Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Walking Around Our Neighborhood

     This Memorial Day weekend,  my husband and I spent most of time at our home since he needed to concentrate for his important work project. We just took a walk around our neighborhood to enjoy fresh air this weekend. When we walked there this Sunday evening, I took my Canon camera to our walk to take some photos. :) 





      My camera, Canon PowerShot SX50, has 50 times optical zoom, so I was able to take photos of wild animals from very far way.

     While waking there, we saw some cute wild rabbits.

     They were a family of mallard ducks.


     They looked like they were eating water weeds.


     We enjoyed walking and watching wild animals. It was so refreshing. :)


       My entries related to wild animals can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/wild%20animals


Monday, May 30, 2016

How to Make Easy French Toast

      Yesterday, I made these French toasts for Sunday breakfast.  One side of the bread was coated with the mixture of egg, milk and sugar, and the other side was just toasted, so these French toasts were not too heavy. :) It was very easy to cook and perfect for weekend breakfast or branch. :) Today, I'm going to share how to make French toasts with you.

What You Will Need (for 2 Servings)
1 egg (beaten)
2 tablespoons of milk
1 tablespoon of sugar
2 slices of bread
1 tablespoon of butter

Garnish
2 strawberries (sliced)
honey 



1. Put egg, milk and sugar into a sallow baking dish. Mix them thoroughly. 


2. Put bread into it. Coat only one side of bread with the mixture.


3. Heat butter into a pan over medium heat. When butter is melted, put the bread in a pan with the coated side down. Fry the bread until browned one side. Then flip and brown the non coated side.


4. Serve on a plate. Garnish with sliced strawberries. Drizzle with honey according to your taste.


5. Enjoy! :)



     These are my entries you might like.

■How to Make Strawberry Ice Cream with Kitchenaid Ice Cream Maker Attachment

■How to Make Fruit Smoothie

■Top 10 Most Popular Japanese Foods

■How to Make Japanese Deep Fried Chicken, Kara-Age

■How to Cook Japanese Curry

■How to Cook Miso Soup


     This is my entries related to my favorite recipes.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/recipes

      This is my entries related to cooking.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/cooking



Sunday, May 29, 2016

Delicious French Toast with Fresh Strawberries, My Sunday Breakfast

        Yesterday, I went to my local Sprouts and purchased two 1 lb pack of strawberries for 88 cents each. It was very affordable because it is in season now. It's perfect time to enjoy seasonal strawberries. :) This morning, I made these French toasts with the fresh strawberries for Sunday breakfast. I'll share the recipe next time. :)
     I would like to make strawberry ice cream next. :)


     These are my entries you might like.

■How to Make Easy French Toast

■How to Make Strawberry Ice Cream with Kitchenaid Ice Cream Maker Attachment

■How to Make Fruit Smoothie

■Top 10 Most Popular Japanese Foods

■How to Make Japanese Deep Fried Chicken, Kara-Age

■How to Cook Japanese Curry

■How to Cook Miso Soup


     This is my entries related to my favorite recipes.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/recipes

      This is my entries related to cooking.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/cooking


Saturday, May 28, 2016

Walking Around Our Neighborhood

     This evening, my husband and I walked around our neighborhood. Even though we moved into this neighborhood years ago, it was our first time to walk this trail today. It was so refreshing to walk new place. We found some beautiful flowers and wild animals there, so I took these photos with my iPhone. I should have taken my Canon camera to our walking today!


      We didn't know there were some puddles around our neighborhood.

      There was a pair of mallard ducks.

      While walking this trail, I noticed that the air was scented with white flowers.


      Do you know the name of these white flowers? I enjoyed the smell of these flowers. 

      I had never seen these red flowers before. I still couldn't figure out the name of these.

       These plants had red flowers and seeds in pods!

     We also saw some tiny humming birds singing and flying and very adorable rabbits running there. Next time, I would like to take my Canon camera to this trail. :)


       My entries related to wild animals can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/wild%20animals


Friday, May 27, 2016

4 Japanese Candies and Snacks, Official Souvenirs of the G7 2016 Ise-Shima Summit

     Yesterday, I shared  two Japanese beauty products designated as the official souvenirs of the G7 Ise-Shima Summit through my blog. As I mentioned in my yesterday's entry, souvenir is one of great parts of Japanese cultures. The G7 leaders and the members of foreign press received over a dozen products as Japanese souvenirs yesterday. Some of Japanese candies and snacks were chosen as the its official souvenirs, so I'm going to share 4 Japanese candies and snacks designated as the official souvenirs of G7 Ise-Shima Sumitt with you.


1. Hi-Chew by Morinaga (森永 ハイチュウ)
Hi-Chew by Morinaga
      Hi-Chew (ハイチュウ) is chewy candies made by Morinaga (森永), which was established in Tokyo, Japan in 1899. They started selling Hi-Chew in 1975 and have sold 131 kinds of Hi-Chew since then. When I lived in Japan, Hi-Chew was one of my favorite candies especially green apple flavor. You can find Hi-Chew everywhere in Japan such as convenience stores and supermarkets. These years, Hi-Chew has been pretty popular outside Japan too. Hi-Chew are sold in 20 countries now. :)





2. Uji Macha Castella by Imuraya (井村屋 宇治抹茶 カステラ)
Uji Macha Sponge Cake by Imuraya
     Imuraya (井村屋) is one of the biggest Japanese confectionery companies and first started making their sweets in Mie Prefecture in Japan in 1896. They have been making some kinds of castella, which is a Japanese sponge cake. They've just released Uji Macha Castella (宇治抹茶カステラ) these days, and it was chosen as the official souvenir of the G7 Ise-Shima Summit. The flour used in Uji Macha Castella was produced in Mie Prefecture, and its macha is from Marusou Uji Macha produced in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture.   




3. Country Ma'am by Fujiya (不二家 カントリーマアム)
Country Ma'am by Fujiya
      Country Ma'am (カントリーマアム) is soft cookies made by Fujiya (不二家), which is one of the biggest Japanese companies and first started selling confectionery products in Yokohama, Japan in 1910. Fujiya released Country Ma'am in 1984. They often make limited edition ones and are selling over 54 kinds of Country Ma'am in Japan now. Some of them are limited to special areas and some of them are released in a limited time. This Gyokuro Macha Country Ma'am, which was chosen as its official souvenir, is only released this spring. If you are in Japan now, you are lucky. You can find ones at supermarkets now. :)  




4. Pocky by Glico (グリコ ポッキー)
Pocky by Glico
      Pocky (ポッキー) is chocolate coated biscuit sticks made by Glico (グリコ), which is also one of famous Japanese confectionery companies. Glico, which is officially called Ezaki Glico (江崎グリコ) now, was established in Oska, Japan in 1921. They started selling Pocky in 1966. They also often make limited edition ones. They are currently selling about 20 kinds of Pocky. Pocky is sold in about 30 countries outside Japan now.


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

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


     These are also my entries you might like.


■ 2 Japanese Beauty Products, Official Souvenirs of the G7 2016 Ise-Shima Summit

■ Top 10 Most Popular Japanese Foods

■ My Top 15 Must Eat Foods in Japan - My Favorite Japanese Foods

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

■ Top 10 Products You Should Buy at Daiso 

■ My Top 10 Favorite Japanese Sweets

■ My Top 10 Favorite Japanese Snacks

■ 8 Interesting Japanese Kitchen Gadgets!

■ Top 5 Life-Changing Japanese Beauty Products 

■ Top 5 Most Popular Japanese Bath Salt Brands 



Thursday, May 26, 2016

2 Japanese Beauty Products, Official Souvenirs of the G7 2016 Ise-Shima Summit

      On May 26, G7 leaders visited to Ise Jingu for G7 2016 Ise-Shima Summit in Mie Prefecture (三重県), Japan. Because Souvenir, which is called omiyage (お土産) in Japanese, is one of essential parts of Japanese cultures, Japanese government announced official souvenirs for the G7 Ise-Shima Summit. The G7 leaders and the members of foreign media will receive over a dozen products as Japanese souvenirs. Surprisingly, some of Japanese beauty products were chosen as its official souvenirs! :) I'm going to share two Japanese beauty products designated as official souvenir of the G7 Ise-Shima Summit with you. :)


1. Kabuki Face Pack by Isshinndou Honpo
Kabuki Face Pack by Isshinndou Honpo
     As I mentioned in my previous entry, unique face mask sheets have been very popular in Japan these days. This Kabuki Face Pack by Isshindou Honpo was chosen as official souvenir of the G7 Ise-Shima Summit. Kabuki is a unique Japanese theater form with 400 years of history. When you put this mask on your face, you look like a kabuki actor! It also moisturizes your skin well. :)
Kabuki Face Pack by Isshinndou Honpo




2. Kumano Fude, Make Up Blush Brush
Kumano Blush Brush
     This blush brush, Kumano Fude (熊野筆), was made in Kumano cho (熊野町) in Hiroshima Prefecture (広島県), Japan. Brush artisans have been making high quality brushes in Kumano cho for 180 years. Kuamno cho produces 80 % of the brushes made in Japan.

Kumano Brush Artisan Video



     My entries related to Best Japanese Beauty Products can be seen here.

     These are also my entries you might like.

Top 5 Life-Changing Japanese Beauty Products 

Best Japanese Beauty Products of 2015

Top 5 Japanese Sunscreen Products

Top 3 Most Popular Japanese Eyelash Curlers

The Most Popular Facial Sheet Masks in Japan

The Best Japanese Shampoo & Conditioner

5 Best Japanese Deep Conditioning Hair Masks

The Best Japanese Hair Dryer, Panasonic Nano Care Hair Dryer

Top 5 Most Popular Japanese Charcoal Soap

4 Reasons Why I Love Kose Softymo Cleansing Oil

Popular Japanese Facial Cleansing Products - What I Want to Buy in Japan

5 Best Japanese Facial Lotion (Toner), Kesyou-sui

Top 3 Daiso Beauty Products



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

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




Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Finished Reading the Book, Rich Dad's CASHFLOW Quadrant: Rich Dad's Guide to Financial Freedom

Books by Robert T. Kiyosaki
         As I mentioned in my previous entry, I finished reading Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki and ordered another his-best-selling book, Rich Dad's CASHFLOW Quadrant, from Amazon. Even though I am not usually an avid reader at all (I don't usually read a book even in Japanese.), I really enjoyed reading this book! It was very easy to read, and I finally finished reading it last month. :)
Rich Dad's Cashflow Quadrant
        This book taught me a lot of things about money. One of things I agreed with Robert T. Kiyosaki was that people who look like rich aren't always rich people. As people earn more money, they tend to buy more luxury cars and larger houses, so they look wealthy to everyone. However, they end up having too much debt and struggle with serious financial problems. In contrast, the rich dad, who was the richest person in Hawaii, lived modestly for years to build assets. He lived in the modest house and drove a pickup truck. Everyone never thought he was rich. When he finally could build enough assets, he bought a large house by cash, and it surprised many people. In order to get financial freedom, it's very important to improve your financial literacy. It's not okay to have huge liability and work harder and harder in order to pay off the huge bill. As I mentioned in my previous entries, it's very important to know how to spend money wisely.
Rich Dad's Cashflow Quadrant
Contents
Introduction : Which Quadrant Are You In?
Chapter One : Why Don't You Get a Job?
Chapter Two : Different Quadrants, Different People
Chapter Three : Why People Choose Security over Freedom
Chapter Four : The Three Kinds of Business Systems
Chapter Five : The Five Levels of Investors
Chapter Six : You Cannot See Money with Your Eyes
Chapter Seven : Becoming Who You Are
Chapter Eight : How Do I Get Rich?
Chapter Nine : Be the Bank, Not the Banker
Chapter Ten : Take Baby Steps
Chapter Eleven : Step 1: It's Time to Mind Your Own Business
Chapter Twelve : Step 2: Take Control of Your Cash Flow
Chapter Thirteen : Step 3: Know the Difference Between Risk and Risky
Chapter Fourteen : Step 4: Decide What Kind of Investor You Want to Be
Chapter Fifteen : Step 5: Seek Mentors
Chapter Sixteen : Step 6: Make Disappointment Your Strength
Chapter Seventeen : Step 7: The Power of Faith
Chapter Eighteen : In Summary

    Because I loved these books, I told my husband what Robert Kiyosaki's books taught me about. He became really interested in the books but doesn't have enough time to read a book. I recommended him to read the book while he was on airplane during his business trip, but it was not enough. Last week, we finally borrowed the CDs of Rich Dad Poor Dad from our local library, and he listened to the CD in his car everyday.

   

     This year, I've already read up 4 English books. Frankly, I didn't use to be good at reading in English at all years ago. I disliked reading English articles because it gave me headache. However, now it's very easy for me to read English books somehow. More English books I read, faster I can read. I think that the reason why I really enjoy reading English books now is that this is the thing I couldn't do years ago. It's strange, but it's true. Learning a second language is not easy at all, but when the effort paid off, it's really satisfying. :) 


      My entries related to books I read can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Books


Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Josh Woodward - Goodbye to Spring

      A few days ago, I uploaded this video, How to Make Espresso Ice Cube Latte, on my YouTube channel. This time, I used Goodbye to Spring, one of Josh Woodward's songs, as background music. :) 



Music - "Goodbye To Spring" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/GoodbyeToSpring

Lyrics

Lay, and put your weary soul to rest
Yeah, I will try to do my best to keep you safe inside this nest
And keep the gravity from pulling you to earth

I'd like to say this gets more clear, when it's more cloudy every day
But summer's gonna come and burn the stormy clouds and all the doubt away

    Sleep, little girl, 'cause when you wake it's gonna be a different world
    So close your eyes and say goodbye to spring

It's true, this spring is coming to an end
You're not that fragile anymore, I know what's there behind that door
And it's just waiting in the wings to pull you in

I know you think you're safe in here, inside these insulated walls
But I can't hold this house together, not forever, yeah and soon it's gonna fall

    Sleep, little girl, 'cause when you wake it's gonna be a different world
    Everything will change, everything will change
    This door's slamming shut, it's gonna catch you if you're ready or you're not
    So close your eyes and say goodbye to spring

Slow down, 'cause winter's just around the bend
Don't make a sound, and close your eyes and say goodbye, yeah

    [Chorus x 2]





Today's Vocabulary

weary soul : 疲れ果てた心




    This is my entries related to my favorite songs.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/songs

Monday, May 23, 2016

So1elys Clearwhip, A Dupe for Shiseido Perfect Whip !? - Japanese Product I've Used Up

        When I visited Japan a few years ago, I bought this facial cleanser at drugstore. I usually buy Shiseido Perfect Whip, which I often mentioned in my previous entries, while staying in Japan, but this cleansing product, which was next to Shiseido Perfect Whip at the store, caught my eye. This was So1elys Clearwhip, which I had never hard of before. It looked like a dupe for the Shiseido Perfect Whip. So1elys Clearwhip was about 100 yen (about $1) cheaper than Shiseido Perfect Whip, so I decided to purchase this for my first time. 

So1elys Clearwhip
      I finally used it up last month. :) Over all, I actually liked it. Compared to Shiseido Perfect Whip, So1elys Clearwhip was light texture, so it was easy to use until the last. It smelled like honey peach, which I like. It can be made thick creamy foam, but it was not as thick as Shiseido Perfect Whip. That's why I don't think it's a perfect dupe for Shiseido Perfect Whip. It's completely different one, but I liked it. :)
So1elys Clearwhip
    You cannot find So1elys Clearwhip outside Japan, but in Japan, you can probably find ones at 300 to 400 yen (about $3 to $4) at drugstores. Since this cleansing product was not super famous, I think it's not easy to find one there though.


     My entries related to Best Japanese Beauty Products can be seen here.


     These are also my entries you might like.

Top 5 Life-Changing Japanese Beauty Products 

Best Japanese Beauty Products of 2015

Top 5 Japanese Sunscreen Products

Top 3 Most Popular Japanese Eyelash Curlers

The Most Popular Facial Sheet Masks in Japan

The Best Japanese Shampoo & Conditioner

5 Best Japanese Deep Conditioning Hair Masks

The Best Japanese Hair Dryer, Panasonic Nano Care Hair Dryer

Top 5 Most Popular Japanese Charcoal Soap

4 Reasons Why I Love Kose Softymo Cleansing Oil

Popular Japanese Facial Cleansing Products - What I Want to Buy in Japan

5 Best Japanese Facial Lotion (Toner), Kesyou-sui

Top 3 Daiso Beauty Products

Top 5 Most Popular Japanese Bath Salt Brands


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

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



Sunday, May 22, 2016

Rohto Mentholatum Bath Salt - Japanese Product I've Used Up

      As I mentioned in my previous entry, Top 5 Most Popular Japanese Bath Salt / Bath Additive Brands, Japanese people take a bath every night before sleeping. Even though I've usually taken only shower since I moved to the U.S., I used to take a bath every night when I was in Japan. Soaking a bath tab is one of the most important part of the day for Japanese people. That's why there are many bath salt products you can choose from at drugstores and supermarkets in Japan. When my husband and I visit Japan, we always purchase some bath salt products there. When we visited there, we bought this Rohto Mentholatum Bath Salt at a drugstore, which was located pretty closed to my parents-in-law's home.
Rohto Mentholatum Bath Salt

       If you have ever lived in Japan or really love Japanese products, you might know Rohto products. Rohto is one of famous Japanese companies and makes eye drops, lip balm, facial lotion and etc. Specially, Rohto Lycee eye drops and Rohto Hadalabo skin care lotion are some of their popular products outside Japan.

        Last month, I finally used up their bath salt. :) I'm going to share with you what the bath salt looks like.  
Rohto Mentholatum Bath Salt

      There are many types of bath salt such as powder, tablets and liquid in Japan. This Rohto Mentholatum bath salt was turquoise blue liquid.
Rohto Mentholatum Bath Salt
      When it is mixed with hot water, the water turns light green. It smelled good and never dried up my skin. :)  I found that this product has many positive reviews in Japan. Many people review that it's perfect for people who have dry atopic skin. It moisturizes your skin and relieves itchiness caused by dryness of skin.
Rohto Mentholatum Bath Salt
     As far as I know, this product haven't sold in the U.S. yet. If you are planing on visiting Japan, you should check it out at drugstores. Actually, there are so many excellent bath salt products in Japan, you can check my previous entry, Top 5 Most Popular Japanese Bath Salt / Bath Additive Brands, before going there. :)
Rohto Mentholatum Bath Salt

     My entries related to Best Japanese Beauty Products can be seen here.


     These are also my entries you might like.
Top 5 Most Popular Japanese Bath Salt Brands

Top 5 Life-Changing Japanese Beauty Products 

Best Japanese Beauty Products of 2015

Top 5 Japanese Sunscreen Products

Top 3 Most Popular Japanese Eyelash Curlers

The Most Popular Facial Sheet Masks in Japan

The Best Japanese Shampoo & Conditioner

5 Best Japanese Deep Conditioning Hair Masks

The Best Japanese Hair Dryer, Panasonic Nano Care Hair Dryer

Top 5 Most Popular Japanese Charcoal Soap

4 Reasons Why I Love Kose Softymo Cleansing Oil

Popular Japanese Facial Cleansing Products - What I Want to Buy in Japan

5 Best Japanese Facial Lotion (Toner), Kesyou-sui

Top 3 Daiso Beauty Products



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

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




Saturday, May 21, 2016

A Package from My Mother-In-Law, from Japan

      This week, my husband and I received a package from mother-in-law, who lives in Japan. As I mentioned in my previous entry, she has periodically sent Japanese foods from Japan since we moved to the U.S. I'm going to share what she sent to us this time with you.
A Package from My Mother-In-Law
      This is a pack of 7 kinds of beans and grains, which are  soy beans, black soy beans, red soy beans, sticky rice, red rice, black rice and sprouted brown rice. I will mix this with fresh steamed rice. 

      This is Shiokombu (塩こんぶ), which is salted dried kelp. This is perfect with fresh sliced cucumbers. 
Kurakon Shikonmbu 塩こんぶ
     This is a pack of instant seaweed soup. It's perfect for busy day.
Riken Instant Seaweed Soup

     This is nori for temaki sushi. I will wrap rice ball with this nori.

     This is takenoko (竹の子), a bamboo shoot,  produced in Kyusyu. I would like to make takenoko steamed rice with it. 
Takenoko, A Bamboo Shoot
     This is two servings of Marutai Bou Ramen, instant ramen.
Marutai Bou Ramen
    Today, my husband cooked ramen for lunch with it. :)
Marutai Bou Ramen
     She also sent these Japanese traditional sweets. Actually, we've already eaten them up. :) All of them were Japanese mochi with sweetened bean paste in it. Some of them had mach taste, and some of them had sesame seeds around mochi. They were so good!


       These are also my entries you might like.

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

■Top 10 Most Popular Japanese Foods

■How to Cook Japanese Curry

■How to Cook Miso Soup

■8 Interesting Japanese Kitchen Gadgets!

■My Top 10 Favorite Japanese Snacks

■My Top 10 Favorite Japanese Sweets


      This is my entries related to my favorite recipes.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/recipes

      This is my entries related to cooking.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/cooking

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