RED DOT DESIGN MUSEUM...

The Red Dot Design Awards are one of the largest international design awards in the World. And at the Red Dot Design Museum you can learn about and enjoy good design from over 300 design works on exhibition. 

In 2017, the Singapore Red Dot Design Museum moved to its present location along the Marina Bay after a 12 year period since it was first established in 2005 along Maxwell Road. A visit to the museum is more than just an education trip by entering into a world of design - one of the most interesting places to visit in Singapore. Red Dot Design Museum Singapore sits in a full glass facade building located along the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade. Designed by Cox Architects (Australia) & Architects 61 (Singapore), the building takes on a strong geometrical form and comprises of playful composition of structural steel elements and large overhanging roofs. A must visit for architecture and design enthusiasts.

The museum features an incredible design shop where carefully curated design objects from around the world as well as the best designs produced by Singapore designers can be found. There is also a cafe & bar serving up traditional recipes which are re-designed into the form of cubes as if they were graphic design projects. The cafe and bar also serves localised desserts, craft beers, gourmet coffee and tea. It's well worth a visit! 

SOBER FOR OCTOBER...

As many of you know ... I love a glass of wine or five. And a Gin & Tonic or two. And don't even get me started on champagne! So, I've decided to Go Sober for October (and maybe even November!) not only to challenge myself, but to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. I'm sure we all know someone who has been effected by the big C. It sucks. It's taken far too many lives too soon and continues to make people I love suffer. So, this is the least I can do. Donate a little. Or a lot. Every single penny counts. Thanks for the support. Wish me luck!

To donate visit the link http://www.gosober.org.uk/users/karen-cole

SEVEN YEARS...

Today I celebrate a whole seven years in the Little Red Dot. Seven years! That's crazy! I never expected to be here this long. I genuinely never expected to have had the adventure that I have. It's been a rollercoaster seven years, with some incredibly high highs and a few extremely crappy lows. 

But, I wouldn't change any of it. It's been an amazing learning curve. I've met some incredible people who mean the world to me. I count myself lucky every single day and I feel extremely privileged to be living in one of the best cities in the world. 

What good are wings without the courage to fly? No good at all. I would encourage everyone to use their wings. They will take you to the most wonderful places and you will have the best experiences of your life. 

My Singapore chapter is getting thicker by the day ... who knows how it will pan out.

RACE AGAINST CANCER 2017...

Having several friends affected by cancer I am always keen to get involved fundraising in any way I can. Today, Dan and I completed the Singapore Race Against Cancer 10km run.

"Singapore Cancer Society Race Against Cancer (RAC) 2017 is a race to save lives. Organised by Singapore Cancer Society (SCS), the race aims to raise funds for cancer treatment subsidies, welfare assistance, cancer rehabilitation, hospice care, cancer screenings, research, public education and cancer support group initiatives. Funds raised will help to drive SCS Programmes and Services such as the SCS Cancer Care Fund, SCS Cancer Rehabilitation Centre, SCS Cancer Treatment Fund, SCS Help the Children and Youth Programme and the SCS Welfare Aid. Taking place for the 9th year since 2009, RAC exists to make our statement against cancer, to minimise cancer and maximise life. No one should fight cancer alone - this event invites people of all walks of life to join in the fight and run alongside those who are impacted by cancer."

It's been a while since I have done a 10km run. Back in 2013 I started running regularly, but due to work commitments and holidays recently I don't run as much as I should!

It was a great day on the East Coast. A little hotter than we would have liked, but there was a great atmosphere and we're really proud of our achievement. I sill have no desire to run further than 10km, so you won't see me signing up for any marathons anytime soon, but I will be doing more runs from now on. 

To read more about Race Against Cancer visit the website https://raceagainstcancer.org.sg

CURIOUS PALETTE...

The long weekend was full of rest and relaxation! I took full advantage of being able to catch up with some friends at this fantastic new find Curious Palette. 

Curious Palette is tucked away on Prinsep Street. A strip which is usually pretty lively in the evenings but was exceptionally quiet on Sunday. It's not a spot that I frequent very often, as I never really venture into town on the weekends. However, after discovering Curious Palette I may very well be spending more time here in the future! 

It's a family-friendly brunch spot which was perfect for Rachael and baby Ava! First impressions are that it's cosy and warm, which was great as there was an almighty storm brewing when I arrived! I took advantage of half an hour on my own reading my book and drinking English Brekkie Tea! I really do wish I drunk coffee as the menu looked very interested. Wasted on me though! 

I was the first person to arrive bang on 9am! Keen! And was amazed that when we left the place was packed. So unless you're an early bird and arrive at 9am I would suggest you make a reservation as people were being turned away when we were leaving at 1pm. Yep, we stayed four hours! Why? Because it was just so comfortable and the food was delicious! 

The all-day brunch menu is extensive and on offer from 9am, except for Tuesdays as they are closed. I decided to go for the Smashed Avocado on Focaccia with Feta cheese, poached egg, sesame seed mix, seasoned cherry tomatoes and bacon! It didn't disappoint. There were so many more dishes on the menu that I was keen to try! The Corned beef scotch egg will be my next choice when I visit again for sure! 

I would highly recommend Curious Palette. The brunch was tasty and the restaurant itself has a really nice ambience. When the place got full it was a lot louder than when I first arrived, but that's to be expected as the place is deceivingly bigger than what it looks like from outside. I even discovered after leaving that they have a second floor that is available for private event bookings. It's definitely one to remember and as it's open until 10pm week nights I would even be tempted to head back for dinner one night!


Curious Palette can be found at 64 Prinsep Street. Open Sunday, Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 9am - 10pm and Friday & Saturday 9am - Midnight. For more information visit their Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/curiouspalette/

THE LITTLE BASTARD...

No this isn't a rude post! So apologies if you have taken offence. This is in fact the name of a very cool secret bar that Jill, David and I discovered on Friday night. We had been to Char at Jalan Besar and were looking for a place to have a post dinner drink. A short work away we found the Little Bastard...

"Little Bastard is not your average illegitimate child. Born of mixed parentage with Thai and Chinese roots, you can expect a myriad of oriental explorations involving a whole lot of flavours. Blending the lines between culinary and cocktail mixology, this Little Bastard explores unorthodox and modern techniques to recreate childhood favourites. You can expect cold tom yum dip noodles and sous vide lemon barley gins."

Although we were only there for drinks Little Bastard does serve up a number of sharing plates and signature dishes that are influenced by both Thai and Cantonese cuisine. On this occasion we didn't eat, we just worked our way through quite an extensive drinks menu! 

Simply Yeo's (Botanical and Refreshing)

Gin Sous-Vide with Lemon Peel, Barley & Pandan Leaves, Bird's Nest, Fresh Lemon Juice and Simple Syrup

Not Your Average Chendol (Creamy and Sweet)

Jaegermeister sous-vide with Pineapple, Gula Melaka Syrup, Coconut Cream and Pandan Syrup

Little Bastard is quite hidden away. But, once you get to the Refinery it's actually quite easy to find. Just tell the service crew that you are looking for the Little Bastard and they will show you how to get in. The bookshelf at the back of the restaurant may not be what it seems at first! I'd really love to visit again and have a go at the food menu!

For more information check out the website http://www.therefinery.sg/little-bastard/

BEDOK RESERVOIR...

Despite living in Singapore nearly seven years, there are still so many places that I haven't been! Bedok Reservoir being one of them! I've just returned from a 12km walk around the reservoir and back home. It's been an incredibly hot day, which actually started with a hangover, but the walk has done me the world of good in more ways than one. The exercise is obviously the first thing, the second is introducing me to another area of Singapore that I never knew existed! 

Bedok Reservoir Park is popular amongst joggers and water sports enthusiasts. A converted sand quarry, the park surrounds the 88-hectare Bedok Reservoir, making it a great place for water activities. The track around the park is 4.3km in total and has spectacular views all around the reservoir. 

I'm currently signed up for a few runs later int he year so I think I'm going to have to make more of Bedok Reservoir to train. Thankfully, the park is quite well lit and can be used early in the morning or later in the evening. The paths aren't all fully shaded though, and despite wearing sunscreen I still managed to catch some sun. Oooopppps. There are several water fountains along the course as well as WaWaWa Bistro which is a restaurant/cafe located in the sculpture garden of the park. 

Odd, but rather intriguing were these tall poles that have been erected for bird enthusiasts. Owners bring their birds during the cooler morning and sit listening to them singing throughout the day.

LA PETITE TARTE...

I'm currently enjoying a fantastic holiday in South Africa. My main focus whilst here has been the wedding of two of my close friends, Sarah and Aaron (which I will post about very soon!) but I have spent the last three days in Cape Town exploring the city and it's surroundings. 

Today we discovered the most quaint café, La Petite Tarte. A cosy, little hideaway situated in the colourful Cape Quarter/De Waterkant area with a very chilled vibe. There is both cosy indoor seating and outdoor seating under a striped awning where you can literally watch the world go by at your leisure. The shabby chic decor is reminiscent of an intimate French café and for a minute I totally forget that I am in South Africa. 

Handwritten chalkboards scattered all around displaying specials of the day and the opening hours add such a personal touch to the place. 

The menu is extensive! So be prepared to ponder for quite a while. We visited during breakfast/brunch hours and I settled on the Croque Poulet. White bread with smoked chicken, covered in egg, cheese and herbs and grilled in the oven. It defeated me! Was far too big a portion. However, you can order just a half...I'll know for next time! 

There is an array of colourful antique tea cups and everyone gets their own unique one. Overtime a drink is served it's an experience to see which one you’ll get. Against everything I stand for, the tea cups and tea pots don't match ... but that's ok! It's all part of the fantastic and unique experience.

You can also buy locally homemade product such as jams, not to mention their selection of homemade cakes which looked outstanding! If we had longer here in Cape Town, I would be returning to La Petite Tarte for sure! 

You will find La Petite Tarte at Shop A11, Cape Quarter, Dixon Street, de Waterkant, Cape Town. The owner was last casually amongst the guests and took the time to check in on us and make sure we were being well looked after. It was clear that he was extremely proud of his outlet. Hopefully you will enjoy it as much as we did!

THE BAY HOTEL...

I started of my trip to South Africa in the stunning Bay Hotel, Camps Bay. I had chosen the Bay Hotel based on a few things. I had been frightened somewhat by people talking about the bad crime in South Africa so wanted somewhere that was secure for both me and my hire car. I always wanted a little bit of luxury to start my holiday and had heard that Camps Bay was definitely the place to stay whilst in Cape Town. 

The Bay Hotel ticked all those boxes. And within ten minutes of checking in I was sat on a sun lounger enjoying a Kir Royale cocktail. This luxury 5-star Cape Town hotel certainly got my trip off to the best start. 

You can spend a day exploring Cape Town's world-class sights, return to the bar and relax with a sunset cocktail, treat yourself to a a massage in the on-site spa or spend some time lounging around one of four sea-facing pools. There are 78 bright, modern rooms/suites that all offer either a view of the sea of table mountain.  

From the poolside you can look back and see the majestic Twelve Apostle mountain range which is postcard worthy. Looking forward you can take in the views of the beach and Atlantic Ocean which is less than a minutes walk away. It really is a glorious place to stay.

EXPLORE. DREAM. DISCOVER...

When I first moved to Asia, my blog was a great way to keep all my family and friends up to date with what I was up to here in Singapore. As the years go by, and they are going by pretty quickly, I have found it harder and harder to keep my written blog up to date.

I've expanded Explore. Dream. Discover to Instagram. It gives me the ideal platform to upload pictures, with short descriptions of what I am up to on the go. As and when I get the time I will then write longer pieces here on the original blog. 

For all of you who'd like to follow you can find me @karen_exploredreamdiscover

Explore the word around you. Dream until your dreams come true. Discover your mind and soul. 

ANNE BAGS...

Check out these amazing bags that Anne Hudson designed and produced for Betsy's Hen Party recently...

Anne creates stylish reusable bags that can be used from day to night. For this particular occasion each of the hen's had their own personalised bag with a few treats in there to get them through the day, sun lotion, wet tissues, shots of vodka, tic tacs etc. 

I met Anne many years ago, through a mutual friend Amanda. She's incredibly talented and creative and I'm super excited that her bag business is doing so well. Here's a little bit about Anne taken from her Etsy bio:

"This creative journey has taken me on a long one. Starting at college where I specialised in textile design. Moving on to becoming a visual merchandiser to bathroom designer and interior stylist. Then I became a mum of two beautiful baby girls, pretty much putting everything on hold! Now one is at school and the other is at nursery, it is now time for me to go back to my passion of art and crafts. 

I started off getting back in to abstract art, creating pieces for family and friends and from here I have done a few craft fairs. As much as I love painting on canvas, I did start to go back to my roots of textiles which is why I have now created my tote bags. I have loved using metallic and think this will stick with me for a while!! Especially now everyone needs a bag for shopping, why have a boring 5p one when you can have a funky one,going from day to night, school run to beach bag! I am also looking to add to my collection with cushions and purses." 

I've previously bought a beach bag from Anne too which use on a weekly basis. They are so versatile and the colours that Anne creates are very on trend! Check out my Anne bag on holiday in Dubai last year:

If you are interested in buying an Anne Bag you can check out Anne's Etsy shop here:

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/AnneHudsonBags

You can also follow Anne on Instagram @ahboutique_

Happy shopping! 

PLEESECAKES...

I always struggle to know what to send friends on their birthdays in the UK. Not anymore. I've discovered Pleesecakes! The best cheesecakes in town. Just look at this...

My lovely friend Sarah celebrated her birthday last week and I got this delivered to her office as a surprise. I had stumbled over Pleesecakes on Joe Wicks, The Body Coach Instagram, and contacted them to see if they could help me with a cake that was made from her favourite chocolate bars, Twirls, as well as any additional Cadbury goodies that they could add! Their creation was amazing. 

A little bit about the Pleesecake team:

"We're two painter and decorators with a love for food and cheesecake. Joe the founder of Pleesecakes has been making incredible cheesecakes for friends and family for the past few years and he's finally decided to spread the love and bring his awesome creations to the people. Mainly because he loves food and is good at washing up, Joe has bought in his business partner and good friend, Brendon to help take Pleesecakes to the next level."

I just love that they are normal guys who clearly have a creative streak and are putting their passion into action. The service was outstanding and I'm told the cake was pretty much the same! At the moment their delivery radius is 50-60 miles from their base in Epsom, Surrey. Hopefully in the future they will expand... maybe even as far as Singapore so I can get to try one! I wish these guys all the luck in the world with their venture. 

For more information visit their website at https://www.pleesecakes.com

DINNER IN WONDERLAND...

I was recently stumbled across ANDSOFORTH on the internet. Totally intrigued by the idea of "secret dining" I booked Steph and I a table at their Dinner in Wonderland event. Ironically the only date the Steph and I could both do was 14th February. So, it was an extremely romantic evening for both of us amongst many many couples!

A little bit more about the ANDSOFORTH team:

"ANDSOFORTH creates series of theatrical feasts immersed around stories, drama and…secrets. After prior online booking, diners are informed of a meeting location on the day of the feast and strategic clues along the way to guide them to the final venue. A pop up restaurant specialising in fusing art & dining in non-linear experiences. Influenced by the underground dining sub-culture in London, founders Stuart Wee and Emily Png boldly draw inspiration from art forms and culture and collaboration. The ANDSOFORTH creative team includes actors, set designers, chefs, costume designers, illustrators, copywriters, scriptwriters/producers, lighting designers, sound scape artists who conspire to create immersive dining experiences in Singapore."

This is such a great idea. And I'm sure that this will do very well here in Singapore. It is extremely well done. From the costumes, to the venue, to the acting. The Dinner in Wonderland has been extended into April. It is the longest running event that ANDSOFORTH have done so far. I can see why! I won't give too much away, as it really is a very cool experience. Like nothing I have experienced before. I was completely memorised.  I even woke up the next day and questioned if I had dreamt some of what had happened. You should definitely check it out! 

There was even an artist on hand to draw caricatures of people. Here is Steph and I with our romantic couples caricature. It was drawn by @cloudhedd who you can follow on Instagram. She does all of the illustration and art work for the ANDSOFORTH events. 

To read more and book your tickets visit the website here https://www.andsoforth.com.sg