[Taipei] - Shilin Night Market

For T and I, a visit to Taipei is not complete without a visit to Shilin Night Market. Shilin is filled with everything to titillate your senses, especially the gustatory. And so, eat we did! And of course, we weren't disappointed.

See how stuffed these are!

[Taipei] - The Beauty in the Old

I don't know if it's because we're so quick to redevelop or upgrade anything with age in Singapore. Or is it because old things and sights hold a lot of stories. Or maybe it's because through the old we get a sense of a place. But I was really captivated by the old sights in Taipei. Theirs is a beauty which only time can bestow.

[Taipei] - Wakin' Up Cafe

Housed on the second level and in an area where you won't really expect to find a cafe, Wakein' Up cafe was still fully packed when we visited. We left a tad disappointed and were debating where to head to next (we're in the middle of nowhere) when the young boss came down to inform us that they have 2 seats at the counter. It was a little crammed but if we didn't mind, we were more than welcomed. We went upstairs again glee and took our seats.

We were going to catch a dance performance in the evening and had some time to burn. Hence, we spent the afternoon chatting with the friendly boss and his girlfriend who run the cafe themselves. We spoke about Taipei, about Singapore, the differences in the way of life. We spoke about his business and how the eclectic collection of furnishings in the cafe are a result of his years of collection. Isn't this what travel should be about? Getting to know the locals, the spirit of the country, rather than rushing from one tourist spot to another?

BEST apple pie I've ever had. No kidding.

[Taipei] - Loafer Cafe

Loafer is one of the most charming cafes I've been to. With a name like that, who can resist? Buried in a residential area, it was a little tricky to find. But it's precisely why it's charming. That and that it sits like only 7 persons. Don't expect an extensive menu though. Just some simple drinks and small nibbles. Sit, listen to the music, chat a little, think. 

Oh, there's a little corner with zakka items for sale.

[Taipei] - Luguo Cafe

I was in Taipei for a couple of days last month. The weather was lovely and cool then. Just a jacket or sweater and you're fine. In between all the eating, I was Instagraming away, capturing all the wonderful sights. But I did save some good shots for the blog. So, starting today, we'll have a Taipei series on the blog! Expect lots of cafe posts!

First up is Luguo Cafe. It is on the second floor and nestled amongst old shophouses. We got there around 11am or so on a weekday. It was quiet and we spent a lovely time there listening to the soft music and the occasional car passing the little lane downstairs.

Fragrant Earl grey with milk that wasn't too sweet.

Good bagel that didn't leave me too stuffed.

Simple Tutorial: Handmade Booklet

Last weekend, when T was snoozing away in the other room after a busy work week, I decided to do something crafty. I put on some light music and spent an enjoyable alone time with my craft supplies and a messy table. At the end of it, I had little booklet which I put together in a short amount of time! Tadaah!

Some of the basic materials I used were: papers of different colours/textures, MT tapes, printer, scissor, glue. 

Simple instructions:

- I decided on the number of pages I wanted and had the papers cut to size. 

- I folded the papers into two and ran them through my sewing machine.  

(Booklet done! All that's left is the fun part-- decorating it!)

- I had some patterns and images printed, trimmed and pasted on the cover.

- Don't forget to take out your MT stash and have fun with them.

Try it some time! Give the booklet to someone as a little present or fill the pages according to your own needs :)

April's Public Garden

I was at April's Public Garden over the weekend. Here are a few pictures of my little stall and some of the handmade items I brought with me. Thank you to everyone who came by and a big thank you to those who brought a Cookie Cutter item home with you! 

I will be adding some of the products you see here to my Etsy shop over the next few days. So, if you missed the market, you can still get them online!

Porcelain mug with my original designs.

rattle dolls *shake shake*