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Monday, December 30, 2013

Winter Vacation 2013

Hi guys!  I'm back!!  
I'm sorry I have neglected this little place.  Like workouts, once I missed a string of days, I had a hard time getting back into it. #feelinglame 

Last week, I was in Aspen, Colorado, our go-to vacation place.  For those of you who have been reading my blog for some time, you know that this is where my husband, Randy grew up.  It's now become a place I'd love to call home, hopefully sometime in the future while I'm still young and mobile! I just cannot get enough of the fresh air, beautiful mountains and its trails, and all the small towns and their quaintness.  

Here are some of the photos I took en route and during the trip. I already miss the place so much...



I can't believe December is almost over! I always get somewhat melancholy once all the winter holidays are done and over with. How about you?   

Luckily, we have one more day of fun before we say goodbye to 2013.  We are off to see Billy Joel perform at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn, on New Year's Eve (except I lost the tickets so, we'll see if this happens!!!).  I can't wait.  It'll be a blast. If you are staying home, I also envy you too.  I do fear the traffic and rowdy party peeps on NYE...   

Happy last Monday of 2013~~

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Office Party


'Tis the season for office parties. A lot of us have both our own as well as our significant other's party to attend.  Here's the thing about office parties. You want to look and feel great, a little bit sexy (I get it), but not TOO sexy (you know what I mean - the short short skirt and the deep deep cleavage).  I also find that you can go the LBD route (safe) or something a bit more glitzy (fun).  Between the two, if you have a pair classic heels, statement accessories, you are good to go with either the traditional black dress OR something a bit out of the ordinary.  I don't think you can go wrong with either of the two options above.  If you haven't found your office party dress yet, good luck, have fun, and stay kosher :)

p.s. Kelley - tx for your suggestion! 

dress option no.1 (bcbgeneration via piperlime)//statement necklace (sabine via piperlime)//sharp heels (zara)//easy clutch (j.crew)//simple bracelet (madewell)//dress option no. 2 (parker serena via piperlime)  

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Gift Guide

Last year, I did a 12 day gift idea posting for 12 days.  THAT ma dear, was a lot of work.  This year, I'm going bail out on that.  I'll just mention ideas as they come (hopefully, not after the holidays).  Here are some modestly priced things your girlfriends, sisters, mothers will enjoy, in my opinion :) 
Do feel free to share this with your significant other.  
Um, honey, I really really want the jammies, bracelet and the tote.  

comfy jammies // luxe bracelet // adorned candle
boat tote // glass ornament // phone outfit (scored on Cyber Monday 30% off)

Monday, December 2, 2013

Monday Schmonday


That's how I feel about Mondays, especially after a long weekend. Ok, ok, enough with the negative 'tude.  I had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day and have a lot to be thankful for, and honestly, am still amaaaaazed by how my turkey came out.  The verdict from the family was that it was the most tender and tasty turkey they've ever had!  Who knew a pescatarian can cook a turkey so good??! I did have a good amount of work to do on Saturday and Sunday.  But did so in my flannel jammies, so that wasn't too bad. 

So, it's Cyber Monday and I can't go too crazy b/c my wallet needs to be CLOSED no matter what kinda sale there is.  BUT (yes, there's always a but), I did get myself something I've been drrrooooling over for some time.  This cutest iphone cover from Rifle Paper Co.  Rifle Paper Co. rarely has such a great sale (30% off) that I took the plunge.  How about you?  Anything you are purchasing today?  Do share~~

Happy Monday~~

image here on Pinterest (no original source available)

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Happy Thanksigivukkah~


image here

Yes, it's Thanksgivukkah tomorrow, guys!  Whaaat?  
Thanksgiving + Hanukkah, for the first and only time in our lifetime, fall on the same day.  I just think that's so cool. 

I did my 2nd shopping for the big Thanksigvukkah last night.  The cold windy rainy weather did NOT help, but I was still excited as ever. Today, I pick up Mr./Ms. Turkey, the poor bird :( and some additional things for tomorrow like potato latkes for the Mr. Tonight, I'll be cooking some of the side dishes that can be easily warmed up tomorrow. 

Tomorrow, I'll be up at 5:00 a.m. to get the turkey going.  Man, I'm going to be so tired on Friday.  But  you know what?  This whole experience of cooking for my family is so rewarding.  That's why I'm doing it again this year.  

I hope you have a great Thanksgiving Day and Hanukkah (for those who celebrate). Gobble Gobble~~

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Current Wish List

Is it me or is it really hard to shop for others?  It's not that I can't find gifts for family and friends. It's actually easy for me.  It's that I find too many things I want for myself while shopping for others.  And everything seems to be on sale, calling my name over and over again. It's awful!!  Anyways, here are some things I'd really love to gift myself (because it's all about me here~~). What's on your MeMeMe-Wish-List?


Pretty Sweater//Plaid Scarf//Grown-Up Gloves//Grown-Up Bag
Paris//Paris Reminder//Modern Rug//Bright Lamp 

Monday, November 25, 2013

Glam Shots

Good Monday~~  Count down to Thanksgiving Day is officially on for me!!  I'm so excited - it's going to be so hard to keep myself focused.  I have so much to do at work, unfortunately.  So, I can already imagine my stress level being slightly elevated.  I'm going to to listen to holiday music and treat myself to some Starbucks to keep my sanity.  

Yesterday, we had our wedding photographer, Hana Cho at our home to take some fun photographs of us as a family.  I never thought I'd be "one of those" dog people, but I am now. I really wanted to take some great photos as a family. Here's a little sneak peak - It's Toby.  


I took a photo of him with my iphone camera.  Isn't he adorable?  I cannot wait to see the rest of our glam shots. Thank you so much, Hana!! (I'll be showcasing more of her work to come because she is seriously amazing!!!) 

Hope you have a wonderful start to the week~~

Friday, November 22, 2013

TGIF - Whatcha Up To?

OMG - the weekend is finally here!! TGIF at last!
This week felt really long and laborious.  Perhaps it was the combination of my getting over the cold and anticipation of preparing for Thanksgiving Day.  I have two shopping lists: one for this weekend for things that won't go bad, another for the day before Thanksgiving for things that need to be super fresh. My plan is to get the shopping done EARLY in the morning to beat the crowd.  Wish me luck!!





HAPPY WEEKEND~~

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Inspired Makeover

Have you seen the makeover of Joanna Goddard's (Cup of Jo) home?  Pretty awesome, right?  I'm constantly inspired by these makeovers and people who do'em.  Like Emily Henderson, who seems like the most jubilant, cute, and down to earth girlfriend we all need and want. I must confess, I'm also a tad bit (ok, a lot) jealous over the sponsored makeovers and wish for them constantly, although I can do what's called "SAVING" and feel amazing about it.  Ah... such is life, right?!  So I've digressed.  My point here is that I'm constantly inspired by makeovers and here's what I'd do with my living room. 
Santorini Mirror (Ballard Design) // Mid Century Console (West Elm) // Mini Abacus Lamp (West Elm) // Asta Rug (Grandiflora) // Button Leaf Topiary (Ballard Design) // Nate Berkus Chevron Basket (Target)

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Style Mix

ONE:  I'm loving all the plaids and checkered patterns that are popping up everywhere lately.  This one from J.Crew is such a perfect casual jacket for the fall/winter season. You can see wearing it as you run out to the groceries or to meet up a friend.

TWO:  I'm one of those gals who always carries a lot in her purse.  And I can't stand it.  I'm trying to minimize what I carry and this Michael Kors Bedord crossbody is ideal.  You can't see it on the picture but it's got 3 separate compartments with zippers.  So, one can be for your wallet, the second one for  cell phone, and the third one for sunglasses. I got this for my mom for her birthday and now, I totally want one for myself. Yeah, that's the thing about gift shopping.  I want one of whatever you are getting too!

THREE:  Booties are on everybody. (No pun intended). I've been looking for a pair that's not too pricey and found one 30% off.  These DV by Dolce Vita Joust from Piperlime in 'olive'  look so good online.  I'm waiting to receive them.  The reviews all say how comfy they are.  Can't wait to match'em up with skinny jeans and look as cute as this girl.   

What have you been mixing up in your wardrobe lately?  

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Lately...

So.... here's what I've been up to lately.

Meeting Inspiring Women - I saw Madeleine Albright and Hilary Clinton speak at the November 1st PA Women's Conference.  They were AMAZING. Now,  I want to read all of their books! 

Trying Out New Things - Yup, I got my cartilage pierced.  The piercing didn't hurt.  But the cartilage did about 2-3 days after the piercing.  It's much better now, thank goodness. It was one of those moments of brilliant boredom and too much caffeine on a Sunday morning.  I also got my grasshopper lookin' Karen Walker sunglasses I've been PINING over for the entire year.  And I finally found a furry vest.  Never thought I'd be able to pull off any of these looks. I guess I surprise myself sometimes... 

Classic Winter Layering - Yup, it's all about the scarves, sweaters, and plaid shirts. The red/black scarf? I've had it for over 15 years.  Now it's in fashion again.  Here's to shopping your own closet! 

Recent Favorite Eats - Randy and I are loving this new sushi joint called 'Kumo' nearby our house.  Their "tuna fantastic" is yep, pretty fantastic.  It's slices of tuna sashimi over lumps of crabmeat and avocado with sweet spicy sauce.  SO GOOD.  Also on a heavy rotation is my spicy tofu & kimchi soup.  Whenever I get sick, I tend to live on this soup.  Helps with the sore throat and the stuffy nose. 

Small Splurges - Finally, a pop of color in our TV room.  Love the new bright bench I got from HomeGoods.  I'm also enjoying my latest purchases from West Elm - Shannay Murray plate and a pretty bowl (with the spicy soup).  I couldn't resist their 20% sale.  I grabbed a couple more for Christmas gifts.

Puppy Love - With the cold weather, the puppies are being extra cuddly and needy.  Yes, needy.  They just want more attention. I will enjoy every minute of it, especially with my Little Speedz doing so well lately.  And of course, our Toby just goes for the clean laundry basket EVERY time.  Gotta love'em!!

Guys, we are so close to Thanksgiving Day.  Once this week's over, the "holiday season" will be FULL ON.  

Happy Tuesday~~

Monday, November 18, 2013

Holiday Anticipation

HI~~~~ I'm still here and breathing (albeit through a stuffy nose).  My day job got really hectic last week and on top of that, I got sick.  I rarely get sick, so it was a real bummer.  After 4 days of DayQuil + NyQuil, I'm starting to feel better.  

I know we haven't even celebrated Thanksgiving yet, but I'm already ready for Christmas.  I just looooove everything about Christmas. Not for the gifts and stuff.  But because of all the pretty holiday decorations, music, food, and the time I expect to spend with my family and friends.  Check out these Christmasy stuff I'm loving right now. 


tiny bears // bright star // fluffy feathers // dainty lights // copper mugs

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Currently On My Wish List

I love having pretty things around the house. (No clutter though.)  These are some of the things I want to see in my home this fall/winter.  

Pepper Shakers // In Good Company Plate // Gold Dipped Porcelain Spoons // Throw with Crosses // Measuring Cups

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Pretty Stuff at Ann Taylor

Recently, I went shopping for both my sister-in-law and mom's birthday gifts.  My go-to's include J.Crew, Ann Taylor and its sister shop the Loft.  This time, I found both of their gifts at Ann Taylor.  They have a really beautiful fall/winter collection.  I wanted to buy just about everything as gifts and for myself. If you haven't been there, go check it out.  It's pretty bombastic.     

All of the above are from Ann Taylor. (Direct links could not be attached due to their temporary web shut down~)

Monday, November 4, 2013

Target Love

I'm so in love with Target's Threshold line.  And I mean MAD love.  I was at Target on Sunday and saw too many beautiful things, especially from their Threshold line.  I came home and went on a crazy Pinterest binge (see here).  If I had a clean slate of a room to decorate, I'd pick up all of these for sure!! 
ONE  //  TWO  //  THREE  //  FOUR  //  FIVE

These are all so versatile, right?  I can see each and ever one of them being just about anywhere in a house.  

How about you?  Do you heart Target as well?

Have a great Monday, friends! 

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Happy Halloween~~


Hope you have a great, safe, fun and productive (i.e. lots of treats) Halloween!!
p.s. The above is a photo of my nephew Lukie in his Monster Inc. costume.  As cute as he looks, the costume had to be returned.  Apparently, it was too tight on him, lol :)

Saturday, October 26, 2013

TGITW - Whatcha Up To?

It's Saturday night and I'm sneaking in a weekend post for ya. 
I hate missing my TGIF posts (I mean the real deal with the fun links and stuff :)  So, here it is - Thank Goodness It's the Weekend!!


  • Erin from House of Earnest always comes up with the cutest DIY projects. 
  • Smitten Studio is at it again with their second DIY reno. I can't wait to see the final outcome.  It's looking amazing so far!
  • Oh Joy's How I'd Wear drawings remind me of the drawings I used to make as a little girl.  I love this one on how to wear a patterned coat as I continue my search for that perfect leopard coat. 
  • Emerson Fry's Topper Coat in grey is obviously the extreme opposite of a leopard coat.  Who says I can't lust after two coats at the same time? 
Hope your weekend is going swell~



Friday, October 25, 2013

TGIF - Whatcha Up To?

TGIF!! I'm once again running off early for work stuff. 
But here's a little random OOTD Photo for fun. It's from my Instagram earlier this week, when I actually managed to put on a decent work outfit and got lots of Insta hearts :) Me so proud!!


Hope to come back to this place during the weekend, so stay tuned!

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

This or That...

We all love bargain shopping. And we pick and choose when it's worth the real investment or a sufficient substitute.  In the above case, I'm going with the latter.  The first one is from Sam Edelman "Maddox" Boot ($139) and the second one is from Target, their Merona line ($35). I've been eyeing the Merona pair for some time and saw that Erin from Elements of Style was rocking a pair on her Instagram.  Clearly, we both have excellent taste, haha. And we also both like a great bargain (and shopping, it seems :)

Have a great Wednesday~  We are half way there!   

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Tufted and I Like It!

It was less than a year ago, on November 9, 2012 to be exact, when I happily announced about our new sofa.  I was so excited.  It was a sectional, in grey, and purchased from Macy*s during one of their "big" sales.  Fast forward, I HATE the sofa as the back cushions/pillows are all mushed up, mis-shapened, due to the softest and lumpiest inserts I've ever seen.  I can't even bear to take photos and share them with you. The seating cushions have remained very firm and comfortable.  I contemplated on getting customized inserts but they were going to be $70+ per insert.  I mean, why would I do that after having spent a good fortune to begin with??  

After much researching and getting the service folks to come out 3 times, I found no excellent replacements through the warranty service.  So, more researching and more discussion with the hubs then some more researching (on my own), I decided to replace the "new sofa" with a tufted style sofa.  I figured with my two puppies constantly climbing on the top of the sofa, a tufted sofa is least likely to become mis-shapened and it's a classic style.  It's a style I didn't expect to like as I prefer simple, clean, modern lines when it comes to furniture. But upon plugging in the words "tufted sofa" in the search field of Pinterest, I found many reasons to feel confident about my choice. Folks, there is a world of tufted sofa lovers out there.  

These are some of the tufted babes I drawled over...





(I know, not the most convenient color, but it's fun, no?)


But guys, the price range on these babes are like $2,100 - $6,000+.  Seriously?  How can one live with style??

Since I'm returning my sofa to Macy*s, I went back to the same and found this beauty. 


The price is less than the last sofa so I'll be getting a credit (ka-ching!), and the reviews are excellent!!  And it was on sale (no longer on sale - crazy timing here).  I am also super excited that I will NOT be paying for the delivery as it'll be a return and delivery transaction, and due to the problems with the last sofa, Macy*s has discounted the delivery fee.  

So, there's my story on what went wrong with my last "new sofa". The new-new sofa is expected to be delivered sometime in mid-December.  [SIGH]  Such is the life of returning and replacing a piece of furniture.  

How about you?  Any horror stories with your sofa or any other furniture in your home? 

Monday, October 21, 2013

I'm Back and It's Sweater Season!

Good Monday!!  I'm baaaack!  I took an entire week off from blogging.  No, not intentionally but it just kinda happened with work and after-work stuff happening throughout the week. I am finally feeling less hectic and this weekend was truly a catch-up weekend: a lot of cleaning, running errands, cooking, working out (oh - how I missed you,GYM!), etc.  The weather has gotten slightly colder since I last posted here.  And all I can think about is getting my sweater on and staying warm!  Here's a look I'm loving.  
1. Eugenia Kim Felix Black Cat Hat
2. Cable Stitched Sweater from Ann Taylor Loft
3. Quilted Jacket from J.Crew Factory
4. Scoundrel booties from Seychelles
5. The Urbane Bag from Coach  (their fall season's look is better than ever before!)

I hope to see you on a regular basis like I used to~~
Have a great week, friends!!

Friday, October 11, 2013

TGIF - Whatcha Up To?

TGIF!!! OMG - is it really Friday?  I woke up at 3:00 a.m. this morning tx to a combination of the hubs snoring (he must be tired  and so am I now), worries over work, and luckily, excitement over this weekend!  I have so much going on this weekend. I'm walking the annual Women's 5k Classic happening in Lehigh Valley (PA). This walk means a lot to me as my mother-in-law and I used to do it together every year until she passed away two years ago.  I missed it last year and swore I'd make it happen this year no matter what. 

I'm also going on a double date with my co-worker and her husband. We will be going to Diana Krall's concert, which will be preceded by a dinner at Estia, one of the first restaurants I went on a date with my hubs. That was 7 years ago and we haven't gone there since.  I want to sit at the table we sat at! 

I also have a babyshower to go to and a crazy Monday deadline to meet at work. OMG - I'm going to need a lot of caffein this weekend.  

Any-waaaay, hope you have a great weekend and when you get a chance, check out my Friday links!




Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Style Mix

I'm so loving all the fall fashion happening right now.  I just want to gobble it all up and play dress up all day.  My picks for the day: 

ONE // TWO // THREE

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Splurge of the Month - No Instant Gratification

Good Tuesday, guys!  I somehow survived Monday.  That's a huge accomplishment.  Yup, that's how I feel these days!

This past weekend, I was finally delivered a piece of furniture I've been eyeing forever.  West Elm's Dumont Buffet in white.  It finally went on sale and with their offer of 12 month interest free West Elm card, I went for it.  Prior to this purchase, I had to sell my piano to make room, so the little cash from that sale also helped with the purchase as well.  I'll miss the piano (once purchased via Craigslist) but I really desperately wanted this buffet for some time.  And as I expected, this buffet provides just enough space for my glasswares, napkins, vases, etc.  I share with you two photos I've posted on my instagram.



Please do excuse the white stuff on the floor that came with the delivery box.  Btw, I didn't assemble this piece together.  I had the delivery folks also assemble for an extra cost of $35.  Totally.worth.the.35.bucks. 

So, there it is. My splurge of the month.  One by one, I am replacing and adding new pieces to my home. It's a process that's frustrating yet so rewarding.  There's something to be said about waiting for something, vs. instant gratification (although most times, I prefer the latter).  

Hope you have a great week~~

Friday, October 4, 2013

TGIF - Whatcha Up To?

TGIF!!  This was such a long week for me and I am so happy to be finally putting up a post here.  September and October so far have been crazy busy for me at work.  No shutdown like those government agencies (which is a great great shame, if you ask me!).  I didn't want to miss two TGIF's in a row.  After all, Fridays are my favorite days! 
Have a wonderful weekend~~

Monday, September 30, 2013

Organize Pretty

Good Monday!  Sorry for the missed TGIF post.  I've been rushing to work, it seems, like every morning and coming home late. I have to learn to juggle and organize a bit.  Speaking of organizing, Sara from A Dose of Pretty had a really helpful post on staying organized for your home/business/blog.  (If you didn't know already, she's the talented lady who gave this place a little make-over earlier this year). For me, having a clean desk really helps.  And of course, me being me, I want things organized pretty.  That'll motivate me to stay focused at my desk, right?! So, onto my long wish list are these pretties. 


  • This stapler was from Anthropologie but it appears to be sold out (similar here)
  • This tray from Jayson Home is a classic.  I can see an envelope opener or a really nice writing pen on this tray;
  • This pinboard is from Restoration Hardware Baby and Child.  The price is a bit too much but you can see how this is a perfect DIY project in waiting (gold spray please!); and  
  • And of course, we can all use a catch all bowl.  This one's a bit bigger than the small Anthro bowls (so wildly popular, right?!).  I have so many paper clips that pile up.  This bowl will provide a good catch all place. 
Wish me luck with staying organized!! 

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Let's Be Bad Ass

My every day look is pretty corporate, biz casual, and preppy. Call me crazy (or "cray cray" as kids say these days), I fantasize about showing up to work looking bad ass.  And of course, my idea of "bad ass" is pretty tame to most. In any event, it looks something like this. 



Do you like?  (I also think this is like a super model's daily look.  Those lucky biatches! :)

ONE// TWO// THREE

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

West Elm - Sold Out (Not a good thing...)

West Elm to me is like J.Crew  when it comes to home decorating.  I can pretty much find whatever I want/need for my home at West Elm.  And they keep coming out with amazing and beautiful designs.  Like the console below, which is now SOLD OUT.  OH NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!  It's been on my wish list for so long... I'm so sad. I had such a vision as to how I would decorate around it.  Here's what I had in mind. 


1.  Pelican Print Silk Top (I want wall paper in this pattern!!)
2.  Nate Berkus Marble Print Trays (for Target) (I purchased the   busier pattern and let me tell you, this is a beauty for all of 25 bucks!)
3.  Retroline Trio Brass Lighting (another fantasy item)
4.  Sculpted Geo Console - sold out (NO!!!!!!!!)

There are rarely times when I grieve over a sold out piece of furniture.  This is one of those times.  Maybe it'll show up again.  Crossing my fingers! Do you have any piece of furniture or something else you've been eyeing obsessing over lately?

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

I hope for ________

I came across this typography via Creative.Org's Pinterest page.    
I love that this leaves you with so many creative answers.  'I Hope for ______'.  What would you fill in the blank with? Today, I hope for a clear head.  I feel like my head's been a little too cluttered with thoughts worries about work, life, health, money, etc.  All the stuff you think about as well. Sometimes this kinda stuff gets me emotionally immobilized.  I don't sleep well; I get cranky; I commit horrible emotional eating (or not eating), etc. So, what do I do?  I remind myself exactly the same things: I HAVE work, I AM healthy, I AM alive, I HAVE money (um, never enough, but when's it ever enough? right? It's all subjective and relative :)).   
  
Sorry for the cheesy philosophical post but I just had to spill the clutter out onto my little space here.  Thanks for hearing me out!  

Friday, September 20, 2013

TGIF - Whatcha Up To?

TGIF!!!  I hate to say it but I'm TIRED. Exhausted. So, here's my sigh of relief that the weekend is almost here.  

This weekend, I've got some play and work combo happening again. I'll be meeting up with my nephew, Lukie at Smith Memorial Playground, a ginormous playground in Philly.  That's going to be super fun.  I can't get enough of this soon-to-be 4 year old munchkin. 

I also have a ton of work to catch up. That might be my Sunday.  At least, I'll be in my comfy outfit while working, right?! And a bottle of whiskey on the side.  (JUST kidding. )

How about you?  Anything fun and fab?  Whatever you do, do include checking out my TGIF links!


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