dessert overload

Don't these just look simply delicious? Before you start getting your appetites up, I just have to let you know that these aren't edible! Oh no! That's because they are actually soaps, but cleverly crafted to look just like your favourite desserts. I think with such pretty soaps like this, you'll end up not bearing to actually use them. They'll definitely also make a great display item in the bathroom, or as a lovely gift! Just be sure to add a little note that they really are soaps.

Clockwise from top left:
(1) Chocolate and Vanilla Cream Scented Cupcake Soap from Lily Bay Soap
(2) Mint Chocolate Chip Soap Cake Slice from Open Window Soap Works
(3) Birthday Cake soap by You Go Girl Soaps
(4) Chocolate Chip Cookie Salt Melt from White Lye Soap Co

pink and flighty

There's no doubt about it: the bird motif is really all the rage right now. Well, I have narrowed it down to the category of bags, and have specially chosen four examples that have done it just right. 

Clockwise from top left:

(1) Pink Birds of a Feather Checkbook Cover by Button Pom. If pink is not your colour, there is also an orange and a green version; and they have it for handbags and wallets of various sizes.
(2) Birdies Everywhere Clutch by Brooke Galardi. This is a great option f you are going for a more subtle look, I love how sophisticated it looks!)
(3) Happy Dots Bird Wallet from LB Accessories: If you rather not have the bird motif repeated over and over, it's a simple yet understated look.
(4) Brooklyn Pigeons Hanging Out Tote and Pass/ID case from My Cute Handbags - For a more artsy, less cutesy perspective.

of teacups and russian dolls

Pequenio Craft's little shop is stocked full with such adorable little cards and accessories that I had such a hard time just choosing a few! Her prints are visually appealing with their bright colours and lovely illustrations. I also love her uniquely-shaped brooches and earrings featuring teacups and cakes and russian dolls.

Clockwise from top left: (1) Tea Cup Brooch; (2) Hungling print; (3) Roses Paperdoll Earrings; (4) Bird House print.

rainy days

 (image from Rang: The Colours of Life)

It's literally pouring outside, but I love it when it rains and you are snuck inside the house armed with a piping hot cup of caffeine. Amazingly I was just outside moments ago, and it started drizzling only when I reached shelter and only really raining the moment I alighted the bus at my house! After it being scorching hot for the past few days, I'm relishing the cooler weather and taking the time off studying to surf for more pretty stuff! The weather's too good to waste.

Left: April Showers from Sarah Jane Studios (how apt!) and right: My Red Umbrella by Carambatack Design. 

calorie free candy

Spiral Stephie has really cute jewelry that look almost good enough to eat, but without the guilt. I like how they all come with a bright mix of colour and candy-like charms - a definite way to make a bold statement. 

Clockwise from top left: (1) Simple Spiral Lime and Lemon Swirl Bracelet; (2) Button Yourself Up Dangle Bracelet; (3) Green and Yellow Dangle Bracelet and (4) Chaotic Springtime Dangle Bracelet.

stampede

Check out these adorable handmade rubber stamps which will be a great way to personalise your stationery and definitely make it unique. The thing is though, because there are so many lovely designs it's highly possible that you will be tempted to get them all the moment you start looking. After much deliberation, I present to you four of my many, many favourites. 

Clockwise from top left: (1) Handcarved little baby stamp by Craft Pudding; (2) Personalised mug shot signature stamp by Love Sprouts; (3) Matryoshka rubber stamp by Corrabelle and (4) Free whales rubber stamp by Sleep Sheep.

Sieben Morgen

Sieben Morgen's range of paper goods are just so pretty! I especially love her gift tags which stole my heart with the endearing animals on them.

Clockwise from top left: (1) panda panda - handprinted moleskine notebook; (2) pedro the penguin- 4 gift tags: (3) little forest - handprinted letter set and (4) birdie says hellO - set of 3 handprinted postcards

green grocers

Not too long ago, there was this big craze over Anya Hindmarch's I'm not a Plastic Bag canvas tote. Yes it's sold out now, though you can still find it online at many times the price. But why bother though, when there are so many other more affordable choices in the market? Being environmentally friendly should not have to be expensive, but yes it can still be stylish. Below are some fresh picks ranging from $12 to $24.

Clockwise from top left: (1) Market Tote from First of May; (2) Picked Fresh Daily Apples Tote by the Craft Pantry; (3) Eco-Trend Shopping Bag from Trendy Girl Collections; and (4) Peace, Love, the Earth Grocery Tote Bag by Melissa Vest.

doing up the drawers

Drawers (the furniture) seems like a necessary evil in the house - often just a boring set of brown, black or white which serves the practical necessity of containing messes and keeping things out of sight. Hence it was quite a surprise to discover that there are people who actually paint drawer knobs, and beautifully at that. 

Definitely a way of injecting some interesting colour and detail into an otherwise plain-looking piece of furniture! Best of all, they are all very affordable, so you can simply use an inexpensive, simple set of drawers, and instantly add some personality to it. 

Clockwise from left: (1) A set of three animal print drawer knobs from Art by Malhotra; (2) Butterfly Drawer Pulls from Knobs; (3) Hand Painted Drawer pulls from Dania 27 and (4) British Knob with Purse Motif by Doodle Pad Designs.

a hop and a skip

I'm not a big fan of rabbits, but after looking at Cuddlet's sock bunnies, I think I might just be a a convert.

Her shop is only slightly over a month old, but I already like what I'm seeing - adorable, colourful creatures that indeed look cuddly! 

one big breakfast please

It's always good to start the day right with a nice, hearty meal :)

Top row: Complete Breakfast by Pinakoala; Toast and Toaster Button from Kung Fu Cowgirl

Middle row: English Muffin Breakfast Sandwich Play Food by Mermaid Sparkle; Breakfast in Love Card Set by Pea Soup

Bottom row: Recycled Notebook from Ivy Lane Designs; Pancake Hair Pin by Kesako.

someone's out there

Ever got the feeling you were being watched? 

Stacey Rebecca's finger puppets all have such unique expressions, from being contemplative to sheepish, and even some that look a little stunned. It's pretty fascinating that despite their size, they are all sewn with such attention to detail that each puppet is given their own distinct personality. As her banner proudly reads, finger puppets are the wave of the future!

Prettify ye walls

Wall decals are a versatile option to add a little more personality in your house, especially if you have big empty walls that seem sad and forlorn, It's also an additional method of infusing some colour and detail, instead the usual picture hanging. And best of all they are removable so you can keep changing them as much as you like! One way it could be used, is to act as substitute furniture, like the chandelier above - in lieu of a real one but just like it nonetheless!

Alternatively use it like wallpaper, and since they are concentrated in a small area, you can still have your broad expanse of a single coloured wall, but bringing special attention to a certain area of your room. Above: Sprinkle Wall Graphics. 

Or even more simply. a wall decal can be used to add a little bit of your quirky side to your house - by putting it in a place you would least expect for that element of surprise! Like the owl above, doesn't he look like he's just an extension from the garden outside? 

Now if only I had sufficient wall space...

wassup-b?

I'm not sure about you, but I do love sushi - the food itself and all things associated with it!

Clockwise from top left (1) Deluxe Washcloth Sushi Set (2) Amigurumi Sushi (3) Ebi Prawn Sushi Plushie (4) Miniature Sushi Necklace.