Living in Tokyo, Japan for 6 months was really an eye-opener for me.  Japanese kids of my co-workers were so smart and cute, I was sure their parents must have given them the best toys; not just any toys though, educational ones.  Now that I am a mum myself I know the importance of giving them not just any toys, but toys that can help them with their motor skills. Most importantly, a toy they can keep playing with and keep interested in for a long time.  A toy that they can share with others or play with by themselves.

I find that the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is great for kids from age 3 and up, there are a whole range of building toys from Mega Brands that I like a lot.  My daughter had loads of fun with it, like those building blocks that she had since she was 2 yrs old.  I won’t hesitate to buy them for birthday presents or Christmas presents for the extended family or even just friends at the store.  Prices are reasonable and like I said, they last a long time, they’re buildable and you can mix and match the sets.  Check out their website to see the full range they have available and start planning for special occasions today.

I bought my very first notebook in Japan . .and at that time the Sony Vaio was the most popular.  Of course, it didn’t have so many colors that they have now.  But nevertheless, i really liked it.. because it allowed me to talk to my home and office via the in built webcam.  Some 15 yrs ago, that kinda technology was really awesome.. and everyone was in awe of me.. when i travelled with it.  Even thought i bought it cheap in Japan.. the only problem i had was . .i had to reinstall the OS .. but first i had to wipe out the Japanese one .. that was already in it. .hahah!!

Christmas is coming sooner than I would like and as you know my Japanese friends are only into quality gifts. They believe that quality is more important than quantity and I could not agree with them more.  My girlfriends had asked me to look out for mens Watches, but not just any kind, she has specific tastes. I know one of the watches she had been eying on for a long time is now available at The Watchery and they are having a site wide discount of up to 80% on their watches.

You have to check out their new deal of the day section and guess what? Shipping is free!  In fact, with the holiday season coming in a rush, you will have to order now and get it before the eve of Christmas. For those who might be thinking how can they offer such a discount, and that maybe these watches are refurbished, The Watchery assures you that they are not and they are definitely genuine, no knock-offs here. These watches have authentic serial numbers and are all brand new.  Giving it as a gift is so easy because it comes with the original box and papers. The range of quality and price is so great, and don’t forget shipping is free.

The Japanese are definitely somewhat strange . .but very creative.  This is a Jury bra .. because it can be turned over.. and look like a balancing of something. .and represents the statue right outside the justice center. Made by Triumph of course.. and not sure if you can get it anywheres else.

Souvenir stores like these in Tokyo Disneyland are aplenty.  These one not only sell cute souvenirs.. they also have  promotional pens to those who visit their stores.   And these kinda stores are usually swarmed with visitors that arrive at the Disneyland.  If you are wondering why even on weekdays, DisneyLand is still crowded, it is because the Japanese comes from all over Japan and visit this Disneyland.  So they are technically on holiday as well.

I have been asked many a times.. if in Japan.. do the folks there use lamps like these.. that you can find in the West.. in speciality shops.  I have to let you know. .that yes.. some do use these lamps.. and please be made aware that those manufactured in Japan are definitely different . .than those you find manufactured in China.  In Japan.. the japanese believed that quality is above everything.   Everything you see here .. to make this table lamp successful is all hand made.. and inspected personally.   So yes.. as long as I see that sign “Made in Japan” .. well you know .. you can trust that they are quality product.

It’s that time of the year to look for special gifts for special friends in Japan and by now we all know that our Japanese friends have good taste.  Personalized gifts like turning your photos into artwork can be a really simple but thoughtful gift that anyone can appreciate.  Check out Photofiddle Before & After Samples to get an idea of what I am talking about.

Press Release:

DECK THE WALLS WITH PHOTO ARTWORK MASTERPIECES ON CANVAS -

– Just a Few Minutes of Fun to Create, and Less than a Week to Receive From Photofiddle.com –

LINDENHURST, NY, Dec. 3, 2008 – Holiday shoppers looking for low cost, original and thoughtful last minute gift can turn their best photos of precious moments, people and places into one-of-a- kind photo artwork at www.photofiddle.com.

Photofiddle offers numerous styles for both contemporary and conservative tastes. Simply upload and recreate a typical 3″ x 5” snapshot into a compelling canvas piece or framed on archival photo paper in virtually any size. With over 70 instant designs from pop art to impressionist to choose from online, any photo design can be instantly shared with friends and family members in digital form, prior to ordering. And, because fiddling with several dozen designs and styles is lots of fun, gift certificates are available online, so recipients can fiddle their own photos for themselves.

With prices starting as low as $14.95 there is Photofiddle artwork available for any budget. Order by Dec. 18 in time for receipt before December 25.

PhotoFiddle, headquartered in Melville, New York, which PC Magazine gave 4 stars, on the Oprah O list, offers 4 day turnaround on customized photo-artwork that users design online, at far less cost than custom framers or home design professionals. For more information visit: www.PhotoFiddle.com.
See the Photofiddle.com before & after photo art gallery.
###
Contact: Eric Gold
516-847-1152
Eric@photofiddle.com

I swear.. those darn Japanese has the cutest things.. to sell to you .. and you can’t resist them..!! when i was in Japan.. i tell yer.. i bought so many things.. !! things i don’t even know what to do with them.. just because they are cute.  And one thing about Japanese goods are they are of good quality.. and not like those CHINA made ones.  They last a long, long time too.. and they ship to Canada too..!! woohoo..!!!

Cute or what..?? only at $2.99 ..  and shipping is quite ok too..!!!

Traditional Japanese homes in Takano River looked like that. In the cold winter months, it would really be nice to have a tankless water heater.  I remembered my host family having to take turns because they wouldn’t have so much hot water to go round the entire household and i feel extremely bad, because they always let me have a hot bath first.. since i am the guest.  I really wished i could send them one now .. since they had been so nice to me.. during my 6 months stay in Japan.

Yes..  you heard me right. .there is a Ralph Lauren in Omotesando, Harajuku - Tokyo.  24,000 sq feet..!! is amazing !!  do you know how much inventory one must have to fill up a store this huge..??  A LOT OF STUFF..!!  but the Japanese are known for wearing only quality stuff.. and with all the people and friends that i know in Japan.. i haven’t seen one that is badly dressed.  Even the girl who manned the lift in our Tokyo office building had a LV handbag.. !! it’s crazy..!!