1 Day before Shanghai

Nerves, Nerves, Nerves.

I had very weird dreams lately.

First, I found out I left my Mac home when I was half way to the airport.
Second, I tried to back up my car in my garage with the garage door NOT open. Broke the whole garage door and flew off the street, then my car kept going backward, hit millions cars and I couldn't stop. Break didn't work... my uncle next door tried to stop me but failed.

Second, I lost my luggage when I was waiting in that classic ridiculously messy line for United check in

Then, my hair went blond (not the pretty blond tho) with black highlight.. I wanna go hang myself.

Oh one more, I was about to do a photoshoot and this part was fun.

ok, back to errands and packing.

Finally my first Yelp review!!

Once again, I proved everyone that I am a walking goldfish. And to celebrate my realization of being a fattie, I finally start writing reviews on Yelp after having an account since last month.

I went to Cal Poly for my cousin William's graduation last weekend. I am sorry for William that it was raining the whole day. So what's better to do in a 4-hr each way ride and on a rainy day? WE ATE, non-stop!!

These were only part of the food we ate on Sat. I came back to SF on Sunday and ate MORE~!!! evil!

Picasa

As a technology idiot as I am, I am amazed by a nice feature of Picasa today - Manual Crop. Okay, don't laugh yet! Picasa's manual crop actually senses the best angle of the picture for you. Just one click, my picture becomes so much more editorial. Wow, with technology these days, everyone can be an artist!

Home Inspiration

by Elizabeth Brownrigg

I adore the stylish built-in for great storage. Seems like something I will need for my room.

Another after and before by Elizabeth Brownrigg

Chinese hot tailor-Dayang Trands

I remember one day at a business lunch, a Swedish client asked, "Is there any Chinese brand that is known and sold worldwide?" That took us a moment to recall, turned out none of us could think of any big international Chinese brands. It didn't catch me by surprise because China was good for her OEM manufacturing ability, just like all developing countries. Yet brands like Dayang Trands is showing the world that perhaps China is quickly stepping out from the OEM role.

Warren Buffett threw away all his other suits and only bought Dayang Trands, a Chinese brand from Dalian, now. "I think maybe Bill Gates and I should start a men's clothing store and sell the suits made by Madame Li," Buffett said. "I think we would be great salesmen because we love them so much."

Buffett sizes up rags-to-riches China tailor - CNN.com

 A great inspiration for all growing Chinese designers.

Love for the Holiday

Ho, Ho, Hooo~ It is December, my favorite time of a year!!

After 2 hours of wrapping and decorating, these 20 little gifts are all set for Salvation Army. Hope such little effort can put some smile on the needy kids. :)

This year I am donating 2 mini plane top sellers from dad's company too. Perhaps they can inspire some future architects. ;)

My migration packing list

2010 symbolizes a new year, new journey, new job, new home, new life. It's pretty awesome... well maybe except the part that I am moving across the Pacific Ocean by myself, with two weak arms. I figured since I will be literally fresh of the boat onto the land of Shanghai metropolitan, I should pack some good amount of daily necessities from America before I find replacements in China (My experience told my it is VERY hard to find something that fits my style and size, yes they are that skinny, it is only wise to bring all I want). So let's see what I have so far...

1. 3 pairs of my favorite sunglasses (Dior, Emporio Armani, Marc by Marc Jacobs)
   
2. Victoria's Secret panties! A LOT OF THEM!
   
3. 7 sets of night out dresses/ outfits
   
4. Shoes (1 pair of killer sky-high heels, 1 pair of comfortable heels for work, 1 pair of flat, 1 pair of warm slippers for home, 1 pair of sneakers for work-out)
   
5. 5-7 sets of office outfits
   
6. 2 pairs of comfortable jeans
7. 2 blazers, 2 coats, 2 jackets
   
8. Tank tops, very essential!
9. Sport bras, yoga pants and swimsuits (I should be able to find somewhere to swim; otherwise, they don't take much space anyway)
10. Leggings, socks
    
11. Towel (Maybe at least 1)
    
12. Things to keep me warm: scarfs, gloves, earmuffs? maybe.
13. Sleepwear
14. Bedding Sheets, pillow covers (I am
    
15. Some jewelry (I have no idea how heavy they are. So I will stick with just a few)
    
16. An small umbrella
17. Purses (1 for work, 1 clutch, 1 casual, 1 all-occasion classic)
18. Foldable travel bag for short trips
19. Make-up bags
20. Shampoo, conditioner, body washer, lotions, sanitizer (I know I can get them in China too, but not the first few nights AND even with the same brands, the quality is not the same!)
21. Makeup remover, cleanser, contact solution
22. Skin care, facial cotton and Q-tips for 2 weeks supply
    
23. Pins, comb, hair ties, hair curler
    
24. Tempo tissue (At least a few packs. No free napkins in China)
25. Tampons and pads (You can find pads in China, but not tampons, at least not in Beijing and Guangzhou)
26. Pens, notebook, organizer
    
27. Ipod, Macbook, External Drive, USB drive, Phone, cameras, ALL CHARGERS!
    
28. IDs, passport, Hong Kong and Chinese driver licenses
29. Healthy snacks (I can only think of instant oatmeal for now)
30. Some life inspiring books to keep me from homesick
    

I think that's it for now. Hopefully they can fit in 2 suitcases. It is always these 2 overly packed suitcases that give me a huge headache.

Another sleepless night's inspiration

It is exactly a month before I start off a new journey in Shanghai. I am pretty excited about the new adventure, yet nervous as well, of course. After a couple hours of apartment hunting before bed, insomnia kicked in again. HELLO, insomnia! Well, it happens quite often recently, I am getting used of it. So instead of trying to get back to sleep, knowing it wouldn't work anyway, I might as well "night-dream" about the interior decor of my new home (I was checking at Crates and Barrel and IKEA before bed, adore them!). In the midst of brainstorming, I suddenly found out what I really need in my new home in Shanghai - A ROOMMATE! One is nice, two is even better!