Miffy XL lamp from Mr Maria, Dutch design studio! Cute Nijntje bunny light, Scottish Fold cat.
Miffy (or Nijntje) is one of my favorite characters, and my earless cat appears to agree.
The cute bunny comes from the Netherlands — not Japan, as many mistakenly believe — and was first introduced in Dick Bruna’s 1955 book.
Miffy is more selective about design partnerships than Hello Kitty, so her products tend to be of higher quality, like this tissue-dispensing toy from Hong Kong.
Last week, a big box arrived from Amsterdam. Basil Farrow investigates: are those rabbit ears inside?
Indeed. Design studio Mr Maria sent us this incredible lamp, shaped like a seated Miffy!
I’m an interior design fanatic, and this playful company makes some of the most creative and beautiful lights I’ve seen.
The photos speak for themselves. Miffy XL appeals to kids (and cats!), and brightens up any modern home.
Mr Maria lights up other whimsical creatures: Anana the elephant, Nanuk the bear, Kokeshi the Japanese child.
There’s also a Miffy cloud lamp that descends from the ceiling, and a Snuffy dog for children to ride.
The indie duo’s motto – “We don’t make products, we create stars” – especially rings true at night.
Miffy XL has several brightness settings. The lamp uses LED white light, which consumes almost no energy and lasts basically forever.
Since LEDs don’t radiate heat, these lamps are child (and pet) safe. Basil Farrow loves the calming, diffuse light.
My architect father gives the construction two thumbs up. “Simplicity in design, no need for assembly or replacement parts, just plug and play.”
Thank you Mr Maria — your designs are pure magic! The Dutch design studio often does giveaways, so keep note of their website and Facebook.
Even with all these rabbits around, Basil Farrow remains the Pharaoh.
For more of my fat-faced cat, visit his Facebook and see our daily photos on Twitter and Instagram.
Are you a fan of Miffy the Bunny? Isn’t this the greatest lamp in the universe?
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Pizza party at Motorino, new Italian restaurant in Soho, Hong Kong. Liz Lisa coordinate & Camper shoes.
O Hong Kong! I’ve eaten some of my best meals in Central, a district of upscale international restaurants and clubs.
On my most recent trip, I found a new favorite hangout: Italian pizzeria Motorino HK. Keep reading for food photos and a Liz Lisa outfit!
Heidi and I were invited for a meal. We rode the famous Mid-Levels Escalator to get there (14 Shelley Street in Soho). Couldn’t resist goofing around with the decor.
This cocktail, called Cyner Tea, was so good that we ordered several. Motorino also has a nice wine selection, and I ended my meal with a suitably spooky green chartreuse.
Chef Mathieu Palombino opened the original Motorino in Brooklyn, NY. This Hong Kong branch is his first international foray.
The squash salad, with roasted vegetables and buffala mozzarella on top, sums up his simple, classic approach.
Motorino cares about every detail: the wood-burning Ferrara oven, hand-crushed San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte cheese, and Tuscan extra-virgin olive oil.
This bare-bones Margharita pizza, fresh out of the oven with a thin and crispy crust, is one of the best I’ve tasted. (And I’ve traveled all over Italy!)
His Neapolitan-style menu includes this “pizza salad,” with cold toppings. A relief, in the hot Hong Kong weather. We ended as one should: with tiramisu.
I had a fantastic time at Motorino, catching up with friends and chatting up the staff. Hopefully you can taste the pizza for yourself, in New York or Hong Kong.
I wore a romantic-girly-Gyaru outfit…
Lace dress: Liz Lisa, My Melody collection
Big clock purse: Amavel, from Lumine Shinjuku
Grey sandals: Camper Shoes
If I cut my hair to shoulder length, it would look something like this. What do you think?
Channeling The Shining or The Ring, at W Hotel Seasons in Hong Kong.
This dark purple bouquet matches my current red-violet ombre hair color.
I’ll end this with a neon night scene. The store SaSa is my favorite place to buy makeup. For more shopping favorites, see my HK and Macau posts.
Got any questions about my clothes, travel, or anything at all? Ask away in the comments or on my Facebook.
LA CARMINA
