Brooklyn Blossoms

Although the Brooklyn Botanical Garden hosted Sakura Matsui aka the Cherry Blossom Festival last weekend, the CherryWatch Blossom Status Map shows that the trees lining the Cherry Esplanade are still in first bloom.


I went a couple of weekends ago and caught the Japanese Garden in full bloom. Just beautiful - even on a cloudy day.




Pssst: When there aren't special programs running entry to the BBG is FREE on Sat mornings from 10 am - noon. More info on hours and admissions here.

Sakura Matsuri

I've been following the Brooklyn Botanic Garden blossom status map closely and bang! over the weekend the mall of cherry blossom trees finally bloomed.

And just in time. This weekend at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is the celebration of the cherry blossoms: Sakura Matsuri. There are over 50 scheduled events. It gets crowded for sure, but is fun, the food is great and the blossoms are breathtaking. My long time favorite is the Soh Daiko japanese drumming group. My husband and I even took a drumming lesson - I mean who wouldn't want to bang on those drums at least once in their lives!!??

Enjoy!

Kinokuniya -New York main store opens

Japanese craft book alert! Kinokuniya has recently opened it's new main store located opposite Bryant Park at 1073 Avenue of the Americas between 40th and 41st Streets.

Make a B-line for the lower level to find books on sewing, crocheting, knitting, beading, felting, and ... sock and gloving. There is a display table of 'craft best sellers' (see pic) in front of an expanded craft section (also pictured). Their craft section has to be at least 3 times larger than the one at Rockefeller Center.

Don't forget to get lost in the Interior Design section among books like French Boys Rooms, Danish Rooms for Girls, Kitchens in Paris, and Danish Kitchens. Downstairs also houses the expanded stationary section (an increase of about 4 times the previous space) with LOTS of mini stickers and magnets in addition to high-end fountain pens and calligraphy sets.

They now carry 'Cotton Time' on the airy street level magazine section. They also feature a branch of Cafe Zaiya, a Japanese-style pastry and sandwich shop on the second floor that I will make a point to visit next time.

Find info (Mostly in Japanese) here. . Store hours: Mon-Sat 10AM -9:30PM Sun 11AM - 7 PM

Check out Crafting Japanese for more info on additional stores, books, projects and translation resources.