Oh the places you'll go...

As some of you might now, a few months ago I created a brief bucket list of things that I wanted to do at some point in my life. Yesterday as I was watching the TODAY show (I recently set a goal to be up early enough every day to watch it- my quest to becoming a morning person), I was inspired about various places that I want to travel to, most of which, I have never been to. As of right now, my goal is to go to at least one of these places each year. Is this realistic? What are your Bucket List goals??

My Travel Bucket List:

*during the Spring/Summer when it's warm

**The Italian parts of Switzerland (Switzerland is surrounded by Italy, France & Germany which influences the various cities throughout different regions. I've briefly been to the German & French parts of Switzerland)

Just realized that Norway was not on my list. Consider it added and towards the top! Definitely a place to go in the Summer I'm thinking. 

What places are on your bucket list?? Let me know in the comments below! 

XOXO,

Kirsten

March Music Madness

I was listening to the radio this morning and heard this song that I had heard before but didn't know the name of, so I found it online and bought it and I'm obsessed! I just love Francesca Battistelli, and her new song "Strangely Dim" is so upbeat and just wonderful (see for yourself below). Her song called "Beautiful, Beautiful" is also on my playlist! 

As for up-and-coming bands, I am in love with For KING and COUNTRY whose album Crave is just awesome! (Check it out on iTunes). They are well known for their song "Middle of Your Heart", but all the songs on the album are top notch. I've also randomly seen them on different TV shows like Jay Leno and Mike Huckabee so be on the lookout for them as they are becoming quite the craze. They are also related to the incredibly talented Rebecca St. James, amazing singer and author of Wait For Me, who happens to be married to lead singer of the band Foster the People. Must run in the family. But seriously check these guys out!! Oh and did I mention, they are originally from Australia?? Which makes them that much cooler!! 

Also on my playlist is the recent hit from P!nk featuring lead singer Nate Reuss from the band Fun. titled: Just Give Me a Reason. Ever since I heard it on Triple J back in February, I've been obsessed! It also happens to be the first song my boyfriend (CJ) beat me to downloading on iTunes. Warning, it's catchy.. 

And last but not least, my current CD choice for my car is Crowded House: The Very Very Best of Crowded House, not to be confused with The Very Best of Crowded House. They've been around for a while, but still better than ever, especially with the recently-again-popular hit "Don't Dream it's Over" (one of my favorites). Oh and yes, they are from Australia :) But seriously, I'm in love with this CD, all 19 tracks of it. 

Which band are you currently obsessed with?? Let me know below in the comments section!! 

xoxo

Kirsten

Snow Day Dreamer

Guess what fellow dreamers??

                                         Yesterday it snowed... and snowed... and snowed.. until: 

Over a foot of snow! All in one day! Isn't it so peaceful and pretty??

So...  I decided to shovel: 

And got my dog dressed for the weather (but let's be honest, she hates the pink sweater... with a passion, and is humiliated whenever I make her wear it, but it was BELOW freezing, so with her best interests at heart (of course) I put it on her). Aint she just the cutest?? 

Then, we made delicious treats called, well I'm not sure they have a name, but we'll go with Saltine-Caramel-Chocolate-Pretzel Bars, and let me tell you, they are AMAZING!! Like seriously, this whole plate was gone by today (that's less than 24 hours of existence) and there are only two of us living here (good thing I shoveled earlier!). 

What are your favorite snow day activities??

xoxo
Kirsten

Delight (verb): to take great pleasure, joy

My exercise for the year..

The other day we took an epic hike from  Mui Wo (Lantau Island, Hong Kong) to Discovery Bay. I'm pretty positive there were over a thousand steps to climb, which might not sound like a lot, but man was I sore the next day.. I would definitely recommend it if you're interested in seeing some beautiful sights, but if you aren't in shape (like us) it takes about 3 hours. We trekked up the mountain and first saw a 180 degree view of Mui Wo Pier: 

It was cloudy and overcast but made it really nice weather to hike in

My brother and I after the first flight of stairs.. unaware of the hundreds more to come

And of course I had to photograph the lovely flowers along the way... 

I love the bright and natural beauty of these local flowers (no editing done)

Stairs... after stairs... after stairs... after stairs. 

We walked through a couple villages:

It was interesting to see the disparity between these villages and Discovery Bay (below). The people who live in Discovery Bay are mostly expats (people from Western countries that come to work & live abroad) and live in nice apartments or house boats. It felt like we were invading these peoples' homes as we walked through their villages because the path went straight through their houses. 

Two hours later....

And we could see our destination! 

After a whole 3 hours of walking, we came to the pier at Discovery Bay, tired and ready to eat and rest: 

Whats the longest hike you've ever gone on??

xoxo,

Kirsten

Recipe: Lemon Meringue Pie

The other night, CJ and I went to a friend's house for dinner and I always like to bring a dessert as a sign of appreciation for having us over. I'm not sure why it popped into my head but with 4 hours until we had to leave, I came up with Lemon Meringue Pie. It was delicious by the way and it says it needs at least 3 hours to make but we managed to whip it out in 2. I did however forget to separate the egg yolks and egg whites, but it turned out fine (just a bit less together, so don't forget that crucial step). It was fairly easy to make (I was especially impressed with how well the crust turned out-- I would definitely recommend making it rather than buying it-- it's super easy and tastes wonderful). 

Oh and this was our first time making this dessert. 

Click on "Read more" to see the recipe! 

Kung Hai Fat Choi– Happy Chinese New Year! Hong Kong Travels

Last week my brother and I set out for the distant land of... Hong Kong, China, and by distant, I mean 15-hours-away-distant, a.k.a. LONG flight. But it was well worth it. My dad lives on Lantau, an island where people mostly ride bikes, cows roam the streets (see below), and local life is a slower pace and chill. My brother and I have spent our days riding bikes 5 minutes to the grocery store, where we discovered a local fav of Brazilian chicken feet (toe nails included), and some of our favorite items: Milano cookies, popcorn, and Tim Tams (not all the food choices are as exotic as the first). 

The Chinese New Year is here (10th of February, I believe), and everyone has decorated with beautiful red paper lanterns and lovely trees with small oranges filling their branches. Most people get between 4 and 8 days off of work, school, etc., to be with their families. There is also usually a huge fireworks display at Victoria Park, as this is the most celebrated holiday here. This year is the year of the Snake. 

Hong Kong Island (View from the ferry)

Hong Kong Ferry

Mui Wo local beach

Hong Kong Island at night

A decorated orange tree (for New Years) and pretty flowers

Flowers at the Pui O local garden shop

My brother and I spotted this lovely herd of cows wandering up and down the streets of Mui Wo on our bike ride and I couldn't help but notice how cute the calves were! So, being the picture taking guru that I am, I dismounted my bike to capture some photos of the baby calves. The little ones immediately came over to me and started licking my jeans as well as the red fire hydrant. Loving the local wildlife!

What is your favorite place you've traveled to & why??


Happy New Year (Kung Hai Fat Choi)
XOXO,
Kirsten