Aug
31
2009

I’m breaking up with you, Grocery Outlet

Dear Grocery Outlet,

I am sad to inform you that I’m no longer in love with you. I know that you must do what is best for your business, but to be honest, your classy new “makeover” just isn’t my style. I miss your deflated balloons, dented cans of Campbells soup written in Chinese, the occasional wild bird flying around, sticky floors, hungover employees, customers milling about in shower caps and fuzzy slippers, and of course the $1 value bin full of obviously-tampered-with pregnancy test kits. Did you really have to get rid of the big faded rainbow from your storefront sign? Or replace all the stolen mismatched shopping carts with shiny new ones printed with your own logo? Your newfound lack of hilarity saddens me.

Well I guess the poo-shaped candles I saw yesterday were pretty all-right, but I don’t know if that’s enough to keep me coming back.

So my dear Grocery Outlet, it was fun while it lasted but it’s time for me to move on. It is a sad day for us all.

XOXO
Amy

EDIT: OH! MY! GOD!!!! Apparently Grocery Outlet is on Twitter, because I just got this message:

WOW! I am amazed and impressed. I may have to reconsider the breakup….

Written by shrinkle in: gross-out of the week | 46 Comments
Aug
29
2009

Happy Fentons Ice Cream Day + Some Sad News

My favorite Oakland discovery (besides Grocery Outlet) would have to be Fentons, a historic creamery that’s been around for over 100 years. My dad used to take my mom here in the ’70s, back when they liked each other. Awww! You might recognize Fentons from the Pixar movie “Up.” Pixar headquarters is located in nearby Emeryville, and Fentons is a beloved hangout spot for Pixar employees. I thought it was so cute that they weaved Fentons into Up’s story line!

I make it a point to eat at Fentons at least every other week if I can help it. And I always order the same thing — Saddleback Brownie sundae with two jumbo scoops of Dutch Chocolate Chip ice cream and an extra cup of hot fudge sauce on the side! And just water, as I’m watching my weight you see. ;-)

You can’t see it, but there’s actually a huge brownie hiding under this madness. Mmmm mmmm!

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Written by shrinkle in: friends | 89 Comments
Aug
26
2009

Junko Mizuno “Little Fluffy Gigolo PELU” Book Signing at New People

The lovely Junko Mizuno was in town signing her new book, Little Fluffy Gigolo PELU Vol.1. What a perfect excuse for us to go back to the new Japantown mall! (Are you guys getting sick of all my Japantown posts yet? Muahaha)

Amazing, awkwardly-composed photo of me and Kevin with Junko. I don’t know why I’m facing the wrong way, Kevin is playing peekaboo behind me, and we’re all crammed tightly into one corner when there’s all that empty space on the left. Junko is probably like, “Stupid Americans!”

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Written by shrinkle in: adventures | 76 Comments
Aug
25
2009

Superscore at 6%DokiDoki & Baby the Stars Shine Bright aka Why I Should Not Be Allowed to Visit Japan

On Sunday we went back to Dokidoki and BTSSB for the Junko Mizuno signing (pictures later!) and managed to spend $500 on… (are you ready for this?)… HAIR ACCESSORIES! Okay, so there are a few necklaces and a “practical” skirt thrown into the mix, so I don’t feel TOO guilty. But the bulk of it was ridiculous hair bows, and yes, I really did buy doubles of everything “just in case something happens.” You know, like if a burglar breaks into my house and steals my bows, I will have a back-up stash hidden away. Unless the burglar is reading this and knows to look for the back-up stash too.

Tiara haircombs!

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Written by shrinkle in: daily life | 85 Comments
Aug
23
2009

Zambicandy = Adorable x 1000!!

Awww look what I found in my inbox this morning! A SUPER adorable portrait by the incredibly talented Zambicandy. I love it!!

I snooped her store and found her selling a bunch of cute art and handmade accessories. Check her out!!

CLICK!

Written by shrinkle in: daily life | 22 Comments
Aug
22
2009

Jessica’s Going Away Party & Michelle’s Bday

Remember when I said that all my friends move to LA? Well, Jessica went next! Her going away party was last week. Michelle’s birthday happened at midnight, so it ended up being a joint party. Double your fun!

Susita, Jessica, and me

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Written by shrinkle in: party time! | 51 Comments
Aug
20
2009

Baby the Stars Shine Bright tea party & Japan Nite Girls Rock Explosion at Yoshi’s

Aww here goes the last of my photos from crazy J-Pop weekend!

On Sunday, Baby the Stars Shined Bright hosted a tea party limited to just 50 lucky guests. I was able to get in because Jessica bought a $250 dress the day before, scored an invite, and gave it to me.

Okay, let’s talk about awkward!! I showed up an hour and a half late to a two-hour party, sweating and huffing and puffing from running in my heels. When I finally made my grand (sweaty) entrance, I was the ONLY girl in the entire room who wasn’t dressed in head to toe Lolita. Everyone looked adorable in their big pouffy dresses and extravagant hairpieces!! I stood out like a sore thumb, heehee. It was super obvious I’m not a member of the lolita scene, but I really do enjoy admiring everyone’s outfits and the details in their garments and accessories. The flowers, the pearls, the big curly hair, I felt like I was swimming in a sea of prettiness!!

With designer Kumiko Uehara and model Misako Aoki

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Written by shrinkle in: adventures, party time! | 52 Comments
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