Best offer of the month

2009 is coming to an end and for our final assignment we were tasked to blog about our favorite travel moments from this past year. It was a difficult choice, but thumbing through the thousands of pictures I took this year brought back many fond memories. Anyway, without further ado, here are my 2009 highlights:

Number 1: Kanto Matsuri

Finally, the highlight of my year was the Kanto Matsuri held in Akita City over the first week of August. I had read about it beforehand, but I was really impressed when I saw it in person. The energy and skill of the participants was amazing, and the sheer number of lanterns, literally hundreds of them, was an awesome sight to see.

Number 2: Hanafubuki at Shinjuku Gyoen

We did some extensive cherry blossom coverage this year and I saw lots of beautiful sakura all over the country. But the best was towards the end of the season as I was checking out Shinjuku Gyoen. Most of the blossoms around the park had already fallen, but as I was about to exit at the Sendagaya Gate the wind picked up and treated me to the most amazing hanafubuki (cherry blossom blizzard) I’ve ever seen.

Number 3: Iriomote Swimming Hole

This summer, while on a kayak trip down a mangrove lined river on Iriomote Island, we discovered a small swimming hole literally in the middle of the jungle, a few hundred meters hike up a small stream from the larger, brackish river. The cool water was a refreshing relief and it was one of those unexpected discoveries that make travelling fun.

Number 4: Hokutosei Night Train

While not usually the most economical way to travel, night trains are a unique experience that are a neat way to do some long distance travel. The Hokutosei night train from Tokyo to Sapporo is one of the best ones I’ve taken so far and really renewed my interest in the genre. One day I’m hoping to check out the coveted Cassiopeia, but that probably won’t be for a while.

Number 5: Sumo Wrestling

We started off 2009 with a trip to Ryogoku to see the first Sumo tournament of the year. We had some pretty good seats and were able to see the matches from up close. Afterwards we headed to a nice chanko nabe restaurant owned by former wrestlers who sang for the restaurant’s patrons.

Number 6: Taketomi Island

Taketomi Island is another Okinawan Island and part of the Yaeyama Chain. The village on the small island has maintained its traditional Ryukyu (the old kingdom of Okinawa) look and feel with stone walls and white sand roads patrolled by water buffalo drawn carts. It’d love to come back and spend a few days on the island soaking up the sun and relaxing on its beaches.

Number 7: Nebuta Matsuri

The Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori City has spectacular floats that are basically giant paper lanterns. They’re each followed by giant drums, dozens of musicians playing flutes and chappa cymbals, and legions of haneto dancers. Anyone can participate in the parade as a dancer and it looks like a lot of fun.

Number 8: Kabira Bay

Kabira Bay, down on Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture, is in my opinion one of the most beautiful beach scenes in Japan. The bay is used for pearl cultivation so unfortunately you can’t swim in the water, but glass bottom boats provide tours of the bay’s coral environment.

Number 9: Nagaoka Fireworks

Next up is the Nagaoka Fireworks in Niigata Prefecture. This fireworks extravaganza is routinely ranked one of the top fireworks shows in Japan and features sanjakudama starmines, whose shells are nearly a meter in diameter; phoenix starmines, that explode twice; and well over 20,000 other fireworks. The picture doesn’t really do it justice, as the fireworks cover almost two kilometers of the riverbank and it was just too big to fit it all into the shot.

Number 10: Kinugawa Mazes

First off on my list are the two fence mazes in Kinugawa Onsen near Nikko. Both the Grand Maze Palladium and the Ninja Trick Maze at Nikko Edomura were a ton of fun. Edomura also got some other fun things to see and watch, such as ninja shows and a gruesome wax museum, which are fun for the whole family.

Well that’s it for this year. 2009 was filled with amazing trips and I look forward to seeing what 2010 has to offer. I hope you’ve enjoyed the blog and I’ll see you again next year!

1. Pang-ung Maehongsorn

2. Pai Maehongsorn

3. Doi Aangkang Chaingmai

4. Huinamdang Chaingmai

5. Doimaesalong Chaingrai

6. Phutubberg Phetchaboon

7. Phushefa Chaingrai

8. Thungdokbuatong Maehongsorn

9. Phukadung Lei

10. Doi Inthanon Chaingmai

“If you don’t know what to buy and what to skip, a short leather jacket is your best bet” – This essential cover up will exude the sexy bad-girl-gone-chic look that is both modern and timeless. Who doesn’t want to feel cute while grocery shopping, lunching with friends or walking the dog? This also works for casual nights out. Spice up that t-shirt and jeans uniform with black Belstaff leather goodie. This is the epitome of casual cool. This legging and tank combination can go casual or dressy depending on the shoes. Flats will say stylish day attire while heels, booties or boots scream party. Whether it’s out with the girls or a cool event, this look will get you noticed in that wonderful way a girl loves.

What is that thing that’s been growing around your mid-section ?

Is it a beer belly?

Is it belly fat?

Is it your imagination?

Is it a gut or a beer gut?

There are so many names for the fat that builds up around our stomachs, is it any wonder why it’s become an obsession? But don’t misperceive our obsession with fat as war on fat. A little body fat is actually good for you. It keeps you warm and helps your body maintain a sufficient core temperature and nutrients when we get sick and can’t eat.

Personally, I like the little tummy I have, and I’d rather it stay that way. So, I’ve started working out.Evidence is starting to prove the theory that lifting weights (anaerobic exercise or weight training) will help you get rid of that extra weight around your midsection. A healthy diet is also a VERY  good idea. So, if you’re serious about losing that tummy???????

The Best Way to Lose Belly Fat Reducing the amount of calories you consume is the most effective way to get rid of belly fat. Really, when it comes down to it, losing any kind of fat, no matter where it is on your body, requires you to consume less calories than you body needs. This lack of calories will set into motion the processing of excess body fat to make up for the lack of calories. But don’t go all crazy about it. Starving your body of calories is only good to a certain extent, after a point you begin to do damage to important things, like your central nervous system. There’s a reason they call it a “beer belly,” and drinking less beer, or quitting drinking altogether, will help you lose belly fat.

No matter who (or how good looking) the drinker is, beer is bad for a number of reasons. The most obvious reason is the caloric content of beer. The less obvious reasons are the inflammation of the pancreas and liver, and the bloating that often accompany the over-consumption of alcoholic beverages; this includes alcohol mixed with sweet, sugary liquids like soda.

Consuming less food loaded with sugar will help you to lose tummy fat. Sugar is a big one. The sugar found in junk food and soda is the kind of sugar that burns quickly, unlike those sugars found in fruits and vegetables, which burn more slowly. If your body is processing sugar to create energy, and you’re not using any energy, those sugars will be converted into fat for later use. If you’re going to enjoy sweets, enjoy them right before you exercise.

There’s nothing wrong with strengthening your abdominal muscles, but it won’t get rid of belly fat like magic.

You may want to consider not only working out your abs, but also working out your shoulders, pectorals, back, and arms to help create a more shapely “V” figure, which will help reduce the appearance of your belly. Keep this in mind: bulking up your muscles requires fewer reps and fewer sets with greater weight. Building leaner muscle requires more reps, more sets, and less weight.

Daily exercise and walking will definitely get rid of belly fat.

Going for a walk after a big meal or enjoying a dessert is never a bad idea. Belly Fat Burning Exercises As I mentioned in section four, there isn’t really an exercise that will get rid of your belly. Certainly, exercising your abdominal muscles is a good idea, because building any kind of lean muscle will improve your body’s ability to process calories more efficiently. The more muscle you have, the more calories you body needs to maintain those muscles. If you keep your caloric intake to a minimum, then your body will start to use the fat on your body for energy, thus reducing the amount of fat hanging from your belly. And strengthening your abdominal muscles will have two effects: first, it helps you build muscles that will help you burn more calories during the course of the day, and second, larger abdominal muscles tend to stretch the skin around them, tightening your belly and reducing the amount of belly that sags over your waist line. But here’s the catch: only working your abdominal muscles isn’t going to do much for you. You should definitely consider joining a gym and working on a weight lifting routine that works as many of your muscle groups as possible, and a daily aerobic routine to help you burn the fat you already have.

Next February’s London Fashion Week is already off to a flying start with the recent announcement by Christopher Bailey, Designer of the Year 2009, that Burberry will once again be joining the hometown schedule for the autumn/winter 2010/11 season.

Burberry will be joined by other returnees including Matthew Williamson, Antonio Berardi,Pringle of Scotland and Jonathan Saunders, together with established British labels such as Vivienne Westwood , Paul Smith,Betty Jackson, Margaret Howell,Nicole Farhi, John Rocha, Jasper Conran and Julien Macdonald.

he BFC NewGen scheme, sponsored by Topshop, meanwhile, will feature nineteen emerging fashion designer businesses. NewGen, established in 1993, is one of the world’s most recognised talent ID projects and has launched the careers of many acknowledged British designers, including Alexander McQueen, Boudicca, Giles Deacon, Williamson and Saunders and, more recently, Christopher Kane, Richard Nicoll, Erdemand Marios Schwab, who continue to show at LFW.

For the autumn/winter 10/11 season, Mark Fast,Mary Katrantzou, Meadham Kirchhoff and Peter Pilotto, will all once again show on the NewGen catwalk, while presentation sponsorship goes to Holly Fulton, Louise Gray, Maria Francesca Pepe, Sykes; and exhibition sponsorship to Atalanta Weller, Christopher Raeburn, Craig Lawrence, David Koma, Dominic Jones, Fannie Schiavoni, Holly Fulton, KTZ, Louise Gray, LP.BG, Maria Francesca Pepe, Mark Fast, Mary Katrantzou, Michael Lewis, Michael Van der Ham, Natascha Stolle, Peter Pilotto and Sykes.

The NewGen Men line-up, meanwhile, sponsored by Topman, will feature new recipients, Christopher Shannon and J W Anderson, who will join the two inaugural designers, Carolyn Massey and James Long.

London Fashion Week will be held at its new official HQ, at Somerset House, The Strand, Friday, 19th February – Tuesday, 23rd February, with Menswear Day on Wednesday, February 24th.

American fashion designer Carolina Herrera followed in the footsteps of her sartorial colleague Giorgio Armani this week by vying for a piece of Russia’s recovering luxury good market — the world’s fourth largest. Herrera, who dressed Jackie Kennedy Onassis in her later years, came to open her first boutique at the plush TSUM shopping center in Moscow’s heart and host a show of her linen-woven Spring 2010 collection. The 70-year-old designer is betting — just like Armani, who descended on the Russian capital in October — that Russian fashion followers, once known for their exuberant spending, will help expand her business.

Other designers remain uncertain about the country’s recovery from a recession that wiped out a tenth of its economy in gross domestic product terms in the first half of the year. Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney boarded the windows of their boutiques less than a year and a half after opening, while others were forced to deal with drastically dropping sales. But Herrera is optimistic. “I think the crisis stopped many things, but fashion is the last one to go, because women are always buying,” the designer, dressed in a sleek black velvet top and black pants, told Reuters after her show. Russian consumers have been famous for most of the decade for their lavish spending and penchant for high-end brands, but the crisis has curbed their disposable income, taking a toll on the country’s luxury market.

Incipient sings of economic recovery began last summer, however, fueled by relatively high oil prices — Russia’s chief export — and the improving global outlook. More festive and glittering decorations than a year ago have lit up Moscow’s shops in recent weeks, fuelling hopes that this season will bring the Russian consumer back to buying. Herrera showed some 200 elegantly dressed fans a collection of chiefly amber, rose and caramel dresses inspired by forms seen in Japanese baskets. The designer seemed enchanted with what Moscow had to offer. “I wish I could stay a week” she said.

WARNING! Men are strictly prohibited from trying to understand this CODE.

Step 1. First, the “bend and snap” – a broken nose is the best way to get closer. If it’s not love at first sight and the catchiest snap, then go to

Step 2. Money. When he invites you to a restaurant tell him that you’ve got fascinating earrings and haven’t got a necklace to put on with an absolutely stunning dress you found in Vogue but haven’t, by the way, bought yet. He will buy them both while he’s in love. And afterwards, when he wakes out of the trance, he will count how much money he’s invested in you and will have a fierce desire to legalize his investment by marrying you. If it’s not enough for his liberality, go to

Step 3. Jealousy. Use the men’s primitive mentality, “If somebody else’s interested, then I’m interested, too. If nobody is interested, then this woman/girl is not worth even looking at.” So, show him that there are at least two more candidates thirsty for your hand/body/love/benevolent glance. Send a bouquet of flowers with a card for yourself and tell him that you are tired of this admirer. If he appears too depressed by your non-existent caballero, go to

Step 4. Food. What is the single’s “every day’s special”? It’s coffee at work and gherkins at home. That is why they are easily baited with good home-cooked food. Which does not necessarily mean that you will spend the rest of your life cooking for him. Let’s say till you get married, that’ll do. Most cases end up in marriages after a satisfying dinner, but if it’s not enough, especially if the man lives with his mother, press him next, and go to

Step 5. Hysterics. From time to time go into hysterics making pauses to become a really nice bunny. Such unpredictable behavior stimulates and interests men. If he still resists, and you do not break up, carry heavy metal – go to

Step 6. Lewinsky’s trick. But do it for a marriage not for publicity. If he doesn’t kill you, he will marry you. If not, and you are still alive, then go to

Step 7. Pregnancy. Pretend that you are pregnant (and you’d better obtain real pregnancy after a marriage just in case your man appears to be a nasty bastard). Oh, don’t worry about your little cheat. He won’t check anything (at least if he does, there’s always the way out to say, “Oops! False alarm!”). But still the former is more likely just because male’s brain is adjusted to stop working once the ears hear the words, “I’m pregnant”. And a sudden fear/euphoria literally enforces a man to make a proposal. So, if he believes you he will marry you.

And finally, if you get through to the seventh step and at last he asks you to marry him, think, whether you really want to marry this manipulated by a woman, wasteful and depressed mamma’s darling with a broken nose! So, do not take this algorithm seriously.

There is no guarantee that the woman of your dreams will right away say ‘yes’ during your proposal. This doesn’t mean that she doesn’t love you like you love her. It may just be because she isn’t ready yet for a lifelong commitment like marriage. Or perhaps, she wasn’t just impressed with your wedding proposal.

The traditional ‘will you marry me?’ wedding proposal while having dinner is overused. If you want to impress your girlfriend and ensure that she says ‘yes’ to your proposal, these romantic proposal tips will come in handy:

Invite your girl in your favourite pub or bar. Request for your theme song (the song that you both love and you feel represent your relationship). As she enters the pub or bar, the song will be aired and you can hand your flowers and of course the engagement ring. You can also talk to the DJ and propose on air.

In the window of her room, write your proposal in the dust. When she opens her window curtain, that is the first thing that she’ll see. This is very romantic, just make sure the dust is still there and nobody has cleaned the window yet before she wakes up.

You can make your proposal public. In a concert event, you can go up the stage and propose. Just make sure you ask permission from the performers. Or you can advertise full page in your local newspaper or her favourite magazine.

Take her to the beach. Talk to someone who can spell the words ‘will you marry me?’ on the sand. This will surprise her.

Give her a gift with the engagement ring. The engagement ring can be simple but if you have the budget, you can opt to buy an elegant diamond ring as your engagement ring. Surely, your girlfriend can’t say no. This is the style where you let the engagement ring speak for the proposal.

Wedding proposals should be made unique as possible. You should prepare everything before you actually propose. Don’t forget the engagement ring. Shop around for your engagement ring weeks before your proposal. This is to ensure that you get the best engagement ring for you partner.

These wedding proposal tips mentioned here will make the moment very romantic. They will sweep your partner off her feet and she can decide right away to give you her sweetest ‘yes’. Surely, romantic proposals pay off.

925e.com has a piece of jewellery to fit any occasion from a beaded necklace that can be worn every day on the beach,  to a lustrous pendant that can be worn at the most sophisticated dinner party. This jewellery wholesale company cater for just about every need possible. If you are a retailer or wholesaler of fine Sterling Silver Jewellery then you should take a quick look at the “New arrivals” section on the site I’m positive you will not be disappointed.

DO not let the topmost style fool you —this topcoat  is dangerous. I can not cross the street or take off an elevator absent somebody stopping me to compliment it, unrelatedly of speeding-taxi and closing-door hazards. Then there is the obligatory moment of shock when I tell them that it’s not vintage, nor custom made it’s off the rack at Coach. The label’s small seasonal assortment of sweaters and outerwear has been increasingly sophisticated lately, and this warm wool topper is Exhibit A. The clever scarf collar is both charming and practical, the shiny gold buttons salute the military trend without shouting Fall 2009, and most importantly, the fit is flawless. Why not throw caution to the wind and get yourself one?

Coach sash coat, $798, available at select stores and coach.com.