Shop Japan: Yaginoyama

The pervasive news coverage of the catastrophe in Japan may have subsided a bit, but it's up to everyone to continue the prayers, the support and the generosity we've shown to date. So much more is needed. I heard on the radio yesterday that Gwen Stefani donated one million dollars to Japanese relief efforts. Amazing.

As mentioned in previous posts, I'm using my retail powers and blog roll to aid the cause (in addition to giving what I could monetarily through Global Giving). One quaint little online Japanese store called Yaginoyama has gained worldwide recent exposure, including a post about their wares by Anne Sage, editor of Rue Magazine and The City Sage. Click here for her piece on the unique retailer, who is currently giving 10% of every purchase to the Japanese Red Cross. Be sure to check out their website; it's adorable and minimalist in a way that only the Japanese have perfected. Here are a few of my Yaginoyama favorites:


Sora Tea Pot


Handmade pottery Jug


Soy Sauce Pot


SyruRo Tea Canister


Painted Wooden Childrens Plates

A Dose of Spring!!

I guess I'm one of those people who is acutely affected by weather so when it's gray outside for the better part of two days (not to mention the relentless downpours), I get a little restless. But these beautiful floral arrangements posted on the eponymous The City Sage blog lifted my spirits and set my sights toward Spring again, a season which may have more gray and rainy days in store, but at least will soon offer mild enough temperatures to coax bulbs of colorful flowers out from the soil and encourage me to ready my beach supplies. Spring is one of my two favorite seasons and these images wordlessly evoke the energy and renewal of Spring at very first glance. (For the full City Sage post, and a few fitting words, click here.)







All flowers from The Green Vase for Martha Stewart Weddings. Photos by Johnny Miller.

Seeing Colors!! (Inspiration from City Sage)

When I opened my in-box this morning, I could do nothing but swoon. Anne Sage, Executive Editor of Rue Magazine and mastermind behind one of my favorite blogs, City Sage, has done it again!! In today's City Sage post, four expertly edited groupings of color-based collections - from books to bottles - lit up my screen with their intrigue and cheer. I'm not a collector myself, but I certainly enjoy occasionally gazing at monochromatic stacks of clothbound books, vibrant enamelware and colorful curiosities. And if you're going to have collections in your home, this is certainly the most visually appealing and orderly approach. For the full post and source links, head on over to City Sage.