Kawaii Monthly Review September 2014

Our package from Chiba, Japan is here!  This may be our last Kawaii Monthly review.  My daughter no longer wants this box, so I will probably cancel her subscription.  Kawaii Monthly is $18.99 a month, shipping included.  There are always five items inside that reflect kawaii cuteness and beauty.

I love that Kawaii Monthly includes a description of each item.  This is so helpful, considering we aren't sure what a lot of the items are.

Kawaii Monthly Review June 2014

Let's check out the five Kawaii Monthly items from Oyatsu Cafe.  This box is $18.99 (free shipping) and comes from Chiba, Japan.  

Onigiri Shaper ~ We're more familiar with Onigiri as rice balls.  It's a popular quick meal that can be found in bento boxes.  You just fill these molds with sticky rice to make the onigiri.  You get cute rice balls shaped like a heart, star, and bear face!

Cutlery Set ~ Last month my daughter got a bear-shaped bento box.  Now she has a matching cutlery set!  Inside this plastic case is a fork, spoon, and pair of chopsticks.  We are looking forward to some fun lunches next school year!

Japanese Gift Bags ~ This is a set of 6 cellophane gift bags.  They are decorated with an assortment of desserts.  In Japan, the bags are primarily used to give sweets and small presents.  Enclosed are 6 twist-ties that have cute pom poms on each ends.

Pretty Rhythm Wristband ~ This wristband is from the anime & manga series Pretty Rhythm Rainbow Live.  The design is from the fictional Dear Crown store that So Min loves to shop at.  There were also a few pieces of ramune candy inside.  

Little Twin Stars Mesh Pouch ~ This pouch is actually really big.  It unfolds to about 12" x 9".  It's a great storage bag.

I subscribed to Kawaii Monthly for my daughter.  She loves everything kawaii.  This box is curated by Oyatsu Cafe, which sells Japanese candy and snacks.  Isn't it the perfect box for a 9-year old girl?

Kawaii Monthly Review May 2014

Our Kawaii Monthly from Japan arrived today!  Each month my daughter gets 5 kawaii themed items in her Kawaii Monthly box from Oyatsu Cafe.  It's only $18.99 with free shipping from Japan.

 Every box has a great information sheet about the kawaii items.  I really appreciate this because many of the products are in Japanese.

 Rhinestone Stickers ~ What girl doesn't love little sparkles?  These rhinestones will stick to phones, books, stationery, and more!  Maybe a few will end up on my daughter's display board for her science fair project.

 Koume Fruit Candies ~ Lotte's Koume candies are known for their delicate and refined taste.  This package is a limited edition version themed "Koume Fall in Love - Fruit Candies".  There are three flavors inside, green apple, cherry, and pineapple. 

 Little Twin Stars Pocket Pouch ~ Little Twin Stars brings back great childhood memories for me!  I'm so glad my daughter gets to enjoy them too.  This is a small pouch with a convenient handle.  She has a lot of small items that would fit perfectly inside.

 Animal Bento Box ~ This is Olivia's favorite item.  She's already planning her lunch for tomorrow!  The bento box is a sturdy plastic undivided container with a detachable lid.  The box is microwaveable and should be hand washed.  

 Hello Kitty Tinfoil ~ How cute is this!  This goes great with the bento box.  We will be wrapping cookies and other goodies up tomorrow morning!   According to the information sheet, this can also be used to decorate items.  Why don't we have stuff like this in KY?

I have become a big kawaii fan over the past three months.  We love this box!  Kawaii Monthly is a great cultural experience for my child.  She even loves the shipping label with Japanese writing.  You can pay via Pay Pal or credit card.  The shipping is usually two weeks from Japan.  Feel free to leave a comment!

Hosted by Unpack the Box and MommySplurge

Kawaii Monthly Review April 2014

I'm starting to think that all things Kawaii are FUN!!!  Kawaii Monthly is a subscription service from Oyatsu Cafe for $18.99.  Shipping is free and each box contains 5 kawaii themed items.

 Tsubaki Oil Comb ~ This is a folding comb infused with tsubaki oil or camellia oil.  The oil is nutrient rich and commonly used on hair in Japan.  The oil adds shine to hair.

 Little Twin Stars Wall Pocket ~ This is a three pocket plastic organizer.  It's a cute decoration for any room and is ideal for holding origami paper and Kawaii stationery!  I love it when boxes come with really useful items.

 Rilakkuma Reel Key Chain ~ One can never have too much Rilakkuma!  This adorable bear graces the front of this extendable keychain.

 Rilakkuma Sembei ~ Sembei are traditional Japanese rice crackers.  These crackers are shaped like Rilakkuma's head.  I love how Kawaii Monthly always includes a unique snack.

Origami Paper Set ~ This is an origami paper pack with 16 sheets.  They are designed with bright feminine flowers.  I downloaded the Origami Kids app for Android so my daughter can use the papers.



There seems to be a pattern with the Kawaii Monthly boxes.  We always receive a beauty item, a food item, a stationery item, and several fun items.  I must admit to absolutely loving the beauty items each month!  

Oyatsu Box Review April 2014

Just received my 3rd OyatsuBox today!  It's such a unique box that the whole family enjoys.  We have a blast "taste testing" everything inside.  The box contained 11 Japanese candies and snacks.  

 Strawberry Cake TOPPO ~ Yum!  These taste great!  They are described as an "inside-out Pocky".  The inside is a strawberry shortcake flavored chocolate.  The chocolate is surrounded by a pretzel layer.  The outside pretzel isn't salted and tastes good.

 One Piece NW3 Collector's Card & Gum ~ Inside are two pieces of gum and 2 special edition cards.  The cards are really neat and have a sparkly prismatic look one one side.  The back side is numbered and illustrated as well.

 Amaika San-Taro ~ This Japanese snack is made of a strip of cod paste marinated in a hearty layer of sweet squid flavor.  It's a popular snack food in Japan and can be found throughout the country.  The Amaika brand version is twice the size as other regular editions.  I'm not brave enough to try this one, but I can always find students adventurous enough to sample!

 Umaibo ~ This month's flavors are Natto and Teriyaki Burger.  From what I can find, Natto is fermented soybeans.  It has a very strong smell and taste!  The teriyaki burger Umaibo tastes good, but has a strong after taste!

 Babystar Ramen Bites Yaki Soba ~ Babystar brand noodles have been around since 1959.  This bag has Yaki Soba flavored noodles.  They look like a dried chow mein.

 Litchee Hi-Chew ~ This is a limited edition Hi-Chew flavored like lychee.  This tropical fruit grows in Asia and makes a great flavoring for candy.  The Hi-Chew candies are definitely one of my favorites in the box!

 Plum Somen ~ I never knew noodles could be prepared like this!  This package contains noodles with a unique, tasty sour plum flavor.  Definitely a different experience!

Puku Puku Tai ~ Inside is the candy version of Taiyaki.  Taiyaki is a fish-shaped hot cake traditionally filled with red bean paste.  This candy version is a fish-shaped wafer filled with a puffy chocolate.  My husband and I really enjoyed this!

Ume Mints ~ These were also a big hit with the family.  Ume is a sour plum flavor.  I liked this flavor much better than the Plum Somen.  Apparently these mints are very popular among the older generation.  My 9 year old loves them too!

Soy Butamen ~ Butamen is the name of the pig mascot on this container.  Inside are soy noodles that are sold in dagashi (candy) stores all over rural Japan.  It also came with a small plastic fork.  To fix, add around 180ml of hot water, cover and wait for 3 minutes.  Do NOT microwave!

Taro Kyabetsu ~ Kyabetsu means cabbage, but there is no cabbage in this snack!  The bag is filled with corn pugs infused with bits of nori (dried seaweed).  It's also flavored with Okonomiyaki sauce, which seems like a thick worcestershire sauce.  I'll make my husband try these because I'm not a big fan of seaweed.  

OyastuBox is $25 a month and ships for free on the first of each month.  The shipping takes 10 - 14 days from Chiba Japan.  I think this box is so much fun!  OyatsuBox is a division of Oyatsu Cafe.  If you like the snacks in the box, you can order most of them from Oyatsu Cafe.  My kids really enjoy learning about the different types of Japanese candy and snacks.  I'm considering ordering the Mexican Candy Box for them too.


If you know of any other interesting boxes from other countries, please comment below.  

Kawaii Monthly Review March 2014

Kawaii Monthly comes from Japan and is a smaller box.  Every month there are five Kawaii themed items that range from stickers to beauty products.  It's $18.99 a month with free shipping.

 March Kawaii Monthly

 Information Page ~ I love the explanations provided by Kawaii Monthly.  We have been unfamiliar with some of the products and needed more information than what was on the packaging.  

Hello Kitty Marshmallow ~ This looks like a miniature Easter basket!  Inside is a package of jelly-filled marshmallows.  My daughter was surprised when she bit into the jelly.  Very unique!

 Sakura Decoration ~ These are flower-shaped gel decorations.  The sakura flower is a Japanese symbol for spring.  We know them as cherry blossoms.  The sakura flower symbolizes a new beginning as the new season starts in April.

 Sticky Notes ~ This sticky note set is perfect for marking pages or recording notes.  When used as a bookmark, the cute characters peek above the page.  These are great for sharing with friends!

 Kawaii 3-D Stickers ~ Panda bears make the cutest decorations!  This sticker sheet is full of raised panda bear stickers.  There are also a few raccoon stickers.

Facial Soap Foaming Net ~ This is my favorite item in the box.  I was a little confused as how to use it, but there are several YouTube videos that demonstrate its use.  It is Japanese belief that using your hands to wash your face causes friction and reduces your skin's elasticity.  The foaming net is designed to create a large amount of foam from your face wash.  This foam forms a barrier between your hands and face and eases the friction on your face.  The foam is also penetrates deeper in your pores for a deep cleansing effect.  You can purchase these through Amazon.

This is my second Kawaii Monthly box and I have loved the beauty products in them!  As long as they continue to send these unique beauty products, I will continue my subscription.  I've learned a few new things about face care and Japanese culture!  Plus, the Kawaii stuff is so cute!

Please comment if you know of any other Kawaai themed boxes or websites.  My daughter is really getting into Kawaii items.  She is 9 years old and looking for a pen pal.  Send me an email if interested in being a pen pal!

Kawaii Monthly Review ~ February 2014

The February Kawaii Monthly has arrived from Japan!  It took a little longer to get here due to the snow in both Japan and the United States.  This box is $18.99 with free world-wide shipping.  Kawaii Monthly is a project of Oyatsu Cafe.  Every month you get five kawaii themed items.

Tohato Caramel Corn Chocolate ($3.49) ~ This is a bag of chocolate flavored puffed corn.  It tastes great!  The caramel corn is sweet and very light.  If you're intrigued with Japanese food, you have to check out OyatsuBox by Oyatsu Cafe.  It is a monthly subscription box jam packed with Japanese candy and snacks.  

Japanese Calligraphy Pen ($3.99) ~ This is a modern version of the traditional calligraphy pen.  It is known as a "Fudepen".  It has a brush-like nib that writes directly from the ink reservoir.

Shugi-Bukuro ($5) ~ We have gift card holders, the Japanese have Shugi-bukuro.  This is a special envelope for money.  These gift envelopes are usually given at weddings and other Japanese festivities.  The outer wrapping of the envelope is very thick and elaborate.  The ribbon (mizuhiki) is crafted from rice paper.

Hello Kitty Face Mask ($2.45) ~ Face masks protect against dust, pollen, and germs.  They are very popular Japanese accessories.  There are three white disposable face masks with pink pictures of Hello Kitty in the package.  They have two ear loops to fasten around your ear.

Konnyaku Sponge ($6) ~ This is an all natural luxury face sponge made from the konnyaku or konjac potato plant.  It has a great water-holding ability and special elastic properties that massage your face as you wash it.  The konnyaku sponge is considered to be a natural exfoliator and suitable for all skin types.  

This information sheet was also in the Kawaii Monthly box.  It is very detailed and easy to understand.  We have learned quite a lot about the Japanese culture with this box.  My daughter loves beauty products and will enjoy the konnyaku sponge.  She is already using the fude pen.  All of the prices listed are estimates.  In my opinion, this is a fun box worth trying out!

www.kawaiimonthly.com