Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Recent Updates and Etsy Features (Vintage!)

My apology for disappearing for quite a while. I haven't been feeling well for the past week. First, the 'I-don't-feel-like-doing-anything' mood got me.. then Nono was sick... it was so bad. He peed BLOOD..... yes, fresh blood.. lots of blood. We were worried sick! Imagine waking up one morning and discovered pools of blood all over the living room.... just like a murder scene. Thankfully after a visit to the vet and taken some medicine, he made a full recovery. As soon as he got well, it was my turn; running nose, cough, body ache and a little fever. Glad I'm feeling better too. Okay, enough of the doom and gloom. Today is going to be a long post because I know..... you'd missed me terribly. :)

First of all, a latest pic of Nono to ease your worries. It's so good to see him in perfect health again.



















Photos taken at my cousin's (the bridegroom) wedding last week.....




















my niece. Sooooo adorable right! Smooches~






















me and my favourite cousin! :)
























my family (mum, brother and soon-to-be sister in law. Dad wasn't there that day). They're going to kill me for posting this. Lol.



















Beautiful cousins~~



















And now........................... It's Etsy Feature time!~~~ This week's theme is Vintage- Home Sweet Home. I had such a great time putting these together... like I'm doing shopping for my dream home. Hee.

Plenty of amusing things in this shop, halfpintsalvage. For instance, chalkboard made from salvaged window....


























Another one that allows you to hang your keys.


























Guess what is this? A cheque imprinter! I've never seen anything like this... of course I'm far from that era but still.. it's so pretty!


























love their coat racks too. These are made out of stair balusters!























Nursery circus mirror from sweetlilystudio. So adorable right!

Want something cuter? Check out their Pinnochio wood hanger! I bet you'll like this. :D



















Vintage transistor radio from solsticehome.

























Tennis racket with cover. I've seen this one before! When I was VERY young (have to emphasize on VERY young).



























Next, take a look at this beautiful clock from birdie1 which made it to Etsy front page.

Something else I like from this shop - vintage wood hanger (print included).

How about a pink wagon for your plants from baconsquarefarm. The men may not get it but this pretty wall decor has got 44 hearts in Etsy (one from me).





















This one caught my eyes too. It has got 45 hearts. Well... need I say more?



























Sweetest (match) boxes I've ever seen! You may even personalize them at tinkeredtreasures's, like the one below.




















The following shop gave me quite a headache. I meant it in a good way. There are well over 370 items to choose from Fondue. I tell you, I love almost ALL the items! Their tissue boxes alone top my favorites chart....





























and I have not even shown you their Switch Plates... Instead of using the usual boring plates for your switches, how about these? They're like beatiful paintings on the walls.
























Lovely cushion covers from JolieMarche.





























Vintage jar lamp from MINDASART.

A blender lamp? What else can't you make into a lamp? Creative has no limits eh.

Love this wooden step ladder from Hindsvik. This will do it for my home library in future. Hee.























Drooling over this Map desk too! It has over 110 hearts in etsy. I'm not surprise.





















Saw this gorgeous photo frame from IvarsDesign, on Etsy front page just yesterday.

















Something for your kitchen... Does your granny still uses this? Egg beater with wood handle from postroadvintage.



















Vintage cookies/cake cutters!



















Less than $50 to get NINE antique utensils. What do you say?



























Want to look pretty even when you're doing housework? Put on these lovely gloves from JulieMeyer, they'll make you enjoy your chores more. *Hinting the husbands.





























Lastly, allow me to throw in my lastest listings on Etsy. They may not be vintage but surely as good. ;) Again, I need to stress that these silkscreen postcards are 100% HANDMADE (with smooches) by me! *Actual products will look way better than the photos. More images can be found HERE.






























Have you found something you like? :)

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

New Listings

Added a few listings to my etsy store...

Silk-screened, fabric wrapped postcards. These are 100% handmade (with love). From the cutting of cardboards/ fabrics to the silk-screening... to 'assembling' them. And finally to the packaging. Pardon my lousy shots.. I assure you, the actual product looks WAY BETTER than my photos.

Playtime - for all piano/ organ lovers (like me!)


Speakers - have you spotted Nina and Nono? ;)

Tune in for more listings next week. I'm feeling pretty uninspired and unmotivated lately...it's bad. I know. I just feel like lying in bed the entire day and read my books...... and snack. :|

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Treasure Read and University Of Metaphysical Sciences

Tah-dahhhh~~ My lastest treasure read has to be this book called, 'Life Lessons for Mastering the Law of Attraction', from the creators of Chicken Soup for the Soul (Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen). I'm sure many of you have heard about the Law of Attraction, specially so if you've read/ watch 'The Secret'. Foreign to this 'law'? That's my point, 'Life Lessons for Mastering the Law of Attraction' will be extremely beneficial for any beginner who wish to learn about this law and how to apply it to their lives. With short story on every chapter, this book is delightful to read and very easy to digest. :) You may browse through the first few chapters of the book here.















I can't emphasize on how awesome this book is.. If I'm a millioniare, I would buy a hundred copies and distribute them to everyone I know... this is how much I love the book and hope everyone would benefit from it. Now I have a little brilliant idea; this year I'm going to buy books for my friends for their birthday! Yes, no more jewelry, clothes, food, cash or car (as if. lol.).... just books. As Abraham Lincoln put it, ''The things I want to know are in books; my best friend is the man who'll get me a book I ain't read.''. I know.. I'm so thoughtful right...heh. For more of my treasure reads, check out my sidebar.

Yesterday I had a deep conversation with Adele (apparently we always share our ideas about life, human behavior, our goals, fantasies... anything and everything! Ha. Hanging out with her is always so nourishing. Anyway fast forward.. I was being introduced the University Of Metaphysical Sciences. As I browsed through the website, I had this profound knowingness.. something was telling me that this is the path for me... Metaphysic! I've always been interested in the study of life - life after death, the spirits, Angels, fairies, vampires, UFO... in other word, the 'unknown'. I also adore Tarot/ Angel readings, astrology, spiritual healing... these are what some people define as 'strange' interests (whatever!). It didn't occur to me that I can actually study ALL of these.. in one, FULL PACKAGE! For instance,

-Dreams,
historical aspects of dreaming and how they were used in ancient practices.. brain states for dreaming, techniques for dream recall and interpretation.
 
-Reincarnation,
past/future/simultaneous lifetime explorations. Receiving information about our past incarnations, as well as our future..
 
-Connecting With Angels,
Experience our Angels.. guidance on how to connect with them and hear their messages. :D :D 
 
-Phenomena,
A discussion of phenomena, its history, its effect on mankind, and its place in religious thought - ghosts and hauntings, coincidental experiences, synchronicity etc.

-Hypnosis,
Hypnosis techniques for self hypnosis and the hypnosis of others. How to induce age regression, past life regression, triggering unconscious memories etc..
 
-Shadow Work,
Accepting the whole self, working with shadow. How to find forgiveness and acceptance of the imperfect self; exploring the big picture, understanding suffering.

Overview of World Religions, Colors & Symbols, Astrology Basics, Crystals & Gemstones and MANY more can be found here.

I don't know how strange these sound to you but I'm overwhelmed with excitement! I can hear myself going 'ohhh.... wooooww....' scrolling down the list. My heart is screaming, 'YES YES, this is for me!!!' Since this is an online school, it enables us to study at our own pace (within 5 years), wherever we are. Now the most important question...................................................... where to find the money to study this course is still a big ? But I know for sure, I can count on my Angel on this... ;)

Monday, January 11, 2010

David Tao Concert and Charity

Last Friday was the much anticipated concert of the talented Taiwanese singer-songwriter, David Tao. This was his fourth concert in Singapore for four consecutive years and I've been to all four! First time was because the then-boyfriend liked him and so I went with him. After which, there was no going back. I was bewitched by his captivating voice like honey to a bee and had to return for his second concert. Then I see no reason for me not to go for the third one since he'd chosen to come on my birthday! Heh. Now there were rumors saying this would be his last concert before he leaves the music industry to embark on his movie director career. I hope this is not true (heart shattering). Whether or not he is leaving, I went for his fourth performance anyway. :)

Outside the Singapore Indoor Stadium... The weather was perfect... wind blowing on my face.. Beautiful sky..... (dreamy sigh).

We were there an hour earlier! Yes.. kiasu ('afraid to lose' in Hokkien). Haha. Our seats were pretty far from the stage but not to worry, I was experienced enough (fourth concert) to know there would be two large screens on both sides to give us an excellent view of the performance on stage.

Waiting for the seats to fill up.....

Still waiting.... zzZzzzzzz.......

We got bored....... and started to entertain ourselves......

Argghhh! A snake!! LOL.

And the concert began!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!~~~~

Sorry, no more photos! Photo taking is not allow during the performance. I could have done it discreetly and I utterly regretted not doing that! :( Anyway, I'd probably forgot my own name once David appeared on stage, let alone taking photos. His magnetic vocal completely lured me away from any boredness I could possibly feel, for over two hours! David took us back to the 70's and 80's when he sang some of the popular English oldies. What really surprised me was when he showed off his guitar skills and performed the 'Hotel California' by The Eagles. I was impressed! (melting point). If my boyfriend has a voice like his, I will make him sing to me everyday! ha.

Posters for this concert, DT in Space- the Rock and Talk Show.

 

Images from here.

What I respect most about this man is far beyond who he is but what he is about. Many of the songs he composed taught us about life, about love and courage. His attitude towards music is admirable; he stands his ground and refuses to conform to produce what most people perceived as 'beautiful', in other word, 'sellable' music.

In his concert, he shared with us his passion for guitar since he was a teenager. The first thing he did when he got home from school was to play his guitar... even in the bathroom, guitar. Before he went to bed, again guitar. Sometimes he fell asleep and woke up with guitar strings marks on his face! He encouraged that if there is one musical instrument we're really passionate about, give ourselves ten years to master it. Don't give up and we will succeed. This hit home. I can totally relate to what he said because I have a special feeling for piano for the longest time but each time I proceed to learn something new, I felt like giving up after a couple of attempts.. it was really...frustrating. I guess I was too eager to see the result that I failed to enjoy the process. Instead of crediting myself for the little progress I've made, I stressed myself over not being good enough. David's words reminded me to relax and thus be able to fully enjoy what I love. :)
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If you've read my earlier posts, you may remember little Bobby. This adorable coin bank was bought a year ago. I made a promise that I will drop in 50 cents with $20 spent in my shops. All these money would go to the Singapore SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). On the other side, a portion of my Christmas postcards earnings go to ACRES (Animal Concerns and Research Education Society). Here are the two cheques I issued. Yay!~ The amount may not be huge but I have faith it will increase every year! Having said that, I felt really grateful to have the ability to help/give. :)


Is there something you can give today? It may be a helping hand to a stranger... some money to a charity that inspires you or even by just sending out that loving energy to someone... do it. Trust me, it feels really good. :)

''No one has ever become poor by giving.'' -Anne Frank.


Update: See what I told you about giving? The more you give out, the more you will receive. And I just received a blog award from Babalisme! You got to check out her awesome blog because she is always 'GIVING' away (see, giving again!) downloadable prints, cards, dress-up printable.. you name it. Click HERE for some of her fascinating art pieces. Be sure to hold on tight because you will be blown away!

Anyhow, this award is presented to "bloggers whose positivity and creativity inspires others in the blogworld." Oh my.. I'm flattered! Positive?.. I TRY to be all the time.... Creative? Well.. I got the award so I must be! Or at least to Babalisme. Heh.

Now, time to spread the positive and creative vibes around.. Ready? Catch it, Koralee, Holly, Emily, Jessy, Valerie and Torie!~

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Have A Good Laugh~ ;)

I was googling for inspiring quotes and stumbled upon this hilarious website. They may be inspiring but.. hmm....I wouldn't take them too seriously. Time for some laughs!

''Marriage is the only war where you sleep with the enemy.'' -Gary Busey

''Always get married early in the morning. That way, if it doesn't work out, you haven't wasted a whole day.'' -Mickey Rooney

''The most dangerous food is wedding cake.'' -American Proverb

Image from here.

''Don't marry for money; you can borrow it cheaper.'' -Scottish Proverb

''I don't worry about terrorism. I was married for two years.'' -Sam Kinison

''When a newly married couple smiles, everyone knows why. When a ten-year married couple smiles, everyone wonders why.'' -Author Unknown

Image from here.

''Marriage is really tough because you have to deal with feelings... and lawyers.'' -Richard Pryor

''The secret of a happy marriage remains a secret.'' -Henny Youngman

''Marriage is like a bank account. You put it in, you take it out, you lose interest.'' -Irwin Corey

Image from here.

''I believe in tying the marriage knot, as long as it's around the woman's neck'' -W. C. Fields

''I was married by a judge. I should have asked for a jury.'' -Groucho Marx

''The woman cries before the wedding and the man after.'' -Polish Proverb

Image from here.

''Many a man owes his success to his first wife and his second wife to his success.'' -Jim Backus

''Marriages are made in heaven. But, remember, so are thunder and lightning.'' Author Unknown

''If love is the answer, could you rephrase the question?'' -Lily Tomlin

Image from here.

''If it weren't for marriage, men would spend their lives thinking they had no faults at all.'' -Author Unknown

''We had a lot in common. I loved him and he loved him.'' -Shelley Winters

''There is so little difference between husbands, you might as well keep the first.'' -Adela Rogers St. Johns

Image from here.

''Wedding rings: the world's smallest handcuffs.'' -Author Unknown

''In my house I'm the boss, my wife is just the decision maker.'' -Woody Allen

''I never married because I have three pets at home that answer the same purpose as a husband. I have a dog that growls every morning, a parrot that swears all afternoon and a cat that comes home late at night.'' -Marie Corelli

Image from here.

''My wife tells me she doesn't care what I do when I'm away, as long as I'm not enjoying it.'' -Lee Trevino

''By all means, marry. If you get a good wife, you'll become happy; if you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher.'' -Socrates

''Laugh and the world laughs with you. Snore and you sleep alone.'' -Anthony Burgess

Image from here.

''If you want to read about love and marriage, you've got to buy two separate books.'' -Alan King

''My wife and I were happy for twenty years. Then we met.'' -Rodney Dangerfield

''The best way to remember your wife's birthday is to forget it once.'' -H.V. Prochnow

''I recently read that love is entirely a matter of chemistry. That must be why my wife treats me like toxic waste.'' -David Bissonette


And my favourite....

''A husband's last words should always be, OK buy it.'' -Author Unknown

Monday, January 4, 2010

2010 Resolutions And A Heartwarming Story

I hope your holiday was great? I've finally completed my list of resolutions for 2010 and I'm so EXCITED to get it started! Right... I haven't start on it yet. -.-

**Resolutions for 2010**

For myself
1) I will learn to be brave when making decisions (no matter big or small).

2) I will learn to be more patient with myself and others.

3) I will sleep before 2am (applies from Mon to Thurs only).

4) I will not curse under my breath when I run into inconsiderate people on the street. I will do so loudly (kidding!).

5) I will learn to be more assertive when comes to 'chasing' late payments (from some shops). Actually I hope I don't have to do this in the new year. Oh give me a break~... zzzzZZz.

6) I will continue to go for my weekly jogs and workouts.

7) I will try not to buy clothes that I'm sure I won't wear more than 3 times.

8) I will snack less... :(

9) I will commit to learning my piano well this time. Yes I WILL make it to... grade 2 this year (See I even make a blog banner to remind myself. Heh!).

10) I will.... erm.... learn to drive again... (shudders ..cold sweat.....).

11) I will touch up my nail polish more often.

12) I will shave my legs hair more often (what!? They're not as thick or long as you imagine okay!).

13) I will learn to ask for help when I need one (I don't mean shaving my legs hair).

14) I will not squeeze my pimples or blackheads even if I find them annoying.

15) I will tidy my room more often.

16) I will always be trueful to my feelings and voice out how I really feel.

17) I will not try to 'act tough' when all I want is to cry.


18) I will learn to say 'NO.' 

19) I will learn to improve on my social skills.

20) I will continue to norish my soul with great books and music. Yay~

21) I will continue to count my blessings and say my affirmations everyday! :)


Family and friends
22) I will continue to spend more time with them.

23) I will visit my grandparents more often.

24) I will cuddle Nono more more MORE.

25) I will be patient with Nono even when he pee and poo all outside the newspaper.

26) I will stop pretending that I didn't see Nono's pee or poo and leave the mess for my brother to clean up (Ssssshhhh...)

27) I will stop forcing Nono to go for a walk if he doesn't feel like it (he is getting lazy).

Work
28) I will continue to share nice stories, photos and interesting stuffs in my blog (with people who bothers to read).

29) I will continue to come out with art pieces that inspire people.

30) I will conduct art classes for children this year (already in the planning. hee. excited??!!!)

31) I will continue to do my bit for SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), ACRES (Animal Concerns and Research Education Society) and WorldVision. Last year I didn't manage to adopt any child.. I hope I'm able to do so this year.

Okay, I'm sure the list is long enough to last a whole year. You may ask why are some of them in pink and others in purple? Pink = I'm sure I will be able to accomplish them. Purple = I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

As I was doing this post, Nono tested out point 25. Guess what I did? I cleared it up and responded with point 24! (not 26). Heehee.

Before I go, here's a video I've been itching to share. I'd watched it the upteem times.. and it still make my eyes watery each time. This is a powerful (true) story about love and... detachment.

''In 1969, two friends, Ace Berg and John Rendall, purchased and adopted a lion. At the time, Christian was a 35 pound cub. He had been borned in a zoo. The friends raised Christian in their London home. All three became great friends.

Within a year, Christian grew too big, Rendall and Berg realized they couldn't keep him much longer. The two decided to release Chritian back ino the wild. Christian was released into a conservation system in Africa.

Almost a year later, Rendall and Berg decided to visit Christian one last time despite a friend telling them that it was too dangerous because Christian might not even remember them. The two friends flew to Kenya, anyway. When they finally arrived at the reservation, Christian showed up for a heartwarming reunion:

"He ran towards us, threw himself onto us, knocked us over and hugged us, with his paws on our shoulders.'' said John Rendall."






Full story can be found at HERE. :)