Taking a long break…

It's been awhile… I haven't shared anything yet and I am sorry. Christmas is coming soon. I've been so busy catching up with friends, christmas shopping and of course preparing my big long holiday. I can't wait to meet my friends and family back home at Jakarta^^

Although, there have been lots of pressure around me with this holiday seasons. There's still uncertainty with my new relationship… I wish I could understand and made it simple… But I am unsure either. Well, relationship is not easy… I guess I think too much…

Don't get me wrong though, I'm so glad to be with him^^ He is my happiness… maybe thats why I am so worried and scared to loose him :) I might need some time off and just to spend with my self and think everything over… or perhaps just chills…

Also, I've been quite frustrated with so many bills to pay and some paper work to take care of before I went for my holiday. There're so many things to do.

Anyway, Enjoy your Christmas Holiday and just chills… enjoy the moment^^

Just chills, originally uploaded by i.anton. Image was removed.

Patience is virtue

My best friend reminded me about it, she told me that word. Then my mum pretty much said the same thing, to take it slow. It was a pretty clear sign what I should do.

I guess everyone was quite worried that I was completely loose of my senses. I’ve always been very rational. This is new for me. My feelings for him is so true… I have never been quite certain like this before. It’s sounds very unreasonable when I try to explain it to my mum, my sister and even to him self. How could be possible… since we knew each other just a month.

I admit, I have fancied him for quite awhile (oh well, it is probably my darkest secret). But I was completely surprise my self when I finally got to know him. I We have never expected that we have so much chemistry. Also all the little things that he do^^ really takes me over. He simply makes me feel happy. It was enough for me to fallen in love.

Even though, I am quite sure about what I feel, I wasn't quite sure about his. I was so afraid if he just taken me for granted. I can't help to let my heart crumble into pieces… so I asked him. It seems that he’s been thinking far ahead than me (oh well, he is more mature than me I guess). I got really confused to follow his thoughts >_< But I know for sure he has been feeling the same way^^



Anyway, for the best we decided to take things slow…
to take more time to justify our feelings :) or simply to know each other a bit more… Well, I must say it has been one crazy month :P

Have you ever been in love so high? How did it happen?

I am planning ahead my new year’s resolution.

This is my list:
1. Made a new portfolio + website
2. Get a better job
3. Learned how to drive
4. Get a new Bf
5. Learned how to salsa dance
6. Do more papertole

Seriously, I’ve been dragging what I’ve been wanting so much in my life farrr too long. I really need to be more focus and committed into it. Yes, I have a plan!

There won’t be anything else that would make happier to fulfil my life goals. I promise I won’t be distracted again, no more excuse.

Have you planned your new year’s resolution, yet? Well, you might want to think about it very soon. Time flies so fast, you will get distracted so much with Christmas holiday.

My Nilfsik and his Dyson

So I am that kind of persons who love to have spotless house. I really appreciate a good vacuum cleaner. I think everyone should consider buying a vacuum cleaner like an investment. Clean house > Clean air > Healthy life!!! (no more medicine bills).

There’s no point really spent on cheap vacuum, which could last only for about a year or two. Seriously if you pay around $100, it won’t last long… or dust just spreads everywhere. I’ve got a sensitive nose. I don’t want to get a hay fever every time I clean my own house.

When I was going to move to my own place with my sister. We were looking to get our own vacuum cleaner since we had been sharing with my old housemate. Anyway, as you know, I’ve been very picky. Dyson was my choice but my sister was going insane when she knows the price (around $700 to $2000, it’s not that much, isn’t?).

In the end, we got Nilfsik Action Plus!!! I am completely happy with it. Nearly half a year, haven’t even changed the bag yet. I haven’t been sneezing while vacuuming^^ I can see it picks up all the dirt. The price is good too. It was a good deal from MYER. (Seriously, I wouldn’t recommend to go to Good Guys, what on their mind just KA-CHing!!! Don’t trust what they say).

Anyway, I spotted a Dyson at his place 0_0 !!! I could see it was lying there on the dining room with a shining light sighhhhh… (But yea I managed to hold my self not to blabber about my obsessiveness about Dyson. I don't want him to think that I am a lunatic or somekind :P) But then, when he was at my house, he spotted my Nilfsik vacuum. He was actually make fun of my Nilfsik over his Dyson. So there you go… I completely lost my self and told him the whole thing about vacuum cleaner. But yea, he believe in Dyson as much as I do :P Glad we have the same understanding^^

So if any boys reading this post, remember, Dyson gets girl!!!

Image from the hottest calendar Porn for Women 2009 Wall Calendar from Cambridge Women published by Chronicles Books. Click here to get your own or a christmas gift for your gf :P (I am going to get one). Gosh, it will look super HOT if I could see my (future) bf posed like this (with Dyson, of course!!!)

You should check this one too, Porn for New Moms. Excellent gift for baby shower giggles… It’s really sweet :) For fun :P check your pornometer here :P

Mondayne Happy update

Sorry, but I will post less about any pretty stuff. Our economy has been bad so I think we’ll need to save more during this time. Honestly, I can’t afford buying online stuff anymore due to weaken Australian dollar currency.

About my life, I’ll try to post every once a week :) Yes, I still feels very happy lately and you know why… Even though, it won’t keep going like this, things might change dramatically. I might get my heart broken again… sighhhh I pray to God to lead my way^^

About this guy that I’ve been dating the last 3 weeks, I found out the truth about his past. It was quite painful to know… but somehow I feel quite relief. Anyway, we share lot’s of same interests, apart from that I don’t eat sashimi, ramen nor drinking wine (seriously, I always get sore throat the day after I drank wine). I think our compatibility is pretty good chuckled…

He recently mentioned that he likes Mocca (Indonesian band), which I love too. Today, I found out their new song Listen to Me, soundtrack for Movie Oh My God. Click here to listen and to know more about it. Their music is quite fun and whimsical. Hope you’ll love it as I do.

Pssst… I think the lyrics is just right to show my feelings to him :P (he is nearly 8 years older than me btw). I am going to have a little chat about him with my mum today… wish me luck.

Mondayne update

I had my top wisdom tooth extractions on Saturday last weekend Ouchhh. Honesty, it wasn’t as scary as I thought. It went very smoothly, no pain during procedures. Except until the anaesthetic went off, at home, it just a little discomforting feeling for few hours.

So there I was lying on the sofa, pressing my cheek onto pillow. Watching 3 DVDs with my sister. All of them were really good. I watched the latest Indiana Jones, MAMAMIA, and Miss Pettigrew lives for a day. I am sure you know about the first two, so I won’t go tell more about it.

Miss Pettigrew lives for a day has a nice charms, sets in 1939 London. The art deco apartment just looks so RAVISHING sighhhh such a luxurious interiors, so grand. The jazzy soundtrack ballad is really nice too. (I am totally buying the CD!!!) Frances McDormand plays the lead but the beautiful Amy Adams steals the show. She is just as funny and graceful as she played at Enchanted. You shouldn’t miss this one. I am even thinking to read the novel. It’s actually based from Winifred Watson’s novel. Read the review here.



I love this duets If I didn't care sung by Amy Adams and Lee Pace^^ I hope it will up for awhile

Ps: Someone visited me at night. It was so good to be true that I thought I was imagining when he said he was coming over -__-" When he came, I was already in my PJ tucked in my bed >_< sighhhh…But in the end, it was a nice night…

Dum dum da bi du dam… bi du bi du…

This weekend was splendid! So many things sighhhh so many things… I wonders where have I been all this long. It seems I’ve never gone out, enjoying my self. Of course, I’ve been going out, but somehow my mind doesn't always there.

I feel so alive! I have never felt this great as before. I had so much fun with my girls (yes, four of us). It involves seafood, harbour, talking, shopping, ice cream and pizza. Four of us looking gorgeously blown away by strong wind at Gold Coast. It was a fun day.

Sunday, was more quiet but it was nice. I received a surprising birthday gift. It was something that I longed for awhile. I felt such a lucky girl. I had a nice lunch with live jazzy band background.

Then, the day just doesn’t end there. He came over to my house!!! I felt like back into the old dating game. It gives me a laugh :P It was all just because I left behind my ipod pouch in his car. Honestly, it wasn’t on purposed, I really accidentally dropped it. Anyway, he insisted to return it to me… But I know, it was just an excuse, he was so persistent, he seems really wanted to see me :) sighhhhh…

We talked, smiled and teased each other^^ It seems just yesterday when I was only able to linger over him, every time, I meet him at the bus stop. I thank GOD for every moment I spend with him. It was so swell.

But, I do feel bit too toxicated with this joyfulness. My mind just can’t focus to do my work -____-“

Happy Haloween

It's Friday!!! and it's Haloween^^ What a perfect time buhahahahhaha (laughing with thrills like the Count Dracula in Sesame Street).

Hope you guys have a good one!!!

Image from the black apple. You can download the card and print your own from here. Check her lovely etsy store, theblackapple.etsy.com. She has so many sweet stuff.

It was a great Birthday

It captured perfectly how I felt during my birthday. I was surrounded with many happiness and love^^ I felt very grateful for all the Birthday wishes for me. I even received it from someone that I wasn't expected at all, my far away friends. I am so thankful.

I haven't arranged any formal party yet. But I will, my twenty-third feels so special^^ I've gone through a lot. I need to make it as a new starting point towards my new goals in life.

I held small gathering for wii-party at the Friday night. It was such an awesome time, I haven't had laugh like that for awhile :P Thanks for my sister for being a great host and the wii-fit present.

Overall, it was a great Birthday, it's enough to said.

Photography by Dorthe Alstrup, you could buy me the print from here ;) or your self. Read the small interview here.

In love

It's about time…

I'm in love, I'm in love, I'm in love…
Like just as the first time, i'm not in control
I'm in love, I'm in love, I'm in love…
What do we say now? I've got no idea…
quoted from In Love by Lovers Electric

I hope he'll feel the same way sighhh… Seriously, I don't even know him yet, neither does he!!! it's crazy right, it doesn't make any sense?!! but I do like like like like like like him :P

What should I do now?
geeshhh, I've really got no idea… Help

Lovely photograph by Gracias^^ I admire her works, always.

My happiest day

October 23rd, It’s my birthday. I woke up late… it was quite chilly that morning, I kept pulling up my doona. But I know I have to take shower soon. My sister got her first CPA exam today, she has been very nervous about it. I could hear she’s up, by hearing noises next door, in the bathroom.

I had been working late, finishing up my design work that due on today. So I feel no rush going to work this morning since I’ve get it done. After I heard my sister finished with the bathroom, I got up. Passed my sister in front of the door and she smiled and said happy birthday to me. She was so cute, she was still in her pyjamas and she did this funny gesture when she said it, just like that ‘Hail Hittler’. I chuckled at her^^

I had my shower, went back to my room to get dress. It took longer than usual for me to pick clothes to wear that day. I just can’t decide, it was such a funny weather, feels cold but it was so sunny outside and I wanted to look nice too. It’s my b’day after all, but not too stands out.

0_0 twenty minutes gone… I start to panic… no…no… it’s really late. I haven’t had my breakfast and prepared my lunch. I just ended up wearing my black waist skirt and ruffles shirt, looks quite formal but elegant^^ I don’t think it could go wrong. No much make up that day, not enough time.

By the time I went out it was 7.30 am. I usually have already gone by 20 past with my sister drives up to the bus stop, but she took off early to go to her exam place. Oh, it was so chilly outside, I was wondering if I could change to thicker clothes, but no time. I walked to the bus stop, took me around 12 minutes and I realised I didn’t bring my mobile phone -_-“ wasn't feel right at all

Arrive near the bus stop, I could see a longggg line >_< Oh, that is just so great. But then I noticed that his car was parked there. It was really late than usual, I thought he might just have gone. But when I walked to the queue, I saw him there. I passed him and smiled. Oh, he makes my day and I think he returned my smile…

Happily waiting for the bus, not for long, two busess arrived at the same time. I chose to follow him but then I lost him in the bus. He usually sits in front area, but he wasn’t there to be found. So I just keep walking through… then I saw him at the corner, near the back door. My heart was pounding so hard. This is my chance. This is it. I placed my lunch bag down and sat next to him, without thinking it over. I’ve waited for this moment, I’ll regret it if I don’t.

I must say it was quite obvious… there were still quite a lot of empty seats. But I chose to sit next to him. I took a deep breath, and my mind said I should say something to him… anything…But before I came up with something, I heard a voice said ‘the bus was so late today’. OMG… OMG he actually talked to me. He opened up a conversation and the rest is history. We were chatting along till reach the city, and it was such a slow bus what an advantage^^ I feel so glad, it was the best birthday present I’ve ever have.

Oh yea, did I mentioned he asked me out for coffee next week?! Sighhhhhhhh…it’s really a dream come true.

Fantastic red cotton dress

I love wearing dress in summer. It's feels nice when winds breeze through the skirts. This dress caught my eye. I love the red!!! I could see how much fun it would be when I wear it :P

You could buy the dress from larimeloom.etsy.com.

Hello gorgeous

I’ve always wondered how he would look on his casual weekend outfit. I simply couldn’t imagine since he always nicely groom with Herringbone shirt look (plus suits+vest during winter). Could it be with jeans and tight t-shirt that shows his muscular arms and wide chest (rrr… giggles)? Or just casual t-shirt and short pants plus thongs. But I still feel that weren’t quite his style (sighed).

And then this morning while I was queuing for the bus, I saw his black car just arrived at the car park. I observed him closely when he was about to get out from his car. Came to my surprises, he was wearing a flare jeans plus dark brown leather shoes. On top, he was wearing a nice casual stripe long arms sleeves shirt rolled half way on his arms. It was so mind blowing, OMG why have I never thought of that before, of course… it was perfect, his casual look was perfect. Even my sister was giggling about it. I whispered to her said that he is so drop-dead gorgeous and my sister rolled her eyes, agreeing with me.

Uhh, Hello??? It’s been awhile since I’ve seen a guy dressed up decently. The last time, was probably during the sweet 17th party, my teens partying moment, when all guys were trying to be so good looking to allure the girls.

He was so good looking^^ (sighed…). My mind was saying “Hello gorgeous” when he walked passing me on the queue. I couldn’t stop thinking about him. I just wish I could say HI to him since I always too nervous just even to have a quick glimpse (blushed). Maybe, I’ll leave him a note… (long sighed…)

Note: just to metion, he is not gay, okay! I know that for sure.

25th Wedding Anniversary cakes and cards

I attend my friend's parents 25th wedding anniversary on the weekend. It was only small gathering in their house. They have such a harmonious family, they are blessed with 4 children. Now, all in their teens and young adult. We had Chinesse steamboat for the dinner :) was so fulfiling.


Close up photo of the cakes, two doves added on top of silver ribbons nest.

In the afternoon, I was helping my sister bf's mother with the wedding anniversary cakes decoration. She unexpetedly rang me in the last minutes needing my help to decorate the cakes. She made the lovely white cakes with the heart shape on top. But she was concerned that it was being to plain. It was my idea to place the doves and ribbons on top. I'm my self not very meticulous in tying, so I'm glad that my sister got certificate in floral arrangement. She got the job well done ;) don't you think? I only added the finishing touch, with two doves paper cut. All materials were bits and pieces that we could find at that time. All done only in few minutes.


I also designed customised anniversary greeting cards for them. I was working on it slowly, last week. Sadly, the card never made it into their hands since our printer suddenly broken (after I recently bought new inks, which cost me more than $100!!!!!! I am still absolutely upset 'bout this). So rather leaving the cards useless, I would like to share it with you. You can print the cards your own (precisely fit on A4 cards, you'll need to trim it following the trim mark, it's blank inside), download it from here. Sorry, still can't figure it out how to put a download link yet. You can send me message if you're interested, I can even add more personalisation. Please don't be hesitate to ask.

It was quite fun, giving me a chance to be crafty again^^

Shinzi Katoh mugs collection

Shinzi Katoh is Japan’s best known Zakka artist and illustrator/designer (read more about him in here). His illustrations style is still very 70's, which I quite fond of it. I fall in love the most with his due caffe mug. It's such a clever concept, top for my biscuits and below for my tea. No more hassle carrying my tea and biscuits through the stairs and opening doors in the office -_-"

I first saw the mug at Melbourne design exhibition, months ago. I wasn't aware about Shizi Katoh at that time and thinking about the hassle carrying breakable items back to Brisbane, so I neglect the idea of buying the mug. But when I accidentally found the mugs again, I promise my self to get one of this. Seriously, I was like a mad cat lady (from the Simpsons) when I saw the whole collections of Shinzi Katoh. It was the first time I was introduce to Zakka — the things that make people feel happy and exist like a comfortable air. Now, I trully understand why Japanesse do lots of cute unnecessary stuff.

I would recommend you to grab Shinzi Katoh items from here, UK site and the original Japanese site, here. Both have the best range of Shinzi Katoh collections. You will need this guide to shop in Japanesse site unless you can read Kanji (thanks to Charlotte from anknel and burblets). If you still can't get enough of it, check Shinzi Katoh flickr group here.

Tell me which one is your favourite? … I know it's so hard to pick. I hope my sister would get me one for my Birthday, next month. I'll let her decide ^^

Amazing collage from Kup Kup Land

Bunny H6, originally uploaded by Kup, Kup Land.

It's absolutely beautiful. My hand is shaking when I noticed the original artwork is still available at etsy. I have overspend last month, my credit card bills have been piling up. My freelance clients haven't paid me yet, and I don't think it will cover it up all. I am sure this work will be gone in just a matter of second (sigh)

Kup Kup is such a creative person, she has been constantly creating an amazing works. It has been very inspiring to see her creations. This collage piece is rather a new exploration of hers, but you can still see her unique style by the used of colour and the felt. Felt has been her main medium, she made lots of pretty felt collage and really cute pin cushion land. See her other lovely works on her flickr and buy her prints from kupkup.etsy.com (you’ll see what I mean).

No, you can't buy it before me, I am warning you!!!

It’s my spring bedroom

Winter has definitely slipped out the back door (since I’ve been waking up with sweats in the middle of the night lately… sigh) All the trees have been blooming, more suns and warm weather. But I completely forgot to change my sleeping wear and still comfortably wear my pj. (chuckled… no wonder I keep sweating at night). I redecorate my room on the weekend. I changed my flannel quilts to something cooler and pick brighter colour quilts cover.

What do you think of my room?

My guys friend think that my room is kinda cuteish -___-“ well, what can I say… I can’t throw away all my cute dolls! They are still part of my life ‘till I found the right guy.

It’s very IKEA-ish and I am not shamed of it :P More photos on my flickr.

Mondayne update

It's quite hazy this morning. They say it's going to be 27˚C today. Hopefully, it's going to be great week. Btw, I saw this guy again this morning while I was queing for the bus. I cheekily smiled at him when he was passing by, and he smiled back at me^^ ///////// I was completely blushing…

Okay, back to the real world.

All the week I've been having such a great meal. I might even gain some weight, I feel bit quilty. I need to eat less during summer -__-" I had peking ducks last night on my friend birthday dinner.

It's quite ironic, the dinner was in the same place and same table where I had dinner with my ex, his mom and his friends when he visited Brisbane again. It was beyond my expectation that we're having dinner there. Since it's in an uncommon place. None of my friends haven't been there before. I didn't realise it when I got the invitation for the dinner.

I was quite upset about it. No matter I try to avoid the past, it always just come back. In the end, I am okay with it, I am with my friends. Past is past, I live in the present.

Overall, it was a great week. I shoped at DFO on Saturday, bought only a birthday present for my friend which make me such a good girl :D Honest, I didn't buy anything else.

Oh yea, Happy mooncake festival everyone!!!

I am doing okay, be back soooon

This photo is ridiculously cute -___- hmmmphhhhh… can anyone translate this? Image snatch from here. I can't even read japanese, just keep looking at the pretty pictures ;) wink wink

Dians has been having such a busy weeks. Hopefuly, after she finished her freelance work and stop her procrastinating she will back posting more exciting stuff. //////// smack smackkk///////////// need to focus on work! gtg

His reply

It took my Saturday morning to think it through again. To accept and forgive is definitely against my desire. But what come may against my grudge?

Forgiveness may take a lifetime forgiving, but I have my faith stand by me.

I am done with him. He crush my heart but he is not going to ruin my life^^ We may or may not be friends anymore. I'm taking it easy ;) Whatever will be, will be…

Accept and forgive

It’s hard but it’s the right thing to do to make you feel so much better :) I am flushing away all the bad energy. I had enough bitching and sulking yesterday. Kanimaki thanks for your supports.


My ex-bf doesn’t want to be friend with me anymore since he started seeing someone new. My congratulations text message wasn't replied. He just completely ignores my existence. And yesterday, I just noticed he removed me from his friends list at Facebook. I totally got the message.

We only dated for less than 2 years. I had a great time with him. But we have to break up since we have different plans for our future and it’s too early for us to take the next step. He went back to his hometown, to fulfil his dream to continue running his dad publishing company. Our ending was quite mutual.

I was perfectly cool when he started seeing someone. Although, there was a moment after we broke up when we were still quite close. But when he start dating, it was very clear to me it was enough. I’m back on my feet and not looking back.

Breaking up is hard (as always, it’s not the first time for me anyway) but loosing him as a friend tears my heart apart. I was completely upset by his act. I don’t understand why he has to make things so difficult. How much more he wanted me to suffer? I’ve hurt enough to let him leave and to live with all the memories in Brisbane.

No matter what the reasons is I forgive him. I wish him well…

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

Image via Beautifool type.

Today is my lucky day

I saw him in the bus this morning. He rocks my heart for a split seconds, I just can't stop smiling. I knew that it's going to be a great day.


I've been so infatuated by him. It's been awhile and very unreasonable. Sometimes, when our eyes met, I completely lost of my self. Only a vaguely smirk arised, trying to hold my wild-randomness desire.

I wonder if he noticed me. I got the feeling that he is. Or is it because of my power of stare -_-"

Should I say HI or keep this foolish infatuation going?

I girl can only dream…

Swiss design in chemical industry

"Clap your hands if you love swiss design"
quoted from Grain Edit.

I say bow if you can. I don't think there's any other best words to describe it. Swiss design is just so brilliant and timeless. Others might say it's so retro but I don't agree with it. No matter how much design trends evolve, I love Swiss design till death set us apart.

And it will be just a matter of time, I'll colect all Swiss design books, especially Josef Muller Brockmann. He is totaly my design hero. He has inspired me from the beginining I started doing design.

Why can't we just design our chemistry text book like that!!!

Image from Publicity and Graphic Design in the Chemical Industry by Hans Neuburg 1967, via Grain Edit. To see more of the images visit Grain Edit flickr set.

Brisbane Eye

Brisbane Eye, originally uploaded by Dan Halford.

Have I told you that Brisbane just recently got their own version of the London Eye. I thought it was a joke when I heard it over the news. Then there was no sign of any feriss wheel on the due date, which was supposed to be up on May on the 20th anniversary of World Expo '88 at the South bank Parklands.

Few months after that I saw a white big constructions of a ferris wheel. I was so thrill, so it was true!!! This beauty was definitely one of the crowd pleaser during the Riverfire festival last weekend.

Apparently, I haven't had time to jump into this georgeos wheel yet. But it's on my list for next weekend stroll with Picasso exhibition.

Happy Nie Nie Day

You might noticed that I've placed a new button on the left side of the blog. Nie is a short name for Stephanie Nielson, she is just normal mom just everybody elses. Sadly, last week Stephanie and her husband, Christian were in a very serious plane crash. They are a young couple with four children under the age of six. They are in critical condition. Stephanie has third degree burns covering 80% of her body and Christian has third degree burns over 30% of his body. The recovery will be very long and very expensive.

To be honest, I've actually don't know much about her apart from this news, that have been posted around the blogsphere. I've seen the photos of her family, they seems such a happy family. I am very touch by this. I can't believe how hard life could be.

If you are able, please consider contributing to this fund that will go directly to the family. You can go donate it to here. You can also help by buying some items in the auction held in several websites for the benefit. Go here

Please help, at least pray for Stephanie's family. Let's God give them strength. As she and her family are very much believe in the power of Jesus Christ.

You can follow updates about Stephanie and Christian here. You're very much welcome to pass it on this story and ask others to pray for them.

Jess Bonham

Uhhh ahhh… I totally love the shots by Jess Bonham, it's really cool!

Apart from my busyness, these colours just 'POPin' my creative minds. I wonder if I could use this fluoro colour for the next publication design :P hmmm…

Seen first via Happy Cavalier

Miss Amber Alexander

I recently bought a really sweet water colour prints from Miss Amber Alexander. Her watercolour paints are so lovely. I really like her style, reminds me of Beatrix Potter, the creator of Peter Rabbit. Miss Amber paints such a charming animal which looks so alive and shows their own unique characters. I just drawns to it when I first saw it. Honestly, I have been too stingy to spend anything at etsy. I like so many things at etsy but it seems never really right. This time, the ducklings really struck my heart. It gives me tingling.



I love ducks, I think they have such a cute arse :P (opps, I might need to edit that one, don't you think so?) Well, I have a little sweet memories with ducks, it reminds me of my life when I was still studying at uni. This ducks family came up from no where, were running around in the corner of our uni park. I don't know why they choose to play around in our small square park rather than the big nearby park, at Southbank Parklands. They always give me a smile. Sometimes I went to see them at the parklands, when I needed fresh air and inspiration.



My friend bought Free ice cream, Fox only prints (above). I think it looks really cheeky. Please visit amberalexander.etsy.com to view and to buy her prints. Her prints sells at very reasonably price at $17 and the original around $50. If you want to know more about her, you can view her interview here and here. I think I will buy more of her prints in the future.

Which one is your favourite prints? I can't wait to hang my ducklings next onto my bed.

Maths cover

At work, we are currently redesigning our Maths book series cover. While my friend doing her research to check the other competitors, she found this really funny Math Textbook Cover Brainstorm Meeting. We had a really good laugh about it. Trust me, our ideas is way better than! Don't blame us (powerless designer) if it turned something similar like that, we tried… but somehow that look is what the editors/authors/teacher prefer.

Above is the rejected cover, that I designed a year ago for other Maths book series (yes, we do lots of Maths). The book is for primary students, so it needs to look much more exciting and fun. I still thinks it's an awesome cover. It'll definitely stay in my portfolio.

Hope you guys like the jokes. What do you think of my cover design?

Mondayne update

It was such a sleepy morning, even though I've been having a good night sleep. I've been turning my heater on before I went to bed, it seems to work. I had better sleep this past few days.

This monday is another dooms day, the day that I have to submit my design. But I don't even feel anxious at all, which is totally wrong. I've not even finished it (shhss… I hope my client doesn't know my blog). I've done couples hours of sketching this morning and I got some nice one^^ It is pretty fun getting back doing some logos, very exciting.

Last week, I mentioned it in my procastination month post about designing the logo. This is still for the same client. I managed to meet deadline and nailed it!!! (pursed my mouth in self-satisfying smirk). But then my client said the name of the company needs to be changed, since there was legal issues 0_0 (haha… so funny, but this is not a joke T_T) Honestly, I feel kinda glad. I don't think it was a great design, it was such a rush process. So, i'm re-doing the logo with new name, a better name.

Other news, I had my haircutt at TONI&GUY on Saturday. My hair style is really similar like my last one, I was expecting something more exciting. I realized that TONI&GUY style is very edgy and straight which I don't quite like it. Mine turned fine, just being too simple (maybe because I was being too particular describing what I want). I was carping a lot about my hair before I reached home. But, after couple of make over at home, I could finally happy with my hair.

Weekend was great, it was Indonesia independence day. I went to Pesta Rakyat at the Brisbane Powerhouse, new farm, just like last year. Lots of good food, I would recommend anyone to come if you like Indonesian food. It was such a great time to meet up with some friends that I haven't seen for awhile.

bye for now… have go back to work^^ Hope you guys'll have a great week!!!

Ruffles and tights

My favourite costume for winter has to be tights, high waisted skirt and a cute blouse. Recently found this nice simple white blouse for a bargain. I really like it, the fabrics is pretty light, so it’ll be great for summer time too. The skirt just fits me in nicely, gives me a good balance for my petite figures. This was a great bargain too when I shopped at Melbourne. It’s from WISH, which usually cost $100. I bought it at Green with Envy, at Bridge road. This shop is a must if you’re at Melbourne. You really don’t want to miss shopping at Bridge Road. I went there at my first day at Melbourne. It has given me the best shopping experience, lots of different varieties of clothes in a good price.

The winter is almost over, which means less clothes, less glamour. But I prefer that way, more casual, more my self. And yes, I love the warm weather.

What your favourite costumes during winter?
ps: I'm trying to extend my tights collections, not just stick with black. Yellow, purple and chocolate brown are on my list^^

I might be suffering from OCPD

Hey, I might be one of them. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is a personality disorder that is characterized by a general psychological inflexibility, rigid conformity to rules and procedures, perfectionism, moral code, and/or excessive orderliness.

People with OCPD tend to stress perfectionism above all else, and feel anxious when they perceive that things are not "right. over wiki

If you know me well, it’s probably time when you said yes, I think you’re one. Okay, I’m just going to rewind from the beginning why would I end up finding this.

I had a little conversation with my work mates this morning about house cleaning, how sometimes it’s hard to adjust with your flat mates demanding house cleaning rules. This is not a small matter when you are in a share house. It could be a beginning of a catastrophe. I had my own experience with my flat mates, since then we’ve never talked to each other again.

My work mates started telling the story where the uncomfortable situation started between his two flatmates because one of the clean/tidy guy hates when the ironing board wasn’t store away after being used. Even though, he has already reminded the other guy to put it away. (luckily, my friend is off the hook, since he has never iron his clothes ughhh he is definitely the slacker type, the worst of all). We had this argument about this ironing board, what is necessary? I’m my self, admittedly, has been screaming to my sister to put it away since ironing board is not part of the furniture and will be a place to start the piling up clothes and clutterness. Do you think it’s necessary to store ironing board after being used?

Of course, I have plenty of other rules how my place needs to be neat and tidy. I’ve always be the clean freak and very demanding, even my mom don't understand (I might have hurts my mom feelings on this, sorry mom). I hate the feelings surrounded by messiness. All the negatives vibes are all on me, I would get mad easily and yell a lot. I could tolerate for couple of days, but when it builds up I got really frustrated.

I felt so much better when things back into their normal arrangement. When I was a child, I would not anyone allowed to touch my study desk, since everything has it’s own order. I like things to be PERFECT! This rules is applied in life in general, and of course in my design.

Have you guys ever watch desperate house-wives? Bree Van De Kamp would be the right character that fit me. Look at her hair! it's perfectly neat. She is the perfectionist housewives type, I noticed that she’ll do more cleaning if she’s face with problem rather than solving it. She is probably little bit too much, I don’t clean as much as her but I would act in similar ways.

In my final words, I would tick all the OCPD diagnostic criteria. Yes, I embrace details, rules, lists, order and plan. But, maybe for now I haven’t been fully obsessive with it. Just take this post as a warning sign. Reminded me when I'm over the line.

What kind a person are you: neat freak or don't care — there's so much things in life? How often do you clean your place: weekly, montly or whenever i feel like to?

The Country Lane shop, Montville Village part 2

I promised to post more about this shop, so here it is. This is the shop that highlighted my trip at Montville. The presentation of the shop is very welcoming and very unique. The shop was just full on with country crafty objects. It's a really lovely shop. I spend nearly an hour just in that shop, I can't decided what to buy.



Finally, we (my sister and I) decided to buy the door sign for our bathrooms and a welcome sign. The star was actually said 'welcome'. But when I was about to hang it at home, it turned out that our main entrance door was already quite lovely with its glass decoration. Rather than not using the sign, I repainted the words turned it into toilet instead chuckled. I think it turned great, no one will ask where is the toilet anymore. (or accidentally open my room when looking for the toilet, since my room is just next to the toilet).



Visit Country Lane website here, you can browse or buy their items online. Although, it won't replace the unique experience visiting the real shop.

Procrastination week month

Oh no, I've not posted anything since I came back from Melbourne. Nearly a month now. I do have good excuses though :P

The cold
I went down with cold from Melbourne. It was the worst cold I've ever had. I even went to the doctor twice. The fever was bothering me so much, even though I've taken medicine, it didn't get away. (Btw, my sister's bf is a chemist, he was the one who suggested me the medicine. Usually it works). I was getting worried, nearly 3 days and no improvement. I really needed to go back to work as soon as possible, I've taken so many leave days. So I went to see a doctor since I can get a medical certificate as well. Seeing a doctor in Australia is just so hard. You have to make appointment first and usually you need to wait for another week, which is practically useless if you are really sick. This is one of my reasons, I don't usually see a doctor, just straight to the chemist (except if I got unexplainable sickness, which has never happened before). Luckily, I got my appointment in the same day after calling several clinic (I found yellow pages is the best way to find nearest clinic).

The drugs
It was quite funny, the doctor didn't give any extra prescriptions. She said I've taken the right medicines which was Neurofen plus and Panadol. But I found out that I haven't taken enough dosage. Things got better, no more fever. The next day, we had our house warming party and house blessing in the evening. I stupidly taken Neurofen plus with my empty stomach before the mass started. So during the mass was totally doze off, I felt so sick. I hope I didn't offend anyone during the party. I felt so terrible since I was the host and I wasn’t entertaining at all and also forgot to thank everyone that came and help during the party. I have no appetite at all that night, even though there was plenty of good food.

The morning after
It was so worst. I couldn’t eat anything, I kept wanted to vomit. My body was just so weak, I could feel it reached the toll. I ended up vomited nearly anything. Now I can understand if someone pregnant and having their morning sickness, it’s realy hard. I cried that day, physically and mentally I simply couldn’t take it anymore.

I’ve asked to be taken to the hospital but no one could drive me there. My sister has to drive my auntie to the airport that night. Thankfully, my mum cancelled her flight for another week.

The next morning, I got better. I don’t feel so sick anymore. But I still went to see a doctor. The doctor believes it was the drugs affected my stomach. I just don’t understand how strong was the small tablet can caused that much problem. Another funny part is, she asked me twice, whether I wasn’t pregnant. I look at her convincingly and said I am definitely not pregnant. Why would she asked me that, I thought that was so silly.

The procrastination started
During my last sick day, I tried to blog and upload my Melbourne trip photo, but the Internet wasn’t working with me. I can’t really deal with any more frustration so I just take it easy.

It came to my realisation that I have agreed to design a logo for my friend, just before I got really sick. I promised him it would be done in another 2 weeks. But, a week has gone by. Oh my…

Back to the office, I have lots of things to finish. It was quite full on everyday. My mum has gone back to Indo too. It wasn’t very excited. We have to do all the housework by our self again.

Now, I only have one day to finish my friend logo. Huff, I don’t know why I accepted the job T_T I want my relaxing day back. I am completely doom.

I ain’t keep dreaming

Maybe it’s about time I spill the beans about what makes me feel so anxious last week.

I was short-listed as mid-weight designer in studio that I’ve been dying to work in. It was all coincidence, that I found out they were looking for new designer. I applied for it and asked to come to their new studio for interview.

There’s nothing that I don’t like working as book designer where I am now. I feel that I just need to do it for my own sake. Even though, I wasn’t quite ready, but I think it will always end up with the same reason. I will always feel not ready, fear of being fail, unable to achieve that I always dream of. I’m afraid to face with my own disappointment.



I don’t want to keep dreaming. So I went for it.

I was so nervous and wasn’t quite focus during the interview. It wasn’t me at my best. No confirmation until now but I have a feeling it won’t be a good one. I’ll accept any results with satisfaction. I believe everything happens with reason. I will take it in positively.

Ps: I won’t post anything more about it if I don’t get it. Their new studio is very lovely and two level storey, filled in with white space interiors, very spacey indeed. Btw, I am off to Melbourne early tomorrow morning, be back on Tuesday. So thrill and excited, wohooo…

Some words of wisdom to share?

Image: a spread from Whatever you think, think the opposite by Paul Arden. It’s a VERY good book, buy the book from here.

Relaxing Saturday at Montville Village

Last Saturday I went to Montville with my family, one of the Sunshine Coast hinterland towns. It sits amongst lush green fields and pocket rainforest, about 90 kilometres north of Brisbane. It took us around hour and half drive from my place (the south of Brisbane).

Once you’ve drive up the hills, the views just so spectacular. Lots of green hills dotted with dairy farms and acreage living, I had lots of fun looking at the cows. The weather is great since it’s in the hinterland the temperature is always cooler. You can feel the air is just so clean, so much better than in Brisbane (even though it’s winter now).



Montville is famous for their pretty village. There are plenty of small shops along the roads. I was so excited looking at their cute cottages looking shop. The antique and craft shops steal my attention straight away. Did I mention that there is a water wheels in front of a tea shop? (Sorry no photo posted)



Although, to be honest I was expected more of the shops. You can feel it’s kinda bit too commercial, lot’s of nice gifts shop but they aren’t that original. You could feel a bit touristy too around the village. But I did find some good ones, which are: The Country Lane, craft / vintage shop sells mainly tole painting signs and home wares, very crafty country objects. It’s my favourite, I’ll post more about it separately. The cuckoo shops is very famous for their original German’s manmade cuckoo shops. They are very lovely. I can’t get enough with the candy shop, very ‘licious. The small antique shop is nice too. Oh, I really like the witch statues (photo above). They are around $125 AUD each. I want one for my backyards (to creep some crows away ehehe or just for fun). Visit here for more Montville guide.



The rainforest walk is the other famous thing to do at the hinterland. I went for an hour rainforest walk. The trees are probably around 600 years old. Its huge and tall, it’s quite amazing to see them. Nearby the rainforest walk, there are some nice spot for BBQ and kids too play around. The view from there is amazing, facing the glasshouse mountain (photo above).

Around Montville, there are some winery, nursery and strawberry farms you can visit too along the way. I didn't have enough time to do them all, maybe next time.

Apart from the busy shop, Montville is a great place for quiet relaxing (or romantic) getaway, great for family holiday too. It’s a peaceful place. I could imagine having a small lodge over there.

ps: I was nearly catch a cold after the trip (probably too tired)

I am incredibly anxious

It's a secret for now. But just wish me luck. I promise to let you know the good news if there's any, finger cross >_<.

I will need to hibernate during this week. si~gh…

Illustrations by AshleyG. You can buy the prints from her etsy, ashleyg.etsy.com
Btw, this illustration reminds me of my best friend :P

A perfect t-shirt to wear in front of my sister

I chuckled when I saw this t-shirt. Wow! this is so perfect. It's witty and cute, but straight to the point at the same time. My sister has been like that, honestly I can't remember when she was being positive.



This is the other t-shirt that I like too. It's illustrated by Adrian Johnson, I'll post more stuff about him. You can all buy the t-shirts from here. If you are in the States, you're lucky, you'll get free shipping if you buy 3 or more t-shirts.

It's probably what I needed

I've recently seen this photographs featured in many blogs. Melting Words, word series photographys by Kotama Bouabane. It's nice but cruel. Not after a small thing happened to me over the weekend, this photo is a great as awake up call to the reality.



Yea, it's over (it had been over). I definitely need a new start, another fresh chapter of my life. It's about time (I promise to my self, no more sulking!).

Kimchi fried rice and enoki mushrooms pancakes

Korean food is my current favourite dishes. I don't know how long has it last, but I always crave for Korean dishes. I would suggest going to Korean restaurants for most occasion.

During winter, Korean dishes are the best to serve. Since most of the cuisine is always hot and spicy. It's not hard to cook Korean dishes, once you know their basic fundamentals, which are:

• hot & spicy, they use Gochuchang (Korean fermented chilli paste) for their spicy dishes.
  
• Sweet, they always add sugar in their dishes. For beef marinade, they use Nashi pear to give the sweetness. This is used to marinate Bulgogi beef.
  
• Garlic, they love garlic. Garlic will always be in the main ingredients.

I cooked Kimchi fried rice (Kimchi Bokkumbap) and enoki mushrooms pancakes (Paeng-ee Beosut Jeon) few weeks ago. I found this really excellent blog called My Korean Kitchen filled with simple, original Korean recipe written by a Korean girl. Sadly, the blog has stopped. There was no explanation why she stopped writing. Although, surprisingly, the forum is still alive, people still come and discuss the recipe that she posted.



You can follow the simple Kimchi fried rice recipe from here. But I made my own modification by added Gochuchang and tomato sauce mixed with sugar and water. Since there is only little kimchi juice when you bought the Kimchi. The combination sauce that I added was actually a based sauce for Bimbimbap (hot stone rice).



The enoki mushrooms pancakes wasn’t quite look the same from what it looks like at Korean Kitchen. But it was taste great, I am happy. Definitely, going to make them again. The recipe is available here.

So, care to give it a try? Do you have any favourite dishes that you would like to share?

Curtis's Botanical Magazine and Kunst-Formen der Natur by Ernst Haeckel

I just wanted to share a really lovely amazing botanical illustrations that I found it last night via Cherry Fields, Melissa Haslam's blog, an Australian illustrator based at Melbourne.

The first one is the Curtis’s Botanical Magazine. It’s filled with big range of species of botanical illustrations with the detail descriptions. The book is published around the late 18th century. Everything is very nicely detailed illustrations and has a lovely colour.




According to Cherry Fields the copyright has already expired, so it’s safe to use them in drawings, collages etc. The pdf is available to download. You can found the download link through the original post.

The second one is Kunst-Formen der Natur (Art Forms in Nature), by Ernst Haeckel, 1898. This is a wonderful book, which features all sorts of illustrations of the natural world. It is very exciting to discover plenty of organic forms which is very unique. It’s such an excellence reference book.



It’s available from FLICKR. One of the illustrations was also used by Audrey Kawasaki in one of her ornaments painting. Via Cherry Fields too.

MALTE bar stool as a bed side table?

I just recently found this nice bar stool from IKEA. The height and the depth is just so perfect for my slim space bed side table. It's also available in three colour white/birch, black and red. I think all of them is nice. I am considering either black or red. The red will give a good punch to the room. The price is $49 AUD (which is good!). You can read the detail here.

Do you think it's hot or not as a bed side table? Red or Black?

G’morning

I need to wake up extra early to get in time since moving to the new house. It takes longer walk to the bus stop. It has been quite hard to wake up early during winter, since it's cold and the sunset was not even up yet.

Nonetheless, by the time I was ready and got out the house, the atmosphere outside was just so beautiful. The air is just so fresh (little chilly though). You can feel, its fills in your lungs when you taken a deep breath. Even the trees look so lovely in the morning. The grass were sparkling, covered with dews.



The first thing that we saw was this little guy. They seem happily hanging on the Australian wild flowers trees around our complex area. You can hear them cheeping every morning. They really make my day^^




It makes me feel very content every morning. It's such a blissful experience to start the day. And I am really loving it.

How is your morning routine? What time do you usually wake up in the morning?