Category Archives: Stories

How to build a Little free library

Posted by BRYAN on November 11, 2014 in Crafts, Stories

A little pad on my back, I’ve done it. After 6 months of researching wood, finding tools, and injured friends. The Little Free Library is proudly standing in front of the house for folks to enjoy and share a good book.

I am having a little opening party to the library on the 23rd August, 9am. Feel free to drop by and grab or donate some books. More info will be up on Facebook soonest’

This picture (right) of the Little Free Library during my travels in Berkeley, California.

Tips
1. Don’t attempt to build without the right tools
I figured this out the hard way during the later half of the construction of the library. Basically, having the right tools will shorten construction time by A LOT! (see picture below)

2. Choice of wood
I used Marine Plywood because of budget constrains while able to withstand outdoor weather conditions. You could also use wood such as Chengal and Balau.

3. Workshop for rent
XPC over at Singapore Home-Fix Head Quarters provide workshop space and wood equipments for rent.

4. Paint job
Depending on your preferred choice of look, I gave the library a few layers of weather protective paint. You are able to substitute with wood varnish.

Resources
Little Free Library – everything you need to know about the library
Library construction plans – plans i’ve used for the construction of the library
Secure the pillar into the ground – Youtube tutorial

I wanted to give a personal shout to Yadin and Rafie from Plane and Bevel who gave generous amount of help with the Little Free Library 🙂

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Wander, an indie map to Singapore

Posted by BRYAN on July 3, 2014 in Stories, Travel

On this very day in 2012, I am on the computer looking through travel sites, flipping the lonely planet preparing for THE one-year trip around the world. Two years later, I visited most of those places, from big cities like San Francisco to remote ancient town in China. I realized that I yarned for something different when I travel, something more authentic. Hence, the start of Wander – my little indie guide to the concrete jungle. What started as a little hand-drawn map for friend visiting, has turn into a bigger project! I am collaborating with a friend, Cai Pei Xuan who is going to filled the map with her gorgeous watercolor illustrations. After rounds of mock-up and edit, I present to you Wander, Indie map to Singapore.

So, What’s in the map?

I have chosen Chinatown as my first neighborhood for the map. It has always been the first neighborhood I bring all the outoftowners because of it’s local flavors, stories and cool indie shops! I have handpicked a total of 17 different places to be included in this map. Some of these places include: – Rooftop Orchid Garden – Singapore Coffee Museum – Chinese Organic Vegetarian Food Restaurant – Backstreet Barder (operating out of his make-shift awing) – Chinese Teahouse (visited by Queen Elizabeth) – Asian Erotica Cinema.

How can you help?

I am doing a fund raising for $3,000 over on Pozible. It is a make or break project, which means if I don’t get hit the target, the map gets none of the money raised. You can help by pre-purchased a map on the site and I will send it anywhere in the world for you. I appreciated all the big and small help!! Please help support a your local map of cool happenings around the neighborhood!

http://www.pozible.com/project/181519

1 COMMENT

Inspiration Monday 01

Posted by BRYAN on June 1, 2014 in Crafts, Decor, Food, Stories, Travel

It’s been ups and downs trying to solve the hacking situation to the blog. Overall, it has been a learning journey and Hellagood is back. I am start a new series of Inspiration Monday to share a collection of web links that have inspired me.

Have a energized week ahead, boys and girls. Here are a few links for your enjoyment…

Inside a textile factory in America

An entire city of fish house

The latest invention in the make-up industry

A great guide to lens and DSLR

Simple Watermelon salad for the week

Next diving adventure, Sunken Civilization, Heracleion

Beautiful Origami Lamp from Holland

A tribute to Maya Angelou; an video interview with Dave Chapelle

Photo via Chris Payne Photography

Photo Journal 01: California

Posted by BRYAN on May 18, 2014 in Stories, Travel

It has been a year ago since I left home on this adventure. It was not an easy transition. I noticed a lot more space, too much for comfort. I am alone and scared a times. I told myself.. nothing good comes easy. I cherish everyone I’ve met and you know who you are. I miss you, California.

Continue reading →

A New Blog Design

Posted by BRYAN on April 21, 2014 in Stories

Looking at my old posts, I am secretly smiling seeing how much I’ve grown. After a year of writing and learning from some highly talented individuals, I can finally say that I am a better writer and photographer now. Looking back, this has been one of the best decisions I made in my life and it’s due for a facelift!

I’m not a professional graphic designer by any means. In fact, I was never trained in any forms of design. P.S. I studied how to mange big hotels and talk nicely to people. Taking up some design class in Skillshare was the best investment for myself. That being said, the blog update couldn’t have been done without some amazing people, Gloria and Ilina.

SO, WHAT’S DIFFERENT?

1. A ‘new’ logo. I love how happy and cheerful the logo is. The new logo is all of that + being cozy.

2. A new profile picture. Quite frankly, that was me in my beaboxing heyday and no one could have recognize me. This blog needs a updated photo (I looked so happy in the salt flat of Bolivia).

3. The About page is updated with some funny photos.

4. I embedded my new favorite social media feed into the sidebar: Instagram.

5. I sticking a cleaner font family and adding some red color to the mix.

UPDATES AND CONTENT

I am very sorry on the delayed blog content as I’ve been working on starting my Wedding Planning endeavors. Exciting News! My new ventures has got a name: Beautiful Gatherings. I promise to get on top of my game once things have settled down.

On top of that, I am working on a little map series for my favorite neighborhood in Singapore. Watch out for this place as something good is cooking up!

There is a few more things to tweaks so please pardon any strange happenings in the next few weeks. Overall I am very happy with the new and improved Hellagood. I hope that you will feel happy and inspired in this new space.