1. i learned. the hard way. that velvet has a nap. dang it. if anybody is interested in a buying a nicely lined skirt that looks a bit odd. just let me know.
2. last night. we had dinner with friends at a private french restaurant. that seats only six. where our new friend. maki-chan. who trained in paris. cooked for four hours straight. needless to say we were full. of amazing french food. wow. i'd like to be that good. at something.
3. buri-chan. that is what they call britney spears over here. buri. the way they pronounce britney over here is buritoni. and chan is added to the end of girls' names. to make it an affectionate nickname of sorts. buri-chan just sounds so cute. like for a little girl. it cracks me up. in a good way.
4. my h-kun. is observant. and not lazy. if he sees something that needs getting done. he does it. right when he sees it. for example. i caught him washing out the cutlery tray the other night. seriously. another reason why i love this guy.
5. oh, klean kanteen. i have been wanting these stainless steel drink bottles. forever. but they don't ship internationally. or their rates are too expensive. i can't remember which one. well. a blog friend hooked me up. along with some other goodness. thanks, ursa. i have about four gals over in america that do swaps with me. american goodness for japanese goodness. all these gals i met through my little shop. or through my blog. and i have become friends with each of them. and i love that they are willing to help me out. when i am in need of american stuff. like martha stewart's everyday food magazines. other magazines. books. kids' games. some clothes. and even a christmas gift for my sister who lives in canada. crazy. i am blessed. by their friendships. and their kindness. thank you, gals. (and thanks to my mom. who sends boxes of stuff from canada. from home. when i am in need.)
6. thanks for sharing your traditions with me. they were all so lovely to read. and i think i might just have to try some of them. my favorite idea was reflecting on the christmas season. and documenting memories. so you can reminisce for years to come. i will definitely share with you any traditions we add to our list. and h-kun chose three random numbers. so the winners of the christmas cheer are tracy, mariana and erin from canada. i will be in touch with all of you.
I too had a velvet nap discovery recently, but my Mum taught me a few tricks on the overlocker that seemed to help sort it out (well, it worked on cushions anyway).
Posted by: Jesska | December 04, 2008 at 06:02 AM
Oh, thanks, I'm a lucky girl!! But did you understand something about this weird catalan tradition?
Well, kids really do love it!
Posted by: Mariana | December 04, 2008 at 07:47 AM
Hi Miss Leslie,
If you ever need something from the States, let me know! I'd be more than willing to help you out :)
Posted by: Ermie | December 04, 2008 at 07:52 AM
Buri-chan is really cute sounding. would there be a cute name for Grace or Phoebe I wonder?
Um I am coveting your kleen kanteens. They are on my Christmas wish lists. For me my beau and both kitties. Is Christmas celebrated in Japan?
Sorry about all the questions. Lovely little blog.
Posted by: grace | December 04, 2008 at 02:38 PM
I love your blog but whats with the fullstops in your sentences?! Its really hard to read.
Posted by: sam | December 04, 2008 at 03:00 PM
My grandmother would call me by my middle name, akemi-chan. Thanks for making me remember that.
Posted by: *karen | December 04, 2008 at 06:23 PM
I am the lucky girl! Anytime, Leslie-chan.
Posted by: Ursa | December 04, 2008 at 07:22 PM
I laughed when reading your velvet nap story - out of sympathy! I discovered than even corduroy has a nap! But given I was making play clothes for my kids, I decided to live with it! Do you know, you could just start a new trend, and deliberately make clothes with the nap running different directions...
Posted by: Abbington | December 05, 2008 at 03:22 AM
I got a lovely pink Klean Kanteen from Yvestown recently and I love it.
Posted by: alice | December 05, 2008 at 03:34 AM
Oh, I love my klean Kanteen too! If you ever would like to do a swap, I would be interested! (I am in the u.s.)I can send you mags or whatever else you might fancy!
Posted by: Beth | December 07, 2008 at 09:23 AM
I just love you blog. I have had such fun reading through all the posts.
Posted by: Molly | December 07, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Hey Leslie -- Let me add my voice to the chorus of those Americans willing to help you out anytime you seek something here :-)
Posted by: Kim | December 07, 2008 at 03:32 PM