Ginger drink for all the cure

The weather is constantly changing within a week, I'm feeling a little under the weather. Whenever I'm coming down with a flu or sore throat, I always make this ginger lemon drink.

I love mixing my favorite tea (earl grey or black tea) with slices of gingers and fresh lemon juice. For a super cure, I use fresh ginger juice instead of ginger slices. This works every time for me! When I'm super lazy, a store bought honey ginger drink mixed works great as well!

Hope you all have a fun and healthy weekend :)

Sisters day in Jiyugaoka

 With my sister having moved to Japan just days ago, and another close cousin who has her flight schedule to Tokyo (she is a flight attendance), I'm running all over the city this week.

 

Hanging out with my sisters is like a treat! The three of us have been close together since forever. Thank you for making my Saturday so wonderful! Love you girls xoxo

Simple things about Fall

Fall is coming soon in Japan as the night gets colder each day. Although not as cold as Toronto, I'm pretty excited about season changing and colorful leaves. Here are some simple things I love best about Fall.
 

I love living in a comfy sweater like this one.

Wearing a scarf and learning how to wear it in 25 cool ways.

Drinking hot chocolates or try this pumpkin spice latte!

 






and reading a good book.

What do you love best about Fall? Care to share?

Images via 1. 2. 3. 4

Lately

Baby breaths from a friend's wedding last weekend.

Droplet earrings inspired by shapes of diamonds. Still in a process. I will post more soon. Please stay tuned :)

For times when you doubt on what you are doing. Smile and keep on going. Drawn by my sister.

Feel free to follow my instagram @cosetteonline

Cocoa wants some blueberries

My puppy, Cocoa, wants some blueberries real bad. This is too cute not to share here!

Tan & Beige

When I looked around my apartment the other day,  I saw lots of tan & beige (including my puppy here). Now that Spring is officially here, maybe it's the perfect timing to add some colors to my apartment.

Bonjour Tristesse

I'm currently reading Bonjour Tristesse by Francoise Sagan. It was recommended by a good friend of mine. Have you read it? Love to share?

Instagram x Kawagoe

My high school friend from Thailand visited me last week. We went to a sweet potato town, Kawagoe. Cherry blossoms were just blooming. It was breathtaking!

Every corner of the old town was celebrating cherry blossom season!

Colorful vintage snack shop.

Make sure to follow me on instagram @cosetteonline

A little exchange

 

Not long ago, I contacted Clare for a little exchange. I immediately fell in love with her illustrations and I'm so happy I got them in the mail just yesterday. 

 I'm planning to put The ladies adventure in the studio and Parisian map in the living room.

Visit Clare's website for more amazing works! Thank you so much Clare!

Les cosmétique

I have developed cosmetics obsession since moving to Japan last year. Drugstores here are fun to visit and you might find yourself wandering in there for hours. When it comes to Japanese cosmetics, I especially love Kate eyeshadows, Shu Uemura lash curler and Kiss me heroine mascara.

Clockwise: Coach pouch from my mother-in-law, Kate eyeshadow, Nars blush, Kiss me heroine mascara, C.O. Bigelow lip cream, Shu Uemura lash curler, Bobbi brown gel eyeliner and Dr. Jart + loose powder (got a sample when shopping in Korea and totally hooked!)

First snow

It was snowing last night in Japan for the very first time where I live. I like that everything looks all white and pretty in the morning. Cocoa and I had fun walking around the neighborhood together.

But since today is really sunny outside, the snow are all melted by afternoon.

See you next year!

{Image via Eye poetry photography}

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas. I'll see you next year!

Around here

Christmas is in the air!

Coffee talk

Who wouldn't love aromatic coffee scent? I have recently purchased a coffee/espresso machine to our studio. I had so much fun learning latte art (not a very good learner!) and adding extra something like caramel, vanilla and cocoa into the coffee. 

My favorite is Mocha Latte. What's your favorite? Would you like to share your coffee story?

Kamakura for a day

Got a chance to visit Kamakura for the very first time. Everyone had a great time. Including this puppy above who is new to Japan :)

Weekend delight

Do you like to see behind the scenes of artists at work?  I know I do. While organizing my studio, I found one of my favorite books Open Studio by Lotta Jansdotter that I haven't finished reading since my move to Japan. I love how she covered three of my favorite cities around the world (Brooklyn, Stockholm and Tokyo).

While reading the book, my puppy Cocoa thought by acting cute I would share an apricot danish with her. My sister is currently visiting me in Japan. She brought along my puppy, Cocoa, with her. Cocoa is adjusting to her new life in Japan quite well :)

Twelve by 2012

2012 is coming very soon. Only two month left, can you believe it? Danni from Oh, hello friend came up with a fun idea called twelve by 2012. It sounds fun that I have to join her.

Is there anything you want to do by the end of the year? Here are my lists, don't forget to share yours!

1. Blog more
2. Make a wedding album
3. Send Christmas / New Year cards to distant family and friends
4. Make new jewelries every week
5. Bake chocolate chip cookies
6. Get an oversized sweater
7. Go skiing
8. Read inspirational quotes every morning
9. Eat more fruits and veggies
10. Make a nice inspirational board
11. Stop procrastinating
12. Think positive

Something in the mail

Remember I blogged about a wedding reception I went to? Well, I received a gift just a few days ago. Here's what I got.

Heard about L'Occitane hand cream for a really long time. Finally gave it a try and I love it so far.

Rose scented solid parfum and a soap bar smell heavenly too. Can't wait to try them all!

Hacoa

Wedding reception in Japan is quite a unique one. When you attend someone's wedding, you received a gift book. There are tons of gifts you can choose from and they will be delivered at your door.

I attended a wedding reception for the first time and for one of the gifts I chose is this wooden pot coaster/holder from Hacoa.

I love the simple design and the wood texture just made everything perfect.

A short trip to Seoul

Got a chance to visit South Korea for the first time. Although it was such a short trip (four days). I had so much fun in Seoul.

A must visit street in Insadong. Insadong is surrounded by local artists and artisans. One building is dedicated to artists to sell their creations.

I couldn't help but purchased these irregular salt and pepper shakers. They are handmade by Nanishow. These shakers are such wonderful additons to my dining table :)