a thin layer of cheese . Repeat procedures. Lastly, spread remaining one-third of meat sauce and spread the cheese.

Then, slowly pour 1/4 cup hot water around inside edge of dish.  Cover baking dish with heavy-duty aluminum foil (to avoid it from drying). Bake at 150C for around 45 minutes; uncover and bake 10 more minutes. Let stand before serving.

My Signature Perfume : Chanel Chance Eau Tendre

I didn't get compliments on a perfume for years, until this baby!! One day, while accompanying my mom to the hospital for her regular check-ups....A man.... a doctor no less.....stopped dead in his tracks to tell me how much he liked it. HE LIKED THE SMELL OF MY PERFUME!! 

I think he used the word lovely & sexy. It is also one of the few perfumes that got a "you smell nice" from my husband who usually doesn't say anything. He knows how much of a hoarder I am for perfumes. I love this, and I'm pretty sure it is my favourite of my collection. Safe to say, it's my signature perfume besides Love Spell by Victoria Secret and my hubby personal favourite YSL Parissienne. 

I don't care if it's 'winter' in the office and people think this is more for spring and summer or a day at the beach or out in the sun. Smelling good like this should be year rounds!!  lol 

Due to it's long lasting longevity and heavy sillage, I had to use it sparingly. It lasts whole day on me.I can tell cos I don't have to repeat spritz and I still smells fresh. Maybe others can still smell it when I can't. Also, I wore it to work and a perfume sensitive lady said it didn't bother her. Another gal followed me around asking what it was, she really liked it too!! It's pretty light and feminine. My husband said it was flowery but I can tell there is a fruity component also. 

Chance Eau Tendre smells like a more sophisticated version of Daisy. This is Daisy done in Chanel manner. Very pretty. You just can't dislike it, can you? 

The first couple of hours it smells very similar to Daisy from Marc Jacobs, but then it develops in to a much more refined and sophisticated scent. It is a soft, delicate, light white floral and slightly sweet fragrance with a very good longevity on me.

There is something fresh & romantic, innocently flirty or sophisticated-girly about the smell.

I highly recommend if you can get your mitts on it :)

Potato Casserole & loving it!!

This is a delicious potato casserole that goes wonderfully with roast beef, grilled steaks, or anything! My husband loves it particularly. when there's some special occasion coming up, I would definitely bake these for everyone :)

Cheesy Potato Casserole

1- 2 bag frozen fries
1-1/2 sticks butter, melted in microwave

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 cup chopped green onions- about 1 bunch                          

2 cup sour cream- 1 pint

3 cloves garlic 

salt

pepper

Grated cheese

2 cups of corn flakes or
Hup Seng crackers,(15 pieces) crushed

In a large bowl combine the potatoes with half the melted butter. Combine the remaining ingredients, (except for the topping) and mix into the potatoes. Put into a greased 9x13 baking dish. Top with the combination of crushed Ritz crackers or corn flakes and the  remaining butter. 

Bake at 160C for 45 minutes to 1 hour. 

Oppsss!! Half gone in to the tummy :)

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle

So much has been said about this perfume, and I doubt that my review will bring anything new to the table... But, nevertheless, I will share my view on here because I enjoy this fragrance very much, and I really feel like I need to let you all know why! 

Coco Mademoiselle is one of the most versatile fragrances that I have ever come across. No matter the occasion, the weather, the outfit – this scent never fails to impress. It's THE perfect 'to go' fragrance. I think that you could easily wear it with a simple t-shirt and jeans, and you won't look or feel underdressed, whilst still smelling lovely and elegant. I feel that many of the Chanel fragrances are strong and overwhelming, and I was very happy to discover how modern and approchable Coco Mademoiselle is!

This chypre floral opens very citrusy, with fresh notes of mandarin and orange blossom, softened by sweet jasmine petals. The patchouli note is dominant, and very prominent from start to finish. And although these notes may not seem the most exciting, together they form a beautiful, well blended harmony of accords. I really love how this perfume develops over time – from a bright, citrusy opener to a soft, charming drydown of warm patchouli and rose. The overall scent has a slightly soapy feel to it, and feels very subtle and romantic.

But does Coco Mademoiselle really live up to its hype? I personally believe that, although this fragrance does not quite make it onto my 'favourites' shelf, it is by far the best, most approchable Chanel. I really appreciate it for it's incredible versatility, and I think it'd make a lovely addition to any wardrobe!

Johnny Rockets & New Year 2014

I LOVE FOOD! No matter where I go, I always love food. Been eyeing on Johnny Rockets since my irthday in December but never had the chance to go just yet. I would like to taste that mouthful burgers they have. Heard great reviews about this place. Situated at The Curve Damansara and since I just moved into our new home, I thought of going to IKEA for some new furnishing. Why not cross over to Johnny Rockets too!!

Johnny Rockets Malaysia,

G52, The Street, The Curve, Mutiara Damansara.

We went as early as 10.00am. The place were not open yet. It opens at 12.00 pm. While waiting, hubby, mom and I killed time doing some light shopping at The Curve. We reached there at around 11.30am and they let us sit and gave us the menus in advance. Did you know they just opened on October 2013? Cool place!! Great musics playing. Oldies rock & roll. Love the 60s & 70s rocks; pretty catchy songs like those by Chuck Berry or The Rembrants :)

This place were a hit for sure!! By the time we finished ordering our foods, the place is already packed and people are queueing up to be seated.

Crispy Chicken Tenders, Chicken Club Salad & Chilli Cheese Fries

 We ordered 3 starters; Crispy Chicken Tenders, Chicken Club Salad & Chilli Cheese Fries. The Chilli Cheese Fries are the best!!! Gosh I love the beef toppings with loads of onions. The portions are good enough for me, however my boo Mr. Asroy thought otherwise (he eats a lot!!! I always wonder where he parked all those foods in there!!)

Hubby's Rocket Double Hamburger comes with fries and salads on side

Hubby Asroy loved his Rocket Double hamburger. But as usual, it is just not enough of a portion for him. He said the patty are juicy and tender. Tastes great.

Mine!!! - The Houston; Spicy, tender beef patty with fries and salad sides

Ahhh..my Houston. It claims to "Launch your taste buds with this spicy hamburger! Jalapenos, pepper jack cheese, iceberg lettuce, fresh tomato & our spicy sauce." Is it spicy you asked? No, not really. Just enough to tickle your taste bud....hihi.. For me it ain't spicy till it put tears to your eyes! Nevertheless, I love my Houston. I can taste the spices in my beef patty. Goody!

Our Waitress, a nice guy name Connan, drew a specky face for Mr.Hubby..owhhh so cute!!

Mama played it safe. She's having The Original

My mom played in safe. This is the one that started it all in 1986, on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. comes with fresh shredded iceberg lettuce, tomato, chopped onions, relish, pickle, mustard & mayonnaise. Mama hates pickles, so she passed it over to Mr Asroy. 

Mr. Asroy Root Beer Float, Chamomile Tea for mom & Premium Choc Shake for me 

Had sweet tooth? The shakes truly covers that!! Really sweet stuff! Delicious though. Premium Choc Shake with ice cream on top..yumm yummm!! At the Rockets they hand you the shake leftovers in the steel shaker. I feel that, that's a great move to do so. At least you know what you are paying for. Worth every penny. 

Ahhh...a nice big smiley face for me huh Connan :)

The price wasn't bad at all. The food is good too. 

Crispy chicken Tenders - RM14.90

Chili Cheese Fries - RM14.90

Chicken Club Salads - RM17.90

The Original - RM19.90

The Houston - RM24.90

The Rocket Double - RM29.90

Root Beer Float - RM9.90

Premium Choc Shake - RM15.90

Chamomile Tea - RM6.90 (you can even ask them to refill the hot water)

Would I come back? Sure I will!! The food is great and proportionately priced. The musics are good. Did I mention? The waiters & waitresses dances to the music in about every 50 minutes or so. Good job!! While we were there, they danced to Psy "Gentlemen"...dang!!

Eventhough I love their foods, it doesn't change the fact that I still love Chilis and TGI more. Maybe due to the portion and superb steaks. Comparing on prices, Johnny Rockets won for sure :)

In Coming Year. Enjoy every single moment. 

The good, bad, beautiful, ugly,inspiring, the not-so-glamorous moments. 

And Thank GOD through it all! 

Happy New Year everyone!! 

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