Discover Kobe: Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Shin-Kobe

Day 3

December 30, 2012

Kobe (DIY Tour)

Japan Railways (JR)-West Rail Kansai Wide Wide Area Pass is the best way to get around Japan. With our passes, we were able to board Japan's Bullet Train called Shinkansen to Shin-Kobe. Passes are sold for only JPY 7,000 (PhP3,500) per person and is good for four days. You can reserve your pass here.

 Shinkansen and I

Running at speed of up to 300 km/h, the Shinkansen is known for punctuality (departs on time to the second), comfort (silent cars with spacious, always forward facing seats), safety (no fatal accidents in its history) and efficiency - SOURCE

I have listed a lot of Things-To-Do but unfortunately, it was raining that day in Kobe. We were not able to visit Kobe Harborland. We were not able to ride Shin Kobe Ropeway or even take Fantasy Kobe Sea Bus (cruise). 

Anyway, let me take you to the Shinkansen Station first, read more about it after the break...

Discover Kyoto: Kyoto Tower & Ryoanji Temple

Day 2

Morning

December 29, 2012

Kyoto (DIY Tour)

For our Japan trip, I was in charge of the itinerary. A few days before we left, I was cramming as usual. It was a good thing I found a very helpful Japanese website written in English and finished the itinerary in no time.

 Kyoto Tower

Kyoto Tower is included in our itinerary. Sadly, when we decided to enter the observation deck that night, it was closed due to the renovation of its elevators until April 2013.

It is the first thing you see when you get out of Kyoto Station. For visitor's who wish to save on Kyoto Tower's viewing deck admission, you can print out an online coupon here. Instead of paying JPY770 (PhP385), you pay only JPY 700 (PHP 350) with the coupon.

Hours of Operation:

9:00 to 21:00 (last entry 20:40)

Places we visited right after the break...

Remm Shin-Osaka Hotel Review

December 28, 2012 to January 4, 2013

Remm Shin-Osaka 
1-1-1 Miyahara, Yodogawa-ku,
Osaka
+81-6-6398-4123
+81-6-7668-0606

Room Type: Non-Smoking Room Single
Rate Per Night: JPY 7,000 (PhP3,500)
                          *JPY 9,200 (PhP 4,600)

*December 32, 2012 and January 1, 2013

Rate includes service charge and tax

Remm Shin-Osaka is the most convenient hotel that we have ever booked. It's location is right smack in the middle of a bustling train (JR Shin-Osaka) and subway station (Shin-Osaka) in Osaka. Even though this is also the smallest room that DH has booked so far, I can't complain because we are on a tight budget. Yes, our room is even smaller than the hotel rooms we have booked in Hong Kong. I would rather spend money on sight-seeing tours and shopping than spend it on accommodation ; p Of course, that's just me!

 bedroom with glass bathroom wall partition

The room is so tiny. There is no space in between the bathroom wall and the bed ; p  The wall is not even a wall per se, it is a glass partition. Anyway, don't fret! You can always pull down the two blinds inside the bathroom for privacy.

Just to give you an idea on how small this room is, I was standing near the door when the photo above was taken. There was really no place else for our luggage. The good thing is, the guest rooms have most of the amenities that a 5 star hotel provide.

To view more photos of Remm Shin-Osaka, read after the break...

Xian Lim & Tippy Dos Santos for Aqua Fresco & Adore Fragrances

December 11, 2012

Adore and Aqua Fresco Fragrances Launching

Cerchio

76 Sct. Limbaga St.,

Quezon City

I attended the launching of Adore and Aqua Fresco Fragrances yesterday. It was another lucky day because I won an iPad mini! A big thanks to Ardent World Inc., the same company that brought to you Gluta-C Intense Whitening products. 

MrsMartinez with Tippy Dos Santos & Xian Lim

I was there around 11am and the venue was already packed. I was the only blogger until Michael Lim aka Fashion Pulis arrived.  

To know more about the fragrances plus more Ziam Lim photos plus giveaway, read after the break...

Gift Guide: Green Sproutlets Eco-Friendly Kids' Apparel

Since it's already December and I know most of you are rushing to make your Christmas purchases, I am posting a second Holiday Gift Guide this week ; p

This post is specially dedicated to all my readers who are addicted to online shopping. I have great news for you, Green Sproutlets is having an EXCLUSIVE holiday SALE over at Mothering Earthlings until December 31st only!

Green Sproutlets Boys Organic T-Shirt PhP 695 560

Green Sproutlets was inspired by a husband and wife team who felt the need to provide their daughter and other children who have sensitive skin with soft, hypoallergenic, eco-friendly clothing.

It uses only sustainable fabrics such as soy or hemp. Water-based ink was used for printing and low impact dyes. 

The Retro-Polka Collection

The Retro-Polka Collection is made of high-quality certified eco-friendly Viscose from Bamboo and certified 100% Organic Cotton.

I got another design- a girl's version of the organic t-shirt. It's very cute, you can view it after the break...

Gift Guide: QUIRKS Novelties & Curiosities

A few months ago, QUIRKS Novelties & Curiosities sent over a package containing Qualy Master Crane Chopsticks & Chopsticks Holder and one of its best-seller, Mighty Wallet- The Original Tyvek Wallet since 2005. I only wrote about it now because I was saving both items for my holiday Gift Guide feature.

First let me share with you the company's story...

QUIRKS Novelties & Curiosities is your one-stop shop for unique gifts and novelty items. QUIRKS carry the weirdest and most functional items sourced from all over the world. It carries 15 brands imported from UK, USA, Japan, Thailand and Hong Kong.

 Qualy Master Crane Chopsticks & Chopsticks Holder PhP 650 ;

Mighty Wallet Manila Mania PhP 850

Dynomighty Design, makers of Mighty Wallet, is based in New York. It aims to create products which fit the urban lifestyle.

The Mighty Wallet is  made from a single folded sheet of a super strong microfiber material called Tyvek. Thousands of super fine plastic fibers are fused together to give the wallet incredible strength and durability. The super thin design has no stitching and instantly adjusts all its compartments to hold a lot or a little.

Mighty Wallet Manila Mania is the first locally designed Mighty Wallet...woot! The design includes iconic landmarks such as Marikina (shoes), Malabon (pancit) and Manila (jeepney).

It is 100% recyclable with 25% of its material coming from recycled milk and water bottles. Best of all, it is tear-resistant and water-resistant with innovative expandable design.

Mighty Wallet Manila Mania feature:

• 2 large pockets for cash and receipts
• 2 credit card pockets that expand to hold lots of cards
• 2 quick access business card pockets

I think this is a suitable gift to your co-worker who is an environmentalist and who values the quality of a product. Keep in mind that this is not a paper wallet, it's a Mighty Wallet!

Designer: Kasey Albano (Punchdrunk Panda)

For Qualy Master Crane Chopsticks & Chopsticks Holder, read after the break...

Gift Guide: Baked Twinkles

Baked Twinkles
Made with Love and Happiness
09166590088

While I was out the whole afternoon, our helper received a bagful of baked goodies from Baked Twinkles. I excitedly unwrapped each of the four boxes found inside the bag. While taking photos, I could not contain myself from tasting the delicious treats inside! A sneak peek of what's inside the bag below...

 Baked Twinkles Low Sugar Apple-Walnut Cake with Oat Streusel PhP 700 set of 4 minis per order (PhP 175 each)

I decided to include Baked Twinkles in my Holiday Gift Guide because I love homemade goodies especially those that are not too sweet! Plus, the packaging is perfect for the Christmas season ; )

Low Sugar Apple-Walnut Cake with Oat Streusel - chunks of apples and walnuts in moist cake that is low in sugar (coconut sugar) topped with oat streusel

Want to see what's inside the other boxes, read more after the break...

Gift Guide: Shiseido Camellia Compact

A few weeks ago, Shiseido sent over a package containing the most coveted item from their Autumn/Winter 2012 collection - the Limited Edition Camellia Compact. Instead of just reviewing it, I decided to include it as one of the items on Gift Guide because this compact is perfect for women with exquisite taste in makeup.

Shiseido Camellia Compact 6.5 g (0.22 OZ.) PhP 1998

I know many women will love it as much as I do because the powder has a smooth, high quality texture, and its ingredients give it a velvety, dewy feeling during application.

To view Shiseido Camellia Compact swatches and how to apply it, read after the break...

Experience Europe The Trafalgar Way!

November 6, 2012

Trafalgar
Rockwell Club
23 Amorsolo Drive,
Rockwell, Makati
 
Next year, DH and I will be celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary. We plan to celebrate it by going on a European Holiday. In fact, visiting Europe was included in my bucket list. I wrote it a few months ago and it's entitled Four Before Forty. These are 4 things which I wanted to accomplish before I reach the age of the big 4-0! ; p

When I received an invite from Trafalgar, a family-owned international travel group, for the launching of its Summer 2013 Travel Products, I was ecstatic. I know I can learn a lot from attending the said event.

 Trafalgar - the global leader in guided holidays

Just a brief background on Trafalgar....

From its humble beginnings in 1947 to today, Trafalgar have delivered unforgettable experiences to over two million travelers worldwide.
As the true insider of guided holidays, we're dedicated to providing holiday experiences unlike any other. Through our depth of local knowledge you'll discover the places you've always dreamed of and enjoy authentic experiences you would never have on your own.
Trafalgar remains a family-owned company and the Tollman family continue to play an integral role in shaping the future of Trafalgar. We're committed to further developing our guided holidays and enhancing our insider experiences, to provide even greater value on your holiday. - SOURCE

I am very excited to share with you the different types of holiday Trafalgar has in stored for you. Read after the break...

Gift Guide: Starbucks Glass Water Bottle (White)

With All Saint's Day over, it's officially holiday season on my blog! I posted several Gift Guide entries last December 2011. This year, I am posting a month earlier to give you more ideas on what to give your loved ones and friends. I'm starting with this uber cool 16 fl. oz. white glass water bottle from Starbucks.

Starbucks Glass Water Bottle 16 oz. PhP 795

I first saw the Starbucks Glass Water Bottle from Kris of OCMomInManila when we both participated in the Amherst Plant Tour. She brought it with her during the tour. I thought it was expensive but she told me it was only less than PhP 1,000 and she has already bought two... wow!

Fast forward last long weekend, I visited Starbucks Trinoma and... voila! I found it hidden in the corner of the cabinet display, only 3 were left ; ( I quickly grabbed one. While lining in the cashier, I saw two ladies in front of me holding one glass water bottle each ; p

Glass: Made in Japan
Silicone Sleeve: Made in China

To get a closer look of the Starbucks Glass Water Bottle, read after the break....

Korea Chronicle: Myeongdong

My visit: December 30, 2011

Day 8 (3rd day DIY Seoul Tour)

Myeongdong
Seoul, Korea

A few days before, I was disappointed when we visited Dongdaemun with our tour group as part of our itinerary. It is much like an open air market place. The place is huge, there is one area that sold meat, an alley that sold cameras and another that sold dry goods. During winter, you can't possibly stay outdoors long enough without getting chills. Needless to say, during our DIY tour, we never went back ; p We choose to visit Myeongdong instead.

at Myeongdong eating chestnuts

Myeongdong is big too. Sure, some wares are also peddled on the streets but at least here, you can go inside a department store or in my case beauty stores whenever I felt shivers because of the cold.

MrsMartinez's Holiday Blowout Giveaway!

Hey you, guys & girls! Here is a sweet surprise... I am giving away a bag of free stuff! Every now and then, I get a little extra something from the brands that I review. This year, I collected a little more than I expected. So, what to do with the excess? It's time for MrsMartinez's Holiday Blowout Giveaway!

"Thank You" goodie bag

As my way of saying "Thank You", I am raffling off the items above to one lucky reader!

Gift Guide: Gift Card Co.

Tired of thinking what to give this Christmas? You know your friend's favorite shop but do you really know what she wants? This is where Gift Card Co. comes in handy. 

Gift Card Co. is a newly launched store that sells various gift cards and gift certificates from different brands. You have over 30 brands to choose from. 

Gift Card Co... Mall On A Rack!

Some of the brands found in Gift Card Co. are Nike Stadium, Planet Sports, The Athlete's Foot, Red Mango, Bistro Food Group, Fitness First and The Spa.

For a complete store listing, read after the break...

Gift Guide: Ipanema for Men

Following up on the gift idea post, I bought DH his first ever Ipanema flip- flops- Surf Temas Masc. I want him to experience the comfort of walking on soft cushioned rubber. It's about time he shifts to Ipanema... the brand I love to wear!

Ipanema Surf Temas Masc II PhP895

I own several pairs of Ipanema flip-flops. I love the brand because it's very comfortable even when worn the whole day. The shape stays the same unlike a local brand I bought which turned flat when worn for a long period... waaaaah! The  designs are regularly updated too.

Gift Guide: PJs Sleepwear For Kids & Adults

My event: November 23, 2011

PJs Sleepwear Boutique

Unit # 408 Level 4, Shangri- la Mall

Mandaluyong City

5719228

I was recently invited to the re- opening of PJs Sleepwear store in Shangri-la and its launching of Holiday Collection 2011. I already know the brand because I have been its client for more than three years already. PJs Sleepwear is my default gift to almost all my inaanak. 

thanks Michelle of MyMomFriday for this photo

Out of the need for high quality sleepwear, PJs Sleepwear was born.  The company started by joining bazaars in 2004 then finally, they put up their very first shop in Shangri- la Mall in 2007. 

If you have been reading my blog, you know that I support Filipino- made brands/ products and PJ is one of them.

Holidays 2010

On Christmas eve, the priest presiding over the mass said that we should continue saying "Merry Christmas!" to each other until January 9, 2011. So, it's not too late for me to greet each and everyone of you who is reading my blog right now a Merry Christmas!

The year that was has given me so much new opportunities in the blogging world. I met a lot of new faces, some of my readers and contest winners too!

May the new year bless me with more and better opportunities, meet more bloggers and of course, more contest to come ; )

I hope you will have a blessed year too!

Christmas Tree 2010

Hello! I have an early morning flight to catch and I am leaving you with this Christmas post. You see, I only get excited on two occasions- my birthday and Christmas season! I am in my most happiest state during my birthday and my real friends could attest to that!

But Christmas brings back so many happy memories in my parents' house. So, I am excited as well on this occasion. Would you believe my siblings and I still hang our stockings on the eve of Christmas Day? Right, you would say it's silly, but it has become our family tradition of some sort.

My mom and dad on New Year's day!

Lovey dovey at Canyon Cove!

Wishing you all the best of everything for 2010!

Happy New Year!!

edited by DH