To start, I thought I’d share what I packed for the week of doing nothing in Tamarindo, a town on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. I’m a fan of an old fashioned “what’s in my bag” and hope you are too. If anything, this serves as a pseudo packing list for my next holiday.

CLOTHING

I don’t put together outfits before packing, but I do lay everything out on the bed and do my own version of the “Sudoku Method”. I almost always bring two pieces too many just in case I feel like dressing up a bit more but my laziness really shines on beach vacations. I simply cannot be bothered! I already have a fiancé, I’ve got no one to impress!

• Relax Lacrosse Brand shorts

• Tommy Hilfiger white swim trunks I got in a random store in Antibes (similar here)

• My favourite tank tops from Flore Flore in three colours– grey, black and light green

• Brooke Callahan tie pants in yellow

• Gap cotton pants

• Muji shorts in navy (a good Tekla dupe!)

• Havaianas flip flops in black and metallic purple

• Sandy Liang x Salomon Moc 3.0s

• Calomel swimsuit, which I panic bought at Tumbao a day before my trip because I couldn’t find any of my swimwear after our move

• Hanes xKarla white t-shirt (not available anymore, but here is my other favourite)

• 3 old (vintage, at this point) graphic t-shirts as extras/to use for sleeping

• Sisi Joia necklace

• Simuero ring

• Thistles sunglasses

SKINCARE/MAKEUP

Since I wasn’t checking a bag, I kept it pretty minimal in the skincare/makeup department. I have a tub of deluxe samples that I keep for trips like these where I’m not picky about sticking to my usual routine. Because of all the sun time I was going to get, I didn’t bring any actives and focused on hydration :-)

• sample sizes of d Program’s face wash, balance care toner and lotion

• d Program allbarrier mist, my favourite afternoon skin pick-me-up

• Damdam moisturizer, stored in a cadance capsule

• SKIN AQUA suncreen gel

• Chanel baume essentiel

• Got2b brow gel

• Caudalie body oil, one of my favourite summer body products

• Saie dew blush in Spicy, plus their buffing brush

• A mini size of Maison Louis Marie’s perfume oil, which is not my usual scent but was delightful anyway

My first time to Costa Rica was in November last year for my company’s annual staff retreat. It was a completely different experience (me, scared every night having to walk back to our treehouses alone in the dark) since we were in the rainforest along Rio San Carlos, so I was thrilllllllled to be exploring a completely different part of the country (and to escape NY’s 3rd winter).

First impressions of Tamarindo: It’s a lot like Bali before it got too crowded. It’s smaller but reminds me of old Canggu days. We stayed in Playa Langosta, about a mile away from the main area, and used a golf cart to take us back and forth. It’s nice in the morning, even with the high temperatures, and the town is busy enough with many restaurants, cafes and shops. The sunsets were hit after hit every night and there’s a big surf scene, if you’re into that!

Tama Market (open on Wednesdays and Saturdays) in town was fun to see and we got also bought some fruit and Jamu for the week. The pineapple in Costa Rica is sooOOoOooO good and must be eaten at any opportunity. Refugio was a favourite place for breakfast and lunch. I love their gallo pinto and had a cold brew coco everyday. Sol Bakery seemed very trendy amongst the college spring breakers and I hate to admit that their pastries and breakfasts are delicious.

Tandoor, the Indian restaurant right by our villa was incredible and I would go back in a heartbeat. It’s not in the main area of town but close enough for you to walk. In the same area, Sno Shack was a good spot for acai bowls and smoothies early in the day. Namu was a great spot on the beach to enjoy dinner and a sunset and on some nights they have a fire show.

Besides our two days of activities (more on that below), our daily routine was: breakfast > pool > lunch > pool > dinner > sleep.

Jack generously bought us both Kindles before the trip and I have to say… I am a convert. It’s just so EASY! AND SMALL! AND DIDN’T DIE ONCE! On our summer trip to Sardinia last year, I finished my book on the first day and didn’t have anything else to read for the entire week because of course, there were no english bookstores on the island. It was horrible. But now I won’t have that problem :-) I brought a knitting project and worked on that a little bit but spent most of the time with books instead, which felt like a nice change. If you’re curious, I finished Martyr, Tokyo Express, As Far As She Knew and The Tenant, and am halfway through The Door.

It was still warm at night and no restaurant was nice so most outfits consisted of just a bottom change to my evening flip flops (purple havis) and my Gap pants, topped off with a spritz of my face mist and perfume.

On Wednesday we got off our bums and headed a little inland for an afternoon of ziplining. I thought that was it but we were actually signed up for the deluxe package, which included a big tarzan swing. When I was in New Zealand years ago, I went skydiving because I thought bungee jumping was too scary. Turns out we have to face our fears at some point because what do you mean the big tarzan swing is a combination of bungee jumping and a giant swing??? And what do you mean I was next in line after a 4 year old who jumped off that thing and made no noise??? All said and done, it was less scary than I thought and actually felt like I wanted to do it again but we had 6 more ziplines to get through.

Bright and early on Thursday morning we headed to Las Baulas National Marine Park and started the day with an incredible boat ride through the mangroves. We saw a variety of herons and egrets, a crocodile, and a troop of howler monkeys taking their mid morning nap in the shade.

Following the boat tour was a horseback ride along the beach back to our villa. The horses were owned by a rancher near Las Baulas and he only takes them out in the morning and late afternoon when it isn’t too hot. My horse’s name was Duende, which I later googled and loved when I found out it translates to “a mythical, mischievous spirit or goblin (a fairy/imp) in folklore”. Very me.

Our last day was spent, again, lounging by the pool and soaking up all the sun. During the week we would drive by Capitan Suizo, a beachfront boutique hotel that seems right up my alley, and their sign that said “GREAT BBQ ON THE BEACH. FRIDAY, 6:30PM. LIVE MARIMBA MUSIC.” and I said, what more could we want on our final evening in Costa Rica? So we went, and we did indeed enjoy a great bbq meal on the beach that was accompanied by live marimba music, performed by 4 men in identical outfits. It was fabulous, the best meal of the trip I think, and I highly recommend if you’re going to be in the area.

See you in the next one! I’ll leave you with a sunset to close out this post <3

Here is a digestible list of what has happened in March!

• Ysenia moved to LA and next week Jordan leaves us to join her </3 Pictures of their new house and this apartment tour make it seem like not such a bad idea (haha jk! unless..?)

• Again with the daydreaming, I, along with everyone else it seems, have my eyes on a Chanel bag. I don’t have the money for it but it doesn’t hurt to dream! Window shopping is free, as my mother likes to remind me. I did go into the store this week to try on a dress for my wedding (as I said, it doesn’t hurt to dream) but it isn’t in yet so I will try my luck another time. An exciting purchase was made at Jacquemus though! You’ll just have to wait and see what I bought…next year…

• Lungi’s jam and buttered toast cookies have been on my mind since I saw her video on tiktok (sorry) and I finally got my act together and made them. It was torturous waiting for them to cool because they smelled absolutely divine and the proof was in the pudding (cookie?) when I ate one and couldn’t believe how much the jam and buttered toast flavour came through. Incredible!

• I finished reading my first book of the year (yay) and bought two more– Martyr, recommended by Nadia, and the second installment of the Thursday Murder Club series, an enjoyable easy whodunit read.

• A lot of indulging in Harry Styles last week. A new album, netflix special and SNL episode? What more could a girl want!

• On a sunny second Sunday of the month a.k.a. free admission Sunday, Jack and I caught the last day of Calder’s Circus at the Whitney, which I enjoyed tremendously. I love how he was basically making little figurines (better than I ever could) and then just put on a whole circus show with them. I’m kinda into the idea of making a pair of my own to use as our wedding cake topper? Our quick afternoon in Meatpacking/Chelsea ended with tacos at Los Mariscos, which I recommend to everyone who is in the area.

• Recently I’ve been getting a lot of Gap ads on Instagram and I must say, it worked. I bought something! Two things actually. A pair of pants that are going to replace my very similar ones from Zara home that are a summer staple for me but got sadly eaten by my bike chain last year. I’ve worn them since the incident but I think I’m lying when I tell myself that “the dangling lace on one side it isn’t too noticeable”. Obviously I looked at what else they had online and added this tank to my cart too. While browsing that category, this caught my eye because it looks like a good dupe for my favourite tanks but it didn’t come in any colours I didn’t already have so I passed. Someone report back and let me know though? Also these wedge sandals were tempting to add to my wedding guest shoe rotation but I only have two this year and already have my outfit formulas down.

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• A few days that included a lot of sitting outside and getting excited about the warmer days ahead :-)

• I’m haven’t stopped thinking about the chinese chicken salad at Croft Alley, a new to me place on the same street as Raku, which I realized doesn’t open for lunch anymore. This place is just what that side of Soho needed IMO and I’m counting down the days until my next lunch opportunity.

• Did you know you can buy Serax in the US now? For a long time we weren’t able to but I was having a browse online for some house bits and was surprised when there were prices displayed and an option to add to cart. I’m thinking of upgrading some of our wine glasses and like these by Sergio Herman.

• To finish off the list, my March empties included some favourites like my all time favourite face mist, Damdam’s vitamin C serum which I talked about in my December post (meaning each bottle has about a 3-4 month supply!) and a fun toothpaste I picked up in Japan. I picked out a water cream from my skincare stash as we move into warmer days, made a repurchase of a peptide serum that’s an old favourite, and have committed to finishing the rest of this sunscreen for the upcoming month.

That’s all I have for you! I’ll see you when I’m back and sunkissed. Thanks for being here!

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BASE

500g oats (preferably not the quick cooking kind, but whatever, use what you have)

1/2 cup olive oil (or coconut, or butter)

1 cup maple syrup (or honey)

big pinch of sea salt

vanilla paste (optional, I leave this out if I forget or I don’t feel like adding it)

1/3 cup miso paste (optional)

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

This is where you can go crazy. I usually add around 1/3-1/2 cup of “toppings” to my base recipe. If I’m using less variety, I’ll increase the amount I use. There really are no rules here so measure with your heart!

If I’m including nuts, I love using a mix of slivered and chopped so there is a variety in the texture. Trader Joes has an amazing nut/seed/dried fruit selection for an affordable price and I also love using their “fun nuts” (as I like to call them) like the sesame coated almonds or even a savory kind?! Go nuts!

Here are some ideas to get your brain going–

Seeds: pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, hemp, chia!

Nuts: pecans, almonds, walnuts, pistachio, coconut!

Dried fruit: apricot, blueberries, candied ginger, mango, goji berry, raisin!

Other: chocolate chips, dates, popped amaranth, puffed rice, quinoa!

METHOD

Preheat your oven to 330F/170C! Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat.

Weigh out the oats in a large bowl. If you’re using quinoa, I like putting them into the bowl too as it helps it stick to the oats once baked. If you have raw (not roasted) nuts, you might want to add them into the bowl as well so they get a deeper flavour.

Measure out olive oil and maple syrup in a little pot on the stove and bring to a simmer to combine. Once the mixture is simmering, you can stir in your miso paste, salt and vanilla. When everything is nice and smooth, turn off the heat and pour the mixture over the oats. Mix well so that all the oats are fully coated.

Pour mixture onto prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the oven for 10 minutes. When the timer goes off, gently toss the oats (especially the edges) and put it back in the oven for another 10 minutes. Do this one more time! The oats will be in the oven for a total of 30 minutes and should be nice and golden at this point.

Now here is where you have to be patient! When the timer goes off for the last time, turn off the oven, leave the oats inside and crack the oven door. Wait until the oats are fully cooled before taking it out of the oven. Once the oats are out of the oven, sprinkle toppings over and mix gently to combine before storing in a large jar.

We usually eat the granola within 2-3 weeks and it has never gone bad, but if you think you’ll keep it for longer, it keeps well in the fridge or freezer too.

I hope you enjoy this recipe! Let me know what combinations you use in yours <3

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• Just before Lunar New Year, I got my haircut to get rid of all the bad juju from the past year and I’ve already given up on styling the bangs my hairdresser decided to give me. I thought I was being smart by showing him a picture of myself (embarrassing) with the last haircut he gave me (great) but he missed the mark and my front pieces have been too short. I’ve upped my vitamin B intake and have been using this on my hair religiously to try and speed up the growing out process. Wish me luck!

• Early this month was a lovely evening with my friend Sarah at Craft Society making cross stitched cards for our valentines. I started out ambitious, trying more than once to copy my own design from Pinterest, but realized I was wasting precious time and ended up using one of the pre-made patterns they had for us which turned out just as cute. The space was so sweet and everyone was lovely. It’s inspiring to see what can come from a hobby and I hope our knit club can have a clubhouse one day too <3

• I also started the Birdie sweater with yarn that I got from Sheep and Wool last year so that has been fun. It smells so much like sheep, I can’t help but bury my nose in it every so often. The sweater sleeve scarf is still on the needles but it’s been a nice project to take with me when I’m on the go. My last project was this bonnet which was a satisfying quick project, but nothing gets me going like casting on a sweater.

• Frogged Knit Club (hosted by me and Sarah!) happened over the weekend and it was so heartwarming to see old and new faces make the trek to Anais despite the blizzard. We usually host them on evenings during the week but the weekend afternoon session felt so sweet and cozy <3 Maybe we’ll do it again then? If you’re into knitting (or crocheting) please join us at our next one! Details soon!

• I finally got to eat at Sunn’s, a tiny restaurant in Dimes Square that has been saved on my list since I heard it was going to open. There are only a few tables and a small row of bar seats and to my surprise, I somehow managed a reservation during Valentine’s. Favourites included the banchan (obviously), winter salad and chocolate date cake dessert.

• Lunar New Year started in the middle of the month and I was lucky enough to have two hot pot celebration dinners in the first week! It really is the best meal to enjoy with friends.

• We spent a lovely evening with friends at Cafe Music, who raised $652.18 for the New York Immigration Coalition with their event <3

• After 4 weeks at the cobbler, my old Chanel boots my mother lovingly bought for me in 2014 right before I moved to NYC were finally ready to be picked up. I wore them a lot the first few years and then put them to the side because, naturally, I got sick of wearing the same thing. They’ve been sitting in the closet looking a little sad and worn, so I took them in to get a little refresh which included a fix of the heel and a nice polish. Happy to report that they are back and better than ever, and have realized that there is no better feeling than rediscovering something in your closet and realizing you’ve had the perfect version of something this entire time. I haven’t gotten a chance to wear them out because the city was blanketed in snow…yet again…

• After a day of playing in the snow, Otis fell asleep on me while we were watching TV and it was too sweet. I didn’t move for an hour :-)

• This actually happened in January but I just went for my follow up appointment not too long ago so only now it feels appropriate to report back on my UltraClear laser session with Dr. Kim, which I was very lucky to get done for free as a demo patient. I started seeing him in 2024 for my acne scars (not marks, scars) and we’ve been on a journey ever since. All good things take time, as they say! I’ve done microneedling and fraxel to try and help with the indentations on the sides of my face but UltraClear was the thing that showed the most visible improvement after just one session. The healing process was something else (a scabby face and doing vinegar soaks 3x a day) and I showed up to our biggest knit club looking ROUGH but 7-10 days later and you have noticeably smoother skin that glows. TL;DR go see Dr. Kim if you need a dermatologist! And tell him I sent you!

• I tried on my first wedding dress (!!!!) and was surprised at the exhaustion of taking things on and off over the course of an hour. When we got to the building, the man helping with people/lift management profiled Ysenia and I as escape room goers and we didn’t bother correcting him, but I couldn’t help but wonder what part of our outfits made him think that.

• The later half of the month was a lot of mat pilates, finishing up my certification hours and scheduling my test out in the later half of March. I can’t believe the time has finally come, ack!

• More on the fitness front, I recently signed up for some semi-private strength training and am excited to do that in addition to my at-home workouts. I want to get into a routine of running to the gym (and also more running in general) in the warmer months but my problem is that I’ve never worked out at an actual gym and I’m terrified of the machines so hopefully this will set me up for success for when the time comes. This is the year of strength, ladies!!!

…And that was February! See you in the next one <3

I’m reminiscing hard writing all a few of my favourite places in Kyoto. We took the shinkansen here after 6 days in Tokyo, ready to spend 5 days in my favourite Japanese city. You must know that that a big part of me wants to gatekeep these places, but I also want you to know that Kyoto deserves more than a day or two.

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STAY

Nothing fancy for this leg of the trip, which is perfectly fine! Sometimes it’s nice to ball out on a nice hotel and other times, all you really need is a decent bed and a hot shower. We picked Villa Sanjo Muromachi, a small hotel with maybe 12 rooms located conveniently around the corner from the Ace. The room on the 4th floor was spacious with wiggle room around our 4 luggages and the shower got very very hot. The best part is the bakery right next door and the proximity to the main shopping and eating areas. I liked it and would stay again!

FOOD

Badu - Sister restaurant of Monk that reminded me Gem’s (now Cove) early days. We chose the earlier of the two seatings which started at 4pm. Early, but I love a 5pm dinner so this was perfectly alright with me. You can choose to go a la carte or have the chef prepare an omakase sharing menu, which I recommend! For 10,000yen, it is the obvious choice. Note: you have to make a reservation.

Teuichi Kanei Soba - On our way back from Ichimonjiya Wasuke (more info on this if you keep reading) we stopped by this small restaurant with locals eating fresh soba. No pictures allowed, but just imagine yourself sitting on a warm tatami mat eating delicious soba. Keep in mind that this place is cash only and that you might want to have some extra to pick up homemade soba-cha or soba boro (cookies)

Wajoryomen Sugari - If you find yourself confused at getting into this place, don’t worry, that was us too. You open a door only to find yourself in a short but seemingly long empty hallway. At the end, on your right, there is an iPad to place your order. You then go through another door and surprise! You’re in the waiting area of a fantastic ramen shop. The chefs call you in when your table is ready and you have a choice between soup or dipping style ramen. Wash that down with a beer and marvel at the impeccably organized drawer right by your seat that houses cutlery and various spicy powders.

Motoi Gyoza - A good stop to eat a quick bite of gyoza and rice, if you find yourself hungry in between lunch and dinner.

Kikushin Coffee - A small coffee shop (6 seats at most) that serves lemon honey toast, coffee, milk tea and curry rice. Again, no photos allowed, but take my word that this place (especially a bar seat) is a lovely place to catch a break.

Hobodo Cafe - A vegan cafe that serves a platter of the most tasty vegetables you’ll ever eat alongside a side of rice. Each dish, although tiny, packed a punch of flavour.

Ao Onigiri - An onigiri (rice ball) cafe that sells a variety of delicious flavours. There’s no place to eat in the space but take it to go and enjoy it along the river or at a park. You don’t have to do this, but I ordered in advance for pick up the next day. We got there around lunch time and there were still some options but best to do this if you are wanting to eat something specific!

Doutor - I’m including my favourite chain coffee shop I’ve loved since my first trip years ago and is often overlooked, just like the basement floors of departmental stores IMO. In my younger days I used to get a large matcha latte and suffer the consequences but they’ve introduced a soy milk version in the last few years that is equally as good and doesn’t make my body scream for a bathroom (tmi?) The royal milk tea is also delicious and I love pairing both with a simple yet effective cheese toastie. This combo sets you back only a few hundred yen and it’s quite charming being in there with other Japanese people enjoying a treat.

SWEETS

Maruki Bakery - Remember how in my Tokyo post I said that I almost went back and got a donut twice because it was so good? And how that happened again in Kyoto? This is that place. We went early in the morning and there was already a steady stream of locals getting a variety of savoury and sweet breads. I got the cream donut thinking it would be good but it was SO good it almost brought me to tears. Perfectly light, sweet and crisp all at the same time. I still think of her often.

Toraya - A fancy wagashi place near the Kyoto National Garden (also beautiful.) You might be familiar with their almanac, which documents their artistic confectionery they make throughout the year. On a beautiful day, you can choose to sit outside and enjoy your sweets and tea while facing a manicured garden, but we sat inside and it felt just as luxe. The fillings are traditional (mostly white or red bean) but it’s fun to pick out a piece of art to eat.

Umezono - Another wagashi place known for their mitarashi dango - a mochi skewer covered in a sweet and salty soy glaze. There are also cute parfaits and other desserts if mochi isn’t for you.

Ichimonjiya Wasuke - If you’re walking towards the shrine entrance, this 1000 year old mochi shop is to your right. Confusingly, there is another shop that seems almost identical directly across from it. The same situation with the iconic chendol shop (and its competition) in Penang, if you’re familiar. We went shortly before lunch and the line seemed long but moved at a good pace. They only serve their version of mitarashi dango, which is grilled over charcoal. The texture is different from what you’ll get at other places like Umezono but it was just as (or even more) delicious. I could’ve had 20 skewers (they’re tiny, ok) but thought I might seem a bit greedy ordering a second portion.

Fiveran - Delicious bakery with a variety of options that was conveniently right next to our hotel.

SHOP

Ichizawa Shinzaburo Hanpu - Iconic canvas bag store that has every size, shape and colour canvas tote you could want. I opted for top handle medium sized one that fits my book and a few other necessities and got a smaller version for a friend so we could match.

Tembea - Again, more canvas bags. They have some similar in style to L.L.Bean’s boat tote but just a bit more special. Jack ended up getting one of their classic baguette totes!

Mitsuo - There are a lot of pottery shops in Kyoto but this was the sweetest one filled with pottery made by a charming old man, Mitsuo Mishima. We bought a teacup and a few chopstick rests and after I had paid, his wife came out from the back with a bowl of oshiruko (sweet red bean soup) and tea and pulled up two stools for us to sit and enjoy our treats amongst the ceramic plates. This is my most treasured souvenir, from the experience to the item <3

Naito Shoten - So I got you with the 218 year old broom store, huh? Well here she is, situated at the end of a busy main street just before the bridge over the Kamo River. Lots of options ranging from dish scrubbers to actual brooms. I bought a very nice pastry brush and really thought about how to fit a full size broom in my already-full luggage.

D&Department - A cute store for souvenirs located within temple grounds with a giant ginko tree out front. I must admit that I thought the selection would be bigger or they would have more interesting items, but I only left with some tea. Nice if you are in the area!

Lisn Kyoto - Prepare your nose! To smell over 100 varieties of incense!

THINGS TO DO

Kodaiji Temple - If you’re looking to visit a bamboo forest, skip Arashiyama and see this mini and much less crowded version closer to the city centre.

Into Saihoji - If you’re going to do one thing in Kyoto, please please please let it be this moss garden/temple. Upon arrival, you write copy a sutra to quiet your mind before enjoying the peace and tranquility of the grounds. I can’t remember the last time I was in a place this quiet. It was a real treat for the soul. The temple is closer to Arashiyama so you’ll want to plan your commute accordingly, but I recommend taking the earliest reservation spot as people come in on a rolling basis and getting their earlier than later means less crowds.

Katsura Imperial Villa - We got lucky with our visit to the villa because you need to ballot for tickets. You can show up early in the morning and hope for tickets on the day of but since it’s not in the main area, it is a little bit of a risk!

Walk along the Kamo River - Bring a snack or two and if it’s a nice day. You might see a heron or two enjoying the scenery with you!

I’m off to reminisce! I hope you enjoyed this little guide and found a spot or two to add to your next trip to Kyoto.

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On my second sick day when I had enough energy to make it from bed to sofa, I opened my laptop to do a a little online window shopping. It felt like the best form of medicine for the day. It’s only February but we already have a few trips planned and Harry Styles concerts to go to so I’m (sadly) keeping myself in the No Buy lane.

After spending days in pyjama pants, my window online shopping took me back to these Kye pants, which I’ve been thinking of since I saw and felt them at BOMI last year. These merino wool ones in a similar style I’ve also looked at have been restocked so maybe it’s a sign to take the plunge? I like them because they are comfortable for home but presentable enough for the town. My current PJ pant rotation only includes stripes, little skiers and tartan. Not so town-friendly :-(

I must admit that I did buy another Lloyd hat after writing that post earlier this month. Jack finally caved and said he wanted a black one so naturally I also put one for me in the cart. I looked at the cost of shipping and did some girl math, if you will. Speaking of hats, Annie was wearing one of Ilana Blumberg’s beanies when we went to Vogue Knitting Live the other weekend. It has been on my wishlist since late last year but I didn’t know if I wanted the regular version or the felted. Annie is lovely and let me try the regular version which unfortunately for me, looked really good on. It doesn’t help me decide which one to get when the time finally comes but mark my words, I will only be buying one version.

Not much else on the clothing front! Thank god. Our closet space is significantly less in this apartment so I’m trying to pare back on clothes. I really despise having clothing in storage even though I have yet to actually live through an entire year of seasonal changes to make this claim. However, the new space has a bathroom with a shower that gets so hot in there it feels like it’s a steam shower/room. I’m loyal to my bar soaps (+ foaming net, a must) but I am keen to try this oil body cleanser on days where I want to feel fancy.

Speaking of bathrooms, Jack bought and installed the greatest thing I could ask for–a Toto bidet. If I can’t have heated floors, a heated toilet seat is the next best thing. The bidet function is amazing too, of course, but a heated toilet seat is what really brings me joy. We had a bidet in our old apartment before going to Japan but when we got home and realized our new apartment had Toto toilets, we knew it was time to upgrade and my booty has been happy ever since! We also installed the Gantri sconce the same day and it really makes the bathroom feel like one in a hotel.

Alright, I’m off to take a small walk to soothe my soul and get some vitamin D on the rare occasion it doesn’t feel like Yakutsk* out there. I do think we’ve turned the corner on winter though, no? I looked at the weather app and it seems like we’ve made it past whatever the last two months of hell that was and are moving towards something more manageable until Spring? Enjoy these other things I have open in my tabs until I see you next time!

• The pattern sweater that I’ve just casted on in Harrisville Highland.

• My favourite youtuber’s newest video.

• This hotel we might stay at while we’re in London (I’m open to suggestions!)

• Tory Burch FW26 - I loved everything about this. I’m curious to try on one of those dresses……for a special occassion……

• *Life in Yakutsk - somehow always on my Recommended For You page. Gets me every time.

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As of right now, we’re 87% unpacked in the new apartment. We had most of the kitchen ready early, which was silly because shortly after we unpacked and organized everything, we realized that the fridge wasn’t working??? Crazy how much you rely on a fridge. Thankfully it was cold enough to store things outside while that was happening and (although it really is a pain to freeze everything) it is back up and running now.

I’m still figuring out the best place for everything because there are significantly less cupboards for our pantry items and dinnerware to be in close proximity on the working side of the kitchen island. It’s one of those things that will continue to be a work in progress until month six of living here, I suppose. We put this together over the weekend to go next to the kitchen in the little hallway and it has been a good solve for the issue. I love buying vintage furniture when I can but sometimes Ikea really does have what you need. I’m deciding what knobs to get to jazz them up a bit. Other kitchen upgrades we made were small things that made a big difference, like switching out all the brass hardware and faucet to nickel, and adding a pegboard and magnetic knife block for convenience.

The living room is pretty much there except for a few little tweaks and all our art to be up on the walls. I think a few shelves higher up top will do the space good and give me more room for all my knick knacks but let me know if you have any ideas? What should go on the walls?

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We knew we wanted to paint the bedroom before we fully moved in so we wouldn’t have to deal with moving our king size bed once it was set up. There was some leftover paint from the old apartment but after a swatch, I decided it was too dull. I put up a few Behr swatches next to it and even though the difference looked subtle, I knew in my heart Honey Mist would be perfect. So I sent Jack off to Home Depot at 5pm to get a few gallons and painted the room over a weekend.

We still need to hang our art and put up some shelves in the room but it’s comfortable and cozy for now. There’s a small-ish space between the closet and a wall where I was thinking of putting an armoire or dresser, something that would give me more storage. I was going to settle with something from Ikea to hold me over until Brimfield but I, by the grace of the facebook marketplace gods, found the perfect dresser over the weekend (yay!)

For window treatments, we had luck with our bamboo shades (also in the living room) but also just put these to act as a second layer because there is a very bright street light in our view even with the shades drawn. My last purchase for the room might be these sconces that could be nice for bedside lighting, but I’m still having a look around. THERE ARE TOO MANY OPTIONS!!

The second room is the least of our priorities, although it has to be done by May for my mom’s next visit. It is smaller than our bedroom and although still big enough to fit some futons or a sofa bed for guests, and I think a shelving system along one of the walls makes the most sense so the floor space isn’t taken up by table legs. I like the Ikea Boaxel system as a classic affortable option but I wish they had drawers/cabinets for storage. As much as I love displaying my collections, I also need space to dump my yarn stash in a way I don’t have to think too much about it. Expensive, but we might invest in the Vitsoe system because they have various cabinet options and I’m confident that we can take these to our next apartment.

That’s it for now! I’m off to Pinterest to look at more organization ideas ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆₊✧

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I’m proud to share a list of places that weren’t found via TikTok or Instagram (no offense if that is your vibe) and gathered recommendations from various collected issues of Japanese magazines (Think Popeye and Brutus) and friends. I hope you enjoy this list as much as I made making it!

STAY

The first three nights of our Tokyo trip was spent at Yuen Bettei Daita - a perfect hotel located in Setagaya-Daita, a neighbourhood close to Shimokitazawa and less than 30 minutes to Shinjuku. The hotel is along a park connector, quiet and almost hidden. The best part about this place is the onsen, which was a treat before breakfast (also amazing) or at the end of the night. It was also lovely to stay in an area away from the busy centre and there was plenty to do in the neighbourhood.

JIMBOCHO

This area of Tokyo is known for its secondhand bookshops! And sports stores! We spent a bit of time at the legendary Komiyama and Genkido Books but didn’t come out with any purchases because the we didn’t want to lug our books around all day. Bad planning on our part!

Ladrio: After walking by the line for Udon Maruka, we decided to see what else was in the area and decided to go to this cozy cafe that was recommended to me by a friend, and it did not disappoint! They had two things for lunch – spaghetti neapolitan and curry rice. Two choices? Perfect. Remember to complete your meal with a Vienna coffee. I haven’t stopped thinking about her since (ꈍᴗꈍ)♡

Nanyodo Books: With all the rows and shelves of books at the other shops, this one allowed me to lock in and actually look around and find books I was more interested in. There was a large selection of architecture books and I ended up buying two small ones that I (Jack) didn’t mind carrying around the entire day.

Sasama: A quick pit stop for confectionery in the neighbourhood. I wanted to buy a box of all of the options available but stopped myself and just pointed at the three that looked the cutest. We ate them on the side of the street later on in the day and it was the perfect treat.

NAKAMEGURO/DAIKANYAMA

Coverchord: A cute multi-label store next to a seemingly very popular coffee stand which we didn’t try. They were having a jewelry pop up (I’m forgetting the name!) and I bought a pair of silver earrings that look exactly the same as the ones I got (and lost) in Seoul two years ago. There was also a rack of Auralee pieces and I ended up getting a pair of wool pants in the lightest minty green shade because the price was too good to pass up.

1LDK: Another multi-label store and cafe that Jack had on his list. They had a mix of Japanese and Western brands at a slightly higher price point, but everything was so beautiful.

I’m Donut: The rumours are true, this place rocks. There was a short line when we stumbled upon it so we decided to get one to share, which in hindsight was a very bad decision on our part because tell me why it was the softest donut I’ve ever had? By the time we had taken a big bite each (they are small) and realized how delicious it was, the line was too long. Maybe it would’ve been too much of a good thing if we bought one more. A similar feeling presented itself while we were in Kyoto later in the trip, and I keep telling myself that it probably wouldn’t have tasted as delicious the second time. I guess I’ll just have to go back again to test the theory!

Laekker: A tiny bakery along the way to Daikanyama. I didn’t plan our day well and we got there towards the end of the day, but we were lucky enough to get one of their cream puffs which was quite possibly the best cream puff I’ve ever had. Another win for the sweets! Nadia said they are known to have a very delicious banana danish which I want to try next time.

OMOTESANDO/AOYAMA

Nezu Museum: I will admit that the only reason why we came here was because we got to Aoyama early and none of the shops were open. But that turned out to be a good thing! We spent an hour mainly walking around the garden portion (love) of the museum but also inside where they had an exhibition on the Tales of Ise.

Arts&Science: Don’t quote me on this because I don’t actually remember where or how I got this information but in my mind, I read something somewhere that Arts&Science is like The Row of Japan. DON’T QUOTE ME. I was tempted by this hooded jacket that fell perfectly on my body (ugh!) but decided it was too early into our trip to be spending that much money, so I walked away with a striped wool scarf that brought me equally as much joy.

Pejite: A homeware store for people that like delicate ceramic ware.

Imabari Towel: I can’t explain the feeling you get when you go into the Imabari store and look at the wall of 50 (guesstimation) white towels, all slightly different. I didn’t even know what I liked in a towel until I touched all of them with my (clean) hands. Now I know that, as the name suggests, the ‘Amazing’ is my ideal choice. Sadly, I did not buy a full sized bath towel but I did pick up an assortment of face towels to remind me of the luxury my body deserves.

LAKE KAWAGUCHI

Our last three nights were spent with family friends who generously planned a trip to Lake Kawaguchi for us <3 Sadly it was the one rainy day

of the entire trip so we didn’t see Mount Fuji, but we enjoyed our time there nonetheless!

Sunaba: Our original plan was to go to みずのMIZUNOKAZE but they were closed :-( So we ended up at Sunaba, a little soba shop further away. The restaurant was quaint with photos of Mount Fuji in various seasons all over the walls and the meal was tasty!

Momiji Corridor: A touristy place to enjoy the autumn leaves for a good reason.

Hottarakashi Onsen: A public onsen with outdoor baths that offer a view of Mt Fuji. The men’s and women’s baths are separate, as tradition goes, but they allow tattoos! It was still quite cloudy despite the rain clearing up so we couldn’t even see a shadow of the mountain, but we still thoroughly enjoyed the baths and an onsen egg croquette afterwards.

Kawaguchiko Base: A fancy supermarket stopover on the way to the onsen. If you or a friend love beautifully packaged seaweed, area-specific noodle types (hoto) and specialty salt (one specific for fresh fruit and vegetables, anyone?) this is the place for you. I could’ve spent hours ogling at the premium produce and comparing one dashi to the next but only did a speed run through the aisles (out of compassion for our hosts) picking out items that looked fun and tasty.

OTHER NEIGHBOURHOODS

Azuki To Kouri (Yoyogi): In my mind, kakigori (shaved ice) is a dessert that is appropriate all year round. Like most special places in Tokyo, this one is easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there. Behind sliding glass doors is a small space with 7 counter seats that serves kakigori made with seasonal ingredients alongside it’s standard items. I made a reservation two weeks before (when the books open) and it was well worth it. Jack had the seasonal mikan flavour and I had the original red bean one, both were delicious.

IFUJI (Asakusa): A tiny shop near Kappanbashi that carries wooden shaker boxes in various shapes and sizes. The craftsmanship of the boxes are incredible, and each one felt so special in my hand. I picked up a tissue box (functional!) and a double decker oval box for my only two watches.

Nishiguchi Kutsushita (Asakusabashi): I didn’t plan on picking up over 10 pairs of socks on my trip but Jack’s sweaty feet dilemma (sorry Jack) brought us here and to Tabio. Both are excellent stores with a large variety of socks in every colour.

@Cosme (Harajuku): If you love skincare and beauty products, this is your place. I scrambled inside trying to look at every product while Jack lovingly waited outside for 45 minutes.

Itoya (Ginza): 8! levels! of stationery! Good thing this wasn’t around the last time Rachall and I were in Tokyo together because we would’ve lost our shittttttt. Now that I’m not as obsessed with notebooks, this felt like a seemingly safe place to go. I capped myself at 4 pens, washi tape and of course, a notebook, along with a few other souvenirs for friends.

Kappanbashi Street (Asakusa): A very overwhelming kitchen supplies heaven! There are countless of shops along the main street and they all kitchenware, some more specialty than others. If you are looking for something for your kitchen, they will have it here. I can’t tell you which shops I went into because they all started looking the same after the second one, but I trust that you will find what you need walking along the street, going into shops that call to you <3

Inokashira Park (Kichijoji): I remember coming to Kichijoji with Rachall and Yumi years ago, and it was just as charming as I remembered it. There are a ton of vintage stores and it is cute neighbourhood to walk around in. I recommend spending a time here along with Koenji and maybe the Edo Museum!

Ajito Okonomiyaki (Yoyogi): I can’t remember where we were going exactly but I remember the queue being too long, which reminded us of this okonomiyaki spot that we walked by earlier in the day on the way to Azuki To Kuori. We got classics like okonomiyaki and yakisoba plus an appetizer of cucumber and barley miso, which I’m still thinking about. Turns out if you’re a foreigner, they help you make your yaki dishes for you because chances are, you probably don’t know what you’re doing. Fine by me!

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I’m yours if you have any questions <3

I’ve decided that I’d actually love to have a little archive for what has been going inside my brain. I’m thinking I might post about miscellaneous recommendations, wishlists and itineraries of places I’ve been but am very much open to suggestions! I’ll send these out when I feel like it, which is actually quite terrible for marketing reasons.

I blinked and it’s now January (Happy New Year!!) but I thought it would still be nice to give you a glimpse into my head with a list of favourites from December.

CLOTHING

Lloyd fleece hat: This month, since we’ve had multiple days that have felt like the middle of February, I’ve reignited my love for my oldie but goodie Lloyd fleece hat. I’ve been wearing it almost everyday because it is the only thing that has kept my head warm with the below freezing temperatures. I didn’t use it much last season because my hair was too short and it looked a little odd on me (I’m sure it was all in my head) but because my hair is a little longer this year, it has been a treat to wear. I’m considering getting a dark brown one, although I wish it came in navy!

Dilling merino base layers: Again, another cold weather favourite. As much of a Uniqlo fan as I am, I’m over relying on heat tech because they’re made of plastic. These are nice because they have so many different styles at a more affordable price point. I feel like most base layers go for $100+ and these come in around $70 for a plain one and $80 for one in pointelle (Cou cou intimates, anyone?)

Tricot cashmere crewneck: An impulse purchase just before our trip to Japan, I must admit. I unforunately do this before almost every trip I take, which is a bad habit. However, it was one of four sweaters I brought on the trip and definitely the most worn over the span of two weeks. I like that it’s a heavier cashmere and feels almost like a wool sweater in weight. It’s also a near perfect length if you are 5’3” like me :-)

Jeanerica ‘Como’ jeans: I pulled these on to try at L’Ensamble while Jack was in the fitting room with his pair of jeans, because I too wanted something to buy that day. Unfortunately for my wallet, they fit just right and unfortunately they happened to be the last pair in store so they had to come home with me. Like my cashmere sweater, they ended up being well worn on my trip to Japan. It’s kind of nice that you’re not supposed to wash them since they are raw denim and they only get better with wear.

Nishiguchi Kutsushita socks: I don’t know what I was doing wearing regular cotton socks during winter all my years in New York but these have felt like a game changer. It’s too early to tell because I haven’t worn them for a whole season, but they feel like they will hold up better in the wash in the long run compared to my only other nice merino pair, which are from Comme Si. They were much cheaper in Japan (I will shut up about this soon) and the store had a plethora of options and colours which I think they have most of online.

SKINCARE/MAKEUP

Curel moisturizing spray: An extremely moisturizing mist that I like to use as a toner after I wash my face. The hands free application is a plus, along with how fine the mist is. Sometimes I spritz it on my face in the middle of the day as a refresher.

La Roche Posay B5 Moisturizer + Sunscreen: The magic of Cicaplast B5 with the addition of sunscreen has been a game changer this winter. Even when it’s so cold outside, it sometimes feels like too much to add another layer after the regular version because it’s so thick. I do think it works really well at keeping moisture in during these dry conditions.

Living Libations Best Skin Ever: Honestly I bought this because I was out of my Monastery oil and this was readily available at Dimes Market after a coffee and breakfast burrito next door. They’re the same thing – a cleansing oil that removes makeup and cleanses your skin, both using a warm washcloth to remove it instead of the regular splash of water. The Living Libations one feels a touch lighter while the Monastery one feels luxe, but both leave my skin feeling soft and clean.

Chanel Baume Essentiel: I’m not one to spend $50 on a highlighter but the holiday season got the best of me and I thought why the hell not. It has a pretty and natural finish since it has no shimmer and is nice to swipe over the high points of my face and eyelids. You really don’t need to buy this but I’ve included it in this list because it has been fun to use on days when I feel like doing a little something.

Soft Services Theraplush: Now that I’m engaged (!!!) I’ve been more into taking care of my hands. If people are going to look at my ring, god forbid it is on dry and crusty hand!! It also gave me an excuse to finally purchase this hand cream which is, unfortunately for my wallet, worth the price. On top of it actually working well, the packaging is beautiful and makes me look forward to putting it on at the end of the day.

Dam Dam Vitamin C: I walked by the Dam Dam store on my way to a shrine in Kyoto and picked up this vitamin c serum and a few other bits. I have yet to try the other items because I like to finish a product before I open something new, but this vitamin c serum is up there for me! I find that a lot of vitamin c serums are too heavy for my skin but this one is light and hydrating, similar to my other favourite!

MISCELLANEOUS

Soba cha: I was lucky enough to go to Japan this fall and picked up a bag of tea at a local soba restaurant but this one from Kettl is great as well. I like having it later in the afternoon when I feel like having a coffee but really shouldn’t. Or with lunch, served over a glass of ice.

Zojirushi thermos: Listen, I’ve been on the warm water train for years but I’ve only recently stopped being stubborn and enjoying what life has to offer (a thermos). I got this one in Japan (again, I’ll shut up soon) at Loft and have been carrying it with me on days I leave the house. At 12oz, it is the perfect size to chuck in my handbag and go. It also has a lock that prevents it from accidentally popping open in your bag. Very smart!

This apartment tour: The only other tour that I’ve loved this much is the one of Troye Sivan’s Melbourne home (Side note: his Hollywood Hills house is for sale, if you have $2.5mil to spare) It’s the combination of his personality and incredible taste that hit the nail on the head for me!

Frogged Knit Club: A random idea born during a two person knit club (me + Sarah) at the park on a summer’s day has turned into my most anticipated event every month. It has been so nice to look forward to something this winter and even nicer when we see the same faces show up again and again. We have everyone from seasoned knitters to knitters making their first sweater. If you’re in NYC and are looking to find friends with a shared hobby, consider coming to our next one at Prima on Thursday, January 15!

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That’s all I’ve got for you today! I hope you’ll stick around and enjoy whats to come.

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