Sometimes A little girl’s dream doesn’t come true

For every girl who was grown up with Barbies, dressing up for them or brushing their hair over and over again,
For every girl who once couldn’t wait to put on her mom’s red lipstick and high heels that were so big for her just to feel being a woman,
For every girl who takes an hour only trying to find which goes the best with her top, white shorts, white capri pants or white pants,
Seeing a runway show is what makes her life complete.

I thought I forgot about how serious I was to be a designer at my 17 years old, when I ranked watching runway shows on TV whenever I could the most important and when I was always crazily doing researches on designing schools in Europe. Well. What would happen when a dream encounter reality, which most of the time is cruel or at least “cool”? Mine fashion dream did break so easily by my mom’s conclusion on me as someone who would never succeed as a pure “artist”. She is right, “I am someone who should strive to pursue the combination of arts and business”.

College, grad school, non-stop working seem to have made me down-to-earth, or as being called “professional”. But on hearing that I can go to Mercedes Fashion Week 09, all those buried dead once-so-strong feelings came back to me. I am suddenly again the girl who was so passionate about fashion. Yes. New York Fashion Week, one of the four world-renowned fashion carnivals. Yes. Although I would never stand on the runway with the clothes I made, I can sit there to feel it, to witness it and to make my dream come true. So, I bought tons of new dresses and shoes, even thinking to borrow a Chanel Clutch. So I filled myself with hope and excitement, jumping on the bus with my over-loaded suitcase just for three days’ stay. NYC Fashion Week, here I am.

Maybe I wouldn’t have been so disappointed if I had less expectations. The higher you are, the more painful is to fall on the ground. We arrived at the show ON TIME only to be kept waiting outside in the rain for 40 mins because they were not ready; the line of another show was such a chaos; Bryant Park is abit too plain; and the fact that we didn’t get into the Rucci show for god knows why reason finally broke my dream again. Well, as you may say, welcome to the real fashion world. But the realization that fashion is just a glamorous outfit on a plain or even horrible body and the fact that I didn’t even see a real runway show DID make me sad. Sad is a better word than disappointment here. I saw my dream broke again and this time would forever remain piece by piece.

Sometimes, you have so many mixed feelings that you lose the ability to express. It is also foolish to analyze as I have read in my paper most observational-so-called-theory (esp. psychology) are not scientific because they are irrefutable (what BS….)…. I am sad, disappointed, somehow irritated and ultimately feeling empty. It’s not just because I didn’t get chance to really feel it or the whole long weird weekend that made me feel like this. But suddenly after all, I started wondering if fashion is really that significant to me? Is it worth it?

Well, you may say don’t sound so bitter. You just miss one year…. And there are so many years coming. Yes. Who knows?
Well, I write for myself, forgetting the audience of my blog as I learned in my dearest new media class.
So, this is my long san-logic first blog entry in 4 month, to

1. Record my fashion week

2. Remind myself the true meaning of life

3. To wave goodbye to my summer

4. To welcome myself back to my blogging

5. To celebrate July 14th, 2009

After all, life goes on, even sometimes a little girl’s dream doesn’t come true.

This Blog Will Not Die Because of the end of my Project

I am supposed to redo my portfolio now or apply for a few internships… (Happy to receive the updated list and find three more options in NYC. I mean NYC!) But I am here to work on the “blog project” was already due and done. True, my blog “Shanghai Spell — Nelly Liu’s Blog” originated  for a project, but now I am totally in love with it and will go on blogging! I remember doodling on my dairies when I was a kid. I painted, wrote down nonsense words, and crazily expressed my crush on some neighborhood boys. LOL… I have always been a girl with strong emotions. It hurted me sometimes but also made me such a genuine being. I used to believe that people should “love what I love, hate what I hate, and keep walking”. Maybe I still believe in it. I felt repulsive to fake myself or even just to spin myself. More accurately speaking, I have never tried hard to do so. Some people might not like me initially but I don’t feel like to pretend whoever I am just to please others, or even by doing so can gain me huge benefits. LOL. But I guess I have changed some and am no longer such a straightforward “silly” girl although I miss being whoever I am. The older you are,  the less freedom you have.

Today, we had an excellent guest speaker Ron Rhody, the award winner of PRSA 2008 David Ferguson, CEO of Rhody Consultancy and former VP of corporate communication of Bank of America, thanks to one of my classmate.  He talked about the importance of public relations practitioners to have responsibility. He highlighted PRO needs to be an insider and an outside at the same time and to tell the CEOS what they need to hear while informing the public involving their interests. “Be prepared to walk out of the door at every end of the day.” he quoted one VPCC in a large corporation. If there is one thing that all the professors at College of Communication, Boston University, taught us, that was PROs are the conscience of any organization. To do the right thing rather than the easy thing. As someone who looked at her parents building their family business brick by brick since five years old, I have always believed in profit determines everything. Maybe I was DEAD wrong… Maybe… Growing up means responsibility, I know. What I don’t know is whether I am ready to take everything upon my own shoulders, and further for a large corporation… Will I? Can I?

I enjoy recording my puzzlement for life here. When I becomes a grandma one day, I will laugh at this Nelly for sure. But, who cares? LOL. My life, I am making it an Expressionism painting, to love and live it up!

True, this is me…

Prof. Quigley, I think you probably haven’t had a chance to review my blog, and please don’t be mad at this post… I know it is not tailored to any buyer I target. But, here is my manifesto: my blog will still provide exclusive Shanghai Information and Culture Exchange, but it will also be a platform for me to be who I am…  This is Nelly Liu. 刘楠

At last, a video I am in love with. He @iamchrismann has such a soft and sexy voice… Reminds me of someone I loved… I just can’t resist a musician with a sad and soft voice. LOL…

The Best Red Braised Pork (Hong Shao Rou) in Shanghai

As someone who has been learning SEO the whole semester, I immediately decided to post a blog about the best RED BRAISED PORK (HONG SHAO ROU) you can find in Shanghai restaurants after my blog stats showed that key search word. LOL. I am such a good PR practitioner!!! So, here you go, my favorite Shanghai HONG SHAO ROU!

1. Jesse Restaurant

Address:  Xin Tian Di  District Block 9
No.2 Lane181 Taicang Rd.
太仓路181弄2号新天地北里9号楼

The HONG SHAO ROU At Jesse Restaurant!

Other Recommended Dishes There: Crab Tofu,  Crystal Shrimp, Drunk Chicken,  Glutinous rice with Red Date
Comment: This is one of the most authentic HONG SHAO ROU I can find in Shanghai. It is sweet and super tender. They have steamed Tofu as the side dish and that is super yummy, too! If you go to Jesse, you will be able to visit the best bar/club district located in the same area, Xin Tian Di. (A negiborhood of old Shikumen has been saved by a restoration that turned the old stone buildings into boutiques, clubs and restaurants. Xian Tian Di is not only China’s finest historical redevelopment project, but also a model for Asia.) Having HONG SHAO ROU and then a Shanghai Cocktail in the patio, maybe a clubbing night at G+ (bars don’t close until 5 a.m., Americans!! No worry!!), isn’t that the Shanghai life you want? =)
Price: Average $40-80 p/p
My STARS: *****

2.  Yuan Yuan

Address:  Westgate Mall (Mei Long Zhen)
Nanjing Xi Lu 1038. Floor 4
静安区南京西路1038号梅龙镇广场4楼(近江宁路)

The HONG SHAO ROU at Yuan Yuan

Other Recommended Dishes: Shredded Bean Curd,  Boiled Glutinous Rice Balls in Fermented Glutinous Rice, Shanghai Cabbage
Comment: The HONG SHAO ROU with Hard-boiled eggs. The eggs are even tasty than the Pork. HAHA. You feel the meat melt in your mouth. Yeah. That feeling!!!  The restaurant is located in the Fifth Ave. of Shanghai. All the branded luxury brands have their presences on Nanjing Xi LU. You should have a daylong shopping in Soho and Plaza 66 before heading for Yuan Yuan for the wonderful gourmet. There are good bars and clubs at that area, too. Name a few, Muse/Ma Long… You won’t be down for Yuan Yuan and Nanjing Xi Rd.
Price: Average $32-65 p/p
My STARS: ***(*)

3.  Sincere Restaurant

Address:  Shanghai Times Square Floor 7
Zhangyang Rd. No.500, Pudong District
浦东新区张杨路500号上海时代广场7楼(近浦东南路)

The HONG SHAO ROU at Sincere Restaurant

Other Recommended Dishes: Shanghai Crab (only served in the fall), Yuanbao Shrimp,  Black Pepper Beaf
Comment: The Hard-boiled Eggs with the HONG SHAO ROU are truly the best I have ever had in Shanghai restaurant! The restaurant might not be as great decorated as the other two but the taste is beyond Exceptional. Its location in Pudong District, the financial center of Shanghai, gives its unparallel advantage to enjoy the modern side of Shanghai. Pudong has great shopping plazas such as Times Square and Super Brand Mall. You can enjoy the view of the Bund at night.  Sounds fabulous, right? HAHA
Price: Average $50-100 p/p At night,
My STARS: ****

Now, are you satisfied? Tell me what you wanna know more about Shanghai! I will be more than happy to do so!

RT: How Chinese Confront Americans — No Offense!

Saw a extremely interesting post on Xiaonei.com (one of the most popular social network in China). I have to RT it because it is too hilarious! Americans, don’t take it offensive. It is just another way to see the world and no definite answer for who’s right.

Q1: Do Chinese eat dogs?
A: Yes.We eat a lot of dogs. And cats,too. Especially on your “Thanks giving” day. Besides, turkeys are our favorite pets. We regard turkeys as human’s best friends. In China only the most uneducated eat turkeys.

Q2: China is becoming strong. Does your government want to take over the world?
A: Yes, absolutely. As soon as we become powerful, we will invade Iraq and Afghanistan.

Q3: Why doesn’t your government give Tibet back to its monks?
A: Because the monks want to help the Seminoles take back Florida.

Q4: Are the products made in China very cheap?
A: Yes. Were we using black slaves, the price would be even cheaper.

Q5: You have 1.4 billion people. Now what do you want to do with it?
A: Find a new planet. Kill the native people there, and move in.

Q6: Why you are the only kids in your family?
A: Because our parents don’t fuck around.

Again, no offense! My dear American friends or Chinese readers, any thoughts on it? =) Welcome to share!

China Wenchuan Earthquake First Unveiled New Pictures

Maybe this is the gate to hell...

Kids are the biggest victim

Premier Wen Jiabao and the weeping kids...

Different faces and their different stories behind... How many hearts have been broken?

Baby, where are you? Where are you? Let mommy see you once more...kiss you once more...

I know this is creepy but it is touching!!

Baby, don't cry...

More pics… (Some are too shocking to be posted here)

Some people said,
Suffering makes my eyes focused on this world/
Misery helps me better understand life/

When those kids lost their life in their 10s,
When so many people are still in starve,
I see no reason why we are whining.

Life is beautiful,
Boston is so beautiful when the breeze kisses your face and the buds await for blossom,
You should be grateful to live
Healthily, Peacefully AND Happily…

I do…

Everything is okay in the end, if it’s not okay, then it’s not the end…

Recipe Today: Shanghai Fried Noodle

The home-sick-struck Nelly is doing a collection of Shanghai Recipes.  Simple and easy Shanghai food will be introduced. What is the food today? Shanghai Fried Noodle… (My version is based on the one on About.com. I made a few changes to my personal experience)

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, 6 to 7 ounces each (Strongly recommend use pork if you eat it!)
• Marinade: 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  1 tablespoon vinegar
  Salt (I don’t usually put pepper)
  1 teaspoon sugar
  2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 pounds fresh Shanghai noodles (preferable egg noodle, choose thin or thick as you like although the authentic one only uses thin noodle, thanks M Chen!)
• 2 cups Shanghai Vegetable (Bag Koy at Trader Joe’s)
• 2 large brown eggs
• Others: 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  1 green onion
  1 tablespoon hot bean paste
  1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
  1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  vegetable oil for stir-frying  (Better use Omega-3）

Preparation:

1. Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch cubes. Add the marinade ingredients, adding the cornstarch last. Marinate the chicken for 15 minutes. (The same for pork)

2. Blend the eggs with salt.

3. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the noodles and vegetables. Fill a large pot of water with enough water to cover the noodles. Bring to boiling. Add the noodles and boil the noodles for 5 minutes. Drain, run under cold water, and drain again. Toss with 1 tablespoon sesame oil.

4. Wash the vegetables as needed. Chop the Shanghai vegetable into thin slices. Chop the green onion on the diagonal into 1-inch pieces.

5. Heat the wok over high heat. Add 3 tablespoons vegetable oil. When the oil is ready, add the green onion. Stir-fry for 10 – 15 seconds, then add the egg. Stir-fry for 20 seconds. Take the egg and onions out and put it in a plate.

6. Add the chicken/pork cubes. Stir-fry until the chicken/pork turns white and is about 80 percent cooked.

7. Add the Shanghai Vegetable. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes, seasoning with a bit of salt. Remove the chicken and cabbage from the wok.

8. Add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. When the oil is hot, add the bean paste. Stir-fry for a few seconds, then add the noodles. Stir in the dark soy sauce and sugar (Put a little more sugar adds more flavor). Add the other ingredients back into the wok and mix thoroughly. Heat through. Remove from the heat and stir in the sesame oil. Serve hot.

Now, you have a yummy yummy Shanghai Stir-Fried Noodle! Love it or not? =)

To Be a Strong Bean

I have never ever been so HOMESICK in my life. Never ever… Well, I have never got a chance to be homesick, too. LOL. The longest time to be away from Shanghai was merely four months,  when I did my exchange program in Singapore. But things differed so much back then. My mom came to visit me in the short four-month duration. (Unbelievable, right?… I know… As the only child, I have to admit that my mom loves me a lot…) My parents’ best friend and my cousin were in Singapore and they looked after me well… I had a exchange “family” who hanged out with me every day… I was doing my undergrad and apparently way less stressed out… I didn’t take four courses, an internship and a part-time job at the same time… I ate at cafeterias and didn’t cook… I had less cultural shock… I travelled to four countries in that four months… I was either having fun or on my way to have fun with my exchange folks… And, I had a boyfriend!! God… And, he loved me and I loved him… And, the only thing I wanted to do in the end of the exchange was to stay in Singapore longer with him. Given such circumstance, how could I ever possibly know what does “home-sick” mean?

This time, everything above doesn’t exist. I don’t want to sound like a whiner. Life at a foreign country is never an easy peacy lemon squeezy.  I  knew before I came and this is actually the main reason why I flew to a 12-hour-time-different place.  To try something different… To choose a road less traveled by and see how far I could push myself through. I never regret my decision. I still see this is the best decision I have ever made in my life and it helped me grow up faster. I was too arrogant and finally came to understand how imperfect I actually am. No family, limited friends, language barrier, cultural shock… I am not the only experiences those things. Sometimes, I am just tired looking after myself because I suck at it… Sometimes, I am just lonely and lost… Sometimes, I just don’t know how much else I need to do to be at the same pace with American students… Sometimes, my stomache is killing me… Sometimes, I am fed up with trying so hard to prove myself… Sometimes, I just need a little more light…

Confiding my deepest emotions to the whole world is scary. I probably shouldn’t have posted this blog on a BLOG PROJECT and somewhere my potential employer might see. But, if I can’t be sincere to myself and face my fear, how could I be successful in career?

There is not a one-click button to fix my problem. This is my choice. I need to stick to it and make it a right and better one.  I need to be strong.  I need to keep trying. I need to have faith… I need to hang in there…

One friend gave me a Mr. Bean cellphone cleaner before.

“Be like a Bean… When you are tired and lost think about the Bean.
Be strong and grow into a beautiful plant!” He said.

I know, I will be like a bean now.
I know one day, I will grow into a beautiful beautiful plant!

If you don’t like Shanghai…

Look at those videos first…

 

 

If you still don’t like Shanghai, tell me the reasons please…

I know it is not perfect, but it has its reason to captivate you! =)

Burberry VS Shanghai… Good things in life never change!

It is interesting to see Burberry chose Shanghai as the story line for this ad, emphasizing its identity that “the good things in life never change”. Classy as Burberry is, it finds the similarities between Shanghai and itself. I see those as “transitional” and “traditional but modern”, which are exactly the new image Burberry is trying to establish. 

Few would forget the reform Rose Marie Bravo brought to Burberry. “she initiated a radical reform of the British classic brand and improvements of the company structure. Her strategy included signing top model Kate Moss and recruiting the young designer Christopher Bailey in 2001, who was working for Gucci at that time.^[3] The Burberry line of products was greatly increased and especially the newly added perfumes contributed to the company’s raising profits.” (Wikipedia… According to APA, we are not allowed to cite Wikipedia. But this rule doesn’t apply to Blogosphere, according to me!! LOL.) Bravo gave Burberry a refreshment and appeal the brand to more younger target. So, how does this link to Shanghai?

Burberry VS Shanghai

1. Shanghai has a long history! It opened itself to the whole world long before the foundation of the People of Republic of China. Back in the early 20s’, it was already the concession of more than 10 countries. 

Shanghai women have always been chic

2. Shanghai has undergone a reform, too! It is the second city to adopt the Reform and Opening-up Policy by Deng Xiaoping. Now, it is undoubtedly a metropolitan full of skylines and Bankers. (I think the number of bankers is an important criteria for metropolitan.)

3. Shanghai is classy and chic. It is so vivid and energetic. It fits the new Burberry. 

4. There is no better city like Shanghai that can bring the transitional aesthetic. 

5. See… Burberry understand the Shanghai Spell and see the potential growth of this city. “The good things in life never change”. It has never and will ever change. =) 

More luxury brands are competing for Shanghai's market

Now, tell me!
1. Do you think Burberry picked the right city?
2. Talking of Shanghai, what jumps into your mind?

LOL. Nelly who is trying to finish her corporate PR’s case. =)

10 Random Things Of Me and My Shanghai

People say that a blog without gossip or some self-revelation is not a good blog. So started with my own secrets and Shanghai’s for those stalkers!

1. My best friend is my MOM <3. Although I sometimes get impatient with her, I just can’t think of the life without her. I love my parents so much and want to be like them all my life!

2. I am enthusiastic for FooD and actually have talents in cooking.

3. I love Scarlet O’Hara and see plenty similarities between myself and her. I will be as bold and strong as her one day, I believe.

4. I have an elephant memory EXCEPT for names. I almost can’t remember anyone’s name before we meet for at least three times, both in English and in Chinese.

5. I work really hard for things I want. It is hard to intrigue me. However, whenever it does, I will try my very best to fight for it. I am a tough FiGhteR.

6. I can be really Artistic. I love museums and theaters. Musical is always my favorite but I sometimes fall asleep when watching it. I attribute my passion for arts to my dad, a professional photographer who doodles poetries, sips brandy and listens to symphony.

7. Grass Green is my favorite color. I want everything in Green except my clothes. Ironically, it never fits me. I like anything that is vibrant, lively and energetic, like green which reminds me the beauty and sparkle of life. After all, life is so beautiful.

8. I am a great Adventurer and always always love to try new stuff. All my Exchange Buddies know that. =)

9. For some reason, I DaNcE really well. And I love dancing. Same applies to singing. Both make me “feel alive.” LOL

10. I love the saying that ” I want to fill the ground with windows so that I can light up all the eyes that have been long used to darkness”. This is my motto. I want to be a person who brings HOPE and HAPPINESS to people surround me.

________NOW LET’S TALK ABOUT SHANGHAI____

1. Shanghai people assume there are only two types of people in this world, Shanghainese and NON-Shanghainese.

2. Shanghai is famous for both its Women and its Men. Shanghai women are the most willful and unpredictable in the world. They are the boys in Shanghai while Shanghai men share the other role for being a sweet girl who is good at housework.

3. Shanghai tastes SwEEt and HOT. For sweet, people add sugar even in stir-fried vegetables. For hot see Shanghai women.

4. Shanghai has a reputation for ShReWDnESS. But as far as I see, they are only shrewd for unimportant things. They sometimes neglect what is truly going on.

5. Shanghai is truly a NIGHT city. The best hours of clubs start from 1:00 a.m.

6. Shanghainese is a hard Language. Even the same word have various pronunciations when forming different phrases. E.G. “Bun” sounds different in “meat bun” and “vegetable bun”.

7. Shanghai is really alike NYC. It never bores you cause two neighborhood five blocks away totally bring you different feelings.

8. The best two colleges in Shanghai are Fudan University and Jiaotong University. Both of each thinks it the best. Asking me? HAHA.. You can tell from the colors!

9. Shanghai is all about TRansiTionAL. The mix of East and West… Modern and Traditional…  I am the same, too.

10. Shanghai has its own SPELL. You could choose not to be entranced by it at all. But if you are falling for it, you will never be able to fall out again… Never Again…

Homework, stalkers!!!
Compare me this Shanghai girl with my hometown. Found any similarities? =)