{Shop}
{Blog}
Ruth has taken the time to answer a few questions:
What does a perfectly ordinary day in your life look like?
"Oh, I love ordinary days. My kids wake me up (they're early risers) and I get them ready for school -- Elliot's in kindergarten, Shanae's in pre-nursery. We walk to school, which is just a couple of minutes away from where we live. Then it's back home to sip on my latte and off to work! I reply emails, pack orders, and ooh-and-ahh at the new items on catalogues, and work out which are best to bring in for my store. I punch in figures, do some basic accounts for my gifts distribution company Happy Things. On a good day, I try to organise my physical inventory too for Happyshop, which is challenging b'cos I recently moved, and my home-office space's halved. I also work on a couple other things, like real estate, so I spend some time making calls and researching the market for my clients. Work consumes me till about mid-afternoon, when it's time to get the home ready for the family: house-cleaning and cooking! I walk the kids home sometimes; other times my husband picks them up en route home from work. Then it's playtime, dinner, cartoons, storytime and bedtime. I like to watch TV late into the night (Mondays and Tuesdays are my current favourites: CSI, Fringe, Mentalist; House re-runs all weekday midnights). If there isn't anything riveting on TV, I usually try get some more work done before calling it a day."
What time of year most inspires you?
"Christmas! Love love it. Creatively, there seems to be more inspiration everywhere: I love reading the magazines, adoring the fancy ads and commercials, and thinking up of fun things to do and daydreaming up my next pet project. On the family front, my husband's work is winding down (he's a teacher), and we spend more time with our kids outdoors: the zoo, the park, the beach ... I love the Christmas mood everywhere, and shopping gifts for the family. I get a lot more ideas for my work and my life, and feel recharged for the new year. Pity Christmas is just one day!"
What do you think of as comfort food?
"Ah without a doubt, all of my mom's cooking! She was a working mom, but she always made sure we had great tasty meals on the weekends and on special occasions. As a kid, I loved tagging along to the trips to the market and helping her cook in the kitchen. I have vivid memories of standing in a corner with all those bags of meat and stuff, waiting for her as she zipped quickly to the last stall to get the last thing on the list. I started asking from her recipes of my favourites after I got married eight years ago -- Asian dishes like stir-fried yellow noodles, stir-fried bee-hoon (rice noodle), claypot chicken rice, braised duck, popiah (a wrap filled with turnip, shrimp and other yummy stuff) and broiled chicken wings. The day my mother passed away (she had leukemia), I couldn't grapple with the fact that she was really gone, and I turned to cooking to remember her. For the two days, I cooked and brought my favourites to the funeral palour, to share a meal with my father. I choose to honor her this way because among others, this represented her love for me, and it's a way to relive the connection I have with her."
If you could hop on a plane, without giving one thought to your budget, where would you go?
"My first thought: Nagoya. It's the fourth-biggest city in Japan. I loved my trip to visit Shinzi Katoh sensei and his wonderful team last year, and wish my trip could have been longer! I basically zipped in and out of Nagoya in a hurry, cramped in as much as I could, but just simply didn't get to explore as much as I would have liked. I'd have loved to take time to sit at one of the pretty cafes that I saw in town, and maybe ask to view the nice garden at Shinzi Katoh's office, and spend some leisure time visiting the Nagoya Castle and museums and art galleries. I'll definitely bring my new Sony baby along this time and go snapping crazy at the sights and sounds. The food's great, weather's fine, and shopping is always rewarding. Just thinking about this makes me happy."
What are five things you would like to do in the next five years?
"Raise my children to be happy and confident people, expand my distribution business, play the violin again, start sewing again, and finally send my thousands of family photographs to be developed (printed) for my album collection."
1. Visit 'The Little Happyshop', look around and choose your favourite digital design from the shop... Come back here and leave a comment along with your email address, mentioning your favourite item...
2. For an additional entry, link to this giveaway on your blog, come back here and post an additional comment with the link and your email address...
3. For an additional entry, tweet about this giveaway on Twitter, come back here and post an additional comment with the link and your email address...
4. For an additional entry, link to this giveaway on Facebook, come back here and post an additional comment with the link and your email address...
5. For even more entries, POST again (Blog, Twitter, Facebook) at any time later in the week, come back here and post an additional comment with the link and your email address...
* YOU MAY ENTER UP TO FIVE TIMES FOR FIVE CHANCES TO WIN!
In order to keep offering these fantastic giveaways, I need to get as many comments (and visits for the sponsors) as possible... Please help me spread the word so we can keep a good thing going!
The winner will be randomly chosen and posted HERE on the blog on Sunday, November 7th... Please check the blog on Saturday to see if YOU are the winner! Enjoy... Please help spread the word and a dear thank you again to Ruth of 'The Little Happyshop'!
So many adorable items to choose from! The lunch totes designs are so refreshingly sweet. My favorite is Lavender, love the color, love the design, in fact what's not to love about this sweet sweet tote? Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteyumihamano@gmail.com
OMG How can anyone choose just one thing.. everything is totally gorgeous!! But I really love the Cheri's Cat Oval Mug... so cute :)
ReplyDeletelove the peekabird design
ReplyDeletejorossi(At)gmail(dot)com
The Over the Rainbow Diary is sooo cute! I am always on the lookout for a cute diary :) <3
ReplyDeleteAdorable items! I love the lunch totes and short totes - like the Cheri short tote!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
butler83ataoldotcom
The Little Prince - Coin Purse is so adorable!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance.
eli_green22 at yahoo dot com dot br
Such cute stuff... I love the Mart Glass Bowl (and so much more)
ReplyDeleteI love the Mon Peluche (A6) - 2011 Schedule Planner.
ReplyDeletekiddomsg at gmail dot com
and I added a link for the give-away on my kreati blogspot
ReplyDeleteI tweeted.
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/kiddo47/status/29368325481
kiddomsg at gmail dot com
Posted on FB.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.facebook.com/kiddo47/posts/126004014123465
kiddomsg at gmail dot com
The Little Girl Flask is my absolute favorite!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thelittlehappyshop.com/item.php?item_id=876&category_id=45
I posted a link to this giveaway on the sidebar of my blog!
ReplyDeletehttp://fivestones-vintage.blogspot.com/
I like the Elephant Tail Cup best
ReplyDeleteroswelljc at gmail dot com
The Goats baking dish is my favorite!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/AmberGoo/status/29369671616
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
I love the swing notecard set, but there are a lot of great items! trishaleigh08 at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeletei love it all!!!!
ReplyDeletea cute lunch box is a thing ive been dream about for a long time-Fine Day! Double Snackbox
http://www.thelittlehappyshop.com/item.php?item_id=251&page=2&category_id=57
nitzan.sc at gmail dot com
my favorite item is Hello! - Foldable Bag, it's so cute :)
ReplyDeleteisollea at gmail dot com
I am in love with this bag:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thelittlehappyshop.com/item.php?item_id=711&category_id=15
I really hope I can win ><
erica(dot)terranova(at)gmail(dot)com
I love the 'Jill and Perin double snackbox'. Too cute!
ReplyDeleterebecca.nvcl at gmail.com
I know you said digital design but I have to say this doll is my fave because my daughter would love it so much: Little Girl - Doll
ReplyDeleteeverything in your store is great though!
tracyschultz@yahoo.com
Those tea pots are just the cutest!
ReplyDeleteI love the little happy shop and I adore the shinzi katoh drinkware. Fingers crossed .Helen
ReplyDeleteMy favorite item is the Snow White Small Round Bag. <3
ReplyDeletemegancrose at gmail dot com
I love the Chryssa notecard set.
ReplyDeleteurchiken at gmail dot com
Hi there! Lovely shop and lovely giveaway. Thanks! I like the forest tote :)
ReplyDeletepolartrip (at) yahoo (dot) com
I have two absolute favorites among the many other designs I just love... the first would the Rabbit Train - Teapot, and the second, the Green Home - Glass Cup!!
ReplyDeleteSO adorable!!
silvertoez{at}comcast{dot}net
This is a new to me shop but wow I love it all. Anything from the stationary category would have to be my fave.
ReplyDeletexx
Such a lovely giveaway. I love this blue tea for one set http://www.thelittlehappyshop.com/item.php?item_id=853&category_id=44 . :)
ReplyDeleteaurora.pagone@gmail.com
I love the Sheep Tote.. and the Beautiful Day notebook.. and the Squirrel - Pen.. and so much more, I can't pick one single favourite.
ReplyDeletesugareaterATgmailDOTcom
So hard to pick a favorite, but the sheep tote is definitely up there!
ReplyDeletemarija.majerle at gmail dot com
I can't decide between the rabbit train teapot and the balloons glass cup! Both are adorable and incredibly special!
ReplyDeletesquirrelgonutz [at] yahoo [dot] com
I love this shop!! So cute:) I really like http://www.thelittlehappyshop.com/item.php?item_id=899
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thelittlehappyshop.com/item.php?item_id=457&page=1&category_id=42 is probably my favorite.
ReplyDeletestarinthenitesky (at) aol.com
I really like the notebooks, especially the retro wave!
ReplyDeleteTaylorgketchum@gmail.com
I love the Drive Memopad!
ReplyDeletelauren.m.gibson AT gmail DOT com
ms(dot)verymarried(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeletethis is my fav: http://www.thelittlehappyshop.com/item.php?item_id=108&category_id=13
Its hard to choose just one that little prince lunch case is so cute though!
ReplyDeletei love this item : Apples Short Tote in 'The Little Happyshop':D thats very useful for anyone:)
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/wulanjog/status/29433772267
ReplyDeletetweeted
wulanseries at gmail dot com
I love the drive memopad, but I'm obsessed with the entire shop!
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/happy_haylee_3/status/29435962899
ReplyDeletehappy_haylee_3 at hotmail dot dom
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=108968569170617&id=100000801234459
ReplyDeletehappy_haylee_3 at hotmail dot dom
I like the Balloon Single File.
ReplyDeleteLOVE LOVE LOVE her shop. The lunch totes and pencil cases are SO adorable.
ReplyDeletecapoupas at gmail dot com
I LOVE the lace baking dish and all of the tea pots. thanks for tipping me off to such an adorable store!
ReplyDeleteannemolino at hotmail dot com
tweet http://twitter.com/amolino/status/29441587158
ReplyDeleteannemolino at hotmail dot com
posted on FB
ReplyDeletehttp://www.facebook.com/#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=165940606767140&id=1579017172
annemolino at hotmail dot com
what an adorable giveaway! my favorite digital design is the fawn's delight bag!
ReplyDeletecuriouspug@hotmail.com
i shared on facebook too here! http://www.facebook.com/curiouspug/posts/162776620419305
ReplyDeletecuriouspug@hotmail.com
i tweeted here: http://twitter.com/thecuriouspug/status/29442539040
ReplyDeletethanks for the chance!
curiouspug@hotmail.com
tweeted
ReplyDeletelove the lunch totes and the doily graphic
ReplyDeleteOh how I love the Snow White suitcases. I can see them stacked on my shelf. Fun fun fun.
ReplyDeleteissa[.]ino[at]gmail[.]com
I like the serene round bag.
ReplyDeleteThe Things To Make and Do journal is my favorite ( :
ReplyDeleteA_C_E_ at hotmail dot com
LOVE the lace ribbon schedule planner
ReplyDeletejesage@asu.edu
I love the Bon Voyage Notecard Set.
ReplyDeleteI really like the Cat's life schedule planner. It's adorable. :)
ReplyDeleteMegan
mossmountainshop@gmail.com
I posted the give away on my FB page:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.facebook.com/mossmountain
Megan
mossmountainshop at gmail dot com
We love the Jiji andPeren Double Snack Box-How cute! I already have it saved as a favorite!
ReplyDeleteThanks
back2ack88@yahoo.com
We like it on facebook!
ReplyDeleteback2ack88@yahoo.com
The Elmer elephant metal lunchbox is awesome....my boys LOVE the Elmer's Day book! -Liz I.
ReplyDeletechlives at hotmail dot com
i love the Chef Glass Bowl
ReplyDeletefsarah09 at gmail dot com
I love the adorable Snow White tote bag.
ReplyDeletejhbalvin at gmail dot com
I love this bag!!! Serene Round Bag!
ReplyDeleteThank you for a wonderful give away
SHeilaC
shecarita at yahoo dot com
I love the Apple Pie bag!!! SO CUTE!
ReplyDeleteoohmybento [at]gmail[dot]com
I'm in love with the Carebear tape - Clouds! So cute!!
ReplyDeleteblancetcaramel@gmail.com
i like the clover fairy bag .
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thelittlehappyshop.com/item.php?item_id=827&category_id=74
tumblemumbo at gmail dot com
thanks
So many wonderful things to choose from, the lunchpails or the totes!! lisad@lisadphotos.com
ReplyDeleteI follow on twitter @lisadphotos
ReplyDeleteI tweeted @lisadphotos
ReplyDeleteI'm in love with the little mermaid double snack box!! perfect for bentos...
ReplyDeletele.paradis.found at gmail dot com
I reeeeally hope I win! need that box...
heres my facebook post http://www.facebook.com/ilukyonko/posts/115934925135923
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the little girl house teapot.
ReplyDeleteboswife @ gmail . com
Their Jiji & Peren - Single Snackbox caught my eye!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thelittlehappyshop.com/item.php?item_id=222&page=2&category_id=56
panicxduh[at]yahoo[dot]com
Stumbled this giveaway post!
ReplyDeleteusername:erinxduh
panicxduh[at]yahoo[dot]com
Oooh, love the Thumbelina - Single Snackbox!
ReplyDeletedebyeo at hotmail dot com
I Tweeted here:
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/dspdavey/status/29523806195
debyeo at hotmail dot com
i love the sawasawa tote xo
ReplyDeletekimberly.long at gmail dot com
I like the fine day double snack box
ReplyDeletemarloweopat at gmail dot com
i love the little girl house stacking cups!
ReplyDeletehancoci_s at msn dot com
crazygreenmommy.blogspot.com
I love the little girl house teapot
ReplyDeleteflordtaronger at gmail dot com
facebook posted again! http://www.facebook.com/ilukyonko/posts/171535749529656
ReplyDeleteI love the Pink - Petit Handmade Tote.
ReplyDeleteaikychien at yahoo dot com
I tweeted:
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/aikchien/status/29565144097
aikychien at yahoo dot com
I absolutely love the Little Red Riding Hood series...especially the Teapot.
ReplyDelete:o)
pippirose59 at gmail dot com
I love the mug with the cat that says: "tu peux venir quand tu veux" :)
ReplyDeletesarah at yesteachercrafts dot com
Oh, I like too many things from this little shop! I couldn't pick just one item, so I'm listing my favorites...
ReplyDeleteLittle Girl Round Bag
Night Zipper Tote
Cheri Peppermint Onigiri Case
Jiji & Peren single snack box
Cheri's Cat Oval Mug (I'm putting this one on my Christmas list!)
Thanks for the chance to enter! :)
melizando@gmail.com
my tweet http://twitter.com/icitea/status/29603400305
ReplyDeleteI love the Cheri Play Oval Mug!
ReplyDeletestarlinha(at)gmail(dot)com
I've tweeted
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/yellow_kitty
starlinha(at)gmail(dot)com
I love Roo Short Tote!!!
ReplyDeletechiaracatch@gmail.com
my post in my blog! http://chiaracats.blogspot.com/2010/11/little-happy-shop-giveaway.html
ReplyDeletechiaracatch@gmail.com
I don't know how I can link my twitter status, btw @chiaracat on twitter, in my page there is the post!!
ReplyDeletechiaracatch@gmail.com
My favorite is the Goats baking dish.
ReplyDeletesandyandcosmo(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love traveling but I've never gone on a roadtrip before but I think "Are We There Yet?" is a perfect excuse to plan one, just so I can use the pages. It looks great inside, outside and all over!
ReplyDeletelorra.elena@gmail.com
Blogged about it here:
ReplyDeletehttp://lorraelena.tumblr.com/day/2010/11/04
lorra.elena@gmail.com
I love the princess mermaid trio set :)
ReplyDeleteLnordquist@live.com
blog post http://ateacupofwhimsy.blogspot.com/2010/11/win-little-something-cute-ends-nov-7.html
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Serene Round Bag and Fawn's Delight bag
ReplyDeleteexpressionsbydevin@hotmail.com
Uhm, so there was a problem. I couldn't pick one thing. I tried narrowing it down, but it only went down to 20 items. I narrowed it down even more...although it may not seem so!
ReplyDeleteI love the:
Polkadots Blue - Tea For One Set
Little Girl - Clear Double Snackbox
Thumbelina Double Snackbox
Blackberry - Pencil Case
Cheri Peppermint - Onigiri Case
Princess Mermaid Double Snackbox
I hope I can win!
alionandalamb at aol dot com
little red riding hood is my fave x
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/lovelylildeer
ReplyDeletei tweeted!
I love the: Cheri's Cat Oval Mug!
ReplyDeletesannasanuraATgmailDOT.com
I like the flying zipper tote!
ReplyDeleteHeidijaneblankets at comcast dot net
As I love nearly everything in your shop, this HAS to be my favorite!! My kitty looks like this in real life :)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thelittlehappyshop.com/item.php?item_id=444&category_id=29
sherlockpup@gmail.com
http://etsyamore.blogspot.com/2010/11/awesome-giveaway-from-ardent-sparrow.html
ReplyDeleteposted a blog post about this awesome giveaway!
I love the Sawasawa Tote
ReplyDeletesonflower277(at)gmail(dot)com
I have a soft spot for Shinzi Katoh's illustration. Him and vintage suitcase? Beyond amazing. http://www.thelittlehappyshop.com/item.php?item_id=826&category_id=73
ReplyDeletebabalisme (at) yahoo (dot) com
I twitted http://twitter.com/babalisme/status/421324069535744
ReplyDeleteMy favorite item is the Dove Small Round Bag.
ReplyDeletekhrisocubillo at yahoo dot com
http://twitter.com/bellekhris/status/593508037566464
ReplyDeletekhrisocubillo at yahoo dot com
My favourite item is the 'Mart Glass Bowl - Size B'
ReplyDeleteKate1485 at hotmail.com
I tweeted about it:
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/NTFancy/status/865168535846912
Kate1485 at hotmail.com
I shared it on Facebook:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.facebook.com/Kate1485/posts/127140987343361
Kate1485 at hotmail.com
Oh, I adore this shop! I love stationery, and it's so hard to pick just one favorite item! I love the new Native Flowers Journal though.
ReplyDeletematt_owns_me{at}yahoo{dot}com
Tweet: http://twitter.com/BountyHunter338/status/926570780819456
ReplyDeletematt_owns_me{at}yahoo{dot}com
I love the Snow White - Small Round Bag
ReplyDeletelusizova at gmail.com
I tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/Ludmilochka/status/1019733138743297
ReplyDeletelusizova at gmail.com
I like the Little Girl Doll.
ReplyDeleteI like the Mary Jane Notecard Set.
ReplyDeletefaeriesmak at gmail dot com
Girl's Heart Letterset this is darling thanks for the giveaway-her items are adorable and unique
ReplyDeleteaunteegem@yahoo.com
So many cute things on the website! It was reaaaally difficult to pick, but my favorite is this tote :)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thelittlehappyshop.com/item.php?item_id=793&category_id=74
Such a cute shade of blue, my favorite!!
kyonpichi @ gmail . com
Twitted :)
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/skyejuicedesign/status/1190146141585409
kyonpichi @ gmail . com
What a cute name for a shop! I love Shinzi Katoh so one of my favorites is Night Zipper Tote.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is the Little Girl - Doll by Shinzi Katoch.
ReplyDeletehotpepper71 at bell south dot Net
tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/SnowflakeDay/statuses/1354772493897728
ReplyDeletehotpepper71 at bell south dot Net
What a wonderfully fun shop! I like the 'Lots Of Fun On The Go' Road Trip Journal, it would be nice for my son! tylerpants(at)gmail.com
ReplyDeletei love the "goats" baking dish :)
ReplyDeletemisscasey(at)woh(dot)rr(dot)com
tweeted :)
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/MissLeeThatsMe/status/1397517463846912
misscasey(at)woh(dot)rr(dot)com
Love the Bees Sundae cup, super cuteness!
ReplyDeleteI adore the Le Petit Prince lunchbox/box. It is incredibly tough to find any merchandise from that grand novel within the US. The whole shop is filled with beautiful goods. If I won, I'd be making a purchase of that box for my best friend who has done everything for me in my times of need. Thank you, Ardent Sparrow, for giving us such an opportunity! :)
ReplyDeleteatwistofthevine@aim.com