Little Big Bell

27 May

4 decor items to help you decorate your home like there’s light at the end of the Pandemic tunnel.

We should absolutely decorate our home like there’s light at the end of the Pandemic tunnel because there is light.

I’m also saying this from the perspective of someone who works as a medical doctor in an NHS A+E department.

I’ve always been an advocate of decorating light and colourful, and it is even more important now. As we spend more time at home, the feel of optimism is ever more pertinent for our mental wellbeing.

Believe me, it helps, even if it means just decorating one corner of your home. I have lots of happy corners in my home. Here’s one I did on the bank holiday weekend.

I’ve put some of favourite, new unique finds from all over the world together. Let’s take a closer look at the 4 pieces of decor items that I have chosen. This gorgeous Planet lamp, designed by Mette Schelde is from PLEASE WAIT to be SEATED. It is made up of a thin black metal frame with three powder coated metal discs that resemble planets. You can move the magnetic discs along the metal frame to form different configurations. When lit the discs reflect light and casts shadows.

I must admit that I’ve had this lamp for quite a while and have only just got round to putting up.

As I said, we need to see the light at the end of this Coronavirus tunnel right? Sitting adjacent to my wall lamp, is this wonderful Wes Anderson Isle of Dogs art print created by Yara Ruby.

When I spotted the print on instagram, I instantly fell in love with it. It had already sold out, but Yara had kindly offered to reprint one for me. I think she now has a few on her web shop, so grab yours quickly before it goes.

I haven’t seen the film yet, but to me this print signifies ‘Hope’. Rising above all the darkness, there is light and positivity. Sitting on my shelving unit, and having travelled all the way from Australia, is this pair of colourful resin budgies by the multi talented Pete Cromer.

I have long admired Pete Cromer’s work, and already possess a few of his illustrated mugs.

I just feel so happy when I see these budgies. Uncaged, they represent freedom to me, as we emerge from the Pandemic. Last but not least, this print says it all right? We should absolutely Find the positive.

Despite the dark fog that is the Coronavirus pandemic, I’m always of the mindset that we should find the positive. I have certainly found that with the camaraderie in the NHS, and the clapping for Carers every Thursday.

The art print is by Seb and Charlie. I’m excited to announce that £5 will be donated to the Alzheimer’s society for each print sold. Hope you’ve enjoyed seeing the pieces that have brought light at the end of the Pandemic tunnel in my home.

Wishing you a wonderful day ahead. x

( All photography and styling are by Geraldine Tan, editor of Little Big Bell).

17 May

Sustainable design coffee table from Tiptoe Design

I’m excited to introduce you to Tiptoe Design, a savvy business with great product ideas.

They manufacture colourful and sturdy metal legs that you can use to create your own furniture of choice and more. Even better, they are on a mission to make more sustainable furniture, and I’ve been lucky enough to acquire one of their recycled plastic Venezia coffee tables as seen above. The coffee table look and feels like it’s made of expensive stone with a terrazzo effect. I was amazed to learn that it takes 100 plastic yogurt pots to make the top of this table. The flecks of gold, silver and colours creating a terrazzo effect on the top comes from the label fragments of the plastic packaging.

It is just so pretty, and the perfect surface to do flat lay photoshoots. The metal legs used for my table is in an olive tree green. You can get a variety of other colours on their site. They are so well made and strong, and it only took a few minutes to fit. Previously I had a low lying coffee table but I love how a slightly elevated table has now created a sense of space.

It is sturdy and yet surprising light to move around too, unlike the conventional heavy stone tables. What do you think of this Tiptoe Design Venezia table? I love it, both the design and concept. Off now for my morning coffee at my new Venezia table from tiptoe design.

Hope you’ve enjoyed the post, I’ll be back soon with more interiors post.

Finally, do keep well and safe.

( All photography and styling are by Geraldine Tan, editor of Little Big Bell.) AD gifted tiptoe design table.

03 May

What I’ve learned at this time of the Pandemic

I am ever so grateful for all the messages and acts of support during this trying time of the Pandemic.

People keep asking me how I’m coping and am I OK. The truth is, it’s tough, just like how everyone is feeling now.

As a doctor, we are experiencing something out of the ordinary, but morale is good and everyone has rallied round to support each other, and work as a team.

For me, I continue to function as usual, and have not let it impact on me emotionally at work.

Although I must admit I’ve had the anxiety of unwittingly passing the virus, if I do get it, to my family.

Invariably every day I will come into contact with Covid or suspected Covid patients in the A&E department, hence I’ve been social distancing at home and sleeping in my basement bunker. That, I have found tough.

During this time of the Pandemic, this is what I have learned.

1.You know who your true friends are.

True friends are those who care or are sympathetic, who will try to find out how you are doing.

I have found that it’s those good friends I’ve known all my life, that I have lost touch with, who are the ones who get in touch privately to enquire and make sure I’m ok.

I’m grateful by the kindness shown to me on Instagram and the private DMs that I have received too. Instagram can at times be superficial, but during a time like this, you know who are the genuine ones.

I have also been touched by the show of support from people representing brands who I haven’t met before. These flowers were sent to cheer me up by Alisha of snug sofa.

2.There are amazing people doing wonderful things out there to support key workers in the NHS.

I’d like to mention a few amazing brands and organisations who I’ve encountered and helped me.

The Beauty Banks

The Beauty Banks is like food banks but for personal care and toiletries. They have been amazing with drop offs of self care products for frontline staff.

Last week, they did a huge drop off of hundreds of products at my hospital, which we have now distributed to all frontline junior and senior doctors of all specialties who are working the tough shifts in all areas to help the effort against Covid 19. Estée Lauder companies – Jo Malone London.

I have a huge respect for the Estée Lauder group of companies in their efforts to support key workers.

Jo Malone London turned their attention to how they can help in the Pandemic with the manufacturing of alcohol hand sanitisers.

I was grateful to receive a shipment of the sanitisers, which I’ve distributed to the staff in my hospital – from receptionists, to porters, to nurses, physiotherapists and doctors.

Prezzybox

Last Christmas, I remembered Prezzybox getting in touch to see if I’d like a box of personalised Cadbury Heroes. This gave me the idea of getting chocolates for my team who have been working hard at the hospital.

Everyone of them a hero in their own right.

If there is a key worker you would like to thank, then this is a great gift don’t you think?

Face masks for NHS staff

My lovely friend Kit Lee has been making face masks for key workers.

These are the 2 that she had sent me. She is in need of more fabric, so if you can donate some, then do get in touch with her.

Face Visors for Key workers

I love how companies are so resourceful and innovative at a time of need, just like how Jo Malone turn to the production of hand sanitisers, Cameron Design house, a bespoke lighting company has turned to making visors to protect key workers.

A few weeks back, I got a delivery of visors which I have distributed to my colleagues at the hospital.

By the way, that’s me in the photo above. 3.We must not forget about those left behind.

Whilst we are pledging support to the NHS during this Pandemic, I am aware there are sections of our population in need too.

There are vulnerable children and young people suffering during the lockdown who urgently need our support.

Hence I have collaborated with The Native State on this Love NHS art print as a celebration of our NHS but importantly for every art print sold, £10 will be donated to Barnardos the charity. Here’s the art print in my workspace. I love how the rainbow colours look so fun and happy.

I was super excited to see it feature on Good morning Britain with Lorraine Kelly on Friday. I hope you will help with this important cause at this time of the Pandemic. The art print looks great at the window too, to show the NHS your support. You can buy the art print here.

Hope you’ve enjoyed this post. Stay safe all. x

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