Enoshima Island, Japan

I have visited Enoshima Island during my last trip to Japan. It was during a very hot summer sometime in October.

Upon arrival at the train station.

Crossing the bridge by foot to the island.

Along the coastal line.

Along the streets of Enoshima Island leading to the center of the island.

To be blessed by the pure water? I really have no idea!

Really attractive looking temple.

Cute little wishes written on pink paper.

Take a closer look.

Japanese sweets on sale.

More sweets. And more sweets!

Natural Facial Toner

I have quite dry and sensitive skin. Therefore, I am always on the lookout for good quality mild facial products that suits my skin.

I have tried various toners from different established brands as well as more affordable brands. Some brands do not refer toners as toners but as softening lotions. Whilst some of them are good for use, pricing just cannot beat the toner that I am using now.

Whilst there has been time now and then that I have neglected to use a facial toner after facial cleansing, I have rediscovered the advantage of using toners.

Toners are used after facial cleansing to remove any remaining impurities on the skin. And most importantly, the toner is to help to tighten pores. Another important point to note is that the toner preps up our skin for the next phase of application. Since my skin is quite dry at my cheek area, the anti-ageing serums and rich moisturizer that I am using now just do not seem to be able to be absorbed fully if I do not use any toner. After the application of the toner, and before it dries out, I will apply the anti-ageing serum, rich moisturizier or firming lotion.

The only toner that I use now is rose water. Such a simple and natural ingredient but it really works as a toner. The faint rose fragrance is lovely and the feeling is refreshing upon application. The rose water does not leave the skin dry. For those with oilier skin, witch hazel is a good choice. I have tried witch hazel out of curiousity and indeed it is too harsh for my skin.

Pricing for rose water is wonderful too. It only costs a few bucks and I normally buy a few everytime I visit. In Singapore, the only place that I am aware of that sells rose water suitable for facial skin is at Guardian.

Coffee @ Arthoholic, Singapore

I was so full having a dinner of "bak kut teh" at Joo Chiat. Looking across the road, I spied a chic looking cafe which looks more like an art gallery. Despite my full tummy, this cafe is too irresistible to not to walk in and have a cuppa.

Artoholic is quite the tasteful art gallery with tables and seats amongst paintings and artifacts. The place is quiet and peaceful. I heard that this cafe was in fact opened by the interior design company which resides one floor above the cafe. Wow! The employees here are lucky. They can come down for coffee anytime they wish. Talk about killing 2 birds with 1 stone!

In fact, there was only 1 other customer in the cafe which is kind of convenient for us to browse the gallery and walk around. It was relaxing and peaceful with jazz music playing in the background. Coffee is extremely reasonably price for that kind of quality. Coffee costs an average of SG$4.00 and comes with a ginger (?) biscuit.

Sit back and relax and have a cuppa!

Arthoholic Gallery Pte Ltd

422 Joo Chiat Road, Nota House

427642 Singapore

Sweets from Land of the Rising Sun

Now, my brother just came back from a short trip in Japan and he has brought home an assortment of candies and chocolates for the family.

One of the more interesting sweets is the Tokyo banana pie. Well, it does not look or taste pie but more of a better croissant with a hint of banana flavour.

Meiji chocolate in both vanilla white and milk chocolate.

Sugar free mango candy and sugar free plum throat candy.

Green tea Kit Kat