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It’s my second time at the store since its opening on 1 June 2012. For those who have not heard of Francfranc, it is a designer and retailer of home lifestyle products with outlets mainly in Japan and China.

I was feeling under the weather the first time I visited it and was in and out under five minutes. What can you do with a runny nose? This time, I am determine to suss out competition and see what Francfranc Singapore has to offer to complement the lifestyle of Singaporeans.

Francfranc – store front at Vivocity, Singapore

This will be the sight that greets you at the store front of Francfranc @ Vivocity. Giant armchairs surrounded by colour-themed home decor draws you into the store. The generous floor area makes it a breeze to shop without the worry that you will knock over something (expensive). They even have ‘rooms’ so that you can get a good sense of how their products will fit into your homes.

Francfranc – Dining room ideas

And here are some of my favourite picks from the store:

Francfranc – Glamorous metal bookends in white and black – S$26

Francfranc – tissue box hard cover in lime green and wood – S$28

Francfranc – rattan easy chair in white – S$500

Francfranc – Champagne bubble bath in Margarita – S$8

Francfranc – Glass soap dispenser with motifs – S$41

Was well and truly tempted by this glass soap dispenser. I am actually looking for a dispenser for my hand moisturiser and this soap dispenser perfectly fits what I have in mind, except for the price. I guess there is always a price to pay for being so ‘specific’ in my requirements. Or I can cross my fingers that Francfranc will have a storewide discount soon!

PRICE: SGD$6.20

AVAILABLE STOCK: F.5631#2

To order, please PM or Email to: my.narayaoutlet@gmail.com

HAPPY SHOPPING! 

Big size BD 7.500

Normal size BD6.000

First, it started with a trip to Ikea for some bathroom accessories. Ted spotted a tissue box cover — I think we both did a happy dance when he found it. Do you realize how impossible it has been to find a rectangular tissue box cover? Apparently, the rest of the world either: a) doesn’t use tissue box covers, or b) uses tissue in square boxes. I know. Totally sad. This is our idea of a fun Friday night…

But, it didn’t end there. My iPhone 3GS has been dying a slow death for the past few months. I was hoping that it would live long enough until the launch of the iPhone 5, but no such luck. It was time to upgrade.

I’m loving the iPhone 4S…all 32-delicious-GB of it. Ted has caught me more than once having an in-depth convo with Siri. I put my iPhone 3GS to rest on Saturday. It served me well for almost 4 years.

*Sniff*

We also shuffled off to Buffalo on Saturday to tackle a long list of errands, like returning some bathroom items to Home Depot, and visiting our favourite stores, like Target, Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, etc. Ahh, and of course, mail — I had some glorious prezzies (to me, from me) waiting at our U.S. mail box.

If you live in Southern Ontario, you know about the crazy wind storm that started Saturday morning. Almost 100 km/h winds! Driving to Buffalo was interesting — especially the drive over the Skyway bridges. The clouds above us were moving fast and our little Mini was shaking with every gust of wind.

By the time we arrived to the Rainbow Bridge, the clouds over The Falls were intense! Here a snap without using any filters — insane!

All-in-all, our trip to Buffalo was a success. No big purchases to report, besides many, many, many boxes of cereal (why is cereal so expensive at home?!)

Sunday was supposed to be my day of productivity — you know, the day where I finish all of the finishing touches on the bathroom, like hem the extra long shower curtain, purchase and hang some shelving, install that dreaded soap dispenser (once and for all!), hang some wall decor and photograph the bathroom in daylight.

Did any of that get done? Sorta. I’ll be sure to share a proper update with you this week.

But, rather than opting for productivity, we opted for a morning walk with Mason.

We live near the 14 km mark of the Burlington Chilly Half Marathon. Ted, Mason and I bundled up to watch the runners and cheer them on. When we arrived, there were no runners to be seen — the course was empty.

However, after a few minutes, the runners started trickling in. These two men were like machines!

Then, a herd of runners started coming. And, it didn’t end. Hundred and hundred of runners pounding the pavement in our lil ol’ neighbourhood.

One guy (known as “The Joggler”) was even running the half marathon while juggling and wearing a video camera on his hat!

Another guy was dressed up as a chili pepper!

It was a great way to spend a Sunday morning. I can’t lie — I was kind of inspired by the runners. I think it’s time I lace up my running shoes again.

How did you enjoy your weekend? Were you productive? Or, did you opt for fun like us? I’ll need to scrounge up some time one or two evenings this week so I can finally finish the bathroom project. I’m ready for it to be done.

I’ve finished my latest plastic canvas project. As you can see it’s a tissue box cover that I made for my therapist. She is new to her job and her office is pretty bare so I thought something to decorate a little and it will server two purposes as it will also take over the job of tissue handling to those who need it during their sessions.

I hope she likes it!

But first to nimble up the fingers with a very easy little craft project – a tissue box cover, made out of a gorgeous earthy paisley print.

Supplies needed:

1 x fat quarter fabric (50cm x 1/2 the width) from Monsoon Weave = $3.50

Scissors

Pins

Ruler or tape measure

Trusty Singer sewing machine

Thread of an approximately similar colour

Dressmaker’s pencil (or a dodgy substitute!)

Tissue Box

1. Fold ends like wrapping a present.  Pin in place.

2. Sew along edges at each end.

3. Now we are going to make the mother of all buttonholes in the top!  Easy peasy.  Use your zigzag setting a bit wider than usual, with a very small stitch length.  I make mine like an I beam, with a reinforced top and bottom which makes the buttonhole like a capital I.

4. Fold up the bottoms, pin in place and sew around the bottom of the tissue box cover.

And there it’s all done.

Looking cute and it would make a lovely handmade Christmas present.  You could even make a matching fabric card.

Happy creating!

I was never too fond of the crochet look and ever since I’ve lived on my own, my tissue boxes are always naked. But, is this not cool anymore? As I flipped through my Pottery Barn Catalog I noticed a MONOGRAMMED tissue box cover! Personalizing your tissues! This must be the Gucci of tissue box covers.

This finding attracted me to do some research on covering up tissue boxes. I found some crazy creative tissue box covers out there and picked my favorites to share with you…

Spiderman Tissue Cover

This is over the top and I love it!    Crochet Snowman Cover

I’m sure you can find this in each of the 35 bathrooms at the White House.  Obama Tissue Holder

I could see this on my desk or vanity. Girlie and homemade!

The modern version.

Now this would have people reaching for tissues! *My favorite!

Happy sneezing!
-Melissa

Thank you to my sources!
potterybarn.com/
oddee.com/
marymaxim.com
scrappycath.blogspot.com
thisnext.com
yes-have-some.com

Thought I ought to get around to posting this link.  I found this wonderful tut on making a Reversible Tissue Box Cover the other day.  Linked it here, then totally forgot to post it!  What a maroon, as my sister would so lovingly say! LOL!

Why not head on over to the Pink Penguin? See if it’s something you could make, either for yourself or as a sweet gift for someone you care about.  Cold season’s just around the corner.  More and more tissues will be making appearances in homes everywhere before you know it.  This just makes the boxes look a little better.

Pink Penguin: Tutorial: Reversible Tissue Box Cover

See ya next time!  Take care and God Bless!

XoXoXo

tissue box cover

Ethan had a play date at a friends house on Friday so I chilled out and did some sewing. I don’t posses a whole lot of patience for sewing so projects that I can get done in a few hours suit me best.

I have moved the baby change table into our living room because I don’t want to be going in and out of Ethan’s room during the night to be changing the new bub. So I have all the things that go with changing piling up in the living room, wipes, nappies. lotions and tissues. Since it’s all on display I thought I might make a tissue box cover so at least that looks cute. I googled for a tissue box tutorial and found this one at Kirin’s notebook. It only took me a few hours and I enjoyed being able to start and finish it in one go.

I bought the fabric from Calico and Ivy in Mosman Park. Easily the most gorgeous fabric and knitting supply shop in Perth.

threads and buttions

sew sew sew

robot fabric from calico and ivy

Day 47: This is going to sound totally lame, but I’ve wanted a groovy tissue cover box for a while. I mean, if you’re going to have to keep a box of tissues around, it may as well look good. Bless their hearts, tissue makers try, but their box designs just scream “Go get grandma her tissues.”

Target has been slowly marking down tissue cover boxes for a few months And by “slowly,” I mean they’ve been marking down $19.99 boxes to $16.49. Not exactly what I call a clearance.

Today’s Target journey, however, turned up the beauty pictured above for $4.99. It was the only one that I could find, and it was perfect. It’s groovy without being flashy, because a flashy tissue cover box would just be gauche, no?

Previously:

Day 46: Tightened a couple of cabinet pulls in the master bathroom with the handle on a pair of nail clippers. Because sometimes rattling cabinet pulls compel you to fix them RIGHT NOW without having to wander into the freezing garage to search for a proper screwdriver.

Are you ready for my most recent set of randoms?

{As Rachel Zoe would say, “This is so major”; Phlox & Coral Coat, Anthropologie}

{This GORGEOUS oversized painting creates an ocean view wherever you live.  This is on my Christmas list.  If I don’t treat myself beforehand!  Blue Comes Through, Painting by Alice Dalton Brown, Acacia Catalog}

{I love these fun kids storage bins!  There are 7 different animal designs. 3 Sprout Organic Storage Bins, Amazon}

{These vintage map reproduction giclees are the brain child of the divine Suzanne Kasler for Ballard Designs.  There is something so comforting about the certainty of a map.  Suzanne Kasler World Map Giclee, Ballard Designs}

{I just bought this lovely and delicate bracelet and I absolutely love it layered with other bangles.  And the best part?  It’s only $29!  Clover Bangle, Stella & Dot}

{There are only a few hot soups good enough to make during the sizzling days of summer, and this is definitely one of them!  It’s so easy and super delicious.  Summer Corn and White Bean Soup, Cooking Light}

{This is such a great piece for the Fall, and it comes in 5 smashing colors. Ikat Print Scarf, Boden}

{I must admit that I am slightly obsessed with hiding tissue boxes.  I want one of these monogrammed tissue box covers for every room in our house.  At $14 and free shipping, why not?!  Tissue Box Cover, Pottery Barn}

Have a FABULOUS weekend!

hmmm….

From Muee

Another gold item.. its $29!

Looking forward to change the curtain.. behind tissue box cover.

Yokomono-polopolo large tissue box cover

greenletterpress-Type Collage Coasters (Letterpress printed) -- Teal

Heather Palmer-Grow, serving set

HeatherPalmer-Nest, small aqua

~Peak

So, then I had a whole table full of blue stuff . . . . and it needed ‘something’. . . .  a decorative element of some sort.  So I went rummaging through by big box of foam stamps and found this set.  PERFECT!!!

I’m embarrassed to admit that I don’t even remember when or where or WHY I bought these.  I honestly didn’t even know I had them.  But they are perfect and will be getting a lot of use now that I have discovered them.  (the brand name is Making Memories)

These 24″ tin stars were originally rust color.  Then I sponge painted them white.  Now I’ve done blue over the white.  The layers of color add a lot more depth and interest.

Close up

These pretty little embossed tin boxes came to me white, with a red crackle finish on the heavy cardboard lid.  I HATE crackle finishes!  Well, REAL cracked from age paint is wonderful; but I’ve never seen a fake crackle job that I liked in the least. 

I painted several of the lids in assorted pastel colors (several coats to fully cover the red!) and left the boxes white.  Then I decided to sponge paint the box to enhance the embossing of the tin.  THEN I realized what a pretty design was on the bottom of the box.  It’s just too pretty to only be used ONLY as a box bottom!

So I sponge painted both the sides and bottom of several of them and will hang them on the wall as a piece of dimensional art.  Now I just have to find a use for the lids.  Maybe a collage . . .

Love the way this blue and brown box turned out.  Gonna have to do a few sets of these now!

Flower box

Old wood tissue box cover.

Metal flower buckets.

I had already painted this little shelf blue a while ago; just added the brown flourish stamp.

Decorative shutters.

Metal ‘enjoy’ wall words were originally tan/rust.

Another repainted tin star, just a smaller one.

Now today I get to rearrange the store and make room for all this new stuff!