Saturday, June 30, 2018

heart felt

summer dress with Rebecca Minkoff M.A.C. mini purse

Today was... an... interesting day. As minor as it may seem... (and this is the rape culture talking...) I was... sexually harassed on the subway. (for those wondering, I am fine now). 

I was on a fairly empty train so it was normal for me to get a seat. Right as I sat down, I started to do what I usually do, use my phone and catch up with people and respond to messages. A few stops later, while still on my phone, I was aware a few more people have gotten in front of me but it still didn't seem crowded. While still on my phone minding my own business, I started noticing someone's leg getting between mine's...  at first, I thought it might have been an accident, but he seemed to be invading my personal space to the extent it has caught my attention. When I looked up, I saw a man lurking over me, he had a book in his hands which were literally inches from my face. He pretended to read his book while trying to push his leg between mine's. I also noticed that the train wasn't crowded at all.

My first instinct was giving him the "WTF" look,  I tried to move away from him, at first, he tried to follow me, I started getting worried... and I continued to move away (I was sitting down so it was a bit tough to move very far) but fortunately, his stop came and he left...

I am ok now but am traumatized as how this could have happened. Ladies (and gentlemen)... please be careful... sexual harassment can happen anywhere and at any time! Always be aware of your surroundings.

p.s. I wasn't sitting like how it looks in the picture during the incident, I had to sit like this because I wanted to take a picture of my dress and purse 😅

Friday, June 29, 2018

Japan's interesting culture

Kumade Rake Charm (Asakusa Tourist Information)
Kumade Rake Charm (Asakusa Tourist Information)

Japan can be summarized in this picture perfectly. (Please click on the image to see a larger version)
All cultural aspects have been fit nicely on this "wreath"

Kumade Rake Charm (Asakusa Tourist Information)
explanation of Kumade Rake Charm (Asakusa Tourist Information)

what this image says:
A tradition from the Edo period, a lucky "kumade" rake charm from the Otori-Jinja Shrine is said to bring increased happiness, good fortune, and prosperity.
At the Tori-no-ichi market, held at the shrine every November on the Tori-no-hi days (the days of the rooster), one of the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac, more than 100 stalls lined up within the shrine grounds sell these kumades. 



Thursday, June 28, 2018

Clear Coca Cola anyone?

Clear Coca Cola, anyone?


I'm not sure whether this is only available in Japan... but this whole clear drink seems to be the trend here these days. Please click here for my review on this clear coca cola!

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Kimono Day!

all the kimonos I can choose! (Wargo)

I finally have the courage (and the time) to do this! I finally decided to do one of the most touristy things, wearing a kimono! There were so many choices at this place.

obi!! (Wargo)
 I realize I suck at matching obi... so I asked the shop staff to help me choose one.

kimono  with umbrella 着物を着てカサ 和服與傘
umbrella with kimono photo credits: Joy

I really like it! But walking in it was a sure challenge! STILL!
Stephanie Ng in a kimono ステファニー イン 着物を着て 吳慕恆穿和服👘
me!

how do I look? :) I wish the flower was a bit bigger though... 🤔other than that, I'm happy with the look... hey... no make up よ! (I don't know how to... )


shop: Kyoto Kimono Rental Wargo
address: 〒111-0032 Tokyo, Taitō, Asakusa, 2 Chome−4−1

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

new review is up in blog!


Excelsior's Hot Cocoa
Hot Cocoa is one of the most popular drinks in Japan. One might think that Hot Cocoa is similar to Hot Chocolate, as that is partially true. Hot Chocolate, or, at least the ones we know about in Canada, is much thinner and less rich compared Hot Cocoa. Reason being is that they fill the drink with lots of Cocoa, and in Canada, they usually use a chocolate powder.

So why am I saying all this? I wrote a review, please click here to read about one of my favourite hot cocoa in Tokyo!

Monday, June 25, 2018

Today I learned... Tatami

photo was taken at Chiba castle tatami room
a traditional Tatami room, Chiba Castle Display

One of my students taught me today that Tatami can be made out of Igusa (藺草) straw or rice stalk.  You can tell from the scent if you have been to a tatami room, and you were mesmerized by the strong unique scent, that is Igusa. If there wasn't any scent, it was made out of rice stalk.

日本料理 渡風亭/ホテル雅叙園東京
Meguro Gajoen Tofutei 目黒雅叙園 渡風亭
Igusa made tatami mats are much more expensive than rice stalk tatami mats because the material is much more expensive and can usually only be found in Okayama (大岡山) prefecture. 


鹿火屋 Kahiya sweets shop
鹿火屋 Kahiya sweets shop Gumna (click here for the review)

However, the most surprising thing I have learned was... people actually use leftover green tea leaves to clean these tatami mats!!!! :O

yes, you didn't read it wrong, after they are done brewing green tea with the green tea leaves, they will dump it on the tatami mats and move them around and when they are dried up, they will sweep them away :O



Sunday, June 24, 2018

one of my favourites

lotus root kushikatsu

I'm still in love with fried skewers :D

asparagus kushikatsu with... another one (can you tell what it is? I can't)

btw... I highly recommend this place! <3

#串カツ #田中串カツ居酒屋


Saturday, June 23, 2018

Today I learned... Hydrangea

Hydrangea, flower, 紫陽花、アジサイ、あじさい、花,
Hydrangea, flower, 紫陽花、アジサイ、あじさい、花
One of my students taught me that there is a secret to these huge Hydrangea flowers 

Hydrangea, flower, 紫陽花、アジサイ、あじさい、花,
Hydrangea, flower, 紫陽花、アジサイ、あじさい、花,

The actual "flowers" are actually hidden within the huge leaves

Hydrangea, flower, 紫陽花、アジサイ、あじさい、花,
Haneda International Airport

my student said that in order to see them, you have to push aside the "leaves" and you will find the tiny flowers within

Hydrangea, flower, 紫陽花、アジサイ、あじさい、花,

Hydrangea, flower, 紫陽花、アジサイ、あじさい、花,
the flowers are these small budding ones... not the extravagant "petals" we see

Hydrangea, flower, 紫陽花、アジサイ、あじさい、花,
these pictures are addicting to share

Hydrangea, flower, 紫陽花、アジサイ、あじさい、花,
look how beautiful they are :D

another kind of beauty from within :)

Hydrangea, flower, 紫陽花、アジサイ、あじさい、花,

nonetheless, whatever it may be... these plants, flowers, leaves are just beautiful :)

@Haneda Tokyo Airport, International Terminal, departures

Friday, June 22, 2018

Shibuya at night



another side of Shibuya... I have a love-hate relationship with construction sites.

Pros:

  • possibilities
  • something new for something old


Cons:

  • loud
  • dirty
  • inconvenient 
regardless... this building was torn down before I came... so I don't miss what was there.

Thursday, June 21, 2018

clouds or mountains


a mountain in the sky? the clouds look like some mountain range :) my phone camera didn't exactly do a really great job taking this picture... but you can sort of get what I mean... (I hope)

I took this before a huge storm.

@Shingawa, Tokyo

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

sleeveless Miffy



adventures of Miffy! XD oh... Miffy has brought so much joy into my life :D

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

new discoveries



lots more new brands to stalk now :D

@Takashimaya Nihonbashi Honten

Monday, June 18, 2018

Rush Hour in Tokyo

Shinagawa Station Yamanote Line

just when you think it can't possibly get any worse... 

Shinagawa Station Yamanote Line
a typical day in Tokyo...

Sunday, June 17, 2018

clam season is long!

clams cooked in white wine and butter broth
clams cooked in white wine and butter broth
closed and waiting...
This year's clam season is very long, thanks to the prolonged winter... (It is June... why does it still feel so cold -______-).



clams cooked in white wine and butter broth
open clams!! いただきます



But, on the bright side, it means clam season is longer.





Saturday, June 16, 2018

Personal Dream Log

random picture
(not a very flattering picture.... but it will do for now....)


If I dream about it more than once, it is bound to mean something.

yesterday, I once again dreamt I was pregnant. I was married... so it is normal to be pregnant.

At one stage, I thought the baby was dead... but after my husband took me to a doctor who confirmed my baby was healthy, we went to do an ultrasound... there I remember being overfilled with joy seeing how happy my baby was... he/she was actually smiling (as the technician indicated). When I looked over at the screen, I too, saw that the baby was smiling.

I continued to take care of the baby and my health, and then I woke up.

According to http://m.dreammoods.com/site/dreammoods/p2-1?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dreammoods.com%2Fdreamdictionary%2Fp4.htm#2887

(I only copied the parts which apply to me)
To dream that you are pregnant symbolizes an aspect of yourself or some aspect of your personal life that is growing and developing. You may not be ready to talk about it or act on it. Being pregnant in your dream may also represent the birth of a new idea, direction, project or goal.
If you are not trying to get pregnant, but dream that you are, then it symbolizes fear of new responsibilities.

which means... I'm either scared of having new responsibilites OR there is some new idea going through my head... I gotta start writing in my diary again... need to jot down thoughts...

Friday, June 15, 2018

Cherry Season!!


yes!! the cherries are here!!! After the flowers are gone... (cherry blossoms or Sakura) the cherries come! :D


Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Minnie Mouse

Minnie Mouse ミニちゃん
Minnie Mouse
Minnie Mouse doesn't have to try to be cute... she already looks so cute! 

apparently, Minnie Mouse is much more popular than Mickey Mouse in Tokyo :O #cultureshock

taken at Harajuku Disney store 

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

another new post!

what is Lemon Sour?


for today's post, please head over to https://simplemomentblog.blogspot.com/2018/06/what-is-lemon-sour-in-japan.html to learn about this drink which is unique to Japan and served with a fresh lemon and a lemon juicer.

Monday, June 11, 2018

Takoyaki

takoyaki

As good as they taste... Takoyaki making is not easy to make...these look harder to make than they look... it took 3 of us to flip them  :D

takoyaki

success :D タコ焼き

#gaijin life :)

Sunday, June 10, 2018

Gingerbread couple

Gingerbread man and woman
from Japan

why are you so cute!! How do you expect me to eat you???? :(

Saturday, June 9, 2018

huge buffet

Shinagawa Prince Hotel - LUXE DINING HAPUNA

I was shocked when I walked in... it looks like a department store more than a buffet :O

Shinagawa Prince Hotel - LUXE DINING HAPUNA

Friday, June 8, 2018

no itch wool :D


I am absolutely in love with my new wool cardigan from Banana Republic! :) BECAUSE! the keywords here are "...without the itch"

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Matching



My water bottle and eye drops container matches :D... seriously a coincidence :P

Monday, June 4, 2018

time to eat!!


it's lunchtime and I'm hungry! food is ready!!!! (note: I did not make this, I bought it at the combini (convenient store) and heated it up in a microwave).

what is inside: chicken calbee (Japanese: チッキンカルビー), carrot slices, shredded cabbage, onion and cheese on top 😋... not bad for ¥277 😀

Sunday, June 3, 2018

refreshed!


I just woke up from a long nap :D ... sadly my sunglasses/glasses left marks on my nose :(

don't you just hate it when you had a great dream but you can't remember a single detail?

Saturday, June 2, 2018

Spring into Summer

location: Haneda Airport (HND) - International Terminal - 羽田空港国際線ターミナル

Hydrangea (アジサイ) 羽田空港国際線ターミナル
Hydrangea (アジサイ) 羽田空港国際線ターミナル

love Hydrangea (日本語: アジサイ). I especially adore how the Japanese are so enthusiastic about seasonal flowers (e.g. Sakura). 

Hydrangea (アジサイ) 羽田空港国際線ターミナル

Hydrangea (アジサイ) 羽田空港国際線ターミナル
my hand for comparison

these ones are huge!! look at my hand for comparison! :O

Hydrangea (アジサイ) 羽田空港国際線ターミナル
close up
 was absolutely mesmerized

Hydrangea (アジサイ) 羽田空港国際線ターミナル
half of the flower collection :O

I was surprised as to how many flowers there were :O...