petition to help stop child pornography from being sold

Petition link:

https://www.change.org/p/amazon-amazon-need-to-remove-child-pornography-and-exploitation-books-and-dvds-from-their-amazon-japan-website#share

In light of the recent kidnapping of a 6 year girl in Kobe by a child predator -- her mutilated body only just found – it seems particularly important to take action now.  These types of DVDs and books being sold -- aids in the perversions of child predators.

Petition link:
https://www.change.org/p/amazon-amazon-need-to-remove-child-pornography-and-exploitation-books-and-dvds-from-their-amazon-japan-website#share

Some sidenotes: 

To clarify: I am not an expert on this subject. I am just an mother who has filed a complaint to Amazon, Japan because I expect higher standards from a publically listed US company.

Picasso level artist, who paints nails, only in Tokyo, AMAZING

Want to have Picasso level art work at your fingertips (literally), then go to JoliNails.
The art work (and detai in nail care) is unbelievable. All these images are HAND-PAINTED.
It only takes about 20-30 minutes per image. Incredible.
www.joliarts-salon.com
3-10-9 Shirokane
Tokyo, Minatoku
03-6721-9669
Online reservations accepted 24 hours a day
Childcare available during treatment
English speaking

 

 

Mammoth expo in Ueno

I enjoyed this expo the same as the Dino expo last year because it's not crowded. Mammoths aren't the draw, compared to dinosaurs but if you or your kid is into mammoths and other prehistoric mammals, why not check it out?

Place: Ueno park

Expo: 7/12/2014-10/5/2014

Photos: below

Admission: adults 1600 yen, elementary aged kids and up 600 yen. Small kids free.

 

The first part is disappointing, as it is just fossils from mice and small mammals and such. See below:

My husband and I were not impressed with the tree bark and leaves impressions but the giant mammoth and other mammals made up for it. 

I suggest doing a bit of research as a family together before coming so you can appreciate what it has to offer.

Photos curtesy of my 6 year old. :-)

The photo booth was fun at the end! 500 yen.

Radiation-free, organic, groceries, baby formula, etc. from the States, free shipping to Japan. U.S. prices.

Living in Japan, where there is not only a big radiation concern, but there is not a very good selection of organic foods, I am a HUGE, HUGE fan of iHerb.

Not only are the prices the same as the States, but the shipping is free or $4 most of the time (it can vary with promotions).

With the radiation issues here in Japan, I take precautions. You must if you are living in Japan. That's reality. I won't gamble in this area, especially with children.

Everything I buy, other than raw food, is from overseas (I order veggies and milk from Kyushu but that's another story). I'm especially careful about infant formula and what my children consume. I want not only radiation free, but also organic, when possible.

I found this website iherb, based in the States, that ships EVERYTHING to Japan in just 3-5 days, with either FREE shipping or just $4. It's amazing. It has EVERYTHING from vitamins, honey, olive oil, sugar, flour, cereal, spices, shampoo, washing detergent, lotions, herb teas... baby snacks, kids snacks, health food, cough medicine, toothpaste, Chia seeds, nuts, grains, deoderant...

It's like an online whole foods.
I swear that I am their best customer. They even give me a 10% discount since I order regularly. Lots of perks.

Here are my tips for ordering:
1. If a message comes up saying that they cannot ship that product to Japan, try a different brand
(We had to go through 3 brands to get chia seeds)

2. Keep the order UNDER $160 per time, to avoid custom taxes

3. Use this code to receive $10 off your first order:  YUQ399

www.iherb.com

4. Before you go grocery shopping, make a list and first check if the products are on iherb. Chances are, they will be. I repeat EVERYTHING is on that site (paper towels, toilet paper, diapers, deoderant, make-up, all groceries other than raw foods).

I just visited my kitchen and took some photos of some products I regularly order from iherb. Excellent for those with allergies or special dietary needs. The prices are US prices. The formulas have not been modified to fit Japan so you can get things that are not available in Japan. These products will cost double or triple (IF you can find them) if purchased at an international supermarket.

Cooking dinner for 7 kids, ages 0-6

So, my daughter decided to have her friend over for dinner. My neighbor called to ask me to watch her 2 kids. And one neighborhood kid saw us all heading home and decided to join. So, there it was. 7 kids. 3 of them toddlers/baby.
And guess what? I not only survived, but it was fun.

I didn't have enough chairs and was worried about the 2 year olds falling off, so I expanded the kitchen table and lowered it to the ground. The kids sat on the ground. I boiled broccoli and carrots, put out sliced cheese and served curry. Easy breezy!!

The next time I do it, I'll use disposable plates and cups.