japan

Okay, I know the term "nano" is being used inappropriately in all sorts of pop culture references, and I just did it again. Sorry. But I wanted to emphasize that this little terrarium is tiny. And cute! I love growing houseplants and vegetables. I've spent many dollars and hours working on the garden this year, starting plants from seed during the winter, and transplanting them into the ground in the spring. It's hard, dirty, sweaty work, but the flower blossoms and edible treats make it seem worthwhile. Sometimes, though, I get into a lazy mood. Or it's just too hot and humid to really enjoy working outdoors. I'm more of a cool weather person, and I don't do well in the heat. Plus, I have an affinity for odd Japanese gadgets and accessories. So when I saw this little cell phone strap, I had to share it. It's from strapya-world, and it's a little living plant, growing in some kind of gel medium, sealed inside a vial, attached to a gadget lanyard. I love that it's actually alive, and I love that it's so odd. I have no idea how long the plant will live, but I like the idea of carrying a little bit of green garden with me. If you're not into the pastel gel colors, you can also get a little cactus in a bit of sand, and you get to water it a couple times a month.

I have three children: two boys, and a girl. The boys have been using the toilet independently for a few years, and my daughter is just learning. As any parent can understand, I am really looking forward to the day when we are a diaper-free household! Even though the boys can take care of their own business in the bathroom, there are still some improvements to be made. For one thing, I wish they would be more careful with their aim. I am so tired of cleaning up after them! These nifty stickers are designed to help guys with piss-poor (ha ha) aim do a better job of hitting the mark. Of course, they're from Japan, home to many toilet-related innovations. The stickers can be installed in toilets or urinals, and change color when peed upon. I can imagine that a color-changing target in the pot would be irresistible for my boys, and would reduce the occurrence of stray drips and dribbles. I haven't seen these in any stores yet, but if I do, I'm buying them! Via tokyomango.

I love these! I know I say that a lot, but I really do love these. I found this set of 5 droid "shampoo" dispensers at strapya. For $89.95 USD, you can get the lot, and put one in each bathroom. How cute would that be? Good-bye, fuzzy toilet lid cover. Farewell, traditional bathroom decor. Hello, droids! From the product description:
Limited Star Wars R2D2 & All-Star Astromech Droids: R4-P17, R2-R9, R2-D2, R2-Q5 & R2-A6

Shapoo Bottle Droids for use of your bath time. Some heavy Star Wars fanatics wouldn't use them as shampoo bottles for collectible purpose. Each Droid comes in a perfect Star Wars Package.

From what I understand, these are a limited edition, in connection with the 30th anniversary of the Star Wars movie debut in Japan. I think my kids would wash their hands more frequently if the soap came out of a droid.