Wednesday, December 31, 2008

On the eve of 09


335/365 Knitting: not just for nerds anymore
Originally uploaded by
spring_peeper

I'm passing my time this New Year's Eve doing the most grandma thing ever: Knitting a cowl neckwarmer. Because I was inspired by the folks @ Etsy.com

I'm ringing in 2009 with
Popiah & lotsa booze & champagne with the family. What about you?

Friday, December 26, 2008

Must Watch:


The cousins, my brother & his girlfriend & I braved the opening night crowds at Famous Players and it was well worth it. Brad Pitt despite his drooling good looks is really a good actor and Cate Blanchett is devastating beautiful in this movie. Their chemistry is sizzling and the story is a truly wonderful one about the process of aging. A must-watch this holiday season & make sure you bring tissues.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Here's wishing everyone a blessed Christmas and a wonderful time with family & friends. Lots of turkey, ham & pressies to one & all!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Oh the weather outside is frightful..




so at the mall today with my brother & his girlfriend, I snapped up a fabulous furry vest! I've been toying with the idea and then spotted my Columbian classmate of mine sporting a fabulous one in class. And that was when I decided I'd get one for myself, BUT only at the right price, right look & faux fur please. And today at the mall, I found it at Le Chateau, amidst the crazy last minute shoppers, for a VERY good price that didn't put another dent in my already depleted bank account.

Along with that, I picked up some other great pieces:
  • a fab Foley + Corinna inspired black tote
  • a black & emerald houndstooth cardi
  • turquoise reflective aviators inspired by Top Gun which was on tv last night!
Bonus - nothing I bought was at regular price. Whoopeee!!!

Need a chick flick to rent?

I just watched an entertaining movie with the women in my family and thought I'd put it out to all of you. The Women is a modern remake of the 1939 version has a star-studded cast: Annette Benning, Debra Messing, Candice Bergen, Meg Ryan, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Bette Midler & Eva Mendes. It's kind of a knock-off Sex in the City & Lipstick Jungle & Cashmere Mafia all tied into one which makes the whole women-independence theme a little overplayed but it was pretty funny and entertaining. Narciso's collection in the movie was very chic!

Friday, December 19, 2008

Home for the Holidays

Touchdown in YVR amidst the holiday rush. JFK was a nightmare at 5am - a snowstorm was bound for NY this morning and everyone was scrambling to get onto earlier flights to leave the city. Thankfully, I made it on-time with luggage in tow and arrived in Vancouver safe and sound.

I'm greeted by a whole lotta snow, 3 of my favourite uncles, much of my extended family, the 2 doggies and hot, piping bowl of homemade laksa for lunch. Ah, what a treat! It was followed by my annual trip to the dentist and then tea time @ Timmy's. It looks like this holiday season is going to be full of eating since I've got a houseful of great cooks. Yum!

Now I have a mountain of presents to wrap and Christmas cards to write.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Rockin' Rocks!

Shopping update amidst finals week: Scored 2 Rocks & Republic's for less than $200! Sa-Weet! No more jeans shopping for 2009. Hahaha!

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Marked down Madness

Tis the season to be shopping! This weekend was fruitfully spent in retail therapy. And much to our delight, the sales in stores are simply too good to be true! Here are some awesome deals that J, his sister, Eloise & I took advantage while they visited NY this weekend:
  • One of J's favourite stores in SoHo is having a closing down sale because they lost their lease, so all Energie stuff is 70% off. I scored Diesel jeans for $99 and an awesome leather jacket for $40. Tons of designer jeans were marked down more than 50%, designer sunglasses were 50% off too. Licia Atelier jewelry is available there too & if you pay cash, you might get an extra discount. J also got a pair of Blackstones for 85% off and I got Chooka rainboots for $20. We walked out happy campers, so for all you Manhattanites, go check out Lounge in Soho on 593 Broadway before all the good stuff is gone.
  • Prada is having a sale too - select men's and ladies' product is 50% off. I nearly died when I saw the bag & clutch I drooled over earlier this year on sale for 50% off. ARGHHH!!! My empty pocket said no.
  • Over in the West Village, the Marc Jacobs store had a crazy line-up, clearly there was some awesome deal we were missing but the long line in the cold made us give it a pass. Perhaps on a weekday morning?
  • Olive & Bette's store is 50% off - Autumn Cashmere included! Gorgeous cardigans...Sigh.
  • Club Monaco - take an additional 30% off
  • Bloomingdales - J scored a great Zegna item on sale for 30% off.
  • Ben Sherman - 50% off all suits
  • If you're looking to experiment with makeup or cosmetics, now's the time because Sephora has awesome deals on gift sets where you get everything packaged beautifully & for a fraction of the original cost.
  • Kenneth Cole - there was an awesome 1 day event which was 40-50% the entire store.
  • J & I scored shoes in the West Village for a steal - another poor store was having a closing down sale. I got Vans for $20 and he got Onizuka Tiger shoes for $40. Clearly the boy & I share a mutual love for footwear :D
Ahhh, so many sales, so little money...Happy Shopping everyone, just 10 more days till Christmas!

Friday, December 12, 2008

Get ready for mushy couple photos



2 years seemed to have flown right by and every day that goes by, I'm always grateful that you have never once let me feel alone. Can't wait till next fall babe. Love you.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Burning the midnight oil with Kettlecorn


OMG. Its the last 2 weeks of school and we're all working hard for the final push of the semester and for many of my friends & myself, the final push of our post graduate program. Projects are due, presentations need to be prepped & final exams need to be studied for. And to keep me company on my lonely long nights? The best kettlecorn I've bought from a store! Ike & Sam's Kettlecorn is AMAZING.
I'm no popcorn fan mind you. I don't usually purchase popcorn at the movies but this yummy, crunchy bag of goodness was first introduced to me by a girlfriend who shares my love for munchie snacks. While perusing Whole Foods one night after class, she pulled out this bag of kettlecorn goodness! Both salty & sweet, Ike & Sam's has the cutest mascots and yummy flavour variations. My faves being: The Original and most recently, a bag I picked up tonight in Kickin' Cayenne! Mmm..Nyum Yummmmy. So friggin good. Did I mention they are all natural with no preservatives, no trans fats and no cholesterol! And its manufactured right here in Brooklyn, NY. Go find a bag in a grocery store near you. Happy healthy munching!

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Christmas in a Cup

I'm no paid advocate for Starbucks but a classmate of mine recommended I'd try the Peppermint Mocha offered during the Christmas season in their signature red cups. And boy was it yummy!! Like After Eight in a cup, it's the holiday season embodied in a chocolatety minty cuppa joe. Mmm...perfect for rainy Vancouver and blistery New York winters! The holiday season has also gotten me into the mood of shopping & picking up gifts to check off my Christmas list.Other great holiday items I picked up as Christmas edges closer include:
  • MAC Cosmetics Holiday 2008 Passions of Red Fascinating Eyes Palette
  • A festive burgundy winter puffer coat
  • Red suede knee high boots from Chinese Laundry
  • A fab red lipstick which I've test driven at school & got awesome responses! :D
Christmas is less than 3 weeks away...Better get cracking on those Christmas lists & send out those Christmas cards! Happy shopping!

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Rrrred...


Oh, I love this photo of Liv Tyler!

I might be several seasons of even years behind in the whole makeup scene, but recently, I've been toying with the idea of investing in a red lipstick. I've always found lipstick to be an adult thing: lip liner, lip brush, blot, reapply what a whole lotta hassle! I've always been a lipgloss/lipbalm kinda gal, with its easy application and sheet tints (Particularly, CO Bigelow's Mentha Lip Tints) but after perusing beauty blogs & magazines I'm keen to give the strong red lip look a try. It's universally flattering & makes your teeth look whiter, so off to the drugstore I go! Or if I'm feeling more generous, MAC for their famous Russian Red lipstick & channel my inner Dita Von Tesse or Gwen Stefani.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Monday, November 17, 2008

on travel

After countless flights to and from YVR & JFK as well as the occasional flight to a near or far-off place, I consider myself to be a fairly seasoned traveller. My passport holds many stamps which I feel fortunate to have as a result of generous parents & the love for exploring new places. I'm sitting in YVR as I type this, waiting to board my flight back to JFK only to realise I'm returning for US Thanksgiving in less than a week from now. Ah, the joy of Aeroplan miles!


From my frequent travels between JFK & YVR, I've come to note some small subtleties:

  • Cathay Pacific has awesome deals to & from JFK & YVR ($400+ return). Be warned though, its a red-eye and because it originates from HKG its usually full of loud China FOBs and crying China FOB babies - so it isn't for the faint hearted, unless you're like me and can sleep through an earthquake.
  • China FOBs generally have a crap load of luggage - it seems they carry the entire contents of their home and then some to travel with them. I've seen families arriving at JFK with body bag sized luggage. Probably wares for Canal Street.
  • Cathay Pacific is probably one of the best airlines to fly transcontinentally: personal tv sets in Economy class, relatively decent plane food (yummy salads included) which you don't have to pay for & decent size seats with enough leg room (note: bias opinion, as I'm only 5'2" and asian)
  • Air Canada has made recent upgrades to their planes which allow for plug-ins for your laptop & personal tv sets but no free food and yes, their flight attendants are more mature than CX's.
  • People are more than happy to switch seats with you if you possess prime seats ie. windows or aisle (personally, I'm a window seater)
  • If you don't like the plane food on CX - you can always ask for cup noodles and if you've got an extra nice & obliging flight attendant, you can ask for a cup of warm Ovaltine from Business Class!
  • Flying transcontinental is an excellent way to catch up on movies you really wanted to see but missed out on. I saw Sex and the City, Ironman, Mama Mia, Prince Caspian and WALL-E all onboard CX flights - saved some money from DVD rentals or going to the movies! Economic times call for economic measures!
Don't get me wrong, I've nothing against China FOBs - I simply wished they had a little more manners and no, I'm not paid by Cathay Pacific - I simply love flying with them, but I won't turn down a free ticket from Aeroplan miles. Beggars can't be choosers no? Happy flying!

Thursday, November 13, 2008

In lieu of Jamaica

To explain the long absence, its been a crazy several weeks and J had planned a trip to Negril, Jamaica during the dull, cold month of November. But as luck would have it, what started as Tropical Storm Paloma became a Category 4 Hurricane which swept the Caribbean nixing our much anticipated Jamaican getaway. In the most heroic nature, J rearranged the plans, was on the phone with Expedia all night and sent us packing to Cancun, Mexico - booked & ready to go in literally less than 10 hours before our departing AA flight. My boyfriend is amazing.


We arrive in Cancun with rain, but it would be the only day the rain came down and the rest of our mini vacation was spent soaking as much sun as we could before heading back to the Northeastern cold. Highlights of the trip included:


Chichen Itza - Yucatan, Mexico

A very well-read tour guide educated us on the Mayan history and explained the different ruins, including the largest ball court in the Americas, an observatory tower which many modern-day towers are modelled after, a sacrificial sinkhole and of course, the magnificent Chichen Itza temple itself, which has been named as one of the new seven wonders of the world!

Of course, lotsa sun, sand & sea!





Jordan jumping into a fresh water cenote! I didn't have the guts to jump from such a height, so I merely splashed into the cool water from a safe distance :D

At this point, we went snorkelling & no digi cams were allowed. Underwater pics to follow, IF they turn out ok.

Just me, my boy, my Nikon & my wayfarers.


Our all inclusive resort, with attached infinity pool & as many pina coladas and guacamole you can eat satiated us plenty & we surely rolled out 5lbs heavier. Although for future references, I'd prefer a much more secluded location with more beach and less people. Mayan Riveria? Cabos San Lucas? Note to self for next time :)

It was a wonderful, much-needed vacation. It wouldn't have been pulled off if not for J's awesome planning. Thanks for a wonderful trip babe, I can't wait for our next one! And yes, one day we'll make it back to Jamaica!


Saturday, October 25, 2008

ewwww!

I rolled out of bed at 12:30pm after a nightlong catchup marathon of previous Gossip Girl episodes. After my morning mug of Milo and much procrastinating, I finally make lunch and get down to doing some homework. I've got the TV on and I've seen this commercial many times and it always gets me smiling. Especially when they go: "Ewwwwwwwww..." Hahahaha!

Friday, October 24, 2008

JUMP!!!




Acadia National Park - Summit Mountain
These shots alone paid off the Manfrotto tripod :D Good call babe.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Maine Highlights

Last weekend, we had decided last minute to set out to Bar Harbor, ME and join a bunch of Sloanies for a long weekend and Fall foliage viewing. An estate consisting of 5 mini houses was booked which slept 20 people and my, what an estate it was! Imagine a set out of a Hollywood haunted manison: included in the houses are moose heads, native indian bronze statues, gargoyle guarded gates, odds books, eclectic furniture & decorations. There was a pool, a high tower with roof deck, a dining hall and an excellent view. Our time was spent BBQing, playing games, exploring Acadia National Park, taking a million photos and eating lots of lobster. Lots.

One of the 5 houses on the Estate

Maine Seafood

Summit Mountain at Acadia National Park


Jordan by Jordan's Pond

Scaling the cliffs by the beach at Acadia

By the Sand Beach


Frolicking in the 4 acre estate

A Perfect Fall Colours roadtrip.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

mymomisafob

i got kicks reading this website - go check it out!
it made me smile today.

and ps: happy birthday blong if you're reading this! :D

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Relief at last...

So if you've been wondering where I've been, I've been at the computer lab at school because for some reason I decided to drink milk and spill it all over my Macbook. Yes, that's right. Milk. So for the last few weeks, I've been laptopless, utilizing only my school labs for when I needed to do homework and check emails etc. Running around trying to find someone who will fix your computer because Apple will charge $750 is quite a task. Nevertheless I found a little joint in Greenwich who did the job just right and well below $750 (which I could have clearly gotten nearly half of the new aluminium Macbook) and today, I finally got my milky white baby back.

The past few weeks have been stressful and eventful at the same time. I went on a road trip to Maine, spent some quality time with J in a fantastically creepy estate which spans 4 acres and includes a carriage house, a high tower, a dining hall; gargoyles and moose heads and deer. We visited the Acadia National Park and took a bazillion photos over a span of 4 days frolicking in the Fall foliage. Conversely, I've also received some personal bad news and now face midterms. Its been a roller coaster ride of emotions but I'm hanging in there so far. I'm glad I'm not alone and I'm thankful for every day that's given to me.

Now, I'm just doing the much needed admin stuff which is associated with spending insane amounts of time in front of my Macbook, which brings supreme satisfaction to me. Ah, its been a long time...and its so good to have you back again. Maine photos to follow.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Spotted: Elephants in Boston


"I think we've seen it all" J said.

Yes, you read that right. ELEPHANTS. The Ringling Bros & Barnum Bailey Circus is in town. J and I nearly died of shock when we spotted an entourage of elephants, followed by a troop of horses and miniature ponies walking on the road in Boston/Cambridge area last night while enroute to the Logan Airport. They were tail in tail as seen in the photo here snapped by a fellow observer, except we saw them at 7pm in the dark, flanked by staff and police officers. Roads were blocked and the group were moving quite silently in the middle of the evening - there were no crowds or pedestrians and the elephants weren't wearing their circus head gear for PR either. The circus is in town, so watch the roads for any elephants crossing!

Sunday, September 21, 2008

meow.


I found this on another blog and it perked up my midday Sunday and made me laugh out loud. I hope it does the same for you!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Uniqlo


I think I might just have found my go-to for skinny jeans. A few days ago, I realised to my horror that my favourite pair of black skinny jeans lost a button, rendering it unwearable since the fly won't stay up, there's a big gaping hole where the button used to be. Furthermore, what once was a pair of fabulous black skinny jeans from Copenhagen, are now a faded greys. Boo. So now I was on the hunt for a new pair of black skinnies.

A class mate of mine recommended Uniqlo, the Japanese minimalist store. Their 1st US store is here in New York, right in the heart of SoHo. Coincidently, our brand management professor just issued us a case study on them. Uniqlo's concept is one of "unbranded" apparel, much like MUJI. Their store is very modern and colourful - their product is minimalist and apparently very good for basics. Namely, affordable cashmere & merino wool sweaters, cotton tshirts, cardigans and of course extremely affordable skinny jeans! I found a pair of black ones on sale for $29.99! Plus, free alterations in 24hours. (Actually, the sales person told me they can have it done in 2 hours if I was willing to wait!)

I've walked by this store dozens of time during the summer, where I worked. But I never thought to buy anything from here - but now, I know better! :D

Monday, September 15, 2008

Makeup Haul?

So I've learned a new term "Makeup Haul". It basically means, when you overhaul your makeup collection and buy several pieces of new product in 1 fell swoop. (At least, I can only deduce this is what it means from reading way too many beauty blogs & YouTube tutorials late into the night...)

Today after work, I did a little bit of a makeup haul myself! *smile* Of course, as much as I would like to do my makeup hauling exclusively at Sephora - my student budget gives me more freedom and value for money at the drugstore. So here are a list of goodies I picked up today, with some help from InStyle's and Allure's Best of Beauty lists:
  • Maybelline Lash Discovery Waterproof
  • Loreal HIP Bright Shadow Duo in Reckless
  • Revlon Illuminance Cream Shadow Set in Precious Metals (recommended as great bases for you to layer on your powder eyeshadow to help it stick & stay)
  • Revlon Illuminance Cream Shadow Set in Moonlit Jewels (they were buy 1 get 1 FREE!)
  • Rimmel Stir It Up Cream Eyeshadow in No Way!
  • a set of 2 dome shaped crease brushes
Total cost? Less than $35! Woohoo!

Black Monday

Another one bites the dust: My office is a block away from Lehman Brothers and there were tons of reporters swarming around both in the morning on my way to work and even after. There goes the neighbourhood:

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Mid Autumn Musings

I've sent my better half off on a busy bus back to Boston, our regular trips to and from New York have begun. The weekend was spent wedding gift hunting, bubble tea drinking, scrap-booking, sleeping and spending quality "couple" time.

I've discovered the joys of Crate & Barrel and how it isn't as expensive as I imagined it to be. He's discovered a fabulous store in SoHo where he could find Energie & Diesel jeans for 50%-70% off, if only they just had his size...I've also photographed and documented one of my favourite stores, Anthropologie, for my visual merchandising class. Quite the productive weekend.

And now, after some apartment cleaning, I'm sitting on my bed, simultaneously watching House & makeup tutorials on YouTube, while drooling at over-the-knee boots from DSW. There are dishes in the sink which need to be done and laundry in the basket which needs attending to. All I need is some snow skin mooncake and Gossip Girl reruns and I'm all set.

Happy Mid Autumn Festival Everyone! Let 'em eat cake! PS: check out Starbuck's own mooncake, available in Asia only I think...Boo!


Spotted: Ja Rule

in Soho yesterday, in front of some restaurant/bar in the afternoon on Mercer Street I believe. J took the photos, so I'll post them when I can. He was signing autographs and taking photos with a small crowd that had gathered around him - those lucky enough to spot him and take advantage of the opportunity. J and I stood across the street and snapped some photos of our own.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Spotted: Anne Hathaway

Sitting at the table next to my friend & i while we painted ceramic pieces in Tribeca. She was super nice and down to earth. Even gladly obliged an autograph for a shy little girl who hid under the table and my friend, who wanted a photo. He was in heaven. Ah, I love it when celebrities are nice and human.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Lunch before school


While back in Vancouver, I shopped at my neighbourhood asian grocery store and found that this childhood fave of mine was on promotion: 10 packets for $3! So I promptly picked some up to bring home to NYC. Its hard to find here and I don't often venture to Chinatown. As a result, many of the asian goodies I purchase are Japanese rather than Chinese because there's a small Japanese convenience store within walking distance from my apartment.

Today for lunch, I decided to make an old favourite of mine: Fried Mee Goreng. Although not 100% authentic - my home-cooked, student version serves as a quick, tasty meal before I head off to class. YUM!

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Leifsdottir

Over the Labour Day weekend, J and I took some friends around NYC and stepped into Anthropologie's New York's flagship store at Rockafeller Centre and discovered a cute sister line, Leifsdottir. Its whimsical and novel, which delightful details that make the pieces quirky and feminine. Here are some pieces I drooled over:

  

Happy September everyone! And back-to-school / Fall shopping anyone? :D