Osaka breakfasts with moomin plates

muumin

A couple of weekends ago Gareth and I went on a bike ride to nearby Izumi Park Town to investigate the ubiquitous outlet mall, and with the small hope of discovering a Finnish Cafe we had seen advertised on television.

Oh so happy!

Not only did we find the cafe, but we stumbled upon a small (yet mighty) Moomin display!

There was a large variety of moomin wares for sale, including imported Finnish biscuit cutters, cake tin and Hattifattener tongs (now all safely in my possession). Numerous small and large model moomins everywhere -- and a delightful moominhouse with hiding creatures. Look how delighted Gareth is.

There were moomin biscuits, lollies and even sugar cubes. sweet sweet sweet sweet sweet

And as the Japanese never miss a photo opportunity -- a large painted backdrop with 3D Snufkin, Moomin and My. Chiizu!

birthday birthday birthday

It was my birthday the other day and I just have to tell you about my cakes. My two delicious cakes.

The most delicious moist carrot cake by Gareth (will post recipe soon)

And a chocolatey chocolate monster heart cake by Uncle Lem and Lemur Ming


And my books, my books


woah yeah! hellzapoppin good!

aaaaaand

hoorah! "I know a Miffle needs me, and a Miffle's all I need".

All Your Lullabies: 11th February

British Bird - Little Grebe
The Zombies - The Way I Feel Inside
Arthur & Yu - There Are Too Many Birds
Lambchop - Paperback Bible
Great Lake Swimmers - Falling Into The Sky
Arthur Russell - Close My Eyes
The Clientele - These Days Nothing But Sunshine
Dirty Three - Long Way To Go With No Punch
Age Pryor And Tessa Rain - Funny Shadow
Owls - From Far Away
Feist - The Park
Mirabel - extract from 'Moominvalley In November' by Tove Jansson
Lullatone - Baby
Sun Kil Moon - Blue Orchids
Jessica Lee Mayfield - Kiss Me Again
The National - About Today

Finnish Tuesday

I served a Swedish lady at work today and was reminded of everything that is super about Finland...

Tove Jansson, writer and illustrator of the enchanting "Moomin" series. You should read everything you can by this lady. "I only want to live in peace, plant potatoes and dream".



Lovely Jess from Pink Texta has just blogged about an incredible Finnish artist Tea Mäkipää, http://www.tea-makipaa.eu/
She puts cameras on Reindeer and has pretend parties in submerged houses.
She also enjoys Midsummer with her family.


(On a related sojourn, Sam Eastern (not Finnish) also puts cameras on animals)




This is a photo of me pretending I am in Finland

I bet the light is beautiful there