DIY Spring High Tea

"ran out of napkins so we're going snowman napkins on a sunny spring day"

 Since the past spring break I've been having this tradition to make a high tea for my friends, both as a celebration for the end of rain season (which is about 1/4 of the year in Raincouver) and just a simple appreciations to my friends for always being there, and to eat my products, good and bad ones. After last year's pot-luck style tea where we each contribute some goodies to the tiers, this year I've decided to challenge myself to go from the bottom up. 

The three-tiered plates and the teacup on the left are from Macy's. I got them from the Boxing Week sales during my Christmas trip to San Francisco.As for the other cups, my mom and I have been into collecting vintage teacups recently (may post a collection picture sometime later) and they're from the numerous thrift/antique stores we went to. They're pretty cheap and are not in bad conditions at all. The other day when I was in an antique store in Skagit Valley, WA, the lady at the store told me that these cups are considered "friendship cups" since we drink and have tea with friends with these cups :) 

Cartems Donuterie

all that goodness

It may be a little inappropriate to post this near bedtime, but it's not that late compared to my normal holiday schedule so here's the post.

For the last two weeks I have been going to places on the spring break to-do list.

The list was quite large to complete, but I'm glad to say that most of them has been completed :)

Cartems Donuterie, one of the most-reviewed place on Urbanspoon, has successfully captured my cravings for donuts in the past two weeks.

Unlike coffeeshops, Cartems Donuterie specializes in a simpler menu- donuts and coffee. 

Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake

"A good cake unites people." - Quote of the Day

One of the best things about baking is its versatile uses- bake sales, event attractions, fundraisers, fulfilling cravings......

What I love the most though, is the fun of sharing the results with friends and family.

Celebrating the beginning of Spring Break with a Cake Fest

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Chai-Spiced Muffins

Pumpkin Chai Tea "Latte" in its muffin form.

The past three months have been pretty hectic. With all the school stuff, musical theatre along with the struggle of senioritis...whoa. 

Today marks the first day of Spring Break! Since I'm staying in town (to treasure the last few days in Vancouver/Raincouver before I leave for NY in the summer) for the two weeks, this means- baking time, lots of it.

Baker's Market 2014: "Vancouver's Sweetest Event"

 So it's "that time" of the year again.

After almost two years of anticipation (one was busy with SATs, APs and whatnots in 2013 :( ), Vancouver's Baker's Market is finally back!

This is the event to go to for bakers and foodies alike, to communicate with other bakers about experiences or just food in general (aka my kind of place).

The last time I've visited the market was back in December 2012, and I was simply fascinated by the variety of baked goods the event offers in such a tiny place. 

Around 12pm at the Baker's Market, always filled with people (hungry people?)

This post contains pictures I've gathered from my first visit and the most recent visit from last week, as they're all simply amazing ❤️
Without further ado, here are some of my recommendations/places I've tried in both visits.

WARNING: CONTAINS DROOLING PICTURES.

Dineout Vancouver 2014: Bistro 101

After trying for 3 years, I finally made a successful reservation for this place by waking up at  6: 30 A.M on the morning when the list of restaurants was released.

Why the craze? It is no doubt because of their $18 3-course dinner and lunch menu - yes 3 courses, professional style, half the price of a normal high-class dinner!

Since all of their dishes are prepared by students of the Pacific Culinary Institute (Bistro 101 is one of their "classrooms"), I guess the charge for paying waitresses and chefs (all students) can be omitted since this is part of their study. I would take a class like that but these classes are quite long and not very flexible in schedule (making excuses as a high school senior...).

Feeling grateful with my reservation (Heard later that the restaurant was fully booked for the whole Dineout season in 2 hours), I brought my parents along to see what this place is really like. 

*NOTE*I sincerely apologize for the late post...February has been such a hectic month with the musical, calculus and two English classes..oh who said second semester seniors have it easy? Or maybe I just tend to be self-torturing when it comes to school.