Ready for some more sneaks from LaserLine?

Finally found my charger and thought I'd post a couple more....














WordMinis come in FRIEND, LOVE, BABY, GIRL shown here and there are other words too!

The ribbon is also a new item for LaserLine. I took apart a schoolhouse mini CB album and used it to hang a picture of DS and his 6th grade teacher. The charms are new as well. A fun "end of the school year" gift....I stole this from her but will give it back to her after CHA! LOL!!

OK...gotta run and doing something with the little people (aka bored boys! LOL!). Have a great day and I'll try to post some more!

WHAAAaaa.....it's July!

OK! It's 19 more days until the (CHA) show!
Here are some peeks of my chipboard items from LaserLine!

I'll try and load some more pictures once I recharge my batteries! LOL!

But in the meantime, let me know what you think! Thanks for looking :0)

Seven Random Facts....

this is for the tag from Susanna (& actually from Leah Fung too)! Sorry this is so late!

1. I am a New Yorker! Don't know if that is GOOD or BAD. But of all the places we moved to, I feel the midwest (particularly the Chicagoland area) is HOME. BUT I am a Yankees fan....sorry, CUBS & WHITE SOX!

2. I moved about nine times during my childhood (NY, GA, TN, IL & Japan). Attended two elementary schools (GA & IL), one junior high school (IL) and three high schools (IL, TN & Japan). WHEW! LOL! Now that I am married, we have moved about five times! You would think I would be used to it....just hate it. Hopefully this pace will slow down :0)

3. I am a product of an international school and very proud of that fact! How many opportunities do you get to study with classmates from so many cultures (Netherlands, UK, NZ, Australia, Mideast and European countries)?! It was like a mini-UN and very intense discussions on differing points of views = VERY COOL! My school is called the American School In Japan....yeah I know, very original! LOL! Some of our well-known alumni are Joan Fontaine (actress), Linda Purl (actress) and Edwin Reischauer (diplomat/scholar).

4. I am especially proud of my father! In the late 1950s, he was given an assignment from the founder of his company to expand the business in the U.S. During this era, anything "Made In Japan" was considered DIRT...I could write another word but I won't! LOL! Today, it is a major electronic brand that most people know! OH...he also named that brand too!

5. I am married to a Buddhist Monk (in the U.S., he's called a Rev.)! LOL!! Luckily for him, he doesn't have to shave his head...yet! If we moved to Japan and he continues this job by taking over a temple.....guess what honey! In the meantime, his day job is an executive in the financial industry.

6. I am a shy person....anyone who knows me, I know is laughing! But it's true! I have a hard time approaching a person without have major butterflies in my stomach! I forced myself to go through college sorority "rush"/recruitment so that I can become more confident! So if you see me, please I don't bite! Come up and say hello...esp. at CHA-Summer in Chicago! I will be doing a Make 'n Take at LaserLine's booth (#6703)....sneeks to be coming soon!

7. I am a mother of two "little" guys and I am not a great mom but yet they love me despite my faults! Gotta love that! One is moving on to junior high and is definitely showing the pre-teen signs! We just got him an electric scooter which he is seriously taking on the responsiblity....he is now making sure that the garage door is closed at all times! LOL! The youngest is moving his way to 5th grade! OY! Where did the time go? They are good boys....most of the time! LOL!

OK! So there are the two tags I need to get done! Exciting, huh! NOT! Thanks for reading all the way down :0)

Next post will be the sneak peeks....PROMISE!
In the meantime, have a great rest of the day!

Busted and Tagged...

all at the same time by my dear friend, Jan! LOL!

I've been too quiet 'cuz I'm burning the midnight oil getting all these designs and samples finalized for CHA. I owe you all a couple of posts....Susanne tagged me as well and sneak peeks of my second line of designs with LaserLine!

So here goes....

Yourself: slow....like to take my time
Your Partner: fast...do the next thing
Your Hair: thick...need a hair cut!
Your Mother: patient with all three kids plus "oldest" = my father!
Your Father: advisor
Your Favorite Item: my designs....in light of the situation! LOL!!
Your Dream Last Night: can't remember...is that a good thing?
Your Favorite Drink: cranberry juice with crushed ice
Your Dream Car: a convertible....not going to happen in Chicago weather!
Your Dream Home: a maintance-free one! LOL!
The Room You Are In: office/living room
Your Fear: Spiders and anything that goes bump in the night!
You Want To Be In 10 Years: mother of independent college-free kids!
Who You Hung Out With Last Night: my family
Your Not: a camping type of gal...I'm with Jan on this one!
One Of Your Wishlist Items: travel Europe!
The Last Thing You Did: jumped into the shower
You Are Wearing: Pj's
Your Favorite Weather: spring and fall (sunny, yet cool)
Your Favorite Book: The Giving Tree
Last Thing You Ate: a handful of cherries = YUM!
Your life: busy but happy!
Your Mood: calm....kids are in bed! LOL!
What Are You Thinking About Right Now: how much longer is this tag - LOL!!
Your Car: Toyota Sienna....LOVE that van :0)
What Are You Doing At The Moment: typing away
Relationship Status: Very Happily Married
What Is On Your TV: Nothing but at this hour, it's OPRAH
What Is The Weather Like: hot feels like a sauna = YUK!
When Is The Last Time You Laughed: a few minutes ago when I read Jan's blog and she tagged me a couple of days ago and I just realized it! LOL!!

Thanks for the tag, Jan! LOL!!
Anyone else reading this consider yourself tagged! Don't have a blog? Well, please feel free to post in the comments section!
Have a great night!

Happy June!!

JUNE - my birthday month (June 14th = Flag Day!) and it seems like a lot of fellow SBers' birthdays as well! So if you are a JUNE BABY => a big happy birthday wish from me! Like I say to my boys everyday "Make it a good day!"

Well, my oldest DS went off to Chicago the next day after his little brother went to Springfield. His trip wasn't as much fun as the little guy's. Apparently on his "free time" at Navy Pier, someone behind him (not from the school) pushed him and he fell. By the time he picked himself up, his group left him behind so most of the time he was wandering around looking for his group. A classmate found him but towards the end of the trip - poor Taka! He was so depressed because he wanted to buy a gift for his little brother and ended up giving him a Propel (sports drink) that HE wanted to drink later! Not to worry! A few days later, I treated him to a huge milk shake from Oberweis (sorry, FM!). Of course, he brought a camera but the only thing he took was scenery (most of the Oscar Meyer weiner car! OY!)....we will need to work on his photography skills this summer!!! LOL!

A few things that I did over May.

I sent something for Martha Stewart's contest but they were asking for layout but I didn't care....wasn't too impressed with her scrapbook/paper craft papers. BUT I did like her airmail photo mailer so I made it into a mini album of my trip to Japan (ATAMI & ITO). I need to take a picture of the back but it's stamped with Heidi Swapp's foam stamp "JAPAN" <== real simple with Ranger Ink's dabber. Loved how it turned out!











Then on National Scrapbook Day, I worked at Frozen Memories, attended a Stampin'Up event (a Japanese rep...so I was able to make some new friends = always a good thing!) and went a Creative Memories crop (met a fellow ILScrapper! Hi, Jenn!!). Thanks to CJ for letting me attend at the very last minute! PHEW!!!

Also did a layout for my youngest and his new school...











I am an independent consultant for Top Line Creations and the designers just released a new line called Runway. I love it because they are some "boy" friendly designs & colors. So I did a layout for my oldest DS on his graduation from Saturday Japanese school (6th grade). Great fun to play with this!















Currently I am working on my second release samples for LaserLine...maybe they'll let me do a sneak peek! So if you're going to CHA (Craft & Hobby Association trade show) in Chicago (Rosemont IL/Convention Center) during the weekend of July 20-22, 2007, please join me!! I'll be doing a MnT at their booth (#6703) on Friday & Saturday (10am to NOON & 2pm to 4pm both days)! Hope to see you there!

Bon Voyage!

Off to Springfield, IL for little Hiroyuki at 6:00AM!!!!!!!!
That meant that mom had to get up at 5:00AM - LOL!!

He packed his bag up with lunch, snacks, water & juice and of course, his GAMEBOY & his MANGA books (NARUTO). I took him to school and you can hear all the excitment from his classmates in the gym. What fun...I wanna go!!! But DH is still out of commission and I wanted to make sure he's OK.

Yes, he had relapsed last week with Hunt's Syndrome but he is SLOWLY recovering (thank goodness!!). This time he promised that he will only go to the office twice (not everyday like last time - UGH!!).

So off Hiro went on a nice luxury bus! What a life of a fourth grader!

Oh! Yes, he took a camera....a true son of a scrapbooker! Cant' wait to see what these pictures will look like! LOL!!

Happy May!

Well, it's a BEAUTIFUL day here in Chicago...about 60+ and very sunny!

Finally got a start on my scrap area downstairs in the basement, swept and trying to figure out a layout on where to put what...hopefully it will work out that way! LOL!

This Saturday is National Scrapbook Day and I will be helping out at Frozen Memories so if you're in the neighborhood, come join us! It will be their Grand Opening & Ice Cream Social = what a great combo! LOL! There'll be MnTs and prizes given out as well as some sales I'm sure!

I just completed my project using EK Success' Art Blanche line (ringed wall calendar) and Rusty Pickle's Princess Bride line...beautiful papers! Don't laugh....that's me about 15 years ago! We did a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony in the morning and then had a champagne luncheon in a western setting. Lots of FUN!




















Oh! The flowers are punched by McGill's 2" flower punch. I layered 3 flowers together, put a Karen Foster bling brad through them and then creased the petals a little. I love how they look!

Thanks for looking!

How stinkin' exciting!!!!

Can this day get any better than this!

Very humbled that Paper Wishes picked five of my designs to sell in their catalog!!!! Plus they had their design team make two samples from them! WAHHHHOOOOoooo!!!! Take a look on pages 10, 12 & 13! Thanks, Paper Wishes & LaserLine for such a great opportunity!!!

Off to work at Frozen Memories in Bartlett, IL....if you're in the neighborhood, stop by and visit me!

Make it a great day!

Thoughts & Prayers to VA TECH!!!!

Finally heard through our Sorority "grapevine" that our sisters are safe "physically" at our chapter @ VA Tech....big sign of relief. But hope that they will receive love and support to get them through this.

I am so sadden about the ones that were wounded and who are no longer with us....my thoughts & prayers to those friends, family & colleagues effected by this terrible event.

Enough sick talk....

This is something I wanted to share for awhile. This mini tag album was made with my "State Tag" kit from LaserLine. People always asked me what they can do with this particular product so I'm here to show you my take on it!











This is the cover and it's an "Ode to" my former home...
















Inside I have pictures of rooms and fond memories & comments about them...






So what do you think? Something you like to try? LaserLine has agreed to make all 50 states available for order/purchase! I need to make nine....ten MORE of these to finish off my "Ode to" my old hometowns! HA!

I hope this inspires you to do your "ODE" about your hometown!
Thanks for looking!

OK....DH's turn!

OY! I thought my virual infection was BAD!

On Easter Sunday, my DH woke up at 6:30am and felt dizziness, nasuea (sp?), headache and numbness on his left side of his body. So off we go to the ER at St. Alexius Medical Center. They checked him head to toe including CT Scan. From all that has occurred, we could only "conclude" that he might have a minor/mild concussion....during Spring break when I was ordered bed rest, we had not only painted the closet but we (mostly DH) had to take the wire shelves out. Didn't think it would be a problem except those things are determined to stay on the walls! Well, he banged his head against one of those shelves which smarted of course but not to a point of a minor concussion! A few days later, he had some headaches but nothing to write home about....maybe an onset of a cold...we thought.

Then the next day on Monday, his left ear started to bother him so we went to a doctor that the medical center referred us to. So now we think the cause of this whole problem was an ear infection. Thank goodness for the internet because after coming home from the doctor, DH looked up his symptoms to suspect that maybe he had Bell's Palsy.

He took his medication but his ear was getting worse and now it was inflamed....Tues night. The symptoms now looks worse than Bell's and now turned to Ramsey Hunt's Syndome! According to the (again) internet, the recovery rate is less than 50%! OY!!!!!!! Called the doctor on call and she prescribed medication that treats Hunt's. He has some symptoms of this but not all so maybe not all is THAT bad. I don' t know.

Wednesday and Thursday, we took the medication and waited for the effects. None of the five Ear-Nose-Throat specialists in the area were available until Friday so we took the first appointment available....

Went to the specialist on Friday first thing in the AM and reworked his medication which now seems to be working well. His ear is cleared up (95%) but his muscle strength on his left side of face is nil....he can't control his movement....not yet. I'm thinking positive!!!

We have an appointment with the specialist tomorrow afternoon and I'm hoping for some kind of encouragement from him :0) Let's keep our fingers crossed!

Although he doesn't show it, I know he is devasted by this...who could blame him but I am keeping a positive attitude because I know it can only get BETTER!!!!!!!!!!!

So for those of you who are the "praying" type, please include my dear hubby on the list for a safe & good recovery - thank you!

Out of Order & Catch Up Time...

On Saturday (March 24th), a friend of mine (Michelle) and I FINALLY met for brunch...we haven't seen each other since CKU-A in Oakbrook Terrace a year ago!!! Of course, there isn't much time to catch up so we'll have to do it again, Michelle!!! LOL!!

After seeing her, the next day I had caught a virual infection (caused by stress & fatigue). Woke up to a whole body of the shakes....even DH couldn't warm me up so I took a VERY hot bath and soaked for about 40 mins (finally got it to a regular chill). I believe my temp was about 105 but by the afternoon, I was able to break the temp (only temporary) to call the Dr. on call. Usually I don't call but the shakes were so bad that morning and my left leg broke out in a very bright red from ankle to mid-calf. The dr. told me to drink fluids, take fever reducer and put my leg up. Called my primary the next morning for appointment to check the leg. Good thing I did! The reddiness went up to the knee the next day and stiffness = UGH! My dr. gave me a nice shot on the backside (lovely!) and "cow" pill antibotics. If it didnt' clear up by the end of the week, she's sticking me in the hospital! DH stayed home most of the spring break and was doing stuff around the house (and cooking!). I married a nice guy....most Japanese men wouldn't know what to do esp. cook! We painted our MBR closet too! LOL!! I was on the floor painted the bottom part of the walls and he did the top parts (it was his first and probably his last time he'll paint! LOL!!!). The Closet Works installer came in on Thursday and no more clothes all over the bedrooms! YEAH! The only bright spot of my sick time.

Well, I'm still taking the cow pills until tomorrow! YEAH...I'm counting down!

So my catch up time is to clean up the mess made from last week & a half and looking forward to getting the builder back in here to do something! Since closing on the 1st of March, he has only shown up once.....on March 6th! Since then, he has been calling and calling telling me what day he'll be in to finish up what he started....only not to show up! OY! I called him almost everyday and it's hit or miss in getting him to answer his cell or return my phone calls. DH had to step in and threaten legal action! Well, that got the owner's attention....the guy is supposed to come today! Will believe it when he comes knocking on the door! LOL!! One of the causes of my stress.....

Wish me luck!

Oh! I want to congratulate three IL Scrappers that made it into the honorable mention for CK's Hall of Fame (HOF).....Connie T., Janet O. and Christine T.!!! VERY exciting!!!

OK...back to work!

A Graduate!

AH! I can't believe my oldest graduated from 6th grade Japanese school! The youngest went to school on time as usual from the bus stop (8:15am) but we had a late start going to school...it was the first time from the new house! OY! We got there around 12:40pm when he should have been there at 12:20pm! Ooops!

It was LONG~!!!!!!!!!!! So typical of Japanese events....everyone has to make a speech! LOL!! If you are ever invited to a wedding reception...DON'T GO!!! LOL!!!! My DH wanted to ditch the graduation party and have one of our own at home! Not a chance, mister! He lost! Heehee!! Besides some of the kids will not be continuing middle school (i.e. back to Japan, elementary schooling was just enough or some will continue in "cram school") and this will be the last time Takayuki will see them. Looks like he had a good time!

Here are some pics:

Takayuki coming into the gym with his classmates from 6B.

Aren't those flowers beautiful?! Have to find out who arrange them! Had to have it in the background....Takayuki looked amused. One of these days, he will take a decent picture! OY!

Proud dad and son in front of the school. The sign indicates "distribution of graduating diploma" (direct translation).

BTW....we did have our own little graduation party of homemade SUSHI (aka SUSHI Chef DH!)!! It was a great day!

Bad Blogger!!

LOL!! BUT I have an excuse! My family and I moved to Schaumburg IL!

Found a house we just loved, bought it that same day and less than 20 days, we're in! PHEW!
Had a few glitches like moving in snow/rain day, Best Buy mistakenly canceled our dryer order (how can they cancel part of an order....the washer and the frig is here at least! LOL!!!!), COMCAST was about to wipeout our email data (i.e. address book, files) and the boys can't start school right away until the school sees our purchase agreement so I'm driving them to Wheaton for at least a day (don't want them to miss too much school).

There's boxes all over the place so I've got to get back to them....gotta make dinner tonight! Just found the grocery store and bank...mostly importantly, Home Depot! LOL!!!

Will post pictures when I can and update on the results of CHA!
Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!!

And the winner is...

Obsessed Scrapbooker!!! Please PM me your address and I'll get this off right away! Congratulations! When you get a chance, I would love to see your version of the wreath! Thanks for posting!!

Since I had such a great response...I have a second set I would like to give out and that goes to Jan! LOL!! I know your address!

THANK YOU to everyone who participated and for those who posted on 2Peas (and other message boards) such kind words of encouragement....you will never know HOW MUCH it means to me! So thank you from the bottom of my heart xoxoxo!

And YES, I did meet my deadline..skin of my teeth as I started the last two projects after dinner last night! YIKES!

Here are some of my samples for the booth - if you're going, please stop by and meet these nice folks from LaserLine (booth #1705). I won't be able to make it but I will be there in spirit!!!

The "Happy Holiday" circle chipboard & zig-zag border are my designs and the swirl is a LaserLine design as well! PP-Reminisce, CS-Bazzill, Flowers-Junkitz, Brads-Making Memories and paints/stickles-Ranger Ink.

This is my all-time favorite (for now - LOL!!!) - a chipboard flip flop mini album! Had such a blast making this for the booth! The exclamation point, clip and the arrows are all my designs. There are a TON of different lines in this one so I hope I get all of them in...Flair, Heidi Swapp, American Tradition, Art Warehouse, Ranger Ink and 7 Gypsies.

Can I say thank you to Robin Beam for letting me "play" with the dabbers to use on all of my samples?! I got rid of all my paints and only use the dabbers - just LOVE THEM!!!

Now I have to go and clean up the mess that I had made for the last few days - sigh....

CHA - Winter 2007!!!

OK...breathe!

I've got a few things done for Laser Line's booth (#1705)! BUT I need to get at least 2 more projects started and they have to go out by this Wednesday!!! AHH!!

To add to the mix, we're in the process of negotiating the sale of our house! In the middle of winter in Chicago, we sold our house (well, not officially yet) and they want us out by the end of February! Didn't think we would sell our house...let alone above asking price in the off-peak season! LOL!! Who said it was a soft seller's market?! OY!

OK...enough of the vent!

I put together a Valentines wreath which I saw on either 2Peas or CK gallery and LOVED it! So I scraplifted....I used Laser Line's Plain Jane - Circles (3 lg & 3 md) and Plain Jane - Valentines sets; Cloud 9 Valentines PP; Ranger Ink Dabbers & Stickles; and Bo Bunny PP & Ribbons. I just noticed that "love" is in there....ooops! I was going to add "Be Mine" but lost the "Mine" (no, not MIND....well, that went a LONG time ago!!) so I had to adjust my plan!

OK so who wants to be RAK'd?! LOL!! I will send one set of Laser Line's Plain Jane chipboards to make this wreath. Please leave comments on what shapes you like to see in chipboard (existing or not). I will have one of my boys pick a name and announce the winner on Wednesday, Jan. 24 evening in honor of my deadline! Heehee!!!

Oh, these aren't my designs....these are existing ones that Laser Line did. I will post mine SOON!! So in the meantime, post away!

Happy Birthday to my 10 year old!!!

Sniff-Sniff! Guess he can't stay a little boy forever but I can dream, can't I? LOL!!

Happy birthday to my youngest guy!


We decided to do something different and he wanted an ice cream cake sooooooo... I went to Frozen Memories (where I work part-time)'s ice cream palor side and purchase a dozen ice cream cupcakes! Then I stacked them and put a candle on top.....a birthday cake! Everyone got to choose which flavor they wanted and I didn't have to cut anything! Now I call that a solution!

What a treat for him...a TV baseball game w/ bat remote, a Barns & Noble gift certificate from his cousins, some $$$ from the grandparents and lots of hugs & kisses from ME! Heehee!














































Happy birthday, Mr. Hiroyuki!

xoxoxo

Good-bye to Cherish!

Well, it was nice while it lasted! The store is a BEAUTIFUL store and had TONS of stuff that I LOVE!

But mangement decided to change the way they have people working hours and my schedule couldn't meet it so I had to say good-bye! We parted on good terms which is always a good thing AND I wish them so much luck and success! I'll be back...I have my eyes on some thing that I forgot to purchase today - LOL!! Plus I'm hoping to do some make'n takes with my chipboard accents that will be debuting @ CHA - Winter. So excited that Laser Line has allowed me to doodle and make them a reality! THANK YOU!! LOVE that company esp. Miss Lisa Ragan and her mom, Marcia! I'm in the process of making some samples out of their existing product line (Plain Janes) as well as my designs! COOL!!

I want to thank my GF, BethP, for introducing me to Cherish!! Although it was only for a few months, I got to spend some time with my friend and that was so important to me! Hope we can get to see each other outside of Cherish too!

As I mentioned I have some stuff debuting as well as my friends from NJScrappers! Jen Starr of Ranger Inks (DT coordinator) will be debuting papers & stuff from Zsiage and another GF but she hasn't announced so I'm not going public until she does! LOL!! Then my friend from Imagination Project, Emily Adams, formerly of Magic Scraps will be debuting her line of products as well! So good luck to everyone...it's going to be a FULL plate of everything this show! YIKES!


Here are some pictures I'd like to share the fun times @ Cherish!













But most importantly, I want to thank the scrappers that came in and took my classes or to say hello at the store or for letting me help them find that right kind of paper/embellishments/adhesive! Please continue to support our LSSes (is that correct?) and have fun doing what we love to do - SCRAPBOOK! See you in some shape or form! LOL!!

Thanks, Cherish...I'll be back!


P.S. You haven't seen the last of me! LOL! I will continue to work at Frozen Memories on Wednesdays, some Fridays or Saturdays during the daytime hours! Come visit me...love to see my friends!

Pieces Of Me...

Hey, all! Hope everyone survived the celebration! We had to work like all other new years, our church is open for the first prayers of the year. BUT the best part is hanging out with the members and sharing a meal of traditional Japanese new years dishes (as you saw in my previous post & MORE! LOL!). Will post those pictures later!

I wanted to show you all a project that I finally got done....I think it took me a good two months to get it completed!!! It's that dreaded scrapper's block! UGH!!! And I loved how it turned out! I plan to do a class on this at the end of this month @ Cherish. I used Creative Imagination's puzzle pieces to make an altered mini album and the theme is based on the many roles we as mothers, wives, sisters, brothers, kids to get through life. Mine covers places I need to be...home, work, school, sorority and play (of course, that's my fav page! LOL!!). So if you're interested, would love for you to join us @ Cherish!!

The January dates are: 27th (Sat./10am-NOON); 30th (Tue./10am-NOON). There's one February date: 3rd (Sat./10am-NOON).

Currently I'm working on an envie accordion album for Valentines @ Frozen Memories. I don't think their calendar is up yet for January but this class will be this Saturday, Jan 6th from 10am - NOON. I hope to post a picture tonight so be on the lookout for it! I believe the price is $12.00.

Thanks for always stopping by and reading my blog!

Happy New Year!!!

AH! Can't believe it's 2007! Wishing everyone a great year!

Here's a peek at the foods we enjoy during the new year's holiday - called OSECHI RYORI.

This is called KURIKINTON....basically it's mashed chestnuts (something like mashed potatoes but sweeter and yummier..is that a word?!). This is one of my favorite dishes!

This a kind of fish cake and since it's mostly white, they dye it in different colors and they make designs in the middle of the cake. When you go to slice the "loaf," you get these slices pictured here.

These are eggs rolled in layers and sliced. Hosho made these....isn't this beautiful!

We also cooked up a New York strip steak and little hamburger patties...and a few other dishes.

In Japan after days of cleaning our homes (detail cleaning), we spend time on preparing foods that can last at least a few days since in the "olden" days, all the shops were closed for about a week. But that's not fesible and they only close for a couple of days. In recent times, people spend their time on vacation mostly overseas so these kinds of food are not so popular. Actually those who still enjoy it will most likely order it as a set from department stores. Here we are able to order at Mitsuwa (Arlington Hts. IL) but I don't like to do that so we make some of the dishes and purchase pre-made stuff. This makes us feel less guilty - LOL!! But we also work on new year's day....New Years services at church. The church members make some AWESOME homemade dishes that we will enjoy tomorrow afternoon for lunch! Can't wait!

So, do you do anything for the new year as a tradition? Do share!

Again, a happy new year to you and your loved ones!