Look See

I am inspired

2010-04-06T15:37:00.000-07:00

image by krisatomic via creature comforts

Nom nom nom...

2010-03-16T09:40:00.000-07:00

Spring is in the air and everytime I go to the grocery store, boxes of Girl Scout cookies are flashed before my eyes as I scurry in and out trying my hardest to ignore them. I usually plan to stock up for the year, but I always end up eating them before they make it into the freezer. So this year, I fought the urge to buy boxes until last weekend, when all the kiddies were screaming it was our last chance. So you know I had to buy a couple boxes...Damn cookies.

Samoas are going to be the end of me. Maybe it's because nobody's been able to duplicate it quite like the Girl Scouts. To me, they are the perfect cookie. Perfect in texture and flavor. Every cookie morsel is delightfully layered with caramel, coconut and drizzled in chocolate...arghhh, forgetaboutit. I just finished another box..

*photos by the amazing Luxirare

C'est la vie

2010-03-11T14:15:00.000-08:00

image created by notebook doodles

March on

2010-03-08T16:31:00.000-08:00

Currently, I'm utterly obsessed with the following:
Storage, World Market, wallpaper, Miranda Kerr's Prada bag, watercolor, OliveManna, upcoming expenses, organization, the Grateful Dads, buying supplies to put together pretty packages, and McDonald's french fries.

From the top: nostalgie de la boue, urbanoutfitters, papersource, kim gray,

coco's tea party

Puparazzi

2010-03-05T12:58:00.000-08:00

Images via Gemma Correll

February is for lovers

2010-02-14T21:46:00.000-08:00

Time is sneaking its way past us...and it's going by rather quickly!

The Hubs and I went on an emotional roller coaster ride last month. We made some hasty decisions which we needed to slap ourselves out of. It really didn't taste too good. But we're at a better place now, safe and sound. We're taking a long hiatus from house-hunting and decided to save, save, save. We're still moving though...to a slightly bigger and (now) cheaper apartment! Our teeny tiny apartment is really cramping my style, so I'm excited about the new space!

Ahh, Valentine's Day..
I somewhat hate the holiday but I'll take the flowers and ooh! the chocolate too!

There isn't too much fuss over the occassion. But it's a long weekend and a good excuse to go somewhere "special." We went to Laguna Beach to enjoy a fabulous (over-priced/over-rated) brunch at the St. Regis (so much for saving)! Laguna is a special place for us. It's where the Hubs first held my hand. I'll never forget because I, for one, have clammy hands all.year.round. I remember that day was super hot which made my hands not only clammy but warm and sweaty too (not a sexy look). So when he grabbed my hand, I immediately got self-conscious and pulled away. When I told him about my "condition," he took my hand and said he didn't mind and that he "liked it." I love this man.

Twenty Ten

2010-01-04T17:12:00.000-08:00

image from notebook doodles

It's that time again...

2009-12-31T10:55:00.001-08:00

Many people believe making resolutions is a load of crap, but if you don't set goals for yourself, what will you accomplish? I think the key is to create a realistic list, something do-able yet challenging. I honestly did pretty well with my 2009 resolutions. 2010 is going to be a year of giving back and tons of mini-breaks. So here we go...This year I will:

Always be on time. It's rude and inconsiderate to keep people waiting. (esp. for me, who's chronically tardy. I'm sorry!)
Give back by volunteering once a month.
Take as many mini-breaks as possible. On the list: Catalina, Sonoma, Sedona, Miami, Vegas AND Hawaii or Bahamas. (we need to live it up before we have the b-word)
Learn the electric guitar. This is rolled over from last year.

Of course there are the usual resolutions (to exercise consistently, to stop cursing so much, learning to let go...etc.), but I've come to realize that I will always be working on these things. It's a constant struggle that I will eventually (or may never) overcome. And I've accepted and come to grips with Time.

So here's to a New Year and to starting over. Be careful where ever you may be tonight and most importantly, surround yourselves with the people you love and have loads of fun!

See you next year!
Cheers!

xoxo
~g

A New Year, A New Decade

2009-12-28T19:21:00.000-08:00

Even with the Great Recession, the Hubs and I have both agreed that 2009 went pretty unscathed. I cannot seem to thank God enough for all of our blessings. He has truly provided for us in ways we could've never imagined, especially in the hardest of times. Jesus is my homeboy for life. And it's because of Him,

Word is bond.

Tis the season...

2009-12-14T23:28:00.000-08:00

The Hubs and I were seriously thinking about hosting a Go Karting Holiday Race, but it looks like most of our friends in SD either have babies or are going away for Christmas. Bah hum bug! It's too bad because they missed their once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have met a "special celebrity guest!" Yup! You guessed it, the one and only, Edward Cullen!

Yes, I've jumped on the Twlight bandwagon (Though I don't think it's quite as good as the Harry Potter series! puh-lease. Vampires and werewolves have all been done before...JK Rowlings is a genius to make all that shit up! Hogwarts Rulz!) But I've always have been intrigued with vampires. It's the only "scary" thing I'll watch (seriously amigos, I can't even watch Lost alone). But ever since The Lost Boys, Interview with the Vampire and Buffy, I could never get enough. There's nothing like a good vampire love story. It's all soo romantic and tragic at the same time.

Anyways, Nordstrom is selling the Edward Cullen cardboard cut-outs along with a bunch of other New Moon paraphernalia. And as much as I love Edward, I ain't spending no $35 on some hard paper! When I told my best friend, Mia, this...she couldn't resist to give me the cash, which was strategically stowed under the flap of my secret santa gift (I got the jewelry box and absolutely love it! Thanks JooBong!). BUT since we're not having the holiday party, I'm using the cash to put it all on black at the roulette table. Yes sir! We're going to Vegas for Christmas!!!!!

PS. I'm like totally like Team Jacob now. He has abs like what! Like totally!

Hellooo Nurse!

2009-12-14T23:06:00.000-08:00

images from kanyeuniversecity

Excuse me? Where's the bathroom?

2009-11-19T20:57:00.000-08:00

My friend, Jen, went to Taiwan not too long ago and posted this great album on Facebook. In fact, it's so foreign, I had to re-post some of the pics on my blog. I'm not sure whether to feel disgusted, amused or disturbed. See for yourself...you be the judge. "I saw this restaurant on the food channel and I made everyone come here. Modern Toilet is a poop themed restaurant serving delicious dishes like curry and chocolate ice cream in toilet shaped dishes. Word up!""The seats in the restaurant are real toilets! The tables are made out of bathtubs with shower fixings on the wall." "Ummm...curry served in a toilet bowl.""Steaming toilet yummies..."Jen's delicious meal.

Thanks for sharing, Jen. I'll never look at the toilet bowl the same again. And I honestly hope I don't ever have to eat out of one!

PS. H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y ! ! !

I've been a very good girl

2009-11-16T18:33:00.000-08:00

I've finally gots myself a new j-o-b, which explains the lack of posts. Though it was nice staying home being Susie Homemaker, I like going to work every morning and I feel so blessed to have a job. This position looks very promising and it's fun because I'm learning something new everyday (no more domo arigato mr. roboto). And with my experience in this horrible job market, I have newfound ardor to work harder. PLUS, the extra flow isn't bad either. The Hubs and I are able to save a lot more and I can go shopping without feeling a smidgin of guilt. It's all perfect timing, especially with the holidays right around the corner.

As we do every year, my friends and I are doing Secret Santa. This year, we're spending $100 and creating our own wish list. I don't know about yall, but I love getting gifts that I need, but hate spending my own money on.
Here's my wish list:

Built NY Gourmet Getaway Lunch Bag (Go Green!)

Dior Addict Lip Glow Reviver Balm (because I'm curious to see what my natural, unique lip shade is)

Shu Uemura Mascara Basic (I hear it's the best mascara, EVER!)

Pottery Barn Andover Jewelry Box (I need this. period.)

What's on your wish list???

**Christmas is coming early for us this year. We're celebrating over Thanksgiving break since I'll be HomeHome. I can't wait to see you guys!!!**

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-11-13T21:48:00.000-08:00

Good look Gracie, Vince & Pat <333

Goo Goo GAGA

2009-10-27T11:29:00.000-07:00

images from kanyeunversecity, nostagielaboue

Killer OJ...only at Ralphs

2009-10-20T20:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Annavisaversary

2009-10-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

Already a year and still going strong.

Although some people say that a year is a short time,

I beg to differ.

I think a year is a perfect amount of time to figure out what you like, what you dislike,

what you can live with and what you can't live without.

I can't live without you.

And today more than ever I feel like that.

I love you very much. I cannot imagine my life without you and I look forward to the next 70 years together.

Werd

2009-10-02T20:20:00.001-07:00

Rar.

2009-10-01T09:18:00.001-07:00

image from nostalgie de la boue

HELP!

2009-09-22T17:31:00.000-07:00

Oh no! Our dear friend, The Travelling Gnome, has found himself in jail! We found this mug shot randomly on the streets of Buenos Aires.

I must have looked like a fool taking pictures in the middle of the busy street, but I think it's a cry for help..can somebody please bail him out?!?!

Vamos DELPO!!!

2009-09-14T22:29:00.001-07:00

Congratulations Juan Martin del Potro for defeating Roger and Rafael in the US Open.

Although I am a Federer fan (dude plays tennis with such finesse that I always seem to hear the Nutcracker when watching him), Buenos Aires has inspired me to cheer Potro on. While we were there, we witnessed Argentina lose 2 soccer games, making it nearly impossible for them to qualify for the World Cup. And for a country who has so much soccer pride, it's hard watching your team lose. Potro was their hope and every game won was on heavy rotation everywhere in BA. GO POTRO! VIVA ARGENTINA!!!

Neglect

2009-09-01T20:09:00.000-07:00

I've been neglecting my blog for some time now. And for anyone who cares, I'm sorry. And for those of you who do care, here's the what what.

I turned the big 3-0 this year and ruined my birthday surprise by being a bratty wife. The Hubs flew in my BFFs for my birthday and it was just as I imagined it...perfect.

My temp assignment ended and though the money was nice, I think I'm way more productive staying at home. Don't get me wrong, I'd totally rather have the money. But I hate having to run errands and do chores on the weekend. That was sucky.

We're headed to Argentina next week for our (early) anniversary getaway. I'm super excited to see where the Hubs grew up. Eating sweet, flaky facturas, perfectly cooked meat and bottles of spicy malbec doesn't sound too bad either :)
Oh! I bought some disposable cameras for our trip too. When we went to Paris last year and forgot our camera in Versailles, we bought a disposable. I just recently developed them and the element of surprise and that nostalgic feel got to me. So I'm taking a couple with us and plan on making a real album that includes no re-takes, just real photos.

Do you watch How I Met Your Mother??? It's one of my favorite sitcoms. I ran all my errands, dusted, vacuumed and showered. Now I'm taking gulps of an ice cold one and feeling like this...

image from nostalgie de la boue

Note to self:

2009-08-15T12:22:00.000-07:00

image from KissHer

Jessica, Hessica, Yessica

2009-08-12T23:28:00.000-07:00

I moved to San Diego in 2004 blind. Having no friends but Krispy Creme, McDonald's, grilled cheese sandwiches and See's Toffee-ettes. I was alone. My weekends were occupied with having Blockbuster nights and falling asleep with my hand in a tin of toffee-ettes. My life turned upside down when I met my soulmate, Jessica. She brought me back to life and showed me San Diego in a different light (insert: heaven singing). We got wrecked every weekend, ate massive amounts of froyo and read trashy mags. We were like peas and carrots :) My dear friend moved to Chicago for b-school. Though I'm terribly sad, I'm truly excited for what lies ahead of her. She's changed my life and I am forever grateful for her friendship. I love you, Jess. Good luck at school! I know you'll do great!

erm...yea...

2009-08-11T22:07:00.000-07:00

I'm still catching up on blog posts and enjoying every minute of it. I still have 226 posts to catch up on and I'm doing it very s l o w l y. That seems to be today's theme... I've been moving at a snail's pace all day! It was my first day alone at the new gig and (being a tad rusty) I took my time to make sure everything was done right. Though I never asked the same question twice, I still asked a lot of questions...

PS. I lost my first earring today. It's taken me a year and two months to understand how upsetting it really is when people say they've lost ONE earring.
image from nostalgie de la boue

Ketchup!

2009-08-10T19:17:00.000-07:00

Hello Bloggerheads!
It's been too long and I don't even know where to start...
The Hubs is back and I am mucho happy! He brought back Korea Vogue and Korea VogueGirl which is super exciting because you can't find those anywhere in the States! (I will have to post about the glossy covers another time!) Susan came for another visit and I value her friendship more than ever. She has a heart of gold! We also celebrated Gracie's bridal shower & bachelorette.
(Side Note: Along with all your fabulous blogs, Gracie was actually the one who encouraged me to start my own blog and made this darling banner for me. She has a wedding blog, where she writes an entry a day as a countdown to her wedding, and has a design blog, where you can see her latest (adorable) stationary designs, AND to raise awareness for mental illness in the Asian-American community, she also hosts Getting Rid of the Stigma.)
I had the worst time of my life(!) at the opening day of the Del Mar Races (ugh, ugh, ugh) BUT had a blast at the BEST pre-party ever...(jerk, jerk, jerk). The married couples played my new favorite game, "Watch Wives Drink", which was followed by an outrageous hangover the next day. My parents came to visit this past weekend. It was sooo good seeing them. They're hilarious so it's really fun hanging out with them. The bonus was seeing my dad get along with the Hubs so well. And it was a double bonus seeing my brother and Helstar. We were one, big, happy family...and it felt so right :)

Got me some early birthday presents too!
Dad got me a set of bad-ass golf clubs(!!!). My BFFs got me some suede boots and peep-toe pumps. And the Hubs got me gladiators and golf shoes. I'm sooo spoiled. keke, I heart shoes. Here's some pics so this post isn't completely boring...
BIG NEWS! I just started a two week assignment today! can you say cha-ching?! Argentina is covered...expenses paid by yours truly:)

Hey. What did the Mama Ketchup say to the little one??? "Catch-up!" (Sorry, I'm corny like that. I'll try harder to post more often. Playing catch-up sucks!)

H U R R Y H O M E

2009-07-28T20:30:00.000-07:00

You don't marry someone you can live with.

You marry the person who you cannot live without.

It's been 10 days and I miss you. I simply CANNOT live without you.

Please hurry home (icannotwaitforkoreavogue!)

image from le love

Fall forward to...

2009-07-27T23:07:00.000-07:00

...Sheer polka dot hosiery...

...You know you want it...

...and I can't wait to wear it...

Images from kanyeuniversecity, nostalgiedelaboue, & thecherryblossomgirl.

Love Quote #2

2009-07-23T22:19:00.000-07:00

Love is a passion, obsession, someone you can't live without. If you don't start with that, what are you going to end up with? Fall head over heels. I say find someone you can love like crazy and who'll love you the same way back. And how you find him? Forget your head and listen to your heart. I'm not hearing any heart. Run the risk, if you get hurt, you'll come back. Because, the truth is there is no sense of living your life without this. To make the journey and not fall deeply in love...well, you haven't lived a life at all. You have to try. Because if you haven't tried, you haven't lived.

- William Parrish, Meet Joe Black

(Image from TheRockstarDiaries)

Viva La Vida

2009-07-21T10:33:00.000-07:00

Last week, my dear friend Gracie was kind enough to invite me to the Coldplay concert. (That night ended with a disaster) But the show was unforgettable especially due to the acoustic cover to Billie Jean, the cell phone wave, and the butterfly confetti. Thank you, friend. You are a peach.

Je ne sais quois

2009-07-20T09:44:00.001-07:00

Ahhh, Kate Moss. (There has to be at least one entry about her..) She starts trends and you can't keep your eyes off of her. She's effortlessly cool and you just want to hang out & smoke cigarettes with her. No matter how big the scandal, no matter what she wears, no matter the age...it's Kate and she's a big deal.

this recession sucks. bad.

2009-07-17T20:09:00.000-07:00

Bogey!

2009-07-15T21:25:00.000-07:00

(The handsome Hubs. A pic of me is just too humiliating)

I've been getting golf lessons on and off since the New Year. It's one of my resolutions to learn how to play, get really good and beat the Hubs in a round. My awesome instructor loves the game so much that he teaches me pro bono. He told me I'd have to hit 100 buckets at the driving range to perfect my swing ... so far, I think I've hit all of two.
Last weekend, I went to the course for the first time. My goal was to hit a triple bogey. And let me tell you...man, this game is all mental and so frustrating. The first nine holes were awfully painful and fast. But things slowed down in the back nine and I ended up hitting a bogey(!) on the 18th, albeit it was the easiest and shortest hole, but still a legitimate bogey! Now that I have a better idea of what it's like on the course, I'm ready for 98 more buckets! Bring it!

I can wear many different hats

2009-07-14T21:04:00.000-07:00

I've been on a quest to find the perfect summer hat (and a j-o-b).

I wanted something that

a. didn't make me look like a poser

b. something versatile

and c. very cheap.

What do you think? Fedora, floppy or the Blossom??

(ended up buying the cheapest one. probably my last purchase of the summer : \

Frye obsessed

2009-07-09T23:56:00.000-07:00

Why do we covet the unobtainable???

I've searched high and low for these oxford booties with no avail.

Which only makes me want them 100x more.

(why is everyone a size friggin seven?!?!)

Ugh! the AGONY!!!

Just dance

2009-07-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

"P-P-P-Poker face, P-P-Poker face...
Can't read my, can't read my..no, he can't read my poker face~~"

What the freak was Lady GaGa wearing to that press conference yesterday?!?! (Ok Lady, we get it..we can't read your poker face.) She continues to surprise us again and again. And for some reason, I somewhat love that element about her. She's so outlandishly strange that, it's cool. Cool, because she doesn't care about what anyone thinks and loves to hoard all that attention.

I remember when she first came out, she said she thought herself to be a walking piece of art. Art? Maybe. Crazy cool? Yes!

images from JustJared.com

To the Hubs

2009-07-07T21:57:00.000-07:00

thank you our.city.lights for the card catalog generator :)

A lot of sports besides baseball

2009-07-06T09:35:00.000-07:00

Joey Chestnut was able to hold his reign over Kobayashi in the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest for his third year straight. Watching any eating competition really makes my gag reflex go off the Richter. But watching them train facinates me. (I believe Bio is doing a segment on competitive eaters sometime this week, fyi.)

Sometimes I think I could do it. If I have one hard skill, it'd be eating. And I'd blow this chick out the water...Sonya Thomas, who currently holds the record for chicken wings, eggs, hamburgers, cheesecake, pizza, tacos, fruitcakes, lobster, and oysters! (ugh, oysters! so gross!) But I could definitely hold down some pizza, chicken wings, and tacos!

In other sports news...

I wish Anthony Kim would start playing at his full potential and stop partying with JT (and stop wearing that ugly necklace!)

How sweet would've it been if Andy won. Too bad he'll never get to see another final, for as long Roger keeps playing like he did yesterday. Plus, it's really game over when Rafael comes back.

Holiday recap...

My brother and HelStar came to SD for the 4th. (YAY! I'm so excited about their engagement! I'll let my brother share their story in another post :) Here's a picture of us having BBQ and me kicking their ass in Risk. I rule the world! Muhahaha!

Um, I've been on holiday!

2009-07-03T09:40:00.000-07:00

I miss summertime in the East Side. I miss hot summer nights.

And my clothes sticking to my skin in that awful humidity!

Happy Independence Day! Where ever you may be...

Photos from BouBou Teatime & David Chu.

Word to your mother

2009-07-02T11:53:00.000-07:00

I played piano for years when I was younger. I dreaded the lessons and moreover, hated practicing! When I was 12, I bombed my first recital. I got up to the piano, sat down and went blank. I was motified. Here I am in this huge-ass auditorium...just looking down at the black and white keys. It was awful. I had no choice but to get off stage. I cried the whole, entire ride home.
For my next recital, I practiced, practiced and practiced some more. I had something to prove. I had to redeem myself. On the day of the recital, I killed it and got a standing ovation.

*My moms practicing in her jammies*

My mom swears if you learn something new throughout your life, you'll never go senile. Since she has semi-retired, she's been taking piano lessons (something she's wanted to learn but couldn't afford when she was a little girl). When I moved to San Diego, I was truly impressed when she played Happy Birthday over the phone. (Homegirl, could actually play a little sumin sumin!) And when I moved back home, I'd wake up to her practicing those horrible music theory drills. She's determined to be like the Von Trapp family and has a vision of singing around the piano with her grandkids. She got much better over the course of time and started playing hymns and familiar pieces I once played myself. It's so cool to witness that progression.

Today, she is having her first piano recital. Although she's the oldest student, she'll most definitely be the cutest :) My dad is so proud..he mentioned going up on stage just to hug her in front of everyone.
GOOD LUCK UMMA! Fighting!! You can do it!!! I wish I could be there to give you a standing ovation and scream, "whooooooo!" I love you and I'm maad proud of you!

Be my guest

2009-07-01T10:56:00.000-07:00

I'm the type of girl that stays in the bathroom a tad bit longer to check out the goodies in your medicine cabinet. If I've been to your house, I've gone did it. (and I probably looked under your sink too!) It's not that I'm nosy, I'm more "curious" to see what you got in there and how well you have it organized (yea, I'm a little OCD). Here's a LookSee into what's in mine. Beware of the Maryland Crab!I know, I know. You shouldn't keep perfume in the bathroom!Black bristled toothbrushes. Yes, I swear we bought them that way!

What's that smell??

2009-06-30T18:04:00.000-07:00

I have a thing about perfume. Whenever I'm having a blase day or I just want to feel sexy and alive, a simple spritz of perfume always does the trick. My olfactory senses are triggered and I instantly feel...romantical. I have a number of signature scents that I wear depending on the season and day. fresh, Sake.

It's currently my go-to fragrance.

Very rich and old-lady like.
I especially like the brand, mainly for it's chic packaging.

Marc Jacobs, Blush.

On a trip back homehome, I forgot my perfume and put on my mom's Coco Mademoiselle.

Once she got a sniff, she questioned my selection with a sour face and handed me Blush.

I've loved it ever since. It smells like a field of honeysuckles and it's perfect for the summer.

Chloe.

It's the perfect winter scent.

It's light, cozy and straight-up romantic.

Makes me want to cuddle.

Prescriptives, Calyx.

I've worn this scent since high school, when an ex-boyfriend got it for me.

It's spicy and adventurous.

Yves Saint Laurent, In Love Again.

This is also an old signature fragrance.

Makes me nostalgic of my college clubbing days.

A little Britney Spears-ish...it's like you're in the floral tropics.

What's your signature scent??

You must try Filipino BBQ

2009-06-29T10:36:00.000-07:00

The kids I tutor came over Saturday and we threw a mini-BBQ at the pool for them. Nells had sent me a recipe for Filipino BBQ just in time for me to try this weekend. Oh. my. goodness. It was hella good. And good googa mooga! this guy is my hero! Check out his blog, The Meatwave. It's all about meat, side dishes, and more meat. My mouth is salivating from all pictures & recipes that go on and on. I cannot wait to try more BBQ/grilling recipes from this site! Filipino BBQ Skewers

For the marinade

1 cup Sprite

1 cup brown sugar1 medium onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup orange juice

1/4 cup ketchup

1/8 cup lemon juice

6 garlic cloves, minced

3 tablespoons oyster sauce

1 tablespoon salt

1 tablespoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

4 lbs of pork tenderloin or skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes

Place all marinade ingredients in a medium saucepan and whisk to combine. Simmer over low heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

Place chicken or pork cubes in a large zip lock bag and pour marinade all over. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible, and set in the refrigerator to marinate overnight, turning the bag over at least once during the process.

Soak about 25 wooden skewers in water for at least 30 mins. Drain water and thread meat onto the skewer. Each piece of meat should touch the next, but not pushed tightly together.

Grill directly over a hot fire, turning every 3-5 minutes until each side is nicely browned and the meat is cooked through.

*I also added 2 tablespoons of honey into the marinade. And green peppers and onions in between the meat when skewing (I love grilled veggies!) **Don't forget to marinate for 24 hours.

recipe and photo courtesy of TheMeatwave

Love Quote #1

2009-06-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

Do you want me to tell you something really subversive? Love is everything it's cracked up to be. That's why people are so cynical about it...It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for. And the trouble is, if you don't risk everything, you risk even more."

- Erica Jong, How to Save Your Own Life

photo from Leeselooks

it's a sad day

2009-06-25T17:44:00.000-07:00

You will live forever in my heart.

The perfect Summer boot

2009-06-24T21:17:00.000-07:00

uh, i think i NEED these.

Celebrity Tidbits

2009-06-23T09:20:00.000-07:00

Dude. I could care less about Jon & Kate. The U.S. divorce rate is at 45% and I'm sure many of them have some kids. It's sad, yes. But I still don't care. Chris Brown should have gone to jail period. Rest in peace, Ed McMahon, who was such a nice man fighting to save his mansion by doing those gold commercials. And ugh, Gisele is still married and preggers(!)

I hate to like John Mayer but how could you not like this asshole after this sweet tweet:
I love that @perezhilton uses his cellphone to log on to twitter to post a tweet to ask his followers to call the police for him. (after he got verbally abused by Will.i.am.)
Then it was followed by this tweet:
Last year P!nk kneed me in the nuts outside Chateau Marmont. I was pissing blood for days. Did I make a scene?
Followed by this hilarious one:
@perezhilton's video statement is so long that by the end of it his cut healed.
He's a funny guy but I still don't like the insensitive man-whore. I also think Perez Hilton is a d-bag, especially after that whole debacle with Miss California.

I'm really rooting for a Jessica Simpson and Lindsay Lohan comeback. Jess has a new (promising) show, The Price of Beauty. And Linds is in talks with Ryan Seacrest for a new reality show. Keep your fingers crossed. I love them!

While Johnny Depp looks scary as hell as the Mad Hatter, I love this look on Rihanna. Such a classic American look but the accessories make it her own. The hair and the red lips are just icing on the cake!

Photo from theSuperficial

The Fair of the Sea

2009-06-22T08:42:00.000-07:00

We came back from the San Diego County Fair sunburned, full of greasy, fried food and exhausted. Nothing screams Summer like the good ol' fair. Summa, summa, summa~time...time to sit back and unwind~

I will always be Daddy's little girl

2009-06-21T09:33:00.000-07:00

To my Daddy.
Who always told me I could do it.

Who listens wholeheartedly.

Who always does the right thing.

Thank you for your unconditional support

and letting me learn my own lessons on my own time.

I love hearing you laugh aloud at America's Funniest Home Videos.

I hate it when you call me, "Mrs. Bang!"
I wish I could be there to hug and kiss you on this Father's Day.
I miss you Daddy!

A snapshot of my dad watching our wedding slideshow while everyone is in the reception.

LettersToCrushes.com

2009-06-20T12:40:00.000-07:00

I am a hopeless romantic. I live for Love and love being all wrapped up in It. This site allows you to write letters/notes to your crushes, anonymously. So cute...

June 17, 2009

boy,

All those times after you whisper something beautiful in my ear, or touch me ever so subtly, it's not that I have nothing to say to you, I stay quiet because the chemicals in my body begin rushing around far too quickly for me to think about forming words. I hope you don't take this the wrong way.

- girl

3 Reasons to HATE Gisele Bunchen

2009-06-19T18:43:00.000-07:00

1. She's married to my all-time favorite crush, Tom Brady.

2. It's official. She's having his baby.

3. The girl has the sickest body and eats Five Guys.

W.T.F.
It's. not. fair.

Photo from JustJared.com

Bon Appetit!

2009-06-18T20:10:00.000-07:00

Korean food is all about variety. When you go to any Korean restaurant, you are presented with an array of side dishes (aka banchan) with your meal. I spent the whole day making delicious banchan for the Hubs. The menu: spinach, bean sprouts, potatoes and fish cakes. It's so easy to buy them pre-made at the market but soo much cheaper (and healthier) to make on your own. We just finished dinner and whoa(!), I have a huge food baby and the Hubs is down with the itis. Now, that's good eats!

She's here!

2009-06-15T16:17:00.001-07:00

We cleaned the whole apartment for her arrival this weekend.

Here's a Look See of Tatiana in our little living area.

Still Life

2009-06-12T06:46:00.001-07:00

Photography by Peter Lippmann

What's new?

2009-06-11T11:13:00.000-07:00

I am living the dream. But have very limited purchasing power. Don't get me wrong, I have more than enough and a husband that rarely says no. But we've been saving for a much bigger investment and now my inner conscience gets the best of my impulsive desires. So for this month's indulgence, I bought this Velvet dress...on sale. (Ever since that huge Saks sale, I can't get myself to buy anything for full price.) It's practical for lunch & shopping during the day AND can be dressed up for dinner & drinks at night.

Holy Hermione!

2009-06-09T22:50:00.000-07:00

First shot by Karl in Crush and now Burberry?!?! Emma Watson is all grown up! and pretty too! (haha, remember when Lindsay Lohan played Hermione on SNL. hilarious. viva la Lohan!) PS. I know everyone and their mom will have this on their blog, if not already. But it's just too shocking not to post!

images from stylebyme & nitrolicious

Eggsellent!

2009-06-09T10:26:00.000-07:00

In Korea, there are these huge spas/bath-houses called jeemjilbangs. Not only can you get scrubbed down, buck-naked, until your skin is of a baby's behind, you can also find yourself in the common area to watch movies, take naps, get your nails did, even do some light shopping. This is where everyone takes breaks from all the different types of dry saunas they provide. My mom LOVES going to jeemjilbang! The last time we were in Korea, she spent nearly 12 hours there chillin with her old friends.

ANYWAYS, they also sell food, fresh juices and yummy snacks, like eggs. I know it's weird, but I loved the eggs. The first bite was egg with a hint of a nutty, burnt taste. I just thought, "Oh, Korean eggs must taste different." Just like how every country has their own spin on McDonald's. WELL, I learned the secret to cooking the eggs like the ones I ate at jeemjilbang! I cooked them in the pressure cooker! Put eggs, enough water to cover them babies and a tsp of salt into the cooker and voila! delicious, burnt hard-boiled eggs!

I love Tatiana

2009-06-08T10:38:00.000-07:00

I spotted this gorgeous rug at Crate&Barrel last year when the Hubs and I were apartment shopping. After paying for our wedding, we had very little left over and couldn't afford to buy it. I vowed for it to be mine as soon as it went on sale. FINALLY! C&B's summer sale is in full effect and it includes this rug!

Convincing the Hubs that we needed this rug was difficult. As expected, he said no. And as usual, he's right. We really shouldn't buy a rug when we already have a nice one. I still begged and plugged it whenever I could, but he had enough & put his foot down and I slowly started letting it go. Goodbye rug of my dreams...*tear*...forever...*sniff sniff*...goodbye.

Last Friday, THE BEST HUSBAND IN THE WORLD surprised me with the receipt for the Tatiana rug! (Ahhhhh!!!!!!) I cried. He bought the rug because he knew how happy it'd make me. (I'd also like to think he secretly loves the rug too and thinks it's going to make a great addition to our tiny living space :)

My new diet

2009-06-05T09:03:00.000-07:00

Images from becauseimaddicted & highsnobiety

Bravo!

2009-06-04T10:39:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to this season's Make Me a Supermodel winner, Branden Rickman, who "can be made into a Supermodel!" I love this spastic, bacon-lovin', mama's boy! I have a good feeling we'll be seeing a lot of him in some high-end campaigns. You. Go. BOYYYY~!!!!!!!

HomeHome comes to San Diego

2009-06-03T10:37:00.000-07:00

Nothing's changed. We're all gossip, laughs and back to our good ol' crazy antics. My BFF, Theresa, is my most thoughtful friend. Upon arrival, she busted out 3 styles of Wayfarers and asked me to pick one out for myself.

Me: (confused) "Huh?! What for???"
Theresa: (laughing) "For no reason. For...YOU!"
Me: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And as always, she's buys me a supply of UTZ Hot Chips (my absolute favorite, esp. since you can't find them in Cali), except this time, she forgot them in a frenzy to get to the airport at 4am(!) Regardless, she's so sweet. I know, I'm lucky to have such an awesome friend like her.

Thanks for coming to visit, for the laughs and for being my best friend. I love you.

Man, I feel so hip with my new stunner shades!

Cheeps

2009-05-28T09:10:00.000-07:00

Look forward to a lot of food entries...I'm a big fan. This one is dedicated to my current obsession, Kettle brand Salt & Pepper chips. I'm somewhat of connoisseur when it comes to these deep-fried, crunchy, potato bites of flavor. This one, in particular, can only be described as having an underlying taste of beef jerky. Try them for yourself to find out what I'm talking about. You'll soon find yourself addicted as well.

PS. For a tangy taste, try dipping the chips with yellow mustard.

Tina must be out.

2009-05-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

I usually associate Beyonce with her diva counterpart, Sasha Fierce. Her fashion sense is over-the-top, red-carpet glam that screams, "I was styled by Tina Knowles." But as of late, Beyonce has emerged as quite the fashionista that knows nothing of our economic woes. From the LV Spicy shoes to the Balmain miltary jacket, she keeps me guessing on what she's going to wear next. I give her new stylist maad props! Photos from justjared.com

What's in your bag?

2009-05-26T11:44:00.000-07:00

I always wonder what ladies are carrying in their handbags, especially the girls who have purses the size of their bodies (what in the world is in there???). I'm no Mary Poppins, but there are some things I need to carry at all times, just in case. Here's a LookSee into what's in my bag.

In my everyday bag (currently Stella McCartney LeSportsac): Wallet, lip balm, lipstick pen, notebook (to jot down ideas, directions, recipes, quotes), gum, my favorite m&ms and cell.In the another LeSportsac pouch aka just-in-case emergency pouch: Mirror, lotion, Aquaphor, Advil, Tide-to-go, cuticle oil, blotting paper, Band-Aids, floss, matches, and for some reason a cocktail umbrella.

If you ever find your lunch on your shirt, got a boo-boo, or have incredibly dry, cracked-out elbows...Don't worry, I got you covered.

Hello Bloggerheads!

2009-05-19T09:52:00.000-07:00

After being inspired by sooo many different blogs, I've finally decided to start my own. I have no idea what kind of blog it will be but for anyone who cares...please do have a Look See.

~g