Scrotation marks! / Zara photoburst. And then some.

I think my fashion style screams clean basics with the occasional whimsy/quirk. It's also been called a cross between granny and French style (according to my seastar and the dogre). Comfort is essential to me. Along with not standing out...Which is why I gravitate towards cardigans, loose tees, and skinny jeans in grays, blacks, whites, and navy blues. When I'm feeling playful, I'll bust out floral prints and pops of colour. I've never really cared what the current trend was, picking up pieces that I liked and disregarding the rest, combining things that maybe would lift eyebrows, but mostly be ignored as uninteresting! When I picked up my new pair of high waisted, pleated trousers, I hemmed and hawed, foreseeing all the intense teasing I'd receive from friends and family. But, they looked so classic and fitted my ill proportioned legs to hip ratio of a body. Yes, I'm wearing two different shoes up there! I try on new purchases with the old because if it doesn't match at least a handful of things in my closet, it goes back to the shop. I had almost given up on Zara, actually. Everything on the racks looked fantastic but 'twas a different story on me body. More from Zara (such amazing prices—like twelve buckaroos for the skirt and tee). Sco-ore for me!:

The dogre and I have big news. We're going vegan. No, that's a lie. We're going strictly organic. That's not true either...What we've actually decided on is a conscious effort to go as organic and local as possible. Hoping to minimize consumption of preservatives and place an emphasis on fresh ingredients. And most importantly, we're watching our portions. Sort of. Over the weekend and for the father-in-law's birthday celebrations, we checked out Glow Grill at Don Mills and Lawrence. I was hesitant since the restaurant focuses on health and well being but everything was super delicious! Not that any of the fish dishes were sampled by moi... But I hear they were good too. Yumm—one step forward for us!

And five steps back because we also gorged on endless Korean table cooking of jumuluk meat, ssamjang, and sangchew on Monday evening with my mum. At least we had just as much greens? As for tonight, 'twas taco night in our casa. So good! So fresh! I wish every Wednesday was taco night but alas, it's probably too high in salt for such a dream to come true.

Random food photoburst. Including When Panda Mugs Attack (no, but that is the very mug that cut my toesies! tui, tui.)

I like my grilled cheese sandwiches lightly coated in unsalted butter, sprinkled with onion and chili powder, and oozing with sharp cheddar cheese! And, of course, a squirt of ketchup on the side. Try it! I sound especially frivolous and self-important tonight. Oh well, this will come in handy when I become a super fancy personal fashion advisor/food artist-photographer/book cover designer/interior decorator. Eh? And you're still planning on getting me that Leica you promised? Please and thank you!

NOTE: the beautiful trousers were returned. I was too consumed with financial guilt. Should have returned the sunglasses too but forgot. And now I don't want to go back because seeing on the receipt that I had already made one return may raise eyebrows and I don't want to be "that person." Le sigh.

Like a riot, like a riot, oh! / Birthday festivities

Well, another year, another day older the same age. Had a really nice week, despite the crummy weather, spending time with family and some friends! I even received a "real" gift from my mom (she usually just gives me a thin envelope). Well, technically, the dogre did all the work (he was her gift advisor, purchaser, and delivery guy. I even overheard the words they exchanged—"Sorry I didn't wrap it." "That's okay! How much was it?") but the point is, friend, she made the effort to supplement the envelope (yes, I still got an envelope. I was terribly spoiled this week and I'm happy to brag) with a bit of...effort (I've been neglecting my Word of the Day emails)! 

I've been super giddy because of how wonderful the gifts are this year. And you know that when it comes down to it, it's really all about the presents—while memories fade, material gifts last just a bit longer. Hehe. I half kid! While some gifts were definitely indulgent, others were very practical and will (hopefully) help me work towards my new (hopeful) career path. Received a few great books on typography, design, and such (including The Making of Fantastic Mr. Fox, which I've already devoured), the magic mouse, slouchy gray suede boots, the Bookbook (such amazing quality), gift cards (to be used towards Alice in Wonderland and a gold tone Casio digital watch), the Penguin postcards (will follow up with photos of a few favourites), a lovely freesia scented candle (the dogre thinks that all other flowers smell like cat pee. it's true), a party serving set (great since friestivities are usually held at our place), his + hers kazoos and...a UKULELE! My fingers are far from nimble so it'll be a huge struggle but I'm looking forward to it. And I love how I feel like a giant when it's in my hands! Hopefully, I'll be properly committed to this, as opposed to the yoga tragedy (the passport, friend, has expired. we went zero times. we spent x amount of money on multiple yoga mats, clothing, and a bag. when I hear or see anything yoga-related, I get a tummy ache and am stricken with guilt.)*

As expected after a birthday week, the dogre and I have pudgy-wudgy bellies. Fancy tea, scones, finger sandwiches, pastries, kalbi, butter chicken, naan, vegetable biryani, cajun fries, mango cheesecake, corn soup, kimchi jjigae, rice noodle with beef and black bean sauce, chicken fried rice, beef with broccoli, pizza, wings, chicken souvlaki dinners, mango mousse cake, and a sprinkling of beer and tequila shots. Yes, and cup noodles. Oh, how the dogre ate! As for The Host, the biryani was the best I've ever had—tofu and mushrooms, yes please.

Oh, some devastating news: Vampire Diaries is no longer playing on any of our channels! How sad am I? No, that's not what I meant! I said I was sad, not sad. Are you always this mean? In any case, happy that we'll be returning to our regular programs. Didn't follow the Olympics very closely but the few times I did, it was both pleasurable and anxiety-inducing. Felt some twinge of excitement for Canada + Korea and also have some opinions of the death, but I don't care to discuss such seriousness on my blog. I think I'll go have a tiny slice of cake now, because, you know, I don't want it to go to waste! As a piggy, I'm very respectfully dedicated and doting to that which pleases the tum tum.

Also, after being inseparable this week, I've learned that the dogre and I are, erm, special. I'm so happy that we can appreciate each other's sense of humour but worry that we're feeding off of our individual suckiness. I'm pretty certain our neighbours think we're half human, half donkeys. Wait, why is other's underlined. Am I not allowed to use that? But it sounds right...What does it matter, anyway—suckiness isn't even a word! And I'm also going to throw in that we've got a high level of lame-itude. Does that make any sense? The cuss it does!

*It's not that we didn't care. We really sort of made the effort! But Saturday after Saturday, something came up. And yes, apparently, of the gajillion studios available, we were adamant that it had to be Octopus Garden's Saturday beginners' class. And yes, a few times we slept in. However, we actually rushed and drove out to the studio a couple of times, only to get stuck in traffic...so we had lunchies. I mean, really, we he can wear the clothing to the gym! And the bag is just super nice and I will use it. As for the many mats we unintentionally accumulated, maybe we could lay them all out and have the dogre sweat it out to P90? Is that what it's called? P90? Because I Googled it just now and a bunch of guns turned up. I had a brief daydream that involved government authorities breaking into my home and cuffing me. My imagination really is my enemy. And a reTARD. Hehe...favourite part of The Hangover. Can I call something a daydream if it's a negative trip of the mind to la-la land?