Daiso Haul - Good Luck Chopsticks

       Today, my husband and I went to Daiso, a Japanese 100 yen shop, and purchased these chopsticks. We have been using Muji chopsticks and liked them for a long time. However, I found these cute chopsticks made in Japan at Daiso and couldn't resit buying them! I'm going to share our new chopsticks with you.


Daiso Good Luck Chopsticks

       I chose these Maneki-neko, Lucky Cat, chopsticks. According to Wikipedia, the Manekineko is a common Japanese figurine (lucky charm, talisman) which is often believed to bring good luck to the owner. I sometimes saw Maneki-neko displayed at the entrance of stores, restaurants and other businesses in Japan. These are well known to bring good luck related to money in Japan. :) I wanted to improve my income this year, so I decided to purchase them.

Daiso Maneki-neko Chopsticks

      Maneki-neko is holding a gold coin, which is called koban in Japanese. Koban is money used during the Edo period in Japan.

Daiso Maneki-neko Chopsticks

Daiso Maneki-neko Chopsticks

Daiso Maneki-neko Chopsticks

      My husband chose these Daruma Chopsticks. According to Wikipedia, the Daruma doll (達磨, daruma^?), also known as a Dharma doll, is a hollow, round, Japanese traditional doll modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of the Zen sect of Buddhism. These dolls, though typically red and depicting a bearded man (Dharma), vary greatly in color and design depending on region and artist. Though considered an omocha, meaning toy, Daruma has a design that is rich in symbolism and is regarded more as a talisman of good luck to the Japanese. Daruma dolls are seen as a symbol of perseverance and good luck, making them a popular gift of encouragement. The doll has also been commercialized by many Buddhist temples to use alongside goal setting. Darumas are still usually made of papier-mâché, have a round shape, are hollow and weighted at the bottom so that they will always return to an upright position when tilted over. In Japanese, a roly-poly toy is called okiagari, meaning to get up (oki) and arise (agari). This characteristic has come to symbolize the ability to have success, overcome adversity, and recover from misfortune. I didn't know that daruma was come from Buddhism. Some Japanese people display daruma in their home. I saw daruma on TV that politician daubed in the dark right eye on daruma when they scored an electoral triumph.

Daiso Daruma Chopsticks

Daiso Daruma Chopsticks

Daiso Daruma Chopsticks

Daiso Daruma Chopsticks

      My Daiso entries can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Daiso

      These are also my entries you might like.

♥Top 3 Daiso Beauty Products

♥Top 3 Most Popular Daiso Hair Products

♥Top 10 Products You Should Buy at Daiso

Starbucks Hawaii - Traveling the Big Island, Hawaii - Day 2-2/6

      On January 1, my husband and I went to Starbucks on the Big Island, Hawaii, after having lunch at Thai cuisine restaurant. I had already known that Starbucks branches in Hawaii have unique local mugs and tumblers since we are Starbucks mug collectors. :) We bought our Starbucks You Are Here Mugs, Hawaii and Waikiki, at Honolulu airport in 2013. We didn't need to buy anymore You Are Here Mugs but wanted to see their Hawaii exclusive items.

Starbucks Hawaii

          Because our kitchen cabinet was already full of mugs, I thought that we shouldn't buy any more. However, I really wanted to buy their volcano handle mugs. :)

Starbucks Hawaii

         They were selling Starbucks Hawaii exclusive mugs, tumblers, water bottles and Kona coffee. The interesting thing there was that the item descriptions were written in Japanese along with English. You know, Japanese people really love Hawaii. In fact, Hawaii is always ranked as the most popular place for Japanese to overseas travel. Specially, Waikiki is always number one tourist city for Japanese. When I was traveling in Waikiki, I was surprised that there were an incredible number of Japanese tourists there. Unlike Waikiki, we only saw a few Japanese on the Big Island though.

Starbucks Hawaii

       We ended up not buying any mug there. Actually, we would buy two volcano mugs, but we gave them up because the space in our luggage was limited... However, it's okay to us because we have two You Are Here mugs. :)

Our You Are Here Mugs, Hawaii & Waikiki

Starbucks
75 Henry St
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740


           This is my entries related to our Starbucks collections.
 http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Starbucks%20mugs


       My entries related to our traveling on the Big Island can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Hawaii%20%28the%20Big%20Island%29

New Year's Day - Traveling the Big Island, Hawaii - Day 2-1/6

       As soon as the New Year opened, my husband and I went to Rays on the Bay, a restaurant located in Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay, for our first time. The New Year's event was going on there! It's 2015! I couldn't believed that 2014 went by so fast.

Rays on the Bay

       Many people were dancing to the live music there.

Rays on the Bay

       We were really happy that they served donuts and Kona coffee for free! :) If truth be told, we didn't eat anything after getting on the airplane because most stores and restaurants close early on New Year's Eve. The donuts were a little greasy but were so good. :)

Rays on the Bay

Rays On The Bay
78-128 Ehukai St
kailua-kona, HI 96740


        My entry related to this restaurant can be seen here.
Rays on the Bay at Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay - Hawaiian Cuisine on the Big Island in Hawaii


        My entries related to our traveling on the Big Island can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Hawaii%20%28the%20Big%20Island%29

Taking a Walk Around the Hotel - Traveling the Big Island, Hawaii - Day 1-2/2

      After my husband and I arrived at Kona International Airport, we took a free shuttle bus to Hertz Car Rental. (My previous entry : A Rental Car and Gas Prices on the Big Island, Hawaii)  Then, we went to Costco to find unique products of Hawaii. (My previous entries : What Do They Sell at Costco on the Big Island, Hawaii? - 12 Kinds of Unique Products! and Costco Haul - the Big Island, Hawaii )

Costco

      Then, we checked in at Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay. (My previous entry : Hotel Room Tour and Review - Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay - the Big Island Hawaii )

Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay

      We decide to take a walk around the Hotel. There were many different kinds of Hawaiian trees we had never seen before. We also saw surprisingly numerous Hawaiian birds there.

Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay

        This hotel, Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay, is built on lava cliffs so close to the ocean. We stood on black lava rocks and were able to see the beautiful view of Keauhou Bay.

The View from Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay

The View from Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay

       I found beautiful pink-red flowers of hibiscus. 

Hibiscus

        Then, I found this beautiful yellow flower of plumeria on the ground. I have seen pictures of plumeria in Hawaiian brochure or guidebooks so many times in my life, but this was my first time to see actual Hawaiian plumeria. :) I felt Hawaii by this view of Hawaiian plumeria on the black lava rocks. :)

Hawaiian Plumeria

       I looked up and found that the bloom of plumeria was from this tree.

Hawaiian Plumeria

         I didn't know that plumeria was such a big tree.

Hawaiian Plumeria

       My entries related to our traveling on the Big Island can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Hawaii%20%28the%20Big%20Island%29


     My entries related to hotels and motels can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/hotels%20and%20motels

Kona International Airport - Traveling the Big Island, Hawaii - Day 1-1/2

      My husband and I went traveling to the Big Island, Hawaii, on December 31.  After 5-hour flight from Los Angeles, we finally arrived at Kona International Airport.

The Big Island, Hawaii

The Big Island, Hawaii

The Big Island, Hawaii

  

The Big Island, Hawaii

Kona International Airport at Keahole

      In Los Angeles, we wore down jackets because of coldness. However, it was very beautiful sunny day and warm in Hawaii, so we didn't need outerwear anymore. :) We took narrow stairs to get off the airplane.

Kona International Airport at Keahole

      We have been to so many airports so far, but this airport looked very unique. The airport terminal was an open-air set of structures. The Hawaiian roofs at the airport looked like cute huts.

Kona International Airport at Keahole

Kona International Airport at Keahole

Kona International Airport at Keahole
73-200 Kupipi St
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740



       My entries related to our traveling on the Big Island can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Hawaii%20%28the%20Big%20Island%29

I Miss Japanese Laundry Machine

      Since I moved to the U.S., I have seen so many Japanese products here such as electronics and cars. I think that Japanese products are pretty popular in the U.S.  For instance, most my friends love their Japanese cars because they believe that Japanese cars last longer than other cars. My friend's husband told me that he has been using his Sony electrical shaver for 20 years, and it still works fine. When I went to Costco in the U.S. for my first time, I was surprised that most cameras selling there were Japanese brands such as Nicon, Canon and Sony.

      However, I have never seen Japanese laundry machine in the U.S., and I have been wondering why they don't sell Japanese ones. I believe that laundry machines in Japan are way too excellent. When I was living in Japan, I used Hitachi laundry machine for many years. It was very quiet and worked perfect! The three features of Japanese laundry machine are quiet operating noise, washing gently and energy conservation. When I first washed clothing in the U.S., I was disappointed at its function. Compared to Japanese one, US washing machine is noisy and works pretty rough. Japanese laundry machines have been more and more improving, and I strongly hope that those will sell in the U.S. someday.

Panasonic Washing Machine

Panasonic Manufactory

Hitachi Washing Machine

 

 

 

     My entries related to Japan can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Japan

 

 

 



Marukai Turned Into Tokyo Central

      Yesterday, my husband and I went to Tokyo Central, which is a new Japanese supermarket. You might know that Tokyo Central used to be Marukai supermarket. In 2013, Don Quijote, one of the most famous discount chain stores in Japan, purchased Marukai Corporation USA, and they renovated Marukai and finally rebranded Tokyo Central this month. While we were living in Japan many years ago, we sometimes went to Don Quijote, which carried a wide range of products and were selling them at very reasonable prices. After moving to the U.S. we became Marukai members and paid annual fee for years but ended up canceling our membership about a year ago because we had shopped there only a few times a year. However, Tokyo Central is not a membership supermarket unlike Marukai. :) That's why we decided to stopped by this new supermarket to see how they improved the store on our way home from IKEA.

Tokyo Central

       These pop signs are Japanese Don Quijote style. Don Quijote branches in Japan also hang such sings everywhere in stores. :) Tokyo Central seemed carry same items as Marukai, but their food court turned into new deli area. They were selling tempura, Japanese bento, sushi and so on. Frankly, these didn't look so good, so we didn't pick up anything at deli. We purchased fresh tuna at seafood section, and we ate it as sashimi today. It was super fresh and great! Because our home is further from this supermarket, probably we won't go to this supermarket often.

Tokyo Central
2975 Harbor Blvd
Costa Mesa, CA 92626



      These are my entries you might like.

Top 10 Products You Should Buy at Japanese Supermarkets (for Beginners!)

Top 10 Products You Should Buy at Daiso

Japanese Food Court - Miyabi Tei

        Last weekend, my husband needed to go to a Japanese book store to pick up his subscription, so we decided to have early supper at Japanese food court which is located in the same building of Mitsuwa Japanese supermarket. The food court was surprisingly full of people, so it was pretty hard to find the table. Most people there looked non-Japanese people, and I thought that this food court was very popular. There are some restaurants, such as Japanese noodle restaurants and a seafood bowl restaurant. Particularly, there was a long line at Santouka, Japanese ramen restaurant. Indeed, we have never eaten their ramen before. Nonetheless, we chose food from Miyabi, Japanese teishoku restaurant, as we always do.  

        My husband chose Chicken Cutlet Curry with Salad. He always orders Japanese katsu curry there.

Chicken Cutlet Curry with Salad

      I chose Wafu Hamburg Plate this time. Frankly, I was not happy with this hamburg sauce. It was too sweet for me. I expected that it would have sour soy sauce taste with its grated radish.

Wafu Hamburg Plate

MIYABI TEI
665 Paularino Ave
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

     My entries related to restaurants can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/restaurants

LAX Parking Curb Express

        My husband and I traveled Hawaii for five days. On December 31, we headed toward Los Angeles Airport in the very early morning. We used LAX Parking Curb Express, the valet parking company, this time. It was $108.43 for five days parking. We drove to the parking facility, which it took about less than 5 minutes to LAX from. As soon as we arrived the facility, a parking staff hopped into our car. Then, we went to our departure airline terminal together. After unloading our baggage from the car, he drove our car to their parking facility.
       When we returned to LAX from our traveling, my husband called the number for getting our car. Then, we waited outside for 10 minutes or so. They drove our car to our arrival airline terminal curbside.
      It was very convenient for us. We didn't need to use a shuttle bus, so we were able to save our time early morning before checking in at the airport.

Hotel Room Tour and Review - Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay - the Big Island Hawaii

       My husband and I stayed at Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay during traveling on the Big Island, Hawaii, on the New Year's Eve through January 4.

Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay

     The lobby was just renewed in 2012, so it was clean and beautiful. The graceful lobby with modern luxurious furniture was super spacious. The tall beautiful Christmas tree was stood in the center of the lobby.

Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay

Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay

Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay





       We booked an ocean view room which was located on the 7th floor, the highest floor of this hotel. Frankly, the room was nothing fancy. It seemed a little old but was nice and clean.

Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay

      They provided free WiFi, and its access was pretty stable. :)

Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay

      There was the coffee maker, Royal Kona Blend Coffee and Tazo Tea. The coffee tasted great. :)

Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay

       They served two bottles of water when they cleaned up the room.

Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay

       There was the refrigerator under the TV.

Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay

      The door of the refrigerator was unstable though. We kept some water cold in the refrigerator.

Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay

      The sink area had a huge mirror and was spacious.

Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay

       The bathroom was small and outdated, but it was nice and clean. The shower had good water pressures.

Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay

      Their free toiletries included a bath sponge, soap, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion.

Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay

      These Shine toiletries had mandarin and mint sent.

Shine Shampoo, Conditioner and Shower Gel

Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay

       The view from the balcony was so beautiful. We were able to see blue ocean, green trees and a lot of adorable birds.

Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay

       This hotel was very quiet, so we were able to enjoy the sound of ocean surf and birdsong.

The View from the Room

Common Myna

The View from the Room

        Because this hotel was located further away from a busy street, there were only several lights I could see from the balcony at nights. At the first night of our stay there, the sky was completely clear, so unexpectedly we were able to see myriad of beautiful stars in the night sky from the balcony! We had never seen such a number of stars at one time before. After that, I thought that we were very lucky that day because that night was the only day we could see the stars. The following days were cloudy or rainy there. The third day was even storm during the night. I was surprised at how changeable Hawaiian weather was. Anyway, I thought the location of this hotel was super great because it was peaceful and quiet.

       On the last day of our stay there, we ordered room service for dinner and had them at the balcony.

      We ordered Big Island Veggie Pasta for $18 and Baby Romaine Salad for $13. The pasta had many kinds of vegetables produced on this Island such as Ali'i mushrooms and Hilo long beans. Because I love vegetables, I really loved this pasta. :)

Big Island Veggie Pasta

Baby Romaine Salad

       This hotel had some restaurants such as Rays on the Bay. As I mentioned in my previous entry, we enjoyed our dining there.

Rays on the Bay

      There were a computer access area, a cafe, a waterslide pool, a poolside bar, and 24-hour gym etc. We didn't use them though.

 The Computer Access Area

 The Computer Access Area

      Overall, I was really satisfied with this hotel.  :) 

Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay

Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay

       My entries related to our traveling on the Big Island can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Hawaii%20%28the%20Big%20Island%29


     My entries related to hotels and motels can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/hotels%20and%20motels