The last time I did eyelash extension was right before I gave birth to Sakura, and it was a bit like a motivation treat for myself for having to bring another human to this world lol.
So… it has been more than 1 year, that I had not been able to step away from her for even that 2 hours to make myself look pretty. I know that there are a lot of good eyelash salons in Singapore and I have been meaning to visit one… so one day I requested the danna to watch Sakura for a couple of hours so that I could get dolled up with some nice lashes.
And I went to Lucieo Tokyo!
The very first Lucieo was started in June 2011 by 2 bestfriends Keiko & Meiko in Omotesando, and it made its debut in Singapore, right in the very convenient and happening Robertson Walk.
I know… I know. In the end the danna had to go for a meeting so I had to take Sakura anyway T_T. I bring her to the salon when I get my hair done with no problem, but eyelash extension is indeed… a bit challenging…😅. I mean… I had to have my eyes closed the entire time!!! So basically when it comes to taking care of a baby, I was as good as a fainted vampire.
But thanks to Leona (in white), my eyelist and her friend Steph, Sakura was very well taken care of until my session was over.
Anyway, this is Lucieo! You can trust the Japanese technique when it comes to beauty. The main difference of their technique is the care and art.
Care and Art
One of the reasons that I was hesitant to go for lash extensions is that I feel that they tend to cause damages to my real lashes. I tried it once many years ago in KL and I ended up having my real lashes all fallen off.😭
The clients’ eyelash health and eye comfort as Lucieo Tokyo’s utmost priority, and they apply the eyelash, with a 1-2mm distance away from the skin, to ensure that the extension and glue do not touch the skin at all to prevent complication like infection and ingrown eyelash problems.
UPwardlash Skill
Lucieo Tokyo has launched this new technique in March 2017, dedicated for client’s with droopy lashes ( like me!!) Right now in Singapore, they are one of the two salons that are certified with this technique.
There are no chemicals or perming involved, and a plus point in this technique is that, it stays neat longer and the extensions lasts longer!
Here’s my experience:
Can see the difference???
Ok this before and after picture is damn drastic haha. How can I live without lash extension now..😭
And yes, they can provide extensions for lower lashes too, which I did!
Look at how curled up it is!!
The entire experience was also pleasant without any discomfort. You can even opt for an under eye pad mask (at additional $10) during the service so you can have some pampering for your eyes at the same time! And then when it’s finally done, you wake up to bigger, brighter and more beautiful eyes! Awesome.
Love it soooo much!
If you are wondering how different it looks with different amount of lashes, here’s a comparison photo for your reference:
And if you are wondering how the UPward skill looks compared to normal skill, here’s a comparison picture:
Quite a big difference!
The prices start from $130 but they are having a first timer promotion for 130 lashes using the standard skill at only $100!!
Single lash packages:
2 sessions of $190
5 sessions for $450
As for upwardlash skill, the usual price is $160 and first timer can enjoy it at $130 for 130 lashes.
Also also, you may request for manager eyelist for Leona at extra $20 on first visit, $10 subsequently per visit.
Collagen Red Light Therapy
Another service that Lucieo Tokyo offers is the currently very popular collagen red light therapy in Japan for ladies who want to look younger and have better skin.
Red Light Therapy is extremely safe, all-natural and UV FREE process that encourages your body to naturally produce enzymes, elastin fibers, and collagen that support the skin’s structure, thus producing a younger, smoother, firmer looking skin.
This is how the machine looks.
Yes, it’s like a capsule where you lie down inside with all your clothes off, which means… it’s a treatment for your whole body!
I know there are lots of treatment for different part of your body, for example facial treatments, lasers and body scrub that specifically targets problematic areas, but this is the first time I’m trying an external treatment that targets to improve the wellbeing of your entire body.
This Red Light Therapy was actually originally developed by NASA to help heal tired, fatigued astronauts on their return to earth, as well as improve wound healing and tissue growth in space. Sounds like rocket science, right? (ha.ha.) Now they found it beneficial for every regular beauty-loving people like us!
The Red light is able to easily penetrate the skin to a depth of 8- 10mm, encouraging the cells to naturally stimulate the production of Collagen and Elastin.
For those who has done lasers and other light therapies like IPL, rest assured that for Red Light, there’s absolutely no pain or discomfort during treatment, it is UV FREE, no medical risk, and no recovery time. It’s one of the latest and most advanced anti-aging treatments to look younger and healthier without the need of surgery.
What you do is that you remove your clothes, cover your eyes with a pair of goggles, lie down in the machine and press start. The treatment will take 20 or 30 minutes, and you just relax inside the capsule. It feels warm and by the end of the session I sweated quite a bit. Basically it’s like a mini sauna but a lot more gentle.
This is taken directly after the therapy, no make up, and I get this natural blush that looks like I’ve had my cheeks tinted!
By the way, best to come with freshly showered skin without any make up or sunblock. Lucieo provides make up removers just in case you come with make up on. There are also facial toner, moisturizer, sun block and bb cream after you finish your collagen therapy, how thoughtful!
With regular sessions, you can expect firmer and younger skin, it also helps heal damaged skin. And other than external improvement, the therapy also works on improving your body’s immunity and blood circulation (hence the flush!) and even to relieve joint and muscle pain.
Recommended frequency to come is 2 times per week, and to see results, you will need to go for at least 10 sessions.
These Promotions exclusive to Cheeserland’s readers, Lucieo’s Instagram (@lucieotokyo) and Lucieo’s Facebook (Lucieo Tokyo) followers only. Visit lucieotokyo for the latest eyelash designs!
I drafted this post since 2 weeks ago, and I can’t believe I only had time to type one line… T_T. Every night after the kids go to sleep, my brain tells me that how nice if I could do the same… so I respected my brain lolol. And in the afternoon, somehow there was ZERO time to even flip open my laptop. IKR??? Even when Junya is in school and Sakura is napping, I can’t fully relax knowing that I will be disrupted anytime. Plus there’s so much distraction… hair on the floor, toys here and there… laundry to be put away… SCARILY ADDICTIVE JAPANESE TV SHOWS….. Blogging is sort of a very holy ritual that requires lots of focus and peace haha. It’s not something you can do while entertaining a grumpy toddler who is pulling your shirt.
I see that many mommies blogger have slowed down blogging or stopped altogether. WELL NOT ME!!!!😤 So yea today I made myself promise to myself that I’ll complete this blog post!!
Ok, food now.
Abe Sushi, Roppongi
The usual! We had this as our first meal for lunch.
Junya was having a bowl of Oyako Don. I mean Ball Ball Don.
Ichiran
Tokyoites don’t even bother with Ichiran because it’s now like a tourist attraction. Wanna find Chinese, Malaysians and Singaporeans? Go Ichiran. Lol. I mean, there are 89782346284 other equally delicious (if not better) ramen hangouts in Tokyo, why bother with the long queue right?
Most Japanese won’t even rate Ichiran in their Top 10. But somehow it has become a comfort food for me. It’s just so… comforting haha. Especially on the first night. Plus there are sooooo many branches everywhere. And the one in Roppongi has literally no queue. Not only no queue but empty inside.
After the kids slept, I went out for my first night supper ritual as usual. Alone. That’s probably why I can never live without Ichiran in Tokyo.
Dominique Ansel Tokyo
So happened Pxdkitty Rachell was in Tokyo at the same time, so on the second day we had a gourmet date in Omotesando! Her Tokyo mission was… can you believe it? An angmoh bakery lol. But give her fiery passion in baking, I can understand why.
My New York mission might as well also be finding American Gotochi Kitty version lolol.
So yea this was our first stop!
The apparently world-popular grilled marshmallow on a twig?! And some milk in cookie cone thingie. And juice.
Junya insisted having a green macaron. His favorite color now is green.
This Rachell was smiling like she has just discovered a gold mine.
I think the pastries are nice, but I’m really not a sweet person (taste wise, not personality ok), so I’m not the best judge. Everything was too sweet for me😂.
Happy Pancake
After all the appetizers (lol) we were going for dessert at Happy Pancakes, which was just a block away from 76CAFE.
Wa I’ve never tasted pancakes soooooo fluffy before!!! I actually won’t even call it pancake, it’s literally just naked souffle.
After appetizer and dessert, of course we walked over to 76CAFE for real food omg. I’ve had like a week’s worth of sweet stuff lol. I NEED SAVORY!!!
First I also need to bury my lips into some bouncy cheeks.
76CAFE now has ramen!!!
And is also now fully non-smoking. Welcome, all the family with kids!!!
I love the basement because it’s always very quiet <3
First time having Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen in 76CAFE! Super rich and flavorful!
Maze Soba (soupless noodles). So special with a mix of different flavors, a tad of spicy, a hint of tanginess… Love this!!
^^
This Rachell super spoils Junya by spending $50 on a UFO catcher to get a Charmander for him, and then letting him play with all her things including cameras!!
You see you see. Now he thinks he is full time photographer.
You see you see you see.
And Sakura was waiting to eat.
Still playing.
OMG he thought he was photographer then the next day he quit cuz he thought he is now a super model lolol. He was choosing the backdrops and posing and conducting the whole photoshoot… 😂
AND ANYHOW SAT ON THE FLOOR AND JUST WAITED FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHER TO SHOOT HAHAHA.
You think street magazine isit.
Even this background was chosen by him lol.
Sakura was like… yeap, got better things to do!
Nishimura Fruit Parlor
This atas fruit shop in Shibuya has a sweets cafe upstairs, and I did this just for Rachell haha.
I ordered a seasonal parfait which was the most expensive thing in the menu. My plate was special ok. It’s gold and even the fork is gold.
The danna had crepe.
This peach cost like 2000 yen. It’s sweet and soft until…
This is peach shaved ice, where a less expensive peach is used. This one is slightly sour and I actually loved this peach more!!
Singapore Bak Kut Teh
I blogged about this before but you probably think srsly, go to Tokyo eat BKT?
But actually there were a few readers who went after seeing my post and they told me they liked it!!
And you know what’s funny? I had craving for Singapore Bak Kut Teh. Not the one in SG but this one. That’s why I came back here again haha. It was opened by a Japanese friend who stayed in SG many years before.
Ok you probably won’t waste time eating something that comes from your hometown in Tokyo, but let’s put it this way: don’t think of it as BKT. Change your mindset a bit, and think of it as, hmmm, as Tonkotsu based wantan mee with… pai kut and you tiao. lolol.
This is their “mee suah”. But the texture is much more similar to that of Hong Kong wantan mee.
This is the BKT soup!! It’s neither peppery and light like the SG version nor heavily herbal like the Klang version. It is… Tokyo version. That’s why I can’t even compare. It’s a different kind of food and I loved it.
Actually I hope they make a U turn and open in SG as “Tokyo Bak Kut Teh” instead lol. I think it will be a hit. 😀
Junya likes the noodles.
Congrats Chisato. Apparently it got really famous after some Japanese celebrity went for gourmet TV filming there.
Went for a walk with cheesiepetit.
Now that Sakura can walk, this is how my life is. My arms being tugged and pulled at different directions, allll the time.
Cozy Corner
After BKT, we went to a Cozy Corner (name of shop. Yes.) for tea.
Peach again!!! This seasonal thing is getting a bit too in-your-face lol.
Peach tart. Haha.
Ore No French/Italian, Aoyama
I have reviewed this before on Instagram during our trip to Osaka. So this “Ore No” chain restaurant, is a casual French/Italian dining (and they have many more genre too such as yakitori and steak). The concept is to provide really damn affordable “atas food” that’s just as delicious as those you have to book many months in advance for, but in a super casual bar-style dining atmosphere.
Come to think of it, I mean, unless you want to propose to your girl friend, this concept is perfect. We get to eat atas food, yet get to bring our hyperactive young kids along as the setting is quite relaxed. Oh, and YET don’t need to break our bank.
I’m so thankful.
Papa feeding Junya Ajillo.
A while ago I mentioned on my Instagram that some restaurants in Japan turn kids away because they were causing trouble/damage to the shop and other customers.
Well I’m really just so thankful that there are endless of choices in Tokyo!!
Everybody happy!!!!
Anyway back to the food.
Just to show you how crazy affordable the food is.
Appetizer starts from 380 ($5), including foie gras white mousse.
Pizza starting from 580 yen ($7).
Pasta starting from 780 yen ($9). And it’s not even some lame pasta, the 780 one is Crab Pasta in Cream Tomato Sauce and the 980 yen one was Truffle Risotto…?!?!!?
CRAZY OR NOT????
I really really really don’t get it when people say Tokyo food is expensive! Omg where have they been????
Sea Urchin Cream pasta. Ahhhhh.
This entire trip I’ve been overdosing on sea urchin because it’s in season now, and so, so fresh omg.
This dish is 1180 yen ($15). I think you go to Japanese restaurant in SG order one piece of uni sushi already $15 lol.
The danna’s red wine roast beef, 1680 yen ($21).
This. Is the restaurant’s signature dish = super tender steak with a huge chunk of foie gras. Guess how much??
1980 yen. $24.
#ilovetokyo.
Kakura Curry Shop
Miyabi brought me to her favorite herbal curry shop, which is now really popular as it has been featured on TV and visited by celebrities etc. I also want to have this celebrity power lol.
The pricing is a little high for a curry place but considering that each dishes is specially created by a careful blend of herbs and spices, it is said to have lots of health benefits and healing effects for the body!
Omg this salad was just SO GOOD. I don’t know what secret ingredient they used in the dressing, but the garlic fragrance itself won me over. I LOVE garlic.
This is the trio-curry. I was so greedy so I added everything – assorted fried vegetables and chicken!
This broccoli tempura was so good T_T. I think anyone in this world who hates broccoli have no problem eating this.
Date with RinRin at Roppongi Hills
I can’t even remember the restaurant name. Food was mediocre at Roppongi price. We went there only because the restaurant is child-friendly.
But it was RinRin’s birthday and my last few days in Tokyo so I just had to see her!
Non-naked souffle hahaha.
Basil Omelete?
Manten Horumonyaki
I blogged about Manten once, and actually I was very hesitant because it is already quite hard to book that place, and if it gets any more famous then we would be soooooo disaapointed to not be able to eat there.
But then I was laughing at myself – who did I think I was??? God?? Celeb??? Nope 😂. I no have such power so it’s ok! PLUS, no many people I know has eaten cow insides before or even consider eating… So I don’t think anyone will rush to this restaurant after seeing this post 😂.
So here’s the danna’s mostest favorite restaurant in Tokyo, so much that every single NALU dinner was held here, it’s almost like our secret cult club hangout.
Ah not this one. Next one.
This is cow tribes ? I think? It is the most. freaking. delicious. Senmai. I’ve eaten omg.
Anchovy onigiri. The only thing that the kids can eat haha.
Sunada san’s daughter was the special guest that day! The last time I saw her, she was Sakura’s age T___T. And Junya was still inside my tummy T___T.
Dinner was always late cuz we had to wait for all hardworking NALU staff to finish their work. Both cheesiepetits start to get sleepy half way through dinner.
Motsu ni. Very good.
Iijima san is the main person-in-charge of the BBQ lol. He does a perfect job grilling those cow morsels into divine happiness for the tastebuds.
Btw, in case you are curious, here’s a picture of the food before they get on the grill, just to put you off:
Yeap they all come from inside a cow. Some are the digestive parts, some from the womb, etc, I don’t even know/care. Now you don’t even wanna read anymore. Awesome. ^^
Lastly we always end the meal with cold somen. It’s the perfect refreshing end to the meal. No matter how full I get I had to order this.
And then celebrate papa’s belated birthday. Of course it was also Junya’s birthday, as always. Haha.
FOOD DELIVERY
You know? I am starting to feel like I am outdoing myself to live the perfect life in Tokyo. Each time I thought it could never get more perfect than this THEN IT DOES. This is so scary.
So, one of my #Tokyolife woes is that it’s hard to dine out lugging two cheesiepetits along, when I am all alone (while the danna works). Usually I’ll resort to combini or just put together some really crap (by crap I mean relatively crappier, but still good HAHAH) food over the mini stove and call it a day.
But recently I have discovered that I could… order food delivery. (I mean you always could do that since years ago but usually over the phone or internet, you so need to speak Japanese or read. But now there are so many food delivery service apps!!!)
And it was like I just opened a door to a whole new world Japan (Japan is better than world) omg.
IMAGINE THAT!!! YOU CAN NOW EAT ANYTHING YOU LIKE IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN APARTMENT WITHOUT FEELING SHIT THAT YOUR KIDS ARE TURNING YOU INTO AN EMBARRASSING, PATHETIC MESS IN PUBLIC.
Omg it was a solution from heaven/Japan. (Japan equals heaven).
I mean, ok let’s just stretch your imagination. What’s the most lavish meal to have? Let’s say truffles and foie gras, ok, two of world’s most luxurious food. Can you eat it without stepping outside your house, preferably in your milk-stained pajamas?
THE ANSWER IS YES???
This is insane.
Truffle TKG. Mine.
Foie Gras rice bowl. Mine.
Sigh Japan, please don’t be more perfect. I cannot take it.
But actually it wasn’t that perfect la cuz after eating those it only made me hungrier lol.
So I ordered Taiwanese right after. Usually truffle and foie gras are appetizer ma.
Fried chicken, smelly tofu, vinegar black fungus, Lu Rou Fan, oyster mee suah… this time more 平民 a bit ok hahaha.
The next day I was back to going all out. I mean, since I’m in Japan, may as well spend all my money here!!!!
SEA URCHIN PORRIDGE.
Haha that was really what I thought ok.
Then another day I ordered Lobster Roll. Don’t even need to queue.
This was I think 1400++ yen? I feel that it’s super cheap since there’s probably like a WHOLE lobster in it!!! Minus all the mafan de-shelling!!!
Cheat One™ Cooking
If I continue to stay in Tokyo I’m gonna turn into a lazy pool of goo. Life is too convenient.
As I was obsessed with uni, I bought this frozen Uni Rice from Tohoku before returning to Tokyo.
Looks like this when frozen.
So I created my own recipe by mixing this pack of Scallop Ochazuke with the rice. Double the luxury.
Defrost using microwave, pour Ochazuke dashi over.
Pour hot water.
Done. Am I genius. Hahhahaha.
Pokewife
I don’t even want to try to be a Japanese wife anymore. If my #pokewife level is 28, their level is 28².
So I was watching tv one day and one program was showing the life of wives of pro Japanese baseball players, of how they have supported their husbands throughout their successful career.
So this wife in Tokyo, who is 10 years older than her husband, is taking care of her son and her husband who is living separately in Sendai.
Her day starts 4:30AM.
Guess what she did?
After preparing breakfast and sending her kid to school, she goes back, cook again and…
travel from Tokyo to Sendai to cook for her husband…
while her husband is away from work.
Do you know how far Sendai is from Tokyo? Over 360KM. That’s further than from KL to SG. (although by Shinkansen it’s just an hour and a half).
Here’s her daily schedule:
4:30 Wake up
5:00 Prepare breakfast
8:00 Cook bento for husband
12:00 Leave house for Tokyo station
12:30 Travel to Sendai by Shinkansen
14:00 Reach Sendai station
15:00 Prepare dinner for husband
16:30 Finish cooking
17:00 Return to Tokyo by shinkansen
19:10 Reach home
19:30 Prepare dinner for son
20:30 Text her husband about his dinner menu.
And she did all these… without even getting a chance to meet her husband at all (he was at training). If I were to do all these I at least expect to get a cuddle T_T. IS SHE A SAINT????
She places all the pre-cook dinner in his fridge…
Clean his room…
Husband comes back from training and eat her dinner, made with true love.
（You may watch the whole episode here:)
I was just… speechless.
If I am her husband I will really love and be thankful for life. T___T.
One of the reasons why I love Singapore is that there’s an amazing selection of Japanese food and restaurants here, sometimes I feel it’s almost like I’m living in Japan!!
When itadakimasu by PARCO first opened, I was so excited because it has some of my favorite restaurants from Japan made their debut!!! 😀
itadakimasu by PARCO is a Japanese Food Town located at 100 AM Level 3 Shopping Mall offering authentic Japanese food specially curated from Japan, at affordable prices!
These are the 7 restaurants, some which you may be already familiar with, and some are the first outlets in Singapore!
1. Gyu Jin 2. Yakiniku Heijoen 3. YAYOI 4. Saboten 5. Nadai Fujisoba NI-HACHI 6. Ramen Keisuke Tori King 7. Numazu Uogashi Zushi
I was so happy to know that Uogashi Zushiis finally here in SG!! If you remember my old blog posts you will know how much I love it haha. There’s one in Gotemba which I will visit every time without fail!
So today I will be reviewing two restaurants from itadakimasu by PARCO.
Gyu Jin
Most Singaporeans and Malaysians love our steamboat, but Japanese have their equivalent hotpot – Shabu Shabu and Sukiyaki. And my favorite Shabu Shabu and Sukiyaki restaurant in Singapore is Gyu Jin!
Before this review, I have actually been to this restaurant once already with family, and I was so so happy with the meal haha. I knew I would be back again!!
All-You-Can-Eat
During dinner time, Gyu Jin only serves free-flow style, so you choose a course you prefer, and get unlimited amount of food!!
There’s the American Beef course at $31.90++, Australian Wagyu at $40.90++ and Japanese First Class Wagyu at $72.90++ each pax. Even if you don’t eat beef, there’s still a selection of pork and chicken!
The first time we came we ordered Australian Wagyu, it was really good. And this time, we decided to go all out and get…
Japanese First Class Wagyu!!!
Honestly if you ask for my opinion about all the 3 choices, I’d say… just go all out for the best. Yes it is double the price of ordinary beef but trust me, you’ll never go back again!
After choosing the type of beef, it’s time to choose your soup base.
They have 5 varieties: Hidaka Kelp Dashi, Suki Dashi, Savory and Spicy Dashi, Yuzu Salt Dashi and Creamy Salted Rice Malt Dashi.
I love it that they allow you to choose two types of soup!!
Today we have picked Suki Dashi and Creamy Salted Rice Malt Dashi. Suki Dashi is slightly sweet so it would be a hit with the kids, while the creamy soup is a chicken based soup with a hint of ginger that’s super rich and flavorful that would be perfect for any meat!
Itadakimasu! (Sakura is already eating haha)
Here’s our glorious, perfectly marbled Japanese Wagyu that’s so so so soft with the right amount of fat that just almost melts in your mouth!
We also ordered the Kurobuta, a premium Japanese black pork that is so tender without a single hint of off-flavors that most pork carry.
I’d recommend getting the Suki Dashi together with an egg, so you can savor the delicious Japanese wagyu in the true Sukiyaki-style!
Crack an egg in the bowl and dip your beef (be careful not to overcook it!) in the bowl and enjoy the burst of umami flavors of the wagyu within the smooth texture of the egg mixture. So yummy T__T.
That’s also a vegetable bar with a wide selection of high quality greens such as spinach, pea sprouts, xiao bai cai, hakusai, negi (my favorite haha), as well as other protein and carbs such as crab sticks, tofu, fish cake , udon, etc.
I usually don’t really like veggies at buffet table because most of the time they look sort of half-withered and not very appetizing at all, but this one at Gyu Jin is kept at its freshest with the ice mist so we kept going back for more servings!!
This is Junya’s favorite section – mushrooms!! Shiitake, enoki, shimeji…
He had I think 3 bowls of just mushrooms alone hahaha.
This is rarely seen in Japan as Japanese usually don’t eat shabu shabu with many dippings, but we are in Singapore!! So it’s really nice that they provide a good mix of condiments, such as garlic paste, chili, coriander (no coriander for me though haha)…
And also sauces like sweet chili, sesame oil, etc!!
Here’s Cheesie’s Signature Sauce, if you are keen to try out haha:
Just mix garlic oil, La Yu (chili oil), vinegar, sesame seeds and spring onion. It goes really well with Shabu pork in clear soup base!! 😀
Did you know that other than all those, they even serve rice and curry??
Pearly white Japanese rice!! They are really not compromising on quality at all T_T.
You may eat it together with your shabu shabu/sukiyaki or pour curry over it as a separate dish! It’s not spicy so it’s child-friendly! Even Sakura had some of this haha.
I really think that Gyu Jin is a super family-friendly place to dine in with kids because of the healthy, balanced selection of food, and of course the comfy, spacious dining environment makes it a relaxing experience.
The adults can enjoy alllllll the meat your stomach will allow, where the kids get to load up on tons of vegetables. The flavorful soups also make veggies extra yummy for them!
After being a good boy finishing 3 bowls of mushrooms, vegetables, meat and soup, of course it’s his sweet treat time. Haha. You may go for your free-flow ice cream now. It’s included in the course!!
So we had a super satisfying dinner!!
The first time I was there I actually thought, wow, how do they even make money from this??? I remember seeing Wagyu selling in Singapore supermarkets for like over $80 for a mere 200gm. So let’s see! We have ordered at least 4 trays of beef and 2 trays of pork. That alone is already waaaaaaaay worth the course value??? I think we ate maybe an amount worth $300-$400 in the whole dinner if we were to order it ala carte somewhere else!! I used to think that Japanese dining in Singapore is insanely priced but this I feel is totally reasonable!!!
Why is Gyu Jin so affordable? Its operating company, Heijouen has a long track record of procuring quality meat in Japan, which is why Gyu Jin is able to serve the same quality of meat in Singapore at reasonable price.
SUPER VALUE OK!!! Meat lovers, this is your chance.
Oh oh oh. Also??
Kids under 3 EAT FOR FREE. FREE LEH!! Sakura was basically chowing down as much wagyu as she wants at $0 lolol. Too bad Junya has turned 3 now so we have to pay $6.25++ for him. (The first time we went he also ate for free because he was 2 years and 11 months and 3 weeks old hahah. It was a week before his 3rd birthday!!) But still!!! $6.25++ is like… nothing! You probably get like a bowl of kids-size udon if you dine somewhere else. WITHOUT WAGYU. Hahahha. Omg I love Gyu Jin T____T.
Please go and try!! I’m sure you will enjoy it as much as I do!!
To make reservation, call: 6538-1820
Please go and try!! I’m sure you will enjoy it as much as I do!! 😀
Nadai Fujisoba Ni-Hachi
The second restaurant I’d like to recommend is Nadai Fujisoba NI-HACHI, Japan’s best soba restaurant which has just made their debut in Singapore!!
We know Soba means buckwheat, but do you know how it is made?
There are places that make these nutritional noodles with the ratio of wheat flour to buckwheat flour is 1 to 10. However, the golden flour ratio is 2:8 (20% wheat flour, 80% buckwheat flour), which is known as “nihachi soba” in Japanese. Yes that’s the meaning of the name!!
Fujisoba uses high quality soba and dry bonito imported from Japan, with careful management of temperature and humidity to keep in the freshness!
I went for a Joshikai (女子会) with my girlfriends at Fujisoba because we love the yummy and healthy food here! It was also Sakura’s first Joshikai hahaha. 3 fake Japanese and 1 half Japanese here HAHA.
I’m sure you have heard of the health benefits of soba, with it being low in calories with the added bonus of lowering blood pressure and aiding digestion.
Our lunch spread! 😀
Other than soba they also have a variety of delicious ala carte, and my absolute favorite is this Special Truffles Dashi Maki Tamago with Crab Japanese Sauce ($15++). You know how when they say truffle, usually it means truffle-scented oil (example truffle fries!). But this one you can see the real truffle bits in it!!! @.@ Sooo yummy, very worth it!
This is Agedashi Tofu with fried eggplant and my fav shishitou! ($8++)
Here comes the main!
This is Hot Sukiyaki Soba ($18++), if you love meat and onsen tamago!
Cold NI-HACHI Tempura Soba is a classic favorite ($20++), a very good size for a huge appetite!
Ahhhhh all the mentaiko lovers, here’s your Hot Mentai Cream Soba! ($17++). This unusual combination is actually a good match, with the al dente texture of the noodle paired with rich, creamy soup!
A great Joshikai we had. Looking forward to having Sakura join our secret girl talks. ^^
itadakimasu By PARCO Location: Level 3, 100 AM Shopping Mall
100 Tras Street, Singapore 079027
(5-min walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT Station)
I have been a mother now for more than 3 years, which also means that I have changed thousands (yes, thousands!!) of diapers to date, for my two babies.
And trust me (and all the mothers who has handled diapers before), your selection of the right or wrong diaper, could affect your overall sanity. When Junya was still a newborn and I was a cluless, nervous new mom, I spent days and days getting crazy and all stressed out changing leaked diapers, washing poop-filled cot sheets, soiled baby clothes over and over again.
Now that I know better, it never ever happens again – simply by investing in good diapers.
Happy baby, happy mommy.
My criteria in selecting diapers:
1. Only Made In Japan
Maybe I am biased, but this is the number one criteria. Diapers made in Japan is like made in heaven. Is it their superb material? Or brilliant technology?? It makes a world of difference!! If you have used Japanese lotion tissue before, you will know what I mean. If they can produce silk-like tissue papers for your delicate face, I have no doubt that their diapers feel like fluffy clouds on my baby’s precious buttocks.
2. It must fit like a glove with no gap for zero leakage, yet must be soft, gentle and stretchable.
Sounds like a tall order. They say you can’t have it all. But honestly, does anyone want to risk dealing with poop-exploded diapers?
3. Must be breathable!
Sakura has very sensitive skin and she can breakout in rashes in just a second with hot and humid weather, so this is also non-negotiable.
So, here’s the winning contender: Mamypoko Air Fit.
To be honest I have only started using Mamypoko Air Fit very recently and am immediately convinced to continue using it, but actually I have known and used it since a long time ago. Wait… it’s a little confusing.
So actually, MamyPoko Air Fit is sold as “Moony Air Fit” in Japan. And it was one of my favorites to use whenever I could find it in supermarkets. The brand and packaging is different, but the product is actually exactly the same! Just to prove how popular it is in Japan, Moony Air Fit” won 3 consecutive years of “Mother’s Selection Award”.
In Singapore and Malaysia, the same product is branded as Mamypoko Air Fit. And it fits all 3 of my must-have criteria, and even more!
First of all, of course, Mamypoko Air Fit is made in Japan and is N0.1 Mom’s Choice in Japan for 3 years. It is also the premium range from Mamypoko.
Secondly, Mamypoko Air Fit has not given me a single leakage problem. It closes the gaps in legs and tummies gently, the waistband is also very stretchable and I can see that Sakura feels very comfortable in it.
She has started moving a lot (walking, climbing, rolling around on bed…), but I feel secure knowing that I won’t have to deal with soiled bed sheets anymore!!
Next, Mamypoko Air Fit has a superior breathable design in the waist area where the babies most frequently sweat. It hasdeveloped an all round air flow function which releases humid air out from the diaper from all angles.
I also like how stretchable the waistband is compared to a few previous brands I have used, this makes pulling up the pants a breeze especially when baby is just fresh out of shower. No more struggling to wiggle the pants up the waist of an escaping baby!
We all know how humid and hot the weather is like in Malaysia and Singapore, so it is super important for the diaper to have great ventilation to have less worries about nappy rash.
We are out in the sun, went to the beach, and Sakura stays fresh all the time!
Other bonus points include super soft and stretchy material for utmost comfort for long hours, and also excellent absorbency up to 12 hours so we mommies stay worry-free for night sleeps.
It is also a savior for families who are always traveling like us. During our recent trip to Japan, we were out almost the whole day all the time, and it is not always easy to find nursery rooms for diaper change.
Believe it or not, sometimes we could be out for one whole day, like the summer festivals and fireworks shows where toilets are inaccessible, and I only changed Sakura when we got back home at night. (Although the diaper ended up being very bloated and heavy haha. But still, zero leakage!!!)
And if you think about it this way, even if you are paying a premium price for the product, it is actually more worth it than other cheaper brands because you end up using less!!!
So yes! Mamypoko Air Fit would be the no.1 choice for Sakura now, as it works perfectly for us and is of better value compared to other Japan-made brands. If you are thinking of trying out, they have a Japan Fiesta Summer contest running right now, where you stand a chance to win a family trip to Japan worth RM15,000 each with purchase of MamyPoko!!
Yes!! Japan!! That’s my kind of prize hehe.
You only need to buy certain Mamypoko Packs and apply from WeChat. More info is on their Facebook Page here.
So today I want to talk about my new camera that I have been using for the past couple of months – Fujifilm XT20.
To be very honest, I am not so much a photography enthusiast. I owned many many different cameras before, most of them were compact cameras or selfie cameras. And actually, 90% of the the photos I took were with my iPhone or my selfie camera (which everything turns out overly-smooth and pale. Fair-skinned burgers, anyone?). Photo quality was not really a big deal to me because I thought my iPhone was doing a great job. And, honestly, as long as *I* look good (after many filter apps), who cares? Shocking, coming from a (sort of) full-time blogger/social media person!
This was what I thought, until my Casio TR selfie pro died on me. It has been dropped countless times before and this time it was broken for real, after Junya accidentally flung it on the floor.
And then I thought, it’s time for a real camera. Like a real one.
I don’t know. Maybe I started taking less and less selfies and more of everything else. Maybe I wanted to look more professional especially when it comes to work. Maybe I just needed an upgrade. Or maybe, I just wanted a new challenge. Selfie cameras and iPhones are too easy, shamefully so. Am I going to not put in more effort to create better content for my followers?
So I decided that the game changer this time, is Fujifilm XT20. Our first encounter was in Setouchi where Chanwon brought hers on the trip and I played with it a little. I was instantly smitten. What have I been missing out???? I was in shock.
So yes, instead of a very techy reviews over all the specs, this review comes from me, a social media person who is too busy to sit down with a tripod for that one magical picture, a complete noob who is still trying to figure out why the number of focus points matter, and who prefers the electronic shutter because she always take sneaky pictures and don’t want to alert anyone lol.
Sorry for the long intro. So here are some of the photos I have taken with Fujifilm over the past few weeks.
I’d say that I can never look back again. Given that I shot most things on auto or semi-auto, I am beyond impressed.
Stylish outlook
First of all, the Fujifilm XT20 is a very compact camera, given all the amazing stunts it could do. And more importantly, it looks extremely stylish for a blogger like me. I really love the retro look of it and it feels good to be holding it and have it featured in a mirror shot too.
Excellent quality
To illustrate how it would be very difficult to go back to using phone cameras again, here’s a comparison of the same scene taken with my iPhone7 and Fujifilm XT20 without any editing:
Night time, at our ryokan in Nagasaki. Taken with my iPhone7. I am actually quite surprised with how bright it turns out because the lights are off in the room!!
Same photo taken with Fujifilm XT20. It could be better if I used a tripod and play with more settings (but honestly who has time to fiddle with settings when all they need is a quick, instant shot of a very precious moment?)
Selfies
I was actually mentally prepared to ditch selfies (or wefies) forever the moment I decided to get this camera. There are more important things to capture in this world than just my own face. (Although with my face in it it will still be better lolol).
But I was surprised to find out that, with an app and a stool (or tripod, better still), I could still get that classic self portrait every social media lady is ever so pro with.
Combined with a couple of filters, you are your own professional photographer in a studio.
The app is called Fujifilm Cam Remote, you can download it on your smartphone can just remote control the camera. It’s sooooo awesome! Don’t even need to press timer then rush back to pose within 10 seconds lolol.
This photo is me showing Junya how I took this photo with a button on my phone.
First wefie I took with the camera haha. With the kit lens, it is actually possible to snap a wefie of two person, although I’d suggest a wider angle lens.
Other functions
There are some other features I have yet to mastered like multiple exposure, where you take a photo that combines two exposures from two different shots:
My favorite views – sleeping baby and Tokyo tower in one shot, a scene that’s not usually possible with phone cameras, which would turn out like this:
Night shots:
Fireworks:
Telling A Story
The best thing I love about it is, how it is able to tell a story with every shot.
In all its vividness.
Capturing a precious moment.
The details of every pixel is just remarkable. I feel like life is a movie… with this camera. Hahahha.
Finally, I’d like to summarize my love for Japan with this camera in this video, shot with Fujifilm XT20 on 4K recording.
I’m using a combination of the kit lens and also a Fujinon XF35mm F1.4 that I have been drooling over for a long time.
So for those who are looking to get a stylish, high quality camera that won’t break your bank, I hope this blog post can help you make a decision! ^^
It was a month of adventure for Junya. Lots of luggage-pushing, lots of different keys for different hotel doors, lots of train rides and flights, and lots of new faces to meet.
I have noticed that especially now that he goes to school, he is speaking more and more English and less and less Japanese/Mandarin. He does understand both, but he just won’t speak them, perhaps he is shy to make mistake, or simply just got too used to speaking English. The only Japanese he speaks is when he mimics Shimajiro, his favorite tiger on TV. I tried to train him up again by chatting up to him in Japanese sometimes, but most of the time he replies my Japanese questions with English answers lol.
Our conversation goes like this:
“Junya, onaka suita?”
“Yes.”
“Nani tabetai?”
“I want yakisoba.”
“Kyo wa gohan to gyoza dakedo ii?”
“No I want to eat yakisoba.”
Only yakisoba is Japanese lolol.
So then I thought this trip will be slightly awkward because everyone will be talking in Japanese but he’ll be like all Singlish..😯 but boy I was so wrong.
If this trip has taught me anything, it is young kids’ astonishing ability to pick up a language at a foreign land, and that traveling is the most enriching lesson a child can ever get.
By the second day, Junya was speaking ALL Japanese, including phrases that I have never spoken to him before, and also keigo (honorifics). He would be like “hai dozo, kochira de gozaimasu” while signalling me to my seat, and be like “hai omatechimachita (omatase shimashita)” and gave me a piece of imaginary cake… LOLOL it’s just very funny if you understand the language.
And then I realized that he has picked up all these phrases from restaurant waitstaff, taxi drivers, customer service… etc. It’s amazing.
Self-Entertainment 2
His amusing self-entertainment continues from last month.
Working on a science project.
Being a mermaid…
Terrible Three?
How long does Terrible Two last??? According to some of my senpai mama, it never ends😶
Junya is 3 now, but he still has his fair share of tantrums and wilfulness. My patience is running short and sometimes, I’ll guiltily admit, I will lose it and yell at him and it would be a cry fest explosion in the house (or in public, which is worse) which I regret every single time. It is time consuming, and ever so energy-draining. For the both of us.
Until Junya slammed his face into the wall and knocked some sense into me. Weird.
He was riding his scooter downhill, lost control and full-frontal crashed into concretes, tore his lips, his mouth full of blood and his lips were all swollen. Worse, it happened right before our midnight flight to Japan. I thought, die liao. We are gonna have a tough, tough night.
But no.
My brave boy, he did not just not shed a tear, he obligingly followed us to the bathroom and gargled with salt water, and then carried on life as usual.
I was the one who cried wth.
My heart ached so much because it was my fault I did not watch him closely. I hugged him so tightly and all sort of guilt ran over me like a bulldozer. How could I have the heart to scold him at other times when he could be such a good boy? How dared me. And then I promised myself not to get angry so easily anymore… because I saw my son in a new light. He is brave, so much braver than me. I have to do better than this.
Big Brother
After one whole year, I finally see him as a brother, and not the jealous, selfish elder sibling who wants nothing but everything for himself.
He learns to take care of his sister when she needs attention.
He learns to share his precious ice cream.
And half of his bed. (Stroller was his bed most of the time during our trip hahaha.)
He learns to be a big brother.
JunJun says
1. Mama teaching Sakura new vocab. Junya: Sakuwa cannot say anything because she got no teeth. Only I can say.
2. Mama changing Sakura’s diaper. Junya: Sakuwa cannot poo poo in toilet because she got no teeth. She only poo poo in diaper.
3. Randomly. Junya: Mama I want to clean my ear. Mama: Why? Junya: Because all the pokemon is fighting inside my ear.
4. By the parking of the beach in Nagasaki. Mama wakes Junya up from sleep. Junya: Mama I am so tired. Wait for me to wake up first.
5. Road Trip in Ibaraki. Junya starts singing “Three Bears” song while chomping on his biscuits. Junya: “Look there are three bears all in the same haos papa bear mama bear little bear. Papa bear is driving car. Mama bear is resting in the car. Sakuwa bear is drinking oppai. Junya bear is eating so dirty. What a happy family.”
ONIGAYRAY
So lately, I don’t know where he picks this up from, but he started speaking some Japanese words in a weird angmoh accent on purpose. 😑
He now will only call “onigiri” as, guess what, “ONIGAYRAY“.
SARAN RAPPU DAYO
This was the first time I thought my son is damn humorous.
On the way visiting jiji in the hospital, he was being “naughty” and climbed onto a bench, then fell off very awkwardly (like tumbling over the bench and tripping on his own feet lol). I was worried at first but he gave me a big, embarrassed smile and said, “I try to do Saran Rappu“.
And then I LOLed so, so hard.
I know you have no idea what is Saran Rappu. It is a Japanese cling wrap with very cute commercials. Another famous competitor brand is called Kure Rappu.
(Trivia: Did you know? Saran Wrap was invented in USA and was named after the names Sarah and Ann.)
Here’s the CM:
Yeap, that was what my son claimed he was trying to do to cover his embarrassing accident lolol.
Last month she could walk a short distance from one part of the house to another part of the house (to hold on to something), but whenever we are out, she will always need to hold my hand. But on 20th July, the night of our stay in Nagasaki, she suddenly started walking everywhere around the ryokan on her own!!
Now she is a certified free-range baby. Haha.
Appetite
It was my worst nightmare. Seriously, 小孩子真的不可以赞的。Just as I boasted how well she was eating, she was suddenly on a food strike.
Shortly before our trip to Japan, she started developing tastebuds of a gourmet critic. Things she finds unpalatable, she spits out immediately without giving a second chance.
During our trip in Japan, she spits out 90% of the food she put in her mouth. EXCUSE ME 小姐 DID YOU KNOW THAT IS A PIECE OF WAGYU YOU JUST SPAT OUT?!??
I’m not sure if it’s the taste?? Texture?? Or just…玩嘢???
I was going crazy. Cleaning up the floor is one part, but buying/cooking 5 different food just to have her reject every. single. thing, and guess how it ended up? Yeap, I had to eat em all up, of course. And to worry about her dropping weight…
She pretty much survived on just air, oppai, edamame and chawan mushi.
New words
Here are the things she can say now:
Itai: Painful Ju Ju: Shoe Shoe Mah mah: More more (of a food) Wowo: Walk Walk Wah wah: Wipe Wipe Joe: Stroller JOE: THROW!! Jejeje deta: Gochisousama deshita Pur, pur, pur, pur!!!: OPEN OPEN OPEN AHHHHH!: JUST OPEN IT FOR ME DAMMIT.
Mimicking 2
Mimicking continues. And she has discovered the usage of many things and tools.
She will ask for a tissue when she sees bread crumbs on the table and “wah wah“. She will take my lipstick to put make up on herself. She will grab the nail clipper and put it on her toe…
Love Niichan
She is happy as long as she is next to her niichan.
And can play by herself next to niichan so mama can sneak away to do other things.
JOE!!!!
I remember Junya only started to be “naughty” at around 18 months. But Sakura is barely 15 months and have started to show her strong personality @.@
She now knows how to demand for things – open this! Give it to me! I want another one. OPEN!!!
And whenever I cannot comply with her request or fulfil her demand, she will say, “joe.” – “throw“. and then proceed to fling the object in her hand on the floor as a sign of protest.
“OKAY YOU DON’T DO WHAT I ASK? I THROW.”
She will be trying to annihilate an object in her hand (my make up, the remote, water bottles) and demands:
“Pur. Pur. Pur. PUR!!” “No baby, I can’t open the sunblock. It will spill all over.” “!” “Sorry.” “Joe. Joe. JOE.”
And proceeds to hurl the bottle of skin care at the wall.
T____T
Yes. Now she always use “JOE” to threaten me…😫😫😫😫😫
Chicken Pox
She had her chicken pox at 14 months. It was unexpected. I had no idea where she caught it.
Come to think about it now, that might also explain her loss of appetite.
She is recovering now and her appetite seems to have bounced back a little.
Sleeps like a hyphen
Junya was exactly like this since 6 months old with his human-clock ability. His sister is no exception. Until now she still sleeps like the hyphen in the letter H.
On the bed we would start off sleeping like “III”. And before we know it we are sleeping like “H”. Why. Just why???
Truffle Breath
It happens since she was a baby, but I only remember to write about it now. Sakura unfortunately, did not have the hypnotizing newborn scent that gets every mommy hopelessly addicted. I was very disappointed because I thought I could relive the human perfume intoxication again.
But then I found out that I am addicted to sniffing her breath. Whenever she yawns I’ll be sticking my nose into her mouth LOLOL. Because she smells like truffle.
When she sleeps sometimes I also get super close to smell her breath. She really does smell like truffle. Sweet baby truffle.
For Mama
Now that both Cheesiepetits can walk…
It’s really… 分身乏术. Literally. I feel like I’m being 五馬分屍… or at least 二馬分屍.
Third child? No. Unless I grow more arms.
It has been a challenging week. Shortly after Sakura broke out in chicken pox, Junya had a fever. And I thought, great, let’s deal with it ALL AT ONCE.
True enough, he also broke out in very mild blisters (he was vaccinated once), but we still had to skip school for a whole week. I was swamped with work once we returned to Singapore, yet had to take good care of the both of them… while having a million things to clean up in the house after 3 weeks of absence.
I felt like… giving up.
I’m not sure what or which to give up, but I felt like I am just going to burn out like a candle.
On the night Junya had his fever, he was very clingy. He hadn’t eaten anything for the whole day and he couldn’t sleep well.
He kept demanding, “Mama, please sleep with me?”
“Gomenne.” (sorry), I said to him.
“Why you say that mama?” he asked.
“Because I want to help you feel better but I don’t know how…” I was honestly defeated.
And then, he put his hand on my face and said, “daijobu yo.” (it’s okay.)
My brave boy. He was smiling for this picture on the train while having a fever.
This is a series from our recent Familymoon trip to Japan.
Yes, Familymoon. ^^ The danna and I went on our honeymoon in 2013. Since I gave birth to Junya in 2014, traveling has changed forever. Going on a trip with a baby/a toddler/two kids is completely different in every single way. Sometimes I do wish that we could travel like we were still childless. But leaving the kids behind is also an impossible option.
So… we had a Familymoon. We decided that comfort and unique experience was the focus of this trip. We stayed in more unique and spacious accommodations, and challenged new things that we have not tried before. I spent a big part of my savings on this trip, happily so. Just take all my money, Japan!!!!
Here’s the first installment – photos taken from the window of our accommodations.
1.Roppongi, Tokyo
Absolutely my favorite view.
Actually, a combination of two of my favorite views – my sleeping baby, and Tokyo Tower.
Night view. I have this inexplicable infatuation for Tokyo Tower. Perhaps it is all the drama I have watched during my teenage years. Tokyo Tower is just incredibly romantic.
2.Oarai, Ibaraki Prefecture
Super spacious ryokan with tatami.
Overlooking the red Kaiomon Bridge that crosses Nakagawa river.
3.Nagasaki city, Nagasaki Prefecture
It would be a waste not to stay in a room that offers a “million-dollar-night-view”.
This. Is Nagasaki.
4. Kamogawa, Chiba Prefecture
A rare experience in a modern western-style hotel room with pool & sea view. The danna checking the waves for the next day’s surf.
Are you a pool or sea person?
5. Misawa, Aomori Prefecture
On top of the mountain with a therapeutic view of lush green.
It fits the name of Aomori, 青森, perfectly.
6. Hakodate, Hokkaido
Hakodate, of course, is also all about the sea. And seafood.
A private onsen with a sea view, in the comfort of your own room is the ultimate experience.
7. Asamushi, Aomori Prefecture
Back at Aomori in a newly renovated modern Washitsu – Japanese tatami room.
The most surreal view from the window – a mini island in the middle of the sea.
That’s all for this post! Hopefully I get to elaborate on each of the destinations when I have more time.
On this day, we had an afternoon to visit Ozu City (大洲) and Seiyo City (西予) before heading to Matsuyama airport and end our Setouchi trip.
OZU
Ozu is another small city located in Ehime prefecture which is prominent for its nostalgic alleys and old-fashioned houses. The most popular place of interest in Ozu is its Ozu Castle which made the town prosper.
Ohanahan Street
There are many old merchant houses and samurai residences remain in the district, making it a great historical street reminiscent of the Edo and Meiji periods. You can experience the elegance of a little version of Kyoto here.
A longkang (drain) by the street. It is supposed to be part of Hijikawa River in Ozu, but no matter how I look at it it is just a longkang to me… except that…
That the water is so clear that…
… wait a minute…. is that…
😱😱😱
Yes… Koi fish swimming in the longkang…
When we posted this on IG stories a lot of our followers got a shock. I mean where we grew up, Koi is usually not the kind of things we would see inside a roadside longkang…😅
Garyu Sanso 臥龍山荘
The name sounds like it’s from a 武侠小说 (Chinese Kungfu novels), but I really recommend paying this traditional Japanese Villa a visit for it will be worth your time.
It is also introduced in the Michelin Green Guide Japan as a one-star tourist attraction.
Do you have any idea how a Japanese villa look like?
When we talk about villa, we think of Bali, Phuket and island holidays… but this Garyu Villa reflects the wonders of ancient Japanese architecture with sublime aesthetics.
The villa was built around 1907 and it was said that it took 9000 artisans and 10 years of conceptualization to built this amazing villa.
Not all parts of the villa are photography-allowed, so if you are interested you may google for more.
If you have a passion for architecture, I assure you that you will be very impressed with its unrivalled craftsmanship with all the brilliant designs and and interesting features in this building.
Behind the main building is a nice garden, whose strolling path is formed by stone slabs of different shapes and sizes. The refreshing sight of lush green, and the amazing rockwork that is so delicate and each appears to represent something…
The garden is also full of trees with Japanese hackberry and conifer that are centuries-old and rare species of moss can also be found. Speaking of moss, I will talk more about that later in this post!
I was just admiring all the rocks and finding small surprises in them along the way.
This is a mini cave somewhere in the garden, only when you take a peek inside that you see a little floral raft floating about.
Each stepping stone on the paveway also exudes a gravity of style, and when I asked about this little yellow flower, they say that the gardener place it there as part of the design of this villa.
I just looooove all these attention to details in every little way. It’s a little like finding the hidden Mickey in Disneyland, but done with more elegance and style.
At the innermost of the garden stands another thatched-roof house named Furo-an, and do you know what is special about this picture?
If you look carefully at this wooden pillar (Sutebashira), it is actually a living tree. They have built and manipulated the tree in such a way that it will support the house securely yet continue to live.
Leaving the villa, on the way back to town.
Pokopen Yokocho
Pokopen Yokocho is a square designed to replicate the nostalgic atmosphere of Japan’s post-war boom years in the Showa period.
It wasn’t open on that day so it’s super quiet, but it’s nice to take a peek into the nostalgic past reminiscent of the famous movie I’ve watched -“Always, Sanchome No Yuhi”.
Retro alley featuring all the nostalgic signboards typical of Japan in the 1950s. Love the mama and baby enamel poster!
SEIYO
Uwa Rice Museum (宇和米博物館)
We came here not to taste any rice, but to mop the floor of this museum, which was originally an elementary school. Yeap, that was the whole purpose of the visit.
Real classroom from decades ago!!! It’s so nostalgic because I grew up with Hayao Miyazaki and also all the teenage J drama. Being inside a Japanese classroom was my dream.
This is the corridor of the school which stretches for 109 meters, and which we are going to clean… at one shot haha.
And it’s actually a competition!
The Dust Cloth competition, also called the Zoking Grand Prix, is something you could try when you visit this museum, to experience how the Showa elementary students clean their school compound.
You will be given a piece of dust cloth, and you will go to the very end of the corridor and start swabbing the long floor board at one go, as fast as you can.
Trust me, it is tiring T__T. I slipped many times due to the momentum and could hardly pick my self up. T__T
The highest record for female participants is 24 seconds.
SECONDS!!! How is it even possible!! T_T
Chanwon and I both completed the task at over a minute. My result was 1 minute 36 seconds. Beat me!!!
A picture for their hall of fame haha.
SEIYO
Kaimei Elementary School
Although we didn’t manage to visit that day, you may also make a trip to the Kaimei Elementary School, which is now served as a museum that stores precious documents and displays including school textbooks since the Edo period.
Japanese kids even get to join a one-day class to experience the life of a student during the Meiji period over 100 years ago, where they wear their olden Kasuri kimono with straw sandals to go to school. Even the teacher is wearing a kimono!! I want…..
Lunch at Ikedaya
We then went for lunch at a vegetarian place. Upon hearing “vegetarian” I think Chanwon turned pale lol.
Everything was surprisingly very flavorful! The sansai tempura was so so good!! Love the yuba and goma tofu too.
Super sweet and juicy tomato. I just wish the portion was a little bigger haha it was too yummy.
Kokemushiro (苔筵)
Before our trip, we were shown our itinerary and the last place of interest that we would visit before heading back is called “Moss Place”. And I was like… moss place? We travel to see… moss? (and not the Kate one.)
I guess I have set my expectation very low because… I was completely blown away by what I saw upon setting foot on hill foothill of Kokemushiro.
Kokemushiro was one of the most beautiful places I have seen in Ehime prefecture. Koke means “moss”, and this place is literally full of moss. Very precious moss.
Like this.
There’s is a small wooden teahouse amidst the lush green setting, giving a very mysterious and dreamy Ghibli feel to it.
Look at the velvety lush carpet!! It feels like pixies are going to peek out coyly from behind the trees…
The place used to be a terraced rice field, which gives the whole environment layered shades of green… which I think has this very strong healing power for a fatigued traveler.
Take the rustic pathway that leads you into the deep mossy woods.
You are free to wander around but be careful not to step on the moss, as some moss are extremely rare and takes a long time to grow.
On the stone…
One by one…
^^
Kokemushiro Tea House.
You would want to definitely take a seat and have some real tea here and just sipping the time away…
Drinks are for 400 yen each and their Wagashi dessert is priced unbelievably cheap at 100 yen each.
We prefered to sit in the open area so we took our drinks here.
Authentic Macha, Kokeshi Manju and Rice Flour Chiffon Cake.
And… this marks the end of our Setouchi trip with HomeAway. It was also my first trip to Shikoku. It was such an honor. I hope you guys enjoyed this series.
If you are planning your vacation soon (to Japan, I hope!), do give HomeAway a try, and don’t forget to use the code “HOMEAWAYCHEESIE” for 8% off!!
If given a choice, I think most people (especially Malaysians and Singaporeans) will avoid traveling to Japan in summer as they often have the image of Japan in this unbearable heat during the season. I was one of them.
I had been to Japan in summer several times, late June/early July. It was as hot as KL/SG, but as a traveler you often feel that the heat is worse than the tropical cities because, well, back home we are mostly staying indoor all the time or hide inside a mall.
So yes, I had to agree that, summer was probably not the ideal season to visit Japan if you are not a fan of sweaty activities and hot climate. I avoided visiting Japan in July-September as much as I could.
But…
The danna questioned my love for Japan. That I don’t love all of Japan because I did not love summer in Japan.
I was quite shocked to find out that it was true. As much as I claim to give all my heart to her, my love for Japan was conditional. I was selfish. I only wanted to love the parts that was convenient for me to love.
It was not true love.
I got disappointed in myself, so this time I decided to embrace the full blast mid summer heat and we came to Japan right in the peak of sunny seasons, mid July to early August. Before we traveled here, I saw the weather forecast on TV saying that this year’s heat will be more excruciating than the previous. (Just as every year. Basically summer is getting hotter and winter colder every year. This earth is wrecked big time).
I was prepared to spend every day feeling irritated and physically weak from the climate. I did not even plan many activities because I didn’t think I was ready to collapse in the heat on a scorching hot tarmac.
But…
I fell in love with summer in Japan.
I never thought I would say this, honest. But I did. For several reasons.
1. Japan loves me back
As always. I intensely believe that as long as you give your true heart to Japan (surrender yourself or whatever, in religious terms), it will love you back, twice as much.
Today is the third week of our travel in Japan, and so far, the weather had been amazing every single day. Heat? What heat!! Mid afternoons are breezy warm (feels like 28C) and night time is just the right amount of cool! When I had to head out, it was always party cloudy. When I had to spend the whole day outdoors, it was always cool due to the rain on the previous day (which I stayed home).
Our summer days are perfect.
2. Value added hours
I am considered quite an early bird (what to do, I am a mother.), and I usually wake up without qualms at 7am. But here in Japan, I wake up every day happily, feeling recharged, at 5am plus. Sun rise is 4:30am here at mid summer and by 5am, our room is all brightly lit with natural sun light.
This was today. That’s the view I woke up to. What not to love?
I am now typing this in the Shinkansen en-route to Aomori prefecture (the 30th prefecture for me!!! YAY!).
We boarded the ride at 8:40am. Waking up extra early gave us these added hours in the day to have a head start.
Sunset in summer is also stretched all the way up to 7-7:30pm. We have a full day of sunlight for all the fun!!
3. Summer Tokyo Tower light-up
Did you know? You can only see a special Tokyo Tower light-up in summer season for a short 3 months!
The romantic orange lighting that everyone knows is the so-called “winter version. Tokyo Tower’s Landmark Light “changes its clothes” for the season, and the summer Landmark Light uses silver lights called “metal halide lamps,” and their trait is a white tone with a refreshing and cool image. Every year on July 7th, from the night of Tanabata, the lighting changes to the summer-type.
On a special day it was lit-up all blue!
4. Seaside days
One of the main reasons why we came back in summer was for the danna’s surfing. He had been so busy that he had not had any time to ride the waves.
We usually go to Bali or Gold Coast because when we are back to Japan, it was always winter season. It was nice to finally to back to Japanese waters!! 😀
As crazy as it sounds, it was my (and also Cheesiepetit’s) first time in the Japanese ocean. (I stepped in sea water before but not fully in swimsuit!) The water was crystal clear, it was also very warm!
5. Summer sceneries
Had I not been back in summer, I would never have caught the breathtaking sight of sunflower fields in cheery bright yellow and lush green contrast.
Japan is known for Sakura in spring, but this was my first time to a sunflower garden in summer time!
As it gets warmer towards the seasons, the grass and trees also look extra fresh and lush. And of course, if you travel up north to Furano, Hokkaido, there’s also the famed lavender field to lust over!
6. Summer festivals
Among all the Omatsuri (festival) in Japan, Hanabi Taikai (fireworks show) is probably the most celebrated across the whole nation. The biggest and the best shows are always happening in mid summer.
We had the honor to witness two shows, one in Isahaya, Nagasaki prefecture and the second one right by the beach in Kamogawa, Chiba Prefecture.
A lot of young girls get dressed in summer Yukata during the festivals, so it’s exactly like all the summer scenes you see in manga and anime!
You may do this with your darling if you like lol.
7. Seasonal Fruits & Seasonal edition
One of the best things about seasons in Japan, is of course the seasonal produce and limited edition everything!!
Ichigo is off season now, but summer is all about peaches, melons and grapes!! 😀 There are also pineapple, mango and lychee flavored everything, which might not be such a novelty for those from the tropical lands.
Everywhere you go you see summer edition, which means new varieties in Starbucks, seasonal edition drinks, special flavor everything, which could be savored specially in summer time only.
So yes. In conclusion, I want to learn to love ALL of Japan. Just like loving a person, sometimes you have to come to accept the flaws and see the beauty in them. 🙂
Now I have arrived in Aomori and the weather is so perfect! 23C at 2pm. If you plan to go somewhere for summer holidays, head north in Japan! ^^
Most people I know love to shop online. It is the easiest, fastest and sometimes even the cheapest compared to if you head down to a mall.
But the internet is overloaded with shopping sites and each may sell a product at a different price. How do you make sure you get the best deal?
Here’s how with Malaysia’s favorite Coupon Code Website: Shopcoupons.
Shopcoupons is a smart saving community platform where it feature the best, latest and exclusive free coupon codes from the best e-commerce stores in Malaysia such as Lazada, ZALORA, Reebonz, Shoppu and many more.
Some of the shops/brand are already offering quite good deals online, and here you get to view the extra discount!
They have a variety of categories, from fashion, beauty, travel to technology.
I personally use Grab a lot, and also constantly looking for discount codes to make the rides worth it haha. A while ago Grab was on promotion almost every single day and I got my rides almost free all the time!!
Here at Shopcoupons you also get to view more deals and all you need is just click to view the code.
You can also go to the Top 20 Deals page to view all the hottest deals happening now to make sure you don’t miss out on any.
For example you can view all the Lazada voucher at one go here:
Shopcoupons also has a mobile app so you can now shop the best deals whenever you are:
(Yes I was shopping at 7am in the morning lol)
I went to Shoppu to look for some baby stuff, and I saw this 75% off deal!
Sometimes no code is needed, and you will be directed to the website to purchase directly!
Download the Shopcoupons app or visit their website to start viewing all the best deals in town:
By now most of you should have heard of all the health benefits of green tea. I myself am a matcha fan and love everything matcha edition, including chocolates, roll cakes and even matcha salt (for tempura).
But how about green tea in your hair?
The Body Shop is introducing its new Fuji Green Tea Refreshingly Purifying Cleansing Hair Scrub for those who love a nature-powered approach to haircare.
Fuji Green Tea hair scrub is a blend of Japanese green tea, mint menthol, salt crystals, and Community Trade honey. It is called Fuji Green Tea because the green tea leaves are carefully collected in the foothills of Mount Fuji in Japan to create the finest extracts.
There’s also shampoo and conditioner to complete the Fuji Green Tea series.
This is a home care range, but The Body Shop organized the launch and arranged a pampering session at Number76 to show us the wonders of the products!
If you use a lot of hair styling products daily or go outdoor a lot, the Fuji Green Tea Scrub would be especially beneficial as it helps stimulate blood flow and take away impurities such as dust, smoke, sweat and styling residue.
I love having my hair shampooed in the salon because it is always extra clean.
But when I am at home it is somehow rather difficult to achieve the same result, and during days when my scalp feels extra greasy, I will shampoo my hair twice to make sure it is clean enough. This scrub sounds like a savior for a gentle scalp cleansing right at home!
First, you mix a teaspoon of scrub with water in the palm of your hands, then massage into damp scalp.
I could feel a cooling, minty sensation on my scalp and the refreshing scent of the blend. Feels really good!!
And then lather. Yes, that’s all the foam from the scrub alone!! How surprising!! I have never come across a hair scrub that foams. You just need to add a little water to lather well.
Was doing Instagram Live during that session, did you watch? 🙂
After that, rinse well. Jerry gave me a super shiok massage, I always love getting a hair wash from him :D.
Haha Instagram Live session again. This is how you have a life and get pampered while momming. Sakura was applying lipstick on her thigh.
After the hair wash, there was even a surprise sweet treat on the styling table! It’s everything green tea, from Royce chocolate, matcha roll cake, matcha mochi and a matcha nut milk cold pressed juice. Pampered to the max!!
Also a hot cup of green tea to go with it. Hair pampering session has never been better. Haha.
After the wonders of The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea hair care range, and the magic hands of Number76 stylists, my hair feels super soft, airy and bouncy. The scent is also very refreshing and relaxing, something I really love!
The first thing I feel, is of course cleaner scalp. Not only that, it is also super gentle and not drying at all! It also gives a healthy-looking shine to hair overall.
Also tried out other The Body Shop beauty products at the event. Love their Matte Lip Liquid!
Thank you The Body Shop for the pampering session. Of course, the products are 100% vegetarian,and formulated without silicones.
A greener Sakura hahah.
The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea Hair Scrub is retailing at $29. Tempted to try? You can get yourself a free sample here: goo.gl/mM7aHd !
When our family first relocated to Singapore, we had no idea how long we would be here. We contracted our apartment for 1 year as that’s the minimum, because who knows… we might run back to Malaysia if things did not go well, haha. It was a very brave adventure for us and also all the Number76 salon staff.
But I am so thankful. For all the team’s hardwork, all the sleepless nights preparing for this new expansion, all the customer’s support, which include some of you here. Thank you. So much.
I still remember blogging about Number76 Singapore as the start of our new life in January 2016. Fast forward 1 and a half years later, it was time for Number76 to upgrade and provide even better services for all the customers who have given their support all these while.
This time around, a brand new concept store is given life.
Number76 Upgrade
The newly expanded space is over 3000 sqft in total now!
A nostalgic glass illustration done by the talented hazelong.
Hello!^^
There are 23 seats available in addition to extra new automated reclining wash basins up to 7 now!
A wider reception area embellished with greens.
The waiting area is more cozy now with leather seats and table for a drink!
Number76 original goods including tote bags, caps and T shirts.
There’s also an exclusive line of retail items that the 76 team has carefully hand-picked in hopes to complete the customer’s beauty journey in the salon, which… good news: they can be redeem with your member points!
The products on display include accessories, beauty and fashion items, which some are exclusively imported from Japan.
Of course there are also the usual popular hair care products.
And the magic HairBeauron.
There’s also a space called Experience Corner specially designed for you to try out all the products as you like!
Remember to snap a photo of yourself here at the experience space and post them on Instagram! Tag @number_76sg and hashtag #LifestyleXNumber76 to receive at $5 cash voucher available for redemption for services and products at Number76 Singapore!
Hair Date with Cheesiepetit
Junya had no school so I brought the both of them along!
Time for a hair cut!!
Oniichan gets a trim
Sakura… still has no hair to cut yet😂
Mama’s got her hair done!!^^
Number76 July Party
I will join their company dinner every month to celebrate birthdays of the month, and July… is the danna’s birthday!
This month I put up a very simple supposed-to-be-surprise-but-he-already-expected-it-anyway-party as a celebration and of course as gratitude for all the salon staff who dedicate all their time during renovation, who practice, take exam until late night all the time to keep the salon standard up. So much respect!!
