FUKUBUKURO

 My friend bought me two beautiful cosmetic fukubukuro on her last trip to Japan.

 Natural Glace is not a brand I have heard of before.

 The second bag is Coffret D'or which is my favourite Japanese cosmetics brand.

I love all the products in these bags!

JAPANESE ARTWORK

After four years of sitting in my cupboard, I have finally hung my Japanese artwork up. I purchased two of these from Kyoto and one from Ginza.  I had them professionally framed and had been saving a large piece of wall space for them.

Wall space is much prettier now.

Still have many other pictures to go up. I am so lazy.

JAPAN TRIP 2011

We've just returned from a whirlwind trip to Japan yesterday, so still getting over a bit of jetlag.

Will start a more detailed recap tomorrow.  Did lots of craft shopping of course, as well as visiting some amazing historical landmarks.

Now it's back to reality: school, work, sports training, housework, raising kids and pampering husband.  Also, back to strict dieting - wow, I ate so much delicious food!

Greetings from Japan

Hi everyone,

Having fun here in Japan.  Caught a bullet train through the typhoon amongst other interstesting experiences.

Lots of nice photos to show you when I get home on the weekend!

I'm going craft shopping in Japan

Off on my massive shopping expedition to Japan tomorrow. So happy! My poor credit card....

Japan Dreams 4 - La Droguerie

La Droguerie is a French craft store and has several branches across Japan. Have a look at these gorgeous pictures from their website.

Apparently, their products are quite expensive, but that won't stop me from purchasing a little of their merchandise. And, I'm sure it is all high quality. I want to make this necklace - it's so unique.

They seem to specialise in vibrant jewel colours, which I adore.

These two books captured my interest.  I would love to own one.

Has anyone ever been to La Droguerie?  I'd love to know what you bought there!

JAPAN DREAM 3 LADUREE GINZA

The Laduree teahouse is located in Mitsokoshi Department store, Ginza.  Laduree is ichiban in the world of French Patisseries.  Have a look at the tearoom. I want to live there.  The decor is so posh.

I already know what I am going to order.  Plus I will be indulging in a little take away box of macaroons or two.  And, they also sell bags and purfume - could it be any more perfect? So purrty.

Apparently, the wait to get a table is about one hour, so my daughter and I are going to take turns waiting in the queue whilst the other browses the lovely objects in Mitsukoshi.  My son is not going to like! But us girls have our hearts set on lunching here, and once he has a cake in his mouth, he'll be happy.

http://www.laduree.fr/fr/maisons/monde-details#38

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

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/

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.

JAPAN

I made this scene with origami ladies and stickers purchased in Japan.

So much grief and heartache for such beautiful people at the moment.


I feel my upcoming trip to Japan will need to be postponed, but I definitely will travel to this wonderful country again.
There is so much to love about Japan.

STARBUCKS SAKURA DRINK CUP

JAPANESE BAKERY

A Japanese bakery has just opened at my local shopping centre, Helensvale Westfield. Something exciting on the Gold Coast at last!
An hilarious puffer fish cake.

They have a large variety of desserts, breads and cakes. Takes me back to my holiday in Tokyo.

My next trip to Japan is coming up soon - can't wait!