Kelly Azuma

I have just taken receipt of a big parcel from Hokkaido and I’m so excited! It contained lots of presents for me from my sister in law and mum and dad in Tokachi.

In may they all went together to Hakodate to see the cherry blossoms in bloom. While they were there they picked up some souvenirs for me – all cherry blossom themed!! I’m so happy that they thought of me, and remembered how much I love sakura!

I will show you my stash from my sister in law A :)

Sakura Card Holder

Sakura Socks

Super cool Sakura and Hanabi toothbrushes

and now for my stash from mum and dad :)

Sakura coasters

Kasumizakura soap & bath confetti gift set

Sakura Hirari Bath Essence

Sakura Gel Gems - to stick on glass or tiles

It all came packaged in a beautiful bag made of pink material with white flowers embossed on it, and tied with a matching sakura buckle! The smell from inside the bag is divine. I love the smell of sakura!

Yasu also got a Japanese label machine and some Phiten stuff from his dad. So tomorrow morning I will probably wake up with labels all over my face in Japanese or something! haha

But seriously… the above is why I love Japan! I love the design, the ideas they come up with for gift sets and how they take things that are pretty ordinary like toothbrushes and socks and turn them into something so sweet and cute. The way they package even the smallest gift, the attention they give to every detail.

What’s more, I have the best in-laws in the universe who always think of me (and buy me little things here and there on their travels). But it’s also times like these I miss them acutely! If only I could just transport myself to their house right now and thank them with a big gaijin bear hug for welcoming me into their lives :)

We have some lovely friends. We really do. They are so thoughtful and kind. :) For that, I am so grateful. Read more

I’m searching for a present for my sister-in-law and my search for something おしゃれhas got me thinking I’ll just buy something online from Japan and get it sent to her.

The problem is I don’t know any of the Japanese sites people go to for sending gifts or cute/popular stuff.

So does anyone have any idea? I’ve looked at Honyaradoh because she usually buys us gifts from there. Some of the stuff is pretty cute but nothing has actually jumped out at me, so I just want to find some other sites with gifts to have a look at.

She lives alone and doesn’t really need any furniture or anything. Probably something cute but practical. She’s seriously into Panda’s and I had a look on San-x Japan because of their character tare panda but there was really nothing much besides key holders and coin pouches.

Anyone have any ideas? I really need to decide by the end of this week because her birthday is on 26th feb.

Any suggestions really appreciated!! :)

….are gifts from the heart.

Today was my last day at the community centre for the year. We are having 3 weeks break as of today. I’m kind of sad, but looking forward to a nice relaxing break though.

I received lots of Christmas cards today and a few very special gifts.

A lady in my craft group knitted these for me by herself! So clever :)

received this from the centre Manager... I love papaya and Papaya Suzuki :) And I seem to be getting a lotus theme everywhere I go these days! Need to look up the meaning...

I received this from our mentor in the women's group I'm in, she hand made it by leadlighting the wings and putting glitter, the colour was done especially for me, and she put a magnet on the back to stick on the fridge :) Did I mention I'm a big fan of dragonflies? :) They mean "transformation" by the way

This is a very very special present from one of my students in the art class, she used her glitter pens to draw me some Holly. :)

I also attended the last silk painting workshop for this year except that we didn’t use silk, we used cotton. I painted an apron, since I don’t really have one. I used Yellow as the base, and added pink. I wanted it to be splotchy because I like that effect, so it’s not that there wasn’t enough paint ;) In some parts the pink and yellow went together and made orange but I like it. I also used epsom salts right down the middle and you can see the effect it had in the closer shots. I’m pretty happy with the colours. The reason I chose those particular ones is because:

Yellow means hope and happiness
Pink means universal love
Orange means vitality with endurance

All great things to resonate with at the moment don’t you think? :)

I also got a book I ordered in from the book club, it’s an Asian Cook Book, it has 500 pages and details cuisine from Japan, China, India, and Thailand. It has entrees, starters, mains, meat, poultry, snacks, desserts, sauces, pastes, breads etc etc, it is so thorough! I can’t wait to try out some of the recipes. :) Plus the book is normally $89.95 but buying through the book club I got it for $25. Hows that for a bargain!

Yep, so I had a pretty good day today! :)