Category Archives: Miscellaneous

18 January 2013

Twin Take: Our Vanities

Happy Friday, lovelies! Lar and I decided to mix things up a bit and instead of a Friday Link Love, we’re doing a Friday Twin Take. Yeah, that’s right, we like aliteration. And we like sharing our sameness and different.ness. First up! Vanities!

Lar and I are relatively low maintenance when it comes to makeup. Don’t get me wrong, we love our trips to Sephora as much as the next girl, but we both keep our makeup routines under five minutes. Efficiency? Yes. Laziness? Most definitely.

Regardless of our brief daily makeup routine, Lar and I both appreciate having a place to apply our makeup. There’s something so luxurious about having a dedicated spot to primp and Lar and I have both done it on the cheap. Take a look:

Lar’s vanity is located right by her bedroom window. Of course natural light is the best light to apply makeup. Too bad Lar lives in a country where it’s only sunny about 10 percent of the time (sorry Lar, had to make that dig).

My vanity is a five year old Ikea desk. I used my phone to take photos so you can’t see the scratches in the paint. Otherwise, it’s perfect!

Let’s take a closer look at each set up:

I love how girly Lar’s vanity looks – although I guess there’s no such thing as a manly vanity. Matt bought her that bottle of Lancome perfume for Christmas and the pink bottle is from her super fancy Harrod’s hamper. Do you see all of her makeup brushes? Lar is the one who made me realize that makeup is so much easier to apply with brushes than with the weird foam tools that come with drug store makeup and q-tips.

Lar stores the bulk of her makeup in a biscuits (that’s “cookie’s” in British speak) tin.

Instead of cluttering up her vanity with hair tools and products, she keeps them stored in a box nearby. Do you see how she has a GHD straightener? So jealous!

My vanity is a bit more cluttered:

I purchased the chevron tray and little cupcake stand at two local shops in Decatur. The full size cake stand was made by a local potter. I like to think these items make my table top look a little more pulled together.

Lar and I both like organizing things cups (see my white tea cup and Lar’s turquoise mug). I have two tubes of Rimmel concealor because they’re now only available in the UK. Lar brings them home for me and I hoard them.

I keep my AsianCajuns name necklace within easy reach because I wear it almost every day. The little bowl is a gift from a friend who went to China and the A to Z emery boards are from Lar.

I think Lar and I get our love of vanities from our mom. She’s not big into makeup either, but for as long as I can remember she’s always had a vanity. It’s a a weird combination I suppose – like having a big closet but not really being interested in clothes. Go figure. Are we alone here? For our female readers out there, do you have a vanity? Any organizing tips? Do you keep your makeup in a cookie tin?

So many questions to think about while heading into the weekend!

P.S.: Friday Link Love isn’t gone forever. It’ll be back every other Friday.

__________________

Dearest Lar,

It’s MLK Jr. weekend and you know what that means?! Volunteering on Saturday! This will be the second year in a row where we won’t be volunteering together, sniffle ,sniffle. I hate losing traditions like that, but we can start new traditions, like Twin Take Fridays, woohoo!

Skype date Sunday?

xoxo, Cath

Category: Twin Take

27 Comments

16 January 2013

I’m Finally A Warby Parker Glasses Wearer

Lar

Cath and I have been Warby Parker fans for years (p.s. the gushiness is not due to sponsorship — Warby Parker have yet to hear about the AsianCajuns — shocking!). Cath and Matt have sported their hipster frames for years, but I stuck by my over-priced, barely-there specs and contacts for reasons unknown.

Warby Parker have lovely frames (especially for those of you who like your glasses to say “LOOK AT ME! I’M A PAIR OF GLASSES” — my old wishy-wishy pair said “Errr, this girl would so rather be wearing her contacts instead of us. Harumph.”) and every pair they sell, they donate a pair to someone in need. Ethical specs?! A dream come true! So I bit the bullet and went big and tortoise-shell-y.

Here is a close-up of my new frames in all their stylized glory (with, you know, some silverware, a mint julep cup, straw hat, rocks, and brown paper-covered books to keep them company):

Cath and I love Warby Parker so much we even went to a party they threw in Atlanta over the holidays. To be honest, apart from getting to be with Cath, it was kind of a let-down. When I went to try on glasses in their party school bus, the Warby Parker attendant was kinda rude to us. Maybe my jetlagged swagger was mistaken for public drunkenness — not to trusted around delicate hipsterware. Anywhoodles, we did manage this snap before we skedaddled:

——-

Dear Cath,

My frames are so heavy because of my coke-bottle lenses that I’ve sent away for these ~~nerdy~~ awesome accessories so they don’t slip down my nose constantly. I’ll let you know if they actually work once I get them. I hear-tell that you can headbang, grapple, and run on a treadmill once you get these on. I’m going to try all three things at once.

Miss you ever so much!

Love and lenses,

Lar

Category: Lar's Style

12 Comments

13 January 2013

Hotlanta in January

Cath

It reached 70 degrees this weekend in Atlanta. Pretty ridiculous. I had planned to wear this outfit with a black turtleneck and boots before I realized how warm it was outside.

I recently purchased this Madewell top on sale on Shopbop. It’s no longer on the site, but there are still some great sale items available. What pattern do you think this is? I figure it’s like a mix between a giraffe and cheetah print. Or maybe Flintstones inspired? Either way, I love the top because it’s stretchy and roomy. I’m going to wear it to work with a pencil skirt and belted around the waist at some point.

I’ve had this purse for years and it’s been languishing in the back of my closet. I love how proper and ladylike it is and I’ve made a mental note to use it more. Have you guys rediscovered any good accessories in your closet recently?

Here’s to a good and happy work week!

___________

Dear Lar,

I love getting to talk to you on Skype – it always puts me in a good mood for the rest of the day. Actually, my mood was almost ruined today after talking with you when the Falcons almost lost the game today, but they pulled through in the last 30 seconds. Woohoo!

School starts back up this week so I’ve been really trying to make the most of this last “free” weekend. In addition to making you a pom pom garland (I’ll be sending it off shortly), I made this tassel garland for my closet, ~~ran~~ walked a 5K, made a vegan shepards pie for lunch this week and went grocery shopping to get enough fruits and veg for my morning smoothies. If only I could be that productive everyday!

I wish you could have been in Atlanta this week for the weather. Here’s one last pic of the sunshine just in case you don’t get any this week in Scotland!

Love you! xoxo,

Cath

Category: Cath's Style

6 Comments

11 January 2013

TGIF Link Love

Cath

How many of you watched the season premiere of Downton Abbey last Sunday? Lar’s mask is from a friend who got to go see the premiere a few weeks ago in Atlanta – so jealous! For those you who are fans of the show, take a look at this awesomely brilliant Tumblr featuring Edith and her googly eyes: http://edithwithgooglyeyes.tumblr.com/

When not engrossed in the gloriousness that is Downton Abbey, here’s a few things that we’re loving this week:

• Wouldn’t it be so cool to drink in Britain’s oldest pub?! Now which one is it?

• Ethically made clothing up to 60% off!

• The best place to learn some photoshop magic for your blog.

• DIY antiqued mercury mirror glass tutorial.

• 52 vintage dresses. One for every Sunday of the year.

• Goat 4 Sale: best Doritos commercial ever!

• Breathtaking travel photographs.

• On the to do list for this weekend. . . I’ll be ~~running~~ walking with Toby.

• DIY VHS case clutch. Ingenious.

• Period costume dramas tour. Yes please.

Category: TGIF Link Love

8 Comments

9 January 2013

New Year, New Job, New Bag

Lar

Happy New Year, lovely readers!

So what’s new with you?

I’m back in Edinburgh (way too far away from Cath again) after a lovely two weeks back in the States. I have a new bag and a new (thrifted) skirt. And a new job! Yup that’s right. I no longer wear sweat pants 24/7. I’ve been so inspired by Cath’s workwear these past few years, and I’m trying to live up to her stylish ways.

Do ya see me with the tights, and the pencil skirt and the accessorizing?! I also have a lovely new Kate Spade bag with my name on it (or close to it) given to me by Cath and my mama for Christmas. I’m all professional and stuff!

p.s. Is it spring time yet? I have to admit that post-holiday winter is my least favorite time of the year. Resolutions schmesolutions — I miss the sparkle and warm fuzzies of December. Who’s with me?

—-

Dear Cath,

You are my work-wear guru. I’m still getting the hang of it, but I haven’t touched a pair of “yoga” pants since starting this job. Maybe you should make a special trip out here to show me how it’s done properly. You know, like tomorrow. Wonderful! See you then!

Love Your Deluded yet ever hopeful Twin,

Lar

Category: Lar's Style

25 Comments

7 January 2013

First Outfit Post of 2013

Cath

Hello all! Lar and I are back in the swing of the things and will be posting consistently from here on out. We just felt that we had to ease into the year, you know? And what better way to official start off the blogging year than an outfit post!?!

I just recently purchased this orange and raspberry striped Maison Scotch top. It was on sale on Shopbop and exactly what I was looking for to wear with my orange pencil skirt. This is going to be one of my go-to work outfits for the spring. (I took off my coat while taking these photos and was freezing – all in the name of a decent blog photo!)

Maison Scotch blouse | J.Crew pencil skirt | Claire Vivier clutch | BCBG pumps from TJ Maxx

Lar bought me the Claire Vivier clutch over a year ago and it’s still one of my favorite pieces in my closet. She also purchased the ring and the nail polish I’m wearing. Isn’t she the best sister ever?

Two things I really love about this blouse: it’s machine washable and it has this sweet little bow closure on the back at the top of the zipper.

Have you guys been taking advantage of the post-holiday sales? I’ve only bought a few things and stayed within my budget, which I’m determined to stick to this year!

_________________

Dearest Lar,

It already feels like you’ve been gone for weeks and I hate it! When are you coming back to visit – or better yet – to stay?

I hung up the awesome tea towel you got me and it makes me think of you every time I see it.

I hope you have a great work week and drink lots of tea!

xoxo, Cath

Category: Cath's Style

16 Comments

31 December 2012

Why, Hello 2013!

Cath

Whew! What a year it’s been. 2012 was our first full year living apart. Being separated from your twin by an ocean for so long does not seem natural, but Lar and I have found ways to make it more bearable. I’ve busied myself with work, school, blogger events and travel (Denver and Edinburgh – duh) while Lar put down roots in Edinburgh, made new friends and travelled (Greece and Turkey). This blog has also been one of the best ways of staying in touch with each other and helping to ease those I-miss-my-twin-sister/best-friend-so-much-I-could-cry moments. So dear readers, thank you for sticking with us through our separation – your comments are such mood lifters!

Even though Lar and I will be separated for most of 2013, I’m excited for the year ahead – we’ve already started planning another family European vacation (whether or not we have enough money for it is a whole other issue!). But before I get carried away with posts about future hopes, travels and new year’s resolutions, let’s take a quick look back on the 2012 AsianCajuns blog. Below are the top five posts of 2012:

One: Lar’s post on her love of high-heeled Hunter boots. She still wears these almost everyday in Scotland and, IMHO, needs a new pair! Lar, I love these in Very Berry.

Two: My post about the clothes worn by the women in Aaron Sorkin’s The Newsroom. A few days after this post went live, someone from the company that designs the gold necklace that Emily Mortimor wears in the show (pictured below) contacted me with a direct link to the necklace. If you love this piece as much as I do and have, ahem, $1400 to spare, you can buy the necklace for yourself 🙂

Three: My secret to avoiding ~~really~~ bad hair days. Psst: it’s a hair doughnut. I still use it at least once a week.

Four: Lar and Matt’s beautiful wedding was featured in Atlanta Magazine’s 2012 Spring Wedding issue. To see more pics from the wedding, click here.

Five: Our Feiyue give away made it to the top five! Even with all of the entries, the winner ended up being a local Atlanta friend. If you’re in the market for the perfect pair of summer sneaks, I highly recommend these.

See you all next year!

_____________

Dearest Lar,

As I’m writing this, you’re somewhere over the Atlantic flying back to Edinburgh. I really hope Delta gives out free champagne to celebrate flying into the new year. Troy and I will be keeping it low-key tonight: dinner and a few movies with friends. The only thing missing is you and Matt. *sigh* I’ll never get use to you being far from me! At least we had a wonderful two weeks together. Skype date this Sunday?

Safe travels! Love and miss you!!!!

xoxo, Cath

Category: General AsianCajuns Info

10 Comments

27 December 2012

We’re Back!

Cath

Even though Lar and I have been blogging for about five years, I’m always overly ambitious and think I can keep up with our blogging schedule during the holidays. How naive of me! I should have known that when Lar came into town I would want to spend all of my time my sis and not sitting in front of my computer. So here’s a quick run down of what we’ve been up to for the past week and a half.

We both spent the night at my parents house (husband and bf included) on Christmas Eve and then woke up together on Christmas morning to unwrap presents. It felt just like when we were little – except not quite as early in the morning:

AsianCajuns Christmas Morning

Probably about 90 percent of the time that Lar has been here we’ve been eating out and eating in and eating and eating and eating and eating and eating.

Lar and I also got matching highlights and haircuts:

We took a family trip to Rock City:

We went to a Warby Parker party:

Ate delicious Peking Duck that my (cajun, not Asian) mom made on Christmas Eve:

Reminising about our bunhead past:

Lar and Matt are still here for a few more days. They’ll be flying back to Scotland on New Years Eve and I’ll be drowning my sorrows in pints of Ben and Jerry’s. I’m thinking Phish Food. But until then, Lar and I will be doing a bit of shopping, visiting with friends and more eating!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. Stay tuned for some quality sister time posts 🙂

Category: Uncategorized

4 Comments

21 December 2012

AsianCajuns Together Again

Lar

Hi Lovely Readers,

We hope you are having a wonderful holiday season and hamming it up with family and friends. We apologize if it goes a bit quiet around here this week and next. Cath and I are together in Atlanta for the first time in 16 months and we’ve been spending every waking moment (which isn’t long for me — darn you, jet lag!) with family and friends.

So we apologize to you for being bad bloggers, but send you lots of love and AsianCajun kisses to make up for it. We hope you are having a wonderful time with your loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Newtown, CT and everyone for whom this holiday season is such a hard time.

Much Love,

Cath and Lar

Category: Decatur/Atlanta, Experiences, General AsianCajuns Info

10 Comments

14 December 2012

TGIF Link Love

Cath

Happy Friday, lovely readers! Lar is going to be in Atlanta in less than 24 hours! I’m so excited I can’t sleep, so I’m writing this post to past the time. I hope you enjoy the links!

• The Warby Parker Class Trip is in Atlanta!

• Love the Ikea Monkey! Here he is as Margot Tenenbaum.

• A modern day Pride and Prejudice TV show? Jennifer Love Hewitt produced? Say what now?

• Anderson Cooper tries out meggings – not really, but it’s funny.

• A little tidbit of what to expect with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler as the Golden Globe hosts.

• Thank you, Refinery 29, for this lazy girl’s detox guide – I’m going to need it this holiday season.

• How to: Break in leather shoes

• Did anyone catch the Geminid meteor shower last night/this morning? I saw my first two meteors ever!! If you live in a city and another meteor shower comes around, read these tips to prepare for optimal viewing enjoyment.

• I’ll be tweeting/Instagraming pics of me and Lar tonight!

Image found on Pinterest

Category: TGIF Link Love

3 Comments