Open for business

When I suddenly went to Singapore I closed my shop for about 2 months, but I almost forgot to tell you that:

So if you're in dire need of a bookmark, or even a custom gift for a bookworm-friend, head on over there.

I also hope to add some "clickables" soon.

Owl Things Considered

Sometimes it's just time for a little video, don't you think?

Marvelous Music: Ben l'Oncle Soul

Honestly I wasn't really expecting the revival of soul music to start in France, it sounds a bit odd to be honest. Well, only until I actually heard Ben l'Oncle Soul, because his cd is awesome.

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His international succes came after his cover of Seven Nation Army, which was awesome by the way. And though his original songs are amazing too, I wanted to leave you guys with his cover of Barbie Girl. If you can make that song into a proper piece of music, you are one talented guy, wouldn't you agree?

I learned to needle felt!

This is something I've wanted for ages. I took a workshop because I thought it would be complicated, but it was a lot easier than I expected.

I also made a bigger project, a bird, but I have yet to sew its eyes on. I'll show you soon, in the meantime there's a smaller bird project below.

Have you picked up any new hobbies recently?

Singapore: the Zoo

As promised, here is my post on the animals of Singapore. There is yet to be a post of the birds, but for now you can enjoy all the other animals I saw.

Oddly enough I consider this monkey my friend. He was just so cool and played mirror games with me. At one point I held out my arms and it looked like he would actually jump across the water. I got kinda spooked so I stepped back and he clapped instead.

I love meerkats! They were hard to spot at first and even harder to photograph, but I got my chance eventually.

These monkeys are so laid back, but most of all so uniquely looking.

Of all animals, the prospect of seeing tapirs had me most excited. Unfortunately I'm always unlucky with them, yet again they were at the very back of their territory.

This monkey looked like an old man looking down on today's kids, reminiscing the good old days.

Ok, this might not be the most exciting animal of the entire zoo, but I love the way he blends in with his surroundings.

I didn't have much time at the zoo, so I tried my best to see as many animals as possible. This was one of the last ones I could see before the sun set.

When we entered we were greeted by some people in these amazing costumes. I once went to the musical of the Lion King and it really made me think of that.

Perhaps my favorite thing about the zoo are the amazing signs that tell you were to go. They are so lifelike and so very cool.

Usually I don't really like zoos, it makes me depressed to see all those animals in cages that are too small for their comfort, but the Singapore zoo looks like a great place to live as an animal. They have lots of space and lots of green, no concrete and fences here! I enjoyed my visit very much.

Lovely Movies: Intouchables

Intouchables has turned into a big art house hype, and rightfully so. It is one of the best movies I've ever seen. In fact, it's such a special story that I could hardly believe anyone can just walk in a theater and see it. It's such a special one of a kind movie that it gives me the odd feeling that I'm the only one in the world tho have seen it. Weird, I know!

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Honestly I think you should just take my word, skip the trailer and watch this film straight away. But if you can't help yourself, you know my one minute rule:

If you're ever in a low mood and need some hope and inspiration, these two are your men. I promise you they'll deliver.

Sponsor Call: June

Click for more elaborate info, but here's the essential stuff:

-Large ad: $20 - includes interview, tutorial or guest post ONLY 1 AVAILABLE!
-Regular ads: $8 or $20 for 3 months
-Small ads: $5 or $12 for 3 months

Email Me if you'd like to reserve a spot.

If you're interested in doing a giveaway on Blue Eyed Night Owl or if you would like me to review something from your shop or business, you can check the bottom of this page for more info, or shoot me an email instead .

Pretty Painting: Naoto Hattori

Leaving through Mark Ryden's Pinxit this week has definitely rekindled my love for low brow art! And to stick with the surreal vibe I thought I'd show you guys the art of Naoto Hattori. It is very trippy, very cool and includes quite a lot of pandas. Enjoy!

                            

{All images belong to Naoto Hattori of course!}

Owl Things Considered

This owl speaker is just perfect! So cute and I'm guessing it might even be able to move it's wings. It's an affordable little fellow as well, apparently only $14,99!

Marvelous Music: King Charles

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One of my latest accidental finds is King Charles. Ever since I I first heard one of his songs I was hooked, I think I've listened to his music every single day since then. He has such a unique sound... and appearance by the way.

He was actually in my city last week, but unfortunately I couldn't make it to the gig. Next time, definitely next time!

Have you found any great artists recently?

Singapore: the People

The people in Singapore were lovely and friendly and there were so many nationalities as well.

Though my fingers were itching to take portraits, I didn't real dare to take many. But I did manage to put together a collection of pictures to give you a glimpse of all I saw on my trip.

I loved seeing so many cultures coexist so peacefully. Though there are many nationalities in my city as well, things aren't always as friendly as I wish they were. Perhaps I didn't spend enough time in Singapore to see the true reality, but it did seem to go well there.

Like the juxtaposition of city and nature, there is also a huge difference in people. Some seem to be very traditional, while others focus on being as beautiful and perfect as they can be.

I saw lots of photo shoots on the streets, mostly for engagements. I found it quite odd at first, as I've never seen anything like it where I live.

The people do put a lot effort in their appearance and it shows. Even guys are very well dressed( don't have any pictures of those unfortunately. There are so many different styles though, from very simplistic to very sophisticated to very cute and doll-like.

That's it for today. Up next: animals!

Lovely Movies: Beginners

Of course I only blog about movies I loved, but Beginners is a film I highly recommend.

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Not only is the story wonderful, but the actors are all brilliant and even the soundtrack is perfect. You can hear the magical song in the trailer as well, and as usual I suggest you only watch the first minute:

In the end I think these kind of films are my absolute favorites. The ones that make you feel happy while still including a bit of a depressing atmosphere as well.

Similar movie tips are yet again very welcome in the comments!

Intrigued: Holly Palmer's furniture

As you probably know I drink tea all day every day. And I was quite intrigued when I found these little stools today. Aren't they cute? I imagine all sorts of Alice in Wonderland tea parties with these.

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The designer Holly Palmer has loads of amazing ideas and fun designs. Check out this book porcupine for example.

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She also has a blog. And here's her website as well. Enjoy!

Singapore: Books Actually

When the opportunity arose to go to Singapore, I immediately started looking things up that I might wanted to visit. Books Actually immediately made it to the very top of my list.

Take me to a bookstore and I'm a very happy girl, throw in stationary and you'll have trouble pulling me out again, raise that with some vintage and I'm suddenly very willing to put up with a twelve-and-a-half-hour plane trip.

Thankfully the actual visit was as fantastic as I imagined it to be. It was a combination of old books, awesome books and local books. I spent quite some time checking out all authors, titles and little trinkets that were scattered all over the store.

Of course I bought some things there. In fact a fair share of my birthday money was spent here.
I decided to get some local books, things I couldn't possibly find at home. And well, a Banana Yoshimoto I didn't already own.

There was also a collection of zines to choose from, I liked this one best.

And I finally got my long-awaited chance to get a Frankie Magazine!

Well, that's pretty much it for books.

But... I have lots of other things from different shopping trips to show you! Including some things that have been on my wish list for ages...