And the winner is....

Well, before I get to that, I would like to thank everyone for your thoughtful and interesting entries. This is my first ever giveaway, and I wasn't sure what kind of response I'd get. I've been writing this blog since August of 2009 so it's only been 9 months so far that Happy Little Bento has been in existence. Is that right? I actually had to go back and double-check. I've been making bento for a whole lot longer than that, so I can't believe I've met so many folks through this blog already in such a short time. It's great!

While I was going through the entries, I was pleasantly surprised at how many of you are "new to bento" and coming here for ideas and information. I think it's a good idea to read blogs to get started; I wish there were more around when I got started. Now, there are lots of folks bento-blogging, so I'm happy that so many of you are including me in your reading. I got more than 65 entries! Thanks!

OK, so we're gonna do this old-school style. MisterMan is helping me do the "random drawing". I printed out everyone's name on same size slips of paper and the kids helped me fold and put them in a "hat", shake to mix, then pull out a winner.

Are you ready? Sorry for the poor video quality; especially since you can barely see the name on the paper! What's up with that? I could not focus on that tiny piece of paper. I'll read it to you:



Yay! Congratulations Meghan from Chicago! I'll need your mailing info, so please email me :)

Hawaii's Bento Box Cookbook ~ A Giveaway!

You may have heard about this new bento cookbook by Susan Yuen. It's brand new, and filled with lots of useful tips, information and recipes for any bento maker -- from novice to pro. I should know; I've got a copy myself!

Susan has been such a great bento pal and source of encouragement and support to me. She's always happy to share from her experience, and this book is a perfect example of that generosity. If you've ever admired her bento and wondered if you could ever learn to make such cute charaben, I can tell you that you'll learn tons of her techniques in this book. She shares a lot in here! I love it so much I want to share it with you. Well, one of you, anyway! I have a brand-new, autographed (by the author, not me) copy and I want to give it away! Maybe to YOU!

All you have to do to qualify for the random drawing is leave a comment below by 12:00 midnight PDT Saturday, telling me something you've learned about bento since you've started bentomaking; or if you're new to bento, why you're interested in starting. Or, feel free to share anything else you'd like. I'll also throw in a surprise bunch of bento goodies to get you going, too. Can't show you because I don't have it yet, but I'll go shopping this weekend. Good luck!

New Japanese Food Carving Book!

It's called The Decorative Art of Japanese Food Carving, by Hiroshi Nagashima, and I glanced through it at Kinokuniya Bookstore last weekend. It looks fantastic, with big glossy pictures and clear tutorials. I wanted to sit right down and read the whole thing immediately, but the rest of my party was restless. Just look at the cover photo of the mini foods ~ is it not the cutest thing you have ever seen, ever?? Of course, if you have been following my blog, you will know that I am a passionate miniature enthusiast...ok, I am obsessed with minis. And lately, carvings too! The tiny sandwich there just blew me away. The other intricately carved shapes are equally as wonderful -- look at the butterfly! Perhaps you might take a look in your local bookstore and see if it's something you might like to buy to give you ideas for cute bento. I know I would love it.... *hint* ^_^