Lust of the Week: Longchamp Planetes Tonal Tote

via Nordstrom, $184.68

We've all heard of the classic Le Pliage by Longchamp. The Le Pliage is famous for its ability to fold into a teeny rectangle, its durability, practicality, and classic style. It's also quite affordable too, being under $200 for a very roomy size. However, the Le Pliage is not everything that Longchamp has to offer. Enter in the Planetes Tonal tote. This baby has all the same qualities of a Le Pliage, but comes in a size that flatters smaller sized sirens much better than the Le Pliage, as evidenced by a very thorough review on Petite Asian Girl. According to her review, the Planetes also holds its crisp trapezoidal shape better then its more famous sibling, and has a PVC coated nylon exterior! I'm sold, aren't you?

"Couture" Mice on runways for 2010!

via Trafutti, $39.99 each

Seriously, these were too cute not to post about. Even though it's past Christmas and we should be done gift shopping, wouldn't these still make great little gifts for your fashionable girl friends? Evoking fashion icons such as Betsy Johnson, Coco Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld, and Anna Wintour, these adorable creatures would be sure to bring a smile to my face everyday if I had these on my work desk or window sill! I highly doubt whether anyone except Betsy Johnson would find these mini impressions amusing.

In a Christmas food stupor

Black tank: Garage
V-neck sweater: Espirit
Black sweater vest: Banana Republic
Necklace: Forever21
Bandage skirt: Simon's
Legwarmers: Aldo

Merry Christmas!! I sincerely hope you are not reading this post around anyone, as I would feel a tad bit embarrassed to have them see it! Boyfriend says I shouldn't post my face in pictures unless I want a stalker, but until I actually have people come up to me on the street, I think I'm pretty safe. A friend of mine told me I look like a dork in all my photos, so I figured why be half-ass about it and go for FULL-BLOWN attention-seeking dorkiness?! At least, then it would be intentional! To be honest though, I think most of my poses are pretty sedate to some of the wacky ones I see out in the blog world. If I had a sharper camera and better photo locations, I think I could work poses out better without looking silly. I kinda like doing these floor poses though - they're more fun to capture! What do you think?

With such a dramatic pose, I had to go with a dramatic song and what better than Lady Gaga for that? Reading the lyrics sort of destroys the song for me, because if you strip away the OTT video and sound production, it's a pretty thin song lyrically.

Bad Romance

Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah-ah!
Roma-roma-mamaa!
Ga-ga-ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

I want your ugly
I want your disease
I want your everything
As long as it's free
I want your love
(Love-love-love I want your love)

I want your drama
The touch of your hand
I want your leather-studded kiss in the sand
I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love
(Love-love-love I want your love)

You know that I want you
And you know that I need you
I want it bad, your bad romance

I want your love and
I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
(Oh-oh-oh--oh-oooh! )
I want your love and
All your lovers' revenge
You and me could write a bad romance

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance

Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah-ah!
Roma-roma-mamaa!
Ga-ga-ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

I want your horror
I want your design
'Cause you're a criminal
As long as your mine
I want your love
(Love-love-love I want your love-uuhh)

I want your psycho
Your vertigo stick
Want you in my room
You know baby your sick
I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love
(Love-love-love I want your love)

You know that I want you
('Cause I'm a freak bitch baby! )
And you know that I need you
I want your bad, bad romance

I want your love and
I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
(Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh! )
I want your love and
All your love has revenge
You and me could write a bad romance

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance

Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah-ah!
Roma-roma-mamaa!
Ga-ga-ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

Walk, walk fashion baby
Work it
Move that bitch crazy
(Repeat 3x)

I want your love and
I want your revenge
I want your love
I don't wanna be friends

Je veux ton amour
Et je veux ta revanche
Je veux ton amour
I don't wanna be friends
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
I don't wanna be friends
(Caught in a bad romance)
I don't wanna be friends
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
Want your bad romance
(Caught in a bad romance)
Want your bad romance!

I want your love and
I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
I want your love and
All your lovers' revenge
You and me could write a bad romance

(Chrorus repeats 3x)

Lust of the Week: Maplewood Pillow

via goodEGG Industries, $60

One of my goals for 2010 is to become a domestic goddess. Don't ask me why I have this goal exactly, but after staring wistfully at all the bloggers out there who are able to cook fabulously, and live fabulously, in addition to looking fabulous, that I felt I should at least try to as well. Being a domestic being is in my blood after all, both my mother and sister are little Martha Stewart wanna-bes. I imagine that I will aim to be more of a domestic Angelina Jolie *wink wink* at least 60% of the time.

Since part of being a domestic goddess is having a tastefully decorated home, I perused Canada's version of Etsy, goodEGG. goodEGG is a great little site that I highly recommend patronizing as it is full of hand-crafted goodies that are all made by talented Canadian artists. This week's LOTW features a gorgeous linen pillow cover by artist Jenna Rose. The soft taupe tones, and hand-painted forest scene is pure Canadiana, and evokes a still forest scene in the quiet of winter. Even if you live in the heart of the city like me, you can still get a breath of nature by cozying up with peaceful home touches like this.

-----------
Happy Christmas Eve everyone! I am at this moment heading onto a boat to head home for the holidays. Apologies if I become a little slack in posting, or commenting on other's blogs, but be rest assured that I have some great posts scheduled up for your reading pleasure! Have a safe and holidays and see you all in 2010!

Weekly Shopping & Goodies

A Few Goody Gumdrops hopes someone will tell her husband exactly what she wants for Xmas!

Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy wants you to start 2010 right by giving away a hand-crafted calendar in Part 4 of her Holiday Giveaway Bonanza!!

Quinta Trends talk to Le Petit Trianon about a new concept of lingerie boutique

Shopping and Info wants a pair of over the knee boots from Stuart Weitzman like Fergie.

StyleMaven would like to share an exclusive coupon code for 20% off plus a free gift from Caroline Chu's collection of luxury skincare to renew your skincare beauty regime for 2010!

TheFind Blog says it's not too late for extremely last minute gifts!

Winner Announcement + Part 4 of Holiday Giveaway Bonanza!

Last week in Part 3 of Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy's Holiday Giveaway Bonanza, I asked my readers why they, or someone they love, deserved some pampering to win an amazing gift pack from The Body Shop Canada. Many entered, all were deserving, but only one could win. The winner of Part 3 of my Holiday Giveaway Bonanza is....

Nicole the Giveaway Diva

Congratulations Nicole! She had the sweetest comment about how she would give this prize pack to her hard-working mom. Aren't moms awesome? They always put everyone else first, so it's great to show your appreciation once in awhile. I hope your mom loves this prize Nicole! You have the usual 48 hours to claim your prize!

With only 3 sleeps left till the big day, I bet you were thinking there could be possibly nothing else to give away here, but oh you are wrong! In the final installment of Holiday Giveaway Bonanza, I'll be giving away a unique, locally crafted calendar by Vancouver graphic artist, Harmony Cheung!

Harmony has been working as a local print media and graphic designer in Vancouver for the past six years. From the age of five, her journey in creating crafts began with a glossy cardboard and sparkly glue display case and she has not stopped since. As her talent developed and years passed, she went on to finish her Bachelors of Art at UBC, teach herself graphic design, and venture out into the handmade cards and jewelry business. Currently, she has been dedicated to making paper creations, greeting cards, jewelry, mobiles, and other knick-knacks in her workshop which also happens to be her home. Unsatisfied in her search for well designed calendars which can be welcomed in any home, she went on to create the 2010 calendar collection. Harmony's work has been highly influenced by her daily life, travels, and whimsical imagination. You may find her calendars on Etsy and at Walrus on 18th & Cambie in Vancouver.

I'd also like to add that she is a pretty mischievous person with a camera when you're all out partying together! ;) Harmony's calendars are the perfect adornment for your office, or home with a variety of themes to suit any theme from naughty to nice. In Part 4, I am happy to be giving away one of her obi sash calendars!



Doesn't this pretty calendar just make you want to get all organized and keep to those pesky resolutions? Check out the rules below and enter!

• International! That's right, everyone is eligible!
• Leave a comment on this post stating your real resolutions, not the fakes we all drop by Jan. 2
• Subscribe to my blog!
• Follow my Twitter!
  

This contest will run until 12am PST, December 27, 2009! Good luck everyone! I hope you enjoyed this series as much as I enjoyed running it. I'd like to take this time to thank every single of my readers out there - reading your comments and emails brings a smile to my face every time. As always, I would love to hear your feedback on what you like/dislike about this blog. I hope that 2010 will be another great year that I can share my love of fashion, style, and life in general with you!

What face to wear, to a Holiday Affair?

Dear Santa,

I have such a busy holiday season - there are just so many parties and people to see and I don't know how to do my makeup for any of them!! I've spent all my time thinking of dresses and shoes and purses, but I am clueless with makeup. Please help.

Hopeless and Barefaced


Ok, admittedly this is an utterly falsified letter, and besides which, the fat man up North likely doesn't know a lipstick from a chap stick (he may even think they're the same!), but you get the idea. Even if you only have 1 party to go to this season, you still want to look your best and end 2009 with a bang. You've planned out your outfit, but what about your face? Remember, these kind of parties always involve cameras, so you want your face to look just as good as the rest of you.

This request for a holiday makeup video originally came from the awesome Livie of It's A Beautiful Life. Now, that lady doesn't even need to read this tutorial as she is naturally gorgeous and skinny, but she did have an intriguing question: with the current trend towards sequins and metallics this season, what sort of makeup should you wear to complement that?

Well, my thoughts on this would be that you should avoid sequins and metallic dresses altogether for a holiday party. Leave that for New Years Eve. When it comes to holiday parties, the vibe is generally more laidback potlach style, or elegant formal affair. For the latter type of party, you could opt for metallics and sequins, but keep it subtle and not an all-over affect. The dresses below illustrate my vision of what holiday party dresses should be: classic silhouettes, sophisticated and subtle sheen, and with a touch of sexiness.

Left to right:
Nicole Miller, $252 - for the flirtatious siren
Badgley Mischka Platinum Label, $330 - for the classic lady
Ivy, $125 - for the modern woman

Your FOTN for these dresses should highlight your glowing skin, bright eyes, and pretty pout. Again, the key here is subtlety. There's a time and place for heavy eyeliner and smouldering smokiness, but this is not that time nor place. Your boss wants to be able to recognize you, not the drag queen, so natural color and shimmers are the better option. I had created a video tutorial, but due to technical difficulties on Vimeo, I could not post it up in time for this post! Instead, here are the steps you can use to recreate this look:

1. Start with a smooth base by erasing under eye circles and evening out skin tone and imperfections using concealer and/or foundation. I like to use a liquid foundation for its stronger coverage and long-lasting wearability.
2. Using a pink eyeshadow trio (I used Maybelline New York's Expert Wear Shadow Trio is Berriful) use the lightest shade to highlight under the arch of the brows and the inner corner of your eyes - this will waken them up. If you have wide-set eyes, skip applying the shadow to the inner corner since it will only make your eyes look even wider apart.
3. Use the medium shade to cover your lid. Apply shadow heavier than seems necessary as the gold shadow will mute out the excess color. Apply darkest shade from lashline to crease.
4. Take a gold shimmery loose powder (such as The Balm Overshadow in No Money, No Honey) and dust over entire lid, creating a luminous shimmery, glow. Dust in inner corners and line under the eye for all-over glam.
5. Line upper lashline with black liquid or eyeliner. You could do pencil if you're really eyeliner-challenged, but the more definite and dramatic a line you can do, the better and liquid is best for this style. Curl and apply 2 coats of black mascara.
6. Cover your luscious lips with a slick, shiny, sheen with a rosy pink gloss for foolproof color (I used Sephora Brand Brilliant Shine Lip Gloss in Rosy Glow).
7. Smile and apply a pink-gold blush (such as the wildly fabulous Nars Orgasm Multiple) to apples of the cheeks. Do not apply blush any closer than 2 finger-widths away from your nose. Smooth blush out along your cheekbones and to the temples.
   

Total time: 15 minutes

And here are a couple photos of the finished product:

Remember, you can email your style or beauty questions to me anytime! I always love to help, though I apologize right now if I don't answer your question straightaway!

We faltered too far down No one could save us

Plaid Shirt, Aritzia
Vest: gift
Necklace: Guess
Liquid leggings: Urban Outfitters
Shoes: Adidas

This outfit is basically my version of a sweatpants day. My boyfriend doesn't believe me, but leggings make me feel like I'm not wearing anything! They're like a second skin. I feel very 90s me in this outfit with its loose fit, layers, and sneakers. I was very different when I was a teenager, which people who have only known me from age 19+ don't know. I definitely wasn't as into fashion, at least not outwardly. I was also in the non-popular crowd because I was quiet and smart. Being quiet allowed me to not be noticed and therefore not picked on, but it also made people think I was really uptight and boring. It's pretty funny considering I would probably cut class for at least a month sometimes.

The song this week is Finger Eleven's First Time. 90s me had a deep love for angry music that still lives with me now. I love a good emotionally wrought song, and if they can scream/sing it, then all the better. In high school one day, one of the cutest, most popular guys in class did a presentation and then he mentioned this song, but nobody except me had even heard of it, or the band. For a moment, I had a dream where I raised my hand and said "I love this song too!" and then we'd gaze into each other's eyes, fall in love, and I'd be prom queen. Of course that never happened, but I still love this song. The video below is kinda uninspired and foreshadows how lame Finger Eleven became when they sold out and became "rock-pop." Feel free to navigate to another tab/window while listening!

First Time lyrics

I had never thought
We were hanging on
But the fall looks very far
Staring at the ground
What flesh will do to you
Will do to me too
Be free and on your own
It's not that simple
It's never that simple

[Chorus:]
It feels like the first time
That we'd fallen behind
And we faltered too far down
No one could save us
It feels like the first time
And we're standing above them
And no one can touch us
The worst is over

I could say to you
A bitter word or two
There's no stopping now
Just get it out in the air
Heard it through the fog
And hurt by it all
I'd take it back today
But it's out of my hands

[Chorus]

Lost in the film again
All the signs were showing
Watching a single frame
When the wind begins
You're never anywhere
'Cause you're caught in my
weather every time

Feels like the first time
We'd fallen behind
No use is the other one to wait
But I can hold on
As sure as I'm strong
Get over the faithful yesterdays

[Chorus till fade]

Lust of the Week: Linea Pelle Dylan + Winner Announcement!

$680

I know, I'm a tad late on the bandwagon for cross-body bags, but it's been hard to find one that suits my big-bag needs. Cross-body bags are great for everyday, and especially during winter days when you could find yourself struggling outside your apartment door saddled with grocery bags, clumsy mittens, digging for your keys while holding your giant bag, and sweating profusely under your toque from the stress of it all!! Of course, this never happens to me. What I do love about this bag is its subtle, not overly trendy use of studs, and its soft, buttery looking leather. The saddle-esque flap also gives this bag an earthy appeal, adding another dimension of interest. And when cross-body bags cycle out of style, you can simply detach the shoulder strap and wear this is as a cute tote! Versatility and style at its best. Perhaps this is worthy of spending that Christmas bonus on?


In other news, sadly Peggy, the initial winner of Part 2 of BHMnB's Holiday Giveaway Bonanza, did not contact me to claim the prize, so I did another random draw of the entries and now have a second winner!! The new winner of Part 2 of Holiday Giveaway Bonanza and the winner of that Orient Watch is...

Vanessa S

Vanessa, you now have 48 hours to claim your prize and I really do hope you do because it is a great prize!

Weekly Shopping & Goodies

The Fashionable Housewife is giving away a pair of Stylish Holiday Shoes from SuperShoes.com for Day 4 of our Hanukkah Giveaways!

A Few Goody Gumdrops and Suzanna Dai are giving away the to-die-for St. Petersburg Necklace, recently seen on Gossip Girl. Enter to Win!

Be Seen In Hollywood spotted Australian Supermodel at millions of milkshake.

Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy is giving a massive prize pack from The Body Shop in part 3 of the Holiday Giveaway Bonanza!!

Couture In The City shares with us an inexpensive alternative holiday accessory as seen on Jessica Simpson

Fashion Cents gives you 3 tips to make sure you are fashionable and appropriate when hosting your home holiday party.

Fashion Hippo found 3 Dazzling New Year Dresses That Will Turn Heads

Handbag du Jour will be shopping the Be & D holiday sample sale for haute holiday gifts!

Princess Dominique invites you to log on and celebrate her upcoming anniversary, enter The PrincessDominique.com Anniversary Giveaway!

Quinta Trends asks what kind of consumer are you?

Raging Rouge posts holiday giveaway #2, The LipFusion Collection of plumping glosses.

Shopping and Info loves Dakota Fanning of New Moon’s silver sequin sweatshirt.

SomeoneSpoilMe.com has a great giveaway for guys!

Style Eyes asks How heavy is your handbag? and checks out the latest B.A.G. by Tiffany Anisette which is revolutionising the way that women carry bags. A great way to protect your posture without compromising on style!

StyleMaven is getting sparkly with studded must-haves from the coveted Balmain collection during the Balmain Pop-Up Sale.

The Fashionable Bambino dishes on some fabulous Last Minute Stocking Stuffers Under $50, $25 & $10

The Fashionable Gal is giving away a McCormick & Schmicks $50 Gift Card!

TheFind Blog is getting festive and sparkly with Louis Mariette's understated and elegant Swarovski embellished hairbands.

What's Haute Magazine is giving away 5 signed copies of the new book You Know You Want It by Gossip Girl costume designer Eric Daman!

Part 3 of Holiday Giveaway Bonanza: The Body Shop

It's full on holiday season. Everyone and their dog is busy with gift shopping, baking, and holiday parties. This season so far, I have received gifts varying from a cozy fleece blankets, to a genuine Snuggie, to a crisp vintage 1987 Hustler. Of the latter, I will only say that Lady Gaga wasn't the first to patent exploding nipples.

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and food, but what it should also be, if one is so lucky, is a time for some self-reflection and "me" time. At the end of the year it can feel wonderful to just escape all the madness and spend some quality time on yourself. In part 3 of Holiday Giveaway Bonanza, you can win yourself, or someone you love, some pampering time with this huge prize pack courtesy of The Body Shop Canada! This prize pack is really amazing and includes:

• Bamboo Brush Roll pack, which includes a lip, eyeshadow, smudger, brow/lash, and blush brushes in a sleek bamboo fabric roll
  
• Black Velvet Apricot Bath and Shower Nectar
• Merry Cranberry Hand Cream
• Nutmeg and Vanilla Body Butter
• Plum/Chocolate/Caramel eye and cheek palette

The total value of this prize pack comes to a grand total of $150! I cannot stress how much of a deal this prize is and to be honest, I was seriously tempted to rig this to let myself win! In the interests of avoiding being put on the naughty list for 2010 though, I've generously decided that one lucky reader deserves to win it instead, so read on for the rules and cross your fingers!

Rules

• Must be Canadian to enter!
• Leave a comment on this post stating why you are most in need of pampering time

For extra entries:

• Subscribe to this blog
• Subscribe to my Twitter
  

Part 3 will run until 12 am PST Sunday, December 20, 2009! If you aren't eligible for this round, don't worry, there is still one final round of Holiday Giveaway Bonanza to go!

Winner Announcement + Smokey Salmon Recipe!

Good morning everyone! Well, as happy as a morning can be when it's a Monday. I'm feeling alternately happy and unhappy at the moment because it is currently snowing in Vancouver! The snow makes me happy because it is so pretty and delicate, but as soon as I have to go anywhere in it, the snow just makes me as cranky as an old lady who needs her prunes. At least though, I will be making one lucky person very happy now because I am going to announce the winner of Part 2 of BHMnB's Holiday Giveaway Bonanza!!! Thank you to all who entered, but only a few of you actually got the correct answer, which was that Grandma had drank too much eggnog and wandered out looking for her medication. Sorry guys, but you had to get this right to be eligible! Out of the remaining entries, I randomly chose a winner, and that winner is...

Peggy

As usual, Peggy has 48 hours from publication of this post to claim her prize! Congratulations Peggy!

Keep on reading everyone, because tomorrow will be the announcement of Part 3 of my Holiday Giveaway Bonanza and this time, it won't be just open to Americans!!

If you're still feeling sad, then drown your sorrows in some delicious comfort food, care of our regular food correspondent, Mr. T:


Smokey Salmon and Wild Rice

Sometimes I just don’t feel like grocery shopping or eating out, so I just make something with whatever I’ve got. In the most recent case, this recipe was created. It’s simple, taking about 45 min (mostly to cook the wild rice, I had time to clean up the kitchen while cooking) so it's great for a work night. It’s nothing fancy, but a good quick meal. Make it more gourmet by grilling a piece of smoked salmon and serving it on top of the rice instead of using a tin of salmon and smoked paprika.

First get the wild rice cooking since it takes the longest.

Bring to a boil:

1 cup of wild rice mix

2 cups water

Reduce heat and simmer 45 min. Probably want to wait about 10-15 min after starting the rice to continue the next part.

Saute in a large wok over medium-high heat 5 min:

2 tbsp olive oil

1 red pepper, chopped

2 cloves garlic, sliced

Add:

½ cup orange juice (no pulp)

2 tbsp chives

Reduce to medium heat. Let the orange juice reduce until it is a sauce coating the peppers and garlic.

Mix in:

6 cherry tomatoes, sliced

In a bowl, mix:

1 tin (213g) of sockeye salmon

1 ½ tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp sumac (can use something tart and fruity if you don’t have sumac, maybe a vinegar with raspberry juice)

Add the mix of salmon and spices to the pot after the tomatoes have started to cook. Once the rice is done cooking, mix it in with the rest, make sure it’s all hot, and serve. Enjoy. Makes enough for at least 2 with no side dishes.

Eat You Up

White tee: American Eagle
Black sweater vest: Esprit
Skirt: Simon's
Boots: Aldo
Silver necklace: gift from Mexico

God this week has been tiring. I've been doing major overtime lately at work so life is pretty dull. At least the weather is bright and sunny! I'm definitely more of a heat person, but there is something refreshing about escaping the stuffy office for some crisp winter air. I've been downing way more french vanillas than necessary. This outfit was worn before the current cold snap, but I could still wear it now, albeit with some tights. This outfit gives me a nice hit of bad-assery with the boots and above the knee hemline. Is it strange that an outfit can perk up your mood?

People seemed to like the song lyrics from last week, so I've decided to do it again. This week I'm featuring Boa's Eat You Up. If you're not familiar with Boa, then you really should get familiar in a big way. Boa was the gatekeeper that opened me to the awesomeness that is K-pop and this is her first English single. Isn't she so hot?! In my dreams I would be as sexy and as smooth a dancer as her! I swear, she could dance the ass off of Britney and Beyonce together! In this song, she talks about a guy who just has got her salivating. You know the type ladies. If that boy is smart, he wouldn't keep her waiting long.

Eat You Up

When I first saw you I knew nothing's like it used to be
Boy you have got to be the finest thing in history
The way I feel inside is just so hard to understand
You feed my appetite in ways I can't explain

I'll eat you up
(Your Love, Your Love)
I'll eat you up
(Your Love, Your Love)
(Whoa)
I'll eat you up
(Whoa)
So yum yum
(Whoa)
Can't get enough
(Whoa oh oh)
I think I'm in love

If you move any closer boy there is no guarantee
What I will do to you I feel it and it's scaring me
Like I've become some kind of demon in the night
You look so tasty and I could eat you up alive

Repeat * x2

Can't stop thinking 'bout all the things I wanna do to you
If you move any closer you'd be asking for it too
I want your love
I need your touch
So much I think I'm in love

I'll eat you up
(Your Love, Your Love)
(Whoa)
I'll eat you up
(Whoa)
So yum yum
(Whoa)
Can't get enough
(Whoa oh oh)
I think I'm in love

I wanna take you to my room (I'll eat you up)
Wanna take you to my room

(Whoa)
I'll eat you up
(Whoa)
So yum yum
(Whoa)
Can't get enough
(Whoa oh oh)
I think I'm in love

(I'll eat you up)
(I'll eat you up)
(I'll eat you up)
(I'll eat you up)

Lust of the Week: Juicy Couture Skullcandy DJ Headphones

via Juicy Couture, $128

It's girly meets street and I'm all over it. Whether listening to tunes at work, on the bus, the streets, or just chillin on your bed staring at the ceiling, these headphones from Juicy Couture will let you drift away on sonic dreams. Though I really hate almost 85% of Juicy Couture clothing (ew, velour tracksuits are only acceptable if you're in an old Ja Rule vid, or a Jersey mobster), I have a huge weakness for JC accessories. Their fusion of ghetto fabulousness and girly themes gets me weak in the knees. These gold and baby pink headphones would look so bad-ass, while also being hella comfy with their velour ear muffs. I'm not sure how good the sound quality would be, but what it might lack in function, it makes up for in style.

Weekly Shopping & Goodies - Holiday Giveaways edition!

The Fashionable Housewife Eve Handbag, Sir Alistair is giving away some amazing prizes including Clarisonic, KoobaRai scarf, and more! Enter our first annual 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Extravaganza before Dec 20th!

A Few Goody Gumdrops is giving away a gorgeous Jalda Metallic Kona Clutch. Enter to Win this Holiday Goody!

Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy is giving away a gold Orient watch in part 2 of BHMnB's Holiday Giveaway Bonanza!!

Fashion Fille is giving away Dr. Perricone's Advanced Eye Therapy to a lucky reader. Perfect timing for when you're staying up all night wrapping presents...or studying for finals...and need to your eyes that boost.

Fashion Hippo brings you The Ultimate 2009 Holiday Gift Shopping Guide: Beauty, Fashion, Mind, and Gadgets.

Up for grabs at the Raging Rouge Beauty Blog: One CLEAN Coffret Set, filled with four fabulous CLEAN fragrances!

Shopping and Info is giving away a $300 Ports 1961 Gift Card to one lucky winner.

SomeoneSpoilMe.com is giving away an amazing personalized necklace to give your best friend.

StyleMaven is asking Santa Baby for an Authentic Pre-owned Hermès Kelly Bag with savings of 10% off on December 9th, for one day only.

The Fashionable Gal is having a 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Extravaganza too with amazing prizes including Perricone MD, CoverGirl and more!

TheFind Blog BELIEVES! To celebrate we are giving away a Macy's $100 gift card.

What's Haute Magazine is giving away a Tassel Tote Bag in Chocolate French calf leather from Aspinal of London!


In other news, I was also the lucky recipient of 2 awards from 2 fantastic Vancouver bloggers:

From foodie and style extraordinaire, Senses and Style and

from the witty and unique, Haus of Hybrid!

Thank you so much ladies for these awards!!

I pass these awards onto:

Blair

Bunnie Bar
Cafe Fashionista
Miss Neira

Cozy up with a book with Black Dog Publishing

The weather outside is frightful: it's cold, rainy, and/or snowy, and altogether nowhere near encouraging you to go outside and be active. To me, rainy weather and a long night in means either good TV, or a good book.

Nowadays, it seems like less and less of us actually read books. Can you imagine? What do you put on your bookshelves if not books?! Computers and TV are amazing creations and I would never wish to live without them, but books definitely deserve to rank up there with Man's best ways to pass the time. Books can teach you, make you laugh, make you cry, and make you think. They also make great gifts, providing something solid to wrap, but which won't break your bank. Encourage some cerebral workouts by buying someone on your list a book!

Here are some interesting titles I've heard about lately:

Very Vintage: The Guide to Publishing Patterns & Clothing, by Iain Bromley, $45

What fashion lover is not a lover of vintage? Get an education in the history of style with this comprehensive overview of seven decades of design and the inspirations behind them.

Making Stuff: An Alternative Craft Book, $24.95

A modern-day DIY guide, Making Stuff features multiple contributors and their compilation of ideas to recycle everything old into something new! It's green design at its very best.

The Essence of Perfume by Roja Dove, $70

Finally, for the scent connoisseurs, there is The Essence of Perfume. Author Roja Dove is an international authority on scent and he is our guide into the mysterious world of scents and the careful chemistry of fragrance.

All these titles come from UK publishing house Black Dog Publishing, which specializes in titles featuring design, style, and contemporary culture. Right now they can all be yours these holidays for 40% off! Simply email jess@blackdogonline.com with the subject line "Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy discount offer!" to claim the discount on your order!

Winner of Part 1 + Part 2 of Holiday Giveaway Bonanza: Orient Watch

Welcome ladies and gentlemen to Part 2 of my Holiday Giveaway Bonanza. Thank you so much to the many entries and tweets about Part 1! Alas, there could only be one winner of this amazing contest and the winner of the Perricone MD Cold Plasma is:

tperry_trp

Congratulations tperry_trp! You have 48 hours to claim your prize!

Don't fret though, as we move onto part 2 of my Holiday Giveaway Bonanza! The prize in this round is a fantastic ladies' watch from Orient Watch USA. Orient Watch specializes in creating classic, quality timepieces, that will stand well, the test of time (hehe). Orient Watch USA is the American branch of Japan's largest watch manufacturer, and is a subsidiary of the Seiko Epson corporation. Orient Watch 2009's line of ladies automatic watches features sleek, modern designs that hearken back to simple, not flashy face plates. They also make great looking men's watches too, like the 2ER00002D watch, valued at a reasonable $180. This elegant example of Orient Watch's style below, would fit seamlessly into any look: for day with a simple cardigan and slacks, and in evening with a sophisticated LBD. Wouldn't this make a great present for yourself or for that special someone?

To enter, simply leave a comment correctly answering this question: just why did grandma get run over by a reindeer? You have until 12 am PST December 12, 2009 to enter!

Can't figure out the answer? Then try doing the following:

• Be a subscriber to my blog (comment required for this to count please!)
  
• Follow me on Twitter (@mizzjblog)
• Link to me on your blogroll (comment required linking to your blogroll so I can see please!)
  

Sorry, Part 2 is open to US residents only. However don't despair, as Part 3 of Holiday Giveaway Bonanza will be open to everyone!

Ex-Factor

Sweater: Le Chateau
Pencil: Simons
Grey thigh-highs
Blue heels: from Taiwan

I can't think of anything to write about at the moment, so I'll let the lyrics of one of my favourite songs speak for me. This song is from the gorgeous, insanely, talented Lauryn Hill at the peak of her stardom, with the classic Miseducation of Lauryn Hill album. This song speaks to me. Been there, done that. Don't let its lyrics depress you though, the melody and Lauryn's gorgeous voice ends up lifting you up more than bringing you down. However I only wanted to post the lyrics since I feel that we don't appreciate songwriting as much as we do image.


Ex-Factor

It could all be so simple
But you'd rather make it hard
Loving you is like a battle
And we both end up with scars
Tell me, who I have to be
To get some reciprocity
See, no one loves you more than me
And no one ever will

Is this just a silly game
That forces you to act this way
Forces you to scream my name
Then pretend that you can't stay
Tell me, who I have to be
To get some reciprocity
See, no one loves you more than me
And no one ever will

Hook:
No matter how I think we grow
You always seem to let me know
It ain't workin'
It ain't workin'
And when I try to walk away
You'd hurt yourself to make me stay
This is crazy
This is crazy

I keep letting you back in
How can I explain myself
As painful as this thing has been
I just can't be with no one else
See I know what we got to do
You let go and I'll let go too
'Cause no one's hurt me more than you
And no one ever will

Repeat Hook

Care for me, care for me
You said you care for me

There for me, there for me
Said you'd be there for me

Cry for me, cry for me
You said you'd die for me

Give to me, give to me
Why won't you live for me
(Repeat)

Lust of the Week: Blaque Label White Lace Dress

via Chickdowntown, $135

Looking for something to wow them at the season's holiday parties? Then check out this sweet and sexy number from Blaque Label. Lace is one of the hottest trends this season, but my oh my it can be hard to pull off! If you've got the body for it, then go for it with this curve-hugging all lace, pure white number. A mini-skirt hemline is offset by a high collar that keeps this dress sexily demure. Everyone knows that a peek is better than a peep show and this is sure to get them looking.

Weekly Shopping & Goodies - Holiday Must-Haves!

The Fashionable Housewife wants you to participate in our first annual 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Extravaganza! Twelve days of fabulous giveaways that will have you re-writing your Christmas wish list!

A Few Goody Gumdrops wants her own Judith Leiber Discoball for Christmas!

Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy: All I want for Christmas are some exquisite shiny things, like the beautiful designs of Epoch, by Melissa Clemente Designs

Couture In The City my must have holiday gift list!

Fashion Cents asks, "What's the worst holiday gift you've ever gotten?" Is it worst than these?

Fashion Fille made a dreamy wishlist from Brown's Fashion- she challenges you to look at it without sighing.

Fashion Hippois having a Spectacular Shaesby Earrings giveaway. Enter to win!

Handbag du Jour has the Chloé Python Paraty bag (in brick red) at the top of its Christmas wish list!

Raging Rouge positively covets the Baroque Boudoir holiday collection by MAC.

Shopping and Info wants Kristen Stewart of Twilight’s Sergio Rossi platform pumps for the holidays.

SomeoneSpoilMe.com wants a Personalized Present for the Holidays!

All The Fashionable Gal wants for Christmas is the Zoya Ultra Glitter Winter 2009 Nail Polish Collection. Fabulous glitter that is super festive and fun!

TheFind Blog is coveting a classic and luxe Jacqueline Suede Tote Handbag from Vivre.com. Enter for a chance to win it for yourself or a friend!

Martha, Eat Your Heart Out

This past weekend I celebrated my 1 year anniversary with my boy. In our typical fashion, it was very low-key - no fireworks, just a special dinner I cooked for us. I have to say I was as pleased as punch with myself with how all the dishes turned out; so much so, that I want to share them with you! From prep to plating, this meal took about an hour and a half to prepare and was more than enough for 2 people. The Thai dishes are from a cookbook I received from a cooking school I went to while I was in Thailand, so I have good reason to believe they are as authentic as they are delicious! Enjoy.



Khao Soi (aka Chiang Mai noodle)

• 50 g deep-fried egg noodle
• 100 g boiled egg noodle (or any soup noodle will do)
• 2 tbsp pickled cabbage (or a package of deep-fried tofu, which is what I used)
• 50 g chicken
• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 cups coconut milk
• 3 chopped shallots
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp Indian curry powder
• 1 tbsp red curry paste
• 1 tbsp finely chopped coriander and green onion
• 1 lime, cut into quarters

Put boiled egg noodle into portioned bowls. Mix red curry paste with Indian curry powder. Placing wok over low heat, add oil and paste/powder mix. Stir continuously until fragrant.

Add chicken, 1/4 cup of coconut milk and stir constantly until chicken is cooked. Add remaining coconut milk, turn heat up to medium, and stir. Add fish sauce and sugar. After a few minutes simmering, pour mixture on top of boiled egg noodles. Sprinkle deep-fried noodle on top, along with green onions and coriander. Squeeze lime on top.



Pat kro phao (Fried mince pork with holy basil)

• 1 package minced pork (or chicken/turkey/tofu)
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh chili, or to taste
  
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tsp sugar
• 3 tbsp holy basil (Thai varieties of basil are all different from North American basil, so if you can't find holy basil, regular will do)
• 1 cup finely chopped long green beans
• 1 can of baby corn
• 2 shallots, sliced
  
• 2 tbsp oil

Heat oil in wok, add garlic and chili. Stir-fry until fragrant. Add minced pork, and stir until cooked. Add onion, long bean and stir. Add fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Add basil and you're done! Serve with steamed rice.



Berry Lemon Trifle

• 2 cups cubed angel food cake (or lemon sponge cake)
• 1 8oz carton lemon fat-free yogurt
• 1/4 of an 8oz container frozen light whipped dessert topping (or to taste)
• 1 cup mixed fresh berries (I used strawberries, raspberries and blueberries - yay antioxidants!)
• fresh mint (optional)

Divide angel food cake among 4 dessert cups. In a small bowl, combine yogurt and whipped topping. Spoon onto cake, sprinkle in a layer of berries, a layer of cake, and repeat! Garnish with mint.