Breadtopia

“Blues is to jazz what yeast is to bread. Without it, it’s flat.” - Carmen McRae

There's nothing more disappointing, whilst on the run, than grabbing 'a-sandwich-to-go' only to find that the bread is less than acceptable. 

The momentary illusion of a tasty sandwich, created by the attractive packaging, its filling promising satiation, is immediately dashed by the first bite; the filling runs off in terror, the bread shrinks into a glutinous lump and then proceeds to stick to the roof  of one's mouth. Swallow, and it dawns on me that this 'bread' has only just started its journey, and has a long way to go... Ugh!

It is with this in mind that I rejoice at the movement of the real bread movement, where the baking of bread is artful - the use of the best organic ingredients, perfect preparation, and the pimping of the worn out old homely-style bakery establishment to one befitting the sale of real bread.

Photos of Blé Bakery on Agias Sofias in Thessaloniki, Greece 
Via: The Cool Hunter
Blurb: © Alison Day Designs

Living in a Box

There are times when we all feel as though we are 'Living in a box.' ...

If you were given the choice to, would you pay luxury rates to stay in a hotel that is housed in shipping containers? 

It seems that the Chinese architectural firm: Tonghe Shanzhi Landscape Design have created a 5-star luxury hotel, the construction of which was also eco-friendly.

Via DesignTaxi

Stylish Suds

"What soap is to the body, laughter is to the soul"- Yiddish proverb

This afternoon, a particularly blustery and grey Sunday, I took off on my Vespa and joined 15 other people curious to learn the art of soap making. Held at the Connect International office, by Stephanie Fermor from Toastie Studio, & Thomas Poortman

During the three hour workshop, we learnt the techniques necessary to create four different kinds of soap. Apart from using different shaped molds, we also 'flavoured' them from a selection of delicious scented oils, such as: chocolate, vanilla, orange, cappuccino, passion fruit and banana, to mention a few. 

The bars of soap could either be clear (like glass), or we could stir in water-based colourings along with curls of soap (created with the use of a cheese slice), brightly coloured plastic fish, or in the case of the exfoliating soap - oatmeal. For each soap we had to work quickly, because once the melted soap mixture left the bain marie, it immediately started to solidify. At the end of the workshop, our four different soap bar designs included: a clear bar with aforementioned brightly coloured plastic fish swimming around inside, a realistic looking ice lolly on wooden stick, a funky cup cake and a square oatmeal bar. And once the soap had finally cooled enough to be removed from their prospective molds, each was individually wrapped - perfectly packaged for Christmas presents.

Interested in making your own soap? Supplies can be ordered from: Soap Queen & You Wish. (Links courtesy of Stephanie)

For a peek at my creations made during the workshop...

© Alison Day

Website: Alison Day Designs

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Chocca Choo

Ever the love of chocolate - what about this? ... The longest chocolate train ever, created by Maltese chocolate artist, Andrew Farrugia? 

Setting a new Guinness World Record, it measures 34.05 metres and weighs 1,250 kg and took 700 hours to complete. 

It is magnificently detailed and includes tiny details such as a bar and a restaurant within some wagons.

Via: DesignTaxi 

Come Dance With Me

Enormous replicas of high-heeled shoes made from shiny pots and pans by Paris-born, Lisborn-based artist: Joana Vasconcelos.

These stunning pieces of footwear are part of an installation called 'Shoes', which have traveled the world. 

Beautiful in their conception, they are also a comment on the persisting traditional double role that womankind continues to lead, in a modern day world.

Via: DesignTaxi

Living Doll

Just had to share these amazingly lifelike and original toys created by Russian based artist, Santaniel.

Made from a combination of fimo clay, fabric fur and wire, but they almost seem to be alive!  For more: here

Forced to Fly

Forced to Fly is a useful anthology, offering practical information on living abroad, including invaluable tips, groups to join, and a variety of websites to consult, between its covers. Aiming to give moral support and advice for those considering a move abroad - how to survive, and ultimately enjoy it. 

This, the second issue, also includes an extensive collection of short stories, contributed by a total of 40 expatriates, as a result of a call-up and final selection by Jo Parfitt. All of the authors, have lived or continue to live abroad. Their stories highlight experiences, both good and bad: stories which are insightful, often highly amusing and cover a wide gamut of emotions that we can all relate to. Stories which are oftentimes hilarious, sometimes thought provoking and now and again downright frustrating.

Forced to Fly (Summertime Publishing), is the second book where I have participated in its re-issue. This time, however, I not have only been instrumental in the re-vamp of the internal text, but also a series of 50 black and white illustrations, to accompany and enhance the various sections, and collection of short stories throughout the book. 

So...  for your OWN copy of Forced to Fly, why not pay a visit to Amazon, where you can purchase it: for Kindle  or as a paperback .

And... once you are in possession of your own copy, you will discover that one of the short stories is mine!

© Alison Day Designs
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