CHOPSTICKS

If you didn't know...I am Korean-American. I use chopsticks for everything when I am at home in place of a fork. Most people don't know this, but Japanese Chopsticks are slightly different from Chinese Chopsticks and Korean Chopsticks. Japanese are more tapered and chinese tend to be thicker and use more bamboo. Koreans are germaphobic, like myself and use stainless steel because it is dish washer safe, and a bacteria free way of using utencils. You don't see people using wood forks or spoons to eat, do you?
This is a great chopstick link for you to see some different styles, and also, buy some for your next Asian dinner party. I use them daily. I have stainless steel for everyday use, and then decorative Japanese for dinner parties. I like the mother of pearl chopsticks which run about $40, but the lacquered ones are cheaper around $4 each ( I find them harder to use). Check it out by clicking on the title above.

CB2 BARWARE

I am bored with my barware. I went to Paris for a month last year and was inspired to get rid of all my wine glasses with stems and use tumblers. Im' bored again. I have been flirting with the idea of buying the new stemless Reidel glasses but why should I? I am just going to get bored and want to change in a year, so here are a few finds...interesting design at affordable prices for someone like me that needs to change it up...often.

The CB2 are my favorite for the price...nothing is more that $3.50. You can check it out clicking on the title above. Ikea has a few good glasses too. They are the ones pictured at the bottom. Four for around $5.

PARING KNIFE WITH AN EDGE

I saw this on a Lizzie Garett's blog and had to show you her brilliant find. I see that she shares my love of Van's as well.
KNIFE. Its Japanese. Hand made and made in such a way, that reduces drag when cutting and prevents food from sticking to the knife.
Check it out. its on sale at Sur La Table.

SWIRL

Swirl is the new online sample sale site just like Gilt and Haute Looke that is partnered with Daily Candy. Its new, but since its partnered with Daily candy I am sure it has to be up to speed on designers and accessories. The format is just like Gilt, so you have to sign up and make a password, but who can say no to 50-80% off designer items when you are too busy to shop in stores?
If you refer someone, you get a credit of $25 too...check it out by clicking on the title above.

PLYBOO CUTTING BOARDS

I was checking out Etsy today and saw these really unique cutting boards made in the shape of different states. Only $38 and what a great conversation starter. Pictured above is California, Brooklyn and Minnesota. Great fun gifts! Check it out by clicking on the title above which will take you to the Etsy link.

MARC BY MARC ON GILT...HURRY!

OK ladies, read this and go to Gilt....FAST! Sale is on till tomorrow the 24th!
Bags, shoes, all more than 50% off. These items usually go for around $400, but The clutch is around $219 but the rest are under $199. Check it out by clicking on the title above.

FOREVER 21 FINDS

I was in Union Square the other day and I was sort of amazed by the cute woven tops that were at Forever 21. Its a bit ridiculous how inexpensive the tops are there...most tops are around $18...a few of them will be $30 tops.
Its a hit or miss here, but I like these tops. I bought most of them. Click on the title above to get to these woven tops. Also, LOVE 21 Contemporary and the Heritage line are the best ones. For the plaid tops, you have to go into the "HERITAGE" section to find them.

MAN, I NEED VANS

I noticed that people in New York don't wear Vans... like they do in Los Angeles. Jon, a friend in Los Angeles who happens to be in the band the Bravery, wore these super cute shoes to a bbq one night and I went wild. I have been wanting to get a fun pair of red shoes, and when he showed up in them, I thought he was the hippest person in the whole world. I love them. They are only $70. Check them out by clicking on the title above.

CITYGIRL LOST IN THE CITY

Such a big city, so little time. I have been having such a blast hanging out with my friends in New York. The last few days have been one cab ride or subway ride to the next.
As I told you in the last posting, my friend Eveline Tarunadjaja, an incredible illustration artist is in town from Melborne Australia and we have been having fun sampling the culinary treats and shopping like madwomen the last two days. She has an agent in New York, you should check out her work...I own 8 pieces and all purchased from her website...www.lovexevol.com).
She has done commissioned illustrations for Hurley, Billabong, Anna Sui and just started her own teeshirt line. BRILLIANT...she is. She takes commissioned work for all of you art directors out there...

SPECIAL TREAT. We went to Chinatown to my FAVORITE restaurant called PEKING DUCK HOUSE (on Mott Street) and met my friend Arthur Chien for a delicious lunch. I have not had duck as good as this place EVER....and the cold sesame noodles are to die for. New York Times agrees.

The day prior, we had lunch at Balathzar (on Spring Street) restaurant where we had the squid salad and the ham and gruyere grilled sandwhich. Pretty tasty. We made our way through APC and Steven Alan, then hit H & M and then stopped in at a friend, Henry's Soho studio. Henry Leutwyler, also an amazing artist. He and I have worked together over the years and his photography is modern, playful, and audacious, just like his personality. I find his no bullshit personality and big heart to be a big factor in why I love him so much!

Ev and I.. big night out to a really crazy Indian restaurant called Panna with Christmas lights all over the ceiling with Bollywood music blasting on 6 street down in the east Village for a 30 minute rushed dinner to make a drink with my friend John Schiumo for drink at Il Bagato.

Phew...

MOMA

I went to the Moma yesterday, inspired by my friend Eveline visiting from Austrailia. She MY FAVORITE artist and I have alot of her pieces. She is in town for a illustration conference. She told me to check out the Moma before I split.

I really love the architecture of the building. I will upload some of the photos I took there tonight but wanted to post a few things that I found in the design store that might be of interest to you. I loved the bright blue shredding scissors for $18 (this was something that Eveline got and I knocked off). The Knife stand is a great present for a cook, $130. The Chilewich iphone case was sort of cool, $40. Laptop cool feet seems good for your neck, $14. Finally, my favorite part of the design store was their Muji items. THey have there own small Muji section.