Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Chocolate Covered Strawberries



I have a major sweet tooth. I LOVE sweets! Growing up in a country where eating dessert after dinner is not customary, I’ve always had an affinity towards sweeter snacks. One of the fond memories of my childhood is asking my parents if we could stop by Baskin Robbins for a scoop of Jamoca ice cream everytime we were at the mall.

I was born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia. Where my parents are from (Semarang, a city in Central Java), the flavor profile of the food is towards the sweeter side. I think people from that region generally have an affinity towards sweeter food, so a lot of the cooking incorporates naturally sweeter ingredients or natural sweetener such as palm sugar. I think my sweet tooth is a genetic trait my parents have graciously passed down to me.

After moving to America and discovering that there is an endless possibility and wide variety of dessert, my affinity is magnified. I like almost all kinds of sweets: cakes, cookies, ice cream, custards, puddings, chocolates, you name it. However, in keeping with my 2015 resolution, I am trying to make or eat more desserts or sweets that are fruity, because fruits are good for you. Yes, I will still be eating sweets and desserts, because I am a big believer in “everything in moderation.” Cold turkey everything never works for me; cutting sweets and desserts out of my diet only makes me crave them more.

I have always loved warm apple pie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, but one of my favorite fruity desserts has to be chocolate covered strawberries! In my opinion, it is the best combination after donuts and coffee, oreos and milk, and PB&J. It is not quite the peak season for strawberries yet, but in light of recent hallmark holiday, Valentine’s day, I was inspired to make them. Yes, I made them after the holiday, and no, the husband and I don’t really celebrate Valentine’s day. We have always been more practical and less mainstream – eating out on Valentine’s day is not only more expensive, but the quality of the food is usually also not up to par. So, the day after V-day, I went out and got myself some strawberries, and here is how I made the treat.


Wash and thoroughly dry the strawberries – the melted chocolate won’t stick if the strawberries are wet. Insert skewers to make it easier to dip them in chocolate.


Melt some chocolate chips in a double boiler (or use a small pot filled with an inch of water, then place a metal bowl above it and fill with the chocolate chips until melted) then dip the strawberries in the melted chocolate. Place strawberries on parchment paper or non-stick baking mat.


Decorate with sprinkles and enjoy!


Thursday, January 29, 2015

2015

2015 - a new year! Yes, this post is a bit late in the game, but I want to share with you my so-called resolution. Instead of the typical, very specific, measurable goals, my resolution this year is summed up in one word: wellness. It is all-encompassing: spirit, soul, and body. It will include a lot of aspects of my life, and I will be making a conscious effort to “live better”. It will not be a radical change, but it will be small steps towards achieving wellness.

I will be documenting my journey towards wellness here. It will be anything and everything – food adventures, workout-related things, daily pick-me-ups, fashion inspiration, and maybe even some home and décor ideas. Here’s to a better life in 2015!



Friday, June 27, 2014

Sephora Pick-Me-Up

Today was one of those days were I just had to buy something. After a long week of work, everyone deserves a treat right? And plus, my old perfume's smell (Daisy by Marc Jacob) was starting to turn. Anyway, less excuses, more product!



Elizabeth and James Nirvana White
The packaging is quite elegant and cute, which is definitely a plus. The smell can be best described as strong and rosy, with a hint of fruit. A lot of people on Sephora.com said that they had issues with this fragrance failing to stay on; this wasn't a problem for me. Just remember to try it on your skin prior to purchase! Or since Sephora has such a nice return policy, take it home, spray it on, cuddle with it, see how you like it, then decide whether or not you want to keep it. But I, personally, am a fan. Good job Mary Kate and Ashley.

-Joanna//

So excites!

Us: Welcome to our blog!
Louise: We are.. *giggles*.. Welcome to our blog, we are excited to share our journey of life with you all. Take a glimpse into our.. normal? exciting?
Joanna: Exciting?
Louise: We live an excitingly normal life.
Joanna: We excitify our normal life!!

In this blog you will find various posts about just about everything under the sun. Almost. Don't want to say all because that's always a risky business. Hope you enjoy :)