Monthly Round-up. March 2010

And so another month comes to an end folks! And what an action packed month it was. We got to see the Frost Mascot burst some pipes, saw the Puzzle Mascot best his arch nemesis, twice, I got some super cool business cards, and we even got to hear some really cute music from U900. And let’s not forget the great designers and crafters we met along the way - The Happy Box, Elegant Hobbies, Chi Chi Memories, and Migaloo Magic to name but a few. And let’s definitely not forget our monthly puzzle. Did you work out who was hiding behind the car boot sale sign?


Unbelievable! It was the Mischief Mascot! I thought it was going to be the Money Mascot for sure - he just loves car boot sales! Oh well, maybe I’ll have better luck next time! Anyway, be sure to come back next month folks for more kawaii treats, treasures, and crafts! And who knows? Maybe I’ll even get some more business cards! What? A Mascot can dream, can’t he?

See you all in April.
Your host with the most,
Ed Mascot :)

Acrylicana. Queen of Kawaii!

When I first started writing for this blog many months ago I said one very important thing. It was “When it comes to fashion, style and all round cuteness there's only one mascot you readers can truly rely on. That's me, in case you haven't guessed!” Well, thankfully that statement is as true today as it was when I first said it. And to prove it to you, again, I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce you all to the kawaii-tastic world of Acrylicana…


I’m sure many of you will have already heard of Acrylicana, but for those of you who haven’t, get ready for a truly tasty kawaii treat! Acrylicana is the work of designer and illustrator Mary Winkler, and her colourful and unique jewellery and accessories have been winning her legions of kawaii fans the world over. And I’m sure you can see why :) Every one of her cutely crafted creations looks like it stepped off the page of a legendary long lost kawaii comic! Truly beautiful! But why have I waited so long to tell you about this kawaii sensation, I hear you ask. Well, it just so happens that Acrylicana is hosting a sneak preview of her new work this week over at Twitter - Wednesday, March 31, 2010 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT. Timing is everything, people :)

Your friendly follower of fashion,
Sweet Mascot :)

Puzzling the Puzzle Mascot! Ver2.0!

Dear Puzzle Mascot,

So you won the first round. (Re. Puzzling the Puzzle Mascot!) Big whoops! That was merely a warm up. The real challenge starts now! Ahhh Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha! (That’s an evil laugh, although you probably already know that by now!) Anyway, get ready to meet your downfall - a puzzle of such diabolical difficulty that it’s been banned in 13 countries. Puzzle Mascot, take a look at this…


I call this monster… Mascot Madness Ver2.0! Ahhh Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha! (Again, that’s my trademark evil laugh!) Once again the challenge is to work out the numerical value for each Mascot. The totals of the added values are displayed at the end, and bottom, of every row and column, and every Mascot has a different value. Prepare to bow down and meet you master! Ahhh Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha! (Evil!)

Still your arch nemesis,
The Puzzmaster.



Freak Mascot = 3. Doll Mascot = 4. Cubist Mascot = 5. Junior Mascot = 6. Demon Mascot = 7. Please don’t write again.

Yours etc,
Puzzle Mascot :)

Marvellous Moshi Monsters!

It’s a widely held and generally accepted belief that kids always find out about cool things before grown ups. And what I am here to talk about today is certainly no exception! It is, of course, Moshi Monsters! Yes, from playground to park, playing field to pirate ship (well, maybe not pirate ship, but I couldn’t think of anything else starting with P) it seems that kids everywhere just can’t get enough of these cute characters. And, to be honest, neither can I! Which brings me to this…


Hurrah! Yes readers, it is true! The good folks behind the incredibly cute Moshi Monsters have their very own Zazzle store! Now kids and grown ups alike can have their very own Monsters and Moshlings in the real world as well as the virtual one! Always fancied having a Poppet button? You got it! Been looking everywhere for a Katsuma mug? No Problem! Wanted to get your hands on a Zommer t-shirt? Get in line - he’s my favourite too :) Only joking, there is no line! Double hurrah!

Your friendly friend of all things fun,
Junior Mascot :)

Hide and Seek! Lovestruck Mascot!

Hello readers, nice to see you again! What d’ya mean “who said that?” It is I, your master of puzzles, (despite what some absurdly named amateurs may think!), the one, the only, the Puzzle Mascot! And what a puzzle I’ve got for you this month! Close your eyes and start counting folks, because it’s time for some good old fashioned hide and seek fun! Ready? Set? Go!


As you can see it’s the turn of the Lovestruck Mascot to be “it” - well, she’s always fancied herself as something of an it girl, so why not? Ha ha! But wait, perhaps a more fitting name for this romantic fool would be the Eagle Eyed Mascot! Because it looks as if she’s already spotted one of her colleagues hiding behind that conveniently placed Car Boot Sale sign! The question is… which Mascot is it she’s spotted? Can you help her work it out? The answer, as ever, will be revealed in this month’s monthly round-up!

Happy hunting,
Puzzle Mascot :)

Business Cards for Losers!

Dear Ed Mascot,

I’ve been an avid reader of this blog since the day it started, but enough about my problems! Last month I noticed a reader sent in a Valentines card that featured the Freak Mascot. (Re. Freaky Valentines Card!) They said they’d made it so the Freak Mascot wouldn’t feel left out. A very sweet sentiment indeed! Which got me thinking… in all my time reading this blog, I haven’t noticed anyone sending you any gifts. I thought this was a shame, so I made you these…


They’re business cards! I know, they are very professional looking, aren’t they? I tailored them specifically for you and mentioned all of your top strengths and skills - mediocre blogger, kinda funny looking, and a bit of a nerd! Perhaps you could use them when you meet influential people to make an immediate and lasting impression. I’m sure I’d remember you if you used one of these beauties on me!

Yours sincerely,
Janet Roland. Aged 24.



Wow! Thanks Janet. I’ve always wanted my own business cards. Although I’m not sure I pictured them with “kinda funny looking” written on them! Oh well…

I guess it’s the thought that counts,
Ed Mascot :)

I Believe in Migaloomagic!

Greetings readers, it is I - the Mystic Mascot! Today I’d like to tell you all about the power of magic. Don’t worry, I’m not going to start doing card tricks, or pulling rabbits out of top hats! For the magic I speak of is not some parlour trick or stage illusion. The magic I speak of is real! And, luckily for you, it’s also extremely cute! It’s called Migaloomagic…


Migaloomagic is a RedBubble shop that showcases the work of Karin Taylor - an extremely talented designer, illustrator, and artist who specialises in creating joyful and wondrous art for kids and grown ups alike. Her designs are full of cute animals and characters, and are available to buy on cards, prints, and clothing. And I can guarantee that every one of them will put a smile on your face. Well, I told you this magic was powerful stuff, didn’t I?

Your magical mentor,
Mystic Mascot :)

Kawaii Music from U900!

As an avid music fan who writes for a kawaii blog, I often find myself struggling to find cute bands or music to write about. It’s not that there aren’t cute bands or music out there, it’s just that they’re so rarely recognised by the popular music press or media that finding them can be a somewhat tricky and lengthy process. We’ve all heard of awards for best rock band, or best pop single performed by a female artist, but when’s the last time you heard of an award for the cutest amigurumi band, or best kawaii single performed by a knitted character or characters? Probably never, I’d wager! Well today that changes! Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the stage, the cutest band in the world… U900…

See, I told you they were cute :) U900 are couple of Japanese ukulele playing amigurumi characters who like nothing more than rocking out to their own beautiful brand of surf music! And, in the tradition of many a surf band before them, they’re even pretty adept at covering surf classics. The clip above is a cover of Diamond Head by surf legends The Ventures! Pretty cool, isn’t it? And the even better news is that U900 aren’t just an internet sensation! You can actually buy U900 albums and DVDs to listen to and watch whenever you like. Woohoo! Just check out their MySpace page for details!

Keeping music cute and kawaii,
Stereo Mascot :)

Thanks for the Chi Chi Memories!

Ahhh… the sweet sensations of Spring. The first tentative flowers of the new year, the subtle hints of blossom on the cherry trees, and the beautiful melodies of songbirds on idyllic dew soaked mornings. It’s hard to imagine how things could get any better! But that doesn’t mean they can’t! Yes readers, it seems that Spring isn’t the only thing in the air for yours truly. Love has once again looked down and smiled upon me! And the object of my affections this time is the truly beautiful Chi Chi Memories.


Chi Chi Memories is an adorable shop that sells, what can only be described as, sensational slices of kawaii crafting heaven! Its handmade treats are among the most gorgeous treasures you’ll ever see - beautiful birdy brooches, happy candy hair clips, and friendly felt charms are all there waiting just for you! It’s even got kawaii stickers, postcards, and note cards too! In fact, it’s got so many cute creations that you won’t just be spending Spring there, you’ll be spending Summer, Autumn, and Winter there too!

Your lovely lover of loveliness,
Lovestruck Mascot :)

Puzzling the Puzzle Mascot!

Dear Puzzle Mascot,

So you think you’re some sort of big shot when it comes to puzzles do you? Well, allow me to introduce myself. They call me The Puzzmaster! Ahhh Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha! (That’s an evil laugh, in case you didn’t get it!) Anyway, I reckon your puzzles are about as challenging as 1st grade spelling bee, and I also reckon you wouldn’t be able to spot a real puzzle if it came up and bit you! Let alone solve it! Which brings me to this…


Above is a puzzle that comes straight from my own diabolical mind. I call it… Mascot Madness! Ahhh Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha! (Again, that’s an evil laugh!) The challenge is to work out the numerical value for each Mascot. The totals of the added values are displayed at the end, and bottom, of every row and column. Every Mascot has a different value. I would wish you good luck in this challenge, but I think we both know who the winner is going to be! Ahhh Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha! (Evil!)

Your arch nemesis,
The Puzzmaster.



Alien Mascot = 2. TV Mascot = 4. Tiny Mascot = 5. Sweet Mascot = 7. Nice name by the way. Ha Ha Ha! (That’s a sarcastic laugh, in case you didn’t get it!)

Yours etc,
Puzzle Mascot :)

Elegant Hobbies and Monkey Madness!

As a master prankster and expert in all things mischievous, there is one question above all others that I am always asked. No, it’s not “did you do this?” Although I am asked that quite a lot! Tee hee! And the answer is usually “yes.” Ho ho! But that is not the question of which I speak. No, the question I’m talking about is this… “Of all the animals in the world, which is the most mischievous?” And the answer…


Yep, it’s the cheekiest of all the cheeksters, the cheeky monkey! And now, thanks to the craft-tastic work of Elegant Hobbies, you too can own your very own cheeky monkey! Yes, these spectacular sock monkeys are just waiting for you to come along and snap them up at the fantastic Elegant Hobbies Etsy store! And, best of all, you don’t even need to feed these cute creatures to enjoy their mischievous madness! Just think of the money you’ll save on bananas!

Your prankster perfectionist,
Mischief Mascot :)

Chilling Out for Summer!

Dear Frost Mascot,

With the arrival of the month of March and the first tentative hints of Spring in the air, I thought now would be a good time to write to a like minded individual such as yourself. You see, like you, I find the Summer months very much overrated. Sunburn, heatstroke, flies and wasps crawling around on everything - who needs that? Anyway, I figured you would be in the same boat as me, so have created this to help keep your spirits up over the long warm months ahead…


It’s a picture of you getting your Winter funk on and bursting some pipes! I hope it is of some comfort to you, and helps keep you nice and cool over the hot and hard times that are undoubtedly heading our way. And, as I’m guessing we won’t be hearing a lot from you over the Summer, I’d like you to know that you will be missed. Well… at least by some of us!

Keep cool,
Ginger “Freckles” McRedhead. Aged 33.



Thanks Ginger. It’s always nice to hear from a fellow fan of the freeze, and I love the artwork too - it’s so cool! Ha ha! Sorry, I couldn’t resist!

See you all in the winter,
Frost Mascot :)

The Happy Box for Happy People!

Ahhh boxes - where would we be without them! It seems that few objects can conjure up such feelings of potential and excitement as the good old fashioned, humble box. Be it the eagerly awaited birthday present gift or the unknown surprise delivery, there’s something about receiving a box that brings out a childlike joy in all of us. Which brings me, quite fittingly, to this…


This, my kawaii cohorts, is a box I recently discovered over at Zazzle. It’s called The Happy Box. The Happy Box is an amazingly cute shop that’s packed with all sorts of kawaii treats and treasures for us all to enjoy! From dragons to kitty cats and penguins to polar bears this box has it all. So now you don’t have to wait for you birthday to roll around to open up a box. Just head on over to The Happy Box and make everyday your birthday!

Your gift giving guru,
Teddy Mascot :)

Horoscopes for March 2010

Ahhhh… the mists are clearing once again. And as the first hints of Spring finally appear, so too do our all seeing spirit friends. But will their predictions be as sweet as the dawn of the new season? Read on, if you dare…

Aries Mar 21 - Apr 20
An upset tummy has the potential to ruin an otherwise perfect month. Avoid all you can eat buffets and you should be fine.
Lucky flower: Daffodil

Taurus Apr 21 - May 21
“Wow! Your new haircut really suits you! You look great!” Practice saying this now if you want to avoid tears and tantrums this month. Trust me!
Lucky flower: Buttercup

Gemini May 22 - Jun 22
A hasty spring cleaning decision could see you lose a much loved possession. Remember to actually look in boxes before binning them!
Lucky flower: Rose

Cancer Jun 23 - Jul 23
They say time heals all wounds, and they’re right. Although that paper cut is still going to sting a bit. Just letting you know!
Lucky flower: Bluebell

Leo Jul 24 - Aug 23
An unwanted house guest has the potential to wreck your beautiful home. Keeping an eye out for squirrels wouldn’t be a bad idea this month! Keeping your doors and windows closed would be an even better one!
Lucky flower: Tulip

Virgo Aug 24 - Sep 23
Blue skies and sunshine does not always mean warm weather. Remember this when getting dressed in the morning! And don’t come crying to me when you don’t!
Lucky flower: Sunflower

Libra Sep 24 - Oct 23
If it looks too good to be true, then it is too good to be true! This may look like good advice, but is it true? Don’t say I never help you!
Lucky flower: Snapdragon

Scorpio Oct 24 - Nov 22
An oversight on a shopping list could lead to an embarrassing dinner party incident. Write down “toilet paper” now to avoid this nightmare!
Lucky flower: Lily

Sagittarius Nov 23 - Dec 21
Yes, you’re right, we are all feeling the pinch financially at the moment. But do you really think cutting your own hair is the best way to save money? Just a friendly bit of advice!
Lucky flower: Heather

Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 20
It is true that actions can speak louder than words. Though, generally speaking, job interviews are a widely accepted exception to this rule! Remember - there’s a time and a place for everything, my friend!
Lucky flower: Gladiolus

Aquarius Jan 21 - Feb 19
Shoes will play an important part in your life this month. I suggest buying one for each foot you have in your possession! Just to be on the safe side!
Lucky flower: Carnation

Pisces Feb 20 - Mar 20
Clear and concise communication will be the key to surviving this month unscathed! Avoid long words and anything that’s difficult to spell!
Lucky flower: Amaranthus hypochondriacus

Ahhhh… the mists return and the spirits depart once more. Did they bring you good tidings? Until our paths next cross,
Mystic Mascot :)