Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Beautiful Tiered-tulled Dresses

Have you seen the the recent BCBG Maxazaria catalog detailing the feminine, tiered tulled dresses? Yep, ever since flipping through that, I just found myself engrossed in that sense of style-- the "feminine shapes, soft hues and luxurious embellishments". I wear a lot of BCBG clothes, mostly because their style and cut are very suitable for my taste and preferences.

Oh guess what? Today, I learned from Urban Dictionary, that BCBG means "Bon Chic Bon Genre", which is a French term meaning good taste or style, referring to clothing.  So does that make me a BCBG girl? :D
Tied-tulled dress from BCBG

More beautiful tiered-tulled dresses:
I wouldn't want my wedding dress to look like, but I do love this dress, because it's very feminine looking and really beautiful.  From Bonny Wedding Dress-- it's a Tulle V Shape Straps with tiered ruffle sequined.

I'm not sure how I feel about the half apron on top of the tulled layers, but I like how the model wore it at least. I love the bow at the waist and the exquisite color of the dress.

This dress is from ASOS--it's LUXE Prom Tulle Dress goes for only 75 pounds... good deal!

This is a little bit too pink and too over-the-edge for me to wear on a regular basis, but I like it how it's bold and really catches everyone's attention. 

And this one... is a really sexy way of turning something feminine and soft into sexy and independent!
 

And now, a few impractical but still beautiful tiered tulled dresses  from the runway:


Yea, I just think tied-tulled dresses can be so beautiful (maybe that's why I like ballet so much), but it's also important not to overdo the puffs and ruffles...otherwise, we'll get this. 

The model is beautiful, but the dress reminds me of a fat chicken.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Yes. We Hate Snow When It's Not Christmas.

I wished for a white Christmas and does that happen, no, of course not. Christmas Day was cloudy and gloomy. It wasn't until the next morning did the snow start to fall. What good will that do? The mid-day train back to NYC was crowded as everyone realized that it's get back to the city now or get snowed in forever. The blizzard came down down hard but I managed to get back to my apartment in one piece. Meh. Snow is only good if it's Christmas.

The next morning--today--Monday. Snow = BAD. And what do we get? A LOT of BADness. This is what it looked like for the most part:
So, there I am trying to figure out how to get to work-- no bus apparently since that is stuck on the street---
Oh! Walking... 

So I trudge along, bracing the cold, but trying to enjoy the view...
of Park Avenue...

Just as I turned around, sliiippppp, SMACK! Down I go. Ouch!

To make it worse, a dude, obviously on his commute as well, passes. Instead of helping me, he looked at me and laughed. Pshhh. Fiinnne. Glad I can provide someone with comic relief on this dismal Monday morning. 

People really need to shovel their sidewalks, because by the time I got to work, I was wet and freezing!
Either that, or I need to invest in a nice pair of boots.

I read in the NY Daily News today that we got 18-20 inches of snow. And that a subway carrying passengers was apparently stuck in its path for 6 hours. I am grateful that I'm not there with them, but still, Mr. Snow-- do you have to fall on the days AFTER Christmas and make everyone's life difficult??? Was it so hard to figure out that we really just welcome you on Christmas? Gosh, even Atlanta had snow on Christmas! What's up with that? Geez!

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Sunday Reflections: Thought Question #4


This weekend I have been in the most pensive moods, especially since Christmas--a holiday typically spent with the entire family is characterized by our spending it separately in two different states and countries. Though we are sometimes the family that lacks tradition and structure in our holiday routines, it's still really hard for me to pass this year's Christmas without feeling a little bit sad and lonely.

In the last three years, my family has traveled together to some random places. Each year, we usually pick a city that we haven't been to. Most recently, it was Lake Ozark, Missouri. Lake Ozark is a beautiful place, complete with lakes, rolling hills and wonderful selection of produce; however, many people ask me, why my family always choose to go to a random place in the middle of nowhere, why not choose somewhere more exciting--like Cancun or the Bahamas? In truth, I think when my family travels together, it's not so much that we want to see the scenery or walk the historical trails, it's more about spending time with each other. 

When we travel, we often take a break from our laptops, work and school. Instead, we spend more time with each other--debating about issues in the economy (yep, nerdy family), arguing about Obama's recent policies and its impact or simply hanging out. My favorite family game is a card game called Sheng Ji. It's a really fun game, though the competitive members of my family tend to take it a little bit too serious at time. The games often take hours at times since no one wants to lose!

At home, even with our living under the same roof, it's seldom that we get to spend more than one hour with each other. There is always something to do, someone to call or some exams to study for and so we often never get the chance to play together, to talk about something, watch a movie... In our busiest time, we often don't even have time to eat together. When we travel, however, we are forced to stay with each other and so we don't choose a really noisy place because we really don't want that to distract us from our family time with each other. :)

As Anthony Brandt quotes, "Other things may change us, but we start and end with the family."

Friday, December 24, 2010

12 Things I Want By (next) Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas! Each Christmas Eve, I often make a list of what I "want(ed)" for Christmas but mostly, it becomes a list of what I expect or want by next Christmas!

Anyway, let me unmask this year's 12 things I want by (next) Christmas!

1. Prada Boyfriend Shirtdress - I don't think I've ever owned a shirtdress before...ever... and this one actually brings out the figure rather than hides it. I think it looks quite chic. Also, I like it how there is a bow on that dress. The dress below is designed by Prada and can be found in Goodman Bergdorf for $775.00. Yikes!

2. Afternoon high tea @ the Plaza Hotel - I've been wanting to have afternoon tea there, because I love tea and I love to eat daintily prepared hors d'oeuvres. Apparently, getting a seat there is difficult since I would need to reserve a space ahead of time. Once you've been to the Palm Court in the Plaza Hotel, you'll realize that the trouble should be all worth it!


3. Grey Pink Stripes USB Warmer Mitten Glove - $14.99. Believe it or not, my office is always freezing. Working in a freezing room only has two consequences--- 1. I fall asleep because I'm dying of cold or 2. My fingers fall off because I cannot type. So, with these warmer, I simply plug them into the computer and warmth will reach my fingers. Creative, huh?


4. Swan Lake @ the New York City Ballet. My one and only Christmas tradition every year is watching and enjoying the Nutcracker Ballet, only that tradition is broken this year. Oh well, Nutcracker will still always be my favorite and the one show that I will always look forward to, but there are others. One show I've been eyeing for awhile now is Swan Lake. I saw this when I was young and I was mesmerized by it. There are shows in February--only 8 shows! 


5. I love berets. It's probably one of the few hats out there that looks fabulous on me. I also like it because it's so French (though when I was in Paris, few Parisians wore it). In any case, my collection of berets are still quiet limited, though I do have a wide range of colors. My favorite one is still the purple colored one, because it goes really well with my purple UGG boots when I wear the two together. Recently, I've seen some berets with bows in them and I have to admit that they look really cute. The one below is nice, though the bow is a little bit big. Perhaps, I just need time to get used to it.  ^_^


6. New York City Half Marathon - March 20, 2011. This is not a tangible thing, but it's something that I'd love to do and have on my "personal" resume. Plus it's motivation to train for something and see results almost immediately. Anyone else out there into running and training? Half marathon is only 13 miles... it doesn't sound so bad, does it?


7. Yep yep. My newest interests are mineral gemstones. I want to learn about each mineral and gem, know what it looks like, where it's found and everything that has to do with it. Call it a phase or obsession, I just know that a visit to the Astro Gallery of Gems is in order. I'm definitely excited!


8. Edmundo Castillo L.E.D. sandals --  $1,650 -- it's seldom that I get to mix chic with geek. This L.E.D. sandal looks chunky and probably walks chunkily, but I don't care, because it can light up! L.E.D. lighting is the next sparkle! It's always cool to see something geeky applied to something fashionable.
9. Flower bouquet every month - People know me as a flower lover. I especially love bouquets and flower arrangement. A bouquet a month will surely brighten my days!


10. Become a white wine connoisseur. I've always told people that I hate the taste of alcohol and in truth, alcohol tastes bad. Recently, however, I've discovered that I love the taste of white wine.When I went to Madison & Vine recently, I had a glass of Sancerre Domaine La Croix Saint Laurent (2009?) and I loved every drop of it. White wine drinkers are often looked down upon, it seems, at least by real wine connoisseurs, but it doesn't matter, because I would very much like to learn more about the beauty and taste of white wine. :P


11. Be conversant with a French native. Again, not a tangible wish item, but definitely tangible in many aspects. J'aime la langue française. Je voudrais bien parler français et être confiant dans mon discours. Another trip to Paris? I also want to visit south of France this time around.


Last, but not least....

12.  I hope that in each and everyday of my life, I can be big hearted, content in who I am and and happy every day. After all, everyone is endowed with 24 hours, you can either spend it worrying about something trivial or you can smile and brighten yours and someone else's day. Be happy!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Just For Today

I've been taking a class at Universal Class on clutter. There are many classes listed there, some more interesting than others, but I'm taking this class on clutter control because I really want to start the new year off on the right foot. While I think my way of organization is not bad, but I always think that things can be better. Some quotes for "just for today" that I thought could be really useful for everyone--

Just For Today

(Adapted from the original credo of Al-Anon by Dear Abby)
 
Just For Today:  I will live through this day only.  I will not brood about yesterday or obsess about tomorrow.  I will not set far-reaching goals or try to overcome all of my problems at once.

I know that I can do something for 24 hours that would overwhelm me if I had to keep it up for a lifetime.

Just For Today:  I will be happy.  I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me.  If my mind fills with clouds, I will chase them away and fill it with sunshine.

Just For today:  I will improve my mind.  I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration.  I will not be a mental loafer.

Just For Today:  I will make a conscious effort to be agreeable.  I will be kind and courteous to those who cross my path, and I'll not speak ill of others.  I will improve my appearance, speak softly, and not interrupt when some else is talking.

Just For Today:  I will refrain from improving anybody but myself.

Just For Today:  I will do something positive to improve my health.  If I'm a smoker, I'll quit.  If I am overweight, I will eat healthfully -- if only just for today.  And not only that, I will get off the couch and take a brisk walk, even if it's only around the block.

Just For Today:  I will gather the courage to do what is right and take responsibility for my own actions.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Godiva Chocolatier

I love sweets a lot and I consume a lot of chocolate on a monthly basis. Surprisingly, however, I have never had a piece of Godiva chocolate until today! Isn't that amazing?

I went into a Godiva store today to buy a gift. The lady at the check out counter asked me if I wanted to join the Godiva rewards club and I said, "what rewards?" Turns out, we get a piece of chocolate every month. That's a pretty sweet deal I think. Since it really keeps me looking forward to the next month of chocolate, but it also limits my sugar intake.

Here, I have a French Vanilla truffle... mmm it really taste delicious. First bite, I only managed to gnaw off the outer layer of chocolate, which was dark chocolate (one of my favorites). The inner filling is smooth and melted immediately on my tongue. The combination of French vanilla filling and the outer dark chocolate layer is intense, to say the least. It's definitely very rich in flavor. Though the truffle is small in size, I feel satisfied and happy. Perhaps, Godiva truffles are really worth their price! Mmm, amazing indeed. :)

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Movie review: Defending one's honor and family

This is my second time watching this film but it definitely doesn't get old. This film has got to be my favorite martial arts themed film. Not only are the characters relate-able, but the story line riveting. This is the film about what it means to defend one's country, honor one's beliefs and respect one's wife. In this film, Master Ip Man is a modest martial artist who practice Wing Chun. Though he is the best in his hometown, Fo Shan, he is very down-to-earth and prefer the every-day living with his beloved wife and son.

3 Things I Love About the Movie

1. The respect and love that Master Ip Man has for his wife. At one point, he is taunted as a wuss, basically because he is "scared" of his wife. Instead of feeling insulted, Master Ip Man says that a true man is someone who respects his wife. When she was sick, he made porridge for her and fed her.

2. The modesty Master Ip Man showed throughout the movie. It made me think about how people are always finding ways to advance themselves in the world. Yet, those who are really good or those who really made it are those who are humble and down to earth.

3. The strength and femininity of Mrs Ip Man. I love it that she was elegant and classy. When she felt the need to speak up for her husband, she did. I love the part when she said, "As long as you, me and Quan (the son) are together, everything is going to be alright." Despite the war and the derelict living situation, Mrs. Ip Man was always gentle and had a smile on her face. "I am happy now."

In this movie, the antagonists are the Japanese, who invaded China in 1937 and caused havoc for the villagers. One particular actor in the movie, a Hiroyuki Ikeuchi-- the general who insisted on fighting Ip Man in the final duel and ended up losing-- well, was a not-so-evil but evil-by-default character. And I have to admit, he is very cute.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Movie review: A beautiful film on friendship

 
This is a most wonderful film. The acting is first rate, the direction is well paced and the New York backdrop is a joy to see.

The story may appear contrived to some, but to me it was believable. Coming from a strong ethnic background (although not as strong as Jewish Orthodoxy or Observant Muslim), I understood the conflicts "typical" American culture and values place on those that are a little different. While we in America (especially the media) are tolerant of, accommodate and even promote, gays, lesbians, PETA, and most other non-mainstream groups, we don't tend to tolerate religious conservatives. This movie shows that such people are real people. Of course they are lucky to live in America where they can freely practice their beliefs.

The movie works on many planes. The father-daughter relationships are charming. The relationship between the young women and their principal, and with their siblings is also well done. The happy "Jane Austin" ending may not be totally realistic, but it makes most of us feel good inside.

It is both serious and funny. The plethora of ill-suited suitors is very funny; reminds me of the suitors the father in My Big Fat Greek Wedding invites to dinner.

The lifestyle of Leah and the women's fellow teachers is a real picture of today's young people. They drink, smoke dope and "hook-up" without a second thought that there may be something wrong with such a life style.

This movie is all about freedom of choice. Freedom of choice means more than the freedom to make the choices in their lives. The two women have both made the choice to live a religious life. It is not a choice I would make, but it is a choice.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I laughed when it was funny and teared up when it was heart-warming, and came away looking forward to see it again. I highly recommend it.