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Quite amazingly, I have not featured the sunflower. I love how bright and cheery they look. Like nature’s showerheads There used to be a couple of houses around the neighbourhood that grew them, but lately, I don’t seem to see them anymore. I love how they can grow in Singapore and am constantly reminded of how one Teacher’s Day, a classmate of mine had gotten our tutor a sunflower. It cheered her (the tutor) up no end but it being not the flower of choice, turned heads on the bus as she commuted to school.

Good old memories. So what comes to mind when you think of the sunflower?

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May your week be full of sunshine!

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Surprise, surprise. I didn’t go with my favourite rose for Valentine’s. Instead, I’m here with Bleeding Hearts. I first discovered Bleeding Hearts a couple of years back when googling for hearts. I was quite taken by them in a somewhat morbid way. Come on now, bleeding hearts? But I looked beyond the name and found a certain fascination.

So… this Valentine’s, take some time out to see the beauty around you. And give your special someone 365 lovely days. Love, is not just meant for today.

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Well, ok. I got the sneaky feeling that only Asians are crazy about having bamboos as decor in the house. Especially seen during the Lunar New Year periods adorned with festive decorations, merchants have turned them into mini art pieces with the way they are laid out.

All in, the bamboo is pretty hardy. So they should last way past the festve season. They come sold as stems which have been carefully ‘twisted’ or arranged in pots in staggered pyramids. I love watching the plant for new shoots. Not for the feng shui aspect (which I don’t subscribe to by the way) but because finally, there’s a plant I did not kill.

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Personally, I think they look nice in a minimalistic setting. Their bright green is refreshing. And I’m kind of tempted to get myself some of the heart shaped ones. Yes, gimmicky, tacky, I’m a sucker for hearts.

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This week in our CNY lead up, we focus on peonies. Us Chinese have an infatuation with peonies. No idea why them in particular but the large blooms can be seen in just about everything. In the traditional watercolour paintings to furniture, to the red packets we give out for good luck and prosperity. You can find peonies in full bloom. But you don’t have to be Chinese to love them. They have an international appeal. In face, they look positively breathtaking in bridal bouquets, table arrangements, even laid out for sale in buckets at the florists’.

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Ok, I couldn’t resist throwing in this photo into the mix. But isn’t the huge bloom a wonderful photo prop?!

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Now, aren’t these lovely? The Narcissus flower is another flower commonly seen during the Chinese New Year festive season. Some species, are probably more commonly known as the Daffodils. However you like to call them, I think they are beautiful. Typically seen in white or yellow, they add a lightness of heart to the whole room. A brightness that cheers.

Enjoy!

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Here in Singapore, retailers have made the quick switch to start sales of Chinese New Year goodies. There’s a complete turnaround from the Christmas chocolates and trees to blooming flowers and festive music. And a focus on springcleaning. Hmm. So for this week’s Floral Monday, we’d track the beautiful azalea to get ourselves in the mood.

Well sort of.

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Have a happy start to the week!

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The first Monday of the year! It is almost back to school time and quite frankly, school reminds me of apples for teacher. It isn’t quite common in Singapore but the notion still sticks. I figure the fruit that Jayden brings to school for sharing during breaktime is going to be apple, so why not, a post on… the humble apple.

Here’s wishing you an awesome start to 2011, be it as a student, a parent, at home or at work. Have a lovely day!

ps: remember to clickety click on ‘em ❤ to get to the original source of the pictures.

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