Happy Friday! Hope you had a great week (and an even better weekend)!
I seem to be in a very artsy mood lately. I have my sketchbook out and thinking of new designs for an iPad case and accessories (particularly necklaces) and have been religously creating outfits on Polyvore. So, here's one of the outfits I put together recently that reflects my mood. Hope you like the pops of color!
Friday, June 24, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Travel Thursdays: The Suitcase
Happy Thursday! Now that summer is officially here I'm sure you have all been busy making travel plans for the next couple of months. Have you thought about which suitcase to bring? Are you in search for THE perfect suitcase? Here are two suitcases that I'm lusting over. I love the details on the JCrew Centenary luggage on the left and I can't get over the sophistication and streamlined look of the Valextra on the right. Which one do you prefer? Is it worth the splurge or maybe next lifetime? Regardless of your preference, either one would be perfect for lugging around in style.
Winsome Wednesdays: Heaven Sent Chantecaille
Happy Wednesday! Hope you are having a fabulous mid-week.
A couple of years ago, I was in search for a great foundation that would meet all my criteria: something that was lightweight (an essential for someone who lives in Dallas), something that looked natural without looking cakey, foundation that blended well with my skin tone, and lastly something that wouldn't cause my skin to break out. So, Philip at Barneys in Dallas, introduced me to Chantecaille. And since then, I have been a loyal consumer. Honestly, it will be the only foundation I'll ever use.
For my darker, Asian skin tone, the Chantecaille Futur Skin in sand is the perfect match. $68 at Barneys.com.
Emotag: Affordable luxury!
What's your favorite beauty product or line that you just can't live without?
A couple of years ago, I was in search for a great foundation that would meet all my criteria: something that was lightweight (an essential for someone who lives in Dallas), something that looked natural without looking cakey, foundation that blended well with my skin tone, and lastly something that wouldn't cause my skin to break out. So, Philip at Barneys in Dallas, introduced me to Chantecaille. And since then, I have been a loyal consumer. Honestly, it will be the only foundation I'll ever use.
For my darker, Asian skin tone, the Chantecaille Futur Skin in sand is the perfect match. $68 at Barneys.com.
Emotag: Affordable luxury!
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| Image via Barneys |
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Trade Tuesdays: Bathroom Redesign
Happy Tuesday! Hope everyone is having a great week so far. For this week's Trade Tuesdays (also known as our design day), I'd like to share with you my design inspiration for my first-ever client, my big sister R. This will be the second bathroom that I will be designing for her and I must say everything is better the second time around.
Below are my inspiration pieces and design for her master bathroom since the layout for the tub and shower are the same. The hardwood floors in her master bedroom are dark tones, so we will continue the same color palette for the master bath.
For the shower:
Natural stone to be used:
Oil-rubbed bronze for fixtures:
Can't wait to get started and post the before and after photos.
Below are my inspiration pieces and design for her master bathroom since the layout for the tub and shower are the same. The hardwood floors in her master bedroom are dark tones, so we will continue the same color palette for the master bath.
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| Image via here |
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| Image via here |
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| Image via here |
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| Image via here |
Can't wait to get started and post the before and after photos.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Munchies Mondays: Crockpot Recipe
Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a wonderful Father's Day weekend.
I was watching a Real Housewives of New York episode (yes, I admit it's one of my guilty pleasures); and it happened to be one showing Sonja Morgan cooking in her toaster oven. While some may laugh it off, I have actually cooked pork barbecue on a toaster oven and it turned out to be actually delicious. The toaster oven is a quick and easy way to heat up and cook things. However, my ultra favorite gadget in the kitchen is the slow cooker/crockpot. You put all the ingredients in and you leave it alone. It's no fuss, easy cooking. One of my favorite recipes is slow-cooked oxtail stew. Here's my recipe:
6-8 medium sized oxtail pieces
1 large onion, chopped
1 whole garlic, minced
1 tsp basil
1 tsp oregano
salt and pepper
1 large can of whole, peeled tomatoes
Sear the oxtail in a skillet for about 2 minutes each side. Once it's browned, transfer into the crockpot and add the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low heat for about 6 hours and serve with rice or bread. Pics will be posted next time I make this at home.
I was watching a Real Housewives of New York episode (yes, I admit it's one of my guilty pleasures); and it happened to be one showing Sonja Morgan cooking in her toaster oven. While some may laugh it off, I have actually cooked pork barbecue on a toaster oven and it turned out to be actually delicious. The toaster oven is a quick and easy way to heat up and cook things. However, my ultra favorite gadget in the kitchen is the slow cooker/crockpot. You put all the ingredients in and you leave it alone. It's no fuss, easy cooking. One of my favorite recipes is slow-cooked oxtail stew. Here's my recipe:
6-8 medium sized oxtail pieces
1 large onion, chopped
1 whole garlic, minced
1 tsp basil
1 tsp oregano
salt and pepper
1 large can of whole, peeled tomatoes
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| Image via here |
Sear the oxtail in a skillet for about 2 minutes each side. Once it's browned, transfer into the crockpot and add the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low heat for about 6 hours and serve with rice or bread. Pics will be posted next time I make this at home.
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| Image via here |
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| Image via here |
Friday, June 17, 2011
Fashion Fridays: High Fashion for the Little Ones
Happy Friday to all! This is the first full week since I've organized my posts into daily themes, and I hope you've enjoyed them.
Everyone has heard of Suri Cruise's enviable closet at such a young age and her much-publicized shoe collection worth over $150,000. But with parents like Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, it's no surprise that she'd be adorned with such extravagant clothes, shoes and accessories. And it makes it even harder to resist when our own favorite designers have now ventured into the children's sector like Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, and now Lanvin.
I've got to hand it to these luxury designers who always manage to make me coo over such adorable outfits (as if it was a baby or a toddler itself). Lanvin unveiled their children's wear (for ages 4 to 10) collection this week and I must say it is absolutely gorgeous! Most would argue that this is an absolute, over the top splurge especially for kids who practically grow by the minute. However, it doesn't seem too bad if you purchase just one key piece like a skirt or a dress that they can use for a while and easy enough to alter as they grow older.
Emotag: Worth the splurge!
And when they have completely outgrown them, you can use a shadow box or a frame to serve as a keepsake or wall decor for the kid's room. Now, you've just extended the use and that completely validates the splurge!
Everyone has heard of Suri Cruise's enviable closet at such a young age and her much-publicized shoe collection worth over $150,000. But with parents like Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, it's no surprise that she'd be adorned with such extravagant clothes, shoes and accessories. And it makes it even harder to resist when our own favorite designers have now ventured into the children's sector like Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, and now Lanvin.
I've got to hand it to these luxury designers who always manage to make me coo over such adorable outfits (as if it was a baby or a toddler itself). Lanvin unveiled their children's wear (for ages 4 to 10) collection this week and I must say it is absolutely gorgeous! Most would argue that this is an absolute, over the top splurge especially for kids who practically grow by the minute. However, it doesn't seem too bad if you purchase just one key piece like a skirt or a dress that they can use for a while and easy enough to alter as they grow older.
Emotag: Worth the splurge!
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| Image via stylebistro |
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| Image via stylebistro |
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Travel Thursdays: Luxury Travel in Manila
Emotag: Worth the splurge!
I've been looking forward to today's blog post because I get to flaunt my hometown: Manila, Philippines. The Philippines has got to be one of the friendliest (if not THE friendliest) countries you'll ever get to visit. You'll always be welcomed with a warm smile. Also, a large part of the population speaks English which certainly helps when you're traveling to a foreign country. Great shopping, good food, and amazing sights and scenery are the things I look forward to when I go back to visit. Not to mention, of course, the fact that I don't have to lift a finger when I'm there which is always an incalculable plus.
If you are thinking of a destination in Southeast Asia and looking for a luxury resort, I suggest the Amanpulo Resort on Pamalican Island in Palawan. This resort is on a private island with powder-white sand and crystal blue waters. Service and facilities are impeccable and there is an abundance of things to do from water sports activities to a world-class spa.
If you're looking to stay right in the heart of the city, there's the Shangri-La Hotel in Makati where you are a stone's throw away from great shopping, restaurants, and bars. The hotel alone has several restaurants to choose from ranging from Filipino, Chinese, to American. There's also The Fort (also in Makati) where there's dining, shopping, and, well, drinking :). Manila is definitely a party place and culturally, that's what we like to do. We make up any excuse to gather, eat, and be merry.
I'm feeling nostalgic as I write this post. My sister and her family are actually in Manila now for three whole weeks and I'm wishing I was there too with my little one; maybe next year. Anyone want to join me?
I've been looking forward to today's blog post because I get to flaunt my hometown: Manila, Philippines. The Philippines has got to be one of the friendliest (if not THE friendliest) countries you'll ever get to visit. You'll always be welcomed with a warm smile. Also, a large part of the population speaks English which certainly helps when you're traveling to a foreign country. Great shopping, good food, and amazing sights and scenery are the things I look forward to when I go back to visit. Not to mention, of course, the fact that I don't have to lift a finger when I'm there which is always an incalculable plus.
If you are thinking of a destination in Southeast Asia and looking for a luxury resort, I suggest the Amanpulo Resort on Pamalican Island in Palawan. This resort is on a private island with powder-white sand and crystal blue waters. Service and facilities are impeccable and there is an abundance of things to do from water sports activities to a world-class spa.
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| Image via here |
If you're looking to stay right in the heart of the city, there's the Shangri-La Hotel in Makati where you are a stone's throw away from great shopping, restaurants, and bars. The hotel alone has several restaurants to choose from ranging from Filipino, Chinese, to American. There's also The Fort (also in Makati) where there's dining, shopping, and, well, drinking :). Manila is definitely a party place and culturally, that's what we like to do. We make up any excuse to gather, eat, and be merry.
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| Image via here |
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Winsome Wednesdays: Boscia Skincare Line
Happy Wednesday, everyone! I'm super excited to share with you my beauty post today on Boscia. The amazing skincare line that is getting rave reviews and unbelievable results. I'm in my mid-30s and still to this day, I still have acne-prone skin. I've tried skin-clearing lines from Euoko, Murad, PeterThomasRoth, Dr Brandt, and Dr Perricone but nothing really worked for me. So I headed out to Sephora to see what other skincare lines are out there that would be great for acne-prone skin and they recommended Boscia (since I've pretty much tried everything else). So I purchased their Clear Complexion Kit ($48) which comes with cleanser, tonic, clear complexion treatment, and moisturizer. It's moderately priced so it was worth a try. Within a week I noticed a great difference in my skin. Their preservative-free, botanically-rich formula did not irritate my skin and it wasn't as oily nor was it dry. I've been using Boscia for about 6 weeks now and I've been told that my skin has cleared. I wish I had taken a before and after photo; but for now you'll have to take my word for it. :). My only regret is that I did not know of this product sooner. My 13 year old nephew who is dealing with crazy hormones is now using it too and loving it.
Emotag: Go get it! This is a steal!
Image via Boscia
Emotag: Go get it! This is a steal!
Image via Boscia
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Trade Tuesday: DIY Project
Happy Tuesday! Hope you are getting in the groove of another work week. I can't wait for the weekend to come so I can start on a DIY project that I would like to do with the little guy. Here's what I'm thinking:
Photo via here
This is a simple yet functional way to store art supplies for a kid's room. It's accessible for little ones and with multiple levels, paint and other art materials that are off-limits without adult supervision can be placed on a higher level. The materials used in this project are easy to find and not intimidating for a new DIY-er to put together. Although we're in the process of selling our house, this work area is easy enough to remove and re-install in a new room. Another good thing about this is that it works in larger or smaller spaces. You can even get more creative by designing the containers or using colored canisters.
Do you have any projects that you're working on for a kid's room? Do share! We're always looking for new ideas to feature and do ourselves.
Photo via here
This is a simple yet functional way to store art supplies for a kid's room. It's accessible for little ones and with multiple levels, paint and other art materials that are off-limits without adult supervision can be placed on a higher level. The materials used in this project are easy to find and not intimidating for a new DIY-er to put together. Although we're in the process of selling our house, this work area is easy enough to remove and re-install in a new room. Another good thing about this is that it works in larger or smaller spaces. You can even get more creative by designing the containers or using colored canisters.
Do you have any projects that you're working on for a kid's room? Do share! We're always looking for new ideas to feature and do ourselves.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Munchies Monday - The French Macaron
Happy Monday! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Our Munchies Monday post will be dedicated to my love and addiction to these pastel-colored, sweet tooth satisfying French macarons. A good macaron has a thin crunch on the outside and a chewy inside. The world-famous Laduree shop has just that; and I'm super excited that they will be opening a store this summer in NYC. For now, here are my top picks for best French macarons in the US:
1) La Maison du Macaron (Chelsea neighborhood in NYC) - Love the atmosphere here. They have delicious macarons in a variety of flavors that goes great with their cappuccino. The comfortable seating in the back allows you to enjoy every morsel of this delicate sweets.
2) Bouchon Bakery (Midtown neighborhood in NYC) - I love the quiche here and their French macarons are another thing to love at Bouchon. It has that crunch and chewiness that makes a great macaron. The place does get pretty crowded, so I recommend getting the macarons to go and find a great spot at the park and enjoy it there. They also have locations in Yountville and Las Vegas.
3) Miette (San Francisco) - Miette has several locations in San Francisco but my favorite one is their Hayes Valley location. This place just oozes with cuteness! You walk in and you get immediately drawn to the pink and green pastel colors of the shop. The macarons are so delicious that it truly is the star of the pastry shop. Miette is offering a Father's Day special. Check out GiltCitySF.
4) Cocola Bakery (San Francisco Bay Area) - Cocola has several locations in the Bay Area. The one I've been to is their Santana Row location in San Jose. This place is alwasy crowded for a reason. Their pastries and cakes are delicious! My two favorites here are their macarons and the Le Sultan (Hazelnut Cake).
Images via Miette, La Maison du Macaron, here, and here
1) La Maison du Macaron (Chelsea neighborhood in NYC) - Love the atmosphere here. They have delicious macarons in a variety of flavors that goes great with their cappuccino. The comfortable seating in the back allows you to enjoy every morsel of this delicate sweets.
2) Bouchon Bakery (Midtown neighborhood in NYC) - I love the quiche here and their French macarons are another thing to love at Bouchon. It has that crunch and chewiness that makes a great macaron. The place does get pretty crowded, so I recommend getting the macarons to go and find a great spot at the park and enjoy it there. They also have locations in Yountville and Las Vegas.
3) Miette (San Francisco) - Miette has several locations in San Francisco but my favorite one is their Hayes Valley location. This place just oozes with cuteness! You walk in and you get immediately drawn to the pink and green pastel colors of the shop. The macarons are so delicious that it truly is the star of the pastry shop. Miette is offering a Father's Day special. Check out GiltCitySF.
4) Cocola Bakery (San Francisco Bay Area) - Cocola has several locations in the Bay Area. The one I've been to is their Santana Row location in San Jose. This place is alwasy crowded for a reason. Their pastries and cakes are delicious! My two favorites here are their macarons and the Le Sultan (Hazelnut Cake).
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
Happy Fashion Friday!
I hope everyone is excited as I am about Fridays. The prospect of just lounging around at home, by the pool, beach, rooftop or wherever you like to spend lazy weekends is already putting a smile on my face. I'm more excited today because I will feature my very first Fashion Friday blog post. Today, I've decided to feature my top picks of the day ranging from high-end designer goodies to on a budget, yet chic finds.
Proenza Schouler beach bag ($485) and towel ($145). Emotag: Worth the splurge!
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| via Harper's Bazaar |
Tombolo Dress by Twenty8Twelve is on sale at Anthropologie for $69.95 (reg. $268) Emotag: Go get it! This is a steal!
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via Anthropologie
Miu Miu Patent-leather and raffia sandals on sale now at the outnet.com for $140 (reg. $350) Emotag: Go get it! This is a steal!
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| via theoutnet |
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| via Hermes |
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| via Neiman Marcus |
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Announcement
Starting tomorrow this blog will have more specific entries featuring food, fashion, design, travel and beauty that are trending and inspiring in these areas. We will start off the week with Munchies Mondays featuring our latest finds for foodies like us. Trade Tuesdays will be our design days. We will feature DIY projects, stunning architecture throughout the world, and home inspirations. Winsome Wednesdays will be especially dedicated to beauty. We will have write-ups on the latest beauty products, beauty tips and tricks, etc. For the jet setters out there, we have Travel Thursdays just for you. Be on the lookout for travel tips, vacation ideas, hot spots and many more! Fashion Fridays will feature the latest trends, our favorite looks, and more.
We hope you enjoy the new direction of this blog. Have a happy, happy weekend!
We hope you enjoy the new direction of this blog. Have a happy, happy weekend!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
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