gift guide :: your super smart sister who is returning home from her first semester at law school

My younger sister is returning from her first semester of UCLA law this week and our whole family is beyond excited! I think for my parents, 5 months is far too long to go without seeing her (even though she did go abroad to London for a semester).

When I asked about her gift list she said she needed to think about it some. But in the midst of Contracts finals and 8-hour take homes, I found a few items that I think she'll love and use during her next semester.

1 /  Michael Kors watch: perfect "watch out world" watch

2 / Kate Spade laptop bag: going to the library and back in style

3 / Coffee/Tea french press: coffee seems like a necessity in law school

4/ UCLA sweatpants: for those late night study sessions

5 / Ticket stub binder: she's a big movie and theater lover

6 / Bicycle glasses: fun glassware for her apartment

7 / Make your own sushi kit: for her to show off her sushi skills

Two Weddings in One Weekend

this weekend was filled with so much love. I was lucky enough to celebrate with two couples this weekend surrounded by friends and family. Congrats Stephen + Natalie and Stella + Tim. 

 

mother's day + graduation

on Mother's Day, my little sister graduated from college. Probably one of the best mother's day gifts ever so I don't even know how I'm ever going to top her gift (smile). I'm excited to see her start the next chapter in her life... move across the country, make new friends, start new classes, find a new home. As the older sibling, I rarely take risks. (Maybe it's not because I'm the oldest... likely it's just my personality.) And when I do take risks, they are minimal. I admire her for forging a new path and starting somewhere new and fresh. I can admit that I don't think I could ever do it. 

Congratulations little J! 

"You have one life, you only get one. You can spend it generously... but don't spend it carelessly" - Dessa, University of Minnesota, College of Liberal Arts,  Spring 2012 Keynote Commencement Speaker

yay! you did it. 

graduation

happy graduation little sister! 

your four years of undergrad have flown by and now its off to UCLA for some law school. 

when did you become such an adult? 

either way, congratulations! this is a proud big sister moment and 

i cant wait to spend the day with you (we haven't done that in some time!)

cheers! 

asian christmas

Christmastime has always been sweet for my little family. All of my extended family still live in China so it's always been just mom, dad, Jenn and me. We always do a meal (or two) and a movie. This year was no different. Joe and I joined my family for peking duck on Christmas Eve and on Christmas day, we headed to Wanderers Garden for dim sum brunch*. the food was delicious, the company was wonderful and Asian Christmas was a success. afterwards, we met up with J's dad at the movies and watched Sherlock Holmes. i couldn't ask for more.

*if you've never had dim sum, its quite the experience. servers roll around carts/trays filled with a variety of freshly prepared small plates  and you pick and choose what looks appealing. food ranges from dumplings to short ribs to sesame balls.  there was a family next to us who was expecting a buffet and were very confused by the carts & all the servers moving around.

looksee what i got

i have the best parents in the entire world who surprised me with this new toy. actually, two new toys! so so nice of them. i am so blessed with such a wonderful family. annnnd i am beyond excited to play!

Tea House

Over the weekend, my family celebrated my mother's birthday.
Being a Chinese-American growing up, the one thing I can a little snobbish to is Chinese food. hehe, well maybe not the ONLY :razz:
But really, sometimes, I have those cravings for greasy chinese takeout. Hbf doesn't like chinese food so I don't know how to really make it (seriously, who doesn't like chinese food?!) But most of the time, I just wait till weekends to go to my parents for some delish Asian food. Or better, have them take me out to get really good Chinese food.

Saturday night was one of those nights.

My parents love Szechuan food. We've been to the Tea House in Plymouth for years. So it made sense that my dad decided to take us to the Tea House that opened on University.











My family has always been on the spicy side... and I've been the weak-sauce member. But recently, hbf's been on a spicy food kick so he's really helped me open up my pallet (thanks sriracha). It was funny during dinner hearing my parents talk about how I'm actually eating spicy things :) Aw, I'm growing up!

My favorite dish was probably the last one-- the dan dan noodles. Thank you social media for opening my eyes! We only ordered it because I checked into the Tea House on FourSquare and it was recommended. My mom kept tasting the sauce in hopes that she can re-create it at home. Woopiee! Now, I must learn! & convert hbf into a Chinese-food lover.