Apple Rose Pastry.

There are times where you take a bite of your food that makes you go "woah". Your eyes widen, you take a look at your food, and you observe what is making it so good and special. Then you take another bite, smiling as you do so because it is just so damn good. So what makes this delicious apple rose pastry dessert so special? It is the simple, basic ingredient- puff pastries- that I am introducing today on Knotuself. It is one of the most easiest desserts I have made that still looks complex, intricate, and like you spent all day baking on. Best of all, it is beautiful and elegant. 

I N G R E D I E N T S _____________________________________

• 1 puff pastry 
• 2 tablespoon of apricot preserve 
• 2 delicious apples
• 1/2 lemon 

Not Pictured: 

• Muffin/cupcake pan to make the pastry
• Flour

D I R E C T I O N S ____________________________________
1. Allow for the puff pastry to thaw out. 
2. Cut 2 apples into very thin slices. 
3. In a bowl filled halfway with water, squeeze 1/2 a lemon to mix with the water. 

4. Place the apple slices into the bowl of water and lemon juice and microwave for about 3 minutes. 
5. Once the apples have been heated, drain the liquids out. 
6. In a separate bowl, place 2 tablespoon of apricot preserve and 1 tablespoon of water. Microwave for 1 minute. 
7. Roll out the thawed out puff pastry with some flour. (Using a roller will be the easiest way)

8. Cut the puff pastry into 6 pieces. 

9. Spread the apricot preserve that was mixed with water along each piece. 

10. Place the sliced apples on the top half or one side of the puff pastry, where they overlap each other. (sprinkle of cinnamon is always welcome on the apples) 
11. Fold the empty side of the puff pastry over the apples, and then begin to roll from one side to the other. 
12. Place the pastry in a muffin/cupcake pan. 
13. Bake the pastry in a 375 degree oven for about 40 minutes. 
14. Sprinkle some powered sugar on top of pastry if desired. 
15. ENJOY!! 

Here is a youtube video I found for a step by step! 

Cancún- #chuangcation.

Oh, how I already long for another vacation here. As someone who comes from a globe trotter-style family, it's quite surprising how we haven't visited Mexico- till now. And let me just start by saying, this was a true vacation: no exhausting tours, no routined meals, no bus rides, none of- not knowing where you are the next day. All this vacation called for was pure relaxation, crystal blue waters, bikinis, Piña Coladas, and a rightful hashtag: #chuangcation.

Cancún is a Mexican city on the Yucatán Peninsula, which borders the Caribbean Sea. And as most of us know, not only is Cancún probably a popular spot for Spring Break, but it is also known for its beaches, resorts, and nightlife. For a week, my family, Beverly, and I stayed along the beachfront strip rather than the more traditional downtown area. 

Once we arrived in Cancún around 8:00 am, the first thing we did was run to the beachfronts of our hotel, to see how blue and clear the water was. Nothing brings me more joy and satisfaction than knowing how visible my toes are under water; not to mention how soft the sand feels against your bum and hands. 

So, of course, after checking in, we immediately threw on our bikinis and hit the beach. Right before you hit the beach, there is a pool-side bar. Immediately, we were offered a drink menu, and without-a-doubt I ordered a Piña Colada- a perfect start to a perfect morning.  

It is with that spirit that I invite you to see the adventures that have stolen my heart on this trip! 
 _____________________________________

I would be lying if I didn't tell you that this vacation included a day of historic learning when we visited the Chichén Itzá. And despite the pestering mosquitoes and the ridiculous humidity, it was quite beautiful. The Chichén Itźa was a large pre-Columbian city built by the Maya people of the Terminial Classic period. The architect of the site is quite speechless. Unfortunately, we can no longer climb it, however it is a must see place if you are in Mexico- also it calls for a perfect opportunity for awkward photo status.

And what's not to say that every morning we had a delicious breakfast that would color every single palette of the rainbow. 
Near our last two days, we decided to visit a turtle farm: Tortugranja on Isla Mujeres. This small turtle farm is a turtle hatchery created in 1994. Tortugranja's main goal is to help reestablish fading local turtle populations. Their collection of turtles were precious, and they have provided a venue for these underpopulated species to lay their eggs far from predators. Everyday, these turtles can wander near incubating eggs, be fed proteins, and live in specific pools before they are released back into the wild.

To get to Isla Mujeres, we hopped on a ferry boat that took us across the oceans to the island. Because the island is so small, once we got to the island, we rented a golf cart big enough to fit us. Golf cart + island= windy hair and romantic sceneries.

Of course, I must show you our hotel's beach. For a whole week, we stayed at Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun Resort, where the turquoise-blue beach was- as promised- in our backyard. Everyday we would at least spend a few hours on the beach to soak in every inch of relaxation and Vitamin D- not to mention the complimentary sips and bubbles we were able to get our hands on. 

Not only was the beach a plus, but our hotel featured an amazing spa that soaked all our worries and stress away.  Nothing beats having your mind slip away and your tensions to melt as we are guided through the hushed corridors. After our transformation, you feel a sort of cleanse, purity, and peace. Our spa treatment was the Gem Spa Treatment that is inspired by gemstone therapy, unique amenities- including a 90 minute 10-step hydrotherapy ritual. And at the end of the 10 step, we were lead to the Gem Spa boost (that basically looked like an indoor pool to me- and it was breathtakingly beautiful). Once our treatment was over, we were asked to shower before our dinner. Our dinner included a 7 course meal- fine dining and fine tasting- yes please! Oh, this was definitely a ladies night.

The following day we decided to go on an adventure to swim with dolphins, I mean come on- dolphins?! We booked our swim with the dolphins in Cancun with Delphinus, which is the world's leading company responsible for the management of these marine mammals. The dolphinariums was in Xcaret Park where we got to play, dance, ride, and kiss with their beautiful and adorable dolphins.

Sidecar Doughnuts.

Today's post is all about doughnuts. Today, my dear friend Tiffany and I went to Sidecar Doughnuts  to see what all the talk is about. When you first walk in, you get that first whiff of a sweet aroma. One that makes you just drool instantly. Upon first glance, most of the doughnut flavors on the rack available for today were empty, an indication that fresh batches are being made. After ordering about 6 different flavors (mainly because I couldn't decide on which one I wanted to try), my order came to a total of about $20. Not bad at all.  

After taking that first warm bite, my belly did a black flip and a few cartwheels. My initial reaction when I first saw the donuts were that it might be way too sweet. However, after taking a bite, it was nothing but perfection. Not too sweet, perfectly fluffy, and all around just beautiful to look at. Also, the setting inside and outside Sidecar doughnuts are all around adorable and delightful. This is a place I definitely would visit again. 

Sidecar doughnuts are made daily, from scratch, using simple recipes, and only the finest ingredients possible. Everything is made in house, from real ingredients- infused glazes, hand crushed jams, flavored creams, and even a homemade pie-crust to use as a crumbled topping. Their flavor changes monthly and if you are a Gluten Free customer, they offer a weekly Gluten Free option that changes every Monday. I mean come on-- cool? Yes. 

And I mean, who doesn't want a delicious, photogenic doughnut? If you are around the area, stop by Sidecar Doughnuts because this is definitely now on my radar. 

* Allergies: Most ingredients include almond flour.

Location: 
270 E. 17th St., #18
Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Alki Beach

This past Sunday was a day full of adventures - a getaway (in a sense). We basically were runaways for a day. Running away from the city. And only one word can describe it. Amazing. This is my first time going to a beach in Washington. Yes, it is not as spirited as California's beaches, but let me tell you, this was a place I definitely found myself happy and content with. It was peaceful, majestic, and down right beautiful.

Alki Beach Park is a long beach strip that runs from Alki Point to Duwamish head on Elliott Bay. I'm not surprised when this place draws in joggers, rollerbladers, volleyball players, bicyclists, and families. After a stressful week, Yasi and I decided to take a short trip down to Alki Beach for a photo adventure. Bringing accessories and extra clothes, we made our way to a perfect spot on the soft, warm sand as we breathed in that sea-salt air and just let that breeze swim through our hair. I mean what perfect way for a getaway than to find your inner beauty with a small photo shoot.

It is a fun activity that I enjoy doing. It has become an outlet for me. Knowing that you can capture that beautiful photo of someone else, or that someone else can capture that beautiful photo of you. It really is a great feeling and more importantly, it's just fun.

We need to remind ourselves that we all have this beauty inside of us, and I feel that this is a perfect way to find that inner beauty and let it shine through.

Yeah, that first shot is always awkward, but after you just kind of laugh and dance it off. Then it just becomes a dance party. I mean one of those photo is bound to be good if you keep clicking away. So take that girlfriend of yours, find a location (anywhere really), and just take a plethora of photos. It's an amazing way to just forget your worries and let that smile shine through the camera. This is how I forget my worries. Try it. It's worth it.

Banana-Avocado Smoothie

Around this time of the quarter, I always seem to find myself scrambling to find time to cook or to even buy groceries. So, today I am sharing with you this simple, easy, healthy, and absolutely delicious smoothie! I kid you not, it almost reminds me of ice-cream, but healthy. Crazy, right? (I'm definitely patting myself on the back right now for this one)

Sometimes you just have to work with what you got in the fridge or pantry, and basically experiment with what you have. Not only is this smoothie healthy, but it basically contains every ingredient I love. A banana- for fiber, an avocado- for that good fat, coconut water- for hydration organic blue agave- for that healthy sweetness, and a sprinkle of unsweetened cocoa- to mix things up a bit. 
And if you want to spice it up even more, added chocolate syrups on the sides, inside your cup, to make it taste like ice-cream EVEN MORE. 

Here's the thing- this smoothie is absolutely easy to make and contains all the necessary nutrients you need. You'll have that morning energy you've been craving for and you'll channel your dance moves on the kitchen floor. 
So grab a blender, these key ingredients and rub that belly of yours. You'll definitely be thanking me after this one. Cheers! 

I N G R E D I E N T S _____________________________________

Not Pictured: 

• Ice- to make it nice and cold

D I R E C T I O N S ____________________________________
1. In blender add frozen banana, avocado, coconut water, agave, ice, and cocoa (optional). 
2. Blend away. 
3. Sing and dance while you blend. 
4. Sprinkle some cocoa on top of smoothie (if it pleases you). 
5. Drink and enjoy immediately. 
I promise you- you won't regret it! 

Birthday Suit.

I am nothing but happy. Not because I'm officially 21 since last Friday. Not because I got my first sip of that legal feeling. But because I got to be with my family, friends, and the gent last weekend. And there is nothing more I would want or ask for than to spend that special day with the people I love the most. 
The gent picked me up from the airport last Friday, surprising me with the most lovely roses I ever did lay my eyes on and we headed our way to the bbq party. 
Pops definitely grilled up some mean chicken wings, ribs, steak, lamp chops, and corn. And to finish it off we finished with a Strawberry Shortcake from Cream Pan (which was DELICIOUS), and a nice few sips of that ice wine. 

It isn't just about choosing to be happy on your birthday, but it is to feel happy. It's the wake up call to treat yourself to that scoop of ice cream, to embrace every moment with friends, family, and love. To learn to just love yourself right back. To learn how to challenge yourself and find that happiness you deserve when a new age turns.

And it's that time where I remind myself how lucky I am. And how thankful I should be. For this day, for my family, for the gent, for my friends, for everything. I couldn't be happier and more grateful. So I thank those who haven't given up on me. Who have followed through with my ups and downs, and who have embraced me. My humor, my sorrows, my fears, my frustrations, my happiness.

And thank you to my beautiful Yasi-June for making this birthday dessert for me. 

Tulip Farm.

Welcome to my heaven. If you have read my Cherry Blossom post, you would understand my flower obsession. So why not venture my heart out and go to a tulip farm with my girls.Tulips are the spring-flowering of the lily family. They are the most boldly colored cup-shaped flowers I have ever laid eyes on. There are many distinct tulip colors that all carry distinct meanings. Yellow tulips are a sign of cheerful thoughts, purple represent royalty, and white conveys forgiveness. Learning about tulips, I have read that the "tulip's velvety black center represents a lover's heart, darkened by the heat of passion". Beautiful right? 

Since we woke up to a beautiful morning of sunshine, the girls and I found a tulip farm in Skagit Valley, here in Washington. Beating the traffic, we arrived around 11:00 am and spent a good two hours dancing with the tulips. Each row was filled with different colored tulips and to top it off, there were beautiful kites soaring in the clear, blue sky. 

These photos do not do this place justice. But I hope you can find a tulip farm before they are over. And if not, there is always next year. They are worth the wait. My eyes have never been filled with so many colors at once. 

Please enjoy these photos of a breathtaking trip. It's heaven. My heaven.