December 2013: A Weekend in Tokyo

Tokyo is probably my second favorite Asian city (next to Seoul). It's a place I'll keep coming back to because of my love for fashion and the city life. I've been to Tokyo for a couple of times in the past years with my family, but I haven't experienced it with a friend yet. So when I heard that my friend who's based in Singapore would be on a business trip in Tokyo, I felt the need to travel almost 3 hours by bus from Suwa to Tokyo just so I could spend time in the city with my friend.

At around 8am of December 8, I took the highway bus from Suwa City, Nagano to Shinjuku, Tokyo. From the bus station in Shinjuku, I took the train to Royal Park Hotel Shiodome Tower where my friend was staying. Good thing my cousin lent me beforehand her preloaded Passmo card (the subway card in Tokyo). Anyway, the hotel is pretty nice but quite pricey.

inside the bus

My friend, Pam and I started our Sunday with ramen for lunch. It's just a small ramen place at the subway connected to the hotel. We shared in one miso ramen and a plate of gyoza. I think our bill was around 1,500 yen.

lunch

Then we proceeded to the Tokyo Imperial Palace. Entrance was free but apparently, almost nothing's left in that area. When we went out of the gates and walked towards the nearest subway station, we got a view of the Edo Castle from afar.

garden at the Imperial Palace

autumn leaves

old Japanese house inside the Imperial Palace

Edo Castle

We headed to Asakusa where we had a view of Tokyo Sky Tree from afar. It's the tallest tower in the world. We followed some groups of tourists following a tour guide and it led us to the Senso-ji Temple. There were a lot of both tourists and locals there.

Asakusa (Tokyo Sky Tree right there!)

Senso-ji Temple

We're too tired so we headed back to the hotel to rest for a bit. At the subway, we found a kiosk of Almond Cafe and we bought and eclair and a croughnut. So far, those were the best I have tasted. We also got some hot chocolate and coffee from the nearby vendo, which were so perfect for the freezing weather.

Christmas illumination at Shiodome

super yummy!:)

Pam enjoying the bed

Sunset was kind of early, like around 4:30 to 5pm. When the sun set, we headed to Harajuku, supposedly to go shopping but when we got there, we're too budget conscious so we were only able to shop at Daiso. haha! From Harajuku, we walked towards Omotesando Hills where we found Heiroku, a "kaiten" (conveyor belt sushi) sushi place. We paid around 3,000 yen for dinner.

sushi dinner

We walked from Omotesando Hills to Shibuya crossing. That popular crossing is one of my favorite spots in Tokyo. I like seeing how organized it is for a bunch of people to cross the street. We went window shopping at Shibuya 109. It's the center of Japanese fashion. However, those local brands were kind of expensive.

Shibuya crossing

Day 1 OOTD without the coat

We're supposed to go out and have some drinks somewhere in Roponggi but we're too tired for it so we headed back to the hotel instead. It's so relaxing in our room at 37th floor, overlooking the city lights.

no filter!

That night I found out that another Singapore-based friend was in Tokyo as well. We got to communicate via Facebook and Viber and we agreed to spend the next day at Roponggi. The next day, I woke up early and met with my friend, Kidjie at the Roponggi Station. We went to the Suntory Museum of Art at Tokyo Midtown, which is connected to the station. We paid a discounted admission fee since we presented our student IDs. After a quick look at the museum, we walked towards Roponggi Hills. We reached Mori Tower but we didn't go up. From there, we got to see the Tokyo Tower, but I still prefer seeing it at night. We headed back to the station and passed by Almond Cafe so I bought eclairs and croughnuts again so I would have something to take home to Suwa.

Day 2 OOTD without the coat :)

not all stations here have gates like these

Tokyo Midtown

BMW i8!!!

Kidjie buying postcards at the museum

the view outside the museum

some random zen garden in Roponggi

From Roponggi Hills, we took a train to Harajuku where we had lunch at my favorite western  restaurant, Wolfgang Puck Express. We paid around 2,000 yen for our meals.

Then we headed to Meiji Shrine, which was just next to Harajuku Station. After a fun half day tour, we headed to the Shinjuku station where we parted ways. Kidjie went back to his hotel while I walked to the bus terminal where I took the highway bus back to Suwa.

entrance going to the Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine

drinking fountain

It's been a fun overnight trip. I got to explore Tokyo with my friends and it made me realize that Tokyo could be a fun city to live in. However, the lifestyle would really cost a lot. but who cares, I love Tokyo!:)



xoxo,

city girl

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.

the view from our balcony

the view from our apartment's lobby (2nd floor)

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. 

trees covered with snow

silent night

was wearing the wrong boots 'coz I didn't know it would snow

the street covered with snow

safe and sound :)

my cousin's Suzuki Swift covered with snow

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. 

like a Japanese school girl :))

ready with my pink thermal hoodie

it's so fun playing in the snow :))

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!:)

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. 

the neighborhood

the white mountains :)

the snow-capped Mt. Fuji (view from the highway)

xoxo,

city girl :)

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.

EYEBROW LINER:

Nature Republic

I used to have a Maybelline one but when I found this in Korea, I tried it and loved it.

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).

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.

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.

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

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