Tanabata Matsuri

There's a reason why I find summertime the most favorable out of all the seasons.

Besides the warm weather that I love, summer brings nights of sparkles and magical sensations to life.

A Japanese tradition called the Tanabata Matsuri, meaning "Star Festival," is one of those magical summer moments. On the seventh day of July, a wish is written on a piece of embellished paper and then tied to a tree. 

The meaning of this tradition derives from an old Japanese fable. 

I was happy to take part in this tradition since I was holding many wishes in my back pocket.
They were all just waiting to be swept away from me and into the starry sky.
Luckily, Little Tokyo provided the chance for locals like me to partake in the wishing.

Now what's a festival without food?!?!

Festival foods are usually my first motivation for going out….I won't lie. 

The yakisoba looks goood.

I couldn't help but buy those imagawayaki. It was so fluffy, sweet, warm, and freshly cooked.

Okonomiyaki is one of my favortie Japanese street food.

Besides the street food, I am still on my quest to find the best ramen shop in LA.

MEN-OH was next up on my list (convenient because it is in Little Tokyo.)

chicken karage & Tokushima bowl (pork bowl)

Tokushima Ramen (tonkotsu)

spicy tonkotsu ramen

The verdict:

This place is currently on the top of my list!!! The tonkotsu broth was very rich in flavor, and the noodles had great texture.

The pork bowl was disappointing on the other hand.
Yet, the chicken karage was definitely the BEST I'VE HAD!!!!

Last on the agenda was watching the Little Tokyo Nisei Parade.

Daisy Bell

Daisy Daisy,
Give me your answer do!
I'm half crazy,
All for the love of you!
It won't be a stylish marriage,
I can't afford a carriage,
But you'll look sweet on the seat
Of a bicycle built for two !

This chorus from "Daisy Bell" by Harry Dacre written in 1892, is an popular classic song that has been brought back to life by my favorite artist Mark Ryden. 

The top that I am wearing reminds me of the most recent art exhibition he had titled "The Gay 90s West." The theme of his art pieces all centered around the repetition of the chorus from "Daisy Bell." He collaborated with many singer such as Katy Perry and even Weird Al (so random) and had them cover the chorus for his show. 

His creepily cute approach to all of his work makes me obessed.

I still can't get over the fact that I missed the art gallery held at the Kohn Gallery in Los Angeles though TAT

TOP: Nasty Gal

SHORTS: American Apparel 

HEELS: Deandri

Photos by: Joshua Dearing 

Make-up by: Yukina Mitsuhashi 

~My Birthday~

I started off my lovely day with a cake run to my favorite bakery in LA known as Sweet Lady Jane.

Their cakes are extraordinary because it always has the perfect amount of sweetness, cream, and moistness. I couldn't get my cakes anywhere else.

I added some fresh flowers to my vase, and viola! My birthday decorations came together just as I had  visioned (I was going for a cute floral kind of vibe as this year's theme.)

top: Italian Rum Wedding cake
Right: the infamous Triple Berry Shortcake
Left: Coconut cake
beneath the "20"candle: Banana & Chocolate Icebox cake

My favorite part about birthdays is the gift-opening part…duh!

It made my day to see my grandmother's package from Japan make it here just in time.

Just as I expected…the packages from my grandma are always sardine-packed with Japanese snacks and cute stuff.

Since it was my birthday, I requested her to get me these Balance Up Genmai Biscuits by Asahi. Last year in Tokyo, I became obsessed with those cream crackers, so I desperately needed a supply here in LA. 

Now I have it, and I am a happy gal ^_^

Thanks Jim Shires for the cute birthday gifts of the Kutusita Nyanko cat that I adore.

Being the sparkle-lover and dollcult-obsessor that I am, I had to get some of my Nikki Lipstick pasties and clothing as gifts <3 

The rest of my day was simple amazing!!

I went to get my nails done, followed up by getting a full-body thai massage from Nuch Royal Thai Spa. 

Black-Dripped Chanel gel french tips

I spent the rest of my day at the Grove and had a wonderful dinner at Maggiano's, which is one of my favorite Italian restaurants. 

I ordered the Chicken Caprese Salad…and omg, one of the best salads I've ever had!!!
I also highly recommend ordering their Baked Ziti and Four-cheese Ravioli

My best friend Noella works at Top Shop, so I decided to pop in and surprise her at work since I was already at the Grove..…hehe

Love this babe.

My OOTD
TOP: Lip Service Cult
HEELS: Jeffrey Campbells

Thank you to all my friends and family for all the sweet birthday messages.

I feel so loved <3

This year was definitely one of the best birthdays!!!!