Before 2014 Ends...Part III

Last post on my trip to LA. Oh, I miss you so much already.

Just another sunny day in La La land.

Went shopping at APC in Beverly Hills- loved too many things there.  Hubs walked out with a pair of raw denim pants.  

The fit is p.e.r.f.e.c.t.

Kelly Wearstler - omg.

Next time, Claire.  Next time.

Fresh Meyer lemons from our family friend's yard.  Thank you for letting us stay at your home. You spoiled us silly.

Treated myself to this mag at the airport on our way back to Philly.  I loved every single page of this issue. 

So peeps, that's it.  2014 is closing its curtains on us.  I have such mixed emotions about the end of 2014 and beginning of 2015.  More so than the recent years.  Perhaps, it's because I turned 40 in 2014... or because I had certain goals I really wanted to achieve in that are still being worked on... or there have been some significant happenings and changes around me (my folks recent move, my husband's newly developed obsession with cycling, my friends having babies...).  I feel anxious yet positively excited about 2015.  One goal remains the same every year:  I'm going to try to make every day count and appreciate all the "good" around me.  

Happy New Year~~

Before 2014 Ends...Part II

We took a break from visiting Colorado this winter. Instead, we went to California.  I've visited California once before but it was a very short weekend trip, spent mostly at a hotel doing work.  So, you can imagine I was beyond excited to re-visit California for real.  

We hiked up the trail to the Griffith Observatory and continued further up until we reached the Hollywood sign.  

We also went to the Zuma Beach in Malibu.  As you can imagine, during this time of the year, there weren't that many people.  I ran along the ends of the waves, smiling ear to ear, and screaming whenever the water splashed above my knees.  It sounds cheesy but I  really felt like a little kid and that was a good thing. 

We took a quick trip to Korean town in Los Angeles and enjoyed some delectable dishes from POT.  

More photos from my California trip to come!   

Before 2014 Ends... Part I

I've neglected this place for some time.  And now that 2014 is almost over, I'm feeling sorry that I didn't document some of the more memorable moments here.  

These are the photos from my trip to the Adventure Aquarium with my nephew, Lukie, a week after Thanksgiving Day.  How did I never visit this place??!!  

Next up - photos from my CA trip over Christmas week. 

Designing for My Folks

Recently, my folks downsized and decided to move into a one bedroom apartment.  It was a bittersweet moment as we all recognized their need to simplify their lives, but at the same time, it was a welcomed change to their old ways and surroundings.   

Where I came in this transitioning phase of my parents' lives is the shopping & decorating.  Haha - of course. The focus was mainly their living room & dining area (i.e. the biggest open space in their flat).  My goal was to keep their budget low, yet create a cozy, sleek and well functioning modern space.  With that in mind, off we went to Ikea and West Elm. Here are the main pieces we purchased. 

Karlstadt Leather Tufted Sectional // Vittso Coffee Table //  Borje Chairs // Bjursta Extendable Table// Nordli Wardrobe // Lappljung Ruta Pillows (on the sectional) // Malinda Chair Cushion  // Dumont Buffet (I have this too - one of the best purchases ever!) 

Twenty some years ago, my folks would have said "no thank you" to this look.  But now, they love the simple designs of these pieces, the quality (Ikea has much improved for sure!) and the reasonable price tags. They also appreciated my help, which of course, made me happy.  Next project: my brother's home (except they don't know it yet!!).

TGIF

TGIF!!! It's been a couple of dreary and rainy days here, so I'm glad the weekend is about to start.  And on a sunny note to boot. 

Last year, we took some glam shots and I finally managed to download them, and share them with you!  I laugh as I recall all the factors that needed to be met before we took these photos: 1) clean house; 2) clean dogs; 3) clean people; 4) make-up done; 5) hair done (i.e. fully dried hair); 6) hubs available; 7)photog available.  The result: I love these photos and will forever treasure these past moments. 

Hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into our home life. 

Have a great weekend~~

Warby Parker - Good Cause to Look Good

I know - I'm back~~  thought that would never happen, right? 
It's been awhile and I took an indefinite hiatus.  <sigh> Perhaps, there'll be a post on that one. 

I didn't know how to get back to this little place as the last time I was here, I was feeling a bit uninspired, without a purpose, and tired.  Yup - I call it mid-life crisis.  Then a couple of days ago, I was asked by the folks from Warby Parker to spread a word or two about their 2014 Winter Collection.  I'm a huge fan of Warby Parker and have always applauded them for allowing us to purchase fashionable glasses at a reasonable price. What I didn't know about them is their "Buy A Pair, Give a Pair" campaign and that they have so far, distributed one million pairs of glasses to those in need. 

Please note that I have not been compensated for this post. Yup - no free pair of glasses, payment, etc.  I was just happy to spread the word in light of the good cause Warby Parker supports and yes, I dig their glasses. 

Here are my favorites from their 2014 Winter Collection. I can't wait to check them out at my local shop! (Did you know?  There's a store list!  My local shop is so close to my home - I can't wait!!)

Hey~

Hey-lo!  Did you miss me?  I took quite a break from blogging.  I've been slacking a bit this year.  I don't know why.  I think I kinda ran out of juice in so many ways.  I'm sure you know that feeling.  

As usual, I've got a couple of things I'm eying and want to share with you.  What do you think? Cute, huh?  

Feels good to be back :) 

a//b//c//d//e

TGIF

So, do you think someone's happy that it's FRIDAY?  
Yes, that would be me.  We are expecting another bright sunny weekend. I'm looking forward to a long run and lazily sitting out on the balcony with my pups.  Side note: We just got a 3 piece table and chairs for the balcony through Craigslist.  It's not perfect with little dings here and there, but I love it (especially for $40).  I should get some plants for the balcony as well, which is just one of the many things I'd like to get to this weekend!! 

Here are some random things on my mind for your weekend musings: 

• did you know these two were BFFs? so cute!
• can I pull this off?  thinking about it for my 5th anniversary celebration (2 more years to go). 
• am i the last one to know about this app?? love it. 
• i've been obsessed with this make-over... 
• also obsessed with these guys and their photos... 

Have a great weekend~~

p.s. The above graphic artwork is my own schtuff. A bit lopsided (ugh). I've been trying to get more creative and thought, why not start doing something for this little bloggy blog? Hope you likeeee. 

Curious About...

I know, I'm finally catching onto what every other girl has been raving about.  I'm a true late bloomer.  I think I'll start with the Multiple. Let's see if it lives up to its namesake! 

Bobbi Brown - Bronze Shimmer Brick // Nars - The Multiple // Giorgio Armani - Luminous Silk Foundation // Jo Malone - English Pear Freesia

p.s. Let me know if you've used any of these and how you like it ('em).  

Work Play Elastic Waist Pants

Isn't it the best when your work outfit can be worn outside of work?  I think this outfit does just that.   
And who can resist wearing elastic waisted pants for both work and play?!!

TOP //  PANTS //  HAT //  BLING // BAG // SHOE

Weekend Recap - More Sun and Fun

Good Monday, guys!!  Hope you all had a great weekend. 

We enjoyed another weekend, enjoying the warm sunny weather.  I went for a long run on Saturday and the hubs went for a long bike ride, that involved a pretty bad tumble and a loss of his iphone.  But the good news is that he's fine and we had a lot of fun learning to play with his new phone. It's an LG G2, a very sleek looking thing it is!  

On Sunday, we went to see the bike race I mentioned last Friday and I'm so glad we did.  We fretted about the possibility of crazy traffic and lack of parking, but all went well and we were there in no time.  Made me think how many things I persuaded myself not to do, over things like traffic and lack of parking, i.e. stupid excuses. 

We found a little gazebo where we did a kiss selfie. Gazebos always remind you of weddings, no?! (Randy's eyes are open - eech!!) 

 There were a lot of puppies out there too.  But this 9 year old cutie named, Peanut, was the one that stole my heart.  

And here's my youngest, Speedz, photobombing as I was getting ready for the day.  You know, I kinda don't mind.  He's the cutest photobomber ever. (Btw, I DIY'd my denim shorts, which means, taking a pair of scissors, and putting the shorts in the washer for a good spin).  

Here's to another week of hustling & bustling until the weekend~~

La Weekend

TGIF!!!  I haven't checked in on a Friday in awhile~~ 
Although it was a short week, it felt just as long as a regular week. Oh boy, that's never a good feeling.  

So, what are you guys up to this weekend?  
The hubs and I are hanging out on Sunday in Manayunk (which is a town/city outskirts of Philly) to watch a bike race.  Randy has recently become such a cyclist, which all started from attending a really good spin class.  He now rides outside no less than 4 hours every Saturday (that's in addition to spinning his tushi off like 4-5 times a week).  I might as well call him Lance at this point! All joking aside, I'm 100% supportive of his new hobby which has made him healthier, both inside and out. 

I don't have much going on, other than waiting for this beauty to arrive, hopefully on Saturday.  It was one of those things on my wish list that became real (you know, when you have that combo of reward $s and an add'l 20% off sale thing, you gotta go for it).

I also caved in and ordered me a Paderno Spiralizer.  I'm a huge fan of making veggie pasta and my little peeler/veggie-stringer is just not cutting it anymore. I can't wait!! 

I also can't wait for this summer to begin.  It's about time, right?!! Hope you guys have a leisurely weekend into the summer~~ 

photo by me

Shooting the Breeze

As promised, more photos from my MDW, partly spent with my friend Nancy.  We went to Terrain at Glen Mills and had an amazing time just shooting the breeze, as Nancy called our meet-up.  The weather was perfect too.  And on a really cool and serendipitous moment, I saw Johnny Weir (you know, the World Champion ice skater) at the garden cafe inside Terrain and got up my nerves to approach him. Luckily, he was so so sweet and nice. He also started to strike a pose as we were taking photos, so I just followed him.  What a day it was~~ Nancy and I capped the day with a duo selfie. 

Here are some photos from the day.  You can see how it's such a beautiful place inside and out.  I promised myself to go back before the summer is over.  (I almost forgot - their food is also to die for!!)