Ariele Alasko

It's my first time coming across a woman who builds for a living. A modern-day carpenter. How awesomely cool can you get, really?

Ariele Alasko went to art school in New York to study sculpture, then ended up building tables and headboards and everything else (in time, I'm sure). Beautiful, structured tables. I wish I could buy one of them. 

Just another reason why I wish everyday I was living in New York. Small cozy apartments and access to amazing-as-hell stuff right where I (would) live (let's imagine for a second). 

I think Ariele is just amazing. Her vision is astounding. It's crazy to know that all she uses is reclaimed wood. In other words, unwanted scraps of wood. But she takes them in and turns them into irresistible pieces of furniture. Now that is pure skill. 

I can't sew to save my soul, I wouldn't bother trying my hand at building. So I'm just going to sit here and covet all the things she makes forever. 

{In her element - by the way, her workspace is right there in her apartment. So hardcore.}

{Headboard and cat}

{Cutting board}

{Handmade salvaged wooden table} 

 {Ariele tiled the wall herself(!)}

Photo sources: 1(The Makers Project) & 2,3,4,5(Ariele Alasko)

peace+love

Mama's Day away

I missed Mother's Day. That means I wasn't around my mum to wish her in person. As much as I have stopped feeding into the hype of "Days", I guess Mother's Day would be one I would actually get suckered in to doing something extra nice for my mum. But I didn't this year. Don't worry I'll make up for it some day soon.
I was reading something about someone's mum and what she learnt from her. So as practice to my speech that I would be giving at my wedding dinner, here are just some of the important things I've learnt from my mum.

• Be more giving to those in need and deserving
• Offer help, if you are able, when a friend needs it
• Work does not deter you from doing the dishes, cooking, cleaning and loving
• Family comes first
• Money is not an issue if family is involved
• Persevere until you succeed because success is definitely sweet

These are the stuff I can think about from the top of my head, really. She's my hero, for sure. A very strong-willed woman who knows what she wants and will work hard to get it. I hope to emulate her values.

I love you Mum :)

p.s: No, this is not your Mother's Day gift, don't worry. (I kid, my mum probably doesn't read this and she's not the I-love-presents type.)

{source}

peace+love

Frustration Central

I'm so overwhelmed (in my head) that I can't find a way to start on a project. But thank God for the boy because I can talk to him about anything and everything. 

Here are just some of the stuff I wanna do. Man, I need a life coach to push the hell out of me.

{Love is all you need}

{Ombre backdrop for photo ops} 

{Glitter jars to pretty up the house} 

{Hanging hearts}

{Glitter garland to remind myself of the one I love} 

{Tassel garland, just for fun} 

{Loved-up felt bunting. Makes a pretty decor idea}

Yup. Most of the stuff I wanna do requires the use of a sewing machine. But that's just one of the reasons stopping me from moving forward. My grandma gave me a hand-held sewing machine, which means it's really small, like a mini travel-size sewing kit. But I need to get it serviced first. The ultimate dream is to get a good normal-sized sewing machine. Preferably a Brother one. (Might as well dream big since I'm dreaming already)

And I should stop making my overambitious to-do lists since I'm not really cancelling them off any time soon.

Plus, I'm feeling really terrible for not having any real content to share here. I really want to learn some basic photoshop skills so I can make some pretty images and words to put on here. It's a little intimidating, so it might take a while before I get to do something with it.

Wedding prep is going quite well, can't wait for everything to be settled. Excited but also nervous, very nervous. The guest list is a little too long, and as bad as it sounds, I'm hoping to reduce it a bit.

Also, Adam Yauch passed away. Very sad for the Beastie Boys. He was a talented musician and filmmaker. This one is my all-time favorite (sorry if I'm being very cliche).

love & peace