Desire to Acquire

2016: The Year of Creativity and Beauty

2016-01-01T17:08:00.001-05:00

God. Has it really been nearly 18 months since I wrote or posted anything? Let's catch up on a few things:

I've been spending these past months working hard at a challenging job that I'm grateful to have and enjoy very much.
At the end of 2014 I reconnected with some long lost girlfriends and we spent much of 2015 going to dinners, brunches, shopping, and celebrating our lives together. We have the #besties Facebook posts to prove it.
2014 and early 2015 found me with an unlimited membership at the beautiful Bikram Yoga studio near my office, but I really couldn't find the time to drive to the studio on weekends and consequently couldn't practise as much as I'd like. Luckily at the end of April, Mia and I discovered Orangetheory Fitness. And for the first time in my adult life my list of New Years Resolutions does NOT include 'lose weight' or 'get in shape,' because I'm actually happy with my size and feel as strong and healthy as ever.

So life continues to be very good! But...

2016 is the year I turn 55. 55! I suppose that could be middle aged...or one could say I have more years behind me than ahead of me. It is time to stop wasting time, live up to my true potential, and start creating.

RESOLUTIONS:

1. Write and read everyday. '500 Writing Prompts' is a great start...better than a journal. It's just for me so my writing doesn't have to be perfect, witty, or even eloquent. The point is just to WRITE. Even if it's only for 10 or 15 minutes a day. On Dec 31 I answered the question: "Who is your favorite clothing designer, and what article of clothing do you love most by them?" So a short clumsy repetitive blurb on DVF and my collection of wrap dresses. This morning's question: "If you knew it would be published, name someone (alive or dead) whose biography you would love to write. You would have all access to their life." Nora Ephron of course! Which led me to read some Nora books, which led to add reading to my list. One can't write if one doesn't read.

2. Hydrate. We just have to do it. For our skin and the rest of our organs. For energy. No further explanations needed. Also, isn't that swell bottle just beautiful in rose gold?

3. Don't waste time on people and things that don't matter. I'm not 25, or 35, or even 45. I haven't got that much time and I have too many things to do.

4. Surround yourself with things you love. Because I thrive in beautiful surroundings. And buy only things that are useful and beautiful; I'm worth it. This could also mean "Feng shui the sh*t out of my house."

5. Pamper yourself, and always put your best face forward. I've always taken good care of my skin, but it needs more attention than ever--so facials, mani/pedis, lashes, regular coloring and blowouts, good skincare products, dentist appointments--will be as important and added to my regular routine along with the amazing, 'worth every penny' Orangetheory classes.

I'm excited about being creative and beautiful in 2016, and all of its possibilities!

THAT Kind of Girl

2014-10-04T17:04:00.003-04:00

Rorygilmore and I were lucky enough to have met the brilliant, funny, and utterly original Lena Dunham when she was in Toronto in advance of her book tour. Reading "Not That Kind of Girl" has inspired me to write a book, and not just because she thinks I'm pretty. After all, if a 28 year old has a voice, shouldn't a 50-something have something to say?

Expect MY memoirs to include, in no specific order:

I turned 50. And not all that recently.
Movies - my all time favourite list.
For God's sake, don't waste your money on a wedding.
About self esteem.
My *gulp* love life - a very long list of crushes (boys I've actually met and imagined relationships with tv and movie stars), boys I dated, almost-boyfriends, boyfriends, relationships, The Soul Mate. The list will not include TheHusband, who deserves his own chapter.
From my office window, I watched my neighbours' marriage disintegrate.
When I was 17 my mother read my diary.
If my life was a movie, these songs would be on the soundtrack.
Motherhood, how I suck at it, but I could be a really cool best friend to my kids.
I don't even know how TheHusband puts up with me. On the other hand, he's so lucky to have me.
TV shows that changed my life.
My career, or lack thereof.
Carbs really are the enemy, and other things I wish I knew when I was growing up.
What I wore.

I won't use the f* word as freely as Lena does, but the very fact that I can't even type the word here likely means that I won't. Hopefully my voice will be something between Lena's, and our shared idol, the late, great Nora Ephron, but with a Filipino Canadian accent.

The Best Things In Life ARE Free

2014-05-27T20:58:00.001-04:00

It took an episode of one of my favourite shows to remind me of this. Such a delightful and surprising scene from Mad Men's mid season finale.

I'll be singing this tune whenever life's worries burden me.

Bravo!

I had no idea...

2014-04-26T16:24:00.002-04:00

...that Longchamp offered personalization for the LePliage. When did this happen? I feel truly ashamed that I was not aware of this development.

Personalized Longchamp LePliage Nylon Tote

Personalization is offered for both the nylon and leather models. While I would prefer the LeCuir, Longchamp only offers this model with short handles. And of course, it is more than double the price of the nylon bag. It's practical, classic, and cute.

Available here. I just may have to add to my collection.

my work bag

2014-04-18T13:09:00.004-04:00

This is my 'work bag'. It's perfect -- red, It, and big enough to hold everything I need and more:

3 different sizes of zippered cases containing 1) the largest for makeup; 2) the medium for feminine stuff; 3) smallest for iPhone and mophie cables and chargers;
case for sunglasses (from C Wonder - big, black, and very cat eye);
reading glasses case (from Kate Spade - pink, smallish, and cat eye), for the 2.00 reading glasses I need to wear in addition to my bi-focal contacts;
iphone wristlet (Tory Burch black ), for cards, cash, iPhone -- the only thing I carry with me if I'm picking up coffee or groceries or whatever;
a red file folder mysteriously labeled 'Personal' which means bills and other stuff I've been meaning to deal with and will get to later;
scarf.

During the work week, I'll carry my pink Starbucks thermos with almond milk coffee from home, and the day's supply of food for work. While it's inconvenient that my office doesn't have a coffee place or any decent places for lunch in the building, I don't mind brown bagging it. In addition to my trusty thermos, I'll sometimes have fruit, and a glass container with protein and veggies for lunch.

And there's still plenty of room for my Macbook… and shoes!

coveting…studs!

2014-04-14T21:43:00.000-04:00

Lately I've been into navy -- schoolboy blazers with gold buttons, the darkest blue jeans, tuxedo blazers, nautical striped shirts, sheaths, cashmere boyfriend sweaters topped with skinny ankle pants. We just can't go wrong with navy.

And these are THE perfect pair of shoes that goes with all of the above.

Valentino rockstuds in dark blue leather. And believe it or not, a 2 1/2" heel is the perfect height both for work and dancing. Amaaaaayzing!

Mind over mattress

2014-04-13T14:09:00.000-04:00

Sunday morning before 9am, and I'm sitting at my local Starbucks…

Before Toronto's tragically long and frigid winter arrived early last November and stayed for half a year --I was still wearing my furry high heeled Uggs boots and my cashmere toque last week--my Sunday mornings were spent at this very Starbucks sipping a tall cup of dark roast, reading the NY Times (and later taking off with the book review and Style sections). But then winter hit and much of my Sundays were spent in bed. Not even the NYT Style section or CBS Sunday morning could lure me out of bed by 9am. That's why we have PVR, and the NYT online, I reasoned. Let's not even talk about weekdays, when although I set my alarm for 5:30am, I'd still roll out of bed at 7am.

But that's all in the past.

Now that winter has finally left (so long, hope to see you never), I've decided to start fresh with new habits that will make me a better, more productive and successful person. Yes, I've been reading Robin Sharma.

First off, I have decided to win the battle of 'mind over mattress' and wake up at 5am on weekdays. You see, I've been working REALLY long hours at my new job (which I love, but more on that later), and 10 or 12 hour days are pretty normal. Now if I arrive at 7 am, working a 10 hour day still means I get to leave at 5pm. And NO, it is NOT possible for me to get to work any earlier than 7, as waking up before dawn cracks causes me to move in SLOOOOOOOW motion, and it takes me a full 90 minutes to get my ass out of the house and in my car even if if I don't wash my hair.

It takes 66 days to form a habit, says RobinSharma (who will always be referred to as RobinSharma, never just Robin, or Sharma, or Mr Sharma), and my new habit is 8 days old.

Youtube wouldn't let me post RobinSharma's video on "How to Wake Up Early", but you'll find it here.

I love having the extra hours in the day; I highly recommend it.

Next up: getting back in the HOT room.

coveting…mark & graham

2014-02-08T00:56:00.002-05:00

My mom instilled in me a love of monograms, specifically my first initial M, before monograms were trendy.

In the 1960s when ladies wore makeup and dressed everyday as if they were going to a cocktail party, my glamorous mother seemed to wear her signature 'M' ring and pin daily. (She also had a full head of thick hair, but suffered through the tropical heat of the Philippines wearing a 'sassy' wig so she could look like Eva Gabor...but that's another story.) As daughters do, I claimed that ring and pin as soon as I could, before my sister (whose first initial is most definitely not M, but that wouldn't stop her) could. Since then I've been collecting all things big and small that are marked with M.

I gasped when I discovered the ultimate online boutique for the monogram obsessed, Mark and Graham. The site is blissfully full of so many beautiful personalized goodies, and if their Canadian prices and shipping fees were a little bit more affordable, I'd buy everything they sell.

Here at Desire to Acquire headquarters (aka just my scattered brain), where my love of monograms and handbags has been documented for eternity, I am forever looking for the ultimate combination of leather bags and monograms.

This beauty, Mark and Graham's Elisabetta -- with its soft Italian leather, metal feet, pockets for my iPhone, the perfect size for little old me -- is the latest object of my desire.

Isn't it lovely?

i'm back!

2014-02-05T21:30:00.003-05:00

I've been encouraged to resurrect the blog. And frankly, I've missed it so much.

Stay tuned for a new improved 'desire to acquire'.

xoxo
Marla

i've moved...

2012-04-09T22:09:00.003-04:00

I hate moving. But you know the feeling you get when you've either outgrown your space, or your space has outgrown you. That's how I feel about my blog. And between you and me, my home in the burbs (but that's another story)...

Please follow my blog to its new tumblr home here. And if you've got time to kill, visit my fashion blog here.

They are works in progress. But so am I.

addiction: tumblr...

2012-03-29T11:42:00.000-04:00

I've been working on my monthly list of 'things that make me happy' for at least a week now. But I've been distracted. You see, I'm completely obsessed with my tumblr page.

tumblr

I'll be back to my regularly scheduled program tomorrow. But in the meantime, I'll be posting a collage of style pics and inspiring words here. Won't you follow me?

what?! union jack chanel...

2012-03-28T09:30:00.000-04:00

source: pinterest

I gasped when I saw this pic of the Chanel Limited Edition Union Jack handbag. Alas, it's from 2011. Stunning!

tuesday shoesday: pink and pointy...

2012-03-27T09:30:00.000-04:00

the adorable kate spade elena pointy flat mary janes, from 2011

all images: pinterest

kick ass...

2012-03-26T17:14:00.000-04:00

Source: my-heart-is-in-this.tumblr.com via Marla on Pinterest

happy birthday fellow aries!

2012-03-24T00:08:00.000-04:00

all images: pinterest

words I live by...

2012-03-22T08:32:00.001-04:00

source: pinterest

do you want another longchamp?...

2012-03-21T09:08:00.002-04:00

You think the answer is NO. You've probably already got a Longchamp or two in your closet. One can't walk the streets of New York, Paris, or Toronto without bumping into a teenager or their mother toting a Le Pliage. Who needs another one?

Prepare to change your mind. (I apologize to my vegan friends who are reading this post. I'm aware that leather is wrong and unethical.)

longchamp le pliage cuir

The Le Pliage--affordable, functional, lightweight, foldable--is now available in 100% leather. It comes in a rainbow of colours from neutrals to brights. I'm in love with the Le Pliage Cuir in red.

Is the movie entertaining or annoying? Impossibly thin, long legged models strutting and "dancing" really turns me off.

And I'm trying my best not to be snarky because it's Lent.

Do you want another Longchamp?

tuesday shoesday: chanel gold heels...

2012-03-20T11:30:00.000-04:00

source: pinterest

Am I dreaming?

macaron day!

2012-03-20T09:00:00.005-04:00

It's Macaron Day!

Today, participating patisseries in the GTA are offering free macarons and donating 25% of macaron sales to the Red Door Family Shelter. The event was organized by La Bamboche, one of the finest patisseries in Toronto. Details here.

sometimes...

2012-03-19T09:30:00.000-04:00

source: pinterest

a favourite recipe: asian in america's vegetable stew...

2012-03-18T13:34:00.003-04:00

There is nothing more comforting to this Filipino vegetarian than pinakbet, a stew cooked by boiling a variety of vegetables together in broth and shrimp paste. I was thrilled when my twitter pal, @Mango_Queen, posted this pinakbet slow cooker recipe on her outstanding food blog, Asian in America.

Asian in America vegetable stew, recipe here

The results were out of this world delicious!

I could say that this is the portion I had for lunch. But that would be a lie. I ate 3 times this much.
And of course, her picture looks much better. Food blogger and photog I am not.

Enjoy!

standing bow...

2012-03-17T11:30:00.001-04:00

source: here

I want to balance forever...

what would you do? pt 1...

2012-03-16T09:30:00.000-04:00

image: pinterest

This will be a long list, but for now:

1. Write and publish my novel.
2. Earn a living as a travelling Bikram yoga teacher for a few months each year.
3. Sew black ribbon on my white curtains.
4. Flip real estate.
5. Make a brussels sprouts salad.

What would YOU do?

wildcat...

2012-03-15T13:42:00.003-04:00

I've had my eye on the Jcrew Jules dress in wildcat since December. I just hate paying retail ($218?!) at Jcrew, when I know they'll mark it down eventually. Today when the price was reduced to something I wouldn't feel guilty about ($115 - 30%!), I finally caved.

Jules dress in wildcat print, here

It pays to be patient.

Update: I ordered size 2 but wondered if I should've sized down to the 0 after reading reviews. (Dumb move--read reviews BEFORE you purchase.) Since it's final sale, I'd be stuck with the 2 regardless. The dress arrived via UPS on Mar 21, 6 days after placing the order. Size 2 is perfect! Size 0 would've limited my arm movements and the 4 would have been much too baggy. The hem hits above my knee, and sleeve ends just at my wrist, but I still shorten a bit to get the same look pictured on the model (she's probably at least 10 inches taller than me). I can see myself wearing this to work and parties for years. LOVE this dress!

i'm going to bikram yoga boot camp...

2012-03-14T09:30:00.000-04:00

...at home.

bikram yoga nice

I've been planning to go to the Nice Bikram Boot Camp for a few months now. Unfortunately my family's travel and school schedules get in the way of how I really want to live my life. (Kidding! But seriously, somebody has to be home for the kids!) And I suppose I should start saving for Bikram Teacher Training in October.

I still fully intend to go to Nice sometime this year. But if I can't be at Bikram boot camp in France just yet, why not create the boot camp experience here at home?

bikram nice boot camp program

My 'staycation' boot camp begins on Wednesday, March 14 and ends the following Tuesday. For the next few days my typical weekday will look like this:

7am: relaxed breakfast--almond milk coffee in a latte bowl, fruit
8am: free time--read, write, walk around the neighbourhood
9:30am: yoga, 90 mins
12noon: free time--nutritious lunch at home or a cafe, write, watch Friday Night Lights (ha!), shop and prep for healthy dinner
6:30pm: yoga, 90 mins
8:30pm: free time--healthy dinner, read, write
10pm: relaxing beauty treatments (more details in another post), followed by a vegan hot cocoa or chamomile tea
11:30pm: lights out

The yoga will be the easy part. I intend to do the morning and evening classes on Wednesday, Thursday, Monday and Tuesday, with a back-to-back on Saturday morning. I'll do the single classes on Friday and Sunday. By the end of my camp, I'll have completed 12 classes and 18 hours in the room.

How do I recreate the French Riviera in Richmond Hill, Ontario? Let's face it. I can't. But for the next seven days I will bring myself to a "Nice, France" state of mind by:

Controlling my OCD tendencies -- let go of the everyday chores;
Using my best things -- the good china, the nice linens;
Limiting the use of tech stuff to 2 hours a day -- yeah, BB and twitter;
Writing down my intentions, journalling my thoughts;
Preparing and eating healthy new vegan dishes;
Making a conscious effort to be happy and kind;
Wearing nice clothes, even if I'm just going to the studio;
Discovering new places in the GTA -- cafes, shops, interesting sights;
Finish reading The Corrections;
Indulging with a single macaron each day;
Surrounding myself with French stuff -- music, Eiffel Towers, books. They're all over my house anyway.

By the end of the week (which coincidentally leads to my birthday), maybe I'll have a new relationship with my body and mind. Or at least have made some progress in my Bikram yoga practice.

As if I'd been to Nice.