Chinese New Year - January 26

Welcome the Year of the Ox on January 26th! During the last Year of the Ox  in 1997, Asia went through an economic crisis. Will financial chaos reign in 2009 as well?  According to one local magazine, "Chinese astrological forecasters are predicting 2009 to an a very intense year during which wars and other aggressive incidents between nations and even between persons are likely to happen."  

The Ox represents peace, harmony, and beauty, but it can also be strong willed and react angrily to those who threaten or cause harm.

You want to wear new clothing in gold, purples, or earth colors such as black for prosperity, happiness and luck. Although red is generally considered a lucky color, it tends to irritate the Ox.  

Check out these great Etsy shops for the Chinese New Year items pictured above: 

Fold out Cards, Darker Image,  Meekiyua, ArtChiz

The Magic 8

I recently read an interesting article on "Jewelry Rules" by Danielle Fox in which she explains what jewelry to wear with particular styles of clothing.  Also included is a list called "The Magic 8" - 8 items that everyone should have in her jewelry box.  So I searched through Etsy to find some great pieces to fit this list:

           Magic 8 from Etsy Shops

1. Big, fabulous earrings -  visit NYlightmetals

2. Short dangle earrings - visit hayashibeads

3. A big cocktail ring - visit  Elizaandco

4. A short, round necklace - visit justessdesigns

5. A pendant necklace - visit silverdotjewelry

6. A long, thin necklace - visit bluewhitejewelrywear

7. A short, chunky necklace - visit bluewhitejewelrywear

8. Bangles (at least three small ones and one thick, chunky one - visit ciaraobscura; cindyg

Lumpini Park

In all the years I have lived here, I have never been to Lumpini Park! Sunday morning we were up early to venture over to the park. What a lively place so early in the morning! Lots of people involved in all forms of exercise. Even the monitor lizards climbed out of the klongs to sunbathe.

Year of the Ox

The Year of the Ox begins on January 26, 2009, according to the Chinese lunar calendar. People born during the year of the ox possess strong work ethics, are dependable, loyal, hard working, have great leadership qualities, and are well organized. They can also be stubborn and narrow-minded.

According to legend, Lord Buddha invited all the animals to a celebration, but only 12 came. In their honor, he named an animal for each year creating a 12 year cycle. Those born during the year would possess the traits associated with that particular animal. The Chinese use 12 different animals to represent a cycle of 12 years. The first is the Rat, followed by the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

During the lunar month, the Chinese begin getting ready to welcome the New Year. Debts are paid, hair is cut, and new clothes are purchased. Homes are thoroughly cleaned to sweep away any ill fortune and to make way for the incoming good luck. Doors and windows are decorated with paper cut-outs with the themes of happiness, wealth and longevity. Incense is burned in homes and temples to pay respect to ancestors and ask the good for good health in the coming year. Families gather to feast in celebration. The young pay homage to the elderly and all unmarried children receive the lucky red packet with money. Red, orange, and gold are auspicious colors. Everyone loves the lion and dragon dances!

Chinatown, here in Bangkok, is already gearing up for its New Year. Vendors have red traditional clothes, lanterns, and lots of good luck items brightening the streets ready for sale. I am working on some new Chinese jewelry and wine charms for my Etsy shop. Even though you do not celebrate the Chinese New Year, you can welcome the year of the ox and enjoy these pieces which may bring along a little good luck. They will be added to my shop soon. Here's a collection of Chinese New Year items from various of shops on Etsy:

This is a peek of my new collection - recently added to my Etsy shop.

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!!!!