POTPOURRI

Who doesn't love taking pictures of things that make them happy? 

Here are some share-worthy photos of things that made me smile this week :)

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Stems:

Last week, I bought a bouquet of these pretty flowers which remind me very much of Peonies. As the week went on, they started to wilt, so I cut them into shorter stems and arranged them in a milk glass goblet. 

They sit pretty atop my coffee table. 

My little love is learning Chinese:

He responds to several phrases:

"Ni Hao Bao Bao!" 

"Lai Bao Bao" 

"Zuo hao Bao Bao!"

Seriously? Such a smarty and too cute for words...

Special Delivery:

I feel so blessed to still be in contact with people who have made such an incredible impact on my life. One of which would be my 1st and 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Brown (Auntie;). 
I have SO many fond memories of her class. She was a warm, caring and never ceased to amaze me with her piano skills. 
Today we're still in contact and more recently have connected through Facebook. 

This week I was surprised and so touched to have received an early birthday present from her. 

Literally, the most adorable and unique hob knob, milk glass piece I've seen. I'm very picky about my decor, yet she found something I fell in love with! 
Thank you again Auntie <3

Cesars with Mom:

If we're Facebook friends, you might have seen my post about trying a recipe from a past issue of Martha Stewart magazine. I'm an admitted Cesar salad addict but haven't ever attempted to make it from scratch.

I'll definitely be adding this simple recipe to my rotation... 

DIAMOND RINGS SHINY THINGS

Hi Everyone, 

I finally had the time to post the Arctic Ring and La Petite Etoile...YAY! 

I also listed some gorgeously sparkly necklaces that can very easily be layered with your Ultra Sleeks etc...

I hope you <3 them! 
...and as always every piece is handmade and designed by me <3
{CLICK ON THE TITLE NAMES TO BE REDIRECTED TO MY STORE}
THE ARCTIC RING

THE FACET COLLECTION
{YOUR CHOICE OF GOLD JET, PURPLE GOLD OR GREEN}

LA PETITE ETOILE

VLOG

Incase you missed it...

<3

ALL SMILES

Such a great weekend! 

Girls night on Friday was a blast as always! 

Even though Deana only lives about an hour away, It's only about every couple months that we're able to meet and paint the town red! We have so many fun memories from our college days...and I love that even when long periods of time pass and our busy schedules keep us from seeing each other, when we do it's always easy to pick upright where we left off :)

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Incase you missed it!

Here's a video we posted before leaving for a Friday night out!

 On Sunday, 

I met Doug at The Grove in LA. 

I love it there! 

We had lunch, did some shopping and decided to stop for a cup of coffee at Royal T in Culver City before parting. 

We try to make it there whenever we can...

You know I love everything cute and Asian. I think of Royal T as  more of a little Japanese/ cute things to see and consume sanctuary than a stuffy art gallery <3

Pretty Cappucino 

...though IMHO, my Nespresso beats any restaurant's attempts, hands down!

...Cute Chocolate and Mint Cupcake...

I would have rather had the carrot cupcake but Doug preferred this one. The frosting tasted a bit like toothpaste! lol

I never leave without taking a photo of my feet at the Royal T entrance rug. 

It's too adorable not to! 

PRONTO Y SALUDABLE!

Do you remember this photo? 

If you're my friend on Facebook, then you might have seen it when I posted it last week or so...

I whipped together a super low cal Mexican recipe I created from always having the craving for Mexican food am but not always wiling to sacrifice the calories for it... 

Ahhh a day in the life! 

I had requests for the recipe, so I though I'd share!

SO SIMPLE:

STEP 1: 

I saved some sauteed shrimp (in garlic salt and olive oil) from last night's dinner. You can replace the shrimp with beans (as a vegetarian option), veggies or practically anything else you have on hand! Arrange them on a corn tortilla. 

STEP 2: 

I used one reduced calorie cheddar cheese snacker, that way I know exactly what I'm consuming. Spoon on some enchilada sauce and diced red onion. 

Step 3: 

Roll everything up in the tortilla and prep for the oven. I added one more cheddar cheese snacker on top, more red onion and enchilada sauce. 

*Bake for about 10 minutes at 350-400 degrees. 

I LOVE salsa!

I could probably eat salsa with just about any meal and at any time of day...

I love making this easy, fresh and simple salsa:

*For a heartier version add cubed avocado.

DICE THESE FRESH INGREDIENTS:

1/2 Tomato

1 Green Onion and an equal amount of red onion

Cilantro to taste

A squeeze of lime juice 

Salt and Pepper to taste

...

MIX TOGETHER AND ENJOY!

VOILA!

Because I only made one enchilada (rather than lining up several in a pan for support against each other) it collapsed and the cheese melted all over the pan... It was still delish, but if you're concerned about appearance than I wouldn't recommend making a single one. 

THE HAREM AND THE BAO

I hope everyone's having a great week so far! 

I've been crazy busy.... and it's only Wednesday...YAY/Yikes!

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Hope you find my video below helpful!

The new Harem pants are everywhere this season and in all honesty aren't the most flattering trend. 

Fortunately, if you stick by a couple simple rules they can end up being an inexpensive piece which will easily update your wardrobe this spring!

I know lot's of you are wondering how Bao is doing, so I thought I would share this photo of him trying to escape me snapping photos (sans flash) of him behind the blinds.

(His tiny little paws melt my heart!) 

I may be bias, but isn't he the most precious little thing <3

ON THE HUNT FOR:

COFFEE SPOONS:

Now that I have a chic little coffee machine, I have an excuse to further accessorize!

Besides a few more espresso and coffee cups, delicate coffee spoons are a must ! 

In addition to collecting random antique spoons I fall in love with from different flea markets, these modern-romantic, miniature spoons have got me swooning....

A JONATHAN ADLER NEEDLEPOINT PILLOW:

I know, I know... I've been talking about a JA pillow forever now, probably as long as I have been talking about a Moroccan Pouf... 

But I can't decide on which one and for which part of my place! 

Not to mention the price tag on these pillows. YIKES!

PERFECTTTTT BASIC GREY AND WHITE TEES:

I will forever be on the hunt for excellent quality basic tees. Preferably in greys and whites. 

I wear tees like these with everything and everywhere. 

"Designer" tees are perfect for work and play because the quality of cotton material used somehow makes them look slightly more chic than an average cotton tee...

Often times, Target has very good quality tees, but for some reason they just can't quite get the cut right! 

Though I could probably NEVER bring myself to spend over $100 on a plain tee like this one from James Perse...I better not ever find myself near one because I might somehow justify it. 

If you've ever tried on one of his tee's you'd know what im talking about...

Where do you find your perfect tees???????

NEWEST LOVE AFFAIR:

...My new Nespresso CitiZ...

Is everything I've ever dreamed of...In a coffee maker, that is.

If you've ever been to Europe and have experienced the coffee, then you know that our coffee in the states fails in comparison. 

Particularly, the rich Cappuccino foam. 

It's difficult to find a coffee shop who can recreate European style foamy coffee.

Don't get me wrong, I love my iced coffees from Starbucks.

But it's just not the same. 

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I've been looking for a coffee maker for a while now but am not the typical coffee pot type girl. I was thinking about a Keurig but even with all the flavors offered, I still wasn't impressed. 

I wanted something that WOW'd me and wouldn't sit unused on my kitchen counter. 

Luckily, I wont have to look any further.

This compact, stylish and easy to use machine does everything my heart desires. 

Not only are there unique and fulfilling choice of coffee capsules but the FOAM...OMGSH the FOAM is delicious and decadent!

P.S...If anyone knows of any recipes you've tried with your Nespresso machine that you love, PLEASE SHARE! 

Also, I'd LOVE to hear which capsules are your favorites. I want to order my sleeves soon but would love your suggestions first! 

xoxo

IN MEMORY

OF THE HAPPIEST AND SWEETEST LITTLE HAMMIE WHO EVER LIVED...

Last night my precious little hammie Shau Shu passed. 
She lived a long and loved life and though I'm heartbroken, I know she left after a very happy life. 

There wasn't a day I didn't play with her, let her explore a different part of my place out of her cage, and give her a variety of her favorite treats every night before bed. 

Last night, before bed I went to put a drop of peanut butter in her cage as I did every night. Usually she scurries to her cage's door when she hears me call but this time she didn't.

I found her laying peacefully nestled in her cedar. 

...

...I will so miss her little face greeting me every time I walked past her cage....

She truly was the most loving little thing and brought me lots of joy.
 I love you small shu <3

Us <3

 Our first day together and in her first house. 

She was a spoiled little hammie who had three different cages. 

I always wanted her to be as happy as she could be <3

 She always kept me company while I worked :) 

 I made her a little hammock which she loved to play in >.<

FOOD TALK

I'm honestly not a fan of health food stores, only because I find the products are usually as high in calories and fat as generic products, but double the price and half the taste. 

Trader Joe's is health food type market specializing in their own brand and mostly organic products. 

Trader Joe's and Asian supermarkets are where I typically shop for groceries. Occasionally I'll stop into a major supermarket chain if I'm craving Cheetos or an equally fattening snack.

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What are some of your favorite Trader Joe's items?

Here are a few I always have in my kitchen.

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HUMMUS AND SUGAR SNAP PEAS 

Hummus is typically pretty high in calories but this tomato and basil option is significantly less.

  HONEY DRIZZLED OVER GREEK STYLE YOGURT 

 FASOLIA(GREEK STYLE BEANS). ARTICHOKE HEARTS. CAPERS

I always have canned goods on hand to add to salads, as soup bases etc...

MIXED POTATOES. BABY BROCCOLI. CUT AND PEALED SWEET POTATOES

Trader Joes' produce is inexpensive and neatly packaged.

JAPANESE MICROWAVEABLE RICE SNACKS

They're low in calories and a great snack. I love dipping mine in soy or sweet tempura sauce. 

A SPRINKLE OF MY LIFE AT THE MOMENT

I hope everyone had a great weekend, despite having to set out clocks back!

...yuck...

I love easy to read blog posts of photos capturing things I've been  working on, excited about or have been enjoying and want to share. 

Here are a few photos of just that! 

xoxo

A few months ago I scored an amazing find at a flea market I have yet to share with you... In hopes to reveal it only after I refinish it. 

I've been collecting designer water and unique, antique liquor carafes who are waiting for me to finish it to find their home. 

If you're as in love with Swarvoski as I am, then you're as excited as I am for these new, extra large crystal cuts! 

I literally melted when I saw the Jet and Clear options!

They make for such amazing and mod statement rings!

In my last post, I wrote about a surprise I was waiting to share with you...I was able to take my little Bao Bao home on Friday. 

...Happiness...

A dozen humongous white Chrysanthemums placed in a white vase on my kitchen counter <3

A tiny peek into a corner of my closet where I hang my newest purchases. 

Last week I found this flowy, burnt orange dress at H&M. 

I can't wait to wear it this spring!

Three drugstore lipsticks that are my current go to choices.

(From left to right)

Maybelline- Fushia Fever, Revlon- Hot Coral, Cover Girl- Fairytale

You'll definitely see me wearing these in upcoming OOTD's!

ANTICIPATION

I have a surprise for those of you who follow my blog! 

I'M SUPER EXCITED!

I'll be introducing you to something I have been searching for very soon...

Can you guess what it is?

On another note...

So who else out there is strategizing a way to getting their hands onto an iPad 2?

Any tips or suggestions to solidifying my chances of

 snatching one up?

Though I refuse to camp out store-front, I'll definitely be checking a few for the shortest line before the launch at 5pm. 

An enormous GOOD LUCK to everyone who's been waiting for the 2nd generation! 

This weekend is going to be full of anticipation! 

Hopefully everything goes smoothly! 

DECOR: MY COFFEE TABLE

Hi Loves!

I hope this is interesting to those of you who've been asking for a video on decor! 

xoxo

HAPPY FRIDAY

Don't have much to say today other than I hope everyone has a great weekend!! 

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I'm running to the Post Office now, as I was able to get many of your orders from the opening date of my store finished! 

YAY! 

Start keeping an eye out for your postman! 

xoxo

P.S. Could this little pink piggy be annnnny cuter? He looks so blissful! Totally made my day :)