KAWA Pro Strap For Your Camera

Our photographer friend, John Fick has launched a project on Kickstarter called KAWA Pro Strap and is currently working very hard so that he'll be able to share his product worldwide. If you are into good quality products, please head on to his page and help support his project. Being a professional photographer, John's KAWA Pro Strap was made with an ergonomic design that is durable and stylish. KAWA Pro Leather is made Genuine Leather designed by Professionals. All beautifully crafted by a Master Artisan, built for Comfort, Style and Durability.

KAWA Pro Gear showcases a perfect modern style for the new breed of professional photographers who want to look their best. Leather camera gear that gives you simplicity with functional design.
Its unique features include:

• Comfort - The only genuine camera leather strap that is built for comfort. With Ergonomic Design that conforms and adjusts to any body type for an excellent fit.
• Modern Style - Made for simplicity with fashionable and sleek design.
• Durability - A Camera Leather Strap reinforced with unique materials for durability and lasting quality.

Visit KAWA Pro Strap on Kickstarter and make a pledge not later than 12 Febuary 2014.

Found At The MD Ranking Store: Goodies From Japan

As I was walking along George Street in Sydney, I chanced upon a little store called "MD Ranking" (infront of World Square Building). The place sells numerous products from Japan such as food, cosmetics and toiletries. I was able to snap photos of Royce (they sell only limited stocks), Tokyo Banana (they come in different flavours) and Hello Kitty lollies. They have a lot more brands in the store so check it out if you want to find some goodies from Japan.

I bought us a box of Royce Popcorn Chocolate and a small bag of Calpis Marshmallows to try out.

At $15.00 a box, the Royce Popcorn Chocolate wasn't as delicious as we hoped it to be. The popcorn didn't have that crunchy texture and there was no hint of butter taste (maybe that was their aim). The chocolate coating was still good though.

I think this was my first time to try marshmallows made in Japan, or at least these kind of marshmallows that were super soft, silky and fluffy--it's like eating clouds (not that I've eaten clouds before hehe). Quite different from the runny-textured marshmallows that I'm used to (which I love). The Calpis Marshmallows had a citrus filling (we think it's Orange) that adds a little zing to the sweet taste of the marshmallows. I liked these marmallows and wouldn't mind snacking on them once in a while. 

It's great that there are more Asian shops opening up in Sydney and ones that have specialties like MD Ranking. It's a great chance for all of us to try what other countries have to offer without have to travel far.

The Rubber Duck Is Back For The Sydney Festival 2014

The giant and oh-so-adorable Rubber Duck is back in Australia for the Sydney Festival 2014. It's currently situated at Parramatta River in Parramatta Park between Pavilion Flat and Government Farm. It will be there until 10th-19th January. Click this link for details.

Created by Netherlands artist, Florentine Hofman, the giant rubber duck's purpose is to relieve everyday tensions, as well as define them. The rubber duck is there to create a new perspective in a public place and simply amaze people.

We saw the Rubber Duck last year and yet it still charmed us when we saw it today. We knew it will be back in Australia but didn't know where. I thought it will visit a different city this year. The Hubby and I braved the heat of the Sun and went out even if we planned to stay home. It turned out to be a fun adventure.

I'm so happy to see Duckie (I made him a nickname). January's my birthmonth and I thought this morning, "He's here for my birthday!" Haha. Of course that's not true but nevertheless, it's an amusing thought.  

If you have a chance, see the Rubber Duck and be charmed by it!

Food Find: Matcha-Flavoured Kit Kat Chocolates

I've read about matcha-flavoured Kit Kat chocolates from Filipino bloggers before and it was something that I hoped I'll get to taste. The idea of green tea chocolate interests me because I love drinking green tea. 

I'm aware that there are stores in Manila that sells these matcha-flavoured Kit Kats but I never pursued to encounter them during my vacations there. I figured that maybe one day, it will come to me unexpectedly.

And it did happen in an unexpected time. While my Mom and I were hanging out at Market City in Chinatown last November, we chanced upon a little candy shop called Sweet Spells. It caught my eye because I saw chocolates from America. Plus, it was such an attractive store that we can't resist going in. 

It's a small store and yet it was filled to the brim. It had chocolates and lollies from countries such the US, UK and Japan.

As we were looked for anything we might like, I was lucky to spot the matcha-flavour Kit Kats. The store was so colourful and the counters look quite cluttered so if I didn't look closely, I would've missed it. I saw that there were two kinds of matchas available: the Uji Matcha (Green Tea) and the Sakura Matcha (Green Tea with Cherry Blossoms). I got myself a box each so we can try them both. A warning though, these didn't came cheap. Each box, which contains three small packs of Kit Kat, were priced at AUD$9.99. 

Fun part located at the back of the box: a place where you can write a note. If you are giving this as a gift, you can write your greeting at the back. I wrote a note for the Husband on the Uji Matcha on while he wrote a note for me on the Sakura Matcha.

We kept these chocolates for awhile and waited until the new year. Yesterday, we had them for dessert while sipping tea. 

The Uji Matcha (Green Tea) has a very strong matcha flavour. It had the bitterness of green tea with a hint of sweetness. The Sakura Matcha (Green Tea with Cherry Blossoms) was very milky and creamy. It was sweeter and only had a faint flavour of green tea.

Between the two flavours, I liked the Sakura Matcha better than the Uji Matcha. The next time I chance upon these matcha-flavoured Kit Kats, I will surely buy a box of the Sakura Matcha again.

Sweet Spells

R1.20A, Market City

9-13 Hay Street, Sydney

Phone: (02) 9281 1919