Taipei to do's...

Chance upon this wonderful blog Shu Flies by Catherine Hsu, a Taiwanese American. Whom has lived in the US for most part of her life, but has taken a chance at a new adventure in 2007 to rekindle herself with her native country and also to be with the love of her life.

Here she blogs really about everything and anything Taipei from an expats point of view to a certain extent. Mostly touching base with things close to her heart which is culture,arts, design and food. When she's not blogging away she's a journalist at Taipei Times.

So, needless to say, i'm pretty hooked on her blog. already found a few places that we will be going fo our up coming trip to Taipei, based on Shu's recommendation. Woohoo...

One of them is cafe T Loafer's. Cant' wait to see it in real life, the quirky architecture and the ecletic interior.

all images via shu flies

Another on our list is Mooi Trouve, located on lane near Shida Night Market.
Hope it will not be too difficult to find. It's a revival of a family home from the Japanese Colonial era.
Apparently the wood used in the ceiling is Japanese Cypress and it's one of the main feature of the building.
so be sure to look up. The shop also carries mechandise from Europe brougth back from the owner on his travels.

all images via shu flies

watch out for more on places to visit in the next few weeks...

Google is honoring Akira Yoshizawa.

Would have been 101 year's old today. (14 March 1911 – 14 March 2005)

Who is he? Well he is just about the greatest origamist. Considered to be the grand master of origami and has created an estimated whopping 50,000 origamis in his lifetime.
With only a few hundreds documented in his 18 books.

He was bestowed the "Order of the Rising Sun" by the emperor Hirihito in 1983. The highest honour to be given to a Japanese citizen.

He was a great cultural ambassador for Japan, bringing origami from a craft to living art.

In his honor, today, Google doodle is featuring Akira Yoshizawa.

image via origami spirit




The origami crane diagram, using the Yoshizawa-Randlett system

image via gilad's origami page

   




Tuesday Finds...

Loving this simple yet filled with details interior spaces by i29, Netherland based interior firm.
The interior looks controlled and hard yet they are fully functional and the blend of materials used are just simply brilliant, cool yet warm. They have a wide range of projects ranging from offices, residences, public spaces and schools. Looking forward to seeing more of their work in the future.

all images via i29

Start your day right... with Pantone Tarts

Nothing like a great breakfast to kick start the week.

With this Pantone colour chart inspired styling by Emillie Griottes, i'm sure it does not just excite the kids but people of all ages.

Eat colours of all range for a healthy balance diet, :)

all images by EmilleGriottes via Bloesem

Happy Friday...

It's Friday too soon,

Finally decided on the dates for out next trip... we are going to Hong Kong and Taipei.

Now all we need to do is book the hotels and plan our itinerary.

So much to see, am really excited as this will be our first trip in quite awhile. Also the HK Architectural Biennale is also happening. Will be sure to make our way there. Hoping to also catch some Star Architects, like the recent Pritzker price recipent, perhaps?

Wish we could stay at the Upper House... :)

images via

International Women's Day...

Be strong
Be confident
Be creative
Be beautiful
Be kind
Be compassionate
Be loved
Most of all...
Be you

image via lotta agaton

Banking in on Starbucks...

Latest to be rolled out by Starbucks, a whole new concept under the Starbucks Coffee Experience 'Laboratory'.

Plenty of different atmosphere to soak in in this new store in Amsterdam, which is situated in an old bank vault under the direction of Liz Muller.
With a whole lot of new concept from slow coffee theatre to in-store baking.

all images via dezeen
photographer rein meulman

Hope this concept makes it way to our shores soon.