Hermes Birkin Alternatives

Just like everybody else, I absolutely adore the Hermes Birkin tote.  Celebrities can own one in just about every color without denting their wallets, whereas people like us can only dream of carrying one.  Have no fear!  There are so many cheaper alternatives out there that are still classy and chic.

I opted for this Tribeca leather tote by Calvin Klein.  It retails for about $300 but I snatched it on eBay, brand new, for less than $100.  Definitely one of my best finds yet!

 

You may also go with this tote by Michael Kors, which retails for about $300 as well.  The only thing that turns me off about this tote is the imitation lock on it.  It really serves no purpose other than adding some extra weight to an already heavy bag, or a to-be heavy bag.  If I had to choose, I'd go with the jelly one, which I find much cuter.  It's so vibrant and makes a perfect summer bag!

Cole Haan may be a wee bit pricier, but they've got a handful of nice totes also! They're definitely worth the money because their products are made of fine quality.

Now if you're really broke and want to have some fun, you may opt for this canvas tote by Thursday Friday.  They come in Balenciaga too!  LOL.  I might actually grab myself one just to satisfy my desire to own one.  With a squint of the eyes, nobody would be able to tell!

Birthday with a Foodie Girlfriend!

It was my boyfriend's birthday a few days ago, a good excuse to eat!! The fatty foodie girlfriend that I am ensured that his birthday was loaded with food! Because his bday fell on a weekday and we were both exhausted from work, we decided to celebrate on the weekend. Ofcourse, with the fat mindset that I have, I'm not going to let the night of his actual bday pass without some cake and take-out! Living Social coincidentally had a deal @ Haagen Dazs a couple of days before his bday: $15 for $30 ice cream cake! I had no clue that I can custom order a cake =( so I grabbed one that was readily made. Fortunately it was still good, with chocolate, strawberry and vanilla flavors, topped with frozen strawberries and Oreos. They also gave me a $5 gift card so I'm gonna order myself a coffee & chocolate cake next time! Woohoo

Came in a nice big box!

Looks like it's missing an Oreo ... or was it stolen? >=)

As for the take-out, I grabbed some grilled chicken over rice at Paris Sandwich, one of my favorite food spots in Chinatown!  They make the best chicken over the best short grain rice!  Oh, can't forget their green tea waffles ... delish!  They raised the price from a buck to $1.25, but still worth it!

They sure give a lot of chicken!

And as for the weekend celebration, we celebrated at Bayridge Sushi in Brooklyn.  Yes, yes, I know ... it was another coupon from Living Social.  I'm frugal, what can I say?  Anywho, we use to go to their old location once in a while for their all-you-can eat sushi.  We never made time for it ever since they moved to their new spot, so it was kind of nice eating at this roomier, romantic and hipper restaurant.  The fresh sashimi I ordered left me speechless because it was so buttery and melts-in-your-mouth!  My boyfriend ordered an udon noodle soup, which came in a bowl that I am on the lookout for!  I need to own that bowl!

Where can I get this bowl?

Eel avocado roll with oyster tempura roll

My entree: Sashimi with brown rice

Yeah so that was an extended birthday celebration with lots of food.  That's for being with a fatty foodie girlfriend!

Chef Paul

I know it's been a week since Top Chef Season 9 finale aired, but damn am I happy for Paul! I would be lying if I said that it has nothing to do with him being Asian, but I do have to say, he's got some major culinary talent! His dishes were so innovative and the Asian themed dishes for the finale had me salivating, especially the coconut ice cream!  So yay to Paul! Have to admit though that I've had the hots for Chris Crary all along ... hahaha. He's just so "pretty" like Grayson would say!

Baby Blue Obsession!!

OH EM GEE! I've always been hugely obsessed with light shades of blue (baby blue, pastel blue, sky blue, whatever you want to call it!). The feeling baby blue gives me is indescribable. It's almost as powerful as sitting by the water, under a clear blue sky. So serene and calming. When faced with a purchase of an item that comes in multiple colors, I almost always go with baby blue, if available. The only reason why I don't is the fact that I own way too many baby blue items!  For some variety, I am forced to go with something else =(.

For this reason, I absolutely love Martha Stewart's kitchen collection. Those of you who have taken a stroll through Macy's cellar know exactly what I am talking about! She has food processors, blenders, baking mats, cutting boards, colanders, mixing bowls, etc in light shades of blue!  The color is so pleasing to the eye!  Just imagine being able to cook and bake with them!

The main reason why I am dedicating this post to Martha Stewart is because she just premiered her Office Collection at Staples!  OH EM GEE!  I am so excited to make my first purchase of her baby blue office item.  This is troubling because my dream room (office or bed room, which?) will contain baby blue painted walls ... what the hell am I gonna do with all these same colored items?

Just adorable...

I am overly hooked.  Help!

Guess Who's Bizzack?!

HELLOOOOOOO EVERYBODYYYYY!!  Guess who's bizzackk?

The long awaited day has come.  I've passed all four sections of my CPA Exam and am free to do whatever I'd like, whenever I'd like again!  The dork and fatty that I am decided that this would be to write an entry on my neglected food blog.  *Snort

Until April 15th, I really don't have that much free time on my hands.  It's tax season and work hours have been crazy, so I haven't had the time nor energy to make exciting food.  However, today is Funday Sunday, my only day off, so I tried out an udon recipe that's been sitting on my list of "to try" recipes. It was delish!  Reminds me of stir-fried udon entrees that I've ordered from Japanese restaurants.  Well, for those of you who are interested, the recipe can be found here.  And now for my culinary work of art ... dun dun dun!!

 

Bed time!  Tax season, yay!