Decadent Sunsets

Just breath. Starting off day one in Phuket with a morning yoga class. 

Ziplining at Tarzan Adventures. Two hours of flying between trees and climbing an obstacle course. Crazy fun!

Snorkeling near a coral island.

My favorite meal of the day :)

Nachos and gaucamole at Baba Nest.

Waffles and banana pancakes for breakfast.

Phuket old town

It's pretty rare to see rosy sunsets in Hong Kong however, step into Phuket and the slow paced sunset can be seen every evening. It's so nice to get away and have a change of scenery. Wish I could be doing a different activity everyday instead of hustling at work. Travel withdrawals suck but happy that we all had a good time together. 

the artist in me

“Don't be satisfied with stories, how things have gone with others. Unfold your own myth.”

“Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray.”
- Rumi, The Essential Rumi

“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.” 

- Roald Dahl

Painting little sesame seeds that looks like fireworks @ Loveramics

Before the kiln.

And after… Can't wait to start using my bowl :)

Caligraphy class at Kalo Make Art. 

Practicing at home on my moleskin. Loving these quiet moments where you let go of your thoughts and focus on your individual strokes trying to do better each time. When was the last time you tried something for the very first time? I love trying new things, especially when it comes to arts and crafts. Whenever I try to learn something new, I love the challenge regardless of whether I do a good job or not. It's the attempt that counts.

Annual traditions

Over new years we spent two weeks in Aspen, Colorado and it was the first time that I can truly say that I love skiing! I started off snowboarding during our high school ski trip but fell one too many times to a point where I became scared of slopes. Last year I decided to give it up and learn skiing instead. It was much better experience although I would get tired after one long run and my shins were bruised and sore even with a light touch. Fast forward to this past season, I told myself I'd have to conquer my fear and just learn forward (instead of backwards dammit). After a week in, something inside me just clicked and I think I had a mini breakthrough. Skiing became effortless and fun at the same time. Face your fears and remind yourself: never give up.

It was super cold during our first week there and to make matters worse we all got sick, most likely from the exhausting flight delay+cancellations. Instead of a simple 1.5 hour flight from LA to Aspen at 9:30am, we ended up waiting for another flight from LA to Denver at 5:50pm and then taking a private shuttle from Denver to Aspen for another 4 hours. Gosh we were so jet lagged and exhausted. However, once you see the beautiful snowy landscape, all is forgotten :P

Keeping an eye out for bunny & bear souvenirs.. 

Every year we stop by Gorsuch to buy a picture frame. This year we found the cutest picture frame with two bunnies. woot!

Lots of home cooked meals ranging from roasted chicken, pork chop with tomato sauce to chinese eggplant stew (yu herng key jee).

Snowmobile adventure where we drove through some beautiful trails. My arms were sore the next day from holding on to dear life. Bob our guide was the best. He's retired but super informative, loves F1 and fixing old cars. 

A must try in Aspen - White House Tavern. Looks like a humble little Anne of Green Gables house from the outside but once you step through the front door, a strong aroma of freshly baked breads fills the air. Their french dip au jus is the best and perfectly paired with horse radish. It's the kind of dish that makes you feel sad when you've polished everything off. The crispy chicken sandwich, kale salad, creamed corn and spinach dip was also top marks.

Gotta share a caramel apple :)

After the new years countdown a lot of people left and the slopes were so empty! It felt amazing to ski down that perfectly groomed snow.

Aspen must be so beautiful in the summer time as a number of people host weddings here. Here I am chilling out, watching movies and eating brownies ;)

The best thing about the Highlands is that it's right beside the Ritz. Super convenient in the morning.

My surefoot ski boots saved me from killer shin pain. Good investment while the skis and poles are rentals from the store. 

Wee, kids nowadays are incredible on the slopes. They start like when they're around five years old and have no fear! 

One last shot before saying good bye to Aspen. 

But before we return to Hong Kong, we had a half day layover in LA. We hopped onto a taxi and went to Santa Monica pier & third street promenade just in time to see the sunset. 

With the sunset in front of us, we enjoyed some grilled corn, beef short rib and pork belly soft tacos. Good times and hope everyone had a great winter break! Looking forward to more 2015 adventures :D