Saturday, January 31, 2009

Saturday Morning South Coast Run!

What better way to spend a Saturday morning running to the local mall (luckily for me, this is South Coast Plaza, one of the best in the country), grabbing an In n Out burger and coke, and then driving home just in time to watch UCLA play Stanford.

While at South Coast I dropped off a small gift for my beloved favorite manager at Tiffany's (who helped immensely with the re-set of my engagement ring), picked up some t-shirts at Gap during the sale, and enjoyed a quick browse through the Met Store.



Observing the crowd, I grew another knot in my stomach---why is it that people in Southern California (especially LA and Orange County) have the true need to have labels plastered all over them? If I see another Tiffany tag bracelet, or crystal Gucci sunglasses, or another SWARM of girls with the SAME Louis Vuitton bag, I am going to pass out---

Whatever happened to the motto those who have don't flaunt it? One of my all-time favorite celebrities (and trust me, most of my favorites have since passed) is Jennifer Garner. She isn't a prep, but she def is casual California chic (I think!). I rarely see her carry a bag with the logo all over, or with logos on her sunglasses, or clothes...but she money, and we know it. Just look closely at her jewelry ;) Her Cartier orchid pendant is over $8K and her eternity ring and cushion cut diamond e-ring from Harry Winston is over $800K...imagine pairing that bling with a simple t-shirt ;)


Thursday, January 29, 2009

Another Blog Steal

I cannot sleep, and it is 11:15PM. I need to sleep, so as I wait for my sleep aid to work (with my pain meds for my chest), I started to read some of my favorite blogs...and saw this fun "survey".

Make a list of things you can see without getting up:
My lovely Philips flats screen TVs (with Sex and the City on), my beautiful green couch, and stack of books: One Fifth Ave, Cary Grant, Helen of Troy, etc...

Favorite football team:
UCLA hands down. And the Oakland Raiders (silver and black will someday be back!)

What are you wearing now?
Old Navy t and J Crew pj bottoms...

What color is your bedroom?
Cream and green, and white...

What’s the last thing you read/are currently reading?
Two books: One Fifth Ave and Cary Grant.

What was the last movie you saw?
Bride Wars?

Who was the last person you hugged?
Mike.

What’s your current obsession/addiction?
JCrew (often), Disney (always) and Tiffany's (forever)

What was the last thing you said aloud?
I am sorry (for those that know me, this will make you laugh!)

What websites do you always visit when you go online?
jcrew.com, tiffany.com, blogger.com, foxnews.com, ebay.com

What was the last thing you bought?
A coke (if that counts) and a handbag online from JCrew...(bad, bad, bad!)

What are you listening to right now?
Carrie Bradshaw (on the TV) but on my IPod I have Queen (of course).

If you could have any super power, what would it be?
Super speed (to get to work faster!)

What is your favorite weather, and why?
Rain, snow and cold...makes me relax...

What time do you usually get up?
6AM on the weekdays and 7AM on the weekends (normally)

What is your most challenging goal right now?
To be happy. I really just want to achieve that, above all other things including a PhD or a lifetime supply of money.


If you could have a house–totally paid for, fully furnished–anywhere in the world, where would you want it to be?
Westwood

Favorite vacation spot?
Maui

If you could choose 4 actors/actresses to have a dinner party with who would they be? (Dead or Alive)
Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant, Vivienne Leigh and Gregory Peck.

Name one thing you just can’t resist no matter how bad it is for you:
Mac and cheese (and french fries with ranch).

Favorite hair product?
Ted Gibson Hair Sheets

What movies do you feel has changed and influenced you most?
Breakfast at Tiffany's and Gone with the Wind.

Random Update

This blog really has no theme...so I am just going to blog on my day.

It was a typical day at the office---stressful, wearing, and boring, all at the same time...I didn't have much free time, and only now managed to get the update on the JCrew transition...

Remember my post about "hording for the winter"? Thank GOD I did! JCrew's spring line came out today online, and I personally find many of the items not to my liking. And the bags? Awkward. They used the Louis Vuitton leather handles---but with a pebbled leather...they just IMHO do not go together--



I am really disappointed in the new line, but suppose it is good I stocked up on the previous line with all those sales and my discounts!

Their jewelry is getting a bit too pricey as well----with $250 10K gold rings with enamel and CRYSTAL! Although, I still LOVE their pearl strands...including this one

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Unhappy and Stressed?! In need of a fix!

Ah well, today could have been considered good. I got my eyebrows done. Had my hair cut and highlighted at my local Aveda salon. Went browsing through Tiffany's. Had a great Greek dinner...but despite all of this, the day, in the end, actually was not very fun.

It started with the fact I drove the hour into work, because my pseudo boss is uptight---in my opinion, for no good reason. I worked 4+ hours only to be told I needed to stay longer (note: this was said over the phone while he was at home); I declined. I have already put in over 50+ extra hours (as well as the fact that I cannot remember the last real lunch I have taken) in the past month and a half...and of course, I get no extra pay. I even came into the office during the vacation...3 times (note: this is huge for someone working in EDUCATION!). In addition, tomorrow I will be working 8-9:30PM. Mike teaches a course for USC Athletes that goes until 9:30PM :(

So what could have been a nice Sunday in Orange County turned into: 4+ hours at the office, 2+ hours commuting and 12+ hours stressing over the fact my boss has yet to simply say "good job"....since I have started the job in May. I have done nothing but try to please him.

All of this, makes me extremely unhappy and very stressed.

I am in desperate need of a fix. So I am praying....and if that doesn't work, I always have shopping to fall back on. I am after all, lusting over some Tiffany & Co diamond studs ;)

On a side note, today was Mike and I's 6 month anniversary. Seems like just yesterday we met!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Economic Slump?

I recently splurged on a significant number of items from places such as JCrew, Jimmy Choo, Origins, etc...despite my "pledge" to save money...and prepare for the huge economic downfall (or the next Great Depression as some say). When defending my purchases to Mike, I realized that I am partly "overspending" BECAUSE of the good deals out there, and my reluctance to pass them up! I mean, now more than ever is the time to get a steal on those perfect pumps, or buy that luscious bag that is 60% off...or those Tiffany diamonds (which recently experienced a Tiffany "price adjustment")...

Believe it or not, my argument makes pseudo sense. If you are not in fear of loosing your job, aren't worried about making your mortgage, etc. and can find the money to spare, discounts are plentiful and should, to a degree, be taken advantage of. So what may appear to be recent shopaholic tendencies is simply "hoarding" of goods in preparation for the winter ;)

Okay, okay, I am actually GOING TO TRY AND STOP. Focus energy elsewhere. I have a gym in our complex which I have been using. Joined a tennis class at the local university with a girlfriend. Bought a book (although, it is about shopping in NYC) to read. I am confident that I will soon stop my apparent "impulsive" shopping and embrace the "cheaper" joys in life.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

If I Were Michelle Obama?

I must admit, Obama wasn't my first choice. I like some of his policy suggestions, and dislike others. This is not a political posting (as he is now my president, and I will support him), but rather a fashion posting :) So much more fun!!!! Long gone are the days of studying Political Science at UCLA!!!!

The one thing that is bothering me most, above all, is the attention Michelle Obama's wardrobe is getting. Sure, some of her stuff is from my beloved JCrew. And some of her outfits are very stylish such as the one below:



One I really disliked was the fairly tacky black and red "fire" dress (at least that is how I best describe the dress...)




However, I PERSONALLY, thought there were a number of more conservative and stylish choices for the the Inauguration and following balls...

1) The economy is the worst since the Depression...why the need for the "bling" outfits (such as the Diamante collar on her Inauguration outfit) and extremely expensive jewelry (which now goes to a museum)? I think she should have taken a lesson from Mrs. Carter (who wore the same dress twice, which she purchased off the rack) or Mrs. Kennedy (who wore faux jewels!!!)...



2) I disliked both outfits she wore. The yellow outfit at the Inauguration was very flattering, but the cut made her looked a larger than she is...the sparkle was just a little gaudy...but the shoes were divine! A first lady in Jimmy's? Still, with the economy, maybe $400 shoes would have been a little more "in-touch" with the working American people. Her ball gown was just awful...like a terrible wedding gown. She has broad shoulders, and the single shoulder design accentuated them. The ivory is very Jackie Kennedy, but for some reason, just didn't look as good as another color on her...perhaps an emerald green? or beautiful crimson? I would have picked this type of outfit for her at the balls (in a darker shade):

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Hollywood-Related Blog Post


I was watching one of my favorite movies in Blu-Ray and started to wonder, similar to my other post, what were my all-time (up-to-date) favorite movies. So here is my top-10 (I am bored, I personally know this posting sucks!):

1. Gone With the Wind
2. Roman Holiday
3. Breakfast at Tiffany's
4. To Kill a Mockingbird
5. The Little Mermaid
6. Pirates :)
7. Beauty and the Beast tied with The Lion King
8. The Devil Wears Prada
9. Star Wars
10. 300

I know, it is a weird mix. But, I am a bit quirky, so perhaps it is fitting.

After finishing the aforementioned movie, I thought to blog a bit on my thoughts of Gerard Butler (yes, I join many hundreds of thousands of other women, and probably men, who find him very hot in the film). Interestingly, I loved him first in Dracula 2000, and had no idea who he was; then saw him in Phantom, and loved him, also not knowing who he was. After 300, I thought to Google him and found he was in fact the actor I enjoyed in a few films prior.

Sure, he is good looking, and his accent is extremely helpful, too. He is pleasing to the eyes and ears. But it is his apparent attitude that is the spoiler. I personally judge actors based on their interactions with paparazzi (how can you not, especially when you live in LA!). And from what I have seen, he is not the darling Scotty we think we love in the movies, but rather a slightly self-obsessed ass. Refusing to sign autographs on multiple occasions, or take photographs with adoring fans to me is a spoiler. Without them (the fans, and the coverage provided by the paparazzi), and their admiration that results in box office profits that pay for his beautiful cars, and lifestyle, his life would be a little less fruitful. If he doesn't like it, go back to trying to be a lawyer...I am sure that profession has less adoring fans.

Perhaps my judgment should not be passed, as I have never seen him in-person...but if I did, I would be sure to turn the other way...although I might turn back once, to get a good look ;) Although, I prefer me some Sean Connery any day!

Friday, January 16, 2009

The Devil Wears Prada? Then God Wears Chanel!

Or Herrera :) I am in bed, excited to be in a really clean home (thanks to my mom, who deserves a shout out!) watching The Devil Wears Prada. I love the movie (and it makes me start searching craigslist for NYC apartments---). In all seriousness, I started to wonder, if the Devil were a woman, what would she wear? I really would think Prada (or Versace), personally brands I despise. And if the Devil does wear Prada/Versace, what would God wear? She would be dressed in a magnificant Chanel gown (ivory of course).




In other news, some of my recent J Crew steals arrived (including adorable handbags--). So I am FINALLY getting those few moments of bliss to myself, after a good dinner with the parents, a fun movie, my laptop and some shopping bags ;)

Thursday, January 15, 2009

ALERT: DIRE NEED OF PEP IN STEP!


When the going gets tough, the tough get going? But going where, is my question? Get going on the problem? Heck, I think "going away" from the problem is sometimes the best solution.

All I can say is, at this time in my life, thank god I didn't go to law school, med school or any other type of education that would require more than my already 11-12 hour days of work. I just don't handle them all that well. I need my relaxation time, and sleep; unfortunately I am just not getting it (the time I need, for me!)...and there is a real lack of an upbeat attitude.

I need magic fairy dust, which I will gladly accept in any form. I even made the short-lived attempt at smoking (fortunately I don't like the taste---). I am willing to try just about anything.

Surely, in a few weeks, this is bound to pass. But right now, the stress is literally about to kill me. So I pray for a pep in my step.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Totally Tired

I am so tired of work, nearly done with it, just too much. The worst part of all of this, is that I knew it was a big job, prior to accepting. I am in charge of a bunch of things:

Recruitment and admissions for the PhD program (including writing/administering the application, ensuring all documents are processed, and also send duplicates to the university process; sending out decisions via e-mail and mail; organizing the 4-day long Open Houses!), all advising for the current PhD program (including orientation and TA training, all paperwork for the screening, quals, student groups, library lectures/instruction), data coordinator for the students (database administration, overseeing conversion to paperless), etc., and grant work (million dollar grants). It takes up 110% of the day!!!!

I really wish that I was a kid again, so that perhaps I could pick a different field. That, or I need a major vacation. June cannot come soon enough.

In other news, JCrew has a 20% off sale items code---and I bought a bunch of crap. At least the job above pays a bunch, or a bunch more than the job before ;)

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Weekend Update

I admit, I am watching the Golden Globes, I guess I am a typically Angelino (or is it Angelina?). Yes, watching the Golden Globes (taped delayed) with a scented Origins candle, glass of wine, and warm PJs on. But with all those glamorous (and sometimes not so glamorous) gowns, I start to want to shop...and I so far, for the weekend, did well and failed to purchase a SINGLE clothing item! Of course, now I am awaiting a J Crew sale and new spring items...desperately awaiting...online.

On a somewhat related note, here is my made-up outfit if I were attending:

J Crew dress, Jimmy shoes, Fred Leighton hair pin, and Neil Lane diamond necklace---of course, Ted Gibson would do my hair, and makeup done with all Laura Mercier.



Today I went to see Bride Wars, and never wanted to move back to Manhattan more than ever. I wish I didn't give up my beautiful little apartment on 116th. I actually loved it, despite the somewhat shady neighborhood, the slanted wood floors, and the lack of air conditioner and kitchen counter space. I loved it because of what awaited outside my door, excitement of a city. But the most beautiful part of the movie? That Tiffany & Co Novo (5.5 carats!) that graced Kate Hudson's characters finger. I couldn't but, for a split second, look down at my 1.5 emerald cut center stone and say "it could be bigger!". Ah, poor Mike. It never is going to end...and I think our local Tiffany & Co manager wouldn't been surprised at all. I should channel that energy into focusing on some earrings ;)

So aside from the above, the weekend was very low-key.

Below is a picture of the ring, the Tiffany Novo (top), from the movie; I added Tiffany's picture of my ring (although mine is smaller, a slightly altered due to being custom):



Wednesday, January 7, 2009

My Dream Album-Revised

People are always asked, what is your favorite song? So I decided to spend a few minutes and make my dream album, of popular songs---

In somewhat order of preference:

25. "House of the Rising Sun"-The Animals
-Reminds me of my Uncle and Mom enjoying the 'good old days, plus the melody is great.
24. "Will You Be There"-Michael Jackson
-Everytime I hear it, I think of my childhood best friend and I, watching Free Willy a million times; it was the first CD I ever bought-I still have it. Don't laugh.
23. "Walking on the Ceiling"-Lionel Richie
-I used to dance to this with my Dad. I can almost remember. Also, once again, don't laugh.
22. "The Spirit Carries On"-Dreamtheater
-Has the lyrics of my soul...
21. "Under Pressure"-Queen and Bowie
-Since I am always under pressure it is my mantra, and it is the coolest song anyway!
20. "California Girls"-Beach Boys
-Reminds me of Santa Cruz
19. "Great King Rat"-Queen
-Just a genius song. And I like rats, like my Scooter.
18. "Stairway to Heaven"-LZ
- Because it is arguably the greatest song ever written, I don't need to justify.
17. "Moon River"-with the beautiful voice of Audrey
-The lyrics, melody and singer are classic. It reminds me of Tiffany ;)
16. "Freeze Frame" and "Centerfold" J Geils Band
-I also used to dance to this with my parents as a kid and went all out; reminds me of my mom!
15. "I Love Rock N' Roll"-Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
-Hey, I love Rock N' Roll, and her voice kicks it.
14. "Landslide"-Stevie Nicks
-The lyrics about building your life around someone and having to grow up, just reminds me of me.
13. "Don't Stop Me Now"-Queen
-My golf/competitive song. Pumped me up everytime.
12. "Somewhere Over The Rainbow"-Kamakawiwo Ole'
-Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.
11. "In My Life"-Beatles
-A song that makes me think of my family.
10. "You Can't Always Get What You Want"- Rolling Stones
-Sure you can!
9. "Yesterday"-Beatles
-I think of the day my Pa died. All my troubles felt so far away right before---
8. "The Dock of The Bay"-Otis Redding
-My Northern California song...
7. "All Right Now"-Free
-My Menlo Park/Palo Alto/Stanford U Song ;) Also, my Mom's HS song.
6. "Eagles Wings" and "Ave Maria"-Any Choir ;)
-A Catholic girl must have these, whenever I hear them, I cry.
5. "Piano Man"-Billy Joel
-Lyrics about real life not sugar-coated. I first heard it with my Aunt Kathy.
4. "All You Need is Love"-Beatles
-When my grandpa died, I heard this song, and realized, the Beatles were right.
3. "Somebody to Love"-Queen
-Freddie rocks it...I just always feel good after listening to it.
2. "No One But You-Only the Good Die Young"-Queen, without Freddie
-I think of my Baba (and Freddie), who died just a bit too young. My heart breaks when I realize how young she really was. And how, if she never smoked, she would be here.
1. "Let it Be"-Beatles
-It is as if God is talking to me, through a Beatles song---God, or Mother Mary.


REVISED: Honorable mention songs that really need to be up there, but I cannot fit in: "Have you ever seen the rain"-Creedance Clearwater, "Lights"-Journey, "'39"-Queen, "Fix You" by Coldplay, "Brown Eyed Girl"-VM, "Free Bird"-LS, "Piece of My Heart"-Janis Joplin, "Wonderful"-Everclear;

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

J Crew Discounts

My Aunt used to work (manager) at Old Navy and Macy's....if only she worked at my newly beloved J Crew!!!! Apparently, they have wonderful discounts:

30% off regular priced merchandise, with the option of purchasing any 5 pieces on full-price for 50% off; All sale merchandise is an additional 50% off; and hard to move items 60%;

What would my closet look like? Everything but the $200,000+ Hermes Birkin with diamonds!


Monday, January 5, 2009

Perfect Handbag

I found her. Just perfect. And from my favorite clothing store, JCrew. I bought (on great sale!) the Italian Calfskin Jamie Handbag---reg $495 (overpriced!) to $316! Yep, I want for the final sale. Why? After purchasing the Marc Jacobs Blake? Well, I have been having problems with my chest again...and needed a LIGHT bag. The Blake was just too heavy.

When it arrived, I knew I was 100% happy! It is black, with brushed gold hardware. The leather is exceptional (although I am worried about scuffing!!!), design flawless...and it fits me (proportionally!).

Now, I am hoping to add one more JCrew Collection bag to my closet ;)

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Honeymoon-Round 2

In order to relax from the stress of work (despite, as I said before, being on VACATION!), I opted to focus on my newly-booked honeymoon (granted, it is a year late, but I am sure, well-worth the wait!). Below is the itinerary:

Fly to Rome on June 26th! Visit places such as the Vatican (mothership of my religion---god I love Catholics!), and the Colosseum, etc.

Depart on our RC cruise in an ocean-view balcony stateroom on June 28th to the following: Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; Messina (Sicily), Italy; Piraeus (Athens), Greece; Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey; Iraklion (Heraklion), Crete; Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

YIPPY! Does that not sound perfectly divine? I really wanted this other cruise that includes more of Greece and also has EGYPT, but it was too expensive and a bit long (12 nights, instead of 7!).

Hopefully I can save in order to hit the outdoor shops, enjoy some good wine and go on excursions!!!!!

I pray nothing ruins this attempt.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Stress


It is almost 12AM...and I am still up, stressed (despite a number of meds to assist!). I wouldn't have been stressed, except for my boss...

I made the mistake of checking my work e-mail, and he wrote to ask if I was coming into work (he wrote it last Monday!) and when should he call me at work. I have the work week off, and he knows this! Because I am aware I am behind, and DO HAVE A LOT OF WORK, I am taking his e-mail as his attempt at asking me to go in and work. Perhaps I am misinterpreting the e-mail ( I doubt it though, knowing him!). Therefore, despite having already gone in the week before, on a day off, I will go again tomorrow morning. I just mainly feel bad for Mike, who offered to go with me (to drive!). It is unfair.

The work at my job is really endless. The minute I seem to be catching up, a whole new pile of time-sensitive stuff piles up! My predecessor went with the flow, and didn't stress. I on the other hand, stress ALL THE TIME.

Clearly, this job is the wrong fit for a number of reasons. First, the job has a BUNCH of different facets. I do advising (orientation, workshops, all the degree paperwork for 150+ students). I do admissions and recruitment (for 300+). And because I do recruitment, and our application numbers are DOWN significantly, I feel I am to blame (despite doing EVERYTHING exactly as my predecessor). Secondly, I really need a SUPER laid-back office/boss/colleagues because by nature I am a stressed person.

While I still do not wish I was back at UCI, I do so much appreciate my old boss. She was the BEST boss/supervisor in the whole world. She was priceless, and I guarantee, I would NEVER have gotten an e-mail like the one I describe above, from her.

When it is time for a different job, I will be paying a bunch more attention to the description, and atmosphere...