Akabeko ～ The Red Cow Toy ～

 Have you ever heard of "Akabeko"? Akabeko stands for "Red Cow." "Aka" means red in Japanese, and "beko" means a cow in a dialect of Fukushima prefecture of Japan. Akabeko is a local toy of  Fukushima,  and it is red, cow shaped, and made by mashed paper. The reason why Akabeko is red, is coming from a legend of the local. To explain simple, the story is like this.

"A long time ago, people tried to build a temple, but the huge logs were quite heavy, so people were struggling how they carry them. At the time, a herd of cows appeared, and helped people to carry the logs. As time goes by, many of cows ran out of a steam, but the last cow standing was a red cow. After that, people became to praise the red cow as a symbol of kindness and vitality."

 This legend carried the birth of Akabeko. The picture shown is the actual Akabeko toy. Isn't it lovely? It's neck moves like nodding. Molded patterns is drew on its body. Because it looks cute, Akabeko is becoming a different type of product. 

 Beads Mania is one of those shops sells Akabeko in different style. Beads Mania propose an Akabeko as a beading kit. The very top picture is the one. It's a Akabeko motif that can plugged in to the earphone jack. It can also becomes a mobile phone straps by changing the attachment parts. 

"Akabeko"

There also is a bigger version of Akabeko called "Mamabeko" as well. 

Mamabeko's neck moves as the real Akabeko toy. 

"Mamabeko"

It's adorable if you put them side by side.

 Akabeko somehow has the taste of Japan. If you would like to try beading kit, 

visit Beads Mania. They have several different types of kits. 

Ladies Bike Gear Shop "Baico"

 Even though there are several bike gear shops exist in the world, the one specialized for ladies gear is barely seen. Japanese ladies bike gear shop "Baico" is one of those rare online shop that lines up bike gears only for ladies. Baico mainly handles ladies bike accessories and apparels for bikers, such as helmets, jackets, pants, bags, and gloves. You may imagine a jet-black rider's suit when you hear a word "riders," but items that Baico lines up is a bit different.

Of course Baico handles a jet-black leather jackets as well, but they basically propose casual styles. Of course Baico handle rider's apparels with protective functions, but most of those apparels are somehow cute and casual.

 The shop's concept that specialized only for ladies gets attention in domestic market because it's still rare sales model.

 Also, the casual style that Baico proposes receives good reputations from the users, and customers can search a lot of brands at once if the visit Baico. That is probably an another reason why they became popular.

 Another Baico's propose method is to introduce the items by the coordinate style that the user are looking for. For instance, if the user is looking for military style coordinate apparels, users can find the military taste apparels instantly. This legible proposal idea can help customers to find what they need and what they may want to develop as their new style. 

 

 Thus a shop of rare sales model is gaining a popularity from the users. If you are interested in ladies bike gear,  "Baico" is the one recommended. They have facebook page, so LIKE them if you liked it. 

Cats In Da House♪

 Pets always stay beside the human's life, and heals the owner without consciousness. Some says the life with pets gives us more happier life than the one without them. In terms of making great memories and or to be healed, the theory may be true.  Today I would like to introduce an online pet foods store "Munch". They mainly handle pet foods, but this time I pick up one of the side items; "VAIVA Cat House."

 VAIVA Cat House is created by a brand VAIVA, and it is made of wool for a hundred percent. Soft and comfortable touch. This item grabs cat's hearts because it stimulates their tendency to get in a hole and a narrow space. And for the owner, the way it looks when cats inside the VAIVA Cat House is absolutely adorable. Uhhmmm...it's irresistible!

VAIVA Cat House is also hand washable, and can be hold compact. If you put the crumpled newspapers inside when drying it, the shape will be kept. Easy care.

　Finally, VAIVA Cat House has preeminent color variations. All the color is sweet and adorable.

Imagine that your sweet cat getting in this house and watching you from inside the hole.

You probably can't stop smiling....♪ You can get it at Munch.

Hoppetta For Your Life

    Hoppetta is a baby care goods brand of natural taste. There also are products for adults, and Hoppetta's quality and the functions, such as the feel, ease of washing, the touch, and also the cute pattern is gaining popularity from domestic and abroad. "Kodomo to Kurashi" is one of the online shops that handles Hoppetta. and they just started to take the orders from oversea since they receive many inquiries from abroad.

 There are some series of Hoppetta, but the most popular series is "Champignon."
Champignon means "mushroom" in French, and this series is designed with the Northern Europe's lucky items. The colorfulｌｙ encrusted mushrooms emphasis the cuteness of the baby goods. In addition, because Hoppetta series are made on the assumption to be washed, it helps parents to keep it clean. This is one of the points to be loved. And the design of cute but has no limit to gender is also a key for the popularity. Hoppetta's gauze material is comfortable to touch, so that both baby and parents can feel the softness. The material of gauze suites all the seasons. During hot summer, the material absorb the sweat and dries quickly, and for cold winter, it provides the warmth.

  There is no wonder that Hoppetta has high popularity if I see the material of soft cotton, the design, and the variations of product line-ups. How about taking Hoppetta in your life?
They may carry you a "LUCK" for your family :-)

I LOVE BABY Launches The Original Yukata Dress For Kids To The Global Markets

  Yukata is well known and loved as a Japanese traditional costume during summer because of its good ventilation. Yukata's popularity is now spreading to the all over the  world. 

  

Today's article is about an online shop called "I LOVE BABY" that handles baby and kids related products. 

  As the leading product of  I LOVE BABY, they started launching their original "Yukata Dress" to the oversea markets.  I LOVE BABY releases the new types every year, and those new types are making buzz among the people each year. As soon as the new types are released, they tend to be sold out right away. This Yukata Dress was created based on the planner's commitment to a high quality flavor; cute, functional, and easy to wear. At the very end of this article, there is a tutorial movie to show how to wear, so you may not want to miss.

  Now, what we are interested in is the reason why I LOVE BABY has led to the production of their original Yukata Dress. Here's the thought.

  Now that the yukata of mass production makes good sales, I bought a yukata online a few years ago. When I saw what I was actually received, I was surprised because the texture was so thin. 

It was not the one that really can be called a yukata. 

  Recently there are a lot of cute kid's yukata in stores. While I watching them I began to think I want to make an original one. And at the same time, I remembered the thin yukata I bought before, and thought that I will never make the one like that. Then I thought;  "I want to create a real yukata - as a traditional technology of Japan. It has to be the one Japan can be proud of in the world, and I want to tell the kids what the real yukata is" That's how our original yukata project started. 

  However, I had no knowledge about how to make a yukata. Therefore, I started it from finding a manufacturer that I can really trust. Fourtunately, I came across a manufacturer of a fateful one. It was a famous manufacturer everybody knows in Japanese kimono industry. First time around, I couldn't even remember the allocation of yukata (means the number of sheets that can be made from one roll of cloth), so I was taught by the manufacturer gently. 

 In addition, every time I see the finish of design and samples,  I struggled with the difference in the color of the cloth and paper. As a result of our continuous trials, with the kind help of experienced craftsmen, our one-of-a-kind yukata dress and Jinbei have been developed. 

  When we received the first sample, we put it on the mannequin right away. Next moment, all of us were so impressed and rejoiced together with great sense of accomplishment. 

  Now, as a planner of this original yukata dress, I wish many children to wear our original yukata as possible to feel the good, the softness, and remember that this is a real yukata.

  Yukata Dress has a variety of patterns,and the combination of the color of Yukata Dress and the waistband is the key for a fashionable dressing. Waistband is sold separately, so the customers can choose their favorite color from the choice. 

    Also there are some different types of their original products. Both Sundress and Jinbei are using breathable materials. These are also easy to wear as well as Yukata Dress, so often chosen by customers as summer's costume.

Sundress

Jinbei

   Finally, as I'm continuously saying in this article,  the method to wear Yukata Dress is pretty simple. Wear it, and tie the strap. Then tie the waistband. That's all. Here, I introduce the movie to show how to wear it with details. You'll see how easy it is :-)

How To Wear The Yukata Dress (Speed Playback)

  No matter where we live, Dressing the cute clothes to children is a wish of the parents.

How about to try an oriental kimono to make a difference from the others?

Movie: Hair Makeup Tutorial For Kimono Style

 　As there is a hairstyle that matches the dress, there also is a hairstyle that suits for kimono.
To makeup the hair style for kimono, Japanese uses an ornamental hairpin called "Kanzashi."
Beads Mania introduces how to makeup the kimono style of  hair by movies. Please try to them and hope you find your favorite style.

For Long Hair - Light Curly Braid 

For Long Hair - French Twist

For Medium Long Hair - Braid Style

For Medium Long Hair - Arranged Braid Style

Have you got the point? Once you get the point, it will be easy to arrange your own style.
Try some Japanese hair arrangement and enjoy wearing Kimono if you have a chance.

What To Wear For Mt. Fuji Climbing?? Arucoco Introduces A Now Girl Style

 Summer is a good chance to enjoy the outdoor sports. The sun makes people wanna go out, and people get distress feeling the sun lights. In Japan, there is a big continuous holidays in the middle of August. It's the holidays called "OBON," which is Japanese traditional event to welcome the souls of ancestors from the afterlife to this world. In OBON, people visit their ancestor's graves to pray for them, and the priest of temple come to visit the parishioner's house to pray. It's a spiritual holidays. To make an unforgettable memory during such a spiritual period, Arucoco recommends a challenging sport; Climbing the Mt. Fuji. Arucoco sells mountaineer gears for Yama Girls (Mountain Girls), and introducing their recommendation for Mt. Fuji climbing.

 "Daytime Climbing"

Daytime Climbing requires the gears that is not too hot, but not too cold. Let's take a look at the required gears from the top to bottom.

1. Hats are essential to protect the head from the sunshine. Also it worth for women to protect   from the sunburn. If it is the water proofed, it worth when it rains.

2. Sunglasses are necessary to deduct the damage of ultraviolet for eyes. Also it helps protecting from the fugitive dust.

3. Backpack would be a lifeline. Arucoco recommends the backpack of 30 litters. It can carry everything you need, but still has margins a little.

4. Masks and neck covers helps you to breath while walking through the fugitive dust. Neck covers support you when it gets cold, too.

5. Pants are necessary for Mt. Fuji climbing. Skirts are dangerous. Mt. Fuji climbing takes a long way, so the long pants that easy to walk is recommended.

6. For Top, it' OK if the top is casual like a combination of along sleeve and shirt while daytime, but the sunlight is intense on the Mt. Fuji, so UV protection material is recommended. In addition, select the one that easy to adjust the length of the sleeve to control the warmth because Mt. Fuji has wide temperature differences.

7. To prevent the lower back pain, trekking pole is essential.

8. Gloves protect your hand from intense heat and ultraviolet. Also it guards the hands when .
slipped.

9. Finally, the trekking shoes are important. It's better to wear the one accustomed to wear. Select the middle cut or high cut ones to protect the ankles.

"Nighttime Climbing"

Nighttime climbing requires more careful selection.

1. Head lamp are required to light the road during the night. The road of Mt. Fuji has many rocks, so choose the head light that is attachable on the head.

2. Knit hat is helpful to keep your head warm. The temperature of Mt. Fuji at night is the same as the winter of Tokyo. Be ready for cold. Select the one that can cover the ear.

3. Snowsuit is REQUIRED to protect you from the cold. From the nighttime to morning, the temperature gets down. Carry the Fleeced jacket or down jacket.

4. The weather of Mt. Fuji is unpredictable. Bring the rain wear (top and bottom) to be ready for the rain. Choose the one with water proof property and moisture permeability to adjust temperature.

5. Gloves to keep the hands warm are necessary. Thin and Fast dry material for daytime, and thick and warm material for nighttime.

6. A Rain Spat helps you to keep your foot warm. Also it protect you from the dirt.



These are one of information that Arucoco provides. Visit Arucoco to get further informations and to find what you need. Arucoco support kawaii style for women.

Jewelry To Go Through A Life Together

Cullent -Create The Story of Your Life-

"cullent" produces the jewelry to live your life together.

What cullent believes and hopes is that cullent's jewelry becomes irreplaceable partner for your life

while spending a plenty of fabulous moments with you, and hope to be loved for a long time.

cullent's diary

Dec. 19th, 2011

Today is my birthday.

I enjoy my birthday every year, 

but this one was unforgettable 

because my mom gave me a special jewelry!

The jewelry is a necklace with a girl-shaped motif, 
and my name is engraved on its back..."cullent."

My mom made it for me as a talisman when I was born.

It is one of a kind.

I'll never have it off since it's filled with mom's love.

I would give a gift to my children as well when I become a mother.

Mother's love will protect my children!

And if this cycle to send a jewelry becomes a tradition of my family, how sweet it would be!

It's like a baton of happiness that the jewelry connects!

cullent

Cullent official store

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T-Style; A Treasury Of Men's Bag

                       

    For men, a bag is very important item to represent one's fashion style, life style, and attitude. In spite of such an important item, the reality is quite difficult to find a favorite one. What if there's a specialty shop that focused on only men's bag? What if the shop is handling a whole bunch of kinds? You probably can spend your whole day. And today, there is one shop that may satisfy your desire.

  "T-Style", is an online shop that handles ONLY men's bag. T-style is established as a business bag shop at the beginning. They've been growing up, and now the line ups are keep increasing from wallets to carry cases. To be an specialty shop and to be grown up, they needed to spread their line ups to catch the wide range targets. It's been two years since their debut, and now they have succeeding to get certain fans and the sales is keep growing up. 

  As one of the reason that "T-Style" carrying fans, there is a power to propose. Not just lining up the items on the page, their product page have a power to explain the characteristics of item, and the power to propose the uses of the product. In addition, they explain how to use the item from A to Z, such as what size of documents fits in which pockets and how to fond the aging of the leathers.  

  Moreover, their website is made easy to search the items depending on the customer's needs.

Thumbs lined by each categories are legible to see, and helps customers find what they are looking for.    

    Finally, not only ordinary bag that everybody loves, they handles odd stuffs as well.

The worth seeing "T-Style" may be able to help you finding what you are exactly looking for.

 

A Masterpiece of Beading Techniques; The Teddy Bear Sisters

　"Beads Mania" a Japanese famous beading goods shop has been releasing unique beads kits. Here's one of their original kits that people who are interested in kawaii stuffs. Kimono, Hakama skirt, and boots. These are all Japanese traditional fashion style of Taisho era, which is said as good old days. The traditional fashion style is now replicated as beading kit! 

  Teddy Bear Strap <A Plush Sisters>

Kimono, Hakama skirt, and boots. Japanese Taisho era has been revived as an beads kit. 

Sweet Teddy is making up and dressing up, pretending to be an adult. This kit can be a strap to attach your mobile phone, bags, or anything you want! This Teddy can sit itself, so to decorate your favorite place is also recommended. The kit starts from knitting the face part. After you finish until the body, here comes the Kimono part! Kimono part is used stitch techniques, so you can try your multiple techniques in one kit! Why not to challenge your skill??

<Elder Sister>

The Elder sister of the Teddy bear wears a kimono of a classic dark red. The kimono part of the stitches, we used Dlica beads that has clear colors. The pattern of the Kimono will be seen clearly when it's finished. Her charm point is a big ribbon.  Matching the color of grosgrain tape that wrapped around the waist and the Kimono, , it is very cute workmanship.

For the boots part, fire polished beads and seed beads are used. You will find the silhouette of a real boots when it's finished. We succeeded to reproducing the texture of brown leather with a custom color of fire polished beads.

　

<Younger Sister>

Cute younger sister of Teddy bear is debut now. Younger sister always follow the elder sister. She is delighted to wear a Hakama skirt of different pattern of her sister. For the lovely young sister, we chose the color of pink for the Hamaka skirt and hair ornaments. She dressed up in a Kimono of modern design; striped pattern of black and white as an accent , and also floral offering vivid color. Young girl wants to pretend to be an adult. How cute!

We have the following 3 patterns for sale.

Teddy Bear Strap <A Plush Sisters> (a pair)

<Elder Sister>

<Younger Sister>

Would you like to feel the world of  "Beads Mania"?

 This is just a part of Beads Mania. You may find any other favorite if you look around their site.