...manifesto, pt 1

Holstee manifesto

...dinner

via Chuck's Day Off

I hosted Thanksgiving dinner for my family this past Saturday.... turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes. Whew! Maybe I'll be off the hook for Christmas and I'll be able to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, I'm thinking of new dishes I can serve for small dinner parties. Typically we'll entertain at a local Asian resto, or for family birthdays I'll whip  up a big buffet of Filipino dishes. By the time guests arrive, I'm stressed or exhausted. Still,  it's time to expand my repertoire should I ever have to quickly whip up an 'impressive' meal for a small number of people given relatively short notice. Grown ups should be able to do that, right?

So, I will be attempting the Portuguese chicken with chorizo and clams.  Imagine this with your favorite glass or red wine and crusty bread. I would serve along with a light salad or one of these side dishes, depending on the weather, my mood or stress level.

Grilled vegetables via Sunday Suppers

And then to finish the meal,  ... Haagen Dazs dark chocolate ice cream. OMG... so smooth and rich. This is not your regular grocery store ice cream, trust me. Chocoholic heaven!

Haagen Dazs Dark Chocolate ... 160 calories per 1/2 cup and so worth it. 

...i miss you

Japanese Ham Sandwich at Bikram Yoga Teacher Training Fall 2010

It's been a long time since I've dieted, exercised, or been to the Bikram studio. Still depressed, or lethargic, or just too darn busy trying to make everything else perfect that I'm neglecting my body. I've been reading Bikram TT blogs, and when I saw this picture of JHS doing standing separate leg stretching here, my body started to ache and I felt such longing....not enough to get my arse of my slipper chair beside the fireplace, but longing,.. I miss Bikram yoga so much.

Maybe tomorrow... I'm deep in a report for work that's hours overdue. That's my excuse.

What's wrong with this picture? I'm not in it! Teacher trainees at Moonlight Beach, Encinitas, San Diego practicing dialog and triangle pose, via piece of cheesecake.

...lonny

Lonny Oct/Nov 2010


The new Lonny has arrived. Well since it's an online magazine, let's just say the new Lonny is finished. There are wonderful, familiar images that I've seen on the blogosphere previously, but that's ok because Lonny is free. This could very well be a first-rate issue, but I can't for the life of me figure out how to view the magazine properly online, so it's impossible to 'flip' the pages and enjoy the mag as I would have, if the magazine were you know, printed.

So excuse my rant, because you really should pay Lonny a visit. Here are two inspiring images from the issue, both of the JK hotel in Capri. *Sigh* absolutely dreamy....

I still gasp whenever I see it. The dark floors, the wing chairs, the round 'library tables'. Aspirational, yes, but also accessible. If I could only read the caption.

What a sight line! The mirrors, striped rugs, and again, the wing chairs... I die!

...glory

Just when I thought I'd seen all the good fall movies and the movie of the year, I was reminded of 'Morning Glory'! I'm so looking forward to this feature, starring the lovely and Canadian Rachel McAdams, Diane Keaton (who will always be Annie Hall to me), Harrison Ford, and *gulp* my one and only Patrick Wilson.

Patrick Wilson! Patrick Wilson, who I first discovered one  lonely Tuesday morning in a Lincolnshire hotel room, when I ordered 'Little Children' to kill time before our conference began. He's low key but holds top spot on the Free Pass 5 most of the time. I think it was the Gap commercial with Claire zzzzz Danes that sealed our deal. The man can sing and dance! It doesn't matter to me that I'm the only one who watches most of his movies or is aware of his existence.

Morning Glory definitely looks like a chick flick,  I know. But please indulge me, you know I live for this kind of thing.

...logo

Gap's very short-lived logo

Gap was one of my all time fave shopping sources. I bought Rorygilmore's first outfit there when she was 2 weeks old. In the 90s when business casual became the norm, I bought my entire wardrobe there. My 'uniform' consisted of cardigans, classic tshirts, silk scarves, khakis. I bought several pairs of the same black side zip twill pants, because I wore them nearly every day. And I have cute and comfy little black dresses memorably bought on sale. I was a loyal fan for at least 10 years. But then they became predictable, the quality really deteriorated, and even when Rorygilmore worked there and got 50% off, most of the time I had to force myself to find something worth buying.

What's wrong, Gap? J.Crew's popular Minnie pant is almost exactly the same as those same black side zip stretch twill pants I loved so much. Why didn't Gap reissue the pants before JCrew came out with theirs, for $98 USD? Why is Gap just now selling the really skinny pants and jeggings, 2 years after I bought them Forever21? Gap was floundering creatively and this naturally reflects in their popularity and bottom line.

The company and the brand had problems to fix, but their logo wasn't one of them. So they created a new logo which they introduced very quietly. Well, they tried...but they received such negative feedback that they decided to go back to the old logo tonight (after using the logo for maybe 1 week) and issued a press release to say so. Read here.

Ugh. I don't know what's worse, to fix 'what ain't broke', or to cave because their 'public' says so. If such a high profile company makes a big decision, shouldn't they stick with it? I'm embarrassed for them. Listen Gap, consumers buy clothes because they like the style, quality and price point, we ultimately don't care what your logo looks like. So don't even ask.

Well, there is hope. I found a few desirable items online so that is encouraging. Perhaps the old tried and true will find its way to consumers' hearts and wallets again.

Cashmere dolman sweater (sure, now that Rorygilmore has resigned... $128!)

Leopard print scarf

Sidezip striped boatneck ... Ok Gap, you got me. I'm coming in for this one, even at full price!

What are your thoughts on logo debacle? Do you even care about a retailer's logo? And, do you still shop at the Gap?

...storage?

It's obvious from the number of blog posts about handbags and purses that I have a problem. Not a shopping problem, a storage problem!

I currently store my bags in a Ikea Billy bookcase in our bedroom. And you can see I'm already stacking vintage Guccis and Roots, Fraudas, prized Coach classics, Banana Republic and Rudsak bags that really must be treated with more respect. I've already moved the the larger bags to Rorygilmore's room (she is away at school), but even then I feel these lovelies deserve a better showcase.

Can you suggest any better solutions? Where do you store your handbags?

...shop your closet

Club Monaco's latest collection

Club Monaco's latest collection is classic. So classic in fact, that it turns out I already have many similar items in my closet. Consider the picture above, and what I dug up in my closet:

JCrew cashmere coat, $129, purchased online, Jan 09
H&M white silk dot blouse + scarf, $25, Feb 07

Gap Always Skinny black jeans, $35, April 10

Marc by Marc Jacobs purse, $400, purchased from Bloomingdale's Orlando March 10 spring break

Club Monaco gold driving gloves, $30, Nov 09

Franco Sarto leopard mary janes, $60, Winners August 10

Not exactly the same but just as good or better, IMO. Best still, I didn't have to spend a penny because instead of going to the mall, I shopped at home.

Being the compulsive shopper that I am, I couldn't stop. I found other former wardrobe faves that I'd almost forgotten, but now look forward to wearing this fall. Many brought back fond memories of where and when I bought them. (Note: I took these pictures in my ensuite bathroom, and added the 'Keep Calm' poster for fun.) You'll notice I used the same skinny black jeans to style, but any old slim black pants will do. And with most fall outfits, it all starts with the jacket.

Michael Kors leather jacket, $150, purchased on a shopping trip to Buffalo w Claire and Maria, Dec 08

Gap white blouse, $30, purchased Sept 08

Gap Always Skinny black jeans, $35, April 2010

Barneys motorcyle bag, $200, purchased from Barneys outlet near Honolulu after NCL Hawaii cruise, Aug 06

Coach animal print kitten heels, $150, purchased San Diego Nordstrom Rack, Aug 07

Comptoir des Cottoniers short sleeve twill coat, 50 euros, purchased Paris 6th arr, Jul 08 (best trip ever, sigh*)

Anne Klein lion brooch, 1980s

H&M striped tee, $9, Feb 10

Scarf, gift from Chris&Jade  

Gap Always Skinny black jeans, $35, April 2010

'Balenciaga' black giant part time, Pacific Mall, Oct 2009

Black pointy stilettos, $90, R2W, Nov 05

Banana Republic little black dress, $20!, purchased fr San Diego BR outlet, Aug 07

'Chanel' necklace, Pacific Mall, Apr 10

Banana Republic red croc satchel, $85, Dec 06

Black pointy stilettos, $90, R2W, Nov 05

I received a lot of compliments when I recently wore this little black dress that I purchased long ago. Good for my wallet, and great for the ego too. I love the 'Mad Men' silhouette of this dress, even though I bought this before I ever heard of Jon Hamm.

I had a great shopping trip this afternoon. I especially love that I've had many of these items for years. I realized I don't need to purchase any other basics this season, possibly just add few inexpensive accessories.

Lesson learned: before buying anything, shop your closet!

...mah jong

Well, that was quick (the hiatus, I mean)... It's amazing how desperation can drive my resourcefulness. Anyway...

I die! When I go to heaven..this gorgeous Jean Paul Gaultier mah jong couture collection would be in my living room. Assuming of course that when I get there I won't worry about how to clean the shiny dark floors, whether I should remove my shoes, how to properly descend on the floor level lounger. But as impractical as this is, I love everything about it... the various shades of black and white, the classic style hollywod print, the touches of red. How heavenly would it be to come home to this...

And here is JPG himself, all decked out here in stripes while sitting on a matching striped chair that's on a matching striped rug in a room wallpapered with stripes. love love love.

...rejected!

Just when I was feeling inspired again, the damn server rejects any images I try to post. So until I figure this out (or get a new mac or ipad), I'll have to take a blogging hiatus.

...salami

Those darn sporadic technical issues uploading images to my blog? Not so sporadic, because I can't post pics again. What's a lonely blogger to do on a Friday before the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend? Let me just refer you to this must read photographic investigation from gawker that made me smile. I couldn't have posted anything better myself... this is why blogging is fun.

You can thank me later.

...bracelets

These Tiffany bracelets are so pretty. Rorygilmore just loves them, and stylishly stacks a number of them on her arm. Of course, hers aren't even real silver, because these baubles, Tiffany or not, can cost a fortune. And why not? They're classy AND classic, can be worn to school, work, or a dressy evening, future heirlooms...

If you're interested in sterling silver bracelets just like these (without the Tiffany engraving of course) for a fraction of the price, let me know. I'll hook you up ....

...success!

via Simply Luxurious Life

It looks like I can upload images to my blog again... yay!!! Isn't this the most inspiring quote? And so appropriate too...

...collection

Club Monaco's new collection

Ugh. I have to confess...I use my employer-issued laptop for blogging. And now I can't seem to add images on my blog due to added security measures, or whatever... It's time to spring for a personal laptop, probably a refurbished Macbook pro that possibly my sister can help me score. (Update: technical issues fixed, for now...)

I'm just DYING to post pictures of the new Club Monaco collection (IN STORES TODAY!) but I can't. Trust me though, it is beeeauuuutifuuuul. You will want to buy everything in it. I'm craving the faux fur coat (which I swore I would never get, b/c I bought a leopard coat 3 years ago), the leather skirt, everything! Read here.

just my style... except for the hat, I can picture me going to No Frills in this...

On second thought, I have several similar things like these already, like the striped scarf, and the camel coat. Hmm, time to shop the closet. That's another post.

Another 'me' outfit... except if it were cold to enough to wear a coat, I wouldn't be wearing peep toes, no matter how fashionable.

...facebook

I just LOOOOOVED 'The Social Network'. There was a lot of hype -- the cast on all the talk shows, the early reviews were all raves -- so I wanted to see it, but had little expectations. It's all talk, no violence, no action, very little sex, but so intelligent and engaging that you won't want to leave your seat or waste a second to chat with your movie buddy, even if you know how it all ends.

The reviews claim that it's a masterpiece, the movie of the decade, defines a generation, blah blah blah. Comparisons are being made to Citizen Kane (ok, I can see why), and Oscar noms are predicted for everyone. Well, that remains to be seen.

On the other hand, the movie is being widely criticized for its negative portrayal of women, and Asian women in particular. Look, I'm an Asian woman, and I wasn't offended. It's a movie! Just sit back and enjoy it for what it is.

Most of the performances were brilliant, especially Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield. However, I was right about Justin Timberlake. He was the weak link ... hated his voice, his face, his delivery, ugh. I suppose he's trying for all the major awards -- he's already got Grammys and an Emmy, I guess he wants an Oscar too. Puhleez, he does NOT belong here. While we're on the subject of the boys in the movie, Armie Hammer (real name Armand Hammer, lol) was gorgeous as the Winklevi.

Rate: A+, that's right, it was better than Easy A. Yes, it's that good.

PS, I'd post a picture of the very very fine Armie Hamer, but I seem to be experiencing technical issues adding images. That is really unfortunate because he is prime eye candy. (Update: fixed for now, obviously...)

...books

Oh happy happy day! My Amazon order arrived on my doorstep this afternoon and I can't wait to start reading. As I slashed open the box, I wondered "Will I be as excited to download an ebook to a Kindle or Ipad?" hmmm.
First of all,

My Hollywood by Mona Simpson

Rorygilmore brought this book to my attention, via a review in People. It's about life in Hollywood, which is a typical chicklit location, but what attracted me to this book is that one of the main characters is a Filipino nanny named Lola. I want to play her in the Lifetime movie. Sold!

Next up,

Never Let Me Go

When I went to the screening at TIFF, the audience was much more passionate about the book than they were excited about the movie adaptation. That's a good enough recommendation for me. BTW, I didn't pay any attention to Andrew Garfield at TIFF, but now that I've watched the facebook movie, I can see why they hired him to be the new Spiderman. I wished I'd asked him a question, or at least taken his picture... he's going to be a big star someday, but he just didn't do anything for me in this quiet movie.

And finally,

Freedom

...just because it's Oprah's latest book club selection. Usually her selections are so depressing (the Wally Lamb book for example), but I love her classic choices...'One Hundred Years of Solitude' and 'East of Eden' are two of my favorite books ever. So I'll give this a chance.

I may be on a blogging break, but I'm sure you understand.

...fashion subtraction

I've been craving a Balenciaga Giant Part Time bag forever... .but what could I get for that same amount of money? Let's see.... 

Balenciaga Giant Part Time - $1895

EQUALS



1. Gap Really Skinny Pants - $45



2. Marc by Marc Jacobs Visionspring bag - $48

3. Ipad - $549

4. Joe Fresh faux leopard coat - only $89

5. Jo Malone grapefruit cologne - $100

6. Jcrew Caryn dress - $188

7. Tory Burch Sophie wedges - $295

8. Michael Kors rose gold watch - $250

9. Jcrew Icon wool cashmere trench - $325

I could get 9 OTHER things that I'm craving, and with $6 to spare! How ridiculous is that?

...tv

Parenthood on NBC. Lauren Graham as Loreilai Gilmore deux.

How I wish I could write that I've not been blogging because I've been going to yoga daily, working out, eating healthy, socializing, decorating and cleaning the house, trying new recipes, reading and improving my self constantly. How I wish...

The truth is, since we've been back from vacation and then Rorygilmore moved away to university, I've not done much. I wake up, have a cup of coffee and some kind of carb and calorie heavy something (a whole full size bagel, buttered and topped with cream cheese or a dollop of ginger jam), and login to start work, usually in my daily uniform of yoga pants and a striped tshirt. Then the boys come home, we have dinner, and then I make like a couch potato for the rest of the night....and then do it all over again the next day. It's the curse of the virtual employee. Well it's possible I'm depressed, but for now I'll blame it on the new crop of fall tv shows.

I'm a tv nerd. Growing up, my sibs would go swimming or biking or playing with the neighbours, and I'd memorize the tv guide to plan my week. It is nothing short of a miracle that I'm not a 500 pound hermit... so I'm a 125 pound hermit. The joke around our house was that if I was hooked on a tv show, it would soon get canceled. Ever heard of the 70s tv shows 'Beacon Hill' or 'Apple's Way', or the 90s classic 'Relativity'? This was before the PVR or DVD sets were invented, so I scheduled my life around these shows. ugh.

Anyway, here are the new shows I'm hooked on. I'm afraid to tell the producers or actors to start looking for new jobs now, because with my luck...


The Whole Truth on ABC. Love Maura Tierney!

Hawaii Five O ... this might actually stand a chance.



I hoped this was the new Lost, but...

I hope at least one of these shows will be back next year. But I wouldn't count on it.