Wednesday, 29 April 2015 by Irene Hoofs
{ Daytripper bag in Sienna }
It's that time of the year again to shower one of the most important loved ones in our lives with a little something something. We know it's the thought that counts but with a nifty gift guide like this, shopping for mom should be a breeze. Of course top it off with with a heart felt note or card and we're sure mom would be pleased as punch!
.. Bloesem Shop Online
{ 1. Grey watch ; 2. Leather wallet ; 3. Lotus-pattern ceramic bowl ; 4. Tealight candle holder ; 5. Canvas tote in Honey ; 6. Bloesem Quartz stone necklace ; 7. Checked Pot mat ; 8. Linen pouch ; 9. Spore teatowel }
Tuesday, 28 April 2015 by Irene Hoofs
High on our list of places to visit is Japan. With all the amazing designs and just the culture you see online, the allure of Japan is undeniable. We already love Japanese food so we need no convincing to hop on the next plane out of Singapore and head over. Fortunately for us, we have contributors and friends who are generous enough to share bits of their journey with us! Recently, Adinda from Wolves Table headed to Japan and here is a little slice of her trip.
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It's been two weeks since I came back from a 3 week trip to Japan. And Japan still has its powers over me. During my stay in Japan I ate and drank a lot of matcha and other tea related snacks, drinks and meals. I've always been a huge tea fan but my trip to Japan really thought me a lot about different kinds and flavors of tea and I experienced my first Japanese matcha tea ceremony.
During my stay, I bought myself a chasen (a handmade bamboo whisk) and a lot's of pretty matcha-chawan's (Japanese tea bowls). Because: one can never have enough tea bowls, or anything Japanese and ceramic related (duh).
More Matcha this way..
Making matcha is really easy and I enjoy drinking it so much. It's really healthy for you too: it's high in antioxidants, it relaxes your body and mind and it boosts memory and concentration. So if you, like me, can't wait to make your own bowl of matcha tea, here's how to do it:
Step 1: Firstly, collect your matcha accessories: the bamboo whisk, a tea bowl, a tea cup, a measuring handle, a tea strainer and of course, the matcha powder.
Step 2: To brew 1 cup or matcha tea, scoop 2 grams or 1 1/2 teaspoons of matcha powder into your tea strainer.
Step 3: Sift the matcha powder into a tea bowl, make sure there are no clumps so your tea will be smooth.
Step 4: Pour about 2 ounces of boiling water into an empty teacup to let the water cool down and let it sit for 1 minute.
Step 5: Now pour the hot water into the tea bowl with the matcha powder.
Step 6: Use your chasen to whisk the tea and the water together: relax your wrist, then whisk in a gentle circular motion for thin, smooth tea, and in a brisk "M" or "W"-shaped motion for foamy tea. Whisk for about 10–15 seconds until the tea is bright green.
Step 7: Carefully pour your matcha into a teacup.
Step 8: Make sure to drink it right after you've prepared it—the powder will settle at the bottom after a while.
For more gorgeous shots from Adinda's trip to Japan, here's her post about her time in Nara. Thank you for sharing this quick recipe with us. We're craving some matcha too!
.. Wolves Table
Monday, 27 April 2015 by Irene Hoofs
"Immediate acceptance of the presented objects is not the purpose of our work." Studio Roex presents to us pieces that make our minds work. Using familiar materials and objects and presenting them in a new and unconventional way. " We want to increase people's awareness of what they see, heightening their ability (and desire) to understand it."
A furniture and product design studio based in Amsterdam, Studio Roex's projects will definitely make you rethink the way you view the objects you see and use on a daily basis. Can this spoon I use to eat my cereal be just a food delivery system or can it be something else too? Hmm..
Friday, 24 April 2015 by Irene Hoofs
Today is a pastel kind of day.
Copper lamp, simply beautiful.
Spotted at Salone del Mobile: Fou de Feu
Great packaging is half the battle won.
Great collaborations create great rugs.
For all that japanese-inspired illustration goodness..
Ethically-made pajamas for a good night's sleep.
A Happy geometric print.
Xo, The Bloesem Team
Thursday, 23 April 2015 by Irene Hoofs
One way to keep a consistent instagram feed is choosing a theme or colour to tie all the photos together. Mariina's feed is a beautiful colour study of cognac and brown hues, rich and warm.
#BinstaGood
.. Follow Mariina on instagram
.. Bloesem and Zara S. on instagram
Wednesday, 22 April 2015 by Irene Hoofs
On recommendation of Anouk van der El of Make History who was in Milan for Salone del Mobile 2015, we had to check out the following designers who showcased their works at the Design Week, including Studio WM and Roberto Sironi. We also added on a few that caught our eye while we searched the internet for more news on Salone del Mobile and the exhibitors this year. Next year, we'll definitely try our best to be there and be your live update for the design event of the year!
Studio WM really caught Anouk's attention with their range of lighting in a great range of pastel colours and gradient finishing.
Studio Droog presented Construct Me, hardware with a twist.
Over at Salone Satellite, a showcase dedicated to emerging talents, was Max Lipsey with his intriguing perforated pieces.
Roberto Sironi's Cascina collection - a series of storage pots made from lombard terracota and solid beech wood. Beautiful natural texture.
Another designer that exhibited at Salone Satellite, was Antje Pesel with her Color Object series. A series of bent metal objects which come with corresponding coloured paper blocks.
Moooi reveals their newest collection which you can even view online in 360 panoramic views.
.. Salone del Mobile 2015
