Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. This hodgepodge falls on the last day of February this year, a leap year. How will you spend that extra day?
The same way I spend every other day… doing schoolwork, watching TV, and just generally being a bum.

2. What has recently required a leap of faith on your part?
I guess the whole idea of Daniel and I going our separate ways… He really wants to return to Korea and I don’t. But I honestly believe that if we’re “meant to be” then we’ll end up back together in the long run.

3. We’re one week into the season of Lent… Are you marking these 40 days in some way? Giving something up or adding something extra to normal life? How’s it going so far?
Nope, I don’t give up anything for Lent… But I’d love to go to New Orleans for Mardi Gras one year!

4. When was the last time you sat beside a fire?
I guess Christmas 2010 when I was home? If you mean a fire outside, then March or April 2010 when we went camping with Ruth and Michael.

5. Surf and Turf is on the menu. Do you order as is or do you ask for just the surf (lobster), just the turf (steak), or a menu so you can select another option?
Um, I would always ask for a menu. I like to know all of my options. But I don’t like seafood so I would choose just the turf!!

6. If you could have any television program back, not in reruns but in new episodes, what program would you choose?
DEADWOOD! Best show of all time and it didn’t end the way it should have. Alma and Seth should be together!!!

7. They say an elephant never forgets. These days would you say your memory is more like an elephant or a gnat?
Elephant. I have a mostly excellent memory although it is fading a bit. Like last night I was trying to think of an ex-boyfriend’s last name. It took awhile, but I finally remembered!

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Going to Busan tomorrow! Our first trip on our own in Korea. Excited!

Original post can be found here.

Ten on Tuesday

1. What did you do this weekend?
Went to the Korean Folk Village and got Thai food for dinner on Saturday. Not much on Sunday! I can’t even remember…

2. Do you prefer short fingernails or long fingernails?
Short. Long ones are too hard to maintain… You have to file them, they break more easily, etc.

3. What is your favorite use for Pinterest?
Recipes for sure. Also party ideas, places I want to travel, things I want to buy (clothes or household stuff)…

4. Do you sleep with your mouth open?
I don’t think so…

5. Where did you have the best pizza you’ve ever eaten?
Mmmmmmmmm I love pizza. Pleasant City Wood Fired Grille in Shelby, NC has awesome pizzas. We used to go there every Tuesday when they’re BOGO free ($2 microbrews on Tuesday as well!). I also love the Baconzola at The Purple Onion in Saluda, NC and the Bronx Bomber at Brixx. And giant pizza slices in NYC!!! The pizzas I ate in Italy were too thin…

6. What do you eat for breakfast on weekdays?
Nothing. Maybe a piece of fruit.

7. Do you watch awards shows? Why or why not?
Yes, for TV and movies but not music… I love them! I love TV and movies and the fashion. And I think Sacha Baron Cohen is an asshole for that stunt he pulled at the Oscars.

8. Can you whistle? Snap? Curl your tongue? Bend down and touch your palms to the ground?
Whistle: No!!
Snap: Who can’t?
Curl my tongue: Kind of.
Bend down and touch my palms to the ground: Doubtful. And no, I’m not going to get up from my “bed office” and try.

9. What email service do you use?
Yahoo. I don’t like Gmail, but I do have it for my school email now.

10. What is your favorite outdoor activity
Swimming! I like to do stuff outside in summer (hiking, camping), but only if there’s water nearby so I can cool off!

Original post can be found here.

Weekly Update & Korean Folk Village

Spent a lot of last week continuing my travel planning for our big trip. Booked a hotel at the Kuala Lumpur airport, hotels in Laos, our hostel and three trips in Vietnam (Hanoi city tour, Halong Bay overnight cruise, and cycling day trip), and hostels in Beijing, Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Warsaw. Also made our itineraries up until the Trans-Mongolian trip (still have to make for Moscow and St. Petersburg).

Only saw one movie last week! The Descendents was pretty good. Not sure it’s Oscar material but then again this year’s options pretty much sucked. I did like these dresses though:

Michelle Williams

Nancy O’Dell

Penelope Cruz

I’ve started re-watching Deadwood. It’s just as amazing as I remember from the first time around. Already on season two and it’s been taking my attention away from my schoolwork…

Been on Weight Watchers for four weeks and have lost 5.2 pounds. Not as much as I’d wanted but it’s still a good start.

There was another murder in Saluda. It was a friend of a friend (only met him at my going away party to Korea). It seems like it has been a crazy year for my little hometown.

Friday Lienna and I went to Chocolate: The Exhibition at the Seoul Arts Center. I will write a full review of it on our Korea blog, but let me just say: It sucked. I wish I could have my $10 back.

Ohee and I made a blueberry tart on Friday. I still haven’t tasted it since we had to let it firm up in her fridge but she should be bringing some by for me tomorrow. 🙂

Saturday Daniel and I went to the Korean Folk Village in Yongin. It was a fun day, especially since we had free tickets! He is going to write a post about it on our Korea blog, so I will tell my side of the story here. First off, one thing I didn’t like: animals in tiny cages. Especially this cute cow. 😦

Other than that it was a pleasant experience. There was so much to see! Think of it as the Colonial Williamsburg of Korea. There were people dressed in old timey clothes, re-creations of traditional houses, and workshops such as pottery and blacksmithing. These were all outside but luckily it wasn’t too cold! They also had some indoor exhibits like the folk museum and the mask dance exhibit hall, as well as a small amusement park and performances throughout the day.

roasting chestnuts

making silk (beondegi!)

the “public punishment” area!

they offer ferry rides in the summer

sculpture park

farmers’ music and dance performance

acrobatics on a tightrope performance (Photo credit: Daniel Daugherty)

Photo credit: Daniel Daugherty

Oh, How Pinteresting!

I got this idea from the blog (re)discovered. (Thanks Aubrey!) I’ve posted quite a few recipes I’ve tried from Pinterest, but here are some other things I’m really into lately:

Mod Podge! I keep finding lots of great crafts that use it like these map coasters. When I get back home I’ll have to have a Mod Podge party since I have no idea where to find it here.

Jewelry! I love this “Penny for your Thoughts” ring. Also when I get home: trips to Michael’s and jewelry making with my mom. Maybe try to find some vintage-y stuff at thrift stores too.

Maps! Like the coasters above and this necklace. They represent my love for traveling.

Traveling! I want to go everywhere. I’ve been lots of places but there are so many more… Like Glacier National Park in Montana.

St. Patrick’s Day! I will be out of town March 11-20 so I won’t get to have a St. Patty’s Pinterest party and try out any cool recipes like these Lucky Charms cupcakes… Maybe next year.

Owls! I’ve been on an owl kick for awhile now. Check out this cute changepurse…

Bright colors! Especially paired with gray clothes. I love gray clothes. I already bought a bright pink backpack this week and I have my eye on some bright tennis shoes from Pony (haven’t decided on an exact color yet).

Native American-inspired clothes and accessories! I bought a sweatshirt and t-shirt that fit into the category on my last shopping spree at Forever 21 and H&M.

Desserts! I bake at least once a week but I think I’ll have to wait until America to make my favorite dessert, key lime pie. I don’t think I’ll be able to find all the ingredients here.

Tattoos! I am really thinking about getting one for my 30th birthday…

Healthy eating! Since I started Weight Watchers three weeks ago, I have to make sure I eat lots of fruits and veggies… Soon I am going to make this avocado salad.

Recipes using unroll-and-fill pie crusts! I was looking for these for months and finally found them. Going to make some jalapeno poppers, baked brie, and these homemade Pop Tarts.

Peacock feathers! Like the tattoo above. And these Toms. I’m also really into Toms! I have a lot of fake ones, but I’ll have to get a real pair when I get home…

Birds! Like this purse. And birds on pillows, rings… Anything!

Tasty Tuesday: Oven Baked Parmesan Garlic Fries

After passing several fast food restaurants on the way to the movies today, I really started craving some French fries. I contemplated going to buy some. And maybe a milkshake too. Or mmmmm I could get a Cheese Zinger Burger set at KFC. But no… I was strong! Instead I bought a bag of potatoes after the movie and went home to make some healthy baked fries.

I remembered seeing a post on Pinterest with a good recipe (which is where I got the idea) but I just decided to wing it. I cut one medium-sized potato into eight pieces and drizzled it with one teaspoon olive oil, one teaspoon Parmesan cheese, and some garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Then I baked the fries in a pan covered with foil at 200 C for 30 minutes.

YUM!

Large fries at McDonald’s: 13 Weight Watchers points

My fries: 5 Weight Watchers points

🙂

Weekly Update

This week should be a good once since I only have one class. The other two are canceled for Mardi Gras! I like going to a school in Mississippi. 🙂

I lost 2.4 pounds this week for a total of 4.8 in three weeks! And I am determined to be even stricter this week.

I’ve been travel planning like crazy. Less than three weeks until I leave for Cambodia! I booked a trip to Kompong Phhluk for my last day there (after three days of exploring the Angkor temples). I also booked two nights at Sivarin Guesthouse in Bangkok.

I bought my final plane ticket out of Korea… Flying to Hong Kong on May 26! I booked a room at Check Inn for two nights ($40 for a dorm bed… ridiculous). I’ve also booked my flight from Kuala Lumpur to Vientiane and paid our deposit to Lupine Travel for the Trans-Mongolian trip.

I saw three movies in the theater last week: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Grey, and The Woman in Black. I would recommend them all. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy was a bit confusing but not as bad as I thought it might be. The Grey was pretty suspenseful although I didn’t really enjoy seeing a bunch of dudes get eaten by wolves. And The Woman in Black was a legitimately scary horror movie without any gore. Didn’t care for the ending though. The Walking Dead and Cougar Town both came back this week… The Walking Dead episode was really good and Jules and Grayson got engaged! Eastbound and Down returned last night so I need to watch it today…

Tuesday was Valentine’s Day of course. Daniel and I went to dinner and a movie. I will write a separate post for the restaurant review but I will say we definitely enjoyed Eric’s Steakhouse.

Friday Ohee came over and we made Oreo Cheesecake Cupcakes. There will be a separate post about that too but they were sooooooo delicious! Definitely making them again.

Saturday night Sabina and Lorin had a Mexican party with tacos and tequila. I didn’t drink any tequila but I definitely enjoyed the food! We had fun playing drinking games and Catchphrase. Daniel and I got home at 2am but they stayed out all night at noraebangs!

first shots of the evening

the bottle got empty real quick

me and sabina

she's got the moves

Saturday was also my dad’s 56th birthday. 생일축하합니다!

my fave pic

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. George Washington-Abraham Lincoln-Thomas Jefferson… Who would you most like to meet and why?
None really but if I had to choose then I guess Lincoln. He seems like he was the most important of the three, what with the Emancipation Proclamation and all that. But I don’t really know a lot about history. All I know is that there are two movies coming out this year about him that I want to see, Lincoln (Daniel Day-Lewis!) and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (sounds hilarious).

2. What’s your favorite chain restaurant?
Chili’s!! Oh how I miss their chips and salsa, soup, and salad combo. And pretty much everything else on their menu. I also like O’Charley’s “Spicy Jack Cheese Wedges”. And Olive Garden. And Carrabba’s. OK, I’m finished…

3. When you look back on your life, do you imagine you’ll think about the goals you failed to meet with regret? Or will you look at what you accomplished and say “it was good”?
I don’t think I’ll regret my life. I didn’t imagine I wouldn’t be settled down by the time I’m 30 but I’m OK with it. I’ve had such amazing travel opportunities and I think my priorities have definitely shifted with age, perhaps in the opposite direction than one would think! I want to keep traveling forever!

4. Grapefruit: Take ’em or leave ’em? Given the choice between an orange and a grapefruit which would you choose? Would you prefer it served as is or squeezed into juice?
Now, I haven’t tried a grapefruit or grapefruit juice in years and I think I need to because I might like them now. I love anything grapefruit scented. But as of now I prefer oranges and who doesn’t love fresh-squeezed orange juice? My favorite fruit is mangoes however with raspberries coming in second.

5. When was the last time you cleaned out a closet? Is there a closet in your home that currently needs cleaning? What are you waiting for?
OMG! On my to do list for today and tomorrow is clean out closets!! I really need to get rid of a bunch of stuff. What am I waiting for? I need to finish my homework first!

6. You get to have lunch with three famous people… Who would you like to see round your table?
Well I’m going to be really shallow here and pick three hot actors I love. Sean Penn is undoubtedly numero uno. He always will be. The other two are more difficult to choose but I will pick my two favorite TV stars: Charlie Hunnam AKA Jax Teller from Sons of Anarchy and Michael C. Hall AKA Dexter.

7. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate your ability to parallel park?
8… I’m pretty good but not perfect. And only in a small car, preferably my car!

8. Insert your own random thought here.
I have a lot of homework to do today. I better get on it…

Ten on Tuesday

1. How do you feel about Valentine’s Day?
I’m all for it. Daniel and I need an excuse to spend money on a fancy dinner.

2. Are you in love?
Yep…

3. What is your favorite love song?
“I Cant Help Falling In Love With You” by Elvis Presley.

4. Did your parents do anything for you on Valentine’s Day when you were a child?
My mom always gave us little gifts and cards. She still does. 🙂

5. What is your love language?
The quiz tells me my love language is “Quality Time”: In the vernacular of Quality Time, nothing says, “I love you,” like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there–with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby–makes your significant other feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful.

6. How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? Gifts? Dinner?
We do some kind of date (last year it was an all-day epic adventure, this year dinner at Eric’s Steakhouse and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) and Daniel knows I want a card (I got a video/poem this year) and sometimes we give small gifts (I got him Cheez-Its and chocolates this year, LOL).

7. What is your favorite flower?
Hot pink Gerbera daisies… But I’ve never gotten any!

8. What is your favorite love story? (Book and/or movie.)
All of the stories in Love Actually.

9. What is the most romantic thing someone has ever done for you? Or you have done for someone?
There haven’t been any grand romantic gestures but Daniel and I do sweet things for each other pretty often.

10. How did you meet your spouse/significant other?
On October 27, 2004, the night the Red Sox finally won the World Series. We were both out at Bier Garden in Asheville, NC celebrating with friends. He was wasted; I was the designated driver. Somehow he got my number. Later that night he was arrested for public drunkenness!

Original post can be found here.

Red Velvet Cheesecake

For Jinhee’s birthday, I asked her what dessert she would like me to make her and she chose cheesecake. All of the recipes called for graham crackers for the crust except this one. Which is why I chose it! All of the ingredients can be easily found in Korea (they even sell food coloring at Home Plus now).

After preheating the oven to 175 C, combine a half cup of butter and two ounces chocolate chips in a mixing bowl. Melt over a pot of boiling water.

In a large bowl, whisk together one cup of sugar, two eggs, a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1.5 teaspoons of red food coloring. Add in the chocolate mixture and stir until smooth. The batter should be red!!

Add 2/3 cup flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt into the bowl and stir well. Pour into a circular baking pan and spread into an even layer.

Now get another mixing bowl and beat together eight ounces of cream cheese, 1/3 cup sugar, one egg, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Drop in dollops onto the mixture already in the pan. Gently swirl the two batters together with a chopstick.

Bake for 30 minutes and enjoy!!

Homemade Cheez-Its

Cheez-Its are Daniel’s favorite snack. And at around $6 a box in Korea, they ain’t cheap. Especially considering he scarfs down the entire box in one sitting. So, when I came across a recipe for homemade Cheez-Its on Pinterest, I knew I had to make them for him. I’m a wonderful girlfriend, aren’t I?

Since there were only five ingredients, it seemed like these would be easy to make, right? Well it wasn’t difficult but it was very time-consuming. Especially since my oven’s so small. So keep that in mind!

First, I preheated the oven to 175 C. Then I grated eight ounces of cheddar cheese. I don’t like to use that pre-shredded cheese anymore; the block always tastes better!

I put the cheese in a mixing bowl with one cup of flour, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and (since I didn’t have cayenne pepper) 1/4 teaspoon of paprika.

Then I added four tablespoons of cold butter, cut into small squares.

The recipe said to make the dough in the food processor but mine sucks so that didn’t work so well. I ended up using my electric hand mixer instead and it did the job.

After putting the dough in the freezer for half an hour (which was too long), it was time to make each individual Cheez-It. I rolled the dough out on plastic wrap (it worked just fine; I didn’t have wax paper) and used a pizza cutter to make the small squares.

Then I placed the squares individually on a foil-lined baking pan and sprinkled them with salt before baking for 10 minutes.

Daniel loved them! I tried a few and must admit they were pretty good. 🙂