A message for you

Having to do something against my will...

Having to cut ties with people that I care about...

Getting further away, creating misunderstandings...

...

Please don't abuse power

I miss you. All is well with me and I hope all is well with you.

Oh, the Colorful Life is a Tasty Life

I love colors! They make me feel so happy. Ironically, most of my wardrobe has been black over the last year, but nowadays the colors are slowly being added back in. {Who doesn't love black, it's just so classy, plus it has slimming effects!} Anyways, that's what my life feels like at the moment. I feel excited, 20% hesitant, happy, and ready to embrace what comes my way~

It's just a thought that popped into my head as I start off my morning blasting the music.

I've been packaging some kits and seeing these strands of colorful threads is just putting me into a good mood! Silly, is it?

Ah~ getting back into cooking these days! This is a cheesecake topped with fresh raspberries and blueberries, and raspberry sauce. I'm planning on testing some cake recipes over the weekend. My co-workers are encouraging me to bake one a day, and most importantly, bring them into work so they can taste test. >_< So much for a diet!

This book just arrived in the mail~ So bright and red! I'll be reading it before I go to sleep. Gotta love cookbooks! ^_^

And isn't this freakin' A W E S O M E ?!?!~~ Wacom, you guys are just genius!

"happy! in your smile!

더 크게 웃어봐

나는 법을 잊은 것뿐야
날개를 펴고 가슴을 펴고 힘껏 날아올라봐

내가 있잖아
영원히 함께할
내게 꿈이 있잖아"

from 이승기's Smile Boy

Melting

Melting. Yes, I'm melting in this heat! haha! I hope everyone had a great start to their Labor Day weekend! :) Enjoy it~ with good company!

I had quite an eventful Saturday, so today I will wind down to some much delayed stitching, gracemade goodies, writing in the diary... and getting my share of sunlight!

I am off to make some creamy pasta with lemon zest and basil. yum~!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Daisy

These days I've been drenched in sweet korean melodies, and this song by Alex, happens to be one of those songs. A perfect concoction of beautiful lyrics, sweet voice, mixed with a bit of romance and it has me feeling fuzzy for a long, long time.


어떻게 해야 하는지
난 알수가 없잖아요
나에게 가르쳐줘요
너의 마음을 얻는 일

난 이렇게 눈부시게 아름다운 미소를
본적이 없어 이렇게 떨리나봐요
Just only now and kiss me now
지금 이순간 우리만 생각해요

온종일 난 그대만을 생각했어요
그대만이 날 웃음 짓게 한
단 한 사람인걸 아나요
당신만을 난 꿈꾸죠

세상에 난 그대만이 보일 뿐이죠
그대만이 날 아프게 하는
단 한 사람인걸 아나요
당신만이 필요해요

어떻게 해야 하는지
난 알수가 없잖아요
나에게 가르쳐줘요
너의 마음을 얻는 일

난 이렇게 눈부시게 아름다운 미소를
본적이 없어 이렇게 떨리나봐요
Just only now and kiss me now
지금 이순간 우리만 생각해요

온종일 난 그대만을 생각했어요
그대만이 날 웃음 짓게 한
단 한 사람인걸 아나요
당신만을 난 꿈꾸죠

세상에 난 그대 만이 보일 뿐이죠
그대만이 날 아프게 하는
단 한 사람인걸 아나요

간절히 바라고 원하는
나 언제까지 당신만을 기다려왔어요
당신만이 나의 꿈이였죠
이제는 내가 당신의 완전한 꿈이 되어줄께요

온종일 난 그대만을 생각했어요
그대만이 날 웃음 짓게 한
단 한 사람인걸 아나요
당신만을 난 꿈꾸죠

어떻게 해야 하는지
당신는 알고 있잖아

Can't turn back time

I may have lost something that is so precious to me. I am biting my lips for speaking too soon, speaking hurtful words that I don't even mean. Every ounce of me wants to turn back time, but the reality is... I can't.

Brighter than the Sun

I'm trying to find a steady rhythm. I wake up each morning to walk. I walk, I sprint, and I notice minute details... things here and there, that I wouldn't have noticed otherwise. I love this time where I can tune into my most intimate worries.

Enter!

Hello dear blog and anyone who may stumble upon this post!

It feels good to come back to you! I can't believe I left you unattended for this long and for that I'm truly sorry. I have indeed missed you.

Many things have changed since:

1. I am a designer at a wall decor company, my specialty is in colorful flowers and patterns!

2. I convinced my mom to get a puppy, and now we have the cutest Maltese named Mochi.

3. I got my first DSLR

4. We finally remodeled the kitchen and I LOVE it!

5. My mom got me my first ever kitchen aid stand mixer, which I've been eyeing for a very, very long time! (Thank you Mommy!)

6. I changed my hairstyle of many years, and got bangs and a perm. As a result many people had trouble recognizing me, including my very own brother and grandfather. I had an opportunity to live a double life, lol!

7. I started exercising! Woo~ I walk every morning before going into work.

And I'll fill in the rest with future posts!

Time just flies by! So far it has been an interesting year for me. I've met some wonderful people. I've caught so many colds. And I've also gotten to experience a spectrum of emotions. Through that I was able to learn a lot about myself and I'm continuing to do so. In this whirl of events, I think I've gotten a taste of my quarter life crisis. I have lived in bliss for most of my life, but I think I've stumbled upon something these past few months. It's been a roller coaster ride for me. Hopefully, I'll reach a steady balance soon. =)

xoxo,

Grace

A much delayed update

Hello lovely blog, I have missed you so.

It has really been a long time since I last blogged. I don't know where to start updating. A lot has happened since the last post. I am now officially hooked on macarons, especially the Earl Grey flavor. I have turned 24. I have a Maltese puppy named Mochi- who is just the cutest little thing! I am obsessed with tea, once again Earl Grey! My co-workers want me to break free from my single life- and surprisingly I think I'm ready, too. I still love Lee Seung Gi though. hahaha

I am now working as a designer and it has taken away a lot of "me" time. Thus, I haven't had much of a chance to blog, or cook, or cross stitch. (But one thing I'm very proud of was that I kept up with Andwabisabi all this time.)

In the past year, I went through many ups and many downs, mainly because of working. Going from a student, to working full-time was not an easy transition for me. I would come home many nights feeling a little down cause I felt like I had no time for myself. Fast forward a year and here I am. I have gotten accustomed to the workload somehow, learned how to become more efficient, and learned to be a little, tiny bit more vocal. (Yes, I know some of you may laugh) I met some amazing people and I could truly say I love my co-workers! They make work a lot more enjoyable and we keep each other sane amidst all the chaos.

I don't know why but I had a sudden urge to blog again. It just hit me... and I realized I had to log in and just start a new post. I will try to update more often from now on. I apologize for being away for such a long time.

A Shout Out~

Hello Hello~

My best friend just started blogging! Yay~ Please give her blog some love! She just dedicated a post to me! Isn't she a sweetheart? Well, it's definitely given me a push to post an entry~
I will start off my sending my bff a little shout out!
Elizabeth! Can you hear me? Can you HEAR me? :P
Liz, my dear, you know you're amazing right? When I first met you, I just knew right off the bat I had to be friends with you! You have this unmistakable energy about you and you bring out the best in me. And I am truly blessed to have a friend like you. I love you dear from the bottom of my heart and I hope our friendship will grow even stronger throughout the many years to come!
You dream of becoming an artist, but let me tell you, with a voice like that, you have the talent to turn it into reality. Go, go Liz! You have my full approval and support! :P 짱이에요 우리친구, 사랑해요 우리친구!

I've been lagging behind on my posts again. A lot has happened in my life. First and foremost, I am now working full-time! Working is hard work, but I'm learning so much in the process. Not only am I improving on my skill, but I'm also learning so much about myself.
Everyday is a new experience!

Please Enter the Giveaway~~

Hello~

Monique, the creative genius behind Voleur de Bijoux is hosting a giveaway from moi (andwabisabi) on her blog ! Go to her blog and enter for a chance to win any 7 cross-stitch designs from my animals and insects sections The giveaway is going on until May 8, 2010.

Please leave comments on her blog (not mine) for a chance to win these fresh, simple, and cute designs! And while you're at it browse through her breathtaking jewelry shop!

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Sending you lots of Gracie love! <3>

Hehe! Now time for some shameless advertising!

Here's what I've been working on these days~ Enjoy!


Something sweet for mommy! <3

The following are a part of my NEW Cross Stitched Stud Earring Jewelry Displays.
Fresh and fun, this would make a great gift for your loved one and/or yourself! What a darling way to display your stud earrings when they aren't worn by you!




These patterns are Original Andwabisabi! © Grace Kim 2010. Do not copy.

These items are also in my shop

Have a lovely weekend! Happy creating!

Curious? Take a peek!

I decided to share my work space with those whom are curious. This is where all my masterpieces come to life. hahaha jk :P It's where I create my illustrations, embroidery illustrations, design work, and of course, my andwabisabi line.

I've also updated my shop (andwabisabi) with new patterns! Take a peek!

For the remainder of April, customers who purchase $35 or more will get 10% off their entire purchase (amount will be refunded through paypal) Code: "twitter" at check out.

I have a twitter account! Follow me on twitter! I look forward to your tweets!

I wish everyone a wonderful weekend! Happy creating!

All is well... and warm!

Hello~ Hello~ I have missed you!
A lot has happened since I've last written. So I really don't know where to start, but all is well!
I have been learning how to knit and I've also grown an interest in creating miniature food out of polymer clay.
These are two crafts that I once tackled before and abandoned. Well, it looks like the second time around is the charm!

So without further ado, my ivory cable scarf! I will have to wear it when winter comes.

Isn't it quite lovely? I'm very happy with the way it came out! There is something just lovely and precious about cable scarfs. I'm partial to them and I find them quite endearing.

As for the minature foods, I haven't got around to taking pictures. I shall share them when I do!

Pika Pika

:) Hello Blog. I'm sorry for neglecting you. It seems like the more time I have on my hands, the less I'm able to do. This is why a person needs to stay busy! haha

Well let's see! I am re-learning how to knit. I totally suck at it and I've accepted the fact that the only thing I'll be able to knit is a scarf! My goal is to complete one scarf by the end of this year, instead of starting on 8 different ones. That in itself is a big task for me, haha

The weather today is not particularly gloomy nor sunny. Maybe it's just cloudy.

Guess what I've been doing these days. I've been trying to make Rainbow Rice Cake. Though I had to ditch the rainbow part because the steamer was too shallow. They say rice cake is easier to make than regular cake. Yeah right, that is a bunch of bogus. I tried making it with my friend 3 times and we failed miserably. I tried making it again alone, I got rice cake, but I wasn't particularly happy with the consistency. Maybe it's cause I used the packaged rice flour, instead of soaking rice and grinding the rice down to rice flour. ~__~
I'm so determined to do it until it's right. Right now I'm at attempt #6.

It looks alright, doesn't it? Looks are deceiving. Well it's ricecake, but it's not at the level of consistency I'd like it to be.

Oh Sunny day!

The sun is out again! Phew~ saved me just in time! As you know, I fail emotionally with the rain. And with a week of rain I've been so waiting for the sun! Thank you!

Finally managed to take a photo of my finish. I finished it in early December 2009.
Isn't it adorable? hahaha! ^^;
Excuse the funky angle, I was trying to keep the glare to a minimum.
Little Red Riding Hood by andwabisabi

"I'm an Animal"

"I'm an Animal"
Haha. Yes. I'm in a group show at the Black Maria Gallery (3137 Glendale Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90039-1805) If you live close-by, come and enjoy~
Opening night is this Friday, January 15, 2010 at 7:00PM ~ 10:30PM
It ends on Saturday, February 13, 2010


“YOU COULD SAY IT’S MY INSTINCT
YES I STILL HAVE ONE
I DON’T SECOND GUESS IT”

-“I’m an Animal” Neko Case 2008

As the new decade begins it seems time to stop in the forest, stick our wet noses in the air and try to sense what’s approaching. Guest curator Aaron Smith says it’s a group of female artists that are moving fast, bringing with them imagery that is beastly and beautiful, funny and ferocious.

Sarah Williamson, Mashanda Scott, Nicole Adee Dreyfuss, Connie Wong, Grace Kim, Brianna Harden, Saejean Oh, Alisha Amirkhanian, Shannon Freshwater and Daniaelle Simonsen are the young women who create work that is fearlessly candid and filled with the beauty and danger of nature.

Aaron Smith is a painter who has mounted several solo exhibitions in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York, with reviews in the Los Angeles Times, Art Ltd. and the Chicago Sun Times among others. He attended Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California where he is now an Associate Chair and was the first Artist in Residence at the J. Paul Getty Museum.

Kimchi :)

I'm just listening to music and semi-relaxing. My mom and I did make kimchi. Unfortunately, my hands were occupied, so I wasn't able to take pictures of the "real process" Instead, here's a picture of the cabbages sitting in a salt brine.

15 cabbages in all.

We started around 2:20PM and finished around 1AM. It's cause the brining part took so long!

Unfortunately, I don't have an exact recipe with measurements to share because we don't really measure anything, we just kind of eye it. The measurement of each ingredient also really depends on personal taste and how much kimchi you want to make at a time. We made kind of a lot. You may just want to start out smaller with 2 or 3 cabbages.

But these are just the steps you go through when making kimchi. Oh yes, and I'd recommend that you use some gloves if you don't want stained hands with burning sensations! :P

배추 김치 (bae-chu kim-chi)

Ingredients:

Napa Cabbage

Korean radish

Coarse sea salt

Garlic

Ginger

Green Onions

Fish sauce

Mochiko Powder

Red Pepper powder

Salt

Sugar

Raw oysters or shrimp

Water

1. Cut the cabbage in half and give it a dip in water. If the cabbage is very big, you can quarter them. (You don't need to wash it at this point, because you will wash it after it's been sitting in the salt brine)

2. Lift each leaf and sprinkle each individual leaf with coarse sea salt. The quick dip in the water will allow the salt to stick to the leaves. After you're done doing this for all the cabbages, put them in a large container with salted water. (Don't fill the container up to the brim with the water, just about half way) Let them sit in this brine for several hours. The cabbage will reduce in volume and turn darker in color. Remember to turn over the cabbages once in between so that they all get evenly covered in the salt brine.

3. In a medium saucepan, pour in mochiko powder (sweet rice flour) with water and simmer until the mixture turns into a thicker transluscent paste. Stir continuously to take out all the lumps and so the mixture doesn't burn onto the pan. Take it off the stove when it starts to boil.

4. After the mixture cools, stir in red pepper powder, salt, sugar, freshly minced garlic, minced ginger, and fish sauce. Incorporate well.

5. Once the cabbages are ready, rinse them under running water several times. About 3~4 times should do the trick. Drain the cabbages and give them a little squeeze.

6. Julliene some Korean radish and roughly chop some green onions and transfer them into a large container. Pour in the red pepper mixture and toss the ingredients together.

7. You can also add in chopped raw oysters or shrimp if you'd like. My mom makes it with raw shrimp. But if you feel uneasy about this, just omit it altogether. It's optional.

8. Mix all the ingredients together. Now spread the red pepper mixture thoroughly over the cabbage. Don't forget to lift each leaf and give it all a good coating with the mixture. Repeat this step for all the remaining cabbage.

9. Place the cabbages in a air tight contain or a glass jar.

You can eat it fresh or fermented, depending on what you prefer. To ferment, keep it in room temperature for 1 or 2 days, before transferring into the refrigerator/kimchi refrigerator. (Kimchi stays fresher longer in a kimchi refrigerator.) You will know if the kimchi is fermented when you open the container and see bubbling liquid and it smells sour. Also, don't fill the container or jar up to the very brim because it'll most likely leak juices while it ferments. And as you know kimchi stains are hard to get rid of.

I'm sorry that I couldn't provide any measurements.

Kimchi, and a bit of stitching!

Hello! Good morning!
It's fairly sunny outside today. It looks like a great day to make kimchi! hahaha, yes. I am making kimchi today!! These days we've run out of homemade kimchi so we've been eating storebought kimchi purely out of convenience, but of course homemade kimchi is the best. Weee! I'm so excited! As you know I'm like a kimchi killer and I cannot eat bab without kimchi! hahaha But it's not an ordinary task so I might be knocked out afterwards.

I hope the sunlight lasts so I can take a couple photos here and there.
Our next door neighbors have these really TALL trees that block a lot of sunlight that could have entered our house. Sometimes when the wind blows really hard, I get paranoid that the trees will bend over and topple over our roof and destroy. And I kid you not. One of the trees started tilting a bit and it already pushed the brick wall (that separates the two houses) and it's currently sloping at an angle.

I've also been stitching away with my andwabisabi characters! Here are some pictures:


Unibrow Body Builder Cross Stitch


Happy Milk Carton Cross Stitch


Cute Giraffe Cross Stitch

Patterns by Andwabisabi!

Good Bye 2009!

I love when Christmas time rolls along. It's too bad it has already come to an end. Although the holiday decoration isn't everything, I sure love the festive spirit they bring. The glowing lights warm my heart and remind me of endless opportunities.

I love being in the kitchen, raising the volume to some holiday music, swaying my hips to the rhythm, all the while sweet aromas fill me up.

I especially love listening to this song:

~~~Chestnuts roasting on an open fire

Jack Frost nipping at your nose

Yuletide carols being sung by a choir

And folks dressed up like Eskimos

Ev'rybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight

They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And ev'ry mother's child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly

And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said many times, many ways,
"Merry Christmas to you." ~~~





at The Grove one winter night '09

Good bye 2009! And Hello 2010~ Wishing you the very best in health, in happiness and prosperity! I hope the new year brings you many, many blessings.

Happy New Year!

Hello Blog

It's been a while since my last post. Hello blog! Lots of things have happened between then and now. I finally graduated from Art Center! I expected to feel great, I told myself I'll finally have some freedom. No. No. I really miss school, despite all the sleepless nights and stress that comes from it. I need that schedule, I need the strict deadline, and I need those brutal critiques. I just hope it's prepared me to jump in the real world.

The new year is approaching, and so fast. I really can't keep track of the days anymore, they are getting blurred together. Some special moments, some sparks, but I want some glowing action, haha. I want some excitement back in my life and I know the new year is going throw a lot of obstacles my way. Finding a job, but most importantly, finding a job that I will actually enjoy is my priority. :)
2009 has been the most challenging year yet. I've had to jump over many hurdles, come face to face with situations I thought I'd never have to encounter in my lifetime- but I can't take back what has happened, it was never in my power. If there was any good in the bad, I have grown from the experience. It may have been a blessing in disguise.

In the New Year I hope for the best, most importantly I wish for good health and happiness. Cheers to a wonderful New Year! Happy New Year!

I also wish the best for my cutie, Lee Seung Gi! I don't think his 'Will you marry me?' song will ever grow old on me. The perfect proposal song! 나랑 결혼해줄래?

Two Way Street

Relationships are so odd and yet one of the most fundamental things in your life. The world cannot function without our relationships, whether it is between people, animals, nature, materials, and so on.

To cultivate a relationship, it's a two way street.

I simply don't want to read in between the lines anymore.