"Family Boutique" = Drool Worthy Home Decor

CONTRIBUTED BY KELLY GARCIA

Where do you buy your home decor on the island? Not art, but I guess what you might call "interior goods." Towels, linens, table settings, candles and such?

Me, I got a cool rug for my bedroom at Mixx Life Style. A nifty dish scrubber thing at maxplus.  Coffee spoons, curtain rods and kitchen mats from places like Ramayana and ETWS.  I like the 100 yen and gift shops for baskets.  And of course, the odd Yankee Candle at the PX.

But last week, while my mom was here, I went to a shop that made me want to reach for my non-existent handkerchief and pat my drool dry.  I don't know if it was the warm lighting that triggered this impulse, the high quality of merchandise, or simply the aesthetic - kind of a French country meets Japan. Anyway, it was just gorgeous.

You know you are entering someplace special when you walk through the door and are immediately enveloped by sumptuous fragrance.  It's the smell of flowers and fine linens.  This is a shop where details are attended to (Hey! Just like at Fertile, the restaurant they own across the street.)  It's small, however, if you are like me you could spend a fair amount of time here. You might find yourself reaching out to touch everything--pillowcases, towels, the luxurious bathrobes.  Or lingering over the table settings, flipping plates over to find the price...just in case.  I found myself considering taking up gardening just so I'd have an excuse to buy their cool rubber boots and garden gear.  Again and again, I wove through the shop delighting in something new with each pass.

Family Boutique isn't cheap, but even if you aren't buying it's worth the trip. Just go there to touch and feel and smell and browse.  If you combine it with a lovely lunch or tea at Fertile across the street, it would make for a very pleasant girls' afternoon.  (Or a good solo afternoon for that matter.) Top that off with an appointment to get your piggies painted, as I did with my mom that day, and it's pretty close to perfect!

(My mom fell in love with these towels a little bit, about $25 a pop!  I fell in love with these pajamas a little bit...I think they were pajamas anyway, they were with the robes!)

      

I've seen these candles in a fancy-pants boutique in Asheville, NC. 

     

A cool metal topped table.                  Cute glass jars.

INFO AND HOURS

Open everyday

www.watashinoheya.com

DIRECTIONS

Go straight out Kadena gate 2. Make a left at the 4th light (the corner where Top Embroidery sits). Follow this road past Mike's Tex Mex on the left. You'll pass one stoplight. At the first intersection past that first light you want to make a right (before you turn, there is a building with an orange awning on the right and an "Anew" store on the left). You'll see a sign that s says "Boutique Paris" on the left. Turn left here.  Family Boutiqe will be on your left hand side, right after the parking lot.

PCS with a twist!

A couple of weeks ago I received the above invitation from my friend (and next door neighbor) Michela. She throws the most creative parties I've ever seen; I couldn't wait to see what she had up her sleeve this time! Upon reading the invite I knew I was in for a treat:

Before I have a PCS - Permanent Change of Station
Join me for a PCS - Potluck, Cocktails and Shopping

I've been going through my closets and cupboards and have a bunch of
things to get rid of before I pack out!

Bring an appetizer or dessert to share,
I'll supply the beverages.

One night only, shop till you drop for FREE in the following departments....
Pantry/Kitchen
House Wares
Ladies Accessories
Outdoor/Patio
Jewelry Cosmetics & Fragrance
Special Occasion
Shoes
Electronics
Automotive

Please note this is an exclusive shopping event, only those on the guest list may attend.
(teen daughters are welcome)

WHAT A COOL IDEA! You know what it's like preparing to PCS - going through cupboards, closets, cabinets - weeding through shoes, clothes, candles, etc. Great stuff that you loved enough to buy, but have decided to leave behind for one reason or another. With good intentions of donating to the thrift store, most of it gets stuffed into boxes and bags that we trip over for a couple of weeks before we finally set them out at the side of the road.

If you are anything like me, you probably have a wide range of clothing in your closet - everything from that favorite pair of jeans several sizes too small that "some day" will fit again to the collection of ball gowns in a rainbow of colors. Fabulous stuff in mint condition, too expensive to garage sale (insulting when someone offers a DOLLAR for a dress they know cost two hundred) but not very practical to be hauling around move after move.

Which is what made Michela's "PCS" idea so spactacular. She found a way to downsize without going through the heartache of seeing her treasures reduced to rubbish, and she blessed her friends in the process!

Take a look at some of the pictures from the party:

P = potluck
  Guests arriving with the food.

C = Cocktails
If your home has a stocked bar, this is the perfect way to polish off those half empty bottles.

S = Shopping!
Since Michela is known for her elegant and trendy style, we were all eager to see what she was sharing...

Tammy scores a great bag!
Audrey spots a cute purse

Everyone was happy with their loot, and we'll all carry memories of this night with us forever. We'll also think of Michela (bottom row center) every time we use one of her gifts!

You can bet I'll be throwing a PCS party before my next move. How about you?

Furniture Sale

I thought I’d pass the word. There’s a furniture sale this weekend that benefits the hospital. If you’re shopping for some new furniture, come by and check it out.

Furniture Sale hosted by Okinawa Medical Service Corps Association

Lester Middle School (Gymnasium)

Saturday, March 14, 8am – 5pm

Sunday, March 15, 10am – 4pm

This event will be held in cooperation with Oriental Place and Royal Trading featuring an exclusive hand selected shipment of authentic Chinese Antiques, original Tibetan furnishings, new furniture, porcelain, and hand-knotted Chinese rugs. Additionally, delivery services and food sales will be provided by the Junior Enlisted Association of USNH.

Please note that home layaway is available, major credit cards, and personal checks are accepted.

This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and it allows the Okinawa Medical Service Corps association to support various functions throughout the Command and Island, including events such as the reception for the Surgeon General.

(click to make larger)

If you have a shopping event that benefits our community, or if you’d like to write an article on your favorite Okinawa store, please email me at toshopinokinawa@yahoo.com – Heather Hansen

Ramayana

Julia contributed an article about Ramayana over a year ago. I’d dismissed it because Ramayana is a chain store that can be found in various malls here on the island. What you usually find in them (besides the overwhelming cloud of incense) are smaller trinkets, candles, beaded items, crochet hats and tie-dye dresses. I hadn’t gone to the Ramayana store that is mentioned in the article because the stores in the malls weren’t thrilling me.

I was wrong. And so, this is an effort to redirect you to that store because it is FANTASTIC.

Unlike the mall versions, I think this particular store has some unique treasures.

The first floor of this store has the same things that are in the mall version, but there are additional items mainly in the smaller home furnishing capacity – baskets, tea cups, serving trays, table cloths and placemats, to name a few.

It’s the upstairs in this Ramayana that really sets it apart. The upstairs is dedicated to furniture. They are a bit pricy, but I can’t say that I have ever seen anything like the furniture they carry. It is very unique. They also have a collection of lamps and mirrors that are eye-catching as well.

 

I’m so in love with this store that I wanted to make a public apology. Ramayana, I’m sorry I doubted you. It was terrible of me to ignore you so long. I will make up for it with numerous visits. I promise.

(And, Julia, I’m sorry I doubted you too!)

Directions: From Foster commissary gate, make a RIGHT onto 58. Ramayana will be on your LEFT hand side before you reach the third stoplight.

BULLDOG

Today’s store is a fun one. I found it while visiting the Awase Shopping Center (it’s located across the street). This store serves absolutely no purpose other than to entertain. Looking for a funny joke gift for someone? It’s here. The store reminds me of Spencer’s. And like Spencer’s, be aware that some things in the store are not suitable for kids. This store gets a PG-13 rating from me.

What can you find there?

Are you looking for a hamburger CD holder?

No? How about some pig stuff? How about cat stuff?

Maybe strawberries will float your boat?

There are shelves and shelves of random items. I had a good time looking at all of it and giggling.

HOURS: Daily 11am to 10pm

DIRECTIONS:

Take the 81. Make a left on 329. At the big McDonalds, take a right. The Awase shopping center will be on your right hand side. Turn before the shopping center and Bulldog will be on your right.

Awase Shopping Center

I debated whether or not to write about the Awase Shopping Center. This is where the Toy’s-R-Us is located and I figured that most of you have probably visited it already. Then I got to thinking, if you don’t have kids you might not have checked it out, and it really is an awesome place to shop.

The shopping center is two levels of shops with a two level parking garage on top, much like Jusco. Also like Jusco, there are several shops inside the building designated by open shopping areas.

Level 1 has the 100 yen store, photography studio and various “booths” of merchandise. Level 2 has the Toys-R-Us, more “booths,” an arcade and (my favorite) Outlet-J.

Outlet-J is a cute clothing store. It sort of reminds me of Old Navy. Remember to bring your size charts when you go.

Overall, it’s one of my favorite places to shop. I like it’s location as well. I can hit the Living Design Square on the way there and make a day of it.

Happy shopping!

Directions:

Take the 81. Make a left on 329 (pass the Living Design Square). At the big McDonalds, take a right. The shopping center will be on your right hand side. Turn before shopping center and the entrance to the parking garage is on your left.

Ornaments

I hope everyone has nearly completed their holiday shopping. I’m somewhat behind. Usually I’m finished by the end of November, so this is a first for me.

Heather N (the other Heather – It’s a beautiful name, don’t you think?) wrote about holiday traditions this week. Her post inspired mine. Instead of answering in that thread, I wanted to show you all what I bought – because I love them.

My husband’s family has a tradition (one that we’ve continued in our house) of buying a new ornament for each person every year. The ornaments have to be influenced from something that happened to that person within the year – new things the kids learned, places we’ve visited, something that’s memorable and needs to be commemorated. Each ornament is labeled with the person’s name and the year it was purchased.

When the kids are small, those ornaments stay on our tree. The kids love to see them and reminisce. And they know their ornaments and who gave them each one.

When they’re older and move out, they get to take their ornaments with them to decorate their first tree – the idea being that they won’t have to purchase any that first year, and have a tree filled with memories.

I have to say, I’m not looking forward to my kids growing up, moving out and taking their ornaments. It’s sad to think about those ornaments going away and not be able to unpack them every year. It’s always so much fun to unwrap them and say, “Remember when you…”

As this is our first Christmas in Okinawa, I wanted our ornaments this year to reflect this big change in our lives. Hallmark (though I love them) wasn’t going to cut it. At one point, I thought I was going to have to make something. Then I saw the perfect thing…

The Ryukyu glass factory makes ornaments! What says “first Christmas in Okinawa” more than Ryukyu glass that is hand blown on the island?

Aren’t they pretty? We all got one. I still have to make a tag for each of them to attach to the ribbon that says our names and the date.

I just love them. I can’t stop looking at them.

And there are two big pluses with these ornaments. One, you don’t have to drive to any of the factories to purchase them. They sell the ornaments in the annex Ryukyu shop on Foster. Two, they’re inexpensive – two were 500 Yen each, and the other two were 600 Yen each.

Of course, now I feel pressure to come up with something equally as beautiful next year. At least I have 365 days (or so) to figure it out.

Happy Holidays!

Size Charts

Japanese sizing has been a problem for me. Probably because I was too lazy to figure out what I was doing, I admit it. I’d been (for the most part) holding things up and guesstimating if they would fit. Tricky, but doable.

I finally broke down and did some sizing research (something I should have done months ago!). I thought I’d share it with you all, with the hope that it makes your shopping life easier (I know it has for me!).

First off, we’ll start with the kids.

Kids Chart -- Japanese Sizes

60 - up to 3 months old, 60cm tall, 5kg

70 - up to 6 months old, 70cm tall, 9kg

80 - up to 1 year old, 80cm tall, 11kg

90 - up to 2 years old, 90cm tall, 13kg

95 - up to 3 years old, 95cm tall, 14kg

100 - 3-4 years, 95-105cm tall, 49-55cm chest

110 - 5-6 years, 105-115cm tall, 53-59cm chest

120 - 7-8 years, 115-125cm tall, 57-63cm chest

Granted… my four-year-old is a 120 so I think the “7-8 years” is only if you have tiny kids. I don’t.

I liked this shoe chart that I took from Perry Ellis. It has American, Japanese and UK sizes so that I can print it and keep it by my computer for online ordering.

I found this next handy chart produced by Misawa Air Base (click to make larger):

I found a maternity chart that might be helpful. I haven’t been maternity shopping on the island (and don’t expect to), but if someone does go, I’d love to post your finds! I’m sure there are other expecting mothers who’d love to know where you’re getting your local clothes.

And if I haven’t addressed your size, I also found a clothing converter:

Men’s Clothes

Women’s Clothes

Happy shopping!

Shoe Cabinet

Most Japanese customs rock. One of my favorites is the removing of your shoes prior to entering a house, a restaurant, or anywhere that’s designated with tatami mats. I don’t know why I like it so much. It might be the comfortable atmosphere it makes at a meal, when you can sit back and enjoy it without your shoes pinching. Or the feeling that you’re doing something naughty when you walk through Shuri Castle with naked feet.

Something I’ve noticed since we moved here is that my family’s shoes end up by the front door. This is not by conscious effort. As a matter of fact, I’d much prefer the shoes to be put away. I fought it for months - several long, agonizing months - before I gave up and opted for a better solution.

If you live in town in a traditional Japanese-style home, more than likely your house comes with a built in shoe cabinet by the front door. For the rest of us, we can purchase shoe cabinets to fix this shoe problem. I got a hot tip (thanks, Tara) that I could find a cabinet at Today O!K. They sell them next door at Maxplus as well – in different styles, so you may want to check out both stores before you decide.

The cabinet I purchased was 24700 Yen – not cheap, but totally worth it. They have less expensive versions available, as well as different configurations and styles.

Before the shoe cabinet:

After:

SHIMA’S HOBBY SHOP

Today is the day we share our favorite holiday shopping spots on the island. I’m so excited about this, and I hope you all participate!

I picked Shima’s Hobby Shop – the go to place for models and slot cars.

I admit, I was fascinated when I walked inside. I have never seen so many varieties of models in my life! They had various price ranges as well as experience levels, ranging from snap together to high-detail Gundam models. I could easily see my five-year-old putting together one of the easier type kits. They also offer a wide variety of paints, one choice being a paint/maker set that I know he’ll be able to use as well.

The store also offers a selection of slot cars. There are many options for decorating the cars and pimping the engine. I was listening to my husband tell me all the things you can add to make it perform better… Honestly, I didn’t understand any of it, but the enthusiasm was there, so that’s a plus.

Finally, they also sell vintage action figures (according to my husband you cannot call them toys!) and Airsoft guns (which I wouldn’t recommend playing with on base – just sayin’).

I think over the next three years I’ll be spending a lot of money here, especially if my husband and son have anything to say about it.

DIRECTIONS:

KAB Gate 1 turn LEFT onto 58. Turn LEFT on the 130. Make a RIGHT onto 330. Pass the Futenma Antique Mall. Shima’s Hobby Shop will be on your LEFT hand side. Currently there are lots of trees in front of the entrance so look for it carefully.

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Now it’s your turn! Share with us the details of your favorite shopping spot. If you’re unsure about what to share, you can click HERE for more details.

Once you’ve written your post, link it below using Mr. Linky. Make sure you link to the post and not the main page of your blog. You can also use your blog on the Okinawa Hai Ning.

I’m looking forward to reading all your finds!