Dear Diary | August 2023 Edition

Dear August,

August started with a refreshed mind and soul after a long summer trip to Japan and back home. But unfortunately I spent the first week recuperating and recovering from fever and diarrhoea due to extreme heat in Japan. Glad that I have fully recovered now, although the process took longer than I thought. 

My routine in August has been pretty mundane, to be honest. The least I could do is to constantly remind myself to live a life here. I have been trying to segregate my personal time from work time, to minimise the feeling of burnout, and to do little things that bring me joy and satisfaction such as doing workouts, product shoots, cafe hopping, etc. 

05.08.2023 | Wedding bells. ❤ The first weekend of August was spent in KL to attend my primary schoolmate's wedding dinner. We used to spend our afternoon cycling and playing Pokemon together after school when we were 8. Time flies, and I am happy to see her being in good hands now :) 

09.08.2023 | Happy National Day, Singapore! ❤ Witnessing Singapore's National Day celebration live for the first time this year along the Jubilee Bridge. To be honest, the event lineup in Padang was more exciting than here, but anyway it is good to experience this at least once :) 

Back to my favourite Lola's Café | Strawberry Cheesecake Waffles

12.08.2023 | Being able to spend a quiet weekend doing my favourite things is something I should count my blessing for. Sometimes, it is only when we distance ourselves from the voices of the world then we can hear our own. Just so that such alone time feeds the soul and gives a lot of serenity to the mind. ❤

Singapore Night Festival

19.08.2023 | Singapore Night Festival was here from 18 - 26 August! So I was in Bras Basah area to check out the #SGNightFest dynamic projection mappings, night lights installations, along with the F&B and music festival village, plus night museum visits. 

Themed "Singapore, the Great Port City" this year, my favourite part of the festival was the maritime tale projected at the façade of the National Museum of Singapore, turning the white colonial building so colorful and vibrant.

Another light projection in CHIJMES; ❤

Flipper's Singapore | Surrey Hills Grocer

20.08.2023 | Words probably couldn't describe my feelings but it was one of the most contented Sundays thus far, hence worth penning it down. Finally made my way to this famous Japanese fluffy pancake parlour that reminded me of Shibuya's Happy Pancake - so light, airy and not cloying at all. 

Happy times flew by quickly, as we enjoyed the dessert along with endless stream of conversations. Approaching evening, we adjourned to another favourite of mine - an Australian farm-to-table dinner with an Asian flair. I liked the signature Laksa Prawn Linguine here!

七夕花花 | ❤

23.08.2023 | Things are most beautiful when they come unexpectedly. And the best things in life are not perfect; they are special ❤. Thanks for making me feel special albeit my imperfections! It was such a pleasant surprise that brightened up my day and beyond.

翠華 Tsui Wah @ The Heeren

26.08.2023 | It was another lovely weekend well-spent in town and away from workstuff. I usually catch up on work during my leisure time on weekends, but decided to give myself this weekend break to recharge and relax. Taking a pause is necessary to avoid burnouts in a long run.

The lunch venue was a little special, because I was there to revive the nostalgic feelings in a Hong Kong style cha chaan teng. It reminded me of my last trip to Hong Kong in 2018 to celebrate my birthday, and I have not stepped foot there since. It's probably time to plan a trip there soon :)

Favourite Jenny Bakery's Coffee Flower Cookies ❤

Not forgetting to mention, every trip to Hong Kong returns with my favourite cookies!

Thank you for the Sony WF-C700N Earbuds! 

The biggest surprise of the month is probably the brand new pair of powerful yet lightweight earbuds from Sony! It was such a sweet surprise to walk out from Sony store with this amazing gift from our first attempt on claw machine. Definitely something to remember for a long, long time :)

❤ ❤ ❤

After doing a quick recap of the month, it came to my realisation that August is actually a month full of surprises and happy little moments. Yet, at the same time, it comes with a mix of unpleasant emotions internally - self-doubt, hesitation and uncertainty - that I just can't get rid of in entirety. Such thoughts constantly linger at the back of my mind, serving as a constant reminder that one day I ought to wake up from the beautiful dream.

Oh well. Sometimes you are unsatisfied with your life, while many people in this world are dreaming of living your life. So, be appreciative of you have, because you would never know when would they be taken away from you.

Thank you August,

 Next...September!

❤ ❤ ❤

xoxo,

FiSh @ 31.08.2023

[TRAVEL] 3D2N Summer in Ibaraki, Japan

Konnichiwa from Ibaraki! ❤

My 2023 Japan summer trip mainly focuses on the Greater Area of Tokyo, covering 5 prefectures altogether. Ibaraki prefecture (茨城) was my first stop upon landing at Narita Airport. Located northeast of Tokyo along the Pacific coast, it took me 2 hours by train (2,310 yen one-way) to arrive at Mito, the capital of Ibaraki.

Little did I know, Ibaraki is so huge and if you have only 1 to 3 days to spare, then staying around Mito, Oarai and Hitachi area would be good enough to explore the famous landmarks in the prefecture while immersing yourselves into the beauty of history, culture and nature here. 

As the location of each tourist spot in Ibaraki is rather remote (although well connected via public bus / train), it is highly recommended to rent a car here and save your time travelling from one place to another. 

Here are the top 6 places of attractions I have been to throughout my 3D2N here in Ibaraki:

1. Hitachi Seaside Park

Hitachi Seaside Park (ひたち海浜公園)

Operating hours: 09:30 - 18:00

Entrance ticket: 450 yen 

Website: http://en.hitachikaihin.jp/

Access: 20 minutes by Ibaraki Kotsu Bus from Katsuta Station 

Hitachi Seaside Park is undoubtedly the most popular attraction in Ibaraki. I have heard about how beautiful this 215 hectare park is when it turns into an ocean filled with over 5 million Nemophila Harmony ("Baby Blue Eyes") flowers that bloom during late spring (from late April to mid May), or vibrant scarlet red field of Kochia during autumn (mid to late October).

While summer may not be the best season to visit the park (due to the strong heat at the unsheltered area), I was glad to see many kinds of seasonal flowers here including the newly planted 32,000 baby kochia!

Baby Kochia (Summer Cypress) field at Miharashi Hill

with the giant ferris wheel as the backdrop.

Linaria and sunflower field near the South Entrance.

Zinnia field near the Former Aizawa Family's House.

Another spot I wanted to visit in Hitachi Seaside Park is the Glasshouse Café for a cup of coffee while enjoying the sea view, but unfortunately it only opens during weekends.

There is a theme park (with water park) located next to it, so it is ideal for family summer vacation too. Overall, it is definitely worth a trip to Hitachi Seaside Park regardless of the season of the year.

2. Oarai Isosaki Shrine

Ōarai Isosaki Shrine (大洗磯前神社)

Operating hours: 08:30 - 18:00

Entrance ticket: Free

Website: https://www.oarai-isosakijinja.net/

Access: 30 minutes by Ibaraki Kotsu Bus from Mito Station / 

20 minutes walk from Oarai Station

Ōarai Isosaki Shrine is another highlight of my Ibaraki trip. Not every Japanese arch is the same - each comes in many styles and colors and can be placed at unusual locations like the one in Ibaraki. 

This is a white torii gate that stands out amongst the rocks and splashing waves of the ocean. I was here during sunset hours and the picturesque scenery was just amazing. The sound of nature on its own was a therapeutic melody for me, and I enjoyed the evening breezes that cooled down the bright summer day :) 

Alternatively, sunrise would also be a good time to view the gate. In fact, there are plenty of "floating tori gate" in Japan - so looking forward to visiting more soon! 

 

There is also a long fleet of staircase leading to the shrine, overlooking the sea. It was so breezy here although it was summer!

Oarai Sun Beach (大洗サンビーチ海水浴場) is located next to it, nearby Oarai Seaside Station, but the view for me was not as scenic. Anyway, feel free to drop by if you have some extra time to spare.

 

3. Horide Shrine and Hoshiimo Shrine

Hoshiimo Shrine (ほしいも神社)

Operating hours: 10:00 - 18:00

Entrance ticket: Free

Website: https://horide-hachiman.com/

Access: 2 minutes walk from Ajigaura Station

(last stop of Hitachinaka Seaside Railway)

Hoshiimo Shrine is another unique sightseeing spot at the seaside of Hitachi, famous for its gold-painted torii gate which resembles the golden yellow hoshiimo (sweet potato) snack in the region. Hoshiimo Shrine is named after "sweet potatoes" because the land of Hitachinaka City is blessed with the largest seet potatoes production in the whole of Japan. The people here not only feel grateful for the God's blessings, but are super friendly and warm too.  

I was the only visitor at this shrine in the morning, hence I bumped into the shrine operator at the entrance and he happily showed me around, shared the history of this place and even showcased the gold-painted superbike for me to take photos. I love how it was so peaceful and quiet here. 

100-year-old Hitachinaka Seaside Railway (Minato Line)

While it is more convenient to get here by car, hopping on the 100-year-old Hitachinaka Seaside Railway along the 14.3k Minato Line is definitely worth a trip for its scenic greenery view along the 30-minute ride to Ajigaura Station, where the Hoshiimo Shrine is located at. Thanks to the beautiful view, I totally didn't feel the travelling time at all! 

You will be greeted by a retired railcar at Ajigaura Station.

One-day pass for Hitachinaka Seaside Railway costs only 1,000 yen for unlimited ride!

4. JR Hitachi

JR Hitachi (日立駅) - "Glassbox Station"

JR Hitachi Station is probably the most Instagrammable station in Japan. It is only 30 minutes away from JR Mito Station (590 yen one-way via JR Joban Line), the city centre where I stayed in Ibaraki. Dubbed as a "glassbox station", JR Hitachi is an amazing vantage point of the deep blue sea with a seaside highway running next to it. 

I can totally imagine myself spending some peaceful hours sitting here,

appreciating the beauty of nature right in front of my eyes.

Best viewed during sunset hours!

Sea Birds Café (シーバーズカフェ) 

Operating hours: 07:00 - 22:00

Website: http://seabirdscafe.com/

Access: Hitachi Station East Exit

There is a cafe located in the station itself, featuring a great panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. I ordered a chiffon cake and drinks set (1,050 yen) during the afternoon tea time, and spent a relaxing hour here watching the vehicles along the seaside highway, with the shimmering blue sea and foamy white waves as the backdrop. 

Again, immersing myself into the slow-paced life was just so soul-comforting.

And it reminded me to appreciate every little moment in life.

5. Kairakuen Garden / Tokiwa Shrine

Kairakuen Garden (偕乐园) / Tokiwa Shrine

Operating hours: 06:00 - 19:00

Entrance ticket: 300 yen

Website: https://ibaraki-kairakuen.jp/guide/

Access: JR Kairakuen St. (only open during certain period) /

Ibaraki one-day bus (400 yen)

Kairakuen Garden in Mito (水戸) is one of the "Three Great Gardens of Japan" along with Kenrokuen in Kanazawa and Korakuen in Okayama. It is famous for plum blossoms viewing during mid-February to end-March every year. And there is a Mousou bamboo forest at the northernmost Omotemon Gate (表門) which looks similar to Kyoto's Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. 

I have been to Korakuen in Okayama during autumn, and the autumn foliage was indeed a very beautiful sight. Unfortunately, this time around, there was nothing much in the garden during summer hence I only made a quick tour around the quiet shrine, Tokiwa Jinja next to it and left. 

6. Lake Senba

If you are up for nature strolls, biking or boating, then Lake Senba is a must-visit attraction where you can enjoy the tranquility in the large park surrounded by the lake. It is also the home for the graceful swans, a white glasshouse and the statue of Tokugawa Mitsukuni (Mito Kōmon), an iconic politician during the early Edo period.

Happy to see hydrangeas here which lasted from late spring till summer.

In Mito, there is a one-day pass (400 yen) where you can hop onto any of the 3 buses from the north exit of JR Mito Station:

❤ Ibaraki Kotsu bus (red line)

❤ Kanto Tetsudo bus (blue line)

❤ Kantetsu Green bus (green line) 

And visit the major sightseeing spots nearby including:

❤ Kairakuen Garden

❤ Lake Senba  

❤ Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of History

❤ Art Tower Mito Contemporary Art Gallery

❤ Museum of Modern Art, Ibaraki

❤ Kōdōkan Mito Han School

The best part? The ticket also includes a discount on some of the entrance fees, so it definitely offers good value for money.

Accommodation

3D2N accommodation at JR-East Hotel Mets Mito ❤

After having a very pleasant experience at Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura, owned by JR-East Hotel network during the last Spring trip, I chose JR-East Hotel again this round and indeed it exceeded my expectation as always. Perfectly located right next to JR Mito Station, the hotel was clean, spacious and comfortable. Overall, it was great for a short stay.

Personally, the beauty of nature and landscape in the peaceful town of Ibaraki is something that truly captivates my heart, especially when I get to stay near the ocean. All in all, Ibaraki is a hidden gem which I feel is worth exploring if you are considering to travel around the greater area of Tokyo. 

❤ ❤ ❤

Overall, I am happy to unlock another prefecture in Japan during this trip! And if I were given another opportunity to return to Ibaraki prefecture, I would probably want to travel here during spring / autumn and explore other parts of Ibaraki such as: 

❤ Hitachi Seaside Park (during different blooming season)

❤ Double-peaked Mount Tsukuba

❤ Tsuchiura fireworks festival

❤ Ushiku Great Buddha

❤ Ibaraki sake brewery

❤ Hananuki Valley

❤ Fukuroda Falls

Post Summer Tips to Heal Damaged Hair

Summer is a great time of the year, filled with fun and adventure. But it can also be incredibly damaging to our skin and our hair. If you’ve spent a lot of time out in the sunshine, in swimming pools, on the beach and in the sea, or if you’ve been styling your hair for days out and tying it up when it’s too hot to wear loose, you might be left with incredibly dry ends, breakages, and brittle strands. There are things that you can do to protect your hair during the summer (like rinsing before swimming), but if it’s too late for that, you need to learn more about healing and repairing the damage. Here are some tips to help your hair return to its former glory.

Book a Trim

The first thing that you need to do is head to a Bristol salon for a trim. If your ends are split, dry, frizzy or otherwise damaged, booking an appointment and getting a trim at a Bristol hairdressers is the best way to keep your style and protect the rest of your hair.

If the ends feel very dry to the touch, they dry very crunchy or hard after washing, they break as soon as you try to brush to stretch them, or the individual strands look dry or frizzy, there’s probably not much that you can do to repair them. Getting a good trim at a hair salon in Bristol will at least stop the damage from spreading and help your hair to look neat and tidy. If you aren’t sure how much needs to be taken off, speak to a stylist at a hairdressers in Bristol for further advice at your consultation.

Invest in a Deep Conditioning Treatment

Your Bristol hairdressers can also offer a deep conditioning treatment to help hydrate your hair. This will keep it smooth and shiny and even help to strengthen it. After your appointment, invest in a home deep conditioner to use once a week.

Avoid Heat

Heat is one of the biggest causes of hair damage. While your hair is recovering, try to avoid heat styling and even blow drying as much as possible.

Use Protection

If you use a hairdryer, apply a gentle heat protection spray first and use the lowest heat setting possible.

Massage Your Scalp

The sun might also damage your scalp, which can slow growth and hair loss and lead to root damage. When you wash your hair, take the time to massage your scalp, as this will boost circulation and promote healing and healthy growth.

Drink More Water

Hydration is crucial to recovery. As well as treating your hair, ensure you drink lots of water to boost hydration. This will also help your skin to recover and stay soft.

Avoid Colour – Or Go Darker

Colouring our hair is very popular, and while dyes are much kinder than they used to be, they still cause damage, especially if you are going lighter and striping your natural colour. Avoid dying for a few months, and if you need to, choose a shade darker than your natural colour to avoid striping.

Wear Your Hair Loose

Tying your hair up causes breakages and damage. Wear it loose, when possible, to give it time to heal.

After summer, it’s normal for your hair to feel dry and damaged. With protection, hydration, and kindness, you can heal and restore some damage, but often you’ll need a trim to remove the dead, dry ends, allowing your hair to grow strong and healthy.