Foodie Friday: Bangkok City Cafe in Vancouver Review

I had been craving Thai food this week and finally got my fix on Wednesday when I went to Bangkok City Cafe with a friend. I found this place on yelp and it had really good reviews so I decided to check it out.

We went there for lunch and I guess we were pretty early because nobody was there. The door was open and it had the open sign but the people who worked there was in the back. That was the one thing I did not appreciate because we didn't really know what to do. I sort of called out to them by saying "hello" but I kind of almost wished they had a bell or maybe something that sounds when we enter because it was kind of awkward to stand inside the empty restaurant for a few minutes hoping they would notice us. Other than that, the service was good and prompt.

The waitress gave us the menu and I had already looked at it the night before, so I already knew what I wanted. The menu has a good selection of choices and a lunch menu as well. There isn't too many items on the menu that would make you feel overwhelmed with choices, which in my opinion is always a good thing because my friends and I can sometimes be quite indecisive. Everything always sounds soooo good, so when the menu isn't too big, it makes picking something a lot easier. Anyways, on to what we ordered.

A friend of mine told me to try Thai Iced Tea, so I decided to order it there and it was really good. Not entirely sure how to explain it, but it had a rich taste to it. Never had Thai Iced Tea before so I have nothing to compare it against.

I had been craving something spicy but also craving pad thai. I asked whether the pad thai was spicy but they informed that it was not, however they were able to make it spicy for me. The pad thai was really good. The noodles weren't too soft or too hard. The most important part was that they didn't stick together the way some other places do. I am not Thai so I cannot say how authentic the pad thai was but I definitely recommend it.

My friend had the red curry from the lunch menu. She said it was really good as well.

For those who didn't want to read my ramblings, here is a quickie review. Everything is out of 5.

Back to Blogging Plan: My Customized Agenda

I have missed blogging, and hate that I stopped. But since school has just started yesterday for most students in Canada (not sure about anywhere else in the world), I thought this would be the perfect time to get back to blogging. This time, I have come up with a plan.

I have made an agenda for myself to help keep me organized and more on top of blogging. I didn't like any of the preset agenda's made for school, so I made my own.

This is the first agenda I have ever made and I'm sure I will be tweaking it in the new year, but this is what I am starting out with and will see what works and what doesn't.

I didn't have time to create a pretty cover and quite frankly, I like the sleek look of just a black cover on the front and back. I have chosen a coil bind because it lasts longer and you can flip it all the way around.

The first two pages I have included in my agenda is a monthly view that is laminated. I didn't want to have a monthly view in between the weeks because I wanted to be able to flip back and forth between the months. I laminated it so that I can use non-permanent markers (like the Staedtler ones I have pictured above) or dry-erase markers. I chose the non-permanent markers because they come to a finer point and this agenda is half a letter size page (8.5" X 5.5"). The monthly view will give me a quick overview of all the major things that are happening in that month. For example, holidays, events, birthdays, etc. I have also left the other side of the month pages blank so that I can pop in to do lists when I need them.

After the two monthly view pages, I have created a weekly view page. This is what I will be using the most for blogging because I will be able to plan what posts I want to put up each week. At least that's the plan, I will probably do an update after I have put my agenda through some good use.

The pages after each weekly view are just blank pages. I currently have 7 blank pages in between which is making for an incredibly thick agenda but like I said earlier, there will be more tweaking later on. The blank pages will be used for whatever ideas I have for blog posts as well as just a scratch pad for whatever I need to jot down.

This is my work in progress. I can't wait to put it to use and to figure out what I like and dislike about it. Actually I am pretty sure I dislike the thickness of it but, I am waiting for something to go on sale for me to revamp my planner for next year.

What do you look for in an agenda and why?

Old habits die hard, what is a habit you would like to change?

notice the blank paper?

I have a really old and bad habit that I really would like to change and that is, for me to STOP PROCRASTINATING!!

I am such a procrastinator. Hello? Just look at this blog, it's super inconsistent and I am seriously trying to make it more consistent, so please, bear with me while I am still in the midst of a move. I honestly do need to work on this procrastination habit of mine though but I really can't help it. Even this post is me, procrastinating.

I should really be studying right now or researching for my series that I want to do on renting. By the way, please let me know what you want to know about renting? It doesn't have to be for Vancouver, it could even be just general questions as well.

I also really need to figure out how to do a post or two that I have in mind but I might need to borrow someone for that.

Anyways, procrastination has always just been my thing. I think the problem is that it has never really gotten THAT out of hand. Do you know what I mean? Like, I procrastinate but I still get things done on time. I have never handed in an assignment late. Near the end of my University life, I could literally time things to the last minute as in I would finish a paper right at the minute I need to finish it before I have to go get up and get ready and hand in the actual paper itself. Crazy time management? or just plain crazy? I don't know.

This is something that really makes me nervous. I chose to do some of my courses online, which means that I have to keep myself on track and right now...I'm a little scared.

I have so many old habits that I want to change especially once I am all settled in and stuff because new place, new changes. I just feel like it's easier almost, to change certain things when you've moved and are in a way, out of your comfort zone. At least I hope that that is what will help me. Hopefully you will start seeing more consistent posting and less procrastinating.

What are some old habits you would like to change?

What would you like to know about #Renting ?

Today, my friend and I just signed our lease for a 2 bedroom suite. This is really the first time my friend has rented and it made me realize that other people might be in the same boat. So, since it is still new and fresh in my mind, I am thinking about doing a Renting 101 series.

Now, I need you guys to help me out, what would you like to know about renting?

What are you most scared about when thinking about renting?

Why do you want to rent?

Let me know what you would like to know and hopefully, I can help some of you out.

1 Week Since I came back to Vancouver

I can't believe I've already been here for a week. Time has just flown by for me, probably because I have been so busy. Actually, I probably haven't been busy but it just feels that way since I am still figuring out a lot of stuff like how to use the transit system and where things are. I have also been looking for a place to rent and will do a whole separate post about that soon.

This post is really just a recap. I originally had wanted to do a blog a day in May (BADIM) but... I missed out on Sunday, which made me soo upset. I was so mad at myself for falling asleep before I posted a post. Should have done that before anything else, which is really what I have been doing lately. I told myself to be more consistent with my posting once I get to Vancouver and so far it hasn't been hard to do since I definitely have more of a routine/schedule over here now that I have school. It's easier to keep myself on track. I don't have much to say today since I have just spent the whole day viewing places for rent besides going to school in the morning. Starbucks has definitely been our friend during our hunt for places to rent.

My Starbuck's drink of the day: Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino

If you want to hear about how school's been for me, check out my other blog at: https://tomesarah.wordpress.com/

Qoola - Mini Review

Qoola is a frozen yogurt bar that I had the pleasure of trying a few days back. I love frozen yogurt, ice cream, gelato's, etc. I was excited to try Qoola out the moment my friend and I passed the place while looking for a washroom in the mall.

After we relieved ourselves, we went back to Qoola and we each got a Qoolala as they call it.  There were a bunch of flavours to choose from but I chose the original flavour plus a mixture of strawberry lemonade and a berry mix (I can't remember the name) and I added strawberries, kiwis, blackberries and raspberries on top.

Qoola is one of the frozen yogurt bar's that charge you by weight. I find that this way of charging can end up pretty costly especially if you are like me and like to add fruit on top which tends to weigh more than say gummy bears. I don't think it necessarily costs a lot more than other yogurt bar's that charge this way though.

One thing about these types of frozen yogurt bar's is that you serve yourself. You go get your own frozen yogurt and add your own toppings on to it. It might be fun to get your own frozen yogurt although I prefer when someone else does it for me because than it looks all pretty. I know my priorities may be a little skewed but I like pretty things. Now the adding your own toppings onto it, that's the part that I find CAN get messy. People scooping what they want into their bowls and not putting things back where they belong. This is a huge concern to me since I remember going to one of the places that were like this and the person I was with was allergic to some things. It becomes very difficult to ensure that one container won't be contaminated by the other and makes it near impossible for someone with allergies to pick toppings. Obviously, the person working their will do their best to keep things clean but when your busy, you can only do so much.

Now for the most important part, how did it taste?

I chose the original flavour for this purpose. The original flavour was good but it was more sweet than tart the way an actual yogurt is like, which was a bit disappointing. I love frozen yogurt because it's NOT as creamy tasting as gelato's and ice creams can be, it's usually got a bit of a tartness. I did really enjoy the strawberry lemonade flavour, it seems perfect for the hot summer months but that one was TOO tart in some ways. A mixture was definitely a good choice on my part.

Overall:
The service at the location I went to was pretty good. They had a pretty good variety of flavours I think but most importantly, the flavours that I tasted didn't taste artificial or anything. Price is about the same, but you can save a few cents if you bring back your old Qoola container, it said it in store but I don't see it online so I can't give you the exact amount you'd be able to save. All this being said, I would definitely go back for more.

Have you tried Qoola in Vancouver? What did you think?

To change the name of this blog or not?

This morning, my friend over at mumfection, suggested that I change the name of this blog. She thinks I should re-name this blog "Spoiled Sarah" or just plain "Spoiled" or "Spoiled & Proud". LOL. I wonder why? hmmm.

I always say that I am spoiled because I know that compared to a lot of other people, I have been very fortunate. Although, I don't think I am as spoiled as some people since it's not like my family is THAT rich or anything but my family does give me everything I want in a sense. I never have to worry about money but I do because things happen and I know money doesn't grow on trees (I'm sure we all wish it did though).

So, I guess, what I'm wondering is whether I should change the title of this blog? I know it can be a bit confusing that both blogs are named to: me but still, I am hoping to put it all into one blog at one point. I just need to be more consistent with my blogging before I decide to pay for a domain name and maybe get someone to help me design my website. I know what I want, I just need to figure out if I'll be able to do it myself or not.

What do you think? Should I change the name of my blog? This is the blog where I do reviews and stuff as well as some random ramblings like these. What do you think I should re-name my blog to?

TTC vs Translink BC: First Impressions

One of the things I was most worried about when I decided to move back to Vancouver was getting around on public transportation. I rarely used public transit when I was in Vancouver and when I did, I was always very confused.

Yesterday was my first real day of attempting to figure out how to get around in Vancouver, which is why I wanted to do a first impressions of Translink compared to the TTC in Toronto.

I don't drive so I've been using public transit in Toronto to get around in Toronto so obviously, I have to learn my way around public transit in Vancouver as well.

First of all, I have always found Translink to be very confusing. I don't really know why but it just seems confusing to me, so I might be slightly biased.

Let's start off with fares.

In Toronto, you pay once to get on and if you grab a transfer, you can go one way till the transfer's no longer valid.

In Vancouver, there are 3 different zones, so you either pay for one zone, two zone or three zone if you are going between these zones. Once you pay, you can use that fare for up to 90 minutes within the zones you paid for.

This is definitely, one of the things I find most confusing since I have no idea where one zone begins and one zone ends. So every time I want to go somewhere, I have to punch it into translink's website to figure out a)how to get there and b)how much I have to pay. I'm hoping with time, I will learn where the zones begins and ends. Hopefully!

Now the actual buses seemed the same-ish till I saw one number being used with two different names and that confused me. I am not sure what it means and I haven't had to use a bus with two different names, so I'm really not sure.

Subway vs Skytrain

I definitely prefer the subways in Toronto over the Skytrain. First of all, the Skytrain is like one big loop while the subway goes north and south and east and west. The subway is a lot easier to understand in my opinion than the skytrain. I also couldn't figure out, which side I was supposed to be on because the instructions only told me to go towards say Waterfront but the platform doesn't say that anywhere till the skytrain actually comes into the station. Again, so weird and confused me.

Those are just some of the things that really stuck out to me and made me miss the ttc. I know that not a lot of people are a big fan of the ttc in Toronto but I like it because of it's simplicity and how easy it is to just get around.

Here in Vancouver, things just seem more confusing and I am seriously hoping that once I get use to it that I won't feel that way however I highly doubt it.

In Toronto, I use to just google map where I wanted to go. In Vancouver, I have to google map it and go on the translink site to see how much I need to pay. It's an unnecessary extra step.

Where have you travelled to that had the most confusing public transportation you have ever used?

Cosmo's reading my mind

I always pick up a magazine or two when I fly, it's become a habit of mine that I just can't shake.

This time, I picked up a copy of Cosmopolitan Magazine because Rachel Bilson was on the cover and I love her. I didn't really look at what was actually in the magazine so I was pleasantly surprised when I started reading it on the plane. I was surprised because they had an article called "The Crazy Path that Made My Career" and another article called "How To Throw an Awesome Bachelorette Party".

Both of those topics are what I have been thinking about a lot lately. I have been thinking about my career since that was one of the main reason's I moved back even though I am not sure how the job market for my career choice will be like but this is where I would want to work. And, the other topic was all I have been thinking about since my friend made me her Maid of Honour. I really want her Bachelorette to be just the perfect bit of fun, laughter, and drunkenness.

It's funny how things just randomly seem to be meant for you, isn't it?

Have you ever felt that way about something you picked up randomly?

My move and my flight and Blog a day in May?

My Move

OMG!! I have moved a lot in the past but damn, this one was a tough one. Who knew I had THIS much stuff?? I sure didn't! I probably would have hired movers had I known that I would have as much stuff as I did but I didn't and ended up shipping 5 big boxes and 3 smaller boxes. CRAZINESS! I have to admit, I procrastinated a lot on packing because I just couldn't think of a good way to pack everything in an organized fashion. I tried to organize everything as best as I could so that unpacking would be easier but I just had an overwhelming amount of stuff. It's all done now but this move definitely reminds me why moving is one of the biggest stressors in a persons life. All I can say is No Kidding!

My flight

My flight was ok. I might have drank too many liquids before I boarded though. I had had a booster juice around 4pm and then when I got to the airport and saw David's Tea, that I just had to go get myself a tea as well. I went to the washroom before I boarded but once the plane was ready to take off, I REALLY needed to pee again =S Such a bad idea to have that many liquids before a flight and I had chosen a window seat because typically I either don't pee on a flight back to Vancouver or I only pee once. I felt kind of bad but what can you do, when you gotta go, you gotta go. Other than that, it was ok. I ended up being kind of productive on the plane. I wrote a post for my main blog and started this one as well.

The only place I found that sort of said where I was.

If you want to see more about the day of my move, you can go check out my vlog below.

Anyways, I am thinking about doing a blog a day in May (#BADIM), and I know this isn't even going up on the first of May but I am having some technical difficulties, ie. I was having trouble editing my vlog. LOL. It's still May 1st somewhere in the world I think.

Ta ta for now,

Sarah

to: me - train and plane ticket advice that you should take next time

To: Me

You took a gamble this time around and lost. The gamble you took was with the train tickets, who knew that at the end of the month, EVERYONE seems to like to take the train. What is up with that? Anyways, since you lost, maybe it's time for you to remember some tips you have collected.

Train Ticket Tips for Getting the Best Deal:

1. Don't take the train at the end of the month especially coming from Toronto - Vancouver.
2. The best deals for the train (VIA Rail) is the express deals for economy.
3. The best deal for a sleeper car is when they have their sales.

Plane Ticket Tips for Getting the Best Deal:

1. Know which days are cheaper to travel. Tuesday is usually a good bet for anywhere. There are usually other days but those can sometimes depend on the location I think.
2. Know when companies have seat sales.
3. Don't just check sites that list them all, sometimes they don't have all the available times for that price. So, check the airlines site as well (especially AirCanada for those in Canada, sometimes AirCanada's cheapest price doesn't even show up on those sites that search all the airlines).

General Guideline:

• STALK the sites at the very least, 1 month prior to purchasing/travelling.
• Take note of which days during the week are typically cheaper. (For trains, take note of the time of the month that certain fares sell out or doesn't have express deals.)
• Take note of the prices you typically see, so that if there is a "sale" that you won't be duped because it could very well be a sale for that particular travelling day but not in general.
• Remember not to take a gamble unless you are prepared to lose. I took a gamble in waiting to see if I can get train tickets for cheaper, I lost. So instead, I will be flying.
• Also, if you aren't just purchasing tickets and you are looking more for a package (flight and hotel) kind of thing, make sure to check out the travel sites and see if those sites are on cashback sites like ebates.

Hope these tips don't just help me but help all of you out there looking to get a deal on plane and train tickets. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask me =) I'm always happy to help.

Updates and why I've been MIA

Well hello again internet, sorry I've been MIA. I just have a lot going on in my life, so I'm sorry but you will have to put up with a bit of a sporadic posting schedule for the next couple of months.

I have already written a short post on my main blog but in case you don't follow that one, I just wanted to let you guys know as well.

I am moving to Vancouver soon and have been busy trying to figure out school and job situations.

When I say soon, I mean like in a month and a half. So, I do have time but I am also kind of doing this cross-country move by myself and well, I just don't quite know how I'm going to do it just yet but I'll figure it out eventually.

That being said, you have now been updated on what's going on in my life. Now, I'm sure you are also wondering where the rest of my Vegas series is coming but it will come shortly. Hopefully sooner rather than later. I really want to get that out of the way before I start my next travelling/moving series. Honestly, I am procrastinating watching the videos to edit them and include them in my blog posts. There aren't many but... did I mention I drank at every meal in Vegas? (I swear I'm not an alcoholic.)

Also, since I am in the process of getting prepared for my move, I have noticed some products I have used up that I might review. So, there might be more posts coming on this blog however it might be very far and few in between and I hope you all understand.

I am planning on making a lot of changes in my life when I move because well, I can. One of the main goals will be to blog more regularly and other goals include being healthier and more organized and less of a procrastinator (I don't know if I will ever stop being a procrastinator but I can try right?)

Anyways, I hope everyone is doing well and be on the look out for some posts coming from me in a bit.

Slacking and thinking of ways to be more consistent

Ok, so last week I posted three reviews in a row and then stopped. I realized I really need to be more consistent with my blogs. So, I am trying to think of ways to do that.

I find that with such an inconsistent work schedule, it makes this very difficult to maintain a consistent blog posting schedule but it might just be me. I like to do things on my own time, and there is nothing wrong with that.

I just wanted to let my readers know that I am working on becoming more consistent. In the meantime, please bear with me.

My goal for now, is to at least post once every week here.

I have a lot of things I am working on and trying to do all at once, so this is all I can do for now. Hopefully you will see a more consistent posting schedule up soon.

For all those bloggers out there, how often do you post? Do you post consistently or just whenever you can? What helps you keep that consistency?

Lots of love and well wishes,
Sarah

Getting a little personal

Lately I have had a lot of thoughts on my mind just weighing down on me. Originally I thought about posting this on my main blog but its not really about psychology as much as it is about my own psyche.

Do you ever ask yourself "am I really a bad person?"?

No? Well that's what I have been thinking about lately and it's not the first time I have thought this way.

I constantly question why people leave my life. I know why sometimes I leave other people's lives but at least I explain it to them or we just naturally grow apart. But why do people just leave without an explanation?

I guess I have just felt really lonely lately.

I am not one to settle or one for relationships or anything like that but I really just want someone right now. Someone I can trust to always be there for me no matter what. Maybe it's because I see so many of my close friends moving on with their lives or have things going for them. I just have been feeling really lonely lately.

Last year my motto was "alone doesn't have to be lonely".

This year I just don't want to be alone I think.

Sorry if this was a bit depressing but I just wasn't up for writing a review today.

I'm going to leave this blog post with a song I recently heard randomly that I really like... it's called Mr.Wrong by Mary J. Blige (feat Drake)

I guess I've been liking this song because I've been feeling like maybe I'm Ms.Wrong...

Review of Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas

This was the first restaurant we tried while in Vegas and I have to admit, we made a really good choice.

We stumbled upon this restaurant randomly while looking for the CSI: The Experience Exhibit (see my review here).

I don’t quite remember why we picked it, maybe it was the way the restaurant was set up or maybe it was the name or maybe it was because it was packed. Honestly, I don’t remember why we picked it, but I am sure happy that we did.

The food was amazing except for the fries, which were a bit salty, at first we thought we . The most memorable of which were the spiced almonds in my friends’ salad that just packed so much punch.

Did I mention my friend got the creme brulee? and OMG, look at it's deliciousness!

Do I recommend this restaurant?

Yes! We went for lunch but would love to check out the dinner menu some time. And trust me when I say this, my friend and I are still drooling every time we think about the restaurant.

Review of CSI: The Experience Exhibit in Las Vegas

One of the things I really wanted to do while I was in Vegas besides partying was this. I know this is super geeky but I have watched the show since it started and when I saw that there was a CSI exhibit, I just had to go. Luckily for me, my friend was on board with this.

Here is a picture of me being geeky, taken by my friend.

The exhibit was definitely not meant for adults like my friend and I, who get a bit impatient.  The exhibit is recommended for kids ages 12 and up but I think it is mostly for kids around the age of 12.  It reminded me of school science trips to Science World or the Aquarium. You know the ones where teachers give you a sheet or package that you have to fill out while you are there. It’s fun as a child but as an adult, it’s a bit boring.

This is something families can do together and for kids to learn a little bit of forensic science in a fun way.

One major thing I didn’t like about the exhibit was that they didn’t give you your CSI Diploma there. Instead if you wanted one, you put in your name and e-mail address and they e-mailed you the diploma. I felt that if I wanted one, I should have been able to get one printed free of charge. What’s the point of going through the whole exhibit with nothing to show for it?

Do I recommend going to the exhibit?

I recommend it for families or kids around the age of 12.

How much is it?

According to the website, the exhibit is $28 plus service charges, most places say approximately $30. When you get to Vegas, you will be able to get some $5 off coupons in the coupon books that people hand out on the strip. When we went there, there was a girl handing them out right by the ticket booth for the exhibit. Also, you could get the tickets from tix4tonight as well but still not as cheap as I had gotten them for (see the tip below).

Tip: I did get my ticket for less because I had been checking out the Groupon deals in Vegas before my trip and got my ticket for $15.