whirlwind weeks

the past wee while has been quite a blur - i didn't even realise that august was upon us, and it's the second week already!

within the last month, we've been working through several projects that have been going on for a while, and it's definitely been satisfying finishing some of them off! baby announcements + thank you cards, which i'll post about separately as it was quite a fun project for a lovely french couple and their new little bubba; animated e-cards + invitations; wedding invitations + decorations; and we're just currently tying up the final ends of a young girl's art collection we compiled into a book (98 paintings), yes it's been quite a project!!

with the million of things going on, and constantly checking off the list, i'm having to play catch up on certain others things that tend to be the first to get neglected (such as this years christmas cards!) and here's the calendar for this month...

welcome to july

the heat is on, and the humidity is high. it's hard walking out in the streets without soon becoming drenched in a layer of your own sweat (and sometimes others if they brush past you!)

this picture was taken outside of xi'an at one of the terracotta warrior sites. the low lying area was incredibly dry with mountains surrounding, an idea location for the vast caverns home to thousands upon thousands of individual warrior figures. exposed to the heat, as we all were too, the dryness was evident in the vegetation and the earth contrasting the clear blue skies.

here's to heat of the summer - keep cool.

memories

this website captures the wonderful essence of life, love, memories, relationships....

it's called 'dear photograph'.

a breather

apologies for running a bit behind on this month's calendar... it seems to be a habit of late with the list of things-to-do growing, but somehow time doesn't seem to be growing with it! as said recently to a friend, we can be busy, but that doesn't mean we're stressed, and rightly so. the old adage of if you want something done, get a busy person to do is not an understatement; there is a sense of productivity and accomplishment in just getting things done.

in saying all that, it's important to take time out for a breather and escape a bit. i managed to steal some time away to lie on the beach and be lulled to sleep by the waves... hmm it was much needed.

speaking of escapes, this picture was taken in the south island of new zealand, just by mirror lake. it was a little too cloudy and breezy to see a perfect reflection on the lake, so we just decided to take in the peaceful surrounding fields before heading to the glacier. breathe in...

keeping it fresh

a recent trip into the beautiful rural areas of xian, chengdu + songpan was an eye opener as to what the vast country china has to offer. in contrast to the rapid development + economic growth the nation is achieving, it was refreshing to experience genuine hospitality and humbleness as we shared in the simplicity of the local's daily lives. it really helps to put things into perspective. like that.

this month's pictures are from the picturesque jiazhaiguo national park, where the colourful waters are crystal clear reflecting the natural surroundings. it was really hard to choose what photo to use so here are two options for this month! in saying that, my photos really didn't do the place justice (though no post production has been done on them), you should definitely go visit yourself :: enjoy!

early mornings

given my recent move and lack of curtains or blinds, i'm finding myself waking incredibly early. with the arrival of spring, the sun rises around 6am warming and flooding my room with light. i much prefer a natural alarm clock than relying on phones, watches and the likes. they tend to shock you up, which is never a good start to the day.

here's the calendar for this month taken from mt. kinabalu. it was so serene sitting on the mountain side and i was on my own as everyone was heading up to the peak and i took a little detour off to the side. it was simply breath-taking and an amazing way to start the day :: enjoy.

marching on

until we come to the month of march... this month starts a little different, being in a new place, well en route to a new place, new positions and perspective for what's to come. likewise with our calendar this month we take a slight detour from our usual landscape backgrounds.

i've tried to capture the simple delight and innocence of these children playing. we were in line to go into the taj mahal and it was hot, the lines were long and we just had to wait. i love the expression on their faces as they race across the marble floor, pure joy. something we all need a little more of in our days :: enjoy :)

february haze

this year's calendars seem to have a nostalgic feel to the images, i'm not sure why, maybe it's just the mood i'm in when taking the photos or as a result of the pollution we are subject to in hk! either way, i am quite liking it. 

this is taken whilst on the 50km hike, yes i did stop and take a few pics along the way, but it was only for brief moments and then we continued plodding on.

hope you enjoy it :)

...and so we walked

the day started in pitch black, with the wind howling through the lift shafts as i prepared my carb and protein loaded breakfast and layered up. at the top of the peak it was very cool and other more competent hikers sporting hiking sticks and fancy gear were stretching and warming up. when we started it was almost as if we were in mong kok or causeway bay, shuffling along with the hoards of people. not ones to enjoy the crowds (there were over 3000 participants!!), we weaved our way through the chatter and walking sticks to find some space and avoid getting stuck in the backlog!

the sun joined us and it started getting rather warm as we briskly walked on. time passed with lots of random conversations and laughs and we continued on down the stony and paved paths. the scenery was indeed beautiful, with blue skies and plenty of greeny - hk is a beautiful place, we just need to take the time to notice it. after some much needed toilet breaks and re-strapping, we fueled up at the support stations with bananas and liquids and made it through to the 25km mark in little under 4 hours.

 

 

team mulberry lite started around 12:30 and throughout the hike we were trying to figure out where each other were and how to try catch up. but then came the grueling part with a monotonous flat that seemed to go on for hours and the ridiculous never-ending steps going up... nurofen and powerbar gels helped us get through this part. and for some overzealous reason we decided it would be a good idea to run the last 5km. however that was short lived for about 500m, when we quickly sobered up and decided perhaps to leave it to the last 2km and a light jog if anything.

at about 2km from the end we caught up to team mulberry lite who were happily plodding along :D it was a lovely way to end the long day catching up and crossing the finish line together. well, once the finish line was in sight, the competitive side of our team made us sprint the last few meters, clocking in at 15:34. we managed to complete the hike in about 9hours, and we'll have to wait for the official times, not too bad for a first long hike. the fastest time for the 50km was 3 hr 41 min 22 sec!! that's intense.

great job to both mulberry and mulberry lite teams, such awesome troopers and there were lots of smiles even at the end!!

get your hike on!

checking the observatory for the weather is always a good start to get you ready for a race - hko has kindly encouraged me with it's cold weather warning that is enforce. will layer up tomorrow so when and if it gets warmer it'll be easy to peel off the layers.

so the green power 50km hike... besides preparing yourself physically, it's also important to prepare yourself mentally. it's what will determine whether or not you finish. it looks like a lovely route, but i doubt we'll be stopping to smell the roses along the way. i'm rather competitive when it comes to things like this, so regardless of how tired you may be or whatever physically limitations you may get, giving up is not an option.

physically the team is feeling a little ginger on the edges, with an old ankle injury in strapping, another having been admitted into hospital for several days due to an asthma attack and the last deciding to have a big night and arriving home at 4am this morning - go team!!

well, we'll be fine. as stated before, we're prepared mentally so that's what will get us to the end. so we'll see you after the finish line, a little tired and sore, hopefully having crossed the line upright ha

on the weekend

we spent the weekend at the jccac winter fair, despite being fairly under the weather, but what a great creative space!

the jockey club creative arts centre is a renovated factory building in skep kip mei and has a courtyard, studios for rent, galleries, cafe + tea house. there were over 80 different stalls featuring + displaying local artists + talent, designers, illustrators, clothing, bags, jewelery, leathergoods... it was awesome to see so many diverse styles. it just goes to show how creative hk is!

 

two that really stood out for me were temp house - william's illustrations are so detailed + fine. he draws them and finishes them off in photoshop. the website is fun + interactive, and reminds me of a wonderful little game called machinarium.

the other one was ballzi yau's innocent shop with her quirky plush creatures, which are more art pieces for display than actual toys.

a great place to meet interesting + inspiring creators :)

good morning 2011 :)

it's amazing to think that each day starts with a sunrise - it never fails to do so! faithful + reliable it brings us light, warmth + promise of new things the day will bring.

today's sunrise is significant in the fact that it not only starts a new day, but it also starts a new year; welcome to 2011!!! people commonly look back + reflect on the year gone by, and based on that set new resolutions + goals for the one ahead. but i think it's much easier to just let what happen be... and what we should do is keep looking forward, be thankful for each sunrise + expectant of good things to come.

i love the tone of this image with it's slight nostalgic feel, but in fact it is of the sunrise this morning - jan 01, 2011. here's to a new day, a new year + new things to come :)

a hiking we will go

so in the spirit of being more active + getting outdoors more in the new year we have joined the green power hike in jan 2011! with two teams taking part we're accepting the challenge to hike 25km and 50km across hong kong to raise money to help environmental initiatives and education.

see below for more details + contact us if you want to donate + support us - thankyou!!

the warmth of december

hello december. it's been a while since we've last met, in fact it's been a year, but it always amazes me how not long ago it seems! i've realised this is the first christmas i've spent at home, which is nice for a change, as traveling, although fun is tiring. so i'm happy to stay put... for now :)

christmas in hong kong isn't the cold wintery one you'd like to experience during the festive season, but i think we still we enjoy it for what it is. we just have to think of all the cold things so we can have warm ourselves up with a gingerbread latte, mulled wine, minced pies and stuffing! yumm

enjoy the last calendar of 2010, with a little dusting on top!

up + coming holiday events

the festive season is upon us with gingerbread lattes + the red cups at starbucks, carols playing in the shops and snowflakes + snowmen decorating the shop windows!

there are a few events coming up that we will be at, so mark these dates

:: hmhk community bazaar at the soho wine + dine festival ::
november 20-21 (sat-sun) from 1pm-8pm
both days will have a plethora of stalls on staunton, elgin and peel street selling lovingly handcrafted items + gifts, live entertainment + just a great day out!

:: db backyard holiday bazaar ::
november 28 (sun) from 10am-5pm
spend the day in discover bay plaza and support local artists + craft makers. find that perfect personalised gift to put under the tree this year!

check out the handmade hong kong website for more info

see you all soon :)

::pre-order:: festive cards + gift wrap!!

we're now taking pre-orders for our festive range!! cards + gift wrap will be available mid november so please place your orders + we'll do the rest :)

**special** for the first 20 people to order 12 cards or more, you will be able to enjoy a delectable signature dessert at zenku - a new modern japanese restaurant (only available in hong kong), described as cuisine haute provocation... it's definitely one to tantalize your tastebuds.

click on the image to view the eflyer or download the order form :: happy shopping!

mulberry moment festive eflyer 2010

it's a darker, cooler + cozier time

i love the change of seasons and how it effects the environment, our moods and preferences; warm comforting foods, steaming mugs of hot chocolate, gingerbread lattes and mulled wine (yes mugs!), big soft scarves and thick jumpers... mmm makes me want to snuggle into my big duvet.

this picture was taken in london just outside of the tate museum. i remember walking around, wrapped up in a scarf, woolly hat and gloves as it was the end of december and it was cold!! there's something about being snug in layers of winter gear and having a hot cuppa with the icy wind on your face, it just makes things feel right. wonderful memories to warm the heart.. awww! enjoy this month's calendar :)

going back this christmas

i've always been attracted to the 40s, with the uber gentlemen and feminine style, the swing, jazz and blues music, big bands and dance halls, films about chivalry, war, love, honour and family... yes i am an old romantic. if i could chose to live in a period, i would pick the 40s. of course it wasn't always glamour, music and fun; it was post world war and people were putting their lives back together, with the loss of loved ones but also there is a sense of joy in surviving.

this is where i drew inspiration for the new festive range... classic christmas gifts. things that were treasured and loved dearly, with the simple purpose of bringing joy to their little owners. here's a little glimpse of one of the designs - we always like men in uniforms! the set of 4 designs are currently in print so will let you know when they're ready, yay :)

creativity is not an island

being creative is a funny thing really. you realise that your imagination runs a different course and you see things slightly different from others who are less creatively inclined. it's hard not to get frustrated at people who think more logically or have no specific design input, just whether they like it or not. i think that gets me the most ha

this year i've realised there aren't that many people i respect or trust the creative judgement of. it's a difficult position to be in, especially when i'm designing + creating things. i'm limited by my own creativity. it's good if you know what you like + have the confidence in your work (though too much could be mistaken as arrogance!) i'm definitely the sort that needs to talk things out + brainstorm to refine ideas, concepts + of course improve my own abilities. i'm a team player!

so i totally recommend seeking out like-minded people + getting involved with creative communities to keep yourself inspired + stimulated.

come fly away

i was just reminded of what a wonderful song this is -



no matter what mood you're in, it certainly picks you up and makes you want to let go of things weighing you down to the point you're so light that you will literally fly and float away.

i've been procrastinating a bit, ok a lot. there are things i know i need to do, yet i simply don't do them. so i've set myself a goal for the week: finish the new christmas range... now i've told you all, so i have to do it!