Exposition

Hi! 

Yes, It's really me.

I've been gone so long, it feels like I haven't gone anywhere. 

You know the one thing I miss that I didn't realise I'd miss so much?

*Creating things!*

I miss making, doing, finding, mistakes.

I miss cooking, cleaning.

I miss home! 

But, I am enjoying my time here and am so glad I've had this opportunity to meet Mr Peck's family and see where he grew up. And don't forget, eating all the amazing food he never stops talking about!

A list of my favourites:

Food: 

Platanos - I will defiantly miss them back home.

Place: 

Boca Chica, and the coastal areas

Experience: 

Walking through Los Quetzales and all the mud and seeing all the amazing little humming birds!

We're almost finished our time here, next stop: USA!

Happy New Year by the way! If I was in Australia, I would already be in 2012... But here, not quite yet!

Hola!

Hola from Panama!  

Just a quick stop by to say hi! I'm still alive... sick, but still alive!

We have been having lots of interesting food (ooo, a duro [a hard, ice block type thing] just got delivered to me), getting lots of sleep, seeing lots of exciting things and most of all, speaking lots of Spanish (well, Peck mainly.. and me struggling along).

Having lots of fun!

Be Right Back...

{via}

Tonight was the big night of the exhibition.. and I didn't even take one photo :( 

Sooooo much stress and craziness, right down to a small fire in the exhibition building... so glad it's over!

And now, I'm flying across the great big ocean. 

I may post a few pictures now and then, but no promises.

Be back in February!

Fill in the Blanks.

1. A nervous habit I have is I get a flushed chest area! Whenever I give a presentation I always wear a high necked top so it doesn't show...

2. Something that makes me sad is people who don't understand/tolerate people with down syndrome or any other difficulty

3. Today I am thankful for Sabbath! Yes. I can have a break from trying to finish off my exhibition work.

4. My favorite room in my house is the office. It's got all sorts of fun things, but mainly the computer. But even more so that I just stuck up all our photos from our US trip.

5. I can't stand insects.... ew. Especially in the house.

6. If I had an extra $100 to spend on whatever I wanted today I would save it for our upcoming trip!

7. The last person I hung out with was Mr Peck, my crazy husband who puts up with my awful moods.

Package Pals: The results!

Hi!

Today it's my turn to share my package pal experience (thanks to Gentri Lee!)

Here's a reminder of what I sent my package pal, Angela.

....and, Here's what I got! I was so super excited when I got my package! And as soon as I opened it I thought oh boy, I should have sent Angela more things!!! I absolutely love all the things I got. I even did a little video of the opening!

{music - Upular by Pogo}

Mr Peck & I ate the candy almost as soon as the box was open (and there were also some Cheetos, which were delicious and helped sustain us while writing an essay!) The tropical flavoured skittles were so good! And I can't wait to try the nail stickers, I've been seeing them around for a bit but hadn't tried them, so yay!

I just love Fossil and when I saw these two Fossil bags, I was so so excited! This is the cutest little sewing kit I've seen and perfect to carry around for those little emergency repairs.

(Angela, I know you suggested this bag for my crafty things, but I really needed a new makeup bag and this is perrrrfect!)

So, I'd just like to say a huge thank you to Angela for the amazing gifts I received. I can't wait to do something like this again, was the best experience! So thanks to Gentri as well for making it possible!

I'm Yokoo.. But my friends call me Yokoo.

Ahh, I love this girl!

Ceramicide

Here's what I've been working on.

step away..

This weekend I had a no computer (and no phone) weekend. And I liked it!

I have been spending unhealthy amounts of time on the computer of late. So, after a DnM with Mr Peck ... (that may or may not have involved some hysterical-ness and crying) I decided enough was enough and stepped away from the computer. I am going to try and keep away from it a lot more as well. It's a creativity zapper. It doesn't feel like it when you are constantly looking at other people's blogs and ideas and pinterst... but ultimately, when you are doing that all the time, when is there time to do your own thing? For me, there wasn't any. 

So... here's me saying I'm taking time off from blogging so much, and I'm banning myself from pinterest hehe.. nooooooooo! But true.

Here's what I got up to when I didn't have the computer to inhibit me.

* ceramic characters... (still to be dried etc)

* recycled jar into candle holder.

* Aaand... a whole lot of knitting!

Fill 'em in.

1. When I was a kid I wanted to be a shop keeper, teacher, nurse, farmer, hairdresser when I grew up. 
2. As an adult, my dream job would be a shop owner, stylist of all things (clothes, interior, shoots), apartment stager. 
3. When I was younger I wanted to be just like my sister. 
4. The childhood Halloween costume that I remember most was when I was  (I've never done Halloween.. No done here is Australia much.. and if it was, I wouldn't do it anyway... ... .. . .I'm not much for silly festive days .. or ones that are pagan in origin. 
5. My favourite childhood toy was the sandpit and cubby house.. Making mud 'ice chocolate' and mud pies was the best :)
6. The time I got into the biggest amount of trouble when I was a kid was when my brother and I were playing with a tennis ball inside (tiles.. who can resist a good indoor game of handball?!) and we broke my dad's really expensive glass measuring flask thing... we were probably 15ish haha.. oops.
7. I get daily inspiration from pinterest, blogs, my husband, Real Living magazine.. life.

Ping....

I forgot how much I love UP! I was watching it while I did my knitting.. So cute. My favourite quote is: 

"I was hiding under your porch because I love you!" - Dug

And all through the movie I was thinking of this. This guy is so clever!

And... While you listen, here are a few of my recent pins

one two three four five six

White Please!

Oh man. I want this bad! Such a brilliant idea - a journal with white lines!

Puppy Love

Is this not the cutest thing you've ever seen?! My mum's dog had puppies. .. Puppies are the best! Not even opening their eyes yet.. Awwwww!

Just. Be.

why not? - photography by me.

Packaged.

Just wanted to say, I'm a little bit excited about the package pal project!

In just under a month I get to show you what I got and what I sent.

Here's a sneak preview of what I am sending (hopefully today... maybe tomorrow)

Can't wait to see what I get, and my pals reactions to what I'm sending! I looove getting mail, and packages are even better!

Top 5 Design & Fashion Trends of 2011

I've been working on my portfolio. It's a slow but steady process. I'm looking for work. While that's been happening, of course I've been searching for inspiration.. looking at the trends, I thought I'd put together a little list for you.

In no particular order, the Top 5 Design & Fashion Trends that I'm noticing right now are:

Numero Uno.

[number one]

Minimalism 

Been around for a while, still in, and honestly I don't think it will leave for a while. There's nothing better than a lovely piece of minimal design (or clothing for that matter). 

Key Idea: Lots of white space, simple typography and limited colour palette

Exhibit A.

Number 2..

Texture

This has also been around for a while but is defiantly up there in the design world. I am especially loving the use of textured background in illustrations and webdesign.

Key Idea: Any type of texture - paper, concrete, material - you name it, we want it!

Exhibit B.

Number Three..

Bold Colour

Colour blocking, monochromatic, the bolder the better. That's where it's at. 

Talking fashion - blue & yellow together. Wouldn't think it, but it works.

But if those brights don't work for you, pale and neutral is coming in strong as well.

Key Idea: Red on Pink, Blue on Yellow. Bold & Bright! Or tone it right down with neutral beiges, dusty pinks or shades of grey.

Exhibit C.

#4..

Big & Tight

Put those magnifying glasses down and step back. The bigger the better - from big titles and icon to chunky knits and oversize sweaters.  2011 is loving super sizing. But not only big, tight as well. This doesn't really fit with the fashion side, but tightening up kerning (that's the space between the letters) is a big hit this year.

Key Idea: Make everything 3 sizes too big! And tighten up those letters.

Exhibit D.

No. FIVE

Handmade

Yep, we all know it. Handmade is the bomb! But not only is handmade killing it on the fashion side, it's totally dominating design as well.  Anything looking handmade from stitched to illustrated, scrapbooked to water coloured... It all works and we all love it.

Key Idea: Make it. Then scan it. 

Exhibit E.

Guest Poster: Meredith from yours, mind & ours

Hey!! I'm very excited to be guest posting today, things over at my blog have been crazy lately so this is a fun diversion:)

Anyway, I'm Meredith and I'm popping in to mention some of my fave ways to be thrifty yet fashion-y. 

1- Clothes swaps: I love clothing swaps!! Getting friends together to hang out while scoring free clothes?? Awesome.

 2- Hand me downs: They're not just for toddlers anymore! I seriously love it when people offer me their clothing cast offs.  It makes my day. I'm cheap and I don't care who knows it!

3- Freepiling: Not everybody has this option I guess, but in our apartment complex we have freepile bins in every laundry room. They're a great way to get rid of things you don't use anymore or get some new-to-you items. Starting a freepile at your church, school or work could be cool too. Try it!!

 Thanks again for letting me stop in!!

The. List.

{via}

I just added a page.

It is a List.

A list of 50 things I want to do. Well, 50 until I think of more.

I haven't given myself a time frame because some of the things are not achievable in the near future.

Some are.

I wish there were more things that were achievable right now, but there aren't!

Most of them require a lot of hard work and some time.

But it's actually quite a good activity to do. Helps you get some perspective on exactly where you want to be as opposed to where you are.

And... to give myself something achievable to do right now, here is my Friday to do list:

1. Clean the house 
• Kitchen = wash dishes
• Bedroom = fold clothes & put away
• Bathroom = scrub everything
• General = Vacuum 
2. Work 
• Banners
• Website
• Logo, Business cards & Bookmarks
3. College
• Knit

I'm not sure I will get through all of that but I will start by turning off the computer. And by turning off, I don't just mean stepping away from it, I mean powering down. ... Removing temptation..... .

Maybe I should do this:

PS. I'm excited to say, I've got my first guest poster lined up!!! Yay! Stay tuned for that one :)

a list of currents.

currants via

current state of stomach: empty

current mood: content bordering on inspired

current state of house: messy. hmph.

current state of husband: asleep on the bed.

current outfit: jeans, shirt, singlet. 

current wish: to buy more makeup

current hair-do: messy up

current stress: design work that I always procrastinate on

current obsession: shirts. i want more.

currently craving: mango

current favourite colour: still yellow. 

currently smelling: clean shirt smell :)

Play along!

Tour of a House: Easy DIY decorating

Hi!

Today I thought I'd share with you a few of my favourite elements from our house, and some easy ways to decorate a rental house.

Our house is definitely still a work in progress. We have limited budget and are renting so it's no where near what I wish it was, but it is a house and it is a pretty good one. So, I'm content!

This is a recent little project that I'm half way through. I've been wanting to do it for ages and I finally did it! I knitted socks for my table! hehe. I've seen the dip painted tables (and other things) and love the look. But I also love knitting and have been wanting to incorporate it more into the house. Very simple but cute and adds a splash of colour to the table. The kitchen/dining colour theme is yellow (and leads to the lounge with splashes of red)

I got these books for free from our college library. Every so often they have a book sale and then give away the ones they can't sell. I particularly like the one entitled "How Gertrude Teaches her Children"!  It is a cute way to decorate. The little moose came from Europe somewhere, gift from my mum. Also note pompom (very fun and easy way to add pops of colour) and min mini owl - from Tasmania.  (The lounge is colour-themed red - if you can't tell!) 

Then, there is the massive bean bag I got from ebay (as a gift for Mr Peck) which took Mr Peck and I about 3 hours to fill. It took 6 x 100L bags of beans and was horribly annoying to fill because it has segments and you have to get your arms in the bag to move the beans around constantly to let the others in!! Phew. We did it though, and only ended up with about 1/2 a bag of beans on the floor! Also note the milk crates... budget furniture at it's best!

And this is also another of my recent projects. I am drawing sayings to fill one wall in our lounge room. These are the 4 I have so far (the first resides in the bedroom) and I have ideas for about 8 more. They are just pen and gouache on cartridge paper bluetacked to the wall. If this were our house, I would probably get them frames and make a whole heap of holes in the wall to hang them. But it's not. So bluetac and my DIY washi tape to the rescue!

Look at Me: It's about time!

I thought it about time to do another post, seeing as it's been a week since my last. I've been here...just haven't been inspired to share anything. I started writing a post but wasn't sure I wan't to share it just yet, so it's in drafts for now... Waiting until I am confident enough to share.

But for now, here's what I wore to church yesterday. 

Dress - Ashley Wilson, Jumper - Saba, Shoes - Dotti, Belt - Loop From David Jones.

Stay tuned because this week, I'm actually going to do some posting! I'm on holidays for the week and have some fun things to share that I've been working on for our little house. Maybe I will do a tour... or, maybe not. Find out! hehe

You may also have noticed the package pals button there ---->

I'm pretty excited about it! I'll share more on that later though. 

A-Z Ft. Mr Peck

I found copies of these A-Z questions on a whole heap of different blogs and thought I would participate... But for a twist, I am answering with Mr Peck! Yay! Say hi to Mr Peck!

A. Age: Me: 23 Mr Peck: 18...(26)
B. Bed size: Me & Mr Peck: Queen
C. Chore that you hate: Me: Washing the dishes!  Mr Peck: Ummm...I don't know, I don't really hate chores..
D. Dogs: Me: Italian Greyhound, and my little mini foxy - Turbo :)  Mr Peck: German Shepherd, Weimaraner,  Husky
E. Essential start to your day: Me: Getting out of bed.  Mr Peck: >.< (laughs at my stupidity) next.
F. Favorite color: Me: Yellow, green  Mr Peck: ...blue, green
G. Gold or Silver: Me: Silver/White Gold  Mr Peck: Silver...Bronze
H. Height: Me: 174cm Mr Peck: 176cm
I. Instruments you play: Me: Clarinet  Mr Peck: I don't play any instruments really.. piano, guitar, harmonica, clarinet, saxophone, beatbox
J. Job title: Me: Graphic Designer/student/artist  Mr Peck: Photographer
K. Kids: Me: Not yet. But I want them! Mr Peck: Only 12 please.
L. Live: Me: .. yes, I'm alive?! Mr Peck: I don't get the question.
M. Mother’s name: Me: Christine  Mr Peck: Odenis
N. Nicknames: Me: Jas, Jassy  Mr Peck: Peekay, Pecktoralis, Peg, Peckachu, 2peck, Peckyboy
O. Overnight hospital stays: Me:  Yep, when I broke my left wrist by rolling off a bunk bed...  Mr Peck: The day I was born
P. Pet peeves: Me: Girls wearing shoes they can't walk in.. grrrrrr.  Mr Peck: Fat girls wearing skimpy clothing...yuck (throws up)
Q. Quote from a movie: Me: "Uh Oh, we're about to go over a waterfall... >.< sharp rocks at the bottom? Most likely... Bring it on" (Emperor's New Groove)  Mr Peck: "I had confidence in a fart once, and I shat all over myself" Burke & Hare
R. Right or left handed: Me: Left (yay!) Mr Peck: Right
S. Siblings: Me: 1 brother, 1 sister (both older)  Mr Peck: 1
T. Time you wake up: Me: Usually around 7:40 - 8ish, whenever my alarm goes off..or Mr Peck's does  Mr Peck: According to my phone, 7:30
U. Underwear: Me: Bonds  Mr Peck: Sometimes, only when I'm at home
V. Vegetable you hate: Me: Beetroot... blegh  Mr Peck: I like all vegetables
W. What makes you run late: Me: Mr Peck.. Mr Peck: Bull**** Me: Ok, . kidding..! my wardrobe
X. X-Rays you’ve had: Me: Teeth, wrist  Mr Peck: Nothing.
Y. Yummy food that you make: (we are answering for each other)  Me:  "Mr Peck makes delicious.... conglomerates of various ingredients ... mmmm delicious"  Mr Peck: "Jasmine makes delicious cupcakes"
Z. Zoo animal: Me: Red Panda, but I've never seen one in a zoo. Mr Peck: White Tiger. And I've seen one in a zoo. Two actually.

There you have it. Maybe we should do this more often huh Mr Peck? "Yes"

Fill in the Blank Friday

Well, it's been too long since I filled in the blanks so here there are! Happy Friday :)

1. The best thing I did all week was make Mr Peck delicious cupcakes and baked brie filled damper to enjoy in a little fortress for our 2 year anniversary!

2. This amazingly beautiful and hot weather make me super happy. 

3. Pets are so fun! I want one of every kind please!

4. Mr Peck is the best thing about my life. 

5. With the cooler [warmer here!] weather I am looking forward to spending more time outside and being able to wear shorts, and not have to find a cardigan/jacket that matches my outfit. Plus I can finally wear the summer clothes I bought while in USA!

6. Something that's on my "wish list" right now is a rug for our lounge room... and bookshelves all over the house.

7. This weekend I am going to knit.... and knit some more!

Exhibition project.

Yesterday was Mr Peck & my 2 year anniversary!

And in other news, I did get a request for a post on my art project so I'm going to share what I'm doing for my end of year exhibition.

It's still in very early stages yet, but essentially what I'm doing is making a knitted environment. The idea behind it is escaping from reality into a soft, almost womb like structure. So far I have built the structure and started knitting bits and pieces... below are some pictures and sketches for you to have a look at.

I bought myself an I-cord machine and am waiting and waiting for it to arrive because as you first enter (through the hole, which will be strung with elastic so you have to squeeze through it) there will be heaps of i-cord hung from the ceiling and you will have to make your way through it, pushing it aside as you go. 

After you get through that, you will come to an open space filled with... I'm not sure yet.. You'll have to stay tuned! Any ideas?

Seeing as the exhibition will be during summer, I am planning to have a small fan going which will create some air and movement. I am also planning on having some interesting lighting and some soft sounds.

I'l keep you updated as I make progress!

Look at Me

Hi,

Haven't been around for a while... mainly because I have been feeling lazy.. and partly because I have been doing other things, like college work!

Here's what I wore the other day... 

And here's what I've been slowly working on... I might do a separate post to show you what it means, if you're interested? Are you? It's for my exhibition at the end of the year.... but really it's only about 2 months away now. Oh, and I made those knitting needles :)

How to Make ... Washi Tape!

Are you like me and just can't bring yourself to spend a lot of money on things that even though they are really pretty, will probably just sit there for ages without use? 

I've always loved the look of washi tape but find it so expensive and hard to justify. So, I decided to get creative and make my own.. 

All you need is some double sided tape and tissue paper! Too easy!

How to curl your hair without wrangling a curling iron!

Hi!

If you're like me and really struggle with a curling iron or GHD but looove curling your hair then you may just have stumbled upon one of the most exciting posts of your life... Yup. Really!

I am about to change your life with one video. You will be astounded at how easy this process is .. and at the amazing results you can achieve. ... I think I will stop talking it up now, you can judge for yourself (ps, get ready to start laughing at my accent... i kind of rock the bogan aussie thing hehehe)

You too can go:

(my top is from H&M)

How? Just watch!

familiar. captured.

I didn't want to include any words... but I am a girl who likes to talk, so that is a difficult task for me! We had a weekend away for mum's birthday. I love my family very much.