I don’t want to toot my own horn but I think I know one or two things about fashion. I was or actually am currently still enrolled in Skyline college to pursue fashion merchandising.

The one thing I know for sure about fashion, is finding good deals. I will admit that I love designer duds but I will pair them with stuff from Forever 21. I also have the patience to scour good deals from online stores because for someone with my size online is the best place to look. It also helps working at Bloomingdales and having coworkers find great items for you. For example, I have these amazing black Vince ponte knit riding pants that were retail $225, went on sale to $88, was in the take an extra %50 off rack, have my amazing employee discount at %36 off and I paid basically $30 for them. It’s all about playing the waiting game and doing research.

Tips:

1. New items will usually go on sale in 9 weeks.

2. If you want to take a gamble, you can wait a few more weeks when it is on sale for it to go on sale even more.

3. Buying simple basic tees and items are great  to buy at stores at H&M and Forever 21 (I get basic scoopneck tees at Forever 21 for $3.50 a pop!)

4. When buying expensive duds, make sure it is a classic item and you can pair it many of the clothing items in your closet.

5. Never buy synthetic fabric due to shrinking in the wash, stains that will never come off, and it isn’t worth the cheap price because you will throw it away after a few wears.

6. Invest inclassics such as a nice peacoat, trenchcoat, black blazer, little black dress, white collared shirt, simple black pumps, black pants and skirt. These items will never go out of style and therefore investing in expensive items that are high in quality is worth it.

7. Everyone should own a pearl necklace, black tights, simple stud earrings and a timeless watch.

8. Know what works for your body. It may take a while but it’s a learning lesson. For instance, I know I will never be able to wear one of those gorgeous Victoria Beckham long skirted dresses due to my small short stature.

Be smart with your style and your wallet!

I always dress up for work. This is a sample of my usual wardrobe. I am always either wearing leggings or skinny black pants because I love the look and I think it makes me look chic =). This blazer is Bloomingdale’s private label, Aqua, and for me it was $50 and it goes with everything I wear. The grey sweater tunic underneath was $15 at Abercrombie and Fitch online and the black leggings were from Zara at $40. Great style doesn’t mean it has to cost a lot!

If you guys can tell I am wearing long socks over my pants because I wore knee high flat leather boots that day.

I hope this helped anyone out! I am not an expert but I do know some stuff!

-Annie

The title says it all.

This year I will be participating in the most famous San Francisco marathon ever. Also known as the most crazy one.

Yes, I did bail out on my half marathon last year. I got really good at training for it, doing about 6 miles straight and then I got the job at Bloomingdales which caused me to bail on my half-marathon plans.

Bay 2 Breakers is infamous for tortilla throwing, naked people and a big beach party at the end of it all.

I will be participating with the gm of Bloomingdales (I know OMG) and a few coworkers. We’re representing Bloomingdales!

I love San Francisco. There is no better city than my home city. =)

Today, I had lunch with my friend and we only go to one place when we eat togehter, NORDSTROM BISTRO!!

I always get the same thing at Nordstrom. The nicoise salad with salmon which also happens to be my favorite salad ever. I mean what’s not to love? You get hard-boiled eggs, green beans, capers, mixed greens, potatoes and salmon all dressed with a delicious vinaigrette. LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I can’t be eating it all the time though because it does burn a hole in my wallet.

Well I will be watching this all night long,

Goodnight!

-Annie

Well I did it, I finally got the gadget that everyone has and I have always wanted it:

I got the 32 gb 3GS. Yes, I go big when I buy. I don’t know how I was able to live without this cool gadget. I have awesome apps like Google, Yahoo, FML, Facebook, Skype, and WordPress. WordPress is kind of hard to use because it doesn’t really post entries? It’s weird but I will soon figure it out so I can update much more.

I’ve decided to eat less meat. I know I’ve said PLENTY of times that I want to be a vegetarian but it’s been really hard. Then I’ve noticed that I’ve been eating meat EVERYDAY. Which isn’t good because I have been getting indigestion. I don’t particularly know why it’s causing me stomach pains but I will figure it out soon!

So I decided to go to Trader Joe’s and try some vegetarian items:

I got the low sodium creamy tomato soup. It was pretty bland even with the ton of parmesan cheese! Sheesh if I knew low-sodium meant no flavor then I wouldn’t have gotten it.

I wanted to try the chicken-less stuffed cutlet because I have a friend who really enjoys them and it looks awesome. I mean what’s not to love? corn and black beans?

They were pretty easy to heat up, just make a little hole in the plastic baggie and nuke it for 2 minutes.

the black bean and corn filling.

It was actually pretty good but it’s not something that I’d buy to become a vegetarian or anything.

So after I got my iPhone, I went to dinner with Richard (the ex).

We were craving ramen so we decided to try out this new ramen place near my house. (note: all pictures were taken with iPhone!)

We started off with green tea. Just your standard ordinary nothing special green tea.

I had to get gyoza because I LOVE dumplings of any sort. LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Especially handmade ones and these were obviously not handmade.

Richard wanted these unspecial fried wings and were the house specialty. Grossed me out because there were a ton of fried feathers still on them.

The ramen here was really horrible. I don’t think I’ll ever come here again. The broth was very gingery and not much flavor other than that and the pork was really salty. The ramen was clumped together and it was just overall not pleasant. Boo. Waste of my time and money.

My sister came to eat lunch with me in downtown today and we decided to go to Frontera which is owned by Rick Bayless. It is located in the Macy’s union square.

I got two shrimp tacos. They were pretty good but nothing special just a regular taco. I did love the fresh avocado slices. It made the taco in my opinion.

My sister and I shared this Taqueria salad with shrimp. It was just a standard taco salad. It had a nutty flavor which made me confused because nothing was nutty in there except maybe the dressing? I think the cool part is that it wasn’t just romaine lettuce but there was arugula as well.

Well I shall be sleeping now due to my granniness.

Goodnight loves!

-Annie

I have been taking care of not just my puppies but my friend’s puppy as well.

Basically I just have to keep them from not fighting ALL THE TIME. It’s crazy how Titan and Maximus fight for my attention and when there’s a new dog they team up. Dogs are so cute. I love them so.

Sunday:

Lately I have been going to my local gym 24 hour fitness for some classes. I’ve been enjoying some zumba, strength training, hip hop and yoga! I’ve tried a little bit of yoga from ondemand fitness and didn’t really see the point of it but actually going to a class is different. I loved it and it made me soooo relaxed that I’m going again and again. They teach it almost everyday at 24. I woke up early on Sunday to go to yoga and then did hip hop right after.

I didn’t feel like eating after my workout because I wasn’t really hungry even though I know I should be eating right after a workout. So, I had the buttpiece of some wheat bread.

Then I took my puppers for a walk and felt really famished and weak. Remember my hypoglycemia a while back?

So I had a big heaping bowl of the stirfry my mama made me awhile back. Plus purple rice (my fave!) My mom is such a sweetheart, when I compliment her cooking she will always make it for me again. I don’t even necessarily ask her, she just makes it for me! Why are moms so great?

Then I had a small bowl of my favorite soup that my mama prepared. Big mistake because it doesn’t taste good fresh.

My sister and I made chocolate chip cookies to calm our sweet tooths. My sister thinks I’m weird because I think people are weird for eating cookie dough straight up but I love to eat warmed up cookie dough? Well basically I like my cookies mushy as possible but warmed up.

Monday:

My mama made enough for me to take for lunch =)

My sister made my family dinner which she should do often since shes the only one that doesn’t work in the house!

This was my piece of steak. I actually cooked the steaks since I’m very particular about how undone I like my steak. It didn’t really workout well because my mom cut the steaks so thin (since my dad likes his WELL done) so it didn’t get a nice charred skin and it was medium well. I like my steak medium rare but a little more in the rare.

We had it with garlic mashed potatoes. Very garlicky, just the way I like it!

Grilled veggies. Best way to make veggies. That grill pan has seriously got to be the best investment ever.

This was my plate. I gave half my steak to my puppies, had more onions and zucchini after.

Well I am now going to start my Wednesday with some delicious brunch since I have today off and then meet my friend up for drinks later in the night.

-Annie

I was reading back on my posts and forget to mention that the internship at the Japanese restaurant fell through.

The reason why? I am not enrolled in a culinary school. =(

But, when one door closes another one opens!

I no longer have to find a second job anymore! I had a manager who works on the contemporary floor come up to me to offer a full time position as a Vince specialist! It is basically a promotion and although it is sales and requires me to meet a quota, I will be able to enroll in benefits and maybe one day become a manager. Being stuck in customer service/cash office isn’t going to lead me anywhere so it is a smart move to being a Vince specialist. I am scared and I know I will be stressed but I don’t want that reason to keep me from doing anything in life. I don’t want to live my life always wanting to take the easy way out. So, I will be giving it a try and hopefully will succeed!

Other news, I have also congratulated myself by getting the most coveted kitchen (appliance?) ever.

A Le Creuset dutch oven!!

In the orange color that Julie uses in Julie and Julia! I reserved this the day before I saw the movie so it is such an awesome coincidence!

Another reason I got this besides wanting it just to want it, it was from $300 to $100!! Love working at Bloomingdales.

I also splurged and got mini cocottes.

‘

This cookbook that it comes with is what sold me.

Aren’t they cute?! Mini le creuset dutch ovens. It comes in 2 whites and 2 blacks.

Lately I have been eating breakfast, which is a big deal for me because I never have time in the morning and I’m rarely hungry.

I’m bringing stovetop oats back. I forgot how easy and convenient it is to make oatmeal in the morning. I made this with 1/2 cup of oats with 1 cup of milk and some cinnamon.

I put it in this nifty Starbucks oatmeal thermos.

The lid hides a spoon inside. It kept my oatmeal warm for a good 4 hours, although it promised 5 hours. Oh well pretty close!

I also got a haircut and after many fail attempts of having bangs I finally got it cut right!

It is up in a ponytail because the rest of the haircut came out reallllllllly bad. =( I’m just happy that hair grows!

Well I finally have tomorrow off so I will be watching movies all night!!

Goodnight to all that are sleeping early.

-Annie

They are cutting my hours at Bloomingdales.

What I think of it?

1. I was very upset and stressed just thinking about getting half a paycheck and my life was over.

2. Maybe this is a sign from God to push me to actually work at a restaurant.

I like option 2, so I will go with that.

So now I have to get my butt off the couch and start applying at all these restaurants. I figure, the more restaurants I apply the more of a chance of working at one.

Here are a few restaurants I will be applying to:

1. Mortons The Steakhouse

2. Il Fornaio

3. Ozumo

4. Cheesecake Factory

5. Straits

Of course that’s not all but it’s what I can think of right now. Wish me luck!

Lately I have just been craving some TACOS.

Where do you get the best tacos? THE TACO TRUCK!

Was the queso and crema fresca necessary? YES

You see how bad my cravings were? I actually waited outside the taco truck in the cold rain. IT WAS WORTH IT.

I finally took the time to cook a dinner for my family Thursday night.

Roasted rosemary chicken thighs, garlic mashed potatoes and roasted ratatouille veggies.

Here are the closeup of the veggies.

Closeup of the chicken and mashed potatoes.

YUMMY! Everyone enjoyed it so I was happy. My mom said I got the seasoning right while my dad added more salt. I’m going with my mom’s opinion because she is the one that cooks haha.

I also made my simple but bomb tomato garlic noodles this week. Yummy.

I wish I made this. But mi madre made the most bomb stirfry I’ve ever had in my life! It had chicken, onions, carrots, zucchini and brussel sprouts with soy sauce and garlic. I don’t know what she did exactly but it was like  the gates of heaven opened in my mouth.

So good that I had seconds.

Guess what else I’m bringing back!

Amazing grass drinks! Yay!

Well readers or I mean reader, have a nice Sunday night! I will be back!

-Annie

My trip to Trader Joes was awesome as usual.

Which resulted in me eating this for the past two mornings.

Two Trade Joe mini pitas with two eggs, cheddar cheese and Trader Joe salsa.

Best combo EVER.

-Annie

I have been going on a lot of dates lately. The only trouble with this? I’m a heartbreaker and I hate it! I loathe it. Makes me not want to go back ino the dating scene. =(

Horrible dates.

For example, one of my dates had assumed I was a runner. Why you ask? Because I have big quads. Sheesh, I kinda knew I had big thighs for a little asian girl but come on!

I really do not like to break hearts because I feel like that’s all I’ve been doing. Good thing I may have a boyfriend…. except there are 2 guys that I need to break the news to. Someone wants to call them for me? hahaha

I have also been going to the gym lately. I have been sore all week and I love it! I forgot how great it feels to be strong again. Now I need big biceps to go with my big quads haha.

This is a recycled picture but I have been drinkings lots of liquids: Starbucks coffee (had to use my gift cards!), teas, and beer.

Eating lots of Yuk keh Jang. Mmmm favorite soup ever!!!

Well I will be heading off to Trader Joes and Barnes and Noble so there will be pictures!!

-Annie

Hey girlies!

I’ve been busy again. I have no idea where the time goes and where my money goes exactly?! Oh wait, it goes towards food. haha.

I’ve been trying to be really good and trying to prep my meals on Sunday so I can just pack it in tupperwares throughout the week.

I love my grill pan that I got at Bloomies.

The zucchini was coated with this.

Kind of disappointed with this mister. Did you guys know you have to pump it with the to and then you get a few spritz before pumping again?! Maybe that is the idea of oil control.

Of course I have been drinking tons of tea. (I seriously hate my tablecloth!)

Along with my grilling a ton of veggies on Sunday, I made a batch of tomato sauce with extra tomatoes. I think Mezzetta homemade style marinara has got to be a top five of jarred tomato sauce!

I made this in the beginning of the week. Then I stopped.

What happened you ask?

I started eating out with coworkers and my food was never eaten. =( I gotta fix this epidemic because I have spent more money on groceries/food than anything else! Crazy huh?!

Well I have to get ready for work now,

Have a terrific Tuesday!

-Annie

Wow, this is crazy! I remember writing on my blog on the first day of 2009! Things have changed a lot for me in 2009. 2009 was the most transitional year of my life.

1. Turned 21, had an awesome time in Lake Tahoe snowboarding my heart out. Also going to the victorian buffets hehe.

2. Dropped out of school to pursue my dream of being a chef.

3. Broke up with my boyfriend of 5 years.

4. Finally got a job that I am respected in and enjoy.

5. Met a lot of people and made my friendships stronger.

6. Realized that I am finally happy.

I hope 2010 will bring a lot more happiness for me =)

On December 31st, 2009, I went to the California Culinary Academy with my sister for a brunch. It was one of the best experiences of my life and I know for sure I am making the right decision. I love the campus, the learning environment, the restaurant downstairs and how friendly everyone is. The brunch I had was also delicious! We had eggs benedict with these awesome country potatoes, some sauteed spinach with persimmons and a pear crisp of some sort. All I need to do now is break the news to my parents =P

Since the post for 2009 had my new years resolutions I will do the same this year.

1. Most important, be happy.

2. Be more organized.

I love this notebook! It has 5 tabs with graph paper, lined paper and blank paper and I also personalized it myself! So far I have sketches of my next tattoos, a few creative writing passages and research on culinary schools. It has been great keeping track of everything!

3. Read more (this is always a resolution of mine)

This is one of my favorite cookbooks for right now. I also have a list of books that I need to read in my handy dandy notebook. Since for the time being, I am just working in Bloomingdales and starting my internship at Ozumo which is located right across the street from the ferry building. I figure I will just go to the ferry building during my break and read my books. =)

4. Start cooking a lot more and stop buying so many ridiculous mall foods!

I even bought myself a little lunch bag from my work. Gotta represent Bloomingdales!

Then I have the usual resolutions like working out, being a better person and live out my life!

Happy New Year!

-Annie