Worth it? Zac Posen Z Spoke Silk Jacket

Happy weekend lovelies!  I bookmark a lot of random stuff on the internet that I find interesting.  I usually try to keep in mind unique items but price is usually the factor that keeps me from immediately buying something.  So I thought I'd start throwing it out to you and see how you feel about it.  I'm always on the lookout for deals and paying less than retail, but I'm always trying to find products that are cool and worth the price (because hey a dozen of a cheap brand's item could still be worth one drool worthy item from another brand).  Thus begins the "Worth it?' series!

First up is a piece from Zac Posen's collection for Saks Fifth Avenue (btw I'll also highlight his Target collection very soon!).  This small collection is at a lower price point than his normal pieces (everything is below $600) and there are quite a few nicely constructed pieces.  Though $475 is not $600, it's still quite a bit so is it worth it for this cute jacket?

 

 

It's silk with a silk lining and I love the 3/4 tie sleeves.  It'd go with a ton of things in my closet and silk is a good lightweight fabric.  I'm still a little scared by the price though.

So do you think it's worth it?

FFF - $5 leggings at NY & Co., Up to 85% off shoes at 6pm.com, Barney's Warehouse sale

Happy Fun, Free, Friday lovelies!

So it's another weekend and hopefully NOT another snowstorm here in NYC.  I wanna get out to VA if possible to see my sista from anotha mista already!  We'll see.  But if not, the internet and good 'ol Chelsea have some lovely options to keep me entertained.  They aren't free, but are so, so fun!

Everywhere (US)
New York & Co.
I'll admit it - I've never shopped here.  It kinda seemed like another Limited or something.  But I was browsing for some basic leggings and they have these leggings on sale for $7.96 - use code 2029  for 30% off sale/non-clearance stuff and the leggings are $5.07.   I tell myself not to be bought in to clothing just because it's cheap but I do need leggings and these are returnable in store if they don't seem as great in person.
Go through bing.com first for 10% cash back and it's cheaper than getting it at the store.  Alas no free shipping but it's still a great deal.  

6pm.com
I just discovered 6pm.com - I think this is where shoes that don't get sold at endless.com go for even deeper discounts.  I wanted to buy a few pairs of comfortable sandals for the big move and found that they have quite a few pairs of shoes that are going for 85% off.  I just might have gotten a pair of Marc by Marc Jacob everyday sandals for $15.  I'm also kinda intrigued by these Cynthia Rowley shoes - I'm not sure whether I like them or not but the pattern is cool and they're $32.34 (oh and all my Cynthia Rowley shoes are super comfortable).  Either way, you can search by size and decide for yourself!
Remember to go through mrrebates.com for an extra 5% off!

New York
It's the last weekend of the Barney's Warehouse sale (255 W. 17th Street and I'm going!  Who wants to join me?  I'm not sure if I'll find anything, but it's always worth a try!  Mr. Gadget actually told me to go and look for things for him too (that little fashionista!)  They do have a decent men's selection though so it's a great time to find a formal suit or shirts for that special guy at Macy's kinda prices.

Have a lovely weekend!

CnC Living Travel Log: Madrid Indoor Sites, Snacks, and Styles - part 2 of 2

If you want to see some of Madrid's sites that won't leave you out in the cold, take a peek at my favorite Madrid indoor sites replete with snacks and some style!

Eat where Ernest Hemingway did - at the oldest restaurant in the world, Restaurante Botin (opened 1725, building dates from 1590).

 

But you better like pork because they specialize in tender, sucking pig!  They let you walk through the restaurant as well too and will even show you Hemingway's table!

 

If you'd rather have a light snack, head over to the modern Mercado de San Miguel,  a gorgeous indoor market with lovely wrought iron work.

 

Have some lovely wine like we did.

 

Supplement with snacks as needed.

People watch on Spanish styling.

If you want a snack on the go, stop by one of the many Museo de Jamons.  Jamon serrano on a baguette - 1 euro!!!   A great, great snack and they also have other pastries and dishes.  Thanks for the tip Los Angeles Love!

Another must try - tortilla espanola - potato omelet (this time on a baguette too!).  Spanish people love meat and eggs, but don't worry vegetarians/vegans, I found something amazing for you too below!

One more must see site, the Reina Sofia (the Prado is not far away and filled with more of the classic Spanish painters while the Reina Sofia contains more modern art).  That's the lovely glass elevator/lift you see in front.
Tip: It's free after 6 or 7 pm when we went Friday and the museum closes at 9 pm!

Finally, a restaurant recommendation- 29 Fanegas.

They had a lovely variety of tapas, including these piquillos - a native not-spicy Spanish pepper fried and dusted with sea salt.  Shoe string fries were underneath - heaven!

Finally, a view of beautiful Atocha railroad station where we took a trip to Toledo which I'll recap next week!  Spain is a lovely, diverse country - travel when you can!

CnC Living Travel Log: Madrid Outdoor Sites - a Walking Tour, part 1 of 2

Leisurely walks through old cobble stoned streets.

Siesta with wine and tapas.

A sense of relaxation, yet a vibe of great energy as well.

That was my Madrid experience.  We covered quite a bit in a few days and I wanted to briefly introduce some must-see Madrid sites (I've bolded all the sites).

We started at Calle Fuencarral, a former canal that is now a pedestrian shopping center.

Loved these faux paintings on side of the buildings - yes that side on the left is painted!

We ended up at Puerta del Sol - this contains the famous statue of a bear and a madroño tree - the symbol of Spain.

 

There were also lots of random people in costume or doing cool trickss.  This dude was balancing on nothing (visible).

It's the bear and Pooh bear!

 

 It is also the site of kilómetro cero, the symbolic center of Spain and site of large rallies or protests.

 

My BR flats at the center of Spain!

Then onto Plaza Mayor, a centrally located plaza with lovely cafes and architecture.  It has hosted everything from bullfights to soccer games to public executions.

 

 Yes, that is a fight Spider Man on the right and a white bunny

Many artists and caricature artists also line the plaza selling their works.

 

Finally, el Parque del Buen Retiro - considered the last great creation of the Renaissance in Spain - is a lovely, large park with the Estanque de Retiro (Retiro Pond), Rosaleda rose garden, many statues of past kings and
significant buildings such as the Palacio de Cristal or Crystal Palace.

This is by the entrance.

Then of course there is the lovely lake.

It's a short walk to the Prado or Reina Sofia from here.  To be continued...

Photo Love: A Kiss with Attitude via Lillian Bassmen

I am so jealous of Southern Californians right now.  Besides the enviable weather right now, they can easily visit the "Lillian Bassman: Women" exhibit through March 10 at the Peter Fetterman Gallery.

I think I stumbled upon Lillian Bassman's work when stalking another photographer's blog.  Bassman's photography is undoubtedly fashion photography, but the dreamy black and white images also hint at aspects of abstract paintings; this sassy 93 year-old came out of a 20+ year retirement and uses Photoshop to play with lighting in some pictures now.  I also love the powerful femininity in many of the portraits in the Women collection.

This woman is giving a kiss.  But it is her call, her choice, and she will give that kiss on her own terms.  While she is not oozing of warmth, she is full of stylish attitude.  While I'm not sure it's me, it's a very Holly Golightly kind of moment - a woman vying to live and love according to her own rules.

"You musn't give your heart to a wild thing. The more you do, the stronger they get, until they're strong enough to run into the woods or fly into a tree. And then to a higher tree and then to the sky."

Beauty and Banana Bread - Natural DIY facials and my favorite banana bread {recipe}

I saw a bunch of overripe bananas in the fruit basket and knew it was banana bread time.  Mmm, cake (it's called banana bread but it's quite cakey) and since it has fruit you don't feel as guilty about the ahem, other stuff in it.  It is a perfect chic 'n cheap living kinda food because it uses overripe fruit you wouldn't be as thrilled about eating AND you can use the egg whites for a mini DIY facial.

My mom used to have mini egg white facials all the time when I was growing up.  She would use the bit of egg white left from cracked eggs and apply it directly to her skin.  It temporarily tightens your face and minimizes your pores (I can vouch for this and am doing it right now!).  It is also a great base for other natural facial mixes.  Admittedly, it is a bit slimy, but give it a try on a little patch of skin if you'd like; of course this will also test any reaction your skin will have with egg whites.

Egg White facial recipes (taken from here).

Egg white and honey mask:
Honey softens and is a great egg white addition. Mix one egg white with a tablespoon of honey and a drop of essential orange oil. Smooth on your face and let dry for maybe 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Egg and oatmeal (for skin, not breakfast!):
Beat an egg white into foam and mix in about a tablespoon of crushed oatmeal until a thick paste forms. Add a dash of honey and an optional drop of essential oil. Slather on, wait for it to dry, and rinse. Alternatively you can use ground coffee or almonds in place of the oatmeal.

Banana Bread recipe

 Mmm, waiting for it to cool before I give it to family and friends

I've brought this banana bread to many coworkers and my mom's friends over the years and it's always gotten rave reviews.  It's actually super easy to make and almost always comes out beautifully; the trick is that it's always moist because of the bananas so it's hard to mess up. I adapted this from a random recipe I saw in a neighborhood mailing so sorry, I don't remember the source! 

Banana Bread

Ingredients:
- 5 Tablespoons room temperature butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups very ripe bananas (I usually use 3 bananas)
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
-  1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or any non-skim milk

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Spray bottom only of 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray (not applicable for nonstick bakeware).  You can also use 3 mini loaf pans or a 9 x 9 square pan and a mini loaf pan.

2. Beat butter in large bowl with an electric mixer set at medium speed until light and fluffy.  Add granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat well.  Add egg, egg whites and vanilla; beat until well blended.  Add mashed banana, and beat on high speed 30 seconds.

3 .Combine flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder in medium bowl.  Add flour mixture to butter mixture alternately with cream, ending with flour mixture.  Add any optional ingredients (e.g. walnuts, chocolate chips) to batter.

4. Pour batter evenly into prepared standard size loaf pan.  Bake until browned and toothpick inserted near center comes out clean, about 1 hour 15 minutes (adjust time accordingly for other size pans).  If you used a square pan and/or mini loaf pans, bake for 45 minutes.

5. Cool bread in pan on wire rack 10 minutes.  Remove bread from pan; cool completely on wire rack.  [Alternatively, as soon as the loaf is cool, wrap in plastic wrap and leave on the counter overnight to let the flavors develop.]

FFF - Free Love Card downloads, Tropical Lemonheads, NYC Emerging Artists at 3rdward

FFF lovelies!

I just had a deliriously memorable 10 hour flight with a very high-pitched, colicky baby.  Sigh, I can understand why people get noise canceling head phones now. Can someone invent teleporting or super fast private hovercrafts already (hey I did have an older brother and grew up watching a fair amount of sci-fi)? 
I'd be forever grateful. ♡

Everywhere 
Cards depicting your love are always a nice surprise for your partner.  Samantha Hahn was kinda enough to make a few of her designs downloadable on her Flickr stream here.  This reminds me of how thai peppers got in the way of the love Mr. Gadget and I shared for a certain ginger chicken dish we had in Singapore.  Ouch but so good!

If only I looked this dreamy after eating said hot peppers...

(US)
Ahh, I remember loving Lemonheads as a kid.  That combination of insanely sweet and slightly sour just hit it every time.  They have a new flavor out now and it's free!  Mmm, get it here.

NYC
One of my favorite things about London was easy and free access to art.  Until Feb 21, the work of 25 emerging artists globally are presented at 3rdward in Brooklyn.  Catch it if you can!

Have a lovely weekend!

Cuff love and blog award love

There's something about cuffs that has entranced me lately...

Hayden Harnett has always had divine cuffs in a modern rocker-chic way.  These are $144 but were on sale for $88.40 2 weeks ago so patience pays off!

Sigh, a billowy tunic, some cute strappy sandals, and this at the ever impressive Forever 21 for $5.80.  I'm totally stalking the store for this.  Bridal bloggers, what about this as a modern accessory with your dress?

Momma and baby studs go together in this leather studded cuff from Linea Pelle, $55

Luxing it up with Alexis Bittar.  I'm trying to decide whether it's worth the price ($227.50 on sale!)  It is pretty divine though and even the name "Rhodium versail crystal" is lovely.

Finally a lusty lust item indeed.  I feel like I may have robbed Coco Chanel's own jewelry box if I had this.

 

$3,300 (le sigh) here

I also got an award from Jbreezy Baby.  It is the I ♥ your Blog award.  Thanks dearest!

 

I'm supposed to link to the person who gave this to me and pass it to 15 of my newest blog friends.  That was hard but they're all awesome!

So I give this to the well deserving and ever fascinating:

1. Party Planner Gal 
2. Drollgirl
3. Sundara Life 
4. Chocolate Lover
5. the Less than Domestic Goddess
6. La Dolce Vita Micaela
7. 99+ forever
8. Oh Missy Me
9. Savvy Gal
10. Leah
11. LenoreNevermore
12. A Diary of Lovely
13. Very Married
14. Bailey and Meister
15. Shop 'n Chomp (my husband is inspired and says he wants to be known as Spend 'n Chomp, sigh)

I'm off again to NYC soon.  Mmm, can't wait to have some pizza and do some shopping!

Semi-Meaningful Musing: Life as a Photo Shoot and Finding Happiness with your Imperfect Pictures

So I've been thinking (or rather this has been festering) for a while.  How do you stop obsessing over pictures or having or not having the perfect pictures?  We may wish for, set up, and style those perfect picture settings for life's main events: a wedding, a child's early moments, or a significant birthday party.  But this fixation on having perfect pictures REALLY starts becoming a tad unhealthy when certain brides starting planning their weddings.  Or at least I know it did for me and I didn't even have a clue about good photography prior to wedding planning.

After all, I remember starting to read inspiration and planning sites, stalking photographer blogs, flipping through magazines, and comparing my friend's pictures. 

I mean, is this a happy In Style Weddings Moment or what?

From the ever talented Tec Petaja

If you have a certain aesthetic sense and want your pictures a certain way, go for it.  Of course we want to have great pictures to capture a great day so prep so you will more likely be happy with your pictures.

Here are some basic steps you should take to achieve that:

• Know what you want and prioritize those shots (photos with your family, silly pictures of you, the venue)
• Find a photographer that has a style that fits your style
• Inform the photographer of your must-have list
• Allow sufficient time for your shots
• Bring any props
• Have additional photographers or friends with nice cameras

But as Mrs T pointed out, what if you did all that and you still don't get what you want? She did have awesome pictures like this though.

That's because if it's a large event like a wedding, there's really only the one chance to take pictures.

So if the photographer's back is turned when your sister is doing the worm, he misses it.  If the photographer didn't frame you in the backdrops you wanted, that's it.  If the photographer didn't get that many close-ups of the happy couple, oh well.

No doubt, it's really disappointing to have imagined all these memories captured perfectly and they weren't.  I had a lot of shots that never happened too and it kinda killed me - no pictures of us in front of the brownstones in Brooklyn Heights (where our ceremony was), no pictures with my girls individually (or at least with the matrons of honor), and few detail shots though I DIYed a ton and was pretty proud of my alencon lace veil, our invitations, and our programs (hmm maybe should share that, they were super easy and fun) - none of which were photographed. 

Of course you could have the post-wedding shoot or a trash the dress session but your Grandma will likely not be in the background inhaling shrimp cocktail in the background (and that could be an awesome shot).  So if you have time and opportunity to do an after session with just you and your partner, go for it. It could be more relaxing this time around.

Also remember to gather pictures from friends that are good photographers (esp. those with SLRs or toy cameras).  You're sure to find a beloved shot or two and all you had to do was feed them (and love them!)  We made our friends upload to our Sugarsync folder (it's our paid online backup of both of our computers with extra storage), but Mrs. T pointed out that, weddingphotoswap.com is a great option and is free.

But if you've done all that and still aren't happy, pick yourself up and move on with your life.  While you may have many beautiful moments and some are captured in pictures, you can't live your life as if it is a photo shoot - prepping and posing for a specific moment.  You have to remember the moment itself and to live it up.  We all want to see styling pictures, no doubt.  I mean I've wanted to share my own pictures with you because I had some amazing vendors and want to call them out, but fear the photos aren't pretty enough (and of course I won't be anonymous anymore).  But don't let this control you and your moments and your satisfaction.  Love the great time you had, not just your pictures.
After our Taiwan reception, I said to Mr. Gadget, "I didn't love how our wedding pictures turned out, but I guess I'm ok with that."  That sage husband turned to me said "Yes and anyway I love the way our marriage turned out."

Swoon...
Obviously the picture obsession became less of an obsession and it took time and acceptance.

You'll get lots of shots where someone's eyes are closed or something isn't right.  Maybe one half of the couple decides to stop cooperating and acting silly.  That's ok because you get shots like these and that is what life is all about...the imperfect pictures and the substance behind them.

I'm done posing and perhaps you'll see those wedding pictures around some day.

CnC Living Travel Log: Kisses for Free Japanese BBQ and beer in Taipei

I can't believe I forgot to post about one of the most interesting restaurants in Taipei (ok Modern Toilet restaurant wins for being most interesting/out there if you're into sitting on toilet seats and eating ice cream shaped like, well you can guess).  I always try to visit a branch of  Kan Pai Yakiniku, a Japanese bbq restaurant, when I'm in Taiwan.  The food - a variety of grilled meats/vegetables (grilled at your table), rice dishes, and some seafood are also consistently tasty and pretty affordable (you can have dinner and drinks for about $20).

But this is also one of the most fun restaurants I've been to because they have a promotion before 8:30 pm (or when the waiters get bored because we received the promotion at 9:30/10 pm): kiss someone at the table, let the restaurant take a picture, and get a free plate of bbq beef or a pint of beer.  There were a variety of people kissing of both sexes - the funniest we saw was two guys kissing with a napkin between them.  Not really a work kinda restaurant, but so fun with friends.

Here is the evidence on the restaurant walls:

 

So the waiter offered to take our picture towards the end of our meal.  The Mr. and I willingly obliged so he could get his free beer.  We smooched our winnings.  

 

Is free beer/grilled meat worth infamy on a random restaurant wall?  We thought why not (and if you never visit again, doesn't matter who will see you kissing right?)

Photo Love: Just a peek into a picture and some peeks into my wish list

I love the innocent glimpse of a face.  It's just a peek of the eyes and profile.  What is she thinking?  What is happening as she speaks?

Photo from Jason Keefer

This was a bride on her wedding day.  I can only imagine what was going through her mind.  But I hope she had fun. :)

I've been thinking a bit about photos and how we'd like our lives remembered (in terms of being captured on film) and the productions we sometimes go through for those pictures.  I think I'll finally post about it this week.

In the mean time, here is a peek into...
...a lust item
Gorgeous Chanel earrings with rounded glass and pearl drops (a Victorian dream, sigh)

sigh, only $2500 here

... a realistic and beautiful item

$14.99 found here

...and my ponderings - would I rather live further away and have a larger space and nicer amenities or be in a smaller space in the city within a few blocks of restaurants?  It's kinda a tough decision but we have to decide soon!  What are your preferences for your living space?

Happy Valentine's and Lunar New Year from Singapore!

So not only is it Valentine's Day (Happy Valentine's Day lovelies), but it's the start of Lunar New Year as well (evident everywhere you go in Singapore right now and celebrated with national holidays on Monday and Tuesday, woo hoo!). 

We were warned by our real estate agent that many businesses would be closed this weekend as well.  Traditionally, people celebrate New Year's eve and New Year's Day with their families and bring gifts of oranges, chocolates, or other cakes as gifts.  They may also feast on goodies such as duck, sticky rice cake, chicken, oranges, and perhaps dumplings (many foods that symbolize prosperity). 

 

Picture from here

 

Image from here

Homemade dumplings are ridiculously good.  My friend made them at our place for two separate parties and they were the hit both times.  I'm going to use Anita Lo's dumpling tutorials as a guide when I make it from scratch.

So Happy Lunar New Year to all who celebrate it!  

If you're not married yet, I hope you get lots of red packets (usually filled with money).   If you're married like me, time to start passing red packets to the younger folks.  Otherwise, happy eating!