Blooming in Japan

Trying New Things: A Baby Quilt

2012-02-16T13:19:00.000+09:00

One of the things I have set as a goal for the year is to be more personally creative. Realistically sewing is one thing I can do but there are many many techniques I am not familiar with. I bought a book about patchwork and quilting a few years ago. Apart from being lovely to look at and quite inspirational I have never made the leap. Quilting has been in the "too hard basket'.

Suddenly this morning while I was cleaning out a box of old fabrics I was gripped by a small idea. Since we have a baby due in the family any day now I thought this might work as a changing mat or a tiny stroller rug?

The fabric is from a few years ago when I did have plans to make small bags from it. I found I had already cut out several squares so it was just a matter of piecing them together in a pleasing arrangement. I backed it with a soft yellow "minky" fabric. I had a go at 'stitching in the ditch' which I think is a quilting term? Anyway I am pleased with how this how turned out. I will wash and dry it then see if it might work as a little baby-warming gift. It is definitely very homemade looking! Yes, bunchy and crooked in several places!

The most beautiful piece of music

2012-02-14T22:41:00.000+09:00

I was in the kitchen this morning when I had to call out to Little Guy "What are you watching Tyler?". He'd gotten ready quickly so he could watch TV but the music that was floating around the corner did not sound like the usual Cartoon Network trash.

It turned out to be The Gruffalo. I mentioned that he got the DVD for Christmas and we have been really into the books. Well you really have to watch this clip from You Tube of French composer Rene Aubry playing the soundtrack to the movie. It's the most beautiful piece of music I have heard in a long time.

If you want to watch it over and over like I have then you might giggle at the oboe (?) player and his busy-ness. And really appreciate the coolness of a bunch of normal looking guys creating something so amazing while looking so casual about it.

This piece has a similar vibe and is equally gorgeous.

What I did for Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T12:10:00.000+09:00

Anyone would think Valentine's Day was my favourite holiday of the year and that I am a hopeless romantic! It's not and I am not but I did fall for this cute and simple project when I saw it on Creature Comforts last week. I had the opportunity to buy the cute pencils on Sunday evening so it seemed a sure hit.

Check out all the cute printables on Pauline Grayson's blog - she's the graphic designer behind Sweet Muffin Suite.

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T09:40:00.000+09:00

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope your day is filled with love and appreciation.

I spent a bit of time researching illustration styles yesterday. I am trying to pin-point the style of the new ballet fabric I am so enamored with. It reminds me of Little Golden Books from my childhood so I was guessing the style was typical of the late sixties and early seventies.

In my travels I came across this gorgeous website called Teri's Paper Doll Scans. There's not much information on the site but it seems Teri is an illustrator and fan of Adobe. She has painstakingly scanned her own collection of vintage paper dolls and made them available for download. She has touched them up and made them perfect which must have been a huge labour of love. There are also some that Teri has created herself in the style of the era. Aren't they wonderful? (Pictured above).

I also had a fabulous time looking at each and every one of these Little Golden Books covers on Flickr. Oh how I wish I had some of my old books!

What do you think of the ballet fabric? Does it remind you of anything?

Font-astic

2012-02-14T08:15:00.000+09:00

Here I am fiddling around trying to find the *perfect* font. The font (or lettering) is really important when trying to convey the right message. Here I wanted to express the retro feel of the fabric, the playfulness and feminine quality of this new bag. How did I do? This new banner is on my website, Mee a Bee.com I have a lot of fun making the graphics over there.

I used a font called Honey Script which I downloaded from DaFont.com

Book Review: Unbound Birth

2012-02-12T12:01:00.001+09:00

I have met some wonderful people and made some great friends through the web. Jenny Yarbrough is one of those people. When I first met her a few years ago she was new to blogging and was just starting out as a mom-blogger. Through her blog and her experiences as a mother she has now made the transition to writer and child birth educator. I am so proud to have been one of the first readers of Jenny's new book Unbound Birth.

Unbound Birth is a little book about natural childbirth. It's about empowering women to make their own choices and to have the confidence to really experience childbirth. It's not about home-births or any alternative methods.

It's not something I normally talk about on my blog but you may not know about my childbirth experiences. Both of my children were born here in Japan. Eleven years ago when I was pregnant with Noodle we went along to the local OB-GYN where we basically did everything the doctor and his team of strict nurses told us to. The birth was natural to a certain extent but we both felt like spectators to what should have been a very empowering event in our lives. A number of (possibly unnecessary) procedures were performed leaving us feeling like we had no control over the birth. There were some complications so we were incredibly fortunate to have an experienced and competent doctor in charge. But I still can't help wondering whether the complications could have been avoided.

By the time we were pregnant with Little Guy we had moved house. My OB-GYN had retired anyway so I had my first few visits with his son who had taken over the practice. Maybe things would have been different with the younger generation. In any case we were forced to use the public hospital in our new area simply because of the distance.

Little Guy was born quickly, easily and 100% naturally. It was a dream birth really though it's actually kind of a blur since it happened so quickly. I walked out of the delivery room after only two and a half hours. Amazing!

In Jenny's book she shares her birthing experiences. She's had three children, all born naturally without drugs or interventions. I love reading birth stories. Jenny uses her birth stories to educate women about childbirth and present some options that might not be the ones the hospital or doctors suggest. It's written simply and without prejudice. I definitely recommend it to women who are pregnant and wanting to be in control of the birth. Jenny also touches on the essential topics of exercise and diet. There are no strict decrees or absolutes, it's just one mom talking to another, in a common sense way.

You can chat with Jenny on Facebook, Twitter and via her website.

Congratulations Jenny, you're an inspiration!

1am blog post

2012-02-12T01:24:00.000+09:00

Yes, it's 1am. Wide awake. Spent the afternoon sleeping off a terrible headache. Spent the evening at the airport with my kids where I foolishly had a diet coke and two cafe lattes. Caffeine in the evening = not a good idea.

Still I had a brilliant day! Little Guy and I spent a couple of hours shopping this morning, buying such exciting things as a new fry pan and some mousse for my hair. Noodle had a huge sleep-in and elected to stay home to make a dent in his homework mountain.

The headache was a small glitch.

At six o'clock we drove over to the airport to wait for Mr. Mee a Bee who was due back from Shanghai at ten o'clock. I can hardly believe I even considered taking my kids out that late, things have changed a lot. My attitude is much more relaxed about stuff like that these days.

We had loads of time to look at the shops. The book shop had this book which I thought might be worth a look. At Uniqlo I finally got to see the Orla Kiely scarves. AND discovered that they also have Laura Ashely ones too. My money was screaming to be let loose but I was very good and did not buy anything.

We spotted a really cool display of passport covers and luggage tags at another shop. I made a mental note of the web address and was chuffed to find out they are made by a New Zealand company. From my home city no less. DQ Company has TONS of bargains and it is all unbelievably cute. I've promised Noodle we'll get some things next time we go on a trip.

Thankfully the headache is gone, 95% of it, I will be more careful tomorrow. Basically I have to take pain killers at the merest hint of a migraine otherwise I am incapacitated. It's always been that way with me.

So I am wide awake. Which was good two hours ago when I wanted to watch the Japan premiere of Modern Family. I watched two episodes. It was funny but sit-coms are not my cup of tea. Too many stereotypes. I probably won't bother with it. Not at 11pm on a Saturday night.

See you later today!

Gorgeous Lunch in Kishiwada

2012-02-10T00:04:00.000+09:00

As the school year is winding down it was time today to thank our PTA group leader for her year of work. She did a wonderful job and we were all truly grateful to have had such a lovely leader and a stress-free year at kindergarten. We all went out for lunch.

Ganko in Kishiwada

In typical Japanese fashion it was a highly coordinated event - the best kind really when you have a large-ish group and a time schedule to stick to. First the date and the place was agreed upon. With all that squared away a reservation was made for the set menu.

The set menu is a most excellent idea as there are no nasty surprises when it's time to pay. Everyone has the same thing (but there are dozens of gorgeous little dishes of food so you can pick and choose if you don't like something). Everything was divine. We were asked to bring the exact change which covered the cost of the meal and huge bouquet of flowers for our leader. Everyone had put their money into cute envelopes (except me, mine was in a boring plastic bag).

The restaurant was not one I was familiar with so the coordinator offered to pick me up. It turned out to be the restaurant next to the castle I went to in December. It's housed in an old stately home with a fantastic garden and pond. We were upstairs in a private banquet hall overlooking the whole place. It was so pretty and so restful. Read more over here on the restaurant page: Ganko.

It was a really nice day out and as always I learned so much about Japanese mums and parenting. Of course the mums have the same concerns as mothers all over the world, it's the subtle cultural differences that I enjoy observing.

Really just an excuse to show you my cute kid in pjs

2012-02-09T00:36:00.001+09:00

I've been meaning to tell you about these really cool pajamas for a while now. Late last year I ordered them from Hanna Andersson for Little Guy. They were on sale at the time so I decided to give them a try. I wasn't convinced that just because they're organic cotton that I should pay $42 for a pair of kids' pjs BUT now I am.

Apart from being really cute (don't you agree?) the quality really is superior. The cotton is soft, so soft, yet thick at the same time. They wash wonderfully, don't shrink in the dryer nor have they faded. Best of all is the generous sizing. Little Guy is tall for his age and still only five years old. I ordered six-seven for him. They fit comfortably and safely but he has room to grow. They will definitely last at least two seasons.

Sign up for emails from Hanna - a US-based firm with Swedish roots -they have HUGE sales as well as shipping discounts all the time. The catalogue is lovely too, all those attractive blonde children!

Big Win for Japanese Ballerina

2012-02-07T00:24:00.000+09:00

On the news tonight we watched stories of seventeen year old ballet dancer Madoka Sugai who won the prestigious Prix de Lausanne over the weekend.

What a sweet, well-spoken and down-to-earth girl she is. A normal teenager in many respects but wow! you should see her poise and control when she dances. She's headed for greatness.

Congratulations!

Bend the Rules Baking: Choc Choc Chip

2012-02-06T23:52:00.001+09:00

I'm all about shortcuts, especially when it comes to the kitchen. I have to feed my kids and I hate going to the grocery store so I bake.

If a recipe starts with cream the butter and sugar then I skip over it. Today I decided to bend the rules. I made these biscuits this afternoon and there is not a single one left (except for the left over dough I have frozen, I only wanted to bake one tray today). The kids did not mind that I had melted margarine in the microwave instead of butter painstakingly beaten till light and fluffy.

I adapted the recipe for Chocolate Chip Biscuits from Edmonds. Instead of butter I used 125g of margarine which I melted in the micro. 1/4 c sugar. I spilled quite a bit more than a few drops of vanilla essence in by mistake. Approximately three tablespoons of condensed milk. I mixed this lot up together until it seemed the sugar was kind of dissolved.

I added in six quarter cups of roughly measured flour (the recipe calls for one and a half cups but I'm lazy bones with extra dishes). I threw in a quarter of a cup of cocoa powder, about a teaspoon of baking powder (I sifted these dry ingredients). Lastly a handful of chocolate chips.

I think the mixture would have been too wet and sticky if I hadn't added the extra cocoa. I rolled large balls as I was in a hurry and flattened them slightly. I threw them into the oven that hadn't exactly finished pre-heating (to about 180 degrees was the plan). I baked them for about 12 minutes.

Noodle ate three, in a row. He said he couldn't stop himself they were so good. Little Guy had two. My cookies were yum. Maybe they hadn't risen as much as they might have if I'd started with a light fluffy butter mixture? Maybe they would not have been quite so crumbly?

Can you spot the rules I bent? There were lots! But in the end it didn't seem to matter as they have all been eaten.

A day at home by myself? I spoke too soon

2012-02-01T14:03:00.000+09:00

In my earlier post I mentioned how much I was looking forward to a nice relaxing day with the kids both back at school. Unfortunately I jinxed this fantasy just by saying it! When I arrived at the kindergarten this afternoon Little Guy's teacher was waiting to ask me about his peanut allergy.

Tomorrow is setsubun in Japan - a fun festival which involves throwing dried soy beans at a 'devil' to ward off back luck for the year. This year the kindergarten has bought peanuts rather than beans as they are so much tastier to eat. Our wonderful teacher remembered that Little Guy is allergic.

I spoke to Mr. Mee a Bee and together we all decided that it might be best if Little Guy skips this part of the day. (We're not sure how allergic he is but better to be safe than sorry in this instance) So I will be keeping him home until 11.30am which means he will go for lunch and virtually come straight back home again.

Oh well there's always next week!

On the machine: new ballet fabric + soup days

2012-02-01T10:40:00.001+09:00

Good morning folks! On the machine this week is the new ballet fabric from Kokka. New for 2012 it is so cute. It has a real retro vibe and reminds me of my friend Lynette's bedroom wallpaper when we were girls.

It's been a slow start to the week. No sooner has one kid gone back to school than the other is sick. Noodle is home for the third day in a row (five if you count the weekend) recovering from his cold. His whole class has been closed for two days since there are a number of cases of flu amongst the kids. I am so looking forward to tomorrow, a day at home to myself.

The weather has turned bad, rain and perhaps snow later. There's nothing better than homemade soup on days like this. I have a pot of vegetable soup on now with split peas, celery and bacon. Last night I made pumpkin & kumara (sweet potato) soup. Our favourite.

The bakery truck will be parked by kindy today at lunchtime so we may just dash over for some freshly baked bread. We'll have to be careful though. Last Wednesday Little Guy fell over on our way there. He scraped his knee, face and hand. It's the second or third time he's had an accident there, I think it's jinxed. In front of the library.

Soup? Chopped onion, sautéed in a large pot till translucent. Mix in half a teaspoon of curry powder (optional), sauté for a further one minute. Add in roughly chopped, peeled sweet potatoes and pumpkin. Top with water till just covering the vegetables. Bring to the boil and simmer for about twenty minutes, until vegetables are tender. Purée with an immersion blender. Great to freeze in single servings for after-school snack. I use Japanese kabocha pumpkin which is naturally sweet but you could use any pumpkin.

Weekend Update

2012-01-29T23:48:00.001+09:00

Another weekend has sailed past in a blur. Anyone else have that problem? Mine has been action-packed and busy.

Little Guy was 'sick' on Friday with a bit of a cough. I let him stay home but as soon as the ladies arrived for Chatty Cafe he was full of beans. Being the show-off that he is there was music, costumes, dancing and a display of knight's sword-fighting. We valiantly tried to ignore him.

Everyone felt cheerful when they saw these tiny daffodil blooms that Little Guy had bought at the hardware shop last week. Aren't they pretty?

Saturday it was Noodle's turn to feel sick. Though it seems he really does have something and has slept through the whole weekend. Poor thing. Colds and flu are going around.

We had some visitors on Saturday afternoon so I tried the recipe on the Quaker Oats box - YUM! They're unlike any I have made before, so soft and tasty. Check them out here, though I wonder if the recipe can be halved. Four dozen cookies is a lot. I also added half a cup of Hershey's chocolate chips.

Today I had to pick up some things from the sewing shop. It was the perfect push to get me back to my Sunday aqua-robics class (being that it's right next door to the mall). Shamefully it's been ages since I went to the gym on a Sunday. For a variety of reasons, mainly laziness. My instructor asked me about my absence in a nice way that really made me want to start going regularly again. I really do love her class. And since I have eaten about a dozen of the above-mentioned cookies I REALLY need to go.

Lots of sewing done today. I'll be at the post office as soon as I am done with the dentist in the morning. Amazingly I am due for a check-up already.

Oh, and my latest act of clumsiness? I nicked the palm-side of one of my fingers with the sharp sewing scissors. Ouch! Sewing accidents are fairly common here. I am especially prone to jabbing myself with pins. Now I know how lethal these little scissors are I will be less inclined to let Little Guy use them. After I have been the post office I will probably have to go to the chemist to stock up on plasters.

Tonight's DVD was very unsettling and not recommended at all. I watched it through but now I am afraid I will have nightmares. Have you seen this? It's rated R for strong bloody violence, torture and language. Mr. Mee a Bee was asleep for most of the worst parts when I had to cover up my eyes. In terms of acting the characters were very believable. Michael Sheen was pretty amazing and I did enjoy seeing Carrie-Anne Moss though I can't for the life of me remember what she has been in (off to see now).

So we roll into another week!

Back to School Down Under

2012-01-26T09:54:00.000+09:00

Acccording to my Facebook friend's updates school is starting back this week and next in New Zealand and Australia. Mums are breathing a sigh of relief after six or so weeks of holidays I bet. Both countries have been plagued by rain which has spoiled many a camping trip I am sure. And as soon as school is back the sun will come out in force - c'est la vie.

My niece is one of those kids heading 'back to school'. She leaves Japan today for a one year home stay in New Zealand. We are all so excited for her. She's going to a small town a few hours south of Auckland. She'll be in Year 10 at the local high school. What an incredible experience! I am looking forward to finally being able to have a conversation with her once she can speak English.

I made these bags for a little friend who is just starting school this year. Isn't it a cute set? A little backpack for excursions and a heavy-duty library book backpack. See more here on Flickr.

I do have a little bit of this large-scale matryoshka fabric left if anyone wants to request an item. Send me an email.

2012-01-26T00:01:00.000+09:00

Thinking warm thoughts

2012-01-23T19:45:00.000+09:00

I'm wearing grandad's slippers, handknitted by my mum. They're four sizes too big but our floors are so cold. I headed to Etsy in search of some warmth. I fell in love with this linen and started dreaming of making a new duvet cover ...

extra wide linen

Books and Free Projects to Download

2012-01-22T10:10:00.000+09:00

I'm reading a really good book right now about an expat living in Paris. It's so funny. I can really relate to his descriptions of laborious bureaucratic processes and tiresome dealings with paper pushers. I think Japan and France might be long-lost siblings, they definitely share some common traits.

I thoroughly recommend Bryce Corbett's A Town Like Paris (thanks Shayne)

It's kind of a dream of mine to write a book one day. About what, I don't know, but it's something I think about when I see blog-to-book writers like Amanda Blake Soule and Joel Henriques with their gorgeous books in print. Of course they actually create things and have original ideas.

Perhaps I could write a book about life in Japan ... but nothing exciting happens to me so it would be quite a bore. And I have a terrible memory for details.

If you want to see more of the beautiful books by Soule and Henriques then you should visit Roost Books. There are some delightful free projects to download. You can preview all of the books online and also order directly from the publisher.

Feeling Blue? Let me cheer you up

2012-01-20T13:40:00.000+09:00

a mix of new and old fabrics, all from Kokka in the Trefle range

You can't help smiling when you look at these cute fabrics for boys, can you?

Eagle-eyes might spot my newest fabric - the sky blue one with robots. It seems like people can't get enough of robots. Each time I think I will give them a miss another set beckons me to take a closer look. I think these ones get to the core of robot-ness with the tools and cars. We pretty much believe cars are made by robots these days, right? That said, I've seen some terrific documentaries on the Discovery Channel about car manufacture and a lot is still done by real people, that's good isn't it?

So here I am trying to decide what colours to use. When a new printed fabric comes in I first decide on the strap colour and on the lining colour. You'd think blue was blue but when it comes down to it the right shade of blue (or whatever colour) makes a huge difference to the overall look of the finished bag. As for the lining, even though it can't be seen until the bag is opened I still try my hardest to use the exact right colour or pattern for it. Sometimes I cannot find anything suitable so I just keep the material aside until the find the right things for it. Yes, I am a perfectionist!

I will make the standard toddler-sized bags from these fabrics. I was even thinking about making some reversible bags since these illustrations really complement each other. What do you think?

The cutest dinosaurs in town

2012-01-20T09:08:00.001+09:00

I have a little friend name Zoe who loves dinosaurs. I made her a gorgeous little bag with some green and purple dinosaur fabric and a lovely purple strap - it turns out it's hard to find dino stuff for girls. That's not surprising given how everything has become so gender-defined with our generation of children.

Knitted Dinosaurs by Tina Barrett via STC crafts

Bust out of the mold with these wonderful creations! You can make your dinosaur any colours you like. I just wish I had the patience for knitting! My kids would definitely love a large dragon. Dragons are dinosaur-like aren't they? We're on this huge knights and castles kick since Christmas.

Read more about the patterns and the fun new book Knitted Dinosaurs by Tina Barrett over here on the STC Crafts blog. Or check out the book here.

Check out STC Crafts for free downloads too.

Little Red Riding Hood coming soon

2012-01-19T14:29:00.000+09:00

As I mentioned yesterday we have had parent-teacher conferences this week at kindergarten. Little Guy has been home early (for lunch) everyday this week. It's so tiring! No sooner than I have dropped him off it's time to pick him up again. Thank goodness today is the last day.

We've already played two games of Junior Scrabble today. It's freezing cold and wet outside. I may need a nap.

This morning I took some time to plan these new bags which I am very excited about. Little Red Riding Hood is an endearing theme in Japanese fabrics. I love every reincarnation of it. I had a hard time deciding which colours to match this with, it has a lot of green ... but in the end I think you can't go wrong with red. What do you think?

PS. Little Guy is doing well at kindergarten though she did mention he's a bit excitable at lunchtime. I think she'd like to see less chat more eat. I could relate to her complaint as it's typical of most meals I share with him.

Resources in Japan: Office Supplies

2012-01-19T09:28:00.001+09:00

Lots of people want to know the ins and outs of running a business in Japan. I am always happy to share my ideas.

One of the biggest hurdles I overcame was that of office supplies, in particular finding posting and packaging materials. It used to be such a nightmare since my local office supply shop doesn't sell postage bags. I used to have to trek into the 100 yen shop (the dollar shop) everytime I had to post something. It was totally hit and miss as often they didn't have the right size or in fact any stock at all. It was expensive, time-consuming and frustrating.

Then a friend out me onto Askul. I applied for an account online and completed a short interview by phone (in Japanese) then I was good to go. The catalogue is sent out free of charge twice a year. You can order online. Monthly billing and payment from the convenience store couldn't be easier. Delivery is extremely fast, within 24 to 48 hours.

I get all my posting bags, packaging materials, photocopying paper, printer ink etc from there. I can even buy the coffee I need for Chatty Cafe. It's really streamlined my work process and eliminated unnecessary trips to the shops. It's not always the cheapest but I weigh up time saved and it wins most times. It's worth checking the 'outlet' section, the online coupons and reading through the catalogue for seasonal offers.

Meet Peter the Pirate

2012-01-18T19:44:00.001+09:00

Little Guy received a craft book for Christmas called The Crafty Art Book. He's been begging to make the knitted teddy bear since the day he clapped eyes on it. Finally today I agreed to make a beanie pal. It was so simple and he loves it.

It was parent teacher interviews today so Little Guy could take it along to show his teacher this afternoon. She was suitably impressed and I was able to come off as super-mum, so devoted to my child. hehe

We used Crayola Fabric crayons for our pirate. We were running low on time so we simply copied the picture from the book but next time we plan to be a bit more creative. I used some linen that I had lying around and we stuffed it with uncooked rice. We could have spent more time pushing out the seams to make the head nicely rounded but Little Guy doesn't mind the imperfections. He's named him Peter after running through a million names together. Pierre and Pascale were my French name suggestions. Guido was the Italian one I came up with. In the end, he's English.

Whoopie Pies for Chatty Cafe

2012-01-18T19:24:00.001+09:00

For Christmas we received a packet mix to make Whoopie Pies. I'd heard of them but not actually known what they were. The packet mix (Betty Crocker) was a real hit with the kids as it came with a little packet of hundreds & thousands to roll the edges in.

I decided to investigate these pies a little further and ended up making a batch for Chatty Cafe today. There are many recipes online but I chose one that used as few ingredients as possible and required vegetable oil instead of butter (just being lazy).

I filled mine with sweetened whipped cream and a thick layer of strawberry jam. They were spectacularly delicious. I quite liked the way they tasted like packet cake, probably because I used oil.

My simple decorations were made at the last minute from washi tape and toothpicks. It was the first class of the new year for today's group.

WHOOPIE PIES1 egg 1/3 c. vegetable oil 1 c. sugar 2 c. unsifted all-purpose flour 1/3 c. unsweetened cocoa 1 tsp. baking soda 1/4 tsp. salt 3/4 c. milk 1 tsp. vanilla
Heat oven to 350 F. Grease two large cookie sheets and set aside. In a large bowl with mixer at medium speed beat egg and vegetable oil. Gradually beat in sugar and continue beating until pale yellow in color. In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. In a measuring cup combine milk and vanilla. Add flour and milk mixtures alternately to eggs and sugar, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Drop by tablespoons onto cookie sheet. These will spread a lot, so make 6 cakes per sheet at a time. Bake about 5 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched with finger. Remove to wire racks to cool. When cool, use filling and two cakes to make sandwiches. Makes 15.
FILLING 1/2 c. butter or margarine 1 c. confectioners' sugar 1 c. Marshmallow Fluff (about 1/2 of a 7 1/2-oz. jar) 1 tsp. vanilla In a medium bowl with mixer at medium speed, beat butter and remaining ingredients until light and fluffy.

Anything, Everything Japan

2012-01-17T11:27:00.001+09:00

Feels good to be loved! Thanks Miyuki for making this great treasury featuring our fellow Japan Etsy team mates.

On the Sewing machine: Bear Boogey Woogey

2012-01-16T11:12:00.001+09:00

The big January Sale is going well over at Mee a Bee so it's time for me to get serious about new stock. I have some fabrics being delivered this week for boys: flags and more robots. Gotta keep the punters happy!

I finally got these bears out and am so pleased with the results. I decided to match it with this cute brown polka dot fabric which is the inside of the bag. I took this picture last night when the lighting was not the best but I think the teal is just gorgeous in real life.

This bag will be available in two sizes, the regular Toddler size for three to five year olds. And the bigger 'Mini' size for four to eight year olds. I have only a few in each size since this popular material is all sold-out already at my supplier. I think it's a really cute fabric for girls who are not so into pink - do they exist???

This bag is the first one being offered to my new team of bag testers. I will be picking the most suitable candidate later this afternoon so there's still time to sign up if you'd like to have your child be a model for Mee a Bee. There are some straight forward conditions so it's best if you visit my website, enter your email in the field on the bottom right to be taken to the full explanation page.

Thanks!

Movie talk: Unknown

2012-01-16T10:55:00.000+09:00

Liam Neeson is an actor who I really like but have not seen in anything for quite some time. Last night we watched Unknown which as the title suggests was a film I had not heard of (typical for me though). I was really happy to see Liam Neeson and January Jones in the opening credits.

The film is set in Germany and has a suspenseful plot which really keeps you guessing until the very end. Just my kind of movie.

There are some villainous silent-types driving around in a black SUV, though being Europe it is a VW. There are some scenes of violence but it's not gratuitous. There's a high speed car chase but it's quite realistic though reminiscent of The Bourne Identity series (the one where he's in a mini driving around some European city). There are not really any sex scenes and it's done tastefully in a grainy flashback style. There's no swearing. Still it's not for the whole family.

Liam Neeson is quite hunky despite his advanced years, ageing well, like Harrison Ford. January Jones, of Mad Men fame, is just a delight to watch, though her part is very small.

It wasn't one of those films that resonates with you and stays with you but it was definitely a good one to curl up with on a Sunday evening.

For the sake of fashion and my efforts to look good

2012-01-14T23:56:00.002+09:00

While I was in New Zealand last year I bought myself a pair of high-heeled 'booties'. All the mums wear boots in winter here in Japan (and I am so desperate to fit in). Well that attempt bit me on the butt this week when I twisted my ankle so badly I couldn't walk for a few minutes. I didn't stop to take a look at the damage but by that evening the pain was excruciating. I was so worried that I would need to see a doctor. I went to swimming that night and hobbled home wherein I applied a great dose of arnica cream and a bandage. Miraculously by morning it was almost better. I was so relieved. It's still a bit tender but nothing like it was earlier in the week. Thank you Weleda!

On Thursday I had my first Chatty Cafe of the year. It was a hectic morning and I found myself squeezing into a pair of black trousers at the last minute. They were altogether too tight and looked awful I am sure. Hence the need to swim as much as possible this year. The club is running a New Year shape-up campaign called Stylish Mileage. You get points for attendance and can enter in a draw to win cool stuff like an iPad. Oh and I might get into shape too!

For the record, I have been swimming at least once a week for the past two years but I took a few weeks off over the end of the year. This year our coach has promised to mix it up a bit. For the latter half of last year we were working on achieving a great distance, which meant speed. How's 2.3km in 60 minutes? Pretty impressive!! Already this year we've scaled it back to basics and are working on stroke correction. I'm glad since my old bones are not what they used to be. In addition to a sprained ankle I have been nursing a strained shoulder for a couple of months - yep, falling to pieces in my old age. My goal for this year is to perfect the high elbow catch stroke our coach introduced us to last year. I've been watching youtube and learning all about it. I will be able to swim easier, for longer and with less risk of shoulder injury. Watch a pro! Ian Thorpe.

Wednesday Morning Tea Break

2012-01-11T10:09:00.000+09:00

I am so excited to discover today that Orla Kiely is now available in Japan. I just can't get enough of her iconic leaf print. Although I am all shopped out after Christmas and on a very strict budget I am really enjoying dreaming! Notebooks, composition books, diaries. That's me.

Orla Kiely online store - domestic (Japan) delivery only.

And! get ready for Spring with these Orla Kiely designed scarves at Uniqlo. Perfect for the more budget-conscious among us.

Let your fingers do the walking - internet detective work

2012-01-10T22:46:00.000+09:00

Mr. Mee a Bee and I watch a lot of movies. It's one thing we do almost every weekend. With the busyness of our daily lives, in between the kids, my swimming club and his long work hours we don't really have much time to do things as a couple so this is one of the few things we make an effort to do together.

Before we had kids we'd actually go to the cinema but that's not possible for us now so he goes to the store to rent DVDs. Nine times out of ten he comes back with winners. I think he picks things that he knows I will like (the hunky actors!).

Years ago we had a little dictionary, I think it was one of these movie guides by Leonard Maltin. We'd be watching a film and recognise one of the actors. We'd race to name the actor and which films he or she had been in. It was a handy book and we learned so much.

These days the internet has replaced that book for us. Are you one of those people who look up actors or directors to see what other work they have done?

Do you watch the credits to see who recorded the music? That's my second favourite thing to do.

Last week I was watching The Killing and heard a song I had to hear more of. It's not new but it lead me on a little internet search about Neko Case. You can watch the song on youtube if you like. It's got a fantastic country vibe which is a surprising like of mine.

If you haven't heard of The Killing then... well don't get me started. It's my latest obsession, not to be missed program. I am absolutely besotted with the lead actress Mireille Enos but I don't want to look her up because I fear that will spoil the perfection of her role in The Killing.

On iTunes, have you played around with the Genius function? iTunes looks at the songs you already have and makes recommendations for you. I have discovered some really cool artists this way (and perhaps spent a little too much on downloads!). It's a really great way to hear about indie or alternative artists that you mightn't hear on mainstream radio. Not that I listen to the radio.

What are you listening to right now? or watching? I'd love to hear your recommendations.

Back in the driving seat - back at work - Mee a Bee sale now on

2012-01-09T14:56:00.001+09:00

Who else struggles to get back into it after the holidays? I packed up my sewing room mid-December as it doubles as our guest room. I did not even go near my sewing machines for a few weeks. A lot of Mee a Bee fans were eagerly awaiting the big January sale but with my kids still home and the cold weather I was reluctant to return to work. Finally on Saturday night I put up the open sign. It feels great to be sewing again! I have my iPod to keep me energised and the heater to keep my room warm. It's so gorgeous sewing in a clean and organised room. I must try and keep it that way.

The Mee a Bee sale is not well-publicised but I am so pleased that I am seeing orders flowing in from repeat customers. It's nice to be loved ♥.

All of my small messenger bags for kids aged three to five or two years old are now selling for $20 a piece. You can purchase from either Etsy or Mee a Bee.com. If you would like to stock up you might like to take advantage of the special promo I offered to Facebook fans: Buy 5 get one free (or $20 off purchases over $100), use the code HAPPY12 at Mee a Bee.com
I am sewing as well as selling stock I have so if you have a special request just let me know.

On Thursday I will be opening the doors of Chatty Cafe. I feel about two hundred kilos overweight after Christmas but this morning I started looking through my recipes, making plans for cakes this year. My new (borrowed) food processor will certainly add some delicious new treats to the menu. I see tarts and maybe even cheesecake on the horizon.

OK, tea break is over, back to the sewing machine!

School holidays are almost over and kind of over

2012-01-07T23:00:00.000+09:00

These holidays have been really super. We had my Auntie here for a few days over Christmas which was just wonderful. After she left we had Mr. Mee a Bee home for New Year's. He took a grand total of four and a half days off but somehow it seemed long. We had fantastic weather which really helps. My kids really suffer cabin fever if they can't get outside.

We had a lovely visit from friends yesterday who wanted to practice their roller blading and j-boarding (an in-line skateboard) on our nice smooth driveway. Five kids on wheels was a fun sight to see. I snapped this great shot of Noodle with his new ball from Santa. Yep, somehow Santa ordered a PINK dodgeball from Amazon for this kid (oops). Luckily it is more of a faded red. Anyway doesn't Noodle look like a total pro on his j-board. I think he's going to rock snowboarding this year if we can go. This morning he skated down to the roadside with all of our (millions of post-Christmas) wine bottles for recycling. He's ever so confident on it now.

When they're not able to play outside the kids are LOVING their Lego sets, their remote controlled helicopters and all of their new books. Little Guy has suddenly become a big fan of The Gruffalo. I'll tell you I wasn't a fan of the book before since we only had the second book. But now that he has the first book, the activity book AND the DVD he is in heaven and it is much more fun to read to an enthusiastic listener. Oh how I hope he starts reading just a little this year. Still plugging away.

As with every holiday Noodle has had a lot of homework. He actually seems to enjoy doing it which is a relief. For his homework Little Guy was supposed to practice skipping but the skipping rope has disappeared mysteriously. He was also supposed to make a money-box and share some of his New Year's money gifts for charity. Here's us last night making a money-box hurriedly out of a cracker box - really I made it and they did the stickers. Little Guy's kindergarten started back today (Saturday) and tomorrow he has to go as well for an event at the fire station. So his holidays are over, kind of, we still have Monday which is a public holiday. They both start back officially on Tuesday.

How are the school holidays going where you are?

Making plans for the upcoming year

2012-01-05T21:57:00.002+09:00

With the rush of Christmas over it's time to move onto plans for the upcoming year. I'm not one for New Year's resolutions, are you? Like everyone I need to exercise more, get more sleep, lose weight, spend less, work smarter. The list is endless and the same every year so why bother?

Noodle at the shrine with his fortune

On New Year's Day we took a stroll seeking the local shrine. How thrilling it was to discover a real shrine complete with a shop selling fortunes and other good luck charms. We have lived in this area for almost six years and never known where the shrine was. Noodle, Mr. Mee a Bee and Little Guy all got a middle-of-the road fortune, nothing bad but not spectacular. I did not get one, I don't like them. Once you've read the fortune you tie it to a tree or a branch in the shrine grounds to ensure your good fortunes are realised. Isn't that fun?

For this year our plans are starting to take shape. We're really hoping to do some camping. We would love to have another go at skiing. We are totally stoked that my dad is probably going to come over. It's looking like a great year for us. How about you?

Happy New Year - welcome 2012

2012-01-01T11:53:00.002+09:00

flowers from my neglected garden

2012 - should I say two thousand and twelve or twenty twelve? I never know what people are saying since there's only one way to say it in Japanese.

How's your year started out? Mine has been great so far. The kids slept in until 7.30 (yep, that's a major sleep-in). Mr. Mee a Bee made our breakfast. The sun is shining. The kids are fighting but doing it quietly while they play with their Christmas Lego sets. I am finally getting back to my blog. All is good in the world.

See more of our New Year breakfast here on flickr.

Happy New Year!

Farewell 2011

2011-12-31T14:22:00.001+09:00

Kishiwada Castle and Garden
Originally uploaded by Mee a Bee

The last day of 2011, phew! What a year! So many ups and downs. Thank you my dear friends and family for sticking with me through thick and thin. Apologies for the unexpected break here on the blog. Things have been extremely busy here (as everywhere) with Christmas, birthdays and visits from family from overseas. I hope to be back in the driver's seat soon! Until then Happy New Year. Lets hope 2012 is a peaceful and happy year for all.

I took this picture the other day at Kishiwada Castle. We had a great day out with my Auntie. You can see the story on Kid Independent.com

Breakfast Around the World with Paul et Paula

2011-12-15T19:42:00.001+09:00

A few weeks ago I was invited by Peggy of the fabulous Paul & Paula blog to be interviewed for the breakfast series. What a cool idea and so interesting to see what kids around the world eat for the most important meal of the day.

Noodle happily helped me out with the pictures. This day was sunny and lovely so the pictures came out great. A few days before we had tried to get some which came out dark, grainy and grumpy - it was just to early in the morning.

Read our interview here on Paul et Paula then make sure you go back to the home page as it is wonderful. Peggy is German and the family live in Amsterdam so the site is filled with absolutely stunning and really different European clothing for children as well as tons of fascinating looks at bilingual and bi-cultural children around the world.

Thanks again Peggy for letting us be part of the series and thanks to those of you who clicked, commented and liked on Facebook when I shared it over there. Noodle was so embarrassed, hehe.

Is there a doctor in the house?

2011-12-15T15:38:00.000+09:00

Hello hello. It's been a while! Among other things I have been busy sewing up my last two bags of the year ( I think). One of my lovely friends here in Japan asked about a doctor's bag for her daughter. Lovely daughter also thought baby brother might like one too. Mom thought it was probably so she wouldn't have to share!

I was really excited about this project. I think you know that both of my kids love dress-ups and imaginary play. Noodle has kind of grown out of costumes but Little Guy LOVES them. He has a doctor's kit somewhere and we have all had very painful injections at his hand. (It's a blunt 'needle' so he has to jab at us quite hard to get the desired effect).

About these doctor's bags:
The larger bag is the 'mini' size and has an adjustable strap. I made it pretty with a natural linen base and fun red polka dots inside. The little bag is my 'toddler' size but has a slightly wider base and a very short strap since the doctor's assistant is not yet two. I'm happy with the appliqué red crosses. I haven't really had much experience with appliqué so I used the little bag for practice. It is a little wonky. It's harder than it looks! What do you think? Would you like a visit from these two doctors?

Shipping Updates for Mee a Bee (Etsy)

2011-12-09T07:35:00.001+09:00

a custom-made purse going out today

Over at Mee a Bee I have updated the shipping prices to reflect how close we're getting to Christmas. For most detinations we are now using EMS express mail. Prices start at $20.

For another few days it is still possible to order from Australia and New Zealand at the normal lower postage rates.

Thanks!

Working Mums - Is it worth it?

2011-12-08T18:03:00.001+09:00

pancakes for dinner oh and noodles

This afternoon Little Guy has been at the after-school class. I picked him up at five whereupon he was forced into his snowsuit since it's cold, dark and raining. We have to pass several warm and inviting restaurants on our way home so since it is just the two of us home tonight we have stopped for a bite. I have been working today but the extra two hours at school plus our meal have set me back $30 or so. I guess real working mums have to be super-organised and disciplined about not eating out all the time.

Walking around our neighbourhood

2011-12-08T09:03:00.001+09:00

walking home yesterday

My poor old car is still being serviced so we are having to beat the feet. Each day we choose a different and unknown route. You never know what you'll see as you round the corner - a glorious green rice paddy or spectacular autumn foliage in a temple garden. It's a pretty time of year.

Too bad it's raining today. My wonderful friend who is so thoughtful texted me at 6.45am to say she would give us a ride. Isn't that kind? Her own children don't even go to kindergarten anymore. So lucky to have such good friends.

My wonderful and varied life - my work this evening

2011-12-05T23:26:00.001+09:00

Taking a break from our normal programming ... my Gentlemen's Class had a special request for tomorrow - to learn a SONG. This one was suggested and while I had heard of it I don't think I have ever actually listened to it. I'm here sifting through the millions of versions and I really rather like this one by Patti Page: The Tennessee Waltz

The other choice of song was Danny Boy. I found that all together too depressing. I found it interesting when my student told me that even after studying English for a decade or more they have never learned a song. I studied French as you know. I think the only 'French' song I know is that one "Voulez vous coucher avec moi" haha, it's not even a French song but rather a pop tune from my childhood.

I am a law-abiding citizen, really. Car trouble.

2011-12-04T09:04:00.001+09:00

You won't believe this latest little saga in my life. Or maybe you will, if you know me. I have a chaotic approach to cars and driving. I'm not a crazy driver but I do get lost A LOT.

On Wednesday night Mr. Mee a Bee informed me that my warrant of fitness had expired. I asked him when, last month? A bit before that actually. It expired in JULY!!!

OMG. I've been driving for almost five months in a car that could potentially be not road-worthy. I've driven past countless police officers and even a few checkpoints.

You may wonder why I didn't notice myself ... well I am a real girl when it comes to vehicle maintenance. So much for women's rights, I really do prefer to leave that stuff to THE MAN OF THE HOUSE. Pitiful, I know.

The date sticker is written in Japanese. It's year 23 in Japan (according to the length of reign of the current emperor). I could use that as an excuse however in honesty I never even looked at the sticker.

So I'm left riding my bike to kindergarten with that 20kg dead weight on the back. Now that I know, I absolutely won't drive the car. Anyway it's booked in for its service today.But it could take another few days. It's good exercise! (Mr. Mee a Bee said that).

My car is a cheerful red Nissan March. My friend told me it's a wannabe VW - one of the newer models. This new messenger bag for toddler boys has real VWs all over it. And porsche? some kind of sportscar - see I am clueless. Check it out and let me know if you want a shorter strap for two year olds. It's PERFECT for that age.

The Countdown is On: Saying Goodbye to my Thirties

2011-12-03T09:58:00.001+09:00

It's exactly a week until my birthday - the big FOUR OH! My family wanted to contribute to a joint present and the Kitchen Aid Mixer was #1 on my list. The iPhone was also top-rating. A rug for my dining room was another idea floated. As always there was the difficulty of actually getting any of these gifts delivered. The exchange rate and currency conversion makes any kind of transaction arduous. I'm not sure what was decided in the end.

I came across this great website that takes the stress out of collecting money for organized events. A friend of mine was collecting funds to pay for vet bills for a stray dog she adopted. Certainly a much more noble cause than my birthday ... but if you're stuck for ideas and wanted to send me a little something here's how. Oh so cheeky.

My kids ordered a few surprise things from our Co-op food delivery last night. My friend Charmaine sent me some 40th birthday balloons. I have already received a card! I'm very excited about turning 40. It's going to be a great year.♥ ♥

Those elves have been busy here

2011-11-30T23:34:00.001+09:00

This afternoon I made Rocky Road. YUM! I searched online and through all of my recipes but in the end just had to improvise. It's melted baking chocolate, condensed milk, marshmallows, chopped walnuts and raisins. I had all that in the pantry - am I awesome or what? These are not readily available ingredients here in Japan. I've been squireling them away.

I got the packaging last week at the dollar shop - been going there a lot lately. The little cards are kind of homemade. I bought a magazine of New Year's card templates that came with a CD. I just had to plan the layout, set up the background, write the text and then paste in the reindeer.

These are the gifts for the chatters. I will have to make sure WE (mainly me) do not eat the ones I need for Friday's class.

How to: Elf Costume

2011-11-30T23:12:00.001+09:00

More pictures of Little Guy! Not the most exciting thing for some people.

He's put together this handy how-to for dressing like a Christmas elf

Rummage around in the back of the wardrobe for a pair of last year's too small track pants
Add a colourful striped thermal underwear top - also too small
The Santa hat from the dollar shop completes the look

Yep, our tree is up. We're still adding to it and getting it how we like it. I decided to set it up early (our earliest ever I am sure) because from tomorrow I will be welcoming my chatters to their last Chatty Cafes of the year. I have two classes this week then just three more for the year next week and the week after. It's time to get festive!

How Tyler got to be famous on Pinterest

2011-11-29T22:40:00.001+09:00

Have you had a chance to look at Pinterest yet? It really is the most fun website. It's a visual pin board of things you love. Add the 'pin it' button to your tool bar and you can pin stuff from anywhere. I really like it a lot.

I posted this picture a couple of days ago. It's Tyler aka. Little Guy in his klt:works t shirt. He's a huge fan of this little owl. He came to me last night clutching the softie owl Christmas decoration and said "LOOK! It's the same as my t shirt and my BAG!" The bag has been missing for a while. Sometimes Noodle takes stuff to school and forgets to bring it home. Mr. Mee a Bee also hides things. I was surprised Little Guy remembers the bag.

Today I got an email to say that this picture is now on Pinterest! In Kristin's klt:works spotted album. How cool it is to be internet-famous. if you are on Pinterest you can re-pin this picture to your board! Kristin will love you for it.

When you can't beat 'em, join 'em

2011-11-29T18:20:00.001+09:00

So I got to thinking. Those iPod touch things are pretty expensive. You want to protect your investment right? Stay tuned technophiles!

Padded Gadget Bag - prototype by Mee a Bee

so timely - Lotta mag for kids

2011-11-28T11:52:00.001+09:00

"Diversify play. We love iPads,TV and technology too, but we believe that everyone needs a variety of experiences and an opportunity to let our own imaginations take the lead sometimes. Our magazine gives you a lotta ideas for other things to try."

I found this on the website of new and magazine for kids, Lotta.

$10

The first ever issue is all about stories & storytelling. 60 pages of art, craft, cooking, storytelling, creative writing, drawing, gardening, games, play & colouring for school holiday fun.

delivery is available for Australia and international.

Of course this type of thing requires parents to get involved - get the craft materials, help with the gluing and cutting. I know this dying breed still exists somewhere :)

Additional thoughts on the topic below - the person posing the question has an almost ten year old. I concede that at that age, particularly girls, some electronic gadgets are perfectly acceptable and even necessary. Noodle does have his own digital camera and we're on the verge of looking at mobile phones for him. He's ten. I was more shocked at the people who had them for much younger kids. I mean two?? come on!

Foiled at Every Turn - don't ever compare yourself to other parents

2011-11-28T00:02:00.001+09:00

Most parents are hit with cases of anxiety from time to time, right? I'm perhaps a bit more of a worry-wart than most ... Just when I thought I was doing so well I find myself filled with doubt over my parenting choices.

I was on Facebook (my first mistake) and noticed a post about gift ideas for a nine year old girl. Great, I thought. I know about ten year old boys. I'll chime in with my suggestions. Oh man. I think 23 out of 24 comments had suggested the iPod Touch.

Wow.

First of all I don't know anything about the iPod touch. I've heard of iPad and I have an iPod shuffle but the iPod touch is new to me. I don't read the newspaper, I don't watch much TV and we do not ever get circulars in the mail. Things are happening in the world and I am clueless. Don't worry, I know about other stuff, just not this, I guess.

The iPod touch is $199.

Another wow.

One person in the above-mentioned post was buying one for her not-yet two year old.

I am flabbergasted.

Other people have already got them for their three, five and seven year old kids.
One each.
For each of their three kids.

Gobsmacked.

We are in the wrong professions. There's no way we could afford that.

Hold up, even if we could, I just wouldn't.

Then doubt starts to creep in. Am I raising techno-deficient misfits?
If we ever relocated back to New Zealand would the kids and indeed me, be so behind the times we'd be ostracised?

Little Guy this morning

Don't kids play on skateboards, ride bikes or kick balls around in the garden anymore? Is watching a DVD or playing a CD considered quaint? Noodle spent the afternoon playing tag with his friends and swapping trading cards. This morning Little Guy and Mr. Mee a Bee cycled to the library. The only piece of machinery running was the washing machine and my sewing machine.

Whatever your views on iPod touch or iPhone or any of the other 'it' items for adults (and I guess kids) I think I am happy with my choices.

We might seem a little Amish but I'm sure that if you met my kids you'd love them. I really just have to cross my fingers that they turn out to be decent society-contributing citizens. Or Nobel Peace Prize winners.

A jumble of thoughts for Friday - free shipping too!

2011-11-25T08:57:00.001+09:00

Over in the US everyone is letting their belts out a bit after their big turkey festival. Personally I don't eat turkey but I do like the idea of giving thanks and sharing family memories.

Come Friday there's a huge stampede to the shops with drastic reductions on prices everywhere. That might be fun ... or not.

In Japan the first few days of the new year have historically been sale days. Each shop would prepare a lucky dip bag of goodies for customers to seize up. They are at set prices starting from about $20 or $30. I bought one once and was disappointed to find it filled with useless junk that I would never have bought. Lesson learnt.

Another year I actually waited in a two hour queue to get into a well-known department store on the first trading day of the New Year. It was bedlam both inside and out. I didn't find anything to buy. I couldn't even get near most of the displays for the crowds. I ended up hiding out in the CD section. Mr. Mee a Bee eventually found me and we retreated to a movie instead.

This year I have done almost all my shopping online. Amazon is my dear friend as always. I can usually find everything I need there. Books, toys and other stuff. I bought food from FBC. I am also a secret Rakuten addict. I did go to the mall a couple of times. I went crazy and spent much more than I was planning on spending. But I have the Terry's Chocolate Oranges my kids love so much for their stockings. I've been to the Lego shop several times. My boys and my nephews are fans. For my husband I went with the boring option of a new jumper, from Woolovers.com. He'll be happy though.

At Mee a Bee this weekend we're jumping on the sale bandwagon and offering free shipping (in the etsy shop) and a free handmade gift bag with each order. Your choice of green or red. Plus lots of the older stock, bags from throughout the year are priced to sell at $25. If you're clever you can also search for a coupon code (psssst look on Facebook).

Mee a Bee

Buying Handmade this Christmas?

2011-11-24T21:39:00.001+09:00

A little while ago I featured the work of Jane Foster. I'd bought her lovely Christmas Santa soft toy (now where did I put that ..?)

Today I am so thrilled to see that Jane is the Featured Seller on Etsy Blog. Yaye Jane!!! It couldn't have happened to a nicer person. It's a huge big deal and something I have wanted to be for as long as I have been part of Etsy (hello Etsy, are you listening?)

Congratulations Jane!

Also today I just want to give you a heads up about a giant 40% off sale at PataPri. I've mentioned Yuko's work several times on my blog. Such a fan, huge! I bought some of her beautiful quadruple gauze hand-printed towels for a little baby that is on the way. Lovely. Bags, Bags!! are only $7.00 - what great stocking stuffers for mom, sister-in-law, teacher gifts ...

While you're there, take a peek at Mee a Bee. I have free shipping for the big holiday weekend. AND my new and fabulous owl bag is all ready to go.

My big baby is officially ten years old now. He was born at 4.22 pm on this day. He was 3386g and 51cm tall at birth. Now he's 140 something cm tall. He's close to ten times the weight. I can only just lift him up. He had almost no hair for his first two years of life. Consequently he never learnt to brush his hair. He still goes to school with bird's nests in the back. He was the first grandchild for my side of the family. Now he's one of five grandkids for my parents. He'll always be the oldest though :)

Owl Do the Housework Later!

2011-11-24T12:35:00.001+09:00

I have A LOT to do today - at least seven things on my to-do list. Now I find the day is half over and I have ~~wasted it~~ spent it sewing this new owl fabric ... Isn't it FAB?

More later!

OMG the candles!!

2011-11-24T00:40:00.001+09:00

OMG the candles
Originally uploaded by Mee a Bee

We celebrated Noodle's 10th birthday a day early since it was a public holiday. Here's just one of the photos, an absolute classic of me... This is completely natural, my genuine reaction captured on film by Mr. Mee a Bee. Why so shocked? Noodle blew out the candles (all but one) while nobody was looking!!!

I think my first thought was what bad luck it is to miss a candle, I'm superstitious like that. Hopefully that's not right.

Have a laugh!

More (nicer) pics to follow.

2011-11-22T23:40:00.001+09:00

I was so lucky today. I received two gifts from my students in the Gentlemen's Class. These pretty watercolour postcards were done by one of them. Aren't they gorgeous? I think I really like the red onion best. Or the persimmon. The packaging was so thoughtful - a piece of Japanese washi paper secured with a French stamp.

A couple of weeks ago we talked about travelling and language study. These men have all travelled extensively both in their careers and for personal leisure. I mentioned my love of France so I was very touched by the stamp.

The other little present was this homemade walnut and raisin bread! Made especially for me! It was so delicious. I probably could have done with less butter ... but with the 'homemade' New Zealand honey it was blissful.

I was in the most splendid mood after my morning.

Santa Gifts for Kiddies

2011-11-22T23:21:00.001+09:00

Santa Gifts for Kiddies
Originally uploaded by Mee a Bee

I'm taking a leaf out of Martha Stewart's book - production line gift 'making'.

I bought a heap of these delightful chocolate Santa pops then wrapped them myself in polythene bags with a Christmas paper backing and green baker's twine.

I have them ready for all the kids I expect to see over the next month.

Creative Mamma Calendar

2011-11-22T23:09:00.001+09:00

Creative Mamma Calendar
Originally uploaded by Mee a Bee

The finished product! Perfecto! I had this little easel from a calendar I got last year or the year before. I'd never used it though. It's all ready to give! Thanks Joy! @creativemamma

Exploring my town: Kumatori Cho

2011-11-22T13:18:00.001+09:00

Yesterday I had the great pleasure of discovering a new place - one that I had no idea existed.The Kumatori Community Hall - rengakan (brick building). What a cool place! And just along the road from my house, in the next little town over.

rengakan (picture from the Kumatori Cho website)

The building is an old cotton mill from the early 1900s. It's been restored and refurbished and maintains a lot of its original elements such as the lights and some of the pulleys and mechanical gadgets. These days it houses the community hall, a gallery, a cafe and a small studio. I was in seventh heaven! It's very rare to see old buildings like this in Japan. Brick buildings were not the norm (and I have no idea why it was built in this style) and many old buildings were destroyed in the war or have since been demolished. What a treat it was.

I was just like a real tourist snapping pictures. You can see them here on Flickr.

Kumatori Rengakan, a set on Flickr.

Kokeshi Dolls are wonderful from Creative Mamma

2011-11-20T09:07:00.001+09:00

Can you believe the year is almost over? Got your calendar? I have already got a desk diary and a very plain generic calendar for my sewing room but I couldn't resist downloading this wonderful kokeshi doll mini calendar. It was made by my lovely friend Joy at Creative Mamma and it's free to download! Thank you Joy!

Of the required materials one is optional - a rounded corner cutter. I just happen to have one of these so I am chuffed I will be able to make this exactly according to the instructions!

I've gone way over budget with my Christmas shopping, oh dear ... so the remaining gifts will have to be of the free and handmade variety - the best kind anyway right?

Read the post and find the links to the download here at Creative Mamma. Have a good look around as there are tons of cute printables both free and to buy in Joy's shop.

Saturday Summary

2011-11-19T19:55:00.001+09:00

The fabric arrived as scheduled this morning - the efficiency of online shops here is just amazing - they shipped my order the same day! I confess to just sitting on the couch admiring it for most of the afternoon. It's really the best I have had in ages.

How do you like the new ballet fabric? I'm in love with the adorable 70s style illustration.

Our day has been very relaxing and I feel happy to have accomplished a lot. I spent the morning doing a major clean (yaye, I love the steam mop) and rearrange in my lounge. I am getting ready to pull out the heaters and the Christmas tree!! I have Chatty Cafe on December 1st which will be the last of the year for that particular group so I plan to get festive that day. It'll be the earliest I have ever put up my tree I think.

As I said I spent the afternoon on the couch, possibly with my eyes closed for an hour or so. Little Guy had a rare nap too. He's been impossible at bedtime this past week so I expect all the late nights finally caught up with him.

This evening we've been at the airport meeting Grandad Mee a Bee. We had time for dinner at our favourite restaurant (on the company's dime), and a spot of window shopping at everyone's favourite shops, Muji and Uniqlo.

We'll spend the rest of the night watching a DVD. I don't know what Mr. has picked but last night I did enjoy a somewhat strange George Clooney film called The American. Have you seen it? It meanders along quietly, there's not much dialogue and it is not hugely picturesque despite being set in Italy. Still it suited my lingering melancholic mood.

I hope you're enjoying your weekend.

How cool it is to be able to buy new fabric!

2011-11-18T00:14:00.001+09:00

bears! don't you love it!!

Lately it's been feast or famine in the fabric department. I've been trawling the web and ferreting on every shelf in the material shop for wonderful fabrics. Finally tonight I have found a treasure trove of new prints!!

I'm delirious over a couple of them. I have this marvelous bear print coming through that I think might work as a lovely unisex design. The bears are so cute. And the blue might appeal to either or? We'll have to see how it looks in real life.

I did not get the frog fabric. It's too boyish for girls and too girly for boys, in my opinion. Plus the size of the print doesn't work on my small bags.

These new fabrics won't be available until next year but I promise to give you some sneak peeks. Check this out while you're here: casting call.

Our Artist!

2011-11-17T17:26:00.000+09:00

Oh I am so happy! Mr. Mee a Bee went to school and saw Noodle's picture!

2011-11-16T15:51:00.001+09:00

Today's delicious treat - a new version of Louise Cake, which is an old-fashioned recipe.
Usual recipe - shortbread base, slathered with raspberry jam and a coconut topping.

Mine has delicious homemade apricot jam (from my lovey friend M). It was amazing! I've eaten a fair bit of it myself. Luckily I have swimming tonight to counteract the calories.

Highs and Lows in Life

2011-11-15T18:16:00.001+09:00

I'm often asked how I manage to stay so positive. It might surprise you to learn that I am not always very positive. But really who is? We all have our bad days. "It's not easy for anyone Pete" (a little quote by Peggy).

One low today was having to attend a kindergarten ceremony, to celebrate the ages three, five and seven years old. The ceremony itself was fine, very pleasant. I was so happy to see Little Guy's sneaky smile as he marched past me in the procession. Why so down? It's my complete lack of friends at kindergarten. It's very depressing going to events and not speaking to a soul when everyone else seems like they've known each other for years. In fact, I stand alone every single day waiting at home-time. Cliques are rearing their ugly head in my life again. Boo hoo, poor me. I've tried not to let it bother me. I have tried to speak to some of the other mothers but never progressed past more than a hello, nice weather. It would be nice to have somebody to stand with or sit with sometimes. It's a sad and constant reminder that I don't fit in.

Noodle had a day off from school today (his school founding day). He told me that heaps of kids were going on a trip somewhere. I asked him why he didn't go or why he didn't even tell me about it. He said "You would have said No anyway". It's true, I probably would have. The trip was organised somehow by a group of parents. They all went together in a couple of family vans. Again, since we don't know any of the parents we didn't hear about it. Another sad and constant reminder that I don't fit in. And it's affecting my kids.

There were some highs! I got the latest Ikea magazine in the mail ( a bit pathetic but it cheered me up). I received a lovely email from a Mee a Bee customer about a bag she bought a year ago. The kids played on the Lego website without fighting and I was able to sneakily introduce them to the castle / knight / kingdom games so they'll be excited when the set comes from Santa. I made lunch plans for next week. And I baked a delicious new cake for tomorrow's Chatty Cafe.

Highs and lows. We all have them.

Noodle Poodle The Artist

2011-11-14T09:16:00.001+09:00

Sunday is a typically busy day at our place. Mr Mee a Bee is home and the kids get pretty excited. He's a real bundle of energy and doesn't seem to mind popping in and out all day to run one errand at a time. (You can tell that I like to multi-task). Yesterday was no different, I think they went out about five or six times. You can imagine how disappointed I was when at 8 pm Noodle came to me to say that his artwork was on display in the city gallery for this weekend only. And we had missed it.

Last week when I was having one of my anxious mother days I went to school looking for Noodle. He was over an hour and a half late so I started to worry. It turned out that he had stayed late to finish the above-mentioned picture. His teacher told me it was brilliant (his words) and that it would most likely be picked for display. I'm so sad we didn't get to see it. Now we'll have to wait until the end of the year (in March) to see it.

When Noodle was in the first grade he did this picture which was chosen for display. I was so proud. You can read that post here.

PS. My anxious mother days are much better since I started reading "Free Range Kids" as recommended by one of my readers. I will post more about that another day, when I have finished it. Thanks Jenn!

Behind the scenes at Mee a Bee - gearing up!

2011-11-13T11:26:00.001+09:00

I watched the movie about Facebook recently, The Social Network. I absolutely loved it. One idea really stuck with me - think, live, breath your business. That's how Mark Zuckerberg created his billion dollar company. In the movie Zuckerberg is portrayed as a socially inept computer nerd. Whether that's how he is in real life or not he has obviously had to make some sacrifices to get to where he is today. Think, live and breath Facebook.

I think my family can testify to the fact that I spend a large portion of the day and possibly the night thinking about Mee a Bee. Noodle can do a great imitation of me, in the raspy, parched voice of a person lost in the desert "M U S T sell M O R E bags".

So here I am today viewing this infographic about Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. These are the biggest selling days of the year for retailers. The weekend immediately after Thanksgiving (Thur, 24th November) many in the US are on holiday so it's a great time to get stuck into the Christmas shopping list. Retailers respond by offering great deals to lure customers to their shops. People wake up at 4am to queue up outside their favourite department store. Does that sound like your cup of tea? or would you rather do all your shopping online? (say yes and head over to Mee a Bee!!).

So between now and the middle of December I will be promoting like crazy, living and breathing Mee a Bee to make this a great sales quarter for my business. I really appreciate your support - tell your friends to 'like' me on Facebook!

Courtesy of: CreditDonkey

Give it a Chai

2011-11-11T08:51:00.001+09:00

I love introducing the Chatters to new things. I am always on the hunt for new and simple recipes, fun drinks.

I was excited when I saw the Nestle Dolce Gusto group has brought out Chai Tea Latte for the coffee machine in a gorgeous magenta box.

Yesterday I offered it to my class. All four ladies gave a unanimous yes to having it added to the winter menu permanently.

Today's class will also have the option of trying it. I've made a Lemon Loaf with Walnuts for them. Yesterday I had Banana Loaf. (both from Edmonds Cookery Book). I haven't tried the tea but the combination of ingredients - cinnamon, cloves, cardamon and ginger seemed to lend itself to something without too strong a flavour hence the loaves.


my winter menu (graphics from SweetStock.etsy.com)

Today is 11/11/11. I haven't seen any news about the meaning of this date. My friend MissBehaving is normally an authority on this sort of stuff so all questions should probably be directed through her ;)

The thoughtful pirate

2011-11-09T09:52:00.000+09:00

Pirate Boy's Bag

This Monday was a holiday for Little Guy - he'd had to go to kindergarten an extra day last week. We had a lot to do in the morning including a large shipment of bags to get off to the post office. He wanted to help and lately he loves having his photo taken.

Check out this new pirate messenger bag for little boys in my shop.

A friend of mine dropped in shortly after we got home with shortbread from Costco. YUM! If you get a chance to try it I cannot recommend it highly enough. We were all fighting over the last one. Buttery and soft without being crumbly, they were perfection. Is anyone in my area going to Costco soon? I have some other things on my list, please.

Christmas at my place: something to share

2011-11-08T17:58:00.004+09:00

I can't celebrate an event like a birthday or Christmas without some kind of Lego set. This year I have bought a large castle set to share. Really Noodle is more interested in being outside, playing with his friends, trading cards. BUT with the right Lego set and a good mood (not guaranteed) he will spend an enjoyable afternoon with his brother building up a larger set.

I have decided it's time for Little Guy to expand his horizons away from policemen, firemen and other rescue workers. He's been talking about knights and ninjas lately so I settled on the whole castle and medieval theme. It's going to be fun for me since Noodle did pirates and vikings when he was younger. We haven't learned much about knights.

The Lego website has tons of downloads, movies and animation to support the Kingdom series. I will let Little Guy and Noodle take a look so they can get ideas for more fantastic scenarios with their set.

I think some costumes will be in order too! I am planning to alter some old pillow-cases with some fabric paint for the knights' tunic thing.They can wear their long thermal underwear from our ski trip as the tights. I will most likely let them make their own cardboard swords. They are boys after all! Masks can be downloaded from Lego.

I went along to the Lego outlet store last week (Click Brick) but was disappointed to find their prices were considerably higher than Amazon's (up to $50.00 more in some cases). It wasn't a totally wasted trip though as I bumped into my friend and neighbour on the way over there and was able to persuade her to grab a coffee at Tully's before we returned home. Nice!

Christmas at my place - cooking sets, not just for girls

2011-11-08T17:22:00.000+09:00

I'm so happy to be making real progress on my Christmas list. I think I have everything for my kids except those things that they request of Santa. I keep telling them to write their letters but they have'n't been able to come up with any ideas for what to ask for.

Melissa & Doug Pizza Party

For Little Guy I have ordered this Pizza Party Set by Melissa and Doug. He adores 'cooking' and hosts guests in his restaurant most weeks. He puts on his favourite chef t shirt and calls himself Chefay (not sure where that came from). He takes orders and calculates the bill with one of his many calculators.

As would be expected of me I am giving this gift some homemade twists. I have a lovely piece of large red & white check fabric which I am making a 'garcon' apron with and perhaps napkins or a tablecloth.

Little Guy is five now and quite imaginative which I like to encourage as much as possible. His elaborate role-plays must surely be a healthy use of his brain!

It's me little d_ _ _!

2011-11-05T16:26:00.000+09:00

We took delivery of this lovely box this morning which Little Guy quickly commandeered. A few quick alterations in my workshop and he has his own Puppet Theatre. We have tons of little finger puppets as well as these felt storyboards. This is his first performance. I couldn't help laughing about his choice of words when addressing the 'troll' (this is his version of the Three Billy Goat's Gruff). Let's hope he improves. He's a born actor, loves the limelight.

Funerals, Fun and Festivals

2011-11-05T09:26:00.000+09:00

OK, so the three words in the title wouldn't necessarily be said together normally so let me explain. It really happened this week.

Last Saturday evening we were heading into the city to visit the kid's grandparents. The plan was to have dinner together then the kids were going to sleep over while I returned home. Their Dad was away on business but due back the next day and would pick them up. Unfortunately while en route we got some alarming news about a death in the family. Mr. Mee a Bee's poor uncle.

Funerals are very different from what I am used to. (Though I am very lucky not to have experienced very many in my life). The preparations are made quickly (often within a day) and there are several long ceremonies spanning a few days. We were in funeral-mode for about four days. It was very sad and very trying for the whole family.

One thing I have learned is that life goes on. Perhaps the long ceremony is therapeutic. By the end of it you're relieved it's over and ready to farewell the loved one. That's nice I think. (Thanks for your well-wishes. Neither I nor Mr. Mee a Bee was very close to Uncle but his death was shocking and unexpected so we appreciate your kind thoughts).

Back at work on Wednesday I launched the Mee a Bee winter contest. I wanted my customers to have some FUN so this is what I came up with:

Visit Mee a Bee so you can enter too!

So far I have had a wonderful response to the contest and most people seem to be having FUN searching for our snowman's nose. I had some help with the graphics, I bought a little downloadable pack from the lovely Melanie at SweetStock then put together my banner with GIMP (software). Totally awesome!!

That brings us to Thursday, a national holiday for cultural pursuits and our annual Kindergarten Craft Fair. Only this year the craft element was removed and the name has changed to Kindergarten Festa! It was brilliant fun. We really enjoyed it after the sad events from earlier in the week. Noodle had a school commitment so couldn't come. That meant that Mr. Mee a Bee and Little Guy had to plow their way through all of the food that they'd pre-ordered. I was surprised they could walk by the end of it!

わなげ game

Why wasn't I there helping with the consumption? I was on duty at one of the game stands. I was assigned to supervise the ring-toss game. I had to greet the kid (enthusiastically), take their ticket, give them three rope rings, tell them where to stand - on correct line according to their age, shout (again enthusiastically) as they tried to toss the rings onto the pegs, then give them the correct prize voucher. I was given a two page manual which I had to get Noodle to translate ... It was hugely fun and I was proud of myself for not frightening any little kids away! I had to be especially cheerful to prospective students - that wasn't a problem for me since I'm a natural salesperson.

So that brings us to the end of a very exhausting week. It's Saturday again. We have very few plans, thank goodness.

Our Awesome Day in Our Awesome Town

2011-10-29T22:00:00.001+09:00

A few weeks ago the kids both brought home leaflets about a kids' event at one of our city's parks. It looked like a lot of fun so I wrote it on the calendar. It mentioned Face Painting and Giant Bubble Blowing. There would be a big skipping rope, stilts and hopscotch. Egg and Spoon Races and a relay. All good old-fashioned fun.

The weather promised to be perfect so we packed a picnic and headed over on our bikes. What a great day! First of all it was organised and there were some staff / volunteers running it but really it was all very informal and relaxed.

It was FREE!

There were loads of kids from the local primary schools and from Little Guy's kindergarten. Mums and babies and a few dads.

Noodle, quickly abandoned his embarrassing mother and spent the entire day cutting up wood and hammering in nails. He did let me help a bit (once he had the lay of the land and realised there was nobody worth caring about that might stare at us). He's come home with a 'table' and a 'three-sided box'. Little Guy made a 'bird house' with the help of one our mum friends.

I'm sure this wouldn't happen in other countries. The tools, wood and nails were in plastic bins on these concrete steps where it was 'free for all'. Kids of any age could make whatever they wanted to. As long as they could find a saw or a hammer it was there for the taking. Nobody was telling them to be careful. By mid-afternoon there were nails everywhere and half-made projects littered all over the ground. And some very proud kids with some pretty amazing contraptions. I saw so much cooperation, sharing and group-planning. It was brilliant.

Initially Little Guy was reluctant to try anything. He hurried off to the corner to play on the jungle gym. As out-going as he is he needs time to get the lay of the land as well. Especially when there are a lot of other children around.

He had a short try of these learner's stilts (made from sawn-off bamboo) then spent the rest of the day safely ensconced in his brother's gang in the woodworking corner.

We shared our picnic lunch with some friends we bumped into and stayed the whole day. We only spent $4.00 on cold drinks on the way over. A perfect day!

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas: Ballerina Girls

2011-10-29T09:08:00.000+09:00

I had a bit of fun yesterday. I climbed up into our attic in search of Christmas decorations for this little photo shoot. Oh my goodness, we have baubles in every colour! I'm actually not sure where they all came from!

I wanted a 'natural' setting for this photo so I made the snowflake banner from paper coasters and kraft string. It's really cute and of course so simple.

The actual gift set is one of two which I have made to send the red ballet fabric off in style - these are the last bags ever. You can see the full set online at Mee a Bee: it includes a messenger bag, matching drawstring bag, a little velcro-close cosmetic purse and a large heart-print gift wrap drawstring bag.

Oh dear ... lets hope this has nothing to do with us

2011-10-28T07:46:00.001+09:00

Yesterday I had a visit from a long-lost friend from out of town. It was a stunning day so we decided to go for a walk along one of our famous walking trails.

Imagine my surprise when we came upon this graffiti bearing my son's name!! I burst out laughing and quickly took a photo. My friend was shocked. Perhaps she has more faith in the ability of a five year old, with a spray can, about five kilometres from our home ... If he were a teenager then I completely might have thought it was him since he can be a handful and in the past we might have wondered if he were headed for a life of delinquency. (Of course these days he's an angel thanks to his new sticker chart!).

There are a few interesting things about this 'tag'. We seldom see graffiti around here. There's not much even in downtown Osaka. Secondly, Tyler is not a common name here. The Japanese version is Taira, which is quite an old-fashioned name. Even if a kid was called Taira, it most definitely would not be spelled this way. So, we concluded that this was done by a visiting student or tourist. Shame on them.

The Simple Things: Autumn's Bounty

2011-10-26T09:24:00.000+09:00

I'm really starting to appreciate the simple things in life. Such as the turning seasons. The kids are taught a great deal about seasonal food, plants, stars and cultural activities at school. I think it's great.

lovely spades from the dollar shop

Rice, apples, chestnuts and sweet potatoes. All harvested in Autumn and making their way into our home. We have so many apples we've had to give some away. Our neighbour wondered if it would be OK to give us some chestnuts ..."oh and take these sweet potatoes", she said. "We have so many!"

This week Little Guy will go on his Autumn Field Trip - Mandarin Picking and Sweet Potato Digging. A new spade was needed. We couldn't resist the lovely colours, so at 100 yen each we got three. One each?

Have you ever roasted your own chestnuts? or even eaten them? They're not something we have in New Zealand, as far as I know. I am going to give it a go following this detailed tutorial: How to Roast Chestnuts.

Next month at kindergarten Little Guy will be making his own mochi. That's when new-season rice is pounded with a special mallet until it turns into a doughy paste. It is then rolled into balls to eat 'raw' or to cook. Check out jojoebi's little guy having a go last year!

So across the nation we celebrate the season with all this bounty. I dare say picking mandarin, digging up potatoes and pounding mochi are considered rites of passage at kindergarten.

The PTA - unsung heroes

2011-10-25T16:19:00.002+09:00

A lot of my mum-friends are vehemently opposed to the PTA (yakuin) system here in Japan. It's a well-known fact that nobody wants to be the leader as it's hard work, stressful and time-consuming.

I was pleasantly surprised this year when one young mum stepped up immediately to lead our group. She'd heard that it was fun. Both of her kids are either at kindergarten or school so she has the time. And she's a natural. Quiet and unassuming yet strong in organisational skills and efficient at rallying the team. She's super-kind and patient with me (taking the time to really make sure I understand what's going on. She speaks S L O W L Y and uses standard Japanese rather than the local dialect).

Yesterday my group spent a few hours together planning for the big upcoming event - the kindergarten fete or bazaar. I'm really fortunate to be in the coolest group. The mums are all very good friends as most of them have been in the same group for at least three years and some longer since they all have older kids as well. The groups are assigned based on where you live and your mode of transport to and from kindy. We're the drivers (or bikers or walkers). Since we're all neighbors one of them usually picks me up since I never know where the restaurants are. See what I mean about bending over backwards for me.

(The lovely what she wore today mum is in my group too and I am delighting in her transition pieces as the weather cools down).

Me and Noodle , five years ago at his first Sport's Day in the mum / kid dance

Based on my own experiences the PTA is a tremendous support to the kindergarten. The leaders put in a lot of time and energy. They're the grease that keeps the engine running smoothly. For example at the Sport's Day the PTA is in charge of setting up the field between each event. They have one of those white powder machines for marking the lines. They gather up the props, balls and equipment. Twice during the relay race a kid's shoe came flying off - the PTA was there to grab it. On other days, like when we have a class observation, the PTA mums supervise parking. The carpark is very small but they pack it to the gills with care and precision.

I guess I would like to express my thanks to these unsung heroes. I only wish I could do more to help.

Happy Monday - Good News from my Dentist

2011-10-24T10:05:00.000+09:00

Today I had my regular Monday rendezvous with my dentist. Good news! I have finally been released from their vice-like grip. After seven appointments in eight weeks I was stunned and disbelieving when they told me it was finally over. Though, I was starting to think they would have to replace the new fillings just for something to do ... I narrowly avoided having to have a perfectly good wisdom tooth yanked. That would have been scary.

I'm a little bit sad it's over for two reasons. My new dentist is young and good-looking with lovely hands. Even when he's drilling out old fillings with no anesthetic I don't mind. Secondly, the 7-11 convenience store near there sells Red Bull - my latest obsession and secret weapon to energy-filled days. The All Blacks drink it. I'm sure you heard the news of New Zealand's glorious victory in the Rugby World Cup!!!!!! Yaye!

Confessions of a mum in troubled waters

2011-10-23T23:38:00.001+09:00

Wouldn't it be great if this blog was funny? I was reading a 'mom blog' a few minutes ago, giggling away to myself and it struck me that my blog is not funny. Why not? I love to kid around!

Have you had any laughs this weekend? Sad to say I have not. It's been busy and at times a tad stressful. Noodle has entered 'tweensville. He's happy-go-lucky one minute and scowling, mean and nasty the next.

Today in the space of five seconds, in the walk from the shed to the gate his mood changed. I demanded but did not get an explanation. I seriously contemplated leaving him at home despite the frightening events of earlier in the week. Eventually he admitted that it's because he feels he is being stared at and laughed at when we go out together. He didn't actually say together but I suspect it has something to do with the fact that people notice ME (the foreign person) and then want to stare rudely, examine or interrogate my kids. It's a very difficult situation since I do stick out like a sore thumb. I have ways of dealing with it myself but it isn't the easiest thing when you are nine.

On the other hand, it could be nothing to do with the fact that we are different. Don't all boys (and maybe girls) go through a phase of cringing in embarrassment when seen out with their mothers?

For today I let him ride his bike about five meters behind and then sit on another bench on the other side of the fountain to eat his chocolate chip cookie. (we had gone to the mall to grab bagels for lunch). Since I was cross and hurt I didn't need to humiliate him by speaking loud English to him. I didn't talk to him at all. Yes, childish, I know.

This hatred of all things mum appears to be the source of most of his fowl moods lately. Since he is only nine I fear that things are going to get worse. much much worse.

Book suggestions welcome. I am going to start re-reading Steve Biddulph.

ETSY: still really great!

2011-10-22T12:51:00.002+09:00

I have been selling my bags for kids on Etsy for four years now. There have been tons of changes in the technical areas, all of them pretty good in my opinion. Today I noticed a new option to link to your Facebook and Twitter pages directly off the front page of your shop. EXCELLENT!! and I had to take a snapshot since it simply says Like 1K - that's right, over 1000 fans on Facebook. wow!

Facebook is really buzzing everyday. Right now I am hosting a contest, you might like to vote.
Twitter - I don't use it as much as I did when it first came out but I do check in a few times a week.

New in-store today: Ant's Picnic!

2011-10-21T13:50:00.000+09:00

I was over the moon when I found this fabric had been re-printed. It was a HUGE favourite here at Mee a Bee about two or so years ago. It's never been made into satchels before (I was mainly making them for boys at that stage). What do you think?

YUM?!

You can check it out in my store at Mee a Bee.com
and make sure you pop into the front page for a birthday treat! Yes, Mee a Bee will celebrate its fifth birthday next week! I am slowly spreading the word as I have some other surprises up my sleeve.

When you make your purchases please let me know you're a Blooming in Japan blog follower. xxx

{Sally, the tea towel you gave me is in this shot}.

Delightful Morning Teas

2011-10-21T12:36:00.000+09:00

For my Friday Chatty Cafe I adapted a recipe to come up with these very delicious muffins. I was worried that the hunks of strawberry were too large, not to mention their misshapen appearance but the ladies all complimented me on them.

I bought all the ingredients at a local supermarket that is well-known in these parts for being a cheap kind of restaurant supply place - Gyomu Super.

Strawberry & White Chocolate Muffins

2 c plain flour
2 t baking powder
3/4 c castor sugar

1 c plain unsweetened yogurt
1 t vanilla essence or extract
1/3 c salad oil such as canola
2 eggs

1 1/2 c frozen strawberries
2 small bars of white chocolate (I used Morinaga)

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C. Prepare 12 hole non-stick muffin pan by coating well with non-stick spray (or simply use cupcake liners like I did).

In a large bowl sift the flour, baking powder and sugar. In another bowl combine the yogurt, essence, eggs and oil. Mix well with a whisk.

Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients then mix gently with a fork until just combined. Take care not to over-mix. It's OK if there are still little pockets of flour showing. Sprinkle the strawberries and the white chocolate broken into chunks over the top. Stir briefly. Over-mixing will result in tough and hard muffins.

Bake until golden brown. When pressed lightly the top bounces back. Depending on your oven and the number of strawberries it could be between 15 and 25 minutes.

Best served on the day with a light dusting of powdered sugar. Can be stored overnight in an airtight container. Before serving reheat in a moderate oven (180 deg) for about 5 or so minutes.

The original recipe called for sour cream and raspberries. It's another Donna Hay one.

Thank you Amazon Shoppers

2011-10-20T10:36:00.001+09:00

Some of you have noticed that I have a little link to Amazon Japan on my blog. Each time someone clicks the link and buys something I receive a small percentage of the sale. This month I was thrilled to be able to use these funds (plus a little from Mee a Bee) to send a set of books to a school in the tsunami disaster zone.

Go to Amazon Japan, shop in English = top right

I found this tiny link in the top right corner of the main Amazon page. I was able to use a translate tool to search until I found a school in need. All I needed to do was buy & pay for the books but instead of having them sent to my place I entered in the email address provided by the school. Amazon handled the delivery.

I sent a set of Elmer and The Dragon books (which are in print in Japanese). I hope they are well-loved. Noodle said this was a great choice as these books are funny. I thought so too.

Thanks for your help! Keep clicking the link or bookmark it so that instead of going straight to Amazon you first go through my blog.

A parent's {not worst but pretty bad} nightmare

2011-10-19T14:00:00.003+09:00

Last night I found myself in a predicament.

Little Guy and I were cycling down the driveway on our way to meet Noodle, who was at his tutoring class. Suddenly Little Guy noticed his bicycle light batteries were flat. I rushed inside to get fresh batteries - there were none. I located a torch in the camping bag - it also had flat batteries. I quickly got a screwdriver to get the batteries out of one of their toys but found these were also dead. Starting to panic I tipped out the contents of their bedside drawers trying to find anything that resembled a torch ...

In the end I made the decision to leave Little Guy at home by himself. It was pitch black outside so I weighed up the dangers of each proposition - a five year old riding a bike in the dark vs. the five year old home alone. All the while aware that my nine year old was probably freaking out that nobody was there to meet him.

A panic-stricken call to Mr. Mee a Bee revealed that he was about twenty minutes away.

I was gone for fifteen minutes. When I got home I noticed the front curtains were slightly open. Then I found a package by the front door. A person we do know but not that well had come to the door. Little Guy had opened the door and told him nobody was home. Thank goodness it was not some stranger or opportunistic villain. Still it scared the life out of me. All those what ifs.

In hindsight we should have gotten in the car and driven down to meet Noodle.

The ironic thing is that a few months ago I invested quite a large sum in these super-duper re-chargable batteries. I found all six of them in the remote control toy car.

I guess there are many lessons in this tale! And you can add this to the ever-growing list of terrible parenting choices I've made! Just keeping it real!

What a star!

2011-10-17T21:56:00.000+09:00

The past two weeks my Little Guy has been delightful almost 100% of the time. A few weeks ago things had started to get out of control (again) at dinner and bedtime. Little Guy is a mischievous wee man. But what he thinks is funny is often not appropriate.

I started re-reading a book by Nigel Latta. "Before your kids drive you crazy, read this". He makes a great suggestion for this age group, a sticker chart with a difference. I can tell you about it in an email if you like or check out the author here.

After a few weeks of this new reward system we have seen big improvements. Little Guy is still a talkative joker but the point of this is not to change his personality. He is allowed to have fun and be a five year old. We just wanted to eliminate some of the more annoying behavior. Bedtime especially is vastly improved. Our big gripe was that he kept coming out of his room to 'get something' or 'tell someone something'. It would go on for up to two hours sometimes. Each time he got out of bed his energy was restored and he never seemed to tire. Now the rule is that once we've said goodnight he must stay in his room (barring a real emergency). Trips to the toilet are allowed of course and drinks can be gotten from the bathroom.

Tonight I found a similar little chart that you can print for free (with a simple online registration form) from creative current - click on FREE PYOs. It's simpler than my black marker pen chart but way more attractive. I think we have graduated from the hour by hour/day by day reminder.

I chose the Rocket Star Chart.

Fabric Adventures: new fabric for boys and other stuff

2011-10-16T23:28:00.000+09:00

Yesterday I found myself alone in the house. That's rare for a Saturday afternoon. I made the spontaneous decision to go to the fabric shop a little further afield. It was dead-quiet at the shop being near closing time. I had a slow and thorough look around but sadly I didn't find much that I liked.

I am really happy with this cute piece I found for boys. I like the bright and cheerful colors and the fact that none of the words have Japanese-English spelling.

I will have more pictures soon - the first little boy's bag is already half made.

My weekend has been very productive. Mr. Mee a Bee was home which meant I could take it easy a bit. He did most of the cooking and all of the answering of Little Guy's 2.5 million questions.

AND the big thing he did, which is so great - he called our internet providers to complain about the speed of our connection. Even Mr. Mee a Bee was impressed by this excellent service. He called the helpline today at 11.30 am. They checked a few things out and called back to say that a tech guy would come over to take a look today between one and six. That guy arrived just a couple of hours later, made some adjustments to the cables outside and told us that should improve things considerably. There was no hard-sell to upgrade. In fact he didn't even think it would be necessary. Impressive for a SUNDAY don't you think?

I'm a very happy camper tonight flitting from website to website at the speed of light. Yaye!

(Also, last night, in desperation, I opened my hard drive and cleaned the fan. It was filthy and disgusting. I think even doing that made a difference to the speed of my pc).

Another installment in the "We are fantastic parents" series

2011-10-16T23:02:00.001+09:00

This evening I told Mr. Mee a Bee that I would get out the video camera so I can film the sporting event tomorrow. He looked at me incredulously and said "Do we still have that?". "Was that even ours?" "Wasn't that your brother's?" I laughed and went to get it. The bag had faded from grey to a kind of putrid green. The battery was completely flat and I could not remember how to turn it on.

Still I plugged it in and found that there was a tape (yes, a tape!!) inside. We both wondered when we had used it last. I finally got it up and running. It was so funny: it was Noodle, on the very same day!! five years ago.!! His para-ballooning spectacular from kindergarten!! (Now I see why Little Guy's teachers keep calling him Noah (Noodle's name) instead of Tyler - they are the spitting image of each other). Little Guy is in the video too, a teeny tiny, spotty three month old. What an ugly baby, poor sausage, he had such terrible skin.

What dedicated and enthusiastic parents we are, recording all the momentous events of our kid's lives!

Noodle was miffed that I had not taped his recent sporting glories. I told him I would probably film him becoming President of the United States. He didn't find that odd. The timing would seem right, another few years down the track. But since we're not even American I might as well have said when pigs fly. I don't think video-ing is our thing.

Rain cancels event! Sport's Day

2011-10-15T00:09:00.000+09:00

Rain! I'm telling you I really feel we've had bad luck with the weather and natural forces this year. It's raining very heavily, blustery and chilly. Poor Little Guy's first-ever Sport's & Athletic's Day has had to be postponed. It will be held on Monday which means most of the family won't be able to go and watch.

I am gutted. I feel so sorry for all of the kids and their teachers who have been practicing for this for months. No joke. Back in June or July the kids were introduced to the para balloon. The para balloon is a huge parachute-like thing, round and brightly coloured. The kids hold the edges and perform tricks? I'm not sure how to describe it so take a look at this video someone thoughtfully uploaded to YouTube (not our kindy though it's similar I am sure). Little Guy has been practicing everyday. It's so full-on the kids wear knee-pads and afterwards they have to get changed since they're hot, sweaty and muddy. I've been having to wash his shorts every night and send an extra t shirt along each day.

In addition I had bought loads of yummy picnic food and was planning to make a day of it. Of course we'll still eat but it won't be the same.

AND Noodle's field trip got rained out. He came home saturated. Though he said he had a good time except he dropped his lunch on the ground ... He probably just needed an excuse to eat of all those snacks! And it's possible he doesn't like blanched spinach, hehehe, that's what I had put in for his 'greens'. I'm not entirely sure where Noodle went today but when I was passing the school this morning I saw all of the buses. Can you believe the whole school and even the school nurse went on the field trip? (according to Noodle, that's about nine hundred kids).

Fingers crossed for sun on Sunday so the ground dries out. Monday fine with a light cloud covering would be perfect - I don't want to get sun burnt.

Mummy's Snack Shop - now hiring

2011-10-14T00:09:00.000+09:00

It's field trip time. These things come around with refreshing regularity so I am starting to know what's expected. In particular I know that the boys will be allowed to take a bag of junk food.

At kindy the suggested budget is 300 yen, that is a LOT of junk and I have always had a really hard time sending along that much. At school the limit is 200 yen which still comes out to a lot of food but Noodle reckons he will be able to eat it all. It's all very disgusting and unhealthy stuff but it's not our normal food so it's OK I guess.

The good mums take their kids along to the shops so they can pick out their favourites. The lazy mums, like me, grab things at the supermarket that will do, and make their kids take them. Noodle was a little disappointed that he wasn't going to be choosing his own food from the real shops so I decided to make a shop at home: Mummy's Snack Shop. Little Guy and I had a lovely time pricing everything, making money, credit cards and name tags. Noodle was a cooperative customer and diligently made sure he did not overspend (I am not sure if we are really related, I do not have the thrifty gene)

Little Guy was the manager of course. I thought it was clever of him to explain how we would staff the shop. If I wanted to have a break then he would be on duty and vice versa. If we both needed a break we would put the closed sign up. He definitely has the entrepreneurial spirit.

his job title: manager

Language Barriers

2011-10-13T09:00:00.000+09:00

Here's a question for you. How many of you can speak a foreign language? And should you meet someone who spoke that language, would you feel confident enough to start up a conversation?

For those of you living in Japan, how often do you meet people who speak {your native language}?

I am constantly blown away by the number of people I meet who can speak English. This week alone I have met four new people who spoke English. The amazing thing is that all of them were over the age of 60 or even 70. Personally I find that incredible. As you know, and my brother will back me up on this, despite studying French for eight years, I am dismal. And even after fifteen years living in Japan my language level is shockingly poor.

Last year at a Christmas lunch I met a beautiful French woman. Not once did I admit that I spoke even the tiniest bit of French.

In Japanese I am doing much better. I'm actually trying now. Last Sunday I went along to my second swimming club party. I was able to follow along with quite a lot of what was being said. I still did not talk much though. What normally gets me is the speed at which the conversation changes course. I'm sure it's true in any language.

I guess I would have to say hats off to those people who see me around and have the courage to strike up a conversation. It's marvelous!

Changes ... again! to the Mee a Bee website

2011-10-12T23:41:00.000+09:00

http://www.meeabee.com/

One of the things I spend a lot of time doing is reading about and thinking about ways to get more people to visit my website. I would love to have more customers, who in business doesn't want that?

Etsy is great and that's where I sell most of my bags. I've been selling there for close to five years now without complaint. Still I do like the flexibility of having my own website. It's fun to fiddle around with.

Today I came up with this illustration for the front page. I use Gimp which is free. Don't you think it's quite clever? Given that I am a self-taught wannabe graphic designer? (in case I think it's better than it is, it's supposed to look like a "To Do list on a Post It note. I tried to choose a font that looks like handwriting). I know it's early to be thinking about C*******S but I do need to think about the cut-off dates for International shipping. I'm sure there are some among you who shop early?

My site is undergoing some changes so right now the full range is not listed. I hope to get to it over the next few days. Once it's all running smoothly I will return here to plead with you to share my shop information to anyone who has a kid in their life ;)

Pink and Blue Ballerina Toddler Messenger Bag

2011-10-10T16:02:00.001+09:00

Pink and Blue Ballerina
Originally uploaded by Mee a Bee

It's a lovely day for this fresh colour combination! We're on holiday today (Sport's Day) but really that means the kids are busy with their dad and I am sewing!

The week in review and a peek inside my place

2011-10-08T11:58:00.001+09:00

It's been another one of those weeks where I have had tons to talk about and even plenty of time but somehow my poor blog has been neglected. Sorry!

Mainly my computer is having issues. Caving under the strain. I've heard a lot of stories about people losing their hard-drives so I have started using McAfee online storage. I would be heart-broken if I lost all of my photos. Photos of my kids, especially Tyler, who was born in the digital camera era. We have very few actual photos of him. I also have millions of shots of my other babies - five years worth of Mee a Bee bags! It's fun to see how far I have come. To ooh and ahh over favourite long-gone fabrics.

Monday evening I took delivery of a new table. Our old one was dangerously like a see-saw threatening to topple over. I had repaired it twice but without the proper glue and tools the repairs did not last. Mr. Mee a Bee finally lost patience with it and sent me scuttling into Ikea for a new one. yaye! I chose the Bjursta round table in dark brown. Really it's quite dark for our place but I like it. It's also much bigger than it appears in the catalogue and even in-store. I couldn't afford the chairs as well so I thought we would make do with our old chairs. They look a bit ghastly and in fact are too low but we'll manage for a little while longer (with various ugly chair cushions!)

I held two Chatty Cafes this week which was a major impetus to getting the table as soon as possible. On Thursday we had Double Chocolate Muffins with whipped cream and Damson Plum Coulis (which I bought in New Zealand, get yours here, it's divine). On Friday, considering I had already had too much cake and sweet stuff, I made Sultana Scones and served them with Persimmon Cardamon jam. I also brought that back from New Zealand and it is absolutely delectable, check it out here, Gernot's Gold.

It's a lovely sunny warm day today. I have done about five loads of washing while the kids have been outside getting mud all over their clothes in the mud pie factory. You'd think they would have grown out of that phase, but no.

Since they were outside I was able to clean up the lounge a bit so you could have a peek into our Saturday morning home. One day it would be nice to have matching furniture or at least all the same colour wood!
If it's not displaying then click this link to go to Flickr. You can make it full screen here by pressing the arrow thing in the right hand bottom corner.

Have a nice weekend!

How I spend my mornings these days

2011-10-05T15:19:00.001+09:00

I think I spoke too soon about the dentist ... Today I visited the dentist for the fifth time and the work is still not over! Today my dentist told me he will be on holiday next week. I'm not surprised as I need a break from it as well. Two of my fillings are done. Now he's found another "small" repair he'd like to do, an old filling that needs some attention. Another dentist will step in. God help me if he finds anything else that needs doing. Luckily all this work is not costing me too much. It's a bit like having something on layby. Just paying a bit each week.

So if you call on me at 9 o clock and I am not home there's a high chance that I am at yet another dental appointment.

My teeth really aren't that bad!

I really need an iPhone

2011-10-03T10:38:00.001+09:00

I wish you could see my lovely boy and I enjoying the autumn sun, a day off school and a bike adventure. Just the two of us. I need a better phone camera!

Sport's Day Picnic

2011-10-02T16:05:00.000+09:00


our lunch: rice ball onigiri, fried chicken kara-age, egg omelette tamago yaki and good old cheese & marmite sandwiches

Across the land at this time of year schools and kindergartens are having their annual Sports & Culture Day. Noodle's was today and we could not have asked for better weather: cloudy and cool with just enough sun peeking out at lunchtime and not a hint of rain. Mr. Mee a Bee made our lunch and it was yum! He's the bento king in our family but I do provide backup and support by ordering in the correct groceries, locating the cooler bag and matching the lids to tupperware containers in advance.

Noodle is in his 'costume' for the class dance. He told me not to video-tape it as it was stupid, dorky and lame. I thought it was quite fun but I can see why the kids didn't like it. The song was somewhat old-fashioned.

The whole school is divided into two houses, red or white. Noodle has just returned home with the disappointing news that his house came second. Still he had a fun day.

Little Guy will participate in his first ever Sports Day on the 15th of this month. He's super-excited.

Stranded on a desert island - a pirate and a palm tree

2011-09-28T15:50:00.000+09:00

Yesterday's photo session started here in my lounge with the uncooperative pirate. "I don't like pirates" is a commonly uttered statement from this chap.

It's true, he's never been into pirates. His brother, on the other hand, was really into pirates from about the age of three. He had every pirate book ever written, a pirate duvet cover, the Lego pirate ship, numerous t shirts, costumes and whatever else someone thought up to market to unsuspecting parents like me. BUT he didn't have his very own homemade Pirate Messenger Bag!! coming soon to Mee a Bee.

Our palm tree is an exciting new additon to our home. It's another one of Sticky Tiki's fabulous creations - in fact the one I have been coveting for ages. I mentioned this in passing to Kim when I was visiting in August. Bless her, she offered to make one for us complete with the kids' names on the bird's ribbons. HOW COOL IS IT?! Thank you Kim, I stare at it all day long.

This variety of palm is native to New Zealand. It's called a Nikau. We had one in our garden at home when I was growing up. The birds are also gorgeous natives. Kereru or wood pigeon. I could go on about this forever.

On a technical note. This is the first time I have used the Sticky Tiki wall decals on my textured wallpaper. They have been up since the end of August and are firmly stuck (but still removeable). Initially I was worried they wouldn't stick but I needed to firmly press quite a large area of the decal onto the wall then smooth the rest on. Easy peasy.

An exhausting afternoon of boy troubles

2011-09-27T18:12:00.001+09:00

Boy's Messenger Bag - Toddler Size - Vintage Cars

Phew, what a day! This morning I hurried to finish this bag so that I could ask Tyler to pose for a photo after kindy. As you can see he was not happy to help. But he never is. It's quite exasperating but I suppose he's entitled to his feelings on the matter.

Noodle came home hot and tired. He was a man on a mission with his homework and was not impressed by Tyler's attempts to throw a Halloween party.

Just before five Noodle raced off to his tutoring class only to come dashing back to say he'd forgotten his watch. I looked in all the usual spots and came up empty-handed. He left in quite a huff and a panic as he was running late by this point. I checked under his bed again and found it! So Tyler and I jumped on our bikes to take it - we got there with two minutes to spare before the teacher went inside. I hope Noodle is grateful. And I wish he would look after his stuff more carefully.

We cycled home at a more leisurely pace and were rounding the corner to the home straight when I heard a crash. Tyler had hit the curb and fallen off his bike! Luckily he wasn't hurt except he took a handle bar in the gut. Poor fellow. He's very quiet now. (He was wearing a helmet and did not hit his head thank goodness).

So I have this new Messenger Bag for Little Boys in my shop. It's being sold at the introductory price of $25 plus postage. The model's bag has a nice long strap if you have a taller boy otherwise the standard strap is also available.

More yummy discoveries

2011-09-27T16:00:00.002+09:00

I had a delicious time scrolling through pages of imported goodness on Amazon. I had no idea they sold so much food! (The lunch tin has arrived already, can you believe it? less than 24 hours later!!)

I am always fond of modern packaging. Isn't this Clipper Tea packaging nice?

I know the ladies would enjoy the actual tea at one of my Chatty Cafes.

You can get it in Japan here:
Clipper Tea from Amazon and I recommend viewing the Clipper website to learn more about this charming British-owned company.

A little sweet treat: Artisan Two by Two

2011-09-26T12:03:00.001+09:00

It's not unusual for me to buy my Christmas presents early as I like to spread out the cost, save in the summer sales and take advantage of cheaper shipping. Today I am excited about two things I found for my own kids - which were neither reduced in price nor will need to be shipped, oh well. They are just so cute I couldn't risk them selling out.

Have you ever come across Artisan Biscuits? Oh my, just the packaging has me swooning. The owl and the pussycat? I had to have it. Plus they're handmade, all natural ingredients, even some organic. No nuts. Perfect.

My kids love tins. Noodle has a special one for his essential items like a pocket knife and a compass. Little Guy has all kinds of rotating stuff in his. I chose one lunch box and one money box. Little Guy doesn't have his own money box but he frequently opens his brother's one and dips in. I think we need to teach him the value of saving.

I found these things at Amazon Japan. Sorry I got the last George and the Dragon money box.

Mistaken Identity

2011-09-24T12:23:00.000+09:00

Are you ever mistaken for something you are not? I am routinely asked if I am a teacher. That makes sense since a lot of English-speaking people living in Japan are or were teachers of English. More recently I have been asked if I am a university student! I find that to be very flattering since I am almost forty years old. Surely I am too old to be a student! I've had that question many times over the past year since I am out without my kids more these days. From time to time I am asked if I am a tourist visiting but not that often. A few times, years ago, I was asked if I was a 'lady of the night'. I wasn't insulted, it had nothing to do with what I was doing or wearing, it was just the creepy attitudes of a middle-aged Japanese men. I'd been warned about that sort of thing.

I think for today I'd like to pretend I am a uni student. See you at the pub later!