pray for INDONESIA

Maybe some of you have heard or watched the news about my country. 

After West Sumatra (Mentawai islands) was struck by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake on Monday night which later followed by a tsunami, Mount Merapi at Central Java erupted three times on Tuesday. 

From latest news I read, the tsunami have been killed more than 100 people and 500 people are still missing. The Mount Merapi eruption have killed 13 people, as it's spewing volcanic material as high as 1,5 kilometers and sending heat clouds down the slopes

On top of that, Indonesia's capital city Jakarta, have been flooding since last week. Thanks to hard rains that pouring every single day. Flood causing a very bad traffic. This is less and more affected my business, cos we send goods to Jakarta about three times a week. So my driver had to drive very early from Bandung. The usual 3hours trip jumped to 8-9 hours one way trip! That was crazy. I'm sure there are many people aggrieved by this situation. I hope it'll get better soon.. But we don't know cos the weather is unpredictable and we can't "fight" the earth. 

Indonesia known as Ring of Fire, cos it sits exactly where the meeting of continental plates causes high volcanic and seismic activity. This makes sense, recalling a 7.6-magnitude earthquake in September 2009 in Padang (which killed about 1100 people). And not forget to mention the biggest tsunami in a modern civilization, triggered by a 9.3-magnitude quake off Sumatra (killed at least 168000 people in Indonesia. ALONE)

From disaster after disaster we've been through, I'm curious, does God punish us? Or is it just a mere disaster that often happen in our everyday life? 

Whatever it is, we as fellow human beings have a responsibility to lend a hand to help our unlucky friends out there. It's such a devastating news, I watched babies died, they didn't even have a chance to see this world.. 

Our mother earth is getting old. Why don't we start to love her more?

Let's pray for Indonesia.. and hope for a better future. 

W.W-II

My boyfriend and I have been fighting a lot lately. 

What the heck is our problem? What is left to fight about? Don't we fight enough?

I thought seven-and-a-half years is more than enough to get to know each other. Seven years ago, what we fought about was jealousy. I hate seen him with his female friends (let alone his ex girlfriend!) I hate to accept the fact that he loved his bike more than me, I mad when he late to picked me up. Seven years later, the problems between us are rapidly growing, to some serious ones. 

Here comes the question: WHAT KIND OF MOTHER WOULD YOU BE?

...dead silence...

That second I thought, holy shit. 

How could he ask this weird, tricky, and unimaginable question? Honestly, I couldn't help it. He trapped me. 

I muted for a while. Not because I didn't know the answer, of course I want to be not just good, but a GREAT mother (who doesn't anyway?) 

But Dieter isn't the type of man who easily satisfied with a shortcoming answer.

He needs explanation. He loves the detail. He's judgmental. Moreover, he loves to play "What If" game. What If this.. What If that.. What If blah blah blah.... (I don't know who invented this game, screw you!)

I was overwhelmed with all these! Seems like my relationship has always been a test. 


Before anything bad happened, I'll write some pieces of imaginary conversation that could have happened between my boyfriend and I that night.
The conversation would be more and less like this, I tend to call this World War 2.


Him: What kind of mother would you be?
Me: Of course I wanna be a great, loving, and caring mother. (that's the best I could think of the moment)
Him: What do you mean with 'loving and caring'? What if (the game started here) your son want to be a rider? Would you support or ignore him? What if your daughter want to be a social worker? Would you able to let her go?"
Me: Silence (I don't have any embryo in my uterus for gods sake, let alone an engagement ring) 
Him: (he'll start preaching) Having children is a very serious thing. I don't wanna marry a woman who don't know how to support their children. Sometimes LOVE is not enough. Look what your parents have done to you with their so-called love! I wanna have a successful children. I think you're obviously not ready to have a child. You have to let go your ego first. 
Me: (nodding) can we eat our dinner? Or should I get a gun and shoot myself?
Him: #@%^*&%#


Maybe you wonder where I got all the questions. Yup been with him for almost eight years make me familiar with his FAQ. Lol.
anyway... If my answer was right and fulfilled his expectation, then maybe he would take our relationship to the next level. BUT what if I answered the contrary? 
So my best answer at the moment is "Silence". I answered democratically with a little bit humor, " I wanna be a great mother, but I have to figure it out first what kind of mother I would be. Besides, I haven't ready yet and you haven't put that ring on me Mister." 
Aha! 

One thing for sure, Dieter has the BEST mother in the world. Like, seriously. The best. 

His Mom is one of his weakness point. He could suddenly drowned into tears if we talk about his Mom. 

That BURDEN me. What if I can't be as great as his mother? 

Oh on the funnier note, at exact time across town, my parent attended an engagement party. His friend's daughter who happened to be only 17 y.o (yes you heard me!) SEVENTEEN engaged to his 22 y.o boyfriend. They'll tie the knot on the next March. 

Wow. Whatever gotten into them, I'm pretty sure that they have the bravest heart and the boyfriend have never asked about the "question". 

My day was getting from bad to worse when I came home upset and then I found out a very fancy souvenir from the aforementioned happy couple. Oh. It turns out, not only they have balls and brave hearts, the lovebirds is filthy rich. I wonder why I'm not surprised.

Marriage life is like a war zone, you never know where and when the enemies attack you. 

And beware!! Cos there's always "enemy in the blanket" (stupid metaphor!) if you know what I mean.... *evil grin*

BLACK period?!

Don't panic. 
It was my first shot, how many person succeed on their first shot? 5?
So I think it's alright if I've messed up a bit. 

You may have read my recent post as I committed to enter the Black Period phase.

Turns out, it wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. Yesterday I successfully screwed my own vow. My black period only lasted for three friggin' days. 

I went to the mall in order to look for a birthday gift to my Mom. I thought maybe I could buy her new sunnies. When in fact, I was the one who wanted needed it. (Seems like an old trick eh? Buying your Mom a gift so you could borrow it some other time. LOL) 

But that's not the point. 
It's so hard to find a perfect sunnies cos me and my Mom have a very different taste when it comes to sunglasses. She loves the classic, light shades with a small frame. I love something more fashionable, with very dark shades and unique frames.

So when I tried these fantastic shades, it's love at the first sight baby. The color is very unique cos it turns blue when at the same time, there's a hint of purple and a bit pink. Chameleon. 

You know what comes next, the magical mantra: I have to HAVE it. 

the big "O"

--------------------------------------------THE END----------------------------------------------

I broke the vow
I came home with a birthday cake
will definitely buy her a gift 
happy birthday Mom! 

Modern day Rapunzel with long red hair

Rapunzel in the park

Very Long Hair Play

Unique long locks

Long hair fun

Mega Beauty model with long red hair

Young beautiful model

Long flowing tresses

Healthy shiny and smooth long hair

Long Hair Lovers

Elegant long hair

She looks great with long hair

Hair is longer than the clothing

Really long hair

Tons of tresses

The wonderful long red hair at world of tales

Menuju Jakarta: Kota Mode Dunia

To all fashionistas out there, please mark your calendar from November 6 - 12 cos the biggest fashion event in Indonesia is back! 


Yup, Jakarta Fashion Week is right around the corner!

Event fashion terbesar yang diselenggarakan setiap tahun ini kembali menyapa para penikmat fashion tanah air. Jumlah desainer yang terus bertambah dari tahun ke tahun membuktikan bahwa Indonesia terus menelurkan insan kreatif dan berbakat yang siap memanjakan para fashionista yang tentunya sudah tidak sabar untuk menjadi saksi dalam event akbar ini.

Bertempat di sebuah shopping mall di bilangan Sudirman yaitu Pacific Place Mall, JFW mempunyai segudang acara yang pastinya telah dikemas secara apik oleh event organizer Azura Activation yang bernaung di bawah Femina Group. Selain tetap mempersembahkan kreasi-kreasi terbaru dari desainer kenamaan seperti Sebastian Gunawan, Oscar Lawalata, Denny Wirawan, Biyan, Musa Widyatmojo, Ghea Panggabean; JFW juga memberi kesempatan kepada desainer-desainer muda dan berbakat untuk memeregakan hasil karyanya.

Mengusung tema “Styling Modernity”, JFW 2010/2011 diharapkan bisa menjadi suatu wadah yang dapat menggabungkan kekayaan fashion nusantara, keragaman tekstil tradisional yang dikemas secara modern. JFW 2010/2011 akan dibuka dengan sebuah acara bertajuk A Tribute to Kebaya. Di dalam acara tersebut, para desainer akan menampilkan lebih dari 100 kebaya unik sebagai tribut bagi wanita Indonesia dan kebudayaan tradisional, tetapi masih mencirikan wanita dari era modern.

kebaya from JFW 2009

Highlight acara pada JFW 2010/2011 salah satunya adalah penampilan tujuh desainer muda alumni Lomba Perancang Mode (LPM) Femina Group yang akan memamerkan hasil kreasinya dipadukan dengan gaya rambut yang cantik, sesuai dengan spirit Sunslik yaitu trendy, young, and sophisticated.

cotton ink

Untuk insan muda, ada sebuah acara menarik yang sangat sayang untuk dilewatkan yaitu  CLEO Fashion Awards, akan dilaksanakan pada Selasa malam (9/11/2010). Penghargaan yang khusus dipersembahkan untuk young & talented designers, juga untuk best retails brand yang dipilih langsung oleh pembaca majalah CLEO. Brand-brand yang dinominasikan antara lain seperti Kletink dan Danjyo/Hiyoji telah membuka toko pertamanya di Level One Grand Indonesia. Juga ada Cotton Ink yang muncul dengan signature shawl nya, fringe dan acid. Nominasi lain yang tidak kalah hebatnya yaitu Astrid, Dina Vahada, Reside Irmine, Noonio, STAB, dan Twentyforteen. Pasti kalian penasaran kan siapa yang akan memenangkan CLEO Fashion Awards tahun ini?
Acara penghargaan lainnya yang akan diadakan pada JFW 2010/2011 yaitu Lomba Perancang Aksesoris (LPA). Penghargaan yang khusus diberikan kepada desainer baru yang kreatif dalam pembuatan aksesoris.

Ghea Panggabean dan model pada JFW 2009

Desainer Ghea Panggabean juga akan mengadakan show khusus dalam rangka merayakan hari jadi ke-30 tahun telah dengan sukses berkarir di dunia fashion Indonesia. Bahkan nama beliau pun sudah terkenal di mancanegara. Wah semakin ngga sabar untuk melihat event JFW 2010/2011!

Didukung penuh oleh Dinas Pariwisata dan Kebudayaan serta disponsori oleh brand-brand kenamaan seperti Sunsilk-Creations, BNI, Mazda, dan juga Pacific Place Shopping Mall semakin membuktikan bahwa pekerja fashion di Indonesia khususnya Jakarta telah sangat serius dalam penggarapan Jakarta Fashion Week ini. Dengan dilaksanakannya JFW, maka terbuka pula peluang Jakarta untuk turut ambil peranan dalam kancah fashion internasional dan menjadi kota mode dunia. 

New York – London – Milan – Paris have done their fashion week. Now it’s time for JAKARTA to nailed it! Wear your highest heels and shiniest outfit, welcome to the Jakarta Fashion Week 2010/2011!

Here are some snaps from JFW 2009. (all images courtesy of Google and taken by myself):

ethnic cantik

flirty pinky

thrills frills

true blue

my personal fave from JFW 2009

icy white

masterpiece by Harry Ibrahim (JFW 2009)

what: Jakarta Fashion Week 2010

when: November 6 - 12 2010

where: Pacific Place Shopping Mall 

click here for more information about the designer n schedule! 

OR you can follow Jakarta Fashion Week on Facebook and Twitter! 

BE THERE OR BE SQUARE!

do you?

BROc(KE)tober

When the unnecessary becomes necessity... 

Here's the thing. 

When I walked into a store, I saw a super cute thing (which eventually became not too cute anymore by the time I got home) hanging in a mannequin. My alter ego (the evil one) said, "you have to have it! X dress will absolutely look stunning with those pair of shoes" or something like, "get it while it's HOT! you'll look super gorgeous with those leather pants, matched with the X shoes." WHILE the other one whispered, "you already have too much! don't you remember how much unworn shoes you had back home?". 

And you know what? The mannequin made it worse. 

Have you watched "Confessions of a Shopaholic"? The mannequin made all things that attached to it look even prettier. Silly but, when I saw shoes on the rack, I believe they scream something like, "save me!" just like when you see dogs that begged for rescue in a new home. 

That exactly what happened when I stumbled across these beautiful, purple, shiny pair of "Made in Italy" shoes that I bought recently. I believe it worth every penny, but....

and anyway...

the next scene would be, I tried them on, loved it, and immediately I reflect an image when and where would I wear them...  and went straight to the cashier.

In the other hand, technology doesn't help. As a matter of fact, it makes everything easier... to shop.

Thanks to the technology! Now I can buy all things I need want with a single click and thanks to PayPal that make all transactions safe and less risky. 

This has to stop. 

What's this month again? October? or BROKEtober in my calendar!

Oh please, it doesn't as funny as it sounds. I've been spending too much this whole month and I couldn't stop.

I need a detox and no matter what or where, detox will be painfully hurt but desperately needed.

I never ever thought I'd be doing this, but ladies, I think it's the right time for me to enter my black period.

Yup. When you shop till you drop and you don't know how to stop, black period is the only solution (as long as you OBEY the rules). Anyway, black period is a period that you set in advance to stop all unnecessary expenses.

BLACK PERIOD

What: no new dresses, no new shoes, no new accessories, no new handbags, and no new lingeries.

When: Oct 20th - Dec 20th (just in time to buy Xmas gift )

Where: Indonesia only (vacation is excluded)

Exclusion: my bidding item on eBay, my Mom's bday gift, Ne-Yo ticket, and hair cut

This is my first time. So everyone, wish me luck!! 

In a meantime, I have to avoid all email updates from Saks, Net-a-Porter, Ideeli, and (hard to say) eBay
and The Outnet. 

I'll substitute my browsing time to something more useful like cooking (!), reading, or even watch TV series that has nothing to do with shopping (bye bye Carrie..) And when I work, I'll work. (I often cheated my work time by sneaking into shopping websites (au revoir luisaviaroma, polyvore, topshop, bluefly)

CONCLUSION

Shopwalking  Blogwalking (avoid fashion blogs!)

Sex and The City  CSI:NY or Dexter or True Blood

Browsing  Cook, sports

eBay-ing write/read book

Female Daily Forum Kaskus

PurseBlog Forum The Yellow Community/Amy Winehouse Forum.
VISA/MasterCard CASH/Debit card only

There! What did I miss?

XfingercrossedX

this is soooooo yesterday! 

made in Italy

Apparently, I love everything MADE IN ITALY. 

Italian food... pasta, pizza, gelati. hmm yummiess :)

Italian cars.... super fast n artsy 

Italian fashion designer... huge names in fashion (where do you think Armani, Gucci, Prada, Givenchy comes from?)

Italian SHOES! (you shouldn't bother to ask why, just stepped in those pair of shoes make someone like have their own paradise) some of my fave are Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik. They're Made in Italy, which is famous with top quality material and craftsmanship. Definitely, handle with care :) 

and... I don't think this ever be an option, but turns out, I might fall in love with Italian man.. dark, strong, sensitive, charming, playful, emotional, smart and oh so beautiful. 

Anyone wants to add the list? :)

walk of shame

Currently I'm eyeing some fabulous statement black shoes. There's nothing can beat pair of Louboutins. These below are called "Let Me Tell You", "Clou Noeud" and "Tinazata".

They're so amazing, guarantee a head turner and enviable! 

Clou Noeud 

Let Me Tell You....

Tinazata

We all know that Louboutin is not your average shoes. Those three cost not less than $4000. Isn't that insane? I mean, for things that you put on your feet?! 

Hence, there are many "black" markets selling fake items but of course the quality is far worse than the original. I've seen some recently. I found the most popular Blahnik's shoes, Something Blue Satin Pumps at one local store in my hometown and a regular Louboutin black pumps. My friend said that the heels were shaky when I walk, the glue shattered all over the shoes, and the red sole is ridiculous. 

From that time, I promised myself to NEVER buy fake shoes. I'd rather buy something original yet affordable from other brand than to force something on ugly fake shoes (trust me they're UGLY! Moreover when you try them on)

I know $1500 shoes are ridiculous. But it's far more stupid when you spend $150 on ugly shoes where at the same time, you can buy a good original pair from the store next door. UNLESS, you want your walk of shame. 

Don't fall for fakes, so let's start saving!! :) 

motoGP Sepang 2010

Just got back from GP weekend and have a lot interesting stories to share with you guys! 

Geez I'm still head over heels, where should I start? OK I think I'm gonna write it from motoGP Day 1. beware cos this is gonna be a LOOOONG post!

I arrived on Thursday, we were just dinner to the locals and then slept rightaway. It takes a lot of energy to go through what would be an amazing and unforgettable weekend. I came to Malaysia with Dieter.. My friend and cousins were waiting for us (they arrived sooner than us). The hotel was bad, probably the worst hotel I've ever been to. But we didn't have a lot choices, since it's the only hotel available on that date (we did last minute booking!) We previously wanted to stay in the city Kuala Lumpur. But it takes about 1 hour by train to reach Sepang. So we thought it would be a lot easier to stay at Sepang area cos actually we've come to Malaysia to watch GP in a first place. 

welcome to Sepang International Circuit

Day 1

We had a chance to join Pitline Walk where we could walk alongside the paddocks (from 125cc class to motoGP class) and if we're lucky, we'd meet the riders themselves. N guess what? I got my photo taken with Ben Spies, Colin Edwards, and met Valentino Rossi for the first time in PERSON. I thought I'd be fainting. Everyone was gathered at Yamaha pit and screamed his name. Vale! Rossi! or even they called his best friend name Uccio! LOL. We didn't have to wait too long before Rossi came to our lines and began to signed whatever things in front of him. My boyfriend got his t-shirt and book signed by him and my cousin got his blackberry signed by him. Fans were hysterical and I saw Rossi was a very calm, charming, yet still a stubborn. He wore his glasses so I couldn't see his eyes. Despite the crowd was crazy. Even there's this woman who bite Dieter's arm...

with Ben Spies! Super handsome =D

with Colin Edwards =D

Rossi in Action =D

been waiting for Rossi..

After that session, we're heading to the circuit, where we would watch the race. Free Practice 1 was on the schedule that day, of course we wouldn't want to miss it. Rossi was doing great at Free Practice, followed by Dovizioso and Lorenzo. 

We chose our seat so we traveled from one seat to another. And oh! The sound of those bikes were crazy. It seemed my earplugs don't work cos I still can hear the sound. I was deaf obviously. But still enjoyed it so so much!!

free practice 1

At night, me and Dieter were going to KL.. We went to dinner at Sushi King which was so good (at Bukit Bintang area) and stopped by at Pavilion Mall where I found these pair of very cute Marc Jacobs flats. I was this close from buying them but I still couldn't decide between MJ and Tory Burch. Those were yummies.. =D
So I just splurged on Banana Republic cardigan for me and my Mom, also bought some Vincci shoes and Zara handbags :p

yummie Golden Ball =D

Day 2

This had to be the most interesting day from our trip. That day we're queuing in hope to meet and greet the riders! We started at 9AM sharp and waited about three hours before the riders came. We've been tired but also excited!! At 12PM, guards opened the "temporary gate" and managed the line. There were 8 riders on Session 1 (each session is 15 minutes long) and Rossi included. But he stayed far behind at the last line. I thought I didn't make it, but turned out, when my time came, I could walk to Rossi's line and queued again for a pretty short time and MET him! My boyfriend came before me and he asked Rossi to signed his cap and I took their photo. Not a very good pic actually cos he was shaking and shocked to death. LOL.

with my friend Wydi, waited to meet Rossi..

OMG it's my turn!!! I didn't bring along with me any Rossi's merchandise (which I later regretted. I could wear the t-shirt :(  so suddenly popped this crazy idea. maybe I could give him my belly and let him signed in it. Surprisingly, Rossi really DID it!  N then my bf took our picture and it was really beautiful. Rossi didn't wear his glasses. I really admired his eyes. They're light blue, warm, and charismatic. We had a chance to look at each other's eyes for quite a long time, maybe 5 seconds.. It was the longest 5 seconds I've ever had. It's like time stopping us by. and I must admit that I had fall in love with Italian guy that sit in front of me! I ended up shaking too and couldn't believe what just happened. I mouthed "I love you" before I left, those words were flowing naturally. Moreover after we had done, Rossi immediately left and the riders from session 2 arrived. I thought, I was so lucky!!

Dieter with Rossi! LOL

Later that day, we watched the qualification and I still remember his warm eyes looking at me. I guess I was starstruck. LOL. Anyway, the qualification went not too good on Rossi's side as he finished on 6th position. But still, we did enjoy the qualification and my ear seemed friendlier than the first day.

love your warm eyes..... <3

take a look a bit closer :)

Rossi's autograph in my belly

Saturday night we're back to the city.. I've been to Malaysia four or five times now but as a first timer, Dieter wanted to get his pic taken in front of Twin Tower. But I couldn't do it properly. I don't think the result is good, except the one when he jumped. LOL. We dined at Nando's (one of my friend's fave resto) and happened not to like it. Maybe I didn't get use to the taste. I don't like sour anyway. The chickens were all broiler. A bit scary but we did enjoy the dinner. Oh and I don't understand about Malaysian services. I think it's way too slow and the staff are unfriendly. Don't you think?

posing in front of the famous Twin Tower

me!

jumped a lil higher!

Day 3

The date was 10/10/10. Meaning October 10th 2010. I heard there were a lot of couple who get married on that date. Hehe.. A bit ridiculous! Since when a date really affect marriage? Well, just my thought. 

Anyway..... 

It's the race day on motoGP world championship. We're beyond excited. First we watched a session called Ducati Two Seater. My jaw dropped just looking at them! Ducati provide two riders to bring along with them two lucky persons! Woohooo.... I'd kill to be on those bike! From my experience, Ducati machine was the loudest among all bikes. Love the red color. But no love to their riders a.k.a Stoner. He's as cold as stone. Ha! Matched with his name. 

After that, 125cc race begun.. and then moto2.. and then.. here's the moment we've been waiting for. motoGP. 

me wearing I heart VR t-shirt

For those who might watched it last weekend, what do you think?

The race was so AMAZING. especially for Rossi, who left behind at the beginning and fell to the 11th position and then could slowly passed other riders. the next thing we know? He's at number 1 spot baby! We're thrilled to watch the race, everyone was yelling and became wild.

gentlemen.. start your engine!

funny face!! 46th win with Yamaha

Rossi proved once again that he has already back on track! However, Lorenzo who's in 3rd place celebrated his winning as the new World Champion. He's been lucky I think, considering his two huge rivals (Rossi and Pedrosa) were injured and missed some series. But he did a great job too. He also first rider who has twitter account. 

ROSSI and JORGE

Finally.... Our trip was over :(
We left Kuala Lumpur the next day, felt that we've been lucky to be there and gathered with all motoGP fans from around the world. I can't wait anymore longer till next year when Rossi will start the new season with his new Ducati. Can you imagine how an Italian man ride an Italian bike? Since the season hasn't started yet, please see this hot gal on a hot bike pic below! FYI: this Ducati is exactly the same as Ducati that Tom Cruise ridden in his movie Knights and Day. LOL

hot girl on hot bike! LOL

The whole experience was so surreal. Rossi had me at the first sight..
As if this wasn't enough, last night when I browsed to Valentino Rossi official website, I've found MY photo and Dieter's photo there. Yeap. MY photo, when Rossi signed my belly. And Dieter's photo. When he queued at Yamaha Pit. Now I'm losing my words.

Grazie Rossi.. Ti Amo Per Sempre <3