'Rents Are Back

Oh yah, 'rents are back, meaning my staycation is officially coming to an end really soon. Even though I love cooking and yearn to have my own kitchen, trying to think of what to cook for every meal every day does get a bit tiring. That's one small reason I'm glad my 'rents are back. Plus, dad is still a way better cook. 

Lunch.

Dinner.

E. Tea

Before another card making night, we had a quick dinner at E. Tea. Located at Rupert and 22nd. This was my stone bowl meal. Doesn't look all that appetizing in this picture, I admit. But... surprisingly, it was pretty yummy. I would definitely go back for another stone bowl if I need a simple meal in that area. I say simple because there are certainly better quality restaurants in that area (such as Penang Delight).

Meet Tristan

Meet Tristan! It's been two months since his birthday, and I finally got to meet him in person. What a cutie! 

His mommy says he's most comfortable held superman style. Look at those chubby cheeks!

Congratulations again, Karwen and Rob! Can't wait to watch him grow.

Guu Garden

After such an invigorating experience at the spa, we ended the day off perfectly with a delicious dinner at Guu Garden. Mmm... 

Dan had Guuuu! Ale, and Bran had a melon float.

Happy Birthday To Me - Willow Stream Spa

My birthday present to myself. I would honestly trade away any spa experience for more moments of enjoying the small things. For experiences and moments money can't buy. Just sayin'. But it is my thirtieth birthday, so what the hey, I decided to treat myself.

And... it was absolutely heavenly.

Willow Stream Spa is divided into a Ladies' area, Men's area, and a common area. Welcome to the Ladies' spa...

Just stepping into this lounge put me into an immediate state of zen. Although the spa was shared with a few other people, with the great number of rooms and amenities, I felt like I had the entire spa to myself.

Iced cool towels were so refreshing especially after a few moments in the sauna or steam room.

I hear the Men's spa served muffins instead of healthy, nutty and grainy dessert bars... and also featured a widescreen TV perfect for watching sports. 

The outdoor terrace was just as amazing.

Grab a book or magazine from the lounge, and you can read inside... or how about one of these spots outside?

After changing into our robes and lounging around for an hour, we got our massage treatments done by registered massage therapists. It was one of the best I've ever had. I made sure I got her name so I may request for her shall there be a next time. Afterward our treatments, we were escorted back into this common area... and the table was set all set up for us.

 On top of the shiny bento box was a thank you card that also offered 25% off our next treatments. 

This was the inside of the bento box. Absolutely refreshing and yummy after a relaxing massage.

My RMT had told me to be sure to use the amenities to help the work done last longer. The heat will increase circulation and keep the muscles relaxed. So, after enjoying our lovely bento boxes, we stepped into their infra-red sauna. Especially on a cool, autumn day... the warmth of the sauna was especially enjoyable. Oh, how I loved it. 

Then, I took a dip in their outdoors jacuzzi. I soaked my feet while enjoying the night view. It was actually pitched dark there... but my camera has some pretty crazy night vision.

The view that you get to enjoy... for as long as you want.

I'd show you the steam room, but this pretty much sums it up. Camera in the steam room probably wasn't the smartest idea either.

Neither is bringing it into the shower.

Now, this is the Experience Room. Quite the experience, that's for sure.

You walk in and you're given six different types of showers to choose from. Of course, you have to experience them all.

This is not just a shower. It's a room made into a shower. It's enormous. And has a gazillion nozzles that essentially sprays you from every possible angle and direction. And each mode gives you a different "experience". Sometimes it comes out as a mist... sometimes in a stream... sometimes it jets. The nozzles will turn on and off to however it is programmed to. The display (yes, there's a display screen) also shows you the temperature change in the room. It goes up and down with the waves of the water... honestly, it freaked me out a little when I saw the temperature climbing on its own. This room should really come with a warning of what to expect! My cousin raved about the Experience Room before coming to this spa and swears that I have to try it. And now that I have, I'm a bit indifferent. Maybe if I had time to get use to it. Otherwise, I felt like I was standing in the middle of the Bellagio fountain... not knowing when and where the water would come from next. All it was missing was colours and a bit of music. I like my showers a bit more predictable. 

We were at the spa from 3-8pm. No time limit. All ours to explore and enjoy. I came out of the spa completely refreshed and relaxed. It was amaaaaaazing. I think it'll be near impossible to find another spa locally that would top this one. When the next time comes that I feel I deserve a treat, it will be an easy pick to choose Willow Stream Spa again.

Dinner, Spontaneously

Day off. I had marked down on my calendar that there's another Christmas gift show in town. This time at the Heritage Hall on Main St. Rounded up a couple of girls to go check it out. Right before headin' out, Ming said he'd come along. Hmm, really? Girly gift shows... Never imagined it to be his thing. But hey, not complaining. Good to know if the girls aren't available, there is someone else I can drag to these things.

While waiting' for Jen, we enjoyed a cup of Buckies. Adding to our numbers of Christmas In A Cups this season. Karen gave them her name and the barista confirmed the spelling before he wrote it down on our cups. "Is that with a K or a C?".

Karen replies, "With a K".

Miss in translation?...

The Christmas show was smaller in size compared to others, but with only a two dollar admission fee and much of the same beautiful gifts, crafts, and jewelry, nobody's complaining here. After our snail-paced stroll through, we ended up back outside with no other plans on what else to do.

Spontaneously, we decided, "let's cook dinner".

The "let's" part was used liberally. "Let's" really meant Karen was gonna do all the cooking. And we'd supervise. Which also really meant commenting and teasing her about her chopping and prepping method and her feeding-for-twenty "family" size. Good thing Karen can take a few jokes.

So, instead of wandering the malls or crowding at a restaurant, we enjoyed a delicious healthy homecooked dinner at home. Thanks Karen!

Barney also came over with Anthony. Barney wanted to play... And play.... And play. How could you resist a cutie like him?

Barney found his own nook in Karen's apartment. On her bookshelf. His mommy and her friends were all laughing at how ridiculously cute that was.

And of course, there is always dessert.