It wasn't quite the blowout that I was fearing, but I did go to Osaka yesterday and my first stop was the Colors fabric store that my mom and I first went to when she came last year. I picked up all this good stuff, to make some pillowcases that are going to be late Christmas gifts, maybe a drawstring project bag or two, and hopefully I to make the floral print into a poofy summer skirt if the gods are smiling on me someday.

Everything I bought had a very specific purpose in mind, so I am considering my shopping day a job well done. I of course had to stock up on fresh coffee and some other things that can only be found in the big city, but this Rilakkuma bear was the only totally unnecessary thing that hopped into my bags. I couldn't resist. Until now I have been relatively unchanged by the excessive cutesy stuff in Japan, Hello Kitty included, although I have indulged here and there. I cannot get enough of this bear who loves to relax! [Click if you want to see him lounging in bed and enjoying the flannel sheets that I got from my mom and dad for Christmas].

And a holiday wish from the top of the Christmas cake I'm about to dive into...