things as of late

A few pictures snapped with my new camera (Panasonic Lumix gf2). 

1.) My favourite fusion-style (Mare-seafood) pasta from Bistro the Home. 

2.) The set-up at the Valentine's Day event. 

3.) & 4.) Couple things I made thanks to some helpful advice from Alicia. 

Twitter/Bloglovin'

untitled

t.babaton blouse, talula skirt, f21 vest, moschino belt, matiko loafers

"No man who is not himself honest can be free-he is his own trap."

Twitter/Bloglovin'

something even better

wilfred free toque, talula denim jacket, skirt from Marshalls, aldo booties, chanel bag

My English professor once told us to be cautious with titles when composing written work. It often confines our thoughts and limits the flow of creativity. Likewise, I find the concept applicable to our personal lives. I used to plan ahead for everything and pinpoint exactly where I'd like to be in various stages of my life. If Plan A failed, Plan B wouldn't be too far behind. But we dedicate a substantial amount of time in our lives chasing after this ideal career/person/plan that we end up overlooking other possibilities God has for us. Never neglect the deterrence because chances are He is directing you to an even better ending.

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to love or to hate? it's an easy answer

equipment blouse, wilfred free pants, converse shoes, f21 sunglasses

When it came to my parents, I used to have a strong sense of entitlement. I felt as if their provision, unconditional love, and hard work were obligations owed to me. After all, those are the duties of parents, right? Well, many parents don't even come close to fulfilling any of the above. Here I was, this teenage brat thinking mommy and daddy were "supposed" to chauffeur me around town, pay for everything, and forgive me after screwing up for the 999th time. I'm not a parent (thankfully not yet), but I do know my parents have worked incredibly hard to pave a future for my brother and I; especially with their limited education and having English as a second language.

As each day, week, or month passes by, my parent's time with me is diminishing; so is their health. It's an inevitable fact of life, I get it- I cannot beat time. But for those who possess the same flawed paradigm that I once had, stop and just think if the petty fights and arguments are worth it. I'd rather utilize the limited time I have to love and create wonderful memories with my parents instead of speaking hateful words I cannot take back. Wouldn't you? I'm certainly not a perfect child, nor is anybody, but all it takes is a little change in the way we speak, think or act.

Of course, no blog post is complete without some awesome food photos. 

Twiiter/ Bloglovin'

downtown bound

vero moda jacket, t.babaton shirt, boundary & co. shorts, aldo boots, dkny bag

Vancouver is such a beautiful city to call home (born and raised here) yet a lot of times I take it for granted. Being constantly stuck in the driver's seat commuting between work and school, I hardly ever take a moment to observe the stunning scenary. Lately I've been trying to dedicate a bit of time to simply become a tourist in my own city and explore what it has to offer. One thing Vancouver is known for is the abundance of amazing restaurants. So, last week I went down to Hapa Umi (drool-worthy food photos below) for lunch with my bestie (Hi Jackie, I know you're reading this!), then walked over to take photos by the water. Next week, I'll be spending some quality with my mom and dad for Dine Out Vancouver. What can I say? Food brings people together.

1.) Hapa Roll

2.) Pork belly with seared scallops

new year's day outfit

f21 cardigan, costa blanca skirt, steve madden booties

(I meant to publish this post on New Year's day, but hey, I'm only five days late...)

I feel like 2012 will be an overwhelming year. Overwhelming in the sense that it'll be full of many instances where stepping into unfamilarity is needed. I want to experience what it's like to not restrict yourself to comfort. It's scary, but much needed. I'm excited. This is the year to do it.  

a lovely end to 2011

joe fresh silk shirt, costa blanca vest, f21 jeans, aldo necklace, gucci bag, sam edelman heels

This has been the best year I've experienced in a long time. It's not because of any performance based achievements or materialistic acquisitions, but because of the growth I've noticed in myself within the last year.

 One thing worth sharing is the mind shift I received in regards to dealing with people. To be completely honest, I suck at building and maintaining relationships. Maybe it's the comfort I have in solitude, but I just never felt the need to let people into my zone. And perhaps my lack of intimacy has caused a lot of lost and question marks in relationship building. Reflecting upon the last year, I have come to learn that you must humble yourself and not put your ego first if you really want and value the relationship. I know it sounds cliche, but that's the most common (and easiest way) to create a wedge in a relationship. If you're unwilling to put the other person before yourself, the only relationship building you're doing is with yourself. It takes a strong person to stand behind their argument but an even stronger person step away from the "No, I'M right" attitude and move on. As well, the importance of being in a community is something I grew more fond of.  After all, you can't deny the power created in unity.

So, thank you to those who I've met/grew closer to, supported me and brought about change in my life in the last year (you know who you are!). Enjoy the rest of the year, my friends. Happy holidays! xo