If you are looking for a cool way to entertain friends at your next party, take a peek at Fun and Games Party Hire http://www.funandgamessg.com ($$), the new kid on the block for party hire. Fun and Games hires out giant garden games which are becoming super popular in Europe at weddings, parties and events. These games will definitely add the WOW factor to your next get together.
Finally found some cool clothes in Singapore that are not only maternity friendly, but, also made to be chic in the heat. inc by Jamie P ($$) https://www.facebook.com/pages/INC-by-Jamiep/144566405583515 on the 3rd level of Far East Plaza is a bit of a diamond in the rough. I test drove my purchase this weekend – a cute drop-waisted, scoop neck mini dress and am giving it a ten out of ten. It was light, comfy, mod and got the thumbs up from my husband…bonus! Prices range from about $50 to $90 so not too much of a sting either…double bonus!
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Tiong Bahru always delivers and the latest addition to the hood, Bloesem ($-$$$), certainly ticked all the right boxes for me. Bloesem Creative Space has grown from a blog http://bloesem.blogs.com/ (est. 2006) curated by a very talented Dutch lady sharing her ideas about design, crafting, interiors – really all things cool and creative. Luckily for us, Bloesem is now sharing their ideas in “real life” at their Tiong Bahru space which is handily right opposite the famed Tiong Bahru Bakery. Inside you’ll find an ever-changing treasure trove of jewellery, cards, rugs, pillows, gifts, leather shelving concepts and babywear – all of which I havn’t seen before in Singapore…but…the bit I got most excited about was the offer of creative classes perfect for the modern crafter (everything from calligraphy to food styling). I’ve signed up for email alerts of new classes and am following Bloesem avidly on Instagram (bloesemblogs). I’m not going to bother showcasing any of their wares with my amateur photography, it simply wouldn’t do it justice – take a peek on http://instagram.com/bloesemblogs for yourself.
I’m in the throws of putting together a nursery so it’s naturally an excellent excuse to get shopping! I’m a sucker for anything I can print or frame so I thought I would make a cool piece of art the starting point for our little boys haven. I found an image I loved online so bought the digital file for $20 and set about finding somewhere that could print to a large format. I came across dekocanvas.com.sg ($$) after a quick google, sent off a quick inquiry and was really impressed at their prompt response. I was a bit concerned that my image was too small to get a good quality print (1.46MB, they would like you to have 2MB minimum) but Dan said if I was OK to give him a couple of days he could work some photoshop magic and would send a 3D proof (with no commitment to buy). Dan delivered exactly as he said, I was impressed with the proof so went ahead with the order. I am in love with the outcome (all 2 by 1 metres of it) and hope it will be a treasured piece in our home for years to come….
PS – like Deko Canvas on facebook (follow the link on http://www.dekocanvas.com) to receive 20% off
I’m waiting for someone special to have a birthday soon so I have an excuse to visit The Beauty Candy Apothecary ($$-$$$) http://beautycandy.com.sg/ in Cluny Court again! Alongside a gorgeous assortment of lotions and potions, you will also find Sugar Paper stationery, artisan tea’s, candles and specialty beauty essentials like brushes and tweezers. For that gal pal in your life that has everything, may I suggest this too cute hot pink recipe box…but if you are undecided, take a load off at the in store juice and tea bar and collect your thoughts.
Inching into #1 spot on my list of fave Singapore shopping spots is Edit Lifestyle ($$ – $$$) in Phoenix Park http://www.editlifestyle.com/ . It’s one of those ones you almost wish you didn’t find because you know eventually it WILL break the bank – not because it’s really expensive but you just know you’ll want to visit so often. Keep Edit in mind for gifts, home and indulging yourself…gorgeous jewellery, quirky home pieces, beachwear (including Zimmerman), coffee table books and my favourite discovery – well priced funky stationery (so hard to find in Singapore). But, please please please don’t buy the beaded skull, I’m saving up…
If you haven’t ventured to Haji Lane yet…what are you waiting for! It’s Friday, so you’ve got the perfect excuse to do some exploring. There are endless options for eating…Italian, Mexican, Middle Eastern…so I’m just going to suggest a starting point to quench your thirst and begin your romance with Haji Lane. Bar Stories ($$) http://www.barstories.com.sg/ is an intimate cocktail bar on the second floor of a quaint shophouse. If you are planning a visit with a group larger than two or three, I would call ahead and check there is space for you as there were lots of reserved spaces when we arrived with no booking. There is no menu, so a special something will be created just for you depending on your palate – lots of fun to watch…and even more fun to sample! So. put your bookmark in your plans for a night in and turn the first page at Bar Stories tonight.
After a festive season full of food and flights, I thought my skin could do with a little rejuvenation (well, a major renovation overhaul if we are being honest). A facial would always be my pampering of choice but I hardly ever indulge as I just can’t face (get it?) the often exorbitant cost. So, I set about researching an affordable and effective facial. I’m not into all the fancy changing rooms, expensive fluffy robes or “complimentary” refreshments, I just simply want a deep clean, extraction and value for money. I popped my three wishes into google and voila….Pan Derma Clinique ($$) appeared. Even better news, Pan Derma Clinique is right down the road from me in Great World City on Level 2. I made an appointment for an hour long “hydrating facial” after following the advise of the knowledgeable lady who answered the phone. It definitely did not disappoint! I have never felt so squeezed, scrubbed, buffed and polished. After an intense 20 minutes of extraction (using a combination of fingers and an extraction tool), I expected I was going to see a red, swollen mess looking back at me in the mirror but to my surprise there was little evidence left which gave me great confidence that although Christine (my therapist) was following my “extract, extract and more extracting” brief, she was also very delicate and gentle. As I am typing this two days later, my skin still feels soft and smooth and I am really satisfied with the result of my $88 facial. I immediately booked another appointment for one months time because after living in the humidity for about six months I can see that this might be a necessary indulgence to maintain pristine pores. I’m sure my husband will totes agree. A word of caution: I wouldn’t recommend Pan Derma if you are looking for swanky surroundings to impress someone special but I would whole-heartedly recommend it for an efficient, regular, local beauty service. This icing on the cake to my surprisingly excellent appointment was not having that awkward moment at the counter of trying to dodge every product recommendation. I have learnt that I will absolutely, definitely, without-a-shadow-of-a-doubt not use that expensive peel twice a week before I go to bed. And if I ever need a reminder of that, I just have to open my bathroom cabinet.
I LOVE baking, but it can get really pricey after you have collected all the bits and pieces you need for a project so lucking upon a affordable baking supply shop in Singapore is like having your cake and eating it too. Sorry, lame, but I had to. Kitchen Capers ($ – $$) www.kitchencapers.net in Kallang Bahru is a little melting pot (sorry…lame again…can’t resist) of supplies – tins, cutters, hard-to-find-ingredients, packaging, icing, cake pops, chocolate molds and, bonus, the owner is really helpful with advice. Call before you make the trip (it’s most definitely Not On Orchard) to see if they have what you are looking for, make a big list and take the opportunity to stock up. Also a great place to head before kids party – even if you won’t be the Chef de Patisserie – as you’ll find cute ideas for “party bag” packaging and decorating like these paper straws ($2.50 for 20)…..
not on orchard 