J-life and Fashion

DIY: clothes for my children

2011-09-13T09:41:00.001+08:00

Priti - green nail care

2011-09-12T14:37:00.004+08:00

Recently I have discovered Priti - an organic nail care label.

Priti is all about non-toxic ingredients in the products which is perfect for a mom to be like me.

I love the concept. However, I must say that I am a little bit disappointed.
It can be difficult to apply the nail polish and I don't think it dries very fast. Besides the remover tends to dry out your skin around the nails.

Black/White Pinky & Dianne Purse

2011-08-08T12:32:00.001+08:00

A new purse from Pinky & Dianne - a Japanese (American) label that is very popular here in Japan.

A trip to the BEACH

2011-08-06T13:45:00.001+08:00

A half day at Rinku Minamihama Bathing Beach (Southern Beach).

MYHABIT - a new fashion site

2011-07-15T11:34:00.001+08:00

Amazon has launched a new fashion site - features daily events from a hand-picked selection of designer and boutique brands up to 60% off. Nice! It's also with free shipping (only in US) and free returns.

Go to MYHABIT and check it out. Membership is free.

Cult Beauty

2011-07-05T12:14:00.002+08:00

Have you heard about Cult Beauty?

If not you should go and take a look. It's a beauty online shop/blog with some amazing products, beauty tips and news.

I really like the website and have already bought a lot of stuff that I didn't know I needed.

New sunscreen from ANESSA - Shiseido

2011-06-30T15:30:00.004+08:00

...with a whitening effect.

Green peas in my garden

2011-06-27T15:18:00.001+08:00

Earrings from Modamuse

2011-03-07T09:26:00.006+08:00

I have recently bought two earrings from Modamuse.

Modamuse is an online jewellery, accessories & gifts shop, where you can find unique and funky things from independent Australian and NZ designers.

The silver earrings are simple, clean & different - made by epheriell.

Book: answers to questions about Japan

2011-03-01T11:21:00.002+08:00

You should take a look inside the book " なぜ、日本人は？Hard-to-Answer Questions about Japan" by Uchiike Hisataka, if you are a gaijin who has tons of (stupid) questions about Japanese Society and Culture.

In the book you can find answers to questions as:

- Why do Japanese ask immediately how old you are?
- Why do Japanese like hot springs so much?
- Why do American movie stars appear in Japanese commercials?
- Why are the Japanese good at making small things?
- Why is there so much Japanese English?

I think the book is fun to read and it does give some good information about Japan. The text is written in both English and Japanese.

My closet 2011 part 1: shopping rules

2011-02-28T13:41:00.001+08:00

One of my resolutions for 2011 is to save money by not buying a lot of cheap clothes.
I have so much clothes that I don't know what to do when it comes to organize my closet. Besides I often feel that I have nothing to wear.

My plan is to change my shopping habits. Instead of buying a lot of high street clothes which only last a season or two, I should buy less and invest in few timeless pieces of good quality.

Outfit with earrings from AllSaints

2011-02-23T01:26:00.006+08:00

Last year just before Christmas I bought a pair of earrings from AllSaints.
The earrings are really huge and it hurts wearing them the whole day. But if you want to make a statement, the earrings are a perfect buy.

A casual outfit for Spring with the AllSaints earrings as the focus:

(Vintage Boot-cut Jeans, 3.1 Phillip Lim drape neck sleeveless merino sweater, black top from H&M, Vera Wang Lavender Sally Camel Leather - Jildor Shoes, Imoshion Catalonia Hobo)

New necklace from Julie Sandlau

2011-02-16T19:04:00.004+08:00

I really like the jewelries from Julie Sandlau - especially the earrings. I think many of the pieces are beautiful and make a statement.

A few weeks ago I bought myself a Julie Sandlau necklace on sale. On their website it costs 760 KR, but I got mine for half the price on Agusta - a Danish online fashion shop.

2 jewelry brands - what I got for my birthday

2011-02-16T18:20:00.007+08:00

My husband gave me this silver necklace with a heart pendant from AGATHA.

AGATHA is French fashion-inspired jewelry brand. The items are trendy and affordable. A lot of quirky and feminine jewelries in the collections.
Check out the charms!

I got some silver earrings from my sister & brother (I chose this ones...). It's from Izabel Camille - a new Danish jewelry brand. All the pieces are made in rhodin or oxidized silver or gold plated. The prices are affordable.

Chinese New Year Festival

2011-02-15T15:15:00.004+08:00

In 2011 it's 100 years ago that the Chinese revolution happened. A big event in Taiwan and something they also celebrated at the Taiwanese school in Osaka (as a part of the Chinese New Year Festival).

Let it snow

2011-02-11T16:01:00.002+08:00

Today it's snowing in Osaka.

Collagen in the soup

2011-02-10T14:29:00.005+08:00

The other day I found this item at Natural House - collagen soup from FINE.

It's "corn flavored soup contains fish-derived collagen".

At first I was a little bit concerned that the soup would taste too much of fish. But luckily it doesn't. You can't really taste the fish-collagen.

What I want from +J

2011-02-09T01:58:00.005+08:00

Some of the fashion items from +J for Uniqlo S/S collection 2011 I would like to have in my closet:

1. Cotton High Waist Coat: I want this coat, but I can't decide which colour I should choose.

2. Twill Coccon Dress: I think the simplicity of the dress is great and I like the colour white.

Outfit: black dress with faux fur & yellow tight

2011-02-04T11:15:00.002+08:00

I like wearing a black dress with colourful tights. It makes a statement!

- Black dress (+J for Uniqlo)
- Faux fur (ZARA)
- Black tight with flowers
- Yellow tight

The first day in the New Year

2011-02-03T18:32:00.006+08:00

Today it's Chinese New Year!

After I moved to Japan I don't really celebrate it, since my parents aren't here and it doesn't mean that much for me.

But I always call home to my family and say: "Happy New Year", because it means a lot for them.

Penguin Parade

2011-01-27T12:02:00.000+08:00

Right now you can see a Penguin Parade at the Aquarium in Osaka.

The Penguins were taller than my toddler...

New gloves again!

2011-01-26T16:03:00.002+08:00

Last month I bought some black fingerless gloves from Chloe which I really liked. But I lost them after my trip to Shanghai. Then about two weeks ago I bought a new pair of gloves again on sale in a department store.

I got myself this pink/purple ones with feathers from Uno Kanda (a Japanese model turned designer):

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2011-01-21T12:40:00.002+08:00

To a very SPECIAL person...

...who is turning 30 today!

Swarovski for birthday

2011-01-20T12:18:00.005+08:00

My birthday is coming up soon and I am thinking of what I want for presents.

One thing on my wish-list is a jewelry piece from Swarovski.

Shanghai part 4 - SPA

2011-01-18T12:08:00.007+08:00

In Shanghai I went to a spa treatment at Guoman Hotel - a very nice and new place.

I had the PING MASSAGE: "This massage combines Chinese and European massage styles. Its moves including kneading, friction, stretching and tapping to deep relax your body. During this massage, the therapist uses massage oils to facilitate smooth, gliding strokes called effleurage. This massage energises, relaxes, reduces stress, improves circulations, and increases flexibility."

combined with

TRADITIONAL HOT COMPRESS: "...We will use a hot compress on your back to ennsure total relaxing." (It was really HOT.)

Shanghai part 3 - photos of the city and trip

2011-01-18T12:06:00.003+08:00

+J S/S 2011

2011-01-17T12:31:00.001+08:00

Some looks from +J for Uniqlo Spring/Summer collection 2011:

You can see the rest here.

Outfit: a little camel dress & faux fur

2011-01-14T01:18:00.002+08:00

- Dress & cardigan with faux fur (Zara)
- Black belt with rivets

- Grey tight

The dress is a little bit loose around the waist, but a belt can fix that...

Shanghai part 2 - The hotel

2011-01-11T00:55:00.003+08:00

In Shanghai we stayed at Renaissance Shanghai Putuo Hotel - a new 5 stars hotel that was built for EXPO 2010.

PLUS
-Very nice room with a open bathroom (if you want)
-The security is good: you need a room key to get access to the elevator

MINUS
- The staff is not very friendly

Shanghai part 1 - where is the change?

2011-01-11T00:33:00.004+08:00

I spent this New Year in Shanghai!

7 years since my last trip.

Not much has changed. Only a lot of new modern buildings and shops everywhere. The service level is still the same. REALLY BAD (not always)!! Even at a five stars hotel the staff could need some lessons in service and politeness.

However, it was exciting to visit Shanghai again.

All I want for Christmas...

2010-12-22T03:36:00.009+08:00

This year I am not getting any Christmas gifts...However, it's nice to dream...

My wish-list:

1. A Kindle: I love reading books, so this item would be really great...
2. Jewelries: many of the earrings from Julie Sandlau are stunning...
3. A little quilted Chanel bag: an investment piece it is...

Today's outfit: black & pearls

2010-12-19T12:39:00.002+08:00

Today I am wearing a old dress I bought 3-4 years ago. It's from the Japanese brand SmackyGlam that offers cool and cute clothes for young women.

- Black dress (SmackyGlam)
- Dark blue stocking
- White & pink faux pearls

The Christmas Song(s)

2010-12-19T01:37:00.006+08:00

A few days ago I rent 3 cd's with Christmas music. All the classical songs were interpreted in a new...and bad way.

Without any doubts I prefer the original ones.

Some of the Christmas songs I like:

- Silent Night
- Last Christmas
- Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow
- White Christmas
- Santa Claus is coming to town
- Happy Xmas (the war is over)

But my favorite is : The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole

What about you?

A winter must-have: faux fur

2010-12-18T01:13:00.004+08:00

In the beginning of this month I bought a faux fur item at ZARA.

The waistcoat had another belt but on the photo I have replaced it with a boyfriend belt from ASOS.

I like its length and look.

Christmas (decoration) in town

2010-12-16T01:06:00.003+08:00

Caviar & lettuce for my skin

2010-12-05T03:26:00.003+08:00

I am crazy with the face masks from SkinFood.

This time I have bought 2 different masks that offer moisture and collagen for skin.

- Lettuce & Cucumber Water Essence Mask Sheet:"Water essence-type mask sheet that contains lettuce & cucumber extracts to keep your skin feeling freshly moisturized"

- Gold Caviar Collagen Mask Sheet:"A collagen-enriched Mask Sheet with Russian caviar extract, pure gold particles, and collagen extract that fill up loose, deflated skin for a firmer. tighter complexion"

The prices for both masks are higher than the other ones I have used - especially the mask with caviar is not cheap!!!

Funky cardigan from TWENTY 8 TWELVE

2010-12-03T01:44:00.007+08:00

A few months ago I bought a Twenty 8 Twelve cardigan at ASOS Outlet.
I did a really good purchase. The original price was over 40.000 JPY, but I got it for about 5000-6000 JPY.

It's made of modal, silk & cashmere.

I like the style is so special (I don't know how much it would keep me warm...), but I do wish it was more tight.

A tiger outfit

2010-12-02T21:39:00.002+08:00

Yesterday I went to a baby & children's store and came home with a lot of clothes for my boy.

One of the items is this cute tiger outfit:

2 cardigans for my man

2010-12-02T01:42:00.013+08:00

Last monday I bought 2 cardigans for my husband. One is a early Christmas gift (somebody couldn't wait...).

A Lambswool V Neck Cardigan in camel (Uniqlo) & a Shetland Cardigan in light gray with nice details (ZARA).

Generally I think it looks cool and casual when men wear a cardigan...

A cup of tea, please!

2010-11-27T20:26:00.010+08:00

TEA & ME:

I have always liked to drink tea.

Until recently I used to drink a cup of green tea every morning and a cup of black tea with a lemon slice or milk in the afternoon (but lately I seem to prefer coffee instead...).

Tea is one of the healthiest liquid you can drink. It contains a high amount of minerals and antioxidants that protect against free radicals in the body that otherwise may cause serious diseases like cancer.

(The only minus is you get yellow teeth by drinking too much tea...)

Black tea:

- Protects against cancer

- Lowers risk of atherosclerosis
- Fits on the heart
- Cleans carcasses
- Strengthens immune system

Green tea:
- Protects against cancer
- Lowers cholesterol
- Fights Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Protects against Alzheimer's
- Stimulates weight loss

White tea:
- Prevents Cancer
- Can alleviate fever
- Prevents water retention
- Fights infections
- Stimulates digestion

Red tea:
- Prevents Cancer
- Lowers cholesterol
- Protects against cardiovascular diseases
- Relieves bloated abdomen
- Fights infections

When it's cold outside nothing is better than sitting home with a cup of hot tea...

ASOS: bags and 20% off

2010-11-26T15:59:00.004+08:00

The other day I bought two across body bags to a very low price at ASOS. Right now you can get 20% off every items from the ASOS brand.

ASOS Quilted Lock Across Body Bag & ASOS Leather Bow Bag

Today's outfit: leather skirt and antique silver

2010-11-26T14:16:00.014+08:00

Today I am wearing a new necklace in antique silver that I bought at pigeonhole - a cool online fashion and accessory shop.

- Black top with stripes (Uniqlo)

- Black leather skirt (Allsaints)

- Six Strand Chain Necklace (Pigeonhole)

- Black stocking

No Lanvin for ME

2010-11-23T22:19:00.004+08:00

You really needed to be there exactly 8.00 o'clock (I was there 8.07) if you wanted to get any of the stuff from Lanvin for H&M. I waited for over 2 hours to get through the line...and everything was sold out online...

I had wanted to buy the black zebra trench coat and one of the t-shirts...Now I can only hope that somebody will return their items...

My All Saints Hoxie Leather skirt

2010-11-23T00:47:00.003+08:00

I have found my leather skirt.
It's from All Saints and finally came with the post yesterday.

I can't wait to try it on with different kind of tops and stockings...

Related post
Where is my leather skirt?

You are what other people tell you to be - or not

2010-11-22T12:05:00.015+08:00

Don' you just hate it when other people tell you who you are and what you should feel and think?

I think it's difficult to completely avoid that kind of people. They are everywhere!!! And what they give you are only negative energy and feelings.

The other day I met one - an arrogant and intolerant white gaijin with no hair on this head. He was really an idiot in every sense but instead of telling him to mind his own business, I played the sweet girl role...which I really regret (Did I mention I was at a job interview?Kinda...).

The best advice is cut them off your life (if it's possible). Like a person said in a article I once read: " I have met so many idiots in my life, who had tried to put me down and make me feel bad about myself...You have to get rid of them...Life is just too short to be surrounded by idiots..."

So true!!!

(P.S. I didn't take the job...)

Migration and its role in China

2010-11-05T10:07:00.001+08:00

You can only feel sad when you watch the documentary
'Last train home'.
It tells the story about migration in China and its human costs by following a migrant family for three years.

Life as a Chinese migrant is hard in every aspects!

I can't help thinking:

1. Would China still have experienced a growing economy without the migrants that work in factories for very low wages?

2. Would the middle class and new rich emerge in China without the very cheap labour force?

I think not.

But how many people recognize that the migrants indirectly play a big role, when it comes to China's increasing economic and political power in the world?

Earrings from me...to you

2010-11-03T18:46:00.002+08:00

Check out the earrings I made!

My three-wheels bike

2010-10-28T11:10:00.017+08:00

Sunday afternoon I went on a little trip with my husband and toddler - on a bike. This bike is a gift from my father-in-law who thought a three-wheels one would be easier for me to ride...since I haven't really used a bicycle for years.

I had forgotten how free you can feel...

A Japanese garden inside the park

2010-10-27T14:40:00.001+08:00

On our bikes we went to Sumino Park - where you can find a Japanese garden...

Style: keep it simple in cashmere

2010-10-21T15:31:00.003+08:00

I have this new black cashmere knit from Uniqlo + Velvet in my wardrobe.

2 ways I would style it:

A Chinese Culture day

2010-10-19T13:27:00.018+08:00

Sunday I was invited to an erhu (Chinese violin) concert.
I had never been to one before. At first I didn't really wanted to go. It sounded boring and I had my fieldreport to do. But I am actually glad that I went. It turned out to be a nice experience.

After the concert we joined to a Chinese/Taiwanese festival in Namba - just next to OCAT. Good atmosphere but it was difficult to find a seat...We weren't there for a long time.

Black +J shirt dress: can I return this item?

2010-10-18T19:33:00.005+08:00

You can still buy some items from +J spring/summer collection 2010 on sale.

Last friday I bought a black shirt dress.
The look is simple and clean. I like that. However, I am not that crazy with the fit and fabric...

Luxury for less: my items from Jil Sander for Uniqlo A/W collection 2010

2010-10-18T18:41:00.079+08:00

I have been waiting a long time to get my hands on the cashmere blend tight coat from +J Fall/Winter collection 2010.

When I saw it at the opening of the flagship store in Shinsaibashi, I didn't buy it, since I wasn't sure...Later when I came back the coat in grey and my size was sold out. Typical!

So I had to wait for a week - to Friday 15 October (it felt like forever...).

Besides the coat I also bought the wool tuxedo jacket and the wool jersey dolman 3/4 sleeve dress from the collection (I wanted a jeans and wool trousers too, but I couldn't fit any of the bottoms....)

All three items seem to be good investment pieces - timeless style and good quality. Clothes (maybe) you can wear for many years (...if you want).
However, I must say that I wish the coat and jacket were a XS or the sleeves/armholes were smaller.

Cashmere blend tight coat:

The style is classic and since the coat is made of 50% cashmere, it feels sooo soft.

Wool tuxedo jacket:

I am so in love with this jacket - its colour and silhouette.

You can wear the jacket in two ways. Perfect with a sweater and jeans.

Wool jersey dolman 3/4 sleeve dress:

The dress is made of 100% wool. Nice cut. Interesting details in front and back. It fits my body very well.
I like that the dress is timeless and elegant but still modern at the same time.

Related post
Uniqlo flagship store in Osaka

A (sport) day at the Taiwanese School

2010-10-16T15:21:00.002+08:00

Last monday:

Related post:
B for breakfast and bazaar

Today's outfit: harness & stripes

2010-10-16T09:53:00.004+08:00

I really like this harness from ASOS. It's not heavy to wear and it adds some coolness to my outfit(s).

- Knit top with stripes (Zara)

- Black suit jacket (Netto di Mammina)

- Harness (ASOS)

- Jeans (Uniqlo)

- Boot shoes (Grand Fleur)

ASOS WHITE Micro Modal Square Skinny Sleeve Top

2010-10-13T14:12:00.004+08:00

I didn't buy a dress or the Chunky Ribbed Cape as I said I would. Instead I have bought this top in an orange colour.

Love the the fabric and the way it falls...

Related post:
ASOS WHITE collection

DHC - olive oil products from mail skincare company

2010-10-12T16:35:00.065+08:00

DHC is a company from Japan that sells affordable skincare and healthy food products. The brand seems to be very popular here and abroad.

I have been using some DHC beauty items for a month now.

I bought a travel set to try the Olive Essentials items which DHC is famous for. If the products were not really good, I wouldn't feel that I had wasted a lot of money.

Olive Essentials items:

Deep Cleansing oil and Olive Virgin Oil are both bestsellers in Japan and US.

I like the two products too, but I am not that impressed as many other are in the reviews I have read.

Deep Cleansing oil: I can't say any bad things about this product when it comes to clean your face and remove make-up. It's indeed effective. But I just didn't feel any (or much) difference between this product and another one from Biore I am using too - except for the price.
I know it's probably not the same ingredients the two companies are using...

Olive Virgin Oil: It's my favorite. I guess I like the idea of 100% pure olive oil (is it by the way the same kind of olive oil you use in the kitchen???). The oil does moisture your skin very well, but you should be careful not using too much in the morning. It shows...

However, I think it would be a good product to use in the night and wintertime.

Mild Soap and Mild Lotion are both OK items. But maybe you don't really need the soap...

Other DHC products I would like to try:

- Velvet Skin Coat : a primer

- Platinum Silver Nanocolloid : minimizes the appearance of wrinkles

- Alpha-Arbutin White Cream : makes skin bright

Related posts:
SkinFood - Food for your skin
Origins: skincare without parabens

Humus and style at Cafe Absinthe

2010-10-04T01:43:00.010+08:00

Today I had lunch with a friend at Cafe Absinthe - a Mediterranean fusion restaurant and bar in Osaka.

The cafe:
Hip and cool decor (nice photos on the wall). A great place to hang out with friends and a drink...

For lunch you don't have many choices. Only 3 different kind of main dishes on the menu card...
But the food I ordered was good - spicy (I like).

The prices are ok. About 500-900 yen for lunch. Not bad.

I regret that I didn't try water pipe smoking...Next time I am going to!

Uniqlo flagship store in Osaka

2010-10-02T16:13:00.008+08:00

Yesterday Uniqlo opened its first Japanese flagship store in Shinsaibashi. It was crazy. People everywhere...

I bought two outerwears:

I like the cape which is one of the trends this season (really good quality), but I am not that sure about the other coat...Maybe I am going to return it back and save the money...

I want to get one (or two) of the coats from Jil Sander fall/winter collection 2010 for Uniqlo. All the coats and jackets are so stunning.

Where is my leather skirt?

2010-09-30T18:01:00.004+08:00

One of the things I really want to have this season is a black leather skirt.

I like that it's edgy and cool but still feminine.

You can wear the leather skirt with silk tops or a sweater for a elegant or casual look...

I have been looking around and found this two leather skirts from Kookai which are cool and affordable. But unfortunately for me ASOS doesn't have the two items in my size anymore...So I have to keep looking...

2 fashion items for fall/winter

2010-09-29T13:24:00.004+08:00

It's still warm in Japan, so you can't wear any autumn clothes yet.
However, I am preparing...

New items: a big cardigan with faux fur (Zara) and shoe boots (Grand fleur).

My day in the safari

2010-09-28T15:05:00.005+08:00

Doesn't it make you want to go to Africa?

What is the HYPE about?

2010-09-24T16:12:00.023+08:00

It's a online fashion shop from Singapore!

I heard about Hype from another blogger who was very pleased with the brand. Since I like to try new fashion brands and clothes that are stylish, made in a good quality but still affordable, I wanted to check it out.

Many of the dresses and tops are cute and trendy, but the style is not completely me - except for a few items like this snowflakes bordered jacket in black that I bought and really adore.

Moon cake - a part of my tradition

2010-09-23T14:11:00.011+08:00

Yesterday it was Tsukimi (or Moon festival).

We ate moon cakes (Chinese style)...and some of us did the moon-viewing...

Photo: sunset over Suntory Museum

2010-09-22T14:54:00.002+08:00

A weekend with art and fiesta

2010-09-22T14:37:00.021+08:00

Saturday:

Place: Suntory Museum

Exhibition: Impressionism and modern art

Company: my toddler

Nice art exhibition with works from Monet, Renoir, Picasso, Miro (some of my favorite artists) etc.

Sunday:

Our turn to be the babysitters.
My husband and I took our boy and two nieces with us to a Mexican fiesta in Umeda. Small event but great music and atmosphere.

ASOS WHITE collection

2010-09-20T18:49:00.057+08:00

Have you seen ASOS new collection?
The style is "simple, minimal, luxe".

I like the colour and simplicity of the clothes in the picture below.

In this collection many of the items are made of silk, modal, wool and suede. Because of that the prices for coats and dresses are also higher.

I think that I am going to buy the Chunky Ribbed Cape in camel and a dress. But which one???

Uniqlo: items for fall

2010-09-20T00:06:00.002+08:00

Clothes made of cashmere are normally very expensive. But you can find some nice cashmere (and wool) items at Uniqlo that are affordable.

I want these items in my closet...

Wise words - about life

2010-09-19T15:57:00.008+08:00

I agree!

My new cardigans from ASOS

2010-09-17T14:37:00.003+08:00

I have recently bought these two cardigans from ASOS.

1. "A fine knit cardigan, with contrast woven flap pockets to the front, exposed seam detailing, ribbed trim and a buttoned front".

2. "A cotton knit, longline cardigan, featuring a contrast placket and trim to sleeves with twin hip pockets".

I especially adore the last one.

Cardigans with beautiful details

2010-09-16T20:17:00.005+08:00

From left to right: Karen Millen, Jill Stuart, Y-3, Jules B, Joseph M

Date: lunch buffet at Tavola 36

2010-09-13T20:24:00.021+08:00

Yesterday my husband and I had lunch at a Italian restaurant inside Swissotel hotel in Namba.

Our first date alone, since I gave birth.
I did miss our son but it was also nice to be just the two of us...for a half day.

We had been to Tavola 36 before with my parents-in-law three years ago. I remember the whole dinner experience as good. So I was excited about the lunch buffet...

The lunch buffet offers a lot of different kind of dishes like lasagna, pizza, baked salmon, smoked ham, breads, soup, salads, cakes etc...

I must say though the food wasn't that great. However, it's an excellent place to have lunch for families with small children. They would probably enjoy the chocolate fondue and the magician...

Besides the view is amazing!

Related posts:
Sweet Dynasty: dim sum & desserts
A little taste of China - in Osaka

Blazer from Uniqlo

2010-09-11T17:00:00.005+08:00

Last week I bought this boyfriend blazer from Uniqlo.

The blazer is made in a light fabric and has a sporty vibe.

I like the shape and colour!

Related post:
Uniqlo - very basic and casual wear

Japanese fashion: be a girl/woman in A-skirts

2010-09-08T20:08:00.007+08:00

Feminine and cute outfits never seem to be out of fashion here in Japan.

I must admit that these kind of looks (with A-skirts) were not really my style in the past. But then I came to Japan...

(The pictures are from the fashion magazine AneCan)

Related post:
Today's outfit: flower skirt

Sweet Dynasty: dim sum & desserts

2010-09-07T14:02:00.012+08:00

I love yum cha!
If I could, I would do it at least once a week.
I just like the whole concept behind it...and the food of course.

But where do you go, if you live in Osaka and want to yum cha and eat some dim sum?

A place that I sometimes go to is Sweet Dynasty - a Hong Kong restaurant that is inside the Department Store Takashimaya in Namba.
As the name suggests the focus is on the desserts, but you can also get dim sum and other Chinese/Cantonese dishes.
I am not sure if the food is authentic or not (probably not...). Besides that the prices are as well a little bit expensive (over average). However, the desserts are good (if you like Chinese desserts) and the decor of the restaurant/atmosphere is nice too.

Last weekend I went there with my husband and kid.

SkinFood: new mask sheets

2010-09-07T02:25:00.009+08:00

Yesterday I bought some new mask sheets from SkinFood. I was very pleased with the ones I tried last time. My skin felt really soft and radiant...

This time I bought:

- Honey & Royal Jelly Mask Sheet: nutrition for skin
- White chocolate Mask Sheet: provides elasticity for skin
- Watermelon Mask Sheet: moisturizes skin
- Juice White Cheek Sheet: moisturizes and soothes skin

Lanvin for H&M

2010-09-03T15:06:00.005+08:00

French Lanvin is announced to be the next guest designer for H&M.

Since I didn't know much about the brand (embarrassing or what?), I went to check it out on their homepage.
It all looks really good - the fashion and style. There are so many things I want...but never can get.

I am therefore exciting about the H&M collection that Lanvin is going to do. Let's hope the style from the brand can translate into the cheaper clothes.

Chinese soup: stew chicken with rice wine

2010-09-02T20:23:00.010+08:00

Today I made Chinese chicken soup with goji berries and other herbs for dinner. First time! I have always thought it was too complicated to do...(which it's if you do it the right way...)

A healthy soup with a lot of nutrients (not for pregnant women and small children though).

It's not my favorite soup in the whole world, but the smell and taste remind me about my childhood...

My daily shoes: ballerina

2010-08-31T13:12:00.002+08:00

I LOVE stilettoes and don't really like wearing flat shoes.
But as a mum to a little child it's more practical to choose the flat ones, since I often have to run after him or carry him around.

These are the shoes I wear almost every day now. Ballerina with silver sequins (BelleBelle).

Goji Berry - power for your body?

2010-08-30T16:08:00.019+08:00

It is said that goji berry (wolfberry) is one of the new power food.

The reason: it is high in antioxidants and contains a lot of nutrients like amino acids, vitamins, calcium, iron and zinc.

When I first time read about the goji berry a few months ago, I didn't know how it looks like. Later I found out that these are exactly the same berries my mother uses (among other stuff), when she makes Chinese chicken soups.

She used to tell me and my sister (in our childhood) that the berries were very healthy and good for beauty. However, I always thought it was something she just said...

But maybe she is right?

Dance festival: between old and new

2010-08-30T14:54:00.013+08:00

Every late August a dance festival is held in the center of Osaka (Midosuji Avenue) - just next to a big temple that is surrounded by high buildings. A nice contrast between old and new...

Me: eat, pray, love

2010-08-26T11:51:00.002+08:00

I haven't read the book or seen the movie (yet) but I feel very inspired by the story.

I wish I could take a break from my daily life and travel to exotic places for some soul-searching...

Bolshoi Circus - from Russia with bears and clowns

2010-08-23T19:22:00.010+08:00

In the weekend my child and I were invited to the Bolshoi Circus by a friend. Her mother had won three tickets to the circus in some kind of lottery and gave it away as a present.

The circus showed different kind of performances - from animal shows to clowns and people flying in the air.

Many people in the audience seemed to enjoy it -like my friend and her husband. But the show (or circus in general) wasn't really my type of entertainment.

Actually i found it more amusing to watch my baby clap and smile...

Under 1000 red lamps

2010-08-23T15:03:00.010+08:00

Friday evening, local dance festival, humid!

AllSaints - all mine

2010-08-19T14:29:00.044+08:00

I have recently discovered the British brand AllSaints (Spitalfields).
The style is sooooo me (most of it). Different, quirky and cool.
I especially love the knitwear. Laid back and still it isn't.

The clothes from AllSaints are a little bit expensive but in a good quality comparing to other high street fashion brands.

Some of the pieces from my little collection:

Black silk top with leather harness.
The leather thing is a bit heavy to wear...but cool it is.

Black jumper with quirky details.
I really like this one.

Long cardigan in a stone colour.
Good together with jeans or a short dress.

I have a shorter version of this cardigan too. Both are without buttons. You close it with a big safety pin (but the safety pin does damage the knit so it's better not to use it).

Navy tunic - you can wear it in 2 ways.

Wrapped knit dress.

Related post:
Uniqlo - very basic and casual wear

Make my day - with a juice or smoothie

2010-08-18T16:00:00.007+08:00

I love juices and smoothies.

Almost every morning I make myself a smoothie or juice for breakfast.

I don't really follow a recipe now. I just mix what I have of fruit and vegetables in the blender or juicer. But I do have this great book about juices and smoothies that I always used in the beginning.

Inside the book '101 Fantastic Juices and Smoothies' by Natalie Savona you can also see what kind of nutrients you get by drinking all the different juices and smoothies.

Some recipes from the book:

Apple Zing: 3 apples, 2 carrots, 1/2 inch (1cm) ginger root

Nutrients: beta-carotene, folic acid, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur

Energy****, Detox***, Immunity***, Digestion****, Skin****

Citrus sharp: 3 oranges, 1 lemon, 1 lime

Nutrients: beta-carotene, folic acid, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium,
phosphorus, potassium, sodium, sulphur

Energy****, Detox*, Immunity*****, Skin**

Mango Blues: 2 mangoes, 2 handful blueberries, juice of a lime, 8 tablespoons (120 ml/1/2 cup) apple juice

Nutrients: beta-carotene, biotin folic acid, vitamin B1, B2, B6, C and E, calcium, chromium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, sulphur

Energy*****, Detox**, Immunity*****, Digestion**, Skin****

Creamy orange dream: 3 peaches (or nectarines), 1 mango, 1 orange, 8 tablespoons (120 ml/1/2 cup) orange juice

Nutrients: beta-carotene, folic acid, vitamin B3, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, sulphur

Energy*****, Detox*, Immunity*****, Digestion*, Skin*****

Delicate pale: 4 sticks celery, 2 pears

Nutrients: beta-carotene, folic acid, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, sulphur

Energy***, Detox****, Immunity**, Digestion***, Skin**

Tomorange: 4 tomatoes, 2 oranges

Nutrients: beta-carotene, biotin, folic acid, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, sulphur

Energy****, Detox**, Immunity*****, Skin***

Enjoy the juices and smoothies!

Today's outfit: blue & animal print

2010-08-17T16:48:00.066+08:00

- Top with leopard print (Zara)
- Blue cardigan

- Denim jegging (ASOS - petite)

- Silver necklace with a blue butterfly (Anna Sui)

The necklace is one of my favorite jewelry - a wedding gift from my husband.

Check out similar outfit

Body Jewelry on my body

2010-08-16T14:12:00.013+08:00

Ever since I saw the jewelries from Litter SF, I have wanted a body or a shoulder jewelry. But all the jewelries are so expensive. I was therefore happy to discover that ASOS now also sells body jewelries. The prices are much cheaper. Lucky me!

I have bought two - one in leather and one in base metal:

To wear body jewelries are a great way to make a statement and add some edge to a basic top or a simple outfit.

Obon - family time and time to reflect

2010-08-14T20:23:00.160+08:00

Every summer we (the whole family) visit the ancestors' graves. That's a part of Obon.

Today we went there.
We cleaned the graves, changed the flowers and prayed.

I always feel a little bit sad, when we visit the graveyard...and can't stop reflecting on life and death.

Next to one of our ancestors' graves is a young man buried. He was only 28 years old, when he died. You can see some drawings he once had draw as a child on his grave...
I can feel how much his parents must have loved him...and their pain. No parents want to bury their own children...

It really makes me thinking that life is short and we shouldn't waste it. Instead we should appreciate what we have and the people around us. Because nothing lasts forever and tomorrow it could be gone...

SkinFood - Food for your skin

2010-08-13T14:37:00.009+08:00

I had never heard about the cosmetics brand SkinFood before my sister introduced me to it a few weeks ago.

The brand, that is from South Korea, uses food as the main ingredients in all the products (surprise, surprise). From fruits, vegetables, herbs to rice, fish and wine...

I have only tried one mask sheet, so I can't make a review of the whole brand yet. But I can say that the one I used (Snow Tea Mask Sheet) was very good. My skin felt so soft after...

I like the concept of SkinFood. What a great idea (even though the company is not the only one using food in skin care...). However, the products are not paraben-free which is a minus for me...

The three most popular masks are (which I also bought last time):

- Black Raspberry, Saeng-gi Essence Mask Sheet : moisturizes skin deeply.
- Peach Sake Pure Essence Mask Sheet : reduces pores.
- Snow Tea Mask Sheet : makes skin clear and radiant.

A cape from HK - with love

2010-08-12T14:11:00.012+08:00

The other day I received a package from my family who had sent me some gifts from their trip to Macau and Hong Kong last month.

Inside the package I found among other things (Chinese medicine, cookies, chocolate) a white knit cape.

My sister bought it at Giordano - a clothing brand from HK. The concept and style are very similar to Uniqlo. Cheap casual and sport wear.

The cape can be used in four different ways:

I do like multi-wear clothes, but I am not that crazy with this cape...I don't know what it's...or maybe I do... However, since it's a gift from my sister (and not ugly), I am going to use the cape...one or another way...

Uniqlo - very basic and casual wear

2010-08-07T19:36:00.010+08:00

Uniqlo is a Japanese clothing company that sells very basic items to affordable prices.

Regarding the fashion there isn't much to talk about. The design is often boring (not always) and really simple. So it's not there you should shop if you want to be fashion forward.
However, if you are looking for some cheap casual and basic items in a good quality, Uniqlo is the place to go.

I also like that Uniqlo thinks outside the box by integrating technology into some of the clothes. The fashion company does as well work with some famous and not so known designers in different kind of projects. Sometimes you can find a few interesting pieces.

I usually buy items like jeans, tops, underwear, cardigans and shirts when I go to Uniqlo. But I must say that the jeans don't fit me that well and the one-size bras aren't very good.

Last month I bought this three items:

Stripes, stripes and stripes. The first two pieces are basic and classic. The long t-shirt with a smiley on is room wear (it's designed by the Japanese model Hinano Yoshikawa and only available in Japan.)

Related post:
Sale in ZARA

Swiming in the pool

2010-08-04T17:26:00.016+08:00

Last weekend we went to a public pool in Osaka. Before that I had never been to one in Japan (I don't know why...).

Since it's a public one, the entre tickets were cheap, but the place seemed a little bit dirty...However, we came to have fun and we did.

The weather was really hot...a lot of people in and outside the pool!

In Universal Studio (Japan)

Picnic & Art (hanami & Japanese Artists)

Matsuri - pray, eat and play

2010-07-29T14:50:00.018+08:00

Most matsuri (Japanese festivals) are held in July and August.
In those two months you will find a lot of different kind of traditional festive events that often are based around shrines with food stalls and games. Others are dance and firework festivals.

First time I went to a matsuri was 7 years ago and I still remember, how much I enjoyed it. I have been to many since.

Matsuri is all about having fun. For foreigners it's also a great way to experience (traditional) Japanese culture.

My straw hat

2010-07-26T17:06:00.008+08:00

To wear hats in the summertime is a good way to protect yourself against the sun and an easy way to follow the fashion. This year straw hats are a must have. I have wanted to get one myself for some time...

Yesterday I finally got one!

Into the blue - with nail polish

2010-07-22T15:51:00.036+08:00

When it comes to nail polish, I normally prefer colours like pink, white and transparent. But a few days ago I bought one in a pale blue colour.

It reminds me about the sky and the ocean...perfect to use now that it's summer...

I heart photography

2010-07-21T14:57:00.011+08:00

I have been in love with this art form since my late twenties.

A passion that has only grown...

I like going around and find beautiful scenarios and objects to shoot - and to do it from nontraditional angles. My motives can be everything from flowers, landscapes to buildings and funny things.
I think it's a great way to channel your creativity.

You don't need a fancy camera to take beautiful pictures. In most cases it's all about the light and compostion.

Some tips/ideas for how to take a good picture:

1. An object in front adds a depth to the photo!

2. Try nontraditional and different angles to take a photo!

3. Remember the light

Anniversary: time for a glass of champagne or two

2010-07-16T12:09:00.015+08:00

Champagne is always an excellent choice to have, when it comes to celebrating an anniversary!

CATTIER
Propreietaire de vignobles
Chigny-les-roses
PREMIER CRU

Taste: sour!

Related posts:
Anniversary: afternoon cruise
A little taste of China - in Osaka

Spice up your rice - in a healthy way

2010-07-15T20:02:00.016+08:00

I found this food item in the supermarket a month ago. It 's something you mix together with rice.

The small packages inside contain each 16 different kind of grains and beans like:

- black beans
- black rice
- red rice
- brown rice
- black sesame

- white sesame

- Japanese barnyard millet
- corn

You just put it all in the rice cooker and cook the rice as you normally do (if you have one...). An easy way to make a healthy meal.

Today's outfit: simple & black

2010-07-14T15:17:00.012+08:00

Rainy season is not over yet here in Japan. It has been raining every day this week and I am hoping it would stop soon. However, I can wear something else than summer dresses and tank-tops.

- Black knit dress with puffed sleeves (Zara)
- Fake pearl necklace