tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74205696448475042792024-03-13T06:47:53.294-04:00Seasonal LustTu-Anhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649644830277993373noreply@blogger.comBlogger676125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420569644847504279.post-55651718874737936522023-10-18T16:57:00.004-04:002023-10-18T16:57:38.048-04:00how do we keep going?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyiXpWVRoWat76fAr45c9zMPmi9O2xFS1SOjjHI9QCl-wEw0zSk3IfUecoVh3lsINkJnst1XrQ2EZdU4al-hasI7zv8K27uQvq2zwNkUqNOFrZG7Hbg_rnpSgoGYVhwdaFehJlk-1gZSRFRtfQnX-gzbolTmfmsPikCOyOXXdbFU2vVa2et_p3WIt6futm/s828/tumblr_1ebdbdef82c38602c8b9fd0013a37a1c_d9e166a2_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="828" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyiXpWVRoWat76fAr45c9zMPmi9O2xFS1SOjjHI9QCl-wEw0zSk3IfUecoVh3lsINkJnst1XrQ2EZdU4al-hasI7zv8K27uQvq2zwNkUqNOFrZG7Hbg_rnpSgoGYVhwdaFehJlk-1gZSRFRtfQnX-gzbolTmfmsPikCOyOXXdbFU2vVa2et_p3WIt6futm/w640-h628/tumblr_1ebdbdef82c38602c8b9fd0013a37a1c_d9e166a2_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We meet again. I hope you've been well. From my early 20's when I started this blog until now, my goal was always to reach out and make you feel like you are not alone. I've neglected you, but what else is new? I've neglected this beloved space for a long time. <p></p><p>As life happened and as I aged, I didn't know how to document it all. There was <i>so much</i>. And it's so funny because the life I have now I did dream about at one point; roof over my head, a beautiful community, and the best family I could ever ask for. </p><p>I'm a mother now. Are you one too? Or are you happy as is? I hope you're happy wherever you are reading this from. </p><p>I wanted to ask you something. How do you find the strength to keep going? When all the striving and goal-setting is finally over, how do you keep going? Sometimes I want to shut the world out and disappear for a few months full stop. No responsibilities, no social media, no plans. Just for a little while until I catch my breath and then I will be back.</p><p>How does this current set up allow one to take a breather when one needs it? When one is a mother, a daughter, a wife, a home owner, an employee?</p><p>I'm struggling with that at the moment. What are you struggling with? You're not alone.</p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://tuanhha.tumblr.com/post/623135778400305152/via-instagram" target="_blank"><i>image via</i></a></span></div>Tu-Anhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649644830277993373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420569644847504279.post-23224599642804053772023-10-18T16:33:00.003-04:002023-10-18T16:37:30.373-04:00it has always been you<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYpoNz1iAIO70t2CxZShL41C4wa19w4g3r5iheIqGYV4pO1BSY7KaZpt2d2UCcWJk4BIpzLY0DX9sqJpEWMkg7WO2DJymr3HVFBXCsRFiph3NHwo_Y2rWfj5TdRPvS_zkms8QWZOm8rzDubHdoty-jVEmN3vq27KAPARLCclKih9FvmUe4Yk-L3zEcOpt/s4032/IMG_6053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYpoNz1iAIO70t2CxZShL41C4wa19w4g3r5iheIqGYV4pO1BSY7KaZpt2d2UCcWJk4BIpzLY0DX9sqJpEWMkg7WO2DJymr3HVFBXCsRFiph3NHwo_Y2rWfj5TdRPvS_zkms8QWZOm8rzDubHdoty-jVEmN3vq27KAPARLCclKih9FvmUe4Yk-L3zEcOpt/w480-h640/IMG_6053.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p>It usually goes like this: so and so didn't share their snack with you, or your best friend decided to have a new best friend this week, leaving you on ice. Childhood drama used to be pretty simple. They were often things others did to us. External. It was easy to pinpoint who the culprit was in all cases.</p><p>Adulthood drama is a different beast because the culprit is you. It has always been you. Thus the path to resolution isn't some external fix; you can't be nicer to be liked, and you can't dress better to fit in. Instead, you have to work harder to like yourself more than anyone else, and you have to realize the need to fit in is isolating and unnecessary. Embracing acceptance instead of control is a simple concept, but that's why it's so frustratingly hard to achieve. </p><p>Some days I am better at acceptance. Some days I fail completely. Whenever I try to control a situation, I find myself growing angry and resentful. The tension in my shoulders build up and my neck strains from the stiffness. Physical discomfort beats me into submission as I am unable to focus on tasks at hand. Eventually I grow so tired that I have no choice but to surrender. My body said no for me. </p><p>You can't change them. You can only change yourself.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Tu-Anhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649644830277993373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420569644847504279.post-38327907083309610192021-02-26T17:32:00.003-05:002021-02-26T17:32:48.544-05:00I see a move in your future...<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jx7jVjsrWGY/YDl1PJLLiSI/AAAAAAABPwA/SavpX786HAshKsEgRbB_1TNwz4ixDzl0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s554/tumblr_psgx0aggTL1udszc9_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jx7jVjsrWGY/YDl1PJLLiSI/AAAAAAABPwA/SavpX786HAshKsEgRbB_1TNwz4ixDzl0QCLcBGAsYHQ/w578-h640/tumblr_psgx0aggTL1udszc9_500.jpg" width="578" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://synqra.tumblr.com/post/185313085992" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>image via</i></span></a></td></tr></tbody></table> </p><p>Astrology man. Who believes in them?</p><p><br /></p><p>The moons and stars all align and pull at my brain and heart. Pulling up urges inside me that I've put off for far too long. My astrologer blew my mind the other day.</p><p><br /></p><p>The good thing is the pragmatism of the lover aligns with my impulsivity. We want to move. We are taking advantage of this situation to build our wealth, to lay down roots of the seeds that our ancestors have burnished for us. To build generational wealth.</p><p><br /></p><p>My apologies for all the vague frou-frou. Do you ever notice how I never really update you on my life until after the fact? After the milestones have been achieved it's so much easier to share the wins. It's much harder to share when we are working tireless to reach a goal we don't know if we can accomplish. But let me change that.</p><p><br /></p><p>We want to move to an income tax-free state. With our income combined, we will be able to passively save what some earn in years. So the incentive is high. The draw possibly Las Vegas - the sun, the warmth and the proximity to the Mojave Dessert. If we do this, we have to do it before May. Wish us luck.</p><p><br /></p><p>You're older now, dear reader. And you know the value of passive income. So I don't have to tell you twice why we're doing this. </p><p><br /></p><p>Maybe in a future post you'll learn if we succeeded. Or if we didn't. </p><p><br /></p><p>There is no ending until we die. </p><p><br /></p>Tu-Anhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649644830277993373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420569644847504279.post-23167782802267916082021-02-22T23:26:00.004-05:002021-02-26T17:33:44.188-05:00Distractions<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x-D_ixzmHts/YDSN0sguUxI/AAAAAAABPrU/hIwTkeYRHMgu4d4P0bWpMOM3d996Xj0zgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1350/tumblr_2c5039b6999a460a906b178b7554791e_fecbabf6_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x-D_ixzmHts/YDSN0sguUxI/AAAAAAABPrU/hIwTkeYRHMgu4d4P0bWpMOM3d996Xj0zgCLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h640/tumblr_2c5039b6999a460a906b178b7554791e_fecbabf6_1280.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div><i><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://svnbabe.tumblr.com/post/633694832483860480/domisli22-via-instagram" target="_blank">Image source</a></span></i></div></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Do you ever feel like life is moving at the speed of light and crawling at a slow pace at the same time? Like time with my parents. I don't have enough days left with them and this pandemic continues to take those days away. At the same time, I've lost track of each day, hardly remembering what I had for lunch the day prior. The days blur together to the point where a weekend no longer feels like a weekend and 2020 (and now 2021) became one long endless week.</p><p>The days when we can step on a plane and off into a foreign land seems so far away, I cannot imagine it. </p><p>So in these strange times, what strange things have you taken on or integrated into your life to maintain you sanity? I'll go first.</p><p><b>Shopping</b>. I've spent a good fortune on clothing that I cannot wear anywhere. The majority of my money has been going to the following brands: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://seoooocookie.kr">seoooocookie.kr</a> - Love their quality. Their clothes appeal to the Francophile in me but feels timeless.</li><li><a href="https://hbx.com" target="_blank">HBX</a> - A great source for the hype beast in me. I'm impressed with the shipping time considering it's based in Hong Kong.</li><li><a href="https://themoonstoned.com/collections/ringsbythemoonstoned" target="_blank">The Moonstoned</a> - Delicate to vintage jewelry. I purchased a pair of <a href="https://themoonstoned.com/products/the-stiletto-single-earring" rel="nofollow">dagger drop earrings</a> from them recently and haven't taken them off. There are 3 stones on each earring; 1 diamond and 2 sapphires with amazing attention to detail.</li><li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/WithHoneyPlease" target="_blank">WithHoneyPlease</a> - The teenage girl in me couldn't wait to own one of these colorful whimsy pearl necklaces. Go support independent shops.</li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/monajewelry.newyork/">Mona Jewelry</a> - I've been obsessed with this New York-based designer for a few years. Her pieces are so sophisticated and feminine. I love all the pearl options - If you can't tell, I'm obsessed with pearls. Most of her inventory isn't on her website so I just DM her to make a purchase when I see something that strikes my fancy in her feed or stories.</li><li><a href="https://www.sandyliang.info/collections/all/products/switch-dress-1" target="_blank">Sandy Liang</a> - The anime eye items in her recent collection are a must have.</li><li><a href="https://orseundiris.com/collections/shop/products/gamine-skirt-black?variant=28088932139082">Orseund Iris</a> - This brand can take all my money. I own this skirt in both colors and the majority of the items in their shop.</li><li><a href="https://vegamour.com/collections/lash" target="_blank">Vegamour</a> - I am now a believe in eye lash growth serums. The pandemic killed any opportunity to wear lash extensions, but they introduced me to this miracle innovation that is now more affordable than ever. My lashes are long tendrils that wisp over my lids. I have never been more in love with my eyes. Economically, these are way more affordable than extensions, and best of all, it's your lashes. </li><li><a href="https://thelabelrae.com" target="_blank">The Label Rae</a> - Corsets are back and I'm here for it. Corsets that are handmade from independent designers are even better. In small batches, up cycled fabric. Nostalgic. This ticks all the boxes.</li><li>This list has to end here because I'm ashamed to admit how much I shop.</li></ul><div><br /></div><div><b>Pottery</b>. I feel totally safe at my pottery studio. And I am so grateful for this space. We have a head count limit, we bleach everything, socially distant and have plenty of ventilation. If I didn't have pottery during this time I would go crazy. Do not underestimate the value of a creative outlet. I remember when I was in middle school and had no friends to hang out with during summer break, I'd sit in front of the computer and teach myself photoshop to make pretty collages for my MySpace page. It probably saved me from drugs. /sarcasm but you get my point</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Sweets</b>. Covid has driven me to crave sweets. I never had a sweet tooth. I don't even drink soda. But now all I want is bubble tea, ice cream, and cupcakes. Is this happening to you too?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Monitoring the status of my packages on a daily basis</b>. There's an app called "shop" from the creators of Shopify, but it synchs with your inbox and will automatically add all your shipments and send you updates. I use this app more than I use Instagram sometimes. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.kocowa.com/en_us/channel/4318999/The-Penthouse" target="_blank"><b>Penthouse</b></a>. This is the most ridiculous, outrageous, and over the top Korean drama. And I am addicted. Season 2 just started.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>xx</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p>Tu-Anhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649644830277993373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420569644847504279.post-27969047173787879572020-12-03T01:50:00.003-05:002020-12-04T15:10:50.714-05:00No Ending is Final<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iofty-zXkYk/X8iARlCJemI/AAAAAAAAXnE/ct7Vsc-wMiA_vSKlzT0reoTt_44a80AXACLcBGAsYHQ/s1057/tumblr_b9361afb30069db09933041f31a6666e_d031a2e0_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1057" data-original-width="1057" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iofty-zXkYk/X8iARlCJemI/AAAAAAAAXnE/ct7Vsc-wMiA_vSKlzT0reoTt_44a80AXACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/tumblr_b9361afb30069db09933041f31a6666e_d031a2e0_1280.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>So picking up where we left off. What happens after we fail? What happens when the world doesn't end after the worse thing we thought would happen, happens?</p><p><br /></p><p>I didn't immediately pick myself up, but eventually I did. I finished school, finally, in record time receiving a four-year degree in two years. In that time, I beat applicants at some of the best schools to intern at Uber one year into its founding. I got the opportunity to help women entrepreneur in Nicaragua on a full scholarship from a prestigious scholar program (the pre-Fullbright program called the Gilman Scholars). From there, I parlayed my story to get my foot in the door as a Social Media and Email Coordinator. Within those three months, I took on more responsibility and my manager, whom I looked up to at the time, left for another company. </p><p><br /></p><p>I was on my own at an 80-person startup. And within a few more month, the company transitioned from a CEO whom I respected, to someone who did not have a proven track record. I was promoted to Digital Marketing Manager within six months. Though I was a star performer, turning our email channel into a new source of revenue stream, I was extremely unhappy. Our CEO had gotten wind that I was potentially looking for opportunities elsewhere and began to act vindictive, cutting me out of meetings and projects. He also gave me the silent treatment. Oftentimes, adults can be more childish than children. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2XQbzBCqRcw/X8iBEUadPII/AAAAAAAAXnQ/HbxUNeKhnw8Ag6uez3sQuZQXrd--9VbOgCLcBGAsYHQ/tumblr_n43wyxJ0Es1rmbz5lo1_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2XQbzBCqRcw/X8iBEUadPII/AAAAAAAAXnQ/HbxUNeKhnw8Ag6uez3sQuZQXrd--9VbOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/tumblr_n43wyxJ0Es1rmbz5lo1_1280.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>A company's culture starts from the top down. A lot of my colleagues would act in ways that were territorial, undermining and insecure. They would take over projects that were not theirs and ask for deliverables that were not part of my responsibilities. These were all symptomatic of issues from the top; unstructured leadership with no boundaries and goals. Luckily, another company reached out and offered me a global position in marketing automation. At this time, the field was fairly nascent. I was so excited to expand my skills and work for a global company as a Manager.</p><p><br /></p><p>[Narrator Voice] <i>Little did she know, our protagonist was in for much worse. She had no idea what was about to come.</i></p><p><br /></p><p>Being a high performer who is constantly self-critical, I always bring my all to any role or project otherwise I will never feel good enough. I believe that if I work hard enough, my work would speak for itself. And it did at this new company. However, the culture here was just as toxic, if not more than the last. It's so funny, because I only realized that now thanks to where I currently work. You don't realize how bad you had it until something better finally comes along. I was there for three years, and in those three years, while I grew a lot and learned so much about perseverance and thinking outside of the box working with limited resources I also put up with a lot; from toxic and insecure co-workers who took their frustration of not being recognized out on others to those who would establish a pecking order based on intimidation and cliques. </p><p><br /></p><p>Eventually, all the toxic ones left as I continued to be promoted. Within two years of starting my full-time career, I reached my goal of earning six-figures. It was anti-climatic as San Francisco's cost of living is one of the highest in the world. Making over $100K isn't that significant as $96K or below is officially considered as low income in this city. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FUrBi2EXR_M/X8iGF-OhaDI/AAAAAAAAXnc/_qNEK7msTLghUfTj87XVkZLuLmkfT_A4wCLcBGAsYHQ/tumblr_537f57f5547917d214aada060ac55e21_f138ccd4_500.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="455" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FUrBi2EXR_M/X8iGF-OhaDI/AAAAAAAAXnc/_qNEK7msTLghUfTj87XVkZLuLmkfT_A4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/tumblr_537f57f5547917d214aada060ac55e21_f138ccd4_500.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>When I reached this milestone, I thought I would feel complete. Instead, I placed my stakes on a higher goal. I wanted to close the gap between mine and my husband's income. Having taking such an untraditional path to where I am today, I always felt a sense of inferiority because I didn't figure it out earlier, because I couldn't do what so many others accomplished so easily. So I staked my goal on to something that would remove this inferiority complex once and for all. If I could make what my husband makes, who attended two Ivy Leagues and has been working for over a decade, I would finally feel good enough. </p><p>I reached this goal at the end of 2019 when I accepted the offer from the company where I am at today, five years after starting my career I am now Head of Marketing Operations here. Sure it feels nice, but it doesn't change who I am intrinsically. I gained a bit more confidence from financial stability and a flashy title. But the truth is, I have always been enough. We all are. That's my next goal; to learn how to love myself even if I made nothing, did not have a job and nothing to offer. To feel so enough that no material thing can take that away.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-atjVe2CRNPA/X8iGR_qu2gI/AAAAAAAAXng/gmpd9nIcM2w68K2pDQNn5VbBntbBgYp1gCLcBGAsYHQ/tumblr_pjzkd834OU1tpfhc5o1_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-atjVe2CRNPA/X8iGR_qu2gI/AAAAAAAAXng/gmpd9nIcM2w68K2pDQNn5VbBntbBgYp1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/tumblr_pjzkd834OU1tpfhc5o1_1280.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>I'm sharing all this because I believe everyone's journey is different. You may be beating yourself up comparing yourself to someone else. You may be looking at an Instagram influencer's feed and see them travel the world in designer goods and think because you are not doing the same, you have somehow failed. I'm sure you thought the same when looking at my feed. If there's anything I've learned in my eight years of therapy, its that comparison is the thief of joy. We don't know what is really going on behind the filtered photos and smiles. Everyone is struggling with something. <i>Every one of us</i>. I've pushed myself this far and have successes racked up. But I've only made it this far because I failed so many time. Each time I failed, I took that lesson with me forward. We go at our own pace. </p><p>In my darkest days I used to mourn what could have been if I had figured my shit out sooner. Now I realized how much dwelling on regret was holding me back.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kCALom2FWBs/X8iKd4nCnbI/AAAAAAAAXnw/Sq8XyFvrK94rFZyNqBVzWQT18M_2a3h4QCLcBGAsYHQ/tumblr_myyo2lMy5R1sr2mgno1_r1_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1265" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kCALom2FWBs/X8iKd4nCnbI/AAAAAAAAXnw/Sq8XyFvrK94rFZyNqBVzWQT18M_2a3h4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/tumblr_myyo2lMy5R1sr2mgno1_r1_1280.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>Letting go of regrets lead to memories I will never forget; renting out an entire chateau in France for our wedding, owning my very first home in San Francisco with the most breathtaking view few will ever have, working at a company that I can finally say I love and am proud of, making peace with my childhood trauma, forgiving myself, forgiving my parents, and loving my partner more and more each day during this pandemic. It took so much work to get here.</p><p>Looking back, I wouldn't change anything about my journey. </p><p><br /></p><p>xx</p>Tu-Anhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649644830277993373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420569644847504279.post-53839209124774359432020-11-08T23:08:00.003-05:002020-12-04T14:27:46.655-05:00Eleventh month check-in. How are you really?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KFPdvkTjycg/X6i9YbkwtqI/AAAAAAAAXkY/_YI_0zeqw4I40ZoX6Z68qdZCx2UfAhYPACLcBGAsYHQ/s720/tumblr_b939bf4230883ffbce635b5deaf308a7_b198f04d_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="677" data-original-width="720" height="602" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KFPdvkTjycg/X6i9YbkwtqI/AAAAAAAAXkY/_YI_0zeqw4I40ZoX6Z68qdZCx2UfAhYPACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h602/tumblr_b939bf4230883ffbce635b5deaf308a7_b198f04d_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>It's been some time. When I had less responsibilities, I had so much more time to blog, and so many things I wanted to share on here. That was when I was in my 20's. So here's an attempt to catch you up, all three of you. You have no idea how long I've been thinking about this entry before I finally sat down to type. Hint: it's more six months.</p><p><br /></p><p>Where shall we begin. Career?</p><p><br /></p><p>If you've been following my journey, I've been somewhat of a nomad with an ambiguous story about what I did for a living. I did a stint in New York at a PR agency (now defunct), then writing freelance in Shanghai, to working as an intern at Uber one year into their founding in San Francisco, and finally to Nicaragua where I worked with women entrepreneurs and lived with three different families throughout the program. I never had a steady income during those uncertain times, but I don't know many 20 y/o's who have as many adventures to recall. I had so many moments of feeling lost, moments where envisioning an office job for myself seemed impossible. <i>Why is this the epitome of success for us?</i> Saving that one for another post.</p><p><br /></p><p>There's always been a secret that I carried with me. Some in my circle may have figured it out, but I never told a soul, and I carried it with me for over a decade. From it, black roots of guilt deep inside me. From all the lies I had to tell to keep it hidden. It was exhausting keeping up with the lies. I kept the secret so close to my heart that I was afraid one day I'd get drunk and blurt it out. And then they'd laugh at me for being such a failure. </p><p><br /></p><p>For never finishing college. For dropping out when I was a sophomore. </p><p><br /></p><p>I only recently told this to someone other than my therapist a year ago. Two years into my marriage, did I finally tell the lover. That's how deep I buried this secret. That's how deep the shame was.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gieTYKp4bAQ/X6i96nYUe7I/AAAAAAAAXkg/T_8XTg-I0ucq5qYnfmw6dqLAxm84xNWiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/tumblr_ptk3l6bSdF1sodpino1_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="975" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gieTYKp4bAQ/X6i96nYUe7I/AAAAAAAAXkg/T_8XTg-I0ucq5qYnfmw6dqLAxm84xNWiwCLcBGAsYHQ/w520-h640/tumblr_ptk3l6bSdF1sodpino1_1280.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>It's not that rare of a journey. There are a lot of people who take alternative paths, who veer off the beaten path only to find their own at their own pace. For me, my secret was steeped in shame. I couldn't take the shame of how I had failed to stay in school, when so many of my peers managed to. There were many factors that contributed to the consecutive failing grades that forced the university to drop me; but I never gave myself a pass, and never understood that it wasn't my fault until much later when I met the right therapist. </p><p><br /></p><p>For example, I never knew that I suffer from depression until I finally got so sick of the critic living rent-free inside my head that I ultimately sought out a psychiatrist who confirmed that I have chronic depression. And even after being diagnosed, I was still gaslighting myself. </p><p><br /></p><p>I thought I was being dramatic, over emphasizing every emotion, every event and that the anti-depressants were having a placebo affect on me. Maybe I was feeling better because I was never really sick to begin with? It wasn't until I took a break from the medication to switch to a different brand that I realized how bad it was. The gap between medications were my darkest moments. I couldn't believe I used to function through life feeling <i>that</i> <i>heavy</i> every single day. </p><p><br /></p><p>The secret lead to an inferiority complex because I felt deficient. It lead to an imposture syndrome because I was surrounded by overachievers. I never felt good enough. This put a barrier between me and others. It kept me from connecting with some. And the anxiety about being found out ultimately culminated into severe panic attacks. The truth has a violent way of forcing you to reckon with it. And it always catches up to you. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xHX2Wd2R61Y/X6i_RqKmT2I/AAAAAAAAXks/HMyYCumrtNI9qp_gWBVUfQ4N3bkulLJ5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/tumblr_7ca413b6e89f085580b7ef763eaf763b_9424d8f2_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xHX2Wd2R61Y/X6i_RqKmT2I/AAAAAAAAXks/HMyYCumrtNI9qp_gWBVUfQ4N3bkulLJ5ACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/tumblr_7ca413b6e89f085580b7ef763eaf763b_9424d8f2_1280.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>So after bawling my eyes out when I turned 30 with nothing to show, I vowed that I would do my best to catch up to everyone around me. That was the only way I would obliterate my inferiority complex, my imposture syndrome and my anxiety. I went back to school in secrecy, finishing what I started so long ago. I no longer felt like I needed to lie about my education on my resume which was a relief. I pushed myself so hard that eventually, with my state college degree, caught up to my husband's salary. He has two Ivy League degrees. </p><p><br /></p><p>This isn't a nicely wrapped story. There were dark days where I couldn't drag myself out of bed, where I didn't shower for a week (or more). There was a lot of medication and sometimes I popped a Xanax before I got into the office. There is still a lot of medication. But the mountains that seemed impossible to mount are now molehills. It's easier to climb the next ones now that I'm not weighted down by the trauma of my past, of all those lies,</p><p><br /></p><p>I've only told this story to two people - my therapist and the lover. </p><p><br /></p><p>And now <i>you</i>.</p><p><br /></p><p>This is what growth looks like. It's accepting your story and acknowledging how it got you here today. It's forgiving yourself for not knowing better, for giving into your desires and not your discipline, not yet developed. It's <i>believing</i> that you are good until you <i>know</i> that you are goodness, itself. It's believing in yourself so much that you don't need anyone else to. I'm still working on it because I know I didn't need a degree, a job or a high salary to be enough. I'm still unpacking what it means to be enough for myself without the trappings of capitalism. </p><p><br /></p><p>This is how I am healing today. But how are you, really?</p><p><br /></p><p>xx</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yUvbTFGqzg4/X6i_8oVTTOI/AAAAAAAAXk0/N7WYvpCyH3g2ukFA1AOdcaUp8Wc65fZawCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/tumblr_fa669f8701f609ce372628b749bc5d56_f3146e86_640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yUvbTFGqzg4/X6i_8oVTTOI/AAAAAAAAXk0/N7WYvpCyH3g2ukFA1AOdcaUp8Wc65fZawCLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h640/tumblr_fa669f8701f609ce372628b749bc5d56_f3146e86_640.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://weheartit.com/entry/331128647/via/dissap0inted" target="_blank">image via</a>, all other images are from my tumblr, which holds their credits ;)</span></i></p>Tu-Anhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649644830277993373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420569644847504279.post-55276472854292224642020-07-18T01:01:00.002-04:002023-10-18T16:41:29.837-04:00Influencer Trends to Avoid; Summer 2020 Edition<div>The alternative title of this entry should be: How to Dress like an Influencer; Summer 2020 Edition<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It's so easy when you are bombarded by the same images or "it" item on every influence's feed to think that you, too, want to own that particular item. But in reality, through strategic PR moves, influencers are all gifted the same items at an opportune time that it tricks you into thinking it's suddenly a trend. Organic trends rarely happen in the digital age anymore. They are all part of a marketing play. Take it from a marketer.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've done the dirty work for you by compiling a list of items that influencers are currently being gifted to synthesize a trend. Whether you chose to opt-in or not is your personal choice, but it's important to be aware of these things so that we can discern what is a subliminally placed desire or free-will. Plus, who wants to look like a walking instagram trend?<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Padded Tank Tops</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Frankie Shop started it, then The Reformation copied it. And now it's getting out of hand because you can find it at Forever21.<br /><b></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YgH9cTP_zKY/XxJ20_sk5UI/AAAAAAAAXPI/dfvkcLTRub0hF-fHfSNceadeLAFaIIRVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1010/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-07-17%2Bat%2B9.10.59%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="1010" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YgH9cTP_zKY/XxJ20_sk5UI/AAAAAAAAXPI/dfvkcLTRub0hF-fHfSNceadeLAFaIIRVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-07-17%2Bat%2B9.10.59%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Row Ginza Two Tone Sandals</b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't understand luxury gifting during these unprecedented times. While so many are out of a job, influencers are out there showing off their $800 <b>gifted</b> pool slides to inspire you to aspire to their life. Too bad they don't have to pay for it with their own money.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G-QdH3YEc0Y/XxJz7GdjO3I/AAAAAAAAXOw/wGLI1KUM5B4BfUm5Tl_UF70YR4k_HwvkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s778/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-07-17%2Bat%2B9.00.27%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="778" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G-QdH3YEc0Y/XxJz7GdjO3I/AAAAAAAAXOw/wGLI1KUM5B4BfUm5Tl_UF70YR4k_HwvkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-07-17%2Bat%2B9.00.27%2BPM.png" width="320" /><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Chanel Sandals</b><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sold out since last fall. Everyone is wearing it this summer. Do you want to look like everyone?<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VHzcgTgLyLk/XxJ1zj2xjaI/AAAAAAAAXO8/IOFCkm_wxvc3MuRcDF1TXvKn2cq704pbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s796/dad-sandals-252454-1521221318453-product.700x0c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VHzcgTgLyLk/XxJ1zj2xjaI/AAAAAAAAXO8/IOFCkm_wxvc3MuRcDF1TXvKn2cq704pbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/dad-sandals-252454-1521221318453-product.700x0c.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>This Prada Bag in any color or similar ones with all the extra coin purses attached</b><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You're not going on coin hunting safari any time soon, Jen.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ee14PqC1QNY/XxJ4s_fQrMI/AAAAAAAAXPU/UjFfyMAG-OYUOGT6kUWYCNKqrbZ9U95CwCLcBGAsYHQ/s530/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-07-17%2Bat%2B9.20.27%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="496" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ee14PqC1QNY/XxJ4s_fQrMI/AAAAAAAAXPU/UjFfyMAG-OYUOGT6kUWYCNKqrbZ9U95CwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-07-17%2Bat%2B9.20.27%2BPM.png" /><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Literally anything that screams "I miss Phoebe Philo"</b> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We get it, you have taste that is heavily borrowed from whatever they tell you is hot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2XDCTc9ac4w/XxJ5d5_RbMI/AAAAAAAAXPg/mF2DynuefSc59AiAhpkq3dWY6FY82TupgCLcBGAsYHQ/s698/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-07-17%2Bat%2B9.23.01%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="698" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2XDCTc9ac4w/XxJ5d5_RbMI/AAAAAAAAXPg/mF2DynuefSc59AiAhpkq3dWY6FY82TupgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-07-17%2Bat%2B9.23.01%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Any variation of these Prada stompers</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I feel like high fashion hijacked the sneakers and now it's going after Doc Martins. But Doc Martins are truly well made and don't cost an arm and a leg.<br /><b></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zPXVci6Kog8/XxJ7IyBI5fI/AAAAAAAAXPs/4G_d4vZU9M42INgTzKb7jTspVvHeMYAkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s798/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-07-17%2Bat%2B9.31.02%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="798" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zPXVci6Kog8/XxJ7IyBI5fI/AAAAAAAAXPs/4G_d4vZU9M42INgTzKb7jTspVvHeMYAkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-07-17%2Bat%2B9.31.02%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Pangia Sweats</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gifted to literally every single influencer you've ever heard of. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Started by a racist Italian influencer, nonetheless.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qIMhqH5Yy_M/XxJ7vkcDWgI/AAAAAAAAXP0/kC6aGKe-CjszK0lnTpjPnwVh_HE8Z9RTACLcBGAsYHQ/s728/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-07-17%2Bat%2B9.33.46%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="728" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qIMhqH5Yy_M/XxJ7vkcDWgI/AAAAAAAAXP0/kC6aGKe-CjszK0lnTpjPnwVh_HE8Z9RTACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-07-17%2Bat%2B9.33.46%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Any other ones you see popping up that I might have missed?</i><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G-QdH3YEc0Y/XxJz7GdjO3I/AAAAAAAAXOw/wGLI1KUM5B4BfUm5Tl_UF70YR4k_HwvkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s778/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-07-17%2Bat%2B9.00.27%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div><br /></div>Tu-Anhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649644830277993373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420569644847504279.post-47212040831242951232020-07-08T23:08:00.001-04:002020-07-08T23:09:26.543-04:00Cultivating Individuality<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8nM6brB6oGY/XwaH9W9K3RI/AAAAAAAAXLI/V0qfI3WVzOc1pkmgBXx_sQU--XePwYLEgCK4BGAsYHg/s640/GASTON%2BBARRET%2B-%2BBilitis%2B1954%2B.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="She's not dreamily watching her sleep, she's trying to figure out how to steal her soul." border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="625" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8nM6brB6oGY/XwaH9W9K3RI/AAAAAAAAXLI/V0qfI3WVzOc1pkmgBXx_sQU--XePwYLEgCK4BGAsYHg/w625-h625/GASTON%2BBARRET%2B-%2BBilitis%2B1954%2B.jpg" width="625" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's not dreamily watching her friend sleep, she's trying to figure out how to steal her soul.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />There is this woman who has been an avid follower of mine for a very long time. We used to be friends until I realized that I was always giving and she was always taking. I've invited her to countless get-togethers and birthdays but the courtesy was never returned. In my annual evaluation of toxic people to cut off, she was one of them. Now she is still attached to my waistcoat grabbing at whatever she can get.<div><br /></div><div>Don't get me wrong. I love having followers; as the queen of oversharing I value long-lasting patronage. My ten followers reach out and give me words of encouragement, they enjoy my writing and random instagram stories, they give me shout outs when I inspire them or introduce them to something new, and they tap me in the DM's when they haven't heard from me in a while, sending me words of kindness. The five of them make me feel like I add value by being me.<div><br /></div><div>But this one <i>feels</i> different. This irritates me. And here's why.</div><div><br /></div><div>She's like this badly made copy of me that I cannot get rid of. It doesn't feel like a symbiotic relationship, but more like a <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desperately_Seeking_Susan" target="_blank">Desperately Seeking Susan</a></i> long play. She doesn't interact with me in any way but she watches ALL. OF. MY. STORIES. Religiously.</div><div><br /></div><div>There's been many incidents where she'll take "inspiration" from me and call it her own, using it as content without crediting. I remember her even starting a blog of her own but it came off like a someone trying desperately to sound deep and intelligent, like someone trying to cram as many big words into a sentence as possible. She even copied a tattoo I have. It was inauthentic. </div><div><br /></div><div>And inauthenticity offends me like no other. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yet she markets herself a feminist and is actively trying to start a network/business [?] helping other women. But aren't feminists supposed to lift each other up, support each other and not just unapologetically copy each other, especially, intellectually? </div><div><br /></div><div>For the record, you can copy me. No one is an original any more and least of all me. I am not the purveyor or anything new, but I do work to seek out rare things, unique and special things. I try to stand out and share what I find. So when you take from me at least have the decency to give me credit. </div><div><br /></div><div>Cultivating individuality and personal taste is real work. It's internal work. It's holding a mirror to yourself and working to polish off all the dust that once obscured your reflection. When you mirror yourself after someone else's, you've lost yourself.</div><div><br /></div><div>There is no one else like you and there will never be another like you. </div><div><br /></div><div>So why are you wasting your time copying me? If I inspire you do let me know but let's celebrate our individuality instead of trying to become someone we are not.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And just for shits and giggles, here's the trailer of <i>Desperately Seeking Susan</i>. If you haven't seen it, you're in for a treat.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/67mW-V1hnJQ" width="560"></iframe></div>Tu-Anhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649644830277993373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420569644847504279.post-88014486417214800252020-06-22T09:00:00.013-04:002020-06-22T09:00:13.968-04:00strange world<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yrew1VG9JiY/XvAtssvXVwI/AAAAAAAAXCk/OXZqofFQFDkB9KrW6xz8LUpRMKyx8w0OwCK4BGAsYHg/s640/tumblr_e5ae141d0aed39424643ddabcbc0739c_3dd7ed45_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yrew1VG9JiY/XvAtssvXVwI/AAAAAAAAXCk/OXZqofFQFDkB9KrW6xz8LUpRMKyx8w0OwCK4BGAsYHg/d/tumblr_e5ae141d0aed39424643ddabcbc0739c_3dd7ed45_640.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's been a strange few months. But the most important reckoning is upon us and our society. As we are forced to look inward because our outsides are out of reach, we have to accept the painful truth that we do not live in a post racial world. I mourn for the death of those who shouldn't be gone, who did nothing wrong. If criminals don't deserve death, neither does the innocent. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As an Asian American, the flight of my Black brothers and sisters are my own. Because even if I enjoy the privilege of my proximity to whiteness, if I let them treat any other race differently than I am also complicit in the discrimination against myself and every person of color.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In these hard times I want to focus on hope. The hope that with every generation, we become more aware and critical of those who proceeded us. We are evolving for the better, but we have to take everyone with us. The divide is a result of the belief that we are different from one another, but in truth our blood run red all the same. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm so hopeful for how fluid and accepting the younger generation is. For those currently in power, the norm that we see (gay rights, trans rights, equality, gender as a construct) is foreign to those currently in power. It's so foreign that they fear it would threaten their hold on the morals of society. Moral shifts as the collective consciousness evolves, as we become more interconnected. I am hopeful that the children I make will be the ones to change the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tFMQRHrOGiY/XvAtsxZjcTI/AAAAAAAAXCo/n6vYirMTl3ggNq_p7DTJ1Qsu4FXwbPokwCK4BGAsYHg/s1280/tumblr_aadf7f693b8401c8d24fd405cb3873a5_2511e884_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tFMQRHrOGiY/XvAtsxZjcTI/AAAAAAAAXCo/n6vYirMTl3ggNq_p7DTJ1Qsu4FXwbPokwCK4BGAsYHg/w640-h640/tumblr_aadf7f693b8401c8d24fd405cb3873a5_2511e884_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Tu-Anhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649644830277993373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420569644847504279.post-28103812869446540552020-06-22T00:01:00.000-04:002020-06-22T00:01:21.644-04:00Self Care: Skin Care Staples<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CD-vv5VDg5I/XvAs5XPED3I/AAAAAAAAXCE/dtuj1C5QMvgkpIctI42zMmzZEUgaMj_cgCK4BGAsYHg/s715/tumblr_0a6f28a2db04ae0bb01d1dbceeb6c644_6b9c61c5_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="645" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CD-vv5VDg5I/XvAs5XPED3I/AAAAAAAAXCE/dtuj1C5QMvgkpIctI42zMmzZEUgaMj_cgCK4BGAsYHg/d/tumblr_0a6f28a2db04ae0bb01d1dbceeb6c644_6b9c61c5_1280.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>During these times of social unrest, as we strive to make a positive impact in whatever way we can, it is so important to take care of ourselves so we can continue to show up for others.</div><div><br /></div>I mentioned some items on prior posts relegated specifically to the Sephora sales, but this is the complete list of skin care products that have always served me right. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><font color="#9c27b0">Toner</font></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wXrFcO1atsc/XvAq73GY-2I/AAAAAAAAXBo/7YHlBg8cPHkQIjuWeKPUr5GBo8EUeo_6QCK4BGAsYHg/s790/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-06-21%2Bat%2B8.47.23%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="586" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wXrFcO1atsc/XvAq73GY-2I/AAAAAAAAXBo/7YHlBg8cPHkQIjuWeKPUr5GBo8EUeo_6QCK4BGAsYHg/w370-h500/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-06-21%2Bat%2B8.47.23%2BPM.png" width="370" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://akirabeauty.com/products/floral-toning-lotion-alcohol-free-dry-sensitive-skin?variant=20473871401019&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=3Q_Google_SmartShopping&utm_term=&utm_content=346901775096&gclid=Cj0KCQjwirz3BRD_ARIsAImf7LO_SQhYES3jDdJDBA_g4bPHqRMQ74BS0-gPmPBayUPc93eqQ0hSCuAaAsBAEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Floral Tony Lotion</a> - Sisley</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My skin is super sensitive so this natural rose extract toner feels wonderful after cleansing. Skin is sometimes inflamed after a harsh exfoliation, so an alcohol-free toner is key to reducing irritation. A cheaper alternative <a href="https://www.target.com/p/thayers-witch-hazel-alcohol-free-toner-rose-petal-12-fl-oz/-/A-51091143?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&fndsrc=tgtao&CPNG=PLA_Beauty%2BPersonal+Care%2BShopping_Local&adgroup=SC_Health%2BBeauty&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9031948&ds_rl=1246978&ds_rl=1248099&gclid=Cj0KCQjwirz3BRD_ARIsAImf7LNKbGv4VlVO9jp9oTwe0GxIHaSBxnJRZjnSSi_RWVzmKr0cXO6qLtMaAgEOEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds">can be found here</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><font color="#9c27b0">Face Creams</font></b></div>
<div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-muzNcJaWUSs/XU4kzX7ANvI/AAAAAAAAP5k/8iyqgLUS0-U3GIwv3_QfCIQb4kpr4oRLQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-08-09%2Bat%2B6.58.07%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="974" data-original-width="834" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-muzNcJaWUSs/XU4kzX7ANvI/AAAAAAAAP5k/8iyqgLUS0-U3GIwv3_QfCIQb4kpr4oRLQCLcBGAs/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-08-09%2Bat%2B6.58.07%2BPM.png" width="342" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/la-prairie-cellular-cream-platinum-rare-1-7-oz/2997108" target="_blank">Cellular Cream Platinum Rare</a> - La Prairie</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">This one is the ultimate luxury in skin cream. I like getting the largest size and only while shopping duty free because it's always at least 20-30% less than prices in the US. I know travel is not an option right now, but stack your deals and point cards. This cream is a miracle. You see a noticeable difference the next morning. I like to use it only at night because it's so potent and heavy. I don't like mixing it with sunscreen over top to dilute the application.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RW0PQXmhQ2I/XvAkYK0heOI/AAAAAAAAXAw/RVd8-STgQRIP0BiKTdMz8xscYTFsX7Y7gCK4BGAsYHg/s1088/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-06-21%2Bat%2B8.22.49%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="998" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RW0PQXmhQ2I/XvAkYK0heOI/AAAAAAAAXAw/RVd8-STgQRIP0BiKTdMz8xscYTFsX7Y7gCK4BGAsYHg/w460-h500/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-06-21%2Bat%2B8.22.49%2BPM.png" width="460" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.violetgrey.com/product/the-rich-cream/AGB-257499?gclid=Cj0KCQjwirz3BRD_ARIsAImf7LPMuAcYA9X8ra2BjLbnyvQjukD-gPKihvC42ZmEIskP4uSHhmRD_VEaAvrZEALw_wcB" target="_blank">The Rich Cream</a> - Augustinus Bader</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is one of my favorite finds this year. The cream is reminiscent of La Mer's moisturizing cream, but not anywhere as greasy or heavy. I have never personally seen results with La Mer, but then again I was using it in my early 20's when my skin was dewy and invincible. The Rich Cream keeps my skin moisturized all day without getting shiny and it feels so velvety upon application. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X1lYYBIR_7c/XU4la2lBHII/AAAAAAAAP5s/vUtg945GwEwxl5tcIs5Nr2NSp2RRUJb6ACLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-08-09%2Bat%2B7.00.19%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="626" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X1lYYBIR_7c/XU4la2lBHII/AAAAAAAAP5s/vUtg945GwEwxl5tcIs5Nr2NSp2RRUJb6ACLcBGAs/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-08-09%2Bat%2B7.00.19%2BPM.png" width="248" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/sisley-paris-supremya-at-night-1-7-oz-50-ml-prod93600013" target="_blank">Supremÿa at Night</a> - Sisley Paris</b></div>
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<div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm a religious believer in using a separate night cream versus a day cream. This one is phenomenal. It started when I got a sample in my early 20's and was shocked by the results the next day. I went in a bought a full size the next day. This one isn't as powerful as the La Prairie one above, but it tightens and revitalizes skin. It definitely kept my face looking fresh even after dancing all night long.</div>
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<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><font color="#9c27b0">Serums</font></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><font color="#9c27b0"><br /></font></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LRuO27h2xg8/XU4nF5vollI/AAAAAAAAP6A/clJW2vQNSwEwlWD16McYgbqVg8uXn9p0gCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-08-09%2Bat%2B7.08.12%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="328" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LRuO27h2xg8/XU4nF5vollI/AAAAAAAAP6A/clJW2vQNSwEwlWD16McYgbqVg8uXn9p0gCLcBGAs/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-08-09%2Bat%2B7.08.12%2BPM.png" width="221" /></a></div>
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/ultimune-power-infusing-concentrate-P432834" target="_blank">Ultimate Power Infusing Serum Concentrate</a> - Shiseido</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I notice the effects of this serum immediately. It lays a nice surface for absorption of any moisturizer that you layer on top. Think of it as an enhancer for whatever you are currently using, making it even more powerful.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P0FrgfHGwDI/XvAn2A3BUFI/AAAAAAAAXBM/izWdnpZbr8gYLRjsO7w8WooJgya_emUmQCK4BGAsYHg/s800/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-06-21%2Bat%2B8.38.33%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="626" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P0FrgfHGwDI/XvAn2A3BUFI/AAAAAAAAXBM/izWdnpZbr8gYLRjsO7w8WooJgya_emUmQCK4BGAsYHg/w391-h500/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-06-21%2Bat%2B8.38.33%2BPM.png" width="391" /></a></div><b><a href="https://us.sulwhasoo.com/products/first-care-activating-serum" target="_blank"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />First Care Activating Serum</a> - Sulwahsoo</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This a mild serum that creates a tightening light base for moisturizers. I love it for every day use and think it's very gentle on the skin. It's great for layering day or night. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div>
<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><font color="#9c27b0">Sun</font></b><b><font color="#9c27b0">care</font></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8BziLNeXqNA/XU4oVQBegUI/AAAAAAAAP6M/c-WcdIoxgXkjuXECy8T5P-aPJNiaqvybgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-08-09%2Bat%2B7.13.27%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="592" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8BziLNeXqNA/XU4oVQBegUI/AAAAAAAAP6M/c-WcdIoxgXkjuXECy8T5P-aPJNiaqvybgCLcBGAs/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-08-09%2Bat%2B7.13.27%2BPM.png" width="328" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.misshaus.com/default/all-around-safe-block-soft-finish-sun-milk-spf-50-pa-r.html" target="_blank">All-Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk SPF50+</a> - Missha</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Never ever go without sunscreen. I've tried everything from French lines to Chanel to Shiseido. Nothing compares to this milky sunscreen that leaves absolutely no white cast. Yes, they exist. Asia's had these sunscreens that go on clear since forever. Believe the hype. This absorbs clear and doesn't make my skin oily or slick. It's by far the best face sunscreen I have found.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><font color="#9c27b0"><br /></font></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><font color="#9c27b0"><br /></font></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><font color="#9c27b0"><br /></font></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><font color="#9c27b0">Eye Cream for Night Time</font></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z62j9_jNyq0/XU4pGM4jaQI/AAAAAAAAP6Y/hGm1A5olSlUBGE1WlCn3zrezYrCtnCFywCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-08-09%2Bat%2B7.16.44%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1312" data-original-width="766" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z62j9_jNyq0/XU4pGM4jaQI/AAAAAAAAP6Y/hGm1A5olSlUBGE1WlCn3zrezYrCtnCFywCLcBGAs/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-08-09%2Bat%2B7.16.44%2BPM.png" width="232" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/sisley-paris-eye-contour-mask/2997178?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FBrands%2FSisley%20Paris&color=none" target="_blank">Eye Contour Mask</a> - Sisley</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love gel based skincare. They lock in moisture more effectively than any other types. It's recommended to use this every other night to 3x a week, but I use it every night. It just feels so good under the eye as I sleep, knowing it's there to combat all the frowning I do in my sleep as I dream.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://expressivethinker.tumblr.com/post/621005744554246144" target="_blank">image via</a></i></div>
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</div>Tu-Anhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649644830277993373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420569644847504279.post-22470047250103224262019-09-04T21:42:00.000-04:002019-10-15T14:50:17.091-04:00Wedding in a French Chateau <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-FqsTEv-Iw/XXBdDfw5J0I/AAAAAAAATss/FL56vLWHikAfQGfUOuaTB8TaBWK-e6sogCEwYBhgL/s1600/0319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-FqsTEv-Iw/XXBdDfw5J0I/AAAAAAAATss/FL56vLWHikAfQGfUOuaTB8TaBWK-e6sogCEwYBhgL/s640/0319.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I haven't really shared details of my wedding with you guys, have I? It was such a crazy experience that the planning took a lot of out me and my husband. After two years (our anniversary was yesterday), I finally have the energy to revisit.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRncnCcEWLU/XXBlrDze7gI/AAAAAAAATuE/Vhh8LT_DCCAp97sg5QG98Eg-PXcxjyk_ACLcBGAs/s1600/0471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRncnCcEWLU/XXBlrDze7gI/AAAAAAAATuE/Vhh8LT_DCCAp97sg5QG98Eg-PXcxjyk_ACLcBGAs/s640/0471.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>The idea</b><br />
It started out as a 'what if' discussion between my girlfriend and I during a wine night in. Into our second bottle of wine she said, "I can totally see you having a wedding in a chateau like a princess coming down a grand staircase."<br />
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"Yeah, sure," I said. Never in a million years.<br />
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<b>The reality</b><br />
A few months later as we began touring potential venues in wine valley (Napa and Sonoma) and seeing the price tag (hefty for just the venue excluding catering, etc), the mandatory noise ordinance at 9pm, and restrictive beverage selection (their wines only and no liquor), the French chateau wedding went from a <i>no way</i> to a <i>why not</i>.<br />
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I did some research and realized that the price was fairly similar to rent the venue but would include catering and drinks. Plus, the idea of a fully privatized site was very desirable. From there we found and interviewed a few wedding planners and choose <a href="https://feteinfrance.com/" target="_blank">one from France</a> who specifically catered to non-French clients. We knew it would be impossible to pull this off without some help.<br />
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<b>The venue</b><br />
Working closely with Nancy, from Fete in France, we narrowed down our options to five venues based on location and capacity. She helped us plan a two-day tour in the French countryside to visit all five. I was exhausted at the end, but Nancy was a trooper as she drove us from one site to the next.<br />
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Ultimately we settled on <a href="https://www.grandesetapes.com/chateau-hotel-artigny-loire/en/" target="_blank">Chateau D'Artigny</a> for its 52 rooms and its remote proximity to Paris. The idea was to keep everyone close in an intimate setting for a few days, undistracted by Paris. We wanted to spend time with everyone. The wedding took place during Labor Day weekend so guests were able to make a vacation out of their trip so if they wanted to do Paris later they could.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1BbfP0k_8Xw/XXBlaPXBCQI/AAAAAAAATt8/bvJ77Xx5GDAYCK-HYmnyaRdlAW-XbtIMgCLcBGAs/s1600/0574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1BbfP0k_8Xw/XXBlaPXBCQI/AAAAAAAATt8/bvJ77Xx5GDAYCK-HYmnyaRdlAW-XbtIMgCLcBGAs/s640/0574.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b>The vendors</b><br />
The cost of booking a photographer, videographer and make up artist in France (Euros and conversion rates) actually came out to be more than if I choose my own in the states, flew them to France and paid for their housing. Not that we wanted to skimp here, but I picked vendors who had specifically worked with Asian clients or were Asian.<br />
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This is where it gets a little political. I believe that if you have never worked with an Asian client or have not been exposed to diversity, you tend to see those who are of a different race than you as an 'other.' The othering of another race is obvious in photos - they do not come across as intimate, personal and they will not capture the best angles of someone. You know how when you see yourself in the mirror, you are a full person with emotions and experiences? But then when a random stranger takes a photo of you, you suddenly look super exoticized? That's othering. Another example is when I do my own make-up, I look my best and enhance all my unique features. When someone else who isn't familiar with Asian faces does my make up, they always over line my eyes and make me look even chinkier. This has happened to me in a few local photoshoots when your girl was a wannabe model (hi, Model Mayhem). So it's so important to pick vendors who see diversity and are diverse. Those who have a diverse portfolio will be able to capture the nuanced characteristics of you instead of framing you far away and focusing on decor instead of you because they don't know how to capture <i>you</i>.<br />
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My photographer was <a href="https://www.facebook.com/julielimphotographer/" target="_blank">Julie Lim</a>. Makeup artist was <a href="http://www.susanlimmakeupartist.com/" target="_blank">Susan Lim</a>. And my videographers were an <a href="https://www.alessandrobordoni.com/" target="_blank">Italian duo</a>, Sole and Alessandro.<br />
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<b>Conclusion</b><br />
As much as we planned, things went wrong as they always do. And oftentimes they don't matter because your guests won't notice, but when it affects others, I remember. For example, I should have asked for them to move the spotlight so it wasn't in my father's face during wedding speeches. But that's just my overwhelming sense of protection showing up.<br />
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Things I would do differently:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Probably not cover the cost of stay for guests</li>
<li>Cut down on guest list - a lot of friends ended up being just party friends - more on this in another post</li>
<li>Spent more on florals </li>
<li>Not spent money on goodie bags - totally unnecessary as no one really used it</li>
<li>Not spent $ on Laduree macarons</li>
<li>Spent more time intimately with everyone - looking back, it was so busy it was hard to connect with guests</li>
</ul>
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Things I'm glad we focused on:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Family speeches and time</li>
<li>Videographer</li>
<li>Music - my husband personally picked out the playlists</li>
<li>DJ - they took the cue from my husband and played all our types of songs</li>
<li>The venue was breathtaking and perfect</li>
<li><a href="http://www.theparisofficiant.com/getting-married-in-france/" target="_blank">The Paris Officiant</a>, Laura did an amazing job and took the burden off a potential friend who would have had to do the honors, I think this made the wedding more enjoyable for everyone since it was emcee'd by a neutral party</li>
<li>The rehearsal dinner and having a moment of quiet before the storm with our close friends and family</li>
<li>The welcome drinks - this was a great way to spend time with folks before the wedding. It set the tone for the wedding and started the event on a happy note</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yjYQGq7o00Q/XXBmquj9uKI/AAAAAAAATug/SESV0R723a0g7di4A-SEjrCI9WzIREWLQCLcBGAs/s1600/1581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yjYQGq7o00Q/XXBmquj9uKI/AAAAAAAATug/SESV0R723a0g7di4A-SEjrCI9WzIREWLQCLcBGAs/s640/1581.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Looking back on the photos and videos, I can honestly say it was a beautiful day full of wonderful memories despite all the things I would have done differently. The most important memories were the ones that we had with our parents and close friends. Seeing my mother speak, my father tear up and sharing a dance with him was all I could wish for. Seeing my husband and dancing with his mother and her wide gleeful smile of pride and happiness, we always laugh about that. Moments like that don't happen often in this lifetime.<br />
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<br />Tu-Anhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649644830277993373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420569644847504279.post-63047087331072503722019-08-27T21:48:00.001-04:002019-08-28T01:09:40.131-04:00Reformation Sale: What I Bought<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dyg_lyNKJGQ/XWXXxB8BzII/AAAAAAAAQCI/6Ua2YxAYgGk4ijd20oNmNPnSJsxEYwJrgCLcBGAs/s1600/original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1597" data-original-width="1198" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dyg_lyNKJGQ/XWXXxB8BzII/AAAAAAAAQCI/6Ua2YxAYgGk4ijd20oNmNPnSJsxEYwJrgCLcBGAs/s640/original.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Everything from The Reformation makes me feel like a lady. So happy am I that their recent sale is a pretty epic one. Here's an indulgent blog entry about what I bought, my pre-haul so to speak. Shipping is the bane of my existence.<br />
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San Francisco weather calls for sweaters year-round and I've probably acquired over 20 new ones since I moved here four years ago. But your girl can't resist ones with puffy sleeves made of <a href="https://www.thereformation.com/products/arden-sweater?color=Ivory" target="_blank">ethically sourced alpaca wool</a>. Looking chic here is also hard when the weather ranges twenty degrees in a day (50-70 degrees from the Mission to Russian Hill hello). So far, I've managed to avoid paying for anything from Patagonia (unless it's free work swag) until now. This <a href="https://www.thereformation.com/products/patagonia-prow-bomber-jacket" target="_blank">jacket is finally befitting</a> of my discerning sartorial taste (sarcasm, I have no taste). I got the fatigue green version. I have the <a href="https://www.thereformation.com/products/vivianne-dress" target="_blank">dress</a> version of <a href="https://www.thereformation.com/products/remi-top?color=Ivory" target="_blank">this top</a> and, I swear, I could feel shitty internally but this dress will make you think I was feeling myself. So it was natural that I got the top version as well. Lastly, I have way too many demure sexy tops - said me never. So <a href="https://www.thereformation.com/products/waterhouse-top?color=Serpent" target="_blank">this top in a 'serpent' print</a> was an obvious choice.<br />
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I should note that the first top listed below isn’t from their sale but their new collection. But I couldn’t help myself. Could you?<br />
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Ps. Apologies that the link on Instagram to this blog wasn’t working. If anyone understand CNAMEs and DNS records, get at me please. Also, thanks to the small but resilient few who found a way to get here anyways despite my technical ineptitude. xx<br />
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Tu-Anhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649644830277993373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420569644847504279.post-50721734340984855242019-08-22T22:52:00.002-04:002019-08-22T23:39:49.300-04:00Current Obsession: Tapered Trousers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Relaxed fit and so very Scandinavian. This silhouette is the very essence of cool sf workwear and comfortable grocery outing. Am I right?<br />
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I recently bought a few pairs to pair with some tank tops and loose button-up shirts. Anouk, who's instagram I post below, wears a few from the Swedish brand <a href="https://www.weekday.com/en_gbp/index.html" target="_blank">Weekday</a>. She looks so effortless. Unfortunately, they do not ship to the United States. But I've linked a few from places that do. You know I got you.<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz8f4_7o0Hu/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">A friend of mine texted me the other day asking me if bra-less is the new fashun or if they are celebrating holiday too..? I think a bit of both 🙃😁 #dailystyle</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/anoukyve/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Anouk Yve</a> (@anoukyve) on <time datetime="2019-07-15T17:10:27+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jul 15, 2019 at 10:10am PDT</time></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1Q7K8EIolX/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Annonce | Upcoming Tuesday 20th of August I will be hosting my very own Project Bee event with @bumble_netherlands which I have called Be Proud: an ode to natural curly hair. It will be an intimate lunch where I invite leading women with curly hair to celebrate and embrace the natural. I do have a few spots available for Bumble users, all you have to do is download Bumble, click on the Bee Proud profile and fill in the questionnaire for the chance to join us! #projectbeenetherlands #beeproud @bumble_netherlands #projectbeenetherlands #beeproud</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/anoukyve/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Anouk Yve</a> (@anoukyve) on <time datetime="2019-08-17T12:05:02+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Aug 17, 2019 at 5:05am PDT</time></div>
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Images from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/anoukyve/" target="_blank">Anouk Yve</a>'s instagram<br />
<br />Tu-Anhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649644830277993373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420569644847504279.post-83276721101240658052019-08-20T16:22:00.000-04:002020-07-08T23:13:24.121-04:00The Crushing Weight of Your Own Expectations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwSU-Dpsh70/XVxWUlfwJaI/AAAAAAAAP78/hN5hIC8LnlABR_NbE1H-4IOsAKMMPImFQCLcBGAs/s1600/tumblr_pvccwuQaVv1s42uk2o5_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwSU-Dpsh70/XVxWUlfwJaI/AAAAAAAAP78/hN5hIC8LnlABR_NbE1H-4IOsAKMMPImFQCLcBGAs/s640/tumblr_pvccwuQaVv1s42uk2o5_500.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sometimes I take myself too seriously. I look at people twice my age, close to my age, and my contemporaries and compare my achievements to theirs. Inevitably I am left feeling like I have wasted my life chasing windmills.<br />
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Instagram exacerbates this. I used to follow influencers who meticulously edit and filter the shit out of their photos before posting. Foolishly thinking this was real life I felt extremely unaccomplished. I've since learned to be more mindful of who I choose to let into my consciousness. If everything you see on your feed has the ability to affect your state of mind, you should be extremely selective. It's the same rules that would apply to who you would invite into your home – so why not be as selective with who you give your follow to? I've since stop following influencers who constantly push products (subconsciously I felt like I had to keep up) when most of the time they are gifted these things or sponsored. No one on a real budget could live this way and it's just setting yourself up for failure to try to emulate.<br />
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I've since stopped following shopping accounts and influencers. Following those who's style inspire me or those who have 500 followers with more authentic posts serve me at lot better. They've cultivated their own sense of self and are not chasing a trend, thus not perpetuating it neither. Following artistic accounts also help foster my creative side.<br />
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Relying less on external voices to influence me but rather on those who inspire me to cultivate realistic expectations is a hard learned lesson.<br />
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The crushing weight of it all wears off day by day as the desire to keep up wanes.<br />
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<i>What are your expectations on yourself and are they realistic? </i><br />
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<br />Tu-Anhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649644830277993373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420569644847504279.post-34883012745734368822019-08-12T10:00:00.000-04:002019-08-12T10:00:08.766-04:00Closet Staple: The Perfect Trench Coat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CKuZ3ChdljA/XU4Qvq8Xv_I/AAAAAAAAP5Y/lO2pAEV2cH4MZlg-3H2HZNXGDIABGG_9QCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-08-09%2Bat%2B5.24.19%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="634" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CKuZ3ChdljA/XU4Qvq8Xv_I/AAAAAAAAP5Y/lO2pAEV2cH4MZlg-3H2HZNXGDIABGG_9QCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-08-09%2Bat%2B5.24.19%2BPM.png" /></a></div>
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The French girl in my mind wears a trench coat with vintage Manolo's. She's a French girl who likes a loose coat like a Copenhagen girl. She's multicultural. Anyways, I was in Tokyo recently and the trench trend was in full effect. The Japanese are usually a few seasons ahead in trends, so I predict this is the best time to invest in a trench coat. And it looked so flattering on everyone. Not to mention a nice loose trench keeps you perfectly warm but won't overheat you. Perfect transitional weather coat. Muy versatile.</div>
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I love wearing it over a dress or with shorts. They dress up any outfit no matter how scrubby and the loose fitted ones make it not too serious. Above is an <a href="https://af-agger.com/" target="_blank">AF Agger</a> trench from a cool girl I follow on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByKh3tnnvmM/" target="_blank">Amalie Moosgaard</a>. The brand is based in Copenhagen. Below are a few of my favorite trenches.</div>
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<!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE END --><br />Tu-Anhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649644830277993373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420569644847504279.post-51205009903808925132019-07-17T15:00:00.000-04:002019-07-17T15:00:01.586-04:00A Hidden Treasure for Home Furnishing; The Local Flea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZClmi-NAsGw/XSzsMJFW6kI/AAAAAAAAPxo/pHgUHtLt8uYVYGfgLFqhJ-X0mmN2QsFngCLcBGAs/s1600/tumblr_pk7agqqupk1r6kaa9o10_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="785" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZClmi-NAsGw/XSzsMJFW6kI/AAAAAAAAPxo/pHgUHtLt8uYVYGfgLFqhJ-X0mmN2QsFngCLcBGAs/s640/tumblr_pk7agqqupk1r6kaa9o10_1280.jpg" width="502" /></a></div>
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You will not believe what I came across in the Bay Area; a warehouse full of quality pre-owned home goods. From what I gather of the inventory, this place is a receiving house for furniture from startups and local businesses that are recently defunct. You are going to be shocked at the prices of these pieces from Restoration Hardware, Room & Board, West Elm, etc and the myriads of Samsung flat screens. The items are in perfect condition and all need a home. It's so good that even though I want to, I shouldn't keep it to myself.<br />
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I will share this with you only if you promise to 1. share your next shopping deals with me and 2. spread the word about my blog. Deal?<br />
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Some tips for how to best optimize. If you're still furnishing your home, I highly recommend going here to check out the pieces in person. You should browse online first to see what they have and then ask them to hold the item until you can come in (this may be tricky, but use your nice voice and you may get lucky). The staff was extremely helpful. We had been eyeing a large mirror for our living room. Retail prices were ranging around the <a href="https://www.burkedecor.com/products/dion-rectangular-antique-mirror-w-silver-leafed-wood-edges-design-by-bd-studio" target="_blank">$800 mark</a>, but the styles I loved were around $1,200+. Luckily I found a hefty mirror that teetered upon modern and restoration hardware aesthetics at The Local Flea for....a whopping $75. It was originally listed at $85, but we talked it down to make the total + shipping $150. Bring a flashlight as the warehouse is large and not well lit.<br />
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Some of my favorite finds listed on their site are: this <a href="https://thelocalflea.com/collections/art/products/1021239" target="_blank">beautiful artwork of nudes</a>, this <a href="https://thelocalflea.com/collections/home-decor/products/1021556" target="_blank">set of two antique/modern mirrors</a> at over 50% off original, this lovely <a href="https://thelocalflea.com/collections/home-decor/products/1019690" target="_blank">light green area rug</a> originally priced at $5,000 now only $200, this <a href="https://thelocalflea.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/1022639" target="_blank">midcentury sofa</a> from West Elm, this <a href="https://thelocalflea.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/1022080" target="_blank">sleek glass top office</a> desk from Crate & Barrel, and this <a href="https://thelocalflea.com/collections/favorites/products/1022107" target="_blank">white marble coffee table</a>.<br />
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Here are the details:</div>
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The Local Flea</div>
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160 Sylvester Road</div>
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South San Francisco, CA 94080</div>
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Hours:</div>
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Monday - Thursday 9AM - 6PM</div>
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Friday 9AM - 5PM</div>
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Saturday - Sunday 11AM - 3PM</div>
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You can check out their current inventory at <a href="http://thelocalflea.com/">thelocalflea.com</a>. Shipping is a flat rate of $75 within the Bay Area.<br />
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<a href="https://66.media.tumblr.com/d109b52916a5e00f38a4506bf827f7d2/tumblr_pk7agqqupk1r6kaa9o10_1280.jpg" target="_blank">image via</a>Tu-Anhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649644830277993373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420569644847504279.post-68036467320906508792019-07-15T19:00:00.000-04:002019-08-17T21:20:58.571-04:00Another two for the books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mef88AjhCgM/XVin5Y0zRAI/AAAAAAAAP7c/baji3t1Lw1gCVyak1_7EGbIV1SD40w4lACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9732%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mef88AjhCgM/XVin5Y0zRAI/AAAAAAAAP7c/baji3t1Lw1gCVyak1_7EGbIV1SD40w4lACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9732%2B2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The pages are getting longer with each birthday. I'm trying to remember the lessons each year has taught me through these etches on my skin. The point is not to forget and to capture each one in a beautiful way.<br />
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The moon. The power of the feminine goddess. Empathy, love, attuned with nature and the universe. I want to draw my strength from this source.<br />
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The skull. Everything is transient. Every moment the first and last. <br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvp7wA1g645/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">#타투이스트이다 #idatattoo . New Crescent & Skull and healed Lighting. It was nice to see you again. Tu Anh :) . Done at @blkserum .</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tattooist_ida/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Ida</a> (@tattooist_ida) on <time datetime="2019-03-31T02:02:44+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Mar 30, 2019 at 7:02pm PDT</time></div>
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Tu-Anhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649644830277993373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420569644847504279.post-64102013805884553182019-06-17T08:00:00.000-04:002019-06-17T08:00:04.511-04:00Jewelry Finds at West Coast Craft<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1sjlIbYGnh8/XQXE8uBbISI/AAAAAAAAONs/V248gTkTpOQLC7ydg33BJ-HbLIEYIcu6gCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0419_1000x.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1sjlIbYGnh8/XQXE8uBbISI/AAAAAAAAONs/V248gTkTpOQLC7ydg33BJ-HbLIEYIcu6gCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_0419_1000x.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love when West Coast Crafts is in town. It's a lovely to see what independent makers are into these days. Most of it is cute unless junk (not another vegan sandal or abstract face outline on a vase) but some things are really worth their buck. Below are some of my favorite finds, mostly jewelry because that's what I've been drawn to lately.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9mwTou0HD2w/XQW_93TtZrI/AAAAAAAAOMw/EMm-aQTAph4-mHwaLu4zZnDIUw4prZGSwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-06-15%2Bat%2B8.56.58%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="1030" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9mwTou0HD2w/XQW_93TtZrI/AAAAAAAAOMw/EMm-aQTAph4-mHwaLu4zZnDIUw4prZGSwCLcBGAs/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-06-15%2Bat%2B8.56.58%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://rahajewelry.com/products/monstera-earrings" target="_blank">Ra Ha Jewelry</a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TuHE9C9vkUg/XQXAg47eMgI/AAAAAAAAOM4/Mu63dNh3Dj8UfzHL7v1ftBfTWtzXVWG2gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TuHE9C9vkUg/XQXAg47eMgI/AAAAAAAAOM4/Mu63dNh3Dj8UfzHL7v1ftBfTWtzXVWG2gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1757.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.westperro.com/shop1/desert-sun-hat-original-guatemalan-palm-" target="_blank">West Perro Hats</a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_GvsBEUchY/XQXBDkgNdCI/AAAAAAAAONA/Jz8Oollbpw81OAIps5jaKDLnOfsPY6L2QCLcBGAs/s1600/ada143_0a001e574386442da601a48dcc2ea5b4%257Emv2_d_4000_5000_s_4_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1330" data-original-width="996" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_GvsBEUchY/XQXBDkgNdCI/AAAAAAAAONA/Jz8Oollbpw81OAIps5jaKDLnOfsPY6L2QCLcBGAs/s640/ada143_0a001e574386442da601a48dcc2ea5b4%257Emv2_d_4000_5000_s_4_2.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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Guilty. I found an abstract face on something. But these are cute. <a href="https://www.alexsteele.studio/product-page/painted-babouches" target="_blank">Alex Steele babouches</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hP8uQeJTklk/XQXCFiwpQhI/AAAAAAAAONM/2Kp6arMKjp0HBMN0Da1bizUWR1eGJ0ZSgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hP8uQeJTklk/XQXCFiwpQhI/AAAAAAAAONM/2Kp6arMKjp0HBMN0Da1bizUWR1eGJ0ZSgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4339.JPG" width="512" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mollydebiak.com/shop-online/custom-amulet" target="_blank">Custom amulets</a> by Molly Debiak. I want everything she has.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ONRJTzG2AQ/XQXDMHYsWgI/AAAAAAAAONY/5IrbNJ7zNfARfNSUtFdaJsxhwkuc_LCZQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC3189_200_1024x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1023" data-original-width="683" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ONRJTzG2AQ/XQXDMHYsWgI/AAAAAAAAONY/5IrbNJ7zNfARfNSUtFdaJsxhwkuc_LCZQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC3189_200_1024x1024.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mollydebiak.com/shop-online/custom-amulet" target="_blank">Earrings from 8.6.4</a>. They also have some great pearl earrings.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xG3sWIUxAec/XQXEPLyOefI/AAAAAAAAONk/wvKL6F7MbxkC0VCBSjHJkGAoM79waSERACLcBGAs/s1600/Ale_036ey-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1501" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xG3sWIUxAec/XQXEPLyOefI/AAAAAAAAONk/wvKL6F7MbxkC0VCBSjHJkGAoM79waSERACLcBGAs/s400/Ale_036ey-2.jpg" width="397" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.alebremerjewelry.com/shop/personal-devotion-mini-signet-ring" target="_blank">Corazon signet</a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1sjlIbYGnh8/XQXE8uBbISI/AAAAAAAAONs/1x7pw6DTuIYj67PqORwnFoM4rZNGTe0lgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0419_1000x.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1sjlIbYGnh8/XQXE8uBbISI/AAAAAAAAONs/1x7pw6DTuIYj67PqORwnFoM4rZNGTe0lgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0419_1000x.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.alebremerjewelry.com/shop/personal-devotion-mini-signet-ring" target="_blank">Chakana stacking ring</a> from Casual Seance</div>
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Tu-Anhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649644830277993373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420569644847504279.post-47717851626391767172019-05-15T22:54:00.001-04:002019-05-15T22:55:00.332-04:00Italian Vacance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5dDRuyn_0nQ/XNzLygxamVI/AAAAAAAAOBk/pyUYe0Ar2d08YmR4tpzT21IzrM0Ws0j3gCLcBGAs/s1600/tumblr_p7wyh86DRD1wjieh7o1_540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5dDRuyn_0nQ/XNzLygxamVI/AAAAAAAAOBk/pyUYe0Ar2d08YmR4tpzT21IzrM0Ws0j3gCLcBGAs/s640/tumblr_p7wyh86DRD1wjieh7o1_540.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We are off to Italy in three weeks for a wedding in Lake Como. I think we've started a destination wedding trend when we held ours in the Loire Valley in France two years ago. The romance, the decadence and quiet whispers will be rampant. There has been a lot of tension surrounding the upcoming nuptials and I may have played a part. I may have not. Let's say, I am not innocent, but everything I did, I did out of the desire for peace. A quiet and boring social life is a luxury nowadays. But I digress. This post is supposed to be about clothes.</div>
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I imagine it will be warm during the day and brisk at night. Lots of stone cobbles and columns. Lots of olive oil and humid air. The only way to combat acrid humidity is to be naked. But I guess the next best things would be strappy dresses, flowy pants and breathable straw hats. The below collection of clothing would be my dream Lake Como looks. I am so obsessed with anything <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=748673270&pid=uid9249-3724057-99">Jacquemus</a> for warm weather. But at the end of the day, when the sun is shining this bright, you only need a statement pair of <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=700490481&pid=uid9249-3724057-99" target="_blank">sunglasses</a> to make any outfit.<br />
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<i>Scroll right to see the looks</i></div>
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<br />Tu-Anhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649644830277993373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420569644847504279.post-65919088442609858182019-05-06T09:30:00.000-04:002019-05-07T15:33:31.999-04:00Luxury Shopping Hacks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5TCXj4bCphM/XM3Nnch9wPI/AAAAAAAAN8o/mcQz7m7jTHoNeCe9rbS6C4HStPFDUcu4QCLcBGAs/s1600/tumblr_pomukvIayE1y1j7pro1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5TCXj4bCphM/XM3Nnch9wPI/AAAAAAAAN8o/mcQz7m7jTHoNeCe9rbS6C4HStPFDUcu4QCLcBGAs/s640/tumblr_pomukvIayE1y1j7pro1_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've been eyeing this <a href="https://www.net-a-porter.com/us/en/product/1136403" target="_blank">Maison Michele 'big kate' hat</a> for some time now as you can see it's on my current wishlist. It's listed here for $1,030. But I only paid <a href="https://www.ilduomonovara.it/hats/2822-28328-maison-michel-big-kate-hat-with-silk-scarf.html#/35-size-a_a_clothing_xxsm" target="_blank">50% of that</a>.<br />
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I hope you just got paid because this post could trigger you to press a few 'checkout' buttons. For the five of you who watch my Instagram stories, you know I shop during every waking minute. And while I like nice things, I hate paying full price. The logic is when I used to shop in stores at Neimans or Saks they would also have regular promotions that give you discounts on full price designer items. The habit sort of stuck and I figured it wouldn't be so hard to find deals at other retailers. Stores compete for buyers attentions online and when they compete we all benefit. So here are some hacks to save you some $$ so you can buy even more nice things.<br />
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1. <b>Get a <a href="https://www.whatismyip.com/what-is-a-vpn/" target="_blank">VPN</a> to take advantage of international prices</b>. I like to check for the cost of an item in the US versus it's international location. Let's say I wanted a Burberry coat. The US store lists it at $2,300. But if I change my IP to a UK location, I see that the coat is actually 15% less in the UK. In Italy it's 30% less (if I also take advantage of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Value-added_tax" target="_blank">VAT</a> refunds)! Crazy right? Luckily, I'm heading to Italy in a month so I call the flagship store in Italy and place an order. </div>
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VPN's also let you browse anonymously if you also use an incognito browser. This helps you avoid dynamic pricing that some stores use. Dynamic pricing is when stores mark up prices based on your IP locations, browsing history and any other 3rd party data they have on you. If you live in an affluent city, you may see a higher price for the same item than someone in the suburbs.</div>
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2. <b>Only buy the local designers when traveling to Asia</b>. Most Asian countries have high import taxes on all luxury items that do not originate there. But if you happen to be in Japan, there is no mark up for designers like Sacai, Comme Des Garcons, Yoji Yamamoto, etc. Zara is so much more affordable in Italy and Chanel, Bash, Sezane, IRO and Maison Kitsune is cheaper in France. Chanel may actually be cheaper in Italy due to higher VAT refunds. But the rule of thumb is that the country's designer wears are often lower in price than if you were to get it anywhere else. Oh, can't forget about Korean skin care! Load up in Asia on the high end stuff for less.</div>
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3. <b>For luxury skincare always shop duty free</b>. I always find duty free in Korea, Paris or Italy at least 30% less than in the US especially for brands like La Prairie, Sisley and Chanel. I have my VPN installed on my phone so I can compare prices when shopping duty free to make sure I'm getting the best discount.</div>
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4. <b>Comparison shop.</b> This one is a no-brainer. The novice level is to just google the item you'r buying and compare. The advance level is to use VPN to compare prices on an international scale. You're welcome.</div>
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5. <b>Stack cash backs.</b> Use apps like <a href="https://www.rakuten.com/r/TUHA92?eeid=28187" target="_blank">Ebates</a> and <a href="http://joinhoney.com/ref/lsqltr" target="_blank">Honey</a> to find deals, activate cash backs (up to 10% sometimes) in conjunction with credit cards that have high cash backs for shopping.</div>
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6. <b>Get those new member discounts. </b>When you first go to a site they also have newsletter subscriber discounts. I use a burner email address that I made just for these kind of subscriptions. I actually use more than one so I can take advantage of this even if I'm not a new member.</div>
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7. <b>Bide your time & shop at sites that have regular promotions</b>. When you see something you like for an upcoming event or season save these items in your wishlist. I always do this with shops that have promotions every other week/month. Those sites are: <a href="http://www.farfetch.com/" target="_blank">farfetch</a>, <a href="http://www.shopbop.com/" target="_blank">shopbop</a>, <a href="http://www.intermixonline.com/" target="_blank">intermix</a> (they have great 25% off on top of sales), and <a href="http://www.sephora.com/" target="_blank">sephora</a> (theirs is quarterly). Sites not worth their sales: Saks - they always have exclusions on the best designers, Net-a-porter because their sales are so infrequent but when they do have them it's a pretty good steal.</div>
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8. <b>Shop one season ahead or behind. </b>I always try to shop one season ahead or behind to monopolize on off-season sales. Never buy swim suits during peak swimsuit season because they will never be on sale and you'll end up paying retail.</div>
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9. <b>Befriend the store employees. </b>There's an Isabel Marant by my office. I would come in at once every other week and made friends with one of the employees. I usually leave empty handed, but I try on a few things and get to know the person who is helping me. He feeds me lot of champaign as well. Over the years, I'll text him items that I see online to ask if he has them in store. Once he price matched a sale price on new season heels for me! And he also saves my size in any shoes I've been eyeing so that I can snatch them up as soon as they go on sale. He's now the manager of the store.</div>
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10. <b>Ask for price match</b>. I don't usually see this, but it has happened once in a blue moon. If you see a lower price elsewhere especially online when you are in a physical store ask them to match. I do this when shopping online too, when I would rather buy from a retailer that I know has better shipping and return policies but want to pay the lower price on some other website.</div>
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11. <b>Retroactive discounts</b>. I track my items. If I buy something and it goes on sale within 14-30 days, I reach out to the retailer and ask for a discount. This is because 14-30 is still within my return window. Retailers would rather give you the discount than have to take back inventory.</div>
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12. <b>Use your network</b>. I share items that I'm considering buying on my IG stories all the time. And more than once has a girlfriend messaged me about a secret deal or a lower price for the item being sold elsewhere. The more you share, the more you get. Live in abundance. </div>
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13. <b>Shop vintage</b>. Not consignment of current trends. That's depressing. But go to vintage fairs to find unique one of a kind designer vintages that no one else has. My favorite current vintage traveling show is called <a href="https://www.itsacurrentaffair.com/" target="_blank">A Current Affair</a>. Check if they are coming to a town near you and score some vintage Manolo kitten heels.<br />
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xx</div>
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<i>PS. If you have a hack, share the wealth</i><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: "lato" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 0.15px;">Image by: Mark Leibowitz</span></div>
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Tu-Anhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649644830277993373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420569644847504279.post-57167653257010989782019-05-01T21:42:00.001-04:002019-05-02T11:59:14.185-04:00My Skincare Holy Grail - Sephora Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSU8IDQpcuU/XMpJP53qXEI/AAAAAAAAN8Y/1y6hRaPjT2kE1UgBKRnPFrBV6L7i3T7qQCLcBGAs/s1600/tumblr_odx70dTej51qhttpto2_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSU8IDQpcuU/XMpJP53qXEI/AAAAAAAAN8Y/1y6hRaPjT2kE1UgBKRnPFrBV6L7i3T7qQCLcBGAs/s640/tumblr_odx70dTej51qhttpto2_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Skincare? Oh, honey. I've tried them all. From drugstore brands to high end brands and for over a decade. After a few consecutive years of being a VIB Rouge at Sephora (which means I literally spent over $1000 a year there...hmm...) I've established a few products that have become staples that I cannot live without. <b>And right now you can enjoy 20% off with code <i>HEYROUGE</i> until May 6th</b>. Enjoy, ladies.<br />
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1176" data-original-width="1046" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JX6CY2mkXDg/XMo_sqQ7x4I/AAAAAAAAN7g/QbJGmw8rf3Mlu80w93Whwn8K7XfGyauVACLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-05-01%2Bat%2B5.51.44%2BPM.png" width="284" /></span></div>
</td><td class="full" dir="ltr" width="50%"><b><a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/anti-aging-cleansing-gel-P39274" target="_blank">Peter Thomas Roth, Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel</a></b><br />
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Been a long time user of this cleanser for over a decade. The husband also uses it too. I like that it has salicylic acid which helps control breakouts and anti-aging is always a plus. I find that it's super gentle, yet effectively takes off even my waterproof make-up but is not too harsh on my skin. I always stock up on this when the 20% sale comes around because I can never afford to run out of this stuff. It's a staple. </td></tr>
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<b style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1162" data-original-width="1142" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6EuSNJzBG0g/XMpBQdp3sMI/AAAAAAAAN7s/mJoMCn_mRT0lvnVvFdRLzoPdtBUvJGELQCLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-05-01%2Bat%2B6.00.26%2BPM.png" width="313" /></b></div>
</td><td class="full" dir="ltr" width="50%"><b><a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/mattifying-primer-with-anti-acne-treatment-P377612" target="_blank">Cover FX, Mattifying Primer With Anti-Acne Treatment</a></b><br />
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On the rare special occasions that call for a full face of make up that needs to stay in place the whole day, I always use a primer. I like ones that don't clog my pores or make me shiny. This one has breakout preventing ingredients and keeps the cake face in tact all day long. Even in sweltering heat. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zYswojzGtDQ/XMpCr5GaFeI/AAAAAAAAN74/x52-HZSUb6UsczK8xml1FlDZ5fkoLFW9ACLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-05-01%2Bat%2B6.06.38%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1162" data-original-width="928" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zYswojzGtDQ/XMpCr5GaFeI/AAAAAAAAN74/x52-HZSUb6UsczK8xml1FlDZ5fkoLFW9ACLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-05-01%2Bat%2B6.06.38%2BPM.png" width="255" /></a></div>
</td><td class="full" dir="ltr" width="50%"><b><a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/smashbox-photo-finish-primer-water-P392347" target="_blank">Smashbox, Photo Finish Primer Water</a></b><br />
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Does this count as skincare? It keeps the make-up on. I've tried them all; the Urban Decay one, the one that every raves about...etc. This one works for those with oily skin at the end of the day.</td></tr>
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="934" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0qn11gp_mGk/XMpDuYBpYrI/AAAAAAAAN8E/oUhpdBJbsWs3JG6humbU6A68nygCHUKwQCLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-05-01%2Bat%2B6.11.09%2BPM.png" width="259" /></span></div>
</td><td class="full" dir="ltr" width="50%"><a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/eye-lift-firming-treatment-P404007" target="_blank"><b>Murad, Eye Lift Firming Treatment</b></a><br />
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This. Stuff. Works. I see instant results. Got this as a sample first, then got the full size.<br />
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So I like to use it before a long day/night out and then I load up on SPF moisturizer over it. Lines smoothed out and it feels super tingly, which may not be the most pleasant if you're extremely sensitive. I find the eye patches that they come with made for giants. So I cut them up into smaller strips and it's perfect. Use at least twice a week.</td></tr>
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="1290" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rT8aMgIOSiQ/XMpEcqaaCeI/AAAAAAAAN8M/zVv2yjIjvRgaM1NuFoczbHB6kVGk7NcvgCLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-05-01%2Bat%2B6.14.09%2BPM.png" width="320" /></span></div>
</td><td class="full" dir="ltr" width="50%"><b><a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/polished-rice-enzyme-powder-P426340?skuId=1673813" target="_blank">Tatcha, The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder</a></b><br />
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You have to exfoliate at least twice a week (less if you have sensitive skin). This stuff feels like silk on the skin and it makes my skin feel like silk. It effectively removes that top layer of dead skin. Beyond expired epidermis.</td></tr>
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xx</div>
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<i>Artwork by the amazing <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mihohiranoart/" target="_blank">Miho Hirano</a>. I'm doing this thing where I'm following and supporting more talented Asian artists whose objects are Asian women. Growing up I only saw art of beautiful women who were white...and without realizing it, I idolized and internalized the figures in those pieces. But they do not connect with me on a deeper level because I do not have features like that. I do not think white features are the only standard of beauty. So as a quest to grow the love of self within myself, I want to seek out art that focuses on the beauty of Asian features. This is a full post on its own (coming soon?), but go check Miho Hirano out.</i><br />
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</i>Tu-Anhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649644830277993373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420569644847504279.post-67440177928729673182019-03-06T01:00:00.002-05:002019-05-01T22:08:10.984-04:00Travel Style Inspiration from And While We Were HereI love this sleeper of a movie, And While We Were Here. The solitary traveling. The quiet moments. And Kate Bosworth's wardrobe in the movie, which is all <a href="http://www.luckyshops.com/article/kate-bosworth" target="_blank">from her personal closet</a>. As I get older I am falling more in love with the subtle richness that is created through monochrome palettes, flanked by a hint of color or a statement piece of jewelry here or there. Here, Kate Bosworth shows us the art of subtlety as opposed to the overt. Enjoy the screen caps.<br />
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If you get a chance you should watch the movie, maybe on a lazy Sunday, to catch a bit of the wanderlust bug!<br />
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Trailer:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ytd3HnlPYmw/XHizfyieTlI/AAAAAAAANz0/ItzPnHFabgUIlDjSr2yWKshWMuwROjgIwCLcBGAs/s1600/tumblr_mn2vah7m8k1ryzh1zo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ytd3HnlPYmw/XHizfyieTlI/AAAAAAAANz0/ItzPnHFabgUIlDjSr2yWKshWMuwROjgIwCLcBGAs/s1600/tumblr_mn2vah7m8k1ryzh1zo1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
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I started this blog in my late teens. I didn't feel like an adult then, and I sometimes don't feel like one today. It's strange how far you can come in life, while obtaining all the trappings of an adult life, and still feel so small and behind at the same time. Maybe you don't feel like a fully independent adult until you parents finally pass away. We all revert back to our infantile self when we return home for the holidays and ask our mother to make our favorite dishes (often with a pout). If that's the case, I truly never want to grow up.</div>
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But time doesn't slow down. And I wish I could have the time to spend more time with my parents. It's one of those things that become more and more urgent as the day passes. My time will come soon enough, but not before theirs. I hope I will be able to make them smile a few more times before then. </div>
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If we had stayed in Vietnam, I would probably still be living with them now. The family unit becomes and extended family community housed under one large roof. Aunts, uncles and little cousins all clamoring about. Everyone with a place, and responsibility, never alone. I think about the community that my parents lost when they immigrated here. How that loss must have felt. How scared they must have been, and utterly alone they must have felt having to also care for my brother and I at the same time. We had some help from family once we arrived, but it always felt like a burden. Something about how helping family out in the states is viewed as a burden whereas in Vietnam, it's just what you do. </div>
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My brother lives less than a mile away from me but I see him only a handful of times a year. I wonder what makes us so prone to not prioritize each other. Maybe it's because our time isn't as imminent. We'll prioritize each other soon enough.</div>
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But time isn't slowing down. Not for any of us. </div>
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<a href="http://night-jour.tumblr.com/post/50880770815/night-jour-tumblr-com" target="_blank">image 1</a></div>
<br />Tu-Anhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649644830277993373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420569644847504279.post-38355676743954498612019-02-25T23:55:00.003-05:002019-05-01T22:08:35.139-04:00cultivating creativity while living a real life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4GeW9TnrP0/XHiyje2lJ2I/AAAAAAAANzo/N8tkRBdUh1gE8L7c1Ky6Jg1Qpe3EOPTFACLcBGAs/s1600/tumblr_og7m8d9htE1rhe8jbo1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1349" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4GeW9TnrP0/XHiyje2lJ2I/AAAAAAAANzo/N8tkRBdUh1gE8L7c1Ky6Jg1Qpe3EOPTFACLcBGAs/s640/tumblr_og7m8d9htE1rhe8jbo1_1280.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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Ever since I've started working full time again (four years now), it's been really hard to maintain a balance outside of work. Finding the energy to cultivate new skills and hobbies outside of a full time job can add even more stress to an already full schedule. But like all goals, you have to put in the time. I've made it an effort to prioritize myself more this year (when is this not a goal lol). Along with sleeping earlier (10am) and waking up earlier (6am), as well as picking up therapy again, I've decided to learn new ways to create content. I want to document everything. The result is still a bit rough, but that isn't the point.<br />
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The point is to keep iterating. Practice makes perfect.<br />
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I decided to try a new blogging format when words fail at capturing nuances in the mundane. Like an Instagram or Snapchat story, I like the format above a lot. Sometimes I want to play a video of someone going about their day in the background as I go about my owns chores around the house. So here is my mundane.<br />
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Ps. There's a sneak peek of what our house looks like.<br />
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<br />Tu-Anhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649644830277993373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420569644847504279.post-38173838535954245042019-01-03T22:42:00.001-05:002019-01-03T22:42:23.136-05:002019; what you will bring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J4F8sMqLy64/XC7Tk4oWOWI/AAAAAAAANEQ/MxDt1e9DxYs-cx45q0IOOyIZUVedl_1ZACLcBGAs/s1600/tumblr_p2wwzsATb71wco4ano1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J4F8sMqLy64/XC7Tk4oWOWI/AAAAAAAANEQ/MxDt1e9DxYs-cx45q0IOOyIZUVedl_1ZACLcBGAs/s640/tumblr_p2wwzsATb71wco4ano1_1280.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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<b>Adventure </b>– I live in California, FFS. There are so many things I want to try before I longer can. From foraging for sea urchin, seaweed, Dungeness crabs, to camping outdoors to learning how to ski. These are things I have never embraced before; getting dirt on my hands.</div>
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<b>Give more, expect nothing </b>– It’s time to accept that I really enjoy giving. I haven’t always given without expectations. So I cut back on gifts, but realized that wasn’t the solution nor did it make me happy. This year, I’ll enjoy giving for the sake of giving, because it truly makes me happy to do so without any expectations whatsoever. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Less </b>– Of everything. After we moved from a 600 square foot apartment into our new two story home, we realized how much stuff we had. We had filled every crevice of our old tiny apartment with so many things, in case of this or that. To have to physically move all these (often useless) things from one place to another – and to pay for it – made use reevaluate our purchasing behavior. We went through a major cleanse of our things and I hope to continue to do so this year. I want to shop less so that I cherish the things that I do have, live more sustainably and be more conscientious of what I bring into my home. </div>
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<b>Maui </b>– This is the first wedding trip of the year, and the first in a long time where I’ve made it a goal to actively plan our trips and be present. In the past I’ve just been a passive attendee, showing up because that’s what you do for friend but never really taking advantage of the destination. In the past we’ve been to Da Nang, Vietnam and I truly regret not plotting our adventures for that one more. So, this time around, we’ve planned an open-door helicopter tour, trips to hopefully see whales and turtles, lots of eating among sunsets and hikes, lots of hikes.</div>
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<b>Embracing the darkness </b>– Clarice Lispector said it best:<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Respect yourself more than others, respect your needs, respect even what is bad in you–respect especially what you imagine to be bad in you–for the love of God, don’t try to make yourself into somebody perfect–don’t copy an ideal person, copy yourself–that is the one way to live. Take for yourself what belongs to you, and what belongs to you is all that your life demands. It seems like an amoral moral. But what is truly amoral is having given up on yourself. Have the courage to transform yourself, my darling.”</blockquote>
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It is so easy to compare yourself to that perfectly filtered, Facetuned Instragram model/lifestyle guru. Do not do it. Obsess over yourself. Watch your own stories over and over again. Take countless selfies of your face with and without make up. Obsess over your own life because it is more real than anything you see on Instagram. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Italy, Bali, and other parts unknown </b>– This is the year of destination weddings. Our friends have been selecting far flung places to tie the knot and we couldn’t we luckier to be able to attend. Excited to plan these trips as well, but if you guys have any tips based on your travels please let us know.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Handstands</b>– Last year I finally accomplished splits. I had to go to yoga at least five times a week. Some days my body would not let me be still (usually after work), other days I fell into poses effortlessly (weekends, figures). After a few months, I finally accomplished a real push up. I had to work my way into it, building up the muscles in my shoulder, triceps, arms, abs and back. I want to continue to do so and maybe by the end of the year I will be able to point both foot in the air.</div>
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<b>A dog</b>– I’m almost afraid to type this one out because I’m afraid I might chicken out. A dog is a huge commitment. Lucky for us, we’ve been cutting back drastically on going out so it won’t change our lifestyle as much. What may be difficult is all the traveling that we are doing this year, but I have a feeling we will figure this out or find a friendly sitter close by.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Taking a pottery class</b>– I’ve been putting this one off for so long. But 2018 had so many other priorities that this one just couldn’t be squeezed in. But the goals have been set and written down with plenty of room for this easy commitment. I feel like it will be a great way to escape and focus. I’m most excited about working with my hands to create something physical again because I spend most of my time working in digital marketing, everything is intangible. To be able to hold something that I’ve made (that will hopefully be functional) will be a nice feeling.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Learning photography</b>– The lover recently got me a camera that I’ve been eyeing for a few years. I have an Olympus from 2011 that has been getting less and less use as the years go by. It’s a limiting camera that is a bit bulky and I was looking for something with a wifi connection to easily transfer pictures. I’m embracing my addiction to instant gratification. Learning how to use this baby will force me to capture more memories on something other than my phone or IG stories…and then immediately share it on my IG stories better. My 10 followers on Instagram have the most to gain =) <o:p></o:p></div>
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Xx<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ps, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=km57BnvCTCA" target="_blank">this is a great video of women</a> ages 5 to 75 sharing what they are looking forward to the most in 2019. I love that adventures do not cease the older you get. <o:p></o:p></div>
Tu-Anhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649644830277993373noreply@blogger.com0