77 degrees in December.

Top (Nordstrom Rack); Scarf, socks, & shorts (UO); Belt (XII); Combat boots (Nine West) & Marc by Marc Jacobs Bag -- My top and my boots were both from Nordstrom Rack and I got them for way cheap thanks to Groupon!

DISCLAIMER: This ridiculously cute Marc Jacobs bag is borrowed from my wonderful cousin, Andie! I envy her fabulous taste in purses and I fell in love with this particular one. It's the perfect size and color. It's so difficult to not be tempted to get one for myself!

I hate how green my room is. It makes it hard to take photos and is limited to very little editing, so I apologize for the discoloration. I moved into this house 3 years ago and this room belonged to a little girl before me. It's a rainbow of green, purple, and yellow from my bedroom to my bathroom.

I am always inspired to update my blog at the worst possible time. Oh well, those 2 finals can WAIT.

happy thoughts, happy thoughts.

Dear Ong Ngoai,

I miss you. You are in a better place to watch over all your children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren now. Please find Ba soon (if you haven't already), I'm sure she's been waiting for you. I feel so much safer in this world now knowing that I have two guardian angels to look over me. I hope you can see without your glasses in Heaven, because you didn't have them when you went. But I'm sure you'll be more than fine. :) Mom gave me the last gift you brought from Vietnam for me. The two figures are sitting on my shelf next to by my bed (I'm going to think of them as you and Ba). You and Ba were always so great with making sure your grandchildren, all 17 of them, were spoiled with gifts even on non-holidays! I'm going to miss making sure you got all your prescription refills on time. I promise to go back to Vietnam one day. I'm going to visit Nha Trang and learn of the place you loved so much. I'll go wherever you and Ba went. I want to see and learn everything. I'm still going to play piano for you, so make sure you listen in on me sometime. I always wanted both my grandparents to be there when I graduate (you both were always so good with that!) and when/if I get married. So make sure you tune in on me then too. I am so fortunate to have had grandparents like you around all this time. Thank you for blessing me with such a wonderful family. It all began with you two.

Love,

Phuong Vi

P.S. Please give Ba a hug and tell her I love her. "Thuong nhieu qua!"

Jessica Simpson: cheap comfy chic.

XXI dress, Jessica Simpson wedges

XXI top, Kimchi Blue shorts, Jessica Simpson white patent pumps

Dillard's is having an awesome shoe sale this weekend, ladies. Thanks Nhi for the heads-up! These two new additions were obtained for a ridiculous price of $40.

food, company, and kitty!

If you find yourself in Houston in the Galleria-area, stop by Masraff's to enjoy the chic environment and non-compromising food. It will not disappoint.

Baby Spinach Salad with Creamed Goat Cheese, Onion Confit, Roasted Walnuts, Garlic Vinaigrette

Garlic Seared Calamari with Oyster Mushroom, Shaved Onion, Cilantro, Soy Reduction

Pan Seared New Zealand Sea Bass with Leek Couscous, Oyster Mushrooms, Corn Compote, Miso Butter

(CORN WAS OFF THE CHAAAIN!)

Paella Risotto with Diver Scallop, Prawns, Rock Shrimp, and Texas Dry Sausage Stewed in Saffron Broth with Carnarolli Rice

Butter Roasted Pear Crème Brûlée and Whole Berry Sauce

Besties: Elizabeth and Ben

Celebrating with Warm Triple Berry Bread Pudding

Photo by Marisa Leeder.

Visited Erin and her new apartment in Montrose yesterday! We feasted on some homemade tofu pad thai, purchased two books at Half price for $3 (Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Azar Nafisi's Reading Lolita in Tehran), and ended the night with coffee and chocolate chip cookies at Inversion. Meet her new kitten, Mala. A crazy, lizard-like kitty who thought my pink nail polish was food. This little one likes to pounce and cling on to objects and moves like an amphibian more than a cat.

bistro don camillo's.

Round two of Houston Restaurant Week 2010: An evening with good friends at Bistro Don Camillo's, a french dining experience.

I was a bit turned off at this place initially because our reservations got confused with some other party. We arrived before the other party did and we were seated first. In the middle of our drink order, the owner told us about the mix-up and asked us to get up from our table so he could seat the late arrivers. Ours was a reservation for three, while theirs was a for six. Liz and I were there first and we were just waiting for one more person, Ben. The other party only had two of six people there, but we were still asked to move. We weren't moved to another table either. We were asked to sit back in the waiting area for another 15 minutes or so until there was an available table. I was VERY irritated.

I was hoping the food would make up for it.

1st course: Sautéed Escargots

With Prosciutto and Garlic in Shallot Wine Sauce

2nd course: Roasted Rack of Lamb in a Rosemary Honey Brown Sauce

Roasted Potatoes and Ratatouille

3rd course: Raspberry and mango sorbet

Verdict? Food was satisfying, but did not leave an impression. Some dishes were pretty salty and the sauce overpowered the lamb. I looked at the regular menu and the prices are very reasonable. I may come back, but it wouldn't be my first choice.

for your tastebuds.

Kicked off Houston Restaurant Week 2010 with my BCFL, Andie, at beautiful place called Rainbow Lodge off E TC Jester and Ella.

1st course: Seared Sea Scallop, Fennel and White Bean Puree, Tomato Pistou

2nd course: Grilled Hanging Tender, Creamed Spinach, Duck Fat Fingerlings, and Hollandaise

3rd course: Croissant Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce

My cousin had the butter lettuce hearts with bailey hazen bleu dressing and toasted hazelnuts, slow cooked boar shoulder and sweet potato cake, and trio of refreshing (very refreshing) summer sorbets.

Bests of the night: sea scallops, butter lettuce hearts, grilled hanging tender, duck fat fingerlings and the trio of fresh strawberry, coconut, and mango sorbets.

The hanging tender was, well...super tender and melt-in-your-mouth buttery. Sea scallops seared to perfection. Lettuce hearts were perfectly dressed and crisp. Duck fat fingerlings were incredible because duck fat doesn't disappoint. The sorbets were a great way to end the evening because they delivered their refreshing promise, as well as cleansed our palettes after our protein-filled meal.

I forgot my camera so no pictures until my cuzzie uploads them. HRW ends on August 21 so enjoy yourself a delicious meal while donating to the Houston Food Bank!

october 25, 2010

Jónsi - Go Do
click for music video.

sud i eyrum.

Saw Lois, the corpse flower, on Wednesday with Joe and Lance at the Houston Museum of Natural Sciences. This 6-foot flower apparently smells of rotten flesh when it blooms. It costs $8 to go see it, and I won't spoil you with a picture of it. I wasn't able to smell it because it hasn't bloomed yet, which I am thankful for since I had no interest in losing my dim sum lunch. You can explore the rest of the museum for free if you come 30 minutes before 6pm when it closes. The Butterfly Exhibit, where the corpse flower is housed, stays open later.

I am on to the 3rd book of the Twilight Saga. My goal is to finish by Sunday, so I can see the movie the following week with my co-workers. EXCITEMENT!

My parents have been a good influence in my life as of late. I'm very thankful for them because they helped me put a lot of things into perspective. Don't underestimate your parents. They may be old, but they're super observant. Even though you're sulking and moping around the house, playing piano more than usual, they know what's up. Growing up, my parents were never afraid to say things that would hurt my feelings. My stepdad never censored himself and we've got in countless arguments because of it. Sometimes I am grateful for that. He mostly had harsh opinions of people, until proven otherwise, and I've always fought against him to make him see the good. But he ended up being right most of the time. Family will always know you best.

Today marks the 2 year anniversary of my ba ngoai (grandma) moving onto heaven. I miss you and still think of you everyday. You have always told me to be happy and to never forget my self-worth. Thank you for listening to me and giving me so much strength these past few days.

Sigur Ros - Sud I Eyrum

kick out the gloom, kick out the blues, tear out the pages with all the bad news

Currently Reading: Twilight - New Moon
Currently Redboxing: Remember Me
Currently Listening: The Cure's "Wish" Album
Currently Contemplating: Whether or not to reactivate my Facebook
Recent Fail: Washing my car and driving straight into a rainstorm afterwards
Recent Achievement: Finishing 4 wonderful weeks at Walgreens! <3 #7531.
Recent Obsession: Edward Cullen
Things to Do: Special problems research, prep work for PLS and Kappa Psi, reorganize and decorate my room.

river flows in you.

Here is the new song I am practicing! Inspired by no other than the Twilight saga itself. Yes, you read that right. Instead of becoming more financially educated, I put down "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" and decided to pick up the first Twilight book today. I'm already 250 pages through out and have another 250 to go. I admit, I started this morning and every time I put it down, I am tempted to pick it back up. I can't say I'm a fan yet, but there's something about it. Edward Cullen is as charming as how Robert Pattinson looks. Most definitely.

un autre ete.

Yann Tiersen's Comptine d'un autre ete: l'apres midi.
(Translates to something like "Nursery rhyme of another summer: the afternoon")



I decided to sit at the piano again with this piece. It's been the perfect theme song for my summer thus far and I hope I can play it as well as Yann Tiersen does.

Even when I've been dedicating myself to 4 weeks of free labor @ Walgreens, I go shopping as if I'm getting paid! Say hello to my new wardrobe addition (on sale with an add'l 40% off!):




Brought to me by FCUK! If only I had an occasion to wear this to. The back of the dress is incredible. Sorry for the weird angle, I need to get myself a remote control.

hooked.

Meet my two favorite UT graduates of 2010: My BCFLs (Best Cousins For Life), Andie and Nick.







The 2.5 hour drive to Austin, TX was ridiculously peaceful, sunny, and windows-down worthy...with the exception of all the tiny bugs flying to their death against my windshield. I was alone for the first time on this road trip. I was scared at first because I'm known to have many car stories (ex: driving into a ditch during my drive to Nawlins). But no car stories/disasters this time around -- just a lot of Lily Allen, Lady Gaga, and my own thoughts to keep me entertained.

The family went to Saturday brunch at Mulberry. I was in heaven because I decided earlier this week that breakfast (or even better, brunch) is my favorite meal of the day.


Current obsession: rompers. The Austin wind would not let my ruffles/hair stay down!


Brioche French Toast, Fresh Fruit, and Cardamom Syrup


Shrimp & Polenta, Red Chili Butter Wine Sauce


Poached Eggs, Spinach, Tomato, Rustic Toast, Béchamel


Toasted Brioche, Fried Egg, Pancetta, and Gouda


Coffee should never be left out! 'Cuz it's the best part of waking up. (Thanks Folgers.)

Last but not least, Rudy's for lunch featuring the EXTRA MOIST brisket and sausage. Not pictured: the most delicious creamed corn you ever had in your life.






Artwork by Jennifer Kim, displayed at the UT Senior Design Exhibition.

LEAP is moving upward in one direction. It looks like a staircase going up, and I think this one spoke to me the most. It represents a leap for change, a leap for becoming a better you, and a leap towards a better life. This whole weekend was about LEAPS. As a whole, it was a leap for me to find my inner happiness and seek out the things in my own life that made me happy. I found things that were already there: my friends, family, and food. From comfort food to the people who comfort you when you need it most. I take things for granted or am forgetful from time to time, but I wanted to remind myself this weekend of all the good that is around me. I'd like to say I was successful in doing so. And like this art display, I will only allow myself to move in one direction: UP!

happy feet.

I'm in the middle of doing a major overhaul of my closet. It's time to say goodbye to those clothes I keep making excuses for! I'm excited because this means I can revamp my wardrobe. Half of it is reserved for professional and business casual outfits. The rest of it will be dedicated to the basics I love: cardigans, skinny jeans, white tank tops, (I miss you Uniqlo) and a vast array of strappy sandals and colored flats.

My current obsessions at the moment are peter-pan collars and STUDS. I haven't acquired any studded pieces, but XXI is doing a great job stocking up on studded tank tops in which I have full intention of buying as soon as I earn some paychecks. I want some studded skinny headbands and accented skirts. I found a pair of scarlet flats with gold studs on them, but they were out of my budget. This is why I'm exceeding my budget thanks to the online/therapeutic shopping I did during my exam weeks:

1. Sam Edelman Giada sandals (50% off!)
   
2. XXI black strappy thong sandals ($7.50!)
3. Missy Me brown gladiator sandals (inspired by my friend Kimzie)
   
4. Ecote seafoam green ankle-wrap sandals from UO ($20!)
5. Steve Madden cognac brogue oxfords (Full price, so I'm experiencing some buyer's remorse. But it'll be a week before I get them in the mail, so we'll see how I feel then.)

My springtime accessories:

My collection of hair pins from XXI, Aldo, H&M, and Topshop.

Discover did a good thing and gave me 5-15% cashback rewards this month on clothing and shoe stores, so I'm actually earning some money for spending it! Yeah, I'm making excuses. So what?

2 hours of sleep & 3 rounds of caffeine.

This is me in my study-in-maximum-comfort gear (monkey slippers provided by Quynh!) while I cram thousands of drugs, their mechanisms of action, and other random bits of material. But being holed up in my room the whole day makes me want to be unproductive.

So unproductive that I started eating spaghetti carbonara (easy peasy style with bacon) and a salad with olives and feta cheese,


(Not pictured: espresso ricotta parfait)

taking narcissistic pictures of myself ($10 shirt I found in a basket in the corner of UO!),



and getting jealous while watching my dog sleep all day. Must be nice.



Thank you pharmacy school for ending my spring break with 2 hours of sleep and an exam on the first day back. But I'm not complaining because I got these bad boys in the mail today:



Man, I love getting stuff in the mail. It's like getting Christmas/birthday presents all year round.

breakfast: the most important meal of the day.

say hello to my slightly-burnt (but delicious)
chocolate chip irish soda bread muffins!
a great compliment to hot tea or coffee. :)
inspired by my friend, Jelly, and recipegirl.com.

concrete jungle.

Brooklyn Bridge view from the Manhattan Bridge

If you go to New York, stay for at least a week. Even a week's not enough time to explore everything this city has to offer! After visiting New York for 4 days, I feel like I've cheated on Houston. I fell in love with NYC as soon as I got there (minus the cab driver that took us to Brooklyn). Bobby and I stayed at our friends, Alec and Jelly's apartment in Bushwick, Brooklyn and took over their living room futon and bean bag. We were treated daily to wonderful eats and hot tea with honey. Alec and Jamie showed us how they lived in this busy city and helped us navigate the subway system. This couple is amazing and I had the opportunity to get to know them better than I did when they were here in Houston. They were kind enough to spend the entire day (12+ hours everyday moving all around Brooklyn and Manhattan) to show us where they loved to eat and shop. We also got to spend time with Brian Collins, Emily and Alex, and Lily. Because food was a major highlight for this trip, I need to list everything I ate the past 4 days:

• Pan-fried pork and chive dumplings, peking duck sesame pancake, and iced milk tea from Vanessa's Dumplings (Chinatown, lower east side)
• Grasshopper pie at Momofuku Milk Bar (East Village)
• Lamb gyro at some Halal cart (somewhere on 52nd and 6th near the MOMA)
• Hot dogs and papaya shake at Papaya Dog
• Shack Burger (note to self: get the shack stack next time with the fried portabella mushroom stuffed with cheese) , french fries, and frozen custard concrete w/ strawberries, caramel, and poppy seeds at Shake Shack (Flatiron)
• BBQ (short ribs, brisket, pork belly, and beans) at Fette Sau (Williamsburg in Brooklyn)
• Peking Duck at Ping's (Chinatown)
• Cinnamon Spice Mocha and vanilla crème brûlée at Fabiane's Cafe & Pastry Shop (Williamsburg in Brooklyn)
• Pepperoni pizza at Luigi's Pizzeria (Fort Greene in Brooklyn)
• Chai Latte (one of the most amazing and creamiest chai lattes I have ever had) at Pillow Cafe (Clinton Hill in Brooklyn)

Bobby with Papaya Dog

It was amazing because I literally ate all day, but after all the walking, I still got hungry at bedtime.

And of course, I can't forget the amazing shopping I did in SOHO. My most memorable shopping experiences were at Uniqlo ($15 for a good pair of jeans!) and Topshop (splurged $90 for an adorable one-shoulder lilac dress). Other noteworthy things we did while we were in NYC were: Tim Burton exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art, danced to Talib Kweli at the Brooklyn Bowl, walked around Central Park and Highline Park, and ate Jamie's irish soda bread muffins. All those things they say about New York were half true and half wrong. The people there don't suck. They apologized every time they bumped into me and customer service was still above and beyond. It was busy, fast-paced, and there was hardly any grass.

Me in Times Square

Emily


Alec, Jamie, Brian


Jamie at Shake Shack


Bobby & Alec on the L train

Brian at B&H

I plan on visiting several times in the future and spending a lot of time with Alec, Jamie, Brian, Lily, and Emily every time I'm there. Without these folks, especially Alec and Jamie who sheltered us the whole time, our trip wouldn't have nearly been as fulfilling and exciting. New York, you have been awesome to me with your tax-free shopping, delicious food, and well-dressed people. I can't wait to visit you again!

fresh.

I've gone through livejournal, xanga, back to livejournal, and now I've found myself here. Sometimes you have to just move on and start a fresh slate. Now I'm equipped with a nice little camera (nikon d60, thanks to the boyfriend) and student loans that will take me through school AND different places. I'm leaving for New York City tomorrow, and I feel like I'm about to walk into a new world. I'm sure I'm exaggerating. It just seems appropriate that I begin this blog in time for exploring a different city. I will be back with photos and stories!