97 cents de shiawase

This week we came across some SIGG bottles 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 controversy regarding bisphenol A (BPA) 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.

Would you like ...

"Would you like to review what your life should be...?"
Trash can at Jusco.

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.

It's not satisfactory.

LAUGHING GOT TIRED

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.

going bananas at Tomato

This 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:


(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?


(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?


(Cotton. 1st floor) This will be a dress or maybe a tunic?


(Cotton with polyester. 4th floor) This fabric is actually quite black and the design is shiny. A blouse or a dress?


(Cotton. 4th floor) Hubby shirt fabric. I anticipate going a little cross eyed when I sew on the pocket.


(Cotton. 4th floor) Hubby shirt fabric. We completely splurged on this one but I know it will be worth it.


(Canvas) This is from a store near Tomato. Hubby bag material.

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.

So, I have to say that Nippori is as great as everyone says it is and if you get the chance you should go.

Fit for a queen?!

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 ...

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.)