Smile #119 - 2015 Report Card

Before I start jogging down more resolutions, now it is a good time to reflect on my progress of my 2015 resolutions.

Resolutions 2015:  

1.  Read - 50 books challenge 
Not quite.  Total books read: 26.  Although I didn't meet the goal, this challenge did motivate me to read more.  The awful traffic hour in Charlotte also helped.  Repeated radio playlist or an exciting story.  I'll take the latter.  :)

2.  Exercise - do challenges/gym 2x a week.  
I did enroll in a gym membership.  But like I mentioned in Smile #47, my commitment with the gym seems to cycle up and down.  Some weeks, going to the gym energizes me...other days, gym is a synonym for plague.

3.  Travel 
YES!  My bank account can validated the dent traveling has made.  But every cents spent for new experiences is worth it in my opinion.  Check out Nice to Meet You page for all my travel spots.  :)

4.  Connect with friends and family
DONE!  I managed to keep up with most friends and family!  Skype sessions, dinner dates, movie nights and even a meet up in Dubai!  :)

5.  Invest 
About that...the year started off successfully, I stayed within budget...for about two months.  Then  I gradually moved towards to the deficit side.  Oops.

6.  Learn This was quite an ambitious goal.  For 6 months, I managed to take at least one course weekly.  I learned a variety of topics, from investments and personal finances to sustainability and greening the economy.  Then my laziness and the world of internet invited me to the dark side...

7.  Write
Totally!  Well, I didn't keep up with the bi-weekly schedule, but happiness is tough to calculate.  I am so proud to say that I reached 100 smiles within this year!  That's 100 posts!  :)

8.  Try out new recipes monthly
Regret to say...this was a failed.  Bubble and I only managed to try out one or two recipes...

9.  Network
DONE!  I managed to push myself out of the door (literally) to networking events at least 2x a month!  I even joined Toastmasters and began working on my public speaking skills.

10.  Practice a new language
Another failed mission unfortunately.  I admit I totally should have tried harder on this one. In conclusion, I say I did relatively decent on my goals.  While I didn't complete everything I wanted to, I am pleased with the progress I made. Bruce Lee said it perfectly:

 

Smile #118 - Goodbye 2015!

A lot can happen in one year! 2015 was definitely an unforgettable year. With a few minutes left of 2015, let's take a retrospective look at all the adventures!

• Found new favorite food spots, perfect for a foodie like me!
• Committed to a gym membership
• Learned history from our country's first capital
• Sold my first stock...plus a couple more!
• Visited two of the new7Wonders of the world - Chichen Itza + Colossium
• Crossed the first item of my Mark My Footprint list! Harry Potter World!
• Learned to be a Witch/Wizard while sipping on Butterbeer, pumpkin juice, and gellywater!
• Rode a hot air balloon! ...almost
• Celebrated 1 year working anniversary
• Chase Rice Concert
• Rascal Flatts Concert...who knew I would ever go to a country concert?!
• Trained new employee at work
• Visited my first Middle East country
• Witnessed the true definition of rich
• Been on top the tallest building in the world
• Experienced the hottest temperature of my life - 118 degrees
• Wore the tradition wear, burka
• Visited my first desert and saw the beautiful sunset
• New iPhone user...I have submitted myself to the dark side!
• Went on an across Italy trip with Bubble
• Hiked the most beautiful trail
• Picked apples at an Orchard
• Cider tasting
• Discovered a new recipe
• Painted like Vin Gogh
• Donuts binge
• Visited tigers camouflaged in a residential area
• Cheered on our Hornets...even though we didn't win
• Enjoyed the outdoor a bit more
• Toured a cave
• Discovered a favorite beach
• Committed myself to Toastmaster
• Gave a speech voluntarily!
• Presented to senior executives including our regional VP!
• Lunch with our global CEO and a chitchat with our global COO
• Dinner with clients
• Met colleagues globally
• Spoiled myself with the biggest travel budget
• Splurged on my first name-branded jacket
• Reached the last year of my pre-adult years (25 is the new official adult year)
• New relationship status: Engaged
• Officially reached 5 years in our relationship
• Cooked with a professional chef!
• Greatest commitment to self: 100 Smiles :)

I'd say I earned quite a few stripes for my professional and personal records! :)

Cheers, darling! Bring on the new adventures!

Smile #117 - Cooking New Year Celebration

On a whim, Bubble and I signed up for a cooking class - "Date Night: New Year Celebration" at Sur La Table. We figured it was perfect since I honestly need to learn cooking skills and it would be a new experience for us. Let's get learning! :)

The classroom situated at the back of the shop is a full chef kitchen equipped with all sorts of kitchen aids. Upon our arrival, we were informed tonight is BYOB (Bring Your Own Beer) Night. So off we went to next door, Whole Food, for drinks. The night is always better with a drink!

Our chef, Robyn Moore warmly welcomed us. Fun fact: she was a past contestant on Chopped. How cool is that! She and her assistants, Chef Travis and Mike were around to guide us through each step to prepare our fancy meal.

Our menu for this evening were:

• Blini with gravlax and creme fraiche
• Pan seared steak with Brandy-dijon cream (Steak Diane)
• Truffled mashed potatoes
• Dark chocolate souffle with cocoa nib cream

Each table was set up with individual cooking stations with cutting board, a super sharp chef's knife and a scrape shovel.

Let's avoid a trip to the ER by starting with how to properly hold a knife. The proper way of holding a knife is to use our thumb and index finger to grip the blade and our hand will hold the handle. So I learned tonight I have been holding a knife wrong for forever....

The first course we prepared was the desserts. That works for me since that is my favorite part of any meal! Chef Robyn demonstrated how to whisk the cream and techniques to use in mixing. Noted, not everything should be stirred like Sunday morning pancakes. She poured the smooth chocolate mixture in the previously buttered souffle cups and let it cool in the refrigerator.

We put our knife skills to work by dicing potatoes for our mashed potatoes. I was extra careful to avoid any chance of cutting myself. She added in some truffle oils and truffle salt for flavor and let it cook in the large pot.

In the mean time, we started on our appetizer. Blini is basically a product of pancake and crepes. After two groups helped make the batter of yeast, mike, flour eggs, milk, sugar and butter, we each took a turn at the stove. I was a bit terrify of the oil splashing from the skillet. It also didn't help when the first guy set the skillet on fire because he added too much oil to the pan.... Good thing Chef Robyn was right by my side. My blini came out perfectly! :)

Rolled up the blini with a spoonful of herbed creme fraiche and a strip of smoked salmon = delicious! :)

After all of us licked our fingers clean, we moved on to making our main course - pan seared steak. We generously seasoned our steak with salt and pepper. Our table-mate volunteered to cook the steaks. Steak is added to the pan clockwise starting at 12 o'clock. This method ensures each steak will have even amount of heat. At medium brown, steak is removed to cool. Dijon mustard is then spread on the steak before placing in the oven to finish.

While we wait, Chef Robyn shared with us that medium rare is the best temperature for any steak. If you prefer well-done, then order the filet mignon because that can withstand the heat without sacrificing the meat. Good tip!

We returned to our cooking station and Bubble took control of the skillet. He added mushrooms, Cognac, beef broth, thyme, Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard with the cream. Stirred it all up over low heat to create the perfect sauce!

Just in time, our mashed potatoes are ready. Did you there is a thing called a mashed potato masher?! Chef Travis helped stir in the warmed milk and adjusted seasoning with truffle salt.

The aroma from all the food filled the room! Everyone's mouth were watering!

Dinner is served! :)

The steak was on par with restaurant quality. It was tender and juicy! The sauce was fantastic. I hope Bubble took notes so we can recreate this sauce! I was so full from the steak and mashed potatoes that I almost forgot about our desserts.

Since we already prepared all the ingredients, Chef Robyn quickly popped our souffle into the oven. She added cream to a bowl and began whipping the cream with mini chocolate chips for our souffles. Souffles rose in the cup due to heat; therefore, its beauty only last a few minutes before it deflates. Regardless, it was delicious! :)

The past three hours passed by quickly. I can't believe I am saying this...but I had a fun time learning how to cook. Our chef was informative and had a sense of humor. This class is great for cooks with all levels....if I can keep up, everyone else can too! What a unique date night idea! :)

Smile #116 - Merry & Bright

Christmas would be incomplete without our annual drive in search for twinkly Christmas lights. :)

We drove through many nearby neighborhoods. At our small neighborhood, Olaf is a very popular man!

This is my favorite house.

Bright lights lined the perimeter of the house. Inflatables and decorations covered the yard. There was also holiday music blaring from speakers on the roof. As an added bonus, the RV behind the house was also decorated too!

I squealed with joy! :) What a colorful explosion of Christmas spirit! We were surprised there were no lines of traffic past this home. Lucky for us then, we go enjoy this magical sight in peace. :)

Smile #115 - Broke the Ice!

Since Smile #101, I had take on a few roles from the Leadership Competent workbook. That's great and all, but clock is ticking for my Competent Communicator.

Ahh, pressure on! Let's get on to the first speech!

Every idea/story can be a speech! Thanks to my Toastmasters mentor, I was able to narrow down my speech topic.

The first speech project is the Icebreaker. The objectives are to begin speaking before an audience, to discover speaking skills you already have and skills that need attention and most importantly, to introduce myself.

My nerves were raving until I headed up to the front of the room and began delivering my speech.

Here is my speech - My Travel Addiction

Even though I had practice enough times that I memorized every word, the final speech still varied from the original. I guess there are no perfect speech like Dale Carnegie once said "there are always three speeches, for every one you actually gave. The one you practiced, the one you gave, and the one you wish you gave." He couldn't have said it any better!

The exciting part comes at evaluation. I got nice notes from several members. My speech evaluator gave me great encouragement and new pointers to focus on. Focus points for me are speech rate and body movements. Speaking faster has always been an issue, especially when I am nervous. But I was surprised to learn that I rock back and forth when I am speaking. I had no idea! Hmm!

Just like that, I broke the ice! I gave my first speech! :)

Smile #114 - Happy 5 Year!

On this day five years ago, I said yes to being your girlfriend.  Since then, I have also said yes to plenty of new adventures and laughter with you.  :)

We celebrated the day with dinner at Kindred, a restaurant recently named  as top restaurants in the prestigious Bon Appetit magazine.  I have been drooling over the thought of this visit!  :)

Through the teal doors, Bubble and I headed inside to a very busy lounge.  Our host led us upstairs to a table next to the window that overlooked the romantic outdoor seating.  Strings of lights offered a classic and whimsical atmosphere.

The contemporary dishes composed of unique locally sourced ingredients.  Thanks to the tapas styles menu, it allowed us to order a few dishes to try.  :)

Starting with the milk bread.  A pan of warm and fluffy bread gifted to every table. We now understood the big rave about the bread.  Bubble and I scrape off every possible bite.  :)

We chose Duck Fat Potatoes and Beef Tartare for appetizers.  Duck Fat
Potatoes were large fries served with aioli.  The combination is perfect!  Beef Tartare is a meat dish made from chopped raw beef served with crispy toast pieces.  We both never had raw meat before, it was definitely a new experience!  It didn't taste bloody or raw at all; instead, it was seasoned with lime and tasted delicious!

For main course, we shared Gnocchi and Bucatini.  Did you think I could say no to gnocchi?!  This gnocchi here is served with blue crab, citrus, creme fraiche and chive.  The bucatini is served with calico bay scallop, white miso butter, black truffle, and egg yolk.  Both were amazing!!  The homemade pasta definitely reminded me of Italian pasta.  :)

To accompanied our meal, we also order drinks.  Bubble tried a beer with Anderson Valley Brewing Company.  It has a very distinctive taste.  I chose to go with Barkeep's choice.   Whoever the bartender was, thank you!  The drink was awesome!  :)  This might just be my signature drink!

Cheers to more happy years!  :)

Smile #113 - I Have A Secret

Shhh, I have a secret to tell!  :)

Two months ago, I returned from Italy (Take me back already?!) :)  Aside from the constant hunger and memorable souvenirs, I also carried home a little secret --- a piece of Italy that I will always treasure.  A story that I will remember for the rest of my life.  A major rite of passage.  :)

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I AM ENGAGED!!!!  

Here is our story:

Leading up to the trip, friends and family members all suggested the potential of Bubble popping the big question.  A co-worker even had the whole proposal plan drafted, but I kept brushing off the thought.  This is Bubble's first out-of-country experience so he is already a nervous wreck.  Adding a ring to the mix might just push him overboard.

Reading Smile #93 to grasp my excitement for visiting Cinque Terre. :)

As mentioned before, we went on a hike between Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza, the absolutely most beautiful hike I've ever been on.  A detail I failed to include is during this hike, something quite dramatic happened...

After 30 minutes into the hike, we stopped to catch our breath (for probably the 6th time :) ).  This treacherous expedition plainly pointed out just how out of shape we were/still are!  We were sweating up a river from trekking through these muddy uphill steps.'

Our stopping point revealed a stunning view of Monterosso and the coast.

I was busy taking in the beautiful scenery, when ...

He took my hands and began his prepared speech.  "So, we have been together for almost 5 years..."  My heart started racing...WHAT?!  next thing I know he is knelling on his knee with a photo of a diamond ring pulled up on his iPhone asking the one question every girl has been anticipating since they were little.

"Will you marry me?"

I stood in shock!  I was in disbelief.  I literally kept repeating 'Are you serious?!' and 'Really?!' After taking a moment to process, I finally muttered a 'yes'!  :)

This is our first photo as newly engaged.  Meet my fiancé, Bubble!

His proposal totally took me by surprise.  I had not expected him to pull such a romantic (minus the gallons of sweat) proposal.  :)

This moment certainly forever took its place as my favorite travel experience thus far.  :)

Smile #112 - Gnoochi Night

Since our trip to Italy, Bubble and I are always on the lookout for gnoochi.  We first discovered Gnocchi Night at Dolce Ristorante (Read Smile #99).  And recently, Bubble discovered gnoochi at World Market!

For the first time tonight, we tried our hands at making gnoochi!  To add on to our Italian craze, we bought a bottle of Moscato wine to accompany our Italian menu!

Here is our Bacon, Shrimp, & Mushroom Gnoochi!  :)  It smelled and tasted delicious!  Bravo Chef Bubble!  :)

Smile #111 - Midst of Baking Mood

I seemed to be in the midst of a baking mood.  Another weekend, another baking mission.  :)

My friend, Ve, invited me to a her mom's annual candy making party.  The party was so official with a poster-sized checklist of different types of chocolates.   Turtles, mints, pretzel sticks, chocolate covered marshmallows.  How sweet!

Ve and I were assigned the duty to detail chocolate molds.  An assortment of color melts heated in a skillet.  With a toothpick, we spread a layer of coating in the indented area. Painting chocolate is so different than any other painting I've done before.  Art is not my strong suit, it took all the artistic skills in me not to mess up!

The time it took me to complete one set of candy mold, Ve finished 3.  Amateur vs professional.

After the coloring, the mold were filled with milk chocolate and popped in the refrigerator to freeze.  Ahh!  The candy came out so vibrant!  :)  And it tasted so good!  :)

Thank you ladies for letting me join you for a sweet afternoon!  First time candy making, check!  :)

Smile #110 - A Piece of Christkindlesmarkt

During my lunch break, I took a short trip to World Market, a shop that sells imported gifts.  I was surprised to a large selection of European goodies.  I was even more surprised to find these Germanic Lebkuchen heart cookies!  :)

How I've missed Christmas in Europe!  Christmas in Europe is absolutely magical!  Every town and city transform into a fairy tale with beautiful decorations.  Traditional Christkindlmarkt opens for business.  Strolling through the market with a warm cup of hot choco or gluhwein definitely put me in a festive mood!  :)

Each market is unique to the local culture.  Nuremberg is undoubtedly the most famous Christmas market in Germany.  It is also the largest with over 180 stands. I spent quite a few euros at the bratwurst stand.  Yum!  The London Christmas Market bring an international flair.  Food from around the world were available, from churros to kangaroo burgers!  On the other hand, the Christmas Market in Dornbirn has a traditional charm.  Located in the center of the town, stalls sold a range of local cheeses, wines and crafts.  Evenings were spent sitting around the fire place under the open sky.  Can someone please bring me back!?  :)

Smile #109 - Midnight Cravings

Because Christmas and baking go together (maybe just me?), I got a sudden urge to bake cookies.  Baking and I don't even belong in the same sentence!

I wanted to make mini gingerbread man cookies...except I don't like gingerbread.  So I scouted the internet for a butter cookies recipe instead.  Turns out the ingredients list is quite simple.  And Mom already had most of the items at the house.  :)

Bubble and I turned Mom's kitchen upside down.  Oops!  Where is the flour?  How much sugar?  How long does it take?

We made circles around the kitchen looking for each ingredient.

Here is the recipe we used:

Given it is already 11pm, we just wanted to speed up the process.  We threw everything into the mixing bowl and started stirring.  Amateur chefs, I know.  :)

The waiting period between putting the cookies in to when the cookies are ready for decorate was a test of patience.  I really wanted to decorate!  We even bought one of those icing decoration bag!

Bubble and I had the greatest time decorating our cookies.  We decorated some traditionally and some .. rather contemporary.

Here is the final product of our cookies. :)  Can you guess which ones were decorated by your truly and which ones are Bubble's creation?

Smile #108 - Nailed it!

I somehow avoided this ritual of nail salon visits for the past 24 years.  So, for the first time, I decided to treat myself to a professional manicure!  :)

Sis and I went to the modern and chic Polished Nail Bar.  The pressure to pick a nail color is tough when there is a multi-layered display case with countless bottles of nail polishes in every shades of the rainbow.   HELP!  I changed my mind at least three times before finally deciding on a dark brown with hints of red. Sis picked a dark greenish grey color.

With our colors in hand, we sat at the nail bar where the technicians promptly began filing our nails.  Twenty minutes passed by quickly and we are left with clean and beautiful nails!  :)

One step closer to full adulthood!  :)

Smile #107 - Domesticated?

JB and sis invited me to their baking party.  So why not?!  Girls night in...or so I thought.  Instead, It was a trap to domesticate me!  I was put to work like a little elf!  jk :)

A few photos to proof I did help! :)

Here is the recipe we used.  Who knew there are so many steps to an apple pie!  From cutting the apples to massaging the apple slices with all filling ingredients to finally neatly assembling the pie, the whole process took a good 30 mins!

It was all worth all the hard work when the room is filled with delicious apple scent.  :)  Consuming apple pies at 11pm might be a bit sinful, but who can abstain from that?!  A slice of the warm and soft taste of apple with crispy crust is just irresistible.  AHHH!

Even though my baking skills were put to work involuntarily, I did have fun with the girls. :)  It reminded me of old times when JB would make me help her in the kitchen. Well, I put that chopping potatoes skills to work tonight.  One step closer to adulthood, right?!  :)

Smile #106 - Almost #100

More than half of the US population shopped over Thanksgiving/Black Friday.  Steep discounts and door busters attracted shoppers to patiently (or not..) wait in line for store opening.  Despite store efforts to calm the crowd, plenty of horrific and hilarious stories emerged in the news the next day.  Just read some of them here.

 

The intense and rushed atmosphere deeply contrast from the relax slow-paced Southern culture.  Shoppers are prepared with coupons and readied to claim their prize.

 

Even though I took advantage of this once-in-a-year late night shopping opportunity each year, nothing had induced me enough to actually stand in line.  For the first time, I actually stood in line! :)

 

Mom, Sis and I took a quick drive around the neighborhood to check out the craze.  With 30 mins until door opens at Target, lines wrapped around the building.  Guess those $257 TV really drew a crowd.

 

We went to Kohl's next.  It was no surprise to find a line also formed outside.  With just 20 mins until door opens, sis wanted to wait in the car.  Mom sweet talked her and sis reluctantly got out to join the line.  After I parked, I also joined them in line.  As it turns out, they were winners of Kohl's first 100 customers giveaway.  They are #98 and #99 in line.  Winners were offered a movie voucher. She better be thanking me for kicking her out of the car!  :)

 

Smile #105 - Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is a traditional holiday celebrated in the US with lots of food.  It is the one day out of a year that no one will judge you for the amount of food you consumed.  :)  Put on your stretchy pants and eat!

Because Dad has work later on, we moved Thanksgiving dinner early.  For the first time, we had both turkey and ham.  There is also mash potatoes and gravy plus desserts.  So. Much. Food!  I attempted not to overeat, but with so many food on the table....I failed.

Since Sis and I were already dressed up, we thought to take advantage of it and take a few pics.  Here are some of the photos we took.

Side story:  My car was parked outside and Mom thought it would be fun to sit on top of the hood, except getting on top was a lot harder than expected.  Here is the result of Mom's attempt and sis dying from laughing.

Happy Thanksgivings from us all!  :) 

Smile #104 - Officially Gold Star

I have been waiting for this day for ages!  I am proud to announce I am officially a GOLD MEMBER at Starbucks!  :)

Phew!  The path to Gold level is quite strenuous!

I almost didn't pass the finish line!  I received an email a few weeks ago inviting me to join a bonus star challenge. By purchasing two Chestnut Praline Lattes, I would earn extra bonus stars.  Just enough to push me over to gold status.  Well, I made the two purchases of course, but my stars never showed up onto my account. I had to reach out to Starbucks Customer's Service to initiate an investigation.  But no worries, I got my stars now!  :)

I might be slightly broke in order to maintain my new gold status (AKA making 30 purchases for 30 stars within the next 12 months).  On the plus side, I do get to indulge in a few delicious drinks.  :)

Coffee date anyone? :)

Smile #103 - The Adventures of Hazelnut Maready, Bosch Cruz & Ozlo Snow

The mountain is calling my name yet again...AKA getting spam texts from sis.  Stranded in the mountain, I am her only civilization rescuer.  :)

Since our last adventure in Boone, the weather has took quite a turn.  The radiant colorful view has been traded for a grey wintery scene.

I thought I was well prepared for this trip with my cable knit sweater, but little did I know that the chilly wind would cut right through he sweater and into my skin!  My arms clenched tight against the cold for the entire day.  Oh how I don't miss the Boone winter ... at all.

I finally met the infamous Mr. M!  He and I had exchanged short conversations previously, but it is time that we meet in person.  We met up for Sunday Brunch at Cracker Barrel.  It has been a while since I had some good ol' country food. :)

While we were waiting, sis found a huge crate of giant stuff animals and begged for it to be a part of her Xmas present.

Everyone, meet Penta the fox.  She is about the same size as us.  :)

The food certainly did not disappoint me.  I had their new seasonal offering, Mushroom Braised Pot Roast.  Tender roasted pork topped in rich mushroom sauce.  Plus I get my DUMPLINGS!  Hands down, best side dish!  :)

After lunch, we split up.  Bubble left with his friend, B for their football date while us three headed down the mountain for some shopping.

Conclusion from our shopping trip is:  we bought WAY too much!  Sis made a purchase from every shop we stopped at.  This is turning out to be a very expensive weekend!  On the upside, I have majority of her present shopping finished.  :)

Anyone want to buy me this ittsy bitsy Olaf?!

I finally found a quilted tan vest that I have been wanting for a while and I got a good deal with my expired student ID!  :)  Don't judge, you know you'd do it too!

After the outlet, we headed to Boone mini mall as sis likes to call it.  Hallmark is one of the five shops in this "mall".  We found a toy there that generates your elf name.  M pressed it and his name is Bosch Cruz.  Sis pressed it and her name is Ozlo Snow.  My new name is Hazelnut Maready.  LOL!

Nice to meet you all, Hazelnut Maready here, ready to be Santa's little helper!

Since sis introduced us to Appalachian Cookie Co, there is no way I can skip this part on any trip up the mountain.  I ordered another white chocolate macadamia cookie.  Fresh out of the oven, so worth the calories!  :)

We began descending the mountain after dusk where I fell asleep on Bubble's lap.  It won't be long until my next trip up the mountain...exactly one week from now.  :)