J (the brilliant mind behind the toronto craft alert) and I took a trip to the library at the Japan Foundation last night after work. She had the great idea of asking them to buy more Japanese craft books for us sad locals who can't buy them here. They were very receptive and took our list of ISBN's very politley and will submit the list to HQ. We did discover that they already have a great magazine called Osahre Kobo with tons of neat crafty tutorials as well as many traditional Japanese craft books, design and art books. For any of you in Toronto, I highly recommend you go check it out! Hopefully in the future they will have the craft books we crave but for now loans are 3 weeks and the library card is free. I left with this cool book and this one too!

Ah Valentines- I never quite know what to do with that day. We are both taking it off work though and I have plan of baking some heart shaped cookies- more in the spirit of: "gee, I can never think of anything valentiney to do, so I better do something with hearts". We will probably go out for breakfast and I have a hankering for some thrifting. Maybe skating would be fun too...any suggestions? what do you guys do on valentines?
So much fun and goodness in crafting on the library stash and a fab new printer extraordinaire machine!
The best part of Valentine's Day is spending the time together, so I think it's super that you both took the day off. I suggest sleeping in, cuddling, having a lazy breakfast/brunch at your favorite little spot, and perhaps cooking dinner together, to be watched in front of the TV with a flick you both like. =)
Posted by: Giao | February 10, 2006 at 03:23 PM
Wow, that magazine sounds fun. I'll have to use your idea and suggest my library gets more craft books in general.
Don't worry too much about Valentine's Day. As Giao said, just take the time to enjoy each other's company.
My hubby doesn't particularly care for Valentine's day - too commercial for him - but he does love receiving his card(s), especially if they're homemade.
Hope that helps! :-)
Posted by: Adriana | February 10, 2006 at 04:53 PM
sounds perfect you two!
just my speed.
:)
thanks!
Posted by: tania | February 10, 2006 at 05:39 PM
i'm envious of people with all-in-ones...i don't have a real phone so i wouldn't be able to use one of the all :)
your valentine's day sounds like it'll be so fun and relaxing. eating, skating, thrifting?! sounds lovely. maybe you could have an arts/crafts hour where you make each other a valentine's card like (doilies, construction paper, glitter--all the stuff i remember from my childhood) :)
Posted by: susanne | February 10, 2006 at 10:15 PM
that's so funny you two went to the Japan Foundation. I honestly was going to go there tomorrow at lunch time. i had the same idea to look at their Japanese craft books. There is supposedly a selection at the Japanese Cultural Centre at Don Mills and Eglinton (far and awkward trip for me, but a possibility!)
Posted by: vania | February 12, 2006 at 09:35 AM
xoxo valentines day is truly for bunnies. enjoy.
Posted by: Kristin | February 13, 2006 at 01:33 AM