Dior Croc-Embossed Over-The-Knee Boots.

Oh... If only I had millions of dollars... The damage I could do at Bergdorfs.

I would so pick up these beauties for Fall...

Buckles! A platform! Over-the-Knee! A wine color!!!

They scream "The Missus!"

Unfortunately, though, the price does not. And the dream lives on...

McQueen Feathered Halterneck Chiffon Gown.

Someday, I will be a big girl. And I will be invited to a big girl event. And I will need a big girl party dress. And this will be it...

I wish I was sophisticated enough to be introduced into the New York social scene, where upon I would receive invitations to different charity balls for each week. Then I would have an excuse to buy this dress and an opportunity to wear it.

Though, with having to pay New York rent now, I really can't afford the dress.

Autumn, I Await You.

Spent a very domesticated weekend here at home, while The Husband was away at the cottage with friends. And I finished it off with actually cooking a meal...

Roasted autumn veggies and roasted fish.

I know we have a few weeks of Summer left. But I have never been a Summer person. Autumn is my favorite season. Always has been. Even more so since moving east from Arizona... As there is an actual season to look forward to, and not just Autumnal motions.

Next week, it's September First. And you know what that means...

Freshening A Mattress.

I read somewhere online... Perhaps whiles sucking away hours on Pinterest... A recipe for freshening a mattress.

You take about a 1/2 cup of baking soda and two drops of lavender oil...

You whisk them together...

You then take a sifter and sprinkle it all over your mattress...

Now, my mattress smells divine! You should do this every time you wash the sheets. Helps keep things fresh and smelling like heaven.

Bass Battles (Plural).

REALLY want to bass battle someone. Because while I may not be able to physically kick someone's ass, am confident I could take someone out with acquired music skills. But first, must learn to play the bass. So...

Step 1: Procure a bass guitar.

Step 2: Learn to play bass guitar that has been procured.

Step 3: Really kick ass at playing the bass guitar.

Step 4: Conquer the world through a series of bass battles.

First stop, the music store in the Annex neighborhood. Next stop, the world's darkest dens of sin to battle evil.

It Figures...

Just as I am leaving my current job, the couch for my office arrives...

I am not much of a fan of offices. It segregates you from the team you work with. I was always up and walking around as it is, just to make sure I was connecting with my team.

But the couch was a nice perk. Or rather, it would have been, had I had more time to enjoy it. But I still have a whole three days left to enjoy it. I predict a nice 20 minute nap during lunch one day next week.

Hurricane Or Wilderness: My Needs Are Simple.

This weekend, I will be flying solo at home. I am going to clean, sort what I am taking to NYC next month, see a couple of movies, read some magazines.

My friends in NYC and Boston will be preparing for the magical Irene, bringing wind and rain to their areas.

My husband will be at his family's cottage this weekend, north of Toronto, hanging with university buddies.

Since I will be in sunny Toronto, with access to everything I need, I feel fortunate. There is no way I would have fun in the wilderness, even in a nice 3-bedroom cottage. And if I was in the northeast, I would probably be about as entertained. Both cases, though, have prompted me to examine what I need to survive either one...

• Coffee
• Internet
• Wine - preferably red
• Cheez-Its (I am screwed, as we don't have them in Canada.)
• Jo Malone Candle - in Vintage Gardenia
• Magazines - Specifically the September issues of Vogue and W
• Bathtub

What do you need to survive a weekend in the wilderness or a hurricane?

Two Suitcases & A Laptop.

I am not writing much about my apartment hunting trip to NYC this past weekend because I don't want to "jinx" anything.

What I will say is that I put in an offer on a lovely condo rental in Chelsea. But because it is a condo, the condo board has to approve my application. And I won't know about that until after Labor Day. So keep your fingers crossed!

With this move, though, I won't be taking anything other than clothes and my laptop with me. (Just like when I moved to NYC 11 years ago the first time!) Instead of picking apart my home up here in Toronto and moving some furniture down to NYC, I have decided I will just buy new stuff when I get there.

Expensive? Kind of. But it will be fun! I plan on hitting West Elm...

Still looking at bedroom furniture... But all of this can be captured for quite a tidy price.

Stuck At The Airport.

I, for the most part, an a person with simple needs. I love luxury stuff... But when you get to the core, I am perfectly content, as long as I have the following things:

• Wifi (Preferably free)
• Starbucks
• Cheez-Its

Right now, I am stuck at Laguardia Airport, because of flight back-ups in Toronto, and have none of the above.

This totally blows.

Most Fashionable City: London?

Okay. I am biased. I have not exactly had a great relationship with the country across the pond. (Some of you know why.) But I do appreciate British things. Especially fashionable British things. But do I think London is the most fashionable city in the world?

Um, no.

Sure... I would love to stock my closet with more Burberry Prosum and McQueen (beyond just the scarves - which are all I can barely afford). But beyond that, I don't find the city to be that fashionable. Not even the Duchess of Cambridge, when you break down her style.

GASP!

I know. I mean, I love Miss Katie Middleton. I love her hair. I love how she dresses. But it's pretty basic at the core. There is very little daring-ness and vision coming from of most of female population in London.

If you compare NYC and Paris to London, both of those knock London out.

Where London DOES win, in my opinion, is with men's fashion. But women's? Sorry. The other two cities have you beat, dreary London.

One Way To Get Me To Slow Down.

I am a fast walker. I am the person who, on the street, will walk in the road to get around you if the sidewalk is too crowded.

I LOATHE people who take up the entire sidewalk, walking very slowly. I am all about getting from one place to another as quickly as possible. If you are in my way, don't fear that I will run you down. I will, however, go around you if you are dilly-dallying.

The Husband dares anyone to try and beat me when walking through an airport. I suddenly develop super human speed as soon as a plane lands and I am off of it. I take off walking fiercely, surpassing many others to get to the immigration lines at Pearson Airport.

So, forcing myself to walk slowly is a challenge. A challenge I decided to work on by wearing these to work today...

Four point five fabulous inches of height!

This is one sure-fire way to get me to slow down.

French Toast. Agave Syrup. Man Repelling.

Most of this week, I have risen from slumber at about 4am. This is because my body clock is still off from the Asia trip.

The benefit: I have been making breakfast for The Husband and I every morning this week. Usually, it is an omelet. But today, I scraped together this...

French toast! I didn't even know I had powdered sugar in the house... Exploring the pantry in the early hours is another benefit.

I was able to find maple syrup though... Which I am sure is reason enough for them to kick me out of this country. So I made do with agave syrup, which turned out to be way better any way.

French toast... Coffee... And StylelikeU videos is how I spent my morning. My favorite Style video today?

Leandra Medine from The Man Repeller.

I love her style. If I was a guy, I would totally date her!

Because I Can't Contain My Excitement...

I have news: I am moving back to New York City this Fall.

(Pause for excited squeals, followed by the big question I know you all will ask...)

"What about The Husband? Is he moving too?"

The answer: "No."

Fret not, my friends! I am still "The Missus!" So here's the scoop:

I have wanted to move back to NYC pretty much since I left eight years ago. It was the city where I found my independence... Where I met the one man I wanted marry... Where I felt magical and optimistic. Then, after three years there, I was whisked away to Boston.

I followed The Husband. His career took us to Boston. And the idea of living in a city of ridiculously smart people and loyal sports-loving fans sounded appealing. But, it took me a few years to adjust. Eventually, I grew to love it. I made friends. I loved my gayborhood (South End - REPRESENT!) I found a great career path.

But by the time I fell in love with Boston, it was time to leave to Toronto. Once again, to follow The Husband's career.

This time, we moved countries to Toronto.

I love Canada. Such a compassionate society. Such a clean city - Toronto is. We have a jackass for a mayor... But the loving energy of this city is amazing. And holy crap, do I love the health care here. I got over the fact that I couldn't get Cheez-Its in this country.

I also love my job at the agency where I am a VP. I was given a chance to "sink or swim" when I started here. And I came in, kicked some ass and grew the team. I was grateful for the opportunity.

But Toronto... Well. Something was always off here for me, due to the fact of what I was used to in the states. Here's what I mean:

1. The industry I work in is much smaller up here than in the states. Budgets are smaller. The talent pool is even smaller. You have to develop your own talent, rather than hiring it. And as a result, at the senior level, salaries are much smaller here than they are in the states. At the junior and mid-level, salaries between Canada and the states ARE THE EXACT SAME. But for senior level talent? Nope. And this was a very bitter pill for me to swallow. I work very hard, for a respectable salary. But not one I could take care of my husband on, if I ever needed to. Talk about feeling incompetent.
2. I was following The Husband again. I love my husband very much. But when you were raised by parents who instilled the mentality of "always make sure you can take care of your self," it was hard for me to adapt to the idea of allowing my husband's career to take care of me. I have tried being the housewife. A couple of times. It just does not work for me. I FAIL at this. I am hoping some day (maybe 10 years from now?) I will be able to do this. But right now? I feel like I am not taking care of myself properly. I get depressed. I want to be able to take care of my husband, just as he is able to take care of me.
3. Toronto is too quiet. I like tall buildings. I like to be able to walk for hours and hours and and run into new things to see. And while Toronto is a LARGE city, it is too spread out for me. I don't want to have to drive a car to get to something. I want to be able to hop a subway or bus... Or walk.

So, a few months back, The Husband and I agreed that if I found a job that was a great fit, I would be crazy not to take it.

We reasoned that because we don't have kids (and don't plan to) and don't have pets (and don't plan to), and because we are both workaholics... We could easily manage living in two different cities and flying every other weekend (at least) to see each other.

So I set to work exploring NYC opportunities. I looked within my own company's network. And while a great opportunity popped up... It wasn't the right one for me. It would have been a step-down responsibility wise.

Another opportunity popped up, this time in the suburbs of Boston. It was a great opportunity too. Not at a marketing agency. And it involved travel all throughout the Americas (North, Central, South). But it wasn't in the city of Boston. Which was the main deciding factor against pursuing this opportunity. I don't want to work in the suburbs.

The third opportunity (I feel like Goldilocks now!) was in NYC, working for a company that is being led by someone I have worked with in a past job. The position is a step-up, in that it is in NYC and thus means dealing with a larger budget. It is similar to the job I have now (very similar), just based in the US. It is the job I was most excited about and prayed that I would be able to convince them to give me.

And they did.

I was made my offer before I got on the plane to Hong Kong last week. And I accepted it while in Hong Kong.

So this is why I have been anxious these past few weeks. I have been slowly making a move back to NYC happen for me. I have had The Husband's complete and enthusiastic support in this, for which I consider myself lucky and blessed.

We have also had the support and enthusiasm of both sets of parents and my siblings. (I secretly think this is because it now gives them two sets of residences to visit in two big cities.) The only people who have been confused by it are friends...

"What? But you live in Toronto. It is your home. Husbands and wives don't live apart."

True, it is unconventional. But it's not like we are trying to escape from each other. If The Husband could get a job in NYC, he would be going with me in a heartbeat. It's just that his job opportunity is greatest up here in Toronto. And mine is an hour's flight south in NYC.

I just don't feel like I am done with being aggressive in my career. And, unfortunately, the industry I work in isn't as aggressive up here.

So what's a career-driven wife who wants to be able to provide for her husband to do? Head to NYC!

Plus, now I can get Cheez-Its whenever I want.

Eight Courses At Nobu.

Frogger and I are back in Hong Kong after a trip to Phuket. I fly back to Canada tomorrow. So I only had 18 hours here on this leg. But what a leg it was!

Or should I say "fin"?

We were guests at Nobu here in Hong Kong, and were delighted with a number of dishes from the menu selected by the chef.

First Course: Tai (Red Snapper) with Dry Miso

Second: Tuna Tataki with Matsuhisa Dressing

Third: Scallop with Jalapeno Dressing

Fourth: Salmon Genmai Salsa

Fifth: Beef with Wasabi Pepper

Sixth: Sushi Assortment

Seventh: Mushroom Miso Soup

Eighth: Suntory Whisky Iced Cappuccino

Coconut Pancakes.

I know... I've done a lot of food posts this past week. But I have tried so many new things that it is hard not to want to write about them.

Since coming to Thailand, I have made sure one thing has been on my plate at breakfast each day... Coconut pancakes.

The pancakes here are crepe-style. Very thin. Very light. They sprinkle unsweetened coconut in them... Which is one of my absolute favorite things in the world.

They are divine. I love them and now want to buy a crepe pan to make them myself.

Shaved Ice With Coconut Milk.

One more post on the street food...

Shaved ice with coconut milk!

They served it in little plastic bags, sealed off with a rubberband and a straw sticking out.

Again, very sweet. But very tasty.

Phuket Town Street Food.

We asked our local guide to take us to the places where he likes to eat. So he took us to an open market of street food stalls.

The first thing he wanted us to try was intestines. We both passed. But we did eat a pork dish that was wrapped on tofu and deep fried...

Next we grabbed some pork satay that was phenomenal.

And then little pancakes made of coconut milk and flour, that you then dip in sugar.

He then took us to a side street because we "had to try" a local dessert...

Shaved ice with a clear jelly and red syrup mixed in. There were also little black jelly squares and RED BEANS.

It was very sweet. And refreshing, considering how hot it was outside.

All this food cost around $1.15 USD.

It's Not A Vacation Unless..

You miss your flight and get a sunburn.

Yes. I did both. Completely by accident.

It was a hectic few weeks leading up to my trip to Asia. And I read my ticket wrong. Which my friends still don't understand how that's possible... As I am meticulous with EVERYTHING.

I can't go into why I have been so hectic lately. But in a few weeks I will be able to. Suffice it to say, I was trying to do too many things at once.

Another thing I was meticulous about was my Sun protection. However, the SPF 45 failed me...

A nice shade of red, am I. This was the result of slathering SPF 45 on my body and sitting under a beach umbrella. Somehow, I managed to still get royally sunburned.

Amazing.

But I have access to equally phenomenal alo vera here in Phuket. So this burn is already being quenched.

Lesson Learned: Always wear SPF 100. No matter who says it is "bunk" and doesn't actually work. SPF 100 has never failed me.

Thai Coffee.

We spent the afternoon with a personal guide from our hotel who took us around Phuket Town and up to a large Buddha on a hill.

Throughout the afternoon, we tried a few different dishes in Thai cuisine. The one that I liked the best, though, was the coffee.

We pulled up to a roadside stand on the way back to our hotel...

This old woman concocted an iced coffee for me from the following:

• Condensed milk
• Sugar
• Instant coffee
• More Condensed Milk
• More Sugar

The darker brown cups are coffee. The rust-colored are tea with milk.

When she was finished making mine, she poured it over ice and handed it to me in a plastic bag handle.

It was strong. But mostly sweet. More of a dessert. Very good.

People in Thailand like sweet things.

Living The Lifestyle At Renaissance Phuket.

The resort I am staying at in Phuket is amazing. Oh. And affordable. It's only costing me $94 a night to relax in the "Land of Smiles."

The first thing I saw when I arrived was this beautiful eternity pool in the lobby.

And the pool by the beach is so zen...

I walked down to the beach early my first full day here.

The water is so clear. And the sand on the beach is comfortable to walk. (Unlike the sand in Mexico.)

Frogger and I spent the day hanging out by the pool. First thing the staff here does is bring you jasmin-scented water-drench cloths and tumblers of water. Later in the afternoon, they bring you ice pops...

These, I am sure, are a big hit with children. They are SUGARY! I could only eat half of one.

Instead, I preferred a more adult way to cool off...

Pineapple Lychee Mojito!!!

The sun got really powerful as we lay on our pool-side loungers, reading books. But the view was just perfect...

Heaven.

Natural Coconut Water & Watermelon Juice.

For about five years, I have been a fan of coconut water.

I first developed a taste for it way back in Boston, when I practiced at Bikram Yoga Boston. They got me hooked on Zico. It was a delicious way to end a class.

Since moving to Canada, Zico isn't as easily available as other brands... Namely VitaCoco.

I am not a fan of VitaCoco. But I will tolerate it, if that's all that is available. (But I can only handle the pineapple flavor.)

Now that I am in Thailand for a few days, I am able to experience what true coconut water tastes like... Straight from the coconut!

I drank about three of these in one sitting yesterday. I was so dehydrated. They were the perfect things.

Sure, I can get baby coconuts like these at Whole Foods in Toronto. But it would require me weilding a knife to open it.

It's just much better for the Universe if I let someone else open it for me.

I also had a glass of watermelon juice with breakfast yesterday...

I never thought about drinking the straight juice. I have made watermelon margaritas a number of times. But I have never thought of pressing myself a nice glass of watermelon juice. Genius!

Solar Halo.

I am in Phuket now. Have been catching up on much needed sleep the past two days.

Yesterday, while out in the Sun all day, I managed two things:

• To get a sunburn despite sitting under an umbrella and wearing SPF 45.
• To see a solar halo.

While walking around the property of the Renaissance Phuket, I looked up in the sky and noticed a circular rainbow around the Sun.

"I've never seen that!" I said to Frogger.

She hadn't either.

But it was beautiful.

Tosca At The Ritz.

Other than the breakfast I had this morning, I haven't had a bad meal in Hong Kong yet. And tonight was no exception. In fact, quite frankly, it should be the rule for at least one meal when you are on vacation some place.

So often we restrict ourselves with being "economical" and "efficient" when on vacation. I think at least one meal should be out of this world amazing when it comes to food, wine and service.

This is the standard at the Ritz Carlton in Hong Kong. Tonight, Frogger and I ventured to Tosca on the 102nd floor for dinner. We had a great view of the city just as the evening light show was started...

The cuisine at Tosca is Italian. Specifically, Mediterranean-inspired Mediterranean. Which means: a lot of seafood.

Now, growing up in Arizona (where there are no large bodies of water, other than maybe swimming pools and Lake Havasu), I am not fond of seafood. But in Hong Kong, you have to go with the flow and experience what the locals treat themselves to. So I had a meal with quite a few things I don't normally get in front of myself.

Amuse bouche of cappellini and caviar. (Yum!)

To start, we requested anti pasti and a parma plate.

The parma was amazing.

For the second course, we split a blue lobster risotto with a citrus note.

One might feel that the citrus in the dish was a bit strong... But I loved it.

For a main course, Frogger ordered a sea bass and I had lamb...

It was fantastic.

And then the chef surprised us with a wonderful chocolate dessert...

Cannolis, tiramisu and a mille-feuille.

To add to the decadence of the entire meal, we requested a separate wine pairing for each course by the sommelier. The first glass we were served was a wonderful white that went crisply with the crudite in the anti pasti and the parma. And that was the only one for which I could drink the entire tasting portion. The rest of the sampling... well...

I left bits behind. I just couldn't finish, despite how well the sommelier chose for us. And when he surprised us with dessert, we had a small taste of grappa (which was powerful) and another dessert wine.

Before we could leave the table, they sent over a final chocolate treat...

I can never say "no" to chocolate. So I ate the macaron and two other pieces. Now, I am sufficiently stuffed and ready for bed after Skyping with The Husband for a while.

Definitely a good way to treat yourself on vacation.