Nam Nam Noodle Bar

I see long queues at Nam Nam Noodle Bar the latest Vietnamese eatery to hit town. Run by Les Amis Group, I am already expecting the food to be good. I like how the chefs wound the rice rolls so tight and the 5 spice pork belly is out of this world, I want an entire meal based on it alone. If you think the food needs more flavour, each table is lined with de rigueur condiments so help yourself.

The menu is made up of run-of-the-mill vietnamese dishes like rice rolls, pho and banh mi. I guess if you want more complex vietnamese dishes, you will have to head over to Annam Vietnamese Cuisine also run by the Les Amis Group.

Xyron Creatopia Machine

This is the multi-functioning scrapbooking tool that has everyone talking. Featured on all scrapbooking magazines and websites, Xyron's Creatopia Machine cuts borders using decorative edges, applies 3 types of adhesive and laminates to a variety of surfaces, embosses full sheets of paper or just borders and is a universal die cutter. This machine doesn't require electricity and operates via a manual crank.

The basic machine (pic above) starts from USD$100 and the starter pack of attachments (pic below) for USD$165. Finally, an affordable and space-saving scrapbooking tool we can own. I like the fact that you can add on more attachments as you go along so it grows with you. Existing scrapbookers will like the universal die cut feature that allows you to use existing templates on this machine. 

I wonder how long more before they come up with an electric computerized version of this? I will definitely buy that.

Scrapbooking Shops

Scrapbooking is today's equivalent of the photo album. Only instead of a boring plain album that you slot pictures in, the artist in you tries to capture the beauty and spirit of the moment with space for journaling if you want. It can be a book or just 1 sheet to pin on your notice board or frame up for the wall. Also makes a nice gift for friends and family.

You can buy scrapbooking supplies everywhere. Specialty shops like Papermarket obviously carry more supplies, conventional craft stores like Spotlight and even stationery shops like Popular have items you can buy for your scrapbooking.

Some onlines Singapore resources if you are too tired to make it out to the stores:

MapleTreeHouse - large variety of tools and supplies for you to choose from

Magic Moments - carries an essential but smaller selection of tools and supplies

Craft in Vogue - online crafts store that has scrapbooking supplies in addition to everything else

The Scrapbook Carton - Very limited selection but at reasonable prices

Craft Haven - more uncommon scrapbooking tools and supplies

Studio Calico - Online store and kit of the month club

 

Semi-DIY Framing

I have sent enough cross-stitches to the framers to have a rough idea how to do it myself. So I bought this photo frame from Ikea to mount my latest cross-stitch of a sailing ship.

(1) Glue down the cross-stitch onto the back board, leave to dry.
(2) Cut the border to fit the picture. The edges will be rough because you don't have specialized tools like a framer. So I wrapped it with scrapbooking paper and it worked out fine. You can also use fabric.
(3) Stick on scrapbooking stickers or embellishments. I didn't do this because I wanted to leave it to the recipient to personalize.
(4) Put all the elements together to make a beautiful framed cross-stitch that will rival any professional framer.

* I did cut 2 fingers in the process though, not used to working with sharp metal edges.

Ikea Ribba Wall Frame S$17.90
3 pcs Scrapbooking Paper S$3.00
1 bottle of Glue S$8.90
Total Cost   S$29.80

Hotel Bellechasse by Christian Lacroix

Christian Lacroix's second foray into hotel design is a wonderful re-creation of 19th century Parisian artistic influences. Part trompe l'oeil, part scrapbooking of rich images and materials. Staying at the Hotel Bellechasse in St Germain Paris, will immerse you wholly into the spirit of your cultural tour through nearby museums and art galleries.

French style breakfast is served in-room or at the dining hall if you are interested in socializing.

Cookbook Stands

I learned to cook from cookbooks as I am sure most of you have. It may seem obvious given the large variety of cookbooks around us, but it's not. Once you get started though, you are hooked. There are glossy pretty picturebooks (that I love!), specialty cookbooks, diet cookbooks, restaurant cookbooks and the list goes on. And when you have a cookbook in the kitchen, a holder or stand comes in handy so the pages don't flip and the book is positioned comfortably for you to read from. A really handy tool that everyone needs to have!

I like to check my favorite websites for recipes and tips but I find books the most accurate and reliable resource still. An in-between option is digital apps sold for electronic reading devices like the Ipad or Mediachef. Apps provide an e-book of recipes and tips with the option to view instuctional videos online. You can't rewind cooking shows online as easily as it is to use these apps. Just remember to get a compatible stand to prop it up with or even reuse an existing cookbook stand for this.

Nail Rock Review

Nail Rock nail stickers come in edgy metallic foil in addition to the usual designs. To get the same nails as celebrities for just S$18 a pack was a bit too much to ask unfortunately, the foil started to curl after just 1 bath. Still, it is incredibly easy to apply and looks gorgeous!