Gastronomic (Mis)Adventures

A Fun, Hearty Brunch at Sophie's Cosmic Cafe, Vancouver

Experience Downtown Vancouver at the Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver

Happy hour at the Met

Exploring downtown Vancouver can be an exciting and a vibrant experience. As a first-time visitor in the city, I was ecstatic that my shiba inu and I were able to stay at the Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver, which is an easy two blocks walk from the Vancouver City Center metro station, so that we can easily access a range of downtown amenities and attractions, such as walking along the picturesque waterfront and trying different must eats in various neighborhoods.

Truffle, the shiba inu, is very excited to explore downtown from Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver.

After checking in, I happily settled in my suite, which surprisingly has a small terrace highly suitable for sipping morning coffee while admiring the high rise buildings and not only one but two spots for a remote work setup.

One of the drawbacks of staying in any downtown area is the noise, like the ambulance in the middle of the night, but the soundproofing in Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver made my dog and I sleep soundly on the king bed. We also enjoyed a spacious bathroom with Aveda products -- I can attest that Aveda's line of products for hotels is highly moisturizing for a traveler's weary skin and hair. The hotel also had an indoor gym and pool, but alas, I wasn't able to use these amenities with my short stay.

The best part at Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver is the hospitality of the staff. Everyone I met in the lobby and hallway are friendly and welcoming, especially to my dog. I was also elated to discover that I am able to receive a complimentary breakfast for being a Marriott Bonvoy elite member.

Once a diva, always a diva

Vancouver is known for its seafood fare given its proximity to the Pacific Ocean with an international cuisine playing a significant role in its culinary landscape. Undoubtedly, Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver's restaurant, Diva at the Met, is a reflection of that, starting with succulent grilled octopus that melts-in-your-mouth with a side of crunchy roasted potatoes that reminds me of chicken skin and then came the miso glazed sablefish on a bed of enoki mushrooms, edamame, and forbidden rice. Since this rice was served to royalty back in the day, my dining experience made me feel like a queenly diva for a night.

Melts in your mouth grilled octopus.

Miso glazed sablefish on a bed of forbidden rice fit for royalty.

I paired the seafood dishes with a light sweet pinot gris from Gray Monk Estate, which originates from the heart of British Columbia's Okanagan Valley. Finally, I ended my meal on a high note with an earl grey creme brulee topped with a delectable french macaron.

A sweet ending for a night as a queenly diva.

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Disclaimer: I was provided a complimentary stay at Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver and a meal at Diva at the Met in exchange for this honest review.

Add Maia Life Plant-Based Protein Powder to Your Diet

I am really glad that I found Maia Life's plant-based protein blend to add to my daily diet. It is packed with pea, brown rice, and hemp seed instead of whey protein, which I avoid due to hormonal imbalances. Their chocolate flavor also reminds me so much of yummy chocolate drink I used to have when I was a kid, so it definitely brought happy memories.

In addition to the plant-based protein , it is combined with with adaptogenic herbs, like reishi, chaga, and lion's mane, that provide additional health benefits. Here are some potential health benefits of plant-based protein with adaptogens:

Immune system support: Reishi, chaga, and lion's mane mushrooms are all known for their immune-boosting properties. They contain beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and other compounds that can help improve immune system function and reduce the risk of infection.
Anti-inflammatory effects: All three of these adaptogenic herbs have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. Chronic inflammation is associated with many health conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and arthritis.
Improved cognitive function: Lion's mane mushrooms are particularly well-known for their ability to support brain health. They contain compounds that may help stimulate the growth of new brain cells and improve cognitive function.
Reduced stress and anxiety: Adaptogenic herbs like reishi, chaga, and lion's mane can help the body adapt to stress. They contain compounds that may help regulate the stress hormone cortisol, reducing feelings of anxiety and promoting a sense of calm.
Antioxidant properties: These adaptogens have antioxidant properties, meaning they can help protect the body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. This may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

It's important to note that while plant-based protein with adaptogens may provide these potential health benefits, they should not be used as a replacement for a balanced diet and regular exercise. Additionally, individuals should always speak with a healthcare provider before taking any new supplements or making significant changes to their diet.

Learn more about Maia Life plant-based protein powder here.

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Safely Dispose Your Unused or Expired Medications with LifeInCheck Consumer Drug Take-Back Program

DISCLOSURE: This blog has been compensated by Inmar Intelligence and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ConsumerDrugTakeBackMarinCounty

Did you know that there is a safe way to dispose of unwanted or expired over-the-counter and prescription medications? You can check the link here to find the nearest kiosk. LifeInCheck Consumer Drug Take-Back™ has created this tool to help you safely dispose of unused or expired medications. Simply enter your zip code to get a list of safe drug take-back kiosks in your area.

The LifeInCheck Consumer Drug Take-Back™ program helps to educate Americans on the dangers of leaving prescription drugs unattended in the home. From diminishing the risk of drug abuse to helping protect the environment, disposing of your medications properly makes your community a healthier, safer place.

In the US alone, 18 million people over the age of 12 have misused medication at least once in the past year. Patients of unused medications today take many forms, from flushing down the toilet or pouring in the drain, to throwing them in the garbage, or worse. More often than not, the end result is damage to our environment, drug diversion, or the drug being abused by others.

To assist in reducing these issues and bringing awareness to the massive opioid crisis that is plaguing many families, LifeInCheck Consumer Drug Take-Back™ program provides consumers with a safe option to responsibly dispose of unused or outdated medications in secure kiosks located across the US.

I went to Safeway in Novato, California, and walked to the pharmacy area where I found LifeInCheck Consumer Drug Take-Back™ green kiosk. After reading the simple guidelines, I was glad to know that they accepted pet medications as well since I brought that along with another expired prescription. I simply opened the drawer and dropped the pill bottle.

Don’t forget to mark your calendar on April 22, 2023, as National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. This event is a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs at locations in communities throughout the country.

Travel Hacks from a Travel Warrior

Santa Barbara Food Finds: Barbareño and Bettina

I always jump at every opportunity to drive to the secret gem of Central California, Santa Barbara. The iconic sunset amidst the palm trees is unforgettable as well as its coastal cuisine leaves you wanting for more. This time around, my quick trip in Santa Barbara led me to discover California-inspired Barbareño from executive chef/owner Julian Martinez and the family-friendly pizzeria, Bettina, from owner Rachel Greenspan.

Barbareño - Californian cuisine at its finest

California cuisine is characterized by an emphasis on fresh and seasonal ingredients. Local farmers' markets and specialty food purveyors are a staple of California cooking, and many of the state's top restaurants, like Barbareño, are known for their commitment to using locally-sourced, seasonal produce and sustainable seafood. These are evident in all their dishes that I tried -- each of which had a unique story that leaves a memorable experience for any type of diner whether you're solo dining, like I did with my dog in their outdoor seating, on a date or with friends.

Big eyes tuna crudo uniquely presented with jalapeño chili foam evokes an unexpected sweetness from the thinly sliced Fuji apples.

Chanterelles that sprouted from the early January rains. Can't go wrong with mushrooms with croutons adding a crunchy texture to this dish.

Another hallmark of California cuisine is its use of fusion cooking. This style of cooking combines elements of different cuisines to create unique and interesting dishes that incorporate a wide variety of flavors and ingredients. At Barbareño, the ricotta dumpling appetizer and sea bass entree featured some Indian spices, such as masala and chai, respectively. This fusion of flavors and ingredients is a reflection of the diverse cultural background of California's residents, and it has created a cuisine that is both inventive and delicious.

Ricotta dumpling with a surprising masala flavor and a slight hint of rosemary.

Sea bass was the market fish of the day marinated in miso sake for 24 hours on a bed of paella rice infused with chai.

Ended the night with a too-stunning to eat beehive.

All of the dishes above have one of the most recognizable features of California cuisine in its usage of herbs and spices. Fresh herbs, such as basil, thyme, and rosemary, are used to add depth and complexity to dishes. Incorporating these herbs, like lavender, to a dessert that has a backstory to boot certainly ended my experience at Barbareño on a high note. The beehive dessert gives an ode to the legalization of cannabis with lemon, hops, and lavender flavor, and the striking presentation alone reminded me of fond memories watching Winnie the Pooh.

Bettina - Neapolitan-style pizza for the entire family to enjoy

Located in the family-friendly Montecity Country Mart is the bustling Bettina pizzeria. I came here on a weekday night and found many kids and adults enjoying wood-fired pizza. I, of course, couldn't resist to try their margherita pizza-- simply decadent with an added saltiness from anchovies that I opted to add on.

I grazed my meal at Bettina to enjoy the lovely outdoor seating area adorned with pale pink tables and black chairs and sip a refreshing Riviera sunset cocktail with Lyre apertif, a non-alcoholic Italian spritz, reminiscing the beautiful Santa Barbara sunset I witnessed earlier.

Simple yet satisfying margherita pizza with anchovies paired with Riviera sunset.

How To Make Traveling A Bigger Part Of Your Life

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There are many great reasons to travel the world and explore new destinations. Traveling is good for your mind, body, and soul and will help you gain a new perspective on life.

It’s good to step outside of your normal routine every so often and take a break away. If you’re ready to do more traveling overall, then you’ve come to the right place to learn more. The following information will advise you on how to make traveling a bigger part of your life so that you can make this a reality.

Make it A Priority

If you want to make traveling a bigger part of your life then you must make it a priority. There are many different things you can spend your money on so be picky about setting it aside and using it for travel. Make a bucket list and know where you want to go next. Free up valuable weekend time by getting the chores and your errands done during the week. Keep yourself inspired to want to travel by printing out photos of your past trips and looking at them regularly.

Save up Money

Traveling isn’t cheap and you need money saved up to go to the places you want to visit. Imagine your dream vacation and let this motivate you to save your money instead of spending it. Make traveling a bigger part of your life by having a flexible career or finding another way to earn more on the side such as participating in Indices trading. This way you’ll have the money you need for travel when the chance presents itself to take off and go somewhere new. Plan ahead so you have the funds you require when it’s time to depart to your next destination.

Take More Road or Day Trips

Traveling doesn’t always have to mean going away for weeks at a time to someplace far away. Instead, make traveling a bigger part of your life by choosing to take more road and day trips. Even a staycation in your area will be fun and give you a break away from your normal routine and responsibilities. Work in more local activities, day trips, and weekend getaways into your schedule to help you get out and do and see more.

Use Your Vacation Time

It’s also important that you don’t let your work schedule run your life if you want to travel more. Get in the habit of using your vacation time so that you don’t let it go to waste and can incorporate taking more trips into your life. Look at the calendar and do your homework to see where it might be best to visit during certain times of the year and then ask off from your job well in advance.

These are some effective and useful ways to make traveling a bigger part of your life. You’ll find that the trips you take and memories you create will be forever cherished. It’s all about how you choose to approach this matter and that you commit to making travel a priority going forward.

Pages

A Fun, Hearty Brunch at Sophie's Cosmic Cafe, Vancouver

Experience Downtown Vancouver at the Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver

Add Maia Life Plant-Based Protein Powder to Your Diet

Safely Dispose Your Unused or Expired Medications with LifeInCheck Consumer Drug Take-Back Program

Travel Hacks from a Travel Warrior

Santa Barbara Food Finds: Barbareño and Bettina

How To Make Traveling A Bigger Part Of Your Life

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