A little surprise can really make my day and cute little things can make me more than happy. So yes, it's not that hard to make me smile and brighten my mood. Today I received some little gifts from far far away... From Japan -I have never been to Japan but it's definitely on my list! A neighbour had been there for a couple of weeks and kindly enough, she brought me some goodies!

Matcha green tea chocolate sticks and the famous "Maneki-neko" (beckoning cat), Japanese lucky cat! The matcha sticks are delicious, even though I'm not crazy for the matcha flavour in general. However these are a perfect afternoon snack! The cat figurine also got me excited cause I always wanted one and it is believed to bring good luck to the owner!

There are several legends about the origins of the Maneki Neko. The most well known is the following... A poor priest was living in a small temple called the Gōtoku-ji temple (in Tokyo) with his beloved cat. The priest was barely getting by, having not much food and no worldly goods. So one night a rainstorm hit the area and a traveler that was passing by took shelter under a tree next to the temple. Standing there in the pouring rain, he noticed a cat that seemed to be beckoning to him, so he followed it inside the temple. Shortly thereafter, lightning struck the tree he had been standing under. Because the cat had saved his life, the man was so grateful that he became a benefactor of the temple and brought it much prosperity.

The Maneki Neko also had a message for me...

Thank you Maneki Neko... Well said!

After eating a few matcha sticks and taking some time with my cat I was seized with a sudden fancy to drink a matcha green tea latte. To be honest I don't enjoy it much, cause I think it tastes like grass -not that I have tried grass before. I drink it mostly for its amazing health benefits. Matcha tea is considered an anti-oxidant powerhouse!