Beijing 北京 is Happy 快乐

This made my day. I love this song and I love seeing places I used to go to all the time.
Enjoy. And to all of my old Beijing peng-yous, I dedicate this to you.

Spring and Berries.

Today felt like the first of Spring. I spent the day outside, wandering about with my husband. We ate our lunch on our porch and mused about our garden this year. People were milling about, running, walking, just enjoying the sunshine with their pets and loved ones. I closed my eyes and just let it soak in.

Winters are hard on me, and I think this one in particular was very busy. Being an artist full time is hard work. And because I love so much what I do, and invest 100% physically and emotionally, I tend to burn the candle at both ends. But good things are happening, and all of this hard work is paying off.

 I felt a lightness today for the first time in a while as the sun came peeking it's beautiful face into mine.  We bought our tickets to go back to my second home this summer (China) a few weeks ago, and it makes me so happy we'll be visiting for so long. We will be going to Beijing and then visiting my parents in Taiwan. I can't wait to go to the markets and walk the streets downtown, by Tienanmen, hike the Great Wall, visit my old house, and see people I haven't seen in a few years. It's such a relief for me to go back there. It's where my soul feels really at peace.

These photos today melted together so well, and I recently dyed my hair a warmer shade (like above), since the blue had made it ashy and cold. I want it to be summer, and I think my mind is already moving in that direction.

Swan Flats- More Colors & Sizes

I've discovered this beautiful brand of ballet flats called Penelope which I now use to supply my Swan shoe designs. They are a lovely smooth calf-skin leather, with a delightful shape, perfect for these coming warmer months. They will be offered in green, beige, marine blue, and black. Each are hand-painted with their design, so give at least 8 days for production and shipping.  I only do custom orders, so email me for more information.

A Very Racist Valentine's.

Happy Valentine's Day! Have you seen some of these old vintage cards milling about the internet? I couldn't BELIEVE some of the cards people used to give each other! It was a different time.. a very different time. Perhaps 70 years into the future, people will look back and find some of the things we've posted or said or watched and thought it pretty bad as well. Though I'm glad we've come such a long way.

But let's be honest.. this is one creepy looking dude.

Free Shipping on All Baby Onesies!

Free shipping on all printed baby onesies- there are several styles and colors to choose from. Use coupon: freebaby at checkout. Click here for more.

新年快乐- Happy Chinese New Year

Happy Chinese New Year! Or in other words, 新年快乐 (xīn nián kuàilè)!

I went to the Oriental market today and picked up a few items to give to friends we will be meeting up with tonight, as we celebrate the New Year in a cabin up the canyon. I even got jiaozi for us to make up there (the yummiest)!

Chinese New Year was always fun growing up in China because it meant we got an extra week of holiday off, right after Christmas break. We would often go to the Toronto's big party (family friends) and eat jiaozi (dumplings). Mountains and mountains of dumplings. We'd sometimes go on a trip, closer to home, or simply spend it in Beijing, or Hong Kong, wherever we were living at the time. My parents, who still live in China right now, are on their holiday in India (lucky dogs). The fireworks were always spectacular there. One Chinese New Year we bought one of those huge fireworks (you would probably use in a stadium) and lit it off in the road. It ended up almost lighting a nearby field on fire (oops). My Chinese friends at school would all get hong bao (those red envelopes) with lots of money in them from their relatives. Like literally hundreds of dollars. I have to admit, I wished (and still wish) we had that tradition too!

I ran a lot of errands today, and I don't know if it had to do with my mindset, but I literally saw only Chinese people out and about today. They were all dressed so nicely too. One woman with a light pink tulle skirt peeked out underneath her winter coat, along with shiny new maroon boots. A little boy dressed in a little traditional Chinese qipao set, who was being tugged along by his mother. I would look to my side as I drove, and twice there were Asian women driving along side me.

I loved going to the Oriental market down the street. Even after all of these years in the states, I still feel out of place, and I think I always will feel that way. Seeing familiar foods, hearing Cantonese and Mandarin amongst those aisles....when I miss China the most, I get these little bits of comfort and home to fill my nostalgic heart. 

谢谢

Match Box Bobby Pin Valentine's

Want something a little different to give out as a Valentine's gift or card? These are real matchboxes with match bobby pins to put in your hair. Unique and each handmade.  I'm not selling these on my shop, so if you want to order them- you have to email me: mylittlebelleville@gmail.com. They are $10 each. Please specify which designs you want and how many.