Sunday, March 30, 2008

This is... the contents of my handbag

I have to confess, my handbag is not usually this tidy, but it went through a big clean up before I went away. I just got back from Australia a couple of days ago.

So this is what's in my handbag right now. Let's see... there's a purse, two eco bags (one for food items, one for non-food stuff), a hanko purse (more about that below), a lemon-lime lip balm, key case, my mobile phone (which I never answer because it's always in my bag and I never hear it), a pen, hand cream, my new sunglasses case, chopsticks and my Japanese bank book (you stick it in the ATM and it prints out your statements).

This is a closer image on my hanko. In Japan, you don't sign for things, but rather use your name stamp. When getting mine made I didn't want to have my name written in katakana (the script used for foreign words), so instead, I had "Gray", as in the colour, written in Japanese kanji. It always gets a laugh when I use it.

One of my pet hates in Japan is disposable chopsticks. Japanese use about 24 billion pairs of disposable wooden chopsticks (waribashi) every year which is a huge hunk of forest! The waribashi are given out at restaurants and then simply thrown out and burnt, it's a huge waste, so rather than contribute to the problem, I carry my own, red for my self and blue for my husband.
The little koinobori (carp banner) phone strap is getting rather shabby.... I think I need to buy a new one!


And lastly, I wanted to show off my new sunglasses case. It is of course, covered in vintage kimono fabric.

Thanks for the theme Sharon! I can't wait to see what's in everyone else's bags!

14 comments:

Michelle said...

You have fascinating bag contents! Loved the hanko and the idea of the take-with-you chopsticks. I've just realised my mobile phone wasn't in my bag! Wonder where it is?

JuliaB said...

Wow! what an interesting post and insight into Japanese life ... something i never thought about before ... that stamp thingy is fascinating!

Two Peas In a Pod said...

That is so funny I have a cell phone but never answer it cause it is in my bag and I never hear it. Everyone tells me I should put it on a louder ring but then I dont like people staring at me cause my phone is ringing. Great contents and i really like your name stamp..what a cool idea
Cheers Kyla

Sharon said...

I love your glasses case! I need one because I made a pouch and it doesn't protect them but I think I'll try and cover my old one in something pretty! Thanks for showing the contents of your bag, really interesting bits and pieces!

Bec said...

Well, I think you win the prize for the most gorgeous and interesting stuff in your handbag! Hey, did you enjoy your trip to Brisbane?

Cathy {tinniegirl} said...

Your bag contents are so fascinating. I love the name stamp and the chopsticks.

Thanks for the link to the travel wallet tutorial. I need a travel wallet and making one could be so much fun.

flossy-p said...

Okay, your stuff is by far the most unique and interesting bag-stuff. It's all so nifty, and stylish.

teresa fsw said...

That is so true for me about the handphone thingy! I never answer my phone too as I can't hear it in the bag and my husband always says that my phone has drowned! BTW, I really like the idea of carrying your own chopsticks. I'll definitely go look for these when I'm in Tokyo next week!!! Also I love your sunglasses case! So pretty!

Kirsty said...

I LOVE those stuffit bags. They are so tiny & light & so handy.

Jenny said...

Lots of lovely Japanese goodness here. I love the little carp hanging thing and all the fabrics are gorgeous. Your stamp for your signature sounds like fun. I hope you had a wonderful holiday in Oz:)

Bird Bath said...

Wow..interesting! I like the byo chopsticks. Having my own stamp would give me bit of a thrill :)

Jacinta said...

What interesting contents... The chopstick and the little name stamp are fantastic. A taste of a different culture. Thanks for sharing.

Little Munchkins said...

I love the contents in your handbag. Very interesting and thanks for sharing somethings about Japan with us.

Maureen Reynolds said...

Yes, yours is the most interesting bag so far. So many items that are culturally different and fascinating.

ditto the cell...but then I don't want to answer it either!! I have my 3 children on Happy Birthday ringtone, so they get answers. ;-)

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