Lululemon Happy Heat Tank

I went to Lululemon today and tried on the Happy Heat Tank in coal/ persimmon and very violet.  I really loved this tank and loved it in both colors.  But I ended up going home with the coal/ persimmon color combo because the contrasting colored lines on it were very figure enhancing!

Very Violet

Like I said, the solid colored very violet one is very pretty too.  But I think I will wait for that color to come out in another top.  I'm kind of tired of purply colors anyway, and I just realized I don't have any coal tops!  The girl that helped me at the store also said that a lot of their new items are coming out in persimmon, so I'll be more trendy lol.  I really love this persimmon color.  It reminds me of a softer version of electric orange.  It's more peachy too.  Very pretty.  The persimmon lines on the chest of the coal top somehow add at least a full cup size visually!  That's always a good thing for me nowadays - I used to be a C cup when I had more weight on me, but when I lost lots of body fat, my boobs went as well!

Oh yeah, I had to size up in this tank.  I originally tried my normal size 4, but the chest was too tight on top and created the double boobage look.  Not cute.  And I'm like an A cup!  I think I have broader shoulders though so that could also be why.  The size 6 had a slightly bigger cup so it wasn't cutting in on top of my chest, and just looked much better.  The bra band of this top is the thin kind though, so it wasn't digging in on either size.  The tummy area is looser with the 6 but I still don't see the ruching as obviously as the model above - she must've sized up 2 sizes to accommodate her chest size!  Size 4 was pretty figure hugging and you can't really see the ruching at all while wearing it.  I also like how the criss cross straps on the back can be adjusted to your preferred length.

It's made of luxtreme, and the length is slightly shorter than most of my other Lululemon tops.  But I wouldn't say it's short.  I actually think it's the perfect length for me.  Maybe the band of my Groove pants will actually show when I'm wearing this tank!  It also comes with the cup cookies in the tank, so that is always a plus.  I know you can always ask for them, but I forget to most of the time until I get home.  I feel like those things really enhance the shape and size of the chest.  Plus I'm always self-conscious about my nipples showing through tanks while working out so I always wear these things!  Though that's probably because me and my boyfriend always giggle when we spot headlights!  I know, we are very immature.

I'm Engaged! =)

I still can't believe it, but my boyfriend picked me up from work today and totally surprised me with a nice romantic multiple course dinner with wine, flowers, tons of candles, chocolate, and a proposal!  He actually got on his knee and asked me to marry him.  It was so cute.  =)  When I saw the ring, I was so excited because it's so beautiful and elegant!  I still can't stop staring at it and watch it sparkle as it catches the light!  The only thing is that it's too big!  I think it's either one size or half a size too big, I'm not too sure, but it definitely flops around and if I shake my hand it would just fall right off my finger.  I'm not sure what is involved or how much it costs to resize a ring as I've never done it before.  And I really don't want to have to part with it!  But I guess it has to be done...

Anyway, pictures!!!

It's a 2 carat round cut center stone with 18 surrounding diamonds.  And there's also 12 little diamonds all on the band as well, which is white gold.  The surrounding diamonds really make the center stone look huge!  I kept saying to my boyfriend (or fiance now!) that I thought the bling was too big for my finger, but he thinks I can rock it!  

Here are some pictures of me wearing it.  Obviously since I haven't got it resized, I had to clutch my hand to keep it in place!

Didn't realize the boob shot in the background... haha

Sooo now everyone is asking for the date, but really we haven't even talked about it or thought about it.  I was never the type of girl that wanted to be engaged and plan my dream wedding since the age of 7 or something like that.  In fact, I would be more than happy to go somewhere and elope.  Easy and no planning involved!  But I guess the parents and family would want some kind of ceremony.  Though maybe not my mom since I called and texted to tell her about the occassion and she texted back saying she's in the middle of something and will text me later.  Still haven't heard from her!

... Anyway, maybe a smaller destination wedding would be great!  We'll see.  There's tons of time to still think about these things!

Hmmm... now this is something I've never thought about before, but do most people wear their rings all the time?  Like while working out?  Cooking or doing dishes?   Even while sleeping or showering?  I don't think it would be comfortable but maybe I'm just not used to wearing something on my finger yet.  Would water ruin the ring??  Oh my gosh, the things you've never thought of before!  I feel so grown up now.  Maybe it really is the beginning of my new life.  =)

Angry Birds

Ok I'm not a gamer, but this game Angry Birds is totally sweeping the nation!  Or world?

My boyfriend first became addicted to it when he got it for free on his Android.  Once I knew what it was, I started seeing more and more people play it everywhere I go.  It's got a very distinctive sound when you play it, so there's no mistake.  I then found out that a bunch of my coworkers are addicted to the point where they are not even working  or eating lunch anymore.  Then I saw a headline on Bloomberg last week that EA just bought this game for $20 million.  What the...?!?  That's crazy!

So I decided to give it a try myself.

Yeah, like I really need more distractions!

It costs 99 cents on the iphone app store, and they also have a free version to try out before committing that hard earned dollar.

Must say, it's a pretty fun game.  Very addicting indeed!  Last night I felt like I was about to get sick, so I went to "bed" early.  But instead of sleeping, I was playing the game under the covers!  As can be seen from the pic above, it's basically shooting different birds (your weapons) into these piggies to kill them.  Different birds do different things, so you have to learn what to do with the kind you get.  And also you need to know how to aim, and strategize as you move up more levels because different structures will be in your way and you only have so many birds to try to kill all the piggies.  Lol.  I know, very nerdy.  It's more frustrating when you get to certain levels and you just can't seem to get all the piggies!!  So yeah, it hooks you because you just want to beat the levels!  There are tons of levels too.  Pretty fun.  I'm a fan.  It also seems to be a very well built game, the graphics look great, and it's just solid all the way around.  I can totally see EA making it into a Nintendo or Playstation game or something.  I wish I was smart enough to create an awesome iphone app and cash in $20 mill! 

Oh yeah, there's also tons of apps in the app store that sell you the strategies to beat each level of Angry Birds.  I guess that alone tells you how much following they have!  So, if you need a cheap and fun way to kill some time, this will keep you entertained for a while!

What is the secret?

Today I had my private pilates session after my interval training, which was not the best idea by the way.  Both trainers were hard on me.  I think my muscles almost gave up by the end of my session!  But I guess I'm making up for being lazy this past week.  I don't know what it was, maybe since it was raining and dreary out all week, but I just did not feel motivated to go work out.  If I hadn't had my session already scheduled today, I wouldn't even have left the house!

So yesterday, I guess Alec Baldwin called the pilates trainer asking to squeeze him in for a session.  So she pushed our session back 30 minutes.  When I showed up today, he was still there so I met him.  He was very nice, and very sweaty.  To think that I had to use the same equipments that were covered in Alec Baldwin sweat.... anyway, when I was checking him out, I noticed that he had very nice skin.  So it got me thinking, this seems to be a trend between these Hollywood people!

I don't work in the entertainment industry, obviously, but I do see famous people at random places.  For example, The Rock goes to my gym, and he is hot in person!  I never would have thought, but he has the nicest, most smoothest skin, and his body is very proportionate too.  I mean, he doesn't have chicken legs like some guys who only focus on upper body.  He's also very nice and always smiling and saying hi.  One time, I was on the treadmill while he was doing weights right in front of me, so I watched him for like 20 minutes!  Haha.  I saw George Clooney at the Warner lot when I was doing my consulting thing and Warner was one of the clients.  My first thought was, "wow, this man has such nice skin!".  It was like a baby's bottom, poreless, and the perfect amount of tan.  No wrinkles whatsoever.  I also saw John Stamos eating lunch there all the time when he was filming General Hospital there (I think?), and I saw Matthew Perry and Amanda Peet and that chick from Gilmore Girls all the time too.  The men all had amazing skin!  They showed no sign of normal aging, and these guys are all in their 40s or older.  And I'm not the type of person that normally notices people's skin.  Amanda Peet though, not so much.  Maybe it's a male thing. 

I know these people have all the money in the world and access to the best beauty people.  But I'm really wondering what it is they use on their face!  Because whatever it is, I will go and get the same thing if it's going to do that for me!  Or do they just do chemical peels and botox?  I don't think it's all genetics, that's for sure.  Especially that George Clooney, his skin looked like he was in his 20s or something.  So if anyone out there knows the secret and wants to share it, please do!  LOL!  It's driving me crazy!

Swarovski Genuine Bangle

My mom gave me another present for absolutely no reason - the Swarovski Genuine Bangle.  I wonder what she's up to!  It's perfect though because I haven't had any time to feed my online shopping addiction lately since I've been super busy at work.  It's really unfortunate when you are too busy to mess around online at work right?  Having to actually work... Who does that?  Speaking of which, this is rather OT, but I heard rumors about some very high up, supposedly happily married, male executives surfing porn sites while at work all day long.  Ugh.  To think of how many millions they are getting paid to do that...  I better be getting a big bonus this year. 

Ok back to my bangle...

I don't think I own any bangles, I'm more of a earring and necklace person as I normally find bracelets bothersome.  So I'm not sure why my mom chose to get me this.  But she said she just thought it was very pretty when she saw it and that I'd like it.  I agree.  I do think it's pretty, and I like the subtle color of the Azore crystal.  The color actually is a pretty good match to the Swarovski Erin Crystal Drop earrings I got from Gilt a while ago that I absolutely love and wear a lot.  

I have to say though, this bangle is pretty tight.  Most of it is very rigid, you don't really need the loose chain closure to secure it because the hardware will clamp to the wrist.  It didn't feel uncomfortable or anything though when I tried it on briefly.  I just thought it was odd that they didn't make it slightly bigger and looser.  So I think I will to wear it to my company's holiday party.  My company is known to have very extravagant Christmas parties.  It's all formal attire so people go all out.  They give out really nice prizes.  Like a couple years ago they gave away things like 2 year car leases, or checks for thousands of $$$, fancy vacations, etc.   Doubtful they will go that fancy this year though.  It's all very nice and all but I don't qualify for the raffles because of my title so I guess I'm not really interested in that part (I know, I'm just bitter).  I am just wishing for a big bonus!!  Last year was great, even admin people got over 100% bonus and made about $150k on average.  But again, doubtful it will come close to that this year (lots of drama happened and we lost some assets, though making a comeback now).  I've learned to always keep my expectations low so I won't be disappointed.  Lol.

Why am I talking about work again?  I need to stop it now.  This must be a sign that I've been working too hard.  I even had dreams about some data queries last night.  Wow.  Let's hope it won't be a repetitive theme tonight.

Things Remembered - Pink Stainless Steel & Ceramic Mug

My mom randomly got me the Pink Stainless Steel & Ceramic Mug from Things Remembered the other day.  She said she just saw it while out shopping for a friend, and thought I'd like it.  She even got it engraved with my initials.  I know it's a silly little gift, but I am really loving it!  It's one of the most useful gifts anyone ever got me.  And I think she got it on sale for $14.  LOL!

This is so cute, and I love how it is a thermal mug with a lid.  I'm not much of a coffee drinker, but the trading desk area where I sit at work is sooooo cold.  I sit under two vents too so I get cold air blasting at me all day long.  I think they just have to keep the room cold due to tons of high powered computers and 4 or more monitors per person that are running all the time.  Plus we have almost 100 people sitting on the trading desk, so we all just have to deal with the temperature.  I'm always freezing at work, and drinking something warm usually helps.  But my tea or coffee always gets cold within a few minutes because of the constant AC blasting at them.  I'm so glad I now have this cute pink mug to keep my drinks warm! The inside of the mug is aluminum, it keeps the warmth trapped in for hours, and it's just so perfect for me!

It's a really good size too, so I don't have to keep refilling.  It is amazing how something as simple as this can make me so happy!  Though I do have to say bringing this mug with me to get drinks at the kitchen area is kind of embarrassing because I'm all the way on the inside by the window, and I have to walk past lots of people to get to the kitchen.  The mug is just so big and pink!  The male to female ratio at the desk is like 10 to 1.  I can literally count all the women in the room on one hand.  So I don't want all the dudes making fun of me (I also already have a big bright pink water bottle that I use all the time).  Lol.  Though I do secretly really love the baby pink. 

Anyhow, being guys, they probably don't even notice things like this.  I'm just really glad that my mom got me this mug, I've been using it everyday, and I highly encourage everyone to get it while it's on sale! It is rather perfect for hot chocolate spiked with Baileys too (tried that over the weekend)!  

Lululemon Inspire Pullover - Teal Zeal

I went to Lululemon after the gym today and tried on some new stuff (don't worry, I showered), such as the Power Dance tank in lilac (very soft and comfy but too preggy looking for me), Heart tank in plum (cute but I didn't feel like I must have it), and Centered Pose tank in coal (would be cuter without the straps that cross in the back).  So after vetoing them all, I decided to inspect the new Inspire Pullover just for kicks.

To my surprise, they fixed the back pocket issue that ultimately led me to the decision of returning my senorita pink one!  I rubbed my eyes and triple checked - the thick zipper is now completely sewn in on the back so I can wear it against my bare skin and it won't scratch!  I couldn't believe it.  So I tried on both the lilac color and teal zeal.  I liked both of them, but I had to have the teal zeal for 3 reasons:

1) I love this color!  Even though the name implies teal, to me it looks like a true bright green.

2) It's very different from other colors I have already, which happen to be lots of purple and bluish tones so it's good to branch out.

3) Here's the most important reason:  I love love love the fact that the seams going down the front and back of the pullover are not the thick ribbon ones like in the previous batch as well as the lilac version!  On the teal zeal one, they are just good old regular double sided flat seams!  The teal zeal one also doesn't have contrasting color blocking.  It's so much better and less busy looking.  And also very very soft and comfortable.  I'm wearing it right now as I'm typing this and I can't be happier!  After I noticed this important difference, I put on teal zeal and lilac back to back (I tried them on with nothing but a Flow Y bra under), and I definitely felt the thick seams of the lilac. They made the pullover stiffer in the body and not as body-conforming or comfortable.  Don't get me wrong, the lilac is still an improvement from the 1st batch.  I'm just saying that to me the teal zeal was the winner.

Here's a picture of me wearing the old senorita pink one where you can see the thick seams, and some pictures of the teal zeal one!

The back doesn't look nearly as busy as the previous version

Big area of mesh under the armpit!

Sorry, I'll have to remember next time not to take pictures on my balcony as the sun and the flash of the camera combined really bring out the reflectiveness of the fabric. I also think the pullover looks more green in person than the pictures show but what can I do...

Anyway, so now this pullover is pretty much perfect!  I really really like it.  If they re-released this pullover in senorita pink (or any other pretty pinkish color), I would definitely buy another!  I'm so glad whoever in charge of things over there at Lululemon listened to customer feedback and brought out these improvements!

Oh yeah, I also picked up a Cool Racerback in teal zeal since I love the color.  It's even greener than the Inspire Pullover since it doesn't have the static or whatever.

The 3 pack featherweight socks were also on sale for $14.  That's like 4 bucks a pair, pretty good deal, so I bought some.  They are very thin and lightweight.  I like to wear them in the summer or to my spin class.  The prints are fun!

I know this probably doesn't matter at all, but do you wear them with the logo on the inside or outside of the foot?