things I like right now...

I like this idea. Thank you miss moss. Here are a few things that are currently on my mind...



1. I'm really into multi-color shoes these days. They just add something extra and interesting.
Clockwise from bottom:
Jessica Simpson Cheetah Pump
Miz Mooz Symphony Pump
Cute Couple Heel
Seychelles Pot of Gold Heels
Qupid Politic Two Tone Laced Booties

2. Bananagrams
If you like words, Scrabble, competition, portability, things that look like bananas....

3. eos lip balm
This honeydew one gives me instant nostalgia. It smells just like the strawberry shaped erasers I used to collect when I was little. (bonus: It's shape makes it easy to find in your purse)

4. Fun eye wear
I am currently rocking these Lucky frames...they kind of remind me of something my uncle would wear but I like that they are slightly different. These Marc Jacobs Extreme Cat Eye Frames are oversize, fun, and make me excited for sunny weather. (Here's a more budget friendly alternative).

5. Lindt Chocolate and Trolli Creepy Crawler Eggs
I am without a doubt a salty person--however, I can't seem to get enough of these two sweet treats these days. Lindt dark chocolate with a touch of sea salt--doesn't get much better than that. The salt is subtle and more of a complimenting after taste to the rich, dark chocolate.

A friend recently introduced me to these Trolli Eggs. I don't think I've eaten a gummy worm since junior high, but these eggs are pretty much the same thing...only cuter, less sticky, and won't leave sour sugar crystals all over the place...making them inadvertently more delicious.

6. Moleskine Pocket Sketchbook
I've been carrying around a pocket one in my purse/pocket everywhere I go these days. It's perfect for jotting down quick notes, inspirations, ideas, etc.

7. Pretty Matte Lips
MAC has some great ones--my faves are Hue and Myth.

{light}

I love everything about this blog. Its concept is simple, yet so interesting, insightful, fun, pretty, creative...and incredibly sweet.

Soooo here is my attempt to do the same with some dear friends...who are currently living life in all parts of the world. Can't wait to see it through their eyes.
enjoy. :)

resolutions to keep

I hate to make resolutions as I know resolutions are inevitably made to be broken, but there is definitely one I'd like to keep this year...
I usually try and take one overseas trip a year (I'm in it for the semi-long ones--talking 2 weeks minimum, 1 month ideal!) but with the transitions of a new position at work and lack of my planning on my part (boo), 2010 saw no such trip. I think airplanes in the sky will continue to stop me in my tracks until I get myself on one, so in 2011...I must travel. Till then, I will keep myself entertained with photos and planning out the definitive dream trip on my world map.

cheers to 2011 and the opportunities & adventures ahead.

{a small island off phuket, thailand)

surviving the holidays

{image: imdb}

Last year's holiday season kicked my butt...I wrote this list shortly after to help me get through it this year.

1. Start early. Start thinking in October/November (oops. a little late on this post.) Once December hits, it's like a boulder going downhill--find good deals, seize the moment. Don't procrastinate!

2. Start writing cards early too. Mail them to people you don't see often enough to get it them before 12/25. Be mindful of when you'll see the folks you write cards too. Don't wait to the last minute to give them their cards.

3. If you like baking and like to give baked goods as gift, remember: it's okay to give your edible gifts early. Last year, I tried to give these gifts as close to Christmas as possible, but my days only got more crowded with holiday events, last minute shopping, cooking, etc. Save yourself some stress and make your deliveries a week or two early.

4. Want to avoid the commercialism of the holidays all together? World Vision and Compassion International have amazing gift catalogs that actually allow you to buy a goat for a family, a water well in a village, farming equipment, school supplies, and more.

TOMS, Petit Plume, FEED, Night Light International are just a few websites that can help you 'gift responsibly' this season. Plus, I think these go with anything. Love these bows. I would style this with jeans, oversize sweater, and a messy bun.

5. Make a list/have a plan. Know what you've purchased and what you are looking for. Try to do it in one shot (repetitive trips to stores, fighting parking and traffic makes me Grinch-y). Avoid shopping aimlessly or else it's really easy to get distracted & end up buying useless gifts for who knows or for yourself. Lists+plan=less time shopping

6. Save. Holidays can get expensive--gifts, holiday potlucks, a few additional birthdays on top of your normal expenses. My very sweet and wise coworker saves $100/month starting in January.

7. By all means, avoid shopping Christmas Eve. Actually, that whole week of Christmas at that. The crowds, lines, parking lots are bound to make you an instant grouch. (Unless, you thrive at the challenge and pressure, then by all means...)

8. Enjoy time with your family and friends...seriously. It's easy to get caught up in the busyness of this season. Take hikes together, appreciate, notice the big & little things they do for you and thank them sincerely.

9. Don't overindulge on the sweets--chances are you'll get lots of them. Only eat the ones you really like (which may be bad advice)...just remember, moderation is key.

10. Whatever your race, religion, creed...remember the real 'reason for the season.' Give thanks & celebrate.

the window seat

While flying is not always the most pleasant of experiences, one of my favorite things (in general) are the views out the window. Here are some of my bests...

{Somewhere over the Atlantic. Dreamy, no?}

{Flying into Madrid (MAD)}

{LAX to ORD; I wonder what the inside looks like...}

{Swiss Alps}

A magic carpet or a pair of flying shoes would be nice.


P.S: This had me laughing out load! Your long flights in pictures here.