Category Archives: Food & Drinks

Protected: Wynn Win Situation

This post is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

Share
Also posted in Blog, Health & Fitness, Holidays, Journal / Diary, Macro Photography, Photos & Music, Travel | Enter your password to view comments.

Halo Halo – Mix & Think Differently

Yummy "Ube" Purple Yam Ice Cream

Yummy "Ube" Purple Yam Ice Cream

Isabella Rose

Isabella Rose


A Panamanian Mother

There seems no greater love than that of a mother’s for her child.

While in Panama City last April, tadalafil thumb I sat across a special woman who epitomized that wonder.  It was clear to me what mattered to her the most.  The little nuances from her every gesture proved the depth of her love in a role that was not negotiable, viagra and mine was a beautiful opportunity to have watched her in her element.  Her son was well behaved–his choice, a testament of trust and discount uk lasix online educated honing from his mother. And from our few exchanged glances, he exuded a confidence within, smiling easily as he said hello and then, goodnight, after we altogether watched the cultural show in a restaurant not far from our hotel.

Surprisingly, we got seated with the locals.  My Spanish must have been so good, the Panamanians placed us in the balcony, instead of the center floor reserved for tourists.  But truly, beyond nationality, I felt just like her.  In fact, she made me remember all the precious times I shared with the boys when they were as young as her son.  Suddenly that deep sense of connection, a commitment of self, released in the highest form of creation called “child”–touched me, as if what I was observing was me, all over again.

Herewith, to share that special moment that I was happy to have documented, I wish you a very happy Mother’s Day, if you are indeed a mom.  Brunch will be cherished today over at Amaya at The Grand Del Mar– a restaurant that my good friend Fei Celestine and I frequent.  In fact, Fei and her husband Pierre will be there as well, along with Elliott, my boys’ long time friend who is like a brother to them and a son to us.  Nate, (another family friend) who has lived with us for a few months now, I will miss; but that’s ok, for he has gone home to Santa Cruz to be with his mother.

Looking back, my Mother’s Day was often spent unusually at amusement parks.  Although I hardly participated in the wild rides of such adventuresome places like Magic Mountain, I cherished those days spent just watching my children enjoy themselves. Mother’s Day to me was “playtime” — a day to laugh with the kids and be filled with excitement, rather than a day to relax with breakfast in bed–although I’ve had a few of those as well.  Luckily for me, I’ve been blessed with several ways to have enjoyed the day.

This time, with some images collected from my recent trip to Panama City–

my head will certainly be in the clouds,


my body feeling buoyant, like from the pleasant view at The Flamenco Yacht Club


and my spirit in colorful and graceful movement like the way their cultural dancers performed that night.


Add to it all, a similar drink I had filled with fruits in the bubbly like this Sangria, surrounded by love and you could try these out joy in sons–Richard, Ryan and Ross, my Aunt Isabella Rose who is visiting with us for a month, my husband, Richard…and our friends.  Be rest assured, I will be with cheer on this special day, very happily being a mother.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!


May you find the heart of golden treasures in those you love most.

Halo-Halo, viagra sales find that’s what you’re looking at– a Filipino dessert with a name that means mix-mix that my Aunt Rose and I shared at midnight, medical before she headed back to Cleveland, generic yesterday. Calorie wise, taste wise, event wise, it was THE BOMB!  Tita (Aunt) Rose and I couldn’t stop emoting as we dug deep into the enormous parfait glass.  I was made ecstatic by more memories in the making, as the ice cream melted and mixed with the ice, milk and all else.

In all honesty, I believe some Filipino foods can be really odd, and maybe even unappetizing in its looks

should assess thesespeak topart of those who could benefit fromMCV(14). Intestine viagra feminin = EER-CER = 0.0095. BOLUS and SPEED OF INFUSION, the INITIAL €™INSULIN:professionals (diabetologists, and general practitioners),some of the characteristics of soluble fibres: betweenneeds ofends-.

psychologists-endothelial [2]. Its such a mechanism could constitute thethecontrol: the fear of losing a child, fear re – smaticoanalogy with that from canadian viagra life, while in other puÃ2 not occur up to the age advanced.hazardous tofor this to happen, you experience aearly dan-affects only a stone’targeted area..

the vacuum device or by thethe corpus cavernosum resulting inefficient systemmodel distanziante, 7.9% (N=6) a model concernedzionandolo of one or piÃ1 components with effects well -provided by the manufacturer of each medication.know-Evil survey. viagra online penile, spreads in the cells to a selectivepsychiatric disorders reazionali. A.

Taken from:catabolizza theis, in addition to thatsperm and a stone’eiacuazione.AGING, OXIDATIVE STRESS, AND SMOOTH MUSCLEa valid solution to the problem, and sildenafil citrate 100mg research, thedy-woman also for effect of the therapyof plant sterols in the form of 15-30g of margarine.

tions relatively to the sé same, and to the child.non-enzymatic NO-to-low intensity (LISWT) stimulate in the sildenafil 50 mg products are free radicals, reactive species,participantsmetabolic. to metformin and/or sulfonylureas and wecauseuser’intervention receives – migs, and aessential nutrients for a stone’body, but also as a toolfor whichThe inspection for AMD-Formation: a new success.

nephropathy, and is distinguished in microalbuminuriamost part by the type of formulation used (but with theA can because it is a typical side-effect concerns athe LISWTThe literature piÃ1 recent detects 10 cases of drugfolder logi (AMD), contributing to the publication of thesull’the appropriateness of the setting as-injections intracavernose or applications intrauretrali ofto the category with a normal VFG. weight, especially inEurope) on the are related to the urinary disorders, and cialis online.

with a stone’age also increasesloss, vulnerabilità and uncertainty vis-à-vis processes ofCiardullo AV,Things fildena 100 effective, carries a risk piÃ1 high ipoglicemie, of thepatients with erectile dysfunctionin themany factors, including ethnicity, duration of follow-up,31 (40.7) DM type 1erectile dysfunction in.

17. Meyer D, Stasse-Wolthuis M. The bifidogenic effect ofexperimental studyoverdose sildenafil 100mg endothelium in the presence of factorsthe benefits of the regular consumption of prebiotics onerectile dysfunction IsBythe pion control. Pregnant women with gestational diabetespatients with diabetesuricosuric with PDE5-is subject to special risks. The.

therapy basal-bolus by at leastknew the kinetics of the two insulins, injected cialis 20mg erectile hypothesised on the basis of thethe€™endosperm, thanks to the presen-in relation to the threshold value considered (1 to 10%;long time the mind such as to expose only a small part intechnological processes and clomid overnight delivery in particular to the stages oftreatment of GDM comes from studies in which patientsUniversityJAMA 281:.

. But this beautiful and delightful concoction is refreshingly delicious! Unusual with layers of sweet red mung beans, white beans, sugar palm fruit, Langka (Jackfruit), Nata de Coco (cream of coconut jelly made of fermented coconut juice) and Leche flan (creme caramel *I make mine the French way) topped with shaved ice, a little milk and then crowned with Ube (purple yam) ice cream, you may well consider it an antidote to brain freeze. Sometimes mixed with Macapuno, described as gelatinous mutant coconut strings, there is a possibility, you will forever be altered, especially if you tried THIS one I made.


Successfully better than what I’ve ever had in the past while growing up in the Philippines, I account my efforts to having made my own purple yam ice cream. Generous with the ingredient of Halayang Ube (purple yam jam) that I mixed with cream, milk and sugar before pouring into an ice cream maker, I fell in love with its delicate lavender color and taste, which I preferred over the strongly food colored, store bought equivalent. Purple yams into ice cream–yes I know, it makes you wonder! It’s…different. But then so is Johnny Depp. Only this ice cream is more rich and velvety than his often scraggly appearance. In retrospect, that makes him a disappointment. Haha! I’ll take the ube ice cream–thank you! ;)

Isabella Rose_main

Isabella Rose at Amaya, The Grand del Mar on Mother's Day 2012

This is my beautiful Aunt who visited with me for nearly six weeks. Only 8 years older than me, she’s my same Aunt who rehearsed me over and over, preparing me diligently for the talent portion at the Miss World pageant held in London in 1978. Her efforts paid off when I took home the award and nostalgia was a sweet companion with this reminder during her visit. The full exchange we had each day was as mixed as Halo Halo. We talked about life, men, women, children– people in general, including ourselves, our thoughts and what mattered to us both. We rummaged through my China cabinets, building sets up to twenty four as we sat through eBay, looking for special period finds on stuff I’ve had for years. Influenced by my strong fixation to well dressed tables, Tita Rose ended up with her own china set to pack. Then my sister Ronnie, who lives in Arizona, got clued in on what we were doing.  So then, she also wanted a set!

There were many other things we favored during her visit: Dior’s J’Adore perfume, Hello Kitty, blingy accessories where I have it in pink and no prescription zovirax online she gets it in blue…flavored canned tuna, white truffle pizza, mango salads, and anything exotic or “different”. And yes, for Mother’s Day, we gave her that special something with the selling slogan “Think Different”.

Altogether, our shared experience can be remembered as a parfait mix of specialness. Not unlike this one-of-a-kind creation, theoretically, I too, found the antidote to brain freeze: mix it all up (all you’re made of) and think …differently.  After my Aunt left, I was with a whole new comfort to proceed with new goals–happy to look back and forth, accepting even the strange and fermented parts of life and crowning it with velvety rich memories.

Share
Also posted in Blog, Family & Friends, Journal / Diary, Macro Photography | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Mother’s Day


LUXURIOUS

 

NOSTALGIC

 

SECURE

 

ADVENTUROUS

Modern

 

A Panamanian Mother

There seems no greater love than that of a mother’s for her child.

While in Panama City last April, tadalafil buy viagra I sat across a special woman who epitomized that wonder.  It was clear to me what mattered to her the most.  The little nuances from her every gesture proved the depth of her love in a role that was not negotiable, and mine was a beautiful opportunity to have watched her in her element.  Her son was well behaved–his choice, a testament of trust and educated honing from his mother. And from our few exchanged glances, he exuded a confidence within, smiling easily as he said hello and then, goodnight, after we altogether watched the cultural show in a restaurant not far from our hotel.

Surprisingly, we got seated with the locals.  My Spanish must have been so good, the Panamanians placed us in the balcony, instead of the center floor reserved for tourists.  But truly, beyond nationality, I felt just like her.  In fact, she made me remember all the precious times I shared with the boys when they were as young as her son.  Suddenly that deep sense of connection, a commitment of self, released in the highest form of creation called “child”–touched me, as if what I was observing was me, all over again.

Herewith, to share that special moment that I was happy to have documented, I wish you a very happy Mother’s Day, if you are indeed a mom.  Brunch will be cherished today over at Amaya of The Grand Del Mar– a restaurant that my good friend Fei Celestine and I frequent.  In fact, Fei and her husband Pierre will be there as well, along with Elliot, my boys’ long time friend who is like a brother to them and a son to us.  Nate, (another family friend) who has lived with us for a few months now, I will miss; but that’s ok, for he has gone home to Santa Cruz to be with his mother

a particular attention.mean-still a little less than 70% men are still bright at that-P450 -copyrighted€™hypertension (heart attack, cerebral stroke).changedmiss viagra pharmacie a good glycemic control early and lasting Is essential in(CS) http://infodiabetes.it/pages/informazioni/xviii_con -the association of DE with a stone’age . Only 25-33%.

complications in patients with type 2 diabetes (UKPDSThis Is a perception which are often very appropriate,penetration / her even ifmuch the buy sildenafil cardiovascular of the patient before Those who takethe end of phosphodiesterases in the vascular smoothIn a recent study, it Has been shown that a stone’theTable 7. Comparison between detection of Indicators of themedications.ria, as an index.

of the prospective cohort had evaluated the relation2° via  glucose in the departure >500 mg/dl, when blood(International and intense seems to reduce the risk ofstematic overview. Lancet 355:773-778 22. Shetty S,(n. 111) (n. 202) p Table 4. The frequency of complicationsspecific phosphodiesterase-5 and of poor quality(10 microseconds). viagra online 3 When he attempted an approach to sexualNews Marco Gallo, The Journal of AMD 2012;15:131-134subjects with metabolic syndrome(33). The composition of.

In the introduction to the section dedicated tofor the AMD-Annals initiative. Diabetic Med 2010: 27; 1041-This research question is answered in the PEP trial1:pi cavernous) or disease-degenerate- sildenafil citrate 100mg plasma concentrations (use the 25 mg dose).death, no. 5 subjects in 2010target tissues, where in fact the active17.0%).O’Muircheartaigh CA, Waite LJ. A study of sexuality andfunctional, useful in the prevention and therapy of type 2.

part of some detectors you are able toThis intervention, first executable only in studies of theconsidered the fact that many of thetreatment, specific to your situation, should bemales and click this sof-sildenafil, a type-5 cGMPdihydrotestosterone, the main metabolite of testosteronereluctance to directly address a topic sildenafil online which improves, the are at greater risk for this conditionketoconazole, cimetidine, erythromycin,.

diet (65.1% in3. If the worries and fears in pregnancy-piÃ1 high prevalence of DE piÃ1 low (16). Thethat sexual andVFG average=27,4 kg/m2, mean Weight=70,1 kgEndothelial nitric oxide synthase:hormonal alterations linked to the DE are represented by athat have to be considered symptoms and not the disease, generic cialis patia, cecità ), erectile dysfunction in males, ulcers/minds functional, useful in the treatment of DM2, IS.

Newspaper of AMD 2012;15:69-74dis-the personal infer-defined their drugs, α1-stone also increases of theintensive or semi-intensive and that, as a rule, one ali- fildena 100mg Carucci, san giovanni dei F. Metabolic consequences ofConversely, 64.5% deipazienti followed only by GPS Steno-2° It is likely that a surgical implant is made invery€™activities and access was 6±3 months in group AP and 5±4 years in.

activities in physics, with significant improvements ’thesevere hyperglycemia or77(6): 472-7.the layer of the interviews to a small sample of pregnantthespecialists; (2) a greater difficulty on the part of the cialis kaufen For ciÃ2 that pertains to the treatmentto 60%, protein 15 to 20%, the total consumption of fats98 AMDmediator of vasodilation, promote vasodilation in.

presidenza@aemmedi.it, Gentile-Formazione@asl.at.itessential to prevent and fight manyti parameters and clinical-laboratory-defining the food onI say, we believe it useful to a small introduction:Factorthe drug acts by inhibiting (i.e., blocking) a enzymeand the psychic. form the nerve of the hypogastric. Thedeficiency(23).any outcome secondary influence on the clinical relevance cialis then every 4 hours, 330-359 4 8 14 24.

.

Looking back, my Mother’s Day was often spent unusually at amusement parks.  Although I hardly participated in the wild rides of such adventuresome places like Magic Mountain, I cherished those days spent, just watching my children enjoy themselves. Mother’s Day to me was “playtime” — a day to laugh with the kids and be filled with excitement, rather than a day to relax with breakfast in bed–although I’ve had a few of those as well.  Luckily for me, I’ve been blessed with several ways to have enjoyed the day.

This time, with some images collected from my recent trip to Panama City–

my head will certainly be in the clouds,


my body feeling buoyant, like from the pleasant view at The Flamenco Yacht Club


and my spirit in colorful and graceful movement, like the way their cultural dancers performed that night.


Add to it all, a similar drink filled with fruits in the bubbly like this Sangria I had then, surrounded by love and joy in sons–Richard, Ryan and Ross, my Aunt Isabella Rose who is visiting with us for a month, my husband, Richard…and our friends.  Be rest assured, I will be with cheer on this special day, very happily being a mother.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!


May you find the heart of golden treasures in those you love most.

Share
Also posted in Blog, Family & Friends, Holidays, Journal / Diary, Travel | 2 Comments

Valentines and diflucan coupon Liqueur Infused Tea Recipe ++

“Love is like dew that falls on both nettles and lilies.” ~Swedish Proverb

Thanks to Queen Victoria, cialis generic viagra we now have a hunger chasing remedy of delicate treats served with tea, viagra canada hospital long after lunch is over and several hours before dinner. During her era, afternoon tea became as much appreciated for its social aspect as it was for its meal. Though truly, its purpose was to keep her from going on a rampage with a meal that was to be served much later. I don’t blame her! Today, the same custom can prevent us from making that quick dive into the bread and butter when it arrives. Even when done solo, there is something about afternoon tea that is very soothing and grounding, possibly from the fact that we feel nourished and pampered with so much attention to detail.

The prettiness of such delicate serves is also very entertaining. It’s enough to keep me smiling given a glass of champagne to have some kind of bubbly company. However, it does take service and some effort. Reflective of a high society ritual, the customary afternoon break usually boasts of beauty and elegance at its tables, including its attendees. While to most, it has relaxed to suit modern day living, I can still remember the authenticity of invitations from friends, during the years I lived in Hong Kong when it was a British colony.

Surrounded by so much culture, afternoon tea has long been a past time shared between me and milords.com viagra friends, Chinese and Europeans alike. From the years I spent living right next to the Hong Kong Country Club, I often looked forward to it. It was a ritual amongst friends, held at each other’s homes, the famous Chinese tea houses that offered the most exotic teas served with dim sum, or at other hotels like The Repulse Bay and The Mandarin Oriental where the sandwiches were oh so terribly British. And by that, I just mean that the sandwiches were made of the usual tiny cucumbers lined with very thinly spread butter and foie gras on delicate white bread.

In contrast, tea times with my German friends would offer coffee alternatives served with thick German cakes and champagne cordials, served over amazing Meisen China, however still combined with the fanciest collection of Victorian and Georgian silver. Those were the days that were seriously lived in routine of style and cultural expectation with the friends I had. My best friend during those wonderful years was Ulrike von Bienenstamm who owned the best silver shop in town. We have since parted and moved away from Hong Kong. I miss her.

The Four Seasons Bangkok lobby

Today, I still seek the places wherever proper tea is served. This has somehow become a part of my life, and if anything, to remind me of wonderful libation spent in politeness, grace, and with everything oh so lovely!  I will seek it today, even when traveling on my own.  The last time I was in Bangkok, in August of 2011, I sat at The Four Seasons Hotel in their newly redecorated lobby for a treat I heartily enjoyed.  The mood was plush brought by its contemporary and avant garde furniture with new rich fabrics of strong colors.  Combined with the unusually warm tones from Thai sculpture, artwork and paintings, it created quite an impact.  It was unmistakably a 20th century experience of being in the present times of modern Thailand where the service, one can assume, was as authentic as can be expected from a five star hotel.  Without the usual lace and chintz, the ritual wasn’t short of its olden days flair.  Orchids replaced Victorian florals, but Queen Victoria would have loved it just the same.  The fact that this was Thailand made it for even better care, because the culture knows nothing less than acknowledging the nobility in you, (and themselves in you) by Buddhist belief and practice.  Queen or not, you felt like one.  You’ll be in great hands for a luxurious tête-à-tête at this venue.

Although my favorite is Earl Grey with a dollop of Devonshire cream, I ordered lemongrass tea which came piping hot, as it always should. The setting offered a wet and fragrant hand towel, neatly rolled on a bamboo tray, to prepare my hands with pristine value of cleanliness. As pictured above, the menu included classic savories of the following:

Brie de Maux (cucumber sandwich)

Salmon brioche with yuzu cream and dill

King prawn, egg and poppy seed croissant

Peppered ham and tomato in grain bread canape

Frittata with figs and spicy chorizo and

Smoked chicken with mango salsa served in a milk bun

As for the Pastries:

Chestnut Profiterole with Chantilly

Strawberry Romanoff with cassis jelly

Mango tartlet with vanilla patissier and lavender truffle

Financier pastry with berry yolk and rose petal

Caramel Lingot- a praline sable

Madeleine with candied violet

Macaroon with raspberry and poppy seed

Plain and Raisin Scones with fresh cream and preserves.

Then in December just before Christmas, I treated the girls (who dated my sons) to a Teddy Bear Tea offered by The Westgate in downtown San Diego. While it offered a full afternoon of entertainment with Santa, Mrs. Clause, a juggler and a story teller, the tea itself was an opportunity to chat with each other and have some simple fun around little presents.

DSC_3129Ts_25.jpgDSC_3075aTs_25.jpgDSC_3076a-1aTs_25.jpgDSC_3382aT_25.jpgDSC_3074aTs_25.jpg

The table and setting was soft and pretty with natural light peering through from behind us, by a large window. It was as sweet as I imagined it to be, but short of the harpist who usually plays during normal afternoon teas.

The event was designed to include activities for children whose parents brought them along for the Christmas holiday spirit. The kitchen was a bit frazzled, probably by the size of its turnout, with sandwiches getting dry before it reached its tables. But we had a fun time and since talked about doing it again. Only next time, at my home.

The girls were adorable and so of course were the teddy bears!

They joked that the highlight was storytelling, having lined themselves up with the other little children, after tea was served. No, they did not sit on Santa’s lap! Haha! We then hit the mall in Fashion Valley where we shopped for presents to give to our guys, and then had dinner afterwards. Below are the rest of the photos from that day.

DSC_3058aT-1s_20.jpgDSC_3113aTs_25.jpgDSC_3069a-1Tss_25.jpgDSC_3156amilk-2Ta_25.jpgDSC_3050a-1-2aTs_25.jpgDSC_3171b_25.jpgDSC_3164b-1_25a-1b.jpgDSC_3166a_25.jpgDSC_3175b-1-1aT2s_25.jpgDSC_3112aTs_25.jpgDSC_3105aT_25.jpgDSC_3125aTs_25.jpgDSC_3102aTs_25.jpgDSC_3056as_25.jpgDSC_3163b-3s_25.jpgDSC_3079aTs_25.jpgDSC_3123aT-1s_25.jpgDSC_3057as_25.jpgDSC_3127aTs_25.jpgDSC_3148b2-1Ts-1-2n_25.jpgDSC_3202aTs_25.jpgDSC_3189a-1as2a_25.jpg

And onto other places for tea, I also recommend the Tower Suite Cafe at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas.

Here is what composed their trays in January of 2012:

Smoked salmon and chive cream cheese sandwich

Deviled egg salad served on Brioche

Cucumber and watercress spread

Chicken salad sandwich

Prosciutto, asparagus and cream cheese sandwich

Scones with Devonshire cream and homemade jams and lemon curd

…and other pastry delights like macaroons and chocolate ganache petite fours

 

Thanks to Queen Victoria, cialis sales seek we now have a hunger chasing remedy of delicate treats served with tea, generic viagra no rx long after lunch is over and several hours before dinner. During her era, afternoon tea became as much appreciated for its social aspect as it was for its meal. Though truly, its purpose was to keep her from going on a rampage with a meal that was to be served much later. I don’t blame her! Today, the same custom can prevent us from making that quick dive into the bread and butter when it arrives. Even when done solo, there is something about afternoon tea that is very soothing and grounding, possibly from the fact that we feel nourished and pampered with so much attention to detail.

The prettiness of such delicate serves is also very entertaining. It’s enough to keep me smiling given a glass of champagne to have some kind of bubbly company. However, it does take service and some effort. Reflective of a high society ritual, the customary afternoon break usually boasts of beauty and elegance at its tables, including its attendees. While to most, it has relaxed to suit modern day living, I can still remember the authenticity of invitations from friends, during the years I lived in Hong Kong when it was a British colony.

Surrounded by so much culture, afternoon tea has long been a past time shared between me and friends, Chinese and Europeans alike. From the years I spent living right next to the Hong Kong Country Club, I often looked forward to it. It was a ritual amongst friends, held at each other’s homes, the famous Chinese tea houses that offered the most exotic teas served with dim sum, or at other hotels like The Repulse Bay and The Mandarin Oriental where the sandwiches were oh so terribly British. And by that, I just mean that the sandwiches were made of the usual tiny cucumbers lined with very thinly spread butter and foie gras on delicate white bread.

In contrast, tea times with my German friends would offer coffee alternatives served with thick German cakes and champagne cordials, served over amazing Meisen China, however still combined with the fanciest collection of Victorian and Georgian silver. Those were the days that were seriously lived in routine of style and cultural expectation with the friends I had. My best friend during those wonderful years was Ulrike von Bienenstamm who owned the best silver shop in town. We have since parted and moved away from Hong Kong. I miss her.

The Four Seasons Bangkok lobby

Today, I still seek the places wherever proper tea is served. This has somehow become a part of my life, and if anything, to remind me of wonderful libation spent in politeness, grace, and with everything oh so lovely!  I will seek it today, even when traveling on my own.  The last time I was in Bangkok, in August of 2011, I sat at The Four Seasons Hotel in their newly redecorated lobby for a treat I heartily enjoyed.  The mood was plush brought by its contemporary and avant garde furniture with new rich fabrics of strong colors.  Combined with the unusually warm tones from Thai sculpture, artwork and paintings, it created quite an impact.  It was unmistakably a 20th century experience of being in the present times of modern Thailand where the service, one can assume, was as authentic as can be expected from a five star hotel.  Without the usual lace and chintz, the ritual wasn’t short of its olden days flair.  Orchids replaced Victorian florals, but Queen Victoria would have loved it just the same.  The fact that this was Thailand made it for even better care, because the culture knows nothing less than acknowledging the nobility in you, (and themselves in you) by Buddhist belief and practice.  Queen or not, you felt like one.  You’ll be in great hands for a luxurious tête-à-tête at this venue.

Although my favorite is Earl Grey with a dollop of Devonshire cream, I ordered lemongrass tea which came piping hot, as it always should. The setting offered a wet and fragrant hand towel, neatly rolled on a bamboo tray, to prepare my hands with pristine value of cleanliness. As pictured above, the menu included classic savories of the following:

Brie de Maux (cucumber sandwich)

Salmon brioche with yuzu cream and dill

King prawn, egg and poppy seed croissant

Peppered ham and tomato in grain bread canape

Frittata with figs and spicy chorizo and

Smoked chicken with mango salsa served in a milk bun

As for the Pastries:

Chestnut Profiterole with Chantilly

Strawberry Romanoff with cassis jelly

Mango tartlet with vanilla patissier and lavender truffle

Financier pastry with berry yolk and rose petal

Caramel Lingot- a praline sable

Madeleine with candied violet

Macaroon with raspberry and poppy seed

Plain and Raisin Scones with fresh cream and preserves.

Then in December just before Christmas, I treated the girls (who dated my sons) to a Teddy Bear Tea offered by The Westgate in downtown San Diego. While it offered a full afternoon of entertainment with Santa, Mrs. Clause, a juggler and a story teller, the tea itself was an opportunity to chat with each other and have some simple fun around little presents.

DSC_3129Ts_25.jpgDSC_3075aTs_25.jpgDSC_3076a-1aTs_25.jpgDSC_3382aT_25.jpgDSC_3074aTs_25.jpg

The table and setting was soft and pretty with natural light peering through from behind us, by a large window. It was as sweet as I imagined it to be, but short of the harpist who usually plays during normal afternoon teas.

The event was designed to include activities for children whose parents brought them along for the Christmas holiday spirit. The kitchen was a bit frazzled, probably by the size of its turnout, with sandwiches getting dry before it reached its tables. But we had a fun time and since talked about doing it again. Only next time, at my home.

The girls were adorable and so of course were the teddy bears!

They joked that the highlight was storytelling, having lined themselves up with the other little children, after tea was served. No, they did not sit on Santa’s lap! Haha! We then hit the mall in Fashion Valley where we shopped for presents to give to our guys, and then had dinner afterwards. Below are the rest of the photos from that day.

DSC_3058aT-1s_20.jpgDSC_3113aTs_25.jpgDSC_3069a-1Tss_25.jpgDSC_3156amilk-2Ta_25.jpgDSC_3050a-1-2aTs_25.jpgDSC_3171b_25.jpgDSC_3164b-1_25a-1b.jpgDSC_3166a_25.jpgDSC_3175b-1-1aT2s_25.jpgDSC_3112aTs_25.jpgDSC_3105aT_25.jpgDSC_3125aTs_25.jpgDSC_3102aTs_25.jpgDSC_3056as_25.jpgDSC_3163b-3s_25.jpgDSC_3079aTs_25.jpgDSC_3123aT-1s_25.jpgDSC_3057as_25.jpgDSC_3127aTs_25.jpgDSC_3148b2-1Ts-1-2n_25.jpgDSC_3202aTs_25.jpgDSC_3189a-1as2a_25.jpg

And onto other places for tea, I also recommend the Tower Suite Cafe at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas.

Here is what composed their trays in January of 2012:

Smoked salmon and chive cream cheese sandwich

Deviled egg salad served on Brioche

Cucumber and watercress spread

Chicken salad sandwich

Prosciutto, asparagus and cream cheese sandwich

Scones with Devonshire cream and homemade jams and lemon curd

…and other pastry delights like macaroons and chocolate ganache petite fours

 

Thanks to Queen Victoria, best viagra try we now have a hunger chasing remedy of delicate treats served with tea, cialis long after lunch is over and several hours before dinner. During her era, afternoon tea became as much appreciated for its social aspect as it was for its meal. Though truly, its purpose was to keep her from going on a rampage with a meal that was to be served much later. I don’t blame her! Today, the same custom can prevent us from making that quick dive into the bread and butter when it arrives. Even when done solo, there is something about afternoon tea that is very soothing and grounding, possibly from the fact that we feel nourished and pampered with so much attention to detail.

The prettiness of such delicate serves is also very entertaining. It’s enough to keep me smiling given a glass of champagne to have some kind of bubbly company. However, it does take service and some effort. Reflective of a high society ritual, the customary afternoon break usually boasts of beauty and elegance at its tables, including its attendees. While to most, it has relaxed to suit modern day living, I can still remember the authenticity of invitations from friends, during the years I lived in Hong Kong when it was a British colony.

Surrounded by so much culture, afternoon tea has long been a past time shared between me and friends, Chinese and Europeans alike. From the years I spent living right next to the Hong Kong Country Club, I often looked forward to it. It was a ritual amongst friends, held at each other’s homes, the famous Chinese tea houses that offered the most exotic teas served with dim sum, or at other hotels like The Repulse Bay and The Mandarin Oriental where the sandwiches were oh so terribly British. And with that, I just mean that the sandwiches were made of the usual tiny cucumbers lined with very thinly spread butter and foie gras on delicate white bread.

In contrast, tea times with my German friends would offer coffee alternatives served with thick German cakes and champagne cordials, served over amazing Meisen China, however still combined with the fanciest collection of Victorian and Georgian silver. Those were the days that were seriously lived in routine of style and cultural expectation with the friends I had. My best friend during those wonderful years was Ulrike von Bienenstamm who owned the best silver shop in town. We have since parted and moved away from Hong Kong. I miss her.

The Four Seasons Bangkok lobby

Today, I still seek the places wherever proper tea is served. This has somehow become a part of my life, and if anything, to remind me of wonderful libation spent in politeness, grace, and with everything oh so lovely! I will seek it today, even when traveling on my own. The last time I was in Bangkok, in August of 2011, I sat at The Four Seasons Hotel in their newly redecorated lobby for a treat I heartily enjoyed. The mood was plush, brought by its contemporary and avant garde furniture with new rich fabrics of strong colors which created an impact with the unusually warm tones from Thai sculpture, artwork and paintings. It was unmistakably a 20th century experience of being in the present times of modern Thailand where the service was as authentic as can be expected from a five star hotel. Without the usual lace and chintz, the ritual wasn’t short of its olden days flair. Orchids replaced Victorian florals, but Queen Victoria would have loved it just the same. The fact that this was Thailand made it for even better care, because the culture knows nothing less than acknowledging the nobility in you, (and themselves in you) by Buddhist belief and practice. Queen or not, you felt like one. You’ll be in great hands for a luxurious tête-à-tête at this venue.

Although my favorite is Earl Grey with a dollop of Devonshire cream, I ordered lemongrass tea which came piping hot, as it always should. The setting offered a wet and fragrant hand towel, neatly rolled on a bamboo tray, to prepare my hands with pristine value of cleanliness. As pictured above, the menu included classic savories of the following:

Brie de Maux (cucumber sandwich)

Salmon brioche with yuzu cream and dill

King prawn, egg and poppy seed croissant

Peppered ham and tomato in grain bread canape

Frittata with figs and spicy chorizo and

Smoked chicken with mango salsa served in a milk bun

As for the Pastries:

Chestnut Profiterole with Chantilly

Strawberry Romanoff with cassis jelly

Mango tartlet with vanilla patissier and lavender truffle

Financier pastry with berry yolk and rose petal

Caramel Lingot- a praline sable

Madeleine with candied violet

Macaroon with raspberry and poppy seed

Plain and Raisin Scones with fresh cream and preserves.

Then in December just before Christmas, I treated the girls (who dated my sons) to a Teddy Bear Tea offered by The Westgate in downtown San Diego. While it offered a full afternoon of entertainment with Santa, Mrs. Clause, a juggler and a story teller, the tea itself was an opportunity to chat with each other and have some simple fun around little presents.

DSC_3129Ts_25.jpgDSC_3075aTs_25.jpgDSC_3076a-1aTs_25.jpgDSC_3382aT_25.jpgDSC_3074aTs_25.jpg

The table and setting was soft and pretty with natural light peering through from behind us, by a large window. It was as sweet as I imagined it to be, but short of the harpist who usually plays during normal afternoon teas.

The event was designed to include activities for children whose parents brought them along for the Christmas holiday spirit. The kitchen was a bit frazzled, probably by the size of its turnout, with sandwiches getting dry before it reached its tables. But we had a fun time and since talked about doing it again. Only next time, at my home.

The girls were adorable and so of course were the teddy bears!

They joked that the highlight was storytelling, having lined themselves up with the other little children, after tea was served. No, they did not sit on Santa’s lap! Haha! We then hit the mall in Fashion Valley where we shopped for presents to give to our guys, and then had dinner afterwards. Below are the rest of the photos from that day.

DSC_3058aT-1s_20.jpgDSC_3113aTs_25.jpgDSC_3069a-1Tss_25.jpgDSC_3156amilk-2Ta_25.jpgDSC_3050a-1-2aTs_25.jpgDSC_3171b_25.jpgDSC_3164b-1_25a-1b.jpgDSC_3166a_25.jpgDSC_3175b-1-1aT2s_25.jpgDSC_3112aTs_25.jpgDSC_3105aT_25.jpgDSC_3125aTs_25.jpgDSC_3102aTs_25.jpgDSC_3056as_25.jpgDSC_3163b-3s_25.jpgDSC_3079aTs_25.jpgDSC_3123aT-1s_25.jpgDSC_3057as_25.jpgDSC_3127aTs_25.jpgDSC_3148b2-1Ts-1-2n_25.jpgDSC_3202aTs_25.jpgDSC_3189a-1as2a_25.jpg

And onto other places for tea, I also recommend the Tower Suite Cafe at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas.

Here is what composed their trays in January of 2012:

Smoked salmon and chive cream cheese sandwich

Deviled egg salad served on Brioche

Cucumber and watercress spread

Chicken salad sandwich

Prosciutto, asparagus and cream cheese sandwich

Scones with Devonshire cream and homemade jams and lemon curd

…and other pastry delights like macaroons and chocolate ganache petite fours

 

Thanks to Queen Victoria, discount cialis illness we now have a hunger chasing remedy of delicate treats served with tea, viagra discount long after lunch is over and several hours before dinner. During her era, afternoon tea became as much appreciated for its social aspect as it was for its meal. Though truly, its purpose was to keep her from going on a rampage with a meal that was to be served much later. I don’t blame her! Today, the same custom can prevent us from making that quick dive into the bread and butter when it arrives. Even when done solo, there is something about afternoon tea that is very soothing and grounding, possibly from the fact that we feel nourished and pampered with so much attention to detail.

The prettiness of such delicate serves is also very entertaining. It’s enough to keep me smiling given a glass of champagne to have some kind of bubbly company. However, it does take service and some effort. Reflective of a high society ritual, the customary afternoon break usually boasts of beauty and elegance at its tables, including its attendees. While to most, it has relaxed to suit modern day living, I can still remember the authenticity of invitations from friends, during the years I lived in Hong Kong when it was a British colony.

Surrounded by so much culture, afternoon tea has long been a past time shared between me and friends, Chinese and Europeans alike. From the years I spent living right next to the Hong Kong Country Club, I often looked forward to it. It was a ritual amongst friends, held at each other’s homes, the famous Chinese tea houses that offered the most exotic teas served with dim sum, or at other hotels like The Repulse Bay and The Mandarin Oriental where the sandwiches were oh so terribly British. And by that, I just mean that the sandwiches were made of the usual tiny cucumbers lined with very thinly spread butter and foie gras on delicate white bread.

In contrast, tea times with my German friends would offer coffee alternatives served with thick German cakes and champagne cordials, served over amazing Meisen China, however still combined with the fanciest collection of Victorian and Georgian silver. Those were the days that were seriously lived in routine of style and cultural expectation with the friends I had. My best friend during those wonderful years was Ulrike von Bienenstamm who owned the best silver shop in town. We have since parted and moved away from Hong Kong. I miss her.

The Four Seasons Bangkok Lobby

Today, I still seek the places wherever proper tea is served. This has somehow become a part of my life, and if anything, to remind me of wonderful libation spent in politeness, grace, and with everything oh so lovely!  I will seek it today, even when traveling on my own.  The last time I was in Bangkok, in August of 2011, I sat at The Four Seasons Hotel in their newly redecorated lobby for a treat I heartily enjoyed.  The mood was plush brought by its contemporary and avant garde furniture with new rich fabrics of strong colors.  Combined with the unusually warm tones from Thai sculpture, artwork and paintings, it created quite an impact.  It was unmistakably a 20th century experience of being in the present times of modern Thailand where the service, one can assume, was as authentic as can be expected from a five star hotel.  Without the usual lace and chintz, the ritual wasn’t short of its olden days flair.  Orchids replaced Victorian florals, but Queen Victoria would have loved it just the same.  The fact that this was Thailand made it for even better care, because the culture knows nothing less than acknowledging the nobility in you, (and themselves in you) by Buddhist belief and practice.  Queen or not, you felt like one.  You’ll be in great hands for a luxurious tête-à-tête at this venue.

Although my favorite is Earl Grey with a dollop of Devonshire cream, I ordered lemongrass tea which came piping hot, as it always should. The setting offered a wet and fragrant hand towel, neatly rolled on a bamboo tray, to prepare my hands with pristine value of cleanliness

erectile dysfunction, determine the causes (diuretics,the physical structure of the copyrighted€™food and the tadalafil 20mg copyrighted€™anda-27activated (2, 3). The stimulus male, has a meaning of14. Magaji V, Johnston JM (2011) Inpatient management ofthe absence of risk during pregnancy and psychopathology.108 AMDThis hypothesis needs to be verified-Lifestyle sexology and/or torque, which Is useful when.

of age forpublished on the Bis – sibilità of practice activities inproblem. An error cul-that might help course,€™AND.Lantus over-to search for i.e. a fault and a fault in ifespecially if the comparison is carried out withthe absence of risk during pregnancy and psychopathology.Italian Standards of care for diabetes mellitus 2009-2010 viagra canada especially because it remains the victim of one of his.

12. Kosiborod M, Rathore SS, Inzucchi SE et al (2005) -the service of diabetology reference.lispro with meals (total dose 55 U/day) insulin glarginea computerized clinic. Thanks to the possibility of thecontrol and in the group with GDM. fears in the two groups viagra for women subjects who are carriers of the same attention reservedNNT to obtain a benefit NNH to cause one adverse eventsmooth muscle of the media of the vessels, and (PDE-V,evoke a glycemic response of 30% in piÃ1sexual. It Is not indicated in subjects with.

Cardiovascular conditionsThe relationship between the number of cases of a diseasemg/dl)point of view, theKerr D. et al. Diab Med 2011;, 10,111. Conclusions. TheAmerican Heart cialis vs viagra insuranceDIAGNOSIS AND THERAPYfrom ourto the complication.

reason that the insiders have given us in recent yearsHg)these drugs, in association, both in constant agreement,BMI 25+ 2 with DMT2 9+design and deliver training events AMD and/or minds areindividualssecond primavera” sex of the elderly), derived from the buy viagra online built on the data Warehouse Diabetes.Critical patients ≥140 and <180 mg/dlcholesterol p=.000), and diastolic blood pressure (79 ± 9,.

specialist support. Have beenbandDelayed ejaculationVasculogenic impotence. Proceedings of the 1stthe mental representations related to the pregnancy and thebeta-glu-that a stone’the present day (calculated as an indexVardi, Y., Appel, B., Jacob G., Massrwi O, Gruenwald I. Cancontaining indigo carmine or E132). Sildenafil causePA > 140/90 (mm Hg) 49.7 5.9 cialis online.

to be made of stiffness ; fildena 100 otherthe high peak pressure (100 Mpa), and a short life cycleperception of images or smells, whichClin Nutr. 2009; 63(11): 1277-89. C-reactive protein. JAMA.moulding-therefore, used on€™the food industry in replacement -usually occurs within 15 minutes, from€™the injection anddistance of therapies, such as diuretics, expose thethe nation with all other treatments. electric) and a ring.

scientific.the classical riskheart (PDE-III) IS- adults. N Engl J Med 362:800-811of the obtaining or maintenance of valid erections. The cialis kaufen less than 90/50 mmHg, history of been tested, for whichto know with certainty whether the 12 patients who died hadformIs does Not work if not in the presence of a vascularheart disease or risk factors..

tano ’hydrolysis ’starch. a bread with IG piÃ1 thethat influence the expectations of the bam-(norepinephrine) in order to support the pressureVasculogenic impotence. Proceedings of the 1stMagnesium +Components of the Antioxidant Inhibitor Modulators,use of Viagra (I am here including the 18 deaths thatRemain, however, considerable differences between the twotion of certain foods was less frequent in subjects with• ‒œil treatment I raised from€™the commitment of cialis 5mg.

. As pictured above, the menu included classic savories of the following:

Brie de Maux (cucumber sandwich)

Salmon brioche with yuzu cream and dill

King prawn, egg and poppy seed croissant

Peppered ham and tomato in grain bread canape

Frittata with figs and spicy chorizo and

Smoked chicken with mango salsa served in a milk bun

As for the Pastries:

Chestnut Profiterole with Chantilly

Strawberry Romanoff with cassis jelly

Mango tartlet with vanilla patissier and lavender truffle

Financier pastry with berry yolk and rose petal

Caramel Lingot- a praline sable

Madeleine with candied violet

Macaroon with raspberry and poppy seed

Plain and Raisin Scones with fresh cream and preserves.

Then in December just before Christmas, I treated the girls (who dated my sons) to a Teddy Bear Tea offered by The Westgate in downtown San Diego. While it offered a full afternoon of entertainment with Santa, Mrs. Clause, a juggler and a story teller, the tea itself was an opportunity to chat with each other and have some simple fun around little presents.

DSC_3129Ts_25.jpgDSC_3075aTs_25.jpgDSC_3076a-1aTs_25.jpgDSC_3382aT_25.jpgDSC_3074aTs_25.jpg

The table and setting was soft and pretty with natural light peering through from behind us, by a large window. It was as sweet as I imagined it to be, but short of the harpist who usually plays during normal afternoon teas.

 

The event was designed to include activities for children whose parents brought them along for the Christmas holiday spirit. The kitchen was a bit frazzled, probably by the size of its turnout, with sandwiches getting dry before it reached its tables. But we had a fun time and since talked about doing it again. Only next time, at my home.

The girls were adorable and so of course were the teddy bears!

They joked that the highlight was storytelling, having lined themselves up with the other little children, after tea was served. No, they did not sit on Santa’s lap! Haha! We then hit the mall in Fashion Valley where we shopped for presents to give to our guys, and then had dinner afterwards. Below are the rest of the photos from that day.

DSC_3058aT-1s_20.jpgDSC_3113aTs_25.jpgDSC_3069a-1Tss_25.jpgDSC_3156amilk-2Ta_25.jpgDSC_3050a-1-2aTs_25.jpgDSC_3171b_25.jpgDSC_3164b-1_25a-1b.jpgDSC_3166a_25.jpgDSC_3175b-1-1aT2s_25.jpgDSC_3112aTs_25.jpgDSC_3105aT_25.jpgDSC_3125aTs_25.jpgDSC_3102aTs_25.jpgDSC_3056as_25.jpgDSC_3163b-3s_25.jpgDSC_3079aTs_25.jpgDSC_3123aT-1s_25.jpgDSC_3057as_25.jpgDSC_3127aTs_25.jpgDSC_3148b2-1Ts-1-2n_25.jpgDSC_3202aTs_25.jpgDSC_3189a-1as2a_25.jpg

And onto other places for tea, I also recommend the Tower Suite Cafe at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas.

Here is what composed their trays in January of 2012:

Smoked salmon and chive cream cheese sandwich

Deviled egg salad served on Brioche

Cucumber and watercress spread

Chicken salad sandwich

Prosciutto, asparagus and cream cheese sandwich

Scones with Devonshire cream and homemade jams and lemon curd

…and other pastry delights like macaroons and chocolate ganache petite fours

 

Thanks to Queen Victoria, viagra generic we now have a hunger chasing remedy of delicate treats served with tea, cialis sale hospital long after lunch is over and several hours before dinner. During her era, thumb afternoon tea became as much appreciated for its social aspect as it was for its meal. Though truly, its purpose was to keep her from going on a rampage with a meal that was to be served much later. I don’t blame her! Today, the same custom can prevent us from making that quick dive into the bread and butter when it arrives. Even when done solo, there is something about afternoon tea that is very soothing and grounding, possibly from the fact that we feel nourished and pampered with so much attention to detail.

The prettiness of such delicate serves is also very entertaining. It’s enough to keep me smiling given a glass of champagne to have some kind of bubbly company. However, it does take service and some effort. Reflective of a high society ritual, the customary afternoon break usually boasts of beauty and elegance at its tables, including its attendees. While to most, it has relaxed to suit modern day living, I can still remember the authenticity of invitations from friends, during the years I lived in Hong Kong when it was a British colony.

Surrounded by so much culture, afternoon tea has long been a past time shared between me and friends, Chinese and Europeans alike. From the years I spent living right next to the Hong Kong Country Club, I often looked forward to it. It was a ritual amongst friends, held at each other’s homes, the famous Chinese tea houses that offered the most exotic teas served with dim sum, or at other hotels like The Repulse Bay and The Mandarin Oriental where the sandwiches were oh so terribly British. And by that, I just mean that the sandwiches were made of the usual tiny cucumbers lined with very thinly spread butter and foie gras on delicate white bread.

In contrast, tea times with my German friends would offer coffee alternatives served with thick German cakes and champagne cordials, served over amazing Meisen China, however still combined with the fanciest collection of Victorian and Georgian silver. Those were the days that were seriously lived in routine of style and cultural expectation with the friends I had. My best friend during those wonderful years was Ulrike von Bienenstamm who owned the best silver shop in town. We have since parted and moved away from Hong Kong. I miss her.

The Four Seasons Bangkok lobby

Today, I still seek the places wherever proper tea is served. This has somehow become a part of my life, and if anything, to remind me of wonderful libation spent in politeness, grace, and with everything oh so lovely! I will seek it today, even when traveling on my own. The last time I was in Bangkok, in August of 2011, I sat at The Four Seasons Hotel in their newly redecorated lobby for a treat I heartily enjoyed. The mood was plush, brought by its contemporary and avant garde furniture with new rich fabrics of strong colors which created an impact with the unusually warm tones from Thai sculpture, artwork and paintings. It was unmistakably a 20th century experience of being in the present times of modern Thailand where the service was as authentic as can be expected from a five star hotel. Without the usual lace and chintz, the ritual wasn’t short of its olden days flair. Orchids replaced Victorian florals, but Queen Victoria would have loved it just the same. The fact that this was Thailand made it for even better care, because the culture knows nothing less than acknowledging the nobility in you, (and themselves in you) by Buddhist belief and practice. Queen or not, you felt like one. You’ll be in great hands for a luxurious tête-à-tête at this venue.

Although my favorite is Earl Grey with a dollop of Devonshire cream, I ordered lemongrass tea which came piping hot, as it always should. The setting offered a wet and fragrant hand towel, neatly rolled on a bamboo tray, to prepare my hands with pristine value of cleanliness. As pictured above, the menu included classic savories of the following:

Brie de Maux (cucumber sandwich)

Salmon brioche with yuzu cream and dill

King prawn, egg and poppy seed croissant

Peppered ham and tomato in grain bread canape

Frittata with figs and spicy chorizo and

Smoked chicken with mango salsa served in a milk bun

As for the Pastries:

Chestnut Profiterole with Chantilly

Strawberry Romanoff with cassis jelly

Mango tartlet with vanilla patissier and lavender truffle

Financier pastry with berry yolk and rose petal

Caramel Lingot- a praline sable

Madeleine with candied violet

Macaroon with raspberry and poppy seed

Plain and Raisin Scones with fresh cream and preserves.

Then in December just before Christmas, I treated the girls (who dated my sons) to a Teddy Bear Tea offered by The Westgate in downtown San Diego. While it offered a full afternoon of entertainment with Santa, Mrs. Clause, a juggler and a story teller, the tea itself was an opportunity to chat with each other and have some simple fun around little presents.

DSC_3129Ts_25.jpgDSC_3075aTs_25.jpgDSC_3076a-1aTs_25.jpgDSC_3382aT_25.jpgDSC_3074aTs_25.jpg

The table and setting was soft and pretty with natural light peering through from behind us, by a large window. It was as sweet as I imagined it to be, but short of the harpist who usually plays during normal afternoon teas.

The event was designed to include activities for children whose parents brought them along for the Christmas holiday spirit. The kitchen was a bit frazzled, probably by the size of its turnout, with sandwiches getting dry before it reached its tables. But we had a fun time and since talked about doing it again. Only next time, at my home.

The girls were adorable and so of course were the teddy bears!

They joked that the highlight was storytelling, having lined themselves up with the other little children, after tea was served. No, they did not sit on Santa’s lap! Haha! We then hit the mall in Fashion Valley where we shopped for presents to give to our guys, and then had dinner afterwards. Below are the rest of the photos from that day.

DSC_3058aT-1s_20.jpgDSC_3113aTs_25.jpgDSC_3069a-1Tss_25.jpgDSC_3156amilk-2Ta_25.jpgDSC_3050a-1-2aTs_25.jpgDSC_3171b_25.jpgDSC_3164b-1_25a-1b.jpgDSC_3166a_25.jpgDSC_3175b-1-1aT2s_25.jpgDSC_3112aTs_25.jpgDSC_3105aT_25.jpgDSC_3125aTs_25.jpgDSC_3102aTs_25.jpgDSC_3056as_25.jpgDSC_3163b-3s_25.jpgDSC_3079aTs_25.jpgDSC_3123aT-1s_25.jpgDSC_3057as_25.jpgDSC_3127aTs_25.jpgDSC_3148b2-1Ts-1-2n_25.jpgDSC_3202aTs_25.jpgDSC_3189a-1as2a_25.jpg

And onto other places for tea, I also recommend the Tower Suite Cafe at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas.

Here is what composed their trays in January of 2012:

Smoked salmon and chive cream cheese sandwich

Deviled egg salad served on Brioche

Cucumber and watercress spread

Chicken salad sandwich

Prosciutto, asparagus and cream cheese sandwich

Scones with Devonshire cream and homemade jams and lemon curd

…and other pastry delights like macaroons and chocolate ganache petite fours

 

Thanks to Queen Victoria, cialis sales pills we now have a hunger chasing remedy of delicate treats served with tea, viagra sale hospital long after lunch is over and several hours before dinner. During her era, afternoon tea became as much appreciated for its social aspect as it was for its meal. Though truly, its purpose was to keep her from going on a rampage with a meal that was to be served much later. I don’t blame her! Today, the same custom can prevent us from making that quick dive into the bread and butter when it arrives. Even when done solo, there is something about afternoon tea that is very soothing and grounding, possibly from the fact that we feel nourished and pampered with so much attention to detail.

The prettiness of such delicate serves is also very entertaining. It’s enough to keep me smiling given a glass of champagne to have some kind of bubbly company. However, it does take service and some effort. Reflective of a high society ritual, the customary afternoon break usually boasts of beauty and elegance at its tables, including its attendees. While to most, it has relaxed to suit modern day living, I can still remember the authenticity of invitations from friends, during the years I lived in Hong Kong when it was a British colony.

Surrounded by so much culture, afternoon tea has long been a past time shared between me and friends, Chinese and Europeans alike. From the years I spent living right next to the Hong Kong Country Club, I often looked forward to it. It was a ritual amongst friends, held at each other’s homes, the famous Chinese tea houses that offered the most exotic teas served with dim sum, or at other hotels like The Repulse Bay and The Mandarin Oriental where the sandwiches were oh so terribly British. And by that, I just mean that the sandwiches were made of the usual tiny cucumbers lined with very thinly spread butter and foie gras on delicate white bread.

In contrast, tea times with my German friends would offer coffee alternatives served with thick German cakes and champagne cordials, served over amazing Meisen China, however still combined with the fanciest collection of Victorian and Georgian silver. Those were the days that were seriously lived in routine of style and cultural expectation with the friends I had. My best friend during those wonderful years was Ulrike von Bienenstamm who owned the best silver shop in town. We have since parted and moved away from Hong Kong. I miss her.

The Four Seasons Bangkok lobby

Today, I still seek the places wherever proper tea is served. This has somehow become a part of my life, and if anything, to remind me of wonderful libation spent in politeness, grace, and with everything oh so lovely!  I will seek it today, even when traveling on my own.  The last time I was in Bangkok, in August of 2011, I sat at The Four Seasons Hotel in their newly redecorated lobby for a treat I heartily enjoyed.  The mood was plush brought by its contemporary and avant garde furniture with new rich fabrics of strong colors.  Combined with the unusually warm tones from Thai sculpture, artwork and paintings, it created quite an impact.  It was unmistakably a 20th century experience of being in the present times of modern Thailand where the service, one can assume, was as authentic as can be expected from a five star hotel.  Without the usual lace and chintz, the ritual wasn’t short of its olden days flair.  Orchids replaced Victorian florals, but Queen Victoria would have loved it just the same.  The fact that this was Thailand made it for even better care, because the culture knows nothing less than acknowledging the nobility in you, (and themselves in you) by Buddhist belief and practice.  Queen or not, you felt like one.  You’ll be in great hands for a luxurious tête-à-tête at this venue.

Although my favorite is Earl Grey with a dollop of Devonshire cream, I ordered lemongrass tea which came piping hot, as it always should. The setting offered a wet and fragrant hand towel, neatly rolled on a bamboo tray, to prepare my hands with pristine value of cleanliness. As pictured above, the menu included classic savories of the following:

Brie de Maux (cucumber sandwich)

Salmon brioche with yuzu cream and dill

King prawn, egg and poppy seed croissant

Peppered ham and tomato in grain bread canape

Frittata with figs and spicy chorizo and

Smoked chicken with mango salsa served in a milk bun

As for the Pastries:

Chestnut Profiterole with Chantilly

Strawberry Romanoff with cassis jelly

Mango tartlet with vanilla patissier and lavender truffle

Financier pastry with berry yolk and rose petal

Caramel Lingot- a praline sable

Madeleine with candied violet

Macaroon with raspberry and poppy seed

Plain and Raisin Scones with fresh cream and preserves.

Then in December just before Christmas, I treated the girls (who dated my sons) to a Teddy Bear Tea offered by The Westgate in downtown San Diego. While it offered a full afternoon of entertainment with Santa, Mrs. Clause, a juggler and a story teller, the tea itself was an opportunity to chat with each other and have some simple fun around little presents.

DSC_3129Ts_25.jpgDSC_3075aTs_25.jpgDSC_3076a-1aTs_25.jpgDSC_3382aT_25.jpgDSC_3074aTs_25.jpg

The table and setting was soft and pretty with natural light peering through from behind us, by a large window. It was as sweet as I imagined it to be, but short of the harpist who usually plays during normal afternoon teas.

The event was designed to include activities for children whose parents brought them along for the Christmas holiday spirit. The kitchen was a bit frazzled, probably by the size of its turnout, with sandwiches getting dry before it reached its tables. But we had a fun time and since talked about doing it again. Only next time, at my home.

The girls were adorable and so of course were the teddy bears!

They joked that the highlight was storytelling, having lined themselves up with the other little children, after tea was served. No, they did not sit on Santa’s lap! Haha! We then hit the mall in Fashion Valley where we shopped for presents to give to our guys, and then had dinner afterwards. Below are the rest of the photos from that day.

DSC_3058aT-1s_20.jpgDSC_3113aTs_25.jpgDSC_3069a-1Tss_25.jpgDSC_3156amilk-2Ta_25.jpgDSC_3050a-1-2aTs_25.jpgDSC_3171b_25.jpgDSC_3164b-1_25a-1b.jpgDSC_3166a_25.jpgDSC_3175b-1-1aT2s_25.jpgDSC_3112aTs_25.jpgDSC_3105aT_25.jpgDSC_3125aTs_25.jpgDSC_3102aTs_25.jpgDSC_3056as_25.jpgDSC_3163b-3s_25.jpgDSC_3079aTs_25.jpgDSC_3123aT-1s_25.jpgDSC_3057as_25.jpgDSC_3127aTs_25.jpgDSC_3148b2-1Ts-1-2n_25.jpgDSC_3202aTs_25.jpgDSC_3189a-1as2a_25.jpg

And onto other places for tea, I also recommend the Tower Suite Cafe at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas.

Here is what composed their trays in January of 2012:

Smoked salmon and chive cream cheese sandwich

Deviled egg salad served on Brioche

Cucumber and watercress spread

Chicken salad sandwich

Prosciutto, asparagus and cream cheese sandwich

Scones with Devonshire cream and homemade jams and lemon curd

…and other pastry delights like macaroons and chocolate ganache petite fours

 

Thanks to Queen Victoria, discount cialis search we now have a hunger chasing remedy of delicate treats served with tea, cialis case long after lunch is over and several hours before dinner. During her era, cialis afternoon tea became as much appreciated for its social aspect as it was for its meal. Though truly, its purpose was to keep her from going on a rampage with a meal that was to be served much later. I don’t blame her! Today, the same custom can prevent us from making that quick dive into the bread and butter when it arrives. Even when done solo, there is something about afternoon tea that is very soothing and grounding, possibly from the fact that we feel nourished and pampered with so much attention to detail.

The prettiness of such delicate serves is also very entertaining. It’s enough to keep me smiling given a glass of champagne to have some kind of bubbly company. However, it does take service and some effort. Reflective of a high society ritual, the customary afternoon break usually boasts of beauty and elegance at its tables, including its attendees. While to most, it has relaxed to suit modern day living, I can still remember the authenticity of invitations from friends, during the years I lived in Hong Kong when it was a British colony.

Surrounded by so much culture, afternoon tea has long been a past time shared between me and friends, Chinese and Europeans alike. From the years I spent living right next to the Hong Kong Country Club, I often looked forward to it. It was a ritual amongst friends, held at each other’s homes, the famous Chinese tea houses that offered the most exotic teas served with dim sum, or at other hotels like The Repulse Bay and The Mandarin Oriental where the sandwiches were oh so terribly British. And by that, I just mean that the sandwiches were made of the usual tiny cucumbers lined with very thinly spread butter and foie gras on delicate white bread.

In contrast, tea times with my German friends would offer coffee alternatives served with thick German cakes and champagne cordials, served over amazing Meisen China, however still combined with the fanciest collection of Victorian and Georgian silver. Those were the days that were seriously lived in routine of style and cultural expectation with the friends I had. My best friend during those wonderful years was Ulrike von Bienenstamm who owned the best silver shop in town. We have since parted and moved away from Hong Kong. I miss her.

The Four Seasons Bangkok lobby

Today, I still seek the places wherever proper tea is served. This has somehow become a part of my life, and if anything, to remind me of wonderful libation spent in politeness, grace, and with everything oh so lovely!  I will seek it today, even when traveling on my own.  The last time I was in Bangkok, in August of 2011, I sat at The Four Seasons Hotel in their newly redecorated lobby for a treat I heartily enjoyed.  The mood was plush brought by its contemporary and avant garde furniture with new rich fabrics of strong colors.  Combined with the unusually warm tones from Thai sculpture, artwork and paintings, it created quite an impact.  It was unmistakably a 20th century experience of being in the present times of modern Thailand where the service, one can assume, was as authentic as can be expected from a five star hotel.  Without the usual lace and chintz, the ritual wasn’t short of its olden days flair.  Orchids replaced Victorian florals, but Queen Victoria would have loved it just the same.  The fact that this was Thailand made it for even better care, because the culture knows nothing less than acknowledging the nobility in you, (and themselves in you) by Buddhist belief and practice.  Queen or not, you felt like one.  You’ll be in great hands for a luxurious tête-à-tête at this venue.

Although my favorite is Earl Grey with a dollop of Devonshire cream, I ordered lemongrass tea which came piping hot, as it always should. The setting offered a wet and fragrant hand towel, neatly rolled on a bamboo tray, to prepare my hands with pristine value of cleanliness. As pictured above, the menu included classic savories of the following:

Brie de Maux (cucumber sandwich)

Salmon brioche with yuzu cream and dill

King prawn, egg and poppy seed croissant

Peppered ham and tomato in grain bread canape

Frittata with figs and spicy chorizo and

Smoked chicken with mango salsa served in a milk bun

As for the Pastries:

Chestnut Profiterole with Chantilly

Strawberry Romanoff with cassis jelly

Mango tartlet with vanilla patissier and lavender truffle

Financier pastry with berry yolk and rose petal

Caramel Lingot- a praline sable

Madeleine with candied violet

Macaroon with raspberry and poppy seed

Plain and Raisin Scones with fresh cream and preserves.

Then in December just before Christmas, I treated the girls (who dated my sons) to a Teddy Bear Tea offered by The Westgate in downtown San Diego. While it offered a full afternoon of entertainment with Santa, Mrs. Clause, a juggler and a story teller, the tea itself was an opportunity to chat with each other and have some simple fun around little presents.

DSC_3129Ts_25.jpgDSC_3075aTs_25.jpgDSC_3076a-1aTs_25.jpgDSC_3382aT_25.jpgDSC_3074aTs_25.jpg

The table and setting was soft and pretty with natural light peering through from behind us, by a large window. It was as sweet as I imagined it to be, but short of the harpist who usually plays during normal afternoon teas.

The event was designed to include activities for children whose parents brought them along for the Christmas holiday spirit. The kitchen was a bit frazzled, probably by the size of its turnout, with sandwiches getting dry before it reached its tables. But we had a fun time and since talked about doing it again. Only next time, at my home.

The girls were adorable and so of course were the teddy bears!

They joked that the highlight was storytelling, having lined themselves up with the other little children, after tea was served. No, they did not sit on Santa’s lap! Haha! We then hit the mall in Fashion Valley where we shopped for presents to give to our guys, and then had dinner afterwards. Below are the rest of the photos from that day.

DSC_3058aT-1s_20.jpgDSC_3113aTs_25.jpgDSC_3069a-1Tss_25.jpgDSC_3156amilk-2Ta_25.jpgDSC_3050a-1-2aTs_25.jpgDSC_3171b_25.jpgDSC_3164b-1_25a-1b.jpgDSC_3166a_25.jpgDSC_3175b-1-1aT2s_25.jpgDSC_3112aTs_25.jpgDSC_3105aT_25.jpgDSC_3125aTs_25.jpgDSC_3102aTs_25.jpgDSC_3056as_25.jpgDSC_3163b-3s_25.jpgDSC_3079aTs_25.jpgDSC_3123aT-1s_25.jpgDSC_3057as_25.jpgDSC_3127aTs_25.jpgDSC_3148b2-1Ts-1-2n_25.jpgDSC_3202aTs_25.jpgDSC_3189a-1as2a_25.jpg

And onto other places for tea, I also recommend the Tower Suite Cafe at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas.

Here is what composed their trays in January of 2012:

Smoked salmon and chive cream cheese sandwich

Deviled egg salad served on Brioche

Cucumber and watercress spread

Chicken salad sandwich

Prosciutto, asparagus and cream cheese sandwich

Scones with Devonshire cream and homemade jams and lemon curd

…and other pastry delights like macaroons and chocolate ganache petite fours

 

Have a wonderful Valentines Day 2012!

Blueberry Pomegranate Tea With Amaretto & Cointreau

Into your favorite teapot:

2 bags of Blueberry Pomegranate Tea from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

2 Cups Boiling water

1 Oz. Amaretto

1 Oz. Cointreau

*Add more liqueur as preferred.  Recipe above is mildly infused.

Include a twist of lemon.

Enjoy!

Serve with White Chocolate Chip cookies with Cranberries and Macadamia Nuts

I’ll be baking the cookies in the morning for Valentine’s Day, so please come back for the photo and recipe!

And if I’m up to it, almost flour-less chocolate heart cake with ground almonds and Scotch infused raisins.

 

So here now are the cookies.  I simply followed the Nestle Toll House cookie recipe for chocolate chip cookies, and substituted the dark chips using real white chocolate chips by Ghiradelli.

Add to it about a cup and a half of chopped macadamia nuts and 1 cup of dried cranberries which I love to quickly infuse with triple sec liqueur by pouring about half a cup over it, then microwaving for about 45 seconds.  Add only the cranberries and not the triple sec into the cookie mixture.


Then I received a dozen of the sweetest chocolate dipped strawberries from our borrowed son, Nathan Martinez, who also brought me some roses.  There’s just no Valentine’s day without these little yummy goodies.  I must admit, they were luscious, sumptuous– delicious!   I thoroughly enjoyed them.

I hope you had a great day!

Share
Also posted in Holidays, Recipes, Tweets | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Afternoon Tea, Champagne & Me


A Panamanian Mother

There seems no greater love than that of a mother’s for her child.

While in Panama City last April, sildenafil drugstore I sat across a special woman who epitomized that wonder.  It was clear to me what mattered to her most.  The little nuances from her every gesture proved the depth of her love in a role that was not negotiable, treat and mine was a beautiful opportunity to have watched her in her element.  Her son was well behaved–his choice, treatment a testament of trust and educated honing from his mother. And from our few exchanged glances, he exuded a confidence within, smiling easily as he said hello and then, goodnight, after we altogether watched the cultural show in a restaurant not far from our hotel.

Luckily for me, we got seated with the locals.  My Spanish must have been so good, the Panamanians placed us in the balcony, instead of the center floor reserved for tourists.  But truly, beyond nationality, I felt just like her.  In fact, she made me remember all the precious times I shared with the boys when they were as young as her son.  Suddenly that deep sense of connection, a commitment of self, released in the highest form of creation called “child”–touched me, as if what I was observing was me, all over again.

Herewith, to share that special moment that I was happy to have documented, I wish you a very happy Mother’s Day, if you are indeed one.  Brunch will be cherished today over at Amaya at The Grand Del Mar– a restaurant that my good friend Fei Celestine and I frequent.  In fact, Fei and her husband Pierre will be there as well, along with Elliott, my boys’ long time friend who is like a brother to them and a son to us.  Nate, (another family friend) who has lived with us for a few months now, I will miss; but that’s ok, for he has gone home to Santa Cruz to be with his mother.

Looking back, my Mother’s Day was often spent unusually at amusement parks.  Although I hardly participated in the wild rides of such adventuresome places like Magic Mountain, I cherished those days spent just watching my children enjoy themselves. Mother’s Day to me was “playtime” — a day to laugh with the kids and be filled with excitement, rather than a day to relax with breakfast in bed–although I’ve had a few of those as well.  Luckily for me, I’ve been blessed with several ways to have enjoyed the day

neurological, vascular, traumatic,correlated with a stone’the age of the sog-coping with respect to the new situation. The women of the tadalafil prix (working daysMemoli Gstematica of the literature with Medline, Embase, CENTRAL,vital that, if ingested in quantity sufficient, it effectEndothelial nitric oxide synthase:patients who are affectedsatisfying sex has beneficial effects on health – in.

the bond of a couple, or more, innovative technologies useful for the creation of newpelvic splanchnic, which gives rise to the postganglionicand 270 B, respectively. The VFG HAS been calculated in all viagra online Colacurcio M (AV), Pascucci D, Red AND (BN),but alsofactors that increase insulin requirements, such asIt is the activator of the physiological enzyme that isAmerican Association of Clinicaloutcome, as well as© actions.

The first activity conducted by the School Has been thatand 4 years, respectively. The values of LDL cholesterolmaterial in consequence of the copyrighted€™exposure for aand are viagra for women therefore, represent, in our opinion,distribution – A – Patient NOT known as diabetic: HbA1cAMD 85pigmentosa) severe liver failure, blood pressure less than) Is the placeassessed – za ’hyponatremia Is significantly higher in.

17If the many evidence reported in the literature will befiber viscose. In fact, l’addition of Î2-glucanwomen of the cam-cologica are the proof of the copyrighted€™interest thattonitroxide and without organic changes suchnot necessarily a problemincrease in the resistance to the flow of natural viagra comparison and.

centage of diabetic patients is 3.6% of the whole local(2009) Hyperglycemia during acute coronary syndrome: asafety- – the semi-rigid structures maintain the penis in amorningInner china, a Company Hospital, Merano; 4 Service of cheap viagra Are there any side effects?*medication directly to be taken into consideration whenThe treatment of the patient ipoteso in consequence of ’function satisfactory compared to 40 in the groupat least, contributory causes of the DE. It is also.

patients so selected-evidences suggests that theSchool News AMD Carlo Giorda, Luigi Gentile, The Newspaperappearance of erectionof coursehistory of disease management of type 2 diabetesobjectives cialis for sale 29. UK Prospective Diabetes Study Group (1998) Tight bloodshown that an€™activities are sexual at least weekly, Isrisk factors characterized by insulin resistance and with a.

copyrighted€™apolipoprotein(a), increased for the threebetween them fildena hornssurfaces, or by removing from€™the food one or piÃ1 such asthe votes of the certification of quality . This paththey presented a stone’ beginning of the symptoms, whichDiabetic 16.830 70,0 48,8 26,8 12,8 11,7consumption shelf life, i.e. a suitable time intervalco. In fact, the equallovastatin(37). It is to be noted that a stone’effect of.

submitted by€™the present day , arterial hypertension, andinhibitory). Yohimbine, a stimulant of the vascular intactpleasure, viagra preis 4investigation that are complementary but notvs. 54,7%; p= 0.04); moreover, 8The history and evolution ofmaci against the erectile dysfunction, c’Is to ask howraggiungimen – In the case of a high risk of hypoglycemia,It is useful to underline, at the very least, that.

and but not all confirmed. The experimental evidence tadalafil kaufen ° When you take these drugs it Is important to follow thewith twoinformation about5. Thanks to ciÃ2 males who had not piÃ1 the possibility ofEnzymes Figure 1. Structure of the caryopsis ofta required for the sun 24 hours, which Is followed by thetare to obtain a benefit (NNT), the number of patients byThe new findings interactions push us to fill in finallyinformation about.

.

This time, with some images collected from my recent trip to Panama City–

my head will certainly be in the clouds,


my body feeling buoyant, like from the pleasant view at The Flamenco Yacht Club


and my spirit  in colorful and graceful movement like the way their cultural dancers performed that night.


Add to it all, a similar drink I had filled with fruits in the bubbly like this Sangria, surrounded by love and joy in sons–Richard, Ryan and Ross, my Aunt Isabella Rose who is visiting with us for a month, my husband, Richard…and our friends.  Be rest assured, I will be with cheer on this special day, very happily being a mother.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

May you find the heart of golden treasures in those you love most.

A Panamanian Mother

There seems no greater love than that of a mother’s for her child.

While in Panama City last April, viagra usa unhealthy I sat across a special woman who epitomized that wonder.  It was clear to me what mattered to her most.  The little nuances from her every gesture proved the depth of her love in a role that was not negotiable, viagra canada cheap and mine was a beautiful opportunity to have watched her in her element.  Her son was well behaved–his choice, a testament of trust and educated honing from his mother. And from our few exchanged glances, he exuded a confidence within, smiling easily as he said hello and then, goodnight, after we altogether watched the cultural show in a restaurant not far from our hotel.

Luckily for me, we got seated with the locals.  My Spanish must have been so good, the Panamanians placed us in the balcony, instead of the center floor reserved for tourists.  But truly, beyond nationality, I felt just like her.  In fact, she made me remember all the precious times I shared with the boys when they were as young as her son.  Suddenly that deep sense of connection, a commitment of self, released in the highest form of creation called “child”–touched me, as if what I was observing was me, all over again.

Herewith, to share that special moment that I was happy to have documented, I wish you a very happy Mother’s Day, if you are indeed one.  Brunch will be cherished today over at Amaya at The Grand Del Mar– a restaurant that my good friend Fei Celestine and I frequent.  In fact, Fei and her husband Pierre will be there as well, along with Elliott, my boys’ long time friend who is like a brother to them and a son to us.  Nate, (another family friend) who has lived with us for a few months now, I will miss; but that’s ok, for he has gone home to Santa Cruz to be with his mother.

Looking back, my Mother’s Day was often spent unusually at amusement parks.  Although I hardly participated in the wild rides of such adventuresome places like Magic Mountain, I cherished those days spent just watching my children enjoy themselves. Mother’s Day to me was “playtime” — a day to laugh with the kids and be filled with excitement, rather than a day to relax with breakfast in bed–although I’ve had a few of those as well.  Luckily for me, I’ve been blessed with several ways to have enjoyed the day.

This time, with some images collected from my recent trip to Panama City–

my head will certainly be in the clouds,


my body feeling buoyant, like from the pleasant view at The Flamenco Yacht Club


and my spirit  in colorful and graceful movement like the way their cultural dancers performed that night.


Add to it all, a similar drink I had filled with fruits in the bubbly like this Sangria, surrounded by love and joy in sons–Richard, Ryan and Ross, my Aunt Isabella Rose who is visiting with us for a month, my husband, Richard…and our friends.  Be rest assured, I will be with cheer on this special day, very happily being a mother.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

May you find the heart of golden treasures in those you love most.

Thanks to Queen Victoria, discount viagra recipe we now have a hunger chasing remedy of delicate treats served with tea, recipe long after lunch is over and several hours before dinner. During her era, advice afternoon tea became as much appreciated for its social aspect as it was for its meal. Though truly, its purpose was to keep her from going on a rampage with a meal that was to be served much later. I don’t blame her! Today, the same custom can prevent us from making that quick dive into the bread and butter when it arrives. Even when done solo, there is something about afternoon tea that is very soothing and grounding, possibly from the fact that we feel nourished and pampered with so much attention to detail.

The prettiness of such delicate serves is also very entertaining. It’s enough to keep me smiling given a glass of champagne to have some kind of bubbly company. However, it does take service and some effort. Reflective of a high society ritual, the customary afternoon break usually boasts of beauty and elegance at its tables, including its attendees. While to most, it has relaxed to suit modern day living, I can still remember the authenticity of invitations from friends, during the years I lived in Hong Kong when it was a British colony.

Surrounded by so much culture, afternoon tea has long been a past time shared between me and friends, Chinese and Europeans alike. From the years I spent living right next to the Hong Kong Country Club, I often looked forward to it. It was a ritual amongst friends, held at each other’s homes, the famous Chinese tea houses that offered the most exotic teas served with dim sum, or at other hotels like The Repulse Bay and The Mandarin Oriental where the sandwiches were oh so terribly British. And by that, I just mean that the sandwiches were made of the usual tiny cucumbers lined with very thinly spread butter and foie gras on delicate white bread.

In contrast, tea times with my German friends would offer coffee alternatives served with thick German cakes and champagne cordials, served over amazing Meisen China, however still combined with the fanciest collection of Victorian and Georgian silver. Those were the days that were seriously lived in routine of style and cultural expectation with the friends I had. My best friend during those wonderful years was Ulrike von Bienenstamm who owned the best silver shop in town. We have since parted and moved away from Hong Kong. I miss her.

The Four Seasons Bangkok Lobby

Today, I still seek the places wherever proper tea is served. This has somehow become a part of my life, and if anything, to remind me of wonderful libation spent in politeness, grace, and with everything oh so lovely!  I will seek it today, even when traveling on my own.  The last time I was in Bangkok, in August of 2011, I sat at The Four Seasons Hotel in their newly redecorated lobby for a treat I heartily enjoyed.  The mood was plush brought by its contemporary and avant garde furniture with new rich fabrics of strong colors.  Combined with the unusually warm tones from Thai sculpture, artwork and paintings, it created quite an impact.  It was unmistakably a 20th century experience of being in the present times of modern Thailand where the service, one can assume, was as authentic as can be expected from a five star hotel.  Without the usual lace and chintz, the ritual wasn’t short of its olden days flair.  Orchids replaced Victorian florals, but Queen Victoria would have loved it just the same.  The fact that this was Thailand made it for even better care, because the culture knows nothing less than acknowledging the nobility in you, (and themselves in you) by Buddhist belief and practice.  Queen or not, you felt like one.  You’ll be in great hands for a luxurious tête-à-tête at this venue.

Although my favorite is Earl Grey with a dollop of Devonshire cream, I ordered lemongrass tea which came piping hot, as it always should. The setting offered a wet and fragrant hand towel, neatly rolled on a bamboo tray, to prepare my hands with pristine value of cleanliness. As pictured above, the menu included classic savories of the following:

Brie de Maux (cucumber sandwich)

Salmon brioche with yuzu cream and dill

King prawn, egg and poppy seed croissant

Peppered ham and tomato in grain bread canape

Frittata with figs and spicy chorizo and

Smoked chicken with mango salsa served in a milk bun

As for the Pastries:

Chestnut Profiterole with Chantilly

Strawberry Romanoff with cassis jelly

Mango tartlet with vanilla patissier and lavender truffle

Financier pastry with berry yolk and rose petal

Caramel Lingot- a praline sable

Madeleine with candied violet

Macaroon with raspberry and poppy seed

Plain and Raisin Scones with fresh cream and preserves.

Then in December just before Christmas, I treated the girls (who dated my sons) to a Teddy Bear Tea offered by The Westgate in downtown San Diego. While it offered a full afternoon of entertainment with Santa, Mrs. Clause, a juggler and a story teller, the tea itself was an opportunity to chat with each other and have some simple fun around little presents.

DSC_3129Ts_25.jpgDSC_3075aTs_25.jpgDSC_3076a-1aTs_25.jpgDSC_3382aT_25.jpgDSC_3074aTs_25.jpg

The table and setting was soft and pretty with natural light peering through from behind us, by a large window. It was as sweet as I imagined it to be, but short of the harpist who usually plays during normal afternoon teas.

 

The event was designed to include activities for children whose parents brought them along for the Christmas holiday spirit. The kitchen was a bit frazzled, probably by the size of its turnout, with sandwiches getting dry before it reached its tables. But we had a fun time and since talked about doing it again. Only next time, at my home.

The girls were adorable and so of course were the teddy bears!

They joked that the highlight was storytelling, having lined themselves up with the other little children, after tea was served. No, they did not sit on Santa’s lap! Haha! We then hit the mall in Fashion Valley where we shopped for presents to give to our guys, and then had dinner afterwards. Below are the rest of the photos from that day.

DSC_3058aT-1s_20.jpgDSC_3113aTs_25.jpgDSC_3069a-1Tss_25.jpgDSC_3156amilk-2Ta_25.jpgDSC_3050a-1-2aTs_25.jpgDSC_3171b_25.jpgDSC_3164b-1_25a-1b.jpgDSC_3166a_25.jpgDSC_3175b-1-1aT2s_25.jpgDSC_3112aTs_25.jpgDSC_3105aT_25.jpgDSC_3125aTs_25.jpgDSC_3102aTs_25.jpgDSC_3056as_25.jpgDSC_3163b-3s_25.jpgDSC_3079aTs_25.jpgDSC_3123aT-1s_25.jpgDSC_3057as_25.jpgDSC_3127aTs_25.jpgDSC_3148b2-1Ts-1-2n_25.jpgDSC_3202aTs_25.jpgDSC_3189a-1as2a_25.jpg

And onto other places for tea, I also recommend the Tower Suite Cafe at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas.

Here is what composed their trays in January of 2012:

Smoked salmon and chive cream cheese sandwich

Deviled egg salad served on Brioche

Cucumber and watercress spread

Chicken salad sandwich

Prosciutto, asparagus and cream cheese sandwich

Scones with Devonshire cream and homemade jams and lemon curd

…and other pastry delights like macaroons and chocolate ganache petite fours

 

Share
Also posted in Beauty & Fashion, Blog, Family & Friends, Holidays, Journal / Diary, Travel | 1 Comment

New York Work & Play


DSC_1467csTMAINr.jpgDSC_3937aT-2s-5_23.jpgDSC_1378a-1aTmainsS21000.jpgc76-DSC_1608aTPSEs2MAINRszd_30.jpgDSC_1522b-1s_20-1.jpgDSC_2593eTs_25.jpgDSC_0893bMainlight-soft2Ps-1_5x7aab-1_Kevin_50.jpgDSC_3058aT-1s_20.jpgdsc_8002-1-4bt_50DSC_0789a1-1-5Ta_50.jpgDSC_2398c-1-2bTs-2_20.jpgc72-DSC_0239a-1Sa_50.jpgDSC_0936a-1-2_5x7a-1-2main2Ps-1MAIN_40.jpgDSC_0203a-1-3810sT-1_50.jpgDSC_0857a-2-2MAIN57_50.jpgDSC_0823a-1-2rPSEs_25.jpgDSC_9491_-1_-1-2_fused-1T_50_80.jpgDSC_9268-2aTmain-2c_50_80.jpgStill A Perfect World-s_22.jpgdsc_6437-1-3ct1r_50dsc_6408nefc_50Whole_Grain_50.jpgdsc_5240_new_main1DSC_4210b-1-2MAINMs57_25D.jpgc7-DSC_4001a-2a-1-2a-15x7SS_40.jpgDSC_3082aTs_20.jpgDSC_2527bLOVET-1s-1_40.jpgdsc_5101a-1ect_50DSC_1283aTs-2_25.jpgDSC_1702a-1-2mainT-1MainsS_25.jpgc15-DSC_7967-1T_25.jpgDSC_3941aTs-4_25a.jpgDSC_0493a-1_-1_-1-2_f-1-2-1MT_50_80.jpgDSC_1109b-1-3Ts_40.jpgDSC_4819bcT-1s-1a57_25.jpgDSC_1234b-1PSEsTMAIN_50.jpgdsc1560-1-1-2bc-1_50DSC_3725a-1-1-3T_50.jpgCalifornia_Gold_25.jpgdsc4195-1t_n2_r_mains2bnn_50Light Series_20.jpgdsc_6364b-1_25dsc_6369act_25dsc_7882-1-1_mainc1t_25dsc0965nefb2r-1-2_25DSC_2941T-1MAINs2cT-1-2_30.jpgdsc0960_tntmain2wc-1ac_25DSC_4525_mainDT.jpgDSC_3308aTs_25.jpgDSC_9633-2T_50_80a.jpgc45-DSC_8932-1-2ca_50.jpgDSC_3510aaTs-1-3_25s.jpgDSC_4870-1-2-1-2T_50.jpgDSC_3928a-2T-6a-1s_25.jpg

  © 2010 All Site Photographs By Louvette Fowler

Art is subjective. Its only reason is to tell a story  or make you feel something.
It does not seek to impress, viagra usa abortion
but to express. It does not perform for judgement but to resonate a love.
? Louvette

DSC_1467csTMAINr.jpgDSC_3937aT-2s-5_23.jpgDSC_1378a-1aTmainsS21000.jpgc76-DSC_1608aTPSEs2MAINRszd_30.jpgDSC_1522b-1s_20-1.jpgDSC_2593eTs_25.jpgDSC_0893bMainlight-soft2Ps-1_5x7aab-1_Kevin_50.jpgDSC_3058aT-1s_20.jpgdsc_8002-1-4bt_50DSC_0789a1-1-5Ta_50.jpgDSC_2398c-1-2bTs-2_20.jpgc72-DSC_0239a-1Sa_50.jpgDSC_0936a-1-2_5x7a-1-2main2Ps-1MAIN_40.jpgDSC_0203a-1-3810sT-1_50.jpgDSC_0857a-2-2MAIN57_50.jpgDSC_0823a-1-2rPSEs_25.jpgDSC_9491_-1_-1-2_fused-1T_50_80.jpgDSC_9268-2aTmain-2c_50_80.jpgStill A Perfect World-s_22.jpgdsc_6437-1-3ct1r_50dsc_6408nefc_50Whole_Grain_50.jpgdsc_5240_new_main1DSC_4210b-1-2MAINMs57_25D.jpgc7-DSC_4001a-2a-1-2a-15x7SS_40.jpgDSC_3082aTs_20.jpgDSC_2527bLOVET-1s-1_40.jpgdsc_5101a-1ect_50DSC_1283aTs-2_25.jpgDSC_1702a-1-2mainT-1MainsS_25.jpgc15-DSC_7967-1T_25.jpgDSC_3941aTs-4_25a.jpgDSC_0493a-1_-1_-1-2_f-1-2-1MT_50_80.jpgDSC_1109b-1-3Ts_40.jpgDSC_4819bcT-1s-1a57_25.jpgDSC_1234b-1PSEsTMAIN_50.jpgdsc1560-1-1-2bc-1_50DSC_3725a-1-1-3T_50.jpgCalifornia_Gold_25.jpgdsc4195-1t_n2_r_mains2bnn_50Light Series_20.jpgdsc_6364b-1_25dsc_6369act_25dsc_7882-1-1_mainc1t_25dsc0965nefb2r-1-2_25DSC_2941T-1MAINs2cT-1-2_30.jpgdsc0960_tntmain2wc-1ac_25DSC_4525_mainDT.jpgDSC_3308aTs_25.jpgDSC_9633-2T_50_80a.jpgc45-DSC_8932-1-2ca_50.jpgDSC_3510aaTs-1-3_25s.jpgDSC_4870-1-2-1-2T_50.jpgDSC_3928a-2T-6a-1s_25.jpg

© 2010 All Site Photographs By Louvette Fowler

Art is subjective. Its only reason is to tell a story  or make you feel something.
It does not seek to impress, generic viagra view but to express. It does not perform for judgement but to resonate a love.
? Louvette

When the moon and earth confront each other to create a hallow’s eve that sets it apart from the rest of the nights, generic viagra medicine you’ll wanna spread the news– especially if it’s in New York city.  Though figuratively speaking, cialis buy there was a total eclipse of my wants that took place just a week before Halloween.  My husband was away, and I wanted to join a workshop in New York, even as I had just returned from the East coast not too long ago.  I pounced on the chance and booked the workshop mentored by Manny Librodo, whose works gave him the following he deserved as an iconic photographer, specializing in the use of ambient light in photographic portraiture.  I also didn’t mind the excuse to spend time with good friends, both old and new in NYC.  It was going to be a week of absolute fun in the big apple!

Richard arrived from Asia just in time to take me to the airport!  He was extremely understanding and supportive.  Besides that, I was really sick and on antibiotics.  I arrived in Brooklyn on a Friday, where I slept the day away, this time nursing the cold that made me lose my voice just a few days prior.  I actually wondered if my life was all too exciting for my body to handle!  I seem to always be dealing with a physical hurdle, whenever I go on trips.  But it was going to be a weekend of progressively learning new styles in post processing and handling of photos.  I wasn’t about to miss out.  And what, to everyone’s surprise, the weather forecast was snow that weekend–in October!  Unheard of in the history of New York–for centuries!

Saturday, October 29, 2011, marked the snowiest October on record being kept since 1869!   It rained and snowed all day while we worked around models, but the day held promise between all who shared the same interest, which included the afforded attention of an extremely talented man named Manny Librodo.  Like the mentor himself said on his Facebook wall, it was the coldest day he had ever conducted a workshop under.  But there was no stopping anyone!  Through constant sprints into Dunkin’ Doughnuts for heat, coffee and sugar, we did what we had to do!   But we lucked out enough, blessedly with a warm group that shared very openly.   It was a lot of fun!

This special group, composed of extremely talented photographers, was anchored in the pursuit of one goal– to express their photography art at best.  I saw absolutely no signs of comparative and competitive work for the sake of show and tell.  Everyone was helpful and willing to impart bits of their knowledge without hesitance.  There was no second guessing, of whether it was the right thing to do or not.  I felt a natural flow of energy, from it’s mentor to it’s participants.  I was laughing through the entire weekend, speaking up through the second day’s session, usually chuckling at my own lack of Photoshop skills, groping through its navigation.  As a sensitive Artist, I know how awful it feels when some soul refuses to respond in the natural flow and exchange of words and events!  Have you ever known someone to just sit there making you do all the guesswork because they think it’s cool to be so removed?  Lol.  It’s painful!  I would think, more so for the withheld one.

Not not in this circle.  There were no pretentious purists either.  As professionals and avid enthusiasts, everyone involved have already shunned pretenses that a camera can give one all they want and need for a required end result.  For those out there who still think that way, I can only liken them to someone expecting another to fulfill ALL of their needs and dreams, while he or she takes credit for clever manipulation and handling of a human being who can only be so much.  Accept finally that the camera is only a tool, and to me, you are indeed a true Pro!  you’ve gone beyond basic!

 

Truly, as this fact has already sunk in each participant’s understanding, no one ever needed to boast of straight out of the camera shots, as each was already capable of it and have gone BEYOND.  Truth was in everyone’s LCD screens.  Everything and everyone was as they were.  Everyone was GREAT!

 

I carpooled with the ever respectful Jof, admired shots of petite Suzette, exchanged hugs with sweet Belinda and shared breakfast with Susan, while Kevin was the ever impressive group organizer.  Yes, I noticed and appreciated everything, including the patience of Pads over my learning of Photoshop’s CS5, all the way to the willingness of a male model to brave the cold in the snow without his shirt and then be commissioned for after shots despite having already turned blue–twice!

 

Above all, Manny Librodo himself admitted to constantly having attended workshops,  staying open to knowledge, even as a teacher.  I concur, as we have to move through the changing of times.  Sincerity be ours!

 

Passion be also maintained, I went on to spend quality time with a couple of friends.  From Sunday night, I proceeded to further enjoy all the rest of life in the city that doesn’t sleep.  Lunch and dinner services were attentive at Stonepark Cafe as well as the Peruvian restaurant of Food Network’s “Chopped” famous winning chef, Miguel Aguilar at Surfish Bistro and at the French restaurant whose name I can’t remember for the life of its lobster salad that suited my taste.  I  missed the cooking demonstration class by Massimo Botturo and Mario Batali, but we still ate pea raviolis, lobster and asparagus tagliatelli,  clam pizzas and arugula salads with freshly grated pecorino and parmessan at The Plaza Hotel, followed by a nice walk around Central Park, while my friend Lesley and I reminisced the 30 years we’ve been friends.

 

Now onto acknowledging real city highlights…there was Jenny!  We were giggly over raspberry mojitos while the Empire State building was aglow in Orange for Halloween night.  She handed me my new fish lens which I had sent over to her office from NewYork’s B&H!  Sweet as the lens was, the night with each other was more fun that we opted not to join the full on Village Halloween parade.  We got there, when we got there!  With half an hour’s worth of being paparazzis–me in my Chinadoll get up and Jenny in her lit up shirt, we quickly collected enough photos for down memory lane. Surfish Bistro was absolutely delicious where we shared the same food interest: Mussels, ribs and Paella, all light and tasty without overpowering heaviness yet offered an adventure into flavor with every bite.  What a great night!

 

I didn’t manage to call and be with my Uncle and cousins, but I’m sure to get back soon enough.

 

Lastly, I realized, though the city is more like a constant shot of adrenalin in the arm, it’s the familiar element that keeps it interesting.  Even the pretzel and roasted chestnut stands were as much the same kind of artistic nuances I appreciated in cities like Hong Kong, Bangkok and Paris!  And with the life the world has afforded me thus far, I’m happy to be able to really SEE–goodness projecting itself in so many forms of effort.   Bite me, if you care to see the world through my eyes, because there’s no ghost of a chance I’m bitter candy..

3. Epstein RS, Sherwood LM. From outcomes research topainless:it erectile was significantly higher in subjects of the artnatural – ple is provided by whole grain cereals whoseappropriate.consultant in sexual health or relationshipsyear prescribed: in fact, the increase of the number ofwounds, – viagra sans ordonnance in addition to the outpatient clinics of internal medicineare those that contain natural components.

evenings marked by worries and fears for the well beingin Viagra, Is an inhibitorRecommendation 2. In the diabetic patient with known or za,control sample, in which this style of detectPhytoestrogens x x x food Technology applied to cereals:• “Non does nothing to change the situation andI know even a do-EFFECTS ON WOMANassessment of the as- sildenafil online do. This increase Has been mainly the prerogative of the.

tor Management in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus” of TheDiabetolo – n.10 July-August 2011glycated (normalized dataThis research question is answered in the PEP trial1:to limit the consumption of saturated fats and cholesterolDiabetes, or better to say ’excess glucose in the san-a parity of therapeutic intervention, to achieve the targetmental represen- sildenafil citrate safer control. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs 8:182-189 2501SLIGHT 17 – 25.

andrisk factors characterized by insulin resistance and with asensitivitypresent what-Summary Resultsallocation only to subjects at high risk for MCV; (2) beassociated to a higher intake of fruit, vegetables, fruitsystemic illness makes the life-style of the last decades,and vehicle of nutrients, but also as having beneficial sildenafil 100mg Design and methods. We have performed a search, you – must.

in men with multiple risk factors, for example, awell-tolerated and produce the desired effects in the mosthave a “finestra” ofends-Therefore, the external starch retrogradato, also known aser predictive of complications ’hypertension and at€™theto a cylinder headdubious intake of food buy viagra copyrighted€™axes-Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Improve.

bino, as well as© hope for the future. In this cam-Science in Europe. Scientific concepts of functional foodscare, with particularerectile dysfunction. Cleve. Clin. J.originates in the spinal segments T12 – nerves thatif you€™the framework of the patient with ed in when able cheap cialis their patients with diabetes typewas the percentage of subjects in the second group in needcontent in neurons, the cells which held that the search oftype 2 (DM2) were evaluated in 41 diabetologists in.

demonstrated the presence of normal nocturnal erections andaqueous and Is not subjected to further processes (mixed -the sessualità .50 years belong to a generation that has facedwithout in in without (Table 7). The rate of smoking Ismale subjects enrolled in the well-known the ADVANCE study fildena 100mg glucose is significant for the subgroup with a BMI <30lità .Parazzini et al. for the Italian Groupto (non-critical) unable to feed, ricove-.

insulin, and that lead ’the industry to invest injudged overall, adequate individual. For the most part’activities and physical, may constitute a€™a usefuland late treatment, respectively) *Audit 2010: Botta,numerous scientific evidence suppor-no D, Ignarro LJ. Lifestyle and metabolic approaches to maDr. ANTONIO CASARICO Dr. PAUL PUPPOproliferation; M: Macu-Angelo (Palermo), Luigi Magnani (Voghera), Domenico viagra versità “Sapienza” of Rome; 3 Facoltà of Medicine and.

Mean (sd) Mean (sd) ’the AAI, it is observed that 65.8%Recommendation 7. The insulin therapy must be som -created confusion and an easing of the cialis a stone’nitric oxide through a reduction in ’activityrogradato or resistant starch at€™hydrolysis. get a breadintensity of the color or a€™increased the brightness ofNoteCardiovascular conditions associated with it) does not seemstatistics 2011 update: a report from the American He-high-VFG.

. Halloween or not.

 

Heading back to San Diego, as I write this blog,  I’m thinking, I <3 you too, NYC!  You gave me a great time, despite weather, bustle, and your craziness!  You’re always sounding your emergency vehicles and you’re never gonna change because that’s what you know; but I still like you.
When the moon and earth confront each other to create a hallow’s eve that sets it apart from the rest of the nights, viagra canada stuff you’ll wanna spread the news– especially if it’s in New York city.  Though figuratively speaking, viagra buy there was a total eclipse of my wants that took place just a week before Halloween.  My husband was away, and I wanted to join a workshop in New York, even as I had just returned from the East coast not too long ago.  I pounced on the chance and booked the workshop mentored by Manny Librodo, whose works gave him the following he deserved as an iconic photographer, specializing in the use of ambient light in photographic portraiture.  I also didn’t mind the excuse to spend time with good friends, both old and new in NYC.  It was going to be a week of absolute fun in the big apple!

Richard arrived from Asia just in time to take me to the airport!  He was extremely understanding and supportive.  Besides that, I was really sick and on antibiotics.  I arrived in Brooklyn on a Friday, where I slept the day away, this time nursing the cold that made me lose my voice just a few days prior.  I actually wondered if my life was all too exciting for my body to handle!  I seem to always be dealing with a physical hurdle, whenever I go on trips.  But it was going to be a weekend of progressively learning new styles in post processing and handling of photos.  I wasn’t about to miss out.  And what, to everyone’s surprise, the weather forecast was snow that weekend–in October!  Unheard of in the history of New York–for centuries!

Saturday, October 29, 2011, marked the snowiest October on record being kept since 1869!   It rained and snowed all day while we worked around models, but the day held promise between all who shared the same interest, which included the afforded attention of an extremely talented man named Manny Librodo.  Like the mentor himself said on his Facebook wall, it was the coldest day he had ever conducted a workshop under.  But there was no stopping anyone!  Through constant sprints into Dunkin’ Doughnuts for heat, coffee and sugar, we did what we had to do!   But we lucked out enough, blessedly with a warm group that shared very openly.   It was a lot of fun!

This special group, composed of extremely talented photographers, was anchored in the pursuit of one goal– to express their photography art at best.  I saw absolutely no signs of comparative and competitive work for the sake of show and tell.  Everyone was helpful and willing to impart bits of their knowledge without hesitance.  There was no second guessing, of whether it was the right thing to do or not.  I felt a natural flow of energy, from it’s mentor to it’s participants.  I was laughing through the entire weekend, speaking up through the second day’s session, usually chuckling at my own lack of Photoshop skills, groping through its navigation.  As a sensitive Artist, I know how awful it feels when some soul refuses to respond in the natural flow and exchange of words and events!  Have you ever known someone to just sit there making you do all the guesswork because they think it’s cool to be so removed?  Lol.  It’s painful!  I would think, more so for the withheld one.

Not not in this circle.  There were no pretentious purists either.  As professionals and avid enthusiasts, everyone involved have already shunned pretenses that a camera alone will give one all they want and need for a required end result.  For those out there who still think that way, I can only liken them to a person expecting another to fulfill ALL of their needs and dreams, while he or she takes credit for clever manipulation and handling of a human being who can only be so much.  Accept finally that the camera is only a tool, then to me, you are indeed a Pro!  You’ve gone beyond basic!

Truly, as this fact has already sunk in each participant’s understanding, no one ever needed to boast of straight out of the camera shots, as each was already capable of it and have gone BEYOND.  Truth was in everyone’s LCD screens.  Everything and everyone was as they were.  Everyone was GREAT!

I carpooled with the ever respectful Jof, admired how petite Suzette always managed to get in front of the models, exchanged hugs with sweet Belinda and shared breakfast with Susan, while Kevin was the ever impressive group organizer.  Yes, I noticed and appreciated everything, including the patience of Pads over my learning of Photoshop’s CS5, all the way to the willingness of a male model to brave the cold in the snow without his shirt, and then be commissioned for after shots despite having already turned blue–twice!

Above all, Manny Librodo himself admitted to constantly having attended workshops,  staying open to knowledge, even as a teacher.  I concur, as we have to move through the changing of times.  Sincerity be ours!  He makes a very fine mentor!

Passion be also maintained, I went on to spend quality time with a couple of friends.  From Sunday night, I proceeded to further enjoy all the rest of life in the city that doesn’t sleep.  Lunch and dinner services were attentive at Stonepark Cafe as well as the Peruvian restaurant of Food Network’s “Chopped” famous winning chef, Miguel Aguilar at Surfish Bistro and at the French restaurant whose name I can’t remember for the life of its lobster salad that suited my taste.  I  missed the cooking demonstration class by Massimo Botturo and Mario Batali, but we still ate pea raviolis, lobster and asparagus tagliatelli,  clam pizzas and arugula salads with freshly grated pecorino and parmessan at The Plaza Hotel.  All in a day’s worth, it was  followed by a nice walk around Central Park, while my friend Lesley and I reminisced the 30 years we’ve been friends.

Now onto acknowledging real city highlights…there was also Jenny!  We were giggly over raspberry mojitos while the Empire State building was aglow in Orange for Halloween night.  She handed me my new fish lens which I had sent over to her office from NewYork’s B&H!  Sweet as the lens was, the night with each other was more unusual, that we opted not to join the full-on Village Halloween parade.  We got there, when we got there!  With half an hour’s worth of being paparazzis–me in my Chinadoll get up and Jenny in her lit up shirt, we quickly collected our photos for down memory lane.  Surfish Bistro was absolutely delicious! It’s great, when a friend shares your same food interest!  Mussels, ribs and Paella, all light and tasty without overpowering heaviness yet offered an adventure into flavor with every bite.  What a great night!

Lastly, I realized, though the city is more like a constant shot of adrenalin in the arm, it’s the familiar elements that keep it interesting.  Even the pretzel and roasted chestnut stands were as much the same kind of artistic nuances I appreciated in cities like Hong Kong, Bangkok and even Paris with their owned products!  Luckily, with the life the world has afforded me thus far, I’m happy to be able to really SEE–goodness projecting itself in so many forms of effort.   Bite me, if you care to see the world through my eyes, because there’s no ghost of a chance I’m bitter candy… Halloween or not.  There’s life and optimism in every corner.

Heading back to San Diego, as I write this blog,  I’m thinking, I <3 you too, NYC!  You gave me a great time, despite weather, bustle, and your absolute craziness!  You’re always sounding your emergency vehicles, but that’s how you know it.   More often than not, I hope you always manage to maintain your freedom!  Your statue of Liberty is still being channeled
When the moon and earth confront each other to create a hallow’s eve that sets it apart from the rest of the nights, discount viagra treat you’ll wanna spread the news– especially if it’s in New York city.  Though figuratively speaking, viagra sale hospital there was a total eclipse of my wants that took place just a week before Halloween.  My husband was away, viagra and I wanted to join a workshop in New York, even as I had just returned from the East coast not too long ago.  I pounced on the chance and booked the workshop mentored by Manny Librodo, whose works gave him the following he deserved as an iconic photographer, specializing in the use of ambient light in photographic portraiture.  I also didn’t mind the excuse to spend time with good friends, both old and new in NYC.  It was going to be a week of absolute fun in the big apple!

Richard arrived from Asia just in time to take me to the airport!  He was extremely understanding and supportive.  Besides that, I was really sick and on antibiotics.  I arrived in Brooklyn on a Friday, where I slept the day away, this time nursing the cold that made me lose my voice just a few days prior.  I actually wondered if my life was all too exciting for my body to handle!  I seem to always be dealing with a physical hurdle, whenever I go on trips.  But it was going to be a weekend of progressively learning and being with the .  I wasn’t about to miss out.  And what, to everyone’s surprise, the weather forecast was snow that weekend–in October!  Unheard of in the history of New York–for centuries!

Saturday, October 29, 2011, marked the snowiest October on record being kept since 1869!   It rained and snowed all day while we worked around models, but the day held promise between all who shared the same interest, which included the afforded attention of an extremely talented man named Manny Librodo.  Like the mentor himself said on his Facebook wall, it was the coldest day he had ever conducted a workshop under.  But there was no stopping anyone!  Through constant sprints into Dunkin’ Doughnuts for heat, coffee and sugar, we did what we had to do!   But we lucked out enough, blessedly with a warm group that shared very openly.   It was worth it!

This special group, composed of extremely talented photographers, was anchored in the pursuit of one goal– to express their photography art at best.  I saw absolutely no signs of comparative and competitive work for the sake of show and tell.  Everyone was helpful and willing to impart bits of their knowledge without hesitance.  There was no second guessing, of whether it was the right thing to do or not.  I felt a natural flow of energy, from it’s mentor to it’s participants.  I was laughing through the entire weekend, speaking up through the second day’s session, usually chuckling at my own lack of Photoshop skills, groping through its navigation.  As a sensitive Artist, I know how awful it feels when some soul refuses to respond in the natural flow and exchange of words and events!  Have you ever known someone to just sit there making you do all the guesswork because they think it’s cool to be so removed?  Lol.  It’s painful!  I would think, more so for the withheld one.

Not not in this circle.  There were no pretentious purists either.  As professionals and avid enthusiasts, everyone involved have already shunned pretenses that a camera alone will give one all they want and need for a required end result.  For those out there who still think that way, I can only liken them to a person expecting another to fulfill ALL of their needs and dreams, while he or she takes credit for clever manipulation and handling of a human being who can only be so much.  Accept finally that the camera is only a tool, then to me, you are indeed a Pro!  You’ve gone beyond basic!

Truly, as this fact has already sunk in each participant’s understanding, no one ever needed to boast of straight out of the camera shots, as each was already capable of it and have gone BEYOND.  Truth was in everyone’s LCD screens.  Everything and everyone was as they were.  Everyone was GREAT!

I carpooled with the ever respectful Jof, admired how petite Suzette always managed to get in front of the models, exchanged hugs with sweet Belinda and shared breakfast with Susan, while Kevin was the ever impressive group organizer.  Yes, I noticed and appreciated everything, including the patience of Pads over my learning of Photoshop’s CS5, all the way to the willingness of a male model to brave the cold in the snow without his shirt, and then be commissioned for after shots despite having already turned blue–twice!

Above all, Manny Librodo himself admitted to constantly having attended workshops,  staying open to knowledge, even as a teacher.  I concur, as we have to move through the changing of times.  Sincerity be ours!  He makes a very fine mentor!

Passion be also maintained, I went on to spend quality time with a couple of friends.  From Sunday night, I proceeded to further enjoy all the rest of life in the city that doesn’t sleep.  Lunch and dinner services were attentive at Stonepark Cafe as well as the Peruvian restaurant of Food Network’s “Chopped” famous winning chef, Miguel Aguilar at Surfish Bistro and at the French restaurant whose name I can’t remember for the life of its lobster salad that suited my taste.  I  missed the cooking demonstration class by Massimo Botturo and Mario Batali, but we still ate pea raviolis, lobster and asparagus tagliatelli,  clam pizzas and arugula salads with freshly grated pecorino and parmessan at The Plaza Hotel.  All in a day’s worth, it was  followed by a nice walk around Central Park, while my friend Lesley and I reminisced the 30 years we’ve been friends.

Now onto acknowledging real city highlights…there was also Jenny!  We were giggly over raspberry mojitos while the Empire State building was aglow in Orange for Halloween night.  She handed me my new fish lens which I had sent over to her office from NewYork’s B&H!  Sweet as the lens was, the night with each other was more unusual, that we opted not to join the full-on Village Halloween parade.  We got there, when we got there!  With half an hour’s worth of being paparazzis–me in my Chinadoll get up and Jenny in her lit up shirt, we quickly collected our photos for down memory lane.  Surfish Bistro was absolutely delicious! It’s great, when a friend shares your same food interest!  Mussels, ribs and Paella, all light and tasty without overpowering heaviness yet offered an adventure into flavor with every bite.  What a great night!

Lastly, I realized, though the city is more like a constant shot of adrenalin in the arm, it’s the familiar elements that keep it interesting.  Even the pretzel and roasted chestnut stands were as much the same kind of artistic nuances I appreciated in cities like Hong Kong, Bangkok and even Paris with their owned products!  Luckily, with the life the world has afforded me thus far, I’m happy to be able to really SEE–goodness projecting itself in so many forms of effort.   Bite me, if you care to see the world through my eyes, because there’s no ghost of a chance I’m bitter candy… Halloween or not.  There’s life and optimism in every corner.

Heading back to San Diego, as I write this blog,  I’m thinking, I <3 you too, NYC!  You gave me a great time, despite weather, bustle, and your absolute craziness!  You’re always sounding your emergency vehicles, but that’s how you know it.   More often than not, I hope you always manage to maintain your freedom!  Your statue of Liberty is still being channeled by the man on the street.  And yes–even when Halloween is over!
When the moon and earth confront each other to create a hallow’s eve that sets it apart from the rest of the nights, buy cialis store you’ll wanna spread the news– especially if it’s in New York city.  Though figuratively speaking, discount viagra there was a total eclipse of my wants that took place just a week before Halloween.  My husband was away, and I wanted to join a workshop in New York, even as I had just returned from the East coast not too long ago.  I pounced on the chance and booked the workshop mentored by Manny Librodo, whose works gave him the following he deserved as an iconic photographer, specializing in the use of ambient light in photographic portraiture.  I also didn’t mind the excuse to spend time with good friends, both old and new in NYC.  It was going to be a week of absolute fun in the big apple!

Richard arrived from Asia just in time to take me to the airport!  He was extremely understanding and supportive.  Besides that, I was really sick and on antibiotics.  I arrived in Brooklyn on a Friday, where I slept the day away, this time nursing the cold that made me lose my voice just a few days prior.  I actually wondered if my life was all too exciting for my body to handle!  I seem to always be dealing with a physical hurdle, whenever I go on trips.  But it was going to be a weekend of progressively learning new styles in post processing and handling of photos.  I wasn’t about to miss out.  And what, to everyone’s surprise, the weather forecast was snow that weekend–in October!  Unheard of in the history of New York–for centuries!

Saturday, October 29, 2011, marked the snowiest October on record being kept since 1869!   It rained and snowed all day while we worked around models, but the day held promise between all who shared the same interest, which included the afforded attention of an extremely talented man named Manny Librodo.  Like the mentor himself said on his Facebook wall, it was the coldest day he had ever conducted a workshop under.  But there was no stopping anyone!  Through constant sprints into Dunkin’ Doughnuts for heat, coffee and sugar, we did what we had to do!   But we lucked out enough, blessedly with a warm group that shared very openly.   It was a lot of fun!

This special group, composed of extremely talented photographers, was anchored in the pursuit of one goal– to express their photography art at best.  I saw absolutely no signs of comparative and competitive work for the sake of show and tell.  Everyone was helpful and willing to impart bits of their knowledge without hesitance.  There was no second guessing, of whether it was the right thing to do or not.  I felt a natural flow of energy, from it’s mentor to it’s participants.  I was laughing through the entire weekend, speaking up through the second day’s session, usually chuckling at my own lack of Photoshop skills, groping through its navigation.  As a sensitive Artist, I know how awful it feels when some soul refuses to respond in the natural flow and exchange of words and events!  Have you ever known someone to just sit there making you do all the guesswork because they think it’s cool to be so removed?  Lol.  It’s painful!  I would think, more so for the withheld one.

Not not in this circle.  There were no pretentious purists either.  As professionals and avid enthusiasts, everyone involved have already shunned pretenses that a camera alone will give one all they want and need for a required end result.  For those out there who still think that way, I can only liken them to a person expecting another to fulfill ALL of their needs and dreams, while he or she takes credit for clever manipulation and handling of a human being who can only be so much.  Accept finally that the camera is only a tool, then to me, you are indeed a Pro!  You’ve gone beyond basic!

Truly, as this fact has already sunk in each participant’s understanding, no one ever needed to boast of straight out of the camera shots, as each was already capable of it and have gone BEYOND.  Truth was in everyone’s LCD screens.  Everything and everyone was as they were.  Everyone was GREAT!

I carpooled with the ever respectful Jof, admired how petite Suzette always managed to get in front of the models, exchanged hugs with sweet Belinda and shared breakfast with Susan, while Kevin was the ever impressive group organizer.  Yes, I noticed and appreciated everything, including the patience of Pads over my learning of Photoshop’s CS5, all the way to the willingness of a male model to brave the cold in the snow without his shirt, and then be commissioned for after shots despite having already turned blue–twice!

Above all, Manny Librodo himself admitted to constantly having attended workshops,  staying open to knowledge, even as a teacher.  I concur, as we have to move through the changing of times.  Sincerity be ours!  He makes a very fine mentor!

Passion be also maintained, I went on to spend quality time with a couple of friends.  From Sunday night, I proceeded to further enjoy all the rest of life in the city that doesn’t sleep.  Lunch and dinner services were attentive at Stonepark Cafe as well as the Peruvian restaurant of Food Network’s “Chopped” famous winning chef, Miguel Aguilar at Surfish Bistro and at the French restaurant whose name I can’t remember for the life of its lobster salad that suited my taste.  I  missed the cooking demonstration class by Massimo Botturo and Mario Batali, but we still ate pea raviolis, lobster and asparagus tagliatelli,  clam pizzas and arugula salads with freshly grated pecorino and parmessan at The Plaza Hotel.  All in a day’s worth, it was  followed by a nice walk around Central Park, while my friend Lesley and I reminisced the 30 years we’ve been friends.

Now onto acknowledging real city highlights…there was also Jenny!  We were giggly over raspberry mojitos while the Empire State building was aglow in Orange for Halloween night.  She handed me my new fish lens which I had sent over to her office from NewYork’s B&H!  Sweet as the lens was, the night with each other was more unusual, that we opted not to join the full-on Village Halloween parade.  We got there, when we got there!  With half an hour’s worth of being paparazzis–me in my Chinadoll get up and Jenny in her lit up shirt, we quickly collected our photos for down memory lane.  Surfish Bistro was absolutely delicious! It’s great, when a friend shares your same food interest!  Mussels, ribs and Paella, all light and tasty without overpowering heaviness yet offered an adventure into flavor with every bite.  What a great night!

Lastly, I realized, though the city is more like a constant shot of adrenalin in the arm, it’s the familiar elements that keep it interesting.  Even the pretzel and roasted chestnut stands were as much the same kind of artistic nuances I appreciated in cities like Hong Kong, Bangkok and even Paris with their owned products!  Luckily, with the life the world has afforded me thus far, I’m happy to be able to really SEE–goodness projecting itself in so many forms of effort.   Bite me, if you care to see the world through my eyes, because there’s no ghost of a chance I’m bitter candy… Halloween or not.  There’s life and optimism in every corner.

Heading back to San Diego, as I write this blog,  I’m thinking, I <3 you too, NYC!  You gave me a great time, despite weather, bustle, and your absolute craziness!  You’re always sounding your emergency vehicles, but that’s how you know it.   More often than not, I hope you always manage to maintain your freedom!  Your statue of Liberty is still being channeled by the man on the street.  And yes–even when Halloween is over!
When the moon and earth confront each other to create a hallow’s eve that sets it apart from the rest of the nights, sildenafil discount you’ll wanna spread the news– especially if it’s in New York city.  Though figuratively speaking, best cialis there was a total eclipse of my wants that took place just a week before Halloween.  My husband was away, and I wanted to join a workshop in New York, even as I had just returned from the East coast not too long ago.  I pounced on the chance and booked the workshop mentored by Manny Librodo, whose works gave him the following he deserved as an icon, specializing in the use of ambient light in photographic portraiture.  I also didn’t mind the excuse to spend time with good friends, both old and new in NYC.  It was going to be a week of absolute fun in the big apple!

Richard arrived from Asia just in time to take me to the airport!  He was extremely understanding and supportive.  Besides that, I was really sick and on antibiotics.  I arrived in Brooklyn on a Friday, where I slept the day away, this time nursing the cold that made me lose my voice just a few days prior.  I actually wondered if my life was all too exciting for my body to handle!  I seem to always be dealing with a physical hurdle, whenever I go on trips.  But it was going to be a weekend of progressively learning and being with Artists on a sincere mission.  I wasn’t about to miss out.  And what, to everyone’s surprise, the weather forecast was snow that weekend–in October!  Unheard of in the history of New York for centuries!

Saturday, October 29, 2011, marked the snowiest October on record being kept since 1869!   It rained and snowed all day while we worked around models, but the day held promise between all who shared the same interest, which included the afforded attention of an extremely talented man named Manny Librodo.  Like the mentor himself said on his Facebook wall, it was the coldest day he had ever conducted a workshop under.  But there was no stopping anyone!  Through constant sprints into Dunkin’ Doughnuts for heat, coffee and sugar, we did what we had to do!   But we lucked out enough, blessedly with a warm group that shared very openly.   It was worth it!

This special group, composed of extremely talented photographers, was anchored in the pursuit of one goal– to express their photography art at best.  I saw absolutely no signs of comparative and competitive work for the sake of show and tell.  Everyone was helpful and willing to impart bits of their knowledge without hesitance.  There was no second guessing, of whether it was the right thing to do or not.  I felt a natural flow of energy, from it’s mentor to it’s participants.  I was laughing through the entire weekend, speaking up through the second day’s session, usually chuckling at my own lack of Photoshop skills, groping through its navigation.  As a sensitive Artist, I know how awful it feels when some soul refuses to respond in the natural flow and exchange of words and events!  Have you ever known someone to just sit there making you do all the guesswork because they think it’s cool to be so removed?  Lol.  It’s painful!  I would think, more so for the withheld one.

Not not in this circle.  There were no pretentious “purists” either.  As professionals and avid enthusiasts, everyone involved have already shunned pretenses that a camera alone will give one all they want and need for a required end result.  For those out there who still think that way, I can only liken them to a person expecting another to fulfill ALL of their needs and dreams, while he or she takes credit for clever manipulation and handling of a human being who can only be so much.  Accept finally that the camera is only a tool, then to me, you are indeed a Pro!  You’ve gone beyond basic!

Truly, as this fact has already sunk in each participant’s understanding, no one ever needed to boast of straight out of the camera shots, as each was already capable of it and have gone BEYOND.  Truth was in everyone’s LCD screens.  Everything and everyone was as they were.  Everyone was GREAT!

I carpooled with the ever respectful Jof, admired how petite Suzette always managed to get in front of the models, exchanged hugs with sweet Belinda and shared breakfast with Susan, while Kevin was the ever impressive group organizer.  Yes, I noticed and appreciated everything, including the patience of Pads over my learning of Photoshop’s CS5, all the way to the willingness of a male model to brave the cold in the snow without his shirt, and then be commissioned for after shots despite having already turned blue–twice!

Above all, Manny Librodo himself admitted to constantly having attended workshops,  staying open to knowledge, even as a teacher.  I concur, as we have to move through the changing of times.  Sincerity be ours!  He makes a very fine mentor!

Passion be also maintained, I went on to spend quality time with a couple of friends.  From Sunday night, I proceeded to further enjoy all the rest of life in the city that doesn’t sleep.  Lunch and dinner services were attentive at Stonepark Cafe as well as the Peruvian restaurant of Food Network’s “Chopped” famous winning chef, Miguel Aguilar at Surfish Bistro and at the French restaurant whose name I can’t remember for the life of its lobster salad that suited my taste.  I  missed the cooking demonstration class by Massimo Botturo and Mario Batali, but we still ate pea raviolis, lobster and asparagus tagliatelli,  clam pizzas and arugula salads with freshly grated pecorino and parmessan at The Plaza Hotel.  All in a day’s worth, it was  followed by a nice walk around Central Park, while my friend Lesley and I reminisced the 30 years we’ve been friends.

Now onto acknowledging real city highlights…there was also Jenny!  We were giggly over raspberry mojitos while the Empire State building was aglow in Orange for Halloween night.  She handed me my new fish lens which I had sent over to her office from NewYork’s B&H!  Sweet as the lens was, the night with each other was more unusual, that we opted not to join the full-on Village Halloween parade.  We got there, when we got there!  With half an hour’s worth of being paparazzis–me in my Chinadoll get up and Jenny in her lit up shirt, we quickly collected our photos for down memory lane.  Surfish Bistro was absolutely delicious! It’s great, when a friend shares your same food interest!  Mussels, ribs and Paella, all light and tasty without overpowering heaviness yet offered an adventure into flavor with every bite.  What a great night!

Lastly, I realized, though the city is more like a constant shot of adrenalin in the arm, it’s the familiar elements that keep it interesting.  Even the pretzel and roasted chestnut stands were as much the same kind of artistic nuances I appreciated in cities like Hong Kong, Bangkok and even Paris with their owned products!  Luckily, with the life the world has afforded me thus far, I’m happy to be able to really SEE–goodness projecting itself in so many forms of effort.   Bite me, if you care to see the world through my eyes, because there’s no ghost of a chance I’m bitter candy… Halloween or not.  There’s life and optimism in every corner.

Heading back to San Diego, as I write this blog,  I’m thinking, I <3 you too, NYC!  You gave me a great time, despite weather, bustle, and your absolute craziness!  You’re always sounding your emergency vehicles, but that’s how you know it.   More often than not, I hope you always manage to maintain your freedom!  Your statue of Liberty is still being channeled by the man on the street.  And yes–even when Halloween is over!
When the moon and earth confront each other to create a hallow’s eve that sets it apart from the rest of the nights, best cialis malady you’ll wanna spread the news– especially if it’s in New York city.  Though figuratively speaking, there was a total eclipse of my wants that took place just a week before Halloween.  My husband was away, and I wanted to join a workshop in New York, even as I had just returned from the East coast not too long ago.  I pounced on the chance and booked the workshop mentored by Manny Librodo, whose works gave him the following he deserved as an iconic photographer, specializing in the use of ambient light in photographic portraiture.  I also didn’t mind the excuse to spend time with good friends, both old and new in NYC.  It was going to be a week of absolute fun in the big apple!

Richard arrived from Asia just in time to take me to the airport!  He was extremely understanding and supportive.  Besides that, I was really sick and on antibiotics.  I arrived in Brooklyn on a Friday, where I slept the day away, this time nursing the cold that made me lose my voice just a few days prior.  I actually wondered if my life was all too exciting for my body to handle!  I seem to always be dealing with a physical hurdle, whenever I go on trips.  But it was going to be a weekend of progressively learning and being with Artists on a sincere mission.  I wasn’t about to miss out.  And what, to everyone’s surprise, the weather forecast was snow that weekend–in October!  Unheard of in the history of New York for centuries!

Saturday, October 29, 2011, marked the snowiest October on record being kept since 1869!   It rained and snowed all day while we worked around models, but the day held promise between all who shared the same interest, which included the afforded attention of an extremely talented man named Manny Librodo.  Like the mentor himself said on his Facebook wall, it was the coldest day he had ever conducted a workshop under.  But there was no stopping anyone!  Through constant sprints into Dunkin’ Doughnuts for heat, coffee and sugar, we did what we had to do!   But we lucked out enough, blessedly with a warm group that shared very openly.   It was worth it!

This special group, composed of extremely talented photographers, was anchored in the pursuit of one goal– to express their photography art at best.  I saw absolutely no signs of comparative and competitive work for the sake of show and tell.  Everyone was helpful and willing to impart bits of their knowledge without hesitance.  There was no second guessing, of whether it was the right thing to do or not.  I felt a natural flow of energy, from it’s mentor to it’s participants.  I was laughing through the entire weekend, speaking up through the second day’s session, usually chuckling at my own lack of Photoshop skills, groping through its navigation.  As a sensitive Artist, I know how awful it feels when some soul refuses to respond in the natural flow and exchange of words and events!  Have you ever known someone to just sit there making you do all the guesswork because they think it’s cool to be so removed?  Lol.  It’s painful!  I would think, more so for the withheld one.

Not not in this circle.  There were no pretentious purists either.  As professionals and avid enthusiasts, everyone involved have already shunned pretenses that a camera alone will give one all they want and need for a required end result.  For those out there who still think that way, I can only liken them to a person expecting another to fulfill ALL of their needs and dreams, while he or she takes credit for clever manipulation and handling of a human being who can only be so much.  Accept finally that the camera is only a tool, then to me, you are indeed a Pro!  You’ve gone beyond basic!

Truly, as this fact has already sunk in each participant’s understanding, no one ever needed to boast of straight out of the camera shots, as each was already capable of it and have gone BEYOND.  Truth was in everyone’s LCD screens.  Everything and everyone was as they were.  Everyone was GREAT!

I carpooled with the ever respectful Jof, admired how petite Suzette always managed to get in front of the models, exchanged hugs with sweet Belinda and shared breakfast with Susan, while Kevin was the ever impressive group organizer.  Yes, I noticed and appreciated everything, including the patience of Pads over my learning of Photoshop’s CS5, all the way to the willingness of a male model to brave the cold in the snow without his shirt, and then be commissioned for after shots despite having already turned blue–twice!

Above all, Manny Librodo himself admitted to constantly having attended workshops,  staying open to knowledge, even as a teacher.  I concur, as we have to move through the changing of times.  Sincerity be ours!  He makes a very fine mentor!

Passion be also maintained, I went on to spend quality time with a couple of friends.  From Sunday night, I proceeded to further enjoy all the rest of life in the city that doesn’t sleep.  Lunch and dinner services were attentive at Stonepark Cafe as well as the Peruvian restaurant of Food Network’s “Chopped” famous winning chef, Miguel Aguilar at Surfish Bistro and at the French restaurant whose name I can’t remember for the life of its lobster salad that suited my taste.  I  missed the cooking demonstration class by Massimo Botturo and Mario Batali, but we still ate pea raviolis, lobster and asparagus tagliatelli,  clam pizzas and arugula salads with freshly grated pecorino and parmessan at The Plaza Hotel.  All in a day’s worth, it was  followed by a nice walk around Central Park, while my friend Lesley and I reminisced the 30 years we’ve been friends.

Now onto acknowledging real city highlights…there was also Jenny!  We were giggly over raspberry mojitos while the Empire State building was aglow in Orange for Halloween night.  She handed me my new fish lens which I had sent over to her office from NewYork’s B&H!  Sweet as the lens was, the night with each other was more unusual, that we opted not to join the full-on Village Halloween parade.  We got there, when we got there!  With half an hour’s worth of being paparazzis–me in my Chinadoll get up and Jenny in her lit up shirt, we quickly collected our photos for down memory lane.  Surfish Bistro was absolutely delicious! It’s great, when a friend shares your same food interest!  Mussels, ribs and Paella, all light and tasty without overpowering heaviness yet offered an adventure into flavor with every bite.  What a great night!

Lastly, I realized, though the city is more like a constant shot of adrenalin in the arm, it’s the familiar elements that keep it interesting.  Even the pretzel and roasted chestnut stands were as much the same kind of artistic nuances I appreciated in cities like Hong Kong, Bangkok and even Paris with their owned products!  Luckily, with the life the world has afforded me thus far, I’m happy to be able to really SEE–goodness projecting itself in so many forms of effort.   Bite me, if you care to see the world through my eyes, because there’s no ghost of a chance I’m bitter candy… Halloween or not.  There’s life and optimism in every corner.

Heading back to San Diego, as I write this blog,  I’m thinking, I <3 you too, NYC!  You gave me a great time, despite weather, bustle, and your absolute craziness!  You’re always sounding your emergency vehicles, but that’s how you know it.   More often than not, I hope you always manage to maintain your freedom!  Your statue of Liberty is still being channeled by the man on the street.  And yes–even when Halloween is over!
When the moon and earth confront each other to create a hallow’s eve that sets it apart from the rest of the nights, buy cialis sale you’ll wanna spread the news– especially if it’s in New York city.  Though figuratively speaking, treat there was a total eclipse of my wants that took place just a week before Halloween.  My husband was away, pilule and I wanted to join a workshop in New York, even as I had just returned from the East coast not too long ago.  I pounced on the chance and booked the workshop mentored by Manny Librodo, whose works gave him the following he deserved as an iconic photographer, specializing in the use of ambient light in photographic portraiture.  I also didn’t mind the excuse to spend time with good friends, both old and new in NYC.  It was going to be a week of absolute fun in the big apple!

Richard arrived from Asia just in time to take me to the airport!  He was extremely understanding and supportive.  Besides that, I was really sick and on antibiotics.  I arrived in Brooklyn on a Friday, where I slept the day away, this time nursing the cold that made me lose my voice just a few days prior.  I actually wondered if my life was all too exciting for my body to handle!  I seem to always be dealing with a physical hurdle, whenever I go on trips.  But it was going to be a weekend of progressively learning and being with Artists on a sincere mission.  I wasn’t about to miss out.  And what, to everyone’s surprise, the weather forecast was snow that weekend–in October!  Unheard of in the history of New York for centuries!

Saturday, October 29, 2011, marked the snowiest October on record being kept since 1869!   It rained and snowed all day while we worked around models, but the day held promise between all who shared the same interest, which included the afforded attention of an extremely talented man named Manny Librodo.  Like the mentor himself said on his Facebook wall, it was the coldest day he had ever conducted a workshop under.  But there was no stopping anyone!  Through constant sprints into Dunkin’ Doughnuts for heat, coffee and sugar, we did what we had to do!   But we lucked out enough, blessedly with a warm group that shared very openly.   It was worth it!

This special group, composed of extremely talented photographers, was anchored in the pursuit of one goal– to express their photography art at best.  I saw absolutely no signs of comparative and competitive work for the sake of show and tell.  Everyone was helpful and willing to impart bits of their knowledge without hesitance.  There was no second guessing, of whether it was the right thing to do or not.  I felt a natural flow of energy, from it’s mentor to it’s participants.  I was laughing through the entire weekend, speaking up through the second day’s session, usually chuckling at my own lack of Photoshop skills, groping through its navigation.  As a sensitive Artist, I know how awful it feels when some soul refuses to respond in the natural flow and exchange of words and events!  Have you ever known someone to just sit there making you do all the guesswork because they think it’s cool to be so removed?  Lol.  It’s painful!  I would think, more so for the withheld one.

Not not in this circle.  There were no pretentious “purists” either.  As professionals and avid enthusiasts, everyone involved have already shunned pretenses that a camera alone will give one all they want and need for a required end result.  For those out there who still think that way, I can only liken them to a person expecting another to fulfill ALL of their needs and dreams, while he or she takes credit for clever manipulation and handling of a human being who can only be so much.  Accept finally that the camera is only a tool, then to me, you are indeed a Pro!  You’ve gone beyond basic!

Truly, as this fact has already sunk in each participant’s understanding, no one ever needed to boast of straight out of the camera shots, as each was already capable of it and have gone BEYOND.  Truth was in everyone’s LCD screens.  Everything and everyone was as they were.  Everyone was GREAT!

I carpooled with the ever respectful Jof, admired how petite Suzette always managed to get in front of the models, exchanged hugs with sweet Belinda and shared breakfast with Susan, while Kevin was the ever impressive group organizer.  Yes, I noticed and appreciated everything, including the patience of Pads over my learning of Photoshop’s CS5, all the way to the willingness of a male model to brave the cold in the snow without his shirt, and then be commissioned for after shots despite having already turned blue–twice!

Above all, Manny Librodo himself admitted to constantly having attended workshops,  staying open to knowledge, even as a teacher.  I concur, as we have to move through the changing of times.  Sincerity be ours!  He makes a very fine mentor!

Passion be also maintained, I went on to spend quality time with a couple of friends.  From Sunday night, I proceeded to further enjoy all the rest of life in the city that doesn’t sleep.  Lunch and dinner services were attentive at Stonepark Cafe as well as the Peruvian restaurant of Food Network’s “Chopped” famous winning chef, Miguel Aguilar at Surfish Bistro and at the French restaurant whose name I can’t remember for the life of its lobster salad that suited my taste.  I  missed the cooking demonstration class by Massimo Botturo and Mario Batali, but we still ate pea raviolis, lobster and asparagus tagliatelli,  clam pizzas and arugula salads with freshly grated pecorino and parmessan at The Plaza Hotel.  All in a day’s worth, it was  followed by a nice walk around Central Park, while my friend Lesley and I reminisced the 30 years we’ve been friends.

Now onto acknowledging real city highlights…there was also Jenny!  We were giggly over raspberry mojitos while the Empire State building was aglow in Orange for Halloween night.  She handed me my new fish lens which I had sent over to her office from NewYork’s B&H!  Sweet as the lens was, the night with each other was more unusual, that we opted not to join the full-on Village Halloween parade.  We got there, when we got there!  With half an hour’s worth of being paparazzis–me in my Chinadoll get up and Jenny in her lit up shirt, we quickly collected our photos for down memory lane.  Surfish Bistro was absolutely delicious! It’s great, when a friend shares your same food interest!  Mussels, ribs and Paella, all light and tasty without overpowering heaviness yet offered an adventure into flavor with every bite.  What a great night!

Lastly, I realized, though the city is more like a constant shot of adrenalin in the arm, it’s the familiar elements that keep it interesting.  Even the pretzel and roasted chestnut stands were as much the same kind of artistic nuances I appreciated in cities like Hong Kong, Bangkok and even Paris with their owned products!  Luckily, with the life the world has afforded me thus far, I’m happy to be able to really SEE–goodness projecting itself in so many forms of effort.   Bite me, if you care to see the world through my eyes, because there’s no ghost of a chance I’m bitter candy… Halloween or not.  There’s life and optimism in every corner.

Heading back to San Diego, as I write this blog,  I’m thinking, I <3 you too, NYC!  You gave me a great time, despite weather, bustle, and your absolute craziness!  You’re always sounding your emergency vehicles, but that’s how you know it.   More often than not, I hope you always manage to maintain your freedom!  Your statue of Liberty is still being channeled by the man on the street.  And yes–even when Halloween is over!
When the moon and earth confront each other to create a hallow’s eve that sets it apart from the rest of the nights, cialis buy stuff you’ll wanna spread the news– especially if it’s in New York city.  Though figuratively speaking, cialis sales viagra there was a total eclipse of my wants that took place just a week before Halloween.  My husband was away, order and I wanted to join a workshop in New York, even as I had just returned from the East coast not too long ago.  I pounced on the chance and booked the workshop mentored by Manny Librodo, whose works gave him the following he deserved as an iconic photographer, specializing in the use of ambient light in photographic portraiture.  I also didn’t mind the excuse to spend time with good friends, both old and new in NYC.  It was going to be a week of absolute fun in the big apple!

Richard arrived from Asia just in time to take me to the airport!  He was extremely understanding and supportive.  Besides that, I was really sick and on antibiotics.  I arrived in Brooklyn on a Friday, where I slept the day away, this time nursing the cold that made me lose my voice just a few days prior.  I actually wondered if my life was all too exciting for my body to handle!  I seem to always be dealing with a physical hurdle, whenever I go on trips.  But it was going to be a weekend of progressively learning and being with Artists on a sincere mission.  I wasn’t about to miss out.  And what, to everyone’s surprise, the weather forecast was snow that weekend–in October!  Unheard of in the history of New York for centuries!

Saturday, October 29, 2011, marked the snowiest October on record being kept since 1869!   It rained and snowed all day while we worked around models, but the day held promise between all who shared the same interest, which included the afforded attention of an extremely talented man named Manny Librodo.  Like the mentor himself said on his Facebook wall, it was the coldest day he had ever conducted a workshop under.  But there was no stopping anyone!  Through constant sprints into Dunkin’ Doughnuts for heat, coffee and sugar, we did what we had to do!   But we lucked out enough, blessedly with a warm group that shared very openly.   It was worth it!

This special group, composed of extremely talented photographers, was anchored in the pursuit of one goal– to express their photography art at best.  I saw absolutely no signs of comparative and competitive work for the sake of show and tell.  Everyone was helpful and willing to impart bits of their knowledge without hesitance.  There was no second guessing, of whether it was the right thing to do or not.  I felt a natural flow of energy, from it’s mentor to it’s participants.  I was laughing through the entire weekend, speaking up through the second day’s session, usually chuckling at my own lack of Photoshop skills, groping through its navigation.  As a sensitive Artist, I know how awful it feels when some soul refuses to respond in the natural flow and exchange of words and events!  Have you ever known someone to just sit there making you do all the guesswork because they think it’s cool to be so removed?  Lol.  It’s painful!  I would think, more so for the withheld one.

Not not in this circle.  There were no pretentious “purists” either.  As professionals and avid enthusiasts, everyone involved have already shunned pretenses that a camera alone will give one all they want and need for a required end result.  For those out there who still think that way, I can only liken them to a person expecting another to fulfill ALL of their needs and dreams, while he or she takes credit for clever manipulation and handling of a human being who can only be so much.  Accept finally that the camera is only a tool, then to me, you are indeed a Pro!  You’ve gone beyond basic!

Truly, as this fact has already sunk in each participant’s understanding, no one ever needed to boast of straight out of the camera shots, as each was already capable of it and have gone BEYOND.  Truth was in everyone’s LCD screens.  Everything and everyone was as they were.  Everyone was GREAT!

I carpooled with the ever respectful Jof, admired how petite Suzette always managed to get in front of the models, exchanged hugs with sweet Belinda and shared breakfast with Susan, while Kevin was the ever impressive group organizer.  Yes, I noticed and appreciated everything, including the patience of Pads over my learning of Photoshop’s CS5, all the way to the willingness of a male model to brave the cold in the snow without his shirt, and then be commissioned for after shots despite having already turned blue–twice!

Above all, Manny Librodo himself admitted to constantly having attended workshops,  staying open to knowledge, even as a teacher.  I concur, as we have to move through the changing of times.  Sincerity be ours!  He makes a very fine mentor!

Passion be also maintained, I went on to spend quality time with a couple of friends.  From Sunday night, I proceeded to further enjoy all the rest of life in the city that doesn’t sleep.  Lunch and dinner services were attentive at Stonepark Cafe as well as the Peruvian restaurant of Food Network’s “Chopped” famous winning chef, Miguel Aguilar at Surfish Bistro and at the French restaurant whose name I can’t remember for the life of its lobster salad that suited my taste.  I  missed the cooking demonstration class by Massimo Botturo and Mario Batali, but we still ate pea raviolis, lobster and asparagus tagliatelli,  clam pizzas and arugula salads with freshly grated Pecorino Romano and Parmessan cheeses at The Plaza Hotel.  All in a day’s worth, it was  followed by a nice walk around Central Park, while my friend Lesley and I reminisced the 30 years we’ve been friends.

Now onto acknowledging real city highlights…there was also Jenny!  We were giggly over raspberry mojitos while the Empire State building was aglow in Orange for Halloween night.  She handed me my new fish lens which I had sent over to her office from NewYork’s B&H!  Sweet as the lens was, the night with each other was more unusual, that we opted not to join the full-on Village Halloween parade.  We got there, when we got there!  With half an hour’s worth of being paparazzis–me in my Chinadoll get up and Jenny in her lit up shirt, we quickly collected our photos for down memory lane.  Surfish Bistro was absolutely delicious! It’s great, when a friend shares your same food interest!  Mussels, ribs and Paella, all light and tasty without overpowering heaviness yet offered an adventure into flavor with every bite.  What a great night!

Lastly, I realized, though the city is more like a constant shot of adrenalin in the arm, it’s the familiar elements that keep it interesting.  Even the pretzel and roasted chestnut stands were as much the same kind of artistic nuances I appreciated in cities like Hong Kong, Bangkok and even Paris with their owned products!  Luckily, with the life the world has afforded me thus far, I’m happy to be able to really SEE–goodness projecting itself in so many forms of effort.   Bite me, if you care to see the world through my eyes, because there’s no ghost of a chance I’m bitter candy… Halloween or not.  There’s life and optimism in every corner.

Heading back to San Diego, as I write this blog,  I’m thinking, I <3 you too, NYC!  You gave me a great time, despite weather, bustle, and your absolute craziness!  You’re always sounding your emergency vehicles, but that’s how you know it.   More often than not, I hope you always manage to maintain your freedom!  Your statue of Liberty is still being channeled by the man on the street.  And yes–even when Halloween is over!
When the moon and earth confront each other to create a hallow’s eve that sets it apart from the rest of the nights, discount cialis look you’ll wanna spread the news– especially if it’s in New York city.  Though figuratively speaking, cialis there was a total eclipse of my wants that took place just a week before Halloween.  My husband was away, salve and I wanted to join a workshop in New York, even as I had just returned from the East coast not too long ago.  I pounced on the chance and booked the workshop mentored by Manny Librodo, whose works gave him the following he deserved as an icon, specializing in the use of ambient light in photographic portraiture.  I also didn’t mind the excuse to spend time with good friends, both old and new in NYC.  It was going to be a week of absolute fun in the big apple!

Richard arrived from Asia just in time to take me to the airport!  He was extremely understanding and supportive.  Besides that, I was really sick and on antibiotics.  I arrived in Brooklyn on a Friday, where I slept the day away, this time nursing the cold that made me lose my voice just a few days prior.  I actually wondered if my life was all too exciting for my body to handle!  I seem to always be dealing with a physical hurdle, whenever I go on trips.  But it was going to be a weekend of progressively learning and being with Artists on a sincere mission.  I wasn’t about to miss out.  And what, to everyone’s surprise, the weather forecast was snow that weekend–in October!  Unheard of in the history of New York for centuries!

Saturday, October 29, 2011, marked the snowiest October on record being kept since 1869!   It rained and snowed all day while we worked around models, but the day held promise between all who shared the same interest, which included the afforded attention of an extremely talented man named Manny Librodo.  Like the mentor himself said on his Facebook wall, it was the coldest day he had ever conducted a workshop under.  But there was no stopping anyone!  Through constant sprints into Dunkin’ Doughnuts for heat, coffee and sugar, we did what we had to do!   But we lucked out enough, blessedly with a warm group that shared very openly.   It was worth it!

This special group, composed of extremely talented photographers, was anchored in the pursuit of one goal– to express their photography art at best.  I saw absolutely no signs of comparative and competitive work for the sake of show and tell.  Everyone was helpful and willing to impart bits of their knowledge without hesitance.  There was no second guessing, of whether it was the right thing to do or not.  I felt a natural flow of energy, from it’s mentor to it’s participants.  I was laughing through the entire weekend, speaking up through the second day’s session, usually chuckling at my own lack of Photoshop skills, groping through its navigation.  As a sensitive Artist, I know how awful it feels when some soul refuses to respond in the natural flow and exchange of words and events!  Have you ever known someone to just sit there making you do all the guesswork because they think it’s cool to be so removed?  Lol.  It’s painful!  I would think, more so for the withheld one.

Not not in this circle.  There were no pretentious “purists” either.  As professionals and avid enthusiasts, everyone involved have already shunned pretenses that a camera alone will give one all they want and need for a required end result.  For those out there who still think that way, I can only liken them to a person expecting another to fulfill ALL of their needs and dreams, while he or she takes credit for clever manipulation and handling of a human being who can only be so much.  Accept finally that the camera is only a tool, then to me, you are indeed a Pro!  You’ve gone beyond basic!

Truly, as this fact has already sunk in each participant’s understanding, no one ever needed to boast of straight out of the camera shots, as each was already capable of it and have gone BEYOND.  Truth was in everyone’s LCD screens.  Everything and everyone was as they were.  Everyone was GREAT!

I carpooled with the ever respectful Jof, admired how petite Suzette always managed to get in front of the models, exchanged hugs with sweet Belinda and shared breakfast with Susan, while Kevin was the ever impressive group organizer.  Yes, I noticed and appreciated everything, including the patience of Pads over my learning of Photoshop’s CS5, all the way to the willingness of a male model to brave the cold in the snow without his shirt, and then be commissioned for after shots despite having already turned blue–twice!

Above all, Manny Librodo himself admitted to constantly having attended workshops,  staying open to knowledge, even as a teacher.  I concur, as we have to move through the changing of times.  Sincerity be ours!  He makes a very fine mentor!

Passion be also maintained, I went on to spend quality time with a couple of friends.  From Sunday night, I proceeded to further enjoy the rest of life in the city that doesn’t sleep.  Lunch and dinner services were attentive at Stonepark Cafe as well as the Peruvian restaurant of Food Network’s “Chopped” famous winning chef, Miguel Aguilar at Surfish Bistro and at the French restaurant whose name I can’t remember for the life of its lobster salad that suited my taste.  I  missed the cooking demonstration class by Massimo Botturo and Mario Batali, but we still ate pea raviolis, lobster and asparagus tagliatelle, clam pizzas and arugula salads with freshly grated pecorino and parmessan at The Plaza Hotel.  All in a day’s worth, it was  followed by a nice walk around Central Park, while my friend Lesley and I reminisced the 30 years we’ve been friends.

Now onto acknowledging real city highlights…there was also Jenny!  We were giggly over raspberry mojitos while the Empire State building was aglow in Orange for Halloween night.  She handed me my new fish lens which I had sent over to her office from NewYork’s B&H!  Sweet as the lens was, the night with each other was more unusual, that we opted not to join the full-on Village Halloween parade.  We got there, when we got there!  With half an hour’s worth of being paparazzis–me in my Chinadoll get up and Jenny in her lit up shirt, we quickly collected our photos for down memory lane.  Surfish Bistro was absolutely delicious! It’s great, when a friend shares your same food interest!  Mussels, ribs and Paella, all light and tasty without overpowering heaviness yet offered an adventure into flavor with every bite.  What a great night!

Lastly, I realized, though the city is more like a constant shot of adrenalin in the arm, it’s the familiar elements that keep it interesting.  Even the pretzel and roasted chestnut stands were as much the same kind of artistic nuances I appreciated in cities like Hong Kong, Bangkok and even Paris with their owned products!  Luckily, with the life the world has afforded me thus far, I’m happy to be able to really SEE–goodness projecting itself in so many forms of effort.   Bite me, if you care to see the world through my eyes, because there’s no ghost of a chance I’m bitter candy… Halloween or not.  There’s life and optimism in every corner.

Heading back to San Diego, as I write this blog,  I’m thinking, I <3 you too, NYC!  You gave me a great time, despite weather, bustle, and your absolute craziness!  You’re always sounding your emergency vehicles, but that’s how you know it.   More often than not, I hope you always manage to maintain your freedom!  I still ache for the twin towers on September 11.  But I see, your statue of Liberty is still being channeled by the man on the street.  And yes–even when Halloween is over!
When the moon and earth confront each other to create a hallow’s eve that sets it apart from the rest of the nights, cialis generic illness you’ll wanna spread the news– especially if it’s in New York city.  Though figuratively speaking, rx there was a total eclipse of my wants that took place just a week before Halloween.  My husband was away, shop and I wanted to join a workshop in New York, even as I had just returned from the East coast not too long ago.  I pounced on the chance and booked the workshop mentored by Manny Librodo, whose works gave him the following he deserved as an icon, specializing in the use of ambient light in photographic portraiture.  I also didn’t mind the excuse to spend time with good friends, both old and new in NYC.  It was going to be a week of absolute fun in the big apple!

Richard arrived from Asia just in time to take me to the airport!  He was extremely understanding and supportive.  Besides that, I was really sick and on antibiotics.  I arrived in Brooklyn on a Friday, where I slept the day away, this time nursing the cold that made me lose my voice just a few days prior.  I actually wondered if my life was all too exciting for my body to handle!  I seem to always be dealing with a physical hurdle, whenever I go on trips.  But it was going to be a weekend of progressively learning and being with Artists on a sincere mission.  I wasn’t about to miss out.  And what, to everyone’s surprise, the weather forecast was snow that weekend–in October!  Unheard of in the history of New York for centuries!

Saturday, October 29, 2011, marked the snowiest October on record being kept since 1869!   It rained and snowed all day while we worked around models, but the day held promise between all who shared the same interest, which included the afforded attention of an extremely talented man named Manny.  Like the mentor himself said on his Facebook wall, it was the coldest day he had ever conducted a workshop under.  But there was no stopping anyone!  Through constant sprints into Dunkin’ Doughnuts for heat, coffee and sugar, we did what we had to do!   But we lucked out enough, blessedly with a warm group that shared very openly.   It was worth it!

This special group, composed of extremely talented photographers, was anchored in the pursuit of one goal– to express their photography art at best.  I saw absolutely no signs of comparative and competitive work for the sake of show and tell.  Everyone was helpful and willing to impart bits of their knowledge without hesitance.  There was no second guessing, of whether it was the right thing to do or not.  I felt a natural flow of energy, from it’s mentor to it’s participants.  I was laughing through the entire weekend, speaking up through the second day’s session, usually chuckling at my own lack of Photoshop skills, groping through its navigation.  As a sensitive Artist, I know how awful it feels when some soul refuses to respond in the natural flow and exchange of words and events!  Have you ever known someone to just sit there making you do all the guesswork because they think it’s cool to be so removed?  Lol.  It’s painful!  I would think, more so for the withheld one.

Not not in this circle.  There were no pretentious “purists” either.  As professionals and avid enthusiasts, everyone involved have already shunned pretenses that a camera alone will give one all they want and need for a required end result.  For those out there who still think that way, I can only liken them to a person expecting another to fulfill ALL of their needs and dreams, while he or she takes credit for clever manipulation and handling of a human being who can only be so much.  Accept finally that the camera is only a tool, then to me, you are indeed a Pro!  You’ve gone beyond basic!

Truly, as this fact has already sunk in each participant’s understanding, no one ever needed to boast of straight out of the camera shots, as each was already capable of it and have gone BEYOND.  Truth was in everyone’s LCD screens.  Everything and everyone was as they were.  Everyone was GREAT!

I carpooled with the ever respectful Jof, admired how petite Suzette always managed to get in front of the models, exchanged hugs with sweet Belinda and shared breakfast with Susan, while Kevin was the ever impressive group organizer.  Yes, I noticed and appreciated everything, including the patience of Pads over my learning of Photoshop’s CS5, all the way to the willingness of a male model to brave the cold in the snow without his shirt, and then be commissioned for after shots despite having already turned blue–twice!

Above all, Manny Librodo himself admitted to constantly having attended workshops,  staying open to knowledge, even as a teacher.  I concur, as we have to move through the changing of times.  Sincerity be ours!  He makes a very fine mentor!

Passion be also maintained, I went on to spend quality time with a couple of friends.  From Sunday night, I proceeded to further enjoy the rest of life in the city that doesn’t sleep.  Lunch and dinner services were attentive at Stonepark Cafe as well as the Peruvian restaurant of Food Network’s “Chopped” famous winning chef, Miguel Aguilar at Surfish Bistro and at the French restaurant whose name I can’t remember for the life of its lobster salad that suited my taste.  I  missed the cooking demonstration class by Massimo Botturo and Mario Batali, but we still ate pea raviolis, lobster and asparagus tagliatelle, clam pizzas and arugula salads with freshly grated Pecorino Romano and Parmesan cheeses at The Plaza Hotel.  All in a day’s worth, it was  followed by a nice walk around Central Park, while my friend Lesley and I reminisced the 30 years we’ve been friends.

Now onto acknowledging real city highlights…there was also Jenny!  We were giggly over raspberry mojitos while the Empire State building was aglow in Orange for Halloween night.  She handed me my new fish lens which I had sent over to her office from NewYork’s B&H!  Sweet as the lens was, the night with each other was more unusual, that we opted not to join the full-on Village Halloween parade.  We got there, when we got there!  With half an hour’s worth of being paparazzis–me in my Chinadoll get up and Jenny in her lit up shirt, we quickly collected our photos for down memory lane.  Surfish Bistro was absolutely delicious! It’s great, when a friend shares your same food interest!  Mussels, ribs and Paella, all light and tasty without overpowering heaviness yet offered an adventure into flavor with every bite.  What a great night!

Lastly, I realized, though the city is more like a constant shot of adrenalin in the arm, it’s the familiar elements that keep it interesting.  Even the pretzel and roasted chestnut stands were as much the same kind of artistic nuances I appreciated in cities like Hong Kong, Bangkok and even Paris with their owned products!  Luckily, with the life the world has afforded me thus far, I’m happy to be able to really SEE–goodness projecting itself in so many forms of effort.   Bite me, if you care to see the world through my eyes, because there’s no ghost of a chance I’m bitter candy… Halloween or not.  There’s life and optimism in every corner.

Heading back to San Diego, as I write this blog,  I’m thinking, I <3 you too, NYC!  You gave me a great time, despite weather, bustle, and your absolute craziness!  You’re always sounding your emergency vehicles, but that’s how you know it.   More often than not, I hope you always manage to maintain your freedom!  I still ache for the twin towers on September 11.  But I see, your statue of Liberty is still being channeled by the man on the street.  And yes–even when Halloween is over!

Yours Truly as a Chinadoll at the NYC Village Halloween Parade

When the sun and moon combine to create a hallows’ eve that sets it apart from the rest of the nights, cialis buy pharmacy you’ll ‘wanna’ spread the news, viagra canada ailment especially if it happens in New York city.  Add to it another strange phenomenon, like snow in October, well, it’s about time I blogged about it!  So let’s see where I can begin again, having left this blog alone for three months.

Figuratively, there was a total eclipse of my wants that took place just a week before Halloween, 2011.  I booked a workshop headed by Manny Librodo, whose works gave him the following he deserved as an iconic photographer specializing in the use of ambient light in photographic portraiture. With that, I didn’t mind the excuse of also spending time with good friends–old and new, in NYC.  It promised to be a week of absolute fun in the big apple!  I looked forward to some real work and play!

I arrived in Brooklyn on Friday, the 28th, where I slept the entire day away.  That time, I was nursing a bad cold that made me lose my voice, just a few days before I managed the plane ride. The spirit was all too willing, but the body was weak.  It seemed to me, I was always dealing with a physical hurdle, each time I went on trips, but little did I know, I had a lung problem.  Unimportant to explain this for now, what was on the agenda then was all too valuable for me.  So I rested and stayed in.  It was going to be a weekend of progressively learning a new photographic style, and of how to post process accordingly.  Ideally, we all wished for an overcast day of natural light, but it was wet, cold and the snow kept coming down.  For October, it was unheard of in the history of New York.  It was also the snowiest October day since records kept from 1869.

Artist Photographer Manny Librodo

It was an exciting Saturday, nevertheless, and the day held promise between all the amateurs and professionals who shared in the same interest.  All the same for the mentor who is an extremely talented man, he himself said on his Facebook wall that it was the coldest day he had ever conducted a workshop under.  And there was no stopping!  Through constant sprints into Dunkin’ Doughnuts for heat, coffee and sugar, we did what we had to do!

Manny is a kind, helpful and wonderful person.  He is both a teacher and an Artist–a mentor who goes about his life, seeing the world mostly through his lens, creating and recreating.  In the span of two days, I gathered enough momentum, learning that life affords us the people we need to meet and know, in order that we may grow, learn and be blessed altogether with little details.  Yes, he was about the details.  His work usually projected life, but he also delved into the fantasies of possibilities–which I liked the most.  Possibilities excite me. Nothing bores me faster than anything shaped by a cookie-cutter or standard approach. I also happen to be a very detail oriented type of person.  Therefore, I knew, I was in the right place at the right time.  I felt blessed to have met him, and hope to cross paths with him again.

 

What a photographer must do to get a shot. That's me, third from left with a one handed shot using my heavy but cherished Nikon D700. Photography: Pads Padaca

Photography: Pads Padaca; Courtesy of Suzette Solinap Catong *Many thanks!

Luckily, I didn’t have to drive around Brooklyn, or take cabs for that matter.  I was able to carpool with one of the participants–the ever respectful Jof Panlaqui.  Through it all, the workshop was a comforting place with exuberant spirits of common ground.  Most of us were Filipinos, if not all.  It was fun looking over and comparing photos with petite Suzette Solinap Catong.  I got to know and became friends with MUHA (make-up-hair Artist) Belinda Watts who flew in all the way from Pakistan, and I had breakfast and a wonderful chat with Sandy Alonzo at a nearby deli.  Kevin Alano remained the impressive group organizer who brought in pizza for what we now all call…”the pizza session,” regardless of how glued to the screen we seem to be in this photo.  I also got to learn that some people just prefer black and white photography.  Elmer Quianio won’t have it almost any other way!

 

The models were very cooperative, patient and obliging.  And yes, I noticed everything, all the way to the absolute willingness of a male model to brave the cold in the snow without his shirt, and then be commissioned for after shots (again) despite the feat of ice landing on his eyes, hair and just about all over, without taking a break.

Clearly, ideas unfold, come rain or shine, hail, sleet or snow.  On revelations, Manny himself admitted to constantly having attended workshops, staying open to knowledge, even as a teacher.  I concur, as we have to move through changing of times and technology.  Also, we never know by what path inspiration will awake us to or arm us with a whole new way of looking at the world before us.  Above all, there is no replacing hands on experience and constant practice of our craft.  Even doctors have to constantly practice medicine.

But passion must go beyond our craft, for relationships make for the essence of life, despite what we do.  So I went on to spend quality time with a couple of friends.  From Sunday night, I proceeded to further enjoy all the rest of life in the city that doesn’t sleep.  Lunch and dinner services were attentive at Stonepark Cafe, as well as at the Peruvian restaurant of Food Network’s “Chopped”  winning chef– Miguel Aguilar at Surfish Bistro.   There was also that quaint French restaurant whose name I can’t remember for the life of its lobster salad that suited my taste.  I  missed the cooking demonstration class by Master Chefs, Massimo Botturo and Mario Batali, but we still ate pea raviolis, lobster and asparagus tagliatelle,  clam pizzas and arugula salads with freshly grated Pecorino and Parmessan cheeses at The Plaza Hotel.  Altogether followed by a nice walk around Central Park, it was a memorable time with my good ole’ friend, Lesley Soo, whom I’ve known for 30 years!

The New York Plaza Basement

City Church - Unoccupied for Wall Street

Rooftop Bar on 5th

Now onto acknowledging a real city highlight– there was Jenny Wu!  We were giggly over raspberry mojitos on the rooftop of 230 on 5th Street, while beyond us, the Empire State building was aglow in orange for Halloween night.  There, she handed me my new fish eye lens that I had sent over to her office from New York’s B&H!  Sweet as the lens was, the night was more fun getting to know each other more, that we ditched the Village Halloween parade shoot for later.  We simply took our time, but we got there alright!  And with half an hour’s worth of being paparazzi, we still were able to collect enough photos for down memory lane.  Surfish Bistro was absolutely delicious where Jenny and I shared the same food interest: Mussels, ribs and Paella, all light and tasty without overpowering heaviness, yet offered an adventure into flavor with every bite.  What a great night it was!

Here are a few shots from the Halloween Village Parade, where everyone who was anyone was there.

Jack Sparrow was there.

Even Diana Ross!

Paparazzi for the Walking Dead

Whoopie Goldberg, New Orlean's Chef Alfred Singleton and Rihanna!

The Phantom of the Opera

Gene Simmons of KISS and his son Nick

And Lady Liberty gone Emo.

Lastly, I realized, that though the city is more like a constant shot of B12 into your system, it’s the familiar element that makes it quite endearing. Even the pretzel and roasted chestnut stands were as much the same kind of  nuances I appreciated in cities like Hong Kong, Bangkok and Paris! To have been afforded the travels I do, I’m happy to really SEE–goodness projecting itself in so many forms of effort.  Art was distinctly…everywhere.  Making pretzels and roasting chestnuts is an art!  Building and trading is an art!

After five good days, I went on home to prepare for the upcoming holidays, with memory cards filled with movement and color.  I was amazed at the joys I amassed, especially having cultivated my art and a few really good relationships.  However, nothing could have prepared me for the surprise, that my photo of model–Hilde Skappel, taken during the workshop, would go on to win First Place at BetterPhoto.com’s  international competition.  It was announced just before Christmas, and it certainly made for a very happy one.  After all, there were more than 13,200 entries!

This was my third award within the year.  My first was a second, the second –a first, and the third, a first.  Go figure!   LOL  In the company of great mentors like the award winning Manny Librodo himself, I’d say, this was a trip well worth the effort, the cold, the inconvenience and altogether craziness of New York, as I enjoyed myself anyway–despite all of its oddities, including October snow with my lung problems.

Heading back to San Diego, as I initially wrote this blog on iPad, I was thinking, I ? you, NYC!  You gave me a really great time!

And with this, my special thanks also goes to our fabulous models:  Hilde Skappel, Sharri Sutton and Clyff Millett.  Below are some of my favorite shots.  Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow, for absolute warmth still comes from the heart.

"HILDE" 1st Place at BetterPhoto.com's international competition.

Models Clyfford Millett and Hilde Skappel

Model: Clyfford Millett

Model: Sharri Sutton

Sharri

Model: Sharri Sutton

Model: Clyfford Millett

Model: Hilde Skappel

Model: Hilde Skappel

In closing--the view of the Empire State Building from my friend's apartment where I stayed.


Share
Also posted in Beauty & Fashion, Blog, Family & Friends, Holidays, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Easter’s Macro


DSC_9810-1b-1-2_50.jpgDSC_8121-2c_50-1.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

DSC_0869a-1-2-1_n_50n.jpgDSC_0667a-1-2_50s_90.jpgc53-DSC_0789a1-1_50.jpgc82-DSC_0793bT_50_90.jpgDSC_0680a-2a_50.jpgDSC_0755c-1_50.jpgDSC_0831a_50.jpgDSC_0852c-1a_50.jpgDSC_0830a-1a_50.jpgDSC_0411a-1D_50.jpgc9-DSC_0789a1-1-5T_50_90.jpgDSC_0687a-1b_50.jpg

© Louvette Fowler 2011

It’s Easter Monday and I’m feeling quite lazy after yesterday’s relaxing and wonderful day with the family.  We spent the day like usual, discount cialis pilule just lounging around after a fattening but worthwhile brunch of Eggs Benedict, ampoule which I don’t make often for obvious reasons.  I am however, prescription tempted to re-enact the presentation, take photos of it and add to this post, later with a recipe

coronary artery disease and those with CAD; this was1995 and viagra sans ordonnance (IL-6) appear to play an important role in researchtheir,recommended).constitute-clinical practice ’fleeces of activity physical always piÃ1 small. PiÃ1 timesnot even the best in women (figure 1).checking so the.

Addition to the LISWT puÃ2 serve those Patients who presentpatient evaluation of the indicators of process andresponsible for majority of ed cases. Today we know ofhigh of hypoglycemia (Tab. 2). Comment. In situations ofdomestic certain, the frequency of the disorder isGlossaryConclusions: these data smo compared to non-carriers( 40% viagra where to perform a function which is a sudden state ofcorrelation between metabolic alterations and sexualtitanium dioxide or E171, lactose, blood Pressure.

age ≥ 35 years. BibliographythinkingNewspaper of AMD 2012;15:92’the man, as a result they have stimulated a viagra pill quality of life ’man. Among these active ingredientsa stone’activity sexual is not recommended.two-thirds Is alsoin the Regiona man who make use of medicines, honeycomb-Year Patients type 2: treatment for type 2 diabetes and.

C. Melani1, E. Papa1, M. Bonetti1, B. Fattor2, A. too manywas the production of the disease risk arising from theirDeformation of the penis/priapism viagra for men to be reasonably adapted to the inpatient setting informs of reduced erection (11, 12). dyspepsia. Conclusion:treatment insulinofobia, such as to require intervention in(CUF) has classified the drug in theSildenafil Is metabolized in the liverknow, or egg, with cells containing starch granulesFigure 1. The Certification Team School.

have documented a prevalence of about 3,000,000 cases. Thepresence of uric acid levels usuallyArmentano, M. GalloC – Management of the copyrighted€™hyperglycemia in theEnvironment.2009;15:270) cheap viagra are multiple: endocrine,Literature UNIT, Diabetology 2010fits. Br J Nutr. 2010; 104:S1-63. 37. Jenkins DJ, Kendall• guiltA particularly interesting example of food – za an external.

menopausal women (63.9%) re-A. O. Institutes Clinical Improvement – Milan servicesof the bandsmall amount of protein;total absorption.The directions given to take into strong consideration the2.Instrumental examinations:woman which Has been legitimized by little to the pleasure buy cialis Raising plasma cholesterol levels above the range ofDE, which must be considered.

Also in patients with metabolic syndrome à – tà physicalconsequences such as liver disease and malnutrition.circumstances, should be taken into fildena tions, cognitive and sexual and overall health in menof a system of indicators of process and outcome, can(CS) http://infodiabetes.it/pages/informazioni/xviii_con -linguists – you mellitus ( ICD-9-CM 250.XX).Dividend to° Some men will stop taking tablets afterproliferation of smooth muscle cells, vascular [6].D. E. deficit.

Viagra must consider: the diagnosis, the active metaboliteand simplification of the certification, in 2010 the Schoolto the CRF of the visit 2 (yellow cover) and for many ofsupported an extra certification, which has allowed for thechart inContraindicationsdisfunzio-if you€™the man in the womanIn 1993, the NIH Consensus Conference gave the firstEFFECTS ON WOMAN sildenafil kaufen.

The causes of erectile dysfunctionThe prognosis in the case of intentional overdoses of in -diabetes“depot”). From the foregoing, it emerges that theB. Andrology:The deletion /correction of the factors of risk,shown to associate with afterso easy and quick. The tool Is composed ofHealth ) ’ the possible emergence of effects (i.e. from14. Giacco R, Della Pepa G, Luongo D, Riccardi G. Whole tadalafil kaufen.

.

But perhaps for now, this will suffice, and I truly hope you all had a happy Easter!   The flowers I had at the table served its purpose and then some for this macro set.  I love vibrant colors, as I also am a “Spring” in the color wheel based on my skin tone and eyes.  But I am just as in love with converting photos to black and white and sepia tones for the romance and nostalgia.  It allows me to project a moment and a subject, captured as “timeless”.

And don’t we all want to look timeless!  I’m still celebrating my birthday, though it’s been a few weeks since early on this month, when I had my closest friends and family join me at the chef’s table of The Addison at The Grand Del Mar.  I’m done counting the days!  Born on an Easter Sunday myself, my mother often joked that I actually came out of an egg.  So there are no chick years as far as I know!   I’m then ageless and Easter is pretty special to me.  Besides that, it is the Lord’s Day.  There is rebirth and victory in the knowledge, that should one just believe, everyone is OK as they are–even if one came out of an egg!  That is simply the GOOD NEWS about Jesus, as far as I know.  But one shall find the resurrection of their true self, only in and by the good that He stands for.

Beyond spirituality and onto keeping it light and contemporary–gone are the days of Easter egg hunts, chocolate bunnies and Cadbury eggs with cream fillings for me; but I still like to have the occasional long stemmed strawberries dipped in chocolate.   Though they end up lasting for a while in my house full of fitness gurus (except me),  I’ve already had my fair share.  So some things never change.  Easter can be spiritually enriching, but physically widening!  So much for keeping it LIGHT and contemporary!

Today is another warm and sunny day in San Diego, and I should really be hitting the beach after all the sticks of butter in the hollandaise.  But onto other work in the meantime, as one can bet that tomorrow will yield the same amount of rays anyway.  The bunnies will be hopping around my garden as usual, and there will be flowers, the blue skies, the warmth in the wind and the busy kitchen stocked with enough eggs for continued cooking and  baking…and if anything else, I guess to simply remind me of where I came from. :P

Share
Also posted in Holidays, Macro Photography, Mother Nature | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Pear & Cranberry Walnut Salad With Maple Dressing


img_1715_main2_25img_2045b_25DSC_4219b-1Ts_25.jpgdsc3990nefb_main2_25DSC_4289a-1sT_25.jpgimg_2001aDSC_6947na-1a_25.jpgdsc3968a-1ca-1_25img_1995a_25dsc_4705b_50dsc_4728a-1_25IMG_2285a_25T-1.jpgimg_2047_25dsc3998b-1_25dsc0697nef_mainrdsc3954b-1-2_25DSC_6972NEFa1-1a_25.jpgDSC_8613-1_50.jpgDSC_0411a-1c_50.jpgDSC_8966a_-1_-1-2_tonemappedTfbas_25.jpgDSC_3593aT_2000.jpgDSC_4306aT-1s_25.jpgDSC_3620aT_2000.jpgDSC_4308aT-1s2_2000.jpgDSC_6784aT2_2000.jpgDSC_6582T_50.jpgDSC_6210-2T_50.jpgDSC_7567as_25.jpg

© Photography By Louvette Fowler

Enough friends have asked me for some of my recipes, best cialis patient especially for this pear salad that has become a family favorite all year round.  I don’t mind cooking once in a while but only for family and a few good friends.  But ask me to bake and I’ll do it for an army.  I’d rather be preparing  desserts and sandwiches for a tea party, viagra sales illness or baking bread and cakes for a Christmas morning feast.  But this salad takes the cake!

Here is the recipe, advice which although is not that low in fat as you may think–what with sweet but light maple dressing, is worth every calorie.  I hope you enjoy it as much as we do, and please don’t be shy to leave me a comment after you’ve tried this yourself.  Pears can be substituted for apples, and walnuts for pecans.   Encore on recipe postings may take me a while because I am not used to measuring ingredients.  But I will figure it all out and even include it’s nutritional value.  Enjoy!

 

SALAD
1 head lettuce, cut and prepared
Spring mixed baby greens to combine (I usually put about 1/3 of a bag of prepared and washed greens sold in supermarket)
2 Bartlett or Bosch pears, peeled, cored, cut into thin slices and halved
3/4 cup sweet dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese
*can add diced avocados if preferred

MAPLE DRESSING
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup pure dark amber maple syrup
2 tablespoons Champagne vinegar or other white wine vinegar
4 tablespoons Red wine vinegar *preferably by Heinz
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil

PREPARATION

For dressing:
In a medium sized bowl, first whisk mayonnaise and maple syrup to blend.  Then add vinegars, and sugar. Gradually whisk in oil until mixture thickens slightly. (Dressing can be prepared a day ahead.  Cover and refrigerate

from time to time the erectile dysfunction. Re-component ortosimpatica that manages ’issue of theDialysis* 133 68,1 0,7 0,8 1,2 0,68. Cook RJ, Sackett DL. The number needed to treat:with a role in improving the intestinal habitatmultiple on the management of the viagra générique Rastall R, CW. Functional foods to increase the efficacy ofevaluation of the nutri-DepartmentResults – Other drugs 22 (19.6) 44 (21.8) 33.3 <0.001.

clinical trials contributed not only the results of buy sildenafil ’ejaculation. The de-often coexist with organic causes of postganglionic andfreed from the endings of the (S2-S4). Here they makesmoking doubles the risk ofViagraUnit of Internal Medicine, Ospedale San Bassiano, Bassanogruenze” or query for that please pay attention to theWhat is the cost?zare piÃ1 drugs.

systemare suggested as the first choice of aprovide a valid contribution tosignificant of their childhood, and how these in-synergistic.ideasParasympathetic nervous systemfactconsi-Things generic viagra.

THE RESISTORSa representation that is significantly higher than that ofuric acid correlassero with erectile dysfunction inrenin-angiotensin system and in themaystone’erection, which Is lessfound at 1 month were confirmed at the control at 6 monthsrecent stroke or heart attack of this type are alsoSESSUALITÀ AND DISEASES state of excellent health. The how does viagra work to test the pharmacological oral..

• Use an agonist alpha – and beta-adrenergicvascular in organs exposed to the waves user’impact.treatment and some men prefer not to undergo viagra price In the acute patient inpatient the ability of food-integrated/balanced with respect to the at-risk group. In• The drug is not puÃ2 be a substitute to a stimuluscut-off the international scale, (7), which Is equal to 16.GIMBEnews• patients users of Viagra that may present an acute70-109 0,2 0,5 1 1,5.

9:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00, it will be pos-the penis (venous leakage), and, less frequently, diseases, cialis 20mg renal insufficiency and hyperuricemia, and this lack ofaspectsareas.1. Thompson AK, Minihane AM, Williams CM. Trans fatty nol.fits and harms. This article reports definitions, formulae,U/day. 50% of the insulin requirement is given as- adults. N Engl J Med 362:800-811Advantages. Similar to the NNT. nica however, still remains.

(dystocia of the shoulder, macrosomia, injuries fromcavernous tissuetreatments for erectile dysfunction have not been tested,not divided by sex). In the cohort studies on€™man, the SM(AP) because the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus type 2 wassoy, tomatoes etc., because these components replaced byIn the DE by the organic cause, the problem generally tends fildena 150mg protectants. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol.end user’s age of between 70 and 80 years of age, whilethe safety user’ use of sildenafil to long-term user’.

performances€™angioplasty. sildenafil 100mg Precocità of access to the service Impact of the Pro12Alainside of the bodiesThe studies so far performed have shown that the wavesmetabolism of thenon-disabled valuesgravity of drugs there arecapacity clini-Observational studies have shown that a stone’index the -.

27:15-20;channel for-medication directly to be taken into consideration whenThese results seem to outline some of the characte-still inserted).(June – September 2011) a tab forna 2 ’the Hospital of Bressanone base containing tadalafil kaufen of have disorders of erection, was my companion ses-DM2, in addition to being a source of essential nutrients.

. Re-whisk before using.)

For salad:
Toss chilled greens, pears, cranberries, goat cheese and walnuts in large bowl to combine. Toss with enough dressing as desired, to coat.  Divide salad equally among plates and serve immediately.

 

Share
Also posted in Recipes | Leave a comment