Thursday, May 22, 2014

Miss Carroll's Doll Study Club Luncheon: Stitches in Time

Miss Carroll's held its club luncheon, Stitches in Time, in April. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend. I did, however, have a proxy, and my lovely souvenirs and table gifts arrived today.







Here she is dressed in her outfit and hat.



There was also a lovely sewing kit that even had the pattern and all the materials needed to make the doll a new dress.


I love the strawberry pin cushion.


The ladies of Miss Carroll's Doll Study Club did a great job.

Sunday, May 11, 2014

Love... Exciting and New

Our treat to ourselves for our wedding anniversary today was a visit to a Love Hotel. We chose La Festae since it is near our home.


 The rooms are available by 3 hour blocks or for overnight. (I believe over night is from 9PM until the next morning.) It was easy to check in, just walk into the lobby and then go to the kiosks to see which rooms are still available. Click on the room you want, pick up your ticket, and go up to your room.


Our room was quite lovely, and unlike most regular hotels in Japan, Love Hotels come with queen size beds for a little togetherness. 


What else was available? Many TV channels, movies (both regular and adult), radio, and Karaoke. The room had a minibar-fridge and a sex-toy dispenser. The hotel would also deliver room service, if so desired, from their full bar and bar-food menu.


And yes, there was a Jacuzzi tub built for two. The bathroom was stocked with any necessity you may have left at home, and there was bubble bath! Jacuzzi plus bubble bath = lot's of bubbles!

It was easy to check out. Once done, exit the room. There is a check out machine by each room. Just push the 3rd button (if I remember correctly) and your total due will be shown. Then slide your cash into the machine. Once you have paid, your private elevator will arrive to take you back down stairs. Note - this hotel does not take non-Japanese credit cards, so make sure you have enough cash before checking in.


Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Harajuku Girls School

Harajuku Girl's School is a new line of Licca dolls and clothing. 

Today I bought the Animal Fever outfit and accessory pack.


The outfit just screams, White Rabbit! (From Alice in Wonderland.) Below you can see a Licca wearing the new outfit and hanging with Alice and the Mad Hatter.





Sunday, May 4, 2014

A Dolly Time in Ginza

This past week I explored a new section of Tokyo, Ginza. Ginza is filled with high end stores and boutiques, like Ferragamo and Tiffanys. 

Due to it being Golden Week, the main street was closed to traffic and turned into a pedestrian street.


 My goal, of course, was to find dolls. I went to Hakuhinkan, a large, multi-floor toy store. The Basement level is dedicated to Licca and other fashion dolls.






 After looking at the dolls, we browsed the rest of the shop.

The first floor was novelty goods.


These tea pot cups were adorable.


 And I just love the battleship/shark.

Afterwards, we browsed at Angel Dolls, a very different doll store. It is a small shop filled with lovely antique dolls and modern art dolls, all out of my price range. 


Street performer.


Hey, a shoe store that carries larger sizes!


 It was a nice day of looking at dolls.