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Cool!  I have a few pairs of tabi socks and I love them! I even made my own by cutting regular socks and making the spilt toe then sewing them.  I have geta and zori's and love to wear them.  How high are your geta? Mine are about an inch or so high.  Japanese courtesan's (Tayu) would were really high ones like the ones Sayuri wore in MoaG for here dance.  She even does what is called the figure 8 step which is a classic Tayu step!  I am happy you enjoyed MoaG.  I loved it. I read the book years ago. Have fun!


The book exchange sounds like a great idea!

Lisabelle, I think my geta are the same height as yours.  I have a black pair of tabi, too, that I ordered from
www.sock-dreams.com.  They have a lot of different colors and fabrics-you should check it out!
I haven't received my zori yet.  I hope they come before I leave, but they might not.

Greek_Lady, lovely to hear from you!  I ordered my kanzashi from Maya, the address is http://www1.odn.ne.jp/maya/english/enknshop.htm
I got the s-08 style, they're shorter so they shouldn't get in my mouth when I eat!  They're purple & white with gold.  I wanted the red 2 pcs. that we think of most but I'm getting a lot more pcs. in this set.  In the future I may order another pair, we'll see.

Lately I've noticed that my piggy braids are almost an inch longer on the left than the right.  I'm rather annoyed at this and am concerned that when I get my next trim on the 29th that it will continue to be out of balance.  When my hair is down, Hubby says my hair is not shorter on the right, but that the shape of my hair makes it look that way in the braids.  I guess you'd say my ends are U shaped.  Argh.

Its been humid here lately giving me the chance to try out my newest gel from Ouidad, Climate Control.  Its designed for humid and hot temps and I LOVE it.  Very happy.

Ooh, I've been drooling for the kanzashi on that site for long. My problem is that I haven't been able to choose just one set. Please, post some pictures when your kanzashi arrives! 

This seller on eBay sells maiko/geiko makeup--he even has the lipstick in the painted seashell.

I'm all excited about your trip; you're going to have so much fun!   

Thanks so much, 13bodies and Lisabelle!  I just ordered a shell lipstick.  I'll have to wait to order the whole kit, low and behold, there it was!!!  Guess hubby will have to be a Kabuki character next year...how long do you think this makeup will last without spoiling?
Lisabelle, will I need camillia oil and the nightingale cream as well?  Do I understand correctly that the cream is used to remove the kabuki makeup?

You guys are awesome!!!  Thanks again!!!

Don't you just love French Press!!!  I can't live without mine!  Happy Coffee drinking

Thanks for the reply, Lisabelle.  Your kanzashi is really cute!
Speaking of kanzashi...my box arrived!!!!  They're so beautiful I haven't taken them out so I'll show you how wonderfully they were packaged.  I'm so funny, I kept washing my hands anytime I'd open the box lid just to take a look.  There is a plastic cover under the box lid.



So, I've been experimenting with new styles 'cause my hair is at a new stage and is getting too heavy for me not to wear it up high or to divide it into sections.

I was in a playful mood, waiting for my kanzashi to arrive when I remembered I had these two chinese style ornaments that came with an aweful cheap wig I had.

From the back:


From the front:


I have been trying to get this beak clip to hold a french twist style and finally, entirely on accident I think I figured it out!  I am always having trouble with it catching my "bangs", this layer nearly reaches my collar bone.  I took up the sides of my hair, without twisting them one side at a time and used a bobby pin to secure each side at the center on the back of my head.  Then I took all of the rest of my hair and twisted it.  The sides blended invisibly with the back.  I put the beak clip down the "seam" of the twist close to my scalp without opening the clip too much.  I took the wild ends that remained and gently twisted them into a tiny bun which I pinned in place.  I think I'll be wearing this one on my trip!!


And today as I was getting ready for work I decided to experiment with starting my do at the center front instead of taking hair from each side with leaves me with a center part.  I took the hair from above the ears and put it into a loose pony secured with an elastic.  Then I twisted the hair for a bun and pushed it forward (hence the loose part) to give lift and pouf.  I pinned the bun in place, angling the bobby pins to keep the pouf in place.  I divided the hair hanging down in half from the center part, twisting one side into a bun and losely pinning and then the same on the other side.  This pic is messy 'cause I've taught a yoga class and ran errands is heavy winds.  Actually, its held up suprising well.  Its not too heavy, although I think hair decorations would change that.  I felt very pretty and feminine, especially with dangle earrings on!