There’s a quote by Winston Churchill that comes to mind when I think of 2010, “If you’re going through Hell, keep going…” And so I did. Persevering and projecting positivity allowed for some beautiful transitions to happen over the course of the year. I spent a majority of 2010 trying to pick up the pieces, finding myself and getting to know me better. While one door closed on my dreams in California; another opened in the form of Full Time Fabulous and I couldn’t be more blessed.

I traveled, I savored, I danced, I blogged, I documented, I lived.  When faced with a mountain in front of me, I looked ahead, plotted my plan of attack, put one foot in front of the other and just kept climbing. Sure, I slipped and got banged up at times in the process, but when I got to the top, I screamed to the high heavens “The world is mine!”

I’m eternally grateful for everyone’s support through this entire Full Time Fabulous process.  This was definitely the longest interview of my life, but also the most fulfilling. Everyday  I wanted the ability to stop time, to invent the 25th hour, to just to be able to fit everything into one day – blogging, working, planning, sleeping, eating, and  living. Forget dating, I gladly gave up meeting the man of my dreams in exchange for the opportunity of my dreams.

It has been a challenging and thrilling 2 months where I have pushed myself further and harder and its really given me a better understanding of myself, and the work I do and the potential I have. Juggling my regular work, with full time fabulous work, the holiday season, friends and family.  I know I sacrificed sleep, some sanity, and but in the end it’s been more than worth it.  I worked the best balance I could because it no longer felt like work, since this is what I love to do and am passionate about. I’ve learned a lot from this past year and even more so from this past month, so moving forward it only gets even better!

To my family and friends, I apologize for all the times I zoned out as I was in deep trance or when an idea hit and I furiously typed/scribbled/snapped pictures. A huge thank you is due  for the ears you lent to listen to my crazed antics, the supportive shoulders you used to carry me when I was so exhausted, and mostly the big hearts that filled my life with encouragement and love when I wanted to pull my hair out (and you know how much I love my hair). I wouldn’t have make it out of this month alive without y’all.

Thousands voted and believed in me.  The response floored me.  Then, daily you all returned and provided feedback, support, and a following that literally brought tears to my eyes. (I promise I’m not always this weepy!) When I felt like I had no energy left; a comment, tweet, and personal messages pushed me forward. Everywhere I went there was someone who wanted to know about Full Time Fabulous.  While I poured my heart and soul into this venture and worked as hard as I could, I also wouldn’t be here without the help of so many. I wish I could go around and hug each and every one of you, but instead please accept my sincerest gratitude and let me just say, “THANK YOU!!!!!” I hope I’ve added some value and entertainment into your lives and at the end of the day simply just brought a smile to your face.

Also, thank you to everyone at Sunglass Hut for giving me this platform to reach out to world and connect with people and for the ability to share my voice and views. The opportunity has been priceless and something I will fondly remember forever for giving me the opportunity to shine and making me feel like a rockstar. Working with your company and everyone associated with Sunglass Hut has been an uplifting and extremely positive experience and I’m crossing my fingers and toes that this was just a little taste of what’s to come.

Though I now know the FTF outcome ended up being Kristy; I still know I have all the skills, personality, fashion sense and professionalism for a job of this nature.  So I’m going to keep hoping, wishing and praying that eventually I will find my way to my dream job and that this fairy tale doesn’t end. (Hi! Hire me! I’m entertaining all opportunities.) While working for Sunglass Hut wasn’t in the cards, I’m certain my 2011 will be just as fabulous as ever also. Good luck to Kristy on your upcoming Full Time Fabulous year – be sure to follow her along her journey!

Please keep in touch through Twitter @kimmyhuynh or feel free to e-mail me at kim@fabulush.net. I’ll still be posting over at FABULUSH.NET, and you can follow along on the Fabulush Facebook fan page. Thank you and much love to all!

My friends joke that I came out the womb with a head full of curls and a pair of stilettos on.  My exs say I may become the old lady that lives with all her shoes.  And yes, I really did buy a Chanel bag instead of a sofa.  Fashion is my life long passion, though some may argue it as an obsession or sickness.

I joked about how I felt like a politico on the campaign trail, but literally at times I was shaking hands, kissing babies, and getting stopped by strangers saying, “Hey! I voted for you and I really believe in you.” Even in moments of retail therapy, I had a man chase me down and struck up a long convo about how he got his whole office to vote for me. I carefully dislodged my finger from my mace and got out of “Stranger Danger” mode long enough to embrace the oddness and hugged it out. However, I did draw the line when he asked me on a date (*waves* Hi, if you’re reading this!).

Then there have been my personal cheerleaders that supported me the entire way making sure everyone was aware of the Sunglass Hut ‘Full Time Fabulous’ competition. I was on Facebook and Twitter so much, I may need a sabbatical. My parents, who adorably boasted to every listening ear and fliered out the entire Dallas county. My two brothers listened to me obsessively go on and on everyday about menial and minute details. Friends in different cities and countries to my international jetsetters spread the word worldwide, and half of Vietnam found a way to find internet to vote for me. The blogging, fashion and tech community were a huge help in letting my presence be known. Dancing with the Stars beauty, Joanna Krupa and my dear friend, Marta Krupa got their devoted followers to lend a hand and help my cause. The lovely Tamara Sky, model/DJ, tweeted and retweeted her little heart out. My longtime friend and womenswear designer of HSN fame, Antthony Mark Hankins, rallied all his wonderful ladies and gentlemen with moving messages and even a video that had me in a puddle of thankful tears. I spammed all my friends in high places, so a big thanks to all those from the A to Z-list.

I’ve seen the strength of social media, power of personal friendships, the complete kindness of strangers, the love of family; all work together for the common goal of “If this is your dream, then we will do whatever it takes to make it a reality.”

When the countdown to midnight occurred I was in a Jerry Lewis telethon mode, racing and hustling for those last minute votes that would put me on top. Once the clock zeroed out, I enthusiastically (though my younger brother recalls it as maniacally) jumped up and down on my couch with such glee that I did indeed topple over and barrel roll onto the floor. Perhaps, not my finest or most fabulous moment.

This experience has completely humbled and floored me literally. I feel so blessed to have such help, love, support, and encouragement from all walks of life and all over the world. I’m so honored and touched that I literally wept with joy, exhaustion, and gratitude. Now, I’m just ready to kick some ass and hit the ground running.

So to make a long story short… I want to give a huge thank you to each and every one of you that voted, believed in me, and supported me. I couldn’t have done this without you. Thank you, thank you, thank you… You’re much too kind.
Dream it. Believe it. Achieve it.

My friends joke that I came out the womb with a head full of curls and a pair of stilettos on.  My exs say I may become the old lady that lives with all her shoes.  And yes, I really did buy a Chanel bag instead of a sofa.  Fashion is my life long passion, though some may argue it as an obsession or sickness.

I joked about how I felt like a politico on the campaign trail, but literally at times I was shaking hands, kissing babies, and getting stopped by strangers saying, “Hey! I voted for you and I really believe in you.” Even in moments of retail therapy, I had a man chase me down and struck up a long convo about how he got his whole office to vote for me. I carefully dislodged my finger from my mace and got out of “Stranger Danger” mode long enough to embrace the oddness and hugged it out. However, I did draw the line when he asked me on a date (*waves* Hi, if you’re reading this!).

Then there have been my personal cheerleaders that supported me the entire way making sure everyone was aware of the Sunglass Hut ‘Full Time Fabulous’ competition. I was on Facebook and Twitter so much, I may need a sabbatical. My parents, who adorably boasted to every listening ear and fliered out the entire Dallas county. My two brothers listened to me obsessively go on and on everyday about menial and minute details. Friends in different cities and countries to my international jetsetters spread the word worldwide, and half of Vietnam found a way to find internet to vote for me. The blogging, fashion and tech community were a huge help in letting my presence be known. Dancing with the Stars beauty, Joanna Krupa and my dear friend, Marta Krupa got their devoted followers to lend a hand and help my cause. The lovely Tamara Sky, model/DJ, tweeted and retweeted her little heart out. My longtime friend and womenswear designer of HSN fame, Antthony Mark Hankins, rallied all his wonderful ladies and gentlemen with moving messages and even a video that had me in a puddle of thankful tears. I spammed all my friends in high places, so a big thanks to all those from the A to Z-list.

I’ve seen the strength of social media, power of personal friendships, the complete kindness of strangers, the love of family; all work together for the common goal of “If this is your dream, then we will do whatever it takes to make it a reality.”

Last night, when the countdown to midnight occurred I was in a Jerry Lewis telethon mode, racing and hustling for those last minute votes that would put me on top. Once the clock zeroed out, I enthusiastically (though my younger brother recalls it as maniacally) jumped up and down on my couch with such glee that I did indeed topple over and barrel roll onto the floor. Perhaps, not my finest or most fabulous moment.

This experience has completely humbled and floored me literally. I feel so blessed to have such help, love, support, and encouragement from all walks of life and all over the world. I’m so honored and touched that I literally wept with joy, exhaustion, and gratitude. Now, I’m just ready to kick some ass and hit the ground running.

So to make a long story short… I want to give a huge thank you to each and every one of you that voted, believed in me, and supported me. I couldn’t have done this without you. When I’m able to share more information with y’all, I’ll spill the beans, but until then, what’s going on in your life and what can I do to help?

Dream it. Believe it. Achieve it.

[Birthday Week Kickoff - Fresh Dungeness Crabs, Carmenere, Mango Mochi, and Cookies & Creme]

For as long as I can remember or care to remember, I’ve celebrated my Birthday (February 5th) as a Birthday Week. Seven days filled with loved ones, wishes, cakes and candies, and oh so many hugs and kisses. Before you begin to think I’m some egomaniac, it’s not about the gifts or just little ol’ me me meeeee. But more so that people’s schedules never align, someone’s working or out of town, and that my birthday always falls around the Superbowl and Chinese New Years.

So every year like tradition, I have different themes for each day, varying each year as my tastes and likes change as I age like a fine wine. There’s always a dance party if not several, sometimes a sleep over, potluck dinners as of the last few years, karaoke is a must, pinata busting is a favorite, cupcakes and champagne, several young years of a fishing competition, intimate family celebrations, Superbowl Sunday, models and bottles, Asian festivals, etc etc etc. Yet each year is different and unique, but reminiscent of years prior.

My birthday becomes a reunion of family (blood and acquired), a celebration of life, and reminders of why I’m thankful for each person in my life. This year, I’m turning 26 and in a bit of a whirlwind situation. A certain someone made arrangements for us to go to Tahoe to get out of town to go skiing. Now, instead I have an ultimatum to literally get out of town.  You can’t rain on my birthday week parade…