Roma, Italia

I’m back from summer vacay! To say the trip was fun is an understatement! So many great memories and laughs! I’m coming home with ~2,500 pictures!

I didn’t expect much from this trip because Europe has always been one of those vacations that consists of a lot of walking, sight-seeing, and not too much food because it’s so expensive. I’m a beach girl. Yes to the walking and sight-seeing, but now that I make money, we ate ourselves silly! Next go around, I want to bring a pedometer to measure walking distance. I’m estimating 3-5 miles a day, which I hope walked off all the bread, butter, and pasta we ate.

For the next two weeks, I will be posting about my Eurotrip. Today I’ll feature Rome. Following that will be Florence, Venice, Barcelona, Dublin, Paris, and London. I’ll show the sights we visited, and some tips that helped get us through the trip. The activities we did is not a definitive list. These are the things we had time for, but each city has so much more to offer. Keep in mind we had 2-3 days in each city, which isn’t enough time to explore everything!

One big tip: Check out Airbnb and VRBO to book apartments for Europe. I suggest apartments because it’s more cost efficient and convenient. We cooked breakfast to start the days and cooked dinners in every city so that we could get a feel for the local groceries/markets and taste the food. That’s a big saver in money, especially in our case for 6 people. We all brought small suitcases that could be used for carry-ons so a laundry machine was to our advantage.

So Roma! We arrived in Rome on 5/19 in the evening. We basically checked into our apartment and then found a place to dinner. We were so amazed at all the street views. It’s your typical movie set with colored buildings, open window panels/panes, and cobblestone streets. Everything looked like a poster!

The next day was a big one. We walked to the Colosseum first thing in the morning. This thing is massive! It’s the largest amphitheatre in the world and was built in 80 AD. The Colosseum ticket also gets you into the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill as well.

Colosseum

Colosseum

Colosseum^^^ family selfie! you’ll see this throughout our trip! 

Palatine Hil

Forum

Then we headed over to the Pantheon. This building had me awestruck. It was built in 126 AD. and is one of the best preserved buildings in from Ancient Rome. Just beautiful. The center is an open dome with streams of sunlight lighting up the interior. To think that this was built without technology and all by hand… just utterly amazing.

Pantheon

Pantheon

Pantheon

My mom’s favorite sight was the Trevi Fountain. It’s the largest fountain in Rome and one of the most famous fountains in the world. Tradition has it that if you throw a coin into the fountain, right hand over left shoulder with your back against the fountain, it will ensure a return trip back to Rome; second coin for romance, third coin for marriage. Believe what you want!

Trevi

Trevi Fountain

Gelato

More importantly, we were able to rest our feet and eat gelato at the fountain!

Our last stop was the Spanish steps. This is the widest set of steps in Europe and a great place to sit and just people watch.

Spanish Steps

Parents^^^ My mama and babi. This pic melts my heart 

After the first day, I showered, laid my head down onto the pillow, and immediately fell asleep. No dreams. Just zzz’s.

Our last day in Rome, we were blessed by Papa Francesco! We had previously reserved papal audience tickets to see the Pope. Pretty funny watching people throw their kids at the pope for a kiss! We also toured the Vatican museum and saw the Sistine Chapel, which houses the famous Creation of Adam by Michelangelo, among other Renaissance painters. Wow!

Vatican CityMasses of people! No pun intended… Tehehe

Pope Gif
“Hai! I bless you and you and you!”

Sistine ChapelNo pics allowed but I snuck one in. I do what I want!

For dinner we bought groceries at Mercato Trionfale – entrees included cioppino, steak, and pan-fried mackerel. Dinner for under 50 euros for a party of 6. Perfecto!

Rome meal

At night we went out for dessert and came across Piazza Navona. There are many street vendors that sell a hodge podge of stuff. We ended up purchasing these plastic helicopter toys that can fly up to over 10 stories high. We played with them until late into the night. Sometimes I think we’re five, and that’s okay in my book!

Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona

Rome was the highlight of the trip if you’re measuring the city according to sight-seeing. There’s so much history!

Another useful tip: Circle all the sight-seeing spots you want to visit on a map (or for you techie people, pin each spot on Google Maps). This helps to plan out the day and figure out which sites to visit sequentially according to proximity. It’s how we were able to go to 6 sites on one day!

Have you been to Rome? If so, what did you do? Which are your favorite tourist activities? If you haven’t been, what’s the most intriguing?

Stay tuned for my Florence post,
Jay
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Typically I post by midnight on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. As you can see, I’m a bit late with this post. Due to my work schedule, I’ll be posting when I get a chance. I will continue to do my best to stay on schedule! Thanks for following along.

Ciao!

I’m going on summer vacation! During my three weeks in Europe I won’t be posting.

First stop, Austin to see my sister graduate, then Italy!

I’m ready except that I need to leave Chubs… He’s my squishy teddy bear.

Look at him like “Don’t leave me!!!”

Chubs

Suitcase

Wish I could take him and feed him gelato everyday!

Ciao for now! I’ll post pictures when I’m back.
Jay

Eurotrip!

It’s summer vacation time! Do you have any travel plans coming up? Cause I do! And I’m going to Europe!

On Friday I’m flying to Austin to attend my baby sister’s graduation. Guess she’s not a baby anymore… I’m so proud that she has gotten into her dream Master’s program at the University of Texas in Houston. \m/

To celebrate, WE’RE GOING TO EUROPE! I’m leaving on Friday to attend her graduation and then we’re going to Rome for our first stop. During our three weeks on vacation, we’re going to Rome, Florence, Venice, Barcelona, Dublin, Paris, and London. Whew… you can catch your breath now!

With summer vacations coming up, I put together a packing list. I’m usually the girl that packs half her closet for a 2 week trip. My thoughts – you want choices and decisions and multiple outfits! 6 pairs of shoes for a 2 week vacation sounds right to me but perhaps crazy to some.

Chubs

If I could, I would bring this guy ^^^

BUT traveling to so many different countries in Europe means I’ll need to pack light in order to fit one carry on in those small cross-country planes. I’ve put much thought into what I should bring, and I want to share what I’m going to bring. Hopefully this will be super helpful for you if you’re going somewhere this summer too!

RULES:

1. Stick with the same color scheme!

There’s a reason why neutrals don’t go out of style. If you want a pop of color, bring a scarf. Keep your colors simple and you won’t regret your style decisions 10 years down the line.

2. Bring pieces that will match all items!

One shirt that matches all three bottoms gives you three outfits. One bottom that matches all your tops gives you 5 outfits. Possibilities are endless which means you can pack light.

3. Accessorize to change up from day to night.

Wear a fedora for day time with a dress, and switch the fedora with a chunky necklace for night time with the same dress. It’s as simple as that! Black shorts with a blouse for the day and switch to a clutch and wedges for a night look.

Take a looksee to find what I’ve put together. Links to purchase these items are found below, and they are extremely affordable! My splurges are on shoes, Gema & CO jewelry, and purses. I believe that those are items that should last.

Travel Light

Light anorak from GAP // Chambray cover-up from JCrew Factory // Black blouse from H&M // Lace shell from Piperlime // Short sleeve t-shirt from Target // Vintage V-neck t-shirt from Target // White tank from Target // Jacquard Mini from Zara // Black shorts from H&M // Skinnies from H&M // Striped dress from Nordstrom // Khaki dress from H&M // Swimsuit from Target // Floral scarf from Target // Hat from H&M // Aviators from Zappos // Necklace from Madewell // Statement necklace from JCrew // Braided belt from JCPenney // Clutch from Asos // Crossbody from Madewell // Converse from Nordstrom // Cole Haan wedges from Zappos // Salt Water sandals from ModCloth

Bringing less also means shopping more! What do you think of my collection? Do you have any advice on how to travel light?

While I’m on vacation, I’ll be taking a hiatus from this blog for a bit. I’ll post pictures of my trip when I come back!

Becoming practical cause I’m old,
Jay

Housewife to Two Jobs

I’m working again!

I’m currently freelancing at Chemistry Club, doing what I do best, media. Yup, at it again. It’s advertising, and it’s what I know! I’m working part-time, Monday through Wednesday. I’m also working on a side project, interior decorating a dental office. Two part-times equal one full-time job right?

officeHere’s the front of the office and my workspace. This space used to be a firehouse so it has a really cool warehouse feel. There’s a fire pole to the left of the first picture!

job2Here’s my second job. I went into the office on Saturday to paint. It’s sneak peak to what I will one day share on the blog! When I’m painting, I’m in my true element!

And since now I have places to be and people to see, in other words, I’m actually leaving the house and not wearing PJs all day… gotta go shopping and get me some bling! I got two new beautiful gold rings and a statement necklace. Eepppp I love them!

jewelry

And if all this isn’t new enough for you, I’m cat-sitting my cousin’s fluff ball! Chubs and Toby have become playmates now!

cats

Have an awesome week! I’m leaving for Austin on Friday to attend my sister’s graduation. Then I’m going to Europe for three weeks! I’ll be on hiatus while on vacation. I’ll still be posting the rest of this week so come back to see what I’m up to!

What did you do this weekend?
Jay

Saturday Fun and Sunday Relaxation

Saturday started out with morning brunch with my main squeeze so I knew it would be a good day!

He’s been traveling a lot for work. When that happens we try to schedule some day dates on the weekends to catch up. He surprised me by taking me out to Oakland for some Chop Bar. The food is a mixture of  new American and Mexican. Brunch was okay, but I want to try it for dinner!

We did a bit of home decor shopping and then went home to get ready for a boat party (yup, another one. Previous yacht party post here)! I know, I’m so fancy! Just kidding.

My church celebrated their 10 year anniversary this past weekend on a boat! It was a good time chatting up with friends and eating a nice BBQ dinner. Plus, the view of the city always makes my heart skip a beat.

City

Sailing

Main Squeeze

As if sailing wasn’t enough, we went out clubbing afterwards. When in Rome, San Francisco… does that work here? I can’t go back to normal clubbing now that I’ve experienced VIP bottle service. We had to do it the right way! Which means, bottle service yet again!

Blurry

This picture only means one thing; 2 bottles means a great night for this photographer! Yeah right. Do you even know MG? It was just too dark. Hahaha!

In the end we finally got a good pic. Except two of my girls are missing… because they are “resting” on the couch. Thehehe

Cosmo

All that meant Sunday was a day for church, napping, and hosting dinner for our friends. Excuse our mess! I just can’t keep the house clean.

On the left you have the girly girls painting nails and the crazy boys tickling each other. On the right you have Pastor Josh playing guitar with an audience.

Sunday

It was the perfect end to my weekend.

What did you do this weekend?
Jay

Holly-day

I’m kind of a grandma… (couch, movie, my cat, oh yeah and my husband is the perfect night in). But the one time a year that I stay out late was this past weekend!

It was all for a good reason. My sweet Holly is getting married in June!!! Get the title??? Holly-day… Holiday!

We celebrated with a bridal shower and bachelorette party all on Saturday night. Whew, and we made it through the day. No cat fights, no injuries, and lots of memories (few that Holly can recall, winky face).

Holly is an avid baker. The theme of her shower was “Love is Sweet” to align with her skills. We had the girls play some games, and winners got baking items (like cookie cutters, tea mugs, baking utensils). We also gave away gift baggies with cookies, tea, and honey sticks. Her colors are teal and purple so ultimately those were the colors of the shower decor too!

Theme

Tassles
Stay tuned for a tassel garland DIY soon!

Drumroll please… This was the highlight of the party – the food!

Set

Yup, that’s a donut tree in the middle from Holly’s favorite donut shop.

Food
A few featured items from the party ^^^ 

What kinds of food have you seen served at a bridal shower? Anything noteworthy?

Sugar CookiesOne of the games was to decorate these cookies – same cookie cutter but it was used as two different shapes (see below)

Cookie

Then we went home, cleaned up, and headed to the city for the bachelorette!

Forbes Island
We took a small ferry to Forbes Island for dinner with a gorgeous view of the Bay and Alcatraz

Girls
A few of the girls at dinner!

And the night ended with debauchery, ah-tehehe. Bottle service at Infusion Lounge!

Server: “What kind of alcohol do you want?”
Holly: “Tequila!!!”

You can assume how the night ended!

Bottle service

Holly, I hope you had a fantastic day filled with love and xoxo. Can’t wait for the wedding!!!

What did you do this past weekend?
Jay

Easter and Poshmark

My weekend was basically going to Easter services and Poshmark!

I went to Good Friday service then headed home and MG, and I watched the Sex and the City movie on Bravo. Random but such a great way to end the night – a mindless movie for entertainment!

On Saturday, I wanted to use my $10 coupons at Kohl’s and JCPenney; it was the last day before it expired. I shopped until I could find something to buy… kinda tortuous when you don’t really want to shop. MG and I ended up with a pair of sleeping pants, socks, a card, and a pan holder, a random collection. We then went to a musical at Neighborhood Church in Castro Valley, and watched a play based on the Book of Luke. Every Easter they host musicals, and I highly recommend attending because the production is amazing. Think Broadway-type singing and very detailed sets; all for $5.

We attended an Easter Baptism at our church on Sunday. The highlight was that my roommie, Jess, made homemade Korean noodle soup. Dee-li-ciousss! Then we topped off the night with Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Movie is bomb dot com (people still say that right?)! Le sigh… he’s so beautiful. If you watch it, make sure you stay for the end credits; there’s two. Sadly, I didn’t know about the second one, sad face… It’s a good movie! And did I mention he’s beautiful?

Oh yeah… and I mentioned Poshmark. I’ve been actively on this mobile app trying to sell some of my clothes, some new and some gently worn. The app receives 20% of your sale, and you keep the rest. You can join parties that occur throughout the day to market you items. The hosts of the parties pick some of their favorite things, called host picks. I received 3 Host Picks this weekend, which has increased my activity and I’m almost at 1,000 followers! If you’re on it, add me (jay_lam). I’ve purchased a few items, but I have yet to sell any clothes. I’m spending more than I’m making… oops. But if you have any advice on getting stuff sold, let me know. Also if you have clothes you want me to sell, bring them on over!

Now leaving you off with this pic. Can you spot the creeper?

Creeper
Gosh, I love that guy so much ^^^

What did you do this weekend?
Jay

Easter (To Me)

Easter candy? Yum. Easter outfits? Pretty. Easter bunny? Terrifying… What’s Easter to me?

Before I get started, know that this is a personal post. It’ll be about my faith and how I’ve come to know my Savior Jesus.

I was baptized 2 years ago on Easter Sunday.

Baptism

Me

Baptized

Group

I had became a believer in Christ back in college. I went to a few Bible studies and attended church a handful of times. But the day I truly became a follower was the day I asked God to reveal Himself. With a simple question like that, a serenity had fallen upon me. I felt rest in a very stressful time of school and social pressures. People ask me all the time, why are you Christian. And that’s my answer. It was simply a feeling and a calm that overcame me, a personal connection that I felt with God.

I’ve learned a few things since I started following Jesus.

Life doesn’t get easier. 

Those hurdles? Those challenges? Those bumps in life? I still experience them. Life is still hard, but I have people to share my burdens. I’m able to lean on God, my rock, to know that He has plans for me to succeed. I also have a community to share my worst but also to be with me to celebrate my best.

A different meaning of Love.

I love food. I love my cat. I love my family. Those are all very easy to understand right? But I learned a different kind of love, a love where you do forgive and forget and a love so deep that it doesn’t make sense. Think about the dirtiest, filthiest, germiest thing you’ve ever come across. Mine might be the person who spoils TV shows on Facebook, and to make things worse, he’s sick with the flu, and even worse, he’s part of hate groups that I will never understand… But that’s the people that God loves. And I’m trying to love those too (though it often tests my patience).

By no means am I a first-rate Christian. I wake up with doubts frequently and have to ask myself “Does God exists?” But there are so many times He answers this by fitting puzzle piece together, pieces I didn’t even know existed. I don’t believe in coincidences, but I do believe that God has perfect timing and perfect plans.

So what does Easter mean? Easter celebrates Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins, how he’s conquered death by rising from the grave, and how He’s set an example for how I should live my life.

What does Easter mean to you? How do you celebrate Easter?

In His Love,
Jay

Hiking With Doggies!

I went camping again this past weekend! I love camping. I enjoy waking up to fresh air. Oh, and that campfire!

This was the first time I went camping with an air mattress. And damn, it’s good. I don’t think I can ever go back to sleeping pads. We went back to Bootjack Campgrounds at Mount Tamalpais State Park in Marin County, same campsite as my last trip. It’s nice that it’s an easy 1.5 hours away from the East Bay.

We got in on Friday night around 10pm, set up our tents, and went to bed. It was extremely cold that night, around 40°F. Having to pee in the middle of the night is a hurdle. But when one cannot simply hold it anymore, one has to brave the cold and squat. Thankfully I have a husband that is willing to accompany me! Makes for more fun!

We woke up Saturday morning, ate breakfast, took a nap, ate lunch, and went hiking. Yup, you read that right. Before noon, we already ate and took a nap – that’s the best part about camping!

Burger
Cheeseburgers for lunch, before the hike

We hiked to Cataract Falls and back to our campsite, which was a total 5.6 miles. Very enjoyable, and highly recommended. It’s a tiring hike, at least for me. You know your legs are tired when they fail you and you kick a rock because your feet is dragging. Then you almost eat it… Maybe that happened to me, maybe…

Fog
Look at that fog rolling in – yeah it was cold!

Hiking
Hi Jess & Bailey!  ^^^ You can find on Dmagazine website the best CBD treats for our pets.

Rest
After an uphill climb, a much needed rest

Falls
Cataract Falls

Slug
Banana slug! Slimyyyy

Doggies
Our friends Josh and Joe joined us with their doggies! Meet Bailey and Flynn who we feed with the best CBD treats according to Discovermagazine.com.

Gang
The gang

Once we got back, we started the fire for warmth and began cooking dinner, tri-tip kabobs!

Kebobs

Dan

This time around before I went to bed, I brought some heat into my sleeping bag for the night. Pro-tip: Heat up water and place it into a metal water bottle. Then put the bottle into a long sock and stuff it into your sleeping bag for warmth. The sock prevents the metal from burning you. This makes all the difference!

We got up Sunday morning, cooked breakfast, packed up, then headed to church. Once I got home, I took a shower and then fell asleep on the couch. Another successful camping trip!

What did you do this weekend?
Jay

Pets & Grilling (read title carefully)

Thankfully there’s an & sign in my title. Also it helps that I put pets first and then grilling second. The other way around could have cause quite some confusion!

It has been a pet filled weekend (to say the least!). My cousin brought her Siberian kitty over for a cat playdate! Can we all just be in awe at this amazing cat for a few moments? Silence please…

TobyIt’s so fllluuufffyyyy!!! Meet Toby!

I am also dog/cat sitting my friend’s pets while she’s on vacation. She has 2 cats and a Chi-weenie-pom named Tito. My house has 3 cats and a dog right now!!! I cannot be more excited! Though I love kitties, Tito has won over my heart. He follows me everywhere, sleeps with me in bed, and I wake up to his kisses the past few mornings. Chubs has befriended him, finally (took about a day to get adjusted since Tito barks at doorbells and when the cats get on the furniture). 

Having pets around may not always be sunshine and rainbows. That’s why it’s important that they’re trained. If they have caused any harm like biting another person, then that person can contact experts, like birmingham dog bite lawyer, in order to claim their compensation successfully.

Pets

Look at my bed – it’s a dream come true! My husband, a dog, and Chubalee. Can it be any better? Chubs sleeps by my pillow, while Tito starts at the foot of the bed and slowly inches his way upwards throughout the night. He’s usually at my face in the morning. MG likes to sleep in the middle of the bed. I have a sliver of room on the bed… We definitely need to upgrade from a Queen to a King if we get a dog.

The second pic is blurry but doesn’t mean it’s not cute! I can’t get over it!!! Watching these two and cuddling with them in bed – it’s the highlight of my weekend.

This next part of my blog post is a definite runner up as highlight of my weekend. MG finally put together his grill that he got for his birthday. T’was a warm evening, so we fired up the grill! We held a little mini grill party for our friends to toast the premier of Game of Thrones.

Grill
Oooo fire… shiny…

Boys
Grilling on our balcony!

VeggiesYummy veggies! Kabocha squash is killer to cut… any tricks of the trade? 

Grilling
First course ^^^

Pork
Grilled pork chops, corn, and kabocha squash

Raw
The beef kabobs!

Kebob

Kebobs
Enough to have dinner for the next two days – yay, no cooking!

Food
^^^ I love this image. It’s perfect

Oh yes, we grilled dino kale. If you’re wondering, it has a grill taste, but I still prefer baking my kale. Worth a try though if you love kale chips! Now for dessert:

Pineapple
Grilled pineapple, because yum!

What kinds of things do you grill? Any recommendations for my next go-around?

What did you do this weekend?
Jay