Fall Faux Fur

The two weeks before Y's departure to Korea was a hectic scramble to meet as many people as possible. One week, I ended up heading in New York City three times during the week. Three work nights! Let me just say, I was fatigued to say the least.  But it was worth it.

One of those nights, we had a lovely double date with one of our favorite couples.  They have seen us through from the very beginning stages of our relationship to now. 

We enjoyed some wonderful Italian fare and finished off the meal with a cup of coffee. 

It was a perfect evening to pull out my faux fur vest and paired it with burgundy skinnies. 

Vest: Zara, Shirt: Theory, Pants: H&M, Bag: Zara, Shoes: Steve Madden 

Necklace: Celestine Jewelry, Nails: OPI Do you have this color in Stockholm? 

You're the BALM

I have been loving the crisp fall air and the colder weather. I have adopted quite an after-work routine: change into comfy clothes (mainly pajamas), take off my makeup, make myself a late-afternoon snack, pour myself a tall glass of water and catch up on YouTube videos under the covers. 

But with the drop in temperature comes dry skin and dry lips. To combat the latter, I have a line-up of my top three balms that are the "bomb" (chuckling to myself). 

Reve de Miel - This glorious lip balm is raved about by a slew of YouTubers. And I can understand why. I enjoy its scent (a mixture between honey and lemon) and it is deeply moisturizing while having a rare matte finish. It's the perfect lip balm to put on before doing your makeup, especially when applying a lipstick on top. The only downside? It's a challenge to find here. (I just may have asked my husband to pick up a few during a layover in Europe. I may have. Maybe.) 

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment - I was first introduced to this gem by my cousin years ago. I would always see her applying it (the original version) so one day I decided to try it and I have never looked back. I prefer the original however, the Fresh Sugar lip treatment line now has an assortment of various colors and hues, making it the perfect tinted lip balm on a "No Makeup, Makeup Day".
Perk: SPF 15.
Downside: The price tag at $23. 

Smith's Rosebud Salve - Can I just start off by saying I love the packaging? I love the vintage look of it. This lip balm calms my chapped lips and the pleasant aroma of rose just adds to its appeal. It also claims to be good for dry skin - you could use it on cuticles, elbows, knees. It leaves your lips with a glossy finish - another one perfect for a "No Makeup, Makeup Day". Another plus? It doesn't hurt that it's costs $6. 

happy 30 years

30 years of love.

Today is my mom and dad's 30th wedding anniversary. 

When I look at my parents, I am amazed at their marriage and the many seasons they've experienced together - immigrating to a new country together, raising two children, not to mention they spent 11 years living apart. It puts the measly two months I'll be apart from Y to shame. 

Their marriage has taught me about the importance of sacrifice, laughter, and faith. 

Happy 30 years, mom and dad! 

Photo credit: the husband. Taken this weekend. 

Cheers to the next 30! 

Friday Favorites

This week felt like a marathon (more specifically, one I had not trained for, at all). Okay. Let me rephrase that. These past few weeks have felt like a marathon. (Hence the lack of blog posts. I apologize... I promise I have legitimate reasons. And I promise to tell you more about it in this entry.) 

These past few weeks' marathon-like qualities were due to the fact that during work hours, each day was bursting at its seams with emotions, crises and activity.  In the after-hours, Y and I were trying to squeeze in as much time with as many people as possible. Why, you may ask? Because we are moving to Korea!!! And in fact, the husband has already moved there. So last week, we went to a concert, visited a friend, met our newborn nephew, had date night, indulged in an Italian dinner in the city with good friends. This week, post-husband's-deparature, my week was filled with stress, sick days and sad, gloomy weather. 

But I welcome this weekend with open arms and cannot wait to:

• catch up some sleep 
• watch football (on TV in the comforts of my own home, in PJ's of course; and live - my friends are playing in an annual flag football tournament... one I used to play in. Since then, I have "retired" in fear of injury)  
• cross off a few to-do's off my never-ending list
• enjoy quality time with friends, more specifically a "dinner and movie" girls' night in

Sounds to me like a perfect formula to rest and reboot. 

Wishing you all a restful weekend! 

Now here are some favorites (from the past few weeks): 

Enjoying some real New York pizza with good friends 

Our friend, Ilmar introducing his group The Harlem Quartet at their new album release.

Enjoying a delicious meal with amazing people @LocandeVerde. (I must've missed the plaid memo...) 

A home-cooked, lavish steak dinner as our last get-together with friends before Y's departure to Korea. We are so thankful for such great friends. 

And he's off! See you soon!

Grandma Love

Life has been happening and a lot of it. Weekdays have been filled with busy days often sans lunch and weekends have been jam-packed to the brim. I blinked and it's the end of September. There is so much to fill you in on and many upcoming updates. But today, it's about Grandma. 

Grandparents are special, aren't they? And though mine are far away, I have been lucky enough to have had Y's grandmother nearby. I met Y's grandmother almost 7 years ago, when we started dating. A woman of wisdom, intelligence, faith. A woman with wit, a sense of humor. She always made me smile, and sometimes laugh until I teared. 

Over the weekend, she passed away. She will be dearly missed but we will cherish our memories of her. 

on grandma's birthday this past year