Sunny Day Real Estate

Hello, it's been a while since my last style post. I was a lot better at the before, and I apologize. I'm hoping the next time I get back to Vegas I can bring back my tripod! And then I won't have to bother Chris anymore. We walked home after dinner; he was holding our leftovers and took two photos as fast as possible. HAHA!
Missoni for Target blouse (gifted from Melissa!) | F21 shorts | World New Zealand shoes | gold watch gifted from my mom | H&M purse

I wasn't in New Zealand when the Missoni riots broke out. This was a nice surprise when my buddy in NZ gave this blouse to me. She said it was more me. We swapped more clothes later! I love bold prints.

This blog has gone in many different directions. Today, I really wanted to blog about all the old music I've been listening to lately. When I was a teenager, I grew up listening to punk, pop punk, hardcore and emo. Today, I couldn't stop listening to Sunny Day Real Estate which is so fitting since I now live in Seattle!

Some of my other old forever favourites bands from that time were Saves The Day, Lifetime, Kid Dynamite. I want to make a 90s/00 playlist. I also want to share a summer playlist loaded with all the Brit pop/indie/shoegaze/nugaze airy music that I also love.

xo
jv



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Summer Wish List

Seattle is still hovering in the low 40s to high 60s. They always say that summer hits after the fourth of July. The rain (if you even call it that) is a slow drizzle, and I'm so appreciative for that. You really can't compete with the torrential rain of the tropics and sub-tropics!

We've had some beautiful days here.

This summer I hope to:

-visit our friends in Portland
-explore some secret beaches
-eat at the Honey Hole
-see a couple of Seattle museums
-find the best Indian restaurant Seattle has to offer
-explore some small towns in the Washington/Oregon state area
-more karaoke at Rock Box
-visit my family at least once
-Thanksgiving in July
-take a dance class
-take some photos on my lomography camera
-collect more 90s/millenium indie/emo music
-go on a ferry ride

I think all of these are within reach!

<3
xo
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11 Things

You have probably seen this all around the blogosphere. I've been enjoying reading them, so I wanted to join in too :)

Here are the rules..
1. Post these rules.
2. Post a photo of yourself and 11 random things.
3. Answer the questions set for you in the original post.
4. Create 11 new questions and tag people to answer them.
5. Go to their blog/twitter and tell them you’ve tagged them.

11 Things
1. I am really into (kinda obscure) music. I love oldies, funk, pop music, new wave, PUNK, shoe gaze, dream pop, indie pop, emo, hardcore, post hardcore etc. etc. Some of my favourite bands/artists are: Nick Drake, the Monkees, the Beatles, The Stone Roses, Morrissey/Smiths, The Exploding Hearts, Over The Atlantic, Junica, Cut Off Your Hands, The Pains of Being Pure At Heart, New Order, The Buzzcocks, Ryan Adams, Cut Copy, Saves the Day, Mineral, early Green Day, Third Eye Blind and The Zombies. Some of the newer bands I'm enjoying at the moment are: WU LYF, The Vaccines, Yuck and Best Coast (Want to exchange mix cd's?! Contact me)

2. Only a TINY FEW people know it, but I have a really crass sense of humour and get an absolute kick out of talking about extremely gross things with my friends. You can find me dry heaving of laughter when I'm hanging out with Christie or Jermee.

3. I was a university cheerleader, and I was on the dance team in high school. One of the coolest memories I have was flying on a private plane with the UNLV football team to Colorado Springs and Albuquerque. On another note, I am a huge Runnin' Rebels fan. Go Rebs!

4. I am all too aware of our own mortality. I'm terrified of death and wish life would slow down. I can't imagine living in a world where my loved ones will eventually pass. I am trying to soak in as much time with my family because I know nothing lasts forever. I hope we meet again in a better place.

5. I played the clarinet for 6 years and used to play the piano/keyboard for fun when I was younger.

6. The first concert I went to was New Kids On The Block. The second concert I went to was Bad Religion. :)

7. I treasure my silly, crazy, intelligent and inspirational girl friends. Before I moved to New Zealand, I had the most amazing girl friends. I am still extremely close with them and CANNOT wait to be in the same country again.

8. I don't really like living in Auckland or New Zealand, and I have trouble being myself and connecting with people. And I HATE that I have to cover it up all the time. It offends many people, so I never talk about it. I've had countless conversations with people about why I should LOVE it here and why the USA isn't as great(to them). We all have our own opinion right?! I respect your opinion; please respect mine. If we can't discuss the way we truthfully feel, we're only being dishonest with ourselves. I enjoyed the thrill and adventure of living overseas during the first year, but it's too far from home and too isolated from the rest of the world. I've also had some pretty terrible experiences here that I won't mention. I DO think that it's a great place to visit, and I will enjoy visiting again in the future. It is really beautiful here, and I'll miss the family and friends we've made. BUT...I can't wait to go home. If you're offended, read #4 again. Life is too short.

9. I have an amazing pen pal named L who lives in Brooklyn! We've been friends for about three years now. We met for five minutes in passing back in 2004, and many years later she read my blog and contacted me. She is my confidante and has one of the biggest hearts I have ever seen. She has helped me brave the past few years being so far from home. It is so wonderful to have such a good-spirited friend who you can trust and openly talk to about anything. I can't wait to get back State side and hang out with this lady. Ahhhhh!

10. I can understand my mom's dialect Visaya and speak a little bit of it. I know only a little bit of Tagalog, and I can speak very basic, basic Spanish. I would LOVE to be able to speak Tagalog and Spanish fluently one day!

11. My first cousin Paul Jake is a celebrity in the Philippines. If we were to walk down the street or go to the store, he would probably be chased and mobbed. LOL. Also, my mom's first-cousin is Filipino professional basketball player Dale Singson. It seems that everybody in my family has a famous first cousin. :P


Jen’s 11 Questions...
1. If money, schooling or time was no obstacle, what career would you choose?
Ahhhh! I would volunteer, be a graphic/web designer or novelist

2. What’s the one thing you look forward to every day?
Coming home to see my sweetie

3. What is your number one, all-time, favorite blog?
Ah! Tough! I've been lj friends with Keiko Lynn since 2004! I adore her and feel like I've grown up with her blog. I love reading all the old/new Delightful Dozen blogs. There are so many creative and inspirational women that have been a part of that blogging collective.

4. Biggest online pet peeve?
The jealousy, criticism and excessive consumerism that bloggers direct towards each other- For example, I read a girl's comment saying she spends some $700 a week on her wardrobe and would write nasty horrible things about other women who didn't have the "right shoes" or the right clothing pieces. Seriously??? She also didn't understand why some blogs were so popular. Drink up the haterade. Not everybody can afford to look a certain way, and if they did, and were successful, there's nothing wrong with that.

5. What is your all-time favorite book?
The Great Gatsby

6. What would your “last meal” be?
Wow, this is morbid, but probably pizza or Mexican food. YUMMMMM.

7. Do you believe in love at first sight?
NO. There's much more to it than looks!

8. What would your ideal Sunday morning consist of? Brunch, coffee, walking around the city, sitting at a park, reading, taking pictures, spending time with my husband, family and friends.

9. Why do you blog? I've been blogging since I was 18-years-old! That's over 12 years now. It is fun to meet new people, keep in touch with old friends, constantly be inspired by creative people, and it's wonderful to look back on things you probably would have forgotten about. I love laughing at some of the stupid stuff I wrote 5 years ago etc. I need to blog more. I really do.

10. If you had to choose one color to wear forever, what would you pick?
Red!

11. What is your all-time favorite band?
Ahhhh, the Monkees and the Beatles. Sorry can't decide on that one.

I'm basically tagging everybody who wants to do this! And if you do, leave me a comment with your link! I'm also going to keep the same 11 questions as above. :)

Okay, your turn!
Katie K!, Heather!


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WIWT: Red, White & Blue, Enjoying the City & Sunshine

It's a weekend tradition where husband Chris & I venture into the city for sushi and absorbing the good old city life. I'm amazed the sun has been shining the past few weekends, just in time for my style blogs! Chris has been so good at helping out and getting involved with this whole operation :) And his eye for photography is also exploding! Everywhere we went today, he kept talking about how the skyline or some little peek of the city would be a great photo. :)

First, we started with our usual pics in front of our flat.









walking into Auckland city :)


After lunch, we enjoyed our afternoon at Albert Park, spent the afternoon looking at trees, fall foliage, people watching and seeing other people also shooting style pictures too!














It was funny because a few people walked past and just stood there hanging out. Chris told me, "Who cares? Just go back over there and continue." something like that. :)



He also pointed out these three little birdies having a bath. I almost didn't even notice!



capturing the light









Chris <3 br="">





He's wearing a Ben Sherman polo, a gift from me. :) And his skinny jeans are from SM dept. store in Philippines.







HAHAHA!




Here you go!












Express top | UO skirt | Warehouse flats | F21 sunnies

Rent The Monkees House (Hollywood Hills)

Today one of my most craziest, funniest, most awesome-est friends named Jermee told me, "It's time to move back!! I found the perfect house for you! It's meant to be!!"

"Here's your chance to live in a slice of Hollywood history. Perched high in the hills of Beachwood Canyon is the quintessential mid-century modern gem. Lovingly restored and updated this 1600 square foot home has two bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths, two car garage and features walls of sliding glass doors to balconies with sweeping canyon and downtown views. In the late 1960s Peter Tork of the Monkees and Steven Stills of the Buffalo Springfield shared the house, hosting infamous parties with Jimi Hendrix, Dave Clark and others. Beginning in 2003, the home underwent extensive restoration, including a new roof, plumbing, succulent landscaping, new doors and floors, and a luxurious master bath featuring large steam shower with kohler heads, and jacuzzi tub. Perfect for couples or singles that require a stylish retreat in the hills. Contact me for additional info/photos or a showing."

Available now.




OH MY GOODNESS! This makes me so happy, especially that part about dancing on tables. JK!

I'll have to explain my Monkees obsession for another time, but ONE TIME, I met Peter Tork back in 2008 at a Peter Tork & the Shoe Suede Blues show in Vegas! My bestie Adrienne was with me!






This band! And HE, that guy just above, contributed to so much of my happiness as a child in general.

I had a crush on Davy but said I loved Peter, since my cousin Kristen liked Davy. I let her "have him." :) As I matured, my crushdom turned into a complete infatuation with Mike Nesmith, his mutton chops and beanies. Micky you were the true backbone and complete talent in this band! :)

Nautical Themed

I hope you had a great weekend! I spent Friday night watching the Royal Wedding. On Saturday, Chris and I went into the city for errands, window shopping and sushi. It's turning into a Saturday tradition. He took some style photos for me. :) Good husband.






vintage dress | F21 sunglasses | rosette flats from warehouse

I couldn't resist buying this dress since it reminded me of something Anna Karina would wear.

I have a new phone and I've been instantly obsessed with the lomography style apps. AHHH! I've always wanted a fish eye lens and the action sampler camera. One day I will have the actual analog cameras, I promise to myself.





I had so much fun experimenting with the camera! Chris had no idea I took these photos. LOL!



<3 br="">


Later that night we met up with our friends for dinner and drinks at a friends birthday gathering.


fall leaves


walking around the city






cuteness


band photo


Later that night we also met up with Chris' old flatmate at a party. We had a really interesting conversation about science, genetically altering food, innovation and the industrial revolution. Mind blowing! It was a really good night.

Hello this is me: JV

Hello dear blog number 3!

If you knew of the first one, you'd be embarrassed for me. Its locked now. Peacefully put to sleep! If you know of blog number two, then you're a good friend/livejournal'er who likes to keep in touch. I will continue to write there too! Don't worry =)

Let me introduce myself:

My friends mostly call me Jen Vegas.

I was born in Philadelphia and grew up in bright-lights-medium-big-city Las Vegas. Hence, me being liberal and free-spirited. Yes, there is an actual city/life outside of the Las Vegas strip and the insanity you see on television and movies. (Please leave your opinions and your generalisations about Las Vegas somewhere else, it's not wanted here!)

I live in Auckland, New Zealand (hence the Queen's English).

I am in the 20-something range.

I've been a vegetarian for nearly 10 years. It's a personal choice, and I don't judge others for their own lifestyle decisions.

I am obsessed with music. I can't handle pretentious conversations about music though, so leave your snark elsewhere. Not here.

I usually see more than I let on to believe. I cannot fake nor hide my true feelings about people/situations etc.

I love my family, fiance and friends to bits.

I love to dance but this rarely ever happens anymore. I love photography and used to be a professional portrait- studio photographer.

I love U.S. politics, in a dream life I'd work for C-SPAN. In another dream life, I'd be a clothing designer, but maybe instead I'll become a graphic/web designer.

I want to learn how to sew.

My favourite cities are Philadelphia, NYC, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Madrid, Montreal, Melbourne (That's in Australia! and it's a new favourite).

I have become painfully shy (all over again) living in a foreign country. My social skills are dwindling, but as soon as I get back home I'll shrug it off in no time.

I wish I looked like Sienna Miller with the style, grace and wardrobe of Jackie O, Twiggy, Anna Karina & Blair Waldorf.

Okay that's enough about me! On with the blog now...