Things I Love In Cambodia: Gemstones

Here is one juicy tidbit that is not commonly known to everyone. Cambodia is rich in gemstones. Did that just catch your attention? Yes, I meant that exactly. Rubies, sapphires, emeralds, etc. are abundant in the provinces of Battambang and Pailin. Sapphires from Pailin are considered to be one of the best in the world.

I was one of the clueless multitude when I first arrived here. I saw them in the markets which were frequented by tourists and judging by the sheer quantity and not to mention the sizes of the stones, I thought they were man-made and synthetics. I was immediately put off and didn't even venture to inquire about them. Then I met these ladies who were quite educated and avid collectors of this gemstones. It became one way to pass time to just go to the markets to browse through the jewelry on display. Trying them on is fun and free, like what I did on this day.

necklace with moonstone and fancy sapphires (what they call sapphires which are not blue)

One thing you would notice with their gemstones here is how different they look from what we are used to. Vivid colors and very sparkly. This is because of the processes that the stones go through to bring out deeper colors or enhance their natural hues, such as heating, dyeing and irradiation. Majority of the gemstones you could find here are untreated and remain in their natural colors. 

I don't know so much about the market demands for this untreated, natural gemstones but they hold an appeal for me because they don't look so ostentatious. To a lot of people, they are unrecognizable as precious. Based on my research, however, unheated stones are actually more valuable than heated ones. I am not an expert, however.  But it's a matter of personal preference because some wouldn't mind buying enhanced stones for their beauty.

 

blue zircon necklace

Blue zircon should not be mistaken for cubic zirconia, a synthetic stone which has little to no value. Cambodia proudly is one of the best sources for this gemstone. Years back this used to be cheaper and more abundant until it became internationally recognized, owing to one jewelry company that used it in it's designs. The best ones are brighter blue and I've read before, it comes second to diamond in it's brilliance.

 necklace with natural emerald stones

Most of the jewelry are set in silver, which makes them more budget-friendly. Silver is another natural resource which is quite abundant in Cambodia. There is always an option though of getting jewelry in gold. They usually come in sets too which would include earrings, pendants and bracelets. Though buying the entire set in purely optional. Loose gemstones are usually of better quality and they do customize jewelry.

earrings in quartz, peridot, amethyst, citrine, etc.

The stones are so big, they look like candies.

 

bracelets in aquamarine, onyx,garnet, sapphire, amethyst and citrine

 

cocktail rings in my birthstone Peridot

It would normally cost you an arm and a leg to own one of these but not in Cambodia. The prices do vary, but to give you an idea, my young son was able to gift me with an aquamarine ring recently.

As always, the buyer should be aware of what they are buying. Some do mix in synthetic gemstones and colored glass with real ones. The sellers do not issue a certificate and there is no way to verify the authenticity probably until you go back to your home country. I would suggest to sticking to natural gemstones rather than enhanced ones because the authenticity is far easier to detect. Well, you can always contact me for recommendations. lol!

 Haggling is a must and maybe one of the first things to learn here is to ask for the price in Khmer to get a "locals" price. That is, if your looks can pass as Cambodian.  

So I'd say, skip buying those souvenir T-shirts, key chains and refrigerator magnets for something far nicer and unique for yourself and a special someone. 


Sandee

 

Terrazza in Phnom Penh

In Phnom Penh, restaurants and cafes and bistros are popping up everywhere, like mushrooms after a healthy rainfall. It is some sort of adventure and bonding moment for my mom-friends and I to try out a new place once a week or at least twice a month. In full attendance we could be as many as 10-12, coming from different countries with different religions and food restrictions. It became a challenge then to find restaurants that would have something for everyone beyond salads and stir-fried veggies. 

Last Saturday evening, after attending Mass, our family decided to try out Terrazza, an Italian restaurant and deli shop. Right after we sampled our food, I knew the moms had to have lunch there. The extensive menu covered everything, from meat, seafoods, poultry and most especially vegetarian dishes and the option between beef and pork for certain dishes. Whenever a "V" was indicated at the top of the picture, it's a vegetarian dish which made it perfect for our ladies' lunch.

But the deciding factor was really my kids' approval. We've been to enough restaurants where I was much too late to keep them from commenting about the food loudly. Once within earshot of the owner my son stated their pasta sauce was too thin and too little and my spaghetti carbonara was better. This was entirely true though. So seeing them thoroughly enjoying their food made me certain it would be a great place for our next lunch.

We were given the VIP room which seated all 12 of us comfortably. It didn't take long for the food to be served. I think placing our orders took even longer because we couldn't stop chatting with each other. So another mom and I decided to take charge and ordered whatever we fancied. Yeah, those who pay attention get to decide.. Haha! The manager (I forgot to ask her name) was very helpful in making suggestions and recommendations because believe me, everything looked good and choosing one was difficult. 

Fettuccini Con Gamberi E Zucchini

Grigliata Di Scamorza Affumicata E Verdure

grilled salmon, scarmoza, zucchini, eggplant, tomato and capsicum

 Linguini Vongole 

 

Tortelli Alla Boscaiola

Tortelli filled with Italian air-cured Speck, Italian Porcini and cream 

 Il Capello del Prete

mozarella, Taleggio cheese, anchovies, garlic, Italian porcini mushrooms

      This is like a "sandwich" pizza being doubled-layered and filled with the ingredients.

Our vegetarian lady ordered this gnocchi.

        

This too is a vegetarian pasta which I think is lasagne with eggplant in Parmigiana sauce. This I got to taste because they generously passed it around, though I think they were simply being wise and watching their diet. It was really good, I didn't even miss the meat in the traditional lasagne. 

Once again, the food didn't disappoint.  The food was tasty, fresh and everything you would want your food to taste. The "Thanks for bringing us to this place" is probably more than enough to convey that the moms liked if not loved Terrazza too. 

Unfortunately I had to dash for a cooking class for little kids. I would have loved to linger and sample their dessert too. But there is always a next time, which I'm definite, will happen soon. I definitely like the chic and classy but not overwhelmingly so vibe of the place.



Sandee

Terraza is located at #1, St 282 BKK. 

Things I Love In Cambodia Part 1

We've been living in Phnom Penh, Cambodia for a little over 2 years now. But I've never really featured the place and what is has to offer to locals and foreigners alike. So while it's late, it's never too late to start now. There are many things to write about but I've chosen those that directly have an impact on me or those that I love or like no matter how trivial they are. These are by no means the only good things here but they certainly shouldn't all be written in one long blog. A few at a time will do.

Nail Art

I've already done a blog on this here. But it remains the top favorite thing of mine. After 2 years, I am still fascinated by the skill of the manicurists. I've taken to looking for designs online to give them some challenge. Then they have the free reign to be creative. And for the price of $4, who wouldn't love it? They have nail art at almost every salon here but the best one for me is still at the ground floor of Sovannah Mall.

The Beach

I've reconciled with the fact that my freckles are here to stay and they will happily multiply no matter what I do or don't do. So we hit the beach whenever we can. While other countries can boast of far more beautiful beaches, I am quite content in Sihanoukville because I am very paranoid about a tsunami hitting while I am at the beach. But the sea in Sihanoukville doesn't open directly to any ocean so I feel more secure. Really, who wouldn't love this beach? It's beautiful, clean and peaceful.

                                                                 Independence Hotel beach 

                                                                  Sokha Beach Resort and Hotel


Fruits Galore!

Fresh fruits abound the wet markets and supermarkets all year round. I have to say they have the best mangoes here. I don't know what variety it is, but their green mangoes, looking much like our carabao mangoes in the Philippines, are crunchy and sweet. In the picture, the mangoes look half ripe but I can promise you, it is ripe and sweet and juicy but firm. 

Another favorite of the entire family is the jackfruit. We have to buy the whole fruit because a few kilos won't be enough for us. This saffron-colored variety is the one used for jackfruit chips from Thailand. Imagine eating the fresh fruit then! I wish I could send some off to the readers so they'll get what I mean because we don't have this variety in the Philippines.

While they are everywhere, the best prices would be at the wet markets that the locals go to. We get them at this market on St 271, near Intercontinental Hotel. A kilo of jackfruit at Psar Thmey with skin and seeds is $3 but it only about $1.50 at this other market. Everything else is a lot cheaper than at BKK and Psar Thmey. I would suggest though to send your helper because it is an open market, and therefore hot. 


That is my first dose for you for the things to love in Cambodia. I always say, in every place, you gain some, you lose some. I've lost the malls but I've gained everything above.


Sandee

DIY Earrings Suzanna Dai-Inspired

I love making my own fashion accessories. This was in fact what encouraged me to start writing my own blogs. At that time, I was making more projects because I had more time than I knew what to do with. Just when I started to write, so did my other activities like zumba, gym and breakfasts and lunches with the ladies. Yeah, I intentionally wrote the exercises first to distract you. It was actually the eating that took top priority and DIY accessories sadly took last place.

What I'm sharing today is something I made almost a year ago inspired by famous jewelry designer Suzanna Dai.When I saw the pair she had on her site, inspiration suddenly struck me. I knew the materials to use were just hidden in the cabinets. So right there and then I gave in to the compulsion to create.

 The beauty of DIY is that you don't have to use the exact same materials but instead use what is available.

MATERIALS:

circular shells with holes in the middle (2 smaller and 2 bigger ones)
       Other options for this are: washers, cardboard or any material that can be cut out in the same shape but should be firm
rhinestone chain
embroidery thread in color desired (it makes you piece look more difficult to make than when you use ribbons)
E6000 glue or any all purpose glue that dries clear and holds well
post earrings

Apply glue to the end of the thread and start wrapping around your base. Make sure to overlap and neatly to cover the end. Completely cover your base and lock the end of the thread with glue. Do the same to the other base. It should be one smaller and one bigger.

Leave a few centimeters of thread to wrap around both pieces and glue. Attach the earring posts to the backside of the earrings.

 Time to embellish! Remember, it's even better if it's not exactly like mine. Personalize your creation.

 For the middle part, I applied glue in between each rhinestone so they stayed together.

Be creative. The purpose of an inspiration is to derive ideas from. But creativity means putting our own twist on your inspiration.

I hope to have inspired you enough to make your own jewelries soon! 

Sandee

Part 1 Women's International Group- Filipino Breakfast

Sometime in March, a good friend and fellow Filipina hosted a breakfast for Women's International Group in Phnom Penh. The theme of this gathering was the Philippine culture. She asked that our group who already performed for ISPP's International Day also perform during her party. I don't know why, but we always seem to be raising up our hands to volunteer for such things or at least unable to decline when asked to. So this time around, it isn't a wonder that we said yes first and thought about it last. We are not even members of this group comprised of women from different parts of the world, save for a couple.

And I'm sure some of us didn't know what was in store for them by befriending us. Lol! Not to worry, what happens in Phnom Penh stays in Phnom Penh.

                Photo credit: Mamta Khatri

With the hostess of this breakfast who showed no hint on her face that a few hours ago she was climbing atop chairs to hang decorations.

With another lovely Pinay. The rose necklaces are a DIY project.

Photo Credit: Mamta Khatri

  The buffet table was not yet completely set up in this photo but by the time all the food were there, it was overflowing. It looks overwhelming for some but that's how Filipino parties are. That's because there should be enough leftovers to take home by the guests. Hehe..       Photo credit: Mamta Khatri

                         

 Fresh Lumpia (vegetable roll)

I love, love, love this! Palitaw is made from sticky rice flour and cooked in boiling hot water. You'll know it's cooked when it floats (Tagalog word Litaw), thus the name "Palitaw". White sugar. toasted sesame seeds and grated fresh coconut are added for more flavor.

Ever attentive to details, she put food labels and ingredients of each food.

Being pork-lovers, Filipinos have come up with different ways of cooking it. Adobo is a staple in Philippine cuisine and has many different versions. This one goes so well with Pan De Sal.

Biko, a sticky rice cake cooked with coconut milk

 There were sweet treats of halu-halo and ginatan which I enjoyed eating enough to forget to take photos of.

While the more social-protocol conscious guests left at the appropriate time after enjoying the food, we of course stayed on. One thing you normally never have to worry about at parties hosted by Filipinos is overstaying your welcome. I left before we finished but for sure some goodie bags were packed and I'm quite sorry to have missed that.

This doesn't end here. Read Part 2 of my blog for more of what was showcased on this event. 

 Sandee

                                          

What I Wore Day 2: Camouflage and Lace

A while back, I issued a challenge to myself to write about my daily outfits. Sadly, I lost that challenge because having someone there to always take photos of me isn't possible. But all is not lost. I can always repeat my outfits because I'm not a celebrity who cannot be seen wearing the same thing twice. 

I am quite excited about this outfit post so I don't mind that it's making it's appearance again, so soon after the first. Just in case you don't keep abreast of the latest fashion trend, camouflage print is making a statement this summer. I've admired models and fashionistas donning them but never really got into it because the styles I saw around simply didn't suit me. It's really best to know what works well for your body type and keeping your own style because it will add to your comfort and confidence.

That's why I was content to be an admirer and not a wearer of this summer trend. In fact I had no intentions of following this trend at all. That is, until the day lady Luck shone down on me.

This is my first and only military-print item of clothing.

 My transparent and gold ballet flats is also a current fashion rage. Another option is to wear this with heels, which I did when I wore it to lunch with friends.

 

I love how the print is supposed to be fierce but the cut of the skirt exudes girl-power.

I kept the accessories to a minimum because where I live now, there is a very thin line between being well put together and belonging to a fashion spread in a magazine. I also didn't want anything to distract attention from the lace details of my blouse which I find pretty.

There are many inspirations of this trend to be derived from fashion runways and styling by fashionistas. Or you could come up with your own like I did.  

top: Night Market

skirt: Thrifted

earrings: Orussey market

shoes: Kinggor

nailpolish: +elianto Cambodia 

Sandee

Spa Birthday at La Rose Spa

We're starting a tradition between us the beautiful ladies.. Ahem.. The friendship is fairly recent but we've shared a lot of laughs between us and a few escapades. I won't admit if any of them were naughty. But back to the tradition. It started when one of us celebrated her birthday late last year and we had to think of a way to celebrate it. We chose to have a massage together and dinner and partied some. 

Since the first one was a success, we decided to go for the same thing when another birthday came up. It's nothing grand but it's what floats our boat. And thus, a tradition was born.

For that day, I suggested La Rose Boutique Hotel and Spa which I had been to a couple of times before. It addressed our primary requirement for a room that could accommodate the three of us. The one we went to previously had beds for only 2 and one of us had to make way for the celebrant and had foot massage instead.

I've had good experiences during my past visits to this spa. They take note of which areas you need special attention or need to be careful of and you you have certain medical conditions. I like the look and feel of the place too, which the staff say, was designed by the owners themselves.

The different massage oils to choose from

 The water is shockingly hot which always makes my hair stand on it's end. But I always find it odd that after just a few seconds of that soak, my feet already feel relaxed.

After we made our choice of De-Stress Massage, on to our cleansing foot scrub.

  Our room for three

For this visit I wasn't able to fully enjoy the massage. But for the simple reason that we were too busy talking the whole time. Massage is as much psychological as physical. You have to feel it working on you. Before we knew it, our time was up.

I am not so much into massages and the only time I go for one is when I really need it. I do not fall asleep during one and an hour of just lying there with nothing to to do isn't my cup of tea. But a lesson has been learned from ignoring back aches which worsened until I could barely stand. Oh, and when hubby treats me to one, I never want to make him feel bad by refusing.

 La Rose Boutique Hotel and Spa has met that occasional need because though I generally leave out blank the part that asks whether an area needs more attention, the massage therapist does know where to spend more time on. And one time, embarrassing as it is, I have to say I fell asleep and snored! I know, because I caught the tail-end of it. I was just lying there thinking it was really relaxing and the next thing I know, my snore woke me up. It's a rarity for me for both, falling asleep during massage (my first time!) and snoring. Promise, you can ask my hubby. Hehe..

As of posting, I already had another visit there after a rather exhausting couple of weeks. They have an on-going Buy One, Take One promotion which runs until the end of this month. Oh, and while you are there, try asking for a discount card. If this review of their spa isn't enough to convince you, maybe a 30% discount off their services will. 

Sandee

La Rose Boutique Hotel and Spa

164B Norodom Blvd

Phnom Penh, Cambodia