Hokkaido Autumn Fest at Takashimaya Singapore

Hokkaido is one of the places on my bucket list and it is famous for its fresh produce, crabs, fresh milk and dairy products. Till I can make it there for a holiday... but for now, I can just sample its food from the Hokkaido food fairs organised locally to promote the island. Chanced upon one at Takashimaya over the weekend and I had a fabulous time just checking out the products. Think I might go delirious if I were to go to Hokkaido. 

Paddington bear

A little 50 cents "trashure" I picked up from a charity flea market this morning. Almost didn't see him amongst the other stuff. It's the cutest, miniature version of Paddington Bear in a small paper bag with a tag that says "Please look after this Bear. Thank you." That's how his story began years ago in a children's book - a bear from Peru who was found in Paddington station in London and later adopted by the Brown family.  He came with nice little red plastic Wellies too and I gave him my miniature suitcase that used to store chocolates. I grew up with his stories and I will look after this little bear.

Vintage picture of Chong Pang village

I came across a lovely picture on a Facebook page called Nostalgic Singapore. 

Paul Hockey is a regular contributor of old pictures on that page and with his 

kind permission, I am able to use this picture for my blog. It was taken by Paul 's

father back in the 60s in Singapore as part of a series of slides. Quality wise,

it is amazing. Like it was just taken yesterday. Most households at that time 
certainly had something the street vendor was selling such as the ubiquitous
hibiscus range of porcelain ware. The A brand of plastic ware from Hong Kong
as advertised on the van was just as popular. They had a wide range of crystal like plastics made into water jugs, butter dishes and a collector's favourite - the Chinese New Year tray. Every Chinese household back then seemed to have one. It 's nice to look back at
the old pictures of Singapore. 

Singapore's Chong Pang village in the 60s
(Picture from Paul Hockey's collection as featured in Nostalgic Singapore)

Looking back at Libraries in Singapore

Few months back, I saw a little exhibition at Toa Payoh library that showed how the library has evolved over the years. Back then, we had to stand in queue for the librarian to stamp either BORROWED or RETURNED in those unmistakable chops. The loud sound of the stamping made it official. The librarians were very stern so as kids we had to be on our best behaviour.

Fast forward and it is such a breeze now to borrow and return books after the system had been computerized. The libraries of Singapore are quite up to date with new books added very frequently. I do love visiting the libraries for the latest cookbooks while my husband finds joy in the computer book section.

Nick Vujicic in Singapore

Nothing inspires the human spirit more than stories of hope, faith and love. Nick Vujicic came to my work place last week to give a talk and it was evident in that 45 minutes that he had enrich our lives through sharing his experiences, motivating us to live a life without the fear of failure because it is only through failure that we learn to live and be stronger. No one exemplifies it more than him through his actions. Born without arms and legs, he appears to be severely disadvantaged but he has turned that into a strength. Turning around from being a victim of bullying in school and having suicidal thoughts in his formative years have also made him a stronger person and when he found his purpose in life, he was simply unstoppable. Thanks Nick Vujicic for being such an inspiration !

Here's his latest book -  Give me a Hug, written specially for kids. As much as intellectual development is important, a good foundation of values is even more important. It touches on topics like never giving up and bullying in very simple terms using Nick's real life examples. A great little present for kids !  

Cath Kidston in Singapore

Like Liberty, Cath Kidston is the quintessential British brand that carries a fine range of vintage prints on its lifestyle goods. It had just opened its first Singapore store at the Ion (B2-48) and at its official opening last evening, a 20% discount was given to invited guests. I was actually there more to accompany a friend and after a whole day of zipping across the island - from Comex at the Expo to a press conference for Nick Vujicic in Sentosa, I didn't think I could muster the energy to go for a shop opening, much less one that was filled to the brim with guests. But I did say OK initially and I did like vintage prints with flowers and mushrooms and polka dots and ...... What caught my eye was the little birdie prints, especially the one that had a little robin redbreast. Considering there was a 20% discount, I talked myself into getting that print on a tablet cover and a cross body bag. I'm as happy as a lark !

Also loved the little memento moment with real dressed up London guards standing by. Together with the paper props of an apron and a bag in those unmistakable prints, it was a defining Cath Kidston moment !

70's porcelain vase and plate

I found a little Japanese hexagonal porcelain plate with the most beautiful pair of Mandarin ducks at a flea market some years ago. The old uncle who sold it to me said that he bought it from Isetan at Havelock Road in the late 70s. I remembered that Isetan quite well as it was one of the first few Japanese department stores in Singapore back then. And just 2 months back at another flea market, I came across a matching vase with the same design, just as well-made and just as beautiful. A lovely moment of serendipity again ! It was like reuniting two Mandarin ducks.