Easter Weekend

{ A beautiful day for Easter photos after service | Brunch at Toast with the ladies in LA | Bebe oogling at a printed dress from Opening Ceremony | Flying Bebe on the loose! }

Easter weekend came and went all in a flash, and we are now already in the month of April, which reminds me I forgot to play an April Fool's prank this year, bah. But seriously, where has the time gone? The start of a new month has reminded me that I'm going onto my 4th month of no shopping (buying myself wearables that is, I've succumbed to window shopping as a form of social and leisure fun- as fun as that gets). A quarter of the year into it and I haven't had the itch to buy a particular item. However, the desire to buy something, almost anything has become the bigger itch. My mind naturally justifies rewarding myself for whatever hard work I've accomplished. I blame it on the gold stickers and prizes I received as a child from parents and teachers for dutifully completing my tasks. 

This had me wondering: Does this mean I desire recognition and rewards rather than focusing on intrinsic motivation? In all honesty, I realize that little rewards are needed to keep us going in life, why else do we work for money? But as we grow up, there needs to be a shift in our values, because money cannot be the only reason. We were created for more than just a paycheck. I've come to realize that when we do what we're truly passionate about, something we feel is making an impact on this world in some way or form, we have the fuel to continue running the rat race.

Now how do we teach children to see it that way?

Either way, I still want a gold star...I suppose some of us never grow up!

Playing tourist in LA

Finally went to see the Rodarte: States of Matter exhibit over at .the Pacific Design Center before it went away this past Sunday. I had been wanting to see it since it opened a couple months ago, I have no idea where the time went! The pieces were amazing and the amount of detailing must have required tedious amounts of time and effort. There was an eerie aura to the dark pieces displayed in the first room, and the last room featured the Swan Queen's costume post-stabbing, as well as some other pieces from their line with streaks of bloody red. The ballet costumes used for Black Swan were soo tiny that it baffled me as to how Natalie Portman whittled away the pounds.

Rodarte for Target tulle lace skirt, Uniqlo striped tee, forever 21 necklace, Trouve heels from Nordstrom (seriously the comfiest high heels I've ever experienced, the leather is like butter and the bottom sole is made of rubber), Banana Republic belt, Longchamp wallet from Paris

Since we were going to be in the area, the Hubby surprised me by making a reservation for Mozza, Mario Batali's highly-acclaimed pizzeria. Did it live up to its hype? I think so. If only we weren't placed in the wine cellar room (I enjoy being in the daylight during the day, not much of a vampire), I may have gotten better photos of the food. But then again, it's pizza. But these people aren't messing around..the crust was thin, light, chewy and crispy all at the same time. I'm usually one of those people who throw away the crust, but I nibbled it down to the last bite. We nearly finished 2 pizzas between the two of us.

We also decided to visit Opening Ceremony in LA, since it was literally several blocks down from the exhibit. I had been wanting to visit since attending their Fashion Night Out event at the Ace Hotel. The cozy building resembled a classic housing complex from the mid 1900s or so. One of the workers said that it was once Charlie Chaplin's dance studio. I found that tidbit fascinating and was immediately drawn in. The rooms featured a different designer and the displays were created by the designers themselves. Some of these labels included Alexander Wang, Rodarte, Band of Outsiders, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Proenza Schouler and Acne, to name a few. Each piece appeared to be uniquely hand-picked and detailed in aesthetics. I think I've found my new favorite store, but my wallet doesn't agree.