In A Funk

I've been feeling out of it lately, plain and simple.  It happens about 2-3 times a year where I just...get into a funk.  It's part lightweight depression,  part boredom, part blog/job/travel envy.  But this time, I just want to get out of California...for a long period of time.  I need a change, but for real this time.  I'm tired of it here.  I am so fortunate to live in California, have a job I love, and have supportive friends and family.  Regardless, something just isn't quite right.  I want to see what else the world has to offer because quite frankly, it's downright depressing to save every penny I have in hopes of eventually owning a tiny house in a horrible part of town, in which I will have invested a small fortune.  The Bay Area is notorious for outlandish real estate prices, and I'm trying to buy a home sooner rather than later.  So many things are on my mind, and I feel like I just need a sign.  Sorry for the rant, but I'm so restless I can hardly stand it.  Hopefully things come together soon; I know everything has a way of working itself out.  For now, all I can say is...merrr =/

Three.

My sweets, I have been M.I.A. as of late and for that, I sincerely apologize.  I've been searching high & low for inspiration but alas, it is nowhere to be found.  It feels as though I've been non-stop working, or staying busy with this, that & the other thing. *le sigh*  

Anywho, I wanted to share three lovely things that have captured what little is left of my attention recently.  

1. My mama pie gifted me with this book for my birthday, and it's absolutely wonderful!  As a fashion junkie, I've read countless styling books and wannabe how-to's of the wardrobe world, but every other book seems to fall short.  This book, (written by the lovely creators of Who What Wear,) features gorgeously current yet essential pieces and styling advice that would make The Olsen twinsies blush...or at least think twice about their hobo/boho hot-ass-mess-ness.

2. GAGA.  Need I say more?  Wow, guys...I am so beyond impressed with our Lady's third album.  At first, I was honestly turned off by the all too familiar club pump beats, but after a few playbacks I realized that this was no ordinary record.  Every song has its own unique personality and stands out among the rest.  One might assume Gagaloo has chosen quantity over quality with Born This Way, since there are 17 tracks.  But I genuinely love every song; no favorites.  Errr.... Bloody Mary, Government Hooker, Fashion of His Love.  Whaaa? It's amazeballs, truly.

3. Indie actress and folk songstress extraordinaire Zooey Deschanel has created another soon-to-be cult phenomenon, Hello Giggles. It is "the ultimate entertainment destination for smart, independent and creative females."  Translation: my holy place. Head on over for your daily dose of inspiration, cuteness, and duh...giggles.

Needless to say, I haven't had much time to utilize my mad photography skillz, but I swear I'm on that task like white on rice.  Patience is a virtue, little love bugs.  Cross my heart, I foresee many goodies in the near future.  Stay tuned.

Xo

D

Birthday & A Road Trip

This is WAY overdue...I'm sorry!  Birthday week was crazy, (as you can imagine ;)

Just wanted to share some favorite moments of my recent trip to one of my favorite cities, LA.

Griddle cafe did not disappoint.

I still wake up drooling from dreams of my Umami burger...

And oh, the salted caramel ice cream sandwich! (with macaron cookies!)

If you're ever in LA, you must see the famous Case Study House #22, The Stahl House

Dinner at our favorite downtown sushi spot, Octopus sushi

And a couple shots from my rodeo birthday bash ;)

My birthday week was absolutely amazing!  My best friend surprised me from Vegas (my expression was priceless!) 

I watched Bridesmaids twice (I don't think I've ever laughed so hard during a movie...except for I Love You Man...)

I had several great lunches and a few fabulous dinners, courtesy of my AMAZING family & friends...

and I partied my butt off (as any birthday girl should!)

I'll share more in-depth coverage soon!  I'm sad it's over, but it was a doozie! 

Xo

D

My Lovely Weekend

How was everyone's mama's day weekend?  Hope yours was as lovely as mine was.  On Saturday, my boyfriend and I finally dusted off our bikes and took a very necessary ride through the neighborhood.  On summer nights, we like to ride aimlessly for hours, crossing railroad tracks, counting stars, and grabbing ice cream cones.  

We biked to Hayes Mansion, a local popular wedding/conference venue that I've always been in love with for its dreamy Gatsby/Hearst Castle-like vibe

Love seeing classic cars on the road. 

For mother's day, I made a photo garland with some old pictures.  My mom loved it!  Here are some closeups: 

In our old hometown, Carmel.  I must've been about 4 years old.

My lovely paternal grandmother, Eloise. 

This is one of my favorite photos of me & my mom, taking a little catnap :)

My beautiful maternal grandmother, Araceli.  I have this picture framed on my dresser. 

I tried out a new mini mocha cheesecake recipe that I found here.  It's actually really good and low in fat!  However, I would definitely advise using non-paper liners...

Wishing, Wanting

At the risk of sounding childish, I've decided to create a birthday wishlist for my quarter-century birthday right around the corner.  First off, I've been dreaming of this supple leather clutch by Clare Vivier that I first spotted on one of my favorite blogs, The Asian Cajuns.  *Swoon*  

Next, I'd love to add this beauty to my rapidly growing coffee table book collection.  Fellini is one of my favorite directors of all time.  If you have not yet seen La Dolce Vita, I am commanding you add it to your queue immediately!  It's luscious and haunting, and leaves you feeling like you had the most awesome sleepover and now it's Sunday and your last friend is leaving. Sad, and yet you had the best time while it lasted.

I've been wanting this NARS cream stick for awhile now, but I just could never justify spending 40 bucks on 1 makeup item.  Of course, I would choose the gorgeous and most commonly misconstrued shade, Orgasm.  

Lastly but not leastly, it would be absolutely amazeballs if these were to magically appear under my pillow next Wednesday...sorry I tend to confuse birthdays with major childhood milestones involving mythical gift-giving creatures.  I saw these on a coworker last week and seriously contemplated snatching them off her ears when she was in my cube.  What can I say?  Nicole Richie be makin' some seriously badass jewelry lately.

Top Picks: The Met Gala

Here's a quick roundup of my favorite looks from last night's Met Gala.

Call me crazy, but something about Beyonce's frock speaks to 

me with its '60s Italian glam-meets '80s over-the-top embellishment 

Michelle Williams in this trademark applique 

Miu Miu gown had me swooning

Ginnifer Goodwin was an absolute vision is jade

Diane Kruger was a stunner with that epic thigh-high split.  Yowza!

Florence Welch had me drooling over her '30s-inspired creamy confection.

Last but not least, I couldn't get over how simple yet perfect Leelee 

Sobieski's gown looked; the absolute epitome of classic chic.

I consider this to be one of fashion's biggest nights, so I couldn't help but 

feel a bit disappointed by the lack of fashions risks.  Not to mention the 

lack of McQueen at an event dedicated to the late great.  Sigh.

Book Club.

Time to spill a little bit about my secret inner self.  I am fascinated by modern art, photography, fashion, history, and good food.  While these fields are much too broad to entertain the thought of every single day, it comforts me to hone in on much more specific topics that encompass several of my passions simultaneously.  The first of these obsessions is collecting matchbooks, (art, history, food/restaurants, all wrapped into one.)  The second of these quirks is collecting coffee table books (which cover every one of the topics I treasure dearly...they can be about anything!)  

Most of these books I own cover topics of modern fashion, but I've picked up a few lately that I just haven't been able to put down.  Let me explain...

As an avid vintage treasure hunter, I need to be on my A-game when it comes to searching for new (yet old) goodies.  This book is incredibly informative.  Who knew that clothing tags without fiber percentages dated prior to 1960?  I now have a renewed sense of confidence in my vintage shopping skills, which should come in perfectly handy during my upcoming trip to LA.

Call me crazy, but this book nearly had me in tears every other page.  There were dozens of pictures of beautiful mothers during their prime.  They prove that our moms had such truly amazing lives before us, and that a picture really is worth a thousand words.  I kept reminiscing about the gorgeous photos of my mom from when she lived in the Philippines. And I hope one day my daughter will see pictures of me, and feel the same sense of overwhelming pride.  Can you say, perfect Mother's Day gift?!

This heavy hitter is next on my to-read list.  (But really...it literally weighs 10 pounds!)  What books can't you live without?  Are there any that you would personally recommend?  I'd love to hear. :)

xo

D