Goodbye 2011...

Hello 2012!

Goal for Next Year: Macaroons.

This guy makes it look so easy to make.
Goal for 2012.

moonbeams & bunny kisses,

Rima

Thing I Love Monday, week 50 & 51 (end of year)

Can you believe that we're approaching the end of 2011? We're living the last Monday of the year? Enjoy it, inhale every minute of it as we walk in to 2012. Woo wee.

So I hope everyone had a great Christmas. I don't celebrate Christmas, but I do celebrate the Season of Giving & Love (which should be every day, but oh well, let's make a whole season of it!). I spent my Xmas day being on call for work (thank God, I didn't get called in for cases!) and having our usual Xmas Lunch @ grandma's house (it's been a tradition). Not only I was grateful for that, I'm grateful for finally having Xmas off after 3 years of being a nurse. Yay.

Typical (indo) Food that my Oma prepares for a feast.

I'm pretty sure everyone has a tradition that they do every Christmas season. In my case, some what in the month of December, I usually manage to watch 2 of my Favorite Christmas-themed movies: Bridget Jones's Diary & Love Actually. I did Love Actually on Christmas Eve (always epic) which I purposely waited til that night to watch (by myself, in bed, with a cup of hot Chai Latte), and this time for Christmas day I manage to watch another Christmas-themed movie, The Holiday. Gotta LOVE LOVE LOVE Jack Black & the handsome Jude Law (also, by myself, in bed, with a cup of hot Chai Latte). Yes I am indeed a sappy little girl.

Anyways, it has been a pretty busy 2 weeks, with a Christmas Cookies Exchange Party (that I helped out for my ER people), followed with a Retirement Dinner Bash (LUPE WE MISS YOU), and several after hours cases at work. Not to forget to mention, my Youth's Secret Gift Exchange that was super fun, and meeting the Pillow's Mum for the first time (nerve wracking on my part) & spending a day with the Pillow's sister at Disneyland (fun, but crazy crowded and tiring!) Those 2 weeks went by so fast, it's crazy. At one point, I was afraid I was gonna get sick but I managed to pull it through!

As for Christmas Gifts, I gifted myself an Xbox 360 with Kinect (hohoho... no reason to NOT workout, eh?) and a KitchenAid hand mixer (that I love). Like my previous entry, my beloved Pillowman gave me a Tiffany & Co bracelet that I proudly wear on my right forearm. Love it.

Anyways... This year has been pretty interesting for me. Got to travel again to my favorite city, New York City, at the end of March & watching Lionel Messi played in New Jersey, followed with my shift from my beloved ER to my new department, Interventional Radiology, where I've met cool & new friends & doctors and gaining new sights to a new type of nursing. Pillow went to the Superbowl & witness his team, Green Bay Packers, winning. Got a promise ring (which at the end I sorta broke. Boo) Did several trips to Vegas this year (with one, in the summer, that I will cherish forever and will keep a secret FOREVERRRR), being part in my sister's wedding (with a mini reunion with my 4 sisters)... well having mini reunions with several of my sisters, biking trips with Pillow, beach dates, sleepovers/cuddle sesh, PF San Diego trip, discovering my new love for Chinese Reflexology (hello Happy Feet of Rowland Heights!), finally got to see Coldplay!!! Went to Catalina for the first time & ziplined too!! Watching GB Packers played SD Chargers, FRONT ROW, in the rain! Major Baking Session. Meeting his Mum for the first time. Disneyland trips... Gosh, I'm pretty sure I missed a lot. I know for sure, this year went by like a flash. Insane.

So I hope you all enjoy this last week of 2011. Embrace it with a big hug and welcome 2012 with a huge grin in your face.

moonbeams & bunny kisses,
Rima

Happy Holidays (with a recipe)

First of all I would like to say Happy Holidays & Seasons Greetings :) I hope each one of you have a great holiday week and please eat lots of food for me.

Anyways, I've been very, VERY, busy this week, it's not even funny. It's my last call week for 2011, and it has been insane. Not only busy for me, but also for Mr. Pillow. His family is in town from Indonesia, and I've finally had the pleasure to meet his mum. It went well (I was nervous as heck). I haven't been spending much time with my love but it's ok, I rather have him spend time with his family (according to him, this is the first time in 11 years he reunited with his mum & sister all together). This Christmas weekend they're spending time bonding at Las Vegas (I'm jealous. If only I was not on call, I would go). So before they left, he insisted to meet up with me to give me my Christmas gift from him. And I went giddy when I saw that infamous Tiffany blue bag in his hand. Weeeeee... He gave me this...

It's sooo pretty :) I would say this is the most expensive gift I've ever received from a person. Gotta love my man.

So while everybody is getting busy preparing for tomorrow's festivities, I'm spending my Christmas Eve by myself (and Chimmy). Opening my fridge I found left-overs of my Cream Cheese Custard Frosting, so I had the mood of baking. But this time, I decided to go whoop whoop and made Whoopie Pies. I haven't made these in awhile, so I busted out my new KitchenAid hand mixer and got busy. 

I recommend the Whoopie Pie book by Sarah Billingsley & Amy Treadwell. The book is very fun and cute and makes you want to eat each pages. 

I decided to make Mocha Whoopie Pies, in honor of my new Keurig (thanks to my brother, Austin, and his gf, Kat). The pies were so fluffy, I ate 3 (guilty as charge). Here I will give you the recipe, adapted from the book. As for fillings, you can use any fillings you want. From buttercream to marshmallow fillings, go ahead and whip your own (or if you are lazy, you can even use those store-bought frostings, but what's the fun in that?)

Bonding Time

I got the chance to bond with Pillow's sister at Disneyland on Tuesday. Such a tiring day but fun (rides & catching up). Lots of giggling and gossiping.

This made me happy :)

sorry I haven't posted any food related entries yet, but I will do soon. I promise. 

Check out my little baby nephew who received my Christmas card, all the way in Clifton, AZ. Isn't he adorable? I can not wait to meet him in person!

moonbeams & bunny kisses,

Rima

:)

Yay!
Nuff said!

moonbeams and bunny kisses,

Rima

Things I Love Monday, week 49

Meet the Demon in Chimmy! I love this picture of him because a friend of mine said that he looks like Cujo. Haha... gotta love this stinky bomb.

Anyways, it's Monday (already, really?) and I got some stuffs to share about my week (weee!)... Despite the gruesome rain that poured all over Southern Cali today (I don't like it because I was at work today, and that kind of weather is hot-tea-and-favorite-movie-in-bedtype of weather), there are some things I love about this past week. Shall we?

excuse my fat face

Got to spend some fun time in LA with my two friends, Gabriella (of last weeks TiLM) & Ryan. We were suppose to be in the audience of 2 Broke Girls (my new FAV sitcom), but unfortunately it did not happen. So sad. But since we are very cool people, we decided to head to the Grove and enjoy some Christmas decor (and plus the fake snow). Not to forget of us having a splendid lunch at Bottega Louie and taking home some macarons (and I accidentally swapped mine with Gab's). While at the Grove, we headed to the World Market (one of my FAV stores) and I found an apron that I could not resist to buy (one of my instant-binging shopping habit kicked in)...

Uuuhhh YEAH, it's a MUST buy in my book! I finally wore it yesterday when I had to bake for my Sister's order. Felt so proud in it. Haha.

At one point during my work week, one day I had several patients that complimented my service as a Nurse and thanked me gratefully for making their procedures/experiences less stressful and calmer. I was very proud of myself. I do get very bubbly and actually act all "GUUURRRLLL... YOU DID FOIINNNEEE" when I talk to my patients. Haha... Sometimes I need to tone it down... But hey, it works. I see my patients as human beings, meaning, I picture myself in their position. Would I want a Nurse that is stiff as a stick, acting like a Nazi, or a Nurse that is all "haaaaayyy how you doin" and make the whole non-enjoyable experience pleasant, especially if you have no clue on why you're in that procedure room? (I get a lot of those patients... Have no clue on why they are there... "uh, my doctor told me to come.") Those kind of compliments make me go as a Nurse. Woo hoo.

The whole Saturday, I got to spend some time with my beloved Mr. Pillow. Went to a local church and just spent some time bonding and watching TV and grubbing and laughing (yes, our favorite pastime). He was so happy when his team won in the El Classico Match (Viva Barça!) and I was happy watching Bend It Like Beckham. We also spent time enjoying the cold weather at the Irvine Spectrum and he even treated me with a ride on the Giant Wheel!

Barça!

this is one of my favorite faces of him

all things Red Velvet: RV Hot Cocoa from Coffee Bean, RV Milk Choc from World Market,  RV cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory!

Then Sunday. twas a productive baking day! Spend my whole day in the kitchen making my Sister's order. Made her my Velveteen Cupcake (literally, it tastes like velvet in your mouth, drool) & fudgy creamcheese brownies. Woo. She picked them up today while I was at work and I am so glad she's happy with it! Yay. A satisfied customer :)

Despite my tired back after baking, I still decided to make some savory dish because I haven't eaten all day and I was craving for those Halal-Cart type food in NYC when I saw the recipe on Serious Eats. OMG. The rice & chicken was gone within 2 hours (the serving was meant for 6 people, but gone by 3 people).

I will post the recipe soon. Stay tune.

Other than that, I am happy.
Hope you are happy too.

moonbeams and bunny kisses,

Rima

Deck the Boxes

!!!

My sister placed orders from me for her to give as Christmas gifts.

I am tired now, but such a delightful thing to do! I just love being in the kitchen (minus cleaning)

moonbeams and bunny kisses,

Rima

Why I should not go to Anthropologie

One of the reasons why I should not go to one of my favorite stores in the world, Anthropologie, is because they have really awesome cookbooks. 

I really just wanna pile them up in my arms, walk to the register and purchase all of them. 

Some of the books that I want (oh, hello Santa!):

• Les Petits Macarons: Colorful French Confections To Make At Home
• Miette: Recipes From San Francisco's Most Charming Pastry Shop
• Small Sweet Treats: Sassy, Savory, And Sweet
• Milk & Cookies: 89 Heirloom Recipes From New York's Milk & Cookies Bakery
• Serious Eats: A Comprehensive Guide to Making and Eating Delicious Food Wherever You Are
• Bought, Borrowed & Stolen: Recipes And Knives From A Travelling Chef

These books would be an awesome addition to my cookbook collections. Seriously, I've been good this year :)


moonbeams and bunny kisses,


rima

Macarons :)

Went to Bottega Louis in Los Angeles. I've never been here before (nor heard of it actually) and I swoon like a little girl seeing her crush when I entered and saw all the pretty colorful macarons :)

The food was great (I had the meatball & mozzarella sliders) and the ambience was neat! I adore the high white ceilings and the friendliness of my waitress.

I will post more pictures soon.

Things I Love Monday, week 48

So how's everyone's week? My week, like always, has been work work work. You know, gotta do it for  a living, haha. 

Anyways despite the cray cray busy work days, I am thankful for my day off (Hello, Tuesdays) and the weekends. That's when I'm able to wind down and do my errands. One of the things that I did this past Tuesday was the bike ride and walking to the car shop (I blogged about it). I seriously need to consider to do more outdoor stuff. That should be a goal for me. 

Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze

Another thing that I usually do on my day off is baking & cooking. I really do get bored at home and I ended up invading my pantry and fridge and start getting in a baking frenzy. So this past week I made the Cinnamon Rolls and last night's Chicken, Corn & Wild Rice Soup. Also I found another baking book called the Boozy Baker. There are some fun recipes that I want to try. I am so excited! 

I also got a privilege to attend a jam session called "Inspired" on Saturday Night @ Costa Mesa SDA Church and witnessed the awesomeness of my friend, Gaby Panjaitan (follow her @gabstersings on twitter). I am so proud of her and I pray for big things to happen to this girl. Her voice is so soothing and really fits her jazzy style. If you love jazz, this girl is worth the watch :)

Can you believe Christmas and New Years are around the corner? Are you ready for it? I believe Southern California is sorta ready. The Santa Ana winds have been blowing pretty hard, bringing the chilly air all over. I'm not ready for the sore throat and headaches though. But it is indeed a perfect time to brew your favorite drink, in my case, I'm drinking Herbal Detox tea. Hahaha... 

Oh and one more thing, I would like to thank my buddy Ollie of A Sight of Love for helping me with the blog. MENTOR, HALLO!!! Hehehe. By the way, you should check out his photography. I've only known him for a couple of months, but this guy is so laid back and down to earth, it felt like I've known him since boybands were cool (I'm pretty sure he jammed to the Backstreet Boys at one point). If you want your snap-snap takin', go to Mr. Ollie! He did an amazing job for my sister's wedding. 

I hope this week will be a great one :)

moonbeams and bunny kisses,

Rima

Food Time: Chicken, Corn & Wild Rice Soup

So today was pretty chilly for a Sunday Afternoon in Southern Cali. Like really chilly. The breeze was good but it does pierce the bones, at least mine (I can't stand the cold). Couple of weeks ago I had Panera's Chicken & Wild Rice soup and ever since then I wanted to make my own version of it, so I thought today would be a great day to attempt this great soup. 

So here we go...

Tis the season...

So December is here.
Better be ready for the festive foods, gifts, lights and love.
Enjoy the last days of 2011. Breathe it, enjoy it, live it.
Embrace it with open arms and an open heart.

moonbeams and bunny kisses,
Rima

Beautiful Colors of the Trees

Yesterday, due to my car getting its oil change, I had to explore the world by foot and my bike. And I am so glad I that I did. I didn't realize how much I miss the slow windy breeze blowing my hair when I was biking or when a car is passing by while I was walking. I haven't realized how pretty the blue skies above my head was on that nice Southern California afternoon. I was outdoors around noon time, and the weather couldn't be perfect. The weather was around the 70s, and it was amazing. 

I gotta do this more often. Walking around my neighborhood, or biking down the Pacific Electric Trail with my iPod on... with Adele & Coldplay playing. Ah, can't wait for my day off again.

My Christmas Project

I am going very DIY this Xmas on gifts, because I am saving up for my mission trip in March. And this is what I came up with!

I went mad crazy today on mailing boxes at Target and now my room looks like a mess!! I will probably ship these babies in the next couple of weeks. A week or two? We'll see...

Who knew Powdered Soy is expensive??

moonbeams and bunny kisses,

Rima

Food Time: Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Such a mouthful name.

So this is it. My first Recipe entry. I had so much fun making this, to the point that I forgot to get my camera and used my iPhone 4 instead. So forgive for my picture taking skills.

Anyways, it was during the Halloween-going-to-Thanksgiving weeks where I decided to browse around like a maniac (for about 2 weeks!) to find some Pumpkin Cupcake recipes and incorporated to my version of it. I always have fun in the kitchen by myself, I felt like I was in my Zen Mode. I love Yoga, but screw that, the Kitchen is my Zen. I probably will need a Bonsai Tree in my Kitchen.

The smell of all the spices as the cupcakes were in the making was so awesomely delicious, I kept on staring at my oven window like a hungry cat waiting for the mouse to come out (mkay, Tom & Jerry?). After I got the cakes out of the oven, I was literally like Homer Simpson when he thinks about beer and donuts.

The cupcake was pretty dense, but the combination of the frosting and cake in your mouth, yum-fest.

First of all, as a novice baker, I recommend a good & solid mixer. Mine is the KitchenAid 5 qt one. It's my mum's but lately I've been using it a lot. For this kick, I used the Paddle attachement.

Things I Love Monday, week 46-47

A Super Stuffed Mr. Pillow, taking a nap on my Oma's Couch

For those who have been following my TiLM from my facebook notes or my TiLM tumblr (it will be discontinued and will be open as an archive), welcome to TiLM on Bolu! This will be the new permanent home for it... So I hope you will continue to read it, comment it and support it. All supports mean a lot to me. 

For those who are new, WELCOME! I hope you enjoy each entries and find it inspiring. 

So this past 2 weeks has been pretty... I don't know how to describe it... Blurry? Week 46 is really a blur because it felt like I've been working hard and the week felt like forever. It may be caused by me being on call that week. And probably knowing the fact that The Pillow has been in the East Coast since the prior week. It's not like I've never been apart from him over a week or two (I live in Rancho Cucamonga & he lives near Newport Beach, and we only see each other during the weekend due to work), but I just felt this uneasiness in me knowing that he is far, far, far away from me (and being in my Favorite city in the world, New York!!) and at one point driving on snowy roads (we don't get that in SoCal). Gah. But he's been very cute and great by sending me postcards from every city he was in during the week. 

Pretty cool, huh? Also, I got called back to work during that weekend 3 times, and the last 2 were Trauma cases and I didn't leave the hospital til 1 AM! The next day at work, I felt like a zombie, yet thank God, I survived. Oh, and I made Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting for the people at work. The cupcake was pretty dense, but so yummy from the frosting. 

Week 47 was better because of Thanksgiving Holiday!! Who is not happy for a holiday weekend? I know I was. I was glad for this week because I get to see Mr. Pillow again. I missed him terribly. Seeing him when I opened my door on Thanksgiving day, was worth being thankful for. Gave him a major bear hug... so did Chimmy. I know he misses him. For Thanksgiving, my family went to my Oma's house for our annual Lunch. This was my first for the past 3 years, so it was nice to be surrounded by family and enjoyed an American-Indonesian Thanksgiving. Too bad some of my cousins couldn't make it, but at least it was nice to see Oma smiling. As you can see from the first picture, Mr. Pillow was so stuffed, he passed out for a moment. Turkey gets you.

After Oma's, we both head on to one of our friends's house from church and joined our Youth Group's BBQ Dinner & Game Night. Cranium & Guesstures were a hit, but the biggest hit was our favorite Poor Man's Taboo. Never gets old!

I didn't do Black Friday Shopping because I picked up a shift in the ER (my old Department). It was busy but twas nice to be with the Boys again (Scott, Josiah & Jr). I got stuck in a code, which was pretty cool, since it's been 8 months I've seen a code. Good thing we were able to resuscitate the patient. Hopefully she's doing well.

Spent time again with Mr. Pillow on Saturday night. We went to West Covina to get some of his favorite dessert, Martabak. We went to Hollywood & Highland, just roaming around, people watching. 

Xmas Tree at the Hollywood & Highland Shopping Center

Then of course, the delicious dinner at Roscoe's. Man, I'm still drooling for their waffles. Nom nom nom. One of the highlights of the night was when we drove down the 5 South heading to OC with the windows down and doing weird dance moves while listening to Ricky Martin. Oh yes. Ricky Martin. Epic moment. 

Sunday was fun day, because it was one of my cousin's birthday, Jordan, and also Sports Day for my Youth Group. I didn't play because I was lazy (I'm not a big sport person). One of the highlight of the day was when Raisa, who lost her ring (RIP RING!), went and came back with a METAL DETECTOR! Epic! That thing is awesome. Sadly, she didn't find her ring :( May the ring rest peacefully at Old Town Park. 

All in all, Thanksgiving has been great. I've been blessed with great people in my life, and I couldn't ask for more than that... (ok, maybe more? hehe).

Hope yours was great :)

moonbeams and bunny kisses,

Rima

when a girl wants it, she will have it...

In my case, Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles.

Yes, last night after roaming around Hollywood & Highland, and acting like tourists with the Pillow, that grumble in the stomach couldn't help anymore, so when the Pillow asked, "So, where do you want to eat? Simpang Asia (it's this Indonesian restaurant by Century City) or Roscoe's?" We had a discussion earlier when we were on the way to HWood, and my mind (and belly) was set for Roscoe's.

This was my second time having Roscoe's, being the first time was about 2 years ago. And to tell you the truth, the long wait and despite smelling like fried oil when you exit the place, it was all worth it (I am drooling at right now).

In the words of our very own Obama, "Outstanding Chicken! Outstanding." To my surprised (I just found out right now) that I had ordered the same order Pres. Obama had, the Country Boy, that consist 3 Wings & Waffles. The Pillow ordered the same thing, and I added a side of Mashed Potatoes & Gravy.

Before my first visit to this restaurant, I've heard raves about it, but I was just so confused about the whole concept of mixing fried chicken with waffles AND syrup AND butter. It was just the weirdest combo I've ever heard. My brother at the time even made his own version of it by making his own waffles, store-bought syrup and some KFC. I just stare at him with disgust. 

Until I walked in, smelled the grease, sat down, ordered myself a Country Boy (yes same order like last night), stared at my plate, started mixing the syrup and butter, took a bite of my chicken and forked the waffles in to my mouth. Next thing you know, I had a PARTAY in my mouth. The combination of sweetness of the syrup, softness of the waffles, that buttery butter and the crunch & saltiness of the chicken was orgasmic. Such simple comfort foods, but amazing flavor. Their waffles may look plain, but oh my, they are delicious in the mouth. And there's just that something about the syrup. I don't know if they make their own, but it is so yummy. 

The place may look old, but being me, I love the vintage feeling of it. It was opened in the 70s, so you do get that 70s vibe. Yet, I don't care about it, I care more of the yumminess of the food. Probably next time when I go, I want to try their Mac & Cheese (another guilt food for me) and their Corn Bread. OMG, Corn Bread. 

I went home last night with the Pillow full and happy. Two of the important things in my life, being full and happy... Especially when it happened to be with my love and some awesome comfort food.

If you're in Los Angeles, please DO visit this place. It may be packed during weekend nights, but trust me, it's worth it. C'mon, even Obama made a pit-stop!!

Moonbeams & Bunny Kisses,

Rima

Thank You!

Thanks to my friends that supported me for the birth of this blog (I may call this Chimmy's godchild).

Stay tune, I will post a foodie entry soon.

I am blessed to have great friends in life.

Meanwhile in my bed, I see this...

The Beginning.

... like any other "first times," setting up and writing your first post is never an easy task to do. Why? Because I have NO idea what to write about, especially after a hard day at work (and now it's currently 11 PM at night).

I guess I can call this my first baby step for a project that I have been having in mind... for awhile. Thanks to a couple of friends that inspired and kind of pushed me in to doing this, so here it is.

I've been blogging for quite some time now (oh yes, back in the Xanga days), but this blog will be a different one than the current one I have (thenatzie.tumblr.com). This would be a more serious partake in my so-called blogging life.

I will be blogging more about things that I'm passionate about. One of them is my adventures that I do in the kitchen. Back in the past, I really, really, hate being in the kitchen because for me it was one thing: Washing the Dishes. Hated it with passion. But yet Mom always force me to do it anyways. Oh well. But then one day in the year 2009, out of pure boredom and probably with some PMS-ing involved, I wanted to baked some brownies, I believe. Asking some baking questions from my expert Mum, there I was, spilling milk on the floor, having flour all over my face, going crazy in the kitchen.

The result? Amazing.

Ever since then, slowly but surely, I worked my way in to the world of Baking, and until now, that's my escapism. When I am bored and have nothing to do at home, I would open my cookbooks, browse my favorite Tastespotting website, go hustle between the fridge & pantry cupboards, hit the market, and do some magic in the kitchen. Next thing I know, I'm posting pictures of my baked goods on Facebook and making people drool. There's that instant gratification that I get every time someone bites in to my goods and says, "Oh wow, this is good." One of the best comments I got was from a co-worker saying, "Man, you're are like a man's best dream: you cook, you make awesome cupcakes, you're down to earth, AND you like sports." Done! I am sold. I love baking.

Another passion of mine is taking pictures. I have a crazy collection of cameras, up to the point I really want to make a shrine of it. That will be another goal someday. I currently use my Nikon D5000 with a short lens and of course the infamous iPhone 4S (for super quick Facebook uploads). Another goal of mine is to focus more on learning to take better pictures, especially food pictures. That's a goal slowly in process/progress.

So pretty much this blog will be food related with pictures, and also things that inspire me and move me to the core (it better be that seriously good), things that I love (and maybe lust), and once in a while I will gush about the man who I adore & love (or maybe often, too? He doesn't like it when I blog about him... oh you shy man you). Oh also to mention, you will probably see lots of pictures of the other man that has been ruling my life since 2008, Chimichanga aka Chimmy, my crazy Pomeranian.

moonbeam & bunny kisses,

rima