Authentic threading in Tokyo, FINALLY!

I am so happy to be able to post this. I found authentic threading in Tokyo. This lady is AMAZING. Shaz (from Pakistan) has 20 years experience in eyebrow shaping.

Really, my brows have never looked so good.

Her threading offers an instant "face-lift" look. There is no where else in Japan that offers this.

Threading takes 10-15 minutes. That is me (photo below) getting my brows done. Look at the shape!
JoliNails
www.joliarts-salon.com
 eyebrows are 3,000 yen.

Located in Shirokane, English speaking.

3 minutes from Shirokane Takanawa station. 3 blocks from the New Sanno Hotel and French Embassy.

Please note that the therapist is only working twice a week: Wednesdays (starting in March, 2014) and Saturdays (current) due to family commitments.  Advance reservation recommended, as she is popular (especially Saturday mornings). You can book online via the website to check availabilities or call the day of.

There's a 24 hour booking system online, in English, that is super-easy to check availabilities.
 www.joliarts-salon.com

ALSO:
*Childcare in English on premises if you want to bring the kids.
*Ask about a discount if you book nails the same day. There are certain campaigns monthly that offer deals.
*She does a quick 45 min. facial as well after threading, if you book in advance.

OTHER SERVICES:
The nail artists are DIVINE. Ask for Lena. You will not find a more talented nail artist than her.
The salon also offers IPL for permanent hair reduction for other parts of the face and body. They also offer eye-lash extensions and massage services.

Walking with Dinosaurs

You've got to see this show! The dinosaurs are so lifelike. I could not believe the realistic movements. This show is back in Japan now, after 3 years. Tickets range from around 5000 yen to 15,000 yen.

http://wwdj.jp/

Zebra themed birthday party

I loved this zebra themed birthday party for a 5 year old.

The kids played 'zingo', instead of bingo, pin the tail on the zebra and made zebra stamped bags for a craft.

The cupcakes were adorable and the black and white patterned balloons tied everything in together.

The birthday girl wore zebra ears too! How cute is that??

My daughter loved the party. This is one that would need a bit of pre-planning (I.e. bringing supplies in from the States) but it is well worth it!

Indoor picnic--easy, affordable kids party idea

I loved this simple idea of an indoor picnic style lunch for a children's party. I think it would be fun to make a small tent as well, depending on the space. The kids loved the picnic style lunch. Perfect for rainy days, cold days or overly hot days.

For the party grab bag, the kids could choose from a snack buffet. Each child got a grab bag and was allowed 5 treats. The selection process was fun and minimal work for Mom.

Fun with fruit

I start the day off with a big fruit plate every morning for my family. Apple slices, strawberries, papaya, avocado, blueberries, watermelon or seasonal fruit, kiwi, pineapples....

My kids arrange the fruit to resemble a face or other design.

They also have cottage cheese or yogurt, nuts and oatmeal.

By starting the day off with mainly fruit, my children have energy and never get constipated.

Botanical Garden, huge grass areas. Shinjuku Gyoenmae Park

What a beautiful choice for a field trip! We loved Shinjuku Gyoenmae Park. Finally! A place where my kids can run around. Coming from the States, I crave big grassy parks. I got my fix today here!

Closest station: Shinjuku Gyoenmae
Several bus stations close by
Admission: 200 yen (adults)
50 yen kids (from elementary age up)
Under kindergarten free

Firefighters Regional Championships, MUST see for kids in Tokyo

Today was my son's dream come TRUE!
Firefighter Regional Championships at Shiba Park. There must have been over a hundred firefighters performing drills, running with hoses and doing all sorts of super hero type poses.

It was an official tournament Witt judges, flags, announcements, etc.

Shibakoen park was filled with all types of fire engines. And the best part of this all is that it is in a grassy park. So, the kids can run around and catch bugs too. I brought out a picnic sheet and lunch and enjoyed the view of Tokyo Tower while my kids were in heaven!

And, the best thing is, there is a State Championship, same place! It's free to the public.

Bring your family out on Sunday, June 16th to Shibakoen, grassy area on Hibiya Dori. The championships will be going on from morning until late afternoon.