"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." Psalm 139.14

A place I'd like to visit.

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Name: La Grande Orange Cafe.
Location: Pasadena
Address: 260 S. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105
Yelp Notes: 586 reviews; 4 stars

Yup. I know. You wanna go too, right?
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cute little sayings.

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Merry Christmas!

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[Looking back at Christmas 2011]

On Christmas morning, I woke up and watched a couple hours of Food TV.  How could I not, right?
A memory: I used to watch Martha Stewart, Emeril Lagasse + so many other celebrity chefs cook away in their fancy little kitchens. It was the highlight of my afternoons in college. Heh.
Note to self: The kitchen is the most important part of the house. It always will be.

Hmm...I didn't do anything grand on Christmas day, but it was special because I spent it with loved ones.  Didn't get to drive through neighborhoods to look at Christmas lights though. Which reminds me! There's a small street in Fullerton where the whole neighborhood participates in this annual holiday activity where everyone hangs homemade ornaments from their trees. They're really pretty. They call the ornaments sparkleballs because well, they sparkle. Hehe. Here's a link to a video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwsA5Lnm8j0&feature=player_embedded#! 
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A few of my favorite things. La la la~~

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I eagerly wait for a very special package from Korea. Hehe. Thank you, Pauline!! 
Very soon, I will have in my possession essentials to traveling and planning in style.
Wanna see pictures? Warning: Don't copy me!


The very pretty organizer I will be using next year!! :D


The very pretty hazelnut passport cover.
Finally!! After years of searching, I found one I love!!
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Lemons are pretty good...

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A year ago, fruit tarts and crème brûlée topped my list of favorite desserts. But, it's all about lemon flavored goods these days! Lemon cupcakes, lemon bundt cakes, lemon bars...everything LEMON!! Hmm...I think I need to drive to a local bakery right now and buy a lemon cake. Eek. My mouth is watering...

For Christmas day, I will make gingered lemon bars. :D Yayyyy~~

 Not to forget, macarons are one of my favorite desserts. Forever. Heh.
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butter pecan cookies :)

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[this post is from november; published it a little late. heh.]

my butter pecan cookies are in the oven. hehe.

bought a fake christmas tree today. it twinkles. yay!
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just thought this was cute.
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love

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love v. 1. to like something very much. v. 2. a profound feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection for a person, a place, or an ideal. n. a person toward whom love is felt; beloved person, darling, sweetheart. syns: adore, cherish, admire.
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Zabar's, I miss you.

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What did I do for a whole hour the other day?  Browse Zabar's website...
Yeah...pathetic, I know.

My first visit was in 2005 and I miss it. I miss the cheese...a lot.

When I visit New York next year, this is where I'll be heading first. Hehe.

When you have time, maybe browse their website! :D
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holiday caramel.

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i've been thinking about gift ideas for the holidays and homemade caramel popcorn came to mind! :) it's super easy to make and i can add pecans (my favorite) to the mix! wrap it all up in a decorative tin box and voila! perfection. hehe. here's a simple recipe for delish caramel corn - enjoy!
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trials.

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"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man,unstable in all his ways." (James 1:2-8)

trials up ahead. i will learn.
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stop.

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definitions for the word stop:

1. to cease from, leave off, or discontinue
2. to cause to cease; put an end to
3. to interrupt, arrest, or check (a course, proceeding, process, etc.)
4. to cut off, intercept, or withhold
5. to restrain, hinder, or prevent (usually followed by from)

starting today, i will stop.
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Our deepest fear.

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"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
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my movie list.

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yes, i keep a movie list. always.
some of these movies don't come out for a very long time. heh.

1) The Hunger Games
2) Snow White & the Huntsman
3) The Dark Knight Rises
6) The Hobbit

yup. that's the list right now.
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pineapple upside down cake.

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my pineapple upside down cake is in the oven.  first attempt ever!
hope it turns out yummy...
i've been wanting to make one for years and finallyyyyy - i did it!

i woke up this morning feeling really great because i didn't have anything planned.
it was nice to sit in bed with absolutely nothing to do, nowhere to go. i felt...free.
it was a really good day.

to end the night, i watched "abduction" with a friend at the dollar theater.
the reviews for this movie were terrible, but i still enjoyed it. it was fun. :)

yay my cake is rising! 20 more minutes to go!!

tomorrow, i bake butter pecan cookies!  i have all of the ingredients, but the pecans. must go to costco...
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Him.

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I'm reading "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" right now and I'm learning so much.  The best thing about this book + Bible study is that it is designed to make you open your Bible.  It's great.  Anyways, I just wanted to share something that touched me this week. See below.

He said, "The trouble with you is this: You have been thinking of the quiet time, of the Bible study and prayer time, as a factor in your own spiritual progress, but you have forgotten that this hour means something to Me also." 

Mind-blowing, right?  I know.
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the heart.

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the heart is funny. strange, even. heh.
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finally...thanksgiving!!!!!!!!!

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Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays!  Christmas, being the other.  Yes, I love the day-after sales and the precious time you spend with family.  But, what would Thanksgiving be without the food?

I made my first turkey last year and it was really good.  Not to brag, but I'm pretty sure I have the magic touch when it comes to cooking.  Haha.  I can make just about anything.  Give me any recipe and I'll prove it to you!  My family will speak on my behalf!  My favorite thing in the kitchen is the oven because it can do everything!  I will never live in a country without ovens. Never.

When my dad compliments my food, it means the most because he's an AMAZING chef.  He could have scored his own show on the Food Network if he'd been into that sort of thing back then.  I was floored when my dad got up for seconds last year because he NEVER gets up for seconds on Thanksgiving.  He doesn't really like turkey.  So, last year was a success!  Thank you for appreciating my cooking, dad!

This year, the house will smell of roasted turkey, stuffing, green beans, mashed potatoes & gravy and corn once again.  And, it'll be a little more special this year because Thanksgiving will be spent in Irvine (my very favorite place in the world).

I'm already planning out this year's Thanksgiving menu in my head.   Hehe.  I hear my mom's sigh of relief because Thanksgiving is no joke, people!  It's serious stuff.

I imagine most of my shopping will be done at Trader Joe's.  TJ's is a good place to start if you're new to the whole "cooking for Thanksgiving" thing.  I'm fairly new and TJ's has everything you need! Pumpkins and all.

I'm hungry now...
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back to december.

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I'm so glad you made time to see me
How's life? Tell me, how's your family?
I haven't seen them in a while

You've been good, busier than ever
We small talk, work and the weather
Your guard is up, and I know why

Because the last time you saw me
Is still burned in the back of your mind
You gave me roses, and I left them there to die

So this is me swallowing my pride
Standing in front of you, saying I'm sorry for that night
And I go back to December all the time

It turns out freedom ain't nothing but missing you
Wishing I'd realized what I had when you were mine
I go back to December, turn around and make it alright
I go back to December all the time

These days, I haven't been sleeping
Staying up, playing back myself leaving
When your birthday passed, and I didn't call

Then I think about summer, all the beautiful times
I watched you laughing from the passenger side
And realized I loved you in the fall

And then the cold came, the dark days
When fear crept into my mind
You gave me all your love, and all I gave you was goodbye
{ From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/t/taylor-swift-lyrics/back-to-december-lyrics.html }

So this is me swallowing my pride
Standing in front of you, saying I'm sorry for that night
And I go back to December all the time

It turns out freedom ain't nothing but missing you
Wishing I'd realized what I had when you were mine
I go back to December, turn around and change my own mind
I go back to December all the time

I miss your tan skin, your sweet smile
So good to me, so right
And how you held me in your arms that September night
The first time you ever saw me cry

Maybe this is wishful thinking
Probably mindless dreaming
But if we loved again, I swear I'd love you right

I'd go back in time and change it, but I can't
So if the chain is on your door, I understand

This is me swallowing my pride
Standing in front of you, saying I'm sorry for that night
And I go back to December

It turns out freedom ain't nothing but missing you
Wishing I'd realized what I had when you were mine
I go back to December, turn around and make it alright
I go back to December, turn around and change my own mind
I go back to December all the time, all the time
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pretty woman.

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'Pretty Woman' is one of my favorite movies.  Richard Gere and Julia Roberts are wonderful in this film about unexpected love.  Julia Roberts looks chic in every outfit she wears throughout the film. Good job, stylist!  She throws together a salmon colored suit at the end of the movie when her week-long romance comes to an end.  She wears fitted jeans with a loose white t-shirt and boyfriend blazer at the end of the movie when she plans to take a bus up to san francisco. And, of course - the famous red gown she wears to the opera on her date with Edward.  It's effortless beauty. Well done, Julia Roberts.
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Finding rest in Him.

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"Jesus said: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:28-29).

Find rest in me, Jesus says. But, I haven't been. From morning 'til night, my day is packed. A busybody, I am. The only time I really give to God is the time I spend with him in my car (on my way to work, on my way home...always, on my way somewhere). He gets stuck with my leftovers. 

So, my goal this week is to give Him my first. Instead of driving to someone's house to play Monopoly Deal, my challenge is to spend genuine time with Him. Just Him. No distractions. It's sad that the simple act of spending time with Him is a challenge.

So, find rest in Him. It'll be on repeat in my head.  
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Jump then fall

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I like the way you sound in the morning
We're on the phone and without a warning
I realize your laugh is the best sound
I have ever heard

I like the way I can't keep my focus
I watch you talk, you didn't notice
I hear the words but all I can think is
We should be together
Every time you smile, I smile
And every time you shine, I'll shine for you

Whoa oh, I'm feeling you baby
Don't be afraid to
Jump then fall
Jump then fall into me
Be there, never gonna leave you
Say that you wanna be with me too
So I'm a stay through it all
So jump then fall

I like the way your hair falls in your face
You got the keys to me
I love each freckle on your face, oh
I've never been so wrapped up, honey
I like the way you're everything I ever wanted

I had time to think it oh, over
And all I can say is come closer
Take a deep breath then jump then fall into me
Cause Every time you smile, I smile
And every time you shine, I'll shine for you

Whoa oh, I'm feeling you baby
Don't be afraid to
Jump then fall
Jump then fall into me
Be there, never gonna leave you
Say that you wanna be with me too
So I'm a stay through it all
So jump then fall

The bottom's gonna drop out from under our feet
I'll catch you, I'll catch you
And people say things that bring you to your knees
I'll catch you
The time is gonna come when you're so mad you could cry
But I'll hold you through the night until you smile

Whoa oh, I need you baby
Don't be afraid, please
Jump then fall
Jump then fall into me
Be there, never gonna leave you
Say that you wanna be with me too
So I'm a stay through it all
So jump then fall
Jump then fall baby
Jump then fall into me, into me

Every time you smile, I smile
And every time you shine, I shine
And every time you're here
Baby I'll show you, I'll show you
You can Jump then fall, jump then fall
Jump then fall into me, into me, yeah 
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Perfect flattery.

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The two most flattering things a boy can say about you (in my opinion):

1) She's my ideal girl.

2) I want to marry her.

Flattering, right? :)
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yay!

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The two shows I'm most excited for this fall are Hart of Dixie and New Girl.  The reason?  If you know me, you'd know. Rachel Bilson & Zooey Deschanel, of course! I love them.

And, yes - with my tub of frozen plain tart yogurt and wheat thins, I plan on watching these two shows every week. Without fail. 

I'm so excited!!!
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jam + shortbread.

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Linzer cookies are one of my favorite treats because it combines jam + shortbread to make the perfect cookie. If you've never had one before, try this simple recipe. I promise you'll love it.

Tip: Peet's Coffee & Tea has really delicious Linzer cookies. I mean, REALLY delicious. They're kind of expensive, but after 6pm - all Peet's pastries are half off! Cross your fingers and hope they have some left when you drive over after work!

That's all.
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the fall.

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This fall comes with many blessings.
And, as I'd like to keep some things in my life private - I won't be sharing too much here.

Things are falling into place and hopeful, I am.
Instead of seeing just a couple steps in front of me, I see the bigger picture for what God wants for my life. He wants me to serve Him for all of my days. And, walking forward with complete trust that He has the best plan for me is comforting and exciting.

In East Asia, this verse kept striking my heart: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

And, so with His promises in mind - I start my fall with excitement and hope.
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coral.

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coral has been the color for a while now. i'm not saying i'd wear i'd wear every outfit below, but the coral adds a nice pop of color.

rachel bilson.
kate bosworth.
blake lively.

on a side note, i LOVE betsey johnson stud earrings. they're so cute and fun! :) trying to take my mind off of serious stuff...for the moment.
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being stretched...

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i don't remember the last time i felt like crying everyday. geez...i don't know how much more i can handle...how much more? even in the midst of this madness - i know i'm not forgotten. stay strong, grace.

"To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out." John 10:3

I do matter to God. He calls me by name. He knows exactly what I'm going through and where I'm hurting. He sees me and cares for me. He knows me by name and has a personal love for me. And in spite of the mess which I might be in, He wants to meet my every need.
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a good cry...

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yeah...my face is going to be swollen tomorrow...
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In you, I find my rest.

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All it takes is one unexpected, comforting email from someone in your life to make things better. So, thank you to that person for understanding and encouraging me. Jesus knows who you are. Haha. Thank you...my heart is a little lighter now.

God's timing is perfect, even when it seems ridiculous. This may sound strange, but my dog totally knew I needed comfort because she came into my room and sat next to me for a while. She's so special...

Lately, my life has been...well, crazy. I feel like I've been moving at 80mph without a single break. But, I guess that's my fault. But, regardless of how much work I have this week - I am determined to find my rest in Him. Lord, I turn to you and ask you to be my strength. I am weak and limited; I need your guidance.

Okay, now I'm off to make a task list of everything I have to do before I leave for Asia...
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Hey you...

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Hey you, I know looks can be deceiving but I know I saw a light in you
As we walked we would talk and I didn't say half the things I wanted to
Of all the girls tossing rocks at your window
I'll be the one waiting there even when it's cold
Hey you, boy you might have me believing I don't always have to be alone.

[Chorus:]
'cause I can't help it if you look like an angel
Can't help it if I wanna kiss you in the rain so
Come feel this magic I've been feeling since I met you
Can't help it if there's no one else
I can't help myself

Hey you, I've been holding back this feeling
So I've got some things to say to you
I seen it all so I thought but I never seen nobody shine the way you do
The way you walk, way you talk, way you say my name
It's beautiful, wonderful, don't you ever change
Hey you, why are people always leaving
I think you and I should stay the same

[Chorus]

They're dimming the street lights
You're perfect for me why aren't you here tonight?
I'm waiting alone now so come on and come out and pull me near
Shine, shine, shine

Hey you, I could give you fifty reasons why I should be the one you choose
All those other girls, well they're beautiful but would they write a song for you

[Chorus x2]

Myself, can't help myself
I can't help myself.
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Living by the Spirit.

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"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:1-3 ESV)

This verse convicted me to the core this past weekend.  I was humbled and amazed by God; a God who hears my prayers and answers them through His word.  He never fails me.

He knows me by name and has a personal love for me. He wants to meet my every need and make my life beautiful. I love you, God.
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more than a sparrow.

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"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows." Luke 12:6,7

God wants to take care of every area of your life, even the smallest detail. He loves you so much that He knows the number of hairs on your head. And if your loving heavenly Father knows and is interested in the small details of your life, then you don't have to overcome any problem on your own.
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style of the day.

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a short flower-print dress with leggings + pumps. so pretty.

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Beautiful V.

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Thor. Chris Hemsworth. That's all.
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be imitators of me.

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"Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." 1 Corinthians 11:1

Living a life worthy of imitation is to be mindful that you are representatives of Christ to those around you. You can only reflect what or who you are facing. You must focus your attention on Christ and imitate Him. Let your words, actions and behavior emulate the One who calls you His ambassador.
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they call her, rachel bilson.

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I honesty don't understand how Rachel Bilson pulls off such amazing outfits, year after year.  She is known as one of Hollywood's best dressed starlets and she's a genius when it comes to mixing and matching her clothes.  I love her jeans, love her jackets, love her shoes, love her bags - I basically love her entire wardrobe.  Her style is unique, feminine and fresh. Kind of what I aspire to.  She is my fashion icon and has been for years.  Maybe you'll understand what I mean as you browse through the photos below.  Whether she's wearing a designer dress with a couture jacket or just plain old jeans and a t-shirt - she always looks chic. You're fabulous, Rachel. Good job.






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Inspired.

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Classy and fabulous. The two things a girl should be, according to Coco Chanel. 

I was inspired to design my own flats by a person I haven't met yet, but one day...I will.  I don't really have a plan or anything, just seeds of inspiration and the desire to make something.  Mostly, for fun.  I don't have any experience making shoes, so this is all going to be very interesting.  I've been scribbling away in my room (sort of) - thinking of different designs I'd love to see on my feet.  And, when I think of the perfect pair of flats - I think of excellent quality, innovative design and feminine fabrics.  And, since I love bows, lace and gems - I definitely want to incorporate them into my design somehow.

For fabric and decor, the Melrose Trading Post in Beverly Hills comes to mind.  Held every Sunday, I definitely need to take a trip up there soon.  The Antique Market at Irvine Valley College is also a great place to find vintage-ish things.  It's held the first Sunday of every month. Kind of wish they would have it more often though.

Anyways, as I go off to bed - I leave you with another quote by Chanel. “In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.” - Coco Chanel

My flats will be different and they will be irreplaceable. Hehe.
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Mr. Darcy

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“In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” - Mr. Darcy

How ardently I admire and love you. Well said, Mr. Darcy. Well said.
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a hero.

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"Down these mean streets a man must go who is not himself mean, who is neither tarnished nor afraid. He is the hero; he is everything. He must be a complete man and a common man and yet an unusual man. He must be, to use a rather weathered phrase, a man of honor—by instinct, by inevitability, without thought of it, and certainly without saying it. He must be the best man in his world and a good enough man for any world." -Raymond Chandler
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divine direction.

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"And David inquired of the Lord, "Shall I pursue after this band? Shall I overtake them?" He answered him, "Pursue, for you shall surely overtake and shall surely rescue." 1 Samuel 30:8

David did what we must do in our everyday lives. He simply inquired of the Lord. He did not assume victory or conclude that going to fight was the best and only option, he let God decide.

You cannot have a successful journey in life without seeking divine direction in your endeavors. You must yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit in your life to direct and guide you; He will never lead you astray.

He is the divine navigator, follow His lead today.
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i am the clay.

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"And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand." Isaiah 64:8

Intelligent Design is the understanding that the complexity, beauty and composition of this world is the work of an intelligent mind as opposed to a random, non-purposeful chain of events. Creationists believe that this Intelligent Designer is God.

God, your Intelligent Designer and perfect potter knows just what purpose you were created for. You are the work of His hand and only in His hands, can you be molded, fired up and shaped to fulfill His desired will for your life.
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fearfully and wonderfully made.

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"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." Isaiah 139:14

Purpose represents something God has placed in your heart to become; a role He has chosen for you to fulfill; a place He has destined for you to occupy and a need He has created you in answer to. You have been created for a purpose.

It is no accident that God brought you into this world at this time, in this place and to this set of people in your generation. You are here because God wants you here.

Let him show you His will for your life.
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things that make me happy.

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macarons. cafes. baking. love. traveling. friends. paris. family. breakfast. new york. whales. music. old buildings. salt water taffy. knights. musicals. writing. disney films. flats. photography. board games. cheese. reading. postcards. glazed doughnuts. fruit tarts. headbands. boysenberry jam. forests. winter. cactus cooler. sour cream & onion chips. documentaries. grilled corn with butter. shooting stars. indian food. romantic comedies. irvine.

[this list was inspired by jennifer haejung]
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Enchanted.

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There I was again tonight, forcing laughter, faking smiles
Same old, tired place lonely place
Walls of insincerity, shifting eyes and vacancy
Vanished when I saw your face

All I can say is it was enchanting to meet you

Your eyes whispered, "Have we met?" across the room, your silhouette
Starts to make its way to me
The playful conversation starts, counter all your quick remarks
Like passing notes in secrecy

And it was enchanting to meet you
All I can say is I was enchanted to meet you

This night is sparkling, don't you let it go
I'm wonder-struck, blushing all the way home
I'll spend forever wondering if you knew
I was enchanted to meet you

The lingering question kept me up, 2 a.m., who do you love?
I wonder 'til I'm wide awake
Now I'm pacing back and forth, wishing you were at my door
I'd open up and you would say

It was enchanting to meet you
All I know is I was enchanted to meet you

This night is sparkling, don't you let it go
I'm wonder-struck, blushing all the way home
I'll spend forever wondering if you knew

This night is flawless, don't you let it go
I'm wonder-struck, dancing around all alone
I'll spend forever wondering if you knew
I was enchanted to meet you

This is me praying that

This was the very first page, not where the storyline ends
My thoughts will echo your name until I see you again
These are the words I held back as I was leaving too soon
I was enchanted to meet you

Please don't be in love with someone else
Please don't have somebody waiting on you
Please don't be in love with someone else
Please don't have somebody waiting on you

This night is sparkling, don't you let it go
I'm wonder-struck, blushing all the way home
I'll spend forever wondering if you knew

This night is flawless, don't you let it go
I'm wonder-struck, dancing around all alone
I'll spend forever wondering if you knew
I was enchanted to meet you

Please don't be in love with someone else
Please don't have somebody waiting on you
Posted by : Grace J. Lee
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J'adore.

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My life is entirely defined by the food I eat. I love food. Without food, family gatherings would be incomplete and European vacations would be...well, mediocre.

After my Flintridge Center orientation tomorrow morning, I will drive myself to Euro Pane Bakery and buy myself an egg salad sandwich (the famous one) and a few macarons. Then, I will sit by the window and enjoy my sandwich. I am so excited.
Posted by : Grace J. Lee
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Felicity.

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I'm sort of hooked on this old show from the nineties - Felicity. I think I might love it as much as I love the Gilmore Girls.

I love how archaic the show is. Dorm room telephones, floppy disks, tape recorders. Little reminders of how wonderful the nineties were.

So, anyway - there's this one question Felicity asks Noel (her friend, at the time) when she's going through a semi-crisis with her crush, Ben. She asks him, "Is it possible to be just friends with someone I have immoderate feelings for or am I doomed forever to just be in love and ultimately, I think significantly hurt?"

So, is it possible?
Posted by : Grace J. Lee
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making Him famous.

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"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men" (Matthew 5:13).

My purpose on Earth is to make Him famous. I'm a candle meant to light dark places. When the world tells me to shut up, I keep sharing. Most of all, it's about love. :) Love overcomes everything, especially His love.

So, with this in mind - I will live this week victoriously.
Posted by : Grace J. Lee
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inspired.

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i believe each of us are inspired to act by something we keep close to our hearts.

of all the things i'm passionate about - writing and human rights stand closest to my heart. and, as it turns out - when you combine the two, you get grant writing. never thought God would lead me in this direction, but He did. surprise, grace! haha. through little opportunities here and there, He has been revealing his plan to me. it's pretty great to see Him at work in me. even though grant writing is super tedious and extremely time consuming, i know i'm going to enjoy every minute of it. my prayer: for God to make me the best at what i do. :)

human rights has always been an international issue for me, but it's an issue here. God has been opening my eyes to see the same need in the communities around me. there is so much injustice everywhere, just in different forms. so, the hope is - i'll be used everywhere as a humanitarian and grant writer. plus, i get to work with so many people who are making a difference in the world.

the most important thing i've learned is to MOVE. don't sit around waiting for Him to reveal what He wants for you. as you take little steps to seek Him, He will reveal his grand plan.
Posted by : Grace J. Lee
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Doughnuts.

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Homer Price and Centerburg Tales was one of my favorite books growing up. Amelia Bedelia was pretty high on the list too. Must have read the story about the unstoppable doughnut machine a hundred times. Haha.

Growing up, my mom would drop me and my brother off at the public library after school and there, we'd read for hours. Together, we'd look up books in the card catalog (which i miss, by the way) and walk up and down the aisles, carrying as many books as we could carry. Finding a table to sit at was challenging at times, but we always found one. That's how I grew up. So, in a way - I feel sorry for kids today. They don't get to use the card catalog or look up books on a banged up, old computer.
Posted by : Grace J. Lee
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perfect.

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The perfect date would be going to a basketball game. Yes, really. It beats going to dinner or watching a movie. You get to wear comfortable clothes, sit next to your date and eat hot dogs + nachos for dinner - all of this while you watch the game. I guess the next best thing would be watching Armageddon or Die Hard on a flat screen television set, while you enjoy a home-cooked meal and kettle corn afterwards. I just wish guys knew this. Stop trying to impress us with romantic dinners and buy tickets to a basketball game!

Living in a world without sports would kind of be like living in a world without music or books. Horrible.
Posted by : Grace J. Lee
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becoming a novelist.

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A quaint, comfortable home in some suburban neighborhood just outside the city with a huge living room & kitchen. Two or so children and a loving husband. Countless shelves of books and a big screen TV for my favorite shows + basketball (obviously). And, of course - a French bulldog. And, at night (after a long day at work and spending time with my family) - I will sit at my writing desk made of oak, rosewood or cherry (haven't decided yet) to write my book. Becoming a novelist and going on book tours is sort of a dream of mine. Haha. Hopefully, one day - I'll be in a different city every day for two weeks, signing my book for my wonderful fans. Haha.
Posted by : Grace J. Lee
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The French macaron.

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I changed my mind about macarons over the weekend. I'm glad I finally gave it a real chance a few days ago. I'm generally not a fan of cookies or bread with filling inside, but this small cookie is an exception. After work on Friday, my friend mentioned wanting macarons - so, we scoured the city of Irvine to find them. We finally found them at Layer Cake Bakery (if you're interested in knowing). One bite + a few seconds of quiet later, I was sold. Delicious!

My new food mission is to try macarons at different bakeries in Los Angeles (since I live here for the time being). Euro Pane Bakery [Pasadena]; La Provence Patisserie [Beverly Hills]; Frances Bakery & Coffee [Little Tokyo]; Paulette [Beverly Hills] are just a few.

Hmm...I think I can actually live in France, eating just French food and macarons. Haha. And, when I'm craving Korean or Mexican food - I'll just cook something up in my tiny French kitchen. Nice. And, for a gyro sandwich - I'll just take a train to Greece. Haha. Living in Europe for a year might be good for my food tasting + travel ambitions. Hmm...
Posted by : Grace J. Lee
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