Look of the day.

Looks like we've reached the last Saturday of July. This summer has been going by way to fast for me. All in all. I got a chance to update my makeup, closet, and prepare myself for motherhood with all of these babysitting gigs. Summer, can u slow it down a bit for me as u keep on raising the degrees. Xx

Make over make-up!

So I've been obsessing to update my make up collection (and I swear by every means of the word, obsessed, bc I've been dreaming...literally..ways to do my make up) After days of following the trends from the make up tutorials posted on the "tube" I've collected a list of must buys. One of my ultimate epic fail stories is the urban decay naked pallete. Ive been hearing days worth of high ratings for the product. But I just can't get my hands on it! It's sold out at sephora, but I'm way too impatient to make the purchase online. I'm currently away from home for the next few weeks, I don't know when I'm returning, so it's completely pointless for me to order it online and ship it home. I.must.have.it.in.my.hands.NOW. Ive made my complaints thru friends and family and they suggested I check out ulta. Why haven't I thought of that before? Nonetheless I've been able to add a few other items. Besides the pink bag of goodies (c/o sephora, u guys are the bomb.com) I've got eye cream by origins, bronzer from hoola, pro long wear concealor by Mac, eye primer by urban decay, and eye liner in violet by clinique. Super excited to try them all!

I'm only in my younger 20s but I'm already stressing about using eye cream and investing into some good skin care. Im not thinking about fighting age, but preventing it. All in good practice, brings good results. So why not? I like to think of my face as a savings account. The more you invest into it, the more interest you get. But if you don't consider investing into a savings account, the more likely you are to abuse and use your money for some thing impractical. Same with my face, if I don't invest, I'm just abusing it and letting it age.. Going into waste. (took me a while to develop that analogy; perhaps bc I'm on 3 cups of caffeine and fighting sleep as we speak).

Bronzer (hoola by benefit): I must confess it wasn't my first purchase. Prior to hoola I bought the bronzer pallete by too faced. After reading the ratings posted on sephora, I second guessed my decision and exchanged it for hoola. My sister in law swears that it's one of the best bronzers she's tried, so I'll take her word for it. So far, by appearance I've gotten a good impression. It contains a subtle Gregory color, minus the glitter. I've been using the loose powder bronzer, warmth by bare minerals, but it appears a bit orange sometimes. So I'll
have to compare.

Concealor (by Mac) : the last time I used the concealor by Mac, was sometime in 2007. In the mean time ive switched from urban decay, sephora, Laura mercier, and nars. The coverage just doesn't compare. So I'm going back to Mac. The one I've used from Mac was studio fix, but I found that it was a bit dark, cakey, and sometimes difficult to apply. So I'm trying prolong wear. I've applied it today and it swiped on like warm butter. So we'll see how it's longevity status works out before I decide to become dedicated.

Eye make up primer ( urban decay): best primer ever. I don't know how I ever switched from them. I tried to go back to my roots and use Mac eye primer. But it's not the same. Forever urban decay, eye primer. Im sorry that I've cheated on you. It is in a new container/ package. I miss the wand stick that use to come with the primer ( it was so much easier to use) but if the quality remains the same and faithful, then no complaints from here.

Clinique eye liner: I remember the last time I used their eye liner was in middle school. It was easy to put on, but it never lasted long. So, I'm giving it another try after hearing good ratings about the product. Perhaps they've improved the quality? We'll just have to wait. Although it's important for make up products to give an immediate good impression, from quality to packaging,but I'm no fool for packaging, it's all about quality baby! Im a firm believer about longevity, and that I'm only sold to a product completely, when it does it's job from the start to the end ( when it runs out) otherwise, it's a pointless piece of make
up. So Stay tune for updates about my new purchase!xx

Starting the day off right.

Well. Not completely right. Didn't get to do my morning cardio, but I definitely got my cappuccino up and ready. I can work out later. Caffeine is always priorty one.Good morning everyone!

A date in the big easy with my main squeeze.

Photo diary: spent today's afternoon with my boyfriend in Nola. We lunched in at Cochon. Followed lunch, was desert at a neat bakery called sucre located in uptown Nola. It was rushed, I wished I could have spent more time with him before I caught my flight to Houston. But we promised we'll make up for lost time when I arrive ;).

@ Cochon. He enjoyed today's special, pork tenderloin sandwich.

Hamhock with an interesting perspective of red beans and rice. The red beans and rice was servEd cold, with a subtle vinegerette flavor. The tangy seasoning was just enough to contrast from the savory well stewed ham hock. I love that they modernized such a traditional southern dish.

On aboard. Vaca deuce, lets try not to get loose.

Procrastination at its best. I'm suppose to be packing. But I rather blog. it's a shame. I think I'm becoming a blogger addict. Tomorrow I make flight to Houston for a few weeks. While I'm in town on 'business' I hope that i'll be able save some delicate time investing into new furniture pieces. I'm transitioning from an apartment to a villa. Which means, way more space for me to fill! =) I've been brainstorming ideas for my bedroom. What do you think of these neat little vases? I think it'll be fantastic as make-up brush containers! Covering plain vases with fabric. Such a genius idea! combination that never crossed my mind. Now what was i doing? I might as well call quits with packing already. Forget it. I'm traveling, so i might as well buy clothes while im crossing states. Now why haven't I thought that earlier before I stuffed a dozen of outfits into a foot long duffle bag. Oy, Im making spare room for a spare bag. a little bird notified me about tax free weekend that's approaching in the very near future. ;) xx

** photo by the decorista

Home sweet home

As I made arrival, my sweet boyfriend welcomed me at the airport and surprised me with this. It's been more than 2 years that we've been together and he still makes me feel bubbly inside. Xx love, u rock. :)

Determined for redemption

Just checked out of Zara in Atlanta. And... They have a SALE. About 50 percent or more of the women's section is on mark down. And There are Lots and lots of good choices for summer pieces. So grab them while they're still on the rack ladies.
I tried on a few tops and skirts, but Unfortunately I walked out with only one piece. Shopping at Zara, not much of a success story. Mostly because they didn't have many size xs available, which is always the case for moi. I should start a petition for the petite community and resolve this situation!
Nonetheless, shopping is not at a dead end for me yet. H&m is still on the schedule. :) I'm not sure if this markdown special applies to the Zaras throughout the states but if you're in Atlanta, you better stop sitting in front of the screen reading this. Get ur keys, bag, and get your ass to Zara. And btw, if your still reading this... Shop it up for moi and make up for my loss. ;)Thanks. Heheh happy shopping.

Today's 'meat' of the meal.

Morning routine: wake up, make coffee, and then it's str8 to babysitting my little cousin. As I open the refrigerator to get my equipment (creme and condense milk) for my cup of coffee, I see this little post it.. I guess this is my aunt's way of looking after me before she goes to work. She normally gets up about a few hours before I do, and today, she took the time to make me some breakfast on her way out. Isn't that the sweetest!? Yesterday I lost track of time, and didn't have my first meal until 6 in the evening. My aunt was worried that I'd pull another stunt like that and made sure she prepped something for the start of my day. My uncle
was short on time as well, so as I hand over my serving of parfait that she made, and made myself my version of parfait as the little munchkin was taking his late morning nap.
My version of parfait concludes Greek yogurt, granola(both from trader joes) and chunks of mango (the meat of the mix), all topped with some amazing honey we got from a yogurt shop in south Carolina. I highly encourage you to try this. Its summer, and as the days progress, so does the temperature. So what can possibly be more refreshing than something sweet, cold, and low maintenance? No, not cereal. That's so boring! A parfait Is a definite the way to go. It's quick, simple, and contains a lot of the vitamin and protein you need to start your day off. If you want to mix it up, I also suggest that you include a medley of berries (raspberries and blueberries are my favorite). Hope you'll enjoy it as much as I do. Xx

Oh myLanta, I'm ready for hotLanta

So before I make return to homeland, we're making a road trip to Atlanta! Part of the itinerary (besides checking out the eatery scene) we're goin to:
-check out a few tourist site seeings, such as the aquarium(im a geek at heart)
-pick up some delicious cured meat
-make a 'quick' pit stop at H&M
-check in At buckhead to get refreshed with a drink..or two
-And again, eat eat and eat, ole happy dance =D
I'm excited to see what the city has to offer. So many times it has been compared to the eatery scene in Houston. Let's see if hot Lanta can show up. Here.s what I'm packing...

From l2r: iPad, samsung camera, tory burch specs, and LV mini bag

Bling bling, mom's hooked me up with these shiny accessories for my bday. The ring was given circa Christmas. Love you ma! Cliche that can never be outsaid, diamonds are a girls best friend ;) tgif, happy weekend everyone :)

Office space

Specs: Tory burch

Early this morning I attended a meeting with my aunt concerning one of the projects she's involved with at wake Forrest university. The meeting was a follow up on the team members status with their research. Interesting, enlightening, and most of all, an insight in public health to help narrow down my focus for my undergrad study.
What did I do for the rest of the day? You can only guess. Hang out with a little man name Colin and swag surfin on le iPad.

In honor of fathers day

Slap my leg, I'll be dead. Its the first time I've spent fathers day with my god parents and boy oh boy do they know good eats. Let's start with the small talk, shall we? From our very own garden we have, cucumber basil salad dressed in balsamic vinegerette. From the grill, we
have corn on the cob and a smoked version of surf and turf. The smoked shrimp, so delicious
it should be a crime! Steak, cooked to perfection. I couldn't have detested anything. If i
did, I'd be lying. Especially the shrimp. Love love love. And remember, live. Eat. Pray. Live
to eat good food, Eat ONLY good food, and pray thanks for good food. Shout out to the fathers
who pay the bills, take care of their families, and especialu, bring food to the table.

In honor of fathers day, my godmother brought the fam bam to milners. A local restaurant in Winston Salem. Here I have the pulled pork paired with a peach dressing. With black beans and rice and a hash brown casserole. Everything had an interesting take on the way it was cooked. The idea of peach dressing had never cross my mind for a second as a delight, once paired with pull pork. the black beans and rice, the beans was not as harsh as I expected. They made it savory enough to be served with rice. Hash brown casserole, at first I thought it was an egg patty. But once I took my first bite, I thought I might have stepped into heaven. I was fooled, robbed, and of course, left into a repititon of torment. One bite after the next, I wanted more of this hash brown casserole. how cruel can someone have been, to make something so deceiving, yet so amazing. I'd come here again. I'd repeat a visit to try everything on the menu.

H&M, we meet again

Where I come from, I'm deprived of H&M. simply said, H&M in "driving range", is a statement that's quite unheard of. Today my family and i, took an hour commute to chapel hill to explore the campus of Duke. Besides exploring the beauty of the well established university, we also checked into a few good eateries, Scratch (which was viewed on 'unique eats') and the pit (a BBQ joint Bobby flay had challenged on his food network series, and unfortunately lost to) will both definitely be further mention in a not-so-far blog post. After grubbing on some good ole North Carolina BBQ, we made our next stop at H&M. Every time I step into an H&M, I swear on my little pinkie that I'm happy like a kid at Disney world (like I said...deprived). When it comes to inexpensive trendy clothing, h&m ftw and forever21 ftl. Don't get me wrong, I do like to invest an hour here or there and get lost into the endless racks at forever21. But quality wise, H&M gets extra points vs XXI. Plus, I always find pieces at H&M that will fit me more properly than the ones at XXI. Yes XXI you need to Up your game. Here are a few shots of some pieces I had tried. Let me know what you think. ;) xx

As a student, with a minimal income, I have to shop by every sense of the term versatile. Besides, it's fun mixing things up and letting your creativity go ye wonder ways. Look how I had turned this dress into a different perspective by tucking it into a skirt. Easily done, you have yourself a brand new outfit.

Charleston, SC: one of the most charming cities in the states

I tried to minimize my collection for this one as much as possible. Operative word, tried. Enjoy :)

Marc by Marc j classic Q groovee

An absolute current favorite. More or less, way more of course, because it was a gift from mr wonderful. A piece that is timeless, especially because it coordinates with a variety of outfits. Neutral, monochrome, prints, you name it, this bag can do the job. As a day or night, Dress down or up, it goes well with everything. Smoochies baby, extra points PLUS bonus ;)