Fukuoka Starbucks

I have a love-hate relationship with Starbucks but that’s another story to tell. Most of us think all Starbucks look more or less the same. It’s the coffee that you care about. Well, think again because today’s post is on a very DIFFERENT Starbucks. 

Take a look at this Starbucks in Fukuoka, Japan. Japanese architect, Kengo Kuma employed the traditional technique of interlocking wooden blocks. I thought the result is stunning, a marriage of both traditional and contemporary.

[images: Contemporist]

Be Pampered - Manicurious

I first stepped into Manicurious, a seamlessly integrated retail space, cafe and nail bar, about month or so ago. Pushing the door opened, I felt suddenly removed from the hustle of the busy traffic outside. The spacious and brightly lit interior was welcoming. And trust me, your attention will be caught by the beautiful furnishings. Especially the chairs in the manicure area. They’ll be calling out your name. 

If you’re not looking for a manicure/pedicure, or if you’re waiting for your girlfriend, there’s a little cafe area to chill out in. Also check out the well curated retail space with beautifully designed items. Oh I have to add, you’ll appreciate the great and friendly service provided!

Japanese-inspired Plush

Hi there, if you’re subscribed to Cookie Cutter’s newsletter, you would have found out a few days earlier about my new line of plushies. We are entering Spring and during this season, Japan and its beautiful Sakuras are always in my thoughts. So, I proceeded to make this line of Japanese-inspired plushies. 

Introducing:

Onigiri san (rice ball). I gave him a pair of slippers to wear and he hasn’t been able to wipe that sneaky look off his face since! 

Tako san (octopus)

Daruma

I’m very happy with the results and hope you’ll like them too. Hope over to my Etsy shop to see more of these fellows.

Happy Friday, folks!

Burst of Colours - Bonbon Balloons

Bonbon is a balloon company based in North London. Their balloons come in a rainbow of colours, each with a beautiful hand crafted decorative string. Imagine opening a box and a balloon floats out with a message personalised for you!

I hope these colourful images make your Monday a great one! Have a good week ahead!

[images: Bonbon Balloons]

Green Path

I am intrigued by these images of the Tapis Rouge! installation in the village of Jaujac! The public art collective Gaëlle Villedary rolled out 1,400 feet of turf grass rollers to create a snaking path that cuts through streets of asphalt, cement, and stone. The path connects existing places and spaces like a string of beads on a necklace, inviting locals to explore the village anew.

[images: Architizer]

Eclectic Cafe L'etoile

A warm pot of Earl Grey, a book, sunlight peering through the lace curtains, soft jazz playing in the background. Like the sound of it? If you are nodding away, I have a little secret to share. You’ll find these in a cafe nicely tucked away from the busiest parts of Singapore. 

I visited L’etoile over the weekend and initially settle on the ground floor. It was simple and pleasant but I was’t squealing over it. Being inquisitive, I decided to check out the second level. I pushed opened the door to reveal something quite different and my attention was immediately captured. My camera was whipped out in no time. The second level was decorated in an eclectic manner with both new and retro furnishings. Sofas made of wooden frames and square cushions reminded me of those we had at home when I was a kid. There was an old sewing machine which now served as a table. Because they were all different in styles, each set of table and chairs/sofa was like a little enclave in itself. 

The entire time that we were there, it was pretty quiet (and I loved it so!). It was only when we left that I discovered there were more people on the ground floor. So, I’m sharing with you this little gem but shh... it’s just between you and I! 

Cutting boards

Aren't these cutting boards from the Fine Little Day shop beautiful? I can't decide which is my favourite!

I'm been keeping myself busy designing new plushies and also making them. I hope to show them to you soon :)

[images: Fine Little Day shop]

Eat Your Veg and have Fun

Hello! How was your weekend? Mine was good! Best bit was I got myself a new sewing machine!! I am so excited and am looking forward to getting acquainted with my new best friend. Oh, her name’s Chloe :)

Other than making a trip to the post office to ship an order, I spent most of my time with a book and a glass of wine. I’m trying to widen my repertoire of books. I realised that as I grow older, I’m becoming a lot more appreciative of my asian roots and our multilingual environment here. 

The bit of surfing I did yesterday led me to these ceramic plates by Boguslaw Sliwiński. I love how cute they are. If you are a parent,  think of all the fun your kid will have instead taking forever to nibble on his vegetables. 

Have a good week, folks!

[images: source]

Mirrored Building

I wish I were in Paris right now. Take a look at this mirrored installation at Le 104 named Bâtiment (Building) by Buenos Aires-based artist, Leandro Erlich. 

A huge building facade is constructed on the floor with a towering mirror nearby, hence giving anyone reflected the appearance of being weightless. How cool is this?!

Photo credit: Batiment - L. Erlich © Henriette Desjonquères & Paul Fargues. (via My Modern Met)