About Me and Why I am Blogging

About Me:

• I feel I am just an ordinary gal with some extraordinary purpose on this planet.
• I was born and raised in a tiny suburb in Los Angeles County.
• I am in my early 30s, married and have 2 cats.
• I met the love of my life when I was 14 years old but we "couldn't stand each other" then.  We started dating when we were 18, engaged at 24, married at 26.  He's an amazing guy, love him so dearly!
• People often feel compelled to ask why we don't have children yet.  It's not that we don't want them, we just haven't conceived them yet!
• I work as an accounting clerk at a custom carpet shop.
• I love to cook and bake.  I am rather intrigued by food, I can read, watch, eat, live food all day long.
• I have a fascination with all the outer beauty trappings such as makeup, nail polish and even fashion.  I wasn't always this way, but in recent years I have fallen in love with these things.
• I am a fan of chick lit, but I only admit that I don't read as much as I could.
• I really love spending time with my friends--eating, cooking, watching movies, "doing" crafts.  You'll have to know that I suck big time at crafts, although I do dabble in cake decorating.  My idea of scrapbooking involves me going to Shutterfly and "cut and pasting" my book online.
• I have a cheesy sense of humor, and I am a hopeless romantic.
• I try to maintain a positive outlook, and foster a positive environment, the kind that helps others do the same.
• I am on a journey in discovering the real me, and loving myself just as I am.

Why I Blog:

• First and foremost, I am not an expert on any topic I discuss.  I only speak from my experience, and that of what my friends and family have shared with me.  So, anything I write is not intended to cure, fix or any other expectation one might have.
• This is a place to keep my recipes: New recipes I've found and tried, things I came up with on my own in my kitchen I liked, cooking and baking adventures with friends.  I love to experiment in the kitchen, and this is the place in which I will keep the recipes that worked, and to share what didn't.
• A place to journal my thoughts throughout my fitness journey and to share my experiences.  I hope my struggles help others realize that it is not easy, and that they are not alone.  Knowing how to eat right and what exercises I can do isn't the hard part.  The hard part is making yourself think you can do something, and to keep on with it.
• Personal thoughts may be chronicled.  My family life, relationship with my husband and bonds with friends are sometimes questioned, sometimes revelations are made.  Whatever may be troubling me will be discussed, but hopefully I will be sharing in the joy more often then the pain.
• Products I love.  I do not receive things from companies, but if I purchase or receive something as a gift I really love, or something that was so horrible the whole free world should be informed of, I may review it on my blog.

Giving Thanks

20 Things I am Grateful for Thanksgiving!

I know, this is a little late.  Thanksgiving with yesterday, but I am thankful everyday.  Here are 20 things to be thankful, but in no particular order of importance.

1. Life itself.  There have been so many interesting and amazing things that has happened this year that I wouldn't change anything despite the bad.  The good definitely outweighs the good so I am going with that.
2. My husband.  He has had some personal issues to deal with on his own, but I can't deny how blessed I am to have him by my side--he means so much to me.
3. My friends.  Without them, life would be a lot less awesome!  I am glad to say that I have friends who celebrate the triumphs with and support me through the rough times.
4. Online buddies and inspiration.
5. My job and coworkers.  I am so glad to be working, especially in the rough times people are in.  I am glad I have amazing coworkers who care about me, and we actually love to sit together at lunch to share smiles and laughter.
6. My health.  I did have some concerns earlier this year, but I feel blessed to be able to wake up each morning with a purpose.
7. My home.  It is not some fancy place, but it offers me a warm place to feel safe, and that is way more important then having a lot of stuff.
8. My newfound love for myself.  I never appreciated the way I am until now.
9. My changed mindset and general outlook on life.  This is quite possibly one of the greatest feats of my life.
10. Gym membership and Pilates class.  The past 12 months have been particularly stressful, I don't think I would have made it without proper stress-reducing outlets.
11. My kitchen.  The kitchen is the hub of our home.  Meals are made, as well as memories.  Plus, I just really love to cook, bake and generally create in the kitchen.  I don't other crafts so cooking and baking is my craft.
12. My car.  Everyone and their mother made fun of it the day I bought it, but it has celebrated its 9th birthday and I couldn't be more pleased with my choice all those years ago.  It suits me, it gets me where I need to go and then some.
13. My kitties.  They are some cute, furry butterballs worthy of hugs all the time!
14. Life experiences.  With each new lesson I learn, the stronger and more informed I become.
15. Chick flicks!  I know, I know.  Since we are on a budget, I find that having lots of chick flicks to watch in the evening, it makes time pass by a little more pleasantly.
16. Netflix, same reason as #15.
17. Chocolate truffles and chocolate cake.  I don't think I need to explain this.
18. New cosmetic products!  I know, I am so girly.
19. My washer and dryer.  We've had them for over 4 years now but I still appreciate them fully.  I'm so glad I don't need to haul my stuff to the laundromat.  I love that I can be able to do the laundry whenever I want, even at 4 in the AM.
20. Disney-related anything.  I have not been to Disneyland in quite some time, but I love how I can leave my troubles behind briefly and just relax.  I love classic Disney movies and I collect Disney figurines

I'm sure there are many things worthy of my thanks, but I think these are my top 20 for now.

50 Random Facts About Me

50 Random Facts About Me

1. I am the first born of 2 Chinese people who immigrated to the US in the 70s.
2. I am frequently asked what kind of Asian person I am, and what my "real name" is.  Why can't people believe my birth certificate says, "Connie"?
3. I've lived in the same city my whole life.
4. I have a brother and a sister, and we spent a lot of time during our childhood with grandparents while our parents worked.
5. In first grade I found myself in an ESL class, which really didn't help because the teacher spoke English and Spanish and my first language is Cantonese.
6. Apparently, I loved Tom and Jerry cartoons when I was little.
7. As a young child, I was a bit of a handful for my grandma.  I liked to make mud pies in the backyard and had a penchant for emptying out shampoo bottles and baby powder containers in the bathroom.  And I especially liked to push all the buttons on the TV (when TVs had many buttons for the channels and the remote rarely was used.)
8. I started wearing glasses in fifth grade.  I like to think of myself as being an original hipster back in the day with my leggings and big glasses.  And relatively unkempt hair lol.
9. One of my favorite memories as a child is having Wednesday afternoons with grandpa—it usually meant junk food after school! He always complained that the fast coffee was the by far the grossest he’s ever had.
10. I value people’s individuality, taking into account their personality, demeanor and values before appearances.
11. Despite not caring about my friends’ appearances, I have an unnatural obsession with makeup and nail polish, all while not wearing either on a regular basis.
12. I'm willing to try just about any brand of makeup, but my typical go-tos include Shiseido for face makeup, Too Faced for eyes, and I love Revlon Super Lustrous lipsticks.  I also like MAC lipsticks, they have gorgeous colors, decent wearing time (not counting matte finish ones) and have a pleasant vanilla scent.  The only thing I can honestly say I don't like about them is the price!  Especially since I love variety.
13. I've been wearing Victoria's Secret Dream Angels fragrance in Heavenly since 2001.  Of course, the cupcake-baking chick smells like cupcakes all the time!  I tend to go for vanilla based fragrances.  Most strong floral (such as rose) and citrus fragrances tend to not work well with me.
14. While I appreciate individuality in people, I prefer uniformity in my possessions, such as all the food storage containers to be of same type, and all the clothes hangers matching and the same color.
15. I think getting a manicure-pedicure or a full body massage is viable first step in problem solving.
16. I know people think that working at McDonalds as a first job is a waste of time but I do not feel that way.  I learned how people are, how indecisive and unreasonable some can be.  I learned how it is easier to catch flies with honey then vinegar.  (Being nice really helps matters.)  Most importantly, I learned to look for solutions rather than dwell on the problem (or complain).  Either figure out a way to handle it, or get used to it.
17. I get my love of cooking and entertaining from my grandma. She is an amazing cook, and so generous. No one puts out a spread like her.
18. I thought I didn't care to collect things, but that is not true. I collect the following things, but not limited to, cookbooks (old and new, but especially second hand ones with inscriptions), Jim Shore Disney figurines, pressed pennies and nail polish.
19. I didn't get my driver license until I was 22. As soon I had the card in my hand, I hit the ground running to shop for my car.
20. I've been chubby for most of my life, but only in the last several months have I learned to have a better opinion of myself and get my act together to living a healthier lifestyle.
21. I do cardio-machine workouts without listening to my own music.  Either I listen to what is playing at the gym or I zone out and just clear my head.  I realize that most people cannot exercise without their music.
22. I know black is slimming when it comes to clothes, and I do have a lot of black dresses and tops, but I do love brightly colored things, too.  Mainly bright jewel-toned things, especially in fuchsia, royal purple and emerald green.
23. I think it is funny when people tell me they've discovered an amazing healthful food, such as tofu, Swiss chard, ginseng, goji berries and such. I've been eating them since I was a kid!
24. My husband and I met when we were 14 years old. Let’s just say we weren't too fond of each other then!
25. My husband and I are 11 days apart.
26. I don’t have a middle name. Well, not a given one. When I got married, I used my husband’s name for my married name, and my maiden name became the middle…just in case I forgot to change my name somewhere.
27. I’m a sucker for romantic comedies. I’m such a crier when it comes to movies. I cry even at happy occasions!
28. I always complained that my black hair was boring. After a stint with highlighting, I decided it was not for me. Funny, because my hair color usually gets the most compliments from strangers, often while I’m out shopping.
29. I love shopping!  Most of the time I do not even buy anything, I just like looking at things, trying things on, etc.  What a weirdo, right?  I like clothes, shoes, makeup and recently developed an unnatural obsession with bra fitting and became fascinated with corsets.
30. It is difficult for me to accept compliments, especially compliments on my appearance.  Of course, I say, "Thank you," but on the inside, I still think, "That can't be true/I don't see what they see."  When people compliment my cooking, or something else I did, I am more willing to take that at face value but I'm proud of what I can do.
31. There was a time in my life that spanned early 20s to mid 20s in which I really didn't care much about my appearance--I wore lots of jeans and t-shirts, didn't really fix my hair or wear makeup.  I did care that my clothes were clean and free of holes and stains, at least.
32. I love musicals, even the movie versions.  Grease has been a favorite for quite some time, but I have seen many more that I love since.
33. I can't watch scary, gruesome bloody movies.  And the thrillers involving children--it creeps me out!
34. My husband makes fun of me because I have celebrity crushes on guys with accents. (Think: Hugh Jackman, Charlie Hunnam, Gerard Butler…)
35. I’m terrified to cut my hair short because of the bowl cut nightmares of when my mom used to cut my hair when I was a kid.
36. I fully support the act of spaying and neutering of pets, and to obtain new pets at animal shelters rather than buying them from pet shops and breeders.  There's nothing worse then to see a friend begging people to take one of their pet's babies.  How can you trust that whoever takes them home can be trusted?!
37. I didn't have my first pet until I was 24.  Well, my sister had a goldfish from a carnival that lasted a few months but I would hardly say that was like having a pet.  Anyway, Matt and I rescued a poor tuxedo cat who must have been lost and the owner didn't care to look, or was unable to find him.  He didn't have a tag or microchip.  He was very sick, extremely malnourished.  We tried to feed him and take care of him, but he didn't make it despite following the vet's suggestions.  I never thought I'd get so bent on an animal but I did.  I loved Squeaky!
38. I personally choose to not smoke (whether it be weed or otherwise), or other recreational drugs because I simply do not want to use them.  The only thing is that I occasionally have an alcoholic drink.
39. My love for R&B music runs deep.  My first CD purchase was Boyz II Men: II.  I loved Aaliyah, Janet Jackson and TLC.
40. Nowadays I listen to most genres but I tend to stay away from music where the singer sounds like he/she is screaming.
41. Back in the day when boy bands were all the rage, I preferred Backstreet Boys over NSYNC.  Now I laugh when I think about that lol
42. I have not earned a college degree yet, but I do want to go back one day.  At the time being, I still don't know what I'd want to study!
43. I work as an accounting clerk at a custom carpet place.  Our showroom is on Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood but I work at the warehouse/corporate office.  Most of our clients are in the hospitality business (hotels) and interior designers to the rich and/or famous.
44. As much as I would love to cook for others by opening a restaurant, I feel that the pressure of being successful would overwhelm me and make cooking/baking for others less fun or enjoyable.
45. I didn't have an appreciation for fresh cut flowers until recently.  I told my husband (then boyfriend) that I didn't want him to waste his money on things that didn't last...but now that I like them, I don't receive them as much as I would like, but I do appreciate them whenever he does :-)  And it helps to have a friend who is a florist, she often gives me free or cheap flowers/arrangements.  Sadly, I have pretty expensive taste in them: I like various varieties of roses, lilies and orchids.  I also like hydrangea and Gerber daisies.
46. I am curious in the kitchen--always looking to try a new dish, a new ingredient or cooking method.  Various factors come into play that prevent me from doing so, sometimes sheer fear in wasting time, money and effort on something that isn't tasty, or having to spend money on equipment that I may never use again or an uncommon ingredient I may not like.  I also don't really like having equipment that is only good for one purpose.
47. I do not discuss politics or religion with others often because it is such a personal choice.  Plus, those conversations never end well.
48. This last year, I learned how open some people could be.  I've met a few new people and within minutes, they talked about topics that I felt were very private matters, things I wouldn't ever discussed with people I have just met.  I mean, talking about your significant other's sexual habits really isn't something you talk about freely to total strangers.
49. I don't have any tattoos or piercings other than my earlobes, but I respect people who have them.  Their body, none of my business.
50. As a general notion, this year I've adopted an "improve yourself and stop worrying about things that do not concern you," policy.  10 months in, I'd have to say it's working pretty good for me.  This includes not getting involved with my friends' love lives, how they choose to eat/drink/consume, things they prefer to do, unless they are causing irreparable harm to themselves (or others), then in which case I will voice my concerns.  Either way, it is up to them how they want to live their life.

Spice Rub

Spice Rub

4 tablespoons cumin
4 tablespoons paprika
4 tablespoons granulated garlic
4 tablespoons onion powder
4 tablespoons chili powder
4 tablespoons brown sugar or turbinado sugar
2 tablespoons sea salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon white pepper

Combine all ingredients together in small bowl; mixing well.  Pour mixture into a covered jar and use according to tastes.

Oatmeal Cookies with Semisweet Chocolate Chips and Tiny Peanut Butter Cups

Oatmeal Cookies with Semisweet Chocolate Chips and Tiny Peanut Butter Cups

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3.4 cup packed golden brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups rolled oats, uncooked
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 8.5 ounce package Reese's mini peanut butter cups

Heat the oven to 350°F.  Use ungreased cookies or line with parchment paper.

Place butter in large mixing bowl; beat butter with electric hand mixer until creamy.  Add granulated sugar; beat to combine.  Repeat with brown sugar.  Add vanilla and eggs; beat until smooth and creamy.  Add flour, baking soda, salt and oats; mix on medium low just until combined.  Fold in chocolate chips and peanut butter cups.  Scoop dough onto cookie sheets; bake on center rack just until edges are golden, 7 to 10 minutes, depending on size.

By 2 teaspoons, 60 to 72 cookies
By 2 tablespoons, 24 to 30 cookies