Saturday, January 30, 2021

Walking Along the Dojima River in Nakanoshima, Osaka

Dojima River (堂島川) in Osaka
       In 2019, my husband and I visited Osaka for the first time in six years. Actually, many years ago, we had lived in Osaka city for years, and when our families had visited Osaka, we had taken them to popular sightseeing spots of Osaka. That's why we are pretty familiar with many places in Osaka. (You can check my previous entry, Must Go to Places in Namba - Our Traveling in Osaka, Japan.) Yet, we hadn't visited some places such as the Mint Museum (大阪造幣局 造幣博物館) and Abeno Harukasu (あべのハルカス). 
      Before checking into the hotel, Conrad Osaka, we asked a bellhop if they could store our luggage, so we were able to enjoy sightseeing in Osaka. We decided to go to the Mint Museum, which is a 40 minutes walking distance from Conrad Osaka.

Walking Along the Dojima River in Nakanoshima, Osaka

Dojima River (堂島川) in Osaka
       We walked along the Dojima River (堂島川) in Nakanoshima (中之島), a sandbank in Kita-ku (北区), Osaka city.  Actually, my former workplace in Osaka was located in Kita-ku, but I had hardly ever gone to Nakanoshima on foot.
Osaka City Hall (大阪市役所)
      This huge building is Osaka City Hall (大阪市役所).
 
Dojima River (堂島川) in Osaka

Sparrows (すずめ)
Rock Dove (カワラバト)


Dojima River (堂島川) in Osaka
 
Osaka City Central Public Hall (大阪市中央公会堂)
     This retro building is Osaka City Central Public Hall (大阪市中央公会堂). This is more beautiful with lighting at night.
 
Nakanoshima Rose Garden (中之島バラ園)
     We walked through Nakanoshima Rose Garden (中之島バラ園). If you love flowers, you should visit this place in May and late October to early November. 

 

Nakanoshima Park (中之島公園)

     It was a pretty great workout. We really enjoyed walking along the Dojima River.

Great cormorants
     We also enjoyed bird-watching. While we were living in Osaka, we were really busy and didn't notice that there were so many kinds of wild birds in Osaka. After moving to the U.S., we became more interested in watching wildlife.

Great cormorants
     The cormorants were so cool. The one of them looked like having mohawk.
Coots and Ducks
      Actually, I didn't know there were coots in Japan. I've sometime seen American coots in the U.S. though.

      Next time, I will write about Mint Museum in Osaka. Actually, I hadn't expected much but it was a really great place. If you love Japan or are interested in Japanese coin, you really should visit Mint Museum. You can also touch huge real gold with your hand there. 😊

 

 
      These are my entries you might like.
What I Ate at Snack Park - Hanshin Umeda Department Store in Osaka, Japan

Hotel Room Tour and Review - Conrad Osaka - Osaka, Japan

16 Best Japanese Beauty Products I Purchased in Japan - Drugstore, Discount Store, Daiso and Amazon Japan

Japanese Snack and Candy Haul - What I Purchased in Japan

Japanese Grocery Haul - What I Purchased at Supermarket, Department Stores and Kitano Ace in Japan

10 Products I Purchased at Costco in Japan

Japanese Bread Haul - Shokupan, Melonpan, Anpan and More

7 Products I Purchased at Muji Store in Japan - Muji Haul
 
Starbucks Japan Geography Series City Tumbler - Osaka   

Top 3 My Favorite Delicious Souvenirs from Osaka

Top 5 Breakfast Restaurants around Tenjinbashi in Osaka, Japan


The Best Places to Eat in Tenjinbashi in Osaka   

Must Go to Places in Namba - Our Traveling in Osaka, Japan

10 Best Japanese Beauty Products on Amazon Japan, You Can Also Purchase Them at Drugstores in Japan



     My entries related to Osaka can be seen here.

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

     My entries related to Japan can be seen here.

     My entries related to beauty can be seen here.

     My entries related to Japan Haul can be seen here.

     You can find my beauty entries by categories from here.

 

 

Thursday, January 21, 2021

How to Cook Pork and Cabbage Umami Nabe

 

      I really love Japanese nabe (鍋), Japanese hot pot dishes! This winter, I've cooked this pork and cabbage umami nabe many times. It's very easy to cook. The soup has savor of garlic, pork and sesame seeds. If you love the taste of ramen, you might love this recipe. Today, I'm going to share how to cook this pork and cabbage umami nabe with you.


How to Cook Pork and Cabbage Umami Nabe

Ingredients (6 Servings)
5 Cups (1000ml) of Water
1/4 Cups (50ml) of Sake 
1 Tablespoon of Chicken Bouillon
2 Teaspoon of Salt
1 lb of Pork (Thinly Sliced or Minced)
1/2 Medium Head of Cabbage (Cut into large pieces.)
2 Cloves of Garlic (Sliced)
2 Tablespoons of Roasted Sesame Seeds

 

1. Put water, sake, chicken bouillon and salt in a pan over medium high heat, and bring it to a boil.


 

 

 2. Add pork, and cook it for a minute.




3. Add cabbage. Reduce the heat to medium low. Cover the lid, and simmer it for 5 minutes.




4. Add garlic, and simmer it for a minute.




5. Grind sesame seeds. In Japan, people use a suribachi (すり鉢) to grind sesame seeds. 

Suribachi (すり鉢)

Suribachi (すり鉢)



6. Serve in a bowl, and sprinkle ground sesame seeds over it.



7. Enjoy!



      These are also my entries you might like.
■How to Cook Tori Meshi - Savory Japanese Rice with Chicken and Gobo

■How to Boost Your Immune System - 6 Foods That Can Boost Your Immune System

■Top 3 My Favorite Ramen From Marutai Kyushu Ramen Series

■How to Cook Omurice, a Japanese Omelette Stuffed with Rice (Cook Like a Pro!)

■How to Cook Chicken Tortilla Soup

■How to Make An Easy Egg Toast (Japanese Sliced Bread + Japanese Mayonnaise = Deliciousness)
  
■Don Quijote (Donki) Haul - What He Got in Japan

■What He Got at Drugstore in Japan - Haul

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

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

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

■How to Cook Miso Soup

■8 Interesting Japanese Kitchen Gadgets!



    My entries related to cooking can be seen here.

    My entries related to my favorite recipes can be seen here.

    My entries related to foods my husband cooked can be seen here.

    My entries related to Japanese noodles can be seen here.

    My entries related to Japan Haul can be seen here.
 

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

    My entries related to Japan can be seen here


    ★You can find my recipe entries through my Pinterest



 

Friday, January 15, 2021

My Experience Side Effects from the COVID-19 Vaccine

I got a COVID-19 vaccine.
     I have already received the COVID-19 vaccination this month, and I am going to get the second shot next month. Today, I'm going to share with you my experience of the COVID-19 vaccine.
 

Wasn't I Scared of the New Vaccine?
Nope. When I got the COVID-19 vaccination, over 5 million people in the U.S. had already vaccinated, and I thought that it's safe for most people.

 

Moderna or Pfizer?
It was made by Moderna.

 

Did I experience any side effect from the COVID-19 vaccine?
I did have some minor side effects form the COVID-19 vaccine. Five minutes after I got the shot, I started feeling mildly fatigued. However, my tiredness went away in two hours.   In addition to that, five hours later, I started having mild muscle pain in my arm where I got the shot. It lasted for two days. That's it. To me, it was easier than side effects from the flu vaccine.



COVID-19 Vaccination After-Care Instructions

COVID-19 Vaccination After-Care Instructions
    I received this COVID-19 Vaccination After-Care Instructions at the vaccination site. It reads that side effects may feel like flu but should go away in a few days.  However, it's important to remember that if you are having an allergic reaction or have extreme shortness of breath call 911.


V-Safe After Vaccination Health Checker

V-Safe After Vaccination Health Checker
      At the vaccination site, I received this paper which V-Safe After Vaccination Health Checker explanation are written in. It's smartphone-based tool that uses text messaging and web surveys to provide personalized health check-ins after you receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Through V-Safe, you can tell CDC if you have any side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine.    I registered to V-Safe and have received text messages from V-Safe around 2 p.m. every day since I got the shot. The questions V-Safe asks takes me about 1 minute.

First Week : They will send text messages every day.

Week 2 to 5 : They will send text messages once a week.

They will also send text messages 3, 6 and 12 months after your final dose of vaccine.

You will also get reminders if you need a second vaccine dose.

 

 

 
 

When Are You Eligible for a COVID-19 Vaccination in the U.S.?

 

     If you live in the U.S., you should check your county's Official Website. They tell you who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination right now. They may also tell you when you can get vaccinated and where you can go to get your vaccine. ( If you live in LA, OC, or SD county in Southern California area, you can check this link. ⇒LA County,   Orange County,   San Diego County)

 

 

Stay safe, and stay healthy! 

 

 

     These are my entries you might like.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 




     My entries related to Costco can be seen here.

     My entries related to Starbucks can be seen here.

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

     My entries related to Japan can be seen here.

     My entries related to beauty can be seen here.

     My entries related to Japan Haul can be seen here.

     You can find my beauty entries by categories from here.

 


Sunday, January 10, 2021

10 Best Face Masks Won Beauty Awards in Japan

Best Japanese Beauty Products

      Last month, @cosme, a huge Japanese cosmetic review site, finally released the best beauty awards of 2020. In my previous entry, I shared 10 best sunscreens won the best sun screen awards with you. Today, I'm going to share with you 10 best face masks won the best face mask awards of 2020 on @cosme. 


 

 No.1   Mediheal N.M.F Aqua Ampoule Mask JEX (メディヒール N.M.F アクア アンプル マスクJEX)

Face Mask Sheet

Balancing

1 Sheet (25ml) for 324 yen

3 Sheets for 972 yen

Can be purchased at many drugstores and Shop-In branches in Japan

Mediheal N.M.F Aqua Ampoule Mask JEX (メディヒール N.M.F アクア アンプル マスクJEX)

        Mediheal is one of famous Korean cosmetic brands. K-beauty has been very popular in Japan these years. This Mediheal N.M.F Aqua Ampoule Mask won the best face mask award of 2020 on @cosme. It's very affordable and moisturizes skin very well. Some Japanese women purchase Korean beauty products while they are traveling Korea, but now you can purchase this face mask at many drugstores in Japan. In addition, Lawson convenience stores started selling Mediheal x BTS face masks in 2019, and now Don Quijote, which is also called Donki and is one of the biggest Japanese discount chain stores, sells this face masks as well.

MEDIHEAL X BTS Facial Mask Sheet Special Set
      

 How to Use Mediheal Face Mask
・After cleansing and toning, apply this face mask.
・Leave on for 15 minutes.
・Lightly pat the remaining essence to help it absorb into your skin.
・Use 2 to 3 times a week.

 

Mediheal N.M.F Intensive Hydrating Mask (US Exclusive )

 

 

No.2     Keana Nadeshiko Rice Mask (毛穴撫子 お米のマスク)   

Face Mask Sheet

10 Sheets for 650 yen

28 Sheets for 1,600 yen

Can be purchased at most drugstores in Japan

Keana Nadeshiko Rice Mask 10-Sheet Pack (毛穴撫子 お米のマスク)

         As I mentioned in my previous entries, Keana Nadeshiko Rice Mask has been very popular in Japan. Since it was released in 2015, this face mask has been winning beauty awards in Japan. This face mask has also so many positive reviews on AmazonWhen I visited Japan in 2017, it was very hard to find one in Tokyo because of its extreme popularity. Because of that, they have been trying to make more face masks to meet high demand. That's why now you can find ones in Japan much easier than before. Last winter, I purchased this one again. I really loved Keana Nadeshiko Rice Mask because it moisturizes my skin very well. Definitely, I will purchase this one when I have a chance to visit Japan next time.
Keana Nadeshiko Rice Mask 28-Sheet Pack (毛穴撫子 お米のマスク)

     If you are in Japan, you can find this large pack of Keana Nadeshiko Rice Mask at Loft. This one contains 28 face mask sheets and was just released a few month ago. 

How to Use Keana Nadeshiko Rice Mask
・Apply on dry skin, after cleansing.
・Leave on for 5 minutes.
・Use daily.

 

       These are my entries related to Keana Nadeshiko Rice Mask.
 
 

 

 

 

No.3    Mediheal Tea Tree Care Solution Ampoule Mask JEX (メディヒール ティーツリー ケアソリューション アンプルマスクJEX) 

Face Mask Sheet

Balancing

1 Sheet (25ml) for 324 yen

Can be purchased at many drugstores and Shop-In branches in Japan

Mediheal Tea Tree Care Solution Ampoule Mask JEX (メディヒール ティーツリー ケアソリューション アンプルマスクJEX)

       Mediheal Tea Tree Care Solution Ampoule Mask also won best face mask award on @cosme. Many Japanese people review that they apply this Tea Tree face mask when they have acne. It also hydrates skin very well. 

 How to Use Mediheal Face Mask
・After cleansing and toning, apply this face mask.
・Leave on for 15 minutes.
・Lightly pat the remaining essence to help it absorb into your skin.
・Use 2 to 3 times a week.
Mediheal Tea Tree Essential Blemish Control Mask (US Exclusive)


 

 

 

No.4    Lululun Precious Green (ルルルン プレシャス グリーン 肌メンテナンス) 

Face Mask Sheet

Anti-Aging

7 Sheets for 500 yen

32 Sheets for 1,800 yen

Can be purchased at most drugstores in Japan

Lululun Precious Green 32-Sheet Pack (ルルルン プレシャス グリーン 肌メンテナンス)
      Lululun Precious Green face mask won the best face mask award on @cosme. Lululun Precious Green is anti-aging facial sheet mask and contains a new moisturizing ingredient, L22, imitating healthy 22 year old sebum balance. I really love Lululun Precious series, and actually, I'm currently using this face mask three times a week. It's also very popular on Amazon.
 
Lululun Precious Green 7-Sheet Pack (ルルルン プレシャス グリーン 肌メンテナンス)
 
How to Use Lululun Precious Green
・Apply on dry skin, after cleansing.
・Leave on for 10 minutes. After that, apply your favorite moisturizer as usual.
・Use daily.


      These are my entries related to Lululun Precious Green.

2 of My Favorite Japanese Facial Masks This Winter

Japanese Beauty Haul - What I Purchased at a Japanese Supermarket in the U.S.

Japan Beauty Haul - 3 Best Japanese Beauty Products You Can Purchase at Drugstore in Japan

5 Best Affordable Japanese Anti-Aging Facial Sheet Masks

 

 

 No.5   Shiseido Elixir Reflet Balancing Oyasumi Mask (エリクシール ルフレ バランシング おやすみマスク)

Face Mask Gel Paste 

Anti-Aging

90g for 1800 yen

Can be purchased at most drugstores in Japan

Shiseido Elixir Reflet Balancing Oyasumi Mask (エリクシール ルフレ バランシング おやすみマスク)

     Elixir Reflet Balancing Oyasumi Mask also won best face mask award on @cosme. It contains enough face mask for 45 times. This is soft gel and is easier to use than a regular face mask sheet. Before going to bed, apply this soft gel onto your entire face. That's it. You don't need to rinse it off. Next morning, many Japanese people noticed that it improves skin elasticity and keeps skin well hydrated. Actually, I would like to purchase this one when I visit Japan next time. You can find this one at many drugstores in Japan.

 

How to Use Elixir Reflet Balancing Oyasumi Mask
・After cleansing your face, moisturize your skin as you regularly do. Then, take 2cm of this face mask on your dry palm. Gently smooth over dry face. You don't have to rise it off.
・Use 2 to 3 nights a week. You can also use it daily.

 

 

 

 

No.6    VT Cosmetics CICA Daily Soothing Mask (VT Cosmetic CICA デイリー スージング マスク)

Face Mask Sheet

30 Sheets for 2,200 yen

Can be purchased at Shop-In branches in Japan

VT Cosmetics CICA Daily Soothing Mask (VT Cosmetic CICA デイリー スージング マスク)

       CICA Daily Soothing Mask is very popular and affordable Korean facial masks and also won the best face mask award of 2020 on @cosme. Cica calms down redness and soothes irritated skin. This face mask is perfect for people who have acne and sensitive skin. 

How to Use CICA Daily Soothing Mask
・After cleansing, apply toner. Then, apply this face mask on dry skin.
・Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes. Gently pat to fully absorb the remaining essence.
・Use daily.


 


 

No.7     Lululun Precious Red (ルルルン プレシャス レッド 濃密保湿) 

Face Mask Sheet

Anti-Aging

7 Sheets for 480 yen

32 Sheets for 1,700 yen

Can be purchased at most drugstores in Japan

Lululun Precious Red 32-Sheet Pack (ルルルン プレシャス レッド 濃密保湿)
     Lululun Precious Red has been very popular in Japan and won the best face mask award of 2020 on @cosme. Lululun Precious series is anti-aging skin care products and this Lululun Precious Red is extra moisturizing facial sheet mask. It moisturizes your skin well and improves skin elasticity. It's also popular on Amazon.
Lululun Precious Red (ルルルン プレシャス レッド 濃密保湿)

How to Use Lululun Precious Red
・Apply on dry skin, after cleansing.
・Leave on for 10 minutes. After that, apply your favorite moisturizer as usual.
・Use daily.


      These are my entries related to Lululun Precious Red.

3 Most Popular Facial Sheet Masks in Japan

7 Best Japanese Beauty Products I Purchased on Amazon Japan - You Can Also Purchase Them at Drugstores in Japan

10 Best Affordable Japanese Facial Sheet Masks You Want to Use Every Day




No.8    Minon Amino Moist Face Mask (ミノン アミノモイスト ぷるぷるしっとり肌マスク)

Face Mask Sheet

For Sensitive Skin

4 Sheets for 1,320 yen

Can be purchased at most drugstores in Japan

Minon Amino Moist Face Mask (ミノン アミノモイスト ぷるぷるしっとり肌マスク)

      Minon is a well known brand which makes skin care products for people who have very sensitive skin. Minon Amino Moist Face Mask has won many beauty awards since it was released. If you have dry and sensitive skin, I think that you will like it. It has many positive reviews on Amazon as well.


How to Use Minon Amino Moist Face Mask
・Apply on dry skin, after cleansing.
・Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes.
・Use 1 to 2 times a week.

      These are my entries related to Minon Amino Moist Face Mask.

5 Best Affordable Japanese Anti-Aging Facial Sheet Masks

6 Best Japanese Facial Sheet Masks Loved by Japanese Beauty Experts

3 Best Japanese Facial Sheet Masks Won Beauty Awards in Japan

Top 7 Japanese Facial Sheet Masks That Rescue Your Dry Skin

The Most Popular Facial Sheet Masks in Japan




No.9   My Beauty Diary Black Pearl (我的美麗日記 私のきれい日記 黒真珠マスク)

Face Mask Sheet

1 Sheet for 170 yen

4 Sheets for 668 yen

8 Sheets for 1,260 yen 

Can be purchased at most drugstores in Japan

My Beauty Diary Black Pearl (我的美麗日記 私のきれい日記 黒真珠マスク)
      My Beauty Diary is Taiwanese cosmetic brand, and it has been very popular in Japan. This face mask won the best face mask award of 2020 on @cosme. I've purchased My Beauty Diary Black Pearl face mask at Donki in Japan and really loved it. It moisturized my skin very well. This face mask has a lot of positive reviews on Amazon as well.
 

      These are my entries related to My Beauty Diary Face Mask.

14 Best Japanese Beauty Products I Purchased in Japan - Drugstore, Discount Store, Daiso and Loft Haul

10 Best Affordable Japanese Facial Sheet Masks You Want to Use Every Day

3 Best Facial Sheet Masks Loved in Japan This Year

The Most Popular Facial Sheet Masks in Japan

 

 

 No.10    FEMMUE Rose Sleeping Mask (ファミュ ローズウォーター スリーピングマスク)

Face Mask Paste

50g for 4200 yen

Can be purchased at some department stores in Japan

FEMMUE Rose Sleeping Mask (ファミュ ローズウォーター スリーピングマスク)

     FEMMUE is a Korean cosmetic brand and won the best face mask award of 2020 on @cosme. Many people love its calming rose scent, and they have noticed that their skin condition is great next morning.   

 

 How to Use FEMMUE Rose Sleeping Mask
・After cleansing your face, moisturize your skin as you regularly do. Then, take a small amount (about size of 3 pearls) of this face mask paste on your dry skin. You don't have to rise it off.
・Use 2 to 3 nights a week. You can also use it daily.

 

 

     These are also my entries you might like.
10 Best Sunscreens Won Beauty Awards in Japan This Year

2 of My Favorite Japanese Facial Masks This Winter

16 Best Japanese Beauty Products I Purchased in Japan - Drugstore, Discount Store, Daiso and Amazon Japan

3 Tips : How to Get the Most Out of Your Face Masks!

3 Best Japanese Facial Masks You Want to Try

Top 3 Japanese Powder Sunscreens  

3 Best Japanese Sunscreen Products to Try This Summer

3 Best Japanese Eye Creams Won Beauty Award This Year

3 Best Facial Sheet Masks Loved in Japan This Year

7 Most Popular Japanese Facial Cleansing Wipes for Removing Makeup  


7 Best Japanese Beauty Products Hall of Fame 

Top 5 Life-Changing Japanese Beauty Products  

Top 5 Most Popular Japanese Charcoal Soap

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

The Most Popular Facial Sheet Masks in Japan

4 Reasons Why I Love Kose Softymo Cleansing Oil

10 Best Japanese Beauty Products on Amazon Japan, You Can Also Purchase Them at Drugstores in Japan



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

     My entries related to Japan can be seen here.

     My entries related to beauty can be seen here.

     My entries related to Japan Haul can be seen here.

     You can find my beauty entries by categories from here.

 




Friday, January 1, 2021

Happy New Year 2021! - It's the Year of the OX!

      Happy New Year Everyone!


       Did you know that 2021 is the Year of the Ox (丑年)? In the Japanese zodiac, it can be the ox, cow, bull and cattle, which are all called ushi (牛) in Japanese.


        It has been custom that many people in Japan send New Year's cards, which is called nengajyo (年賀状), to friends, families and business associates. Many New Year's cards have illustration of the animal of the year in them.

        I made this nengajyo for my readers. With using my iPad and Apple Pencil, I drew this bull referring to the Charging Bull, Wall Street Bull, a bronze sculpture that stands in Manhattan, New York City. I've lived in the U.S. for over 10 years but haven't been New York yet. I hope that I will visit to see the Charging Bull some day. This year, I would like to improve my financial literacy whether it's a bull market or not. 🐂

       I will be busier this year but try to keep my blogging to share my thoughts, information about Japan and beauty, and etc with you.

      Wish you a very happy new year! 

 

      These are also my entries you might like.
10 Best Sunscreens Won Beauty Awards in Japan This Year

3 Best Japanese Sunscreens Won Beauty Awards in Japan

16 Best Japanese Beauty Products I Purchased in Japan - Drugstore, Discount Store, Daiso and Amazon Japan

3 Best Japanese Sunscreens with SPF50+ PA++++

3 Best Japanese Sunscreens Won Beauty Award This Year

Top 3 Japanese Powder Sunscreens  

3 Best Japanese Sunscreen Products to Try This Summer

3 Best Japanese Eye Creams Won Beauty Award This Year

3 Best Facial Sheet Masks Loved in Japan This Year

7 Most Popular Japanese Facial Cleansing Wipes for Removing Makeup  


7 Best Japanese Beauty Products Hall of Fame 

Top 5 Life-Changing Japanese Beauty Products  

Top 5 Most Popular Japanese Charcoal Soap

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

The Most Popular Facial Sheet Masks in Japan

4 Reasons Why I Love Kose Softymo Cleansing Oil

10 Best Japanese Beauty Products on Amazon Japan, You Can Also Purchase Them at Drugstores in Japan



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

     My entries related to Japan can be seen here.

     My entries related to beauty can be seen here.

     My entries related to Japan Haul can be seen here.

     You can find my beauty entries by categories from here.