Maxi = Perfection

H&M Garden Collection Maxi Dress, Marc Jacobs Baby Aidan Bag, Cynthia Vincent Wedges, Earrings  handmade by moi

For the past week I've been stranded without a photographer (due to an impromptu Hawaii trip on his part), but my partner in crime has returned at last!  We celebrated by treating ourselves to an always-too-spicy but oh-so-tasty meal at the smallest jankiest restaurant you could ever imagine aka Thai Tom in the University District (I swear we eat meals that require forks and not just chopsticks, but for some odd reason those pictures never make it to the blog).  Gosh, I would relinquish more than fifty percent of my vital organs to have tropical weather year round, but since the state of Washington is allergic to sunlight I have found that maxi dresses are the perfect investment.  They are A) immensely comfortable, B) much warmer than a mini dress -- hence removing the necessity of a sweater, C) long enough to hide a pair of footless leggings if you so desire, AND last but not least: if you enjoy the luxuries of commando-ness you can do so with class (we don't all aspire to become Lindsay Lohan).    

Mostly vintage bracelets except: Humongous white bangle from Australian boutique and Anthropologie Jeweled Cuff. Mostly vintage rings except: Green ring (featured in tacosandfreecandy banner) made by moi

Dear misfit tooth: I'm not sure how you turned out so white? Funny thing is, the actual fake tooth (which is one to the right) looks completely normal. Guess the camera must have favored just you today.

Chase the Giant Tin Pig, It's Worth It

Lately I have been encountering an unusual amount of extraordinary food as well as some unexpected good luck.  Topping this list would have to be last weekend's adventure to St. Vincent's de Paul thrift store, where I inadvertently discovered seven hundred and fifty dollars tucked into the right-side pocket of a sparkly cobalt blue blazer!!!  Yes, I kept it (Mom, please don't be angry).  My friends and I spent a considerable amount of time speculating where this money could have come from (drug deal gone wrong/forgetful rich old lady/prostitution ring?) but couldn't come to a final conclusion.  Have any interesting theories? Please share.

Second on my list would have to be the most delicious sandwich I have ever tasted in my twenty three years of life!  This mouth-watering pulled pork sandwich, purchased from the eccentric Maximus/Minimus giant pig truck circumnavigating downtown Seattle, features the perfect balance of spicy and sweet.  The succulent meat, the layer of fresh crunchy cilantro, and the generous sprinkle of shredded Beecher's Flagship cheese accompanied by a side of tangy cole slaw make this meal absolutely to die for (especially when followed up by dessert of beer and fluffy pink cotton candy).    

Last but not least, my boyfriend kindly gifted me a box of creamy chocolates from Fran's Chocolates.  The milk and dark chocolate salted caramels, which were by far my favorite, are a harmonious blend of soft buttery caramel and rich smooth chocolate topped with bold crunchy salt.  One dainty bite of these organic chocolates and you will no doubt experience an intense orgasm of the mouth! 

Hour of Happiness

Hello, my name is Joy and I am a happy hour addict. Truthfully speaking, I'm not enticed by the drink specials nearly as much as I am obsessed with the idea of munching on an assortment of delightful food items without having to wash the dishes afterwards. Kozue, one of the Japanese restaurants that I enjoy visiting on a regular basis, has a fantastic happy hour from five to six-thirty every day of the week except Sunday (closed). The menu options are plentiful, the food is consistently delectable, and the outdoor deck seating is easily prime people watching real estate. On sunny days such as this one, a plate of crunchy salmon skin rolls and an ice cold beer followed by a leisurely stroll through the lovely neighborhood is my idea of a perfect afternoon adventure!

Forever 21 Tank Dress, Cynthia Vincent Wedges, Von Zipper Elmore Sunglasses

Antik Batik Fringed Bongo Bag, Mexican Beach Vendor Turquoise Ring, Taiwanese Street Market Pyramid Rhinestone Ring 

ABACUS necklace handmade by me, Vintage Rings, Michael Kors Watch

Please Don't Shoot Me

Last night I fired my very first Heckler & Koch P30 aka. pistol (for those of you who are non-weapon savvy, like myself). I anticipated that this whole gun range experience would be liberating and epic, but in actuality I found it exceedingly frightening. Aside from being intimidated by the badass lady firing a nine-foot-ground-shaking cannon in the lane directly to my right, my lack of skill resulted in the 'range instructor' being terrorized into providing me with free lessons (apparently he feared for his life from the opposite side of the plexiglass window). So today, feeling like an immense failure in my manly endeavors, I decided to ransack my closet for the most feminine outfit I could dig up. Who needs guns when you can have a dresser full of dainty floral skirts and buckets of chunky shiny jewelry?



Urban outfitter skirt, Gap tank, Jessica Simpson platforms, Chloe sunglasses, vintage scalloped clutch

Corona and Lime, forced upon me by the photographer.

Handmade beaded dreamcatcher necklace, Michael Kors Watch, Vintage Rings and Belt

Rain Rain Go Away

This morning I woke up to dismal grey skies and the familiar sound of heavy raindrops splattering on the window above my bed. I always find less than ideal weather as the perfect excuse to hide in the house, devour a plethora of soft-bake cookies, and make jewelry (today's project involved two rectangular pale pink agate stones and some gold wire). Feeling a little depressed from the weather I decided to treat myself to an afternoon of thrift store shopping followed by a trip to Than Brother's Restaurant, a delicious little Pho joint in Ballard. Not only are the steamy bowls of noodles drool worthy, but the service is lightening quick, dessert (creme puff) is brought out BEFORE the meal, and the prices are utterly unbeatable.

Basket Weave Pink Agate Earrings

Thrift Store Treasures: Blood Orange Glass Bowl, Rings, Vintage Mirrored Tray.

Noodles and broth only for me, I love to stuff my stomach with carbs and sugar!

Little bits of heaven. Golden-baked Banh Choux a la Creme with swirled tops.

Pillow Talk

While flipping through my haphazard collection of clippings this afternoon I re-discovered a hidden gem: House Beautiful magazine's December edition spread featuring pillow arrangements. It is rather ironic that I instantly fell in love with this article (considering the fact that I have made my bed less than four times in the past decade), but the thought of pillow displays as a reflection of personality is oddly fascinating to me. IF I were to begin organizing my bed on a regular basis, I would definitely favor the Bohemian setup. What about you?

A BOHEMIAN personality likes to toss the pillows although keep some coordination as well.

A TAILORED pillow arrangement could mean that you are organized and that your ducks are in a row.

Lots of pillows, including ruffles, may be a sign of someone who is ROMANTIC.

The MODERNIST prefers to lay pillows flat and organized.

If you perfectly prop the pillows with a single accent pillow then you are TRADITIONAL by nature.

Images via House Beautiful 12/08/2009

Creme Brulee

This weekend we celebrated my Dad's birthday with a massive seafood feast at the Crab Pot in Bellevue. After hammering away at an assortment of shelled goodies and watching my toothless Grandma dunk her dentures in a water glass (SUPER unappetizing) it was time to order dessert. My Dad studied the menu for what felt like three hours, then finally pushed the menu aside and asked the sever for a "Cweeem Brew-Lee, please." Of course we couldn't help but erupt in laughter. Yes, we all felt a little guilty for laughing at the birthday boy, but at least it was a comical way to end the lovely night. Happy Birthday Dad!

Ali & Kris Romper, Jeffrey Campbell Platforms, JJ Winters Suede Fringe Bag, Ray Ban Aviators, Earrings and Necklace handmade by Joy, Vintage Rings and Bracelets