Wow, I can’t believe that the New Year’s week has gone so fast. Or may be our little vacation at North Tahoe was so incredible that I wish it had lasted a little bit longer. A perfect winter wonderland with LOTS of snow, amazing skiing and much-needed family time over board games and long conversations by the fireplace.
Although quite refreshing, a week without internet and barely any phone connection has taken its toll. Now I’m drowning in emails and to-do lists. Oh well, it was worth it!
<images via me>
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>
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>
Today exactly 3 years ago I married the most amazing man on earth (sorry to break it down to you, single ladies, but yes – he’s already taken:) and those 3 years were the most blessed years of my life. I cant’ thank the God enough for bringing us together from across the planet. Seriously, what were the chances for a guy from Los Angeles to meet a gal from Shadrinsk? But here we are, honey, and I can’t cherish enough every second spent with you. You really make me a better person and I’m looking forward to spending the rest of my life in our arms. I love you!
To celebrate the anniversary we set up the shoot with tremendously talented photographer and my dear friend Jenn Hoffman. Jenn did an amazing job capturing us as we are as well as luscious Downtown LA architecture (which, as you understand, was very important for me). Jenn is the best and can’t recommend her enough. Check our her site and prepare to be impressed!
And now, you guys get the first sneak peek of out shoot! 
<images via www.jennhoffmanphotography.com>
Last Thursday I was lucky to attend the ASID Installation of Chapter Officers and Chapter Awards Party at Chateau Marmont. Besides the pleasure of mingling among the Board members, design professionals and industry partners over wine and hors d’oeuvres, the settings were quite ah-spiring. 
Hidden behind the greenery this classic has a long history of celebrity inhabitants and there everybody is somebody. Having spent a short time in lobby helping with the party guests to check-in I came across John Malkovich and even threw in a few words with Sharon Stone, who is even more stunning in reality. 
But the real culmination was the Penthouse Suite where the Party was hosted. The 3,000 sq.ft suite features 2 bedrooms, full kitchen ,dining room, large living room and 1,500 sq.ft patio (seriously, that’s the size of most people’s apartments) overlooking the whole Hollywood. Since I forgot my camera (bummer!), thanks to my friend Denise Pan who kindly took the pictures of the suite so I can share them with you.
Rex Reed and Raquel Webb on the terace of room 64
And here’s me and Mia Porter, the president of out ASID UCLA Ext. Student Chapter as well as the newly elected Student Rep. chair in the ASID LA Office. Congrats Mia, you well deserved it! 
<images via www.chateaumarmont.com and www.denisepan.com>
