- Moving confirmed for tomorrow, hello, new roomie!
- 7-day cleanse starts THIS week (will blog about the results of everyday in new blog).
- Dream board to be completed next Thursday. "A dream is a goal without deadline" - must make it more tangible, and in-my-face, so that I will make myself more accountable.
- Work on the whole 'positive frame of mind' thing - the ultimate ingredient to the recipe for success; personally and professionally.
In the meantime, must send resume off to LT. There's no way I can live comfortably and freely on my current job. Wish me luck!
Hope everyone had a great Easter weekend. And remember,
"Dream BIG; because you can never be bigger than your dreams."
Monday, 1 April 2013
Monday, 25 March 2013
Dilemma of the week
How to convince the parents that it's okay that I move out, when:
1) My current financial situation is not the greatest.
2) It's with a guy friend. And because it's a guy, they are afraid 'what other people may think.'
3) If I get the new job, it would be way closer to my current home than the one I'm moving to.
4) There are so many oppositions from different people regarding the move.
What my parents don't understand, is:
1) THEY are one of the biggest, fattest reasons, I need to move out. There is too much negativity, put downs and frustrations from their end that are preventing me from living fully and thinking positively.
2) I need to learn to be more independent for my own benefit. Cook, clean and care for myself - all the things they want me to learn! Which of course, they want me to achieve without me leaving the nest.
3) I need more time to focus on my projects outside of work, and with their constant nagging of sleeping before 12 and please refer to point #1, I am unable to truly find the right state of mind to do so. I am left feeling guilty when my mom tells me she is 'worried and not able to sleep' because I am up past 1am on my laptop working.
4) I don't need my dad to come storming downstairs to take the remote and shut off the tv because of the very rare occasion that I am watching something past 12. Or shut off the lights, when I have the laptop on past 12.
I honestly think it's amazing that I am still relatively sane. So if you find me a little off and kooky - it's all thanks to the environment I grew up in! Everybody has their own family story and I'm not gonna say mine is the worst. But it definitely puts your emotional intelligence to the test. If you can rise above it, good for you. If you can't, you will definitely face some challenges. I just prefer not having to constantly be subjected to this kind of treatment and in this environment. I do intend to come home during weekends and I really hope that they will understand where I am coming from. I appreciate all that they've done for me, especially my mom, but there are just so many other areas where they have not shown good parenting.
I won't get into that, but I just mentioned to my mom my intention to move, about an hour ago. This definitely constitutes as a difficult conversation to have with the parents. Probably worse than when I signed up for the Shanghai internship (before telling them) and left for 5 months before coming home. This happened last year around the same time. And every time, I have to fight for what I want. I am always left feeling guilty because I know I am going against their wishes, but do it anyway. I must be the worst model child. But hey, at least I didn't get knocked up at 16 like her friend's daughter did! Whom by the way, my mom raves about all the time now because she's uber successful and rich (by her own merit), and has since ended up marrying a good guy.
I'll update you guys on the move, but it's gonna be a pretty hellish week where she's gonna try to convince me otherwise with her sheer disappointment in my judgment and her loud objections to such an arrangement. FML. Wish me luck (WML)!
1) My current financial situation is not the greatest.
2) It's with a guy friend. And because it's a guy, they are afraid 'what other people may think.'
3) If I get the new job, it would be way closer to my current home than the one I'm moving to.
4) There are so many oppositions from different people regarding the move.
What my parents don't understand, is:
1) THEY are one of the biggest, fattest reasons, I need to move out. There is too much negativity, put downs and frustrations from their end that are preventing me from living fully and thinking positively.
2) I need to learn to be more independent for my own benefit. Cook, clean and care for myself - all the things they want me to learn! Which of course, they want me to achieve without me leaving the nest.
3) I need more time to focus on my projects outside of work, and with their constant nagging of sleeping before 12 and please refer to point #1, I am unable to truly find the right state of mind to do so. I am left feeling guilty when my mom tells me she is 'worried and not able to sleep' because I am up past 1am on my laptop working.
4) I don't need my dad to come storming downstairs to take the remote and shut off the tv because of the very rare occasion that I am watching something past 12. Or shut off the lights, when I have the laptop on past 12.
I honestly think it's amazing that I am still relatively sane. So if you find me a little off and kooky - it's all thanks to the environment I grew up in! Everybody has their own family story and I'm not gonna say mine is the worst. But it definitely puts your emotional intelligence to the test. If you can rise above it, good for you. If you can't, you will definitely face some challenges. I just prefer not having to constantly be subjected to this kind of treatment and in this environment. I do intend to come home during weekends and I really hope that they will understand where I am coming from. I appreciate all that they've done for me, especially my mom, but there are just so many other areas where they have not shown good parenting.
I won't get into that, but I just mentioned to my mom my intention to move, about an hour ago. This definitely constitutes as a difficult conversation to have with the parents. Probably worse than when I signed up for the Shanghai internship (before telling them) and left for 5 months before coming home. This happened last year around the same time. And every time, I have to fight for what I want. I am always left feeling guilty because I know I am going against their wishes, but do it anyway. I must be the worst model child. But hey, at least I didn't get knocked up at 16 like her friend's daughter did! Whom by the way, my mom raves about all the time now because she's uber successful and rich (by her own merit), and has since ended up marrying a good guy.
I'll update you guys on the move, but it's gonna be a pretty hellish week where she's gonna try to convince me otherwise with her sheer disappointment in my judgment and her loud objections to such an arrangement. FML. Wish me luck (WML)!
Monday, 18 March 2013
so it's not a thursday... but it's okay!
Only the first week in and already I kinda deviated from my plan to write every Thursday. I know right?! So me. But hey, at least it's still within the same week, so I'm a woman of my words... divided by 2.
Anyway, it's been a super busy week. My planner's other intern was away for a week, and she missed a lot of stuff which I will be responsible for updating her on. Off the top of my head, she missed the social media training, the Skype meeting with a possible new client, today's new client meeting, the Art of Fashion meeting, picking up decor for the 50th birthday party, the actual set up, coordination & tear-down of the event yesterday, the timeline and update meeting with a client's upcoming wedding in a few months... all this happened within a 10-day period. Wow. I'm just glad I am not in her position right now, even though I am the one that's going to update her on everything. It's just easier when you're not the one on the receiving end of all this info. Sorry R!! I'll try my best not to miss anything.
Within this week, I've also done the final edits for the SH project. I'm so excited! It's going to roll out soon. Crossing my fingers that all goes well. :)
The Art of Fashion (AOF) is so exciting. I love fashion although it might not be obvious because I don't look the part due to, I hate to admit it, laziness on my end. But that will change! I promise to make more effort. You can hold me accountable if I don't. So the AOF is a non-profit organization {http://www.artoffashion.org/} that gives up-and-coming student designers a platform to showcase their work. This would be great exposure to emerging designers, as in the past, there were 10,000 people in attendance. The event used to be held during Nuit Blanche (NB) every year, but this is the first year that it will be held outside of NB. It's going to be amazing, and I'm so happy the organizers reached out to my wedding planner to head the Logistics team. Fashion week is next week for those who are interested {http://worldmastercardfashionweek.com/}. I didn't actually find out about that until I went to the AOF meeting this past Wednesday. Yup, so not in the loop!
Other than that, I survived week 1 of my new job! It's supposed to be a 5-month contract and I love how chill it is right now. I really hope to keep it that way, because I want to be able to focus my energies on my projects outside of work. I don't know if I'm getting old too soon too fast, but those 1.5 hour commutes and 3 hours round-trip are dreadful. They suck the energy right out of me! I have got to do something to change this situation. I'm on it... but there's still some kinks that need to be worked out. Updates soon, I promise!
Yesterday was uber busy. The party didn't end until midnight and then we spent about half an hour doing clean-up and tear-down. I didn't get to my friends' place until almost 1. It's times like these that I really appreciate my awesome friends - they stayed up even though they were getting really sleepy, provided me with toothpaste and toothbrush because of course I would forget mine and just generally being so welcoming even though we don't always talk on a regular basis. I love them! Such a sweet, cute couple. I met Lulu during my UofT exchange program to France back in 2009 and I always tell myself, as long as I make one great friend, you're a lucky gal, missy! Thanks Lulu Sheep! I can't wait to make that South/Central America trip happen... hopefully in the near, near future. ^‿^
Met up with the guys (yup, Eva & Grace, we're part of the dudes!) and Johnnyboy who's in town for the week. I don't think I'll have time to see him off when he leaves but I'm not too worried. I plan to head across the border sometime in the summer anyway, so no biggie. He says he's gonna introduce me to doctor types but I know he's just bluffing me. Such a douche. Just kidding. Love you, half-bro!
Anyway, that's my week's recap. I devoted zero time for MA this week. Gotta make effort not to fall off!
My friend Ernest shared with me a fantastic article today. I loved it, because it really hit home. For those interested in adding more happiness to your life by doing a little subtracting: {Be Happier: 10 Things to Stop Doing Right Now}
Have a great, productive week, everyone!
Anyway, it's been a super busy week. My planner's other intern was away for a week, and she missed a lot of stuff which I will be responsible for updating her on. Off the top of my head, she missed the social media training, the Skype meeting with a possible new client, today's new client meeting, the Art of Fashion meeting, picking up decor for the 50th birthday party, the actual set up, coordination & tear-down of the event yesterday, the timeline and update meeting with a client's upcoming wedding in a few months... all this happened within a 10-day period. Wow. I'm just glad I am not in her position right now, even though I am the one that's going to update her on everything. It's just easier when you're not the one on the receiving end of all this info. Sorry R!! I'll try my best not to miss anything.
Within this week, I've also done the final edits for the SH project. I'm so excited! It's going to roll out soon. Crossing my fingers that all goes well. :)
The Art of Fashion (AOF) is so exciting. I love fashion although it might not be obvious because I don't look the part due to, I hate to admit it, laziness on my end. But that will change! I promise to make more effort. You can hold me accountable if I don't. So the AOF is a non-profit organization {http://www.artoffashion.org/} that gives up-and-coming student designers a platform to showcase their work. This would be great exposure to emerging designers, as in the past, there were 10,000 people in attendance. The event used to be held during Nuit Blanche (NB) every year, but this is the first year that it will be held outside of NB. It's going to be amazing, and I'm so happy the organizers reached out to my wedding planner to head the Logistics team. Fashion week is next week for those who are interested {http://worldmastercardfashionweek.com/}. I didn't actually find out about that until I went to the AOF meeting this past Wednesday. Yup, so not in the loop!
Other than that, I survived week 1 of my new job! It's supposed to be a 5-month contract and I love how chill it is right now. I really hope to keep it that way, because I want to be able to focus my energies on my projects outside of work. I don't know if I'm getting old too soon too fast, but those 1.5 hour commutes and 3 hours round-trip are dreadful. They suck the energy right out of me! I have got to do something to change this situation. I'm on it... but there's still some kinks that need to be worked out. Updates soon, I promise!
Yesterday was uber busy. The party didn't end until midnight and then we spent about half an hour doing clean-up and tear-down. I didn't get to my friends' place until almost 1. It's times like these that I really appreciate my awesome friends - they stayed up even though they were getting really sleepy, provided me with toothpaste and toothbrush because of course I would forget mine and just generally being so welcoming even though we don't always talk on a regular basis. I love them! Such a sweet, cute couple. I met Lulu during my UofT exchange program to France back in 2009 and I always tell myself, as long as I make one great friend, you're a lucky gal, missy! Thanks Lulu Sheep! I can't wait to make that South/Central America trip happen... hopefully in the near, near future. ^‿^
Met up with the guys (yup, Eva & Grace, we're part of the dudes!) and Johnnyboy who's in town for the week. I don't think I'll have time to see him off when he leaves but I'm not too worried. I plan to head across the border sometime in the summer anyway, so no biggie. He says he's gonna introduce me to doctor types but I know he's just bluffing me. Such a douche. Just kidding. Love you, half-bro!
Anyway, that's my week's recap. I devoted zero time for MA this week. Gotta make effort not to fall off!
My friend Ernest shared with me a fantastic article today. I loved it, because it really hit home. For those interested in adding more happiness to your life by doing a little subtracting: {Be Happier: 10 Things to Stop Doing Right Now}
Have a great, productive week, everyone!
Friday, 8 March 2013
Neglect and Making Habits
I'm so sorry guys! I have totally abandoned this blog because my schedule has just been so jam-packed.
I don't want to over-promise and under-deliver. I am going to keep busy, find balance, blog and still juggle a day job and my side projects. I feel terrible neglecting this blog. If I have even one friend that checks back (thanks for reading, James!), I feel I owe it to them to keep posting. Of course I am supposed to do this for my own sake, but I feel so much more touched when I know people read my shizz! So, from this week forward, I'm going to post weekly Thursday blogs (I'm well aware that today is Friday, but it will be Thursdays from next week on), even if it's just a small update. Without consistency, a set schedule and a plan of action - I'm just going to neglect this blog like I've done since the last post. When it gets more regular and I am better at managing my time and priorities, I'm going to up it to Mondays and Thursdays. That way, Mondays I can update about the weekend and Thursdays, about the upcoming week, and yaddy yadda.
I have good news! My job agency has finally put me up with something semi-long-term. It's a repetitive, tedious role [the exact kind that I dread, haha] but I want to put a positive spin on it and treat it with a 'no job too small mentality.' Plus, I need the regular cheques coming in. My previous agency does not contact me anymore because when I first came back from vacay, I really screwed up the assignment they placed me. The client supervising me rated me poorly (I'm sure of it, because agencies ask this of the clients. good ratings = more jobs for the temp), which is why they've never found me anything since. Of course I am disappointed that I did this to myself, but I am also not impressed with them for not giving me another chance, when I stayed on a 2-year term that they had placed me. Let this be a lesson to all you tempies out there - don't make the same mistake as I did. If you're stuffing envelopes, make sure to do it quickly and swiftly - NOT leisurely.
I also started my internship with the wedding planner. She basically most if not all of my quirks and short-comings... and I really appreciate that she is willing to work with me to overcome them. She's tough, talkative and very boss! And she means business! But she's also fun and I like how I can say to her exactly how I feel. At some point, I think she's gonna be royally pissed at me, but that's because of our personalities. I'm extremely defensive, lol. But anyway, I'm so glad I met her and feel lucky to have her as a sort of mentor and role model (especially when I have nobody else who will instill good values in me). I think more than ever, I'm realizing that my parents have influenced me so much - to the person I am today - and I'm not saying that in a good way. I'm not going to put 100% of the blame on them, because how I handle my EQ is on me as well. I truly believe moving out would impact me in a very positive way, but the money issue has had me hesitating. Especially when I've got a trip I want to go with the Citco girls in the summer, the NYC trip I have already promised to take to visit the 2 friends I met while I was in SH (and of course Johnny, hello!), cousin's wedidng in HK in December (honestly, I want to spend a month there so I can experience Christmas and New Year's Day! and make my flight tickets super worth it!), the Wedding MBA convention in Vegas (in October) and the MA World Convention in Miami, the following February. I don't even know if I can afford all of that! I'm gonna eat peanut butter on bread crumbs. That was sort of my type of dinner in SH, when I felt guilty about overspending.
My other project consists of editing drafts for my friend whom I met in SH. She's an awesome fashionista/art/business type who is going to make it big with her business proposal. I'm so glad to be part of the project (which I can't reveal any details until it rolls out), but I feel lucky even just to have met her (the random way that we did)! She's the type who you meet and then immediately fall in love with. If you get to meet her - you'll know what I'm talking about!
The last project that I'm busy with is my side project with MA. If you want to make a little money on the side (this is not a get-rich-quick scheme) and trust that with hard work, that in time, you can make enough money to retire in 2-3 years (6 figure income is achievable if you are willing to put in the hard work), then I want to talk to you! 'Retiring' does not mean you don't work anymore. You still can! But you won't be a slave to the economy anymore. You can choose not to work once you reach success after the 2-3 year plan. And you will reach success, if you follow all the steps that have been tried, tested and true. You just have to believe. You need to have discipline. And you need to want it badly. If financial and time freedom is important to you, if you will do whatever it takes to retire in 2-3 years, we have the opportunity for you. My team will be with you every step of the way to make sure you succeed, as long as you are coachable, follow the plan and have the burning desire to get out of the rat race. If you are this person, let's get in touch.
Yup, I've been MIA for awhile, but this is all going to change. Let's start making good habits, that we will keep, on things that we want to achieve!
PS: Thinking of getting my hair cut soon! Haven't had it this long since 2nd grade or something. For reals.
I don't want to over-promise and under-deliver. I am going to keep busy, find balance, blog and still juggle a day job and my side projects. I feel terrible neglecting this blog. If I have even one friend that checks back (thanks for reading, James!), I feel I owe it to them to keep posting. Of course I am supposed to do this for my own sake, but I feel so much more touched when I know people read my shizz! So, from this week forward, I'm going to post weekly Thursday blogs (I'm well aware that today is Friday, but it will be Thursdays from next week on), even if it's just a small update. Without consistency, a set schedule and a plan of action - I'm just going to neglect this blog like I've done since the last post. When it gets more regular and I am better at managing my time and priorities, I'm going to up it to Mondays and Thursdays. That way, Mondays I can update about the weekend and Thursdays, about the upcoming week, and yaddy yadda.
I have good news! My job agency has finally put me up with something semi-long-term. It's a repetitive, tedious role [the exact kind that I dread, haha] but I want to put a positive spin on it and treat it with a 'no job too small mentality.' Plus, I need the regular cheques coming in. My previous agency does not contact me anymore because when I first came back from vacay, I really screwed up the assignment they placed me. The client supervising me rated me poorly (I'm sure of it, because agencies ask this of the clients. good ratings = more jobs for the temp), which is why they've never found me anything since. Of course I am disappointed that I did this to myself, but I am also not impressed with them for not giving me another chance, when I stayed on a 2-year term that they had placed me. Let this be a lesson to all you tempies out there - don't make the same mistake as I did. If you're stuffing envelopes, make sure to do it quickly and swiftly - NOT leisurely.
I also started my internship with the wedding planner. She basically most if not all of my quirks and short-comings... and I really appreciate that she is willing to work with me to overcome them. She's tough, talkative and very boss! And she means business! But she's also fun and I like how I can say to her exactly how I feel. At some point, I think she's gonna be royally pissed at me, but that's because of our personalities. I'm extremely defensive, lol. But anyway, I'm so glad I met her and feel lucky to have her as a sort of mentor and role model (especially when I have nobody else who will instill good values in me). I think more than ever, I'm realizing that my parents have influenced me so much - to the person I am today - and I'm not saying that in a good way. I'm not going to put 100% of the blame on them, because how I handle my EQ is on me as well. I truly believe moving out would impact me in a very positive way, but the money issue has had me hesitating. Especially when I've got a trip I want to go with the Citco girls in the summer, the NYC trip I have already promised to take to visit the 2 friends I met while I was in SH (and of course Johnny, hello!), cousin's wedidng in HK in December (honestly, I want to spend a month there so I can experience Christmas and New Year's Day! and make my flight tickets super worth it!), the Wedding MBA convention in Vegas (in October) and the MA World Convention in Miami, the following February. I don't even know if I can afford all of that! I'm gonna eat peanut butter on bread crumbs. That was sort of my type of dinner in SH, when I felt guilty about overspending.
My other project consists of editing drafts for my friend whom I met in SH. She's an awesome fashionista/art/business type who is going to make it big with her business proposal. I'm so glad to be part of the project (which I can't reveal any details until it rolls out), but I feel lucky even just to have met her (the random way that we did)! She's the type who you meet and then immediately fall in love with. If you get to meet her - you'll know what I'm talking about!
The last project that I'm busy with is my side project with MA. If you want to make a little money on the side (this is not a get-rich-quick scheme) and trust that with hard work, that in time, you can make enough money to retire in 2-3 years (6 figure income is achievable if you are willing to put in the hard work), then I want to talk to you! 'Retiring' does not mean you don't work anymore. You still can! But you won't be a slave to the economy anymore. You can choose not to work once you reach success after the 2-3 year plan. And you will reach success, if you follow all the steps that have been tried, tested and true. You just have to believe. You need to have discipline. And you need to want it badly. If financial and time freedom is important to you, if you will do whatever it takes to retire in 2-3 years, we have the opportunity for you. My team will be with you every step of the way to make sure you succeed, as long as you are coachable, follow the plan and have the burning desire to get out of the rat race. If you are this person, let's get in touch.
Yup, I've been MIA for awhile, but this is all going to change. Let's start making good habits, that we will keep, on things that we want to achieve!
PS: Thinking of getting my hair cut soon! Haven't had it this long since 2nd grade or something. For reals.
Thursday, 31 January 2013
My First Ever Wedding Inspiration Mood Board
As part of my 2nd interview with a Wedding Planner, I was challenged to create a wedding inspiration mood board. At first I kind of panicked because I didn't know which direction I wanted to go. The possibilities were endless but my resources were limited. I didn't have a working printer let alone ink, limited time to work on it (I had a busy week)... but what I did have were a lot of fashion magazines (thanks Amy!) and a Scotties tissue box for the flowers you'll see on the board.
I was happy with the results and surprised how everything came together rather organically. Felt like I was doing arts and crafts again back in elementary school! I had a lot of fun with it and I couldn't have gotten it done without the extra fuel - thanks to sis who got us take-out Serissa drinks. Yup, I got my usual again ٩(^‿^)۶
My theme was Rustic Glam, Vintage Elegance. It's not perfect, but it's a start. Hope you guys enjoy! ^.^
I decided that I would make it look like a present, so that I could make a more dramatic presention when I showed them the board.
I explained that I was inspired by Ralph Lauren's perfume, Romance. You can actually lift that flap up (where it says 'Romance') and smell the scent.
If you are interested in reading the script that I prepared for the presentation, please follow below. I hope I've inspired some of you to create your own wedding boards some day, or perhaps to try to do more DIY crafts when you have the time.
We are all creative in one way or another and you may be surprised at what you come up with!
ᵔᴥᵔ ᵔᴥᵔ ᵔᴥᵔ
{ Presentation of the Mood Board }
Note: It's hard to make out the words on the board, but aside from 'ROMANCE', there's also ' Open your eyes to endless possibilities...', 'Luxuriously' and 'A Love Story.'
The theme for my wedding inspiration board is ‘Rustic Glam and Vintage Romance.’ I chose this theme because it is perfect for Spring/Summer Weddings and when I become a bride myself, I definitely would love to celebrate my wedding in either of these 2 seasons. Even Fall weddings in Toronto are a bit too chilly for my liking!
One of my inspirations for this theme came from Ralph Lauren’s ‘Romance’ perfume. It is luxurious, with an understated elegance and not at all overwhelming – just like the theme for this wedding. This wedding theme tells a love story between a couple who loves to travel together, enjoys nature and values the classic and quality-made over the trendy and super flashy.
Venue: The ceremony is outside in the woods, with a lot of natural light. The arch will be decorated with a lot of greenery (moss, fern, etc.) with shots of coral, red and pink. Wedding takes place in an old barn, with a large open space. Large chandeliers made of wooden twigs will provide ambient glow to the room. Small dangling lamps will be interspersed throughout.
Reception décor: The colour palette is a blush pink, light green, silver and robin egg’s blue. You will see all these colours on the cake, the table and chair linen, burlap napkins, runners, etc. Tables are wooden, chair covers are robin egg’s blue. Thoughtful rustic embellishments such as hourglasses, birdcages, pocket watches, compasses and perfume bottles will be decorated on each table.
Floral arrangements: While the overall colours are soft and wooden, the flowers will stand out in bright shades of coral, pink and red, with shots of green from the leaves and stems. There will be red roses (black roses) and mixed varieties. There are 7 long tables in total for about 130 guests including the bridal party. Tables will have alternating shorter and taller floral arrangements (which will be at a height that does not block the guests as they converse throughout dinner).
Food: It will be a formal, sit-down dinner. Soup of French Onion, Warm bread and butter/ olive oil and vinaigrette/ hummus and tapenade, Organic grain fed chicken served with roasted potatoes and vegetable medley, a mango-pecan salad, grapefruit sorbet, tea-infused gelato with light cheesecake. Red and white wines served, Signature cocktails for the bride (blushing bellini – peach, banana, strawberry) and groom (gin and spiked tonic) and Open Bar for all!
Music and Entertainment: Violinist and Pianist playing a duet in the woods – Pachabel’s Canon in D Soothing music throughout the reception, Party music with live DJ spinning at the after party
Okay, definitely got carried away on the food part... but you get my drift!
Thanks for reading! ✌♫♪˙❤‿❤˙♫♪✌
I was happy with the results and surprised how everything came together rather organically. Felt like I was doing arts and crafts again back in elementary school! I had a lot of fun with it and I couldn't have gotten it done without the extra fuel - thanks to sis who got us take-out Serissa drinks. Yup, I got my usual again ٩(^‿^)۶
My theme was Rustic Glam, Vintage Elegance. It's not perfect, but it's a start. Hope you guys enjoy! ^.^
I decided that I would make it look like a present, so that I could make a more dramatic presention when I showed them the board.
I explained that I was inspired by Ralph Lauren's perfume, Romance. You can actually lift that flap up (where it says 'Romance') and smell the scent.
If you are interested in reading the script that I prepared for the presentation, please follow below. I hope I've inspired some of you to create your own wedding boards some day, or perhaps to try to do more DIY crafts when you have the time.
We are all creative in one way or another and you may be surprised at what you come up with!
ᵔᴥᵔ ᵔᴥᵔ ᵔᴥᵔ
{ Presentation of the Mood Board }
Note: It's hard to make out the words on the board, but aside from 'ROMANCE', there's also ' Open your eyes to endless possibilities...', 'Luxuriously' and 'A Love Story.'
The theme for my wedding inspiration board is ‘Rustic Glam and Vintage Romance.’ I chose this theme because it is perfect for Spring/Summer Weddings and when I become a bride myself, I definitely would love to celebrate my wedding in either of these 2 seasons. Even Fall weddings in Toronto are a bit too chilly for my liking!
One of my inspirations for this theme came from Ralph Lauren’s ‘Romance’ perfume. It is luxurious, with an understated elegance and not at all overwhelming – just like the theme for this wedding. This wedding theme tells a love story between a couple who loves to travel together, enjoys nature and values the classic and quality-made over the trendy and super flashy.
Venue: The ceremony is outside in the woods, with a lot of natural light. The arch will be decorated with a lot of greenery (moss, fern, etc.) with shots of coral, red and pink. Wedding takes place in an old barn, with a large open space. Large chandeliers made of wooden twigs will provide ambient glow to the room. Small dangling lamps will be interspersed throughout.
Reception décor: The colour palette is a blush pink, light green, silver and robin egg’s blue. You will see all these colours on the cake, the table and chair linen, burlap napkins, runners, etc. Tables are wooden, chair covers are robin egg’s blue. Thoughtful rustic embellishments such as hourglasses, birdcages, pocket watches, compasses and perfume bottles will be decorated on each table.
Floral arrangements: While the overall colours are soft and wooden, the flowers will stand out in bright shades of coral, pink and red, with shots of green from the leaves and stems. There will be red roses (black roses) and mixed varieties. There are 7 long tables in total for about 130 guests including the bridal party. Tables will have alternating shorter and taller floral arrangements (which will be at a height that does not block the guests as they converse throughout dinner).
Food: It will be a formal, sit-down dinner. Soup of French Onion, Warm bread and butter/ olive oil and vinaigrette/ hummus and tapenade, Organic grain fed chicken served with roasted potatoes and vegetable medley, a mango-pecan salad, grapefruit sorbet, tea-infused gelato with light cheesecake. Red and white wines served, Signature cocktails for the bride (blushing bellini – peach, banana, strawberry) and groom (gin and spiked tonic) and Open Bar for all!
Music and Entertainment: Violinist and Pianist playing a duet in the woods – Pachabel’s Canon in D Soothing music throughout the reception, Party music with live DJ spinning at the after party
Okay, definitely got carried away on the food part... but you get my drift!
Thanks for reading! ✌♫♪˙❤‿❤˙♫♪✌
Saturday, 26 January 2013
The Vain Blog
I changed the blog's description from 'An Open Look Book ...into this girly girl's life' to 'THE VAIN BLOG where it's all about me me me me ME' because when I started to read back on the entries I've written so far... all I talked about was 'Me.' So why not. I have a food blog where I talk all about food, so why can't I have a me blog? (The food blog does beter in terms of traffic, by the way, but hey, that's ok! It's not like there's a competition and even if there were, it's just between me and myself)!
The food blog is very focused on the one topic, whereas my mind is all over the place when it comes to writing in here. I can get a lot deeper with my thoughts with this blog which may or may not appeal to everybody. I am geuinely excited about food and you can probably catch on that when you follow my food blog. But here is where the other sides of my personality surface. The raw, more emotional and sometimes dramatic, comes into play.
I am currently working on a 'Wedding Mood Board' as a component to a second interview that I have with a wedding planner. It is only for an internship position. I should be able to learn quite a lot from her, but there are also other options that I am considering. My main concern is that the internship is unpaid and I really need to decide if earning money is more important right now or gaining experience without pay for 8 months. I could definitely still work part-time while I am doing the ineternship, even full-time if I manage my time well, but I need to know the specifics of what is expected of me in order to better allocate my time around things. Perhaps I should get the interview over with before I even start worrying about everything else. I would love to show you guys what I whipped up today! I am very surprised that it all came together in a several hours' work... almost organically. It was such a strange feeling. I did not work non-stop and definitely took too many breaks; eating breakfast, snacking on sushi and bingeing on my Black Diamond Green Tea Red Bean Slush from Serissa (thanks to sis for getting take-out for me!)... but I did it!! Now, I just have to come up with a story on how I came about this theme.
At the same time, I am trying to quickly fix up my beautifully edited resume (thank you to EW for doing such a great job on it. I love it. And I owe you so much when I get my full-time position, whatever it may be)! And then off I send it to JS who is going to forward it to his contacts. He has helped me in the past when I was in dire need to get to work on time that one day... Thinking back, I am so ashamed that someone could be as irresponsible as I was to not take things as seriously as I should. Yes, I am still habitually late when I meet my friends, with the odd occasion that I am not. I know I need to change that about myself, trust me, I know. I don't like waiting on people and they shouldn't have to wait on me either. To this day I haven't forgotten how JS drove me from the supermarket where I was picking up last minute supplies for the work shift that was to start in less than an hour all the way to my work location which was at least a 1/2 hour drive away. I could have never made it on time if I took public transit. Sometimes it is the most unexpected people who end up being the one who helps you out when you are in a crutch. I have JS to thank for that. I am definitely inspired to be that friend for somebody else. I may not be the first one you think of, but I will do what is in my power to not let you down.
The food blog is very focused on the one topic, whereas my mind is all over the place when it comes to writing in here. I can get a lot deeper with my thoughts with this blog which may or may not appeal to everybody. I am geuinely excited about food and you can probably catch on that when you follow my food blog. But here is where the other sides of my personality surface. The raw, more emotional and sometimes dramatic, comes into play.
I am currently working on a 'Wedding Mood Board' as a component to a second interview that I have with a wedding planner. It is only for an internship position. I should be able to learn quite a lot from her, but there are also other options that I am considering. My main concern is that the internship is unpaid and I really need to decide if earning money is more important right now or gaining experience without pay for 8 months. I could definitely still work part-time while I am doing the ineternship, even full-time if I manage my time well, but I need to know the specifics of what is expected of me in order to better allocate my time around things. Perhaps I should get the interview over with before I even start worrying about everything else. I would love to show you guys what I whipped up today! I am very surprised that it all came together in a several hours' work... almost organically. It was such a strange feeling. I did not work non-stop and definitely took too many breaks; eating breakfast, snacking on sushi and bingeing on my Black Diamond Green Tea Red Bean Slush from Serissa (thanks to sis for getting take-out for me!)... but I did it!! Now, I just have to come up with a story on how I came about this theme.
At the same time, I am trying to quickly fix up my beautifully edited resume (thank you to EW for doing such a great job on it. I love it. And I owe you so much when I get my full-time position, whatever it may be)! And then off I send it to JS who is going to forward it to his contacts. He has helped me in the past when I was in dire need to get to work on time that one day... Thinking back, I am so ashamed that someone could be as irresponsible as I was to not take things as seriously as I should. Yes, I am still habitually late when I meet my friends, with the odd occasion that I am not. I know I need to change that about myself, trust me, I know. I don't like waiting on people and they shouldn't have to wait on me either. To this day I haven't forgotten how JS drove me from the supermarket where I was picking up last minute supplies for the work shift that was to start in less than an hour all the way to my work location which was at least a 1/2 hour drive away. I could have never made it on time if I took public transit. Sometimes it is the most unexpected people who end up being the one who helps you out when you are in a crutch. I have JS to thank for that. I am definitely inspired to be that friend for somebody else. I may not be the first one you think of, but I will do what is in my power to not let you down.
On Ambition, Goals & Dreams.
When I was a little girl, I wanted to be an elementary school teacher. I dreamed of marking papers and giving my students stickers and stamps for a job well done.
I also wanted to be crowned a winner in those Chinese beauty pageants that I grew up watching. I wanted to dress up, look pretty and prance around on stage, but not have to answer terrifying questions wearing a skimpy bikini.
And then I also wanted to be an actress because of all the shows I enjoyed watching and all the characters I felt that I could relate to. A model, and even a singer. In short, I had wanted to be a celebrity-something, an adored-by-many performer.
If you ask me now what I want to be?
I want to be less of a dreamer. I will always be one, but being a dreamer won't be what makes my dreams actually come true. I want to be more practical in my ambition and goals.
I really like what Mark Cuban said on Finding motivation as an entrepreneur:
I daydreamed for motivation. I didn't lie to myself and talk about my passions and how if I was passionate enough about something I could be successful at it.
I was lucky. I grew up knowing that hard work and smart work has a greater impact on results than being passionate about something.
For the rest of the article, click here.
I need to internalize the part about hard work and smart work versus simply being passionate about something. It took a really long time, but I think I finally know exactly what I want to be. And I want to share it to the world, because I want to hold myself accountable. I want to document how I am going to achieve this goal and make productive use of the free time I currently have. I need to make it count.
I will work toward the ambition of becoming The Ultimate Travelling Stylist. I want to be the go-to person to style dessert tables, design wedding and event venues, decorate interiors of home & small commercial spaces, style photo shoots for engagement sessions and models for magazine spreads. Basically, I want to be a one-stop-shop for style, aesthetics, visual & merchandising arts & design and creative direction. It's quite a handful and I know I cannot do this on my own. I want to work alongside like-minded, creative and ambitious individuals who can bring a fresh and different aesthetic, each appreciating the different style forté of the other. My goal is to operate this kind of boutique styling business, surround myself with amazing people and be able to work for clients all over the world.
That is my ambition.
I also have a dream to become a super successful blogger! I want to be able to run and manage a beautiful, visually-appealing, content-rich website (with photography and graphic design skills that I am aiming to master) and be able to share my journey with interested readers, aspiring entrepreneurs and other like-minded individuals. I want to get into the journalistic part of me! I want to be able to support brands I love, attend interesting events and interview some pretty amazing people. The latter is a very appealing perk to me. I would listen intently to their stories, explore how success came about for them and have them impart a little knowledge and wisdom to a wide-eyed sponge like myself. I want to also discover up-and-coming creative individuals and help them build their presence and brand. My website/blog would give me the platform where I can then share and exchange information, thoughts and ideas, with interested and curious individuals. These are valuable opportunities and connections I would probably otherwise never chance upon if I worked a 9-5 mundane office job my entire life, where the only thing I looked forward to, was the weekend.
Did I mention that I want to open a small cafe when I am 40 or so? Lead an active, healthy lifestyle and use my lifetime to {try} to master yoga? Live in Tokyo while I am still young and not yet 30? Be, look, feel and do everything that I can/ want/ am meant to?
Of course, a girl can still dream. But if it is feasible, why not turn that dream into a concrete reality? My first goal is to get out there and start styling. The travelling, one-stop-shop boutique and other things will follow. I want to take this opportunity to thank the people who openly expressed that they believed in me. You have no idea how much this means to me, especially at a time when it is just so easy to throw in the towel, convince yourself that great things just maybe don't happen to everyone and go on to live a stable, unfulfilled life.
Thank you for giving me the encouragement to move forward. It's a bit of pressure to not let anyone (myself, especially) down, but good pressure. To all those that aspire to be something great, let's Go. Up, and Onward.
I also wanted to be crowned a winner in those Chinese beauty pageants that I grew up watching. I wanted to dress up, look pretty and prance around on stage, but not have to answer terrifying questions wearing a skimpy bikini.
And then I also wanted to be an actress because of all the shows I enjoyed watching and all the characters I felt that I could relate to. A model, and even a singer. In short, I had wanted to be a celebrity-something, an adored-by-many performer.
If you ask me now what I want to be?
I want to be less of a dreamer. I will always be one, but being a dreamer won't be what makes my dreams actually come true. I want to be more practical in my ambition and goals.
I really like what Mark Cuban said on Finding motivation as an entrepreneur:
I daydreamed for motivation. I didn't lie to myself and talk about my passions and how if I was passionate enough about something I could be successful at it.
I was lucky. I grew up knowing that hard work and smart work has a greater impact on results than being passionate about something.
For the rest of the article, click here.
I need to internalize the part about hard work and smart work versus simply being passionate about something. It took a really long time, but I think I finally know exactly what I want to be. And I want to share it to the world, because I want to hold myself accountable. I want to document how I am going to achieve this goal and make productive use of the free time I currently have. I need to make it count.
I will work toward the ambition of becoming The Ultimate Travelling Stylist. I want to be the go-to person to style dessert tables, design wedding and event venues, decorate interiors of home & small commercial spaces, style photo shoots for engagement sessions and models for magazine spreads. Basically, I want to be a one-stop-shop for style, aesthetics, visual & merchandising arts & design and creative direction. It's quite a handful and I know I cannot do this on my own. I want to work alongside like-minded, creative and ambitious individuals who can bring a fresh and different aesthetic, each appreciating the different style forté of the other. My goal is to operate this kind of boutique styling business, surround myself with amazing people and be able to work for clients all over the world.
That is my ambition.
I also have a dream to become a super successful blogger! I want to be able to run and manage a beautiful, visually-appealing, content-rich website (with photography and graphic design skills that I am aiming to master) and be able to share my journey with interested readers, aspiring entrepreneurs and other like-minded individuals. I want to get into the journalistic part of me! I want to be able to support brands I love, attend interesting events and interview some pretty amazing people. The latter is a very appealing perk to me. I would listen intently to their stories, explore how success came about for them and have them impart a little knowledge and wisdom to a wide-eyed sponge like myself. I want to also discover up-and-coming creative individuals and help them build their presence and brand. My website/blog would give me the platform where I can then share and exchange information, thoughts and ideas, with interested and curious individuals. These are valuable opportunities and connections I would probably otherwise never chance upon if I worked a 9-5 mundane office job my entire life, where the only thing I looked forward to, was the weekend.
Did I mention that I want to open a small cafe when I am 40 or so? Lead an active, healthy lifestyle and use my lifetime to {try} to master yoga? Live in Tokyo while I am still young and not yet 30? Be, look, feel and do everything that I can/ want/ am meant to?
Of course, a girl can still dream. But if it is feasible, why not turn that dream into a concrete reality? My first goal is to get out there and start styling. The travelling, one-stop-shop boutique and other things will follow. I want to take this opportunity to thank the people who openly expressed that they believed in me. You have no idea how much this means to me, especially at a time when it is just so easy to throw in the towel, convince yourself that great things just maybe don't happen to everyone and go on to live a stable, unfulfilled life.
Thank you for giving me the encouragement to move forward. It's a bit of pressure to not let anyone (myself, especially) down, but good pressure. To all those that aspire to be something great, let's Go. Up, and Onward.
Thursday, 17 January 2013
My theory on Creative/Successful People.
I once read somewhere that successful people write messy.
So this explains why my writing is only legible! It simply takes way more time and effort than it's worth for me to write as neat as most of the girls (and a few guys) that I know do!
The below quote which I have written with much care for a dear friend's birthday back in December, reads 'The only person you should try to be better than, is the person you were yesterday.'
Creative people tend to be messy even if we crave for things to be neat, tidy and orderly.
This, I didn't read from anywhere and is simply my POV. Our brains can be scattered and all over the place. We are constantly thinking. And in overdrive.
As it currently stands, I am neither as creative or as successful as I should like to be... but I am going to strive to be more and do more with each passing day.
This was my computer arrangement when my desk top crapped out in November:
Strawberries Drizzled in (Admittedly, Not Enough) Nutella!
I am a firm believer that more things should come in smaller packets because I can never finish the individual bottles. Where to buy in Toronto?? I snatched a few of these packets from our cruise vacation and still wishing I had more!
Exhibit B:
Unexpectedly Yummy Avocado Apple Sandwich!
You only need half an avocado, sliced and a small red apple, also sliced (substitute with granny smith if available), sandwiched between 2 slices of whole wheat (emphasis on the whole wheat part) bread. The flavours mix together pretty well, if I do say so myself! Throw in a boiled egg, chopped, if available.
I could've used a toaster for the bread, which would've made for a nice warm bite. But I didn't bother to go look for our missing toaster. That we never use. That in it, I found a dead bug. You absolutely should though, if you have easy access to one!
I have extremely low expectations when it coms to making my own food. If I can put it in my stomach, I am already very proud of myself. Psh, I can totally live on my own! In fact, I might be able to lose some of this tummy bulge and thigh fat if I did! OK, the move-out, make-food-for-self challenge is ON!
So this explains why my writing is only legible! It simply takes way more time and effort than it's worth for me to write as neat as most of the girls (and a few guys) that I know do!
The below quote which I have written with much care for a dear friend's birthday back in December, reads 'The only person you should try to be better than, is the person you were yesterday.'
This, I didn't read from anywhere and is simply my POV. Our brains can be scattered and all over the place. We are constantly thinking. And in overdrive.
As it currently stands, I am neither as creative or as successful as I should like to be... but I am going to strive to be more and do more with each passing day.
This was my computer arrangement when my desk top crapped out in November:
For those of us who don't know how to cook, we can still make a gourmet snack and make do with whatever we can find that doesn't cooking skills. Presenting...
Exhibit A:Strawberries Drizzled in (Admittedly, Not Enough) Nutella!
I am a firm believer that more things should come in smaller packets because I can never finish the individual bottles. Where to buy in Toronto?? I snatched a few of these packets from our cruise vacation and still wishing I had more!
Exhibit B:
Unexpectedly Yummy Avocado Apple Sandwich!
You only need half an avocado, sliced and a small red apple, also sliced (substitute with granny smith if available), sandwiched between 2 slices of whole wheat (emphasis on the whole wheat part) bread. The flavours mix together pretty well, if I do say so myself! Throw in a boiled egg, chopped, if available.
I have extremely low expectations when it coms to making my own food. If I can put it in my stomach, I am already very proud of myself. Psh, I can totally live on my own! In fact, I might be able to lose some of this tummy bulge and thigh fat if I did! OK, the move-out, make-food-for-self challenge is ON!
Thursday, 3 January 2013
iogo yoghurt goodness
My absolute favourite yoghurt (which converted me into a yoghurt lover) is Yoplait's Apricot flavour. I was first introduced to it by my host family when I was in Tours, France, but I have searched far and wide and have been unable to find it anywhere in Canadian supermarkets. So that's where my next favourites, of Peach and of Blueberry, come into play. It didn't matter if it was Yoplait anymore, these two flavours became my go-to flavours. If there is one flavour of yoghurt I do not like, it's got to be Strawberry. I don't know why, but I've always left those behind while I greedily devoured the others in the variety pack.
My mom has been crazy about yoghurt since hearing all the good stuff about it on the radio and in the newspapers (she's the crazy lady that tells us if we don't poop for a day, that's equivalent to smoking 3 packs of cigaretttes!!), so we are almost always stocked. We have tried every brand of yoghurt that the supermarket has to offer. One day at Food Basics, we decided to give this new one a try...
Introducing: iogo probio yoghurt!
I've had mixed flavours before... but even though I never liked strawberry flavoured yoghurt, somehow they made them so yummy I couldn't resist. The flavours that came in this variety box include: Strawberry-Banana / Raspberry-Cranberry / Blackberry-Blueberry / Peach-Mango ...and they were all very creamy, refreshing and delectable to my taste buds. The first time I came across this brand was on a billboard near the highway entrance, downtown, and what caught my attention were colours, font and the fresh-looking fruits. I am so glad we decided to try something new, because when I'm in Toronto, trying new things tend to yield disappointing outcomes and I am more often than not left with feeling that the tried-and-tested tastes so much better. But iogo's was unexpectedly really, really, good! And this is coming from someone who is uber picky about what she claims to be worthy of a compliment :P
Check out all of iogo's wide variety of interesting and yummy flavours and products on their website and give them a try today!
My mom has been crazy about yoghurt since hearing all the good stuff about it on the radio and in the newspapers (she's the crazy lady that tells us if we don't poop for a day, that's equivalent to smoking 3 packs of cigaretttes!!), so we are almost always stocked. We have tried every brand of yoghurt that the supermarket has to offer. One day at Food Basics, we decided to give this new one a try...
Introducing: iogo probio yoghurt!
I've had mixed flavours before... but even though I never liked strawberry flavoured yoghurt, somehow they made them so yummy I couldn't resist. The flavours that came in this variety box include: Strawberry-Banana / Raspberry-Cranberry / Blackberry-Blueberry / Peach-Mango ...and they were all very creamy, refreshing and delectable to my taste buds. The first time I came across this brand was on a billboard near the highway entrance, downtown, and what caught my attention were colours, font and the fresh-looking fruits. I am so glad we decided to try something new, because when I'm in Toronto, trying new things tend to yield disappointing outcomes and I am more often than not left with feeling that the tried-and-tested tastes so much better. But iogo's was unexpectedly really, really, good! And this is coming from someone who is uber picky about what she claims to be worthy of a compliment :P
Check out all of iogo's wide variety of interesting and yummy flavours and products on their website and give them a try today!
Tuesday, 1 January 2013
Happy 2013!
No more excuses... must make this the best year ever!!!
Happy New Year, everyone! :)
Feeling powerful atm. Here's some motivation to keep it going!
“Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts.” - Unknown
“When the world says, ‘Give up,’ Hope whispers, ‘Try it one more time.’” - Unknown
“Fall down seven times, get up eight.” - Japanese Proverb
“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“Never Give Up! Never, never, never, never give up. Never!” - Winston Churchill
Happy New Year, everyone! :)
Feeling powerful atm. Here's some motivation to keep it going!
“Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts.” - Unknown
“When the world says, ‘Give up,’ Hope whispers, ‘Try it one more time.’” - Unknown
“Fall down seven times, get up eight.” - Japanese Proverb
“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“Never Give Up! Never, never, never, never give up. Never!” - Winston Churchill
Friday, 28 December 2012
Random Facts of Yours, Truly. Part I.
• I have a strong bug radar. My rule is whoever sees it first has to get rid of it and that usually ends up being me. Small bugs to medium sized spiders, ok. But I was traumatized by the gigantic cockroaches in HK and Taiwan!!! Can you imagine having to use a tissue to grab those things? I shudder at the thought. It doesn't matter that I am 1000000x their size. My hand isn't! ... And I don't want dead bug remnants under my slippers.
• I have a terrible sense of direction and I always get lost on vacation. I stay calm, and eventually find my way, cuz I mean, getting lost is all part of the vacation experience. But today, I had trouble finding where I parked the car and that's when I started freaking out!
• I started getting into Japanese beauty & fashion for about 2-3 years now, but I have yet to actually change my look. When I decide to stop being lazy, don't be surprised. • I like all things cute, girly, tasty, pretty, beautiful, colourful, creative, arty, design-y, warm and cuddly. And the colour pink!
• My ideal guy is the Wong Fu type boys! Computer, social media and tech-savvy, creative, fun and NICE! I'm gonna bank on it that they are romantic too. Big Plus!
• I'm like one of the girls on the show 'Princess' on Slice, minus the part with the racked up debt. I can change my mind about what I want to be on any given day, but in my mind, they are all interrelated. It's anything from wanting to be a Wedding Planner to Entertainer to Corporate Big Boss. Sometimes I think I will invent or reinvent something so spectacular, that I will make my living off my inventions! Or off a really great book that I will write and become an overnight sensation!
• As you can see, I like to dream. Quite a bit.
• My favourite place to visit is Japan. My ideal place to work is Hong Kong. My other top contenders are NYC and L.A. to LWP (live/work/play) and I would love to spend summers in Paris. Places I haven't been but would like to in the forseeable future: India and Dubai.
• One of my life's goal is to excel at Yoga. I read somewhere that you need 10,000 hours of practice on something to be really good at it. I am gonna do it! Just 9990 more hours to go!
• I dabbled at learning the basics in Photoshop and Photography... but technicality does not seem to be my forte. And I am also not as creative as I imagine myself to be. But not to fear, I haven't given up, so don't write me off just yet!!!
• You will see a lot of food pics on this blog because I love to eat. I am always curious about what people are eating and I like asking people what they had for lunch.
Update since the afternoon post: I am newly inspired! Definitely need to get this project started!! ^^
• I have a terrible sense of direction and I always get lost on vacation. I stay calm, and eventually find my way, cuz I mean, getting lost is all part of the vacation experience. But today, I had trouble finding where I parked the car and that's when I started freaking out!
• I started getting into Japanese beauty & fashion for about 2-3 years now, but I have yet to actually change my look. When I decide to stop being lazy, don't be surprised. • I like all things cute, girly, tasty, pretty, beautiful, colourful, creative, arty, design-y, warm and cuddly. And the colour pink!
• My ideal guy is the Wong Fu type boys! Computer, social media and tech-savvy, creative, fun and NICE! I'm gonna bank on it that they are romantic too. Big Plus!
• I'm like one of the girls on the show 'Princess' on Slice, minus the part with the racked up debt. I can change my mind about what I want to be on any given day, but in my mind, they are all interrelated. It's anything from wanting to be a Wedding Planner to Entertainer to Corporate Big Boss. Sometimes I think I will invent or reinvent something so spectacular, that I will make my living off my inventions! Or off a really great book that I will write and become an overnight sensation!
• As you can see, I like to dream. Quite a bit.
• My favourite place to visit is Japan. My ideal place to work is Hong Kong. My other top contenders are NYC and L.A. to LWP (live/work/play) and I would love to spend summers in Paris. Places I haven't been but would like to in the forseeable future: India and Dubai.
• One of my life's goal is to excel at Yoga. I read somewhere that you need 10,000 hours of practice on something to be really good at it. I am gonna do it! Just 9990 more hours to go!
• I dabbled at learning the basics in Photoshop and Photography... but technicality does not seem to be my forte. And I am also not as creative as I imagine myself to be. But not to fear, I haven't given up, so don't write me off just yet!!!
• You will see a lot of food pics on this blog because I love to eat. I am always curious about what people are eating and I like asking people what they had for lunch.
Update since the afternoon post: I am newly inspired! Definitely need to get this project started!! ^^
Clean Slate.
I think of Christmas as a big, huge, festive celebration before to say good bye (sometimes more enthusiastically) to the last 12 months and to look forward to making the coming year (a) / (an even) better one. We start fresh and dive into the next 12 months of working hard, making memories and accomplishing a new set of goals or revisiting old ones we did not get around to (but still aim to) checking off our to-do list. Christmas is perfectly timed, giving us a week's time to wipe the clean slate and start with a blank canvas, so long as our attitude and mentality permits us to move forward.
Aside from the usual...
Eating Less Meat. Last night in bed, I actually pictured myself being vegetarian but I couldn't give up seafood {cocktail shrimp! cold crab! fried fish!} and Lola's Kitchen's Turkey Melt sandwich. I even went on their website to give you the exact description {TURKEY MELT Shaved roasted Ontario turkey breast with pickled red onion, cranberry mustard & double creme brie cheese on grilled multigrain bread with arugula & balsamic syrup. 13 Brieeee! SO yum. Need I say more?}
Exercising more. Do Yoga. Walk the park. Swiffer the house.
Generally being more healthy. This means no more excessive bubble tea, indulging in sweets like chocolate, hiding bags of chips and crisps in the cupboards and to STOP using the computer by 10pm, which means being in bed by midnight.
Five things I'd like to work on in the coming year include:
1. Decluttering my life. In a current state of 'stuck' this simply does not help!
2. Stop using hot/scalding hot water while washing face, hands, hair, body. This dries out my skin so bad and promotes premature aging! I'm getting better at lowering the temperature in the sense that I no longer fog up my bathroom (that much) anymore but I honestly feel like it's an addiction that is hard to wean off...
3. Start consistently moisturizing my skin, especially because of point #2. I have a lot of products because I'm a huge collector of stuff (especially if they come in pretty packaging :), but my beauty routine, if you can even call it that is pretty low maintenance. I bought these huge 300ml Aloe Vera (92%) Soothing Gel from Nature Republic on sale in Taipei, and I like it for the simple fact that it's aloe vera = good for skin, and it's less perfume-y, seems more natural and probably has less chemicals that your skin can do without, than say, the body lotions from Bath & Body Works.
4. Sit cross-legged less often (I'm currently in this position as I'm typing away. SOM!). Honestly, I think this is even harder than #2 and #3 combined. I need one of those office chairs that simply wouldn't even give me enough space to sit like that. I had no problem with sitting like a normal person when I was at work, so this might be the one crucial investment I would have to make in the new year. That, and a smart phone. I wouldn't mind a tablet either... and a DSLR... and a better laptop and... :)
5. Working on this blog as a side project while working full-time, living on my own and coming to terms with myself. I honestly felt that by the time I reached this point in my twenty-something years of life, I would have achieved more and had more to show for. Sometimes I can't help but wonder if I've been pushing myself away from who I am meant to be, rather than embracing it; because I fear of what negative outcomes might come from it. Or am I just afraid of disillusioning myself and what I have been insisting to be reality; really is not? Maybe it's the tiger child in me, but I have been feeling just an overwhelming wave of restlessness combined with a resurfaced thirst for recklessness. Time will only tell.
Aside from the usual...
Eating Less Meat. Last night in bed, I actually pictured myself being vegetarian but I couldn't give up seafood {cocktail shrimp! cold crab! fried fish!} and Lola's Kitchen's Turkey Melt sandwich. I even went on their website to give you the exact description {TURKEY MELT Shaved roasted Ontario turkey breast with pickled red onion, cranberry mustard & double creme brie cheese on grilled multigrain bread with arugula & balsamic syrup. 13 Brieeee! SO yum. Need I say more?}
Exercising more. Do Yoga. Walk the park. Swiffer the house.
Generally being more healthy. This means no more excessive bubble tea, indulging in sweets like chocolate, hiding bags of chips and crisps in the cupboards and to STOP using the computer by 10pm, which means being in bed by midnight.
Five things I'd like to work on in the coming year include:
1. Decluttering my life. In a current state of 'stuck' this simply does not help!
2. Stop using hot/scalding hot water while washing face, hands, hair, body. This dries out my skin so bad and promotes premature aging! I'm getting better at lowering the temperature in the sense that I no longer fog up my bathroom (that much) anymore but I honestly feel like it's an addiction that is hard to wean off...
3. Start consistently moisturizing my skin, especially because of point #2. I have a lot of products because I'm a huge collector of stuff (especially if they come in pretty packaging :), but my beauty routine, if you can even call it that is pretty low maintenance. I bought these huge 300ml Aloe Vera (92%) Soothing Gel from Nature Republic on sale in Taipei, and I like it for the simple fact that it's aloe vera = good for skin, and it's less perfume-y, seems more natural and probably has less chemicals that your skin can do without, than say, the body lotions from Bath & Body Works.
4. Sit cross-legged less often (I'm currently in this position as I'm typing away. SOM!). Honestly, I think this is even harder than #2 and #3 combined. I need one of those office chairs that simply wouldn't even give me enough space to sit like that. I had no problem with sitting like a normal person when I was at work, so this might be the one crucial investment I would have to make in the new year. That, and a smart phone. I wouldn't mind a tablet either... and a DSLR... and a better laptop and... :)
5. Working on this blog as a side project while working full-time, living on my own and coming to terms with myself. I honestly felt that by the time I reached this point in my twenty-something years of life, I would have achieved more and had more to show for. Sometimes I can't help but wonder if I've been pushing myself away from who I am meant to be, rather than embracing it; because I fear of what negative outcomes might come from it. Or am I just afraid of disillusioning myself and what I have been insisting to be reality; really is not? Maybe it's the tiger child in me, but I have been feeling just an overwhelming wave of restlessness combined with a resurfaced thirst for recklessness. Time will only tell.
Thursday, 20 December 2012
Written Between the Texts.
I'm the only one on the planet (besides the members of my immediate family) still using a dumb phone aka non-smart phone. I see maids on the MTR in HK using them smart phones!!! It's bad enough that I've still not upgraded when I have to take my little phone out in public in North America, but being in Asia makes it 1000x worse. I'm on a prepaid rogers plan where $100 lasts 365 days or whichever runs out first. My friends know not to call me unless it's for emergency purposes only haha! Nobody has commented that I am still living in the stone age but I just didn't feel I used a cell phone enough to justify the $60 monthly phone bills. But now that I live, love and breathe social media, I feel like I need to have one! That's the first thing I'm going to invest in once I land a job.
Today, I want to share with you some of the texts that I have received from friends, that kinda give you a good idea of who I am and the kind of people I surround myself with. Some were too funny, sweet or fits-me-to-a-T to delete upon receipt and response, and some I just haven't gotten around to deleting yet, just because. Enjoy! :)
When I was planning a birthday weekend to Kingston:
Hey gals, just wanna tell that hotel has been booked and confirmed. However...xxx's (that's me) gonna flip again... price went up by $6!!!
When we got our first raise...
Pay raise sucked. It was like a courtesy raise. :(
When everybody was being polite and not inching toward the taxi that was free to take, I get called a...
Taxi stealer.
When I took a week off work for my wisdom teeth removal:
Friend A: Will you leave me alone for a whole week? I will punch you once you get back... Start missing u.. :(
Friend B: You slacker. How many days are you taking off?
This is before I signed up for the $5 monthly text plan:
Friend A: Till we find a driver. Oops I sent u two msgs. Sorry. I'll give u 50 cents next time lol
Friend B: I know this is a bittersweet txt cuz you've gotta pay.. But happy birthday! Hope you have fun at allllll your celebrations!
Friend C: Hey xxx!! I'm texting you with $$$! Don't be mad...I just wanna say happy birthday to my fam! Will see u soon, muah~
We always look forward to fresh meat coming on board our team. Except in this particular instance:
He is sooo annoying! Why him?whyy? Hes hoggin a space for another mewbie who could be my potential husband! Shiaaattt! S gcs bn jh dshhhjj
When I had a crush on a dude who worked in a different department:
Just saw mook dook lo walk by with a decent looking girl whom ive never seen..
When I had a case of JLin fever:
Just saw jeremy lin in a wifebeater on the magazine.. Hes actually not bad looking!
When I told mom I was going to go to Asia for 5 months:
Just saw your mum at no frills. And she said you dropped the bomb lol
Just a normal day at work...
When you came out of the elevator..it felt like a movie! In slowmo walking out with your hair flying around so young and pretty LOL
When I finally took the plunge, stopped being all talk, booked flights to Asia and quit my job:
OMG you won't be there today. I'm going to seriously get so sad seeing your empty desk!!!:(
Because there's always a glare coming from the floor-to-ceiling windows when I'm on my computer at work...
Also funny story, may shut the blinds and maria goes 'did you get a message from xxx to do this' I laughed so loud. Didn't care about management.
...Because it is a known fact I am going to be late:
:))))) I was predicted this). Of course, call me, when you arrive! I'm in the hair salon, stylist make my hair, and I'm make my nails in the same time:)
When I came back from Asia:
So the rumours of xxx sightings r true!! Yayyy ur back! I wanna hear all about she. U have time, which I'm sure is not today...HAPPY BIRTHDAY hun!!! Enjoy! Hope to see u b4 u take off jetsetting again:p xo
I did end up going on a family cruise to Europe after coming back from Asia, so I officially finished all my travels by Oct 1. Since then, I did a temp job and am still looking for that full-time position that is going to enable me to move out, pay off my travel debt and go to HK in July for 2-4 weeks. It's been way harder than I expected to secure something and if it's anything I learned, it is probably not the best idea to quit your job and go away for 5-6 months at a time. It's way less exhausting to take shorter trips more frequently, as you'll have more energy and enthusiasm for each new city you visit, not to mention, more money leftover in your bank account to boot!
No regrets, but I'm definitely struggling from the choices I have made... if the world ends tomorrow, well, at least I got to see a lot of it! :)
Happy Last Day on Earth, dear friends!!!
Today, I want to share with you some of the texts that I have received from friends, that kinda give you a good idea of who I am and the kind of people I surround myself with. Some were too funny, sweet or fits-me-to-a-T to delete upon receipt and response, and some I just haven't gotten around to deleting yet, just because. Enjoy! :)
When I was planning a birthday weekend to Kingston:
Hey gals, just wanna tell that hotel has been booked and confirmed. However...xxx's (that's me) gonna flip again... price went up by $6!!!
When we got our first raise...
Pay raise sucked. It was like a courtesy raise. :(
When everybody was being polite and not inching toward the taxi that was free to take, I get called a...
Taxi stealer.
When I took a week off work for my wisdom teeth removal:
Friend A: Will you leave me alone for a whole week? I will punch you once you get back... Start missing u.. :(
Friend B: You slacker. How many days are you taking off?
This is before I signed up for the $5 monthly text plan:
Friend A: Till we find a driver. Oops I sent u two msgs. Sorry. I'll give u 50 cents next time lol
Friend B: I know this is a bittersweet txt cuz you've gotta pay.. But happy birthday! Hope you have fun at allllll your celebrations!
Friend C: Hey xxx!! I'm texting you with $$$! Don't be mad...I just wanna say happy birthday to my fam! Will see u soon, muah~
We always look forward to fresh meat coming on board our team. Except in this particular instance:
He is sooo annoying! Why him?whyy? Hes hoggin a space for another mewbie who could be my potential husband! Shiaaattt! S gcs bn jh dshhhjj
When I had a crush on a dude who worked in a different department:
Just saw mook dook lo walk by with a decent looking girl whom ive never seen..
When I had a case of JLin fever:
Just saw jeremy lin in a wifebeater on the magazine.. Hes actually not bad looking!
When I told mom I was going to go to Asia for 5 months:
Just saw your mum at no frills. And she said you dropped the bomb lol
Just a normal day at work...
When you came out of the elevator..it felt like a movie! In slowmo walking out with your hair flying around so young and pretty LOL
When I finally took the plunge, stopped being all talk, booked flights to Asia and quit my job:
OMG you won't be there today. I'm going to seriously get so sad seeing your empty desk!!!:(
Because there's always a glare coming from the floor-to-ceiling windows when I'm on my computer at work...
Also funny story, may shut the blinds and maria goes 'did you get a message from xxx to do this' I laughed so loud. Didn't care about management.
...Because it is a known fact I am going to be late:
:))))) I was predicted this). Of course, call me, when you arrive! I'm in the hair salon, stylist make my hair, and I'm make my nails in the same time:)
When I came back from Asia:
So the rumours of xxx sightings r true!! Yayyy ur back! I wanna hear all about she. U have time, which I'm sure is not today...HAPPY BIRTHDAY hun!!! Enjoy! Hope to see u b4 u take off jetsetting again:p xo
I did end up going on a family cruise to Europe after coming back from Asia, so I officially finished all my travels by Oct 1. Since then, I did a temp job and am still looking for that full-time position that is going to enable me to move out, pay off my travel debt and go to HK in July for 2-4 weeks. It's been way harder than I expected to secure something and if it's anything I learned, it is probably not the best idea to quit your job and go away for 5-6 months at a time. It's way less exhausting to take shorter trips more frequently, as you'll have more energy and enthusiasm for each new city you visit, not to mention, more money leftover in your bank account to boot!
No regrets, but I'm definitely struggling from the choices I have made... if the world ends tomorrow, well, at least I got to see a lot of it! :)
Happy Last Day on Earth, dear friends!!!
Wednesday, 19 December 2012
The Waffle Princess.
There's nobody else that I know who craves a good waffle as I do. Sometimes it comes at the most unexpected of times. Of course there are times I crave good sushi. A nice al dente pasta dish. Or a bubble tea drink of sorts (less the bubbles). But so often, I find myself just wanting, desiring, needing a soft, fluffy, fresh waffle, served warm with fruit, ice cream and if I'm lucky, with brownie bits and oreo cookies thrown in! When I move out, I am going to have to invest in a waffle maker, a Japanese crêpe maker and a sushi roll maker. I'm already looking forward to that day! But before that day actually comes... I'll have to stick to the outside stuff. Here is a list I've compiled of places I've had waffles from, some good, some so-so, but it doesn't matter - I'm gonna eat it when I need it!
Café Princess
I would go back for the ambience... but not their waffles. Just like in Korea, pairs of guys come here to chill, at Princess-y type cafés. Yup, it's nothing out of the norm!
HiTea
Beautiful artwork, generous portions of fruit, but unfortunately waffles are not fluffy.
Ten Ren's Tea Time
Although their drinks are good (especially their peach banana slush), their waffles are a bit dry and there is not enough ice cream or fruit! Extra 50 cents to add a side of red beans - worth it if you're a red bean lover like I am :)
Caffé Demetre
[ image unavailable at this time ]
The first few times I went to Demetre's, I always ordered 'The Last Straw' both in crêpe and waffle form because I loved it that much and the other combinations didn't quite hit the spot. That was, until I discovered the ultimate combination... my own!! The customization usually consisted of: the waffle accompanied by brownie pieces, oreo cookies, bananas and strawberries, vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce! Their ice cream flavours are fun, and I am getting excited just thinking about it!
Destiny Tea and Café
So fluffy and yummy, asides from Demetre's, I'd go here for my waffle fix. Fresh fruits, huge scoops of ice cream (more than you will need) and a generous portion of warm, fluffy, goodness. Absolutely NOM worthy!
Café Princess
HiTea
Ten Ren's Tea Time
Caffé Demetre
[ image unavailable at this time ]
The first few times I went to Demetre's, I always ordered 'The Last Straw' both in crêpe and waffle form because I loved it that much and the other combinations didn't quite hit the spot. That was, until I discovered the ultimate combination... my own!! The customization usually consisted of: the waffle accompanied by brownie pieces, oreo cookies, bananas and strawberries, vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce! Their ice cream flavours are fun, and I am getting excited just thinking about it!
Destiny Tea and Café
Tuesday, 18 December 2012
Nailing It.
Back in 2nd Year Uni, I wore nail polish the entire year. Mostly black, sometimes red, at times a hot pink or a lighter shade. But that was it. I was not experimental. At all.
Later on, I finally tried gel nails for the first time ever! It was the coolest thing that ever happened to my nails! Basically, it was a clear polish, with a very light purple sparkly polish and some small 'crystals.' Sandy and I got it done at P-mall, and it cost us a small fortune. $60 for the bare minimum with those 20 crystals, and $5 for each added bow or flower or whatever you wanted on top. The price was ridic, and so, I have not gotten my nails glammed up like that for years after... not until recently when I went on my Asia trip. I pampered myself and treated my nails to a different colour, pretty much every month.
Here's my nails when I was in...
Shanghai
Nothing super crazy or special, I just needed to glam up my nails for my last night in SH! It was a fun night only cuz Arina and Cecilia were there, not b/c of the pretentious event host, grrr. Don't let me see or hear of him again!!
Taipei
I was inspired by my famfriend Mish who is not afraid to play with her nail colours. She has every colour under the sun... gray... yellow... turquoise, you name it. I'm a changed girl now, I think I can even go for nude-coloured nails! Woo! You can get Chanel polishes on you for an additional 100 TWD, but I just stuck with O.P.I. cuz I didn't have a lot of TWD on me that day and their banks close at freaking 3pm!!! It caused me so much trouble the first few days upon arriving in Taipei. Anyway, they did such a fantastic job on my nails. Especially when the nail artist helping me took extra care in removing my HK gel nails. I thanked her profusely, because a lot of the time, people don't care about your nails and they just rush on it.
The owner of the shop is Aimee. She was originally from TW, moved to Canada for school and work and then back again to TW to open up her own nail salon. We had a lovely chat as I was in there for a couple of hours, and she definitely inspired me to kick myself in the butt and open up my own business already! But my broke ass can't afford that just this moment, so I will have to live vicariously through her. If you're in Taipei, check out Aimee's Nail Salon. You won't be disappointed!
Btw, here's a pic of my shoes to off-set my feet pics. I love them all, but my least favourite is the 2nd from the right. But it actually fit me and it was comfy, so I convinced myself that I could make use of that pair when I go to Miami, Florida or wherever there's a beach/pool! Plus, shoes are cheap in TW, and it definitely helps with my bargaining when I buy a few pairs at once =P
Manila
It was totally unnecessary, but since it was part of my spa package, I did another colour swap. The lady didn't do a very good job so I had to get it re-done. She was so nice and patient... then she told me how she was a single mom putting her daughter through uni... and so lady got a heartfelt thank you and big tip. When I'm on vacation, my mentality is always like, 'it's cheaper than back in Canada!' But that's what gets me into trouble!!!
Melbourne
Did some mad retail therapy at Alannah Hill. It's quite possibly my favourite clothing store in Melbourne! I scored a lot of nice stuff at great prices. The dresses were on sale for about $20-$30 AUD and were exceptionally well-made, with high quality material. The owner was super stylish and nice too, but I can't say the same for some of her staff (who tried to sell me their broken merchandise and acted like she didn't know about it when I returned it the next day)!
Anyway, let's focus on my nail varnish on the 2nd pic. I fell in love with it when I put it on: I Vant to Be A-Lone Star by O.P.I. I opted for the same hue when I came back to Toronto and got my nails done again. I was really into the pale, robin egg blue this summer and I want to kick myself for not getting that cute bag in that shade at Argyle Centre in Mongkok. :'(
Hong Kong
The ultimate gel nails I had on for a portion of my HK trip and during all of SE Asia... get ready, cuz here it comes!!!
I had always wanted these cute, crazy, 3-D nails, but it was just too expensive back in Canada. This would've cost about $100 after a little bargaining. I don't know if it's more affordable now, but it's always going to be cheaper to have them done in Asia! They were heavy and always in the way when I was typing or putting on my contacts, but so worth it :) I loved them and I would do it again. Probably something along the lines of the one with the little pink bow on the silver nails, but for all the fingers.
My toes were painted a hot pink with tiny silver 'crystals' on the big toes to balance out the crazy nails on the fingers.
The next nail art I want to try is having the nail artist actually do freehand drawing designs on a couple of my nails. The nail artist who helped me at Aimee's Nail Salon is able to do just that - she drew on her own nails and it looked super cute! If I were doing gel nails that day, I totally would've added a sanrio character or two.
Anyhow, I hope I've inspired you to get out there and do something crazy or different to your nails, especially if you are looking down at your nails and they are completely bare (as mine currently are!!). Even choosing a colour you wouldn't normally think you would like would be a great start. The combinations are endless and it's always fun just pampering yourself and doing something girly!
Here's my nails when I was in...
Shanghai
Taipei
The owner of the shop is Aimee. She was originally from TW, moved to Canada for school and work and then back again to TW to open up her own nail salon. We had a lovely chat as I was in there for a couple of hours, and she definitely inspired me to kick myself in the butt and open up my own business already! But my broke ass can't afford that just this moment, so I will have to live vicariously through her. If you're in Taipei, check out Aimee's Nail Salon. You won't be disappointed!
Btw, here's a pic of my shoes to off-set my feet pics. I love them all, but my least favourite is the 2nd from the right. But it actually fit me and it was comfy, so I convinced myself that I could make use of that pair when I go to Miami, Florida or wherever there's a beach/pool! Plus, shoes are cheap in TW, and it definitely helps with my bargaining when I buy a few pairs at once =P
Manila
Melbourne
Anyway, let's focus on my nail varnish on the 2nd pic. I fell in love with it when I put it on: I Vant to Be A-Lone Star by O.P.I. I opted for the same hue when I came back to Toronto and got my nails done again. I was really into the pale, robin egg blue this summer and I want to kick myself for not getting that cute bag in that shade at Argyle Centre in Mongkok. :'(
Hong Kong
The ultimate gel nails I had on for a portion of my HK trip and during all of SE Asia... get ready, cuz here it comes!!!
My toes were painted a hot pink with tiny silver 'crystals' on the big toes to balance out the crazy nails on the fingers.
The next nail art I want to try is having the nail artist actually do freehand drawing designs on a couple of my nails. The nail artist who helped me at Aimee's Nail Salon is able to do just that - she drew on her own nails and it looked super cute! If I were doing gel nails that day, I totally would've added a sanrio character or two.
Anyhow, I hope I've inspired you to get out there and do something crazy or different to your nails, especially if you are looking down at your nails and they are completely bare (as mine currently are!!). Even choosing a colour you wouldn't normally think you would like would be a great start. The combinations are endless and it's always fun just pampering yourself and doing something girly!
Monday, 17 December 2012
Sunday Brunch.
Going out for brunch is one of those occasions I really look forward to, because it's such a rarity that I have the opportunity to go out and indulge in my brunch favourites. I live in the suburbs, where asides from Cora's (which I love by the way, for its fresh fruit and portion size) or Sunset Grill (which I love less), there isn't much else.
My friend Maria was looking for a brunch place to take her daughter to for her birthday. FYI: I am a bit of a food snob so everything is okay or decent unless I explicitly express my enthusiastic love for it (!) Scattered around Toronto, these were some of the suggestions I gave her:
Le Petit Déjeuner
Probably the most popular brunch place in Toronto! Le Petit Déjeuner was jampacked with people and we had to wait in line outside of the establishment. The interior had a pub-like, loft-feel to it, with an intimate and chill vibe. I was told by Linda that it had the best waffles in town and that immediately made me want to check this place out!
She did not mention that they were Belgian waffles, and I prefer the huge, soft and fluffy kind, so I was left mildly disappointed. I have a soft spot for eggs benny and smoked salmon (whether together or separate) as a brunch option, so I went with that. I got sis to order the 'Apple and Brie Panino' (for my love of brie!) but because I've had a better version of it elsewhere, it did not tickle my taste buds quite the same.
Bonjour Brioche Bakery Cafe
Nestled in trendy, quirky, hip Leslieville, Bonjour Brioche is located among the many curious cafés, shops and restaurant establishments in the area. I immediately fell in love with the décor when I walked in. It gave off a very cozy, comfortable and relaxed vibe with all the wooden accents and simple furnishing.
Brunch is not brunch without freshly squeezed grapefruit juice! I opted for one of their 'Tarts du Jour' - the spinach, red pepper and brie. I usually don't order vegetarian, but I just love brie that much! Annie ordered 'Baked French Toast with fresh fruit and maple syrup.' I liked her dish better than mine as it was more flavourful and overall, a more interesting choice. I might have been scarred as a child eating my mom's version of french toast drenched in gooey egg, but I just might start liking french toast after seeing how many different variations of it are actually out there!
Lady Marmalade
I went here so long ago (a year and 3 months to be exact), that I wasn't sure if I would be able to find the pictures to accompany this post. Lady Marmalade is also situated in Leslieville (I just love this area), and also a favourite brunch spot among T-dotters.
If my memory serves me correct, I think we received great service here. Décor was simple, people were chill. It was a great place to just sit back, catch up and enjoy a 'Baked Crêpe Croque Monsieur' without having the rest of the day planned. I wish I could say that I just rolled out of bed to join Annie and Amy, but Amy and I actually had to make the 1.5 hr commute down just to make it to brunch! If only I lived downtown... my life would be so perfect! So many of my dreams would begin coming true, one followed by the other... Well, at least my Sunday Brunch Dates would! :)
My friend Maria was looking for a brunch place to take her daughter to for her birthday. FYI: I am a bit of a food snob so everything is okay or decent unless I explicitly express my enthusiastic love for it (!) Scattered around Toronto, these were some of the suggestions I gave her:
Le Petit Déjeuner
Probably the most popular brunch place in Toronto! Le Petit Déjeuner was jampacked with people and we had to wait in line outside of the establishment. The interior had a pub-like, loft-feel to it, with an intimate and chill vibe. I was told by Linda that it had the best waffles in town and that immediately made me want to check this place out!
She did not mention that they were Belgian waffles, and I prefer the huge, soft and fluffy kind, so I was left mildly disappointed. I have a soft spot for eggs benny and smoked salmon (whether together or separate) as a brunch option, so I went with that. I got sis to order the 'Apple and Brie Panino' (for my love of brie!) but because I've had a better version of it elsewhere, it did not tickle my taste buds quite the same.
Bonjour Brioche Bakery Cafe
Nestled in trendy, quirky, hip Leslieville, Bonjour Brioche is located among the many curious cafés, shops and restaurant establishments in the area. I immediately fell in love with the décor when I walked in. It gave off a very cozy, comfortable and relaxed vibe with all the wooden accents and simple furnishing.
Brunch is not brunch without freshly squeezed grapefruit juice! I opted for one of their 'Tarts du Jour' - the spinach, red pepper and brie. I usually don't order vegetarian, but I just love brie that much! Annie ordered 'Baked French Toast with fresh fruit and maple syrup.' I liked her dish better than mine as it was more flavourful and overall, a more interesting choice. I might have been scarred as a child eating my mom's version of french toast drenched in gooey egg, but I just might start liking french toast after seeing how many different variations of it are actually out there!
Lady Marmalade
I went here so long ago (a year and 3 months to be exact), that I wasn't sure if I would be able to find the pictures to accompany this post. Lady Marmalade is also situated in Leslieville (I just love this area), and also a favourite brunch spot among T-dotters.
If my memory serves me correct, I think we received great service here. Décor was simple, people were chill. It was a great place to just sit back, catch up and enjoy a 'Baked Crêpe Croque Monsieur' without having the rest of the day planned. I wish I could say that I just rolled out of bed to join Annie and Amy, but Amy and I actually had to make the 1.5 hr commute down just to make it to brunch! If only I lived downtown... my life would be so perfect! So many of my dreams would begin coming true, one followed by the other... Well, at least my Sunday Brunch Dates would! :)
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