Thursday, August 27, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Anna Wintour on Letterman
Anna Wintour addressed her icy reputation on David Letterman's show last night. She may have devil-like qualities, but her drive to please the fashion world and strive to aim higher is an inspiration to many women who want to make it to the top, especially in the fashion industry.
The White Stripes - We're Going To Be Friends
This morning I decided to start consolidating the rest of my things in anticipation for the Fall season. Fall is a time when the school year starts for students, but most importantly, it is a time when the best lines of the year are released. I love, love, love Fall/Winter lines. I'm making room for you, Winter wear. I look forward to immersing myself in your layered styles, knits and hopefully some fur.
I dedicate this to you, Fall. Farewell to you Summer, and cheers to a fabulous Fall season (and hopefully a fabulous job).
Shepherd's pie for dinner
The shepherd's pie I had yesterday from Lovejoy's Tea Room was so damn good I decided to make one of my own tonight for dinner. So I made my way to Trader Joe's, and followed the recipe from here.
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 lbs ground round beef
1 onion chopped
1-2 cups vegetables - chopped carrots and peas
1 1/2 - 2 lbs potatoes (3 big ones)
8 tablespoons butter (1 stick)
1/2 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt, pepper, other seasonings of choice
Here's the bottom layer of the pie: sauteed onions, carrots, peas and ground beef in butter. I added a cube of Knorr Beef Bouillon to add flavor to the beef.
Here's the top layer of the pie. I added evaporated milk and garlic powder to the mashed potatoes. I also put an "A" in the middle with my fork for "Arieson." :)
Set oven to 400 degrees and cook for 30 minutes.
Sit down and enjoy. Delicious. I'm quite proud of myself. :)
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 lbs ground round beef
1 onion chopped
1-2 cups vegetables - chopped carrots and peas
1 1/2 - 2 lbs potatoes (3 big ones)
8 tablespoons butter (1 stick)
1/2 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt, pepper, other seasonings of choice
Here's the bottom layer of the pie: sauteed onions, carrots, peas and ground beef in butter. I added a cube of Knorr Beef Bouillon to add flavor to the beef.
Here's the top layer of the pie. I added evaporated milk and garlic powder to the mashed potatoes. I also put an "A" in the middle with my fork for "Arieson." :)
Set oven to 400 degrees and cook for 30 minutes.
Sit down and enjoy. Delicious. I'm quite proud of myself. :)
Classy Sunday
This past Sunday was Stern Grove's last free concert in the park, thus reminding us all that our summer is nearly coming to an end. The San Francisco Opera performed, which I thought was a wise choice in choosing to close the festival. Unlike summer's past Sundays, however, the day was gloomy and the sun was no where to be seen. Arieson, Sherrie and I went anyway. I think the last time I was at Stern Grove was when I was still in high school. The last time Sherrie went was a few years back. Of course, it was Arieson's first time. It was difficult to make him sit through, but I brought his iTouch to keep him grounded for a little while.
The place was packed, but I guess that was typical Stern Grove capacity, especially on the last day. Our view was blocked from where we were sitting. A couple sat on a log in front of us, but we didn't mind. Luckily it wasn't the kind of show you actually had to watch; listening was good enough. During the numbers, I would look around and see people laying down, eyes closed, some people were reading or doing homework. Listening to the SF Opera was so romantic, too. Since I couldn't get Arieson to sit still throughout the entire performances, me and him made rounds around the park. We looked around and observed even more people getting immersed into the music. It was a lovely environment to be around.
We decided to leave an hour in during intermission. I could tell Arieson was getting antsy and kind of sleepy. We gathered our things, walked up on back on street level to my car, and right when I put Arieson in his car seat he knocked out. What a trooper. He walked uphill with us and to the car the entire way. It must have tired him out. So I dropped my little man back to my parents' and Sherrie and I left to meet up with Maggie to go to Lovejoy's Tea Room. I have been meaning to throw a tea party for some time now, and little did I realize that San Francisco had tea rooms. I can't believe that crossed my mind! I was so, so, so delighted to try this place out. It was so lovely: mismatched tea sets, lace table cloths, spoon displays on the wall, appropriate music...a good look around would just make you feel like you were in a different world. It made me very reminiscent of Alice's Tea Cup in NYC, where my cousin David took Sherrie and I when we visited this past February.
Not only was this place cute, the food was so appropriate. We ordered green tea, a shepherd's pie with salad, tea sandwiches and crumpets. Us girls left feeling very classy. Not to mention, we were dressed appropriately for the occasion. :)
We felt so good that we wanted to keep the energy going over some cocktails. After the kind of day we were having, we vouched not to settle for the Mission. Kenny joined us girls and we went bar hopping elsewhere. What a way to transition from our classy day. We started in Pacific Heights, tried out Polk area and ended up in the Castro. It felt good to be spontaneous like that. I haven't been out bar hopping in awhile. I have to say, I don't miss it much, although it was nice to be hanging with my girls. Another wonderful Sunday down. I swear, this day never fails.
The place was packed, but I guess that was typical Stern Grove capacity, especially on the last day. Our view was blocked from where we were sitting. A couple sat on a log in front of us, but we didn't mind. Luckily it wasn't the kind of show you actually had to watch; listening was good enough. During the numbers, I would look around and see people laying down, eyes closed, some people were reading or doing homework. Listening to the SF Opera was so romantic, too. Since I couldn't get Arieson to sit still throughout the entire performances, me and him made rounds around the park. We looked around and observed even more people getting immersed into the music. It was a lovely environment to be around.
We decided to leave an hour in during intermission. I could tell Arieson was getting antsy and kind of sleepy. We gathered our things, walked up on back on street level to my car, and right when I put Arieson in his car seat he knocked out. What a trooper. He walked uphill with us and to the car the entire way. It must have tired him out. So I dropped my little man back to my parents' and Sherrie and I left to meet up with Maggie to go to Lovejoy's Tea Room. I have been meaning to throw a tea party for some time now, and little did I realize that San Francisco had tea rooms. I can't believe that crossed my mind! I was so, so, so delighted to try this place out. It was so lovely: mismatched tea sets, lace table cloths, spoon displays on the wall, appropriate music...a good look around would just make you feel like you were in a different world. It made me very reminiscent of Alice's Tea Cup in NYC, where my cousin David took Sherrie and I when we visited this past February.
Not only was this place cute, the food was so appropriate. We ordered green tea, a shepherd's pie with salad, tea sandwiches and crumpets. Us girls left feeling very classy. Not to mention, we were dressed appropriately for the occasion. :)
We felt so good that we wanted to keep the energy going over some cocktails. After the kind of day we were having, we vouched not to settle for the Mission. Kenny joined us girls and we went bar hopping elsewhere. What a way to transition from our classy day. We started in Pacific Heights, tried out Polk area and ended up in the Castro. It felt good to be spontaneous like that. I haven't been out bar hopping in awhile. I have to say, I don't miss it much, although it was nice to be hanging with my girls. Another wonderful Sunday down. I swear, this day never fails.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Best
I blew off the SF Street Food Festival today due to the high number of tweets I read on my dashboard on how crowded and long the lines were. I had planned on taking Arieson with me, but figured how much of a hassle it would be to bring him along with all the food junkies floating around. I'm pretty sure I'll catch some footage tomorrow morning on the event.
Instead, I decided to take the huge pile of "donate" clothes sitting in my closet and move them. You see, I've made this pile inside my closet of clothes I don't wear anymore. I usually set aside clothes I'd like to donate every season, but since I had Arieson that pile has remained stagnant for awhile as my shopping habits have decreased. Anyway, the pile was getting quite large so I thought I'd call up my friend Sean to accompany me to Haight, and sell them at Buffalo Exchange. Turns out, my pile had been more outdated than I thought so I had no luck in making money. I wanted to get rid of them anyhow so I donated them. I figure someone else besides a Buffalo customer would be able to wear them, whether I made money off of it or not. I was just happy to get rid of the load. Sean, however, had the best of luck in selling all of his over-sized blazers. Looks like he'll be thrifting again. :)
After Haight, we decided to drive to Lower Haight and grab some grub. We ended up at Memphis Minnie's on Haight and Fillmore. Southern barbeque for dinner? I didn't see any fail in this situation. Our dinner was delicious as expected. We left with satisfied tummies, and very wise advice:
Now that our stomachs were full of goodness, Sean and I were determined to snap a photo of the two of us together, at last. It's funny; Sean has been my longest loyal friend and we barely have any photos together. We were determined to change that by the end of the night. We made our way back to my apartment to watch some television. That quickly got boring. I propped my camera on my kitchen counter top, set the timer and my camera started snapping away. Why didn't we think of this sooner? Duh, set the timer. We finally have a recent photo together:
I love this photo because it now reminds me how loyal of a friend Sean is. Can you believe we've been friends for over 10 years? I can't either. I love this photo because earlier today I had made plans to hang out alone, but ended up with some company because Sean is a good friend. It's always a delight to hang out with you, and thanks for today. Remember: set the timer!!
Instead, I decided to take the huge pile of "donate" clothes sitting in my closet and move them. You see, I've made this pile inside my closet of clothes I don't wear anymore. I usually set aside clothes I'd like to donate every season, but since I had Arieson that pile has remained stagnant for awhile as my shopping habits have decreased. Anyway, the pile was getting quite large so I thought I'd call up my friend Sean to accompany me to Haight, and sell them at Buffalo Exchange. Turns out, my pile had been more outdated than I thought so I had no luck in making money. I wanted to get rid of them anyhow so I donated them. I figure someone else besides a Buffalo customer would be able to wear them, whether I made money off of it or not. I was just happy to get rid of the load. Sean, however, had the best of luck in selling all of his over-sized blazers. Looks like he'll be thrifting again. :)
After Haight, we decided to drive to Lower Haight and grab some grub. We ended up at Memphis Minnie's on Haight and Fillmore. Southern barbeque for dinner? I didn't see any fail in this situation. Our dinner was delicious as expected. We left with satisfied tummies, and very wise advice:
Now that our stomachs were full of goodness, Sean and I were determined to snap a photo of the two of us together, at last. It's funny; Sean has been my longest loyal friend and we barely have any photos together. We were determined to change that by the end of the night. We made our way back to my apartment to watch some television. That quickly got boring. I propped my camera on my kitchen counter top, set the timer and my camera started snapping away. Why didn't we think of this sooner? Duh, set the timer. We finally have a recent photo together:
I love this photo because it now reminds me how loyal of a friend Sean is. Can you believe we've been friends for over 10 years? I can't either. I love this photo because earlier today I had made plans to hang out alone, but ended up with some company because Sean is a good friend. It's always a delight to hang out with you, and thanks for today. Remember: set the timer!!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Arieson loves zombies
I am so glad i purchased this shirt for Arieson. Something about it makes it the cutest thing on a little 2 year old to wear about. I love this photo in particular because he's on his little tricycle, looking like he's about to go after some zombies, and also because Spongebob is in the background, hehe.
Current obsession: peplum dresses
My favorite look, as you might have guessed, is the model's look on the far left. I love the kind of silhouette this gives, and I'm kind of glad it's making a come back. The thing about the peplum dress is that it only looks well on certain body types and with certain fabrics. I think the way Whitney Port (second from left) is wearing hers is all wrong. Rihanna (middle) and Lily Allen (far right) come close to second best in pulling off their peplum dresses.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Advice for High School Graduates (reblog)
There is no way this statement can be any truer. Does anyone else find having the right friends and being in the right relationship challenging? I may be one of the few, and some may be blessed with a natural selection of the people they let in their lives. I just never thought I'd have to work so hard to be, and just be, happy. This right here, merely screams to the people who find it hard to find true happiness or who are still searching for it. I wish someone told me these words when I graduated high school.
The most important decision any of us make is who we marry. Yet there are no courses on how to choose a spouse. There’s no graduate department in spouse selection studies. Institutions of higher learning devote more resources to semiotics than love.(via Sean)
The most important talent any person can possess is the ability to make and keep friends. And yet here too there is no curriculum for this.
The most important skill a person can possess is the ability to control one’s impulses. Here too, we’re pretty much on our own.
These are all things with a provable relationship to human happiness. Instead, society is busy preparing us for all the decisions that have a marginal effect on human happiness. There are guidance offices to help people in the monumental task of selecting a college. There are business schools offering lavish career placement services. There is a vast media apparatus offering minute advice on how to furnish your home or expand your deck.
Tattoo of the Day
Looks like colored pencils and water color! Lovesit. I'm definitely thinking of getting a leg piece now.
My GoldinUniverse
I normally don't do these self discovery tests, but I was somehow drawn to this particular one. I think it's because right now, at the moment, my mind has been jumbled in terms of my career path, and where I'm deemed to be going. I guess you can call it a "quarter-life crisis"? I don't like that term either, but more and more it's beginning to define what I've been going through, personally.
(Thanks, Kathreen)
The funny thing about these tests are that you realize how fitting these can be when you're at a point in your life where you just need answers; so bad that anything would just do. Just a simple explanation of why things are and what things should be is almost like a gold mine of discovery. I don't know about you, but this seems pretty spot on on my part, and I'll take that...for now.
Try your ColorGenics here.
(Thanks, Kathreen)
You are in a state of constant expectation and want interesting and exciting things to happen to you. But in fact, you are a 'Walter Mitty' at times - a dreamer - over-imaginative and often given to fantasy or day-dreaming. There is nothing wrong in 'dreaming' - how boring life would be if one just followed the doctrines of everyday life - but one must not continue leading a life of continuous fantasy. You need to face reality in spite of all its possible shortcomings.
You 'need to be needed'. As an idealist you are intolerant of anything short of special consideration from those close to you. If you do not get what you seek you are apt to become reclusive and you will close the doors on all those within your sphere of influence.
You feel tired - worn out and listless. The last thing that you want to do is to be in an open conflict with those around you that are forever tormenting you. What to do? That's the rub. You are feeling that you are being choked - unable to breathe.
You are trying to prove yourself - not only to yourself but also to everyone around you. There is much that you would like to say and do but the situation warrants self-restraint and that is the last thing that you have on your mind. It would seem that you have an unsatisfied need to ally yourself with others whose standards are as high as your own. You want to be different - to stand out from the crowd. This is subjecting you to considerable stress but you tend to stick to your attitudes despite lack of appreciation. Of course, you are finding the situation uncomfortable and would like nothing better but to break away from it but you don't like the idea of compromise. Your main problem is that you are unable to resolve the situation because you continually postpone making the necessary decisions. You feel that if you make the wrong choice this would lead to such opposition that you would not be able to command the esteem of others. It is essential that those around you are prepared to comply with your wishes.
You are greatly impressed by individuality and have interest in people who have outstanding qualities. You try to imitate those people that you admire and their characteristics, hoping that you will be able to display similar qualities in your own personality.
The funny thing about these tests are that you realize how fitting these can be when you're at a point in your life where you just need answers; so bad that anything would just do. Just a simple explanation of why things are and what things should be is almost like a gold mine of discovery. I don't know about you, but this seems pretty spot on on my part, and I'll take that...for now.
Try your ColorGenics here.
Rice balls for breakfast
Delicious.
*EDIT*
Per Bradley's request:
Rice
Toasted pre-sliced seaweed from your local Korean market
Rice seasoning from your local Japanese market
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
This reason
I've been giving myself reasons to celebrate every week, and that reason is Sunday. No matter how good or bad of a week, I always seem to find something to smile about on Sunday. That's the rule I've been abiding by for quite some time now, and let me tell you, it's been swell. It's been a plus to have something to look forward to once Monday begins its course all over again.
This past Sunday Sean, Arieson and I spent the day together at the Indie Mart. It was very last minute, but I am happy to have spent the day out with us three together because it has certainly been awhile. I also find that Sunday brings the happy side of me, so I was very delighted to have had my Sunday turn out the way it did.
After the Indie Mart, we decided to head to the Marina and pick up some Tutti Fruitti to relieve us from the incredibly hot for San Francisco heat. On the way, we ran into this humongous dog that I just had to take a photo of, and I normally do not like dogs! We didn't have a chance to talk to the owners, as they were already talking to some others, but we did witness this dog start barking (with immense bass) at another tiny little dog which was enough for us to keep on moving.
It's incredible how San Francisco can be so small, yet have different weather climates in different districts. We went from hot and sticky heat in Potrero Hill to sunny yet cool and breezy in the Marina. Arieson told me he was cold, so I lent him my cardigan and tied it over his shoulders like a cape.
Of course, I had to take a photo of what I splurged on at the Indie Mart. I got 2 shirts for Arieson: one saying "peace" in Hebrew and the other saying "i heart zombies" and a cute hand made pinwheel. For myself I bought a green vintage Louis Vuitton shoulder strap bag with a belt encrusted with gold lions, a pair of cute green Ray-Ban imitation shades, a vintage Casio gold watch, and lastly a thrifty little 1960's tunic. I'm quite pleased with what I snagged from the fair. I must go to these things more often, and find more deals!
We closed our Sunday together back at my apartment and managed to get Sean to watch a few episodes of How I Met Your Mother (HIMYM), and success! he liked what he saw. HIMYM has got to be one of my favorite shows at the moment, and I'm just happy to spread it to other friends. I'm even happier when they enjoy it as much as I do. :)
I continued into the night back towards the city in the TL to meet up with my fashion [school] girls. Jasmine had a house warming at her and her boyfriend, Alex's new place. We then moved the party to the Hemlock to meet up with Sherrie, her husband Jean-Michel and Maggie. Sunday could not have been topped any other way. You see, I have been in a rut lately in terms of my career and where I've been meaning to be going in life (which partly explains my lack of posts). Sharing cocktails and stories and ideas on how to make it in the fashion industry was just what I needed to redeem the awful week I was already carrying on my shoulders. I am blessed to have met these friends and have them in my life. It's nice to know you're not struggling to make it to the top alone.
This past Sunday Sean, Arieson and I spent the day together at the Indie Mart. It was very last minute, but I am happy to have spent the day out with us three together because it has certainly been awhile. I also find that Sunday brings the happy side of me, so I was very delighted to have had my Sunday turn out the way it did.
After the Indie Mart, we decided to head to the Marina and pick up some Tutti Fruitti to relieve us from the incredibly hot for San Francisco heat. On the way, we ran into this humongous dog that I just had to take a photo of, and I normally do not like dogs! We didn't have a chance to talk to the owners, as they were already talking to some others, but we did witness this dog start barking (with immense bass) at another tiny little dog which was enough for us to keep on moving.
It's incredible how San Francisco can be so small, yet have different weather climates in different districts. We went from hot and sticky heat in Potrero Hill to sunny yet cool and breezy in the Marina. Arieson told me he was cold, so I lent him my cardigan and tied it over his shoulders like a cape.
Of course, I had to take a photo of what I splurged on at the Indie Mart. I got 2 shirts for Arieson: one saying "peace" in Hebrew and the other saying "i heart zombies" and a cute hand made pinwheel. For myself I bought a green vintage Louis Vuitton shoulder strap bag with a belt encrusted with gold lions, a pair of cute green Ray-Ban imitation shades, a vintage Casio gold watch, and lastly a thrifty little 1960's tunic. I'm quite pleased with what I snagged from the fair. I must go to these things more often, and find more deals!
We closed our Sunday together back at my apartment and managed to get Sean to watch a few episodes of How I Met Your Mother (HIMYM), and success! he liked what he saw. HIMYM has got to be one of my favorite shows at the moment, and I'm just happy to spread it to other friends. I'm even happier when they enjoy it as much as I do. :)
I continued into the night back towards the city in the TL to meet up with my fashion [school] girls. Jasmine had a house warming at her and her boyfriend, Alex's new place. We then moved the party to the Hemlock to meet up with Sherrie, her husband Jean-Michel and Maggie. Sunday could not have been topped any other way. You see, I have been in a rut lately in terms of my career and where I've been meaning to be going in life (which partly explains my lack of posts). Sharing cocktails and stories and ideas on how to make it in the fashion industry was just what I needed to redeem the awful week I was already carrying on my shoulders. I am blessed to have met these friends and have them in my life. It's nice to know you're not struggling to make it to the top alone.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Spaghetti tacos for breakfast
If you know what this is in reference to, then we should totally be pals.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Joseph and Zooey Cut a Rug On a Bank Heist!
I am totally in love with this, especially after watching (500) Days of Summer (which I highly recommend!) It makes me fall in love with JGL and Zooey even more. I can seriously watch this video/listen to this song all day.
Inspiration: home sweet home series
I kind of have a thing for this gold headboard.
This headboard ain't that bad either.
I would like this apartment.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
On the Street.... Navy & White, Florence
I love that sometimes a hat can still be worn without the hipster irony of "oh, look I'm wearing an old-school hat."
source
Looks like I owe Florence, Italy a visit. This guy just makes sexy look so easy. So, so easy.
Yoplait's GoGurt Yogurt In A Tube
Arieson LOVES this commercial, only because he loves the song. I guarantee this song will get stuck in your head once you watch this.
Inspiration: Gwen Stefani
After watching No Doubt live in concert last week, I have been totally inspired and determined to achieve Gwen Stefani's rock hard abs and bad ass style. I remember pretending to be her when she came out with her solo album, and then quickly getting over that phase during her hiatus from music. But now, the Gwen freak is back! How can you look at this and not want that body?! All of a sudden, daily sit-ups, push-ups and cardio is penciled into an everyday regimen, no exceptions. I've always loved Gwen with No Doubt, and I hope they stay together because I would much rather prefer bad ass Gwen over girly Gwen any day. LOVE!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
My first Giants game experience
Yesterday both Arieson and I were able to experience our very first Giants game outing at AT&T Park. Lauren was able to get tickets for us through her work; the upside: free tickets!, but the downside: sitting around annoying bank people who gossip about customers and other bank employees 24/7! Oh well, I coped in my own way. At least I had Arieson and Toan to diffuse all the chit chatter.
View from our seats
We were way high up, but I loved how we got no wind or cold air from up there
Arieson & I
View of the game from Arieson's point of view
Lauren & Toan
And of course, I had to get the ever so famous garlic fries
All in all, it was an amazing experience. At first, Arieson was a bit skeptical about his surroundings. He was busy scoping out everything around him, but eventually he started jumping around in our seats, hitting up every seat on our aisle and dancing around to all the music that they play in the end. It was wonderful to see him having a good time with us. :) I'd definitely go again, but this time, actually watch the game instead of people watch.
View from our seatsWe were way high up, but I loved how we got no wind or cold air from up there
Arieson & I
View of the game from Arieson's point of view
Lauren & Toan
And of course, I had to get the ever so famous garlic friesAll in all, it was an amazing experience. At first, Arieson was a bit skeptical about his surroundings. He was busy scoping out everything around him, but eventually he started jumping around in our seats, hitting up every seat on our aisle and dancing around to all the music that they play in the end. It was wonderful to see him having a good time with us. :) I'd definitely go again, but this time, actually watch the game instead of people watch.
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