blogging at Wue

Birdie Birthday!

2010-05-11T13:19:00.000+01:00

Tomorrow is my birthday friends and I am wishing for a birdie birthday. I saw this over the weekend and fell in love: it is utter cuteness, sweetness, loveliness, gorgeousness rolled into one. How can any lampshade beat the home of these little birdies? The price tag did cause me to faint a little (at Lane Crawford) but then a little tap and tap found one available in the Conran Shop for less... and they have a 15% off till the end of May (voucher code: LIVING15). Here ends my birdie birthday dream... till tomorrow my friends when Wue will be another year older (and wiser we hope)! xoxo

For more genius lamps/shades/lights, visit the master Mathieu Challieres here!

Let fruits be fruits...

2010-05-05T05:05:00.001+01:00

In this busy frantic part of the world called Hong Kong, one struggles to have a lunch/ dinner without the other person texting, checking emails or some other form of high tech messaging... what happened to good old time out to enjoy a meal and some good company? A meal + conversation with no interruptions anyone?

those clever words from here

Snap! Snap!

2010-05-02T17:20:00.000+01:00

A few more days, a few more snappy snaps.

Sushi, mad cars, protests, cute(st) puppy, sparkly new home, amazing views, reminders of sunny england... all in a short few days. Life... is full of surprises x

Snap!

2010-04-29T18:03:00.002+01:00

little snap shots of the past few days - yes, there's been a lot of eating.

hope you are all happy and smiling in sunny England. If not, this headline on Gordon Brown should put a smile on your face (it made me giggle uncontrollably at the computer!):

"Gillian only popped out for a loaf but she got... BROWN TOAST."

Keep smiling and laughing lovelies xoxo

Hello birthday boy!

2010-04-26T16:25:00.000+01:00

So after days of will I go or will I stay (also known as the ash cloud question) and many more hours of being on hold to book, re-book, cancel and re-book or book again, I have landed to surprise the birthday boy with a hummingbird cupcake plus an all-singing-and-not-quite-all-dancing candle when he came home from work. Judging by the look on his face, I think it is a job well done. The lucky boy also got many thoughtful pressies from Sunny England and dinner with the folks before heading out to party with the boys. I hear a case of champagne awaits but no girls (or maybe just no sisters) allowed so just a tea in bed for me!

Happy Happy Happy Birthday T x

Spring Clean: Back for Good!

2010-04-23T09:18:00.010+01:00

Hello peoples! 2010 has been a tough start for us but we got there. And now we are officially back, with a little bit of sunshine hopefully. And I hear you asking what has Wue been up to? Now we must tell you about our HUGE spring clean that lasted a good week!! But the de-cluttering is definitely the best therapy for stress. We are feeling rejuvenated and ready to conquer the world again. Although après la spring clean, it always makes one pine for beautiful new furniture and homely things. Maybe because of the new found teeny bit of space... or is it just me? But first I must save up... for a long time for some of these wonderful gorgeousness but speaking of gorgeousness, this spring cleaning business has set our creative juices going again so watch this space for some new, pretty projects from Wue... not too long now (I hope)!

P.S.
1+3= maison du monde { i heart those drawers... and that armchair ~ the queen herself would approve! }
2= wue { foodie's london, fashionista's london, boy's london, my london, olympic london: a proud little project! }
4+5= anthropologie { i heart this shop so much that: i don't need a shower curtain but I don't care. }
6= graham and green { yes, i love little spaces to put things in order... }

I Believe { VIII }

2009-07-01T20:11:00.006+01:00

whatever shape/ size/ colour.

Picture from here

Hola!

2009-07-01T19:59:00.006+01:00

After a very hectic month and more, Wue is finally taking a tiny breather and is going to make a BIG effort to resume her blogging! Speaking of blogging, there is a lot to catch up on - lots of party planning and present wrapping... and then there was Anna aka my goddaughter's first birthday so keep watch out for all that coming soon. But meanwhile, back to my tiny breather, in Spain... with the sun, sea, sand, and eating grilled calamari by the beach. Life is good.

P.S. Wue has just started a new project, which fingers crossed will be on the website soon as a very unique gift item for guys & girls.

I Believe { VII }

2009-05-08T09:28:00.004+01:00

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away."

Wrapping: Wedding

2009-05-04T00:08:00.010+01:00

I thought I'd share with you the packaging I put together for a wedding gift, consisting of 2 Wue products: {i heart u necklace} for her and a bespoke, matching {i heart u leather bracelet} for him. They went in our boxes tied with Wue ribbon; I put little his & her tags on... and with a little bit of tissue paper, they went into a big heart shaped box.

On which I stamped the words: two souls, one heart and then tied white string round it.

voila! it's pretty adorable... what do you think?

I Believe { the beauty in simplicity }

2009-05-03T23:51:00.004+01:00

simple, subtle, lovely, dainty things make my heart jump.

{ I know someone who would agree by reading her blog : Tombe la Neige ~ thank you for popping over to Wue, maybe one day you'll come over for tea + peanut butter cups and we can coo over simple, lovely things together! }

The Jimmy Mizen Foundation

2009-05-03T23:19:00.004+01:00

It's been a busy week and weekend here at Wue: juggling lots of work, learning to drive {yes, shock, horror and more of that later}, hunting for a ball gown {success!} and wishing there was more hours in a day! On the work front, the order for the Jimmy Mizen Foundation is complete and packed... and I'm so happy at how the products and packaging have turned out! As you can see I had lots and lots of the wooden bead bracelets on as I was counting and making. It really has given me so much joy and satisfaction making the jewellery for one very special charity. Don't forget 20% of all sales from our Sparkle range will go to the charity! I hope you will lend a support to all their fundraising events, which you can find out more at www.jimmymizen.org.

I'm sorry...

2009-04-30T15:53:00.003+01:00

Dear Blog,

I am sorry for neglecting you but I have been so busy, which can only mean a lot of material and great things to blog... very soon! Right now though, I must get back to more packing and pricing before the NCT event tonight where Sue & I will have a stall!! How exciting...

Oh and the loveliest wooden letters {so easy to put up, no nails involved!} arrived in the post today so the Wue office is finally getting a touch of magic... still a few more bits to make it a truly inspiring little space!

I promise I will be back soon, with all that has been going on...

xoxo

I Believe { Love is in the Air }

2009-04-24T12:21:00.005+01:00

"It is a risk to love. What if it doesn't work out? Ah, but what if it does."
- Peter McWilliams

So I'm thinking, it must be the season of LOVE. Everything around me seems to be about love. News of W's engagement { congratulations again Mr & Mrs Curphey-to-be } ; the wedding gift I'm creating for the lovely Sue; Beautiful reminders of S & C's wedding that came in the post; the fact that I'm totally in love with... the package I received from Ez {Nice Package} this morning; the Christening Party I'm organising { ref. children are born out of great love } and hey, even my macho big bro is running around getting everything ready for one of his best friends' wedding this week. So love is definitely in the air, I can smell it!

Picture from here

Do you hear the bells?

2009-04-22T22:34:00.005+01:00

At Christmas time last year, Wue attended a lovely wedding of one lovely couple ~ Sankie & Chuk. In true Sankie style, the bride didn't disappoint with her wowing-the-crowd train and veil. It was absolutely amazing and she knew it too. You see she whispered in my ear... 'is it dramatic enough?' { a rhetorical question, of course. I mean LOOK AT IT. } The venue was stunning, at the Peninsula in Hong Kong and there were these crystal light trees, the singing from the groom... oh and about 3 changes of outfit. Each as intricate and beautiful as the wedding dress. I guess I just love weddings and speaking of weddings, do you hear the bells ringing? Well I did, even though I dreamt it first! { I think I am psychic in my state of semi-consciousness } So many many congratulations to my dear friend W, the king of checks + stripes! He's ENGAGED!

Picture : Sankie & her stunning veil... oh and Chuk! (Thank you for the beautiful picture Mrs. Chuk...)

Package on its way...

2009-04-21T09:56:00.006+01:00

I made a little something for mother last night so this morning, it was wrapping time {one of my favourite pastimes} and voila,
it's packed
it's ready to go
it'll be on its way to you
on a jet plane...

I Cook : Peanut butter cups

2009-04-20T12:29:00.006+01:00

I made these yummy little treats {peanut butter cups} with roasted peanuts, peanut butter and dark chocolate. Now I just need to find a way to not devour them all in one go! It's tough on a Tuesday...

Goodbye Eggs...

2009-04-20T11:57:00.004+01:00

This weekend I bid a fond farewell to the Easter Egg decorations I made for my little party. Although the insides were taken care of, I didn't think they would last till next Easter. Besides, I probably will want something different then. So bye bye my lacey eggs... you have been great! Speaking of being great, I was so happy that Jenson did well in the rain. I mean I was hoping he would come first and make it a hat trick but then making it to the podium 3 times in a row is still an amazing achievement when it's the first time the cars were tested in the rain! And Sebastian Vettel deserved to win... great speed + control and I hope you didn't miss his cheeky comment when he was asked about naming his car - he declined to comment on the actual name, citing David Coulthard’s infamous womanising ways as a joking reason to shield the named Red Bull from gossip columns!! {jez. I am addicted to F1. I got up at 7am on a Sunday to watch. Despite falling asleep on the sofa during the race. I couldn't help it.}

I Believe { VI }

2009-04-17T18:06:00.004+01:00

have a great weekend everyone!

http://icanread.tumblr.com/

i heart: dresses, tux, art, bag

2009-04-15T18:52:00.003+01:00

I had a terrible nightmare last night, which made me scream for the first time. After I woke myself up screaming, I was then too scared to go back to sleep... in case the nightmare continues (which they do you know - I'm always having nightmares so I know, trust me.) So I was thinking since a lot of folks out there seems to attribute their great ideas and creativity to dreams they have had, does that mean I should be a horror film writer? I'll probably be a really good one considering how vivid these dreams are getting. Except there is this tiny tiny flaw in the plan, I hate horror films! Ok... maybe hate is a bit strong but I mean they freak me out so I never watch them except under duress. Anyway after a traumatic night which I thought I'd never recover from, I saw these... these being beautiful, stunning quirky pieces with a sense of humour in the form of tux knitwear, Peter Pan collars, acrobatic-inspired dress and well, the perfect bag for me. I'm a bit of an obsessive compulsive and like things in their 'places' so this bag is just perfect and it's kinda like laughing at yourself (in this case, laughing at myself) which I think is essential from time to time to stop one from being totally depressed about one's minor flaws. So here's to being able to laugh-at-yourself! Now I just need to get that bag to prove it!

Easter Joy

2009-04-13T12:21:00.006+01:00

The sun has finally decided to make an appearance after a rainy weekend! Fortunately the wet and the chill didn't dampen our spirits at Easter and I cooked up a little storm for a tiny gathering of 3... Spring lamb, stuffed zucchini and lemon soufflés with a touch of my home-made decorations. Yes, it's the party planner coming out of me at weekends!!

{ Stuffed Zucchini : zucchini, cherry tomatoes, pepper, onion, garlic, mozzarella, salt+pepper, olive oil }

Preheat oven to 220 degrees. Scoop out zucchini centers to form “canoes”. Roughly chop centers and set aside. Arrange zucchini, cut sides down, on a baking sheet; bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven. Meanwhile, heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion + garlic, red/yellow pepper, cherry tomatoes (some halved and some whole) and chopped zucchini, cook and season, stirring, until soft. Remove from heat; let cool slightly.
Turn hollowed-out zucchini cut sides up, fill with vegetable mixture, and place pieces of mozzarella on top and bake until top is lightly browned, about 20 minutes. Lift zucchini from baking sheet with a wide spatula, and serve.

Lemon Soufflé recipe to follow!

I Believe { V }

2009-04-08T20:02:00.003+01:00

Still recovering from my cold/flu/fever... I am craving for the sun! But R found this quote and I'm a believer!

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

I Believe { IV }

2009-04-06T13:48:00.002+01:00

"Love comes to those who still hope even though they've been disappointed, to those who still believe even though they've been betrayed, to those who still love even though they've been hurt before."

i heart: F1

2009-04-06T09:58:00.005+01:00

The secret is out... Wue is finding the new season of Formula 1 rather exciting! I still know next to nothing about cars in whatever shape or form, but I got so drawn into watching ALL the qualifiers in KL and then the race - they have done wonders to spice things up this time round. Instead of being a bit of a procession, there were plenty of action! And I've watched so much of it this weekend - I even know what KERS is... And did I say, we are definitely supporting Jenson Button here... sorry L fans, we are just not that into him!

Easter Special

2009-04-05T09:49:00.005+01:00

Easter is next week and there is a special treat at Wue! If your order is over £35, we are giving you one of our lovely egg cosy : individually hand-knitted by mama Wue and topped with a freshwater pearl. How adorable are they! And as we believe at Wue, a warm egg is a happy egg. Egg and soldiers (with marmite for my big bro!!)... yum...

Happy Easter everyone and do a lil shopping too at www.wuegem.com !

I Believe { III }

2009-04-04T12:32:00.002+01:00

"For it is in giving that we receive."

- St. Francis of Assisi

I Double Dare You

2009-04-01T14:25:00.006+01:00

Remember all those conversations with friends about relationships (or maybe potential relationships) - When will he/she call again? Do you think he/she wants to have dinner with me? Does he/she? Will he/she? Won't he/she? Do you think? When? Now if only I had spotted these cards sooner, I could have been the relationship guru or even send one of two myself. To push for a little less game-playing hey! I think they are so great, so to-the-point, so honest and so adorable too...

I Believe { II }

2009-03-31T12:09:00.002+01:00

"To give and then not feel that one has given is the very best of all ways of giving. "

- Max Beerbohm

Am I a genius?

2009-03-30T23:45:00.008+01:00

There is a saying that "a cluttered desk is a sign of genius" and a lot of the times, I agree. Actually it is all of the times when my desk is a wee bit messy... a sort of organised chaos! Although I seem to NEED a very tidy workspace to start with, to help me think straight before I go into a creative flowing mode and turn it all upside down! So I was thinking... this is a nice desk tidy to have (just need to remember not to pour tea into it!).

I Believe { I }

2009-03-28T18:59:00.003Z

I love words. I love quotes.I love words and quotes so I'm starting a "I believe" series and here is the first one...

"Be kind to everybody. You never know who might show up on the jury at your trial."

- Tony Cresswell

i heart: weekend on the sofa

2009-03-28T09:53:00.004Z

I have to say sitting on a sofa and reading a book is very high up on my list of favourite things to do on a weekend. Unfortunately I was a bit too quick the past few evenings and have finished my book (which you guessed it - was meant to be for the weekend!). So I am dreaming about this cushion on my sofa with no book - isn't it so classic retro and clever even though it is a little too pricey for me, for a cushion! Nevertheless I can look at it and imagine it's there...

Now the book: Wedding Season by Katie Fforde was just what I needed. It was an easy read but full of wonderful girly emotion and characters. What's more it's a little insight into the life of a wedding planner, aka my dream- anyone out there who needs one, call me!

Feel Better...

2009-03-27T11:47:00.006Z

Pockets tightened. Uncertain future. Closing and bust. This credit crunch coupled with a grey sky is really getting everyone down and worried. So it is nice to take a minute each day to remember and reassure. For Wue, my amazing family and some great friends really make a difference to my everyday so this is for you:

We will be ok because we are together. We have each other.

P.S. Just like this poster/print from here - I love it...

Rain, Rain, Again...

2009-03-23T15:44:00.004Z

Just as we thought we are in luck with some sunshine, well guess what - it's raining. Not drizzling, not just a light shower, but proper rain that adds a certain chill & damp factor to an already tough start, aka Monday... especially after a great tea party yesterday, which I promise to post photos soon and introduce the lovely people I met {which by the way, did not include Kerry Ketona!! : an tea party inside joke I'm afraid...}

P.S. all this rain would feel ok if you had one of these umbrellas, you can choose your colour and handle!

Happy Mother's Day: Again!

2009-03-22T00:00:00.006Z

This is what mother would wear - yes she sure has style...

Dress here
Sunglasses here
Pearls here
Outfit here
Bracelet here
Bag here

Happy Mother's Day to Wue's bestest mum, a few too many miles away!

i heart: cakes

2009-03-21T18:46:00.005Z

It's been one sunny saturday and I can't wait till tomorrow when I'll be putting on my party planner hat again (it really has become a bit of a weekend job for me!) to put on a tea party for my dear friend... think Alice in Wonderland (yep you got it - Mad Hatter's tea party), think also of a Marie Antoinette-esque soiree. I can't wait for her to see what decoration and special goodies, sandwiches and sweet things I have made for her and oh, I can't wait to pick up some amazing cupcakes from Hummingbird - one of my favourite London bakeries.. yum!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-03-20T13:37:00.006Z

a little extra post today on some inspiration for mother's day... I'd love to receive any of the above except there is one ever-so-slight problem { i am not a mum } but at least my lovely mum will get one of these beautiful things... happy mother's day!

Freshwater Pearls on Chain here
Macaroons here
Panama 'Yummy Mummy' Notebook here
Peridot Stud Earrings in 18ct Gold here
Candle here
Natural Skin Finish Powder (Bamboo) here
Flowers here
Mother Superior Mug here

i heart: bags, shoes, belts, dresses...

2009-03-20T09:54:00.007Z

Aren't they the cutest and coolest bags? It's definitely an outfit to party in when the weather changes... speaking of which, is spring/ summer coming anytime soon? I'm running out of saved up sunshine in my cells and will soon be in danger of the cold, chilly blues! Anyway I am sure a new bag or two from the new collection at Reiss will soon cheer me up... come on, a girl can dream!

The Jimmy Mizen Foundation

2009-03-19T19:00:00.009Z

A little while ago, Wue met a new friend H who was so complimentary about the store and our products from the start. Her enthusiasm was infectious and through her, Wue got in touch with an inspirational charity - the Jimmy Mizen Foundation - set up in honour of a very special young man to raise funds for some great causes in local communities. Together we have created a range of jewellery, of which 20% of all sales will go to this very special charity.

At present a trial is underway and our thoughts are with Jimmy's family whose strength and unity is simply amazing...

"Lend support to this inspirational charity - its foundation lies on strength and forgiveness; its message is one of faith, hope and love; its goal is one of pure kindness."

Party Planning

2009-03-19T18:39:00.009Z

The secret is out... Wue is an online jewellery store by day and a party planner by night! It has always been a bit of a passion for me with party planning (like I am still working towards being a wedding planner!). I have been doing it for a while now starting with little intimate parties in my dingy studio flat in London during my university days and my friends will tell you, I throw a good party always with the most unusual theme and suitably decorated too! The whole party planning side of my life gives me this buzz... especially when guests walk it and go 'oooo', 'wow' like they didn't expect any of it. I just love making a party that bit more special and personal...

So I was absolutely over the moon when Sue asked me to be her party planner for her little girl's 4th birthday. Fancy dress. Fairy. HUGE school hall. I had so much fun and made all the decorations from the butterfly lanterns to the paper chains and party hats to all the name tags for 30 adorable kids.

This is what Sue said: “As I walked in the sunshine to Kate’s 4th Birthday Party @ 2.57pm with baby Anna I felt very relaxed. At 2.58pm (2 minutes before the 3pm party start) I entered the party hall and my high expectations (which you come to get working with Tiffany) were exceeded yet again! Truly Magical!”

Thank you Sue.. Anyone need a party/wedding planner?

i heart boots + vintage

2009-02-20T10:43:00.013Z

After a hard day's work, there is nothing better than a lovely warm (or even more like hot for me) soak. I have so many favourite bath foam, oil, milk... making it hard to recommend just one! But the new Boots Originals range really caught my eye. I adore the packaging - maybe that in itself is an understatement. I gasped when I saw the packaging! It's vintage, it's old school... and then the smell of bergamot, Italian lemon and warm clary sage is just perfect. The Bergamot & Clary sage Bath Foam and the Lemon Body Wash are my 2 favourites (what do you mean you can't have 2 favourites?!) - go get them and RELAX...

Twilight Series

2009-02-12T11:18:00.007Z

The Twilight Series has to be the reason why I am lacking in sleep. I read a review sometime ago but it was only when I picked up the first book, Twilight, that I knew what the review meant.. you can't put it down, you can't go to sleep, you want to go to amazon's warehouse to MAKE them send you the rest of the series sooner! I only have the last book to finish (Breaking Dawn) after 3 days of sleep deprivation (yes.. 3 books in three days) but at the moment Twilight is still my absolute favourite. It was so intense, pure, fascinating for me. Oh and did I say I also went and saw Twilight the film? Robert Pattinson, I salute you (and there was I thinking no one could be good enough to portray Edward).

I Won't Leave You Again

2009-02-12T11:06:00.006Z

Sorry Blog... I've neglected you for far too long. But I did just got caught up with all the xmas festivities and then there was my trip home... and a lot of work on the new Valentine's range! But I'm back on track now and we will be good together again, with Free Shipping for Orders over £50 too! Spread the Love.

Look out for Cupid xoxo

Orla the Owl

2008-10-14T18:24:00.008+01:00

Orla, short for Betty Orla, is a new addition to the Wue office. She is a feisty character from the christmas shop (too early? nah, just an organised and efficient ... kinda gal) at Liberty. Liberty is such a great place where I always find inspiration and things to put on my wish list! And today Orla has been reading one of my vintage story books (another source of inspiration)... 'they both opened the baskets and took out a dozen egges, some buttered tea-cakes, a Bakewell tart, and a cranberry jelly, some raspberry jam and dandelion sandwiches and a big plum cake with icing on the top', oh you only get that in old books...

Wue is Back!

2008-10-11T16:35:00.011+01:00

Wue is back and blogging too! We have worked so hard on our new range and the website but there is no rest for the wicked. We are in the final stages with our new and VERY exciting bespoke designer so that you can build your master piece like one of those build-your-own-car thingie so there is no excuse now men, if you can build a car online and buy it, you can create a unique piece of precious jewellery for your lady! Oh and don't forget, we are offering free shipping discount for the whole of October to say a big ' HELLO! WE'RE BACK!'