Huu, sorry for the long absence as of late! I come bearing good news ? Hehe

Famed Japanese designer, Tsumori Chisato, has teamed up with Shu Uemura to create a special holiday line called “Wish Upon A Star”. The collection includes couture palettes ($65), duo color highlither ($45), lip gloss trio ($45), rouge lipstick ($25), portable brush set ($69), cosmetic pouch ($29), and a mirror pouch ($15). Packaging features cute kittycats and stars with a touch of glittering sparkle.

So much for saving up money for the holidays, aye?! I’ve got my eye on the couture palettes and the adorable portable brush set.

Also! If you bring in their mailer you recieve a deluxe skincare travel set with any purchase of 2 items from this collection. Offer redeemable at the Shu Uemura boutiques in Boston, South Coast Plaza, and San Fransisco…though it also says it’s available online! Valid through Dec 31st.

Check out the full collection at Shu Uemura

<3, Kiku

During a shopping  extravaganza with my mom last week, I discovered a new special edition line from Shu Uemura called Tokyo Kamon Girls. Their wonderful cleansers got a bottle make-over, featuring 5 different animated girls on each bottle, complete with names and personalities (all designed by the talented manga artist, Moyoco Anno) The bottles run from $65-$75…okay, so it’s not the cheapest, but it’s actually quite reasonable for their quality and what it does – acts as a make-up remover AND a facial cleanser – and if you’ve got super sensitive/fickle skin like I do, it’s definitely worth a try (plus this special edition is too good to pass up! haha). Definitely won’t regret it…although your wallet may be a bit sad ;P

Shu Uemura Tokyo Kamon Girls

I may be getting the orange bottle (Character: Tamaki), which is the “high performance balancing cleansing oil enriched for dry skin”. Can’t wait! The store had cute little brochures introducing each character so I’ll be sure to scan that in later! Keep an eye out

Available in stores at Shu Uemura, Shu Uemura Online, and Sephora. Happy Shopping!

<3, Kiku

I’ve been spending a vast amount of time on Facebook lately, but not necessarily to keep in touch with people or update my page. So…what exactly does one do on a social networking site? Games! I’ve discovered an array of games, and I am addicted to one of them in particular…Restaurant City!

Premise: building and maintaining your own virtual restaurant – awesome! I’m only up to measely level 9 right now, but so far so good. The customers motivate you to find new ways to improve your restaurant layout and decor as they’re the ones who rate it with a thumbs up or a thumbs down – in other words, they control your popularity rating – and the menus are excellent. I dare say it has a lot of Asian influence as some of the dishes are Mapo Tofu, Ramen, and Three Cup Chicken…nomnom!

On the downside, there’s little to no social interaction with your friends in the game, which makes it a bit lonely…ah well ^_^

I had no idea this game was so popular until my mom read me an article from the Chinese newspaper about it…that’s right, a Facebook game was featured on an international Chinese newspaper! Ridiculous? Amazing? I don’t know, all I know is it’s caught my attention and will be for a very long time ;P

<3, Kiku

I don’t remember how, but I stumbled across this website called Wunderbloc awhile ago, and it’s really peaked my interest. It’s a platform that allows boutiques to market and sell their products, and shoppers the opportunity to buy from unique stores they don’t physically have access to…great idea, ne?

“Wunderbloc is both a community and a marketplace designed specifically for the local, boutique-shopping market. We are not a search engine or a discount e-tailer for high-end clothing. Instead, Wunderbloc is a place where shoppers and boutiques can come together to share, network and do business. In other words, we want you to come out and flaunt your stuff! Ultimately, we believe shopping is an experience far beyond making a purchase. We encourage both parties to participate and interact as they would in the real world.”

I’m so happy to see more and more websites like this and Etsy appear, they really give designers and artisans the chance to promote themselves in a brilliant way. ^^

Click here to check them out!

<3, Kiku

I think I’ve found it. I made my way to Sephora the other day to buy my usual hair routine products, only to find them not in stock. A little bit annoyed, but figured I might as well try something new…that is when i stumbled upon a brand called Ojon. I bought their thickening shampoo & conditioner, and let me tell ya, it’s absolutely fabulous! My hair itself doesn’t need thickening, but I prefer to have big volumized hair and this definitely does the trick. I told my mom to try it because her hair is actually very thin, and it’s done wonders – her hair looks full and healthy, she even got compliments the next day. Awesome right?

We decided to try some of their other products, this time we went for their Tawaka cleanser & conditioner. I just used it last night, and was floored by how soft and shiny it made my hair. No frizz, no breakage, no stiffness, just soft smooth locks of hair.  It also acts as a skin cleanser. We’re in love :} !

Ojon Tawaka routine

Next on my list of things to try is their Restorative Hair Treatment. I’m sure I won’t be disappointed. ;P

The aspect I love most about Ojon is the fact that their products are sulfate free, which means no damage whatsoever to your hair or body.

Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment

If you’re in need for a new hair routine, I’d defintely recommend trying the Ojon brand. They’re a little bit pricey, but it’s totally worth it. You can find their products in: Sephora, Nordstrom, Planet Beauty, and many other retailers you can look up on their website. You could also, of course, order directly from them if you don’t mind waiting processing & shipping times!

Ojon – “The People of Beautiful Hair

<3, Kiku

Hello all! I know the blogging’s been pretty slow here, but that’ll change soon! I’m looking into a new layout and look for this place, and there will definitely be more consistent updates as my life gets back on track. :} See you all soon!

<3, Kiku

Who says you can’t look good while working up a sweat? :}

I came across Splits59 today while doing my usual rounds of online window shopping…and I was hooked! Splits59 offers a wide range of activewear: sports bras, tanks, pants, jackets, skirts, etc, and they are absolutely drool worthy. This line combines fashion and functionality perfectly, and I am definitely on top of getting some when I get the chance! Honestly, part of the reason why I lack motivation to work-out sometimes is because I never know what to wear/never bothered getting the right clothes for working out (shhh..), so this would definitely push me into going since I’d actually want to wear them…and look good in them. x)

Check them out here !

<3, Kiku

In light of my recent health and fit craze, I’ve found my new favorite snack: fruit yogurt!

It’s fairly quick and easy to make (okay, maybe chopping up the fruits take time, but other than that it’s smooth sailing).

Ingredients:
* your favorite fruits. apples, oranges, strawberries, bananas, pineapples, kiwis, etc…
* vanilla yogurt
* honey (optional – if you have a sweeter taste palate, honey can balance out the more sour fruits)
* toppings (granola, nuts…)

Step 1: Chop up the fruits. Size is completely up to you! Some people like bigger pieces, some prefer smaller. Place fruits into a bowl.

Step 2: Mix in the yogurt.

Step 3: Add in some honey if you think it’s a bit too sour. If not, move onto the next step.

Step 4: Add in your toppings.

That’s it! Easy enough, right? :3 I promise you’ll feel the most refreshed you’ve ever been after consuming this concoction.

Benefits of yogurt:
* high in calcium, vitamin B-6, Vitamin B-12
* contains probiotics that help with digestion.
* reduces the risk of high blood pressure.
* improves stomach conditions (lactose intolerance, constipation, diarrhea, etc..)
* helps prevent yeast infections for women.

Healthy Tip: Mix in some ground flax seed in with your yogurt (or any meals for that matter) for an extra boost of fiber and omega-3!

<3, Kiku

I went on a lovely shopping spree with my dear friend, Pernille, yesterday afternoon. We were on a mission to find her some good deals on lacey tights/leggings, so the first store we landed in was Forever 21. To our dismay, they didn’t carry any…what! Our next hope was Heritage 1981…they didn’t carry any, either. We did end up getting some t-shirts and her a hoodie, though (they were all under $20, too good to pass up, no?)! Continued on to Macy’s…zilch. Eventually we landed in the wonderful Nordstrom and lo and behold, the treasure was found in hoisery section. Haaaay! So after all that work, we decided a trip to Starbucks was needed. I have to say, the iced coffee + milk is MINT aka excellent. Super refreshing. Love it love it.

My Anouk Alexa Polo boots also came yesterday. Yatta! The leather’s super soft and comfy, and it goes with practically anything. I’d say the only downside to it is you have to zip/unzip and buckle/unbuckle when you put it on/take it off. Other than that, it’s pretty much perfect.

Anouk Alexa Boot

I’ve also started work on my bag collection. Finally!!! I’ve got 3 designs so far, and I’ve made a sample of 1, named Kayden. Check it out here:

Kayden Bag - Kiku by Kaling

Stud and pleat details on the pocket flap. I’m deciding between using microsuede and faux leather for this bag…though I think I’m finding myself leaning more toward the microsuede. Suggestions?

Last but not least, the outfit of the day from yesterday. The weather was alternating between chilly and warm.

Jacket: Mike & Chris Paul leather jacket
T-shirt: Heritage 1981, Men’s XL
Leggings: Kill City
Shoes: Anouk Alexa Polo boots
Belt: Versace
Jewelry: Elephant ring
Beanie: by Pixiebell on Etsy

elephant ring

<3, Kiku

Jimmy Choo x Hunter

That’s right folks, Jimmy Choo has teamed up with Hunter to make their very own special edition rain boots (or wellies, as I like to call them). These multifaceted boots are rendered with crocodile patterns, extra long boot straps on the side with golden grommets and buckles, along with a branded top bind. Nifty, eh? What’s important about these boots, though, is functionality. These boots are totally wearable and could spice up any outfit, rain or shine. The best part? No need to stress about keeping them clean while you’re out. Wipe them off at the end of the day, and they’ll be good as new.

There is a waiting list on www.jimmychoo.com, and they will be available for purchase in June, with a retail price of $395 – a steal for any Jimmy Choo fan.

What do you think? yay or nay? I’m no crocodile fan myself, but I definitely think these boots could be an asset to the many fashionistas out there, especially those living with consistent rainy weather.

<3, Kiku