Post-fair Syndrome

Natalis ended a week ago. No more fairs for me this year. I'm completely exhausted, both physically and mentally.

I've been very very lazy this week, just wanna sleep and do nothing. I'm sad, because the fair at Milan didn't go well at all. Natalis was okay, but not enough. These two fairs disappoint me, now I'm depressed, I think I've got the post-fair Syndrome.

Business is not easy. NOTHING is easy......

Natalis

China Qiao at Natalis, starting TODAY!

Winter clothes collection, Chinese handmade dolls, and Miao ethnic bijus.

P.S. I'm still in Milan at the moment, now Alex is taking care of the stand at Natalis. Poor guy...LOL! I'll be back next Wednesday!

First day of L'ARTIGIANO

Today a lot of people took my name card, but they cannot find any information about the decoration stuffs in the blog.

Here is my explanation. This time I brought new stuffs to Milan besides clothes, which are home decorations with oriental style. These decorations are very nice, every piece is art. But they occupy all the space in my stand, so I cannot find a tiny space to show my clothes anymore.

Here I just give a brief introduction of these decorations. All these pieces are from a young designer in China. Most of them are made of stone powders from mountains in a south region of China, named GuangXi. They are all handmade, very delicate. The style is what I appreciate, very orient, but interpreted in a new way. Below are some pics of these decorations, have a look.

People are asking if I have a shop in Milan. The answer is 'No'. Also there are no other shops selling these decorations in Italy. At the moment I'm not ready yet to sell online, due to the transportation difficulty.

Cooking course: Stir-fried Chinese cabbage with Shitake mushroom

I'm leaving for Milan tomorrow. For a crafts fair called L'ARTIGIANO IN FIERA 2008. It's a very big international crafts fair, I assume it is the biggest one in Europe at least. Let's see how it is!

I made a nice dish today O(∩_∩)O, it is a common dish which I cook quite often. Both Alex and I love a lot!!! Very simple to cook, check it out now!

Recipe:

1) Two Chinese cabbages, two dried Shitake mushrooms. (They are always sold at Chinese supermarkets near Martim Moniz. Sometimes I can also find this kind of cabbage at the Bio Market at Jardim do Princípe Real, and there are also fresh Shitake mushrooms, they can be used instead of the dried ones in this dish, but you should put more if you use fresh ones, coz they shrink a lot after cooked.)

2) Tear the cabbages into pieces, soak the dried mushrooms in boiled water, for at least 1 hour, till they get very soft.

3) Cut the mushrooms into slices.







4) Put some olive oil in the wok. After it's warm, put in the cabbages.







5) Add the mushrooms, and some salt, stir-fry.

6) After the cabbages shrink, and some water coming out, READY!

Chinese traditional fabric available

I don't remember how many people have asked me for this traditional Chinese fabric, with phenix and peony graphic, most popular in red. Finally I found it! Now you can order it online :-)

About my real shop

Some people are asking me when my real shop can be open. I'm sorry that you still have to wait for some time. I did say that probably I would have my shop at Bairro Alto, however in the end it didn't work out because of this, that, bla bla bla...

But I never give up the idea of the shop. Alex is still waiting for the answer of work in Porto, so I have to wait too. Then I'll see where to have the shop, Porto or Lisboa. Let's be more patient...

China Qiao em duas lojas

Agora, há duas lojas em Lisboa com as minhas roupas :-)

1) ó chá Tea Room (Rua Luis Augusto Palmeirim, 18, 1700-275 Lisboa)

2) Rosa 78 (Rua da Rosa, 76-78, 1200-388 Lisboa)

Bem Vindo!

New clothes

New clothes updates are released~~~~~

1st Chinese cooking course - tomato and egg soup

I've been thinking about writing recipes of Chinese cooking for a long time. Now finally I decide to take the step forward, I cannot stand myself anymore for just thinking and imagining all the time!

"I cannot live without Chinese food!!!" I'm alway saying this to Alex. I'm not exaggerating, sincerely!!! I've been abroad of China for 4 years, and I miss Chinese food everyday! The good thing is that I love cooking, I can spend hours in the kitchen and I enjoy it! But I only cook Chinese food, very stubborn, aren't I? Of course I'm always the one who is in charge of the kitchen at home. It's not that Alex doesn't cook, but I just don't give him the chance, kakaka. I'm very domineering too, aren't I? LOL! Good that he is very relaxed, and willing to be the 'victm' of my food, lol! But I'm not a bad cook at all, Alex and his brother can prove it (who are my constant 'victms') O(∩_∩)O

The first dish I'd like to introduce is ~~~~~TOMATO AND EGG SOUP~~~~
It's a very simple dish, and one of my favourites! Ready in 10 mins!

Recipe:




1) Ingredients:
3-4 tomatos (medium), 1-2 eggs, 400-500ml water, oil (either azeit or vegetable oil), salt.












2) Cut tomatos in pieces, smash eggs.











3) Put water in pot, add tomatos and some oil (not much), then boil (Mid-fire).











4) After it is boiling for 5 mins, put eggs in, turn off fire after 10 seconds.












5) Add some salt, READY!







Done! All the pics are taken by Alex and me :-) Wanna have a look how our dinner was on that day? Very simple, a main dish, a soup, and a lot of rice of course, hehe. YUMMY!

Ethnic Miao - II

Have a look!

Amazing, isn't it? This is one pic I chose online. I haven't got the chance to visit Miao area yet, when I go back to China next time, I will visit for sure and take lots of photos (*^__^*)

The whole set above must be heavy, I guess at least several kilos. I have to try next time during my visit. I don't think the girls are wearing all these everyday, it must be something very percious and they only wear during festivals and celebrations.

There is a widespread legend about the ancestor of Miao tribe. At the beginning of the world, a butterfly was borned inside a maple tree. This butterfly fell in love with the bubles in the river, afterwards she laid 12 eggs. One egg became the ancestor of Miao, and all the other 11 eggs turned into different creatures in the world. So Miao people believe the butterfly is the mother of their ancestor, and regard her as "Butterfly Mama".

Miao people like to use figures like butterfly and maple leaves in their embroideries, batiks and bijutarias, to in memory of their ancestors. They also use a lot different creatures such as animals (dragon, phenix, fish...) and plants (flowers) to symbolize productive and lively life.

So, this is what I know about Miao. I'm very looking forward to visiting Guizhou, it's a neighbouring provice of my hometown Sichuan, so I shouldn't miss it when going back next time!

One more pic of cute Miao kids O(∩_∩)O

Ethnic Miao - I

During my last two fairs, I exhibited some original bijutaria from one ethnic in China, a lot of people showed a lot of interest. Now I just put some of these biju in Loja Qiao, so I think it's good to talk about this ethnic group here (*^__^*)

So the ethnic is called MIAO, and most of them live in the province of Guizhou and Yunnan, very south of China. I don't know if you have any idea of Chinese geography, anyway, you can easily google them.

When talking about Miao, there are 3 things which cannot be NOT mentioned: BIJUTARIA, EMBROIDERY and BATIK. I love the embroidery and batik too, hope in the future I can talk about them here.

We Chinese usually say Miao Silver when referring Miao bijutaria. But actually these traditional trinkets are not only made from silver, but also copper-nickel alloy. That's why the value is less than pure silver biju.

......to be continued

See you this weekend!

So, I have been preparing for Mundo Mix these days, but I feel sort of guilty because I didn't update my blog much :-(

Sorry that I haven't got much time to put all my new collections here, but if you come to visit Mundo Mix Estoril this weekend, I promise you will not be disappointed.

Okay, I'm going back to work now, see you soon at Estoril!

Introduction - Autumn Collection

Summer is leaving, autumn is coming; holidays are finishing, works and schools are starting. New start, new look ---a relaxing 'formal' blouse :-)

1. Size M, Bust: 92cm, Sleeve Length: 59cm, Cuff: 20cm, Clothes Length: 78cm, Size L, Bust: 96cm, Sleeve Length: 59cm, Cuff: 22cm, Clothes Length: 80cm.
2. Textile: cotton
3. Model: 162cm, 51kg, in Size M

Any idea of the Vietnamese style? The elegant piece above is kind of. Or I can say it is the Vietnamese style interpreted by the Chinese designer o(∩_∩)o...

1. Size M, Shoulder-Shoulder: 36cm, Sleeve Length: 63cm, Bust: 90cm, Waist: 76cm, Clothes Length: 86cm, Size L, Shoulder-Shoulder: 38cm, Sleeve Length: 65cm, Bust: 94cm, Waist: 80cm, Clothes Length:88 cm
2. Textile: cotton, linen
3. Model: 158cm, 50kg, in Size M. Photographer: 170cm, 61kg, fits into size L.

Only one word for this piece...AMAZING...

1. Size Unique, Bust: unlimited, Waist: unlimited.
2. Textile: velvet
3. Model: 158cm, 50kg

Classical, also modern...

1. Size Unique, Bust: 92cm, Sleeve Length: 23cm, Clothes Length (front): 55cm, Clothes Length (back): 54cm, Clothes Length (sides): 75cm
2. Textile: cotton
3. Model: 162cm, 51kg

Mundo Mix Estoril

A minha próxima feira~~~~~~

Autumn Collection

It has been a long time...Now the first Autumn Collection is open! Every piece in this Autumn Collection will be shown at mercado Mundomix Estoril 26~28 Sept. More details are coming...

back to work

Is everyone back to work already today? 1st September, I remember it is always the start of a new year for schools (usually the case in China). When I was young, I hated this date, coz I didn't like school at all, kakaka.

Now no more schools, but it comes work, hehehe. But I'm more motivated, because I am enjoying it :-)

a depressive day :-(

Hoje à tarde, Alex and I went to talk with his parents about our decision of having a loja. As we predicted, the old couple reacted tremendously negatively about the loja idea :-(...I know they wouldn't agree, because Alex has mentioned with them before, and they were not happy with my 'crazy' idea at all.

Economic crisis, jobless at the moment (Alex and me), full of risks in business, being apart (Alex is probably going to work in Porto, and I want to have my store in Bairro Alto in Lisboa), a risk to Alex's brother (since we are going to ask his brother to be the guarantor of the store renting contract), I don't speak much Portuguese, Bairro Alto is a dangerous area for me to run a shop alone......All possible and impossible reasons have been mentioned to make us give up our 'crazy' idea.

I am very sad, very very sad about it. I understand the old couple want to protect and help us, but I don't agree that this is the way how children should be protected and helped. Maybe this is the generation gap, culture gap, or even family gap? I didn't just dream about opening a store, then the next day wake up with this fancy dream in mind and announce everyone that I'm going for it. I've been conceiving the idea of having a store with Chinese designs since March this year. Then I conducted an online survey about people's interest in oriental stuffs. Encouraged by people's massive positive attitude, I didn't hesitate at all to fly back to China to search for possible products in April. In July and August, I participated two fairs to get a better image of the market here in Portugal. During the fairs, a lot of customers were quited interested in my stuffs and questioning if I have a shop. Encouraged again, I made up my mind to make one step forward with the business, that is to run a shop here. I DO feel that people here are suffering from the ongoing economic crisis, I know there are risks, BUT still, I have a strong wish to have my own store. I don't believe the crisis will last forever, and there exists risks for everything, doesn't it?

Anyway, I've made up my mind. I know there is a rocky road in front of me, but if I never go through it, I will never ever know what's on the other side of the road.

I AM BACK

Dear All,

I AM BACK!!! Summer hibernating ACABA!!!

Vou voltar depois de 24 Augosto

The blog will be hibernating for 2 weeks time (though it's summer time now, hahaha). Because I am at Peniche for the fair now :-)

I will come back after 24 Augosto!

Beijinhos

PENICHE artesanato 2008

Olá!

I'm going to Peniche for the Feira Artesanato tomorrow! Sorry that I didn't inform everyone in advance. It's a SURPRISE, hahaha! The fair will start this Friday, and last till 24th this month. This is going to be my 2nd fair, hope it's going to be lots of fun, hehehe. So if you have time, just pass by Peniche, to enjoy the praia, peixe grelhada, and the fair :-)

6th Feira Internacional de Artesanato de Peniche
Length: 8 - 24 August, 2008
Location: Peniche Fireman Pavillion
Entry: Free
Time: Week days 14:00 - 24:00
Weekend days 11:00 - 24:00

See you there!

P.S. I would like to practise to write more in Portuguese from now on. But it's already too late today, it will take me at least 2 hrs more to write this post in Portuguese (excuse, hahaha), so I chose English, ajajaja. Anyway, boa noite e beijinhos para todos ^0^

preguiçosa...

A Qiaoqiao fica preguiçosa nestes dias......

Todos estão a fazer férias neste momento, a Qiaoqiao também quere ^_^

highlights of Collection 27 Julho - part II

Chinese Elegance...There is no more need to say about this long skirt, very classical, you can feel it strongly...

1. Size M, Low Waist: 74cm, Hips: 96cm, Length: 91cm, Size L, Low Waist: 78cm, Hips: 100cm, Length: 93cm
2. Fabric: cotton, linen
3. Model: 162cm, 51kg, in Size M

Chinese top + Western jeans? Why NOT? Size XXL is available, espeically for a bit bigger ladies :-)

1. Size M, Bust: 76-94cm, Length: 66cm, Size XXL, Bust: 96-110cm, Length: 72cm
2. Fabric: Silk
3. Model: 162cm, 51kg, in Size M

Two pieces of cloth, with just a simple V cut. Life is simple, if you take it naturally...

1. Size Unique, Bust: 94cm, Length: 79cm
2. Fabric: cotton
3. Model: 158cm, 50kg

highlights of Collection 27 Julho - part I

Holiday season, so quiet in Lisbon...

Hope the new collection brings you a trace of freshness...



Purple jacaranda, a bit ethnic, and very elegant. This free style is suitable for a bit bigger ladies too :-) Black color is also available.

1. Size Unique, Above bust: 90-100cm, Bust: 90-120cm, Waist: unlimitied, Length: 122cm
2. Fabric: floss, cotton, linen
3. Model: 158cm, 50kg. Photographer: 170cm, 61kg, fits into size unique too.
   

A unique pumpkin dress, very adorable.

1. Size Unique, Bust: 80-120cm, Waist: unlimited, Length: 85cm
2. Fabric: cotton, linen
3. Model: 158cm, 50kg. Photographer: 170cm, 61kg, fits into size unique too.

A very simple top, a good match to either jeans or skirts. The flower part is the highlight, it looks like an extra singlet inside, but actually it is fake.

1. Size S, Bust: 82cm, Waist: 72cm, Length: 54cm, Size M, Bust: 86cm, Waist: 76cm, Length: 56cm, Size L, Bust: 90cm, Waist: 80cm, Length: 58cm
2. With a zipper at the side of waist
3. Fabric: cotton, linen
4. Model: 158cm, 50kg, in size S. Photographer: 170cm, 61kg, fits into size L.

The designer likes 'CONVERSE'. So she had the idea of making a 'converse' version of pants, hahaha! Crazy, isn't it? But I love it! Without the string, it turns into a skirt. Pants, skirt, whatever you like.

1. Size Unique, Waist: 70-100cm, with elastic, Length: 61cm
2. Fabric: slub
3. Model: 162cm, 51kg

The mascots

''Fuwa'' are the offical mascots of Beijing 2008. They are five together. Each represents one of the five Olympic Rings.


''Fuwa'' in Chinese mean ''Blessing children''. They are five little playful children who symbolize different blessings -- prosperity, happiness, passion, health and good luck. They embody the natural characteristics of four of China's most popular animals -- the Fish, the Panda, the Tibetan Antelope, the Swallow -- and the Olympic Flame. They also embody the five elements of nature -- the sea, forest, fire, earth and sky -- all stylistically rendered in ways that represent the deep traditional influences of Chinese folk art and ornamentation.


Each of ''Fuwa'' has a rhyming two-syllable name -- a traditional way of expressing affection for children in China. ''Beibei'' is the Fish, ''Jingjing'' is the Panda, ''Huanhuan'' is the Olympic Flame, ''Yingying'' is the Tibetan Antelope and ''Nini'' is the Swallow.


If you put their names together -- ''Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni'' -- in Chinese it says "Welcome to Beijing'', a warm invitation to everyone in the world.



This is ''Beibei''. She represents the fish and water. In China's traditional culture and art, the fish and water designs are symbols of prosperity and harvest. And so Beibei carries the blessing of prosperity. A fish is also a symbol of surplus in Chinese culture, another measure of a good year and a good life. The ornamental lines of the water-wave designs are taken from well-known Chinese paintings of the past.




''Jingjing'' is a panda, as everyone can see. He brings the blessing of happiness, because as a national treasure and a protected species, pandas' charming naivety makes children smile, and is adored by people everywhere. Jingjing's headress symbolizes the lush forest and the harmonious relationship between man and nature. Jingjing was chosen to represent our desire to protect nature's gifts -- and to preserve the beauty of nature for all generations.



This is ''Huanhuan''. He is the big brother among the five Fuwa. He is a child of fire, symbolizing the Olympic Flame and the passion of sport -- and passion is the blessing he bestows. Huanhuan stands in the center of Fuwa as the core embodiment of the Olympic spirit. The fiery designs of his head ornament are drawn from the famed Dunhuang murals -- with just a touch of China's traditional lucky designs.


''Yingying'' represents a species of antelopes unique to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, one of the first animals put under protection in China. Like all antelopes, Yingying is fast and agile and can swiftly cover great stretches of land as he races across the earth. Therefore, the antelope carries the blessing of health, the strength of body that comes from harmony with nature. Jingjing's head ornament incorporates several decorative styles from the Qinghai-Tibet and Sinkiang cultures and the ethnic design traditions of Western China.



The last Fuwa, is called ''Nini''. Nini's figure is drawn from a traditional Chinese kite design of swallow. Every spring and summer, people in Beijing have the hobby of flying kites. Among the kite designs, the golden-winged swallow is traditionally one of the most popular. Nini's golden wings symbolize the infinite sky and spread good-luck as a blessing. Swallow is also pronounced "Yan" in Chinese, and ''Yanjing'' is what Beijing was called as an ancient capital city.

What do you know about Olympic 2008?

Beijing 2008 is coming very soon. People were asking if I would go to Beijing to see the games, and my answer is: Pity, I'm not that lucky. The expenses are far beyond my reach, and I believe Beijing is fully packed with visitors all over the world, so I would rather stay in front of TV and watch the games with ease and peace.

I believe most people have seen the emblem and mascots of this Olympic games since a long time ago. But do you know what they represent? Well, to be honest, I was not very clear about it, what a shame, jajajaja. Yesterday, I visited the offical site of Beijing 2008, then finally I figured out what they stand for. So let's have a look before the games start ;-)

''Dancing Beijing'' is the name of the emblem. It is a symbol of a Chinese seal. The Chinese character of the seal means ''Jing'', which is the latter of the city's name. With inspiration from the traditional Chinese art form - calligraphic art, the character is developed into the form of a dancing human being.

''Red'' is a favorite color of the Chinese people. It is intensively used in the emblem, because tt carries Chinese people's longing for luck and happiness and their explanation of life.

Important announcement 2

I haven't got a real store yet, therefore I don't have to add some extra cost to the sales, such as house rental, furnishing, bla bla bla......then the online prices will be reasonably lower. However, you have to be aware of the disadvantage of shopping clothes online, which is that you are not able to try the clothes in person before purchase. Anyhow, I will try my best to describe each product as detailed as possible, then you measure your sizes carefully and choose the right size for you.

All the online sales in China Qiao are based on 'trust - trust' basis. You make the order first, then give the payment when receiving the goods. The payment includes the goods cost and the postal fee if it applies. Receipts will be sent together with the goods. Payment should be done within 3 days after receiving the goods, preferably via bank transfer.

If you have any questions or other suggestions, please feel free to contact me via email or mobile. I'm always available :-)

Highlights of collection 18 Julho

This is an interesting dress, just looks like a blossoming bud. April peony, July jasmine and October jimsonweed. No matter you are slender or a bit bigger, you can be a different YOU in this unique dress. This summer is just for you......

1. Size: unique, Bust: 94cm, Waist: 120cm, Hips: 140cm
2. Fabric: Linen, cotton, chiffon.
3. Model: 158cm, 50kg, in size unique. Photographer: 170cm, 61kg, fits into size unique too.

A simple top, with just a lace decorating. Grey and black, red and green. Great contrast between the colors, a free style.

1. Size: unique, Bust: 94cm, Clothes length: 71cm
2. Fabric: cotton
3. Model: 162cm, 51kg, in size unique.

Flowers, flowers and more flowers :-) Summer is the season for flowers. This is a romantic blouse, with romantic cuffs and romantic flowers, and a sense of ancient greek style. Be a princess in the fairy tale once, in this summer.

1. Size: unique, Bust: unlimited, Clothes length: 68 cm
2. Fabric: cotton
3. Model: 162cm, 51kg, in size unique.

Blue and white, as pure as sky.

1. Size: unique, Bust: 88cm, Length: 93cm
2. Fabric: slub, hand weaven cloth
3. Model: 168cm, 48kg, in size unique. Photographer: 170cm, 61kg, fits into size unique too.

Yes, this is undoubtedly a CRAZY skirt. It's AMAZING! All differnt patches together, just like different flowers with all kinds of colors blossoming in the wind. The patches are randomly sewed in each piece, if you want surprise, if you dare to be different, this is the ONE for YOU.

1. Size M, Waist: 70cm elastic, Hips: 96cm elastic, Length: 92cm; Size L, Waist: 74cm elastic, Hip: 100cm elastic, Length: 94cm
2. Fabric: cotton
3. Model: 158cm, 51kg

Important: 1st collection online + start selling online

The first collection of clothes is HERE! It was added into the blog yesterday, and today I added more contents.

I also would like to announce that China Qiao is open for online orders from now on, till I have a real store built up in Lisbon. Since all the orders need to been sent back to China, it will take approximately 2 to 4 weeks to receive the actual products. It's very important to measure your sizes precisely before making an order. Here is the illustration of the correct measurement:

The collections will be updated whenever there are new designs coming out, so if you are interested, come to visit more often, hehehe :-)

The price of each piece in Collection 18 Julho will be added next week. So please be a bit patient. I also have to figure out the arrangement of goods payment. It's the my first time to sell online, so if anyone has any ideas or suggestions, please feel free to contact me, many thanks!

Enjoy the first collection<*_*>

FIA ACABOU!

Finally, FIA finished. Alex and I didn't manage to drag everything back home untill this noon. Cansada, cansada, e cansada. So, I accomplished my first fair. It's an interesting experience! I enjoyed a lot the international environment there, though sometimes quite chaotic; I spent very relaxing 9 days with my lovely neighbours, the Indonesian mum and son, the Indian brothers ect. ; and of course all the time I liked to introduce about my stand to the visitors. I am very very happy that a lot of people showed great interest in the clothes and bags. Nothing else can encourage me more than this. It's just like a feeling of being appreciated, which makes me extremely content. This encouragement solidify my thought of running a store here in Lisboa. I hope soon, this wish will come true!