Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Coloring Book for Us Old Folks!

You know how you and all your friends started talking about the good-old-days when you were younger? Well, if you are my age you just might! If younger...waaaay younger, just ignore me! As youngsters do! :))) Joke!!! I'm sure we all are nostalgic about our childhood. But! But! But! Do you miss coloring books?

Well, here's a treat for you! Now, there's something especially for you! A coloring book for grownups! Filled with images of sad, nasty, hangover situations that I'm sure you've lived! Isn't that nice...that they decided to make it filled with personal situations that we can all relate to! Ooooh!

So, whenever that's a rainy day, or you friends don't answer their phones, or maybe your Xbox/PS etc. is not working, now you have something to do! Something creative that will surely bring you down Memory Lane! Ahhh! Memories of sweet childhood and horrible memories from last night's party! The joy! This book simply shows me once again that being a grownup sucks! But at least we get to make fun of it!

My friends, enjoy!
Images: Sad and Usless (this is fast becoming my favorite site!!!)

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Learn it!

Long time no see, huh, guys? But I'm back so let's rejoice and get back to business.

Did you learn anything new lately? I don't mean a cool new fact (those are also good, no hate for cool new facts), but like a new recipe, or a secret or a skill. I'm always in the market for learning a new skill and hearing what people would like to learn, never mind how many trainings, courses and you tube teaching videos I have abandoned during the course of my long and fruitful life.

On my current learning wishlist I have two things: calligraphy and finger tutting. Calligraphy so that I can write nice and curly shopping lists and perfectly executed two-word journal entries (that is how much I am willing to journal). And now you are wondering about finger tutting. Have a look:

I know you probably saw this, but watch it again and again.

Am I right? It seems like tons of fun and it's so hypnotic, also it seems like great work out for your fingers. Now excuse me while I bookmark a ton of instruction videos and get to work.

Monday, May 5, 2014

Flying Over the...

A few weeks ago, I went to 'Balamuc' aka. Nuthouse.

Shocked? Well...you'll be even more shocked when I tell you I absolutely loved it there and I can't wait to go visit again! Aaaa! Such a lovely place! Simply out of this world! :D
Ok...seriously. Balamuc is the place where art meets us, the normal people. And it doesn't just meet us. It talks to us, it becomes our friend! Because it is the house, the home of a few very talented artists, that will blow your mind with their works.
Playful, innocent and even a little creepy. They have it all! All necessary to be wanted and loved as an artist. I immediately got a painting from Livia Coloji, portraying a cute bull...my sign...yes, I am that kind of a person! :P
It was a perfect Saturday and, as I said before, I can't wait to go back again!
Now...let's play a game! A 'Find Waldo' game...but with a twist :D Can you spot the Redhead? :))) it's not that hard...!

photos: Daniel Cepanariu

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Collectors Unite

I've always liked collections, I like to look at them, hear people talk about them and I am usually fascinated by what people choose to collect. People around me collect: magnets, keyboards, video games, glass fishes, toys, scissors (ahem!ahem! I hope the lovely host of this blog will share that with us in detail) and they are all amazing!

I always wanted to start one, but it never seemed to come together (that is, if you don't count the amounts of trinkets, knickknacks and just plain old stuff filling up my house up to the roof). Until one day I realized that a collection is starting to grow in my possession, without me even knowing about it. Two side notes here: 1) you guys, clean out those boxes on your closet, surprises await and 2) isn't it just great to just sit around and suddenly realize you have something awesome going for you? Right? Right?

Here's the deal, I collect glasses (sounds boring, but it isn't. I promise). I wear prescription glasses everyday, but I also have a box of glasses with which you can't do much, but parade them at parties and have all around fun. And because I can, I am sharing my little collection with you (in gif form, how else?):


The blue ones have rear view mirrors. Because why not?

I know it's not a lot. But it's growing, steady, slowly and surely soon this gif will be updated and it will be as long as a movie (a short movie, but nonetheless). So now to the pressing question: Do you collect anything? 

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Just One Thing!

Is there something that gets on your nerves? A little thing that other people don't notice? Something you don't think about regularly but when you do, you feel an uncomfortable wave of anger?  Of course there is, you are human and this little pet peeves are part of our daily lives.

Are you now wondering what my pet peeve is? Of course you do, curiosity is also part of the human condition (this is as deep as I'll ever get, just look at the next sentence). You guys, I am annoyed by kitchen utensils that only do one thing and that thing is as lazy and as innocuous as it can be. For instance, there is a device for peeling oranges, it's like a ring and it has a little sharp crest with which you can pierce the peel and cut it. You put it on your finger, right beneath your fingernail, which can do the exact same thing as this glorious invention. After you are finished you put it in a drawer with knives, which do the exact same thing as this marvel of modern science.  Can you feel my mild irritation seeping through these lines?

But there's also an upside to these types of inventions and who better to fill our lives with whimsy than the Japanese. Dear readers take a minute and brighten your day by reading about Chindogu. And now let's take a look at some of them.

Are you tired of the tip of your shoes getting wet? Here's kind of a solution.

Do you need lighter? I have something better, it will just take a minute.

I know it goes against what I wrote earlier, but I would like a pair of these glasses.

Creepy, right? Right?


Look at more Chindogu here. And from now on whenever you want to buy something like a spoon rest, take a minute and think: "Do I really need this or should I just take a picture of it and send it to Noemi to really get on her nerves?"


Wednesday, April 2, 2014

#100happydays (11-20)

This is what made me happy this past 10 days.
Oh...sometimes it's so hard to see happiness, but this project surely makes me try and try. Just like the 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder' saying, the same goes with happiness. Especially when talking about the #100happydays project!

And yes...this times, I have a picture (super one) with my crazy cats!!!
Day 11: I'm really happy to see them empty! It means I have to make more!

Day 12: In colors I trust! In colors I see the world!

Day 13: So what if it's the 13th day?! We're lucky, because we have each other!

Day 14: Welcome to my world! An endless world of fabric!

Day 15: A day spent with friends, is a great day indeed!

Day 16: Because CATS!!!

Day 17: some night are electric!

Day 18: No internet until 9 PM. blissful day!

Day 19: beautiful chaos that is coming!

Day 20: Chatting at CHATBOX Arad

Images: Arina Varga

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

April Fools!

Fantastic-beautiful-sunny April is finally here!

Joy! Oh Joy! And it's fantastic not just because it's April, but because it's April 1st! The perfect time for jokes and pranks. The day when the world agreed to create a date when smiling and having fun is a must!!! How can you not love today?!

I was saving this for something special and this very moment is simply perfect!
Meet my friend Andreea Ionescu, fooling around in Arad!
Oh, it's great to have friends that can make you smile.
Friends that laugh at you when you trip on the street.
Friends that will try things you like, just because YOU like them.
Friends that will keep your side, even if they know you were wrong to do that in the first place. (talking about the small things...)
Friends that call just to see what's new.
Friends that are still your friends even if you haven't seen them in months.
Friends with great personalities, that you could listen to them talking for hours.
Friends with imagination.
Friends that are creative.
Friends that cook delicious meals.
Friends that dance the nights away.

And I could take this list to infinity! Because I have fantastic friends and am proud to admit it! They are my beautiful crazies and I adore them all!

Happy April Fool's Day everybody!!!
Now, go prank a friend! They will love it! ;)

Images: by Sabina Mladin

Friday, March 28, 2014

Talking Gibberish @ CHATBOX

I did it again!
And this time it was waaaayyyy more fun. Maybe because I wasn't so nervous (last time I was shaking like a leaf) and also, because the audience was way more involved. Asking questions, laughing and all that. Yep, I love it!

At the same event, the other speaker was Sebastian Cojocaru aka. Dj. Sebuh. He talked about the life of a dj, with all its ups and downs (we all know that's how it is). Jokes, music talk, adventure talks...it was great fun.

Me, I told my story. The big one and then my every-day story (that's the little one). I talked about my cats, my obsesion with the internet, this blog, facebook, the #100happydays project etc. You know me, I can talk and talk and talk. Especially when it's about fashion and my job!
I'm pretty sure some of the people there might think I'm crazy...but hey! What's a girl supposed to do?! Act natural and hope for the best (and believe me, it's always great). Smart talk aside, I really enjoyed myself. The people were incredible and the ambiance was friendly!
Yep, I would do it again in a heart beat!
And now, Ladies and gentleman, for your enjoyment, I give you 'ALIENS'!!!!
Yep, I do love to talk with my hands!!! :)))

Photos: Sergiu Daniel Photography
Event by CHATBOX

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Tarantino International Day

Yes darlings, today is Quentin Tarantino's birthday.
And because we love him and his movies oh soo sooo much, we decided to make it the 'Tarantino International Day'. I'm pretty sure in a few years it will become extremely popular!
To celebrate, I simply go crazy ass b**** and shoot/cut/...so many options, everyone around me. (joke people, joke) Until then, here are some of my favorite quotes from Quentin Tarantino:
Superman didn't become Superman. Superman was born Superman. When Superman wakes up in the morning, he's Superman. His alter ego is Clark Kent. His outfit with the big red "S", that's the blanket he was wrapped in as a baby when the Kents found him. Those are his clothes. What Kent wears - the glasses, the business suit - that's the costume. That's the costume Superman wears to blend in with us. Clark Kent is how Superman views us. And what are the characteristics of Clark Kent. He's weak... he's unsure of himself... he's a coward. Clark Kent is Superman's critique on the whole human race.

As a writer, I demand the right to write any character in the world that I want to write. I demand the right to be them, I demand the right to think them and I demand the right to tell the truth as I see they are.

I was kind of excited to go to jail for the first time and I learned some great dialogue.

Something stopped me in school a little bit. Anything that I'm not interested in, I can't even feign interest.

You don't have to know how to make a movie. If you truly love cinema with all your heart and with enough passion, you can't help but make a good movie.
Ohhh...he's sooo cool! ;)

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

The Day With NO Internet.

It was horrible!

And while I was banging my head against the walls, I realized I am an addict! Like must of you, I dare to say. And I'm right...right?

Believe me, I work all day and sometimes all night! But the internet is my safety net, my way of socializing and keeping in touch with friends, clients and people I like to know about. Yes, I too have my stocking victims and I think that's simply normal this days. So what if I like knowing what Jean-Charles de Castelbajac had for lunch?! Can you blame me???

Well...here I was. No internet. No way of communicating with my clients. You might say 'Oh, Arina! Do you remember the telephone?'. I doooo!!! But how can I use the telephone when I rely on visual-information so much? Impossible! So I worked non-stop. Trying to keep my sanity! Trying - the key word here.

What did I do:
- sketched a few evening gowns
- looked at all the fabric samples received this past month
- did some sewing
- reorganized the atelier (fabrics/buttons/strings)
- washed all the mirrors (I do have a lot of mirrors)
- managed to meet with 5 clients
- thought about my personal life and where it was going (always a bad idea)
- started to make the plan for the next photoshoot

And that's about it. Then I got home and Virgil got home...so I had someone to keep me company (in other words, someone to stress). All in all, it was a great day! I'm thinking to make every Tuesday - No Internet Day! We'll see how that will turn out...

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Delicate Bloody Porcelain

Oh mighty Gods of the internet why have you forsaken me? Why have you let me fall ill with a disease for the rich? All too many hours have been wasted down your treacherous wormholes by me, promising myself: "Just one more!" knowing very well it's not true. Because I have the oh-so-unknown illness of: Porcelain Infatuation! (Ahhhh, no cure)

I can spend hours on end looking at pretty porcelain figurines, plates, dolls and everything in between (sometimes on this very blog). And I dream of the day when I can buy them all and keep them in a special, creepy and wonderful room where you have to walk on your toes and live with constant anxiety of not breaking anything.

And now, dear readers, let me fill you in on all the gory, delicate details. Let's marvel together at the this beautiful lady created by Jessica Harrison.

Marie Antoinette is that you? Going to a ball post-decapitation?

Let's gaze at this beautiful dissected dinnerware by Beccy Ridsdel and wonder if we would discover a new layer to our plates if we just pushed our knife hard enough.


And finally let's bask and in the luminous glory of this porcelain sculpture by Jeff Koons.(Oh Gods, let this become a knock-off item so that I can buy it at the bazaar.)

This would make a great TV-topper in a grandma house or my house.

(figurines via, plates via)

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Come Take a Shower With Me!

You'll never guess who invites you for a shower and a conversation about vegetarianism...
Awkward silence!
Ohhh...just watch and I'm sure you'll enjoy it!


Tuesday, March 18, 2014

#100happydays (1-10)

Yep! I'm doing this!
And you can't imagine how hard it is...puffff. But I'll do them all, all 100 happy days.

Actually, you know what? I think taking part in something like this is almost as good as therapy. It makes you (even insists) see the beautiful things in your life. Now, don't panic. Most of my photos are from work. Because I love my job and because I'm a workaholic.

Enjoy:
Day 1: Today is a good day to be a woman! Happy March 8th!

Day 2: It's a sunny day outside, but I'm spending my Sunday in, with old friends .

Day 3: When I work, I make a lovely mess around me :))

Day 4: My favorite accessory in the entire world!!!

Day 5: vices...can't live with them, can't live without them.

Day 6: Too much work makes you do crazy things!...I wanna go outside!

Day 7: Pretty sure Spring is finally here!

Day 8: Sometimes, you just fall in love with a door.

Day 9: Happy to have somebody to love and be loved.
*he's sad 'cause Manchester United just lost a game against Liverpool...

Day 10: Happy Green/Redhead Day!!! :))
Photos credits: Arina Varga

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Fashion is Supposed to be FUN

Words of wisdom my friend! Words of wisdom!
Aaand, also my brand's motto...just to put it out there! But I'm sure you already knew that!
The other day, this got me thinking. People know about this motto, they talk about it, really enjoy it, but I don't think they truly believe in it. And that is just sad! Fashion is too diverse, full of different fabrics, colors, different cuts and shapes, filled with glitter, beads and whatever your mind can imagine!

So why take it so serious?! Something that is filled with opportunity can't be a stress factor! And I think that's why people make such fashion-mistakes. They stress too much about it, instead of simply letting it flow and enjoy the ride! ;)

That is why, the other day, I decided to show you all that fashion can be fun!
Of course it's a little crazy! Believe me, I know. I simply decided to go all the way, in order to prove my point and to make you smile! :D Did it work? I know it did! :)) Just like I know you are thinking what I'm thinking (my hair looks like a wig - the same in all the photos!!!)

How, dress up all nice and fancy and go outside to enjoy the sun!
kisses!

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Bike Season

It's still chilly outside, but the sun is shining, the trees are starting to blossom, kids are playing with dogs in the park and you know what? I am officially declaring the start of Bike Season! Toot your horns, shift your gears, pedal-pedal-break-pedal and rejoice.

To all of you who have been riding your bikes all winter long: I salute you and your frostbitten noses! And now it's time for the rest of us to join you. Let's all delight in the joys and the frustrations of riding bikes through the city: getting around faster, honking cars, the wind coming from behind, old people walking on the bike lanes and not getting out of the way not even if you ring your bell or shout, riding into the sunset and so on.

Mmmmmh, summer! It's not that far away.

I have been riding my bike to work this week and it has been the best. I am a little dizzy when I get there, like I've just gotten out of a whirlwind, but it's still the best and it's only going to get better from here on out. 

Jump! Jump! Jump!

Do you remember the game?
If you are Romanian, or Czech, or something in between, I'm pretty sure you know what I'm talking about. It's the childhood game preferred by the girls (but I remember boys also used ti play..)
THE ELASTIC! (or, in my part of the country, 'the panties')

It was sooo long ago (yep, still getting old) that I really don't remember the rules. It used to be played in at least 3 kids. Two of them used to hold the elastic with they feet and the other used to jump. They they changed places. They wouldn't simply jump, but the had to make all kins of tricks with the elastic. SSSOooo cool!
Also, the elastic would gradually move from being help with 2 feet, to 1 feet. From the ankles, to the knees and even waist and neck (only the pro s could jump that high. Or the older kids)

When it was just me and my cousin, we used a chair to help us play. So I guess you can do it in 2 also :)) You know kids, if the want to do something, they will find a way to do it!
Why am I writing about this now? Now, when I don't even remember the rules?
Don't be mean, I remember things. When I was your age!!! ;) You'll get to walk in my shoes. I'm not worried about that!

Back to the subject. Every morning when I come to work, I go to the kitchen and prepare my breakfast (yogurt and wheat bran -> bleah!), then I come to the laptop and see what happened while I was sleeping. That's how I came a cross a photo/drawing illustrating the game we are talking about.
My day got better! Because if you start the day smiling, nothing can stop you from moving a mountain with a laughter! Agree? :) So, my advice to you: find visual information that can boost your spirit!

But let's get back to the game.
Here are different techniques on how to play! Start practicing because this Summer we might have a competition! ;)
Images: jocuridincopilarie.ro, Belva.ro