December Twenty Eight Two Thousand Nine

Luxirare, my favorite blog.

How to make fresh mozzarella cheese from luxirare webzine on Vimeo.

Mrs. Chan

Mrs. Chan is my patternmaker. We have a special fortune or fate together (no exact word in English). She was the first patternmaker I've ever worked with for AIRA in the winter of 2007. I worked with her by default because she was the house patternmaker for that particular factory/sample house. From the day we met her, she was always very gentle and nice with a motherly aura. That factory owner Sherry-ah-ee drove me nuts and never made us feel like we were a valued customer, so we decided to leave without saying bye to anyone, including Mrs. Chan.

2 years passed by, and we have reconnected with Mrs. Chan! The factory we work with, after Sherry-ah-ee, is owned by 2 incredible people, Terri and Peter. I would work with them always if I could. They are quite expensive, so as long as I can afford them, I would. Nevertheless, they are great people and Terri knew that we were looking for a new patternmaker, so she asked around. We mentioned to her Mrs. Chan, but we had no idea what her name was, only who she worked for and where. In my culture, we call an elder lady Ah-EE. Everyone is an ah-ee and that was what we called Mrs. Chan, so we never knew her last name. Terri gave us 3 numbers of great patternmakers to call. Two were Chinese and one was Taiwanese. The first 2 that I called was super nice, but they both said they can't do after work jobs. They're too tired. I totally understood because it is a lot of work, especially if you're standing the whole day bending over paper. Plus, these ladies are not young. They're all about my mom's age. Then the last number I called was a "Mrs. Chan." I had a feeling it was the lady we loved, and I was RIGHT! Right when I heard her voice and when she heard mine, we recognized each other! And to my surprise, she said she would be delighted to help us after her job. She said that it wasn't too busy at her work now due to the economy, so she definitely wants to help us.

I feel super lucky to have reconnected with her because she's a great lady. She genuinely wants us to succeed and will take whatever payment we can give her. She is also teaching me at her house on the weekend, which I feel super grateful for. WHY AM I SOOOOO LUCKY?! I'm not sure if it's luck or simply someone above helping me out...but, I have met a lot of good people in my life. AIRA is very lucky.

I will continue about Mrs. Chan immigrating over here to the states in the next blog. I'm going to go eat breakfast now.

Light at the Edge of the World by Wade Davis

Buddhist Monk in Chamdo, Tibet
Arial Woman of Karare, Kenya
Warao of Winikina, Venezuela

MOCA

The Museum Of Chinese in America is one of the most beautifully curated museums I've ever been to. I might be biased though because it's just really heart warming for me. They recently moved into a new space after 30 years. Yesterday, I went to the MOCA to chat with them about volunteering and there was a big group of elementary school students touring and doing write-ups about the exhibits. And note that these elementary students were mostly non-asian americans. It made me really happy to know that schools are taking the time to learn and understand the sometimes avoided history of America. I'm not sure if it's the diversity of New York or that this Museum is a reminder of the many forgotten histories of this country, but as a young kid learning that diversity and immigration is the basis of this country, it is a positive way to teaching the next generations of our Home.

I wish that when I was attending Elementary, Middle school, or High school, there was a museum or a curriculum dedicated to knowing that Asian Americans have been around since the BEGINNING of this Democracy. You know how much of that identity crisis we all go through as youths would have been curbed?

Anyway, I strongly encourage all those that live in New York or visiting New York to visit this beautiful museum. It makes you proud to be a Chinese American, an Asian American. It reminds you of all the struggles our ancestors had to make and endure for this Museum to happen, for new generations to know the truth early on.

I hope so Susan Miller

Dear Pisces, of all the signs, you have the most spectacular outlook for a brilliant New Year ahead. You will have Jupiter, the giver of gifts and luck, soon to crown you celestial favorite of the zodiac in January for a year's stay. Rarely have you had a year as fortunate as the one that is on the way. After having been the most beleaguered of all signs, you are about to see a complete turnabout from all you've suffered. Reward, opportunity, happiness, and stronger health are on the way. Ahead is a dazzling year for you, full of wonder and light.

Happy New Year, dear Pisces.

I heart Pickles

If you know me well, you'd know that I LOVE super sour, salty, juicy pickles and never dill, sweet, relished pickles. If I think about that pickle taste, my mouth starts watering instantly. I was raised on eating them from all different countries...from America to Europe to Asia. I think it's a Taiwanese thing. When we eat dried plums...we like it super super sour. OH...i used to love those sour candies from Japan too...they were so sour that your face would scrunch up for 3 seconds. Sometimes you would even tear. And in Spain, I loved loved loved the salted fish in vinegar and olive oil.

Well anyway, this past weekend, I went to Brooklyn to check out this Winter Market sale held by Public Assembly because they listed Mary Meyer, and I love Mary Meyer. The trip ended up being a great score. It's not because of the 2 Mary Meyer tees I bought, but because of the 2 jars of pickles I bought from the BROOKLYN BRINE CO.

OMG OMG OMG. THEY ARE THE BEST PICKLES I'VE FOUND IN A LONG TIME. I bought the a jar of the Spicy Cucumbers and their award winning Fennel Beets.

Spicy Cucumbers: Organic cucumbers, Apple Cider Vinegar, Water, Sea Salt, Organic Chile Peppers, Organic Garlic, Natural Spices, Mustard Seeds, Coriander, Caraway, Black peppercorns, Chile Flakes.

Fennel Beets: Organic beets, Red wine vinegar, Water, Sea Salt, Organic & Fairly traded evaporated cane sugar, organic Garlic, Natural Spices, Tarragon, Mustard Seeds, Coriander, Fennel seeds, Black Peppercorns, Chile Flakes.

They're a fairly new company so they're not carried everywhere. But my goodness, they sure do know how to pickle them pickles!

Dreaming of a wonderful Christmas!

Daddy's little (evil) girl

On my way home today from Brooklyn, there was a couple sitting at the end of the train, 5 feet away from me with their little girl.  She was about 3.  Two stops into the trip, she starts screaming, yelling, and "playing" with her father.  Her mother was across from them reading what seemed like a grocery store coupon sheet.  All of a sudden the little girl runs up to her mother and slaps the coupon sheet with a loud scream.  Then the little girl would hurry up and run back into her father's protective arm and laugh.  This happened for about 3 more times before the mother started trying to discipline her by telling her to stop.  Of course the little girl doesn't stop.  She continues on slapping and screaming at her mom's coupon sheet which was spread out on the mother's lap.  Finally, the mom said to the father, "Tell her to stop!  Tell her!"  He smiles and says NOTHING.  My half of the train is full of older ethnic women whom were ALL STARING at them. They were frowning and shaking their heads b/c if it was their daughter, they'd slap her upside the head by now.  The evil girl is supported by her useless bonehead father.  And together they team-up against mom.  So evil.  

How do children get that way?!?  I would never dare do that to my mother, especially in PUBLIC.  It's the parents fault for not correcting her when wrong.  Are manners not important anymore?!  

Firewood

A/W 2010 Inspiration.

SAHALE SNACKS : Almond PB & J

I love these nuts!  The first time I bought them was 3 or 4 months ago.  Ever since then, I keep going back to my local organic food store, but they never re-stocked...UNTIL LAST WEEKEND!!!  I bought 2.  It's such a genius idea.  Who doesn't love PB&J?  The mix of almonds, peanuts and the chewy dried berries make it taste like bliss.  Yummmmmmmmm.

Now that winter is here, I've noticed that I have been snacking more, which is a lot since I already snack normally.  I guess it's me trying to keep warm in this miserable weather.  But no, can't let that weight gain happen.  Must go to yoga and gym.  Must.  I'll start tomorrow =).  Until then, more PB&J!

Kizakura Nigori Sake

I have found my favorite sake.  Maybe I should stock up.  Next up, their carbonated one.  I just have to find it now.

Shiwa Babie

lovely pics sent to me by Shiwa and Mori while i was in Japan

Ebay...

DOES NOT LIKE ME!  Urgh!  I keep losing my bids on Ebay.  It's getting quite ridiculous.  First computers, now clothes.  I have to say, it drives me into an insane emo-rollercoaster.  When I see something I like, I get super duper excited, so of course I bid.  I am an impulse buyer by nature, so OF COURSE i'm going to bid when I see it!  For the life of me, I cannot watch something until the last minute to make my bid.  People tell me that's what I am suppose to do, but my fingers think otherwise.  Then when I get out-bidded, sometimes I'll fight bc I really like it so I keep bidding...way beyond its value.  But I guess that doesn't matter because I never win anyways. Disappointment followed by determination, and eventually, egotism prevails.  But no matter how long I fight in these individual Ebay battles, I ALWAYS lose.  This last bid was on a Balenciaga tank with lace and I was the highest bidder until the last 45 seconds!  As I was freaking out and trying to re-bid, the damn auction ended.  Overcomed by extreme sadness, I have decided I will never be able to assimilate into the Ebay culture.  My over emotional personality + my impulsive behavior has forever outcasted me in the world I so want to belong to.  

I want to hire an ebay bidder like I want to hire a chauffer for the rest of my life.

Bodies in liquid baths.

Painting my new apt.

Since I'll be moving in a couple of weeks, I've been super excited with the endless possibilites of decorating ideas in the new apt.   Below is my dream room, house, style, furniture, color... EVERYTHING.  But alas, I cannot begin to afford that type of furniture, especially when I feel that if I were to invest in something I love, I want the best.  Usually, the best means, very expensive. 

One thing I can afford is PAINT!  After looking at a million tears and blogs, I've decided the combo colors for my living room.  They are the colors in the picture below.  I'm not that great of a fan of the way the place is styled.  It's a little too manly-modern for me, but I do love the colors.  The furniture is very similar to mine.  I have a green sofa, black dining table, black frames, black entertainment tv shelves, and off-white drapes.  Ifeel that those colors would be perfect.  From Benjamin Moore, they are Pale Avocado, Sea Haze (light grey), and Timid White.  

As for the Bedroom, I'm really thinking about the 2 toned walls, not in the same color combos as above though.  I think in a similar color family, but more along the mood of the first picture posted.  I really like washed white in bedrooms. If I invest in a new headboard for my bed, I might do that white/gray look...heheeheheh.  I also like the pic below.  It's a very organic feeling....too organic for me though.  

Buddhist Caves and Statues

Ever since I was little, my family has made it a point to visit Buddhist sanctuaries whenever we traveled.  I didn't understand what I was doing at those places when I was younger.  I didn't know why I had to kneel or use incense, who I was praying to, what I am suppose to be thinking or feeling.   Now that I am older, I want to go back to those places, as well as new places, to really see and feel what was surrounding me.

Below are 2 places I'd like to visit.

Troglodyte sanctuary near Tam Coc. near Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Buddha statues left by pilgrims in Pak Ou caves. Laos

  

Fashion Illustration (II)

First, look at my cutie pie. hehehehe.

Below are some fashion designers/illustrators i like.

Doo Ri:  So incredibly cute!
Gary Graham
Peter Som ( I love him more now that he left his financial backers)  His designs for this F/W 09 is sooooo spectacular.  Maybe it's him being himself now that the corporate side is gone and he has freedom to design as he pleases!  Go PSom!
Rodarte: I love them! 

Gilles Rosier: don't know his work as well, but do love his illustrations

the Twitch

A couple of days ago, I went to Mojave, my local Mexican Restaurant, with Mori.  The first thing my waiter did as I walked in the door was say hi, followed by a wink.  Mori was still outside the door using the phone.  As I walked to the table, Mori came in and followed.  Every time we made eye contact whether it was him telling us the menu or me saying thank you, he winked.  Now, I'm pretty sure he wasn't hitting on me.  In fact, I believe he was not into girls.  But what annoyed me was how he kept winking!!!!  I feel like winking is reserved for very special moments.  It's not something you put out there every 5 min.  I find it extremely odd that he would wink and smile really big often.  Does it make him feel cute? sexy? Does he feel more of a connection with his customers? Is it for tips?  I don't get it.  It actually would've made me give him LESS tips b/c it was so odd...but I didn't pay.  And I didn't bother to tell Mori his twitching problem.

Behind the Scenes

Last week, AIRA had our S/S 2010 Lookbook shoot.  The location was my old Wedding Photographer boss's studio in Long Island City.   A lot of emotions ran through out the day.  One hour into the shoot, I realized I forgot a skirt at home so I had to go all the way home and back out.  (secretly, I knew that was going to happen).  Then as we were lining up the order of the looks, one of the pieces was missing.  It was still at the factory!  Then, the fuse blew out b/c we had too much electricity running in the studio so we had to turn of the A/C while all the photo lights were lit.  Thank goodness everyone involved was a good sport, especially our model Alisa.  I didn't realize how hot it was standing behind all those bright lights.  But after we started getting the hang of it, the shoot went really smoothly.  We even finished early!

Below are some behind-the-scene shots.  

                                             Meet our second model, DONKEY!
                                             Tsuyoshi and Alice
                                             Annie the camera women
                                             Tsuyoshi was practically wherever Alisa was.

                                             ...always touching up.


                                             I am opening the welt pkts on the bomber.
                                             The crew.  The shoot would not have been 

                                             possible without all these awesome people!

                                             Andrew, Tsuyoshi, Alisa, AIRA sisters, Alice

Bye Bye Tequila.

Tequila is officially off my list.  

Ever since my birthday in March this year, I've had second thoughts about Tequila, especially Patron.  For the longest time, Patron was my liquor of choice.  It is the only liquor in my freezer; It is everything I loved since college; It is good, clear, and strong; It is what they make Mexican Martinis in.  During the June visit in the Bay Area, I again encountered and chose Patron as my shot to take, but little did I know, that was the last time I'd touch Patron again.  Patron and all of the Tequila family has officially been black-listed.  This past weekend, I was in Puerto Vallarta, where tequila was the main liquor for the city, the state, the country.  Every famous drink they were good at making practically had tequila as the main liquor.  The smell of it alone makes me want to gag. (Oh, trust me, I tried to sip a margarita and it was a no-go.)  Vodka is now my next liquor of choice.  I abused it on Saturday,  so I hope it doesn't bite me in the ass and induce vomit the next time I try to swallow. 

Leaving Tequila is very sad for me because I can never have another Mexican Martini....

Bloodcurdlingcreams!

If I wasn't a fashion designer, my other dream job in this world would be a fashion illustrator.  Even though many people believe that sketching/illustration is not required to be a fashion designer, I beg to differ.  Drawing is a medium that allows your imagination to go beyond reality. For a designer, to make that sketch come alive is the challenge, the art, the beauty of fashion.  Although the end result might not always be visually pleasing in fabric or wearable, the process of sculpting your mind with the lending of your hands is beautiful.  Many of the renown fashion designers have wonderful sketches (that'll have to be another post).  Karl Lagerfeld is known to sometimes not even touch the fabric!  He sketches, and his team of couture seamstresses make it come to life.   

Below is an illustrator I found on deviant art that I really really love.  It's inspiring and the lines are beautiful.  hah, I know I've said beautiful a millions times, but I really think Illustrations are beautiful, especially when you feel you can get a taste of what they're like in person.

Enjoy!  His full gallery is at http://bloodcurdlingcreams.deviantart.com/gallery/.

I cheated.

Yesterday was the AIRA s/s2010 lookbook model casting.  The model we picked had incredibly cute hair.  It was short with soft curls.  She must've done something subconsciously to me because this morning, I woke up with the determination to perm my hair again.  The last time I permed it was in Taiwan and that was 7 months ago.  It's time again.  Since Tomo, my regular hair stylist, is currently in Japan, I cheated on him.  I found Mei.  She's pretty awesome.  I think I might make a permanent switch.  Tomo's been doing my hair for the past 1.5 year and I did stray once in awhile, but always came back to him.  I think I'll have to break up with Tomo for good this time because I LOVE MY NEW DO!!!!!  Mei said my hair is quite damaged...oops..  I mean, i haven't seen my real hair color since 16, so I figured it is not in the best condition.  She recommends that I really put protection on every day, so I guess I'll make the conscious effort now.  The good thing about damaged hair is she says my perm will stay extra long...3 months! So it's NOT all bad. The perm also lightened my hair color, which is an extra bonus for me because I wanted to go much lighter before summer ended.