{Café Lotus}

 {325 Old Newport Blvd # 1, Newport Beach, CA 92663}

Looking for a genuine Vietnamese restaurant in the Costa Mesa/Newport area? Well look no further, because I have recently stumbled upon a hidden gem, Café Lotus, right on the border of Costa Mesa and Newport Beach.

The restaurant not only offers flavorful, authentic Vietnamese cuisine, with a French café touch, but also has a homey, family atmosphere. The waiters are very cordial, and the owner(a quaint older Vietnamese woman) is so warm and welcoming...reminds me of visiting my grandma's house for lunch! 

If you're craving a dish other than the traditional Vietnamese noodle soup, Phở , I would try Bún, vermicelli noodles, garnished with grilled meat or egg rolls(pictured above-grilled pork left, egg rolls right. It's like a noodle salad, and the dressing is fish sauce(add garlic chili for a little more spice)that will definitely add some twangy tastes to your tongue! They also make fresh Bánh Bao, a steamed dumpling bun filled with meat and eggs, it is literally steaming as you bite into it!

Free WIFI is also provided, so if you ever want to sip on french drip iced coffee, Café Sua Da(my fave...a fantastic fusion of rich french roast coffee and sweet condensed milk) and surf the net while lounging on their couches...Cafe Lotus is the place to go!

{85°C Bakery Cafe}

 

{ Diamond Jamboree Shopping Center 2700 Alton Parkway, Suite # 123, Irvine, CA, 92606}

Before flying out to China, I met up with my very good friend Trang and we headed over to the much talked about 85°C Bakery Cafe in Irvine to grab a drink and bite to eat. This highly hyped about bakery cafe usually has a line forming out the door and into the parking lot, and Friday, mid day, was no different. But, the wait was well worth it! 

As we walked through the doors, we happily grabbed a tray and tongs to pick from their freshly baked assortment of rolls and pastries. The bakers were popping out baked goods like there was no tomorrow...they constantly replenished the display cases with warm, billowy rolls and pastries. 

If you think that sounds good, you should check out the refrigerated cake display case which contains everything from jello fruit parfaits to chocolate or strawberry mousse cakes. I love their milk teas, but the sea salt coffee is a customer favorite...the perfect blend of savory & sweet. And the prices are beyond reasonable! The next time you're in Irvine, make sure to stop by 85°!

{Pretty Pillows}

 {Shann Spishak Art Studio}

Make a statement with printed text pillows! While perusing through the Etsy site, I stumbled upon the playful pillow & painted world of Shann Spishak. Her original pillow designs are simple, yet chic and compliment any room in your home!

I'm going to be flying out to Beijing, China tomorrow! So while I was packing, I started thinking about what I would wear for my 12-hour flight and I decided to go with a modal tank, light sweater, scarf, a pair of leggings, and suede knee-high boots. Who says that you have to dress frumpy to be comfortable during a plane flight. Here are a few comfy, but chic pieces to inspire your next travel outfit resulting in an enjoyable and relaxing trip!

Check out this feature by the NYTimes for smart packing tips.

Jet Set by amandanguyen

T by Alexander Wang stretch tank
$130 - net-a-porter.com

TopShop knit cardigan
$76 - topshop.com

DKNY legging
$95 - net-a-porter.com

Cole Haan black knee high boot
$197 - bluefly.com

Kate Spade crossbody handbag
$295 - zappos.com

Kanupriya cluster necklace
$295 - calypsostbarth.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors gold plated watch
$195 - bloomingdales.com

Drakes London Florette Scarf

$195 - barneys.com

{Fiesta in 15}

 

 {Romain Hearts, Cheddar Cheese, Tapatio Sauce, Salsa, Taco Shells, Ground Beef, & Lawry's Taco Meat Seasoning}

 

 {Pull romaine leaves apart, lay flat, & make 1/4 inch cuts}

 {Put ground beef in pan}

 {break up the strands of ground beef into smaller pieces, cook until completely brown}

{Take pan off of stove, and drain grease}

{Add 1 cup of water per season packet used. Place pan back on stove, add taco seasoning}

{Turn heat back on and mix seasoning in evenly throughout beef. Let sit until boil, then remove from heat, drain excess juice, and it's ready to serve}

{Grate your own cheese if you didn't purchase shredded cheese}

{Boyfriend's homemade Pico de Gallo- diced tomato, red onion, Serrano chili pepper, & lime}

{Our fave brew- Blue Moon with orange slices}

{@ Mi Casa} 

Since I didn't get to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, I wanted a chance to have a belated celebration by created a fiesta at my apartment with homemade hard shell tacos. Don't forget the chips and salsa or guacamole, and some yummy margaritas or beer! It's easy and absolutely gratifying when you want to try something new!

bewitched by bracelets by amandanguyen

1.Bird Charm
$2.50 - charlotterusse.com
 2.Stephan & Co.
$10 - nordstrom.com

3.Wanderlust Siem Reap
$10 - nordstrom.com

4.Juicy Couture Heart & Flower Charm
$148 - nordstrom.com

5.Chan Luu Gold Feather
$120 - intermixonline.com

6.Vanessa Mooney

$20 - madewell.com

7.Aqua Beaded

$25 - bloomingdales.com

8.Shashi Snake
$30 - bloomingdales.com

{Doria's Haus of Pizza}

 {1500 Adams Ave, Costa Mesa, CA}

My boyfriend and I were picking our brains, trying to figure out where to eat dinner tonight. We finally decided on Italian food, but needed to find a restaurant. Olive Garden was too far, so we used the app Urban Spoon to find a local place, and we stumbled upon Doria's Haus of Pizza...located in a nook of a small eclectic shopping center(home of the Paul Mitchell School, a couple boutiques, and specialty eateries). 
The staff was instantly welcoming and our waiter was cordial. What sold me on the restaurant before digging into our "Hawaiian" pizza was the Chef Salad. I didn't have to ask for extra mozzerella cheese, there was a variety of vegetables mixed in, and the Italian dressing was light...just the perfect blend of herbs to produce a tangy and sweet taste. 
The pizza itself was absolutely to die for. The pizza was semi doughy all the way to the crust. The ham topping could have been cut into smaller pieces, but other than that it was delicious. 
Doria's Haus of Pizza is not just limited to Pizza, check out their menu for an array of authentic Italian dishes.

I'm infatuated with mixing mauv with  teal and corals with turquoise, and anything seashells! I think those colors and the pearly complexion of shells combined, embody everything ocean and feminine. Fave trend I'm into right now are the big sweaters that seem so chic when just a bit over-sized.  I love wearing it casually with a camisole underneath and dirty washed denim, or over a bikini, with a pair of relaxed fitting shorts. 
And don't forget a pair of embellished sandals!

my summer romance by amandanguyen featuring a bikini swimwear

Free People knit top
$88 - freepeople.com

Bikini swimwear
$170 - net-a-porter.com

Bikini swimwear
$155 - net-a-porter.com

J crew short
$98 - net-a-porter.com

Cocobelle flat shoes
$99 - calypsostbarth.com

Gucci tote
$5,900 - net-a-porter.com

The Amazonite Wrap on Natural Brown Leather by designer Chan Luu

$170 - chanluu.com

{Mimi's Cafe}

 

{@ a Mimi's Cafe near You}

My good friend Thanh and I started a tradition at Mimi's Cafe...every time we receive a "Free Breakfast email"(with a purchase of another breakfast entree and 2 drinks), we meet up to have breakfast, enjoy each others' company, and catch up on everything we've missed since we last saw each other.

Since I've been to Mimi's approximately 8 or so times in the last 6 months...I have to say that my favorite meal to order is the Blueberry Stuffed  French Toast.. I'm usually an eggs, bacon, and toast kind of gal, but this has to be the most delicious, sweet breakfast dish I've ever tasted.
A delectable combination of "Thick blueberry toast, twice stuffed with sweet cream blueberry filling, topped with mixed berries in sauce". Can be served with eggsand bacon/sausage, or a la carte! The muffins are also very tasty & moist! 
Enjoy!

{I Scream for Ice Cream}

 

{@ a Baskin Robbins near You}

Just thought I would share my favorite ice cream flavor with you. It's Baskin Robbin's Seasonal flavor, Love Potion #31®.. This morsel of goodness combines my 3 fave flavors into 1....white chocolate, raspberry, and chocolate...pretty much heaven on a cone. Sign up for the birthday club and get a free ice cream on your b-day!

{HAPPY HOUR Helpings}

 {@ a Yardhouse near you}

I absolutely love lettuce wrap dishes, it's something about the "make it yourself" feel that gets me excited to eat it. Which is why I ordered it right away when I saw it on the Yardhouse menu during their HAPPY HOUR. I have to say that although the presentation of the dish was very appealing, I wasn't quite convinced that it was a lettuce wrap dish. I think it was the lack of garnishes to wrap with the chicken in the lettuce. And although the crispy shell that served as a bowl for the chicken was delicious...it made it quite difficult to eat the meal..."do i eat it after I've made my wraps...or do i tear off bits of it to put in my lettuce?" is what i was pondering.
The upside to this dish were the 3 dipping sauces, that added lively flavors to the meal, and that it was half off. Won't be ordering this dish from Yardhouse again.

{Summer Basics}

Easy essentials to take you from a fresh-faced beach bunny during the day to a sizzling siren at night.

Summer Basics by amandanguyen featuring logo bags

Anya Hindmarch logo bag
$107 - my-wardrobe.com

Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation - Medium: Beauty
$9.99 - amazon.com

MAC - Lip Glass Lip Gloss - Magnetique 4.8g/0.17oz
$22 - yesstyle.com

Bobbi Brown Face Touch-Up Stick
$22 - nordstrom.com

philosophy 'hope' oil-free moisturizer spf 30
$38 - nordstrom.com

REVLON COLORSTAY MINERAL FINISHING POWDER SUNKISS 3787-30
$11 - discountbeautycenter.com

Amazon.com: L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara For Lashes - Carbon Black:...

$5.84 - amazon.com