Japanese books

A selection of lovely books to look at- for all of you out in the blogosphere with the same unusual obsession as me. All are from my enormous personal collection.

Gifts from Japan

My lovely Japanese friends went back home recently, and came back with lots of goodies for me.

I'm so lucky!

The Boasting Mother

I know it isn't socially acceptable to brag, but I am going to breaks the rules this once.

My daughter was awarded an Academic Honours award at school today. This was given to the very top scoring students with the highest marks for midyear results in year 12.  She is also dux of art for midyear results.  I am so happy because I have put alot of long hours into helping her study for the past 12 years, and the benefits are certainly worth it. And she has worked very hard to achieve her high grades. Basically, I go to extreme lengths at times to assist her education. For instance, I just ordered a pile of art books from Amazon Japan (ok, some books are for me) I also scour the internet looking for unusual art supplies for her projects. Soon, I am taking her and her friend to a posh hotel so they can do a photo shoot for an assignment. As a mother, I believe one of my roles is to strongly encourage education, as I feel it is empowering and opens up a multitude of opportunites. It's also alot of fun.

So I would like to encourage all the parents out there to spend a bit of time tutoring your children and just get involved with their school work. It really is extremely satisfying to see your little baby bloom into a happy and confident student. And you can learn alot yourself in the process. I love it!

Sunday Lunch

Retro Tiger

 He's not so scary.

He wants to love you, not eat you.

Britania Cushion

I made this cushion for my friend's daughter, who loves England.

SYDNEY - OUT AND ABOUT 2

 Queen Victoria Building.

 A cafe that also sells stationary - no time to have a look however.

 Darling Harbour - the view from our hotel bedroom.

 Sheraton Four Points Hotel room.

 Fireworks over Darling Harbour.

 The Strand Arcade.

SYDNEY - OUT AND ABOUT

 We found some lovely clothes at Zara. I have never been to Zara before. I wish we had it where I live in QLD. If any international stores come to Australia, they set up shop in Melbourne or Sydney, but never in Queensland. By the way, I found out that Laduree is opening up in Westfield Sydney.

The Japanese craft book section at Kinokuniya.

 We had lunch at the Asian food court in the Sussex Centre in Chinatown. It's fairly similar to food courts in Singapore and Malaysia.

This beverage stall reminded me of Singapore in the 70's! It had that retro feel about it.

KINOKUNIYA SHOPPING HAUL

We took a quick weekend trip to Sydney to shop and eat. Mainly, we wanted to visit Kinokumiya, as there are virtually no book stores on the Gold Coast now, and definitely no Japanese book stores. I have a huge addiction to Japanese books, especially craft books. In fact, I think I own the biggest personal library of Japanese craft books in the world. Here's what I purchased....

Kawaii Stores in Stockholm - I love Scandinavian style, and I would love to visit Sweden one day. But if that day never comes, I can still do some arm chair travelling with editions Paumes books. I adore Paumes books. They focus on shops and interior design of various European countries. The photography is simply gorgeous. I have a small collection of them now.

This one is an adorable "how to draw" book, featuring some super sweet designs and ideas for making label and cards.

I also love Japanese women's magazines. This month's With comes with a handy tote bag and small zippered purse.

A bag pattern book. Can't have too many bag books.

Comic book for my nephew's birthday, not that he can read Japanese, but I'm sure he'll enjoy looking at the pictures.

Another Paumes book - my favourite subject: chocolate. Actually, I bought it for my daughter's art teacher. She was very interested in my other Paumes books my daughter uses for her art inspiration.

Deco sweets book - also for the art teacher. She had never heard of clay sweets until she had my daughter for her student.  Ok, this is bragging, I know, but it's my blog so I'll brag if I want to. My daughter is dux of art for midyear results. I hope she can keep up the high standard until the end of year. She is in her final year of school, and she really wants to be dux of art at the end of the year.

Midori paper craft products. These stickers and paper borders are to be stuck on the little gift cards. I love Midori products.

Sticky notes, note cards and deco tape.

 Beautiful note paper and envelopes.

 This edition of Elle a table comes with Laduree oven mitts!

 Washi.

Usagi note pad.

I love Kinokuniya. I could spend hours there. Go and visit if you are in Sydney.