Hidden Object Game Review- Mystery Case Files: Madame Fate

Lovely game, irritating madame. I've already played this a few times though. And I think I probably will play it some more :D

Definitely less creepy than Ravenhearst.

Review here: http://www.suite101.com/content/hidden-object-game-review--mystery-case-files-madame-fate-a310425

I couldn't take my own picture so I used a nice pic of a crystal ball taken by Jon Ross (from flickr). :D

Xmas Gifts!

Well, okay, these are gifts I'd love to get too. Not necessarily for Christmas. Anytime would do. :)

I've already got the Chocolatier series so I know it'll make a great gift. And then I was going through a lot of gifting ideas and saw these. They're unique and fun. So much better than the ordinary gifts you see around...

Take a look at it here: http://www.suite101.com/content/unusual-xmas-gifts-for-women-a309125

I really love the idea of the relaxing bath with the candles...Think I'm going to go run a bath for myself now- minus the bath salts, bubble bath, wine and candles. :(  On second thought, I'm going to just go read a book under a blanket. :P

The book of ultimate truths

And my next review...

I adored this book! It was hilarious, insane, weird and made me laugh out loud. I loved the characters. I think I actually like the dad more than the main character...

This was the first Robert Rankin book I've read but I'm definitely going to try to get more. If it was half as good as this book, I know I'll have a lot of fun.

So enough gushing, here's the review: http://www.suite101.com/content/fantasy-book-review-the-book-of-ultimate-truths-a306912

I've finally got my hands on the sequel so I'll be reviewing that soon too.

Review of Mystery Case Files: Ravenhearst

I think I'm beginning to become a bit of a fame whore...Lol, well, maybe not. According to urban dictionary a fame whore is 'An individual who is willing to do anything, regardless of how humiliating or demeaning, to achieve notoriety. More often than not, this involves appearing on multiple reality television shows and/or having "private" sex videos "leaked" to the press.'

So that's definitely not me! But, I do want to get as many links to connect to my articles on suite101. So I'm willing to write about it...Hence, this post.

I've been playing a lot of games lately ever since we got a wireless connection at home. Since the connection is so brilliantly crap, I've made sure I've downloaded my games. So, when the net conks off, I've got nothing to worry about. I can play my hidden object games and role playing games to my heart's content. :)

So far, I've fallen in love with the Mystery Case File series and the Chocolatier series. I plan on doing reviews of all of them once I get my hands on them.

Anyway, take a look at my review of Mystery Case Files: Ravenhearst. I've written about it here: http://www.suite101.com/content/hidden-object-game-review--mystery-case-files-ravenhearst-a305805

Note the picture. :) That was our house at Venkatgiri when Smriti and me just before we moved. :D I couldn't find a picture of Ravenhearst that was available for commercial use. :( However, I do like the picture I ended up using!

Culinary Glee

The aroma of freshly baked bread, the sizzling of frying onions, the look of delight as you serve up something wonderful- is it any surprise that I love cooking? I love waking up in the mornings and trying to decide what I’ll make today. I love baking, dicing, slicing, frying, grilling- there’s so much you can do.  And so many flavours to try out.

It’s truly amazing how a simple addition or reduction of a flavour can completely alter your dish. Add a little pepper for that extra bite or cut down on the garlic for a more subtle flavouring. Experiment with oranges and meat, chocolate and beetroot...Everything can go together with a little know-how.

That’s what it’s all about really. Cooking is really just creating magnificent masterpieces from seemingly ordinary ingredients. And anything can be magnificent. From that simple delicious omelette to the more complex but mouth-watering coq au vin. Anything can taste good, if you give it your best shot.

It’s delightful trying your hand at something for the first time and having it come out perfect. It’s so disappointing when it falls flat. It’s never a bother though. Just get back into the kitchen and try again. Get back into the kitchen and cook away your worries, your anxieties and just concentrate on making that perfect meal. Make it yours, make it special, make it a work of art.

The world is open to you. Italian, Indian, Chinese- what do you feel like today? You can make anything you want to. Just step into that kitchen and whip up your inspiration. Serve it up on a platter and watch your families faces light up with joy. Now that’s bliss.

Taste of Italy

My husband and I went to a small Italian cafe the other day. I'll admit we tend to go out drinking more than we have days out eating. but, we were hungry one afternoon and found a small place on Leith Walk in Edinburgh. Now, it really doesn't look all that welcoming. I like to go for places that are quaint and cosy. With a bright, garish signpost and a tad too loud music, it does fall more on to the cheesier side.

However, when you get in, the food blows you away. The desserts, the paninis, the pasta... they're all made to perfection. I had lasagna and it was beautiful. Bursting with cheese but still managing to bring the full flavour of the meat and sauce through...what more could a person ask for?

My husband opted for a simple panini and that looked pretty good as well. I almost wished I'd changed my order. The bread was crisp on the outside and deliciously soft inside. The right amount of cheese and tomatoes made it quite the satisfying meal. While my husband didn't touch the salad (not the salad type :P), I managed to sneak in a few bites. Crisp and fresh.

Surprisingly, the prices are very decent. The portions are great so it's really quite the value for money. The food is completely fresh and smells lovely when it gets to your table. They've also got an open plan kitchen so you can see what they're up to- always a nice thought. :)

Finally, I have to mention the waitresses. They are, without a doubt, the nicest people I've come across. Our waitress was a cheerful little one (I assume from Italy) who always had a smile on her face. Makes quite a difference when you don't have to deal with surly waiters.

I'd definitely recommend this place to anyone who fancies Italian food or just plain old good food! It filled us up, made us happy and got us prepared for our long day ahead. :)