masking tape magic

Only in Japan! These jaw dropping images are from the mt masking tape expo 2011 and I know, I know, that's so last year but when I stumbled across this amazing installation at the Dictionary Club Art School in Tokyo I just had to share.

I mean it must have taken for-ev-er to cover the entire interior and exterior of the building with real washi tape strips, not to mention the mini cooper, delivery van and bicycle parked out front (check out the time-lapse video of covering the mini here).

What the hell is washi tape? Well washi is a high quality masking tape made of japanese rice paper popular amongst paper crafters and cool kids alike because of the amazing kaleidoscope of colours and patterns available.

All images via Hello Sandwich and Polkaros

aloha oracle fox

Recently i've been following Mandy Shadforth's trip to Hawaii over at her blog Oracle Fox and I couldn't help but share some of her amazing photos capturing North Shore island life as well as her new range in collaboration with Billabong...you go girl!

santa monica beach cruising

Image by JNicole Photo

The first thing I do when I touch down in Los Angeles next year is hire a beach cruiser (baby blue of course) and hit the bike path between Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach. My legs will probably hate me for it the next day but I just can't get the ultra cool images from the current MTV Travel Co TV spots out of my head. Hopefully I look just as cool as Erin McNaught.

dumplings

Who says you have to go to Chinatown to get good dumplings?

Working in the lower north shore I am lucky to be spoilt for choice with traditional asian eateries but my all time favourite at the moment just has to be the traditional handmade dumplings of New Shanghai.
And judging by the lunchtime queues to get a table (they don't take bookings) it seems I'm not the only one who thinks so.

Today I popped in for lunch with my work buddies and about an hour later we rolled back out in a dumpling coma.

Even if you were to pick from the menu wearing a blindfold you really can't go wrong, but the pan fried pork buns are definitely a draw card as well as our other go to dishes - pork & chive dumplings, salt and pepper chilli prawns and stir fried chinese rice cakes.

I think what really tops it all off for me though is the decor. You really feel as though you could be eating in the side streets of Shanghai and there is even an old bicycle at the front door.

New Shanghai
Chatswood Chase
Ph. 02 9412 3358