CLOUD INSPIRED

Disclosure: This post is promoted by smartwater. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author.

Lately, I’ve been going to the smartwater up up up lounge in the WeWork space in their Gramercy location in New York City on a weekly basis. WeWork is an office space that is rented to different creators and companies. When I visited WeWork the very first time, I remember seeing so many different conference rooms occupied by different creators, companies and entrepreneurs. I was really inspired and it made me realize that in New York City, every day there are so many people that are chasing their dreams right next to me.

Every week I spend a day there to do some engineering work, write up blog posts and brainstorm outfit ideas. The eye catching and pretty smartwater lounge was designed by artist Richard Clarkson. Do you see the fun cloud lamps inside the lounge? These cloud lamps have embedded motion sensors to create unique lightning and thunder shows while providing entertainment and inspiration. It’s also a powerful speaker system that can stream music from any Bluetooth device. This magic is based on sensors and code. What a great marriage of technology and art!

I recently attended a Lunch & Learn event at the WeWork space with smartwater’s design lead, Alex Center and artist Richard Clarkson. During the Q&A session, both Alex and Richard shared their inspiration and step by step journey to success. Success doesn't happen in a single moment and it is filled with countless small steps. Have you ever noticed the clouds on smartwater’s bottle? I learned that smartwater was inspired by the way nature purifies water, it’s pure and crisp, like from a cloud. Likewise Richard’s art work with the cloud lamps was inspired by nature. Richard mentioned that inspiration is everywhere, like your memories from the past, trips you took, small things you notice in life and the people around you. The talk has reminded me to pay more attention to things around me, even the small things. I will especially never underestimate the power of nature.

Alex mentioned that passion is another key to success. It’s something that gets you out of your bed every morning. Passion about what you do can create endless opportunities. I can see passion from everyone at WeWork. They’re not just trying to make a living, but trying to accomplish something much, much bigger. Really trying to make a bigger, better life out of their passion. Curiosity is also another key factor, always be curious about what you can do and explore different areas, materials and objects. Keep pushing your boundaries. It’ll make a huge difference. 

I found my inspiration. How about you? :)

 

This story is brought to you by smartwater, who believes in making progress every day little by little and sip by sip. That’s how you move up up up. 

MAXX LIFE

Disclosure: This post is promoted by T.J.Maxx. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author.

Growing up, my mom always advocated the idea of saving money while still keeping my standards high when it comes to shopping. Being a traditional Asian woman and having her own business has made her pretty savvy in many different ways. At her age, most of her friends have retired already, but she still works a lot and rarely takes a day off. When my Dad asked her to go on a vacation with him and me, she always says to us that she is too busy and enjoys working. I know that she truly enjoys it and she does believe in working hard. These values were indeed passed on to me. Whenever I get to spend time with her, every conversation we have, she still inspires me. I love her and I admire her so much.

Some Sundays we would go grab lunch and spend the afternoon shopping together. I really enjoy spending one-on-one time with her. We browse things together, ask each other’s opinions after trying on different pieces and chat about a lot of things in life too. In the past she has taken me to T.J.Maxx and has told me that I can find great pieces at great prices. She loves picking up clothes, accessories, bags, shoes and home items for friends, my Dad, me and herself there.

While spending time with my Mom in T.J.Maxx, I discovered that I could find quite a few fashionable items that fit me every day for work and yet still stay within my budget like clothes and bags etc. They are actually very stylish and on-trend. You girls know when it comes to style, I’m very picky and specific about what I like. For example, I picked up this work outfit from T.J.Maxx with my Mom the other day, which included a vest, shorts and a clutch. They were great bargains! The vest can elevate your style immediately and is good for both work and going out. I love these cute shorts, which are the perfect length, not too short, great for running around to meetings, going to labs and doing some engineering work at my desk. Foldable clutches are pretty popular these days, I love the style especially the stitches on the side and the color too. I can not just wear this outfit to work, but also can go straight to happy hour after work with this outfit. How awesome!

My last visit with my mom there, I also bought a sports bra, crop pants for the gym and some candles for home. We saw a few very nice ties, so I picked up one for my Dad as a Father’s Day gift and another one for Mr. SF. I can easily find a lot of things I need there at great prices and it just makes my life easier. Do you shop at T.J.Maxx too for a maxx life? :)

maxx savings. maxx style. maxx life

INTO THE BLUE

Outfit Details

Dress: Three Floor(also love this blue dress, this and this blue one)

Shoes: Schutz (also available here; similar style more affordable one here)

Earrings: BaubleBar(also love this one)

Bracelet: Similar

Bag: Chanel (similar here )

One of the best things from last weekend was that I got a little nice tan while I was in DC. It’s not easy for someone pale like me who is too busy to lay out in the sun for hours to get a tan. I have a little secret that I will show you girls soon. If you follow me on Instagram, you probably already saw that this is the dress I wore to a wedding in DC last weekend. You girls know that blue is one of my favorite colors. I'm so in love with this dress, especially with the cascading ruffles. The material of the dress feels very nice and the quality is great as well. If you are looking for something pretty that you can hold on to for a while, this would be a great option. Besides as a wedding guest, I have so many other opportunities and occasions to wear it again.

Before I went to the wedding, I was also considering a few other blue dresses like this one, which has amazing metallic lace details. There is also another blue dress that is more for casual for weekends and it's super cute! 

Happy beautiful blue Monday, loves! Wishing you a great beginning of the week:) XO

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