Le monde de Tokyobanhbao: Blog Mode gourmand

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)

Mid season

Sat 2 Mar, 2019 · Fashion

The weather of the past few days has been quite confusing, and I’ve found it hard to choose my outfit: always the same mid-season issue (we have to admit, it’s a bit early).

Having a smaller wardrobe is actually also convenient as I can keep the 4 seasons clothes ready-to-wear, which is perfect to mix mid-season clothes without looking up too far in my apartment (or my cellar). So here is un example of outfit that I was able to wear the past few days (before the rain).

The idea is to mix a warm piece of cloth with a lighter one and we are all good. Once again, you’ll be able to find a few elements you’ve already seen in my wardrobe:

This Zara blazer : nothing to say quality wise… with this peacoat it’s the only two pieces of gold from this temple of Fast Fashion that I kept from my big clothes sorting.
This Close jumper : likewise, the quality has remained the same after a lot of laundry (wool program obviously) and I am sorry the website MSR closed down (even though I think the brand Close is available at Monoprix)
These Topshop mom jeans : durability and quality since 2014 (it has this laid back touch and can match with everything)
This Sézane bag : not on sale anymore but I still love the vintage style and it’s super convenient. From my experience from Sézane, I can assure that the quality of the bags is great (at least the ones I have!). I am more hesitant about the shoes that always end up being not that confortable on my feet.

My winter investment

And the “newbies” for my feet, these Mary janes from Carel I had an eye on since I saw my dear Alexa Chung wearing them in every situation. I thought that if she wears them all the time, it means that they must be confortable: indeed the size of the heel, the patent leather and this Italian manufacture were already quite promising.

So I jump on the opportunity of this discounted price during the sales. A nice pair of red shoes, with a pretty red, with heels AND confortable, we can’t find that easily… and I don’t regret this investment.

I was able to walk a whole afternoon without any problem but I will keep you updated to know if they really worth the investment. As for now, I am convinced by their softness and design.

I hope you will enjoy this kind of article, in which I tell you in details about the clothes I have and pieces in which I am considering to invest. Always keeping in mind that my wardrobe must remain small, durable and optimal. It takes time to only have on hand quality pieces but I like the idea of being on the good path. (English translation by Quiterie)

My Outfit

Blazer Zara (already seen here and here)
Jumper Close (already seen here)
Mom jeans Topshop (already seen here and here)
Shoes “Kina” Carel
Bag Sézane (already seen here and here)