Sunday, September 29, 2013
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Vancouver Birthday Lunch: Salsa and Agave
Two weeks after my 40th birthday. Woohoo!
I'm going to have fun in my 40s and determined to love every minute of it! No need for anti-aging, medicine or preparing to be a senior. The 40s is the new 30s!
Yesterday my friend decided to treat me to a lovely spa day and lunch. We went to trendy Yaletown in Vancouver, BC. She found a nice Mexican restaurant for lunch. It was our first time but my friend had read reviews online that it was well received.
Salsa and Agave is a Mexican restaurant that serves from what I can tell pretty darn good Mexican food. Now you know a place is good and authentic when it's packed with Spanish speakers. Unlike Muchos Burrito the fast food Mexican restaurant that had English speakers.
It was crowded but they cleared a table for us by the window. The restaurant feels comfortable and quaint even through it's bustling busyness. They seem to really care like a fine dining experience that the customers like the food. My friend ordered a Mexican specialty Chicken Mole but since neither of us had tried it before, the server suggested we taste a sample first. This was an excellent idea as I took one bite and did not agree with the bitter odd taste of the chicken. Nevertheless we ordered a Burrito instead.
I would return just so I could try what others were eating at their tables. Good Mexican food at a cheap price! Under $30 for lunch for two.
I'm going to have fun in my 40s and determined to love every minute of it! No need for anti-aging, medicine or preparing to be a senior. The 40s is the new 30s!
Yesterday my friend decided to treat me to a lovely spa day and lunch. We went to trendy Yaletown in Vancouver, BC. She found a nice Mexican restaurant for lunch. It was our first time but my friend had read reviews online that it was well received.
Salsa and Agave is a Mexican restaurant that serves from what I can tell pretty darn good Mexican food. Now you know a place is good and authentic when it's packed with Spanish speakers. Unlike Muchos Burrito the fast food Mexican restaurant that had English speakers.
It was crowded but they cleared a table for us by the window. The restaurant feels comfortable and quaint even through it's bustling busyness. They seem to really care like a fine dining experience that the customers like the food. My friend ordered a Mexican specialty Chicken Mole but since neither of us had tried it before, the server suggested we taste a sample first. This was an excellent idea as I took one bite and did not agree with the bitter odd taste of the chicken. Nevertheless we ordered a Burrito instead.
I would return just so I could try what others were eating at their tables. Good Mexican food at a cheap price! Under $30 for lunch for two.
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| Tacos Carnitas and Carne Anada (Pork & Beef Tacos) |
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| Chicken Burrito |
Monday, January 7, 2013
Happy Birthday! Life After 40 Begins!
Happy Birthday! I have officially joined the 40s club and life after 40 has begun!
So what did I do to celebrate this year?
To start with, I decided to have a BIG party before New Years Eve before people were partied out!
I did not stress about this party at my home. It was a bring your own appetizer and drinks!
Theme: Appetizer and Cocktail Party
Drinks: Champs D'Elysee (Contreau & Champagne), Honey & Raspberry Bellini (with champagne)
Champagne Cupcakes
Assortment of appetizers were provided especially cheese appetizers, fruit & dips, veggie plate.
Today it was like a regular day except the birthday greetings and wishes.
I didn't cook and we played "Ticket to Ride" board game.
And I have happily begun my journey into what people say as the best decade of your life!
What can you expect from me in my 40s?
Continued obsession with beading, board games, beauty products and saving money!
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Countdown to 40! Clear the Clutter with a Jewellery Display
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Countdown to 40! 11 days to go and a big 40 party before the big date. Then life after 40 begins!This is the time of year to organize and clean up the clutter. Now originally I started to think about organizing my jewellery when I discovered a DIY craft from Beadstyle Magazine that entails spray painting a jewellery stand. I was impressed that the stand could hold almost 100 pairs of earrings and that it was easily found at Michael's Art & Craft Store.
I would have never thought to go to an art & craft store to find jewellery displays. . I was lucky because when I went to Michael's, the jewellery displays were 50% off. I found the perfect jewellery display that held both necklaces and earrings for my personal collection. It was pretty! I didn't know I could transform my jewellery into decorative art. It makes me want to keep my bedside table clear of clutter.
I am even tempted to return to see if they have more. Great deal for under $15!
Friday, December 21, 2012
Countdown to 40! Christmas Cookie Swap
Countdown to 40! 15 more days to go and then it'll be LIFE after 40!
I really wanted to do more for Christmas this year so I decided to do a cookie swap. Years ago when I last organized a Cookie Swap was in a small workplace and there were maybe 6-8 who signed up and we all baked 1/2 dozen for each participant and gathered in a room and took our containers and gathered the cookies for a nice Christmas assortment.
Since Christmas is already such a busy and stressful time for most, I wasn't sure if anyone would want to participate in a cookie swap. I was lucky enough to find 3 cookie swap participants. We decided to make 1 dozen cookies for each participant. The hard part was testing the cookies and decided on what I wanted to make for the cookie swap. I decided on the Hummingbird Bakery's White Chocolate and Cranberry Cookie.
Now the night before the cookie swap I discovered that not only did one of my baking sheets disappeared but I also didn't have enough cranberries to make 3 dozen White Chocolate and Cranberry Cookies but I had two extra bags of white chocolate chips. So another recipe quickly emerged from the internet without any cookie testing. The 2nd cookie recipe I choose for the swap based exclusively on the ingredients in the house was a White Chocolate Chocolate Cookie from All Recipes.
We decided to have dinner at Joeys Burnaby and do the cookie swap there. I was surprised when my friends took out pre-packaged cookies for each participant in Christmas boxes with ribbon and Christmas bags. I then looked at my container with all of the cookies. I packed them into ziploc bags in the restaurant. Ahh, lessons I yet need to learn. You'll see my cookie swap participants good examples below.
I really wanted to do more for Christmas this year so I decided to do a cookie swap. Years ago when I last organized a Cookie Swap was in a small workplace and there were maybe 6-8 who signed up and we all baked 1/2 dozen for each participant and gathered in a room and took our containers and gathered the cookies for a nice Christmas assortment.
Since Christmas is already such a busy and stressful time for most, I wasn't sure if anyone would want to participate in a cookie swap. I was lucky enough to find 3 cookie swap participants. We decided to make 1 dozen cookies for each participant. The hard part was testing the cookies and decided on what I wanted to make for the cookie swap. I decided on the Hummingbird Bakery's White Chocolate and Cranberry Cookie.
Now the night before the cookie swap I discovered that not only did one of my baking sheets disappeared but I also didn't have enough cranberries to make 3 dozen White Chocolate and Cranberry Cookies but I had two extra bags of white chocolate chips. So another recipe quickly emerged from the internet without any cookie testing. The 2nd cookie recipe I choose for the swap based exclusively on the ingredients in the house was a White Chocolate Chocolate Cookie from All Recipes.
We decided to have dinner at Joeys Burnaby and do the cookie swap there. I was surprised when my friends took out pre-packaged cookies for each participant in Christmas boxes with ribbon and Christmas bags. I then looked at my container with all of the cookies. I packed them into ziploc bags in the restaurant. Ahh, lessons I yet need to learn. You'll see my cookie swap participants good examples below.
 | |
| Shortbread Cookies |
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| Pretzels with Caramel Pecans |
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| Chocolate Chip Cookies |
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Countdown to 40! Pan Pacific Vancouver's Christmas Wish Breakfast at Canada Place
My countdown to 40 continues! 21 days left until I turn 40 and the tales and turbulations of life after 40 begins! I've been notorious for not celebrating any holidays or occasions throughout my adult life. This is likely because of my father's influence. His motto has always been that everyday is a celebration! So there is no need to celebrate Christmas or birthdays and as an adult I don't have any traditions attached to these occasions.
However Christmas is all around us and one of the largest celebrations in terms of Christmas music, Christmas events, Christmas decorations, Christmas shopping and stress. Even though I may not decorate my house, I still enjoying seeing and being immersed in the Christmas spirit outside of my house.
In Vancouver, the one Christmas tradition that I enjoy is going to the Pan Pacific Vancouver Christmas Wish Breakfast and Toy Drive. This is an annual event and tradition in Vancouver.
Basically everyone brings a toy for the needy children for Christmas and then you can enjoy a Pan Pacific Vancouver breakfast and the holiday mood of choirs, music, and decorations. It makes you feel good because you are helping a child, but also you get to enjoy the Christmas spirit early. People share large tables and are friendly and in festive spirit. It is a great way to start your day!
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I was completely full after the big breakfast that I skipped lunch that day.
I like receiving the touch of Christmas spirit at the Vancouver Pan Pacific Wish Breakfast.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Countdown to 40! Cafe Kathmandu
It's my countdown to the big 40! With 25 days left and everyday leaving me with thoughts and adventures to share with you.
This year we decided to get BCAA memberships for all of our road trips and to get us out of trouble if we should get stuck. The membership for two people with RV insurance and motorcycle is about $320 but they give you a free Entertainment Book filled with coupons.
So to be able to get a free membership, I started to give away coupons and tear out some to use.
Off, I went to meet a few girlfriends for dinner at Cafe Kathmandu on Commercial Drive in Vancouver, BC. It is a Nepalese restaurant with a simple menu. Usually you imagine that Commercial Drive restaurants are packed and you have to wait in line. That may be the case on Friday nights but definitely not Monday nights. I never knew how much of a difference a day of week could make. There was no trouble to get a table for 3.
Cafe Kathmandu has a simple menu at an affordable price. With the Entertainment book coupon you are eating for cheap since the dishes range from $8-$19. We choose three dishes including Lhasa Momo (steamed dumplings) to start. I love dumplings and the sauces made them unique.
For the main course, we choose two medium dishes including Kukhurako maasu (chicken in curry sauce) and Kaauli (tumeric infused cauliflower) which was served with rice.
This was the perfect amount for the 3 of us at a reasonable cost of $39 with Entertainment Book coupon of $10 off. Tip is not included so overall the shared cost is under $15. That also included two chai teas to drink.
This is a nice experience for Nepalese food for the everyday person. It is a casual atmosphere and you can catch up and chat with friends. I would go again with my Entertainment Book coupon.
This year we decided to get BCAA memberships for all of our road trips and to get us out of trouble if we should get stuck. The membership for two people with RV insurance and motorcycle is about $320 but they give you a free Entertainment Book filled with coupons.
So to be able to get a free membership, I started to give away coupons and tear out some to use.
Off, I went to meet a few girlfriends for dinner at Cafe Kathmandu on Commercial Drive in Vancouver, BC. It is a Nepalese restaurant with a simple menu. Usually you imagine that Commercial Drive restaurants are packed and you have to wait in line. That may be the case on Friday nights but definitely not Monday nights. I never knew how much of a difference a day of week could make. There was no trouble to get a table for 3.
Cafe Kathmandu has a simple menu at an affordable price. With the Entertainment book coupon you are eating for cheap since the dishes range from $8-$19. We choose three dishes including Lhasa Momo (steamed dumplings) to start. I love dumplings and the sauces made them unique.
This was the perfect amount for the 3 of us at a reasonable cost of $39 with Entertainment Book coupon of $10 off. Tip is not included so overall the shared cost is under $15. That also included two chai teas to drink.
This is a nice experience for Nepalese food for the everyday person. It is a casual atmosphere and you can catch up and chat with friends. I would go again with my Entertainment Book coupon.
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