tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86062845354409109482024-03-14T06:56:20.626+09:00Fish'n'Chips with soysauce CLOSEDAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06909810832300926251noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606284535440910948.post-80146252894999208642016-04-19T17:07:00.001+09:002016-04-19T17:07:45.884+09:00Cowboy Hat is Optional<div style="width:600px;margin:0 auto"><div style="position:relative;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cowboy_hat_is_optional/set?.embedder=2578614&.src=share_desktop&.svc=blogger&id=122613224"><img width="600" alt="Cowboy Hat is Optional" src="http://img1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set?.out=jpg&.sig=5juwE6ouE8RCa5naYRVYw&id=BDwozAUG5hGt1rQjE83bcg&size=c600x910" title="Cowboy Hat is Optional" height="910" border="0" /></a></div></div><br/><div style="text-align:center"><small><a target="_blank" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cowboy_hat_is_optional/set?.embedder=2578614&.src=share_desktop&.svc=blogger&id=122613224">Cowboy Hat is 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href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=2578614&.src=share_desktop&.svc=blogger&id=110173747"><img vspace="4" width="50" hspace="4" src="http://img2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=s&tid=110173747" title="Aiaiai Pipe Earphone In Black" height="50" /></a></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06909810832300926251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606284535440910948.post-17050931146006833062015-12-14T11:48:00.001+09:002015-12-14T11:48:40.631+09:00My short-sleeved tops<div><div style="width:600px;margin:0 auto"><iframe width="600" frameborder="0" src="https://www.polyvore.com/undef/collection.embed?.embedder=2578614&.src=share_desktop&.svc=blogger&id=3497852&include_gallery=0&num_items=1&render_type=slideshow" height="514"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.polyvore.com/undef/collection.embed?.embedder=2578614&.src=share_desktop&.svc=blogger&id=3497852&include_gallery=0&num_items=1&render_type=slideshow">View this collection on 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<br />
Spring has arrived early in Sapporo and Hokkaido this year, and I am not complaining in the slightest.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQvs1AM5MfRATCXwfUoOPUyuxuNb8b4wlwIT8vo1Ax-QqtaUsFlsQOz78IoVkuv8LrbjrigIDU2qiiQBKYereJ2gxwhFF4AgP-YwXYpDuBnPKInJE9Qw2lNEk2jfdpmADD_scVFhBE6s/s1600/glasscups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQvs1AM5MfRATCXwfUoOPUyuxuNb8b4wlwIT8vo1Ax-QqtaUsFlsQOz78IoVkuv8LrbjrigIDU2qiiQBKYereJ2gxwhFF4AgP-YwXYpDuBnPKInJE9Qw2lNEk2jfdpmADD_scVFhBE6s/s1600/glasscups.jpg" width="266" /></a>Last weekend was a bit of weird one.<br />
<br />
<br />
I went to teach the once-a-month English class in the city close to where I used to live 2 years ago, which is next to the city I often did a few gigs with bands, and so I used to go out drinking there.<br />
<br />
After my classes, I went to a friend’s bar in the mentioned-above city. I hadn’t been there for almost over a year. I was planning on catching the last train home, however, 2 hours was much too short for a catch up with my friend, and the new cute bartender had me under his spell with his smile and attentiveness.<br />
<br />
I ended up staying till the morning.<br />
<br />
<br />
After the bar closed at 5am, I joined my friend and cutie boy for morning ramen, then caught the first bus home, getting into bed around 9am.<br />
It had been a long while since I’d been a dirty stop out, though this time there was no major involvement with men, I had enjoyed a little alcohol but wasn’t drunk, and I hadn’t danced on any tables.<br />
<br />
<br />
Truth was, I was planning on having lunch with other friends that day and set my alarm to wake up in 3 hours, only to be woken up an hour early with a message saying one of my friends couldn’t make it, and as the morning ramen I had consumed was gurgling horribly around in my stomach I apologetically cancelled last minute too. The other friends were very nice about the ordeal, thankfully.<br />
<br />
<br />
I slept till 4pm, waking up after a much too realistic, happy dream that had me in high hopes when I opened my eyes, only to realise that it was, but a dream. I was devastated, but also annoyed at myself that I still have a small flame of hope in my heart.<br />
<br />
<br />
I had been invited to and thus booked tickets to a "jazz" gig of professional musicians that evening, who were famous enough in their own genre. I’d been to a performance by one of them in February, and although she was very good and talented, it wasn’t really for me. I like jazz, but it was too soft and sweet for me. I’m more into minor tones, a big grand piano, a low-voiced female singer, a powerful bass line and random drums. I guess I like my music dark, or downright insane.<br />
<br />
The bar and venue itself was fancy and I liked the atmosphere, but it was tiny, and I started to feel dizzy and claustrophobic. I started to get a headache, and due to the music not being of any huge interest to me, I couldn’t stay there. Hence, being the pegasus I am, I apologised to my friend that I wasn’t feeling too good, and left before the end.<br />
<br />
I ended up going to Starbucks for an hour, was feeling oddly melancholic, found a park and swung on a swing for a few minutes with Maria Brink blasting her heart out in their ballads in my earphones.<br />
<br />
I was planning on hanging out more with friends that weekend, but result was I was by myself again, but of my own choice and doings. I felt like I had wasted it a little, but I guess I'm still emotionally fragile for meeting people in big doses.<br />
<br />
<br />
Aside from my lonely weekend, I will be meeting a good friend from my old workplace for dinner tonight. It should be a laugh, although I'm ready to hear her complaints. I know how crap the bosses are.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
P.S. I made a post about that odd night at my new photo blog. See the emo-ness of it <a href="http://mypegasussky.com/2015/04/youarestilleverywhere/" target="_blank">here</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06909810832300926251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606284535440910948.post-88292266886502347502015-04-21T17:23:00.001+09:002015-04-27T14:26:55.813+09:00Review, now reset.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuuivpK4ccGxa9QTD4CP3fB8ethUjVz0dmtf8mryKz_z3yZ9AzaHWMYpLRkh7sLHFV8Ky5NClDcwIzTzCES2hqYwobuTi-XJNdDktpxCV2emyzCTX-I4brE6d-hRjbQEN97DZFwMOejA/s1600/flowerwater2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuuivpK4ccGxa9QTD4CP3fB8ethUjVz0dmtf8mryKz_z3yZ9AzaHWMYpLRkh7sLHFV8Ky5NClDcwIzTzCES2hqYwobuTi-XJNdDktpxCV2emyzCTX-I4brE6d-hRjbQEN97DZFwMOejA/s1600/flowerwater2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a>The number of times I've tried to "reset" myself over certain times of my life is quite amusing.<br />
<br />
But I believe this time, I really need to start over.<br />
<br />
After breaking a heart, having my own broken straight after, and now uncertain about what was almost a set future ahead of me, I've been rethinking about myself and my life.<br />
<br />
Seriously, when it comes to physical ageing and society today, things don't balance out.<br />
<br />
<br />
There was a part of me that panicked a little with a big handful of my friends tying the knot and settling down, but when I think back, until there was talk about it from the then significant other, I had never in my life ever wished for it. In the long run, it would be nice, but if anything I had a stronger desire for having kids, which is the main reason I thought, in terms of being in my late twenties, it was "now or never".<br />
<br />
<br />
My new outlook on life?<br />
<br />
Bollocks to that.<br />
<br />
<br />
Stuff all the trying to dress my age, act my age, do things "my age should be doing".<br />
<br />
When I came to Japan in my early twenties, many people said they thought I was older because I was a lot more maturer than the sissy Japanese girlies (Not all of them, but they really are <i>young</i>. Both in looks and attitude.)<br />
I've noticed things have turned around recently as most of the people I meet now think I'm in my early to mid twenties. Either I've immature-d, or my skin looks fantastic. I tell myself it's the latter, though I do miss my perfect skin of my student years.<br />
<br />
So, now I know I can pull of looking young, I've decided I still have opportunities of the younger generation too. I have decided to conquer my crazy, silly dreams that I'd pushed aside these past years.<br />
<br />
<br />
Check it out.<br />
<ul>
<li>Update my wardrobe with what I want to wear - grunge, rock chic, go wild. People will probably stare and think I'm a (giant) whore but I will strut down the street in my killer heels and fishnets without a care.</li>
<li>Find a band(s), do lots of gigs. Go crazy on stage, be who I really want to be.</li>
<li>Be super determined at trying to lose a bit of weight and tone up.</li>
<li>Try modelling as a side project, just for fun.</li>
<li>Get the piercings that I'd always wanted, touch up on my tattoos.</li>
<li>Hang out with friends more, make more friends.</li>
<li>Go out drinking and dancing, get wasted without anyone frowning upon me, whilst not going too over the top.</li>
<li>Be a camera whore on <a href="http://instagram.com/chipsnsoysauce" target="_blank">instagram</a> and simplog, because since I've put more pictures up of my face and body, the number of followers have soared, and the compliments make me happy. I know I sound vain, but I've had and still do have issues with my appearance and body that have stopped me from many things, and this helps my confidence.</li>
<li>Continue to be inspired by beautiful people around me and online (tumblr, haha).</li>
<li>Travel more, go out more, visit places I've never been.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
...I sound like a whining teenager, eheh.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But I've decided to be kind to myself. I always seem to be trying to please someone, and I'm tried of it.<br />
<br />
I may not reach all these goals, but just having them in mind is keeping me strong these days.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The rest of this year is going to be <i>fantastic</i>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I aim to have reached a number of these goals by summer, my favourite season of the year.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06909810832300926251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606284535440910948.post-19956046182557160272015-04-07T11:40:00.001+09:002015-04-21T17:31:04.971+09:00A Fool in LoveIn the irony of having written a post about a break up, I find myself writing about another one, two months later, but this time, I'm the one with a broken heart.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"A fool in love."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A phrase that unfortunately and perfectly fits me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I try to be cool, try to take things rationally, don't share my love life openly and push forward the image of “Career girl first, relationships second”, but in reality, I’m a pathetically lonely damsel who acts on her emotions.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
My first realisation in that I could be such a “fool in love” was with my first ever, proper boyfriend when I was 20.<br />
<br />
Ridiculously innocent and pure, I experienced everything with him, from simply going on a date to even holding hands with a boy.<br />
<br />
I adored him, and although his feelings were stronger at first, as I grew to love him, he began to cool down.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sod’s law of relationships, that.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I experienced a month of tears and arguments, and desperately fought to keep him.<br />
Near the end of our relationship he gave me false hope, but then he snatched it away from me in a sudden instant with the words,<br />
<br />
<br />
“I think we should go back to being friends.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Over 6 months of hell.<br />
<br />
<br />
I could still cry over it a year after.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Determined not to go through the same pain again, I approached relationships more cautiously.<br />
<br />
<br />
Due to also being more experienced, the next 3 relationships were somewhat “normal”.<br />
There were times I enjoyed myself, times where I got angry or sad, but none of them had the passion I did with my first boyfriend.<br />
<br />
<br />
At the time I was with my fourth boyfriend, in a not satisfactory but “normal” relationship, I was even considering a normal future with him.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
But then, you appeared.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
I couldn’t believe that in 3 and a half years, you could have matured so much.<br />
<br />
But at the same time, you hadn’t changed.<br />
<br />
You were still the lovely, sweet boy who thought the world of me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I hadn’t had so much fun on that day in years.<br />
<br />
You accepted everything about me.<br />
<br />
You were so different to my boyfriend at the time, who didn’t seem happy with the way I acted, and was a general bore to go out with.<br />
<br />
<br />
It was a wake up call.<br />
<br />
<br />
I thought,<br />
<br />
“I could be in a much more fun relationship like this.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
When I split up with him, it wasn’t my intention to get into a relationship with you.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I only ended it because I thought maybe there was someone else like you out there, and that I was wasting my time in a relationship I wasn’t entirely happy with.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Due to our difference in age, I thought it was impossible.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
But, as we spent more time together, the more your words and actions touched my heart, and you won me over.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Maybe if I had held my feelings back, thought rationally and stayed friends with you, I wouldn’t have to go through the pain I am now.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Over a month of unbelievable happiness.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I knew about your part time job at night.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
You only said you worked in a bar, and that you chatted with the customers.<br />
<br />
<br />
I never thought less about it.<br />
<br />
<br />
Because we saw each other 3 or 4 times a week, and because you contacted me frequently every day and hardly ever checked your phone when I was with you, I didn’t feel the need to look into it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
When I look back, there were many times I could’ve spotted the truth.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I was aware you knew how to please a lady because you made me feel like a princess, but I never actually thought you were one of <i>them</i>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
When you suddenly stopped contacting me for a few days, feelings of anxiety washed over me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We hadn’t fought or had any disagreements, so I was hurt and confused.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Maybe you didn’t like me any more.<br />
<br />
Maybe your feelings had abruptly cooled down like they had with my first boyfriend.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Finally, you messaged me with the same words that broke my heart 7 years ago.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“I think we should go back to being friends.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It had happened again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“I understand. Feelings change and there’s nothing we can do about it.”<br />
<br />
I replied, trying to keep the atmosphere light.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
But your response was something I was not expecting.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“I do still like you. I never told you, but I’m a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Host_and_hostess_clubs#Hosts" target="_blank">host</a>. It was my dream since I was in senior school.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I didn’t know how to react.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It was a part of Japanese culture that was still hazy to me, something that still baffled me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
But at the same time, a lot of things started to make sense.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I was grateful that you had been honest with me, and made the right decision for us.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“I’m sorry I never realised. I get it. Maybe we can hang out again some time!”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
There I was, trying to be a mature, carefree lady.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Because I still liked you.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I wanted you to remember me as the mature, good, easygoing lady.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Not the fool in love who was screaming in my insides.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“No.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Please don’t go.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Even if we can’t see each other as much as we used to, I’ll live with it.<br />
Just please don’t end this.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Even if you tell other girls that you like them, I’ll pretend not to know about it.<br />
So please stay with me.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
But of course, that sort of relationship would be hopeless.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The blurred boundaries between trust, honesty and jealousy would be too much to bear.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I wouldn’t want you to touch other girls the way you touched me.<br />
<br />
<br />
I wouldn’t want you to kiss other girls the way you kissed me.<br />
<br />
<br />
The thought of you getting into bed with one of them kills me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
That’s why it just can’t be.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And, although you say you still like me but you’re choosing the path of your “dream”, I’m pretty sure your feelings for me had died down somewhere.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Boys are only out for the chase, once they get what they want, they get bored and toss it aside.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It’s ok, you don’t have to lie.<br />
<br />
I’m very aware.<br />
<br />
It's a stereotype of genders, but I've experienced it enough to know it applies to most.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It’s frustrating how you pretty much had me in the palm of your hand.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I laugh about how pathetic I was.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
God, I can’t believe such a young boy could have done this to me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Damn it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I’d gone back to the innocent, naïve 20 year old I used to be.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I was the “fool in love” again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
You will never read this, but let me tell you something.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Back when we first met, when the younger you would try so hard to express your feelings towards me, there were times when I thought,<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Maybe I will never meet anyone else in my life who will like me this much.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Now as both grown adults, when we were finally able to be together, I had hopes, though tiny, about what could be.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I had been so excited about our time together from now on.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
That was my stupidest thought yet, right?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
God, I really am stupid.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The same as 7 years ago.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The unpleasant reminiscent feeling of a broken heart.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I can’t sleep.<br />
<br />
I can’t eat.<br />
<br />
My head hurts.<br />
<br />
I feel sick.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Perhaps the only thing that’s changed since my first experience, is that I’ve learnt to hold back the tears.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Thank you for the short dream you let me experience.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Good bye.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZim90hgJ4EFHuDgaG-HPE7EXvKbFEsfOPYF8NCg-TAFvXH4so_-hWf4RD9uvaMGidnBCy_hFCZ4aVrQRuyPVVsT-MV5Iz89MSy8bK6CQbQ7A0PppM88OjgUOy0Y0LSO0GpxbQJBczvg/s1600/shoes.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZim90hgJ4EFHuDgaG-HPE7EXvKbFEsfOPYF8NCg-TAFvXH4so_-hWf4RD9uvaMGidnBCy_hFCZ4aVrQRuyPVVsT-MV5Iz89MSy8bK6CQbQ7A0PppM88OjgUOy0Y0LSO0GpxbQJBczvg/s1600/shoes.gif" height="400" width="285" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06909810832300926251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606284535440910948.post-23773936996029855872015-02-06T20:32:00.000+09:002015-04-01T13:30:05.673+09:00All you left behind.It came quite suddenly.<br />
<br />
<br />
Just last December when I visited home, I was telling my friends and family that I had probably found the person I would spend the rest of my life with.<br />
<br />
But now I know I was only telling that to myself.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The realisation hit me at the end of last month.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It’s funny that I’m writing this on a public blog on the internet.<br />
<br />
One of things I began to despise about you was that you would freely write about almost everything and everything on a public social networking site.<br />
I remember you saying how you had bad social skills, and that you didn’t have any particularly close friends that you could talk to.<br />
I suppose the internet was the only place for you to express yourself.<br />
You could confine in it more than you could to me.<br />
<br />
Do you realise how lonely that made me feel?<br />
<br />
And in the irony of me doing the same thing now, on my personal blog that practically no one knows about, unlike your SNS, I suppose there’s a part of me that wishes you would read this.<br />
Not that you would ever find it.<br />
Not that you ever knew I had a blog.<br />
<br />
I guess you weren’t that interested in my hobbies.<br />
Maybe you weren’t so interested in me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
It makes me smile in a sad way as it was due to SNS that we ever really hit it off in the first place.<br />
I used to enjoy reading your crude comments and twisted thoughts on life, however I began hating them as I knew you were just creating an image for yourself.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br />
<br />
I can already see the anger in your face at me saying you were “making an image for yourself”.<br />
<br />
<br />
You wouldn’t want to admit it, but I know you very well.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<br />
I’d come to learn what angers you, or words I know that would irritate you.<br />
<br />
<br />
Which is why I held them back.<br />
I could no longer say exactly how I felt.<br />
<br />
That was too stressful for me, so I found myself saying them anyway.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I knew you hated how strong-willed I was.<br />
<br />
I suppose a quiet, polite, feminine Japanese girl who nodded at every word you say would be more ideal for you.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Even when I was with you, I didn’t think it had to me.<br />
<br />
<br />
It could’ve been anybody.<br />
<br />
<br />
I never felt special.<br />
<br />
<br />
I never felt I was special to you.<br />
<br />
<br />
I was some girl who happened to be seeing you at a certain point in your life where you were ready and needed to get along with life and future plans.<br />
<br />
<br />
Maybe you didn’t intend for that, but that’s how it came across to me.<br />
<br />
That we would sort of go with the flow, get together, have our future together and work it out because “we had to”.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I didn’t want a life like that.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
But you did tell me in the end.<br />
<br />
Words I never thought possible coming from you.<br />
<br />
<br />
That actually, maybe I was a bit special for you.<br />
Everything about me that I thought angered you, you praised.<br />
<br />
You said you wished for us to stay together.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If only I’d heard those words earlier…<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
You told me you’re no good with words.<br />
<br />
Well, it’s not all about “words”.<br />
<br />
It’s about how you treated me.<br />
<br />
<br />
In truth, I didn’t really feel loved.<br />
<br />
<br />
I was insecure.<br />
<br />
<br />
Constant questions which I tried to keep pushed at the back of my mind.<br />
<br />
Are you sure you want to be with me?<br />
<br />
Do you enjoy being with me?<br />
<br />
Do I irritate you?<br />
<br />
Had you never thought I was the only one for you, and no one else would do?<br />
<br />
Were you with me because of the sake of being with some one?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Of course, I saw things realistically.<br />
<br />
I wasn't expecting a knight in shining armour, I don't believe fairytales of pure, "true love".<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
But, if things were like how they were…how would they have been in the future?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Remember our last conversation?<br />
<br />
<br />
You said, “Making the decision to be with each other would be the end."<br />
<br />
<br />
I said, “To me, that’s not the end. It’s a new beginning.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
How can I look forward to a new beginning when you think it’s the end?<br />
<br />
That's too sad.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I think I panicked.<br />
<br />
With all my friends doing their things, and meeting all your family and spending more time with them.<br />
<br />
I felt pressured.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I wanted to enjoy the present.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
But even “the present” wasn’t enjoyable recently…<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Perhaps it was because our hobbies and interests were so different, but I found most of the time we were doing what you wanted to do.<br />
<br />
I didn’t mind at first, but I started to get tired.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Why can’t I do the things I enjoy with the person I love?<br />
<br />
Why can’t I proudly bring along the person I love to events with friends?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I know you tired.<br />
<br />
<br />
But only a few times.<br />
<br />
<br />
I could tell you were forcing yourself.<br />
It was written all over your face.<br />
<br />
Unlike me, who could smile at whatever you wanted to do.<br />
<br />
You probably didn’t realise it, but I tried so hard.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But when I saw you enjoying yourself, I naturally enjoyed myself too.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I guess I'll that's where we were different too.<br />
<br />
<br />
In the end, I said, "Don’t come. I’ll go by myself.”<br />
<br />
<br />
So there I would often be, alone.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Even if my friends were with me, the fact was you weren't there.</div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
You will never realise I how lonely I felt.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I’m sorry.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
But I hope some day you will understand that I did this for you, too.<br />
<br />
I doubt you can think that way now.<br />
<br />
<br />
It’s cliche, but I truly feel that there is someone better for you out there.<br />
<br />
<br />
I couldn’t make you happy.<br />
<br />
But you couldn’t make me happy either.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
People don’t change.<br />
<br />
<br />
Fact.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I do have good memories.<br />
<br />
Lots of new experiences too.<br />
<br />
I’m going to only remember the fun times and put them away somewhere safe.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Thank you for everything.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Anata no Shiawase wo Negaimasu.”<br />
I wish you all the happiness in the future.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
You hated the city.<br />
You hardly ever came to my apartment.<br />
<br />
<br />
I left a lot of things at your place.<br />
<br />
I left presents and gifts that I really thought about getting for you.<br />
They will probably get thrown away.<br />
<br />
I also left a lot of memories there.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
But in my apartment, there is no smell or presence of you at all.<br />
<br />
All that remain are in the tray I bought especially for you for that bad habit I hated.<br />
<br />
<br />
The only thing you left behind.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Ashes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnZKHMarfdcnzRA_tTVg3t7IqhZhdkaHCSe7WxeV3e1SHi4SXHRaANVzAiDeMA4X8-b7lyN07wv_FJNIseUwUhQJNyz9i0tRaC7_KEHo7Jgg4q0w3IiCeh8I6y_UXQB6gGE3prBYS_qo/s1600/cigs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnZKHMarfdcnzRA_tTVg3t7IqhZhdkaHCSe7WxeV3e1SHi4SXHRaANVzAiDeMA4X8-b7lyN07wv_FJNIseUwUhQJNyz9i0tRaC7_KEHo7Jgg4q0w3IiCeh8I6y_UXQB6gGE3prBYS_qo/s1600/cigs.jpg" height="400" width="371" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06909810832300926251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606284535440910948.post-44160217034901483062015-01-10T19:21:00.001+09:002015-01-13T16:11:17.611+09:00Review, Renew, and Resolute.Busy, busy, busy.<br />
<br />
I enjoy being busy though.<br />
And I enjoy having a silly Blog which I update freely when I want to, not really expecting anyone to read it ;)<br />
<br />
<b>Start of a new year</b> again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOoE6cnjblofbJAQBpdCIOceT1tSY4AbRBRXywNkKy8RVwdUmgjDWAqF0xg_kkf1VF6MCv5ijJeE5Eeo0QhjECQJtHsbHwhTppEpNgB7gj1L7QVaTUDPC85AleSe3hqvEvOzfbKmxZ0M/s1600/clock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOoE6cnjblofbJAQBpdCIOceT1tSY4AbRBRXywNkKy8RVwdUmgjDWAqF0xg_kkf1VF6MCv5ijJeE5Eeo0QhjECQJtHsbHwhTppEpNgB7gj1L7QVaTUDPC85AleSe3hqvEvOzfbKmxZ0M/s1600/clock.jpg" height="300" width="320" /></a></div>
Reading back on my <a href="http://chipsnsoysauce.blogspot.jp/2014/02/february-1st-is-alternate-january-1st.html" target="_blank">first post of 2014</a>, it's funny to see I went through a similar experience again. <b>2014 wasn't the best of years</b> either - in fact it was probably worse for me especially in terms of work, health and a few relationship issues.<br />
<br />
I began the year with the icky skin illness <a href="http://chipsnsoysauce.blogspot.jp/2014/03/sick-as-dog.html" target="_blank">'pityriasis rosea Gibert'</a>. The redness and itchiness stayed with me for at least 7 months, and I still have the scars and stains from it today.<br />
The job which I enjoyed in the end of 2013 <a href="http://chipsnsoysauce.blogspot.jp/2014/02/february-1st-is-alternate-january-1st.html" target="_blank">went downhill</a>, and I quit and found a <a href="http://chipsnsoysauce.blogspot.jp/2014/02/life-update.html" target="_blank">new one</a> at the beginning at March. I was blinded by the explanations of what seemed to be an amazing place with understanding bosses, only to find that it was probably the worst place I have ever worked at. It had a lot to do with the co-workers, and the fact that the understanding bosses were <i>far</i> from understanding. I have never gotten so emotional or hysterical at work in my life. I'm ashamed at the way I broke down in front of my boss and co-workers, but that's how close to the edge I was.<br />
<br />
Call it fate, but my frantic search for a new career landed me in <a href="http://chipsnsoysauce.blogspot.jp/2014/08/new-blog-upcoming-27th.html" target="_blank">one of the best opportunities</a> I have ever had. Leaving "workplace from hell" at the end of July, I became a translator in the television business. The pay is the lowest of all the jobs I've had, and it is also ironically the one with the most workload. Yet in terms of experience, I am earning a lot, and I love it. Since August, I have translated a number of programmes that have been shown abroad, acted as a narrator and did voice-overs, and had business trips to Tokyo and Singapore. The best part is I have a very understanding boss and great co-workers who I have no problem working with, and I am recognised for my hard work and skills - I got a small pay raise and bonus in December!<br />
<br />
After reviewing last year, it's time to look towards this year with my usual resolutions which I've been writing up on this blog for the past 2 years.<br />
These are actually the same as the ones from 2013, as I wasn't able to keep them all last year.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<u><b>Resolutions of 2014</b></u><br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
KEY: ✓ = kept, (✓) = half-kept, ✘ = not kept<br />
<ol style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;">
<li>Get involved in more <b>Charity work</b> (✓)</li>
<li><b>Lose weight</b> and make realistic, small goals ✘</li>
<li><b>Learn to cook</b> a few dishes, and be able to repeat them (make packed lunches for work every day if possible) ✘</li>
<li><b>Be healthy</b> at a realistic level and look after self (less illnesses, better skin condition, go to bed early, wake up early, careful on overindulgence of "bad" food) ✘</li>
<li><b>Save money</b> through less spending on pointless things (in particular, cosmetics and clothes) ✓</li>
<li><b>Sober up</b> (cut down on drinking) ✓</li>
<li><b>Be more time efficient</b> (be on time for things more often!) (✓)</li>
<li><b>Expand knowledge</b> by reading more, watching more (articles, books, films) (✓)</li>
<li><b>Be more efficient in household chores </b>(try to at least keep rooms tidy to a level that any last minute guests can come in) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', 'DejaVu Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">✘</span></li>
<li><b>Write more</b>, Blog more <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', 'DejaVu Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">✘</span></li>
<li><b>Get back into web design</b> (work on dead domain) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, 'Liberation Sans', 'DejaVu Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">✘</span></li>
<li><b>Expand knowledge and skills in music</b> (band activities, listen to more music, work on improving singing skills) (✓)</li>
<li><b>Spend more time with friends, keep in touch</b> (✓)</li>
<li><b>Stop being a lazy, last-minute arse</b> (pay bills on time, reply to messages) ✓</li>
</ol>
<b>Results of 2013:</b><br />
Total of Resolutions kept: 1<br />
Resolutions almost kept: 6<br />
Resolutions not kept: 7<br />
<br />
<b>Results of 2014:</b><br />
Total of Resolutions kept: 3<br />
Resolutions almost kept: 5<br />
Resolutions not kept: 6<br />
<br />
Er...I would like to say I improved a tad compared to my results of 2013, but I've actually not kept ones I was or was almost keeping, but kept ones I wasn't (If you understood that in one go, I applaud you).<br />
<br />
In general though, due to my stronger mindset of living an ethical life, resolution 1 has been easy to keep, and I think I am most proud of myself this year in terms of saving money and spending less.<br />
<br />
So here's a fresh new list, focusing on what I haven't been able to keep:<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<u><b>Resolutions for 2015</b></u></div>
<ol style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;">
<li><b>Lose weight</b> and make realistic, small goals</li>
<li><b>Learn to cook</b> a few dishes, and be able to repeat them</li>
<li><b>Be healthy</b> at a realistic level and look after self</li>
<li><b>Be more time efficient</b></li>
<li><b>Expand knowledge</b> by reading and watching more (aside from work, personal study)</li>
<li><b>Be more efficient in household chores </b></li>
<li><b>Write more</b>, Blog more </li>
<li><b>Get back into web design</b> (work on dead domain) </li>
</ol>
<div>
14 down to 8! It doesn't mean I will forget about the resolutions I cut out though, I still tend to keep them, though I'm hoping they will become part of my daily routine, so that it comes naturally to me.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Alright 2015, I'm ready. Let's make things happen.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06909810832300926251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606284535440910948.post-23878678683113844762014-09-19T06:56:00.000+09:002015-04-01T14:18:06.562+09:00Fashion Set : Don't dress like them.<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
<div style="position: relative;">
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/dont_dress_like_them/set?.embedder=2578614&.svc=blogger&id=135181265" target="_blank"><img alt="Don't dress like them." border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/tQg1v4JeV07JxUuM7ulsVA/cid/135181265/id/Ah5aQTM-5BGXZvxsDXURzQ/size/c600x1024.jpg" force="1" height="1024" title="Don't dress like them." width="600" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/dont_dress_like_them/set?.embedder=2578614&.svc=blogger&id=135181265" target="_blank">Don't dress like them.</a> by <a href="http://chipsnsoysauce.polyvore.com/?.embedder=2578614&.svc=blogger" target="_blank">chipsnsoysauce</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/christies/shop?brand=Christies" target="_blank">Christies</a></small></div>
<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=2578614&.svc=blogger&id=99770318" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/99770318.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Pull Bear crop top" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=2578614&.svc=blogger&id=84963995" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/84963995.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Witchery leather jacket" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=2578614&.svc=blogger&id=101483046" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/101483046.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Christies nightgown" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=2578614&.svc=blogger&id=50199006" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/50199006.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Converse high top" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=2578614&.svc=blogger&id=108560096" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/108560096.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Gothic jewelry" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=2578614&.svc=blogger&id=107511295" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/107511295.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Stud earrings" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=2578614&.svc=blogger&id=80347252" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/80347252.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Yohji Yamamoto hat" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=2578614&.svc=blogger&id=113329759" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/113329759.jpg" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" title="Olga Shvartsur Jake the Dog Hugging Skull Adventure Time Watercolor..." vspace="4" width="50" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06909810832300926251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606284535440910948.post-82696403010197150252014-09-07T17:38:00.000+09:002015-04-01T13:34:21.468+09:00Ethical iPhone 5s case: Vivienne Westwood<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/vivienneiphonecase.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Vivienne Westwood "Whatever It Takes" iPhone case" class="aligncenter wp-image-24" src="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/vivienneiphonecase.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a>Bought a new iPhone 5s case a few weeks back.</div>
<br />
Artwork drawn personally by one of my favourite fashion designers, <a href="https://www.viviennewestwood.com/" target="_blank">Vivienne Westwood</a>.<br />
<br />
There was one in pink, my favourite colour, but I thought I have too much pink and decided to go for the blue version instead.<br />
<br />
This case is a product from the <a href="http://www.whateverittakes.org/" target="_blank">"Whatever It Takes"</a> collection, an artwork charity campaign launched by <a href="http://21centuryleaders.org/" target="_blank">21st Century Leaders Ltd</a>, the wholly owned trading subsidiary of Trade plus Aid.<br />
<br />
Hundreds of famous names, from actors to musicians, to fashion designers to writers, have donated a signed piece of artwork to be used for products such as mobile phone cases, mugs, bags and so forth. Net proceeds from these sold items are donated to fund selected charity projects, including those nominated by the celebrity artists, in support of key global development causes – poverty alleviation, environmental conservation, and the protection of children.<br />
<br />
Not only that, all Whatever It Takes product suppliers make sure the manufacturers in their supply chains provide good working conditions for their workers, taking its core understanding of good labour standards from The International Labour Organisation and uses The Ethical Trading Initiative's Base Code as a tool to assess working conditions.<br />
<br />
Quite a wonderful product to get a fashionable item by one of your favourite or admired people, isn't it?<br />
<br />
I bought this iPhone 5 case at <a href="http://www.yamada-denki.jp/company_e/index.html" target="_blank">Yamada Denki</a>, but I also saw these cases sold at <a href="http://www.biccamera.com/" target="_blank">Bic Camera</a>. You can also buy these items online, as well as cases for other versions of iPhone and for other smartphones, such as at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_0_22?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=whatever+it+takes+case&sprefix=whatever+it+takes+case%2Cgarden%2C523&rh=n%3A172282%2Ck%3Awhatever+it+takes+case" target="_blank">amazon</a>.<br />
<ul><br />
<li><a href="http://www.whateverittakes.org/" target="_blank">Whatever It Takes website</a></li>
<br />
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/whateverittakes.org" target="_blank">Whatever It Takes Facebook page</a></li>
<br />
<li><a href="http://whateverittakes.jp/" target="_blank">Whatever It Takes Japan</a> (in Japanese)</li>
<br />
<li><a href="http://21centuryleaders.org/" target="_blank">21st Century Leaders website</a></li>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06909810832300926251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606284535440910948.post-60206035366887987422014-09-01T08:59:00.000+09:002015-04-01T13:38:37.253+09:00Vegan Soymilk Icecream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/blogger-image-1039741088.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Vegan friendly Soymilk Icecream" class="aligncenter wp-image-25" src="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/blogger-image-1039741088-300x225.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Thought summer was over in Hokkaido but warm, almost hot days have sprung back upon us.<br />
<br />
Perfect weather for ice cream!<br />
<br />
Though, as I am trying to lead an ethical lifestyle as well as taking care of my health, I searched for an alternative of the dairy type.<br />
<br />
And I found it - soy milk ice cream.<br />
<br />
No dairy products or eggs included, uses Hokkaido grown soy beans.<br />
<br />
I found this vegan sweet goodness at ethical shop 'Earth Cover' in Sapporo.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: ;eft;">
<a href="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/blogger-image-1860018909.jpg" text-align: left;"><img alt="Kinako Vegan Soymilk Icecream" class="aligncenter wp-image-26" src="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/blogger-image-1860018909-300x225.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Obviously not quite the same as the original dairy type, but yummy all the same.<br />
<br />
The flavour I chose was "kinako" (roasted soybean flour), one of my favourite toppings for desserts.<br />
<br />
Kinako soy flour gives you saponin to block fat and burn fat faster and isoflavone for better looking skin (see <a href="http://slism.com/diet/kinako-powder-diet.html" target="_blank">this website</a> for details).Soy milk and kinako are great for those watching their figures and health as well, and this ice cream is perfect for those guilty cravings!<br />
<br />
<b>Sources:</b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.earthcover.com/" target="_blank">Earth Cover website</a> (in Japanese)</li>
</ul>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06909810832300926251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606284535440910948.post-714000422674152322014-08-24T13:45:00.000+09:002015-04-01T11:48:53.756+09:00Cooking: Rye bread toast BreakfastNo plans on a lazy Sunday.<br/>Enjoyed a lazy, slightly late breakfast.<br/><br/><a href="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/blogger-image-704416814.jpg"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-27 size-full" src="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/blogger-image-704416814.jpg" alt="Healthy Balanced Breakfast" width="640" height="480" /></a><br/><br/>Rye bread toast with sesame seed honey, yoghurt with haskap (blue honey suckle) jam and vegetable juice.<br/><br/>Bought the bread yesterday from a bakery called 'Pan no Hiroba' in Sapporo. They include wholemeal flour in all their breads, and use only Hokkaido grown wheat.<br/><br/><a href="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/blogger-image-1199406754.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-28" src="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/blogger-image-1199406754.jpg" alt="'Pan ni Hiroba' Rye bread" width="640" height="480" /></a><br/><br/>Haskap is famous in Hokkaido and you can find many jams, juice and other foods using this delicious fruit.<br/><br/>The sesame seed honey sounds unusual but it's good for you and tastes great! I bought mine from 'Jupiter'.<br/><br/>I try to choose thick, strong tasting vegetable juice as although you can find a lot if vegetable "yasai" juices in Japan, but you can't depend on ones that taste sweet and are generally easier to drink for nutrition.<br/><br/>I found organic vegetable juices which are the best, alas they are more expensive and I am sadly unable to afford them on my current low wage.<br/><br/>Off to an onsen (hot spring bath) tonight!<br/><br/><b>Sources:</b><br/><ul><br/> <li><a href="http://www.oak-kai.net/pan-hiro/pan-hiro-top.html" target="_blank">Pan no Hiroba</a> (website in Japanese)</li><br/> <li><a href="http://www.jupiter-coffee.com/" target="_blank">Jupiter Imports Foods</a> (website mainly in Japanese)</li><br/> <li><a href="http://www.care2.com/greenliving/20-health-benefits-of-sesame-you-wont-believe.html" target="_blank">Health benefits of Sesame seeds</a></li><br/></ul>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06909810832300926251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606284535440910948.post-62303797452905380892014-08-22T20:02:00.000+09:002015-04-01T13:39:43.367+09:00Cooking: Fried Udon noodles & Salad dressingDinner of fried vegetables and udon noodles.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/blogger-image-1403111372.jpg"><img alt="Fried Veg & Udon Noodles" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-29" src="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/blogger-image-1403111372.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Ingredients consist of aubergines (eggplants), onions and mini tomatoes.<br />
<br />
I actually really like fried tomatoes!<br />
<a href="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/aeondressing.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Aeon "wafuu" Salad Dressing" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-100" src="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/aeondressing.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
Added salt, pepper, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajinomoto" target="_blank" title="A seasoning by Ajinomoto, popular in Japanese cuisine">"ajinomoto" condiment</a> and Japanese salad dressing, topped with sesame seeds.<br />
<br />
<br />
Adding salad dressing sounds very odd, but I first came across using salad dressing in heated cooking in a recipe a few years ago, and after trying it out I concluded it works! I believe only Japanese (wafuu) flavoured dressing would be the choice in heated cooking, but who knows?<br />
<br />
The dressing I used is from the supermarket Aeon; their own brand. Apparently it contains half the amount of calories of regular Japanese dressing.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
I suppose I should have gone easy on the noodles for it to have helped my weight loss goals...<br />
<br />
<strong>Sources:</strong><br />
<ul><br />
<li><a href="https://www.aeon.info/en/" target="_blank">Aeon supermarket website</a> (English)</li>
<br />
<li><a href="http://mypbrand.com/2009/02/24/top-valu-japanese-food/" target="_blank">About Aeon's own brand "TOP VALU"</a> (English)</li>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06909810832300926251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606284535440910948.post-90917334869115430012014-08-18T17:22:00.000+09:002015-04-01T11:51:01.939+09:00Ethical Clothing: TiticacaDid my first batch of shopping at ethical fashion brand 'Titicaca'!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/chichika1.jpg"><img alt="Ethical brand Chichikaka Order" class="aligncenter wp-image-104 size-large" src="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/chichika1-1024x768.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Titicaca's philosophy is "happy trade", with direct trade connections spreading over fifteen countries; USA, Mexico, Panama, Guatemala, Peru, Bolivia, India, Nepal, Thailand, Viet Nam, China, Korea, Italy, Kenya and Japan. Therefore, you will find a lot of ethnic, Asian style clothing.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/chichika8.jpg"><img alt="Label found on Chichikaka's products" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-111" src="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/chichika8-768x1024.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
They sell not only clothing, but accessories, stationary and interior goods as well.<br />
<br />
I personally don't wear a lot of ethnic style clothing, but I found a few gems at this store. Originally I was looking for an ethical umbrella, and I found an adorable, foldable type with elephants that even comes with a handy case.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/chichika3.jpg"><img alt="Chichikaka Elephant foldable umbrella in case" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-106" src="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/chichika3-1024x768.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As you can see from the label it also protects against UV rays, not that I would really use it as a parasol like some Japanese ladies, but still a nice addition.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/chichika4.jpg"><img alt="Chichikaka Elephant foldable umbrella" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-107" src="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/chichika4-1024x768.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There are two other designs to choose from. You can find the product on the online store <a href="http://www.titicaca.co.jp/SHOP/4580297024485.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
If you spend over 7,000yen postage is free. As I could do with a few items of clothing as I recycled or sold a lot recently, I got two camisoles as well.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/chichika6.jpg"><img alt="Chichikaka Camisole with neck tie in black" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-109" src="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/chichika6-1024x768.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I loved the tie around the neck for this one. Available in 4 different colours, on sale at half price <a href="http://www.titicaca.co.jp/SHOP/4580297024485.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
I'm tall and have a longer torso than most Japanese folk so it's very slightly short for me, but it looks great with high waisted bottoms and I like the floaty shape. It isn't fitting so I could wear it over a t-shirt as the model on the website suggests.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/chichika7.jpg"><img alt="Chichikaka long Camisole in grey" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-110" src="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/chichika7-1024x768.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I like dark colours, hence I went for a grey colour for this cami too. This one was nice and long even for my height, more tight-fitting, but not too body-con and comfortable. I love the feel of the material! Available in 4 different colours, on sale at half price <a href="http://www.titicaca.co.jp/SHOP/dscbb236.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
I know I'm two seasons ahead, but leg warmers are my thing for the winter and I needed to buy something else to make the total for free postage. Found a sweet nordic design pair with an inner lining of fleece making it perfectly cozy, available in two different colours <a href="http://www.titicaca.co.jp/SHOP/zcwkbd7122.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/chichika5.jpg"><img alt="Chichikaka Legwarmers" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-108" src="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/chichika5-1024x768.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
What I particularly like about this brand is that the prices are extremely reasonable!<br />
The trouble I find with trying to buy ethical brands is that they are very expensive making it difficult for those on an averagely low wage like myself. The best part being that it is cheap yet guilt-free due to the brand supporting fair trade.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/chichika2.jpg"><img alt="Ethical brand Chichikaka Shopping Bag" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-105" src="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/chichika2-1024x768.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Truth is, I didn't do enough research and later found that there are actually <a href="http://www.titicaca.jp/english/" target="_blank">5 shops in Hokkaido</a>, of which 2 are in Sapporo! Although, both shops are a little out of the way, but I hope to make a trip to one of them when I can.<br />
<br />
There are shops all over Japan, plus one in Hong Kong.<br />
<br />
Recommended to anyone supporting fair trade fashion, are looking for cheaper ethical brands and who especially like ethnic fashion.<br />
<ul><br />
<li><a href="http://www.titicaca.jp/english/" target="_blank">Titicaca shop information in English</a></li>
<br />
<li><a href="http://www.titicaca.co.jp/" target="_blank">Titicaca online store</a> (Japanese)</li>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06909810832300926251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606284535440910948.post-65522691092569939202014-08-08T12:59:00.001+09:002014-08-08T13:37:35.783+09:00New Blog, upcoming 27th<b>I'm 27</b> this Sunday.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-lc7CplXHtjoVy_fpZhyv9JLUeC6BFiPUIqFHh_y5tcvnD8AR-GfH8AHxKZSlisbvJzwK6gi-Dfxxr6fVaaYz3fTCjgxmqQQvIKc-K7stBc-fduQBI0A-zItSDmbPin7tsA-nIYmrxg/s1600/pc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-lc7CplXHtjoVy_fpZhyv9JLUeC6BFiPUIqFHh_y5tcvnD8AR-GfH8AHxKZSlisbvJzwK6gi-Dfxxr6fVaaYz3fTCjgxmqQQvIKc-K7stBc-fduQBI0A-zItSDmbPin7tsA-nIYmrxg/s1600/pc.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
....shit.<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm not much of a swearer, but these two numbers jumped up on me from nowhere.<br />
<br />
And hello, it's a random update again.<br />
<br />
Before I delve into the agonies of turning 3-years-before-30, I will let readers know, if any, that I have been fiddling around with my Blogs and have made a few changes.<b> I now have 3 blogs</b>;<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><a href="http://cupofethicalism.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Cup of Ethicalism</a> - a new blog relating solely to my ethical lifestyle in Japan. This title used to be for my photo blog, but I found this title to be the most fitting for this content. If you are interested in how I try to live more ethically through buying fair trade, cruelty free products, and take part in charity and environmental activities in Japan, check it out yo. This will be my most updated blog of the three.</li>
<li><a href="http://pegasussky.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Pegasus Sky</a> - my phobot blog, previously named 'A cup of Materialism/Ethicalism'. Content is still the same as before; full of amateur photography I've taken as a hobby. Updated whenever I want to share some pretty pictures focusing around eating out, travelling, fashion, scenery </li>
<li><a href="http://chipsnsoysauce.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Fish'n'Chips with Soysauce</a> - this blog. My personal blog, and my most pointless blog I suppose now that I have decided to keep my ethical lifestyle posts separate. Random posts of life, issues I'm concerned with, and life in Japan. Updated whenever I have the urge to ramble something.</li>
</ol>
<div>
...and back to my aging issue.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For some reason, 27 to 28 doesn't sound like such a big jump, but 26 to 27 does. I'm....mature. Or should be.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It also means I have been living in Hokkaido, Japan for exactly 5 years now. It's an odd mix of feeling like I've lived here forever and feeling like I only arrived yesterday.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One thing is for sure though, is that <b>I will probably not return to live in England</b>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm planning on posting my reasons why in a future post, for those who read this and fell off their chairs in horror.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Aside the fact that I am turning the "mature" 27, I will be having a 17yr old style birthday party. <a href="http://chipsnsoysauce.blogspot.jp/p/words.html" target="_blank">Nomihoudais</a> at two restaurants, making a grand total of 4 hours of alcoholic beverage consuming, plus hopping to a bar and ending in a club, if I'm still standing straight. Will be spending it with some close friends and I am shamelessly looking forward to it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also, I have begun a new job in the translating field in TV since 2 weeks ago; pretty much <b>my dream come true!</b> Aside from my low pay for the first 6 months, things are going pretty good, and they are holding a <a href="http://chipsnsoysauce.blogspot.jp/p/words.html" target="_blank">kangeikai</a> for me tonight. Two nights in a row of drinking and eating.<br />
And yes, that diet I was talking about in my <a href="http://chipsnsoysauce.blogspot.jp/2014/05/officially-started-diet.html" target="_blank">last post</a> has been out the window for a while.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06909810832300926251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606284535440910948.post-55471540472419809882014-07-03T19:36:00.000+09:002015-04-01T14:18:17.627+09:00Fashion Set: Sun, Tea and Me<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/sun_tea_me/set?.embedder=2578614&.svc=blogger&id=124630062" target="_blank"><img alt="Sun, Tea and Me" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/3KfQUQzcAbHJUjTEntYOtA/cid/124630062/id/_nWNhlIC5BGt7oS0zSGTQA/size/c600x557.jpg" force="1" height="557" title="Sun, Tea and Me" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/sun_tea_me/set?.embedder=2578614&.svc=blogger&id=124630062" target="_blank">Sun, Tea and Me</a> by <a href="http://chipsnsoysauce.polyvore.com/?.embedder=2578614&.svc=blogger" target="_blank">chipsnsoysauce</a> featuring a <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/stud_earring_set/shop?query=stud+earring+set" target="_blank">stud earring set</a></small></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06909810832300926251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606284535440910948.post-9502749125619927602014-06-28T05:47:00.000+09:002015-04-01T14:18:33.306+09:00Fashion Set : All I need is a cowboy hat.<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/all_need_is_cowboy_hat/set?.embedder=2578614&.svc=blogger&id=122613224" target="_blank"><img alt="All I need is a cowboy hat." border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/kkbOJmIhZcqhzmbVS9hqEQ/cid/122613224/id/-MqeOMPg4xGCEyk6DXURzQ/size/c600x910.jpg" force="1" height="910" title="All I need is a cowboy hat." width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/all_need_is_cowboy_hat/set?.embedder=2578614&.svc=blogger&id=122613224" target="_blank">All I need is a cowboy hat.</a> by <a href="http://chipsnsoysauce.polyvore.com/?.embedder=2578614&.svc=blogger" target="_blank">chipsnsoysauce</a> featuring a <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/translucent_face_powder/shop?query=translucent+face+powder" target="_blank">translucent face powder</a></small></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06909810832300926251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606284535440910948.post-8721640610725803232014-06-06T06:04:00.000+09:002015-04-01T11:48:53.875+09:00Healthier fast food: MOS BurgerMy lunch today; "Gochisou" (feast) salad with "buta shabu" (pork slices) & rye bread at MOS burger.<br/><br/><a href="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/mosburger.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-121" src="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/mosburger.jpg" alt="MOS Burger "Feast" Salad" width="500" height="375" /></a><br/><br/>And for dessert, a tomato jelly! Healthy, reasonably priced & delicious!<br/><br/>Salad & roll set ¥420<br/>Tomato jelly ¥390<br/><br/>These are "seasonal specials" so if you want to try it, now is the time :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06909810832300926251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606284535440910948.post-87973703679350522182014-06-01T09:24:00.000+09:002015-04-01T13:53:10.465+09:00Beauty Review: LUSH Skincare lineAs of about a month ago I have been trying out a <b>face care line by LUSH.</b><br />
<br />
<b>I have very dry skin,</b> so I used what I was recommended by the store staff.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/blogger-image-470285404.jpg"><img alt="LUSH Skincare line for very Dry Skin" class="aligncenter wp-image-128 size-full" src="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/blogger-image-470285404.jpg" height="480" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
I didn't break out in spots or rashes so it wasn't like the products didn't suit my skin, but the overall result was a "hmm" for me.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Cleansing products</span></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<a href="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/blogger-image-1060569077.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="LUSH : Cleansing & Daily Scrub" class="aligncenter wp-image-131" src="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/blogger-image-1060569077.jpg" height="263" width="350" /></a><br />
<b>Make up Remover 'Ultrabland' 45g 1,700yen</b><br />
<b>Rating: </b>4/5<br />
<br />
<b>Definitely recommended for those with dry skin!</b><br />
According to the store staff you massage it on your face, then wipe it off with cotton soaked with a little toner water. I used the toner water I bought to use after cleansing (see below) but the store lady said she suggests using their tea tree water, which I can understand as tea tree is known to help fight spots, wounds and generally improves the skin condition.<br />
I loved how soft my skin felt after, even before adding any moisturiser!<br />
I will absolutely consider using this again, and I would like to try it with their tea tree water next time.<br />
<br />
<b>Let the good times roll face wash (free sample)</b><br />
<b>Rating:</b> 3/5<br />
<br />
Advertised as a "daily scrub", I could see how even those with dry skin like myself could use it every day without the worry of a skin dry out. My skin felt soft after use, and I adored the smell. Oddly it's sweet corn, but it had a gentle sweet scent that still wafted about me even after a few hours and when I had done my make up.<br />
<br />
My personal problem was just that I am do used to a foaming soap wash, so just dying a scrub every day made me feel like I wasn't quite cleaning my face...I'm sure it was clean, though I didn't really see any major improvements with my pores or blackheads either.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Moisturising products</span></b><br />
<a href="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/blogger-image-1261582735.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="LUSH : toner, beauty bar & cream" class="aligncenter wp-image-132 size-full" src="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/blogger-image-1261582735.jpg" height="480" width="360" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
<b>Breath of Fresh Air Toning Water 100g 1,030yen</b><br />
<b>Rating:</b> 2/5<br />
<br />
After using LUSH face care, I assumed that most of the moisturising is done by their creams, so their toners don't do much of that. However, this toner really didn't do me much good in hydrating my skin.<br />
The smell was heavenly; fresh like the ocean, but even when I splashed a lot of it over my face my kin just sucked it in & still felt pretty dry.<br />
If I were to use it again, I would provably use it to carry round with me to refresh or hydrate my face during the day, especially during the warmer seasons.<br />
<br />
<b>Full of Grace moisturising serum 20g 1,090yen</b><br />
<b>Rating:</b> 3/5<br />
<br />
This serum was unquie being in "bar" form so it was fun to use! It did feel a little like I was rubbing soap over my face, but it leave a soft, somewhat moisturising texture on my face. As it was a solid bar, it was like a massage tool too. But, I didn't really like the feel of my skin afterwards. In an odd way my skin felt "waxy" and "slippery" rather than smooth. I did love the rose scent from it though.<br />
I can't say for sure if it improved the condition if my skin as I did get a few small pimples whilst I was using it, yet they stayed small and disappeared after a few days and perhaps didn't inflate or get as sore as they usually do.<br />
<br />
<b>Celestial moisturising cream 45g ¥2,870</b><br />
<b>Rating:</b> 1/5<br />
<br />
This cream was super rich, but considering it was it didn't seem to do much hydrating! After applying it my face felt sticky and almost greasy. In fact, when I placed my full fringe back over my forehead it became greasy just from touching my creamed-up skin.<br />
If I were ever to use it again, I would use it as a night cream, and when I don't have a fringe, eheh.<br />
<br />
Note this is just my personal experience!<br />
Please try them out for yourselves and support the brand LUSH for their amazing ethics :)<br />
<br />
<strong>Sources:</strong><br />
<ul><br />
<li><a href="http://www.lushjapan.com/" target="_blank">LUSH Japan website</a> (Japanese)</li>
<br />
<li><a href="http://www.lushjapan.com/shop/shoplist.asp" target="_blank">Shop list of LUSH in Japan</a> (Japanese)</li>
<br />
<li><a href="https://www.lush.co.uk/" target="_blank">LUSH U.K. website</a> (English)</li>
<br />
<li><a href="http://www.lushusa.com/" target="_blank">LUSH U.S.A. wesbite</a> (English)</li>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06909810832300926251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606284535440910948.post-41467872577867138312014-05-27T07:20:00.000+09:002015-04-01T13:53:50.490+09:00Ume Udon Noodles: nana's green teaLunch of udon noodles at "nana's green tea"<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/nanasgreentea.jpg"><img alt="Nana's Green Tea : Ume Tororo Konbu" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-122" src="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/nanasgreentea.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
Udon is said to be easy on the stomach yet filling; great for dieting.<br />
<br />
The udon bowl I chose “ume tororo konbu” included all healthy & beauty food such as kelp, pickled plum & spring onions.<br />
<br />
Pickled plum (ume) in particular is said to help fatigue, detoxing & ageing, as well as many other great things for the body!<br />
<br />
<strong>Sources:</strong><br />
<ul><br />
<li><a href="http://www.nanaha.com/en/" target="_blank">nana's green tea website</a> (English)</li>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06909810832300926251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606284535440910948.post-37428486587032734722014-05-25T21:06:00.000+09:002014-05-25T21:07:18.224+09:00The "Skin" Breakdown<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jITGggCqqbJLE0jFAaEBvo4SuNsh4qNCnPLV__LGre0ep4IBQY3dr5gfLZNAzvTwSV2tRrRVfgNlc6SSGqDim7XAOSdYYrQ7w-TUYyHZkoTshf6RGCApzYLj_T2J234l5Jv6AD2CeL0/s1600/m-p-0205-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jITGggCqqbJLE0jFAaEBvo4SuNsh4qNCnPLV__LGre0ep4IBQY3dr5gfLZNAzvTwSV2tRrRVfgNlc6SSGqDim7XAOSdYYrQ7w-TUYyHZkoTshf6RGCApzYLj_T2J234l5Jv6AD2CeL0/s1600/m-p-0205-02.jpg" height="272" width="320" /></a>Since I have new beliefs and thoughts in terms of <a href="http://chipsnsoysauce.blogspot.jp/2014/05/the-beginning-to-ethical-lifestyle.html" target="_blank">living ethically</a>, I am on the lookout for an ethical skin care line that matches my skin and face.<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I am going to write up some simple reviews on the products I try out for reference, but before I do I thought it might best to note down what my skin is like.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<u>Current Facial Problems</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>dry to very dry skin</li>
<li>slight dullness</li>
<li>occasional redness</li>
<li>slight bags under the eyes</li>
<li>very occasional spots and pimples</li>
<li>some blackheads and pores</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
My biggest problems of the above are most definitely dryness, so I really look into the moisture factor when I try out products.</div>
</div>
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<u>Skin Colour and Genetics</u></div>
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<u><br /></u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Being half Japanese and half Caucasian, my mum being a little more tan and my father being super white, I think I inherited mostly my father's skin genes. Looking at pictures back when I was a baby I was pasty white with rosy cheeks. But as I got older and discovered the sun, my mum's genes kicked in and I would tan without burning red like my dad. Because I never really bothered much with sun protection, my arms naturally got darker and still a little tan, but my face and other parts of the body that I keep hidden away are still very pale.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
From a Western point of view I may seem more "yellow", but from a Japanese point of view I may seem more "white".</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
In terms of what I aim for, it's rather confusing. Back home tan is all the rage, whereas in Japan the paler the more beautiful. Being stuck in the middle I have been back and forth with what I want, but in the end, <b>I have settled with gaining healthy skin</b>, and trying to enjoy both aspects; I don't mind tanning a little in the summer, and I tend to go back to being paler in the winter anyway. As a result, all that "whitening" shizzle that Japanese skin products are obsessively hyped up about, or any Western skin products that give your skin a "bronze" look doesn't do a lot for me!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<u>Skin History</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Up until I was 22, I could boast about my skin. I never had acne when I was a teenager, and although at one point in my late teens I used to slap the foundation on, I realised I didn't need it and would only wear a bit of concealer, blusher and eye make up almost every day.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
However, in my second year of Japan when I was 22, with no explanation whatsoever, my face broke out in spots. The horrible thing was, the same pimples would stay and never go away, and more pimples would appear and add to it. I went to a number of dermatologists, tried to eat super healthy, looked into acne face products and the lot but it stayed for at least 6 months. When I stopped caring, it suddenly and in a short amount of time disappeared. I didn't feel any stress if it was related to that, but I am assuming there was some sort of unbalance in my hormones at the time.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Due to that saga, my skin has never really been the same. Luckily I have not had a break out since, and I only get the occasional one or two pimples, but my skin just doesn't seem to be as clear as it used to be. I know it'll be difficult to get back the skin that I used to have, as my skin has naturally aged in my late 20's, but I would like to be as close as I can to it.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06909810832300926251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606284535440910948.post-74943034118952689342014-05-22T15:02:00.000+09:002015-04-01T13:55:32.232+09:00Fair Trade Chamomile Tea: people treeOrganic Fair Trade <b>Chamomile tea</b> by brand 'people tree'.
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/chamomile.jpg" left="" text-align:=""><img alt="people tree chamomile tea" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-116" src="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/chamomile.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/chamomile2.jpg"></a><a href="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/chamomile2.jpg"><img alt="Organic Fair Trade chamomile tea" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-117" src="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/chamomile2.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I love chamomile tea as it helps sleep, trouble in digestive systems, cold blooded body types and anemia. Basically most of the worries that I have!<br />
<br />
<strong>Sources:</strong><br />
<ul><br />
<li><a href="http://www.peopletree.co.jp/" target="_blank">people tree Japan website </a>(Japanese)</li>
<br />
<li><a href="http://www.peopletree.co.uk/" target="_blank">people tree U.K. website</a> (English)</li>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06909810832300926251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606284535440910948.post-5947202142604942612014-05-19T10:45:00.000+09:002015-04-01T13:56:29.726+09:00Ethical iPhone 5s Case: Katherine HamnettChanged my iPhone5 case.<br />
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<a href="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/blogger-image-61647147.jpg"><img alt="blogger-image--61647147" class="aligncenter wp-image-127 size-full" src="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/blogger-image-61647147.jpg" height="480" width="360" /></a></div>
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Isn't it cute?<br />
<a href="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/blogger-image-1331570306.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="blogger-image-1331570306" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-133" src="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/blogger-image-1331570306.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br />
Not only is it cute, it's <b>environment friendly.</b>Organic cotton is used over the plastic casing; grown in India and made in Japan.<br />
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<b>Katherine Hamnett is an ethical designer </b>from London who has incorporated strong messages of peace, politics, feminism and protecting the environment.<br />
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Of the 5 designs available, I chose "LOVE". This was also apparently the message Katherine Hamnett gave to Japan after the Tohoku Earthquake.<br />
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Even the packaging is recycled paper which uses vegetable ink! The fact that even the little details have been taken into account warms my heart.<br />
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I bought it from Bic Camera for 3,024yen, so it may be a little pricier than the other cases out there but when it also comes with a pocket where you can place your pass card such as Suica/Kitaca, and even you can actually reuse the hook used to hang the product in stores as an earphones manager I think it is very worth the money!<br />
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<strong>Sources:</strong><br />
<ul><br />
<li><a href="http://www.katharinehamnett.com/" target="_blank">Katharine Hamnett London website</a> (English)</li>
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<li><a href="http://trinity.jp/products/simplism/fabriccoveriphonekh" target="_blank">Katahrine Hamnett iPhone cases on Simplism online store</a> (Japanese)</li>
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<li><a href="http://www.biccamera.co.jp/language/langjump-je.html" target="_blank">Bic Camera website</a> (Japanese translated directly into English via online translator)</li>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06909810832300926251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606284535440910948.post-60628712153169827482014-05-17T16:13:00.000+09:002015-04-01T13:57:27.292+09:00The beginning to an Ethical LifestyleIn the slight case that anyone follows this blog, I will address to it a reader; <i>you</i> may have noticed <b>quite a few changes to my Blog</b> recently.<br />
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Firstly,<b> I have started a <a href="http://www.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">tumblr</a> blog.</b></div>
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As I have no internet access at home and because I am often out and about I frequently use my iphone , and tumblr was much easier to update and view via a smart phone application. Also, you needn't really type a whole lot of text for a post, which makes it easier to update on a regular basis.</div>
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My tumblr is where I will post simple, short posts with photos introducing the food I eat, bought, and so forth, all in relation to my new ethical lifestyle (which I will come to later). I have synced my tumblr so that certain posts will automatically be added to this blog too, to give it more content.</div>
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I will still use this Blog separately from my tumblr by typing the occasional lengthy text post, or adding more detail to a tumblr post that was posted here as well.</div>
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Therefore, if you own a tumblr account or prefer content to be short and simple, don't mind my reposts of other inspirational blog posts and are, of course, interested in my life you can <a href="http://chipsnsoysauce.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">follow me there</a>.</div>
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If you would rather read only my own posts and don't mind the occasional blabber of text, and, as said above, are interested in any of this you can continue following me here at my Blogger.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvsiRiaYMRv3tZSCce58hXq5FZIN6jCd3u8JaDd2qNNW0aQf1OcOsXvJmBcTWeqPIASYQXjykcl0YkEBEjFsAeSL4xSxgZ-wI00ZNkc8NaiCExmcHzFSw5v9JE5icUY4JrfNu8PlUv7I/s1600/tenko3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvsiRiaYMRv3tZSCce58hXq5FZIN6jCd3u8JaDd2qNNW0aQf1OcOsXvJmBcTWeqPIASYQXjykcl0YkEBEjFsAeSL4xSxgZ-wI00ZNkc8NaiCExmcHzFSw5v9JE5icUY4JrfNu8PlUv7I/s1600/tenko3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>And so, <b>what's all this about an "ethical lifestyle"</b>? you ask. </div>
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(Or so I imagine my non-existent readers to prod at.)</div>
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Well, since I have been trying to be more pro-active in charity and think about the products I use, such as when I wrote my resolutions in Jan-ur-February <a href="http://chipsnsoysauce.blogspot.jp/2014/02/february-1st-is-alternate-january-1st.html" target="_blank">here</a> or when I talked about how I was to include charitable activities in my life <a href="http://chipsnsoysauce.blogspot.jp/2013/04/how-to-get-involved-with-charity-easy.html" target="_blank">here</a>, my feelings towards <b>doing good for people, animals and the environment</b> has become much stronger.</div>
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Ah, how do I say all this without sounding like a lost hippy...</div>
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I'm not going on the lines of something as sappy as "I've finally found the light!" but I do think I've come to a lasting realisation of how damn cruel the world is. I've never thought a lot of things were fair, but I've heard and seen a lo these days that has shocked me.</div>
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It is incredibly difficult to "change the world" completely, but I do believe small changes can build towards some improvement.</div>
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Since about 2 years ago I've tried to be more conscious about what I buy and use, but I see now that<b> I wasn't conscious <i>enough</i></b>. There is so much more that I can do that could lead to more improvements.</div>
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To put it all in a list, <b>I hope to live in the way so that</b>;</div>
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<li>All the beauty products I use are not tested on animals</li>
<li>Try to purchase as much fair trade and organic beauty products as possible</li>
<li>Try to eat and purchase as much fair trade and organic products as possible</li>
<li>Buy only second hand or fair trade clothing</li>
<li>Try to throw out less, and recycle more</li>
<li>Try to buy clothing made of organic or recycled material</li>
<li>In general, look out for and try to use non animal tested, fair trade, recycled and organic products used in every day life (cleaning products, household items, etc)</li>
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Before anyone assumes the fact, <b>I am not turning vegan or vegetarian. </b></div>
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I admire those who are, but I will honestly say I can not give up on my meat and dairy. I will therefore try to be more vegan in the beauty products I use, and try to buy organic meat and dairy foods. I have and can though, cut down on the amount of meat I eat, and I instead eat more organic eggs and soy bean produce.</div>
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Although it would of course be lovely if people around me become more conscious too, but I have no intention of pushing my ethics in my friends' faces. I will perhaps give presents that are vegan friendly such as beauty products, and choose a vegetarian option occasionally if we were to eat out together, but I don't expect everyone to think the same.</div>
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Truth is, <b>I doubt I can be 100% ethical either</b>. Fair trade and organic products are perhaps more expensive than those that aren't, which is blatantly due to the fact that the workers are being fairly paid for their work, but I don't exactly earn a big amount and I may not be able to afford certain items. I am considering sacrificing a few things, such as eating out less, buying less items of clothes and so forth in order that I can, though. On top of that, I'm not going to decline offers of going somewhere or eating something I was given because it doesn't abide by my new beliefs. I don't wish to lose the few but dear friendships I have.</div>
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I'm also not throwing everything I have which isn't ethical out the window at once either. I don't believe in wasting, so as I use things up, I am going to search for ethical alternatives. I hope to talk about it more in this Blog, and put up reviews which readers may find useful.</div>
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And there it is. It would be nice if I inspire anyone else out there :)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06909810832300926251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8606284535440910948.post-56658051406797840322014-05-16T02:04:00.000+09:002015-04-01T15:25:51.249+09:00Cooking: Crescent-shaped Healthy BreakfastMy breakfast on a stress-free morning.<br />
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<a href="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/crescentbreakfast.jpg"><img alt="Healthy Simple Breakfast" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-118" src="http://mypegasussky.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/crescentbreakfast.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
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Turned out crescent shaped!<br />
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Sliced avocados on whole meal toasted bread, drizzled with a little olive oil & crazy salt. One boiled egg, and a kiwi for dessert.<br />
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The nu smoothie was on sale at KALDI :)<br />
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Think I got a nice little fill of protein & vitamins there.<br />
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<strong>Sources:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.kaldi.co.jp/english" target="_blank">KALDI COFFEE FARM website</a> (English)</li>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06909810832300926251noreply@blogger.com0