Accidental Online Trip to Barneys

Have you ever gone onto Barneys New York website?  I accidentally, yes, accidentally went onto Barneys website.   Explanation:  I was looking for a dress for my friend, Nancy, saw a Thakoon dress on another website, wanted a better view, which led me to Barneys website. Anyway, upon going onto Barneys website, my jaw dropped and I said "holy sh#$!".  I saw the most decadent amazing dresses, jewelry, bags, shoes, etc.   I could seriously Pinterest just about every other item there.  My eyes are forever spoiled.  I fell in love with these items instantly...  If it weren't for the loads of laundry I had to do, my mind would have never come back to reality.  *sigh*

Aesa Brass Large Double Knot Bangle;  Thakoon Sleeveless Panel Dress;  Lito Ancient Greek Sandals;  The Row Lizard Metal Frame Clutch

Beautiful Spaces

My interest in interior decoration and design truly began when I first came across a magazine called "Domino".  I remember the first time I saw the magazine and its cover.  I loved everything about it.  I was so sad when I found out that Domino was shutting down.  But of course, as most diehard Domino readers know, the magazine has recently resurfaced with a quarterly issue.  It's not quite the same as what it once was, but I hope it will not be its last issue.  While Domino in its original form has disappeared, an online magazine published by some of the folks who worked at Domino came along.  That would be Lonny Magazine.  I've however, heard some rumors that Lonny is folding too... Man, I'd be so devastated if that's the case.  No other magazine has the same mix of fun, whim, sophistication, and practicality as Lonny does.  Case in point, look at these beautiful photos from the magazine's April & May Issue.  All the little details of these rooms are just so unique, artful, and beautiful.  These are truly my dream spaces.  Somewhere in my personal beautiful elysium...  

Tuesday Wake-Up Call

I didn't do my usual Monday "Wake-up Call" yesterday because obviously, it was Memorial Day and I stayed in bed until like 8:30 a.m.   But I'm a creature of habit and somewhat Type A, so here's the missed Wake-Up Call with this "BAM" kind of necklace. Doesn't this make you feel like Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn) looking into the windows of Tiffany's in what else, "Breakfast at Tiffany's". Happy Tuesday! 

Lanvin Boule Pearl Choker

A scene from Breakfast at Tiffany's

Life is Good

This past Saturday, I went out to the city with my husband, Randy.  The weather was perrrrfect!  Philly is where we met and dated.  So, it's always a treat for us to go out to the city together.  It really felt like the summer is here, finally.  The city was vibrant with people giddy with the good weather, wearing bright clothes, ordering lots of cool drinks, and local farmers selling fresh produce.  I was so happy to be out and about.  I wish there were more 3 day  weekends...

Fresh organic veggies out in the city

Sad and tired peonies.  Regardless I loved seeing them. 

I got me a little birdie . I'm calling her Tweetie.  She came from here.  That's a picture of my husband, Randy, when I showed him our new friend.  Tweetie now has a permanent home, top of the medicine cabinet in our bathroom.

I found these alphabet paperweights at West Elm for less than $2.00 each.  I grabbed them in just about every single alphabet letter.  

Today's Monday and I'm still in bed as I am writing this!  What a treat!!!!   

Weekend - watcha up to?

TGIF!  Can you believe it's Memorial Day Weekend?  I almost forgot that we have a 3 day weekend.  I so needed this as I haven't taken a vacation since December.  Other than one sick day, I have not taken one day off from work this year.  

As boring as it sounds, I am really looking forward to just chilling out. Taking long walks with my husband and puppies.  We'll be heading out to the city (downtown Philly) tomorrow as my husband needs a haircut.  He only goes to this one lady and she's in the city. I always tag along whenever I can - I go shopping while my husband gets his haircut.  Haha.   It'll be bustling with people enjoying this holiday weekend, which is always fun as far as people watching goes.  I will also be looking forward to having a little lunch in the city.  It'd be all the better if I were dressed in this beautiful Boden dress - see below!  

Have a great Memorial Day weekend, ladies and gents!  

Egg Veggie Fritta from Fitsugar; Greek Salad Bites from Yumsugar;  Strawberry Mojito from A cup of Mai (you have to check out Mai's blog  - she's got a lot of whim and talent!) 

Circle Applique Dress from Boden; Cat's Eye Sunglasses from Marc by Marc Jacobs (I have these and whenever I have them on, I get lots of compliments - "you are so glam!!"); Farmer's Market Tote from JCrew

Kitchen Toys

I love kitchen gadgetry. Notwithstanding my love for kitchen toys, I have to confess - I don't cook often or well.  It's really hard for me to work all day and whip up something that takes longer than 30 minutes (I can probably beat Rachel Ray at that 30 minute cooking thing she does).  I used to be more diligent about it.  I used to make kale juice or fruit smoothies in the morning.  I used to make summer rolls, sushi, roasted peppers, etc.  Things that took time - oh so precious time.  Although I don't put as much time as I used to into cooking (perhaps due to blogging!!) I still look for deals on kitchen toys.  Here are some of the toys I have or plan on purchasing in the future (if I ever have a kitchen spacious enough to store all of these!).

All of these can be found at Crate & Barrel

Column 1:  Breville Elite Juice Fountain (have!); Cuisinart Waffle Maker; Nespresso Citz Expresso Machin w/ Aeroccinno Frother (have - one of the best kitchen toy investments); Le Creuset French Oven (have and ditto the last comment).

Column 2:  Cuisinart Handheld Blender (awesome for really simple soups); KitchenAid Professional 600 Stand Mixer; Oxo Uplift Brushed Stainless Teakettle; Zojirushi Rice Cooker

Pretty Wedding Guest

If you have a wedding or weddingS to attend this summer, here's a pretty ensemble for ya.  The outfit began with the shoes.  Then I saw the dress.  And the rest came very easily.  

The purse - Tory Burch Perforated Logo Clutch; The shoes - Livia by Stuart Weitzman; The Dress -JCrew; The necklace - Jennifer Meyer Rose Gold Diamond Wishbone; The earrings - Beaded Cluster Drop Earrings by Tinley Road; The Ring -Ingot Ring by Trina Turk; The bracelet - Pyramid Stretch Bracelet by JCrew

Dog Day

Here are some of the pictures I took this past weekend in NYC.  I especially heart the pics with a gorgeous puppy we (my MOH Nancy and me) ran into in Soho.  We were pretty tired from staying up late the night before and having downed a bottle of white wine.  (We are soooo weak!!) I'm a little self conscious about looking a bit "swollen" in these photos - but what the heck, I'm blogging, I gotta be real! 

This gorgeous puppy's name is Titan!  How fitting!! After all, he weighs 170lbs with 30 more to go before he's fully grown!! His dad told us that he only barks on command. My puppies would laugh at such notion.  

Nancy and the puppy (if you look closely, Nancy's dress has greyhounds!

Ok, so we had to do this.  Topher obliged and he really looks happy, right?  Yup. 

This guy took the picture of me, Nancy and Topher.  He looked so familiar and I realized he was Teddy, Stu's  bro-in-law from Hangover 2!!  His real name is Mason Lee.  Look at me cracking up!!!

Found these Whimsy & Spice cookies at Dean & Deluca in Soho.  I've been so curious about them as I love Sweetfine Day. I ended up getting Hazelnut Whiskey cookies and they were amazing!! 

I splurged and ordered this big french toast with strawberry cream cheese filling.  The outside of this french toast was practically fried, which isn't my thing.  But the bread itself was amazingly soft and chewy.  

Monday Wake-Up Call

For the last couple of months, the only thing I've been looking forward to on Mondays was watching 'Smash'.  With its first season over, I'm going to be lost on Monday nights :(  In mourning, I went on YouTube to watch some of Katherin McPhee's performances from Smash.  As I was clicking from one song to another to another, this performance by Beyonce came up (how unconnected, right?).

Isn't Beyonce amazing??!! She just lightens up the room!


Going back to McPhee, here's an amazing performance by her and Andrea Bocelli.

And lastly, you can listen to John Mayer's new album for free, for a limited time on itunes.  It's a very bluesy folky kinda album, and pretty enjoyable.


So, this is how I'll survive my Monday, listening to music.  Happy Monday!

Weekend - watcha up to?

TGIW - Thank Goodness It's the Weekend!  I have a crazy combination of work and play this weekend, so I'm super nervous and excited.  Work Hard Play Hard, right? 


I have a lot of work that needs to be done for Monday and Tuesday - I am scheduled to be in court both days.  My plan is to work tonight and tomorrow until I leave for NYC tomorrow afternoon. 


On a more fun note, I'm super excited to be visiting my friend, Nancy in NYC.  We will have a very wallet friendly dinner at a BYO place in North Jersey, as Nancy found a great coupon via  LivingSocial.  Then on Sunday, we are going to watch an off broadway play directed by Paul Weitz (About a Boy, American Pie, In Good Company, etc.), called 'Lonely-Im-Not', starring Topher Grace and Olivia Thirlby.  OMG - how much do we heart Topher? How can you not heart a guy with a name like "Topher"?! And Olivia is so adorable and talented! (She was Ellen Page's best friend in "Juno".)  


For those of you who are thinking of visiting New York City, please do look up plays being performed off broadway.  They are usually cheaper, performed in a much more intimate setting, and very interesting and often times, relatable to our own life experiences!  

Olivia Thirlby and Topher Grace in Paul Weitz' s 'Lonely, I'm Not' (photo credit:  Joan Marcus)

Celeb Crush - Natalie

Tell me. Who doesn't have a crush on Natalie?  I remember seeing her in "The Professional" thinking how beyond beautiful and talented this girl was.  I think we all new that she was going to be pretty special.  Who knew she also had a brain?  Like Harvard brain??!  And she also seems like a really nice girl.  Just like that other celebrity crush I talked about awhile ago, here.  As if she wasn't already perfect enough, she always looks so stylish, whether she's in her casual outfit or in a haute coutre dress.  For all these reasons, she's one of my permanent celeb crushes (as well as my husband's, but obviously, in a whole different way!!).  

Ipad Covers

I love my Ipad.  I take it with me everywhere. It's such an efficient little thing!  You see, I am a secret techie wannabe.  I think it's so cool when I see girls who are so tech savvy.  It's totally sexy!  I may not be tech savvy but I sure do love all the tech accessories, especially these beautiful Ipad covers.  

1.Burberry Nova Check; 2. Lauren by Ralph Lauren Newbury Leather; 3.Marc Jacobs Quilted; 4. Von Furstenberg Neoprene; 5. Hand-dyed Leather Canvas (Etsy); 6. Stephanie Johnson Printed

Tough Mudder

Last Sunday, my husband participated in a Tough Mudder  race.  It's an outdoor obstacle course stretched out and arranged throughout 12 miles of mud land.  I've never heard of this crazy event until my friend, Nancy told me about it.  Yup - she would be that adventurous friend who gets me into trouble time to time (just kidding, Nance!!).  Somehow, Nancy got my husband to participate in this event along with a couple of her friends from NYC.  Together, they were "Team Meatloaf".  I declined when asked to joint Team Meatloaf.  As much as I like being active at times, I wasn't about to walk through a path of hot rocks, fall into a pool of ice water, or jump off a high wall.  But me being me, I thought about what would be a cute outfit to wear as a spectator.  Hah!  And being a good wife that I am, I thought of packing some snacks and a bottle of cool water for my honey!

Top Row:  light hoodie from Jcrew; Rain Anorak from Target; Hershel backpack via Madewell; Camelback Eddy Water Bottle
Bottom Row:  Critter Chino Shorts from Jcrew; Hunter Rain Boots; Cliff Bars

Here's a picture of my husband after the race.  Cute, huh?!

Monday Wake-up Call

I  had so much fun this weekend.  I spent most of Saturday hanging out with my 2 1/2 yr old nephew and my mom.   It was a lot of fun, but boy, does it take a lot to hang out with a little baby!!


On Sunday, I spent the entire day hanging out in the Poconos, waiting for my husband and friends to finish the Tough Mudder race.  (Pictures will be posted later). I was able to see some of the obstacles and omg, they are not joking around!!  Although I didn't participate, and I would like to one of these days, I am beat from just standing around all day and driving back home for 2 hours.   So, I need a BIG wake-up call this morning - I think a cupcake like this from Sweet Fine Day would do it. Doesn't it look amazing?  

Mom

The title says it all, right? You hear the word "mom" and so many images, thoughts, past memories and feelings go through your head.  I recently heard on the radio that many people do not find their conversations with their mothers pleasant per se, but it's their voices that really comfort them.  I wholeheartedly agree.  A lot of my conversations with my mom can be frustrating.  Probably on her end as well.  But I always call.  And she always calls.  There was one time when I was in college, we got into a huge fight and didn't speak to each other for over 2 months.  I gave in and called her. When I started dating my husband, both of my parents basically shut me out of their lives.  They could not accept that he wasn't Korean.  I didn't speak to my mom for more than a year.  I didn't speak with my father for  three years.  (Man, that's for another day).  My mom caved in and called.  She heard from my doctor (we used to have the same doctor) that I was too thin.  The truth is, my mom always thinks I'm too thin.  I'm not eating enough (and yes, there was a period of that too).  I'm not sleeping enough. I'm not rich enough.  Her worries never end.  My mom's now a mom mom to my nephew.  I see how she enjoys taking care of him.  She cannot wait for me to have my own little one.  That makes me laugh considering how much grief I've given her - why does she want me to go through the same?  I guess there must have been something rewarding about raising me (and my brother).  Every time I see her now, she looks so tiny, which makes me sad. And whenever we meet up somewhere outside of her home, she makes sure to wear something I've given her to show her appreciation. I hope she knows that words cannot describe how grateful I am for her love and all that she's given up to make sure that I grew up "right".  I love you, mom.

I don't have many photos of just the two of us together. So, this solo picture of my mom will have to do for this year.  Isn't she beautiful?! 

First and Last

Here's probably my first and last post on anything political.
I'm so thrilled by this!!
http://my.barackobama.com/Marriage

President Obama talked about his children and their friends' parents who are in same sex relationship, and how they should not be treated any differently. I could not have said it better.  

Make Work Fun

So, I guess it's time for me to talk a little bit about my real job.  No, I am not a full time blogger.  I wish that were the case!  I am an attorney.  I practice family law.  Yup, divorce, custody, support, etc.  It's all that you think it is.  It's emotional and at times very ugly and sad...  :( 

What else is sad is the state of my office.  I am an associate, so I have a very small office with lots of files and old, mismatched furniture.  If I were given a huge budget to decorate my office, here's what I would do.  

Ok, so it's not going to be a "lawyerly" looking office.  Also, it's lacking a filing cabinet, which is kinda important.  But I really do think I would be more productive if my office looked this pretty.  

First Row:  Ceramic Pig Speaker (no battery needed!); Mac; Pencil holder; Adesso Architect Floor Lamp

Second Row:  Cute Notebook; Cabriole Leg Desk; Souk Rug (sold out)

Third Row:  Eames Molded Plastic Armchair Rocker; Batavia Pillow; Clear End Table

Mug Shots

As I've mentioned before, I am an avid coffee drinker.  I've been trying to cut down a bit since my doctor told me that I need to chill out on my caffein intake.  So, now I try to drink decaf during the day (ugh).  I also try to drink more tea as well. Drinking coffee and tea is all the more enjoyable when done so with a cute mug.  I love buying cute mugs.  I don't, however, overcrowd my kitchen cabinet with countless mugs. I can't handle clutter. I throw away the chipped ones (although, some times, it's really hard to part with them especially if they have a story behind them!).  I also take some of the old ones to work and use them as pencil/pen holders.  Here are some cute mugs I have already and some I'd love to add to my collection.  

I have these from West Elm (sold out)

Top Row: Take Five from Fishs Eddy; Monogrammed Mugs from Anthropologie; Marimekko Unikko from Crate & Barrel
Bottom Row:  Chocolate Ikat Dinnerware from CWonder;  Piecrust Mug from Anthropologie; Alphabet Mug from CWonder

Light Mood

The weather has been so up and down here in Philly.  We've had one or two summery humid days, reaching mid 80s.  Followed by rainy and/or cloudy low 50s days.  I am SO ready for this spring to really feel like spring (before summer gets here).  With that in mind, here's a pretty light and peachy outfit for that one perfect spring day.   

In clockwise order: Stuart Weitzman 'Whiskerlo' flats; Josei silk top; Scarf (can't find the source anymore - sorry!!); Fossil Bridgette; Ray-Ban Highstreet; Tinley Road Enamel Bar Cuff; Bubble Lam Small Jackie by R&EM

Monday Wake-Up Call

Happy Monday!  I've said it before and I'll say it again.  Mondays are TOUGH for me!!!  However, I'm telling myself that one way to get through this week is to remember that we are getting closer to the Memorial Day Weekend.  Yup - already.  Isn't it amazing how time flies?!


I don't know about you, but the first thing I do when I wake up is drink coffee.  Luckily, my husband gets the coffee maker going and takes our puppies out for a quick walk.  By the time he gets back in, the coffee is done and he brings in a big mug of coffee (with just the right amount of goat milk and brown sugar) into the bedroom for me. Yup - my husband learned very early on in our relationship that I cannot function without coffee (and I'm extremely cranky in the morning w/o coffee).  And he even perfected the ratio of milk and sugar to my taste.  I don't know when and how he established this little nice morning routine for us, but I've come to depend on it very heavily.  Like on a daily basis! (A little "I love you" shout out to the husband!)


How about you?  What's your choice of beverage in the morning?   Coffee?  Tea?  Whiskey?

My little coffee set-up (I've also got a Nespresso machine - good stuff!!).

Blooming Strawberry Jasmine Tea - my favorite

Weekend - watcha up to?

TGIF!  I just got a call from my husband that he's on his way home with a bottle of red wine.  YAY!!! 


This weekend, my list of to-do's includes shopping for Mother's Day gift.  It's fast approaching and I haven't a clue what I'm getting my mom. I would love to get her some peonies, but I don't think they are in season anymore! More on my mom next week. 

Next - Husband wants to go watch The Avengers.  Not my cup of tea but I'll go because my Husband works very hard and he rarely gets to go to the movies.  But I am looking forward to dining out either before or after the movie.  And I will do so with this really cute knit top (see picture below) delivered today from  Piperlime.  Alright, enough of my rambling-on.  I hope you readers have a great weekend!!

Peonies (via haute-hostess.com)





Hive & Honey via Piperlime

                     

Drugstore Goodies

I remember when I was in college, every weekend, I would see a bunch of girls in their flannel jammies, marching into CVS, Rite Aid or whatever drugstore that was within walking distance of the campus, and walk out with a bag or bags of beauty goodies.  I was a bit of a shy loner back then and wished I could be part of that group of girls, giggling their way in and out of the drug store.  Well, now I'm too old to do that and all of my girlfriends live pretty far from me.  The point here, and I do have one, is that I now find myself going to Target or Ulta, and aimlessly looking at one beauty product after another.  But the funny thing is, I always walk out with the same things I have been using for years.  And the great thing is they are all under ten bucks!  Like $10!  Do you have products like that?  Here are some of my favorites.

Hippy Dresses

No, I'm not talking about those paisley patterned hippy dresses from the 60s.  I am loving this new trend of peplum dresses.  It adds a little flare and fun to what else is a classic column dress.  And no, they don't make you look 5 pounds heavier around your hips.  In fact, I think they accentuate your waist and natural curves, like in a really sexy way.  I ain't mad at that! I spotted these three peplum dresses recently and I so wish I could try them on!

Solange Knowles in Stephane Rolland; Elizabeth Banks in Antonia Berardi; Coco Rocha in Jason Wu

Clean like Mrs. Meyer's

Who doesn't love a clean home? Cleaning can be overwhelming though, especially with a full time job or a house full of children, pets, etc. I sorta clean as I go.  Here and there, I wipe the countertops, scrub the toilet, pick up hair off the bathroom floor, etc.  Recently, cleaning became all the more worthwhile when I decided to give Mrs. Meyer's products a try. I started out with her dish soap in Lemon Verbena.  I noticed immediately how non-soapy the product was and how clean and shiny my dishes looked after I washed them.  Pleasantly surprised by the effectiveness of Mrs. Meyer's dish soap, my next purchase was her countertop spray in Lemon Verbena (so as to keep the products all color-coordinate!).  And again, I was completely blown away by how easily a spritz of Mrs. Meyer's countertop spray left the surface of my stove free of grease and fine dust. By then, I was totally in love and my next purchase was the bathroom cleaner/spray.  Again, the same kind of result as the other two products.  Most of the products come in many different scents - lavender, pomegranate, geranium, basil, rosemary, blueberry, honeysuckle, etc. and they are environment and pet friendly. Oh - there are body and hand products as well as laundry products.  I cannot wait to try out all of Mrs. Meyer's products.  Note:  free shipping if you purchase $50 or more (love!).