Re-Found Objects.

I think that Re-Found Objects has a collection of great little objects inspired by the past. If you love vintage jelly moulds, french stripe material, pressed glass, etc, this might be one of the most interesting online shops you might come across.

A Month till 30.

I am trained as an Engineer, and I suppose we thrive on solutions (after all we are the problem solvers). Think of this as a problem.

If time is just an artificial structure like a state line or a country line; a means to quantify the length of our existence, or the passing of day. Age would be just a number on a ruler. Why does the number matter so much to us?

I'm turning 30 in a month's time. I have heard my share of nightmarish stories concerning the next decade of life. I've read this crazy article of why women depreciate so much after they've passed the 30 mark. Apparently, if you are alone (single/divorced/widowed), when you have come pass that mark, suddenly the men who you would usually date (say slightly older than you or the same age), would rather date anyone who is in their 20s rather than you. In short, our market shrinks and for men, it just keeps increasing. Unfair you might say, but to most, it is true.

I, on the other hand, think of turning 30 as a new volume in life. Whether you might be single, newly married, a new mum or re-singled, there is so much to look forward to. I have always seen myself in my 30s as a strong, self-confident and independent individual. Now that I am about to be 30, am I there yet? Maybe, maybe not.

There is just so much to learn about yourself, to further develop your career or to challenge yourself. This decade, I intend to read more economic articles (hated them for the longest time), set myself free from the life that I knew, allow people to know me (apparently, I have been terribly ambiguous to everyone) and live a lot more. Refocus my energies on things that I've always wanted to do. I think many of you will agree with me that in your 20s, you've probably spent quite some bit of it on relationships, relationships that may not have winded up anywhere. Maybe it's time to review them or yourself. Relationships are not everything. Yes, we all have the inert want to love and be loved by someone in particular. I've learned that we have needs that might be fulfilled by people or you want fulfilled by a certain someone, but the minute we need the person, we are in trouble. We must recognise our needs, not the need of a certain person. One more important thing to think about, it is unfair to expect so much from one person.

Having said all that, do I look forward to my 30s? Yes I do. I think the perfect way to celebrate it would be with a bottle of Bollinger Grand Annee, one or two Cohiba Siglo 2 in the company of close friends.

Meanwhile, I intend to breathe in everything that is left of me being 29, until I cross that invisible "state" line.

Paris, Je Taime - Bastille.

My favourite line from this short film must be "By acting like a man in love, he became a man in love again." Does anyone really understand love and its peculiarities? No one can be sure about the mechanics, the idiosyncrasies, the rationality that comes with being in love. Like so many a times I have mentioned to countless friends, there is a different between loving someone and being in love with someone. Right now do I know which I like better? I wished I did know.

The Boundary, London.

This is my perfect hotel, perfect in every way. For starters, it has only 17 rooms; 12 guest rooms and 5 suites (inspired by some of the most iconic designers). Then there's the fact that it has a rooftop bar, a lovely casual cafe + food store and also a more formal restaurant. Couple all these with the green technology that has been used to insulate it, and the collection of art that has been installed in the building. If, The Boundary is really a dream, Sir Terence Conran and his wife, Vicki must be the dream weavers. I can't wait to see the next project that they work on.

Sir Terence Conran Suite.

Eileen Gray Suite.

The Charles and Ray Eames Room.

The Bathroom of the Charles and Ray Eames Room.

Bathroom inspired by Shaker.

Another Christmas Party.

These pictures are self-explanatory. Enjoy.

Tivoli Audio Networks.

An internet desktop radio that has wifi built-in. This sounds a tat fancy but aesthetically and sound wise, it's really pleasing. Not sure if it is functional to have the control buttons on the back of the product though and a remote that cheapens the whole experience. However, I love the way it looks and sounds. Listening to your favourite radio station from the other side of the globe is an amazing experience. It makes you feel almost as though you were right there.

Tivoli Audio Networks

New Year, New View.

It's been a strange day. The theme of friendship, apathy and altruism has been popping up the entire day like as though like as though it were something I should pay attention to. After giving this much thought about the matter, I will be the first to admit this. I have a lot of acquaintances, but friends and true friends a handful. I have already been resigned to the fact that to expect so much out of a single person (may it be romantic or not) is not fair to that person. There is no such thing as a soulmate (aka, the right one).

What is my definition of soulmate? It is a special term for people who you have made a special connection with who understand you without much difficulty. You have that feeling as though there were nothing between you and that person's core. It's just joint. Kindred spirits of a premium league.

Now that it has been explained, let me go on. I strongly believe in life, we have not one but many soulmates. I, for one have had a few that have come in and out of my life, but there were also those who stood by me, through the storm and I am so thankful for them. It's not the number of soulmates I have in my life, it is the quality of friendship that they have offered to me.

Hearts are made to be full and open. I know that it sounds rather dangerous as in it gives them the chance to hurt you. However, if you let them into your life and be the best friend you can to them and allow them to love you for who you are, you will realise that your returns are great and very fulfilling. We are not talking about friendship investments, in hope of a great return someday. We are talking about altruistic friends. Friends, who issue help and give with their hearts wide open without wanting anything in return and you, on the other hand accept it without having to feel bad or think that you need to return the favour.

To start this year, I want to say thank you thank you thank you thank you to my very very special soulmates in life. You have no idea how much you mean to me and I love you so much.