We’re missing out on all of our monthiversaries.  Athena and I are on major budget crunch mode.  We are saving every penny in order to move away from Florida.  Our plan is to move to Portland in the first week of February.  We will be packing the car and driving across country in a sort of last-time’s-plan kind of way minus the immediacy.  We will have saved enough to make necessary stops along the way and visit the people that were willing to help us out the last time.  It will be much more comfortable and safer.  I’m all about safety.

I’m still doing the same old at CVS.  I heard that I’m going to be getting a thank you letter from the district manager.   I helped a nice customer out with her order and answered a lot of questions for her.  I did it all with my usual smile and helpfulness and she was just delighted.  She said I was so pleasant.  We got to talking about my career plans and she wanted to help me out.  She asked for a manager or higher up to glow at.  I told her about our 800 number and she called right in front of me while I finished her order.  She told me that the district manager would be personally thanking me soon.  “And if he doesn’t, I’m going to keep calling until he does!” She said.  Good times.  We’ll see if I get the letter.

Athena has been working at Godiva in the mall for about 3 weeks.  The free chocolate happiness wore off on about the second day, but she has memorized them all.  Sugoi.  All of her bosses were impressed.  I think she has been doing a great job, but she is concerned that her sales skills aren’t up to snuff.  She won’t be able to land a corporate account.  She can’t sell the massive box of chocolate.  But her store manager, KC, can and does.  Athena offers excellent customer service.  She can read people and get them exactly what they want.  It’s just not in her nature to push people to get more than they need.

I am still on the job hunt.  Avista and PECI are the top competitors right now.  I posted the essay I sent to Avista, which got me a conference call/phone interview on 11/20.  I think it went well.  The last I heard from PECI was that I would hear back on 11/20, but never did.  I emailed the recruiter that I have been in contact with and asked what happened on the Monday after.  She said she would call me that Wednesday.  I didn’t get a call.  I emailed both Avista and PECI today to let them know that I am still interested and waiting to hear back.  Avista said that the interviewers are still reviewing their candidates.  Nothing from PECI.

I’m not giving up hope.  PECI would be much better because it’s in Portland, for one, but also because the company itself stands for energy conservation.  Avista is just Washington’s utility company, like Edison for California or FPL for Florida.  If I get either job, I’m flying there right away.  I might stop by home and have my mom accompany me and help me settle in, but nothing has been decided yet.  I really can’t wait for everything to be settled.  Being on my toes and raring to go all the time just isn’t doing it for me.

Let’s not mention the economy.

Hello everyone! Back from a slight hiatus and ready to give you information on great deals.

Every Monday is Cyber Monday on the Savings Squirrel blog. Check out these great deals and coupons for extreme savings!

Target.com: Click here and you’ll receive $7 off your online order of $70 or more PLUS receive free shipping. (Some exclusions apply; please see website.) Expires December 7.

Godiva.com: Enter the code MERRY and you’ll receive free standard shipping on your online order of $50 or more. Expires December 7.

SmartBargains.com: Click here and you’ll receive 12% off your entire online order PLUS receive free shipping. Expires December 2.

RadioShack.com: Click here and you’ll receive $10 off your online order of $85 or more PLUS receive free shipping. (Some exclusions apply; please see website.) Expires January 15.

CrateAndBarrel.com: Click here and you’ll receive free shipping on your online order of $100 or more. (Some exclusions apply; please see website.) Expires December 22.

TheChildrensPlace.com: Enter the code CABINB9 and you’ll receive 15% off your entire online order. Expires December 6.

Cabelas.com: Enter the code 9WINTER and you’ll receive free shipping on your online order of $99 or more. Expires December 16.

Nike.com: Enter the code GIFT and you’ll receive free shipping on your entire online order. Expires December 22.

Alloy.com: Enter the code DISC15A and you’ll receive 15% off your entire online order. Expires December 17.

AnnTaylorLoft.com: Enter the code 104000690 and you’ll receive $20 off your online order of $100 or more. Expires January 5.

VistaPrint.com: Click here and you’ll receive 50% off your entire online order (excludes shipping). Expires December 31.

Drugstore.com: Click here and you’ll receive $10 off your online order of $80 or more (non prescription orders only). Expires December 31.

Rugby.com: Enter the code HOL2009A and you’ll receive 25% off your entire online order. Expires December 7.

Kmart.com: Enter the code COUPONCABIN and you’ll receive $5 off your online order of $50 or more. (Some exclusions apply; please see website.) Expires December 31.

Chadwicks.com: Enter the code CHAD234 and you’ll receive $30 off your online order of $90 or more. Expires December 31.

BrooksBrothers.com: Click here and you’ll receive free shipping on your online order of $200 or more. Expires December 23.

BCOutlet.com: Enter the code BC30CABIN and you’ll receive 30% off any single item. Expires January 8.

1800Contacts.com: Enter the code CABIN688 and you’ll receive $9 off your online order of $90 or more PLUS receive free shipping. (New customers only). Expires December 2.

BigDiscountFragrances.com: Enter the code CC15100 and you’ll receive $15 of your online order of $100 or more. Expires January 10.

E-ZRentACar.com: Enter the code CABIN and you’ll receive 7% off when you book any car rental. (Some exclusions apply; please see website). Expires December 30.

Budget.com: Click here and you’ll receive 20% off on your online rental. Expires December 31.

LeapFrog.com: Click here and you’ll receive 25% off your entire online order PLUS receive free shipping on orders over $50. Expires December 2.

Disney.com: Enter the code SHIP89 and you’ll receive free shipping on your online order of $89 or more. Expires December 17.

Dell.com: Enter the code G$J83T50BRX626 and you’ll receive $5 off your online order of $75 or more. (Some exclusions apply; please see website.)  Expires December 31.

DicksSportingGoods.com: Click here and you’ll receive free shipping on your online order of $49.99 or more. (Some exclusions apply; please see website.) Expires December 31.

NBAStore.com: Click here and you’ll receive 15% off any single item. (Some exclusions apply; please see website.) Expires January 15.

VictoriasSecret.com: Enter the code VSSAVE20 and you’ll receive 20% off your entire online order. Expires December 2.

Gap.com: Click here and you’ll receive free shipping on your online order of $50 or more. Expires December 15.

There’s plenty more; will post later!

I am sure you will be attending various holiday parties. It is always a polite gesture to bring a gift for the hostess as a thank you. I have several appropriate suggestions shown below from various companies online including local Indianapolis and Carmel businesses. The gifts range from $10 – $50.

Fresh flowers are always appreciated, however, that requires the hostess to cut the stems and find a vase which is extra work. When choosing gifts think of something personal that you know the hostess will enjoy and be able to savor later. 

Sources: Restoration Hardware, FTD, Sweet Things, Inc, Godiva, Easley Winery, Vine & Table, Oliver’s Twist, Tiny Prints

Now my problem as a bride is not that I don’t have enough ideas, I have too many. Which I solely blame the perhaps hundreds of wedding blogs, decor blogs, fashion blogs on my Google Reader that I read daily (because I am a loser like that). So I know I mentioned favors before and almost had my heart set on Cookies and Milk idea but milk is awfully hard to keep cool. Handing out milk just before the guest leaves feels like elementary school and putting it all in an ice bucket seems awfully unglamourous (maybe only if it were a crystal bucket but I digress).

I know kind of what I want for my favors. They have to be meaningful, useful (somewhat), and amazing. I mean, is that too much to ask? No not really. When bridesmaid #2 called me from the wedding aisle at Michael’s with favor options like a heart key (“get it? Key to my heart?”) bottle opener, or a heart wine bottle stopper, or . . .  I forget the last one. . . but you see what I mean; I knew I had to act before someone twisted my arm into handing out plasticky heart shaped (Hearts? Really? Do I look/sound like a heart shaped anything kinda gal?) thingamajigs.

So, for your consideration, I was thinking, maybe, possibly of Godiva Chocolate wedding favors. I really like their couture line. There will be no giving out M&Ms (nothing against the little guys) or Kisses or half off Halloween candy (or in my case half off Valentine’s Day candy) wrapped in tulle. No sir! Nothing but the best for Miss Yap even if she is a Shoestring Bride, thank you very much! Check these out!

I am in love with these little wedding cakes but at $38 for 4, the price is a little stiff. And I probably have to gussy them up with little notes with swirly calligraphy probably a velvet ribbon. We might have to do something about that Godiva on the side of the box. I am really not one for lables (Chanel being the exception). So a (slightly) more affordable option is their Celebration Cakes

At $20 for a set of 4 a bride really could do worst. That is about $5 a cake not including shipping, taxes, packaging, set up, delivery, and other amount of crazy miscellaneous items they tag on there. And now they have a free standard shipping over on purchases over $50 which I cannot take advantage of because I know I will need to stew over this for a bit and throw out 47 other ideas before deciding. What say you girls? Would you leave them at the gift table or try and sneak two or three into your purse before you leave? I would like to hear what other Brides are thinking of for their favors. It is getting to be quite the stick up my butt if you know what I mean.

I’m looking back in my life and I’m thinking that I had it all, I’ve tasted all, I have seen it all. But still I can’t resist on you. I want to grab you and put you into my mouth, I want to let you melt slowly so that I can taste you one more time. You are the only pleasure that I can’t resist! You are my only little sin.  Oh God…!!!

Godiva Chocolates…

God’s gifts to divas!!!God’s gift to you!!!

Order your Christmas Corporate Gifts before 30th November 2009 and get a special 5% discount!
Godiva Christmas Tree
This lovely limited edition Godiva Christmas tree goes with an assortment of 11pcs Godiva chocolates

Godiva Christmas Swarovski Box-64pcs

Godiva Christmas Discovery Hamper

An discovery Christmas hamper full of Godiva goodness!
A perfect gift for those looking for an impressive impact. This contains variety of Godiva products.

Visit our website at http://moka-group.com/store/christmas-gifts-2009.html

Share the love this Eid with exclusive gifts especially selected for this season.

Gifts for Eid Al-Adha 2009.

Special Note: Chocolate Items are ONLY delivered within United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujeirah, Ras Al-Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Sharjah)

Visit us at http://moka-group.com/store/ramadan-eid-gift-hampers-uae.html

no zen-like youtube music today.  the music i hear is nii-san playing resident evil 5’s mercenaries.  which btw, resident evil 5 gold, ZOMG!  two new champaigns and mercenaries reunion with 8 new players??!  eek!  needs to come out NYYYAAAOOWWW!!

what’s been up recently?  well, things have been getting better since my little relapse, so that’s good.  i’ve been able to do a little mantra meditation and such to get me back in-tuned and grounded again.  also been reading some “happy books”.  yeah…  counselor recommended a few books for me to pick up, so i thought, eh.  why not give it a shot.  plus i haven’t done any reading in FOREVER, so it’s good to get back into it.  i’m just so glad my stupid episode is over and i can get back to taking care of myself and my family.

speaking of family, so beni moved!  ok.  he kinda did.  he moved to his brother’s old room and it’s AWESOME!  it’s so much bigger than his old room.  hell, it’s even bigger than MY room!  we got pretty much all the furniture in the new room, just gotta finish moving all his clothes and such.  there’s so much space there now we can just sprawl out on the floor and chill..which we do.  x3  and gaming is more enjoyable too.  we aren’t dangerously close to the tv anymore so our eyes can endure even longer gaming sessions.  hahaha…  which is good because a lot of good games just came out.  uncharted 2, assassin’s creed 2, modern warfare 2…just noticed these are all sequels.  funny..  anyway, a lot of good games!  here’s how we celebrated the move:

mmm…we DO enjoy the bubblies!  and check out the totally cute purple micro-plush throw beni got for me for the move.  i LOVE it!!!  it’s so soft!!  <33  i think i’m doing what elliot from scrubs did at the end of the series.  i think i’m secretly moving into beni’s place.  haha.  i think that’s just me hoping that one day beni asks me to move in with him.  maybe one day…  ^^;

on the 17th, i met my nutritionist for the free food program i signed up for.  it was pretty cool talking about my current diet and how i can improve it for my health.  she said that i could keep with my vegitarian diet which rocks!  but i have to drink…*gulps*…milk…  ugh!  i’m serious, that shit is nasty.  i’ve been downing it with chocolate syrup and vanilla extract and i still can’t stand it.  i’m glad i only have to drink it half the time.  man…why can’t soy milk be included in the program??  ;A;  speaking of healthy eating, beni just wowed me recently by hitting up a veggie patty sub at subway recently:
veggie patties!
oh my brave man!  i still find it funny that he chose it out of the blue.  i assumed he would’ve ordered something more…dead.  but he enjoyed it and he even said he’d eat it again.  now if i can get him to eat at least a tomato slice…hmm…  baby steps!  also, i went to tijuana flats for the first time yesterday.  it was actually REALLY good.  i had a veggie soft taco and i wanted MORE.  maybe we can go sometime again soon.  we went to the one on this plaza called village place off montague street.  very nice place.  i wish i can get a flat there!

ooo!  and i just got in a few goodies!  i’m so excited for them!

after my favourite ahnk necklace broke a year or so ago, i’ve been going through so many different necklaces to fill the void.  i’ve had a lot but none stuck it out long enough.  the ones made of metal eventually rusted, my hemp ones broke, and my favourite necklace that tita modie gave me is now scattered all over beni’s floor.  ;A;  i finally just decided to go online and just search.  i looked through so many online stores to find SOMETHING that would just call out to me.  there were a few that were begging me to buy them, and i still just might do that, but i finally came across this lovely om necklace that said, “hey, raven.  you know i’m the one for you!”  it’s a lovely little pewter om that i found in a store on ebay.  my last necklace (the ahnk) was pewter too, so i think this was somehow destined.  ^^  and it was surprisingly really inexpensive!  the ones that i kept looking over that i loved were a bit pricey.  around the 40 and up range which i usually don’t mind considering my favourite ahnk necklace of all time was around 70, but this little guy was under 6 dollars!  EEE!!!  and it looks SOOOO much cuter than it’s picture online!  <33  ॐ

i also just got in the crystal wands i ordered earlier in the week.  they are so beautiful!  i was so afraid the ones the lady would pick out for me would be really pale coloured ones, but these are just..uhhh!!!  i love them!  also, the seller sent a tumbled moonstone and aventurine as a free gift!!  i can’t wait to use them all!

—

lastly…

I GOT A JOB!!!!

@LaBargains

or on the web http://www.labargainhunter.com/

I just started following @LABargains on Twitter. They only have 328 followers–what?  By following @Labargains, you can get up to the minute deals and discounts in LA on cool things….like free tacos at Wahoos Fish tacos, free truffles at Godiva,  and free music from itunes.

Also, for nationwide discounts follow: @missbargainista on twitter or http://www.missbargainista.blogspot.com/ (a single girl in an expensive world and my life is one giant bargain).

I love these bargain sites because they are for things I might actually want. There’s lots of deals on high-end makeup, clothing and food–like this great offer I just found on missbargainista’s site:

]]> http://catchan1980.wordpress.com/2009/11/23/in-the-name-of-vanity/ Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:30:05 +0000 catchan1980 http://catchan1980.wordpress.com/2009/11/23/in-the-name-of-vanity/

How much pain can you endure in the name of beauty?

How much money are you willing to spend in the name of flawlessness?

This Saturday,  my boyfriend and I booked some time at our favorite beauty centre for some overdue facials. I suggested he get a facial before he flies to Sydney for a business trip. I certainly didn’t want him facing his clients with blackheads all over >_<

We had Godiva’s vitamin C facial — our usual, of course. He was supposed to get the gentleman’s executive facial, but was informed it includes some whitening procedure so he opted for the vitamin C one instead. I kept telling him he’s so pale and he needs to stop using those skin care products with whitening stuff because he looks like a ghost already — I guess he took my words to heart. Finally.

I have had this service for many times already – and during my facial, I kept on wondering WHY. Why do I subject myself to this kind of torture?? Why do I pay P600 just to get all red and swollen?? I could feel my facialist digging deep into my skin with the comedone extractor (?), just to get the dirt out. I had to fight the urge to grab her hand and make her stop. I thought I already had holes on my face. I thought I had bleeding spots already. It certainly felt like that. It was so painful that the word ‘anesthesia’ flashed through my mind several times…XD

Some 15 agonizing minutes later, she was done with the torture and was surprised at how my face looked — I was red and swollen all over. I guess she panicked a bit, the way she talked to me. I assured her it happens all the time. I ALWAYS look like that whenever I get a facial. Like I stuck my head inside an anthill. Ick.

The redness and swelling took overnight to subside. When I woke up this morning, there were still some swollen spots, but not very noticeable. Maybe in 3-4 days, even the scabs on my forehead (where the cystic acne used to be) would have been gone already. Fingers crossed.

Will I go back again? Ask me in 3 months. By then, I would’ve forgotten about how bad it felt.

Godiva Milk Chocolate Truffle Gems

got this from Honey! it’s soooooooo gooooooooooood!!! another first time! love it!  imagine it’s $15! it’s around P700++!!! haha (mind my excessive use of  exclamation point.. i’m just way too happy haha ) naman kc… look at how it’s cutely packed!
 

22 pcs. (7.6 oz) at $15 BUY IT HERE

and I know myself too much… I wont buy chocolates this expensive! so, good thing naranasan ko kahit minsan lng sa aking buhay ang ganitong luxury hahaha thank you! thank you! Honey!!! sa uulitin!

^_^

Christmas Gifts & Gift Hampers – Welcome to our collection of Christmas Gifts & Gift Hampers 2009 all available for delivery to the whole UAE – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujeirah, Ajman, Ras Al-Khaimah, Umm Al-Quwain

more of this Christmas Collection 2009 @ http://moka-group.com/store/christmas-gifts-2009.html

Dies sind ein paar Bilder, die ich beim meinem Foto-Kurs (über die VHS) am Wochenende zustande gebracht habe.
Mal wieder habe ich gemerkt, dass Kochen für mich die perfekte Kunstform ist. Meine Kreativität ist nämlich sehr stark von der Zweckmässigkeit des kreierten abhängig. Wenn ich nicht vorhätte die Bilder im Blog zu verarbeiten hätte ich wahrscheinlich gar nichts zustande gebracht. Und einfach nur ein paar essbare Dinge zusammenlegen und fotografieren erscheint mir einfach nur sinnlos und reizt mich gar nicht. Daher habe ich letztendlich Dinge fotografiert, die mir sinnvoll erscheinen und die ich schön finde.
Was ich “erschaffe” muss hinterher einen Zweck erfüllen und was eignet sich da besser als etwas leckeres zu kochen? Und wenn man es dann auch noch teilen kann ist der Zweck perfekt!

Maronen schmecken fabelhaft und geben jetzt bei mir im Wohnzimmer eine wunderschöne Herbst-Deko ab. Sie stehen auch auf meiner Liste mit Zutaten, mit denen ich gerne mehr ausprobieren möchte. Bei Maronen denke ich an Weihnachtsmarkt und Glühwein, durch die Stadt bummeln mit dickem Schal und Handschuhen. Vor ein paar Wochen habe ich auf dem Antik-Flohmarkt auf der Konstablerwache aber schon ein paar gegessen und mich sehr gefreut, dass auch ausserhalb von Weihnachtsmärkten mal welche angeboten werden.
Mit Decke (eins meiner Lieblingsstücke und darf auf meiner Couch nicht fehlen), Körbchen und Granatapfel fand ich die Kombination sehr schön herbstlich und stimmungsvoll. Ok, ich gebe zu, das ist jetzt aber alles was ich mir an künstlerischen Gedanken hierzu gemacht habe.

Die Pralinen waren hauptsächlich schön. Weil ich auf den letzten Drücker die “Zutaten” für den Fotokurs gekauft habe hatte meine Lieblings-Chocolaterie Opitz schon zu. Die Pralinen von Godiva hatten lange nicht diesen zarten Schmelz, und von Suchtpotential kann im Gegensatz zu Opitz keine Rede sein. Vor allem die dick mit Kakao gepuderten Schoko-Sahne-Trüffel “Chocolate-Lover” von Opitz sind einfach der Wahnsinn.
Jetzt hab ich mir richtig Appetit drauf gemacht und muss wohl nochmal vorbeihuschen heute….

Achtung – die Salz-Bilder haben keine Farbfehler! Das milde Murray-River-Salz aus Australien hat tatsächlich diesen Rosa-Ton. Die wunderschönen kristallinen Stukturen erinnern fast an Schneeflocken und laden nur dazu ein Fotos davon zu machen. Leider habe ich kein Makro-Objektiv, sonst könnte ich mir vorstellen jetzt professionelle Salz-Fotografin zu werden.
Die kleinen Blättchen knistern zwischen den Fingern und schmelzen förmlich im Mund, man sollte sie daher erst ganz kurz vor dem Verzehr über das Gericht geben oder als Tisch-Salz zum (Nach-)Würzen verwenden.
Das Salz gibt es bei der Genuss-Akademie oder bei cri-cri.

An Interview
Choco Kat’s attempt at assembling a Chocolate Poll: What’s your favourite chocolate?

Being a little curious with everybody’s taste in chocolate, I just had to poke around to find out what people think. Here are what some of my friends are saying:

Choco Kat says:
I need a little help with something… I’m putting together a chocolate poll, called “what’s your favourite chocolate”. Whats yours? It can be everyday store bought, in any shape or form, luxury, home made, or special edition holiday ones, etc.

Chris says:
Purdy’s dark bars

Choco Kat says:
And you have to give me a reason, why do you like it so much? – Why its your favourite – good ones please:

Chris says:
Lol I dunno, cuz they are good!

Choco Kat says:
Can you be more detailed? You can describe the look, the taste, if it triggers certain memories or special moments…

Chris says:
No memories or triggers, it just tastes the best to me. It’s their pure dark chocolate bars

Choco Kat says:
I need a better reason!
Maybe its how it makes you feel when you eat it?

Chris says:
Dunno, never thought about it. It just tastes good, and its not something I buy too often.

Choco Kat says:
Alright, any other reasons? What is it about this chocolate that tastes better than the other chocolates to you?

Chris says:
I dunno, I never thought about that too much either. I am not a chocolaet connoisseur. Chocolate that tastes chunky or too sweet, I do not like

Choco Kat says:
Nice
Thats why you picked the dark kind?

Chris says:
I guess

~More questions………..~

Choco Kat says: (a repeat of my ‘blurb’)

Terry says:
Is this spam or a legit message?

Choco Kat says:
No, this is me writing it, I just got weary of re-typing everything, is that ok with you?

Terry says:
Let’s see…It’s gotta be Aero…
Bubbles tingle my mouth, it brings me a smile. I also like body chocolate.

Choco Kat says:
You are such an oddball! Hehe

Terry says:
That’s me!
I gave u awesome answers

~More questions………..~

Choco Kat says:
Chocolate?

Ken — I’ve got a sweet tooth for licorice drops and jelly rolls. says:
Bernard Callebaut.
Dark Chocolate with Hazelnut.

Choco Kat says:
Okay, well can you be more specific with that? Like how does it taste? How does it feel to you?

Ken– I’ve got a sweet tooth for licorice drops and jelly rolls. says:
I’m actually limited in my taste because I’m vegan.
I can’t have meats, chicken, dairy. So I can only eat dark chocolate.
I prefer the chocolate to be bitter.

Choco Kat says:
That’s cool, a fresh answer. I’ve been getting a bunch of “don’t knows”…

Ken– I’ve got a sweet tooth for licorice drops and jelly rolls. says:
And the higher the percentage the better, percentage of cocoa.

Choco Kat says:
I think these are fantastic answers Ken!

Ken — I’ve got a sweet tooth for licorice drops and jelly rolls. says:
I’m surprised.
People don’t usually think.
When they buy stuff. They just buy buy buy

Choco Kat says:
Yeah, you can say that again…
You might want to try Lindt 99% cocoa dark, that’s also great for heart health.

Ken– I’ve got a sweet tooth for licorice drops and jelly rolls. says:
What’s this poll for?
A marketing research report?

Choco Kat says:
No, its for my web blog. I just wanted to see what everyone liked to eat.
It’s in the early stage, (blame it on me having nothing better to do)

Ken — I’ve got a sweet tooth for licorice drops and jelly rolls. says:
Hehe, at least you’re being productive.

Choco Kat says:
Nah, I don’t think so.

Ken — I’ve got a sweet tooth for licorice drops and jelly rolls. says:
Lol

~Final questions………..~

Choco Kat says:
Hey Karen

Karen says:
Hey Sup?

Choco Kat says:
(blurb)

Karen says:
Hmm….dark chocolate…?

Choco Kat says:
Which product?

Karen says:
Umm…..Godiva?

Choco Kat says:
Umm……okay……….whats this chocolate called that you like to have at godiva?

Karen says:
Hahaha, I dunno…
All of them?
Hey sorry, I have to head out now…
SOrry!!

Choco Kat says:
Okay, thanks Karen!

Thank you to all of my friends for putting up with all my questions!
Interviewees:
Chris, 24
Terry, 23
Karen, 21
Ken, 25

What’s your favourite Chocolate?
Comments are welcome below

… the Chocolate? I can’t think of anything else. Well, maybe its the daughter’s name or sth.

I just finished celebrating my birthday, still here in Florida. Sheena and Lisa’s birthdays were both recent as well, so it’s been a long week.
I celebrated my birthday by going out with Athena and her parents at P.F. Chang’s (PFC). In California, PFC wouldn’t be considered the best chinese food, but it’s up there. In Florida,there is no competition, so PFC could easily be the best.
It was very good. We all shared lettuce wraps and then I ordered my crispy honey and Athena got her eggplant stir fry. We also shared garlic noodles. It was just the right amount of food. I would’ve been stuffed if the rice was better, but as it was, it was enough. My desert was a strawberry cheese cake desert shot for free.
When I got back from dinner, I lit and cut the Creative Cakery cake my parents sent from California. It was a poppy seed cake with cream cheese frosting decorated with a bow and CA flag. I have been the only one interested in eating it, which is fine with me.
I had another piece this morning before leaving for Disney World. It’s poppy seed so, it’s perfect for dessert and breakfast. Orlando is a good two and a half hours away from Jupiter. I registered for a free birthday ticket but didn’t end up pursuing it because Lisa followed through with one of her own. We were originally going to spend the night at the resort to make use of both of ours, but that was vetoed, I guess.
The was a little disappointing though because of a planning snafu. We were meant to have park hopper tickets because EPCOT and The Magic Kingdom are separate parks. But, Lisa ordered tickets online and didn’t purchase park hoppers. We were going to upgrade, but I’m not a Florida resident and the upgrade would have been upwards of $200 just for me. Needless to say, we didn’t do that.
We spent the day at EPCOT and the world toury thing they had set up. Tokyo was fantastic. We had lunch at the Teppan Edo restaurant where our own personal Japanese chef prepared our meal. It was such good food.
The atmosphere was great too and we had some fun speaking Japanese with the staff, all from Japan. They were impressed with our pronunciation. (Thank you Athena and JapanesePod101.com)
We didn’t do much else besides taking in the sights and walking around because the world tour was very food and beverage related. There were a couple cultural things, exhibits, and attractions, but it was very small scale.
I learned about Norway, storm preparedness, and energy though.
A lot of our time was spent trying to get to Disney Land or the Magic Kingdom. We were so close, it was pretty sad.
It was still nice to get out and do something new though. I still want to go to Disney Land–the Anaheim, California one because it’s better.
My gift to Lisa was a set of lotion and body wash called optimism and wild orchid. I also got her a green bag tag to adorn her gift bag. It’s a new promotion from CVS that offers $1 back every 4th visit while using reusable bags, which she does. Her gift to me was 4 shirts that are fashionable and appropriate for pub nights and house parties.
It’s raining. I’m writing from my phone in the car and the way back from Disney World. I’m very tired. It has been a long day after a long week. Yet, with all the tiresome, long days, time seems to be going so fast without making any progress toward my goal.
In response to my essay response that I posted, I received a “thank you” by email. I got a phone call about my application for an engineering position with Avista Utilities, Washington state’s power company. They asked me if I was still interested in the position 3-4 months later. I said yes, of course. So, they said the next step of the process was to write the essay that I wrote. It has now been a week since that “thank you” response to my response.
Aside from this nibble, I’ve heard nothing. I don’t know if these people know that I’m willing to uproot and jump on board with them. I’m even considering heading up by myself first while Athena builds up a solid resume work reference with Godiva. We could end up spending up to 3 months apart. That would suck so bad, but it would give me a chance to make a home for us in the pacific northwest.

We had a good laugh about having pictures of my parents along with us when we went out to dinner and having them on speaker phone. We got pretty elaborate with it, too with pictures of them eating, then singing and so on. I might end up doing that when I’m completely on my own.

She knelt naked in front of the mirror which was laid on the hardwood floor. She was on her all fours and started crawling over the mirror. She felt the coldness of the mirror on her knees and palm. She moved slowly over the mirror lest it might crack. She looked down to see her reflection….a stranger looked back at her. Her reflection failed to acknowledge her presence. Her flesh had whiplashes of time and she knew the anguish of losing youth. Despite the sting of age, she had firm body and more importantly a diffident soul caged in the frail frame of feminine. In these few moments of exploring herself physically through her reflection, she accidentally stumbled upon her insecurities. She was lady Godiva riding her reflection. She felt comfort at her nudity and at the same time felt humiliation for doing what she was doing. The amalgamation of comfort and humiliation gave birth to confusion. Was she confused ??

“You make me feel like ****ing whore?”, She screamed silently at the culprit.

The tears welled up in her eyes and started flowing over the threshold of her eyes. She heard the silent thud of the tears falling on the mirror. She lifted her head and saw the blurred image of her husband through her lachrymose eyes. He was a mute spectator watching her every move….watching every swivel of crest and trough in her curves like waves on a beach. The rising crescendo of her arch back was more musical than a note on a violin. His eyes savoured every line, curve, pore, freckle and mole on her body. Seeing her wife in duality was even more erotic for him……like a siamese twins she was fighting with herself– with her reflection. For what she was and what she wasn’t.

“Bloody voyeur !!”, She hissed at him like a serpent.

He made a strange innuendo with his fingers which she fathomed with ease. It was a signal for her to lie flat on the mirror. She obeyed like an obedient slave and her breasts touched the mirror at the same point where her tears had fallen. She felt the wetness of her tears on her breasts and a soothness rode all over her. She was comfort with the thought that she could stir a male’s soul even though time had robbed her of her youth.

“Bloody exhibitionist, that’s what I’m !!” , She smiled and saw out of the corner of her eyes the reflection of her husband, unbuttoning his shirt. Her shallow breathing quickly turned into deep…. her heart quickened. She couldn’t see her own reflection in the fogged mirror anymore.
———– Binzy

View Today’s post about Godiva Truffles

http://galleriamag.wordpress.com/

Golden Wrapped Pumpkin Delights

One of the most traditional chocolate delights are truffles. Their soft, filled ganache centres, were traditionally soft-chocolate filled, but today, which the sophistication of culinary palates and creativity of chef chocolatiers, they offer more delectable  fillings such as nougat, creamy nut blends and fruit blends.

Leading Chocolatier, Godiva , which began in 1926 in Brussels is more than just chocolate, it is also a form of art and an expression of love. This international brand is known for its classy approach to branding itself, through the artistic designs of its chocolates, packaging & boutique style retail concept. Its wide collection of chocolates includes premium signature chocolate truffle assortment and elegantly boxed or wrapped truffles, that are symbols of friendship, or of love. One can simply say “Thank you” or “Happy Birthday” by buying perfectly printed detail ribbon tied boxes with their signature truffle assortment.

Through it’s attention to creating themes out of its cholocate, Godiva also creates some beautiful seasonal truffle collections such as the Fall Collection and the Halloween collection, which are filled with creamy pumpkin-spice ganache and enrobed in milk chocolate,  as well as covered in Godiva printed gold foil.

To celebrate its historical status, Godiva’s Chef Chocolatiers hand-selected the most iconic and delicious Godiva truffles in Godiva’s 60 years of truffle making history and the truffles that made Godiva famous, delivered in rich, textured, hand-crafted boxes adorned with a brass plaque.

xo

Lepang

Toda leyenda se teje sobre un hecho real. Hace ya unos 1000 años, en una aldea de la actual Inglaterra, una mujer desafió a su marido. Ese desafío ha sido inmortalizado en una leyenda y su nombre se despliega en unos de los mejores chocolates del mundo.

Lady Godiva montó desnuda, hace casi 1000 años, a través de su pueblo en claro desafío a su esposo, el señor feudal. El pueblo en reconocimiento y respeto a su Señora, cerró las ventanas para no verla. La razón: un impuesto ordenado por el señor feudal. El señor feudal, luego de este acto de protesta extrema, retira el impuesto.

La historia soporta esta leyenda. Aparece en esos años un registro de la existencia de un impuesto a los caballos que meses después es retirado. ¿Cuándo ha visto usted eso en la historia? Se logra colocar un impuesto y sin explicación alguna se retira.

Ahora ya conoce la leyenda. Disfrute de unos deliciosos chocolates y recuerde que llevan el nombre de una mujer que desafió la autoridad de su esposo y abogó por la abolición de cargas que el pueblo no podía soportar.

¿Sabe ahora más rico un chocolate Godiva?

So I failed at keeping this going again, so starting now, I’m going to do like I was going to and update with what I post in my Ameblo and stick to it this time.

First off, I finally got to try the special Godiva Halloween chocolates I bought earlier this month. There’s 4 different flavours in the set: Caramel Apple Tombstone, Blood Orange Bat, Death by Chocolate Skull, and Candy Corn Ghost.

The Candy Corn Ghost, which I was iffy about, actually tasted really good! It has a creamy candy corn filling and it goes really well with the chocolate.

Caramel Apple Tombstone on the other hand is distgusting. I normally like Caramel Apple things, but that was really gross. I couldn’t eat all of it because it was starting to make me feel ill. (Funny it’s a tombstone and it made me sick..lol..)

Blood Orange Bat is really…REALLY delicious! It tastes like a Dreamsicle in chocolate covered candy form! It’s a good thing these special ones are expensive or I might buy too many more, lol. I definitely recommend trying those and the next one…

Death by Chocolate Skull. I think they said it’s White chocolate to milk chocolate to dark chocolate coating with dark chocolate creme inside. It’s delicious! I like that it’s mostly dark chocolate of course~

So, on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being best:
Candy Corn Ghost – 4

Caramel Apple Tombstone – 1..only because it’s cool looking..if it weren’t for that, I’d give it a 0 for making me sick, lol

Blood Orange Bat – 5

Death by Chocolate Skull – 5

I also have this lovely leaf pop to try, but I’m saving it for Halloween.

The colours on it are gorgeous☆

[BMG: TV - Top Gear (BBCA)]