The Tiny Roaster

On wednesdays when I am not at Bloesem I try to spend some time exploring parts of Singapore I have not seen. One wednesday, a friend invited us to the The Tiny Roaster, a little cafe his sister had just opened. The loveliest little coffee studio it was to spend an afternoon in.  They offer artisan hand brews, as well as roasted coffee beans, for you to get your caffeine kick at home.

Located in Clementi, Singapore, it is tucked away between some of the blocks of houses but it is definitely worth visiting. Have a look at the photos yourself! You just know they put their heart and soul into everything, from the coffee to the decor. (I was told the beautiful door handle was made by the dad of the owner. ) Xo, Zara.

.. The Tiny Roaster

Supermama in Singapore

If you are ever in Singapore be sure to drop by Supermama. Irene and friend Marjon Hoogervorst was on a mission earlier this year to produce a shopping gift guide of Singapore for Anthopology Magazine. Supermama was on the list, and according to Irene it was probably one of the nicest stores in Singapore.

Supermama is a retail gallery started by a husband and wife who shares the same passion for beautiful things. Open to everyone who appreciates unique finds, designs and carries a good mixture of products. You can take a look at what they have here on their website.

PS. MARJON AND I HAVE A WHOLE CITY GUIDE ABOUT SINGAPORE AVAILABLE FOR YOU WHO WOULD LIKE TO PUBLISH IT IN A MAGAZINE OR ONLINE! - just email us. 

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Singapore is only a couple hours away by flight from KL and I enjoy seeing the difference in lifestyle and also what you’ll be able to find only in Singapore. Supermama herself also writes a blog and shares her love for writing and daily inspirations. 

..Supermama

All images by Marjon Hoogervorst

Foundry design furniture

Are you ready for visiting another shop with me today? This time we are going to Seah Street in Singapore. Just behind the famous Raffles Hotel and right in the arts and heritage district of Singapore. Here you will find a couple of streets with hidden gems ... like supermama, P5, the best chicken restaurant (I am forgetting the name as I am writing this post) and one of my favorite furniture shops, Foundry.

My friend Marjon Hoogervorst and I visited Foundry a while ago while making a city guide about Singapore. Just by coincidence we met the friendly owner and founder Felix. Marjon had the wonderful idea of making some extra images of one of Felix' own designs 'Loppa' a gorgeous paper lamp.

I recently bought one of the String shelving systems and will come back for other goodies.

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Foundry: 3 Seah Street
Unit 01/01
Singapore 188379

All images by Marjon Hoogervorst 

.. Foundry

P5 design furniture

If you are wondering where to go for the best design furniture in Singapore how about starting right here at P5. Brands like moroso, e15, artek and royal tichelaar makkum all under one (beautiful) roof.

When I walked in I was happily surprised to see  the vases by Hella Jongerius when I mentioned them to the sales person he was impressed that I recognized them and understood I knew a thing or two about design  so we started chatting... Aloyus, no longer the salesperson, but the owner and founder of this shop, is as passionate about furniture as he is about food ... hopefully soon he will show me around in town and chat about our love for design. P5's address.

Today I am helping you with a visual tour inside P5. 

ps. If you can't find it here perhaps wonderful Foundry just 5 minutes away can help you.

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All images by P5

P5's address.

Irene reporting from Pulau Ubin in Singapore

Another Birthday in the family this week... Happy Birthday Love of my Life! It was a wonderful day today and I hope you enjoyed it too? We went to a small island here in Singapore, calles Pulau Ubin. Yes for you who didn't know Singapore has a couple of islands and some of them are absolutely worth visiting.

Pulau Ubin is known for it's bicycle tracks, so DUtch as we are we had to go and see for ourselves. We start by driving to Changi Village, but taking a taxi is a very simple alternative. At Changi Village you will find that brings you to the island, only 5 minutes away but a nice little adventure, especially for young kids :) see the image of the ferry here below. 

Pulau Ubin is an island North East of Singapore where often said as the last “kampong” (village) in Singapore. When you arrive at the Island you are warmly welcomed by lot's of Chinese decoration and a world of bikes... bikes, bikes and more bikes... al for rent... that's what we did too of course :)

Everything at the island is simple and easy, you just follow the path... what I liked during the day, was being outdoors in the jungly forest and of course all the details in the small village. Lot's of chinese temples and offerings. For lunch we went to one of the fish/crab restaurants and after spending around 4 hours at Pulau Ubin we decided to go back home. Of course there is much more to explore on the island but the heath and two very young boys were ready to go back home.

There is an intriguing story about a 'German Girl Shrine' at Pulau Ubin that I first heard about via this wonderful blog by jeffrey and flora,  two Americans living in Singapore. Some people really worship this ghost from the past.. today we did see the sign of a small road leading up the holy place, but we are saving this little adventure for our next trip to Pulau Ubin. If you are already curious than click here and read Flora her wonderful story about the German Girl and her Shrine.

 

All images were taken by me, Irene, you can use them for your blog but please give credits via this link.