Thursday, June 12, 2025

How to Make a Fresh & Flavorful Tabbouleh Salad at Home

 

        I absolutely love tabbouleh salad—parsley and tomatoes are my favorite vegetables. Whenever I go to my local Trader Joe’s, I make sure to pick up a container. A few months ago, I decided to try making it at home, and I was amazed by how simple it was and how much I loved the flavor. Since then, I’ve been making my own tabbouleh every weekend and enjoying it for the next few days. Today, I want to share how I make this delicious salad.


Ingredients for 10 Servings

  • 1 bunch of parsley, very finely chopped

  • 2 Persian cucumbers, very finely chopped

  • 4 tomatoes, very finely chopped

  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced

  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 4 tablespoons)

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil






Step 1:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped parsley, cucumbers, and tomatoes.





Step 2:

  • In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt until well combined.





Step 3:

  • Pour the garlic, lemon juice, and salt mixture over the chopped vegetables in the large mixing bowl. Toss everything together until well combined.






Step 4:

  • Drizzle the olive oil over the salad, then toss everything together until well combined.





Step 5:

  • Serve fresh and enjoy every delicious bite!




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Thursday, June 5, 2025

Hotel Room Tour and Review - ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka

Hotel Room Tour and Review - ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka

      As I’ve mentioned in previous entries, my husband and I visited Japan last year. This time, we chose to explore Hakata, the largest city in Fukuoka Prefecture. Although I was born and raised in Fukuoka, I realized I didn’t know much about Hakata.

     I lived in Fukuoka until I was 18 but had only visited Hakata five times or so. After leaving my parents’ home, I spent 11 years living in Nara and Osaka, which made me more familiar with Osaka than Hakata. Despite being born in Fukuoka, people often told me that Hakata is famous for its delicious food, especially seafood. However, I had little personal experience with Hakata’s cuisine or culture. That’s why we decided to stay in Hakata for two days and chose the ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka, which is conveniently located just a five-minute walk from JR Hakata Station.



Front Lobby (1F)

ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka

       In the front lobby, there were welcome tea and water for guests. You could enjoy Yame green tea, a renowned variety produced in Yame, Fukuoka. We were truly amazed by how delicious authentic Yame green tea was! By the way, while staying in Fukuoka, we had the pleasure of enjoying Yame green tea and matcha desserts many times. :)



     This Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival decoration was displayed near the front desk of the ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka hotel, making it a fascinating and culturally significant sight for visitors.

The Decoration of Hakata Yamakasa Festival

       The Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival is a thrilling, fast-paced event where teams of men race elaborately decorated floats through the streets of Fukuoka.

The Decoration of Hakata Yamakasa Festival

The Decoration of Hakata Yamakasa Festival

The Decoration of Hakata Yamakasa Festival



Standard Double Room (20.7㎡ / 222.81ft²)

Standard Double Room

          We stayed in a Standard Double Room—compact, yet perfectly comfortable for two. It had everything we needed for a pleasant and relaxing stay.

     Pajamas were neatly laid out on the bed, ready for a cozy night’s rest.


     A multi-charging cable was conveniently placed on the bedside table, making it incredibly handy for charging our devices.


       There were complimentary water bottles and a selection of amenities on the desk, adding to the convenience of our stay.


     What impressed me about this hotel was its thoughtful amenities designed for a great night's sleep. They provided Japanese warming eye masks, bath salts, and low-caffeine tea bags to help guests unwind. Additionally, you could request a preferred pillow, an aroma scent, and a humidifier—all complimentary.

       You can choose from three aroma scents—Mandarin, Lavender, and Cedarwood. I opted for the lavender aroma stone, and it left me feeling wonderfully relaxed and calm.

Lavender Aroma Stone


     You can also request complimentary equipment rentals, including a baby bath, wheelchair, hair iron, and facial steamer.



       I requested a facial steamer, and they brought me the Panasonic NanoCare Facial Steamer. Since I absolutely love my Panasonic NanoCare hairdryer, I was excited to try this facial steamer for the first time.

Panasonic NanoCare Facial Steamer

       After using the facial steamer, my skin felt wonderfully soft and smooth. I seriously considered buying one, but ultimately decided against it since we were trying to minimize our luggage on this trip.

       I found the hotel's free rental service especially appealing, as it caters to guests looking for extra comfort and self-care. This thoughtful offering makes me want to stay at this hotel again in the future.

Panasonic NanoCare Facial Steamer


       There was a small table and a single sofa next to the window, creating a cozy little spot to relax.

        There was a mini bar conveniently located under the TV, featuring a small refrigerator and a cabinet stocked with tea, coffee supplies, cups, and a kettle—perfect for a relaxing drink in the room.

      



     The minibar included two black tea bags, two Yame green tea bags, and four packs of instant coffee—perfect for a quick and comforting drink anytime.




     The bathroom was simple yet spotless, offering a clean and comfortable space.


       The bathroom was stocked with essentials, including toothbrushes, a shaver, a comb, Q-tips, and more.

Antipodes

       The bathroom was stocked with Antipodes Fig & Feijoa hand and body wash, lotion, shampoo, and conditioner, adding a touch of luxury to our stay. Antipodes is a New Zealand-based skincare brand known for its natural and organic beauty products, featuring sustainably sourced ingredients like Vinanza antioxidants and mānuka honey.

Antipodes



Fitness Center (3F)

       The fitness center, located on the third floor, is open 24/7, allowing guests to work out at any time, day or night.


       Safety boxes lockers were available for use during exercise, allowing guests to securely store their valuables while working out.

      The fitness center was well-equipped with a variety of machines, including cardio equipment, elliptical trainers, and exercise bikes, catering to different workout preferences. We always enjoy making the most of this facility during our stays.







Lobby Lounge Tea & Dine (1F)

       During check-in, the front desk staff gave us complimentary drink tickets, thanks to my husband's IHG membership. We decided to use them at Lobby Lounge Tea & Dine, a restaurant and café on the first floor.

Lobby Lounge Tea & Dine in ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka

        Since we love coffee, we opted for iced coffee, which normally costs 1,200 yen per glass. While it felt a bit pricey to me, the café had a wonderful atmosphere, making the experience worthwhile. The coffee itself was smooth and flavorful.


 



Breakfast 
       During check-in, we were informed that we could reserve the breakfast buffet in advance for 2,500 yen per person. The hotel's All Day Dining Crowne Café, located on the first floor, serves breakfast from 6:30 to 10:30. However, since there were plenty of restaurants and convenience stores nearby, we decided to skip the hotel’s buffet and instead enjoyed breakfast at Sukiya, a restaurant close to the hotel.  




Overall Experience

       We had a wonderful stay at this hotel. I especially loved the complimentary lavender aroma stone and facial steamer, which added a touch of relaxation to our experience. The hotel's location was incredibly convenient, allowing us to enjoy walking around Hakata with ease. Within a five-minute stroll, we found numerous restaurants, department stores, and convenience stores, making exploration effortless.

      One of my favorite experiences was purchasing delicious foods from depachika and savoring them in the comfort of our hotel room. If I have another opportunity to visit Hakata, I would love to stay at this hotel again.



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Thursday, May 29, 2025

Top 3 Products from My Costco Japan Shopping Trip

 

    As I mentioned in my previous entries, my husband and I visited Japan last year. Whenever we travel to Japan, we always make sure to visit Costco because Costco Japan sells many unique Japanese products that you won’t find at Costco locations in the U.S.

    If you're a Costco member, you can access any Costco store worldwide. However, keep in mind that Costco Japan only accepts MasterCard credit cards and cash, whereas Costco in the U.S. accepts Visa credit cards and cash. On this trip, I used my Capital One Quicksilver credit card (MasterCard), which has no foreign transaction fees and offers 1.5% cashback rewards on all purchases. (For more Japan travel tips, check out my previous entry: What You Should Take to Japan - Japan Travel Tips.)

    Today, I’m excited to share what I purchased at Costco in Japan!


1. Sennenya Delicious Doughnuts (千年屋 おいしいドーナツ)

Doughnuts

20 doughnuts for 728 yen

Sennenya Delicious Doughnuts (千年屋 おいしいドーナツ)

     While browsing Costco in Japan, a box of Sennenya Delicious Doughnuts (千年屋 おいしいドーナツ) immediately caught our eye. Later, I learned that this has been one of the most popular products at Costco Japan and often sells out quickly.

Sennenya Delicious Doughnuts (千年屋 おいしいドーナツ)

     The box contained 20 doughnuts, and their taste felt wonderfully nostalgic—reminiscent of the mini doughnuts I used to buy at dagashiya (駄菓子屋), the traditional stores that sell dagashi (駄菓子), which are inexpensive candies and snacks. In fact, these doughnuts tasted even better than the ones I remember from my childhood!




2. Yamaya Mentai Mayonnaise Type (やまや めんたいマヨネーズ タイプ)

Japanese Mayonnaise with Mentai

500g for 588 yen 

Yamaya Mentai Mayonnaise Type (やまや めんたいマヨネーズ タイプ)

     We absolutely love Yamaya Mentai Mayonnaise! Yamaya is a high-end brand specializing in mentaiko—Japanese marinated cod roe. When we visited Costco Japan in 2019, I purchased this Yamaya Mentaiko Mayonnaise for the first time and instantly became a fan.

     If you're planning a trip to Japan, you don’t have to visit Costco to find it—some supermarkets also carry the regular-sized version, making it even easier to enjoy this rich, flavorful mayo!


Egg Toast with Mentai Mayonnaise

      My favorite way to enjoy this mayonnaise is on egg toast—it’s incredibly delicious with thick-sliced Japanese bread! (For a simple and tasty recipe, check out my previous entry: How to Make an Easy Egg Toast – Japanese Sliced Bread + Japanese Mayonnaise = Deliciousness.)




3. Sushi (48 Pieces)

48 Pieces for 3,698 yen


    One of the main reasons I wanted to visit Costco in Japan was my craving for authentic Japanese sushi. Costco Japan offers incredibly fresh, high-quality sushi at reasonable prices, making it a must-visit for sushi lovers.

   We purchased a set of 48 pieces for 3,698 yen—just about 50 cents per piece! The sushi was fresh, generously sized, and absolutely delicious. Sharing it with my family made the experience even better. Without a doubt, I’ll be buying this set again on my next trip!

    While Costco U.S. now sells sushi, I found that the quality didn’t compare to the fresh, authentic sushi at Costco Japan. The rice at Costco U.S. was much softer than expected, and overall, the sushi wasn’t what I hoped for.  If you're a sushi lover, Costco Japan is definitely worth a visit to experience authentic Japanese sushi!




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