Friday, January 31, 2014

My First Winter Experience: Snow Lovin'

It's my first time to experience winter because I always go to Japan during spring time, and I have once visited Korea during autumn. However, I've already seen snow because two years ago, I was able to catch the last snow fall before spring and I have visited a ski resort before the snow melted. 

I came back to Japan on November 28, 2013. The temperature at that time was around 7 degrees Celsius. Then as days passed, the weather became colder and colder. The first snow fall happened on December 11. I realized it isn't that cold when it snows. It's much colder when it doesn't snow. As of now, January 31, the coldest weather I have probably experienced was at -13 degrees Celsius. This happened one day at around 6 to 7am.

 photo IMG_1007_zps20cf41d7.jpg
the view from our balcony
 photo IMG_1016_zpsef06e330.jpg
the view from our apartment's lobby (2nd floor)
 photo IMG_1056_zps16be82d6.jpg
the woods somewhere beside the main road

I love it when it snows. I like it most especially at night when the surroundings is super white and bright, reflecting the light coming from the moon. It also feels magical seeing snow falling from the sky. I also love the challenge of putting away the snow that piled up on our car's windshield. 
 photo IMG_1028_zps7a4d29ee.jpg
trees covered with snow
 photo IMG_1032_zps542079e9.jpg
silent night
 photo IMG_1030_zps85f6e568.jpg
was wearing the wrong boots 'coz I didn't know it would snow
 photo IMG_1580_zps59d957f6.jpg
the street covered with snow
 photo IMG_1581_zps73293d0a.jpg
safe and sound :)
 photo IMG_1798_zps01c9f103.jpg
my cousin's Suzuki Swift covered with snow
 photo IMG_1801_zpsbfee5f28.jpg
I enjoyed doing this haha

In terms of clothing, well I love winter fashion. haha! I normally dress up with 3 layers of top. One fiber heat inner blouse, then a knitted longsleeves, and my outer cover is either a thermal jacket or a thick coat. For the bottom, I either wear jeans or thick stockings/tights under my shorts or skirt. It wasn't really as cold as I have imagined. Probably, it helped that I arrive here during the transition from autumn to winter, that my body was still able to adjust to the weather. I guess it would be a lot harder if I arrived here at around mid-January because it would be hard to adjust instantly from the hot weather of the Philippines to that super cold one of Japan. 
 photo IMG_1034_zps54d07bf9.jpg
like a Japanese school girl :))
 photo IMG_1586_zps9ba6814f.jpg
ready with my pink thermal hoodie
 photo IMG_1588_zps1ab00ce6.jpg
it's so fun playing in the snow :))
 photo IMG_1618_zpsd133fccc.jpg
this was at J-Mart, a shop that sells a lot of house stuff, including garden stuff

The winter halo, even before it was experienced in the Philippines, I first witnessed it here in Japan. It was so nice and magical!:)
 photo IMG_0931_zps43980956.jpg

Now that I have experienced four seasons, I can't really choose which one is my favorite. Each of the four seasons has its own character. Winter for me seems magical because of the snow flakes falling from the sky and having a pretty view at night as the snow on the ground, with the help of the moon, illuminates the surroundings. Spring is romantic, seeing cherry blossoms in full bloom, with petals falling off the branches as the wind blows. Autumn reflects adventure and drama. Adventure because of its bright colors that make trees so beautiful; but drama as trees go bald, and autumn leaves start covering the grounds. Summer means fun. The beach, sand, and waves are just irresistible.

Winter feels too cold; but I have yet to experience the coldest of winter because they say, February is the coldest month of winter. 
 photo IMG_1020_zps887e3f44.jpg
the neighborhood
 photo IMG_1646_zps9670b8ab.jpg
the white mountains :)
 photo IMG_1640_zps563488fd.jpg
the snow-capped Mt. Fuji (view from the highway)

xoxo,

city girl :)

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Beauty Review: My Staple Makeup Products

I don't really shop for cosmetics that much because I don't explore much when it comes to makeup. I just want my look to be plain and simple on an ordinary day. Well at times I try to put more effort on doing my makeup when attending events/parties or nightouts.

Probably I have only gained a higher interest with makeup when I have travelled to Seoul, Korea, where cosmetic shops are literally everywhere. And I think, the most expensive makeup item I have bought in my life is the Naked palette.

My tendency is to buy the same makeup item after what I have runs out. I don't buy/own multiple face powder/foundation at once, not unless they're given to me as gifts. I stick with the items that don't irritate my skin.

So far, here are the makeup products that I've been using. I recommend these items because they're very affordable and they're perfect to use on a daily basis. In fact, I can't leave the house without these stuff.

CONCEALER:

L'Oreal or Maybelline
I use it to cover some pimple marks and freckles.
(no photo)

FOUNDATION/POWDER:

Maybelline Mineral Foundation
Revlon ColourStay Mineral Foundation
These two have a really nice finish. However, they're quite messy to apply since they're loose powder (with brush). Also, it's quite a hassle carrying them in a small bag/clutch since they're  quite bulky.

Revlon PhotoReady (pressed)
This is what I'm currently using and it's my favorite! I love its matte finish, and my face doesn't get oily that much. And hey, it's compact! I can slip it in any clutch when I go out.
 photo IMG_0484_zps711b44b2.jpg

EYEBROW LINER:

Nature Republic
I used to have a Maybelline one but when I found this in Korea, I tried it and loved it.
 photo IMG_1895_zps3e100a5d.jpg

BLUSH:

Maybelline Mineral Blush (Shade: Rose)
It's not as compact as other blush-ons but I want it because it can give a natural blush (when a little is applied) or a full make up look at night (when more of it is applied).
 photo IMG_1896_zps2bd6744c.jpg

EYELINER:

Shiseido Integrate (Black)
Before, I was using the Maybelline HyperSharp Liner when I want a thin line, and the Nature Republic pencil eyeliner when I want a thicker line. However, pencil eyeliners often smudge and make me look like a panda; while the HyperSharp liner kind of dries up fast so it can't be consumed for a long time. When I came to Japan, I borrowed my cousin's eyeliner and I liked it. It's the Shiseido Integrate black pen eyeliner. It doesn't smudge. It dried quickly once applied. And the tip of the pen doesn't dry out fast so it can be consumed for a long time.
 photo IMG_1894_zps116b6bba.jpg

MASCARA:

Maybelline
Every time my Maybelline mascara runs out, I buy another Maybelline mascara of a different type. I prefer a mascara that adds length and volume to my natural lashes. So far I have used the Volum' Express Cat Eyes (black&pink), Colossal (yellow), HyperCurl (black&pink), and Lash Stiletto, which is what I'm currently using. Next in line that I wanna give a try are the Rocket (blue) and Magnum (yellow) Volum' Express.

LIPSTICK:

Mac
I like the Candy Yum Yum, Russian Red, and Ruby Woo. However, those shades are not wearable everyday. I mean, I'm not the type who wears red lipstick at daytime haha. But Russian Red helped me pull off my Halloween costume as a sexified version of Wednesday Addams. Anyway, Mac lipsticks are quite expensive too, for someone who doesn't spend much for makeup. The Addis Ababa shade of Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream actually looks like Candy Yum Yum, and it's way cheaper.

Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream (Istanbul/Milan)
I discovered this in a bazaar in Eastwood. I love its matte finish. Plus, I love pink! And these are the shades of pink that are wearable on a regular day. Milan is brighter, while Istanbul is neared the nude shade. However, they almost looked the same. Maybe, Milan is better in events/parties or nightouts.
 photo IMG_1893_zps3b7baf10.jpg

So, when my staple daily makeup products are put together, this is how it looks like:

 photo IMG_0500_zps3803951d.jpg

See, I like that natural glowing look. Furthermore, I can wear the same makeup for a nightout. I just apply a thicker eyeliner, false lashes or more mascara, dark brown eyeshadow, and richer lip color.

xoxo,

city girl

Friday, January 24, 2014

My Last-minute Japan Trip

As a reward for finishing graduate school, my aunt granted my wish to spend winter in Japan (where she's residing with her family). It's my 3rd 3-month trip to Japan but it's my first time during winter 'cause I usually go during spring. It was a last minute trip because there have been some delays in our (me and my grandmother) visa application. Our visa was released late in the afternoon of November 26, so we were able to pick it up from the agency on the morning of the 27th. That day we confirmed and paid for our ticket, which has been pre-booked on the 28th. We only had the afternoon and night of the 27th to pack our stuff because our flight was at 5am the next day. Each roundtrip ticket (Manila-Narita-Manila) cost Php 24,000 (taxes included) via Delta Airlines. The trip was too sudden that I didn't have the time to say bye to my friends.
 photo IMG_0400_zps0071e383.jpg
luggage :)
 photo IMG_0411_zpsaa2f68a7.jpg
super early flight
 photo IMG_0419_zps23016c87.jpg
with the granny


Anyway, I was satisfied with Delta. The ground crew and the cabin crew were very nice and efficient. Thanks to the pilot, we had a smooth flight (especially the landing and the take off). We travelled for 4 hours. However, there was a long queue at the immigration gates so it took us an hour before getting out of Narita Airport. My uncle came to get us. It's a 4 to 5-hr drive from Narita to Suwa, Nagano (my aunt's apartment) so we had lunch brunch first at the nearest service area. Since the weather's too cold (less than 10 degrees Celsius), I got a ramen.
 photo IMG_0433_zps8e7282f2.jpg
the view before landing at Narita
 photo IMG_0434_zps84128238.jpg
udon
 photo IMG_0435_zps987a0eab.jpg
spicy ramen

My grandmother only stayed 'til December 14. She usually travels with me to Japan and stays for 3 months but this time, she just stayed for 2 weeks since she preferred spending Christmas in the Philippines, plus she'll be coming back here with my cousin on March (spring) for 3 months again. But during the two weeks she's here, we've been going to different places, dining and shopping. We often go to onsen (hot spring) too to relax.
 photo IMG_0602_zps69d8b641.jpg
aunt's bedroom
 photo IMG_0606_zps4ec62019.jpg
cousin's bedroom
 photo IMG_0522_zps8d50a0a5.jpg
i love buying veggies for the healthy meals I make
 photo IMG_0577_zps0112e0b6.jpg
it's a dream come true! haha always wanted to try this :))

One place we're visiting often is Matsumoto City (Nagano). We love shopping at Don Quijote, a place with literally everything under the sun. It has lots of cute stuff too, plus some branded items such as bags and jewelries. Hard Off, a recycle shop there is a must visit too. Some of the second hand items there actually look new. And of course, we've visited a lot of Daiso (100 yen) shops too.
 photo IMG_0543_zpsb56ff953.jpg
 photo IMG_0563_zpsa770d58e.jpg
Edion Mall (electronics)

 photo IMG_0516_zpsf9f6b4f6.jpg
 photo IMG_0515_zpse10d40c9.jpg
kaiten sushi (conveyor belt sushi)


 photo IMG_0517_zps9c863902.jpg photo IMG_0567_zpsf85a6836.jpg
 photo IMG_0545_zps42ed3bec.jpg
Starbucks tumbler Nagano
 photo IMG_0534_zps06fff291.jpg
ear muffs :)
 photo IMG_0535_zps51d1dfbe.jpg
no Green tea flavor :(
 photo IMG_0614_zps4bd8a7f8.jpg
road trip :)
 photo IMG_0618_zpsfa828c9f.jpg
ramen and gyoza love
 photo IMG_0893_zpsd71e7de5.jpg
 photo IMG_0895_zps3802e6dc.jpg
shoe lockers at the resto
 photo IMG_0890_zpsbd69c3b0.jpg
Japanese food overload...and it didn't cost nor taste cheap.
 photo IMG_0897_zpsb26d92ef.jpg
vendo!
 photo IMG_1052_zps0ed4d50d.jpg
one of the best ramen places
 photo IMG_1049_zps81f801b3.jpg
 photo IMG_0630_zpsa740ecad.jpg
used stuffed toys that actually looked new
 photo IMG_0627_zpsced7ed19.jpg
lovin' these neon kitchenware from Daiso

So I spent Christmas with my aunt, uncle, cousin, and my aunt's bestfriend. (I call my aunt Tita Mama because she's like my second mom). Christmas is just like a usual day in Japan ('cause they're not Christians); however, they acknowledge the Christmas-New Year holidays  that's why they have Christmas-New Year Sale too. On Christmas Even, we exchanged gifts, had Noche Buena, and Skyped with our families in the Philippines. It wasn't a white Christmas because it didn't snow that night/day, but I'm glad to have experienced winter Christmas.
 photo IMG_0931_zps24d1bfba.jpg
the winter halo before Christmas

 photo IMG_1124_zps7e468f0a.jpg
our mini Christmas tree and Coach presents :)
 photo IMG_1130_zps88e34a3b.jpg
Christmas cake
 photo IMG_1182_zpsc42d5dc7.jpg
fruits
 photo IMG_1155_zps52582b14.jpg
Noche Buena plus Skype w/ the fam in the Phils
 photo IMG_1142_zpsef32053c.jpg
with my cousin in our Santa Claus costumes
 photo IMG_1140_zps838e384f.jpg
Christmas hoodie! haha




More of my Japan trip in my upcoming posts.

xoxo,

city girl :)


Friday, January 31, 2014

My First Winter Experience: Snow Lovin'

It's my first time to experience winter because I always go to Japan during spring time, and I have once visited Korea during autumn. However, I've already seen snow because two years ago, I was able to catch the last snow fall before spring and I have visited a ski resort before the snow melted. 

I came back to Japan on November 28, 2013. The temperature at that time was around 7 degrees Celsius. Then as days passed, the weather became colder and colder. The first snow fall happened on December 11. I realized it isn't that cold when it snows. It's much colder when it doesn't snow. As of now, January 31, the coldest weather I have probably experienced was at -13 degrees Celsius. This happened one day at around 6 to 7am.

 photo IMG_1007_zps20cf41d7.jpg
the view from our balcony
 photo IMG_1016_zpsef06e330.jpg
the view from our apartment's lobby (2nd floor)
 photo IMG_1056_zps16be82d6.jpg
the woods somewhere beside the main road

I love it when it snows. I like it most especially at night when the surroundings is super white and bright, reflecting the light coming from the moon. It also feels magical seeing snow falling from the sky. I also love the challenge of putting away the snow that piled up on our car's windshield. 
 photo IMG_1028_zps7a4d29ee.jpg
trees covered with snow
 photo IMG_1032_zps542079e9.jpg
silent night
 photo IMG_1030_zps85f6e568.jpg
was wearing the wrong boots 'coz I didn't know it would snow
 photo IMG_1580_zps59d957f6.jpg
the street covered with snow
 photo IMG_1581_zps73293d0a.jpg
safe and sound :)
 photo IMG_1798_zps01c9f103.jpg
my cousin's Suzuki Swift covered with snow
 photo IMG_1801_zpsbfee5f28.jpg
I enjoyed doing this haha

In terms of clothing, well I love winter fashion. haha! I normally dress up with 3 layers of top. One fiber heat inner blouse, then a knitted longsleeves, and my outer cover is either a thermal jacket or a thick coat. For the bottom, I either wear jeans or thick stockings/tights under my shorts or skirt. It wasn't really as cold as I have imagined. Probably, it helped that I arrive here during the transition from autumn to winter, that my body was still able to adjust to the weather. I guess it would be a lot harder if I arrived here at around mid-January because it would be hard to adjust instantly from the hot weather of the Philippines to that super cold one of Japan. 
 photo IMG_1034_zps54d07bf9.jpg
like a Japanese school girl :))
 photo IMG_1586_zps9ba6814f.jpg
ready with my pink thermal hoodie
 photo IMG_1588_zps1ab00ce6.jpg
it's so fun playing in the snow :))
 photo IMG_1618_zpsd133fccc.jpg
this was at J-Mart, a shop that sells a lot of house stuff, including garden stuff

The winter halo, even before it was experienced in the Philippines, I first witnessed it here in Japan. It was so nice and magical!:)
 photo IMG_0931_zps43980956.jpg

Now that I have experienced four seasons, I can't really choose which one is my favorite. Each of the four seasons has its own character. Winter for me seems magical because of the snow flakes falling from the sky and having a pretty view at night as the snow on the ground, with the help of the moon, illuminates the surroundings. Spring is romantic, seeing cherry blossoms in full bloom, with petals falling off the branches as the wind blows. Autumn reflects adventure and drama. Adventure because of its bright colors that make trees so beautiful; but drama as trees go bald, and autumn leaves start covering the grounds. Summer means fun. The beach, sand, and waves are just irresistible.

Winter feels too cold; but I have yet to experience the coldest of winter because they say, February is the coldest month of winter. 
 photo IMG_1020_zps887e3f44.jpg
the neighborhood
 photo IMG_1646_zps9670b8ab.jpg
the white mountains :)
 photo IMG_1640_zps563488fd.jpg
the snow-capped Mt. Fuji (view from the highway)

xoxo,

city girl :)

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Beauty Review: My Staple Makeup Products

I don't really shop for cosmetics that much because I don't explore much when it comes to makeup. I just want my look to be plain and simple on an ordinary day. Well at times I try to put more effort on doing my makeup when attending events/parties or nightouts.

Probably I have only gained a higher interest with makeup when I have travelled to Seoul, Korea, where cosmetic shops are literally everywhere. And I think, the most expensive makeup item I have bought in my life is the Naked palette.

My tendency is to buy the same makeup item after what I have runs out. I don't buy/own multiple face powder/foundation at once, not unless they're given to me as gifts. I stick with the items that don't irritate my skin.

So far, here are the makeup products that I've been using. I recommend these items because they're very affordable and they're perfect to use on a daily basis. In fact, I can't leave the house without these stuff.

CONCEALER:

L'Oreal or Maybelline
I use it to cover some pimple marks and freckles.
(no photo)

FOUNDATION/POWDER:

Maybelline Mineral Foundation
Revlon ColourStay Mineral Foundation
These two have a really nice finish. However, they're quite messy to apply since they're loose powder (with brush). Also, it's quite a hassle carrying them in a small bag/clutch since they're  quite bulky.

Revlon PhotoReady (pressed)
This is what I'm currently using and it's my favorite! I love its matte finish, and my face doesn't get oily that much. And hey, it's compact! I can slip it in any clutch when I go out.
 photo IMG_0484_zps711b44b2.jpg

EYEBROW LINER:

Nature Republic
I used to have a Maybelline one but when I found this in Korea, I tried it and loved it.
 photo IMG_1895_zps3e100a5d.jpg

BLUSH:

Maybelline Mineral Blush (Shade: Rose)
It's not as compact as other blush-ons but I want it because it can give a natural blush (when a little is applied) or a full make up look at night (when more of it is applied).
 photo IMG_1896_zps2bd6744c.jpg

EYELINER:

Shiseido Integrate (Black)
Before, I was using the Maybelline HyperSharp Liner when I want a thin line, and the Nature Republic pencil eyeliner when I want a thicker line. However, pencil eyeliners often smudge and make me look like a panda; while the HyperSharp liner kind of dries up fast so it can't be consumed for a long time. When I came to Japan, I borrowed my cousin's eyeliner and I liked it. It's the Shiseido Integrate black pen eyeliner. It doesn't smudge. It dried quickly once applied. And the tip of the pen doesn't dry out fast so it can be consumed for a long time.
 photo IMG_1894_zps116b6bba.jpg

MASCARA:

Maybelline
Every time my Maybelline mascara runs out, I buy another Maybelline mascara of a different type. I prefer a mascara that adds length and volume to my natural lashes. So far I have used the Volum' Express Cat Eyes (black&pink), Colossal (yellow), HyperCurl (black&pink), and Lash Stiletto, which is what I'm currently using. Next in line that I wanna give a try are the Rocket (blue) and Magnum (yellow) Volum' Express.

LIPSTICK:

Mac
I like the Candy Yum Yum, Russian Red, and Ruby Woo. However, those shades are not wearable everyday. I mean, I'm not the type who wears red lipstick at daytime haha. But Russian Red helped me pull off my Halloween costume as a sexified version of Wednesday Addams. Anyway, Mac lipsticks are quite expensive too, for someone who doesn't spend much for makeup. The Addis Ababa shade of Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream actually looks like Candy Yum Yum, and it's way cheaper.

Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream (Istanbul/Milan)
I discovered this in a bazaar in Eastwood. I love its matte finish. Plus, I love pink! And these are the shades of pink that are wearable on a regular day. Milan is brighter, while Istanbul is neared the nude shade. However, they almost looked the same. Maybe, Milan is better in events/parties or nightouts.
 photo IMG_1893_zps3b7baf10.jpg

So, when my staple daily makeup products are put together, this is how it looks like:

 photo IMG_0500_zps3803951d.jpg

See, I like that natural glowing look. Furthermore, I can wear the same makeup for a nightout. I just apply a thicker eyeliner, false lashes or more mascara, dark brown eyeshadow, and richer lip color.

xoxo,

city girl

Friday, January 24, 2014

My Last-minute Japan Trip

As a reward for finishing graduate school, my aunt granted my wish to spend winter in Japan (where she's residing with her family). It's my 3rd 3-month trip to Japan but it's my first time during winter 'cause I usually go during spring. It was a last minute trip because there have been some delays in our (me and my grandmother) visa application. Our visa was released late in the afternoon of November 26, so we were able to pick it up from the agency on the morning of the 27th. That day we confirmed and paid for our ticket, which has been pre-booked on the 28th. We only had the afternoon and night of the 27th to pack our stuff because our flight was at 5am the next day. Each roundtrip ticket (Manila-Narita-Manila) cost Php 24,000 (taxes included) via Delta Airlines. The trip was too sudden that I didn't have the time to say bye to my friends.
 photo IMG_0400_zps0071e383.jpg
luggage :)
 photo IMG_0411_zpsaa2f68a7.jpg
super early flight
 photo IMG_0419_zps23016c87.jpg
with the granny


Anyway, I was satisfied with Delta. The ground crew and the cabin crew were very nice and efficient. Thanks to the pilot, we had a smooth flight (especially the landing and the take off). We travelled for 4 hours. However, there was a long queue at the immigration gates so it took us an hour before getting out of Narita Airport. My uncle came to get us. It's a 4 to 5-hr drive from Narita to Suwa, Nagano (my aunt's apartment) so we had lunch brunch first at the nearest service area. Since the weather's too cold (less than 10 degrees Celsius), I got a ramen.
 photo IMG_0433_zps8e7282f2.jpg
the view before landing at Narita
 photo IMG_0434_zps84128238.jpg
udon
 photo IMG_0435_zps987a0eab.jpg
spicy ramen

My grandmother only stayed 'til December 14. She usually travels with me to Japan and stays for 3 months but this time, she just stayed for 2 weeks since she preferred spending Christmas in the Philippines, plus she'll be coming back here with my cousin on March (spring) for 3 months again. But during the two weeks she's here, we've been going to different places, dining and shopping. We often go to onsen (hot spring) too to relax.
 photo IMG_0602_zps69d8b641.jpg
aunt's bedroom
 photo IMG_0606_zps4ec62019.jpg
cousin's bedroom
 photo IMG_0522_zps8d50a0a5.jpg
i love buying veggies for the healthy meals I make
 photo IMG_0577_zps0112e0b6.jpg
it's a dream come true! haha always wanted to try this :))

One place we're visiting often is Matsumoto City (Nagano). We love shopping at Don Quijote, a place with literally everything under the sun. It has lots of cute stuff too, plus some branded items such as bags and jewelries. Hard Off, a recycle shop there is a must visit too. Some of the second hand items there actually look new. And of course, we've visited a lot of Daiso (100 yen) shops too.
 photo IMG_0543_zpsb56ff953.jpg
 photo IMG_0563_zpsa770d58e.jpg
Edion Mall (electronics)

 photo IMG_0516_zpsf9f6b4f6.jpg
 photo IMG_0515_zpse10d40c9.jpg
kaiten sushi (conveyor belt sushi)


 photo IMG_0517_zps9c863902.jpg photo IMG_0567_zpsf85a6836.jpg
 photo IMG_0545_zps42ed3bec.jpg
Starbucks tumbler Nagano
 photo IMG_0534_zps06fff291.jpg
ear muffs :)
 photo IMG_0535_zps51d1dfbe.jpg
no Green tea flavor :(
 photo IMG_0614_zps4bd8a7f8.jpg
road trip :)
 photo IMG_0618_zpsfa828c9f.jpg
ramen and gyoza love
 photo IMG_0893_zpsd71e7de5.jpg
 photo IMG_0895_zps3802e6dc.jpg
shoe lockers at the resto
 photo IMG_0890_zpsbd69c3b0.jpg
Japanese food overload...and it didn't cost nor taste cheap.
 photo IMG_0897_zpsb26d92ef.jpg
vendo!
 photo IMG_1052_zps0ed4d50d.jpg
one of the best ramen places
 photo IMG_1049_zps81f801b3.jpg
 photo IMG_0630_zpsa740ecad.jpg
used stuffed toys that actually looked new
 photo IMG_0627_zpsced7ed19.jpg
lovin' these neon kitchenware from Daiso

So I spent Christmas with my aunt, uncle, cousin, and my aunt's bestfriend. (I call my aunt Tita Mama because she's like my second mom). Christmas is just like a usual day in Japan ('cause they're not Christians); however, they acknowledge the Christmas-New Year holidays  that's why they have Christmas-New Year Sale too. On Christmas Even, we exchanged gifts, had Noche Buena, and Skyped with our families in the Philippines. It wasn't a white Christmas because it didn't snow that night/day, but I'm glad to have experienced winter Christmas.
 photo IMG_0931_zps24d1bfba.jpg
the winter halo before Christmas

 photo IMG_1124_zps7e468f0a.jpg
our mini Christmas tree and Coach presents :)
 photo IMG_1130_zps88e34a3b.jpg
Christmas cake
 photo IMG_1182_zpsc42d5dc7.jpg
fruits
 photo IMG_1155_zps52582b14.jpg
Noche Buena plus Skype w/ the fam in the Phils
 photo IMG_1142_zpsef32053c.jpg
with my cousin in our Santa Claus costumes
 photo IMG_1140_zps838e384f.jpg
Christmas hoodie! haha




More of my Japan trip in my upcoming posts.

xoxo,

city girl :)