Valentine's Day What?

What are everyone's plans for the marketeering "holiday"? If you're like me, I bought my friendboy a box of Godiva Chocolates. Only the best for my puppy-daddy. He's got um, a wee bit of a problem with the lactose ingredients so I got him all dark chocolates. As far as plans go, I am spending a nice romantic Valentine's weekend doing taxes, car servicing, and dog grooming... yay! Romantic, right? I thought so.
In other news, I wanted to share how cool and awesome these new Gold & Wood frames are. We got a pair for the friendboy (he hasn't seen them yet).

Nice Buffalo horn striation

Gold & Wood Model H10P

Don't mind my messy room in the reflection of these lenses. These bad boys are polarized lenses finished with a silver flash mirror coat on the front and a cool blue hued anti-glare coating on the back surface of the lenses. All of Gold & Wood's frames are made of all natural exotic woods and (unharmed) buffalo horn:

About the horn (from Gold & Wood Website)

"The African and Vietnamese buffalo horn is taken from domesticated animals meant for the butcher’s shop. Indian horns are taken without mutilation or cruelty, mindful of cows’ sacred nature in this country. A Health Certificate issued by Indian authorities attests to the veterinary origin and good health of the animals."

About the wood (from Gold & Wood Website)

"Very little wood is used in manufacturing the settings. For example, the production of a thousand eyeglass temples requires cutting down a single tree. The anallergic nature and lightness of this entirely natural material is a major asset for the settings. For all woods used in its collections, Gold & Wood resorts to an FSC-certified supplier, a guarantee of the right and proper monitoring of the wood’s traceability by an independent certification agency. Its raw woods, from a controlled provenance, come exclusively from regions of the world where systematic reforestation is in effect and monitored by local authorities. Furthermore, the supplier’s facilities are equipped with used-water filtration and purification systems. As for the dyes used in staining the raw material, they boast extremely low toxicity rate and are strictly environment-friendly"

No two frames are alike even despite it being the exact same model. All the wood used in their frames are natural and not dyed. And buffalo horns are not ever the same color nor do they offer the same striation so one pair might have more white in it than others (as pictured).

Just thought these were so cool. Had to share. Can't wait to give it to the friendboy tonight!

The Hong Kong Series: Food - The Best Part of the Trip

I am so long overdue on posts! It has been a crazy few weeks since I've gotten back. And now that the holidays are here and in full swing, it is even harder for me to get some down time!

I am missing Hong Kong so much. I have friends that are still there and I envy their ability to indulge in all the flavors there. Chinese food in L.A. is just NOT the same. Let me show you why I love the food there so much:

1. Dim Sum at Tim Ho Wan: The story is that the Four Seasons chef left and had started his own restaurant, Tim Ho Wan, and it's Four Seasons quality for 1/4th the price! It's also one of the "cheapest" Michelin rated restaurants in the world.

Lotus Leaf wrapped sticky rice

Pork Spare Rib with Black Bean Sauce Over Rice

Only THE BEST BBQ Pork Bun

BBQ Pork Noodle

2. Crystal Jade: I know this is a chain in HK but man is it SO much better than the Shanghai food in L.A.

Steamed Juicy Pork Dumplings

 

Shanghai Style Pan Fried Noodle

3. Mido Cafe: Small and quaint local joint in Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon. Serves great Lai Cha (Milk tea) and cafe style dishes.

Baked Pork Chop w/ Fried Rice and Tomato Sauce

Hong Kong Style French Toast

4. Caprice: Three Michelin stars for a French restaurant in the middle of Hong Kong. Okay, well not the "middle". But they had excellent food and GREAT service. Instead of folding our napkins when we left the table, they brought an entirely NEW one!

Chicken Consomme and Pumpkin

Japanese Scallop Tartare with Cauliflower, Oyster Jelly and Avruga Caviar Coulis

Poached Pear

 

Passion Fruit and Chocolate Fondant

4. Wonton Mein: Went to a place in Causeway Bay. It was supposed to be a Michelin recommended place. And it WAS indeed tasty!

5. Cong Sao Desserts: A Hidden treasure located underneath the Holiday Inn Express in Times Square. We went twice during our trip. :P

 

Strawberry Ice with Grass Jelly

Almond Soup with Sago and Glutinous Rice

5. McDonald's: No trip would be complete without trying all the different things the various McDonald's have to offer!

McPepper and Shake Shake Fries

Wow, has it really been a little over a month since I've gotten back AND entered another blog? Sorry all... But!! There will be more to follow!

The Hong Kong Series: An Introduction

I'm back! Adjusting to jet lag and have returned to work (maybe not the best combination). How is it that it is easier to adjust going there but not so much coming back home? I think last night was the first night that I actually slept through the night... but I think it attributes to the fact that I was awake for a full 24 hours before that...

The first morning, I woke up to see this outside our window

Victoria Harbor

We began to see the sights and take in all the colors of Hong Kong

$1 US for fresh fruit juice

Fresh fruits for juices

There's always tons of people walking around, no matter what day of the week it is. And, people in Hong Kong work Monday through Saturday!

Interesting sights from gorgeous heights

Looking out into the city

City sights up close 

View From Victoria Peak

Tsim Sha Tsui during the day

Tsim Sha Tsui at night

iSquare Shopping Plaza escalators lit up

Hong Kong to be continued...

Hello, Is It Me You're Looking For?

Wow... I guess I have been on a looooong hiatus. Sorry!! I have been a bit swamped with work, family, WEDDINGS, and travel!!

I am super excited because I will be leaving for Hong Kong later on in the week and I've never been! I managed to borrow an SLR (Thanks MV!) from a friend and am anxious to get some good shots of the fashion, the food, the sites, and of course the people! I'll be going with the friendboy and his entire family... we're going to for our 7th wedding this year... and the last of them!

A friend of mine that is living out in HK at the moment says that the weather is still warm. Part of me is excited because that means less clothes to bring. Another part of me is disappointed because I really wanted to wear all my fall clothing. I <3 Fall fashion. Of all the seasons to dress for, Fall is by far my favorite. The scarves, the boots, the blazers and light coats, and the colors! Oh well, I guess that means more space in my luggage for all the goodies I'll be bringing back home!

I am told we will be eating a lot of dim sum. In Hong Kong, it's the thing to do. Here, we go grab boba drinks or sit at a coffee shop. Nope, in Hong Kong, you go eat dim sum and socialize over food!

Courtesy of Launch the Lions

 I am also excited for Wonton Noodle Soup. Apparently there will be a great place near by where we are staying at.

Courtesy of Launch the Lions

Pretty soon I'll have my own photos and not have to "borrow" other people's. You get the idea. Anyway, I also want to try these Egg Crate Waffles too!! I have had them here and they are tasty and all. But everyone always tells me that they are the ABSOLUTE best in Hong Kong and that NO where in the US makes it quite the same:

That photo above is actually from when the friendboy made ME some... fresh strawberry filled! I think his egg puff/waffle has been the best I've had so far... maybe I might be a little biased...

Anyway, I am excited (as you can see... mostly about food. If I come back a little pudgier and unrecognizable, I promise it's still me). One last photo of some HK street fashion that I can appreciate:

Courtesy of Street Fashion

More to follow when I return!

P.S. If you are now craving some of the above foods mentioned. Here are a couple of recommendations in the L.A./San Gabriel Valley area:

Wonton Noodle Soup: Green Zone and Won Won Kitchen
Dim Sum (HK Style -- Made to Order): Elite Restaurant and Sea Harbour Seafood Restaurant
HK Egg Puff: Tasty Garden

If only I knew enough Cantonese to say the equivalent of "Bon Apetit!" I would... anyway, enjoy!