Birthday and Thanksgiving wishes

Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends and happy birthday to me!

This year has really snuck up on me and I barely realized that the end of the year was already upon us.  I'm yet another year older and a bit more bruised as well.  It has not been an easy year in many ways.  But I do love the sense of promise, progression, and hope that comes with the following year.  I am already making strides towards health and happiness and am pretty proud of myself for making and sticking with my goals.  I just hope all the other pieces fall into place as well.

In the meantime, I am thankful for...
...love and family.  Where would I be without the support of my husband and family?  I don't even want to think about it.

...promises of great food.  We don't get today off and it has been very busy at work, but I am still looking forward to weekend plans filled with great food and friends.

I wish you all love and lovely food darlings!

Birthday Thanks and Wishes

It kinda crept up on me, but it's my birthday!  It has certainly been quite a year!  To think I celebrated my birthday in France two years ago, in London last year, and in Singapore this year (which I should theoretically remain in for a while).  My birthday has always been around (sometimes on) Thanksgiving.  I thought it would be nice to reflect on what I'm thankful for and put down a few wishes as well.

I'm thankful for...
...love and support of friends and family (in real life and online!) 
...my ability to travel.  My husband and I are in an amazing new section of the world and there's so much to explore!
...living chic 'n cheap but still saving and staying within our means.  Sure I've been on a Hermès scarf spree lately.  But I'm still practical and not buying Birkins left and right.  Someday, I'll show you the full Hermès collection though ;)
...Skype and IDD (international direct dial) minutes from my phone.  It's awesome to seamlessly communicate with my family with these free/very low cost services.
...good health of my parents.  I've seen sickness and loss this year and wish I was closer to my parents but at least they're doing well.

I'm wishing for (or material stuff that actually corresponds to the stuff that matters)...
...more decor for our home which actually means we're settling here for a bit!  I also see myself buying a few more things from Amazon and CSN as we stock our kitchen as well.  This platter was from my wish list for the Blogger Holiday Gift Guide 2010!  

...a sweet outlook.  That and I ♡ caramel though I don't have a sweet tooth.

 ...light or clarity in my next steps here.  Will I really start a new business?  Or will I enter a new field or go back to the old one?  I wish this was clear!

...motivation when the future is uncertain, perhaps helped by this invigorating tea?

...a bright, pink, fashionable year - perhaps in the area of fashion or at least this will be the new dress I can wear when I enter my new field (err maybe with a black cardigan)!

Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

If anyone would like to trade birthday wishes with me (or just a random message), send me an e-mail at cncliving {@}gmail.com!  I'll let you know my mailing address and send you a card from Asia too!  I have so much great stationary here!

My Birthday - passionfruit cheesecake, Yumi Kim, Fit Flop sandals and Swiss Chocolate

I almost forgot but today is my birthday!  Woot!  You know some years, there's just so much else going on that you kinda forget your own birthday.
So this past year has been a whirlwind:

• graduated from grad school
• entered the wonderful world of blogging
  
• got married
• moved to London
• and soon (crossing fingers they agree to my pay proposal) starting a new project in London and getting that other job I've been lusting after
  

Since I didn't want to spend a ton of money and we'll be hanging out with a bunch of friends next week anyway, we went out to a small Vietnamese restaurant in Soho.  Mmm spring rolls and grilled pork.  Although our waitress wasn't Ms. Sunshine, the food was good (seriously Americans, we are spoiled by mostly good wait service).  The best part was going to one of my favorite Italian bakeries, Princi and picking this beautiful passionfruit cheesecake (more like mousse) up.  Seriously, please go if you are in London or Milan. Yep, it tastes divine.

Otherwise, pretty simple wishes for my wish list.  The Mr. and I have left our old lives, friends, and family behind so he could really pursue this degree and the job he really wants to do.  I hope we both get the jobs we want and it's a great year for our careers.

But of course I wouldn't mind some little things like these comfy boots (I NEED them since I have a weird foot pain now, please go on sale!)

Of course I've been lusting after a Yumi Kim Shelly.  Totally getting it.  On sale of course because Yumi Kim is having 30% off everything for "Pink Friday" until Nov. 30 (enter code ykpinkfriday).  Loves it!

 

Oh and totally going to Switzerland for a long weekend.  Living in Europe is pretty awesome.  In the time it takes to go to Chicago, I can go to another country.  I'll definitely eat some chocolate for you and take pictures!