Spring 2015 Top Picks

Creating a collage without Photoshop or a more sophisticated editing program proves to be a challenge, but I managed to compile my favorite items for this spring. My mantra is always, "Simple and classy."

Part of the fun in maintaining a blog like mine resides in the ability to introduce readers to talented designers who produce stunning pieces. Ming Yu Wang aka Jennifer Wang encapsulates boldness and beauty in the small details--width of band, geometric shapes, material, texture. Often times, people overcomplicate things, hiding all raw charm. Ming Yu does the opposite, for example, by accentuating a rectangle's sharp edges or a circle's infinite smooth surface.

I would hope to interview designers such as Ming Yu and Jennie Kwon in the near future. As someone who enjoys learning about people and their stories, the journalist within me craves to venture out and help craft narratives. At the same time, a part of me does not miss laboriously transcribing interviews.

It's during these moments--at 4 or 5 am--when I ask myself, "What inspires you to wake up every morning and start fresh? Why haven't you give up yet? Why hasn't discouragement crushed your spirits?" Eternal hope. On that note, I challenge you to live today with excitement. For the weary-hearted, persevere and endure for a brighter tomorrow. For those with uncontrollable zeal, continue persevering and enduring.

Happy Wednesday, folks.

Seasonal Transitions and Transformations

Thanksgiving's just around the corner, and Christmas is just a little over a month away as well. The hybrid of autumn and winter air grows more prominent as we inch closer to the holidays. The full withdrawal from summer causes a shift in the fresh produce that we purchase--maybe not as much for us Californians but a shift most definitely occurs. To name a few, apples, pears, figs, squash, and pumpkin are in season. I love my figs, apples, and squash, but I also enjoy eating persimmons and dates. The dark orange and golden tints of their skin embrace and represent the season quite well. If you remember, last December, I shared a simple recipe to a healthy and scrumptious persimmon snack (click the link!). Chef Travis Lett truly deserves the credit though.

While I am not one to shy away from traditional autumn colors--orange, yellow, red, brown--or flavors, I also like to incorporate some bright, earthy tones.

My mom, who inspires me in countless ways, constantly teaches me the art of transformation. She suggested that we take one of our beautiful creamers, crafted in France, and transform it into a mini-vase. We grabbed a few branches from our berry bush and filled the creamer with them. The contrast between the glossy white and matte forest green adds character to both the room and our vintage cherry red oak bench.

Thank you, everyone, for supporting me and this blog for the past year. If anything, Petite Bites documents much of my journey post-college. My end-goal has always been to empower and inspire people through the simplest means without imposing high costs (I say "high," because time is still a cost!). I promise not to abandon you or Petite Bites even if work becomes increasingly busy. Thank you, again!

What's in Your Bag?

After traveling close to 72,000 miles in college, I've mastered the art of packing. The lessons I learned after a few trials are...1. to leave the iPod/mp3 at home (use your phone), 2. buy water even if you have to pay more, 3. and don't forget to carry a pair of your "go-to" clothes.

For me, a dependable journal and sleek pen are essential on any trip. Documenting my thoughts and adventures is simply programmed into me. Call me silly, but I'll usually never eat the food offered on the plane because they taste terrible, so I like to bring some snacks along--apple, nutrition bars, almonds, and maybe even a light pastry that I bought from the night before. And you call me silly, again, if you'd like, but I pack two types of outerwear as well. I'll switch into a simple hoodie so that I can rest comfortably on my flight and throw on a cardigan when I board off the plane. Last but not least, Kiehl's lip balm, a portable perfume, Sisley hand cream, and facial wipes are always a must. I won't always need foundation, but I can almost always find a reason to freshen up.

Sending love from Mumbai,

Monday Monsoon: Before Summer's Over

This summer, things have been--for the lack of a better word--unpredictable. Then again, as someone once said to me, my career epitomizes unpredictable. The two weeks spent in Atlanta are 14 days I would not exchange for anything else in the world. Admittedly enough, I was slightly overwhelmed by the overbearing humidity upon walking out of the airport. However, I loved every moment of my time in Georgia. I met some of the best colleagues, whom I now call my friends, during training and I feel blessed to have met them. While saddened that we'll be in different parts of the country, I do look forward to our reunion and our chats online.

LovePristineChristine

Sending monsoonic love from India,

Tuesday Thoughts: Tea and Cake

Birthday card

Mother’s Day prep

Mother’s Day spread

Birthday cake

Friday Fave5 and a Belated Valentine Update

1. I left a piece of my heart with the croissants at Tartine.

2. Brian Williams raps like a master (The Late Night Show)

3. Mil & Bird's deep royal blue tote (millandbird.com)

4. Pointed skimmer flats are the rage this spring and summer.  You can find a cute pair from Madewell!

5. Flare jeans steal the spotlight this spring.  Fashion repeats itself.

6. We're winding back to the 90s with style.  Flare jeans, check. Crop tops, check.  Zara's black knit crop top flatters all body types (pear, hourglass, apple), and they'd look absolutely adorable with jeans, skirts, and shorts. (Zara.com)

Esther_Lee_Letter

Happy belated Valentine's Day!  Whether you're single or in a relationship, I hope all of you enjoyed last Friday regardless.  In fact, there's nothing sinful about indulging in rich fondue as a single lady unless you're coddled by both decadent chocolate fondue and bewitching cheese fondue simultaneously.  Guilty enough, my family and I treated ourselves to chocolate fondue made with 100% Belgian chocolate and to a heavenly mixture of white wine and gruyere and swiss cheese fondue.  Tyler Florence and Nigella Lawson share recipes I personally love, but as an avid Nigella follower, I can't help but to show a slight bias toward hers.

I wish I could elucidate on the details of my pitch perfect Valentine/President's Day Weekend in San Francisco because every aspect of the trip was truly a blessing.  We left the quaint, winding city with a newfound fondness for two things--Gialina Pizzeria and Tartine Bakery.  Crazy to say, we--lovers of bread and Italian cuisine--willingly waited 30 minutes to grab a bite of both and left not a bit disappointed.  We concurred that Gialina ranks at the top with Gjelina in terms of serving fantastic pizza baked the right way and that Tartine's buttery croissants will have anyone vying for more.

Happy Friday!  

LOVE,

pristine christine 

Surviving Winter 101

{Fuzzy Pink Socks from Korea}

It's never fun having cold feet, especially on your wedding day.  If you haven't heard already, Winter in regions other than California has been unusually chilly.  Regardless of where you live though, the winter air gives you the shivers.  No one wants to walk around in marshmallow coats or thick socks.  But what must be done must be done.  In fact, fuzzy socks with cute designs and funky colors can commit no wrong.  Adorn your feet with a pair at home and pop a tangerine or two into your mouth for a dose of Vitamin C.  Thankfully, my parents have a tangerine tree, so I have the luxury of just visiting their backyard.

Tangerines

LOVE, pristine christine

Silent Night, Holy Night

"Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse."

Christmas Eve arouses excitement and anticipation as we count down the number of hours left until Christmas arrives.  When I was 4, I waited for Santa to come down the chimney.  When I was 6, I had already pieced the truth: My parents were Santa.  This never stopped my liking for the chubby old man with a boisterous laughter though.  Now that I'm older, the Christmas cards I receive through mail seem like gifts left by the dear old man.

Christmas morning started off on the right foot and happily ended on the left foot.  A food galore, really: nutritious yet scrumptious salad, perfectly baked and seasoned rib eye roast, wonderfully prepared roasted potatoes, glass of Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon (red wine), red velvet cake, brie cheese, raisin rosemary crisps, spiced apple cider.  Great company, lovely feast, and nothing but mirth and peace.

PEACH PECAN SALAD 1/3 cup Chopped Candied Pecans 2.5 tbsp Vidalia Onion Vinaigrette Dressing 3/4 bag of Baby Spring Mix 3/4 bag of Baby Lettuce 4 halves of Peach in Light Syrup

PeachSalad

RibEyeRoastBeef

RoastedPotatoes

Charcuterie

Christmas_outfit

Indeed, 'twas fabulous as our hearts sang joyfully and we dined like kings and queens who were carpe diem-ing.  But Christmas wouldn't be complete without some sparkle and wine (pun intended). I recently inherited my mother's Wendy B. cashmere cardigan (couldn't find the same one but managed to snag an image of something similar) and brooch, and I just couldn't resist but to put them to good use during this special day! Paired with my wine colored Theory wool skirt (similar but not same one below), my outfit was perfect for the wintery season.

I sincerely hope all of you had a merry Christmas.  The year's closure leaves a bittersweet taste in the mouth.  2013 was full of wonderful surprises and memories, and I will certainly carry them with me until my death.  An while uncertainty looms over 2014, expectancy awaits by the door as well.

Here's to you, dear readers.  I thank each of you for following my blog.  Have an eventful weekend, and I'll meet you back here on Sunday.

LOVE, pristine christine