Friday, 31 March 2017

270: Dotonbori Night + Eats @ Osaka

17:56 by UnknownNo comments

道頓堀 Dotonbori is full of iconic 3D figurines on their shop signboards. These fun and eye-catching figurines plus bright LED signboards makes the place like a fun theme park, or maybe this is where young adults hangout for fun. ^^ They get a lot of  awe attention from first time visitors including myself.

There's this chain, かに道楽 Kani Douraku which has a huge 3D crab icon on the signboard, it's hard to be missed! I'm pretty sure it provides some really good and authentic taste of japanese crab cuisine! Why the confidence? Well, because there's 3, yes there's THREE outlets on the same lane in Dotonburi! I never got to try it but I definitely will make it a must visit during my next visit! 

Kushikatsu Daruma is also a chain of stores famous for their three flavour kushikatsu; original sauce, coating and good oil. It is also available at the busy street of Shinsekai.


The street is packed with people almost all day around especially during nights but it is still comfortable enough for a stroll. The eateries are mostly full if not packed. It is a great place to explore as they have stores selling different types of items to cater to most patrons. 


Shopping for omiyage? They have it here too! As I have said of the local Japanese omiyage culture, that is why you don't only find foreigner tourist in the shop but also a lot of local patrons. I find it really fun to shop and also to receive omiyage because they are all made so unique and outstanding in their own way that it's interesting to find out what's that different omiyage that I will encounter this time around, kind of like a treat injected with "fun".


It's Takoyaki again! くくる 本店 Kukuru Honten is said to be serving the best Takoyaki in Dotonbori. Right inside is a hidden Expo café in the first basement floor exhibiting about local food! Do check it out if you happen to be there. It should be an interesting sight to understand more about the local cuisine :)


大阪王将 Osaka Ohsho beats all the other contestants and gets my visit for the night! Haha.. The first floor is a standing gyoza bar where price are at a discounted rate in comparison with the restaurant rate which is on the 2nd and 3rd floor. Standing eateries might be a new idea for some of you but it has been around Japan for quite some time. It promotes food at a cheaper price for a quick and less comfortable meal.


// Pan fried gyoza ¥220 for 1 person portion (6 pieces) //


// Set of Fried Rice + Chasu Ramen ¥890 //

The gyoza seems to be relatively cheap at ¥220 only for 6 pieces! Taste wise, everything was pretty standard and normal, nothing to highlight. I would label it as an asian fast food place with the type of food served and the environment of the place. Nothing to complain about if you're not too fussy and just want to get a standard meal to fulfill your hunger :)


After filling up our tummy, we went to meet the famous Running Man! No, it's not the Korean but the Japanese. Haha. The LED Glico Running Man Signboard can be said to be the most iconic in Dotonburi and most people make it a must to take a photo with him! *mission accomplish*


Do take a walk on the street of Shinsaibashisuji as it is another well-known shopping street just beside Dotonbori. We came across a mini truck selling charcoal sweet potato and just could not resist getting it in this chilly weather. *yums* 


Some beauty items which I got from the Cosme Store which sells a variety of beauty products as well. They update the best 10 recommended item from time to time to introduce the most sought item at that time. 

Shopping never ends in Japan! <3

Here's a short list of links on Dotonbori which I have compiled for your convenience;
道頓堀 Dōtonbori: 
http://www.dotonbori.or.jp
かに道楽 Kani Douraku: 
http://douraku.co.jp.e.at.hp.transer.com/
Kushikatsu Daruma: 

Wednesday, 29 March 2017

269: Shinsekai + Eats @ Osaka

19:53 by UnknownNo comments

Hello there from Osaka! I was madly in love with the weather here in Osaka. It was slightly chilly on a sunny and cloudy day. The blue sky and puffy clouds just brighten my morning~ *cloud nine mood*

Beware: this is going to be quite a long post!

Wednesday, 22 March 2017

268: Shitennō-ji Temple + Flea Market @ Osaka

11:57 by Tenshi ChnNo comments

We're finally in the 四天王寺 Shitennō-ji Temple and guess what I saw!! These little kids trying to catch the fishes with the paper nets. Sorry, I'm easily excited by these differing new found activities. <^^> If I play along I think I would look weird among these kids. Haha. Anyone of you get the urge to try this?


So, this is right inside the compound where it was flooded with patrons joining in the flea market. After all, it was only held once a month. The place is beautiful, the people seems friendly and smiling all the time, the goods although second hand, seems to be in really good condition and tempting, best of all, the food  looks oh-so-delicious and enticing! So definitely no reason to miss it! 


There were many stalls selling second hand items but almost all of them are still in really good condition. There were きもの kimono and 浴衣 yukata sets which still looks brand new or being preserved carefully, it's a bargain not to be missed! Loose clothing items were also available for mix and match and sold for cheaper prices. They were all so beautiful and well taken care of, I really don't mind getting a second hand item at all.

Ofcourse, that was not all, there were stalls selling footwear, kitchenware, decor displays and much more.


// 四天王寺 Shitennō-ji Temple Pagoda //

Shitennō-ji Temple is actually one of the oldest temple in Japan, oldest in Osaka. It is said to be the first Buddhism Temple built. There were stories which told that the temple was burnt down a few times but was reconstructed to the similarity of the original one.

Before getting your hands full with goods, perhaps you would like to take a look around inside the temple compound first. There is a 5-storey pagoda which you can visit. Go up the spiral stairs and be surrounded by the view of the busy flea market and it's crowds. It could help you plan your walk around the flea market. This area is also the place where you can enjoy some carefree peaceful environment of the surrounding away from the flea market. 


And lots of yummy food stalls! *yums* This is a stall selling イカ玉焼 grilled squid with egg! Both which are irresistible for me! ¥200 per set. If not this, then you're bound to be attracted by another food stall you pass by. Be it sweet confectioneries, savories or even snacks, they get at least a glance from me. I would definitely love to try everything there if I could! Getting a little greedy. Haha.. >.<

// Yums with mom! //

// Pickled / preserved vergetables and 大根 daikon/radish //

// Stall selling Japanese Tea Leaves 茶 //

// ほうじ茶 Hōjicha //

// 抹茶 Matcha / 玄米茶 Genmaicha //

I bought 2 packets of tea, one Matcha and one Genmaicha and they both taste really heavenly. The fragrance is strong and refreshing, the taste is light and very pure. I think they make great gifts. However, do take note that the freshness and conditions is good within 3 months. Well, that's according to my experience. Therefore, it is advisable to finish up in 3 months time. 

// Bargain / Economical Corner //

It is a display of daily use items sold at very affordable prices, a mix of Japan and China produced items sold at very affordable prices.

// Eirei-do Hall (Bell Tower) of Shitennō-ji Temple //

Eirei-do Hall was built to honor Prince Shōtoku, who was well-known for his strong support for the introduction of Buddhism in Japan. It was said to be hosting the largest hanging bell in the world until World War II.

// OOTD for the day //

// First Sakura Love! //

This is my first experience of a blooming sakura tree or rather, a full bloom! Never thought I would see it first here at Shitennō-ji Temple. It's so pretty, I can't take my eyes off it. <3


The compound is huge and I could spend the whole day there when there was flea market. :) Besides surrounded by a few full bloom Sakura Tree, there were also stalls selling beautiful floral plants like orchids. There were many elderly and people of middle-age, strolling cheerfully. It makes the atmosphere so comfortable and carefree, it actually lights up my mood. ^^


Walking till the sun goes down, the place was still crowded with people and activities. I truly enjoy the sightseeing of Shitennō-ji Temple  and it's surrounding, interesting items sold, different delicious food. All in all, it was a interesting place and event not to be missed!

Till next time. I'd love to be back again!

// Bye Shitennō-ji Temple //

// Sakura Love! //
// Snack time again //

// Hats, Maneki-neko (Lucky Cat / Beckoning Cat), Wooden Key chain, Mandrin Duck //

招き猫 Maneki-neko is a Japanese figurine where shop owners commonly place at the front of their shop or at the cash counter to bring good luck and business to the owner. There's now even different type of maneki-neko such as welcoming cat, lucky cat, happy cat, fortune cat, etc..

I've always wanted to get a maneki-neko and this is my first which I put at P.S. Tokyo. So do drop by and visit! :D

// Keychain, Coffee Bean, Small Pouch //

Important notes:

  • Travel to Tennoji Station (JR Osaka Loop Line) for nearest station to Shitennō-ji Temple. 
  • 5 min. walk from Shitennoji-Mae-Yuhigaoka Sta. of Tanimachi line (exit No.4)
  • Check timetable, route maps and station maps at Japan JR-West Railway website:  https://www.westjr.co.jp
  • Shitennō-ji Temple map from planetware.com

Shitennō-ji Temple

a: 〒543-0051 1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji-ku, OsakaCity, Japan.



Monday, 20 March 2017

267: Shizens VISAGE Collection 2017 review.

12:22 by Tenshi Chn2 comments

Hey there! So I just had a session with the Shizens team to learn about their newly launched Shizens VISAGE Collection. VISAGE represents a person's face and feature and I find that the name represents the collection perfectly. 

VISAGE Collection as it is named, is a collection that aims to reveal everyone's unique feature while enhancing  everyone's natural beauty. The Visage Collection starts work with the skin care collection first to bring out the beautiful canvas of our face before enhancing it with the make up collection.

Read on for a review of the skin care and also make-up set of Shizens VISAGE Collection 2017 and right at the end, you will be informed with an irresistible deal not to be missed!



The set of VISAGE Collection provided for review are as above. Clockwise from top left:
  • Natural Pore Nutrient Foundation PRO + brush
  • Aqua Pore Perfection
  • Heu-duo Eyeshadow - Mocha Glow
  • Smack Lips - Plum Wine (other option: Orange Tango)
  • Time Resistance Essence
  • Aqua Eyeliner (Black & Brown)
  • Ultimate Potent
  • Time Resistance Night Cream

Skin Care Collection:
  • Time Resistance Essence - this is an anti-aging essence with skin regenerating Ceraminde III which strengthens and promotes the skin's natural renewal and also creates a protective layer against moisture loss. It enhance the skin condition by firming, toning, brightening, nourishing and also moisturization deep inside the skin cell. 
The essence smells decent and relaxing while having a very light texture. Although it feels slightly moisturizing but the light texture evens out smoothly and absorbs easily.
  • Time Resistance Night Cream - it works to moisturize and locks in the essence for best firming result.
The night cream can feel a little thick and creamy. It is directed to use a general amount during the night and a light dose as day cream. However, my combi skin - dry + acne skin seems to disagree. During the fist few days of usage, acne broke out at parts of my face and my skin around my nose starts to peel a little.

For skin condition like mine, I would advise to go light on the cream and combine the usage of this skin care collection with hydration mask. My skin condition got better after adding hydration mask to the routine and applying a lighter dose of cream during the night and day.

//before//

//after 3 weeks duration//

3 weeks after religiously sticking to this skin care routine, my laughing line actually reduce tremendously. The Time Resistance Skin Care Collection works really well in locking in and retaining moisture leaving the skin more youthful.


//Natural Pore Nutrient Foundation PRO + brush//

Now that I've got a better canvas, it's time to enhance the beauty of it with Shizens VISAGE Make Up Collection. Do follow the steps to get a recommended makeup with this specially curated 6 make-up items or adjust it. to your usual steps.
  • Step 1: Apply Natural Pore Nutrient Foundation PRO by strokes on face and even it out with the brush or your fingers, according to your preference. It is a light weight and sheer foundation with 100% talc-free, giving a light natural coverage on uneven tones, light blemishes, pore imperfections and smoothens out fine lines. It is also infused with moisture essence and Vitamin E.
It does a good job in giving a light natural coverage, evening out skin tones but do not expect it to give high concealing cover-ups on acne and deep colour scars as it is meant to leave your skin as natural as possible.

//Heu-duo Eyeshadow - Mocha Glow//

//Aqua Eyeliner (Black & Brown)//

  • Step 2:  Get a natural eye make-up with the application of Aqua Eyeliner (Black & Brown) followed by an application of Shizens Heu-duo Eyeshadow - Mocha Glow. The Aqua Eyeliner is actually the first which I experience in a cushion type liquid eyeliner. Press the brush on to the cushion sponge to pick up the highly pigmented eyeliner for an even and solid application. The quick drying eyeliner is smudge-proof and long wearing.
My usual is always to apply the eyeshadow first followed by the eyeliner as I prefer a matt vivid eyeliner overlapping the eyeshadow. A more natural look can be created by applying the brown eyeliner on the inner half followed by the black eyeliner on the outer half. The brown eyeliner has a nice natural colour that it can even be used for eyebrows. Just dab some on your hand to lighten the liquid before application on the brows.


//Smack Lips - Plum Wine & Heu-duo Eyeshadow - Mocha Glow//


//Aqua Pore Perfection & Smack Lips - Plum Wine// 

  • Aqua Pore Perfection can be used as a liquid foundation enhancer to give a better finishing or it could be used for shading / contouring. The content includes Vitamin A, E & F which can stimulate immunity for healthy skin glow, retain natural moisture, reflect damages from UVB ray.
I had this in shade No.3 and that's one shade darker than my skin tone. It does a fantastic job for shading on cheek and near jawline to sharpen my face feature. It blends easily wit the foundation to create a natural gradient.
  • Smack Lips (Plum Wine shade) - it provides a matte lipstick shade and said to be long lasting through out the day. The liquid has also been enriched with coconut oil and sunflower butter to lock in moisture below the application thus preventing crack lips and also peeling from drying.
I absolutely loves the texture on application and shade which brightens up my overall makeup naturally. The texture of the application is not too thick so it leaves my lips feeling natural and comfortable.


//Ultimate Potent//

  • Ultimate Potent - the final product used to lock in the whole make up work while also finishing the make up steps with an ultimate lifting on your face feature. Besides that, it will also helps to even out skin tone, creating a smoother and more youthful appearance. However, this can not only be used as the final step of make-up but can also be used as the last step during skin care application to form a finishing layer as well.
For a quick overview of my steps to get natural and light make-up look using Shizens VISAGE Collection, please play the video below! :) Sorry for the over expose for my first beauty video! Will strive to improve. ^^


Tadaa! Do you like the final outcome? The time resistance essence has reduced the visibility of my laughing line so drastically! I'm impressed and I always prefer light make-up so this is definitely going into my favourite product list! <3 But if you were to ask me for my favourite make-up item of the lot, it has to be the Smack Lips in Plum Wine Shade which is long lasting while keeping my lips moistful all the time! Totally killed it when it fix my dry lips problem!

Shizens will be having an irresistible deal with their VISAGE Collection official launch roadshow at the EAST Wing Entrance Lobby in Midvalley on 24th - 30th April, 2017! 

Quote VISAGE01 to get a free makeover at Shizens counters!

Don't forget to purchase VISAGE Essential set worth RM1,503 for only RM199!!! Products included in this amazing set are as below;
  • Smack Lips (Plum Wine Shade)
  • Smack Lips (Orange Tango Shade)
  • Aqua Eyeliner (Black)
  • Aqua Eyeliner (Brown)
  • Hue - Duo Eyeshadow - Mocha Glow
  • Shizens Professional Brush Set (6 brushes)
Irresistible or not?!? Get them now at major Shizen stores listed below from 1st March  2017 to 31st May 2017!



Shizens Malaysia

a: Shizens Pavillion Flagship Store / Shizens Midvalley / Shizens One Utama / Shizens Sunway Piramid / Shizens Gurney Plaza / Shizens Genting Sky Avenue / Shizens Isetan KLCC / Shizens Isetan Garden / Shizens Parkson KLCC / Shizens Parkson Pavillion / Shizens Sogo KL 
t: +603 4024 8331 




Thursday, 16 March 2017

266: Japan 2015 - Teradacho to Shitennō-ji Temple @ Osaka

12:01 by Tenshi Chn2 comments

So I survived the night and had a good sleep after a getting a little lost and dragging the heavy luggage with mom, looking for our Airbnb accommodation. 

Note to self: NEVER NEVER believe that it is near when the place is 15 minutes walk away from the station. The walk is a waste of energy during travel and it always feel like forever when I travel to the station and back. So yes, the ideal duration of walking distance should be 7 minutes or shorter. 

A morning view of this place called Teradacho. It is quite convenient to travel to tourist spots from here. There's a Mc Donald's kiosk and some eatery near the Teradachō Station.

//Sukiya// 

My favourite has always been Yoshinoya but let's have Sukiya on the second day, shall we? If I'm not mistaken, Sukiya serves more beef options while Yoshinoya has more pork options. Both of these brands serve quick meals of rice bowls, somewhat their healthier means of fast food.

//Salmon set | Charcoal Pork Slice Set//

Salmon Set - ¥550 and Charcoal Pork Slice Set - ¥640. Mom and I both love rice so donburi (Japanese rice bowl) for breakfast / brunch is <3 for us. ^^ Both set are satisfactory fulfilling in terms of portion and taste but they could definitely improve on the appearance of the pork slice set.

//So let's dig into my breakfast! Itadakimasu//

First destination for the day is Shitennō-ji Temple. It was a direct line to the Tennōji Station from Teradachō Station but it require some walk towards the temple. About 11 - 15 minutes walk but it was a very entertaining walk around the bustling area all the way to the temple. There was so much to see and the weather was just cooling.

One of the reason the area was bustling with little stalls and people is because on the 21st of every month or so, there will be flea market held around the Shitennō-ji Temple. I feel lucky to be able to come across this very date and experience it.

 //Arimoto Coffee Co.// 


This is actually the first shop that I stop by along the way. Being a cafe hopper, I'm much attracted by this vintage coffee roaster shop. They have quite a number of beans type but I don't really understand much as everything was in Japanese. I ended up getting a small pack of mix blends. It was a really nice place and pretty much filled with the aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans.


Next was this half shop with their bonsai sakura flower extension display to the front. The sight was crazy beautiful and mesmerizing! Not only that, the price itself is urging me to get one but it would probably not survive the change of weather. Plus, I was not sure if it would even cross the immigration safely. So I had to leave these beauties right where they were :(


Some nom nom which was super crowded with people just right the opposite of Shitennoji Temple entrance. It has the shape of bell and in different sizes. Some are more like biscuit and some are like chinese piggy biscuit. I bought this pack and nom it all before I remember to take picture of it. Haha. I'm so sorry and guilty of it but it was so goood! <3

Follow me to Shitennō-ji Temple in the next post! Hang in there while I try to complete the post soon! ^^
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