Here we are in the New Year! Time for a 2014 Round-Up. It’s been a busy year and I can’t wait to start 2015 off with even more to do. Currently in nesting mode and getting ready to go from a family of two to three, setting goals and renovating our place are just some of the things on my to do list for January. Have you set any goals for the New Year?
Thank you for all of your love and support, that continues to motivate and inspire me!
stayed in a lot of hotels through my years of travelling and some hotels become your staple go-to’s, some you never want to go back and others you tip your hat too.
Food: Four restaurants, two lounges and room service. The choices are endless. Paying an extra amount to have breakfast included is a great idea. Plus, there are no breakfast places in Tokyo. Unless you’re looking for brunch, only on weekends or a sushi breakast. The locals say it’s because no one wakes up early enough for breakfast, so make sure you get a breakfast package at the hotel you stay at.
We enjoyed breakfast in the executive lounge and the Cerise restaurant, where you have a wide variety of foods to choose from. American breakfast, japanese and even some mexican, which I had the pleasure of trying. Never would’ve thought I’d try a mexican breakfast in Tokyo.
I discovered on the second day of having breakfast at the Cerise restaurant that you’re able to take your hot drinks to go. This is great if you’re short of time and need to start your day but want to also enjoy your tea.
Room service options are great! You can pretty much order food from all the restaurants in the hotel and the only disclaimer is time. I believe most of the best items on the room service menu you have to order before 10 pm. One evening, I was craving a nice CLT avocado sandwich. I hesitantly called room service to check if they could make me this sandwich because it wasn’t in the room service book. When they said yes and delivered, I was smiling ear to ear! As a social media specialist, I was giddy when I saw the butter in the form of the Twitter bird. I know, it’s probably just a bird. However, social media nerds alike, would understand and also see a “Twitter” bird instead.
Don’t leave the Conrad in Tokyo without making reservations at the Kazahana restaurant for a private sushi bar experience like no other. The master sushi chefs are world class. A bar of about 6 seats, you’ll enjoy an intimate dining experience, where you watch the master sushi chefs create your order right before your eyes at a perfect pace, so it’s all fresh. As soon as you finish one order, they give you a few minutes break to clear your taste buds with some tea and then start making the next order. Don’t be shy to ask questions about the fish or the process. It adds to the whole experience of learning about what you’re eating.
The wasabi isn’t like the wasabi we have here in Toronto at restaurants. It’s made into a paste, fresh, right before your eyes. Ground from the wasabi root, to your plate. The flavour was SO much better then the tube or overly green stuff we get here. Same texture, better zing!
The master chef goes every morning to the fish market to get everything he needs at the restaurant. You can tell he’s passionate about what he does, because he even lives near the Tsukiji Fish Market. The Tsukiji Fish Market is world’s largest, busiest fish market. If you go around 5 am you can catch a tuna fish auction and even sit at one of the sushi counters there for a sushi breakfast. The highlight of this experience was when we ordered prawns and the process they went through to get to our plate. As soon as I saw them alive, I have to admit I didn’t want it any more, but the reality of eating fresh is just that. The chefs here even made a delicacy out of the prawn legs. They were deep fried and presented to us when we finished eating, as an in between snack before the next order. Visually it was hard to eat, but tasted pretty good.
There are some orders the chefs would make in between us figuring out what else we wanted to order. At one point, the master sushi chef, started to put together an octopus order. Upon asking some questions about the process and the octopus, he prepared an order on the house for us. It was a very distinctive flavour, definitely not for everyone and didn’t taste like the calamari we get at home. However, that was really kind of him to sample it to us.
Rooms:
We had the King City room booked for 3 days on the 37th floor, right beside the Executive Lounge and then the 4th day we were suppose to move to another hotel but loved our time at Conrad so much that we decided to stay there and had our items moved to the 38th floor in a King City room. The King City room has a king size bed, panoramic views of Ginza and the Shiodome area, amazing bathroom and some cute surprises.
Cute Conrad Hotel Teddy Bear Takeaways
His and Hers sinks, separate shower, stand alone tub, electronically controlled blinds for bathroom and bedroom.A takeaway rubber duck
Staff:
Everyone at the Conrad hotel were exceptionally nice and very accommodating. Nunzio, a manager at the Cerise restaurant was very nice to us and I had the pleasure of speaking to him about his experience in Japan, since he is originally from Italy.
November was amazing! What a month, full of adventure, meeting new people, travelling with my love, spending time with my besties and soaking in lots of information. Have you ever wondered why you have more busier and productive months than others? It’s actually very simple. You invest your time to be at places where you’ll get opportunities or that may encourage you to find them = a busier month.
It’s so easy to get stuck in a rut and find yourself going through your day, weeks, months and years in the same schedule, saying the same things. Things like, “I can’t wait to do this..” or “I’m going to build/make/start….” and then not do anything at all. Why do this to yourself? Essentially you’re holding yourself back. I’m sure you can think of a million and one reasons of why you are and how hard it is to start. Really, all it takes is you beating on your craft, talent and beating, beating until something comes out of it. Metaphorically speaking of course.
You’ll see that managing your life, your schedule and when you have time for particular projects will all lay out the way you want them too. November was a jam packed month for me, because I made the time for these events and I allowed the opportunities to come to me by being present. Whether it’s being present at a networking event, present on your social platforms or present to sit down and work hard at what you do best. Just be present. Put everything else you have on hold, if it really means a lot to you and you really want it. Everything else can wait.
November in a nut shell:
South Korea/Japan Trip
November started off with this amazing two week trip. I’ve posted a KYOTO OOTD and a summary of the famous Naksan Park in South Korea but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. I have so much more to share about this trip. I can’t wait for all these posts to go up. The cultures, people and experiences were amazing. People have asked me, would you go back? I most definitely, would.
Spark Sessions
First weekend back I was ready for a bloggers conference like no other. I was a bit sceptical at first, whether I should attend this event due to the agenda. I felt as if I already had a good idea of where I wanted my blog to go, what I was going to do in terms of short/long term goals and all that technical stuff I had down due to my experience with web and social media. After all, my day time job is being an Online Marketing Specialist. However this weekend was more than a weekend of passing knowledge. It was an opportunity to meet industry people, people I’ve already spoken to via emails, tweets and other forms of online communications. Best of all I met some great bloggers!
Google HQ
I’ve always wanted to go to Google HQ ever since the first tech site wrote about how modern and funky their offices are. Particularly the silicone valley head office. Especially if you’ve seen this movie:
Miracle 10 is a line of clinical skin care products formulated by The Plastic Surgery Clinic in Yorkville. There’s so much to do in Yorkville. Shopping, restaurants and lots of boutiques. I’ve been to a few different hair dressers and spa’s in Yorkville and none have really stuck to me, where I felt like, I’m definitely coming back to this place. I’ve been using Miracle 10 products for 3 days now and I’ve got to say that I’m impressed. I’m using the Miracle 10 products for a 10 day challenge and can’t wait to share the results!
Elle Magazine VIP event
What a great event! I can’t wait for the next Elle Magazine VIP event. Events like these are the best to go with your girl friends. It makes for the perfect outing. Best combo to a great night out is a group activity and then food. Here’s the full post.
Kyoto, a beautiful historic city in Japan. Kyoto is beautiful all year long. There are various beauties to see in each season. Winter with snowflakes kissing everything to turn to a serene white, Spring brings out the famous cherry blossom trees, Summer, when everything is a lush green and then Fall bringing in every fall colour imaginable. The rustic orange, bright yellow, hints of lush green and brilliant red. Colours like these call for a FEATURE OF WHAT I WORE in Kyoto.
Considering we were in Kyoto for the Fall season, my wardrobe consisted of lots of sweaters, cardigans, blazers, one coat and a leather jacket.
Here I wore a chunky knit I purchased from Korea in Hongdae, distressed ripped jeans, purchased on my trip to Egypt from the store ONLY at the City Stars Mall, really comfortable flats and lots of accessories.
It was the perfect outfit for climbing hundreds of stairs at the Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha) red gates. I honestly felt as if I did the CN Tower stair climb! What a great workout though. I didn’t make the entire climb, although my intentions were to.
After climbing what felt like forever, I thought I had made it to the top. Of course, there were more stairs! My legs were jelly at the end of this adventure but definitely worth it.
This was the most perfect sweater weather! I was so happy I brought my sunnies (sunglasses) with me.
There is so much to do in South Korea and shopping is so much fun that you get lost in the hustle and bustle of the markets rather than site seeing. However, Naksan Park has been on my travel list of to do’s for a year now, so we worked it into our Korea itinerary.
There’s something magical and beautiful about Koi Fish and yes, I’m obsessed with them. I’ve painted them on canvas, own a few Koi Fish items and always get excited and smile when I see them absolutely anywhere. With this being said, you can already guess, this was literally the #bestoftheday for me when I found the Koi Fish mural.
According to many reviews about the Park, due to the park being pretty big, some people never find it. Just in case, I set my expectations low and to my surprise we found the actual map of where all the Naksan Park murals were located! The map isn’t in English but you can show it to anyone and they would be more then happy to help you.
This was my second favourite mural at the park:
There’s more than murals to see at Naksan Park.The views of Seoul are breath-taking!
Don’t forget to take the short cut up, via the sort of hidden stairs. A lot nicer than taking the cement hill route.
This song has been on repeat ever since I heard it during a drive home one day. It doesn’t have the best lyrics and is pretty random but the beat is just… awesome. But really, what the heck is an Albatraoz?
Fave Food:
I’ve been in love with Avocados! Anything with avocado in it, I want it! My go to snack during my recent trip to South Korea and Japan was, you guessed it… avocado sandwiches!
and then today I saw this master piece of home made guacamole by @HungryHiba on Instagram. Just in time for National Guacamole day!:
Fave Fall look:
This weeks favourite fall look is knee high boots! I just love how you can easily dress up or down with these boots. It’s a 60-70’s style that has made a comeback for AW14.
Fave Make up look:
A dark autumn lip and a subtle cat eye.
Fave Purchase:
I’m obsessed with perfume and have an amazing collection of different scents for day and night, depending on my mood and sometimes just because the bottle was too cute! One of my recent purchases in Tokyo was an eau du parfum by a Japanese brand, Aux Paradis. The scent of strawberry, I’m in love.
Every year before or on the day of Halloween, we look to our creative juices to come up with the next awesome idea to carve into a pumpkin. But what if you don’t want to carve a pumpkin and have an itch to do something more artsy?
Then here are some great ideas of what you can do with your pumpkin:
Set up your work area with magazine tear outs, newspaper and all the tools you’ll need to create your masterpiece.
Sequin flowers all around!
What you’ll need:
White acrylic paint
Sequins
Glue gun
Directions:
Paint your pumpkin white and then let dry. Once it’s dry, go over the pumpkin with one more coat of white paint. You’ll need six/seven sequins for each flower, glue on with your glue gun. Be careful: Sequins are small, glue from a glue gun is hot and it can get tricky placing sequins on areas where you’ve set glue. Press the sequin down gently first and pressing with your gun is your safest bet.
Tiffany blue glitter
What you’ll need:
Tiffany blue acrylic paint
Glitter glue
Directions:
This is really easy. Paint your pumpkin,dry and do a second coat. Once the paint is dry, paint the pumpkin with the glitter glue.
Fuzzy Wuzzy Pumpkin
I got mixed reviews with this one. Some people said it looks like this pumpkin just burst into “pretty” coloured warts and some love the fuzzy texture and 3D effect. Halloween decor is meant to be weird, funky and even ugly at some times.
What you’ll need:
Pink acrylic paint
Mini pompoms (Make your own: here)
Glue gun
Directions:
After you’ve painted your pumpkin with a double coat. Place glue gun glue in place where you’d like to place the pom pom. Press firmly and then let dry.
“One year ago today I turned on my laptop and decided I was going to share a piece of my world with YOU.”
Our time on earth, well.. we don’t know how long we have. I know, that’s deep of me to say. But think about it. What are you leaving behind? What do YOU want to leave behind? Your knowledge, a product, an invention or an idea? This blog was just the beginning of something. Something that may grow into anything I want it to be. Anything YOU want it to be. If you want, you can look at my blog as an avenue to stay updated to Social Media Marketing, get some style inspiration out of my ‘outfit of the day’ posts or get a chuckle out of how silly I can be on camera talking about beauty products or doing a challenge. Whatever it may be, YOU are the reason my blog is where it is today. YOU motivate me.
It’s hard to believe that my blog has hit that one year mark since I wrote my first post. After launching my blog and hearing great feedback from subscribers, social media followers, friends and family, I thought to myself, I really wish I had created this blog a long time ago! The events I went to, the beauty products I got to try way before the public even knew about them during my beauty advisor days and managing my start-up would’ve made for great posts and knowledge to pass on to my readers. However, aside from the could’ve, should’ve, would’ves this is one of the best things I ever decided to do.
I’ve been blessed with a ‘writer’s block’ free year, and instead a year full of opportunities, collaborations and ideas. I have met some wonderful people who know me through my blog, Instagram or YouTube (you know who you are), and it has motivated me to put out posts that you love to read. I’m confident the second year blogging will be full of kick ass content. So join me and subscribe, follow for updates of whatever I concoct and put up on the web next!
One of my favourite things is to go where I’ve never been..
And so our road trip journey to Connecticut began.
It’s a long drive but definitely worth it. Especially if at the end destination you’re reunited with one of your best friends. You’ll need lots of snacks and a big case of water bottles. Keep the long drive interesting by keeping conversations going and maybe even throwing some mini dance parties during your drive. Don’t worry, there are lots of opportunities to stop and get food or go shopping at outlets. We passed 3 outlets and stopped at 2.
Here are some highlights and tips if you’re visiting New Haven, CT or Cape Cod, MA.
When you get to New Haven definitely visit the highest peak, East Rock. You can either hike to the top or drive. Once you’re there, the view is spectacular. Pack your lunch, because it’s a great picnic area!
You must try this breakfast place in New Haven, very close to Yale University, The Pantry! This was the most delicious breakfast I had during this trip. The Oreo pancakes were to die for! It was the best of both worlds of sweet and salty.
Cape Cod, sticking out into the Atlantic Ocean is the eastern most portion of Massachusetts. There are beaches and cute little strips of old school stores to explore. Shopping for interior items for your home is best in Chatham.
We stayed at the Ocean Club on Smugglers Beach in Cape Cod and the beach was just a short walk from our room. Everywhere we went, we noticed sculptures and signs made from sand. They kicked off the summer with these displays of sand art all around Yarmouth. You could even download a map of where they all were and go on a sand sculpture tour of your own!
The rooms have a serene nautical feel to them and it truly feels like you haven’t left the beach. With seashell paintings and side table lamps, a cute light pink kitchen by the den area and a fireplace. Looking out the balcony you can even see the ocean.
Greenwich is not too far from Cape Cod, so if you have a chance, take a short drive and have your dinner or grab some gelato at the La Fenice Gelateria.
Make the most of what’s left of our summer and go for an adventurous road trip!
