My Bucket List Journey

Mar
2010

5 New Experiences added to My Bucket List Journey

164. Take a new route to work
This is going to be challenging since I only live 4 blocks from work. But, I am sure I can find a route that I have not traveled before.

165. Go to a wax museum
Of course, I will also have to take one of those cheesy photos of me standing next to my favorite waxed movie star.

166. Write a thank you letter to a company that treated you well
It is too often that we forget to thank the companies that have treated us well. People tend to only want to contact them when things have gone wrong.

167. Bake a loaf of bread
No bread makers allowed!! There is a special talent required to making bread, I sure hope I have it!

168. Vacation solo
I am not yet sure where I would go, but I believe there is something so empowering about traveling by yourself.

See my complete Bucket List

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Mar
2010

#115. Achieved! Create my own Recipe

By Annette Renee White

Couscous is the crushed Semolina of durum wheat that is a staple food of North Africa. Though it is extremely popular in African society, it is also widely used throughout the world. This recipe is a fabulous cultural mix of Italian, Asian & African cooking. It is a perfect dish for a ladies luncheon or bridal shower.

CURRIED COUSCOUS SALAD
1 1/2 Cups Uncooked Couscous
2 Cups Boiling Water
1 Cup Green Peas
1/2 tsp Curry Powder
1 Cup Dried Cranberries
1/4 Cup Chopped Basil
1 (15 1/2-ounce) Can Chickpeas (Garbanzos)

Pour boiling water over couscous. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with fork, add remaining ingredients.

DRESSING
1/3 Cup Lemon Juice
1 1/2 Tbls Olive Oil
1/3 Cup Orange Juice
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Black Pepper
1 Clove Garlic, minced

Combine all ingredients and mix. Pour over couscous mixture and combine.

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Mar
2010

#11. Achieved! Have your Picture Published in a Newspaper

By Annette Renee White

STOP THE PRESSES! Two local restaurateurs, brother & sister, battle for their restaurants to be on top at the Great Chili Cook-Off. That's the gist of the article, that appeared in the Press Democrat. I own a restaurant & so does my brother, both of us competed to win the title of Best Chili. The local newspaper thought the "brother vs. sister" competition was a great reason for us to make photo headlines. Does this make me famous? In a town of 55,000, not so much. Though the local grocery store teller did recognize me, but she was also my childhood doctor…darn!

The outcome was that neither of us even placed in the top three. I'm not too disappointed since expecting my Italian-style chili to be the winner would have been a stretch. I guess putting pancetta and rosemary in chili threw some people off and maybe wasn't the best move. Anyway, towards the end I started giving my brother my votes, so he would have a chance to win. Now that's sisterly love. Yes, I cheated…sshhh…don't tell anyone!

RELATED ARTICLES
Recipe Section, unique modern-Italian recipes
Tour a working farm, Tara Firma Farms

Category: entertainment & culture, food & drink Leave a Comment

Mar
2010

Shoes for Travel to Italy: Fashion vs. Comfort?

By Annette Renee White

This post is part of my Bucket List Journey
(#3 Visit Every Region in Italy)

The shoe dilemma is far more challenging than the flat iron one for my trip to Tuscany & Cinque Terre. I was determined to not have to choose fashion vs. comfort and find shoes that would be dual purposed. I was in need of two pairs of shoes; one that could be worn as a day shoe while walking around the city to view the sights and the other for hiking the trails of Cinque Terre, but this one also had to be be fashionable for the stop-offs for breakfast and lunch in the quaint CT towns.

Let the hunt begin…

SHOE #1 (The Day Walking Shoe)
At the risk of sounding superficial, l am going to say that in general flat shoes make me feel unattractive. I'm a heel girl, even if it's only a couple of inches. There is something that makes me feel sexy with a little extra height. I am well aware that there are probably a dozen levels of disfunction in that statement, but it's the truth. I spent weeks searching for walking shoes that I could feel comfortable with, physically and mentally. I tried Zappos.com, Aerosoles.com, Amazon.com and 5 different malls. Did I mention that I do not like flat shoes? I read on other traveling blogs that people had much success with the brands Ecco, Clarks and Mephisto. I tried on dozens of these shoes, they were not the style I was looking for.

I ended up buying two pairs of Aerosoles:

The At Last Shootie, they have a 2 1/2" heel, that's a little high for walking all over the Italian cobbled roads but I'm a rebel. I have been breaking them in and after 4 days they are quite comfortable.

The Torpedo, this is my back-up shoe. It has a 2" wedge heel, it may have a bit more support than my other choice, but I think the other shoe is cuter!

SHOE #2 (The Pseudo-Hiking Shoe)
The next shoe was needed for hiking. I spent hours deciding between tennis shoe or hiking shoe…hmmmm. All the informational travel sites began to make my eyes blurry, but I did read several that said to not wear typical white tennis shoes because it makes you look like a tourist and you would be more prone to pick-pocketers. Not sure how much of this I believe, but just to be safe there will be no white tennis shoes for me!

The Hiking Shoe I Bought:
Monch Hiking Shoe by Wenger, Wenger are the same folks that make the Swiss Army Knife. I bought these shoes online without ever having tried them on, I was surprised by how cute and comfortable they were when I received them.

The Second & Third Runners-Up for Hiking Shoes:
The Merrell Siren Sport

The Keen Ridgeline Trail Shoe

RELATED ARTICLES
Italian Adapters, Converters & Voltage (AKA: The Flat Iron Dilemma)
10-Day Tuscany & Cinque Terre Itinerary

Category: fashion & beauty, travel & experience Tags: bucket list, italy, shoes, travel & experience One Comment

Feb
2010

Italian Adapters, Converters & Voltage (AKA: The Flat Iron Dilemma)

By Annette Renee White

This post is part of my Bucket List Journey
(#3 Visit Every Region in Italy)

The thought of traveling to a high humidity country without a flat iron is not only terrifying, but not an option! It's #2 on my list of things to bring with me on my trip to Tuscany & Cinque Terre, right after my camera! I don't have super-curly hair, but wavy enough to warrant a 72-hour, 13 website & 3 beauty store quest to find out how to get my flat iron to work on my vacation.

Confusion quickly set in; did I need an adapter or converter? Would the heating element produce the same temperatures? What if I bought the wrong device, would it cause a fire? Or would it fry my hair? Oh…the can of worms vanity will open!

There are two issues with getting your American electrical products to work in Italy. First, the US electricity is 110V, whereas Italy's is a 220V. Some American appliances are designed to run just 110V while others can run both 110V & 220V. You can determine this by checking the voltage stamp which is usually located on your appliance. Some will just say 110V, while others will say 110V-220V. Bingo! Secondly, their outlets use a differently designed plug, that looks nothing like the ones in the US.

ADAPTER
An adapter simply changes your American plug into a round 3-prong Italian style plug so it will fit into the wall socket. It does not change voltage! So, if your appliance is only set up to work on 110V, an adapter will not change the voltage for it to work on 220V (you would need a converter to do that).

CONVERTER
If your appliance is only set up to work on 110V, and you are determined to bring it to Italy, you will need to purchase a converter. This device will change your 110V product to work on 220V, but it will cost you! You should weigh the price difference between purchasing a converter or just buying a new "dual voltage" product.

THE FLAT IRON DILEMMA
My flat iron was only set up to work on 110V, so my options were to either purchase a converter or purchase a "dual voltage" flat iron. A dual voltage device will allow me to use it with just an adapter. After much deliberation, I chose to search for a new flat iron. I ended up buying a Conair Pro 1" White Bird for $25 on Ebay. It is full size, though it's thin style makes it more compact than the one I already have.

THE IPHONE & ITALY
Another minor dillema was what I would need to use and charge my IPhone in Italy. I have been assured that the IPhone is set up as a "dual volatage" device and all I that is necessary is an adaptor. But, you can also use your car charger since the car sockets are the same.

If you plan on using your phone to make and receive calls, call your provider to sign up for a discounted International rate. If you plan on "really" taking a vacation and do not want to be contacted while sipping vino on the veranda, do the following: turn your phone to airplane mode, this will stop all text messages and phone messages from coming in. While in airplane mode, you can turn your Wi-Fi back on so it can be used in internet cafes or other Wi-Fi hotspots. You can also turn network data roaming off and this will turn the data plan off so even emails won't come through! Perfecto!!

WHAT I BOUGHT
I ended up purchasing these two adapters:
International Travel Grounded Adapter Plug ($2.95), this adapter will accept a 3-prong flat American plug

Plug Adapter for USA Flat ($4.26), this one works with a 2-prong flat American plug

RELATED ARTICLES
10-Day Tuscany & Cinque Terre Itinerary
Shoes for Travel to Italy: Fashion vs. Comfort

Category: travel & experience 2 Comments

Feb
2010

10-Day Tuscany & Cinque Terre Itinerary

By Annette Renee White

This post is part of my Bucket List Journey #3 Visit Every Region in Italy

I have been planning a trip to Italy in my head for over 10 years; the romantic towns I would stroll through, the home-made limoncello I would drink and decadent gelato that would chill my belly. Finally, all the stars have aligned, meaning that I actually have some time and a little "extra" money. Holy crap…does that ever happen? I made a sweet deal with my mother so she will watch our restaurant while we are living la dolce vita and all I have to do is take care of her dog while she's vacationing in Mexico. I clean up some dog poop and then get to go to Italia? What a deal!

Though we will only have 10 days, I assume they will be amongst the most memorable of my life. I am a planner, and have already spent countless hours on research, my husband has joked that I will spend more time planning this trip than we will actually be in Italy. But, for me, that is a huge part of the excitement and I love to find a great deal! I booked our flight from California to Florence at www.expedia.com and got what I considered to be a screaming deal, $800 each RT. It was so reasonable because we will be vacationing during the non-peak time, March 15th – March 25th. I checked the ticket prices for the next week and they jumped up to $1000. I have no problem leaving a week earlier to save 400 bucks…more shopping money for me!

The average weather in Florence, Italy in March is 59/39. Ouch, a little chilly for this warm weather lover, but I will be sure to bring scarves, hats and gloves.

Here's the abridged version of the Itinerary (extended to folllow):

10-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1: Florence
Day 2: Florence
Day 3: Florence/Venice
Day 4: Venice & Murano
Day 5: Venice/Cinque Terre (Monterosso)
Day 6: Cinque Terre (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza)
Day 7: Cinque Terre/Pisa/Siena
Day 8: Siena & San Gimignano
Day 9: Siena/Florence
Day 10: Arrevederci Italia!!!

RELATED ARTICLES
Italian Adapters, Converters & Voltage (AKA: The Flat Iron Dilemma)

Category: travel & experience 4 Comments

Feb
2010

#157. Achieved! Pay the Bridge Toll for the Person Behind Me

By Annette Renee White

This post is part of My 40th Birthday Bucket List Extravaganza day.

I was driving over the Richmond Bridge on my birthday, feeling pretty good about myself after performing my first flying trapeze trick and knowing that I was going to pay the toll for the person behind me. I jockeyed for position making sure that there was actually a car behind me to pay for. I was content with the 4-door blue sedan that was now tailgating me, though it was dark and I had no idea who the driver was.

"Today is my birthday and I want to pay for the car behind me too!" was what I told the bridge toll collector. She let out a laugh and I was on my merry way. I was giddy the whole way across the bridge; Who did I just pay for? Did I just make their day? Will they pay-it-forward the next time they cross the bridge? All that happiness for a mere 4 bucks! Totally worth it!

See my complete bucket list.

Category: life enhancement Tags: bucket list One Comment

Feb
2010

#119 Achieved! Fly on a Trapeze

By Annette Renee White

This post is part of My 40th Birthday Bucket List Extravaganza day.

Have you ever thought of joining the circus to become a trapeze artist? When I discovered that a local "circus" school offered a 1 1/2 hour beginning trapeze class, I began fantasizing about flying with the greatest of ease. Turns out…not so great…not so easy! I suckered my mom into coming with me to be the designated photographer and drove to the Trapeze Arts School in Oakland, about an hour away. We arrived just as the last class was finishing and had the opportunity to see beginners and intermediate students attempting their tricks. I was thoroughly relieved to see the large safety net, but still hoped the 10 foot drop didn't sting. Most of the students seemed to be having fun, except the one young newbie so terrified for her life that she couldn't let go of the bar. My only hope was that that wouldn't be me.

My turn! There were only two beginners in the class, me and an ex-gymnast…no fair! We were given about a 5 minute instruction on terminology and other random technical information; for example, when they say Ready…Hep! This means lean forward, bend your knees and take a small jump off the board and Listo will signify to the catcher that the flyer is ready to go. Ok, got it! We were lead to start the steep climb up the 20-rung ladder. This was the most frightening part considering this area lacked the comfort of the safety net. With the 3 of us standing on the 6' x 4' platform, I tightly held on to the rail until I was securely latched on. We started by just hanging onto the bar, swinging and letting go (or in my world a face plant). Next, we hooked our legs on the bar, hung upside down and then unhooked our legs to let go…face plant again…damn! Lastly and in essence the "graduation" trick of the class, we hung upside down and the instructor on a different trapeze caught our hands and we released from our bar to be suspended. I prayed for success on the first attempt because my arms felt like jelly and I was sure they wouldn't have allowed me to try again. I was amazed when I executed this trick "almost" flawlessly! Thank goodness! Done…I called it quits and considered my experience a huge triumph!

As fun as the experience was, don't be fooled, trapezing is flippin hard. I wasn't able to stretch out my arms or laugh for over a week without severe muscle pain! My best advice is to start working out with heavy concentration on your abs, at least a month before you go!

See my complete bucket list.

Category: adventure, entertainment & culture 2 Comments

Feb
2010

Pistachio Crusted Salmon w/Roasted Red Pepper Relish

By Annette Renee White

Salmon is rich is Omega-3 fatty acids, low in calories and high in protein. Which could made this one of the best fishes for your health. Add this to the antioxidants, vitamins and fiber of Pistachios and we may have just created the best dish ever!

PISTACHIO CRUSTED SALMON WITH ROASTED RED PEPPER RELISH
2 Salmon Filets (approx. 7 ounces each)
1/4 Cup Pistachios, coarsely ground
1/4 Cup Olive Oil

RED PEPPER RELISH
1/3 Cup Red Wine Vinegar
1/8 Cup Sugar
1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
1/2 Cup Roasted Red Peppers, chopped

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly press pistachios on to the fleshy side of the Salmon (not the skin side). Heat an oven-proof saucepan and olive oil to Medium High. Place Salmon, pistachio side down, in the hot pan. Turn heat to high and sear pistachios until lightly brown, about 1 minute. Flip the fish over and stick the pan into the hot over for approx. 7 minutes (depending on the thickness of the fish).

To make the Red Pepper Relish, simmer vinegar, sugar and red pepper flakes until slightly thick and reduced to half. Add roasted red peppers to coat.

RESOURCES & PRODUCTS
Pistachios, Shelled & Raw

Roasted Red Peppers, Four 28oz cans

Oven Safe Fry Pan, Cuisinart 10"

Category: food & drink Leave a Comment

Feb
2010

#84. Try 50 New Foods (#13 Mochi)

By Annette Renee White

This post is part of My 40th Birthday Bucket List Extravaganza day.

New Food #13: Mochi

Mochi is a sticky rice cake made with glutinous rice, pounded into a paste and molded into shape. It is traditionally made for the Japanese New Year, but you can find (& eat) it year round too. The stickiness of the rice is said to symbolize togetherness, longevity and prosperity. It has the texture of one of those squishy stress-relief balls or a harder version of jello. Mmm! I bought an assortment pack at the local Asian Market after the owner promised me that they were a tasty treat. Can you say "gullible"? There were three varieties of Mochi that I sampled; peanut butter, fruit and some sort of seaweed filling (not my favorite). Starting off with the peanut butter was a good choice, I like peanut butter. Not as good as the classic PB&J, but definitely edible. The next one tasted like a fig jelly filling, though I think it's safe to assume it was not. I should have stopped there, because the last one tasted like seaweed jam rolled in sesame seeds, totally unexpected. Though this Asian delicacy is popular, I'm thinking that once was enough for me.

RESOURCES & PRODUCTS
Japanese Rice Cake, 8 pcs Mochi