nomnom
Ha! Local menswear label sifr teamed up with illustrator Kristal Melson to create nomnom, and now we can buy superb quality tees declaring love for our favourite local dishes. Pictured above: nasi lemak, S$29. Where’s the Hokkien mee, guys?
First, it was the website, designed by RoAndCo, which caught my eye…
Then, the confident self-introduction made my heart skip a beat…
We founded Field with the commitment to creating objects that are well made and timeless; practical goods that will age well and remain useful and relevant for years to come.
But it was the products which swept me off my feet…
Swoon.
When I see “Made in USA”, I think quality, endurance, good. It is my hope for “Made in Singapore” to invoke the same feelings in people.
When you are exasperated by interruptions, try to remember that their very frequency may indicate the value of your life. Only people who are full of help and strength are burdened by other persons’ needs. The interruptions which we chafe at are the credentials of our indispensability. The greatest condemnation that anybody could incur—and it is a danger to guard against—is to be so independent, so
unhelpful, that nobody ever interrupts us, and we are left comfortably alone.
Something to think about!
How did you spend Valentine’s Day?
Mine was quiet; my boyfriend is not what anyone would describe romantic. We had a simple dinner together, and stayed up exploring an idea he thought up. The next morning, we went for breakfast and I left for work. When I got home, though, I was surprised and tickled to find a single Hershey’s Kisses sitting beside a silly thing he bought me last year. Little things can be unexpectedly delightful.
Today, I’m sharing two heart-warming stories you might enjoy…
Labels of a Married Life, in a New Light, by Margot Page:
“I NOW pronounce you husband and wife,” the minister said to Anthony and me 22 years ago. Although I was thrilled about what we were undertaking, I cringed. Being pronounced a “wife” felt archaic and just plain weird. I went with it, squeamish but thankful that at least we’d gotten past the days of “man” and wife.
Years later, though, I was still dodging the vocabulary. “I’m Margot,” I’d say, “and this is my, um, partner, Anthony.”
My Touchstone and a Heart of Gold, by Caroline Leavitt:
I never intended to get a tortoise.
I was in a troubled relationship with a man who was the opposite of me in almost every way. While I felt exiled every time I left Manhattan, he yearned to move to the country.
When we discovered we both wanted a pet, though, we thought we finally had found common ground. I was allergic to dogs and cats, so we scouted for other possibilities at the pet store. Finally I pointed to a crowded tank, a glossy shell and a pair of orange ringed eyes.
The last I wrote, I was rueing my situation at work and battling my feelings on wanting to leave—am I cowardly for not fighting on? Till this day, I hesitate to answer that question. My pride hurts to admit I am what the Chinese call incapable of “eating bitterness”, or enduring hardship, and I would have stayed just to prove that doubt wrong.
I submitted my resignation letter anyway.
It could be an excuse I am making, but I have come to realise that while making something of oneself young is awesome, it is perfectly fine to take longer to accomplish things. One setback is another chance to review plans. Assuming I live till 80, I have over 50 years to make more mistakes, to fail, and to succeed, and that is plenty of time.
Sunday was the first day of the lunar new year, a major festival for the Chinese, and it marked the start of another phase of my life. I have to stay till February ends, but the thought of job hunting invigorates me.
And while we are still on the topic of changes…
I went from this…
to this…
to this.
I will assume regular posting soon. Hope you’re having a fabulous week so far, and I wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year!
It’s been a crazy month at work.
Because of the craziness, I realised I am no good at rising to meet challenges—my first thought is to bail instead of toughing it out. Even now, I think, “I could have it better”; the grass is always greener elsewhere.
On the other hand, the craziness also cleared my vision a little. I lost my bearings for a while. I cannot say with surety where I will end up, but I now know the general direction I would like to head towards next. I hope my goal keeps me trodding on even if it is an arduous, lengthy journey…
Image via Erin Hanson.
Today I’m Loving… Illustrations by Carl Gerard Elkins
Carl Gerard Elkins is a brilliant digital artist and my favourite of the projects in his portfolio is Temp Nouveau, a series drawn for Plaza Watch Magazine. Elkins skillfully combined photography and illustration in those pieces, successfully emulating art nouveau master Alfons Mucha’s style (last image).
Wake, Make. eats: Tiong Bahru Bakery by Gontran Cherrier
The past two weeks at work were particularly hectic, and I decided it was time to take a breather. My best friend Tika got the job she dreamed of too, so we had a mini-celebration yesterday…
Tiong Bahru Bakery by Gontran Cherrier at Raffles City opened recently, and I think it lives up to its hype. We loved most of what we ordered, but the star of our brunch was the kouign amann (butter & caramalised sugar pastry, $3.50). Tika gushed over the pastry, claiming she would return just for that single item. Croque monsieur (grilled ham & cheese sandwich, $9.50) and smoked salmon & ham specialty bun ($8.50) were delicious also. Their chocolate croissant ($3.20) was delightfully crispy, but could do with a touch more chocolate.
We had an unusual cake: chocolate mousse makes up the top half of it, which sits on a passion fruit custard base ($5.50). Tasted separately, the chocolate mousse was rich, and the passion fruit custard, flavourful. I preferred eating the layers together; the slight tartness of the custard cuts through the richness of the mousse. Tika was unimpressed, however.
More underwhelming was the pandan flan (screwpine sweet flan, $6). Whilst not awful by any sense, it was a let down. Perhaps our slice was not the freshest; the custard was too stiff and the pastry crust was soft.
I am not a coffee connoisseur so I dare not attempt describing the flavours of our drinks, but Tika’s latte ($5.50) and my mocha ($6.80) were smooth. I would not expect any less—their coffees are from sister café Forty Hands.
The bakery’s furnishings are quaint and “modern-retro”, which is all the rage now. I felt its location in a mall with plenty of chain establishments weakens its indie feel, but when it is part of a largish group, I suppose it is not truly indie. As it is in an open area, the place can get rather noisy.
I had been to Tiong Bahru Bakery again Friday evening, and I also loved their lemon curd tart. For me to go somewhere two days in a row says something—I like this place, and I will definitely be back for the rest of their offerings.
Tiong Bahru Bakery by Gontran Cherrier
Raffles City Shopping Centre #B1-11/12
Hours: 9am - 10pm daily
Mid-week Inspiration: Atelier Martino&Jaña
Atelier Martino&Jaña is a Portuguese studio which ace at editorial design work — the publications they work on often have a graphical quality, like page titles and block quotes that “pop”, with hits of colour scattered throughout the spreads. Their illustrated works are sweet too. Browse through their portfolio for more inspiration.
