#linnali
‘A day in a life’
Monday is my Sunday.
09:45am
TGIM! A day off from Forest Bake. I got up pretty late specially during this rainy season, no surprise my body clock would automatically slow down to meet the Monday pace. It’s best to just stay cosy in bed, listening to the rain, what a beautiful moment of the day.
10:45am
What should I wear..?
Every time when it comes to a decision making of ‘what to wear’. I’d often go by the weather, or places I plan to visit. Since Monday is an easy for me, I’d rather go for something comfy with a style. So I picked out my Matter Prints dress.
11:45am
Late brunch at “Meena Rice Based Cuisine”. Finally I got myself there after hearing from friends and seen so many delicious posts on Instagram.
The restaurant located on an outer ring road of Chiang Mai, though not so far from the main city but peaceful enough for you to enjoy a good meal. The place was built from an old Northern Thai style houses, surrounded by trees beside a small pond. Everything was decorated in Thai hand-dyed fabrics, wood and ceramics. What a coincidence I happened to wear an artisanal hand printed shirt dress myself!
As new comers, we had no idea of what to order so they recommended us to try some signature Lanna (Northern Thai) dishes. The highlight was the coloured steamed rice cooked in different kind of herbs and flowers to get their wonderful natural dyes. Mind you all of the dishes were sprinkled with edible flower petals, beautiful!
3:30pm
Back home for an afternoon retreat in the garden. After rained walk is always the best. Loving how everything switched from lemony green to foresty green, the scent and the freshness in the air are just marvelous. In fact, I’m often here for a purpose, either to do some foraging or to get some inspirations, but for Mondays, I shall enjoy myself for nothing.
Our Carunda trees are bearing their fruits. These are edible, you can have them fresh like having strawberries or even bake them in one of your recipes, you choose :)
4:45pm
Looked like it’s about to rain for the third round, meaning, it’s time for me to stop wandering. I shall get back in and waiting patiently for mum’s best dinner..
The day was short but I did accomplish my slow-life kind of day with well received energy from nature.
Hope you guys had a great Monday.
Goodnight.
Nalinna*
Credit:
Instagram: @matterprints
Store Site: https://matterprints.com/
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The strong bond of Forest Wanderer and woodcrafts has introduced me to Bianca and Sons last autumn while I was serving on Etsy. With a long list of what to find for the new kitchen in my hand, I went on and on for days till out of the blue, these beautiful collections of wood work caught my eyes, they urged me to find out more about them.
The beautiful story about how they have started this business, the perfect country life style that could make you envious of, the deep passion for nature lead them to create these charming but quality products made by heart, what a wonderful story to share.
Most of the products are artisanally crafted from wood, green wood and spalted wood. Other than that are clay, pottery, ceramic, wild herbs, oil, macerated oils, century old wood planks and materials that have their own story and character. Every little detail linked up so wonderfully. I had to go through bit by bit, one at a time to pay full attention to all, and I came up with these at the end.
Two olive wood plates by Bianca and Sons.
Walnut wood chopping board by Bianca and Sons.
Forest Wanderer food styling x Bianca and Sons for Forest Bake.
So I went onto different occasions of photo styling for Forest Bake. Their shapes and design aesthetics compromised with my bakes really well. They enhanced the texture of what was on them beautifully, making my food styling looked even more interesting and vintage-like than ever.
Halloween pumpkin menus with Bianca and Sons’ olive wood plate.
Autumn apple tarts with Bianca and Sons’ olive wood plate.
Thanksgiving brioche with Bianca and Sons’ walnut wood chopping board (and my Ninja the cat of course!).
Let’s take a closer look at the beautiful grain.
Christmas cinnamon rolls with Bianca and Sons’ olive wood plate.
Apart from all these beautiful wood collection that I’ve got, you can actually drop by at their site for more hand crafted goodies. I’ve heard that they have just started another vintage treasures line, hint hint! vecchiabottega.etsy.com
Have a good day to all!
Nalinna*
Credit:
Instagram:@biancaandsons
Store locations: www.biancaandsons.etsy.com/
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From the heritage to the contemporary ‘The Warehouse Hotel’.
Not so long ago I was introduced to The Warehouse Hotel through our casual after meal conversation in Aomori. The talk went on for hours as we started chatting about some interesting new hotel concepts around the world since my sister and brother in law are working on interior design themselves. I was so attracted to the name of ‘The Warehouse Hotel’ as they mentioned. An idea came through my head which moved me to pack my bags once again and got myself ready to explore more about the ‘new old’.
Finally I landed back in Singapore after so long. Straight from the airport, I made my way to ‘The Warehouse Hotel’. I was so keen about what I was to discover, the interesting story behind, how they have started and the hidden design concept, why warehouse?
There I was standing literally in the middle of an old Warehouse refurnished with fascinating interior which stunned me for a second. Rather of feeling cold and uneasy, I felt the warmth and the cosiness. I adore this place.
I checked myself in, sat around for a bit to admire the surrounding before I ringing some friends ‘hey guys join me at The Warehouse Hotel’s bar tonight’. I knew it’s gonna be a perfect night to catch up with friends.
We got the River View Loft room which was on the second floor facing the river. Every detail blended in so well. I was amazed by the design of the high gable roof, which, I believed they’ve retained the old warehouse structure. The entire interior was set in subtle mood and tones with the accent of olive green. I love the Ikat bed runner which was in collaboration with Matter Prints, an artisanal textiles company known all over the world. We rested a while l before making our ways to the outdoor infinity pool to watch the sunset.
So the night began with our delish dinner ‘Po Piah’ at The Warehouse Hotel. The menu touched on traditional Singapore dishes infused with contempt tastes which I can’t really describe but to ask you to give it a try. Dish after dish were swiped off by us as though there weren’t anything on those plates before aha!
After dinner we took a stroll around the area to digest over super heavy meal then back for drinks till midnight with friends. It was a great time.
The next morning we got up pretty late for the breakfast after the long but lovely night with friends. Through our morning tea we got a bit of an interesting information about the hotel. I could imagine this on a story book, believe me or not I was imagining scene after scene while listening.
‘The Warehouse Hotel was built in 1895 along the river in the area called Robertson Quay which used to be the Straits of Malacca trade route. Back in the old time, the area was a hotbed of secret societies, underground activity, and liquor distilleries. Today, while much of that history has disappeared, The Robertson Quay is one of the only neighbourhood in Singapore with a vibrant blend of residential and commercial offerings. Situated right next door to the famous Clarke Quay and Boat Quay the bustling riverside with natural food and beverage hub’.
‘The Warehouse Hotel itself has been meticulously restored as a modern 37-room boutique hotel, focusing on heritage and local culture. Open as of January 2017, it delivers thoughtful hospitality with historically-detailed rooms, classic local dishes and craft cocktails in the vibrant neighbourhood of Robertson Quay.’
‘The Warehouse is considered to be the only current hotel which tells the story of Singapore’s new makers, creators & do-ers. Each partnership reflects heritage and local culture’.
- The Warehouse Hotel
Credit:
Website:www.thewarehousehotel.com
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‘Boho never says no to leather’
Theres never a day without leather as a part of my personal way of life. I love leather, the look, smell, touch and feel whether it’s a part of furniture, home decoration, accessory, bag or shoes. Basically leather is an essence of my aka Forest Wanderer’s lifestyle which regularly leads me to leather goods hunt both online and at stores.
A year ago I came across Atitlan Leather from Guatemala on Etsy and was so attracted to their products. Since then my adoration towards handmade leather grew even stronger. Though I wasn’t able to touch and smell them physically but their quality through photos spoke all the hard work done.
‘Atitlan Leather’, artisanal leather goods from Guatemala around the ‘Lake Atitlan’ founded since 2013. Their products are specially produced to accommodate those unique travelers out there, offering durability, practical, and affordable quality to fit perfectly into their lifestyles. Money belts, boots, bags to backpacks you named it!
The strong bond between leather and I has influenced and inspired me to create a one day lifestyle styling with Atitlan Leather products. So, there I went on a road trip to the Northern part of Thailand with a bag full of their leather goodies! Woo!
Arrived at Thongma Studio, our coffee break stop along the way.
Camera is a part of my life, to have a good strap for your camera is like dressing up with a good taste.
Belts!!
Knock knock! Never ever leave home without a bag or two, well that’s my personal logic anyway :P
It was so good to be outdoor around the suburban district of Chiang Mai. What a perfect weather and lighting for shooting!
This is one of my favourite bags from Atitlan Leather. It matches really well with denim. You try.
A day passed by so quickly, full of fun and enjoyment having to style up with leather products. Honestly it was pretty easy for me to mix and match them. If you think you have no style or no clues on how to dress up with leathers just put on your simplest outfit, add a bit of leather on, you can definitely pull it off in some ways. Trust me ;)
Don’t hesitate, do drop by www.atitlanleather.com for more goodies. Some of there signature items like money belts and wallets do sell pretty fast, so hurry! They are there for you to complete your style!
Credit:
Instagram:@atitlanleather
Website:www.atitlanleather.com
Location: Thongma Studio, Maerim, Chiang Mai
Photographer’s Instagram: @bankpyt
Photographer’s Website: www.bankpyt.com
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If you have come across my old blog posts and Instagram feeds, certainly you would find yourself lost in green leaves and trees. But what if I travel to big cities, nothing else but a concrete jungle, where should I visit?
Hong Kong has always been one of my favourite cities full of surprises every time I wander amongst rows after rows of old buildings, up and down the hill hunting for vintage stores specially around the Central area where the old meets the new.
Apart from stopping now and then at Hong Kong Park, Cheungkong Park and Hong Kong Zoological and botanical Gardens around the Central district, I often pop up to the rooftop of Hong Kong IFC mall for fresh air and full view of the skyline for a change of perspective. Though I am a vintage collector but I do shop for goodies particularly when travelling to overseas.
Hong Kong ifc mall mall is one of Hong Kong’s best leisure destinations, a place you can’t miss when looking for gifts for yourself and love ones. With more than 200 stores include international premier brands, flagship stores and my favourite unique concept stores. I have to say they do provide rich range of products, which a nature - lover like me would never say no. For instance Aesop. I totally adore their interior, how they have put things together and display products on wooden shelves.
45R, a Japanese fashion brand bringing back nostalgia to your everyday fashion. Everything about their craftsmanship from traditional dye methods to printing is premium. I do actually own a few selections of their products, featured on many of my ootds :)
Ba&sh, a luxury bohemian fashion for a boho like me.
Perrin Paris, another interesting brand providing conceptual bags and accessories designs for those who seeks for uniqueness in fashion.
Monica Vinada, eclectic luxury jewellery with touches of vintage. Hmm the essence of your dinner date outfit, or perhaps a perfect gift for your love ones this coming Christmas.
Le Labo, the magical infusion of Japanese and American scents of nature. Light bergamot, fig, bay leaves, cedar wood, vetiver, musk and black tea leaves. What a bewitching combination for a forest wanderer like me to fall in love with.
Penhaligon’s, one of my favourite fragrance houses from England. I love every little detail about their perfumes from bottles, tags, boxes, scents etc Basically their whole branding image. I have to admit that I do collect many empty bottles since the very first day I received my first one!
Another brand for skin and body I would look out for is Diptyque. The legendary perfumer from France with significant collection of fragrance you would die for. I often grab a one or two candles when checking out, just what I need for my food styling.
The list of my favourite stores at IFC could literally goes on and on especially when it comes to Christmas season. Really, you have to drop by and seek for yourself then you would know that everything is so fantastic!
Have a Merry Christmas everyone :)
Nalinna*
Handbag Label: @kayudesign
Styling: Nalinna
Photography: Nalinna
Kayu Design (’Kayu’ means ‘wood’ in Malay).
It all began in 2008 while Jamie, the founder, was searching for gifts to bring back to her friends in the US when visiting her family in Malaysia. That moment she said ‘I realized that all the beautiful handicrafts I grew up with as a child had disappeared and were replaced with cheap, synthetic alternatives.’ So she decided to make a change.
After years of working with artisans accessories company in South East Asia. She was determined to make handcrafted accessories line of her own. ‘KAYU’ was created to reflect an ode to her cultural heritage, applying natural materials such as straw, wood and shell in the design to remind her of her childhood memories.
‘The batik kaftans my mother use to wear, the rattan chairs in our dining room and the vibrant textures and colors of South East Asia. We hope that when you carry your KAYU it too will awake the adventurer in you.’
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Rattan, straw, wicker, jude, wood etc have always been something I look for. As a Chiang Mai girl, I have been growing up with these beautiful natural materials, well literally surrounded by them.
I remember those days when I used to visit local markets with grandma and she always ended up with hand full of handmade baskets and straw bags for no reasons, purely just showing appreciation for local craftsmanship. The more I grew up the more I understand why she has been collecting them. Like Jamie the founder of Kayu Design has mentioned on her biography ‘I realized that all the beautiful handicrafts I grew up with as a child had disappeared and were replaced with cheap, synthetic alternatives.’ I totally agree with her, that is why I always look out for them both for my own use, yet to remind me of those days when grandma was still alive.
Kayu has brought back my beautiful memories as well as building beautiful memories for a lifetime.
*Every piece are delicately handcrafted by women in the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia and currently working with new immigrant women in San Francisco with practical training and alternative source of income.
Let’s preserve these beautiful artisanal craftsmanship to live with us forever.
Nalinna*
Credit:
Instagram:@kayudesign
Site:www.kayudesign.com
Contacts:
LINE: lynnalinnali
Email: [email protected]
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After a stopover at cactus nurseries about a week ago, I was urged to visit the massive cactus greenhouse located at National Botanic Garden up on the mountain in Chiang Mai. Well I have heard and seen a lot of pictures taken from the place but never once visited, so it’s time hooray!
It was a pretty cloudy day, great for photos but the humidity was still killing me. Fortunately, I had my Ancient Greek Taygete White Leather Sandals on which I got from Designers Guild, super chic and comfy. I could enjoy the environment for hours. Leather, dessert, and cactuses :)
To be honest I’m not the kind who would dress up with sandals unless I’m just walking around my house or somewhere near the beach. I’m more of flats and canvas sneakers person, but this pair is just so chic for a day like this with cactuses!
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Ancient Greek Sandals are handmade locally by skilled craftsmen using traditional techniques that have existed for centuries. A raw, yet feminine aesthetic distinguishes this new sandal brand. The chemical free, natural tan leather ages beautifully with time and wear.
Christina and Nikolas’s love for Ancient Greece and its history, combined with their individual technical skills naturally led to the creation of ‘Ancient Greek Sandals’. The collection is inspired by ancient Greek Gods and myths, pottery, jewellery and sculpture.
cr.www.ancient-greek-sandals.com
Have a great week!
Nalinna.
Credit:
Instagram: @designersguild
Instagram: @ancientgreeksandals
Designers Guild Site: www.designersguild.com
Ancient Greek Sandals Site: www.ancient-greek-sandals.com
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LINE: lynnalinnali
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