Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Hello Lake Tahoe!

I went to Lake Tahoe for camping this weekend. It was magnificent. We camped, kayaked, cooked, bickered, and ate.

The views in Lake Tahoe is beautiful- from the clear lake water to the majestic mountains as the backdrop. I only had my camera for a portion of my trip; so there wouldn't be any kayaking pictures.

Overall- this trip was a great experience. Anytime you have an opportunity to go out of your element- take advantage of it. I never believe in staying comfortable because you can never grow that way. Being in beautiful scenery allows me to be able to abandon my weary heart and hear my soul and my God much more clearer. God never ceases to inspire and surprise me.

Korean bean sprout soup.

Taking it all in.



Camp site- chilling. Without technology or TV, we are force to talk and chill. It was really really nice.


A must bring when camping- comfy chairs.





Wide brim hat is also a must bring.



Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Miami: beaches beaches & beaches

A lot of our time in Miami was spent on the beaches. So freaking nice.




















































Choice of transportation in Miami

Are you sick of my Miami pictures yet? I hope not. I am not.
Below are our choice of transportation in Miami. Each transportation offer a different view of Miami. Walking just doesn't satisfy me... We needed to:

...ride the waves on a jetski!

...Be one with the fishes and sit among them (literally sit among them while they swim around you)...




...party on a boat while watching the sunset and seeing the port at night.




...walking (lots of it at the beach... the sand is great for your skin because it acts as a exfoliant)... at dusk by the shore...




...on boat again... but snorkeling this time



...by car. See my sister?




...by bikes! This is my sister's favorite way to see Miami.





...one of the benefits of biking is that you can stop anytime anywhere and take pictures. A lot of stops had to be made for picture opportunities. I love the cute small palm trees

...more pictures by the bike.








...by plane. At first when we were arriving into Miami, seeing the view up top was interesting. It didn't give us a good glismp of all the attractions up close but it gave us a good idea of how pretty the waters are.




This is not a transportation pic but an advise to all you travelers. Always bring some back up snacks with you handy on the plane. I didn't realize Virgin did not serve free food and my wallet was in the compartment above that I could not open nor knew where my luggage was (someone put my luggage in another compartment) and so I starved for a good 6 hours. Before you go into the plane (esp in the morning) eat something light and pack a light snack with you.



My lunch/ dinner coming back from Miami.


Sunday, August 21, 2011

Hello improptu lunch on the beach



I miss Miami. The closest beach near us is Alameda. Off to the beach we go to reminisce and meet new friends.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Hello 10 min lunch


10 min Lunch : Green beans- egg- chicken wings


Leftovers are my favorite. This is my ideal lunch: some proteins, egg, and veggies. I don't need rice or bread to complete this- although a slice of fresh sourdough certainly won't hurt.


Ok. So I didn't make the chicken wing. Whatever is in the fridge that my mom made before becomes my inspiration for my simple and quick lunch. The chicken wing was soaked in sweeten soy sauce that complements my over easy egg. Do you think it is still safe to eat a runny egg yolk these days?


The green beans is what I made. To make a crunchy and satisfying green bean stir fry:


1) Heat wok up


2)then stir fry fresh and clean green bean with about 3 tablespoons water to cook it (Green Beans cook really fast, and if you like it audente like me, it will be perfect in 3 min)


3) Then sprinkle some vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce and then white pepper. The sugar will give it a syrupy consistency and the vinegar will balance the sugar and soy sauce.


This is by far one of my most fav veggie to cook. It is so satisfying.


Leftovers are sometimes the most delicious and you can mix and match it according to your taste.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Hello baker in training


I think I can conclude that I am not a good baker.
Maybe I just need more practice before I make a final conclusion. Maybe...?

So I tried to make oatmeal cookies with flour this time just to see how it differs from my usual oatmeal cookies (which are usually soggy). I googled a recipe for chewy oatmeal and modify the ingredients as usual because I find a lot of recipe ask for too much sugar and butter.

Modification: 2 sticks of butter less - replaced with canola oil and 2 cups less of brown sugar.

Our blender might be old- but it still works well!!!


I should have know just by looking at the batter that the cookie might not turn out well. Doesn't it look too floury?



I don't know why it was so crumbly but I am going to venture a guess: too much flour and not enough gluey ingredients such as eggs or liquid? In the end- it came to be like a granola except its very crumbly.




How it looks like when it first came out of the oven.

I learned that you need to let the cookie cool completely before transferring the cookie to a plate; otherwise it breaks apart.



Monday, August 15, 2011

Hello fun fun fun

It's been a while since I posted my weekend adventures. Last weekend included: Japantown festival, street grilled food, rocket boat, Pier 39, hot clam chowder in sourdough bread bowl, and more hot food at Korean BBQ.

My weekend consists of a lot of good food. SF is so fun and you cannot come here without trying clam chowder in the bread bowl. I cannot get enough of those sourdough bread soaked in the creamy clam chowder. MMmmmmmm.




Lee Hyori is better at advertising the beer.



They are so interesting to observe. I can't help but join in among the other tourist and stare.









Sourdough bread is now my new fav! (minus the crust)












$7 - riblets with seaseme cole slaw and large bun





Grilled corn- so juicy and crunchy!! A must order because it's more healthier and heartier. I wondered if they grilled it with the husk on or off? Or did they grill it with the foil? I must know how they grilled it to perfection!












Thursday, August 11, 2011

Hello Miami- our choice of drinks

Hydration is essential in hot weather. Here are some of our choice of drinks during Miami. For some people, beer and the beach is a perfect match. For me, no matter the temperature, it's espresso and the beach. My heaven.
Miami certainly knows how to make the espresso strong.














Juice bar in a mall. Coffee, banana & yogurt smoothie.




What I love waking up to.





Hanging out at the lobby.



Can you guess which drink I had?