On The Sassy Radar: Your Cultural Cheat Sheet

Hey mama, we know just how busy you are (‘cause hey, we’re right there with ya), so we’re introducing a new column here on Sassy Mama: On the Sassy Radar. Each month we’ll be bringing you what we like to think of as your cultural cheat sheet. Here you’ll get the bite-sized scoop on ten of our top finds in the world of fashion, food, music, books…you get the idea.  This month we’ve got a secret bar in Wan Chai fitted out in a playful ode to 1960’s Hong Kong, a new line of feel-good beauty products that leave you and the earth squeaky clean, a total gem of a design shop in Sheung Wan…and more.

*TAI LUNG FUNG, a bar tucked away behind the historical Blue House on Stone Nullah Lane is fitted out in a playful ode to 1960′s Hong Kong with plastic light fixtures from local Red A brand, movie posters and faded newspapers. Although the small porch out front only has a few seats, the street’s so quiet most patrons spill into the street clutching their drinks. Look for the pink neon sign as you turn the corner, this is secret Hong Kong at its best.
Address: 5 Hing Wan St, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. Tel: (852) 2572 0055

*JAX COCO has to be the chicest coconut water on the planet. With branding and design by Stella McCartney’s husband Alasdhair Willis, a special glow-in-the-dark bottle for Pacha nightclub and a Marc Quinn limited edition art bottle, this zero fat hydrating beverage is what we’ll be drinking this summer. Best of all, co-founder Jane Gottschalk has promised us sparkling coconut water and probiotic chocolate coconut milk for next year, but until then pick up Jax Coco at premium supermarkets, hotels, clubs and bars, and online.

*SO… SOAP, a line of biodegradable soaps made by women in Hong Kong’s working class housing estates, is made of 100% natural plant-derived oils including olive and coconut oil in recycled bottles. We love the super chic design – as did Agnes B who collaborated on a range for her HK stores. Check out their website to order online.

*OCEAN PARK’S POLAR ADVENTURE is set to open mid-July complete with penguins, walruses, arctic foxes, snowy owls and a new roller coaster, the Arctic Blast. With a focus on education, this latest offering from the park will educate the public about the perils of global warming in the Arctic and Antarctic regions and how it affects the natural habitats of the species living there.
Address: Ocean Park, Aberdeen, Hong Kong. Tel: (852) 3923 2323

*We’ve become big fans of interior designer Deborah Little’s gem of a design and art space DeeM, which opened at the end of last year on Hollywood Road. Her fabulous eye for unique furniture, lighting and objects have made it a must stop interiors destination since. An Edward Wormley sofa sits alongside vintage apothecary ceramics while Little’s keen eye means DeeM’s own collection of tables, light fittings and shelves aren’t to be sniffed at either.
Address: DeeM, 252 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong. Tel: (852) 2544 2424

*Is there nothing the super talented McCartney clan can’t do? The latest offering is FOOD, a cookbook by Mary, who inspired by her family’s ethical values, has championed her mother Linda’s vegetarianism with uncomplicated and versatile recipes that are perfect for busy mamas. Written with love, the book also reminds us how many of our memories are wrapped up in family meal times.

*Your kids may be screaming for Justin Bieber’s latest offering Believe, but mamas in the know are waiting in anticipation for London-based NYC rapper AZELIA BANKS’ debut album, Broke with Expensive Taste. Produced by Paul Epworth who was also responsible for Adele’s 21, Banks’ Harlem swagger and irreverant lyrics make her music’s hottest name right now. Can’t wait until September? Check out her anthem 212 on YouTube here.

*If you read only one book this summer, make it TIGERS IN RED WEATHER by Liza Klausmann. The 1950’s East Coast social scene and family relationships are examined through five overlapping narratives that draw on Klausmann’s cherished summers at her grandparents clapboard house on Martha’s Vineyard. Picador scooped it up in a two-book deal, while rumour has it Tom Ford is interested in directing the film version. Pre-order for August at Bookazine.

*Want to get fit but hate being indoors and aren’t really in love with the accessories? SHANGHAI TANG’S take on the classic fixed-gear bicycle may be the answer. Inspired by the ubiquitous Chinese black bicycle, menswear designer Armele Barbier has collaborated with Colossi cycling’s Jan Kole to create a hand made sleek bike with a dragon decal and Shanghai Tang’s signature bright orange or pink colour way on the wheels. So sharp, even the laziest boys and girls out there will covet one.
Address: Shanghai Tang Mansion, 1 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong. Tel: (852) 2525 7333

*THE ION AIR PRO CAMERA is just so slick, with its wi-fi connection for instant uploading on social media sites and simple one click start record function, you don’t have to be a pro sports star to want one. Best of all it’s waterproof to 10 metres, and while you think it’s going to make a great gift for the male in your life, take it from us this is one boys’ toy you girls are gonna want to hang on to.