Cute PJ's.

I have always wanted PJ's like these from J. Crew. I think they are incredibly cute and so comfy looking, don't you think? Just makes me want to have a pillow fight! And you can get them monogrammed, too! I think I just might have to buy myself the set as an early birthday present. :)

Image via J. Crew

Home Design Trick: Take a Picture

Frames in our home.

I spent Sunday reorganizing some picture frames around our apartment. Nothing major, just filling in a few white walls. But I discovered the best trick for taking on small to major home makeovers: take a picture! Yes, sounds strange, but I found that when you take a photo of the room you want to redesign, it somehow makes you see what's missing in the room. Framing the room helps versus looking at the room in person and seeing all the other space around it. Seeing it in a photo somehow focuses your attention to the empty space, which definitely helped me to organize my thoughts on what exactly I wanted.

Have you done this before? Have any home redesign tips?

Seattle Home.

This adorable house I saw on Design Sponge features the home of jewelry designer couple Leah Lawrence and Billy Bartels of Baleen, who live in Seattle (one of my favorite cities!) What caught my eye about their home is this very cool looking hanging bag and coat rack. I would be tempted to try it! I think it adds a dash of personality to what can usually be cast off as a bleh hallway, don't you think? Might try. Just might. 

Also, I thought this note was super sweet. Rings close to home:)

(Images and story collected from Design Sponge)

Hotel Bars

Park Hyatt bar in Tokyo feat. in the film Lost in Translation, where Bob and Scarlett fall for one another...

As you know, we are going to Tulum. Probably because the few times I have posted recently has been solely on the subject of this impending trip. All I can think about is the pillowing sands below my toes, lazying on the beach, and putting a summery dress on before dinner that sort of stings my newly sun burnt skin, one of my all time favorite feelings. But from what I have been hearing and reading about Tulum, there isn't a whole lot of nightlife and people mostly hang out at hotel bars! Which is pretty awesome.

Truthfully, anytime we travel, we're always so quick to escape our hotel in pursuit of the hot spots around town. But I am pretty excited to know that we won't have to travel far for good times and good company. We're staying at this very cute hotel called El Pez at Turtle Cove. It had great Trip Advisor reviews so we couldn't resist. And from what I hear, they have one of the best bars in town with live music and refreshing cocktails! I'll definitely report on the outcome, but if all goes well, we plan on making this a habit for future vacations, even if for one drink. Would love to try this new habit in Barcelona one day:)

How about you guys? Ever venture to your hotel bar and have a good experience? Share away!

Oh, hi.

 

For those of you who have continued to check back for updates and arrive to nothing, firstly, thank you for staying committed! And secondly, we have an explanation!

 

The seesters and I are in the process of wrapping up projects and focusing on expanding our company, Pink Forest, all the while working day jobs, like many of you. So with that, our beloved DOPT child has taken a patient backseat to the adults up front, metaphorically speaking. But I really cannot wait to start sharing all of our developments once they are further along. In the meantime, I will get back on track with posting because I definitely have some items I am dying to share with you!

 

OK. That's it for now. I'll stop talking and start sharing. Peace. :)

Tulum Lookbook

 

I'm going to Tulum next month for memorial weekend and I couldn't help myself -- I made a lookbook. I don't have all "my looks" as of yet, but I'm getting there! Bought a new pair of these today:) If you're traveling to Mexico too, feel free to peruse!

 

Also, saw this article in the Times about Tulum. Eek! I am so excited...

 

My Tulum lookbook.

Have a dreamy weekend!

 

It's Friday! Woot, woot. This week has thankfully flown by. And the weekend is jam packed, so hoping it won't go by as fast. :) Tomorrow I'm doing castings for a new film I will be directing in the spring. Yay! And hopefully, I'll watch a few Oscar contenders before the big show on Sunday night. Will you watch the Oscars? I would love for Beasts of the Southern Wild to win for anything, or Zero Dark Thirty. Both blew my mind.

 

Link time!

 

When your ex is nominated for an Oscar. Good read!

 

Very cool espresso maker.

 

Poached egg over polenta. Nom nom.

 

A sweet without the guilt.

 

Jenna Lyons pinboard. Love her!

 

I really wanna see this film (with Ryan Gosling:)

 

This had me in stitches. Can't get enough of this website.

 

I am obsessing over Emerson Fry's Spring collection. So pretty.

 

Isabel Marant's country shack. Looks like such a nice life. :)

 

(photo via The Sartorialist)

Guest Post: Youjin's Korean Cooking Night!

Me, Lori, and DOPT's Cifuentes girls, Lisa and Karina (far right)

Written by: Youjin Kim

My dad loves to tell this story about how I came home from dinner at a friend’s place when I was young and said I felt bad for my friends – compared to a typical Korean meal, the meat and potatoes I (probably) had was so simple and bland (this was in Columbus, Ohio). On the other hand, even the most simple Korean meal involves many different components (and therefore, ingredients) - rice, a soup or stew, a protein dish (meat or fish,) and a few different kinds of banchan (side dishes – often vegetables) and of course, kimchi. 

Sounds like a lot of work for every meal, right? Okay, that is probably what most families have in Korea but even as a single person like me living thousands of miles from Korea, my Korean meals must absolutely include rice, kimchi, and a soup.

Fortunately, you just need a few basic ingredients for seasoning almost everything – soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar and garlic (and sometimes vinegar and alcohol/ wine/ mirin.) Soups require a meat, anchovies or soy bean paste for the base.

So, voila. Read on for the full Dreaming of Palm Trees Korean Dinner post!

We're going to Tulum!

 

We are finally doing it. We're going to Tulum! For those who know me, I've been talking and asking friends who've been about going to Tulum in Mexico for way too long. So finally, on a whim, we booked our flights! We're going for Memorial weekend, which is not close enough! There are so many yummy restaurants I want to try and things I want to do. Recommendations welcome, pretty please!



I'll see you soon, Tulum!

Book to read: Blood, Bones & Butter

I am dying to read this book! It's a memoir by chef Gabrielle Hamilton, owner of Prune. The book follows her journey through all the restuarants and kitchens she's worked in over her career and also goes back to the rural kitchen of her childhood, where her adored mother stood over the six-burner with an oily wooden spoon in hand (love that!) Even Anthony Bourdain describes it as "Magnificent. Simply the best memoir by a chef ever. Ever."

In fact, I think I'm going to buy it right after work. I don't usually post about books I haven't read before, but thought it'd be fun if I shared it and then we talk about it post-read? Oh, also, they're turning the book into a movie. And guess who's playing Hamilton? You guessed it. Gwyneth Paltrow, of course.

(photo via Blood, Bones & Butter)

You gotta try this: beet hummus

 

For those of you still on a New Years healthkick (I am, sort of...eeps) I highly recommend trying this tasty beet hummus. It'll knock your socks off. ;) And if you're anything like me, it's nice to take a break from the same ol' classic hummus. Believe it or not, but this dip is actually super tasty with melba toast! Remember those? Hope you try it!

 

(photo via A House in the Hills)

Summer T-Shirt Dress

 

Since we (Charlie and I) booked a recent trip to Tulum, Mexico, I've been on a hunt for a good t-shirt dress. Nothing too snug, but cotton-y and light feeling. Love this one by Alexander Wang, although I wouldn't pair it with black boots as pictured, but maybe a pretty wedge sandal. :)

(photo via Shop Bop)

Have a dreamy (fearless) weekend!

the Scared is scared from Bianca Giaever on Vimeo.

This cute video, by Bianca Giaever, is circulating the interwebs and it's too adorable not to share. Need some advice when you're feeling scared? Then check this out! Happy weekend, folks! Stay cozy! 

Have a dreamy weekend!

 

What are you up to this weekend? It is freezing in New York right now, in the teen degrees! So I plan on staying as warm as possible. I'm having some girlfriends over for tomorrow for a movie night, which I haven't done with them in so long! And we might order from here. Yum. And if I can muster the courage to brave the cold, I will do these exercises at the gym!

 

PS. How's everyone's resolutions going? More on that next week...

Do you cry?

 

Every now and then, I'll have a good cry. Sometimes it's from watching a heartfelt movie (yes, embarrasing!) other times it sort of a moment when I just feel sort of vulnerable and the only thing to do is shed a few tears. Oh, and of course every time I cut an onion. But anytime I do cry a little, I always feel so good afterwards. Like calmer. Do you experience this too? I recently read an interesting article that states all the benefits of crying. One, it can actually make you see better! And they say crying can lower overall stress. So squeeze hard and get those drops out! You'll sleep a tad better at night. :)

 

How often do you cry?

 

(photo via jpeg Heaven)

Doc to Watch: Inventing David Geffen

                           
           

 

For those who don't know, my sisters and I are filmmakers. We already have one feature film under our belt, written and directed by Claudia. And now, I'm stepping up to the plate to direct my first narrative short in the spring. Eeps! But I just saw this documentary on media mogul, David Geffen, and felt so invigorated after watching it! David Geffen, in short, is bold. Early on his career, he was so driven (still is) and really broke boundaries, especially when discovering new talent. His story is really inspiring for anyone who wants to be successful and rise to the top. It's on iTunes and I higly recommend watching it. :)

"Notoriously press and camera-shy, David Geffen reveals himself for the first time in this unflinching portrait of a complex and compelling man, directed, produced and written by American Masters creator Susan Lacy. Geffen’s far-reaching influence — as agent and manager, record industry mogul, Hollywood and Broadway producer, and billionaire philanthropist — has helped shape American popular culture for the past four decades."  - PBS

Covet: Tangerine Coat

(Photo via SheInside)

Woah, what a find! How cute is this tangerine coat? And can you believe it's only $84? I know. I usually wear black coats, but the sleek cut makes me want to try this funky color!

You gotta try this: Asparagus + Baked Eggs

Photo via The Kitchy Kitchen

If I'm at a restaurant and asparagus and baked eggs is on the menu, there's no question asked, I'm ordering it! And one of my favorite spots to order it from is Bacaro. But I've been tempted to recreate the delicious dish at home, so I finally tried a recipe found on The Kitchy Kitchen. And the result was so good! For all my fellow egg addicts, I higly suggest trying this one out. :)

Wishlist: Janus Films DVD Box Set

Photo featuring box set via Design Sponge

Recently Lisa emailed Karina and me for our recommendations on films to watch. So I sent her my ever growing films-to-watch list (I keep it on Evernote; Evernote is awesome, but that's another post :).

Now I've just come across a drool-worthy DVD box set which surely would satiate hers or anyone's important films-to-watch appetite. Behold Essential Art House: 50 Years of Janus Films. This handsome box set contains 50 DVDs and cool (okay, kinda nerdy) bonus items like original notes on every film, plus a beautiful hard covered coffee table book on the history of the distribution film Janus Films. It's pricey, but your artistic thirst will thank you.

Have a dreamy weekend!

Paradise via Aubrey Road

Today is January 18th. How is everyone doing on their new year's resolutions? :) I didn't really make any resolutions this year except exercise more (hello, Equinox!), eat healthier (kale juice, anyone?) and to be more grateful. (Ok, I guess I did make resolutions.) I think its so easy to get caught up in the wanting-more track of life, and I think that's okay, but sometimes it's nice just to reflect on your present situation and find things you are grateful for. Know what I mean? Do you guys take the time to be grateful? I'm gonna try it. I'll let you know how it goes. :)

On that note, I am grateful for my family, friends and that it's a long weekend!!!! Have a great one, lovely people!

And here are a few fun links for your Friday...

----------------

The benefits of gratitude and your guide to self-help for 2013 :)

Did you guys catch the cutest video ever this week? (Seriously, it's cute.)

15 Awesomely healthy cookbooks

Tina Fey handing out Twitter licenses - yes please!

Cleaning vintage hardware. If you live in an old apt good to know!

10 Beautiful Kitchens

Cute snapshot of a 54 year old marriage. Reminds me of our marriage series from last year.

The 46 Places to Go in 2013 and What to Wear When Visiting

Have Netflix? I highly recommend watching this great documentary.

Loafers to Love.

(photo via Fab Sugar)

 

I've seen some ladies on the street sporting loafers which look so chic. And so they have inspired me to get on with the comfy yet stylish trend (as seen on Kate Moss.) Here's a roundup of a few I covet...after the jump!