Hey there! I’ve been out for a while again. I guess the holiday fever and thesis final combined are destined for a burn-out. But I must say I’ve really enjoyed a much-needed time off with the family, thanks to my husband mostly, who took on the dinner organizational part and found the recipes. After a day of cooking, it was such a blessing to see family and friends get together for a good meal and a chat.
I’m so happy that I’ve got a chance to give back this season…at least a little bit. Last week some gals from UCLA Extension and me headed downtown for the furniture assembly volunteer day for Downtown Women Center. It was such a heart ache to face the reality of homelessness in Downtown of LA when only a few block away there are these sizzling blocks with new restaurants opening every month. But at the same time I felt so inspired to see that little people like us REALLY can make a difference with small consistent efforts.
Downtown Women Center is a non-profit organization sheltering homeless and extremely low-income women, providing meals, medical care and permanent housing. Having acquired a new building a few years ago, the center is now ready to open with the Grand Celebration on December 10th. Stop by if you are in the area.
There’s more volunteer help needed on Dec.4th to prep the space for the opening, email me for details
<image via me>
The Scattered Light installation by Jim Campbell at Madison Square literary brighten my day.
<image via www.elledecore.com>
A good friend of mine is getting engaged. Can’t tell you who she is, as it is the most exciting part to break this kind of news, so I leave it up to her. All of the dress-talk this AM. totally threw me in bridal fever for the rest of the day. I LOVE weddings and wish I could have mine every year in all color pallets, themes and destinations possible. the thing is I have to stay productive with my thesis for the final couple of weeks so I’ve forbidden myself to open a single wedding-related site/blog/magazine till my finals. But how in the world this lovely dress from White House|Black Market crept in my way (officially dream wedding dress #5304).
Congratulation friend, I’m SO incredibly happy for you. 
<image via www.whitehouseblackmarket.com>
I must confess I’m absolutely smitten with ZARA’s fall/winter collection 2010. Event acquiring 2 pairs of pans and a blouse didn’t satisfy my cravings (while totally busted my monthly budget). They have exactly everything that i love about fall dress code: lots of neutrals, classic wool coats (especially in herring bone pattern…ah!) and layers…lots of layers. Layering is why fall is my favorite season. Same old cardigan can look so fresh and in season, when paired up with a silky dress and knitted stockings. Anyways, here are a FEW of my “must-haves” from ZARA.
<images via www.zara.com>
December Vogue features one of my favorite Hollywood actresses, Angelina Jolie. May be a little troubled in the past, she seems to be a very strong and versatile personality, who never stops to amaze and captivate. What a stunning editorial by the greatest Mario Testino. It just exudes the power of femininity, no wonder it disarmed THE Pitt.
<images via www.vogue.com>
