Hipster Trash

AA bodysuit, Love Yaya highwaisted shorts, Asos shoes, F21 jewelry + DIY harness

What I wore to be ironic but look like I don't care.

Can drinks be trendy? Does your drink of choice send a certain message about you?

Lately, I've been seeing a lot of Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka. At friends' houses. At local bars. In my freezer. I had not even heard of this liqour before last month and suddenly it is ubiquitously present. Trendy drink? Yep. Tastes good? Yep. We do love our sweet tea in the South.

Then there's the other side of the coin. Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer, or PBR, as the cool kids call it. The beer that is the anti-trendy drink of choice, which makes it secretly trendy, but only in secret because you have to act like you don't care since it's SO IRONIC.

Is what you're holding in your hand at a bar/club the new accessory? Does this outfit look better holding a beer or a mixed drink? Does it look better if the mixed drink is dark or clear? Am I really asking myself these questions?

Solution: Down whatever you're drinking within 3 minutes so you get to the dancefloor and dance with your hands drink-free.

MLIA

Zara dress, Urban Outfitters belt, Saks 5th Ave pumps

I went to work with stringy, air-dried hair.  For lunch, they brought in Jason's Deli.  I ate 3 giant cookies as a meal.  My life is average.

Thick as Thieves

AA Loose Crop Tee, Silence and Noise high-waisted denim shorts, UO belt, Jessica Simpson sandals, F21 necklace

High-waisted shorts are not conducive to eating your grandma's sticky rice and roasted chicken followed by a bowl of Bun Bo Hue, and approximately 50 ranier cherries your mom bought on sale for $1.50/lb. So much hurtings.

Playing around with the lighting.

Doing Some Hoodrat Stuff

Me: 3.1 Phillip Lim silk tank, AA skirt, YSL Tributes, F21 necklace and cuff, Banana Republic ring

Erica: Target dress, Colin Stuart pumps, F21 cuff

Dru of WWT set up his new backdrop downstairs so after a delicious prix fixe dinner at Voice, we played with his stuffs. Unfortunately, his backdrop is too narrow for full-body shots, as you can see. S'OK. We make do.

I didn't list what the boys were wearing because really . . . who cares. WHO CARES.

Just kidding.

Fiance: Club Monaco shirt, Urban Outfitters pants, Cole Haan shoes

Mike: Barney's shirt, True Religion Jeans, Aldo shoes

Dru: F21 shirt, JCrew pants, Urban Outfitters linen shoes, F21 tie

After this, we went to meet some of Dru's friends at a nearby club where it was Salsa Night. It sounds like a fun idea . . . until you realize you don't know how to salsa. I took Ballroom Dancing as an elective in college. Unfortunately, salsa was not included in the curriculum.

Makeup (How to Look Like a Cheap Slut)

I'd like to preface this post by stating that this is not a makeup blog.  I am by no means a makeup artist, nor do I think it's something I particularly excel at.  In fact, my skills have been likened to that of a "cheapy slut."

That said, I've gotten a couple comments inquiring about the products I use.  I personally love when people post lists of brands and products they use, so here are mine!  

Be warned - using these products may turn you slutty.

Make Up For Ever HD Foundation

It's ok.  Haha.  It's not like WOW THIS STUFF IS AMAZING, but they offer a broad range of colors so finding a close color match is easy.   I was previously using a MAC liquid foundation and this one is slightly less oily, which is nice for the humid climate in which I live.

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish

I just recently started using this and I really like it.  I apply it with a big fluffy brush (like a kabuki brush) and it feels nice and light.  Good for setting foundation, blends nicely, and looks really natural.  Plus it's like ~MINERALS~ and it's better for your skin or something.  I don't know if I buy that because it's going on top of foundation which I'm pretty sure is clogging my face.

MAC Matte Bronzer

Sparkly bronzer make me angry.  This one is matte, which makes me happy.  I also use it to contour when I'm feeling like my face is unnecessarily puffy.

Nars Blush in Desire

I've been using this color since college.  There's just something about hot pink blush.  It looks scary in the pan, but goes on very sheer.  Nars Orgasm layers great with this color too.

L'Oreal HIP Cream Eyeliner

I'm addicted to eyeliner.  ADDICTED.  If I was on a desert island and could only have one makeup product, it would be eyeliner.  Ok thinking about this now, it sounds ridiculous, but you know what I mean.  I started using eyeliner when I was 13.  I discovered Bobbi Brown Gel Liner in college and never looked back.  Gel and cream eyeliners are the ONLY thing that won't smudge and will STAY BLACK.  I was a Bobbi Brown devotee until I discovered MAC Fluidline, which was a couple bucks cheaper.  Then I discovered L'Oreal HIP Cream Eyeliner and it's like half the price and works just as well.  Some people say it doesn't work as well as BB or MAC, but it works fine for me. 

Stila Eyeshadow in Diamond Lil

I'm not very adventurous when it comes to eyeshadow.  I'll either wear brown/neutral, or smokey black/grey.  That's about it.  I like Stila eyeshadows because they're shimmery without being glittery.  I've been using this one lately.  It's a nice shimmery grey that is work-appropriate.

MAC Eyeshadow in Carbon and Typographic

WHATCHU KNOW ABOUT CARBON.  It is THE black eyeshadow.  Very pigmented, easy to blend.  I just started using Typographic, a matte charcoal grey, a couple months ago and it's nice to use in your crease/outer-V for a day-time smokey eye that is only a little bit slutty.  Like a baby slut.

Christian Dior Diorshow Mascara
I don't know if this mascara lives up to its hype, but it's what has worked best for me thus far.  I think it's hard to read reviews for mascara because everyone has a personal preference as to what makes a "good mascara."  For me, it has to hold a curl and lengthen; adding volume is secondary.  My friend thinks Diorshow is too dry, but I think it's perfect.  Also, I like the overindulgent size of the brush.  Another good one I like is Lancome Hypnose, but unfortunately, it irritates my contacts.  It's super good at holding a curl though.

  

MAC Slimshine in Lovey-Dove

I probably get the most inquiries about my lipcolor and this is what I'm usually wearing.  It's the only lipcolor I've ever bought a 2nd (and 3rd!) time.  I love the consistency - it's very moisturizing and maybe one step above sheer.  It smells/tastes kind of weird but that weirdness has become familiar (and comforting) to me.  Like an old friend.  A friend that makes my lips not chapped.

She's My Cherry Pie

Cherries are in season!

Since they were $0.99/lb, I bought several pounds at the grocery store and have been looking for cherry recipes to utilize the cherries.

I've never baked a pie before, but bought a pie pan a couple months ago with the intent of learning how to make pies. Perfect opportunity for a homemade cherry pie!

So I didn't really think about the fact that I would have to pit 2 pounds of cherries by hand. I used a chopstick. Because I'm Asian and that's what we do.

Eat this pie with vanilla icecream (Bluebell's Homemade Vanilla preferably). That's not a suggestion, it's an order.

Martha Stewart's Sweet Cherry Pie

(with my own adjustments)

2 pounds Bing cherries, pitted and halved
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice*
All-purpose flour, for rolling
1 tablespoon water, for glaze
1 tablespoon turbinado or granulated sugar, for sprinkling

*I prefer sour cherries over sweet cherries for pie, but only sweet cherries were available so I soaked the 2 pounds of pitted cherries in lemon juice (4 lemons) for about an hour

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees, with rack in lowest position. On a floured piece of parchment paper, roll one disk of dough (for recipe, see below) to a 14-inch round. Wrap dough around rolling pin; unroll over a 9-inch pie plate. Gently fit into bottom and sides of plate (do not stretch dough). Using kitchen shears, trim dough to a 1-inch overhand all around.


2. In a large bowl, combine cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice; toss until cherries are coated. [Here I added more lemon juice and soaked for an hour] Pour into prepared bottom crust.


3. On a floured piece of parchment paper, roll second disk of dough to a 14-inch round. Cut into eight 1 1/2-inch-wide strips. [Here I put the strips in freezer for 15 minutes or until firm so they would stay straighter upon baking.] Weave frozen strips over filling to form a lattice. Using kitchen shears, trim strips so they hang over rim by 1 inch. Tuck strips under rim of bottom crust; press to seal. Crimp with fingers all around the edge.


4. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush lattice with water, and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.


5. Place pie on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until filling is bubbling rapidly all over, 60 to 70 minutes (tent with aluminum foil when crust starts to brown, about 40 minutes). Transfer pie to a wire rack, and let cool to room temperature, at least 3 hours.

Martha Stewart's Basic Pate Brisee

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for rolling
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water

1. In a food processor, combine flour, salt, and sugar; pulse briefly. Add butter; pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal, with a few pea-size pieces of butter remaining. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup ice water. Pulse until dough is crumbly but holds together when squeezed (if necessary, add up to 1/4 cup water, 1 tablespoon at a time). Do not overmix.


2. Divide dough in half, and turn out onto two large pieces of plastic wrap. Fold plastic over each portion of dough; press to shape into two 3/4-inch-thick disks. Refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour (and up to 3 days); dough can also be frozen up to 3 months (thaw before using).

Hot Mess

 

F21 jumper, Target wedges, Banana Republic suede belt and necklace, Urban Outfitters earrings, Fiance's Omega Seamaster watch

It's been hot.  Unbearably hot.  Triple-digit hot.

I know tons of people have been complaining that it's hot.  YES YES IT'S JULY WHAT DO YOU EXPECT?

But have you heard that it's been SO HOT that one's engagement ring no longer fits?  I'm FOR  SERIOUS.  That's why I've been having to wear it around my neck.  It's been so hot that my fingers have swelled.  The only reason why I'm wearing the ring in the previous post is because I could not get my ring off for 2 days.  I had to sleep and shower with it on.

They've swelled almost an entire ring size.  Vienna sausages!  How do I know?  Well we've decided that I have to get a new setting for my ring b/c I can't even get my old one on anymore.  Upon getting resized, I've gone up 0.75.  How ridiculous is that?

What's going to happen when the weather finally cools down?  Well that's why my giant double-jointed knuckles are so handy.

PSSSSSST

Banana Republic satin trim tee, DVF pencil skirt, Jimmy Choo pumps

Happy Friday!

Here's a work outfit.

Sometimes (like this particular day pictured above) I go to work with dirty hair because I'm late to work. I justify this by reasoning that you're not even SUPPOSED to wash your hair everyday, lest you strip the oils from your hair. But I don't know...I couldn't ever get on board with that idea. I'm very pro-washing-your-hair-daily.

But on THOSE DAYS when you wake up late, greasy scalp is unavoidable. I used to just tie it back in a pony tail on those greasy days but I recently discovered Psssssst Instant Spray Shampoo and it's allowed me to leave my hair down for an extra day.

You spray it at the roots, fluff it up, and brush out. Does it totally eliminate the need for a shower? No - I still feel kind of greasy. However, it helps w/ the greasiness and smells OK.

New Things, Old Things, Crispy Things

Urban Outfitters crop halter top, Burberry shorts, Chinese Laundry sandals

Thank you for all the birthday wishes!

On my birthday date, Fiance and I had mexican food at Hugo's where we had, among other things, fried grasshoppers as an appetizer. I told my fellow foodie friend Audrey about it the next day:

Audrey: were they good?

me: they're not bad...

Audrey: LOL.

did you finish the bowl?

me: i mean, i didn't have seconds or anything
no we did not
hahaha

Audrey: did you eat more than one?

me: grasshopper?

Audrey: yes

me: yeah, they're small.

Audrey: oh ok

me: i ate maybe...30 of them.
LOL

Audrey: LOL
omg, i'm laughing out loud

"they're not bad. i ate like 30."

me: LOL

Here's a bad photo I took of them ON MY NEW IPHONE. It's the first time in life I've ever had internet on my phone and let me tell you - IT'S GREAT. Oh you already know? Well then I'd like to welcome myself to the 21st century.

Here's a picture of myself from the 20th century. Probably 1985-1986 to be exact. My sister felt inspired to upload a plethora of [embarassing] photos from our childhood onto Facebook last week. GET A LOAD OF ME!

So apparently almost 25 years pass and not much has changed....  This both comforts and alarms me.

20-Something.

It's my birthday and I'll stab you if I want to.

Also, I'm trying out nude lipstick. This one is not bad I think. Usually I be looking a little corpsey.

Here's a classic Junior Boys song in honor of birthdays everywhere. One of my all-time faves.

Junior Boys - Birthday

Early Morning Baking

Fiance's work occasionally requires him to wake up at 5  in the morning.  Being the heavy sleeper that I am, I usually don't even remember him leaving.  Once in a blue moon however, I wake up when he does and can't get back to sleep.

Hence my GREAT IDEA to attempt making bread at 5:30 AM this past weekend.  Raisin bread, that is.

Baking From My Home to Yours by Dorie Greenspan.  I love this cookbook.

She advises steaming your raisins to make them more plump.

Mixture of cinnamon, sugar, and cocoa powder.

The dough after being mixed, kneaded, rising for 1.5 hours, and firming up in the freezer for 45 minutes.

Yeast is the craziest thing.  The dough ball doubled in size after rising.  Then I wrapped it in plastic wrap and put it in the freezer.  It got even BIGGER and burst out of the plastic wrap.  Yeast scares me.   Also, it's called "ACTIVE YEAST."  It's like it's ALIVE. 

ROLL OUT.

Did I use more butter than directed by the recipe?  Yes.

The filling.  Notes the visible chunks of butter.

My dough baby.  So cute.

It rises again for another hour after this wherein it OVERFLOWED OUT OF THE PAN.  SO SCARY.

MMMM freshly baked bread smell is the best.

There's nothing like the first slice of fresh-from-the-oven bread.

Was pretty happy with my first attempt at bread making.  Next time I will try a savory cheese bread.