Monday, May 31, 2010

Weekend smiles...

Things that brought smiles this weekend:

1) Golfing with my family
2) Pedi and dinner with my favorite(who bought me flowers because I was sick)
3) Makeover and new makeup by Chanel
4) Sale items from Anthropologie
5) New necklace from J.Crew (which was ALSO on sale)
6) Homemade red velvet...






Memorial Day

Memorial Day (originally Decoration Day) often means different things to different people. To some, it is a day for a fantastic bbq, the declaration of summer by spending it at the beach, endless shopping (enticed by sale ads galore), and to hundreds of thousands it is a day of mourning and celebration of life, and of freedom.

This morning, as I lay in bed, I looked through countless photos to post. I found hundreds that would draw tears...little sons receiving their father's, or mother's, flag that once draped their casket. Widows, or loved ones sobbing at the graves. But we already know that these exist. And I have a different picture...to post.

Memorial Day reminds me (every year) of the tragic day when Kari, a golf teammate, passed away with her father (and survived by her mother in the SUV) after being struck by a drunk driver. They were on their way back from a vacation. She was just beginning her high school career.

When I was living in Santa Cruz, I would visit her grave and bring flowers. Her and I were not great friends. But we were friends. We were not favorite teammates, but we were teammates. However, what I learned from her, was priceless: life is short.

She was always having fun. In fact, one of my favorite memories of her was when she got her belly button pierced and just her and I were putting around and I asked why, she had replied "It is cute! You only live once!". Another memory is when Tim McGraw's BBQ Stain song played and she turned up the volume and danced. At a driving range...and she danced without a care in the world. I was much too self-conscious to attempt it.

When she died, it was the first major death in my life. It was also a girl my age, whom I was ALWAYS used to seeing around...and suddenly the precious nature of life was clear. We did the usual things when someone passes...funerals, memorial golf tournaments, ect. My mother had helped me create yellow ribbons (her favorite color) and stamped her name on them...clasped with a gold angel. All of the golf team received one, including her mother, who received hers. Mine remains on my golf bag today...her name has long since faded, but her memory and the lessons she left remain present.

To all who mourn on Memorial Day...

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Overdue Update: The Happiness Project

A week ago, I bought the book The Happiness Project. It was a mediocre attempt at finding happiness in a life that should be filled with it. I purchased it at Anthropologie (my new favorite store for unnecessary necessities...). Since then I have started organize (per its recommendation), doing the 1-minute rule (doing all tasks you have in front of you like making the bed, putting away the dishes, if it can be done in UNDER a minute), and going out with purpose...not simply to browse.

Me with my book, and some treats, reading outside...

Today, was mellow. Its pinnacle was a makeover down at a counter with my friend Jenna. My makeup was AWFUL. What was supposed to be a "Girls Night Out" themed-SATC party by Benefit Cosmetics that included cocktails, food, and free goodie bags turned out to be sprite in a pink plastic cup, cookies (which where all gone) and no goodie bags in sight. Lame. She however made out, because she looked fantastic...I looked like a cadaver...hence no pics of me ;)

We then ended it with a stop to my favorite French Bakery, for breakfast crepes and sandwhiches in the late afternoon...yummy!





Although it wasn't as planned, I had a nice day, because after all, attitude is everything...

Saturday, May 15, 2010

J. Crew Outlet Review

I wanted to go to San Diego's J.Crew Outlet, but ended up at Ontario Mills...not my favorite, but was happy to see the J.Crew Outlet was stocked with J.Crew B&M look-a-likes for semi-decent prices ($39 for a Jackie Cardigan was ridiculous though, considering I found the quality sub-par)...The Jewelry on the other hand was nice because it was similar in-style but because the quality was a little less (and the price!) it was lightweight. PERFECT for my sensitive ears...




We didn't start the fire...

but we were def. prepared in the event of one. Yesterday at work, the fire alarm went off. We work in a building that contains many research labs...so I was a bit fearful. I grabbed things most important: handbag, handmade piggy bank, and of course, my surprise "feel better" flowers :)

Here is a picture of Jenna and I holding onto my items!

Friday, May 14, 2010

Never thought I would live to see the day...

when I was immensely happy carrying a Louis Vuitton. But after years of searching, I found the perfect bag...

Louis Vuitton Verona MM

So far the purchase has been worth the money...and it met all the requirements (adjustable straps, feet, lightweight, ect).

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Kate Spade Bali Bound Sweepstakes

Kate Spade Bali Bound Sweepstakes: "Kate Spade Bali Bound Sweepstakes"


SIGN UP LOVELIES :)

Monday, May 10, 2010

Only the good die young...



The cause of death is unknown, but today an old fellow golfer (from my days on the junior tour), and friend (we shared multiple close friends), passed away suddenly. She was on the LPGA and I used to be very envious of her. Beautiful, talented...seemed to have it all.

So today, I am dedicating this post to her...a girl full of promise...

Erica Blasberg...may she rest in peace.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all mom's...especially my mom, my Baba, and my aunts...


Here is a pic of my mom (she may kill me after!) ;)

Thursday, May 6, 2010

In celebration...

It is my 300th post, so I couldn't imagine a better way to celebrate than to post about an event I held last Friday for my best friend and her now partner Faith. They became domestic partners the past week and are waiting for their right to marry...I love them both, and wanted them to have at least a small celebration so with the generous help of my family, I put on an evening for their friends and I...

I even decorated the cake myself (clearly evident!)...







And of course, the happy couple!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

The cute couple your always jealous of...

I found this fantastic blog with perhaps the "cutest" most-stylish couple ever. They look very California chic and I check her blog EVERY day in anticipation of what she writes...

Epitome of why the Beach Boys sang about California Girls!

Check it out!

MLOVESM.BLOGSPOT.COM

Monday, May 3, 2010

Honesty

A very close friend once called me out and said "your blog is nothing like you!"..."your always sad". They were right. And if you think I have many "unhappy posts", in real life, I have many more sad days than good. Too bad, I sure look like I have it all.

When I look at all the pain and suffering in the world, it really is hard to complain. As I walk around high-end stores with my Cartier, Harry Winston and Tiffany...coupled with brand new J.Crew and LV handbags, I feel...pathetic when I sulk. I have a job. My immediate family is all well and safe. I have a great future school (Cambridge, need I say more). But sometimes, no matter how hard I try, I cry.

I guess the moral of the story is, even when someone looks like they have it all together, just know, looks can always be deceiving...

But I will strive to be the happy, perky person I get to be when blogging on Moon River and Me...