♥ Oh Spring Spring You Make My Heart Sing And My Purse Sting!

MADAME - Very Vain Buttons Series - Maya

Yippee! Looks like spring is here! I don't know about the rest of the world but here in Shanghai, the winter is freaking harsh and bone cold! I am so sick of wearing sweaters and jeans! I crave short skirts and little tees and singlets!

I was trying to explain to Beautiful Geek women needs new clothes, accessories , pretty things to look at every 3 months, this is the way I support the economy and help keeps jobs! HAHA! I am excited! What theme would I be this spring? I love colors and I see myself going really quirky and old school . I mean, I love love love clothes , items and accessories that has that extra OOMMPH! I am very critical and it really must be AWESOME before I purchase it. I mean.. I had my fair share of poorly design, badly made, mediocre / safe design items in the past. I done my part, now I want AWESOME!

Heheee.. see what I had found on Etsy and really want to buy ( still waiting for my new credit card to come, hurry hurry please!!). I always try to find things in my favorite seller list before I do an open search. Ok, now go see my selection, drool, buy and yes I welcome comments on my good taste *wink*.



Mini Owl Friends Applique Iron-On PatchesBy LittleMamasDesigns

Do you know how hard it is to find really pretty iron on patches? I tried to make some but one of my friend thought I had puked on my skirt...( change friend or stop making patches?) . seriously, I should just buy them from this seller. SUPERB COLORS. SUPERB DESIGN and SUPERB PRICES!!!

Larissa - Textile Cuff NecklaceBy Shagpile

Cuff necklace in spring? Why not? I will wear this with one of my tube tops and wow, instant cool!

Rosie - Fabric and Felt Bird NecklaceBy Shagpile

Wonderful wonderful necklace! I love how she uses different texture cloth and the bead mix!

Original Collage ACEO--A Walk Through the FlowersBy catlover1

Beautiful ACEO , always love this shop, it has wonderful retro items!

Winter Walks everyday pleated handbag OOAKBy ThePeach

It is called a Winter Walk bag but the cheerful blue hues are too cute to not use it in spring too! Infact, this is one bag that is good for all seasons. Just looking at it, I am happy! Oh, yes, The Peach is really well known too in Etsy. I bought a clutch and good workmanship and *count fingers* I think over 15 people compliment on it!!!

Yellow Bird StudsBy TheTinyFig.etsy.com

This shop is super cute! The store name itself makes me smile!:) They sell really nice handmade kawaii style earrings.

Adult and Kids Lovebird SlippersBy piddies

Ok, if your heart is not melting now when you see these suuuuuppperrr cute slippers, you are not an ice cream ( Ha! Bad Joke I know). I mean, look at them, awwww... so cheerful, the details are awesome, useful too!!! Quick go buy a pair and make me jealous.

Sunny Sunshine -- Inspiration Kit By Haileysbobbins

This is a perfect example of good photography. I love the arrangement, the mix of different hues and texture. Just looking at it, I feel inspired. And the price *weep* .. I mean, for such wonderful mix of scrapbook material, the price is so so right!

Hey girlfriend you STINK -- But that is cool -- Fix it with Lady LitesBydippylulu

This store is really fun! Very original and has fun range of quirky items! This set of matches are the latest. I love how they put that little rhinestones on the box. Perfect for my guest bathroom!

Felt Ice cream BroochBy FeltCreations.etsy.com

Wow, I mean, WOW! Look at this! So Kawaii !!! Seriously how much more can one ask for in a brooch? Wonderful design, details, size is big enough to make an impact and yummy!

Queens Doorknocker earringsBy brookadelphia

When I was young, I love being called "Princess" as I grow older now, I like being called Her Majesty but I settle for Queen. I mean, if I do not refer myself as one, no one would and seriously once I started, I feel like one too! Yes, I am a Queen in my own world, I rule with love and justice and everything in my kingdom is pink. Heehee.

Sweet Geek - Resin Skull Candy NecklaceBy stoopidgerl

If you need some cheering up, go to this store. It is FABULOUS! Very very colorful and loads of fun Kawaii style resin necklaces and more! I love love love this store to death! This particular necklace stood out as you know, I am married to a Beautiful Geek and perhaps I should buy this for him but I will wear it because I think he would look funny in pink. LOL.

11th March update --> I BOUGHT IT!!! YAY!!! HAH! I will have the coolest necklace in town now!



cover pillow from vintage fabricBymicoucou

Ooohh... I love the vintage fabric used on this very comfortable cosy looking cushion!Simply outstanding!

Mon Petit Chien- Madras Plaid Vintage Fabric Small Dog DressBy monamivie.etsy.com

My God, I wish I am that cute little dog!!! I love it's dress!!! UURGGGHSS why can't there be dress like that for human beings!

Eco-Friendly and Fun tote - HandpaintedByCarryMeAway

Spring without a new bag? C'est impossible et tragic! This piece has all the right stuff ! Lovely material, eco friendly, HAND PAINTED (!!!), perfect size for busy woman who buys a lot ( aka moi) and oh so wonderful vibes!

♥ In 45 minutes

Seriously...... *pause* .. *smile*.. how did I manage to survive without my beloved Daniel ( I named my MacBook after the very cool character in the French movie Taxi ) and Google?

I just, at the tip of my fingers, manage to

1) Order my inventory from 5 suppliers. Each of them have their own website, they accept bank transfer. In under an hour, all orders are placed and paid for. I will get all my stuff tomorrow, right at my doorstep!. *Jump about happily abit*

2) Bought some nice pin back buttons from this fabulous seller from Spain, RetroAttack . Look! I love them!!!!! So absolutely freaking cool!!! Excellent prices and customer service too!






3) Also order my custom cuff from BettyDeath. My wrist is twig like so I need one custom made and it is just lovely! Can't wait to slap it on my wrist and show it off in my next French class!



4) Book a table for 2 at Kathleens5. I just type Shanghai Museum restaurant and BOOM! There it is on Google!!! So smart! It is Beautiful Geek's birthday tomorrow and I know he loves the beautiful view from the restaurant's rooftop. We went there for tea and he had wondered how would it looked at night, ah, he would know very soon!:)

When it comes to art deco buildings and restaurants, Shanghai is one of the best places to explore. I generally appreciate the building more than the art shown inside.






5) Found a professional film developer shop for black and white films. Our regular shop does not do Kodak TMax 400 so we had to hunt for a new shop. Again, Google instantly show up the address and telephone number for the store! I am mightily impressed! In 5 minutes I got all the driving instructions, the opening time and the service available!

I mean, I know everyone knows how efficient the internet is, especially Google but please do not always trust the information 100%. For example, the photoshop address given on Google is outdated, they had moved but the telephone number is the same. I always double check the information.

Now je suis fatigue ! I cannot believe how tired I am just sitting here for 45 minutes doing the above! I think I move to my next favorite chair, the couch for a bit of Will & Grace ( my 2nd time watching the series, I love them!).

♥ Queen Macarons

Recently I was in Paris for Christmas, I must confess prior to the trip, I was openly bored. It would be my 5th or 6th trip there and I thought I had seen it all and the thought of shops closing at 6 pm always filled me with with dread but I was well prepared with loads of work to do and fashion magazines to catch up with.

But ah.... never ever underestimate Paris.. I was astounded again by how beautiful this city is. Driving past by Tour Eiffel, this time she is deck in brilliant dark cobalt blue light and yellow stars ( signifying EU) , I just stare in intense admiration at her latest outfit. She is indeed well loved by her designers. I admire again the beautiful buildings along Avenue Fouh and then of course , the gorgeous Champs-Élysées. Enough about them though, one must visit Paris to truly appreciate the beauty of this quaint European city.

I did also have a fantastic time this trip! Loads of shopping and good food. But what stood out was Ladurée . How could I have missed this legendary place all this time? It is located diagonally across the big Louis Vuitton store on the Champs-Élysées.

Ladurée Champs Elysées
75, avenue des Champs Elysées - 75008 Paris
Tel : 01.40.75.08.75 - Fax : 01.40.75.06.75

My lovely mother-in-law was so sweet to book a table there for Christmas Eve ( thanks ma! ). I was blown away by the quaint, vintage frou frou style decor inside and of course the macarons! I always see macarons on my deco tapes which I sold in my store but never the real pastry!








A short history of this place. It all started in 1862, Louis Ernest Laduree had a bakery on Rue Royale in Paris. A fire had happened and they rebuild the bakery to a cake shop. Jules Cheret was the decorator of the shop, his work was inspired by the techniques use in the Opera Garnier and the Sixtine Chapel.

It was La Duree's wife who first started the idea to merge the cake shop and a cafe together . This give birth to one of the first Parisian tearooms. One good thing was that women were welcome to the cafe anytime.

Later, it was bought over by Holder group, it's owner extend the cafe and choose to retain the classic style and atmosphere of this historical tearoom.

These are some of the pictures take off the website, honestly, I feel it has more character at night when the lights are dim and the whole atmosphere has a hint of magical tinge to it. Like if I see Marie Antoinette powdering her pretty nose beside me in the powder room, I would not even blink !







The REAL life macarons ! I tell you, at first I was very hesitant to try it because it looks so freaky sweet and at 9 pm, I am not sure if I want to load my body with that much sugar. Then again, I am never an early bird so what the heck, I shall eat some and be all hyper like a 5 year old and annoy ( or please? ;P) DH.

Oh... the taste..... the TASTE!!!! It is like the ultimate dessert! Crispy biscuit shells which are crispy on the outside but so soft on the inside, the creme is smooth and full of flavor! I had ordered the Macarons Pommes Caramel ( did not take pictures, too dark!) , it is a smooth macaroon ( I don't know why they spell it with two O's but it is spelled like that on the menu and how did I have the menu now in front of me? Hee hee.. don't ask but I might tell you when I know you well enough ) biscuit , caramel cream, "Jonnagored" roasted apples, caramel with salt flower. Perfect for a dreamy Christmas Eve.

There is a walk in bakery too where there are very pretty assorted colors and flavors macarons for you to choose! They have really pretty packaging too! I bought a little oil cloth bag with macarons design and they wrap it up so nicely for me! Awwww..... I want to go back there !!!!! Hmm... maybe I should give up my Singaporean citizenship for this and be a French, it might be worth it!














Now now now, don't get excited, go work hard! Slave! Tighten your belt! Eat leftovers! Look for pennies on the street ( there are I tell you now ) , sell your grandmother ( just kidding , just kidding! ) , then buy a ticket to Paris! One last push, you are not really an artist if you don't visit this art city ( don't slam sweet little me now). Seriously, I swear to you on my 2000 decor sticker tapes, your life will be changed. If not, there is always the cool Pakistani man who dance to his India music in his small magazine booth and charges you 2 Euro for a silver color Tour Eiffel keychain ( now we know why he is dancing...) .

Ok, one of my purposes in having a blog is not only to showcase what I love or hate but also Etsy sellers or stores that sells wonderful handmade stuff ( it is not always about me you know) . I thought it would be appropriate to show you this seller 3LambsGraphics. I can end this post with "enough said, just look at the damn beautiful pictures!" but that is being lazy.

What can I say really? Nothing.. let's just admire the sheer elegance and simplicity of these prints ( silence... silence....... smile...) . Get one, especially the All Hail and Bow To Me piece , frame it, display it where people can see it. I think it is silly to display it where no one can see, I mean who then All Hail to who or who should bow to what ? Then watch how your ego is boosted and then come back to work and go work for money to buy that ticket to Paris, go go!

♥ My Vintage Button Machine

Ok, got some time, thought I better show off my fabric buttons too! Hee hee, these are my pride and joy! I took so much pain in planning, sourcing for the materials, making them taking pictures of them and listing them! I love fabric buttons and I was so happy when my mum gave me her old one which she had use when she was like 25??? I mean, she is a kick ass seamstress and she had used this machine as part of her craft to help financially support our family. I love her ( my mum) to bits and I love love love this old quaint machine too!

Fabric buttons are not that easy to make and I had an aching wrist to prove it but then ahh....... how pretty they can be!





Oh, yeah.. I have like loads of fabric, lace , buttons shells and whatnots ( taken a picture to show you 25% of it.....) ! Out loud, I am always complaining how I have too much and it mess up my "studio" ( self proclaimed corner of my living room;p) , but inside, I am gleefully enjoying the mess and how the colors are all mixed up and create such a sense of life! So sorry for the lace pictures, did not expect it to turn out so blur.







You can order and purchase them at MyOldFashionButtonMachine
They take sometime to make and I would need 2 to 3 days but if I can complete them ASAP, I will! You can see some of them below.:)

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade Loloandbebe.etsy.com