Clean house

It's been a busy week for personal things. Shane and I, along with my parents decided to have our first ever multi-family garage sale. Getting rid of crap I've hauled back and forth between all the cities I've lived in since college (and paid to ship home…. and never used) felt sooooooo good. A sort of cleansing of the subconscious mind. I knew I had all this stuff taking up space at my parents house (bless them for being so patient with us), but I just never took the time to go through it all. Out of sight, out of mind I guess.

The garage sale went really well. I wasn't trying to make money (most things priced at $1 and $0.50!!!), I just figure one man's junk is another man's gold. Plus, it's like recycling. I would have thrown most of this stuff away so if someone else can use it, I won't be sending it to the already over crowded landfills. What ever didn't sell, we're donating to the Hawaii Kidney Foundation. The money we did make will be going to a very special personal fund, which I will eventually mention. And no, it's not for clothes or a vacation or new designer shoes. Something much, much, much more important to me now.

Overall, the lesson I've learned is that, if you're storing it, chances are you've forgotten about it and will NEVER need it again (sentimental keepsakes and classic clothing pieces aside), so get rid of it! Donate it, sell it or don't buy it in the first place.

After the long day, we all decided to check out the "I Love Chinatown" event. We rewarded ourselves with chinese food from our fav place and checked out the street vendors. I love days with my husband and family!

Our go-to place for dim sum…

The best thing about dim sum is that it's ready as soon as you sit down. No waiting.

Fried turnip cake

Seafood fried noodles

Checking out some cute onesies.

Dessert…. fresh Jin Doi.

Lot's of peeps

Looking for a new jade pendant.

I already feel lucky after giving the dragon some money.

ugly corridor = cool photo op

Mom & dad in the background. Are they holding hands?

top (upson downs) skirt & turq ring (f21) bag & necklace (bsky) shoes (nordstrom rack)

All is right in the world

Zazzle's home! As his welcome home treat I made (for the very first time, I might boastfully add) red velvet cupcakes from scratch. I know this may not be a big deal to most, but if you know me, you'll know that I absolutely DO NOT cook, much less bake. While most wives spend there time dutifully in the kitchen, whipping up scrumptious meals and delectable desserts, I spend my time hanging out in my closet whipping up "delectable" outfits. Let's just say, that I had to drive to my parents house to borrow their measuring cup and electric mixer today.

Well, they turned out delicious, all 2 1/2 dozen of them! Maybe it's too soon to proclaim, but I think I caught the baking bug.

I'm not a good "dollop-er" yet.

The cat's away

… but, this mouse does not play.

Be forewarned, this will be a sappy post.

One would think that after working with your husband all day, EVERYday, then coming home together and co-existing harmoniously for the remainder of the night, one would welcome, in fact be somewhat relieved to have a break from each other. Not me. It's only been a little over 24 hours since Shane left for a snowboarding trip and my world stands still.

I miss seeing him plopped down on the couch flipping between poker and cars on the tube. The couch has a permanent dip at the end he favors. It's where I sit now just to "fill the void." And sadly, making the bed this morning was easy because his 6' 1" body wasn't here to completely untuck the sheets and kick off the pillows. I kind of like huffing about the hard time I have making the bed after he sleeps in it. On a weird side note, in his absence I realize that I sleep like a corpse. All I had to do to make the bed is return the neatly peeled back corner to it's original place and fluff a pillow. Eerie.

Anyway, back to the sap. It's not that I'm sad, I just fall more in love with him when he's gone. I don't know how he'll be able to handle all the bottled up love I have fizzing inside me when he returns. I'm like a shaken can of cherry coke!

If you're reading this zazzle…. i love you with all my heart.

cropped silk blouse (Elizabeth & James) skirt (f21) shoes (nordstrom rack), cross necklace (bsky) bunch of necklace (vintage 70's from my mom) black rubber band that i forgot to take off (goody)

Baby, it's bright outside

After a fluke of a stormy Monday, the Hawaiian sunshine was back and in full effect today. A good sign that Spring is just around the corner. Speaking of which, I'm excited for the color palettes that S/S 2011 boasts. I'm particularly gaga over the neutral + bright pairings seen on the runways of a few of my fav designers like Marc Jacobs, 3.1 Phillip Lim and Alexander Wang. I'll have to do a follow up post on my favs from S/S 2011 (there's tons!), but for now the sun's out baby and need some vitamin D!!!

crop sweater (ross) pants, shoes & sunnies (f21) necklace (bsky) bangle (indah, marquet)

Holiday hangover

I'm just going to whine about the holidays being over one last time, ok?

Brother bear is gone : (……..

No more presents to open : (

No more family dinners : (

No more Christmas music : (

Lots of necklaces to catch up on > : [

Wah, wah, wah!

Alright tantrum done.

Looking ahead now, 2011 is promising. There are many NEW and very exciting adventures to be had. Starting with our annual get-a-way trip. For the past few years, the hubby and I made it a tradition to travel somewhere together for some romantic QT. Of course, QT includes bestie company (hehe, the more the merrier). Last year we did Japan, previous years we did LA/Big Bear, this year we explore SF!!! I plan to eat everything in sight, but does anyone have insider tips on cool things to do, besides the obvious (ie: Golden Gate Bridge, Height Street, Fisherman's Wharf, Lombard Street, etc)? I'm talking stuff only locals know about. Like cool open markets, restaurants, hidden bars, clubs, vintage shops and so on. I want to be inspired by art and culture and fashion. Please share!!!

silk blouse (Ross) shorts, vest, & rings (old f21) floppy (suzanne somers collection) shoes (x-mas gift from brother, Jeffrey Campbell)

The world at my finger tips

I can't stop staring into this photo. Mesmerizing.

And the world is as it always was

Today I officially said farewell to a world that seemed to have stood still for the past month. Everything was back to normal, just as it was pre-holiday mode. The city moved at its usual "faster" pace and daily routines recommenced as if they never skipped a beat.

sweater (Ross) skirt & rings (f21) headband & leather cuff (bsky) necklace (dolce) sunglasses (marc jacobs, my secret santa gift from keani)

cheers to 2011

Maybe I'm just getting older, but fighting my way though a crowded club, getting belligerently drunk off my ass and missing the fireworks is just not cup of tea for New Years Eve these days. I think holidays like these are about socializing around the food, not just the alcohol. This year one of my dearest besties, Shauna invited us over for an NYE dinner party at her house. Her hubby (who is an excellent chef) made the most amazing Hawaiian food spread, complete with lau lau, shoyu chicken, lomi lomi salmon, squid lau lau and chicken long rice. Other side dishes included an huge assortment of sashimi, salad, crispy gau gee and sushi. We feasted, laughed, played and loved. I think a new annual tradition is in the making.

A little ninja

Beautiful Megumi and her delicious homemade strawberry short cake.

Some contagious belly rubbing. Linny is next!

Gotta get Roger too for it to work.

Illegal ones are the best!

And now for some fun with sparklers.

Can you decipher the message below?

Boys making hearts?

Girls do it better

While the party continued for these two….

(Yes, Linny got the same shoes for Christmas!)

I came home to a nice cool bed and a puppy waiting for his new year kiss.

Just a "foot"note...

The Chanel slippers were a Christmas gift from mommy and daddy. I think everyone who knows me, knows that the way to my heart is through my feet. I die over fabulous footwear. Brother got me a pair of Jeffrey Campbell's (to be featured soon) and my nieces & nephew got me some cool sandals. It was as shoe filled Christmas!

Cheers to a healthy and prosperous 2011!!!