Blog Challenge- Day 3

Day 3: Your favorite store

If you're talking about retail, then Nordy's is my hands down favorite. I've been known to go a little overboard during their infamous half-yearly and anniversary sales especially when left unattended. Who can resist their high quality merchandise, top-notch customer service, and not to mention amazing "no questions asked" return policy- if you're not satisfied, bring that sucker back. You can tell how much I shop at Nordstrom by the looks of my battered credit card. I think there used to be a picture on there but it rubbed off after all the swiping. Oops!

More Scenes from our East Coast Adventure

{I fell in love with fall here}

{Chatham's charming little greenhouse. Makes me want to start gardening, although I have a tendency to kill all green living things without even trying lol }

{couldn't get enough of the campus}

{we rode the Duquesne Incline to experience the best views of Pittsburgh}

{Pittsburgh's breathtaking landscape. Taken from the incline car}

{boutique street filled with the cutest stores}

{brunch at Coca Cafe}

{mandatory mugshot}

{goat cheese french toast. Sounds weird, but is oh so good! Sweet and savory in every bite}

{random red door}

{Dozen bakeshop and cafe}

{can you believe that dudes bake these cute little confections?? I'm so impressed!}

{a cup of tea and delicious apple bread and amaretto cupcake to end a long day}

{mandi is obviously delirious by now}

{exhausted and ready to go home! Until next time Pittsburgh, you were a lot of fun!}

Our East Coast Adventure & Giveaway Winner Announcement!

{Welcome to Pittsburgh! Home of the Steelers}

{the gorgeous Chatham University Campus}

{colorful foliage}

{there was no one around to take our picture, so a self portrait will have to do =) }

{who wouldn't want to go to school here?}

{Mandi thinking about how her interview went lol}

{Having fun with the leaves. Obviously we have never witnessed a proper change of season lol}

{off to the city we go!}

Pittsburgh was such a pleasant surprise. I arrived with no expectations and left in awe of a beautiful city brimming with a rich history and culture. The architecture and foliage were absolutely amazing. You could actually tell that fall was in full swing. My sister and I laughed, shopped, photographed, and ate our way through the city until exhaustion started setting in. We were in and out of Pittsburgh in just a little over 36 hours, so we decided to make our trip worthwhile by seeing and doing everything possible despite how tired we were. I’m glad I got to spend this weekend with her, and can't wait for our next trip together. Next city on our list is NYC!

These are only a few pictures we took while we were there. I'll definitely be posting more tomorrow after I get a good night's rest and recharge. Flying cross country really got the best of me!

ps. The WINNER of the Gossip Girl Inspired Giveaway chosen by random.org is...

Congrats Kym! Please send me your contact info so I can send the goodies your way ;)

Thanks to everyone who participated! You all have been so sweet to me and this blog, and I wish I could give everyone something! I'll be having a Christmas Giveaway soon, so look out for it ;)

Happy Monday!

my new camera... well, sort of

{say cheese!}

{isn't this the cutest camera case ever?}

{it even has a handy strap so you can always have your camera ready when you need it}

While I was browsing shops along Venice Beach's Abbot Kinney Rd., I stumbled upon this handmade gem from a small Japanese goods store, "Waraku". I've owned a million camera cases in my lifetime, but none as cute as this one! At first, I tried talking myself out of buying it, but it eventually won me over. I justified my purchase by reminding myself that it was adorable yet surprisingly functional too! Definitely worth every penny =)

Before I forget, I want to thank "A Chocolate Lover's Confession" for awarding me with the "super cute" blog award! I am truly flattered to receive this award, and am so happy to have met such wonderful blog friends through this online journal who leave such sweet and kind comments and inspire me everyday. You all make my day =)

I was instructed to pass on the award to 10 other people while notifying and prompting them to do the same.

So in that case, I want to pass this award on to these lovelies:

Alli at Witty Wanderlusting Wordsmith

Kjersti at Kjersti Mersti Muffin

Mabel at For the love of Art

Lehua at Heart on My Sleeve

Pin at Sensorimotor

Michelle at Love in details

Dot at Miss Dot's Cupcake Spot

Jaqueline at This and That

Molly at Dot Girl Blog

Archana at Deliciously Sunsational

=)

ps. there are still two days left before my giveaway drawing, so don't forget to sign up here if you're interested. The more the merrier ;)

wardrobe makeover

{via apartment therapy}

This past weekend my closet lost some considerable weight because I finally gave in and let go of 4 trash bags full of clothes.  I am somewhat of a bag lady in a sense that I hoard a lot of things that I don't use on a regular basis.  My excuse is that someday I will need it. Now that I'm over it, I actually feel quite liberated and ready to start anew! This means a chance to fill my closet with timeless quality pieces instead of buying things on a whim just to say I bought something.  Now let's see if I can stick to the plan...

Alameda Point Flea Market

After hearing so much about this mythical antiques show, I couldn't wait to snag some cute vintage knicknacks (ie. more junk) for my ever shrinking townhouse.  My first attempt with my friends was a hot mess, considering the 100 mph wind and pouring rain that decided to show up that day, but this time, the sun came out and all was good.  There were a lot of interesting things there that day, but I came home empty handed which was probably due to a case of visual overstimulation.  I think next time, I have to come with a goal in mind.  I did however, get to enjoy a tasty breakfast burrito straight from a taco trunk ( you can never go wrong with food from a taco truck) and spend a fun-filled (really early) morning with my shopping partners Mabel and Mandi. Anyways, here are some shots from our early morning flea market hunting:

Chairman Mao in pop art. 

This newspaper type made me think of all the reading I had waiting for me at home.

Mandi and her crazy beads.

Snoopy followed Mabel around the entire morning.

The transformers glasses of sam witwicky

Loved this chalkboard. Too bad it was 500 big ones.

Perfect for my upcoming trips to New york and Hawaii!

My hairspray is not this big.

Vintage party dress.

Funky Monkey