Friday 30 September 2011

Out with Friends

Last night, celebrated my birthday some more with a couple of friends.We decided to go to Coast Restaurant. The place was alright. The highlight of the evening, funny enough, became the birthday cake that wasn't.

My friends, without my knowledge, decided to get me a birthday cake at a different bakery. Turned out the restaurant "cannot" serve outside food. So, they offered to put my cake in their fridge, put it out at the end of our meal, for me to see, and put it away once more until we're ready to leave. Hah!

Dulce de Leche


To their credit, I must say, they offered a complimentary dessert platter for the inconvenience.


NY cheesecake & peanut butter cake pop,
sea foam in dark chocolate & white chocolate pieces (not showing)

A quirky surprise was the pop rock in the peanut butter cake pop. Tickle, tickle...

So, that made it 3 cakes, in total, not counting the restaurant's offering. Fancy that!:)


Then earlier today, girlfriend and I ended up meeting for lunch. Originally for coffee only but since we both haven't had lunch at the time we decided to meet, it ended up being for lunch then coffee afterwards.

We practically had the same route like the other time we met up. Deja vu... almost...

As it was cool-ish kinda' day, we ended up the same ramen place. This time, I got this.

Miso ramen
... with kimchi

And lest we forget dessert. Just like before, we ended at the same patisserie... teehee...

Apple Tart

Gateau Basque

... with a cup of Americano

With our belly sated, what choice do we have but burn it off by walking around the shops, naturally!

Suffice it to say, one of my recent obsessions I've mentioned before has now come to "materialize". *eeek*

American Eagle Outfitter cobalt blue jeggings

I really gotta do something about these obsessions. As in stop having these obsessions, perhaps?!?! Hmmmm...

Wednesday 28 September 2011

Paint the Lips Red

Whoever said always have dessert first is on to something. Ok, I'm not really sure if anybody really said that but I say a good idea is a good idea, no?

So even before we stepped out for dinner last night, I had my cake and ate it too! HAH



Ricotta filling, how can you go wrong?!? It's one of my fave cakes, obviously.

With a slice of cake polished off, we headed out for dinner shortly after. I figure, what better time to start wearing my dark(er) lipsticks than on a night like last night. See, another thing I love about fall is being able to wear darker shade on my lips. I realize too that I look better with darker lips. Hmmm, if that's the case, then I really should be wearing them all year round, right? No? Yes? No...

Pure lipstick (#65)

And for dinner, we went the classic route.

Prime rib with yorkshire pudding, mashed potato and veggies


This morning, I woke up the time my body wanted to wake up. Sweeeeeeet! And it turned out to be quite a nice day. And when you weren't expecting it, it was even nicer.

Decided to go for brunch at the art gallery. Sitting on the garden patio, it felt good to feel the sun on my face while eating my salad.

Ahi tuna nicoise salad
Capicollo, red pepper, spinach & asiago tart


Well... the week is flying by real fast... what's that they say? Time flies when you're having fun. Yeah, let's just say that that's what it is...

Tuesday 27 September 2011

Happy ?-0 Birthday!

Yes, it's my birthday:) Today, I turn ?-0, teehee... a milestone age, one might say. Do I feel it? Fortunately, no:p As cliche as it may sound, it is true that as one ages, one realizes that age is but a number. I suppose only people who ages say that, hah!

Anyway, on this day, I thought I'd share this poem. I first came across this in my teen years. This carried me through years of teen angst and insecurity. And now that I'm a tad older (and wiser?), it still serves as a good reminder, I thought...



Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, 
you may become vain or bitter, 
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. 
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.


Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.


With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.


(courtesy of: http://www.inspirational-short-stories.com/desiderata-poem.html#ixzz1ZAZcfOdd )


... Happy Birthday to meeeeeeeeeeee!!! :)


Monday 26 September 2011

Hors D'oeuvres

Watched the premier episode of The Chew earlier.

courtesy of aoltv.com (Google images)

And I found another reason why I like Clinton Kelly so much. As if I need another reason! Hah!

Thanks to Clinton, I realize there are more out there who're all about hors d'oeuvres. Not just that, I love how he's taking entrees and translating them to appies. And just like he said, what could be better than drinks in one hand and food in another!

courtesy of en.gourmetpedia.com (Google images)

When I go out to eat/drink with friends, my eyes go straight to the appie section. Out with friends, to me, is all about the company and not quite the meal, but I obviously need to wash down all that libation with something:p So, I tend to focus on the part of the menu that would allow me to eat and talk at the same time, something that will not require too much of my attention, I suppose. Not good, I know, as then I get distracted and won't be aware of how much I've ingested. Well, when out with friends and having fun, who's keeping track, really, right?

When we first moved to Vancouver, I wasn't working for a good while and my passion for food/cooking was unleashed even further. And during those times, I realized how much I like appies and/or side dishes. So much, that I came pretty close to seriously considering starting a catering biz. I had a menu of appies that I've tried on the hubby and some of his co-workers/friends. Some of them tested well, if I recall correctly.

But then, I found a full-time job, not related to food but along the line of my previous work experience. Am I sad about not having gone through about that biz idea? Not really, because it's not as if I stopped cooking. But for a brief moment, it made me really think...

Now in fashion, there's always a starting point when dressing up. I happen to be the person who, when pressed for time and unsure what to wear, starts with the shoes. So, I guess it goes without saying, in the kitchen, when pressed for time and unsure what to make for dinner, I start with the starter/side dish.

...Got me thinking about some of the stuff that I've made thus far since I started this online journey, and how, now, can't wait to make other stuff...






Mmmm, mmmm, mmmm...

Sunday 25 September 2011

Back to the 80's

Watched 3 80's movies in a row earlier. Sixteen Candles. The Breakfast Club. The Goonies. See, I don't watch enough TV, I tell ya!

Needless to say, I've lost count of the number of times I've seen these movies, among the oh-so-many 80's fave flix. And every time I watch these movies, my focus always kinda hone in on one aspect of the movie. It's always a different focus every time.

This time, it's Molly Ringwald's outfit in The Breakfast Club.

courtesy of weheartit.com (Google images)

First,  I noticed her top as it reminds me of the shirt that I decided not to get at Topshop. Then I noticed the rest of the outfit. Not that I haven't paid attention to it, but more so today, I suppose.

It got me thinking how Claire (Molly Ringwald's character) will fit in just fine in today's world, albeit with a bit of tweaking.

This would've been my version:


Topshop at ShopStyle


plus


Image 1 of ASOS Soft Handle Cupro Belted Midi Skirt
courtesy of asos.com


plus


American Eagle at ShopStyle


plus


Charles David at ShopStyle


So there goes my ode to Claire.

On another note, got a message from a friend yesterday about a sale that she knows I will not be able to resist as it involved a pair of shoes that she knows I've been looking for a while now. Not that it was so difficult to find, but more so I wanted it a certain price point (translation: sale price).

In short, as I thought of Claire earlier, today's purchase ends up being an ode to Allison (Ally Sheedy's character).

Converse low-cut leather Chucks (Pacific Boarder)


I know I'm aging myself, but what can I say, I'm a product of the 80's... "don't you forget about me..."

Saturday 24 September 2011

Staycation


stay·ca·tion

 noun \ˈstā-ˈkā-shən\
: a vacation spent at home or nearby
(definition from the Merriam-Webster online dictionary)


And according to Wikipedia-


"the word "staycation" was originally coined by Canadian comedian Brent Butt[8] in the show Corner Gas episode "Mail Fraud", which first aired October 24, 2005. The word became widely used in the United States during May 2008 as the summer travel season began with gas prices reaching record highs, leading many people to cut back on expenses including travel[9][10][11]"


Almost ironic, for me personally, that a Canadian show came up with this term.


Well, as of last Friday, at 5, I'm officially on staycation. Yes! 


Didn't set out to be like that. Let's just say it was due to a little lack of foresight. Anyway, that's neither here nor there. It's a new feeling, that's for sure, but hey, there's always a first time for everything, I suppose.


I promise myself I'll do my best to enjoy this moment. After all, my birthday's coming up. So is my wedding anniversary. Perhaps now it makes sense why I took part of my vacation staycation this time of the year? heehee...


Here's to 2 weeks of waking up whenever I want to, doing some projects around the house that I've been meaning to do since, well, forever, and who knows what else!


And here's to good eating through out:)


Italian sausage in tomato sauce with polenta





Tuesday 20 September 2011

Almost Hump Day

Was in a meeting all day. It was a productive day, I say. Plus, it's always nice to reconnect with people from other offices or people I haven't seen in a while.

Dragged somebody with me for lunch so we can catch up, and it was extra nice when it's a place you haven't been to before.



Spicy Peanut Noodle Box with chicken

It was a'right.

And since I got home early, and had time to catch up on my fashion read, got me thinking about what I may have been seeking already if not for this self-imposed "break", y'know, to kinda' update the wardrobe for the new season.

Yes, I call, and will continue to call (hopefully), these My Fall Wishlist:p



My Fall Wish List






And here's a few more... hehe...


undefined

Anthropologie at ShopStyle

Marc by Marc Jacobs at ShopStyle

Hey, no harm in some (online) window-shopping, eh?


Monday 19 September 2011

A Little Chilly? Have A Chili

On my way home, decided to go to the market to get some ideas for dinner. There I was, walking aimlessly along the aisles when I had the sudden urge to make chili. Ok, it wasn't really that chilly out, not just yet, anyway, but I thought something comforting as chili is what the tummy and the psyche need tonight. It's that kind of Monday, not really sure why...

... the start of a chili

A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of grated cheddar, and some sweet potato tortilla will complete it just fine. I think we're set. Bon appetit!

Sunday 18 September 2011

Online Shopping, the (My) Final Frontier

Yes, yes, talking about online shopping is completely counterproductive, considering what I'm feebly attempting to do, to not shop.

{Un}Fortunately for me, online shopping is hardly on my radar. Yes! *gasp* Mind you, I've used it occasionally to purchase presents. But that's really it. Yes, I've done the online equivalent of window-shopping; but I have not had the urge to buy anything online, no matter how inexpensive the item gets. I know, silly, right? Especially in this day and age! Hey, call me whatever but it's not quite my thing. *knock on wood*

Here are the reasons why:

  1. I'm all about instant gratification- If I'm paying for it now, I want it on my hands now
  2. It's all about the experience- To me, online shopping does not give the same feeling of "thrill of the hunt"
  3. I get quite tactile when it comes to my purchases- Does the fabric feel nice? How does it feel wearing it?
I know, I know, I'm limiting myself by just sticking to just the brick-and-mortar. But the way I see it, I have enough trouble managing my "habit" with what's physically around me, I don't even want to imagine what it would be like if I venture into the world of online shopping. For now, I'm ok with that.

But if I do decide to bite the bullet and whip out those credit cards, these are probably the sites that could give the hubby some grief: (hehe)

Shop NET-A-PORTER.COM
gap.ca
Banana Republic
J.Crew







Nordstrom


... among some of them...

Here's to not shopping!:)


Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...