Osaka Day 1: Dotombori

I wanted to share some photos from my last trip to Osaka. Being a third largest / second most important city of the country, there are beautiful historical sites as well as more modern and vibrant new quarters.

This trip happened rather spontaneously while I was travelling in South Korea. The weekend getaway was perfect with great food and lots of shopping around Dotombori on the first day. Osaka-Jo, bit of Kita for Umeda Sky Garden, and other Minami areas including Amerika-mura the second day. and Tempozan Ferris wheel the third day.

Due to the abundance of photos, I divided my posts to 3 parts based on my itinerary above. Enjoy! :-)

YSL Tint-in-Oil

I am finally compelled to admit that I am a big follower of YSL cosmetics. Despite the high price tags to other comparables, I do believe that their products are that much higher quality, and of course I cannot exclude the fact that they have the prettiest packaging. What's there not to love? Enough with my silly excuses - let's get to the point. My new orders from Sephora for new Tint-in-Oil has arrived! Not just one though - TWO of them! (...should not have browsed Sephora)...

I bought 2 different shades: #4 I Rose You for myself and #5 Cherry My Cherie for my Mom.

Miracle Belgian Waffle

It seems like the old fashioned waffle is back on its game or has it never been out of the game? Lately I have been noticing many waffle cafes opening in Vancouver and Ryan and I tried out one of the newest near Coquitlam Centre.

Miracle Belgian Waffle is a small cafe which opened in October. They open from 10am till 11pm so I think it is a great place to have a coffee break or a late night snack with friends. 

Brioche Gastown Review

I am back with the delicious posting today! Working retail hours, I get a random weekday off every now and then - which means I get to be the odd touristy patron at a restaurant full of business attires. Many Vancouverites may disagree - or we all may be pretending, just to carry on a conversation - but I actually love a rainy weather in Vancouver. Especially around this time of the year, I feel romance in the air and the streetlights on the other side of my windshield.  

Brioche is a small Italian cafe located in Gastown, on the north side of Downtown. My friend David - aka unofficial foodie - recommended Brioche for their Seafood Hot Pot (Cioppino Pescatore). 

As a non-driver for the day, I could not pass on their red wine Sangria! Full of fresh fruit <3 

Amsterdam Photo Journal

Hallo everyone! Let me take you on a trip to Amsterdam... :-) 

Many more photos after the jump!! Enjoy!! 

Richie post

After having dinner with my husband, I came back home and unlike usual days, Richie was acting slightly funny. Instead of being overly excited to see us back home, he sat in a corner in the living room and didn't come to us.

So we went to the kitchen and this is what we have found.

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer (Candid Review)

There are those days where I am simply too lazy to wear foundations. There is an undeniable truth though, that I can't possibly have everying: comfort vs. concealing my dark circles and dark spots. During Sephora VIB sale, I thought I should invest money on buying a good concealer that would enable me to catch both bunnies with one shot. My solution?

As an avid beauty blog reader, I have heard so many good things about Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer (C$35).  I was a bit hesitant to choose a shade without trying it out but since many Asians who seemed to have my skin tone chose honey - enough with your Photoshopping please - I just went with it. 

Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne

Once, my friend Saul gifted me with Winnie-the-Pooh when I was leaving the country and wrote in the book quoting A. A. Milne: 

"If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together... there is something you must always remember: you're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart... I'll always be with you." 

Winnie-the-Pooh has great insights and philosophies to share and here is one of my favorite down below!  This is very much reflective of me where I pretend I don't hear my laundry/drier bell when it's all done.  Surely everyone should have moments they want to escape and avoid.  Unfortunately pretending it's not there doesn't actually make it go away.... Wishing everyone a better day!! :-)

Vancouver Lights Festival - Trinity Street

The great ode to joy of Trinity St Lights Festival started in 1999. There had been 2 residents that suffered unfortunate events in the neighbourhood, and the residents wanted to take ownership of the safe street. Hence the friendly neighbourhood light competition was started to celebrate the holiday joy, and now for good cause too! Visitors of the neighbourhood can participate in voting for best decorated house for the blocks. 

The blocks participating are from 2400 to 2900 of Trinity Street (Exit 25 on Mcgill near Renfrew). It was kind of an adventure for us to venture out on a weekday night. I realize how interesting we sound - but it was hard to find an evening that had a clear non-rainy sky. It was great and refreshing to take a walk after dinner with lattes in our hands. 

Vivian's version of Christmas tree

I bought this 7.5 feet pre-lit Christmas tree at a clearance store last year for $25 dollars. It was our first ever Christmas tree and I was so excited to try it out this year.

When it was time to light up the tree, I was so excited about the fact that my year long wait is over now. However...

Da da da dan... Da da da dan... 

(Symphony No. 5, Beethoven)

The tree wouldn't light up, perhaps there is an issue with the cords.

Natalie told me it looks like a tree from The Grinch. 

Ouch!