KANTOU ❤'s KANSAI

☀ SATURDAY JULY 16, 2011 ☀

My two best friends came to see me all the way from Tokyo! お疲れ様でした！They traveled 8 hours by bus to come see me for the weekend! They only stayed for 2 days but we tried to make the most of it.

The belated birthday gifts they gave to me :)

Reunited! Right after we arrived back to my place, we got ready right away! 

POLKA DOTS!

Me and my wifey ❤

Met up with my friend, Masayuki. He took us yukata shopping! Bottom right pic is of me getting fitted for one. That particular weekend was the Gion Matsuri, one of the biggest festivals in Japan. Wearing a summer yukata is a must! Even Monica, Mighty and Masayuki bought one too.

Afterwards we headed to Kobe to meet up with other friends that were throwing a birthday party/going away party. The birthday part was for me (3rd time celebrating my bday!) and 2 other friends (Kiichi & Shunsuke). We celebrated it at a Hawaiian Restaurant called "Olu Olu".  If you're ever in the Kobe area I recommend stopping by!

☀SUNDAY JULY 17, 2011☀

The next day was pretty much their last day so we decided to use it sightseeing & then heading to the Gion Matsuri in our yukata. Bright and early, we met my friend, Masayuki again and got on the bus to head to our first destination: Kinkakuji!!!

It was REAAAAALLLLYYY HOT but we endured it! Kinkakuji was beautiful. I think we would have enjoyed it more if it weren't as hot though. I do want to return during the fall or winter. I heard it's recommended to visit during those times.

Heading to our next destination! Kiyomizudera!

This temple had more things to do than Kinkakuji. My pictures don't do this place any justice but if you're ever in the Kyoto area, this temple is a MUST. I want to return to temple during the fall or winter also!

Afterwards, we found a small sweets shop 

and decided to try their Green Tea Ice Cream Puff! 

Headed back home to change into our yukata!

Monica also brought along with her these celebration popper things. 

Each was different!

Yay! We're ready to go!

I wish we had more time do make our makeup more fancy and also to accessorize our hair more but we had to hurry! It was hot and our makeup would have probably melted off anyway haha.

Waiting for the subway

Kamogawa River! Me and my friends usually come by here to relax and drink. This is where we decided to hang out and enjoy the summer breeze.

Girls in our yukata and the guys in their 'jinbei'

purikura!

After drinking & eating we headed to karaoke to end our night!

Stress Pimples?...and freedom from Finals Week!

OMG I'M OFFICIALLY FREE FROM THE STRESS OF FINALS! If I may, let me start of by saying I TOTALLY ACED MY FIRST FINAL (JPN318). It was a 30 minute one-on-one Japanese conversation with my sensei. That was probably the longest one-on-one that I had with any of my senseis that was to be graded! After it was over, she told me how I did and finally told me that I received an 'A' for my oral!
My last exam was for JPN302 which actually wasn't AS easy. I wasn't the only one who felt that way though so I don't feel as embarrassed.

BUT IT'S ALL WORTH THE PAIN BECAUSE MY WIFEY IS COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS IN 5 DAYS! Rilakkuma is getting reunited with her Korilakkuma! I'm sooooo excited!

OKAY SO...PIMPLES!

Not only did I get my monthly gift a week early, monthly gift hormones + stress from finals week and other things = PIMPLES PIMPLES PIMPLES! What to do for a quick fix?

Some of you out there may know about this, but for those who don't, this is my go-to to minimize pimple size and redness.

Here is some info on tea tree oil: here!

How I use it:

Whenever I get a really stubborn pimple that I just can't get rid of, or when pimples start popping up like crazy and I feel like I'm being invaded, I simply take a Q-tip, dip it in the oil and then dab some over the pimples. (Never re-dip! One dip is good enough to use once)

I usually put it on after I wash my face. Do make sure that your hair is tied back! And be prepared for a strong medicinal smell. Because of the smell I usually just do it during bedtime. To me, anything during night time is effective because that's the time your skin repairs itself. I sometimes use it in the morning (if I'm desperate). 

First time users, dab a little on your arm to see if you have any skin reaction to it.

Results:

In the morning my pimples are practically gone and the redness disappears! 

Where to buy:

I bought my ORIGINS brand Tea Tree Oil at Target for about $8. You don't necessarily have to buy the same brand, this is just the brand I use. 

Before using tea tree oil, I tried:

And honestly for me, IT DOES NOT WORK. Instead, what I find in the morning after using it is MORE pimples! And the original pimple gets bigger in size :(. If it works for you, then that's good for you :)! 

Other things to consider:

✧ Always keep your makeup brushes clean! I usually deep-clean my makeup brushes every week with Sephora's anti-bacterial brush cleaner. It's about $6.

✦ Keep your finger nails clean!

✧ Try to lay off heavy foods like fast foods during stressful times.

✦ Water, water, water!

✧ Try to destress yourself!  Take a breather and smile :)

✦ Use a different towel aside from the towel you use for your body to dry your face.

✧ Get your sleep! That may be hard to do during stressful times but always think about the hours of sleep you'll be getting.

Anything else you'd like to add to that list, comment away! I'd love to hear how you deal with stress and pimples. How was everyone's Finals Week? For those who are done, JOB WELL DONE, now go enjoy your winter break! For those still taking finals, HANG IN THERE!