Eat Pray Love

The title of this blog is very apt to the times. 

Eat Pray Love

I'm not talking about the movie though although the 'Love' part actually is the topic for today.

Bali.

Island Life.

My inspiration for this piece.

"A 3 strand turquoise and fresh water pearls bracelet with oxidized metals and silver plated lobster clasp." 

I've been to several beaches in this lifetime. Bali is not just about the beach. The island's water quality is not even one of the best. BUT the the feeling that this place exudes is one for the books. 

Take for example this five star rated hotel I've stayed in Nusa Dua. 

Even a simple fruit juice seemed inviting.

Did I even tell you that Bali, or more specifically Ubud is a hilly place teeming with artists of all sorts. From carvers, silversmiths, batik maker, etc.  There's just so much to explore here. 

Truly  inspirational. 
And for that, I have to agree with Julia Roberts that you can find 'Love' in Bali.

Rome

"This is a world city with a golden history. Every nook and cranny has something to tell. Take for example St. Peter's Basilica with its golden dome or this marvelous house in front of the Trevi Fountain".

 Rome was the inspiration of my jet black crystal bracelet. You can see it's full specs here.

I have to add though that aside from it's golden history, Italians are truly fashionable in every sense of the word. And oh, to be in Rome without tasting the gelato is a crime. *yes, that's me behind the gentleman.

As a tourist, you must, must visit the Spanish Steps -- the place to see and be seen. Just one of the perhaps 'cheesy' but 'fun' thing to do while  in Italy's capital city.

here come's high street fashion...

London!

Top-of-mind : the Queen, the Ritz, the Eye, Harrods, high street fashion!

Was fortunate that I had the opportunity to visit this world city... courtesy  of  my full time job :)

Didn't really get the chance to prepare though 'coz it was a very last minute decision to fly here... like not even a week and to think I still have to secure a visa. Well, wonders beyond wonders, I made it right on time. 

This then became the inspiration of my cuff, as described in my shop.

" High street fashion is the first thing that pops into my mind whenever I shop at established UK retailers at this side of the globe. It's cosmopolitan, stylish and totally wearable."

There's just one story that I must share with you. Hubby told me not to take a cab when I get there 'coz its way too expensive. But unfortunately, I was so tired when I arrived (imagine Jakarta - Kuala Lumpur - London!) and can't barely carry my luggage. Plus, it was damn cold! So I flagged a cab and paid 50 pounds for that 30 minutes ride! Whoa!

My must have bracelet.

The inspiration of my mishmash allure.

Penang. 

A hodgepodge of old colonial English neighborhood, Oriental Chinese, beach, mountain, and most of all, good food.

My first road trip out of Kuala Lumpur was in Penang.  It was five hours drive one Christmas break. Roads were fantastic, weather was cooperative and destination was definitely  worth it.

If you have the chance to go to Penang, I highly recommend that you stay at this hotel to have a feel of the city.

...and time stood still.

"The smell of baguette wafing in the air. Early morning risers following the gentle, flowing movements of Tai Chi. You just savor the moment as you inhale the fresh air at Hoan Kiem lake."

Hanoi, served as the inspiration for this gorgeous keishi pearls necklace.

I lived in Vietnam twice in 10 years time but it was only in 2008 that I was finally able to visit Hanoi for work at that.  Hanoi is totally different from its sister city, Ho Chi Minh.  For one, life here seems slower.

If you only have time to visit one place in Hanoi, Hoan Kiem lake is a must! And be sure to be there during  sunrise when everyone is embracing life to its fullest.

You'll feel the French legacy in the capital and to be honest, I kinda like it. 

Don't you just love this charming city?

Life Down Under

Sydney will always be special.  We had our honeymoon here one New Year's eve. So yes, I did see the amazing fireworks at the Harbour Bridge.  

 

I vividly remember that Sydney skyline had the bluest sky I've ever seen in my life. No pollution and I really had to squint because it was so bright.  The people here were friendly and very casually dressed. Everyone seemed to be wearing shorts and flipflops.

My Sydney bag charm was inspired by the easy going and casual vibe of this harbour city.

Oh yes, how can I forget Manly Beach. I so love this place.

(understated ) Luxe Luxembourg

It was July, six years ago that I went for the first time in Luxembourg. We went by car from Belgium, it was almost a 3 hours speeding through the highway. I didn't exactly know what to expect as Luxembourg is not familiar in Asia and the only citizens I encountered from that country was a couple I've met in Cambodia in 2003. 

First impression: understated sophistication, a bit more formal workwear attire (suit and all) and lots and lots of banks (you don't need to declare tax, I heard -- so, a swissbank wannabe?).

Colors I remember seeing were gray, navy, and black. Looks like fall season but it was actually during summer.

I even witnessed the changing of the guards. Though it was not as grand, choreographed and commercialized as the one in London's Buckingham Palace!

That's why the Luxembourg necklace I've created was inspired by this sophistication. Here's how I described it on my etsy site.

"I just love the understated sophistication this country has to offer. From the not-so-glitzy castle, to the small town modern small city feel."

But not all were gray though. In the city center, there was a dance performance from the Polish kids. No idea or better yet, I can't seem to recall why there was a performance anyway. It was fun to see and that's what's important.