Unforgettable Portland: Family, Food, and Birthday Fun!

Planning a birthday trip to Portland? Our recent family vacation and birthday trip to Portland, Oregon was filled with connection, delicious eats, and unexpected delights.

My stepson's 21st birthday was the initial spark, a joyous occasion that brought the whole family together. The cherry on top? My in-laws traveled from Paris to Seattle and took a road trip to Portland to meet everyone. Our cozy Airbnb in Portland's Williams district became our warm haven, a central point for memories brimming with connection and a newfound sense of community.

My amazing husband set up a wonderful surprise dinner and the trip was nothing less than spectacular. Here's why Portland should be your next family vacation destination:

  • Cozy Comfort & Local Gems 

    • Stay in the heart of it all at an Airbnb in Portland's charming Williams district. Explore hidden gems and unique neighborhoods at a leisurely pace. 

  • Embrace Slowing down

    • We didn’t pack our schedule but took time to enjoy the warm sun through walks in neighborhoods and parks which was, from what we heard from locals, surprising since the last two weeks were full of rain and dreary, gray weather. 

    • It was a conscious decision to embrace slowing down, to truly savor each precious moment. We explored Portland at a leisurely pace, allowing the city to reveal its hidden gems and unique character. Visiting the International Portland Rose Test Garden gave us moments of peace with beautiful cherry blossom trees blooming and petals gently falling through the sunlight. And while there were no blooms in sight yet (peak season typically starts in May, the grounds were beautiful.

  • A Culinary Adventure Through Portland

    • Food became a beautiful exploration of diverse cultures and gave us a glimpse of the Portland food scene. 

JinJu Patisserie (Korean French)

In about a 2-minute walk from our Air bnb, one morning I went to this quaint unassuming patisserie to continue our morning tradition of getting croissants.

This haven for Korean-French fusion offered an array of unique pastries from grand, buttery light croissants to a collection of delectable chocolate bonbons like Lime Yuzu.  I was excited to try these pastries and happy to hear the owner had just recovered from surgery and is now back in business. The staff was warm and friendly and the experience of eating these croissants was met with ‘mmmmmms’ and ‘delicieuxs!’ from my in-laws and son Clovis (a discerning croissant lover!). 

Broder Soder (Nordic) 

Crisp flavors and minimalist elegance transported us to Scandinavia, with every dish was a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients. There, we found a unique resident: Ole Bolle, a giant troll sculpture created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Crafted from recycled wood, this 19-foot tall troll kneels on the campus of Nordic Northwest in southwest Portland, playfully peeking into a small red house. Ole Bolle is actually part of a larger public art project called "Northwest Trolls: Way of the Bird King," with five other troll siblings scattered throughout the Pacific Northwest. Luckily for visitors, Ole Bolle is free to see during daylight hours, adding a whimsical touch to any exploration of the Nordic Northwest campus. We loved admiring the impeccably made art work and excited to find them in other parts of the world!

Olympia Provisions (European Salumeria)

Surprise! Said my friends as I entered we entered the European-style salumeria, which became a portal to Spain, France, and Italy in three, artfully curated charcuterie boards. We savored cured meats, cheeses, and accompaniments, each bite a taste of European tradition. We happily shared each board and passed it along and shared our experiences (my in-laws from France said it takes a long time to make rillettes which is delicious!). 

  • The Spanish board includes cured meats like chorizo and salami, jamón (sweetheart ham), fried almonds, piquillo peppers (a type of small red pepper), and possibly miticaña (a type of cured sausage).

  • The French board features various sausages (saucisson, garlic sausage), pâté, rillettes (spread made with shredded meat), creamy cheese (brie fermier), pickled vegetables, and grain mustard.

  • The Italian board has cured meats like salami, mortadella, and capicola, another type of sausage, taleggio cheese, a salad with fennel parsley, and olives.

Vietnamese home cooking

Our culinary adventure wasn't limited to restaurants. We also enjoyed a delightful family meal at my high school friend's house where her cooking NEVER and I mean NEVER disappoints. . She made us Bánh Xèo, a traditional Vietnamese dish of crispy crepes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. It was a fun and interactive experience, a celebration of food and connection in equal measure.

The reward?  Crispy, golden crepes wrapped in lettuce leaves with fresh herbs and dipped in a tangy nuoc cham sauce. It was a delicious taste of home and a wonderful way to connect with loved ones.

These culinary experiences were like vibrant details, each adding a layer of richness and depth to the overall experience of the trip. But the most enduring memories came from the connections we forged. Sharing laughter with family, both new and old, created an undeniable warmth that filled the air. 

Witnessing my stepson enter adulthood, surrounded by love and support, was a moment I'll treasure forever. It was a testament to the beautiful tapestry our family had woven, a testament to the enduring power of love and connection.


This Portland adventure transcended a mere birthday trip; it became a celebration of life itself.  It served as a vibrant reminder of the joy found in slowing down, appreciating the simple pleasures, and indulging in the unexpected delights life throws our way.  We returned home with hearts full of love, bellies full of delicious food, and memories that will forever be etched in our minds, a testament to the magic that unfolds when family comes together.

Unwind and Recharge

The trip wasn't all sightseeing and restaurant hopping. I also managed to squeeze in a wonderful spa day with my friend Chi at the Ritz-Carlton Portland over the Easter weekend.  It was the perfect opportunity to unwind and recharge after all the birthday festivities.  We indulged in relaxing massages and emerged feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle the rest of the trip.

Is Portland on your travel wishlist?  Do you have a special family trip coming up? Share your travUnforgettable Portland: Family, Food, and Birthday Fun!

Spring renewal, clarity and growth

Spring Renewal and Reflections

brings clarity and simplicity

Spring is one of my favorite seasons as the world awakens from its winter slumber, bursting with vibrant colors and renewed energy. We see it in the delicate buds pushing through the soil, the birdsong filling the air (I noticed so many baby birds in my garden), and a sense of fresh beginnings that permeates the atmosphere.

This month is dedicated to capturing the essence of renewal and creation. We'll explore how to harness the revitalizing spirit of spring to infuse your life with fresh perspectives and creative energy.

  • Embrace New Beginnings: Spring is a natural time to embark on new projects or hobbies. Have you been wanting to learn a new skill? Now is the perfect time to plant the seeds of your creativity. I’m excited my seedlings have started to sprout in my mini greenhouse. Over the years I’ve started to grow cut flowers ranging from cosmos, celosia, tulips, daffodils, roses, dahlias, chrysanthemums, stock and more! A fun fact is that my Chinese middle name actually means ‘forever spring’ so maybe that’s why I love flowers so much :) I actually love it because in this fast-paced environment, it actually forces me to slow down, be present and be patient.

    • Epic Gardening: Think you have a black thumb? Check out my favorite channel, Epic Gardening who’s simple mission is to help the world grow. Kevin and his friends are entertaining and incredibly informative.

  • Declutter Your Space: Channel the cleaning frenzy often associated with spring by decluttering both your physical and mental space. This could involve reorganizing your home office, clearing out old clothes, or saying goodbye to negative thought patterns.

    • Muji Acrylic Storage - My husband and I are in the process of transforming our home (6 renovations and counting over the past year!).  I’m currently renovating my studio and if you’re like me and have art supplies, these storage cubes and drawers make organizing beautiful and handy.

  • Reconnect with Your Passions: Have you neglected an activity you once enjoyed? Dust off your paints, pick up that neglected novel or revisit a long-forgotten hobby. Rekindling passions can reignite a spark within. This one is especially comforting to my heart as a former competitive basketball player.

    • Basketball - People may not know that I had dreams of playing basketball after college but ended up with two knee reconstruction surgeries. Suffice to say, I wasn’t able to play but it’s been wonderful seeing my 7 year old son Clovis thrive, learning the game and also seeing All time leading scorer of NCAA Caitlin Clark from the University of Iowa represent women’s basketball by breaking the scoring record.

My Artistic Inspiration

Spring holds a special place in my heart. It's a time when the world seems full of possibility, and my paintings reflect this vibrant awakening. My series titled "Blooming Dreams" captures the delicate beauty of spring flowers, their colors symbolizing new beginnings and hope.

Would you like to bring the energy of spring into your home?

My "Blooming Dreams" series is available for purchase through my website www.nataliewoo.com.

Perhaps a floral piece would add a touch of vibrancy to your living room, or a small canvas could be a thoughtful gift for a friend embarking on a new journey.

Stay tuned for more spring suprises.

peony mock.jpg
Peony Play
from $28.00
Inspired by peonies and the symbol of love, honor and happiness. High-quality giclee prints printed on archival Hahnemuhle fine art papers. Each print is made to order and shipments go out within 2 weeks of ordering. If you need your print sooner there is a rushed delivery option available. Frame not included
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Just in time to welcome spring, I’m offering a giveaway with my wonderful partners at Sakura of America. Check out my IG for more!

Natalie + charity water exhibit: London

Reviving a lost art in the name of providing clean water to the world

I’m sitting here this quite morning sipping on my warm, daily green tea and thinking about the amazing opportunity I had…..

Over a month ago, I was presented with an amazing collaboration opportunity with one of my favorite non profit organizations charity: water. They bring clean water to millions around the world.

Over 700M+ don't have clean water around the world.
Something so basic.
Something that gives life, strength, beauty....

The brief was simple, they would send me a 5 gallon, bright yellow jerry can used by many women and children to collect clean water in their villages. Often they would walk miles and hours a day to collect clean water,
So I accepted, not knowing what exactly I would do and the process was invigorating!

I brainstormed with friends, asked myself ‘what if’ questions to generate ideas……

What I learned so far:
You can do a lot with a jerry can.
Here’s a sneak peek. 

The concept:
The Crankie, a lost art form reinvented

Crankies are an ancient craft developed in the 1800’s in Europe as a way to share stories through song and narrative.  Often called moving panoramas, artists began creating these long paintings that were wrapped around two large spools on either end and hand-cranked to create a scrolling story with a beginning, middle and end.  Crankies were used to transport people to new places transforming a static image into a dynamic experience.

The exhibit ended this week and was auctioned off to a lucky owner! I’m so grateful to all of my friends and family (Especially my husband and sons for helping me create this beautiful piece).

See the rest of the jerry cans here and the full behind the scenes!


Ultimate Summer Giveaway: Natalie Woo Artwork + Sakura of America

“Play is the highest form of Research” Albert Einstein

Over the past 7 years, Sakura of America has not only been a constant source of inspiration but a driving force behind my own creative journey. As an artist, their products have been instrumental in bringing my imagination to life, and I am thrilled to share my ultimate giveaway with you all, inspired by the essence of summer!


In this extraordinary bundle, you will find an array of timeless prints that capture the magic of the season. From the captivating diamond encrusted abalone painting to the enchanting print of a castle floating in a bubbles. And of course, no giveaway would be complete without an abundance of Micron and Gellyroll pens, the very tools that have accompanied me on countless artistic adventures.

It’s quite serendipitous how my journey with Sakura of America began. Having grown up using their pens and being an admirer of their products, reaching out to them felt like a natural step. Little did I know that this simple act would open doors to a profound collaboration over the past 7 years between us as I would become an artist collaborator myself. Their century-old legacy, stemming from Japan and celebrating hope, friendship, and the essence of life, resonates deeply with me, and I have strived to embrace this spirit.


One of the most remarkable opportunities that Sakura of America provided me with was the chance to record training videos for their YouTube channel. I vividly remember embarking on this journey when my husband and I had just welcomed our first child into the world. It was a time of new beginnings, and this opportunity presented itself as a fresh avenue to explore. Usually, I find myself shying away from being in front or behind the camera, or even teaching for that matter. However, something about this experience allowed me to indulge in pure playfulness and experimentation – without the fear of judgment. Let’s just play! I said.


As my husband and I delved into this new project, we discovered the joys and challenges that accompanied it. It was an incredible amount of work from actually figuring out what to paint to producing the video to presenting. What truly excites me is that I have the privilege to now share more of my artwork and these exceptional Sakura of America products with all of you.

Together, we can nurture our creativity and more importantly explore our self expression through play (yes it’s ok to have a child’s mind).

So I ask you: When was the last time you played? Add your comment below to be eligible for the giveaway and follow me on Instagram

Enjoy an exquisite assortment of Sakura's premium pens, markers, paints, and more. Discover the art tools and materials that have inspired my creativity. 

From sketchbooks that bring ideas to life to versatile brushes that make each stroke a masterpiece, Sakura of America's products are a treasure trove of inspiration! 

   Here's how to enter:

  •  Fill Out the Form

  • Follow Natalie Woo and Sakura of America 

  • Tag A Friend or Comment below

    Spread the word about this remarkable giveaway among your fellow artists and friends. Art is meant to be shared and celebrated together, so tag them in this exciting opportunity! 

    The Winner Announcement

The lucky winner will be selected at random from the pool of participants who have completed all the steps.

Mark your calendar! The winner will be announced on August 4, 2023, so keep an eye on your inbox and my IG. 

One of my favorite collaboration tutorials I did with Sakura of America perfect for the summer!

One of the more inspirational speakers I discovered is Kevin Carroll and the Power of Play

My Story Part 2

Continuing my story… if you haven’t, catch up on my story part 1

In 1999-2000 I was on a path to study graphic design and I had a fascination with holistic health including all things meditation and wellbeing. I was an athlete, played various competitive sports with a passion for basketball and had a talent for speed and agility. I played as a starting point guard and co-captain at De Anza junior college in Cupertino for two years, traveled for games and tournaments across California and was on track to play competitive basketball at a 4-year university.

Then, in 2000 in a playoff game, I had scored an all time high at the half only to be injured which led to a torn ACL injury. This devastating injury set off a series of obstacles including feeling a sense of despair since I couldn’t play basketball anymore. Ultimately, I eventually lost motivation to pursue art altogether.

I overcame a year of recovery, complications and another torn ACL before I had to reevaluate my life’s path. Unfortunately, my basketball coach (my badminton coach as well) lost his life in a tragic car accident. He was not only a coach but a mentor who taught me that

I could be an artist

I could win, and

I could make it.

He was known as one of the greatest shooters in the Bay Area, and is a member of the Hall of Fame at both Bishop O'Dowd High School and Santa Clara University. He was tough, caring and always believed in me.

2003 was a turning point when my father encouraged me to refocus and study something creative yet practical so I received a degree in Marketing at San Francisco State which blended business and creativity. That’s where the next part of my story began…

The De Anza Dons Women’s basketball team. We were the most hilarious, hard working and dedicated bunch.

Coach Mike Gervasoni

Santa Clara University ‘67

My Story Part 1

It’s a special time right after the the holidays because soon after, it’s the start of the Lunar New Year. We celebrate Chinese New Year with the family with auspicious meals, sharing red envelopes for luck and time as a family starting January 22nd. This year is the year of the rabbit, represents peace and longevity. It’s usually a flurry of planning from one holiday after another starting in November but I thought it would be great to share my creative story starting with my childhood (I realize I’ve never shared it!).

As a child, I remember drawing with my cousin at the dining table after school at my grandparents house. I loved drawing restaurant menus pretending I owned a restaurant, folding origami and exploring my grandparents gardens filled with freesia, roses and a giant pine tree. My grandmother was the center of my creative inspiration (I didn’t know it at the time!) and I remember she taught me ribbon art from special gold rimmed ribbon from Hong Kong making fish, lanterns to pineapples. My grandparents gave me so much love and attention, I miss them dearly and know they are always shining down on me.

My amazing grandmother

Amy, was always a model of style and grace.

My grandparents

Steven and Amy poured all their love into me as a child.

2017 Intentions

It's been a rocky start to 2017 but I see it as an opportunity to continue focusing on intention. It's also been a few weeks of rainy, cold and gloominess but one thing's for sure, there's always sunshine inside and puddles to jump in outside :)

 After being on maternity leave for eight months, I'm back at work trying to manage the routine of baby Clovis, my 13 year old stepson (teenager yikes) and my beautiful marriage.  I think about this and all the fun adventures to come but also all the challenges of being a stepmother, new mother and thriving in a multi-cultural family.  One thing is certain, doing less and creating space for creativity and peace is paramount.  It's so easy to get caught up in the 1000X 'to-dos' but I'm committed to the things that matter most: Family & Friends, Culture, Art and Well Being. There's a bigger intention behind each and that's how I continue to prioritize my life. It's hard, it can be messy, but it's always clear to me where I focus my energy and I rarely sway.  Now it's going to be a challenge for me this year with the little one, but I'm ready. Here are a few things I keep in mind to keep my sanity and balance:

Build and maintain a strong group of trusted advisors: This could be family, friends or even acquaintances.  I was never big on joining mommy groups or being super active in any groups for that matter. It's the introvert in me. I knew the most important was finding those gems, those you could trust and confide in when times were rough.  I stay close to those who support me mentally, have more experience than me and those I could learn from.

Be prepared and have foresight: I remember something my father once told me from Sun Tzu: “Every battle is won before it's ever fought.” Figuratively speaking I applied this to everything I do. I prepare as much as possible before I am confronted with anything new from having a new child, relationship to buying a new house. If you front load the work, you'll save so much time and energy later.

Trust your gut:  I informed myself as much as possible when it came to breastfeeding, daycare and newborn care and at some point, I trusted my gut. I read books spoke to friends, listened to how my elders raised kids.  In the end, I knew what was right for my child (though I'm still learning).  But you know when you see that twinkle in your child's eye.

Have space for yourself: Painting, drawing and cooking are times where I can 'meditate' or recharge from the day. It's also a way for me to give back to this world in a meaningful way.  It's so important to have that space for yourself even if it's 5-10 minutes a day.  It's a way to stay grounded, and an opportunity for growth if you allow it. It may sound counter intuitive given the day's demands, but the more space you have for yourself, the more you can give to others. 

I'm celebrating 2017 with two journals, one, for my intentions for 2017 and an ongoing journal I created for Clovis last year today on National Handwriting Day.  This is a day to celebrate the beauty of writing on paper and all the memorable moments captured.

An affirmation for Clovis for 2017

An affirmation for Clovis for 2017

“You are a loving, happy, beautiful human being who walks each day with courage, kindness and compassion. -Mommy”
Little feet and a drop or two of baby drool

Little feet and a drop or two of baby drool

Book full of my dreams

Book full of my dreams

Introducing: Skillshare Class - Elegant Watercolor Florals for Friends and Family

I'm so happy and excited to launch my first Skillshare class on creating 'Elegant Watercolor Floral Paintings for Family and Friends'.  It was a big project for my husband and I (he helped with production) while I snuck away at night after baby Clovis was sleeping to work on the paintings and filming. 

It would be my one Christmas wish if you would support my class and

use the link below to get 3 months of Skillshare Premium for only $0.99 for unlimited access to this and thousands of online classes. 

http://skl.sh/2gumdqs

I created these paintings for many friends over the past few months for their birthdays and newborn babies believing they were simple, elegant and thoughtful gifts. The reactions I received were overwhelming and heartfelt. I wanted to share my creativity in a way that was meaningful and I feel grateful for this opportunity.

I hope you'll sign up and please share the link with anyone you know who would be interested. This makes a wonderful holiday gift :)

Thanks so much in advance!

These are a few of Clovis's Favorite Things

My baby Clovis (and mommy) loves a few things that provide freedom, function, design and beauty. Here's a roundup of our favorites :) 

baby things

Otherware Teethers - Clovis loves his little handmade rattle teethers.  They couple as chic baby bracelets especially for the perfect costume

Yoyo BabyZen Stroller - My husband wanted something we could bring back to France when we visit his family and this one is perfect size for our compact lifestyle. It's lightweight,  folds in a snap, has convertible bassinet to toddler options and best of all, is approved for carry on in flight.

Chicco Bassinet Next2Me - Another husband obsession, this bassinet is a great co-sleeper that can be dismantled for easy travel. The cool part is the incline adjustments on either side to help your little one sleep better when they have congestion or reflux. The side pockets are great for lip balm or other small creams.

Puj Tub Foldable Bath - A perfect, foldable bath tub for your newborn made of a sleek yet spongy material that grips to your baby so they don't slide around in the tub.  This wonderful tub snaps together then unfolds so you can slide it in the tightest places for storage.

Moulin Roty Storytime Flashlight - This was such a cute bed time flashlight project  where you can switch plates for different stories. It sparks the imagination and is small enough to keep in your pocket, diaper bag or purse.

Kickee Pants Footie - So soft, these footie snap jimmies have the funnest patterns.  Clovis loves his little dragon in the clouds.

Matisse Dance for Joy Board Book - Energetic and vibrant board book perfect to stimulate the senses of your little one and great for adults who appreciate the art masters.

Petite Pehr Bibs - Love these thick, fun, reversible bibs with a variety of fun, playful designs.

We may have a few more, stay tuned :)

 

 

 

My Greatest Journey



Over the past year, I've grown so much as a wife, step mother, daughter and more recently, a mother to my beautiful baby boy Clovis.  I never imagined how much I could love this little guy and have a new found appreciation for mothers and parents.  No one tells you how hard it is right after birth and beyond. Often people focus on the cuteness of all the clothes, baby gear and so on and not the process itself.

I've always been a process person and believe that there's beauty in it, through every moment despite how difficult it could be. My labor and delivery was difficult.

My water broke without me really knowing and before you know it, Thibault and I ate a huge bowl of spaghetti and meatballs during lunch on a Monday and was in the hospital for the next 9 days. The baby was arriving 3.5 weeks early and I didn't even finish prepping the baby room. I had this artistic vision of making the room 'Le Petite Prince', equipped with stars and murals from lessons in the magical story.

I didn't expect it to be so exhausting and ended up having severe preeclampsia which apparently could be a fatal condition.  I was completely healthy going into the delivery the first week of May and tried my hardest with our amazing doula Myriam to have a natural birth.  After a slew of nurses and doctors hooking me up to monitors, checking my blood pressure, delivering all sorts of recommendations, debating on the best decisions and countless medications for antibiotics and high blood pressure, I learned a lot of things about my birthing experience and having a baby.

When things don't go your way, be OK with the next best solution
After going into the hospital early, being only 4cm dilated after 48 hours, being pricked over 20 times by nurses to collect bloodwork to monitor my high blood pressure, having doctor's tell me I'm almost ready for a natural birth then saying my kidney's were failing and I needed to have a c-section, I realized, the only thing that mattered was baby Clovis.

At times Myriam, Thibault and I would huddle like a timeout during clutch moments of a basketball game and talked about the best scenarios given my condition.  Myriam would talk to Thibault in French, something I prepared since I wanted Thibault to be comfortable conversing in his native tongue during the entire process (I hired Myriam for her expertise and her ability to speak French). Then Thibault would then talk me through the decision.  Myriam would stand by and give us the relevant information for us to make the final decision.

It was great team work and the best decision I made to have Myriam by our side.

I call this 'Love in Translation' something I'll talk more about later.

Have joy and gratitude for having a healthy and happy baby.
I remember being so dazed during my delivery and the hour before I went into the C-section. I was exhausted, sick, swollen, hadn't eaten for 48 hours and the little plastic circle vomit bag was my new best friend.  The moment I was in the operating room, it was a familiar one - after all, I had had three knee surgeries in the past. I remember the anesthesiologist and doctor wanting to put Clovis on my body for skin to skin contact but I honestly couldn't handle it and remember shaking my head rigorously 'no!'.  Before you know it, I heard the beautiful sound of my baby crying and looked over as Thibault was holding him and smiling.  He had taken photos, cut the a biblical cord and made sure the little guy was welcomed into this wondrous world.

As I was wheeled to the recovery room, I remember the doctors placing Clovis by my side with his eyes wide open and looking all around in wonder. I was filled with joy.

He came on May 5, 2016 at 2:41am at 4lbs 3.7 oz preterm.  He came out strong and didn't need to go into neonatal intensive care. Not yet that is.

Accept help and thankful for those around you
That means get help, have your friends, family and even strangers (if you're comfortable) support and guide you along the journey of parenthood.  A lot of people said people give you so much unsolicited advice and for me, to a certain extent, it was great to hear all the stories and how other people approached their birthing experience. Thibault and I had a deep knowing that the best thing for us was to enjoy the moment and not get bogged down by all the books, research and what other's insisted were the right way to bring a little one into the world.

Friends, family, coworkers, neighbors were all generous and I never knew so many people could be so supportive.  I keep telling Clovis, he's a lucky boy :)

The most helpful points were friends and family making food for us while we were adjusting to having a preterm baby AND raising a 13 year old teenager all in the same house. I never thought enchiladas, tabbouleh, casseroles and green tea lattes could taste so good.

Be proud and don't forget about self care
Giving birth takes strength I never knew I had.

All women possess this strength and it blows my mind how enriching the whole giving birth thing can be.  It's so easy to be focused on the baby and forget about yourself.  My perspective is, the more you take care of yourself, the better you can contribute and care for others, the world.  I wanted to make sure I was nourished, stretched, got massages, do the things I enjoyed (painting and cooking) and got enough rest to give it my all. It's a hard thing, but in the grand scheme of things, it makes life enjoyable and full of richness. I'm excited and feel so blessed.

Clovis brings me inspiration and this journey we have has only begun....





2015 and Beyond


Aloha from Maui! There's nothing like light stringed palm trees, swimming in the ocean at sunset and eating non stop rice plates to ring in the new year.

It's been a crazy year and I'm thankful for all the opportunities for growth which ultimately pushed me in ways I couldn't imagine. The end of the year (and throughout the year for that matter) is always a time to reflect and appreciate all the happenings from the past few months, whether they be joyous moments or hard learnings. Here are the things that come to mind in no particular order.

First Home Purchase
I think this one was a big learning for my husband and I. After coming off our whirlwind wedding celebration in 2014, we decided to be real adults and buy a home serendipitously in Mountain View - close to our work. I was still fantasizing about buying a fixer upper (maybe it was after binging on HGTV episodes like Fixer Upper) but T was convinced we should get something move in ready as much as possible. The experience did not come without its challenges but we were equipped with an amazing team of family, friends and an awesome real estate agent and lending officer to get us though. There's still a ton of work to be done but we couldn't be happier since it's close to my brother's house (couple blocks down) and close to everything possible (woot Target and Ramen!). We paid a premium but the cost for 'Peace of Mind' is priceless in my opinion.

What truly made it our home was the loving care from our parents who provided warmth to make it cozy.  T's parents came to visit us for a few weeks from Paris and we spent days building my new art studio in our garden and sewing/hanging drapes all throughout our home.  I was also happy to put up French and Chinese inspired relics given to us by our families to remind us of our heritage. 

Artist
This was a pretty epic year for me as an artist and it was a good time to remember why I create in the first place. Beauty and contribution was a common theme this year - not to mention stretching myself to be 'uncomfortable'.  This quote keeps sticking in my head: 

Through discipline comes freedom.” (Aristotle)


First artwork book inclusion woohoo!
Now sold in Amazon.


Step Mom
Being a parent is probably one of the hardest jobs. I now appreciate how much my parents did for my brother and I. This was the year of exceptional change (still is) and compassion.  Patience seems to be the most difficult lesson as I try to navigate living in a blended family culturally (French, Chinese, American) while also balancing being a step mom to a spirited tween (not easy).  That said,  it's amazing how much you learn about yourself, learning and caring for others.  Flexibility seems to be the key and finding joy in your passions.

Baby!
On top of enjoying a blended family, I'm so happy to share my love of a new baby soon (Yay!). I'm not going to lie, I'm pretty anxious how everything will work out but all I know is that I'm excited to share something special with my child and hopefully they will in turn be able to share their talents with the world (e.g. will they be an artist? Athlete? Cook? Technologist?) So exciting!

In the meantime, new year brings the year of the monkey (That's me and the baby woot) and many more exciting moments.  I've grown tremendously this year and I only hope to continue to grow focusing more on my gratitude. 

Follow more of my adventures on Instagram including my Hawaiian inspirations below...




Fashion Week Round Up: New York, London, Milan, Paris, Oh My!



There's something so exciting about fashion week around the world. It's the allure of travel, inspiration from remarkable creativity to experiencing the unimaginable.  Over the past month, I made it a challenge to draw (or paint every day) during fashion week in New York, London, Milan and Paris.  I wanted to hone my skills in illustration and also have a little fun.  Here's a roundup and a snapshot of my own fashion moment :) After 50 days of drawing, I was happy that I was able to complete such a task.  What do you want to practice? Give it a try, and take little steps to get there, you'll be amazed by your progress.











Happy Mid Autumn Festival


It's a time to celebrate with family this weekend as we explore one of my favorite Chinese festivals - Mid Autumn Festival or Harvest Mooncake Festival! As a kid, I remember celebrating with family and my parents sharing delicious lotus filled moon cakes will all sorts of goodies inside from egg yolks (my fav woot!) to fruits to nuts. Learn more about the historical significance of mooncakes and the history here.

I spent some time painting memories from the Mid Autumn Festival this morning from lanterns, lotus flowers, crab, bok choi, different mooncakes to a mooncake wooden mold (I've actually never seen one before!). I used watercolor and glimmering gold gouache to give the piece a bit of warmth.

So go out and gaze at the moon tonight, grab a batch of yummy mooncakes and you'll be left with a smile.

Check out my new post on They Draw and Cook (also on the front page today) - my first FEAST post! Here's to more foodie paintings :)

Get back to fun, relaxing and being a kid again: Coloring


DIOR HAUTE COUTURE SPRING-SUMMER 2015 FASHION SHOW

I'm so excited to share with you my first series of free color sheets I'd like to gift to you.  Adult coloring is a fun concept leveraging the joy of coloring as a child while bringing your own unique creativity into the mix.  I remember as a child collecting Barbie coloring books filled with Barbie adventures printed on newsprint.  My aunt was the most amazing colorist and I remember wanting to be just like her since I tended to color out of the lines and my colors just looked strange.  She would use white crayon as a highlight and other soft, beautiful colors. I later learned, there's so many methods to coloring, every way is actually perfect.

Three Reasons to Color

 1.) For relaxing

There's something relaxing about sitting on the couch, in the park, at your desk and taking out beautiful color pencils, crayons, paint -what have you- and color to your hearts content.  It's truly a practice of being in the moment and focusing on one color at a time, creating something truly beautiful and unique to your own aesthetic.  Coloring in the lines allows you to focus on the color and not necessarily worry about what to draw, how dark the lines are, yadda yadda.  You just have to put the color on the paper. Read more about how coloring can help de-stress and a tool for meditation.

2.) Bring out your inner child, be creative in your own way
There's unlimited colors and combinations out there and coloring is a chance to use your imagination the way you want to - without boundaries.  Colors can be vibrant, subdued and serene or eclectic. You decide! There's literally endless options as long as you stay open.


 3.) Creativity is limitless,  use whatever you want
Many coloring books are printed on thinner paper which may make your colors bleed depending on the medium you use:
  • Color pencils
  • Pens
  • Watercolor
  • Acrylic
Have some fun! You don't have to stick with color pencil but here are few recommendations I suggest:

Get the right paper

Ready to get started? 

1,) Print out your favorite color sheet
2.) Pick what colors and medium you'd like to color in
3.) Have fun!

Pieces of Paris

Follow more of my drawing adventures on Instagram



Make your space & Get more time


My space in progress...
A question that I seem to get over and over again from people is:

How do you have the time?

I consider time to be the ultimate luxury. You can't get it back, it's a marker of freedom and joy for me to do what I love and to be with the ones I love. This is how I do it based on having a full time, demanding job, family obligations, being a step mother to a middle schooler, and nurturing relationships in my blended family (Asian, French and African American). There's certainly many other ways, but staying open and creative is the beginning.

To me, it all starts with carving out my own space.  This use to be a nook in my room, shared office with my boyfriend (now husband) and now, my art studio in my garden.

So why your own space?

It's...
  1. A place to replenish, call your own, escape from the craziness of the day
  2. A place to be yourself free with your thoughts, habits and desires
  3. A place for stillness to organize your life, and do more of the things you love

Build it (or find an existing space)

 Here's how I did it over the past few months and most recently in my garden.

  • Pick a space: In my case, I made a trip to the trusty Tuff Shed showroom, picked out some simple specs for my 8"x10" studio and a day and a half later, the shell was built in my garden. It's all about creating comfortable boundaries that you can work around that is personal to you. It doesn't have to be expensive, but you do have to love it.
  • Get your friends and family to help (or maybe share with them your idea): Feel stuck? Not sure where or how to create your own space? Solicit your trusted friends or family members for some ideas. You may have some strong ideas but you'd be surprised by the different perspectives you can get.  My husband and father-in-law helped me with finishing my studio, shelving systems and organization based on understanding where studs where, best angles to place my shelves (so I don't hit my head), sky light placements and the list goes on.
Make a relaxing atmosphere to focus

Now how do you fill your space with a sense of calm, wonder and inspiration? It's going to vary for everyone, so give yourself permission to go wild creatively!

You may be living with roommates, have a small space, or share a space with your husband/wife/brother/sister...whatever, you can still create something amazing..

Here's 3 things to keep in mind:

  1. Music: Jeremy Passion - Lemonade I stumbled onto Bay Area native,  Jeremy from my Amazon Hawaiian playlist. It's awesome and just chill. Select your own tunes from Motown to Foo Fighters. Don't limit yourself. 
  2. Paint and Color: Ralph Lauren Metallic Paint . Go out of the lines, do the unconventional. I was going to paint a huge, colorful, floral mural but opted for a sophisticated hue of glimmering gold and black.  I wanted to bring some nature from the outside in.
  3. Be a Kid: Remember when you sat for hours coloring in coloring books as a kid? Why not color as an adult? Relax, get lost in color...heck color outside the line (my forte). For a FREE colorsheet to get your started (for those with a sweet tooth), sign up for my newsletter here.



Surround yourself with stuff you love

  • Rip up some magazines: Colors, nature, fashion and travel are ways for me to find inspiration. To create something meaningful, I decided to surround myself with colors that give me energy.  Colors and shapes that will spark some kind of idea for my projects.  So tear some magazines and tape/pin/tack/staple them on the wall so you can see it and spark your imagination.
  • Get stuff organized: I love Muji's acrylic cases.  They organized all my Mr. Sketch, Sharpies and other wonderful pens. My husband also introduced me to Bullet Journal, a simple, fun and systematic way of journalling. Organize your way and get your place in order.
  • Books: Stack or prop books so you can see them and they're accessible.  They also add some visual interest to your space. I had to buy the book It's a Small World (Includes the CD) after it brought back so many childhood memories with my family visiting LA's Disneyland. Not to mention it has beautiful illustrations inspired by the ride. Another book that helps me hone my sketching skills is Urban Water Color Sketching, Here you'll find some of the most freestyle rich examples of sketching.

Google Headquarters: Mobile First Show: @Slice cafe


I set out on a massive challenge this year after pushing myself creatively last year. I decided to create new art pieces both on different materials and sizes (Something I've been incredibly afraid of).  First, it was taking on a design challenge on Google Cardboard for a non profit benefiting homeless youth.  For that, it was about creating a world of dreams, a world outside the norm where one's imagination celebrated the surreal.  My approach was building hope and fun into a simple cardboard device.

The next challenge was showcasing my artwork at Slice cafe, located at the center of Google headquarters. This was my 3rd showing at Google after hanging back in 2012 in Crittenden and the Zurich office. I hadn't created any new designs since Christmas when I sold new holiday cards at the Youtube Bazaar.  I remember walking into Slice to scope out the space and was shocked by the massive walls.  "How the heck am I suppose to fill this with art?" I remember thinking to myself back in December when my husband, stepson and I were celebrating the last leg of our wedding (We had decided to have three wedding celebrations last year to ensure all our close family and friends could come - Half Moon Bay, Paris and Hong Kong).   I was extremely nervous since we also just bought a house in Mountain View which closed in January.  How was I going to make all new pieces I could be proud of by May?

So the madness began....

I started with the concept and somewhere read in the guidelines that art hung at Google should be 'technology related'.

Great.

My forte was not exactly inspired by technology but I decided to take a different perspective.  I asked myself the question...'How does my mission of celebrating diversity and connection through  cultural mashups, travel and lifestyle relate to technology?' Then for some reason two words came to me. 

Mobile First.

I knew Google's emphasis was on mobile technology, so I thought about my own life and how technology became a beautiful norm in my everyday interactions.  The best part during the art opening was hearing the interpretations through others and how some pieces mirrored real life from how we read books, track time, interpret beauty and so on... 

I started with wood panels and sketches ranging from 24"x24" to 24"x48" all cut, mounted and finished by hand (with the trusty help of my loving husband)

Packed and ready to go!
  Some amazing help hanging at Slice!
Let the show begin! Early excitement :)
Some support from loyal friends and family share the fun at the opening!


Couldn't have done it without the help of my art coordinator and fellow Googler, Janice. Thanks Janice!

In the end, I sought out to create juxtaposition, imperfection and something beautiful in hopes of representing technology not as something intrusive, but rather as part of this seamless experience we're all learning from together.

This project took eight full weeks with dedicated weekends to complete seven pieces.  It was a personal accomplishment and a pleasure working through the ups and downs of creating something truly special.


Here's to thinking big. Can't be there in person? See more here and follow me as my adventure continues.....

All artwork will be displayed at Google, Mountain View until August and all originals are for sale. For inquiries email natalie.woo@gmail.com


Dreams Incarnated


I was honored to participate in a recent artshow in Portland at p:ear, a nonprofit that builds positive relationships with homeless and transitional youth through education, art and play. Every year p:ear programs help almost 900 young people age 15 to 24. Thank you everyone for your support and to Instrument for the collaboration. 

This was a challenge for me to design something on a dimensional surface.

To me, this is what my art is really about - building confidence, hope and connection.

100% proceeds benefit homeless youth.

Check out the behind the scenes work in progress







Lazy Sunday R&R


Sundays are always the best to slow down, take a hot coffee or tea and well...just relax..

After a long, hard working week, this is the time to take a moment for yourself  and enjoy the space.

I like to wake up early on Sundays, when it's still quiet, and start sketching or painting...this is where I start putting all the ideas I've had over the past few weeks onto paper.  This week it's all about honoring compassion for oneself and others.  Self care is something that brings out the greatest health and love others naturally gravitate towards. I tried to capture this in this sketch.

This year has been full of blessing as I've been fortunate to share my wedding experience with family and friends around the world.  Our last soirée will be in the bustling city of Hong Kong.
On the flip side, with the celebrations come the non stop bridal magazines....The beauty from these magazines are the nuggets of wonder found not in the products themselves, but from the nuances such as color pallets, or the lush variety of floral arrangements.

How will you take care of yourself today?

Travel Curious: Russia


This week's travel takes us to Russia, inspired by my wonderful and animated friend Xenia, who I've known for years. She always travels back to Russia for a few months with her family and I was always excited to hear about her adventures or curious to see what she brought back.   Once she gave me some linden tea leaves (which are btw great for soothing your throat and for relaxation) which has been a lifesaver during my bouts with the cold, dry winter air. Or maybe it was the super cute Matryoshka tea set she had placed on display in her lovely new home (wish i could find the picture! :/) 

   Inspiration for this piece includes the colorful and whimsical St Basils Cathedral, Matryoshka dolls and the national flower, Chamomile. I've always wanted to visit Russia, especially in the winter, while snow is falling (I know brrrrrrr).  

Where should we go next week? I'm thinking somewhere warmer....hmm