Stripes & Lace

I had this sudden obsession with nautical stripes and went on a strict hunt for them. I guess I was inspired by the Kardashians who seem to always be wearing stripes. But seriously, I had the hardest time finding the perfect nautical top that I was looking for. This past weekend, however, I went to Forever21 at Pearlridge and seriously grabbed about every striped top insight. Ended up with a few tops (not all pictured) and found even more at Wet Seal! My mom glared at me as she saw me buy stripe top after stripe top. When I have an obsession over something, I really have an obsession over it! Anyways here are a few outfits I put together. Oh and my trusty stylish sister helped me out & took pics =)

I love this top!

Sweater: F21, Shorts: Guess, Bag & Shoes: Nine West, Bangles: Acid Dolls, Necklace: Guess

Dress: Wet Seal, Necklace: Guess, Shoes: Nine West, Earrings: Pineapple County

Top: Nordstrom (bought this couple weeks ago), Jacket: F21 (my sister's), Leggings: Bamboo Sky

Same top but paired it up with a F21 faux leather jacket and a cute bright bag (Shana Logic)

Top: Peaches n Cream, Skirt: F21, Lace Leggings: Express
(I know this isn't stripes but just had to add this in cause I love lace leggings! Too bad it's so hard to pull off.. well for me at least.)

Gosh, I'm a true shopaholic at heart ♥

3-DAY Weekend plan

You don't know how overjoyed I am for this coming 3-day weeking. Seriously, you don't. Work has been pretty hectic and just knowing that we actually have a Monday off (very rare), really makes me happy. Normally I'd work all week and then have to work, well actually babysit, on a Fri or a Sat. But this weekend I left my weekend completely free to do whatever want. I think I deserve it =)

So I planned out my whole weekend.

FRIDAY (TOMORROW):
Work 9am-6pm
Go home and get all dolled up
Dinner @Shokudo with the girlies (yay girls night!)
Next stop, First Fridays!
Then possibly another club after?? hmm who knows, we might be spontaneous and go somewhere random.

SATURDAY:
11am - Salon Glitter nail appt... still don't know what design I want yet.
Lunch date with Sascha & maybe some shopping.. err I mean browsing.
Reminder: need to find some cute flats & leggings for my JAPAN trip!!
Eyebrow wax
Check out Bamboo Sky... new arrivals are in! eep.. this could get dangerous.
Then mtg at night.

SUNDAY:
Russ & Vicki QT.
Dinner @RICHO (new Korean restaurant) with Tiff & Ian
Then after... who knows??

MONDAY:
Fambam time.
Possibly use my Heaven on Earth gift card that's been rotting in my bag. Hmm.. I could use a good massage ;)
Finish up portfolio.

Do you love it or do you love it?

My new vintage Chanel bag from my mommy dearest :)

Isn't it beautiful? Gahh. What I love about the classics is that even if it's 20 or 30 years old, it still never goes out of style. My mom actually has a few Chanel classic bags that she was almost going to sale. It's a good thing I stopped her because now she can just pass it down to me :) Now I won't have to fork over $1000+ for a designer bag.

Although I do love my Chanel vintage bag and the million other bags that I have, I am currently on a search for a cute messenger bag. I've come to realize how much easier it to have a bag that's hanging across your body rather than holding a big shoulder bag. I'll especially need one for my trip to Japan in November cause I know I'll be doing a hell of a lot of shopping and won't want to lug around my huge LV bag. So I have my eyes on this bag from Nine West...

Boom Boom Cross Body bag
only $39.99 at Nine West!

JULY... A month to remember.

Since I suck at updating and don't want to type out a full long drawn out post about what's been going on in the past month in a half, I will update in pictures instead =)

My bestie Sarah left and went back home to CA =( I miss her tons.. seriously, she has been there with me through thick & thin. But I know we'll remain friends till the end.

Russell's 28th birthday was a success! I took him & my half-sis Tiffany and her bf to Azure. I actually had never been to that place before hand and was going by the reviews of Yelp. They were right.. this place is definitely worth the 4.5/5 stars.

Me & the birthday boy

Their filet mignon with foie gras just melted in our mouths.

Sorbet w/pop rocks! Probably their most interesting thing there. It's to cleanse the palate.

Russ also really liked his gift =) It's a Burberry ceramic watch.. yes I know, I'm pretty awesome. But so is he... and I think he deserved it. This & the dinner combined left my bank acct looking not so good lol.

On Sunday, July18, 2010... we got ENGAGED!!! Russell proposed to me while we were having brunch at the Hau Tree. About damn time right? I really thought he was going towait till our 5 year anniversary, but I guess he couldn't wait any longer. It did, however, catch me by suprise which is good cause I wanted to be suprised! If you're all wondering if I cried. No, I didn't because I was too mesmerized by the sparkly diamond ring in that little black box hehe. No wedding date set yet.. but after we find a place and get settled in, we will have a good idea when our wedding will be.

The Ring.

In not so good news, my grandpa passed away July 25, 2010... exactly a week from my engagement. Definitely a shocker for everyone because we didn't see this coming. But we know that he lived a fulfilling life and he wouldn't have wanted it any other way. He was seriously, the best grandfather anyone could ever ask for. Thank you for everything. We will miss you...

My cousin Emerson also came to visit from CA to see my grandpa one last time. Don't worry he doesn't normally look like this. It was fun catching up with him and hanging out since we rarely get to see him. Had some pretty good laughs with him.

Took my grandma & my mom to their very "first" pedicure. Well they've actually had pedicures but it was like 50billion years ago. They loved it though.. I think I got them hooked. Seriously, pedicures are a great way to relax without having to spending a fortune and at the same time make your toes look nice & pretty.

Cutest kids ever. Also the kids that I babysit. I've been doing that a lot... I would say almost every weekend or every other weekend. But I really don't mind.. I love my kids plus it's a great way to make extra cash on the side =)

Russ & I also celebrated our 5 year anniversary (8.12.10) at BLT Steak. Can't believe we actually made it this far haha. It's been a journey to get where we are at but I am in a very happy place with him. I look forward to many many more years with him.

Btw, their popover is to die for. I normally don't even like popovers.. or at least not at the ones at Mariposa. But the one at BLT.. OMG!.. is sooo good. It has grated gruyere cheese baked in it which makes it even more orgasmic. And the bread is so nice & fluffy. Mmm.. with butter & salt.. so good! What's great is they give you a recipe card with it so you can bake it yourself. I think I may just have to do that.

Yeah we were pretty full & drunk by the end of the night.

I got to play catch up sesh with Sascha & her sister Selena. We went to Hot Pot Heaven since we were in a hot pot mood but didn't feel like waiting in the long ass line for Sweet Home Cafe. Although Hot Pot Heaven was pretty good and a lot cleaner and less of a wait, I would still say I prefer Sweet Home Cafe. Plus Hot Pot Heaven is a bit pricier and they don't give the free big bowl of shave ice like Sweet Home Cafe does =(

*****************

So that pretty much sums up what's been going on. Oh well, I forgot to mention I went on a big shopping spree the other day with Sasch... and actually I went a week before that too. *sigh* I know, I'm bad. But I found a lot of cute finds!! I will post pics later when I'm not so lazy/tired. I must mention though that I am in love with American Apparel. The funny thing is I used to despise that store just because it reminded me too much of the 80's with the whole spandex and super high waisted pants. But, I realized that after going in there last weekend, I found a lot of things that I was looking for... such as the one sided off the shoulder tops and comfy leggings. Ohhh and I can't forget my cute purple shorts. Yes, purple!! I love them =) Great summer pants. Anyways, that is all for now. I am off to bed. I promise not to wait so long to update again.

Oyasumi!

Time for a change.

So much has been going on but just too lazy to write =) But in other unimportant news I did get my hair dyed at Salon Blanc which btw is now my new fav hair salon. Decided to go for a more reddish-brown color, although I wouldn't mind going a little bolder & lighter.. I think I'll wait.

Besides that, I've just been busy with work, portfolios & spending as much time with my friend Sarah who is leaving back to CA soon =( Seriously, I don't know what I'm going to do without her. I also have to think of what to get for Russ' bday... another very stressful thing!! Shopping for my friends.. easypeasy. Shopping for Russ.. actually gets me stressed out lol. And I want to plan something for his bday.. possibly a suprise bday party? Ahhh, I have less than 2 weeks to think of something!!

WARNING: Long update

So I am aware that I am awful at blogging. Really, I've been meaning to update it but I've been so busy & tired that I really have no energy to just sit and type. That is why I have made this entry super long filled with pics :) I warned you! So lots have happened since the last time I blogged. After a month of being away from each other, Russ came back home. To be honest, it was rough the first week or so. I thought to myself, wow I could never be in a LDR. BUT by the 2nd/3rd week I started to feel a little more at ease and just kept thinking how happy I feel when I am back in his arms again :D It did help that we talked pretty much everyday even though it cost a ridiculous amount of money to talk, but oh well. This time away from each other also really gave me time to focus on things I've been meaning to do but just too lazy to do! Such as Insanity, but that's another story. I pretty much just worked, spent time with my friends, cleaned/organized my life & room, worked out like crazy and attempted and trying to eat healthier. I really wanted to look good when he came back. I didn't lose as much weight as I wanted but hey 5 lbs is a start. I even got my hair done before he came back (nothing too drastic, just black & brown highlights). I took 3 days off the week he was coming back since he was going to have some time off.

The day he arrived, I was suuuper nervous & anxious you don't even know. I had butterflies in my stomach. I woke up at 6am, got ready.. contemplated different outfits and then finally picked him up around 745am. Ack, the wait was unbearable. Although he arrived around the time he was scheduled, he took forever to get through customs so I literally waited like 30-40 min at the airport. I was getting annoyed actually. But the wait was all worth it cause when I saw him walk out, I had nothing but smiles on my face. The saying is true, distance really does make the heart grow fonder. The next 3 days was all spent with Russpoo. He showed me all the neat things he got in Jakarta. He got a scarf for my mom & sis. He bought me this Indonesian dress which unfortunately fit me kind of weird? lol. He brought back a bunch of bootleg dvds.. everything is copied & imitated in Jakarta. You can buy a "Gucci" bag for like $30 and it really looks like the real thing, although I don't think I'd ever carry an imitation one. He also got me Hello Kitty slippers from Japan since he made a one day stop there. And the best present of all was in a small blue little box with the words "Tiffany & Co." on it ;) lol. I guess he picked up at the Japan airport but he bought me a heart shaped key necklace which was something I totally would wear. My bf knows me too well. But I was really happy and thought it was really sweet :)
The next 3 days we just spent quality time together. Although Russ was majorly jet lagged so he got a lot of rest at my place. I felt bad cause the first day he got back, I dragged him to dinner with my dad, Tiffany (my half-sis) & Ian (her bf). I completely forgot about them asking me a couple weeks ago but my sis sent me a last min txt reminding me. We went to Murphy's Bar & Grill cause supposedly their fish & chips is the best. I ended up not even trying it and getting the corn beef & cabbage cause it seemed healthier? The food was good.. but I'm not a big Irish pub type of person lol. The second day, I dragged Russ again (poor guy) to Yubee's birthday dinner. It was a pretty chill bday though at Apt3. I was, however, fairly dissapointed with the food. They changed the chef and I hadn't been there since but after trying the food, I doubt I'll be going back anytime soon unless it's for drinks. Sadly, the quality went down. But the place is definitely nice chill spot to drink & hang with friends. In other news, me & Sascha finally hung out! Yes I have proof haha. She actually invited me to a Charity Walk which I was a little hesistant at first because she told me it was at 7am.. and for all those who don't know me.. I am not a morning person!! Especially when it's on a Saturday. But I did kind of agree to it before hand.. plus I figure it was for a good cause and I could get my workout in at the same time.

Sascha enjoying her acai cup while on the Charity Walk

The walk was 6 miles so it wasn't too bad.. but I will say my legs were pretty sore the next day. I enjoyed it though.. and me & Sasch got to play catch up! Something that needs to happen more often.

Tonight me & Russ went to Mitch's Fish Market for Ian's birthday. I've heard many good things about this place so I was looking forward to going there. When you first arrive, you might be taken a back cause it's a hole in a wall type of place. It's very small.. fits like 20 ppl? But the food is why ppl go there obviously. I had no clue what to order but everyone ordered Mitch's Special so Russ & I figure we might as well order the same thing. I didn't realize it was going to be like a set menu deal but boy it was a lot of food! Even Russ couldn't finish it and he normally eats A LOT. The first plate came with all sorts of sashimi: chu toro, hamachi, scallops, fresh live lobster (it was so live that the tail was moving.. creepy I know), salmon and abalone. I don't eat abalone or raw scallops so I gave it all to Russ. But mmm chu toro.. yes please :) The sashimi just melted in my mouth.

The lobster miso soup was one of my fav's. It comes at the end of the meal. Unfortunately, I was so full that I couldn't finish it... but it was delish. Overall, I'd rate this place a 4/5.. only because although the food was fantastic, the place could perhaps maybe be remodeled? It's very cozy & homey but I still think that if they made it nicer, it would be a lot more inviting. Nonetheless, this place is still popular cause people just want to eat good fresh sushi. I will warn you, the food does not come cheap. Be prepared to spend at least a $100 per person.. well that's if you want to get the Mitch's Special which I think is so worth! Thankfully, my sis treated us all tonight.. how kind of her :) lol. But definitely a place you should try at least once.

Staycation at the Hilton

View from our suite

Beautiful Diamond Head =)

Sweet bread french toast.. oh how I love you room service.

Chillen at the pool

Russ & Ian enjoying their frou frou drinks

Me & my half-sis Tiffany... do we look alike?

Lucky we live in Hawaii!

I heart him.

Russ is leaving in a week to Jakarta for almost a month! I am deeeply saddened by this and had a hard time when he told me he'd be gone for that long but it's for business and it's a good experience for him to go anyways. He'll be helping open Benihana/Doraku in Indonesia.. pretty awesome huh. I am really proud of him =) Although I am a little worried since I've heard how Jakarta is kind of dangerous.. plus he will totally stand out lol. But I'm sure everything will be fine as long as he not out roaming the streets!!

Sooo.. since he'll be gone for so long, he decided to surprise me and get a suite at the Hilton Hotel over the weekend. Russ normally doesn't like staying at hotels since he thinks it's a waste of money plus I live like 5 min away from Waikiki but he knows how much I like it so it was very thoughtful of him to book a room for us =) I must say my bf is pretty good when it comes to surprising me. It's good to know that even after 4 years, he still knows how to be romantic every now & then =P

We checked in the afternoon but Russ had to go back to work at 4 so I had to wait till he got off and meet him at the hotel at night. Our first night was kind of just chill & relaxed since Russ pulled a double shift and was too tired to do anything. We pretty much just munched on Cheetos & McDonalds and fell asleep to the sound of the ocean =)

The next morning we got up around 10am. I was well rested especially from that soft bed. I took a shower while Russ ordered us room service for breakfast. He surprised me with sweet bread French toast.. although his steak & eggs looked pretty nummy!! Man I could totally live like that everyday.. oh how I wish. After breakfast we rested our tummys before we headed out to the pool. I totally forgot my sunblock (I hate getting tan!) but I was not about to waste $15 on a small bottle of sunscreen at the hotel. So tan it was! I had a nice dip in the pool.. Russ was being a baby and complained about how cold it was. I thought it was perfect. The only thing that sucked was that it rained every now & then but no biggy. After our relaxing day at the pool & beach we headed to the ABC store and picked up some alky. In fact I think Russ picked up more than enough.. but I guess he was ready to party hardy ;)

We had dinner reservations at 730 with my half-sis Tiffany & her boyfriend Ian so we rested in the hotel for a little bit. We had a drink out on the balcony and just enjoyed the beautiful view from our room. It really made appreciate how lucky we are for living in paradise =) Russ ended up falling asleep & taking a nap. I watched a movie in the room and then dozed off into sleep. I didn't get much of a nap cause Russ woke me up with all the ruckus he was making lol. It was already 4:45pm and we were pretty hungry since we hadn't really eaten much since breakfast. Russ decided to order an angus burger w/fries & French onion soup. Mind you this is like 2 1/2 hrs before our dinner reservations! We shared it but man was it a big burger. I was scared I wouldn't be hungry at dinner time.

Well at 730 we met Tiffany & Ian at Benihana (which is conveniently located at the Hilton). I was still full from half a burger I ate earlier but I decided to order the ahi.. something a little lighter. Dinner was fun and they really enjoyed the show. I've seen it many times.. but it's still entertaining. After dinner we went back to our hotel room to have a few drinks. Well actually a few drinks turned into many. I had a lava flow earlier at the restaurant which didn't do much. But then I drank a bottle of mojito.. and Russ proceeded to make me drink a cran & vodka and THEN a screwdriver. Those who don't know me I have a low tolerance for alcohol! I could barely finish the screwdriver. Next thing I know, I was highly intoxicated and couldn't stop laughing at the most stupidest things. It was almost like I was high on weed lol. We got into a conversation about dancing and then Russ decided that me & Ian should have a dance off. He wanted me to prove that I could "dance." Lol. Although I was pretty drunk, I wasn't THAT drunk to humilate myself. Ian didn't mind though. He was just grooving away to the music haha. I had some pretty good laughs that night. Since Tiff had to work early the next morn, she & Ian left around 1. I didn't realize how intoxicated my bf was cause he acted totally normal. But as soon as Tiff & Ian left, he headed straight to the toilet to do you know what. The night ended not so fun for him. I felt so bad for him especially cause I HATE that feeling of being that drunk lol.

The next morning I knew he was still hurting. He kind of just forced himself out of bed since we had to pack up and check-out by 11. He ended up just crashing at my place before he went to work at 3. By then he was feeling a lot better.

This mini-vaca was a much needed one! I wouldn't mind doing this every now & then. Kind of makes you feel like a tourist hehe. I think next time we're planning to get a beach house or get a cabana at Turtle Bay with Tiff & Ian. Can't wait for the next mini-vaca!