Michael Phelps and I Have A Lot in Common

But seriously, cupping is terrible

Finally. An excuse to write about Michael Phelps. I wrote about cupping in GRADUATES IN WONDERLAND, because it was possibly the most terrible experience of my life. Here’s an excerpt in my letter from Beijing to Rachel in New York: Anyway, we actually lost a little bit of time together because I got sick. It’sRead On >>

It’s 11/11! Happy Singles Day!

Let us eat Pocky forever and ever

In the book, I mention my favorite late-night snack / hangover snack in Beijing: Pocky (or Pepero in other countries) It’s a crunchy cookie shaped like a stick and half-covered in chocolate (or white chocolate, strawberry and green tea icing). It is perfect for snacking while binging on DVDS or sitting on your orange couchRead On >>

Prepare Nothing When You Move Abroad

Five Reasons To Just Go

“Don’t rest all of your life expectations on one outcome. When you have no expectations, you don’t lose all that money on wasted ribbons and polo shirts. I flew to Beijing without knowing a thing about what to expect or what to bring. Granted, I also had to live without deodorant and the correct prescriptionRead On >>

BOOK TRAILER Premiere!

Shot in Paris and Beijing

Our book trailer, filmed in Beijing and Paris, and put together by our good friend Qiao Li. More about the making of it later – for now – enjoy! We hope you like it!!! Love these screenshots:  

“Happy” in Beijing

Pharrell, China-style

One of my friends, Stephy Chung (we were TV reporters at the same station in China), shot this amazing video in Beijing of people dancing to Pharrell’s “Happy.” It’s pretty great. I’m missing Beijing today. More outtakes below:

Eat an (Chocolate) Orange for CNY

A delicious financial solution

It’s still Chinese New Year, which means we are still eating to positively influence our destinies.  Mandarin oranges symbolize the sun and their vibrant color is associated with wealth and prosperity. Personally, I prefer Terry’s Chocolate oranges, because they are delicious. What, you don’t know what a Terry’s chocolate orange is? You haven’t had theRead On >>

Happy Chinese New Year!

AKA Time To Stuff Your Face Full of Dumplings

A few years ago at college, Rachel told me that I should have my own cooking show called “Just Add a Cup of Boiled Water.” In the show, I would showcase all of my most advanced recipes: hot chocolate, instant coffee, ramen noodles and macaroni & cheese. Just add a cup of hot water! Stir.Read On >>