Life is short.
Savor the little things. Tell the people you love that you love them.
Don't take things for granted. Treat others in a way that will leave you without regret when they're gone.


Be nice to your parents, play with your dogs (even the annoying one), befriend your coworkers, love your roommates, drink good coffee.

Love.

the not-to-do list

My free time, as I'm learning, is more precious than I ever thought before. I work a full-time and a part-time job, so my free time is fleeting. I cherish the moment that I come home from work and actually get to sit, doze-off, and watch tv. Seeing my boyfriend is also a treat, and I find myself missing him throughout the week when I'm so super busy. Having weekends off is a great new experience - one that I've hardly had the privilege of experiencing before.

My mind isn't as keen as I once thought. I'm forgetful, clumsy, scatterbrained, and easily distracted. I usually live off of to-do lists and alarm clocks but I've vouched to try something new - make a list of things to ignore, and things to savor.

On my ignore list,

1. I will disregard emails I plan on not replying to. They go straight to the trash. No thank you, spam
2. Vacuuming
3. I won't feel guilty about not vacuuming
4. I probably won't work out for a while, and I know it
5. I won't feel guilty about not working out

On my "I will list"

1. I will turn off my mind for a few minutes each day, let my internal dialogue take a breather, and I will zone out. Some experts say daydreaming is actually good for you, and some pretty creative things come out of it

2. I will savor my coffee. Some days coffee is my survival drink of choice, especially in the middle of the week at 8:05 a.m. But instead of guzzling it down I want to think about the flavor notes of it and take my time- like the Japanese who sometimes take hours during a formal tea ceremony

3. I will bake more. Today I made a pumpkin pie

4. I will eat a different breakfast everyday, alternating between cereal, greek yogurt, fruit smoothies, a granola bar, and toast

Le pie, on my lazy saturday afternoon

daily companion

Soy Chai, made for a refreshing trip to work

Recipe

pretty nails

The new trend is coloring your ring finger a different color. 

I was hesitant at first, but doing something subtle can be quite cute.

These colors are F.L.A.R.E in Purple Sparkle and Lacey Lilac in Sally Hansen

All my fourth grade girls mention something about it everytime they see it, 

and it's all the rage with the kiddos.

These colors are Cajun Shrimp by O.P.I and Boom Doom Pow by Deborah Lippman

More ideas found at cupcakesandcashmere.com (here)

I use the same philosophy with my hair products that I do with my cosmetics: don't fall for cheap imitations. I used to be the panteen & herbal essences girl a few years ago, and my hair was coarse and had breakage. About two years ago I adopted a new idea about body care - all natural, paraben-free, sulfate free, and low fragrance whenever possible, especially on my face. Just like my face care (Clinique, Bare Escentuals, and Philosophy), I used the same type of products on my hair and it thanks me everyday.

Over the years after going all natural, I can still highlight my hair and it can still be soft and manageable.
I wash it every other day at the most, flaunt my natural waves about 4 days a week, and use the necessary things, below.

Most days, you'll find me at work with a messy bun, hardly any make-up, looking a hot mess. But, when I actually do my hair, it's feels nice.

1. AG Xtramoist shampoo & conditioner (Beauty Brands). I got these at the liter sale. They're all natural, sulfate free, and deep conditioning. Plus the orange vanilla scent is great.

2. Shikai Mist & Go Conditioner: I spray this on my damp hair every day, no matter what. I smells like sweet pears and detangles, protects, and softens hair. I just love it. Paraben free

3. I finish off with Moroccan Argan Oil...VERY important. Nothing works like it, not even the knock offs which I have tried. There is a reason it costs so much.

oh and you should give these guys a listen

the hot list

Spicy....(and sweet and creamy and great with soymilk over ice)

And just plain hot

Rustic pumpkin spice oatmeal

I made this recipe up from things I found in my pantry. However, many variations can be found in online recipes.

I used whole pecans (1/4 cup)

Cinnamon and allspice - not the cinnamon sugar (pinch of each)

Trader Joe's pumpkin butter (2 tbsp)

Quacker Old Fashioned Oats (1/3 cup)

The oatmeal is slightly sweet and spicy and has true pumpkin flavor. The breakfast pairs well with PG Tips black tea with milk and honey. And for a midday snack I made myself deviled eggs w/ lite mayonnaise, mustard, smoked paprika, and a pinch of sea salt (very important). I found that running cold water over the eggs makes peeling them much easier. I guess I should've read the inside of the egg carton sooner tips.

P.S.

I love this wreath. Found on (you guessed it) Pinterest.

le pie

Peach Blueberry Crumble Pie (with pears)

This is how I spent my Saturday morning - bakin pies.

Recipe found here

Moving forward...

I'm a modest girl. I stay in some nights and I don't really take a lot of extreme risks. The extent to my risks lately are highlights and pie baking. So this new look is pretty dramatic but I love it. This evening, I stumbled upon this make-up tutorial on Pinterest. I love the smokey cat eye look, so I tried to recreate it myself. Mine isn't as dark because I don't own black eye shadow to smudge AND I'm not wearing fake eyelashes like the model, but I managed.

Mine:

Ta'da! Meow. And also on Pinterest, I found this really neat idea for nail polish. I love the way the black softly fades into blue at the tips.

seasons turn

"So this is the new year,
and I don't feel any different.
The clanking of crystal,
explosions off in the distance in the distance"

January - a month that has no purpose except to freeze our bums off and present us with a fresh feeling of "a new year, a new leaf." This is also the month with no holidays, just bitterness and cold of winter. So this is also the month that I start sitting, waiting, and wishing for spring to come with its warmth and new fashions.

Photos from Etsy & last photo from me