DSK Steph

Quarantine Queen

2020-04-03T16:34:00.001-07:00

Hi Blog Friends!

Where or where did the time go? It actually went towards Instagram if we're talking about social media hours. lol lol. I wanted to write here and just document what's going on in my life. Tomorrow is my 33rd birthday, and I figured it's a good time to jot down my thoughts for fun.

I hope everyone is out there living your best lives, I just know you are. It's been well over 10 years ago that I started writing here on Blogspot, but let's not focus on the past. I'm all about what's ahead nowadays. The internet seems to move so fast with Instagram but I'm still young enough to keep up! It definitely can suck you in and waste time, but if you enjoy wasting that time, then it's not time wasted. I've recently discovered Tik Tok too. Wow. Mind blown, totally new world.

I've been into reading quotes. Every night around 10pm, after I get ready for bed, I slap on a Korean sheet mask and browse the Internet on my Safari browser for quotes! I think of a topic such as happiness and type "fun quotes' and view the Images on Google. Happiness quotes are most definitely overrated. lol The good ones are in niche topics such as organization. I can't believe this is what I'm think about now in my 30's. My ultimate goal is to be organized, live a decluttered life. My skincare game has been strong too. Nothing fancy, but I make sure to wash off all my makeup and moisturize before bedtime! Taking out my contact lenses is also a must! I used to fall asleep in my contacts all the time which is bad for my eyes!

I feel my self proclaimed QUOTES TIMES has been good for my mind and soul to relax and read quotes that are uplifting. I enjoy the funny ones too! My favorite topic has got to be decluttering.

Tell me these quotes don't "Spark Joy!" I've heard of Marie Kondo and read 3/4th of her book several years ago when a girl friend introduced me to her way of living. She had kids and was constantly getting rid of things, I at first, thought she was going mad. Because I love stuff! As soon as I was making my own money, I looked forward to all the new things I could buy.

But let's go back to how I acquired Marie Kondo's book on tidying up. I found the book through a friend of friend on Facebook and she passed the book to me, she shipped it at her expense (random fact: media mail gets you a discount at the post office when you mail movies, music, or books!). I have a hard time just accepting something so I wanted to send her a 'thank you', and I sent her a pair of my DSK Jewelry earrings. Now that I think about it, I'm not sure if she would have even wanted them. LOL I sure hope they sparked a little bit of joy for her.

I was actually somewhat ahead of the Kon Mari craze but never took it too seriously. Once the show came out in January 2019, that struck a cord with me. I was reminded of what I was taught in her book, and now I could visually see what she meant! I'm a big visual learner. I get distracted super easily when I read. I have to reread pages constantly if my brain decides to think of something else.

I have 1/4th of that book left to finish and I think I might just reread the book and pass it on to someone else to share the knowledge. I'm not much of a book collector even thought Belle's library in Beauty and the Beast is epic and dreamy.

How does that saying go? The older you get the wiser you get? I think this is FACTS. lol STRONG FACTS. I think you experience the joy of everything you ever wanted as a child when you become a young adult with money you earn from working. You try to fulfill all those desires of your childhood, but once you buy too much, there's really no more high. You are able to buy them so quickly, they no longer spark as much joy or feel as special. Then it all eventually becomes clutter if you don't use them.

I've really started to focus on the things I do have and own. I tell myself I don't need another handbag because I barely use the ones I already do have. I think my priorities have shifted. Been there done that. I don't need material things or luxury goods to feel fulfilled. I don't feel its as important to me to impress others the way I used to feel for some odd reason. I guess it's all part of growing up.

I want to learn everything good organization gurus have to say. I want to read books written by them I want to absorb and process the words they speak! And apply it in ways to benefit my life and those around me.

My husband and I don't argue often, but when we do it's about stuff. We both have so much stuff because we both love to shop and buy things with hope that it will improve our lives. I've learned my lesson, and I no longer want to buy things. I want to donate and sell the things we don't need in our home. I want us to live in a space that brings us happiness. Clutter has proven to be the opposite of happiness for us, and I'm so happy I have identified it! I've spent years defending the things I have stored in our house, our garage, our storage unit! There's no need for us to spend $172/month on a storage unit. It's just silly. My goal for quarantine Spring is to have our garaged cleared out to fit 1 car, and to have our storage unit cleared out completely and returned!

All that clutter used to be money, for sure. There's no point dwelling on it or feeling bad, do something about it. Facebook Marketplace has become my best friend. I love selling things for cash. It adds up! It's amazing how I can list things for $5-20 dollars and get back $100 in a day of the stuff I just have around my house. It does require time and effort, but I enjoy and get a high from reselling my things that still have a lot of life!

I seek simplicity now. I want space for my mind to be refreshed everyday I wake up.

I read another great quote just last night. "He who buys what he doesn't need steals from himself." Where was this when I needed to hear it the most? It's such a deep saying. I feel it, I relate, it makes so much sense!

Don't steal from yourself. It's simple, right? Haha, I hope you are all doing well.

Find me on Instagram at DSKJewelry and say, "Hi!"

I post stories daily because it sure does spark joy! :)

Signing off! -Steph

July 2019 Life Update

2019-07-09T19:15:00.002-07:00

Boy, oh boy, I am so rusty with using Blogger! I hope you all have been well and that we have stayed in touch over on Instagram. The last time I posted on here back in March, it's now July of 2019. I am have been in declutter my life/house mode! I'm proud of myself for letting go of items in our home. I don't even know why I bought them in the first place! I do feel great donating items. It feels good to know that these things may be useful to others.

To update you, I've been into plants and flowers. I have 3 fiddle leaf figs inside the house. And I have quite a few flower planter pots that I've put together. Can I say I curated them? Does that sound more fancy? I think so. lol

I'm still running our frozen yogurt shop business, and working as a real estate agent in the greater Seattle area. I actually much prefer the suburbs versus the city of Seattle itself. Traffic has gotten out of control. I'm a suburb person through and through. It must be the Midwest in me.

I'm actually due to renew my license pretty soon here. Can you believe I've been in real estate for 6 years? I can't! I need to get finger printed again for my background check. I also need to complete 30 hours of continue education. I need to get on it!

My new real estate headshot. Stephanie Nguyen, 32 year old lady. Haha

I haven't focused on jewelry making in a while. I still accept and work on filling orders, but I haven't taken the time to create. I want to, the desire is there in the back of my mind. But right now, I need to focus on the frozen yogurt business. I enjoy the business, but management is tough! I'm not a natural born leader so it causes me a little bit of stress. I still can't believe we have an actual shop. It's about a 40 minutes drive each way from where we live, but I wouldn't trade the location. It's a really wonderful community. I've been in the frozen yogurt, bubble tea, smoothie business now for 4 Summers! I intend to sell the business by next year. Do you live in the greater Seattle area and want to own a frozen yogurt shop? Message me, if you do! lol

I need to get ready to go to the yogurt shop now. It was great to catch up with you! Follow me on Instagram at DSKJewelry. Ttyl!

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

2016-12-20T01:44:00.002-08:00

I found this drafted posted from 6/12/13 on my Blogger dashboard. I still haven't really used this palette! I would say that you should pass on the Naked Basics unless you really like matte earth toned eyeshadows. haha! I can't believe it's 12/20/16 already.

There have been so many beauty related things that I could catch you up on!

I got my eyebrows microbladed almost a full year ago. I got them done in Portland, OR on 12/27/2015. I didn't go back for a free retouching because it hurt. I really felt my numbing cream never fully kicked in and that it started to wear off before the girl was finished. Yikes. I sometimes get a memory of that pain when I apply some light eyebrow makeup with an eyeshadow pen. I would be glad to share my experience here if anyone still reads!

I did share the whole process last year on Snapchat, boy did my eyebrows look CRAZY right after they were done. I really thought they were going to look like horrible thick dark caterpillars. And anyone who tells you it fades after a year is wrong. It's basically a tattoo that probably won't ever completely fade away. Am I happy with my brows? Not 100% but I do love that I don't have to draw and shape them in everyday. It's great to go makeup free without looking totally gross. lol

I gave a palette to my sister in law and she does use it. I know because I see it on her vanity when I visit her place! Maybe I'll dig it up tomorrow and try using it. :)

Looking at the photos the first shade does look like a shimmer! It isn't just a matte eyeshadow palette after all!

Talk to you again soon! -Steph :)

Dear Bri

2016-12-08T00:04:00.002-08:00

Hi blog family! It's Winter!! I can't believe it's already the 7th of December soon to turn the 8th as I type. I haven't logged into Blogger since October.

I wanted to shout out to Bri, thank you so much for your comment on my last post! For some, reason I only got the notification in my e-mail and it made me so happy to hear from you!! I can't seem to find your comment on the post. Has it really been that long since I used Blogger dashboard? Lol. I want to let you know my collection of Tory Burch has since grown since we last e-mailed! Nordstrom Rack is still just my go-to place to find them. You won't believe the deals I find there. I recently found this beautiful pair of black ballet flats with smaller black medallion. They were so perfect that I didn't even buy them on clearance. I bought them with the Nordstrom Rack sales tag, haha. It is driving me nuts that I cannot find them online. I'm going to have to come back and edit this post with photos of my actual flats and bag! They are just so comfortable, and just the perfect classic flat. As I'm searching for TB flats, I came across a lot of your photos and found your Wordpress. :) I hope you don't mind that I've shared a link to you here!

I also found a matching TB clutch/small bag that happens to match too. The bag is called the Robinson Chain Mini Bag. I had come across the flats about a couple weeks before I found the bag at a different NR. It rang up less than the tag, and I paid $118 for it; I was ecstatic! I've never owned such a mini sized bag but it was fitting to use as a clutch for a wedding I went to in California back in November.

The TB bag I found had a black ring around the logo instead of gold as see in the photo above. :)

The most valuable aspect of blogging for me nowadays are the friendships I've made over the years both online and IRL! I've become such great real life friends with my blog friends! I feel so complete in my day to day life all thanks to blog and the blogosphere. I feel sad, but also happy when I don't find time to log online. After 7 years of living in Washington state, I finally feel like it's home. I have Washington friends! I am in a wonderful place with my husband's family too. We are all taking a family trip to Vietnam soon! I'm nervous, excited, and can't wait to come back a new me. I'll catch up with you again soon! -Steph

Time really does change everything. I also went to the Chirporactor for the first time in my life on 12/6, and that sure changed everything for me! I can't believe I've missed on on getting my neck and back cracked. I feel physically feel like a new person. Dr. told me my left hip is higher than my right, and that my right shoulder is higher than my left. Glad to know it wasn't just my suspicious about myself. lol

Currently obsessed with searching for the best diffuser because I want bougie essential oils in my air. :)

It's Fall, and I'm Alive!

2016-10-11T15:02:00.003-07:00

Hello!!

I'm alive!!! Man has so much changed since I last blogged. I own a frozen yogurt, bubble tea shop now!! I can hardly believe it either. I have a dream job. It is so fun to have a self serve frozen yogurt bar with 100 toppings! I have SO much fun picking out and ordering candies and delicious chocolate toppings. We also serve soft serve ice cream, and Dole soft serve. Yes, just like at Disneyland!!

It's too exciting, they even have Dole Orange, Raspberry, Lemon to name some other awesome non-dairy flavors.

I will have to tell you more about the shop later. :)

With the weather transition, I am struggling to fight off my eczema. Fortunately, as I've gotten older I don't get eczema dry gross skin patches on my face anymore, knock on wood. I am now 29 and 6 months and 7 days old. I can't believe 30 is coming!! Ahhhhh.

I am starting to take skincare a lot more serious now. I'm all about lotions, potions, and oils. Whole Foods has been my go to for over priced Rosehip oil. Hahaha, I'm not patient enough to order anything online, unlike my husband who loves to order everything x 2 from Amazon. He's probably their #1 fan, everyday.

The awesome ladies over at Style House PR sent me over a lab sample of a Prescriptive's precious face night cream called Super Line Preventor Overnight Radiance Cream. I am in LOVE with this product. It's not too thick and it makes my skin feel so good at bedtime. I look forward to brushing my teeth and washing my face so I can get put on this face cream. I wish they had given me a full size! I am about finished with my premium sample jar. Did you know Prescriptives.com is where you can get all of your Prescriptive needs? They don't sell them in stores much anymore from what I've noticed. I think Shu Emura did the same thing and went online only in the US. Thank goodness I stocked up on their eyelash curlers. ;)

Some awesome information for you about this night cream that I love:

The Super Line Preventor Overnight Radiance Cream launched last month, September 2016. The price is $65 for 1.7oz/50ml at Prescriptives.com.

The Super Line Overnight Radiance Cream is the latest addition to Prescriptives' beloved Super Line Preventor product family. This age-defying night cream goes to work while you sleep and provides a definitive laundry list of anti-aging benefits. Wake up to skin that looks refresh, radiant, refined and plumped with moisture. Over time, Super Line Preventor Overnight Radiance Cream helps reduce the look of aging - smoothing the look of fine lines and pores, helping even skin tone, plumping skin with moisture and restoring a youthful glow.

Super Line Preventor Over Night Radiance Cream formula features the Triple Glow Technology (wn). This complex of salicylic acid, glucosamine and chestnut extract helps to promote cell turnover, gently exfoliating to reveal smoother, more luminous-looking skin. At the same time, super moisturizers like Hyaluronic Acid and Linoleum Acid help to infuse and plump skin with moisture while Sigesbeckia Orientalis helps to support skin's natural collagen production for smoother looking skin over time. Super Line Preventer Overnight Radiance Cream also contains well known anti-oxidants Vitamin E and Rosemary Extract.

Usage: Apply nightly to face and throat, avoiding eye area.

Clinical Claims: Immediate measurable improvement in moisturization, radiance, pore size. After 4 weeks and 8 weeks, additional measurable improvement in firmness, smoothness, lines and wrinkles, skin tone, age spots, radiance, barrier strength, texture.

-Ophthalmologist Tested - Non-Acnegenic - Oil Free -

I highly recommend this night cream if you're looking for a new night cream!

My Holiday Gift Guide...or maybe it's just the things I really want!

2015-12-07T17:17:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone, I hope you are having a very pleasant December 7th day. It is extremely rainy here in the greater Seattle area. I left my house this morning to find my light up deer & Santa decorations knocked over and sitting in the pouring rain. -_- Really, wind...really?

I'm planning on throwing my husband a very fun 33rd birthday party later this month. I made the best banana pudding trifle I've ever had this past weekend, and I can't wait to make it again for our family and friends! I'm also looking forward to making jello shots (can you believe I've never made them before?).

Now onto my Holiday Gift Guide slash all that my heart desires!

You need this kettle so you can be extra posh while drinking posh tea. :)

Russel Hobbs Kettle, $85

It glows, enough said.

Panasonic Facial Steamer, $150

Who doesn't want the spa treatment at home?

Philips Sonicare Toothbrush, $100
Everyone loves white teeth.

Bleu de Chanel, $70-$220.Best smelling men's cologne, hands down.

Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil, $65

Luxury eyebrow pencils, anyone?

NutriBullet, $138

Because all bloggers make smoothies with it. Haha #easilyinfluenced

MacKenzie Childs Three Tier Sweet Stand, $198

We like fabulous kitchen's.

Louboutin Lipstick, $90

Any makeup enthusiast would appreciate this artfully packaged lipstick.

MAC Honey Love Lipstick, $17

The perfect everyday lipstick.

MAC Spice Lipliner, $16.50

The perfect lipliner to create the perfect Autumn lip.

Givenchy Antigona Mini-Duffel, $1,750

Possibly the cutest cross body bag. Great color too!

When in doubt, comfortable pajamas always make excellent holiday gifts. ^_^

Mini Skincare Review: Prescriptives Super Line Preventor Xtreme

2015-11-12T10:51:00.003-08:00

Hello again! I received a [deluxe] sample of Prescriptives Super Line Preventor Xtreme and I am smitten with this luxury skincare product! I've always heard great things about Prescriptives, but I haven't tried one of their products until now. I'm almost finished with my sample which has lasted me for a couple of good months. I usually would use in the morning after showering and even sometimes right before bed. It has been in my toiletry bag on my trips to San Jose, Las Vegas, and Grand Rapids! It really has lasted me a long time. I can only imagine how long the full size would last. If I didn't already have other skincare products to finish up, I would consider splurging on a full size. :)

This skincare item is more on the higher end, retailing at $84.00 for 1.7 oz at Prescriptives.com

A little history on Prescriptives:

Launched in 1985 and celebrating 30 years of lighting passion among beauty consumers, "SLP" is a super cocktail of targeted antioxidants that diminish the look of lines and wrinkled by up to 54% in clinical trials. Armed with our Super Antioxidant System (SAS), it's a true "Super" serum that defends against the visible aging effects of free radicals, both immediately and up to 72 hours later.

SLP holds one hundred times its weight in water. It binds moisture to the skin, ensuring a smooth and long-lasting makeup application.

SLP helps strengthen skin and boost its natural defenses, by helping skin bolster its collagen production to improve visible skin tone and radiance. Skin looks stronger, smoother, and one step ahead of environmental assaults.

The Sock Panda

2015-11-10T23:12:00.002-08:00

Hello blog friends!

I know I've fallen off the blogosphere, but I have some pretty good excuses...

Soooo, I got married. And I did a little bit of traveling over the past couple months with my husband, family, and friends! I like to think I am having a great year, hehe.

I thought I would share two awesome pairs of socks from the Sock Panda! I figure Halloween just passed so why not bust out my cat bat socks.

You can find my Sock Panda post from 2013 here, if you'd like!

They're still slayin' it with the cool packaging. I just learned that term from following beauty/fashion Instagrammers. Do you like how I incorporated my new vocab term? ka ka ka

Seriously tho, Sock Panda Team, when the time come where my jewelry business is cool enough to have custom packaging, will you guys pretty please help me design it? I just love how quirky & creative your prints are!

I LOVE IT! I want some more of it! Haha

The lighting bolts are my favorite.

Thanks so much Patrick! You are AWESOME. I appreciate the time you took to write, inspire & draw for me. :)

The socks come individually packaged which makes it great for gifting! I don't know about you, but my default stocking stuffer has always been socks. I always ask for socks, and I always gift socks. I just feel you can never go wrong with them!

Husbands gets the hexagon print socks; they're size large, while mine are size medium.

Designed in Venice, California, a destination I completely am looking forward to visiting! I heard they're home of the Pho Burrito?! Must try that genius invention someday.

These comfy, colorful socks are made in Peru! Another awesome destination I would love to visit.

Follow @thesockpanda on Twitter like me to see what they're up to over there.

Thank you again Patrick & The Sock Panda crew for our awesome socks!

We love 'em!

For all your sock subscription needs: http://sockpanda.com
What makes Sock Panda even cooler than they already are?
They donate one pair of socks of every single sock ordered. #PandaDonatesSocks
p.s. I just got a new Panda debit card that I picked out at the bank. If I have to switch over to these chip cards..I want some cool looking cards to carry around! ;)

Panda out! Talk to you later!

Threadsmiths

2015-08-18T16:36:00.004-07:00

Threadsmiths, an Australian company reached out to me to share their super cool Hydrophobic T-Shirt on my blog. I thought it was pretty newsworthy and wanted to share it with you guys. I also totally want to visit Australia one day. I think of gorgeous beaches, friendly people, and endless amounts of happiness and sunshine that make up their beautiful country. But travel goals are for another blog post, let me tell you about this super cool new technology they've come up with!

About Threadsmiths

Threadsmiths is a clothing technology company pioneering a new era of everyday performance apparel. We believe that we can create better apparel solutions by leveraging technology, fashion and design.

Headline! Australian startup creates world's first 100% cotton hydrophobic T-Shirt.

They said: Go ahead. Try pouring some water on it!

And so I did!

It's resistant to water based liquids like soy sauce, coffee, even maple syrup and red wine. My initial reaction is WOW, this is magic! It's so cool to be able to control the water droplets and just pour off the water beads from the shirt. You can use a bottle of water to rinse away any residue liquid. Tell me it's not the perfect Summer weekend going out to eat at the Farmer's Market weekend shirt! AND best water balloon fight shirt ever. ^_^

These shirts are totally the future and probably will be one of my most favorite travel shirts. Don't you hate it when you're out and you get a stain on your shirt and you can't easily just go home and change? I feel like this shirt will help make life a little bit easier when you're on the go. My husband is notorious for spilling drinks and food on his shirts. -__- It happens all.the.time. I wish I would have asked for the Men's shirt because I know he'll get a lot more wear out if his since I'd probably make that his designated eating out shirt/weekend. I'm just kidding. but I think this technology is awesome. They even make them for kids and babies! #puregenius.

I received The Cavelier Women's T-Shirt in Black, Retails for $55. #threadsmithswomen. You can't go wrong with a solid black tee. I wear a lot more black than white, but now that I think about it I should have picked the White one. This shirt is made to last and be stain resistant so I really should have gotten a white one. I like the simple logo on one of the sleeves and on the upper back. It's a very high quality shirt that I know will be a staple in my daily life closet. :D Let's be real, we all have our closet, and our real closets (I call them my default clothes. ;)) This shirt is keeping it real in my life. Thank you Threadsmiths for the awesome threads! I'm proud to be part of team awesomeness and spreading the world about their revolutionary technology. I totally need one in white now. Not want, NEED!

The Cavelier: A 100% cotton T-Shirt crafted with patented hydrophobic nanotechnology application that repels water and dirt.

Melbourne, Australia., 1st of December 2014 - An Australian startup has solved the age-old problem of stained white t-shirts by creating the world's first 100% cotton hydrophobic T-Shirt.

Dubbed "The Cavalier" - the 100% cotton T-Shirt incorporates a lotus leaf inspired nanotechnology that completely repels dirk and liquds, leaving the surface of the fabric crisp, dry, and without stains for up to around 50 washes.

The fibers of the shirt are created with new "water-fearing" nanontechnology.

White other white t-shirts are stained by liquids such as coffee and wine, this hydrophobic fabric causes liquids to bead-up while simultaneously self-cleaning the surface.

The patented fabric nanontech is free of carcinogens and is completely safe for regular wear.

Threadsmiths plans to expand the product range using the technology exhibited in The Cavalier to other articles of clothing and industries such as medical, hospitality and sports.

Check out their shirts: http://www.thethreadsmiths.com/

Best Boba in Seattle! Cafe Chi Boba Tea (Issaquah, Washington)

2015-06-09T18:32:00.002-07:00

This past Sunday, we were checking out open houses with my fiancé's little sister in the Newcastle/Bellevue area of Washington. Afterwards, we decided we would check out the Issaquah Farmer's Market afterwards to find out it closed at 2pm. His sister looked up boba places in Issaquah and we found ourselves at Cafe Chi. 1. Who knew there was a boba place in Issaquah! 2. It is the best boba I've tried yet in all of Seattle, well all of Washington really!

I highly recommend their Original (Black) Milk Tea or just Black Tea with boba or lychee jelly. Their boba is slightly sweetened. I've heard that some boba shops prepare their boba with honey or brown sugar to add that hint of irresistible sweetness to the chewy boba goodness.

Nail polish is OPI, "The Berry Thought of You" from 2015 OPI Brights Collection

I can tell that they brew their own black tea, and the sugar syrup looks house made. They also use FRESH milk which completely sold me. I tried ShareTea near the University of Washington, but I didn't like the milk tea because of the milk powder. Similar to fresh Thai tea, I like it when they use real milk or half and half. I don't want to waste my drink calories of powdered creamers! Nope.

But back to Cafe Chi, the tea was so good, I ended up back on Tuesday! It was a gorgeous day for a sunny drive. Note, I don't live very close to Issaquah...it's about a 25 minute drive from me and about 30 minutes from the city of Seattle in general. They were out of lychee jelly yesterday so I got it with the rainbow jelly (fruity flavor).

You can even have lunch or dinner at Cafe Chi; they have Taiwanese foods which I have yet to try. They posted food photos on the wall, which brought back good memories from college. I loved that the shop is next door to Spa Chi and there's an outdoor seating area with koi pond! I only Snapchatted the koi pond and now wish I took some photos! I'm just discovering Snapchat (DSKSteph) and it's pretty fun once you get the hang of it. ^_~

I hope you continue to have a wonderful day! -Steph

Golden Garden Beach, Seattle

2015-06-08T15:50:00.004-07:00

Yesterday, we went to the beach for the first time this year. I had never been to Golden Garden Beach in Seattle before and it was the absolute perfect place to spend the 86 degree day.

It's absolutely beautiful there and completely different from Alki Beach in West Seattle.

I had a blast exploring the edge of the water looking for shells and crab! It was really nice to enjoy the breeze from the Puget Sound and get a little sun. I loved spending the day at the beach.

Afterwards, we went to Ray's Boathouse for an unplanned fine meal in our casual beach wear.

The appetizers were the best part of our meal. I still can't believe we paid $19 for 6 oysters on the half shell. >.<

We sat on the patio and the views made the dinner worth the experience.

Thanks Seattle for the sunshine!

My Best Nordstrom Rack Find Ever!

2015-05-31T11:00:00.000-07:00

I never thought I would own a pair of Charlotte Olympia Kitty Flats. I knew of the brand and of the cute cat shoes, but I knew the price point was just way too much for me to spend on a pair of flats. I never imagined I find them for a fraction of their original price at Nordstrom Rack!

As many of you know, I'm a huge fan of browsing and shopping at Nordstrom Rack. I found this particular pair at their Southcenter, Tukwila, Washington store. I had an adrenaline rush when I found them and quickly snapped a photo to send to my friend. They're a smooth velvet with leather lining soles and insoles. They're honestly one of the MOST comfortable pairs of shoes I've ever owned so far in my life. The leather stretches and molds to feet and the heel being leather lined is SO comfortable.

I find that if I don't wear them, the leather will shrink almost back to it's original form..if that even makes sense! Haha, I know because I have wide feet so all my shoes take a little bit of breaking in. I feel it's a great sign of quality when the leather act that way. The form of the shoe withstands the test of time thanks to the quality of the leather! They do feel like $500 shoes and I can genuinely say they're worth every dollar based on my experience with them (SO COMFORTABLE!). I would love to be able to own another pair in the future, but for now, I'm enjoying my classic black Kitty flats!

They are seriously one of the cutest pairs of shoes I'm lucky enough to be able to own! I have gotten so many compliments with strangers stopping me to tell me they like my shoes! =^-^=

Now only are these shoes a cat lover's dream, they're a huge self-esteem, feel good booster to the tenth power!

Thank you Nordstrom Rack for carrying an amazing selection of shoes. The tag says these were worn and refinished, but they were definitely new!

Wood Watch by JORD

2015-05-30T11:00:00.000-07:00

Wood Watches by JORD reached out to me to share one of their hand-crafted wood watches. I picked out the 94A Series watch in Chocolate.

The watch arrives well packaged in a well-designed sturdy wooden box.

The presentation makes this watch makes it a perfect gift.

It features a double locking fold over clasp.

It has a very fun loving, outdoorsy masculine look.

The darker wood is a nice choice on this timepiece.

The watch has a Citizen Miyota Quartz Movement.

I have gifted my friend a JORD watch last year and he wears his watch all the time. It's definitely a fun, casual statement piece that gets him all kinds of comments and compliments.

If you're looking for a unique gift idea, check out Wood Watches by JORD.

"I Sea You Wear OPI"

2015-05-29T11:15:00.002-07:00

Hi everyone! I can't believe it's been 4 weeks since my last blog post. Where has the time gone?!

I picked up my DSLR camera last week and thought I would use my macro lens to capture my freshly painted nails over the Memorial Weekend. ^_^ I'm wearing OPI's new shade called, "I Sea You Wear OPI." It's part of the new OPI Brights Collection for Summer! I'm still wearing it as I type this out this long overdue blog post. The staying power is great with the use of my favorite base coat.

It's a BEAUTIFUL blue metallic polish with shimmer that will bring a smile to your face. :-)

I love everything about this bottle of polish. OPI always nails it! ;) The formula was great which made it so easy to apply!

OPI's Description: Look who's loving waves of shimmering metallic blue.

I hope you have a wonderful Friday and an even more amazing weekend!

Talk to you soon! -Steph

p.s. I made a Youtube video slide show of this polish. :)

OPI, "Put it in Neutral"

2015-04-28T11:45:00.003-07:00

OPI, "Put it in Neutral"

OPI Soft Shades Collection

OPI, "Angel with a Leadfoot"

2015-04-03T11:49:00.003-07:00

"Angel with a Leadfoot"

OPI Mustang Collection

I squared out my nails, and I couldn't be happier. Almond nails can definitely get in the way when they get too long!

Tomorrow, April 4th is my birthday! It's my last day being 27 years young. lol

My friend Marisa is going to take me out tonight for a bday dinner at Bahama Breeze, one of my favorite restaurants. ^_^ I can't wait!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Friday, and a fun-filled weekend!!

Nicole by OPI, "I Shop Mintage"

2015-03-30T11:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Mani Monday!

Nicole by OPI, "I Shop Mintage"

If you're looking for a more muted mint green polish, this is it!

It's a subtle creme pale green with no shimmer.

Purple Ombre Hair Color!

2015-03-26T10:52:00.002-07:00

I dyed my hair purple!! 2 weeks before I turn the big 28 too. :D I should have done this a long time ago, but better late than never right?

I'm the type of girl that gets my hair done about twice a year. My hair doesn't grow very much or fast. I tried to get in with a recommended hair stylist but she was booked a month out. We just had engagement photos taken this past Saturday so I knew I had to do something about my hair before picture day.

My good friend suggest I check out this Vietnamese hair salon in Kent, Washington, which I did. I had no idea this little Vietnamese/Chinese area existed in Kent! There's bubble tea, Asian grocery store, pho restaurant, and the hair salon. I didn't get a change to check out the market, but I will definitely be back!

The haircut and hair color cost $120. I think that is a very fair price compared to the $275+ you pay at other salons for a cut and highlight/balayage color.

I went in with day old hair, I knew that if I was going to be coloring that I should come in with one day old hair because I read that it's more effective at holding color when you do so.

The whole experience was pretty fun. The hair stylist had her 4 year old daughter and a 4 month old Pomeranian puppy with her at the salon. She cut my hair real quick, and started bleaching my hair. I think she left the bleach on for about an hour. Then she washed it out. Then she started to mix my purple dye and applied it.

Minnie is as cute as my Charlotte Olympia flats! >^_^<

Funny enough, she ran out of purple dye! She had to make a trip to go get more dye. Because she ran out, it left a few strands of hair blonde! Eventually, I'll have it fixed with some DIY dye. lol She left me in charge of the salon for the 5-10 minutes she went to go pick up some more purple hair dye. I will never forget that hair salon experience.

She told me that a lot of hair colorist usually dilute their hair dye with a lot of conditioner. She says when they do that your color doesn't stay on very long and you have to come back for color touch ups. She says the key is to have strong dye and leave it on your hair for as long as possible. She says the hair dye itself is a conditioner. After we were done color, she wrapped my head in saran wrap and told me to wash it out with COLD water and then soak my hair in a tub of cold water with 4-5 tablespoons of vinegar.

She says it's best to wash hair with cold water to maintain the color. She also says avoid ever using Head n' Shoulder shampoo because it tends to strip out hair dye, same as hot water would do.

Luckily for me, my good friend has a salon and washed my hair out for me in the "hair wash sink" with cold water to help me avoid a very cold shower! lol

My purple hair dye is one week old today! I've been pretty bad and have washed it with warm water. So far, not bad though! The color does bleed out when I shampoo with my favorite Kevin Murphy Plumping line shampoo, but it doesn't bother me. I feel the color is still vibrant as ever! I didn't expect my hair to be SO purple. But I've also never been stopped by so many strangers who had nothing but compliments on my hair color. *hair flip* ^^

Overall, I went and had my hair dyed purple for our engagement photo shoot. :D

Purple as the Swarovski Crystal in my DSK Jewelry Necklace. :D

OPI: My Silk Tie (Fifty Shades of Grey Collection)

2015-03-17T12:59:00.001-07:00

OPI "My Silk Tie"

Fifty Shades of Grey Collection

My Silk Tie
OPI x Fifty Shades of Grey
This silky, gleaming silver has got me all tied up.

OPI: Dark Side of the Mood (Fifty Shades of Grey Collection)

2015-03-11T22:14:00.002-07:00

OPI x Fifty Shades of Grey

Dark Side of the Mood
This brooding, stormy charcoal is dangerously gorgeous.

I saw the movie two weeks ago and thought it was okay. The book was better, but I did love seeing all the shots of Seattle because it was so true to reality! The audience we were in was also great, everyone was so funny and immature about the movie. The music in the movie is praise worthy. I absolutely love Ellie Goulding's song "Love Me Like You Do."

The OPI x Fifty Shades of Grey Collection is one of the best ones yet this year. The quality of OPI is outstanding and I couldn't be happier with all their polishes!

Random Life Update: Parisian Style

2015-02-26T11:43:00.004-08:00

I'm currently sitting in my office procrastinating to start working on numbers to prepare my taxes. Instead, I'm reading blogs and thinking about Parisian style & fashion. The street style (from what I see on blogs) looks so effortless yet very accessorized at the same time.

I think I need to get myself a black and white horizontal striped shirt, and a red handbag or something! I think once I secure those two items I will be a happy camper this coming Spring! I've never thought about owning a red handbag until recently, and the thought it is very exciting!

I haven't been blogging very much because a lot of my time has been consumed by real estate. If I'm not out physically driving to properties, I'm constantly thinking about my current property listings and transactions. I am very grateful to have a great new and flexible career, but it can be very mentally draining and stressful. I feel like I grew up a lot professionally in 2014. It really changed my life and I'm constantly thinking if real estate is going to the career path I choose to follow for the rest of my life. Can't we all win the lottery and go travel? Now that would be ideal. ;)

I still am running DSK Jewelry, and I just have enough time to fill my jewelry orders. I haven't had much time to create new pieces and photograph them to post. I have a lot of ideas always running in my mind, but I haven't had the chance to make them come to life. I feel like my skills in free style photography is dwindling away. Everything I used to do for my small business seems so foreign and hard now. I sit there and I wonder how I did in the past! It really is hard to care for a business.

In other news, our wedding is happening in about 6 months and everything still needs to be planned. Yikes! We do have our venue secured and it will be at the Hilton in Vancouver, WA (15 minutes from Portland, OR). They just started offering what they call an "Ethnic Wedding Package," which allows outside catering. Our Vietnamese families would like a Chinese course style banquet dinner. It's been such a challenge to find a Chinese Restaurant that will cater to the Hilton (especially since they don't allow the restaurant to use their kitchen at all...only a staging room to plate the food).

Things that still need to be figured out...pretty much everything but to name a few:

Wedding Dress Alteration (I did get a contact of a seamstress!)

Custom Made Vietnamese Wedding Ao Dai

Viet/English Wedding Invitations *priority*

Catering

Chivari Chair Rentals

Florist

Wedding Photographer *priority*

Videographer

If anyone has any recommendations for any of the above in the Portland area, please help me. :)

I think right now my priority is to lock down our future photographer. I think I'll be more at ease once we start putting down deposits. This February we had spent 3 weekends in Vancouver & Portland trying to see if we can get the catering locked down. It's been a little bit exhausting taking the 3 hour road trip there and back with 2 dogs.

In yesterday's news, we hire movers to move a whole lot of our friend's furniture over to our house since they're getting all new furniture. I'm so serious lol. Ever since I've moved to Seattle, we haven't had actual bedroom sets so it was a treat to inherit those from our friends! Our house feels a lot more like home when all this "grown up" furniture doesn't feel so IKEA and temporary. We still have a lot of arranging to do this weekend. I'm super looking forward it.

Oo! I've also been super obsessed with light fixtures, Lamps Plus is my new Nordstrom Rack. I love browsing even if I don't buy anything. We recently purchased a really nice chandelier on clearance and put it up in our hallway upstairs. ^^ But more on that later!

What's a blog post without a photo right?

Here is a snap of our entry way/dining area with Timmy modeling next to some new furniture.

I'm still deciding where to move those two lamps. I might take them upstairs. I just put them there after I cleaned them.

We also got a giant new dining table too from our friends which was such a treat!

Our house is such a work in progress, we have plans to repaint the downstairs, frame the windows, and change the carpet into hardwood floors. Those plans are put on hold until after the wedding for now. I would love to share bits and pieces of my house on blog. I feel like you know you're getting old when you get super interested in home goods. lol

I'll leave it at that, I hope you are having a wonderful day and I'll catch up with you all very soon!

Lots of love,

Steph

3B Beauty Beyond Borders (Asian Makeup Subscription Box!!!)

2015-02-10T11:20:00.004-08:00

3B is Beauty Beyond Borders, a genius Asian makeup subscription box that gives us access to beauty products that are pretty hard to hunt down outside of Asia!

Ke, the founder of 3B is from Seattle too! ^_^

What is 3B?

"Our passion is bringing beauty beyond borders. We help you discover the most popular Asian beauty products through our curated pouch of deluxe samples each month."

Why 3B?

"Asia is one of the leading markets when it comes to skincare and cosmetic innovation. Yet there is no easy way to trial, buy, and review products overseas. With 3B you can try what you like and buy what you love – from premium products to everyday favorites. At 3B we believe finding your perfect product shouldn’t be limited to what country you live in or what language you speak."

What's in the box?

"Each box contains a collection of deluxe samples that are new or popular in Asia but hard to get your hands on. The products will change each month, and you’ll get to try new skincare, haircare, nailcare, and cosmetic products. Sample products range from go-to brands such as Lioele, Etude House and Skinfood to high-end premium brands like SK-II, K, and Sulwhasoo. Don’t worry about not being able to read Japanese or Korean – we’ve got you covered with English translations of descriptions in each box."

$12/Month Gets You:

A pouch containing four to five deluxe Asian beauty samples that we love
Tips on how to use products
Unlimited access to our team to answer any questions you might have

I grabbed the information above off the 3B website because I really couldn't explain it any better myself!

For $12/month you get a box of quality Asian beauty products which include popular well known Korean and Japanese makeup brands such as The Face Shop, and Etude House. Sign me up because you can't ask for a better subscription box! They've gotten so popular since they've launched that there is now a waiting list to subscribe. (You know it's that good.) I love the concept and I am so thankful that we are now able to get access to beautiful Asian brands.

I was really happy to find a generous size bottle of Peripera Nail Story Korean nail polish in my box!!! It's my very first time trying Peripera polish and I am beyond impressed with the quality of the polish and the paint brush. (Yes, I would like to collect them all now!) The brush applies the jelly red polish easily and perfectly on my nails. The name of this shade is RD001, and it's a true bright candy red. I have always been curious about this brand and it's such a treat to be able to get to try it here in Seattle and better yet, in the comfort of my own home. ^^ I truly LOVE every single product in my first box and have been using them everything.

I was lucky enough to find The Face Shop makeup face wipes in my first box. Who doesn't love a good makeup wipe? It smells incredible and don't you love smells that make you reminisce? These wipes are awesome, and I hope to be able to get more of them soon! I used to always look forwards to trips to the big city with my girl friends to get my hands on The Face Shop products at H-Mart, a favorite Korean supermarket.

3B, Beauty Beyond Borders was created in Seattle with the intentions of helping US Asian Makeup fans get their hands on the latest and greatest products from Asia. ^^

I've always had a special place in my heart for Asian makeup which many of you already know. :) It's always such a nice treat to get to spoil myself with some high end Korean and Japanese beauty products. 3B offers go to brands as well as high end Asian beauty brands in their boxes.

Thank you again Ke for sharing your awesome subscription box with me and the Asian Beauty fans all across the US!

I think very soon, you will also be able to order the full size version of your favorite Asian beauty products you got to sample in your subscription box from a trust worthy online beauty shop! I'm 100% smitten with my 3B subscription box. Fingers crossed for SK-II products in my next 3B box when I'm able to subscribe myself! ^^

Hop on over to the 3B's Our Story page to get learn more about this new Seattle startup! I wish nothing but successful for your beautiful business, Ke!

JORD Wood Watch

2014-10-22T12:48:00.000-07:00

It's a wood watch! :) Have you seen anything like it?

JORD Sully Cherry & Maple Wood Watch

JORD reached out to me and asked if I would like to pick a wood watch from their collection to review and I picked the Sully in Cherry & Maple. I thought the wood contrast was unique and I couldn't wait to see it in person.

The watch is very well made and I thought the concept is really cool. I picked the Sully because it can be worn by both men and women. The Sully retails for $139. I think it's a fun, unique watch and I know one of my friends would really like it. I think when you wear something unique and special, it really makes you feel extra cool. And who doesn't want to feel extra cool? ;)

You can learn more about JORD through their social media as well as their website: http://www.woodwatches.com You can also search the hashtag #JORDWATCH on Instagram to see who's wearing JORD and how they style it. :) For some reason, looking at my wood watch makes me want one of those cool wooden iPhone cases. I also want a nice candied caramel apple too since it's Autumn and all. :D (Plus, they're talking about it on The Chew which is on TV right now. Hehe).

The watch has links similar to any old watch. I still need to get it resized to fit my wrist.

This is what the clasp looks like, both sides clasp into the center.

It arrived neatly packaged and with a protective film on the face of the watch.

The details and cut of the wood is really pretty. I think this watch makes a really nice novel gift.

The back of the watch, it's made from 100% natural wood.

Here's a close up of the wood links. The watch is surprisingly very light!

Details on the watched I picked out. You can see all their watches here: http://www.woodwatches.com/shop I really like their website, it's clear with great photos, and easy to browse.

Thanks again JORD for letting me share this great watch here on the blog. :)

Candy Talk! Chimes Ginger Chews

2014-10-20T17:51:00.001-07:00

Let's talk gourmet candy! This is one of those where have you been all my life type of find! lol How did I live 27 years of my life without knowing about ginger chews. My friend Trang discovered Chimes Ginger Chews at a high end restaurant on their trip to Texas. She loved them so much, she ordered them off of Amazon. She shared one with me on our car ride to dinner one day. I was addicted at first chew!

The first flavor I ever tired was Peanut Butter and it is my absolute favorite. I got really curious about Chimes so I googled them and found their website: http://www.chimesgourmet.com

I am a real big fan of ginger and all of the great health benefits. I believe ginger tea can cure any type of stomach aches! I usually grate peeled ginger and add some hot water. Instant tasty tea. :) The fact that ginger candies exist is super awesome. I learned that these ginger chews were original an Indonesian treat that went mainstream. Trust me, you cannot eat just one!

I also discovered that Chimes Ginger Chews are carried at my local Seattle Cost Plus World Market & Uwajimaya (Japanese Market)! They're not too costly, under $5 for a bag or tin. I was super excited and got in my car and brought home the 3 different flavors from World Market. They had Original, Orange, and Mango flavors, they even carried the cute little tins! It would be pretty awesome if my World Market started carrying my favorite flavor. I gifted a tin to my friend who introduced me to them. :D She had no idea they came in the tins either and was really surprised and happy. It's super fun to discover new favorite things with friends.

They also come in collectable little tins that are great for refilling too.
It's convenient to keep a tin in my car and in my purse. :) I love a good anytime of the day treat!

Who knew ginger and peanut butter paired so well?? I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the peanut butter flavor ginger chews. I'm really sad that they don't carry this flavor in store anywhere near me. But it's good to know that I can order them online.

The original is my friend Trang's favorite. It's a mildy sweet and spicy chewy candy. It's really a pick me up kind of candy similar to what you would get from a mint or gum.

I had no idea they even came in peppermint! It brings me to the holidays and the mint leaves a really pleasant after taste.

Mangos are my fiancé's favorite fruit and these chews smell and taste delicious. If you like a hint of sweet fruit with a little bit of kick from the ginger, this one is for you.

"Unlock the amazing powers of ginger in a little chew! Chimes are perfect while traveling - a soothing and comfortable treat. They're also great in the office - adding a little kick to your day. Either way, they're music for your mouth!"

I completely agree, there's something about the smell of ginger that is refreshing and just makes the day better. I keep a tin in my car because they're a great treat especially if you're hungry!

Orange is my second favorite flavor of the Chimes Chews. I love citrus fruits and the pairing with the ginger is muy bien!! Very good. ;) You should be able to find the orange bag at your local World Market. I actually found them near the registers at checkout.

My current Chimes collection! I also have the tin in Mango too, but it's not photographed because it was in my car. Hehe

A huge shoutout and thank you to Chimes for sending me all the different flavors to try and share!

If you every come across Chimes Ginger Chews, definitely pick up a bag to try.

They're gourmet little candies that are packed with flavor.

This is what the little chews look like with their cool color coded packaging.

Which flavor would you try first? :)

Unwrapped you find a chewy delicious ginger candy.

I'm eating one right now as I write my blog post. :D I really love this candy and I had to share it with you.

A huge thank you to my friend Trang for introducing me to these tasty gourmet candies!

They make great gifts and I'm going to be sharing them with all my loved ones this holiday season. I'll have to order this gift set ($12 on Amazon) because I want to share these with everyone I love! A big thank you to Chimes Gourmet for generously sending me all these great flavors. :D I wish I could have a lifetime supply of the Peanut Butter Ginger Chews! ;)

My Dream Discontinued West Elm Marble Coffee Table Edit It's Back!

2014-10-08T23:11:00.000-07:00

West Elm Box Frame Coffee Table - Marble

I first learned of this beauty from eat.sleep.wear in her Instagram photo of her new coffee table back in June. I feel in love with it because I've been wanting a marble top kitchen counter top so I can take awesome Instagram photos. Hahaha I just think a vase of flowers looks beautiful on a white marble top! It's just dreamy. You can find more photos of this beauty on Carly's blog. She was inspired by eat.sleep.wear too but actually got to buy it! *envies*

After months I finally decided I needed it! West Elm sent me a 15% off coupon and I excitedly went on their website to search for my coffee table (that I probably look at once a week online). lol It was no where to be found! It's 'No Longer Available.' I talked with their customer service on their Live Chat and they told me I would have to call the stores individually to ask. I was just so sad yesterday, and I called my local and two other West Elm locations to see if there was a chance they would have one in store. They told me it's been discontinued. Even if the store did have it, they aren't able to ship it. :(

I just wanted to write about the coffee table of my dreams that I probably will never get to own. lol It's just so sad, but I hope I will soon find the coffee table that's meant to be in my house. We're removing the carpet and putting in new flooring and painting our downstairs living soon. After the renovations are complete we get to buy all new furniture! Yay! I've been looking forward to having my "forever" furniture since the day I move to Seattle. :D No more of this mix match college furniture off Craiglist stuff! Haha :)

I hope West Elm will bring it back!! *Edit* It is available now online and I was able to order it! I won't get it until 2015, but I'm so happy it's back!!*

For now, I'm on the hunt for a marble cutting board or marble slab so I can feed my marble obsession.

I also have been wanting to get gold silverware for well over a year now...so maybe I'll satifisy my West Elm craving with these pretty gold things.

West Elm Gold Flatware Set

DSK Steph

Quarantine Queen

July 2019 Life Update

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

Dear Bri

It's Fall, and I'm Alive!

My Holiday Gift Guide...or maybe it's just the things I really want!

Mini Skincare Review: Prescriptives Super Line Preventor Xtreme

The Sock Panda

Threadsmiths

Best Boba in Seattle! Cafe Chi Boba Tea (Issaquah, Washington)

Golden Garden Beach, Seattle

My Best Nordstrom Rack Find Ever!

Wood Watch by JORD

"I Sea You Wear OPI"

OPI, "Put it in Neutral"

OPI, "Angel with a Leadfoot"

Nicole by OPI, "I Shop Mintage"

Purple Ombre Hair Color!

OPI: My Silk Tie (Fifty Shades of Grey Collection)

OPI: Dark Side of the Mood (Fifty Shades of Grey Collection)

Random Life Update: Parisian Style

3B Beauty Beyond Borders (Asian Makeup Subscription Box!!!)

JORD Wood Watch

Candy Talk! Chimes Ginger Chews

My Dream Discontinued West Elm Marble Coffee Table *Edit* It's Back!

My Dream Discontinued West Elm Marble Coffee Table Edit It's Back!