All posts by Siree

Seeing Autumn Leaves in Kawaguchiko, Japan

December 1, 2015 Siree 1 Comment

A Guide to Seeing Autumn Leaves at Lake Kawaguchiko

Picture a scene where the mountain breeze is chill and crisp as you walk towards a lone temple shrine standing proudly in solemn silence in the woods. The warm autumn sunshine shines brightly through the trees, passing through a canopy of painted fall coloured leaves perfectly framing the temple in a halo of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows.

It’s an idealistic image fitting for any travel postcard!

Though it might sound like poetic overkill, in Japan an idyllic autumn setting as I described is not too far from the imagination.

Before Japan begins to suffer the winter blues, fall’s arrival brings the spectacular sight of the trees turning color also known as kōyō (紅葉). It’s a magnificent sight to behold and has inspired many artists and poets for centuries. Today, many locals eagerly anticipate when the momiji maple trees turn crimson red to hunt for the best viewing locations. For travelers to Japan, this autumn past time is definitely something to experience if you happen to be here during the November period.

The most popular and famous spot for many Tokyoites to visit is the Hakone area near Mount Fuji where Lake Kawaguchiko comes alive with the colours and festivities of momiji’s change.

Let’s dive into what autumn activities await you at Kawaguchiko Lake as we go hunting for momiji autumn leaves!

autumn leaves

Where to See Autumn Leaves in Kawaguchiko

kawaguchiko autumn leaves

Momiji Corridor もみじ回廊

The Momiji Corridor is a walkway that runs along a small river leading into Lake Kawaguchiko. Though the walkway is 2km long, the viewing area for the autumn leaves is only at the front section closest to the lake. Still, it is the most popular place

to see the autumn leaves as it holds the local Momiji Festival, evening illuminations, and is lined with over 60 maple trees!

kawaguchiko autumn leaves

kawaguchiko autumn leaves The colours are amazingly vibrant against the blue sky!

kawaguchiko autumn festival food

kawaguchiko autumn festival food Some of the local treats you can eat during the Momiji Festival.

Momiji Tunnel もみじトンネル

About 3 km away from Momiji Corridor, the Momiji Tunnel is another popular photo spot for people who want to capture the autumn leaves with Mount Fuji in the background.

Despite what the name suggests, the “tunnel” reference is actually how the focal point is composed to make it appear that the momiji leaves surround and frame Mount Fuji in the distance.

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A post shared by George Yajima | Italo-Jap (@georgeyajima) on Nov 28, 2018 at 5:09pm PST

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Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center

Located on the north side of Lake Kawaguchiko the Kawaguchiko Natural Living Centre is a rest point that offers a different autumn scenery with Mount Fuji.

At the centre people can enjoy a coffee break while walking around the lakeside

flower and herb garden or enjoy blueberry fruit picking and fruit-related souvenirs at the gift store. If you want to walk a little further to enjoy the scenery, Oishi Park is also nearby.

kawaguchiko living center

kawaguchiko autumn leaves

Vanilla and Blueberry Mix Soft Serve. Grown and made on-site!

kawaguchiko living center

kawaguchiko autumn leaves

Iyashi no Sato Nenba (Healing Village)

Not too far away from Kawaguchiko is Lake Saiko’s Iyashi no Sato Nenba (Healing Village), an open-air museum and craft village tucked away in the mountainside.

Originally, Iyashi no Sato was a farming village but was destroyed during a landslide caused by a typhoon in 1966. To revive the image of traditional thatched-roof farmhouses that were iconic of the village, the local Nenba community reconstructed more than twenty houses converted into museums, souvenir shops, and restaurants.

Some of the shops in the village offer workshops on how to make traditional washi paper, charcoal, and soba with each shop specialising in a traditional local craft such as pottery or weaving.

During the autumn season, the scene of the thatched-roof houses surrounded by coloured momiji trees and farm life creates a beautiful rural scene one would expect to find in a historical TV drama.

IYASHI NO SATO NENBA

Mount Fuji in the clouds

IYASHI NO SATO NENBA

japan lemonade summer

IYASHI NO SATO NENBA

houtou noodles

Local houtou noodle soup.

IYASHI NO SATO NENBA

BONUS: Lake View on Route 県道710号

Although not an official photo spot, while driving towards the Iyashi no Sato Nenba Village along route 県道710号 we stumbled upon by chance a stunning view of the

mountains and autumn colours reflecting clearly off the water’s surface. It was so mesmerising we just had to stop and have a look!

Lake Saiko autumn

Beauty Reviews, Makeup

Review: Rimmel Magical Stay Lip Coat

October 23, 2015 Siree 2 Comments

As life has been reduced to my “poor student, no stable income status” existence again, it is a bummer to keep fighting the urge to spend my savings on something cool or chic based on the perfectly logical reasoning that “I must have it because it is so unnecessary” impulsion.

No job, no income and in shopping heaven. I am on dangerous levels of unemployment poverty right now to enjoy much of what Tokyo has to offer unfortunately. It truly pains me! Well, at least for now anyway.

While smart budgeting in the interest of stretching my cash, I discovered this Rimmel Magical Stay Lip Coat which perfectly emulates my current state of penny saving heartache but also, does this thing really work?!

With a promise that your cherry stain will still be there when eating or drinking could one application be the answer to cure all our first world lipstick woes?

Let’s test drive and see!

The Rimmel Magical Stay Lip Coat formula came out quite runny at first, a sign that I didn’t shake the bottle enough so application can be a bit messy if you are not careful and only a small amount is needed which is roughly the size of a grain of rice. All you need to do is rub the formula over your lips evenly and when dry, you are ready to go! I’m using the 3CE lipstick in the shade #cometome since it’s bright and will be easily visible on surfaces.

I was a bit alarmed to see that my lipstick ended up on my fingers when I rubbed the formula on. If first impressions count, I would have thought that the Rimmel Magical Stay Lip Coat failed even before we started! Moving on however, the first claim on the package is the drink test.

Here we go:

And holy crap was I impressed!! As you can see, the lipstick really didn’t transfer much onto the cup and the ring of orange was from the inside of my mouth were I didn’t put the formula. The lipstick was still looking fresh after I drank the rest of the water in the cup so I would say that the Rimmel Magical Stay Lip Coat holds up to its claim after all!

Next up is the food test:

Huzzah! A perfect excuse to eat cake since the package also had dessert on it. Itadakimasu~

And again, the Rimmel Magical Stay Lip Coat has shown its amazing holding power! There was a faint orange tint around the eaten side but it was minimal compared to eating food without it ordinarily. What can I say, I love it!

If you are coming to Japan and are looking for cool cosmetic products to try, definitely give this a go!

Overall: ✩✩✩✩

PROS

Great value for money

Actually does what it says

Can last for 60 applications in a tiny tube

Lasts for 4 hours+

CONS

Application is a bit messy if you do not shake the bottle properly

Be careful when dispensing the product

Price: Around 1200 yen

Until Next Time!

Siree

Style Review

Zimmermann Resort Collection: Review & Preview

August 6, 2015 Siree Leave a comment

Resort in the City

Look at these stunning visions of beauty above!

The follow are some of my favourite pieces I love from the Resort 2015/16 Collection that to me shows off Zimmermann’s core. The attention to detail, the smart clever cutting of the fabric and delicate silhouettes are just stunning and are elements I love in fashion designs.

There’s no question and with one glance you just know. That unmistakable vibe that breathes off a design and its designer that’s distinctive of its namesake. There’s no better way to describe how sartorially sassy the way fabric hugs the skin so elegantly like Zimmermann does.

Any girl would feel like they were Miranda Kerr dressed to impress with such beauties (no VS wings needed).

Showing us the way to cut-out here, I adore Zimmermann’s sensibility to form. Simply love, love, love the mix prints and risqué silk-like fabric that drapes almost sensually on the body, revealing just the right amount of skin to stay flirty and classy with each careful cut-out shape.

Of course, no mention of Zimmermann would be complete without mentioning their swimwear.

No boring one piece here! Have you ever seen anything like these before?!

The designs are so on point with these little numbers, they have done us beach-loving Australian ladies proud to display such praise-worthy wears on the international scene.

And just when you thought the word “resort” only meant beachwear. Ha! Think again!

Zimmermann shows how bold and contemporary on runway to ready-to-wear versatile the pieces can be. No doubt I am feeling inspired to try this fresh new form of modern mod mode soon. Perfection.

While I feel like a gushing girly-girl showing off such eye candy prettiness, let’s just take a minute to absorb the beauty that is these structured details in their 2015 work shall we.

Just wow! The intricate lace layout and the safari boho casual air leaves me wanting to take on the urban jungle game wearing these as my warrior outfits any time.

Exploring the town and pounding pavement with some killer style. Erm, why not?!

Moving towards 2016, be sure to check out their campaign for more here!

Until Next Time!

Siree

Australia Food Guide, Greatly Terrific Food Outing

GTFO: Secret Garden

July 16, 2015 Siree Leave a comment

If you find yourself wandering through the busy hustle of Newtown to the quieter edge of Enmore, you are now in the hush-hush circle of some new age food buzz scene going on every weekend.

Newtown might always take the favourite for brunch time, but Enmore is probably one of the most diverse eating areas in outer Sydney you will experience on one street. From African to Turkish ice cream, this place is the eating melting pot that enjoys a little obscurity overshadowed by its big sister next door making it peaceful and quiet – perfect for some late brunching!

The truth of the day was, we were supposed to check out some vegan food but ended up finding Secret Garden and past the vertical flower arrangements and curtained fern vines, was a cozy hole-in-the-wall that was pretty damn cool to walk away from.

Setting and Atmosphere

Rating: ★★★★

First impressions count and Secret Garden sure does welcome you to “smell the roses.”

Every corner to the ceiling is filled with an assortment of plants both fake and real which proves, if you have a theme you better go hard or go home!

Is this a garden or some tropical jungle we stepped into?

However you may define it, the decor is a good transition from the day cafe (7am – 5pm) to the bar at night (5pm – 11pm).

Think small and cozy communal lounging or get intimate in the loveeee seater under the canopy (oh-la-la).

Food

Rating: ★★★

Browsing through the cafe menu, you’ll find your standard favourites of bacon and poached eggs to fancy steak sandwiches.

Until you see dinner.

Have you heard of ‘arepas’ before? Neither have we until we came to Secret Garden.

It’s a Colombian white corn meal pocket with filling and sounds interesting only, they serve it at night. Why?!

We gave up being vegetarians today for you~ sigh

But moving along, we chowed down to some of their other cafe grub to ease the pain.

Talyssa was in the mood for something avocado and light so the “Poached Eggs” was the obvious choice.

Recalling back, I don’t remember seeing or tasting feta or lemon oil which would have been nice.

For $16, I’d would say even with 2 eggs on top, without the other elements, it’s slightly better than your usual piece of toast.

Crushed again to hear that they sold out on the “Black and Blue” (rare roast beef sandwich), I opted for the “Montreal Ruben (typo for Reuben?)” instead and I’m glad I did.

I loved the sauerkraut and pickle combo which cut through the heaviness of the cheese and the swap for smoked wagyu instead of the usual pastrami was a good choice. It really showed off a mature side when eaten.

I wasn’t too sure about the side of Wasabi Potato Salad as I felt it didn’t really match together and the noticeable hit of wasabi was missing.

Service

Rating: ★★★

As with most, if not all order-and-pay-at-the-counter sort of eating services, you’re pretty much left alone after your interaction with the staff which is fine since the cafe vibe is very relaxed.

For the moments of service at Secret Garden, it was a pleasant experience.

Pricing and Value for Money

Rating: ★★★

Price points on the menu would be marked on the average scale for Sydney brunching.

If you want something light and simple for a weekend feed with that true “suburban local cafe” drop-by with change still left in your pocket,

Secret Garden fits the bill.

The Details

Where: 134a Enmore Road, Enmore 2042

Opening Hours: Mon – Tue: 07:00–17:00 | Wed, Thur, Fri, Sun: 07:00 – 23:00 | Sat: 07:00–22:00

Website: http://www.secretgardenbar.com.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/secretgardenenmore

FML - Fashion Monthly Look

FML: Back to School

June 21, 2015 Siree 4 Comments

Top: Zara // Skirt: Zara // Shoes: Seed Heritage // Bow Brooch: DIY

Class Starts Now

… and you’re running around wondering what you are going to wear!

Attending the school of style and judging between rocking up in pajama party gear or better-look-like-I-ironed-this-shirt OOTD, the campus is a great place to play dress up or dress down (or forever in whatever works mode. I tend to get sloppier as the years went on).

Seeing this combo on a Zara mannequin, I knew I had to get ALL of it. But something was missing.

Although I wanted to add a proper bow-tie, I think this little bowsie brooch I whipped up gave it a whimsical touch playing the part of a good studious student, though I would never get to the lecture room on time to save my life.

Time to end this with a fashionably late pun!

Until Next Time!

Siree

Fashion

How to Stack Rings

June 1, 2015 Siree Leave a comment

stackring1

Left to Right: Nasty Gal // Bagazimuri // In God We Trust // THPSHOP // Overseas (Korea)

The Anatomy of the Stack

I might not be the best at cleaning, or the best at organizing, but give me some miscellaneous items to throw in a bag or box and I’m a hero. If you have worked/work in a grocery store and received a compliment from a customer about how well you packed their bags, you know that your OCD skills have been upgraded to “genius” rewarding every control freak with the sweet victory of satisfaction.

Jenga, Tetris and Dr. Mario, I owe you my thanks to master the art of the stack.

A method? Or a loose set of rules?

The “way” of ring stacking is not a strict science but a handy guide that will get you to pro in no time.

The “basic” set up for stack perfection is mastering the tower effect on your fingers with your ring collection. Buying already made ring sets are fine, but if you are building from scratch you might want to plan your set before purchasing a bunch of rings.

Try to figure out where you want to have your midi rings, your cluster, your bands if you like something with more body, how many skinny bands you will need and so on. It’ll save you a lot of money in the end.

When you stack your rings high, you’ll probably feel like your fingers get compressed from piano fingers to chubby short stacks (haha get it?).

Never fear, you can use a few tricks to try and mask the impression of short fingers by using more thin bands in your combo or simply paint your nails a nude/light pink shade to make your fingers appear longer.

stackring3

Left to Right: THPSHOP // In God We Trust // Overseas (Korea)

Everyday Simple

An easy go-to stack look that will go with everything you wear, the everyday chic vibe is the most versatile combo in your arsenal and also the best to invest in.

If you can afford it, go with quality over quantity especially if you are into gold tones as they’ll look more elegant on your dainty fingers day and night.

stackring2

Up to Down: Whistles // Overseas (Korea) // Bagazimuri // Overseas (Japan)

Pastel Dream

If you like to play with colour adding different stones, beads or costume designs can work in any stack.

First, start off with a theme and try to find complimentary shades or shapes to create a cohesive set.

Try to not overkill on your theme and keep things simple.

How do you stack your rings?

Until Next Time!

Siree

Run by two travel and lifestyle bloggers, The Hidden Thimble focus’ on creating truthful and in-depth travel guides, food & beauty reviews. Enjoy drool-worthy photography from around the world!