beautiful elysium

Election 2016

noreply@blogger.com (Juju) — Fri, 11 Nov 2016 14:54:00 +0000

I have neglected this place for 7 months. And I wasn't sure if I'd ever come back. As indicated in my last post, I am now a mom to a beautiful baby girl, who turned one not too long ago in October. My life has completely changed: I went from working as a full time associate attorney in the suburbs of PA to staying home (which is now Colorado) almost every day to take care of my child. I continue to work as much as I can, but it's not like it used to be, not even remotely close. I'm also self-employed now. My husband and I have our own law practice, so we are small business owners.

When you have a child, a lot changes. Obviously, my career. Then there's the whole emotional and psychological thing as well. You start wanting everything to be perfect for your child. You want her to be in a perfect world where people are kind, loving and everything around her is safe.

My hopes of wanting a kind, loving and safe society for my daughter was shattered on November 8th, 2016 when this country I love, elected Donald Trump as the new president. This event has prompted me to come back to this place as I feel compelled to express my strong emotions about it.

I cried at the outcome of this election. All our lives, we were told and believed that, when you work hard, you can do anything. Well, Hillary Rodham Clinton worked her ass off, served the public most of her life, and ran twice to become the first female president of the United States of America. And the outcome? She lost to an egotistical, narcissistic, women trashing, race discriminating, self-serving reality star who boasted about not having paid taxes for the last 15 plus years and getting away with it. Let's not forget all the women who have made allegations regarding his sexual assaults. Oh and the fact that he stiffed many blue collar workers, who worked on DT's ostentatious projects. Yet, it's my understanding that they make up most of the population that voted for him. That tells me that there are still people, who cannot accept a qualified female as a leader of this country.

I feel gutted, devastated, sad, angry, and despondent. The media has already started talking about having hope and healing with love. But I'm having a real difficulty in trying to regain hope and strength after this election. As a woman, a mother, an immigrant, who has tried to live her life as properly as possible, it is so hard for me to now believe that if my daughter works hard, she will achieve her dreams. (When I say that I lived my life as "properly as possible", I mean that in the sense of working hard, paying my taxes, loving our society and the diversity within, and never robbing anyone of their rights, money, etc.)

I am scared as to what the next 4 years will bring to this country. But here's what I know about myself and this country: we will not be defeated by fear. As we commemorate another Veteran's day, we should be reminded of the fearless men and women who served and protected this country. And in that spirit, I will slowly but surely regain my hope in the best of this country. It helps to have a child, whose innocent face acts as a daily reminder that love trumps hate.

Things I don't Want to Forget...

noreply@blogger.com (Juju) — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 21:58:00 +0000

Honor recently turned 5 months old. Yet I feel like I've known her for years. Although she can't utter a word (actually, I swear she says "umma", Korean word for mom, whenever she is upset), it's as if her eyes say everything I need to know.

I want to remember every single second I spend with her and I know that's impossible. What I can do is from time to time, jot down some things I don't ever want to forget about Honor and motherhood. Is it strange that writing this post makes me all so very emotional?! I have a sneaking suspicion other moms will understand where I'm coming from :)

I don't want to forget...
- the sour milk smell in Honor's mouth ...
- the most peaceful and angelic look on her face when she sleeps...
- the way Honor looks around, as if she's got a serious case of FOMO ...
- the way she lights up when she sees her dad... and her dad's face (complete utter elation) upon seeing Honor smile... one day, those two will gang up on me for sure!
- the shy smile she used to have when she started smiling (oh gosh, when was that? 8 weeks?)...
- her laughter, which for now, is a series of brief chuckles...
- her softest of softest hair...
- her long fingers all stretched out like jazz fingers when she sleeps...
- how much Honor loves her jumperoo... (very much!)
- the way she flails her arms when she gets excited...
- her "Ahhhahhhhahhhhh" babble..
- the little "hmm..." and "hahhhhh" sighs she lets out while sleeping...
- the way she smells - so clean and milky...
- me putting on Honor's baby lotion so that I can smell like her...
- her serious case of thumb sucking...
- her toots!!! she has not a care in the world when she toots!!

I think I can go on and on, but the above are some of the most precious moments I never want to forget.

p.s. The photos were taken when Honor turned 100 days old, which is a big deal in Korea and almost always celebrated. With us living so far from our family (they are east coasters), we decided it's more appropriate for our family get together later in October when Honor turns one. A pretty bad snowstorm hit the town that week, so a small get together we planned with some close friends in town got cancelled. I decided we should at least get some professional photos taken to memorialize the day. And boy, did Honor behave!!! She was such a ham!! Afterwards, we went out for some frozen yogurt and pizza at Wholefoods. It was simply one of the most sublime days of my life.

Purchased & Kept

noreply@blogger.com (Juju) — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 05:35:00 +0000

I, like millions of others, purchase so much schtuff online. However, when it comes to clothes and beauty products, about 50% of what I order gets returned. Especially clothes. So, I'm thrilled when I order something and end up keeping it. That trip to the UPS is a real pain in the ass. So, I'm happy to share my latest purchased & kept items.

Dress - I purchased this dress in bright orange last summer during my first trimester. I bought it thinking that I can wear it even after my pregnancy. The cut of the dress fits my no-hips/boy figure and it's super comfy (Who invented elastic waistbands? Genius!!). So when I saw this dress in this teal green, and on super sale, it was a no brainer. #Purchased&Kept.

OTK Waterproof Boot - I once owned a pair of this very expensive OTK boot and it just never fit nor looked good on me despite the glorious reviews I kept seeing everywhere. I ended up selling it on ebay for less than half the original price. Ugh... But I finally found my OTKs and it's waterproof to boot (no pun intended!). I have to give credit to Liz from Sequins and Stripes - I found the boot on her blog. This pair fits my calves perfectly!! And it's waterproof!! #Purchased&Kept.

Exfoliating Scrub - This was purchased after I used a sample. This scrub leaves my face all-so-clean-and-tingly feeling. Sold! #Purchased&Kept.

Hand Balm - I know, I know. This has been instagramed and blogged by everrrrybody. I'm jumping on the bandwagon FINALLY. Actually, this was given to me as a gift from a dear friend. And it totally lives up to all the hype I've seen, read, and heard. Let's say #Gifted&Kept.

So, what are some of your #Purchased&Kept items? Do share!

A Very Delayed Update

noreply@blogger.com (Juju) — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 02:18:00 +0000

I can't believe my last post here was on February 21, 2015. I do recall that I was starting to slow down on my posts and losing motivation + inspiration to continue writing. I was also going through some big changes in my life. The hubs and I were in the midst of planning our move to Colorado, quitting our comfy jobs, and boom - like that we found out that I was pregnant.

Why am I back here? I want to document some things worth remembering in my life. At some point, sharing personal photos and life events on this blog felt a bit like having a reality show... and I kept wondering if my blog was like one of those self-absorbed reality shows... But I kept coming back to this big desire in my heart to document, remember and cherish the small as well as big moments in my life.

So, here I am! I will be posting some throwback photos just to recap what's been happening to me since I last wrote here. And I don't care what anyone thinks or says about this blog. I'm here writing for myself.

I actually found out on February 14th of all days. I used one of those +/- sign thingies and the + sign was really light, so I wasn't 100% sure. I made the hubs get one of these digital testing kits. If you ever need to check, just get the digital thingie.

This was one of the earlier ultrasound photos of our baby girl. Always a HUGE moment for any pregnant moms.

I suffered from morning sickness until week 18. All I could eat were some fruits, plain bagels, and a lot of neng myun (cold buckwheat noodle dish) and kimchi (everyone knows what this is, right?!!).

Once the morning sickness passed, the rest of my second trimester and the beginning of third trimester were totally blissful (minus the moving from PA to CO in the midst of second trimester - don't do it if you can help it!!). Ugh - then the latter part of third trimester hit me like a brick, like on a daily basis. The photo above is me, fully preggo, 9 days before I gave birth on October 25, 2015. What this photo doesn't show are the back aches, sleepless nights, restless leg syndrome, gum infection, and anxiety about my career (more on that later)+ money+ health + giving birth + raising a baby, etc. etc. But all that was totally worth suffering because in the end, I gained the most amazing experience and gift in my life - baby Honor Young Metz:

Hubs and I call Honor our best attorney work product to date. I mean look at that full head of hair! Clear eyes! Fast moving strong arms!

We fall in love with Honor more and more every day. The kind of love parenthood brings is indescribable in words. And if I think about it too much, I get emotional and start crying. I can't believe my little plus sign on a plastic stick turned into this beautiful angel. She's a miracle. All babies are. And for their sake, I hope this world will continue to have more good than bad and lightness than darkness.

Pretty Up For Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Juju) — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 19:24:00 +0000

As I pray for the warm weather to hurry its ass up to the present, I am thinking about lightening up my wardrobe, both in color and texture. I can't get enough of graphic tees and pleated skirts (this is the case actually throughout the year). And of course, dainty gold accessories to jazz up the entire look. Aaannnd a roomy tote, a faux leather one like the one above.

Hope you are enjoying your weekend~

p.s. Writing from my bed, listening to Dido. Perfect for this snowy cold Saturday.

a // b // c // d // e

Excited for Sue's Little - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Juju) — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 01:51:00 +0000

One of my best friends, Sue, is expecting a little bundle of miracle this year. I am beyond excited!! I ~~volunteered~~ demanded that I design the nursery for her. This is part I. Part II will have this & that kinda stuff for the little one and Sue too.

Dresser // Lamp // Rocking Chair // Sheepskin Rug // Throw Blanket // Urban Crib // Flying Puppies Mobile // Baby Animal Prints

Before 2014 Ends...Part III

noreply@blogger.com (Juju) — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 11:26:00 +0000

Last post on my trip to LA. Oh, I miss you so much already.

Just another sunny day in La La land.

Went shopping at APC in Beverly Hills- loved too many things there. Hubs walked out with a pair of raw denim pants.

The fit is p.e.r.f.e.c.t.

Kelly Wearstler - omg.

Next time, Claire. Next time.

Fresh Meyer lemons from our family friend's yard. Thank you for letting us stay at your home. You spoiled us silly.

Treated myself to this mag at the airport on our way back to Philly. I loved every single page of this issue.

So peeps, that's it. 2014 is closing its curtains on us. I have such mixed emotions about the end of 2014 and beginning of 2015. More so than the recent years. Perhaps, it's because I turned 40 in 2014... or because I had certain goals I really wanted to achieve in that are still being worked on... or there have been some significant happenings and changes around me (my folks recent move, my husband's newly developed obsession with cycling, my friends having babies...). I feel anxious yet positively excited about 2015. One goal remains the same every year: I'm going to try to make every day count and appreciate all the "good" around me.

Happy New Year~~

Before 2014 Ends...Part II

noreply@blogger.com (Juju) — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 11:31:00 +0000

We took a break from visiting Colorado this winter. Instead, we went to California. I've visited California once before but it was a very short weekend trip, spent mostly at a hotel doing work. So, you can imagine I was beyond excited to re-visit California for real.

We hiked up the trail to the Griffith Observatory and continued further up until we reached the Hollywood sign.

We also went to the Zuma Beach in Malibu. As you can imagine, during this time of the year, there weren't that many people. I ran along the ends of the waves, smiling ear to ear, and screaming whenever the water splashed above my knees. It sounds cheesy but I really felt like a little kid and that was a good thing.

We took a quick trip to Korean town in Los Angeles and enjoyed some delectable dishes from POT.

More photos from my California trip to come!

Before 2014 Ends... Part I

noreply@blogger.com (Juju) — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 00:48:00 +0000

I've neglected this place for some time. And now that 2014 is almost over, I'm feeling sorry that I didn't document some of the more memorable moments here.

These are the photos from my trip to the Adventure Aquarium with my nephew, Lukie, a week after Thanksgiving Day. How did I never visit this place??!!

Next up - photos from my CA trip over Christmas week.

Designing for My Folks

noreply@blogger.com (Juju) — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 12:19:00 +0000

Recently, my folks downsized and decided to move into a one bedroom apartment. It was a bittersweet moment as we all recognized their need to simplify their lives, but at the same time, it was a welcomed change to their old ways and surroundings.

Where I came in this transitioning phase of my parents' lives is the shopping & decorating. Haha - of course. The focus was mainly their living room & dining area (i.e. the biggest open space in their flat). My goal was to keep their budget low, yet create a cozy, sleek and well functioning modern space. With that in mind, off we went to Ikea and West Elm. Here are the main pieces we purchased.

Karlstadt Leather Tufted Sectional // Vittso Coffee Table // Borje Chairs // Bjursta Extendable Table// Nordli Wardrobe // Lappljung Ruta Pillows (on the sectional) // Malinda Chair Cushion // Dumont Buffet (I have this too - one of the best purchases ever!)

Twenty some years ago, my folks would have said "no thank you" to this look. But now, they love the simple designs of these pieces, the quality (Ikea has much improved for sure!) and the reasonable price tags. They also appreciated my help, which of course, made me happy. Next project: my brother's home (except they don't know it yet!!).

TGIF

noreply@blogger.com (Juju) — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 12:07:00 +0000

TGIF!!! It's been a couple of dreary and rainy days here, so I'm glad the weekend is about to start. And on a sunny note to boot.

Last year, we took some glam shots and I finally managed to download them, and share them with you! I laugh as I recall all the factors that needed to be met before we took these photos: 1) clean house; 2) clean dogs; 3) clean people; 4) make-up done; 5) hair done (i.e. fully dried hair); 6) hubs available; 7)photog available. The result: I love these photos and will forever treasure these past moments.

Hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into our home life.

Have a great weekend~~

Warby Parker - Good Cause to Look Good

noreply@blogger.com (Juju) — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 10:22:00 +0000

I know - I'm back~~ thought that would never happen, right?
It's been awhile and I took an indefinite hiatus. <sigh> Perhaps, there'll be a post on that one.

I didn't know how to get back to this little place as the last time I was here, I was feeling a bit uninspired, without a purpose, and tired. Yup - I call it mid-life crisis. Then a couple of days ago, I was asked by the folks from Warby Parker to spread a word or two about their 2014 Winter Collection. I'm a huge fan of Warby Parker and have always applauded them for allowing us to purchase fashionable glasses at a reasonable price. What I didn't know about them is their "Buy A Pair, Give a Pair" campaign and that they have so far, distributed one million pairs of glasses to those in need.

Please note that I have not been compensated for this post. Yup - no free pair of glasses, payment, etc. I was just happy to spread the word in light of the good cause Warby Parker supports and yes, I dig their glasses.

Here are my favorites from their 2014 Winter Collection. I can't wait to check them out at my local shop! (Did you know? There's a store list! My local shop is so close to my home - I can't wait!!)

Hey~

noreply@blogger.com (Juju) — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 10:13:00 +0000

Hey-lo! Did you miss me? I took quite a break from blogging. I've been slacking a bit this year. I don't know why. I think I kinda ran out of juice in so many ways. I'm sure you know that feeling.

As usual, I've got a couple of things I'm eying and want to share with you. What do you think? Cute, huh?

Feels good to be back :)

a//b//c//d//e

TGIF

noreply@blogger.com (Juju) — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 09:13:00 +0000

So, do you think someone's happy that it's FRIDAY?
Yes, that would be me. We are expecting another bright sunny weekend. I'm looking forward to a long run and lazily sitting out on the balcony with my pups. Side note: We just got a 3 piece table and chairs for the balcony through Craigslist. It's not perfect with little dings here and there, but I love it (especially for $40). I should get some plants for the balcony as well, which is just one of the many things I'd like to get to this weekend!!

Here are some random things on my mind for your weekend musings:

did you know these two were BFFs? so cute!
can I pull this off? thinking about it for my 5th anniversary celebration (2 more years to go).
am i the last one to know about this app?? love it.
i've been obsessed with this make-over...
also obsessed with these guys and their photos...

Have a great weekend~~

p.s. The above graphic artwork is my own schtuff. A bit lopsided (ugh). I've been trying to get more creative and thought, why not start doing something for this little bloggy blog? Hope you likeeee.

Curious About...

noreply@blogger.com (Juju) — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 09:25:00 +0000

I know, I'm finally catching onto what every other girl has been raving about. I'm a true late bloomer. I think I'll start with the Multiple. Let's see if it lives up to its namesake!

Bobbi Brown - Bronze Shimmer Brick // Nars - The Multiple // Giorgio Armani - Luminous Silk Foundation // Jo Malone - English Pear Freesia

p.s. Let me know if you've used any of these and how you like it ('em).

Work Play Elastic Waist Pants

noreply@blogger.com (Juju) — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 09:35:00 +0000

Isn't it the best when your work outfit can be worn outside of work? I think this outfit does just that.
And who can resist wearing elastic waisted pants for both work and play?!!

TOP // PANTS // HAT // BLING // BAG // SHOE

Weekend Recap - More Sun and Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Juju) — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 10:21:00 +0000

Good Monday, guys!! Hope you all had a great weekend.

We enjoyed another weekend, enjoying the warm sunny weather. I went for a long run on Saturday and the hubs went for a long bike ride, that involved a pretty bad tumble and a loss of his iphone. But the good news is that he's fine and we had a lot of fun learning to play with his new phone. It's an LG G2, a very sleek looking thing it is!

On Sunday, we went to see the bike race I mentioned last Friday and I'm so glad we did. We fretted about the possibility of crazy traffic and lack of parking, but all went well and we were there in no time. Made me think how many things I persuaded myself not to do, over things like traffic and lack of parking, i.e. stupid excuses.

We found a little gazebo where we did a kiss selfie. Gazebos always remind you of weddings, no?! (Randy's eyes are open - eech!!)

There were a lot of puppies out there too. But this 9 year old cutie named, Peanut, was the one that stole my heart.

And here's my youngest, Speedz, photobombing as I was getting ready for the day. You know, I kinda don't mind. He's the cutest photobomber ever. (Btw, I DIY'd my denim shorts, which means, taking a pair of scissors, and putting the shorts in the washer for a good spin).

Here's to another week of hustling & bustling until the weekend~~

La Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Juju) — Fri, 30 May 2014 09:34:00 +0000

TGIF!!! I haven't checked in on a Friday in awhile~~
Although it was a short week, it felt just as long as a regular week. Oh boy, that's never a good feeling.

So, what are you guys up to this weekend?
The hubs and I are hanging out on Sunday in Manayunk (which is a town/city outskirts of Philly) to watch a bike race. Randy has recently become such a cyclist, which all started from attending a really good spin class. He now rides outside no less than 4 hours every Saturday (that's in addition to spinning his tushi off like 4-5 times a week). I might as well call him Lance at this point! All joking aside, I'm 100% supportive of his new hobby which has made him healthier, both inside and out.

I don't have much going on, other than waiting for this beauty to arrive, hopefully on Saturday. It was one of those things on my wish list that became real (you know, when you have that combo of reward $s and an add'l 20% off sale thing, you gotta go for it).

I also caved in and ordered me a Paderno Spiralizer. I'm a huge fan of making veggie pasta and my little peeler/veggie-stringer is just not cutting it anymore. I can't wait!!

I also can't wait for this summer to begin. It's about time, right?!! Hope you guys have a leisurely weekend into the summer~~

photo by me

Shooting the Breeze

noreply@blogger.com (Juju) — Tue, 27 May 2014 10:03:00 +0000

As promised, more photos from my MDW, partly spent with my friend Nancy. We went to Terrain at Glen Mills and had an amazing time just shooting the breeze, as Nancy called our meet-up. The weather was perfect too. And on a really cool and serendipitous moment, I saw Johnny Weir (you know, the World Champion ice skater) at the garden cafe inside Terrain and got up my nerves to approach him. Luckily, he was so so sweet and nice. He also started to strike a pose as we were taking photos, so I just followed him. What a day it was~~ Nancy and I capped the day with a duo selfie.

Here are some photos from the day. You can see how it's such a beautiful place inside and out. I promised myself to go back before the summer is over. (I almost forgot - their food is also to die for!!)

Memorial Day Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Juju) — Mon, 26 May 2014 17:05:00 +0000

Hope you are having a relaxing Memorial Day weekend.

I'm checking in to say "THANK YOU" to those who served this country. Without them, we wouldn't be having this peaceful weekend with our loved ones.

These photos are from Terrain in Glen Mills, hands down one of the most romantic and lovely places to go. I was just there on Saturday with my friend, Nancy, who was in town from Jersey. Nancy quipped "I feel like I'm on a date". Haha! More photos to come this week!

Just for a little fun, here's me going for a glass of white sangria, al fresco style at White Dog Cafe (Wayne) on Sunday. It was such a beautiful day, we had to go out and do something. So, you know, I went for a drink!!

I'm so excited summer is almost here after a long and dreary winter. Enjoy the rest of this holiday weekend~~

An Epic Day in Pennsylvania

noreply@blogger.com (Juju) — Wed, 21 May 2014 10:14:00 +0000

Yesterday, May 20, 2014, the Honorable John E. Jones, III, of United States District Judge from the Middle District of Pennsylvania, ruled that the Pennsylvania's Defense of Marriage Act, which bans same sex marriage,is unconstitutional and should be struck down, and that same sex marriage will be allowed. In making this ruling, he stated:

“Based on the foregoing, we hold that Pennsylvania’s Marriage Laws violate both the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
****
We are a better people that what these [old] laws represent, and it is time to discard them into the ash heap of history.”

I cannot agree more with Judge Jones. I believe "marriage" and "family" are words that apply to all who love and have created a unit of people to whom they are committed and dedicated.

May 20, 2014 was a great day in Pennsylvania. I hope other states that have yet to allow or recognize same sex marriage will follow suit. As Judge Jones said, we are better people than what those old laws represent.

Pretty In the Kitchen

noreply@blogger.com (Juju) — Tue, 20 May 2014 09:36:00 +0000

I spend a lot of time in the kitchen as I cook almost every day. Like any other space in my home, I am always embellishing this space with pretty things, that also serve a function. On my I ~~need~~ want list are:

je t'aime catchall I love a small catchall dish like this. I use it to rest my watch while I'm cooking, washing dishes, etc. (Also to put your dish washing sponge!)

sexy mug One of those things I don't need but I can't stop thinking about. Such a smart cheeky design!

whatever bowl There's never enough of pretty bowls and dishes. Never ever.

teapot I've been served loose tea with this and it's just so darling. It also does a great job keeping the tea warm.

ipad rest Why didn't I tink of this design? With so many recipes available online, this is PERFECT.

tea towel Also another item you can never have enough of. Great for styling as well.

Like A Broken Record - Keeping it Simple

noreply@blogger.com (Juju) — Mon, 19 May 2014 09:50:00 +0000

Not to sound like a broken record or anything (and I am going to sound like one), but this year, I am really feeling the need to keep my looks simple, simple and more simple. But I don't want to be bland either. I want quality over quantity and classic over trendy, all while staying modern and fresh. I purchased the lace top, the jeans (similar) and the necklace. I LOVE them all. They all fit so well, which rarely happens. I would love to get the rest, the watch, tote and the pink pump. So, I'm keeping my eyes wide open for those to go on sale. By the way, the pink pump is soooo pretty in person and the reviews I read all say it's super comfy too. Can't beat that combo, right?!

How about you? Are you working on putting together a certain look?

I Love You Mom - Happy Mother's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Juju) — Sat, 10 May 2014 10:18:00 +0000

Tomorrow's Mother's Day.
Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful moms out there and moms to be. I know that without my mom,I would not be where I am. I love you mom~

image via here

Monday Daydreaming...

noreply@blogger.com (Juju) — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 09:47:00 +0000

Mondays are the worst. Worst. Worst. So I just deflect and daydream of putting together a cute outfit, things to add to my home, etc. How do you get through Mondays?

Sabine lace top//J.Crew flower fan necklace//Zara pointy heels// Elizabeth Mayville's Bun Print//Cuyana alpaca infinity scarf//J.Crew iPhone 4/4s Cover