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).  

Pretty In the Kitchen

I spend a lot of time in the kitchen as I cook almost every day.  Like any other space in my home, I am always embellishing this space with pretty things, that also serve a function. On my I need want list are: 

je t'aime catchall I love a small catchall dish like this.  I use it to rest my watch while I'm cooking, washing dishes, etc. (Also to put your dish washing sponge!)  

sexy mug One of those things I don't need but I can't stop thinking about.  Such a smart cheeky design! 

whatever bowl There's never enough of pretty bowls and dishes.  Never ever. 

teapot I've been served loose tea with this and it's just so darling.  It also does a great job keeping the tea warm. 

ipad rest Why didn't I tink of this design?  With so many  recipes available online, this is PERFECT.  

tea towel Also another item you can never have enough of. Great for styling as well.  

M.M.Lafleur

What if you could order a chic, elegant, well-tailored dress, and try it on and see how it fits at the comfort of your own home before you purchase it (or return it)?  And it's free shipping.  AND you can order up to 4 dresses to try on. Well, there's such a place that offers all of this and that's M.M.Lafleur.  See below. 

I ordered all three of the above (I think the third one is actually a two piece outfit).  The price is a bit high for me but we all know what it means to invest in a great dress.  Yup - it's classic, timeless, and you will feel super pretty and confident.

So, this all sounds like a sponsored post, right?  It's not.  I'm just seriously amazed, amused, and impressed by this wonderful design shop.  I can't wait to try these on!!

Current Design File

Happy February!! I say this as I'm snowed in at my home with 6 inches or more of snow outside. 

This snowy winter has me pining for the spring, which always leaves me with a huge desire to change everything around the house.  Currently, I'm really drawn to light, airy, white & grey mix, combined with warm wood colored pieces for my home. How about you?  Any changes you are thinking of in anticipation of spring?  (If it ever gets here...)

sources: Rotating Sconce; Coffee Table; Big Bear; Plant & Vase/A House In the Hills; Wall Mirror; Console; Viv Wall Hooks; Cowhide Stool 

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)

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 

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!!

• How beautiful is this modern meets classic table setting by  Sara from A Dose of Pretty? I'm totally smitten. 
• I take lots of photos of food. This beautiful print of veggies is so inspiring, right?!
• How lucky is this cat?  His mommy's DIY table to bed project is just too adorable and functional at the same time. 
• To say I'm "obsessed" with this Asta rug from Grandiflora is putting it mildly.  Honey?  Are you reading this?  
• Roasted artichokes? Yes, Yes, Yes!
• One day, my baking will expand to making Ricotta cheesecake. I love cheesecake but adding ricotta cheese?? OMG - fuhgettaboutit! I'm there!

HAPPY WEEKEND~~

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...

Restoration Hardware - Kensington (fabric)

Restoration Hardware - Kensington (leather)

Jayson Home - Theodore

Anthropologie - Citrine Chesterfield

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

Jonathan Adler - Lampert Sofa

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. 

Macy*s Martha Stewart Collection - Saybridge Sofa

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? 

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

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

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?

Leopard Anyone?

Alright, it's Monday and I'm back~  Last week was so awfully busy  at work, I tell ya.  But let's hope I can muti-task a bit better this week and get this bloggy blog going again. 

Is it me or is the leopard trend seriously at its full blown height this year?  It's time to consider our options.  Here are my picks.  I just can't have'em all!

Michael Kors // J.Crew // Report // Steve Madden // Claire Vivier // Jerome Dreyfus // Jagger Edge // J.Crew

Noma, That's All

My friends Nancy and Katy recently went on an amazing trip to England for a beautiful wedding (MJ - congrats again!!), and took the opportunity to fly over to another Euro country, Denmark.  There, they visited a world renowned restaurant Noma in Copenhagen, known for their wildly imaginative and delectable dishes. And guys, the photos Katy took of the 15+ gastronomical creations (more like artwork) left me green with envy. With Katy's generous permission, I share her photos. Enjoy the "food porn" as Katy calls it. 

Rain Proof

Hi there~~ 

Sorry for the inconsistent blogging lately.  It's been a combination of blogger's block and being physically tired.  Not sure if it's the weather or just me gettin' older! 

Speaking of weather, I've been subject to a couple of rainy days lately and I finally invested in a good rain jacket.  I got this North Face Resolve jacket in 'cosmic blue'.  I've really been into various shades of blue lately and this 'cosmic blue' is quite pretty in person.  Here are some other things on my wishlist that go perfectly with the cosmic blue rain jacket. 

jacket// boot// bag// scarf

One more day 'til TGIF~~  

Ladylike With Edge

I saw the above blouse and skirt on Shopbop and 'ladylike' is the word that came into my mind.  But in a youthful modern kinda way with just enough retro flavor.  The rest of the outfit adds more edge, no?  

Roadmap to where you will find the above:

Tucker Western Blouse// Tucker Button Wrap Skirt//Julie Vos SoHo Stud// Jennifer Meyer for J.Crew Edith Jeweled bracelet// Tibi Esther Pump// Rebecca Minkoff Quilted Mini Affair Bag// 

Have a great day - we are half way there~~

TGIF - Whatcha Up To?

TGIF!!!  This has been funky week for me.  I felt extremely tired  and emotionally, all over the place.  I still kinda do. Hopefully, this weekend will provide me some time to clear my head... I think I know exactly what would help. 

Brambleberry Crisp ice cream from Jenis Splendid Ice Cream

Why of course, ice cream! I may just order a pint or two of ice cream from Jenis Splendid Ice Cream.  They have flavors like roasted strawberry buttermilk and backyard mint ice cream. Seriously, unreal. 

So did you notice how we are already hearing words like "pre-fall collection" and "back to school"??  Crazy, right?  But this did catch my attention in a good way. 

image via Apartment Therapy

Ikea unveiled its 2014 catalogue.  Looks promising, folks! Check out the digital version of the catalogue that came out just yesterday. Aren't I so up to date, huh?!

While we are on the topic of home decor stuff, this was happening yesterday...

We finally got rid of the awful came-with-the-apartment carpet and got faux wood flooring.  To my surprise (and relief), it came out amaaazing. Now, all I can think about is finding a rug that would show off this new floor.  This and this are on my mind. #hopingforaflashsale....

Tomorrow morning, I will be running this 5 miler. I haven't done a "race" for some time, so I'm excited.  And all the more because this race is for an amazing local pro bono organization called MCAP (Montgomery Child Advocacy Project), that provides free legal representation to abused and neglected children. Wish me luck! 

Hope you have a great, relaxing, mind-clearing kinda weekend~

Giving West Elm Make-Over

If you've been reading this blog for some time, you know my lurve for West Elm.  From time to time, I will check their website and dream of winning some West Elm giveaway.  So that happened again when I saw this 'Dekalb' leather sofa.

Pret-ty nice, huh?  Leather sofas are tricky because sometimes, they look a little too masculine and Godfather'ish.  I love the whole set up done by West Elm (above), especially the ledge above it. But I thought it might be fun to imagine how I'd decorate around this sofa if it were in my own living room. Here's what I came up with. 

Do you like? I think my changes brighten up the room a little. Here are the goods. 

a. Rife Paper Co's London Print// b. Painted Pebbles 5 Art Print by Garima Dhawan via Society 6// c. Heavy Words Print by Three of the Possessed via Society 6// d.West Elm Bubble Ceramic Side Table Emerald Crackle (no longer available)// e. West Elm Perpetual Calendar Animal// f. Black Rooster Decor Gold Hammered Wall Sconce// g. Amber Interior Design's Blu Moon throw pillow// h. DG Aztec No1 Pillow by Dawn Gardner via Society 6

Happy Wednesday! We are half way there :) 

Cute Girl Outfit

This is what I'd rock out today if I didn't have to go to work (and I had an unlimited use of a paid for AMEX card :)).

a. Pour La Victore Nina Mini Saddle// b. Anthropologie Striped Heather Shift//  c. D&G Aviator// d. Loeffler Randall Annabel Wedge// e. Rifle Paper Co. iPhone 4 Leopard Cover

Aren't you glad I've returned to the lighter stuff? :)  
Happy Tuesday!

Wednesday Wishlist

While I tend to favor necklaces and bracelets that are more on the clunky side, when it comes to rings, I love dainty pieces.  I came across these Bario Neal rings via A Cup of Jo and am now obsessed!! And the prices are totally affordable on some pieces.  My birthday is still a bit away but I will surely let the hubs read this post around that time :) #spoilingmyselfmoment

  

TGIF - Whatcha Up To?

TGIF~~ My best friend, aka "the WEEKEND" is finally here.
It has been a long and tough week for me both at work and home. 
My puppy, Speedz continues to brave through various symptoms indicative of some sort of an autoimmune disease. We are waiting for the biopsy results to come back from those excellent doctors at the veterinary hospital of UPenn. In the meantime, our boy continues to be sluggish, which breaks my heart... Thank you guys for caring.

******

Here are some things that made me smile and cheer up this week. 

photograph by Nathan Coe for Vogue

The picture above, my friends, is that of Almafi Coast, which to me looks like paradise. My husband has been there during his younger days and tells me it's absolutely beautiful. Vogue did a photo spread of a couple's wedding held at Almafi Coast.  The bride looks so beautiful (and young!).  Um, yes, I hate her.  

It's Father's Day weekend.  I have to admit that I don't get too creative with my father's day gifts.  I will likely be getting my dad another golf shirt with a little crocodile thing on the front pocket. (And yes, I note that I have to do this like by tomorrow morning!) But I may put in the effort to download and print out this card.  

I also want to check out the local farmer's market for a vegetable called "scape".  My blogger friend Laicie of 1000 Threads made this grilled cheese sandwich below.   

My mouth is drooling...

Lastly, I'm coveting these two accessories from where else, J.Crew. 

Iphone 4 cover from J.Crew

Waterski Print Scarf from J.Crew

Happy weekending~~