Alqvmia

Eye contour cream


Anti-aging elixir serum

Anti-aging face cream

With the uncertainties in the economy these days, we have to skimp and save more. One area I find that I could not skimp is skin care. I have tried to use drug store brands, but the results are mediocre at best. I don't think the money saved is worth the price I have paid for something that don't work.

The place that I get my facials done uses Alqvmia products. I am very pleased with the resulting plumpness and hydrated skin after the facial. The best part is that the effects will last for days!! I am so pleased with the result, that I bought 3 products to use at home. Afterall, a full facial there is not cheap!!

I got anti-aging products for the eyes and face. I have tested them for a week now and even with the dry winds and low humidity, my skin remains moist. Plus, the lines are not that visible. I guess the best part is when you apply the cream, you feel that you are luxuriating in the smoothness of the cream and the goodness of the aroma oil and natural ingredients.

This is a second best buy after the Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv eye cream.

(photos : www.thenaturalstore.co.uk)

Alqvmia

Eye contour cream


Anti-aging elixir serum

Anti-aging face cream

With the uncertainties in the economy these days, we have to skimp and save more. One area I find that I could not skimp is skin care. I have tried to use drug store brands, but the results are mediocre at best. I don't think the money saved is worth the price I have paid for something that don't work.

The place that I get my facials done uses Alqvmia products. I am very pleased with the resulting plumpness and hydrated skin after the facial. The best part is that the effects will last for days!! I am so pleased with the result, that I bought 3 products to use at home. Afterall, a full facial there is not cheap!!

I got anti-aging products for the eyes and face. I have tested them for a week now and even with the dry winds and low humidity, my skin remains moist. Plus, the lines are not that visible. I guess the best part is when you apply the cream, you feel that you are luxuriating in the smoothness of the cream and the goodness of the aroma oil and natural ingredients.

This is a second best buy after the Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv eye cream.

(photos : www.thenaturalstore.co.uk)

Flower name

I was searching the name of these flowers I bought yesterday, I didn't have a clue what they were called, only that they smelled heavenly and available all year round. I finally looked for it on facebook's growing gifts application. :p

I looked at a couple names and typed them in the search engine. After a couple of trial and errors, I found out that these lovely flowers are called snap dragon and come in shades of pink, lilac, white, yellow and other colors.

Christmas Part IV

Dayee says "AHAHAH" Merry X'mas


Dayee's Christmas honey & seeds bar treat


Dayee attacking the honey treat with gusto


Last time I went to the bird store to get Dayee's food, I got a honey treat bar for her as her Christmas present. While I was unwrapping the plastic covering in the kitchen, she was already making her unique "cooing" sound when she knew we were getting her food or her peanuts.

Just one look at it and she began attacking the bar, all the time making her "cooing" sounds to let you know how much she appreciated the treat. Well, it wasn't a small bar, but she finished it in less than 5 minutes, with 1/5 on the floor though!!

Meantime, B Chan and the cats were looking up at her to say "It's not fair!!" :D

Christmas Part III

Maman et B Chan


Santa B Chan


Santa B Chan

Same old tree at KCC

Six years ago today on Christmas eve, I brought a fur ball home. My best friend Pascale named him B Chan and he is my "one true love". I am always joking that I don't need to find a significant other, coz I have found the love of my life already, and it's true.

After dinner with the humans, which I find is a chore, I came home and took Porky to our favorite cafe downstairs. I had some wine and an onion soup. As usual, Porky got his bread gratis. B Chan is one very satisfied Porky and he is snoring heavily now. Joyeux Noel!!

Good Tidings

Christmas Tree


Christmas Wreath

Thanks to the support of good friends, I am happy to announce that Pastel b.'s X'mas collection cards are SOLD OUT.

I hope all who received the cards will be pleasantly surprised by what they get in the mail!

Happy Christmas everyone!!

Tokyo Trip

A friend has kindly invited me to go to Tokyo with her. She has a free ticket exchanged with Asia Miles. We were at her place planning our 5 days' trip.

First Day - arrive Narita at 3pm - Airport Limousine to Hotel in 新宿- Tokyu Hands, Muji, Comme ca - Yakitori - 西口迴轉壽司 -Street Food Stalls close to Takashimaya - 100Yen Store, 激安

Second Day - Rappongi 國立新美術館, Mid Town - Lunch at Kani Seryna - 新宿小田急電鉄 to 箱根温泉

Third Day - Gotemba Outlet shop till we drop - 5:35pm back to 新宿- Dinner at Takashimaya's 金半

Fourth Day - Ginza shopping - Fancl Outlet - Lunch at Kondo Tempura Restaurant - Meji Temple - 原宿, Bvlgari Cafe, Pet store, 八爪魚丸

Fifth Day - 築地魚市場 early lunch - Check Out -Flight back home

Looks pretty hectic!! Hopefully I could see Pascale and Leigh!!

(Photo of my boudoir)

Christmas Part II

These are other lovely presents I have received. The puppy magnets, kitty/puppy note pads and Yorkie mug are from my sis. The hand made swarovski crystal star pendant is from Josie, my jewlery consignment partner.

Such nice and thoughtful gifts....Thank you!!!

Christmas Part I

White Poinsettia

My Barnes and Nobles Order

Gift from my sister Beatrice

There has been a lot of waiting this Christmas. I have decided not to have a X'mas tree this year, since I am pretty sure that the cats, especially Camille, will jump on it and take the tree and all the ornamnents down in one swoop. I opted for some poinsettias. When I went to my usual flower stall down the alley in the neighborhoodsome weeks ago, all I could see were pots of red poinsettias.

I asked the lady if there will be some white ones, and she told me that she'd have to order them, so it was a 2 weeks wait. The delivery was delayed again and again, and I was afriad that I won't get it at all, or maybe it'll be past X'mas. The flower stall lady felt so bad about my white poinsettias that she gave me a teeny red poinsettia.

Another wait is that I ordered 2 books from Barnes and Nobles. I am so grateful that my aunt was in the States when I made the order, so I could have the package sent to my sis's place in San Francisco instead of international. The international shipping cost would be more expensive than the cost of the books!! I just received my prized J.K. Rowling's "The Tales of Beedle the Bard" and Obama's "Audacity of Hope" last night along with presents from my sis.

Knowing that I am an Obama fan, my sis bought 2 Obama magazines as my X'mas gift. I am told that they cost more than US$60. Thank you!! I am so happy to have all I wanted after the wait, my beautiful pot of poinsettia and books I'll cherish for years to come!! Happy Christmas everyone!!

PETA

It's the holiday season and a time of giving. Personally, it's a time to donate to a charity I truly believe in. I have been a staunch supporter of Animals Asia for years, a worthy and noble cause in saving Moon Bears from bile farms.

This year, I plan to continue to pledge money to these beloved bears and do my part in helping to end this cruelty in abusing animals for human vanity.


The famous ad "I'd rather go naked than wear FUR!"

Another worthy cause I am considering is PETA.

In the December 22th, 2008's issue of Time Magazine, the co-founder of PETA, Ingrid Newkirk, took 10 questions from readers.

Excerpts:

Is there a simple,everyday way people can help animals?

Absolutely, Give your dog or cat respect, patience, understanding and love. And if you just change to one vegetarian day a week, that's a wonderful step that will save animal lives. It means you have chosen something kind instead of something cruel.


Is PETA against the consumption of meat? Do you want us to be vegetarian?

I think if you're against cruelty and you look at what happens to farm animals in slaughterhouses and on factory farms, you have to be completely against eating meat. And we don't need animals. It's the 21st century. It's healthier for us, better for the environment and certainy kinder to be a vegetarian.

I have never worn fur in my life. A family member tried to give me a fur coat one year, and the smell of the coat is one I'll never foget, the smell of animal blood. It gave me the chills and I simply told her that I don't wear fur.

Gradually, I have turned from buying leather goods into buying canvas and fabric bags and shoes. I haven't taken red meat since I was 16, and that is 25 years now. I still take seafood and chicken, but I plan to quit that, too. I guess to some people, it's over the top or irrational. Hey, everyone can choose their own lifestyle.

The operative words that Ingrid has used in the excerpt above are kind and kinder and that means a lot to me.

Marianne Williamson

I have just finished reading "A Return to Love" by Marianne Williamson. The book mainly revolves around the principles in "A Course in Miracles" and that the main reason behind negative things happening in our lives is that we have deviated from the path of love into a path of fear.

The healing comes when we return to Love and return to God, because God is Love.

The book that I turn to when I feel down is a more recent book by Williamson. "Everyday Grace". I am particularly drawn to the concept that all of us can use "magical wands" to change our lives. Everyone is endowed with these wands.

We suffer because we have lost sight of the "magic" in every day miracles.

Everyday is a miracle, if we choose to let go and let God. :)

God has planted Angels around us to hear our prayers and protect us.

(Photos : http://www.mydreamwedding.ca/uploads/Image/Kyla/8111.jpg)

She Walks In Beauty

SHE WALKS IN BEAUTY

by: George Gordon (Lord) Byron (1788-1824)

SHE walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellow'd to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impair'd the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o'er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.

And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!

Christmas Collection II

This is the second design in Pastel b.'s Christmas Collection Cards. Since I am insistent in keeping true to the spirit of using pastel colors for the cards, I had a long debate of how to design Christmas cards without resorting to using solid reds and greens.

This is a design I came up with. The silhouette of the Christmas tree is outlined in Satin Ribbon, and the tree is decorated with Pastel b.'s signature hand sewn petals, topped with a silver sequin. I think it turns out better than I thought. I have even come up with the perfect response to using the pale colors. It's a snowy Christmas. :)

Love

When you are still single and still searching... for the elusive one true love, welcome to the the realm of "Insecurity". You start to question yourself, question the person you are attracted to and ultimately, question your sanity.

A friend is mighty confused these days and the sense of insecurity has overwhelmed and obliterated all the joy one should cherish in the beginning of a relationship.

I think it's because we live in a result oriented world and often enough the process is a means to the end. We are so focused on the end result, we forget to enjoy the process. We live in the future rather than in the moment, in the flow of things.

When this friend started to ask me a lot of hypothetical "what if" questions, which I have no answer to, I said STOP. What's the worst case scenario here? The worst case is you two don't work out. The thing is, should you work yourself into a frenzy, worrying about what might or might not happen and miss out all the happiness now?

I am a firm believer in living in the moment and the process is as important, if not more important, than the result. So what if the lunch date won't turn into a permanent relationship? The least and most you can do, is enjoy the lunch with the person you like.

Order a dessert and share it. Savor the moment when you both dip your fork into it. When you miss that person, go and eat the dessert alone and feel his/her presence. When things don't work out, go and eat that dessert again in tears. Love is a bitter sweet experience, and because of that special someone, this dessert will forever be transformed and committed to your memory box with him/her.

Nobody could predict how things will pand out in the future. The most you can do is to live in the present, coz the present is a gift.

This is a bouquet of pale green sweet peas and white chrysanthemums I bought from the flower stall in our neighborhood.

Autumn Excursion

Mommy made me pose...


Again...



Maman et moi

Vanilla Milkshake

Kobe passed on a year ago and November 7th was the 1st anniversary. Time really just flew by, coz I couldn't believe he was gone that long. One of our favorite outings is going to the Peak. B chan and Kobe loved running on the grass, with ears flapping and tongues out.

We went to the Peak on the 7th. Seeing B chan run round and round the park made me miss Kobe all the more. He would have enjoyed the mild weather and the sun. Most of all, he would be rolling in the grass and then nap in the sunlight.

We even managed to catch the sunset when we went for refreshments at the Peak Lookout. I ordered a Vanilla Milkshake and a warm chocolate cake. The food was yummy and I just wished Kobe were here, coz he would have loved the vanilla ice cream.

Christmas Collection

This is the first design from Pastel b. 's Christmas Card Collection. The Christmas Wreath features Pastel b.'s signature hand sewn petals and leaves, swathed in pale pink and mauve, with a beige satin ribbon and a silver sequin, to bring some festive glitter to the jolly season!!

Friend or Foe?

No one can deny that Facebook is a phenomenal success. I guess the original purpose is finding long lost friends and networking. However, it has evolved so much that sometimes I wonder if it is friend or foe.

A male friend always calls me up to test his privacy settings. He doesn't want certain friends to see pictures or information of him that would "sabotage" his friendship with another group of friends.

I have tempered with the privacy button as well. Not that I have any secrets on facebook, of all places, but I certainly just want "my friends" to see my status and stuff that goes on in my life. So, my privacy setting is always "only friends".

On a particular day, I found 3 girlfriends changing their status from "in a relationship" or "it's complicated" to "single". Then came the bombardment of comments and questions from other friends about their new found status.

On another occasion, a friend has repeatedly stated that she was feeling sad/blue/disappointed in her status. Her boss's boss is so concerned about her, that he has called her boss to see if she is okay.

Well, I think that the last example is a bit like Big Brother watching. Has facebook become our foe?

B Chan's Birthday

This month is B Chan's birthday. I don't know the exact day, but when I brought him home 6 years ago on X'mas eve, he was 2 months old . So, I deduced that his birthday must be some time in October. We celebrated with his and our favorite, blueberry cheese cake from Jam's Bakery down the block.

This year, we are missing Kobe, the cheese cake is also his favorite. Kobe is very picky with his food, but this one is definitely a winner! Here are some pictures taken today, with B chan trying to stay still and not gobble the cake in fromt of him. Happy 6th!!


It's my Birthday, I just turned 6...


Huh, mommy, still can't eat yet?


I hope it's birthday every day, yummy, yummy.....

Cheese cake from Jam Bakery

New Cushion Collection

Pastel b. has expanded into wedding accessories. This is our first Collection of Ring Bearer Cushions. The cushions will come with detachable satin ribbons for tying the rings. The idea behind is that after using it as a Ring Bearer Cushion, the couple could detach the ribbons and accessorize their home, serving as a momento of their special day.

Satin Ring Bearer Cushions from

Pastel b.

Pearl White Satin Cushion with

Interweaving Pale Pink & Pearl

White Ribbons

Pearl White Satin Cushion with

Interweaving Pale Grey & Pearl

White Ribbons

The Gift of Blindness

This is the title of October 12's entry from the book " A Year of Living Consciously". The entry is about a man driving under the influence and in the aftermath of a car accident, blinded. He says it's the best thing that happened to him. The incident "awakened the compassion and consciouness in him".

The man says he has been a really selfish person before, and didn't really know what love is, coz he has "never felt it as a child or grownup". But the man says the love he has for his guide dog is "the purest form of love" coz the man and his dog are linked together in a continous circle of service and gratitude".

The quote for the day is by Helen Keller:
"I thank God for my handicaps, for through them, I have found my work, and my God."

I think that "the gift of experience" of my most painful moments, have taught me to be more humble and most importantly, not to take anything or any person for granted.

Nice Diaries

My previous job requires the usage of Palms, the only model supported by the company, to synchronize datas. Many colleagues use their Palms as appointment books and more so, as game consoles during the endless and boring meetings.

I never felt secure about battery gadgets. What if I lose all the data when the power is dead? I have a few nightmares with the 4 Palms I have gone through with 6 years on the job. For me, using pen and paper is the safest.

Every year, around this time, there will be diaries for the upcoming year beckoning you. I got my previous 2 diaries from Franc Franc and I really love them. With all diaries, they come with yearly, monthly, weekly and daily planners, but what I love best are the many nice blank pages and tear away notes which satisfy my list making habit nicely. Yes, I am addicted to writing lists.

I came across this article in Newsweek about some really nice diaries. You could find them at the "upmarket British stationer Smythson of Bond Street". This year, 4 contemporary artists have created limited editions appointment books. Since it's an artsy diary, it also includes extensive listings of upcoming exhibitions and the best art hotels and cafes. They don't come cheap though. The price tag is US$700 each, but the nice thing is that all of it will go to charity of the artists' choice.

Check out http://www.smythson.com/, you will find many other nice stuff. Great for browsing!!

(photo : http://www.smythson.com/)

New Cabinet

New Cabinet

I bought a new 7 feet tall cabinet in anticipation of the new and expanded collections of Pastel b. and Petit enjel. The cabinet has 5 shelves and 2 drawers.

The top drawer is very shallow, but it's perfect for storing Pastel b. cards, ribbons, threads and beads.

The bottom drawer is much deeper and I am using it to store Petit enjel boxes and bags for packaging the angel suits.

Now we have 2 cabinets for bigger collections of our brands. Yay!!

Bottega Veneta Desk

I came across this little article titled "Maximalist" on Newsweek. Quoting here "Meeting deadlines is just a little bit easier when you work from home on the sleek and stylish Bottega Veneta desk in leather...". Well, the price tag is US$15,070.

It is a nice desk, but I don't think that even working on this desk will make meeting deadlines any more pleasant, and just imagine the number of projects I have to take to buy this desk? As far as I am concerned the best thing is no deadlines, period.

(photo : http://www.bottegaveneta.com/)

Studio White II

Beaded Partition for added privacy....


View from the Makeup Section....



Makeup Section....

Another view of the Makeup section.....

Welcome sign from YY.....

Today is Studio White's grand opening. YY has made a really nice 'Welcome' sign for us and Karen has sent us a massive bouquet that smells heavenly.

The beaded partition hangs gracefully, subtly dividing Pastel b. and the Makeup Section.
Friends came over for a celebrating toast and we ordered take out from a nice restaurant. It's a cozy gathering, which was what I intended in the first place.

Thank you everyone for your well wishes. This is indeed a great start for Studio White!!

Studio White

Here are some pictures I have taken today of Studio White. Studio White is composed of 2 sections, the makeup section, and the show room section for Pastel b. cards and Petit enjel baby couture. Both brands will be expanding and adding more items in the very near future!

Sofa and reception area

Pastel b. and Petit enjel Display

View of entire display

More...

Close up

Cabinet Interior

Pastel b. Cards