Lovely Novelties: January 2010

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Nobleman - First Lesson

I was a little apprehensive about it because of the location of the school. The place it was located at didn't seem to match the image they portray on the website so I really wondered if I made a right choice but I'm really glad I went.

It was so fun! They people were so nice and so patient.

Nobleman School of Floral Design
Blk 10, North Bridge Road, #02-5107, Singapore 190010

I didn't bring my camera so this one was take by my phone.

Asparagus Fern.

Hypericum.

The lovely ornament they provide us with.

Coconut fibers!

Though I was really tired by the end of the class, it felt great when I'm looking at the end product. (:

I actually can't wait for the next class!

Braving the rain.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Haiti.

I didn't bring my IPOD out today so I listened a lot to BBC today

I kept hearing about the the sufferings of those living in Haiti, affected by the earthquake - how help isn't getting to them and how the situation there is getting more dire and the people are becoming more desperate, more frustrated, more depressed.

By United Nations Development Programme

By United Nations Development Programme

By Pan-African News Wire File Photos

By Giladlotan

By Chicago red cross

By United Nations Development Programme

By Sancrey

By Disaster Emergency Committee

By Sancrey

By Chicago red cross

My heart just goes out to them.

I wish I was there on the scene to help, I really wish I am.

I hope those with the ability to help them would with all their hearts!

Please do pray for these people!

Chocolate Indulgence.

I was shopping in ION's ThreeSixty Marketplace when I came across Valrhona store in it. It got me totally psyche since you really can't find this brand in any supermarket and I know that it is one of the really yummy yummy really good chocolate brands. They are great to make desserts with or just to eat of the bar.

Within a few seconds, I knew I just HAD to get a bar from there even though I was suppose to be saving money. I was attended by this very knowledgeable and delightful retail sales assistant who was a complete darl. He let me try a few samples and whatever he suggested I liked it a lot. Then again, it could be just that the chocolate is really amazing. :D

After at least 15 minutes or so, I finally settled on one of their three vintage 2009 bar. According to the sales assistant, you have to wait till the end of 2010 to get these premium bars which uses cocoa from the best cocoa plantation (Venezuela, Madagascar and Caribbean) and during the best seasons (which is apparently from September to October).

Guess which cocoa plantation did I pick?

Venezuela! I think I watched too much of "Willie's Chocolate Revolution". :D

It really wasn't kidding when it mentioned that it has "notes of honey and nuts". The distinctive nutty flavor of cocoa, especially when the percentage of cocoa increases, hits you when you take your first bite. Then slowly, the sweet honey taste delicately seeps in and seems to be dancing in your mouth. It isn't overwhelming but very well balanced and well-rounded.

The amazing thing is: it honestly taste like honey but honey is not added into the chocolate! It couldn't have been added in since honey would make the chocolate sticky and this chocolate is anything but sticky.

Really great chocolate, I love it so much!!!

I think I would go back for the Madagascar bar. I tried it at the store and it has a really strong nutty roasted taste and a very very subtle citric notes. It is really full-flavoured, intense and wonderfully warm.

You guys have to try it!

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Oncoming attack.

by yopse

I feel an oncoming panic attack. :\ I hate this feeling the most.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Mafco House.

I know I haven't done a post on architectural yet though I really love great architectural designs.

So I'm doing one now. (:

Taken from official website.

Introducing the Molenaar Younge designed by Dan Molenaar. It is an off-the-grid getaway that is right smack in the middle nature - surrounded by a forest and near a lake. The design and concept is surprisingly simple and I just love how eco-friendly it is. This goes to show that amazing designs can be produced without using materials that harm the earth.

Given my absolute love for floor to ceiling windows, you can guess that what really appealed to me is the usage of huge pieces of reflective glasses as walls of the house. Each of this window is framed by dark fir beams that blends completely into the surrounding. These giant windows reflect the surroundings and camouflage the house.

In the picture below, you can see this platform that extends out, facing the lake and hangs mid-air. Standing there will give you a feeling of being suspended mid-air in the forest being surrounded by trees and gives you a picturesque view of the lake which is perfect for nature lovers.

At night, the highly reflective windows actually becomes a completely transparent and you can see the interior from the outside. I love how they would light the house up with candles everywhere and the house just glows in the middle of the forest like a enormous lamp.

Every aspect of this house is just absolute love. You have glass windows, wood furnishings, a spectacular view of both the forest and the lake, it is located right smack in the nature, it is eco-friendly and relatively cheap.

How much more perfect can it be?

Oh and if you do love it, check out the other designs with the same concept by Dan Molenaar at the official website.