Found #60

Have you seen the independent clothing label Lonely Kids Club? They are a Sydney based company, with a range of limited edition artist-collaborated fancy pants for your wardrobe. Well, not fancy pants, though they have those too... but Australian made and designed organic cotton t-shirts for guys and gals, plus sweaters, accessories and more stuff that you'll have to find for yourself, at their website. Oh, and Warwick, the founder, will send you a little handwritten note and drawing when you make an order. Cool, huh? (I got a Kitty drawing, of course, and I'll show you my sweater in an outfit post soon)

via: Lonely Kids Club

Speaking of lovely clothing, have you visited The Paraders lately? As a celebration of their website launch, they are hosting a contest to win a $150 shopping spree! For one entry, click here and enter your email. For two entries, share this unique link with your friends. Since there will only be one winner, to sweeten the deal the lovely Rachael from The Paraders is offering a 20% off coupon code to everyone who enters, including your friends that you refer!  After submitting your entry, you’ll receive an email with your unique coupon code. (Giveaway and coupon redemption ends 5/20/13) There are only a few days left to enter, so if you're looking for some nice vintage and vintage-inspired clothing, head over to The Paraders, stat. Don't forget to use the links above to enter the contest!

Check out these photographs by Noell S. Oszvald! They are quite heavily manipulated in post, but they are surreal and lovely.

via: Booooooom

This architectural project by Moon Hoon has the best bookshelf/slide/stairs combo! I always love seeing bookshelves built into stairs, probably because we have so many books, it seems like a brilliant idea to free up some space. But a slide as well? That's new and I love it!

via: Moon Hoon

How great are the colours in Eric Comstock's illustrations? They remind me of children's books discovered in my grandparent's attic. Don't even get me started on how adorable that apple is!

via: Eric Comstock

This week, I am cheating and sharing more than one post of the week. Because if you blog, you really need to read this post about getting off the blogging bandwagon by Sarah from Silly Grrl. Right Now. Capital "N".

Sophie caught my attention with a quote from Teddy Roosevelt: "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."

Katie wrote about being OK with a quiet life.

And finally, I will insist that if you haven't already, you must read the series I shared last week from Besotted Blog, about how to be a better blogger, every post from the series of five is brimming with useful, easy to understand information, it's just wonderful.

So, it's the weekend, eh? I have a ton of work on, which isn't really that exciting. But right now, I'm headed to bed because we received a book in the mail today written by Tobias McGriff, (a signed copy, no less) who was the tour guide when we were in Savannah and thought it would be fun to go on the Midnight Zombie Tour. I know it sounds cheesy, but it was more of a historical tour of Savannah, with some ghost stories thrown in. Tobias was a great guide and if you're ever in Savannah, you should definitely go on that particular tour, there were no 'gimmicks' or rubber masks jumping out ;) Anyway. We received the book and C promised to read me a story in his best Southern accent, and I'm so excited, I really need to go right now and enjoy that! I hope hope you have a swell weekend, I'd love to know your plans in the comments!

Kitty
xo

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Spring in Japan - Studio Ghibli and Disney Animation Fest!

While we were visiting Japan, it was really important to visit the Studio Ghibli Museum! C and I are both Ghibli fans and we were itching to step inside the Miyazaki designed museum. We even named one of our cats after Chibi Totoro. We pre-purchased our tickets while we were still in Australia, and had to set the date at that time. Luckily, despite all of the constant cold and rain, we were spoiled with some beautiful sunshine and fairly warm weather. As we arrived at the train station where the museum is located, I glimpsed my first cherry blossoms!

We walked along the canal, taking in the floating petals and sunshine, and eventually arrived at the museum. There is a strict no photos inside rule, so I can't show you what it looks like, but it was wonderful! The entire building is made for children's curiosity, so there are many nooks and crannies to explore, and little surprises around every corner. We received a piece of film for our ticket entry to the theatrette, and mine was a frame from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind!

We lined up to see the short film that was showing, which was "Koro's Big Day Out". It was so adorable, and even though we didn't understand much of the dialogue, it was touching and sweet and we definitely caught the message of the film :) The best part though, was the projectionist. He was around 100 years old, and operating an old style projector to show us the film. C thanked him for his work on our way out, he was a little surprised but proffered a super-respectful 90º bow and a little salute on our way out :)

There was a room with an amazing a 3D zoetrope - the name escapes me, but basically like a zoetrope, but instead of images, it was set up with actual physical models of the caracters, which rotated at speed, with a series of flashing lights creating a strobe effect and completing the illusion that the cat bus was running around before our very eyes. It was quite magical.

After exploring the museum, we ventured to the roof the visit the Giant Robot. There were lots of little kids having their pictures taken with him, it was so cute. Some big kids had their photos taken too. We ate in the cafe and I had a magical drink that changed from blue to pink before out very eyes!

Since we've been to Euro Disney (Paris), Disneyland (California) and Disney World (Florida), we decided we should head to Disneyland in Tokyo. It's always a fun day where you can act like a kid, get excited about everything and enjoy the escapism of Walt's park.

I have to say, I wasn't sure what to expect with the Japanese take on Disney. But we were both pleasantly surprised. The Japanese love doing things really well, and this is no exception. They have a strong nostalgia for old school Disney, so a lot of the park is focussed on Mickey Mouse and the original Disney characters. The attention to detail is great, and I think it's a very close second favourite to Disneyland in California.

The only thing I didn't enjoy was the queues! Usually at Disney, the queue is made fun in some way, but in Tokyo, they just had regular queues which were really, really long. Like 2-3 hours long. A minor complaint though, really. I was just cold and it makes me complain ;) Oh, and I missed out on Space Mountain, because no way was I standing in the cold for 3 whole hours. We had a ball and were lucky enough to snag a seat in the Blue Bayou with NO waiting, and a good table. Yesss! The important things at Disney were achieved.

Since there were long lines, we visited some attractions that we've not bothered with before. We had a really fun time being silly and watching a Francis Ford Coppola/George Lucas/Michael Jackson train wreck of a 3d film. I had to demonstrate after the film the way that the 3D was working at ruining our eyesight, which C found utterly hilarious.

Are you familiar with Studio Ghibli films? I noticed a lot of fans when I posted the pictures on Instagram. What's your favourite Ghibli film? I think I've seen most of them, and of course I love My Neigbour Totoro, but I'm also fond of Kiki's Delivery Service and Spirited Away. Oh and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Grave of The Fireflies was the first movie that ever made me cry. I had such a good track record up until that point. Damn cartoons.

Kitty
xo

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Currently

Photo of me taken by C in Takayama, Japan

Watching //
We went on a little Noir kick lately and watched Chinatown (which I'd never seen before!) with Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway. I really enjoyed it. Speaking of films I meant to watch earlier, we also finally saw L.A. Confidential (keeping with the noir theme) I can't believe I missed this (even though I had heard great things about it). Kevin Spacey is brilliant as usual, and for the first time ever, I didn't want to turn off a movie that Russell Crowe was in. His Aussie bloke-ness and aggressive demeanour normally bothers me so much I can't bear to watch him, but in this film, he was actually quite good. Wonders never cease. We also have a film stashed away to watch one night soon, Fire Walk With Me, the prequel to Twin Peaks. It's time to re-watch Twin Peaks I think, so we will start with the film and work our way through. I may even finish the second series this time! I should mention, even though it's a prequel, Fire Walk With Me has some spoilers, so don't watch it if you've never seen Twin Peaks. If you've never seen Twin Peaks, get thee to a Twin Peaks watching station of some description. It really is the best blend of surreal drama and quirky mysteriousness that you'll probably ever lay eyes on.

Listening To //
I generally listen to music on the train and at the gym. On the train it's been a French Psychedelic collection that C put on my phone (it's one of my favourite kinds of music!) and Nick Drake. You know, so I can feel more melancholic on my way to the office ;) At the gym, I've been having a run to Crystal Castles. C has been dancing to Haxan Cloak.

Planning //
I am planning a few things at the moment. But I'm afraid that they are strictly confidential. I'm not saying that to pique your interest or anything manipulative like that. I just have to keep it a little hush-hush right now while I work out some details, iron out the creases and prepare my plans for public consumption :)

Thinking About //
I find myself thinking more and more about the purpose I want my life to hold. Like so many, I don't feel content to be a passenger in my life, and I'm working hard at taking a little more control of my direction, instead of floating along with the current. I wonder about everyone who feels this way, and how many succeed, and how many CAN succeed. I wonder how much the internet has given people a sense of entitlement at living the life they want, instead of the life that our culture traditionally dictates. I'm thinking about how I can feel more satisfied with my contribution and move forward in a constructive, considerate way and contribute to my community in a meaningful fashion. Nothing too heavy. Sometimes I think about the shapes in clouds and what I'll cook for dinner too. Sometimes cats.

Looking Forward To //
I'm looking forward to my little sister's wedding in July! And I'm looking forward to putting our electric blanket on the bed (Hello Weekend). The quilt we call 'The Cloud' has already made it's way onto our bed, it is the fluffiest, warmest, softest quilt you can ever imagine, we lose cats inside of it's puffs. I don't mind the winter when I have The Cloud to snuggle in. I look forward to brisk mornings, hot chocolate evenings and the freshness of winter.

Reading //
I've been reading a lot lately, and soon I will share some book reviews in my Book Nook feature. Right now, I am reading "The Lake" by Banana Yoshimoto and "The Wolves of Willoughby Chase" by Joan Aiken. C is reading "The Rings of Saturn" by W.G. Sebald and "Insomnia" by Stephen King.

Making Me Happy //
Exercising with C at the gym, cat snuggles, laughing until tears come out, meeting fellow travellers in Japan and feeling like we are in Kikujiro, bidding each new friend farewell at bus stops and train stations, meeting 'Baldy' from Kikujiro (!), communicating in a new (previously learned and forgotten) language, feeling more certain of plans for the future, digging in the garden, feeling healthier (thanks to the gym and being more organised in the kitchen), posies of flowers, being brave enough to bathe in an onsen (communal hot spring) in Japan, being brave enough to try all kinds of new foods in Japan, feeling energised and ready for anything!
Thanks to Danielle from Sometimes Sweet for encouraging these posts!

Kitty
xo

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Wordless(ish) Weekend #22 - Tokyo

Behind our hotel in Shinjuku, the trumpeting of your arrival in Golden Gai. Beautiful photo by C.

Amazing overhead wires in Koenji. Me with my ubiquitous conbeeni (convenience store) umbrella.

Pachinko Parlour in Keonji. Love the balloons, hate the Pachinko. It's like being inside a cigarette smoke-choked pinball machine. One that eats your money and gives nothing in return except confusion.

Taiko no Tatsujin - The best arcade game EVAR. That is us taking dual pictures of ourselves with Taiko Drum heads. We stopped whatever we were doing every time we saw this game and beat the drums to the loudest J-Pop and video game theme songs, it was AMAZING.

The Kinokuniya Bookstore headquarters in Shinjuku. We spent a little bit of time there :) Don't you worry about that book in my hand. People call me a crazy cat lady, but what do they know?

These robot ladies were driving around everywhere. I think they were advertising a robot battle restaurant  and it looks like patrons can sit in their laps and control them. There are trucks blaring advertising (usually for boy bands) that just drive around the streets. There is little regard for environmentally conscious advertising going on right here!

Me (back to camera) walking down Piss Alley, the supposed inspiration for the Bladerunner street food scenes. Each restaurant through this tiny laneway seated around 6 people. Uncomfortably.

Shibuya. Loud, busy, and loud. Talking, singing and dancing billboards, millions of people (it felt like millions) and so many things happening, you don't know which way to look, up, down and all around.

Our 'home' Shinjuku.

This Kitty was a local friend, though the razor claws did manage to draw blood from poor C when the purring turned to "I'm bored with you, go away now". Cats.

One of my favourite photos of Koenji, taken by C, some urban decay and nature reclaiming out discarded spaces. Just beautiful.

All photos taken by C in Tokyo, Japan, 2013

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Found #59

It's all about pretty things this week. I just keep seeing them everywhere. For my mind-stimulating activities, I've been reading more this week, and I think my internet browsing has been pretty limited to sweet items as I browse in my downtime. Speaking of books, I'm hoping that I will get my act together and feed some posts into "Kitty's Book Nook" again soon. It's been ridiculously long, and I've been reading up a storm, I can't wait to share :)

For now, let's talk about what I've Found. This dress. It's just so sweet, I love the little frilly pocket on the skirt, it's such a cute detail. I could never wear this, though. I'd spill something, the instant I put it on. I'm normally not clumsy, but put me in white clothing, and any grace goes out the window!

via: I Love Mona

I spotted these shoes on Etsy today, aren't they lovely? I'm on a real handmade shoe kick lately. Ugh. I SO didn't mean to write a pun then, so I'm going to leave it. What a goof. Anyway, woody soles! Cute and adorable, and the shape is really unique.

via: Moxie Shoes

Oh Asos, why are you so full of stuff? I tell you, the website is daunting to me, I can't deal with the sheer volume of stock. But once in a while, I get lucky and find something on the first page of my search. Like this cat dress! I just love how the ears form the bodice shape! Prrrp!

via: Asos

After visiting Japan, I have a newfound sock obsession. Not that I need any more socks, but if you do, these are pretty sweet!

via: Asos

The colours in this necklace remind me of my plastic bangle combination I used to wear when I was a little girl. Those were the days... The wood block on this one is great, I really like the combination of materials and the contrast between the shapes, it makes a fairly common style of necklace really unique.

via: Down That Little Lane

via: Besotted

I've bookmarked this series from Besotted, there are five posts on "Becoming a Successful Blogger" I really enjoy reading Besotted, it's a great resource and inspiring blog if you are not already familiar with Tristan's work. I've checked out post #1 in the series, and I'm looking forward to catching up on the rest. Any bloggers out there looking for advice and encouragement, I definitely recommend having a read of this series! It's always nice to see a fresh perspective on things, right?

My weekend is jam-packed! I'm helping my sister with some wedding stuff (for her wedding!) tomorrow morning, and then, weather permitting, I'll be getting mean with the weeds in our garden. It's a big garden clean-up and hopefully some fresh plants going in tomorrow. And on Sunday, I mustn't forget, it's Mother's Day. There are lots of mothers, grandmothers, and other special mothers in my life, so I'll be galavanting all over saying hello and having multiple cups of tea, I imagine. I may even find time to shoot some pictures and do some design work as well. We'll see. What are your plans? Anything interesting or exciting happening? I hear that Spring is finally venturing into the more Northern parts of America, so I hope if you're supposed to be having Spring time that the snow has departed for now :)

Don't forget to enter the iPad Mini Giveaway and have a swell weekend!
Kitty
xo

(don't forget Google Reader is leaving us, keep up to date with Kitty & Buck with Bloglovin')