happy new year*

The end of another year and the beginning of many possibilities. I wish everyone an epic 2011.

Photo by Lizzi, gif made by moi.

my christmas

Christmas was another day of fun filled family activities.  My sister and cousin happen to choose gingerbread house making as the activity for the night for the kiddos.  I happen to partake in gingerbread house making because I have never built one myself.  How crazy is that?  I have a niece who stated she builds one every year.  Oops on me, I had to build one.  For the following day, on my sister's birthday, my family and I brunched at DTF dumpling house and pigged out on some tasty dumplings.  We ended her birthday extravaganza with a dinner and the anticipated movie, Somewhere, written and directed by Sofia Coppola.  The film had the similar mood as Lost in Translation and the coolest part is seeing the inside of the Chateau Marmont.  I was surprised it looked like a shit hole, but then again, it has the old hollywood feel decor and the comfy couches made the chateau feel like home.

My gingerbread house.

 

My sister's cupcake cake with some delish macaroons! Oh so yummy macaroons.

DTF dumpling house, such good dumplings and isn't this adorable?
My fav drink during dinner, PCN, yum!

My two sisters enjoying their burgers. Somewhere mood board of Sofia Coppola.

amelie

I have a thing for gnomes ever since seeing the movie Amelie ages ago.  One of my favorite films of all time and Amelie was actually my first DVD purchase and my last since I rarely watch DVDs at home.  I am a movie watcher gal who enjoys going to the movies and seeing a film in the big screen.  I did see Amelie in the big screen and enjoyed every moment of it.  It must be the artistry of the film and the quirky scenes, like the gnome traveling all over the world.  If I spot one at the cafes I frequent or just a random gnome around the places I visit, I will take a picture of it.  The gnome on the swing is at a restaurant in Catalina Island and the two other gnomes are from Aroma cafe in Studio City.

sweet lady jane

Sweet Lady Jane cafe reminds me of tiny cafes in NYC.  You would think no one is inside, but the place has a house full of people sipping tea and enjoying some dessert.  The cafe is located in an odd place around random stores in West L.A., like a hole in the wall with nice decor on the front and inside.  They have some tasty cakes, coffee and tea in decent prices I might add.  Another gem in the city.

black swan

A good film is when it disturbs your thoughts and allows you think about the character living in her own conflicts. I was impressed with Natalie Portman's performance as Nina;  an Oscar contender indeed.  I saw Black Swan at one of my favorite places, the Landmark theatres in west L.A. I must show you the sketches from the talented sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte, who designed all the ballerina costumes and the amazing white dress of Natalie Portman's character Nina, during the scene where she debuts as the new Swan Queen.  Designers should showcase their sketches more often because you can see the beginning to the end of their masterpieces.  Anywhoo, go see Black Swan.

anthropologie mood

One of my favorite stores to peruse when I'm out and about shopping.  Anthropologie is top notch when it comes to store displays and the holiday season is a fave of mine because the trimmings are unique with a vintage flare.  The store's theme this year is cabin chic' and they manage to fit a tree, log cabin and this adorable owl.  I enjoy perusing their website as well and must share with you the outfits: holiday do's.  Here are my favorite looks from the holiday do's:

tree farm outing and bakery stop

hosting at home and cocktail party

magnolia bakery

To be so lucky to live in L.A.  One of my favorite cupcake places from New York makes a new home on 3rd Street in West L.A.  The bakery is huge compared to the original bakery in NYC.  The bakery reminds me of some good times when celebrating my sister's birthday last year.  Here are some nostalgia.

              

My sisters and me at the Financial District and me at Strawberry fields in Central Park.

The Beduya sisters resting after our walks around the park.

At the MOMA: Moi at the courtyard and My sis with Egon Schiele.

The original Magnolia Bakery in the West Village.

The Brooklyn Bridge and the Guggenheim. The Guggenheim is a true gem in the city.

The second time around in the Empire State Building and enjoying the night time view.

Moi and Hello Kitty and Time Square aka Disneyland.

tis the season to be jolly

I rarely get into the holiday season, but this year has got me and everyone in the mood. It must be the cold crisp weather L.A. has been having. I have purchased many lattes to warm up for the past week because it has been uncharacteristically cold.  People are wearing scarfs to warm up, rather than wearing it as a fashion statement.  Now everyone seems to be wearing leather gloves as well to keep their digits warm.  Sometimes it makes me laugh because there are colder parts in the states, but you can't blame L.A. people since we are not used to this type of weather.  Here are my hipstamatic shots around the Farmer's Market at the Grove.  This place will get you in the mood due to the gingerbread house and the massive tree decorated with sparkling lights.  Happy shopping!