Bella Vista

Z's parents gave us a groupon for nice French restaurant in Woodside called Bella Vista that we decided to use for our 5 year anniversary dinner. The drive there from the city was a bit scary since we had to drive up a tiny two lane road through forested area. I couldn't help but have flashbacks of all the scary movies I used to watch as a child about the crazy serial killer coming through the woods out to get me while menacingly waving a machete or chainsaw. After driving  the small winding road for what seemed like an eternity, we finally came upon the little cabin-like restaurant. The entrance area had a lovely fireplace going while we waiting for our table to be ready. The tables of the restaurant are facing wall to wall windows where diners can view the city lights amidst the redwood trees. The view was as the restaurant's namesake mentioned--beautiful.

The sitting area in the ladies restroom had the most lovely wood paneling and floral paintings hanging up. I felt completely ridiculous snapping all these photos, but it is not everyday that Z and I go to a nice classy restaurant. For appetizer, Z and I shared a bell pepper soup and some mussels. Immediately following this, the waiter served us a lime champagne sorbet. At this point, I thought it was so cool. (I had already drank 2 glasses of wine since we brought our own bottle to share.) After the sorbet, we had our entrees. I had the special of the night--lamb in wine reduction sauce, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Z had  Veau au Poivre--Sauted Veal with Green Peppercorns in a light Dijon Mustard Sauce with the same sides. We both tried a bit of each other's dishes and everything was delicious. For dessert, we shared a Grand Mariner souffle which was definitely more grand mariner than actual souffle...which was fine for 4 wine glass me.

I decided to wear my velvet dress from Vanessa of The Velvet Bird's holiday collection. All her dresses fit me like a dream and this velvet number is my new favorite dress. I added a cardigan clip of gold roses that I found on Etsy to add a little extra special something to my fancy collar.  If I could, I would probably wear this dress every single day! When we arrived back to the apartment, there was an anxious little pug waiting for us. His eyes were so sad and pleading that I just had to take a photo. Don't worry Finnegan...I only have pug eyes for you.

Outfit Details:
Velvet Collar Dress // The Velvet Bird
Gold Rose Cardigan Clip // Etsy
Black Mary Janes // Ebay
Brown Coat // H&M

An Anniversary of Sorts

I know that I've neglected to up date my blog for the longest time and I apologize for that! I've been busy with work and taking my Anatomy / lab class where all my spare moments are used to study for the endless amount of lab practicals and exams that I have lined up.  I've also gotten back into the pool and I am doing some lap swimming to get back into shape. One of my resolutions this year was to be healthier to honor my mother who fought cancer last year and survived. These little changes has actually made me feel better about myself. I guess it also helps that I have to walk up endless flights of stairs just to attend my Anatomy lecture/lab, which can be quite the work out when you're running late!

Today marks a very special day...it is the day that my boyfriend and I started dating...5 years ago! It was fun finding these pictures of us through-out the years for this blog post because you can watch Z's hair and facial hair change dramatically while I still look the same (thanks Asian genes!). Since Z has class tonight, we decided to celebrate a bit early and went to a beautiful French restaurant in San Mateo over looking some wonderful city lights. I'll post more about this later, but it was nice to waited and attended on for once since we do not usually eat so lavishly. Below are some photos of Z and I through-out the years. Happy Anniversary Z!

Instagram Diary

Just another round-up of photos taken during the past couple of days: finals week, studying, food, a spoiled and grumpy pug, grumpy boyfriend, and random items that supposedly look better or more interesting when you can use various filters.

Pumpkin Pies & Turkey Thighs

I just finished my finals last week so now I am free to blog again! Thanksgiving was wonderful and there were fifty billion different types of pumpkin desserts, which was not exactly a bad thing. My sister is a master chef and was in charge of the main dish for the evening--the turkey! Z and I contributed some red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting and raspberries. Since I live so far away from my family now, I really cherish these times that we can get together. We played a rousing game of LIFE (which I really don't remember being so long and complicated when I was younger) and talked about when the next time would be that we could all get together and eat more food! 

I am wearing a dress from Nadinoo that came right in time for Thanksgiving and is the perfect holiday dress because it hides my holiday tummy. When I received the dress I was blown away by how lovely and well made it was. It was even more beautiful in person than I could have ever imagined...and it fit like a dream! I am so glad I was able to purchase a dress of her's. I have been lusting after them for so long! How was your Thanksgiving? What's your favorite Thanksgiving dish?

I can't wait to see my family again this Christmas!

Outfit Details:
Lula Under the Mistletoe // Nadinoo
Grey Sheer Tights // Target