Goodbye

It's time to say goodbye and welcome the new.

Say hello at (pocketwonder) at www.pocketwonder.blogspot.com.

(26) Streak

Late night doodles

I have been away, possibly in the best twilight zone for the longest time. Honestly, it felt like I was suspended in the cloudy cushions of the freshest air, rolling in the glittery dust of sun rays that were piercing through the gentle sky. I feel at home right where I am.

It has definitely been awhile, I have been lost in my track of thoughts trying to figure out many other things, and also, finding the right motivation to write again. Thought I would update this space to kick things off for October. I've been drawing too, well for the fun of it and to vent any form of negativity (positivity as well) on newspaper like canvases hahah.

Speaking of which, I am about to be done with school, forever (!!!) It scares me to be swimming out in the ocean filled with saltwater alligators... But it's just about time - I've been dreaming of this moment for the longest time ever and wondering if I'll ever make it. Life beckons, doesn't it? I've done some research and hopefully will be able to bring you more than I usually do. I can't wait to blog about some of the wonderful stuff I've found when school is officially over.

In any case, I made it to the 12 Apostles and boy was it a breathtaking sight. Forgive my touristy self, I just had to stick my head in this one hahah. It was a groggy drive but worth it nonetheless.

Anyway, if you haven't been following, do check Pocketto out on Facebook clicking through here. Plenty of updates going on there almost daily with lovely pictures and brands to check out (:

Stick around for more, I'll be back, soon enough!

(25) Midway

It's crazy how time flies. I can't believe it - it's been a good six months here in Melbourne.

Time is always a factor or an unstoppable circumstance in many instances. It has a way of creeping back as a reminder - that you don't have much of it left.

All of these pretty, random shots were taken right in the city. Isn't it breath taking? I feel so blessed that I'm able to be in the thick of all this beauty every single day. It's a wonderful, wonderful sight I don't want to part with.

Living abroad is always a great experience - you get to be in touch with everything, from the sights, to the sounds, the diverse mix of food, the culture and most importantly the people. You'll feel like you're drowning at first, but if you're lucky you'll feel like you're slowly immersing yourself in the water, trying to absorb whatever you can then slowly, you'll realize how fun it is when you get to swim and stay afloat. Travel really broadens the mind as they always say, and it's so annoyingly true because this one experience is going to change you, forever.

I don't really know how or why I'm feeling this bout of uncertainty but I certainly feel a bittersweet awkwardness. It's like I want to do everything about it, yet nothing because I just want to take in whatever I can of this place and time. Everything is in its right place, yet I feel like I'm here in the most mashed up period in my life. It's all happening so quickly, I can barely stop to understand exactly what it all is. It's like trying to comprehend something, and then something else comes along and I have to think about what's next. But it feels kind of great too, at least my mind's functioning, no?

It's been awhile since I've shared something but I definitely will be back with more along the way, in more spread out intervals due to responsibilities. But I would love to hear from you, regardless if you're from anywhere in the world, just about anything - from your travel experiences, to your love for the culture or whatsoever.

This world definitely has a lot more to share.

Wild - Beach House #nowplaying

Haven't been back on in awhile but in due time I will be. Exams have been flooding my mind the whole time so just bear with me for a bit longer.

In any case, I've just got back onto listening to Beach House and this track hit me a little. Not much of a word but it's definitely worth a listen. Just brings me back to the time when I caught them at my first Laneway Festival. It was amazing.

Image from Ludditestereo

If you were wondering, Beach House is a dream pop duo from Baltimore, consisting of Victoria Legrand (lead vocals) and Alex Scully, doing most of everything else. I love their dreamy (pun intended) tunes and floaty vocals. Just really kind of makes me happy or sad whenever I feel like it or just need to be. Their last album, Bloom was released just last year and I'm just starting to really give it a listen so please do if you haven't!

Holla over if there's anything else worth a share, I'm all ears.

(24) Surface to air

From top: Random shot of my feet while out travelling to the Daft Punk show at Weewaa,
awesome dance floor at the Daft Punk party, my lovely friend, Xuan and I at Frankston Beach.

It's been almost a month since I've written anything here or fill it with the posts I usually do so forgive me if you were looking for something else. Same usual reason as it always is, school's a real chore at some point but I guess it's worthwhile when your work is so much more appreciated. Melbourne has been opening a lot of doors for me, a brand new train of thought, a new zest for life, a new drive, a new goal, a new high - it's nailed almost everything I had in mind.

You know, the thing is when you make it to the places you never dared to dream of, it's a wonderful, wonderful feeling. It's like surfacing to air when you've been trapped underwater for as long as you can imagine. It's that oddity, all that fear and eagerness curled up in a ball within you, for you to get something out of your system. You're about to cave in or could have possibly drowned. You're waiting for the time, for something to take over and here comes that breath of fresh air to save you from it all. Nothing beats it. You're alive again. But it doesn't just stop there - which is the real beauty of it.

Just like swimming, you head back down into the water, only to find more; more things to excite you and add value to your life. Then you surface for more air to realize what a feeling that was, taking mental notes to improve on the next time your head goes back in and surfaces for another breath again, ultimately swimming towards your end point. It's definitely a tiring process; but extremely rewarding.

As they always say - it's the journey that matters and I think it does.

I never felt so much love for one place, so much to work doubly hard to stay. I've never wanted anything more in my life. But I know the day I always feared will ultimately come; that I'll have to head home and miss this place and what it has given to me.

But that's just life throwing lemons at you isn't it? I just hope I'll be back with better news though.

Get Lucky (Daft Punk Cover) - Daughter #midweektune

Wednesday, again.

It's been yet another quiet week with school being extremely draining and more commitments starting to come my way. Except that it's now May... How time flies, doesn't it? Anyway, as promised I'm back here with another #midweektune.

As you all might know, the legendary Daft Punk has finally released a brand new single (and album on the way) named Get Lucky, featuring Pharrell. Probably needs no introduction because they are one of the best at what they are doing hahah. I gotta admit it took awhile for Get Lucky to grow on me cus I was expecting something louder and energetic, not that this one isn't but it's just my take on it. But it's really groovy though so I can't sulk about it either.

Next thing I know, Daughter covered this on BBC radio 1 and my friend was telling me about it, so thus. I know some of you might be like this is blasphemous to Daft Punk but I think Daughter deserves a bit of credit for whatever they are doing. I think this version's a rather calm rendition to the actual, in a good way and it made my Wednesday, so yes.

In case you haven't checked it out, I've posted a remixed version of Youth by Daughter on my previous #midweektune entry, which you can click through here. You may read more about them through the link as well. Holla more tunes over if you got!

(23) Quiet

Instagram Pocketto via @astrylnaut

It's been a quiet time around here... I know haven't been updating much either. Just lacking some energy to get things going because school's just draining me out plus all these times just discovering places and things. It's crazy how new places excite and exhaust you altogether.

Being here has made me realized so many things I never knew... which I believe is a good thing. And then sometimes, I find myself completely lost.

But well, I guess it's nice to know that after 21 good years of thinking you know yourself best, you still have new things to know about you. Life can be a brand new thing if we will it to be, no? Guess I'm just having an awkward point of realization about many things in my life. And I'm sure we all have those moments at some point.

It's time to finally stop, think, and then smell the flowers.

On Bonlook: Kids Collection Collab

With its constantly updated glasses and sunnies for a very hip read or good shade for your eyes, Bonlook has collaborated with wonderful mummy bloggers - Bleubird and Love, Taza for this brand new kids collection which I absolutely adore!

Both James of Bleubird and Taza of Love, Taza have come up with two designs each for this collab:

 by Love, Taza

by Bleubird

These are absolutely cute! My personal fav is the Birdie ones in Marigold colour:

Images from Bonlook

I would totally get myself one of these if they were adult sized hahah. Good thing about these glasses is that they can withstand all the bending and stuff that (your) little ones do. That way you don't have to worry about getting another pair of sunnies if they end up breaking apart from the excessive abuse hah.

Birdie rocking out these cute sunnies named after her - image from Bonlook

Having a smashing good time (Love, Taza) - image from Bonlook

Anyway if you decide to holla over and check out more from Bonlook, click through the image below and check more details on getting yourself USD$25 or free shipping off your purchase!

Besides that, I apologize for the lack of updates but more to come soon. If you've got anything on your mind or a whacky feedback I'd be glad to hear (;

Youth (Alle Farben Remix) - Daughter #midweektune

It's Wednesday.

My head's feeling a little fuzzy just thinking about home. New places are exciting; but at the same time exhausting. No I'm not sick of this place yet, in fact I love it. A week ago I was out for a run at night and just crossed Flinders Street station and just stopped to have my hand put over the clock on the front of the station from my view. It's so surreal. I'm here.

I'm right here, in front of this beautiful place I've always wanted to see and be in.

But really, there are points in times you just heave a sigh of something... No it isn't relief but I know it's just something else. Still just trying to figure out what that was supposed to be. That's just life isn't it? You think about something, you don't get answers all the time and you try to search for it. If it's within your reach, congratulations then. If it isn't, you might just end up spending an entire lifetime in search of... something.

Confusing idea this is but I guess we all just end up in circles when we can't come to terms with our minds and hearts. Life is cruel in that sense but I guess it gets you going, to constantly challenge yourself and not be held back in time by a moment you can never have, again.

I think this song makes up my swirly Wednesday.

If you like what you heard, check out more from Daughter on their site here. Daughter is an English indie folk band from London that started out in 2010. It was originally the solo work of Elena Tonra (lead singer now) and is now a trio with guitarist Igor Haefeli and drummer, Remi Augilella.

Welcome: Superdry

Featured: Superdry Vintage Entry Tee for Mens'

Hello Superdry! Pocketto now welcomes another brand new affiliate on board!

If you were thinking that Superdry's a Japanese label, it actually isn't. Superdry's origins dated way back in 1985, starting off as 'Cult Clothing' in 1985 by founder, Julian Dunkerton. The business expanded and established a few other stores in UK itself.

Superdry was only born when Julian paid a visit to Tokyo in 2003, heavily inspired by the Japanese culture and make. The brand fuses Japanese graphics, vintage Americana with the values of British tailoring and aims to bring forward unique, urban clothing with eye for the detail.

I've always liked their simple, clean cut designs and I am happy to have roped them in (also very in line with my Japanese obsession). Here are some picks from the list for ladies but I'd like to think of these as unisex picks. So here goes!

From left to right (in clockwise direction): Stadium Wool Navy Jacket, Washbasket Vintage Check Longsleeve Shirt in Barndoor Blue, Seaside Padstow Barrel in Natural and Dark Navy, Standard Blue Super Skinny Jean Rinse available via Superdry

From left: California Small Kit Bag in Multi Colour, Classic Tarpaulin Laptop Bag in Army Cargo available at Superdry

Take your pick at the Superdry Spring release here!

I'm sure you'll find something essential you might love be it for the warm or cold. I'm just freezing and burning from the erratic weather right here in Melbourne.

More to come, definitely. Been to a few wonderful places and finally went surfing (!!!) I know it's not that big a deal but it exists under my bucket list so lucky me it is. Thanks for sticking around if you do and more from Superdry if you love them too (;

Have a good day and stay tuned for more!

(22) Around town

From top down: 1. Lunch/dinner at Central Library, 2. Melbourne bicycle rental, 3. Central Library, 4. Chinatown, 5. Dream My Little Pony bicycle, 6. Wall art in Chinatown, 7. Cello busker along Swanston St., 8. My new ride from Reid cycles

Here's some sights I've had over the past two weeks over here and I thought I would make an effort to document more things and share them.

Melbourne has been keeping me excited, curious and passionate about things I want to do. This may sound a little cheesy but I feel like i'm reconnecting with myself and finally doing things that I've been wanting to be in touch with. Been having some ups and downs through it all but at the end of the day, I feel like it's pretty much worth the time and effort.

Keeping this clean and simple, simply because I am so out of touch with technology and the Internet. I have yet to configure some apps on my new Macbook but I'm pretty sure I'll get it right really soon.

Anyway, I finally have better things on hand to share (in due time), so keep your eyes peeled!

(21) Present

The man and I at the departure hall

Leaving has been one of the most difficult things to do but everything seems to be falling in place and happening the way I thought it to be. The first week of settling into a new place brings an almost strange kind of feeling - I'm excited, and on-the-ball, feeling like a tourist (sort of) and getting amazed at new sights... and then I'm scared, worried and lost because I don't feel like I'm at the right place.

It's amazing though the kind of culture they have over here... Full of embrace for the local scene and the people, respect for their peers and work and producing talents and more talents. It's a pity that I haven't fully settled in to enjoy the full glory of Melbourne yet. But soon I will! Just holla over if you've any interesting places to share! (;

I'm grateful and happy to be living in a proper house, all thanks to a nice friend of ours. And I'm suddenly extremely, extra appreciative of the things that I have back at home... In time to come, some things that seemed like a uphill struggle will soon become a lingering memory for us to keep. Like with all shit that happens, there will always be a time it will soon become over.

This too shall pass.... Yes?

More work beckons.... But say hello if you're around Melbourne!

(20) Transition

From one of my awesome friends, Anabel

Transition can come in various forms.

2013 is going to be an epic year because I've made it thus far and it's just going to get even better. Australia happens in just a few more hours and it feels sort of surreal... And as much as I think I am ready, I really doubt I am.

Leaving makes you realize the kind of people you have around you, can be the most wonderful kind if you've forged meaningful friendships with people you love. I am extremely blessed to have had friends that understood me and have shared moments with.

I rarely speak about my emotions so openly in this space because it's supposed to be for entertainment purposes. But I thought I should document this down to share my journey; leaving, exploring and coming back. Just to keep everything going, at least for myself.

Thank you for loving me and making me see I have had the bestest times of my life, right here at home, with the best kind of people. I love all of you, through and through.

And keep reading - for there's more to come. I'll be back in a jiffy once the Internet comes back (;

Easy - Dragonette, Fabian Remix #nowplaying

If you've ever heard of Hello by Martin Solveig (I just came to say hello!), you definitely can't miss out on this one. This one's by featured artist/ band on the Hello track, Dragonette. I think they haven't gotten too much recognition for some of their songs but they duly deserve it. I love the lead singer, Martina Sorbara, and her sense of style. She comes off to me as a carefree soul sorta thing.

Dragonette via Cloudfront

Dragonette is actually a Candian-based, electronica three piece band that is usually (or most of the time) represented by Marina (the lead singer herself). It initially started off as a duo in 2005, called The Fuzz when Martina and the current bassist and producer, Dan Kurtz met at a music festival in Canada. Later on they went on to form Dragonette and roped in drummer, Joel Stouffer much later and keeps the current line-up until present. If you're interested, check out more of their tour dates here.

Believe it or not, I came by this song by chance when I was shopping at H&M. Sounds a little stupid, I know, but it's true. I actually Shazam-ed it hahah. In any case, it kept going on repeat and I loved the remix version of it done by Fabian (remix is featured on top). You may check out Fabian's remixes on youtube here.

More to come on my #nowplaying list as I approach the end of my days in this sunny island and start another chapter. Transition is a tiring process but I hope it reaps good ends. But for now, it is 04:15 and it can only mean one thing...

Sleep.

Good night!

Happy Valentine's with Cath Kidston!

Things POCKETTO loves: Wild strawberry placement cardigan, Spot cross body bag,  Wild strawberry scoop neck dress, Daisy pearl bracelet, Spot walking umbrella, Spot plimsolls - all from Cath Kidston

Happy Valentine's Day! It's Pocketto's very first as well!

Decided to put up a lookbook/ moodboard sort of thing for Valentine's day in hand with Cath Kidston because it seemed to go well with the Valentine's sweet girl sort of look. The reds are coming in so many different shades and it really makes me feel kind of excited and happy. If you haven't heard, Cath Kidston is Pocketto's latest affiliate and you may read more about it (just below this post!).

In any case, whether you're single, or spending this special day with someone else, I hope you'll have an awesome days with your kickass friends and have a merry-make lovey day with everyone else you love (not just your partner).

All in all, have a great day! (;

Welcome: Cath Kidston

All images under Cath Kidston - All rights reserved

Happy Lunar New Year! P o k o . P o c k e t t o is pleased to welcome Cath Kidston on board as our new affiliate! I've always loved the pretty shapes and floral numbers on their bags and raincoats! Makes me feel like a girly girl all over again.

Cath Kidston Ltd was founded in 1993 when designer Cath Kidston started her tiny shop in London’s Holland Park. She began by selling vintage fabrics, wallpapers and brightly-painted junk furniture she remembered fondly from her childhood. With her clever ways of re-working the traditional English country house style, Cath Kidston and her line of clothes and bags soon became a cult success.

Cath Kidston herself

Progressing down the road, Cath started to design her own prints and products. One of the first was a printed ironing board cover – practical, quirky and with a distinctive floral print; which epitomized the Cath Kidston look we all know today.



My current dig from Cath Kidston right now has got to be the Trains Backpack available on site right now. I've always owned a Kanken (similar shape to the bag from Cath Kidston) but I thought this might be good for a change with its cutesy train prints. Patterns are so much fun.

If you're keen to shop for it, click through here or visit the Cath Kidston site here. There are more amazing stuff to surprise you and suit you for any and every occasion, and for everyday use.

Anyway, more to come for Valentine's and Pocketto's going to have more special stuff coming up! Last but not least, as you all know, it's the Lunar New Year and I genuinely hope you're having a great one. Don't forget to do those runs as you load up on them goodies! Good night (;

Things: IKEA - Make Room For Your Life

As you all know, IKEA (probably needs no introduction at all) has always been innovative with its choice of topic to remind us to re-organize our lives for the better. Year after year, it gets us more curious and excited for what's in store and what else they could come up with.

Just as I thought IKEA was going to run out of ideas... This year was no different (you need to watch this!).

So this time round, IKEA decided to help Harry, Dad by day and DJ by night to make space not just for his records but for his life. Credits to Calvin aka my boyfriend (ok he's a serious record enthusiast) for this one. I think this strikes a chord with people who have messy rooms (like myself) and require some cleaning up to make space for more.

The transformation is amazing and I am equally blown away by the way IKEA helped to reorganize his home for his work and family. It's really crazy how so much can be squeezed into those tiny compartments, ever so neatly. I just wish I could have done something about my life (hahah).

Well, I think it's quite inspiring for those of us who have yet to get down to some last minute spring cleaning. I think I need some cloth to cover up my messy shelves and my crazy piles of clothing lying everywhere.

I'm going mad while trying to transit into living abroad. Plus I have no roof over my head (I can't seem to find any apartments) and I have no idea what's step two. It's mad.

On a random note, if you've noticed, pocketto's got something new on the affiliate board! More to (wel)come for this brand new affiliate on this site. Keep your eyes peeled (;

Good night!

(19) Earcandy overload

Random shot at Laneway Festival - thanks Denise for the polaroids!

It's the start of February and I apologize for the lack of updates! I've been crazy busy and stoned, sorting a lot of stuff out for myself before I head down to school. Just hoping I can settle all of it and celebrate the Lunar New Year without a worry. Still working on a new theme (definitely) and I know it hasn't been exactly concrete throughout but I'm thinking it's worth a try, yes?

So I caught two festivals - Laneway Festival (happened 26 Jan) and Big Night Out (30 Jan) within the span of five days and wanted to explode as I bombarded myself with a whole lot of new music and saw the new boundaries being made and pushed (for my ears and the audience).

Major disclaimer is that I apologize for the lackluster Instagramin' and ok don't hate on me (if I haven't hit on the right kind of music that oughts to be given a million stars to) but I haven't exposed myself enough and definitely am not considering as any review of some sort so there goes. I was just kinda amazed by most of the acts I caught despite some of them being new to me. I didn't capture every single moment because I was so absorbed (and yes dying from exhaustion at Laneway especially) but anyway, there are a few not too decent, but acceptable ones.

Kings of Convenience at Laneway Festival

I think I liked Kings of Convenience (one of the best for me actually) a lot because it was my first time catching them live (missed too many of their shows in Singapore dayum). You can't not love Erland for his kooky moves (TOO CUTE) and Eirik's mesmerizing smile throughout the set. The energy really exploded when their full band came on, it just really expanded the sound that the usual Kings had on record. It seriously just, got / out / of / hand. I kept squealing and laughing because it was too cute to resist (I know I might be biased but I'm a girl anyway). I'd rather dance, any day, yes? Hah.

There were so many awesome acts in just one day (12 hours is quite crazy, really) and I couldn't decide which was the best but I really thought Of Monsters and Men were quite the crowd getter and I quite liked Nicolas Jarr and Alt J as well.

Tame Impala at Laneway via ST

Tame Impala really left me in awe though. They really sounded like a revised John Lennon to me in a good way. Feels like I'm going backwards again... HAH.

But, my absolute favourite was still Kimbra! I loved she brought the whole house down (!!!) Some serious girl power happening right there. I CANNOT CONTAIN MYSELF. Fine, extreme bias over here but I love everything about her - from her quirky dress and explosive personality to her crazy energetic set. Check out this vid of her rocking out her breakout single, Settle Down and mashing it up with Daft Punk magic.

And I'm definitely not missing out on giving Gotye due credit for the music he makes. To be honest, I wasn't a real fan of Gotye's and didn't really give him much of a listen. As it goes, I only knew that one song everyone else knew (it was Somebody That You Used To Know). But Gotye really surprised me and got me dropping my jaws at some songs because he was just like a male version of Kimbra, equally creative, has great vocals and never sold out on the kind of music he wanted to make at the end. I think my respect for him (beyond that one song) has grown a lot more after Laneway!

Kimbra and Gotye at Laneway via Her World Plus

And ok, I already kinda guessed this Kimbra actually singing with Gotye this time round is going to happen, and it did hah.

Big Night Out was great too! I went to catch Vampire Weekend, also for my first time. I apologize I'm not over enthusiastic about Yeah Yeah Yeahs or Band of Horses but I have to admit that they really were in control and knew what they were doing - in an absolutely good way of course. I really danced and had a lot of squealing moments hahah but yeah, it was one of those moments were I could see almost the whole crowd indulged in the wonderful music.

My abstract Instag shot of (a very mini) Vampire Weekend on stage

I really loved them and just screamed at every intro of the songs they played man! It's amazing how they reproduce every single bit of what they do on record, live! Diplomat's Son was probably one of my favourite songs for the night... or maybe just everything hahah.

And on an absolutely random note, The Strokes have announced a new album and you can check more via their site for their brand new single, One Way Trigger here.

Anyway, I would love to hear what's your favourite and if you've got any specific song that you might wanna highlight if you have. I'm absolutely open! And here's me ending off with a random #instacollage (???) of my friends and I at Laneway and BNO (if that is how it's supposed to roll in the first place). 

Thanks for reading if you do, and have a great day ahead! (;

(18) Flying Lotus - Until The Quiet Comes #nowplaying

It's been a busy weekend rushing off to work, trying to spend quality time because it's finally starting to hit quite badly that it's officially going to be a month before I leave home. So many things are coming in place, and yet I feel this sense of relief with another level of tension and loss stuck like a ball of gum in my throat, I can't seem to really explain it.

Either way, this song seems to come in place and fit into my absolutely random mood well. Came across Flying Lotus randomly and I actually started to like it so I decided to put it up here.

In case you didn't know, Flying Lotus is the stage name of Steven Ellison, an experimental multi-genre music producer, laptop musician and rapper from LA, California. He also raps under another persona, Captain Murphy. His songs have this odd holding vibe which I really like, and very trippy as well. I'm sure most of you who have a few DJs you love can add this onto your list.

This one above is actually a short film for Until The Quiet Comes. I think this really relates with the life for people with more undesirable family backgrounds. It's seriously well-shot though and focuses also on how fragile life is, as well as some coverage on how rampant violence is.

You may check out more of Flying Lotus here and give a listen to all his four studio albums (definitely worth it) and let me know what you think of it!


Anyway before I go, a HUGE THANK YOU for joining and supporting this collaboration between POCKETTO and PLUS MINUS! Thanks for reading about the PLUS MINUS story and letting us know about how you love us, and areas for us to improve on. Winners of A WONDERFUL GIVEAWAY are now out!

Congratulations to:

Atiqah Zulkifli for winning yourself a copy of oh comely magazine (issue 12) and

Tasneem Petrova for winning yourself a POKETO x Furni watch!

Do drop me a PM on Facebook or an e-mail at astrylnaut@gmail.com to confirm your personal details.

Have a great week ahead!

Things: ECOSHOP + Scrapshop

Images grabbed from ECOSHOP

Am finally back from my holidays and I must say I had a lot of fun exploring the city of Bangkok. I didn't take a lot of pictures that were overly pretty so I'll spare out the details. But it was basically a lot of shopping (and probably a lack of motivation to take down some wonderful landscapes). All I could say is I don't get sick of being there because everything is awesome, from the food, to accommodation and even the people. Despite being there umpteen times, it was my first in Khao San and back in Chatuchak after a long while. Everything was great, except for the heat. Apart from the random information, I wanted to share about this interesting discovery that I came across during my trip, called ECOSHOP.

ECOSHOP was set up by local (Thai) television host, Top Pipat (who might have just scored a few more brownie points for a store like this because of his dashing looks hahah) in 2008. The store concept revolves around saving the Earth through sustainability and understanding how much further we can maximize resources. Other than merely just selling environmental-friendly products, Pipat's main aim is ultimately to help aspiring designers who have ideas that they want to develop by providing them a platform to showcase their work.

Ultimately, Pipat explains that the aim of the store is not just to make profit but to give people something to think about and consider saving the Earth more seriously than what we already know of it as. What can a plastic bag do for you then? What could paper achieve for us? 

Top Pipat (from the site on left, and a picture with his store on right; all images from site)

The idea to set up an environmental friendly store definitely isn't a new one, but this was pretty fresh to the people in Thailand. Plus, people were really warming up to the store quickly because of Pipat's consistent efforts in spreading the message he has always wanted to deliver. ECOSHOP was gaining ground and some interest and even managed to stock environmental-friendly and sustainable products designed by students from Thai universities as well.

Images grabbed from ECOSHOP

So as mentioned, I was browsing through the store (the one in Digital Gateway, Siam square area), and had a few of the products catch my eye (loving the tote on the left). Of which, was the ones by Scrapshop, designed and produced by the students of Kasetsart University Architecture. This was an eco-venture launched in 2010 and to help promote awareness on the environment through products made from reusable waste materials. The key idea is not only to motivate young designers to create just products, but for them to research on how discarded materials can be used effectively for functional, yet help create aesthetically pleasing designs.

It's interesting to see something grow so much and help make wonderful things happen. I admire Pipat's efforts, though not on an international level yet, he really tries to change mindsets instead of commercializing something and making it a fad. In order to prove his sincerity towards the cause, Pipat has been living a greener lifestyle as possible, giving talks, telling the story of how simple things we use can always be recycled for a greater cause.

Pipat keeps his belief in keeping prices low so this lifestyle may be accessible to many more and arouse people's curiosity. He also explains the key differences in reusing and recycling and how we can go about it. I think it's good to understand these terms so we don't abuse them too much.

Find out more via his site by clicking here.

And, we can start with a good reusable, yes? I've got my trusty Baggu reusables to start with!

Baggu it! Via Mindful Momma

Anyway, more on Baggu in the near future. I'm sure you guys would probably already have known about these tough and long-lasting reusables.

Hope you're having a wonderful week! There's more to come and I'm working hard to get it all up! Holla over if you've got something (;