Michele

Watches are my weakness. I could conveniently own 10 different watches and have a completely different use for each. Hubby can't understand it 'How many watches can you wear? How many do you need?' One of these days, I'll let him know that 1 watch for each day of the year is fine with me. Anyway, I saw these gorgeous consumer-priced Michele watches at Bloomingdales, in the masculine stye I currently like.

I'm back!

After a wonderful, warm, fun etc. week in Buenos Aires, Argentina, I'm back in PA ;) Vacation was perfect in every way, especially being blessed to have such an adventure with hubby. Lewis Black, the comedian, had dinner beside us at a great grill spot called La Estancia. While at the JFK Aitport Duty-Free, I stumbled upon the La Mer Oil Absorbing Lotion which felt gorgeous on my oil-prone skin, and was $20 cheaper than at regular stores. I'll save up for it, while I read reviews. $190 is a lot for 1.7 ounces of moisturizer! Till then, the Lancome Pure Focus line is working nicely.

I dont know if Jones magazine is popular yet, but I see this at select magazine stands and it's quite interesting. Check out http://jonesmag.com/in-this-issue/ I'm on the look out for fun, winter fashion ideas. Hopefully, blogger Onada will give me some ;)

Vacation

Just a note to say that I will be on vacation in Buenos Aires for the next week and a half. I'm so excited!;)

Other random thoughts - Is Beyonce as fake as she seems? Why does Rihanna have fire-engine red hair? Why are the Kardashians famous? What job has Paris Hilton ever held? Why is Prince William balding prematurely? Why are energy-saving items pricey? Is Kanye West on drugs? Will JayZ release a new album? Are Eva andTony Parker really parting ways and why? Why is couture not street-wearable? Will Lady Gaga ever wear a tee with jeans minus armadillo boots? Why? Why? Why???

Any random thoughts on your end?

MAC rocks! Le Bec-Fin too!

For 2 years, I refused to accept that my favorite lipgloss from MAC, 'She-Boom' had been discontinued. I bought several tubes from the outlet cosmetic store 'The Cosmetic Company' even after I couldnt find it on mainstream retail counters. She-Boom Lipgelee was from the limited C-Shock collection, a hot pink-magenta tube that would scare any woman but attract any girl. Moisturizing, satin-like and a soft, light pink on the lips, I could use it comfortably in all seasons, from winter to summer. Ah, how I miss you, She-boom!Anyway, I just discovered what may become my next 'Best Lip' treatment. Its MAC Cremesheen 'Hang Up' lipstick. I had gone in to try the new MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme but stumbled upon the Cremesheen which so far, I like. 'Hang Up' looks dark brown in the tube but actually glides on as a soft, red-brown-plum, light-enough-for-day color. Hopefully, this works out well for me, I liked it in-store.

On a different note, hubby and I planned to go to the famous 'Le Bec-Fin' in Center City, Philadelphia last Monday. We eventually cancelled the reservation but we do plan to have dinner there soon. This French restaurant has been in Philadelphia for 40 years, and unfortunately, will be closing its doors soon (I dont know exactly when, but might be this year). For the months of October and November, the restaurant will host a weekday 4-course, $40 dinner between 5 and 6pm, to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Definitely a spot to try, not only before they close, but also with this dinner deal. Otherwise, be prepared to pay hundreds for dinner at Le Bec-Fin!

Chifa

This is a new, Latin-inspired Peruvian-Cantonese restaurant located in Philadelphia's Center City. Hubby and I had prixe-fix dinner here during Philadelphia's Restaurant Week. At $30 per person, it was a great way to try out Chifa. We were able to get a table before all the reservations were taken and we arrived about 30 minutes early. We were able to get a table after a little wait and the dinner began in full force. The inner decor looked warm with lots of dark walls, wood and soft lighting however we had dinner outside (curbside) to save time. Our waiters were very polite and each dish of the tasting menu was announced, and descibed in some detail.
The food was very generously seasoned and tasted spectacular. Even Chicken Wings were given a special touch with a spicy garlic ginger sauce. The Bao Buns were succulent with the right amount of pork belly in the center. They were simply heavenly. The Scallion Pancakes were to die for but the Pho was rather too light on taste for us. The dessert was Turron de Chocolate and it rounded up a superb evening.
The curbside seating lacked much sights and sounds but the food and service more than made up for it. I would run back to Chifa any day, and today, it's highly recommended with a 5 out of 5 rating.

Pictures courtsey of http://www.uwishunu.com/

It's Fall!

Now that fall is here and the air is crsip, the sweaters and boots are coming out. This is the time of the year that I like to carry fashion pieces that really pop in the grayness and chill. Now, I'm going to be upfront and say that I have searched high and low for comfortable, yet sexy, Louboutins. The one of two styles that foots this bill is the Cathay. I stumbled on the white snakeskin and tan versions of the Cathay being sold on a British website - the black patent is the type I've seen in stores here in the US.

The Cathay is on my 'Want List' in the tan color and I hope to get it as soon as I cut down my current credit card balances in the coming weeks. Check out http://www.mytheresa.com/, http://www.asos.com/, http://www.lastcall.com/ for more designer goodies including items from our European neighbours.

I had been waiting anxiously for the 'Mulberry for Target' collection to hit stores on October 10. That same day, I ran to my closest Target store to snatch my own pink leopard patent handbag from the collection. I had seen this bag lauded in several fashion magazines and it looked so good on the glossy pages. It looked like a fun, everyday bag for winter but imagine my dismay to realize that the bag had a cheap, glazed look to it, in person. Even $53 seemed like too much to spend on that quality and the bag is back at Target waiting for it's rightful buyer.

Other accessories that would spice up the fall/winter wardrobe would be colorful tights, animal print scarves/shoes/belts/handbags, candy-colored handbags (a la the 80s) and very importantly - glowing, healthy-looking face,skin and hair.

My style

My style by omopariola featuring cardigan tops

Summer is quickly coming to an end..the weather changed distinctly during Labor Day wknd. I browsed through Polyvore for what is pretty much my go-to style. I'll also try out other combos.
I have my mother-in-law visiting for a family wedding coming up this wknd. Next week, I and hubby need to start hitting the gym as we are getting out of shape ;(

Playing catch-up

While cleaning up my old suitcase, I found a list I had written about 5 years ago. It was at a turning point in my life, and I decided to write 43 things that I'd like to do by the age of 43. I turned 30 this year and when I found the list, I laughed. Here goes:
1. Go bungee-jumping/ sky-diving/ roller-coasting


2. Get a Brazilian

3. Start my own spa/travel agency business

4. Get married

5. Have 2 kids

6. Live in California/San Diego at least 6 months

7. Work a stint at the WHO

8. Sport an afro

9. Watch the Olympics track and field event live and direct

10. Donate to my high school and college

11. Tell my family, one by one, face to face, that I love them for specific reasons I should be able to list.

12. Get really born-again

13. Write a book/article detailing my trials

14. Consider authoring a monthly column in a paper/magazine

15. Get laser hair removal done/electrolysis

16. Get Lasik eye surgery

17. Keep fit

18. Come to terms with, and accept, what I want to do with Medicine

19. Reach the top of said ambition

20. Always remember that no one is perfect – not family or friends – but everyone has an opinion to ‘help’ you. Do your own things, go with your gut.

21. Rather be alone than with someone and unhappy.

22. Learn a new craft, or language, read a new book every month or other.

23. Expect adequate service and ensure your rights and wishes are respected.

24. Drive my own BMW

25. Visit exotic places, they broaden your imagination

26. Forgive, forget

27. Teach someone something new

28. Pole-dance

29. Kick a guy in the crotch. See if its really painful

30. Delve in to politics

31. Own investment stocks/bonds

32. Fess up to the resume lies

33. See the two houses I grew up in again

34. Take a natural picture

35. Boss a group of residents and medical students around

36. Keep my medical knowledge finely tuned

37. Visit a spa

38. Buy at least one designer/couture item at full price

39. Find two charities to donate to regularly

40. Love God, then trust Him as unconditionally as humanly possible

41. Get second earholes/tattoo

I actually only wrote up to 41, and I just added 42 and 43 today.
42. Make new friends

43. Keep joy and happiness in my soul and spirit

1, 4, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 26, 29, 31, 34, 35, 37, 38, 39 and 41 have been achieved ;) Don't ask! ;)

Badgley Mischka

Sorry about the delay! I have been busy at work, and only just had time to post this.

Today, hubby got me a little something for all the work and stress I've been through recently. And also just because he loves me :) Anyway, we happened to be at Neiman Marcus when we spotted this gorgeous Badgley Mischka Brigitte Shine bag and quickly decided we couldn't go home without it.

Tamarind

Tamarind is a BYOB Thai restaurant located at 117 South Street. I like Tamarind a lot, and have never needed to make reservations prior, even when we've had up to 5 guests in our party several times. I think I just have good luck because the spot fills up rapidly. The restaurant looks small at first glance but it could probably seat 30 diners at a go. With it's dim lighting and wood furniture, dinner could be romantic for two, or laid-back for a group. South Street itself is a fun, eclectic area where many younger adults hang out all year long.
Service is generally prompt and polite, although once in a while there's a new temp who seems to struggle somewhat with the English language. Never an issue that affects the service in any great way, however. The Tamarind Menu is divided into 'At First Bite', 'Spoonful Indulgence', 'Greatful Greens And Things', 'Spicyfications', 'Isan Far Away', 'Tamarind's Angels', 'Bangkok’s Goldmine', 'Vegeterian'. From  'At First Bite', we find the Steamed Dumplings and Spring Rolls to be excellent. The chicken and vegeterian spring rolls are served with a house special sauce that is sweetly spicy similar to the soy pepper sauce that is served with the steamed dumplings.
I have so many favorites from the 'Bangkok’s Goldmine' that I am yet to try the other meals. Pad Woonsen, Angry Salmon, Tear-Drop Snapper top my favorites list. Succulent, tasteful and served hot, these meals embody everything I desire in a dinner. Served with fresh, crunchy stir-fry vegetables, the portions are a good size and of course, the price is excellent, even for anyone on a strict budget. There is no great dessert menu, but various types of coffee and tea are offered in place.
One of the features I love about Tamarind is the fact that you have an option to select the level of spicyness in your meal from a certain scale of 1-7. The default spicyness is 1-2, which is really not spicy at all. I have not yet met the one brave enough to try a pepper-spice level of 7 but I did try a 6 with my Pad Woonsen once. My head nearly caught fire while eating that meal but I loved it so much, I plan to try that again! Since then, I have tried levels of 4 and 5, which are fantastic for me but would not be good for you if you cannot eat raw hot pepper ;)
I wish Tamarind would expand to having outdoor seating. Hopefully, that will happen in the future. And their drink list could benefit from some creative expansion. The BYOB option attempts to ease this issue, I suppose.
Tamarind rates a 4.8/5 for me. Ambience, Service, Cuisine, Price are all excellent.

http://www.tamarindsouthstreet.com/new/

CinCin Restaurant

Hubby and I heard good things about the duck dish in this restaurant and decided to see if it's really as good as the hype. Chestnut Hill is a quaint, little-explored area of Philadelphia with CinCin located beside another restaurant Hokka Hokka. There is street parking available though CinCin has a small parking lot in front for about 10 cars. Friday night, we made 8.30pm reservations an hour before and the host was actually able to seat us even though we arrived 30 minutes early, short by 3 people from our original reservation.

CinCin describes itself as Chinese and pan-Asian. The host and waiter were gracious, the ambience was made soft with dimly-lit lamps and candles, the air filled with low talk and laughter from other diners. Our gracious waiter gave us food menus and a wine list but was unable to clearly tell me what types of Martini were available. He later explained that he was a new staff. After clearing up the confusion, I had a nice Chocolate Martini before me. Definitely one of the better martinis I have drank, and I've drank so many!

Our dinner started with Crispy Spring Rolls. Crispy on the outside with soft shrimps and scallions on the inside, served with 3 sauces that were sweet, sour and spicy. I liked the spicy one the most. The Sizzling Triple Delight with brown rice was perfect-well done, well-seasoned, with crispy vegetables. Of course we had to try the duck, so we ordered a half Peking Duck. 20 minutes later, the waiter was wrapping the low-fat succulent duck meat into Chinese panckes at our table. The Hoisin sauce tasted somewhat chocolatey but not in a candy-sweet way. I didn't care much for the Hoisin so I dipped the wrap in the spicy hot sauce, really liked that combo. We were stuffed after dinner and didn't order dessert.

Overall, we spent about $55, with a tip. I would definitely return to CinCin for dinner another day, I already have my eye on the very spicy Wild-Peppered Lamb. CinCin is a 3.8 out of 5 in my books.
http://yangmingrestaurant.com/cincin/

So much to talk about

I like reading blogs. Hubby and I read so many blogs, it's about time we started writing ours consistently (consistently being the operative word). I hope to write frequently, about various topics including  restaurants, food, and some fashion. Readers, stop by and leave comments if you feel obliged to ;)