Beauty Review - Black Paint Chamomile

This rare find was something that I picked up back when I was in Kyoto, strolling along one of the more cultural places in the area. Arashiyama is filled with a ton of good eats, temples in a large area as well as the recognizable Bamboo Forest. Arashiyama has a ton of great small eats that is the perfect to pick up and go as you stroll through the temples or on a Ninja wagon ride. 

Finishing up with a lot of the cultural explorations always include some kind of shopping. Located along the famous shopping district in Aarashiyama, one store that definitely stood out from the rest is the Black Paint store. With a ton of black paint on the outside to sample, being lured in with the great products was one thing that I could not hold back from.

Black paint is known to help the pores and promote clear skin for many. This organic black paint was originated in Kyoto made from a charcoal that works magic into the skin, whether it is the body or face. Made from different plants and essential oils, it is one of the well-recognized products in Japan, making it's way world-wide. 

For those with sensitive skin like myself, going for the true black paint from Kyoto may not be the best product. With my very minimal Japanese knowledge and the representative's little knowledge of English, we definitely were able to make it work by knowing that the product recommended was the Chamomile face wash for the skin. With a great fragrance and light touch to the skin, it is definitely one of the better face washes I've had. The product does not bubble as much as other face washes, so it might not feel like a complete clean. Nonetheless, it is something that is recommended to try, especially for anyone who can tolerate the true black paint face wash.

The Black Paint company also carries other products to promote good health, including water that is monitored for the minerals that is extremely refreshing. This is one store that everyone who looks for great, natural products should look into.

Story of My Life - Kyoto Travels

Kyoto, a place known for its beautiful temples, is one of the popular tourist areas in Japan. There are temples and shrines everywhere. This is the place to go if you want to take a break from the city area and get a sense of inner peace. With so many gorgeous temples around to visit, there is quite a lot to do in Kyoto. It may be hard if you are not spending two days in the area at the very minimum, but if you have a short trip, take your pick and pick from the best of the best. 

The popular destinations to visit include the Nijo Castle (which is nothing like the Osaka Castle), Kyoto Imperial Palace inside of the Palace Park, Nishiki Market (my ultimate favorite place in Kyoto), Kiyomizudera, Gion (where, if you are lucky, you will see a Geisha come out from the restaurant) Kinkakuji (the famous gold temple there are two pavilions: gold and silver), Ryoanji, Arashiyama (where the famous bamboo groove and famous  is located), Fushimi Inari Shrine, and many more!

Unlike the main city, it is difficult to travel around Kyoto on foot, but possible. There is less to see during the walk and things are further away from each other so it is suggested to just pick up the Kyoto one day bus pass that allows you to hop on the bus for just 500 yen. With each ride at 220 yen, the bus pass is definitely worth it after hopping on for just three times! 

I definitely learned to fall in love with Kyoto although I was not a big fan of the temples and shrines at first. I think the city does speak for itself in regards to beauty and it is a place to visit. Many of the popular tourist areas will leave you speechless. Of the Kyoto trip, my favorite is the Nishiki market because I am extremely big on eating and trying all sorts of crazy foods. You can find fresh sashimi that is absolutely delicious and will melt in your mouth, tofu donuts, baby octopus, eel, Japanese pickles, snacks, and a whole lot of other goodies.

Story of My Life - Osaka Travels

Finally taking the time to travel to a place that I have been dying to go to, Japan is definitely a place that stands for itself. With different parts of Japan offering different cultures, the first stop of my main three destination visit across Japan is Osaka. Osaka, the third largest city in Japan, south of Tokyo, is word to be the next capital of Japan should a deadly earthquake occur within the next few years.

Known for their octopus, the traditional eats of Osaka is takoyaki balls and okonomiyaki pancake. With all different takes on this traditional eat, they are around every corner and should be consumed wherever you go! Every store has their own way to make this yum yum and I can’t say I had too much of it! I basically tried it at every location I can find it. Some restaurants that specialize in oyster will throw oysters in it and I have to admit, it is AMAZING. Seafood in Japan is definitely taken to a whole new level!

In addition to the amazing traditional eat, there are a handful of tourist places that are a must visit in Osaka. This includes the famous Omeda Sky Building which is two buildings connected by a hallway bridge, the gorgeous Osaka Castle alongside the Osaka Castle Park, the Shitennoji Temple (one of Japan’s oldest temples), Shinsekai where the Tsutenkaku Tower is located,  Namba and a few of the other many popular areas that are all of walking distance.

The main attractions of Osaka are quite small, but a bit disperse through the city. If you really want to, you could walk the city like I did. In total, it took about a day of time. Getting into each area, snapping a few photos and heading out. If you are planning to shop around and explore, do give yourself a few more days in the city. There are a lot of shopping areas and the city is extremely gorgeous. For those who are taking the subway around and do not have a pass, it is extremely easy to get around. Price for subway goes by location, simply locate your stop on the map and there is a price next to the station’s name. Put in the cash for the amount that it says and click the ticket price. All buses are the same price and you pay as you get off the bus. 

They currently have a few events going on which include the light festival which can be found down the main street of Namba. It is extremely easy to get in and get out of the city. One recommendation is to grab a map of each area that you want to go to because it is all detailed and mapped out. The tourist information is one place that I definitely recommend. The best part about them is that they have everything written out that you would want and need to get around.  Osaka is definitely one place I recommend for those who are looking for a place to stretch outside of Tokyo.

Lose Weight Instantly - Japan 3D Full Bottom Slimming Stockings

With the big fright of Hurricane Irene and all the chaos that has been going on, I don't know about you, but all I've been doing is locking myself indoors and shopping online. If you thought my shopping splurges were one of my bad habits, think again! I have been eating all day non-stop, mostly junk food like Keelber Mint Creme Middles cookies and juice, along with other cookies, soda, candy, chips and such. Because of this disastrous hurricane that luckily did no damage to my house, I have put on a few pounds this weekend. Hopefully it isn't too noticeable, but it did remind me of these instant weight slimming leggings. 

Japan’s 3D Full Bottom Slimming Stockings which seemed to be sold out in so many places really makes you look skinnier. These stockings, which can be difficult to put on, will help to shed a few pounds on your legs. It is suggested to be worn when you sleep to help you “shed some weight” during the eight hours of resting. Of course the best thing to do is to wear this during the day as regular leggings. There’s a lot of hype on these leggings, but they can be a bit suffocating for the legs, so it'll take some patience! You can surely throw on some other undergarments that help to hide the gut and flabs of your body as well, but since I have been wearing loosely fitted shirts, you can't really tell where my big belly lies! Generally speaking, all I need to do is get a pair of these stockings.