MUJI Haul + NYC Trip

It’s summer! 

The month of June will always have a soft spot in my heart. There’s something in the air in June, an energy that feels exciting - the end of a school year, the beginning of summer. The sky is full of sun and whispers of anticipation for something new. 

I’m currently in the middle of a big out-of-state move and made a trip into the city to get some things and visit some places before I no longer have quick access to them. I’ll always love NJ, but life is taking me elsewhere, if only for a little bit…

MUJI

If you don’t continue reading after this first one, that’s okay. Because this is the one item that motivated me to go into the city. The monthly planner. I’ve been using this blank planner, for YEARS. I’d be lost without it. I fill it with my freelance deadlines, appointments, tax days - everything. I love decorating it and planning months ahead. Just $1.90. I bought 3. 

The recycled paper notebook - full of newsprint paper and great for figure or gesture drawing! 

The sketchbook in my traveler’s notebook cover (which contains my planner, sticker folder, notes - I might go over my setup in a future post!) is almost full. So I bought this plain A5 notebook for when it’s time to replace it. 

Ink refills! I love refilling my pens instead of buying a whole new one and wastefully throwing them out when they’re empty. 

Spiral sketchbook for landscape sketches. I’ve been thinking about more plein air work and thought this would be a good sketchbook for that. 

Another plain spiral notebook in a small size to fit inside my purse! I strayed away from spiral notebooks for a while but have been needing it lately to completely fold the cover over. My life has been full of quick thoughts that I can’t fully realize at the moment, but I don’t want to miss a possible good idea. 

BOOK STORES

One summer, almost 10 years ago, I used to go into the city every weekday for work. It was one of my favorite commutes, summer in New York is so special to me. I seldom go anymore, but took this trip to do my first stock signing! I’m so grateful to the incredibly kind staff at Books of Wonder in NYC for letting me sign copies of LOLO’S SARI-SARI STORE and BOX OF DREAMS! I ended up buying books, too! 

I also signed copies of LOLO’S at Barnes and Noble Union Square! I took a big step out of my comfort zone and ask a very kind bookseller to let me sign. 

CARD ART CORNER

Today I am highlighting artist Sachiko Adachi! I love the 3D model staged against the cartoon background. I am so charmed by the goofiness and playfulness of the Pokemon she’s illustrated. There’s something about “real life” illustrations that I absolutely love. 

Until next time!

Christine

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Order BOX OF DREAMS!  HarperCollins | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble | Amazon