iPad Fever: Review of iPad + JAVOedge Cherry Blossom Axis Case

Aside from summer work, travel, etc. I've been busy playing with my new Apple iPad. Yep, I took the plunge. Aside from the ZOMG! factor, it's been an investment for school and freelance work. If you live in New York, you know that you carry your life in your bag – laptop, makeup bag, notes, food/coffee, etc. It all adds up.  So far, it's holding up as a laptop substitute and is a breeze to throw inside my bag (along with a Bluetooth keyboard) and use to type up class notes, work emails, etc. on-the-go. 

I was so excited I documented its unboxing when I laid hands on it. 

Here is my iPad ready to play/work.

Now, I'm going to share with you my favorite apps to use for the iPad along with the case I'm rocking with it. Most are free which is perfect when you want to get up-to-speed in testing your iPad for your needs/wants.


Must-have Apps:
eReader Apps: Kindle, iBooks 
Fun Wow! Apps: FlipBoard, (streams Twitter/Facebook updates), Google Earth
Handy: Epicurious (Cooking), EverNote (writing), NPR (listening + reading), Adobe Idea Board (sketching)
Entertainment: ComicZeal (reading manga), CrunchyRoll (watching anime, dramas), CineXPlayer (watching my AVI formatted movies)

So, when you're sporting the hottest device around town, you know you're not going to want an ordinary case to show it off. Hello,  JAVOedge Cherry Blossom Axis Case (Twilight Purple). Full disclosure: I do freelance work for JAVOedge. When my boss heard I picked up an iPad, he offered me a choice of cases as a way to congratulate me (he's a total tech purchase enabler).

 I've been scouting iPad cases already but the JAVOedge Cherry Blossom Axis Case had me on 2 key parts: 

1) The Japanese cherry blossom print is awesome, eye catching, and very distinctive. 

2) The functionality of the case itself is killer. The case can flip your iPad into landscape or portrait mode and can be set to tilt at 3 different angles. That is SO major for someone who's as OCD-ADD multitasking as I am. Want to watch movies? Flip it to landscape mode. Want to read manga? Flip to portrait mode. Need to type at a good angle? Set it at preferred tilt. I love having choices and so far, I haven't seen a similar case that offers me the pretty femme looks with the practical functionality. 

See the JAVOedge Cherry Blossom Axis Case for the iPad in motion. I created a lil' stop motion animation for it (due to my MBP spazzing, I had to shoot it with my iSight cam!)

So, I had to share my iPad love with a review of my iPad and its new case because, really, the two go hand-to-hand as any iPad user will know. The case makes my life easier when handling the iPad. I don't get folks who just handle their iPad naked. At 1.5 lbs., the iPad is a bit heavy to handle for a long length of time. Using a case that has a kickstand prop helps me reduce neck strain which is a big deal for someone who is addicted to their computer/Internet as much as I am. 

Pro's: Looks. It doesn't look like a typical "tech" case.  Ability to flip iPad into landscape, portrait mode. Fabric exterior makes it soft/nice to touch. 

Con's: The rubber steps can leave some smudges on iPad screen. Easily wiped away but it could be more thoughtfully integrated into the case. You may need to break the case in to  get it to work to your liking (not so much a biggie). 

Overall: The iPad is a great choice if you're looking for a light-weight alternative to a netbook. It's an eReader, movie/music player, and has some convenient uses due to its form. With a blue tooth keyboard, you can easily type up notes for meetings and it's great for demo'ing photographs, sites, etc. if you're in the creative business. I definitely love my JAVOedge Axis Case -- it's versatile, attractive, and really functional at being able to set it at portrait or landscape mode. At $40, it beats Apple's official iPad case!  if you're interested, they have other designs for girls and guys at Amazon.

I'm on Tumblr!

"I am Fashion" - Coco Chanel

I haven't bought a fashion magazine in ages. Why should I when I find more inspiration in sartorial style and tips than the Internet? Hello YouTube and Tumblr. Yes, I joined the Tumblr bandwagon and that's partly one of the reasons why I've been so distracted – between my Tumblr and Pinterest, I've been busy scouring and documenting my fashion/beauty/shopping inspirations on the Net. Head over to my Tumblr to see what I'm finding right at this moment. 

I Am In Love with Pinterest

dearlydevoted's Fashion Pinterest Board.

What have I been doing lately? Well, aside from checking ulzzhang, beauty Tumblr blogs, and tackling the world, I came across Pinterst via Oh! Joy blog. Pinterest is a "place to share collections of things you love -- whether that's food, art, clothing, or books." I love the picture-driven format where every item gets a neat white border and label. A virtual pin-up board which is ALOT easier then how I would just save random photos to my hard-drive and forget where I found the original image source. 

 dearlydevoted's Illustration Pinterest Board.

Feeling Blue

Looking for Japanese artist work? Check out Pixiv, the Japanese equivalent of Deviant Art. 

I'm inspired by blues right now. Miku, above, is my current desktop.

Summer Travel: Stylish Jet Setter Packing

Who wants to travel? I do, I do! Of course, the fantasy of travel is doing it in style. I love daydreaming about destinations, how I would pack, what to wear, keep myself comfortable on a luxurious, international flight (oh to win the lotto...).  I spend alot of time fussing but to me, packing adds up the fun to it (when its for pleasure and not for work!). 

Here's a mix of high-and-low priced travel accessories I picked to brighten up my trip experience. 

Clockwise: 19" HIDEO JELLY BEAN TROLLEY YELLOW, $185, MOROCCO SQUARE ORGANIZER   $28. SLEEP MASK ROYAL BLOSSOM, $22 at Flight001.com.  Proenza Schouler Large Leather PS1, $1995 at Barneys. Evian Spray Mist, $12 at Sephora. PAR AVION BAG TAG, $18, TOILE PASSPORT, $18 at Flight001.com

My first destination: Tokyo!

More posts to come on the topic of travel. It's really something I enjoy. 

Bath Time is the Best

Photo taken with ToyCamera

Summertime is here and the living is easy, as the song goes. Cashing in on relaxation time since I'm off from school. What does this mean? I discovered Lush Products and am still dabbling in nail art. This time, I'm sporting bubblegum pink nails with white french tip.

Surprisingly fragrant and bubblelicious. I love the Frosty Glitter, it turns everything pink, shiny, and perfumed in a non-overwhelming way. The Amandopondo is a delicate rose scent that's a nice floral accent.  Rather than crumble everything into the bath, I take chunks at a time so I don't waste it all in one go (not that decadent!). They are a perfect indulgent gift to yourself. 

AMANDOPONDO and Frosty Glitter, $7.95 at Lush.com

Retail Therapy + Early Birthday Surprise

 I'll be rocking these at a summer wedding soon. Rachel Roy Olla Sandals (Black), $83 at Rachel Roy.

Despite their looks, they are surprisingly comfortable to walk in! Major important as I'll put these sandals to the test for a summer wedding and later in New York.

My BF surprised me with an early birthday present ~ my dream bag I've been coveting for years...

Documenting the lovely Louis Vuitton packaging.

Tada! The Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 in Damier

Summertime Nail Art

As the weather heats up, you look for ways to cool down. Aside from shedding layers, I'm playing around with nail art this summer. I'm sporting a nail design I call Peppermint Tips I created myself.  Not too shabby for my first attempt at a French manicure? 

Inspired by Fuck Yeah Nail Art, a tumblr photo blog.

My Daily Tech Accessories

Notice the color coordination? I'm fashionably picky. I've been meaning to document my latest looks. I love looking at the latest smartphone cases, decal skins, etc.  Here's what I'm rocking: 15" MacBook Pro clad in a Speck Shell Case, Western Digital Backup HD, 

JAVOedge Cherry Blossom Book Style Case for iPhone 3G

JAVOedge Cherry Blossom Book Style Case for the Apple iPhone 3GS/3G (Twilight Purple)

Adore the Cherry Blossom print with the geometric patterns of this case. 

Matching interior inside with room to store my ID and Starbucks Reward card.

Protects my iPhone from getting scuffs in the front if I drop it. 

If you're wondering, Cher is a Japanese fashion brand. Got the sticker from a J-magazine.

Western Digital My Passport Essential 500 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive (Midnight Black)

Wedding Photography: Our Labor of Love

"jennie and brian" via Our Labor of Love

If I could throw a wedding right now, I'd hire Our Labor of Love in a heartbeat, no hesitation to capture the most romantic time of my life. The Atlanta-based wedding photography duo manage to fill their snapshots to the brim with whimsy, emotion, and most of all, a fun, devil-may-care attitude. You can tell that the couples who commission them share the same sentiments and really work with them to produce these memorable pictures. 

I'll let the photos do the talking.

"jennie and brian" via Our Labor of Love

"matt and danielle" via Our Labor of Love

 "mari and brendan"  via Our Labor of Love

Audrey Kawasaki

 "Hitorigoto" ひとり言 soliloquy 16"x20" 

Audrey Kawasaki's artwork first captured my attention when I was perusing GelaSkins for laptop decals.  After looking through their artist series, I discovered this LA-based artist whose artwork is a sensual mix of traditional Japanese mythology, manga, Art Nouveau, and natural organic scenes. In using natural wood as her canvas, the warmth gleams through her artwork and adds a special ambiance to it. I love the delicate, moody atmosphere her art exhibits. Truly beautiful. 

 Hyakki Yakou 

"Kazamachi" 風待ち waiting 30"x30"

Yuuwaku

Street Sign Art in the East Village

Innocuously placed below a pedestrian street crossing sign. 

Gotta love the slogan: "When the bombs are fallin' don't come callin'!"

Happy Chinese New Year!

Still recovering from Chinese New Year celebrations in New York over the weekend. For Chinese New Year, it's auspicious to tidy up your house, dress up, and go out and have a good time out! (OK, I just made up the last two) but Chinatown was so pretty and ready to rock the Year of the Tiger. Confetti poppers, FIVE different Lion Dance performance troupes, and loads of people just taking in the human spectacle. Good times, good food. Sharing my weekend snapshots via Toy Camera app, iPhone.

Champagne Nails

Take a shimmery Champagne nail polish, layer with pink glitter polish, repeat and bam! My nails' be popping. Neutral Glam? The color is not too distracting while I'm pecking at the keyboards at work but still noticeably prettier then the usual Essie nail polish I use.  Photos shot with a Canon PowerShot G10 using the macro setting for close-up views.   

Valentine's Day Flowers are the Best

iPhone self-portrait via ToyCamera app


"Everyone needs beauty as well as bread" -  John Muir
This is a special post right in time for Valentine's Day.  I'm not the sappy type but I have to say I was really happy when my BF arranged a surprise delivery of my favorite flowers  – ranunculus flowers mixed with roses and tulips–  to me at school. Since I've been hard at work, away from him, it felt really, really, really good to know he was thinking of me from afar. 


 You see, I'm the chatty type and my tall, quiet, stoic BF has heard me ramble on and on  about how much I adore peonies and ranunculus flowers but he usually keeps mum (I can really count on one hand how many time he's given me flowers). This time, I was floored.  This bouquet of flowers brought some beauty into my life where, sometimes, living in New York on a tight budget away from family and friends, can feel quite lonely. Cheers to you, BF.  I <3 you.  So, dearly devoted readers, as inspiration, I say, pay it forward. Give a compliment to a stranger or flowers to family/friends, Valentine's Day doesn't have to be a crazy commercial holiday. You never know what a person feels like on the inside and how a small action can mean alot. This really brightened up my day. 
Ranunculous/Roses/Tulip Bouquet by Adore Floral, Noho, NYC.

Hang this on your wall designers: Killer Jellyfish of Graphic Design Favors

Killer Jellyfish of Graphic Design Favors

Originally uploaded by lunchbreath

Read it. Memorize It. Eek, eek, eek.
Try to avoid the Killer Jellyfish of Graphic Design Favors. via Flickr, free.

Pick Me Up Mondays : Home Is Where the Heart Is

This heart-shaped welcome mat makes me feel bitter sweet since I'm in a long-distance relationship. Yes, going home would be nice for Valentine's Day. Spotted at Design Milk:

home is where the heart is doormat via Chiasso, $24

Happy Valentine's Day: Uncooked Greeting Cards

My chosen Valentine's Day greeting card to my BF: "sometimes, i think you fell down from heaven, not just because your face is all crooked but because you're like an angel. a sweet, sweet angel." Love how kooky their card messages are. 

 via Uncooked Greeting Cards, $2.50.

Dreamy Photography | She Hit Pause Studios

white legs + bridge (brooklyn)

I met Matt Schwartz, the photographer behind She Hit Pause Studios at the Brooklyn Flea Market. He was friendly, approachable, and let his photographs speak for themselves at the market. His dreamy, vintage-inspired photographs grabbed me for their haunting, evocative, slightly faded  imagery ~ most depict women in portraiture, gazing away at the camera or focusing on graceful off-camera poses. His photographs feel intimate, up close, and as the viewer,  you are there experiencing a private moment with the subjects. Here are a few photos that I saw at Matt's stall at the  Brooklyn Flea Market that I wanted to share.

blue + white 

nude on bed

blue shoes