My Concha...sweet, sweet Concha!

Disclaimer: Contains canine nudity (Ｕ^ω^)

We just welcomed a new family member; he is a very affectionate, handsome black Labrador Retriever puppy. We decided to call him Concha from the popular sweet bun from Latin America.

My first pro photo shoot by Georgia Corbett

A vision board from the past!

I've been in love with Concha's breed for so long. It blossomed when I stumbled on a Franklin Mint ad featuring a porcelain plate with an illustration of two black Labrador Retriever puppies, one of the puppy seems to be chewing a toy duck, in an old Reader's Digest magazine. The pups' faces on the plate were captivating; those soulful and loving gazes convinced me that this is the breed for me.

Labrador Retriever was my chosen subject in one of my projects during my time in the art school, I put all of my love on rendering it, earning me the highest grade from my art instructor.

Concha's breed gravitates towards bodies of water, very affectionate, and is very food-oriented! --- sounds like me! From then on, the dream of welcoming a black Labrador Retriever in my life started with a promise to my future pooch that I would do the best I could to provide a loving forever home, a dog could have.

That day arrived one week after my husband's birthday; he flew back in Alberta to pick him up from the breeder after setting up an appointment with them a few months prior.

Bye Alberta!

Life with our Concha is not always easy, It requires hands-on training, tons of patience to make sure Concha grows into a healthy, happy, and well-behaved dog. Our schedules and space adjusted to accommodate his needs, from waking up earlier for his first 'potty of the day, puppy-proofing our home, not being upset when he chews on our possessions, being understanding when 'accidents' happen, and welcoming all the adjustments as his needs and quirks continuously change.

We also have several rewarding moments in our lives, such as every time we witness Concha's progress, and whenever we receive (plenty of) compliments on how well-behaved and beautiful he is; our hearts brimming with pride. He is enriching our lives in so many ways by constantly teaching us to appreciate being in the moment and experiencing being loved and cared for by a pet; we teach him tricks, and he loves us back unconditionally.

Concha the Sweetbun

Pamola Bakery's Concha

Its not the first time I have mentioned the sweet buns that stole my heart - Concha and the Japanese equivalent - Melon pan; my favourite Japanese bakery in Vancouver add mochi in their Melon pan, adding a rich sticky filling in its pillowy texture!

My husband introduced me to Concha, a sweet bun crowned beautifully with a crusty mixture of flour, sugar, and shortening, one of the best buns to dip in hot chocolate or coffee that makes me look forward to breakfast. The same feeling our Concha has for us every morning, greeting us happy with his tail wagging and rolling on his back asking for belly rubs - every day my Concha steals my heart.

Melonpan with mochi filled chocolate cream 💓

To record all of our joyful Concha times as much as we could, an Instagram account was set up just for him.

Concha asking for belly rubs ;)

Reissue

Visiting this cafe was the main highlight of the day; I pictured myself clearly - me in a charming coffee house, admiring my coffee that was designed by a master latte artist!

There's plenty of coffee places around Metro Vancouver that does latte art, but I haven't encountered who does beautiful frothy sculptures, being in Tokyo where's there a handful of cafe that specialized in latte art, it should be an experienced that I shouldn't miss!

You have arrived!

Reissue Cafe is known for its beautiful masterpieces on their coffee, bring a picture or any image in your mind and few extra hundred ¥; the artist will painstakingly turn your cup of joe into a work of art.  Reissue is located on top of another establishment along the quieter street in Harajuku; once inside I was greeted with a very laidback vibe, I would have probably mistaken it as someone's else house if there's no extra tables around. We were still full from our hearty brunch earlier so we decided to pass from their food in their menu, we are looking forward to the latte art.

My dear husband 🐻ordered to have our baby Concha's photo that we got from his breeder, mine the 3D design - the pink Sugar cubs' character - 'Latte'.

Concha at 3 weeks
Photo credit to Cowboy Up Kennel

Concha on coffee ;)

Unfortunately our orders didn't arrived together, I was hoping that I could get a photo of both orders while the chocolate ink on the froth was still sharp, so pardon my photo of Concha on coffee, the chocolate has (verrry) slightly dispersed. As soon I received the 3D art, I snapped the photo of them side by side right away!

Sugar cubs' Latte and my forever pup Concha

Latte and Concha

Both were beautifully rendered, both tasted great! If I was not pregnant at that time, I would be ordering my second cup of coffee to request for another latte art and for more photos too, I guess sometimes, I can't have too much of the good thing...
They say that having a cup of coffee in a quiet day is one of greatest pleasure in life; having coffee rendered by an artist take this statement to the next level!

My Best Friend Conchaboy

Seven years since we welcomed Concha home from a breeder in Alberta. With the right combination of tough love and pampering,  we got ourselves a garburator and half couch potato but by all means, he is a perfect dog.

Concha's photo by Hudson Wren

He earned several nicknames since his "gotcha day", from his first nickname "Conchaboy", then there's: Conchaboo, Conchabels, Belsbels, Smelly Belly, Conchapie, Pie-pie, Bellyboi, Smellyboi, Concha-banana, Whitespot, Conchang,  Fatso and the list goes on. I have composed a few songs about him that I regularly sing to get his attention and sometimes I can sense that he does his best to engage with me in his ways like a silent duet partner.

In seven years of being with us, Concha has gained a modest following on his Instagram account  (@Conchaandme) and has been regularly mentioned in my little spot online. He is a dear family member, my daughter's pillow, and my 🐻's afternoon cuddle buddy, his loud snores are music to my ears, and being in his presence brings me comfort, he slept beside me when I contracted Covid virus.

At seven years old, he is considered a middle-aged dog. Gray fur is showing up on his chin, and he doesn't crave long daily walks. He contentedly snores the day away as I work nearby. Conchaboy has mellowed down a lot, but he still occasionally goes nuts when he senses an upcoming surprise, like a walk with his "girlfriend" or being picked up by Boneheads for a day hike, to keep him active and socialized.

He is our best "boi," and because he is the best boi, We give him our best. We have brought him to most of our family trips and photo shoots. We feed him raw food to ensure that he gets nutritious meals.

As we celebrate his birthday, I wonder if he's aware that he is entitled to a birthday wish. If so, what would he wish?

If I could wish on his behalf... I'd wish for him to live longer...

(っ´ω`c)♡ ∪･ω･∪

Hotteok - Seasonal Favourite

Bungeoppang ready to get in my tummyヽ(;^o^ヽ) 

My Conchaboy's special person introduced me to 'Hotteok" - Korean Pancake

We met Concha's favorite human "J" or we refer to her as Conchaboy's human girlfriend at Concha's old doggy daycare where she used to bring her dog, later I discovered that she's our neighbor and I started regularly met up with her to walk our dogs together. Aside from being pretty and kind, she radiates energy that excites the dogs when she enters the dog park! Eventually, our dog walks turned into drives to visit other dog parks and stopping by to Korea Town Centre for produce and our favourite --- Hotteok.

Kim's Korean Waffles and Pancakes is a popular food cart located in Koreatown beside the Hannam Supermarket. Aside from Hotteok, they also sell 'Bungeoppang 'or the Korean version of Taiyaki. According to "J", Hotteok and Bungeoppang are well-known winter treats in Korea. Following the Korean tradition, Kim's is only open around October till April, Going to Kim's has become my adapted winter season tradition.

Kim's Korean Waffles & Pancakes Food Cart 

There's always a steady lineup of customers whenever we visit Kim's. The comforting scent of sugar and cinnamon mixture creates a strong spell that makes me forget my diet....but it wont...it evokes a nostalgic memory of me on a line up for bibingka and puto bumbong, a popular treat during the Holiday season in the Philippines. Similar scenario but different flavour. I don't have picture of my beloved puto bumbong and bibingka yet so that topic will be saved in the future, So here's a link of me enjoying Hotteok.  

Me, enjoying pancake in the 'cafe'.

Thank you J for introducing to Hotteok! Hope that all your prayers would come true! (⊃｡•́‿•̀｡)⊃

Mother's Day Sakura Afternoon Tea at Trump Vancouver Champagne Lounge

It was supposed to be in Tsujiri in Richmond, but my dear 🐻was not able to book a spot for us. Then an ad showed up that Trump Vancouver Champagne Lounge was having a Sakura-themed afternoon tea. Being a Japanophile myself, thrilled by what I saw, I have decided to go to Trump Vancouver the second time around to celebrate my first Mother's Day as a mom.

Deluxe Sakura Afternoon Tea

Mini Doughnut, Matcha Roll and Sakura Puff

We arrived in a busy lounge, with most patrons coming for the Sakura afternoon tea. I couldn't help admiring the tree tray used to display the tea set and the cherry blossom-shaped cookie pops. After settling in our seats and ensuring that my daughter was comfortable in her stroller; we reviewed the menu to decide which tea set and tea flavour to choose, my heart fluttered with glee upon seeing both motoyaki and takoyaki on the savoury selections. Wishing to take home some of their macarons later and treat myself with champagne, I picked the deluxe set (presented in a birdcage instead of the ring tree to display the tea sets)  and as for the tea, I chose Bain de Roses to match the floral theme. 

Sakura Afternoon Tea Menu

We both shared all the three scones--how I wish there was two of each flavour because they were all really good. My husband gave me his share of the motoyaki and takoyaki as he is not a big fan of both. I gladly accepted the offer; extra motoyaki and takoyaki are always welcome (｡✿‿✿｡)! To show my appreciation, I gave him my mini doughnut in return.

Not wanting to save the best for last, I started working on my first takoyaki and motoyaki. The takoyaki, being deep fried created a pleasant crunch at each bite, and the oyster motoyaki...it was absolute heaven once it reached my tongue, I love how rich it was and had a hint of lemon to blend the creamy flavour of the sauce and oyster together.

My favourite dessert in the set, the Sakura pannacotta, had a base flavour of vanilla - my forever favourite flavour, with the simple addition of sakura on top, transformed a simple dessert into a piece of delicate edible art.

I am happy that I celebrated my first Mother's Day with my infant daughter with an afternoon tea. Looking forward to more afternoon tea with her as she grows up. This mommy is very happy to go home, and looking forward to having her macaron, but....Concha has another plan. Probably he was not pleased being left in the crate while we dined out.

Being a mom of a Labrador retriever, I forgave the glutton; every Lab mom is very familiar with this story.

Concha's Revenge

Update: Trump Vancouver has permanently closed on August 28, 2020.

The Garden Café

My garden babies

The patio has evolved into a garden café...it is an ongoing project especially during spring and summer. 

The café is where I put all of my love, energy and where love is celebrated. It has been my escape and source of comfort during challenging times. It's space for my Concha to relax while watching the kids from our neighborhood play in the yard, tea and bbq parties are being held during sunny days.

To evoke happiness and inspiration, I displayed some of my favourite things in the café, It will go through regular changes, but hopefully the welcoming feeling in the café stays the same.

The Princess in the cafe

Maybe who knows, someday you would find yourself enjoying a cup of tea or coffee in my café, while being harassed by my gardening partner. Don't let his size intimidate you, he can only sniff you to death...

The gardening partner

With You - Seiko Matsuda

This is my first post about songs I enjoy singing to our dear family pet. My long-suffering dog - the sole (loyal) audience for my out-of-tune mini-concerts in our household, 

Concha, hoping to get my attention

Let's start with the "Eternal Idol" Seiko Matsuda's With You. Based on my online search, this song was not well known like her other singles like 'Sweet Memories'. Her single duet with Donnie Wahlberg (yep, Mark Wahlberg's older brother) is still popular on the radio stations in the Philippines.

I discovered this song when I was rediscovering my appreciation for J-pop during Covid lockdowns. Seiko's demure vocals match the song's theme - a girl hoping for her crush's attention. So simple and so innocent. There's something nostalgic about the memories of our younger selves admiring someone and longing to be seen by this special person.

Below is my attempt at translating the lyrics into English, and the last column is the Romanji (in Roman letters)

Lyrics 声をかけてね もう祈るように 見つめているの あなたを パーティーの夜 二人が知りあう きっかけだけが無いのね 遠くから好きなの キャンドルの透き間に あなたが踊るのが見えたわ 他の人の誘い みんな断って 一人で待ってるの Let me dance with you 今日のために買った 真っ白な靴が 踊りたがってるの Let me dance with you 遠くから好きなの そうずっと前から 片想いしてたの ほんとよ 空のグラスを手に そばに立ってても 気付きもしないのね Let me dance with you こんな可愛い娘を ほっておくなんて センスを疑うわ Let me dance with you   あまりダンスは 上手じゃないから 靴を踏むかもしれない でもあなたなら うまく踊れそう だから気付いて 私に   Romanji Koe wo kakete ne  mou inoru yo-u ni  mitsumete iru no-u anata wo-u Pa ti noyo-uru futari ga shiri-au  kikkake dake ga nai no ne to-oku kara suki nano kyandoru no sukima ni anata ga ooru no ga mieta wa hoka no hito no sasoi minna kotowatate  hitori de matte’ru no  Let me dance with you  kyou no tame ni katta  masshiro na kutsu ga  odoritagatte’ru no  Let me dance with you tooku kara suki nano sou zutto mae kara kataomoi shite’ta no honto yo kara no gurasu wo te ni soba ni tatte’temo kidzuki mo shinai no ne  Let me dance with you  konna kawaii ko wo  hotte oku nante sensu wo utaugau wa  Let me dance with you amari dansu wa jousu jana i kara  kutsu wo fumu kamo shirenai demo anata nara umaku odoresou  dakara kidsu ite watashi ni

English Translation I’ve been watching you, hoping that You would look and talk to me, On this fun night, will we ever have a chance  To get to know each other? I am admiring you from afar Watch you dance between candle gaps Rejecting other boys’ offers to dance Just to be with you alone Let me dance with you I really want to dance wearing these white shoes I bought Just for this day Let me dance with you Been admiring you from afar.  I’ve had a crush on you for a while, Yeah, it’s true  You never seem to notice me Standing next to you  with empty glass in hand  Let me dance with you How could you ignore a cute girl like me? I am curious what’s in your thoughts now Let me dance with you I’m not that good at dancing,   And might step on my shoes  You dance well and can take the lead Please look at me

I would like to credit the owner of KMNBT Translation for providing the Romanji lyrics.

♪( ´θ｀)ノ U＾ェ＾U

Emily Is Still Going Out!

If you happen to follow my mis(adventures) in the world of blogging, you might probably noticed my inactivity. I think most bloggers would be guilty of this at some point. Good thing that this is not my main source of income and for sure I don't have a following in the wide scary and crazy world of the internet, there's no risk of breaking someone's heart (๑˃̵ᴗ˂̵)و

When Emily goes out with Concha

But then, the yearning to share my thoughts somewhere is still with me. My lame but valid excuse ---" life happens". No, I don't blame life; I created life and take care of lives, parenting is a very challenging calling... It's fun, scary, frustrating, rewarding and oh it's damn hard for the most part. 

Speaking of life, we are still going through this devasting effect of the virus. I personally know some people who have contracted it, and we all lost loved ones because of it... Everybody's lives were affected in so many ways, that it made me reflect more on life in general, it made me focus more on what is really important and along this journey found new hobbies. Now having my daughter, my priority is her, I want to make time for her, and hopefully, share some of my hobbies with her, I also want to spend my time with my dear husband 🐻 and my black Labrador Retriever Conchaboy. 

One of the main results of the lockdowns and health orders was re-igniting my interest in gardening, I don't boast of having a green thumb but I am motivated in creating a beautiful space for my daughter and Conchaboy where they can hang out and have fun. 

I am planning to add more about gardening projects in the near future and might probably tweak a little in WEGO; as for eating out, I still go and enjoy some of the cool yummy places in the Vancouver area, there's more to come here in WEGO, hopefully, add food content soon! (•̀o•́)ง

Fun in the Sunshine Coast

View from the terrace

Not really in the mood for out-of-town trips lately, but my dear 🐻, suggested a short getaway in one of the Islands of British Columbia.

Me: "Okies my dear 🐻, but...do all the planning!"

🐻: "Challenge accepted."

One day, he said that he is looking at Sechelt, and wants my input in choosing our accommodation. Soon we found ourselves a good catch in AirBnb.

Friday, just right off from work, my dear teddy bear picked me and with no time to waste, we zoomed to Horseshoe Bay, because of my dear fiancé's superb driving skills, we managed to catch the ferry right on time😝!

Reminders: You don't need to ferry reservation; just plan ahead and arrive early at the terminal!

Watch out of the fish sign!

Catch of the Day Cottages...and it's indeed a catch!

It's my first time staying in a log cottage, and it looks like exactly what I have in mind - like the one in old fairytale illustrations, rustic, charming, but it's equipped with modern appliances to fit modern living needs.

There's terrace garden outside, nice patio where we can enjoy the gorgeous view of Straight of Georgia; sometimes cruise ships can be seen passing by according to our host.

Our Cottage!

After few minutes of rest, we started exploring the town and noticed instantly how quiet it is for a Friday evening, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of big city during weekends, it's a nice short escape from the chaotic feel of the city; we stopped at a liquor store to grab ourselves some drinks to enjoy our evenings with. 

We watched the sunset in the garden terrace, we were hoping there's a luxury cruise ship passing by to watch. Theres none but the gentle sound of the water rushing to the rocks was enough to sooth our tired body, then call it a night.

Saturday in Sechelt

Smoked salmon bennies waffles

My teddy bear chose Gourmet Girl @ Pier 17 for breakfast. Conveniently located beside the Davis Bay, their waffles were very good starting meal for a busy day.

Berries and cream waffles 💖

We started our day walking along Davis Bay, while reminiscing our recent trip in the Philippines, we reminded each other that this would be one of our countless great memories together and there will be more to come.
Being raised from the east, now based in the west coast and had a chance to travel around the globe, I am glad that I experienced immersing in the waters of the east and west part of the Pacific Ocean, It's like listening to a story from opposite perspectives.

I started beach combing right away and found myself some nice  treasures --- sunbaked driftwoods for my air plants (see photo below); the shores were covered with pebbles and there are stacked rocks on display which inspired me to make my own, although I am no master of stone stacking but I added a playful touch on mine:

Make it stylish!

One of the suggested activity by our cottage host was to check out the Farmers' Market, the biggest on the Sunshine Coast.

Sechelt Farmers' Market banner

Morning shoppers in Sechelt farmers market

It's my first farmers market outside Vancouver, and was looking forward what their market has to offer. I noticed right away the abundance of art works made of beached trinkets, can't help admiring them that I admit that I splurged a bit 😉 and bought something for my mom back in the city. 

Dried lavenders

Aside from artworks, there's plenty of local produce, preserved fruits, and baked goods; we were intrigued by the melonpan being sold by one of the vendors as it resembles concha,  my 🐻's favourite bun. We were both too full to try all the goodies, we told ourselves that we will be back in Sechelt farmers' market anytime soon.