Contemporary Chic - Studio M Hotel

Over the weekend, T and I got to stay over in one of the new boutique hotels in town! Studio M Hotel’s designs boasted contemporary chic but still manages to infuse a sense of tranquility. You feel this right at the beginning because the reception area that greets you is a white sculptural island with a chandelier floating above it.

I was excited since I’ve never stayed in a loft-style room and was curious to see how the small space is creatively employed.

I loved the high ceiling and full length windows! We had breakfast in the hotel the next morning and T simply can’t live without his cereals! It was fun and I generally like boutique hotels for their slant toward being design-centric. My only lament was that I was still having a flu and didn’t manage a dip in the hotel’s lap pool. How was your weekend?

Getaway Cabin

Yay! The weekend’s coming! And I want to escape to a place like this:

The Chicken Point Cabin is in Northern Idaho. Designed by Olson Kundig Architects, the idea for the cabin is that of a lakeside shelter in the woods—a little box with a big window that opens to the surrounding landscape. Open interior spaces are intended to be a seamless extension to the natural setting.

[images: Olson Kundig Architects (via Black Eiffel)

The Girl In You - Depeapa

I went through a stage where I thought as a sign of maturity, I shouldn’t be caught going gaga over all things pink and cute. No time for frivolous things, I thought. It wasn’t difficult really. I just didn’t pay attention to such things and after a while, I was half convinced I’m just not the girly sort of girl. Did you undergo this stage too?

In recent years, with the changes happening, most significantly, my departure from a regular corporate job, coming to terms with my passion (doing hands on creative work), I was letting more of myself surface. Along with these, I found that I’m actually drawn to adorable cute things. And this time, I embraced it.

I think these adorable handmade accessories from Depeapa appeals to the girl in me who never grows up. For me, her illustrations conjures up images of an idyllic, simple and carefree life. Yes, a world of a difference from the corporate life I used to pursue!

[images: Depeapa]

Let Loose - Uuu...Shooop!!!

For those who celebrates 4th July, I hope you had a wonderful long weekend. Yours truly however was nursing a sore throat all weekend. Neither lozenges nor awful tasting Eastern herbal drink helped. It still hurts and in addition, has turned into a slight cough and I’m feeling groggy. I hope to get well real soon because tomorrow is T’s birthday and I hope to be in good spirits and clear mind to celebrate with him.

You remember my recent short trip to Hong Kong? In between stuffing myself with all the mouth-watering food there, I spotted this really interesting clothing shop, Uuu...Shooop!!!. It first caught my eye because the apparels are of such a unique style! With its cotton linen fabric and loose outfits, it reminds me a little of the Japanese mori girl (森ガール) style. At the same time, the prints and designs are also really cute! I can imagine putting on these clothes and feeling like a free-spirited soul, enjoying the peace and simple pleasures found in nature. Recently, I found Uuuu...Shoop!!! online, so have a look for yourself! (Click to enlarge)

[images: Uuu...Shooop!!!]

It's Tanabata!

It’s Tanabata (七夕, seventh evening) in Japan today! Wish I were in my little Japanese city to enjoy the sights and the matsuri.

Here’s a cute illustration on how to make your own streamers.

[images: 1, 2, 3]

Summer Escape

We are in the midst of summer and over in our little island, we sure are feeling the heat (ok, except for the ocassional flash flood periods). It’s a lazy Wednesday today and I’m dreaming of lounging around in these beautiful summer cottages/houses. C’mon join me! It’ll take you away from your workstation for just a while. Our little escape! :)

Just a little note to let you know I've relisted 2 sets of coasters in my little shop. You can check them out here and here.

[images: 1 My Ideal Home, 2 House Dreams, 3 My Ideal HOme, 4 Car Moebel, 5 Pretty Stuff, 6 - 8 Canadian House & Home, 9 The Bubb Report]

Taste Buds

We all change with each day that passes. I realised that this applies to taste buds and how adventurous I am with food as well. Can you believe that I used to be not very keen on Japanese food and I didn’t dare entertain the thought of popping something raw into my mouth. Of course, this has got to do with exposure too. I still remember the first time I went to a Japanese restaurant. Despite the wide array of food in the menu, I opted for ramen because I thought it the “safest”. It resembled local soup noodles that my palate was accustomed to. “Too salty” was my verdict.

It’s a totally different story now. Japanese food makes me VERY happy. I appreciate both simple Japanese home cooking as well as what they serve in restaurants. So much pride goes into the cooking and presentation. Don’t even get me started on my love for sashimi. As for adventurous. I’ve sampled cow’s tongue, sazae (a kind of shell fish), ika sumi (squid ink), shirako.... Are you an adventurous or conservative eater? Share my love for Japanese food?

Our dinner yesterday: