I've moved on...
...to a different domain. Why, what were you thinking? The truth is, I just woke up one day and decided it's time for a change—a metamorphosis, if you will; or, in layman's terms, if Britney can shave her head, then maybe so can I? Nevertheless, it's been a rather handsome 10 years of talking to you, and thank you for putting up with all my moodswings and terrible dad jokes. Fear not! The hormonal imbalance and jokes are more terrible on CUBICLE, see you there.

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Welcome to a fresh new year! This year I’ve decided not to make any half-hearted resolutions because I have recently come to terms with the fact that my memory lasts about a week these days and I simply will not remember. If I were a memory stick I’d be one of the ancient 128MB ones that barely holds an MP3 nowadays (Is this why the Let it Go song is STILL stuck in my head) that my agent says would only be good enough to give to her seven-year-old sister. Yeah, that’s me. So here’s five things I look forward to this year – five things I am quite certain will happen regardless of whether I remember it or not.

1/ More webdesign
Does my ‘search’ button look big in these jeans?

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I haven’t talked much about work here in 2014, in fact, I don’t think I actually ever explained what I do outside this blog other than professionally eat burritos. My only explanation to this is that throughout the past year I genuinely had no idea what I was, professionally. (I am, however, sure that I am some kind of a ninja turtle with the rate I’m going with pizzas) I scratched my head, shoulder, knees, and balls every time someone asked what I do for a living and took much pleasure in their discomfort. I started 2014 as a full-time blogger, charging at life atop a (borrowed) French bulldog with a fistful of pastel-coloured macarons, then around mid-year my design workload got heavier, and had to take an unintentional, unofficial hiatus from said blog. Today I start the first working day of 2015 as a web-designer-cum-blogger-cum-photographer-slash-I DON’T EVEN KNOW ANYMORE, but happy to know for a fact that I will be making more ‘read more’ buttons this year than last, and actually looking forward to it all. In the meantime, here’s a small selection of my work from 2014:

Shine by Three · Peony Lim · Soraya Bakhtiar · LeiVanKash · Harper & Harley
2/ Faraway Worlds
Cabin Crew, doors on automatic, cross-check and report

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Speaking of unofficial hiatus, I had momentarily ‘come back’ July of last year with a monthly series called Faraway Worlds, which had been one of many short-lived spurts of resuming the blogger title. This means, in 2015 you will be subject to some heavy backlog of travel that happened in a galaxy far far away, but also a much better-thought-out edit of some of the places that I guarantee you will be adding to your Places to Visit list in 2015. Ahh, don’t you love how sometimes shortcomings lead to good things… I wish I can say this about my aversion to shower. Here’s to another adventurous year in travel, and in the meantime, check out these destinations I had the absolute pleasure of visiting (and writing about) in 2014:

Pittsburgh · Seoul · Paris · Thailand (part 1 | 2) · Florence · Turkey · Berlin · Oxford
3/ Kiss my ass, Eczema
A knuckle duster solution I am dying to share
Dress – ASOS. Necklace – EFFRA

This, my friends, is the smug face of someone who has successfully kicked eczema in the ass in the past year. High five! Chest bump! Celebration snog! no? (please?) If I can sum up 2014 in terms of skin, it’d be beat it, eseon account of how my skin went from a violently itchy, weeping, bleeding mess to miraculously healthy and smooth. The best part is, I think I have a good solution (tested and tried) that I can share with those that suffer something similar, and nothing vague and impossible along the lines of ‘eat only free-range, gluten-free grass’. I look forward to talking more about this, and hopefully helping some of you kick it too. This is another topic I refused to discuss in depth here in the blog, but here are a few occasions in the past year for those who would like to read up on the back-story.

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4/ London re-dial
London calling, voicemail, redial

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Sometimes I forget how lucky I am to be living in a city as dynamic as London, and occasionally dare to fantasize what life would be like had I lived in the Alps, sleeping at 7pm and milking goats at sunrise. (Hubby just muttered yeah, that’s not how it works from the other room) I love London for the tradition, diversity of culture and all the little quirks, like its complete inability to deal with snow like an adult, but my all-time-favourite has always been the food scene. I didn’t manage to share as many of my favourites last year, so I’m keen to change this. 2015 is a promising year for food and I can’t wait to explore the next hot thing here. Secretly I hope to see more Korean fusion cuisine in the horizon but if that doesn’t work I suppose I can take a thing of Kimchi to every restaurant and be happy with that.

See all London posts from 2014
5/ DIY: Tricks of the trade
No more, ‘How do you edit your photos?’ ‘I edit with wingardium leviosa‘s, I promise

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I’ve been selfish with what I know when it comes to photography or webdesign in the past year lifetime, keeping trade secrets under lock and key of my own big mouth (it’s actually a minor miracle), but I’m slowly coming to realize that sharing, really, is caring. And I care for my readers because there are some amazing blogs out there and you still make time to visit mine. You’re good peeps. Also, just because you have instructions for the iron-man suit doen’t mean you’ll know how to work it. *CACKLE*. Did I just compare myself to Iron Man? I did indeed, but I happen to beat eczema last year and my skin now resembles a freshly-ironed silk blouse so I think I very well deserve that title. You can call me an asshole now.

Here’s to another year full of hopes and sugary-sweet dreams, mistakes to learn from, and tremendous success. I wish you a very Happy New Year.

Write a Comment

87 Comments

  1. Nice to see you back :=)

    http://www.traveling-lady.com

  2. sharing your photograph and design trade secrets would be great as i would love to be able to take a more hands on approach to my blog, and to have more freedom with its structure and design.

    have a great new year! xxx

  3. I love reading your blog and you’re such an inspiration to me! I hope you have a wonderful year <3

    http://mrmichell.tumblr.com

  4. Wish you many success with your resolutions, they are sounding convincing and manageable :)
    xx from Germany/Bavaria, Rena
    http://www.dressedwithsoul.com

  5. Danielle

    You are an absolute genius and I can’t wait for all your posts of 2015!

    Happy New Year! x

  6. Looking forward to read all your latergram on the travel arena! I am still trying to narrow down where I will be travelling to this year to I am all ears for a little inspiration from your upcoming travel blurbs.

    A YEAR OF TRAVEL | 2014 IN REVIEW

  7. I don’t usually condone new year resolutions as I’m firm on the belief that they should be made any time not with the mentality, the year, new slate as I believe its self prophetic and a set up for failure. But I do like the notion of having little goals of betterment and if I want anything for 2015, it’s to be 1% better than my current self

    http://Www.whimsicalzoo.blogspot.com

  8. Great post! I will continue to come back, looking forward to all you wrote about! Especially travel

    Leftbankgirl.blogspot.com

  9. Glad to hear you’ll be sharing your tips on how you got your skin back to normal.
    I just started to get eczema on my hands in September – really painful couldn’t move my fingers the other day :( so I’ll be happy to read about this !

  10. happy new year

    Giveaway on my blog!

    http://hashtagliz.com

  11. I love your goals. The more travel one is also one of mine! Rather than set resolutions I won’t keep I’d rather plan adventures I look forward too!

    Cat from Outside Beauty, Inside Health

  12. Beautiful photos. I had a bad case of excema once and it was awful. Oral steroids bumped up my appetite and that was bad enough. The other side effects weren’t great either. I went natural and eliminated a couple of foods from my diet and used a cream. Looking forward to more posts and congrats.

  13. Happy New Year, Shini. I look forward to your upcoming blog posts and your future webdesigns. I am also happy that you got to beat eczema! ^^ *hugs*

  14. I really look forward to your work and would absolutely love to see you write about design and especially your photography! You always have the most inspiring content on your platform and I am always thrilled to see them! Pluuuuuus, your taste is impecable! I sometimes secretly wish I could be your #bffl… email buddies would work too! Hehe xx Anywho! All the best in 2015 for you!

    Cynthia
    http://www.pinchofchic.com

  15. Great post,
    Happy new year
    xo
    http://www.laurajaneatelier.com

  16. 2015 we should all make the best of it! :)

    http://www.flowercrowngoddess.weebly.com

  17. adorable!

    http://monkeyshines-monkeyshines.blogspot.com/

  18. I’m excited to see where this year will lead you! Your blog is definitely one of my favourites, and now I know why I’m so drawn to Shine By Three, because you designed it! Also, I fully support your comparison to Iron Man.

  19. Nancy

    I thought I had beat eczema until I got pregnant early 2014 and it came back raging! After delivery, it has slowly receded and now getting better. I’m excited to hear your story on skin and skincare – it’s a struggle and really happy you’re kicking eczema’s ass!

  20. miri

    Thank you for mentioning your fight with eczema. I am happy for you that you are well now.
    Happy New Year to you!
    XO
    Miri
    http://currentlywearing.com

  21. Your writing is so witty and a pleasure for the eyes! I can’t wait to read more of your blog : )x

  22. Happy late new year! I’m a fan of your photography and blog writing style. I’m really looking forward to your future posts this year as an amateur of the art of photography myself.
    While I don’t suffer from eczema a few people close to me do and quite severely. It would be awesome to find out how you were able to beat eczema.
    Wishing you good health and a great year :)

    http://ralienn.blogspot.com

  23. Happy new year, Shini! Can’t wait to see all that you have in store for this year. After all, you’re still one of my favorite bloggers to follow :)
    Important question: would you happen to know where those scalloped pillow shams are from in your first picture? Insert watery round cat eyes.

  24. Is there any way to have a price quote on your design work just so I know what to aim for, at least? :)

  25. Hi Lesia, of course! Please do drop a line at shini@parkandcube.com and I’d be happy to give you a general fee for what you’re hoping to achieve. x

  26. You are so Iron Man and I cannot wait for what you and your blog brings us in the upcoming year :)

    Love, Rachel
    http://www.herheadintheclouds.com

  27. Looking forward to reading your posts! Especially interested in finding out how you beat eczema and your photography tips.

    http://charmystique.com/

  28. You know, I wonderfully stumbled upon Shine By Three and I was on her blog thinking, “Wow, this looks a lot like Shini’s style” and I scrolled down to see that you had designed in!

    I wish you the best for 2015. In a world of fluff writing lifestyle blogs that are so, so, so boring, despite being “pretty”, yours is one of the few and proud that really stands out.

    Jocellyn

  29. Great post!

    http://www.FashionSnag.com

  30. Cool post!!!

    http://www.hannoverfashion.com

  31. So glad you are opening up about some of tips and tricks, Shini! I look forward to another year of Park and Cube inspiration.

    Bisou!

  32. Wonderful plans! Wishing you a fantastic and very happy new year! x

  33. Thanks for all the inspiration this year, you’re seriously my favourite (sorry for getting all soppy on you).

    Becky :: accooohtrements.wordpress.com

    p.s. Where is your magazine holder from?! My eyes!

  34. Hi, Shini! I REALLY LOVE your blog, but somethimes i don’t get your jokes or what you mean?!

    (I am, however, sure that I am some kind of a ninja turtle with the rate I’m going with pizzas)

    :))))))))))))))))

  35. Haha sorry, too much pop culture there I suppose! This might help you understand better ;)

  36. Kim

    I had no idea you were behind the design of Shine by Three & Peony Lim, love the look of those sites!

  37. Happy new year to you too!
    Kisses

    Francesca http://www.everydaycoffee.it/

  38. I love what you did with Shine By Three and Peony Lim’s sites! I’ve been wondering who their talented designers were.

    As someone who’s been fighting eczema for the past couple of years, can’t wait to hear what’s worked for you.

    Cheers to a new year!

  39. This is by far one of the best new year blog post I have read (not that I have read many*_^).

    Have always enjoyed reading about your adventures (or misadventures, oops). Looking forward to a greater and even more fun 2015 from you!

    It’s a luxury that you cannot seem to figure out what you do, professionally, but yet, life still goes on as fabulously as it seems on the blog. it’s a blessing.

    Cheers,
    Jeann
    Malaysia

  40. I can’t wait to see more! And congratulations on beating eczema!

    Sophia // sophiebysophia.blogspot.com

  41. Looking froward to reading you in 2015!
    Happy new year!
    xx,
    E.
    http://www.theslowpace.com

  42. Happy New Year to you! Would be great to hear about some photography and web-design tips you may have.

    http://www.eatwearwander.com

  43. I love your site, it has a luxurious feel of Vogue online.
    Ana
    http://www.champagnegirlsabouttown.co.uk

  44. Awesome! Your blog is one of my favorites, so I can’t wait to hear your tips and tricks.

    Kendra
    http://closetconfections.com

  45. Hi Shini,

    A little feature. Love your work! Happy new year, if that’s not too late *_^
    http://luminnej.blogspot.com/2015/01/inspiration-style-crush-shini-park-of_5.html

    Cheers,
    Jeann

  46. Oh and ah abound! Good luck with 2015. Looking forward to reading new and exciting posts on your site and gaining some inspiration for http://www.trovea.com…. Shop new designers from faraway lands all from your desktop. Hey – a girl can (day)dream, right?

  47. Shini, I have nothing to add to all of the other comments except YOU ARE HILARIOUS! Nothing I love more than to visit a fashion blog whose paragraphs don’t entirely consist of ‘OH EM GEE I LOVE THIS TURTLENECK’.

    Hope you have a fabulous 2015!

    Jasmine xx

    http://www.afiaandjay.com

  48. Your posts are always as pretty as ever! Looking forward to reading more of your experiences this year!

  49. Rebecca

    I, too, would like to kick eczema in the butt. And live in London. Please share the secret, lady iron man!

  50. I love your blog, the layout, photos, and writing! I hope you’re successful in your 2015 resolutions! (:

    http://www.bundleofchoi.weebly.com

  51. Haha, it cracked me up when you compared yourself to Ironman vs freshly-ironed silk blouse. Your works reflects so much of your style :)

    I’d be looking forward to your food adventure in 2015! Happy 2015!

  52. Love the photos Shini! Happy new year to you!

    http://www.theavantguardian.com

  53. Wonderful year, thank you for sharing! Happy 2015!

  54. You’re my favorite model, congratulations on your look are impeccable!
    http://www.modalujo.com
    http://www.nuevabarato.com

  55. I came across your blogs last two weeks and i really felt,you are a great blogger and your photograph on the blog is so beautiful. Thanks…

    Have a Happy New Year!!

  56. I look forward to the Eczema beat down guide and the web design/photography lessons!! Thanks for caring!! :)

  57. Shine your web graphic design is just so good – why and HOW are you talented at everything lady?! Love the holiday snaps and also the mention of eczema. My sister has always had it pretty bad and I remember her being sobbing uncontrollably about a year ago when her skin flared up like we’d never ever seen before. Luckily, a visit to the doctor sorted it out and she’s much more ‘normal’ now. So I know she’d be really interested to read how you’ve dealt with your skin.

    Anyway stay awesome and happy 2015! x

  58. Hello 2015
    Everyone should look forward more ♡~~

  59. I cannot believe I have not come across your amazing blog before. Thanks for a thoroughly visually stimulating and inspiring kick! Keep up the great work.

  60. I saw your design a little while ago and had no idea you were doing this for others, i may have to get inn touch some time :)
    xx

  61. happy new year, my loveliest unni! may your 2015 filled with many opportunities and experiences. hoping that we finally could cross path this year. stay awesome! xx

  62. Love this!!!

  63. Martha B

    I can’t tell you enough, how much I love your blog… design-wise and content-wise. Looking forward to 2015 with more Park & Cube!

  64. This is just delightful. As for eczema – well done, you rock! I can only imagine you’re feeling over the moon :)

  65. Happy New Year Shini! xxx

  66. I love your post. I hope you have a great start of your year & congratulations on beating eczema. I’m new to Instagram fashion blogging but I LOVE it. Check out my account (@maramalagon) if you get a chance.

    Love, MaraMalagon

  67. Looking forward to your future posts! I’ve always loved your work, so clean and full of charm. Congratulations on beating eczema! I’m currently still battling some pesky acne and I can’t wait until the day I can look at my skin and be relieved haha.

  68. Thanks for the inspiration!
    With love from London
    Yukova

  69. I follow every blogger you have talked about *_* I love them
    kisses

    Francesca http://www.everydaycoffee.it/

  70. I’m glad you’re back!
    HAPPY new year to you, to us, and please keep on shining, yeah!

  71. Your blog is perfect, I love such a minimalism !

  72. very very good
    http://meleginhediyeleri.blogspot.com.tr/

  73. Amazing pictures, love everything.
    http://www.marispark.ru

  74. Loving the humor in your posts!!

    http://fashionicia.com

  75. your site is nice..

  76. bia

    Nice blog :)

  77. I like this fashion blog

  78. julia

    i love your blog! can u please tell me where i can find the stationary and items on your desk. its under the title tricks of the trade 5/DIY
    i love the marble slab. its beautiful

  79. Natalie

    Hi there! Longtime reader here. Love your blog and your eye. Any photography and editing tips (and resources/tutorials) would be a dream! I fully recognize it’s not simply the knowledge but also hours of dedicated practice that create such talent, however the tips would be an invaluable starting point for us newbies! I keep checking back with bated breath since you posted this piece at the start of the year. Thanks for all the inspiration.

  80. :)

  81. […] kicked my eczema’s ass, or sharing a bit of know-how in terms of graphic design, as according to this ruddy account. Nobody cares whether I post Part II of a press-trip from 2012 – that I know for […]

  82. […] kicked my eczema’s ass, or sharing a bit of know-how in terms of graphic design, as according to this ruddy account. Nobody cares whether I post Part II of a press-trip from 2012 – that I know for […]

  83. Hey there,
    Really nice to visit your blog

    http://fashionfiza.com

  84. Your blogs are a treasure to read. Just love your style of writing and how you see the life!

  85. Hey there,
    Really nice to visit your blog

  86. Hey there,
    Really nice to visit your blog

  87. Great post! I will continue to come back, looking forward to all you wrote about!