Food Friday >> Thai House 530

My boyfriend kept raving about this place so I had to try it for myself! I usually order the pad thai at all the Thai restaurants because it's my favorite dish. However, after tasting how delicious the chicken pad thai and the other entree was -- the pork leg stew -- I really want to go back and explore the menu and try some other things. The menu has many diverse options and for a reasonable price $$.          

 Modern decor, abstract paintings, cool/edgy vibes.

  Chicken Pad Thai >> Great taste, not dry, lots of egg + tofu, noodles weren't crunchy or soggy -- everything was just right.

Pork Leg Stew >> Tastes like chicken feet from dim sum, melt-in-your-mouth texture, added fried egg + brown rice for extra, spicy dipping sauce, very delicious.

I will say though, since it was my first time, I wasn't sure if there was a lunch/specials menu so I didn't ask for one. However.. now that I'm looking at the website, there is one..and I would have appreciated the lunch menu to see what the options were. 

Overall Evaluation >> 4.9/5
Service | 4.5/5
Taste | 5/5
Atmosphere | 5/5
Menu | 5/5

Presentation | 5/5

Links San Francisco >> Thai House 530

What's Up Wednesday >> Easy DIY Valentine's Day Cards

Don't have time to buy a card? Don't even have a gift? Don't fret! Just make your own card that doubles as a handmade gift! The best gifts are always those that come from the heart and to me, it's the thought that counts.

Today, I'll share three very easy DIY cards that doesn't require much except some photos (of you and your boo), a pen, and blank cards. Also, these cards are pretty unisex -- great for guys and gals.

What You Need

-Some Photos
-Blank, White 4 x 5.5 in. Card/Cardstock
-Ruler
-Scissors
-Photo Splits or Tape/Glue
-Black Pen/Marker

1. Polaroid Card
This is the easiest card to make. Great for those who are straight to the point and love simplicity.

Directions

1. Cut the blank card/cardstock to 4 x 4.75 in.

2. Cut your photo to 3.5 x 4 in. and apply photo splits/tape/glue to the back.

3. Position/attach the photo with 1/4 in. border around the top and sides, and about 1 in. at the bottom.

4. Write a note about where/when the photo was taken and why it's special to you. Or just hi.

2. Weird Love Card

I personally love quotes. The one that will be incorporated into this card is by Dr. Seuss. This card is great for those who have trouble finding the right words/things to say.

Directions

1. Find a photo of you and your special someone doing something weird/outrageous/in-the-moment/crazy.

2. Trim the photo to your desired size and apply photo splits/tape/glue to the back.

3. Attach the photo to the front of the card and trim the sides to frame the photo.

4. Inside, inscribe the card with this quote: "We are all a little weird and, Life's a little weird, And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, We join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love".

3. Photo Strip Card
I love photo booths, especially when you only have a few seconds to change expressions/positions/props, etc. It really captures the fun/chemistry between two people. This card requires a bit more time, but ends up looking really nice and put together -- great for those who appreciate the little things.

Directions
1. Find three photos of you two having fun with different expressions, outfits, props, etc. (I sort of cheated on this one since these photos were actually taken from a photo booth -- but, I am repurposing them especially for this card since it came on a 4x6 in. photo).

2. Cut each photo to 1.5 x 2 in.

3. Using a pencil, draw two parallel diagonal lines in the center of the card, 2 in. apart. Then draw two more lines in between the two lines you just drew, spacing them 1/4 in. from the previous lines.

4. Position the three photos in between the inner set of lines. Draw the rings of the "ladder" to determine how much space you want to leave in between each photo (about 1/8 in.).

5. Darken up the pencil lines by tracing them with a black pen/marker. Thicken up the diagonal lines, creating a border, leaving about 1/8 in. between each pair.

6. After creating the borders on the side, fill in the small bars/gaps in between where the photos would be.

7. To create the look of a photo strip, you'll need to have the small holes/boxes on the edge of the strip. Use a pen to draw small bars perpendicular to the diagonal lines, leaving about 1/8 in. in between each bar forming little windows/holes. Don't worry about it looking perfect/same size/same number on each side -- seriously, no one will notice.

8. Position/attach the photos using photo splits/tape/glue, then trim off the edges with scissors.

Hope you enjoyed this tutorial -- comment below on which card was your favorite and which one you plan on making!

Mani Monday >> Valentine's Day Nail Tutorial

I was really inspired by the Essie Bachelorette Bash nail color and created this nail tutorial for you girls. Hope you like!

What You Need

-Nail File

-Base Coat

-Pink Polish

-White Polish

-Metallic Silver Polish

-Hot Pink Polish

-Pink Shimmer Polish

-Clear Top Coat

-Makeup Sponge

Directions

1. Prep your nails by filing down to your desired shape.
2. Apply one layer of base coat then let dry (I'm using the Essie Grow Stronger base coat).

3. For the thumb, apply 3-4 coats of a sheer pink polish (I'm using OPI Isn't That Precious). Then using the hot pink polish, draw a small heart in the lower left corner (I'm using Essie Bachelorette Bash).

4. For the middle finger, apply 2 coats of a metallic silver polish (I'm using Sephora by OPI Bring On The Snowflakes). For the ring finger, apply 2 coats of a hot pink polish (I'm using Essie Bachelorette Bash). And for the pinky finger, apply 3-4 coats of a shimmer pink polish (I'm using Sephora Hello Kitty Frosted Cupcake).

5. For the index finger, apply 2-3 coats of a white polish (I'm using NYC French White Tip).

6. On a makeup sponge, apply a few coats of white, pink, and hot pink polish in a horizontal stripe pattern. Then carefully sponge it onto the index finger -- you will need to do this a few times depending on how opaque the polishes are and how opaque you want it to me. It doesn't have to be perfect because we are aiming for an ombre effect.

7. Finish off all the nails with your favorite top coat (I'm using Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat).

Links Essie >> Grow Stronger Base Coat
      NYC >> French White Tip 134A
      OPI >> Isn't That Precious
      Essie >> Bachelorette Bash
      Sally Hansen >> Celeb City
      Sephora Hello Kitty >> Frosted Cupcake
      Seche Vite >> Dry Fast Top Coat
     

Food Friday >> Market Bar

I decided to come here with a bunch of other bridesmaids for lunch to get to know each other and chit chat. We ended up sitting outside and ordered from the brunch menu.

 

The outdoor seating area is quite spacious -- and I never got to see the inside of the place because I was outside the whole time. But I do enjoy the atmosphere -- being by the bay, watching tourists, bikers & topless runners go by, and having the cold brisk wind in my face -- typical San Francisco. I would have really appreciated some heat lamps though.

Located at the historic Ferry Building

Smoked Salmon Bruschetta

 

Pulled Pork Sandwich

Fish & Chips

 

French Toast

I ended up getting the smoked salmon bruschetta -- it was quite small in terms of portions but then again it was meant to be an appetizer and it's from a brunch menu so I can't really complain. The other girls got the pulled pork sandwich, fish and chips, and french toast -- the fish and chips looked really good so I'll probably get that next time if I ever come back. 

Overall, very nice place to grab brunch with the girls -- a bit pricy and limited menu selection though.

Overall Evaluation >> 4.6/5
Service | 5/5
Taste | 4.5/5
Atmosphere | 4.5/5
Menu | 4.5/5
Presentation | 4.5/5

Links San Francisco >> Market Bar

What's Up Wednesday >> What Shows I'm Watching

I love watching dramas and reality-tv shows. They're so addicting and fun to watch! Here are a few of my favorites and why I'm so excited for the new season! (Spoiler Alert!!)

Pretty Little Liars | Tues 8/7c ABC Family
This show gives me goosebumps and gasps every single episode! I am always quite confused and left with a million questions but I think that's why I keep going back for more -- I seek answers! The foreshadowing and mysteries adds to the drama and suspense, and certain scenes are scary but not too scary (let's face it I don't watch scary movies at all). I would love for the girls to find out who A is already but I think it's going to keep dragging on and on forever. If they don't find out something juicy this season I'm going to stop watching because the secrets/cliffhangers can only entice me for so long.

Glee | Returns Feb 25 8/7c FOX
I was really sad when Cory Monteith passed away last year. I felt really sorry for Lea. The show would never be the same and perhaps, that's where the show was headed anyway, something different. I remember when Finn said, "Don't come near my future wife!" And it's so sad.. that can never happen anymore. Sigh.. I'm excited to see what's coming up next, especially with Kurt and Blaine + Adam Lambert + Demi Lovato and Santana. Still, don't really care for the new people -- I only care about what happens in New York at this point.

The Originals | Tues 8/7c The CW
Everyone on this show is pretty HOT (especially the men). It's a spinoff from the CW's The Vampire Diaries, which is partly why I'm so into it -- I'm already invested into some of the characters and I love backstories (again, I seek answers). I'm not too fond of the backdrop of the show though -- New Orleans -- it's interesting with the voodoo/magic and all but it's getting a bit redundant. They're on their first season so I hope it continues and gets signed on for many more. Also, I'm very interested to know what will happen/change when Hayley has the baby!

Modern Family | Wed 9/8c ABC
I LOVE this show! I instantly fell in love before the show even aired! Although you never know what to expect, since there's no real plot or narrative driving the show, you can always expect a great big laugh-out-loud moment. If you can only watch one show, just choose this one.

Nashville | Wed 10/9c ABC
"Think you know Nashville? Not this Nashville!" I know this show sounds like it wouldn't be my cup of tea.. but it's so good! The twists and the turns, the chemistry between the characters, it's just so genuine. And the songs aren't too rootin' and tootin', there are some really pretty melodies. Juliette is really sassy and I love watching her character grow. I always secretly wish for Deacon and Rayna to get back together -- ah, a girl can dream.

American Idol | Wed & Thurs 8/7c FOX
I've been watching AI since the very beginning. Granted, there were times when I didn't like any of the contestants and did not follow the show -- but auditions/Hollywood week are always fun and it's my favorite part of the show. I'm a little disappointed that San Francisco did not have many contestants moving on to Hollywood this year. On the plus side, I LOVE all three judges and how they interact with each other and the contestants -- so lively, witty, and caring. I seriously hated the previous panel (not going to lie) and Jennifer Lopez is the only reason I still care about this show and decided to return for another season.

The Vampire Diaries | Thurs 8/7c The CW
I really like this show -- particularly the love triangle -- that's what sucked me into it in the first place. The cast is also extremely HOT. I like how all the characters are different and have individual struggles internally and externally. It's also interesting to see Nina Dobrev play several characters on the show -- I'm always so impressed how she can nail both personalities so well. I don't know what to expect from the show because there's always so many plot twists but most recently I've been totally stumped -- no idea what's going to happen to Elena... Will Caroline and Tyler get back together? The Bonnie/anchor thing is still freaky and weird to me.

Grey's Anatomy | Returns Thurs Feb 27 9/8c ABC
I am a loyal fan -- ten season strong! I'll always love this show but I'm so worried for the end of this season -- Sandra Oh will be leaving the show and I don't know how I'll be able to find a replacement for Meredith+Cristina relationship in my life. I still have not been able to let go of Lexie and Sloan -- what can I say, I dwell. One thing is for sure -- Grey's always ends the season with a terrible catastrophe or death or both!!

Scandal | Returns Thurs Feb 27 10/9c ABC
I recently became addicted to this show and watched every episode off of Netflix. I am always confused by the back&forth love scandal/affair by Olivia and Mr. Pres. Make up your minds already! The new season is going to be very interesting with the impending divorce and second term run for office. Huck and Quinn totally creep me out and seriously need to stop -- it's quite disturbing and in my opinion, unrelated to the show. Can't wait for more wine and popcorn!

Bones | Fri 8/7c FOX
Bones has just been renewed for a tenth season! I was getting really annoyed from Pilant, so thank goodness he's gone forever. I love this show because of all the scientific jargon that comes out of Bones' mouth and how Booth pretends to understand and then tries to reason with her with regular guy stuff. I'm excited for more Booth and Bones!

Keeping Up With The Kardashians | 9/8c E!
This is my guilty pleasure. Enough said.

Comment below on what shows you watch and what you recommend!

Links ABC Family >> Pretty Little Liars
      FOX >> Glee
      The CW >> The Originals
      ABC >> Modern Family
      ABC >> Nashville
      FOX >> American Idol
      The CW >> Vampire Diaries
      ABC >> Grey's Anatomy
      ABC >> Scandal
      FOX >> Bones
      E! >> Keeping Up With The Kardashians

Mani Monday >> Red and Gold Chinese New Year's Nails Tutorial

We're right in the midst of the Year of the Horse and I wanted to do another nail tutorial -- very similar to the other tutorial but mixing up colors and finishes. The cherry blossom design tutorial (with more detailed pictures) can be found here. Hope you enjoy!

What You Need
-Nail File

-Base Coat
-Red Polish

-Fine Gold Glitter Polish
-Black Nail Art Polish with Skinny Brush Tip
-White Polish
-Lime Green Polish
-Nail Dotting Tool
-Piece of Cardboard with Glossy Side
-Top Coat

Directions
1. Prep your nails by filing down to your desired shape.
2. Apply one layer of base coat then let dry (I'm using the Essie Grow Stronger base coat).
3. Apply two coats of a red polish to all your nails except the index finger (I'm using CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant in Lasting Love 180).
3. Apply two coats of a fine glitter gold polish to your index finger (I'm using Sephora Hello Kitty Liquid Nail Art in Gold Star).
4. Using a black nail polish (specifically for nail art), draw some branches on your middle finger nail. Keep the base of the branch thicker than the tip of the branch.
5. Place a few drops of the white, green, & gold nail polish on the glossy side of a piece of cardboard. Dip a nail dotting tool into the white polish (I'm using the Rimmel French White Tip Pro) and create five-petaled flowers on the branches. Tip -- dip your tool into the white polish after every 2 petals.
6. Using the nail dotting tool and a lime green nail polish (I'm using one from Nature Republic), dot some leaves on the branches and around the flowers.

7. Using the nail dotting tool and the gold nail polish, place some tiny dots in the center of the flowers.

8. Finish off all the nails with your favorite top coat (I'm using Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat).

Links Essie >> Grow Stronger Base Coat

      CoverGirl >> Lasting Love 180 Outlast Stay Brilliant

      Sephora+Pantone >> Elemental Energy Lacquer Gold Glitter

      LA Colors >> Black Art Deco Nail Polish

      Rimmel >> French White Lasting Finish Pro Nail

      Loreal >> New Money Nail Polish

      Seche Vite >> Dry Fast Top Coat

      Sephora >> Nail Art Set