Sur La Table Macaron class!

Yay! The SLT Mac class was great! This course provided each person with a small packet (i honestly haven't had a chance to rummage through it) that comes with macaron piping patterns, which were quite helpful! The class was separated into groups and each group had a designated flavor. At the end, we all shared the various flavored goodies! My cousin and I made the cassis (black currant) cookie with blueberry jam cream filling. That was my favorite flavor! I finally learned the proper technique of macronnage and that the resting period should be no more than 15 minutes! Also, a particular water-based GEL food coloring must be used when making macarons, or else, you'll ruin them with an oil-base or excessively watery dye! Making macarons are somewhat similar to Organic/chemistry labs -.- must be anal with the techniques AND ingredient amounts! I am really considering to make a laboratory notebook for all my macaron attempts at home. I cannot wait until I can steal some time to try my next batch >.< teehee

I have loads more photos coming soon!

LC

I just LOVE Lauren Conrad's style. Always elegant and chic, yet totally simple. She is hardly busy-busy nor all-over-the-place shabby looking. I will definitely wear all the outfits below. Especially the center maxi dress outfit! Flawless!

Hosting-ware

I enjoy hosting intimate get-togethers. So I've been searching for the perfect 3-tiered server. I always had in mind that serving ware should be silver. Due to the steep price of this elegant skyscraper, $75, I have searched for alternatives. I was just about to settle for the ceramic-esc server from Target sold at $29.99 (currently on sale for $19.99), until I saw some similar silver servers at my cousin's housewarming. They were gorgeous! And look a gazillion timed better in silver vs ceramic off-white. My heart is shouting, "it's definitely worthy!" But my wallet is gasping for air. When I get my hands on a laptop, I must make a poll per this decision! *sparkling eyes*

Best ice cream scooper

Sur La Table recently sent me a complimentary $10 certificate. I'm supposing it's because we're like neighbors! Of course $10 is just the beginning -.- I've been looking for something to get from the kitchen gem. I decided to get a proper ice cream scoop! Apparently, Zeroll scoops are legendary. Known as the best and only ice cream scoop you'll ever need in your lifetime! And so, what they claim is true! It cut through my ice cream like a Wustof blade. Prettily rolled into cute parlor balls and easily rolled right off into the cup.

The Talenti Italian gelato is from Henry's, on sale @ 2/$6! Delish!

Verdict, the Zeroll was a happy buy! Great Lifetime investment (hah)

"Fight for the Red Soled Shoes!"

There is a lawsuit agains YSL for the design of their new shoe, Trib Too Pump, sold at $795 in NYC. Everyone knows when you see a fashionista galloping in a pair of red soled pumps, you'd stare in awe, "Omg, those are beautiful Loubies!" Christian Louboutin is fighting for his TM since YSL made a pair with the same color, texture, print and colored soles. CL has a similar pair on the market, Louboutin Bambou pump, also sold at $795 in NYC. This case seems tough since the court is leaning towards "colour monopoly". But shouldn't CL have rights to his red soles TM?

Donuts & a Cigar for your thoughts

This past weekend I enjoyed a lovely meal at Alchemy in San Diego. A New American restaurant. I had the sea bass, cooked to perfection. Moist with a well honey fired flavored crust. Paired with a bottle of Rose and finished with this delightful mixture of donuts (heaven), mocha creme brûlée and a cigar. Bona-petite!

Sexy Tuxedo Booties

Okay, so I know we are far from fall season. But I totally fell in LOVE with these satin velvet booties. They are Marciano by Guess, sold at a bargain of $79.90! Hmm...perhaps not quite a bargain, but they are simple and simultaneously unique. I went to Nordstrom Rack in Mission Valley, San Diego, with intentions to only purchase shower sponges. My older brother and I always use their sponges cause they're so dense and voluminous. Of course, one thing lead to another, I became lost in the shoe department. Aren't they gorgeous? And sexy? I can imagine myself donning them with a pair of skinny jeans or slacks, satiny ruffled bib top and a chic leather jacket. Thank god my friend was there to convince me it wasn't a good idea. In the end, I didn't take those babies home. I'm having horrible feelings as if I just left my 4 year-old child at Nordstrom Rack. Hehe, silly!

I really love the little shopping area in Mission Valley, where they lump all the discounted designer stores together. For instance, Loehmann's, Nordy Rack, and OFF Saks Fifth Avenue. I use to come here all the time before I began university. Now that I am done with college, Marshalls and TJ Maxx seems more practical, and I love those shops even more! I recently just got a off-white rosette chiffon top from Marshalls, which I am saving for my next romantic dinner date ;)

Over-the-Door Jewelry Armoire

My little sister keeps babbling on and on about this over-the-door jewelry armoire. And check it out, it's actually pretty darn amazing! I swear, between me and her, we have a room full of "jewelry trees", mannequin jewelry racks, necklace stands, bracelet dishes, earring sheet, ring cups. We both have a crazy jewelry jungle area, most items we can't even access due to being radically tangled! You may have seen this armoire on As Seen on TV (lol). Even though many products that show up on infomercials are typically unnecessary, this is an exception. The armoire can carry all kinds of jewelry, especially long necklaces. Best of all, it conceals clutter; and being OTD definitely saves room. What's holding me back is that the price tag is quite steep, about $110 on overstocked.com. Maybe until I land a career, I'll fork over the cash for such a pricey organiser... Would you?

11-pc Cosmetic Brush Set

Hooray! Costco finally has the Borghese cosmetic brushes back in stock. I've been using my Laura Mercier travel brush set for the past 2 years. They're still great but every gal needs a full size set. Each brush is either made of natural or synthetic bristles, depending on the usage. Certain brushes work better as synthetic bristles for those requiring more precision; such as for concealing or brow and eye liner brushes. All bristles are made from premium quality. One major dislike about this set is that there is no space in the carrier for the kabuki brush! How odd is that. However, they are nonetheless beautiful tools priced at only $23.99 for the entire set! Costco doesn't always have these in stock so you better go snag a set!

Sur La Table Macaron class

Oh boy! I'm totally excited for my first macaron class. I've made tons of batches of macaron but only a few have came out right. I can't wait to finally perfeckt the art of baking with almond flour. My cousin is joining me for the class on August 20. Stay tuned!