It has grown on me!

Monday, May 31, 2021

UNIQLO Haul - Paul & Joe, AIRism and UV Cut Hoodies

UNIQLO Haul

Last week, I ordered some articles of clothing from Uniqlo because I really wanted to get Uniqlo + Paul & Joe clothing. I finally received the package this week. Then, my husband and I also went to an Uniqlo branch located in South Coast Plaza this weekend because I wanted to check more of Uniqlo clothing and also wanted to see if shoppers were coming back to shopping malls. I was surprised that people were waiting in long lines to enter some stores such as Louis Vuitton, Tiffany, Uniqlo and more. Although those stores were still not crowded at all because they were just limiting how many people are allowed inside its stores at one time. Yet, obviously, many people in the U.S. are going back to shopping malls since many of them are fully vaccinated for Covid-19.

South Coast Plaza

UNIQLO + Paul & Joe Collection

Uniqlo has sometimes made limited edition collections with other fashion designers such as Theory, Jil Sander, KAWS, Anna Sui, Paul & Joe and more. Did you know that this Paul & Joe collection has been very popular in Japan? At the store, I found many articles of UNIQLO + Paul & Joe Collection. They still had plenty of those at stores in the U.S. 😉 I'm going to share which ones I purchased with you.

UNIQLO + Paul & Joe Collection

Uniqlo + Paul & Joe 3/4-Sleeve Blouse

Uniqlo Paul & Joe 3/4-Sleeve Blouse

I ordered this Uniqlo + Paul & Joe 3/4 sleeve blouse. It was originally $39.90 but was on sale for $29.90! This blouse is so much better than I thought. It's cute and beautiful. I really love it.

Uniqlo + Paul & Joe 3/4-Sleeve Blouse

Uniqlo + Paul & Joe UT (Short-Sleeve Graphic T-Shirt)

Uniqlo + Paul & Joe UT (Short-Sleeve Graphic T-Shirt)

I also ordered this Paul & Joe t-shirt for my homewear. It was $9.90! The cat prints are so cute! I'm going to tell you the secret. It's actually kids' size (size 13), but it's perfect size for me. 😉

Uniqlo + Paul & Joe UT (Short-Sleeve Graphic T-Shirt)

Uniqlo AIRism Mesh UV Protection Full-Zip Hoodie

AIRism Mesh UV Protection Full-Zip Hoodie

At the store, I wanted to purchase their UV protection hoodies. I ended up purchasing this AIRism Mesh UV Protection Hoodie. It was originally $29.90 but was on sale for $24.90. According to Uniqlo, this hoodie blocks 90% UV rays (UPF40)! It's very lightweight and cool feeling. It's perfect for this summer. I would like to wear it while driving my car.

AIRism Mesh UV Protection Full-Zip Hoodie

Uniqlo Pocketable UV Protection Parka

Uniqlo Pocketable UV Protection Parka

I also purchased this Uniqlo Pocketable UV Protection Parka. This was originally $39.90 but was on sale for $29.90. According to Uniqlo, it protects you from UV rays (UPF40). This one is also very lightweight and has cool feeling. I would like to wear it while walking outside.

Uniqlo Pocketable UV Protection Parka

Uniqlo AIRism Sleeveless Bra Top

Uniqlo AIRism Sleeveless Bra Top

I've already known that Uniqlo AIRism Sleeveless Bra Top has been one of their best selling products for many years, but this was my first time to purchase this one. It was only $24.90. Actually, I really love it! I thought that I should have purchased this one sooner! It's very soft and very comfortable, and you don't need to wear uncomfortable bra anymore. I thought that every woman should really have some Uniqlo AIRism Sleevless Bra Tops. 😉

These are my entries you might like.

♥The Most Comfortable Japanese Jeans - Uniqlo EZY Jeans

♥6 Best Japanese Products I Purchased in The Past Year!

♥3 Best Japanese Deep Conditioning Hair Masks

♥10 Best Face Masks Won Beauty Awards in Japan

♥10 Best Sunscreens Won Beauty Awards in Japan This Year

♥4 Best Japanese Anti-Aging Wrinkle Creams

♥The Best-Selling Japanese Soap, Cow Brand Soap - Red Box vs Blue Box

♥3 Best Japanese Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin

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

   My entries related to Japanese beauty news and limited edition 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, May 23, 2021

Japanese Beauty Haul - What I Purchased at A Japanese Supermarket

Japanese Beauty Haul!

It's been over a year since I visited Japan last time. I used to buy Japanese beauty products while I was in Japan because there are always so many products I can choose from and much cheaper than ones I can find in the U.S. However, during this coronavirus pandemic, I currently need to purchase those on Amazon and eBay, or I sometimes buy them at Japanese supermarkets. Today, I went to my local Mitsuwa, a Japanese supermarket, and purchased some Japanese beauty products, so I'm going to share what I purchased there with you.

1. Saborino (サボリーノ)

Face Mask

28 to 32 sheets for 1,430 yen in Japan

Can be purchased at drugstores in Japan

Saborino (サボリーノ)

As I mentioned in my previous entries, Saborino (サボリーノ) is an all-in-one facial sheet mask for morning skincare. Right after you wake up, apply this facial sheet mask on your face for 60 seconds. Now, your face is ready to makeup! With using Saborino facial sheet mask, you don't need facial cleanser, moisturizer and makeup primer. :) It's perfect for lazy girls. Because it moisturizes your skin well in the morning, makeup stays better on all day.

Today, I found that Mitsuwa is having on sale for many kinds of Saborino face masks through 5/27/2021. I couldn't miss out on this great deal! If you have Mitsuwa nearby you, you should check these at your local store.

Saborino (サボリーノ)

I eventually purchased this Saborino Sakura Limited Edition. It was $11.99 for 28 sheets! I really miss Japanese cherry blossom season. You can check out my previous entry, Cherry Blossoms Are Blooming in Japan. I cannot wait to try this sakura face mask!

Saborino Sakura Scent (サボリーノ桜の香り)

These are my entries related to Saborino.

■Saborino - New Popular Japanese Facial Sheet Mask for Busy Morning

■Asian Supermarkets Beauty Haul (Korean and Japanese Facial Masks)

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

■3 Best Facial Sheet Masks Loved in Japan This Year

■3 Best Japanese Facial Sheet Masks Won Beauty Awards in Japan

■3 Best New Facial Sheet Masks in Japan

■6 Best Japanese Facial Sheet Masks Loved by Japanese Beauty Experts

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

■3 Best Japanese Facial Sheet Masks (No.1 Facial Sheet Mask on @cosme, Amazon Japan and Loft)

Saborino Sakura Scent (サボリーノ桜の香り)

2. Nature Hatomugi Skin Conditioner (ハトムギ化粧水スキンコンディショナー)

Keshosui, Japanese Facial Lotion

500 ml for $650 yen in Japan

Can be purchased at drugstores in Japan

Nature Hatomugi Skin Conditioner (ハトムギ化粧水スキンコンディショナー)

As I mentioned in my previous entry, 7 Products I Purchased at Muji Store in Japan - Muji Haul, when I visited Japan, I always purchased a lot of my favorite Muji Light Toning Water. However, today, I purchased Hatomugi Skin Conditioner because it was on sale for $7.99!

Hatomugi Skin Conditioner has been very popular in Japan. I used it before and also really liked it. It's very affordable and moisturizes your skin pretty well. In addition, it is really gentle to your skin. I understood that why people in Japan love Hatomugi Skin Conditioner so much. Although my most favorite keshosui is still Muji Light Toning Water, and I will definitely purchase Muji ones when I visit Japan next time.

These are my entries related to Hatomugi Skin Conditioner.

■3 Best Affordable Japanese Facial Lotion, Keshosui (& My Favorite One + My Skincare Routine)

■5 Best Japanese Facial Lotion (Toner), Kesho-sui

Yoshinoya Frozen Beef Bowl Was Also on Sale!

Yoshinoya Frozen Beef Bowl (吉野家牛丼の具)

Obviously, this is not a beauty product, but I found that Yoshinoya Frozen Beef Bowl was on sale for $2.99. If you love Japanese foods, you really should check it at Mitsuwa. As I mentioned in my previous entry, Sukiya and Yoshinoya Gyudon, Japanese Beef Bowl , I really enjoyed authentic Japanese beef bowls in Japan, and I really wanted to have Yoshinoya beef bowl at home. This was the lowest price I've seen for years, so if you love Japanese beef bowl and have Mitsuwa nearby you, you really should get one. 😋

Yoshinoya Frozen Beef Bowl (吉野家牛丼の具)

These are my entries you might like.

♥3 Best Japanese Deep Conditioning Hair Masks

♥10 Best Face Masks Won Beauty Awards in Japan

♥10 Best Sunscreens Won Beauty Awards in Japan This Year

Friday, May 14, 2021

Sukiya and Yoshinoya Gyudon, Japanese Beef Bowl

As I mentioned in my previous entries, my husband and I visited Japan in 2019. While we were in Japan, we had gyudon (牛丼), Japanese beef bowl, at Skiya (すき家) and Yoshinoya (吉野家) restaurants because gyudon is one of my favorite Japanese foods. You can check out my previous entry, My Top 15 Must Eat Foods in Japan - My Favorite Japanese Foods.

In Japan, there are some gyudon restaurant chains such as Yoshinoya (吉野家), Matsuya (松屋), Sukiya (すき家) and Nakau (なか卯). They serve affordable and delicious gyudon for around 350 yen. You might think, "Which gyudon restaurant should I try?" If you want to try original gyudon, go to Yoshinoya, which was established in Japan in 1899. However, I always choose a restaurant near me because all gyudon restaurants serve pretty good gyudon. ;)

The 4 Major Japanese Gyudon Restaurant Chains
*They have been engaged in a price war for many years. The price of gyudon sometimes goes up and down.

Yoshinoya (吉野家)
・387 yen for regular size gyudon
・original gyudon restaurant (since 1899)

Matsuya (松屋)
・320 yen for regular size gyudon
・free miso soup
・Their curry is also popular.

Sukiya (すき家)
・350 yen for regular size gyudon
・a wide selection of gyudon

Nakau (なか卯)
・380 yen for regular size gyudon
・high quality 　

Sukiya (すき家)

We went to Sukiya (すき家), Japanese beef bowl restaurant chain, in our hometown, Fukuoka. The last time I had visited this restaurant was five years ago. You can check my previous entry, Sukiya - Beef Bowl Restaurant in Japan.

Skiya Menu

Medium Size Gyudon, Miso Soup and Raw Egg

I ordered this medium size gyudon (牛丼並盛), miso soup (みそ汁) and raw egg (生たまご) for 480 yen.

Medium Size Gyudon, Pork Curry Miso Soup and Raw Egg

He ordered this medium size gyudon (牛丼並盛), pork curry miso soup (カレー豚汁) and raw egg (生たまご) for 590 yen.

Raw Egg with Soy Sauce

My favorite way to eat gyudon is adding beating raw egg with soy sauce on gyudon. You might think that eating raw egg is insane but people in Japan eat raw egg indeed. Especially tamago kake gohan (卵かけご飯), raw egg on rice, is always popular menu as quick breakfast in Japan. Unlike Japan, eating raw egg is never acceptable for people in most countries because raw egg might be contaminated with salmonella. However, most Japanese people have been eating all their life with no problems. Because Japanese people eat raw egg, those are sold on the premise of being consumed raw in Japan. That's why egg producers make eggs perfect cleaning before marketing those. If you are outside Japan, you'd better think twice about the risk though. That's why I don't eat raw egg in the U.S., but when I visit Japan, I always love to eat raw egg there.

Raw Egg with Soy Sauce

Anyway, after beating egg and soy sauce, I added it over gyudon. It was perfect! If you visit Japan and want to try eating Japanese raw egg, I recommend you to go to gyudon restaurants and try a raw egg on gyudon. 😋 If you don't want to try a raw egg, you can still enjoy delicious gyudon though. Gyudon is always delicious even without a raw egg.

Raw Egg on Gyudon

Yoshinoya (吉野家)

We also went to Yoshinoya, gyudon restaurant, at Narita International Airport (成田国際空港). I think Yoshinoya is the most famous gyudon restaurant chain internationally since they have so many branches outside Japan too.

Yoshinoya Menu

Once in a while, I go to Yoshinoya restaurant in the U.S., but obviously, they don't serve a raw egg in the U.S. That's why when I visit Youshinoya restaurant in Japan, I always add a raw egg! At Yoshinoya, medium size gyudon was 392 yen, and a raw egg was 65 yen. Gyudon in Japan is more delicious somehow, and its price is cheaper than one in the U.S.

Medium Size Gyudon and Raw Egg

If you live in the U.S., and want to try Yoshinoya gyudon, you can also find frozen Yoshinoya gyudon at Japanese supermarket and Amazon. You can check out my previous entry, Yoshinoya Frozen Beef Bowl Pack Is Delicious And Convenient! - Yoshinoya Beef with Onions in Sauce.

Yoshinoya Frozen Gyudon, Beef with Onion in Sauce

These are my entries you might like.

■Nakau, Affordable Japanese Beef Bowl Restaurant

■How to Order Gyudon, Japanese Beef Bowl, at Matsuya

■How to Make Tamago Kake Gohan - Raw Egg on Rice

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

■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 Most Popular Japanese Foods

■COSTCO in Japan

■3 Best Japanese Deep Conditioning Hair Masks

■7 Best Japanese Beauty Products Hall of Fame

   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.

Thursday, May 6, 2021

Walking Around Tenma, Osaka in Japan - Osaka Tenmangu and Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street

Osaka Tenmangu (大阪天満宮) , a Shinto shrine in Kita-ku, Osaka

As I mentioned in my previous entries, my husband and I visited Osaka in 2019. While we were visiting Osaka, we walked through Tenjinbashisuji Shotengai.

Actually, we used to live in Osaka for years before we moved to the U.S. I used to commute to work in Kitaku, Osaka for four years, and I sometimes visited Tenjinbashisuji Shotengai (天神橋筋商店街), the longest shopping street in Japan, back then because it had many popular sushi restaurants, especially around JR Tenma station. You can check out my previous entry, The Best Places to Eat in Tenjinbashi in Osaka.

Tenjinbashisuji Shotengai is the Japan's longest shopping street extending from 1 chome to 6 chome.

Osaka Tenmangu (大阪天満宮), A Shinto Shrine in Kita-ku, Osaka

Osaka Tenmangu (大阪天満宮), A Shinto Shrine in Kita-ku, Osaka

We first visited Osaka Tenmangu (大阪天満宮), a shinto shrine located next to Tenjinbashisuji Shotengai in 2 chome, which is called Ten Ni (天２) or Tenjinbashi Ni Chome (天神橋２丁目).

Osaka Tenmangu (大阪天満宮), A Shinto Shrine in Kita-ku, Osaka

　　There were so many Japanese sake barrels!

A Lot of Japanese Sake Barrels

Medetai (めでたい), the Lucky Fish

This large red fish decor is called medetai, the lucky fish in Japan.

Osaka Tenmangu (大阪天満宮), A Shinto Shrine in Kita-ku, Osaka

If you visit Tenjinbashisuji Shotengai and want to see a famous shinto shrine, Osaka Tenmangu is the place you should visit.

Osaka Tenmangu (大阪天満宮)

2 Chome-1-8 Tenjinbashi

Kita-ku, Osaka

Tenma Tenjin Hanjotei (天満天神繁昌亭), the Kamigata Rakugo Entertainment Hall

Tenma Tenjin Hanjotei (天満天神繁昌亭), the Kamigata Rakugo Entertainment Hall

There is Tenma Tenjin Hanjotei (天満天神繁昌亭), the Kamigata Rakugo (上方落語) entertainment hall, in 2 Chome. This is located just next to Osaka Tenmangu. Kamigata Rakugo is traditional Japanese story-telling in Osaka and Kyoto.

Tenma Tenjin Hanjotei (天満天神繁昌亭), the Kamigata Rakugo Entertainment Hall

If you are really into traditional Japanese comedy, you should check this place out.

Tenma Tenjin Hanjotei (天満天神繁昌亭)

2 Chome-1-34 Tenjinbashi

Kita-ku, Osaka

Tenjinbashisuji Shotengai (天神橋筋商店街), the Longest Shopping Street in Japan

Tenjinbashisuji Shotengai (天神橋筋商店街), the Longest Shopping Street in Japan

Then we walked through Tenjinbashi Shotengai. We started walking from Ten Ni (天２), Tenjinbashi 2 Chome.

Tenjinbashisuji Shotengai (天神橋筋商店街), the Longest Shopping Street in Japan

This is Ten San (天３), Tenjinbashi 3 Chome. There are many small stores and restaurants.　

Sushi Masa (すし政本店), A Sushi Restaurant near JR Tenma Station

Sushi Masa (すし政本店), a famous sushi restaurant is located in 4 chome.

Sushi Masa Honten (すし政本店)

4 Chome-9-10 Tenjinbashi

Kita-ku, Osaka

Harukoma (春駒), A Sushi Restaurant near JR Tenma Station

Harukoma (春駒) was my favorite sushi restaurant located in 5 chome. When I worked in Kita-ku, Osaka, my coworkers and I sometime enjoyed very authentic sushi at this restaurant. This restaurant is always popular and very busy. Indeed, there was a long line to enter this restaurant. If you want to have the best sushi around JR Tenma station, I recommend you to try this sushi restaurant. They serve high quality sushi with affordable prices.

Harukoma (春駒)

5 chome-6-8 Tenjinbashi

Kita-ku, Osaka

These are my entries you might like.

♥The Best Places to Eat in Tenjinbashi in Osaka

♥What I Ate Around Abeno Harukas in Osaka, Japan

♥Abeno Harukas in Osaka - The Tallest Building in Japan

♥ The Mint Museum in Osaka - You Can Touch the Huge Bars of Real Gold and Silver with Your Hand!

♥What I Ate at Snack Park - Hanshin Umeda Department Store in Osaka, Japan