I’ve had a few days to think about things that made me live, love, laugh this past year, and things that made me sad, hurt and wish I could be someone else. And with all that thinking, I’ve come up with some things that I want to dedicate more time to, focus more attention to, things I want to do to improve on myself and things that will make me feel like I’m doing something worthwhile.

Does that ever happen to you? The feeling that you’ve done shit-all all week, all month, all year? I get that a lot. Sometimes, I can’t even remember what I did over the weekend. So once in a while when I remember to, I write it down — the productive things I did that week, small things I accomplished — even if it’s just booking an appointment to meet with my financial advisor. If you’re like me, give it a try.You might discover that you’re not as big of an unproductive shit as you thought.

So considering that I not only neglected my resolutions for 2011 but totally forgot about them, I’m making life harder for myself this year to make up for lost time. Here are just a few (non-embarrassing, sharable) changes for 2012.

Top Shop Jacket | Winky Designs watch

[Photo by Jeffrey Hau ]

goals & resolutions

• Like everyone else, every year: save more money. I could probably achieve this if I banned myself from going to the mall. I should probably find new friends.
• Read one book a month. 80% self-development, growth, learning; 20% chick-lit.
• Keep up to date with news and current events. I’m so uncultured. There, I said it.
• Improve my Chinese by speaking it 24/7. It’s going to get ugly.
• Stop wasting time on distractions. Does it take you twice as long to do something because you’re picking up your phone every couple of minutes?
• Make time to catch up with the important people in your life — the ones you like, you care about but aren’t in your regular circle of friends.
• Trim the fat. Get rid of people who aren’t worthwhile. Life’s too short for shitty friends.
• Shave more often. Just kidding. No, really. I’m kidding. I’m not going to shave at all.
• Do as you say, or don’t say it at all. “Let’s go for lunch.” Really, we’re going to go.
• Love and appreciate more, hate and envy less.
• Stop saying “I don’t know.” How to do this, I don’t know.
• Make lists. Lists of things you need to Google, topics you want to learn, words you don’t know. Boys to stalk on Facebook.
• Be more active, more often. Dance. Wiggle. Walk. Just move, fat ass. (I’ve given up on gym goals.)
• Try new things. Get out of your comfort zone. Be awkward.
• Slow down, reflect and make time for things you enjoy doing alone. Not those things.
• Find your own way to give back… all the clothes you stole from your friends. I kid. Volunteer, charity, whatever it may be. It’ll make you feel good.
• Listen, learn, write, share. More.
• Do something every day that motivates you, inspires you, makes you feel accomplished. Big. Small. Doesn’t matter.

I know there’s a multitude of other things I’d like to do that haven’t ever crossed my mind. But I’ll stick with this for now. Sounds like a challenge. Am I up for it? I don’t know. I mean, yes.

Did any of my goals or resolutions make it on your list?

XO,

Danier jacket | American Apparel leggings | H&M kids sweater | Marc by Marc ring

Sometimes I wish I was a toddler so I could wear puffy tutu skirts, stylish little booties and cute flowers in my hair….. for cheaper. I already wear puffy tutu skirts. It just costs more. Except for this awesome metallic sweater I found from H&M. I was contemplating on getting the normal human size one for $40 or something until I saw it — the exact same sweater in little people size at little people prices. For $25, it’s a steal. Size 14Y. Not sure if being the same size as a possibly pre-pubescent kid is anything to be proud of, but I’m going to make a trip to the kids section every time I’m in H&M from now on.

Anyways, my initial thoughts on this before I got sidetracked was: WTF. Why are kids clothing these days so much cuter and stylish than it was when I was a kid? When I was a young and uglier, everything I wore matched. Red top, red pants. Jean jacket, jeans bottoms. Top with cartoon cats puked all over it? Bottoms with cartoon cats puked all over it! Maybe that’s why I was so ugly….

Here is just one example:

As I’m writing this post, it’s suddenly dawning on me that this might not be how all kids dressed in the 90′s… and I might actually be the only one. Oh gawd. Anyone else look this ridiculous?

XO,

Forever 21 sequin dress | Aldo shoes | Joe Fresh bracelet

It couldn’t have been better. My quarter century birthday was perfect. No, almost better than perfect. (Minus a few VIB’s that didn’t make it out, and some reservation mishaps.) I’m not usually the type to do anything big or extravagant. In fact, a couple of my last birthdays were so lame that I didn’t want to be there. Cereal. I also may or may not have been in the best mood… but still. They kinda @#$%ing sucked.

So this year being the milestone that it is, I wanted to have some fun, because frankly I think I deserve some fun. And by fun, I mean… VEGAS! Okay, so my posts are a little backwards. I was in Vegas for Halloween and my actual birthday. It was epic, amazing and I promise to post it soon.

Back home in Vancouver though, I celebrated at Charm Modern Thai which we turned into a little bit of… the Bunnie Bar. I’ve never had a birthday so, so pink. With awesome food, awesome service and a whole lot of ridiculously awesome people, it really was an awesome time. Well, I think so anyways, but what do I remember. ;) Get ready to be bunnie bombed with photos!

Your eyes are not lying. It’s Bunnie Bar in lights, by Danny Boy aka Dan Lin

Red velvet cupcakes by Steph Sia of Dolce Delights

The one and only, @chinsquared.

Gorgeous ladies, including @jenliu604, @RiannaAbadia  and @ko0ty

@KueC and @RickChung from RickChung.com | @DezChen, my best man!

And there you have it, the most epic Bunnie Bar party EVAR. Thanks to everybunny — my amazing friends, my tweethearts and the new faces that came to celebrate with me! You really made my 25th THAT much better. Loves you all.

XO,

PS. I made it through the night alive on my own two feet and a few spoons of pad thai. I partied like it was my birthday, and so did a few others. Epic.

My first day going out after work in Louisville. Due to the awkward pauses and moments of deep thought present in this video, I feel nervous for myself every time I watch it. You probably will too.

XO,

You read right: I’m in Louisville, Kentucky. Why? Because it’s only THE home of Kentucky Fried Chicken, the Muhammad Ali Center, the Kentucky Derby, awesome shopping and much, much more!

Why I’m really here: work. There’s a baby and kids tradeshow happening this weekend…. which used to be held in Vegas, but since last year, they’ve relocated….. to another, equally as cool, place.

So, I just wanted to say hi….via my bloggie cam. Considering it’s the first vlog I’m sharing, I should have probably fixed my make-up and put on a nice outfit…. but I just got off the damn plane, and I’m tired.

 Of course, the still shot of me in the video preview…. is disgusting. I hope it doesn’t turn you off, but if I were you, I’d probably be a little turned off.

XO,

Joe Fresh blouse | Love Culture tutu | Aldo shoes, accessories

Photos by Mark Montgomery

I was recently dubbed with the best blog award by Makeup Morsels — thanks love! — which came with a set of life pondering questions…about me. So here we go.

Name your favorite color: Pink. I’m typical. Was that not obvious?

Name your favorite song: That’s hard… but if I had to pick one: Sunday Morning by Maroon 5. Or maybe Someday by Sugar Ray. Reminds me of summer when I was young.

Name your favorite dessert: How do you pick just one? Apple pie a la mode, white chocolate brownie, lava cake, tuxedo cake, Diary Queen ice cream cake… desserts with chocolate, crunch and caramel. Oh, and ice cream. Condensed milk. And a hint of nutella.

What is pissing you off? The difficulty I’m having answering questions about myself, as always.

When you’re upset, you… bitch.

Your favorite pet: I’ve really only had one pet. The goldfish don’t compare to my bunny. I want a pudgie French bulldog one day.

Black or White? White.

Your biggest fear is… not finding happiness, to look back and regret.

Your best feature is… my ass. I kid. Smile, so I’ve been told.

Everyday attitude: plan ahead, think of the future, but don’t forget to live in the present.

What is perfection? Being completely content and happy with yourself.

Guilty pleasure: deep-fried and salty foods, spending money I shouldn’t be.

If anyone else would like to answer the questions above and share a little something about yourself, don’t forget to let me know — would love to read it!

XO,