My dear friend Brittany is currently living in Japan. Because of this, I am blessed with periodic care packages full of all kinds of gems from The Orient.

Some of them are delicious – little chocolate koala bears, chocolate tree stumps, or chocolate eggs with Super Mario figurines inside (best day of my life).

Some are not so delicious – the “Every Burger” which is a mini hamburger consisting of a chocolate “patty” and two mini crispy buns complete with sesame seeds and soy sauce. Or perhaps you would enjoy a Kit Kat bar but instead of chocolate, it is covered with a carrot and apple flavored substance. Delish, right?

While I regret that I can’t share these treats with you, I will share some words of wisdom found on quality Japanese stationery:

First, a British Bistro Bear cup -
Bistro Bear is a gentleman
in the best English tradition.
He is bright, sophisticated
and very gallant.
Ladies enjoy his conversation either.

How true that is. In case your can’t read the lines below “with my favorite goods” it says:

“A truly fashionable person enjoys simplicity and functionality. We are sure you will enjoy, too.”

“Is preparing the sewing set
What shall I make today?
I am unexpectedly good at the needlework thing.”

And my very favorite:

Orange Balloon: “Pig and Balloon
If only time still would stand”
Blue Balloon: “The more free time I have, the more I tend to think of bad things.”

Hahaha … so honest.