Le monde de Tokyobanhbao: Blog Mode gourmand

Beginning of spring

Tue 26 Mar, 2019 · Fashion

Once again here is a look made of things I already have in my closet. I am really pleased to see that you like these “recycled” fashion related articles.

While writing this word “recycle” I am aware that it shows a serious issue of consumption as it’s supposed to be used in a normal way. Wearing a few times our clothes is not recycling, it’s just the basis for a balanced consumption… but anyway, you understand me!

Since I’ve limited my wardrobe and fashion consumption, I am still happy to use these pieces of clothes with a new association and even more with the nicer days approaching.

As the last time, I will give you a few feedbacks about my outfit items you’ve already seen on this blog:

My Sézane “Will” denim jacket : From the 2016 collection, enough time has passed to say that it worth the investment. I washed it a few times in the laundry, it didn’t move and I can wear it with everything. Casual and chic at the same time, a basic we can count on.
My La Redoute lace blouse : also from 2016, I’ve receive compliments every time I wear it and it always saves me when I don’t know what to wear for a night out. But on a daily basis, it knows how to look good… knowing that I’ve washed it in my laundry (not event delicate program!)… What a pleasure!
My Uniqlo wide denim jeans : I am in love with these jeans that I’ve been wearing during both winter and summer times. You’ve seen it a few times already on this blog. You can’t buy it anymore (they have another one on sale now but a bit too short): what a shame because they are easy to keep and the stretch fabric makes them super comfy.
My Boden leopard flats : 2016 seems to be a very good year! I’m still very happy with the comfort and the quality of these leopard ballerinas, which add a savage touch to all kind of outfit. I can walk for hours with them even thought they are a bit (too?) flat. All the ballerinas should get inspired by these ones: nothing hurts !
My Sézane “Dean” bag : As I told you last time, I’m quite satisfied with my Sézane bags. Little drawback for this one that I haven’t worn often unlike the others (…which explains why I hadn’t noticed this drawback!): the flat camel leather gets easily some marks so if you don’t take care of it, you’d better choose the croco style leather from the brand, thicker and not as sensible for the impacts.

I told you I was only wearing old stuffs… but actually there is one exception with these accessories: flake imitation earring for the final touch. Worth the €13!

Even with this price I hope they will last as long as possible. I reinforced the rod with a bit of glue in-between the plastic and the rod.

If you would like to « invest » as well, you should know that they are very light and we quickly forget them, which is quite a positive point. Let’s see how long they will be ok… but with my little DIY improvement, I think all the chances are on my side! (English translation by Quiterie)

(This post includes some affiliate links)

My Outfit

Sézane Will Jacket (2016) (already seen here and here)
Lace top La Redoute (2016) (already seen here and here)
White jeans Uniqlo (2017)(already seen here and here)
Flats Boden (2016) (already seen here and here)
Bag Dean Sézane (2016) (already seen here)

Earrings La Redoute Collections
Bracelet and watch Cluse

« Volume russe » Eyelashes extensions Les cils de Marie (already seen here)

Five senses #12

Thu 21 Mar, 2019 · Decoration, Fashion, Food

Let’s go for a new episode of « Five senses » to discover what shook my 5 senses lately !

Taste

Mug Anthropologie (gifted by my “Babe” Candice)
Curcuma Chaï by Yogi Tea

I gave you the Golden milk recipe in a previous episode : this ayurvedic drink full of nutritional qualities. I prepare it once in a while but not as much as I would, even though it’s pretty easy to prepare (worried about the unwanted curcuma stain on my clothes maybe!)

So here is why I was really delighted to discover a Curcuma Chaï tea from Yogi Tea. After checking the ingredients, I found out it was quite similar to the ones needed for a Golden milk (curcuma, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom…).

Ceiling lights La Redoute intérieurs
Wooden table Ikea

We can choose to drink it as herbal tea with boiled water but also to infuse it in simmering milk for a few minutes to get this Holy Golden milk. And the result is pretty much the same as the one I get when prepared myself! Convenient and good, it’s a good idea for the lazy days… approved!

Smell

Plum melting balm Les Inspyrées
Olive wood board AM.PM

As I told you earlier, I’ve been trying to be more careful with the cosmetic I choose even though my skin isn’t very receptive to virtuous products.

I still have the same cleaning routine with the products Les Inspyrées but for the face skincare I keep using a mix between traditional cosmetics as my skin can’t balanced itself with natural oils: I still have the issue with a mixed dehydrated skin and glowy areas…

But as I am a pretty rare case, my friend Mathieu from Les Inspyrées promised me to find with Nicolas, his associate, the ingredients that would fit me as their products seem to be fine for most of their users. Fingers crossed!

Anyway, for the body I was able to fight the dryness with this balm that was given by Les Inspyrées. Actually Mathieu made himself this body balm in his workshop in the Pyrenees: the production circuit to my bathroom couldn’t be more direct and transparent!

The texture of the balm is different from a cream but the nourishing action is durable and the light smell of plum is very nice. I will keep you updated about the various tests anyways.

Sight

Mont Fuji by @_h1roya

Even though it’s regularly criticised, Instagram remains for me an interface to find inspiration and to dream. Especially to discover destinations to travel as I was not aware of. I’ve been following for a while the account @travelandleisure that gathers instagram pictures from users all around the world.

Peru, Iceland and Sri Lanka by @iuriebelegurschi, @thismattexists and @cbezerraphotos

Here are a few examples. Well, obviously, Photoshop is not very far but I’m still amazed in front of such a beauty, touristic diversity and I dream to be able to visit these places to see if they are as beautiful as the pictures.

Austria et and the Dolomites, Italy by @mblockk and @wonguy974

Hearing

News about Marina and the diamonds… well, just Marina because she left her diamonds on the way to release her new album “Love + Fear” in April.

I am so excited to discover all the songs of this new album as I’ve loved what she’s done in the past few years (she even inspired me here).

Pictures from the “Handmade heaven” videoclip by Marina

The two songs (“Superstar” and “Handmade heaven”) she’s unveiled so far are still in the airy and melodious style that we know, for my pleasure. My preference would go to « Handmade heaven », which I found pure, dreamlike and melancholic at the same time. A beauty for me. The video clip shot in the snowy nature isn’t really in phase with the season but I can totally picture myself listening this piece of gold during my winter trip to Hokkaido.

Fingers crossed she will be coming to France for a concert… without hoping too much, as I feel like the French popularity remains confidential unfortunately.

Touch

This year 2019 has started under the sign of yoga! Indeed, since January, every morning (almost), I’ve been doing about 20 minutes of yoga following the class of Adriene, a young girl from Texas on Youtube.

I started by the “Dedicate 30-day yoga journey” in January and then I got addicted to this morning routine. I am not an expert but I think my body likes every minute of stretching and sun salutation.

So I’ve been following the session she prepares every month (I did February and March in a very religious way). The session are in English but it’s easy to understand if you want to try, it won’t be difficult to follow the classes.

As for now, I’ve been doing the Yogi beginner exercises with a fitness mat but I’ve been considering to buy a nice, sober and convenient yogi mat: any advices, maybe? (English translation by Quiterie)

(Some links may be affiliate links)

Kushiro

Fri 15 Mar, 2019 · Food, Illustration, Travel

Last and final of this winter trip to Japan… a year after this trip, I am (finally!) finishing it on this blog… it’s about time you might tell me! Was it an unconscious way to keep this trip going somehow? Maybe… but it’s with a bit of nostalgia that I start this last stop: Kushiro, still on the wild island of Hokkaido.

We only stayed one day but right on time to be lucky enough to see the dancing Japanese cranes, symbol of Hokkaido and also meaning longevity.

Akan international crane center

As soon as we arrived at the station for Kushiro, we dropped our luggage at the baggage room and took a taxi to Akan International Crane Center. Buses also go there but we were worried to not get on time (sunset is early!) to see the cranes so we took all our chances.

Sometimes we can be lucky: after a 40-min drive, an improvised picnic in the taxi, we were able to see this wonderful dancing show of cranes flying high… 10 minutes later would have been too late… making these photos even more precious.

Then we took the time to visit the museum dedicated to this noble animal, while admiring the origami made in its honor.

One Japanese legend (Senzabaru) says that if we can fold 1000 cranes and assemble them along a string, our wish of happiness, wealth and longevity will be fulfilled. We can also do this detailed job for someone else so he/she can get better or for a birth/wedding… I love this kind of superstition full of humanity.

It brings something even more special to this elegant animal, who is unfortunately also in danger of extinction…

Kushiro Washo market

The town of Kushiro itself has nothing really interesting to see (the surrounding are) but the Washo market might be a nice yummy stop if you would like to make your own “Katte-don”. It consists in choosing various pieces of fresh fishes you like with tasty rice.

The total might get a bit pricey considering the large choice and freshness available! But even at 8am, I was able to savor this Katte-don!

My “katte-don” for breakfast

This market is also the good occasion to admire local products (yogurts and cheeses made with milk from Hokkaido) in addition to the seafood.

A few fruits can also be found. Still too much plastic packagings (not only here but everywhere in Japan) but the obsession of cleanness remains in the country of rising sun for better… or worse.

And it’s finally the end of this winter trip with a flight back to Tokyo, a few days spent there (including Valentines’Day once again at Tokyo DisneySea!) and the way back to France, the head full of a new vision of Japan, more natural, confidential and authentic.

I hope you enjoyed this winter tour together and that it gave you a lot of ideas if you are considering traveling to Japan in winter. It will be most probably one of the most beautiful trip I’ve done… I feel like I love this country even more each time: is it possible to fall in love more and more year after year? It seems like yes… (English translation by Quiterie)

(To read the entire 2018 Japan winter trip review click here)