New York, NY Part 6: Where the Past Meets the Present

Our last day in New York granted me and Rick some much-welcomed alone time; Jackie, Linda, and Caleigh had returned home, Nikki was off to Vienna, and Andy caught up on some sleep. The early morning was crisp, and our heavy coats, gloves, and hats were little match for the windy chill off the HudsonContinue reading “New York, NY Part 6: Where the Past Meets the Present”

New York, NY Part 5: Through the Eyes of an Artist

Looking for an opportunity to take a family trip, Rick’s niece Nicolina became one of our inspirations. Having moved to New York about 10 years ago, Nicolina has lived the life of a struggling artist in one of the world’s cultural and artistic capitals. To get by the first year, she worked at several restaurants,Continue reading “New York, NY Part 5: Through the Eyes of an Artist”

New York, NY Part 4: Good Eats

What’s your relationship with food? For some, food is a question of sustenance–keep it simple as long as it satisfies your hunger and the need for energy. For others, being a foodie is a badge they wear with a boy scout’s pride, having earned their status in countless restaurants and paying what amounts to theContinue reading “New York, NY Part 4: Good Eats”

New York, NY Part 3: NYC for the Culture Vulture

My partner Rick and I recently took trip to New York with a large part of the Steves Family: his son Andy, daughter Jackie, sister Linda, youngest niece Caleigh, and eldest niece (and amazing artist) Nicolina. Part family vacation, part art tour of Nicolina’s works, we got to know the city better than we everContinue reading “New York, NY Part 3: NYC for the Culture Vulture”

Friendly Donuts: Fad or Fabulous?

One of my best friends (shout-out to Tasha) recently posted a picture of purple donuts on Facebook. The accompanying article’s headline said, “Ube: Exotic purple donut lands in O.C.” Now as a Filipina, I’m rather familiar with the taro-like purple yam, as it’s commonly used in many Filipino desserts including cake, ice cream, and halayaContinue reading “Friendly Donuts: Fad or Fabulous?”

New York, NY Part 2: I<3NY

My partner Rick and I recently took trip to New York with a large part of the Steves Family: his son Andy, daughter Jackie, sister Linda, youngest niece Caleigh, and eldest niece (and amazing artist) Nicolina.  Part family vacation, part art tour of Nicolina’s works, we got to know the city better than we everContinue reading “New York, NY Part 2: I<3NY”

New York, NY part 1: Little Bites of the Big Apple

My partner Rick and I recently took trip to New York with a large part of the Steves Family: his son Andy, daughter Jackie, sister Linda, youngest niece Caleigh, and eldest niece (and amazing artist) Nicolina.  Part family vacation, part art tour of Nicolina’s works, we got to know the city better than we everContinue reading “New York, NY part 1: Little Bites of the Big Apple”

A Real Amazing Race: Jan Steves and the Iditarod part 3

This morning I was up by 6:30.  Insomnia got the better of me, so I watched Animal House and Ghost Busters. Not my most productive morning, but at least my belly got a workout from all the laughter. Meanwhile in Willow, Alaska, Jan Steves was packing up all of her gear for a 1000 mileContinue reading “A Real Amazing Race: Jan Steves and the Iditarod part 3”

A Real Amazing Race: Jan Steves and the Iditarod part 2

The Ceremonial Start of the Iditarod took place today, and Jan Steves took off with bib #40 at 11:23 a.m. for her third year in a row in this grueling competition.  Her daughter Nicolina was there to represent our whole family and cheer her on.  I’m sure that for Jan, this time is as exciting as the first,Continue reading “A Real Amazing Race: Jan Steves and the Iditarod part 2”

A Real Amazing Race: Jan Steves and the Iditarod part 1

My partner Rick got his entrepreneurial genes from his dad.  Prior to becoming an expert on European travel, he was a pre-pubescent magazine seller, a teenage rare coin trader, and a college student piano teacher.  His sister Jan Steves is entrepreneurial, too, but she’s got something more.  She has the adventure gene, courtesy of herContinue reading “A Real Amazing Race: Jan Steves and the Iditarod part 1”