Ms Piggy's Great Aussie Break !

It's seems like ages ago that I came back from Australia.  I was there just a few months back to attend my brother's graduation and also visit my cousin in Perth and sister in Sydney.  We took the opportunity to bring my folks to Margaret River (MR) that they missed the last time round.  Overall it was a superb break.  Unfortunately, Mr B couldn't come and Baby A has to stay at home :( *sob*

Nevertheless, some random but interesting photos to capture my trip.

~~ Margaret River - Berry Farm ~~

Avocados on a tree - unseen in Singapore.

 Avocados on a tree - unseen in Singapore. 

So this is how they look like in nature.  Not in crates at the supermarket. 

Chopped wood for cooking?

Delicious raspberries bunch.

Beautiful vast vineyard

I spy grapes! 

No net can keep us out! :)

~~ SYDNEY ~~

 

Great coffee and the best banana cake in town with dulce de leche butter. Totally worth the wait.

 

Breakfast at Mrs S - Poached eggs, bacon, cornbread with maple syrup. Divine!

 

Studio Apartment in Sydney - deluxe holiday !

 

  

Gift for Mr B - Mighty Mug - A mug that won't fall over.  

I should have bought another one for myself!

Good Review Makes Everything Worthwhile

A wonderful customer just made my day by leaving the sweetest and most wonderful feedback.  Receiving such reviews makes everything I do worthwhile.

"Its delicate and beautiful. Thank you Alice. I love how you added so many small little details in presenting this necklace as a special piece. I am not a biblical person, but opening that package all the way down to the necklace says a lot about you, just beautiful...." - Beth from Colorado.

Piggy's Lucky Clover List

Clovers or Shamrocks are symbols of good luck and also St Patrick's Day which is just round the corner! (17 March).  
 March is a great month for me, not only that it is my birthday month, I will also be taking a trip to Australia to visit my sister and attend my brother's graduation in a week's time.  Perfect excuse to get gifts for my sister, brother and I!

1. Crocheted Shamrock Clover Bear Hat US$26.00 - Totally adorable for your little one!  If only there is winter in Singapore, I will definitely get it for Baby A.
2. Four Leaf Clover Victorian Wax Seal Necklace US$40.00 - There is just something about wax seal that makes it so English.  Love this beautiful necklace!
3. Clover Ring. Shamrock Ring US$20.00 - Green against brass. makes me think of green beer!
4. Clover of Love II Necklace US$20.00 - Another green against brass! Perfect matching necklace for the ring!
5. Celtic Clover Soap Mold US$8.25 - Gorgeous mold to make lucky green soap for a perfect St Paddy's party!
6. SHAMROCK Coasters US$16.00 - Another addition to the great St Paddy's party! Perfect coaster to hold that green beer.
7. Leggings Irish Shamrock US$29.00 - These leggings would make a perfect St Paddy's outfit.
8. 50's Vintage 4 Leaf Clover Brooch US$6.00 - Love this vintage brooch.  It is going for a great price too! (Although shipping is abit costly, might be due to the insurance) Nevertheless, the brooch is super delicate and cute.

What is your lucky charm?

Stumbled upon this interesting quiz that tells you what your lucky charm should be just by answering a few questions.  I bet it is totally made up but it is still fun to know!

Mine's a heart what's yours?

Take the quiz here.

They're Magically Delicious!

Remember having these cereal when I was alot younger.. They are magically deeelicious!
St Patrick's Day is just round the corner... Are you ready to get lucky? 

ETSY TREASURY // Jewelry Angles

It is a wonderful feeling whenever one of my items gets featured on Etsy Treasury.  It brings a smile to my face and also provides affirmation of my pieces and photos especially. :)   

David & Patricia of Dell Cove Spice Co.® recently create a wonderful Treasury called Jewelry Angles with featured my Pink Heart Pearl Flower Necklace.  Initially it looks like just a collection of jewelry necklaces.  However, when observed closely, it features various photography angles of jewelry taken by Etsy jewelry crafters (like myself!).  It is a wonderful collection, each with their own special angle and charm.  Great source of reference too!

Take a look and see which you prefer?

 

Write a Love Letter with Yahoo!

I have been a Yahoo Mail user for a long time.  Even though there are times when I contemplated of switching providers, but Yahoo Mail continues to surprise me with new features.  The latest one is quite fun to play with. 

In celebration of Valentine's Day, Yahoo has introduced a small heart icon right next to the Compose button. By pressing it, you’ll get some holiday specific letters.

You can have Yahoo Mail auto compose you a message under three categories – “Crazy in Love,” “Friendly in Love,” and “All Out of Love.”

Depending on what you choose, Yahoo will compose an e-mail for you, which can lead to pretty hilarious messages.

While love messages will start with various endearments, those sent under the “Friendly in Love” category will start with phrases such as “Dearest pal” and “To my generous friend.”

Here are some examples of the love letters that Yahoo auto compose for you.

" Dear babycakes,
To know you is to love you. My lifelong goal will be to fulfill your every wish. When we are apart, I am lost without hope. You are my hero. My love-hero.
With tender loving care, XXX "

" To my sunshine,
I can't tell you how glad I am that we met. Your loving support has made me a better person. I've seen you at your worst and it really wasn't that bad! When making my plans for this evening, I'll first ask myself what you would do.
Most sincerely, XXX "

" To whom it may concern,
At least we have each other! All by myself... don't wanna be all by myself. I'm mostly just bummed that nobody will be giving me an adorable puppy wearing a red bow (hint, hint). If you need me, I'll be in the Honeymoon Suite at the Heartbreak Hotel.
Love?! Pshhhht. XXX"

Not sure how long this feature will be available till but it's great to have fun with it while it lasts.  Happy Valentine's Day.

♥ Ms Piggy

Roses for Valentine

Valentine's Day for me every year is always a busy one.  Not with jewelry but with flowers!  Mum is a florist and every Valentine's day, I will always take time off from work to help her at the shop.  You would think after so many years I would know at least how to make a bouquet.  Unfortunately no, I always stick to the sales and delivery department.

This year, due to Baby A and having to just came back from work in January, I am unable to take leave during V-day.  Sorry mum!

As a tribute to my Mum, here is Miss Piggy's V-day List.  It's all about FLOWERS this V-day!

1. Paper Roses with Stems from Book Pages US$20.00 - Gorgeous way to recycle old books and decorate your home.
2. Petite Red Roses Stud Earrings US$9.00 - Small but beautiful.  There is nothing quite like red roses.. especially on your ears.
3. Rose Icing Cupcake US$8.95 - Totally adorable! What about a rose cupcake ring?
4. Rose Flower Floral Wax Seal Stamp US$20.00 - I love wax seal.  Nothing quite like a love letter sealed with a "rose".
5. Rose Quartz Rose Ring US$48.00 - Beautiful and delicate.  Love the thorny branch ring band.
6. Beauty and the Beast Enchanted Red Rose Necklace US$35.00 - A single blooming rose in a glass dome.
7. Crochet Pattern Rose Field Baby Blanket US$7.00 - Love those rose patches . Would make a beautiful blanket for a baby.  Pattern Check.  Baby Check. Now who to sew?
8. Starbucks Rose and Leaf Necklace US$16.95 - Perfect upcycle jewelry .  Now you are enjoy Starbucks and wear it!

Thirteen Sold Six to Go

Since my last post about my gold bumble bee bracelet being featured in one of the blogs on Tumblr, I have sold six (6) bracelets!! (OK.. technically it was 5 bracelets and 1 necklace) I am so amazed that how a simple feature by chance on a blog could translate to so much sales.  Most of all I am so happy that my little bees are getting so much love.

I first made this little bee early last year with my first sale only in July 2013.  Since then, I have sold 13 little bees to date and I am left with 6 !  I can't wait to send them off. Buzzzzzz............

Check out my Ladybug version too!

Update 24 Feb

My little gold bumble bees are finally SOLD OUT! Thanks for all the support!  Keep buzzing !

Horsing Around Chinese New Year

It's Chinese New Year and it's a Year of the Horse! Celebrate the new year with some Horse decorations!  Here are my picks!

1. Equestrian Horse Pillow Cover US28.00 - Love this horsey cushion! Look how magnificient the mare is.  It would look perfect on my sofa this new year!
2. Horse Trophy US$69.26 - Look at the pop of Orange! Perfect for any wall for the Chinese New Year!
3. Horse Hoof Ring in Solid Bronze US$40.00 - This is such an interesting design that I would love to have it round my finger.
4. All the Pretty Little Horses US$85.00 - This will make a wonderful baby gift.  I can imagine Baby A playing with it..
5. My Petite Rocking Horse Necklace US$18.00 - My sweet whimsical necklace.  Rocking horses and carousel brings back memories of Paris
6. Anatomical Horse Skeleton Necklace US$14.00 -  There is just something quirky about animals and their bones.  It even has a nice horseshoe charm to match!
7. Retro Horses T-shirt US$14.95 - A Tee for your Man.  Great gift for horse lovers
8. Saratoga Leather Cuff Bracelet with Brass Equestrian Horse US$34.95 -  Wonderful leather cuff that goes with anything!

Buzzing with Views

My little Golden Bee bracelet has been buzzing with views lately! I was so thrilled when I got a mail from "Etsy Popular Listing Emails" about it.  I didn't even know Etsy tracks such things!  It was a pleasant surprise indeed.

The email went on to say :

"A spike in traffic might mean that your item is being featured on Etsy or somewhere else online. Take a peek at where that traffic is coming from:...."

After much investigation (Ms Piggy puts on her detective cap), I found out that my item was featured on a blog called "Captain on Deck - Phasers on Stunning". Taking a wild guess, this blogger must be a Trekkie (fan of Star Trek).  So am I!  My little bee bracelet were among the gorgeous collection of bee jewelry from Etsy crafters.  The article had a great number of views and was reposted a number of times.  Check out the featured items here.

What is Your Color of Love?

Did you know that love comes in many colors? Love is not one-shade and it is not always Red.  Love comes from the heart and has a different meaning to different people.

Take a quick quiz to find out your color of love.

Explore the expression of love in a variety of colors at Piggy's and tell me what is your color of love.

 

Red - Color of Passion

Orange - Color of Warmth

Yellow - Color of Happiness

 

Green - Color of Spring

 

Blue - Color of Trust

 

Pink - Color of Romance  

Bats in January

I received my "Bat heels" in the mail today! I was totally thrilled.  They are my first 'Charlotte Olympia' shoes.  I don't usually buy fancy / branded shoes as I wear out my heels easily.  But when I saw these shoes on sale ~70% discount from the original price @ net-a-porter, I knew I had to have them! ... my precious...

 

[About my shoes] They came in a beautiful box with Charlotte Olympia's signature gold spider web and black spider icon.  Underneath the shoes, you will also find a gold spider web charm.  The shoes were wrapped in spider web decorated tissue paper and a matching shoe bag was included.  There was even a Polaroid photo of the shoes which can be placed outside your shoe box!  Perfect for shoe divas who have TOO MANY shoes boxes to know which shoes are in them!

To complete my day, I am loving these beautiful earrings that I got from one of my best friends for Christmas.  (Thanks J!)  I can't wait to wear them when I go back to work tomorrow. 

New Shoes . New Jewelry

I hope the start of January has been great for you too.

♥ Ms Piggy

Top Favorites of 2013

One final thing before I bid farewell to 2013, is to compile Piggy's Top Favorites.  These are the top items in my Etsy shop that were hearted by fans and customers.  They also happened to be my most popular items (except for the first 2 as they were vintage pieces - only pieces). Each of them are special to me in different ways.

Have a browse and see if they are your favorites too.

♥ Ms Piggy

1. Will You Marry Me II Necklace US$140.00 - This little beauty during my vintage trip to UK.  Love the little rhinestone ring and the locket that opens up like a proposal ring to your wife / partner to be.
2. Will You Marry Me Necklace SOLD - Like the first piece, this beauty was found during my vintage trip to UK and was sold earlier in May.
3. Silver Stingray Bracelet US$12.00 - This bracelet was first made in brass and later silver plated.  I ♥ the stingray's tail that curls up into a loop which allowed me to design this bracelet.  Here's the brass version.
4. Gold Bumble Bee Bracelet US$15.00 - I initially made this charm into a necklace.  However, with the success of the stingray bracelet, I redesign this into a bracelet.  I think it looks better, don't you? :)
5. Raindrop Keep Falling Necklace US$22.00 - Definitely my favorite necklace of all time.  I ♥ the shot of the piece.  I also ♥ changing up the necklace with different color raindrops.
6. Cherry Blossom IV Stud Earrings US$21.00 - I made quite a number of cherry blossoms stud earrings.  This was the fourth! I am fascinated about cherry blossoms.  They remind me of Spring, tea and Japan.
7. My Secret Galaxy Necklace US20.00 - This is one of my earlier designs.  I re-shot the photo of the necklace and the results were much better.  I enjoy shaking the ball locket and listen to the crystals rattle.
8. Lemon Tree Necklace US$14.00 - This necklace was inspired by a vintage fruit basket design that I read in vintage jewelry book.  The yellow color of the lemon really pops as it matches with the green leaf glass bead.  Here's the strawberry version.

Celebrating Chinese New Year with the Minions

Lunar / Chinese New Year (CNY) falls on 31 January this year.  I love celebrating Chinese New Year.  My fondest memories of CNY were visiting my relatives and collecting red packets.  There were awesome goodies that I get to eat. My favorite is "Bak kwa" (BBQ pork)!

After getting married, CNY was a time to rest, catch up with friends and giving red packets instead!

2014 is a special year for Mr B and I as we welcome Baby A into our lives.  We get to collect red packets again!

While preparing the red packets for CNY, I stumbled upon these adorable Minions ones!  Can't wait to use them.

What do you think?

♥ Ms Piggy

New Year . New Calendars

One of my must-dos as I approach the New Year is to find a new calendar for my desk.  I don't use them so much at home but I do find them superbly helpful at work.  Even though all my appointments are captured in my Outlook, I still like to jot down key dates or milestones on my desk calendar so that I can view them at a glance.  I also take my calendar to meetings when schedules and dates are being discussed.

Things that I look for in a desk calendar.

1. Sufficient Space to jot down my dates
2. Public Holidays for Asia countries and also UK (if possible) to know the dates to avoid when planning events
3. Good size that sits nicely on my desk without taking too much space
4. Eye candy graphics that inspires or intrigues me when I am bored!

Here are some of my favorites.

1. Nautical Wall Calendar US$20.00 - Look at that ample space in the calendar! Even though this is a wall calendar, the Nautical design is too good to be missed.  I am a fan of anything Nautical. Thus if you are like me or you have a friend who is also a fan.  This is the perfect gift for the New Year.
2. Colorful Prints and Patterns Desk Calendar US$20.00 - What a burst of colors and prints by Kristina Kraemer! Perfect inspiration catalyst.
3. Minima Printable PDF Calendar US$10.00 - Customise this calendar with the birthdays of your loved ones and you won't miss a date! Great price too!
4. Chalkboard Wall Grid Calendar US$29.95 - I ♥ Typography!
5. Romantics Desk Calendar US$15.00 - Perfect gift for true romantics.  With an additional $5, you can even customise it with birthdays and anniversaries!
6. Watercolor Art Calendar US$21.95 - Love the colorful hand-drawn watercolor lettering.
7. Minimalist Monthly Calendar US2.76 - If you are on a budget, do not fret! This minimalist yet stylish calendar would be perfect for your desk.
8. Somee Desk Calendar US$14.99 - This is not the usual type of calendars that I would normally like but I can't help but drawn to the daily funny and irrelevant humor of this calendar.  Perfect gift for your workmates. 

Have you pick out your 2014 calendar yet?

♥ Ms Piggy

2013 Coverage

There are many things that I am grateful for in 2013.  One of such many things is the opportunity to reach out to so many customers across the global through Piggy's Little Shop.  As I remapped every sale made in 2013 and compare them against my 2012's performance, there are just so many things to be grateful for.

My creations manage to find their way to new countries like Africa, Turkey and Finland as well as new states in US like Louisiana,  New Mexico, South Dakota, Washington DC and Maryland.

I can't wait to start mapping in 2014 and see my creations take me.  Check out where my creations have been below!  Is your country / state one of them?