Karma gods

I've been so lucky of late with all kinds of goodness finding its way to me. My postman has been a super busy dropping off some gems this week. I received a beautifully wrapped package from my best friend Lucy, filled with NZ goodness, and an amazing letter set gifted from the lovely Hello Sandwich. Kawaiiii! Lucky me.

Then finding out about The Kitten Covers courtesy of Cat Party. Oh. My. Goodness.

Miranda July's The Future - "A Handy Tip For The Easily Distracted" from robgwilson.com on Vimeo.

And watching the trailer and deleted scene for Miranda July's The Future. It's so exciting. I can't wait to see it! You can see more on the movie here.

Learning about the Flower Appreciation Society.

and Yotam Ottolenghi's food blog for the Guardian. YUM.

A good week!

House hunt

I am on the hunt for a new place of residence, which in Japan can be somewhat daunting and confusing but also, very very fun. My boyfriend is arriving in a month and a half so I am trying to find somewhere with a big lounge and two bedrooms with lots of natural light. A tall order, but I think I can do it! These images from Come Home issue 23 are definitely getting me excited for decorating my new digs, although I think my palette may have to be a little more colourful!

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.

私は日本に住んでいるのを待つことができない

I'm on the final countdown. Ten days till I move to the land of karaoke, salarymen, mamacharis and bento boxes. My prefecture has the highest percentage of home owned karaoke machines. Eeeh!

my head, heart and legs

Londres has been my home for a month and a tidbit and has kindly gifted me;
~ employment & a flat ~
yay!
I move in Saturday and have made plans to raid the nearest opshop for moth ball scented pillows, throws and amateur watercolour landscapes.

and I am dining alfresco with a boy in a park tomorrow evening.
yay!
I believe the above represents the feeling that is increasingly filling my head, heart, and wobbly legs this week.

New Coppola

Years ago, when I am Sam came out, I made the mistake of telling my friends that Dakota Fanning was my favourite actress. I'm not sure why I said it, I just really liked the film. They gave me endless amounts of shit about citing a child as my favourite actress of all time and predictably, I was stubborn and stood by my statement.

Somewhere by Sophia Coppola will be gracing cinemas later this year. It's staring Elle Fanning and Stephen Dorf so I'll be sure not to make the same mistake twice. The trailer, which hit the internet a few days ago has been generating much discussion. Coppola lovers and haters are all quick to provide comment and it seems speculation is rife. Personally, I really love her movies. It's all in the way they're so distinct. The intimate moments, the offbeat humour, the peculiar attention to details and the bizaare choices in soundtrack (Aphex Twin and Todd Rundgren!) It all comes together to create something that is distinct and somehow filled with nostalgia. Although some movies (Marie Antoinette) have been less great than others Coppola takes risks and works to her own agenda. I can't wait to see this movie.

Utterly dreamy

I just discovered this blog thanks to so much to tell you. Sophies photographic posts make me feel so excited. I just got a lense for my Nikon D80 and am ready to get snappy!