squirrels & tea

Our special surprise!

2010-09-23T00:14:00.003+08:00

To our dear friends and family,

Joakim and i are really excited! We are going to be parents in April and we cant wait.
I'm now 2 and a half months pregnant. Our next check up is on the 13th of October when the baby is 13weeks old! I pray with all my heart that our little peanut is doing well and healthy!

Love us excited two.

Fika Upstairs

2010-09-23T00:10:00.003+08:00

We have finally fixed up the upstairs fully and im rather happy with the final outcome!
Here are some photos. We are now opening up the upstairs for public dining from Thursdays to Sunday and also for private events! :)

The Fika Feature Wall

2010-01-20T01:07:00.002+08:00

Our new feature wall at our cafe done by Joakim! :) Thank you Kat for the photos of Sweden and your family. We also have photos of Joakims parents wedding in it!! I love it!!

Happy 1st Birthday my sweet Alya!!!

2010-01-20T01:04:00.004+08:00

my new favourite song

2009-10-09T09:38:00.001+08:00

Father & Son

2009-07-31T02:10:00.002+08:00

Just a seven minute boat ride away...

2009-07-24T23:05:00.004+08:00

These were taken during our last trip to Pulau Ubin. I especially love the old style cottage. We would love to have a home like that!!

Pulau Ubin is in essence, the last 'kampung' (village) in Singapore. A stroll through Ubin takes you back to Singapore in the 1960's with the simpler pleasures of life. The slow lane starts as soon as you join the queue for the bumboat at Changi. As you arrive, all cares are left behind.

Ubin is a great day trip spent walking or pedaling through rustic roads under swaying coconut palms, exploring shady trails in overgrown rubber plantations, checking out secluded beaches and flourishing mangroves. On Ubin, the food tastes better, air is fresher and sights and sounds so soothing to the soul.

Ink Calendar by Oscar Diaz

2009-07-19T15:01:00.002+08:00

Wow what a clever invention/art-piece.

Ink Calendar make use of the timed pace of the ink spreading on the paper to indicate time. The ink is absorbed slowly, and the numbers in the calendar are ‘printed ‘ daily. One a day, they are filled with ink until the end of the month. The calendar enhances the perception of time passing and not only signaling it. The aim of the project is to address our senses, rather than the logical and conscious brain. Go to www.oscar-diaz.net to cehck out more of his creations!

source: www.oscar-diaz.net

Sneak Peak of Fika Swedish Cafe & Bistro!

2009-07-15T23:27:00.004+08:00

Sorry i havent been more active with my posts but setting up a cafe takes up more time than i expected hehe... Here are so photos of our humble cafe on the corner of Arab Street & Beach Road. It's not open just yet but we are targeting our opening to be by the 4th of August.

Ooh we'll be selling gourmet loose-tea by Gryphon teas at the cafe too! Also we're selling a box of 10 silk sachet (various flavours in one box) for $11.00 (usual price RRP $12.50) during our opening!

We'll also be carrying Fazer crisps, non-alchoholic Swedish pear cider and "Danish Selection Spread" jam!

Lets hope all our applications go well!!

Love tas

my little baby girl!

2009-07-07T09:52:00.005+08:00

hehe ok so she's not really mine.....but i love her as i would my own!!
This is Alya. My gorgeous niece.

Love yah Alya.....masi tas

60 square feet kitchen

2009-06-28T22:36:00.003+08:00

There's a mirror over the stove!! I love their tap and sink! Also their fridge and freezer are two regular drawers that look like they are part of the kitchen cabinets! Such great ideas for a tiny kitchen!

Photos from house beautiful

Teo Jasmin

2009-06-22T22:00:00.004+08:00

The French sure have great style don't they! I especially love the fact that they can print on cushions and classic furniture upholstery as well, how clever!

Teo Jasmin is an interior design company which was founded by Angéline Bailly in 2001. They started to specialize in digital printing on wall canvas but later on expanded their range of products with cushions and classic furniture, still using the same digital process on them. Ever since, Teo Jasmin never stops to amaze us for its creativity. New collections are launched twice a year. 50s / 60s French superstar Brigitte Bardot in pop version is the highlight of their 2009 collection along with Italy, San Francisco and more Doggy Queen images. Previous and still successful collections such as the Beatles, NYC, London and Paris are still around!

Photos from www.teojasmin.com

Sandwich on wheels!

2009-06-17T22:28:00.003+08:00

"Busses, taxis and cars will hate, but nature, polar bears and kids will love: Drive-By Sandwich - a bicycle sandwich delivery company in Copenhagen that delivers organic, fresh, and healthy sandwiches anywhere you are. We’ve made sandwiches to-go more hip, fun and stylish by creating a modern visual identity for the brand. From menu cards, bicycle graphics, t-shirts, sandwich wrapping and bags, we’ve given sandwich delivery an edgier make-over with eye-popping aesthetics."

Designed by Hello Monday

Nursery Ideas for Sheryl

2009-06-16T08:34:00.005+08:00

Here are some nursery design ideas for a friend who is looking to do up her sons' room. I love the light blue wall with the white criss-cross patterns on it....yellow is also a pretty good colour for a boys room.

photos from projectnursery.com

A summer home by the sea

2009-05-25T09:45:00.004+08:00

ahhhh what a dream! i would like to move in with this lady right now! I especially love that her bedroom door opens to the sea! How peaceful....

Photos from SKONA HEM

Sorelle's Move

2009-05-14T12:28:00.002+08:00

Hehehe was looking through my photos and found this one, i love how we look so cool sitting at the back of a truck....heheh we at least i think we do... :) We were helping Sorello and Nick move to their second home....*they've moved again since then.

Simple Sewing for Babies by Lotta Jansdotter

2009-05-14T12:17:00.003+08:00

I have been so behind with my sewing projects and pleadge to get back to it as soon as i can. This lovely book by Swedish Lotta Jansdotter is so cute with easy instructions for Play Quilt with Pockets, Soft Rattles, Soft Letters, Book Mates/Bookends, Diaper Bag, Bib Kerchief, Soft Book and Bloomers (just to name a few). You can order the book here.

Graphic Design, Web Design & Illustration Services

2009-05-14T11:16:00.005+08:00

Dear friends,

While waiting for my cafe to open i will be doing freelance design, if you know of anyone who needs a logo, brochure, illustrations, portraits, web design or basically anything else that needs designing please tell them about us!

Here is a write up on our services:

Speckletone Design is an independent design studio with a focus on creating strong visual communication in printed and digital media. We also have a strong background in fine art with more than 15 yrs of experience.

Using a process of research and exploration we create highly effective communication solutions combining inspirational ideas and beautifully crafted design.

We specialise in original thinking , simplicity and creative, effective design solutions.

Visit www.speckletonedesign.com to view our portfolio.

Call 90023853 (tas) or email tasneemnoor@gmail.com for more information.

True garden living

2009-05-12T15:23:00.003+08:00

I've always loved the idea of living amongst plants, i'm so inspired to have a home just like this!

Photos: http://www.skonahem.com

The Idea Book

2009-05-11T23:11:00.007+08:00

Tonight i was lucky enough to meet up with Fredrik Haren of interesting .org we were discussing his decision to moving into the upstairs of our cafe (our fingers and toes crossed that he will!) and he gave me a copy of his lovely book "THE IDEA BOOK", beautifully cloth bound and so pretty that you'd think twice about writting in it! hehe. I'm looking forward to savoring its contents as i jot down my ideas and squiggles. You can find it in borders bookstore, amazon.com and ideabook.org. (just to name a few) Perfect as a gift or a lil' treat for yourself.

Review from amazon.com The book is nicely balanced between 150 pages about ideas and 150 blank pages for your notes or drawings. The stories or lessons are set apart in olive green so you can easily find them. Each follows the format of title, subtitle, background and activity. The activity might be one or more questions or a challenge such as see if you can manage to listen to 50 ideas without saying anything negative about them. Each story is about a page, but no more than two. Some of the stories I've seen before, but most were new. They all illustrated a point and helped rekindle ideas or make me think. Some stories even made me laugh in public such as Einstein's delivering the same exam twice. You can get a flavor for the book by downloading the free 30 page sample PDF file from the site. At first, I was hesitant about the size and binding. The book is hardbound and 8 x 6 and about an inch think. Previously, when I've recorded my ideas, I've used a spiral bound lined notebook. I preferred the spiral bound as it is easier for me to write and rip out pages. However, the solid construction of this binding makes me think in more permanent terms. In some ways, this format is making me more disciplined as I find myself setting aside time to read the book and capture ideas. When I fill up my 150 pages, I will undoubtedly hang onto the book. Hopefully, Fredrik will provide periodic updates or volumes so I continue my learning and idea capturing. Fredrik Haren, who bills himself as Sweden's most popular creativity lecturer, has launched an English language version of The Idea Book, a unique, 300-page creative thinking diary that alternates between thoughtful, inspiring essays that are designed to stimulate your creative muse, and blank pages where you can write down your ideas.

Hiring for Fika Cafe

2009-05-10T21:02:00.010+08:00

My dear readers,

Could you please help me spread the word.

I'm currently hiring staff for my new cafe, Fika Cafe and Bistro:

FIKA SWEDISH CAFE & BISTRO
Exciting new cafe opening end July along Arab street.

Is currently looking for:

1) Head Chef
2) Cooks
Experienced in European/Swedish/ Scandinavian Cuisine.
Knowledge in Swedish food is huge advantage.

3) Kitchen Helper
To assist crew and perform cleaning and washing duties.

3) Cafe Supervisor
4) Servers
With experience, high discipline and good command of English.

Singaporeans/Swedish/ PR's only.

Email your resumes to tasneemnoor@gmail.com. Or call 90023853 (Tas)

Favourites - Illustrations from etsy

2009-05-10T20:17:00.002+08:00

Magnolia and flower illustration no. 6692 and Magnolia Bug no.6672 by kariherer, Automne Set of 4 prints by aliette, Type Bird by tabidesigns, Colorful cacti and birds print by joojoo.

Tas & Joakim in Phuket - 30 April to 3 May 2009

2009-05-04T21:52:00.004+08:00

It was Joakim's first and my second time in Phuket, the first time was a press trip so it was so different, i hardly saw Phuket on that trip.

We rented a car from the airport and with much luck managed to find our hotel on Kamala Beach about a 25 minute drive from the airport.

We stayed at Cape Sienna Phuket, a gorgeous hotel but so new that it has so many teething problems. I recommend that if you really wanted to stay there wait at least a year or two till they get their act together.

We drove up and down to Patong beach during the 4 days a couple of times, one time we even managed to find a swedish cafe and had lunch there. I have to say that Phuket is sooo expensive now! Some things are cheaper in Singapore! Get that!

It's been 5 years since the Tsunami but they cleaned up so well you wouldn't have guessed it ever happened. I got so paranoid that it might happen again that i changed our hotel from one on the beachfront to one on a cliff...:)

On the second day we took a half day boat trip to the Khai islands for some swimming and snorkeling. The scenery was breathtaking and the waters so clear! When we stopped on the island there were fish right there at the shore waiting for you to feed them. For someone who has a diving cert i have to say i'm the biggest wussy ever when it comes to swimming amongst fish...i was so weirded out i was screaming all the way onto the beach. Hehe leaving Joakim looking very embarrassed in the water hehehee.....

It was great that found the time to go on this trip, i can't wait for our next one.....hmmmm

We're Home!!!

2009-05-03T21:29:00.003+08:00

We're home!!! 4 days of vacation just isn't enough is it? Okie dokes more photos to come tomorrow!! Love tas xxxx

Off to Phuket till May 3rd!

2009-04-29T23:34:00.001+08:00

Joakim and i will be away till the 3rd for a much awaited holiday!

Love lots xxxx

Rania Jaan Ramachandra - 23rd April 2009

2009-04-28T23:02:00.003+08:00

We welcome the newest addition to the Ramachandra family! A brand new niece to spoil and dress up! My cousin Priya already has two gorgeous boys but now she's blessed by a much awaited princess.....Congratulations dear ka'plonka!

love masi tas and cha cha joakim

Zain, Joakim & Tas on the big wheel!!!

2009-04-26T22:34:00.004+08:00

On Saturday we took Zain on the Singapore Flyer! I think he enjoyed it most because his ADD aunt got bored half way through. I was just amusing myself with Zain most of the time and also trying to make him eat his rice instead of biscuits. Zain also got a little photography lesson from Joakim! hehe...We then went to the airport (another of Zains favourite place) to watch the planes......thank you our little Zain for making our day... :)

Zain & Hesham.....:) Best friends for 2 years

2009-04-23T12:19:00.004+08:00

hehe look at these two! hehe.... :) zain loves him so much....and vice versa.

White Childs Room

2009-04-16T10:35:00.003+08:00

It's hard for a childs room not to look tacky and cluttered with all their colourful toys and books everywhere. Like in this home, seen in skona hem, i think its great how they have a white room to balance it all out!

photo by Martin Cederblad - as seen in skonahem.se

Infoband for kids

2009-04-15T15:31:00.002+08:00

How great is this! Specially in Singapore with crazy crowded malls and streets.

Infoband™ is the cool and unique identification wrist-band for children. The smart band has become a success and the product today helps children and parents all over the world.

The product is easy to use. Write with a regular ball point-pen and the text gets water resistant. The smart buckle makes infoband™ reusable, and also practically impossible for small children to open as it needs a two-hand grip to be opened

Photography by Anne Naumann

2009-04-15T11:14:00.006+08:00

What beautiful subjects. I would love for my cafe to have the same feel as these interior photos. Anne Nauman is a photographer from Germany, Hamburg. Click here to view her website!

A home by the sea

2009-04-15T11:02:00.004+08:00

What a perfect home. I've always dreamt of a house by the sea! This is the home of Tomas Tjajkovski and Annette Heikfolk. I love the open airy rooms, i can just imagine going to sleep with the sound of the waves lapping against the shore, and the smell of the the sea....ahhhh....

photos by johan carlson-as seen on skona hem.

Casette tape art!

2009-04-14T11:06:00.004+08:00

Wow, what a great idea! Handmade works of art made completely out of "guts" from a cassette tape. Its made by freelance artist iRi5 from Giorgia.

Market Sling - Serene & Lily

2009-04-14T10:42:00.002+08:00

I love love love the book by Serene & Lily on Nursery decor! And now i've just found that they have an online store as well!! Full of gorgeous bedding's, gifts, furnishings and accessories....wow i'm overwhelmed!!

I love this Market Sling that they sell, one seamless piece of fabric without buckles, belts or straps—is snug, sleek and easy to wear. The inside lining, made from super-soft brushed 100% organic jersey cotton, is gentle against baby’s delicate skin. Not only are they beautiful, but practical too: just toss in the washing machine and they get better looking with every wash.

US$109 - Phew!

Photos from serenaandlily.com

Paperus - The Bottle Garden Specialist

2009-04-09T16:40:00.003+08:00

Bottle gardens are self-sustaining mini ecosystems that work. By harnessing the natural processes of photosynthesis and respiration, plants thrive with minimal attention.

Housed in exquisite glass domes, PAPERUS Bottle Gardens make excellent gift ideas for loved ones. No more wilting and dying plants as your PAPERUS Bottle Gardens will survive with simple and minimal care. Available in different shapes and sizes, we provide a wide range of products that will complement the way you live.

They can be found at:
Anthropology
CK Tang @ Orchard & Vivo City
InQbox @ Raffles City Shopping Centre
LifeStorey & Marquis Studio @ Great World City
Royal Copenhagen Tea Lounge @ Takashimaya Singapore Department Store

photos and text by paperus

Cosas

2009-04-09T16:29:00.004+08:00

Damminit....i wish they delivered to Singapore!! Cosas means “things” in Spanish, a suitable name for a store which sells precisely things, with items produced by Swedes and designers and craftsmen from other parts of Europe.I'd love the sandwich plate to use in the cafe!

Bicycle Beauty

2009-04-09T16:16:00.003+08:00

Velorbis is a Danish designed Dutch style bicycle manufacturers of high quality hand-built vintage bicycles with lugged steel frames. I'd like one of the red ones please. How cute are the ones with the bins infront.....that way we could take bob the terrapin out for a spin!

hehe what cuties!

2009-04-08T17:25:00.003+08:00

zain and his cutie friend megan on his second birthday. :)

Baby Grobal Self-Watering Plant Pot

2009-04-08T10:48:00.005+08:00

I'm always over-watering or under-watering my poor plants so this would be perfect solution!
I just wish they didn't look so plastic, maybe a matt plastic would look better?

Baby Grobal!! With its unique watering system, and stylish design by Karim Rashid (swoon!), this mini-sized Grobal keeps your house plants lush, green, and looking sharp. Grobal draws water and nutrients from the reservoir into the Grobal Soil"; in the top chamber. Just check the water level through the water level indicator and refill when needed through the Nutriport".

US$13.50

photos and info from delight.com

The Sky Planter

2009-03-27T17:13:00.006+08:00

How cool is this, an upside-down garden!

It allows you for the first time to grow plants upside down inside your home or office and has turned thinking about gardening quite literally on its head!

Using a ground breaking internal reservoir system to feed water directly to the roots, means no water evaporates or drips. It also locks in the soil so there's no mess.

You only water it once a month, leaving you time to relax on the beach knowing they'll be thriving when you return. It's also a great way to conserve water.

Its suspended from your ceiling, so it takes up zero floor space, making it a practical solution for smaller apartments, where space is limited.

Photos from www.imaginativegrowth.com

Christian Laboutain Shoe For Sale

2009-03-26T16:12:00.005+08:00

The magazine i work for is selling a camel patent leather peep toe shoe in a size 8.

Original price is $1300 but they are selling it for $800.

It is an original - i would know because i went to pick it out at the store to loan for a fashion photo shoot. But when we returned it they refused to accept it because apparently the elastic back strap has been expanded a little. So the magazine had to pay for it.

It is brand new and other than the strap it is in pristine condition. For more information and inquiries call me, tas, on 90023853.

My Beautiful Mother - Inside & Out

2009-03-26T15:10:00.004+08:00

This week we were looking through the family album and i spotted a photo of my lovely mum in her twenties. I think she looks so beautiful. My mum is exactly 30 yrs older than me but still has such lovely skin at the age of 58. I really hope that will be for me when i'm her age too! hehe.

Love you mum.

Second Hand Furniture Makeover

2009-03-25T12:58:00.008+08:00

This was the makeover project i did for the decor section of the magazine i'm working for. The table was $90 and the chair was $30. I removed the ugly red vinyl seat cover and replaced it with a more updated black and white fabric. I got some help from Joakim with the sanding, then primed it and painted it glossy black.

I loaned the items on the table from CAM, Robinsons. The black carpet, white room divider screen, plant, pot and the lamp are all from IKEA, the white shoes are from Chloe. The photo shoot then took place in our living room. All in all the final cost was $270 for a brand new looking vanity table and bench. But i reckon if you already have the basic items such as paintbrushes and stapler guns it might be even cheaper.

Tas & Joakim - Tioman 27 FEB 2009

2009-03-02T22:04:00.009+08:00

Tioman is gorgeous! Bright blue and turquoise crystal clear waters! Although it takes 4 hrs by coach and another 2hrs by boat to the island, i'd say it's well worth the time!

We stayed at Paya Beach Resort, i wouldnt say it was super snazzy but it was comfortable enough! Hehe it was a good 3 days of eating, sleeping, massage, snorkelling, more eating and walks on the beach! On the last night we lay on the beach and watched the stars and i saw 2 shooting stars! It was so lovely lying on the beach at night, the sound of the ways lapping a metre away from your feet and watching the amazing star filled sky with someone you love!

It was super duper and so romantic! Joakim & I needed this long awaited alone time, it get's so hetic with work and being away from our computers and cell phones was great!!

Next trip - April 10th ....... destination not decided yet! i can't wait!!
We've decided! Next trip to Phuket end april to 3 may! yay!

V Day 2009!

2009-03-02T21:17:00.006+08:00

We don't quite celebrate Valentines Day but it is a good excuse for us busy busy people to make sometime for our lovely partners. This was our Valentines day morning with us cycling to th beach to have breakfast, sandwiches for me and cereal for joakim. Then we cycled to my sisters house to hang out till noon! :) Perfect and full of love!

MISSING - SWEDISH COOK AND BAKER

2009-02-22T21:56:00.004+08:00

If found please return to us as soonest. We miss her presence in our home terribly. *cries of despair. $5 reward to honest person who returns her.

Description:
Name: Brig "wah so kaka" also answers to "OI"
About as tall as me.
Ummm not so neat blond hair. - she has a comb phobia.
Strangely refers to rolling pins as "bowling pins".
Loves all that start with the letter "C", like coke, ciggies and cats.
Can be easily bribed and lured into vehicles with hugs and ummm pasta bake.

CONTINENTALE -Florence, Italy

2009-02-22T21:09:00.002+08:00

Hmmm how do you say woweeeee in italian? :) After watching "under the tuscan sun" i have imagined moving to italy, having my own garden patch in our backyard, joakim has a gorgeous sun-lit room to paint in and we live on the money selling home made delicious bread and paintings we sell at the local market...ahhh dreams.... :)

well here's another dream.....staying at this gorgeous hotel in florence italy... i think the interior is just ok but wow look at the view of the gorgeous scenery out the windows and from the rooftop gazebo.

Room rates set you back a cool S$450 a night...

Check out reviews of the hotel here.

Girly Girls rooms from PBteen

2009-02-12T09:18:00.006+08:00

The Lilac range from PBteen

Penelope love seat US$$549.99 from PBteen

Leaf Iron Canopy Bed US$999-1099 from PBteen
I love this whimsical looking bed frame! It would take her from early teens to even late twenties!

Sunburst Floral Rugs US$129-599 from PBteen
Perfect without being too overly girly girl.

Make it your own system US$$39.99 - $109.99 from PBteen
This is great for any girl! I think i could do with one too!

Better Sleep!

2009-02-05T12:30:00.002+08:00

I need quality sleep and i'm not getting any!! We get to bed by 12.30am and i usually don't fall asleep till 1am so i'm usually either zombified the next day or extremely grumpy.

I can't quite blame my dear husband because it's not his fault that i just can't sleep without him by my side. I get annoyed with him but then again he's staying up to finish some work, of which all payment proceeds usually get spent on me (hehehehe!!). So i thought a good idea would be for him to do his work in bed on his laptop and i get to sleep earlier...what i need now is a sleep mask to get it nice and dark!

All masks from www. etsy.com and www.frautulpe.de

Zain & Alya

2009-02-03T22:13:00.005+08:00

My darling neice and nephew are so gorgeous!
Here are some new pictures of them!

Photography by Debi Treloar

2009-02-03T21:38:00.005+08:00

I love these images taken bu Debi, the lighting is so natural and the photos look so peaceful! Not to mention the gorgeous white interiors!

Originally from Zimbabwe, Debi studied art then photography. She has lived and worked in London for the last 15 years.

Debi has worked on publications ranging from Elle Décor UK, Italy, Germany, France and Japan to Red, Olive and IDFX Magazine and recently photographing John Torode and James Martin for the BBC. She has produced the photographs for over 30 books on interiors and food that have been published across the globe in different languages including a series of French cookery books by Joanne Harris and Fran Warde. She did the food photography for a series in the Sunday Times for a year with Tom Conran as well as working for a host of commercial clients.

Photos by Debbie Treloar

A busy start to 2009 - Bangkok( January 9-12 2009)

2009-01-25T14:33:00.004+08:00

Wow what a start to the new year!! A trip to Bangkok with Joakim and 4 great friends, a new niece and soon an opening to Fika Cafe & Bistro in May..... :)

Here are some photos of all of us in Bangkok! Wow it was four full days of shopping , eating and sleeping!! We loved the cool weather (about 18 degrees Celsius) making all the walking around town bearable. It was so funny how we were always fooling around with our handy walky talkies while all three couple went our separate ways. This method of communication was super effective!

Thank you for a lovely trip guys!

Love tas

My two favourite actors are sisters

2009-01-15T22:43:00.007+08:00

I've always loved Zooey Dechanel, she's the spunky kind that you'd wanna be best friends with immediately! Then last week i found out that Zooey and Emily (from the series Bones) are sisters! No wonder i like them both so much! What great genes!

Kitchen Fires

2009-01-14T22:22:00.006+08:00

I never realized that a wet dishcloth can be a one size fits all lid to cover a fire in a pan! ? This is a dramatic video (30-second, very short) about how to deal with a common kitchen fire... Oil in a frying pan. ?Read the following introduction, then watch the show... It's a real eye-opener!!

At the Fire Fighting Training school they would demonstrate this with a deep fat fryer panset on the fire field. An instructor would don a fire suit and using an 8 oz. cup at the end of a 10 foot pole, toss water onto the grease fire. The results got the attention of the students. The water, being heavier than oil, sinks to the bottom where it instantly becomes heated. The explosive force of the steam blows the burning oil up and out. ?On the open field, it became a thirty foot high fireball that resembled a nuclear blast. ?Inside the confines of a kitchen, the fire ball hits the ceiling and fills the entire room. Also, do not throw sugar or flour on a grease fire. One cup creates the explosive force of two sticks of dynamite.

This is a powerful message----watch the video and don't forget what you see. ?Tell your whole family about this video or better yet, send this to them. The Logic is that the damp cloth cut off the Oxygen supply that kill the fire.

The Elysian - Bali

2009-01-14T17:15:00.002+08:00

I could sooo imagine Joakim and i having a romantic weekend away at this spectacular resort in Bali, maybe this year for our wedding anniversary. :) (Our honeymoon was in Bali too!, in an equally gorgoeous resort)

'Elysian' means Paradise. And it is! A haven where you can enjoy the privacy of your own villa with your own fully equipped and serviced villa with 8 x 3 meter pool set amongst a leafy Balinese garden. And still be spoilt with everything you'd expect from a first class hotel, a restaurant and bar, spa and a main swimming pool flanked by intimate cabanas set amongst a relaxed 'village-style' environment.

Sara Sanger Photography

2009-01-13T17:07:00.002+08:00

I love this photo taken by an amazing photographer, Sara Sanger. * She's the one in white infront.

Baby Alya

2009-01-12T19:19:00.004+08:00

Sorry this took so long to get on the blog! We just got back from Bangkok an hour ago! Here are some pictures of baby Alya!

tas xxx

I have a niece!!

2009-01-08T14:35:00.004+08:00

Yay i just heard the best news that my sister gave birth to a beautiful baby girl this afternoon!!I'm so excited!! Pix to come!

photo of "babycake" from www.thefrogandtheprincess.com

Portraits

2009-01-06T22:50:00.004+08:00

Are you looking for a unique or personalized gift for your loved ones during that very special occasion? Or are you looking for a portrait artwork to serve as a testimony of your fond memories?

Joakim will turn your treasured photos into portrait drawings which retain the sentimentality of the original. The price of his drawings start from SGD200. He can frame it for you at an additional cost.

Check out his website or email him:) joakim@speckletonedesign.com

Where would i wish to wake up tomorrow - Brooklyn

2009-01-06T22:44:00.000+08:00

Fifty People, One Question: Brooklyn from Crush & Lovely on Vimeo.

Reuber Henning Rugs

2009-01-05T22:38:00.003+08:00

These whimsical rugs by germans Franziska Henning & Thorsten Reuber are just wonderful!

Reuber Henning rugs are made in a small manufacture in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley according to age-old Tibetan traditions. Here, the people who spin, dye, knot and wash the rugs work closely together in a family-type group.

Each rug is made by hand with greatest care and undergoes multiple inspections before it comes to you.

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-04T19:32:00.004+08:00

Happy 2009 my dear readers!

May all of you be blessed with good health and lots of love!

xxx tas

For all our men - Stay out of the dog house!

2008-12-26T13:26:00.000+08:00

Dino Daisy

2008-12-26T13:04:00.002+08:00

What a cute website! Dino Daisy provides an exquisite collection of premium, personalised favours, hampers and gifts to commemorate any special occasion – new arrivals, baby’s first month, birthdays, anniversaries, even Happy Tuesday days! Make anyday a cause for celebration and gift-giving!

God Jul Joakim!

2008-12-26T11:03:00.005+08:00

hehe joakims sitting on Santa's lap ..... hmmm have you been naughty or nice joakim?

Tree Jewels

2008-12-22T21:56:00.005+08:00

I love these jewellery stands from urban outfitters! Specially love the birch tree stand and the owl one.

Galant Tales

2008-12-18T10:21:00.004+08:00

Perfect gifts for animal lovers! Hehe matching tees for master and man. Get yours at the Galant Tales Shop.

Curiosity Shoppe

2008-12-17T22:52:00.002+08:00

These are some of the lovely things i found at the Curiosity Shoppe! Great Xmas presents!

Cake Pops by Bakerella

2008-12-11T22:34:00.003+08:00

Thanks Sorello for introducing me to the Bakerella Blog! Looks at these gorgeous cake pops! They look just as yummy on the outside as they do in the inside, the chocolate cake inside looks devine! How creative, i must try making some too!

Happy Christmas & A Merry New Year!

2008-12-09T22:41:00.004+08:00

How Charming!

2008-12-07T19:19:00.004+08:00

Wallblank

2008-12-04T11:10:00.007+08:00

This week i got an email from Jenn from Wallblank that has just been launched in October. They put a new limited edition print, like those above (sometimes photo, sometimes screenprint, sometimes another type) up every weekday. The artwork are only available for one week. On Fridays, the artists donate their work and 100% of the proceeds from their print go to a non-profit cause of their choice.

Check them out and spread the word! I especially like the painting of the messy messy desk...hehe....makes me think mine isn't so bad.

my new favourite song - syntax, pride

2008-12-02T16:13:00.000+08:00

Hellolulu bags

2008-11-27T23:19:00.007+08:00

Yay my dear husband just bought me a new hellolulu bag! I chose the vanilla canvas version with the green lining! Love it.. :) It even fits my video ipod snugly in a pocket made exclusively for it! thanks hun!

Dala Hest Cookie Cutters

2008-11-26T22:34:00.006+08:00

I want a set of these cookie cutters but cant seem to find them anywhere in Singapore! Does someone have any idea where i could find them? I've found this one above online, but the website keeps hanging.

Soooo Funny!!! Justin timberlake dancing in thights with Beyonce!

2008-11-25T11:25:00.002+08:00

this isn't what i posted on at first ...the first one was even funnier but got taken off youtube...

Porters Paint Wallpaper

2008-11-19T00:30:00.004+08:00

These beautiful wallpapers are from a family run company in Aussie land called Porters Paints. His grandfather was responsible for some major painting projects in Sydney's attractions. I absolutely love the nursery room wallpaper...whimsically wonderful.

Porter’s has worked with local designers to create beautiful works that translate into stunning wallpaper. Based on our current trend forecast predictions for wall coverings and designs, we have produced a selection of wallpapers that will satisfy both the contemporary and traditional interior spaces. We have also collaborated with costume designer, Catherine Martin, to launch a range of wallpapers and paint colours exclusive to Porter's Paints. The paper is printed locally by specialised staff on our own wallpaper press on premium quality paper.

Photos from porterspaints.com

In search for the perfect pendant....lamp

2008-11-17T18:37:00.002+08:00

Here are some beautiful pendant lamps from Bonluxat. Anyone knows where else i can get cool pendant lamps, or have any they have bought and love?

Wonderwall

2008-11-16T10:26:00.003+08:00

w

I love wallpaper....here are some gorgeous prints that make me go ooooh....ahhhhh.....does anyone know where to find the woods wallpaper in Singapore?
images from dominomag

Dreading the Threading

2008-11-12T21:53:00.003+08:00

This evening i went to Browhaus to get my eyebrows and upper lip threaded. And oh my god it hurts!Feels like someone is ripping the skin off my face! I'm quite sure i scared a few customers with my yelps. Any of you guys wax instead? Or go for regular tweezing or threading? Does it hurt as much the second time?

Eclecticeccentricity

2008-11-12T14:56:00.003+08:00

Here are some gorgeous whimsical necklaces by eclecticeccentricity.
Chect out the store on etsy, here. Guess which one's my favourite!

Eco Age

2008-11-11T10:49:00.005+08:00

London - Eco is an exciting new retail concept and the first of its kind – a store, showroom, consultancy and green hub that offers inspiration, ideas and specific domestic solutions for all those who want to lead a greener and more energy efficient life. The team includes Colin Firth, Nicola Giuggioli, Livia Giuggioli and Ivo Coulson.

Woodland Home

2008-11-11T10:40:00.003+08:00

How lovely is this? I'd imagine there to be pixies and little fairies in their garden too!

You are looking at pictures of a house I built for our family in Wales. It was built by myself and my father in law with help from passers by and visiting friends. 4 months after starting we were moved in and cosy. I estimate 1000-1500 man hours and £3000 put in to this point. Not really so much in house buying terms (roughly £60/sq m excluding labour).

The house was built with maximum regard for the environment and by reciprocation gives us a unique opportunity to live close to nature. Being your own (have a go) architect is a lot of fun and allows you to create and enjoy something which is part of yourself and the land rather than, at worst, a mass produced box designed for maximum profit and convenience of the construction industry. Building from natural materials does away with producers profits and the cocktail of carcinogenic poisons that fill most modern buildings.

Some key points of the design and construction:

Dug into hillside for low visual impact and shelter
Stone and mud from diggings used for retaining walls, foundations etc.
Frame of oak thinnings (spare wood) from surrounding woodland
Reciprocal roof rafters are structurally and aesthaetically fantastic and very easy to do
Straw bales in floor, walls and roof for super-insulation and easy building
Plastic sheet and mud/turf roof for low impact and ease
Lime plaster on walls is breathable and low energy to manufacture (compared to cement)
Reclaimed (scrap) wood for floors and fittings
Anything you could possibly want is in a rubbish pile somewhere
Woodburner for heating - renewable and locally plentiful
Flue goes through big stone/plaster lump to retain and slowly release heat
Fridge is cooled by air coming underground through foundations
Skylight in roof lets in natural feeling light
Solar panels for lighting, music and computing
Water by gravity from nearby spring
Compost toilet
Roof water collects in pond for garden etc.

Etsy Finds - Moose

2008-11-10T21:37:00.004+08:00

wapiti moose pin by whiteapple; crochet moose pattern by the birdsandbees;
moose and cabin recipe cards by drawandquartered, 1927 vintage moose antler pendant by sushipot; Moose in love (set of 4) greeting cards by cleverviolet; moose glass necklace by hemgoods; letterpress holiday greeting card by LookyLoo.

Boys Rooms

2008-11-05T23:25:00.007+08:00

Thank you for your request Ria! Here are some really fun room designs to inspire you!

Oh gosh, I want to decorate my sons room so much (hes 8 years) but I don't want to go with the obvious blue or grey themes for boys. The thing is he is growing up but not in the teen stage yet (if you know what I mean) so its pretty hard. I need some inspiration... Lol Ive looked on the net and there are some great ideas but so confused on what to go with.

I guess a good thing to do is to get your son involved too! Let him help you with the painting (you could let him choose the colours too!), help you choose furniture and ask him for his opinion.

Personally i dislike themed kids rooms or rooms with huge murals of super hero or Disney characters on the walls, it all just seems so tacky . Some character they love today they might hate tomorrow.

I love bunk beds, i think all kids do too! They're great! It's the whole idea of climbing up to your secret space, just like a tree house, that gets them loving it. I reckon its also a great space saver to have a loft bed (so that you can have a desk or couch or storage space below) and bunk beds are great for stay overs!

Instead of painting the room blue, try different colours like greens, orange, or browns.

Having a reading nook or an allocated space just for reading is great for your son, keep all his books there and have a comfy chair for him to snuggle in, make sure its lit well.

Lastly, don't forget its his room not yours, so get him in front of the computer with you and let him help you do the choosing. Its a gd time for parent-son bonding as well!

photos from: dominomag, decor.net.au, pottery barn & getdecorating.com

Ask Tas :)

2008-11-04T09:49:00.006+08:00

Harloo my dear readers, thank you so much for all your support and comments. This is my first time doing this and was wondering if any of you need some help with decorating ideas, anything you wanna share, where to find what or anything else you might be wondering or want to read about? Email me (my email address is in my profile) and i'd be more than happy to do a posting dedicated to you!

xx tas

image from domino - outdoor lights

Squirrels & Tea

2008-11-03T11:58:00.003+08:00

Thank you sweet Caroline for thinking of me when you saw this! It's so perfect! A squirrel & Tea, (or maybe it's coffee)hehe, painting by groundwork on etsy! Unfortunately it's out of stock ...sniffles...but it made my day just posting about it...

Thanks again Caroline!

Kanelbullar - Cinnamon Roles by Brig

2008-11-02T22:44:00.010+08:00

Today was Kanelbullar day at ours. Brig came over and despite the lack of ingredients found, we managed to make do, never mind that we couldn't find the right flour, the right kind of sugar or the essential cardamon powder, it turned out pretty gd! Thank god brig was smart enough not to listen to me when i told her she should empty the whole bottle of yeast into the mixture!

Brig was saying: If my grandma was watching from heaven, she'd be thinking!
Well it's about time one of my grand kids put my teachings to good use!

Please don't stick on tas's new kitchen counter..please please!

"Lookie what i've done!"says brig excitedly.

Oh god this is taking wayyyyy too long!
Maybe if i stare a lil' harder it might go faster!

Hmmm i look pretty good in the reflection...la deee da...

Look how pretty i look tas!

Finally!

Tadaaa!!

God i'm such a kick-ass baker!!
Ok what shall we do next?

*Brig i have a bowling pin!

Go Outside and Play

2008-10-31T16:54:00.004+08:00

It's scary how kids these days are so playstation, game boy, psp and whatever else there is out there crazy!

Whatever happened to kids running and playing outside! I remember when we were young we played outside and only came inside because we were forced to. We played catching, hide-and-seek, zero-point, rode our bikes and pretended we were on an adventure, slid down the grass slopes on cardboard boxes and entertained ourselves with play and friends!

Here's a really cute range of clothing by Wire&Twine and designed by Wendy. I'll take mine gift wrapped please!

Faces in Broccoli

2008-10-31T10:50:00.007+08:00

I stumbled across this lovely blog called bread&honey by summer and alicia today and read this creepy but funny post on little scary tiny faces morphed into the products on packaging! Check it out for yourself! Here are some photos taken by alicia and macro shots to give you a closer look!Can you see it? Here's a closer look!More scary little faces in on the jam label!!!

Is this creepy or what!! reminds me of the munchkins in the wizard of oz!! eeeee. i wonder if we have Cascadian Farm products in Singapore?

Homey Warm Cinnamon Whiffs

2008-10-31T00:02:00.004+08:00

These make me feel warm and fuzzy inside.

photos from skonahem.com

Sweet Tweets

2008-10-30T23:58:00.003+08:00

The handmade ceramic "birds" range by Polly George is so lovely. Simple and sweet.

brig cooks!

2008-10-30T23:42:00.003+08:00

We were very impressed by Brig's cooking skills. Here is evidence of her getting close to a real stove....:) She came over and made us really good Swedish pancakes from scratch!! .....actually brig was really impressed with herself too! hehe.....thanks brig!

Marimekko

2008-10-30T10:53:00.003+08:00

I'm so excited to go to Style:Nordic 3rd Anniversary sale tomorrow, they carry the Marimekko range and i want them all!

Flatshare fridge

2008-10-28T20:56:00.002+08:00

This is such a great idea for flatsharers! I hate the idea of sharing my fridge space with un-family members. Well the good bit is we have a huge fridge all to ourselves now. No more guesing games with food in the fridge!

Flatshare fridge, with separate, portable modules powered by a single base station has won first prize in the Electrolux Design Lab 2008 competition. Conceived by Stefan Buchberger of the University of Applied Arts in Vienna, Flatshare also won the media award and the people’s choice award.

"“I got the idea to create the Flatshare fridge because in many shared flats there is a problem with the refrigerator, says Buchberger. “It gets filthy because no one person feels responsible for cleaning it.” College students, grad students and young professionals, for examlple, often share living spaces…and kitchens. With Flatshare, never again will they have to endure another person’s moldy cheese or old leftovers."

ReForm School Rules, Rules!

2008-10-27T11:30:00.003+08:00

Reform School Rules, easily one of the most original and totally cool web shops anywhere. Categories of fun little goodies from indie artists are all grouped by school subject - Library for books, Art 101 for prints, Child Development for baby and kids gifts, and Organic Chemistry for (no, not drugs) bath and body products.

One more cool thing about the site is the Student of the Month category featuring limited edition pieces. Worth a look: The spectacular hand-painted and silkscreened Fijian stool in a collaboration between Mali tribespeople and LA artist Kat Brecher with proceeds supporting a local school. Just make sure your kid plays with the puzzles instead.

www.coolmompicks.com

Scandanavian Grace

2008-10-25T10:19:00.005+08:00

Scandinavian Grace is owned and operated by Fredrik Larsson and James Anthony. They provide a wide range of classic and contemporary design from Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway. They've introduced never before seen products into the American market like Vik Prjonsdottir, Asplund, Ihreborn, and new collections from Marimekko.

Their desire is to present Scandinavian design standards in a fresh and exciting light.

If you live in NY you'd be able to visit their stores but if you don't, no worries, there's always their online store!

John Derian for Target

2008-10-21T17:07:00.005+08:00

Derian is best known for his artisan decoupage techniques and his charmingly eccentric designs. Derian collects unique items and prints to serve as inspiration for his collections and believes that design is a translation of the imagination.

Coming this September, Target will launch the exclusive John Derian™ for Target® collection of decorative stationery and home décor products. The focus of the collection is Derian’s whimsical interpretation of nature, including butterflies, birds, vegetables and insects. The product assortment includes items such as a scrapbook kit, photo albums and desktop accessories. Home décor items include wall art, shadowboxes, trays and vases. These products will be available for a limited time.

Makes me wish we had target here in Singapore!

Infrared Photography by Scott T Parris

2008-10-20T15:44:00.006+08:00

These photos are so beautiful! They're taken by Scott, Brig's friend of whom leads a dream lifestyle of being a permanent traveler! What awe i have for those who make traveling their life.. :) Visit his website to read about his latest travel adventures and view his gallery of photos.

Happy Travels Scott!

photos by stparris

Studio Violet

2008-10-19T22:41:00.007+08:00

I love the poster best. I think it would look super on a wall of my latest decorating project. But then again i would love the journals and the postcards too!! hmm...

Studio Violet was set up in 2008 by Camilla Engman and Elisabeth Dunker (in the first picture), two very talented and influential creative people that are oh so inspiring.

images from studioviolet.com