Melisasa

I stumbled onto this website and thought that it was a pretty good timing to do up a bucketlist, on the last day of the year. 2015 and the years ahead, should be focused on bringing me nearer towards my bucketlist.



I have dreamt of setting up a company just like darbysmart, whimseybox (which recently just went down), and a pair and a spare. I would work in a studio office that is nicely furnished and dog friendly.



In my free time, I would like to travel and enjoy the awe inspiring sights I have yet to discover, and travelling alone would be a bonus! I yearn for a world where woman can travel and feel as safe as any other men on the streets. It's almost an impossible goal, but the situation is (slowly but) surely improving.



There's alot more things I want to experience in the world, and I am grateful for the hard work my parents and past generations have put in to provide me with the luxury of choice I have right now. Nothing ever comes easy and it would be a while for me to check off these goals on my bucketlist, but I urge everyone out there, to reflect on this day, and create a list of your own! :-)

This DIY caught my eye and I couldn't resist trying it out, given that I already had all the necessary materials. There were some steps I couldn't follow as I didn't have the tools, but I improvised and I'm sure this version is easier to craft!



Materials needed: 

1. Embroidery thread


2. A single thread


3. Beads (3 colours - Gold is a bonus!)


4. UHU super glue


5. Scissors

Steps:





1: Fold the single thread into half and use UHU to glue the ends. Feel free to use other type of glue, as long as it hardens when dry. Here, I'm trying to use the single thread in replacement for the wire beading needle Honestly WTF used.

2: Thread the embroidery thread through the single thread needle

3: String the bead into the single thread needle

4, 5 & 6: Push the bead down into the embroidery thread

7: String the beads according to the morse code pattern created here. I used gold beads for the dashes and coloured beads for the dots, alternating the colours for alternate words.

8: When you have stringed enough beads, cut the embroidery thread and string the 2 ends into the single thread needle

9: String a bead through to "close" the bracelet.

10: Tie a double dead knot on the end of the embroidery thread

11: String a bead through, it will be blocked by the double die knot tied in step 10. Secure it with another double dead knot after stringing it through.

12: Repeat step 10 and 11 for the other end of the embroidery thread and cut off the excess

& tadah! (featuring my misfit flash :D)

Wearable fitness trackers has really been the hype for 2014 and I have been considering to get myself one. But with the wide variety of choices and new brands turning up each month, it's hard to keep track of which one is really suitable for my lifestyle. So today, I'll be sieving through the more note-worthy models of fitness trackers and eventually, reveal the one I got for myself and my boyfriend this Christmas :D

The considerations I have in mind when shopping for a fitness tracker are mainly, aesthetics, price and functionality.

1. UP Move by Jawbone

For the first fitness tracker that I would like to introduce, it definitely scores high on price and credibility. UP Move by Jawbone is definitely one of the cheapest fitness trackers around, at USD$49.99. It comes in a variety of colours and the clip and straps are interchangeable, to create a different mix of colours. Jawbone is also known for its other fitness tracker, UP 24, and it's UP app highly credible and user friendly. The UP system also tracks sleep cycle in addition to physical activity. This was definitely one of the first few fitness trackers that caught my eyes, and got me seriously considering a purchase.

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2. Misfit Shine & Misfit Flash



Misfit Shine first caught my eye with its aesthetics appeal. It was the first few fitness tracker that was design to blend in with the business suit/fashionista. It was a fitness tracker that was meant to fit with the clothing worn by the masses, not merely the by the sports enthusiast. However, it is a little pricey at USD$99, and this is where Misfit Flash comes it. Like Up Move by Jawbone, it's USD$49.99, but this time, it comes with both the clip and the band. Better yet, both Shine and Flash are waterproof, and can be used to track swimming and other activity in the water. It also automatically detects sleep, unlike Up Move by Jawbone. Afterall, it can get pretty tiring to set the tracker to sleep mode every night before sleeping and when waking up. However, it Misfit Flash isn't as aesthetically appealing as Up Move and this is a deterrence. Reviews have also rated the app to be too simplistic, with much room for improvement.

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3. Fitbit FlexThe Fitbit Flex was another tracker that caught my eye, due to the wider variety of functions it came with. One of the features I was particularly attracted to, is the silent wake alarm, where it gently vibrates to rouse the user from sleep. No more slamming of the alarm and grumpy mornings. It can also track the route taken on runs and present it on the mobile app, a feature missing from the above two trackers. On the downside, it does not come with built in batteries and have to be recharged every 5 days. Also, it came it a little pricey for me at USD$99.

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In summary: 

Ultimately, I got the the Misfit Flash as it was on a christmas promotion and was sold was only USD$25. That was hard to resist. Last I checked, the promotion is over and Onyx Black is out of stock as well. Next Christmas yeah!



PS: I have been using the Misfit flash for about a week now, and will be posting detailed reviews on it soon!

Christmas is 5 days away and I'm really getting into the mood! These cards has caught my eyes on Pinterest and if you have yet to finish your christmas prep, give these cards a try! They'll take no more than 5 mins (Y)

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1. Pipe cleaner christmas trees - These are so easy to make and extremely kid friendly, if they are too young, just get them to place the finishing touch of sticking the star on! 

2. Recycled materials Christmas trees - It's so easy to make these if you have lots of leftover craft materials to finish up. Kids can go creative over these cards as well, choosing their favourite patterns and colours 

3. Paint chip Christmas Trees - 1. Cut triangle, 2. Cut square, 3. Paste, DONE! 

4. Embroidered reindeer - This is so adorbs and totally carries a touch of sincerity to it. I would sew it with a thin piece of paper on top the card, that has the design on it, before tearing it off when the sewing is done. Otherwise, it is rather hard to sew a perfect circle 

5. Button snowman - And it's eyes are already there! Avoid one/four holed buttons 

6. Cross stitched reindeer - This is a digital design, but I think it would work great if the design is embroidered on, using string, needle and paper 

Christmas is almost here and I wish Santa would bring me these <3

1: Marc by Marc Jacobs Luna Tarp Fergus iPad Mini Case | 2: Marc by Marc Jacobs Luna Tarp Fergus Tote | 3: Marc by Marc Jacobs Ryders Motorcross Print Tee Shirt | 4: Without Walls Printed Racerback Sports Bra | 5: Wildlings Yoga Shenandoah Yoga Mat | 6: For Love and Lemons Victorian Bralette | 7: For Love and Lemons She's a Knockout Bra | 8: Duffy London Abyss Table | 9: Duffy London Swing Table

In my recent years of travel, I've been using airbnb pretty frequently to settle accommodation. Not only are some of the listings cheaper than local hotels, it also offers me insights to how the locals live, how the neighbourhood is like and it's just adds to the fun and advanture of travelling.

While browsing through, I've came across some pretty amazing living spaces and the following are some of my favourites

Singapore - This apartment is located in Tiong Bahru, one of the oldest neighbourhood in Singapore. It's surrounded by traditional coffee shops and newly sprouted cafes. The atmosphere in this neighbourhood is peaceful, serene and definitely perfect for a getaway or staycation!  

Texas - Staying in a caravan is in my bucket list and if I get to choose, I would go with this! The hammock and outdoor bath is great for watching stars at night, or for watching the sunrise. I can picture just snuggling with my closed ones on a warm night, talking about anything and nothing till we drift off. 

Iceland - Iceland has always been a dream destination and this airbnb getaway just bumped it higher up my list of countries to visit. The architecture itself looks fantastic and the vast field and skies feels instantly calming. The lake in the distance looks great for a little row on those cooling afternoons as well.

Norway - I've been looking forward to hit Norway as well, and to hike up North to view the northern lights. I love how this cabin is located in the middle of the forest, great for camping outdoors, or for evening walks. And in winter, you can ski up to your cabin. 

All photos are taken from airbnb, click on the photos for the link.

I love these blogs. When I start up my computer and have absolutely no plans on what I'm going to do, my fingers would click on the bookmarks to these blogs, like a muscle memory. I would pick reading off these blogs over facebook anyday. That's how awesome I think they are. All of them are a great source of inspiration and all written - not surprisingly - by women! So proud of my species (Y).

1. bakedbree - she's the reason I got started on baking. My first successful batch of cookies came from her receipe. I love how she provides clear step-by-step instructions of the process, cos it helps me check if my dough/mixture is in the correct texture, and this is something i can't find in other food blogs out there. -

2. a pair & a spare - a crafter with a shop based in HK! A traveller and adventurer as well, I can't help me fall in love with her lifestyle and everything that she's doing, wearing, making. She recently did a post on her studio in HK and instantly its number one on my bucket list - own a design studio that's as pretty/comfortably as hers.   -

3. oh happy day - its ridiculous how often this blog/website gets updated! And each time they bring fresh party and decoration ideas. Who knows where they are getting all these from? But I have no complains! <3 -

4. oh joy! - a mum of 2 and an asian, with an asian husband, no better role model! Rarely does one find a successful asian crafter in the blogsphere, but Joy Choo is a pretty big hit, having design party wares for target and in kids furniture. Really one power mum! -

5. dreachong - A SINGAPOREAN. And she is currently THE fashion blogger in Singapore. Her photos/pose are amazing and she's only just 1-2 years older than me. Impressive portfolio and her fashion sense and travel destinations are to die for. -

6. mycakies - i have been following her blog for years (since her first kid) and it never gets old. It's so wonderful to see her kids grow up and take these fabulously natural group/jump shots. Rubyellen's blog features receipes and great party and family bonding ideas as well, that is sure to inspire all mummies out there. 

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all photos are credited to the respective blogs!

My hands are itching and my mind is drooling, but all I can do is window shop these ideas as I countdown to the end of exams :( #8daystogo

1. This hanging mobile. So easy to make with twine and straws!



2. My bedroom has been missing a clock since it has been repainted and this one looks great! I would personally paint it white though



3. This necklace! Easily customisable and great as gifts too



4. THIS. I will carry my DSLR everywhere with these gorg straps, regardless of how heavy it can get.



5. Not just for keys, they'll be great for thumbdrives (which I'm always losing) too!



Everything here is pinned on my crafts Pinterest board here.

I've loved interior designing since young and it has always been a wish for me to convert an industrial warehouse into an apartment, filled with bright light from the big glass window that looked over the city.

But, this dream will be quite hard to fulfil in Singapore, given the restrictions and high land prices. Thou shalt fear not. For there's always ways to bring that sense of industrial, factory warehouse atmosphere into the living space.

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Such a unique and way to separate the toilet area, the frames adds a level of chic to the interior atmosphere too 

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Mirrors like these can be easily collected from fleas, and doesn't need much maintenance, the older it looks, the more industrial it feels! 

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I love how the ladder can be so easily converted into a frame, and how the hanging bulb has a dual role of providing light and serving as decor

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Upcycle those paint chips! And these are so reusable, just like a whiteboard. Looks like a piece of art too

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Omg, perfect toilet paper hangers. Great way to use those old skates too

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Just like (1), the frames instantly separates the room, yet allowing light to fall in, expanding the space of the room

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Whoever thought of this is so so smart, it's such a great way to deal with those pesky corners

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Upcycle those pallets! Serves as the perfect couch surfer spot too

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I love that metallic pot that complements the black and white theme of the hallway so well

 

Sources can be found on my pinterest board here.