Wanderlust Tag

I saw this randomly one day on Youtube from Catrific and thought it would be perfect for this blog.  The first time I traveled abroad was when I went to Japan in 2009.  It was also my first time traveling alone and living by myself.  The year I spent in Japan was truly an eye opening experience, and this is where my passion for travel first began.

1. Your most treasured passport stamp?

My first thought when I saw this question was the stamp we got at Kilometer 82 at the start of the Inca Trail.  It's one you can only get if you do the Inca Trail so it's a very special one to me.  On the other hand, there is also the one I got when I went to Japan for the first time studying abroad.  So it would be a tie between either of those. 

2. Can you recite your passport # from memory if asked?
Nope!  I don't think I know anyone who can...

3. Preferred method of travel; planes, trains or automobiles?
My first choice would be planes, then trains, then automobiles.  Flying is just more convenient and much faster than the other two.  I also like traveling by trains too.  When I traveled in Japan and Europe, I used the train a lot.  It was pretty affordable and a good way to take in some scenery and meet new people.  I hate traveling by car or bus!  When we were in Peru this was our main method of transportation, but we didn't really have a choice.  I get motion sickness very easily so I always dread long bus and car rides.

4. Top 3 travel items?
Packing cubes!  These are a life saver for backpacking and it helps keep everything organized.  Also a camera and a notebook (for tracking your budget).


5. Hostel or hotel?
Hands down, hostels!  I honestly can't remember the last time I stayed at a hotel.  Hostels are just so much cheaper and a good way to meet new people.  You just have to chose a good one.  Hostelworld.com and Hostelbookers.com are good sites to book hostels on.

6. Are you a repeat visitor or do you explore new places?
I definitely like to explore new places.  The only place I've visited twice is Japan and I would definitely want to go back.  But I like the excitement of going somewhere new and different.

7. Do you read up on your destination (culture,history,safety) or do you wing it?
I do a lot of research before traveling, but I don't plan out an itinerary or anything.  I just try to educate myself about the place before we go, but we plan our days once we get there.

8. Favorite travel website?
Tripadvisor -their forums are especially helpful. 
Also some good travel blogs: A Little Adrift, Explore for a Year, One Giant Step, Nomadic Matt, So Many Places

9. Where would you recommend a friend to visit? Name city & why.
Hiroshima, Japan!  It's not a big city so it's a little more laid back than Tokyo, but the city is full of history and the food is amazing!

10, You're leaving tomorrow, money is no option, where are you going?
I would love to go to South Africa, Egypt/Jordan, New Zealand or Australia.  

Hunger Games Tag!

My Hunger Games shirt for the opening night.

Courtesy of  Joey Graceffa on Youtube :)

1. What is your favorite book in the hunger games trilogy?
Mocking Jay is definitely my favorite! 
2. How long would you last in the hunger games?
Probably not long lol.  I wouldn't head for the cornucopia...I would probably just hide XD
3. What is the strangest thing you thought was going to happen in the books?
I was surprised that Katniss ended up with Peeta.  Also when they were entered in the Quarter Quell in Catching Fire, but I thought the arena was awesome!
4. How were you introduced to the hunger Games?
My sister and GF gt me into the books.
5. Favorite moment that happens in Hunger Games?
I like the ending of the first book the best.
6. Favorite Villain?
Hm...not sure.  President Snow?  I thought his character was really interesting, despite how much you grow to hate him throughout the series.
7. Who is your Favorite Character?
Gale or Finnick
8. What District would you live in?
Well, I am in district 8...idk I guess I'm pretty happy with that.
9. What was the most emotional moment in the books for you?
When Rue dies, or the ending in Mocking Jay
10. What item from home would you take into the Arena with you?
Probably my wedding ring.  I can't think of anything else at the moment.
11. What was the most evil plan someone made in the books?
The Quarter Quell from Catching fire.  Why would you put them through that twice?!
12. What are you looking forward to the most in the film?
I'm really excited to see how they portray the capital (and their food!) and the arena.  The movie looks promising from the previews so I hope it doesn't disappoint!

Please do this tag if you're a Hunger Games fan!  I'd love to see everyone's answers!  Btw I got my shirt above from Etsy.  Is anyone else going to the midnight premier?  I bought my tickets already.  Can't wait!
 

Tag: 15 Weird Questions

Taken from missglamorazzi's vlog channel. I thought these questions were really interesting so please do this tag! I'd love to see everyone's answers :)

#1. What's a nickname only your family calls you? Rob

#2. What's a weird habit of yours? peeling nail polish off my nails instead of using nail polish remover

#3. Do you have any weird phobias? I hate the sound of cars/seeing headlights at night. Not when I'm driving, but when I'm outside of a car.

#4. What's a song you secretly LOVE to blast && belt out when you're alone? I guess something by Linkin Park or Katy Perry

#5. What's one of your biggest pet peeves? When people chew really loudly

#6. What's one of your nervous habits? tapping my foot

#7. What side of the bed do you sleep on? Right side!

#8. What was your first stuffed animal && it's name? A tan stuffed mouse....mouse is it's name

#9. What's the drink you ALWAYS order at starbucks? hot chocolate

#10. What's the beauty rule you preach.. but never ACTUALLY practice? cleaning my brushes everyday

#11. Which way do you face in the shower? Usually away I guess, because I don't like water in my face.

#12. Do you have any 'weird' body 'skills'? Not really...i can flip my tongue over

#13. What's your favorite 'comfort food'/food thats 'bad' but you love to eat it anyways? miso soup...um or chocolate ice cream/cake

#14. What's a phrase or exclamation you always say? "actually..." or "seriously?!"

#15. Time to sleep- what are you ACTUALLY wearing? usually yoga pants or shorts with a tank top

Tag: 40 Beauty Questions

Feel free to do this one! I'd love to hear other people's favorites as well.

SKINCARE
-How many times do you wash your face daily?
At least once a day, before I go to bed. Usually try to wash my face in the morning too, but sometimes I don't have time.

-What skin type do you have? (dry,oily,combo)
I have really oily skin. Sometimes combination because I tend to get dry spots on my cheeks.

-What is your current facial wash?
I either use Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser or Basis Sensitive Skin bar.

-Do you exfoliate?
Yeah, I usually do it in the shower.

-What brand do you use?
I use Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub. It's pretty gentle and I can use it multiple times a week.

-What moisturizer do you use?
I use Purpose Redness Reducing Moisturizer for daytime and Cetaphil at night. I've recently started using the Up and Up brand from Target. Not sure if I like it yet.

-Do you have freckles?
Nope

-Do you use eye cream?
Yeah but I recently got a rash under my eye from the medication I was taking so I've stopped using it for now.

-Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
Yeah, I've had acne since I was in 6th grade, so about 11 years. I've yet to see clear skin, but I have a daily routine down so it helps to keep it under control.

-Did you ever have to use Pro-activ?
Yeah, I think I used it when I was in high school. That stuff was horrible...worst stuff ever.

MAKE-UP
-What foundation do you use?
I don't use foundation because of my skin, but I have tried Everyday Minerals and BB cream in the past.

-How about concealer?
No concealer either.

-Do you know your undertone color?
Yeah, it's yellow/warm.

-What do you think of fake eyelashes?
Never tried them and I don't intend to. I hear they can be a bit heavy on your lids.

-Did you know that you are supposed to change your mascara every 3 months?
Yeah but I rarely use mascara.

-What brand of mascara do you use?
I've used Maybelline Full n Soft and Smashbox Bionic Mascara and both were alright.

-Sephora or MAC?
I have a lot of MAC stuff, but Sephora has a variety of brands, so I would chose Sephora.

-Do you have a MAC Pro-card?
Nope

-What makeup tools do you use in make up application?
Sigma 217 brush is awesome! I also use my ELF eyeshadow brush, ELF blending brush and the ELF studio contour brush a lot.

-Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes?
Yeah. I have the oiliest lids ever so I need a primer. I use Too Faced Shadow Insurance. I've tried UDDP and it sucked...thankfully it was only a sample.

-For the face?
Nope

-What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)?
NYX Sahara and MAC Tea Time pigment and Patina are pretty neutral colors. Trax, Fig.1, and Moonflower are really nice too.

-Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?
I like my liquid liner for quick application. I use Kanebo Kate Super Sharp Eyeliner...stays on all day. For pencil I either use Revlon Colorstay or Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliners.

-How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?
Never

-What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?
They're alright, but I don't use them too often. I hate the fallout that I get, but I do use it on occasion.

-Do you use mineral makeup?
I've tried EDM and it was alright. Not a huge fan though.

-What is your favorite lipstick?
I don't usually wear lipstick.

-How about lipgloss?
Stila Lip Glaze or MAC tendertones.

-What is your favorite blush to use?
Don't use blush.

-Do you buy your makeup on ebay?
Never.

-Do you like drugstore makeup?
Yeah

-Do you go to CCO's? (cosmetic company outlets)
We don't have them in Hawaii.

-Did you ever consider taking make-up classes?
Nope

-Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?
Sometimes...I guess if I'm really tired in the mornings.

-Name a makeup crime that you hate?
I hate really thick black liner =/

-Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick,eyeshadow) or neutral ones?
I like both...especially purples and blues, but neutrals are good too.

-Which celebrity always has great make up?
no idea

-If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item,what would you use?
eyeliner

-Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?
Yes

-Do you think you look good even without any makeup on?
Yeah. The one thing I hate about my face is my acne, but I would never cover it up with makeup becuase I will probably break out.

-In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?
Not sure. I like MAC eyeshadow, but I think some DS eyeliner is just as good as higher end ones.

-What do you think of Makeup?
It's a good way to express yourself and it makes me feel artistic...since I'm horrible at drawing or any other kind of art.

Tag: A little about myself...

10 Random things about me:
1. I love anchovies, and natto. Not together of course, but they're two of my favorite things to eat! I just ate maguro-natto donburi tonight and it was awesome!

2. I clip coupons like crazy! I hate to admit it, but since I've been out of a job I've been pretty kechi with my money so I try to save whenever I can.

3. I hate vegetables! I can eat salad (lettuce and tomato at the most, occasionally bell pepper) with a lot of dressing. Other than that, seeing me eat veggies is a rarity. I don't eat fruit a whole lot either (damn I must sound so unhealthy!) but I love apples, bananas and mango.

4. I've kinda reached a point in my life where I have no idea what I want to do. I will be graduating in December and I think it will be a miracle if I can land a job after graduation. I know I do not want to go to grad school...can't afford it anyway. I am thinking about volunteering abroad if I'm not able to get a job.

5. I have a twin sister. She's a minute older than I and we were born about 2 months premature. I was 1lb and 11oz when I was born. Yeah..I cringe every time I see my baby pictures lol.

6. Today is my 5 year anniversary. My partner and I started dating while I was in high school and are still going strong ♥

7. I don't have any piercings or tattoos. I want to get my ears pierced eventually and possibly a tattoo.

8. I've been a fan of Utada Hikaru since middle school. I'm so happy I got to see her live when she came to Hawaii earlier this year. Best concert ever and definitly a dream come true.

9. I've only been to the mainland once in my whole life. I went to Disneyland in CA when I was 7. I don't really see the appeal, but I want to go to Vegas, NY and to see the grand canyon some day.

10. I only started using makeup recently, within the past year. I don't really remember what sparked my interest, and I learned from watching youtube tutorials. I'm not dependent on makeup and I don't think I ever will be. I will never be one of those people who can't leave the house without it.


10 things I always carry with me:
1. Wallet (or just my drivers license, cash and my debit card)
2. Cell phone
3. Keys
4. Softlips Raspberry lip balm
5. Tissues
6. Omamori
7. pens
8. mirror
9. sunglasses
10. digi camera