Sunday, February 27, 2011

sunday brunch: turkey egg sandwich!




 Ingredients:
makes one sandwich.
2 slices of white or whole wheat bread
1 egg
2 slices deli cut turkey
1 slice white american cheese *
  3 slices of tomato
1 whole dill pickle *
mayonnaise *
salt
pepper
extra virgin olive oil *

* means optional ingredients. feel free to omit or substitute for ingredients of your own.

First off, I like to put the cheese on the pieces of toast and (if you have a toaster oven, that's awesome) bake it until the cheese starts to brown slightly. Next, I fry my egg (or egg whites, depending if I'm feeling healthy that day). I season the tomatoes with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Afterwards, spread mayonnaise on your toast and construct the sandwich. Feel free to cut the pickle into edible pieces, or leave it whole if you like eating a whole pickle.

This is one of the easiest breakfast/brunch/lunch sandwiches you can make. It takes me about 5 minutes! I try to race the toaster to see if I can get everything else (like the egg) done before it goes off, haha. This is a great way to get your protein and veggies in, and a great pick-me-up for the rest of the day. I, especially, love making this sandwich on weekdays when I'm strapped for time before running out of the house and I need something I can eat as I'm running to the bus stop. But I like it on the weekends too, when I can make a hash brown (don't worry, I don't know how to make homemade ones. We just get frozen ones that you can pop in the toaster oven or microwave, haha).



Have a great Sunday, everyone!
LOVELOVE, JULIA.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

up against the wall


Is it just me? When I wear shorts, there's always an unsightly bulge around the crotch area, haha. How do I fix it?! Is it because my hips and butt area is such much larger than my waist, when I belt things it creates that weird bulge? Help me! But this is one of my favorite outfits because it's comfy. And I love oversized sweaters and tights and shorts so I can sit indian-style without worrying about flashing anyone. I'm sorry for my grouchy expression in these photos. I wasn't grouchy. I was just too tired to actually smile since I got less than four hours of sleep for no reason at all! I always find myself having extra time to sleep, but I waste it away on Tumblr and StumbleUpon...Whoops. I tend to make it up on the weekends, though, and sleep my day away.


Have a great weekend, everyone! 
 LOVELOVE, JULIA.
 Outfit Details:
cut off jean shorts - Levi's
gray shirt - Forever 21
grandma cardigan - my grandma's
brown belt, permanently borrowed from my brother- ?? (no tag)
black tights - Hue
(not pictured) brown moccasins - Minnetonka

Friday, February 25, 2011

western biographic


 First off, I want to say thank you SO much to all my readers and followers and commenters (commentators? What's the word?). I reached 50 followers! I know for most of you, it's such a dismal number, but seriously, 50 people actually like me enough to want to read all the posts that I write and look at all the pictures that I take of myself. I am so honored and I love every single one of you. I started this blog sort of half-heartedly, like I do with all my blogs. I was pretty sure I'd abandon this project a few months in, but I stuck around. Why? I met some amazing people who also run blogs and started some friendships. And I love being able to relate to them and look towards them for inspiration. Thank you so much for encouraging me to, you guys. I'm probably going to cry. Or eat a cookie to celebrate this momentous occasion, haha.

Okay, now for the whole let's-talk-about-my-clothes thing.

You know when you think of an outfit that works inside of your head and then when you wear it, it looks nothing like you expected? And it applies to trends too. I've been loving the maxi skirt trend and I've been a little hesitant to actually go get one for myself. I've been lusting after this PJ By Peter Jensen Tiered Flannel Skirt for the longest while now, so when it went on sale, I immediately purchased it. When it finally came and I tried it on, I wanted to cry.

I AM TOO SHORT. The skirt goes down all the way to my ankles and it seems a little too long. However, I'm hesitant to hem it. I'm slowly starting to like the length, but I'm not sure. Do you guys think I should just reconstruct the skirt or should I keep it the way it is? And help me style it! I'm kind of stumped on what to do with this skirt.



LOVELOVE, JULIA.

Outfit Details:
PJ By Peter Jensen Tiered Flannel Skirt - Urban Outfitters
BDG burnout t-shirt - Urban Outfitters
my brother's brown belt (that I permanently borrowed) - ?? (no tag)
black flats - Seychelles via Gilt

Monday, February 21, 2011

spring 2011 inspiration.

spring 2011 moodboard




Women - Cocktail & Party Dresses, 839 EUR | Markus Lupfer Giraffe merino wool sweater, $555 | Kain Aire open-knit linen-blend sweater, $260 | Clark Coat, 560 EUR | Erdem Maggie floral-print silk-chiffon maxi skirt, $2,450 | Valentino Gathered lace skirt, $1,890 | Gucci Bamboo-embellished stretch-cotton shorts, $795 | Vanessa Bruno Athé Floral-print silk-chiffon skirt, $315 | Seychelles Women's Headstand Flat, $49 | Rag & Bone Wessex Lace-Up Boot | Proenza Schouler PS1 Large leather satchel, $1,995 | Mulberry Oversized Oak Alexa Bag, 915 GBP | Erickson Beamon Great Expectations 24-karat gold-plated bracelet, 520 GBP | Tom Ford Butterfly-frame acetate sunglasses, $420 | Eugenia Kim Honey straw hat, $335


I'm looking forward to wearing a lot of muted pastels and blacks together and denim for texture! Black bows and sashes. Black sunglasses. Black flats. Black jewelry! I love the contrast. Woven items - such as flats. Lace up boots, preferably with eyelet cutouts for warmer days. Chiffon fabrics. Thin knits for breezes.Of course, my dream bags: the Mulberry Oversized Alexa bag in Oak, and Proenza Schouler's PS1 large leather satchel in a gorgeous pastel green. WHY MUST YOU BE SO FAR OUT OF MY BUDGET?! It doesn't help that I'm an unemployed college student. At all. I mean, I spend almost all of my money on food, books, paying my cell phone bill, paying New York City's ridiculous metro fare of $2.25 a ride/$4.50 roundtrip four days a week, minimum (at least it isn't as bad as London's fares. How do you guys survive?!), more food, and impulsive shopping trips to the sale section of stores. Someone should employ me! I'm a hard worker, promise.




one | two | three | four

the lost snow day

Sunday, February 20, 2011

sunday brunch: strawberry banana pancakes!


 Ingredients:
makes about 8 pancakes, depending on how big or small you make them.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon *
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 1/4 cups milk
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 egg
 1 banana *
4 strawberries *

* means optional ingredients. that's what i used for my version of these pancakes.

Whisk all the ingredients together, adding the sliced bananas and strawberries to the batter last. You can add more or less bananas and strawberries, according to taste. Or even substitute it with different toppings, like chocolate chips or other fruit! It's okay if you have left over fruit. I mean, you can always add it on top of your pancakes, haha. That's what I do.

It's a really simple recipe that I  like to make even on school mornings! And, along with some scrambled egg whites and some bacon (I love bacon SO MUCH), keeps me full all day. I like to make it on weekends because I get to serve it to my little brothers and my mom and dad and it's a great way to make them eat fruit. My family's not very health conscious when it comes to consuming fruits and veggies, so any way I can get them to eat fruits and veggies is great.

Have a great Sunday, everyone!
LOVELOVE, JULIA.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

walk the surface of this town


I've been eying this American Apparel jacket for the longest time now. Originally, I wanted the ginger color, but my friend was offering to sell this natural colored one to me for a cheaper price. I'm not too sure how I like it on me, but it keeps me super warm! Seriously, I don't even need a heavy puffer jacket. This thing keeps me well insulated. However, I do wish there were pockets! I love pockets. I haven't worn these tights in the longest while! I actually forgot about them until I cleaned my room and found it under a huge pile of clothes.

 Lately I've been hating my closet. I have no idea what to wear anymore even though my closet is brimming with clothes. But I have to save my money...for food, of course, haha. Does anyone else have this problem? I think I should just let you guys pick what I should wear. But the weather here has been a little crazy. It was about 65 degrees the other day. And then today, the winds were crazy! I almost got blown over by the wind. It's kind of funny to watch other people, though. Around my college is the Flat Iron District, and as my friends and I were walking to get some lunch, I saw a little girl and puppy getting dragged away by the wind! Of course, they were being held onto, so they didn't actually get dragged away.


And I've been loving Lykke Li lately. I mean, I've always been a
big fan of her, but I've been in the mood for her music more and
more. My post title is from her song 'Tonight'! Check it out below.



Have a great weekend, everyone!
LOVELOVE, JULIA
 Outfit Details:
speckled gray shirt - Forever 21
green racerback tank dress (worn as skirt) - H&M
denim jacket - ?? (no tag)
purple tights - Hue
brown belt - Anthropologie
olive bag - Urban Outfitters
brown moccasins - Minnetonka

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

out through the curtain


my imaginary (more than) friend.
as silence escapes
your quivering, timid lips,
my valves desist (they are rebellious).

but like the dark birds
that depart to seek refuge,
(there is none) they return to proper order.

and again, i am
at peace with myself-
with the world and with your empty reflection.

it is my red chest
(not my heart) that pains me so.
and the hired help refuses to answer my calls.

postmortem, shallow;
used to define what is left
of the shell that sits, lonely, on my dresser.

i find no answer
for the questions you don’t ask.
yet your eyes cast down, as if i disappoint.

(let’s pray that this passes.)


Thanks for the great feedback on my poetry in the last post. I decided I'll randomly put them in posts where I don't have much to talk about. Or in my photography posts where I don't want to ruin the whole artsy feeling with my cacophonous rambling.

I've sort of been really into the whole wearing pants thing. Maybe it's because I love being able to walk up stairs without flashing someone by accident. Or because I get to run and frolic around my college campus like a freak because I'm super fun. You guys are probably sick of seeing these pants and this denim shirt, but I really needed a super comfy outfit for my lazy days at school, especially since I'm participating in a play for the Filipino club I joined (even though I'm not Filipino, haha) and we need to practice dance numbers. They're having something called Battle of the Barrios, and I'm a bit nervous. It sounds like super fun though!

This'll be a super short post because I actually have an essay I should be doing (due tomorrow). I have a love-hate relationship with procrastination.


LOVELOVE, JULIA

Outfit Details:
denim shirt - Hotkiss thrifted from Buffalo Exchange
burnout white shirt - Urban Outfitters
DIY tapered cargo pants - Old Navy
brown moccasins - Minnetonka
brown belt - Anthropologie
brown bag - Urban Outfitters

Monday, February 14, 2011

the two sides of monsieur valentine


Since I'm posting this, you can probably guess that my new camera lens finally came after I broke the old ones. And I am actually quite melodramatic. But in secret. I like to write poetry. Rough, free form "poetry", if it even deserves such a grand word. I decided I should share with you guys. Because sharing is caring and I really care about you all. I mean, that definitely explains the gif I made.

The Artisan of Repair
Acknowledge my smile, return it,
Yet love is still deferred by the glass planes
Of your ribs, guarding your heart from my greedy hands.

Like a serpent’s tongue my own seeks its home,
Behind my lips that belong against yours,
That taste of fruit from the garden of Eden.

I cannot help that glutton plagues me
Of the lust and love of your throbbing pulse,
Satiate my wanton needs and my aching veins.

Desperately I cried, like the watchmaker,
Whose palpitations become erratic when he has no business,
And when he cannot fix something so simple as the cadence of his own heart.

I suppose it's a bit depressing for Valentine's Day, but can never find myself writing about the kind of romance we see in movies. It doesn't happen like that! I don't have a Valentine this year, but that's okay! I mean, today is about showing your love for people you care about and I care about my family and my friends and every single one of you that actually take time out of your day to read what I write and comment. It means so so so much to me. Especially because it lets me know that I'm not talking (typing?) to myself. That'd just make me seem more crazy than I already am.


You can thank my mother for today's ensemble. I mean, she didn't dress me, but the dress and blouse are hers. As you can tell, it's very reminiscent of the 80's era. I found this blouse a while ago and I've been saving it for Valentine's Day to wear it. It seemed appropriate! I mean, I already dress like a gaudy displaced grandma-in-a-young-adult's-body. I hope everyone enjoyed cute little cookies and candies and chocolates! And even if you don't have a Valentine, I'll be yours! ♥


LOVELOVE (seriously), JULIA.
Outfit Details:
vintage printed heart blouse - Clara Collins
vintage printed black dress - Kookai
black tights - Hue
black flats - Seychelles

Saturday, February 12, 2011

broken-hearted girl

My camera is my one true love (aside from food). So I guess, technically I am very broken hearted right now because after being very very clumsy, I dropped my camera. You know, the funny thing is when I dropped it on cement/pavement, NOTHING HAPPENED. Seriously. Just a little scratch. But I dropped it in my room (where there's carpet) and then it just breaks. Luckily, the body is fine, but my 18-55mm lens are not. It can't auto-focus anymore, and they're coming apart. It still works, but only manually, and it's very very fragile. So, after crying a little, sniffling, and frowning, I purchased replacement lens. My bank account is starving. The woes of being a college student! So, my order is expected to arrive next week on Tuesday, so hopefully they'll stay true to their promise.

So, for the meanwhile, here's a few of my favorite shots that I've taken so far for the 365 Day project. I've been taking photos every day, but a bit too preoccupied with classes to update (and I got an A- on my speech! I have terrible stage fright, but I'm getting better!).





And then just a silly GIF of me. :)

LOVE, JULIA.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

got my heartbeat running away

GO STEELERS GO STEELERS GO STEELERS. Also, here's my new minimalistic layout!



 UM, SO WHO IS PUMPED ABOUT SUPERBOWL SUNDAY?! I was definitely going to do a 'Black and Yellow' outfit post in celebration of the Steelers (which just so happens to be the team that I'm rooting for  if you couldn't tell by my subliminal message at the top of this post), except I couldn't photograph myself in time for the Superbowl party we're having at my cousin's house. And I left my camera at home because I was the last one to wake up (as always) so you'll just have to envision a bunch of people crowded around a huge television watching the game, eating food, and taking bets. We have pretty mixed reviews from everyone - some of us are Packers fans (BOO) and some of us are Steelers fans because we have to be. I mean, after the Jets lost and everything...

And here's my new layout as well. I tried to be minimalistic and cut down on the clutter. I might do a few more little 'extras' here and there, but I'm hoping this format will let me blog load a little fast for you guys! Also, let me know if the font's hard to read or anything!

So I wore this outfit out for dinner and some drinks with my friends. Super nice seeing them again! Plus, we love our hang out spot. It's a very cozy place with great, hearty food, and drinks. The ambiance is definitely low-key and casual and super comfy.


Ugh, a chicken pot pie (DELICIOUS) and apple martini. Originally, I had a Guinness, but it was super bitter. Not one of my favorite beers. I definitely like Heineken much better. The apple martini was good, but it was definitely really strong. My friend and I got a lime in it, but when my other friend ordered one, she got a cherry! I think it was because she got the younger bartender who's nicer to us, haha. My mom even said that the martinis are this place are a little strong. Of course, my mom didn't come along with us. I mean...that's kind of weird. If your mom went out with you and your friends for dinner and drinks! Are you guys lightweights or heavyweights? It takes quite a lot for me to become even the least bit inebriated, but I know friends who have half a glass of red wine and they're completely trashed!


Dessert Stop #1: Momofuku.

My top FAVORITE dessert place in St. Marks. Every time I'm in the area, I can't help but stop by for their cookie. Blueberry & cream cookie is the bestbestbestbestbest. It's so soft and delicious and sweet. But it's kind of greasy, so that's the downer. BUT IGNORE THE GREASE. Just focus on the deliciousness of the blueberries and whatever magical ingredients that they put into this cookie.


 Dessert Stop #2: Chikalicious.

It's a little pricey, but SO. GOOD. I got the raspberry tea and a rose and blueberry macaroon. I tried to label it with my grossnasty handwriting, but I guess I was in too much of a rush trying to get a picture so I can consume the deliciousness of the macaroons. It's a pretty small little place, so don't think about getting a seat unless you're lucky!


As you can tell, I am almost always ready for a photo. Haha, JUST KIDDING. But I bet it's not me that makes absurd faces whenever I'm having fun! It's only unfortunate that they're the only faces that are captured on camera, haha. Do you guys make silly faces? Especially when you're shooting photos of yourself (I know my outfit shoots are 99% outtakes and 1% semi-decent poses where I don't look like an absolute tool)? Are you guys embarrassed about these silly faces and poses, or do you embrace them, like I try to?


 Outfit Details:
blue sweater - Gap
floral skirt - Necessary Objects (i think)
grey tights - American Eagle Outfitters
blue pumps - H&M
but then last minute i decided to change shoes...
black flats - Seychelles