good things in life.

(Fall 2009, Starbucks at Cambridgeside Galleria)

This is the first September, since I was 4 years old, that I am not in my first weeks of school.  Usually during this time of the year, I am adjusting my schedule, trying to not have school on Mondays and Fridays, trying to make it fit my social calender (instead of the other way around).  Clearly I am in a nostalgic mood. When I was studying in Boston, my right kidney and I, would spend hours at the Starbucks in the Cambridgeside Galleria.  During these hours we should have been studying, socializing, or being productive, but instead we were simply enjoying each other, our surroundings, and our explicit time-wasting.  With our magazines in tote, books on hand, and Blackberries at arms reach, we enjoyed the present like most cannot.  Back then we would often say we wasted so much time there, but now I look back on it and on the contrary, I can honestly say it was definitely one of the good things in life.  What makes your life good?

Note:  Good company is essential when trying to accomplish this.  The setting must also be appropriate.  I have many times tried to duplicate this feeling, in other parts of the map, with other people...impossible.  Like Laverne needs Shirley and Dolce needs Gabbana...I need my right kidney.

murakami.

The simple mention of Takashi Murakami's name is enough to make me purchase a handbag or find a way to the exhibit.  This year, the amazing, yet controversial, artist will hold an exhibition at the Palace of Versailles.  Louis XIV and Murakami in one room, hello!!!  Murakami's eye for color, mixing fiction with nonfiction, and style are unbeatable.  One day I will own a piece, just wait.  If I was less than 5,000 miles away, it could be a little more than dreaming, but since I am not and cannot go to the exhibit, I will look forward to the footage that will be soon available!!!  Murakami <3<3<3 

 

judge a book by it's cover...

 

I know most people tell you to not judge a book by its cover, but I am telling you to do the opposite!  Coralie Bickford-Smith for Penguin Classics is an amazing series full of classic literature, vibrant colors, and tastefully designed covers.  Her new covers make these classics perfect for decoration (after reading, of course).  I first came across them at Anthropologie, in San Diego, when I was shopping with my brother.  I saw the Picture of Dorian Gray and screamed for his attention, since it is his favorite book.  The rest of the love story is history. :) I never thought that these books could have covers that are worthy of their content, I was wrong.

* can be purchased at Penguin and Anthropologie

feeling ANTHROPOLOGIE-cal?

Sometimes when I am feeling a bit blue, no offense to the color, I go to the mall for a walk.  I know, I know, typical girl, but it works!  Every time I do this, I seem to gravitate towards Anthropologie.  There is something about this store that puts me in a good mood.  Maybe it's the smell of amber, or the Peter Rabbit-esque patterns, or just the unbelievably cute clothes and jewelry, it works every time, like a charm.  Although I enjoy my Anthropologie experience from the moment I walk in, without a doubt, my favorite part is the decor and the furniture section.  BREATHTAKING.  period.  I wish I could have all of it!  In this years August catalog, Anthropologie really outdid itself. 

(The Soren Chair, Painter's Palete is amazing!  Look at the colors! I would love it for my bedroom or living room)

(Streets of Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussells Pillows could brighten up an entire room)

(Thes knobs are not only colorful and cute, but they are an easy way to transform a piece of furniture that you feel might be 'old')

(I love the bed, the rug, the duvet cover...the box.)

I love home decor, but what I love even more is feeling good.  Where do your get your spirits lifted?

*Anthropologie.com

la vie en pourpre.

I love purple.  Period.  My bedding, computer sleeve, iPod case, everything I own, that can be purple, is purple.  (Not my car, don't fret).  Although I love the color, I am always afraid to overdue it.  While I was on my usual cyber stalking, I came across these purple design concoctions, and I realized you can have entire room be purple, without overdoing it.

 (Clearly the armoire is puple, which is gorgeous, but lets not overlook the purple velvet ottoman...both simply breathtaking)

 (I love the how settle, yet obvious, the purple is.  Also, the concrast with the black dresser.)

(I want the wallpaper, mirror, and gold pillows for Christmas please!)

(I am in love with this room.  The headboard shape and color are exquisite and the rug is just enough.  The mirrored side dressers are a perfect compliment to the purple in this room)


Now, I just need a purple house to insert all these purple rooms and live my vie en pourpe.  What color do you live your life in?

* images courtesy of Full House and The Decorista

pillow talk.

I am not fortunate enough to live in same city as my closest friends (excluding my hipster/ninja), so when I see them I want to treasure every moment with them.  My favorite time with my girls is after having a wonderful or even a not so wonderful day, the pillow talk session before going to bed.  Make up off (for some of us ;p), pijamas on, and in the most comfortable state is when the real talk begins.  It is the most wonderful and cheapest therapy anyone could ask for.  The only thing that could make it better, is if you're laying your head on a fabulous pillow.  These are a few of my favorites right now.  

I know you are probably thinking they are a bit much or a bit bright, but pair with the right patterns and solids, they are perfect.  They can make entire living or bedroom. Let the pillows be the star.

*** My absolute favorite is the center silver pillow...I want.

the alchemist.

I know I am sooo behind on reading The Alchemist, but hey, better late than never.  This book is amazing.  Seriously, so inspiring.  You know when you're reading something or listening to someone and you just want to yell 'Amen'?  Ok, maybe not everyone has that urge, but I do.  Needless to say, I wanted to tell Paulo Coelho 'Amen' the entire time.  I have been making some life changing decisions, as far as professional life goes, and this book really reminded me of where I need to keep my focus and to not loose my passion.  It gave me a friendly reminder that it is always easier to go with the easy path, but it isn't necessary the most fulfilling.  The Alchemist gave me the right boost I needed to confirm that I need to follow my dreams, because in the end, that is what will be more fulfilling.  Do not let the easy route tempt you, identify your calling and fulfill your dreams.  What is your dream?

good day?

When I wake up, I usually know what mood I will be in the rest of the day.  Whether it be good, bad, simple, complicated, so-so, adventurous, etc., it always contributes to what we end up wearing that day.  This morning, when I woke up, I literally felt like I wanted to accomplish something today.  Since I felt accomplished, I felt like looking extra special.  If we look at it the opposite way, the way we look can really affect the way we feel and act.  So why not dress extra special, regardless of how you wake up feeling, in order to turn your day into an accomplished and wonderful one. :) What makes you feel extra special?

Sensi's feeling good.

*On Sensi (my adorable chow chow): silver tory burch reva flats & tweed chanel tote.

weekend.

do what you want. wear what you want. it's YOUR weekend.

have a great weekend dolls.

see ya latte.

As I am sitting at Starbucks getting my thoughts together, I realized how much time I actually spend here.  Yea, the coffee is good, but I definitely come for the atmosphere.  I am lucky enough to live in downtown L.A., so I see all sorts of people everyday, kind of like an airport in my front yard. It has quite the affect on me.  I usually can focus better at Starbucks than in my own home, even while absorbing my surroundings.  I get inspired by the people, the conversations (yes, I eavesdrop sometimes), the fashion, the dogs,  the baristas, everything.  It is like my little escape haven and inspiration spot in one.

*As I write this, I think I should share a little piece of knowledge my friend shared with me:  if you register your starbucks giftcard you earn points towards becoming a 'gold member' (no, not like Austen Powers), which translates to free coffee, refills, milk options, and tons of things.  For the normal person this doesn't mean much, but for me, it meant a truckload!

 What is your inspirational haven?

**thank you jennifer tso for this priceless information ;)

40 year flashback?

Everywhere I look I see wedges and platforms.  Paired with dresses, leggings, shorts, pants, skirts, these shoes are everywhere!  I don't know about you, but I can't walk in heels, so I am loving this trend because it makes us, the balance challenged, capable of wearing 'heels'.  Taking a sneak into fall, they are still there, THANK GOD!!!  It is so funny to hear my mom tell me "I used to wear those when I was in high school" and it is even cooler to see that she still has some of her shoes. (Amazing Danish clogs my dad bought for her in 1988!)  Anyway, it is clear that the 70's have made their way back, well at least on our feet they have.

it's not hers, it's yours!

 

First of all, sorry for my 3 month hiatus.  I wish I could say I went to India, learned how to speak Mandarin, saved some lives, or anything of the sort, but the reality is I did not.  Instead I took this time to figure out what I wanted and needed to do with my life.  Thank God, I think I now know, well, for the moment at least. ;) . This summer has been sort of transition for me, professionally and personally.  The weather has been kind of in a funk, too hot or too cold.  It could be my native Southern Californian weather snobbery taking effect, not sure.  Anyway, my summer has been splendid and revealing.  Although I am fully embracing the season, I cannot get into the brights this year.  Instead, my summer has consisted of neutrals and nauticals, with just a little pop of color.  This could be looked down upon, but who cares???  I don't, because I made this Summer my very own. :)  Have you made Summer 2010 yours?

classically rocking.

Classic rock puts me in a good mood. It could be because I grew up listening to it under the tutorage of my dad, who by the way, still surfs everyday. I do not know what it is, but it just makes me appreciative of everything around me.  My family, the 79 degree weather, the beach, the sky, my friends, even my trials are all reasons for jubilation. Thank you Jim Morrison.  What makes you appreciative and happy? 

"If my poetry aims to achieve anything, it's to deliver people from the limited ways in which they see and feel."

pucker up.

During my first couple of years in high school, I wore more make up than I probably will on my wedding day.  I was young and not so bright.  Now, I finally learned the concept of less is more!!!  (except when it comes to shoes and handbags, of course)  Anyway, I have never been a fan of lipstick, even in my clown stage.  Throughout my days, I have accumulated a few favorites.  Coming from a lipstick hater, this means something. 

First, and foremost, my lifeline. Smith's Minted Rose Lip Balm.

Second, Benefit's Benetint. I love it for everyday.  Makes it look like you just had a cherry lollipop. :)

 Now, the only red I have ever liked. (I think it would look good on any skin tone)

Revlon's Strawberry Suede.

Then my favorite, nude lipstick, which I love to wear when I wear a lot of eye make up, is Mac's Hug Me. (Sorry guys, no picture)

Last, but not least, the only lipgloss that gets any use from my collection, Nars' Turkish Delight.  Perfect for day, night, midday, midnight, party, church...you get the point. 

* Happy Shopping!

how do you spell perfect?

O. L. S. E. N.

merci mk and a for inspiring. 

* pictures courtesy of http://olsensanonymous.blogspot.com/ (if you are obsessed like me...please click this link)

chicken piccata.

I love to cook.  Period.  I like to think I am a good instruction follower and usually I can pull recipes off, but there are those that are impossible, unless you have a job at A.O.C. in Los Angeles.  Anyway, there is nothing like a delicious meal, that looks complex and fancy, but is easy and simple.  William-Sonoma's Chicken Piccata is exactly that.  Super easy, super good, and super impressive looking.  Bon Appetit!

ingredients.

lightly browned.

ignore the barbecue utensil. :)

do not overcook!

YUM!

*My boyfriend loved it and so will yours.  If in doubt, just feed him a lot of wine. ;) 

shoes. chaussures. zapatos.

 This morning I went cyber window shopping.  As in, I went to my two favorite online shoe shops and gathered what I would get if A.) I knew how to properly walk in heels and B.) had Oprah's budget.  Try not to drool on your laptop.

Christian Louboutin Barcelona

 PRADA Perforated Platfrom Sandal

Lanvin Python Ballet Flat

Miu Miu Ballerina Bow Flat

 Valentino Napa Bow Wedge

you say mercato, i say little italy.

 

                                                                                             (mercato)                      (brother & mother... my partners in crime) 

A couple Saturdays ago, I was ichatting with my friend Ina Garten.  Well, not really Ina Garten, but my friend who is the young, freckled version of her.  Anyway, faux Ina knows where to find everything that is cute, tasteful (also tasty), and unique.  She started telling me that she was getting ready to go to the Farmer's Market with her mother.  I almost cried when I found out that there was a Farmer's Market that was actually good in San Diego!!!  Farmer's Markets are to me what Starbucks is to caffeine addicts.  Anyway, the Little Italy Mercato is amazing!  To begin with, it is huge!  You can find everything from fresh bread, imported Greek and Italian olives, crepes, spinach feta tamales, gorgeous flowers, etc.  After being inspired by Ina, I harassed my brother and mother into going with me.  Even being one of the three only cloudy days in San Diego of the year, we had an amazing time. 

 

                                                                                (crepe guy's 401k)                              (Our Lady of the Rosary)

 

(I had to be stopped from buying all the tulips)

I recommend:

• go with an empty stomach

• try everything especially:

• Greek olives

• spinach feta tamale

• olive bread

* thank you nikki sprout for enlightening me :)