[Bangkok] - Tuba

Hi there, I hope you’re enjoying this series of posts on Bangkok so far? If eclectic is your cup of tea, you’ll like this place that I’m about to share with you today. T and I walked in the cold and drizzle for awhile before we found Tuba. It was worth the effort because I felt like I stepped into a different world. This place has a charm that is uniquely its own. It was filled with interesting furniture and deco pieces which I assumed the owner amassed over the years. You’ll feel like you’re eating in someone’s home instead of a restaurant.

These tuxs are actually the menus. Over retro music, T and I enjoyed some delicious Thai as well as Thai-Italian dishes. Topped with Singha beer, of course. Yum!

[Bangkok] - Pedalicious

Did I tell you that it was REALLY cold during my trip to Bangkok 2 weeks ago? I’m not kidding! It was lower than 20 degrees celsius! And when the cold wind blew, I had to pinch myself to check that I didn’t travel to the wrong country. I felt like it was spring or autumn in some temperate country.

So it was on such a cold and windy night that T and I chanced upon Pedalicious. We were walking down a rather dark lane, lined with mainly low-rise residential properties when we saw a warm inviting light from a particular unit. We stood for a while looking at an interesting digital ad they had on the exterior of the second level of this little bistro. Itching to check out the interior which certainly looks photo-worthy from the outside, I stepped in. We were warmly welcomed by the owners and were very glad to find one of the co-owners Raf spoke perfect English. We were intrigued since the place was filled with bikes. Even with my limited knowledge on them, I could see these folks were serious cyclists. Raf filled us in by explaining that a couple of them co-owners are bike lovers and decided to open this place which has a bicycle theme. Of course, they welcome cyclists and non-cyclists alike!

This piece of artwork adorning one of the walls is by one of the co-owners, Jekky. If you’ve noticed, the guy in the picture has no ears. “No air resistance when cycling”, said Jackie with a wide smile.

I didn’t really know what photo this is until Raf told me this is actually a rather rare photo of the king in his younger days. On a bike!

Charmed by the simple but beautiful furnishings, I quizzed Raf a little about them and he revealed that the co-owners are all designers in their previous lives. Ah huh! That explains the good taste. Isn’t it cool to get together with a bunch of like-minded pals and start something all are passionate about? I enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere in Pedalicious as well as the really warm welcome and little conversations we had with Raf and his friends.

5 to Survive - Help Japan

I’ve been having difficulty blogging the past 2 weeks or so, with all that’s happening in Japan. As you know, I’ve worked and lived in Japan for a year. When I was there, people welcomed me into their lives with warmth and generosity. I've made some Japanese friends whom I consider my "family" from afar. And there's a little city in one obscure prefecture which I refer to as 'my hometown'. Japan has a special place in my heart. While I'm so thankful my hometown has been spared the worst of the recent earthquake and tsunami, I see the shuddering images of the destruction, and feel for those people. And if you think about it, they are dear to other people as well, they are someone else's families.

Being away from where things are happening, I've been feeling helpless and kept asking myself what I can do to help. I'm glad to have found a way to contribute. A group of us from across the world, who have lived/are living in Japan are working with a few organisations in Japan. We will do the 5tosurvive Run on 10 Apr, 3.11pm to raise funds for Japan. I've just pledged to run as well. I know that many of us have donated via many other arrangements but if you will, I would greatly appreciate it if you would support my run by making a donation here. Money raised will go through the globalgiving relief fund to the Red Cross and Living Dreams. You can read more at the 5tosurvive link. It's not a long distance but I really want to get off my butt to do something and I hope you can help.

If you know of any family and friends who love Japan too, please let them know about this as well.

Thank you. This means a lot to me.

[Bangkok] - Spring & Summer

How are you, lovelies? I was away in Bangkok for a bit last week and visited some nice places which I absolutely loved (you know how I enjoy checking out new places with cool designs). I’m going to be sharing these over the next few posts. I think you’re going to enjoy them, so stick around!

The first is this restaurant and cafe which are housed in separate buildings but on the same ground. They are named Spring and Summer respectively. The former serves food while the latter mainly desserts. How cute is that? It certainly helps that the space is gorgeous. The interior seems to be Scandinavian inspired. Clean lines but still maintaining a sense of warmth.

I really adore the disco light on the tree outside. It’s an interesting touch and connects the two buildings.

It was on a cool night that I was there so it was really nice.

Total Makeover - Maxwan

The architects at Maxwan took a barn in The Netherlands and gave it a total makeover! I’ll in love with the final product!

[image: Maxwan]

New in the Shop - Suzie

I sent Moustache George off to his new-found home in Austria last week. He also took a journal along with him. It was a little challenging finding him a big enough shipping box but I was determined that he be comfortable. He looked happy in it.

So now, say hello to Suzie! Suzie is currently available in my Etsy shop. She is also looking for a home that gives her hugs. See more photos Suzie posed for over here.

Qoo Takes a Break

I feel so much has happened since my last post. The world’s attention shifted to the events that shook Japan beginning last Friday afternoon. My thoughts went out immediately to my Japanese friends there, some whom are like family to me. Thankfully, all of them are fine although some a bit shaken and trying to cope with what’s happening around them. It’s a new week and many of us are going about our routine activities but let’s continue to pray for Japan as it deals with the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami.

Here are 3 pieces of art I was working on last week for the Pikaland Artist Boot Camp. I never had the chance to undergo any formal training in illustration so these are really just my humble attempts. Feel Free to comment! You may be familiar with the carbonated drink Qoo, whose mascot is the brainchild of a Japanese designer. On the original Qoo can, the mascot is standing in the middle of the can, in front of the fruit. For my art, I decided to let him let loose and take a break!

Also, I wanted to let you know about my collaboration with a friend who runs an online eco shop. I am delighted I got to design a T-shirt for her. Check it out here.

White

I love white spaces with wooden furniture.

Vintage Tin Saucers & Plates

Thank you for your comments about Moustache George in the post below! There were also some sweet words for him from Twitter pals and on my Facebook page. I’m also happy to be working with new stockists! So, it has been good for me. I’ve realised the need to celebrate small success and see the joy in everyday life. I hope you will too.

Today, I have my eyes (and heart) on vintage tin saucers and plates. I’m sure you’ll see why they are pulling at my heart strings:

sushipotparts

kimalousartsyfinds

CampHobachee

kimalousartsyfinds

annafilomena

Happy mid-week, folks!

New in the Shop - Moustache George

Well hello there, March! We’ll be coming to the end of the first quarter soon. How have you lovelies been? Keeping to those goals and resolutions? Anyhow, I hope it’s been good so far. I’ve been working hard and keeping mine! Hmm... ok, actually I started proper only after the lunar new year, which means I’ve only been at it for a month. Haha!

So, I wanted to share with you one of the fruits of my labour. Introducing: Moustache George!

Hehe. I’m so in love with the Japanese cotton linen I worked with for him! Moustache George is now available in my Etsy shop. Click here for more.

Origami Galore

I used to play with origami paper when I was kid. Back then, they were simple-- coloured on one side, no prints whatsoever and they came in assorted colours in a pack. I loved the brighter colours and hated the dark ones. This meant that my pack would always be left with lots of dark colours and I had to bug my parents for a new pack. If my fingers were wet and I touched the papers, my fingers would get stained by the dye used. But of course, that didn’t stop me from spending lots of delightful hours with them!

I haven’t played with origami for quite a while but am thrilled by this cute website that I discovered, Origami Club! It’s origami galore! I love all the creative designs and what’s great is they have instructions for all of them!

[images: Origami Club]