China Qiao

Qiao is on Etsy!

2011-05-23T18:28:00.007+01:00

Olá Todos,

Como estão?

Eu sei que vocês estão a pensar onde é que a Qiao foi? Talvez algums já saibam o que aconteceu sobre a minha loja no Porto. Sim, já fechou, desde início deste março. Mas eu não enviei esta má notícia para vocês, porque fiquei desapontada e triste. A loja é muito mais complicada do que eu imaginava. Depois de um ano e meio, decidi deixar a loja.

Mas agora, a Qiao está aqui apresentar a loja online no Etsy! http://www.etsy.com/shop/QIAO?ref=si_shop. Cada peça está bem exposta nas fotos, os materiais e tamanhos estão bem indicados e descritos e as peças são directamente enviadas da China. A maior vantagem é que o preço das peças é relativamente mais baixo, porque o preço de manter uma loja online é menor.

A partir de agora, a "CHINA QIAO" passa a chamar-se "QIAO", no entanto o email, blog e facebook permanecerem os mesmos. Se tiverem algumas perguntas por favor contactem-me : )

Bem vindos à "QIAO" no Etsy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~English Version~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hello everyone,

How are you?

I know everyone must be wondering where Qiao is these days...Maybe some of you have alraedy known what happened to my shop in Porto. Yes, it´s closed since the beginning of March. I didn´t make any offical announment beacause I was disappointed and sad. Running a shop was far more complicated than what I imagined before, so I decided to close the shop after a year and a half.

But now, Qiao is back with her online shop on Etsy! http://www.etsy.com/shop/QIAO?ref=si_shop. Each piece is perfectly exhibited by photos, the materials and sizes are well indicated and described, and the pieces are directly sent from China. And the biggest advantage is that, the pirces are relatively lower than the prices from the shop before, because a online shop cost less.

From now on, ´CHINA QIAO´ is renamed ´QIAO´, though the email, blog and facebook continue the same. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me : )

Welcome to "Qiao" on Etsy!

Esty: http://www.etsy.com/shop/QIAO?ref=si_shop
E-mail: chinaqiao.blog@gmail.com
Blog: http://www.chinaqiao.blogspot.com/
Facebook: china qiao

LIQUIDAÇÃO

2011-01-26T15:14:00.005Z

NOTÍCIA

2010-09-22T17:48:00.002+01:00

new time schedule of the shop --- Seg.~Sab. 14h~20h

China Qiao na HAPPY

2010-09-08T19:11:00.002+01:00

Encontre a China Qiao na HAPPY este mês!

Aproveite o voucher de desconto para as novidades na loja!

China Qiao @ FIA 2010

2010-06-22T17:57:00.008+01:00

FIA FIA FIA!

A China Qiao vai presentear na FIA outra vez! With the newest collection and winter stockout ~\(≧▽≦)/~

Data: 03 - 11 Julho

Horário: 15h00 - 24h00

Gastronomia: 12h30 - 24h00

Local: Stand Nº 2E36, Pavilhão 2, FIL - Parque das Nações, Lisboa

Até breve em Lisboa!

O logo à porta

2010-06-18T16:51:00.003+01:00

NEW LOGO of China Qiao \(^o^)/~~~~~

2010-06-16T22:40:00.004+01:00

I have been using the new logo for some time already, actually ; ) ADORO! ADORO! ADORO!

The logo is composed of two parts: the name of the shop ´china qiao´, and the simbol with the green leaves which is the Chinese character (巧) of ´qiao´. The style is imitating the traditional Chine...se painting, natural and simple. The leaves gave life to the name, lifeful and everlasting.

´qiao´is my first name, the correct pronunciation in Portuguese is ´tchau´, which is exactly the same as the italian ´ciao´. Many people are calling me ´xau´ or ´kiao´ instead, no problem : ) I know it´s not easy, hehehe ; ) ´qiao´ in Chinese has the meaning of skilful and talented. Well...I think I´m actually the opposite...LOL!

Many thanks to my friend Ding Yiyi, a very talented young Chinese illustrator, who made this logo possible and incredible : )

Fotos - Exposição Arte Chinesa de Papel Recortado

2010-06-09T19:53:00.004+01:00

Verão 2010

2010-06-01T17:58:00.007+01:00

As fotos da nova colecção VERÃO 2010 estão aqui. (Estou ainda a actualizar...Desejo 48 horas por dia para tirar as tudas...)

Exposição Arte Chinesa de Papel Recortado

2010-05-27T18:37:00.016+01:00

O Papel recortado (JianZhi) é uma das formas de artesanato chinesas mais tradicionais, que surgiu e tem acompanhado a longa história do papel. Esta arte é realizada maioritariamente pelas mulheres, que utilizam utensílios simples como tesouras e estiletes para tornar simples papéis em imagens vivas. Os seus trabalhos geralmente retratam temas da vida das pessoas. A cor vermelha forte do papel é escolhida para transmitir um ambiente de felicidade. Por isso esta arte é frequentemente apresentada em cerimónias de casamentos e festivais na China.

--- inglês ---

Papercut (JianZhi) is a very distinctive visual art of the traditional Chinese handicrafts, which has been making its way along the route of the long history of paper.Most of the papercut artists are women. The themes of their works usually include everything in people's daily life. Familiarity makes them understand the real spirit of the art. The main cutting tools are simple: paper and scissors or an engraving knife. Once they are owned by a master of papercut, they will become so supernatural that the papercuts beyond imagination flow out of his/her hands.No doubt that arts come from life and serve life. The bright color of red papercuts provides a strong foil to set off a merry atmosphere. So they are often found in wedding ceremonies or festivals in China. And people like to decorate their windows and doors with them too.

Exposição Local: China Qiao (rua do rosário 284, porto)

Data de Inauguração: 5 Junho 2010

A colecção `VERÃO 2010´ já chegou

2010-05-26T18:58:00.006+01:00

Finally the new collection arrived. It has been a long time waiting, due to some transportation problems. Every time it´s a long journey for the clothes to travel, from China to Portugal, more than 10 thousand kilometers I think. Every time the waiting is a torture, não consigo de ter paciência. You cannot imagine how excited I am when the goods arrived every time, I just feel like a kid who has just got all the Christmas gifs, and cannot help opening everything immediately. The collection of this season is not disappointing at all, actually it is AMAZING! Eu adoro, adoro, adoro. I took this picture in the shop last evening to make the poster. The nice fabric and the perfect cut made me completely in love with this QiPao. Today a nice lady came and took this piece immediately, and suddenly I was feeling a bit sad, and I felt like that I´ve just given one of my biggest treasures away. For me, this is more than just a piece of common clothes. For me, this is more a piece of art.

notebooks II

2010-05-17T17:52:00.004+01:00

A set of notebooks with Chinese traditional folk images: door guards, paper cuts, indigo patterns, folk paintings...

China Qiao em O PORTO COOL

2010-05-11T19:28:00.013+01:00

China Qiao está em O PORTO COOL!!! O PORTO COOL is a popular urban style guide of Porto. The guide is dedicated in exploring the hot and cool spots in Porto, like shops, restaurants, bars, galeries, ect. It provides a very comprehensive cultural agenda of what´s going on in Porto, very helpful!

changes in the blog

2010-04-27T18:02:00.006+01:00

From now on, my online shop blog ´Loja Qiao´(http://www.lojachinaqiao.blogspot.com/) is closed. All the contents have been moved to this main blog ´China Qiao´ (http://www.chinaqiao.blogspot.com/). This blog will be keeping updating and please feel free to order online.

verão está cá!

2010-04-26T16:59:00.010+01:00

Home Decorations

2010-04-23T16:00:00.005+01:00

This set of home decoration is inspired by the Chinese folk paper cut. Folk celebrations like ´lion dance´and folk lucky symbols such as ´fish´are presented here.

a minha loja

2010-04-15T19:37:00.004+01:00

Took this photo half an hour ago......

handmade notebooks

2010-04-09T16:00:00.006+01:00

Handmade notebooks with Chinese traditional cloth are available in China Qiao : )

Click the picture below~~~~~~

tigre tigre tigre

2010-03-26T15:27:00.010Z

Este é um ano de TIGRE!

Miao Silver

2010-03-24T17:58:00.007Z

Miao ethnic is originally from southern China. Now besides in China, they also exist in Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, where they are called ´Hmong´. Miao Silver is one the representative symbols in the miao culture. The main material for these trinkets comes from copper, and then they are silver plated. Ancient totems, figures and symbols are widely used to express local people´s wish for the prosperity of life.

Click the picture to check the new miao silver arrivals~~~

update update update!

2010-03-23T17:52:00.003Z

Olá todos!

I´d been away for two months, desculpa! I went to China at the beginning of February, and only returned last week. Foi muito tempo, I almost forgot all my portuguese, jajaja! Now updating time, as coisas novas estão a chegar!

beijinhos

Inaugurações BOMBARDA no Dia 23 Jan

2010-01-20T18:24:00.003Z

SALDOS @ China Qiao

2010-01-06T19:03:00.002Z

China Qiao is not able to escape from '' SALDOS '' ...

Even MAO is advocating it now...

Feliz Natal * 圣诞快乐 * Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T15:55:00.004Z

China Qiao @ Mercado Mundo Mix @ Lx Factory

2009-11-30T23:57:00.007Z

Para todos de Lisboa e de Sul:

Vou a Lisboa este fim de semana! Vou participar o Mercado Mundo Mix a Lx Factory, nos dias 4, 5, 6 Dezembro, só estes três dias em Lisboa. Ate já!

Local: Mercado Mundo Mix @ LX FACTORY, Alcântara, Lisboa (ENTRADA LIVRE)
Dias: 4, 5, 6 Dezembro, 2009
Horas: 12h~22h

Nova Colecção de Inverno 2009

2009-11-30T23:44:00.005Z

Pity that I really don´t have time to take photos for this new collection, so you can only find out the complete collection at Rua do Rosário 284...

coisas de prata...

2009-11-20T12:53:00.009Z

This silver collection embodied some typical Chinese elements: lotus, peony, cloud, characters...They are interpreted into different forms, which presents us a fresher look. ´Simple and delicate ´, it is my comment.

Shoots - Esposição Chinese Cloth Art

2009-11-13T16:53:00.007Z

Histórias das cores...

Exposição - Chinese Cloth Art

2009-10-23T17:13:00.004+01:00

A primeira exposição na China Qiao~~~~CHINESE CLOTH ART~~~~

´´Cloth art is one of the most striking forms of Chinese folk arts and crafts. Made of cloth and other materials, and incorporated with themes that reflect people's longing for a good life, the cloth items are made with techniques similar to those used for other forms of handiwork, yet they possess their own distinctive style. Methods of craftsmanship include cutting, sewing, cross-stitch, braiding, embroidery, pasting and applique. The brightly colored items come in a variety of shapes and styles. Lightweight and practical, they capture the simplicity of Chinese folk art. In ancient China, many items for daily use were made of cloth. These pieces are not only beautiful but also have artistic appeal and practical value.´´

Local: China Qiao (Rua do Rosário 284, Porto)
Dias: 7 Nov - 5 Dec (Seg. - Sab.)
Horas: 13h - 20h

Outono 2009

2009-10-12T20:18:00.004+01:00

Collection OUTONO 2009 está aqui!

China Qiao em FACEBOOK

2009-09-29T16:03:00.005+01:00

a minha loja está aqui~~~

2009-09-22T15:00:00.006+01:00

No dia 19 Setembro...

A loja já! --- China Qiao Inauguration

2009-09-09T14:19:00.009+01:00

Biggest News!!!

A loja China Qiao vai abrir JÁ! Finalment encontrei um espaço na Zona Miguel Bombarda, que bom! Agora estou a preparar o espaço, tenho de trabalhar muito. A loja vai abrir no dia 19 Setembro, a inauguração vai ser às 15h. Everyone is welcome!!!

Hora do inauguração: 15h, dia 19 Setembro
Local: Rua Rosário 284, 4050-522 Porto

My dream is coming true~~~~~~

Malas na China Qiao

2009-08-24T21:57:00.006+01:00

After one year time, finally here comes the new collection of bags! They were exhibited for the first time at Mundo Mix Faro one week ago, now they are availabe online.

BAGS COMING BACK!

2009-08-11T15:40:00.010+01:00

Bags are coming back!!! During FIA, many old clients were asking about the bags, pity that I didn´t have any new collections at that time. Now here they are! I´m going with the new bags to FARO this weekend, para feira do......

~~~~~~Mercado Mundo Mix @ Algarve´09~~~~~~

Dias: 14, 15, 16 Augusto
Horas: 18h00~~01hoo
Local: Largo da Sé @ Faro

Sobre o tecido...

2009-07-26T12:49:00.044+01:00

At Fia, several clients showed great interest in the cloth which I used for the fitting room. (It happened as well in the past fairs.) The bright colors and bold graphics are very eye-catching. But very few foreigners are aware that this fabric is one of the most representative cloth from China. The piece I hung for the fitting room is in black (I like a lot), but actually the most classic and well-known one is in red.

Rencently, someone asked me about the history of this perticular fabric. I´ve been searching these days, trying to find a perfect answer. Apparently I didn´t find much more than what I´ve known...After the Chinese civil war (after 1949, I estimate), in order to be able to produce national printed calico, the country developed different designs. This design is the first one with Phoenix and Peony. Phoenix has been regarded as the king of birds since acient China, and it is always regarded as the symbol of auspiciousness. As well, the flower Peony has been loved by Chinese since thousand years ago, and it always represents flourishing. This cloth was so commonly used in the northest part of China, it even became one of the symbols of that area.

After China opened the door to the world, all kinds of colorful foreign brands and products rushed into the country, and undoubtedly people started to become western-style followers. Then we neglected our own things, including this fabric. It was considered very old fashioned, out-of-date, and very very hick. But...things change with time. Slowly and gradually, We start to re-discover and explore our culture again, and pick up what we abandoned, and appreciate them again. I have no idea who designed this cloth (I mean the exact person). But I can feel the strong influence from the folk culture. For me, folk culture is where the best art and design comes from.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~for household~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~wedding dress~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~more fashion~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~more traditional~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~even New York brand (Nieve Lavi) selected it (2008 spring)~~~~~~~~~~~

FIA - Segunda Vez

2009-07-17T13:44:00.006+01:00

Segunda vez na FIA. I'm very happy that lots of old clients from last year still remember me! It's exciting that more and more people get to know about China Qiao! 非常感激! (Muito obrigada!)

FIA 2009

2009-06-15T16:24:00.006+01:00

China Qiao is going to participate FIA for the 2nd time. Pavilhão 2, stand nº 2E36. Até 27 Junho!

~~~Horário~~~
27 Junho a 5 Julho 2009
Exposição: 15h00 / 24h00 (excepto 5/Jul - 15h00 / 22h00)
Tasquinhas: 12h30 / 24h00

~~~Local~~~
FIL - Parque das Nações

Procuro um espaço para a minha boutique no Oporto!

2009-06-10T14:17:00.005+01:00

Estou a procurar uma loja para a China Qiao no Oporto! My own boutique, my dream! Queria muito ter um espaço na Zona Miguel Bombarda. Se conhecerem algum espaço livre, por favor informem-me. A Qiao está anciosa......

Verão 2009

2009-06-09T13:20:00.008+01:00

Click the picture below to see part of the newest collection Verão 2009 (*^__^*)

Mundo Mix Castelo de S. Jorge

2009-05-25T17:34:00.004+01:00

Qiaoqiao is BACK!

This Friday, Saturday and Sunday, China Qiao will present the newest collections at Mundo Mix Castelo de S. Jorge. ~~~~~STAND NUMBER: 98~~~~~

QiaoQiao in China now

2009-05-03T15:41:00.013+01:00

LONG TIME, LONG TIME, ajajajaja! I've been absent for almost 2 months. A big surprise: I AM IN CHINA NOW! Two big things happened in the past 2 months: Firstly, Alex and I moved to Porto; secondly, I came back to China to visit my family, and to choose new collections of clothes. I will return to Portugal on 21 May, then I'm going to present my new collections at MUNDO MIX at the end of May.

I went to Beijing last week, and I'm deeply impressed by this multicultural city, mordern and hostoric. Though I've been to this city many many times, I could always find new attractions everytime I visit. Pity that I was too busy this time, just got time to take a few photos.

High-tech screen - biggest screen I've ever seen

Beijing metro

Local store

Grilled spicy fish - yummy!

Show Room Março 15

2009-03-13T23:12:00.006Z

Show Room open on this Sunday (Março 15), 15h ~ 20h. FINAL SALDOS!!!

Address: Avenida Sacadura Cabral 15, 3. dto, 1000-270 Lisboa

This is going to be the last time of the regular weekend Show Room, since I'm going to Porto. But don't worry, this Show Room will keep open, and you can visit by just making an appointment with the contact person: CRISTINA PATA, tml 913 630 220. Of course, if you have more inquiries, I'm always available through email or tml.

Até Domingo!

Vou ir ao Porto!

2009-03-11T17:01:00.004Z

The Show Room had a break last weekend, because I was away in Porto.

Now I'm back with a big news~~~~VOU MODAR MORAR NO PORTO!~~~~ Finalmente! I'm looking forward to having a new start in Porto, a new start of everything! But most of all, QUERIA ABRIR UMA LOJA NO PROTO!!!

But, of course at the same time, I will continue the business here in Lisboa. You can still find my clothes in the shops mentioned before, and I will also arrange with Cristina about the Show Room. Besides, I'll parcipate Mundo Mix and FIA again this year, so we have lots of time to meet in Lisboa (*^__^*)

Porto, vou vir já!!!

SALDOS!!!

2009-02-28T13:24:00.005Z

Spring, spring, spring is here...China Qiao Show Room is having SALDOS this Sunday, 1 de Março, at usual time 15h ~ 20h. Everybody, don't miss it, great opportunity! And enjoy the new spring!

Show Room address: Avenida Sacadura Cabral 15, 3.dto, 1000-270 Lisboa

Show Room 22 Fev

2009-02-20T20:52:00.005Z

The 4th time of my weekend Show Room, this Sunday, 22 Fevereiro, from 15h to 20h :-)

Address: Avenida Sacadura Cabral 15, 3.dto, 1000-270 Lisboa.

Show Room 14-15 Fev.

2009-02-11T19:41:00.006Z

The 3rd weekend for my Show Room! Open on this Saturday and Sunday (14, 15 Fevereiro), 15:00~20:00. Qiao will be waiting for YOU ^o^

Click the picture below to see the address:

Show Room on 7, 8 Fevereiro

2009-02-05T20:31:00.007Z

This week, you can visit the Show Room on Saturday and Sunday afternoons (7, 8 Fevereiro), starting from 15h. Click the picture above for detailed information.

Click the map below for the location of the Show Room. Bem Vindo!

Show Room on 1 Feb

2009-02-05T20:03:00.004Z

My first Show Room was open to the public last Sunday afternoon. Really a big step!!!

Thank you, Cristina!!!

~SHOW ROOM~

2009-01-27T15:14:00.009Z

I am with great pleasure to announce that China Qiao's first SHOW ROOM is going to be open on 1 Feburary, Sunday, starting from 15h. There will be a tea party at the show room during that time, with the exhibition of my new collections. Everyone is invited! Click the picture above for the invitation.

Many many thanks to Cristina Pata, you are amazing! Without your help, I couldn't make this come ture!

Click the map below for the show room address. See you on Sunday!

Happy Bull Year

2009-01-23T17:20:00.008Z

Chinese New Year is coming next Monday, 26 Jan 2009. I'm not going back to China to celebrate with my family this year, so miserable :-(......I think I'll just make a dinner with Alex to celebrate. Ohhhhh, I miss my family so much......

So, the year of Rat is almost finished, and the year of Bull is coming soon! Are you a Bull? I'm not, I am a Horse. I know two persons close to me who are Bull: Alex and my brother, LOL!

What are the charaters of people born in Bull year? I found a version, see below, hehehe!

' Honest, patient, but stubborn, lack of social communication. Silent, neglected by other people, but with a warm heart, diligent, individual, enthusiastic and strong. Independent early, money follower. With more luck while young, more troubles at the middle age, but fortune will come back while old. Troubles in marriage. '

Believe it or not? Happy Bull Year!

Hairpins available

2009-01-19T17:27:00.007Z

New stuffs at my online shop!

fairs replay

2009-01-14T19:29:00.013Z

I just transfered some photos from my phone to computer. They are photos of the two fairs which I went for in last December. I become really a 'fair' person now, hehehe.

NATALIS, at FIL, Lisboa, 06~14/Dec/2008

L'ARTIGIANO IN FIERA, at Rho, Milan, 26/Nov ~ 08/Dec/2008

New updates at ó Chá

2009-01-05T17:46:00.007Z

Time never waits, we are in 2009 already. It has been very dull these days, the weather and also my mood. Cannot be like this anymore. Cheer up, Qiao! Força Qiao!

Have a look at my new updates at the Tea Room ó Chá.

Post-fair Syndrome

2008-12-21T18:54:00.008Z

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

2008-12-06T10:42:00.001Z

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

2008-11-29T23:38:00.011Z

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

2008-11-25T20:54:00.019Z

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

2008-11-13T16:33:00.008Z

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

2008-11-06T12:59:00.005Z

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

2008-10-30T14:36:00.010Z

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

2008-10-22T13:15:00.007+01:00

New clothes updates are released~~~~~

1st Chinese cooking course - tomato and egg soup

2008-10-17T12:22:00.019+01:00

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

2008-10-15T16:52:00.010+01:00

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

2008-10-14T23:24:00.011+01:00

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!

2008-09-24T22:22:00.004+01:00

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

2008-09-16T16:11:00.022+01:00

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

Size M, Bust: 92cm, Sleeve Length: 59cm, Cuff: 20cm, Clothes Length: 78cm, Size L, Bust: 96cm, Sleeve Length: 59cm, Cuff: 22cm, Clothes Length: 80cm.
Textile: cotton
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...

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
Textile: cotton, linen
Model: 158cm, 50kg, in Size M. Photographer: 170cm, 61kg, fits into size L.

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

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

Classical, also modern...

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

Mundo Mix Estoril

2008-09-11T15:47:00.002+01:00

A minha próxima feira~~~~~~

Autumn Collection

2008-09-08T19:11:00.007+01:00

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

2008-09-01T20:56:00.005+01:00

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 :-(

2008-08-28T19:12:00.007+01:00

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

2008-08-27T12:46:00.003+01:00

Dear All,

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

Vou voltar depois de 24 Augosto

2008-08-12T12:16:00.004+01:00

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

2008-08-06T23:28:00.006+01:00

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...

2008-08-04T16:32:00.003+01:00

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

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

highlights of Collection 27 Julho - part II

2008-07-30T15:47:00.013+01:00

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

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

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

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

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

Size Unique, Bust: 94cm, Length: 79cm
Fabric: cotton
Model: 158cm, 50kg

highlights of Collection 27 Julho - part I

2008-07-28T17:46:00.017+01:00

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.

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

A unique pumpkin dress, very adorable.

Size Unique, Bust: 80-120cm, Waist: unlimited, Length: 85cm
Fabric: cotton, linen
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.

Size S, Bust: 82cm, Waist: 72cm, Length: 54cm, Size M, Bust: 86cm, Waist: 76cm, Length: 56cm, Size L, Bust: 90cm, Waist: 80cm, Length: 58cm
With a zipper at the side of waist
Fabric: cotton, linen
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.

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

The mascots

2008-07-26T18:52:00.023+01:00

''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?

2008-07-24T22:43:00.016+01:00

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

2008-07-21T22:05:00.002+01:00

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

2008-07-21T11:48:00.026+01:00

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......

Size: unique, Bust: 94cm, Waist: 120cm, Hips: 140cm
Fabric: Linen, cotton, chiffon.
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.

Size: unique, Bust: 94cm, Clothes length: 71cm
Fabric: cotton
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.

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

Blue and white, as pure as sky.

Size: unique, Bust: 88cm, Length: 93cm
Fabric: slub, hand weaven cloth
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.

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

Important: 1st collection online + start selling online

2008-07-19T18:25:00.012+01:00

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!

2008-07-15T17:27:00.012+01:00

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!

:-)

2008-07-10T01:45:00.004+01:00

It's almost 2 am now. I just arrived home from FIA a moment ago. Too tired to write much at the moment, I just wanna thank everyone who enjoyed visiting my stand.

Thanks Paula for giving the first comment on my blog :-) Don't worry, I remember your blouse with the pink flower. I'll contact you as soon as I have an answer from China. To Ana and Rita, also I didn't forget the bag and dress you want, I'll let you know if there is as well.

I'll enrich the blog after the fair, hopefully there will be more interesting things coming up!

Beijinhos para todos

Who lost a PINK BLOUSE?

2008-07-08T13:55:00.005+01:00

Yesterday, a lady forgot her PINK BLOUSE at my stand. I keep it in my stand and wait for your coming back :-)

PS: Actually the color is between pink and purple.

Stand OPEN

2008-07-06T09:49:00.009+01:00

FIA started! My stand welcomed guests of the first day, exciting! The fair started at 3 pm yesterday, at that time Alex and I were still trying to organize everything to fit into the stand. There are sooooo many stuffs, we just have no idea where to show them all in my tiny stand. People started to walk in, but I didn't feel ready yet. Maybe it will never be ready, coz I always think that I could have done better.

It was an exciting day, though very disorganized, kakakaka. People were quited interested in my stuffs, and I am very happy! You know, it's just like giving a performance on the stage, and the audiences really appreciate it :-) But, most of the goods were not labeled with price at the beginning, so it turned out to be a real chaos, jajajaja. Sometimes people were asking for the prices at the same time, then I had to check the long list to find them, just like find needles in a big haystack......

Dear Catarina, THANK YOU SO MUCH! If you were not there helping, I have no idea how chaotic the stand could become. My dear Alex, I was not able to handle all these without your support, love u......

Thanks to everyone who apprecited this tiny but colorful exhibition yesterday. Sorry that I couldn't manage to upload the albums of clothes and bags in the blog before the fair. I will work on that after the fair.

For everyone who is coming today and later on, you are most WELCOME! My stand name is: China Qiao; Number: 2F47

Fashion continuing :-)

2008-07-02T14:50:00.024+01:00

So probably these days I will spend most of the time talking about the fair and my fashion stuffs in the blog.

I'm going to attach albums here of the collections which will be exhibited at FIA. Then everyone can have a better overview of all the tresures I've found :-) Actually I'm afraid that my little stand is not able to exhibit all the stuffs, so I come up with the idea to find a space for all of them in the blog. I'll try to make these albums ready before this Saturday.

How do you think of the clothes that I posted? I love them ALL! LOL! Now I would like to show some bags too, hehehe.

Chinese style......

Ethnic style......

Modern & Casual style......

FIA

2008-07-01T21:47:00.020+01:00

Besides the girl's nature, there is another reason that I'm starting the blog with the fashion topic. Probably some of you have known that already. I am going to participate in FIA (Feira Internacional do Artesanato), which will be held at FIL in Lisbon from 5 to 13 July. Very soon, starting from this Saturday!

This fair means a lot to me, because it will be the FIRST fair in my entire life! I'm very happy to announce that I will exhibit the original-design clothes and bags from China! So you will not only see them in pictures here, but you are even able to feel the real stuffs at FIA.

It's not easy at all to make it happen, really NOT easy. Last summer, I heard about FIA for the very first time, then I decided to have a visit, since I sort of like handicrafts. I didn't realise that it is such a multi-cultural event until I reached the international section. I was very impressed by the international environment, from then on, I started to think that maybe I could show some nice stuffs from China to the people here.

Finally one day in April this year, I made up my mind and stepped into FIL office and signed for a stand of FIA. But it was just the start. In late April, I flew back to China, and started my first business trip. After lots of meetings and discussions with the companies that I contacted, I decided the goods which would be sent back to Lisbon. Then I had to figure out the custom issues, which turned out to be very headaching. My academic background is not related with either business or marketing, so I had to learn everything from the very beginning, just like a pupil.

While in China, I experienced the most scary moment in my lifetime till now, the terrible earthquake. My family is in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, which is not far from the quake center. Thank goodness, they were all safe and we just had some cracks in the house. In late May, I had to fly back to Lisbon to continue the preparation for the fair, but with a lot of worries of my family in Chengdu.

Right after back in Lisbon, I started the long-distant contacts with the companies, transportation brokers. China is 7 hours ahead, so sometimes I had to stay up all night to phone the people there. Alex (my husband) was joking that I am in Lisbon but living in Chinese time zone, lol! At the same time, I am constantly calling home in Chengdu, and everyone in the family is fine, so I'm more released and can concentrate more on work.

Alex is helping me a lot here in Lisbon, because my Portuguese is......really really POOR :-( We were told by the custom broker that I didn't have much time left to get the goods arrive on time, then I became very very stressed, no one wants to have the stand empty by the day the fair starts! In the end I chose to send by air, though more expensive, i feel safe. The goods arrived on time, Alex and I went to the airport excitedly, squeezed all the packages in to our small car, and finally drove them back home safely.

Now, FIA is starting in 4 days! I don't believe it! I was a first-time visitor last year, and this year I'm going to present my own stand! I just want to make one wish: A successful exhibition!

Continuing...

2008-06-30T12:32:00.009+01:00

I cannot wait to share all the nice things with everyone. Here are more coming...

Original-design clothes

2008-06-29T19:29:00.033+01:00

As a girl, it's natural for me to pay more attention to the girls' stuffs. So, I don't mind at all starting with the topic of Chinese fashion:-)

I'm very excited when I found these original-design brands of clothes. All of them have the styles I like, casual, free, elegant and UNIQUE. I think it is useless to just decribe here in words, but some pictures will make you feel the difference for sure.

With a sense of Chinese ethnic element.

The black figure is the symbol of waves from the sea, which can be found it in traditional Chinese paintings.

This style is more South Asian, close to Vietnamese.

Chinese products

2008-06-29T17:27:00.011+01:00

Whenever talking about Chinese products, most people tend to remind the following: CHEAP, COPYING BRANDS, and BAD QUALITY. I'm not surprised about it, coz this is a fact in China. I see many many Chinese stores selling all kinds of cheap things throughout South Europe, and I undoubtedly reckon this kind of stores is spreading in many other places in the world as well.

BUT, is this what all we Chinese have? I alway asked myself. Such a big country with over thousands of years history can only produce cheap and fake things?

The answer is definitely ' NO '. If you want to prove it, just pay a visit to China. However, most people haven't got the chance to be there yet, coz it seems so so far away. For me, it seems much easier, since I have the most appropriate reason to go there frequently - visiting my family. Therefore, I'm witnessing and experiencing the changes of my homeland, and I am willing to share all this with those who maybe never get a chance to know about it.

Welcome to China Qiao!

2008-06-28T03:06:00.003+01:00

Olá!

I am Qiao. Finally my blog is ready :-) All these days, I've been thinking about what title to use, which background picture to choose, and what to write about to fill in my first blog. Sometimes I am just too much perfectionist...

So, FINALLY, it is here! I just feel that I've got a lot of things to say, but no idea where to start, hehehe ;-) Whatever, hope everyone will enjoy experiencing China with me!