Time for Tea, Macaroon, and Giveaways!

..and in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.

(Abraham Lincoln)

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Time flies. It's almost two years since the first time I blogged as my alter ego: The Picnic Girl. The blogaversaire would be precisely fall on May 3rd, but now.. I'll present some giveaways for my loyal dearest reader. Yes you! My couple of years wouldn't be so lively without you all. For that, I'd never be able to thank enough. 

Enough saying for now, the long torturing contemplative post will be uploaded on the d-day, May 3rd. Here's the giveaways:

Clockwise:

1. Tea Dress- this dress is my favorite, actually.. yet, I've never worn it eversince I bought it. It's been washed once, but, it's practically new. This dress would flatter any hourglass-shaped ladies and is perfect for an evening tea party. All size (there's a elastic rubber band on the waist)

2. Pure Jewelz Owl Earing- as you can see, it's so cute and worth it! 

3. Marie Claire Suede Pump Shoes- I only worn it twice before, and it's so comfortable to walk on and would make your legs slightly longer! Size 37/38.  

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To enter the giveaway, post a comment on the comment box and this is what you have to do:

1. Choose..

which one would you like to receive after these three items?

2. Tell me.. 

once again, do you actually read my blog or do you just browse on the pictures? tell me all about what you think (what you like, what you don't).. Why? 

3. Suggest me.. 
what should I do to improve my blog? what do you want to read and found here? it's a plus if you can suggest me what's your 3 top favorite blogpost here?

4. Share.. 
please share about this giveaway to the world.. you can share it by making a blogpost about this giveaway completed with a link to this blogpost (or simply mention it on your latest post), or share it via Facebook, or simply by Twitter and mention @dreamiy on your tweet. Don't forget to add the link of the post on your comment  

5. Where.. 
tell me how and where can I reach you so when you win this giveaway, I'll easily contact you. So, leave me your email address or link to your blog or your twitter.  

6. Follow..

really, you don't need to follow me if you're not feeling like it, but.. it would be so nice if you do. ;)

This giveaway is open for everyone and I'd really love love love to hear from you.. This giveaway is open until the end of May (May 30, 2011) and I will choose the winner based on their comments. Yes, I'd really read each and everyone's. I'm longing to hear from you.. 

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Photographed by Dito Yuwono

Hugs,

Women in Colors

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As the last piece of April kebaya post, I'd like to share a picnic moment with my two fabulous Picnic Pals: Ani Himawati and Ria Papermoon. I'd also like to wish every women in Indonesia a happy Kartini commemorate day. She might only be an icon but, remember how she keeps every little schoolgirl inside of us yearning to achieve more and more, with eyes sparkle~ looking up to her. 

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Ani Himawati

whatever Kartini dreamt to be

With sparkly eyes of that little schoolgirl persona inside of Indonesian girls, Ani Himawati might be just the right ambasador of modern Kartini. Up to this second, she had achieved things Kartini used to dreamt long long time ago: education, freedom, and women's right.

Born and grew up in Yogyakarta, Ani Himawati is a true Javanese girl. She is soft-spoken (yet very 'crunchy' and talk active), adore classic wardrobe, and polite. She is a perfect combo of fun and ambitious at the same time.  

After finishing her doctoral degree (S3) in Europe; she now works in an International NGO, while still doing her role as a freelance researcher, author, women's right activist, and become one of the most sought-after woman anthropologist in Indonesia. In her free time, she's still active in art and social work in Jaringan Perempuan Yogyakarta (a networking community for women in Yogyakarta). She is one of the initiator of annual International women's day celebration: Women in Color (2009), Couleur Femme (2010), and Art International Woman Day (2011). Impressive, eh?

First time I met her in 2008, she was one of my respondent in my focus-group-discussion for my thesis. I was introduced to her back then as an author and just the perfect person to join my bookstore-related FGD. Later, I met her in several art-events and learned more about her now and in our latest picnic, I found out her little connection with my mom 15 years ago!:)) ahh.. universe!

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Ria Papermoon

colorful, even in black and white

My other picnic pal is Ria Papermoon; a lover of kebaya encim, the person behind Papermoon Puppet Theater  and an artist with a very sparky persona combined with warm personal-being; just like a rainbow! Her happiness and positivity is so contagious that I really don't need to put her photos in color, yet, she shines and sparkle all way through. 

Writing about her, I simply can't separate her life- job- personality that all collected in her warm and very intimate home. Her home is a place full of treasures and curiosities. There's always something new I found whenever I spend hours and days there; sharing ideas and references, latest picnic schedule, hours of non-stop chit-chat, delicious lunch, her to-die-for book collections, and I even made an article about her enormous collection of tin toys for my Huff Magazine next edition. That is exactly how colorful, inspiring,  and warm her life can be. 

Whenever I think about a girl with unusual dream-job, my mind goes directly to her. Puppeteer+ illustrator+children book author? all at the same time: how more dreamy could that be, eh?! A girl who's living up her dream no matter what people say at the very first time; has now proof that dream can actually come true. 

She (and her puppets) has now performed not only in Indonesia but also on International stages like India, Singapore, and New York. Her latest work, Mwathirika, has gained the biggest attention from the media and moves a lot of hearts to remember the almost-forgotten past of Indonesian genocide decades ago. Mwathirika has been replayed in Jakarta and rumor has it, Mwathirika will be performed once again next year. Make sure you won't miss it. (I made a little review about it, yet, I simply can't stay out of being very very cheesy in writing it. I cried the whole time!)

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Now..now.. with the presence of ladies like them, I'm sure that even Kartini herself will be so proud, don't you think? ;)

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So, happy Kartini day, Indonesian women.. stay true to yourself, reach the highest cloud, and don't be afraid to dream big! 


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Note on the outfit:

In this photoshoot, mbak Ani Himawati wore my family's heritage vintage kebaya mixed with her very own family's heritage hand-painted batik. The purple kebaya she wore was my grandmother's kebaya worn at my mother's engagement party with my late father years ago. The brown kebaya is a very very delicate and comfortable lace kebaya my mom wore in her engagement day. The black kebaya was my grandmother's she worn at my uncle's engagement party. 

Photographed by Dito Yuwono 

(click to check out the new look for his website!)

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P.S.: this post is dedicated to my mom~ she's my all time-heroine, my role model, as well as a very tough and educated women indeed. 

Love you, Mom! 

Hugs,

Kebaya: a Social Expression

Still in the RA Kartini commemoration month and a tribute to the Kebaya, now, lets browse a little more about this delicate attire. 

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Kebaya (traditional blouse-dress) is the national costume of Indonesia that is usually made by sheer material, velvet, brocade, silk, and lace. At first, kebaya was made to replace old Javanese traditional attire (Kemben) that look slightly like a tube dress and show some skin. Kebaya was worn by aristocratic women as a social expression of a refined status. 

There was once a time when only the royal family and the nobility allowed to wear this kind of blouse. After hundreds of years, kebaya turns into local expression of ethnic culture, artistry, and tailoring tradition. There are many style the kebaya offers, from the traditional kebaya, classic kutubaru, modern modified kebaya, and Nyonya's kebaya (which has such great colors, patterns, stories, and really-- it needs a whole chapter to write about it). 

It's funny how the history shows that kebaya was made for its politeness and modesty; for, now, kebaya is usually worn at parties with all the glittering beads and emboidery-- and also well known as it's sexiness.. well fitted lace kebaya is body-hugging and most of the time made of sheer material, leaving a little mistery for everyone. Intriguing, in some ways. 

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More and more designers try to create a 'wearable' and fashionable version of kebaya. Some notable designers like Anne Avantie and Raden Sirait (the galore and the dramas) are well known for their fabulous kebaya creation (really worth to browse in Google pictures!)..  as the perfect pair for kebaya, do check the hand-painted cloth from Obin in Bin House. Perfection! 

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For Jogjakarta residence, try Ageman (by appointment) for affordable party Kebaya, a.k.k.u. for modern and 'young' custom-made kebaya, or Santi Shop for super-casual kebaya to wear in daily basis. 

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Miy

Golden and Black Kebaya/ Sugeng Wahono

Batik Maxi Skirt / Sugeng Wahono

Black Shoes / House of Mango

Golden Part Bag / Borrowed!

Photographed by Dito Yuwono

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Hugs,

Steal the Look: RA Kartini

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Simple classic chignon decorated with fresh flower, kebaya and traditional batik cloth worn as a long skirt; are the signature style of RA Kartini. One that has been an obligatory outfit for Indonesian girls to wear to school at the commemorate day of RA Kartini (April 21st) every year. 

Since I was little, I love the dressy and powerful feeling of wearing kebaya and dress up as RA Kartini herself in that day. For that dressiness, kebaya paired with long batik skirt has also very popular here as a wedding or party gown. 

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About RA Kartini

(picture courtesy of Wikipedia)

RA Kartini is a Javanese princess who become Indonesian national heroine during the Dutch period for fighting the women's right for the very first time. She was born into an aristocrat family with a strong intellectual tradition. 

She went to school until she's 12 y.o. and speak Dutch fluently. Those are the privileged she got as a blue blood at that time. After turned 12, she was secluded at home only given the privilege of learning embroidery and allowed to go out in public for special occasion until she was married. 

But, being secluded at home doesn't turn off her will to learn more and more. She kept educating herself and start sending mails to her Dutch friend who later introduce her to feminist thought via Dutch magazines and newspaper sent from abroad. She read literally everything with a great deal of attention and thoughtfulness. Her concern was more that woman's emancipation but also their social condition. 

After she was married, she made the first school for women that later pioneering other woman's schools all over the country. In her letters, she wrote how she despise the Javanese women's tradition that made her secluded, unable to study, and must prepare for a polygamous marriage with a man she never knew. She also express her criticism to her religion and express her religious thoughts by being a vegetarian. She aimed to continue her study in Europe, yet, she got married and died at a very young age for giving birth to her first son. 

The letters she sent to her pen pals abroad can be read in her book: Letters of a Javanese Princess (available worldwide). Thanks to her, Indonesian women today are free to choose and educate themselves

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So, gorgeous readers from Indonesia.. do share me your Kebaya Kartini post and your stories, will you? For international reader, how do you think about her? Tell us about the feminist heroine in your country.

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P.s.: I hope I won't bore you with my month-long kebaya outfit post for next post will be more about this glamorous traditional outfit and great ladies who wore them ;) 
Stay tuned!

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Miy

Purple Modern Kebaya / a.k.k.u.

Batik Long Skirt / Afif Syakur

Shoes / Chrysalis 

Photographed by Dito Yuwono

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Hugs,

Fuchsia Fusion: The Kebaya

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I just realize that I don't really wear color that much. By color here, I mean: one that really scream, not my usual pastel-color dresses. So: tadaaaaa!! Let me present to you: fuchsia fusion. A mix of traditional kebaya and black modern items, with a touch of bright yellow fresh hibiscus flower.  

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Apparently, April is the commemorate month of RA Kartini, a Javanese princess who becomes a national heroine for pioneering woman's right in Indonesia. On her birthday (April 21st), women in Indonesia celebrate it by wearing kebaya (which is RA Kartini's signature style as well as national costume of Indonesia) as a tribute to this great princess. 

But, really.. that day is not only about kebaya, the essential point is in the celebration of equality, education, and rights of women that has fought by Kartini in her era. Thanks to her, nowadays, it's easy to find modern and great women in Indonesia with free access of education and equal right. 

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For that, I will dedicate some special posts all month long in this blog that is related to kebaya, Kartini, and today's women in Indonesia. So, do visit me back in few days to find a bit about "RA Kartini: Heroine and a Princess" in the muse series; the iconic "Kebaya: an Introduction"; and "The Picnic Pal" posts about two great ladies in their vintage heritage kebayas. 

Just sit back and relax! 

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Miy

Black Obi / a.k.k.u.

Black Bag / a birthday gift

Fuchsia Kebaya / a.k.k.u.

Black Shoes / House of Mango

Butterfly Necklace / a birthday gift 

Black Legging / some local boutique

and wild yellow Hibiscus flower in my hair

Photographed by Dito Yuwono




Find a bit about kebaya [here], RA Kartini [here], and previous traditional outfit post [here]

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Hugs,

Nine Lives

 Meet Totoro, my friend's cat. 

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Totoro is such a hugable furball that's just can't help but being adored.  I feel like I want to kidnap him, carry him in that pink basket and introduce him to my dear Shadow and Rosetta. Too bad that Sopo, my hamster, just passed away..ironically eaten by a wild cat when nobody around. If only Sopo has nine lives the way Toto does.. *sigh*


Apparently, Mbak Hera*, a soulful wedding photographer of Pak Jepret photography who owns Totoro, just lost her other dearest cat name Nero. Anyone of you who lives around Jogja and happens to meet Nero, please contact the number on this photo below.

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..so that Toto and Nero can be together again..

(image courtesy of Hera Ariani)

♪ ♫ ♪ Happy Together - The Turtles ♪ ♫ ♪

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Another announcement to make: The Frankenstone has just released their second album: A Kid's Refugee from the Adults via Yesnowave.com. The Frankenstone is the band of my junior high school best friend who is so passionate about music. He enjoys to freely explore music as well as possessing broad knowledge about it. All of those quality can be easily found in this album.. full of exploration, fun, funny, and varied. 

Feel free to download their first and second album here. 

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I took this outfit photos after attending The Frankenstone's press conference for this album launching.. right before doing an interview with mbak Hera for my Huff Magazine. Do read the pieces here in Huff Magazine (dot) com and explore what's inside their mind, will you?

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Being a freelance writer/ reporter has accidentally become one of my daily nine lives. The other eight lives I'm living are (as you can see) as a style/fairytale blogger, a whimsy and literature aficionado, an art and gastronomy enthusiast , an entrepreneur by heart, a nature junkie, a devoted lover, a loving family member, and an experimental cook. Ha-ha! I'm currently loving those self-descriptions while they are not yet changing (again). 

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So, how would you describe yourself in your nine lives, dear reader? 

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Miy

Thighs / Centro

Skirt / Little Garage

Salem Boots / Garage Shop

Pink Shirt / some local boutique

Random Accessories / here and there 

Photographed by Dito Yuwono 

(pssst.. in one of his young nine lives, he once become the drummer for The Frankenstone and collaborate with The Frankenstone's guitarist since we were in the junior high school.. they both were highly inspired by Green Day.. ah, young blood.. lol!)

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Hugs,

The Girl who Stares at the Sea (pt.3): The Day Wanderer

Once again, the wind blew that hat up, up, and away.. (1) (2)

..up to the wide rocky prairie on the hill by the sea..

..where the day-wanderer went every once in awhile.. 

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When she first saw the hat on that rock by the footpath, she wonder who might have dropped it. Some shepherds that she usually meets along the way, don't seem to be around. Maybe she came a bit too late this time. So this hat might be theirs and dropped by accident. Then she took that hat, aiming to return the hat to the owner.

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The day wanderer.. her hair is still on a tight bun. She'd really love to let the wind mess it up.. She dress properly with tights and dress, no matter how hot that day was. Her nanny will never allows her to 'dress inappropriately'. Lucky for her, every day when her nanny put her younger sister for a nap, she allows her to stroll along that footpath on the hill behind their home. That's where she met people and take her little nap under the sun.

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♪ ♫ ♪  Sigur Ros- Heima ♪ ♫ ♪

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The sound of the sea is her lullaby, so gentle, so nurturing.. she always believe that the sea is her mother's twin sister..as gentle as she is. On her nap, she dreamt of a girl that looks exactly like her, only her hair was long, loose, and wavy. She dreamt of a girl who suffered from a dark spell that lock her up on the cliff. There are four houses on that cliff, her house..not her home. (1) 

Then, she dreamt of a shell seeker whose mind is so dreamy and active, it left no space for answers.. she keeps questioning things and floating through life gently.. before the hat flew again and find her. (2)

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When she woke up, she know exactly who's the owner of the hat. But the thought of two twin sisters on the other side of the sea is a bit puzzling for her. For she later spend her time wondering about them..and send her whisper along the waves.. 

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"Can you hear me? I know you're there.. can you hear me? Give me a sign"

..and she keep sending her messages.. 

..over and over again..

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..and this lines come cross her mind.. 

We felt the imprisonment of being a girl, the way it made your mind active and dreamy, and how you ended up knowing which colors went together. We knew that the girls were our twins, that we all existed in space like animals with identical skins, and that they knew everything about us though we couldn't fathom them at all. We knew, finally, that the girls were really women in disguise, that they understood love and even death, and that our job was merely to create the noise that seemed to fascinate them.

(Jeffrey Eugenides -The Virgin Suicides)]

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She knows they can hear her. 

>>the end<<

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Miy

White Tight  / Little Garage

Pink Dress / Kotak Pandora

Wedge / Conexxion 

Hat / Miy's

Photographed by Dito Yuwono

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Read the whole story here