PFC #18: "How far do I have to go to get to you..."

Petite Fashion Challenge #18: What to Wear to Impress Your Date!!

Hosted By: Amber at Easy Petite Looks

*find Roe's PFC here

Her whole life, my sister has been told that with a size 10 shoe she would be tall. Grown and standing at 5'3", she's married to a man who's 6'4"! In preparation for a friend's wedding recently, I helped her find a look that would bring him to his knees.

• Simple taupe dress with dolman sleeves and an open back from Lola
• Big, colorful jewelry from Stella & Dot via Anne Marie Call
• Sexy gold shoes, repurposed after her wedding, by Badgley Mischka
• Clean face and messy bun

Doesn't she look beautiful? I think this is an impressive date look because it's simple and sexy. A neutral color that's complimentary to your skin tone is chic. A revealing back is a sexy surprise. A pop of color keeps it fresh. And a little heel never hurts on date night. You don't want to look like you're trying too hard, even if you are ;) and you definitely want to look like you!

I wish I could play dress up with my sister more often. Unfortunately, she lives in San Diego. So this was a good excuse to play from afar. Don't forget to check out Roe's PFC post and Easy Petite Looks for more date night dress up.

In celebration of day dates, date nights, and distance, here's me and the man friend on a date at Lake Temescal in Oakland, CA. Not necessarily an outfit to blog about, but still a good time.

"How far do I have to go to get to you..."

<3 C

Many the Miles - Sara Bareilles

PFC #18: What to Wear to Impress Your Date!!

The Challenge: What to Wear to Impress Your Date!! Hosted by: Amber at Easy Petite Looks
*don't forget Courtney's PFC post here

I've been in a long term relationship for some years now, so my date look isn't anything special to me.  Whether I'm running errands, or going to dinner, or going to work, the look is pretty interchangeable, when I'm not in leggings or bumming around.  Usually the biggest difference is the height of my heels, and whether I do my hair or not.  This is not to say it's not important to me to impress my bf, he just doesn't care :D.

For this "date" night, I kept it sleek with black skinnies, a sequined tank, some 4" heels, and a blazer to keep me warm on these SF chilly nights. (pardon the lighting.. on my way out)

This new/old purse is probably my favorite addition to my closet, or in fact possessions.  Not because it's Chanel, and not because it's vintage Chanel.  It's because, aside from my mother's love and knowledge, this is one of the last things my mom passed down to me before she passed away. I'll definitely be taking extra care of this one, and hope to pass it down when the time comes.

Keepin' the arm swag simple, don't need to be fiddlin' with them on dates.

Meet Harold, he keeps me company on dates, and reminds me to behave.

He's always "On The Mark" (by Stella & Dot)

Sweet Nordstrom Rack find...

What sets my 'errand' outfits apart from 'date night' might be the effort I put into my hair.  Errands call for a messy bun, date night calls for a little more effort.  Here I did a sock bun with the addition of a small braid.  I feel braids make everything look prettier and more special!

{Outfit}

Blazer & Pants: H&M

Top: J.Crew

Shoes: Sam Edelman from Nordstrom's Rack

Necklace: Stella & Dot, Oh, Hello Friend

Arm Candy: Kate Spade (in silver), O.co (gifted), DearDaniDesigns

I especially liked this challenge, because Courtney participated, too.  See Courtney's PFC here.
Thank you, Amber for hosting! 

Check out the other participates on Amber's blog: Easy Petite Looks

Hope you all enjoyed my take on the challenge.  Thanks for reading!!

<3 roe [a roesy life]

fin city & peach chocolate chip cookies

Thanks for dropping by for this last remix! For my remix, I kept it casual and comfy because I wore this outfit on a lazy Sunday where my roomie and I bummed around in our apartment and ran a couple of errands together. Perfect weather for just a tshirt and shorts - plain and simple.

I had my roomie take pictures for me and I had to use this picture because we both couldn't stop laughing which reflects how much laughter we have between each other. Representing the San Jose Sharks, Go Sharks! :)

shorts: forever21; fin city shirt: a birthday present; purse: h&m; sandals: target; ring: tiffanys

 

We've known each other for about 14 years now and share a lot of inside jokes and memories. Chicago has been an amazing adventure and having her here with me has made it less harder being away from family and friends. We can talk about anything and I'm going to miss her so much when she moves back to California. Trese, I love you! :)

one last game Sharks game in San Jose, CA together before moving to Chicago, IL 

The idea of chocolate and peaches paired together sounds delicious so as an experiment, I baked these peach chocolate chip cookies.

1 cup plus 3 tablespoon of all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 stick unsalted butter at room temperature

1/3 cup white sugar

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2/3 cups semi sweet chocolate chips

1 peach, diced 

1/3 cup peach jam

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line two baking pans with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together

3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar with a mixer. Next, add the vanilla extract and egg and mix.

4. Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients with the mixer. Next, stir in chocolate chips, peaches, and peach jam.

5. Drop about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough 2-3 inches apart on parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes or until firm and golden brown around the edges. 

I had my roomie and my friend, Grant, be my test dummies - "I normally wouldn't think to combine chocolate chips and fresh peaches in a cookie, but it actually works really well together. Fruit and chocolate is a very underrated pairing. It's almost like a southern style peach/chocolate chip bread pudding recipe but in a cookie form" (the nerdy/foody quote from Grant himself haha)

Thanks Trese and Grant for testing them out for me and thank you for reading our blog this month. For August, maxi and summer squash. :)

<3, phu

... in New York ...

In July 2010 the FLAN girls and our friend Nancy went on a trip to New York.  We had a blast eating, dancing, walking, partying, site seeing, and eating.  So I was SUPER EXCITED when just a little less than 2 years later we were on our way to New York, again.  This time with more folks but minus the two Nancies. :(  Despite the different folks on the trip, not much changed...

we chilled on the stoop...

2010 - me.c.d.nancy do

2012 - d.me.c.becka

we waited in the subways...

2010

2012 - the ladies

2012 - the fellas

2012

we ate...

2010 - my dumpling!

2012 - feeding my dumpling (and Happy Bday to Al, the fella photobombing in the back)

we drank...

2010 - soju

2012 - jameson

we walked...

2010

2012

we crossed the street, crossed the line, and even jaywalked...

2010 - @Momofuku

2012

my sister joined me for this trip, too!

all in all good times with the FLAN fam...

and after indulging on this trip, I'm finally starting my detox 2 months later... please support me on my journey as I detox from shopping and detox my insides and replace it with healthy foods!

Readers: Have you done a detox? What helps keep you strong and focused?

<3 roe

...There!

Last week, I was on staycation. So the theme of this remix, other than peaches and colored shorts, is low-maintenance. I knew I wanted to find a peach recipe that wasn't a dessert and incorporated ingredients I already had. So I opted for this light summer salad, the perfect side to anything grilled! It was so easy and tasty I made it again this week, threw it on top of mixed greens, and added grilled chicken for a quick dinner.

Fresh Peach Side Salad

• Peaches
• Tomatoes
• Red Onion
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Olive Oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Sugar

I've already thought of ways to remix this recipe; substitute honey for sugar, pancetta for salt, and possibly throw in some basil. What do you think?

I kept my 'fit low maintenance, too, since I was determined to sleep in despite the heavy construction going on in the apartment above me. On Wednesday, I was out the door in 15 minutes, heading to Santa Cruz for an Acai Bowl at Cafe Brazil and a nap at Natural Bridges.

(This picture of me gawking at the abnormally large pelicans was too funny not to include.) Thanks, Mama Roe, for the birthday earrings. I love them! With a 'fit so simple, I actually found it difficult to accessorize. Earrings, a necklace, three bracelets, and a ring felt like too much for me; but I kept things simple by sticking to jade and gold. The manfriend said I looked like a proper mahjong champion. I guess that's a compliment?

The attached song is kind of risque, but it was this or "Peaches and Creams" by 112 because no matter how catchy "Peaches" is by the U.S. Presidents, I'm just not going to play it.

<3 C

Downtown - Peaches

FLAN Remix Announcement

Hello, Readers!!

The past 2 months you've gotten to know us, our style, and some of our favorite things.  In the coming months we'd like to share with you some of our favorites things with GIVEAWAYS.

Madewell summer top / Steve Madden shoes / Stella & Dot bib necklace / Bags case

*Please note, the above are just a glance at our favorite things, but may not be included in giveaways

Also, don't forget to Follow our blog with Bloglovin

Stay tuned for Giveaway announcements and hope the remainder of your Sunday is relaxing and rejuvenating!

Thank you for joining us!
<3

Peach & Brie Quesadilla

Peach & Brie Quesadilla... say what??

That's what I thought when I saw this recipe by Deborah at Taste and Tell I had to try!  I followed her recipe exactly.  Definitely go to her site to see her amazing pictures.

The only difference was that I grilled them for our 4th of July BBQ, instead of using the pan.  Still delicious, and don't forget the honey lime sauce! that was definitely a game winner!

Stay Hungry!!

<3 roe

go bright or go home!

My earrings are new! Not my usual style, I normally where studs, but when C gave me these, I was excited to wear them everywhere! They're a little on the heavier side, but everything is a little heavier than studs.

I tossed on some usual suspects for arm candy, but have two new additions.  The first is a steel bubble cuff that I picked up for $10 at the UNIQUE SF event a couple of weeks ago from Steel & Stone. They had dozens of cuffs to choose from, some that even accommodated interchangeable stones.  Such beautiful pieces.

The other new piece is that pretty little black and gold macrame bracelet that I got from Etsy seller Dear Dani Designs.  She has so many pieces that I want to pick up, but need to control myself.  Although, they're so inexpensive and of good handmade quality, how can I resist!

When I bought these J.Crew persimmon shorts, they didn't seem as bright, and then when I got them, BAM! They were more like NEON PERSIMMON.  I wore it with a white shirt, blinding, wore it with a black shirt, still too bright.  So I threw on this patterned shirt that had that same neon persimmon color and thought, PERFECT!  Unfortunately, Daly City is foggy town right now, usually you can see the city, but nope, these past fews days have just been a blanket of fog tucking in Daly City, while all the surrounding cities get the heat wave.  So I threw on this military style jacket and my favorite grey Tom's.  Comfortable style, just my cup of tea.

True Story: I put on my shorts and shirt straight out of the washer.  You read me, washer, not dryer :(  I originally wore this outfit on BF's family camping trip, but for some reason when I loaded the pictures from camera to comp, they loaded as black photos!! anyone have any idea why?  I threw the outfit in the wash to clean it of camping dirt, and asked my sister to dry in so I can wear it when I got home from work.  She did not. I took pictures in wet clothes >.<

{outfit}

Jacket: Gap, similar

Top: Kohl's

Shorts: J.Crew

Shoes: Tom's

Belt: H&M from dress

Earrings: Gifted

Bracelet: Asos, Steel & Stone, Dear Dani Designs, O.co, gifted

Thanks for joining me on my colored shorts remix today!  Sorry, I talked a little too much, but was excited to share the new pieces! Stayed tuned for a peachy recipe this afternoon!

<3 roe

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my loves...

I try to be the best friend possible to all my friends, but even I'm not perfect, and friend fail often. :(

2 weeks ago, June 28th, was a dear friend's birthday, and a resident blogger,

Happy Birthday, COURTNEY!!!

She is one of my most self-less friends and tells you like it is in the most loving way.

She is my dumpling for life!

my #1 dumpling love in NYC 2012

Love you, C!!

-------
I wanted to have a dedicated blog to C, but I'd do another major friend/seestar fail if I didn't give a special shout out to my seestar, munkee! aka Monica! Happy Birthday!!

I've known her for over 10 years now, and she has managed to annoy me and love me like a seestar would.  Happy Birthday, you grown little monkey, you!! <3!

never know why we're having a good time, just know that we do <3

Don't fail at being a friend like me, remember to say Happy Birthday to your nearest and dearest, and always remind them how important they are to you, whether it's their birthday or not.

Thanks for joining me today and wishing some 2 very important and special ladies!

<3 roe

Crazy

It's crazy how my loved ones are spread throughout the country. With a lot of generosity from others and possibly a little divine intervention, I was able to visit a lot of them last week. My golden birthday turned out to be pretty special!

SFO > LGB > LAX > ATL > EWR > ATL > SFO

As soon as I landed in Long Beach, I was on my way to Montebello to help the matriarchs of our family make Joong (Chinese tamales). Lopchong, pork, chicken, duck egg, mung bean, water chestnut, and rice wrapped in bamboo leaves. Boil the packets for 6 hours and you get sticky, fatty deliciousness.

The next day, I headed to Draco in Downtown Los Angeles in my new 'fit to celebrate my Aunt and Uncle's 50th Wedding Anniversary. 50 years! Crazy! Sliders, pizza, risotto, steak, tiramisu, and open bar. My family can throw a party!

From LA, I went to Plainsboro, New Jersey to see the manfriend. Lots of yummy Filipino food including pork adobo, tosino, champorado, and ube cake! It was almost too beautiful to eat, ALMOST.

Despite all the grubbin', I suited up in my bikini and took my ass to the beach. Still can't believe they make you pay out there. What's up with that, Jersey? 

Got some more sun, and sushi, with the cousin in Atlanta. Hotlanta's more like it. 106 degrees, people. Crazy! Finally, I was back on a plane to San Francisco. After a very filling breakfast at Millbrae Pancake House with the hula sister, we were off to a 4 hour practice. Needless to say, I'm tired and sore! It was a great week with great folks.

I'm "Crazy, crazy for feeling so lonely." You're only a hop, skip, and jump away. Love you all!

<3 C

Crazy - Patsy Cline

spicy bacon beef chili

Yum. Chili. Even when the weather is hot and humid, sometimes I crave chili. This is a very simple, fast, and easy chili recipe where I wanted to use what was in my pantry.

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
6-8 slices of bacon (however much you want), cubed
1 yellow onion, diced
1 red onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 jalepeno, chopped
1 (14 oz) can of roasted tomatoes
1 (8 oz) can of tomato sauce
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon coconut oil

1. Heat a large pot with the coconut oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, throw in the bacon and cook until brown.
2. While bacon is cooking, cut up the veggies. When the bacon is browned, throw in all the veggies and stir until they're a little tender (about 6-7 mins).
3. Next, add the ground beef and seasoning and cook until the beef is cooked (about 7-8 mins).
4. Add the roasted tomatoes and tomato sauce.
5. Simmer the chili at low heat, stirring occasionally for about 8 mins (Yup, hella fast).

I like my chili chunky and preferally no beans (which you can add). I hope you like this chili recipe. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!  :)

<3, phu

Peachy Pink 4th of July

Yesterday was a peachy day. Peach cobbler, Peach Pie, Peach sangria, Peach other things that you will be introduced to later this month!

I did both of my FLAN remixes yesterday, which is why my remix is late. This month, colored shorts and peaches. So I ate my Peach Sriracha Cobbler in pink shorts.

To add a little spice to an ordinary dessert, follow this recipe: 

Mix the following and layer into baking dish:

~3 lbs. Peaches - Diced

2 TBSP Honey

~1 TBSP sriracha

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp corn starch

Then, layer the following on top of peach mixture: 

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup flour

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup butter

Bake at 375 for about 30 minutes. The peaches should be bubbling and the topping will be lightly browned. 

Enjoy warm or cold, but it is better with ice cream. :)

I wore this yesterday: a grey flowered top with ruffles, pink shorts, and what have been called my ninja sandals. Just earrings. No other accessories to get in my way of the food! Young me would be shocked to see me in pink and flowered. (I was anti-girly in my childhood.)

 

Hanging with Leo

Hope everyone, American or otherwise, had a great 4th of July!