just like coffee

{ birthday at a cafe }

2012-01-30T23:45:00.001-08:00

Jeannine’s, downtown Santa Barbara

We celebrated my 21th birthday in downtown Santa Barbara. The place was busy when we got there but the staff was so friendly and nice, they sat us at a table outside in minutes. Plus, my banana french toast was to die for. There’s a reason it was highlighted on the menu!

{ strandbeest }

2011-11-04T23:44:00.001-07:00

Theo Jensen is an artist, but he’s more than that. He builds life forms that are able to walk on their own using the wind. They walk on beaches and they are tough enough to survive obstacles in nature.

According to Jensen’s website, he’s hoping that one day, they will be able to live on their own, in herds, on beaches.

{ circle art }

2011-10-14T19:00:00.001-07:00

This is just simply awesome. The artist is Chan Hwee Chong.

{ ‘couple’ photoshoot }

2011-10-07T00:19:00.001-07:00

Professional photos taken by our friend Lauren Kanegawa.

{ 50/50 }

2011-10-03T23:11:00.001-07:00

I saw 50/50 last weekend and it just proves how well Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen work together. They’re best friends who found out that one of them has cancer. They dealt with the heavy topic in a very funny yet sensitive way. This way, the events seem more realistic, which makes it even more touching towards the end when we find out if the chances are in his favor or not.

It’s hard not to reevaluate your life after watching. What if you had a 50% chance to live? Who are the important ones in your life? What have you been taking for granted?

{ my own little corner }

2011-09-23T19:36:00.001-07:00

Last week I finally moved into my studio apartment in Isla Vista. I really love the balcony by my bed and how cozy my bed is. My furniture came from a lot places: found, bought, given. It will be my haven and home for the year and after every long day, I’ll get to go home to here.

Here’s to a great quarter. Classes went well so far, although it won’t be all that easy, but there’s always thrills in challenges.

{ crocker art museum + elephants }

2011-09-09T12:30:00.001-07:00

We went for a drive to downtown Sacramento where I visited the Crocker Art Museum for the first time in my life. It’s a little sad that I’ve never been there before, especially having lived in Sacrament my whole life. But they recently renovated the museum with a whole new addition on the right side. It’s like seeing past and future right on the same spot.

There’s also a cute treasure located in Westfield mall in downtown. A vacant store was used to house thousands upon thousands of elephants. When we walked by, I didn’t notice the extremity of the place and just noticed how cute a sock elephant was dangling on the front door. I then looked around and saw that everything in there was elephants related. It was unreal.

This was made possible by a Sacramento clown named Andy Swan. He made this in tribute to his brother and partner who recently passed away. He collected these elephants in hopes to obtain the Guinness Record of the most assorted elephants. Swan’s story is really touching and I really recommend reading the article about him in the SacBee:

http://www.sacbee.com/2011/08/25/3860085/clown-pays-tribute-to-late-brother.html

The elephant collection was a real gift among visitors at the mall, including me.

{ kanna }

2011-09-07T00:34:00.001-07:00

There’s nothing sweeter than childhood innocence. My little cousins came over yesterday to celebrate my mom’s birthday and it was so cute to see them so excited just to sing ‘happy birthday’ and eat their own cupcakes. I wish they could stay young forever but they have to grow-up. We can only hope their futures are just as sweet.

Toyokazu, a Japanese photographer got the right idea of capturing her daughter showing off her personality. The photos are so adorable and full of character, you can almost feel like you’re getting to know her.

View more at the Flickr photostream “My Daughter Kanna”: http://www.flickr.com/photos/toyokazu/sets/72157624017824772/with/5144731047/

{ Going Home to Ikea }

2011-09-03T21:56:00.001-07:00

I’m so excited to start living in my first apartment in a few weeks! Lately, I’ve been looking around for interior design inspirations and Ikea is one of the few stores I love to shop at (I even got most of my furnishings there).

But going there too often leaves me to wonder what’s it like living in Ikea. It’s very possible, given all the supplies and even food available in the store. A photographer Christian Gideon illustrates this concept through a series of stills… which proves that Ikea can really be a comfy environment to go home to.

{ Our Idiot Brother }

2011-08-27T01:10:00.001-07:00

I love watching movies because for two hours, I get to escape from the realities of my life and be purely an observer. Recently, I got to watch Our Idiot Brother and was in for a pleasant surprise. The movie portrays Paul Rudd’s character Ned as a social idiot, making almost every faux pas happen in everywhere he goes. This is supposed to deem him as the very annoying brother, but after understanding his perspective, we can all see ourselves in him and admittedly relate. Although he messes up and seemingly “ruins” lives around him, his intentions were always good and pure. It leaves us wondering that if there were no rules to social conducts and relationships only operate on honesty, would we have finally found happiness?

{ midnight in paris }

2011-08-05T13:33:00.001-07:00

What if you can go back in the time when life was beautiful and where you can have dinner and dance with your favorite literary writers and artists? That’s exactly what happened to Gill one night, as he got lost on the streets of Paris. When the clock hits midnight, a 1920’s taxi drives him back to the golden age of inspiration and passion, just what he’s lacking in his current life.

This is a story about moving forward to attain your happiness.

{ move, learn, eat }

2011-08-05T12:03:00.001-07:00

MOVE from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

LEARN from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

EAT from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

These videos have further convinced me that the simple concepts of moving, learning, and eating are important in experiencing the best of the world we live in, and doing so, we make the best of our lives. I’m so inspired to travel one day so I can do all of that.

{ pavlova }

2011-08-01T15:09:00.001-07:00

I love anything sweet and I recently went to a party with a pavlova – a meringue dessert cake with toppings of fruits. I just had to make my own cause I can’t find it anywhere else. It turns out that making it is simple and to make it easier to eat, I made smaller, cookie versions for bite-sized pavlovas. They ended up so fluffy and marshmallowy. It’s like holding a piece of cloud.

{ aloe vera }

2011-07-29T00:43:00.001-07:00

The juice from aloe vera plants have beneficial properties that treat inflammatory and dry skin. My grandmother grows these and I recently got a chance to use them for my own skin. There has been a huge improvement over a week; my skin is super soft now. To use, I cut a short piece of the plant and place it in a bowl. From there and using a knife, I cut a thin layer of the piece enough so that the gel inside is fresh to use. That is enough to apply on directly to my face. At first, there is a tingly feeling but it moisturizes so well, I could leave it on overnight and forget about my other moisturizer.

(My skin without any make-up on…)

It’s so refreshing to use, perfect for summertime facials. They also have aloe vera juice to drink! Have you tried any of those?

{ spoiled bunny }

2011-07-23T10:23:00.001-07:00

My bunny has grown so big since we got him. He’s also very spoiled and naughty as he finds his way onto plants and chews them to the ground… Yet, we always love him anyway, despite his bad behavior. This is because he kisses and licks us all the time to show affection, but we’re still not sure if it’s genuine or he’s just sucking up.

{ dia frampton / the cave }

2011-06-29T19:00:00.001-07:00

Dia Frampton, whom you may remember from Meg&Dia, is the cutest artist with an amazing voice. She was also one of the finalists on NBC’s show The Voice. Here is her rendition of Mumford&Sons “The Cave”, which is another great song with some of my favorite lyrics.

{ outside bunny }

2011-06-25T23:25:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, I took my new baby bunny outside for an afternoon on the grass.

He seemed very happy to be outside! It’s very healthy for him to get fresh air and open area to run and play. It’s also healthy for us people too.

{ long sleeved summer dresses }

2011-06-24T02:03:00.001-07:00

This summer, I adore dresses with longer sleeves and soft, airy materials. There’s also always enough room to add more or less with accessories, like a fedora, a watch, or a even a nice novel for reading on the beach. Wherever you are with your comfy dress, remember high SPF sunblock!

zip black tee dress, from madewell

late afternoon dress, from madewell

weekend bazaar shirtdress, from madewell

high tide tunic dress, from j.crew

sandy sweatshirt dress, from banana republic

{ art of baking }

2011-06-22T18:40:00.001-07:00

beet cake from tiger in a jar on Vimeo.

Cooking is an art form in itself. I need to learn how to cook in my tiny studio apartment kitchen this summer. We lack an oven, a proper stove, and cabinetry to store sufficient pots and pans, but that’s ok. All my ingredients will need to be under five ingredients or under anyways.

{ the company men }

2011-06-08T23:38:00.001-07:00

I absolutely loved the message in The Company Men. Not only does it perfectly deal with the hardship of losing a job, but it presents the many possibilities of life afterwards. The movie also does an excellent job of using the environment as characters too. All the houses that the main characters lived in represented their old lives when they worked at the corporation. The elegant holiday decorations, crown mouldings, Porsche, jets, and large houses symbolize excessive spending behaviors prior to the layoffs. And when times are tough, we see the environment change as the characters learned to adapt. The theme of building and construction are vital to help the men rebuild their lives. Resorting to carpentry jobs may not be ideal at first, but it teaches the valuable lesson of starting from scratch and building something beautiful that you are proud of.

I believe the recent recession has made an impact in forcing people to adjust, but at the same time, when surrounded by close relationships, it could never ruin a life. Oftentimes, people kept their eyes on the money for too long that they lose sight of their passion. The idea of people working together to build and grow something that once was nothing seems to be lost now in the time when money is everything.

“I will win…because I have faith, courage and enthusiasm.”

{ a little walk }

2011-06-07T17:30:00.001-07:00

Some photos I took on my iPod while walking on the campus beach. The app I’m using is Cross Process.

{ beginnings of gratitude }

2011-05-25T23:39:00.001-07:00

When I was in high school, I had a journal that I kept with a list of all the things I’m grateful for or what made me happy that day. It was free of negativity or pessimism. Some days were quite difficult making a gratitude list, but there was always plenty of things to be thankful for. We sometimes forget and that’s why most people are dissatisfied with their lives.

So here is my first online gratitude post:

My schedule. I’m lucky I’m not as stressed as I would have been. My schedule is pretty crammed this quarter. There’s always so much to do with so little time. Due dates are every week, but luckily, I never have to stress so much because I prioritize efficiently. Thank goodness.
My boyfriend. Today, he went to Costco and bought me one of their hotdogs. I love Costco hotdogs. They’re extremely cheap and oh, so delicious. I love my boyfriend more though.
My group. I have to do several class projects this quarter, and one of them involve working with a group of five people for 8 weeks on an intensive marketing plan. I’m so grateful we get along and actually have things done. We’re can do this.
My health. Flu season is here. And for some reason, I’m not sick yet. I keep thinking I’m getting sick, with my occasional sniffles… but nope. I’m safe.
My work. I consider internships as work. My current internship is at the University Art Museum at UCSB. I’m so so happy to be their intern. It’s truly a blessing to learn from the staff, hear their stories, and get involved with real projects and events. I will really miss it.

On the side note, I also have another internship planned this summer at Bank of America, Merrill Lynch. It’s a corporate internship, so it will be very exciting. More info on that later!

Stay tuned for more gratitude lists in the future!

{ bags of hammers & worried shoes }

2011-05-22T18:50:00.001-07:00

Here are some new songs I'm currently having on repeat. Thao has an amazing voice. & So does our favorite, Karen O!

Bag of Hammers just makes me so happy when I listen to it. Makes me want to jump in a field of flowers despite my crazy allergies this month. She’s a cutie. Not to mention, she’s Vietnamese!

From Where the Wild Things Are soundtrack and a cover of Daniel Johnston. Every once in a while there are songs that are so precious because it sings the truth in simplest terms. It makes complicated things manageable. So you just want to put it in your pocket for safekeeping so you won’t forget the comfort it brought you when you listen. That’s how I felt with Worried Shoes.

I think Worried Shoes is about accidentally messing up and the consequences bothers you so much that you wear it around. Having your own worried shoes is to go off and think incessantly about your worries and anxieties. I think we all have our own pair of worried shoes.

{ ai weiwei: never sorry }

2011-05-18T21:37:00.000-07:00

I was in need of a film about art&culture to screen at my university yesterday and I happened to watch the Colbert Report. Fortunately, his guest of the day was Alison Klayman, the director of Never Sorry. It's as if my ears perked up and I knew I hit gold here. The perfect timing in this situation must be a sign.

So fascinating, especially the aspect of how art could be so influential, it challenged China's strong government.

Ai Weiwei is currently detained in China's prison. To support, visit: http://www.aiweiweifilm.org/en/

{ phoenix – if i ever feel better }

2011-05-12T11:16:00.000-07:00

{ inspirational artist}: Amy Cutler

2011-05-09T23:39:00.001-07:00

Her works are full of fantasy, whim, and femininity. One can’t help but adore.

{ san diego }

2011-05-08T21:47:00.000-07:00

I went with Andrew to San Diego a few weeks ago for a memorial service for his Uncle Mickey. Although the occasion wasn't about me, and had nothing to do with me, nor are they even my family, I felt the love and a sense of belonging from all of them. They welcomed me like family and they really felt like family. I'm honestly blessed to be so welcomed into their lives and special moment.

The memorial was a heartfelt event. It wasn't hidden under agendas or ceremonial routines. It was about Mickey and his life. So naturally, it reflected him. There was something tender about hearing stories from the people who knew him. One by one, the stories painted a clear picture of him. I could only hope that people's stories of me could be that beautiful. At the end, we all wrote a message to him on little note cards and tied it to white balloons. We went outside, where it was a bright and sunny day, and let go of the balloons at the same time. We watched them fly up until we couldn't see them anymore.

Even though I didn't spend that much time with him to get to know him in much detail, I do have my own story from memory. It was a year ago when I started to meet more of Andrew's family by attending a wedding in San Diego. Mickey sat next to Andrew and I at the reception. He continually joked and demeaned Andrew and Andrew would throw some back, like it's some war of the quips. But there was an instance when Andrew left to find his brother, so Mickey was the one who kept me company. When he talked to me, he was totally different than he was with Andrew. The way he spoke was very genuine and sincere. He started telling me what a great guy Andrew is. He listed admirable qualities of his nephew, how kind and caring he is to everyone...everything I knew, but coming from Mickey, it was pure validation. From the kind of person he was, hearing that was like getting a chance to hear a secret from someone I hardly knew, but felt I could trust.

After the service, Andrew and I began our regular adventures. But this time, it wasn't so regular, mostly because we're in a new setting. We roamed the mall in downtown San Diego, ate some fantastic Ghiradellhi ice cream (it was awesome watching Andrew eat ice cream for the first time in a year), and even went to the supermarket!!! Andrew's friend, Murray, gave us a tour of UC San Diego. Our eyes ate up the modern architecture and the whole time, we constantly compared it to our home in UC Santa Barbara, how is it different, and what building could this be if this was UCSB? Eventually, we stumbled upon a rave in the center of campus. It was epic, and we decided to check it out. I stupidly left my ID card in the car, but that only led us to more mini side adventures to places like the "tagged" staircase (for my newfound affinity for street art) and the rockclimbing wall near the Theater & Dance building. Eventually, we got to the dance. It was outdoors and so much fun. We also got to watch a part of Anchorman, which of course is apt for the weekend trip.

We slumpt back to our pretty cottage hotel and slid into our comfy white beds, nice and tucked in under our warm comforters. The day was bittersweet to say the least.

The next morning, we ate breakfast and it was Mother's day. In the lobby, where everyone was eating, the staff went around and handle a red rose to all the mothers in the room. Nothing in the room was less than sweet that morning.

Andrew and I boarded the train that morning too as our trip was coming to a close. Our adventure was over, and we sadly reflected on the past few days while feeling more sad about the coming weeks of school. We didn't say much to eachother on the way back; we watched coastal scenes pass outside the window and worked as our homework slowly depleted during the train ride. It was cool how we sat in the same spot, but listened as names of cities fly by as if we're dreaming of them. In the end, we were thankful that we have each other in this the whole time.

I regret not carrying a camera with me. Even a few snapshots would suffice, but at least I have this blog. :)

{ your song } / will & kate

2011-04-29T20:32:00.001-07:00

Ellie Goulding was asked to perform Elton’s John’s “Your Song” at the Royal Reception, April 29, 2011.

And you can tell everybody
this is your song.
It may be quite simple but
now that is done.
I hope you don’t mind, i hope you don’t mind
that I put down in words
how wonderful life is now your in the world.

My gift is my song
and this one’s for you.

Congratulations Will & Kate!

{ art in the streets }

2011-04-26T22:57:00.001-07:00

I’m embarrassed of this, but I just discovered Banksy two days ago thanks to my search for awesome documentaries for a program I’m helping put together. During the search, I stumbled upon Exit Through the Gift Shop and I figured I would give it a try. Let’s just say, after watching, I’m obsessed with street art now. It’s so different. There’s no boundaries, yet you have to wonder how it could ever be contained in a space like a museum.

The Museum of Contemporary Arts is currently holding an exhibit for graffiti artists. It even includes the old greats like Basquiat and Keith Haring.

review: budrus

2011-04-26T00:40:00.001-07:00

This is my review for a documentary I saw last week on my campus. I’ve been watching a lot of movies/documentaries lately (the coveted life of a museum intern).

MCC Cup of Culture Review: Budrus

As I entered the MCC building to watch the screening of Budrus, I had little knowledge about what was happening in the Middle East. I am also not Middle Eastern, let alone, Palestinian, so I had no background to familiarize with the language or the culture. I basically walked into the MCC Theater with nothing but a blank slate on my mind to learn.

Inside the theater, there were many students of different cultural backgrounds as well, so I knew that I wasn’t the only one. Several minutes before the movie started, I got a chance to have small talk to some fellow students around me. I asked them their reasons for seeing this movie. A female student told me that she was there for class extra credit for a Sociology class. Other students were there for that reason too. I noticed that there was a sheet to sign your name as you walk in to prove you actually attended. Nevertheless, the incentive to better a grade was still a way for the students to hear about the movie and attend, especially for students who aren’t familiar with the Middle East news like me. But Budrus opened my eyes to the fact that it’s more than about the culture.

Although the movie is about a community working together to fight against the Oppression in Palestine, viewers can certainly see that it’s a fight against the “oppression”. The documentary cleverly illustrates the location of the fence that separates Israelis and Palestinians, winding its way down the country, intruding the nearby villages like a rude and unwelcomed guest. Yet, the community won’t let that interfere with their lives. We see the community play with the children, take them to school, and talk admirably about their olive trees. The olive trees are a character in itself in the movie. Through the words of its growers and community, we listen as the trees come to life. Its olive branches sway proudly, even though Israeli soldiers stand in the background. Even worse, bulldozers were there too. They were going to take it down.

At that point, after visually bonding with the trees and the community, no matter what race or background you’re from, you understand where the trees truly belong. The sight of seeing the trees uprooted by the bulldozers was like a heartbreak, but it’s all the more to cheer the community to defend their home. The method they chose to fight was nonviolence, which was very difficult to accomplish as, deep down, you just want to throw stones at the bulldozers until they put the trees back upright. It was a fight without physically fighting. The soldiers carried guns and bombs, but the Palestinians had with them their adversity and perseverance. Men, women, and children risked their lives as they protested together. They came back with injuries but maintained a strong spirit.

I left the theater knowing more, not just about the oppression in the Middle East, but knowing more about human strength. Budrus showed examples of strengths by numbers, in a community, fighting for one cause. It also demonstrates the power of the individual, in that faith and courage can make you do unbelievable things, like jumping in front of a bulldozer for your family. A real life example to prove that even if you think you are small, you can make a big difference in your community.

Jennifer Hinh
UC Santa Barbara Undergrad

{ the rules of a gentleman }

2011-04-17T00:02:00.001-07:00

The Rules of a Gentleman are simple, memorable reminders for the classy you.

Please note: If you are a lady, don’t let the word “gentleman” deter you from attaining these valuable life lessons. Most of the rules apply to everyone, except the shaving and neck tie ones, of course.

{ travel, art, life }

2011-04-12T00:26:00.001-07:00

The past few weeks, I have been working on keeping organized and getting settled for the Spring quarter. I worked so hard last quarter that I hardly got enough time to relax and breathe. Now, to treat myself to a little bit of life, the next few weeks will be about feeding my mind what it love: travel and art.

In my business writing class, we are grouped off into teams to create a market plan. The market plan will be about a country chosen at random and fortunately for my group, we got a really unfamiliar country: Estonia. The other groups got the big ones, like Argentina, Turkey, and Montreal, but I think our little country will surprise us with its own beauties and wonders it has to offer. Discovering treasures from unexpected places is what I do best. It’s one of the quirks of marketing.

[ image source ]

Another thing I’m happy to have for this quarter is an internship for the University Art Museum located on my campus. The museum is currently closed due to renovations, but, like Estonia, is an underrated treasure at the heart of our campus. As an intern, my job is to research the importance of museum education and community. I get to attend various museums in Santa Barbara, organize an event for future interns, and of course, help promote new ideas that will give reason for you to step in and see what’s behind those green doors.

[ image source ]

Hope you all have a beautiful Spring season and get a chance to see the beauties right on your own campus/communities!

{ the story }

2011-04-02T23:30:00.001-07:00

Brandi Carlyle’s “The Story” is one of my favorites songs after hearing it from Grey’s Anatomy. The song describes the perfect soul mate: someone who understands you when know one does and makes me feel like a million bucks when you feel absolutely worthless. A person with these qualities are rare in life and when you have found the one, you’ll know that both of you are made for each other. This is the person you’ve always wanted to grow old with.

All of these lines across my face
Tell you the story of who I am
So many stories of where I've been
And how I got to where I am
But these stories don't mean anything
When you've got no one to tell them to
It's true... I was made for you

I climbed across the mountain tops
Swam all across the ocean blue
I crossed all the lines and I broke all the rules
But baby I broke them all for you
Because even when I was flat broke
You made me feel like a million bucks
You do
I was made for you

You see the smile that's on my mouth
It's hiding the words that don't come out
And all of my friends who think that I'm blessed
They don't know my head is a mess
No, they don't know who I really am
And they don't know what
I've been through like you do
And I was made for you...

{ connected } / pray for japan

2011-03-19T01:20:00.001-07:00

The day before the final, after studying, I went out to the beach and just took a deep breath and took the whole sight in. I was studying for my finals weeks ahead and just felt too consumed by exams and grades that it seemed like that was the only thing that mattered. But when I took a walk that day to the beach, the ocean reminded me that my life was only a miniscule part of the big picture.

The devastation in Japan happened about a week ago. There are so many people hurting in the world; my own stress couldn’t even compare. I stood near the bluffs and realized that the waters before me was the same body of water that shook a whole country to its knees. It’s strange how I worry about finals when I’m really not that far away from the real disaster. The breaking news and live coverage I saw on TV suddenly became so real when I saw the same body of water for myself. It’s scary how life is so fragile.

However, just as waves build up, crash, and fade away, the earthquake and tsunami are gone, and Japan is currently in its long and arduous process of recovery. We should continue to pray, help, and donate to them as we continue our lives and they’re rebuilding theirs. Because we’re all connected together, whether geographically, biologically, or just emotionally.

Relief agencies say that what they’re in need of most are immediate emergency care supplies. To Donate: Global Giving

{ sweet life }

2011-03-17T16:27:00.001-07:00

My mother sent me these pictures. They’re so cute and funny. Now I'm going to think of little people living on my desserts the next time I eat, haha!

{ easter decor at pottery barn }

2011-03-06T01:09:00.001-08:00

I’m so excited for Springtime! I absolutely adore the light yellow, blue, and pink hues adorned at the Pottery Barn tables this season. There’s something about these colors that can’t put you down, and always make you feel like it’s Sunday morning any day of the week. And my favorite… bunnies galore at the breakfast table! Heaven on Earth.

Hope this brightens your Sunday. :)

{ pusheen the cat }

2011-03-02T00:02:00.001-08:00

This seems to be the story of my life. :)

Pusheen the cat is simply the cutest thing on the internet. I swear.

{ capture the moment }

2011-02-24T20:38:00.001-08:00

melinh + cwell's sde // toronto from stillmotion on Vimeo.

jane + fred // straight from the heart from stillmotion on Vimeo.

What an amazingly cute idea from stillmotion! Really captures the art of weddings.

UPDATE: I watched some more today and here are a couple videos that I love:

suelyn + theo // i'm savory, you're sweet from stillmotion on Vimeo.

yen+tom // the trailer from stillmotion on Vimeo.

{ the king’s speech }

2011-02-20T00:20:00.001-08:00

The Oscars are around the corner and like most people, I’m hoping Colin Firth wins the Oscar for Best Actor and the King Speech for Best Picture. Ever since I saw the movie on my birthday, it has become one of my favorites. If you haven’t seen it, I suggest you go see it soon so you can root for the movie and Firth on Oscar night with fuzzy slippers and popcorn.

The movie is about the Queen Elizabeth’s father, King George VI, or what his family calls him, Bertie; the friendship with his speech therapist, Lionel Logue (whom I named my Labbit after); and his struggle with stuttering while overcoming his fears of making speeches in front of the entire nation.

“People with problems are far more interesting. If you haven't had any problems, you're bland.” – Firth on King George VI

“I love hidden, glorious and secret superheroes. I'm not very interested in people with superpowers.” – Firth on King George VI

{ stella mare’s }

2011-02-18T15:04:00.001-08:00

Located in downtown Santa Barbara is this quaint and charming little restaurant. My perfect place to celebrate any occasion, recommended to me by my friend. I would love to visit this cute little restaurant someday.

Stella Mare’s

{ bird of paradise }

2011-02-17T22:48:00.001-08:00

My art history professor showed this to us in class the other day when we’re learning about New Guinea art. This is a bird of paradise that comes in all kinds of colors and patterns. This one in particular is cleaning up his place in hopes of bringing a female home. He then gets ready to court her. He does his best dance, hoping to impress her but sadly, his best just isn’t good enough.

I like how my professor said that this in another representation of “how males are genetically made to make fools of themselves”. We all make fools of ourselves for love.

{ maximizing utility }

2011-02-17T00:48:00.001-08:00

I’m studying Intermediate Economics and it’s been a heck of a ride the past few weeks. It’s not the easiest thing in the world, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything else right now. If we put aside all the studying, tests, and grades, it’s actually a calculated explanation of our choices and preferences. We study people and the decisions they make given their choices, factors, and repercussions. With years of gloom and error, humans just want to choose the best thing that maximizes their happiness. So basically, the primary concern of Economics is to find, reach, and maintain maximum utility, or happiness. We can’t see it, but we’re always chasing it because we know it exists.

Happiness is a matter of choice. There are always choices to make and happiness is always on both sides of these choices. Even if you make a mistake and become disappointed or sad, there’s always the option to be happy again, by choosing a different route, or even a different perspective. Choose happiness, no matter what life gives you.

Here’s what I’m currently happy about:

Life in Santa Barbara is beautiful and I have to take the time to say that because I have a feeling that when I get out of here or move elsewhere, I’ll easily forget the pleasure it was living here. Aside from the continuous warm weather, we have myriad of animals that live with us on the beach: squirrels, raccoons, pelicans, seals, dolphins… and maybe frat guys when it’s Friday night. But the great thing is that, living on campus, I don’t have to worry about anything else but study. My only responsibility is to learn and that’s pleasure in itself.

While studying Economics, I learned that there are infinite choices in life and you can’t make a mistake and stay sad forever without having another option to smile. May you find or maintain your utility maximization.

{ single girls }

2011-02-11T00:01:00.001-08:00

I think this is such a pretty song. :)

{ google art project }

2011-02-06T21:06:00.001-08:00

What I’m currently fascinated about is Google Art Project. This feels like it was made just for me. I, like most people, don’t get the privilege to travel and see all these museums and the artworks inside them. You can stroll through the garden of Versailles and in a few clicks away, see the detail of the skin's texture on the Birth of Venus. I’m simply in awe.

Explore the art world here

{ scenes from my birthday }

2011-01-29T23:00:00.001-08:00

My 20th birthday was fun and relaxed, which includes watching a screening of The King’s Speech, strolling down State Street, and eating at a Japanese restaurant called Shabu Shabu. Overall, it was a really nice birthday.

{ pet cloud }

2011-01-28T12:09:00.001-08:00

My aunt sent me photographs from Micheal Casker. I like his “Pet Cloud”. It’s so cute.

by Michael Casker

{ mary and max }

2011-01-23T23:18:00.001-08:00

I just watched Mary and Max and it gave me a refreshing outlook into this weird and complicated world we live in. Although the film deals with heavy issues like mental illness, obesity, trust, sex, psychiatry, religion, friendship, family and more, it reminds us that we’re not perfect and certainly not alone, no matter how different we all seem.

“…He said I would have to accept myself, my warts and all, and that we don't get to choose our warts. They are part of us and we have to live with them. We can, however, choose our friends, and I am glad I have chosen you.”

{ 18 things }

2011-01-11T16:27:00.000-08:00

This is a really inspiring list of 18 things a blogger wished he knew when he was 18.

http://www.marcandangel.com/2010/06/21/18-things-i-wish-someone-told-me-when-i-was-18/

{ the best year of our life }

2011-01-08T01:14:00.001-08:00

A friend told me yesterday, while I was complaining about how busy my quarter is so far, that this is the best year of our life. Of course, we go back to the saying that college is the best four years of your life, and we should live it thoroughly, but what my friend meant was that the best year of our life will always be the year we are living in now. That is because in the current year, we still have the choices and decisions that will result in limitless possibilities that shape our lives. The choices we make in college could make this our worse year ever, or the best. Ultimately, it comes down to how we choose to live it, not anyone/anything else could determine that.

After hearing this, I am certain that nothing is determined yet so far. I am still in the running of the Economics major and I should be blessed to have this opportunity to learn. That’s all I’m doing really, and I have nothing to complain about. Seeing the beauty of learning makes classes more enjoyable, rather than an obstacle. And by thinking like an economist, I become more conscious about decision making:

I choose that this is the best year of my life, and I will do whatever I can to make that come true.

A very happy new year, everybody! I hope that this year will be your best year too.

{ topatoco }

2010-12-22T00:59:00.001-08:00

My brother showed me this t-shirt design site called Topatoco. Their shirts are nerdy/cute/funny and it’s been quite entertaining looking at them.

I always knew the dinosaurs were noble creatures.

I chose this because it’s art history.

This cat has serious problems.

BUNNIES!

Yes, yes, they are cute.

{ Christmas Music at Target }

2010-12-17T15:59:00.001-08:00

I was suprised to find that Target lets you download free Christmas music on their website, along with watching their TV spots. All the songs are original, not your typical holiday music, but still fun and unbeat in a fresh way.

Some of my favorites:

Listen and Download here.

{ design & rebuild }

2010-12-17T00:49:00.001-08:00

The past week, I’ve been slaving away at my first task as Technology Chair for Circle K at UCSB: make the website. Truth be told, it was harder than I thought, and I don’t think they have reason to expect a professional website from me, but I wanted to give them that. Or at least an adequate website that can stand alone amongst the line of CKI sites of other UC’s.

Thank goodness I have it done! One of my greatest accomplishments because I had to start from scratch (having accidentally erased all the files that the old tech chair left behind) and teach myself all the FTP, HTML, CSS codes. I knew it can’t be a generic, three column, layout because the people in the club are more than just standard. It has to be different, but neat and professional at the same time. The website represents its members and that was my task. I had so much fun making it. And I’m proud.

{ sleeping like a log }

2010-12-09T11:43:00.001-08:00

[ from Etsy ]

Oh no, it’s a bear… that you can sit on? I would love this in my living room. But I’m not sure how others with perceive it since it looks so real.

[ from Etsy ]

Or how about a pile of logs pillows near the fireplace? Talk about the comforts of nature! Too bad the cute costume isn’t included…

{ what do you want to give? }

2010-12-08T15:45:00.001-08:00

Gap will donate $1 every time a person like the videos on Facebook. To donate, follow the link: http://apps.facebook.com/gapwant/?show_look=7, log on to FB, watch and like!

Look how adorable these kids are. I wish I had these hats to give to each of my little cousins. That would be so cute.

{ tangled }

2010-11-29T19:47:00.001-08:00

I think I had forgotten what it was like to become enrapt in a simple fairy tale, urging me to “follow your dreams” and embark on the adventure. I think I had forgotten what it was like to be a kid again and to be reminded that anything is possible and happily ever after happens.

But then again, who’s to say it doesn’t?

She’s so adorable. Her eyes are so big. I love how driven Repunzel is, that she doesn’t need a knight in shining armor to live happily ever after. She only needs to do what she believes in and happily ever after will follow. That’s a great model for young girls to grow up with.

{ a place to work }

2010-11-22T23:23:00.001-08:00

As a student, the desk is the most important furniture you’ll need. I’ve been loving the use of regular tables for desks instead of bulky computer desks. They’re wider, easy to find things, can fit in any room, and simply elegant.

[ two images above via The Decorista ]

[ two above via Ikea ]

[ via Crate and Barrel ]

[ Pottery Barn ]

Now I just need to find the perfect table I can use as a desk!

{ new perspective }

2010-11-19T12:09:00.001-08:00

Next year, I will be able to move into my first home off campus. The thought excites me: the idea of full independence and responsibility and my own space to call my own. On the side though, I’m nervous about it too. Am I going to end up like those who are already moved out? Complaining about food, roommates, bills, chores… they’re realistic problems, I’m sure, but even as I’m staying in my university owned dorms right now, I have a feeling that I have to keep moving and… grow up.

On Melancholy Hill - NYC Lights from Chateau Bezerra on Vimeo.

The truth is, I need to be somewhere where I can be closer to my independence. I feel that’s the only way I could grow and figure out exactly what I want. I need my own space so I could test exactly what I need and what to prepare for. Sure, it’s going to be tough, but I desperately need to get out to learn about myself. And the thought of seeing the world, and myself, in a whole new perspective suddenly lessens my nervousness.

{ all i have to do is…}

2010-11-15T23:04:00.001-08:00

Dream

When I feel blue in the night
I want you to hold me tight
Whenever I want you
All I have to do is dream

I can make you mine
Taste your lips of wine
Anytime night or day
Only trouble is, gee whiz
I'm dreaming my life away

I need you so that I could die
I love you so and that is why

Whenever I want you
All I have to do is dream

{ how i met trevor }

2010-11-13T23:36:00.001-08:00

Today I volunteered at a local no-kill dog adoption center. I intended to stay for the orientation only, not expecting to walk any dogs, but the lead volunteer wasn’t here for the day so the only way we could learn how things work is to learn it first hand. One of the volunteers led us to the back where the dogs are kept and asked us if we’re ready to walk “big dogs”. I was really hoping that I would start with the smaller dogs, but walking any dogs to me was good enough. We went into the room where the larger dogs were kept and they were all barking and jumping in their cages that I grew scared and nervous if I could really do it.

They let us choose our dog to walk, so just as I saw a gentle enough dog I could handle, our attention shifted over to the dog right next door. He was a big male boxer mix, about 60 pounds and pounding violently against the cage and barked back as other dogs told him to shut up. The volunteer figured that he was the dog that needed walking the most, so she told me to take him. I freaked out. But regardless of how I felt, it was clear that he needed to get out and I needed to get over my fear. I pushed myself into the cage with him and the volunteer locked us both in, told me instructions from the outside about how to put the leash on him and such. It was a battle at first, but he cooperated. However, just as soon as he was out and saw other dogs, he jumped on their cages too and I knew I was going to get a work out with this one.

But when we got out of the gate and onto the streets, it was just me and him. He quickly got bored and started walking – not like it was routine, but more like he walked for me because he knew I was a newbie. Therefore, it was he who decided when to walk and when to pee and when to stop for sight seeing and when to turn around and when to see this and that. He’s a pretty old dog and have stayed at the shelter for a long time, so walking is his routine and I bet he had better walkers before me. He acted like he was walking me, instead of vice versa. We walked past neighbors and he greeted them with a slight nudge over at me like “oh, and here’s the new girl with me”. After realizing this, I sighed and just enjoy the activity. Here we are, we were placed together to walk this block so might as well enjoy it. I think at the moment when I realized that, he did too, and suddenly, we were walking in sync. He walked side by side with me. I remembered I had a treat in my pocket and give it to him. That was pretty much the only interaction we had. No licks, no jumps, it was purely professional. (there was a moment, however, when he saw a dog on the other side of the street and completely lunged himself at it… but let’s just ignore it and keep the story pleasant). Despite the struggles to keep him from jumping on other dogs and me, it was a rather pleasant walk with him. There were times when we were walking in the same wavelengths, even though he was bored of me as I was scared of him. Those differences subsided when we just walked in the moment and forgot about what we initially thought of the other one.

We finished the walk and I put him back in the cage. We bid each other farewell and thanked for each other’s time.

{ silly ol’ bear "}

2010-11-12T20:58:00.001-08:00

I want to watch this movie. :) Brings back fond childhood memories.

{ calvin klein ft. f(x) }

2010-11-06T10:37:00.001-07:00

f(x), a female Korean band, joins together with Calvin Klein for their High Cut photoshoot. Who knew a behind the scenes montage could be so cute?

{ a tartan tale }

2010-11-04T12:21:00.001-07:00

MAC’s 2010 Holiday Collection focuses on plaid and warm, vivid colors.

Early in the summer, my aunt showed me a project she was designing for MAC, which was an early development of an interactive magic book for the iPad called A Tartan Tale. Readers can listen to the audio storytelling of the Tartan’s Tale while browsing the collection by flipping through page with their fingertip. The interactive book features whimsical pop-ups and images that will carry you through an entirely different fantasy world of high fashion.

Now the project is complete and can be downloaded for free on the iPad:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id397448388?mt=8

{ love is all around }

2010-11-03T23:56:00.001-07:00

Finally! It seems like forever until midterm season ends. I feel like in the past two weeks, two of my classes are on the backburner while I study for midterms for the other ones. Those classes are holding me still while the ones I’m focusing on are beating me down. Then they switch off.

It just feels like that. But now that midterms are almost over and I’ve been studying endlessly, I’ve gotten my grades back; it seems that – from the words of the Mary Tyler Moore theme – I’m gonna make it after all!

If only I had a cute hat I can throw up in celebration.

{ halloween kitty }

2010-10-31T13:40:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween everybody! I hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween. This year, I made a Hello Kitty mask. I wore it with an Express party dress, J.Crew leggings, Gap boots, and a black cardigan. I’m still sick so I had to cover myself with as much layers as possible.

{ longing for sleep }

2010-10-27T14:42:00.001-07:00

Everyone around here has been getting sick, so it was inevitable that I’ll get the sickness too. I’ve been lying in bed the past few days with piles of books with me as I cram for midterms and try to sleep at the same time. It wasn’t that successful. However, I did manage to catch the Rocky Horror Glee show last night. Oh, and I’m now caught up with hours and hours of Brothers & Sisters in just one sitting. Hmm… how could I ever manage?

I’m tired. But other than that, everything is good. Even though I’m sick, I’m still extremely grateful for everything I have. So I guess I should turn this into an appreciation post rather than a gloomy complaint: ‘I’m sick’.

{ doodle jump }

2010-10-24T12:30:00.001-07:00

Lately, the only iPhone game I’ve been playing is DOODLE JUMP. The sound effects and the graphics just make it so cute and addicting. It’s been the game I turn to when I’m bored or waiting.

The updated version has the new Halloween theme!

Download Doodle Jump for your iPhone/iPod Touch at the iTunes App store.

{ simple pleasures + the complex }

2010-10-22T01:09:00.001-07:00

[ Photo of me fishing when I was younger ]

Don’t let anything keep you from being happy. Not even yourself. You’re going to have to forgive yourself if you want things to change. There’s always a way go make things better – only after you’ve forgiven yourself and let time take over. You’ll know what to do after that.

{ goleta valley beautiful }

2010-10-20T23:20:00.001-07:00

I finally got the pictures from my community service excursion a few weeks ago! The Circle K group and I helped plant trees for the community. We learned all the methods of great tree planting, but I probably couldn’t do by myself, without the help of others of course. Overall, it was a fun and productive day.

{ sunrise / sunset }

2010-10-18T23:13:00.001-07:00

One of my first breakfasts at UCSB. Blackberries are rare here. That’s why there’s a scarcity compared to the strawberries.

The sunset outside my dorm. I just had to take a picture.

It seemed to change color after a few minutes.

And pretty soon, it’s gone.

{ j.crew 2010 collection: to be free }

2010-10-16T01:38:00.001-07:00

In case you missed it on their website a few months ago, or any silly excuse to watch it again…and again…

Song: To be free, by Guylaine Vivarat.
Download it here: http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Navigation/collectionSong.jsp

{ theanimalprintshop }

2010-10-14T12:15:00.001-07:00

Just discovered animal photographer Sharon Montrose. She’s absolutely talented in capturing animals in a simple composition, all the while fully revealing their unique personalities.

Plus, I found that they can be awesome iPhone/iPod wallpapers for your lock screen. :)

This is the one I used for my iPod. How cute is that?

Oh, how I wish I could get a print for my room. <3

{ modern family }

2010-10-12T11:15:00.001-07:00

Who could not agree that Modern Family is one of the best shows on ABC. I love every single character, who all have their unique personalities that give the show its own taste of sweetness and humor. The little moments of putting up with your family and then coming to the realization that it’s all out of love is one of the reasons why Modern Family is oh so charming.

You have to meet them for yourself!

Watch it with me on Wednesdays, 9/8 c!

{ sea wolf & ida maria }

2010-10-10T22:56:00.001-07:00

Sometimes, when you have nothing to share, music can suffice.

I hope to be back with a more interesting post as I’ve been busy with homework and volunteering. Hope you have a great start to a new week! Take care.

{ inspirational artist}: Daniel Libeskind

2010-10-04T22:18:00.001-07:00

Architects are artists too. In my Architecture class today, I discovered a contemporary architect who designed the Jewish Museum in Berlin and San Francisco, the Denver Art Museum, the Grand Canal Theater in Dublin and many more. Since my class is about homes, we learned about how he incorporated his mechanical theories into modern day houses. One of his work in the housing project is The Villa (2009).

“Like a crystal growing from rock, a giant structure emerges from the ground.”

The house that the professor went in depth and analyzed was Libeskind’s 2010 project for a private owner 18.36.54. The name represents 18 planes, 36 points, and 54 lines.

“Challenging both traditional and modern notions of ‘the house in the landscape…’”

[ all images are from Libeskind’s official website:
http://www.daniel-libeskind.com/studio/daniel-libeskind/
Also visit: http://libeskind-villa.com/ ]

{ beach clean up }

2010-10-03T16:02:00.001-07:00

I found a soft spot of sand so I decided to take off my flip flops and dig my feet in it. The cold and softness of the sand was akin to flipping the pillow to the cooler side. In that moment, I was in bliss.

***

For community service today, the group and I went to the campus beach and picked up trash along the coast until we reached Goleta Beach Park. There, we had BBQ and hung out for a couple of hours. The weather was pretty chilly, but the park was crowded nontheless. We played games while we waited for rides to pick us back up to campus. Yay, for good deed for the day!

“…Do you party?”

“…Yes. MARIO PARTY.”

{ ucsb + tag }

2010-09-24T00:37:00.001-07:00

My second year at UC Santa Barbara has started. At first I didn’t want to leave the comforts of my home and family, but now that I’m back on the beach, I’m reminded how quickly I can grow accustomed to life here. It’s pretty – all the time. I also got the chance to meet more people; My housemates are the sweetest, friendliest people.

This week has been eventful. I went to a social and played board games (Bang, anyone?), a dance at The Hub, downtown on State Street, a hypnotist show, visited old friends… but I have to say, one of my most pleasant things to do here is to just lie on the grass overlooking the lagoon and the ocean and just do nothing. Time flies instantly. I love to take in the sights, watch people as they move along with their own life, and enjoy the moment.

I also had my first class today. I should address UCSB’s party reputation and say, personally, that it’s basically a work hard, play hard philosophy. During the day, lots of students could be seen up for their 8am class, riding their cruisers with books and notebooks in attached baskets. They take academics as seriously as other universities. That’s why UCSB is ranked #9 and #39 for Top Public Schools and National Universities.

On other news, I got tagged for a blog award. Yay!

1. Thank the blogger who gave you the award:

I fell in love with Carina’s blog when she posted about her homemade veggie pizza. Since then I love visiting her blog because she captures the beauty in the simplest things in life, like food, letters, books…etc. She is absolutely one of the sweetest bloggers I’ve come across. Thank you for the tag, Carina!

2. Sum up your blogging philosophy, motivation, and experience using five words:

Love, appreciation, beauty, muses, share.

3. Pass this on to 10 other bloggers that you feel have substance in their blogs:

Hope you have fun reading those in my tag list. They’re all really amazing bloggers who offer different and inspiring perspective in various aspects of life.

{ introducing....}

2010-09-18T12:59:00.001-07:00

Arrived in its little packaging just days before my leave to Santa Barbara is this cute iPod Touch. I've been doting it like it's my baby -- my little everything in one.

{ flights and fears }

2010-09-18T02:23:00.001-07:00

I always believed that people have fears for a reason. Fears are their first primal instinct to warn and protect themselves from danger or, more personally, pain. It’s sobering to feel afraid sometimes because you’re just reminded that you have so much to lose and you don’t want to make a single mistake.

On a personal level, I have been scared to death about the future. Not really tomorrow, more like…what’s going to happen to me in a few years. Will I be successful out of college? Will I be loved by those I love? Will I be happy with everything I already have? It’s like reading tarot cards that predict what your life will be like before you even live it. Then you get this sudden urge to direct every action away from the predicted consequences, not knowing if doing so will make things better or worse. That is living in fear.

Sure enough, there are these other people who know exactly what to do, as admirable as they are. They would take the leap of faith and jump, hoping wings would expand out of sheer miracle in order to get them to that special destination.

They’re not afraid to fly.

I often wondered why people would ever fantasize about flying, you know…like a bird. They would jump off the edge of a cliff if it means getting to their dreams. The metaphorical meaning of taking off in the name of freedom sounds wonderful to me, but I can’t help but notice the realistic point of view, that the higher you soar, the harder you fall. Crash and burn, and suddenly, I don’t want to fly anymore. I revert to my old thoughts that dreams are not meant to be reached, but merely an unattainable goal (pity me).

It’s the fear that keeps one from flying, or else we’d all wouldn’t complain as we’d be long gone and where we’d dream we’d be. But it seems that the obvious answer is (i guess the happiest people in the world already knows this) that it’s all completely worth it. Every band-aid you’ll need to mend the fall is totally worth flying the extra mile and seeing that breathtaking view of the you-know-where-you-want-to-be.

I chant this inside my head religiously sometimes: fears aside, it’s totally worth it.

Looking back on my previous leaps of faith, albeit not that many, I’m perfectly content with my life now and those bruises from past flights have already healed. Evidence enough that the flight (and the fall) is necessary to experience those places you would otherwise never get to see.

[ photo: flickr ]

So…fears aside, what is it in your life that’s worth flying for?

{ print is not dead }

2010-09-16T23:35:00.000-07:00

This is inspired me to make a stop motion film someday.

Also, shown in the video, the wall is made out of used, old books attached to panels, which is a great alternative to wallpaper. It looks so surreal, like you're living inside a book. Of course, you'll need a lot of time on your hands (and pages).

From Anthology magazine that will debut next month.

{ jesus, etc }

2010-09-14T03:01:00.000-07:00

Jesus, don't cry

You can rely on me honey

You can combine anything you want

I'll be around

You were right about the stars

Each one is a setting sun

Our love is all we have...

{ my summer }

2010-09-13T02:20:00.001-07:00

I can’t really say so much for my summer, as it speaks for itself. It could be as boring or eventful as I like and I have to say that I’m happy with how it is. This summer I…

Spent a night near the Santa Barbara harbor.
Visited the Dutch town of Solvang.
Got two more classes out of the way for my major (with passing A’s)
Celebrated anniversary and July 4th in downtown Sacramento.
Beach day with my friends at Santa Cruz.
watched Toy Story 3, Inception, Dinner for Schmucks, and Eat, Pray Love.
Attended cousin’s wedding.
Huge family reunion in Lake Tahoe.
Sold things on eBay.
Watched Shen Yun Performing Arts.
Spent a weekend in San Francisco: visited Angel Island.
Canoed and kayaked the American River.
Biked from downtown to Davis in the heat.
Explored the State Fair.
Went for a relaxing swim.
Played my Wii.
Walked with my mom.
Attempted to ignore my asthma and volunteered at a cat shelter.
Visited San Francisco again: Birth of Impressionism
Leisure reading.
Arranged the home furniture.
Got my wisdom teeth out.
Updated my wardrobe with thrifty fashion.
Made my Halloween costume.
Second Saturday in downtown Sac.

I probably forgot some things, like the smallest moments of my summer that went by quickly but still grand. I don’t have the best memory, hence why I rely on my old tweets to remind me what I did. There maybe more, or maybe not. I have to say that one of my most relaxing time during the summer was touch base with my blog again and truly spent more time with every post. I found other awesome blogs via Bloglovin’ and I’m looking forward to bringing it with me when school starts. Hopefully I’ll have the time to post cool things like the dedicated bloggers on Bloglovin’ do very frequently. They’re my inspiration: I hope to share what I can from my little corner of my world too, whatever I find amazing and inspirational.

{ fall movie trailers 2010 }

2010-09-11T11:08:00.001-07:00

The Romantics ;

I happily stumbled upon this trailer from J.Crew. Enter on their site to win a chance for a trip for two to New York!

Somewhere;

I simply love all of Sofia Coppola’s work. They’re all artistic and wonderful so I could see the potential in Somewhere too.

Lovely, Still;

After reading Ellen Burstyn’s autobiography, I’m just in awe with everything she does.

“I don’t want to be alone anymore… then I met you.”

{ lucky }

2010-09-10T23:40:00.001-07:00

This week has been a bit of a roller coaster. It began with me pretending to be a marriage counselor, then having my wisdom teeth taken out the very next day. I came back home feeling woozy and bleeding profusely only to find that my laptop too got ill with blindness (the inverter went hay wired). Seeing my computer all sick like that only made me feel worst and the next few days were just me trying to find the energy to get out of bed only to eat a simple meal that’s also soft enough for my bleeding gums.

The week started like one bad thing after another, but the silver lining came later that day when Andrew came over just in time (while I’m still drowsy with narcotics and everything’s a mess). He brought me chocolate Jell-O pudding and a lovely ‘get well soon’ balloon. He even took the time to dab the excess blood from my mouth so I could eat those yummy pudding snacks.

The next day, two packages arrived from my aunt. Inside were lots of clothes and makeup that I will definitely carry over to next year. It was like Christmas. I got some really adorable cargo pants, tops, a Marc Jacobs military jacket, Marc Jacobs flip flops, and a bag of MAC cosmetics. How lucky am I!

& Today, after doing extensive research, I found a local computer service repair place near home that could do the job quick and cheap. Now I really despise all big name repair businesses because they’re only out to get your money. These local businesses are better because they really take the time to understand your problem and treat you like human beings.

I have only a week more of my summer vacation and then I will head off to Santa Barbara for some serious studying. I will miss being lazy (that’s not to say that I won’t be lazy there either), but when school starts, I have to conceal my laziness over mounds of paper work and books. But seriously, I’m looking forward to getting down to business.

P.S. I really like how this music video is made:

Have a great weekend!

{ another san fran trip }: birth of impressionism

2010-09-06T03:33:00.001-07:00

We went to San Francisco again and this time actually viewed the special exhibit. All the paintings were from the Musse D’orsay museum in Paris. I was giddy when I saw ones that I studied in school, like Monet’s Gare Saint-Lazare. Besides the exhibit, we enjoyed the usual sights of San Francisco, like the Union Square and the Golden Gate Park.

This is the view of Union Square from the Cheesecake Factory, top floor of Macy’s.

We were pretty thrilled to be there.

I love the little dining area at the Union Square. It’s so cute, I want to have lunch there too.

San Francisco was warmer than we thought. Sweaters were not needed, so I had to tie it around (yes, that’s my excuse for that).

It looks like an urban paradise.

Because all urban paradises should have gelato.

Andrew’s doing his thing and models for an Urban Outfitters apartment catalog.
Just kidding!

Typical view of the city as we wait for our ride.

Typical view of me as I wish I was in that place.

{ we just want to have a good time }

2010-09-01T16:32:00.001-07:00

Today, Apple updated their new line of iPod products. I’ve been waiting for an updated version of the iPod Touch because its features are nearly identical to the iPhone 4, minus the phone capabilities and contract. The design of the new nano is certainly cool looking as well.

Even though I’m looking for an iPod with lots of features so I can take advantage of the all the wi-fi zones I’m in, I’m also not that satisfied with the price tag yet. Plus my current iPod nano works perfectly fine, so for now I shall wait and see!

{ currently reading }: The Unbearable Lightness of Being

2010-09-01T01:35:00.001-07:00

Milan Kundera begins by questioning philosopher Nietzsche about the idea of external return. Then goes on to address positives and negatives of dichotomies such as light and dark. But a big question remains: which one is positive, weight or lightness?

The book is a novel about a love, but it could very well be a philosophical book with characters whose interactions shaped by the mysterious forces of life.

I love the poetic storytelling and how metaphorical objects are everywhere. Perhaps that’s how Kundera teaches philosophy, by replacing ideas with characters and their things. If everything that occurs is significant and important to us, it attains weight and along with it, responsibility for our actions. Lightness comes with living in the moment and accepting what is, feeling no attachment. However, you can never find fulfillment living that way.

Tomas did not realize at the time that metaphors are dangerous. Metaphors are not to be trifled with. A single metaphor can give birth to love.

We can never know what to want, because, living only one life, we can neither compare it with our previous lives nor perfect it in our lives to come.

{ join the dots }

2010-08-30T01:46:00.001-07:00

Today my brother introduced me to new music from his PSP and I came across several bands that will be new additions to my iPod. One of them has a really awesome name: Tim and Sam’s Tim and Sam’s Band with Tim and Sam.

Their song is featured in this cool Youtube video:

xxx.

On another note, we’re approaching the end of August. As we enjoy the last few days of summer, we’ll be seeing shorter days and probably longer nights as we try to make the best of the end of season. We’ll be reaching for our cardigans on chilly summer nights and wait for the sunset to come. Fall is right around the corner!

[ outfit from Free People ]

{ paradise }

2010-08-28T00:32:00.001-07:00

There are certain things that make a place paradise.

Tranquility and peace…

Good friends…

Environmental beauty…

And natural bliss.

Hope you all have a place to call your paradise. Have a safe and wonderful weekend!

{ sailing in the sky }

2010-08-26T01:41:00.001-07:00

How creative is it to transform an ordinary chandelier into a one shaped like a pirate ship? A chandelier like this could hold my eye for a while and forget everything else in the room.

The Crystal Ship Chandelier could be found at ZGallerie,

… but be forewarned that the price also hangs on the ceiling. :)

{ gifts from Europe }

2010-08-24T11:51:00.001-07:00

Andrew came back from his European vacation a few days ago and brought home gifts for me! I absolutely love the things he got me.

The first thing is a heart shaped box from Morocco, where I could keep my accessories and jewelry pieces. The other is a copy of Diego Velazquez’s The Spinners. He knows I adore art history, and this is one of the beautiful baroque pieces.

And he got me a gorgeous snow globe of Venice. The city is surrounded by water and bridges. How lovely! I really want to go there someday and see it for myself.

Then I got two cute shirts, also from Italy. I really love the dog with the top hat and moustache. Very classy. And if you could see the details, the dog is also wearing mascara.

&& now I leave you with this video from MIKA:

{ This is My Idea }

2010-08-23T00:12:00.001-07:00

I watched the Swan Princess all over again with my cousin and I completely forgot how cute the beginning was. Princess Odette and Prince Derek were arranged to get married even before they met:

It's kind of nice to watch watch old childhood favorites again. :)

And speaking of good ideas... this is my idea of the perfect road trip song. I can listen to Fanfarlo all day long.

{ from downtown to davis }

2010-08-21T02:03:00.001-07:00

A few days ago, my uncle, cousin, and I biked all the way from downtown Sacramento to the UC Davis campus. It was my first time biking in that distance and the temperature went up to the upper nineties, but we had all our gears and we were ready to go.

We began at the capitol and biked across the Towers bridge. Then we make the long way towards the city of Davis.

We finally got there and immediately saw why it was deemed the bicycle town. We fit right in, especially with our appropriate bicycle attires.

A swarm of ducks and delicious gyros await us. Then we had to bike back in the scorching heat. I got a little sun burnt as a souvenir. It was a really fun experience though. I absolutely love biking solely because it’s such a relaxing sport that doesn’t require too much thinking or energy. All you need is endurance and an appetite for sight seeing. I totally get a difference perspective of the road now that I got the taste of riding beside the cars. I feel more in tune with my environment, rather than enclosed in a metal container that delivers me to point A to point B.

I love the adventure in riding bikes!

{ the sheep market }

2010-08-15T01:50:00.001-07:00

A new discovery that I find particularly interesting is The Sheep Market by Aaron Koblin. 10,000 random strangers were assigned a simple task in which they were asked to ‘draw a sheep facing left’. These workers had no clue why they’re drawing sheeps but they’re getting paid $.02 for it.

In the end, the amalgam of simple drawings turned into a grand scale artwork:

The picture above looks like a collection of data, computerized and processed.

But as you come closer and examine the individual sheep (clicking on them will allow you to see how they were drawn), you’ll start to notice that the once computerized collection of data turns out to be a collection of human-drawn sheep, all unique and organic as people are.

The Sheep Market is a creative way of representing the new labor system: the same work gets done over and over. The beginnings of the project is organic and flawed, but the end result becomes structured and concise.

See the sheep for yourself: thesheepmarket.com

{ j.crew fall 2010 }

2010-08-14T01:07:00.001-07:00

J.Crew is my prime source for fashion inspiration. This Fall, their commonly bright, light hues get toned down to earthy, warm colors for the new season. I love how they incorporate small touches of masculine pieces but overall, maintain equal amount of femininity in all the looks. Every little detail is perfect, from the tousled, wind-blown hair to the jewelry. This is why Fall is my absolute favorite season in terms of fashion. It’s all about nature and texture.

{ photoblog } weekend in SF

2010-08-09T18:19:00.001-07:00

Dim Sum, Yerba Buena center, de Young, Legion of Honor Museum, Coit Tower, and Chinatown:

There was the Birth by Impressionists exhibit featured in the Fine Arts museums in San Fran. I didn’t get a chance to actually see the paintings, but rather, explored around the museums (visiting the gift shops and architecture). The Coit Tower brought us to the highest point in just an elevator ride, where a 360 degree view of San Francisco awaits. Chinatown was our last stop of the day. I adored the little shops…too bad they forbid pictures!

Then on Sunday, road trip to the quaint city of Tiburon and took a ferry ride to Angel Island:

It was pretty cold and cloudy, but that didn’t stop us from being outside as the ferry boat takes us to Angel Island. The island reminded me of the island I read in Moloka’i with the same name as the title of the book. In Angel Island, the government used to isolate people with contagious diseases such as smallpox and the plague. It was also used an a military zone and an immigration station. It was so surreal being on an isolated island that overlooks the Golden Gate bridge and the neighboring and bustling city of San Francisco.

An overall pleasant visit to the City by the Bay.

{ Opus 23 }

2010-08-04T16:17:00.001-07:00

“I soon realized that no journey carries one far unless, as it extends into the world around us, it goes an equal distance into the world within.”

-Lillian Smith

Dedicated to Andrew. Have a fantastic adventure in Europe!

{ inspirational artist} : jackson pollock

2010-08-02T17:18:00.001-07:00

While every art period has their own beauty, I find that Abstract Expressionism breaks the mold and structures of art and allows the viewers to see directly into the soul of the artist and the heart of art itself. Jackson Pollock is the influential painter who “broke the ice” – as fellow artist de Kooning said about Pollock. Pollock’s unique and Native American inspired drip paintings teaches viewers that art is more than the symbolic figures and composition. Erase all of that and you will feel the emotion put into the piece. Pollock gave us a higher level of perceiving art, much like Picasso did for Cubism.

I learned that in Abstract Expressionism, there is no correct way to view the work, but you have to turn off any preconceive ideas and rules in your head and take in the art work just the way it is. That is the reason why Abstract art is so hard for the general eye to accept.

[ Jackson Pollock, 1950: left: Number 18 | right: Lavender Mist, Number 1 ]

{ interior benefits }

2010-07-31T19:47:00.001-07:00

There’s something about rearranging furniture and decor that you already have and turn them into a whole new look. I spent yesterday at Barnes and Nobles, getting inspired by books on the art of feng-shui, de-cluttering, and the vintage/cottage look. Today, I spent almost the whole day cleaning and dragging furniture across the living room.

From what I read, cleaning is one of the most important part of feng-shui, next to the actual arrangements. Cleaning is a spiritual cure that washes the past to make room for the future. Cleaning also symbolizes ‘letting go’ and freeing yourself from whatever you’ve been dragging around. It’s the most difficult process, but it cleanses the home as well as the mind.

The arranging process is important because it rid your room of obstacles and structures that may not suit your current life. It is believed to help positive energy flow fluidly through your home and thus, bring prosperity and happiness your way.

All of these spiritual and aesthetic benefits also are easier to make happen… because they’re completely free! I find that simply rearranging your furniture, you are finding new corners and spaces where your old tables, lamps, or other decorations could now settle. You’re making more spaces and then filling in the empty ones. In another way, you’re recreating who you are now with the same materials as who you were – plus or minus what you’ve found or lost in life since then.

Inspired by the cozy Pottery Barn: (left: Coffee Table) | (right: Console Table)

{ Cuteness for the Iphone }

2010-07-29T19:50:00.001-07:00

This thing is ridiculously cute. I like how it blends the traditional use of a book with a modern device like the I-phone. I was at the Apple store today and played with the I-phone 4 and was amazed at the quality. I wanted to take it home with me soooo badly, even though I won’t need all of its features. But, I believe that with creativity, you can use it for almost anything and any moment – even playing with your little kids.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

&& Look at these super adorable Iphone wallpapers. Featuring Squirtle, Charmander, and Bulbasaur. Things like these make me wish I had an Iphone!

How cute are they?

Credits to PixelGirl for supplying awesome desktop, icons, and phone wallpapers.

{ summer reading }

2010-07-27T19:53:00.001-07:00

It’s very exciting to see pretty books on my shelf. My friend, Christine, lent me The Book of Awesome, which is a collection of all the simple joys in our every day life.

I also have five other novels that are lent to me to cure my summer boredom. I mean, if I can’t hop on a plane and get out of this country, then might as well indulge that desire to travel and dive in a book. I hardly have time for leisure reading at school, so this time, I can actually start.

I got this yesterday as a gift: a Ipod Alarm Dock Station. It’s perfect for waking me up, sweetly of course, without blaring any annoying noise – only music from my Ipod. Also, I finally have a speaker so I can play relaxing music in my room, like in hotel lobbies. :)