Site News | Personal Update: Home From Chicago

Had to head straight to the city upon arrival in California, so that M and I could finally celebrate our anniversary together, and although things didn't go as planned, still found a way to make the most of the moment and discover new things, such as a provocative, unfinished Rodin sculpture and still dreaming of going back to take a glance...

Luckily, had a few days to recuperate before returning to the office, which involved endless hours of lounging to slow down the pace of things and lots of beauty rest to rid of the jet lag. Also had the opportunity to do a little cleaning and organizing with photos and am looking forward to share all the splendid happenings from the Chicago trip. Until then, there's also instagram @soulcallove to look back on.

And it's already Saturday...have a splendid weekend!

Photo: One

Eternally,
Rosie

Site News | Personal Update: Taking Flight To Chicago

Have always found it to be romantic when two lovers part and reunite at airports, and after last night's dinner with M, being dropped off by and saying goodbye to him seems much too bittersweet now.

Of all the things packed, my laptop isn't one of them, so things will be quiet around here, but there are always daily adventures to be had on Instagram @soulcallove.

As mentioned previously, here's to all the joyous firsts for this trip and the grand adventures that lie ahead, involving new buildings against old ones, walks along the lake and streets that hum the sound of busy-ness.

Goodbye for now!

Eternally,
Rosie

Photo: One

Site News | Personal Update: With A Passion...

A little sad for the lack of updates and sharing here, but promising that it will all resume hopefully by next weekend! 

Have been delightfully busy spending the weekend in the city with M, with a mix of the usual activities such as movies and meals, but there was also a little bit more excitement and change...happenstance that we came across a very magical carousel, so sad that we couldn't enjoy a ride since it was getting very late. Also discovered a little photo booth! We broke a record this weekend with having four separate photos taken of us! At last, there was dim sum and conversations over two bottles of wine with M's family and suddenly, Sunday faded away as if it never meant to arrive...

The busy-ness won't fade away, lots of overtime to be due for work events this weekend, and am reasonably re-considering my site's platform for added functionality and efficiency. 

Would be lovely to do more, create more and give more not only here, but elsewhere as well and with that, hope that you, also, are driven with a passion for all things beautiful, like a toss of crisp white blooms perhaps sitting in a vase atop your dinner table or work station, or in that neighborhood that you like to walk through...the air and romance of spring, hope you take the time to enjoy it.

Photos: One | Two | Three

Eternally,
Rosie

Site News | Personal Update: Two Years Together, Ten Years Total

Photo: Savady Photography

A little background about M and I: we will have known each other for 10 years a little later this year! 

Although I thought I knew M so well the first 8 years, a lot of those hunches and biases have been dissolved into memories of a younger us, categorized by youth, rebellion and naiveness. 

Like orphans, we never truly belonged anywhere or to anyone in the same manner in which we quietly belonged to each other in our earlier years.

It seems as if these last two years have been something quite like a rediscovery of each other, and, frankly, an opportunity for us both to let go of our preconceived notions of who we once were so that we can have something better, which is who we are meant to be, together with one another.

I have been the happiest love bird since the universe finally decided it was time to conspire itself, full-fledged, to bring us back together.

So, cheers to us, our anniversary today, and to you, M, my love and my beau, because life with you makes absolutely perfect sense.

Eternally,

Rosie

Visual Vignette: Perfectly Peachy

After falling into what seemed like an extended lull from all the celebrations, am slowly getting back into the routine of things, from writing many, many cards officially in the mail today, to dressing in his & hers & heels at the office - it's time to get back to the reality of packing for an upcoming move, cleaning a purposely messy apartment and a new weekend, soon, dedicated to to-do lists and more birthday and anniversary planning for M and I.

Though busy, have been taking the time to stop and smell the beautiful roses, as seen above from my parents, that sit in my living room, bathing in the sunlight creeping through the patio windows. The bright hue of coral these roses evoke takes me back to a surprise birthday party, which my dear sister had planned and bought a dress in the shade of coral for me to wear, and also reminds me of my love for such a color...in lipstick, in blush, in pretty dresses and suddenly everything just seems perfectly peachy as spring is now officially here.




Photos: One (iPhone & Instagram photography by Rosie) | Two | Three | Four

Eternally,
Rosie

Welcome To The Week: A Million Birthday Thank Yous

Arrived back home from the city late Sunday night, and although should have been resting and cleaning and sorting through all the festive supply, M and I continued to treat Sunday as if it were any other weekend, with a late grab for dim sum and his and hers milk teas with another lovely couple and after, lounging around in his apartment until traffic died down to come home.

But before Sunday, there were long days full of errands to run, late nights filled with snacks and fast food and early mornings dedicated to a happy kind of busy-ness, all for the sake of celebrating yet another year to be alive and to be close to all my loved ones.

There are many memories to replay since two Saturdays ago, my most favorite being the random late night dancing with M and am now craving to go out and do it again and again. There were re-connections and new connections made through it all with one and two chocolate cakes to enjoy…this year has already been full of many blessings, and am sure that there are many more to come. Thank you to all those who took the time to celebrate a month's worth of festivities!

Eternally,
Rosie

Site News | Personal Update: Looking Forward To A Fiesta

Happened upon the quote above some few years ago and swore to live my life by it since it captures the very essence of what I want to contribute to this world, what I want to be surrounded with in every second of my life and it seems fitting to revisit it for today, because it is my birthday!

Celebrations have already begun to take place and in just a few days, another mini vacation in the city, only this time, will be accompanied not only by M, but also with family, closest friends and sweet little ones.

Yes, there's lots of cake to be had (have already had a very chocolate-y and pretty one this last weekend!) and laughter to be heard while margaritas and augas frescas will be passed around to toast to a promising year of pursuit and happiness.

And if you're looking to be part of a fiesta too, then throw on this petal hued fringe dress, some metallic kitten pumps (because pink will soon be taking over the city!) and perhaps, a little floral embellishment for your hair to celebrate!

Photos: One | Two (unknown) | Three | Four | Five 

Eternally,

Rosie

His & Hers | Anniversary Gift Guide: Rosie's Wish List

Second to last event of mine and M's "holiday season" is our anniversary, and I'm brimming and glowing with love as the date grows closer. Personal preference for anniversary gifts are something that both individuals can enjoy as a couple, rather than gifts for each other. Last year was a black blanket to keep us warm while together and this year, due to fear that M will stumble upon this post, will keep private until the perfect moment comes along.

Here are some rather perfect gift choices for a couple's anniversary, all of which are very close to mine and M's heart!


Annual membership for 2 to The Huntington Library. Can't make it any more obvious how much I love this place! We love lighting candles for as long as we're home, this Ponderosa scent from Voluspa's Vermeil Collection reminds me of M. Our very first date, ever, was a traditional dinner and a movies and we've since upgraded to a more luxe experience at iPic Theaters. We can't seem to go back to regular places!

Sometimes, M and I like to enjoy dinner and TV and these tray tables are perfect for just that! Also perfectly multi-functional, could be used as a side table, a bar tray and more. Lastly, M and I are trying to be better about capturing life's most precious moments. This fabulously gold lomography camera could just be that motivation for us to take more photographs.

Eternally,
Rosie

DIY To Try: Rose & Coconut Sugar Scrub

As previously mentioned in the original DIY, substitutions can be made for some, and even all ingredients to make scrubs into your own - to your taste, your preference. So as to not confuse others with my added substitutes in the original recipe, here is an updated one for something a little similar, a little sweeter.

RECIPE
* White cane sugar
* Rose essential oil
* Coconut Oil
* Dried rose petals
* Jar (glass or plastic)

Mix together the sugar with the coconut oil and add drops of the rose oil to your desired scent. You want a consistency that’s the perfect middle between wet and dry – not too oily, not too crumbly. Break apart rose petals into bits and pieces then add to mixture. 

Can always purchase scrubs here and here.

Images: @soulcallove

Eternally,
Rosie