Take a chance on me...

I'm considering this Twenty8Twelve dress on Gilt Groupe.

It's risky: kinda over-the-top pattern, a bit on the short side, not styled very well here...but maybe with some sandals? I fear a wind-blown-show-my-spanx-wrapped-goodies fiasco. But, it could potentially be cute.

I'm considering this home for sale in South Berkeley.

It's risky: it is adorable, and just for the home itself, it's my favorite I've seen to date. But it's in an "up-and-coming" neighborhood aka not-so-great-you-could-get-robbed-and-might-need-bars-on-your-windows.

I think I'll take a chance with the dress. I think I'll pass on the home. And, I think I'll have Abba on the brain for the rest of the day...

"If you change your mind, I'm the first in line, honey I'm still free, take a chance on me..."

Zzzzzzz...please...

Apologies for my lack of posting this week. I have had a bear of a week at work and on top of all that, I've been suffering from insomnia...BIG TIME. I'll lay in bed and just...lay. I think I've been falling asleep between 2-3am every night this week. I'm tired. So tired.

Have I ever told you how obsessive I am? I am...in my head. That's why I try to rest a lot, stay busy, and give myself very little time to...obsess...

Insomnia does not help.

12:00am

Work. My boss. Success. Insecurity.

12:30am

Hawaii. Fatness. Wardrobe. Shopping.

1:00am

Secrets. Mistakes. Past. Present. Good. Bad.

1:30am

Relationships. Emotions. Longevity. Sex.

2:00am

House. Finances. Mistakes. Neighborhood. Cost.

I NEED SOME SLEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!

Tired...

I've been so tired lately.

Partially because I'm not sleeping well.
Partially because I've been tour guide for friends who are in town.
Partially because work has been a whole-lotta drama lately.
Partially because I don't work out.
Partially because I eat like crap.

I'll be back at some point. The point of rejuvenation.

I. Will. Be. Back.

My mom's big day...

This weekend I'm going home to San Diego to celebrate my mom's 70th birthday! WOW! She looks amazing! It's a big deal in the Korean culture to celebrate the big 7-0! So, she's being picked up in a limo (her first) and we're driving up to Long Beach to have dinner on the Queen Mary! All very over-the-top, but just what I think my mom would find to be "fancy" and special.

Speaking of over-the-top...I had it in my head to get my mom a David Yurman ring for her birthday. She's more of the bigger-the-better type when it comes to rings. So after some tireless searching, she finally picked one out for herself. I like it and it looks fabulous on her finger. Not necessarily my first choice, but man, did it match my mom perfectly:

David Yurman Wheaton Smoky Quartz Cushion Ring

I don't know much about stones or crystals, but according to GQ, the smoky quartz is a "gentle, grounding stone" that instills "balance and harmony" and helps bring peace. Nice. That's exactly what I'd like for my mom. The perfect choice.

What's it taste like?...I dunno...

With my rabid illness and my sinuses all amok, I seriously have not been able to smell or taste anything for almost 2 weeks. Brutal. Torture. And now that I'm feeling better yet STILL do not have my taste back, I fear it may be permanent (= doomist, maybe?). What would life be like without taste? May I never have to face another day experiencing it!

Ever think about what things you take for granted that in the long run, you could not live without?

The Great House Hunt '09 - Part 9...I think I found "THE ONE"!...

So, I went to an open house this past weekend for a 1 BD/1 BA condo in Montclair. The place was definitely too small for me, but it was redone so nicely and I really loved the area. Come to find that there is an upstairs unit, 2 BD/1 BA being rehabed and finishing in about a month. I asked the realtor to see the inside. I think I fell in love.

Type: Condo
Hood: Montclair / Oakland

BR/BA: 2/1
(+): Completely redone. New kitchen, bath, etc. Low HOA's. Garage. Walkscore of 86. Right next to Montclair Village (super cute! cafe's, restaurants, shopping) and the Transbay bus stop to SF!
(-): Quite frankly, none, really! It's a little small...and the kitchen isn't finished yet so I'm not certain what the final layout will be.

I love the brick driveway and garage. The gate opens to a little private patio and the front door.

This is the master bedroom. It's pre-staged with a queen bed so its actually a pretty nice size. The closet's a little bit small, but there are other storage areas in the condo.

LARGE living area (currently housing the kitchen cabinets). Lots of light.

This is not the actual kitchen but it's the one of the 1BR downstairs and they're using the same materials. Nice and clean! Love the backsplash!

Again, this is not the actual bathroom but looks almost exactly the same.

So, now it's up to my real estate agent to try to make the deal. I think I'm gonna put in the offer before the unit's even done and on the market. That way I can avoid getting into any sort of bidding war. I'm FREAKING OUT!

Thoughts? Feedback?

I'm officially on the wagon...

I am no longer allowed to log into Gilt Groupe. I'm done. I have no self-control. Today, I knew, would push me over the edge. Alice + Olivia. Need I say more?

I bought 3 dresses, a skirt, and a blouse. And I cannot use Hawaii as an excuse, since most of them were silk and I'd never let A+O silk face the Hawaiian humidity! Still, I did buy 1 dress specifically for the Hawaiian nights:

Of course, I won't look quite as Brooke Burke / Debra Messing 'esque as this model, but I think I can pull this dress off once I get a little tan going...

Ack $19.38...no more Gilt Groupe. Done-zo.

Panic...

I just ran all my finances and produced what will be my monthly budget once I buy my home. After all is said and done, I will be left with $19.38 each month. Ha! (nervous laughter...) I, of course, included in my budget funds for savings, travel, entertainment, eating out, and waxing...but still...seeing a mere $19.38 as the remains each month made me panic just a bit.

What am I getting myself into? Do I really need to buy a home? Yes, prices are low. But, you could always wait and save more of a down payment. Yes, the selection is through the roof. But, you could always wait and see if you're up for a raise this year. Yes, having my own home seems like a dream-come-true. But, you live in a pretty fab apartment in a great neighborhood now. Why change things up?

I'm freaking out...

I *heart* Marc Jacobs...

Its no secret that he's my guy...my fav designer. And I love that Gilt Groupe teams with him often enough that I can get a few pieces for myself and NOT have to file for bankruptcy. So thanks, MJ for these cute designer duds that I've ordered just for my Hawaii trip. Now, I'm off to do some pushups and dips in order to get my arms in shape to wear them!

Forget the black tights! I'm wearing this flowy dress with some cute strappy flat sandals!

I'm loving this little number. Perfect for vacay!

Tomorrow on Gilt Groupe: Alice + Olivia. HANG ON TO YOUR SEATS KIDS! I may officially be out of control!

Weekender...

This was me pretty much all weekend:

But GQ, bless his heart, and against his better judgement, was game enough to go out with me to a new restaurant that I've been wanting to try, "Plant Cafe" in the Marina. Really liked the food (though, quite frankly, couldn't taste all that much with my stuffy nose). And, we hit up some more open houses on Sunday even though I was barely well enough to stand. The rest of the weekend was holed up in bed...trying to get better...

Hope yours were more fun than mine! :(

What I want...right NOW...

• to not be sick
  
• a donut, fresh
  
• to find my affordable dream home
  
• 100% job security
  
• toned arms
  
• a full fridge
  
• 20 pts higher on my FICO score
  
• a clean closet
  
• fried chicken w/ mashed potatoes
• use of my left nostril
  
• the perfect bathing suit for my imperfect body

and these...I want these...right now...even as I'm holed up in bed, sick...

Hawaii on the brain...

I don't usually wear florals, but since I'd like to look 'fresh-n-lovely' in Hawaii, I'm kinda crushing on...

Alice+Olivia iris print drawstring dress

DVF pleated chiffon dress

Only 37 days to get myself in shape and to pick the perfect wardrobe! Ack!!!

The Great House Hunt '09 - Part 8...

After having my friend Jeannie visit and telling me how I HAVE to stay in the city (!!!), I decided to check out some available condos this past weekend and compare what I can get for the price against what I've been checking out in the East Bay.

Type: Condo

Hood: Nopa/Alamo Square - San Francisco

BR/BA: 1/1

(+): decent size for a city condo. Low HOA's. parking spot included. close to GG park

(-): no W/D. No street parking. no cafes/restaurants/bars nearby. tiny kitchen.

yeah, ok, so the front is a little "70's chic". but at least there are bay windows! (???)

The living area is the best part of the unit, for sure. Nice size and layout.

The kitchen is tiny and reminds me of something you'd find in a studio apartment. But at least the applicances are all updated and stainless steel.

The bedroom's a good size and has a nice closet/shelving unit included.

Ok, so its not exactly my dream home. But, I haven't quite given up on the city just yet. I'm keeping my eyes open for something to snatch up. I've even expanded my search into the SoMa area and some of the lofts out there. I didn't think a loft was my thing (especially since I'm hoping to find 2 bedrooms), but the prices are really coming down and for the chance to stay in the city, it might just be worth it. We'll see!

Fingers crossed! More next week...

Gilt strikes again...

If I could control myself, I would. But I can't. So...here are my new Tory Burch flats. Grey flannel w/ pewter leather. I'm kinda loving these!

Done, done, and done...

I'm doing pretty well with my Q109 and 2009 goals.  

• Wicked, done.  
• Ballet, April 3rd.  
  
• YSL exhibit, done.  
  
• Host LAC, done.  
  
• Buy 1st home...on my way!  
  
• Vacation somewhere (maybe Hawaii)...YES!  In 38 days!  GQ and I are heading out for 10 days in Hawaii for early birthday celebrations.  I am so excited!  My first time!  

So, how does one shape up in 38 days?  I need to take off 10 lbs, lose the spare tire, and get rid of the Oprah arms.  Can it be done...without killing myself...and still allowing myself pizza, sushi, burgers, and ice cream...AND beer?  I'm not hopeful.  Maybe I just buy a bunch of muumuu's and hide underneath. Ack. Oh well, as GQ would say, just relax and enjoy...

North Shore, Waikiki

BTW...yes, he does...

...love me. :) He told me so this weekend. And I love him back. *le sigh*

Weekender...

My darling friend Jeannie came to town from DC and we had a blast. We DID San Francisco! Whew!

• Breakfast @ Mama's
• Walk around North Beach
• Lombard St. to see the crookedness
• Polk St., my hood
• Shopping @ Cat Seto
• More shopping @ Cris
• Burgers @ Polkers
• YSL exhibit @ the DeYoung
• Stinking Rose...not by choice (hee!)
• Laughs @ "Beach Blanket Babylon"
• Brunch @ Rose's Cafe
• Chestnut St. just to shop
• Take in the beauty of The Presidio
• Union St. for more shopping
• Cross the Bay Bridge to get to Berkeley
• Dinner @ Chez Panisse - a true dining experience
• Dessert & a reunion w/ old friends at Cioccolata di Vino
• Fisherman's Wharf to hang w/ the vendors
• tea time @ Crown & Crumpet

If you had only 2 days to show off your city, where would you go and what would you do?

By the way, you MUST. EAT. HERE. at some point in your lifetime. Truly wonderful. Newly formed fond memories.

The Great House Hunt '09 - Part 7

Here's the problem. I can pretty much talk myself into anything. When looking for a home, one you will spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on, its not such a great thing. I like this one...A LOT.

Type: Cottage
Hood: Pleasant Hill
BR/BA: 3/2

(+): Brand new construction. Walking distance to the BART and to the new downtown Pleasant Hill. Large yard. Really great price.

(-): Pleasant Hill (= far, really far), corner unit, backyard is up against a busy, busy offramp

Look at this yard! It's gorgeous! And the brick front is charming!

The living area is a good size. I'd definitely pull up that new carpet and put in some hardwood floors. Check out the recessed lighting! And the fireplace!

Brand new kitchen. The appliances aren't stainless (bummer), but plenty of cabinet space! (and outlets!) And pretty counter tops!

Look at the gorgeous picture window in the bedroom! Plus there are 3 bedrooms (though 1 is definitely only an office space)...perfect for when my family comes to visit.

And, herein lies the problem. See where I am today (red star)? Love the city. LOVE IT! See where this place is? 45 minutes away? But BART! And more house for my buck! And...and...

Ack. It's hard. I don't want to move too quickly. I can afford to take my time and look. But this one is SUCH a great price and in such a nice 'burb. And a girl can't live in the city forever, can she? (at least not if she wants to buy anything substantial!)

So much to think about. More open houses on Sunday...

Who wants to be a millionaire...

The lotto mega millions is up to a jackpot of $212M!!! I'm a bit of a lotto snob; I only buy tickets if its over $75M. Ha! GQ and I bought some tickets last week when the pot was at $170M. We won $2!

I got this adorable email from him yesterday: "I got us lotto tickets today! We deserve every penny. I can't think of a better suited couple. :)". Heeeeee! Rich in love. NOW, make me rich in DOLLARS! Can you IMAGINE?

What would you do with the dough?

Buy the biggest mansion you could find?

Get yourself a Bentley?

Rent out Necker Island for you and your friends?

If I won the Mega Millions jackpot (cash payout of $137.8M, split 50/50 with GQ = $68.9M), I would:

• buy my parents a small, but lavish house (too big = too much upkeep), with a private putting green and room enough for them to do any and all hobbies they'd like to take up in their retirement
• hire a driver for my parents (they're gettin' old and I'm starting to worry about their driving skills)
• buy a house for my sister & her family
• college fund for my nephew Caleb
• pay off student loans for all of my closest friends and family
• $20M to a handful of charities both domestic and abroad
• invest into our economy - the "Susan Stimulus Package"
• buy myself a small, quaint home that I will love and manage with a small garden...along with a condo in NYC, SF, and Chicago...and vacation homes in San Diego, Tuscany, and Bora Bora! Ha!

"To dream, the impossible dream..........."

Weekender...

My weekend felt so full and lovely that I think I literally woke up with a smile on my face!

Saturday, I cleaned my apartment and watched the Food Network...ALL DAY LONG! For some reason, Food Network on the weekends is one of my favorite treats. I love, of course, all of Giada's shows, but have really grown to like "Healthy Appetite with Ellie Krieger". Her stuff is so easy to make...and yummy! I was inspired by one of her recipes so I set out to the local Real Foods, filled up my favorite canvas "S" shopping bag, and jumped on the BART to meet GQ. We had a lovely dinner at his place. Garlic & basil shrimp and some great Acme herb flatbread.

After dinner we head out to a super cool, laidback-but-not-too-divey bar called Albatross in North Berkeley and I warmed myself up with some Jack & Sevens (Jack Daniels and 7-up for those not "in the know". ha!) This bar is so much fun and is STOCKED with a ton of board games, dart alleys, pool tables, and a LOT of people. After about my 3rd drink, I insisted we play "Connect Four". Of course, I won (though I suspect he let me win.) :) GQ was a good sport. Fun night had by all.

Sunday, I woke up early, and after a breakfast of cinnamon toast and coffee, I went to meet my new real estate agent to brave the stormy weather and check out some open houses. We went to about 8 different properties. All different types: condos, townhomes, single-family, fixers, brand new...it was exhausting, but exciting. I walked in, checked each place out, tried to imagine myself living there, and left...to decompress and reassess it all later that night. Our search this day was limited to Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill. She also showed me all around the neighborhoods. I liked it - more than I thought I would.

Dinner later with GQ at Zachary's Pizza on Solano Ave (my favorite East Bay neighborhood...if ONLY I could afford somewhere there!). And then home to watch "The Amazing Race".

All-in-all, very chill. Nice.

I can't wait to tell you all about some of the properties I saw...