Hello, stranger!

It's blazing hot outside today.
I woke up at 4 p.m.  My mom was stir-frying sliced eggplant, and warned me, "It's a sauna outside.  No breeze."  F**K!!!
 
The past few days have been a huge blur.  I wake up, go to work either in the morning or at night.  If there isn't enough caffeine pumping through my icy veins I don't mesh very well with my colleagues.
 
So I drink a Red Bull and two soy lattes during each shift.  I am such a caffeine addict.  I am an insomniac.  I am a vampire.  I am also such a mean bitch at work.
 
Recently (damnit, last night), this guy I like and am kind of involved with told me that though it doesn't really bother him, I should probably tone down the attitude or the bitchiness.  He slurred, 'You gotta remember that when you with me or around my friends, you can't act the way you do at work.'
 
Thanks asshole.  I KNOW. 
 
I wish he didn't lie to me and tell me my attitude doesn't bother him.
Well, maybe it genuinely doesn't bother him.  I don't know how to feel about that one.  It's a mixture of embarassment and annoyance at the fact that his friend had to point out to him that I kind of act like I'm above everyone else.  Like I care.  But damnit, I kind of do.
 
It's just my nature to f**k with people.  I like to joke around and talk shit.  Thats why I have a lot of guy friends.
 
HEY, I don't necessarily think or act like I am better than the rest of the planet.  But I didn't get this far by letting old farts walk all over me like a freakin' doormat.  I guess it's not an everyday thing where Japanese women speak their mind freely.  I don't put people down or tell them they're useless.  I'm not an asshole.  But I will push people to be able to think for themselves.  I don't nag them if they make mistakes.  I point their mistake out and explain WHY it's wrong.  Then I discuss (meaning I let them throw ideas in the pot) ways to avoid the same mistake or improve certain skill(s) that need improvement.
 
WHEW!  I needed to get that out. 
 
I got wasted at home last night.  I had a drink or two after work and old colleague.  While we were catching up we spotted another guy from work so we joined them.  There were a bunch of people from my office drinking at the same izakaya.  Cool.  So we talked shit, drank, smoke, forgot about the office for a few hours.
 
I went home feeling like crap after having the depressing aforementioned conversation with the boy.  I cracked open a few beer cans and scribbled nonsense on my sketchpad.  I usually don't drink at home but the mood served the purpose.  God, I'm glad my mom gives me lots of privacy at the house.
 
We're moving in 11 days!  To Meguro!  For you non- city slickers, that's two stops from Shibuya.  That puts me 19 minutes away from Tokyo station (my office).  I can't wait.  We're moving from a huge two-story house with 25 years worth of furniture and crap to a three-bedroom apartment.  The apartment itself is old...built in 1970.  But the inside is nice!  Decent!  All wood flooring with an industrial-style kitchen.  My room has these light pastel sea green shelves on three of the four walls.  I'll post pics after I move in.  I'll have space to store my heels, my makeup, my books, photos and god knows what else!  Any ideas? 
 
I'm looking forward to being able to stay out late downtown and WALK home.  Shoot, I could cab it home too, but I like walking aimlessly when I'm drunk, harhar.
 
Thank YOU for reading.
 
LOVEAYA

Mini-update.

So if any of you have noticed, I've been away for a bit. I WANT to update my blog. I even have vivid dreams where I'm uploading pics on this thing. So at least my subconscious self wants to continue blogging for the time being.

Here's what I've been gettin' myself into lately. Not interested? TOO BAD!

一。Going out on Wednesday nights and Friday's or Saturday nights. Liver is getting used to the constant abuse. Drink of choice: Champagne, Bellini, Red Bull and Vodka aaaaand Mojito (not too sweet please).

二。Brushing shoulders with artists, photographers with larger-than-life egos, and Tokyo's dirty, crazy, creative elitists.

三。Working constant night shifts. I know this is vain, but I'm so f*cking worried that my skin will break out badly like it used to, since my body pumps a lot more adrenaline when I'm trying to stay awake. During work I try to drink 2 liters of green tea to flush out toxins.

四。Diggin' at record stores. Always on the look out for rare Beatnuts and Alkoholics cuts.

五。Throwing out sh!t I don't need. I have ACRES of paperwork and JUNK to go through still. My fam bam and I are trying to move this year. Ladies, I have a LOT of makeup and Japanese magazines I want to sell. Interested? Let me know, I shall post!

Zat eeeez it. Jyaaane!

Early Summer Smokey Eyes

Lately I've been obsessed with dewey skin. You can achieve dewey-looking skin without using a ton of liquid based products...just use a highlighting powder with very fine sparkles. I LOVE MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish in 'Soft And Gentle' for this technique. You don't want your face to be too matte in the summer...especially when you're glistening in sweat! You'll end up looking like a grandma wearing baby powder on her face!

I actually saw an old wrinkly lady at Wendy's last summer who had suspicious white powder all over her face. She was swatting imaginary flies while she sipped her hot coffee...all the same time jumping through invisible hoops...I wasn't sure if the powder was yayo or if she was so cracked out and cooky that she decided that it was a good idea to dip her face in a can of baby powder...I mean, all the high points of her face (cheekbones, forehead, nose) were chalky-white...

Sorry, I totally went off on a different tangent there...I've seen and befriended a lot of crazies in my hayday! I think I only remain close friends with people who are a little crack-ish anyway...people who would probably benefit from anger management classes (including myself at times, haha). Anyway, moral of story = TOO matte skin will make you look like
cracked-out Grandma.

So here's my ode to dewey skin, as well as a different take on smokey brown eyes. I used KATE Deep Trap Eyes palette in BR-1. They're browns and taupes with some red undertones...works surprisingly well with my ghost white complexion.

Most of what I used to create the look (clockwise from top left)

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in 'Perfect Topping'

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in 'Soft And Gentle'

MAC Beauty Powder in 'Smooth Harmony'

KATE Deep Trap Eyes in 'BR-1'

MAC Powder Blush in 'Melba'

DHC Q10 Powdery Foundation

Not shown:
KATE Super Sharp Liner (liquid eyeliner)
Katie B. Faux Lash Mascara
Tarte 24.7 Lip Sheer in 'Summer Fling'

P.S. Food For Thought...
The old wrinkly lady with coke/baby powder all over her mug finished her coffee, and proceeded to pass out at Wendy's...I think she was homeless...or she just had a lot of crap with her and needed a loooong nap. I got out of the movies that evening, and she was slumped against the window seat. So sad how our economic spurt created a generation of children who neglect their elders, and gave birth to a corrupt system where it's getting harder to collect the pension we are entitled to...

My everyday look

Hello guys and dolls....how y'all doin'? I've been battling a cold for the past week. It all started with a sore throat, then the bodyache, then the fever....I went to the doctor's yesterday and they gave me SIX different kinds of meds....I was like 'WTF, how am I going to remember when to take what?' Anyway, I'm feeling a lot better today. Damn I need to get better QUICK. The weekend is comin' up, and there is no way I am staying home like I did last weekend. I missed sippin' alcohol so much, I had a strawberry mojito with my bacon cheeseburger I had for dinner...It was soooooooooo goooooood.....Verrrry rum-y. Sis helped me drink some of it though...

I also went to Forever21 today. They FINALLY opened a store in Japan. There's only ONE so far, and it's next to the H&M in Harajuku. I hope they open more stores in Japan, and not only in Tokyo....I swear it's crowded because girls from other prefectures make day trips down here, just to shop at Forever....I saw b*tches in the store with SUITCASES....C'mon now, is it THAT serious? Seems like some of us Japanese girls are very desperate for fast fashion...
Haha, anyway I spent about $170 on 2 dresses, a baby blue-and-white checkered shirtdress, a pair of light blue skinny jeans, a sequined white tank, a sexy off-the-shoulder white tee with a black floral print, undies, bras and jewelery. I think I'll just shop online from now on...I hate how crowded it was there! I swear I yelled 'MOVE!' to several girls....a lot of them were'nt paying attention to where they were walking.... @__@

Anyway, enough ranting, here's a look I did today before I headed downtown. I wear this look a lot lately, just because it's so simple yet, gives my eyes enough definition. I'm all about saving time nowadays...I can't stand sitting still in my stuffy room for too long!

MOST of the stuff I used. Clockwise from top left:

• NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Kalahari (I only used the color on the left)
• MAC TRIP in Neutral Eyes (again, only used the color on the far left)
• MAC Beauty Powder Blush in Fun & Games
• MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Perfect Topping
• DHC Q10 Powdery Foundation
  
  

Congratulations Hana!!!

My youngest sister Hana graduated high school on June 6th. All three of us Takada sisters graduated from The American School in Japan....reppin' MUSTANGS to the fullest! *slaps self for even attempting to have corny school pride* Unlike her rebellious eldest sister (me), Hana is a very very very gifted girl. She will be attending Colgate University come fall....on a full scholarship!!!

華ちゃん、卒業おめでとう！よくここまで頑張った！中には辛い日もあったけと、楽しい思いでもいっぱいつくったね。I'm going to miss you beyond words when you leave for college....LAAAABBB YOUUUUUU!!!

Pics from my L.A. and San Antonio trip coming soon....but some of them are up on my facebook page, in case any of y'all want a sneak peak.....

Anyway, here are some pics from the grad...vid to come soon.
Enjoy :]

Rei and I waiting for the ceremony to begin
Hana in her cap and gown....*wipes tears*All the kids had glowsticks
I have the same diploma tooooo.

高田一家 The Takada Family

Some people think Rei and I look alike. We're actually not blood sisters. I came home from school one day, and she was sitting at my seat at the dining table eating all my food. She was a hungry baby. My mom and dad felt bad for her so they decided to keep her.

JUST F*CKING KIDDING. Of course she's my (kinda cool) sister. She cracks me up!!! Here we are waiting for my mom and Hana to show up at the Thai restaurant where we had the graduation dinner.

I'm alive!

Hey errrr'one! I'm still alive and well....got back from my vacay in L.A. and San Antonio a few days ago....back on tha grind...I had over 14,000 e-mails to sort through the first day back...I just love working at a huge corporation....*rolls eyes hard*

Here's a quick pic of my friend and I at a pool hall in San Antonio....dont'cha just love the stars on the walls? How very TEXAS...

I'll be posting pics from my trip soon....I bought a lot of makeup while I was in Cali....let's just say I made a trip to Melody's Makeup place as well as several Sephora's...oooooh the damage it did to my bank account.....J/K.

Mata ne! (Talk soon!)

Kreativ Blogger Tag!

Arigato to my dear Amanda-chan for awarding me with the Kreativ Blogger Award!

So here are the rules...
List 7 things that you love, and then pass the award on to 7 bloggers that you love! Be sure to tag them and let them know that they have won.You can copy the picture of the award and paste it on your sidebar letting the whole world know...you are Kreativ!

1. Soy lattes from Starbucks...mmmmm :)
2. Champagne
3. My mom and two younger sisters
4. God
5. MAC lippies
6. My no-nonsense, non-judgemental male friends (I owe my career to some of them!)
7. My iPhone

I will tag people later...gotta get back to work. Thanks again Amanda!

タレ目メーク：Tare-me Me-ku

I'm back with a vengeance! With a REAL post with REAL makeup-related content! Thanks to my new camera, I have finally pooped out a new FOTD. I was inspired by all the tare-me me-ku (doe-eyed makeup) that's all the rage here...Two years ago, Japanese girls were all about the sleek, cat-eye. Now we're embracing our droopy almond-shaped eyes and going for the puppy-dog look....

All you have to do is make sure the color you choose for the inner corners of your eyes are at least two shades lighter then the outer third (outer corner)...and line the bottom lids halfway...

If you have any Q's, ask away! I'll do my bestest to respond :D

Too close? (-__=)

Contour, Blush and Highlight...all from one palette...

Face Products...(click each picture if you want a closer look)

Skin Food Mushroom BB Cream, MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Light Medium and Sweets Sweets Mixing Palette

Eye Makeup...

Revlon Quad in In The Buff, KATE Diamond Cut Eyes in BR-2, Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips in Hazel Eyes, KATE Super Sharp Liner, K-Palette Real Lasting Eyeliner and MAC Shadestick in Butternutty

I still haven't figured out how to style my hair...it seems to look okay when I actually DON'T have time to do anything to it...which is like every morning when I have to work a day shift.

So I just wash it, let it air-dry for the most part, then blow dry the ends and curl them under...the whole process takes less than ten minutes. Aaaaah, I love minimalism! (Only when it comes to hair!)

Pooped

I wanted to do a FOTD post tonight...but I am pooped, so I'll have to do it tomorrow after work. I went to the orthodontist today around noon. My orthodontist is a great guy. He's probably the same age as my Dad...well if he were here anyway. BUUUUTTTT he talks a LOT. And I mean a LOT. Like while he's replacing a wire on my brackets, he'll start talking about schools or his family, and will stop what he's doing to explain something or crack a joke. I don't mind, I usually go after a night shift where I'm dead tired....but if I had to be somewhere.....that wouldn't be cool...LOL.

Soooo I bought a camera today! A Sony Cybershot....I hope it's not a fake.......You can never be too sure these days. The outside part of the camera is a little........how can I explain.....it feels too light, like it could break easily if I dropped it or threw it at someone. (WHAT? I would never do such a thing.) It's all good though, I only paid 20,000 yen ($200) for it, including a 4G memory stick. I'm going to need it for my trip....which is in less than 2 weeks!!!!!!!!! 12 days to be exact! I am so so so so so so so excited. I went to Cali two years ago, and I haven't been since! There's so much I want to do and see, but I'm only there for a week :/ Val, if you're reading this, I want to go to Disneyland...can we go pleeeeeaaaassseeeee???? Hehehe.

I have to pack when I have time....My work schedule is looking busy until I leave....no lunch breaks for me......*banging head on monitor*

Okay I'm sleeeeeeepy and I have to wake up in 5 hours for work. I love you all :)

Chu chuuuu <3

Hair Flower FOTD

Here are some pics of my 'ol mug...rockin' the hair flowers Ms. Neeyuh made for me ;)
Thank you again sweetie!

I got my hair permed today. Instead of the regular method where they just saturate your hair in chemicals (I forget what it's called), they saturate your hair, rinse it off with water, then blow hot ionized air at your head for 30 minutes...it's called 'air wave' and it's really popular in Japan because it lasts longer then the regular perm, and the curl doesn't stretch after you blow-dry your hair.

Enough talk...here ya go.







My hair before....taken in January-ish.

And after....

All Things Pink...

So I'm kind of on a pink high now. Everything I buy nowadays is pink. If the product itself 'aint pink, the packaging is....I wonder if it means anything...do single girls tend to buy a lot of pink sh*t? What the fff is wrong with me? Hehehehe.

It's Laaaaaaaaaav!



L to R: Marie Claire Glamorous Rich Rouge, Dior Addict Ultra Gloss Reflect, Orbis Moist Lip Essence, Lancome Juicy Tube, DHC Lip Cream, NYC Ultra Last Lip Wear, NARS Lip Lacquer

Swatches:

Left
top: NYC Ultra Last Lip Wear in Fragile Pink
bottom: NARS Lip Lacquer in 1903 (they use four-digit codes here, not names. WTF!)

Right
top: Marie Claire Glamorous Rich Rouge in BE64
middle: Dior Addict Ultra Gloss Reflect in Satin Pink
bottom: Lancome Juicy Tubes in Frozen Punch

Last but not least, Kose Moisture Mild Lotion-L (toner) and Moisture Mild Cream. They can be found at most drugstores in Tokyo for a thousand yen each (about USD $10). Both are alcohol-free and make my skin unbelievably SOFT! If you want a nice moisturizing base underneath your makeup, try this. It works on my combination/oily skin. It helped get rid of the dry patches yet didn't turn my face into an oil slick.

The cream is not really a cream per se....more like a lightweight gel. It sinks right in and doesn't leave a filmy residue like other moisturizers do. I've been using both for the last three weeks, and my skin is noticeably softer to the touch...and it stays that way the entire day after putting it on!


I hope y'all are having a great weekend...I'm actually staying in...on a Saturday night!!!!!!! I've been partying non-stop almost every weekend since Valentine's....I got off work this morning(freakin' two consecutive night shifts!), so I need some rest. I am itching for some ah-ah-ah-ah -ah-alcohooooool though....maybe I'll make a run to the convenience store by my station for some beer and chu-hi's.....alkie! LOL. I'll be back soon :)

Swap with Neeyuh-chan

Neeyuh is one awesome b*tch. We did a swap and she sent me hand-made hair flowers. No one ever gives me hand-made things anymore...I was touched :)
I received her box a few days ago, after a night of debauchery out in town. I came home hungover....thought I was going to pass out from alcohol poisoning (grow up, I know, I know...).
My day got so much better after I opened the box....PACKED with goodies...and love! These hair flowers are like nothing I've seen before....girl went out of her way to make me FIVE of them! How sweet is she? Mahalo, Neeyuh chan!



Byoootiful!

Neeyuh sent me snacks too...the pixie sticks and trail mix were gone in a few hours.....

Check out the goods!


Queen Helene Apricot Moisturizing Facial Masque
Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminiating Daily Scrub
Last Call Hair Masque
CO Bigelow Cinnamint Mentha Lip Shine
Victoria's Secret Liplicious gloss in Fresh Mulberry
Rimmel Sexy Curves Mascara
ICING nail polish
Clean and Clear Faicial Cleansing Wipes (not shown)


Rimmel Sexy Curves Mascara


ICING nail polishes
From L to R: Lucky 7, Cosmo Cutie, Purple PJ's and 7th Inning Stretch


Beyond the Zone Last Call Hair Masque...smells like Cherry Coke...yummmm!

Thank you Neeyuh-chan! I hope you'll love everything I sent too :)

HALP!!!

Hi peepers! I have ONE question...

HOW DO YOU UPLOAD PICS TO BLOGGER SO THAT THEY'RE NOT SIDEWAYS???

All help appreciated! I have two posts in the making but my images keep uploading sideways. I don't want ya'll to have to turn your head to view my damn posts!!!!!

Aritgato~

Mucho luv,

Aya

Back to Bloggin'

OooooWeeeeeOooooWeeeeeeOooooooo!!!! I paid for my tickets today...I will be actin' an ASS in Cali and Texas in May! Wahoooo! My friend is gonna take me around, he has some fun stuff planned....of COURSE I'm meeting up with cutie pie Amanda.....so excited to meet hurrrrr.

I bouught a HP Mini 1000 yesterday. So far....it's alright. I can't edit pictures or open too many browsers at once....the CPU is Intel Atom, which I've read is by far less crapulous then it's predeccessor, Via C7-M....but it still needs a few tweaks here and there. There are only two USB ports....good enough for most. Sucky part? There's only one shared audio jack...So I would have to switch between headphones and mic...HP should have kept the mic and headphone jacks separate...dunno what they were thinking.

So what do I like so far? I do like the keyboard...it's ALMOST the size of a regular keyboard. Have you tried to type on the smaller netbooks? Like the one Sony makes? The keys are like f*cking tic-tacs...I'm not kidding. You'd need your baby cousin to type for you on them things. The touchpad is pretty cool, it's wide enough where you're not feeling crammed. The right and left click buttons are on the sides, which makes it very simple to use...basically I can use BOTH my thumbs effectively.

I can't wait to take this thing with me on my travels next month! Battery life is 2 to 3 hours at most. Ah well......hey...It's not a friggin laptop, ya know? I'm keeping my expectations veeerrryy modest...for now.

This is the one I got....
(all images taken from http://www.shopping.hp.com/mini/#)


...for about $480 USD. The candy-apple red Vivienne Tam one was HAAAWTTNESS but it was about $550 so being the cheapskate that I am, I opted for the uggo black swirly design. I dunno, maybe I should have gotten it.....eeeeps!Siiiiiigh...I dunno about you ladies and gents, but my gadgets don't need to drip in designer...I am NOT that vain....it's cool if YOU are though......which is why someone reading this post is gonna run out today and buy this beautiful toy and blog all about it and make me wanna deco-art my plain thing with plastic strawberries and rhinestones.....*snorts*

Anyway, I shall be back with a REVIEW soon.....on my true-blue choices of tinted moisturizers and foundation.

やったね☆

I'd like to thank Niya-chan and Penelope-chan for awarding me with the Kreativ Blogger Award...I'll post my response to the questions soon. I just wanted to let ya'll know that.....

I'm going to CALI in May!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll be near L.A. for a week from May 13, then hopefully Texas for a few days to visit my homegirl from HS. I went to the travel agency near work today, and my round-trip tickets will cost about $1200 including surcharge and tax. Not too bad!

Ffff me I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope I get meet some of you guys....
Aaaaaaaaah I'm so excited....I'm already making shopping lists in my head....and thinking of what I want to eat while I'm there...LOL.

TMI again?

Hi guys. I'm stuck at work. It's 5:37 a.m. I've been sitting here staring at my lappie and 5 monitors since 9-ish last night. I probably smell since I'm not wearing cotton socks. I did remember to wear deodorant though. Not interested? Told ya anyway.

So for those of you who still read me, here is another TMI post. I'm really thinking about buying a new Sony digicam because I'm itching to take awful close-ups of my left eye and post ten of them at once like I used to.

Who's ass did I kiss today?

No one. But I woke up at 4:30-ish p.m. so I didn't have enough daylight to find any butts to kiss.

What am I wearing? (From bottom --> up)

• Black ankle-length Minnetonkas
• Gray furry socks
• Dark Blue jeans from a brand called 26...or 27. Not sure, don't want to check the butt tag.
• The coolest white T-Shirt from Urban Outfitters that my middle sister got me for Christmas. It's got this cool design from the collar-area, it looks like light blue, purple, gray and black paint is dripping down to my belly.
• Black cardigan from Forever 21
• Black hoodie from Muji

What did I eat today?

• Lemon-y muffin made by my Mom
• Chinese Chin Jar La Su (I know I just f*cked up the spelling, but that's how it sounds when I pronounce it, okay. Sorr-ow, don't speak Mandarin/Cantonese.)
• Cup Noodle (so gross yet so yummy)

Who did I listen to on my iPod today?

• Alicia Keys - 'It's Alright'
• Jill Scott - 'Bedda at Home'
• Little Brother feat. Elzhi - 'Hiding Place' <-- Whatchu know about REAL Hip Hop? Not the sh*t playin' at the clubs...buy the Minstrel Show, you'll love it!!!!
  

What did I watch on YouTube today?

• More Jake & Amir!!!!!!!
• Ahanhbarbie babbling about Aveeno skin products. She has a very twangy accent, is that a Chi-town thing??? It's cool though...she's such a natural beauty!
• A whole bunch of Mos Def music videos. Trying to find songs off his next album, 'Estatic'.
  

What beauty products and makeup am I wearing today?

• Laura Mercier Oil-Free Moisturizer with SPF 15
• Laura Mercier Foundation Primer (the regular kind)
• Everyday Minerals Matte Foundation
• Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer
• MAC blush in Well Dressed
• Smith's Rosebud Salve

Soooooo I'm thinking about taking a MUCH needed vacayshun to Califor-ni-yay in early or mid-May....I need the sun...I need the beach...I need cheap Mexican food. I need more tattoos...LOL.

I hope I'll get to meet some of you West Coast bloggers....Amanda, Kimberly Tia, Diana and Chiara (I know you live up north though...).

Ummmm.....and anyone and everyone else who would want to hang out :) I'm a pretty chill person who likes to crack politically incorrect jokes in inappropriate places....get drunk off martinis at lunch...and shop till I drop!

Laterooos :)

TMI?

Hi world.

I don't think too many people read my blog anymore. I keep telling myself I should just delete it so I won't feel guilty about not updating. Those of you who know me will know how to get a hold of me...

Noooo I'm not depressed or anything, I'm just B-U-S-Y...Like I barely have time to breathe/think/eat/sleep/poo/read/pick my nose/bite my nails/write stupid posts like this.
A few teams at work split and some merged...I remained on the team that ended up merging with another. I don't mind this at all. I do mind having to supervise 4~5 new FOB's every time I go to work though. On top of regular work like sorting through 500-plus e-mails, talking to managers, yelling at carriers and not eating lunch at a normal hour, I have to teach the ropes to new people. I am a horrible teacher, I would rather have someone else teach them the basic stuff, so I don't have to patiently hold everyone's hands while they make phone calls, open tickets, send e-mails. I tell myself in my head 'Be patient, smile, be patient, smile'.....

Any-effing-way, since I don't have any new pictures of myself to entertain you with, here is my TMI post....the who, what and WEAR...

Who's ass did I kiss today?

No one, I knew I wasn't getting anything in return anyway. LOL.

What am I wearing? (From bottom --> up)

• Black Rocket Dog boots (The cooler version of Uggs)
• White Hanes socks
• Black Uniqlo leggings
• Dark Gray long cami from Forever21 and....
• a long light steel blue tank from H&M over the gray cami
• Black V-neck cardigan from H&M
• Gray velour hoodie from some mass-production discount shop in Pacific Beach, SD.
• my black-rimmed glasses from Zoff - a cool glasses store, kinda like lens crafters but way cooler and cheaper. I had mine made for less than a 100 bucks.

What did I eat today?

• Chinese soup with rice crackers.
• 2 Morinaga Choco Pies
• 2 Chocolate vanilla cookies
• 1/2 Matcha-Milk Kit Kat
• 2 sugary donuts from the convenience store...yummmm droooool
• 1 beef croquet
• 1 bowl bim bim bap

Who did I listen to on my iPod today?

• Kelly Clarkson - Behind These Hazel Eyes
• Jay-Z feat. Bilal - Fallin'
• Jay-Z feat. Pharrel - I Know

What did I watch on YouTube today?

• Jake and Amir vids (for those of you who don't know these guys, you're missing out. Check 'em out on www.collegehumor.com, www.jakeandamir.com or find them on YouTube.)
• Michelle Phan (Ricebunny) kitty litter facemask tutorial.

What beauty products and makeup am I wearing today? (had to throw it in there, this is a beauty blog, afterall)

• Laura Mercier Oil-Free Moisturizer with SPF 15
• Laura Mercier Foundation Primer (the regular kind)
• Everyday Minerals Multitasking Concealer
• Everyday Minerals Matte Foundation
• NARS blush in Madly
• Smith's Rosebud Salve

I don't wear a lot of makeup when I work night shifts. I've been trying to wear mineral makeup again, I just LOOOOVE the coverage. Hopefully it won't give me whiteheads again!

Okay lovers, I gotta go, will be back sometime soon ;)

Current Fave List

Cutesy Neeyuh from Peace.Love.Makeup did a post on products she's into...I LOVE lists! I wish I had a job where I could collect data and create lists for companies...is there such a thing? Anyway, here's my list of products I'm lovin' at the moment :) Pictures will come sometime....okay maybe never. Harhar.

Shampoo: Head Spa - Can be found at Japanese drugstores. Smells amazing and helps calm flakey, stressed scalps. This shampoo moisturizes hair just as well as salon products.

Condtioner: Head Spa

Styling products: Leave-in conditioner I bought at a salon.

Shower Gel: Suave Berry Smoothie. This stuff smells not-so-good (like old tutti-frutti gum) but suds up well. I like that I can get it in Japan.

Body moisturizer: The Body Shop Shea Body Butter and Lubriderm (Thanks M!)

Deodorant: Secret in Vanilla Chai Latte. My pits smell yummy all the time!

Fake Tan: I don't use tanning-anything. I like my unhealthy pasty complexion, thanks.

Cleanser: Mentholatum Acnes Face Wash

Eye makeup remover: Softymo Whitening Oil makeup remover

Exfoliator: St. Ives Apricot Face Scrub - the apricot seed bits kinda hurt...I love this stuff but I think I need to find a gentler scrub.

Primer: Laura Mercier Foundation Primer (the regular kind) - This stuff is THA SH*T. Keeps flakey skin at bay, but never greasy.

Foundation: Skinfood Mushroom BB Cream - I LOVE this stuff. I don't even need concealer when I wear this foundie.

Foundation brush: A Taklon one from Palgantong - Yumeko-san, is this brand really from Korea?

Concealer: Don't use much lately

Powder: MAC Studio Perfect with SPF 15

Blusher: NARS Madly - a seashell pink

Bronzer: MAC beauty powder from the Heatherette collection...can't remember the name...

Highlighter: MAC Shroom or the lightest color from a Revlon quad. For my face I use NARS Nico

Eyeshadow base: UDPP or Ulta eyeshadow base

Eyeshadows: MAC Cork and the new brown Diamond palette from KATE.

Eyeliner: L'Oreal Lineur Intense in Carbon Black

Eyelash curler: Shu Uemura

Eyelash base: None

Mascara: Katie B.

Lipstick: MAC Peachstock

Lipgloss: Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Champagne - nudey beige.....the PERFECT soft beige. Not overpowering, beautiful glaze and shine...lasts for hours without tasting foongkaaay!

Nail Color: I don't paint my nails...

Ohissaaaa~~~

Ohisashiburi! Long time no see! Well, in this case, long time no blog! I feel guilty for not posting. Please don't hate me...girl has a life! LOL.

I am slowly getting my life back on track. I work longer and I'm cramming lots of network diagrams and Cisco crap into my head. After moving back to my mom's in November, I've been an emotional wreck. I would cry in my (sister's) room, and stay home on my days off, unless I ran out to get Starbucks. I'm sure most of you guys have figured my situation out already. I'm sad, broken, but feeling much, much much better than I have the last two years. I'm slowly gaining the weight I lost, and I'm not always angry/frustrated/irritated/sad/lonely/jittery/
nervous/tired.

Yes, a nasty combination of these emotions can really get the best of you.....I am not proud to admit that a lot, if not most of the time, I brought it upon myself. The layman term to describe my 'condition' would be 'NEUROSIS', but I beg to differ...I was in a unfitting relationship at a bad time. Perhaps a few years down the line....or if my circumstances were different, the relationship would have worked out beautifully. But the past four years of my life have included tragic losses, legal battles to keep certain negative influences out of my life, and finding shorcuts to heal cuts and wounds that, as I've learned, only long-term self-love and forgiveness can truly settle.

I have mi madre back...We've forgiven each other. Now I'm trying to meet new people through the few that I actually trust. I have little to no small talk left in me. It seems as though my gift of gab drowned...now it's up to me to climb over the walls I built around myself. I felt safe when I built them, and even safer when my moody prince climbed over the walls, saying he loved me to death, and that I was a lucky woman.

I want to spend the next few years acting my age. I'm tired of having to answer to people's expectations of what Aya should do, feel, and be.

I don't want to be with anyone for a long time. I want to be alone. But I don't want to spend my time alone...does this make sense? I just don't want to feel alone! So in that spirit, I try to go out more and meet different kind of people. For example, a few weeks ago I visited the home of one of the Art Directors of Marvel Comics. 'Mosh' hails from Brooklyn, NY but now resides in Tokyo. His humble apartment was a pure reflection of his artistic repertoire...Every inch of his walls and ceilings were covered with colorful graffiti and comic book characters. He quietly promotes his own work and continues drawing for comics like the Hulk, Spiderman, Batman and Robin, etc. I want to surround myself with people like Mosh who are either living their dreams or grindin' everyday to get there! I don't need any more lazy, broke, complacent people in my life. And when I say 'broke', I don't mean people who aren't rich. I mean people who have a real job and a real paycheck, but lack the ability to save...people who are always leaning on their friends and loved ones to help pay their bills because they stupidly spent half their paycheck on car parts or alcohol!

So that's how I'm doing in a nutshell. I'll try to throw some reviews out there. I got my hands on several new foundations and eyeshadow palettes. I do read all your blogs on my list religiously...thanks for always giving me something interesting to read!

Have a lovely weekend!!!

Love, Aya

I Spy...Part deux

Hey beautifuls! Until I get myself a new camera and laptop, I won't be able to spit out too many quality FOTD's or picture-filled reviews. Soooooo to satisfy your cravings, I leave you more pics I took on one of my stealth missions....enjoooy!