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.