We finished day 2 in Savannah with great success. We started the day with a sweet visit to Back in the Day Bakery (www.backinthedaybakery.com). Tell me what a better way to start your day than having a cupcake as breakfast? I had a Vanilla cupcake with pink icing (it’s basically vanilla on vanilla). My husband got the blue one. We sat on our little table next to the window. I loved every moment I spent in that place. I savored every bite of that cute little cupcake. I even had the courage to order 3 more!!!!!!! to-go of course. I had the chocolate cupcake with chocolate icing, coconut-lemon cupcake, and another traditional vanilla on vanilla cupcake. I left that place happy!!!
We then head off to downtown. The intention was to have small lunch at Paula Deen’s restaurant The Lady and Sons (www.ladyandsons.com) . I saw the menu online the night before and I already knew what I wanted–crabcake. That was it. I love crabcakes so every time I go to a restaurant that serves crabcakes, I always try one. Anyways. After several rounds trying to find a parking spot, we finally parked somewhere and walked to the restaurant. We saw a line–wasn’t that long. But it never moved. So I said to my husband, let me go to the gift shop (there is a gift shop next to Paula Deen’s restaurant–it’s owned by Paula). I was at the store for about 5 mins when my husband came up to me and said, we can’t lunch at the restaurant. I asked why. He said because we didn’t have a reservation. Ah what a bummer. We left the place.
I decided to visit a kitchen store called Kitchen on the Square. It is located not too far from Paula’s restaurant. I bought all sorts of cookie cutters, pie weigh, and some scoopers. I really took my time at the store. I just loved it.
Well, by the time I finished shopping, we felt kinda hungry. So we decided to eat at a small restaurant called Zunzi’s (http://www.zunzis.com/). We’ve always gone there everytime we visit Savannah. They have vegetarian-friendly menus. I orderd my favorite Portabello Mushroom’s sub (served on a baguette). Oh it is sooooo yummmyyy!!!! And it is HUGE!!!! My husband had the Beef Curry served on white rice. We both ordered African sweet tea (one of the owners is from South Africa). It was the perfect lunch. Affordable and very very good for your tummy.
After that great lunch, we decided to do some window shopping. We walked around downtown Savannah (Broughton street). I bought an antique gilded mirror ($60); bought two lottery tickets ($2); bought one supersize + super cute ring ($32); and bought 2 vintage wire caddies–different sizes and style ($21 and $10). I saw some cute clothes but they were too expensive so I didn’t buy them.
We also went window shopping on Whitaker street. We visited so many great furniture shops on that street. I found a cute little boutique called Custard (www.custard.com) that sells chic clothes mostly for under $100. The owner showed me a rack that filled with 40% off clothes. I found several pieces I loved and decided to buy 3 of them ($182).
It was already past 5 when we finished shopping. We deciced to go back to our hotel to walk our dogs. We spent few hours with the dogs before we headed back to downtown (River street) area to grab dinner. That evening we went to have dinner at Tubby’s Tank House (www.tubbystankhouse.com) on River street. The lines was long so we had to wait about 45 minutes. We walked along the River street to kill time. I bought some sweet goodies at The Peanut Shop (www.thepeanutshop). We visited many other shops as well. There were so many local artists showing off their talents that night and we truly enjoyed that. We had a good time that evening!!!
We left Savannah the day after in the morning. Before we left, we grabbed some breakfast. I ordered a to-go breakfast from the Firefly cafe (www.fireflycafega.com) –spinach and crab omelette and strawberry+banana smoothie. Breakfast was good but a bit pricey. My husband had some Gyro at a Greek restaurant on River Street. It was good–and affordable– he said.
While we were driving, we passed a Dog park!!! We decided to stop by. The dog park (www.savannahdogpark.com) is not a public dog park so you would actually have to have a membership but since we were visiting, they let us stay. The dogs loved it. They were running around–happy. We stayed there about an hour and a half. We continued our trip to the Forsyth park. We put the dogs on their leash and we walked around the park with them. Fun!!!!!!!! They enjoyed meeting new people. They sniffed and wagged their tails to everyone they met.
When we left Savannah, we felt so tired but very happy indeed. Our dogs were too tired to do anything else but sleep in the car. What a fun weekend we had. I enjoyed this trip as much as my other trips to this city. Savannah will always be in my heart.
I cannot wait to go back there again in the fall….
My husband and I (and the dogs) are visiting Savannah again this weekend from Friday – Sunday. We arrived today around 3PM. We’re lucky we don’t live too far from Savannah. This is our 4th visit to Savannah in almost a year and a half. I am so in love with Savannah. If I won the lottery this weekend, I am going to quit my job on Monday; buy a house in Savannah and move here!!!!!
Savannah is a charming little city. It is packed with histories and old homes–just the way my husband and I like from a city. Although I am only 30 and my husband 28, we both have true love for old homes–Victorian to be exact.
Walking through the streets of Savannah, I always feel some kind of dejavu-like-moments. Like I belong here…my past was here…
I just love it here.
Tonight we went walking down the Riverfront area. We had dinner at Huey’s. I had my favorite Shrimp and Grits while my husband ordered Crawfish Ettoufee. Sure, they are not originally from Savannah (more like Louisiana origin) but they’re still representing the Southern foods strereotype. And of course, we always drink Sweet Tea with our meals when dining out.
Tomorrow morning, we are going to visit my favorite bakery, Back in The Day Bakery (http://www.backinthedaybakery.com/) on Bull Street, to get some yummy cupcakes. The owner has been featured on Paula Deen’s show. Paula Deen is also from Savannah. We plan to grab some lunch tomorrow at Paula Deen’s restaurant, The Lady and Sons (http://www.ladyandsons.com/). Although we have been to Savannah several times, we haven’t had the chance to eat at the restaurant. People say it’s not so good but I love Paula Deen so I’d like to try her restaurant and be the judge myself!! And not far from Paula’s restaurant, there is a kitchen shop I love to visit (and I visit this place everytime I go to Savannah!!), Kitchens on The Square (http://www.kitchensonthesquare.com/). If you love to cook, this place is a must to visit!! Last time I went there, I bought a bunch of cookie cutters in different shapes and sizes!! Very cute.
Anyways. That’s my report from Savannah for now. I will be posting some pics and more stories tomorrow. I love Savannah!!!!
Today is another gorgeous day!!!
Last night I baked Banana Bread (found the recipe here: http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/recipe.aspx?recipeID=35305&Source=SearchResultPage ) and Corn and Basil tart (recipe here: http://www.bhg.com/recipes/recipedetail.jsp?recipeId=R120370 ) *you might need to register to access this recipe. I made Chicken Panini for my husband. For myself, I made Cheese Panini. Everything was good. Delicious!!!!!
For tonight’s dinner, I’d like to serve grilled Steak with sides of grilled Asparagus, mashed potatoes, and Caesar salad. For me, I’ll have everything but the grilled steak (I don’t eat meats). We still have leftover of Banana Bread but I’m in the mood to make some Pound Cake. So I am going to make it this afternoon.
Tomorrow is Saturday. I am thinking I’d like to take my husband for a picnic in the park. Just him and I. I’ll pack some lunch. I’m thinking Pound cake, grilled Shrimp sandwich and some cold watermelon and pinneaple chunks. It’ll be nice. On Sunday, I am thinking after church we can go to the beach. I can pack some hotdogs (veggie dog for me), cold fruits, and cold non alcoholic drinks.
Next week (Thursday/Friday – Sunday) we plan on taking a weekend getaway. We have several options to go to: Orlando, Savannah, or Charleston. We have never been to Charleston before. Regardless of where we are going, I am excited.
Nothing else is going on right now. Everything is good. I am happy. The work situation is looking brighter for me. I am so happy.
My husband left to St.Petersburg early this morning before 7AM for his 3 days and 2 nights business trip. Last year, he asked me to go with him to similar event (in Celebration (Orlando), FL) and it was so much fun. We traveled together and did so many fun stuff there together. We even had the time to spend extra 2 nights at nearby small town called Mt.Dora to do antiquing. It was SOOOO much fun. This year, because of my crazy new work schedule, I cannot even take 2 days off to go with him. I hate my job. I don’t like my boss either. He treats everyone like little kids. He does not trust anyone. He sets unreasonable goals for us. He thinks he is the best thing in the world. He needs a punch in the face. I really don’t like him. And you know what, I am not the only one who feels that way. I don’t understand why someone finds an enjoyment in making other people’s work life as living hell. That’s pretty much what he does. I am sure my boss would enjoy to hear how suffering we are all at work. I just cannot believe how blind he is. Is he not looking at everyone at work? Does he not realized how miserable we look at work? Does he not realized how miserable we are? I have several breakdowns at home and at work. My heart is burning with desire to leave my job.
Oh I miss my husband so much. He called earlier before 5PM. He finished with today’s class and he was walking on the beach when he called me. The hotel where he is staying at is right on the beach. I told him today was extra boring without him here. Everything seemed so bland without him. He told me that the company is having dinner at 6PM. So right now, he is having dinner with everyone from his company.
Today, I went to Cracker Barrel in hope to find some good sales (at their shop) and I saw Fall season’s decorations already. I couldn’t help but smile. I love Fall and Winter season; Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. I love Halloween. Growing up in a different country, we didn’t have Halloween, so I enjoy so much the tradition of giving candies to little kids. I enjoy the time my husband and I spend together one night going to the grocery store to pick several bags candies. I always suggest that we give those kids healthy snacks but my husband always asks me not to do that. He asked me, do you want little kids to throw rotten apples and tomatoes at our house? Ok I get it. LOL. I love giving out candies. We always have tons of candies. Last year, I had the time to actually made 40 goodie bags for little kids. Of course, they were all gone in an hour. But we had bags of extra candies. I think last year we ended our Halloween night around 9.30PM. Some of our neighbors ended their evening earlier. This year, I want to decorate the house again!!!! I am going to buy bags and bags of candies!!! Fun.
Thanksgiving this year is going to be quiet. My husband’s grandma is moving to New Jersey this October. Usually we spend Thanksgiving at her house. But this year, I think we’re going to have to spend it just the two of us at our house. Or usually, my best friend’s family is always inviting us to every holiday celebration gathering at her house. If she invites us again this year, I’d cook something special to bring to the dinner gathering.
Christmas this year I am not sure what we are going to do. I love Christmas. I want to plan it from now but yet at the same time, I want to keep it open. I want this special holiday to be extra special. It’s my favorite time of the year!!!
My younger sister is getting married next year!!!!
My mom is probably coming to visit the same year.
My family is going to ask me to come visit ..that same year also.
My mom is probably going to send me money. I hinted *wink*wink* a $5000 would be nice.
All these news translate to: better start saving more from now!!! I want to give something to my sister as a wedding present. I’ll budget $1000. I’ll ask if she’d rather get cash or paid vacation.
I have told my husband that we might have to fly out of the country next year to visit my home country for my sister;s wedding and visit my families. We’re so excited. A lot is going to happen next year. I am very, very excited. My sister’s wedding… a trip to visit my families I haven’t seen in 8+ years… our plan on starting a baby… new kitchen… house will be done a lot more… more money saved… my mom’s possible visit… SO HAPPY!!!!!!!! I am just so happy. Many good things will come our way. Oh yeah… and the possibility that I will apply for a new position at work!!! yay yay yay…. I am just so happy and excited.
Our visit to New York was FABULOUS.
Day 1. We left on Tuesday February the 12th. The plane was delayed about 3 hours. We sat on the runaway for 3 freaking hours. Finally we took off around 3.45PM. We landed in New Jersey around 6PM. It snowed real bad that evening in New Jersey and the taxi who was supposed to pick us up came late.
The first night we were supposed to stay in my husband’s uncle #1 and since he wasn’t home, uncle #2 was supposed to drive us there but since it snowed real bad, they decided that we should just spend the night at uncle #2’s house. We didn’t do much. They took us to a Korean restaurant (my husband’s families are Korean). I met uncle #2’s wife for the first time. She was real nice.
Day 2. We headed to NY. Uncle#2 drove us to our hotel. We had a 4-night hotel reservation in New York. Our hotel, Holiday Inn Express, was located 2 blocks away from Madison Square Garden. My husband bid the hotel on priceline.com for $88/night. It was not bad for the price we had to pay. I would recommend that hotel to everyone.
We arrived at the hotel around 10AM. Checked in time was not until 3PM. So we stored our luggages in their storage room and we walked around the city. It was sprinkling in NYC that day. My shoes were wet after an hour walking around. We had to buy umbrellas too. Since we were hungry, we decided to get something to eat. My husband wanted to eat some hotdogs and he saw Gray Papaya so we stopped by and he at 4 hotdogs and drank a papaya juice there. We decided to visit uncle #2’s wife’s store located on 37th Street. She works in a jewelry store called Enttra. We paid a visit and she let me pick some jewelries. When we were about to pay she said they were free for me. She also informed us about a bus that would take us to Meadowland arena in NJ where we needed to be to watch the Spice Girls that night.
We went to the bus terminal and bought 2 bus tickets for later that evening. It only cost us $20 for 2 people round-trip. Next stop was the shoe store. My shoes were completely soaked in water; so I decided to buy new boots. I bought one pair for 59.99 and it was on sale.
3PM we checked in at the hotel. We took shower and got ready to go to the concert in NJ. The bus left NYC at 6.30PM. It only took less than 30 minutes to get to the arena in NJ. We had to wait outside in the cold before the doors were open.
The show was scheduled to start at 7.30PM but it wasn’t until 9PM they started the show. I bought some Spice Girls stuff as souvenirs. The concert totally rocked. I loved it. One of the best times in my life. I was so happy. We took lots of pictures and some videos of their performance. They sang many songs. It was totally worth it to fly all the way to NY to see them. I just wish I had the money to follow the Spice Girls to tour around the country. But, I was happy enough to be able to see them perform. That night we had SO much fun.
Day 3. Early in the AM, we went to Penn Station to buy Metro Card. Bought the one-day unlimited ride card for $7 each. We then headed to Central Park today using the bus. We walked around the park for about 30 minutes or so and then we found out our camera’s battery was almost empty. So we started walking around to find an electronic store to buy a battery for the digital camera. Before we knew it, we were in Times Square. We bought the battery for the camera and we started walking around again. It was so much fun. So many people on the street. We went to M&M’s store, Hershey’s store, and other fun stores now I can’t remember the names. We took lots of pictures of the area. We were such tourists!!!! We also passed Broadway but we didn’t stop to see a performance. We kept on walking and walking and walking and then again, before we knew it, we were so close to the hotel. We stopped by at this one chic and modern chinese restaurant called Chef Yu . I had their vegetarian Lo Mein noodle while my husband had a Spicy Beef noodle soup. The price wasn’t that bad. I like the athmosphere of the restaurant. This wasn’t your regular Chinese restaurant.
Later that evening, we had an appointment to meet with my husband’s dad in Flushing, NY. We took the Subway train to get there. It took about 20 – 30 minutes. The ride was fun though. I’ve always enjoyed Subway rides. My husband’s dad and his gf met us close to the subway station. They took us to a Korean restaurant and I believe they had Kalbi dinner that night. I had a bowl of Unagi and Rice. It was delicious. After dinner, they drove us back to the hotel.
Day 4. Today we had planned visits to Ground Zero ,Wall Street, Statue of Liberty, and Chinatown. First, we went to Ground Zero. We stopped by at the Trinity Church and prayed there. We then walked around toward Wall Street. Finally we went to Statue of Liberty. I couldn’t believe the amount of security measurements they took. It was like going through the check point in an airport. The whole thing took about an hour and a half. It was such a cold day that day. Then we finally got shipped to Statue of Liberty island. We didn’t stay there that long. We walked through the whole thing in about 15 minutes. Took pictures and we were done.
We skipped Ellis Island because we didn’t feel like it. As soon as we hit the land, we took the bus to take us to Chinatown. We had late lunch at Chinatown. We feasted on dumplings, seafood fried rice, and some other yummies. Then we headed back to our hotel.
Later that evening, we went to meet with uncle #1’s family at an Indonesian restaurant called Bali Nusa Indah. We had a big dinner there. We ordered so many different kinds of foods. They were all so good.
Day 5. It was Saturday. I want to visit Magnolia Bakery but we found it was far. So I decided to visit Billy’s Bakery and Babycakes. We took the bus to Billy’s Bakery. I had one single Vanilla cupcake with vanilla icing. It was good but wasn’t as good as I expected. With all the raves I heard, I had set a high standard on their cupcakes but it was ok. I thought my cupcakes were seriously better than theirs.
We didn’t have time to go to Babycakes that day since my husband’s mom wanted to see us. They hadn’t seen each other in 23 years or since my husband was 5 years old. His parents split up and he hadn’t since seen his mom until this day.
My husband’s mom picked us up at the hotel. She lives in Flushing, NY close to my husband’s dad. Kinda weird but ok whatever. She took us back to the area close to where she lives and we went shopping. She bought us some stuff and she gave my husband money. Later that evening, we had dinner at a buffet restaurant. This restaurant had everything!!!! I was so full by the end of the meal. She took us back to the hotel and overall, it was a very nice day.
Day 6. Today was our last day. Our flight was at 3.30PM. Early in the AM, I asked my husband to take me to Chinatown again. I saw some stuff I wanted to buy. So off we went. After we got there, I bought some stuff I saw earlier. Then we headed back to the hotel before noon.
My husband’s dad arrived at the hotel at noon. We were supposed to get some lunch in NYC for the last time before we left but couldn’t find a parking spot so we left NYC headed to NJ. We had lunch in NJ. After lunch, we went straight to Newark airport. We were almost 2 hours early. Flight was on time. We landed before 6PM. Picked up the dogs before 7PM. And home before 8PM. It was super sweet vacation. It was so sweet that we decided to go back to NYC again in the Summer.
My husband and I are planning a 6-day trip to New York this coming February. By February 1, I will have $650 saved in cash to bring to New York. I have asked my husband to set aside $250. Total would be around $900. Then the week we’re in New York is payday week; and based on my calculation, I can take up to $750 from payday that week just from my paycheck. Husband will have some that we could use as well.
Here is the budget for the 6-day stay:
Foods: $600 Transportation: $100 Entertainment: $400 Misc. :$300 Pet boarding: $600 TOTAL $2000Hotel and airplane tickets would be paid in advance. We’ll book and buy everything next Friday (payday). Our budget for the hotel and airplanes is $1000 for 2 people. This would make budget total cost to $3000. A lot of money for a 6-day trip for 2 people. Could have used that to pad my emergency fund…
