What I'm Loving Wednesday

Happy Hump Day, everyone! Just thought I'd tell ya'll what I've been loving in my life this week!

I'm loving my roommates for simply being awesome and beautiful people!

I'm loving The Container Store for helping me organize my TINY bedroom!

I'm loving that I can get my groceries delivered (FREE!) to my sixth floor walk up apartment!

I'm loving my new North Face jacket for keeping me warm in these NYC cold temperatures!

I'm loving that my roommate, John, introduced me to Law and Order: SVU so now I always have something to watch on Netflix.

What are YOU loving today?

Tuesday's Tunes

I've been all about the link ups lately and today's come courtesy from Leslyn's Lovely Life, an awesome little blog I found through the GFC Collective Hop.

This week (and honestly most weeks), I've been listening to Sara Bareilles' "Gonna Get Over You." It didn't get as popular as some of her other songs, and I don't understand why because it's SO good!!! And this video is hilarious and so refreshing compared to so many music videos out there with just how feel-good it is! No matter how I'm feeling, if I put on this song I can't help but feel happy - which I find funny considering it's essentially a break up song. But seriously, I dare you to listen to this song and not want to get up and dance (or at least bob your head). This is my close the door when my roommates are in the apartment and dance/spin/jump alone in my bedroom song. And yes, I try to imitate a lot of the dancing in the video and I'm sure any neighbors peering into my window probably thinks I'm crazy XD

What are you guys listening to this week?

This Weekend I...

Hey guys, so today I discovered a new link up hosted by Sar over at Life of Love. Be sure to check out her wonderful blog and join in on the fun!

This Weekend I...

Friday, I went out to my first New York City nightclub. I'm not a huge clubber as I prefer bars where you can sit and talk, but I do like to dance and New York clubs always look so glamorous in movies and tv that I was actually excited for this venture. My roommate, Janice, and I met up with my other roommate's girlfriend, Silvia and her friend Elisa at the club. It was called Pink Elephant and Janice chose it because she was friends with the owner and knew a couple promoters there. As shown on tv, there was a line outside the venue complete with bouncers. Luckily, because we knew the promoters, we got to walk right in without a wait. Once in, we skipped the coat check because we had a table with the owner and could just set our stuff with him. The owner, Bobby, was very sweet and courteous. It was definitely nice getting the "VIP treatment" on my first club outing. We got free drinks and didn't have to worry about creepy guys trying to dance on us and could really enjoy our "girls' night." Eventually, two more of my roommate's friends joined us before we left to watch one of their friends perform at a hotel in Soho. It was a bit later in the night so it had cleared out some, but, nevertheless, she had a lovely voice and you could tell she was touched her friends came to support her. Afterwards, we popped into a couple bars but nowhere seemed all that interesting so we all headed home.

Saturday, I experienced my first New York brunch which I had heard so much about. Janice and I once again met up with a bunch of her friends (who were all extreeemely nice and welcoming) at a very nice restaurant called Peels that had the most beautiful Southern decor. After looking over the menu, I decided to be safe and ordered the "Farmer's Market"- which was basically eggs, hash brown, toast, and bacon - and a biscuit. Everyone's orders but mine came quite quickly and I thought maybe it just took a little longer to prepare (which I still though strange as I arguably had the simplest meal). However, when someone else who had arrived late received their food before me, I knew something was wrong and inquired about my food. The server was incredibly apologetic and they got my food out to me right away and didn't even end up charging me for it because of the wait! I was originally a little disappointed, but that certainly turned my experience around!

After brunch, our group separated and four of us ended up going to this AMAZING Asian dessert bar called Spot. I had actually heard of it from a friend in Florida and was super excited to go! We ordered the Chocolate Green Tea Lava Cake, The Thai Tea Creme Brulee, and the Sweet Potato Cake (andd I got a Passion Fruit Bubble Tea - so refreshing!). They were absolutely delicious and beautifully presented, I can't wait to go back! I think this is one place I'm definitely going to be taking my friends and family when they come up to visit. Plus, a bonus is that it's literally across the street from my friend Chandra's apartment. Even though I literally just had brunch AND dessert, we went out to one of her favorite guilty pleasures, Dumpling Man, that I had heard oh so much about. I got about three dumplings in before I realized that, yes, I was stuffed and packed the rest for home then proceeded to watch Netflix and edit videos all night.

Sunday was pretty much my lazy day complete with SVU marathon. Janice made me a delicious breakfast of an omelette made with tomato sauce, onions, and spinach and toast with blackberry jam before she headed out for the day and I dove into working on my blog and Youtube channel. I did venture out from my apartment for a little while to do some shopping at Buffalo Exchange, a really cool consignment/thrift store. 3 tops and a dress all or $35 - not bad, right? Afterwards, I grabbed a pizza slice and calzone to go then proceeded to tweet about the Oscars laaaate into the night. I couldn't watch them live because I don't have cable at my apartment, but my sister does anddd there's always Twitter with it's constant updates that makes you feel like you're watching it live. Before the show started, my sister asked me what my Oscar predictions were in all 24 categories since she hadn't seen any of the movies but was doing a contest of some type with the kids from her film school in LA. I ended up getting 19/24 correct and she won a $60 gift card. I could probably do a whole post about the Oscars but because this post is already so long, I'm just going to sum it up as Christoph - superb. Adele - brought down the house. Tarantino - genius. Bradley Cooper - beautiful man. Ben Affleck - d'aww, so happy for him. And JLAW JLAW JLAW - you are simply flawless.

That's my weekend for you! Definitely a lot more exciting than when I first arrived to NYC! What did you guys do this weekend??

Sunday Social: Awkward Years

1. Biggest middle school fashion mistake?

Oh my goodness, too many to list! I was a fashion disaster! I guess I should be grateful that my school had uniforms!

2. Who were your best friends in high school? Pics?
I didn't have a lot of friends in high school, but three people stick out in my mind: Lauren Martin, Jarryd Knappman, and Tara Thompson. Lauren and I both ended up going to Florida State although both of our busy lives kept us from spending as much time as we'd like together. I still consider her one of my closest friends though and it's crazy to think of everything we've been through together over the years! Jarryd and I, unfortunately, lost touch over the years - although there's still Facebook! And Tara didn't technically go to my high school (we knew each other from church), but we've managed to stay in touch. She's even planning on coming up to visit me in New York one day!

3. What was a typical weekend like for you in high school?

Oh wow, I can't even recall...probably because I didn't do anything all that exciting. I was such a homebody - most likely writing, working on my websites, playing video or computer games, or going shopping or to the movies with my family.

4. Did you have any boyfriends/girlfriends? Tell us about that.

Nope, single lady all the way. I think I was too quiet/weird for anyone to ask me out lol.

5. Did you have any secret codes with your friends? Spill your secrets!

I don't think so...they would have been with my sister if anything!

6. If you could relive one day/moment/experience from middle school or high school, what would it be?
Honestly, I don't think there's a day I'd like to relive. Maybe redo but not relive. I have some good memories (thanks to the people above), but middle/high school are days that I'm happy to put behind me.

Now it's your turn to answer these questions! Spill all your awkward middle/high school details in the comments below!

Sunshine, Daisies...

Flower headband - Primark

With S/S just around the corner now, I thought I would do a Make up look based on a few of the SS2013 trends. I've mixed some of the main trends (Matte skin, Matte pink lips, Bright or Metallic eyes and fluttery lashes) and adapted them to make them more wearable. Pink Matte lips and Matte skin play a big part in the S/S 2013 Make up trends.

I used Rimmel Match perfection foundation as a base and Rimmel stay Matte Powder all over my T-zone to give me the Matte effect. I love dewy skin so left my cheeks slightly glowy using Topshop highligter in sunbeam.
I used Maybelline colour tattoo Eternal gold on my eyes, it's so quick and simple to use and gives a really lovely effect that lasts all day. Great for hot summer days, I wore this a lot last summer and it didn't budge in the heat!
I used Topshop Cream Blusher in Flush to give a peachy pink flush of colour to my cheeks and Ardnell Demi Wispi's lashes to give me a fluttery lash effect.
I didn't want my lips to be too matte so I used Revlon lip butters in lollipop and sweet tart mixed together to give me a bight pink lip colour. I also dabbed a small amount of the sunbeam highlighter in the middle of my lips.

To wear this look for the day, I would loose the false lashes and just apply a small amount of sweet tart on my lips, its best to blend in with your finger to give a more natural lip. I really like this look and will definitely be wearing it this spring!

February 2013 ipsy/Myglam Bag

Yay! Yesterday I received my February ipsy bag! I was so excited because with the end of my year-long Birchbox subscription last month, it's my first "beauty box" subscription package I've received from my New York apartment. The theme this month was surprisingly not Valentine's Day themed, but instead "Get Red Carpet Ready" which is still very appropriate with all the award shows this month including the Oscars this Sunday.

The bag itself is a black vinyl make up bag with red lining on the inside. I like ipsy bags best when they are simple like this and not crazy prints. Definitely makes them more versatile. This is actually the bag I use to carry around my makeup in my everyday handbag.

What I got in my box:

• Lash Card - These little cards claim to help you say goodbye to messy mascara application by preventing smudging and clumping. They'll also help you reach all those hard to reach lashes without messing up your eye makeup. There's two curved sides - one small, one big - on each end so you can choose which fits your eyes. While it's a cute idea, you can do the same thing using a business card and save money. It's nice that they're pre-wrapped though so you can just throw one in your wallet or makeup bag. With code IPSY22, you can get one Lash Card free when you purchase two at lashcard.com.
• POP Beauty Smokey Lash Kappow Mascara - I always like getting sample mascaras in my beauty box subscriptions because they're great for sticking in your purse or for travel. This black UK brand mascara claims to be both smudge proof and waterproof. Get 20% off at popbeauty.co.uk with the code IPSYPOP.
• Pixi Poreless and Flawless primer - This oil-free, all skin type face primer claims to leave a no-shine finish that smooths out fine lines, leave skin hydrated, and make pores disappear! Sounds pretty awesome - I hope it works because it's so hard to find a good, reasonably priced primer. Get 20% off at pixibeauty.com when you use the code IPSYPIXI
• Coastal Scents Eye Shadows - I really love Coastal Scents shadows - they're highly pigmented and are a great value. This sample palette gives you four dime-sized colors to try out that I think will create some really pretty looks. Receive 25% off your purchase at coastalscents.com with the code IPSY.
• MicaBeauty Gel Eyeliner - This claims to glide on smoothly, dry quickly, have long lasting power, and leave a smudge-proof finish! It seems like a regular gel eyeliner, but we shall see. I love that it comes in the little glass container and is basically a full-sized sample. Receive 30% off your purchase at micabeauty.com with the code IPSY.

 
What did you guys think of this month's bag?

Valentines Glossybox

This months Glossybox was themed for Valentines day, the themed boxes are always my favourite and this one didn't disappoint!
The box is lovely, it's so pretty that I'll definitely be using this as storage for something!

My favourite product this month is the Docteur Renaud Raspberry soft cream, the ingredients are pretty good, it's parabin free and you can buy it easily at M&S. It's quite natural and leaves my skin feeling so soft.

Modelco Eyeshadow Palette - I love the colours of these Modelco eyeshadows, however it has quite big glitter particles that fall out and I don't think the colours are very well pigmented.

Anatomical Shower Gel - My boyfriend has already claimed this as he likes the smell and the packaging! I have far too many shower gels and i'm not too keen on the ingredients so thats fine with me!

Helen-e Cosmetics - This lipstick is really creamy but I'm not keen on the colour. I got the colour Sienna, which is a deep plumb/brown which just really doesn't suit me. It's a good colour to have so i'll keep it in my make up kit and I'm sure I'll get some use out of it.

Micabella cosmetics Blush in Siera Suede- This is my second favourite product, such a pretty colour!

What did you think of this months Glossybox?

xx

Sunday Social: Valentine's Day Edition

This week's Sunday Social is all about Valentine's Day!

1. Best Valentines Day you’ve ever had
Probably last year when I got to go to my favorite Italian restaurant, Bella Bella.

2. Worst Valentines Day you’ve ever had
I spent one Valentine's Day in college sick and alone in bed all day. It was horrible :(

3. What did you do for Valentines this year?
I went to my roommate's fashion presentation in Soho. It was incredible!

4. Best Valentines Idea if you’re single
Pamper yourself with a bath and manicure; order some delivery; and watch your favorite movie or tv show while drinking some wine. Sounds like the perfect Valentine's Day to me :) 

5. Favorite Valentines Candy?
Carmel or coconut filled chocolates!

6. Favorite Valentines Memory from your childhood

Can't think of one in particular, but I know I just loved getting all those little Valentine's Day cards and candy from classmates.

VLOG: NYC Home Package Unboxing

This video is a little old, but I decided to go ahead and post it anyway! After my first week in NYC, I was feeling pretty homesick but this package from my Daddy definitely helped cheer me up :)

Casual Valentine's Day OOTD

For Valentine's Day, I kept my work outfit casual and comfy. My white, red heart sweatshirt from Wildfox Couture was perfect for the day and is easily the most comfortable top I own. To edge it up a little, I paired it with my BCBGeneration fanx leather pants along with my Vince Camuto boots and Michael Kors rose gold watch. I used thebalm's Nude'tude palette for my eyes and my recently purchased Revlon lip butter in Red Velvet for my lips. Super simple, but I got a lot of compliments :)

What did you wear on Valentine's Day?

TAG: 10 Valentine's Day Questions!

Happy Valentine's Day!!! I saw this tag on ElleandBlair.Com and thought I would give it a whirl. Feel free to fill it out yourself and post your answers in the comments!

1. What is your favorite Valentines Day treat? I loveeee Lundt chocolate. Anything caramel or coconut filled is good in my book.

2. Sweethearts or chocolate covered strawberries? Chocolate covered strawberries!

3. What was your favorite Valentines day memory? I miss those days in grade school when you got to give Valentine's Day cards to all your classmates. It was so much fun choosing what themed card pack to get and deciding who would what card and, of course, it was fun seeing all the cards and candy you got at the end of the day.

4. What movie would you rather watch on Valentine's Day: Pretty Woman or You've Got Mail? I haven't seen either one... I'm not that big into romantic comedies =/

5. What celeb would you not mind having as your Valentine? I wouldn't mind Ian Somerhalder or Bradley Cooper...

6. What would you do on your perfect Valentine's date? Some kind of activity like laser tag or paintball followed by food from some hidden word-of-mouth restaurant where we could just talk would be pretty nice, but then again Netflix and a home-cooked dinner sound pretty awesome too.

7. Red or pink lips on Valentines Day? Probably pink, but depends on the outfit.

8. What is your ideal Valentine's Day date outfit? Probably a white bustier-like top tucked into a red bandage skirt with a belt around the waist paired with strappy heels and dangling earrings. (I'd go with red lipstick for this outfit.)

9. Homemade or store-bought gifts? Either, I'm just grateful to be thought of

10. Would you wear your hair up or hair down for a date night? Hair down :)

50 Random Facts About Me

In the middle of my fight with the flu, I thought I'd make a random (get it?) video in my new apartment in New York City. Pretty straightforward, just 50 random facts about me that you may or may not know :]

1. I’ve always loved cats >^_^<
2. I’m a Trekkie
3. My middle name is Hong
4. My fingers curl up instead of lying flat
5. I’ve been backpacking in Europe
6. I am half Vietnamese
7. Tina Fey is my role model
8. I am really out of shape
9. I really want to visit Tokyo
10. I hate moving!
11. I hate pickles
12. I have a younger sister named Melissa who lives in L.A.
13. I am impatient when doing my nails
14. My nails break really easily
15. My long hair is my safety blanket
16. I think Joss Whedon and Quentin Tarantino are geniuses
17. I fall asleep in my makeup (and my contacts) all the time
18. I got my ears pierced when I was 16 years old
19. I can’t do a split
20. My favorite part of my body is my collar bone
21. I can not eat spicy foods
22. I wish I spoke more languages - I only speak English and Vietnamese
23. I’m horrible at responding to Facebook messages
24. I like sad songs
25. I used to play the drums
26. I’ve cosplayed as Katara from Avatar: The Last Airbender
27. I've gone to Comic Con every year since graduating high school
28. I was sorted into Slytherin (through Pottermore)
29. I have a weak immune system and, thus, get sick all the time
30. Zachary Levi is pretty much the perfect man
31. And if we’re talking fictional characters, so is Ben Wyatt from Parks and Recreation
32. I’m obsessed with Kate Spade
33. Most flats hurt my feet
34. I find Ian Somerhalder, Matt Bomer, Rob Lowe, and Bradley Cooper beautiful
35. Kate Beckinsale is gorgeous
36. I wish I could trade places with Jennifer Lawrence or Emma Stone
37. Katniss/Peeta is my OTP
38. I really want a HP sequel about the Marauders
39. I am trusting to a fault
40. I take long showers
41. I’m very sensitive to the cold
42. I’m not a big coffee drinker
43. I’m a Marvel girl
44. I’ve never had braces
45. I was in a co-ed service fraternity and Asian sorority
46. I skipped a grade – kindergarten
47. I’m horrible at giving driving directions…and driving
48. I love cheese
49. People often think my sister and I look like twins
50. I’m really good at remembering names

What are some random and/or interesting facts about you?

2013 BAFTAs: Best Dressed

I was pretty underwhelmed by the fashion at the BAFTAs, thus, I decided to only post my three favorite looks from the night. I love how they are so different from each other.

 Jessica Chastain – Roland Mouret

Brilliant color on her!

 Anne Hathaway – Burberry

I miss her long hair, but this is so chic!

Jennifer Lawrence – Christian Dior Couture

Love this girly gown on her and that smoky eye is incredible.

What was your favorite BAFTA look?

2013 Screen Actor's Guild: Best Dressed

The Screen Actor Guild Awards was this past Sunday and here are my favorite looks of the night:

 Nina Dobrev - Elie Saab

I've missed seeing her on the red carpet because, as seen here, she always looks incredible.

 Jennifer Lawrence - Dior

The blue really makes her eyes pop! Love it with that lip color too!

 Kerry Washington - Rodarte

The bodice is beautiful and she looks angelic in white.

 Tina Fey - Oscar de la Renta

Another great look, Tina has really stepped it up on the red carpet this year.

 Amanda Seyfried - Zac Posen

The deep blue color looks incredible on her! And that hair!

Amy Poehler - Zuhair Murad

I love everything about this!! The best she's ever looked!

Jennifer Garner - Oscar de la Renta

She looks divine in this gold beaded gown.

 Naomi Watts - Marchesa

The detail of the gown is gorgeous!

What were your favorite SAG looks?

Sunday Social

1. What was your first car?

My 2006 Volkswagon Beetle :) I couldn't bring him to New York, but he's back home with my dad.

2. Who was your favorite childhood teacher?

Do high school teachers count? I say they do and that makes my answer my Pre-calculus and Honors Physics teacher, Mr. Goodson.

3. Were you involved in any sports/extracurricular activities? 

Not as many as I would have liked! I didn't get into extracurriculars until I hit college. I did do soccer in middle school and later did Drama, Worship Team, Robotics, and TV Production.

4. What was your favorite birthday party?

I remember having a pretty awesome 6th birthday party (it was a combined Kindergarten and 1st grade party which were the two biggest classes in the school XD), but my 22nd which was Harry Potter themed was pretty fun.

5. Who was your teen celebrity crush?

I didn't really have teen celebrity crushes growing up... Had a huge crush on Harrison Ford though.

6. What show/movie did your parents not allow you to watch?

I was harder on myself than my parents were. They didn't really forbid me from watching anything because they knew I was so self-disciplined I wouldn't let myself watch a PG-13 movie until I was actually 13 (the exception was Jurassic Park).

That's all the questions for this week!

VLOG: My First Week in NYC!

Just another quick vlog from New York to let you know I'm alive! Even after a week in the Big Apple, my life was pretty uneventful. Luckily, three weeks later, that's changed although my life still pretty much revolves around work. With Fashion Week going on this week, things should be pretty exciting and I'll do my best to capture some it ^.^

Sunday Social

Another Sunday Social batch of questions!

1. If you were stuck on an island what are the two material items you would want to have?
Depends if electricity's factored in because laptop would be my top answer. If not, well, I can't think of anything that creative so I'm just going to say a big blanket (because I'm always cold and I could use it to make a tent) and probably a Swiss army knife for its multiple uses.

2. What are two TV shows you’d watch over and over: 
Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Veronica Mars score high on re-watchability for me.

3. If your house was on fire what two things aside from family, pets, etc would you grab?
The book of my drawings over the years and my laptop.

4. What are your two most favorite articles of clothing? 
Sweetheart neckline mini-dresses and off-the-shoulder tops

5. What two movies that you saw in the past year would you recommend to us? 
Besides The Avengers, Django Unchained and Seven Psychopaths!

6. What are your two biggest guilty pleasures? 
Ahh, I have so many..um, just going to generalize and say makeup and TV! Just can't get enough!