{My childhood home in Washington}
As a child, I was adopted from South Korea at 18 months and grew up in the San Juan Islands of Washington State catching fish in my backyard and learning to row and sail a boat before I could ride a bike. One of my earliest entrepreneurial endeavors involved digging clams and collecting oysters for my dad who promised me 15 cents a pop. I promptly set out and dug 500+ in one afternoon. Once he got over the initial shock, he laughed, paid me my $75, and sent me door-to-door to give away the excess bounty to our neighbors. I was seven years old. Today, I’m bringing home a few more “clams” and am excited to be making ends meet and having fun while doing it.
{A more recent stint clamming in my backyard.}
{Dinner from my backyard featuring the catch of the day!}
Although, making the ends meet is not always easy with a penchant for food, fun, and fashion in what is arguably one of the most expensive areas of the country in which to live, the Bay Area, aka Silicon Valley, California.
{Striking a pose at Santana Row.}
As a budget-conscious young adult, I’m constantly on the hunt for top quality, stellar customer service, and fun at affordable costs when it comes to dining around town and finding new things to do, wear, and decorate my home with. I quickly discovered that I’m not alone in this pursuit and decided to start documenting my finds here. Additionally, in order to stay within budget I do a lot of at DIY projects along with at home cooking and entertaining so my triumphs and disasters are on display here. I’m big on balance so pasta, cookie, and cupcake posts are offset by 10Krace recaps, weightlifting, hiking, and tennis.
{Homemade Coconut Yellow Curry}
{Conquering the Big Sur Marathon Relay.}
Yes, posts will primarily pertain to the Bay Area as this is where I currently call home. However, I am no stranger to traveling so check back often to read up on my discoveries and to chime in on your faves, too. Follow me as I navigate food, fun, and fitness with a dash of sass!
What a great website….I like it!
Hi Mindy,
Like you and Shrek, my GF and I do/eat similar things and thats why we find your site so enjoyable.
I bumped into your blog yesterday (for the first time) and I’m done reading all 2010 posts. On to 2009!
P.s. I love how your pics are embedded now (much larger than earlier posts.)
Shawn
Aw, thank you for the nice comment and awesome that you are making your way through the posts. If you get a chance to try some of the recipes or places I recommend let me know how they work out for you. Do you have a website I can check out? I am always on the look out for new ones to visit. Regarding the photos, I actually began my blog on Blogger and switched over to WordPress about a year ago. When WordPress pulled my Blogger posts the photos posted kind of funky and I was unable to fix the size and spacing even with the little HTML I know.
You’re welcome.
Other than my twitter, I don’t comment on my own life much (oxymoron, maybe?)
Anyways, keep em coming.
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Hi Mindy! I stumbled on this website by reading your review on YELP! for the Rhododendron Cafe on Samish Bay. Your blog is enjoyable to read, especially with the pictures. You live such a charming life. Thanks for sharing. I’ve always wanted to blog about food and travel but I’m just too busy. I don’t know how you manage to do it all.
You got a friend in the Pacific Northwest,
Jackelin
What a nice note! Thanks for dropping by Jackelin!
What a wonderful commentary on your life and loves. A golden life indeed and to see it in print is so enjoyable!
I love your blog and would like to send a reply
LOVE, KATHLEEN
Mindy, the above communication sounds like I’m catatonic, but my considerably wordy original attempt got lost twice due to my general ignorance of computer navigation. I really want to convey how impressed I am by your blog, its originality,creativity, your culinary knowledge and food presentation that could make a Julia Childs envious! Besides, you weave in such excellent photography. What can I say? I knew you when you were knee-high, but had never been exposed to such talent. Keep it going (and continue educating your Dad about wines!!)
Every good wish, Kathleen
Kathleen, I am so touched and honored by this compliment! Thank you for continuing to stop by and say hello — here and whenever I am on the island
Mindy, Love your blog….Love your writing style…I noticed the big jar of Jelly Belly Jelly Beans in one of your pictures….In 1976 with my last 800.00 I created this item. Within a very few weeks I will be back in the jelly bean business with David’s Signature beyond gourmet jelly beans. They will be the best jelly bean on the market…I wish you nothing but happiness in your life.