Photo Love: Zen State of Mind (or a nice version of Serenity Now)

I look at this photo and am instantly in a more zen state of mind.  The crisp white robe, gorgeous blue water, and that ridiculous tattoo are just plain amazing.  Relax.  Be cool.

 From here

I could certainly be in a non-zen place because I found out that our corporate housing (where we stayed for a month prior to finding our apartment) had our passports the whole time.  Though we spoke to them 3 times because we suspected our passports were left in the safe, they repeatedly denied it until they found it yesterday and called me.  A month, four embassy visits, and a few new passports late, my dears.
I can't make up for the lost time now and be frustrated because it wouldn't actually change anything.  As I've gotten older,  I've learned to accept that some things are nonsensical and make my peace.  Not always easy, but good for my mental happiness in the long run.  I'm also thinking of taking up yoga because I haven't done it in a few years and the physical and mental relaxation could be a good thing.

So how do you get into a Zen state of mind?

FFF - Relaxing weekend love and some weekend discounts

Happy Fun, free, Friday!

This is a long weekend here too and we're going on a staycation.  I had a hotel reservation in Kuala Lumpur, but my husband is sick.  :(  But I was able to transfer the reservation for a fancy hotel in town (I have tons of these points) so it'll be nice to stay by the central shopping area :).

Someone, ahem, not me, lost our passports but luckily the American Embassy issued us emergency passports.  Well my trip to see my family and friends is an emergency!  Thank you amazing Embassy for allowing me to get back to the US next week with no problems.  Yay!

This weekend I'm looking forward to...
...lazing around

From here

...figuring out how to get these in my life

From here and here

...doing some studying for my interview Monday,  wish me luck!

From here

If you're planning on shopping this weekend, check out these deals:
Gap 

25% off your (online only) regular-price purchase of $75 or more when you enter code GAPSUMMER 

Valid this weekend only

H&M

20% off with this link (includes sale stuff!)

Valid through June 6

Ann Taylor
40% off sale stuff with code sale40 or in-store
Valid through May 31

Woodbury Commons Outlets

Discounts are everywhere at this shopping mecca, but here's a fun gift.  Rock & Republic is just opening and if you say "Led Zeppelin" at checkout, you get a gift (while supplies last).  They are also doing 30% off jeans and accessories all weekend.

What are you up to this weekend?

Designer Thursday - Yumi Kim (fun, flirty, frolick-worthy dresses and a sale!)

I'd like to think I'm a modern, but somewhat romantic girl and it's reflected in my clothing.  As I pore through my shared closet (*gasp* I know but that's what the place came with) and retain pieces I really love, I am of course keeping the staples: LBD, white button down shirts, and a few tops or dresses with bold, yet soft prints. 

Yumi Kim's clothing covers the last section well.  All the items in the shop are made of a lightweight silk and if they're not in a striking color, they're in a lively, multi-hued print - it's like your fun-loving, sweet Californian friend made these for you.  I have a few Yumi Kim pieces already and love the draping and prints - the fit and material are of course also perfect for warm weather.

Now is a great time to check out Yumi Kim because everything is 25% off (including sale stuff) until May 28 - 31 with code yksale (or just hope in the store and mention the same thing).  Sigh of course they don't have my size for the dress I've been eyeing but there are lovely options all around.

Natalie at $215 here, Lolita at $193 here - love that ruffle!

Athena at $78 here, Elena at $78 here - so versatile!

Finally the Eva at $195 here - the print is called Monet's Garden - impressionist love, yay!

Do you have any favorites?

Restaurant Review: The Square (London) - Two Star Michelin food for the same price as a gastropub

lI'll admit it, I am a geek about reading reviews, particularly restaurant reviews - I love to know the general consensus about a place's food, service, and any must try dishes.  Mr. Spend 'n Chomp is an even bigger geek and is a Yelp elite member (basically, he posted quite a few reviews and got invited to some events on behalf of Yelp).  The two of us randomly happened upon a talk being given by Charles Campion, the food reviewer for the Evening Standard. He mentioned that the Square was one of his favorite restaurants in London and lunch was a great time to try it.

Two star Michelin food at £30.00 for two courses or £35.00 for three courses?  I'm there (and that was my nougaty, yummy reward at the end).  I'll share worthy restaurants in cities around the world in the hopes you'll find them delicious and worth a visit too.

 Tip: Lunch is one of the best times to try a high-end restaurant.  Prices are lower and it may be less busy leaving you with more attentive service.

I had an old boss that said "You can tell how good a restaurant is by how good their bread is."  I found the bread here to be divine - crispy, slightly warm, and soft inside.  Mmm.

The chef also sent out this amuse bouche of sea bass.  Divine.

Finally my meal began with a lovely duck terrine with delicate vegetable flavors of rhubarb and beets.

 Then my main was a venison (which I usually don't eat) but the berry flavors really lightened and balanced the dish.

Finally chocolate souffle - yes indeed.  The chocolate flavors really came out.

I'd definitely recommend the Square and will certainly eat there when I go to London.  Reservations for lunch were easy (we only made them a few days in advance) and service was lovely.  Bon appetit

Fun Finds: Cut Paper Love: Rob Ryan creations

Because sometimes we need to give or get a love poem.

Can we? Shall we?

One day, very soon, 

let us go away

together, just you and me.

Call in sick, and go to the sea, 

and hold hands all day,

eat our sandwiches on the train, 

get drunk on fresh air, 

and come home tired and never tell anyone...

ever 

$3.95 here

Gorgeous cut art - sigh, if I had this skill...

That and it's like the artist Rob Ryan knows me - getaways and sandwiches.  Did I ever tell you when I got engaged on the Ponte des Artes, I was clutching a white plastic bag of Banh mi - Vietnamese sandwiches?  They're in all in our secret proposal photos...a lovely proposal in Paris, a bag of sandwiches on my arm, and my white floppy hat.

What would your love poem say?

Photo Love: Jump with no reservations

The artist Philippe Halsman said that when you ask someone to jump for the camera "the mask falls, so the real person appears."

I love the girly and playful jump by the always lovely Audrey Hepburn above.  The lady is still there, but she is leaping without a care in the world - no poses, no thoughts about the perfect angle. 

Life isn't always picture perfect, but it can still be beautiful.  Here's to celebrating those candid and true moments...

Lucky New Yorkers, there is an exhibit of famous figures jumping photographed by Philippe Halsman.  “Philippe Halsman: Jump” continues through Friday, May 28th at the Laurence Miller Gallery, 20 West 57th Street, Manhattan; , laurencemillergallery.com.

Worth it? Fit Flop muscle toning shoes

These Fit Flop Pietra sandals are the newest addition to the line and I'm pleasantly surprised because they are relatively fashion forward (especially for something that's an orthopedic/athletic slipper).   My 8-months pregnant friend was wearing them today and has found them comfortable so far.

They're sold at Amazon or Bliss for $59.99.

 

Fit Flop sandals and boots are basically shoes that supposedly help you tone your legs while you're wearing the shoes.  It does this with a sole "composed of three distinct densities of EVA foam that together create a slightly destabilizing effect, your muscles are engaged each time you step, increasing leg, calf and gluteal muscle activity for better tone"

Their shoes are also supposed to decrease stress the amount of stress on your lower back and feet. I can't vouch for the former benefit, but can vouch for this aspect.  I have a recent nerve pain on my right foot which has made most of my shoes (including flats!) pretty uncomfortable.  But for some reason, I can walk for hours in my Fit Flop sandals.

Do any of you own Fit Flops and what are your thoughts?
Most importantly, are they worth it?

FFF - Free Martha Stewart Summer Grilling Cookbook download

Happy Fun, free, Friday lovelies!

Just in time for summer is a summer cookbook download from Ms. Martha Stewart herself.  Thank you because I'd love to try out some new recipes with good friends, a hot grill, and some frosty drinks.

Download here.

Image taken from here

First on my list is the Fire-roasted veggie pizza, possibly followed by grilled banana splits with rum caramel sauce.  Yum!  What are your summer cookout favorites?

Have a fabulous weekend!