Point #2
1) Do Not Take Harmful Drugs
The guide warns that although drugs may cause temporary feelings of happiness, they will ultimately destroy you physically. Drugs aren't healthy and if anyone you know has problems, encourage them to get help.
2) Do Not Take Alchohol To Excess
In our society today, drunk driving accidents are one of the top ten if not number one killer of people, especially young adults who aren't fully aware of how dangerous the effects of alcohol really are. Please don't let yourself or others drive while intoxicated or even after they have been drinking. Excessive drinking is also not that beneficial to your health, with the exception maybe of wine.
Common sense people! We all learned that drugs and alcohol are dangerous in school, respect what you have learned and know about the dangerous effects of them. Don't kid yourself into thinking that "I'll be okay just this one time" because one time is all it takes.
Stephanie, WWT
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
1. Take Care of Yourself
Point #1 from the Way to Happiness.
Now, keep in mind that this is a COMMON SENSE guide, so even though they may seem straightforward to most, others may often overlook these things or not have enough time in the day to focus on them.
1) Get Care When You Are Ill
Basically, the guide tells us that stubborn people often don't get help when they are sick and tend to isolate themselves. I know, because I've done this before. My mom constantly stresses that I go visit my school health center if I ever feel sick, and you know what? It's true! Being healthy makes you happy! Duh.
2) Keep Your Body Clean
For the sake of everyone around you, bathe please! Washing your hands also helps keep hands germ free, I mean think about how many things you touch daily! Now, the guide and I have differing opinions about one thing. It says that it is within your right to insist that others bathe and wash their hands. I'm cool with that, as long as you kind of know the person...I mean, walking up to a stranger and telling them to take a shower might not always be the best idea :P
3) Preserve Your Teeth
I really would love to advocate this message to everyone out there. I brush two times a day, in the morning and at night, and I also floss religiously EVERY day... yes I know, I'm crazy, but it makes me feel better! I know if I didn't floss for a day, I would feel dirty. Try your best at it people because it will help prevent gum disease and bad breath too!
4) Eat Properly
This is a hugely important message for our society right now. We are facing an obesity epidemic where many people are saying that the generation of kids who are 7-8 years old right now, will be the first generation to die younger than their parents because of diet and health related issues. Nourish your body and limit processed, packaged, junk and fast foods! It's okay to endulge every once in a while, but don't forget the importance of fruits, veggies, and whole grains. You will also have more energy during the day which will make you feel better :)
5) Get Rest
Another important point. Our society is filled with hardworking people that rarely slow down and take a break to relax. I know many people in my family who have stress problems, that then lead to sleeping problems. Not only does getting enough sleep help you, but taking time out of your day to enjoy something that you love can also help reduce stress. Meditation and breathing techniques may sound corny, but they can really help to relax the body after a long day.
This first point seems easy enough to follow right? See, not too bad, just some life goals that we might not emphasize enough in our routines. Take some time to evaluate your health, slow down, and nourish your body!
Stephanie, WWT
Now, keep in mind that this is a COMMON SENSE guide, so even though they may seem straightforward to most, others may often overlook these things or not have enough time in the day to focus on them.
1) Get Care When You Are Ill
Basically, the guide tells us that stubborn people often don't get help when they are sick and tend to isolate themselves. I know, because I've done this before. My mom constantly stresses that I go visit my school health center if I ever feel sick, and you know what? It's true! Being healthy makes you happy! Duh.
2) Keep Your Body Clean
For the sake of everyone around you, bathe please! Washing your hands also helps keep hands germ free, I mean think about how many things you touch daily! Now, the guide and I have differing opinions about one thing. It says that it is within your right to insist that others bathe and wash their hands. I'm cool with that, as long as you kind of know the person...I mean, walking up to a stranger and telling them to take a shower might not always be the best idea :P
3) Preserve Your Teeth
I really would love to advocate this message to everyone out there. I brush two times a day, in the morning and at night, and I also floss religiously EVERY day... yes I know, I'm crazy, but it makes me feel better! I know if I didn't floss for a day, I would feel dirty. Try your best at it people because it will help prevent gum disease and bad breath too!
4) Eat Properly
This is a hugely important message for our society right now. We are facing an obesity epidemic where many people are saying that the generation of kids who are 7-8 years old right now, will be the first generation to die younger than their parents because of diet and health related issues. Nourish your body and limit processed, packaged, junk and fast foods! It's okay to endulge every once in a while, but don't forget the importance of fruits, veggies, and whole grains. You will also have more energy during the day which will make you feel better :)
5) Get Rest
Another important point. Our society is filled with hardworking people that rarely slow down and take a break to relax. I know many people in my family who have stress problems, that then lead to sleeping problems. Not only does getting enough sleep help you, but taking time out of your day to enjoy something that you love can also help reduce stress. Meditation and breathing techniques may sound corny, but they can really help to relax the body after a long day.
This first point seems easy enough to follow right? See, not too bad, just some life goals that we might not emphasize enough in our routines. Take some time to evaluate your health, slow down, and nourish your body!
Stephanie, WWT
The Way to Happiness: A common sense guide to better living
A while ago I was exploring different philosophies and religions and came across a publication titled The Way to Happiness on a Scientology website. IN NO WAY am I claiming to be a scientologist or anything! I decided to request my free guide to see what it was all about. What I found, was a guide that could appeal to everyone, that does not preach one religion, nor is associated with a Scientology doctrine.
In order to prove to you that I am not extreme, radical, or crazy in any way, here is the explanation taken from the back of the booklet:
"This may be the first nonreligious moral code based wholly on common sense. It was written by L. Ron Hubbard as an individual work and is not part of any religious doctrine."
Yes, it was written by Hubbard, the scientologist guy, but when I read the guide, I found bits and pieces of wisdom that can be helpful to anyone, no matter what you believe in.
I've decided to share from each point, the important things that I took away from the booklet, in the hopes that others might find some knowledge as well.
I will update posts with each main point described and my favorite parts of them in the weeks/months to come. I hope you will enjoy them and take away something meaningful. Then maybe we can all add a little more happiness into our lives :)
Stephanie, WWT
In order to prove to you that I am not extreme, radical, or crazy in any way, here is the explanation taken from the back of the booklet:
"This may be the first nonreligious moral code based wholly on common sense. It was written by L. Ron Hubbard as an individual work and is not part of any religious doctrine."
Yes, it was written by Hubbard, the scientologist guy, but when I read the guide, I found bits and pieces of wisdom that can be helpful to anyone, no matter what you believe in.
I've decided to share from each point, the important things that I took away from the booklet, in the hopes that others might find some knowledge as well.
I will update posts with each main point described and my favorite parts of them in the weeks/months to come. I hope you will enjoy them and take away something meaningful. Then maybe we can all add a little more happiness into our lives :)
Stephanie, WWT
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Boboquivari's Restaurant Review
For Father's Day, my mom and I surprised my dad by taking him to Boboquivari's, more commonly known simply as Bobo's. Located on Lombard Street in San Francisco, between Van Ness and Franklin, Bobo's is a mardi gras/venetian style restaurant that serves steak and crab dishes. They are most well known however, for their bone-in filet mignon, which is aged 4 - 6 weeks.
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Our server, a wonderful man with a French accent gave us a spiel about the aging process which attracts many people to the restaurant, 99% of which order the bone-in filet. He assured us that if you go to Bobo's and do NOT try the bone-in, it is equivalent to "going to Disneyland and not seeing Mickey Mouse." Alright, so both my parents ordered the bone-in while I promised the waiter that I would eagerly have a bite of it.
Our spread of food, or what's left of it!
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Along with the steaks we also tried the following:
~Apple, Walnut, Cranberry Salad with blue cheese and a raspberry vinaigrette (sorry no pic!)
The salad was very good, but in my opinion, was loaded with dressing.
~Toybox Tomatoes with Burrata (top middle)
Came with mini croutons and avocado mixed with the tomatoes. The burrata, like a mozzerella cheese was served in a small dish for dipping.
~Twice Baked Potato (bottom left)
Topped with a cheesy crust. The potato itself was very creamy and loaded with chives for a burst of flavor.
~Baked Yams with Brown Sugar (bottom right)
The yams were alright, but pretty much standard. A nice alternative to a baked potato.
~Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta and Cheese (bottom middle)
This was our favorite hands down. We all enjoyed the brussels sprouts which were drenched in an olive oil and topped with pancetta pieces and a sharp white cheese. Fantastic.
And if that's not enough, they bring you a complimentary olive loaf, topped with olive pieces and garlic. The bread is actually already drizzled with olive oil on the inside so you don't need anything on it!
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I have to say, the food was fantastic and we all had stomach pains from eating too much! Of course, that didn't stop me from ordering dessert! The three of us split the Chocolate Bomb! It was a chocolate mousse with a raspberry coulee and on the inside was a sort of chocolate cake with a chocolate fudge topping. Yum!
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I would definitely recommend Bobo's to someone who enjoys a great steak. None of us tried the crab, but I'm willing to bet that it is magnificent as well. Word of warning, don't order too much food!
The decor in the restaurant was also very nice. We were a bit apprehensive at first after hearing some reviews that there were clowns on the walls, but overall, the theme felt more Venetian to me.
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bad pic taken out of the back of my car :P
Our server, a wonderful man with a French accent gave us a spiel about the aging process which attracts many people to the restaurant, 99% of which order the bone-in filet. He assured us that if you go to Bobo's and do NOT try the bone-in, it is equivalent to "going to Disneyland and not seeing Mickey Mouse." Alright, so both my parents ordered the bone-in while I promised the waiter that I would eagerly have a bite of it.
Our spread of food, or what's left of it!
Along with the steaks we also tried the following:
~Apple, Walnut, Cranberry Salad with blue cheese and a raspberry vinaigrette (sorry no pic!)
The salad was very good, but in my opinion, was loaded with dressing.
~Toybox Tomatoes with Burrata (top middle)
Came with mini croutons and avocado mixed with the tomatoes. The burrata, like a mozzerella cheese was served in a small dish for dipping.
~Twice Baked Potato (bottom left)
Topped with a cheesy crust. The potato itself was very creamy and loaded with chives for a burst of flavor.
~Baked Yams with Brown Sugar (bottom right)
The yams were alright, but pretty much standard. A nice alternative to a baked potato.
~Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta and Cheese (bottom middle)
This was our favorite hands down. We all enjoyed the brussels sprouts which were drenched in an olive oil and topped with pancetta pieces and a sharp white cheese. Fantastic.
And if that's not enough, they bring you a complimentary olive loaf, topped with olive pieces and garlic. The bread is actually already drizzled with olive oil on the inside so you don't need anything on it!
I have to say, the food was fantastic and we all had stomach pains from eating too much! Of course, that didn't stop me from ordering dessert! The three of us split the Chocolate Bomb! It was a chocolate mousse with a raspberry coulee and on the inside was a sort of chocolate cake with a chocolate fudge topping. Yum!
The decor in the restaurant was also very nice. We were a bit apprehensive at first after hearing some reviews that there were clowns on the walls, but overall, the theme felt more Venetian to me.
2nd floor dining room
1st floor dining room
I would definitely return to Bobo's in the future to possibly try a different dish. Their menu is sort of limited if you don't fancy a steak or crab though. There is a sunfish dish, but not really any chicken or pork alternatives. In the end, we left with our leftovers, our stomachs full to the brim and satisfied with rich food.
Stephanie, WWT
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Summer Sweets
So lately I have been craving sweets! But not just any sweets, something out of the ordinary. So far, this summer has brought many opportunities to try different things for me. I'll share with you just some of the cool things I've discovered.
Salt Water Taffy from Monterey
I'm never really someone who craves taffy, it just isn't my candy of choice, but somehow, whenever you're on the pier, or wharf, or coast, salt water taffy just sounds amazing, right?? Anyway, I decided to pick some up because the flavors were so cool! Little did I know my candy stash (of about maybe 20 - 30 pieces) would cost $7.00! It was well worth it though and I was able to share with friends and family.
Manju from Shuei-Do in San Jose
Ok, so being half-Japanese I grew up with an American family who had some knowledge of Japanese customs, food, and culture, but wasn't traditional in practicing it. One of the treats we all enjoy however is Manju, a mochi-like gummy sweet blob filled with smashed or whole Azuki (red bean) or lima (white bean). Shuei-Do is really the only Manju shop that I know of around my area, located in San Jose's Japantown. There is nothing better than fresh manju in my opinion, and it brings back a bit of nostalgia whenever I get to have it :)
Verdict: I've pretty much tried all of the different kinds of manju and my favorites have to be the wafer one (Monaka) the pink smashed lima bean, and the green red bean manju.
That's it for now, but I'll have more sweet treats posts coming! And a spotlight on a bday cake I just made :)
Stephanie, WWT
Salt Water Taffy from Monterey
I'm never really someone who craves taffy, it just isn't my candy of choice, but somehow, whenever you're on the pier, or wharf, or coast, salt water taffy just sounds amazing, right?? Anyway, I decided to pick some up because the flavors were so cool! Little did I know my candy stash (of about maybe 20 - 30 pieces) would cost $7.00! It was well worth it though and I was able to share with friends and family.
From left to right: Eggnog, Cupcake, Pumpkin Pie, and Peanut Butter and Jelly (with real peanut butter and jelly in the middle!!)
The rest of my candy stash! Other flavors included Banana Split, Neopolitain, Blueberry Lemonade, Caramel Apple, Pina Colada, Huckleberry, Apple Cinnamon, Lemon Lime, and many others.
Verdict: My favorites were the Maple and Rum flavors. They were truly delicious!
Chocolate Liqueur Bottles by Anthon Berg
I just had to try these! I found an old box of them in my aunt and uncle's cabinet from like Christmas and we all decided to sample them. They each contain a small amount of liqueur in a milk chocolate bottle casing. It was fun to snack and try each flavor, but we all ended up biting off the top of the bottle and sucking out the inside flavoring!
8 different Liqueurs and 64 per box
Jack Daniels, Cointreau, Grand Marnier
The Danzka CranberryRaz Vodka
Verdict: My favorite was the Danzka CranberryRaz Vodka. It was sweet, but not overpoweringly so. I'd say the strongest were the tequila gold and the Galliano. Not a big fan of whisky so I didn't really love those.
Chocolate Frog from Harry Potter
I went to the Harry Potter Exhibition at the Discovery Museum in NY this past April and was fortunate enough to pick up a couple of chocolate frogs! I was all over these as an avid Harry Potter fan, and would have bought more had they not been $5 a piece. Yeah... I spent $10 on two chocolate frogs, but it was worth it right? Plus, I got the potter family on a famous witch or wizard card!
Chocolate Frog, fits about in the palm of your hand
Verdict: It was okay I guess? Just really a milk chocolate piece with crunchies in it, like a crunch bar...only in the shape of a frog.
Manju from Shuei-Do in San Jose
Ok, so being half-Japanese I grew up with an American family who had some knowledge of Japanese customs, food, and culture, but wasn't traditional in practicing it. One of the treats we all enjoy however is Manju, a mochi-like gummy sweet blob filled with smashed or whole Azuki (red bean) or lima (white bean). Shuei-Do is really the only Manju shop that I know of around my area, located in San Jose's Japantown. There is nothing better than fresh manju in my opinion, and it brings back a bit of nostalgia whenever I get to have it :)
Outside the manju shop, some tourists are looking at the shaved ice menu
What's left of our manju selection!
The wafer cookie with red beans (Azuki). I think this one is called Monaka.
Pink manju with smashed lima bean paste, called Tsubu I think.
Verdict: I've pretty much tried all of the different kinds of manju and my favorites have to be the wafer one (Monaka) the pink smashed lima bean, and the green red bean manju.
That's it for now, but I'll have more sweet treats posts coming! And a spotlight on a bday cake I just made :)
Stephanie, WWT
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Sweet Treats and More in Chelsea!
So being the food lover that I am, I had to seek out Chelsea Market in NY. After some confusing subway rides and me hoping that I was going in the right direction I finally made it!
When I first walked in I found the food network sponsored James Beard Foundation section where they had free samples of cakes and cookies as well as a restaurant and a schedule of planned activities. I signed up for a raffle and actually won a food network thermos!! I was so excited I never win anything!
So after I won my little green thermos, I was on my way exploring the market. I ended up crashing a food tour (oops). I thought this guy was just giving an informational talk about one of the bakeries so I stopped to listen. After he was done he informed me that "this is a private food tour." I was so embarassed, so I went to seek out some sweets!
So after I won my little green thermos, I was on my way exploring the market. I ended up crashing a food tour (oops). I thought this guy was just giving an informational talk about one of the bakeries so I stopped to listen. After he was done he informed me that "this is a private food tour." I was so embarassed, so I went to seek out some sweets!
The spread of cupcakes at Eleni's
Aren't these NY cookies adorable?
Shoe Cake!
In case you can't find your way
After stopping to look everywhere including some awesome kitchen stores I was off to navigate through the masses of people again.
Sampling different olive oil and balsamic flavors
Try these at the Filling Station
Freshly baked Easter bread baskets
With real eggs inside!
Then, I unexpectedly came across a Prive designer sale! I tried on some clothes and ended up getting a Free People top for only $20! It was so fun and a great experience, although I wasn't used to trying on clothes in a huge dressing room in front of other people, but I quickly got over that.
Overall, I had a great time at the market and hope to go back someday and eat at the restaurant named after its famous iron chef, Morimoto. Foodies will enjoy the market because it has something for everyone, from soups and sandwiches, to gelato and cupcakes, you're sure to find something that will fit your needs. There is also an impressive kitchen supply store there too. If you're in New York and are in the area, I would say the market is worth checking out, but not a necessity.
And... when I got back from my long day I came home to my hostel to find a nice present from a friend I had met from the Fat Witch Bakery, which has a location in Chelsea Market. They specialize in brownies and bars.
Thank you Chris!
Next stop on my food tour through NY...Eataly! Stay tuned!
Stephanie, WWT
Friday, June 3, 2011
Wafels and Dinges, huh??
Don't let the name confuse you! Wafels and Dinges is a delicious Belgian Waffle Food Truck located in various places throughout each week in New York!
I scouted it's location out beforehand and headed over to the Times Square area to find it. Hoping my directions were right, i was delighted to spot the big, bold, yellow truck with surprisingly, no line!! I just walked straight up, had a chat with the super friendly guys making fresh waffles and ordered.
The menu is a little intimidating at first and they have two main types of waffles, the Liege, and the Brussels. From there, you can decide upon different variations, create your own with multiple toppings, or try "de Throwdown Wafel" made famous by Bobby Flay's Throwdown competition.
I was feeling more on the savory side because I hadn't eaten any breakfast, so I opted for "de Bacon Wafel," a nice, crunchy Brussels waffle with bacon pieces baked inside of the waffle, topped with butter, powdered sugar, and my favorite topping of all...maple syrup!!
One of their specialties is their 'spekuloos' spread, which I did not have on my waffle (I'll have to go back again and try it!). I have had a similar spread and the best way I can describe it is a smooth buttery, gingerbread like, graham cracker, spread. If you've ever had Biscoff/Lotus cookies, it is similar to the spread that you can get with them. Wafels and Dinges has their own authentic spekuloos which you can purchase in your own jar to put on you waffles at home!
Enjoy! And I'll have more posts coming soon. I've been super busy lately!
-Stephanie, WWT
I scouted it's location out beforehand and headed over to the Times Square area to find it. Hoping my directions were right, i was delighted to spot the big, bold, yellow truck with surprisingly, no line!! I just walked straight up, had a chat with the super friendly guys making fresh waffles and ordered.
The menu is a little intimidating at first and they have two main types of waffles, the Liege, and the Brussels. From there, you can decide upon different variations, create your own with multiple toppings, or try "de Throwdown Wafel" made famous by Bobby Flay's Throwdown competition.
I was feeling more on the savory side because I hadn't eaten any breakfast, so I opted for "de Bacon Wafel," a nice, crunchy Brussels waffle with bacon pieces baked inside of the waffle, topped with butter, powdered sugar, and my favorite topping of all...maple syrup!!
My bacon waffle!
Overall, the waffle was AMAZING!!! The waffle itself was crispy and crunchy on the outside, but unbelievably soft, moist, and warm on the inside. It wasn't soggy or too hard, just... perfect. The butter and maple syrup toppings weren't dangerously flooding the cardboard box it came in and were very lightly added so as not to completely soak the waffle. It was like, breakfast perfection! I would highly recommend trying one if you happen to see the truck on the streets of NYC. Or look up the location beforehand, I think they have multiple trucks/smaller carts that rotate around the city.
Fresh waffles, yum!
One of their specialties is their 'spekuloos' spread, which I did not have on my waffle (I'll have to go back again and try it!). I have had a similar spread and the best way I can describe it is a smooth buttery, gingerbread like, graham cracker, spread. If you've ever had Biscoff/Lotus cookies, it is similar to the spread that you can get with them. Wafels and Dinges has their own authentic spekuloos which you can purchase in your own jar to put on you waffles at home!
Enjoy! And I'll have more posts coming soon. I've been super busy lately!
-Stephanie, WWT
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