Book Challenge: Read 50 Books in 2015

So I realize that I am already 3 months behind but I want to do this challenge! No, I AM going to do this challenge. Here are the following reasons why:

Free time: I am in the position right now where I have ample free time. As much as I love Netflix binging and sightseeing in beautiful California weather - now is the best time for me to do a challenge like this.

Opportunity to declutter: I have so many books in my "to read" pile - finally reading these books will hopefully free up my space.  I will also try my best not to add more into this collection. Read then sell, trade, or donate - this is going to be system!

Seeking inspiration: My creative side has remained dormant these last few years. I really want to start writing again (e.g. poetry, stories, etc).  I believe forcing myself to read 50 books this year will help encourage my creativity again.

Bragging rights: Hey, I think that this is a valid a reason as any! How many people can say they've read 50 books in a year and have done so voluntarily?  Yes, I am totally in this for the bragging rights! ;)

Shelly Senbei - Japanese Style Rice Crackers

Have you guys ever tried these?  My curiosity got the best of me and I purchased these.  I was walking around Seaside, California and stumbled upon this Oriental Store.  I was hoping that I would find some Filipino products but it turned out to be mostly Chinese and Japanese products.  The store lady was nice enough. I was dressed down today - borderline hoodlum really with my baggy jeans and green hoodie. She probably thought I was a bit ghetto lol but she chatted with me when she realized that I was a buying customer.  So these crackers have a very subtle taste to them with a slight bit of sweetness.  I imagine this is what you would eat with tea or maybe coffee.  Definitely not the snack if you're looking for something to fill you up though.

Visting Big Sur

Last weekend my husband and decided to take a drive down to Big Sur.  I've never been there and the place had apparently left an impression on him 3 years ago.  After visiting I can now see why.  Big Sur is BEAUTIFUL.  Evidently the name Big Sur derived from Spanish "el sur grande" which means "the big south."

Big Sur, California March 2015

If you're in the area I recommend visiting for the sight seeing but I do encourage you to pack your lunch because the prices at the restaurants nearby is not exactly your average Jack-in-the-Box or Taco Bell.  We shared a buffalo chicken sandwich, potato chips, and a pickle and that was already $11 before tax. I do have to hand it to the Big Sur Taphouse the sandwich was really good and the staff were very friendly.  I took several pictures while we were there but this one I have featured in this article is my favorite.

Car Detailing - Should I Tip?

This question came up when I decided to treat my husband and get his car detailed. I guess I could do it myself but why should I spend hours doing it myself and miss this blog opportunity? :)

With that being said I decided to go to El Estero Car Wash in Monterey, California.  I wish that I had taken a before and after picture because they really did a marvelous job.

I was bit weary because according to Yelp! they only have 2 and 1/2 stars out of 5.  Apparently in order to get the "full" detail package you must set up an appointment.  The advisor suggested that I do the express detail if I didn't want to wait.  Yep she hit the button I just wanted to get it over with.

It took about an hour for them to do the service. I was able to wait comfortably though because they offer complimentary hot organic coffee and wi-fi.

So to answer the question: Should I tip when I get a car detail and/or car wash?  My answer is yes. At the very least, leave a tip for good Juju. Yes it is expensive but these guys work all day outside cleaning your mess.  Does the price cover their wages? They probably do. However if you think about it, your little extra tip is capable of giving the workers the extra boost of enthusiasm to clean the next car ahead of you just like the person that left the tip before you.

Oh yes and here is a helpful hint - after getting your car detailed you will find that it is still damp.  The fastest way to dry out your interior (unless you have a fancy vacuum or blower thing) park your car under the sun and leave the doors open OR at least all windows about 1/3 down so the moisture can evaporate.

Milk's Favorite Cookie

I have this memory with my brother Jason he would buy a pack of Oreos and a gallon of milk.  The day would be dedicated to watching movies and chowing down on some Oreos and we would finish them!  Not the healthiest snacking session I know. Fun times.

So after doing a quick research on Oreos I found out that they were produced by Nabisco.  Actually I knew that from the packaging but what I didn't know is that Nabisco is actually "National Biscuit Company" (I bet you didn't know that either!) lol

I heard that they came out with Oreo cereal once.  Unfortunately, I never got to try it. Is it as awesome as having a bowl of milk and dropping 5 Oreos in it and eat them with a spoon?

Right now the package says "Milk's Favorite Cookie" wasn't it "America's Favorite Cookie" at one point?  Did Chips Ahoy beat them? Who keeps track of these statistics? lol

What is your favorite cookie? Do you have a favorite kind of Oreo, double stuffed, peanut butter, etc?