Spring Rolls (春卷) Asian Cuisine Review

On Thursday, I got to go to Spring Rolls with my close friend Noah! I haven't been to spring rolls since I was 16 when I attended a staff christmas party (I use to work at Canadian Tire). So that was about 7 years ago. So this is my review on the experience/food.

We went to Spring Roll fairview location to dine in around 230pm. The arrangement was the same as 7 years ago (even though at that event it was at night around 12am). It still had its elegant and classy look to it but I wish they had added more colour or at least change it up a bit? Spring rolls is known for their various location being very different or as they state " uniquely and stylish" decor.

Floral arrangements are on point, colour is implemented well
and overall outlook portrays a classy, elegant look

So basically every Spring rolls will be designed differently and I guess location is a big part of it. I think if this location was in the downtown area, they would have to change the overall interior look occasionally for events due to a more "higher class" population being downtown. Though I love to stress the difference in classes (aka rich and the poor) in many of these reviews, not to say going to such locations make you "rich or poor" but due to the demographics and economy in each area, I can say that people who are more in the middle/high class rather go to malls like Yorkdale or Sherway Gardens, compared to Fairview which I feel isn't a really "high end" mall (maybe ill do a review on malls one day).

We were serviced very quickly and sat down to order. I remember Spring rolls being a bit more expensive than other restaurants (which for the quality of food and everything being fresh would make sense) and that night i had spent around 60 bucks (Ate Korean steak dish, had 3 strawberry daiquiri's and I honestly don't remember if I got dessert...I feel the alcohol was what hitched the price). The Menu was different from what I recall, so I assumed it was the Lunch menu so their was not as many options compared to dinner which was more like a book type menu with many wine options and main course choices.

Now to what we ordered:
Appetizers: 

Chicken Vegetable Japanese Gyoza 

     -> Pan fried dumplings served with soy-ginger sesame sauce - $4.99

Dim Sum

    -> HarGow Steamed Shrimp Dumplings- chopped pieces of shrimp filled with translucent, wheat starch & cornstarch based pouch- $3.99

   -> Shumai- open faced dumplings filled with ground shrimp, pork and garnished with red dot of dyed scrambled egg - $3.99

Japanese (Signature Rolls) 
->  Deluxe Dragon Roll

Tempura shrimp, crab meat, salmon, tuna, butterfish, cucumber, tobiko, avocado and mayonnaise- $11.99

->  Submarine Roll

                             

Unagi, avocado and tobiko topped with fresh salmon and edible gold flakes $13.99

The total cost for the food was about $40 dollars. Adding Noah drink and tip the total cost was around $50 dollars, which in my personal opinion is pretty pricey for lunch. However, as I stated earlier, for the quality of food the price is nothing of significance.

The food was really good! I was impressed. The taste was different from the average sushi you have at all you can eat restaurants and as seen in the pictures, time and effort was implemented on both the making and organization of the sushi on the plate (kinda like a master piece or work of art). Overall, I was very impressed. While we were finishing up, a group of 5-6 people came in and was seated. They looked at the menu for 3 minutes and soon were up and out the door. Not to say they couldn't afford the food but I got the feeling it was too expensive for their budget. Was an expensive lunch (Thank you Noah <3) but was defiantly worth the price.

Experience = 9/10
    -> It took some time for the food to come to our table which indeed is evident from the time it      
        takes to organize such works of art but could have been better due to the fact it wasn't busy.    
        Only shows that if it was dinner, we may have waited longer

Food =10/10
  -> No complaints in that department. Fresh and Tasted amazing, nothing more to it.

Yumoyori <3~

Starbucks: Pumpkin Spice Awesomeness

Today I decided to talk about Starbucks popular October drink, Pumpkin Spice Latte!

To be honest, Ive only recently started going to Starbucks on a "general" basis. Ive always considered Starbucks very high class or "rich" type luxury that is directed to very successful, rich, individuals who either have a good steady career, job, business or their just rich?

This can easily be justified since many of their drinks are more than $3-4 dollars for the smallest size (TALL). However, though they truthful are more expensive and much more looked upon compared to competitors such as Tim Hortons (more for the general/poor population in some people minds, since you can get a drink as low as a $1.50), Second Cup, Coffee time etc, I believe they have good reason to be.

I actually really like Starbucks. There are many benefits in being a loyal customer and going there on a regular basis. Before I go into a detailed review on those benefits, lets just review the overall environment.

Starbucks is very inviting. Compared to other coffee and overall general fast food or coffee chains, Starbucks is more on the classy side. From all the main Starbucks I have visited, even if it was for a few minutes, I haven't had to worry about loud teenagers talking or giggling, immature people sitting and talking and have not yet had a bad experience with customer service. The environment is elegant, especially within the more "high class" areas. Most times during the day its quiet (besides from the blender roaring away). Usually people are doing school work, business related assignments, online blogging or to just there to have some relaxation time. Summer time is also fun when the patio is open and talking with a good group of friends or planning for future vacations or investments are always fun.

When I bought my Pandora bracelet, the employee told me about her sister who had went to Starbucks every single day, either after school or on her days off to find a boyfriend. She went so often that they eventually hired her part time. Eventually, she went from zero boyfriend, to 4 candidates. I guess Starbucks is a good place to meet that "special someone"

Now for the benefits of Starbucks that I love and of course why I like pumpkin spice during the October season.

1. Loyalty Card/Rewards Program: This is one of the major perks I love and is a reason why many people go to Starbucks. I bought this card this summer and started the reward program. You collect 5 starts to be green and need 30 stars to be Gold. Once you get the Gold card (which has your name) you get to collect more stars for free drinks (12 star- 1 free drink @ any size!!), get exclusive deals and specials, and once you reach another 30 stars it renews your Gold Card for another year. So if you go to Starbucks on the regular, your pretty much set. Pretty Nice compared to other places where you have to signup for a credit card before getting points/deals ex.Tim hortons.
2. Low Fat/Non Fat or Variety of combinations for Weight Loss: One thing about being on diets or trying to lose weight is having to cut off the sugary stuff which usually includes luxury drinks like these. However, thanks to Starbucks having MANY option, from choices of  what type of milk, whip cream and flavouring shots, you can make your drink low in calories and be more on the healthy side. Pretty nice to lose weight and still enjoy the luxury of a nice vanilla bean latte.

3. Customer Service: Finally, Starbucks really tries their best with pleasing there customers. I for one have no patience in that department cause some people are damn right stuck up and Starbucks is were you meet at least 10/day. One negative of being a shop that services successful range of individuals who are high on the hierarchy is dealing with VERY specific, annoying, you better get my drink right or Im contacting your HR customers. When I worked at Cineplex we got those type of people all the time. Example:

 I want my drink extra extra hot, with 2 shots of vanilla, half a shot of mint no sugar added, with non fat milk, no foam and Splenda must be put in the milk and steamed...

^ Yes that has actually been requested before.... Don't go to cineplex and expect that "kind" of service

Anyways, going back to Pumpkin Spice, I can defiantly understand its popularity. If made correctly, the flavour is just a perfect amount, blended well with the foam and whip cream, and at a really good temperature that really puts you in the October mood. Having it today with Starbucks Bountiful Blueberry Muffin, egg and bacon really lightened my mood of "Grumpy" Nurse who finished her Night shift. 

Anyways, thats my opinion of my Starbucks experience so far. Summer bring my favourite Mocha Cookie Crumble Frap and now Fall is my Pumpkin Spice Latte. Im not very familiar with Christmas drinks but I will defiantly be trying them this year. 

Till Next time <3 

Yumoyori <3~

Nintendo 3DS XL- Smash Bros Edition & Pokemon X Review

Since I wasn't able to get my Goose or Moose knuckle (Moment of silence......) I decided to move on to the next item on my list of "stuff I want" which was a 3DS XL console. 

I have always wanted one in the past but with Nursing and studying for the licence exam, I knew I would never have time to play. Now that I have a career, I figured this would keep me company during my night shifts where I cant use my computer and on the long bus rides. 

So I went to EB Games on Saturday with the Mama and saw that the Smash Bro version was released. Now, to be completely honest I wanted the Persona Q; Shadow of Labyrinth version which looked like this: 

 I loved this version better for its colour and nice design. Suppose to look like a book and the back design was pretty cute. I do love blue (my second favourite colour) and I wouldn't need to purchase a skin from Decal Girl to cover up the design compared to me getting the plain 3DS XL. However, when I inquired about it the EB games, the workers stated it was only released in Japan T___T (sadness)!!! So that got shot down pretty quickly.

So at this point, I saw the Smash Bros edition. I asked if they had a floor display model that I could see but they hadn't any available. So it came down to the point where I would either pay $200 for a plain red/blue 3DS XL or get the limited edition 3DS XL Smash Bro edition. 

OBVIOUSLY I would go for the limited edition one >3>. At least I wouldn't necessarily NEED a skin for it and once I get bored and tired of the current design I could than get a skin for it. So I got it for $200, paid $25 bucks for 1 year warranty. So when I opened it in the car while waiting for pizza, I was actually impressed. 

 The front has a beautiful shiny/glossy look to it, very beautiful in the light and the metallic sliver outline of the smash bro characters were superb. Though Im not really into the red (I didn't know there was a blue version but only at certain Eb Game locations) but honestly is a very nice design and overall finish. So I bought this console and of course had to choose a game SO decided to start off with Pokemon X edition. 

So this is overall what I bought. In total my cost was around $275 for the Game console, Pokemon X, clear rubber case to protect the console (from dropping it, even though Im not the clumsy type and Ive never dropped my game consoles before such as PSP, PSP GO, DS regular etc), console protection and paid for the game protection. With my purchase I got the Shiny Gengar since the event is going on till Oct. 26. From October 27-Nov. 12 is the Diancie event which basically is giving you (FOR FREE) a card to get Diancie in Pokemon X, and once Pokemon Omega Ruby/Sapphire comes out you can transfer her over and Mega Evolve Danicie (well you get the stone to make her mega or something along those lines). Apparently she is a big deal cause "she" an unobtainable mythological creature.  Anyways, here are the two pokemon I'm getting for free Thanks to this event at EB Games.

Pokemon X Review: 

So I haven't been able to play much or go far in the game (once I finish the game officially maybe ill do an update on it) but THIS GAME IS EPIC!!!!!!!!! Now let me explain why...

1. THE GRAPHICS ARE AMAZING! I have never seen graphic on the DS like this for a pokemon game (any game that I can personally say will always have amazing graphics is Kingdom Hearts or ANY Square Enix game invented). Even without the 3D, the graphics are very beautiful. The amount of detail placed into this game to really make the surroundings "pop" out is really displayed. When you start out, your room alone is very top notch and I personally love how you change out of your PJ's (and note that your character is holding the Pickachu limited edition 3DS that came out a while back). 

2. The battle style also has improved tremendously, the 3D adding to the effects and really makes you feel your in the game catching and battling these pokemon. 

3. Ive always been a fire type pokemon chooser since I think ALL fire types in every single pokemon game look amazing (i didn't like Tepig, he was ugly out of all them -3-) and are OP cant lie. Though thats my personal bias. So once I got to choose my started, I wanted a FEMALE Fennekin! Now let me just emphasize FEMALE!!!!!! After 25-30 software resets (I honestly almost gave up), I finally got a female Fennekin and continued on with the story (apparently its a 12.5% chance of getting a female starter pokemon compared to the 87.5% chance of getting a male starter since they don't want to make it so easy for breeding). 

4. Character customization has improved greatly and I can actually be a BLACK or " DARK SKINNED"  individual in the game :D 

Being able to finally choose skin colour is major improvement compared to previous pokemon games and I believe further in the game customization is even better and unique. Since I haven't reached that far into the game yet, I guess I'll have to wait and see. 

So far Im just impressed. The worker at EB games really pressed on how this game is REALLY good but I didn't expect such major improvements. Really makes me value the game. Anyways, this is as far as I write (its 6am currently and I want to at least catchup on Fate Stay Night episode). I love the console, the 3D effect is nice (though it strains your eyes over time so I just turn it on/off when needed) and I love my cute character :P. I will finish off my blog with ONE LAST ADORABLE PICTURE, which I randomly found (this blog today was really spammed with pictures lol). 

Goodnight Everyone (Thanks so much for the views and +1) 

Yumoyori <3~

Kensington Parka/Moose Knuckles STRUGGLE!!!!!! SOLD OUT O.O?

With Winter approaching and October slowly ending, I decided that today I would go jacket shopping with my friend Noah. Since it was pay day and after looking at my old 2012 Goose Bomber Neon Orange colour jacket (which I must admit, I seriously need to get it dry cleaned if I plan to wear it this year) I decided I would purchase the Kensington Parka by Canada Goose OR Stirling Parka by Moose knuckles. So today was a crazy day so here my lovely review. 

CANADA GOOSE- Kensington Parka

    So ORIGINALLY, I really wanted the Kensington Parka. Why would I want another goose? 

1. I feel this parka has more style and detail. One thing that i can compare with Goose VS Moose Knuckle is the difference in style especially in the front appearance of the jacket. Goose defiantly displays more pockets, buttons and overall looks/stands out more compared to Moose knuckle                                           2. Kensington Parka gives off a slim shape to anyone who wears one regardless of body size compared to moose knuckle. It really shows the individuals body well when an individual has curves compared to the moose which isn't as "kind" or "flexible" with the curvy population such as myself.        3. Canadian Goose in Parka comes in various colours and me being more of a bright side colour girl wouldn't wanna waste $800 on a "black" jacket or something that doesn't complement my style. 

Now the MAJOR problem and reason I didnt get this jacket is that XXL is offically SOLD OUT. Yes in mid October a winter jacket is Sold out in EVERY DAMN STORE, online shopping site and even on the Canadian Goose website -3-. This is really upsetting because XL clearly fits me but due to it being a more SLIM fit design a extra size bigger would allow me to comfortably close the jacket. I was debating between these two colours but since its sold out why should I care -3-. Called every Sporting Life and no luck. So now to move onto Moose knuckles...

ARTIC DUSK

SUMMIT PINK

MOOSE KNUCKLES: Stirling Parka

    So, Moose knuckle was my second option JUST IN CASE I couldn't find anything in the goose department. Indeed I truthful do love Moose knuckle for a few reasons 

  

1. The Style of the jacket is very sexy, especially the bomber style. I truthful am in love with the neon pink with black fur limited edition version but due to me Already possessing a bomber goose jacket in a NEON colour that everyone down the block can see me at the bus stop type of jacket, i decided maybe would be a 3rd jacket in the near future.

2. The style of the longer parka gives off a very elegant and more "professional" outlook. Im looking for a jacket that I not only can use casually in the winter for those crazy winter Toronto Ice storming days, but if going to events or parties in the winter, moose knuckle still presents a more "elegant or classy" look compared to goose. 

3. Goose is VERY popular especially last year compared to Moose knuckle which in a way gives Moose knuckle a bit of an advantage this year. In few people viewpoints, goose is "TOO" popular thus bringing its value down. People assume when they see so many individuals with Goose that the price must be indeed cheaper and more affordable. Thus, in a judgmental viewpoint Goose is "another one of those jackets" compared to moose knuckle which few still question its worth and price difference (even though both parka's are pretty much the same price, Goose being $745 and Moose being $795- 50 buck difference?)

My only down side which I stated early was their lack of Colours available. Besides from the pink, there is only about 6 -7 colours available, 3 of them being very dark shades of black, blue and grey which look very similar to one another. Though now you have the option of white fur or black fur. 

With Moose Knuckle their largest size is XL in STORES. Online does have XXL but SOLD OUT completely. However, moose knuckles website has an option to update you through email if any NEW or RESTOCK of their jacket comes in and can even pick the style, colour and size you want (finally something useful). 

SO, I didn't get a Moose knuckle but would want one in the future

Seeing as I was pretty bummed that I couldn't get my size or any jacket that looked nice, Noah (who had no problem finding his X-small navy blue goose jacket =3= and thus has a moose and goose) treated me to Starbucks (I will probably talk about Pumpkin Spice Latte in a separate post before christmas season hits). 

I went to Bayview Village to Honey, Mendocino and Blue Marine Co all having no XL-2XL available. So i had no luck. Even the women complained about Moose knuckle sizing being totally wrong and a XL literally was a size L which didn't make me feel to bad about it not fitting right. 

So, I decided that if i cant get it this year, illl just gotta work my butt off in the gym and lose some weight (which indeed was my originally plan due to me KNOWING how the parka jackets being longer and slimmer would not be friendly to my lovely curves and specifically thigh area). Pretty sad how low of stock they have for plus size inviduals or even people who have curves and a bigger chest. Overall it was a pretty bummed out day but gotta think positive.

Yumoyori <3~

2014 Multicolour Flower Cotton Rope Knitted Chunky Statement Chocker Necklace

FIRST POST :D!!!!

So today I received all 3 necklaces that I ordered on September 22!

This is the Flower Cotton Rope Knitted Chocker that my friend Melissa had recommended from Aliexpress. I had saw Mel wearing it in one of her Instagram post (the dark pink colour or referred to as RED when ordering) and decided to ask her where she bought it.

Ive never ordered from AliExpress before but I have learned about how its similar to Ebay and have really good hair extensions. So I looked into it and thought these necklaces would be probably 20 dollars like in stores such as Aldo accessories or ZARA. To my surprise it was ONLY $6.50!!!!! So literally 7 bucks!!!!! So I bought one for myself and two for my mother.

In terms of quality its pretty good. The necklace is very light compared to how it looks. The picture that shows more of a close up of the necklace portrays that it may be slightly heavy due to the many beads and flowers surrounding the necklace. Also the gold chain with the knitted lace also would contribute to its weight. However in this case, light as a feather. Overall for the price that I paid, compared to other necklace purchases, it was worth it. Also the necklace looks EXACTLY like the picture which was pleasing.

Overall, I was very satisfied with this purchase. The total was $19.50 all together with Free Shipping. Took about a week to process & 2 weeks for shipping. I hope to use this necklace for an evening event or will reserve it for next summer with a nice high low dress. For 7 bucks, cant go wrong =3.

Here the link for the necklace: http://www.aliexpress.com/snapshot/6250497213.html

Yumoyori <3~