Just a few things...;)

This past Saturday was my sister-in-law’s birthday, so I offered to babysit.  It was fun times with “Thing 1” and “Thing 2” and Mommy graciously came to help too!

After the week started, it’s been full days and late nights, but I received a text today From Addy that brought so much excitement!  Our wedding video has shipped!!!!

We are counting down the days until Monday!!  We can hardly wait!

Wishing you all a wonderful rest of the week and hope that you too, get texts that make your days!

Happy Opening Cermony Friday!

This week has been nutso, so I am sorry for the lack of postings this week, but I had to start this Friday off with sharing my excitement for the opening ceremony tonight! EeEkkK!!!  The Mister and I will be heading over to Mommy/Daddy’s to watch it in HD.  We’ll also be eating yummie food and having a great time together as we always do.  Where will you be watching? If you aren’t sure and you want to watch with us, let me know!

Oh and Fill in the Blank Friday is back…old format.  Stay tuned for a FitBF post soon.

And with that…Happy Friday, friends!

On the hunt...

Hear ye, hear ye…if you have She Laq, contact me!

OMG.  I just found out (I’m apparently a little late to the party) that one of my daily makeup products has been discontinued, for now at least.  I am in need of a new bottle so since Sonia and I were at the mall (yes, again :P), I swung by Macy’s to purchase my She Laq.  Much to my dismay, I was notified that it has been taken off the shelves and is undergoing some R+D…supposedly a new one is to be released in a year or so.  A YEAR?!?!  What do I do until then?!?!  UGH.

So, if you happen to have a fave eye brow sealant, could you please share your secret with me?  I’m on the hunt for a temporary replacement while my precious is being revamped.

I must be slippin’ cause usually I’m in the know on my beauty products…especially my dailies...  :/

Oh the woes of being a woman! :D  Happy Wednesday, friends!

Enchanted!

While I’ve been dukin’ it out with this cold of mine, my hubby, as always, has been taking exceptional care of me.  Tonight, he made sinigang (Filipino soup with veggies and meat, yummie!), then propped me up in bed and turned on one of my fave movies…Enchanted (what's not to love about a modern-day fairytale in New York?!?!?!)!

I love most things Disney – Disney radio, Disney Channel (even though I have no time to watch it L), and of course, Disneyland!  I’m not one of those crazed Disney fanatics, but I do enjoy the wonderment of the Disney world.  I’m not sure how accurate of a statement it is, but some people have even described me as whimsical.  I guess the fact that I wore a Disney princess ballroom wedding gown, with a glitter tulle skirt, lends to the whole whimsical label.

My Cinderella dress and my dapper prince!

I haven’t watched Enchanted in forever, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it!  If you haven’t seen it, you are truly missing out.  I have always believed in (and practiced) the importance of childlike “sillies”…to dance crazy, sing out loud, love wholeheartedly, and of course…share in true love’s kiss. 

Wishing you a magical weekend! XOXO!

Christmas Love

And on that Christmas shopping note, thought it was time to share another Bieber Christmas jingle.  Don’t hate on the video…he’s going thru puberty!  This song, along with Mistletoe, is one of my fave’s from his Christmas album, but as you know, I be bumpin' the Christmas tunes year round!

I can’t wait for Christmas…5 months and counting…:D

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

Last night Sonia and I hit up the Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale.  The sale opens to the public on Friday, but since I’m a cardholder, Jennifer, my Nordies lady, always calls to book an early access shopping appointment with her.  It’s nothing fancy or special, but it kinda nice to be able to go thru the merch before it gets crazy on the floor.  Plus she’s so helpful…if you want something and it’s not in the size or color you are looking for, she goes to get it from their backstock.  Actually, I really like Jennifer.  OK, so onto our awesome finds!

Sonia snagged a super cute leather jacket that she looks fantastic in, and clothes for the kids while I started my Christmas shopping!

 

I did buy one thing for myself…my fave MOR lotion!!  A short story on the MOR lotion – MOR is an Australian company so when we were in NZ for our honeymoon, we saw a MOR store.  I went in all excited thinking that things were going to be so much cheaper because we were so close to Australia, but alas, things were so much more expensive!!  My lotion that I just bought at Nordies for $9.90 on sale (awesome, right?!?!) was $35 NZD, which is like $28 USD!  Even when it’s not on sale, it’s still only $18.  Crazy…

After our shopping extravaganza, we were hungry, and as it turns out, there is a Garden Café (a fave of mine) right down the street!  We stopped in for a quick bite before heading home.

Today, as I’m going thru all my purchases from yesterday, I notice that one category is missing…shoes.  Pretty stilettos or cute rain boots...or maybe both!  We ran out of time yesterday, but also my toe isn’t quite ready for the heels yet…and although I already do have those Enzo’s, I love them enough to have picked up a second pair.  The Valentino (swoon!) rain boots are also fabulously cute but I’m trying to justify the purchase when we live in sunny Southern CA.  :/  Sonia and I are going to go back this weekend sometime so I may have to wander on over, just to see what’s out there. :D

On another note, I’m fightin’ a nasty cold.  Praying it will pass soon!  Happy Wednesday, friends!

Sonia: leather jacket

Christmas gifts: flannel, polo (found that I like Tucker+Tate by Nordstrom), tunic

For the hubby: polo

For me: MOR lotion

Wishful thinking: stilettos, rain boots

Yummy yogurt!

Aren’t they the cutest?!  The whole co-branding thing is genius and it’s awesome that so many of the brands I already love, obviously love HK too…Yogurtland, Hanky Panky, Sephora…and the list goes on.  Come on T&Co., LV, and Lululemon…get on the bandwagon (or maybe it’s better that they aren’t…$27 panties are way different than a $2700 purse and I have the feeling I would want the latter just as much as did the former). 

Anyhow, as always, yummy yogurt tasted even better in my HK cup, using my HK spoon!!  HK’s fave flave is Strawberry Lemonade Sorbet and I have to admit, it’s pretty tasty, even by itself.  If you haven’t already, head on over to your local Yogurtland!  For a limited time, it’s not just a treat for your tongue, but happiness for your heart, because as Sanrio says, “small gift, BIG smile.” :D

HK + Yogurtland, again!

She’s baaaaaaaack!!!! 

HK will officially be making her second debut in Yogurtland stores tomorrow!!  Guess I know where I’m headed after the Mister’s bball game…eeEEKKkK, can’t wait!!  

FitBF - Color!

This week over at the little things we do, the FitBF theme is color.  I know it’s random, but the moment I read it, I immediately thought of the nail salon.  Go pick your color, right?! 

So on that note, I’ve decided to share my fave nail colors with you.  If it’s not shown here, I’m probably not interested in ever wearing the color…unless it’s one of those special frankenpolishes…I have been lovin’ some of those! 

Happy Friday, friends!

My normal, although I am VERY picky about it…straight with rounded edges, white part must be thin but not too thin and not too curved, pink in the middle.  I couldn’t find an EXACT picture of how I like it, but this pic is close.  In reality, all that really matters is that Linh (my nail lady)
or Anna (my backup to Linh) knows how it’s done, and they do. :D

Essie’s Pink Ballet Slippers…a pretty soft pink that I love, thanks to Wendy!

I’ve shared this color before, but I do love this when I’m feelin’ like going to the dark side. 

It’s OPI’s Sephora Never Enough Shoes.  The picture doesn’t do it justice,

but it’s black with glitter…awesome!

I have given up my dream to get my hands on this polish, but a girl can wish, right Hongie?!
Lynderella's Snow Angel...

A special gift

I am so sorry for the sporadic posts – life has been nuts!  I know I say that all the time, but really, it’s been a whirlwind of craziness.  My Mister and I have both been running around like chickens with our heads cut off (he’s been hired by my parents to assist with their home upgrades and has been graciously helping me with my name change stuff...I’ve been swamped at work all while trying to fight a $3K fraud claim with Paypal and my bank – SO frustrating!), but somewhere in between the chaos, he found time to do something super sweet.

So we got home on Monday night after being in the car for 10 hours (well, it’s really an 8 hour trip but we made some stops), and I probably shouldn’t be complaining because he drove 8 hours and Daddy drove 2, which made me just a passenger, but something about being on the road for that long was just exhausting.  I had work to do so I jumped online to knock some out before unpacking, showering, etc.  As usual, a few hours pass and I finally peeled myself off the computer, joined my love on the couch, and slouched next to him just feeling totally beat.  As we sat together, we opened our mail and then he handed me a small UPS package.  I saw the package on the table when we first walked in, but figured he had just ordered something online, as I made a beeline to my office. 

I opened the package and this was inside…

His note melted my heart and made my day, my week…AND the HP HK gift was the cherry on top.  With everything that has been going on, his thoughtful package meant even more. 

To my love – thank you for being the greatest hubby ever and for always taking care of me, emotionally, physically and spiritually.  I love you with all my heart and praise God for you!!  You are an amazing man and I am privileged to be your wifey.  With a grateful heart filled with love…Your Mrs. S

Smile in style!

So remember awhile ago I had written about HP coming out with a HK line?!?  The collection is now available and truth be told, I’m a little disappointed with the selection.  There are only 13 pieces and of the 13, I only LOVE a handful.  On top of all that, the pieces are at premium prices!  I usually don’t mind splurging for HK or some awesome panties but I definitely know I’ve got to just decide on just a few faves.

Below are my picks, but you can see the whole collection here.

Happy hump day, sprinkled with Hanky Panky and Hello Kitty!!

colapublib!

Ever since our wedding, I’ve become a serious bookworm, like 19-books-in-4-months-and-counting kind of bookworm.   J asked me the other day, why I thought that was, and I realized that I really don’t know.  The answer I concocted was that it’s probably due to having more time…no wedding planning, no 2-a-day workouts, and also I think having our place, where I can peacefully read, has much to do with it too.  For whatever reason, I’m addicted.

My Daddy recently lent (meaning long term loaned) me his Nook, so I’ve been downloading things on that…and since it came from Daddy, I realized my special hand-me-down nookie also came with a subscription (AKA whatever CC Daddy has on file)!  I also have my weekly NY Times and a few mags I subscribe to.

For weeks now, I’ve wanted to get a library card.  I first was inspired by Michelle, who told me she borrows books from the library digitally, and so it sparked my library mission.  I googled the closest library, printed out the application, filled it out, and have been anxiously waiting for the Mister and I to take a trip down to get our cards.  Well folks, today was finally the day! 

I’m 170 pages into my first rental and already want to go back to get more for our holiday trip (we are going to Lake Arrowhead for Memorial Day).  Thank you, LA County Libraries!

Do you read?  Recommend some good reads to me if you do!

Lash Lust

I LOVE lashes and even that might be an understatement.  I have come to the conclusion that my eyelashes, fake or real, are the most important part of my makeup regimen.  I feel that my makeup really isn’t complete until my lashes are on, and if I’m sporting my real lashes, I promise you, I will not leave the house without them curled and with mascara.  I’m not sure when my lash lust began, but it is in full force currently, and has been for quite some time.

In preparation for my recent nuptials, I decided to try out lash extensions.  I quickly discovered my love/hate relationship with them.  If any of y’all are thinking about getting them, please review my comparison chart below.  Don’t get me wrong, they are gorgeous, but I’ve decided they aren’t for me.  I have yet to try a serum enhancer such as Latisse or Reviatlash, but may soon (thanks to my beauty RN, Hongie!), so I’ll keep you posted.

	Pro	Con
Eyelash Extensions	Always on – lookin’ fab 24/7! Saves time	Takes 2+ hours to apply Costly Can’t wash face like normal Wreaks havoc on natural lashes Stuck with the same lashes 24/7 High maintenance Falls out sporadically
Falsies (strip/individual)	Looks beautiful Choice of lashes to wear Able to wash face as normal	Not lookin’ fab 24/7

A few of my faves that I can’t live without are...

My everyday lash, my staples.

My kinda dressy lash – not too long, not too short…and thick.

My going out lash – longer and more noticeable, but not crazy.

My glam lash – when I’m ready to party it up – BIG FUN! J

And the secret to lasting falsies…

It truly is like eyelash super glue.  Yes, it’s better than Duo and Ardell and whatever small bottle came with your lashes.  It’s magical actually, and my secret weapon. J

And just so y’all know I’m not crazy (well maybe just a little), and not the only one suffering from lash lust, look what I came across in my weekly blue bag delivery…

Get your eyelash gear out girlies and get them lashes on!

Me and makeup

For as long as I can remember, I have loved makeup (and hair too)…putting it on myself and on my friends.  In fact, my girlfriends and I used to do makeovers on each other, then take pictures; sometimes at home and sometimes at Star Shots.  Wow, those were the days. Hee hee…

As life has it, just because we love something, doesn’t mean we’re always good at it, right?  I have taken classes in the past to educate myself (most major cosmetic lines offer free classes at Bloomingdales, Nordstroms, etc. and they are really good!) and have spent years practicing to perfect my makeup skills, but alas, still am a novice at makeup artistry.  My sister-in-law Sharlene is a professional makeup artist and I used to have a friend that was a MAC makeup artist, so I’ve gathered tips from them that have been helpful too, but none the less, I still yearn for more.  My passion has led me to look for a class.  I’ve been on the hunt for an academy that is certified, yet offers individual classes (I’m not interested in becoming certified and/or taking courses in theater, special effects, etc., but do want a legit class) where I can learn how to take better care of my skin (because after all, that is our canvas!), what colors really go with my skin tone, and master some makeup basics (smokey eye, contouring, etc.). 

On our way home the other night from BSF at around 9:45PM, I noticed this small store with their lights still on and people all around!  I looked closer and the sign said “April Love Pro Makeup Academy!”  I immediately googled as soon as I got home.  Turns out that they recently opened, are a fully certified academy, and offer personal makeup workshops, which is just what I have been looking for!  Browsed their website a little more and found out that were holding a free smokey eye class too!  The following morning I called, reserved 2 spaces and figured it would be a good way for me to see if I wanted to enroll in their makeup workshop. 

There’s more to the story but bottom line, Sonia and I attended the makeup class last week and it was spectacular!  April, the owner of the academy, was awesome.  She has an extensive background in makeup education and has been an artist for over 16 years.  She is super knowledgeable and gave us so many amazing tips!  Sonia and I left totally impressed and very interested in taking her personal makeup workshop.  I’ll keep you posted on if/when we actually go to the workshop (I have to ask the Mister J),but for now, wishing you a wonderful week ahead!

  Love eyelashes, mascara, not so much…BUT thought this quote was so funny! :P

  Sonia and I getting our education on!

  April, the educator, and the makeup model.

At the end of class…

We Heart Movies

My hubby and I love going to the movies.  It’s what we did on our first date and I would say that it’s one of our favorite things to do together.  We’re both good about going to see whatever the other person wants to watch (he more than I, probably J), and we just enjoy each other’s company, holding hands and cuddling in the big comfy chairs while munching on some yummy snackies.  We also like to go to the midnight showings if it’s a movie we really want to see (our last midnight outing was for the Hunger Games…wasn’t worth it.L). 

We finally have a free Friday night, and two movies are coming out that we want to see, so in theme with the This is Retail contest (I hope you’re all voting!), this is our matchup.  I think the top one will win, but since we want to see both, I’m sure the second will follow soon.

T.G.I.F and have a fabulous weekend!

VS.

The city so nice, they named it twice

In my dream world, Sherwin and I, our families and friends, would all be living in New York, specifically in Manhattan.  I get choked up just thinking about how awesome it would be!  People tell me that I would hate the weather, get sick of the pace, and grow weary of the atmosphere, but deep in my heart, I know I would love it all…forever.  I love the shopping, the long hours (both professionally and personally), the food, the theatre, the fast walkers and the fast talkers.  I love Central Park and Rockefeller Center and before I die, I want to spend New Year’s Eve in Times Square and Thanksgiving on 6^th Avenue (or anywhere along the parade route J).

Our family friend Carol, shares my love of New York.  I was chatting with her at church a couple Sundays ago and she was telling me how she subscribes to the New York Times to get her NY fix.  OMG - I can’t believe I hadn’t thought of that earlier!!  Long story short, after researching online to find the best deal then trying to purchase my subscription, I ended up having to call.  I found out that since the Mister is a student, I get a super discount deal – incredible, right?!  I’m telling ya, God understands my love for New York and totally hooked me up. ;)

Best thing about newspaper subscription versus magazine?  IMMEDIATE DELIVERY.  You know how you’re all excited when you get a subscription to your fave mag, but then you have to wait like eons for your first issue?  I called Wednesday and on Sunday morning, a little bit of New York was delivered to my doorstep in a blue plastic bag. 

For now, I’ve just subscribed to the Sunday paper, but it brings me joy all week long.  Sundays were already marvelous with church and family dinner, but now the awesomeness just starts a little earlier (at 8:30 instead of 10). J

In my real world, I love being here in California, with our families and friends and couldn’t imagine being anywhere in the world without them.  Wendy once told me that home is where the people you love reside, not just where your stuff is.  Since no one we love lives in New York, home is right where we are…for now…but oh how I HEART NY.

My first New York Times delivery!!

Our honeymoon destination in the travel section!

   
Pictures from our most recent trip in 2008.

A post about a postage stamp, but so much more :)

I LOVE stamps…postage stamps and rubber stamps!  I’ll have to share my collection of rubber stamps another time, because today, I have to tell you about my recent quest for the Cherry Blossom Centennial stamps…and that deserves a post all on its own!

A few days ago, my good friend J blogged about the Centennial Celebration of the Gift of Trees (she’s an awesome blogger - visit her page and you’ll find hours of journalistic greatness!).  I decided to do some research because I felt uneducated and after all, this had to do with my heritage, both my Japanese side and my American side!  Turns out that in 1912, Japan gifted the US (sent to Washington DC) with 3,000 cherry blossom trees to honor  the friendship between the US and Japan.  Since then, annual celebrations have been held (with the exception of the late 30’s thru the mid 40’s during WWII) and have included parades, concerts, galas and cultural events. 

I have always loved cherry blossoms.  They are pink, delicate, beautiful, and from Japan, so what’s not to love?  I know I’m sounding a little ichiban-ish, but I’m not really…well maybe a little...heehee :P  So back to the cherry blossoms – I feel like they are just a symbolism of anew.  Although they are delicate, they are strong.  They have bloomed every season and have thrived in their new US home for already, 100 years.

When I decided to revive my blog, I wanted to give it a new look, something to say “I’m back” and for it to be refreshing.  As I said in my first post upon return, this is my round 2, I had turned 30, gotten married, and was starting a new season in life.  How ironic is that I chose cherry blossoms to be my background…or maybe not.

All this to say that the USPS released a Cherry Blossom Centennial (Forever) stamp.  It’s a panoramic stamp (love those!) and gorgeous.  I called 8 different post offices before I found one that had them in stock.  I asked them to be put on hold and excitedly drove to the neighboring town to pick the beauties up.  Aren’t they fabulous?!?! 

As we enter into this Easter weekend, these wondrous tress remind me of God’s resurrection, His constant love and mercy, and the renewal we have in Him. 

They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness! – Lamentations 3:23

Happy Good Friday, everyone!

HP + HK!!!

Speaking of Hongie…she tweeted this the other day and I almost fell out of my chair.  NO WAY – two of my FAVORITE things are joining forces!! 

*Before reading any further, I just want to warn you that this post is for the more mature folks…please read at your discretion.

OK, so back to what I was saying…two of my FAVORITE things are joining forces!!  Yes, I just repeated myself – that is how excited I am about this. 

I LOVE Hanky Panky, as should you, if you’re a girl.  J  Their products are AMAZING.  I actually wore a pair on my wedding day (see photo below…super cute, right?!?!) and when I first tried them on awhile ago, I did go a little overboard and totally like redid my whole drawer with new HP stuff.  They are truly extraordinary I tell ya.  Comfy and one size fits all…what more could you love about ‘em?  It’s crazy…sometimes I don’t believe in those one size things, but trust me…they have shrunk and expanded right along with me.  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE.

AND WHAT?!  WITH HELLO KITTY?!?!  For those of you who don't know me, I am a hello kitty enthusiast.  I’m not even sure enthusiast is the right word.  What does one call someone who is completely obsessed?  Crazed or maybe a fanatic?  That’s me.  J 

So HP + HK?!  When, where and how can I get some?!  Apparently the line is being released on May 25^th, so we have a little bit of a wait, but I’m sure it will be totally worth it.

If you’re interested, here’s the article from MSN, with a little sample of what’s to come. 

58 days and counting!  Yayayaay!!! J

Hanky Panky and Hello Kitty Partner forPanty Line

By Kim Anne Thu 3:30 PM

Your underwear is getting a makeover this spring—and it’ll take you back to your youth. Sanrio’s Hello Kitty brand has partnered with undergarment brand Hanky Panky to launch a collection of panties.

The line will include various styles of thongs, boyshorts, bras and even lacy camis, all stamped with that nostalgic cat logo. The collection will be launched in smaller boutiques in addition to large department stores like Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and others on June 30.

But if you think this line is just for the kids, think again. Sanrio senior brand marketing director David Marchi told Women’s Wear Daily that “A lot of people think this is just a brand for kids and teens, but many women 18 years and older have grown up with Hello Kitty and can relate to the brand in a more adult way.”

Yet another excuse to never grow up.

Photo courtesy Hanky Panky