by Jacqui Miyabayashi of Mee A Bee About five years ago I moved from downtown Osaka to a much smaller city about an hour south. With a population of just 150,000 I often wondered why there were so many towel shops everywhere. This curiosity led me to do a bit a research and I found out that this area is a well-known towel manufacturing district, collectively known as … [Read more...] about Handmade Here: Japan's Senshu Towel District
Homemade Celebrations: a look at New Year's in Japan
by Jacqui Miyabayashi of Mee A Bee One of the things I have tried to embrace in my adopted country Japan is the celebration of events like New Year's (o-sho-gatsu). The Japanese celebrate the beginning of the year with grand finesse and it has a lot of appeal to crafty types like me. Bigger than Christmas it lasts a few days and is a lot of fun to prepare for. First there is … [Read more...] about Homemade Celebrations: a look at New Year's in Japan
heading home for the holidays? stay sane with these travelling tips
photo via: Simply Hue by Jacqui Miyabayashi of Mee A Bee Are you planning a trip 'home' these holidays? Visiting out-of-town relatives? Taking the kids to see their grandparents? I've been living overseas for almost fifteen years. During that time I have taken the long-haul flight back to New Zealand more times than I can count - with one and then two kids. You could say I am … [Read more...] about heading home for the holidays? stay sane with these travelling tips
Handmade Home Decor: Decorating in Scandinavian Style
by Jacqui Miyabayashi of Mee A Bee The days are getting shorter and I find myself inside a lot more. We're dragging out heaters and rugs. The house suddenly seems small and overflowing. It has me wishing for a beautiful uncluttered space like those seen in Scandinavian design magazines. White walls and light wood furniture make the most of natural light in that frigid … [Read more...] about Handmade Home Decor: Decorating in Scandinavian Style
We Get By with a Little Help from our Friends
by Jacqui Miyabayashi, Mee A Bee One of the biggest tips I could share as a independent business owner is the importance of creating a support network. Beyond friends and family, who we couldn't do without, it's absolutely necessary to have like-minded people in our lives. Have you heard of Etsy Teams? I'm a member of a few teams. Together we work out ways to support and … [Read more...] about We Get By with a Little Help from our Friends
