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~~

Birthday Monday

Happy Birthday to my hubs, Randy!! He turns 44 today. Old man :)  We celebrated by going to R2L, a restaurant he's been wanting to go to for some time. The food was A-mazing.  We were also seated by the windows which provides a panoramic view of the city.  It helps to RSVP months in advance, right?! I forgot to ask him what he wished for as he blew out the lone candle on our dessert plate.  I'll have to ask tonight. My wish would be that Randy would continue to stay as loving, adventurous, and young-hearted!!  

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!

Here's the Why

Earlier this week, I mentioned how I've been thinking about this blog and where it's going. When I hit my 1st year mark in April, I didn't make any fuss about it.  I had no give aways, no fancy pictures, etc.  I did give this blog a make-over, which was sorta like a gift to myself for lasting this long. 

As a reader, you must wonder why I blog. It feels overwhelming to explain. But I'll try. I can't promise you that it won't sound cliche.

I started this blog because I was feeling really trapped in my day-in and day-out life that consisted mainly of my work.  I started to feel like I was losing myself and I was nothing but someone with a desk job. As a way to unwind from work, I started spending a lot of time just web surfing and that's how I began to see that there was a whole community out there, made up of people like me, wanting to feel and reach for something else other than just getting their job done at their work for a paycheck.  So I decided I would join that community by starting my own blog.  

When I first hit the "publish" button, I felt extremely nervous and ridiculous.  I had no real focus on what my blog would be about. All I knew was that I wanted it to be a place where I could talk about whatever.  And the last thing I wanted for myself was to stress out about something I started for "fun".  

As I started to write more, I became like many other bloggers. I kinda got serious about my writing and what this little "fun" project means to me. I became more reflective about ME and what I value in my life on a daily basis. 

No, this blog will never be a philosophical, deep thinking, serious kinda place either.  After all, I write to escape from the stress derived from the "real" world.  Honestly, I can't quite put a finger on what this blog will be.  Perhaps, that's because I can't quite put a finger on who I am. I seem to change in my ways, views, and thoughts as time passes.  If anything, my hope is to capture all that I appreciate, enjoy, taste, see, experience, and live through.  Because it's too often that I go a day without appreciating what's before my eyes.  

So, this happened last Friday... and yeah, TGIF!

So this happened last Friday!

I met with another blogger!  I met up with Laicie from 1000 Threads.  Laicie also writes for The Every Girl.  In person, she was prettier, warmer, funnier and more exuberant than she is on her blog. (Is that possible?  Yes!).  We gabbed and gabbed for over 2 hours while downing our drinks, sangria for Laicie and some ridiculously fruity cocktail for me. We also shared some crazy yummy tacos as well.  We had a blast talking about our lives, what we want for our blogs, what we DON'T want for our blogs, and so forth. We talked about meeting up again in the future and I hope that happens sooner than later!!

Oh - almost forgot.  TGIF~~  Hope you guys have a wonderful weekend!!  Keeping this post short as I have another one coming for ya tomorrow :) 

p.s. I look so awkwardly frigid in this picture. What's WRONG with me??!! 

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Please excuse the less than pretty site while it's undergoing a little construction and maintenance.  It'll be back up and running soon (hopefully!!).  

What I Eat

Back in college, which was almost 20 years ago (wow...),I was diagnosed with "irritable bowel syndrome" a/k/a "IBS". First of all, it sounded really gross (um, it still does) and secondly, I thought it was a BS diagnosis.  But I was having a lot of stomach problems to the point where I couldn't make it to my classes. Since the diagnosis, I've been very keen on reading up on eating healthy and exercising.  I also know that based on my own experience, stress never helps (does it ever??).  I've lived through the low to almost no fat diet as well as the very fatty but no carb Atkins diet. What I've learned through it all is that "whole foods" like fresh greens, fruit, and fish keep my body feeling clean and good. Just don't fry'em. Of course, I'm tempted to eat processed food EVERY DAY and I do,but not a lot of it if I can help it. I also cook almost every day because I like knowing what goes into my body.  With this kind of focus, I haven't had a crazy flare up since the mid 90's.  Here's a glimpse into what I cook up on a typical summer night. 

Uncle Ben's brown rice with miso base (mix miso and water); Seared tofu; Sauteed spinach, chopped onion, arugula; Toasted walnuts; A pinch of salt. 

   
Sauteed shrimp in olive oil and garlic with lemon juice; Cherry tomatoes; Arugula and romaine lettuce; Homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing (olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, black pepper and lemon juice). 

I don't usually talk about my personal schtuff.  But I have to admit that this post was inspired by Sarah Yates of 'A House in the Hills'.  Reading her posts on her health issues and eating healthy to manage them has truly inspired me to write up today's post.  Thanks Sarah!!! 

Happy Wednesday folks, we are half way there~

The New It Pattern

I'm back~ My mind and body were both pretty occupied the last couple of days due to work and also time spent reflecting on where and what I want this blog to be.  Yeah, sounds kinda deep, huh. I'll share my thoughts on that later this week. 

So I noticed lately that we finally have a new pattern replacing our beloved chevrons:  Triangles.  I see them everywhere! I am really digging the new IT pattern. 

a.Poster by PIXandEL;  b. Aelfie Rug;  c. Notebook from Think and Dink Studio;  d.  Triangle Enameled Ring from Virginie Millefiori via Etsy

Hope your week is off to a good start.  It's gonna be a steamy one here in Philly~~ 

One Hot Saturday

Last Saturday was a blast.  I started the day off with a visit to the Rodin Museum in Philly. My friend Nancy was in town and she, as always, came up with this brilliant idea.  I can't believe I managed to ignore visiting this place until now.  Oh so lame...

After our little venture into the art world, we walked around the city window shopping until we got hungry.  We hit Tria Cafe first, a wine and cheese bar that offers some really good appetizers (like the ricotta cheese with pistachio and lavender honey'd bruschetta) and fresh salads. 

Later on, after some more walking around, we found ourselves at Oyster House, and enjoyed some more drinks and a traditional lobster roll and fries. 

Although it was crazy hot, we really did enjoy ourselves getting some sun and talking about nothing and everything.  :) 

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

  

E-Design: Earthy & Warm

A friend of mine from Aspen, Stephanie asked me if I could put together a collection of pillows for her neutral toned sectional.  She said that she likes earthy and warm tones for her home.  Here's what I put together for Stephanie~ (I threw in the antlers to lighten up the earthy and warm tones, and also because she's in Colorado after all!)

a. sectional// b. grey pillow// c. red white and blue pillow// d. red ombre pillow (sold out but similar here)//  e. stripey pillow// f. faux antlers

Business Casual

Good Monday~ Hope you all had a great weekend. It was one sweltering weekend here in Philly and I totally embraced it by being outside all day on Saturday. More on that later this week.  

This Friday, I'll be traveling for work; a big 3 day conference in Maryland. The vibe will be business casual and laid back as there will be a lot of down time and most attendants will be bringing their family members.  A friend of mine, Kelley is also attending this conference and asked if I could do a post on what to wear. I was happy to receive this request because who doesn't worry about what to wear to a business conference?!

a. Sabine Laurel Embroidered Tank// b. J.Crew Merino Tippi Sweater in Trompe L'Oeil// C. Marc Jacobs Taboo Print Scarf// d. Report Monquee Sandal// e. Soludos grey espadrilles

f. Rebecca Minkoff Jacket// g. J.Crew (yikes - sold out!!)// h. Rebecca Minkoff Bonnie Satchel// i. Kate Spade New York Kiki// j. Rhyme Los Angeles Floral Swing Dress

TGIF - Whatcha Up To?

TGIF!! How was your 4th? Based on all of the fun photos I saw from Facebook and Instagram, I think most of you did enjoy your day off.    

I am so loving the early summer mornings when all is quiet and the sun is as bright as it can be. Today's one of those days. 
It would be all so perfect if I didn't have to go to work! 

Here's a glimpse into my wishful summer menu and wear.
Happy weekending~  

photos:  brunch (my instagram); Cold Soba Noodle Salad; Laicie's (from 1000 Threads) watermelon wine popsicles; Perfect Summer Salad (from A House In the Hills - my latest blog crush)

breezy// comfy// sassy// ooh-la-la pretty

Happy 4th of July~

image via here

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY~  
Hope you guys have a great one!  I may actually try hitting the pool for the first time this summer.  Oy, the fear of wearing swimsuits...  whatever, I'll get over it.

Breathe Through It

image via here

So, I JUST came back from a vacation and I JUST talked about feeling more relaxed, happier, etc.  But yesterday was a tough one as I learned that my dog, Speedz will need further evaluation(s) and additional medicine due to his recent diagnosis of a rare autoimmune disease, pemphigus vulgaris. While Speedz has started to eat again, we noticed that he can no longer jump up to the couch or my car, and has lost weight (almost 3 lbs).  Speedz' doctor confirmed that these were all due to his illness and the meds he's taking.  <sigh>  

The above quote and image kinda hits the spot as far as my approach on how to get through this difficult time.  Just BREATHE through it. 

Oh, btw, did I tell you how badly I'm counting down to 4th of July?  Yeah, it's like the day after tomorrow.  YAY!!!  

Summer in Aspen- part II

So I had this huge ambition to check in regularly with y'all during my vacation.  Yeah, that didn't happen.  Mainly because every day, we were out and about, hiking up a trail, hanging out in town, and going to bed completely worn out from all the fun we had.  We did actually do some work as well.  Such is the downfall of having a smartphone, carrying our laptops, and being able to connect to work remotely.  But I won't complain.  We truly enjoyed every day of our vacation in Aspen.  And I want to thank our family and friends (old and new), for making our stay so much fun. You know who you are - thank you, miss you, and love you all. 

We caught really early flights in the morning both to and back from Aspen.  Needless to say, we were totally out of it. And at times, just darn goofy. 

I have been dreaming of seeing Yo-Yo Ma perform live since way back when I saw him perform Bach cello suites on PBS (like 2000 or even earlier). My dream came true on day 2 of the Aspen Ideas Festival, which I was lucky enough to attend.  I was three rows away from the stage.  Although Yo-Yo only played for a couple of minutes and the session was more of an interview/discussion, I still enjoyed the experience tremendously.  I will see him again in August at the Tanglewood music festival.  I swear, I'm not stalking this guy.

We also hiked the Rim Trail, which wasn't as difficult as the Ute Trail. But it did take us forever to finish. For those who want the short and sweet version of hiking, Hunter Creek trail will hit the spot.  

The above is the sunset on our last night in Aspen.  We returned to the Aspen Music Tent (aka Benedict Music Tent) to watch the Aspen Philharmonic perform.  Man, that was an amazing experience!!  That was my first time attending an orchestra performance. This is somewhat of an embarrassing admission because I grew up listening to and playing classical music (piano)but to this date, never attended a classical music performance. <Feeling Lame-O!> 

Well, all good things must come to an end.  And so our vacation did.  While I spent my weekend in the full trenches of my normal routine, i.e. work, laundry, grocery shopping, etc., I did feel more energized, relaxed, and happier than I've been for some time.  Vacation did done me some good! 

Have a great week~~ and happy countdown to 4th of July!