Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Keep your comments coming!

I don't know how it happened, but for some reason, I was not seeing the comments that people were making on my blog. I have to apologize because some people were asking me questions, particularly about the hospitals, that I didn't answer.

I found the section on this blog that lists your comments for me to look at, so I'll make a better effort to do so. I really appreciate all of your views and comments. And thank you for your nice words of encouragement. I'll keep blogging about things that I think are useful to life here in Japan.

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Order "safe" milk from Kyushu, free shipping. Amazon.

Here's a link to milk I buy from Kyushu. I think that this will come in handy for those worried about radiation in Japan. It ships for free and will usually arrive in 3-5 days.

¥3300 for twelve, 1000ml cartons.


 Order on Amazon Japan. Shelf life is 90 days.

I typically like to buy things as fresh as possible, but I'd rather the long-shelf life processing, than the potential radiation from the wrong region of Japan. Who's with me here?

It tastes great. Stores well. Far away from the areas of concern.

I thought I'd share this with you all to save you from the frustration I've had for the past couple of years.

I am sick of going to the supermarket to find the "safe" region milk, constantly being sold out.

I hope some of you find this helpful.

Trust me, I'm not crazy. This radiation issue here is real, BUT there are ways to live with it safely.
Safe food and milk is the key.

Click HERE.

If that link does not work anymore, just cut and paste this in any Amazon, Rakuten, or net shopping site here in Japan:

らくのうマザーズ 大阿蘇牛乳

 

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Nail salon birthday party, Tokyo



So, it was the perfect birthday party for my 6 year old daughter. Friends, cake, games, accessory making, dancing.... And best of all-----manicures and pedicures at a nail salon. I'm talking REAL, professional mani-pedis, in a hip international salon that grown-ups go to!

Tri-lingual nail artist Lena, from Hungary, gives a manicure 


Pedicure



JoliNails (www.joliarts-salon.com) now offers birthday party packages, where girls can indulge in mani-pedis or mini facials. I rented the salon for 2.5 hours. 

There is a music and arts classroom JoliArts (www.joliarts.jp) on the first floor, where kids can do art projects (we used paper clips to make bracelets and had an origami making competition) and play games, listen to music, eat cake, etc.  There are options to have musicians come and perform too, since the parent company of JoliArts is a talent agency with loads of performers registered, (www.j-cast.biz)
1F party area, JoliArts www.joliarts.jp



The nailists took reservations in pairs. Two girls and their moms went to the 2nd floor salon JoliNails www.joliarts-salon.com , while the remaining kids played at JoliArts www.joliarts.jp.

I brought a home made candy cake and decorated the room. It was a lot of fun. 

How do you like my cake?

Actually, pretty easy to make. Separating the M&Ms was time consuming but it was good mother-daughter bonding.

We had about 20 kids but it was pretty crowded since most of the moms stayed. I think the space is more suitable for 10-15 kids for this kind of party. But, it was so much fun!

Facial room 2F


Party room 1F

Details: 
JoliNails, open Wed-Sunday
3-10-9 Shirokane, Minatoku

www.joliarts-salon.com
www.joliarts.jp

3 minutes from Shirokane Takanawa station
3 blocks from French Embassy and Sanno Hotel
15+ minute walk from Hiro station
Parking next door


Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Radiation-free, organic, groceries, baby formula, etc. from the States, free shipping to Japan. U.S. prices.

Living in Japan, where there is not only a big radiation concern, but there is not a very good selection of organic foods, I am a HUGE, HUGE fan of iHerb.

Not only are the prices the same as the States, but the shipping is free or $4 most of the time (it can vary with promotions).

With the radiation issues here in Japan, I take precautions. You must if you are living in Japan. That's reality. I won't gamble in this area, especially with children.

Everything I buy, other than raw food, is from overseas (I order veggies and milk from Kyushu but that's another story). I'm especially careful about infant formula and what my children consume. I want not only radiation free, but also organic, when possible.
I found this website iherb, based in the States, that ships EVERYTHING to Japan in just 3-5 days, with either FREE shipping or just $4. It's amazing. It has EVERYTHING from vitamins, honey, olive oil, sugar, flour, cereal, spices, shampoo, washing detergent, lotions, herb teas... baby snacks, kids snacks, health food, cough medicine, toothpaste, Chia seeds, nuts, grains, deoderant...

It's like an online whole foods.
I swear that I am their best customer. They even give me a 10% discount since I order regularly. Lots of perks.

Here are my tips for ordering:
1. If a message comes up saying that they cannot ship that product to Japan, try a different brand
(We had to go through 3 brands to get chia seeds)

2. Keep the order UNDER $160 per time, to avoid custom taxes

3. Use this code to receive $10 off your first order:  YUQ399

www.iherb.com

4. Before you go grocery shopping, make a list and first check if the products are on iherb. Chances are, they will be. I repeat EVERYTHING is on that site (paper towels, toilet paper, diapers, deoderant, make-up, all groceries other than raw foods).

I just visited my kitchen and took some photos of some products I regularly order from iherb. Excellent for those with allergies or special dietary needs. The prices are US prices. The formulas have not been modified to fit Japan so you can get things that are not available in Japan. These products will cost double or triple (IF you can find them) if purchased at an international supermarket.


















Tuesday, February 11, 2014

pantomime show with violin and accordion for families

I had to post this. At the Nikko hotel in Odaiba, once a month, they have this amazing pantomime show with live violin and accordion music. They feature free food tasting as well. Aged beef and a selection of sweets. There is no entrance fee and it is open to the public. The entertainment is top class.
You won't get full on the food, since it is just sampling, but if you do get hungry, they offer a 30%off coupon to their restaurant.
If you put your name down on their free club mailing list, they'll give your kids a teddy bear. Yes-one for each kid.

We went 2/11 and the next one is March 23rd, drop in anytime 11-4pm. First show 11:30AM.