Back to one/one

Pictured above are some lovely pictures from the 2011 Come Home! calendar. I can't believe it is nearly that time of year again, a time for fresh notebooks, new years resolutions and a sparkling new year. I'm currently in the midst of packing as I am off to Bangkok tomorrow, then Mumbai, Cochin and New Delhi. Feeling very excited about feeling the sun on my face once again, drinking sweet lime and spending time with new and old friends. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year wherever you may be. I'll be back in Japan mid January so until then the blog will be rather static.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! xx

Restless

White nights

images from a blog I really like, Lolita

The first night the snow came down I walked around my neighborhood at 11pm. The streets were completely empty and I couldn't stop smiling. It was powdery soft and so beautiful. Everyone keeps telling me I'm going to get sick of it but I can't imagine I will.

Happy Monday. It's nearly Christmas. Hope you have a good one. This is my first one away from family. Strange. Here's a nice quote and some pretty pictures to start your week.

“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. and then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”- Howard Thurman

Cookie cutter

It's nearly Christmas and I'm hibernating in my wee apartment so I figured what better time to make cookies? Hope you're not going crazy with silly season madness. If you're stuff for gift wrapping ideas you should check out  the Hello Sandwich gift wrapping zine. Cho kawaii!

 Below is the recipe I used, a touch of cinnamon makes them extra delicous.

xx

• Ingredients 
• 
  
• 6 egg yolks
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups butter, softened
• 2 1/8 cups white sugar
• 7 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
•  
• 4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon hot water or as needed

Directions

1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; stir into the sugar mixture. Cover dough and chill for at least one hour.
2. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets. On a floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/2 inch thick and cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters. Place 2 inches apart on to the prepared baking sheets.
3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. To make frosting, mix together the confectioners' sugar, oil and 1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth. gradually add enough hot water to achieve a spreadable consistency.

Ku:nel vol 47

A lovely spread from the latest issue of Ku:nel. Swoon.