Being an avid traveler of the world (though I rarely travel nowadays thanks to responsibilities of being a working mom!), I adore making the plans that will eventually bring me home in a city that I will grow to know. Seeing my insane enthusiasm to find accommodations anywhere, my friends consider me their personal Agoda page, too eager to search and too cheap to please. Still, when a couple of friends from Aussie asked for recommendations of affordable accommodations in KL, I drew a complete blank. In fact, I didn’t even know where to begin except for the overtly exuberant names such as Hilton, The Marriot, Westin.

And then I came across a hostel so aptly named for those of us lost within our own homes; BackHome.

all pictures taken from BackHome website

Though its modernistic walls are seemingly targeted at the “affluential backpacker” (pardon my coining such a term, but in this generation of wealthy hipsters living it poor as a trend for the Instagram-better, it seemed rather appropriate a term to coin) and completely unaware of the nearby rundowns of a basic hostel, the diligence in sleek details runs straight through its surprisingly affordable rates and the convenience it draws within its location. In fact, customers are practically ripping them off with the prices provided! Simple, understated, and homely combined into an interior layout with just the right amount of comfort and class.

picture taken from Crystal Cha. Read her review of LOKL here.

And if that wasn’t enough, coffee lovers can rejoice in the fact that this little gem of a hostel hosts a little gem of its own, LOKL (pronounced LOCAL) Coffee Co. I was so eager to hop on by for a cuppa that I failed to research its operating days (only opens on weekdays during office hours), therefore another trip over is required. Needless to say, my friends will be checking in to BackHome come August

Who said there’s nothing new in their own backyard has obviously not found the bunny hole that hides it all…

These minimalist posters by Albert Exergian depict smart and succint connotations to popular television series, easily recognizable to any couch potato. You say yay or nay?

Following our introduction to the first Artist Collection collaboration, this week’s What’s In Your Bag? guest is none other than our first artist, Su Lin. Mother of three and artist by blood, Su Lin finds the time to work on her creativity in many aspects, one of which being painting through the heart and soul.

1.What is the most important thing in your bag?

Without a doubt, my handphone is most essential to me, not to mention my Moleskine diary. I write down all my appointments and dates inside as well as my children’s schedule and their extra curriculum activities inside. Also, you’ll never know when a good sketch is going to come your way

2. As a busy mom of three, do you find it hard to get organized?

Not really, I’ve grown accustomed to the ins-and-0uts of juggling my daily schedule. Great bags like Gin & Jacqie’s do help ease the traveling quite a bit! Also, never underestimate the importance of that handphone! Just to be in touch with people and especially for my kids to get hold of me or in case of any emergencies!

3. Besides the inevitable itch to paint, what is your favourite past time?

Tennis! I can play tennis everyday Of course I love to bake and decorate cakes. I will bake anything from bread, to muffins and to cakes. It’s very therepeutic in some ways, and a completely different form of art on its own. My close ones are regularly playing guinea pigs to my endeavors, but I find that these activities really bring me closer to friends and family alike. It just makes me happy.

The Artist Collection is available for purchase at Gin & Jacqie, and if you would like a custom designed painting by Su Lin, email us at info@ginjacqie.com for more details!

We just revealed our Artist Collection, a collection of bags that are individually hand drawn and painted by a local artist, Su Lin. She highlighted her free and easy sense of art onto our Jodie Totes, and uses a permanent marker along with acrylics to bring the bubbly animals to life. We’ll be writing more about Su Lin in next week’s What’s In Your Bag?, but for now, check out the rest of her adorable artwork *here*!

We’ve updated our online store with new bag charms, all pretty and dainty for your favorite handbag’s accessorizing pleasure! Check them all out *here*.

Riikka Kantinkoski (RK Design) has created the Automatto/Playmat, a vinyl playmat for children featuring a wonderfully illustrated town layout. Printed by eco, non-toxic colors, it’s the perfect addition to any playroom, and has even added optional paper buildings!

We were nominated for the Most Promising Webpreneur of the Year at the Digi Wwwow Awards! Voting has now begun, so please, please, pleaseeee clickety click away on the voting button, and help us win the title! We will love you long time ^_^

Our Eco Sacks have been doing so well (we even sold a batch on our last trip to Sydney!) that we decided to make clutches to match! Available in various designs, these babies are a homage to both our heritage and fashion, making them fun conversation starters and head turners to own!

To purchase any of our ECO items, or check out the rest of our NEW ARRIVALS, visit our online store today! Psstt… it’s the perfect gift for that unique Mother’s Day surprise!

The cut and folded paper illustration work of artist Chloe Fleury is completely (and I barely use this word in reality!) darling! It makes me want to be a paper doll and live in the world she creates by hand in the mind that swirls this wonderland.

New York-based photographer Ignacio Torres brings an altered perception to his works, causing a celestial-inspired combustion of artful living to shoot through the dark like a beautiful burst of light. “This project began from the theory that humans are made of cosmic matter as a result of a stars death. I created imagery that showcased this cosmic birth through the use of dust and reflective confetti to create galaxies. The models organic bodily expressions as they are frozen in time between the particles suggest their celestial creation. In addition, space and time is heightened by the use of three-dimensional animated gifs. Their movement serves as a visual metaphor to the spatial link we share with stars as well as their separateness through time.” – Ignacio Torres