tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40691553496949052112024-03-05T21:56:11.158-08:00akazukinAkazukinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00576152518824359681noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069155349694905211.post-68188836127485419652010-10-03T19:43:00.000-07:002010-10-03T19:51:01.133-07:00doko kana?<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/5049185791_929778bcb7.jpg" width="375" height="500" /><br /><br />Any guesses to where we went last Sunday?<br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/5049185213_809e97f293.jpg" width="500" height="375" /><br /><br />To be edited with the answer in a few days.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">N.B. All photos by DH.</span>Akazukinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00576152518824359681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069155349694905211.post-52182113471734527642010-09-19T13:55:00.000-07:002010-09-19T17:11:34.347-07:00On Top of the World (part 1)<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5005601118_619afba566.jpg" width="500" height="375" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Jun at 4307 meters.</span><br /><br />Well not exactly on top of the world, but I think that Mount Evans, standing at 14,264 ft (4,348 m), is pretty high.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/5005601020_52d2ace650.jpg" width="375" height="500" /><br /><br />Last Memorial Day weekend Jun and I took a short trip around the Rocky Mountains. It was the first day of the year that the Mount Evans Scenic Byway was open. This byway is the highest paved road in North America.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5004988195_94439f6de5.jpg" width="500" height="375" /><br /><br />It can get extremely cold, windy, and sunny so we made sure we were thoroughly prepared for any situation. Besides coats, sunscreen, and a huge lunch we brought items like flashlights.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4109/5004988299_685b79be35.jpg" width="375" height="500" /><br /><br />My favorite part, Summit Lake Park, is actually slightly below the top of Mt. Evans.<br />The area is surreal and there is both Arctic and alpine tundra. At the time it was still the beginning of the summer so we didn't see anything too green. The lake, of course, was frozen.<br /><br /><br />I wanted to see some <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2007-06-17-evans-goats11.jpg">mountain goats</a> but they were nowhere to be found.<br />Instead we saw a few marmots ...<br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/5005601224_4031decfe0.jpg" width="375" height="500" /><br /><br />... and a big horn sheep. Do you see it?<br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/5004988413_c15986df39.jpg" width="500" height="375" /><br /><br />How about now?<br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/5004988507_a29c56927f.jpg" width="500" height="322" /><br /><br />Hint: It's not wearing orange. Jun was getting a little too close to the animal.<br />I didn't want to see him getting gorged while taking pictures.<br />It's not like he's getting paid by National Geographic.<br /><br />Some videos: (Please watch the volume, because of the wind some of the footage is noisy.)<br /><br /><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qu79_0oKL4E?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qu79_0oKL4E?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/SOX2DyE39iA?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/SOX2DyE39iA?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UzRIAOSbT0Y?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UzRIAOSbT0Y?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br /><br />To be continued with Lomo shots.Akazukinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00576152518824359681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069155349694905211.post-47890940144159491722010-09-03T16:46:00.000-07:002010-09-03T17:27:06.514-07:0097 cents de shiawase<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE28U8vRYhv2UUoVGdm4huRTAc4GBVteDt-OI1b0oZxAMlndHS6ERrFGYPaOFu_0CpIaJ6stWyii8OAi2nrrpswz4msBvoqoajw_Qc76VWJVtpKsJCzvkylmJ89GWeMsbDdDzb8OfmV-w/s1600/SIGG_bottles.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE28U8vRYhv2UUoVGdm4huRTAc4GBVteDt-OI1b0oZxAMlndHS6ERrFGYPaOFu_0CpIaJ6stWyii8OAi2nrrpswz4msBvoqoajw_Qc76VWJVtpKsJCzvkylmJ89GWeMsbDdDzb8OfmV-w/s320/SIGG_bottles.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512840516801055682" /></a><br /><br />This week we came across some <a href="http://mysigg.com/?gclid=CMnRqN2-7KMCFRv4iAod-WAW1w">SIGG bottles</a> while looking around a sporting goods store. The sign listed some discounted prices but probably nothing less than $12.00 or $15.00. However, when I casually picked up a bottle and checked the bottom I noticed a $ .97 price tag. What?! Unbelievable because besides being too cheap I can't trust a price tag/sticker. What stores still use price stickers? DH and I like SIGG bottles so just in case I asked a sales person and yes, it turns out that each bottle cost 97 cents! There was some <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/08/sigg-bottles-now-bpa-free.php">controversy</a> regarding <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bisphenol_A">bisphenol A (BPA)</a> content in SIGG bottles but these bottles have the new coating inside. The designs might be a little old but you can still find them at stores like Target and they are online at Amazon, although they certainly aren't priced as nice. Now I just need to find a discounted bottle brush.Akazukinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00576152518824359681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069155349694905211.post-64229397828215031632010-03-30T18:56:00.000-07:002010-03-31T12:38:17.222-07:00DAM (Denver Art Museum)<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2744/4477411885_6ceccd7871_o.jpg"><br />In January we visited the <a href="http://www.denverartmuseum.org/home">Denver Art Museum</a>. The last time I was there the <a href="http://expansion.denverartmuseum.org/">Hamilton building</a> didn't exist. It was nice to see something that before I only could view in <a href="http://magazineworld.jp/casabrutus/121/">Casa</a> magazine. The building is smaller than I expected. It doesn't stick out in an obscene way and after making several trips to the nearby <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Public_Library">library</a> I'm completely used to it. It's nice that Denver can offer up so much architecture. One problem I noticed is that although the building looks nice from the outside I'm not too sure the interior can easily house pieces of art. Also I would enjoy the experience more if there was an official museum restaurant located inside the building. Other than that I highly recommend taking a look inside and outside. As an extra incentive every first Saturday of the month general admission is free. <br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4477412167_33855fe42f.jpg"><br />Sweeping up the trash outside.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4477412387_1b97713d16.jpg"><br />Just kidding.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4477412091_d1757a5a70.jpg"><br />Fox Games by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandy_Skoglund">Sandy Skoglund</a>Akazukinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00576152518824359681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069155349694905211.post-5682332005796823232010-03-17T17:50:00.000-07:002010-03-17T17:58:20.008-07:00"Valuable advice about Japan."<object width="580" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-qCZB_KlaYg&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-qCZB_KlaYg&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="580" height="360"></embed></object>Akazukinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00576152518824359681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069155349694905211.post-23684786746410046842010-03-16T17:15:00.000-07:002010-03-16T17:31:07.825-07:00Colorado<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2757/4439667602_84fd4eaaf9.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4439667630_c18351dd01.jpg" /><br /><br />Adjusting to life in Colorado. I don't know how long we will stay here but so far I think living here is nice. If I can't have the ocean I'll take the mountains. Besides everyone is so friendly.Akazukinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00576152518824359681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069155349694905211.post-25032223823812605322009-12-03T05:23:00.000-08:002009-12-03T05:41:47.503-08:00"Here is the car and you are the driver ..."<span style="font-family: arial;">Soon after landing my husband drove on the correct I mean right side of the road:</span><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/meDmloab4_0&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/meDmloab4_0&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pEXQ7JQU9yQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pEXQ7JQU9yQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/soQWmC6Ne2s&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/soQWmC6Ne2s&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8KbimQFCXmA&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8KbimQFCXmA&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><span style="font-family: arial;font-size:100%;" >He made it all the way from New Jersey to Virginia. The best part was the </span></span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:Antique Olive, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#000000;" ><a href="http://www.cbbt.com/">Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel</a>. It is a strange sensation to drive in the middle of the ocean. </span>Akazukinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00576152518824359681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069155349694905211.post-65894583360551662952009-12-01T12:22:00.000-08:002009-12-01T12:40:01.441-08:00Would you like ...<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2501/3968921478_e0c8cf6c0a_o.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >"Would you like to review what your life should be...?"</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >Trash can at Jusco.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">So we moved to the U.S. It is definitely an experience. For example, even though I am American the large selection and quantity of goods is slightly overwhelming. I almost can't believe how cheap things are. I feel better about the future but of course it is hard to leave friends and family behind in Japan.</span>Akazukinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00576152518824359681noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069155349694905211.post-10277722766840239882009-10-12T07:57:00.000-07:002009-10-12T08:22:57.321-07:00mt<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2460/4005198852_da975b3907.jpg"><br /><br />I finally succumbed to the mt or masking tape craze. This tape is similar to regular masking tape but it's made of rice paper and is available in a variety of colors and patterns. You can stick and re stick it to many items without causing damage or leaving residue. For ideas I recommend visiting the <a href="http://www.masking-tape.jp/">mt site</a>. You can also read the story behind the tape in both <a href="http://www.masking-tape.jp/story/">Japanese</a> and <a href="http://www.masking-tape.jp/en/story/">English</a>.Akazukinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00576152518824359681noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069155349694905211.post-71198827546761674792009-09-25T09:28:00.000-07:002009-09-25T09:44:42.420-07:00It's not satisfactory.<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2645/3953658136_10619e5cc8_o.jpg"><br /><blockquote></blockquote>LAUGHING GOT TIRED<blockquote></blockquote><br />I saw this on the way out of a Carrefour shopping center. I was a little rushed because everything was closing. Also, I don't think you are allowed to take pictures but I couldn't resist. I love the look on the panda. Maybe I'll go back and see how much it costs but for now I am going to pocket the "laughing got tired" phrase.Akazukinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00576152518824359681noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069155349694905211.post-30870802163846669312009-09-19T00:10:00.000-07:002009-09-25T09:51:56.294-07:00Mini Giveaway!!!WHY?: To make up for yet another long absence.<br /><br />WHAT?: An envelope for the fall, a postcard for the spring, and a <span style="font-style:italic;">Rilakkuma</span> (Relax bear) pin badge.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2631/3932919391_9e6ff5a595.jpg"><br /><br />WHO?: This giveaway is open to anyone who is reading this. <br /><br />HOW?: Just leave a comment showing your interest. Later I will randomly pick a winner and ask for your mailing address. <br /><br />WHEN?: I'll consider all comments until September 25th midnight, Japan time.<br /><br />ETA: Congratulations to <a href="http://vivatveritas.blogspot.com/">Chie from Vivat Veritas</a>!!!Akazukinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00576152518824359681noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069155349694905211.post-30882054479410984952009-07-15T21:03:00.000-07:002009-07-15T22:17:20.336-07:00going bananas at TomatoThis Tuesday I visited Nippori Textile Town for the first time. There are 91 shops in the area but I went straight to Tomato's main store. Although I didn't find anything in the 100 yen per meter section I still saved some money. The selection was amazing and it was good to see so much Japanese made fabric. My husband was helpful but I think I've created a monster or at least a fellow fabric piggy. I now have more shirts to sew. Here's the break down of our fabric haul:<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3439/3724963727_02538a4a6d.jpg"><br />(Cotton, texture will wash out. 1st floor) My husband found this at the bottom of a shelf. I think I'll sew a dress out of this. I'm starting to think a shirt dress might be cute?<br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2649/3725772222_e64c60f37d.jpg"><br />(Cotton and linen. 1st floor) I don't know what I should make with this fabric. All I know is I love Russian dolls. Maybe I should sew something kitchen related? An apron? <br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3435/3725772318_9c5c79e7cb.jpg"><br />(Cotton. 1st floor) This will be a dress or maybe a tunic?<br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2519/3725772434_d006373df9.jpg"><br />(Cotton with polyester. 4th floor) This fabric is actually quite black and the design is shiny. A blouse or a dress?<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3485/3724964355_918da26547.jpg"><br />(Cotton. 4th floor) Hubby shirt fabric. I anticipate going a little cross eyed when I sew on the pocket.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2489/3725772570_bedd80e486.jpg"><br />(Cotton. 4th floor) Hubby shirt fabric. We completely splurged on this one but I know it will be worth it.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3494/3724964503_d7c2ac2979.jpg"><br />(Canvas) This is from a store near Tomato. Hubby bag material.<br /><br />We also picked up some shirt buttons at the Tomato notion store. Where I live it's difficult to find nice buttons for men's clothing so I figured we might as well take care of everything at once. <br /><br />So, I have to say that Nippori is as great as everyone says it is and if you get the chance you should go.Akazukinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00576152518824359681noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069155349694905211.post-53607565423044048512009-07-11T07:02:00.000-07:002009-07-11T07:09:42.971-07:00Tokyo I'm on my way ...Going on a short trip to Tokyo. I get to visit a friend, check out fabric at Tomato, and see a 18 meter robot.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LB22rfwWNWM&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LB22rfwWNWM&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Akazukinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00576152518824359681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069155349694905211.post-29635319800642587222009-07-10T09:05:00.000-07:002009-07-10T09:27:57.042-07:00back to the "internets!" (again)It sure can be difficult to consistently add entries. <br /><br />This time I got hooked on watching <span style="font-style:italic;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monster_(anime)">Monster</a></span>. I recommend it if you like crime suspense stories and/or medical dramas. It was nice to watch a serious animated story that didn't involve space or robots. I enjoy sci-fi but sometimes it's good to see something different. Anyway I thought there were about 20-30 episodes but turns out there are actually 74. <br /><br />I still managed to get some sewing finished. Here's a preview:<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3278/3706744601_fa62c7d58a_m.jpg"><br />Short-sleeved version of <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/patterns/show/3607">BurdaStyle's Jakob shirt</a> in a crazy plum blossom print.Akazukinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00576152518824359681noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069155349694905211.post-80731394255662754972009-06-21T04:15:00.000-07:002009-06-21T05:11:23.622-07:00remembering spring<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3590/3527825287_697d41a1a1.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3573/3646053247_42aa0a8947.jpg" align="left" hspace="10"><br /><br /><br />This last spring <a href="http://www.suntory.co.jp/softdrink/iyemon/index.html">Iyemon</a> gave away stickers with their tea. They are the type that are sort of dimensional for scrapbooking. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My husband managed to collect five out of the six designs for me. How nice is that? <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I'm not a serious scrapbooker but I think these would go well with photos from a spring trip.Akazukinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00576152518824359681noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069155349694905211.post-69092271847409973162009-06-10T00:11:00.000-07:002009-06-10T01:37:24.265-07:00One Lovely Blog Award<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2263/3613517182_32559a1113_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 160px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2263/3613517182_32559a1113_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I received this lovely award from HeathersSphere. Thank you!!! Be sure to check out her blog <a href="http://drheathermath.blogspot.com/">SEWspicious Minds</a>. Some of my favorite parts are her song references and sewing from vintage patterns.<br /><br />I'm passing on this award to:<br /><br />1.Lunatepetal at <a href="http://netfet.blogspot.com/">not enough time for everything...</a>. I'm a visual person so the changes in font size and color are truly eye candy.<br /><br />2.Virginie at <a href="http://jazz-couture.blogspot.com/">Jazz Couture</a>. A jazz singer who sews. Cool beans!<br /><br />3.<a href="http://noddyboom.typepad.com/noddyboom/">noddyboom</a> Lovely, lovely photos.<br /><br />4.Chie at <a href="http://vivatveritas.blogspot.com/">Vivat Veritas</a> Just started to follow her blog. She is one serious sewing machine with a great sense of style.<br /><br />5.<a href="http://chezlarsson.com/myblog/">Chez Larsson</a> Uncluttered beautiful design in Sweden. <br /><br />One Lovely Blog Award Rules: 1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.2) Pass the award on to 5 other blogs that you’ve <span style="font-weight:bold;">newly discovered</span>. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.Akazukinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00576152518824359681noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069155349694905211.post-27521520350856658792009-06-07T04:01:00.000-07:002009-06-07T04:26:09.437-07:00one coin, 100 yen, de shiawase (part 3 - sewing edition)<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2429/3602596803_b8d90edce2.jpg"><br /><br />(left) I can't believe I could get sewing machine needles for 100 yen. I hope they are at least OK for sewing with cotton. I like using a fresh needle for each project and it would be nice to have a cheaper source for needles.<br /><br />(right) So far I have no idea what I'm going to use these appliques for. I couldn't help buying them, I fell in love with the bear. Maybe they would be nice on a pouch? Or I could secretly put one inside of a garment?Akazukinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00576152518824359681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069155349694905211.post-14527481061281172132009-06-02T20:49:00.000-07:002009-06-02T21:17:41.669-07:00Fit for a queen?!<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3410/3591410872_77eeb2f224.jpg"><br />Recently I went to a discount store and found these shoes for the summer. I wanted a pair with some height but not too much height. I like wearing 4 inch heels but there are a lot of stairs in the city. Sometimes I feel like I'm going to fall down and break my neck. Yes, I know, they are very gold. These are my fourth pair of metallic shoes. I should just get it over with and move down to the retirement community in Florida. Anyway, there's more ...<br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3638/3591410404_40e7509b9d_m.jpg"><br />What's this? Yes, that's right, here in Japan my feet are extra extra large, queen sized in fact. I wear anywhere from a US 8 to a US 9 and it's almost impossible to find shoes that fit. So even though this is funny I'm thankful that I found something. (Bonus: Made in Japan.)Akazukinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00576152518824359681noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069155349694905211.post-56383824348729328042009-05-28T05:17:00.000-07:002009-05-28T05:30:56.889-07:0010 yen getchu<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3611/3572189499_c068da544f.jpg"><br clear="all"><br />Today I heard some giggling and then I heard something drop into the mailbox on the front door. I found a ten yen coin wrapped inside a piece of advertisement. (Ten yen is only worth about ten cents.) So strange, I mean why? Secret admirer? Some inside joke? A hint that someone needs to go shopping? Whatever the reason I'm now ten yen richer. ;-)Akazukinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00576152518824359681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069155349694905211.post-12728470415047899252009-05-27T19:05:00.001-07:002009-05-27T20:18:47.135-07:00my first upcycling<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2459/3551373931_025f0963cc_o.jpg"><br clear="all"><br /><br />Wow, this is exciting for me because for the first time some of my sewing ended up in BurdaStyle's <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/albums/72/images">Featured Creations</a>.Akazukinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00576152518824359681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069155349694905211.post-167845102934432022009-05-19T00:31:00.000-07:002009-05-27T20:28:25.074-07:00swine flu<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2444/3571560449_182f1f23f9_m.jpg "><br /><br />It took a while but the virus has made it to Japan. Unfortunately most of the confirmed cases are near my address. I'm trying to exercise the highest level of caution with the least amount of paranoia.Akazukinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00576152518824359681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069155349694905211.post-83726735782845310912009-05-13T18:59:00.000-07:002009-05-13T19:33:19.803-07:00Tilt Shift MakerEven though I don't have too many photos that work for it I'm addicted to the <a href="http://tiltshiftmaker.com/">Tilt Shift Maker</a>. The <a href="http://tiltshiftmaker.com/">Tilt Shift Maker</a> transforms your photos into miniature scenes, making you feel like you are looking into a diorama box. Here are some examples using some photos from my Flickr photostream:<br /><br /><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/48/140641920_4cacb27ba6_o.jpg"> <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3358/3530128690_7cae0fee29_o.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3646/3324838813_7737e48b96.jpg"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3301/3530147968_664dee7fab.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1151/1475950102_c68980533e.jpg"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2238/3530164048_dc77f518d6_o.jpg"><br /><br />Now I want to take some pictures of things that I'd normally wouldn't. I'm thinking a neighborhood and the airport would be some good choices.Akazukinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00576152518824359681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069155349694905211.post-57895146826556925632009-04-22T00:34:00.000-07:002009-04-22T01:04:05.389-07:00ミシンで着物 (Making kimono with a sewing machine.)<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3502/3464323171_cda074b67d.jpg"><br />Last year I purchased this book. I didn't think too much about it, as soon as I saw the pink fabric with the rabbits it was over. The kimonos themselves are made of non-traditional fabrics and styled in an interesting way. Some of my favorites:<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3596/3464323311_5207f40bfa.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3556/3464323443_7b950be10e.jpg"> <br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3517/3465138532_d19acf2235.jpg"> <br /><br />I have to admit there are a couple that are too crazy. There's one that reminds me of the plaid flannel robe my brother once had. I could never walk down the street in something that looks like pajamas. However the rest of the book more than makes up for those few.<br /><br />The book also includes a paper pattern, step by step sewing instructions with color pictures, ideas for accessories, information about what to wear underneath your kimono, and an illustrated guide for putting on the kimono.<br /><br /># ISBN-10: 4766119010<br /># ISBN-13: 978-4766119015Akazukinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00576152518824359681noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069155349694905211.post-15957488321539715052009-04-19T04:27:00.000-07:002009-04-19T04:40:46.732-07:00one coin, 100 yen, de shiawase (part 2)<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3558/3455578326_effbff600e.jpg"><br /><br />Do you see how large this leaf is? Can you guess what it is?<br /><br />Here it is with some lettuce and a cute tomato:<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3414/3454762931_5d0dffd840.jpg"><br /><br />Would you believe it's a basil leaf?! Recently I went to a discount supermarket and discovered that they sell two packages of herbs for 100 yen plus tax. Amazing! Usually it's hard to find fresh herbs and when I do they are of course expensive. The first package I used was pretty normal but the second package had some of these enormous leaves. Crazy. I can't wait to go back.Akazukinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00576152518824359681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4069155349694905211.post-37993118659650622012009-04-04T07:33:00.000-07:002009-04-04T08:04:01.145-07:00denim ribbonA few weeks ago I was browsing through <a href="http://www.felissimo.co.jp/haco/">Felissimo's haco. catalog</a> and came across this adorable bag:<br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3414/3411969590_8ffb15f0fd_o.jpg"><br />It's constructed of 12 oz cotton denim. The bag also has pretty purple lining and a handy strap.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3602/3411161565_f7f486e8bf_o.jpg"><br /><br />It costs 3,300 yen and if it wasn't made in China I would probably consider purchasing it. Although while I'm describing it to you I'm starting to forget its origins. This bag has just the right amount of cuteness. <br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3380/3411969506_81c48f35bf_o.jpg"><br />However the real reason for sharing these images is that I am pretty sure that it can be copied by any sewist. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">(Dimensions: Height: 20cm Length: 40cm Width: 5cm)</span>Akazukinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00576152518824359681noreply@blogger.com2