Fall Comfort

Yes, it's fall and the temperatures are starting to drop. It's also the start of the busiest shopping time of the year. Here is my take on a fall outfit that I could shop for hours in with ease and comfort! Natural makeup, a messy updo, skinny jeans, low ankle boots, a warm cardigan and some spiked accessories.

~Hong

Fall Elegance

Fall is no doubt my favorite season of the year and with the cold crisp feeling in the air and the vibrant colors of the leaves, they make me long for a sense of warm and cozy elegance. One thing I love about fall is breaking out the warm wool coats! They are so versatile and can be both dressed up and down. Here I decided to dress it up in a neutral, sparkly manner. Neutral colors can be quite glamorous as you can see with the sequin details on this dress and shoes or the eye catching earrings. These are my favorite outfits: simple, elegant, classic!

~Hong

Natural Glam

Sure color can be attention grabbing, but I don't think anything can beauty natural beauty! This outfit is simple yet beautiful with neutral colors, makeup, a messy updo and casual statement jewelry. Great for an elegant dinner, summer wedding, or meeting up with the girls for a night out.

What do you prefer, color or neutrals?

~Hong

Lacy Ripple Crochet Blanket

I have now finished two crochet blankets! Anyone who knows me, knows what an accomplishment this is since I have given myself the title of "The World's Slowest Crocheter!" This Lacy Ripple Crochet is one of my favorite crochet patterns (free version of the pattern here!). It is great for beginners, easy to memorize, and works up quite quickly.

Some specific details on the blanket I crocheted:

-Lion Brand Pound of Love in Antique White
-Hook J
-Initial chain was 233 count

Here are some pictures of the final product:

Close up of the patterns:

The way the pattern is designed, it creates it's own edging:

And of course, it is important for every blanket to be kitty approved!

 Enjoy,

~Hong

Summer Dresses

With a gorgeous 4th of July, I really got into the mood of summer. So I hopped onto Hautelook and snagged four really cute summer dresses. If you're not familiar with Hautelook, it's an online store that is free to sign up and has daily deals on a variety of quality stuff. From designer clothes, shoes and handbags to furniture, makeup, and jewelry. The caveat to the deals are they are sold out fast and are only posted for three days before new events take their place. So if any of these dresses catch your eye, go grab them before they disappear on Tuesday!

Now, let's talk about the items I snagged this weekend. The first dress is a scoop neck, racer-back, floral print, hi-lo dress by Love Stitch. It's quite simple with a creme background and light colorful floral prints scattered throughout the dress. The spaghetti straps are perfect for a hot summer day and the black accents create a beautiful accent. I also love the key-hold racer-back and the hi-lo hem gives it a modern romantic feel.

Love Stitch Scoop Neck Racerback Print Hi-Lo Dress

Love Stitch Scoop Neck Racerback Print Hi-Lo Dress 

Coral is a staple summer color so I jumped all over this LAmade sleeveless drawstring dress!  I'm also a huge fan of the cross drape front and the draw string waist gives it a casual, but sophisticated look. 

LAmade Sleeveless Drawstring Dress

LAmade Sleeveless Drawstring Dress

For a slightly more formal summer dress, this Pink Owl Stripe Keyhole Dress is perfect for such occasion. I love the peach color, the sheer stripes, teal belt and pleated front give it a playful feel.

Pink Owl Stripe Keyhole Dress

 

Pink Owl Stripe Keyhole Dress

This Pink Owl dress is very similar to the previous dress, but with a colorful, fun leaf graphic print. This is the one I am most exited about! I have been more intrigued by prints lately so this will be a beautiful addition to my closet. Once again, this dress also has a fun contrasting belt to add contrast.

Pink Owl Graphic Leaf Print Dress

Pink Owl Graphic Leaf Print Dress

I can't wait till these dresses arrive, will give you an update once i give them a spin! What are some pieces you guys are add to your summer closet?

~Hong

Chinese Sausage Fried Brown Rice

Fried rice has always been one of my favorite dishes my mom made as a child. Recently, I decided I was going to try to create my own version! Surprisingly enough, it was easier than I imagined. In fact, it is probably one of the quickest meals I can whip up that's even slightly healthy since I use brown rice, I throw in lots of vegetables, and I sparingly use oils and butter.

Some of my simple fried rice tips to keep your fried rice from getting mushy:

• If time is not a factor, I like to soak my brown rice overnight, cook it in my rice cooker and leave it out to dry overnight before. However, if you are trying to create a last minute meal, you can cook and fry the rice the same day. 
• Cook meats and vegetables in a separate pan and make sure you drain it well before adding them to the rice.
• When adding the meat and vegetables, gently fold them into the rice. DO NOT over stir!

Ingredients

• 2 cups of jasmine brown rice
• Olive oil
• 1 tbsp. of butter
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 package of frozen mixed vegetables
• 1/4 sweet onion, cubed
• 5 green onions, chopped
• 1 bunch of cilantro, minced
• 4 Chinese sausages, cubed
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Soy sauce, to taste (optional)
• Chili paste, to taste (optional)

Directions

• In a large pan over medium high heat, add a small amount of olive oil and butter.
• Once the oil is heated, add the garlic and frozen vegetables and cook till they are warm. About 5 minutes.
• Add the sweet and green onions, cilantro, Chinese sausages, salt and pepper. Cook till vegetables and meat are cooked through and hot. About 6 minutes.
• In a large pot, warm the cooked rice over medium hear. About 5 minutes.
• Add the vegetables, meat, chili paste, soy sauce and gently fold them into the rice till well mixed.

Serve and enjoy!

~Hong

Spring Outfit

The last few days have made me missed the sun. To the point where I had to create an outfit, just to console myself! So here is my spring inspired ensemble filled with color, life, and fun.

~Hong

Chandelier Earrings

Lately, I have been obsessed with chandelier earrings. They are easy to dress up or down and can add some character to an outfit. Especially now that it is spring and the sun is poking itself out more often, I have been looking for pieces with color. One color in particular that I love is turquoise. So during my last outing to WorldMarket, I knew I had to pick up these beauties:

They hang about 2 inches and are just a gorgeous turquoise hue.

The second pair I snagged was actually picked out by my husband. It kind of reminds me of an ombre affect from a light blue, faded yellow then bright blue. Definitely a piece that screams spring!

What cute items are you guys finding for spring?

~Hong