Kitty Cat Geek

November 16, 2016

WEARING: CALVIN KLEIN SWEATER | KYBOE! ROSE GOLD WATCH | 
AMSCAN GREEN BANDANA | AE DISTRESSED JEANS | VIVIAN'S CAT PRINT TIGHTS | 
DRESS LILY POINTED TOE HEEL BOOTS | PERSOL EYEGLASSES

Happy Hump Day! With the colder weather coming in, I've been playing a lot with layers and mixing of textures. Never the girly-girl type (hell will freeze over before I wear pink... ha ha ha!) I've always been comfortable with my style: Tomboyish with a kick of rock n roll and a dash of minimal chicness. So when I received these adorable cat print tights by Dress Lily, I wanted to put a twist on how to stylize these cuties into my everyday wear. Sure, you can wear these tights with a super cool LBD (little black dress) or miniskirt and get 'witchified' but Halloween is soooooo over! ;)

Instead I added an old pair of American Eagle jeans, one I've distressed myself through the years. I actually can't wear them by themselves because one part of the bottom back pocket is ripped and you can totally see my booty through them! But with black tights you can get away with much more. I wore my husband's Calvin Klein hunter green sweater to keep warm and accessorized with an Amscan green bandana and Kyboe! watch. My favorite accessories from this look? Definitely my new Persol eyeglasses and these killer Dress Lily pointed toe heel boots. I love the lace-up detail and red soles of the boots.

The boots definitely bring something extra to the outfit and to be quite honest, I always love shooting in high heels! I feel much more confident and I believe bringing that kind of energy into anything you do, but especially when you are doing work for someone other than yourself, it's imperative to keep your insecurities to yourself. And if a sexy pair of high-heeled boots will do the trick, then wear the crap out of them! You got to appreciate fashion & style in everyday life because it's not just a form of expression but it can also change your mind in how you're feeling. So whatever accessory brings out the best in you, I suggest you keep these staple pieces in your closet for as long as you can! What is your favorite piece of accessory that makes you feel more confident?

LOVE & XX'S,

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Try the World - Michelin Curated Holiday Box

November 15, 2016

Interested in having gourmet ingredients from countries around the world delivered straight to your door? Try the World does just that, and right now they’re featuring their special Michelin Curated Box! Please Note: Try the World sent me their Michelin box in exchange for my honest Try the World Review.

Try the World - Michelin Curated Holiday Box

WHAT IS 'TRY THE WORLD'?

Try the World is an international food delivery service that sends out subscription boxes with food from different countries. It's definitely going to save you the trouble and time at many grocery stores pondering over what to get let alone if it's even in English. Most well known for their mint 'Signature Box', the Signature Box is country-specific (for example, last month's Italy Box), and comes with 7-8 gourmet-quality food items. They also offer a less expensive, non-country-specific snack box and pantry box, and an online store to let you restock on the goodies you've tried and now love.

Every once in a while though, Try the World offers a specialty box. And this special edition I received is completely curated by Michelin – the food-curating, gourmet-loving company that keeps chefs all over the world competing for excellence. This holiday box includes 8 items: Mexican hot chocolate disks, Israeli date spread, South African salted toffee, French spice cake mix, British lemon curd, Taiwan pineapple cakes, Italian truffle sauce, and Canadian Maple shortbread cookies. Today I'll be sharing with you my ideas on what to make with each item.

1. KEKUA MEXICAN HOT CHOCOLATE

What I loved about this particular hot chocolate is that it did not come in powder but rather, more like cookies! Perfectly designed for easy melting and incorporating the chocolate into other chocolates or sweets. Great pairings with this is of course, milk, but given I'm such a coffee fanatic lately, I'd also try making a mocha. Imagine the richness of a chocolate frosting/icing when using this!

2. YOFFI DATE SPREAD

The sweetness of the date would go wonderfully in a batch of traditional cinnamon rolls. I don't know about you folks, but given this time of the year when the weather starts to get colder, I love to hunker down and enjoy a rich snack/dessert. Besides cinnamon rolls, cookies or any kind of bread/cake would also be splendid with the Israeli date spread. The smell is intoxicating just by itself!

3. DARLING SWEET TOFFEE

The South African toffee is simply delicious on its own, but even dropping a couple of them in a hot cocoa and letting them melt with their oooey-gooey wonderfulness would also be pretty amazing. And if you're a fan of Christmas brittle/bark, these little cuties will definitely help achieve the most awesome snack/dessert.

4. MARLETTE ARTISINAL FLOUR

The French spice cake mix would be lovely in bite-size form, such as mini-cakes or muffins! And a lil' date spread on top? A match made in heaven. The spices would also complement with pumpkin, nutmeg and cinnamon very well. Can anyone smell fall bread in the kitchen? Thanksgiving is right around the corner and this flour mix is the perfect starter for any meal, big or small!

5. FOX GOURMET FOOD LEMON CURD

What can I say about lemon curd? We get along like peas and carrots. I normally don't eat a lot of fish during the winter time, but it's so healthy to eat it once a week and I try to keep that a weekly habit. I'd use this curd in an easy-peasy white fish recipe I bake in the oven. It's fresh and light, and wonderful all year round. Let me know if you'd like a recipe up on the blog! Also, if you really want a challenge in cooking, try make some lemon soufflés with this curd. ;)

6. TAIWAN MINI PINEAPPLE CAKES

Are you a fan of banana pudding? Why not put a twist on those boring vanilla wafers and mix it up with mini pineapple cakes?! They're small in size and are packed with a full-crunch. The citrusy aftertaste will leave your tongue tingling and full of delight. Of course, if you're impatient like me, you'll quickly devour them before using it for any recipe. And how cute is the packaging of their box? Tropical and festive, I simply loved these mini cakes.

7. TARTUFATA TRUFFLE SAUCE

I'm not going to lie. When I saw this in the box, I squealed with excitement. There's no artificial flavor, it's the real deal! Yes, there's actual truffle inside! I'd fold this into an alfredo or any other kind of pasta your foodie heart can dream of. I mean, tell me someone who doesn't like Italian truffle! Oh so good, yum!

8. SPRUCEWOOD HANDMADE COOKIE CO. CLASSIC SHORTBREAD

I could eat these straight from the box. (Looking pretty cozy paired with the hot chocolate...) But these cookies can be crumbled onto a pie or cake as part of the topping. It'll bring an added flavor with its texture. And Canadian Maple?! I would even experiment this with pancakes or french toast, talk about a dreamy holiday breakfast.

Interested in trying this holiday box out for yourself? Start your journey with a FREE BOX when you subscribe! The Michelin curated holiday box is perfect for any food lover and such a lovely gift to give to someone who appreciates trying new things. Cheers to new experiences in your kitchen! You can also get $10 off a pantry box using promo code, 'EARLYADOPTER'.

LOVE & XX'S,

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Holiday Michelin Curated Try the World Box

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Earn Your Stripes

November 9, 2016

WEARING: ZAFUL STRIPED TRENCH | AMERICAN APPAREL DRESS | 
RALPH LAUREN RIDING BOOTS | ZAFUL TRIANGLE CLUTCH

“But this was a White-lash against a changing country.”

— Van Jones

Last night I went to bed around 4am. I couldn't sleep. The election was far too important to miss, let alone far too nail-biting to take your eyes of the television set. Every vote set its fate for the future of our country. Amongst friends and colleagues, I'm usually uncomfortable talking politics. It's not because I don't care or am afraid to speak my mind – it's because I care too much for the people I know to lose them over such a topic.

Being half-Korean and half-Polish, female, and from a multi-cultural background, I know how hard I've worked to get to where I am today. But after last night's historic presidential election, I feel squashed. I feel heartbroken. I feel my country is not listening and therefore, not learning from their past mistakes. I worry for my future and our peoples' future. I thought the past eight year's progress were built on hard work and trust. But this was a White-lash against a changing country. It is a complete step backwards to where we were heading to.

This election proves this country is not ready for a woman to be a president and sadly also demonstrates how much this country still hates women and minorities along with its lack of culture. To be raised in a state that's suddenly turned red is disheartening and shocking. I am disgusted in what I've been seeing over social media since we found out Trump will be our next president. And today I cried over Clinton's emotional concession speech, a painful moment in American history.

What is happening in our society where we think it is perfect okay and suitable to elect a candidate who's never had any political experience, let alone the knowledge or temperament to handle real-life situations as the President of the United States? And that with the right loopholes and strategic pulls, anyone can become the leader of the free world? I've never felt so shaky about the stability of our country and also the world. How can we go from the arc in losing and move forward? We have to accept what is and at least try to give Mr. Trump a chance to do good. Maybe he won't do everything he says he will because when it comes to politics, there's so much fluff and bullshit along the ride, you never know what's true and what's false.

But I still hope, like many of you, that we will prevail and strive forward to make this country still the greatest country there is. Be kind to one another. Not just in the next few days but always. Never forget that your adversity and uphill battles will never go unacknowledged and that there's still a glimmering light shining at the end of that tunnel. Soldier on and continue to earn your stripes. I love you, all. Take care. Until next time. ❤️❤️❤️

LOVE & XX'S,

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Zaful Striped Lapel Collar Long Sleeve Coat

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At-Home Workspace with OttLite

November 8, 2016

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY OTTLITE, BUT MY DESIRE TO TRY OUT LIFE IN A BETTER LIGHT IS MY OWN. :)

I've recently rearranged my workspace desk with OttLite lighting. What's different about their lights? OttLite lighting was created by photobiologist (omg how cool is that) Dr. John Nash Ott (awe) who studied how natural daylight affects all living things. From his amazing research OttLite Technology was born, bringing the magic of natural daylight indoors! They combine low heat and low glare, OttLite natural daylight illumination comes with smart features such as magnification, convenient storage, flexible necks and more. What I love most about their lights is how you can see everything more clearly and comfortably.

I am on my computer 5-7 hours a day either editing, writing, answering emails or having phone conferences, I need lighting that will alleviate the eyestrain from glaring at the computer for long periods of time. And the new LED crane lamp I received from OffLite is perfect for the new workspace. With its flexible neck I can easily adjust it where needed and it doesn't clutter up space at my desk.

The clarity is unreal! Just look at the photos for yourself! I really have little to no eyestrain after I started using the LED crane lamp. It is light and portable on top of its flexibility and sleek cool design. It really complements with my new minimally- styled desk, and this new desk lamp is in great company! Ha ha! But it really has made such a difference in every day work! I can officially say goodbye to eyestrain! Yay!

If you like what you see, there's a chance for you to win a free lamp of your own! OttLite is hosting a giveaway where 5 lucky winners will receive a lamp, plus one for a friend! Holidays are fast approaching us... do you know someone who is in need of a new lamp, or two? Perhaps you do too? :::hint hint::: 😉

Check out the Before & After shot down below! It is clear that life is brighter and better with OttLite. I'm all for a healthy approach when it come to my eyesight, especially since I'm near a computer screen all the time. It never stops. I'm glad I can't count on Ottlite for their high-quality lights. Don't miss your chance to enter in the giveaway – it's a really great one!

So what is currently on my desk? I have my classic Olympia typewriter that I've been using a lot lately along with recent invitations and photography books containing the works of some of my favorite photographers: Mr. Penn, Avedon, Herb Ritts, Peter Lindbergh, Leutwyler, Araki and more. (In no particular order.) I also have my go-to 'unobtrusive' camera, the Olympus OM-D E 5. It's my baby. I also keep coasters at bay, these agate coasters from West Elm have been around for a few years now, but I love the deep blue hue in them. I really can't stand ring marks from drinks!

“We live in a world that turns over in a moment.”

— Azzedine Alaïa

You can read more on the benefits of Ottlite lighting here. Besides showing colors accurately and seeing fine print and details more clearly, more tips for healthier eyes can be read in this awesome article from Ottlite! They even have a collection of bedroom lamps if you're interested. The LED crane clamp is portable and can be used on your night stand. Check it out here!

LOVE & XX'S,

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OROGOLD Cosmetics 24K White Gold Collection

November 5, 2016

OROGOLD COSMETICS 24K WHITE GOLD COLLECTION: PURIFYING TONER | 
AROMATHERAPY BODY OIL | CLASSIC BODY BUTTER | 
DEEP MOISTURIZER | MOUSSE CLEANSER | 
CLASSIC HAND & BODY CREAM | MULTI-VITAMIN DEEP PEELING GEL

This post is brought to you by OROGOLD Cosmetics.

The latest skincare products I've been using literally has gold in its products. Not just one product, but in all of 'em. It's killer good. I've never had such smooth, supple skin before! OROGOLD Cosmetics has a variety of skin collections to best suit your needs and since I have a combination of oily/dry skin, I chose their 24K White Gold Collection. A total of seven products amongst the collection, it has all the essentials for face & body including a facial mousse cleanser and purifying toner, aromatherapy body oil, body butter, deep moisturizer, hand & body cream, and a multi-vitamin deep peeling gel. Let me tell you more about the products individually!

1. 24K MOUSSE CLEANSER

This gentle cleanser transforms into a creamy lather to effectively diminish the look of impurities such as dirt and makeup. I simply loved how fresh and clean my face was afterward. A thorough rich lather-type cleanser is my go-to's for face wash.

Orogold Cosmetics 24K Classic Body Butter

2. PURIFYING TONER

After cleansing, this gentle toner helps diminish any remaining traces of excess oils and impurities to leave your skin with a healthier looking complexion.

3. AROMATHERAPY BODY OIL

With floral and citrus notes, The 24K Aromatherapy Body Oil is made with a blend of precious, nourishing oils and natural botanical extracts. With no synthetic fragrance, this luxurious oil is especially formulated to leave skin feeling moisturized, healthy and radiant. I'm completely obsessed with the fragrance let alone how amazing my skin feels after use!

4. CLASSIC BODY BUTTER

Made with a magnificent blend of rich ingredients, this classic cream delivers a new kind of softness to your skin. Suitable for dry skin types to leave you in luxurious comfort all day, it's the perfect body butter for the winter season and an even better stocking stuffer for the holidays.

5. 24K DEEP MOISTURIZER

This moisturizer has a light, non-greasy texture that offers hydrating ingredients for healthier looking skin. The 24K Deep Moisturizer really helps replenish your appearance.

6. CLASSIC HAND & BODY CREAM

This light-weight hand and body cream is infused with organic argan oil and chamomile to help protect against dryness. Perfect for those extra cold days! The Classic Hand and Body Cream offers a luxurious skin-soothing experience.

7. MULTI-VITAMIN DEEP PEELING GEL

This unique peeling gel is formulated with superb ingredients such as bamboo stem powder, mandelic acid and vitamin C. The combination of these powerful ingredients with walnut shell powder help gently exfoliate the skin, leaving it with a soft refreshed sensation. I'm not big on peels because of my extremely sensitive skin but this one left my face looking youthful and bright. I was really happy with the results of this peel!

The OROGOLD Cosmetics 24K White Gold Collection is the perfect gift for the upcoming holidays. With its rich, luxurious ingredients (even the package design is off the chain) and high-quality care, OROGOLD Cosmetics will have your skin covered for the dry wintry season and left feeling like a queen (or king). :)