valentine’s day:the man with everything

Yes, the dreaded question. What to get the man that has everything? My husband is the ultimate example of the man with everything. He owns every shirt from JCREW. His shoe collection? a worthy comparison to mine and he enjoys shopping.

The answer is to go vintage! Of course, you had to know it was coming right? I throughly enjoy gift giving and always put a lot of thought into my purchases.

I found these vintage handkerchief from Philadelphia Vintage and Consignment on 12th and Samson St. that can be made into pocket squares. What’s better than to give a gift that is one of kind? Best of all they were only $10 a pop and I can use them too. I like to tie them around purses/clutches for an added pop of color and detail.

 They can be easily found at Vintage and Thrifts stores, usually only for a few bucks.  What are you getting your significant other, man, woman or yourself? If you’re single I say SPA DAY it is, I like to treat myself to one of those pretty often. Happy Valentine’s Day.

What do you think of the vintage handkerchief?

best snowboarding in the world

 We heard Shaun White said Japan is the best snowboarding he has ever done. Really, Japan? We were intrigued! My husband and I learned to snowboard about 4 years ago when I gave him a snowboard for Christmas. That was the end of all my tropical vacations as essentially anytime we have off we are on a mountain......worst mistake of my life! At the time neither of us snowboarded but my brothers had all been riding for a number of years and most of my friends did as well. We learned on the icy east coast snow (Wachusett represent!). We often night boarded after work which meant conditions were terrible. Since then we have been fortunate enough to have ventured out to the west coast. Riding at Vail, which remains my favorite mountain in the States, Breckenridge, and Big Sky in Montana. Leon loves Mammouth, Snowbird (Utah) and Mount Hood (Portland) as well.

So let’s get to the good stuff! Why is Japan so great? After talking to the locals we learned that it snows  almost everyday between 6-12 inches from Dec-April! What the flurries?! On occasion, the snow stops for 1-2 days at the most. So this means Powder or Pow as the locals call it, all the time!!!! The mountain is comparable to the size of the East Coast. But lines are efficient and move fairly quickly.

Yes, waist deep in Pow! 

White out conditions everyday!

  The seats are extremely low even for me, so be warned!

The best part of a long cold day. The food choices are unbelievable, no burgers and fries here. 

Beef bowl, steamed eggs, seafood soup, pickled cucumbers and poached eggs. $12! Score! 

Stewed Tofu. 

Niseko Village with the gang. 

Me and the guys. Yes, they love each other a bit too much. 

I leave you with a breathtaking view of Niseko. Looks like an erupting Volcano. Oh, I miss Japan. 

Readers, what do you think of my Asia trip so far? Would you snowboard in Japan?

dolly wink

#1 Must Have! 

Dolly Wink Black Liquid Eyeliner  $12-$15 in Japan 

If there is one makeup item I would get again in Japan, it's this eyeliner!  It's the thinnest tip I've ever encountered. (that's what she said) The thin tip makes for easy application and since I have smaller lids, I can make thin lines or pile it on to adjust for thickness. It does take a bit more time to apply if you like a thicker line. (but whats 2 extra strokes?.....that’s also what she said?) The formula glides on smoothly and easily refills with a shake of the pen. What I love most about the eyeliner is it wears all day; through sweat, natural oils and my occasional "I forgot I have makeup on, rubbing of the eyeballs" but a cinch to wash off with warm water. 

Image from Rouge Deluxe

Image from Ariisa

I bought mine in Japan but you can find them on eBay and Amazon. I think Sasa.com even has them. If you are traveling to Asia, Taiwan is a few bucks cheaper than Japan! 

Thanks for reading! I have a ton more makeup to share and my snowboarding adventures in Japan. I'll tell you why Shaun White said it is the best snow in the world! 

shopping in Taiwan

Hey Guys!

I have a ton of pictures from Taiwan and Japan I'm going to share with you the next few blog posts! I hope you will find it helpful if you ever travel to Asia. I did not take as many pictures in Taiwan as I had hoped. Leon and I spent most of our 2.5 transitional days with his family. We had a mere 15 minutes at the night market before rushing back for dinner, I was so disappointed. But I would definitely come back to the night market if ever we make another trip back.

We went to Shinlin Night Market by cab. (The cabs in Taipei are extremely affordable by the way) If you have not already seen Anthony Bourdain's night market adventures you def should! Night markets are huge outdoor shops and have everything from carnival games, food and even clothes!

A store full of stuff animals 

Surprisingly there are just as many men's stores as there are women stores in Asia. 

There are hundreds of these vendors making delicious treats. 

It tasted like a pancake stuffed with yummy chocolate. 

 I can eat this for days. A bag of fresh Guava for $2, with salty & spicy toppings

Some type of Jello concoction. I didn't get to try it. 

Stay tune for my makeup haul and pictures from Japan! Thanks for reading! 

new year bunny

 Hey Guys,

Got back yesterday from Taiwan and Japan. It was absolutely wonderful and I have so much to share. I’m super jet lagged. I spilled my entire cup of Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice all over my desk then proceed to fall and hit my face on a trash can later this morning. My 75 year old patient helped me up. ;( I’m not so good without sleep. ha! I laughed for a while, but it’s probably because I’m quite delirious!

Happy New Year by the way! I can feel it, 2013 is going to be an amazing year minus the spills and wipeouts. 

We rang in the New Year in Taiwan at a roof top bar and restaurant with the most spectacular view of the famous Taipei 101 fireworks. Ringing in the New Year with the Hubs and good friends,  what more can a girl ask for?

 

Of course no New Years is complete without this silly face. 

:: Outfit :: 

Dress: ASOS 

Clutch: Etsy 

Shoes: Christian Louboutin 

Bracelets: Vintage watches, Anthropologie 

Bunny Ears: Bought in Taiwan