Monday's Look Back & Forward

Good morning!  Where did this weekend go? I want it back!!
I had a super busy weekend as I had to go into my office both Saturday and Sunday.  I managed to sustain just one paper cut and did not stress eat too much.  

I also managed to enjoy cooking a bit, purchase more peonies, stare at my puppies, shop my own closet and marvel at just how many striped boatneck t-shirts I could possibly own in my closet.   

So, a couple of changes to come here.  I realized it makes sense to talk about my weekends right AFTER the weekend instead of in the middle of the week. Thus, the discussion of my weekend today.

Another big change: This place is getting a make-over and I am working with just the right designer.  Sara Mueller (her blog is 'A Dose of Pretty') and I have been emailing for the last couple of days and we are getting SO close.  I'm too excited for words!!!  

Have a great week - we do have a 3 day weekend to look forward to!!

TGIF - Whatcha Up To?

TGIF~~  If I could, I want to be where she is below, preferably with a bottle of wine and Diptyque candles.

Photograph by Julia and Yuriy Manchik 

Style Me Pretty Living

I really need to unplug, go wireless, and try the old fashion relaxation thing.  (Although I wonder if it's not in my nature to "relax"...)

Yesterday, I read this blog entry, "Life Lately" by Kendi of Kendi Everyday. Reading entries like hers is one of the many reasons I love this blog world.  While there's much celebration of the luxurious lifestyle and goods and beautiful objects in the blogging world, there is reality among all bloggers and it's nice to be reminded of it by an honest and open disclosure of personal struggles, such as suffering from depression which happens to be the case for Kendi. Now, including myself, there are the shy and private peeps who remain shy and private.  I hope you respect that as well.  

So, I talked about going back to running outside last Friday.  I hope I continue this redeveloped habit.  To motivate myself, I should buy myself some new running outfits?  Hehe :) I'm eyeing these pieces. 

Tank from here//Skirt from here// "Time Out" sweats from here

And if I actually keep it up the rest of the summer, I will treat myself to this without ANY guilt. 

Image via here

Ah... happy happy thoughts.  

Have a GREAT weekend, friends~~

Last Weekend...

 i. I went back to running outside, at least on Saturdays.  It's been such a rewarding experience and the weather has cooperated for the last 3 Saturdays - yay!!
ii. Peonies are in season - It's about freakin' time. 
iii.  I finally succumbed and purchased this pillow from Ikea.  And I'm glad I did. It goes perfectly with the black and white Pollack print and the settee in my kitchen. And oh, excuse the ipad charger cord...
iv. Who can resist $0.99 flamingo glasses?  (From Ikea)

v. Weekend tradition I recently developed - brewing coffee via chemex. Another rewarding experience.  #happysmallmoments 

vi. Korean bakery goods are the best!!  Tx, Mom!

vii. Tired husband and I finally get to cuddle on the couch.  Wy does my forehead look so big though?  #immagonnaembraceit.

viii. One of the 5 stems of peonies from the above picture.  LOVE how they bloom so big.  

We are half way there to the weekend!!  Happy hump day~

Planning Ahead

OH - it's another day closer to the Memorial Day Weekend and my mind is racing with thoughts on what to do, eat, wear, etc.  I also have a vacation planned at the end of June, so that's got me thinking about the same things.  

Here's an outfit perfect for the upcoming summer days (ok, I'm sorta pushing the suede pumps, which are more appropriate for now) that will be perfect for both work and play.  

Mac Cremeblend Blush in 'Lady Blush' - I wear this every day, with or without any other make-up.  Because it's a cremeblend, it stays on your face for a long time and it feels incredibly soft on your skin.  It looks very bright but when you dab a little and spread it on your cheeks, you'll look as fresh and dewey as a little bambi :) 

Anthropologie Blockshift Dress - I have to admit something.  I saw this dress on another blogger, Sara Mueller of Sara Mueller Designs and I had to share it with you as well. Btw, her blog is as pretty as she is and I'm totally obsessed and will be reading all her archives while I'm on my hourlong treadmill torture. (Girl Crush Alert!!  #isweari'mnotastalker)

See By Chloe April Big Duffel - What can I say?  I have a crazy weakness for anything mint colored.  And this design is so sleek yet friendly.  The price tag, however, isn't friendly.  A girl can dream though, right?!

Nine West Sandals - 'Weslies' - I'm short so I contemplate ever buying this.  But they look so darn comfie and stylish.  Sexy, actually. That's my kinda jam - comfie & sexy. 

Madewell - the 'Frankie' Suede Pumps - I heart these.  I've shown this this blog before and I'm showing it again!  It can go with so many things and it's so office friendly too.  I'm waiting for a further slash down in the price department. 

How about you?  Are you already planning for the upcoming holiday and/or vacation? 

Monday E-Design: Kitchen Goodies from C&B

Happy Monday~  
Did you have a good Mother's Day weekend?  I had a wonderful dinner with my parents and my brother and sis-in-law.  We bought lobsters for dinner and cooked them at home. Of course, despite this being her day, my mom did all the cooking and even sent me home with bags of food.  The giving NEVER ends when you are a mom.  

My mom spends a lot of time in the kitchen.  And I feel as though, to my surprise, I do too.  It's probably because I cook almost every meal at home.  Of course there are times when due to work or social get togethers that we skip a night or two of eating at home.  And we do make a point of eating out at least once a week.  But for the most part, I cook.  Nothing fancy but quick stuff.  In that regard, I love looking for the next pretty thing to use in my kitchen.  It makes cooking all the more fun, doesn't it? 

From time to time, I'll go to Crate & Barrel and find so many practical and reasonably priced items, with simple and stylish designs.  This weekend's trip resulted in a purchase of this very small carafe, ($1.95!!) which I will use as a decanter to pour wine.  I bought 2 of them.  While we have a decanter already, it's huge and hard to clean.  So, when you are drinking only a glass or two of wine during a casual dinner at home, this will definitely be more practical and useful.  The rest are on my wish list for now :)  

carafe//  To-Go-Containers// Airtight Glass Bottles// Canisters with Chalkboard Surface//   13.5x9.25 Zigzag Platter// Conversion Dishtowel

TGIF - Whatcha Up To?

TGIF!!!  The sun is out and I am ready to chill out!

This Sunday is Mother's Day.  My mom and I kinda celebrated already by going shopping last weekend.  We took advantage of the crazy sale going on at  Ann Taylor Loft.  It was such a blast.  We were like two little girls on a shopping spree, going in and out of the dressing room multiple times. We made out like a bandit, let me tell you.  Love a great sale, right?!  I'll still visit her this weekend and we'll have dinner together. Maybe I'll attempt to bake make this bake-less dessert. 

Lemon Cream Icebox Cake

Doesn't it look so delicious?  And no sweating over the heated oven!  

As with every weekend, I have a project in mind. I hope to finally get my shoes storage dilemma straightened out and I think I finally found the solution.  

Yup, it's from IKEA and the measurements fit where I currently have my shoe rack.  I hate seeing a whole bunch of shoes at the entry of our loft.  Ugh.  Hopefully, this will be THE solution. 

I don't know about you, but the spring pollen in the air is definitely causing major irritations to my eyes.  I am waiting for this set of new eyes to arrive any day now, and relieve me from relying on my contact lenses during the day every day. 

It's from Warby Parker (Ainsworth).  I've tried it at home (tx to their free at-home-try system) and really like them. Cannot wait!!

I've also had my eyes on this hobo bag from JCrew.  My friend Nancy has it and it's really cute and very wearable all year around.  It's on sale, 30% off... now may be the time... I'll try to sleep on it and see :) 

Finally, I am looking forward to watching this movie tonight. Both Randy and I had a pretty tough week and we can use a little date night. 

YUP, so excited!  Btw, Leo is now 40?? Time flies, right?

Have a great great weekend~

Yucky Days

The last two days have been truly yucky thanks to work and rainy weather.  It was POURING yesterday in the morning on my way to work.  This was the view from my loft.  To my surprise, this Insta came out like a cute postcard so I'm sharing with ya'll.    

By 11:00 p.m., the rain had subsided but things were still yucky with work.  This is how I looked: 

Yup - utter frustration.  Luckily, all's resolved,I THINK.  Let's see what happens when I walk into the courtroom this morning!

The good thing about being busy at work is that it makes the week goes faster. And before you know it, it's almost TGIF~~