School Boy Crush + VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!

Spent another day in the city, this time in the Sunset district, exploring and doing one of my favorite things -- eating. Originally, I intended to do some shoots for my blog, as I've gathered quite a few outfits I've been dying to photograph. But, the San Francisco sun finally went into hiding the one day I had off (soooooo typical, right?), so instead of settling for mediocre photos, I decided to save my outfits for the sun and spend the day chowing down. DJ took me to this delicious Pho spot (which you will see later this week or next), and a cute little ice cream shop, Polly Ann's, for some dessert, where I got a scrumptious junior sized pistachio-almond flavored ice cream. I have to take a moment to talk about how adorable this ice cream shop is. First of all, the prices are meant to tempt all the after school kids. You can get a scoop for just $2.20, they have an endless and ever-changing array of flavors, you can bring your pup and (s)he will eat free, and, if you can't decide on a flavor, you can spin the wheel and let them choose for you! I don't really know how much better it can get. Basically, I'm pretty much hoping to score a Valentine who will buy me flowers (tulips are my favorite) and bring me back to this ice cream shop for a date. Speaking of, I'm now accepting Valentine's Day offers, so holla at yo gurlll. Just kidding...kinda... unless you really want to wine and dine me, haha!

pancakeREVIEW: Driscoll's Berries

Last week, I received a kind email from Melissa, of The Baddish Group, with an offer for coupons to try Driscoll's fresh blueberries in celebration of National Blueberry Pancake Day. As a follower of my blog, you know that I basically can't say no to offers for free and/or discounted food. And, I especially cannot turn down offers for anything pancake affiliated. So, without giving it a second thought, I accepted and waited for my snail mail to arrive. Now, what I'm about to say will probably completely taint my credibility as a pancake lover, so please skip the rest of this sentence if you would like to remain in ignorant bliss, but, I had no idea that National Blueberry Pancake Day even existed. I know...shocking, right? I completely understand if you just can't think of me in the same way, but I just had to be honest with you. Anyways, thanks to Melissa, now I am completely aware of its existence, and January 28th has a whole new significance. After I received my stash of coupons, I headed over to my local grocery market and stocked up on Driscoll's berries.  I originally intended to just try out their blueberries, however, I really couldn't stop my right hand from also grabbing a carton of Driscoll's strawberries, since my left hand was busy carrying my shopping basket. So, because I knew I would only be losing a battle with myself, I stepped into the 10 items or less line and checked out. As soon as I got home, I decided to make a batch of blueberry pancakes and a stack of strawberry-banana ones.  And this is what happened...

San Francisco Soul Food

Welcome to Off The Grid!

It's been a while since I've had a day like this. "Fun," without a doubt, is far too much of a understatement to even be close to the truth. Lately, the golden sun has come out of hiding, and the San Francisco Bay Area has been lucky enough to experience some of its beautiful rays. I was thrilled when I had Friday off and was able to take advantage of the sunshine, with my very good friend from college, Alex N. We started the day at Off The Grid in San Francisco's Civic Center. As soon as I got off the BART train and felt the soothing sun seep into my skin, I knew it was going to be a sublime day. It was my first time at Off The Grid and I wanted to try everything -- literally. But, Alex, my voice of reason for the day, reasoned that I should pace myself and start off slow. So, in the end, I tried the Hapa SF food truck and their "modern organic Filipino cuisine" and CupKates, the cupcake dessert truck.

pancakeFEATURES: Glamour

This is obviously my lucky outfit. Special thanks to Glamour Magazine for featuring pancakeSTACKER as their Best Dress Reader of the Day! January, you just keep getting better and better!

To see the full Glamour feature, click here! And, if you need a reminder on which outfit they're talking about, click here!

And a big thank you to all the pancakeSTACKER supporters out there! I love reading each and every one of your thoughtful comments, and I am so grateful to have such an awesome group of blogger buddies <3. 

Don't Be a Hard Rock When You Really Are a Gem

Top, trousers, ring, and shoes: Forever 21; Blazer: Nordstrom; Photos by: DJ Lan


Doo Wop (That Thing) - Lauryn Hill

  

I bet after my last post you thought my next one would be filled with vibrant colors and, anythinggg, but blue and black. But, lo and behold, you were fooled! Like those over-sized khaki shorts I sported last week, same story goes with these yummy blueberry-colored trousers. Soft and silky to the touch, I cried, internally, of course, when I put these pants on in the fitting room and they were a size too big. I carried them around in my hands for maybe 20 minutes, feigning contemplation, before saying, "Who am I kidding, really?" And with that, off to the check out line I went. I am still trying to figure out how to get more wear out of the pants, but overall, I'm a happy camper. It was quite fortuitous when we stumbled upon this setting. As soon as I drove past, I had to turn around and stop. I mean, how often is it that you find a bunch of tires, tossed alongside the road? Okay, maybe more often than not, but what most people would see as just tires, I saw a photo shoot waiting to happen.

In other news, I'd like to give a special thanks to Sarah of Burn The Blonde, for featuring me on her blog. Please take a moment and check out the interview I did, and of course, don't forget to give Sarah some of that pancakeSTACKER, sticky, syrup-sweet love.

Last, but certainly not least, I hope you will all take time to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by continuing to live each and every day with gratitude and respect. “Never, never be afraid to do what’s right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society’s punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.” Keep the dream alive.

And I Go Back To Black

Hoodie: Free People; Tank: Urban Outfitters; Skirt and necklace: Nordstrom; Tights: Target; Wedges and rings: Forever 21; Photos by: DJ Lan

Back to Black - Amy Winehouse

I got this hoodie a long, long time ago for my birthday, and just recently, I found it tucked away with the rest of my sweaters. Yes, that's right-- this is another one of my hidden treasures. I think the last time I wore it was my freshman year of college. Actually, I know that's the last time I wore it, thanks to photographic evidence. Nonetheless, I'm ecstatic that I rediscovered it. It's made of a warm wool blend, has great beading detail, and the best part is the hood! Lately, I've been gravitating towards navy blues and blacks when it comes to my daily outfits. I'm trying to get out of this bruise-colored outift slump, but I always find myself running back to black. Although, last week I did buy a delicious peach colored vintage dress, which is very unlike me, but I can't wait to share it with you all. Tell me, what are your secrets to escaping color ruts? Is there any color you would like to see me try next? Maybe a nice bright banana-yellow? Okay, maybe not, but seriously, let me know what you would like to see more of, and I'll do my best to not look like a rejected crayola crayon.

It's Many Hundred Miles And It Won't Be Long

Top, shorts, ring, purse and tights: Forever 21; Cardigan: Nordstrom; Shoes: Guess; Photos by: DJ Lan

Train Song (Cover) - Feist and Ben Gibbard

I never really talk about my outfits on here, do I? So, today, let's do just that. I got these shoes a couple Christmases ago as a gift to myself. The moment I saw them, I fell in love. In fact, my first words to these dear shoes were, "Hello, Lover," a la Carrie Bradshaw. I waited and waited until they went on sale, like I knew they would, and the minute they did, BAM...they became a part of my closet forever. The funny thing is, this is only the second time I have ever worn them, and the first time I wore them was on my 21st birthday. I think it's probably time to give these bad boys another night out on the town. Moving on, I got these Forever 21 linen shorts a while back, as well. They were (and still are) a size too big for me, but I couldn't bear the idea of leaving the store without them, especially since I knew if I didn't snag them, someone else would. So, I reasoned that since I love over-sized clothing anyways, I would love these shorts too. And I do. The purse I got just a few weeks ago, and I hardly leave home without it. It's extremely soft to the touch and has so many pockets that my whole life basically fits into it. Who says being a Bag Lady isn't stylish? Finally, I got the butterfly cardigan at Nordstrom a few months back and thought that it was such a staple item, that I got it in not one, not two, but THREE colors. I always have such a hard time deciding between things, so I usually end up getting something in at least two colors. My mom says this is because I am an Aquarius.

pancakeFEATURES: Teen Vogue

A short little post before I get ready for work... All I can say is Teen Vogue, you just made my day/week/month/life. Thank you!! Happy Friday to all my blog loves! Have a wonderful weekend!

To see the full Teen Vogue feature, click here! To see what outfit they're talking about, click here!

Fall, Fall Out of Trees Into the Street All On My Own I Finally Found Out How Long I Can Hang On

Cropped jacket and earrings: Nordstrom; Velvet babydoll, rings, and flats: Forever 21; Tights: Target; Scarf: Borrowed from mama's closet (Thanks, Mom!); Photos by: DJ Lan

Falling Out of Trees - Barcelona

Hello my loves! I hope you are all having a fantastic week so far. I have had the last two days off work, and it has been nothing short of amazing. Well, except for the fact that I am developing a nasty cold and all I want to do is stay inside and keep warm. I have to admit, I am not looking forward to going back to work tomorrow in my lethargic state. So, if today's post seems uncharacteristically short, it's because I am slowly fading in and out of some much needed sleep. Earlier this week, while driving along a scenic route, I stopped alongside the road to snap these pictures. Don't be fooled-- while these photos appear peaceful and serene, the shoot itself was a bit of a sticky situation. It was cold, wet, and I definitely stepped on a slug...unknowingly, of course! Imagine the horrified look on my face when I realized what had just transpired. Between me and you, stepping on a slug is not so cute.

P.S. -- Thank you for all of your kind comments. I promise to get back to everyone as soon as I am no longer sneezing up a storm :)

pancakeLEFTOVERS: December

I feel like this post should be more of a pancakeLEFTOVERS: 2010 edition, but I think that would be way too predictable and somewhat complicated. If you think about it, as I already have, it would be more of a pancakeLEFTOVERS of all my pancakeLEFTOVERS, since I do a recap post at the beginning of each month. Does that even make any sense? If not, just nod your head and excuse my sleep-deprived speak. The month of December was something I would like to classify as a beautiful breakdown. While most slowly worked up their holiday cheer, I slowly lost mine with the passing of each week. Not to sound dramatic or anything, but working 45 hours a week can do that to one's spirit. When it came to Christmas itself, I was so happy to have a day off that I missed the morning and slept through a good chunk of the afternoon. I'm glad to say, however, that by the time New Year's Eve rolled around the corner, I regained some of my lost holiday cheer and ended the year with a complete bang. Before heading out for the night, I spent my day cleaning out my entire room and closet (and I would just like to say, it has never looked better). I was determined to go into 2011 clutter free both physically and mentally, and so far, three days into the new year, my plan seems to have worked. I really feel as if I  ended the year on a good note and started off this new one on the right foot. I rang in NYE with new friends, lots of smiles, and hours and hours of dancing in the city, and I am so very excited to see what comes my way in 2011. Now, without further ado, here is a final look at 2010, with my favorite December leftovers.

You all saw this a few posts back....