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SubjectVerbObject

Diary of a foreign service <del>lush</del> life

Tag: Kaindy Lake

— Kazakhstan, Travel —

Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lake, and Kaindy Lake (with kids!)

June 2, 2019
Charyn Canyon

All I wanted from the trip to Kazakhstan with my kids was good company, good food, and a chance to get out into nature.  Our first trip out of Almaty, to Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lake, and Kaindy Lake more than delivered on all three.   Charyn Canyon Charyn Canyon itself is starkly beautiful in a… Read More Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lake, and Kaindy Lake (with kids!)

Hi, my name is Theresa.

I am a logistician, traveler, writer, paper crafter, DIY-er, cocktail crafter, and an occasionally doting mother. I am foul-mouthed, not nearly as diplomatic as my profession might imply, and fiercely feminist.

Necessary disclaimers

The opinions expressed here on SVO are my own and do not reflect the opinions of the Department of State or the USG.

While I occasionally link to services and products I like, I receive no remuneration, financial or otherwise, for doing so.

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theresasondjo

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Joyous New Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Joyous New Year!
I was stuck in my house by myself over the weekend I was stuck in my house by myself over the weekend, while waiting for my post-quarantine COVID results to return (negative, of course). That’s a lot of time to drive myself up a wall — or keep myself so gloriously busy that I don’t have time to feel sorry for myself. 
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#cakepops #holidaybaking #quarantinecooking
I had chocolate covered pecan stuffed dates for th I had chocolate covered pecan stuffed dates for the first time at a USG sponsored handicrafts fair in East Jerusalem.  They were outrageously expensive, and worth every bit of it.  I was determined to figure out how to make them myself.  I think most Foreign Service families pick up bits and pieces of traditions in the places we live and serve—and these dates have become part of my own Christmas tradition.
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They are easy to make — pit the Medjool dates, insert toasted nuts (I prefer pecans, but almonds and walnuts also work well), and dip in tempered chocolate.  I decorate with white chocolate because it hides any flaws in my chocolate. ;). 
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As always, the quality of your ingredients matters — get good chocolate and medjool dates, and toast the nuts yourself.
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#christmastraditions #jerusalem #foreignservicelife
A pandemic’s worth of embroidery. # I was gettin A pandemic’s worth of embroidery.
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I was getting down on myself for acquiring craft supplies faster than I was using them.  But actually, this represents a lot of work.  Pretty pleased with myself, on the balance.
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#pandemic #handembroidery
The gingerbread people and other sundry gingerbrea The gingerbread people and other sundry gingerbread shapes turned out OK.  A little dry, but honestly, everything I’m baking, I’m baking not only for the very first time, but gluten free too.  So, I’ll take it.  And anyway, the kids don’t care that they’re dry. 😜
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Prolly need to find a new way to style these plates though. 😅😂🤣#
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#holidayvibes #christmasbaking
Easy peasy — except the tips browned. 😭 This Easy peasy — except the tips browned. 😭 This was a very quick project during the girls’ lunch break.  It was a frenzy of unwrapping kisses.  So much fun.
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#holidayvibes #christmasbaking
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