Dresser Mirror becomes a Shelving with Character

Do you have a dresser mirror like this just laying around unused? I did. 

This mirror used to be attached to an old dresser. It used to be my mother-in-law's. I certainly don't need a big bulky furniture but I had a different vision for it. I made it as a frame with shelves that would give character and dimension on our boring  wall space! 

My Baby Turned 3

 Where did my baby go? I see is a little girl with gentleness in her heart with a nurturing character towards two little sisters. I see a girl who is quick to learn even without the help of her mommy. It was a bitter sweet occasion that my baby is growing into a smart beautiful girl. She has no accomplishment yet, but oh how proud I am of her. It is hard to think that this little piece of beauty came out of me or came from me.

It was a small intimate bday celebration this year. No big number of guests and pinterest-y cake and decors. Just regular and simple party with the family.

This is us having fun at Mira's birthday photoshoot. A photo shoot that wasn't planned.

Extra Crunchy Fried Chicken Recipe

I have a little bit of confession here. This picture is a product of my own mix of recipes. I did not follow the exact recipe as below. I steamed my chicken drumsticks first to pre-cook and followed the batter recipe. The batter was spot on, and I used deep fryer. I never had a fried chicken that looked like this before.

Extra Crunchy Fried Chicken Full recipe as told by the book called Cooks Illustrated The Science of Good Cooking

1 cup plus 6 tablespoons buttermilk

1 tbsp salt

1 whole chicken (about 3 1/2 lbs) cut into 8 pcs
   (discarded wings and back reserved for stock)

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

3/4 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp pepper

1/4 tsp garlic powder

4-5 cups frying oil

1. Whisk together 1 cup of buttermilk and salt in large bowl until salt is dissolved. Add chicken pieces to bowl and stir to coat; cover bowl overnight.

2. Whisk flour, baking powder, thyme, pepper and garlic powder together in large bowl. Add remaining 6 tbsp of buttermilk; with your fingers, rub flour and buttermilk together until buttermilk is evenly incorporated into flour mixture and resembles coarse wet sand.

3. Working in batches of 2, drop chicken pieces into flour mixture and turn to thoroughly coat , gently pressing flour mixture onto chicken. Shake excess flour from each piece of chicken and transfer to a wire rack set over rimmed baking sheet.

4. Heat Oil (it should measure 4/4 inch deep) in a Dutch oven  over medium-high heat until it reaches 375 degrees. Place chicken pieces skin down in oil, cover and fry until deep golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove lid after 4 minutes  and lift chicken for even browning; rearrange if some pieces are browning faster than the others. (At this point, oil should be about 300 degrees) Adjust burner if necessary to regulate the temperature of the oil). Turn chicken pieces over and continue to fry uncovered until chicken pieces are deep brown on second side, 6 to 8 minutes longer. (At this point, keep the chicken from browning too quickly, adjust burner to maintain oil temp about 315 degrees.) Using tongs, transfer chicken to paper towel-lined plate;let stand doe 15 minutes to drain.

How My Kids Scare Me

I had just tucked my baby to the swing for an afternoon nap. I successfully snicked  out and came flying downstairs to quickly wash the feeding bottles when I suddenly missed a step. The next thing I found myself was, I was laying on the floor calling my husband for help.

Here's the unthinkable part. While I was on the floor screaming from pain down my foot, all I could think of was "oh no! How do I get back upstairs to prompted my baby's bottle back? She needs me." I wasn't thinking if I broke a bone or anything that concerns my painful foot. I was more concerned, I had to put my baby her bottle back? HOW SILLY IS THAT!?

4 years ago, I never thought I would be more concerned more about milk bottle over a foot accident. I find it fascinating how motherhood  can change my way of thinking. 

Its funny and alarming to think that I would care so much about someone new, someone so selfish and someone barely I knew more than my life.

There are many things that scares me. My children scares me in a different way. "They grow up so fast", is not just an expression. I had this sudden fear when my children look up to me as if asking me a question " I just turned two .So what's next in life?", knowing I am still figuring life myself. Responsibility is not what frightens me. To see them get hurt is like experiencing death while living. 

I do not recognize the old me anymore. I guess that's healthy? Motherhood opened my eyes to see a whole different level of love. It changes me.There's a peculiar strength motherhood brings.

Strength in forgiveness

Strength to sacrifice
Strength to deny myself

Strength to execute selflessness.

Kitchen Ceiling Update

This is a loong overdue video upload of my kitchen ceiling project. Now, I am currently in the process of finishing cabinet painting.

2017 Fall fashion Tops Ideas

My mantle set up is still on summer mode yet the store aisles are screaming “Autumn is coming!”. The summer air is quickly filling with pumpkin spice latte and the crisp smell of apple cinnamon spiced strudel is telling me my favorite season is here.

 It isn’t too early for wonderful season of warm colored wardrobes. Dust off those boots and don’t hold off on that suede boots on sale because you’ll going to need them very soon.

 It’s time to unbox my fall necessities and box up my outdated warm outfits. I am a stay home mom taking care of three children, re-doing the kitchen and keeping the house together. I deserve a little bit of TLC and shopping for new tops isn’t too much for a hardworking mom.

I looked for stylish women's blouses online for latest trends coming this fall. 

Vintage inspired outfits are coming back and chocolate color will not only be seen as your favorite hot beverage on this coming cold season.

Go Vintage

You can pull off these seventies look without looking like your mom or grandma. If you do, what’s wrong with that? If Mom or Grandma dressed like these, hey must have been cool back then.
I found these vintage-y styles at Yoins.com. The prices aren't bad so I can get the look I want without hurting my budget. 

This vintage plaid is a must! 

Get in touch with your soft side. Couch floral is on the list of big style this fall, according to Elle and Vogue. I don't like them patterns on my couch or window treatments but I fell in love with these soft flowy tops. Style and comfort is my choice of fashion. Check out these fashion cute tops for women, for a more feminine look. You could wear them as it is or match it with leather jacket and fashionable cute boots. Click the link for more inspiration.

Solid neutral colors are very versatile. Here are a couple of chocolate colored tops if you are aiming for a more street casual look.

 I hope you find this little fashion tips helpful. Thanks for joining with me. It was a great day shopping with you!
Cheers!

Dress Like Royalty without Breaking the Bank

I just turned 30-ish this last July. With tears in my eye, I told myself, I needed a more suitable outfit for my age. While the fact that I am getting a old, I have nothing to console myself but the words "There's beauty in maturity" 
I am aiming for a classy look this fall. My go-to inspiration for sophisticated style was Brit’s fashion icon Kate Middleton because nothing spells elegance than the dutchess of Cambridge. Eventhough we cannot all be the future queen of England, but we can look like one without breaking the bank.

I rummaged through Kate’s what-she-wore photos and here are my inspirations.

When I think of Kate, I had this image of her in her signature blue blazer. It is known this is her favorite thing to wear due to it’s versatility from casual to formal attire.

 I found this ensemble available at Yoins.com

Here's Kate in a casual comfort get-up, great to match up with a pair of suede espresso riding boots. 

Nothing speaks like royalty than bright pastel colors. Did you know the Queen of England strategically wore bright colored attire so she stands out in the crowd for security purposes? I thought she just like bright colored clothes.

I love the pastel blue coat over cute chiffon blouse paired with hounds tooth print skirt. 

I hope you find this post inspirationally helpful. 

Hope to see you all next time!

Cheerios!