.:browniesprinkles:.

Love lazy weekends.

noreply@blogger.com (browniesprinkles) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 01:39:00 +0000

Dress: Club Monaco (back not pictured but it has an open back)

Cardigan: Banana Republic--Monogram collection

My apologies for being gone for so long. School has been surprisingly stressful this year and I've been going bonkers for the past week. Thus, my lack of blogging. Sometimes, I think that this blog thing won't last long...Hopefully, I'll keep this up and continue with what I wanted this blog to be. I do admit though that keeping up is significantly harder than I thought! Even though I had this long weekend off from work, I was still unable to take photographs of what I did or wore. Fortunately, I did have some snapshots that pretty much summarizes what I've been up to. First off, I'd like to mention that the dress I am wearing is probably one of my favorites. You can't tell in this picture but there is a bow in the front that can also be tied in the back. I love the color of this dress! A new fall piece that I recently purchased is the black cardigan I am currently sporting from Banana Republic. The collar is a little shimmery which adds a lil' oomph to a black cardi.

Thankfully hurricane Earl didn't stay and for the long weekend, we New Englanders, were able to enjoy a weekend full of sun! I enjoyed it by hiking with Franklin, meeting up with old friends and picnicking with the boy. I love a lazy weekend. Now back to the daily grind of grading papers and planning. Oh school.....

Oh and just a FYI, Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back at Starbucks! Yay!

Call me Martha Stewart if you need to...

noreply@blogger.com (browniesprinkles) — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 23:59:00 +0000

But I love hosting parties. Some people are good at running, others may be good at ordering lattes at Starbucks, but I... I'm good at hosting parties. Don't mean to toot my own horn, but I like to think that I'm quirky yet meticulous about my parties. From the menu all the way down to what goes inside the goody bags. (Yes, I always have goody bags.) And the weird thing is that I like to do it all by myself. Talk about the Virgo side of me coming out. I always get stressed out the day of the party but by the end, it's all worth it. This was the first time I hosted a roof-top party and I have to say, it is A LOT more work than I thought. There were so many things I needed to consider that I wouldn't have for any other party inside my apartment. For example, a cooler was necessary to keep the drinks cold, hauling ice up to the roof, keeping my keys nearby for guests to use the restroom inside the apt, and then lugging everything back down once the party was over. Phew. That was tiring!

Picture 1&2: Handmade crayon center pieces with toys

Picture 3&4: Polaroid station! Take a polaroid and write a caption!

Picture 5: Chocolate and Funfetti cupcakes in individual cups

Picture 6: "Kool Cuke" goody bags with save the date tags for my fundraising dinner in October

Picture 7: Coworkers

Picture 8: End of the night--pooped out boys

Dress: Store on Charles St. Boston.

Alas, the "Last hoo-rah" has arrived and school is starting up again. My party=success. Thankfully, the weather was absolutely beautiful for a wonderful evening on the rooftop!! The menu consisted of honey spicy chicken, mini-cheese burgers, couscous, mozzarella sticks, and copious amounts of adult beverages. Sorry, no photos this time! Overall, the night was a hit and I had a fabulous time. Can't wait for the next party!!

For all you teachers out there, best of luck for this upcoming school year! Have fun and don't forget to put those personal days to good use.

Back to school shopping!

noreply@blogger.com (browniesprinkles) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:28:00 +0000

Gap Inc. Family's Give and Get Program is back and running from August 26-29!! You get to enjoy 30% off at all Gap Inc. stores (Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Athleta) Click on the following Give and Get is Here! to print out your discount. Note: This discount will only work in stores. Online coupons are sent personally via email.

Here are some items that I'm planning on purchasing:

I love being home.

noreply@blogger.com (browniesprinkles) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 04:01:00 +0000

This is what I do when I'm home...eat...A LOT

I was only gone for 10 days and I hate to say this, but I'm so glad to be back! I missed my pup, Franklin! The only doggie I snuggled with was Pluto, my parent's little maltese pictured above.

There's something about being home that makes me so happy. Maybe it's the comfort of being taken care of and not having to worry about spending money...or perhaps it's the fact that I can just lounge around in my pjs all day and do absolutely nothing. Whatever it may be, I do enjoy spending time at home. Technically, home is back in California, but I consider home wherever my family is currently living. Yes, called me spoiled but I get the chance to visit my folks at least twice a year. Meaning I fly half way across the world to see them. I miss them :(

8/16 was Chinese Valentine's Day. Hope y'all did something special!

Oh..and sorry for the foodie pics. I had to stop because I was getting hungry again..

Sister, sister!

noreply@blogger.com (browniesprinkles) — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 03:28:00 +0000

Shirt: BCBG

Leggings: Target

Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell via ModCloth

Sunnies: Ann Taylor Loft

Jess is my baby sister even though she doesn't look like a baby anymore. I was so excited to pick her up from camp today and when I jumped out of the car, she had a very scared look on her face. No, it wasn't because I shocked her--it was because she broke my camera. :( The first thing that came out of her mouth: "My friend dropped your camera and the screen cracked and it's broken. I'm so sorry." I wanted to laugh and be angry at the same time. What can you do? Oh teenagers.

So despite the fact that my three year old camera died, I decided to take Jess out shopping on such a gorgeous day. We ran into a free concert near the Prudential where they were passing out free Ben & Jerry's ice cream! So of course, we had to take a picture of our faces on the B&J cover. Though, I do think that all that hair doesn't suit me. Jess and I felt so sick post ice cream...While we were in the area, we decided to stop by Sugar Heaven and buy candy...bad...idea....that definitely made our stomachs turn inside out! I did find some Pac-Man Band aids that I just had to buy. As you can see, I had blisters on my two big toses due to the new shoes that I bought. Let's just say that those Pac-Man band aids work wonders! After a long day of shopping, Jess was pooped out of her mind. She died the moment we got back in the car. If she ever sees this, she'll kill be but I think that picture is adorable. I love my baby sister. I'm glad that I'll be spending the rest of my summer with her. Whee!

Summer=BBQ

noreply@blogger.com (browniesprinkles) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 04:13:00 +0000

Dress: Gap

Necklace: Banana Republic

I love summer. The food, the weather, the clothes.. Especially living in New England! The one good thing about summer here is that the sun comes out and stays out until late into the evening. Most people say that they lose weight during the summer and gain weight during the winter. HA HA, I think not! Summer screams margaritas, mojitos, barbecues, picnics, sangria, and ice cream (or berryline)! It's almost impossible for me to lose weight! All I do is eat and drink, eat and drink! Pool parties and bbq parties...mmm...every day is like Sunday and every hour is happy hour!

My friends invited me over to a rooftop bbq and the food was oh-so-delicious. So glad I wore a long dress :) We made s'mores after the meat was done grilling. I think one of my favorite things to do after a barbecue is making s'mores. The gooey marshmellow....worth it every time!

I'll have to find the pictures of me with the s'more from that evening. You'll see what I mean once you look at that s'more!

Oh and some other reasons why Boston is so great during the summer:

1) No more college students

2) Free shows in the park (Shakespeare on the Common/Summer concerts)

3) Ben & Jerry's free ice cream truck roams around the city

4) Free screenings at the Hatch Shell

5) Yappy Hour at the Liberty Hotel (Yes, it's a bring your dog to happy hour event...)

6) SEAFOOD!

Am I missing anything else???

Hello, UPS/USPS!

noreply@blogger.com (browniesprinkles) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 01:21:00 +0000

I think I found my love: Jeffrey Campbell

Remember that movie with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan? You've Got Mail? Well, instead of an actual email exchange, I get packages. Hello, UPS/USPS--my new best friends. My mail lady is one of the nicest ladies that I know and I find it embarrassing now when she recognizes me. You would think that inside these boxes I have books of all sorts but instead out comes shoes, bags, makeup...ahh the list continues. I'm a disaster during the summer. My brain goes out the window and all hell breaks loose. Aka, my money just goes down the drain..Dinner, drinks, shopping, traveling--goodness gracious.

I seriously need to stop shopping online. Within the past three days, I've spent more money on items that I don't need. I mean come on, take a look at the shoes that I just purchased (above)....are they realistic for New England weather? No. But did that stop me from adding items to my cart and checking out? Hellll no. All I want to do is shop online...Every time I use my computer, I have to check out my favorite online sites. What is going on here?!! Talk about lack of self-control. Omph.. I need to stay away from technology for now...

What are some shoes you've purchased recently??

Side note: I can't wait for my packages to arrive! whee!

Date night

noreply@blogger.com (browniesprinkles) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 05:22:00 +0000

"Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes...."

Shoes: Calvin Klein

Bag: Spottedmoth

Dress: Anthropologie

Cardigan: Banana Republic

Belt: Thrift

There is just something about date night that makes a girl smile. Date night doesn't have to be just Saturday nights. In fact, Tuesday night use to be my date night. Every Tuesday, we went to different restaurants and drank bottles and bottles of wine. Needless to say, work on Wednesday was always tough. Ugh, extra strength tylenol and gatorade please! Despite that, I love date nights. Everything about it makes me giddy--drinks, great company, ice cream...I mean what more can a girl ask for? In my case, it gives me an excuse to get dolled up and go out for dinner and drinks. Now don't get me wrong--I thoroughly enjoy date nights spent snuggling in front of the TV watching films. But sometimes, just getting ready to go out can make me happy. Well that and looking forward to a mojito would make me smile. Speaking of drinks, has anyone ever tried the ginger liqueur made by Domaine De Canton? DE-LICIOUS. The bartender, Johnny boy I called him, made me a drink that I named Wonderland after Alice in Wonderland. It had Vodka, Cranberry juice, and the ginger liqueur. However, I am thinking now that a Manhattan East would be quite delicious as well: Ginger liqueur, Bourbon, and dry sake. Yummm.

So this Saturday was spent wearing my fabulously comfortable blue heels and my carpenter bee bag from Spotted Moth. Love 'em both! Let's not forget the peanut butter oreo ice cream from J.P. Licks! It was an evening of everything I loved.

--------------------------

Though sometimes, it's the simple things in life that make date night so great. Earlier this evening, I spent it watching Shakespeare on the Common (Othello) and then the rest of the evening laying in the grass looking at the sky. We tried to find stars but it was difficult in the city! Instead, we pointed out animals and various food items from the clouds. A perfect way to end a great weekend.

--------------------------

So what do you like about date night? Which do you prefer?

Never forget

noreply@blogger.com (browniesprinkles) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 05:20:00 +0000

Be honest. How many of you remember what happened on January 12th? Do you remember? How about September 21st? August 15th? All three of these dates refer to major earthquakes that occurred throughout the world.

September 21st, 1999-- Taiwan. Fatalities: 2,400*

August 15th, 2007--Peru. Fatalities: 514*

January 12th, 2010--Haiti. Fatalities: 222,570*

* Referenced from Historic World Earthquakes

224, 570. How does one recover from such tragedy? Losing your community, your home, your family--I can't even begin to imagine. Having lived in Taiwan during the 921 earthquake, I remember what it was like. Chaos, confusion, anger, and sadness raged the tiny island. People often asked me, "Is donating money enough? Are my $10 via text actually helping out families?" Personally, I don't think so. Is it good to donate money? Yes. But how can we make sure that our money is being allocated to what is essential for countries to recover from such devastating events. Well, the answer is simple: finding the right organizations to donate towards. Colin Salisbury, the Founder and President of The Global Volunteer Network**, shared this video with me. The whole video takes about 20 minutes but it's well worth your time. Please pass thing along to your friends, family, and co-workers! Share the love and watch the video!

**To find out more information about GVN please visit their website. Also check out my page on my involvement with GVN.

Question of the day: What will you do to help make the world better?

Explore22 - Episode 1 (Haiti) from Explore22 on Vimeo.

I like banana...

noreply@blogger.com (browniesprinkles) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:20:00 +0000

Shirt: H&M

Shorts, bag, and shoes: Banana Republic

Belt: J. Crew

So I must admit that when I look into my closet, the majority of my clothes come from one store: Banana Republic. It all started in 2007 when I started to work at Banana. See, they don't tell you how addicting it is to buy clothes while you work a 5 hour shift...I always worked the fitting room and thus I spent most of the time putting outfits together. I didn't necessarily fall in love with every item, but after staring at it for hours day after day, you kind of start to be creative! Needless to say, I had to quit in a year because I was spending more money than I actually made. At least I have some wardrobe staples that I wear over and over again! Oh and I forgot to mention, I had a great discount :)

Now that I don't work there anymore, I still like to shop there and at various stores. One perk about being a teacher is that you get discounts for life! Below are some stores that offer a teacher's discount by showing your school or union id. ( A pay stub is also accepted)

Banana Republic/Gap/Old Navy (including outlet stores)--15% off
J. Crew (including outlet stores)--15% off full priced items
Ann Taylor Loft (NOT Ann Taylor)--15% off

I don't know why Ann Taylor doesn't offer a discount even though technically they are the same company as Ann Taylor Loft. Speaking of Ann Taylor, here is a dress that I absolutely want and will be saving some money to purchase! (Well....maybe....)

AT's Mini Leopard Print Sheath Dress

Madewell--15% off full priced items

Remember to always ask if they'll give you a teacher's discount! If you don't ask, you'll never know.

Treat yourself....

noreply@blogger.com (browniesprinkles) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:30:00 +0000

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

By Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

Fiction

This novel was my first read this summer and I have to say is by far my favorite. Set in 1946, this book reveals how a book club saved lives of many individuals that lived in the Guernsey Channel Islands off of England during World War II. Unlike traditional novels, this was a compilation of letters that were exchanged between Juliet Ashton (the novel's main character) and the various characters on the Guernsey Islands. As I am a true "history geek" with World War II being my favorite war, this book immediately piqued my interest. Shaffer and Barrows were able to weave in historical facts into their characters. Their stories were testaments to the sufferings and strength of the people under German Occupation. For days, I felt as though I were the one opening up these letters. The characters became real and the relationships, unique in their own way. This book is a true gem that I did not want to put down. In fact, it made me fall back in love with reading and writing. It reminded me that companionship can help us overcome any ordeal that we may be going through. Whether you find that companionship in a loved one, a pen pal, or a writing club. This is an utterly charming novel that has in some way transformed me--magically.

Love is precious.

noreply@blogger.com (browniesprinkles) — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 13:58:00 +0000

This summer I read Bel Canto by Ann Patchett. If you haven't had a chance to read a romantic novel then this might be it. Here is my one of my favorite excerpts:

"People love each other for all sorts of different reasons," Roxane said...

"Most of the time we're loved for what we can do rather than for who we are. It's not such a bad thing, being loved for what you can do."

"But the other is better," Gen said.

"Better. I hate to say better, but it is. If someone loves you for what you can do then it's flattering, but why do you love them? If someone loves you for who you are then they have to know you, which means you have to know them." Roxane smiled at Gen.

One thing that I've learned this weekend is that love is precious. Love can be a funny thing as you never really know when you're going to fall in love or out of love for that matter. It can be one of your best friends, a person that was introduced to you, or a random individual that you met at a Halloween party. Luckily for my sister, she met someone who loves her for who she is.

I'm kind of a traditional girl so when my sister's boyfriend* asked my dad for her hand, I got teary eyed. As usual, I was the hot mess over the weekend ooohing and ahhhing and tearing up at every event while my family remained calm. Nevertheless, we went out all weekend to celebrate. Here are some outfit pics:

Dress: Banana Republic

Vest: Thrift store

Bag: Kenneth Cole

Bracelet: Amrita Singh

Cocktail ring: NY younger designer's fair

Shoes: Banana Republic

Missing my brother! :(

Shirt: J. Crew mens, white tank

Belt: J. Crew

Shorts: Banana Republic

Bag: Kenneth Cole

Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Sunnies: Oliver Peoples

*now fiance

I want to celebrate.....and live my life!!

noreply@blogger.com (browniesprinkles) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 22:03:00 +0000

Casual Fridays

CK booties (store closed..)

Jeans, BCBG top, vintage ivory perfume bottle from BrookandLyn

old free people cropped jacket

Rebecca Minkoff bag (sale from Nordstrom!)

I like rings...and orange nail polish

Loving my new lipstick and gloss from MAC

Usually, I don't buy clothes/shoes unless I can wear them to work. Why pay extra money if I can't wear them 5 out of the 7 days? WELL---sometimes you have that weak moment and it's just you standing in front of that mirror. Your head tilts to one side--do I really need this? The answer: No. Yet, you (speaking for myself) always pull out that fabulously smooth plastic card and hand it to the cashier. Womp..

Mommy dearest is in town this weekend and we decided to take a trip to the Natick Mall...I know, it really isn't that interesting. Though once in awhile, I love walking through a huge mall eating at all the little food stands. I mean who doesn't love Auntie Anne's pretzels? Yumm..

---------------------------------------------

Sometimes you just gotta let go....and celebrate your life!

It's raining today in Boston and despite the gloomy weather, I can't stop jumping up and down. (Yes, even in my heels)

Here's a sneak peak as to why: you'll need something blue, old, and borrowed! Can you guess?!

That's it for now--next post: update on summer reading!

That year....

noreply@blogger.com (browniesprinkles) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 04:12:00 +0000

Okay, okay so I hadn't posted anything in the past two days. I lent my younger sister my camera for the summer (she's at camp) so I'm going to have to A) Rely on my iphone B) Photobooth C) Beg my sister to take pictures....I think option A+B would be much, much easier. In the meantime, here is a mini-saga I wrote tonight...

It was hard for her to see clearly. His name, unspoken. Brown eyed and so special—that year was special. Rain poured—were the clouds crying? He kissed her neck, her lips. She missed his smile, the way they breathed. He uttered I love you. It was too late.

Who cares if you disagree??

noreply@blogger.com (browniesprinkles) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 23:12:00 +0000

Yesterday, I was determined to clean my room as it looked like a hurricane had just passed by. Instead, I read fashion blogs for over 4 hours. Just one more I said to myself..one more post...one more blog...Well, one thing led to another and I "read" blogs by BrookandLyn (Fantastic jewelry which I had previously purchased for myself!) which led me to SongofStyle and Keikolynn. Not to mention the fact that I browsed through at least 5 more blogs. It was as though I were reading a mystery book. I was completely enchanted and inspired by these lovely ladies and all I wanted to do was to SHOP. Goodness gracious was that a TERRIBLE idea--you wonder why people always say that online shopping can be dangerous. It's as easy as one, two, three and click you're order has been received. Let's just say, I bought things that I didn't need but thought were fantastic!

-----------------------------------

Though as I was skimming through these blogs, I couldn't stop but think how I would love to be able to dress like that every day. Being a teacher, middle and high school for that matter, it is almost impossible for me to wear short shorts and 3+" heels to work.

Therefore, I've decided to start a teacher friendly fashionista blog. We'll see how far along I get...

As it is STILL SUMMER VACATION for us, I'll be writing in and out and hopefully posting pics along the way.

-----------------------------------

In the meantime, I await for my goodies to arrive!

Going through my old blog.....

noreply@blogger.com (browniesprinkles) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 05:36:00 +0000

October 19th, 2006

"He caught her hand, and she felt in his the vibration of feeling that had not yet risen to his lips. "Lily--can't I help you?" he exclaimed.

She looked at him gently. "Do you remember what you said to me once? That you could help me only by loving me? Well-- you did love me for a moment; and it helped me. It has always helped me. But the moment is gone--it was I who let it go. And one must go on living. Goodbye."

Edith Wharton, you are my hero.

--------------------------------------------

Goodnight and Goodbye

noreply@blogger.com (browniesprinkles) — Mon, 24 May 2010 03:04:00 +0000

Memories of them are like snapshots. Their hands and legs entangled. The sun rises. Will he remember the night? Their lips part, hands still intertwined. His heart beating, one last kiss she says. Soon she will be walking home, solo. She lay in his arms and whispers goodnight and goodbye.

Dated with love on April 12th, 2006.