West coast travels

I've been home for a little over three weeks now, but I was gone for two of it! For Christmas my family went to visit my grandparents in Portland, and we also visited Seattle since we don't go to the West coast that often.

In Seattle, we hit up Pike Place Market right away. We don't really have markets like that in Michigan. I was pleasantly surprised with the variety of produce (especially fruits) that I've never seen before. We also ate at one of the restaurants and had super fresh seafood.

Dungeness crab roll and lemonade

My mum and my sister and I walked around downtown Seattle a bit. We mostly went shopping, but we also stopped for an ice cream break!!

I kinda regret not getting these Jeffrey Campbell heels. They've definitely grown on me

Honey Lavender ice cream!!

I didn't realize Seattle would have so many hills, like San Francisco. I guess that's the nature of the West Coast?
In Portland, we made sure to go to Voodoo Doughnuts and Big Ass Sandwiches. I liked how downtown Portland has lots and lots of permanent food carts, unlike in New York, where they have to drive off at the end of the day. And not just hot dogs and pretzels, lots of South Asian, Greek, etc. food stands. I wish we had had the time to try a few more.

Finally, I went to Vancouver to visit my close friend Justine who I have not seen in a year. I had so much fun in Vancouver!! I arrived on New Year's Eve, so a bunch of Justine's friends from high school came to her house to watch the various countdowns. The next day, her parents took us around the different parts of Vancouver and we had a really delicious hotpot for dinner. Monday, we went to an Asian mall with a yummy food court. For my last day in Vancouver, we went to Granville Island Market, which I really enjoyed, shopping at Artizia (which there is now one location in Soho) and a Glee marathon.

Yakisoba dog from Japadog, now on St Marks! 

Baked Portugese chicken and milk tea.

One of my favorite parts of this whole two week trip was Uwajimaya in Seattle. It's a Japanese grocery store/market/food court. I loved the food there. The first time I went with my parents and I got Korean, the second time I got a Japanese bento box. And I had to stock up on baked goods for my flight home, and the biggest honeycrisp apples I've ever seen!

Sunrise in Seattle 

Beard Papa cream puffs!

Bulgogi Dupbap 

haircut.

Last Saturday my friend Justine and I got our hair cut. Before we went, we had decided that we were just going to get a trim. I ended up with a shorter haircut than expected, but I'm really happy with it! I think it'll look great when it grows out a tad, because right now I need bobby pins to style it, but I'm pleased overall.

oh what a wonderful day!

Today, I spent the best Saturday I've had in a while with my good friend Justine. Our plan was to go to the Murray Guy Gallery for my class assignment then go to Chelsea Market. Well, today also happened to be the launch of the Lanvin x H&M collection, and after seeing my roommate's goodies, Justine and I knew we had to see the collection for ourselves.
First we went to the gallery and saw an interesting, but somewhat creepy exhibit, and then we headed over to Chelsea Market. We each got two brownies from Fat Witch (pumpkin and turtle witches for me!) and then Justine got some breakfast treats from Amy's Bread. While we were searching for the gallery, we found that there's an Artichoke sit down restaurant at 17th and 10th ave! We shared the Artichoke and the Crab pizza.
Finally, we went to the Herald Square and 34th st H&M to see the Lanvin stuff. Sadly, all the accessories were sold out! But we each snatched up a dress. literally! The collection is easily completely sold out in Manhattan. too bad. I really wanted that pink necklace!

this year's birthday party dress perhaps?