Smile #30 - Be My Valentine

The man knows how to impress a girl.  Chef Bubble always showers me with extra love on Valentine's Day.  Can't believe this is our fifth Valentine's Day together, how time flies.  :)

Flowers, check!  Chocolate, check!  Present, check!  Spoiled, yes.  All that sugar is going to keep me hyper for days!  :)

Funny story:  I actually went by the store and smelled that exact candle - Peach Prosecco  The scent was sweet and peachy.  I wanted to buy it, but thought I should wait.  Did he read my mind? :))  

For the evening, we double dated with JB and her hus.  We decided to head back to our newest favorite, Waldhorn.  Turns out, because it is a special occasion, the restaurant only takes reservation or it's a two hours wait.  We got lucky when we called in to request a table for party of 4 and someone had canceled for 8pm.  Phew!  

As always, the food never fails to impress me!  :)  Yum!  We each ordered a cup of Ungarische Gulaschsuppe. The waitress drew funny faces on each of the soup, how cute!  For entree, I ordered Kalbsrahmragout - Sauteed veal in mushroom cream sauce with spatzel and broccoli. Bubble ordered the Valentine's special with rib, spatzel and broccoli.

Instead of ordering half a liter of his favorite German beer, he mistakenly told the waitress he wanted a big glass. He was shocked when she brought back a full liter mug. He has now experienced the true German culture!
With a stomach full of food and beer, we are ready to toppled over and call it a night.  Happy Valentine's Day to all!  :)

Smile #29 - Taste of Childhood Past

My mom had very strict rules regarding chocolate and sugar.  I was only allow a small treat every so often for good behavior.  On the other hand, my dad, who didn't know the rules, was a lot more laid back on sugar restriction.

One memory I had from childhood is when my dad picked me up after kindergarten and he forgot the keys to the apartment.  My mom was out running errands and won't home for a bit.  I grew hungry as we wait for mom to come unlock the door.  After my long groan, my dad bought me a giant box of Koala Bear snacks.  That certainly took my attention away from being bored to eating, eating, eating.  My mom arrived back in time to make sure I didn't ruin my appetite for dinner.  

Koala remains my favorite snacks of all time.  Cute koala shaped crispy cookies filled with chocolate creme, YUM!  Each koala has a different expression.

The local Asian store just imported a new shipment.  Boxes of koalas stacked up on the shelf.  I stood on my tippy toes and reached to the top shelf for a box of my own.  :)   

It tasted just like from back in the day!  :)  

Smile #28 - I See Travel in Your Future

Typically around Chinese New Year, Feng Shui-ists (...? I don't think that is the correct term.  Horoscope-ist?...) give a round up on each zodiac sign.  Health, money management, career prospect, they tell it all.

I enjoy learning about my luck or possible misfortune each year.  I never truly buy into it, except THIS year.  

According to my sign this year, (P.S. I am a sheep, baaaa!), if possible, travel between July 7 - Aug 8 to the East or South to help my "emotional instability".  What emotional instability, I am not sure.  Regardless, I only cared about the travel portion of this prophet.  :)  Let's travel!  I got to cure my emotional issues.  :)  

Thank you Feng Shui-ist for your forecast!  I will be planning a trip or two!  :))

Smile #27 - Aching for Austria

With Valentine's Day around the corner, I am still unsure of what the "perfect" gift would be.  I decided to wonder in World Market in hopes of finding something special, one of a kind and meaningful.

World Market is a unique store with goods imported from around the world.  It sells furniture, home decor, apparel, wine, and food.  The snack/candy section is absolutely my favorite!  :)  

Wondering through each aisle is like a treasure hunt.  Candies from Japan, ceramic dishes from Thailand, wine from France, the store has it all.  My heart ached for Austria when I came across this selection of goodies.  

Memories of those pleasant moments of Bean and I sharing chocolates in finance courses, on the train, and during our jet-setting travels surfaced.  Chocolate for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Chocolate was incorporated in my diet daily during those months and continues today...  :)  

World Market has a broad assortment of wine and beer.  European beers have officially ruined my taste buds and now I find myself constantly searching for stores and restaurants that offers European beers.  

I was very surprised to find London Pride!  It has been almost a year since I last visited London and drank wayyyyyy too much beer.  I searched for this particularly beer for ages and never could found it.  With this said, obviously I brought a pack home!  :)   

....while I still didn't find that "perfect" Valentine's day present, I relish my time shopping and discovering new products  :)  

Cheers!  

Smile #26 - When Chocoholic Meet Cheesecake

This past week, I decided to attempt the Military Diet to slim down.  A three days diet promised to lose weight.  The meal plan is pretty simple and easy to follow, so I figured I'd give it a try.

Omg, saltine crackers have never tasted so good.  Did you know it's amazing with cheese?!  Three days of no milk, no candy, no junk food.  Phew, I am glad I made it through.  :)  

Now, I am back on my regular diet aka no restriction, eat as I please.  :)  All I want is to satisfy my cravings.

I have been craving cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory like a pregnant woman for the past week.  IT'S DELICIOUS!  :)  Layers of chocolate fudge and cheesecake decorated with crunchy chocolate toppings.  Mmmm, it's soo good!

I couldn't wait to eat it...hence no picture.  But I did manage to find a professional picture of it.  YUM!