May, June, and Birthday 2013

Hello all!

( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ ﾀﾀﾞｲﾏｧ

I know I have been lacking on posts, but that is because I left my transfer cable/charger for my smartphone at my home in LA! It has been a whole month (or more) and now I am FINALLY uploading.

Truth be told, I have not been taking that many photos. I have been trying to take in everything as it happens and not worry about documenting everything all the time..

HOWEVER, I do have a few photos!

And yes, my birthday was last week! More on that later though.

Food and Travel

So the company I work for finally finished a long and tedious project that everyone had been slaving for until last month. To thank us, they provided us with food trucks!!

We had the Falafel truck, Chairman Bao, an Indian truck, and the Creme Brulee truck! The food was so good...I did not take all the photos because I was busy devouring everything.

Daikon on pork belly with sauce wrapped in bun

Garlic fries with lime

Falafel sandwich

Super delicious!! I should have kept eating the fries the whole time. Haha.

MORE FOOD!

Also occurred last month, I went to New York for the VERY FIRST TIME!! Funny, majority of my photos pertained to food!

Tapas from Caracas

These were amazingly delicious. Do not let the amount fool you, they were quite filling and rather large in size!

The biggest thing I wanted from New York was really to watch Phantom of the Opera as it has been on my list of must-watch musicals since... forever. I finally got to watch it in a lovely house. Here is a vertical panoramic of it:

I was dead center and had the best view. I was super excited!! It was a fantastic show, and I recommend this to EVERYONE!

Had delicious food afterwards at Kenka! Definitely difficult to find since the name isn't written in English..

Outside the restaurant

Inside restaurant

The beer is like $12/pitcher of Japanese beer! If you are not a beer person, try their mixed drinks. My favorite is Kenke Cooler (lychee flavor mixed drink!).


NOW onto my birthday..

Birthday.

I was surprised and taken to Catalina Island for the day! I highly recommend this to everyone as it is FREE entry (ferry) if you go on your birthday! Along with that, a lot of the other activities are free as well!

First thing's first. I needed food in my stomach:

Eggs Benedict

I have a weak spot for Benedict and Florentine. It's impossible for me to not order it if it is on a menu.

And then on to another thing I have been wanting to do for a while..

Yes, I went parasailing. 600 feet up in the air.

Of course, it wasn't that bad since I have done skydiving before! （￣ー￣）

Snacked around and walked and bummed and NACHOS!

After a long day, I met up with some friends at a relatively new tea house called Macchiato.

Things.

A few things I have received as a gift and/or bought recently..

That happens to be navy. I have a love for the color, and forget how much of it I really own. Now I have two regular go-to bags in the same color. (ノД`)・゜・。

Fjallraven Kanken backpack in Original size and Navy color (bought)

     

A navy Michael Kors convertible clutch/shoulder bag/crossbody bag (gift). This is probably the most versatile bag I have had in a while as there are so many ways to work with this! Comes with an extended strap if I want it to be a crossbody.

If you follow me on Facebook, you might have found out that I also have recently purchased a gently-used SEWING MACHINE. I can finally get into making the items I have been eager to own!

OOTD's

Let me start with my exhausted face. I apologize for the lack of makeup!

My bangs finally started to grow out, and since the summer is normally hot and sticky, I am trying to grow my bangs out and try different styling.

My girly Gyaru-esque look for Fanime:

H&M, ASOS, H&M, Taobao, Jeffrey Campbell, Michael Kors (my new bag!)

 Quick on-the-go Otona-esque look:

Tobi, Zara, Karmaloop

H&M, Theory, Sperry

 Mode-esque

Forever21, Rayban, Taobao

?? boutique, H&M, Shoemint

Pre-owned men's cashmere sweater, APC, Sperry, Michael Kors

I have much to blog about. Do wait for more! ☆ﾐ(o*･ω･)ﾉｲｯﾃｷﾏ-ｽ!

February OOTD's and Hauls

I know you are all expecting it..

Happy Lunar New Year!!  ≡ヾ(*ﾟ▽ﾟ)ﾉ

Unfortunately, no photos were taken during the festivities as time was spent with the family! Cleaning, cooking, eating, and all that jazz! Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

Food

Now, let's start off with random pictures of food. Nothing crazy this time guys, sorry!

Salted caramel and lavender ice cream from Bi-Rite

This was amazing. I finished this in 5 minutes. Salted Caramel is a close second to my favorite Mocha Almond Fudge flavor, and lavender was so...refreshing? I am not too fond of eating something that smells like an ingredient of potpourri, but this was amazingly fantastic. I should have bought a pint. Sigh.

Home-cut fruit

 At home, this is what I had after dinner every night. If anyone ever asks how I don't gain weight, I seriously think it just might be the fact that I eat 6 different fruits after each dinner at home.

Grandmother's Foo Jook Tang

This is the one soup that cannot compare. No matter who makes this soup, my grandmother makes it the best. Call it bias, but... no, she makes the best. I have this every Lunar New Year (as well as other select Chinese holidays) and usually drink 3-5 bowls of it. In one sitting. And I am not talking about rice bowls. And yes, I have my rice and side dishes along with it.

Haul

You know, I think the world is evil. When I am trying to practice self-control, that is when all the sales pop up. Fortunately enough, I DO have some form of self-control. So here what I exchanged my wallet for -cough-:

 1. Faux Suede Wedges

A lot of people tend to look at me weird when I get excited over something so...simple. Most ladies out there would expect something epic crazy like a pair of spiked Litas from Jeffrey Campbell, or something more high-end. However, I am stuck with a dilemma that no girl should really suffer through: I walk like my legs are made of JELLO! Of course, this is more of a first-world-problem type thing, but it's really embarrassing! Really! When I think up cute outfits and try to throw on a pair of heels, I sense people worry for me as I walk.

So I realized wedges are my solution. My first pair of nice wedges happened to be Jeffrey Campbell's Mariel in black suede:

Image courtesy of... Google Images

These babies need more loving. So HOT! -(*Q*)-

Ever since then, I have been on a rampage with wedges. ヾ(＾∇＾) Here I am, stopped to take a picture as I was previously trotting happily around the room without falling:

     

2. Leather Doctor's Bag

I used to have this beautiful grey faux leather doctor's bag my brother gave me as a birthday gift. However, because it was not leather, the strap fell apart on me, and it was not salvageable. Because many bags are designed according to trends of the year, it was difficult to find that perfectly sized bag in leather form.

And then I saw this.

I purchased it on a whim, not really putting any thought to it as I had never been able to find a decent doctor's bag. So now I am just waiting for the postman to give me my bag.

          

Only two major items so far! The following were received as a gifts!

3. Lancome Absolu Voyage - Rose Edition

Now I am in the position in which I need to try colors outside the spectrum of neutrals. I have always feared colors as I felt that they make me look... strange. Neutrals have always gone with everything! I received this as a lovely gift though, so now I can experiment with more colors.

Come to think of it, this is a REALLY nice palette as it comes with everything you need:

1. Lip contour pencil in Rose
2. Black khol pencil
3. Powder blusher in Rose Sable 02
4. Compact powder in Translucide 01
5. Concealer correcteur in Beige Clair 02
6. Powder eyeshadows in White Duo G01, Dark Purple Quad A10, and Mono A10
7. Powder eyeshadows in Mauve Quad No. 4 and Gris Acier
8. Powder eyeshadow in 501
9. Solid lip color in Rouge à Lèvres - 306
10. Solid lip color in Rouge à Lèvres - 312
11. Solid lip color in Rouge à Lèvres - 354
12. Mini Virtuôse Mascara in Black

 The colors are really lovely. I just need to find time to work up the colors!

4. Utility Card

A small gift from my brother..

     

I may not look it, but I love utilitarian goods (clothing as well as tools). I found this PocketMonkey on Kickstarter, a site that helps new artists/businesses by allowing them to promote their products and raise funding for their ideas (check it out here!). This thing is the size of a credit card, so it can fit into any wallet! Also, it is TSA approved, so you don't have to worry when you're flying somewhere!

OOTD/WIWT

Some outfit snaps from the previous two weeks:

1. Soft Casual

I was totally in a smooth/flowy feeling, so I wanted to do a casual outfit that was still a bit.. stylish? Flowy top with jeans and desert boots. Did a side-fishtail braid to soften it up a bit..

..then I tossed on a wool coat and I looked more refined. Amazing how an outerwear can do this?

 2. Bright and Clean

Super prep look! Reminds me of Madewell. It has been chilly and gloomy, so a Spring blue oxford top with a pair of skinny-straight (my A.P.C.'s) jeans brighten up the day for me. Hair let down so I don't look so stern (lol!). Paired with grey-white striped angora socks and oxblood penny loafers...

..and then I tossed on my thrifted tweed jacket. So I look like a Professor Hipster or something.

3. Casual City

I really just wanted something comfortable to go into the city with, but the cold weather always got me bundled up in layers and layers. This outfit's main elements would be the vintage wool open-cardigan and vintage leather belt; it keeps me warm and prevents the wind from going in! Soft flowing shirt inside for comfort, with a Heat-Tech (Uniqlo) tank for additional warmth, and a pair of black skinnies. Hair left tousled for a comfortable feel.

Along with outfits, I thought it would be interesting to display my mild fondness for leather and wooden goods:

I have a rack of leather belts, wooden hangers (more to come), and a leather bag. The tables, shelves, dressers, and floor are of all kinds of wood. Overwhelming? NOPE. I NEED MORE.

More to come! Ciao for now. (ﾟ▽ﾟ*)♪

My new pet dragon, food, shopping hauls, and my back-logged OOTD's!

Wow this is going to be a fat update since I have not posted in quite some time! New pet, food, OOTD, and all the fun stuff! If you have a lot of time to kill, this is the perfect post to read lol. Sorry it is so long though.
ｍ（。−_−。）ｍ スイマセーン

My baby dragon

You heard me. A dragon. A real dragon. I now own a DRAGON?! Do they exist in real life? Yes. They do.

Okay, maybe not the type of dragon you are imagining, but something along those lines. He is currently 4 months old! My baby, Talon! Here are some photos! (*≧▽≦)

Talon, right after Obiwon and I got him! Ｏ(≧∇≦)Ｏ

After his first shedding!

After one of his meals. Notice his little gut? (O_O；)

Where is Talon?

Talon decides to rest on my thumb because it was warm. He would not get off.  -squeeee!-

Talon's first shedding! It looks like he is evolving into another Pokemon or something.

Under his basking rock. He is like a dog.

Talon wanted to see the outside, but he's so little it is unsafe for him. Solution: put him next to a window.

My naked face and my lovely Talon.

I think most people are disturbed by this pet! I honestly do  not see why though. Talon is a bearded dragon, which is actually a lizard (BUT he is still a dragon) with spikes all over. He does not look intimidating now, but when he gets bigger, his spikes will grow and he will look like a walking lizard-thorn hybrid.

Talon is a hybrid beardie; he is mixed with red/orange. This means his colors will be vibrant and bright with bits of orange/red. So far it seems that the dominant color is like a citrus green! I wonder what he will look like as he grows!!

As intimidating and "creepy" as most girls claim (all the guy friends think it's cool that I have a beardie for a pet lol!), bearded dragons are easily domesticated! Unless they are absolutely frightened or feel threatened, they can be handled easily by people. Don't get a beardie mad... or else they will harden their spikes and blacken their beards, looking like this:

NOT A HAPPY BEARDIE

So do not upset or scare them. Ever. They will lunge at you and flare out their spikes and get all dark. Not all beardies act this way regularly (like people, they have different personalities and temperament), but when they do feel danger, this is what they will do.

Aside from that, they are 99% friendly and calm. If you can't keep a cat (or you are allergic), this is thee next best pet to have! Did I mention they need minimal maintenance?

Noms

FOOD! I haven't been as diligent with updates on the food I have been having (not like anyone wants to see what goes in my stomach), but I totally wish I did. Sometimes it is best to cherish the moment without ruining it by slamming phone-cam photos every few minutes you see food pass by.

Then again, I do that often. Just not as much this time lol!! Let's have the pictures do the talking:

English tea! Because it has been cold and I love hot milk tea made at home!

Homemade pesto pasta with shrimp.

Homemade honey pancakes with peanut butter on top. I used honey instead of sugar and maple syrup.

Grilled steak with rice, string beans, bok choy, and boiled potatoes. Yes, homemade :)

Ramen with veggies, egg, and babeque pork. Also homemade (except the noodle packet haha)

Hong Kong style iced lemon tea

Wonton/dumpling/beef noodle soup.

Homemade chicken noodle soup. Fresh chicken broth (made at home) and home-shredded chicken meat!

My Thanksgiving meal. Enough said. Hahahhaa ;x

At last, my soy latte from Starbucks.

Shopping haul

Okay, aside from my new pet that I am still bubbling about, I have a mini haul to update you guys on!

So near Obiwon's place is a newly opened outlet mall called Paragon Outlets. Lovely place to go! Many shops I frequent are there, but are now OUTLETS, which means reduced prices! My purchases:

Kate Spade box! What did I get?

My new Kate Spade purse

I love getting Kate Spade bags as I always want bags I can use over and over again; simple bags, nothing too flashy. I went to the grand opening, and this bag was tagged down 40% off with an ADDITIONAL 20% off my whole purchase! I end up getting this for less than 100USD!

L'Occitane En Provence box

My new scent! Eau Captivante, a unisex cologne!

Recently, I have been noticing this store popping up around Northern California. L'Occitane En Provence is a French label famous for their shea butter hand cream (which I also own; smells like baby lotion and is super travel size!). When I walked into the store, I realized they had a fragrance collection! This scent, Eau Captivante, was actually perfect for what I was going for! Though this is more of a Spring scent, I nabbed it anyways since I heard it was sold for a limited time. Fresh, minty, a bit woody with some citrus, guys and gals will love this!

Other hauls!

I purchased a few other things as well with my friends..

SHOESSSS!! My lovely cosplay friend Ana decided to do a Taobao group order and so I indulged a bit since they were at a good deal (and quality is good too!). I was super surprised when I got them since they are from China; I was thinking the materials would be cheap and fall apart easily. However, the top shoe was made of a nice suede/velvet material, and the lower-right shoes were of great faux-leather quality. I was very surprised! Some better photos:

Nude wedged flats with removable ankle straps.

Mary Jane platforms with removable ankle straps.

Gold-tipped suede/velvet loafers.

The last pair has to be my favorite. I have been wanting plain loafers for quite some time, but when I found these with the bit of gold on the tip, I had to have it. A better look:

My legs look freakishly long, but I'm only 5'7". Just saying.

Quality was a lot better than I expected, so I definitely got a great deal on these! With shipping and everything, total came to be about 20USD per shoe. Not too bad!

OOTD

Some outfits I have been wearing. I did not get the chance to document all of it since that would make this an epic-long essay...or book. Please excuse some of the shoes as I have to wear good walking shoes for work since I move around a lot!

First day of work.

Lazy/comfy weekend outfit.

Wearing a vintage wool open cardigan from my dad.

One of my closet staples for the Winter, my angora open cardigan.

So happy with this cardigan! Especially with the pockets!

With my new Kate Spade bag!

 Not sure if I ever posted a clear picture of my hoodie (worn above). I handmade this hoodie a few years ago to keep warm during the cold nights at conventions, and now it is making its way into my Winter closet. It is lined inside and out, with the ever-so-soft baby blanket fabric (not sure what it is called). Here is a better photo of the outerwear:

Wearing my new maryjanes.

Wearing my new loafers.

You will notice the repetition of sweaters. Reason? It is freakishly cold! I have to keep layering! I have been loving the tidy-up look of a nice button-up and a sweater, but I am definitely waiting for it to be warmer so that I can dress mode/onee-gyaru again!

Denim

You may have noticed in my previous outfits something.

"Is she wearing the same jeans in like... 95% of the photos?"

Yes. Yes it is. And that's a great thing.

My jeans, as I am sure I have mentioned before, are raw. That means they have not been chemically enhanced or touched in any way. A simple way to describe it is that it is... raw. No sand-blasting or manually labored fades were put on my jeans; everything was done by the fit and movement of my body.

I love it. These jeans start off as this deep/dark indigo (looks almost dark grey-blue), and fade into a nice warm blue over time. It has been 6 months of no washing (you say gross, I say loved) and now my jeans look amazing. You can learn more about raw denim here if you are interested. Here are some before and after photos I found online:

My jeans. I apologize for the lighting! It is not as dark as it appears here.

APC Petit Standard, without any wear (it is unisex!)

At first glance, they don't seem like much at all. Just regular jeans hanging on a hanger. But those fades and folds are all from me! Sitting, running, walking, bending, etc. All the physical activities contributed in the personalization of these jeans! Raw denim is more durable, and looks even better over time! Here are some close-up photos of some parts of the process:

Honeycombs; these are fades/creases behind my knees.

My mild fades on the back pocket from sitting. I guess I sit a lot? Hahaha.

Fades on my knees! You can only see a slight color difference if you compare the left and right side.

I am totally loving minimalist jeans, and these jeans are actually unisex! My jeans are from..

A.P.C. Petit Standard

APC. A relatively expensive minimalist brand, but everything fits extremely well. These jeans cost 175USD, a hefty price for a pair of jeans for the average consumer, but worth every penny! A good thing about purchasing APC raw denim is that when you feel you have worn your jeans out enough that they need to retire (or you feel that you got the wrong size but have already worn it out), you can trade in your jeans for a new pair at 50% off; the worn pair will be dry-washed and re-sold to those who don't want to wear out their own jeans.

And you may be thinking, "Dang, size 24? So skinny!" NOPE. I AM A FAT PIG I SWEAR! Another perk about these jeans is that you need to size down 1 or 2 sizes from your normal fit. Reason? Raw denim stretches. It starts off feeling starchy and much like cardboard, hugs your legs like a tight sausage, but over time (there are many methods and pains you can go through to fit it to perfection; research first!) it fits perfect! I started off not being able to button any of the buttons (there are 4), and slowly I would progress, one month after another, one button a time.

So happy, I want a straight pair for comfy/casual days now (my current one is skinny-straight). Gotta' find the next one to purchase!

Okay, my update was fat. I'll let you guys rest your eyeballs before anything else explodes in your brain.

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☆ﾐ(o*･ω･)ﾉｲｯﾃｷﾏ-ｽ!!