Pastel b.

Beaming Flowers

2011-02-25T21:38:00.003+08:00

The weather has been real nice and comfy the past two days, ranging from 17 to 22c. My mood has visibly kicked up a few notches, having been dampened by the rainy cold spell earlier on. Wet and cold, the worst combination ever.

Grasping the sunny day, Porky and I venture out. Perhaps it's me feeling bright and buoyant, everything around me simply look cheery and chipper. Stopping by the flower stall I make my way to vases of pale pink and green sweet peas.

Preferring muted pastels to bright primary colors I would have swooped up a bunch already but these yellow roses are simply irresistible on this gay day. Well, the yellow roses finally win. Now sitting prettily in the living room, they seem to be beaming every time I look.

Wise choice.

(The basket is from an Aveda hamper)

Burgundy Chrysanthemums

2011-02-13T16:43:00.002+08:00

The unusually long cold spell has my senses seeking warmth with everything, steaming hot drinks and comfort food, soft flannel sheets and throws. I find these burgundy chrysanthemums warming to the eyes, the rich color giving the petals a velvety texture that's soft and plush.

The chrysanthemums come in pretty long stems which I have loosely arranged in an angular coffee jar. The shorter stems are gathered as a dome in a square votive candle holder.

I usually save sweeter fragrances for cooler weathers and STELLA is a favorite with its layered scent of roses. What a wonderful afternoon it would be to burrow under the throws with a steaming mug of Darjeeling, indulging in a good book enveloped in a cloud of roses. Divine.

Waxflower

2011-01-17T03:08:00.008+08:00

Chamelaucium commonly known as Waxflower

The weather has been truly erratic this winter, with days alternating between 20c and 9c. The recent cold spell has lasted for days and the arrival of a rare warm and sunny day is welcomed relief to finally relax those hunched shoulders.

Porky and I grasped the chance to soak up every bit of sun at an outdoor cafe then taking a leisurely walk around. Our last stop was the flower stall and I was excited to see boxes of fresh flowers.

The lady was busy making tall floral arrangements for an opening. She said the big blooms were not for sale but I could choose amongst the smaller sprays use for adornment.

I finally picked two stems of waxflowers. The lady waved me off and said "on the house". Pruning and arranging my gift in the kitchen I was happy as a Porky (dog). The cluster of pink blossoms seemed to be smiling ear to ear back at me, too.

I crushed a few of the tiny leaves releasing their delicate aroma. Breathing in the fragrance I was awash with gratitude of a nice day lapping the sun with Porky and my vase of pink smileys.

My Baby Tree

2011-01-10T20:34:00.009+08:00

Happy New Year! After a long hiatus, Pastel b. is back with more cards, floral designs and always something nice.

First in order is supporting WWF's My Baby Tree program. With every donation you will receive a tiny key chain canister with a living plant (cactus here). The funds go to the reforestation of the Rinjani forest in Indonesia and what's more, a tree will be named after you which could be found on Google Earth.

With proper care the teeny key chain plant will grow along with "your" very own tree. What a better way to welcome the New Year with vibrant green life and know you have made an Eco effort to make the world a better place!

Hyacinths

2010-08-26T16:56:00.005+08:00

Hyacinths make beautiful bouquets and in this case a romantic posy. The dense cluster of florets makes an impressive presence and a minimal arrangement is all these bursting stars needed.

Hyacinths are also known for their fragrance. Too bad I cannot be in close proximity with these lovely flowers as I would start sneezing and working with them at length makes my head pound. I have asked some experienced florists if it happens to them and they almost unanimously say yes.

Fragrant flowers such as hyacinths are mostly placed at the shop front and milder ones near their work station. The practicality of the placement has an added advantage, lulling passerby to stop and browse as the fragrances greets their senses miles away.

Brilliant idea.

Potted Azalea

2010-08-15T01:21:00.006+08:00

This pot of azalea is my first flowering plant. I have always been partial to cut flowers as opposed to potted ones for their convenience. The blossom in this little pot has lasted two full months. As the flowers begin to wilt I start reading up on the care of azaleas. After the first flowering it's recommended to plant the azalea outdoors for the next season. Since I don't have a garden it will have to stay in its pot.

The leaves have grown wild and unruly in the meantime. I am real skeptical about it blooming again but on the off chance that it would, I have kept up with the trimming to keep its original dome shape. It almost has a sorry end in the trash can one day because it is so dry and brittle. I have completely forgotten to water it.

I think this pot is a late bloomer. Spring has come and gone and it's the height of summer. Nonetheless it's a thrill to be counting the new buds. As a debutant there is still much to learn about plants. I am looking forward to the wide circle of buds yet to bloom and happily thinking ablout choosing my second flowering plant.

Apricot Blossoms

2010-05-06T22:52:00.005+08:00

Apricot blossoms

Close up

Spring arrives at the fruit farm with blossoms everywhere. It's amazing these apricot trees can thrive on such arid land. To a happy harvest!!

Spring Flowers

2010-04-01T20:19:00.003+08:00

Pale pink roses, selected poems by Walt Whitman

Ranunculus blossoms

Salmon pink baby carnations

Fleurs de printemps.

Votive Candles

2010-03-27T20:37:00.004+08:00

Ranunculus blossoms in votive candle glasses

I have a weakness for candles. As a result I have a collection of burnt out votive candles gathering dust on a shelf. I have ruled out scraping the residual wax with knives because of the possible scar marks on the glass. One day, I come across a how-to guide on Martha's blog on cleaning votive candles.

I cannot believe the solution is this simple. Pop the candle in the freezer for a few hours. The rationale being the wax will contract in the cold and it can then be removed without any scraping.

I am pretty sure the glass will crack under the cold temperature but I decide to try it out anyhow, so I put two candles inside the freezer. After four hours I take the frozen votive out. I then use a knife to tease the wax around the glass, all the while remaining highly skeptical of my little experiment. Then I hear a tiny pop sound. I realize that air has been sucked in, meaning a vacuum is created between the wax and the glass.

This is the moment of truth. I turn the glass upside down and give the bottom a few knocks. The wax plop out with a thud on the kitchen counter. The glass is clean and gleaming with no trail of wax whatsoever!! I stand rooted to the spot holding the frosted glass, until the numbing cold from my fingers wake me from my trance. It works!!

My freezer is crammed with a dozen candles now. This simple tip has taken care of a problem that has been irking me for a long time and I am looking forward to a variety of glass holders. Above are the two votive candles from the experiment and they make such perfect vases for solitaire blossoms.

What a great tip from Martha!!

Tiger Lilies

2010-02-24T17:53:00.010+08:00

Tiger Lilies

I got a stem of tiger lilies at the supermarket checkout yesterday. It was really a spur of the moment thing as I was already juggling a big bag of grocery, my handbag plus dry clean. It was one amazing feat to get the flower home. I piled everything on one arm in order to free my other hand to hold it. With stone on one arm and feather on the other, I waddled lopsidedly home.

I was so proud the flower was intact when I dropped everything on the dining table. I already had a visual picture of the lilies with its long stem standing in a tall vase. I went in search of the vase all the while thinking how elegant the lilies would look. Hugging the vase, I went back to the kitchen.

I tried to ease the stem out of the plastic wrapping but it would not budge. They did a real good job making sure the flower stayed in place with mounds of tape. After futile attempts to push the stem out, scissors were called in for the job. Just when I was cutting around the tape, lo and behold the stem broke!! I stood rooted in the kitchen like an idiot holding the lilies I had protected all the way home with the lower stem dangling in the plastic wrapping.

Aghast at what had happened I consoled myself at least I had half the length left. I put the broken stem on the kitchen counter in search of another vase but I guess the stem was just too fragile. When I took the flower out, the stem broke again with only one fifth of its original length left. The stem was so short by now I could only put it in the tiniest vase.

Talk about all the effort to get the lilies home. It is a lesson well learnt, impulse buying is never a good idea.

Here is a shot of the tiger lilies with a treasured antique opera glass.

Valentine New Year

2010-02-16T01:00:00.003+08:00

Valentine's Day happened to fall on Chinese New Year this year. It's supposed to occur every thirty eight years. As opposed to the usual bouquet of cut flowers, I received a big vase of orchids arranged with a mass twirl of silvery buds. It felt more celebratory than romantic, so I guess New Year's won out as the decoration theme this Valentine's.

I could not resist getting sweet peas when I chanced upon them and they had fondly become everyday flowers around the house. I thought I had seen the lots, but during the frequent, albeit brief sojourn on my desk, I still marvelled at their variations. I was thrilled the paler buds all bloomed from the two latest stems. To keep the older blossoms just a few days longer, the stems were cut to an inch leaving the freshest part in water.

The free flowing sweet peas were the Midas touch, adding sweetness and romance to the otherwise austere Valentine orchids.

Sweet Peas

2010-01-29T19:47:00.005+08:00

Champagne color Sweet Peas

A perennial favorite
Sweet peas have an air of nonchalance with their crinkled petals and rowdy blossoms. Why conform when there are so many possibilities? Exactly what nature intended.

Chrysanthemums and Azaleas

2010-01-08T15:57:00.007+08:00

Variegated Chrysanthemums

White Azaleas

This is a pot a white azaleas I got before X'mas. The buds are too numerous to count and the circle of flowers just gets wider by the day. Finding a new blossom is a joy in itself. At times when I want to empty my mind, I'd sit by the window to gaze at it.

The chrysanthemums are actually two stems of cut flowers. I like the wayward arrangement of the bouquet and the irregular form of the petals. They look like wild flowers picked up on a country side walk.

Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T13:38:00.003+08:00

Rust color Chrysanthemums and Velvet variegated Carnations

Happy Thanksgiving!! These are two mini vases of Chrysanthemums and Carnations I have arranged today. The vases look filled to the brim, but each one has only two stems of flowers. I have cut them really short to fill the 3" and 4" glass containers.

I have chosen 2 matching dark brown glass vases of different heights to complement the wintry hues of rust and velvety purple. The colors of the flowers have such a presence about them, I think this simple arrangement befits them most.

Although a wreath would be nice, I think this frugal arrangement also has its appeal. Happy thanksgiving!!

Flower Shoot

2009-11-03T16:30:00.011+08:00

Red Roses Dome Posy

White and Pale Green and Sweet Peas Posy

Petit Sweet Pea Posy for Flower Girls

Mid-size Red Rose Posy for bridesmaids

Red and Green make a nice contrast

During the last week of October, we had a flower shoot done by Terry Bear. We were worried about the weather because the whole week had been cloudy and murky. We wanted the flowers shot under natural light and we were so thankful on the day of the shoot, the weather was fine and there was abundant lighting.

After a couple of test shots, Terry decided against the commercial style shooting, where the bouquets were upright and shot rigid as a statue. I was thrilled with the resulting photos. The lighting highlighted the layers and textures of the posies. The greatest part was the composition of the photos. They were artful, but at the same time Terry created a laid back, non structured ambience.

I hope in the coming days, more flowers and posies will be featured here.
(All Photos by Terry Bear, a very big thank you to YY)

With new eyes

2009-10-17T14:34:00.011+08:00

The only real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes. ~ Marcel Proust

Sprig of flower by Terry Bear

Ivy by Terry Bear

Heart by Terry Bear

Mandarin duck by Terry Bear

Silhouette by Terry Bear

I never would have guessed these photos were taken in the local park I used to frequent years ago. Terry is a moderator at a listed company and photography is a hobby. I used to work with his girlfriend in the same company and when she knew I was looking for a photographer to take photos for my portfolio, she offered to help.

After looking at the Terry's work, I know my portfolio will be really nice. We have scheduled to do a trial shoot for two posies next week. I have a feeling I will find "the" photo at the trial.

(All photos my Terry Bear)

Jasmine surprise

2009-09-13T15:14:00.007+08:00

A friend dropped by and gave me a really nice gift. Wrapped in light ivory paper were two bouquets of jasmine. The fragrance was heavenly, light and fresh. She said the flowers were not much, but I think it's the thought that counted.

Too bad jasmines were such delicate flowers that could last only two to three days max, but I guess the fragility just made them more precious.

White and Green

2009-09-08T16:18:00.008+08:00

White Lily Posy with generous greens for adornment

Finally there is a posy with my favorite color scheme, white and green. The white lilies were adorned with 3 kinds of greens. First, we had to gather the lilies into a flat-topped circle, then we had to make a loop with the ophiopogon leaves, which incidentally looked a little like spring onions. The tips were left as sprays.

Lastly the posy was enveloped by big hosta leaves. We used another deeper green leaf, the aspidistra, to wrap around the stems of the lilies to hide the flower tape and anchor it with a pearl pin. Voila, this is the White and Green lily posy!

Roses

2009-09-02T16:23:00.009+08:00

Champagne roses with red berries

Sheathed in matching organza adds a softness to the posy

Red roses and African berries make a lovely wintry bouquet

Big blossoms add fullness to the posy

Even though I am not a big fan of roses, I must admit that the posies we made in class the past two weeks were my favorites in this course. Both posies shown above were hand tied, with no wires.

Hand tied posies adds spontaneity to the bouquet as the flowers arranged this way are less rigid in structure.

Two more classes left, I'll definitely miss it!!

Cymbidium Posy

2009-08-02T11:51:00.009+08:00

Cymbidium orchids, pink roses, wax flower posy

Posy full view

It doesn't seem that long ago when I enrol in my flower course but I am already three quarters into my course. There will be only 5 classes left in the upcoming weeks. I miss my weekly class already.

This is a Cymbidium posy I made last Friday. It might not be obvious, but aside from the orchids, roses and wax flower blooms, we had to use two kinds of foliage to separate the flowers and fill in the little gaps, to make the posy fuller and rounder.

The teacher told us now that we have a firm grasp of the basic techniques, we have to focus on the little details. It's the little details that count, that make the difference. How true!

Pre-wedding Posy

2009-07-26T19:07:00.005+08:00

Hydrangea, White Rose & Musk

Pre-wedding Posy

I made this posy for a pre-wedding shoot. It's been re-scheduled for the fourth time because of the rainy season. Originally, both the bride and I wanted to use peonies, but we had to change the flower choice since peonies were very late in the season and would not last in the hot weather.

The whole day shooting will be done outdoors. After discussing with the bride, we decided to choose the much sturdier white roses. However, I knew the bride was not too partial to roses, so I decided to add some pale pink hydrangea and musk to add some dreaminess and fragrance to the posy.

Snowball Bouquet

2009-07-12T14:11:00.007+08:00

We did a lovely snowball bouquet in class this week. It's mostly made for bridesmaids and flower girls to carry around. They could hold it by the ribbon, or put the ribbon through the arm and let it dangle like a round handbag.

The bouquet is made with pink and green sweet peas, red spray roses and eucalyptus leaves. I think this snowball is more for flower girls than bridesmaids because it is too cute, especially with the pink ribbon tassles. They reminded me of the ballon strings.

I could imagine a flower girl swinging the snowball in the sunlight already. It would make a lovely photo. Awe, so sweet....

Birthday Flowers

2009-07-02T17:50:00.005+08:00

Belated Birthday Bouquet

Peonies, Calla Lilies and Lotus Pod in vase

I have been receiving flowers from a friend without fail on Valentine's Day and my birthday for six years. This year's belated because my friend was out of town. The nicest part was that even though it's belated, my birthday was not forgotten. Thanks for the thought.

I bought the vase at a bazaar near my place last year. It was such a bargain I also bought a porcelain umbrella stand. I mainly use this vase for heavy bouquets, since it's pretty heavy itself; big flowers would not tumble out of the vase so easily. The vase was perfect for the peonies pictured here since the blossoms were bigger than rice bowls!!

Flower Class

2009-06-21T00:33:00.004+08:00

Wrist Corsage

Dome Rose Posy

Bridal Bouquet with Calla Lilies

I have been taking flower classes since May. The Dome Rose posy by far the most difficult one because we had to visualize the whole process from a reversed angle.

The front of the posy, as seen, was actually the top from where we had to create the dome. All the while, we had to balance the three roses which hung vertically down.

First, we had to choose three rose buds, place at an angle in the foam, then wire to steady them. Next, we pick the biggest bloom and put it in the middle as our focal point. Actually, when we were making the posy, the rose was on top.

I totally blanked out the first few minutes, when the teacher said we had to measure the length of the other roses and foliage to make the posy into a perfect dome. I was so glad that after a few stems, I got the hang of it. Another challenge was that the foam break apart easily, so we had to be pretty accurate as to where to put the stems.

We ended up standing up and stooping down to see if the posy was rounded for two full hours. I was tired, but happy to have learnt yet another technique.

Championship

2009-06-15T16:56:00.000+08:00

I have been dying to write this post. The past week, I have stayed up till 2 am, sometimes 3am to watch every Finals game. I woke up at 8am this morning to watch Game 5 of the best of 7 series. Lakers were leading 3-1. Just one more game.

Lakers and LA fans were devastated by last year's humiliating defeat by the Celtics, they lost by 39 points at home court. It was a defeat the Lakers vouched to avenge. Ever since the Lakers nailed the Western Conference Finals this year, we were waiting for a comeback, one that would silence all the cynics.

Could Kobe Bryant win a Championship without Shaq? Today, Lakers rule, Kobe rocks and Shaq drools. Today, Lakers took Game 5, 4-1, to take the NBA Finals Championship. During the playoffs and finals games, critics said Kobe was so focused on winning the Title, he had a permanent scowl on his face. His daughters called him "Grumpy" after the 7 dwarfs. Today he smiled, a broad grin.

As the Lakers players donned their championship caps, Kobe's 2 daughters came out in their gold Lakers dresses with mom, in Lakers purple. You could see the relief and the exultation on his face. Playing as he did, he was the Finals MVP, but he did not forget to give credit to his teammates. Kobe has matured. It's not a one man show from before, it's team work.

Derek Fisher, the only other player who had won 3 championships with Kobe back in 2000-2 was tearing up when he was interviewed. He said that winning this time around meant a lot, because they had been on the highest and seen the lowest. To have comeback from the lowest and be on top again is truly amazing.

Incidentally, this year's NBA theme is "Where Amazing Happens". "Amazing" was sung by Kanye West.

(photo: www.nba.com)

Australia

2009-06-14T18:53:00.000+08:00

Hugh Jackman was not a familiar name in my peripheral knowledge of Hollywood stars till I watched the Oscars presentation. He was the host of that night. There were a lot of criticisms about the Academy shouldn't be spending an absurd amount of money on the presentation, in accordance with the economic times.

The decoration was subdued compared to the past Oscars. Against the backdrop of this blandness though was true talent. Hugh Jackman cracked a couple of jokes setting the mood of the night. He quipped about the past roles he'd played in, and he said the most challenging one was him, an Australian, playing an Australian, in a film called Australia. Then he sang, in a Broadway style for 5 minutes. I was awed. Boy could he sing!!

Australia was a movie about the lost generation of aboriginal children in Australia. These were children born of white fathers and aboriginal mothers. These "creamy" kids would be taken away from the aboriginal mothers and kept in schools run by churches, aiming to assimilate them into the white people and cutting their roots as half aboriginals.

Nicole Kidman, always elegant, played Lady Ashley. She came to "down under" from England to find Lord Ashley, who had invested in a cattle ranch, dead. Hugh Jackman was the cowboy sent to meet her and take her to the cattle ranch. It was hilarious when poised gal met tough guy and Nullah, the creamy child.

The film was funny, wistful, romantic and epic in scale and it attempted to tell the story of the lost generation against the backdrop of a love story and a war. In the end, I think the movie accomplished what it set out to do, to bridge the wrongs done to the aboriginals. In 2008, the Australian government apologized for what she has done to the lost generation.

It's a beautiful movie.

(Photo: http://movies.about.com/od/australia/ig/Australia-Photos/australiapic2.htm)

Amazing Grace

2009-06-11T14:40:00.000+08:00

In June 15th's edition of Time magazine, I came across a really heartwarming story about a 65 year old retired detective, Yukio Shige, scouting the three spots on the Tojinbo cliffs for suicides. If he finds someone, he would say "hi" and talk to them. A lot of times, the people he talk to would "burst into tears" and he would gently lead them to his "office".

He would serve them tea and oroshi-mochi, a sticky rice usually eaten only on New Year's. Shige is also a counsellor and he would listen and talk to the these people. He said that amongst men who commit suicide, it's almost universally work related, bounded by debts or unemployment. With women, it's health problems. As for youngsters, he would accompany them to their parents and make the parents "write a promise to change, and hang it on the wall".

For most of the past 5 years, he has funded his "organization" with his own savings or donations, to pay the rent of his office and sometimes help those he has "saved". Recently, the Japanese government pledged $100 million over the coming 3 years to organizations similar to Shige's. They have been petitioning for 5 years.

Japan has the highest suicide rate in the world, 23.8 per 100,000 person. Shige's reason behind serving the oroshi-mochi to those he has saved is bringing memories of loved ones celebrating the New Year's to their minds, reminding that they are not alone.

The article ended with Shige reading a letter from a man he has saved 5 years ago, thanking him for a second life. Then Shige's cell phone started to ring, the ring tone is the Amazing Grace. How great is that?

(Photo : http://jcollector.wordpress.com)

The Day of the Shoot - Bridal Session

2009-06-09T17:53:00.004+08:00

Pascale and Leigh

After taking a well deserved rest, we prepped for the Bridal session of our shoot. Zoe did a brilliant job transforming a casual makeup into a bridal one. Still the makeup was not heavy at all. I had several blooms of Gardenias and Zoe skillfully gathered them on one side of Pascale's swept up hair. As for Leigh, Zoe put a little flower on one of her two ponytails.

Then, it's putting on the dress!! Leigh was so cute with her white dress. It had a flower in front and she's the cutest flower girl. Pascale's dress was organza with a dash of embroidery, and it was pretty heavy because of the train. Zoe was a great help fixing the dress (secret) and when Pascale emerged from the room, it was "wow".

I gave Pascale the posy and Gothic did a test shot. Pascale told me afterwards that she was feeling kind of uneasy in the gown. Then she told me what made her soften up and relax. Not in a million years would it cross my mind that Gothic would say to her, "imagine the first time you looked at Leigh's ultrasound."

I did not know about this till much later, when Pascale was back home in Japan and one day we just chatted about the shoot. Gothic then said to Pascale, "just do whatever you are comfortable, but do not look into the camera". I guess that sentence really worked on relaxing Pascale. You could definitely see the softness in the photos where Pascale was holding the posy.

We had a specific shot in mind. It was for Pascale, with her back to us, turn and lift her gown a bit to show the tip of her shoes. All this time, I was guilty of giving bag after bag of snacks to Leigh, to keep her from running to Pascale. I guess poor Leigh missing her nap and was tired after so much activity made her want to run to mommy for comfort and security.

The peeking at Gothic continued and the photo above was just that, captured on camera. We had a few great photos of Leigh holding the flower girl posy. By now, Leigh could not stop looking at Gothic's camera, so the three of them sat on the sofa, with Gothic showing Leigh frame after frame of "Oh, who's that?" I clicked a couple shots away.

After that Pascale held Leigh in her arms and there were a few shots with their heads touching and Pascale smiling and looking at Leigh. It could not be any sweeter than this.

This is it, the bonding, the love. True to our theme, we did it and I could not be happier. Happy Mother's Day!!

(Photo by Gothic Heart/Artistic Direction Bonnie Wong)

The Day of the Shoot - Casual Session

2009-06-09T16:02:00.009+08:00

Pascale and Leigh

Everything was ready. The shooting was scheduled at 1pm. Zoe, the makeup artist arrived first. Then came Pascale and Leigh. We were all anxious to find out if Leigh would find my place comfy enough to explore, so when it came to the actual shooting, she would be her natural self. First things first, lunch for Leigh, seaweed rolls. I tried to feed Leigh while Zoe did Pascale's makeup. I was so happy because Leigh let me!!

Gothic arrived with his gears and Zoe nailed Pascale's makeup, minimal and natural, with her hair set in soft curls. Our first set was on the sofa, with Pascale singing, reading, looking at a glass bowl of leaves, etc with Leigh, everything in our armor to capture the playfulness and bonding between them.

The second set was in bed, with more reading, tickling, plus Mickey. The picture above was one of my favorites. It speaks volumes of a mother's love looking at her laughing girl and the best part is that it's so natural.

By that time, smart Leigh knew that Gothic had that big black thing that kept flashing. Today was no ordinary reading and playing. She kept peeking at him when the camera flashed. He kept clicking away, but Leigh kept looking at him out of the corner of one eye to see when he'd click. We had a time out because it was too funny and we had a ball laughing.

Gothic showed us the photos he had taken and we agreed that they were good. The casual session was a wrap!!
(Photo by Gothic Heart)

Notebook

2009-06-09T15:32:00.000+08:00

Tricia Guild Designs

The first day I attended my flower class, my teacher asked me if I had brought a notebook to mark down the notes. I said that I didn't know...I felt like an idiot. Yes, although it's only a flower class, it was still a class. He then reminded me to take a picture of the notes on the white board with my cell phone before I left class....I did not exactly go hunting for a notebook, because you could get it at any stationery store.

One afternoon, I was early for an appointment, and I went browsing at a nice store. There was a stationery section, and there I saw "the" notebook that I wanted. It's designed by Tricia Guild and on the footer of every page was emblazoned with the line "Designer's Guild".

It was love at first sight. Obviously, I bought it. It was around US10. Yes, pricey for a notebook, but I love writing in it. The first section is reserved for my flower class notes. The back section is reserved for my musings, ideas that would pop up here and there for my blogs. I carry my notebook with me everywhere now. Well, it measures only 10.5 x 14.5cm, purse size and perfect.

For more on Tricia Guild please visit www.designersguild.com

The Preparation

2009-06-06T13:05:00.020+08:00

The Embroidered Gown

The Setting

The Posy

Late April, I sat down with Gothic and asked him if he would do a shooting for my portfolio. I wanted to do a shooting on the theme of bonding, mother and child bonding. All the shots had to be natural, with no posing. There would be two settings. One would be a casual setting with the mommy playing with her baby, as they would every day. The other setting would be the mommy wearing a bridal gown with her little one as the flower girl.

Since Pascale was coming back with Leigh for a visit in May, we invited her and Leigh to model for us. I was so happy that Pascale agreed and Gothic bought the idea. I talked to both Pascale and Gothic, over the subsequent weeks, narrowing the details of the shoot leading up to the shooting day.

I was so happy that all of us agreed the photos would be clean, simple and chic. Pascale nailed the mood when she said casual would be white T-shirt and jeans. The bridal gown would be no lace, no beads, no shiny fabric. I felt that 50% of the shoot had been done.

Gothic then came to my place for a site visit and sat through the whole afternoon discussing the various angles and the lighting. When he left, he said "Great, natural lighting is abundant".

All that remained now was renting the gown, ordering the flowers for the posy, arranging the setting in my place. The day of the shooting got closer and closer. As a compulsive list maker, I was thrilled to be moving towards the end of the list.

I enjoyed the preparation process tremendously and I was so happy when everyone arrived on the day, nothing had to be changed. The gown, the flowers, the setting was all good to go. The preparation process was such a worthwhile experience. The best part was getting everyone to come together for the same idea.

(photos: top www.bridalcollectiononline.com middle www.silverhartmann.com bottom by Gothic Heart)

The Kite Runner

2009-06-05T22:58:00.000+08:00

The Kite Runner

I have always wanted to watch The Kite Runner. I read the book last year. It was not easy reading beacuse it raised a lot of questions about morality.

The Kite Runner was about the friendship of two Afgan boys, Hassan and Amir. Hassan was a hazera, meaning flat-nosed, an inferior tribe. Hassan's father had been working for Amir's father for over forty years. Amir and Hassan were inseparable. Hassan was illiterate, so Amir always read to him and told him stories that he had made up.

Every year, there would be a kite flying tournamnent, and the last remaining kite in the air would be the winner. Hassan would always run for Amir's kites. He never disappointed Amir for he always knew where the kite would land. That year, Amir won and as usual Hassan ran after the kite that Amir had cut off as the trophy.

A couple of bullies were teasing Amir why he would hang out with a hazera. Hassan had always protected Amir when they were bullied. This time, the bullies cornered Hassan demanding the kite. Hassan refused to give them the kite because Amir had won it and out of his undying loyalty to Amir, he was raped by the bullies.

Amir hid behind the wall, saw everything, but he did not help or asked for help. One day, Hassan and his father Ali left. Then came the Russian invasion and both Amir and his father had to flee. Amir's father entrusted his house to his good friend, who incidentally encouraged Amir to write.

After they arrived in the U.S. Amir married and became a writer. One day, he received a call from his father's good friend and told him that "there is a way to be good again." Hassan and his wife were killed by the Taliban, leaving their son, Sohrab, in an orphanage in Kabul.

The secret and fact was Hassan and Amir were half brothers. Amir went back to Kabul to find his nephew. Hassan had learned to read and write. Not only did he not blame Amir, he wanted to be a good writer so he could write Amir a letter some day. The letter had all the blessings for Amir and a photograph of Hassan and his son.

Amir finally brought Sohrab back to the States and the final scene was Amir teaching Sohrab to fly a kite. After cutting the last kite, Amir ran after it, telling the reclusive and abused Sohrab that "for you, I'd run a thousand times", echoing what Hassan said to him all those years ago.

The film touched me the most when Amir read the labored letter of Hassan. Hassan felt he was not "good" enough compared to the literate Amir. In fact, it was Amir who was not "good" enough for Hassan, betraying their friendship. This is the irony of it all.

In the end, although the Amir could not undo the past, he could move on with lesser guilt. Through Hassan, he had journeyed through love, friendship, redemption, forgiveness and ultimately "be good again".

The movie is a very good rendition of the book.

The Reader

2009-06-04T10:54:00.000+08:00

The Reader

The Reader was set in Germany, when Kate Winslet, in her thirties, had an affair with a fifteen year old David Kross. The affair lasted a summer and Kate disappeared, carrying her secret. David went on to become a law student and after all these years, he finally met Kate again, albeit on trial for war crimes as a former SS guard.

As the story unfold, Kate's secret began to unravel. It began with David remembering how Kate always loved being read to every time they meet. Her disappearance, her refusal to submit a handwriting proof all boiled down to her pride and shame to cover the fact that she was illiterate. Kate was sentenced to life in prison.

As David journeyed to Auschwitz to witness the horror of the camps, you could vividly sense his turmoil on the train back. How could a woman he loved be a part of this inhumanity, but did it mean he should do nothing and see her punished, just because she wanted to hide her shame?

This was the point when both characters amended the past. David had never forgotten his love for Kate, but his conscience could not forgive her. So David became the reader again. He read to her on tape, book after book.

After twenty years in prison, Kate eventually learned to read and write. I teared up when David received a one sentence letter from Kate telling him about the book, "The lady and the little dog".

The ending was how Kate and David finally chose to face their own worst demon, guilt. The span of over twenty years finally allowed them to forgive each other, forgive themselves and gave a closure to their love affair.

I loved the movie.

Posy for Shooting

2009-06-02T10:40:00.009+08:00

Leigh's Flower Girl Posy with Green Spray Roses and Foliage

Pascale's White Peony Posy

We invited Pascale and Leigh to do a shooting with us in mid-May. Our initial concept was to have 2 settings, one being a casual, fun one and the other a bridal one.

Since Leigh is only 2 and a half years old, I wanted her posy to be cute and adorable, just like her. I decided to go with pale green spray roses, small white flowers and generous foliage, to make it a fun posy.

As for Pascale's posy, I have chosen white peonies. Peonies are large blooms and are perfect in themselves, I added only minimal foliage to bring out the delicateness and softness of the peonies, which turned out to be the exact effect we had with the bridal shoot, delicate and soft.

The first photo is a favorite of mine and it speaks volumes, where Pascale's wedding bands are placed next to Leigh's posy. The rings speak of commitment, dedication and love, which without, there won't be an adorable and playful Leigh making the day an unforgettable one for all of us.

(Photos by Gothic Heart /Posies by Bonnie Wong)

Josh Hartnett

2009-05-31T01:12:00.000+08:00

Josh Hartnett

Josh Hartnett in Armani Beauty's Perfume Ad

I just finished watching Black Hawk Down on tv. I was never into war movies because of the gore. The tv station kept advertising the film on prime time and a familiar face came up in one of the war scenes.

I knew he acted in Pearl Harbor, but his name kept eluding me. It's on the tip of my tongue, but I just could not recall it. I just remembered that I liked his character more than Ben Affleck in Pearl Harbor. Out of the blue, while watching some commercial after dinner, his name popped up, Josh Hartnett.

I looked up his biography. Aside from acting, he is also featured in ads. His most recent one being the first male spokesperson for Armani Beauty. It's a perfume by Emporio Armani, "Diamond". Well, he was voted the sexiest male for many years, so it's not a surprising choice.

I have only seen 2 of his films, Pearl Harbor and Black Hawk Down, but I really like his portrayals. What strikes me though, is the similarity in roles he's been casted. You can switch his character in both films and you will see the same guy. He will be the more sentimental, idealistic and intellectual guy, basically the good guy.

As an actor, being stereotyped is supposed to be a bad thing because the roles lack versatility, but Josh Hartnett is such a believable good guy. I guess it's the earnestness in his eyes, but I like him being the good guy and he is a very good looking one I might add.

(Photos : www.flickr.com & www.finchsaquarterly.com)

Something blue

2009-05-11T12:33:00.014+08:00

Something old,
Something new,
Something borrowed
Something blue,
A silver sixpence in her shoe.

I was the maid of honor at a friend's wedding in New York. The bride-to-be told me she must have these four items ready on her Big Day. It's a wedding tradition and each one was supposed to be a good-luck charm for the bride. It's believed the bride would be married happily ever after if she had all these items on her wedding day.

"Something old" symbolizes continuity with the bride's family and the past.
"Something new" means optimism and hope for the bride's new life ahead.
"Something borrowed" is usually an item from a happily married friend or family member, whose good fortune in marriage is supposed to carry over to the new bride.
As for the colorful item, blue has been connected to weddings for centuries.

In the old days, brides wore blue to symbolize love, modesty, and fidelity. Before the late 19th century, blue was a popular color for wedding gowns, as evidenced in proverbs like, "Marry in blue, lover be true."

And finally, a silver sixpence in the bride's shoe represents wealth and financial security. For optimum fortune, the sixpence should be in the left shoe. These days, a dime or a copper penny is sometimes substituted.

I think the poem itself is sweet enough, but after looking up the meaning behind it, it adds to the blessings bestowed on the bride.
(excerpts : http://ask.yahoo.com/20031027.html)
(photo : http://gardendogs.blogspot.com/2007/12/winter-garden-color.html)

Teardrop

2009-05-08T23:16:00.000+08:00

I went for my monthly manicure today. My manicurist is a very young lady, in her early twenties. I really look forward to meeting her every month. Not only do I leave with perfectly manicured hands, I'd have two hours of nice chat.

After I sat down and chosen a new color, we started our usual chat. Five minutes into our conversation, she suddenly blurted out that her boyfriend broke up with her. It was a week ago today. She said the day after the breakup, she went to work in a daze. She said seeing me was a relief because she could finally tell somebody while she was working. We had become good friends in the span of two years.

I couldn't see half of her face because she had to wear a paper mask whenever she's working. What I could see were tears welling up her big, clear eyes. Then, a tear dropped. My heart dropped, too. She then told me the details, but they did not register. In that two hours, tears swam in her eyes and an occasional tear would fall. She'd then say, "Sorry, I didn't mean to...."

I don't know if this is the breakup season or not. I still have a very vivid picture of that sad girl's faraway look in my earlier post. Today, seeing a cheerful and optimistic girl whom I know hurting is truly heavy. When she asked me to go for a puff, I could feel that every breath was painful. She was hoping exhaling the puff would let go some of the hurt.

I smiled a sad smile. I totally know how she feels. Again, this empathy comes from been there, done that. Getting older does not mean it hurt less. In a way, I think it hurts more, because "you [do] carry with you every relationship, every hurt, every joy, every pattern, somewhere embedded in your memory." You could even feel another person's pain.

The silver lining is that it makes me a better listener because I could relate to these feelings. I hope I'd helped a little listening to her story today.
(photo : www.thepissedoffbride.com)

Wedding Favor-Scented Candle

2009-05-06T15:49:00.008+08:00

Lavender Candle Cube Glass, purple themed Wedding Favor set

Last month, I received a really special set of wedding favor at a friend's wedding. It's a glass block cube of Lavender candle with matches and napkin. The table was set with tall Lavender candles. The glow and fragrance emanated from the candles accented the romance of the evening.

The candle is at the studio now. I don't think I'll light it because it's too nice. If I do though, it will definitely remind me of my friend's wedding, which makes it a superb wedding favor because it's so reminiscent of an unforgettable night.

Peony for Flower Girls

2009-05-05T16:23:00.004+08:00

Peony Posy in vase

Full Peony Posy View

I made a 5" Peony posy (not including foliage) yesterday. I thought the peonies would have larger blossoms, but since they were comparatively small even in full bloom, I decided to make a posy for Flower Girls. Some flowers, like hyacinths are lovely to look at, but the fragrance is really heady. Peonies however, have a much more delicate fragrance. The fragrance comes in wisps, like feathers, perfect for the angelic cherubs carrying them.

A Far Away Look

2009-05-04T23:25:00.000+08:00

A couple nights ago, I went down to dinner at my favorite haunt, the cafe at the corner. Since I brought Porky along and dogs were not allowed indoors, we sat outside. I didn't much notice the table in front of us. We sat down and ordered. While waiting for my order, I accidentally listened in the conversation at the next table.

One girl was telling her girl friend about how hurt she was, how she did not expect this, how there was this other woman....

Her girl friend tried to console her, to trash the guy, the other woman, it didn't help the case and the tears flowed....

The storyline was not what caught my attention.

What caught my attention was when the girl friend got up to go to the bathroom, the hurt friend just sat and waited, looking at the street with the saddest faraway look. She wasn't focused on anything, anyone. She just sat there with red rimmed eyes and looked into the distance, into the past. I could still see her pretty profile. That faraway look....what was she thinking?

In my previous post (the excerpt), it said, "When you love someone, you are also loving everyone you have ever loved before. You carry with you every relationship, every hurt, every joy, every pattern...." Somehow, sitting there looking at her, I could feel her pain, her longing, her tears, her trying to be strong, her wanting to go back in time, her wanting to do things differently if she had the chance, her wanting another chance with him.

I was surprised at my degree of empathy for this girl. I think it's akin to the feeling you get when you cry at a sad movie, only this is more acute because it's not fictional. Love wounds are the most difficult to heal because it's a third degree burn. The skin needs to grow over the wound and it takes time, plus, the process is painful. You have to revisit the wound each day to clean it, and feel the rawness of the pain again.

As I am writing, this quote by Alfred Lord Tennyson popped up, "Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all."

Ranunculus Blossoms

2009-05-01T15:14:00.008+08:00

Ranunculus Buds

Ranunculus Arranged in Kosta Boda Crystal Dish

I am a big lover of flowers and I think it's such a waste that Bridal Posy has only one day of life. What we could do is use a little creativity, so we could admire the ethereal blooms just a while longer. The beautiful Ranunculus blossoms are arranged simply by cutting the stems into an inch to float in a shallow dish.

The Ranunculus buds tied with satin bow could be kept in a small vase. These buds probably would not bloom, but that is exactly the appeal, the sweetness of a budding flower.

Marcel Proust

2009-04-25T15:13:00.000+08:00

It is often hard to bear the tears that we ourselves have caused.
~ Marcel Proust

A few months back, I began to read 'À la recherche du temps perdu' (In Search of Lost Time, also Remembrance of Things Past) by Marcel Proust. I had always wanted to read it, but it was daunting because each volume consisted of 600 pages or more of packed writing.

I almost fell asleep reading the first page. The words rambled on and on. The full stop was definitely a long way off from the first word. I reminded myself this was not a modern 21st century work, but from the 1800's. People wrote with more flair and sophistication back then.

I took a deep breath and regarded finishing at least one chapter as my "mission impossible" challenge. As I flipped through the contents page, I found that the second chapter was smack in the middle of the thick book! I read on, and as I made my way through the first book, 'The Way by Swann's', I was hooked. This was romance. Proust described every tiny detail in a way that filled you with a nebula of romantic longing.

The whole work was semi-autobiographical, but it was no doubt a romance. The romance was not of a modern day love story. The romance was in the the finesse that Proust described everything he encountered. The appreciation of nature, the clouds, the sea, the flowers, the setting sun, dawn and twilight. People, their gestures, their appearances, their demeanors, the gossips and their loves and hates. The music and the painting. The expanse and array of the subjects covered were breathtaking.

I finished two volumes and I am reading 'The Guermantes Way'. I am completely addicted to Proust's writing. People rarely write like this now, but I guess back in the 1800's, people were more leisurely. Who has the time and patience now to read a sentence that goes on half a page, just describing a flower? But to me, this is romance.

The whole work consists of 7 volumes. The Way by Swann's, Within a Budding Grove, The Guermantes Way, Sodome et Gomorrhe, The Captive, The Sweet Cheat Gone and The Past Recaptured

(Posy by Bonnie Wong)

Bridal Posy

2009-04-22T14:11:00.005+08:00

Bridal Posy with Sweet Peas and White Roses

Full Posy View

I am so happy to have the opportunity to create flower arrangements for blushing brides. This posy was made yesterday for a bride's viewing. Since the bride is petite, we have chosen an 8" diameter posy arrangement for her. The size would complement, yet not overwhelm, her and her wedding gown.

The best part of making these posies is the process. From choosing the color scheme, checking the availability of the flowers (since flowers are seasonal), picking the complementing foliage and finally putting the posy together. I love working in proximity with one of nature's best gifts and I feel so blessed.

Makeup Tip 3

2009-04-16T10:57:00.000+08:00

Model look from Estee Lauder

Smoothing Creme Concealer from Estee Lauder

This is a simple yet magical makeup tip. Magical in the sense that it is instantaneous, et voila la difference. Notice the eyes of the model above are tilted upwards? Aside from the perfect eye line, mascara and eye shadow, the lifting effect could be achieved by dotting concealer on the outer corner of the eyes.

When we think of concealers, we usually use it for covering blemishes on our skin. Our focus is almost always covering the eye bags and the dark circles, which are the most obvious spots. One place we miss though, are the outer corner of our eyes. The part that is closest to the rim of our eyes bordering our eye lashes.

If you look closely in the mirror, the rims of the outer corner of our eyes have the same shade or in a more terrible scenario, a darker shade than the dark circle. This is the most often missed spot but the most important one for an instant brightening and lifting effect on our eyes.

The rationale behind it is, even if we have sucessfully covered the eye bags and dark circles, our eyes are only san bags and circles. If you look closely in the mirror again, the eyes still lack that luminous look. This is when the magic takes place. Take a tiny dot of concealer and dab it evenly on the rim of the outer corner of your eyes. Now compare the one eye you have dabbed on the concealer and the other eye you haven't.

See the difference? An instant lifting effect! If you are lazy and don't want to put eye line or any makeup, this is the best you could go san makeup, but still have luminous and not drooping eyes. Now get your wand and do some magic!!

(Photos: www.esteelauder.com)

Makeup Tip 2

2009-04-15T09:44:00.000+08:00

Ombre Eclat - 4 shades Eye Shadow from Guerlain

Eye Pencils, eye-liner and Kohl from Guerlain

Une empreinte de moi dans la memoire des autres....
A trace of myself, in the memories of others...

Makeup is a process and it comes in little steps, the last and most difficult being the eyes. I envy women who have no eye bags and no dark circles. So do women who have bright, large eyes that mesemerize and dazzle people. Unfortuately, I think these women only exist in air-brushed Vogue magazines.

If you use eye-liner and mascara, even water proofed ones, you might find yourself looking at a panda in the mirror after several hours. Even the best of water proofed eye makeup do smudge. We can only make it last as long as possible without smudging.

The trick to making eye-liner lasts longer, which contributes to smudging as well as mascara, is to put a similar colored powder on top of the eye-liner. The rationale behind it is that even if we use kohl pencils, they are still 'moist' on our skin. Since our skin is warm, it will slowly melt and smudge. Eye shadow, however, is dry powder. If we put a layer of eye shadow on top of the eye-liner, the staying power will be much longer.

Most ladies like to pick black eye-liners, but it's real difficult to find a real black eye shadow to dust on it. I have found a dark chocolate color eye-liner at Guerlain. The color is very dark for a brown eye-liner. The texture is dense enough for a fine eye-line and you can easily find a dark brown eye shadow to match the color.

I haven't used eye liner for a long time until this tip, mostly because of the panda effect. Now, I do put eye-liner and dot eye shadow on top of the line. Well, after 5 hours a panda is forming, but hey, at least I got 5 hours of bright eyes, which is not bad for a makeup tip. Try it, you'd be surprised.

(photos: www.guerlain.com)

Twilight

2009-04-14T14:30:00.000+08:00

A few weeks ago, I read "Twilight" by Stephanie Meyer. It was entertaining, a teenage romance. The setting was high school, the main characters are all 17, well except the parents.....

As a novel in the vampire genre, it really differed from Anne Rice. There were no gory details, no preying and not a lot of blood. However, there was also not a whole lot of mystery and suspense that made your heart pulsate.

Despite that, I was still anticipating the adapted movie to be released in DVD coz there was a lot of hype over how good looking "Edward Cullen" was. He was good looking, but that was it. The movie was a disappointment. It took the last bit of suspense away from the book. The movie was also cut into different scenes taken from the book, but it was so piecemeal the movie was not fluid at all. I guess the biggest disappointment of all was the absence of chemistry between the main characters. It's a romance after all.

If you have time on your hands and reminiscent of your high school years, you might want to watch it, but the book is definitely better than the movie.

(photo: www.barnesandnobles.com)

Makeup Tip 1

2009-04-10T22:40:00.000+08:00

This is one of the makeup tips I got from my makeup class. The main thing is picture a perfect oval shaped face, with the eyes, nose, mouth in perfect dimension. Ok just "picture".

Makeup, therefore, is to enhance our best features and camouflage the not so good features that do not fit the above. One very good tip to instantly slim the face and "make" it look oval is shading. Not a surprise.

Well, the magic is to highlight and shade at the same time, so this little box by Benefit is perfect for the job. The flat brush picks up both colors and the darker shade goes on the jawline and under the chin, while the other side of the brush, the highlight, will glide above the shade on your face, which will enhance your features.

I bought it and the first time I used it, I got a surprised but welcomed comment, that I looked slimmer!! Wow, a makeup tip and some camouflage did it. Now I am complacent into not losing the extra weight. Well, just a bit, hehe.

Pastel b. Launch

2009-03-26T11:44:00.005+08:00

I am so happy and proud to announce the launch of the Pastel b. website. Pascale has designed the website for me. The design is clean, simple and chic, exactly what I love. The final result is above and beyond my expectation, which goes to prove how great a designer Pascale is!!

Without Pascale's encouragement and her generosity in putting my cards in her petit enjel site, I would not dream of having one myself.

I have made the first cards a decade ago and everyone told me that the cards took too much time to make and I should think of printing or mass producing to make a profit. Stubborn as I am, I stuck with my belief that a hand made card is special to the sender and the receiver alike.

This is a long waited dream come true and I hope you will share my joy and pride.

Pleas do come visit http://www.pastelb.com/

Joanna

2009-03-09T15:42:00.000+08:00

I attended Joanna Wang's concert on Saturday night. It was wonderful. The concert's theme is "The Adult Storybook" and it's organized into 6 "chapters". I loved the chapters on "Reminiscence" and "Love", with a lot of oldies plus her own compositions.

Although Joanna is only 20, her repertoire of songs is beyond her age. She has rearranged and sang songs like "Aubrey" by Bread, "Vincent", and "True" by Spandau Ballet. She is also a talented songwriter and the songs she has composed have become hits.

When I first heard her voice, I thought she is a black lady or another Norah Jones, coz her voice is so blues, jazzy and soulful. When I found out that she is an ABC, I was overwhelmed. She has this groove. Anyone into jazz should look her up on youtube or better yet, get her album. She is a real talent and what's rarer, she is only 20 and has a long way to go. I had a great time at the concert and it really made my weekend extra special.

The Wedding Cake

2009-03-09T12:02:00.006+08:00

A wonderful Book on Wedding Cakes

Lovely designs with Step by step Guide

A book that gives you lots of ideas and step by step guides to making your perfect wedding cake. The pictures are breathtakingly beautiful. The author breaks down the steps into miniature ones, which makes you think that you might master the skills to making "the Cake".

The author also gives you tips on how to make life-like sugar flowers and leaves. A little curve here and a little dip there and a sugar dough becomes a delicate rose bloom. It's a real light reading but also manages to wow you with the author's skill. It's a delight to browse through the pages.

Petit Tin Teas

2009-03-09T11:32:00.000+08:00

3 Petit Tins Tea Leaves

Jingle Bells, Dacaf Carol, Tarte Au Poire

I received this gift from a friend for New Year's. It's a set of Tea Leaves in Petit Tins, as they were called, that come in 3 distinct flavors. I thought that I'll take a picture of them before I opened one of them for a nice afternoon brew.

The descriptions on the insert says.....

The Jingle Bells is a Christmas tea with images of snow and bells, which is created by yogurt and citrus fruit flavors.

Decaf Carol are decaffeinated tea leaves, flavored with sweet strawberrry and vanilla.

Tarte Au Poire is a sweetly scented Japanese green tea that will remind you of a freshly baked pear tart.

Now I have to make the difficult but pleasant choice to pick one for my afternoon tea and complement it with a nice dessert "to bring out the flavor of the teas". What a nice excuse to get some sweets!!

Wild Fower

2009-03-04T12:04:00.013+08:00

To see a World in a grain of sand,
And a Heaven in a wild flower....
~ William Blake

Reminding us to appreciate the wonders and miracles that surround us, which we might miss in the hustle bustle in life.

Valentine's Card

2009-02-23T18:34:00.005+08:00

Valentine's Heart-String Card

This is a new Pastel b. design for Valentine's Day, sewn with satin lace to outline the heart silhouette, decorated with pale pink hearts and a satin bow with a gold sequin as a final touch.

Truth about Valentine's Day

2009-02-15T18:19:00.000+08:00

Valentine's Day

Gal's Point of View - A Day to be hooked up at all cost
Guy's Point of View - A Day to be avoided at all cost

I got a call from a male friend on Valentine's Day, wishing me a good day and asked me for some advice. The girl he had been dating was asking him where they'd spend Valentine's Day.

My friend was hesitant and non-committal till the last moment. He said that he was going for a round of golf and wouldn't be back till after dinner time. In fact, he was home. He didn't want to have dinner with her because it would make them too "official". Drinks would be more casual and they would be less of an item. OK....

Gals all expected their significant others to "do something", coz that's what couples "should" do on Valentine's Day. To the gals, it would be unimaginable if there weren't any plans, presents, flowers in store on this big day. After all, what better day than Valentine's Day to show love and appreciation for each other? With much anticipation and expectation, the gals waited ....

The moral of the story is, if the gal is dating a guy above. This would be a day of utter disappointment. It is the everlasting struggle of guys wanting to be non-committal, and gals wanting commitment. Of course there are happy couples enjoying the day and each other's company. I believe that feeling appreciative of each other should be mutual. If the bond is there, you could feel it in your heart, each and every day, and not only on this day.

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

Happy Valentine's

2009-02-13T12:18:00.005+08:00

It's always nice to receive flowers on Valentine's Day. A dear friend has never failed to send me flowers every year for the past 6 six years. This is my favorite bouquet so far! Happy Valentine's everyone!!

Pastel b. Website

2009-02-02T11:26:00.004+08:00

I am so excited about the upcoming Pastel b. website. I am doubly excited coz Pascale is designing the website for me :)

When Pascale sent me the jpegs of the website, I went awe...., it's just so nice. I can't wait to see the website up and running. Thank you, Pascale, for your beautiful work and efforts. I truly appreciate it :D

Random Acts of Kindness

2009-01-29T21:33:00.000+08:00

I have been collecting articles from magazines for years. This one came from the December 1991 issue of Glamour Magazine's editorial page.

It's titled "Practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty".

"It's a crisp winter day in San Francisco. A woman in a red Honda, Christmas presents piled in the back, drives up to the Bay Bridge tollbooth. "I'm paying for myself, and for the six cars behind me," she says with a smile, handing over seven commuter tickets.

One after another, the next six drivers arrive at the tollbooth, dollars in hand, only to be told, "Some lady up ahead already paid your fare. Have a nice day."

The woman in the Honda, it turned out, had read something on an index card taped to a friend's refrigerator. "Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty." The phrase seemed to leap out at her, and she copied it down.

Another lady said "I thought it was incredibly beautiful," she said, explaining why she's taken to writing it at the bottom of all her letters, "like a message from above."

Now the phrase is spreading, on bumper stickers, on walls, at the bottom of letters and business cards. And as it spreads, so does a vision of guerilla goodness.

A man might plunk a coin into a stranger's meter just in time.
A dozen people with pails and mops and tulip bulbs might descend on a run-down house and clean it from top to bottom, while the frail elderly owners look on, dazed and smiling.
A woman writes "Merry Christmas!" to the tellers on the back of her checks.

Senseless acts of beauty spread: A man plants daffodills along the roadway, his shirt billowing in the breeze from passing cars.

They say you can't smile without cheering up yourself a little - likewise, you can't commit a random act of kindness without feeling as if your own troubles have been lightened if only because the world has become slightly a better place.

And you can't be a recipient without feeling a shock, a pleasant jolt. If you were one of those rush-hour drivers who found your bridge fare paid, who knows what you might have been inspired to do for someone later?" Excerpts from December 1991 issue Glamour magazine

I have been struggling with a few issues lately. After reading this article, I feel so much better, so much lighter. I truly feel that the world can become a nicer place, if we can be kinder to each other.

New Blog Address

2009-01-29T21:02:00.003+08:00

I have registered a new blog address for my personal posts. All the previous posts from this blog have been exported to the following site,
http://bonnie-memoriesandmusings.blogspot.com

This blog will be reserved for Pastel b. Creations, which will be linked to Pastel b.'s upcoming website. Thanks for following and looking forward to your comments!! :D

Trinkets

2009-01-22T14:47:00.009+08:00

My fondest and most treasured trinkets were collected from over a span of 2 decades. The binoculars were from an antique store near San Francisco almost 20 years ago. The 3 miniature picture frames were bought at the Takashimaya in New York.

They are prized because of the memories attached to them. Among the many times I went to New York, these 3 occasions were extra special. The first time attending a cousin's wedding, the second time, also a wedding, as the maid of honor at a very good friend's wedding and the 3rd time, spending Christmas with my newly wed friends at their home, with a Labrador taking 2/3 of my bed, and us being bossed around by a little Yorkie.

Each trinket served as a momento of these precious memories. I remembered crying so hard at my friend's wedding at the chapel that the best man came over to ask me if I were hyperventilating. Luckily, the bride and I decided to put on clear mascara that morning when the lady did our makeup. Actually it was the groom who cried first when the pastor read the letter the bride wrote to him. Me, I choked up on the first sentence.

I was so happy the newly weds invited me to stay at their new home the next year, and got acquainted with Jed, the massive Lab with the biggest heart, the gentlest temperament and the saddest of eyes. Each night for those 2 weeks, I had to jostle with him to get 1/3 of my bed back to sleep on. Well, Jed had thunderous snores, too.

As for the little Yorkie, he would boss Jed around and oh, they loved to chase the postman. It was funny to see Jed following Potato Cake's command to go "chase". Jed would stand guard wagging his tail while the little guy yapped his way out. It's funny.

Jed passed away last year.

When I read what my friend wrote me of Jed's last days, my tears welled up and blurred the words on the screen. But I am so honored to have met this big gentle guy.

When the brush fires raged thru' California, people were asked what were the few items they'd brought with them, when they saw the fires coming so rapidly. Almost all said, their pets, photos of loved ones and items that had personal meaning to them, and funnily enough, not the items with the most dollar value.

The Women

2009-01-20T11:30:00.010+08:00

(Photo : www. AllMoviePhoto.com)

The Women, starring Meg Ryan and Annette Benning....

It 's been a while since I have watched a movie with Meg Ryan, a favorite actress of mine, on the big screen. I remember her fondly in the roles of "When Harry Met Sally", "You've Got Mail" and "Sleepless in Seattle". I also like Annette Benning a lot, coz she is so beautiful and elegant. When the DVD came out, I rented it.

The storyline is nothing new. One of the girlfriend's husband has an affair and the movie revolves around on how she deals with the betrayal, with the rally of her best friends around her. I guess the best part of the movie is the emphasis on the bonding between 2 best friends, and how, losing the best friend hurts more than finding out about a cheating husband, because your friend is someone you trust that you could fall back on when things go wrong. Since it is a comedy, it has a happy ending.

The funniest part is that there are no male leads, not even the husband who cheated in question. The most you get that he existed is from the phone calls he supposedly made to his wife. This is an all female cast, with Candice Bergen and Bette Midler, too. I don't think I gave too much away with this post, but girls, you should rent it. It would boost up your girl power!!

Appearance Matters

2009-01-18T12:54:00.005+08:00

Rent or Buy?

The article by Sameer Reddy is titled "Keeping Up Appearances". It talks about how a character in a US prime time TV show, "Gossip Girl", "goes to great lengths to project a soignee appearance in order to court popularity at her exclusive Upper East Side prep school. She saves her allowances, frequent second hand shops, stitches her own party dress and does whatever else it takes to keep up with her better-off peers." In the end, she succeeded and even made it to "New York Post's Page Six gossip column."

The theme of the article is that a lot of people still want to project an air of well-off-ness in the economic downturn we are facing today. The gist is, we could do it with a little creativity and imagination. The author cited 2 luxury items, jewelry and bags, that women seemingly could not live without.

In this day and time, money in the pocket makes more sense than plunking it down on a sparkly diamond or a must-have bag. Popping up are lab-cultured diamonds and rent-a-bag shops. You could buy a diamond so real that diamond experts have a hard time to tell apart, and rent to own bags that could satisfy the urge to look hip.

I had a secret smile after reading this article. It reminded me of Jennifer Hudson's character, Louise, in the SATC movie. There was one scene when Carrie was interviewing her for an assistant post, and Louise was saying how she was living in a tiny room in NY city. Carrie then asked her how she could afford an LV bag, Louise smugly replied that she rented it, and said to Carrie, "You have a lot to learn from me, girl".

I still want to look good, but spending money in these tight times just doesn't make sense. Yeah, there are still a Chanel bag or 2 that I would looove to have, but parting with my money is not that easy now. I guess it has more to do than the economic crisis, I would want to believe that I have gotten wiser.

Weighing the US$2,000 I'd have to spend to get the coveted bag, is the amount of work I'd have to put into to find the money. Nowadays, I would ask myself, does the bag justify the extra stress? Well, the answer is a definite "No". My investment has shifted, from owning things to investing in myself, in knowledge and in values like empathy, integrity, and freedom.

Afterall things are just things and will fade away, or more likely, we'll be bored with it sooner than we think and will be stumped by the question, "Why the heck did I pay so much for this?"
Investing in oursleves, in the core of our being, is more long lasting. In the end, we'd appreciate the better person we have become.

(photo : http://www.purseblog.com/chanel-bags/)

Loving yourself is the Best Gift to Others

2009-01-16T21:57:00.008+08:00

Today's title in "A Year of Living Consciously"

"On the surface it might sound like loving yourself is a selfish act, but it is actually the ultimate act of selfless giving....One moment of genuine self-love can result in a lifetime of compassionate contribution to others.

One of my friends, a yoga teacher and single parent with several children, told me, "If I take a few minutes in meditation each day to resonate with myself, I can do things all day with and for my kids. But if I don't take a little time for me each day, I end up feeling resentful about all the demands they make."

-Conscious Living Practice for today-

Take five or ten minutes to yourself today. Don't do anything, just sit and be. Appreciate yourself for simply being you. Realize: If I don't take wonderful care of myself, who will?

(Excerpt from A Year of Living Consciously by Gay Hendricks)

I am blessed with Merlyn to take care of my kids and my household chores. The house is cleaned, the kids are fed when I wake up. I could smell the coffee brewing when I get out of bed. This is heaven.

A week into her 3 weeks holiday back home in May last year, I almost went crazy with the things I had to do before I could enjoy my morning coffee. First, feeding the kids with their appropriate food, dog with dog food, cat with cat's, bird with bird's. Then comes the cleaning of their you-know-what. The point is, it totally broke my most important morning ritual of enjoying 2 cups of hot coffee first thing in the morning.

I was moody and I was impatient with the kids. I felt that I had no space and they were "asking" for too much, as if they could "talk". As I re-read this entry again with the calmness of Merlyn here taking care of everything, I could totally relate to the importance of having some time to yourself.

I guess the quote from Lucille Ball sums it all up, "I have an everyday religion that works for me. Love yourself first, and everything else falls into line."

Freedom Moon

2009-01-15T12:09:00.004+08:00

I have been an avid supporter of the Animals Asia Foundation for a couple of years now. I was so excited to get this book in the mail. The proceeds of the book will go directly to the moon bear funds.

It is thrilling and heart warming to see the bears thrive after so many years of being abused. Some more fortunate bears get to live out in the sanctuary, finally free, feeling the sun and grass, playing and getting proper nourishment and medical attention.

Some unfortunate bears never get to set foot on the grass, and have died after arrving briefly at the sanctuary. I was outraged to see the tortured images and it made me want to do more for them besides supporting the foundation. I want to spread the word, my righteous indignation at the humans who would torture animals for profit. I hope that more bears will be saved and this horrendous practice of bear farming will end once and for all.

Hooray to the team at Animals Asia for their tireless efforts in freeing the bears!!

Noka Chocolates

2009-01-14T12:37:00.009+08:00

One piece of Noka Chocolate, price tag US$10....

The Gift Box....

The chocolate ice cream/sorbet is 3000yen....

The jewel-like display of Noka Chocolates.....

I am not a big chocolate fan, but an occasional chocolate mousse cake or a creamy hot chocolate is nice. Sometimes, I would splurge on my sweet tooth, and a Godiva or a Cova truffle would nicely satisfy me. I consider them luxury items coz one piece of truffle is pretty pricey.

Well, imagine my surprise when I walked into the Noka Chocolate Store in MidTown. The chocolates were framed by a backlight, so they somehow looked mysterious. There weren't a lot of choices, only 4 flavors to choose from, but the price tag was what made me go "whoa!!"

One tiny piece of chocolate costs US$10 and it's the size of a piece you break from a Cadbury bar!! I got so curious that I actually bought the one piece. The lady explained the reason behind the exotic price was that there's an initial taste, and an after taste that would linger in your mouth. Ok...

I tried it on my train ride from the onsen in Hakone back to Shinjuku. Maybe I was expecting too much. Indeed there were flavors described by the lady, but the taste certainly didn't linger long. 2 minutes of indulgence came with a US$10 price tag!! Luckily I wasn't sold to buy the 3000 yen ice cream!!

Takashimaya

2009-01-14T12:26:00.003+08:00

This is the florist in Takashimaya, Shinjuku. I have very fond memories of the Takashimaya in New York. It is one of my favorite stores on Fifth Avenue. I was told that the store in Japan was not the same elegant one in New York, more like Daimaru.

Well, after visiting the store in Shinjuku, I must admit that the Takashimaya in New York is much more chic. However, one aspect is similar, that of the spectacular florist. The fragrance travels and the scents of the flowers are just heavenly.

Tokyo MidTown

2009-01-13T11:21:00.013+08:00

Tokyo MidTown.....

Aoki Parisienne Cafe Entrance.....

The interior of the cafe.....

The Dessert Display with Calla Lilies is a nice touch....

My order of cappuccino....

The Tea Set Display at the cafe, they are models....

Tea Set Display, again, they are models....

My favorite place in my Japan trip is visiting Tokyo MidTown. The subway exit goes directly into MidTown, so you don't have to get out into the cold to get there. Aside from brand name shops and specialty stores, there is this nice cafe that I went.

The entrance looked more like a jewelry store than a cafe. Tall vases of white calla lilies sat atop tall displays of all kinds of sweets imaginable, from cookies, chocolates to cakes and pastries. The display is certainly a feast for the eyes. When my order of cappuccino arrived, the foam came as a heart shaped design. It looked so nice I didn't want to dip my spoon into it and stir.

The whole ambience and presentation gave the impression that the food and drinks were to be appreciated as gems in their own right. I guess this is the best representation of appreciation with all your senses, visual, smell and taste.

Meeting Leigh

2009-01-11T22:44:00.005+08:00

The trip to Japan has been a whirlwind. I have never walked so much in my entire life, and it's non-stop walking for 4 days!!

I am so happy to be able to meet up with Leigh and Pascale on the day before I left. We had drinks at the Bulgari Cafe and Pascale treated us. :)

Leigh is adorable and with her ponytails and pink boots she is just too cute in person. Here is a picture of us.

I am still sleeping round the clock and napping between my readings to catch up on my zzz. Boy, am I tired!! All the same, I am happy to have experienced so many things on this trip. When I had my fill of zzz, I will write about it!! Ciao!!!

Japan

2009-01-05T06:07:00.004+08:00

I am off to Japan for a week. Porky is not pleased at all to see me packing. Usually, when I take a shower at night, he would go to sleep in my room. Not last night though!! He was at the door guarding the exit!! He has had experience of me going on trips and he knows what a luggage means!! Awe.....I miss my snoring P already!!

Can't wait to see Pascale and Leigh Leigh!! Here comes auntie Bonnie!!

Alqvmia

2008-12-29T00:35:00.015+08:00

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

2008-12-29T00:35:00.012+08:00

Eye contour cream

Anti-aging elixir serum

Anti-aging face cream

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

(photos : www.thenaturalstore.co.uk)

Flower name

2008-12-26T18:22:00.004+08:00

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

2008-12-25T15:06:00.007+08:00

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

2008-12-25T00:54:00.013+08:00

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

2008-12-23T10:28:00.006+08:00

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

2008-12-22T19:09:00.006+08:00

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

2008-12-21T16:27:00.004+08:00

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

2008-12-21T15:32:00.007+08:00

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

2008-12-14T11:17:00.006+08:00

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

2008-12-04T11:38:00.008+08:00

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

2008-11-21T16:48:00.007+08:00

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

2008-11-21T12:08:00.004+08:00

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

2008-11-21T11:07:00.006+08:00

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

2008-11-13T18:50:00.008+08:00

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

2008-11-13T16:10:00.003+08:00

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?

2008-10-20T13:47:00.006+08:00

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

2008-10-18T00:35:00.009+08:00

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

2008-10-14T11:37:00.013+08:00

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

2008-10-13T10:50:00.005+08:00

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

2008-10-11T11:08:00.005+08:00

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

2008-10-06T22:07:00.010+08:00

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

2008-10-06T11:16:00.009+08:00

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

2008-09-27T00:55:00.013+08:00

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

2008-09-25T19:21:00.017+08:00

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

A Nice Saturday

2008-09-21T00:27:00.008+08:00

It has been a very nice Saturday. Pascale came back for a visit and we had a delicious lunch. After that, we went back to the studio. I was hoping that Pascale would go "wow" on the work and renovation we have done. Well, I am happy that Pascale is duly impressed. :D

We went around the studio and I pointed out where the Pastel b. display rack will be and how we would best display Petit enjel baby clothings. The angel suits look adorable on the hangers brought over by Pascale. Even though we are in different fields, everything just looks so perfect together.

We also have plans expanding our respective businesses, by adding more accessories, thereby enlarging the collection, and hopefully get a brand awareness of our products. It will be challenging, but I know it will be fun, coz we are working foremost as friends.

The final pieces of furniture are delivered when evening rolls in. Elaw and me picked up great bargains over the month. After the makeup table and mirrors are assembled, the makeup section of Studio White will be fully functional.

It's been a busy month, but I am so happy and excited that everything is finally coming together, even better than we expected. This is to a great start for Studio White!!

Thank you, Pascale, for coming to the studio to visit. It has made my day and thanks for all the compliments!!

9/11

2008-09-12T00:32:00.010+08:00

Today ( US time ) is 9/11. I could still remember watching the TV coverage 7 years ago. I thought I was watching a Die Hard movie rerun or some macho movie of that genre.

When I realized that it's real, I stood rooted on the spot and was stunned and speechless. The subsequent news coverage and mass casualities were painful, sad, and heartbreaking.

There was a study I read about that said, if a trauma was significant enough, you'd remember every detail of the day. The study was on what people remembered on the day that President Kennedy was assassinated. People could remember where they were, what they were doing and other minute details prior to and after the occurence.

To me, 9/11 has the same effect. I could vividly recall which spot I stood rooted to, staring at the TV screen. I could still remember the tears flowing when the names were read by the loved ones at the memorial ceremonies over the years.

There are some things you'd remember for life, and 9/11 is innocent lives taken and bravery honored.

(image Wikipedia)

Orphaned kitten

2008-09-11T11:48:00.005+08:00

This is Camille, a kitten I adopted from the cat clinic I worked for a day back in June. She was left outside the clinic and she was tiny as a rat. She was just a few weeks old, and her eyes were still shut.

A nurse at the clinic became the foster mom and fed her formula. Her prospects were pretty dim coz she was so tiny when she was orphaned.

Now, she is a 3-month old, healthy, naughty and canon-ball kitten, running all over the place with bursts of energy. The amazing thing is, after some initial suspicions on all parts of the "zoo", B Chan, the pomeranian, Ashley the Scottish fold, and Dayee, the Major Mitchell cockatoo, have come to accept this little "mouse" of a cat.

Our family has one more loving member. By the way, Camille is pronounced as "ca-mill-e", not "camel". Geez, I don't hate her enough to call a cat, Camel.

What to name Fish?

2008-09-07T21:02:00.007+08:00

A friend's younger son has finally got 2 pet fish of his own. With ownership of 2 cool goldfish comes big responsibility, that of naming them. The little boy is 10 years old, and my first thought was that he would name them after some cartoon hero. That's what I named mine when I was young. Guess I skipped a whole generation of evolution.

One of the fish is called Michael Phelps and the other is called Obama. Okay, not Obama directly, but Mr. President...The little boy told me that this is his 3rd Obama fish, the two previous fish had mysteriously gone belly up.

He is mighty worried what will happen to Obama III. So, I asked him what he'd do if this fish went belly up also. He thought for a while and said, "Maybe I wouldn't call the next one Mr. President anymore, maybe just Obama."

How's that for wisdom?

(image from http://www.illustrationsof.com/)

Autumns

2008-09-02T11:12:00.004+08:00

Although it's still piping hot and humid, it's September already. Everyone has a favorite season, and autumn is special to me for a lot of reasons.

First, it will be dry and airy, a respite from the humidity that weighs you down the whole summer. Secondly, a lot of new beginnings and transitons always happens during this time of the year.

I remember my dream house of 11 years ago, driving in my then convertible to see the renovation, with the hood down, so excited at the prospect of moving in. There are also special moments taking of my kids to the Peak for walks, and watching them roll in the grass, with no fear of heat strokes.

This September, we are opening our new studio. Am I a bit superstitious about good things happening in autumn? This will be a new chapter and I can't wait for the story to unfold. There seems to be so many possibilities suddenly opening up with our new endeavor.

Perhaps it's the airiness that lifts the spirit, so all things seem lighter, happier...

Pastel b. Book Mark

2008-08-29T11:33:00.005+08:00

This is a new paper product from Pastel b.

It's a Book Mark with Pastel b.'s petals motif and embroidered "zzz",

with the inscription, "This is when I fell asleep."

The tassels are knotted with silver threads and pale blue threads, to complement the color scheme. There will be more colors to follow.

Summer Colds

2008-08-28T23:00:00.014+08:00

I have a major allergy attack this morning, which worsened into a full blown cold. I have used one and a half box of tissue already, taken my cold medicine, and still my nose won't stop running. I am feeling miserable and real pissed about blowing the nose all the time.

I always get colds in the summer, it never fails. It's the alternate hot and cold air that causes the first sneeze, and if I am lucky it'll stop there. If I am unlucky like today, it will go downhill.

Despite the trauma I have inflicted on my nose area going through a whole box of tissue, the skin around my nose hasn't started peeling. Sure I have a Rudolph nose, but thanks to the botanical oil from Fancl, my skin is spared the worst. The botanical oil is 100% olive oil and other vegetable oil and could be used for a variety of skin problems.

It is best for dry and sensitive skin from exposure to the sun, heating in the winter, etc. I was in Korea in May of 2006, and the central heating was literally sucking all the moisture out of my skin. The botanical oil saved my skin and kept it moist and not flaking. This is a great all purpose skin care I vouch for!!

(photo www. fancl.com)