Sanrio Tour: Las Vegas Style

Are you planning your trip to Las Vegas and have been wanting to stop by all the Sanrio stores along the way?

Well, you're in luck that this Sanrio collector has decided to create one for those who live in Southern California or visiting California. This tour guide might not cover all the Sanrio boutique locations in California, but it suggests enough stores along the way as detour.

This trip will take you one day to visit all the stores, switch out drivers for the night-- then prepare for the rest of the long deserted road trip to Las Vegas. Or this Sanrio Tour of California is a fun start of a road trip for hardcore collectors who are looking to add memories onto to their Sanrio Scrapbooking collection.

This is an excellent idea for me to start commemorating everything when I finally get down to scrapbooking my Sanrio life and events that have taken place.

My guide starts at Canoga Park, but others who live in San Diego can start there with their local Sanrio boutique store.

Sanrio Tour
Destination: Las Vegas
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Sanrio Topanga
Westfield Topanga Mall
6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd
Canoga Park, CA 91303
818-704-9953
Notes: Find the farthest left of the parking lot and Park at the back of the Mall where Target is located. Next to Target is the Mall entrance. Go down the escalator and store is on the left side.


Sanrio Sunshine Station - not yet confirmed
Santa Monica Place
395 Santa Monica Place
Santa Monica, CA 90401
301-260-8333


Sanrio Culver City - not yet confirmed
Westfield Culver City Mall
159 Fox Hills Mall
Culver City, CA 90230
310-310-1694


Sanrio Hollywood

Hollywood and Highland Center
6801 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323-462-2901
Notes: The only way to be able to get into this parking lot is to come from Franklin Avenue. Turn left on N. Highland Avenue and after the stoplight, stay on the farthest right to turn right into the entrance of the parking structure (passing the Hotel next to it). If you hit the second stoplight, you have gone too far and have passed the parking structure. Once inside and getting a parking ticket, keep right to curve into a corner and head straight until you reach a dead end of a row full of cars. To the left is the entrance to Staff employee parking-- turn around and try to find parking in that area, close to the elevators/escalators in the middle of the structure area. Go to the very top floor of the escalators. From the escalators, turn around and head straight to the stores and turn left. The store should be at the left hand side next to a classic burger American restaurant.
 

Sanrio Little Tokyo

Japanese Village Plaza
115 Japanese Village Plaza Mall
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-620-0830
Notes: Coming from Judge John Aiso Street, turn left on 1st Street, you can find a few street parking to the right side (where the tall orange Japanese statue/structure). If no parking, turn right at the Central (across from JANM Museum), turn another right at 2nd St and there's another row of street parking.

Sanrio Pasadena

415 S Lake AvePasadena, CA 91101
626-568-9313
Notes: Located outside and not inside the plaza, but does not have a huge sign that reads Sanrio. Only street parking with meters.


Sanrio Arcadia

Westfield Santa Anita Mall
400 S Baldwin Ave
Arcadia, CA 91007
626-445-3704
Notes: Park at the parking lot next to H&M and Nordstrom. From the entrance to the Mall, go down the escalator and the store is straight ahead.


Sanrio Temple City

5783 Rosemead Blvd
Temple City, CA 91780
626-287-3930

Sanrio Montebello

Montebello Town Center
2104 Montebello Town Ctr
Montebello, CA 90640
323-722-9544


Sanrio Lakewood - not yet confirmed
Lakewood Center Mall
8 Lakewood Center Mall
Lakewood, CA 90712
562-529-8407


Sanrio Cerritos - CLOSED?
Los Cerritos Mall
347 Los Cerritos Mall
Cerritos, CA 90703
562-402-6900


Sanrio Temecula

Promenade Temecula
40820 Winchester Rd
Temecula, CA 92591
951-296-1147


Sanrio Riverside

Galleria at Tyler
1212 Galleria At Tyler
Riverside, CA 92503
951-352-2240


Sanrio Ontario

Ontario Mills Mall
1 Mills Cir Ste 344
Ontario, CA 91764
909-484-2062
Notes: Park at the back of the Mall. Try searching for Gate 9 or Side 9. Located at Gate 9 right next to the Food Court. Facing the food court, the store is to the right hand side from the restrooms.


Sanrio Las Vegas

Fashion Show Mall, The Strip
3200 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89109
702-699-9373
Notes:  Park on the 2nd floor of the parking structure and take the bridge into the mall, not the one into Dillards. For Las Vegas Hello Kitty souvenirs, try the ABC store on the 1st floor.

Christmas in USA

............ or the better question to be asked: What happpened to Sanrio's Christmas focus in the States?

Looks like it's very true that Christmas is officially over for Sanrio USA. I hate to say it, but compared to Sanrio Japan-- they did a better job at making an attempt to bring Christmas to their fans. They didn't skip it for this year like Sanrio USA seemed to do.

By skipping it, I mean by actual Christmas PRODUCTS in stores. No matter how much you dress up a store in holiday cheer decor, you can't hide the fact that there are no Christmas themed products like in the past few holiday seasons. What happened is my question for the people in charge of USA headquarters.

Did they focus on HK Con and Sanrio--- oops, I mean the SuperCute Friendship Festival--- and completely forgot to set a budget or a team to focus on the Holidays for the States? Or did they think the Sanrio lovers are all tapped out of money since the Convention?

It must be nice for Japanese shoppers to walk in their local Sanrio store and be able to buy a Christmas plush of Hello Kitty or My Melody. At least Sanrio Japan did a half attempt to celebrate Christmas. Even if it was a really small selection of Christmas merchandise, the effort can be seen that they thought about the special season and it's fans. 

It doesn't compare with just giving out Christmas Hello Kitty pink bags to customers here in the USA. Once you walk by the Christmas decor, you can't hide the fact that there was nothing seriously worth to purchase if you're searching for that special gift. 

I was lucky that my local Sanrio store had porcelain figurines or else, I would have walked away empty-handed and in disappointment. Before Christmas came, I did stop by several Sanrio stores and only two boutique stores were selling some rare Christmas gift wrapping paper. 

Another thing that is quite disappointing is the fact that you would think to find a bigger selection of very pretty Sanrio themed Christmas gift wrapping and holiday decor in a Sanrio store. There was none of that in any of the boutique stores (minus two stores). You would think both Sanrio JP and USA would be up to speed on modern times like providing Sanrio themed Christmas ribbons and fancy holiday decor, but I guess it's all about the safety net. Maybe those products are just too risky, right?

By the way, it's called Sanrio-- did you notice Sanrio USA was giving out Christmas shopping bags with only Hello Kitty on it. What do you think? You must know what I am thinking now.

Christmas Gifts

All month I have been listening to Christmas songs on my local radio station 103.5 as a recent tradition that I have taken for the last few years. By listening to these holiday songs, it has put me in a holly jolly festive mood.  

As Christmas draws closer, I have been getting all the special X-mas gifts that I wanted...

Christmas Plushes

Nao Porcelain Figurines

This Christmas, I wanted something that wasn't any ordinary type of gift. I was searching for something special and these gifts above filled all my requirements. 

If you were giving a plush or doll for Christmas...

The doll has to be of a large type size and cannot be small like 10 inches. Large type of gifts usually gives an impression that someone has spent a lot of money on you. It says a lot about how valuable you are to the person giving you the gift.

Another thing about the plush is that it is Christmas themed. It's a special seasonal gift that you won't be able to find during the year. Unless you are a Collector yourself or a relative of a Collector, then the average consumer wouldn't know what was selling these past several holidays.

Lastly, *THE* Gift...

It is true what they say about the more expensive the gift, the more special it is to the individual collector. Sure, it's not the same for everyone. Although, not everyone is a collector. As a collector, my collection is all about the materialistic things. 

My porcelain figurines did cost me a pretty penny, but it's all worth it in my world. Yes, the money spent on all my collection won't keep me warm at night or fill my tummy-- but all that I have, I am proud of something that gives me passion in life. 

I have something to care about other than my family and life. My collection tells a story about me. I can choose a special toy or figurine and be able to tell you why it's so special to me or how it has come into my collection. Stories after stories to tell because this is my life and my very special world that I get to share here on my blog.

This jolly season, I'd like to give thanks to all my readers who have followed my journey in the magical world of Sanrio. Thank you for visiting and sharing my love for all things kawaii.

XOXO,

Lynnie 

Junolyn's Top Picks for X-mas 2014

Christmas time this winter season is a joy for celebration and this year is no exception...

Tis' the season for giving gifts. Not just any normal holiday gift, but a very special gift that will be remembered for years.

Make it more special with Godiva this winter...

Hello Kitty Christmas Plush 
Godiva Collaboration

Tis the season to be jolly and ring in the New Year with someone special or a loved one. Remember that the spirit of giving is what makes Christmas so special for everyone all around the world. It's a sweet thought that counts. You need an International Shopping Agent (I.S.A.) to order this piece. Please see FAQ for an Agent.

Ya already know I own one ;p

Little Twin Stars Clock 
Flower Party Series

What makes this clock so special is that it is made out of glass. This glass plate is a lovely piece in a display case or showcase. If you have a display of plates in your dining room, then this will fit right in your collection. You need an International Shopping Agent (I.S.A.) to order this piece. Please see FAQ for an Agent.

I believe in LTS

Little Twin Stars Watch 
Flower Party Series

It's not just like last year's watch that I suggested for a Christmas gift. It's a scene that coincides with both Christmas and New Year. It's special in the way that Kiki and Lala are angels watching over you this holiday season. It's cute, but a special gift to remind a LTS fan or yourself that there is something to believe in-- faith. If you don't believe in fairytales or angels, then believe in faith. Believe in the good within us. Have faith.

You need an International Shopping Agent (I.S.A.) to order this piece. Please see FAQ for an Agent.

Remember that all these suggestions have a limited stock, so get them while you still can. 

Happy Holidays!

XOXO,

Lyn  :0)

First Ever Hello Kitty Convention

Let me start off to say that Sanrio did an excellent job in planning out their first ever Hello Kitty Convention. Even though I was excited for the convention, I did not fully realize how much fun that I would have there. I did think it was going to be fun in terms of shopping, but the convention was more than that--- it was all about celebrating Hello Kitty. And, we-- the fans-- got to do just that...

Pic Provided by IG

 

THURSDAY, October 30th

Located in Little Tokyo of Los Angeles, the Hello Kitty Convention started off with so much excitement and joy. The evidence was seen on the first day of the four day event. 

I had arrived at six in the morning, but did not start lining up until seven. I did not know if people would be lining up hours early, but I wasn't going to take a chance and had planned my day accordingly. It was a good decision made on my part because the line had started to grow long by 8:30 in the morning.

Immediately, you could see a lot of people had come dressed up in kittified or cosplay outfits. It was the fun part of attending a convention. Even if someone didn't dress up and wanted to make the day more special, then they could just buy a Hello Kitty Con shirt. Going to conventions like these are all about creating fond memories to last a lifetime. 

10:15 a.m.

They made us wait a little longer before letting us enter the convention. A lot of people made a mad dash into the building. While I was passing by a security guy dressed in a black suit-- standing in the middle of crowds of fans trying to make their way into the convention-- I thought about how he must be feeling at the moment. 

What was he thinking when he saw tons of Hello Kitty lovers coming at a "very very fast-paced" (we were forbidden to run) speed towards him. We must look like crazy hyper zombies coming at him full speed on the hunt for Hello Kitty. Not the kitty itself, but all the special exclusive items that was promised and enticed for the last few months.

For the last month, Sanrio teased their fans with so much oomph that it was amazing that we didn't trample the Staff Convention people who got in our way. I am not kidding. I am very serious. 

For those who are not fans of Hello Kitty, beware of us on that day. We may look cute, but we can be scary at what we want. The good thing is that Sanrio didn't bring out Hello Kitty, the mascot, to stand in front of the entrance or else, the Convention security team would have had to fight off fans from freaking out over Hello Kitty.

Hey, ya never know...  yes, there is a human inside the mascot costume, but on that special day-- all bets are off. Obsession takes over.

Pic Provided By IG

On that first day, I went straight for the Vintage Shoppe. I was torn between the retail store and Vintage Shoppe, but I knew vintage was more important to me. From what I read about the Vintage Shoppe, I was expecting retro replicas of the vintage items sold in the 70's and 80's. I did not know that they were actually selling the real vintage stuff like really old school 1976 plushes and stationery. I was impressed and my greedy eyes couldn't stop from staring at all the good stuff. I have never seen so many vintage items all in one place and in person. 

It was amazing. Truly amazing! As a vintage collector, you live for this chance to see it live when you've only seen pictures of what vintage pieces look like. Reality hits you that you could be part of that amazing Sanrio history by owning one of these vintage items. 

As for myself, I wished that I could buy one of their medium sized Hello Kitty plush in the yellow overall jumpsuit, but I was on a budget. I wasn't able to save enough to buy everything that I wanted. I blame Sanrio Japan for that one. Seriously, too much temptation because I had to buy the newer stuff that is released every Tuesday PST time.

Even though, I did cut back on spending for this convention-- I did buy this gorgeous coin bank below.

My brother kept telling me that everything in the Vintage Shoppe was overpriced, but he and many million others won't EVER understand what vintage means to us, collectors. I could have chosen a plush doll that would have totaled over $100 USD, but this particular coin bank was more important for me to get my grubby hands on. 

Once it was paid and in my hands, I felt like I was walking in clouds. Fluffy white clouds swirling around me and disappearing off to the distance as I exited the shop. I was in heaven. I was beyond thrilled with my purchase for the day. I felt like I scored a major wanted item off my wishlist.

Logan just rolled his eyes at me because I couldn't stop smiling.

Small gift, big smile.

The rest of my first day went by quickly with a stop by the food courtyard and one of the first panels: "Inspired by Her- Artists and Hello Kitty." The panel discussion spotlighted three talented artists: Paul Frank, Aiko, and Jordan Nickel aka POSE. If anyone is interested, I have a 15 minute footage of that discussion that will later be posted on Youtube sometime this week. 

I had missed out on the Guys collector panel at 3pm and wished there was a way to see a clip of it. Another panel that I got to see was on a Friday-- the Super Fans Unite. The panel discussion took place with 4 all-female collectors: Maria Fleischman, Salumeh Eslamieh, Ariel Elizabeth, and Tera Patrick.

Since there was a cameraman in the room with us, I didn't think to record the panel discussion. I regretted it because the very nice cameraman told me that they were recording for a long documentary project that has been going on for four years now. Then, he proceeded to let me know who I can ask about if a video will be posted online for the other unseen panels. 

From the few people that I spoke with, I came away disappointed with what I learned. These interesting panels might never see the light of day. I regretted not attending all the panels. I had left early on Thursday afternoon because Logan wanted to leave. We couldn't buy anything more until that Friday.


FRIDAY, October 31st
Friday came smiling down upon us. Logan went off to buy what he wanted to get and I went straight for the retail store upstairs.

 

Compared to the lucky ones coming out of the Convention with 3 to 5 shopping bags, I was still happy with the items that I have chosen to purchase. I wanted to buy more stuff, but I held myself back and didn't do too much damage to my wallet. 

Sigh. My wallet is safe, y'all.

My inner "angelic" side, Nancy, kept nagging at me to be good. All will be rewarded if I show some restraint. There better be a better reward by the end of this year. ;p

There is one small ittty-bitty thing that I have to mention: the 2014 exclusive Convention Bobblehead. When I first saw it in person, I had to really think hard and long whether I should buy it or not. I wanted to leave the Convention with a good 2014 Souvenir to represent this awesome event for years to come. I chose this Bobblehead over the HK FigurIne holding a red bow in front of her face. 

What made me had second thoughts about purchasing this Bobblehead was the fact that it looked too "plasticky" and cheap for the expensive price of $32. Compared to the Three Apples 2009 Bobblehead, this looked cheaply made. Unfortunately, I bought this with sentimental value instead of really loving it. It sure won't be my favorite HK Con Bobblehead for future other Convention bobbleheads to add to my collection.

Out of all the event, the most highlighted part was the Hello Kitty Art exhibit at the Japanese American National Museum (JANM). Without this amazing and talented show of Art exhibit, the Convention wouldn't have been as great as it is this year. It's a must-see creative art exhibit that is well put together.

Pic Provided By IG

After my two fun-filled days at Hello Kitty Con, I knew that I want to attend another Hello Kitty Convention again. Even with the long lines, it'll be worth it.

This time, I plan to attend all four days because two days seem to be not enough time to do what I wanted to do with the long lines taking most of my time. Sanrio, haven't you heard of VIP lines with no waiting? Please please have that for your next planned Convention and sign me up for all the VIP lines. I may have tremendous amount of patience, but my feet are still bruised and hurting from all that standing.

Despite all that, I'm ready for the next HK Con. Are you?

HK Con Diary: Badges

I am super lucky that Sanrio decided to host Hello Kitty Con in Los Angeles, rather than in Japan or New York. It's understandable why they'd want to bring Hello Kitty Con to L.A. 

Los Angeles is the heart and soul of activity. Many events are taking place here and what better way for Sanrio to bring more awareness to a culture of cuteness. By hosting a convention in the States, this is another refreshingly new take to show Americans that Hello Kitty is not just all about being a cute kitty. She is more than a cartoon character. She represents all different sides to her, whether in a form of art that brings out the cool side of her or through merchandise and food-- the beautiful art piece that she is today.

Also, it helps that with this "new" cool image, it will surely bring in new fans for Sanrio.

New fans = more $$$

With just two more days before the big day in Little Tokyo, I went to pick up my HK Con badges. Inside the Japanese American National Museum (JANM), everything was decked out in Hello Kitty Con posters and signs to promote the event. It was an exciting day to know that we'll be able to celebrate the love for Hello Kitty very soon. Among the fandom, there will most likely be a countdown to take place.

Are you ready for cuteness overload? I sure am.

HK Con Diary 2014

As it gets closer and closer to the first ever Hello Kitty convention, I have been preparing and planning out my two kittified outfits for the last few months. I didn't need to buy anything extra for my Thursday outfit because I had the clothes and accessories already in my Closet. 

What I needed to plan out and purchase was mainly for my Halloween outfit and of course, my Hello Kitty nails.

I love how it turned out 

Since I wanted my nails to be done by a talented nail salon, I found that Marie Nails in Los Angeles to have an excellent reputation for creating lovely nails. The nail salon is Japanese owned and their nail techs are very talented Japanese artists. With a nail salon picked out, I made my appointment three months in advance. 

The result for my nails was very kawaii-meets-sophistication. I am a simple girl and love simplicity the best. As I type this blog post, I am fascinated with how very cute my nails are as my fingers are spread out on the keyboard. With both hands, the Hello Kitty face on each hand seems to be winking up at me as it blends nicely with the other white colored nails. I like the very fact that my nails are not overly done, but has that simple touch of kawaii-ness.  

This being my first time to have my nails done in a nail salon, I plan to get a more detailed nail art design for my next visit. I am not sure if I'll go with a Hello Kitty theme again or a Sanrio-fied theme.

After getting my nails done, I kept asking myself why I don't get my nails done more often by professional artists. I really should...

Inside Junolyn's Handbag

For a year and a half, I have been focused on searching for Sanrio items to add to my growing collection of handbags. They are not ordinary handbags, but of Loungefly's Hello Kitty embossed bags. These handbags are truly one of a kind because they are stylish yet still be a cute Hello Kitty product. It screams fashion bags for adults. These handbags are one of the reasons that made it acceptable for older women to like Hello Kitty. 

NEWS ALERT: Hello Kitty is in.

 What's in your bag?

Before Loungefly's Hello Kitty handbags came onto the fashion scene, there have been many designs of Hello Kitty purses that were sold through Sanrio. Most of the HK purses just don't compare to Loungefly's HK designer bags. Loungefly's version of Hello Kitty bags have been so incredibly successful with the adult crowd that they have expanded the line to luggages, cases, and more.

Inside my handbag

My Stuff

I try my best to carry a small amount of things because I really hate a messy purse where it takes a while to find whatever you need. I have found the basic things like a calendar planner (even if it's 2010-- still cute to use for contacts and such), small wallet, card holder case, portable scissor, small mirror, USB car charger, a small pouch for tissues, and a pen.

Below is a video that shows fully of what's in my white Loungefly Hello Kitty handbag. There are a few necessity items that I can't do without like my SPF lipstick, Icebreaker mints, iphone, keys, and the Sanrio stamp cards.

Hello Kitty, Hello 40 Book Review

 

Hello Kitty, Hello 40: A 40th Anniversary Tribute

WHERE to Buy:

Amazon, Target, Simon&Schuster, and Barnes & Nobles

Kawaii

If you love anything cute, then this hardcover 40th Anniversary Tribute to Hello Kitty book will make you smile and squeal with delight. Full of colorful and bright pages, the book contains 40 + 1 more stories illustrated by different artists. 

Each short story is illustrated in each artist's own interpretation of Hello Kitty. Each story has a different drawing style that will make you fall in love with the loveable furrball all over again.

While the book may have no words of dialogue, it can be still enjoyed by older mature fans. It's illustrated in a way that even adults can be entertained by their adorable Sanrio characters coming to life in front of their very eyes. While the center story is around Hello Kitty, there are a few stories that have a few Sanrio characters guest starring in the book.

No longer are these characters stick flat on merchandise, but they are brought to life by these talented artists. 

Full of imagination and wonder, these Sanrio characters seem more real by the end of the book. If you were only a Hello Kitty lover, then this book will have you start liking another Sanrio character. That is the magic draw of the kawaii world of Sanrio.

Welcome to my world!

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥ 1/2

Below are Pages from the book:

Junolyn's Top 10 Collectibles for Hello Kitty

Have you just discovered your love for Hello Kitty or has your obsession been renewed recently? If it has, then this article is perfect for any type of Hello Kitty Collector.

If you are beginning to start your own collection or have a collection going, then you might want to go through this checklist to see if you have all these in your collection...

Junolyn's TOP 10 Collectibles for Hello Kitty

1.   Retro Vintage Coin Pouch

Pic by IG

Don't you want to own a part of history in your own way? Even if it's not the original, you can add a retro similar replica to your collection. Say that one day you have a guest viewing your collection and that person knows the history of Sanrio and Hello Kitty-- then he or she will understand why you have this small itty-bitty coin pouch encased in a glass display box. 

See, Sanrio has one displayed in one of their many heavily security guarded exhibits...

it's that precious to Hello Kitty fanatics all over the world.

2.   First Hello Kitty Comic Book

As a collector, you know the first issue of a Comic book is a big deal, right? This is the very first Hello Kitty comic produced. You might want to get your hands on one before you can no longer find one. It'll go down as part of history - well, that of Hello Kitty's history of many accomplishments. 

Protect yours well.

3.   First Hello Kitty World Convention Poster

Like the first comic book, this Convention poster is the first of it's own kind because it's the first ever Convention that celebrates the love for Hello Kitty. In a way, it also celebrates Sanrio-- the one who created the ever popular character, Hello Kitty. Once Sanrio has established their brand name to be a household one, I take it that there might be a first ever Sanrio Convention down the road in the far far far future? To be expected?

If you see any Sanrio characters in the first HK Con, don't yell.

4.   Brunswick Bowling Ball

Even if you don't bowl, this is one collectible that is a showstopper in your collection. Guests and friends will stop and stare at it. Why, you ask? Look at the picture above. It's not everyday that you see a Hello Kitty bowling ball, especially with it's kawaii face staring right at you. Doesn't it seem like Hello Kitty is beckoning you to throw her and seducing you with her irresistible charm?

5.   Loungefly's LunchBox

Think about it...

You know it. I know it. We all know it. 

We know that you secretly own one of these babies. It's been stamped approved by the designers of Loungefly. You don't have to be a child to own one. It's back in with the cool crowd of adults, whether it being female or male. Who wants to follow the crowd and be like everyone else? Stand out with a lunchbox.

6.   Pink Globalization by Christine Yano 

If you are going to start out your own Hello Kitty collection, why not start with the basics? Read an in-depth book about the history of Hello Kitty. It's basically the bible to every Collector's collection. A well written book that understands the kawaii history, Hello Kitty, and how everything are all connected to one another.

7.   Moxi Roller Skates 2013

It's a perfect way to skate through life... in a kawaii fashion style.

Who knows where our path will lead to-- one filled with chasing after many collectible items or another trying to remember why we loved Hello Kitty in the first place. Either way, this is another showstopper collectible that makes others stop and stare. Get it? The most important part-- the stares. Get 'em because you'll love all the jealous attention. They might not like Hello Kitty, but they love how you stand out like a red beaming light.

8.   Monopoly Board Game

Who doesn't like board games?

Even if you're not into board games, this collectible edition is still a special addition in a Hello Kitty collection. One of a kind. An out-of-ordinary type of Hello Kitty product that you can't get your hands on type of deal. It's something that will come in handy down 10 or 20 years from now on a rainy day and to pass up time for those who are bored. It's all about the bonding moments that connects us all together with a simple board game.

9.   Sephora Handheld Mirror

Whether or not you are a fashionista, this handheld mirror is a MUST have in your collection. Male or female, we all look at ourselves in the mirror to check if we're feeling pretty (or handsome for the men *wink*) on a particular sunny day. Haven't you ever chanted: 

"Mirror, Mirror -- who's the fairest of them all?"

Seriously? You all haven't? Eek, I mean to say... I haven't done it either. No lie.

10.   Chubby Bunny Bow Headband

You want attention and all that spazz that comes with it? You got it. This headband bow will spruce up any Hello Kitty outfit that you put together at the last minute. It's even something guys can wear if they don't mind the stares. 

Gals & Gents, one important lesson: capture their attention with your bow and keep it on you all night long. Life is like a party, right?

Another Tip for Pen & Pencil Collectors

While I have not found a better way to preserve Kawaii decorative pens and pencils than with plastic wrappers or ziplock bags, here's an extra tip...

I have come across a site that leads to new information for storing pens.

• Marker-style pens and pens with writing tips on both ends must be stored horizontally to keep the ink distributed evenly. Attempting to store them vertically can result in all the ink “pooling” on the downward tip, with the other end drying out.  In addition, any type of pen that requires you to shake before use, such as metallic paint markers, should be stored in the same manner.
• Ink pens such as gel pens and similar pens should always be stored so that they are vertical, with the writing end down, cap on.  
• Pencils can be stored vertically or horizontally.

Source: ScrapJazz

If you keep your pen and pencil collection in a plastic container or ziplock, remember to always store in room cool temperatures. The plastic will more likely stick or melt onto your pens and pencil collection.

Hello Kitty Crochet Book Review

by Mei Li Lee

WHERE to Buy:

Amazon, Wal-Mart, and Barnes & Nobles

Just Adorable

I don't knit or crochet. I don't plan to do either any time soon. I bought this hardcover book for one reason and one reason only...

It is just plain too cute for words!

As a Sanrio collector, this book fits all the requirements to add to my Sanrio book collection. Even if you aren't planning to take up crocheting in the near future, this book will come in handy for future generations who will want to give it a try as a fun hobby. 

For myself, as soon as I saw the adorable little creations-- I just knew that I would never get tired of combing through the colorful pictures of the crochet characters (of Sanrio). If you have guests visiting your home, it's another entertaining way to pass up time. Those who are fans of kawaii will want to steal your book away, just for the pictures alone being so adorably cute.

An added bonus is that the book focuses on more than one Sanrio character, not just Hello Kitty as the title of the book suggests only. I keep wondering why the book isn't called "Sanrio Crochet," but then again it might be because it won't sell as much as it would if it was represented as Sanrio. To me, Sanrio has to start somewhere to make their name as a popular brand as their character, Hello Kitty. Why not start with this book?

After finishing flipping through the book, I found that each character had something little extra that represented their story along with the easy to follow instructions on crocheting each character.

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥ 1/2

Below are Pages from the book:

A Keeper!