B'More Chai

You know you've lived on the East Coast too long when...

In the midst of a hectic research/work/study schedule, I suddenly realized two very interesting things...

I haven't baked in about two weeks (which is terrifying for me, however my waistline is much happier.)
The snow is almost completely gone and its warming up, is it really almost the end of February?

To rectify point #1, I tried baking macarons again. This recipe is courtesy of Dave Lebovitz with a lot of helpful tips on how to perfect this deceptively easy cookie recipe. If you've never had traditional french macarons I can't really say you've lived life. We were gifted this wonderful treat by our friends who had visited Paris and brought back some macarons from the famed Laudree, there were so many beautiful flavors packed into these lightly crunchy on the outside and melt in your mouth on the inside confections! After finishing the box (this was a very sad day in the Chai household) I vowed to learn how to make them. Using the Lebovitz recipe my first try turned out really well:

I want to say I did something special, but I really didn't...and these were so good that the whole batch lasted about 20 minutes in the house. So I figured I would re-try the recipe recently and it completely failed! I just got flat,chewy (albeit delicious) cookies. It was quite disheartening and I chalked up the first experience to beginners luck. Hopefully the third time is a charm, I plan on giving it a go this weekend!!

Anyway, the weather has been remarkably better, especially considering we wait for the bus every morning and somehow that's become more tolerable with the weather being 45F+. Granted, now I know I've been living on the East Coast for too long...48F is balmy. This terrified the native Californian in me, who probably back home in 48F+ would be wearing a parka.

Other than the usual things we are busy with, we have finally finalized plans for our winter trip to Paris!! This is super exciting because Bryan has never been to Europe so I'm definitely going to enjoy watching him lost in translation for about a week and a half. We have rented a flat in the center of Paris - very close to Notre Dame and about 3 minutes from Les Halle. Being there for Christmas and NYE will definitely be a great experience and while we'll definitely miss spending the holidays with our family, it seemed like a good opportunity to travel to Europe since its just across the pond!

We are really looking for suggestions on where to go and what to do from family and friends who have visited!! Especially off the beaten path type places, we love that!

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Bryan and I with Kylie at her Red Egg Party.

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Back to Reality

I think we always under estimate how much of a whirlwind traveling can be - especially when we get back home and still continue to live out of our suitcases for about a week. This past holiday season was jam-packed with family events - Christmas, engagements, weddings, babies, lions, tiger and bears - Oh my. Promise to post those pics soon.

Bryan has hit the ground running with his research, we are really hoping that he can rejoin clinic this summer without having to work on any more experiments (which means an on-time graduation!!). But now it means that he's working really long hours - meaning I have weekends to update this blog! I guess I can't really complain because my classes start up again in about a week so we'll both be busy again.

I guess suffering together isn't too bad =)

More updates soon, Happy 2011!!

S.

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Dreaming of a white Christmas...

These past few months have been quite eventful for the Chai Family! We've been back and forth from Baltimore to San Ramon so many times I'm sure Southwest flight attendants recognize us now. Gina and Josh welcomed Kylie Grace Harris on 10/10/10 and she's been so much fun to spend time with.

Bryan and I were lucky enough to spend a couple of days to ourselves in San Diego while he was there for a conference. I definitely wouldn't mind retiring there! The weather was a balmy 68F most of the time we were there...enjoyed some awesome Mexican food and after a short stop to L.A. to visit the Campbell's we headed up the coast on PCH (Hwy. 1) to get to Monterey.

Starbucks stop on the coast line just outside of San Luis Obispo

Gorgeous ocean!


Uncle Bryan singing a song for Kylie.


All the Aunties with Baby Kylie.

Thanksgiving was fun - definitely stuffed ourselves silly. Then spent the rest of the night driving to Vegas!! Can't wait to head back to California for more Christmas mayhem! Until then have a Happy Holiday!!