love energy & flow - flow

Part III is FLOW.  If something is broken are the flow will be disrupted.  This goes for time, things, the body, and mind.

There were several things in my possession that needed fixing, and did just that before then end of last year.  The place I went to is actually where most would buy things from, not repair things at.  However, Tokyu Hands Shibuya has repair shops for jewellery, watches and more.

Took my much loved broken earrings, necklace, and watch for repairs.  And they have done more than a fine job!  The repair staff there are not regular shop staff, but experts with years of experience in their craft.  Due to my, again, crazy requests and funny way of speaking Japanese, I actually came to know a couple of them.  I went by Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, to say hi and drop off my belated Christmas postcard to their Jewellery Repair staff who have helped me out lots.  They were kind enough that they even displayed it inside one of their showcases--see the picture below.  Was so happy they did that for what I call, a random, demanding customer!

Could not be happier--to start off the New Year, I finally got the watch that dad got me (the one in front) for my grad year fixed. It gave way 2 years ago, and instead of paying the $100+ to repair it at the time, paid $300+ for a new one (right, yes the same brand too!).

Both are relatively inexpensive watches, but they have been through thick and thin with me. In the consumerist, disposable world we live in today, fixing and cherishing old items is ever more important. Am grateful that it's on my wrist running again, and I got my flow back. Thanks dad and to the staff at Tokyu Hands Shibuya's Jewellery Repair (on 5C) and Watch Repair (5B) departments!  And isn't 2016 already looking great?

shibuya.tokyu-hands.co.jp

love energy & flow - energy

Part II of my "love energy & flow" posts, of course is ENERGY.  I believe most things have energy, and many give off great amounts of it.  Since skincare is something that I have to say, is the closest to the skin, its energy is very important to me.

A friend of mine introduced me to "BARAKA" a Japanese cosmetics brand that was inspired by the Beauty of the Queens.  The concept sounded far fetched at first, but reading more about it, I realized it was sincere in its idea and product lineup.  At the center of their products is the almost ancient ingredients which queens, say Cleopatra, used for their own beauty routines.  These ingredients such as lotus, frankincense, and Dead Sea salts were and still are prized for their effectiveness in nourishing the skin and soul.

Tried everything they had and though I love them all, I particularly like their "Lotus Water Mist".  So, will share my thoughts with you here.  Every time after I wash my face or finishing taking a bath/shower, I immediately spray the Lotus Water Mist on my face.  Its soft scent and moisturizing effect is heavenly.  I feel like am surrounded by a mist of gentle, positive, nurturing energy.

The main ingredient is Lotus Water--yes, you heard me right.  Apparently, BARAKA used state-of-the-art cosmetics technology to extract this water.  Saw the stats: it was so scientific that am skipping it here.  But it is amazing how they do it.  Knowing how much I am attracted to lotus flowers, it is hard not to like this.  As mentioned previously, the lotus flower is known for symbolizing purity, beauty, enlightenment, and rebirth.  It is also known for its healing properties and energy.  They have another product too that is comprised on this rare ingredient, "Lotus Waterdrop Cream" which too is worth trying out.

BARAKA is unfortunately only available in Japan right now, and their website is all in Japanese.  However, I heard that this may change, and soon too, as they are getting ready for an international launch.  Whatever the case, am very fortunate to have discovered this energizing brand!

baraka-style.com

*Update as of March 2018, they have turned their focus on their Body Care Line instead, which also amazing*

love energy & flow - love

"love energy & flow" came to me one night late last year while laying in bed.  Made it my mantra for 2016.  Cause I am a very tangible person, who loves to feel with my senses, am going to write about physical things I relate with my theme of the year.  This is will be a 3 part blog due to its long length, am also going to post Part I (this post) last so that it shows up first, followed by the Part II & III on my blog.

LOVE

I believe if I surround myself with happy people, I would be happy too.  This applies to love--truly think if I am around things made with love, would feel their/makers' love as well.  Hence am always drawn to handmade items, of course, especially homemade food.  But since I blog non-stop about food already, will make it about something else.

For years, I have been known to wear black with lots and lots of simple, big silver jewellery.  I really mean lots and big.  Something changed last autumn, and so decided to switch things up.  Since then, have been searching for things made with rose gold or silver, with touches of gold or with stones--not really sparkly diamonds or gems, but something with colour to brighten up myself.

The result was me finding creators on Etsy who were willing to listen and answer my crazy requests to make items I know I would cherish for years.  After numerous messages, photos, and etc., then me waiting for them to be lovingly crafted, shipped, and finally making their way to me, here they are!  Yes, the vanity of the fashion stylist inside me never died!  And please don't think I spend money like crazy or do this often.  The items were reasonable, since I did my bargain hunting, and it was for a special reason.  Consider it as one big Christmas present to myself to mark a new outlook and fresh start!

First up, a brilliant Blue Tourmaline Rose Gold Pendent Necklace by Rebekah of Boss Studio Jewelry created at my request.  Rebekah had to run around to look for "the right" stone for me, literally.  This particular little beauty stood out from the rest, and in her words, had more "personality...there's something about it as it just sort of jumped out at me from amongst the rest of the tourmalines that surrounded it!".  It really does sparkle like no other.  With all honestly, the picture does not do the actual necklace justice! And corresponding with Rebekah was a real joy.  Her messages were full of thought, understanding, and love that brought a smile to my face every time.  Am lucky to be wearing her creation while writing this post.

www.etsy.com/shop/BossStudiosJewelry

Next to it, is the Lotus Rose Gold Pendent by Teri of Teri Lee Jewelry.  I was looking for pendent with a lotus flower, because it is one of the flowers my dad had specifically asked me to paint when I was a child, learning traditional Chinese watercolour painting.  It is also the flower featured in the painting that Chicago Children's Museum acquired from me years ago.  Lotus flower is known for symbolizing purity, beauty, enlightenment, and rebirth--the perfect flower to reflect my own transformation while retaining my roots.

After lots of searching, I found this one, and asked to have it made in rose gold instead.  And she did, beautifully!  I just love how tactile the piece is.  It is made with the "lost wax" method, which gives it its special characteristics.

www.etsy.com/shop/TeriLeeJewelry

Next, a trio of delicate yet strong, Branch Stacking Rings made by Youzan, and his team of real craftsman/woman jewellers right here in Tokyo.  Youzan Yamamori is a traditionally trained jeweler and so are his pupils.  Everything they make is inspired by nature, and fittingly so.

Came across their Pink Tourmaline and Carved Nephrite rings, love them so much, that personally requested an additional custom order for a slightly larger, round cabochon Rose Quartz one.  Each was make with such care and detail.  Youzan was also very helpful, cause despite my long emails in English, which of course is not their native language, everything turned out perfect.  The rings remind me of the beautiful sakura blooming in spring, and warm my heart up.  They have received many c0mpliments ever since I started wearing them.

www.etsy.com/shop/youzan

And last but not least, the creator of the rings featured at the top of the post and shown here again, Annie of April & June Jewelry.  Her Personalize Rings (Pink Amethyst & Rose Quartz here) are just that--personalized to the T.  In person, the rings are softer and much prettier.  She too had to search for a rose cut quartz stone for me during the busy holiday season, so that I can have the rings for the New Year. Wonderfully made and hand stamped, which I personally like more than engraving, is "love" and "energy & flow".

www.etsy.com/shop/aprilandjune

You can really feel the love that was put into the making of each of these unique pieces, where no two are alike.  They contain the feelings of their makers, and as the owner of them, I cannot be more grateful, happier, and proud.

Thank you Rebekah, Teri, Youzan & his team, and Annie!  Now, this is also a good motivation to work harder to make up for all the money I spent!  Hahaha......

Happy 2016!

Happy New Year everyone!! Well, it is the year of the monkey--staying warm at an onsen, hot spring!!  Ah, how I want to escape to one right now......

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays everyone!! Wishing you all a very Fa "Lala" la la la la la la holiday season full of joy, love, laughs and great food! May 2016 be the best year yet!!

Talent & Food - Esquisse Tokyo

It was a very special celebration of friendships new & old, dedication to one's craft--here, a culinary one, and of fate. As you may know, Japan has some of the world's best French restaurants, due to the amazingly fresh local produce, great skills of chefs, and the delicate balance of the Japanese style and palette.

I met the very young and talented Ryoma Shida a few years ago, and am very proud of his achievements! Having trained in Paris and Tokyo, won first place in the national competition, and represented Japan in the international one in Italy, he prepared a special dish just for us when we visited him at the Michelin two star Esquisse Tokyo, where he is now working hard as a chef. the picture does not do it justice, but it is a broccoli stem ravioli topped with white truffles--elegant, refined, while packing a punch (first pic).

The other photos are of the main dish, and the main dessert (just for your information, a pre-dessert and petite fours are included in the course--and I didn't take photos of everything, cause was busy eating and chatting)!

From the bread, to the garnishes, and main feature, not a detail was missed! a big thank you to Ryoma, Chef Lionel Beccat, and everyone at Esquisse for making our lives this much more enjoyable!

It was definitely one of the best meals in our lives! After having the mind blowing dishes, I got the positive energy to work harder on my own illustrations, writing, and projects! Am truly a happy & grateful one!

www.esquissetokyo.com

Yummy Japan

For all the international foodies out there, please check out this new portal site, Yummy Japan.  Though it is "Japan",  there are contents created by foodie & cultural Youtubers from all around!  The image is of pasta, but trust me, there info from sushi, ramen, izakaya, and way more!!

www.yummyjapan.net/

Kakigori - Natural Ice

For my Oct tokyo trend report: traditional Japanese desserts are making a major comeback--kakigori is now highly sought after as the new "chic" & "luxurious" sweet and not only in the summer, but all year round. Simple is best, these premium kakigori made from natural ice can easily cost 1000 yen or more! Shown here: matcha & strawberry flavour.

***Natural ice is ice made in the great outdoors, with ponds of water frozen by nature, and handled by dedicated craftsmen. No freezers are used in the ice making process. There are only 5 of such traditional ice-makers (companies) left in Japan***

And here is a picture of the real ones I ordered, though both were of matcha flavour. Lucky to have tried 2 of the 5 ice made by the rare natural ice-makers! The ice really is different, and melts in your mouth like soft, fluffy snow!

Polka Dots & Bubbles

Although am amidst a very important project, I still got distracted after doing an experimental painting for a friend (see below).  After finishing the first one, these little colourful polka dots, or bubbles, wouldn't stop floating about in my head.  The result: a polka dot series that was inspired by nature and the seasons.

Spring (top image): pastels from cherry blossoms, showers, and water drops
Summer: intense vibrant colours from everywhere
Autumn: rich golds, reds, and browns of fall leaves
Winter: cool yet healing effects of rain and snow--water (yes, am from Vancouver! The rainy city of Canada)

These five paintings were done without my signature ink blotted lines.  Hence, there is an airiness to them that is very different from the ones I have done prior.  Now that I got all of these images/feelings down on paper, I can finally get back to work!

The Best Surprise

The Best Surprise: When your best friend's sister & her baby girl receive a gift from someone you personally don't know that has a card with your illustrations on it, and you unexpectedly get photos of them sent to your phone!

Yes, she got a beautiful diaper cake from handmade by the wonderful Seiko Tsuchimoto and staff: baby-shower.jp

Process & Progress

Am in the process of writing a new book, a project that has taken up much of my creative time.  Hence, many of my recent blog posts are about things other than my illustrations.  Am posting a few work in progress pictures of my summer "tokyo trend" report--fashion inspired by the French Riviera.

Goto Tailor

As a stylist, I have always loved menswear more than ladies.  There is a certain classiness to it from the impeccable tailoring that ladies wear tends to lack.  Actually, I wore a full on suit with a customized shirt and Armani silk bow tie to a friend's wedding years ago--that's how much I love menswear!

So, when I heard a friend was getting a suit fitted, I decided to tag along.  Turns out the craftsman of the suit was no other than the famous Goto Tailor in Nihonbashi.  Recognized internationally and by the Japanese government for their craftsmanship, Goto Tailor has been hand making customized suits for clients for decades, from the royal family to politicians, celebrities, and anyone looking to own a special suit to own for a long time.  More than about trends, classic elements, fine details, and the wearer's needs are the focus of a Goto Tailor made suit.

I was very fortunate to have met and spend over an hour and an half with the 3rd generation master tailor and current owner of Goto Tailor, Mr. Kazuhiro Tsuchiya.  Mr. Tsuchiya is as nice as he is skilled in suit making.  He told us many stories about the 1st master tailor, the Mr. Goto, his successor, and himself while fitting my friend's suit to the "T".  Every dart, every detail, down to a millimeter was considered, and not overlooked.  Mr. Tsuchiya was very generous and even gave me a scented sensu, a Japanese folding fan.  Was told that receiving a sensu will bring good luck and many more meaningful meetings!

If you are ever thinking about having a tailor made suit and are not in a rush (since there is a long waiting list and a real suit takes time to perfect), please do visit Goto Tailor at Nihonbashi!

www.goto-tailor.com

Instagram & Lunches

I started using Instagram about only two months or so ago. Have been posting pictures of things that are not always here on my blog, since I wanted to have different content for each of my social media accounts. One of the biggest subject or hashtag is lunch.  I often eat out during lunch at various cafes in Tokyo and daydreaming while I'm at it.  Actually, I wrote My Little Book of Happiness at one years ago.

Am going to post a few pictures from my Instagram feed.  Please follow me at: @js_daydreamer for more of this and other interesting tidbits!  Cheers!!

Sothys from Paris to Japan

Sothys Paris is a professional beauty brand that is available exclusively at beauty institutes & spas worldwide. Known for its unique combination of natural active ingredients and advance skincare technology, it truly is a gentle yet effective brand. A dear of mine sent me a gift certificate as a treat, which I was more than grateful of, so I had the chance to experience a relaxing facial at the Sothys Institute Aoyama in Tokyo, one of their 3 directly operated salons here in Japan.

The esthetician was very helpful in choosing the right facial treatment for me, and she did an amazing job.  The facial & upper body massage were carried out with great skill. From the service, to the actual treatment, and even till the very end when I was leaving, she was friendly, professional, and considerate.

I have really sensitive skin and the extreme weather here (crazy dry winters, and super humid summers) along with the no-so-skin-friendly air conditioning, stresses out my skin a lot. Even with my skin condition, was extremely happy with the results. I was relaxed, refreshed, and my skin was much softer and hydrated than before--no unwanted redness or irritation. I really can't thank my friend enough for the special treat!! Their prices are not what I call everyday ones, but it is definitely worth it if you are looking to splurge on yourself or someone special. So, do visit their website for some for information.

Actually, I heard that their salon, Iridium Featuring Sothys, at the St. Regis Hotel in Osaka won the World Luxury Spa Award for 2015 in the Best Luxury Emerging Spa Section/Category. Saw some pictures of it, and the interior itself is a reason to visit there, let alone their excellent treatments!  Now, am looking for the right opportunity......Yes, am a daydreamer!  Hahaha......

Sothys Japan
www.sothys.co.jp/salon/index.html

The photos above are from the Sothys website, and the illustration is mine of course--Lala too loves spas and relaxation.

tokyo trend - The Bulletin Magazine Jul 2014

I started doing a monthly illustrated report on what is trending in Tokyo for a wonderful Canadian Japanese publication, The Bulletin, back in June.  Was a little caught up with other work, and unable to give it a proper mention here until now.  Apologies!

This is my second report for them, and the trend to note is "ballet a la mode" or "ballet fashion".  It has always been a trend for little girls, but these days, you can find its influences even for ladies in their late 30's to mid 40's!

Am very happy to be a part of The Bulletin family as a contributing illustrator.  Please do visit their website to check out the many interesting articles available!

jccabulletin-geppo.ca/tokyo-trend-2

Tanabata - Star Festival

Tanabata (Star Festival)

July 7th is the annual celebration about the legend of the fated lovers, who are separated by the earth and moon, can only meet on this day every year. There is a tradition of writing your wishes on tanzaku, a strip of paper, and hanging it on sasa no ha, bamboo branches. Came across this spellbinding sasa no ha arrangement with a friend when we were visiting the Main Building of the established Hotel Okura, which will be torn down for reconstruction later this year.

Of course, we wrote our wishes, hung them on the branches, and are looking forward to the wishes coming true!!