I'm signing off for 2012 but before I go I want to wish you and yours a beautiful holiday and happy new year. Thanks again for sharing this year's moments with me, professionally and personally. Can't wait to see what we get into in 2013. Lots of love.... ciao!!!
a year's worth of wanderlust II
This time of year always makes me reflect and one of the things that I'm most grateful for are the opportunities we've had to travel. We set out to live internationally for many reasons but traveling was/is priority numero uno. Looking back, I think we did a good job a sticking to our plan even though some days it feels easier to just veg out at home! Here are my fave moments, sights, and thoughts from our 2012 travel adventures....
Breaking away from Europe and landing in Marrakech. High hopes and expectations were met with a chaotic Medina with a character all its own.
Passed Berber Villages in the Atlas Mountains and seeing nothing but beautiful vistas. And snow. Who would have thought Africa had snow?!
Sipping on fresh mint tea while picking out our new/old Berber rug...the perfect souvenir!
Our first LA visit together and indulging in three things: In N Out burgers, Mexican tacos, and fresh American donuts. This photo was from our morning binge session while doing loads of laundry next door.
Re-discovering the cool designs and colors found in LA
Taking a quick break from LA to Anchorage, Alaska for a visit with Joe's parents. It was so awesome to be in the house he grew up in and see his childhood town.
a day-trip to Oxford - LOVED it there. For you Hogwarts fanatics - their cafeteria is just off to the left.
Stopping in Florence en route to Chianti. It's so true that the entire city is a museum.
enjoying an impromptu lunch overlooking vineyards near Greve Chianti. Hands down my fave meal of the trip...for sentimental reasons, mainly, because the other meals were aawweesooomme.
a "booze and chocolate tour" of Brussels with some sight-seeing on the side. A flea market was also involved - this one was one of the most legit I've been to.
Leaving our love-lock in Paris as we wrapped up our time in London.
Our first trip after moving to KL: Penang. So colorful and vibrant.
and with charming old character everywhere you look.
Piggy-backing on one of Joe's business trips to Bangkok and exploring by boat.
Visiting Singapore for the first time and wishing we had moved there instead since it was so clean, organized, and seemingly perfect. It was during a rough point in my new-home adjustment but now love and appreciate the imperfect and real character of KL.
The beach holiday that ruined it for any other ones in the future. Con Dao, Vietnam was utter perfection. Honeymoon is done and done.
Going back to LA to give these little ones hugs and kisses and begin research on my new venture. 
Making a long-weekend out of Joe's business trip to London. We'll take any amount of time there, no matter how long the flight. Plus, Joe needed to stock up on his favorite Whisky and you can pack more with two people + checked bags than you can with one ;)
The unexpected layover in Abu Dhabi from London. I did my best to make the most of my 48 hours there despite major jet-lag (I was only one week back from LA!)
Getting to know and love the bits of Melbourne that give it it's reputation as a hub for good coffee shops and interesting street art.
Hanging out in Bondi Beach where I used to splash around as a toddler. Can't believe that we used to live just down the road. Part of me wonders what it would have been like to grow up there and be a little beach bunny...
... or just dance around The Opera House all the time...
...and with Australia, that brings us to a wrap!
But we won't be idle for too long. With the US, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa covered in one year (that is cray cray!) it's only fitting that we kick off 2013 with South America in February. Yep, I cannot wait to visit my parents in Colombia and say our "I Do's" with family, friends, and buñuelos!
I'm so thankful for this beautiful year....and to you guys for sharing it with me. I'll stop before I get all sappy but know that interacting with you via this blog, twitter, instagram, email is such a joy. And if you just joined me this year, you can catch up on where we went in 2011 by clicking here. Oh, the places we will go......
words worth repeating / 38
Taking chances. That's what life is all about. With a new year right around the corner, there's not better time to take a leap of faith into whatever your latest opportunity may be. A new career path, a move, a new hobby, a new relationship, a new beginning...you will never know what greatness lies ahead unless you step out of your comfort zone to go for it.
My mom always told me "you will either get a 'yes' or a 'no' but you have to ask first". I'm now applying that to starting a new business venture that can either succeed in the way I envision it or it could totally bomb. If the latter were to happen I would take what I learned and move on to the next thing proudly knowing that I took a chance and did everything I could to make it work. And if the former happens, I'll be right where I saw myself (and the business) the moment I said yes to trying something new.
In the grand scheme of things there is so much to gain and not much to lose when saying yes to change or taking a risk. It's not always easy, cheap, or fun, but what comes out of it is invaluable. I was initially scared to move to London from LA and it took a lot of work and sacrifices to make it happen but now, with our second international home under our belts, I can't even imagine what life would be like had I been too scared to change my surroundings and follow my heart. With no regrets, moving has definitely confirmed that taking chances is far better than living with "what ifs" and missed opportunities. Life is too short and awesome to be afraid of change so go stir something up and give that next idea or opportunity a chance!
Now tell me, have you ever taken a chance that proved invaluable to your life today?
for more quotes visit Howdy Day!, a daily dose of inspiration + motivation via your browser’s homepage, email or rss.
one year, two different worlds
I didn't think that we could top last year but as I look back on 2012 I realize that we're only just getting started. We truly lived in two different worlds so I wanted to collect the most memorable moments, places, things, and thoughts into one post. I don't really use Facebook so I'll think of this as my "timeline" :) Travels will be on Thursday! Here we go....
Enjoying a rare sunny winter day in London. Primrose Hill was Joe's favorite place to fly his kite.
A soothing cup of coffee and spot in the sun after my first (and thankfully only) mini-seasonal breakdown.
Street art in our hood, W9. I loved walking past this everyday as a reminder of how much we had made London our home.
Back on Primrose Hill after the first snowfall, Joe proposed. His kite stayed home but he brought a gorgeous ring instead.
Experiencing my first winter-to-spring transition felt so magical. I'll never forget how this warm day felt and how good that cold beer tasted. Can I just say how badly I miss London's pubs?!? Nothing else comes close.
Watching Feist bring the house down at the beautiful Royal Albert Hall. It was so cool to see her rock out in such a proper and classic venue.
Recapping our first year in London
...and then having to say goodbye shortly after
... and hello to a new landscape. Hello, Malaysia, you beautiful tropical place!
Moving into our new apartment. Happy to have a few simple furnishings provided by the landlord.
Checking out our first wet market and being amazed by all the different varieties of fruit and fried food. I'm still learning what all of them are.
Indulging in all said fruit. They're so nice to have after experiencing the blandness of the ones available in London.
Receiving love scribbles from my nieces in LA just as I was feeling homesick.
Snapping out of my homesick funk and breaking in our building's BBQ for a little Fourth of July celebration of our own.
...and then doing it local style with the most amazing satay and peanut sauce ever. 
Having front row seats to awesome thunder and lightning storms that happen nearly every afternoon. Even if we're outside when they occur, it's so warm out that it doesn't matter. 
Finding beauty in KL's nooks and crannies.
...and in more obvious and opulent places like the Petronas Twin Towers.
and last but not least, the feeling of growth that comes from exploring new territories both physically and mentally. 2013...bring it on.
weekend, we
Hi guys, how was your weekend? In short, ours was all about eating, boozing, and R&R. We discovered a new bar, The Establishment, and checked out an event they had with local musicians and DJs (hosted by creative collective, The Deer Society). It was so great to find a spot with a scene like this. I knew that KL had to be more than just shopping centers...just had to dig a little (okay, a lot). After the party, we crossed the street for some yummy Roti Cani and as we sat there and watched the warm rain I felt so very much at home. Between finding a Syrian baklava bakery, meeting up with some new friends via Instagram, and hanging out at a great new spot, I fully realized how much I've fallen in love with KL and Malaysia. It took a while but this weekend really sealed the deal for the warm and fuzzy feelings I've been having these past few months. So so happy and grateful to be here.
friday pic & pin
Happy Friday, guys. It's been a productive week so I can't wait to treat myself to the last remaining pieces from this awesome recipe. I didn't have parchment paper to create the "chocolate bark" it was intended for so I improvised and used silicone cupcake molds instead. They make nice little "chips" don't they? Aside from indulging, I'm hoping to finalize our plans for a mini Christmas break here in Malaysia...home sweet home :)
Have a great weekend!
This week's three rad links:
• my latest girl crush and her cool LA home
• rituals to follow for more productive and happy work
• awesome new screen prints by my dear Hey Jo! Designs
(image left: sweets by Ana Maria Muñoz, recipe via Camille Styles, right: Pin via The Marion House Book)
{let's getaway} pack your bags
work ready: Lotuff Leather / date night: KAYU / organize: Gin & Jacqie / everyday: Cuyana / explore: Joshu + Vela / beach holiday: Connected Goods
’Tis the season for travel and one of the things that I struggle with the most while away is feeling like I never have the right bag for the occasion. Sometimes a girl needs a sassy clutch purse and other times she needs a comfy backpack for exploring all the better. Whatever the reason for the getaway, these bags top my wishlist for always being prepared. And of course, a little organizational help from Gin & Jacqie, a Malaysian accessories company with a passion for traveling well and tidy.
words worth repeating / 37
Keep at it, dream, and make things happen. Have a good Hump Day, guys!
for more quotes visit Howdy Day!, a daily dose of inspiration + motivation via your browser’s homepage, email or rss.
doing the wok
Last week I attended a local cooking class and while I completely forgot to take my camera along for photos, I did leave with a beautiful brass wok; crafted right here in Malaysia and just what our wet kitchen needed. What is a wet kitchen you may ask? It's a secondary room with a gas stove, sink, window, and a door - all for cooking and frying up your fish and meats without stinking up the rest of the house. So yeah, we have a second kitchen right off of the main one and it's totally normal...here at least ;)
Our wet kitchen also doubles as a laundry and storage room so we often forget to cook in it. But, now that we have a fancy new wok I'm more than ready to get in there and get dirty. The class I took was for Indian cuisine and my faves were the potato samosas and dhall curry. I'm hoping that I can make my home versions taste just as good since I'm pretty sure that most of the flavor came from the love and sweetness of our instructors Sue and Saadiah. They reminded me that a good meal is all about a pinch of love and dash of creativity ... and now, using an awesome brass wok to fry fry fry.
If you find yourself in KL and want to cook like a local, check out LaZat. I loved it and already want to go back for another course.
weekend, we
Hi guys, how was your weekend? We had lunch at the new Mexican restaurant in town, La Mexicana, and it definitely didn't disappoint. It was authentic in every way from the food to the decor...so much so that I did a little happy dance as soon as I took a bite of the pork tacos! I know it's crazy to want/expect authentic anything that isn't Asian but it sure is awesome that there are expats doing a great job of bringing bits of their own culture to KL.
To burn off our Mexican food binge, we decided to check out the nearby walking trails of Bukit Nanas, an eco reserve park in the center of the city. We were all set with our hats, comfy walking clothes, and water bottles but when we got to the entrance we were greeted by a locked gate and a notice of the park's closure for construction. Wah wah. By that point it was too late for a plan b involving a relaxing hike so we opted for the next best thing: cold beers. Never a bad alternative on a warm day and certainly perfect for a leisurely Sunday out.
Cheers to a good week ahead!
friday pic & pin
Happy Friday, guys. Are you looking forward to the weekend? I'm hoping to make mine a good balance of work and play. There's a new Mexican restaurant in town that I'm dying to check out and if it's not raining, I'd love to spend some time outdoors.
I hope you have a festive one!
This week's three rad links...
• a former colleague's new business/product that makes tough times a little brighter
• a good LOL parody song about our obsession with instagram
• this chocolate treat should probably happen in my kitchen soon
for ya ears / mix tapes of the year
Mellow, feel good, beach body, and road nostalgia...just a few of my mix tape themes from 2012. Did you have a favorite??? I can't decide.
Click on a button above to play them again or discover one you might have missed. 2012 is really wrapping up!
words worth repeating / 36
Go 'head with your bad self. Have a good hump day :)
for more quotes visit Howdy Day!, a daily dose of inspiration + motivation via your browser’s homepage, email or rss.
simple christmas touches
A few simple touches of gold and red around our home have really made it feel like Christmas. From framing wrapping paper to making a mock fireplace, I'm quite happy with what I put together with the little that we have and can commit to. I really thought that we'd go without a tree this year since very few natural ones are imported (and are crazy expensive) so I was happy to find a little felt one from MUJI. It may not be big enough to put presents underneath, or give off the lovely smell of pine, but I love it. And best of all, we can flatten it and take it with us wherever we go without taking up much space. Maybe one day we'll have dedicated garage space for holiday decor but for now, we've gotta stick to a large shoe box ;)
How do you decorate for the holidays? Do you deck the halls or just have a few favorite pieces?
weekend, we
Hi guys, how was your weekend? We started ours with no plans but with a last minute Monday AM flight out of Singapore for Joe, we decided to make a quick trip out of it. We spent most of our time walking around Chinatown, eating dinner and trying new-to-us Chinese desserts (where has snow-ice been my entire life?!). It was interesting to see how Singapore does Christmas, too. The main shopping district, Orchard Road, was exploding with decorations sponsored by Visa and other big brands and companies. Are Christmas decorations sponsored in the States? I can't recall but it definitely felt more tacky than festive. Blatant commercialism of Christmas aside, I love that city. It's so easy to enjoy, even if for 24 hours. The sunflower garden deck at the airport doesn't hurt it either.
friday pic & pin
Happy happy Friday. We've been getting some awesome thunder and lightening storms lately and every day I look forward to their shows around 3 or 4pm. They're pretty predictable around here, more so than London when I'd often get stuck outside! I know, shame on me for not always having an umbrella with me.
We don't have anything planned this weekend but I'm looking forward to it nonetheless. I hope you have a good one!
This week's three rad links...
• KL food bloggers get the spotlight in the New York Times (and I have some serious eating to do)
• so *now* you decided to open up shop in London, J.Crew....have you any idea how much i missed you there??
• if i were in LA this sat & sunday i'd be doing this and this - you should too, fellow Angelenos
let's play house {cabin}
1. NaturDesign / 2. Pendleton / 3. UGG / 4. Tom Dixon / 5. Vintage Sofa / 6. Heath Ceramics / 7. Holler Design / 8. Capel Rugs / 9. Crisloid
Okay, so I have more than one dream home location: a cozy cabin near a lake. A place where I can enjoy long breaks with friends and family, totally secluded from the world and surrounded by nature. This time of year would be prime cabin season and I would love to have all of the above to enjoy the great indoors when it's too chilly out. Especially because I love kicking Joe's butt in backgammon ;)
words worth repeating / 35
The holiday season has a way of making me feel lazy. All I want to do is cuddle up in a blanket, watch movies, and do anything but work. For those of you who might be falling into the holiday work slump with me, let's remember how good it feels to cross off the day's action items one at a time. A productive today will make the actual holiday tomorrow feel that much sweeter.
Cheers to a good Hump Day!
for more quotes visit Howdy Day!, a daily dose of inspiration + motivation via your browser’s homepage, email or rss.
tastefully done
Delicious Sri Lankan tea, crafted re-usable wood boxes, and right-on-point graphics - it's no wonder that I've built up a collection! I was so happy when I discovered them at our favorite grocery store so that I could add a little design-love while making my cuppa. I already can't wait to run out of the Tropical Fruit flavor so that I can buy/try another one.
Do you ever buy food and drink products because of the packaging?
weekend, we
Hi guys, how was your weekend? Overall ours was good but I didn't get to the Christmas crafting I had planned since shopping for supplies was a huge disappointment. I definitely miss places like Michael's, Joanne's, Staples, Target, The Container Store...you name it. Even just looking for tapered candles for our new vintage holders proved to be an impossible mission. You have it real easy, America. Real easy.
On the bright side...
- I used what bits of Christmas we had from London and created a mock-fireplace with the help of this awesome video.
- I found berries at our florist and paired them next to a giant local leaf (mixing traditional and tropical :)
- We ate brunch at a restaurant that serves real bacon. Non-Halal places (at least those serving western food) are very rare in KL so the meal was a really nice treat.
Did any of you start decorating for Christmas this weekend?