Christmas 2015

Bathroom clutter

I've always curious about what other people's bathroom countertop looks like.  It seems like no matter what I do, there is always clutter on the counter (which I hate).
I'm thinking I need a tray to make this look a little more put together.  My bathroom is a white and gold theme (surprise, surprise.)

Should I put lotion or hand soap into the gold pump dispenser? #interiornerdproblem

New chapter

I have now just moved into our new home.  For those who don't know me well, here is a little backstory.  We signed the contract to build a new home via a builder in January 2015.  We have many problems throughout the process and the closing date was pushed back to almost 2 months.  Part of the problem is that we have many customized options that is difficult to translate to the builder and have them do it "just right".  Building a brand new home is actually a very stressful process and was a lot more complicated than I thought.  However, I'm so extremely happy and feel so blessed to be moving in our brand new home with my husband.

The most important part of the house to us is the kitchen.  We focused almost 75% of our energy into this area.  We customized and designed the kitchen completely ourselves.  I can't wait to finally pull together the final stage of our dream kitchen like I've always envisioned it.

I will update more on my home improvement process/journey along the way!

Wanderlust

SEOUL, KOREA

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM

TOKYO, JAPAN

PARIS, FRANCE

THE SUMMER IT BAG

This bag is such a dream bag for me because it's just so easy and effortless.  Surprisingly it holds all of my summer essentials... Good thing does come in small package!

Beauty products on repeat lately

The weather has been a little warmer in Texas and I am also ready to switch from dark, vampy lips to bright and youthful pinks.  My beauty routine consisted of a very natural eye but visible frosted pink cheeks and highlights and a fresh glow.  Here are a couple of my favorite beauty products that I have been loving and keeping on rotation.

1. Eyes:  I could not live without the Naked Basics palette.  I am proud to say that I've actually hit pan on some of the shadows on here.  I use a combination of "Faint" and "Crave" to shade in my eyebrows and top it off with Benefit Gimme Brows brow gel.  I also use "Venus" for the inner corner of my eyes and a little bit on my cupid's bow for highlights.  I rarely use eyeshadows on my eyes but I never ever skip on eyeliner.  Tom Ford's liquid eyeliner and Chanel eyeliner pencil (in Noir Intense) are two of my top holy grail products.

2.  Face: I love a fresh, dewy skin without looking overdone.  During my trip to Korea, a wonder beauty consultant applied Holika Holika Face2Change White Cushion on me and I am hooked! When I feel extra polished, I like to apply Chanel's all purpose illuminating base for a glowy glow.  Benefit's Hoola bronzer works amazing on my Asian skin tone.  3 Concept Eye Highlighter is one of my favorite highlighters and I've never gone a day without a wisp of it on by nose bride and the corners of my cheeks.

3.  I rarely wear lipsticks but I love Tom Ford an Chanel Rouge Allure formula.  When I was in Japan last year I also fell in love with Jill Stuart's formula and colors selection.
I'm the kind of girl who used to wear really bright and visible nails polish color, but lately I love a muted, flesh color tone such as light pink or white on my nails. Chanel and Dior make the best nails polish formula in my opinion and you can never go wrong with their colors!
I've discovered some new products from Mac that I love! Studio Fix+ spray makes my skin more hydrated and long lasting all day, while Just a Wisp mineralized blush has that perfect, frosted pink finish without being overdone that I've been looking for.  Lastly, Dior's Miss Dior Cherie has been my favorite scent and perfume of choice.

What are some of your favorite beauty products? Let me know!

As seen on: Brides of North Texas

We are featured on the February issue of Brides of North Texas!

Venue: Aristide Event Center | Day of coordinator: Whitney Rogers | Photographer: Heather Hawkins Photography | 2nd shooter: Lauren Peele Photography | Florals: Bella Flora of Dallas | Entertainment: DJ Connection | Hair & Make Up: Beauty and the Blush | Bridesmaid gown: Jenny Yoo Collection | Groom's shoes: Saint Laurent Paris | Bride's shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bride's dress: custom made | Menu: Chatham & Caron | Chalkboard & calligraphy: Blue Eye Brown Eye | Chair signs: Sugar & Chic | Table numbers: Sixpence Press | Transportation: Vintage Limos | Photobooth: Flash Foto Box | Honey dipper party favors: Clarke Wood Works

What makes me happy

1. Clean, white kitchen
2. Minimalist house decor
3. Shih-tzus
4. Poppies by Claude Monet that I get to see in person at Musee d'Orsay in Paris, France
5. The smell and symbol of rosemary
6. Saint Honore Rose Framboise from Laduree
7. White and blush pink garden roses
8. Donuts from Mister Donut in Tokyo, Japan
9. Strawberry cheesecake crepe at Takeshita Street in Tokyo, Japan
10. Harajuku girls in Tokyo, japan
11. The quiet and small town of Asakusa, Japan
12. Street style by fashion bloggers
13. Walking in the rain in Paris
14. Spring by Lawrence Alma-Tadema at J.Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles
15. Hair from the Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2014 show
16. Celine handbags
17. Fresh face with frosted pink blush
18. Dark, bordeaux blood red nails polish
19. Dim sum at Yauatcha in Broadwick Street, Soho, London
20. Italian cream soda
21. Coffee to start the day
22. Midnight City by M83
23. Comptine D'un autre ete piece by Yann Tiersen
24. Shopping at Harrods in London (or rather....window shopping)
25. Very Classy by Derek Blasberg.  Good read for every girl out there.
26. Wavy, long hair don't care
27. Strong, dark, and full brows with minimal arch
28. Being domesticated and housewife material by choice
29. Make up counter at Nordstrom
30. Looking at other women's lipsticks collection

The Wedding Party

Aren't my bridesmaids so gorgeous? Love the blush pink tulle gown by Jenny Yoo. By far the most beautiful bridesmaid gown I've ever seen.  One way to keep your bridal party looking gorgeous is to be monochromatic with minimal accessorizing.  Don't forget to include flower girls and ring bearers in your party!

All images courtesy of Heather Hawkins Photography

Paris

Je suis Charlie.

I don't normally talk about these kinds of topics, but Paris always have a special place in my heart.

What I'm loving lately

New favorite book and favorite lipsticks by Tom Ford

Tom Ford Lips & Boys lipsticks in "Alexander" and "Patrick"

Wedding decor & details

All images courtesy of Heather Hawkins Photography

Elegant yet simple table setting

One thing I noticed in a lot of Vietnamese weddings that I been to is that elegant and proper table setting does not exist.  It was very important to me that all of my guests come to an elegant table setting at my wedding reception, which I refer to as a "fancy dinner".  Everything from napkins folding to the placement of the rosemary were directed by me.  As you can see, details that are so simple can make a big difference in the outlook and feel of your wedding event.  Even though I love and adore my chopsticks and soy sauce, there was no way I would allow for them to make a special appearance on my wedding night.

All images courtesy of Heather Hawkins Photography

Favorite moments from our wedding

All images courtesy of Heather Hawkins Photography