Wisdom Wednesday

"Love the ones you can. Touch the ones you can reach. Let the others go." -- Real Live Preacher 

 "Boogie Lights" Look book, Planet Blue, February 2012

As you know, one thing I love to do is save up the quotes I come across, so that I may share them with you in a future post. When I read this one, I couldn't help but think how simple and beautiful the words were. In life, we come across multitudes of people. Some, we meet for a brief moment, while others stay with us for a lifetime, whether in our memories, in our hearts, or by our sides. One thing that I still struggle with is how to let go of the people who have hurt or disappointed me. I dwell on situations and wonder how things could have gone differently. And, when I do this, I always remember another quote by Oprah, which states, "Forgiveness is letting go of the hope that the past can be changed." After remembering this, I snap back to reality and move on. Then, one day, I came across today's quote, and it cemented everything that I've always known.

 It's so easy for us to think about all the people who have hurt us and wonder their reasoning, or even think about what we could have done to change things. One thing that we should remember, however, is the past is the past, and we can't change it. The only thing we can do, is let go and move forward. And, when we move forward, we are to take the lessons we have learned from our past to try and touch others with our presence. We learn from the ways others have hurt us, so that we know how others shouldn't be treated. Sadly, not everyone is going to treat you well, but so many more will. So, give the love you can to the ones who want it, because they're the ones who deserve it the most. Touch the ones you can with your kindness, because they're the ones who need it the most. Let go of the people, situations, and negativity that weigh you down, because that's the only way you'll grow.  

And that's my wisdom for this Wednesday. As always, feel free to share your wisdom with me down below. Happy Wednesday, everyone. 

Levi’s Curve ID x Chandamheer Stacker

This series is brought to you by Levi’s® Curve ID. Find your custom fit at Levi’s® stores or Levi.com

Jeans and I have always had quite the relationship, and I say "relationship" because that's exactly how it's felt. For most of my adult life, I remember having a strong aversion to trying on jeans in stores because nothing ever fit me the way I needed them to. When I talked to friends about my problems with trying to find jeans, they just couldn’t understand how I could have so many issues. Well, here’s the deal: Proportionally speaking, I have a smaller waist, but bigger hips and thighs, and a fair amount of junk in the trunk. (In high school, my mom used to call me J.Lo booty. And yes, I do wish I were joking.) I found myself constantly looking for a belt or pulling up my pants every chance I got. This was frustrating, to say the least, and my solution was to not wear jeans because I just didn’t feel comfortable enough. So, denim and I took a break and I pretty much only wore skirts and dresses. When I had the opportunity to try the Levi’s® Curve ID jeans, I have to admit, I was very skeptical that any pair of jeans could fit me in all the right places. Alas, one night, I sat down and took the online quiz. After finding out my curve, I went to the store, tried on my jeans and couldn't believe my eyes. Did my butt really just fit into those jeans? Wait a minute... my waist fit too? Finally, a pair made just for me.

pancakePROFILES: 10 Questions For.. ME! (Because You Asked)

So, a little while back it occurred to me that I've never really done a proper Q&A post. I've received many emails over the last few weeks, and because I was already planning on doing a FAQ post, I thought that this would be a great way to address everyone's burning questions more efficiently. So, here is the post I promised you all :) Hope you enjoy getting to know me a little better.




1. So what's with the blog name? How did pancakeSTACKER come about? 

When I first started thinking about blog names, I originally thought that I would just use my first name and leave it at that. Then flashbacks of grades K-12, as well as all four years of college, and just life in general, came flying at me. Shonda? Shawnda? Chandameer? Chandamaheer? Yeah, all of those are wrong. I realized no one would be able to find my blog if I named it that, and people would wonder what a "Chandamheer" was. Still, I wanted to make it something personal that would tie in a bit of me with a bit of my passions. Then I realized that an infinite amount of things go with Stacker, which happens to be my last name. (You'd be surprised how many people don't realize Stacker is my last name.) Legos, pickles, blocks...all these things can be stacked. But what is the best stack of all? Pancakes, hands down. So that's when my blog came about. Pancakes tie in my love of food and Stacker ties in the personal style.

2. We know you like to eat, so how do you stay in shape? What do you do?

First of all, while I am extremely, extremely flattered that you consider me "in shape," I must admit that I am FAR from it. At best, I am just.. a shape. For as far as I can remember, I have always liked to eat. In high school, my friends and I organized a pizza eating contest and I took home the title for the girls. Since I was young, I was always pretty active. Don't be fooled, however, I am ridiculously uncoordinated when it comes to any sport. BUT, I must mention I am a Grade-A dancer and will beat you in a dance off...maybe. In college, it was the same thing. I ate a lot and people wondered what unnatural force took over my body as I scarfed everything down. Truth is, a lot of it has to do with my genes (thanks mom and dad!!), but at the same time, I really value my health and do try to eat relatively healthy when I can. So when I do work out, I really enjoy Zumba and Yoga. Yoga keeps me sane and helps push my body and Zumba is just fun!



3. What is your favorite food? Least favorite?

Oh, you know this is a tough one. I love, love everythinggggg...except for mushrooms and octopus because both really freak me out. I grew up eating a lot of seafood and so almost anything you'll find in the sea is a winner in my book. More specifically, I think I could eat sushi or Japanese food every single day for the rest of my life and not ever get tired of it. I used to have a huge sweet tooth, and while I still do, I'm much more into savory flavors these days. Indian food is also delicious and I'm not afraid of spice! I pretty much like to eat it all. Oh, but wait, my least favorite food, and I know I'm going to get a lot of hate mail for this one, is pasta. I just don't really like it, but I will still have it every now and then.

4. I'm so curious, what is your ethnicity? 

I get this one a lot too. People always ask me, "Where are you from," to which I reply, "America." Then they ask, "But what are you," to which I like to answer, "A human being, what are you?" I just always think it's funny, I'm not sure why. Anyways, I am proud to say that I am a halfie, more specifically, I'm half Black and half Filipino. This is my papa bear and this is my mama bear. I have to say, it's a pretty awesome mix and I love every single bit of my culture.



5.  So, what is it that you do? 

I used to work in fashion sales for a long, long time and then last year I took a new position on the advertising side of a print media publication here in San Francisco. It didn't quite work out, however, and I found myself really uninspired and quite unhappy. I moved on and I currently work for a PR firm in the city where I do Digital Media for clients -- which basically means I do social media all day long! I write editorial content for a variety of clients clients (consumer, tech, beauty, etc.), analyze engagement, and act as a social media resource for our firm. I also offer freelance work in this area, so if you are looking for someone to create content or manage your social media platforms, I'm you're girl.

6. And what else do you like to do aside from blogging? 

I'm actually really nerdy. I studied English World Literature and Spanish in college and enjoy analyzing text far more than one should. I love to read, but more than that, I love to write analytical essays. Weird, I know. Aside from the stuff you already know about me, I'm pretty much your normal gal. I love to hang out with my friends and just laugh. Laughing is my favorite. And, because it's my favorite, I love watching hilarious comedies (Bridesmaids - just about died, Friends - I own all 10 seasons, Modern Family - riot, Bad Girls Club - guilty, guilty pleasure, but so hilarious).



7. Where are your favorite places to shop, eat, explore in the city? 

I do a lot of my shopping at the usual mall spots, but San Francisco has an amazing selection of vintage clothing all over the place. For vintage, I like to dig through the racks at Held Over or Wasteland in the Haight, but really there are a ton of great stores there that I suggest poking into. For food, my favorite brunch spot is Red Door Cafe because it is amazing. But, I love tacos and Mamacita in the Marina has some amazing shrimp tacos that should not be missed. I am still trying to find a sushi place worth frequenting, but for my LA readers, my favorite spots include Monsoon (amazing happy hour) and Roll House for melt in your mouth fusion rolls. I generally like to explore all neighborhoods around town, but a good place to start is Hayes Valley. Colorful, diverse, great shopping, delicious food - it's a great neighborhood to explore on a sunny day.

8. What kind of camera do you use for photos you take? 

I use a Canon EOS Rebel DSLR. It's a great camera and a wonderful starter for anyone who wants to make the leap from a point and shoot to a dslr. Alternatively, I've also had a few their Powershot point and shoot cameras in the past and definitely recommend them if you want a great camera but are on a budget. Lately, I've been using my iPhone 4S to take a lot of photos when I don't feel like carrying around my big dslr. It takes amazing photos as well and I'm pretty addicted to all the photo editing apps!



9. What is your favorite part about blogging?

Aside from being able to share my passions with everyone, one of the most rewarding parts of blogging is the ability to connect with blogger buddies. I cannot even tell you how many amazing friendships I have made through blogging. It's wonderful getting emails or comments or tweets, you name it, from people who just want to say hi or from people who love reading your blog. It's a good feeling. I read every single comment and while I admit it sometimes takes me a long time time to respond, I'm thankful for all the support. Having a community of people who share the same interests is awesome.

10. What advice do you have for someone who wants to start their own blog? 


DO IT. Really, if you want to blog, you just have to go for it. Be genuine about it. Don't set out to blog because you want to be famous, either. Blog because you love it. People can tell when you put TLC into your blog. Provide good content and clear pictures. We're all visual people and when you have a good layout, clean content, and clear pictures, people will want to keep coming back. Also, don't be afraid to say hello and get out there. Go to events, introduce yourself, and just enjoy. While blogging has definitely turned into a business for some, it's important to remember that it's fun too. Try not to take it all too seriously. Oh, and most importantly, have goals and dream big. If I listened to everyone who thought that blogging was silly, pancakeSTACKER would have never made it past the pan ;)

Jacket: Urban Outfitters; Jeans: Free People: Necklace & Crossbody: H&M; Button Up (c/o), Bracelets, Ring, and Flats: Forever 21; Photos by: Tim Wong

Okay. Now you officially know more about me than you ever really wanted to know. To be fair, though, you did kind of ask... I tease. Anyways, all questions about how I do my hair, favorite beauty products, and how I do my makeup/what I use on my face, will all be addressed in future posts! So those are some things to look out for! If there are more burning questions you have for me, please feel free to comment below or email me. I'll do my best to get back to you all! 

Wisdom Wednesday

"I expect to pass this way but once; any good therefore that I can do or any kindness I can show to any creature, let me do it now." -- Etienne de Grellet

Selena Gomez by Steven Gomillion and Dennis Leupold for Elle Mexico, August 2011

I'm no saint; I'll admit that now, but if there's one thing I know, it's that people will always remember the way you make them feel. I have my faults and I definitely have been one to spit some fire in my day, but for some time now, I've worked hard at thinking before speaking. And this I have learned, if not from my own past actions, then certainly from the actions of others. I am still surprised that people can be so cruel to one another, and sometimes I just don't understand. Maybe it's because I have made a conscious effort to rid my life of toxicity, but am I really that naive in wishing that all people  practice a bit more compassion? I still hope the answer to that is no. Time and time again, one of the most important life lessons I have ever learned has proven to be that we must treat each other with kindness. Words hurt, and when we sharpen them like darts and aim for the heart, the victim rarely forgets that feeling. We're all the same in that we know how it feels to hurt. So why do we try to make others hurt too? While it's easy to say sorry after the fact, it's not so easy to rewind and try to take back words once they've already been said. Life is hard as is. One thing that I believe shouldn't be so hard is treating others with the same kindness we hope to have in our lives. After all, you catch more flies with honey, than you do with vinegar. So, as my father often reminds me, let's take time to be sweet to one another. 

You're Invited!

Hello everyone! Next Wednesday, February 29th from 6 to 9PM at ACRE/SF, I, along with a few other Bay Area Bloggers & Fashionistas will be co-hosting the LIVE San Francisco Poshmark Party! If you are, or will be, in the San Francisco area that night, it would be so very awesome if you could attend! If you are not in the San Francisco area, but would still like to attend, YOU CAN! Everyone is welcome to join in on the fun. If you can't physically be there, you can join the party through your phone.

Wisdom Wednesday

"I'm on a pursuit of awesomeness. Excellence is the bare minimum." -- Kanye West

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley by Tom Munro for Harper’s Bazaar UK, Jan 2012

It's not often that you'll find me agreeing with the words that come out of Kanye's mouth. Admittedly,  I love his music (My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, anyone?). Nonetheless, the minute I read this quote, I saved it and knew it was something to remember. Aside from the fact that we should always strive for excellence, bringing in the notion that excellence is only the beginning gives a whole new meaning to goals. Now, I'm not saying that we need to be perfect. I think perfection and excellence are different. I am saying, however, that it's a good idea to never stop believing that you can do better. It doesn't matter what it is that you do. We shouldn't get comfortable and we shouldn't stop the humble hustle of daily life. Challenge yourself. Create goals. Attain dreams. It's all there and excellence is just the start. Happy Wednesday, everyone. As always, feel free to share your own wisdom down below.

Love Me Love Me Say That You Love Me.

Dress: Steve Madden (similar); Shoes: Bakers (similar); Sweater: Nordstrom; Necklace c/o: My Name Necklace (similar); Photos by: Tim Wong

The Cardigans - LoveFool

There's nothing I love more than a day that celebrates love. So, in honor of the Hallmark-created holiday, Tim and I did a special Valentine's Day themed shoot for you all! I am making a conscious effort to wear more color, but maybe it's indicative of just how happy I have been because the blacks and blues in my wardrobe have started to noticeably dissipate. I now rejoice in powdery pinks and light pastels, and this dress that has been sitting in my closet for a year finally got another day in the sun. Who knew that Steve Madden made more than just pretty pumps? On a more personal note, I'm a really big hopeless-romantic-type, but this year, more than anything, I just want to spend quality time with my lovebug. Forget the fancy-shmancy dinners and red roses, but I will still take the chocolate. So what are me and the mister doing tomorrow tonight? Well, he thinks it's funny, but I just want tacos. Taco Tuesday, anyone? Happy (early) Valentine's Day to all the lovers out there!

Birthday Wishes

The countdown continues, so today I thought I'd post up some pretty pictures of some things I'm currently coveting. In the meantime, feel free to keep posting questions you would like me to answer for my upcoming FAQ post! I'm looking forward to working on the post, especially since it will include a fun photo shoot that Tim & I worked on,  so make 'em good!!

(1) I've recently become obsessed with BaubleBar. I'll take the Cable Duo Necklace, the Monogram Necklace in Rose Gold, the Sea-Foam Cable Necklace, or better yet, all of the above ;)
(2) The perfect birthday dress? Nasty Gal's "Disco Queen Dress" in Emerald.
(3) I'm on the hunt for the perfect wedge, and while these might be old, I'm still in love with the Joe's Jeans "Brenda V" Wedge...Size 7, please!
(4) I'm been in the market for a cute leather pouch for ages. Two-toned or plain and simple - either/or, I'll be a happy camper.
(5) I'm pretty sure this is a men's chambray shirt, but you know me, so this is not surprising. This "Faded Cotton Chambray" by J.Crew might be number five, but that doesn't mean it's last on my wishlist.

And, since I didn't want to make this post just all about me, I thought I'd announce the winners of my Benefit Beauty giveaway!! Hooray! Winners were randomly selected and the three lucky ladies are: Stefanie Gladden (light),  Kristen Kubiak (medium), and SimplyChic (dark)! Congrats, beauties! Thank you ALL for entering! There are many, many more giveaways headed your away, so definitely come back soon! Current giveaways are posted at the top-right corner of my page for easy access :)

pancakeLEFTOVERS: January

BEHIND THE SCENES...



pancakeLEFTOVERS! Yes, they are back, so get ready to feast. This one is a little different than my usual leftover stack, but I hope they'll still leave your tummies full. January has been phenomenal. It's so exciting to look back at such a wonderful start to the new year. The month began on a high note, when I was involved in a very special project. Remember my earlier posts, when I hinted that I had some amazing news to share? Well, the time to officially announce my news hasn't arrived just yet, but I hope these behind the scenes shots will provide you with enough to tide you over. I promise that it is something very exciting and I am dying to spill the beans. In retrospect, I just don't know how I could have had a better month.  Aside from my project, I attended some fun events, scored some great deals while shopping, explored the city more with my lovebug, and started working with my friend and amazing photographer, Tim Wong. As you're reading this, I'm actually in LA for a few more blog projects, but I've made sure to leave some room for a little R&R, as well. February is my absolute favorite month ever and next week I turn another year older! I have so many fun posts to share with you this month, including the final result from this behind-the-scenes teaser post. I hope you're looking forward to them as much as I am! Happy Friday, and have a beautiful first weekend of the new month!

Wisdom Wednesday

"How simple it is to see that we can only be happy now, and there will never be a time when it is not now."  --Gerald Jampolsky

Arlenis Sosa by Camilla Akrans for New York Times Style, Nov 2009

By now, you're all probably tired of how happy I say I am in every single one of my posts. Well, if you are, bad news bears: you're going to hear it again RIGHT NOW. Truth is, I wasn't always this happy. Don't get me wrong, I like to think of myself as a very positive and optimistic gal, however, the last couple of months of 2011 weren't all that great. I hit some rough patches that really but a damper on my spirits. While I'm not yet comfortable enough to go into greater detail, I will say that I am so thankful and joyous that the rough patch is over. When you find that something in your life isn't working, sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself is realize that if you've tried your best to find a way to make it work, and it doesn't, removing yourself from a situation doesn't mean you've failed. In the end, you win because you've done something that has put you on track for things to be right again. I remember telling myself how much I wish I could just be happy again because I was so frustrated and depressed with how things were. Then I realized, "Hey, wait.. I AM a happy person." The minute I removed myself from a toxic environment, things changed instantly. Of course, I don't look back at these rough patches with bitterness. I like to think that because they occurred, I'm able to completely appreciate how amazing everything in my life is right now. I have no idea if any of what I just said makes any sense at all, but long story short, if you want to be happy, be. If you wait to be happy, you'll be waiting forever. And I don't know about you, but forever seems like a long time to be waiting. I learned that sometimes the answer really is as simple as it should be. We're the ones who complicate things, but really, happiness is one of those things that is as easy as we allow it to be. 

Two friendly reminders: (1) my giveaway ends this Friday, so get those entries in! and (2) I'm working on a special FAQ/birthday post which will feature some fun photos from a shoot with Tim! So make sure to keep commenting with any burning questions you have for me :)