sakura blossom

Beautiful beach @ Margaret River

2010-03-09T10:56:00.012+08:00

Day 1 : Smith Beach
The day was bit windy but that's ok.
I found nice accomodation, Smith Beach Resort, luxury accommodation front of the beach, wish I can stay there ....

Day 2 : I forgot the beach name????
Water was very cold. look at my boys face, COLD!
but water is so clear and beautyful:-)

Day 3 : River Mouth
This beach is pretty:-) and fun place to go.
Swimming at beach or find crabs under the rocks or kayaking in the river, many things you can do at this place. I wish we had more time.....

Beautiful place to go @ Margaret River

2010-03-08T11:52:00.013+08:00

LAURANCE is my favorite wine cellar at Margaret River.
Love the olive trees.

wine glasses.......

Such a beautiful place, I felt I was at Provence!!

Camping @ Margaret River

2010-03-08T10:24:00.010+08:00

We had a wonderful time at Margaret River for camping. Margaret River is about less than three hours from Perth now thanks to the Freeway extension south that trip was easy and comfortable to drive (thanks to my friend who drove all the time) and not traffic jam at all. We satyed in the Taunton Farm Holiday Park for three days. This holiday park is only ten minutes from north of Margaret River. The facility is clean and they offering friendly service. It is a really relaxing and peaceful place to stay. Luckily we had our camping site right front of playground and large open area so while we enjoy drinking and chatting at our camping site I could watch our kids too.

Late afternoon many children came to play till night time.

Gorgeous gorgeous night in the nature.

This is first time we put tent ourself, it took one hour to put one tent! and such a windy day, I was worry about our tent but thankfully it didn't blow away!!

It's one of the milestones

2010-02-25T10:38:00.006+08:00

It's one of those milestones I remember in my childred's lives, like their first day walking and losing their first tooth. And yesterday was one of the day, my younger son's first tooth come out. How quikly kids grow and that I should enjoy every moment with them.

Japanese style garden and interiors design

2010-02-16T10:57:00.007+08:00

An inspiring book "Living with Japanese garden". In the beautiful variety of authentic Japanese garden pictures in this book. Essential elements for Japanese garden are stones, water, bamboo, Japanese maple, pond, koi fish, dark wood stracture. I love to have a cup of tea and relax or take a maditation in the Japanese garden.

Also about Japanese interior "WA-Qu" the creator group (Japanese artists, designers and architects) from Kyoto, Japan. Their modern Japanese interior design are amazingly beautiful!

This is "WA-Qu" (Japanese) website, go to project and exhibition. You can find beautiful Wa(Japanese) -Qu (space).

"TRUCK FURNITURE" love the simplicity & modern design

2010-02-09T12:32:00.019+08:00

Japanese furniture shop "TRUCK FURNITURE" opened in the new place, Osaka Japan.

Love the simplicity and modern style of their furniture, especially shelves are really nice. And I'm totally in love with the space they create. Also they opened a cafe called "Bird coffee" . I wish, I can fly to there and have a nice coffee.

Japanese "Irezumi" art

2010-02-04T12:36:00.022+08:00

Japanese koi fish are popular symbol of "irezumi" (tattoo).
I was looking at these Japanese sites here and here , there are really excellent Japanese tatto artist works. But when people put big big tattoos, how much pain they have to gone through???.

I found about "irezumi dish" from happy mundane (awesome blog, I found many interesting things in his blog!) , I think "irezumi dishes" are cool enough for me.

Japanese noodle bowl turn to??

2010-02-02T10:28:00.005+08:00

Sadly, my favorite Japanese noodle bowl was broken.

The bowl was perfect size for udon noodle but before I use it this happen!!!

Now the bowl is settle down like this. ↓↓↓

Put little things in the bowl , actually looks pretty.

Osechi ryori and new year

2010-01-02T21:44:00.009+08:00

Happy New Year!! Akemashite Omedetou!!

The new year shogatsu is an important time for Japanese people and we eat various kinds of special dishes during the new year with family, relatives and friends. One of traditional new year's food called Osechi ryori (above ) and usually that is served in few tiered lacquer boxes called jubako. This new year, one of my friend made osechi ryori, sushi and more.... I was so impressed!
She made all of these Japanese traditional foods herself .

Looks just like a flower.

I definitely put on weight during the new years holiday, because I ate so many foods all day and all night!

**I hope everyone have a wonderful 2010:)**

Japanese taiko : TAO drum group

2009-12-27T13:38:00.013+08:00

Do you know a taiko drum group called TAO?
(Taiko is a Japanese traditional drum.)
Their are fantastic performers and they has given traditional taiko music a completely new style, Cool and awesome.

They are coming to Australia June-July2010.
I hope many people discover the sound of Tao.

Wagashi of seven lucky gods

2009-12-14T11:35:00.012+08:00

Tea time - Green tea with wagashi...

Wagashi are traditional Japanese confectioneries which we can enjoy appearance, texture, scent and taste. Also wagashi is healthy sweet because main ingredients are red/white azuki beans, grains, potatoes, Kanten (gelatin made from seaweed) and sugar which are all natural ingredients- rich in vegetable protein, fiber and low in animal fat.

Serve with green tea will be parfect!!

This unique wagashi from Japan, I think the smily man is one of seven lucky god.
Seven Lucky Gods which are commonly know in Japan as Shichi Fukujin.

Shichi means seven, fukujin means god of good fortune and each of the seven gods has own auspiciousness such as Hotei- the fat and happy god of abundance and good health.

Happy healthy tea time!!

Flower power

2009-12-01T09:49:00.004+08:00

The roses are in bloom:) I took few roses from garden this morning.

Yes, that is flower power!!! the fragrance of the rose in the room.

Happy feeling...good to start off with lovely flower.

First day of December, last month of the year.

I can believe it. That is so quick.

Have a great day everyone:)oxoxox

ice balls

2009-11-24T12:57:00.009+08:00

I bought a ice ball tray in Japan. I remenber there were always ice balls in grandpas's freezer and in summer time I took ice in a mouth to cool down. Ball ice, there're something about it for me.

A glass of orange juice with plenty of ice to refesh.

I can't think about anything......very hot today.
I decided to take my boys to river this aftermoon.
Get cool air, play water and BBQ.
That's it!!!

Xmas card and Origami

2009-11-20T11:24:00.009+08:00

Wow, Xmas is almost there!!!
This weekend I made few xmas cards.
I use Japanese origami paper to add some Japanese touch.
There are something reassuring about handmade, I’m thinking each of my friend and add extra love to my cards:)

Japanese living magazine

2009-11-17T10:49:00.012+08:00

I love reading books and magazes especially interior, house magazines.
Recent trip to Japan, I bought lots of Japanese magazines.
I love to introduce one of my favorite.

This magazine is about the stories of various peaple and thier everyday routines with their office, atelier and living space.

12 Peaple appearing in the book are Japanese ceramic artist, photographer, interior shop owner, architect etc, I want to steal their cool living style! Most of there interior style are base on natural and fine balance of new and old style. This magazine is inspiring for me:) and I love their Japanes ceramics.

The magazine is written in Japanese but I think still can enjoy looking at photos.
87 pages , all color pages ,A4size

Rainbow in the sky:Perth

2009-11-16T13:03:00.004+08:00

Perth........

The rainbow appears in the sky, birngs us smily face.

But I miss Japan so much.........

My boy's favorite kangaroo went to Japan with us and returned to
Austraria.

Dagashi store

2009-11-09T13:50:00.008+08:00

Dagashi stores is traditional style Japanese candy shop.
Sooooo many cheap sweets you can get at shop.
Most of the sweets haven't cheanged looks and tast since I was child,
so every time go to Dagashi-ya (Dagashi stores) I feel quite
nostalgic for the place.

About Dagashi stores, go to Kids web Japan →travel→Time traveling with Dagashi candies

Sweets, sweets, sweets everywhere!!

I found a interesting place you may want to go,
this place called Kashiya Yokocho in Kawagoe city.

Timeless Japanese style

2009-11-04T10:35:00.003+08:00

I just love this Japanese style entrance to the restaurant.

Japanese Ramen Noodle

2009-10-29T12:09:00.006+08:00

Yummy!
We love a Japanese noodle called "Ramen".
Have you ever taste?
If not , it is worth trying it!
Soy sauce and miso taste are very popular.
I think Ramen are become more popular like a sushi.
Do you think so?
Anyway, in Japan there are more that thousand Ramen shop around.
So much competition! Look this museum just for ramen.
I'm exciting to show you about this website "Ramen Museum" in Yokohama.
This museum reproduce a Japanese old town. Looks cool.

Full of lotus

2009-10-27T22:33:00.013+08:00

Lotuses fills up the pond.
This place is Kamakura.
It is so beautiful and carm .

The flower of the lotus bloom
in around July and August.

Will be nice the pond become
full of lotus flowers.

Boys were looking Koi fish.

Bento fun!

2009-10-26T21:52:00.006+08:00

Welcome to my "Bento Fun"!
Bento is a Japanese style lunch.
I enjoy making it.
Today's menu are fish cutlet,grilled asparagus with garlic,
coleslow,pickled carrot and cucumber.

Kamakura : Tsrugaoka Hachiman-gu

2009-10-25T13:28:00.005+08:00

We visited Tsrugaoka Hachiman-gu at Kamakura.

Kamakura is a less than one hour train ride from Tokyo.

This is a Torii at Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu.

"Torii" is made for the entrance of the site of the Shinto Shrine.

There are temples, shrines and other historical monument aroud Kamakura.

It's nice to walk aroud there.

I think Kamakura is little bit similar to Kyoto.

Japanese lolly

2009-10-23T21:07:00.009+08:00

There are so many colourful lolly to choose.
Looks pretty：）

melon,,watermelon,
ststrawberry, sakura,
momiji.........

I want to get all of the flavor.

Done!!

Yabusame happpening

2009-10-22T10:43:00.001+08:00

Yabusame

2009-10-20T21:56:00.008+08:00

Yabusame is a type of Japanes archery,one that is performed while riding a horse.

I was looking forward to going this event for a long time.
Wow! I was so moved that I got goose bumps.

Shrine

2009-10-20T09:23:00.002+08:00

There is a Shinto shrin in the inside among trees.

Sound that the cicada chirps, sound that leaves shakes by a soft breeze,

quietness and peaceful time goes by.

Temizuya

2009-10-19T16:15:00.004+08:00

This place called "Temizuya".

Wash a hand before worship and rinse out a mouth for cleanse mind and body.

1.Hold a ladle in the right hand.

2.Wash the left hand.

3.Shift the ladle in to the left hand and wash the right hand.

4.Save water by the right hand and rinse out a mouth.

5.Wash the right hand again.

6.Run and drain water where rinsed out mouth.

"Clean your hands boys!"

"Oh,water is nice and cool."

Torii

2009-10-19T09:17:00.007+08:00

The gate where "Torii" is made for the entrance of the site of the Shinto Shrine.

Also shows the precincts and the border of the earthly life.

Oh! that was a steep steps.

I'm in the sacred place now.

I love Mc

2009-10-16T09:40:00.002+08:00

ROAR!!!!!!!

I(my kids) LOVE McDonald's Teriyaki Burger.

"Can I eat Teriyaki Burger at Australia? Mum?"

"No, they don't have it."

"ROOOOAR!!!"He is angry about it.

What tower is it?

2009-10-15T22:28:00.004+08:00

Is that Leaning Tower of Pisa or Eiffel Tower?

　↓

That is Tokyo Tower:)　

Here is about the Tokyo Tower. 　

When it is fine, It can see Mt. Fuji and

night view from Tokyo Tower is just like a jewelry box.

Back to Japan

2009-10-15T10:14:00.002+08:00

Back to Japan!!!!

On the way home,the road sign tells "Shinjyuku""Shibuya""Ginza"etc.

These three big city are exciting place.

Shopping, food,trend fashion,electrical appliances,otaku many many things.

Father's day:Idea#1

2009-08-30T15:38:00.004+08:00

It's nearly Father's day! Start to thinking the gift for dad.

I bought a aluminium drink bottle, a small torch, 2 carabiner hooks and wrap with Japanese TENUGUI from my shop.

My dad ride a motorcycle so he can use the Tenugui as a bandanna. Tenugui is made of 100%cotton that absorbs a sweat very well and dry quick, good for summer ride,dad!　And don't forget to drink lots of water. 　

TONBO DAMA : Japanese Glass Beads

2009-07-27T13:32:00.006+08:00

"Tonbo(dragonfly) Dama(beads,ball)" is Japanes beads made of the glass.
Made by hand one by one, there is not the thing of the same completion at all.

Kimono Patterns & business cards

2009-07-21T10:42:00.007+08:00

I just love Japanese patterns. It's so unique and beautiful.

"wafuda"　in Kyoto Japan they transform a ordinary businesscard to unforgettable cards using

traditional Japanese kimono patterns. It can choose a patterns on the reverse side of the card.

I think great idea to let people know Japanese beauty also feel closer to Japanese culture. I strongly belive there are meaning in pass the tradition down from generation to generation, Japan to world, and will be bright future in Japanese industry to making beautyful things .

*A top pattern is not from "wafuda".

Heritage train

2009-07-09T16:36:00.006+08:00

Rail Heritage museum WA has collected more than 100 locos, carriages and wagons.
It can feel and see the railway history.

Passenger room.
The roof and wall has beautiful design

Cherry Blossoms of Kyoto

2009-06-26T12:25:00.011+08:00

Cherry blossom is called a "sakura" in Japanese which symbolizes the nation.

Japanese spring March through early April a town and the village become full of the pink of the cherry blossoms. It soooo beautiful.

I just bought a gorgeous English book called "Cherry Blossoms of Kyoto". The book features 48 superlative cherry blossom viewing locations in Kyoto.

The ancient city of Kyoto was the imperial seat for over a thousand years(~end of the 8 century), Kyoto develop a rich culture of courtly origins.

I was deeply fascinated by this book, the cherry blossoms and temples , shrines are just gorgeous. I don't know any other word to describe it. I need to read as many as English book*) to learn more words. By the way thank you for reading my blog which I think some times hard to understand because of my odd English.

It nearly took 2 hours to finish one blog:)

Craftsman made

2009-06-24T11:24:00.004+08:00

I'm not too interested in a brand things which many people has. I'm rather prefer a pice of thing which an artist or a craftsman made.

That's has warm feeling and story behind products and such a feel special to have and use it.

This little"amulet bag" dyed one by one in Japanese traditional technique and has an auspicious pattern on it.

I enjoy tradition in life and enjoy value of thing.

Japanese sweet treat : green tea cake

2009-06-18T12:09:00.020+08:00

Green tea cake for teatime treat! This is a my favorite cake from Utopia at Myaree.

Utopia has lots of variety of asian style breads and sweets. Australian cake

is too sweet for me but Utopia's cake are just nice and look so yummy:)

Utopia Myaree :near corner of Leach hwy and North Lake rd

　　　Perth : 73 Barrack st

I use a Japanese "Tenugui" for napkin and wooden fork to coordinate. The Japanese book below shows you how to fold and wrap many things using the beautiful Japanese tenugui and furoshiki.

Note: Buy a book from amazon.co.jp

I use affiliate program to introduce a my favorite Japanese book.

When you use the publication information ,

please use it in the responsibility of own.

amazon.co.jp has English Help Pagefor basics explain.

★Other TENUGUI books

Glasses design by Kazuo Kawasaki

2009-06-15T11:34:00.014+08:00

"Kazuo Kawasaki MP 704" glasses maybe next my wish list.
The picture above is my broken glasses not MP704*)

During a 2008 presidential election period, interest gathered on the Sarah Palin's glasses. "Palin has created quite a stir..... with her designer glasses. The nation's eyes
aren't just on Gov, Sarah Palin- they are on her glasses." by USA TODAY.

Her glasses is "Kawasaki Kazuo MP704" , originally the glasses are popular among American politicians and Hollywood, after election the glasses more than 20,000 of them sold in U.S.A. The popular reason are stylish design, feeling of fitting has good and lightness. It doesn't use a screw for a part fixing a lens, as a result the number of parts became the half and lighter than other glasses also a high quality of the Made in Japan was accepted as for the popularity.

Kazuo Kawasaki is an award winning Japanese industrial designer.

Kyoto Cafe Time

2009-06-11T12:41:00.014+08:00

"Kyoto cafe time" is a cafe special feature of Kyoto in Japan.

Kyoto was formerly the imperial capital of Japan and it also has extensive and well preserved heritages and traditional houses are still left along the city street.

In this book, the most cafe interior is just looks back to the olden days.

107 pages. Just look at pictures is still good.

One of my favorite time is read or just look at beautiful picture of interior books or magazines and this book makes happy feeling!

"kyoto Cafe Time"

Note:

I use affiliate program to introduce a my favorite Japanese book.

When you use the publication information,

please use it in the responsibility of own.

amazon.co.jp has English Help Page for basics explain.

Green tea Gen Mai Cha

2009-06-10T10:09:00.003+08:00

Good reason to have a cup of "Gen Mai Cha" green tee.

Gen Mai Cha is green tea combined with roasted brown rice so it has a nutty, toasty flavor and less caffein than other green tea and there is an effect to help health.

Let's boil the kettle and enjoy a wonderful balance of

aroma Gen Mai Cha.

Jyubako : It's more than lunch box

2009-06-09T09:21:00.003+08:00

This Japanese bento box (lunch box) is called "Jyubako".

beautiful design and traditional color especially the red and glossy looks that

is more than lunch box.

It can be use for a storage box around the house like a stationery box, sewing box, jewelry box- bits and pieces.

Art of Japanese clligraphy

2009-06-02T10:42:00.018+08:00

Japanese calligraphy is a one of creative art which express

spiritual depth and beauty by means of "kanji"(Kanji are the

Chinese characters which are used in modern Japanese

writing). Each of kanji character has a meaning.
What's in the box?

A. My Japanese calligraphy set.

Brush, sumi(ink) and some papers.

I took the box out from the depths of the shelf after I watch the

I had begun to write the word while remembering that I learned Japanese calligraphy in a childhood.

I was able to spend time that is calm and meditating on the meaning of word.

There are 26 alphabet. Haw many Japanese characters are they?

"hiragana" "katakana" that is types of written characters that is 46 each and heaps of "kanji" characters.

Today's word.

It's lucky day!

2009-05-29T11:06:00.006+08:00

I'm lucky!

It's lucky day!.......... so on.

Keep saying "Lucky!" all the time. More you say more the lucky happen will come back to you. Everyday I go to Hitori's words web site(there are an English and just click rectangle box on the page, the will take you today's word) , the word and meaning of inspiration that will challenge and encourage me. Thank you Hitori-san.

I love Japanese calligraphy:) It's just like one of art work.

Don't worry,I'm going to explain the picture. In the red circle says "Hitori" that is a his name who writing a inspiring word. Black writing says "Lucky".

Have a lucky day everyone!!

Easy Japanese curry for tonight?

2009-05-27T14:11:00.005+08:00

Have you order Japanese curry at Japanese restaurant? Once you eat the curry,you may want to come back for more. Oh, don't forget to try "curry udon" noodle too, it's so yum:)

Here is a recipe for curry you can easily make at your home. It is very delicious and kids will love it! Well there are three level of hot, mild,medium and hot. I love hot curry but kids prefer mild.

Ingredient : serves 4~5

＊1 Curry sauce mix small box( 100g)

　 most of asian food shop has it at Japanese food section.

＊Beef or chicken 450~580 g

＊ Water 2 and 1/2 cups

＊1 carrot

＊1 potato

＊1 onion

＊few bay leafs

Easy step

1. Heat 2 tbsp of the oil in medium saucepan medium heat.

2. Add onion and stir few minute and add meet cook until golden.

3. Add vegetables and stir for about 3 minutes.

4. Add water and bring to a boil.

5. Reduce heat, cover and simmer about 10 min.

6. Break curry block into pieces and add, stir until completely melt.

(my mum always put 1 tsp of instant coffee and bit of balsamic vinegar)

7. Simmer 5 min,stirring constantly.

8. Serve with rice or noodle, bread.

At camping we make this curry and rice. so easy and yummy meal:)

Sweet gift and "Green" Tenugui

2009-05-26T11:48:00.007+08:00

Homemade gifts are the best! not only that, they are good for environment too.

Today I put homemade biscuit into pretty jar which found at second hand shop,

Recycle! and wrapped in a Japanese Tenugui towel,also I use a cookie cutter to tie together.

How did I wrapped?

1. Place a jar near the edge. 2. Roll over. 3. Bring up the one side of tenugui toward to the top of jar. 4. Tie together with a cookie cutter.

done! That was very easy.

Sweet gifts for Recycle = Reuse = eco friendly = smiley :)

Transform things with a furoshiki

2009-05-22T13:43:00.005+08:00

What is a furoshiki?

A furoshiki is a Japanese square cloth. Back to the early part of the Edo period,around the 17th C furoshiki was frequently used to carry change of clothes to a public bath house and carrying various items, also wrapping articles as a special present.

Today I use the furoshiki for transform a tissue box into beautiful looks.

How to make it.

1,Put the furoshiki with the back as the top and bring both corner to the center (adjust it by the size of the box)then put tissue box in the middle.

2,Bring both side to the top of tissue box and hold with clothe peg.

3,Bring both side (which haven't hold) of the furoshiki toward to the side of tissue box and tie together.

Origami : Crane

2009-05-21T10:32:00.003+08:00

Origami means "folding(ori) paper(gami)" using square paper to make the form such as the

animals and plants or the life tool such as cup and hat and more.This is like a beautiful art!

The most well known origami form is the crene.

It has symbol of longevity and purity.　When I was primary school, my teacher was in hospital so all students in my class made thousand of Origami cranes and put through the thread one by one with our whole heart and wish get well and sent it to him. Yes, he got out of hospital soon after:)

Today the origami is medically being recognized of prevention and rehabilitation of dementia.

Here is a very useful origami web site ORIGMI CLUB and just follow the animation and you can easily make beautiful crane and other things and also you can print out favorite origami pattern

too! Hope you enjoy making origami paper magic.

Applecross : Heath Court

2009-05-20T11:27:00.004+08:00

Catch up with friends after school at Heath Court, Applecross. This place has panorama Swan river view and great playground. Applecroos is riverside suburb of Perth Western Australia. Easy to spoil myself at the end of the day looking at gorgeous view, looking at children who are play happily,put feet up and reading books.

Japanese bento vol2

2009-05-19T11:37:00.009+08:00

I packed lunch in Jyubako(Japanese large lunch box) and off we went to the river.

Menu were Teriyaki chicken sushi, Inari and Vitenamese roll.

Inari sushi is one of popular picnic dish, particularly with children who like its slightly sweet flavor and good delicious vegetarian food. Inari is made from sweet fried bean curd (tofu) and put some sushi rice within Inari. Wasabi is not used for this Inari sushi.

Anyway kids enjoyed and healthy light food attracted adult too.

I'm going to put some easy Japanese cooking recipe soon:)

Here is web site EAT-JAPAN for more on Japanese food ,drink, sake and other interest info.

Make a difference

2009-05-15T22:42:00.007+08:00

Each single person can make a difference.
It's about small things that make a big difference for our precious planet
which bring us the miracle.
This morning we wark to school. We made a small difference:)

If they gather, wonderful miracle can be happened.

This legend speech was made by Severn Suzuki at the conference of Environment in Brazil,Rio in 1992. She was only 12 years-old and gave a powerful speech.

Fremantle:Monument Hill

2009-05-15T11:35:00.002+08:00

I had a meeting at Fremantle, on the way home I had a little bit of time so drove to

Monument Hill at Fremantle. Feel refreshed by beautiful view and fresh air from the Indian Ocean:)

Fremantle is a port city in Western Australia,19 kilometers southwest Perth.

There are extensive and well preserved heritages. Such a beautiful place.

Tenugui Art

2009-05-15T09:51:00.006+08:00

Tenugui is a traditional Japanese towel which was used for a long time in Japan.

Tenugui is dyed by Japanese traditional way.

It's too cute for dry hand or dishes, I rather frame this Japanese towel:)

How do you use it?

*History of Tenugui Vol-1

Cultivation of the cotton becomes popular in Edo era(1603~1867).

The Yukata which is an informal cotton kimono for the summer season, and the Tenugui spread for the life of the commoner.

From the middle of Edo era, the Tenugui which Kabuki actor put a family crest and an original pattern on become longing for people and prevalent very much.

Kabuki is the highly stylised classical Japanese dance-drama art it has been a favorite among the Japanese people since Edo era.

Hot chocolate and Japanese

2009-05-13T11:43:00.003+08:00

I'm having little tea break now*)

Recently I found out Coffee (caffein) makes my skin itch.

So now I'm drinking lots of hot Chocolate, bit worry my teeth:(

I drink my hot choco with my favorite Japanese tea cup and use wooden tray for saucer and "Tenugui" for table cloth.

Well that looks pretty and I having a nice hot chocolate time.

Happy Mother's Day 2009!

2009-05-13T11:13:00.004+08:00

Happy Morther's Day to me!
Boys gave me beautiful hand made gifs:)Love that!

Older son made a card and the writing was Japanese, that's makes me smile.

Other son who is 6years old , he made hanging beads and I hang it front of
my work desk where alwas get sun.
He thread string through a baeads useing his small hand and fingers,
each beads is such a special for me.

Thank you boys and hope every mums had a wonderful mother's day.

Origami : kabuto

2009-05-05T23:43:00.003+08:00

Children's Day

After the Edo period(1603~1867), 5th May is the boys festival for expressing the hope that each

boy in the family will grow up healthy, strong and find happiness, it is also for expressing thanks to mothers. This day is national holidays in Japan and all the kids having fun.

Kabuto:warrior figures are set up in the house during this festival and huge fish called Koi-nobori like a streamers are fastened to poles, just like a fish swimming in the sky.

I have to pass on the Japanese tradition to my boys who never seen real Koi-nobori and haven't been to festival. I hope one day we can visit Japan in May.

Japanese bento V1

2009-04-28T20:33:00.005+08:00

We gatered to enjoy last day of school holiday with friends, mums and kids.

I made sushi (of course:) for lunch and use "jyubako" which is Japanese style bento(lunch) box to show off !(to bring)

It was fun to make but I think, need bit of practice to look nicer.
Do you think this bento looks nice? no no no~
In Japan, mums are making "bento" for there kids every school days and that is quite competitive, so they make awesome kids bento and these kind of bento. My mum made a good bento for me when I was kids. thanks mum*)
I'm bit lucky because in Australia do not need to be so competitive. My boys lunch is sandwich and apple. Of course, one day I want to make effortto for special bento. yes, one day!

well school start from tomorrow = i have to start making lunch for boys・・・・:)

Have a happy day everyone!

Enjoy the TENUGUI in your style

2009-04-20T21:33:00.005+08:00

"TENUGUI" is the Japanese hand towel . Japanese summer has much humid so the "TENUGUI" was created from the climate. 100% cotton that water absorptivity is excellent , the edge of the tenugui keeps on cutting(the raveling of the edge stops at approximately 5 mm ) that makes water dry well and first, generelly 35cm x 95cm and is not bulky.

This Japanese original "TENUGUI"　used to be an important part of daily life for Japanese people and have been used as various uses from old days and it is still used with various sheen in modern life.

Use example:
Wash a body in a bath.
Substitute "TENUGUI "for a towel and handkerchief.
Use as a scarf or bandanna.
Put it in a frame and make it a tapestry and display it.
On a table center, luncheon mat, a napkin.
Wrap an article like a "FUROSHIKI"（As for the sake or the wine）.
Use as Kichen towel so on・・・・・

Enjoy it in your style!

As a special present

2009-04-03T12:07:00.009+08:00

Furoshiki is a type of Japanese traditional cloth that is used for wrapping , storing and carrying
things. It is utilitarian and beatiful. There are variety of patterns, materials and sizes.
"infomap Japan" has more information about furoshiki and also travel, accomodation info.
There is a link to "pod cast Japan" in the site, that is very impress too.
I love useing furoshiki whenever i go. This pattern is mix well with modern style like a jeans.

When I was kids my family visited relatives on holiday and always my mum brought some gift for them like a some sweets in the box, the box was wrapped by furoshiki. It is a Japanese culture the wrap some articles with furoshiki as a special present and bring to them.

How do you want to carry a wine?

2009-03-28T16:54:00.007+09:00

Traditional and modern style.

I use "FUROSHIKI" When I bring wine to the friends house or picnic ,the "furoshiki" comes very handy.

Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese cloth.

I feel rearlly great when I using furoshiki because i'm passing Japanese tradition down from generation to generation, world to world!

Hopefully more people get to know about furoshiki.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 This is a great wat to use it!

care our planet

2009-03-23T14:32:00.003+09:00

I love this furoshiki pattern. It' looks like Japanesey and pretty and modern.
This is one of my furoshiki corrction. Hopefully I can have this at my shop soon.

Japanese Bento Style

2009-03-16T20:23:00.006+09:00

This morning I made an effort to make a healthy launch.
Unnnn that was yummmmm and save some money. In Australia, every things expensive!
lunch is one of kind. I don't mind if taste and quantity are same as high but most of the time is
not. So why not making lunch myself. I made chikin katu(chikin cutlet) and boild egg last night, yes that's left over food and bit of vege and rice, put in to lunch box, it dosn't take much time to make it. Well, the end at busy morning i didn't need much effort!!!
Looks great and I had a nice helthy lunch. It's feel spesial when I open the "bento box"

reflection

2009-03-15T15:18:00.001+09:00