I had a grand time in Philly. In particular: Chapterhouse coffee house (they have an amazing green apple soy chai smoothie), vegetarian Chinese food, jazz at the Kimmel Center jazz (I snatched this witch’s hat from the store) and the Fabric Workshop and Museum. (Found a ring that, when pressed, shoots out purple light. And I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Ryan Trecartin’s campy cross-dressing drama-filled films, which remind me a little of my own… life…)

I wasn’t thrilled about the inclement weather, but did my best to keep warm. I put my h.NAOTO dress over a John Galliano sweater (a gift from someone awesome) and wore warm tights with Leche by Yosuke shoes.

Possibly my favorite part of the trip: Fante’s Kitchen Wares, the sprawling shoppe where my Cute Yummy Time book signing took place. The friendly staff warmed me up with rose tea and coo-ed over the photos of my Scottish Fold cat. (Tip: if you ever want to win me over, just start gushing about Basil Farrow.)

What a pleasure to see friends, old and new, and see their reaction to my third book. Many of them are IN the book, in the form of cute animal characters.

The Fantes staff was sweet beyond words; if you’re ever in Philly, you’ve got to stop by to sip home-brewed tea and browse the incredible selection of kitchen goods. Fantes even put a photo of me in the “some of our famous friends” section of their website — with Emeril Lagasse and Jacques Pepin.

Between the signings, I’ve been doing radio interviews (I’ll post the recordings, if I can find them). One of the neatest experiences was Kid’s Place Live on Sirius/XM. The target audience is 10 years old — so the host and I had to speak in slow, eager, high-pitched voices for the sake of the listeners! While I was on the air, children called in and asked for advice on how to “cute-ify” their school lunches. I gave them suggestions — cut cheese into eyes, add cucumber ears — and they couldn’t wait to get started. (Children and parents have been loving Cute Yummy Time; if you think you might too, check out the info here.)

I’m in a marvelous mood. Planning a handmade cosplay outfit for my upcoming LA book signings. Also in the works: an LA meeting of J-rock/Goth/pop culture minds, and mad adventures with a team of undead metal-heads… oh, you shall see.

Eeek, the grandiose giveaway to win an autographed copy of La Carmina’s new book, Crazy Wacky Theme Restaurants Tokyo, ends today! Hayaku, come enter the contest to win (it’s easy — just comment and spread the word).

Song of the Day #235: Code 64 – Starchaser (live) (Suggested by Sebastien. Let me know your favorite tracks in the comments or via Twitter and I’ll make them Songs of the Day.)