Wednesday, August 31, 2011

JAPAN DREAM 2 - L'OCCITANE CAFE

 What could be more wonderful than a collaboration between  French fragrance and French cakes? That's my idea of heaven. For some reason I never had time to visit the L'Occitane cafe in Shibuya, even though it was literally next door to the hotel I stayed in.  It is in a fantastic position; right on the Shibuya scramble.  So during my next visit, I will most definitely be visiting this cafe and buying a little bottle of nice smelly stuff.  Have a look at their website. I'm hungry already.
http://www.loccitane.co.jp/shop/cafe/index.aspx

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

JAPAN DREAMS 1

I am taking my family to Japan shortly. One of the places I have always wanted to go to is the Hello Kitty Koubou in Kyoto. Hello Kitty in kimono really appeals to me. I have never been to Kyoto before, so I hope I can find this place.  It is near Ginkakuji, and I have lots of maps so I should be ok.  It may be a silly dream to some, but I'm just a kid  at heart!  Has anyone ever been here? I would love to know.
http://www.kyoto-hellokitty-koubou.com/

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

A RANT! and a puppy

I don't like to use my blog as a platform for having a whinge to the world, but today I think I will.  I work in health care, and I really don't think I have the right personality for it. But when you are 17 and choosing a university course, you don't have life experiences and you don't know any better. Every day is extremely stressful working in this profession.  So many patients are ungrateful for the work you do for them.  They want their appointment immediately and then their treatment to be finished yesterday.  My boss works about 100 hours a week for his patients, but not many are appreciative of the extra mile he always goes for them. Even when he only gets 4 hours sleep because he has been at work all night, he still greets each patient with a smile on his face.  So many patients are not happy unitl they have sucked out all your blood and your soul as well.  The demand for specialist healthcare is high, but the numbers of healthcare professionals are low, therefore resulting in long waiting times.  Everyone seems to think they are the centre of the universe and if their demands are not met immediately they think they have the right to become obnoxious. Sometimes the only reason I can face work each day is because I am a servant of God and it is my responsibility to share my skills with society. And I know that all the negatives in life are to be used for spiritual growth, and whenever you work for the Lord, blessing will be given. So I don't really have a right to complain, but sometimes I have to let it all out and purge it from my heart.  So next time you need to see a healthcare professional,  give a little thought for the umpteen extra hours they put in everyweek (without pay) and cut them some slack.

Ok, now that is out of the way, here's something much more pleasant...

 How cute is this little puppy?  I made him from a kit I bought in Tokyo.  Isn't it funny how a softie can out a smile on your face no matter what your age.
I have one more puppy craft kit to make, which is a sweet little English Bulldog. So then I will be able to stock up on some more craft kits when I travel to Japan next month.  I am counting the days until I go, and it is a very good incentive to get up and go to work everyday.
And this is where I will be staying ...
right on the doorstep of the Shibuya scramble.  I am one lucky girl.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

CUPCAKE & CHOCOLATE RING

My daughter has inherited the crazy crafting gene from  me. Her friends asked her to make them cupcake rings.  They look so scrumptious. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!!

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

AMY BUTLER FABRIC AND JAPANESE SEWING BOOKS

 I want to turn this....


 ....into these.
" Sutekini  Handomaido"



" Ribati Purinto Ga ippai Wanpiisu to Chunikku"- I think it means "Liberty Print One Piece and Tunics.
I am still learning Hiragana and Katakana.





Saturday, August 6, 2011

Crazy Sock Monkey

 It's amazing what can be made from a pair of socks.


Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Rilakkuma Bento

 I don't know if this really looks like Rilakkuma, but it kind of looks like some type of bear. I don't know how much longer I can continue making these bentos for my kids- I'm up until midnight every weeknight cooking.  But on the plus side, the food is really healthy and they love it.
The things mothers do for their children!  One of my daughter's friends said "Your mother must really love you to make you these lunches every day" Awww. Sweet.