Transformed

Top: Urban Outfitters   |      Jeans: J.Brand     |      Purse: Prada Gaufre

We traveled back to Chicago almost every weekend in August and September mostly for weddings, but the last two weekends, our family made last minute travel plans back to the city so I could finally experience being an extra in a movie! (Thank you to Aaron for babysitting)

Transformer’s 4- in theaters planned for June 27^th, 2014. If you guys go see it, look for the tiny little dot resembling an Asian woman in the corner of an office building caught in an explosion, screaming for her life and protecting her purse. That’s me! If I’m lucky, I may also be seen walking behind Mark Wahlberg in a few split second shots. Haha

I’m sorry, under contract I can’t give any details about my experience or inside scoops about the movie, but I guarantee that there will be lots of action, and if there’s anything you know about Michael Bay films, you will not get a shortage of explosions!

I met some great friends in all walks of life. Not all movie extras are professional actors/actresses! Most are everyday people with corporate jobs who, like me, occasionally do this for fun. It was neat to see how movies are made from behind the scenes, and meet all the talented cast/crew members who make it possible. I have a whole new appreciation for movies now, and will definitely be paying more attention to the background who usually get ignored. It can be a pretty tough job!

I found this picture that someone captured on the web (I wasn't able to take pictures on set). I'm standing right behind Michael Bay!

Photocredit

Ahh let’s see, what else is new… I turned 31 last Thursday. I feel so old. My hips are starting to hurt.

A Wedding with Kate Spade

Dress: Kate Spade 

(Pardon the wrinkles, it was a long car-ride)

This past weekend we traveled to Grand Rapids, Michigan for my good friend Sheila's wedding. 

The highlight of the wedding was not only seeing her get married, but also reuniting with a group of close high-school friends I haven't seen for years. These girls and I grew up together back in the day. 

We all went through the tortures of Chinese school together, battled through boy problems, embarrassed ourselves thoroughly with self-choreographed dances to the Backstreet Boys and Britney  Spears. I could go on for days about all the shenanigans we pulled back in the day. We called ourselves the "AsianJewelz". Yes, I can hear you laughing... but I'm telling ya, the AsianJewelz were the shiznats. We were freaking awesome. 15 years later, these girls are now all successful doctors, engineers and MBA grads who have made their presence known in society and I couldn't be more proud of them. I don't know when I'll see them again, but they've sure made lasting footprints in my heart, and will always be some of my oldest and greatest friends :)

Linking up this week with Plane Pretty, Style Elixir, Fashion and Beauty Finds

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Gingham styling when I retire

Top: Banana Republic

Shorts: Jcrew

Flats: Jcrew

Bag: Prada

So this topic has nothing to do with the outfit, but I think most of you have figured out by now that I babble about random things completely unrelated to fashion posts. That’s what makes blogging fun, I suppose. You get to do/say a little bit of everything. Today my random, nonsense thought of the day was triggered by a home visit that I made to one of my older patients last week who lives by himself. It got me thinking…

Have you guys ever thought about what you would want to do on a typical day after you retire? You must think I’m crazy. Maybe I’m just working around too many old people. Seriously though, our lives are busy now, but one day (for me, 35 years from now), we will have NO WORK to do. No deadlines to meet. No projects to complete. Our days will be free and empty…. To do what?

So I was thinking about this in the bathroom the other day how I would want to plan out each day:

My daily retirement schedule:

Wake up at ANYTIME! Lets say 9AM.  

Read the paper (or maybe in 2048 they’ll have CMR** brain chips that will deliver all information to us through wireless magnetic downloads), have breakfast and drink my coffee.

10-10:30 AM: Gentle exercising - Tai Chi (This has been proven to reduce the risk of falls in the elderly) or Yoga, if my osteoporotic hips will still allow

10:30-11AM: Shower and get my hair did with my nursing home friends

11-Noon: Watch The Price is right. This show will be on FOREVER…. And I will watch it through my CMR brain chip. Either that, or Young and the Restless, which will also be on forever.

Noon-1: Lunch

1-3 pm: Nap time! Yes, I love long naps

3-4 pm: Tea and biscuits with the ladies. Maybe play some Mahjong or cards, specifically Euchre

4-6 pm: Happy hour: Read my favorite books. Boy so many books to catch up on. I want to re-read all the classics, all the Stephen King and Michael Crichton series, maybe re-read the Babysitters Club. Knit/sew for the grandkids. Do my quiet-times/read the word/pray. Take granny blog pictures of the latest and greatest denture products and hearing aids J Yes, I will still be blogging at that time. Will you still be reading along? My goal is 10,000 bloglovin friends by that time

6-7 pm: Dinner

7-8 pm After dinner walk/stroll/exercise regimen

And here’s the best part:

8pm- Bedtime: Popcorn and movie night EVERY NIGHT. I plan to catch up on all the TV show series I’ve stopped following- like LOST, Glee, Grey’s anatomy, 24 and Breaking Bad. Just to name a few.

HOW AWESOME WOULD THESE DAYS BE??? What would you guys do?? I can't wait to retire. Golden years, here I come!

**CMR = cellular memory review

Linking up this week with Style Elixir, Coffeebeans and Bobby Pins, Plane Pretty

A business professional attire and Transformers 4 update

When choosing work outfits, I look for combinations that are simple and conservative. 

Suit top & Shirt: Banana Republic

Skirt: Macy's

Heels: Prada

Bag: Prada Saffiano

Some of you have been asking about what has happened since the Transformers 4 casting call. Well, last Thursday I was notified that I did get a part as an extra in the movie! You bet I was pretty excited! They gave me a role as a bridesmaid in a wedding that takes place in Hong Kong. Of course, this will not be shot IN Hong Kong. The background is set up in Detroit, Michigan and filming actually takes place later this week. The main leads are Mark Wahlberg and two of China's leading actors, Li Bing Bing and Han Geng.

I was totally stoked and ready to take part in the action! However, they asked me to come in for a fitting the next day (Friday) to try on my attire just in case alterations needed to be made. Unfortunately I couldn't just drop work, ditch my patients and drive 10 hours to Detroit on such short notice. They couldn't do the fitting any other time, so the role was quickly handed to someone else. The casting director said that she would keep me posted about anything else that would come up on set, but as of now I highly doubt it will. 

Once again, I have major appreciation for people who do this for a living. You have to be available, on call, and ready to go at a moment's notice. If you are unable to take the opportunity, it is easily handed off to the next person. From my limited experience, the film industry is surprisingly ruthless, cut-throat and competitive, where rejection and being ignored is almost expected. My brother in law is actually a professional actor (and now also a talented entrepreneur), so I've seen what he had to go through before.  

Ah well, there goes my big break. haha just kidding. It was still an interesting experience, and super exciting to know that I could've had a chance to do this. So, if any of you guys go see Transformers 4 being released on July 27th, 2014 and you notice the background bridesmaids... one of them should've been me!! 

Alas, life goes on :) Hope everyone has a great week!

Linking up this week with Suburbsmama, Stylelixir, Plane Pretty, Fashion and Beauty finds, Because Shanna Said so

An extra-ordinary experience

Although I adore accessories, I think there's something lovely about an un-accessorized outfit. 

Simple and clean. 

Blouse: Generously contributed by Lalamagic, more styles here          
Skirt: Ann Taylor            
Shoes: Ferragamo              
Bag: Prada Gaufre

An EXTRA-ordinary experience

This weekend we made a last minute visit to spend time with family in Chicago. The Grandparents really missed Grace.

I found out (through Facebook of all places) that Transformers 4 was having a casting call for extras in Chicago. They were looking specifically for FBI and military looking professionals. I freaked out… this is perfect!!! If I can’t be a government official, at least I can pretend to be one!!! Have no idea what I’m talking about? See previous post here.

They were also looking for extras who are Asian for a HongKong scene- women, men and children. I’ve never been to a casting call before and was so excited that I dragged the whole family to this crazy event. Poor family. It was crazy alright! Over 2000 people showed up on the first day in 100 degree smoldering hot weather to be in this movie. Many braved the scorching sun dressed head to toe in military wear and sunglasses, looking like Men in Black. They weren’t joking around I tell ya... it was the whole nine yards! Women wore 5 inch stiletto’s and suits, equipped with headshots and photos to hand out to the casting directors.

I wore jeans and a random polka-dotted T-shirt. I forgot my writing utensil.

Clearly I didn’t know what to do for a casting call.

The first day, we drove past the area twice just to see if it would be possible to go in. Negatory. Just the thought of standing in the heat for more than 10 minutes gave me a mental heat stroke, not to mention putting Grace through that torture. However, the next morning we went a little bit early. On our way to the building, we ran into one of the assistant casting directors and she asked if we were here for extras casting. She then led us to a smaller, shorter line where we actually were able to see the main casting coordinator. She gave us directions to contact her through email and essentially bypassed the entire process. What a relief, we were able to do this without going through such an exhaustive process. I don’t know if we’ll get a call back, but that sure would be so cool. I can cross this off my life bucket list- To be an extra in a movie :)

This experience has given me a whole new appreciation for people who do this for a living. To get a part in a film is so much work! Kudo’s to those who have done this for a living, it really isn’t easy!

In other news, I'm featured on the homepage of Modcloth.com! :)                         Right there! ^

Linking up with stylelixir, Planepretty, Coffee beans and Bobbypins

MY LITTLE PONIES

Top: Nordstrom Rack  |  Dress: From friend  |  Belt: Forever 21  |   Shoes: Tahari |    Wallet: Prada |   Necklace: Jcrew

Happy Tuesday!

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who left me such kind and thoughtful words of encouragement during my last post. It surprised me how many of you have also experienced similar heartbreak, or know someone who has. Thank you for sharing your experiences with me as well. I appreciate all of you with every ounce of my spleen :)

I know from far away this top looks like little itchy ants, but they are actually horses. This top saddens me because the material is so silky and lovely, but I have ripped it way too many times (on the sleeves) hence, now I just roll them up. Then the back ripped too. I feel like the angry incredible hulk- ripping through all my shirts with my throbbing muscles. Who am I kidding? I don't know if I'm just contorting my body in the wrong ways. 

I just wanted to wear it one last time before I donate it. Unless one of you would like to try to salvage this poor shirt? I have tried to repair it several times but I think my arms are too thick. It's a size XS.

Linking up this week with: Style Elixir, Fashion and Beauty Finds

San Francisco Love

Last weekend we were able to take a small trip to San Francisco!

A group of us gave a symposium presentation at the Annual American Psychiatric Association, so it was nice to get a free conference trip :) We treated the trip as a mini-vacation, because boy I can't remember the last time we had a vacation!
The topic of the symposium was: Eating disorders through the Lifespan, exploring diagnostic and treatment challenges through various life stages. I gave my 2 cent blurb on eating disorders in the elderly, hopefully it was informative.... although I did see a lot of yawns and blank stares during the talk. Ah well.

Wow, California sure is beautiful. The best part of the trip was meeting up with some friends (Alex, Ron, Tanya, Jon, Le Lan) who took us around the city and to the golden gate bridge. This city is absolutely incredible, filled with so much culture, variety, and breathtaking views. I wouldn't mind moving here, that's for sure! There was also some sort of marathon going that weekend called the "Bay to Breakers". Thousands of people dressed up in interesting costumes... which was pretty amusing to watch....until I saw the naked people.

Yes, naked.

Old, large, naked men.

NOT what I wanted to see first thing in the morning before my presentation. Boy was that traumatizing.

Needless to say, I couldn't concentrate very much during my lecture.

Unfortunately I didn't start taking pictures until our very last day.. so these were a few that I was able to get.

Embarcodero walk

Can't go to SF and not get Seafood at Fisherman's Wharf!!

My first macaroon!

Golden Gate Bridge

Day 22 may blog challenge prompt: Rant about something

I've skipped so many days haha, I have no right to continue to be part of this challenge, but today I do have something to rant about.

SPAMMERS CAN YOU PLEASE STOP SPAMMING OUR FELLOW BLOGGERS' COMMENTS? Your comments don't make any sense, we don't like them, so please go away. I say this in the nicest and most respectful way possible. Thank you

Skinny jeans: The Quest

The quest for the perfect skinny jeans...

Is it just me, or has it also been exceedingly difficult for you guys to find a pair of nice, comfortable, and well-fitted jeans? A pair that won’t reveal rear-crack embarrassment you when you sit down. A pair that stretches gently, but not so much that it feels baggy after you wear it just a few times. A pair that doesn’t have excessive material in certain places that manifest as crotch sag or hamstring flaps. Maybe I’m just picky, or maybe my body from the waist down is extremely deformed. Regardless, I’ve had a hard time. Then, when skinny jeans became popular again, it made my quest even harder! Now they have to be even more form fitted and calf flattering and ankle hugging and this and that…

That’s why when I do find a pair that is awesome, I tend to stick with that brand with faithfulness. These are the ones that I've been pretty happy with:

1. Seven for all Mankind

I can’t even begin to tell you how great these jeans are. At the end of the day, these are the ones that I will always come crawling back to. The length is perfect, the waist stretches to conform to a full, buffet- filled belly without popping the button. What I appreciate the most about these jeans is the material. There is a softness and durability that allows just enough stretch to be comfortable, but doesn’t sag after you wear it for a long duration. The color and fades are also very beautiful. It's the perfect length with flats and heels

Tip: Nordstrom rack sells them for at least 50% off, if not more

2.  Gap jeans

Before I got my seven skinnies, I wore Gap 1969 jeans almost everyday. They were the only pair that I had. I wore them so much that they looked acid-washed from all the baby drool, milk stains and dried stuck-on rice particles. They are comfortable, but the material is slightly heavier and thicker than Seven’s. Therefore, I found it less breathable… especially if you sweat a lot. The length tends to be longer, and scrunches on the bottom, giving it more of a grungy look.

3.  J.Brands

These are probably the softest and most stylish jeans I have ever worn. They also magically shrink your thighs somehow. Don’t ask me how. They just do. They tend to be extremely form fitting and tight, but with a great length…. Slightly too tight for my taste, but they do make your legs look extra nice ;) Downside: they are more on the pricey side, but you can sometimes find good deals at Nordstrom rack

4.  Sonas Denim

Now, I have never actually tried these jeans before, but they look really interesting. I appreciate the story behind these jeans. In 2001, the SanFrancisco based brand owner had hand-MADE his own jeans out of many pieces of recycled denim (kind of like a quilt). It was so comfortable and novel that it became popular pretty quickly. Each pair is hand sewn from over 50 individual pieces and has a really unique, innovative look. I have never seen jeans like that before, and I think it has enough fun and flare to enhance any simple outfit. Now that they also make skinny jeans, I’m really interested to give this one a try as well!

Jeans: 7 for all mankind   Shirt: Thrifted     Blazer: Banana republic   Purse: Prada Saffiano    Shoes: Ferragamo

            Which skinny jean brands have worked well for you? :)

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