Brush With Fashion: The Body Shop San Francisco

The Body Shop Brush with Fashion Makeup

A couple Wednesdays ago, I was invited to preview some of The Body Shop's new products, as well as their upcoming makeup line, Brush with Fashion, at their downtown San Francisco location. I had a great time learning about some of the new lines, hearing about a few of the issues the brand stands for, trying out amazing makeup and beauty products, and getting a fresh new beauty makeover, which was perfect for Spring! Below you'll find a few of the pictures I snapped from the event, along with some of the background information I learned that afternoon. 

Mama Bear

I just wanted to take a moment to introduce to you my mama bear. I stole this picture from her a long, long time ago, and it's one of my favorite photos ever taken of her. Undoubtedly beautiful on the outside, my mom has one of the most beautiful souls of anyone I know, and that's a fact. Anyone who has met my mom can tell you that I'm not exaggerating. She works harder than just about any woman I know, and each day she selflessly gives to all those around her. I can only hope that one day I will grow up to be just as strong as her. She'll probably scold me once she gets around to visiting my site and finds out I posted this picture of her for all to see, but how could I not? She's super styling! And, if you couldn't already tell where I get most of my swag from, it's simple -- I get it from my mama.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I love you!

Food Friday: Larchmont Bungalow

Larchmont Bungalow 107 North Larchmont Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90004

You saw the above picture, and it undoubtedly stopped you in your tracks. But wait, is that cake? No, no sir, it is not. Cupcakes, maybe? Nope, wrong again. Well, my word, what on earth could it be? Are you ready to find out? Do you really want to know? Pancakes. Red and Blue Velvet PANCAKES. That's right. Your eyes are not playing mind games with you. Those are indeed pancakes.

Wisdom Wednesday

“We attain freedom as we let go of whatever does not reflect our magnificence. A bird cannot fly high or far with a stone tied to its back. But release the impediment, and we are free to soar to unprecedented heights.” --Alan Cohen

Tiiu Kuik by Camilla Akrans for The New York Times T Style Magazine Travel Summer 2009

I should start off by saying that in the past, I have been guilty of being afraid to fall, even before I have left the ground. When I was in high school, I was somehow sure I wouldn't get into some of the top schools I applied for. I remember bawling my eyes out when my father told me he only wanted me to apply to my top three choices, which also happened to be the top three schools most everyone in my high school applied to as well. In the end, I applied to maybe 11 schools, which in retrospect, was a huge waste of money. My mom and dad had no doubt that I'd get into my choice of colleges. Of course, in the end, they were right. Funny how our parents and grandparents just know things, eh? Almost five years later, and now, I'm recounting this story to you. So what's the point? Well, looking back, I had to wonder, what was it that gave me so little faith in myself? I knew I was capable of getting accepted into the college of my dreams. So, why was I so reluctant to believe in myself? Then, it hit me. Just like the little bird with rocks tied to its back, I had other little birdies chirping away at me telling me that my goals were just too unrealistic. Birds chirping that I should really settle for less than I deserved. Needless to say, those little birdies were quickly cut out of my life as soon as I opened by eyes and ears and stopped listening to their cacophonous songs. We just weren't singing the same song. 

So what does this have to do with today? Well, I noticed that I have been going through that same stage. Slightly afraid of what's to come, I have been hesitant to make moves and have let silly doubts get in the way of taking chances. But, why? As I was browsing though my daily reads, I stumbled upon the above quote and remembered that my wings are ready to soar to unprecedented heights, just as long as I let them. I just have to take that leap and fly. So, with the risk of sounding like Oprah, I tell you, let go of the doubts that are holding you back. This is probably the most preachy I will ever get on this blog, but, I thought you should know that your wings are ready to get some air, too.

That's my wisdom for this Wednesday. Don't be afraid to share yours with me below. If you enjoyed this post, don't forget to "like" pancakeSTACKER on Facebook!  

pancakeLEFTOVERS: Super Stack!

You probably thought I forgot all about this monthly tradition, didn't you? Well, ha! Fooled you! Since I neglected to do one for February and March, you get a triple stack of pancakeLEFTOVER's sticky sweet goodness. Can you believe that it is already MAY? I can't fathom it at all. I mean, this year is just zooming on by. So, before we move on to another beautiful and possibility-filled month, let us take a look back at some outfit highlights from April (and February...and March).

 All photos by: DJ Lan

As we enter into a new month, the first thing I think of is how can I make this month better than the last. I am always looking for ways to improve. And when I say "improve," I mean in every way possible -- body, mind, and soul. In retrospect, April was a great month. After taking a mini-vacay at the beginning of the month, I came back with new priorities and my goals in sight. I regained my focus, and I would like to think that I was a much better blogger (compared to February and March). Moving forward, I know that things can only get better. It feels so strange to think that it has almost been one whole year since I graduated from college, and I am still trying to find my place. In fact, a lot of my younger friends are graduating both this month and next. And you know what that means... they will join the "What in the world am I going to do with my life?" club. And to those kiddos I say, brace yourselves --the journey is just beginning. In the last month, I met some really awesome people, attended some great events, and slowly inched my way a little closer (I think?) to where I want to be, and all of this was due to blogging. I am excited for what is to come, because I know that golden door is just waiting for me to open it (or build it, whichever comes first). So, here is to May -- a month filled will opportunity and success. Let's make it a great one.




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