Favorite Things Day 10: Braver.Stronger.Smarter.

Growing up in Japan, I was very fond of Sanrio and the different gadgets that the Japanese had for children but moving to San Diego in 1995 I grew fond of Winnie the Pooh- I really can't point out what exactly it wass that made me fall in love with this Hunny loving bear, but over time, I grew more and more fond of this character- not only because its a cute, plump thing like myself but also because of what he stood for. He found happiness in food, he always adored the company of his neighbors in the 100 acre wood, and he always found a way to be philosophical in every event that occurred in his life/ scene. I know I am officially in my late- 20's but there's a reason for my adoration for this chubby cheekster! Click here for a compilation of popular quotes by A.A. Milne via Winnie the Pooh. Here are some of my favorite quotes:

Favorite Thing Day 9: Finding One's Destiny

As a young child I despised my mother every time she would tell me to 'read.' And the modest rebel in me, I never followed through- somehow I would always slip by- but looking back I wish I actually picked up several books. Now, I have been making up lost time in my book reading and every moment I get I open up something to read, whether it be a physical book (usually from a library- one of my favorite pastimes), opening the Kindle app on my iPhone app, or also using my iPad for any sort of portable reading material. A book that I can find myself reading over and over again is today's favorite things: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Sometimes when I'm down and out about something in life, its usually this book that I resort to to remind me of my purpose in life. It's an awesome short and easy read that can take you to different level of thinking, reminding oneself of what hard work and perseverance can do to one's destiny. Have you read this book? If not, happy reading!

Favorite Thing Day 8: Face Rejuvenator

I know...... I missed this whole weekend but I figure I give myself a break from it, so I shall resume from where I left off: 

A few posts and months ago I wrote about my subscription with Birchbox. When I first subscribed with them, I thought about how one day they will eventually come short of products or even run out of material- but then again how creative have magazines become with their years and years of existence- so until then I'll be keeping my subscription. A few months ago they presented me with today's favorite things: 

I didn't think exfoliators could get so complex until this arrived in my mailbox. 

I have never felt my skin/ face so rejuvenated and even lasted for more than a day. This product did it's job without drying my face p out. There's not much more I can say about this product, you just have to give it a go for yourself. Happy brightening out! 

Favorite Thing Day 7: Mineral Mist

I apologize this is a little late for the day, but I didn't forget!! 

I can't recall how I came across today's Favorite Thing, but the Revitalizing Mineral Mist by E.L.F. Cosmetics is a beauty weapon AND must- have of mine! 

Because of the contents/ ingredients of this product I put it to use when I notice my face/ skin needs a boost, when I need my make-up to settle (faster), or when I notice my skin is drying out. Check out this video E.L.F. made here: 

http://youtu.be/VfnuNrPSjBA

To top it off, it is out of this world affordable! For a product with natural ingredients (no chemicals/ additives) it's amazing they offer it at such an affordable price- find something comparable or even a product which attempts to do the same (*cough*cough* MAC Cosmetics or even the Evian Spray*cough*cough*), one can't deny it is THE best bang for one's buckaroo!!

Almost anywhere I go, especially a major traveling trip or weekend getaway, one can count on me with having this spectacular product. However, I've attempted to carry it with me in my everyday purse, however, unfortunately, it can weigh my purse down and they don't come in a  smaller/ traveling size.

Favorite Thing Day 6: Presse Française

To some of my local friends this post shouldn't be a surprise. It has been brought to my attention how the plunger pot actually works and since then- I can not appreciate a cup o' joe otherwise (for my grammar-nazis, yes I just did a double negative in my sentence...it is MY blog!!! Teeheehee). In the States I used to prefer the easy way out and go through a local drive-thru for my caffeine kick, but now you can find me dumping grinds and hot water into a full immersion for the full body experience for my coffee fix. As intimidating as the contraption looks, it is actually rather simple. Below you can find a simple guide for the coffee press: 

One of the great things about this addition in the kitchen is how much of a conversation piece it has become and just how much conversation can happen over a brewing pot. Come over for a visit before 1400 on a given day (if I'm not working) and guaranteed I'll be plunging some caffeine for you! (Why visit BEFORE 1400?! I try my best to avoid having caffeine after 1400). 

Favorite Thing Day 5: Japan Technology

One of the respectable features about a person is when one reaches out and gambles on friendship. After moving to Japan, a wonderful woman reached out to me- despite her juggle of family and work, she truly made an effort to juggle ME into her schedule incorporating me in any adventurous outing she did with her family or simply had some down time but created an adventure so that I can begin to explore the Northern region of Japan. On a down day for both of us, she took me to a store called Uniqlo (pronounced yoo-neek-low or as natives would pronounce it, yoo-neek-a-roh, teeeheee). Uniqlo has a unique, casual style created for a budget. Ironically, shortly after my first visit, TIME magazine featured Uniqlo as their cover story in May 2013 featuring their popularized down- comfort jackets/ vests!

The featured article sealed the love I have for this store but more inspiring is what the founder, Tadashi Yanai of Uniqlo had to say about expanding Uniqlo worldwide, read it here! A strategic move for Uniqlo is how they are able to cater to their regional consumers. For example, I recently made a trip to the Philippines and visited a local mall, coincidentally finding a Uniqlo store there (I was rather disappointed because I had some gifts to family from that store, only to find out, they had their own Uniqlo store). Of course with Philippines very close to the equator with warm temperatures, their store featured clothes to cater to such weather conditions. But here in Northern Japan, where there are four seasons, the Uniqlo stores are ever- changing, every season- something fun for a newly- four- seasoned shopper like myself! This winter I had discovered Uniqlo's very own development of HEATTECH. See below for its' fabrication details:

This product is no joke and at reasonable prices, there is no denying Uniqlo has great things coming to them! Kampai Yanai- San, I look forward to the new standard in casual clothing you have to offer!

Favorite Thing Day 4: "Better style comes through better care."

"Better style comes through better care." Say's Dove about their re-invention of their hair- care products. I never cared for Dove products until I noticed their new style and their added product of "Whipped Cream Mousse." I thought to myself, "whipped cream mousse" isn't that what mousse is already?! Well, nonetheless, I still gave it a try and now I can't live without it!

Mousse products that I have experience with have either left my hair dry- sucking the moisture out of my hair- and/or feeling sticky every time I touch my hair (which only made me feel like it attracted more dirt and goo to and around my face, GROSS!!!). My goal has been to wear my hair naturally more often and with this item I have been able to accentuate my natural waves and minimal curls without damaging it. It is super light weight- doesn't weigh down my curls, accentuates my hair's natural shine and isn't greasy to the touch. If you use mousse, I highly suggest this product- it's a hair- changer!!

Favorite Thing Day 3: Wish Listing

My efforts to share my favorite things with YOU is really to hopefully open some avenues for YOU just as some of these things have done for myself and/or bring to light services that have made a difference in my life. A co-worker of mine brought today's favorite thing to my attention and I'm not sure why I never knew about this before but when I did it was like a fat kid with a fat cake in front of him/herself. I was amazed with Amazon's Wish List because unlike other wish lists that are limited to the company's items, Amazon has broadened the consumer's wish list options to items outside of their shopping options. It is such a great way to organize one's list as well as grant other's access to see what you really want for yourself but rather postpone buying options. To top it off, they have provided the option to keep a list private, provide the wish lister to limit viewing to certain persons, and/or make it accessible for public viewing by ANYONE. They have definitely thought out this service thoroughly and it's just one of those things that keeps me believing in their services. I haven't updated my wish list but you can view it if you feel compelled to! Thanks for visiting and keeping up with my posts, please do share any of your favorite things with me!

Favorite Thing Day 2: Honey & Coriander

If you know me well, I am a bargain hunter and I do my best to be thrifty when I can be but there are just some things I end up indulging myself into when push comes to shove, like my featured item for today! Moving to Northern Japan and finding myself experience a snow season for the first time I have found my skin cripple and breakdown more so during this winter season. After many trials of different over- the- counter hand lotions or even the main stream lines of Bath and Body Works, etc. I had to bring myself to a time a few years ago when I was gifted Crabtree and Evelyn for the first time. Thankfully, I was able to get my hands, literally, on my favorite scent Honey & Coriander and slather the lotion to bring my hands back to life.

I cringed at the price tag of this tube, but at the expense of feeling moisture be replenished back into my hands has been worth it! Growing up I always thought that this brand was such an old lady's brand but now I've come to appreciate it's timeless value after its years of existence- thank goodness!!!

Favorite Thing Day 1: Eyes Wide Open

This 'Favorite Things' challenge to myself is to get myself to share more through my blog and by doing it this way, at least I'm forced to get into the habit of posting something on a normal basis, just as I have been wanting to. And like most blogs, just an extension of myself for hopefully people to relate to. Today's favorite thing is one item that I absolutely need for a mood booster, with one swipe of this item on my eyes, I feel more alive! I do think it is a miracle product because I don't need to re-apply (which even if I needed to, I usually NEVER re-apply) and with my 'Asian' eyes I do feel they make my eyes look more open. Without further ado, here is the ONE item one can ALWAYS find in my make- up bag:

The photo should speak for itself, but just in case you'd like to order, click on the link: MAC Liquidlast Eye Liner Feel free to ask me questions about my use of this product but more importantly, please share the one item that is in YOUR make- up bag that you can not live without, because I love playing with new make- up!