Yeah, yeah. I know it’s only been a month and we’re totally still in the “honeymoon” phase of life as expats, but wait until you see my day today.
For starters, this was a big day for me. While I’ve been out and about in Tokyo plenty since arriving, I’ve always managed to have Cute Husband or another Mom from school accompanying me {or if I was alone, I defaulted to a taxi}. But today, I was out and about all day long, switching from the subway to the local train, running errands and schlepping packages. I even managed to figure out how to schedule a pedicure appointment.
Enough about me and on to the eye candy.
Good grief I saw cool, cute stuff!
I wanted to be sure that was what I thought it was, but didn’t have my dictionary on me, so I acted an elaborate pantomime and got to the bottom of it. Yes, in fact dear readers, that IS vinyl by the meter that I believe will work with my Silhouette. In fact, the second the boxes arrive off the ship, I plan to rip the box open, run back and pick a lovely color and then give it a whirl! {It got better ~ at another store I found an even BIGGER stash that included metallic colors!}
While furoshiki is the preferred Japanese style of wrapping gifts, I also found gorgeous ribbon stashes again.
I was actually on a mission today to find onigiri holders for the girls lunchboxes. While I didn’t find what I was looking for, I sure did find all sorts of fun bento supplies!
Boxes~
Hashi holders {chopsticks} ~
Bento picks and liners ~
There were aisles, upon aisles, of pens. And the Japanese really prefer 0.3 pens, which I love so much. And they come in almost every color of the rainbow. I could have spent a small fortune on pens.
And here’s where I think I gasped. I walked up a level and spied a whole floor dedicated to calendars and agendas. Even though I’m loyal to my MomAgenda, I still flipped through a bunch for almost a half hour {never mind that they’re in Japanese, too!}
Somewhere between miniature cookie cutters and decorative cake boxes I ran into a new friend who promised to show me even more stores I’d love like these, so stay tune for more goodies. Meanwhile, when my glue gun and Silhouette arrive I think I’m going to develop Asian Crafting Flu. Fortunately there is no vaccination available for it yet.
Do you know the name of this store? Or if it’s a sort of chain? I’m planning a move to Osaka in the spring and I was wondering where I will find art supplies and crafty items when I get there since I’ll probably get rid of almost everything I own?!
Yes! Both are chains – some pics are Loft and some are Tokyu Hands. There are websites for both stores and many locations of both – have fun exploring!
The colors are just mesmerizing. Were all the pictures taken at the same store or in a mall? I think my husband would end up sending a search and rescue party for me if I went in there…
So impressed with your venturing out and conquering the variety of transportation!
Oooh, that just looks like oodles of fun. Hours taking it all in, hours more planning and scheming what to create with it all. So fun to see you pics/experience!
I would NEVER want to leave either! Craft heaven
So enjoying reading about your adventures. Love the eye candy! (Raimom fr. BC)
What an exciting adventure y’all are on! Loved your take on the toilets and showers. I am impressed that your cuties will try so many different foods.
Just wondering…did your dog get to go too?
Unfortunately she couldn’t come.
But she has been re-homed with a wonderful family and is being showered with love and we get regular updates.
And me? I wouldn’t know where to begin. Looks like home for u!