Origami Photoframes

After my accident the last time, I decided to play it safe and do an origami craft that doesn't involve the use of an utility blade. This craft also makes good use of double-sided paper as both sides show up in the finished product.

You will need 1 square piece of  scrapbooking paper for 1 photo frame. There are several origami versions of photo frames and I chose this one because it's square shape allows it to stand nicely. So you fold the piece of paper into the photo frame and tape down the loose ends.

This is the finished product. A tip I picked up is that distressed paper really makes it pop, because the shading adds dimensions to the look. I really like the combination of patterns found in the PaperMarket kits my sis bought me for Christmas.

Paper flower embellishments are a must of scrapbooking and I glued some onto my photo frames along with these cute printed phrases. I will be giving these away over 2013 CNY. If you don't have a photo you want to put in, you can leave as is, as I have positioned some of these to nicely frame the patterns found on the paper. 

Dior Suite @ St Regis New York

Elegant Parisian Chic in the middle of NYC. The Dior Suite at St Regis Hotel New York will transport you away to classical Europe while allowing you to enjoy the vibrancy of New York at your doorstep. This suite actually looks like a lot of Dior's boutiques around the globe.

Growing Produce at Home

 Growing your own produce is as simple as planting some seeds in soil. My favorite type of planter is the one above with multiple openings to grow different herbs in. It looks a little strange at first, but once the plants grow out, it actually looks very pretty. I feel the only plants worth growing at home in an apartment are herbs, because you only need a little at a time and the supermarkets don't always stock the ones you want.

 A beautifully wrapped pot with seeds can make a wonderful gift to a friend. To make planting even easier, most packaging nowadays just require you to peel off a tab or cut off a section to start the growing process. Like these mushroom growing boxes that are good for 2 full crops.

The only time its worth your while to grow vegetables is when you live alone. To feed a family you probably need to uproot the entire plant, if its just you then just pluck off what you need for a salad. Another planter used not just in winter countries but also by apartment dwellers is this one above that comes with UV light and heat source so your plants don't wilt.

To start a larger produce growing section in your home, most people turn to hydroponics that uses just water and nutrients. It is both cleaner and space saving as it can be stacked vertically. Once setup, you don't need to bother with watering or fertilizing until it's ready to harvest. 

Buy Hydroponics Kits in Singapore:

Eco City Hydroponics - From small home systems to outfitting larger greenhouses, this site has it all.
Singapore Hydroponics - Mostly a one-stop shop for a home setup although larger sets are listed it is currently unavailable.
Oh Farms - home kits are available at the farm itself, not online. The farm also sells hydroponically grown vegetables.
Water Circle - Sells the latest in home vegetable growing including hydroponics. Has that vertical growing setup featured on top.

Chanel CC Cream

CC cream is the new BB cream, the latest trend to appear on the cosmetics market. Chanel's Complete Correction Cream with SPF 30 performs 5 actions in 1 single step. It soothes sensitive skin, moisturizes all day long, UV protection against the sun's harmful rays, prevents aging by stimulating collagen production and  provides colour correction coverage for the skin giving you that smooth flawless complexion.

Available in only 1 shade, Beige 20, at S$82 for a 30ml bottle. It is a little too light for my skin tone but like all colour correcting bases, it looks fine once covered with loose or finishing powder.

The Chanel CC cream is heavily scented with a refreshing perfume that got me worried at first as I have fairly sensitive skin. I left it on the entire day with no discomfort or redness/swelling, so that's a huge relief. Like all Chanel foundations, this cream glides on smoothly and spreads evenly covering every millimeter of my face. I put it through a workout, shopping from Raffles City SC to Plaza Singapura and I got the same glow on my face as one would expect from Chanel makeup. Can try if you've got the money to spare.

* CC cream is also available under Rachel K, Olay, Lancome and a few other Korean brands.

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