Winding Down

Bonjour, dear friends! It's been awhile since I've typed a proper post, and oh how I've missed you. Were your Christmas's fantastic? Ours was kind of nutso, as I experienced my first white Christmas here in Dallas, Texas. Can you believe it?? Unfortunately it meant that I spent 99% of Christmas Eve alone at home (avec Lola, thank G) praying that my sister's flight would get in safely, and that my entire family would make it back from the airport. (It took them hours to get home!) Luckily everyone made it home safe and sound, and we had a late-night dinner and present-opening shindig, and all was well.

Now it's about to be New Year's Eve... crazy! I've been fortunate enough to spend this week with my family. My aunt and uncle from Canada flew in on Monday, and we've all been having a ball. The anxiety is starting to creep up on me, unfortunately, and I'm getting un peu nervous about returning to the real world on Monday. It's not just work in general that I'm dreading, but the specific work in question that I know is waiting for me. It's... well, it's scary. And I don't want to do it. But I have to. And... yeah.

Today I saw Avatar in IMAX 3d, and it was quite possibly the best movie I've ever seen. I didn't expect to love it so much, but I did, and after I left the theater I couldn't help but feel sad. I didn't want to be in the real world, I wanted to escape back into that magical land. Isn't that what movies are all about? Taking you out of the present, even if just for a little while? (Or in Avatar's case, a long while?) I haven't felt that way in a long time, and it's been tres difficult to digest.

But alas, here I am. I'm going to try and make the most of the rest of my trip and stay positive about the future. In any case, I raise my champagne coup to you for a FABULOUS New year!!! It's going to be a good one, I can tell. ;) I hope you spend it with those you love!!

Gift Exchange!

Bonsoir, mes amies! Merci for all your SWEET comments on my last post. I was really nervous about doing a video because well, let's face it, it's reallly putting yourself out there. But of course you were nothing but sweet so MERCI BEAUCOUP!!

Here's another video (I'm hooked!) of my Gift Exchange prezzies. I LOVE THEM! Enjoy... (Oh and pardon my awful hair - didn't have time to do it this morning. Eek.)



Maryam's blog and twitter (YAY THANKS AGAIN, MARYAM!!!)

Nina's blogs: Femme Rationale and Love and Lemonade

Nina's etsy shop

Also: do any of you know how to add that pop-up text to youtube videos?? I am hopeless when it comes to figuring that stuff out. It's a miracle I even figured out how to record and upload videos! So any help would be MUCH appreciated!

My swap buddy got her prezzies today (yay!) so maybe I'll do a follow-up post linking to hers and all the other fabulous women involved. :) So fun! I love you all!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

SURPRISE!!!

DECEMBER DREAMBOARD

Haha hope you guys liked my first video! Apparently I saw "awesome" a lot, too... my bad. LOVE YOU GUYS!! See you in 2010!

Petit Break...

Hello, my gorgeous gals (and guys)! I hope y'all had a FANTASTIC Thanksgiving!!! Mine was good, albeit a bit strange. It included rustic wilderness (sort of), a lack of bathrooms, and lots of Korean BBQ. Hmm. I missed my side dishes, but it's okay, there's always Christmas. ;)

Sooo I think I'm going to take a petit break from blogging. Idk how long this break will be (maybe a day? maybe a month?), but it is what it is. I think I'll def. post my December goals and December full moon dreamboard (oh and also my Holiday gift exchange!), but after that, I'm just needing some time and space. I do hope you understand. And I really hope you'll be here when I get back. (Oh and don't worry, I'll still be twitter-happy, yo!)

Lots of love and oodles of sparkly holiday goodness to you all!!! I LOVE THIS SEASON!!!!!!!

P.S. This time of year always makes me miss Londy. :( I absolutely lived for the gorgeous Christmas lights on EVERY building. Harrods was particularly delightful. Oh Harrods... I miss you lots.

Happy Monday!

Good afternoon, my darlings! How has your Monday been? From what I've gathered via Twitter, it hasn't been the best Monday (if such a thing exists). Mine definitely started out on the wrong foot, and so I find it's the perfect time to create my Happy Monday List. Voila what's making moi happy today...

1. I had my annual review this morning with 2 very powerful partners in my firm, and it went SUPER well!! Soo much better than I expected, and I am absolutely thrilled, and yes, a little proud of myself, too. ;)

2. I picked up my car today from the dealership. I finally got the damage from my two hit and run incidents (car hit on 2 diff. occasions while parked in work garage - no notes - booo), and I've been so nervous with the rental car. I'm so glad my TL is back in my possession!

3. THREE days until THANKSGIVING!!! I'm spending mine in Dallas with my parents, Lola and extended family. We are probably going to have more Korean food than Thanksgiving food, but I'm okay with that. :)

4. I've already seen New Moon two times! I know, I'm nuts, but I can't help myself. I know some are disappointed by the film, but I loved it. Makes moi tres happy!

5. Bahlsen Choco Leibniz aka butter biscuits & dark chocolate aka heaven on earth. I've been munching on these babies all day - yummmm.

New Moon: A Review

Last night I went to my first midnight showing, and it was worth every painful, uncomfortable second of sitting on hard (and probably filthy) concrete with a bunch of other Twilight freaks. Voila my petite review of the epic NEW MOON!

LIKES

1. Better overall aesthetic – Although I absolutely adored the original Twilight, you could tell it was made with a tres limited budget. Things just weren’t as polished as you’d expect a sci-fi romance to be. All that changed with New Moon (as it should’ve – hello big bucks!). The movie was executed much smoother, and the special effects (aka BADASS WEREWOLVES TO BE DISCUSSED BELOW) were fantastic.

2. Better Bella? It pains me to say this b/c I absolutely abhor Kristen Stewart as an actress and person overall, and she was GOD AWFUL in the original Twilight (that scene in the hospital bed??? you’ve got to be kidding me). But. She was actually better in New Moon, and I didn’t want to smack her every 5 minutes like I did with Twilight. Her lack of tears still upset me (hello, Bella in the book = a big hot mess when Edward dumps her), but overall, she was much more bearable. (She’s also thinner and prettier in New Moon. Damn you, Hollywood!)

3. Hello, Jacob – So, I am mature enough to admit that Twilight was a pretty awful movie in many respects. Nonetheless I saw it a total of SEVEN (yes, seven!) times in the theater. Pourquoi? Because of Edward Cullen. Because of Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen. Because he was absolute perfection in that role. Fast forward to New Moon. I had my fears that Edward wasn’t looking as suave/gorgeous in this one based on trailers and pics I had seen, but wow, he really disappointed moi. His hair isn’t as big (makes a huge difference), and he looks… older. Almost wrinkly. And the color of his skin is different, too. I was not a fan. JACOB, on the other hand? Holy. Cow. I feel like such a pedophile for saying this (ya know, b/c he’s like 12), but good god that boy has a bangin’ body. Body + tan + short haircut + adorable sweetness? I found myself beyond conflicted by the end of the film. Team Edward or Team Jacob? I just don’t know.

4. WEREWOLVES!!! By far, my FAVORITE part of the movie was the werewolves. First, they were freaking terrifying (AND GINORMOUS). Second, they were just so badass! I felt myself loving the werewolves more than the vampires (which SO did not happen when I read the book). Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t like the cast of werewolves when they are human (with the exception of Jacob) better than the vamps, but as werewolves, they are incredible. I want one!!

5. Le Book – New Moon, like Twilight, stayed true to the book which is exactly what Twilight fans want.

6. Music – Wowza, this soundtrack is incredible. Death Cab, Thom Yorke, Anya Marina, Bon Iver & St. Vincent, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Grizzly Bear… So. Freaking. Good. Download immediately.

DISLIKES

1. Not-as-hot Edward – See #3 above. Also? He looks gross sans shirt.

2. The ending – The ending was meh. The ending of Twilight? Phenom. That scene in the gazebo with bazillions of twinkle lights and Iron & Wine’s Flightless Bird, American Mouth (best song EVER) playing, and Edward’s big hair, square jaw, and luscious lips?? Heavenly. This ending? Sort of lame, but I guess, to be expected.


As you can tell, I don’t have many complaints. I loved the movie. I can’t wait for Eclipse as there is more action between vampire and werewolf. Most of the complaints of New Moon that I’ve seen is that there was no chemistry between Bella and Jacob and that it was corny. First, the chemistry is completely diff. from Bella and Edward b/c that’s the way it’s supposed to be. She sees him as a friend. Their almost-kissing scenes are not supposed to be as sexually charged as those with Edward. Duh. Second, the books are corny so it naturally follows that the movies will be. Deal with it.

Aaaand… because I can’t help myself. Here’s some eye candy!


P.S. My Twilight buddy (who will remain anonymous b/c she is beyond embarassed about her obsession whereas i broadcast it to the world) and I are definitely getting together tonight to watch the original Twilight. Uh huh!

Parisienne Chic

{from the cherry blossom girl}

Stripes

Chanel

Gold jewelry

Thigh-high boots

J'adore.

"we just died and went to perfect outfit heaven"

I know it's kind of nuts, but the first time I saw this outfit, I kind of died. I loooove it. I love the stripes, the high waisted belted shorts, the trench, the dash of plaid, and the CRAZY thigh-high boots (still want a pair... i know, you prob hate them).

{Quote & pic from fashionista}

Speaking of BOOTS, did I mention that I scored my Frye Paige riding boots on ebay for $100 less than the retail price? HOLLLAAA!! I also got the chance to actually try them on at the massive Macy's in San Francisco, and oh. my. god. they. FIT! I have freakishly massive calves, to the point where my ex-boyfriend (who loved me dearly and thought i was beautiful) made the mistake of rubbing my legs and then asking, "Why do Korean girls have such MASSIVE calves?" Uh huh. No worries, we've been over for a LONG time!

Anyhoo, I've (sort of) come to peace with my calves, but nonetheless I am THRILLED that these boots fit! They are gorgeous and perfect and I will wear them forever and forever amen. (P.S. They are also a Rachel Zoe pick on Piperlime! Coincidence? I think not.)

California Here We Come

Remember that Phantom Planet song? We've been on the run, driving in the sun, lookin' out for number 1, California here we come, right back where we started from... It was the theme song for the OC (ahh i still remember when that show was good...). Anyway, what happened to Phantom Planet?? They were pretty good.

ANYway before I go down that tangent, I am savoring this down time before yet another meeting, I wanted to share some highlights from my trip. Vacations are even more rare now that I'm working full-time, so each minute was jam packed with sisterly goodness. :)

HIGHLIGHTS OF MY TRIP: PART UN

Dinner Friday night @ Joya - a hip and happening tapas restaurant in downtown Palo Alto

I had my FAVE dessert there - chocolate lava cake a la mode (their vanilla was spiked with thyme - surprisingly delicious!) Also? Their mango mojitos are amazing.

Afternoon tea at the MOST DARLING tea place - Crown & Crumpet Tea Room. Seriously, if you find yourself in San Francisco, make a reservation immediately! As you can tell from the pics, it's eye candy deluxe. And the scones were delish!

Dinner in San Francisco at Town Hall, one of my fave SF joints. Cozy, unpretentious, and serves up jazzed up comfort food like buttermilk battered fried chicken, smashed potatoes and collard greens. (P.S. Isn't my sister's limited edition Unicef Gucci Indy bag FANTASTIC??)

That's all for now. Blogger doesn't seem to want me to upload anymore pics!
Hmm i wonder why...
Part Deux coming soon!!

Positive Polly!

Bonjour, my darlings! I missed you dearly while I was in California, but augh, can I just say? BEST. TRIP. EVER. I am literally counting down the days until Christmas vacay when Lola and I will have an entire WEEK w/ my FAB sis and bro and little Sofie monster!! (P.S. The pic is from dinner Friday night - love the glowy/blurry-ness of it!)

My sadness over leaving Ma Soeur hit me late on Sunday. I really, really did not want to hop on a plane back to reality. I thought that once I landed, I would for sure get tres depressed and spend the evening crying on the couch (per usual). But I surprised myself. Instead of sulking, I got busy! Working, unpacking, etc. and before I knew it, I was ready for work today. As for today, well, it has been pretty crappy work-wise (lots of h8ers!), BUT somehow I've been positive polly despite that! Amazing!

Tonight = more unpacking, more working, watching The City, and eating leftover kale and white bean ragout with hot, crunchy and buttery baguette. Yay! Oh and hopefully blogging all about my trip avec beaucoup de pictures!

A Petite Note From Moi

My Darlings,

I am having the BEST time in California avec Ma Soeur. From our fantastic Friday dinner & drinks (pink sequins + faux leopard galore!) to our Saturday excursion to the city (San Francisco), this weekend has been nothing short of magical. Mango mojitos, delicious scones w/ clotted cream, my FAVE cream puffs from Beard Papa's, and shopping GALORE (found BOTH my Frye Paige riding boots AND my Michael Kors watch!!!).

A highlight? Definitely visiting the Chanel store in Union Square to get more deets about my gorgeous future bag: the Chanel classic flap... (cue music)


One day, this will be mine. Saving begins... NOW!

Photo du Jour

I couldn't resist this photo op last night as I was pulling images for collaging...

The Future

Jennifer's visit got me all hot and bothered about the future and where I see myself in the next 1, 3, 5, 10 years. And with the new year just around the corner (2010... can you believe it??), I've been thinking a LOT about my "word" for 2010. My word for 2009 was simplicity, and even though I don't think I quite mastered the concept, it definitely infiltrated my life in more ways than one. I already have a couple of themes in mind for 2010, one of which is frugality.

In my mind, I already have beaucoup de trips planned for next year. DC in January, New York in March, some international trip in between, and undoubtedly another jaunt to California. I'm not sure when it happened, but I've noticed my sense of entitlement to travel more than ever as of late. Travel used to be a luxury, a treat, and not something everyone can do at the drop of a hat. I feel as though that mentality has shifted, not only for me, but for my friends as well. What's the rush? I'm only 26 and quite well-traveled as it is. Why do I have to do everything and go everywhere NOW?

It's this sort of thinking that led me to ponder 2010 and how it will be a bit of a transition year for moi. I *think* I've decided to not do a big international trip (le sad). I say I think because I'm not sure if that's what I want to do. What I do know is that doing so will help me save thousands of dollars (that I can put towards debt and/or savings!!). It's just one year, you know? I have the rest of my life. And quite frankly, I don't "deserve" anything. I have plenty in my life as it is.

Now, I'm curious to hear what you think. Am I talking crazy? Is this a stupid idea? Or does it make sense? There will be other ways in which I will evoke the concept of frugality in my life, but this is by far the biggest. I really want to hear your thoughts on this one. I also want to know: what will your word for 2010 be? Have you started thinking about it? I urge you to do so!

Photo du Jour

Voila Jennifer, Silky, Pam, et moi at Mozart's on the lake (an Austin gem!). Gorgeous day! Incredible women!! WONDERFUL MEMORIES!!

PARISIENNE Picnic

From le blog:

"PARISIENNE is the essence of a woman who knows how to love and how to live. At the heart of YSL’s DNA is the empowerment of women, and true to this we believe that any woman, anywhere, can adopt the values of being a PARISIENNE. To celebrate the launch of PARISIENNE, and to encourage women to find their “inner PARISIENNE”, we have created www.ExperienceParisienne.com, where the essence of a woman and her PARISIENNE experience is shared with other women.

In this spirit, YSL is sending five renowned bloggers on a journey around the country to discover and reveal their very own PARISIENNE experiences in New York City, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Yves Saint Laurent has chosen an ensemble of women with passions for beauty, art, design, music, fashion and food to create a travel diary of their trip. Stay tuned here to read articles, see photos and follow the women on their journey"

How fun is that?? The first post I stumbled across involved a delicious mini French picnic on... an airplane! That's right!! Personally, I abhor flying, especially now that I am forced to take off my shoes (even flip-flops!) at security. Ew. Also? I get uber motion sickness-y and usually have to down several dramamine which make me pass out as soon as i get on the plane (not a bad thing). Anyway, most of all, i hate the food. I hate airplane food and I have airport food (although Austin-Bergstrom has some pretty decent local options). In honor of Julia Child and PARISIENNE, perhaps I'll whip myself a delicious snack to take on the plane? PB + honey? Baguette + goat cheese? What do you eat on airplanes?

{Image from Experience PARISIENNE}

Happy Monday!

Happy Monday, my darlings!! How was your weekend? If you follow me on Twitter, then I'm sure you know I had a FANTASTIC weekend with Jennifer! We ate, we shopped, we laughed, we played, we snuggled avec Lola, and we chatted A LOT. And we made oodles of plans for the future... can't wait! Wish I could share now, but it will reveal itself in time. ;)

And without further adieu, here's a list of what's making moi happy today:

- FOUR DAYS until I'm in California with Ma Soeur!! Our plans include a couple of fancy schmancy dinners out, afternoon tea in San Francisco, beaucoup de shopping, some yoga and/or a long run, and lots of catching up. Woot!

- Meeting Silky Hart, the incredible woman behind Expressive Hart. You know how you just meet some people and they literally glow/sparkle/shine? That's Silky! I hope to join her on a retreat to Costa Rica next year!!

- Knowing that everything happens for a reason. If there was a theme to this past weekend (aside from all the food & burnt orange & Lola loving), then it would be that everything happens for a reason. This rings true for moi EVERY. DAY., and it's just sort of an incredible concept, n'est ce pas?


And not to trample on the spirit of Happy Monday's, but you know what's not making me too happy? The fact that Tay Tay has left Rachel Zoe, Inc. ??? How will RZP ever be the same sans her? This is BANANAS indeed... Guess these fun moments are long gone. Le sad.