Aqua Nails Bar

Sometimes you just need to relax.  Take a load off.  Breathe.  We live in a society of fast, multitasking, and taking on way too much.  Sometimes you just need to put your hair down and relax.  One of my favorite ways to relax is getting a pedicure. 

I have been going to Aqua Nails Bar for a while now.  I really like them.  I like being able to walk in without a appointment.  Aqua does manicures and pedicures.  They also do full sets of nails.  It's a good size location and well ventilated so you don't feel like you are breathing in fumes.  I also see a lot of moms and daughters there of all ages.  It's so cute when a little girl goes in with her mom and picks out her own color. 

I have always left happy.  The only downside is you can't put tip on your credit card.  So make sure you have cash for tip.

Aqua Nails Bar
2950 E. Nees Avenue
Fresno, CA 93720
(559) 298-9818

Relax and enjoy Life!

XOXO

Toys toys toys

Here is Khloe the pup and all her toys.  She looks so proud.  Spoiled pup for sure.

My favorite breed is rescued!
XOXO

Karen - Headhunter

My baby cousin, Karen, recently auditioned to be a co-host of a show that Garnier Fructis and Noisey are working on in the summer time.  Two hosts will be selected (a guy and a girl) to travel to different music festivals along side Garnier x Noisey to check out the coolest styles and hairstyles in music. 

Karen Wu - UC Riverside

Please go to headhunter.noisey.com and click on the heart of Karen Wu's audition tape. 

Karen Wu - UC Riverside

Thanks for supporting!
XOXO

Mr Sushi #2

El Hubby and I have been looking for a date night place for a while now. You know, a place where you go and people know you, your drink, your order ... your dessert.  "Where everyone knows your name".  (Dang!  Does anyone know where that phrase is from?  I am old.)

We have been going to Mr. Sushi #2 for a little over a year now.  However, we have just recently started going on Friday nights as "date night".  We really like the place.  The food is good.  Not great.  I like the rolls but have had a bad experience with the ramen.  There are quite a few rolls that contain cream cheese or are fried.  Both of which I find disturbing in a roll.  However, the service is usually great.  Our favorite server is Danielle.  She is awesome.  Danielle is super friendly and helpful.  Not too attentive where you wish they would leave you alone.  But attentive enough were you love her and always want her to be your server. 

If you are looking for a Japanese place to try go ahead and give Mr. Sushi #2 a try.  Ask for Danielle! 

Mr. Sushi #2
1305 N. Willow Avenue, Ste 190
Clovis, CA 93611
(559) 297-8362

Keep cooking and enjoying life!
 XOXO

Green Onion Dip

Does anyone know what sour cream is made of?  I have no idea what sour cream is made out of, but I do know that it is good on Mexican food and makes cakes and breads moist when baking. 

In my efforts of trying to stay healthy I decided to try making green onion dip with Greek yogurt.  Let me tell you, the dip was just as tasty but with extra protein and without the fat.  I have been substituting Greek yogurt in recipes that call for sour cream lately and they have all worked.  This is exciting because no one wants to miss out on onion dip.

No excuse me while I dip my Ruffles chips ... I mean Wheat Thins in this green onion dip.

Keep cooking and enjoying life!
XOXO

Barkbox

Khloe the pup is quite spoiled.  But I am not too bothered by this because since I currently have no human baby, she is my fur baby.  I heart my dog.

I first heard of Barkbox on Instagram.  I was checking out pictures of other border collies when I noticed one dog had a Barkbox.  Of course curious me had to go check it out and do some research.  Turns out Barkbox is a lot like Birchbox or many of the other monthly subscription boxes.  Each month Barkbox mails out a box of goodies to their subscribers containing toys, treats, and/or grooming products. 

So after consulting El Hubby, I signed Khloe up for a Barkbox subscription.  So far Khloe has received 3 Barkboxes and we have been very happy with them.  The products all seem to be made in the USA.  The treats are usually of the organic nature.  Last month there was a treat that both humans and dogs could enjoy.  El Hubby ate it and said it was bland but peanut buttery.  Khloe has loved all the treats that she has received.  However, some of the toys have been hit and miss.  But since my Bestie has just recently adopted a dog, Khloe the pup will be sharing some of her many toys.  Sharing is caring. 

Keep cooking and enjoying life!
XOXO

Spam Breakfast

Ever since our Hawaii trip I feel like El Hubby and I have a new love for Spam.  I never craved Spam before Hawaii. 

Now, every once in a while I crave Spam.  El Hubby is always up for some Spam.  I am so lucky that he likes to cook breakfast.

Keep cooking friends!

XOXO

Breakfast is served!

There are many reasons to love the weekend.  No work.  Sleep in.  Did I mention no work?

Then there are mornings when El Hubby makes breakfast.  That's starting the morning off right.

Keep cooking friends!

XOXO

Banana Toffee Bread

Banana bread is one of those recipes that are very versatile.  You can add all sorts of things to banana bread.

Toffee is so good in banana bread.  It gives banana bread a nice rich flavor.  The right amount will make you think of bananas foster.

Toffee is also a good change to chocolate chips.  Not that chocolate chips are bad but if you are thinking of switching things up then toffee is the way to go.

Banana Toffee Bread

Ingredients:
1 stick butter, soften
1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 overripe bananas
2 eggs
4 tablespoons sour cream
3/4 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup toffee pieces

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a mini loaf pan (4 mini loaves)
2.  Beat butter and sugar until creamy.  Should be a nice cream color.
3.  Beat in eggs one at a time.
4.  Add the rest of the ingredients until just combined. Do not over mix!
5.  Mix in toffee pieces.
6.  Pour mixture into prepared mini loaf pan.  Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

This bread is moist and sweet.  Perfect with a cup of coffee or milk.  AND it smells amazing!  I really love cooking and baking my own food.  There is something about choosing your own ingredients and knowing what you are feeding your family that makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.  

Keeping cooking friends!

XOXO

Coconut Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

It's been a long time since I last blogged.  I know that one of my new years resolutions was to blog more this year.  However, I have been busy and have not had any time to bake.  Which also means not much to blog about.

I have been trying to eat right because I put on quite a few extra pounds over the winter.  This means keeping the house stocked with green bananas.  Green bananas are a healthy snack and also great before a workout.  However, brown or ripe bananas are full of sugar and not so great when on a diet.  

So what do you do with ripe bananas?  YOU MAKE BANANA BREAD!  Okay no banana bread because it takes too long to bake.  What does that mean?  MAKE MUFFINS!

Banana Coconut Chocolate Chip Muffins

Ingredients:
3 large very ripe bananas
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shredded coconut, plus extra for sprinkling
1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 350F.  Spray muffin pan with vegetable oil
2.  Mix bananas, sugar, and brown sugar in a bowl until smooth.
3.  Add eggs one at a time.
4.  Mix in vegetable oil until well combined. 
5.  Whisk cinnamon, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a separate bowl.
6.  Mix in dry ingredients with banana mixture.  Do not over mix.
7.  Add coconut and chocolate chips by hand.
8.  Use a ice cream scooper to scoop batter into greased muffin pans.
9.  Sprinkle additional coconut on top
10.  Bake for about 21 minutes.
11.  Remove from oven and cool on rack for about 10 minutes.
12.  Remove muffins from pan and cool completely.

This muffin hit the spot.  So satisfying I ate it as my dessert.  This is a recipe that one should keep in their recipe box/binder.  It's fast and easy to make.  

Khloe the pup is patiently waiting for spring/summer.  This week we have gone on 3 walks so far and that makes everyone happy.  

Keeping cooking friends!

XOXO

Funeral Sandwich

There are so many recipes on Pinterest that I want to try that my "recipes I want to try" board is huge.  I feel like a recipe hoarder on Pinterst.  BUT ... I love that site!

El Husbee and I decided to watch UFC 157 over the weekend.  I really wanted to watch the first UFC women's fight and sometimes it's just more comfortable to watch at home instead of at a restaurant or party.  So we ordered the PPV on Saturday.  And let me tell you, Ronda "Rowdy" Rousey did not disappoint.  UFC 157 was all in all pretty good.  I am glad we decided to order the fight.

I have had a lot of pizza lately and did not want another pizza meal for the fight.  I have pinned the funeral sandwich recipe for a while now and decided to try it since it was just El Husbee and me for dinner.  Which meals if the recipe turned out to be a complete fail no harm done.

Funeral Sandwich
Adapted from Sunday Baker

Ingredients:
1 package of King's Hawaiian Rolls
1/2-1 lb deli turkey meat
sliced pepper jack cheese
1/2 cup butter melted
3 tablespoons Worcheshire sauce
2 tablespoon mustard
2 tablespoon brown sugar
dash of garlic powder

Directions:
1.  Cut the rolls in half and line the bottom of a baking pan with the bottoms of the rolls.
2.  Layer the turkey slices, then cheese and place the top half back on.
3.  Mix together butter, Worcheshire sauce, mustard, brown sugar and garlic powder in a small bowl.  Spoon sauce over each bun.  Cover and marinade for 4-24 hours.
4.  Preheat oven to 350F degrees.  Bake for 15 minutes, uncovered, or until cheese melts and bun tops are nicely golden

The sandwiches came out nice and golden brown.  El Husbee said he liked the sandwiches and ate quite a few.  I had mixed feelings about the sandwiches.  I am not a fan of sweet things unless they are dessert.  These sandwiches were a little too sweet for my taste.  But judging how many El Husbee ate I would say the average person would like these.

Try new things friends!

XOXO

Aloha Stadium

Who does not like stadium food?  Not me!  I love stadium food.  Probably because the fat girl in me loves junk food.  Visiting new stadiums is always fun.  However, visiting stadiums with unique food is awesome!

The Aloha Stadium is a lot smaller than I had imagined.  For some reason I always imagined the Aloha Stadium to be HUGE!  Maybe because when you watch any game that is played in Hawaii there is always tons of fans.  Hawaii fans mean business.  The stadium is pretty normal size.   I think if feels smaller because the stadium seats are not raised from the ground but start out ground level.  So it gives the illusion that the stadium is small.  However, the Aloha stadium does not lack in the food department. 

One of the cool things the Aloha Stadium has is fried won tons.  These won tons are filled with spinach and artichoke.  So yummy!

Fresh grilled corn before a game really hits the spot.  I love when you get grilled corn and there are a TON of choices to top it off with.  El Hubby and I got our corn with butter, garlic salt, and paprika.  We were not feeling that adventurous that day.  However, I was excited to wash down my treats with a strawberry icee. 

Yay to stadium food!

Aloha Stadium
99-500 Salt Lake Boulevard
Aiea, HI 96701
(808) 480-2750

Start working out friends cause summer is right around the corner!

XOXO

Blue Water Shrimp & Fish Market

While on our Hawaii trip we were lucky that our hotel was located pretty much across the International Market.  There are lots of little shops, food court, and on Thursdays a farmer's market that sells fresh fruit.

While in Waikiki, El Hubby and I used our Urbanspoon and Yelp apps a lot.  One of the places that we found was the Blue Water Shrimp & Fish Market located inside the International Market Place Food Court. 

El Hubby got a garlic shrimp and fried calamari steak plate while I got a fish and chip plate.  For being located in a food court the Blue Water Shrimp & Fish Market was very good.  El Hubby ate all his plate.  My fish and chips were pretty good too.  The fish was cod and fried perfectly.  The batter was tastey and the fish was not dry at all.

The night we ate at the food court there were hula girls (and when I mean hula girls I mean cute middle aged ladies) teaching the crowd how to hula dance.  It was pretty entertaining. 

Blue Water Shrimp & Fish Market
International Market Place Food Court
2330 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 923-2529

Visit places and try new food!

XOXO

Marukame Udon

I love noodles.  Growing up in a Chinese household where my family made homemade noodles was a real treat.  I also think that is where my love of noodles developed.  There is just so much you can do with noodles.  You can serve them with or without broth.  You can serve them hot or cold.  So many choices.  However, Asian noodles are my favorite.

 While in Hawaii El Hubby and I had the chance to try Marukame Udon.  The first time I saw Marukame Udon it was packed.  The inside was full, people where getting food, and the line wrapped around the front twice.  El Hubby looked at me and said "No, next time".  So then we planned on going super early for lunch one day.  I want to say we were there at 11am and there was still a line.  Oh don't you worry.  I made El Hubby wait in line.  There was also a lot of Japanese tourists in line.  Hey, if Japanese people are in line for udon it's got to be good, right?

So the restaurant makes it's own udon noodles.  How cool is that.  So much better than store bought!  It was exciting watching udon being rolled out and cut.

I have never had fresh udon made to order.  So being able to watch noodles being made, cooked, and then served was pretty cool for me.  There was different stations.  One guy rolled the dough flat and cut the noodles.  Then another would boil the noodles until they were cooked.  Then a cook would ask what kind of broth you would like and would pour it steaming hot onto the udon.  Then a nice cook would ask if you wanted tempera topping and/or green onions on top.  You better believe I wanted toppings.  Then there was a bar full of different tempera.  I was like a kid in a candy store. 

The service is basically cafeteria service style.  

Both El Hubby and I got udon with a soft boiled egg and topping.  There was lots of different tempura available.  Shrimp, calamari, mushroom, onion straws, asparagus, eggplant, chicken, broccoli, etc.  Then there was also different kinds of musubi.  

El Hubby and I loved the udon so much we ate at Marukame Udon again on our last night in Hawaii for dinner.

It's tough being married to a food blogger.  This is El Hubby refusing to wait for me to take pictures. This place is small and the wait can be long.  But it's totally worth it.  Prices for being located in Waikiki Beach is super cheap too. 

Marukame Udon
2310 Kuhio Avenue
Honolulu, HI 936815
(808) 931-6000

Work out and exercise because there is lots of good food out there to eat!

XOXO

The Dole Plantation

While in Hawaii in December I was able to visit the Dole Plantation.  I love hearing how companies started.  It all reminds me of the great American Dream of becoming successful.

El Hubby and I took the Pineapple Express tour of the plantation and did the maze. I learned a few things about pineapples while at the Dole Plantation. 

Did you know that pineapple did not grow on trees?  I sure didn't.  Kinda cool. 

Our tour guide showed us a coffee plant.  Of course I had to go check it out.

Apparently the leaved can be used for all sorts of things such as skirts, to wrap food in, etc.

I got to pick a coffee pod.  After squeezing it open 2 coffee beans came out.  Apparently when they are ready the pods get picked, then taken out of the pods, and then dried.  So cool!

I was fascinated with the whole coffee thing.  I mean, you drink coffee all the time.  But what do you really know about it?  I love learning new things.  Knowledge is power!

The train we took on our tour was super cute.

El Hubby and I were very excited to be riding on the Pineapple Express.

We took a picture with a pineapple in front of the train.  We are such tourist!

It was neat to see that pineapples were still be grown in Hawaii at the Dole Plantation.   Apparently pineapples need to be grown where the weather is warm like 70-85 degrees.  Pineapples are grown year round in Hawaii because of the warm weather in Hawaii.  The green, leafy part of the pineapple called the crown is what is used to plant pineapples.  Each crown is planted by hand.  A skilled planter can plant around 10,000 crowns in a day!  Pineapples are also harvested by hand.  The first crop takes 18-20 months to be ready for harvest.  The next crop takes another 15 months.  Our tour guide said there was a 3rd harvest but I don't remember how long it takes to be ready for harvest.  Pineapples must taste so good because so much love goes into them. 

In 2008 Dole Plantation's Pineapple Maze was declared the largest maze. 

So of course this Harry Potter fan needed to try the maze.  El Hubby and I did not get to every station.  I kinda freaked out and thought we would never be able to get out.  Or the Dark Lord would find us.  Whatever!  Plus, it was hot and I started to dream about Dole Whip.

The dole whip was amazing.  Now I am sure everyone has had the dole whip at Disneyland.  This is so much better.  So much better!  The dole whip was so smooth and rich in pineapple flavor AND so much more generous with the fresh pineapple.  The other Hawaiian food looked pretty good but we didn't get a chance to eat there.  However, I did load up on chocolate covered pineapple to take home to family and friends. Let me tell you.  This was so much better than chocolate covered macadamia nuts that everyone brings back from Hawaii.

If you are ever in Hawaii I highly suggest checking out the Dole Plantation.  It's fun for all ages.

Dole Plantation
64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy
Wahiawa, HI 96786
(808) 621-8408

Keep trying new adventures and food!

XOXO

McDonald's ... Hawaii Style

Now El Hubby and I don't eat a lot of fast food.  But when we do you better bet it is McDonald's.  For some reason we always celebrate with McDonald's.  I know.  We are super weird.  On our wedding day after all the festivities were over and everything loaded back to our apartment, we got McDonald's!  Every time we go out of time on road trips ... McDonald's! 

Sooo ... of course when we were in Hawaii we had to get McDonald's.  Now the McDonald's in Hawaii is a little different than on the mainland.  Hehehe!

The McDonald's on the island serves SPAM, rice, and Portuguese sausages!  Crazy!  The breakfast was not bad.  A little greasy but that is to be expected with spam and sausage.  El Hubby got eggs, Portuguese sausage and rice.  I got eggs, spam, and rice.

There was the normal breakfast of course.  But why order what you can get at home. The experience itself was kinda cool.  I always love going to McDonald's that are different than the ones in the states. 

McDonald's
2476 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815

Trying different foods is fun!

XOXO

Eggs 'N Things

Now that I look back 2012 was really a amazing year.  Lots of good things happen for El Hubby and me in 2012.  Hopefully 2013 bring more good things and excitement.

One of the things I got to do in 2012 was go to Hawaii.  Technically it was a business trip for El Hubby but I was fortunate enough to be able to go too.  I didn't get to do much site seeing because El Hubby was busy working a lot ... BUT I did have a amazing time relaxing on the beach, reading, drinking, and eating my favorite ... PINEAPPLE.

Hawaii is such a beautiful place.  Our hotel was on Waikiki Beach and when I mean on Waikiki Beach I mean it was on the beach.  So awesome!  One of my favorite things about Waikiki Beach is that palm trees line the streets.

Since me and El Hubby are food people we knew if we did not have time to do a lot of site seeing we were going to EAT.  Oh and eat we did.

One of my favorite places that we ate at was called Eggs 'N Things.  I had noticed the little restaurant on the first day we arrived but since it was way past breakfast time (more like dinner) I just made a mental note of the place.  I knew I wanted to go here.  When we finally made it the next day there was a line but I was determined to eat.  Luckily the host at the front was very friendly and we decided to order take out.  Which turned out to be a great idea cause the line was moving very slow.  However, once we sat outside to wait for our food the nice host outside said we could eat outside.  Since it was the morning and raining off and on no one wanted to sit outside to eat.  El Hubby and I took the opportunity to eat outside once our food was ready.  No drinks since we thought we were going to eat back at the hotel.  No worries.  The amazing view of the beach made up for it. 

Everything on the menu sounds delicious.  But my love for pineapple made me order the pancakes with pineapple whip cream and nuts. 

Oh this was amazing.  The pancakes practically melted in my mouth.  So delicious syrup was not even needed.  I ate my first pancake without any syrup.  But then I noticed the pineapple syrup.  AMAZING!  The syrup was not too sweet but the perfect flavor of pineapple.  I wanted to steal the bottle.  Don't worry!  I didn't!  I am not a nuts person but even the nuts were perfect on these pancakes.  The only thing I was sad about was that I forgot to go back to get some pancake mix before our trip was over.  Major bummer!

It wasn't until later in our trip that I realized that we had ate at the express restaurant.  While shopping we saw the flagship restaurant but it looked so much busier that the express restaurant.  If you are ever on Waikiki Beach check out Eggs 'N Things.  I highly recommend it.

Eggs 'N Things
Waikiki Beach Eggspress
2464 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
(808) 926-EGGS

Now if only I had tried their dinner!

XOXO

Biscoff Banana Bread

If you have never had a biscoff cookie then you are missing out.  They are delicious!  I had my first one on a plane ride to San Diego.  So good! I did a little research and apparently biscoff cookies are European and were made popular as inflight snacks. 

Biscoff cookies are crunchy with a caramelized flavor.  I normally prefer soft cookies but I will make a exception for biscoff cookies.    When I saw a jar of biscoff spread at the grocery store I knew I had to get it.  So good on a bagel.  The biscoff spread is also a great substitute for peanut butter. 

Biscoff Banana Bread
From Kirbie's Cravings

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons baking soda
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 cup biscoff spread

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.  Grease four 6x2 inch mini loaf pans
2.  In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar.
3.  Blend in eggs, mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract.
4.  Mix salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and flour.
5.  Pour half of dry mixture into butter mixture.  Put half of biscoff spread into batter.  Use remaining dry mixture.  Put the other half of biscoff spread into batter.
6.  Divide into prepared pans.
7.  Bake for 30-35 minutes, until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

The taste of biscoff is very light in this bread but yet just right.  However, the smell of this bread is a-maz-a-balls!  When baking the whole house fills with cinnamon, biscoff, and banana. You can spread a little butter on the bread or some biscoff spread would work too.  I prefer to eat the bread plain. 

I shared these at a Tzu Chi meeting and by the end of the meeting I did not see any left on the plate.  I usually judge a recipe's success on how much is leftover and if people choose to take the leftover.

It's a new year so try new things!

XOXO

Vegetarian Happiness

This is what brings a smile to a vegetarian's face. 

Eat veggies, they are good for you. 

XOXO

Peggy

Sweet Tomatoes

One of my favorite places to eat is Sweet Tomatoes.  There is just something about salad that makes me happy.  Having a nice dinner at Sweet Tomatoes with my husband always makes me happy. 

I really love that Sweet Tomatoes now takes coupons via your smart phone.  It's convenient and environmentally friendly. 

Keep eating vegetables!

XOXO

Love, Peggy

Happy New Year!

2013 is here!  Now that I am 30 I feel that each year goes by faster and faster.  Which also makes me cherish all the memories with family and friend even more. Spend time with your family and friends.  In the end of the days all we will have are our memories and they should be good ones. 

This year I want to work on doing things that make me happy.

I want to:
-bake more
-cook more
-garden
-have a organized life (well at least organized to my taste)
-blog more
-take more pictures
-spend more time with my loved ones
-learn recipes from my grandmother
-be a better person
-worry less
-forgive and forget
... and the list goes on.  But mostly I want to be happy.

My wonderful husband made me breakfast on New Year's Day!  What a great way to start the new year!

I can't wait to see what 2013 holds!

XOXO

Love, Peggy