What's Cookin: sesame noodles

Here's an utterly ad-lib noodle dish I've made a few times using some left-over Taiwanese sausage I had in the fridge.  You could sub in regular Chinese sausage as well!  This dish was inspired by my coworker who had sesame instant noodles at his desk and left it sitting there beside me, smelling insanely delicious.  Since I make noodles soups a lot at home, I wanted to try making some dry noodles instead and it turned out amazing!  Here's how:

• Taiwanese sausage or Chinese sausage
• clove of garlic, minced
• Dry somen noodles, 1 bunch
• Fistful Green onion
• 1/2 red pepper, sliced
• Sesame oil, 2 tbsp

With a small pot, add a tsp of oil and when it's hot, add the garlic.  Stir-fry until fragrant, then add sausage.  Stir-fry for a minute or so, since the sausage is already cooked, and this is mainly just to get it hot with a nice singe.  Add red pepper and stir-fry for another minute.  Remove the pot contents to a bowl.

Now fill the pot halfway with water and bring to a boil.  Add the noodles and cook until they are soft enough to your liking. Drain noodles and add to the bowl.  I like my noodles more oily and with a strong sesame flavour, so you can add less oil if you like.  Add the oil right away to the noodles, along with everything else and mix together until coated.  Eat!  Serves 1 person.

PS.  I may be a bit late next week with posts as I'll be recovering from attending a stagette in Vegas!  Wish my liver luck on surviving dear readers!  Also, don't forget to work on those inspiration boards for your chance to win a Karmin G3 styling iron :)

Lust of the Week: Jason Wu Miss Wu Tote

via Bergdorf Goodman, $2495

This is the kind of bag that you either love, or hate.  On first glances when I saw this on PurseBlog, I was in love with the color and the classic shape.  It looks like a Hermes, but then bam! check out that super quirky owl buckle.  That detail may throw off a lot of people from this bag, but I think it's the defining characteristic that actually makes me love it!  It's bold, but not flashy, and definitely will make you look twice.  And it's perfect for people who like a little cuteness in their life.  So while it may not fit someone looking to use it in the corporate realm, this gorgeous bag can certainly fit snugly into the rest of the corners of your life.

Product Review: Evolution Man Facial Products

The following two reviews come care of Mr. Artist and his friend, Tuxedo Mask!  Thanks guys for bravely subjecting yourself to some free beauty products.


Since neither Mr. Artist, nor Tuxedo Mask are exactly what you would call "metro" (Mr. Artist didn't even know what facial cleanser was!) I suspected that they wouldn't give the most verbose reviews.  Thus, I wrote up a handy questionnaire hoping that it would open them up to describing their experience with these products fully.  As you can see by the answers below, I obviously expect too much of men.

Lip Balm (reviewed by Tuxedo Mask)


Do you normally use lip balm?
Yes

How long did the balm last before you needed to reapply?
 Half a day about

Did it have a taste?
Yes. Good smell and taste.

What was its texture?
Smooth.

Would you buy/recommend this product?
Yes

Cleanse & Shave + Moisture Protect (reviewed by Mr. Artist)

Have you ever used cleansers in the past?  
When i was a teenager

Was this a foaming cleanser or more "milky" (ie. no foam)?
More milky... but thicker... like a thick smoothie

How effective did you feel it was at cleansing?
Quite well, though I've normally had pretty good skin without too many blemishes, this feels quite nice

How did your skin feel afterwards?

Minty fresh and cool

Was there a smell to the product?

Nothing too strong or fragrant... the scent is quite subtle which is nice cuz I dont' want to smell like flowers or anything anyways.

Are you a regular user of moisturizers?
Nope

What was the texture and consistency of the lotion?

Creamy... almost buttery

How quickly did it absorb?
Quite fast... but it still left a very slight film... or residue that I'm not used to. But of the few moisturizers and lotions I have used in the past, this is probbly one of the better ones.

Did it smell?

Not that i can remember... so probably not very much

How did your skin feel after application?

Clean... but with a very very small hint of a film...  I would assume thats how moisturizers should feel though.

Would you buy/recommend this product?

Yup

If you'd like to find out more about these products, check out the Evolution Man website!

PS. Don't forget to enter my Karmin G3 giveaway!

Frock Swap Outfit #2

Sweater: Jacob

Mustard skirt: swap with Rosel

Leather belt: Danier

Knee-socks: gifted

Purse: Aldo

Here is the 2nd outfit I created with the items Rosel kindly swapped with me.  I had such fun with this project and would definitely love to do it again if any of you bloggers out there are open to it!  The whole experience makes me want to visit a frock swap event now.  

So for this outfit, I was going for a more preppy vibe.  I'm so in love with this skirt.  I almost don't want to give it back!  It's very hard to find nice mustard items and I have been searching for quite awhile ever since I got inspired by Extra Petite who wears mustard like it's nobody's business.  This skirt actually has a waist-tie that I'm not a huge fan of; for whatever reason, I don't find waist-ties very flattering, despite the fact that they supposedly should be for people who are very up-and-down, not hour-glass.   I always think I look more like a small sausage tied around the middle, so I opted to hide the tie in this case by layering a sweater over top and tucking the ribbon inside the skirt.  As you can see, I now contradict myself entirely by putting a skinny belt around my waist!  In my defense, the skinny belt works better for me since then I can cinch it higher, rather than going around my hips, which is the troublesome area.

Finally the purse.  I'm quite enamored with this little, quite impractical, purse.  It definitely forces me to be minimalist in what I carry.  For the longest while I refused to get it as it bore a distinct air to me of being overly inspired by other designer brands that I need not name.  In the end, it was Mr. Artist who convinced me to buy it after seeing me gaze at it forever in the store.  After hearing my reason why not to buy (namely so I didn't look like I was trying to be some cheapo and pass my unclassy knock-off as real), he brought me back to reality, as per usual.  Why should I care what others think he said.  If you like the purse you like it and who cares if its "authentic" or not?  Sigh.  I hate it when he's right... nearly all the time.

Oh and by the way, did you hear about my giveaway? Well then ladies (and gentlemen)!  Just show me what's inspiring you for summer and you could win a FREE Karmin G3 styling iron worth $300!!

Giveaway: Inspire me for a G3

It's been a while since I did an Inspirations post.  If you haven't created an inspiration board for yourself, I highly recommend that you do so!  It's a great exercise to figure out what your style is right now and the things to watch out for when shopping for your wardrobe.  It's also very neat to see how your style changes over time.  It usually takes me a few months to put together an inspiration board, so this one was gathered as the new summer styles were coming.  As you can see, it doesn't just have to be clothes, or shoes, or purses; an inspiration board can include anything that captures your eye!  Here are the things inspiring me right now:

• Patterned dresses: florals, polka-dots, stripes, and mixing/matching anything in-between, it's all about vibrancy here
• Sculptural heels
• Color: peach, green, cobalt, and heather
• Elements that evoke light, delicacy, and an airy, lofty atomoshere: sequins and jewels glitter like stars, while light-filled globes dangle delicately from graceful tree branches, and white-filled interiors always bring one to a peaceful frame of mind
• Parisian grace: need I say more? That perfectly tousled and pulled up hair, smoky eyes or curved liner with vibrant lips and pale skin... perfection
• Relaxed, easy effortless style

Now I want to see what inspires you!  Tell me what your current inspirations are by creating your own board!  Here are the ways to do so:

• send me a jpg/gif/png of your inspiration board.  Feel free to go old-school and create one from paper cuttings - just send me a clear photo of it!
• create an inspiration board via polyvore
• take a photo of yourself wearing an outfit that describes your style right now

Email all entries to mizzjblog at gmail dot com with subject line "Inspire me for a G3!"

Top entries may be posted online!  If you don't want anyone to see yours, please let me know, but remember sharing is caring!  Now what can you win for doing all this??

A Karmin G3 Salon Pro Professional Styling Iron

Touted as one of the best flat iron out there, this pro styling tool features a 360 swivel cord to prevent cord tangling, variable temperature control designed for your hair type, 100% pure tourmaline ceramic plates to protect your hair, and curved plates that allow you to straighten AND curl!!

Valued at almost $300, you can get this amazing styling iron for FREE by entering courtesy of HairTools.ca  In order to be eligible for this contest you must be living in the US or Canada and you must also "like" the Karmin Hair Tools Facebook page.

This contest will run for 2 weeks from today so you have until midnight May. 6, 2011 to enter. Contest open to Canada and US only. Good luck!

Lust of the Week... obtained: orange lipstick

So I've had an obsession for the past while with getting an orange lipstick.  Makeup are such great lusts as they are easily indulged and in this case cost me under $10!  Why orange you ask? Well, it's only the hottest shade being sported on all the runways this season!  Orange is surely the funnest color in the rainbow and much saucier than ditzy yellow.  Orange only likes to hang out with other cool colors with strong personalities like itself, so wishy-washy pastels need not apply.  I found my perfect orange shade after literally scanning the counters of every makeup line in my local drugstore and doing endless swatch tests.  Orange is a friend that is unique to you, so pick wisely!

My choice was the Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Siren.  This shade was the exact extreme orange that I was going for.  There was to be no pussy-footing around in coral for me!  The Siren shade is an utterly orange shade on the swatch and in the tube, but on it becomes a lovely pinky-orange that is very natural.  Perhaps not the extreme runway look I was hoping for, but perfect for adopting orange in a way that won't make strangers stop and stare.

Not my swatch, but you get the idea

#NetCulture x ACJA event recap

A couple weeks ago I was given the privilege and pleasure to speak at 2 really great events about blogging and social media - what fun and such a natural topic for me!  Not being an experienced public speaker AT ALL, I was rather nervous and prepared for it almost as much as I would a final exam.  Being prepared is a good thing since I think it definitely helped me give off a much better performance than I would have otherwise, at least from what I hear in the much-biased feedback of my friends and colleagues haha  In all seriousness though they were wonderful opportunities that I'm very grateful to have participated in.  Here's hoping for more in future!

The first event I spoke at was an intimate dinner hosted by the Asian Canadian Journalism Association.  I was asked along with 2 other local food bloggers to speak at one of their monthly dinners on the topic of blogging!  It was their biggest turnout ever and we had some pretty damn delicious food too, to boot!  Blogging and a free meal? What more could I ask for in life.  Oh yeah, Louboutins.

Oh yes, did I mention I love adding vintage effects to photos in Photoshop?

Delicious dumplings

The Feast meal!  It comes with free refills too!

Myself and my lovely blogger co-workers.  From me, then going counter-clockwise, The Style Addict, Zealous Foodie, and The Daily Spoon

Thank you Sonya for bringing your camera and everyone for taking such great photos!

Then the following week I spoke at the epically successful inaugural #NetCulture event.  It was the first of its kind in Vancouver, or in Canada even, as far as I know, that created a place for conversation and inspiration about how to bring multicultural communities and social media together.  I was there on behalf of Schema Magazine, discussing my work in relation to Schema as a Social Media Coordinator.  

The event which we expected to have around 30-50, exploded into a 300 person, sold-out, waiting list extravaganza complete with after-party and event entertainment!  It was simply crazy and for days beforehand I drove everyone around me crazy with my need for constant reassurance that no, I would not faint on stage.  One of the best pieces of advice came from a former professor who told me that everyone was there to listen to what I had to say, so I shouldn't worry that I'm not providing value.  Another good friend spent the night before helping me revise my presentation and provided me with an amazing anecdote that seriously became the highlight of my speech.  To that person, you have my thanks and gratitude for your friendship!  Overall, it was an exciting evening full of inspiring ideas and creativity - just the type of environment that makes you fired up to jump out of bed in the morning afternoon!

Posing with the Simon Fraser University radio mascot

Apparently people began lining up an hour ahead of time!

The #NetCulture team

Photos by myself and Jeremy Lim

Frock Swap Outfit #1

Dress: swap with Rosel

Necklace: Forever21?

Black sweater vest: Banana Republic

Bracelet: Urban Outfitters

Tights: gifted

As promised, this is the first outfit I created using the items swapped to me by Rosel.  This sweater dress is so lovely!  I really like the creamy color and the contrasting knit patterns.  It also has a perfectly slouchy cowl neck, something that is ideal for winter days, which sadly we are STILL having here.  Horrible.  Anyways, excuse my expression.  I was going for some rather odd reason, for a sexy, hands in hair, look.  I have no idea why, it just seemed cool at the time.  So... I composed this outfit with the thought that I wanted to make it my own.  When wearing someone else's clothes, it's important to give it your twist as you come to it with a preconceived impression of how the owner has worn it (or in this case, how you would imagine the owner to be).  I knew I didn't just want to wear it plain, that's too easy.  Usually, I take one item I like, and work around it.  In this case it was my purple tights, which I thought would be a fun color contrast to the cream.  Then to further this funky vibe, I added a vest (open of course) and a chunky necklace.  If I had a bunch of gold rings, I would also have added that as well as over-accessorizing is kind of what the look calls for, but alas I have no rings.  

Can anyone recommend somewhere to buy rings for tiny fingers?

Stay tuned for next week when I debut the next frock swap outfit!

Product Review: Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer

The Product
The modern world can be a scary place.  If it's not genetically modified foods, then it's pesticides, carbon emissions, and carcinogenic ingredients lurking in our everyday products, like beauty products.  Take a step towards a cleaner lifestyle by opting for organic products where you can.  Juice Beauty is an organic skin care maker that emphasizes a return to natural ingredients.  Each Juice Beauty product is packed with natural ingredients that are USDA certified organic and actually recognizable to the general public.  Recently they sent me a jar of their popular Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer to try.

The Guts
Designed to repair skin damage and prevent aging, the ingredients list of this moisturizer sound more like the contents of your fruit bowl than your typical product.  Juice Beauty claims that the buds and bark of fruit contain even higher concentrations of anti-aging ingredients than the fruit itself, so besides the juices, this moisturizer also contains the buds and bark of apples, lemons and grapes that act together as powerful antioxidants.  Aloe vera juice, shea butter and jojoba seed then moisturize and cover the skin in a protective emollient layer. 

Price & Packaging
Coming in a 1.7 oz jar for around $65, this product will last you a long time.  It also has a most unique method for dispensing product.  Rather than a regular pump, you "pump" product from the jar by pressing down the top of the jar and then a squirt of product will come out.  While this method ensures hygiene, it does make me wonder how I will overcome the usual problem with pump dispensers when the product reaches near the bottom.  Normally, I would take out the pump straw and drain the rest out, but with the system used here, I'm at a bit of a loss.  This is definitely a big con in my books, as I hate to pay for a whole jar, and only be able to use 4/5 of it.

Effectiveness
The first thing I noticed about this lotion was the smell, which is very fresh and lemony.  Seeing as I LOVE lemon scented things, I couldn't stop smelling it!  If you're sensitive to fragrance though, definitely be on caution!  The moisturizer's texture is very thick from the shea butter content, similar to a body butter.  3.5 pumps was enough to cover my face morning and night, with a couple more pumps for my neck.  The product absorbs quickly, but leaves your face leaving a bit sticky for minute or two after.  However I found this lotion to be highly effective at making my skin feel super soft and moisturized all day, making it great for dry skin.  Despite feeling so rich, it didn't cause any breakouts, another plus!

Buy or Ditch?
Sure, I would definitely buy this product again, especially for the winter when my skin is more thirsty.  I would buy it for the scent alone actually!

Final Verdict: A

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Lust of the Week: Excess vs. Minimalist

It's the classic case of excess vs. minimalist this week.  Seriously readers, how does one choose between such equally captivating items?!

On the side of excess is of course Alexander McQueen's De-Manta printed clutch ($475).  This colorfully patterned clutch is characteristic of McQueen's stand-out style.  I'm utterly drooling over the unique envelope folding and it looks fairly roomy as well.  This one of a kind number would immediately make any outfit memorable, but it may be a bit hard to match with.

Batting for the side of minimalism is Bally's Clemence handbag ($995).  Everything about this handbag screams minimalist chic: the soothing tan color goes perfectly with this season's vibrant greens and crisp whites, while the simple flap closure and discreetly delicate removable chain strap is sophisticated and functional.  I am having quite a moment with anything structured and flap closure at the moment, so you can imagine how hard I'm falling for this bag.

Which option will you vote for?

Frock Swap

A couple months ago, I was contacted by fellow Schema writer and blogger Rosel of What Are Years? to do an outfit swap!  What is an outfit swap you ask?  It's when 2 bloggers swap a few items of clothing and style them each in their own individual way.  It's a cool way to see how others would remix your stuff and to gain inspiration on how to remix it yourself!  I was totally game to try this out and so I sent off a few items from my closet which had appeared on this blog before, and eagerly awaited to see what Rosel would send me.  A couple weeks later and the box arrived!  I was immediately ashamed of how I'd stuffed my items into a plain padded mailing envelope to save on shipping and Rosel had sent me a large packaged box complete with a note and wrapping paper!  Argh.  I hope that I can make up for it Rosel, by wearing your items in a way that does them justice!  You can check out Rosel's first outfit wearing my clothes here and see how it has been worn by me here.

As for what I'll be wearing? Stay tuned as I reveal the outfits over the next 2 weeks!  For now, you'll just have to guess with the teasers above...

Suckerpunch Ball Recap

It was a dark and stormy night. Well ok, I lied.  It wasn't stormy, but it was... dark?  Anyways, it was the perfect evening for a night of fashion and fun and I had been looking forward to the Suckerpunch Ball all week.  I was primed for a visual feast and was eager to see the burlesque fashions on show as well as the Suckerpunch film premiere.

I was not disappointed.  The shows by Lace Embrace, Scout Boutique and Misty Greer were the funnest fashion shows I've ever attended.  Typical of pin-up style, the show was light-hearted and saucy.  Hosted by a Marilyn Monroe doppelganger and populated by a slew of curvy, real-life women, this was hardly the desperately-trying-to-be-cool vibe that typifies fashion.  Cleavage abounded and waists were impossibly cinched in.  Old-fashioned sex appeal was at full force and the crowd was highly appreciative with  wolf-whistles not unexpected and much appreciated. 

As for the film, well, it was exactly as I expected.  Suckerpunch is like a video game come to life full of vixens and innocent heroines, explosions and ass-kicking a plenty.  Mr. Artist couldn't stop laughing at how ridiculous the movie was, but frankly I couldn't help pondering how if I could only harness the powers of a corset and falsies, I could seriously rule the world.

Poster in the theater lobby

Almost as fashionably outrageous as the show itself, the crowd was encouraged to dress for the occasion.

Love the fire-engine red hair

Check out the impossibly levitated cleavage!!

The mistress behind Lace Embrace

Thank you to Nicole Stewart PR for inviting me to the show!

All images taken by me.  Check out the full set below via my Flickr feed!

Product Review: Chi Silk Infusion

I feel so guilty.  It's taken me forever to write this product review for Miskko who was kind enough to send me this product to try out!  In my defense though, I do get a lot of products to try, and I like to use them for a span of time before writing the review so as to give it a fair evaluation.  So my apologies Misikko!  

The Product
If you an avid lover of the CHI straightener, then this review is for you.  The makers of Chi hair products have formulated a great new leave-in hair product called the CHI Silk Infusion.  It's a leave-in reconstructing complex designed to protect and repair heat-damaged hair.

The Guts
The CHI Silk Infusion contains no drying alcohols, but has a unique blend of silk proteins, panthenol and wheat and soy proteins to coat hair with a protective shield.


Price & Packaging
A 2oz bottle costs around $12 online and if you're like me and don't know what that translates to, I'd say it's about the size of a travel portion of shampoo - it's certainly enough to last you a long time as you hardly use any per application.

Effectiveness
To use, apply a dime-sized (or quarter-sized if you have long, very thick hair) to damp hair before blow-drying, or basically before you do any heat styling.  Comb it through to apply evenly.  The texture and color of the Silk Infusion is rather like that of honey, but without the extreme stickiness.  I found it easy to apply and it left a pleasant, light scent.  After using this product consistently for a couple weeks, I do believe it has eliminated frizziness and static and my hair appears smoother post-styling.  The downside of this product is that it weighs my fine hair down a bit.

Buy or Ditch?
Buy.  It's a solid product and very affordable.  If you've never heard of Misikko before, I can honestly say I've never had problems with buying products from them.  They are a family run business offering tons of various hair styling products and professional blow-dryers.  Their prices are pretty good too!

Final Verdict:  A-

Lust of the Week: Dolce Vita The Jade Shoe

via Karmaloop, $165

These wedge sandals are everything that's hot for this season: bright coral, wedge, zippers, tassels, and criss-crossing cut-outs.  Imagine the height this shoe could give you!  The name "Jade" just conjures up images of who the muse for this shoe must be: willowy, way sassy, dark black hair and flashing green eyes, with a killer style that is a cross of between skater girl chic and flirtatious siren.  Sounds like a girl worth emulating doesn't it?

Revamp your man with All Saints

Ladies, you love your man. You love his personality, the way he makes you laugh with a single look, and how he holds you at night.  You may however, not love the way he dresses.  My own Mr. Artist is such a lovable dude, but I think if he could make like Hugh Hefner and get away with wearing a bathrobe 24/7 he would.  So here is my fantasy post with how I would remake his style, care of the stylish male fashions at All Saints:

Lou shirt, 85

Starting from the top, we have this rugged denim shirt.  Denim shirts are back for Spring and a dark denim wash keeps things modern whereas a lighter chambray evokes a more rustic feel.  Button-ups are totally versatile and matches everything.  Just don't pair with matching denim jeans unless you truly feel your man can carry off the Canadian tuxedo.

Mikkeli cardigan, 85

Next up is this gray cardigan.  I am sooo in love with cardigans on guys.  Maybe I have a secret professor fantasy.  Seriously though, cardigans are just as comfortable as hoodies, but majorly more stylish.  Made of lightweight natural yarn, this cardigan features interesting patches of textured knit and the dark brown engraved buttons are a nice contrast to the light heather color.  The only thing missing are some sweet ass elbow patches. *drool*

L to R: Ernst cardigan, 110 and Evoke jacket, 125

Once it warms up, Mr. Artist will need some cool outerwear.  All Saints has tons of great jackets for men like the two above.  The Ernst one on the left is actually a cardigan, but would totally pass as a jacket with a thick sweater and check out how cool those toggle buttons are!

On the right, is a blazer option, which is a classic choice that never goes out of style.  The Evoke jacket takes blazers to another level with its deconstructed cut and unique custom fading
.

Gravel jacket, 150

For Vancouver's wet climate, I think Mr. Artist would appreciate something with a hood better.  The Gravel jacket is the perfect solution; it has a classic pea-coat style and is made of durable Italian cotton. He wouldn't have to worry about keeping this jacket clean either - it's machine washable in the delicate cycle!

Lincoln hi-top sneakers, 95

A guy's gotta have his sneakers and for more casual days, it's ok to wear sneakers, but you can always step it up a notch by opting for street sneakers like these coolly sophisticated hi-tops.  Simple and comfortable, the light grey tones will match anything in any guy's closet.

Convict hooded leather jacket, 595

Finally, a stylish leather jacket is always worth splurging on, so I checked out some of the more expensive items.  I love how this leather jacket has this sort of dark coolness to it.  It has tons of useful pockets and a sheepskin collar adds that extra touch of rugged luxury.

So that's how I would revamp my man! Not to say that I am embarrassed at all by him, in fact I would never push my ideas on him as he should wear what he wants to, but hey this is a fantasy post right?  If you have any ideas how you'd like to revamp yours, I'd love to know, so tell me in the comments!

** Please note: this post was brought to you by All Saints.  All content and images were chosen by the author.

Film to Watch: Black Field

A perfect example of Canadian cinema, Black Field is the dramatic debut of filmmaker Danishka Esterhazy.  Categorized as a "Gothic drama," Black Field follows the lives of 2 sisters living alone in the wild plains of 1870s Manitoba.  The sisters' lives are dreary and monotonous until one day, a dashing young Frenchman arrives at their door.  The events that follow next change their lives forever.

Set against the bleak yet hauntingly beautiful Canadian landscape, Black Field features solid performances by its leads, as it subtly delves into the emotional darkness of each of its characters.  There is David, the flirtatious Quebecois running from a dark past, Rose the innocent, but selfish younger sister, and lastly Maggie, the complex elder sister who must fight her lust for David against her desire to protect Rose - at all costs. 

If you're expecting something loud and suspenseful, then this film is not for you.  The mood is sombre, almost austere and rarely do the actors' voices rise above speaking level.  You have to look a little closer here in this quiet drama, for it is in the pauses between and the furtive glances, that volumes is shouted aloud.