Seared scallops in grapefruit shallots sauce

Chop green onions (for garnish later) and shallots. Shallots are in the onion family so I cried a bit in this chopping process.

Sauté shallots in olive oil.

Squeeze grapefruit juice, stir juice and white wine vinegar into skillet with shallots.

Season scallops and sear. I find scallops are most tender when you just leave them alone and flip after three minutes on each side, even though the temptation is there to poke and prod at them.. don't!

Pour grapefruit shallots sauce over seared scallops and garnish with chopped green onions. Perfect light protein that we paired with asparagus and basil garlic gnocchi (not pictured). The white wine vinegar and citrus tang of the grapefruit sauce complemented the tender texture of the scallops and gave it just the right bite.

My basic makeup routine

I get a lot of questions about my makeup so here's my first beauty post on the basic products I use. I don't know much about makeup and have a pretty simple routine, most of these products I've used for years. From left to right:

1. Lancome Photogenic Lumessence foundation - only used this for a few months but so far I like that it's light yet provides enough coverage, and makes your skin look smooth. I change foundations about every six months and rarely stick to the same one. Before this I used Dior HydrAction skin tint that was much lighter like a tinted moisturizer but I wanted a little more coverage. Also tried MAC Studio Fix Fluid but it was too heavy and caked
2. Yves Saint Laurent Anti-Cernes concealer - covers up redness without being chalky. I also change concealers often, I last used Cargo OneBase concealer, which was fluid instead of stick but worked well too
3. NARS blush in Torrid - I love this blush and don't think I could ever use another brand. The color is so concentrated you only need a pat or two on your brush for application. Torrid is slightly shimmery and a pretty rosy pink
4. bareMinerals bronzer in Faux Tan Matte - I've used this for years, stays on nearly all day except loose powder is annoying to work with sometimes (one time it fell off the counter.. the floor became very tan). I prefer Faux Tan for my skin tone because it's more brown versus Warmth (another popular color) has a redder base. I have combination skin so I like matte
5. MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack - also used this for years, it goes on very smooth and lasts nearly all day. I like it better than Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner, which dries out quicker in the pot and is $6 more
6. Clinique Superfine Liner for brows - twist application (no sharpening pencil hassles) and the thin tip gives you more control in filling in your brows naturally
7. Maybelline Great Lash Big mascara - $3 drugstore mascara, does the job

Hope this was helpful! If you have any questions, please ask in the comments and I'll answer them. :)

I never knew just what it was about this old coffee shop I love so much

Camel silk blazer from Hong Kong boutique, Wilfred tank, T by Alexander Wang sweats, Louis Vuitton suede flats

One of those days (there are many) when I'm really into green tea.. got a green tea latte, green tea macaron, and surprise(!) green tea shortbread biscuit. Inhaled all the food so please excuse the mauled mess in the background. Anyway, these earrings are made of crystals studded on leather, so awesome. But can only wear them for short periods at a time for obvious reasons. So I'm still in Whistler! Snowboarded today, despite the conditions looking bleak in the morning, the pouring rain stopped and powder at the peak was so amaaazing and fluffy like powdered sugar. Be home Monday!

I've gotten some comments about my makeup so I'll be doing a post on what products I use soon. If you have any additional questions, please ask away in the comments section!

When I’m alone you make me feel at home

H&M elbow patch blazer, Converse by John Varvatos scarf, Wilfred tank, F21 jeggings, vintage boots

Apparently H&M also released a tweed blazer with elbow patches that sold out fast.. bummed/on hunt mode. Couldn't decide between this gray or navy blue one, so when in doubt.. I got both. The fit is great and the elbow patches are darling, couldn't pass them up. Anyway, I did some personal distressing to these vintage boots.. by falling down a flight of stairs. I'm okay, thanks boots/shin guards.

Packing for a long weekend trip tomorrow to Whistler with like 30 friends. Crammed in one cabin. Sounds like a reality TV show ready to happen. Will get some good snowboarding in between all the craziness. Btw happy 1/11/11! Hope all your wishes come true today. :)

Thai flank steak lettuce wraps

Organic flank steak marinated overnight with soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil and seeds, green onions, freshly grated ginger, crushed garlic, and red pepper flakes. Boyfriend even roughed the cold and grilled it outside aww.

Prepare leaves of romaine lettuce, shredded carrots, chopped cilantro, and bean sprouts. I know some people don't like cilantro but it makes me absolutely weak at the knees.. I could put cilantro on anything.. chopping it smelled heavenly.

Some rice, limes, red onions, and slice the flank steak.

Present with a dollop of Sriracha sauce.

This was on a random weekday when we just wanted something clean since we eat out a lot. So we decided on Thai flank steak lettuce wraps, easy to make and deliciously healthy. :)

The sky might fall but I'm not worried at all

AllSaints Spitalfields beanie, Vince chambray shirt, Band of Outsiders sweatshirt, F21 jeggings, Nordstrom rainboots

Inherited this Band of Outsiders sweatshirt from my man who said the fit was off for him, lucky for me I like that it's roomy and soft, I just throw it on while lounging at home and add some pants for public appearances. Anyway, considering I live in Seattle I actually don't wear rainboots often but the day I thought they'd be appropriate it didn't rain so I just ran around stomping puddles as to not feel like I wore them in vain.

It's called the past because I'm getting past

Rag & Bone leather jacket, Helmut Lang top, Urban Outfitters eternity scarf, F21 jeggings and over the knee boots

Last year I bought a leather jacket that I literally wore until the lining tore so thought it was time to invest into a wardrobe staple. This Rag & Bone is perfect, I love the black soft pebbled leather, detailed ribbed sleeves, and the option to zip or button the front. Easy to throw on over this awesome Helmut Lang back cutout celestial dust printed silk tank.