One of my new year resolution is learning how to cook Chinese food.  I've made a couple of dishes so far and they turned out good!  Last night I made dumplings and braised pork belly, both came out pretty delicious!  Not a bad new year resolution to put on the list at all!  

My recent lamp project started with this vintage lamp I bought for quite cheap.

I have had this pottery barn shade for years and it sat in my garage for quite a while.  To give an idea of how tall this lamp is, the shade was meant for a floor lamp, but looked like the appropriate size for this table lamp.

About $8 worth of fabric later...

I now have a major stunner in my living room!

From time to time when I cook dinner for my doggies, I will cook something for myself too on the other stove.  I threw some bacon bits, green beans and potato in the pan and boiled everything until the liquid evaporated and the veggie and potatoes were done, added a bit seasoning and soy sauce and dinner is ready.

My spur of the moment creation actually turned out pretty good, I think I will add this one to my own recipes from now on.

Recently I found this pink vintage glass lamp, it has delicate painted flowers and costed only $30, however some work is needed to bring it to working order.

I temporarily borrowed a finial and harp from another lamp and put a new shade on it to see how things turned out... I really like the end result.

Next step is to get the lamp professionally re-wired as it's always good to be on the safe side when buying and using vintage lamps.  The shade is from Hobby Lobby and at half off sale it was less than $20.  I still need to outfit the lamp with its own harp and finial, the small costs here and there do add up, but so far I think it's a worthy investment.

I mean check out the detail on this lamp, it's so unique and in person it has a incredible presence and creates quite a magical ambiance.   I'm always really proud of myself when I find good style and a awesome deal!

Usually after work I cannot wait to get home and snuggle up to my pupsters,  I go straight home unless I'm out of ingredients to cook dog dinner, then I would make a quick stop at the grocery store. After dinner, if the meal was extra tasty, Kelly would get into a really good mood, and she would pick up a plush toy and dances around and tries to get my attention.  It's one of my favorite thing to watch, since she is usually not interested in toys, it's just super cute!

I would say having a little dog definitely makes a home more wholesome, it's not for everyone for sure, but if patience and long term commitment is in the picture, there's nothing better than having a little fury friend to share your home with you!

A fun day spent exploring Huntington Beach, there is a lot out there that I really have no clue even though I've lived in OC for the past six years.  There are some really beautiful places and secret hide outs and sometimes you just need a good friend to show you around. 

I like to go through vintage shops for furniture and home accessories, and on occasions I actually do spot amazing deals. 

I found this solid wood side table over the weekend at a well curated vintage shop, it was exactly what I was looking for! Not only was the price incredible, you simply cannot find stuff like this made new anymore, so gladly this little table got loaded onto my trunk and went home with me.

I wanted to freshen up the look of my home, aside from the exterior of my house badly needs a new coat of paint, an update on the interior is very much needed as well.  I basically have no budget so whenever I can add or remove a piece here and there I grab the chance to do it.  Buying actual furniture from a real store is sorts of out of the picture but there was no love lost since I hardly like anything new these days.

I do enjoy the thrill of finding the perfect piece that fits just right and is also affordable, and just happens that this approach is slowly giving my home that vintage look I wanted after all! 

Sunday was spent watching chick flicks with my puppies, went for some vintage shopping and ate delicious cuban food.  I really feel recharged and refreshed after some good rest.

And of course, when you have puppies you find silly things like bunnies and pink tennis balls on the couch, it's like a little kiss right on my heart!  

In my family room I have a panel of French windows that lets in plenty of light, I had to add a set of curtains for some privacy but it was the perfect place for plants.  Over time it also became a place for my crystal collection, candles and incense, and just a general feel good place.

It's really hard to describe but I come home from a stressful day and the soothing light and smell of candles and incense really helps me to relax, it just burns away the outside noise and helps me focus and stay calm.  In my new year resolution this is the year that I pay more attention to personal wellness and I'm suppose to meditate, exercise and eat healthy, in any case, if non of that is accomplished at year end, at least this little table spread is pretty. 

I bought this perfume as a new year gift to myself, but since I've been so busy, it just sat on my desk for a whole week and I didn't even had the time to look at it.  Finally today I opened the package and realize that it was absolutely amazing!  I bought something similar last year for a friend of mine but decided it was too expensive to use for myself, so this year I splurged a little and decided to go for it!

It really lifted my spirit as I've had a couple of very rough days at work and really needed a little something "nice" in my life!  A little spray and all the stressful thoughts on my mind all flew out the window, it really pulled my mind back into focusing on the good and positive things in my own life.  

Fie Fie's first picture of 2017!  He politely requested that I gave him my bunny as his toy so he got it!