My 20th year has ended.
It's been an interesting year; quite a lot has happened. I've done things I've never done, and seen things I've never seen, and so on. Blogging, for instance, was a new experience. Being asked to be a bridesmaid, and being directly involved with pre-wedding planning/events was another.
Believe it or not, I've watched 645 films/series this past year. Just a few, quoi? I began with the 1972 version of Emma, and ended with Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away. I got very creative with my movie-viewing. I explored new genres, and found some new favourites. I watched a lot of silent films, and foreign films, epic films, ridiculous films I'd never watch again, etc...
I read 27 books. I feel like I ought to have read more. Maybe I'll top that this year. I began with the first volume of a Japanese manga called Aishiteruze Baby, and, as it happens, I finished the year with the 2nd volume. I spread the two out just a tad, didn't I? I read some amazing books in between. I read several books in The Scarlet Pimpernel series, and I re-read some old favourites, and tried some genres that I don't usually pick up.
It's been a good year. I have high hopes that this year will be good as well, if not better.
As usual, I'll keep you posted.
Good day, viewers.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Anwen's Hen Weekend
Good morning, viewers.
The date of the wedding is exactly one week away. I can scarcely believe that time has gone by so quickly.
Last weekend was Anwen's hen weekend, and I'd say it was quite a smash.
On Friday afternoon, Anwen, Wren, Gia and I went out for frozen yogurt with the groom, before heading out on a weekend getaway to Lake Siskiyou near Mount Shasta.
It was an amusing car ride; I brought along my mix-CD's, and we sang along quite loudly.
At around dinner time, we arrived at the beautiful little Bed & Breakfast. Here's a few pictures of the main building.
We sat by the piano both mornings for breakfast. Do you like the deer candelabra? There were two of them. The girls were prodigiously fond of them.
Our little house was separate from the main building. On the first evening, we went to a local market and bought pasta and garlic bread, and cooked it in our tiny little kitchen. It was a beautiful little house, and had a lovely view of the mountains. We ate our dinner outside on a picnic table, with a full view of Mount Shasta.
Later that night, Anwen opened her gifts, and we watched The Princess Bride, and Moonrise Kingdom.
Wren put together gifts for us bridesmaids as well. Our bridal entourage "uniform" consisted of white visors painted with purple fabric paint. Each had "Bridesmaid" printed on it, and Anwen's said "Bride." On the side of each was painted a word of Anwen's choosing. Anwen's said "Butterfly;" Wren's said "Quirky;" Gia's said "Brave," and mine said "Whimsical."
Besides the visors, we each got a hand-painted wine glass filled with tiny bottles of sunblock and hand sanitizer, character Band-Aids, a nail polish, and a pair of sunglasses. My nail polish was called "Thimbleberry."
After the opening of gifts, we ate cake, played some very amusing games, and put on face masks. I have pictures of this, but I'll not show them to you.
After the girls went to bed, I cleaned the little house and washed dishes, and then wrote in my journal, and read. I didn't get to sleep that night, but I enjoyed the peace and quiet.
The next morning at 8:00, we went to the dining hall, where we were served strawberry crepes, sausage, orange juice and coffee.
After a leisurely breakfast, we went hiking around a lake. The view was amazing, and I took ever so many pictures. Here's my favourite.
We hiked for a little over an hour, and then we went to a high-end spa and the three of us treated Anwen to an hour-long, full-body massage. It was lovely.
Afterwards, we went to Lake Siskiyou, where we rented standing-kayaks (they're like huge plastic surf boards that you row yourself about on with an oar). It was a bit strenuous for me, and Gia was kind enough to assist me on the way back. After we returned the boards, we swam for a bit, and then we headed back to the B&B, where we snacked on crackers and fancy cheeses.
After cleaning up and getting all dressed up in our "on-the-town" outfits, we went out for Thai food. We had planned on going right from there into town, but we were all so exhausted, that we decided to go back to the B&B again and nap for a couple of hours.
After our much-needed siesta, we went out on the town. Anwen, of course, being a bride, received her share of special attention and free drinks. At one place that we stopped at, one of the waitresses, as it happened, was a bride-to-be as well, and was very kind to us, and allowed us to stay and chat after-hours while she cleaned up.
The little town was quite adorable, even in the dark, and even though the shops were shut, we enjoyed exploring it. The weather was lovely, and the walk was very pleasant.
When we got back to the B&B, we played scrabble. After the girls turned in, I stayed up and cleaned again before retiring. I do think I managed to doze a little that night.
The next morning when we went to breakfast, we were greeted with fruit salad in martini glasses along with the usual orange juice and coffee, which was, we assumed, the extent of our breakfast that morning. We were wrong, however; as soon as we'd finished our fruit, they served us fried potato wedges, a square of Spanish-style crust-less quiche with cheese and mild green chilies, topped with salsa and a sliver of avocado, as well as a large fluffy croissant with berry preserves. It was pretty amazing. It was much more than I'm used to eating, but it was too delicious to waste.
Before heading home, we stopped and tasted the famously pure water of the Mount Shasta spring, and walked some trails in the woods. One trail was composed almost entirely of different sorts of foot-bridges. Here's a picture of Anwen crossing an especially wobbly one. I must say, we all kept our balance very well.
After that, we drove a little ways, and then hiked down to a small waterfall, which falls in front of a cave, allowing one to stand directly behind it, or directly in it, for that matter. Here's a picture of me almost in it.
And then, it was time to depart. On the way home, we amused ourselves by playing "Who Am I?"
It had been a long, but very nice getaway, and, I venture to say, a very successful hen weekend. I think Anwen enjoyed it.
The date of the wedding is exactly one week away. I can scarcely believe that time has gone by so quickly.
Last weekend was Anwen's hen weekend, and I'd say it was quite a smash.
On Friday afternoon, Anwen, Wren, Gia and I went out for frozen yogurt with the groom, before heading out on a weekend getaway to Lake Siskiyou near Mount Shasta.
It was an amusing car ride; I brought along my mix-CD's, and we sang along quite loudly.
At around dinner time, we arrived at the beautiful little Bed & Breakfast. Here's a few pictures of the main building.
We sat by the piano both mornings for breakfast. Do you like the deer candelabra? There were two of them. The girls were prodigiously fond of them.
Our little house was separate from the main building. On the first evening, we went to a local market and bought pasta and garlic bread, and cooked it in our tiny little kitchen. It was a beautiful little house, and had a lovely view of the mountains. We ate our dinner outside on a picnic table, with a full view of Mount Shasta.
Later that night, Anwen opened her gifts, and we watched The Princess Bride, and Moonrise Kingdom.
Wren put together gifts for us bridesmaids as well. Our bridal entourage "uniform" consisted of white visors painted with purple fabric paint. Each had "Bridesmaid" printed on it, and Anwen's said "Bride." On the side of each was painted a word of Anwen's choosing. Anwen's said "Butterfly;" Wren's said "Quirky;" Gia's said "Brave," and mine said "Whimsical."
Besides the visors, we each got a hand-painted wine glass filled with tiny bottles of sunblock and hand sanitizer, character Band-Aids, a nail polish, and a pair of sunglasses. My nail polish was called "Thimbleberry."
After the opening of gifts, we ate cake, played some very amusing games, and put on face masks. I have pictures of this, but I'll not show them to you.
After the girls went to bed, I cleaned the little house and washed dishes, and then wrote in my journal, and read. I didn't get to sleep that night, but I enjoyed the peace and quiet.
The next morning at 8:00, we went to the dining hall, where we were served strawberry crepes, sausage, orange juice and coffee.
After a leisurely breakfast, we went hiking around a lake. The view was amazing, and I took ever so many pictures. Here's my favourite.
We hiked for a little over an hour, and then we went to a high-end spa and the three of us treated Anwen to an hour-long, full-body massage. It was lovely.
Afterwards, we went to Lake Siskiyou, where we rented standing-kayaks (they're like huge plastic surf boards that you row yourself about on with an oar). It was a bit strenuous for me, and Gia was kind enough to assist me on the way back. After we returned the boards, we swam for a bit, and then we headed back to the B&B, where we snacked on crackers and fancy cheeses.
After cleaning up and getting all dressed up in our "on-the-town" outfits, we went out for Thai food. We had planned on going right from there into town, but we were all so exhausted, that we decided to go back to the B&B again and nap for a couple of hours.
After our much-needed siesta, we went out on the town. Anwen, of course, being a bride, received her share of special attention and free drinks. At one place that we stopped at, one of the waitresses, as it happened, was a bride-to-be as well, and was very kind to us, and allowed us to stay and chat after-hours while she cleaned up.
The little town was quite adorable, even in the dark, and even though the shops were shut, we enjoyed exploring it. The weather was lovely, and the walk was very pleasant.
When we got back to the B&B, we played scrabble. After the girls turned in, I stayed up and cleaned again before retiring. I do think I managed to doze a little that night.
The next morning when we went to breakfast, we were greeted with fruit salad in martini glasses along with the usual orange juice and coffee, which was, we assumed, the extent of our breakfast that morning. We were wrong, however; as soon as we'd finished our fruit, they served us fried potato wedges, a square of Spanish-style crust-less quiche with cheese and mild green chilies, topped with salsa and a sliver of avocado, as well as a large fluffy croissant with berry preserves. It was pretty amazing. It was much more than I'm used to eating, but it was too delicious to waste.
Before heading home, we stopped and tasted the famously pure water of the Mount Shasta spring, and walked some trails in the woods. One trail was composed almost entirely of different sorts of foot-bridges. Here's a picture of Anwen crossing an especially wobbly one. I must say, we all kept our balance very well.
After that, we drove a little ways, and then hiked down to a small waterfall, which falls in front of a cave, allowing one to stand directly behind it, or directly in it, for that matter. Here's a picture of me almost in it.
And then, it was time to depart. On the way home, we amused ourselves by playing "Who Am I?"
It had been a long, but very nice getaway, and, I venture to say, a very successful hen weekend. I think Anwen enjoyed it.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Smiling Pasta
Good morrow, viewers.
You're perhaps thinking that today's post has rather an odd title. It is, in fact, the title of a Taiwanese drama that I watched the other day.
I was a bit confused myself when first I stumbled upon it. The reason for this particular title was explained, however, fairly early on in the drama.
You're perhaps thinking that today's post has rather an odd title. It is, in fact, the title of a Taiwanese drama that I watched the other day.
I was a bit confused myself when first I stumbled upon it. The reason for this particular title was explained, however, fairly early on in the drama.
As you might expect, the plot has a certain level of quirkiness, mixed with many of the usual elements of typical dramas, including parental opposition, a love quadrangle, and a lot of stubbornness from the main characters, resulting in several unnecessary misunderstandings.
It was interesting how many sudden character changes Smiling Pasta contained. Characters that I initially disliked became my favourites, and vice versa. For instance, the male lead's younger brother, whom I found rather unpleasant at first, eventually became more likable, in my opinion, than the male lead.
If you're keen on Asian dramas, and want to watch something cute and somewhat facetious, I recommend this.
On a random side note, watching this drama taught me how to say "turtle" in Chinese. It also resulted in a very strong craving for pasta, so be warned.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Ouran Day with Marlow
Hello there, viewers.
It's been a little while since my last post. The only excuse I have for this, is because I've been lazy. Fie upon me.
I had quite a lot of fun the other day; my friend Marlow came over on Wednesday, and spent the night. Occasionally, we choose a theme for the days we spend together, and this time, it was Ouran High School Host Club.
For those of you who aren't familiar with it, Ouran High School Host Club (otherwise known as Ouran, or O.H.S.H.C) is a Japanese anime about a studious, hard-working girl who's somewhat financially disadvantaged, who manages to gain a scholarship to a prestigious academy called Ouran. Instead of having the quiet high school life she anticipated, she accidentally becomes indebted to a group of wealthy school boys who are part of a very unusual club, and is therefore forced to join them in their shenanigans.
It's facetious, and entirely nonsensical, but Marlow and I enjoy it. We never tire of discussing the best scenes, and the ridiculous scenes, and our favourite characters, and our dozens of little inside jokes pertaining to it, and so on. It's quite nostalgic for us, as it reminds us of the early days of our friendship. Cheers to the good old days.
Now, when watching Ouran, it is impossible (at least we find it so) to watch it without coffee, Asian noodles, green tea, cake, and Bossa Nova drinks. If you are familiar with this series, I think you'll understand why.
It was a fun little tea party we had. The cups we used are part of a Japanese tea service my mum bought for me from a local antique shop, and the pretty spoons were part of a set from Avon, that were part of my grandma's spoon collection. More nostalgia...
We had a jolly-good time reliving this little "tradition" of ours. We have a great many traditions; long may they live and prosper.
It's been a little while since my last post. The only excuse I have for this, is because I've been lazy. Fie upon me.
I had quite a lot of fun the other day; my friend Marlow came over on Wednesday, and spent the night. Occasionally, we choose a theme for the days we spend together, and this time, it was Ouran High School Host Club.
For those of you who aren't familiar with it, Ouran High School Host Club (otherwise known as Ouran, or O.H.S.H.C) is a Japanese anime about a studious, hard-working girl who's somewhat financially disadvantaged, who manages to gain a scholarship to a prestigious academy called Ouran. Instead of having the quiet high school life she anticipated, she accidentally becomes indebted to a group of wealthy school boys who are part of a very unusual club, and is therefore forced to join them in their shenanigans.
It's facetious, and entirely nonsensical, but Marlow and I enjoy it. We never tire of discussing the best scenes, and the ridiculous scenes, and our favourite characters, and our dozens of little inside jokes pertaining to it, and so on. It's quite nostalgic for us, as it reminds us of the early days of our friendship. Cheers to the good old days.
Now, when watching Ouran, it is impossible (at least we find it so) to watch it without coffee, Asian noodles, green tea, cake, and Bossa Nova drinks. If you are familiar with this series, I think you'll understand why.
It was a fun little tea party we had. The cups we used are part of a Japanese tea service my mum bought for me from a local antique shop, and the pretty spoons were part of a set from Avon, that were part of my grandma's spoon collection. More nostalgia...
We had a jolly-good time reliving this little "tradition" of ours. We have a great many traditions; long may they live and prosper.
Here's Marlow and I, being loons. See that? I didn't even have to censor out our faces. Mobile phones...
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Chocolate Pots de Crème
Pots de crème (pots of cream) is one of my favourite desserts. It's quite similar to crème brûlée, but without the topping of broiled sugar. It's very versatile, and can be made in many flavours. This particular recipe results in a lovely "death-by-chocolate" experience.
Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Heat chocolate chips and cream in a pan, stirring constantly until chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth; cool slightly. Beat remaining ingredients; gradually stir in the chocolate mixture (start by adding only a few spoons full at a time, before adding in the rest. This process is called tempering, and results in smoother texture). When the mixtures are well combined, pour into four 6-oz ramekins (small, ceramic baking dishes). Place ramekins in a baking pan. Pour boiling water into pan half-way up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 20 minutes; let them remain in the pan until the water cools, then remove them and refrigerate for 4 hours.
Since I needed more than four to share with my family, I doubled the recipe. While they were in the oven, I and whipped the remaining cup of cream with about a tablespoon of sugar, and a teaspoon of vanilla, and then I sliced and sweetened fresh strawberries. Before I put the desserts in the refrigerator, I added about 4 strawberry slices, and a tablespoon or so of whipped cream to each.
- 2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup half-and-half, or cream (I generally use cream)
- 2 egg yolks (just the yolks, mind you)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons Irish cream such as Bailey's, if desired. (I opt in favour of this addition)
- Dash of salt
Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Heat chocolate chips and cream in a pan, stirring constantly until chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth; cool slightly. Beat remaining ingredients; gradually stir in the chocolate mixture (start by adding only a few spoons full at a time, before adding in the rest. This process is called tempering, and results in smoother texture). When the mixtures are well combined, pour into four 6-oz ramekins (small, ceramic baking dishes). Place ramekins in a baking pan. Pour boiling water into pan half-way up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 20 minutes; let them remain in the pan until the water cools, then remove them and refrigerate for 4 hours.
Since I needed more than four to share with my family, I doubled the recipe. While they were in the oven, I and whipped the remaining cup of cream with about a tablespoon of sugar, and a teaspoon of vanilla, and then I sliced and sweetened fresh strawberries. Before I put the desserts in the refrigerator, I added about 4 strawberry slices, and a tablespoon or so of whipped cream to each.
Cajun Mac 'N' Cheese
Here's another recipe I'm keen on. T'is rather a cut above a box of Kraft macaroni and cheese.
Boil a pot of salted water. Cook pasta about 1 minute less than directed. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, and drain the rest. Meanwhile, combine olive oil and sausage in a large skillet; cook over high heat, stirring until brown. Stir in the scallions and peppers until soft, about 3 minutes. Add spice and flour; cook and stir for 2 more minutes. Whisk in milk and buttermilk and continue whisking until sauce is thick. Add the pasta, cheese, and reserved water to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low, toss the pasta in the sauce, and cook about 1 more minute.
- pinch of salt
- a package of "wagon-wheel" pasta (I used fiori, which is similar in shape and size)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 6 oz diced andouille sausage (andouille is hard to come by in my area, so I substituted with a package of ground Italian sausage)
- 2-3 thinly-sliced scallions
- 1 cup chopped roasted red peppers
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (I use a brand called "Slap Ya Mama". If you cannot obtain any, the seasoning is merely composed of salt, garlic, black pepper, red pepper, and white pepper)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 8 oz cubed sharp cheddar (more or less, as you please. I prefer more)
Boil a pot of salted water. Cook pasta about 1 minute less than directed. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, and drain the rest. Meanwhile, combine olive oil and sausage in a large skillet; cook over high heat, stirring until brown. Stir in the scallions and peppers until soft, about 3 minutes. Add spice and flour; cook and stir for 2 more minutes. Whisk in milk and buttermilk and continue whisking until sauce is thick. Add the pasta, cheese, and reserved water to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low, toss the pasta in the sauce, and cook about 1 more minute.
Bolognese
Good morrow, viewers all.
Fairly recently, before the unseasonably hot weather assaulted my town, I pulled out my recipe book, and made a few of my favourite dishes that I had not made for quite some time. I shall share them with you.
This first one, bolognese, is an Italian sauce, served over pasta. While it is common where I live to serve bolognese with spaghetti, and other various types of pasta, it is traditional, and more practical, to serve it with egg noodles, which hold up much better under this thick, hearty sauce.
Cook the pancetta in a saucepan, or large skillet, and then transfer into a slow-cooker (crock-pot). Finely chop the soffritto of vegetables, and add it to the pan. Brown the ground beef slightly, and add it and the soffritto to the slow-cooker. Add the wine, tomato paste, and sauce, adding broth, or water if the consistency is not as you desire it. Let simmer until vegetables are soft. (Meanwhile, cook the pasta until al dente (firm to the bite). Add the milk, salt and pepper to the sauce. Drain the pasta, and toss it with the sauce, or ladle the sauce over individual portions (I personally prefer the former method).
On a side note, I often omit the slow-cooker when making this, and simply keep to the large skillet. It cooks much faster, and, in my opinion, comes out just as well.
Fairly recently, before the unseasonably hot weather assaulted my town, I pulled out my recipe book, and made a few of my favourite dishes that I had not made for quite some time. I shall share them with you.
This first one, bolognese, is an Italian sauce, served over pasta. While it is common where I live to serve bolognese with spaghetti, and other various types of pasta, it is traditional, and more practical, to serve it with egg noodles, which hold up much better under this thick, hearty sauce.
- 1 package ground beef (half of it can be exchanged with ground Italian sausage, if desired)
- 1 package diced pancetta (a cup of diced ham may be substituted)
- 3-4 carrots
- 3-4 celery stalks
- 1 onion
- 5 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 jar Italian pasta sauce
- 1 cup whole milk, or half-and-half (less, if desired)
- 1/2 cup still, dry white wine
- salt and pepper to taste
Cook the pancetta in a saucepan, or large skillet, and then transfer into a slow-cooker (crock-pot). Finely chop the soffritto of vegetables, and add it to the pan. Brown the ground beef slightly, and add it and the soffritto to the slow-cooker. Add the wine, tomato paste, and sauce, adding broth, or water if the consistency is not as you desire it. Let simmer until vegetables are soft. (Meanwhile, cook the pasta until al dente (firm to the bite). Add the milk, salt and pepper to the sauce. Drain the pasta, and toss it with the sauce, or ladle the sauce over individual portions (I personally prefer the former method).
On a side note, I often omit the slow-cooker when making this, and simply keep to the large skillet. It cooks much faster, and, in my opinion, comes out just as well.
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