Posted in Art, Choco-chan, Exercise, Feelings, Japanese Culture, Tokyo

Stay Home: Walk (Street Painting Project @ Roppongi Tunnel)

Posted on by sonokotchi

When I take Choco out for a walk (or shall I say carry because he like to be carried), I try to take him a different route.

Yes, I walk at the park often but I try the path reversing it the next day hoping to look different for Choco.

Today, we went out when it’s still bright out.

I walked a path that I haven’t tried before.

It became an exciting adventure for me as well.

It led us to the other side of Nogizaka Station or Route 319.

I walked through Roppongi Tunnel where Street Painting Project was conducted by Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

There are five street paintings.

Sometime I pass it quickly by car.

Today, I walked to see each paintings.

Now I can go for a walk when it’s still bright.

Where to try tomorrow?

Posted in Beauty, Choco-chan, Exercise, Feelings, Health, Japanese Culture, Shopping, Work

Walk Walk Walk…

Posted on by sonokotchi

On 4 May 2020, Japanese government announced the extension of the State of Emergency till end of May 2020.

Government requested businesses to continue considering closing its business (especially retailers and services) and working from home if possible.

I’m glad to know that my boss decoded to cooperate to government’s request and to continue working from home.

However, we are still require to return to office once a week to check on office and settle office administrative matters.

And today, we are required to go to the office.

Though Japanese government announced the extension of the State of Emergency and many of us will continue to work From home; I expected a large number of office staffs to go to office today because the long Japanese National Holidays, Golden Week, just ended yesterday.

As I mentioned earlier, I don’t mind to work at the office but I do mind to take a crowded subway.

The weather is getting better (20C – 28C) so I decided to walk to the office today.

It takes 1 hour walk or 4 km or 4 subway stations to the office.

On the way back, I stopped by few stores to look for and buy a battery for thermometer, bulbs and grocery.

Furthermore, today, Choco patiently waited for me so I took him for a walk.

Today I walked a total of 10 km or 18,153 steps.

Now I’m exhausted and ready to hit the bed.

This week, we need to go back to office again tomorrow; and YES, I plan to walk to the office.

I hope the waking would contribute to accelerate my weight loss. hahaha

Posted in Choco-chan, Feelings, Flower, Health, Japanese Culture

Stay Home: Health and Culture (Shobuyu on Kodomo no Hi – Iris Bath on Children’s Day)

Posted on by sonokotchi

It’s Japanese National Holiday, Kodomo no Hi (Children’s Day).

Although the direct translation of Kodomo no Hi is Children,s Day; it is for Boys Day.

We decorate family carps, Kabuto (Japanese Samurai Armor), and etc to wish for health and prosperity.

In addition, we take a bath with Shobu (iris) to wish for winning.

The Iris, Shobu pronounces same as battle.

Taking a bath with Iris brings a health to win the battle.

And I surely want to win against COVID-19!

Choco is a boy so he takes a bath with this, too.

Posted in Beauty, Feelings, Friends

Stay Home: Self Beauty Care and Organizing

Posted on by sonokotchi

Spa is still closed so I’m trying self beauty care with what I have such as given gifts and samples.

Tonight I used a gift, Manuka Doctor Rejuvenating Face Mask.

Earlier today, I gathered gifts and samples to understand what I can do at home.

And I was surprised at the range of products and quantity.

Samples
Tanamera Spa Products (Malaysia)

I think I would be busy trying these at home.

I will surely enjoy using them and making space in cabinets.

Posted in Beauty, Feelings, Japan Technology, Shop, Shopping

Stay Home: Self Beauty Care (Nail)

Posted on by sonokotchi

The series of nail stamp is available at 100 yen shop, Can Do.

Of course, the price for each stamp plates and stamps are JPY 100 (USD 1).

There are many attractive designs and I have been collecting stamp plates without any guilt.

I wanted to try it for long; however, I thought it could be difficult and hesitated to try.

Now it’s good time to try it.

First I apply base nail colour.

CHANEL Joyau

I remove a film from stamp plate.

Place a stamp and scraper

Select the design and apply nail colour that I want to stamp on the nail.

Use scraper to remove extra nail polish from the stamp plate.

Press the stamp on the stamp plate to transfer the design on the stamp.

Press the stamp on the nail to transfer the design on the nail.

CHANEL Pure White

To my surprise, it’s much easier to enjoy designing nails.

I will continue to enjoy designing my nails for seasonal events. Yeah.

Posted in Beauty, Feelings, Japan Technology

Stay Home: Self Beauty Care (Facial)

Posted on by sonokotchi

I cannot make an appointment for my spa yet; therefore, I have to proceed with self beauty care at home.

I tried out this enzyme facial mask developed by Hollywood Cosmetics Co Ltd which I believe spa usually apply to me during my facial treatment.

I need to mix powder and cream before applying to my skin.

The sample packaging is quite unique; there is a divider and I push bottom part (Cream) to upper packaging (powder) to mix it.

I was amazed by the packaging because I already know it’s effectiveness on my skin. hahaha

Posted in Beauty, Choco-chan, Experience, Feelings, Health, Shopping, Surprise

Giving Choco a Bath

Posted on by sonokotchi

I regularly take Choco to grooming.

However, due to government’s declaration of the State of Emergency”, his grooming appointment got cancelled.

Choco looks scared of water so I thought he gets wild if I bath him; furthermore, I’m not used to giving a bath.

Nonetheless, I thought I should try it how it goes.

I bought a Shampoo and I already had the conditioner for his additional grooming treatment.

To my surprise, he behaved and looked enjoying taking a bath.

I troubled drying him because my hair dryer can get too hot for him.

I need to adjust the distance, power and switching hot and cool air.

I’m happy to know that he is okay with all processes and he actually looks enjoying it.

He looks so comfortable and looking at him makes me smile.

Let’s take a bath again!

Posted in Experience, Family, Feelings, Health, Japanese Culture

Masks Have Arrived

Posted on by sonokotchi

I received this talk of town masks.

This is one of Prime Minister Abe’s counter measures against COVID-19: to deliver 2 masks per household.

Why 2 masks?

The average size of Japanese household is 2.47 persons.

Yes, our birth rate is low as 1.42 in 2018 (the latest statistics available).

I understand the budget is limited so it’s difficult to provide more; nonetheless, these masks are recyclable/washable.

The size of these masks are suited for women or children so it’s fine for me; however, I’m afraid these could be too small for men.

I still cannot find masks easily in the market so I’m thankful for these masks that I can get for free (well, technically paid by tax).

Posted in Art, Experience, Feelings, Friends, Music, Surprise

Stay Home: Home Theatre (The Phantom of the Opera)

Posted on by sonokotchi

My BFF informed me there would be free show on the Phantom of the Opera on YouTube to entertain people at home due to COVID.

I’ve seen it at the theatre before so I didn’t expect much.

But I was wrong, VERY WRONG!

I watched it on TV for a bigger screen and it was AWSOME.

I get excited as if I were at the theater.

I watched it twice.

The first show, I was overwhelmed and cried.

The second show, I paid attention to details.

Then, I found English subtitle appears on YouTube app on my iPhone.

I watched my favorite scenes with subtitles

This 25th Anniversary of the Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall show is special and MUST WATCH if you still have an access because it’s only available for 48 hours!

Well, I also enjoyed the additional surprise at very last very much so it is highly recommended to watch till very last.