(16) Ready for the New Year

Thank you Grayson for this random hip shot

2012 has been an eventful year and thank you for reading this space if you do! Pocketto is finally a little more than half a year old and I've finally accomplished a few "firsts" for the blog (had my very first giveaway etc.) and for readers too. Things are starting to look up and come in place, and December has been a mind blowing, extremely killer and quick month. But I'm glad I've come this far. Having Pocketto has made me more motivated than ever. I've learnt countless new things about people, things, art, life, music and myself as well. I really hope the blog helps (kill time for you) to bring in a little more interesting information and random awesomeness to your life.

It's been a hectic time for me shuffling between work, play and Pocketto and I know it hasn't been a smooth year for so many of you out there... But thank you once again for making time to be reading this space. I appreciate all your love and support time and time again.

But anyway, I sincerely hope you'll have an awesome and fun-filled 2013 ahead. It's finally the new year and a new theme is a definite for Pocketto in January, so (in just a day's time!) you can expect more fresh, new, things that revolve around change and the unexpected. In January, it's a lot about us finding identities, reevaluating ourselves and setting the tone for the rest of the year, so I'm hoping I can do that for Pocketto, and help enrich your lives just a little wee bit. Just hold on for a bit because I've got plenty of stuff lined up, including a collab with a good friend of mine, also another upcoming and new store which you would definitely not hate on. So watch out for that one! Just holla over if you've anything you want to share or help improve this space because I definitely want to make it a pleasant(er) read for you, and everyone else who takes time to give me a read (:

Have a good rest and prep yourself up for a brand new year! Good night!

(15) Honey Bee - Zee Avi #nowplaying

Here's one from the lovely Zee Avi. I've been paying a little more attention to some of her songs as of late and I love how it always makes me feel uber lighthearted no matter how odd my day gets. I'm impressed how far she has come with her extremely humble beginnings. Avi started out small in her home country, Malaysia and then got spotted by Patrick Keeler of The Raconteurs (if you've ever heard Steady As She Goes, it's by them) and then getting signed on with Brushfire (where Jack Johnson, singer of Banana Pancakes is part of too) records. You can check out more of Zee Avi and her page here.

In other news, MERRY CHRISTMAS! Can't believe I've made it thus far, especially with my efforts at work and Pocketto hahah. But Christmas is about to come to a close. Or at least where I am at (or live or point in life) just permits that it's over. But I genuinely hope you had a pleasant one, even though mine wasn't extremely eventful. I guess it's the endless amount of errands plus work and awkward hours making me just lifeless. I don't even remember coming to the end of December so soon until I was reminded that it's the 28th. Which also means, my driving test is about to come back and haunt me. They always say third time's a charm, so it really, better be.

It's been a crazy hectic week and I'm working (hard) to get my very first collaboration with a really awesome bunch of people (keep guessing!) up before 2012 comes to a close. Let's just hope it will all fall in place and there will be enough goodies to go around for all you guys. I hope it won't disappoint so just watch out for it.

Thank you for sticking around if you've been! I can't say how much I appreciate it but fingers crossed, we'll make Pocketto better than ever. A big thank you again, and have a good night (:

The Tiniest Gifting Guide: Music for fun

Had this idea because I received a toy xylophone (which I've always wanted) for a Secret Santa gift exchange and I am absolutely in love with it! Music's like some sort of universal language and I doubt there's any chance of screwing it up with stuff like that so...

1. Toy Xylophone from Goki

Your friend could start becoming annoying (just as I was when I first received it). But either way it's fun and something to experiment with. I still love it!

2. Suitcase turntable from Crossley

I am an amateur with records and still trying to get a hang of it. This one's definitely something good to have if you want to start out. I'm still relying on my boyfriend's Numark one whenever I have a listen. This is going to be one fantabulous gift with music coming out from a suitcase.

3. Atom ukelele by Paul Celantano of Celantano Woodworks (via Etsy)

I don't know what's to hate about a cute trusty instrument that can even look like this. It's too hard to resist something awesome like that. This is an absolutely funky uke if you ask me!

4. Harmonica (in C key) from ModCloth

Nothing to hate on this either because it's so easy to catch on a harmonica! Not too pricey and definitely something awesome to have in your pockets. You never know when you might need a little noise... But anyway, this works too.

Alright I'm keeping this post short and sweet because it's meant to be a tiny guide. I just hope your Christmas turns out fine (and fun!). Can't wait for tomorrow because Christmas eve is actually here. 

Speaking of which, Pokopocketto giveaway is now closed! I'm going to announce the names of the winners soon. More stuff to churn out but hey don't go away too soon!

Have a wonderful Christmas, I'll be back!

(14) Recovery

It's been a long haul prepping up loads of stuff for this month (and there's more to come!) but I've finally hit a wall just for today. I promised an update for The Tiniest Gifting Guide but in order to make sure it's not churned out for the sake of it, I decided not to update it for now. In any case you guys were wondering, the next one's going to touch down a little bit on travel (stuff) so keep a look out for it!

Work was crazy tiring. Hectic day shifting shoes around at the warehouse yesterday and set-up at the departmental store. I love being a retail personnel but today just happens to be one of the days where I just feel like sitting down and stone or even just start weeping to myself because I'm just extremely tired. It's nice to know some customers can be really sweet people. It just makes me feel like the world always has an extremely good or better side to all the shit that happens.

But on a bright note, Christmas is coming and I feel elated that it is! Then this came to mind:

Cutest video ever heh. So many dumb ways to die, yes?

I don't know what to say (I'm about to fall asleep on my keyboard) but thank you for reading if you do and I appreciate it. I'm finally hitting 6 months with Pocketto and plans (or maybe plans isn't the right term) are extremely sketchy as I try to figure some things along the way. So many times I ask myself why do I write and what for? Then I got the answer from a book I bought recently titled, Steal Like An Artist, on how we've got to act on ideas and make it real even though we've got nothing concrete (more on where that came from soon) on hand. Just fake it until you feel it. You never know when you might just hit jackpot. As of now I'm just trying to curate as many ideas as I can and record these valuable ideas (and random ones) and hopefully end up somewhere.

Good luck it is. Good night!

A Pokopocketto Giveaway: Christmas with Klean Kanteen and Jamie Oliver

Christmas is about here and so is Pocketto's first ever giveaway!

I've been super excited about this and I'm going to keep this short and sweet (as much as possible). I hope you are just as I am and will love these wonderful gifts just as I do. These awesome items are also an addition to The Tiniest Gifting Guide so check them out! Details on how to win will follow at the end.


1. Klean Kanteen - Classic Reflect bottle

Images grabbed from Klean Kanteen

What I love about Klean Kanteen is how it constantly embraces the idea of sustainability and keeping the Earth clean. Not only do they aim to sell you a wonderful product, they strive to change the way you think. On top of that, their range of products come in really stunning designs, variations and colours. They even have a kids' line which got me swooning. Either way, it's a great thing to have and definitely worth an investment.

This classic bottle over here is made with just stainless steel, sustainably harvested bamboo and food-grade silicone, using al-natural resources that definitely won't stand a chance of contaminating your drinks just like plastic might. It's free of BPA, phthalates, lead or other toxins and all their products do not contain any paint or plastic as well.

Check out Klean Kanteen here.


2. Jamie Oliver magazine - X'mas Sorted

Images grabbed from jamieoliver.com and yours truly

I doubt there's a need for any need for an introduction for this. Jamie Oliver is probably just about anyone's favourite cook with his smooth takes on how to make a simple, sumptuous meal. I can't rave enough about what's to come in it and what you could possibly make for Christmas (and the years after as well!). It's a real feast for the eyes and I'm salivating thinking about the amount of Christmas cakes, goodies, turkey and dessert.

I've yet to try the recipes out but I think I'll start with the mojito because it looks so tantalizing hahah. There's really a low chance of getting most of the instructions wrong so don't panic, it's really cooking made easy (especially for cooking dummies like myself).

So here's how to win yourself either one of these wonderful goodies!
- Like Pocketto on Facebook via the link on the right
- Like and share our fb post on the giveaway
- Comment on the photo with what you would want to see (it could be a theme/ feature/ interesting brands or topics) on Pocketto in the future

You'll stand a chance to win either of the two if:
- You've got the most shares or
- The most interesting comment/ feedback for us!

This giveaway ends on 23 Dec, Sunday, 2359hrs. Can't wait!

Have a good night!

The Tiniest Gifting Guide: Great Reads and Dos

We all need a great read at some point this time of the year, either for a literal great read, as a wake up call, inspiration, to help us come to a resolution for the new year, or just for a really good laugh. I'm just going to take it a few books at a go but let's just hope none of us explodes.

1. For the traveller and explorer in you: Travelogue

Pictures grabbed from Fredflare

I'm sure some of us have explorer friends or just one in us to give us enough reason to want to lay your hands on this one. This lovely (pocket-able) scrach map travel journal contains 8 mini scratch maps with a different part of the world on each one of it, along with a planner and diary, plus some handy information you may require for travel. It's as if every time you head to somewhere new you get to scratch off some part of the map - motivation for travel it is!

If you would love one of these to reward a wanderlust or just the explorer in you, check it out here.


2. For one with a lack of: Lines For All Occasions - Insults & Comebacks

Images grabbed from ASOS

Know someone who's always running out of something like a witty comeback to your nasty lines? I bet all of us have that one friend (I'm that friend at some points hah) and this would make a really peculiar gift but hey, in the name of fun and a good laugh, why not? It's oddly funny and a rather witty read and a good refresher for some new lines. Who knows, you might even make these lines the new black (or comeback line).

Got someone in mind who needs this extra boost? Find the best insults here.

3. For the arty/ outgoing/ best friend: Kinfolk

Images grabbed from Google

Kinfolk is an emerging publication that has created waves of anticipation and excitement over their lovely take on gatherings and wonderful photography and art direction. They are a growing community of artists and share an interest in small gatherings and see something about a table shared. What makes me love Kinfolk is that it is an absolutely wonderful read, filled with things you can do, possible adventures and lovely inspiring images you would want to make your own (into reality, that is).

I just thought this would be an absolutely appropriate (and inspiring gift) for your friend who loves making food for the group or one who appreciates carefully thought outfits, layouts and great photography.

You may subscribe your wonderful friend to Kinfolk online here. This lovely magazine may also be purchased online (such as Amazon) at your friendly bookstores or magazine stands (such as Kinokuniya or Borders). Singaporean readers may also find it at local store, Rockstar by Soon Lee.

4. For the fun-loving doodlers:
Mess - The Manual of Accidents and Mistakes by Keri Smith

Images grabbed from Modcloth

There definitely was a time where you were doodling non-stop in your textbooks, had an obsession with scribbling notes to pass around to your friends, write funny letters or just simply wanted something to write on. Well this is it, a book that makes you do doodles on it (or more like you might not bear to draw on it). Keri Smith has nailed it again, bringing out my inner child (she's got other wonderful random publications like this as well!). It is definitely all things random in one (which is why I love it!) made into an awesome compilation that you won't want to miss.

This would be highly appropriate for old-times' sake, for a friend who had itchy hands (and might have possibly ruined a lot of things with doodles), or just for fun! Find this messy manual here.

5. For a great read/ inspiration:

It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want To Be by Paul Arden

Images grabbed from Google

I've had this book and I've picked it up a few times (randomly) from the top shelf just to give it a quick read as a great reminder of what I can do. This makes an absolutely great, wonderful, self-regenerating and on top of it all, a comforting read. It's nice to know the impossible can always be made possible and we can always make it if we do it right or convert our potentials in the best or most appropriate ways.

In case you were wondering, this book was (the very first book) written by "advertising guru" Paul Arden and he has written two others; Whatever You Think, Think The Opposite and God Explained In A Taxi Ride. I've read the them and thought they were extremely enlightening and helpful in understanding certain aspects of making it in life and other skeptical ideas. If you're game for it, I think the set of three would make a great combo, and could potentially change the way you see things, or if not, rethink some things or just second-guess ideas again.

If you would like to help a friend of yours or even yourself to set a target or new year's resolution after a good thought or revelation, find this great read via bookstores (like Borders or Kino), or online (via sites like Amazon or Phaidon and more).

= = = = =

Well that's all for now! Hope I didn't overload on this one (it's supposedly tiny) and I hope it helped give you some awesome ideas on what you can possibly give this Christmas. I'm still in the midst of getting other things ready (and fixing my Modcloth link), so if you've got anything you might wanna share with me, just holla over at the comment box or on Facebook via the link on your right!

It's going to be another hectic week but I hope to get some other things ready and possibly mail out cards if you would like one (would you want one?) but I'm super excited for Christmas and a turkey-ful dinner with my lovely friends. Can't wait!

So anyway let me know if you've got an address you don't mind me to write to (I want some pen pals hahah) and if you would love a Christmas card from Pocketto (still undergoing some work)! I'll be glad to hear about your Christmas (with pictures too if you will) and I can share it here too (:

Have a great night!

(13) In the midst

Hello there! Thank you for being here if you are. Well I'm still in the midst of preparing some goodies so don't go just yet! We're not too near (nor too far away though) from this lovely season of giving and gifting and I'm sure everyone's excited just as I am.

It's been a rough week (also contributing to slower updates) at work but I hope I'll get past it and work on more wonderful things. I'm posted to the new branch of this store (I'm happy I'm a part of) where I've been working at for a couple of years, aka Rockstar by Soon Lee. It's a great place for a round of Christmas shopping or something if you need, and I'll gladly be at your service hahah. That aside, it's got brand new labels and all so I'm sure it's going to be a stunner when you get there.

In any case why my gifting guide is The Tiniest Gifting Guide - it's because we're literally starting extremely small (aka tiny) and we're going to take things one at a time. I'm going to try not to bombard you with a million things to look out for but rather, a pocketful of them so you can take some time to seriously check them out (and consider it).

On top of that, we're having a giveaway (which everyone would love I suppose)! I'm actually excited for it because, like I said it's about a month of firsts for Pocketto. It's the first time Pocketto is making a real debut and I hope you would love it just as much as I would/do. I'm about to reveal what items are up for this giveaway so stay tuned to this space and for details on how to win it. You may keep in touch with what's here via my Facebook (to your right of this webpage!) and like me (no pun intended).

In other words, have a great week ahead! Goodnight.

Steve Madden: Stock Up

Just in time for some Christmas shopping, we've got more exciting perks from our affiliate, STEVE MADDEN!

Need a little boost? Save 20% off orders over $100 plus free shipping with the code STOCKUP20 at checkout or 25% off orders over $125 with code STOCKUP25. All codes are valid until 11 Dec!

Click through to the sale via:
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Enter Code STOCKUP20 at Checkout. 

> Stock up and Save with Steve Madden! Save 25% off orders over $125 plus free shipping.
Enter Code STOCKUP25 at Checkout. Valid 12.07.12 ¿ 12.11.12.

Have a great time shopping for these mad pretty shoes!

Svefn g englar - Sigur Rós #midweektune

I had them on my mind for the longest time after watching them live just about a week ago and thought this song made an appropriate tune for the mid-week (for the start of this Christmas that is about to pop into fireworks really soon) - it's as if I had painted out the sheer beauty of a calm sea despite the storm (with a hectic work week).

Watching Sigur Ros was a truly beautiful moment, one of those that would be etched in your mind forever (despite some downs with the girl woes damn). It's going to sound a little too emotional to be true but the music they make just makes you feel like you were bathing in it. It's literally music (even God-sent at some points) to your ears. I felt like I was going to burst into tears at some point because everything just felt so in unison and suddenly made a perfect harmony happen, and the only thing that comes to mind is how beautiful everything seemed at that single point I was inhaling every high and low from the intensity of the music itself.

That was that, and then I shed a tear and felt like I could actually embrace that moment and bathe in it, and feel whole again. Felt seriously surreal but o-k that was really how I felt about it (I know it's sounding a little extreme).

I don't think Sigur Ros needs a real introduction but if you haven't heard of them, they're Icelandic for a start and they make tunes that can make you fall to your knees (a little extreme I know but hey, how true is that?). Here's a clip of them live back in 2001 and trust me they still make magic until today and I'm amazed how they made it all happen.

Anyway it's been a crazy week (as it always it, again) at work this time because Rockstar (aka the place I'm a slave to hahah) is setting up a new store. I hope to meet more people and just have a good time at work more than I have at Cineleisure but that doesn't mean I won't miss that place. Time flies. I'm beat from the lack of sleep with eyebags the size of Russia. I need help because I won't stop dreaming (literally).

Goodnight and have an amazing weekend coming!

Why Pocketto?

Why Pocketto? How did it all happen and why did I want to make it happen?

It's been a little confusing for the last few months I've had this tiny space. I've had the lines blur as I started out with a few raw ideas. But this month will be different as it marks a real, official debut - a month of firsts for both myself, this space and for all you wonderful readers of this growing space.

To sum it all up, Pokopocketto was an idea I had for a long time, except that I didn't act on it (didn't have the time or couldn't bring myself to make the effort). I'm an average student (if you're wondering) who just turned 21, residing in sunny Singapore, with a lot of random thoughts/ ideas. I've been a loyal reader of certain blogs with tasteful content and it's made me constantly revisit it - whether it was the pictures or just interesting brands or things I've not come across. It's going to sound a little cheesy but I actually had an epiphany awhile back that I was/ we were lacking something (especially where I live) and I wanted to try and close up a little bit of that gap and bridge a little interesting content over cyberspace.

Thus, Pocketto was created in the month of May, earlier this year with a little bit of aspiration and determination (I'm not sure if it's the best way to describe it but ok) to work towards a space filled with content and basically, just anything random, that makes you curious, excited or just simply, interested.

I write about anything under the sun; a random incident from my life, a favourite brand of mine, share about some lovely products, films, things to do and eat, stuff worth your read and time and about friends of Pocketto. My Facebook is where I share a slice of what I do at Pocketto, basically just interesting things or stuff I bookmark as eyecandy, and to update people on what happens here. I'm just hoping in the long run, people will actually share on things they love and see Pocketto as a freedom of expression on basically anything, because I respect that everyone has interests just as I do (I have themes or certain things I love to share, yes) and I hope they'll share wonderful things with me as I hope to.

On why I have the name Pokopocketto - there is no concrete explanation except that the time and place of this inception helped made it happen. I've always liked the idea of having things in your pocket because it is so handy and information that comes in pocket or bite-sizes are just so easily consumed. So I wanted all things wonderful to be squeezed into this little space where you can read anywhere (on the go, in your free time, you name it).

I added on Poko in the front because Pocketto alone wasn't available as a domain name and I'm crazy about Japanese cartoon characters (scroll below if you don't know who Poko is) which included Poko-chan, the face of some snack I used to eat all the time, making it Pokopocketto as you know it. I just thought it had a certain ring to it but I can't be using his face all the time (due to copyright issues) but I am just in love with it.

Well, this is definitely not a pocket-post (I know it) but thank you for reading through this one and for being on this space if you have (or just to find out who I am or why this exists anyway)! I am extremely appreciative of everyone's love and kindness for supporting me throughout the set-up of my space, giving me constructive criticism and just liking what I do. It's not going to be an easy time to make this space better but I'll try to make it happen, hard knocks are to come but whatever works (:

Here's a start to a Happy Christmas and an ode to all things random and wonderful! And we've got more lined up for you so stay in sync with me, will you?