Chang!

Chang - Thai for elephant. It is common to see an elephant walking along the side of the road. Its owner is always happy to sell you bananas to feed it. An elephant with its trunk extended up in the air symbolizes good luck. I love elephants. There are elephants all over my house - glass, wooden, porcelain, candles, metal, photos, artwork, soap, cushion covers. They are not always obvious but they are there! So I did a search on Etsy to see what elephants could be found. Here are the results!

A Night Out in BKK

                 

Every year when the rainy season ends and the "cool" season begins, the beer gardens appear outside of Central World for two months.  Each beer company sets up its own section. Every year the decor becomes more elaborate. Some look like an actual night club. Each company also provides live music - which can be rather loud with several bands playing at once. The weather is perfect, the beer is good, and there are lots of people to watch. There is also a beer garden at Suan Lum Night Bazaar which is open year round; also has live entertainment, and a good variety of food stalls.  This market is supposed to be torn down in the near future.  

Glamorous Gold!

Here are some gorgeous Etsy finds for dressing up for New Years Eve or any special occasion.  Chose a  statement making glittering gold dress or a small, simple accessory such as an evening bag or a piece of jewelry.  Be bold - wear gold!  Happy New Year! Sawadee pi mai!

(Click on the photo to enlarge; you will see the name of the shop and price for each item.)

Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

I love Santa ornaments and have collected many over the years.  Searching through Etsy, I found many Santas in a variety styles  and made of a different materials. Happy Holidays!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to you! Not a holiday here in BKK - work as usual. Went out to dinner with some friends. One of the restaurants in our neighborhood had a special Thanksgiving dinner to cater to the expats. It was delicious! Was a little apprehensive about the food, so was pleasantly surprised! Didn't over eat either. On Saturday, I'll cook a complete dinner with all our traditional dishes for our family.

Tomorrow the great Etsy Black Friday to Cyber Monday sales begin! Check out my shop - 20% off all items! The original prices are still there - to get the 20% discount send me a convo and I'll adjust the price before you send your paypal. OR go ahead and send your paypal payment and I'll refund the 20% via paypal. Have fun shopping!

Christmas Ornament Collection

Check out these gorgeous handmade ornaments! All of them are available on Etsy!  This is just a small selection 

that I found.  Any one of these would make a great gift for your Secret Santa, or  a new addition to your tree.

Loy Kratong

This beautiful holiday is celebrated throughout Thailand on the full moon of the 12th lunar month (usually November). It pays homage to the river goddess for its extensive use and providing a livlihood for so many people.
Everyone can participate by getting a little “float”, lighting the candle and joss sticks, making a wish and putting in the river to float downstream.

People of Bhutan

Here are more photos of Bhutan - featuring the wonderful people we saw and met on our journey from Paro to Ura.

An Obama Victory!

Bangkok celebrated the news of a new US President! The Roadhouse, the Democrats Abroad headquarters, was packed with Obama supporters throughout the day and well into the evening. The Obama t-shirts were a big hit as we walked through the night market. The venders loved it! We bargained some great deals-Obama has already had an impact on our economy!

Bhutan

I recently spent 8 days in beautiful Bhutan! Step back in time, to a world of no McDonalds, Starbucks and 7-11's! These friendly people are proud of their country, their king, traditions and customs. We traveled throughout the country from Paro all the way to Central Bhutan to a little village of Ura. Narrow mountain roads with steep drop-offs, spectacular mountain views of the snow capped Himalayas, rice fields ready for harvesting, lush valleys.

Foot Massage

    

Wednesday nights = girls' night out! Having a foot massage has become part of our weekly routine. There are a never ending supply of spa & massage places through out the city. Although we are always game to try  new spots, we are  happy to return to our favorite spot, Baan Dalaat at the top of Soi 8 on Sukumvit.  Very quiet and serene, a variety of foot massages are offered: hot & spicey, chocolate & coffee scrub, emotional rescue, herbal, heat therapy, as well as the classic.  So relaxing!!!!  

Treasury

I was featured in an Etsy Treasury this week. This is the second treasury that I have been in. Well, the only ones that I am aware of. This gorgeous Earth & Sky treasury was created by Shady Side Farms. Stop by her Etsy shop to see her awesome handmade braided rugs, knitted sock, wool yarn and more!
A treasury is a collection of items from 12 different etsy shops. The curator selects items from thousands of etsy shops that fit a particular theme. The admin of Etsy select various treasuries to feature on its front page. There often as many as 333 treasuries at one time - check here.

Girls Night Out - 3 Week Update

Week 1: We are all back and a new season of Wednesday nights has begun! Our first stop was Witches for happy hour. After two (small) pitchers of margaritas, we went next door for a foot massage! AHHH - heaven! Then we walked to Luan Suan for dinner at an Italian restaurant. Two new members have joined us - Jenn from HK and Kelly from Colorado. Marg also met us for dinner since the restaurant is across the street from her apartment.

Week 2: As we were about to leave for town, a torrential thunderstorm blew in. We could not get to the guard gate - Jeanette and Kelly were squished inside the guard house waiting for us. Mike and Cathy picked us up to take us to Marcy's for wine and snacks. It stormed for quite awhile - we enjoyed our wine by candlelight as the electricity was out. Marcia - we loved your old apartment. Carol - your couches are comfy! You are still with us. Once the storm ended about 7, we went to the Wine Connection for dinner. Even tho we didn't get to town - it was a fun evening.

Week 3: Movie night - Mamma Mia! Once our large group of eight arrived at Central World, we shopped around and had dinner at the Loft. Cathy bought a new toaster. Jeanette bought a fly swatter. Mamma Mia! was a fun movie! Since we were in the theater with the lazy boy chairs, it was too hard for us to get up and dance!

The Queen's Birthday

Thailand's Queen Sirikit celebrated her 76th birthday on August 12. It is a national public holiday as well as Mother's Day. She continues to play an active role in the country's development. The Queen is known for reviving many of Thailand's ancient arts and crafts which has expanded immensely since 1976. With her encouragement and financial support, many women have been able to help support their families by producing handicrafts. She is also recognized as one of the world's leading conservationists. In 1986 she was awarded the certificate "Distinguished Conservationist - Forestry and Wildlife" from the World Wildlife Fund for her work in conservation. She has initiated several programs to carry out plans for reforestation by rehabilitating several forest areas, as well as a watershed conservation project. This remarkable woman is respected and loved by her countrymen. Long live the Queen!

Wardrobe Basics

According to Tim Gunn (Project Runway), every woman should have these basics in her wardrobe: trench coat, black and/or white turtleneck, jeans (a dark and a light pair), black dress, white denim jacket,black skirt, white button down shirt, cashmere sweater, tunic, flats and an oversized bag. Shoes and bags do not need to match.

                                               

The Olympics

The Olympics are now underway in Beijing, so I have created a collection of Olympic items from Etsy. Olympic Fragment, Olympic Rings Crochet Pattern, Good Luck Earrings,
Chinese Game Bracelet, Going to Beijing for the Olympics, Fat Panda, 2008 Olympic Symbol,
Olympic Colors Full Size Korker, Chinese Take Out Original Painting. (Pics are left to right, top to bottom; Click on the titles and you'll be taken directly to the shop).

Ametistadea

I was so surprised to open my email and find out that I had won a contest at Ametistadea's blog! I won an awesome polymer fridge magnet! Ametistea's Carrie and Kathy design and create one of a kind jewelry as well as explore new techniques such as polymer clay. Stop by their two Etsy shops. Their blog is featuring another contest for Aug. Enter to win a lovely Blush Pink Swirl Pendant. Check it out! You could be a lucky winner.

New Necklaces

I've added some new necklaces to my etsy shop! Chalcedony with silver freshwater pearl, black onyx, amethyst, and a mix of chalcedony, onyx, tiger eye. etc. The pictures really do not do these necklaces justice. I recently bought a new camera and am still learning about its features. It is so frustrating because photos are so important, and I want excellent pics now! Click here to see more photos and read the info on each necklace.

We Will Rock You!

All you rockers would love this musical stage production! Not many good shows and concerts play in Bangkok. So when something does come through, we usually go. This was the last day of performances for We Will Rock You, the musical by Queen & Ben Elton, a three hour performance in one of the nicest theaters in town. Great music!

The story takes place in the future on Planet Mall, formally Earth. Globalization is complete - people listen to the the same music, watch the same shows, wear the same fashions.  Everything is controlled by Global Soft.  Resistance in music is growing, all musical instruments are banned. The underground bohemians are looking for a hero to help salvage music from the Golden Age.

Graduation

This is it! Natalie graduated from Raffles Design Institute on Thursday. She now has a Bachelors of Science in Fashion Merchandising. We are very proud of her hard earned accomplishments.
The graduation was quite different and interesting. Each graduate had a display representing his/her final project. Nat and two of her friends created the advertising display for their shoe company Cloud 9. After the diplomas were awarded, there was a fashion show showcasing the fashion design majors collections.

World Traveler

Going on a trip? Doesn't matter where, or how far you are going, or how long you will be gone. Here are some great travel accessories from Etsy to make your trip easier and more enjoyable.



Click on the item below to visit the shop:
Sunglass Slippers, Monogrammed Travel Mugs,3 in 1 Organizer,Padded Laptop Tote, Adult Travel Pillow, Passport Case, Places We Go Mini Album, Luggage Tag, Brush Roll.

The Giveaway

BabyLyons has a wonderful blog which features giveaways from various etsy shops. This week she has featured my shop. So hurry on over and enter one or all the giveaways. This giveaway ends July 23.

Summer Whites - Fashionista #8

Check out these gorgeous white dresses from etsy! These are perfect for summer. Add a little touch of blue for a totally summer look.
Here are the featured shops:
Layered Tank Dress - $66
Pearls & Porcelain Necklace - $30
White Babydoll - $18
Little White Dress - $44.99
White Silk Top- $100
Blue Strands Necklace - $ 35
Marie Ivory Chemise - $80
White Bubble - $95
White Lace - $100
Double Happiness Necklace - $28
Little Milkmaid - $88
White Rickrack - $58

Fashionista #7 - Animal Prints

Animal prints continue to be popular. Every wardrobe needs at least one piece. Check out the shops at Etsy! You are bound to find the right item for you.

Spectacular Views of Bangkok #2

Take the river taxi across the Chao Praya to 3Sixty at the top of the Millennium Hilton Hotel.
This was our girls' night out farewell to Marcia who is one of the founders of our group. We will miss her as she returns to New Hampshire.
(We arrived just as the sun had set so the photo does not show the spectacular view!)

Spectacular Views of Bangkok #1

Originally uploaded by bluewhitewear

For spectacular views of the city of Bangkok, head to Vertigo or 3Sixty. Relax with a cocktail and enjoy the sunset.

Vertigo - the top of the Banyan Tree Hotel, Bangkok. Our girls' night out group took Carol here for her farewell outing. She hopes to start a GNO in her new home in Surabaya, Indonesia!

Port Henry, New York

Just discovered this album of historic photos and post cards of the little town I grew up in located in the Adirondacks on Lake Champlain in upstate NY. I go back there every summer to visit my parents. The town hasn't changed all that much!


Port Henry Views, Essex County, New York

Fashionista #6 Metallics

Metallics are becoming as basic as black and can be worn for day or night. Only one piece is needed to update your wardrobe and make a fashion statement.



Silver Metallic Dress - Cristalette - $132
Metallic Tank - Rainbow Tronic - $24
Wired! Earrings - Blue & White Wear -$20
Bronze Scoop Corset - Maria Pozo - $205
Silver Hoop Earrings- Blue White Wear - $20
Caparros silver Sequin Shoes - Forget Me Naught - $14
Karen Shimmery Handbag - Brooklyn Bags - $75
Brass Nugget Necklace - Blue & White Wear -$45
14K Metallic Gold Mini Dress - Graziolin - $60
Silver Heart Pendant - Blue & White Wear -$22
Silver Vintage Clutch - A World Invented - $80
Silver Shawl - Ilojo2 -$65
Shine for the Camera - Natalie Low - $34
Brass Nugget Necklace -Blue & White Wear -$30
Framed Silver Necklace - Blue & White Wear -$30
Shades of Brass Stretch Bracelet - Blue & White Wear - $15
Metallic Silver Bag- Mua Purses-$25
Snakeskin Dress - Cristalette - $132

Fashionista #5 -The Little Black Dress

According to the gurus of fashion, the little black dress is a must for everyone's wardrobe. The LBD is a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down - perfect for a variety of occasions.
All of these "must-haves" are sold on Etsy.

The Little Black Dress is from Graceful Elements - $50
Strappy gold sandals are from Ladies of Leisure - $28
Vintage Asian inspired evening bag is from So Dear - $20
Black Agate Necklace is from Blue & White Wear - $50

Fashionista #4 - Fashion Finds Under $50

In May's O Magazine, there was a section on Fashions for $100. So let's see what can be found at Etsy for $50 or less.

Orange Cardi-wrap from 1st Expressions - #25.00

White Peep Toe Vintage Slingbacks from Vintage Vogue - $6.50

Blue Toile Handbag from The Pickled Pepper - $19.95

Navy Stars Vintage Skirt from Vintage Vogue - $18.95

Blue Sodalite Earrings from Blue & White Wear - $15.00

Blue Pearls & Porcelain Necklace from Blue & White Wear - $30.00

Eco-Friendly Fashionista!

You can be an eco-friendly fashionista on Earth Day as well as everyday! Etsy has many shops that offer clothing and accessories that have been deconstructed, recreated, reconstructed, recrafted, reclaimed, and recycled. Many of these shops use organic fabrics such as cotton or raw silk. Natural or fabric reactive dyes are also used. These are just a small sample of the terrific items available from just a few of the many of the eco-etsy shops.

Gaia Conceptions Butterfly Shirt - $85
Jamie Keiles Reconstructed Plaid Skirt - $35
Mojo Trashion Recycled Earring $5.50
A Second Chance EcoFriendly-Shrug - $50
Skiing Weaver Hand Woven Bamboo Scarf - $75
FrouFrouagogo Groovey Recycled Red Leather Bag -$42
Easy Street Vintage - Reworked Lace Slingbacks - $38

Whimsey's Cloth Shopping Bag - $10

Fashionista #3 - Summer Mix & Match

Another fashion magazine feature I always love is the collection of basic pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of looks for day and night; casual and dressy. All these pieces were found throughout Etsy. Here is the collection of etsy summer wardrobe essentials that will take you from day to evening. Happy Shopping!



Smoking Hot Red Soy Wrap Shirt from conscienceclothing - $60
Stove Pipe Gray Denim Pants from passionit - $89
Handmade Simple Fun Market Day Tote from Go Monkey Design - $25
Red Polka Dot Bandeau Bikini from Harajuku - $80
Pure White Cotton BOHO dress/skirt from Ma Petite Amy - $44
Brilliant Blue Leather Chic Flats from Ma Petite Amy - $16
Black/White Obi Belt from iamerica - $20
Colorful Seeds Necklace from Blue & White Wear - $15
Half & Half Bracelet from Blue & White Wear - $18
Striped Earrings from Blue & White Wear - $12



Red Demin Wide Brim Sunhat from Sookie - $39.95
Red Patent Leather Belt from VintageStyle 101 -$25
Blue & White Top from justvic - $34
White Skinny Military Pants from Stewwie - $120
Black Patent Leather Sandals from rumdoxy - $12
Plaid Hampton Vest from justvic - $30
White Disc Necklace from Blue & White Wear - $30
Blue Sodalite & Porcelain Necklace from Blue & White Wear - $30

Fashionista #2 - A Casual Look

All the pieces seen here are available from various shops on Etsy.
Here is a casual look for the weekend or any day:

href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10667698">themachinestops - $79
Chinese Food Box Purse by pursenalitybyletha - $25
Vintage Red Flats from shopambrosia - $14
Double Happiness Earrings by Blue & White Wear - $15
Double Happiness Necklace by Blue & White Wear - $28
Porcelain & Denim Bracelet by Blue & White Wear - $20

Happy shopping!

Fashionista! - The Vintage Look

I love how the fashion magazines put together clothes and assessories to create various styles. MarieClaire's "Splurge vs. Steal" is one of my favorites. Here is my attempt to coordinate a vintage look totally from Etsy shops.


Dragon Tail Necklace from Blue & White Wear - $35
Blue Sodalite Earrings from Blue & White Wear - $15
Vintage Polka Dot Dress form Owl Eyes Vintage - $42.00
Vintage Navy & white Pappagallo spectator shoes from Vintage Vogue - $11.99
White Straw Hat from Vanity Vintage - $9.00
Navy Leather Purse from Aurolac of Providence - $22.00

TOTAL $134.99