D e l i s i o u c i t y

Sometimes, and for no reason at all, I grab my camera and start shooting randomly. I also will end up with a stiff neck because I know better that my hands are not that steady and an investment in a tripod is possibly a reality  in the horizon. The stiff neck comes from the peering about into the small camera peep-hole thingamajiggy (let’s save the lingo for another day, shall we?) and the fact that I am utterly obsessed about capturing tiny details (a.k.a macros). Technically, I need a proper macro lens of some sort (again, let’s skip the jargon), but holy cr*p, these things cost a bomb. Na-ah, no way.. at least not now. But I soooo want to capture details badly!! It’s probably my number one most annoying trait, this fixation with details. So I’m calling for any photog addicts out there willing to mentor me in exchange for desserts ^_^ (batting eyelids). Anyone?

In the meantime, I’m posting up some pictures of objects that I love and that provides me with calmness and inspiration. Some of these were taken at my oldest sister’s beautiful home in Kuala Belait.. and not so incidentally, she is also a little bit obsessed with details. It must probably run in the family. (P/s Ka, I love your home and  your new car and thank you for belanja-ing us yesterday. My turn next time when a certain someone gets back to Brunei). hehee.

One of the reasons why I truly enjoy randomly snapping away at certain places is the fact that there is natural light available there. I love the open, minimalist concept of certain homes de-cluttered of accessories that do not necessarily complement their interior designs. What I especially love are colours that neutralize the environment from outdoors – like shades of gray and white, and different tones of earthy brown. When strong opposites lay side by side, or merely juxtaposed against one another, you see a contrastingly beutiful effect that gives a sense of homeliness and nature – such as splashes of fresh green or sexy plum against said neutral colours, bien sur. What minimalist, open-air concepts can do is to make photographing easier as I don’t have to search for the light as much as I would be taking random pictures at night! Now if only these darn cameras weren’t so heavy, I could actually reduce my shaking and blur (yes, this is in spite of the Image Stabilizer function). boo.

I’d like to share with you a recipe too, today. It’s inspired by one of Nigella Lawson’s express meals, and delivers the whole colour/texture contrast that I love so much

Crab meat with Avocado and Wasabe Wrap
Adapted from Nigella’s Express

A can of good quality crab meat
An avocado, sliced lengthwise or balled with a melon-baller
A tablespoon of wasabe paste
Pinch of salt and pepper to taste
Lettuce leaves
Tortilla wrap or thin wholewheat pita bread

Drain the crab meat and mix with wasabe paste. Season to taste. Arrange the lettuce leaves on a tortilla wrap, and add a spoonful of crabmeat, topped with avocados. Tuck in one edge of the wrap to cover the filling, and roll. You may also ’seal’ this wrap by press-grilling the whole thing. Cut diagonally and enjoy.

Finally, I want to introduce you to Memie the cat. He resides at my mum’s home and although I am a genuine cat-lover person, I am not allowed to have a cat at our home because number one, husby does not want to be responsible for the waste-management duties of felines (boo!), and two, my constant baking means that cat hair or the possibility of cat cooties flying about is not a good one. hehe. Ah well.

He does know how to werq it like a true model, doesn’t he? Being fully aware of my photo-snapping sounds and all. *eye roll*

xoxo