[The Scenic Route] Laugh

Hi there!

Laugh, because The Scenic Route is supposed to take you on a relaxing detour, so have fun!

Vocab Builder--- 

chortle

[chawr-tl] chor·tled, chor·tling, noun

 

verb (used without object)

1.  to chuckle gleefully.

verb (used with object)

2.  to express with a gleeful chuckle: to chortle one's joy.

noun

3.  a gleeful chuckle.

Artistic Appreciation---

This photo had me ROTFL when the girls first posted it on Facebook a couple years ago...such funny pictures you can come up with on your computer nowadays!  Btw, ROTFL, rolling on the floor laughing, is the best kind of laughing, in my opinion :-D

Mind Stimulating Book Club---
The August Read  Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple, was a welcome change of pace after 50 Shades.  This wry, eccentric comedy had me chuckling and LOL at times, but it also brought out the reality of how insecurities can impact a person and those around them.  The fact that her daughter believed in finding her showed a strong bond between them, even if it was not an ideal and a very unusual relationship.  What are your thoughts about the August Read?  As mothers, I know we're human and can only do our best...  When I mess up though, I always hope that my best is good enough and my love for my kids is sufficient to get us through anything.


As I mentioned in this post here, the September Read is a book I read a few months ago called Wife 22 by Melanie Gideon. It's a smart twist on the romantic genre and I'm reading it again.  This too is a study on relationships with a unique angle from the social networking perspective.  It's a great book, so I hope you all read it so we can discuss it next month!

 Wellness Motivation---

It's been about a month now since I've recommitted to exercising and healthy eating.  The exercising has been going pretty well; I'm running 3-4 miles, 3-4 days per week, and working out 2 days per week for about an hour.  NorCal BFF and I signed up for the Urban Cow Half Marathon 2-person relay on October 7, so that's a reasonable distance to challenge us.

As far as my eating, that's been a bit more challenging for me since I love to eat.  With Labor Day weekend, that didn't help the situation...  I absolutely HATE to diet, so I really have to eat healthier, being mindful of portion-control and sticking to one serving!

Verse Meditation---
"May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you." Numbers 6:25, NLT

What do you do when you need to eat healthier?  Let me know because I need some suggestions to preventing me from eating a whole bag of chips and craving sweets!  Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[Food Stop] Food at the Beach

Hi there!

Sorry for the late post today, but it's sure hard to come back to reality after an amazingly relaxing weekend. We went to a college friend's beach house to stay, and it was so nice to catch up again, as well as have the kids hang out. 

It's great to see the next generation spend time together and bond with each other, even with the younger ones.  My kids love their younger cousins, so having more little "cousins" is fun for them, and the younger kids just look up to them...they had a blast!  

 The beautiful view that we had all weekend from the deck at our friend's house in San Clemente, which made for a perfect weekend.  The kids even roasted s'mores to cap off the evening after the barbeque.

Another reason this was the best weekend ever...the hubby and the guys basically did most of the cooking, even making breakfast!

After my sister-in-law's birthday party in San Diego Saturday night, there was a houseful of people at the beach house on Sunday for a Carne Asada tacos barbeque!  With all the good food, the waves calming me,  not needing to cook, and being surrounded by family and friends, it made for an ideal weekend.

What makes a perfect weekend for you?  Let me know because somehow, a beach house is on my list as the basis for that perfect weekend!  Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[The Scenic Route] Extra Book Club

Hi there!

Reading positively makes me happy!

I know that we still have another week left to finish the  August Read  Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple, but I have to admit that I finished the book the other week, read another book, and am finishing another one now. I'm definitely back into my reading mode again; I've even neglected Pinterest these past couple of months now because of all this reading (although the other day, I went back on it...fall's coming, so I need some inspiration!)

The first book I read was recommended by a friend who wholeheartedly agreed with my assessment of the Fifty Shades of Grey Trilogy by E.L James. She said that Bared to You by Sylvia Day, is the same genre, but a much better read, and she was right! I guess the next book in the series is coming out in October, so you have time if you want to read this first book! The book that I'm currently working on is The Marriage Bargain by Jennifer Probst. I guess I'm into the steamy romantic genre right now. I'm really enjoying this one so far and sad that I'm almost done with it.

It think there's a revival of the Harlequin romance-type novels going on, but a much more risqué version, since Fifty Shades of Gray. Even though the book series was painful to get through, I do have to admit that I am looking forward to the movie version of Fifty Shades, especially if Matt Bomer plays the lead (I love White Collar!)

If anyone wants to get started, the September Read will be a book I read a few months ago called Wife 22 by Melanie Gideon. It's a smart twist on the romantic genre and I'll introduce it formally next week.

Have you ever gotten stuck on reading a certain genre? Let me know since I'm on this romantic streak right now. Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[Food Stop] Tofu Recipe Request

Hi there!

I received a request to post more recipes, more specifically a tofu recipe, so here it is! My mom used to make this Tofu & Onion dish, replacing the beef from her carnivore recipe when she wanted to serve a vegetarian meal. When she cooked, she never really had a "recipe" because it's you know, a little bit of this and a little bit of that, and her dishes would come out perfectly! I think I do them justice, although they're never exactly how mom cooks them...

Start with firm to extra firm tofu and let it drain on a paper towel before frying.  It is important to have the tofu as dry as possible so that you don't get oil splattering because of the excess liquid!

The final dish is so easy once the tofu is fried.  Slice some onions and saute them in some oil.  Place the fried tofu into the pan, add some soy sauce and water with a squeeze of some lemon, and finish it with salt & pepper to taste.  Cook through for a quick and easy meal that's healthy, especially if you serve it over brown rice with steamed vegetables on the side!

Does anyone have a dish that they make without a recipe? Let me know because I cook without recipes a lot of times. Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[Life-Style Forum] Celebrity Look Alike

Hi there!

As I was browsing Facebook, I came across a friend's post with an app that shows who your celebrity look alike is.  I was curious to see who I would match with since my kids think mine is Olivia Munn.  The app matches you according to your profile picture, but I think they need a better database to get a more accurate match for me! (See my results below, you'll be surprised!)

My kids vote for my celebrity look alike...I'll take it cause she's gorgeous, so not sure how accurate this is, but thanks, I'm flattered!

Since we've moved to NorCal, people have commented that I look like the local newscaster from KCRA3, Tina Macuha. Maybe because she's Filipino...you know how us Asians all look the same ;-)

When I worked in Pediatrics, I had a patient whisper to her mom, "Mommy, I like my doctor because she looks like Mulan." Awww!!! How sweet is that?!

And now for the results from the Facebook app--The first one with my hair longer, gave me Eva Mendes at a 49% match, which I thought, I guess...and the second one with my hair short gave me Emma Watson at 43%, which I was like, Really?! I kept trying to do it again with my short hair photo and it kept saying Emma Watson, so I guess I'm going with that ;)

Have you ever been told that you look like someone famous? Let me know because it's just fun to know who your celebrity look alike may be! Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See  you later!

Cheryl

[Sole Inspiration] Things I'm Grateful for

Hi there!

Although I haven't been the best at making a Things I'm Grateful for List everyday, my every other week post has been helpful to me in realizing all the little things I sometimes take for granted. So here are the 5 things I've been grateful for these past few weeks.

An unexpected overnight houseboat trip with college friends.

Discovering seaweed salad while having lunch with a NorCal friend.

Facebook for being able to save this cool picture of my son I found on his friend's wall...

...as well as this circa 2001 or 2002 photo the son found & posted on his wall. This is a great photo of the kids with my oldest niece and youngest niece at the time!

Technology that can pretty much do away with voice messages 90% of the time!

Even though life has it's challenges, there is still so much to be grateful for, don't you think? Let me know since I tend to forget this sometimes when life gets me down. Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[Food Stop] Panda Inn, not Panda Express

Hi there!

I know most everyone is familiar with Panda Express, the fast food chain serving Chinese food, but I'm not sure if everyone knows about Panda Inn, the sit-down restaurant serving Mandarin cuisine.  My parents used to take us to the original Pasadena location when we were growing up.  It was our favorite place to go!  I remember the owner coming to talk to us when we dined there because we were regulars.  I even remember a conversation he had with my parents about his concept for Panda Express and asked if they wanted to invest in it...wow, they should have because Panda Express is everywhere now!

Hot & Sour Soup and Mu Shoo Vegetable

Fish with Black Bean Sauce and Panda Beef.  In between is their white chocolate-covered fortune cookie, that my little niece is holding when they're all pretty and wrapped!

It was nice to dine at an old favorite with my sister and a couple of childhood friends the other week.  We all hadn't been there in awhile, so it was nice to sit and reminisce with them!  It was funny because as we were chatting, my niece told my sister she wanted to go home because there were, "Only two people in the room!" Sure enough, we had been there for almost 4 hours and there was only a couple at a far table! 
Do you have a favorite childhood restaurant that brings back great memories? Let me know since food and good memories usually go together! Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See  you later!

Cheryl

[Life-Style Forum] Music Style

Hi there!

I know that I have recently veered away from outfit posts, but with life being life, having the time to put the clothes together, posing & taking the photos just started taking a toll on me.  Now don't get me wrong.  I still enjoy fashion, but lately I've been bored with the same style post formula seen on many blogs, and just want to document everyday life & style as it presents itself practically to me along my journey.

The Hubby and I both sang in our high school choirs, even singing solos/duets for church, but him better than me since I'm more of a person who can carry a tune, preferring to sing with a group.  So I guess it shouldn't have come as a surprise to us when it came to our kids' musical talent for singing.  I know that the saying is, It's a face/voice only a mother can love, but my kids truly do have a talent. 

Here's a Bon Iver song the Son and his classmate posted on YouTube, while they were taking a nine week General Chemistry crash course this summer.  I love how they recorded in what looks like the chemistry lab room.  It's nice to know that he's using his singing talent to cope with the rigors of college life!

Is there a hobby or a talent that you have, but have seen it magnified in your kids?  Let me know because as parents, I believe that we want our kids to improve on what we have and find what makes them happy.  Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[DesignAxis] Eclectic Redesign

 Hi there!

This is the last of the current DesignAxis series on Nor Cal BFF's office redo, and here's the big reveal!  It turned out great, but there are a few details that need to be completed, like some plants & accessories, as well as the window shade.  Overall, I believe that we accomplished what she wanted as far as style, price, and functionality.  

This is probably my favorite area in the office.  It's not your typical office conference area, but it is still practical yet beautiful.  I'm partial to this area because of the chandelier (a birthday gift from me), and the oil paintings I found for a steal at $30 each!  And remember how we reupholstered the chairs in this post here? The chandelier reminded the owner of Venice (she's from Italy), and Nor Cal BFF said the paintings look like Lake Garda in Italy, where her and her family went on vacation a few years ago. 

Remember all the before photos of the office in this post here?  This photo is the conference area before...what a change!

Nor Cal BFF found the entry table while she was driving by a yard sale, paid only $12 for it, and it fits perfectly into our eclectic Italian design! She has a photo of the Italian owners above the table. Perfect use of the Repurpose Mode design approach I discuss in this post here.

A view from the front door.  The plaque in the back was given to her from someone she works with.

Her old desk ended up not working in the new space, so she found this desk for only $150 on Craigslist! So great that we were able to coordinate the space together at such a discounted price!

Finally, the kitchen area with my old sofa table and the raised wood table & chairs I found on Craigslist for $50.  Nor Cal BFF splurged on a Keurig for her and her staff...what a nice boss!  She even has a lovely bathroom area as seen in this post here.

It was fun playing interior designer for a month! I don't claim to be an expert or even updated with all the trends of interior design, but I know what I like. I have eclectic taste, since I like a variety of styles, just like my fashion taste and sense.

What do you enjoy doing, and would you ever consider turning that hobby into a way to earn some cash? Let me know because I think that most of us dream of making money doing what we love! Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[The Scenic Route] Fallow

Hi there!

Every time I sit down to write The Scenic Route, I wonder if anyone appreciates the diverse knowledge that it gives and wonder if it's even worth writing.  But just as a scenic route usually takes longer and a driver may think it's a waste of time, once it is taken, they realize what a benefit it is as they enjoy the scenery!

Vocab Builder---

fallow

\ FAL-oh \  , adjective;

1.  Not in use; inactive: My creative energies have lain fallow this year.

2.  (Of land) plowed and left unseeded for a season or more; uncultivated.

www.dictionary.com 

Artistic Appreciation---

Urban Fallow

Mind Stimulating Book Club---
Okay, so I FINALLY finished 50 Shades of Gray.  I don't know about you, but it was so painfully repetitive that towards the end, I just wanted her to get to the point of the plot and end the book already!  Whether the steamy content was supposed to keep the reader engaged, I'm not sure, but it lost it's appeal even after the first book for me.  Let me know what you thought of the July Read.

Remember, the August Read:  Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple, came out yesterday and gives everyone a good three weeks to complete it.  "An uproarious comedy of manners" (People Magazine).  The author wrote for television shows including Arrested Development, Mad About You, and Ellen.  The first two shows made me laugh, and I find Ellen hilarious, so I'm looking forward to reading a well-written, funny book by an author with these credentials.


Wellness Motivation---
Those of you that are following along know that I have committed to starting my workout routine again after this vacation as stated in this post here.  I'm off to a good start, with a run this morning and on Tuesday and my first personal training session again on Wednesday.  I just have to stay consistent and motivated.  It's crazy because I've gained 5 lbs. these past couple of months because of my limited running schedule and non-existence workout routine!  Plus, I'm not on my healthy eating regimen that I discussed in this post here.

Green Juice in the coffee mug, lunch consisting of brown rice, salmon, and kale in a Tupperware, dates as a snack in a Ziplock, and plain water, of course!

I started Monday drinking a juice twice a day, and I am really going to try and limit my processed food again.  Stay with me, because I need to know someone is going to hold me accountable!  Yes, I need to tone up again and loose that extra blubber, but primarily I need to just get healthy & active again, because I have grown fallow!

Verse Meditation---
"Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our action".  1 John 3:18 NLT

In what area of your life have you been inactive lately?  Let me know because you know where I have been fallow.  Thank you for visiting and  being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[Life+Style Forum] Entertaining, Home Ec, and GNO

 Hi there!

This photo from Real Simple, reminded me about my love for entertaining, so I pinned it on Pinterest

Before I pinned this photo (see more of the photos from this article below), I wrote in the comment section, "Want to start doing this again."...

A welcome glass of wine or sparkling cider while you and your guests prepare dinner.

A fresh, simple salad is always a healthy way to start a meal.  The secret to a great salad is drying the lettuce thoroughly.  I use a salad spinner the eldest gave me for Mother's Day a few years ago.

Friends and Food...what a perfect pairing!

Leftovers are the best for lunch the next day!

When I have time, money, and energy, I love to entertain.  I received the Bank of America award for Home Economics at my high school graduation (I know it's not as lofty as a math or even an English award, but it was an award nevertheless...), so I guess I must have impressed someone with my domestic skills!

One of our high school electives was an international food class that was held after school.  The teacher put us in groups, and we were supposed to plan, prepare, and serve the meal.  We picked a country to build our meal around and would delegate a dish to each student.  We were able to invite a guest to the meal, and it was a full spread, table setting, decorations and all.  It was such a fun class!

Seeing my sister and being in So Cal again with friends and family reminded me of when we would all gather at my house for GNO, Girls Night Out, back in the early to mid 90's.  I claim that we "coined" that term, because I see it being used everywhere now!  Ours was a pretty tame affair since I had young children at the time, with each person bringing over a dish to the house.  It was a nice way of getting together, and usually we would let the guys join us for the meals!

I have wanted to recreate a GNO/International Food type of meal up here in Nor Cal.  A few months ago, we hosted a surprise birthday party for our pastor that turned into a game night.  Everyone had a blast and I told myself that I would try to make it a regular thing, but that really hasn't happened.  Now with this blog holding me accountable, I am going to try and revive this passion of mine! 

When it comes to entertaining, do you prefer, 1) being the hostess, 2) helping with the preparations, or 3) showing up and socializing?  Let me know because when it comes to get-togethers, it takes all three kinds to make a party!  Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[Food Stop] a la minute Gourmet Ice Cream

Hi there!

A fairly new gourmet ice cream shop opened in my kids' birthplace and hometown in Redlands, called "a la minute".  They make your own personal ice cream fresh to order, and have unique flavors, such as Strawberry Balsamic and Salted Caramel, along with seasonal flavors.  The ice cream is organic and they use local ingredients.  In fact, I have to brag and say that we know the owners, since the wife went to the same school as the kids and we all went to the same church.  So proud of their accomplishment, because we hear it's the new hot spot in town, and there's always a line to get their delicious ice cream!

My sister and her girls were visiting California from back East, and the girls enjoyed the kid-friendly flavors:  Chocolate Chip and Strawberry.  I've wanted to try a la minute since it's opened, so this was the perfect opportunity.  My youngest helping her cousin pick a flavor, while my sister's youngest watches people outside eating ice cream with her princess crown!

My sister's and niece's orders of Espresso Chip...

...and my order of the Redlands Orange Honey.  It was SO delicious and refreshing...you've got to stop by and try it!  Even though they aren't 31 flavors, the quality and freshness of this unique ice cream experience makes it special; worth the price and wait.

Don't you think it's worth it to pay more for quality and freshness instead of ordinary and processed?  Let me know because I think it's worth every cent and my taste buds thank me!  Thanks for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[DesignAxis] Target Bathroom Redo

Hi there!

Continuing on with the office redecorating series for Nor Cal BFF involved a bathroom redo as well.  I'm using my final design tip that doesn't truly use the Repurpose Mode, as discussed in this post here, but allows me the liberty to shop at my favorite store, Target!

The plain hallway to the bathroom with a missing closet door on the right.

The hallway looks much better after the closet door on the right is replaced by canvas curtains hanging on a tension rod all from Target.

Sink and toilet area before.

Just the addition of a soap dispenser and towel holder from Target, and a picture Nor Cal BFF repurposed from home, spruces up this area.

View of the shower area before.

View of shower area after, with Target towels and shower curtain rod, and a shower curtain gift from her mom...so sweet!

The plaque was left in the office space, so we used it because it was free!  Ribbon scraps were used to add color and flourish to the towels.

Don't you love that Target has everything you need to add a special touch to your home decorating?  Let me know if this is one of your favorite places for home accessories also!  Stay tuned for the final office redo reveal next week!  Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[Sole Inspiration] Things I'm Grateful For

Hi there!

Since I'm on vacation visiting my family in So Cal this week, I could tell you that the Five Things I'm Grateful for are---
1) My parents,
2) My sister and her family, who are visiting from back East,
3) My brother and his family, who aren't here in So Cal now, but are in my heart nonetheless,
4) My in-laws & my older sister-in-law,
5) My younger sister-in-law and her family.

Of course I am so grateful for my beautiful family, but I thought it'd be fun to give you Five Inspirational Thoughts I'm Grateful for, since they were piling up in my saved photo app with nowhere to go!

So grateful for this soothing instruction to go out and shop!  
(In fact, I took advantage of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale online and ordered these booties I featured in this post here, but in blood red!  After one of the wives ordered her pair, I was inspired to buy them also!  So I calmly bought them on our friend's iPad on the houseboat, while the boys played poker, and I can't wait to get them!)

Grateful for this simple piece of advice...

...as well as this one too!

Grateful that I can say this about the Hubby and I.

Most of all, grateful that the Lord takes care on it all!

Has pausing to make a grateful list been beneficial to you?  Let me know because I hope you all have been trying to make your grateful list every so often.  Thank you for visiting and  being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[Food Stop] Mexican Hole-in-the-Wall

Hi there!

Now I know that everyone has their favorite hole-in-the-wall food places, and I'm sure that Mexican food is on that list!   In So Cal, Cuca's in Redlands was our favorite Mexican food place.  When I was pregnant with the youngest, we would do daily BRC (bean, rice, and cheese) burrito runs for lunch at work.  It's no wonder that the youngest just LOVES Cuca's BRC burritos now!  Every time we're in town, we always try to make it there to get our Cuca's fix.

The original Cuca's restaurant location.  Cuca's now has 7 locations in Southern California.  Wish they'd come up to Nor Cal!  They have the BEST carne asada tacos, rice, and salsa there!

Honestly, it was hard to find a place that would match our Cuca's standard, but I have to say that La Placita has fit the bill overall.  Their rice is delicious and I LOVE their chile relleno burrito plate, plus they have these flour tortilla chips that are to die for!  The kids always ask for these chips, and we eat them up fast!  We actually go to their second location, La Placita Dos, because it's closer to our house.

Another Mexican Hole-in-the-Wall we've found up here that's pretty good is Adalberto's.  They have locations here in Nor Cal as well as in So Cal.  Their rice is also very good (see how I judge a Mexican place by their rice?), and they have a Bean & Cheese burrito, that we ask to add rice inside, to make a BRC.  I like their fish tacos and their chicken taquitos with guacamole is delicious too.

What is your favorite Hole-in-the Wall?  Let me know since you all know I will eat almost anywhere (well, they have to at least have to have an "A" grade or "Green" rating, cause getting sick and all is NOT acceptable!).  Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[Sole Mates Men's Style] Boys & Their Toys

Hi there!

The Hubby, still stylish on the jet ski with his Von Zipper sunglasses

He was like a kid again on the jet ski.  I joined him for a brief ride, topping 58 mph...and to his dismay, I told him to slow down!

Facebook spurred an impromptu overnight trip this weekend with some college friends we haven't seen in years. I happened to see the hubby's college roommate's post on a houseboat trip, and noticed they were only about an hour away from us. Well, long story short, we met up with them, and the guys picked up right where they left off! So great to have friends like that.

Have you been able to hook up with old friends through Facebook?  Let me know since I know that it's fun to reconnect, especially when I see the hubby like he's 21 again!  Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl