Beauty. Eat. Life

Went to Scottsdale AZ last weekend with hubby for a little Baby Moon.  We thought we were going to get some pool time but alas, we are an active couple on vacations and this was no exception.  Zero pool time, but got some good sightseeing, dining and spa time in.  We also got lucky with the weather for the most part; with exception of rain on the last day, we enjoyed <100 degree, clear and sunny skies.

Here are some of the major things we did and places we went to:

• Hotel: FireSky Resort & Spa (a Kimpton hotel)
• Spa: Jurlique Spa at the FireSky
• Major Sights: Sedona, downtown and Old Town Scottsdale
• Restaurants: Trader Vic’s (Hotel Valley Ho), The Breakfast Club, Bourbon Steak (a Michael Mina restaurant at the Fairmont), Kona Grill

Our travels didn’t exactly start up on the best foot.  When we got to LAX Friday morning we discovered that our flight was cancelled due to mechanical problems Southwest was having, so had to catch a later flight out.  Things didn’t improve at the rental car counter in PHX when we found Dollar nickel-ing and dime-ing us on everything (hah, “Dollar” indeed!) and the final bill was significantly more than the initial booking. 

Thankfully our day improved by miles upon arrival at the FireSky hotel.  We were warmly welcomed by the staff – from the bellman to the front desk.   We also immediately noticed the fresh treats and water bowls set up by the front door for four-legged companions at this pet-friendly hotel.  Adorable too was a little doggie-shaped blackboard on the front desk counter announcing the pets that are leaving and those checking into the hotel that day.  When we checked in, we received a free two-level upgrade to a pool view room with a good size landscaped patio.  

I am a member of Kimpton’s loyalty program, but I don’t have any special status so was pleasantly surprised…it could also be that Scottsdale just passed its high season since it’s the weekend after 4^th of July.  Hubby and I had lunch at the hotel bar (very good Panini’s and drinks), then checked out the peaceful, lodge-y Jurlique Spa and got massages to unwind in the afternoon.  The spa was running a buy 2 get 1 free special, so we got to return on Sunday for more massages – very cool.  In our room, a little goldfish named Iris waited for us.  The bed was comfy and the L’Occitane toiletries were definitely welcomed.

After cleaning up for dinner we headed over to Trader Vic’s, one of the newer restaurants in town.  Although it is a well known chain, neither of us have been to Vic’s before so were curious to see what it was like.  We were not disappointed – wrapped inside a casual yet upscale atmosphere was good n’ honest wood-smoked meats and Polynesian cuisine.  We ordered a succulent pork medallion dish (smoked and cooked in Vic’s wood burning oven, served with a rich but not overly sweet plum sauce) and crispy halibut pad Thai.  Service was excellent and the drinks were very good (even my virgin ones).  Although relatively quiet on a Friday night where it was ~2/3 full, we were told by locals that it was a popular night hangout at the bar.  With all the yummy rum drinks on the menu, it’s not hard to understand why.  Took a pleasant (but yes, very hot and muggy) walk in nearby Old Town to work off the dinner – found the famous Rusty Spur Saloon and the Sugar Bowl ice cream parlor – and went home happy.

The next day we hopped over to The Breakfast Club on nearby Stetson for some morning grub.  According to the bellman (who was naturally very knowledgeable about directions and local areas), it and The Good Egg are some of the locals’ favorite breakfast spots.  We were not disappointed.  The place was packed to the brim with a line out the door – all locals.  We got lucky and snatched two seats at the coffee bar, ordered Huevos Rancheros and classic ham & eggs.  It is arguably the best HR I’ve had.  The chile verde on the HR was fiery hot and super yummy, the eggs fluffy, the fruit fresh, and both the coffee & smoothie (create your own) were just delish.  

After breakfast we made our way to Sedona.  It is a ~2-hour drive from Scottsdale but worth it.  The red rocks were beautifully and memorably sculpted by nature.  The town of Sedona itself is rather small, so it’s is definitely a manageable day trip.  Since it was hot and we had dinner reservations in Scottsdale, we didn’t explore the entire area, but hit some of the highlights suggested by the helpful concierge at FireSky instead.

This included the Cathedral Dome Vortex rocks area (supposedly good “energies” there), the Frank Lloyed Wright-influenced Chapel of the Holy Cross, the Coffee Pot rocks area, the town itself and the Hideaway – a very good local pizza joint where the crust was tart pastry-like and the fillings honest.  We also made a brief stop at L’Auberge, a local resort where all rooms are in little cabins and much of the local landscaping preserved – including a pretty little stream running through the property.  It is a romantic spot and the on-site restaurant is highly rated.

Since my energy level has definitely lessened during this final trimester (am now 31 weeks preggers), I was feeling a bit pooped on our way back from Sedona in the early evening.  We were both excited about dinner though – I’ve always wanted to try one of Michael Mina’s restaurants and Bourbon Steak (opened 2/08 at the Fairmont Princess) did not disappoint.  The Fairmont itself is a pretty, sprawling property in N. Scottsdale.  Valet parking was complimentary and once again the staff, from the bellmen to the restaurant hostess, was warm and friendly. 

Once we walked in to the restaurant, the atmosphere was inviting and the Thievery Corporation-genre of music kept the vibe cool and relaxed.  The food offered at Bourbon Steak was at once traditional and familiar, but with interestingly modern twists.  The meats are cooked sous-vide to retain moisture, then finished on the hot wood-fired smoked grill to seal in flavor and ensure a beautiful crust.  The menu was more extensive than I expected, with bone marrow being one of the more unusual appetizers.  Three types of meats were offered: premium USDA, American Kobe and Japanese Kobe.  Since we had a late and big lunch, hubby and I decided to share a Kobe filet mignon, asparagus side and a Caesar (I wanted to be more adventurous on the salad but alas, everything else either had unpasteurized cheese or something else I needed to avoid).  The Caesar is a refreshingly lighter version than the traditional but may have needed a touch more salt.  The filet cut like butter beneath our knives and just melted in our mouths. 

Our pre-dinner drinks arrived promptly.  Hubby got an Old Fashioned (thought it might just be the best he's had) and I asked the bartender to be "creative" (i.e., no cranberry juice with soda/tonic and lime).  His "creative" concoction was a "Orange Marmalade" mocktail made of freshly squeezed OJ, a touch of Grenadine & 7-Up, decorated with a slice of fresh orange and a maraschino cherry - absolutely refreshing and not too sweet.  In addition to what we ordered the staff also brought complimentary tri-flavored duck fat fries and truffle-infused cast-iron baked bread that were heavenly and addictive.  The dessert menu didn’t really catch our eyes (I think I was expecting more innovative creations than “molten chocolate cake,” for instance), so we went straight to after dinner drinks – lavender mint tea for me and Lagavulin 16-year Scotch for hubby.

Both the food and the service were excellent and worthy of a well-known chef.  The manager on duty also made his rounds talking to all the diners.  However, we thought various elements of the décor were a bit at odds with each other.  Most of the sections (the bar, the cellar, the natural stone walls) looked hip yet warm, but the metal “chandelier” lights looked like someone pieced a lot of Ikea stainless steel lamps together (nothing against Ikea, just thought it was a bit odd).  Similarly, the stainless steel handles and trim on the sectional doors didn’t reflect the warm glow from the candles and soft lighting.  None of this really mattered of course, just an interesting side observation. 

On our final day in Scottsdale, the weather made a turn for the worse.  Rain poured and the sky thundered, adding to the humidity in the air but kept the thermometer from spiking over 100. 

We took refuge at the nearby Scottsdale Fashion Square and had an enjoyable lunch at the Kona Grill.  Many local restaurants aren’t open for lunch on Sundays, so be aware when you make your own plans.  Not much was done on this day; we just hung out, got more massages, and relaxed.  In terms of traveling back in bad weather, we again lucked out – we got to the airport early thinking we’ll do dinner there, and found out our original flight was delayed 3.5 hours.  We were able to catch an earlier flight and since that flight was also delayed, we were actually able to leave PHX as originally planned. 

It was a very enjoyable weekend all in all.  In many ways Scottsdale reminded us of Orange County, making us giggle at times and instantly at ease.  The food options are top notch, the nearby sights gorgeous, and the golf is world class if you’re into the sport.  What’s not to like?

By now I am in my 28th week of pregnancy, and my waistline is nearly non-existent.  My belly has continued to expand and I can feel the baby getting bigger each day (if that's possible).  I now resemble Totoro, a beloved Japanese animation character Miyazaki created.

If you're an Anime fan, the image below should be very familiar to you:

A pretty depressing thought as I look at my collection of cute clothes I can no longer wear...

My only consolation is how cute I thought Totoro was when I first saw the movie...so hopefully I (and my belly) am still "cute" in my friends & families' eyes.  Plus it give me a good reason to go shopping for a new wardrobe. :P

I've always loved Indian food, and this recipe is one of my favorites: it's easy, delicious, and a hit with everyone at parties.  During my pregnancy I've also noticed the spices help kick up my appetite.  For those with morning sickness, the ginger in this recipe may also help alleviate some of the discomfort. 

As some of you may already know, Garam Masala, or "hot (warm) spice," is a classic seasoning mix used in Indian/Pakistani/Bangladeshi cuisine.  It is usually a mix of cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, clove, nutmeg, and caraway.  I sometimes think of it as the Indian version of the Chinese "Five Spice Powder."  It is versatile in quite a few different dishes but I like it best to marinade chicken with.  I can throw the spices, yogurt, and other fresh seasonings together and let the drumsticks / thighs / whatever-parts-you-like marinade anywhere from 8+ hours (minimum) to several days (best), and come home to a quick dinner.  For entertaining, this recipe can easily be multiplied and the prep is pretty easy.

I know there are folks who swear by the traditional method of using only whole spices they grind/mortar/pestle themselves.  That's great if you have time to make the mix and marinade over the weekends....To save time on grinding fresh spices, I usually use a good store bought mix, and add my own freshly minced ginger, garlic, dried or fresh chili (depending on what I have), and lime juice.  If you're short on the fresh ingredients, you can use garlic and ginger powder, but it'll taste rather flat and won't be the same.  You can get pre-made Garam Masala mix at either a local supermarket like Ralph's or your Indian/Asian ethnic grocer's like 99 Ranch.

Here is my simple recipe.  The portions are approximate - season to your individual liking :)

Easy Garam Masala Chicken
(For Two)

Chicken
5 or 6 - Drumsticks and / or thighs (fat trimmed), lightly slashed, with skin left on for moisture during grilling

Marinade
1 Cup - Plain yogurt (non-fat, low fat, full fat...whatever you like)
1 Tbspn - Garam Masala mix
2 Cloves - Garlic
1/2 Thumb length - Ginger
2 or 3 - small dried chilies (use less / more to taste.  If using fresh, you may want to use just 1 chili)
1 Lime (if not juicy, use 2)
1 tspn - salt
Optional: twists of freshly ground black pepper

Combine all marinade ingredients together.  Mix well.  Spread marinade all over chicken pieces, making sure there is marinade both above and under the skin.  Marinade using a non-reactive (glass) dish or ziploc bag and store in fridge overnight or for a few days (keep in meat locker or coldest part of the fridge). 

Light the grill on Med/High heat.  Grill chicken pieces for about 10 minutes each side and ~20 minutes total.  All grills are a little different so keep an eye on the chicken - drumsticks may take a the full 20 minutes whereas thighs may take a little less time depending on the size / thickness.

I like serving garam masala chicken with healthy and simple sides - like brown basmati rice (cooked with a little bit of oil / butter and cumin seeds) and sauteed fresh green beans with garlic and almonds - to let the flavors of the chicken shine through.   If you're serving wine with this dish, try: a good kabinett german Riesling; a more substantial sauvignon blanc (like a Cakebread); or a white blend with some body to it (like a Conundrum) that can stand up to and enhance the spices.  Since I've temporarily stopped drinking wine and my hubby won't drink it without me, he finds that a good Belgium white brew (like Chimay White) also goes well with this chicken.

Enjoy!
CG

It's been so long since I've written about beauty on this blog, that I'm afraid I've sank into the "I'm preggers so it's taken over my brain cells" phenomenon.  I try to remedy this by buying cute tops (non-maternity whenever possible) and cool makeup, but I HAVE become even more conscientious of what I put on my body than before I became pregnant. My hubby thinks it's just an excuse for me to buy more products (maybe he has a certain point here...hehehehe).  But I think most women experience this as they only want the best for, and prevent harm to, their unborn babies. 

Recently I came across a few great products so thought I'd share:

Mass Market Product

• Olay Definity Penetrating Foaming Cleanser (approx. $8.50 at Wal-Mart/Target).  No sodium or ammonium laureth/lauryl sulfates, propylene glycol, or parabens.

Method of Use: just like styling mousse.  Shake the can well and press the pump!

Texture: soft, elegantly fine foam, with a small amount of tiny granules to deep clean skin and remove makeup (even my stubborn eye liner).  The granules were gentle and non-irritating.

Fragrance: a nice, slightly powder-y floral.

Result: really clean skin that doesn't feel stripped of moisture at all, even a few minutes after washing & drying face without applying anything else.  Nice refined texture to allow easy application of skincare products.  So nice for the summer!

Natural Skincare Products*

*doesn't mean 100% natural - just contains more naturally derived ingredients than man made chemicals.

• Juara Tamarind Tea Hydrating Toner ($27; http://www.skinstore.com).  No alcohol, phthalates, propylene glycol, parabens or oils. 

Method of Use and Texture: like any toner

Fragrance: herbal

Result:  This is a great toner to soften the skin. I have combination skin with a t-zone that tends to be oily or dry depending on the season. This toner provides light moisture that's just enough to please both my temperamental t-zone and my drier cheek areas.

• Juara Sweet Black Tea and Rice Facial Moisturizer ($47; http://www.skinstore.com).  No phthalates, mineral oil or propylene glycol.

Method of Use: after toning

Texture: lightweight cream / silky emulsion

Fragrance: fruity-floral, really nice!

Result:  I've tried many global department store brands and both Juara's products listed here exceeded my expectations. The moisturizer is thicker than a lotion but lighter than typical facial creams. It quickly sinks into the skin, keeping my face soft, hydrated and supple all day. The cream works well both day and night.  During the day it doesn't cause my skin to look like a greasy mirror, and can double as a nice primer for mineral makeup.  When I wake up in the morning my skin is soft and smooth.

Full ingredients' lists available at skinstore.com.  Have fun!

 

CG  

 

 

My wonderful parents-in-law hosted a baby shower for me on the last weekend of May.  Now six months preggers, hubby and I flew up to Sacramento and on a gorgeous late spring day surrounded by our family and friends, we had a great BBQ cookout of yummy tri-tip and turkey breasts, plus homemade Meyer's Lemonade with a cool ice ring and a delish carrot baby cake.  Thanks to my sister Tamee for buying the food, her bf Greg for the grilling & salads, mom for appetizers & cake, and dad laboring all those hours to set up and get the backyard to look "just right".  I've never opened so many cute presents in my life - talk about "bite-size" booties, mittens and hats!  We are so lucky to be so loved by our family and friends.

 

 

 

It's always fun to celebrate happy occasions with family, and last weekend's "Full Moon" celebration in honor of my tiny nephew Winston was no exception.  My cousin Luyi and her hubby Shawn booked a room in a popular Cantonese style restaurant in San Gabriel and held a yummy lunch time banquet for about 100 people for their family and friends to meet the newest addition.
A "Full Moon" celebration is a Chinese tradition of celebrating the birth of a new baby.  It is somewhat similar to the American tradition of a baby shower, except it's always done AFTER the baby is born when the baby is about 1- or 2-months old (thus the name "Full Moon").  The proud new parents treat their guests to a feast, and provides the guests with either glutinous rice (Taiwanese tradition) or red eggs (Mainland Chinese tradition) or both to take home. The guests present the new parents with red envelopes (little gift envelopes - always colored red - with money inside) or gifts in honor of the occasion.
Winston was exactly 2-months old for his celebration; his eyes were bright and alert - a cute and curious little one - and he only cried once when he got hungry - what a good boy!

For my family - please go to the Costco / Shutterfly link I sent to see the rest of the pictures.

C.

Went for my second ultrasound (really my third...considering they did one to confirm the age of my pregnancy in the beginning) today.  At 21 weeks going on 22 weeks, our baby is still awfully shy...not wanting to show us you-know-what.  Compared to three weeks ago, the fetus is much bigger; the sonographer no longer needs to magnify anything - she said his size is right on track.

Baby's Vitals
1. Fetus size: Longer than a large banana and wider than an adult hand.  Basically bigger than a beanie baby.
2. Fetus heartbeat: 146/minute (essentially same as last time)
3. Digits: all fingers and toes seem to be there.  The fingers are much longer this time.  Feet also seem bigger.
4. Acrobatics: a bit quieter this time, but the fetus can be seen stroking his face, sucking his thumb, turning and punching his mommy in the stomach (ugh...I thought it was indigestion...now I know better!)
5. My weight gain: 2.5 lbs this month (last month was 6 lbs, and I got yelled at for it by the nurses :P).  Total since inception: 12.5 lbs

Next month I'll do my blood glucose test during my check up.  Yet more blood will be drawn - last time it took my doctor 2 tries to get my blood (and that's really good...) - here we go again!

So...some friends and family who saw me very early on in my pregnancy will be happy to know that I'm indeed "showing" now...Yes, at 18 weeks the bump was definitely visible, and now at 19 weeks even though it's not the size of Texas yet if I wear anything slightly fitted I won't be able to hide "it."

Here I am at my Uncle's 60th birthday party on Sunday, being asked by my aunties and uncles to "pose" for a photo:

Ugh...rather "obvious," don't you think?  My appetite has definitely improved/increased too - I have officially gained 10 pounds since first becoming preggers now. *sweat* 

On another note, the picture above was taken by my Uncle David (not the Uncle who turned 60), who used to hold me when I was just a tiny baby...how the times fly!

CG

Hubby, mom and I went for the landmark 18th week ultrasound this morning that everyone always make much ado about.  The little fetus was awake and VERY active.  It was also a bit camera shy - preferring to show us its head, hands and tiny little feet (yeah looks like all the fingers and toes are present) rather than you-know-what.  But through its wriggles here and there our sonographer was able to see its tiny little sex organ and told us we shouldn't expect anything but a boy.  Hubby and I could barely see anything though, so I scheduled a 3-week followup to take one more look and make sure. 

My biggest concern at this visit was actually just making sure the fetus is healthy, all the digits/head/legs/arms are there, and that the baby has a normal looking spine.  Thankfully all these things checked out.  Finding out the sex was secondary to me because many have warned me that at 18 weeks it could still be hard to tell; so I figured if we can't see it today I can always get a followup.

Here is the tiny one showing us his head, chest, and little arms (at 18 weeks the fetus' skin is translucent - so the image shows much of the skeletal formation rather than the actual appearance):

Hubby and I paid a visit to my cousin Luyi over the weekend to see her and her hubby Shawn's newborn baby, Winston Leon Chou. I sneaked a few pictures in when it was Kevin's turn to hold the baby - both boys were adorable.