What better time is there to get a free shirt? It’s still hot but school’s coming — between the two, you know you need more t-shirts! For a limited time, starting July 21, when you buy three Rotem Gear t-shirts or casual tops, you can get one free!

This offer is limited to one free shirt per order, the free shirt must be of equal or lesser value as purchased shirts and cannot exceed a retail price of USD $30.00. Read more here.

We are pleased as summer punch to be part of the Fourth of July feature over at the ZeVin Creations blog, where our “Everyone Loves Fireworks” and Japanese Kanji Ice designs received sparking (get it?) reviews and Rotem Gear was lauded on how we incorporate “cultures and urban flair ” to our designs. Thanks!

ZeVin Creations is the creative collaboration of two sisters who make hand-made, one-of-a-kind cards using special papers, fabrics, ribbons, beads, and crystals. Besides offering an array of original cards in their shop, their newsletter and blog will keep you apprised of upcoming dates for sending cards, although after you visit the shop you will want to send a card just to send one.

But just in case you need an occasion, ZeVin informs us that July 20 is Lollipop Day.

Happy Fourth of July! Have a, um, blast, but be be safe!

Below: Patriotic Love and Peace T-Shirt card by ZeVin Creations

Technorati Tags: july 4th gifts, fourth of july gifts, handmade cards, zevin creations, maranda miller, fireworks t-shirt, kakigouri, kanji t-shirt, japanese t-shirt, rotem gear

Our new t-shirt design celebrates Japan’s most popular summertime treat — “kakigouri” (sometimes spelled “kakigori”), a shaved ice dessert similar to snow cones. This is a reproduction of a real kakigouri flag– the kind that flies outside any shop selling this treat. Summer is Japan is very humid and hot, and the sight of the refreshing blue and eye-catching red sign denoting the kanji for “ice” (”kouri”), ocean waves, and in this case, a happy penguin, immediately promises relief from the heat.

So what is kakigouri, exactly? Versions of shaved ice exist all over Asia and also in Hawaii where it is called “shave ice.” The texture is lighter that American snow cones, more like fluffy snow, and is eaten with a spoon. Traditionally they are eaten topped with fruit syrup and perhaps fruit, and in Japan, there are options for sweet red azuki beans (”kintoki”) or condensed milk. Our favorites are strawberry syrup with condensed milk, or green tea -flavored syrup(”uji”.) We’ve also had Chinese versions with lychees or peanuts at the Volcano boba place on Sawtelle in West Los Angeles.

Both PingMag and HereandThereJapan have a nice little articles about kakigouri in their neighborhoods, with photos of shops, signs, and a home-style hand-cranked ice shaver.

Here’s to cooling off! (Our Japanese Snow Cone is available here in all sizes from junior to plus, but especially cute for kids, or on a summer journal.) Feeling better already, aren’t you?

Technorati Tags: japanese t-shirts, kanji t-shirts, kakigori, kakigouri, shaved ice, shave ice, snow cones, summer desserts, Asian desserts,