#EVERY TRAVEL WITH ME TO THRIFT IN JAPAN VIDEO IS DOING THIS

[vexx-the-egg]

Ah yes Brand new japanese phone that you....."Thrifted"

[blurredblonde]

BUCKET LIST, including the strange, the wild, the weird, and the borderline undoable

Go to a nude beach

spread eagle naked towards the sun

use Pinterest business to do brand links and get any amount of $$ from that alone

go to a pole dancing class

try hot yoga

do a burlesque show in Melbourne

post an animation to youtube

start a webtoon

learn to sew

get an apartment by myself

get an apartment with friends

post a shitty homemade music video in a lana del rey way with the help of friends

get a perm

visit coney island

be 125 pounds

get a the dachshund tattoo

post a vlog like im famous

be a extra in a movie

act in a gay indie movie like norman reedus

go to a gorillaz concert

get a snake

get a record player

meet a sugar mommy

go to a jazz bar alone

get a dressed up like a old hollywood star and go have a night on the town

get my license

own a mustang

ride a motorcycle

go to a mosh pit

go to a rave

get black out drunk

go skinny dipping

publish a art book

own a beach house

get a red gingham bikini

take a slutty picture in a american flag bikini and post it to instagram

go diving with whale sharks

be a art director on a project

do a mural on a wall

complete a painting on an obnoxiously large canvas

make a pop song with no knowledge of music or mixing

work on a big animated film

Do a boudoir photoshoot

party in paris

do a full cosplay

pet a pigeon

get a scuba diving license

explore an abandoned building

kiss a stranger

get in a fist fight

flash my boobs at something

attend a figure drawing class

be the nude model at a figure drawing class

receive fanart of my own characters

create a reel showing school doodles

be the cinematographer for a project

take a history class

be a dive instructor

post a animation meme to a jack stauber song

go on vacation all by myself

have sex

be in a youtube video

go on the video side of omegle

visit japan

go to a film festival

jump off a pier

do a pin-up photoshoot

go to an acting interview

heh

open an online store

do artist alley at a convention

cross country roadtrip with friends

stargaze on top of a car

invest in stocks and real estate

go on a cruise to thailand and thrift there

go to the new york library

visit bora bora

learn to play guitar

draw on the sidewalk with chalk

nurture and take care of a plant

grow my own food

get chickens

join a club in uni

take a pottery class

work out in a gym

surf a barrel

buy a surfboard

meditate for 50 days in a row

travel in a van

fly first class

go on a blind date

buy and fill a photo album book

kiss in the rain

do a thirty-day photography challenge and post the whole thing

explore the woods by my house

go to a ball/masquerade party

host a dinner party

say yes to everything for a day

grow my hair past my ass

become mildly fluent in french

attend golbeins animation workshop

buy an obnoxiously large rug

smell the tomford cherry perfume

get a Brazilian wax

get henna done

go to Brisbane museum by myself

get my i.d

go wine tasting

visit Miami

Meet my online best friend

dine at the ritz

go on a gameshow

do tent camping

win a sweepstake

create a artist porfolio/website

be featured in a gallery

go to okinawa

learn to ballroom dance

ride a horse on a beach/ and or backwards

go to a country club

bake a pie

buy a tourist t-shirt

do a escape room

live in Santa Barbara

stay in cape cod

belly dancing class

get my art viral on tiktok

do a commision

buy a fancy wardrobe

have a room with a slanted roof

sleep in a pool in an inflatable pool

snuggle with nurse sharks

bayonetta mui mui glasses.

go out in a pair of high heels

do a show at a convention

stay at the madonna inn

do lesbian handkerchief flagging in public

do a 'nude' photoshoot

own every sims 4 pack

complete a sims4 generations challenge

play subnautica

swim a motel pool at night

pick a girl from a bar

get a drinks bought for me

smoke a ciggrette

try mixology

get a hickey

have a friend or myself sew vintage patterns

wear a tailored suit

buy real cowgirl boots

bathe in a heart shaped tub

take a rose petal bath

stick a polaroid of myself somewhere public

use spray paint

do a vintage glamour competition

own a house with stain glass windows

go to a cathedral

get pink lace curtains

paint a room

milk a cow

replay Detriot become human

do a live stream

do a lesbian event like a cruise or smth

go to a pride parade

participate on a float in a parade

be a scare actor

act in a play

see a broadway show

shoot a gun

drive a convertible

see lana del rey in concert

do modelling work

do a commercial

buy a sewing machine

drive the road without directions

write a screenplay

submit a film for a competition

pitch an animated show

take a opportunity that scares me

do public karaoke

buy a shitty 2000s camera

get a boat license

buy a boat

go to a random diner

sell clothes on depop

play a drinking game with mates

stay in a hotel with mates

do a draw my life

do a drawing for each section of my Pinterest board

get my fortune told/ future read

buy some mega flare jeans

post a picture of myself to Pinterest/ start a 'me' board

buy some colorful tights

get blue streaks through my blonde hair like aquamarine

drop in on a skateboard

buy a castle

party at Hearst castle

post another fanfic to ao3

dress up in a slutty Halloween costume,its a rite of passage

bake and decorate a fancy cake for someone

[robinsnest2111]

the ring: if u could visit/live anywhere in the world, where would u?+ midsommar: show ur lock screen + home screen!

the ring:

oof there are so many places I'd want to visit! Definitely wanna do some more in-country travel, wanna see Berlin and Hamburg and Bremen again (all the bigger cities tbh), wanna visit that one park with the Iconic ™ round devil's bridge everyone keeps reblogging photos of on here lol as well as see ALL THE CASTLES! Schloss Neuschwanstein being on the very top of that list! And the town of Hammelburg of course, for silly Hogan's Heroes fan reasons 🙈

I'd also love to explore Amsterdam at a slower pace, the class trip was super rushed and focused on art history, quick museum visits, life drawing, some culture, and all the presentations we had to prepare beforehand orz

I wanna travel around Denmark some more as well. I've been on family vacations in the same small town near the southwestern coast a couple times but I'd love to see Copenhagen one day!

Japan is another obvious favourite on the list! Wanna experience the city life (and go shopping for street fashion and lolita fashion in person!!!) and the countryside and culture so bad, Sharla in Japan's and Rachel and Jun's videos just aren't enough for me anymore 😭

If at all possible, the U.S. would be on that list as well, just to get a chance to see some of my fandom friends! Also all the national parks! The Closet Historian's and The Milk Club's travel/antique-ing/thrifting vlogs have really awakened something in me lol Also also kinda wanna go shopping at walmart, just to see how the American Experience is. We did have a walmart in Germany at one time in the early 2000s but it was almost identical to the local Big Supermarket chains and disappeared after a couple months??? OH almost forgot: HOT TOPIC (and 80s style malls)!!! But not the current Hot Topic shops, I'd wanna go back to the late 90s/early 2000s style of shops 😭 Used to look at their online shop every day as a young teen, and I always dreamed of shopping there one day...

Lastly I suppose I'd want to see each European country at least once in my life!

No particular idea where I'd wanna live permanently tho All I'd want is a space of my own that's up to code and dry and warm and safe lol

midsommar:

still the same as for the last ask lol

art by @insomniac-pens 💖

[freelyglitterykryptonite]

An extensive list of non-problematic youtubers

With the absolute crap-show that is the youtube community right now, I though I might share some of the least problematic creators on the site right now, pulled right from my subscriber list Here you go;

Glam and Gore Does Beauty and SFX makeup, She has two adorable dogs and she’s just the cutest

Bailey Sarian Does Murder Mystery and Makeup Mondays where she talks about true crime stories and does her makeup

IAMTRAEH Does Natural hair horror stories and tutorials for Natural hair

Snitchery Does Tutorials on how to change up your look

SusieJTodd does Fashion videos on a plus sized body

Bernadette Banner a Vintage fashion youtuber with a voice of liquid gold

TT Bret mainly a cosplayer who is more active on Tumblr and Tik Tok but does occasionally post youtube videos

Safiya Nygaard Does bad makeup science and travel videos. She’s absolutely adorable and down to earth

Dollightful a Korean Based artist who repaints dolls into her own characters, She did all of Eevies evolutions

Sideways Delves into music theory and motifs in modern culture.

Imbrandonfarris just absolutely hilarious with the most adorable little girl. He eats bugs sometimes

Emmymadeinjapan Makes vintage recipes, tests vintage cooking tools, and Viral internet foods in a respectful and educated manner

AnthonyPadilla Yes that one, His activism and “I spent a day with” Series is highly informative and he always approaches his topics with the utmost of respect and curiosity. (he’s also dating Glam and Gore from earlier and their relationship is absolutely adorable)

NikkieTutorials one of the few Big beauty youtubers who isn’t stupid Shady I love her so much

Royalty Soaps She makes and sells handmade soaps and she’s adorable

TheEpicNate315 shockingly a video game youtuber, He makes informative videos about Skyrim and Fallout 4 Lore

Overly Sarcastic Productions Covers History, Literary tropes, and Mythology In a fun animated medium

You Suck At Cooking is what would happen if How to basic had a voiceover

Enchanterium another doll repaint artist

Jennelle Eliana A travel Vlogger who lives out of her van with her snake. Very informative

Deligracy Is a Sims youtuber. The Sims Community is pretty unproblematic you can get really good content with none of the drama on this side of youtube

ThreadBanger cusses a lot but Todd and Corinne have one of the healthiest relationships on the platform. Todd also almost died a year ago and he’s back and better than ever

Beautyklove If anyone did those no heat curl tutorials back in like 2012 you know who she is. She still makes hair related content

MyFroggyStuff More doll art tutorials but this time they focus more on the dollhouse and smaller parts of a house awesome if you have kids who like dolls and crafting

Kristen Ryan Broadway fans rejoice! Kristen makes karaoke versions of popular songs but will sing every other part except the one you want to sing! She normally uploads multiple versions of the same songs so you have choices!

coolirpa revamps thrifted clothes and shows you how to do it

Oxhorn Another lore based Bethesda gamer. The gaming community has some wholesome bois I promise

Rachel and Jun a Japan based married couple who talk about their life in japan and how they make their interracial relationship work

RRcherrypie I guess they would fall under ASMR youtuber but I just find the little toys they mess with really interesting

ellie Nicole a Beauty Vlogger who occasionally covers natural hair and her skincare routines

Mo Mo O'Brien a cosplayer and Larper who attends renaissance festivals among other things. Is possibly the cutest person on this planet?

호주사라 HojuSara Australian youtuber based In South Korea, She does Korean based vlogs.

Maven of the Eventide Covers Vampire lore in modern fiction and reviews vampire movies

Spill, the only tea channel you will find on this list. Lays out the facts and lets you come to your own conclusion in a respectful manner,

Tristan Paredes is a vocal coach you can actually book online lessons for. Hes back baby

Mikaela Long, Does Beauty? Among other things

Philip DeFranco does daily news stories and is honestly one of the only ways I can consume the news without it feeling like its piling on top of me If there are any more that you guys can think of please reblog with your additions! 

[kpopcotton]

Simply Soft ~ NCT 127 ver.

a/n ~ here is the final version of simply soft.. i hope you like it!!

• Prompt: johnny. just johnny. • Genre: platonic fluff, bullet point scenario, nct member!reader  • Warning(s): strong desire to be a part of nct • Reader Gender: gender-neutral

==≎==

Taeil

ok google, what does soft mean?

never have you seen taeil so whipped for someone

always supporting you and looking at you with the biggest heart eyes

haechan pretends to get jealous and petty whenever taeil shows you more attention than him

you have competitions sometimes

but besides that,

you show taeil so much love and he has so much to give in return

he’s not the best at expressing his love, but you know he cares through the little things

like when he cleans up after you 

or gives you firm hugs that last tens of minutes at a time when you aren’t feeling the best

or lets you rest in his bed if you fall asleep during the haechan movie nights you crash

he finds you so precious and never wants to see you sad

his favorite time to hang out with you is right after the two of you get home from a busy day

doesn’t matter what you both did, he’ll make sure to find you at the dorms

most of the time he just gives you the look which means he’s picked out some snacks and is ready when you are

to him, there is nothing better than taking a shower and then inviting you to put on face masks and dance to music

lets you pick the playlist

but, he’s very picky about what kind of music it is

either gives you one of his hoodies or steals one of yours

you both get comfy clothes on

and then apply skincare before picking a face mask and putting them on each other

lots of cute selfies that will never be shared but always treasured

in conclusion, taeil loves relaxing with you

“oh! oh, this is the song! quick, come dance!”

==≎==

Johnny

are you ready for another...

johnny’s communication center?

probably not

you’ve only gotten to appear in one of johnny’s youtube videos which was like a 40-second debut

rip y/n

however, contrary to popular belief, you do spend time with him

he’s like the best big brother in the world, even if he’s younger than you

brings you to clothing stores, coffee shops, bookstores, ikea

any place you can buy things really

his favorite places to go with you are clothing stores

forces you to try on clothes that are in his style just to see how they look on you

whines when you try to get him to wear your style of clothing

says your fashion sense is terrible and sad

but wears the clothes anyway to see your reaction

loves seeing you smile

sometimes you go through johnny’s fashion evaluation

either horrendous combinations or luxury styles

there is no in-between

in the case of horrendous combinations (which happened at a thrift store in chicago):

he had you put on a sparkly rainbow bikini top that left little to the imagination, khakis, a lumberjack flannel around your neck, a bandana around your head, sunglasses that had to be at the tip of your nose, and thigh-high, high heeled boots

you had never felt more out of place and uncomfortable in your life

but johnny loved it every second of it

you made sure to get him back though

you gave him a neon blue lacy bralette, a puke green and brown sweater that you forced him to tie into a crop top, jean shorts that were too short with leggings underneath, knee-high socks with laces pulled over the leggings, and strappy sandals

he pretended to model the outfit for you confidently but his bright red neck and cheeks gave it away that he was embarrassed

in the case of luxury items (which was in some uptown, expensive store in japan):

johnny somehow managed to pick out an outfit that accentuated all of your best features with a color that made you feel confident and sexy

you felt you had never looked better

you returned the favor of course and gave him a suit that was definitely a perfect fit and it was obviously red because when does johnny not look good in red

“damn, y/n, look at us! we are the visuals of nct no doubt!”

==≎==

Taeyong

duality.

never have you seen a more confusing duo in kpop history

aeygo to the maxxxx

charisma to that maxxxx

it’s like a metronome how fast you two change when you’re together

the power.

neither soft stans nor hard stans can handle it

the twitter timeline is a dangerous place

fans could be cooing at you both and having heart pains while commenting about how babie you two are

but then die because the next picture is you in all black with a harness doing a questionably 18+ pose with taeyong who’s probably got his signature crop top on

n e ways, let us move on

taeyong adores you so much and it honestly makes him so flustered when you spend time with him

he loves, loves, loves when you take him out

he doesn’t leave the dorm much unless it’s for work

invite him to join you anywhere and he’ll instantly agree with so much enthusiasm, it’ll make you want to give him the world (though he deserves it)

he enjoys the little things

like walking down the street and bumping shoulders every so often while you guys talk about your days

or holding hands while crossing the street to make sure the other is safe

if you go somewhere to eat and offer a bite to him, he’ll melt

do anything for him and he’ll melt, really

one time you held the door for him and he had heart eyes the rest of the night

another time, you complimented his taste in fashion while you took a few pictures of him for instagram and he couldn’t stop smiling

how can he be so precious?

always tries to impress you with a surprise while you are out

he might spoil his new solo track or pay for a meal if you stop anywhere to eat, but that’s when he’s feeling extra

one time he surprised you with a tight hug and a genuine thank you that actually made you cry

“baby, please... spend some time.. with me?”

==≎==

Yuta

you and yuta are like two peas in a pod

like peanut butter and jelly

like strawberries and chocolate

like french fries and burgers

like fish and chips

sorry, i’ll stop with food pairs im kinda hungry right now

anyways, you get it

yuta feels lost when you aren’t around. you are his best friend, his other half (winwin who?)

yuta without you just feels... wrong

nct’s instragram is full of the pictures you guys take when you go on adventures together, which is very often

it’s his favorite thing to do with you; traveling and exploring

you pull up a map on your phone and go buck wild

you’ve both found some pretty cool places and some amazing views

you found a hidden cove somewhere off the coast in california but you guys got in trouble later that day because no one could find you

turns out you guys had wandered a lot farther than you thought

the pictures you showed the group made up for it

they were gorgeous candids of the both of you, laughing and smiling together

one was a timed one where you were both jumping

all of these photos and videos were posted to instagram which made a lot of people happy just to see yuta and you so happy in your elements

sometimes, you guys force mark to join you which takes some convincing because you two are always trouble 

mark wouldn’t admit it in a million years, but those moments he shares with the two of you are where he has the most fun

he never knew two people could love each other platonically as much as the two of you do

however, he wants to barf whenever you guys call each other sappy pet names because, ew, third wheeling

“where should we go today, honey?”

==≎==

Doyoung

my birthday twin, let’s get it

how do i even begin to explain how much this boy cares?

you are the third member on his “favorite member” list

now, don’t get petty when he says you’re third

the story of how you got demoted from first is a bit funny in hindsight, jeno (who’s in first) takes the liberty of making fun of you for it whenever you hang out

jungwoo (who owns second) always tries to stand up for you though

you were messing around with taeyong on top of a set-piece while shooting a music video

doyoung had scolded you and told you to stop or else you would get hurt

you decided to laugh off his warning because you “weren’t that clumsy” 

turns out you were

taeyong did something cool (when does he not?) and you wanted to try it, so after he told you how to do it a few times, you did

you fell

not very far, only a couple feet, but you landed on your back

the sound was so loud that it startled everyone

doyoung had a heart attack

he thought you died

you had the wind knocked out of you and your back was a little sore, but other than that you were fine

at least ten people swarmed you

including taeyong who was apologizing like crazy

doyoung was right there, lifting you up and already giving you an earful about how he told you to be cautious

once people were sure you were fine and didn’t have a concussion, they left you alone

doyoung doesn’t like much physical affection, but he’ll put that aside to smother you against his chest and harshly reprimand you

he’s a mom friend and will always be

will never tell you, but he prizes the moments when you get sick or hurt

sounds sadistic, and maybe it is, but he loves when you are a helpless baby and he has to take care of you

always scolding you for compromising your health, but doesn’t stop pampering you

tells the other members off when they try to help him

makes you soup when you are sick and gets you anything you ask for without complaint

if you get hurt, he’s right there with some form of first aid

and since i know you’re wondering: yes, he will cuddle you if you ask.

“come to me when you need help, you dumb baby.”

==≎==

Jaehyun

jung jaehyun is the definition of boyfriend material

when you two get together, the aesthetic blogs pale in comparison

everything the two of you do together is an aesthetic, really

golden hour selfies on rooftops where your skin glows and your eyes look the most beautiful

candids on the streets of the city where you're illuminated by the street signs

coffee shop pictures where you look so perfectly in your element sipping coffee and looking out the window

snapshots of “date nights” where you stay in to watch movies or kdramas with popcorn, candy, and a bottle of wine

couple’s outfits where you pose like models while someone takes your photo

you guys do it all

honestly, the biggest ship in all of nct is you and jaehyun

fanfiction writers are jealous no doubt because how the hell can the two of you live out their writings so flawlessly

some people use the pictures the two of you take as templates for their mood boards or “nct as boyfriends” projects

you both probably started a vlog series on the nct youtube account

however, the time you guys spend together is strictly platonic, no matter how badly people want you two to “just date”

neither of you tries anything romantic because blegh, disgusting, i’ve known this person for so long they are literally my best friend, my sibling, a family member i’ve never had but always wanted

sure, jaehyun’s ears turn red whenever you guys dress up in similar outfits but it’s because of people’s reactions

if you see a picture with jaehyun shy next to you, it’s probably because johnny is screaming behind the scenes about how good the two of you look

speaking of johnny, he’s the hype man

also, sort of, maybe, kinda the reason you guys do so much aesthetic stuff

he says you guys are too good looking not to “bless the world with your visuals”

to sum this up, jaehyun treasures you and does the most with you

“what are you wearing today? we should match since it’s our friend-iversary!”

==≎==

WinWin

see wayv ver.

==≎==

Jungwoo

i love him with all my heart and i really miss him right now

it’s real soft hours up in here

not a single moment where you aren’t giving each other all the love you can muster

big comfy sweaters with sweater paws

love confessions every hour

always telling you he loves you and that you are his

treats you like royalty while also babying you into next week

he’s honestly the sweetest person on the planet and he can’t handle himself around you because dang, you really be out here existing and stuff

looking that good

since he’s so affectionate, i see him cuddling you like there’s no tomorrow

will build a pillow fort for you

honestly, he will do anything for you as long as you say please

not afraid to kiss you either. don’t matter where or when, he’s ready

some would say it’s his favorite thing to do

your cheek looking extra squishy that day? his lips have claimed that territory

your forehead exposed? kiss.

your neck easily accessible? smooch.

your hand in his? peck.

your lips in a pout? he better hold himself back because he’s about ready to risk it all just to give you a kith

the other members try not to seem too surprised every time you accept his lips on your skin

they freak out whenever it happens to them, or get super flustered

they don’t know how you handle his affection so well

you say it’s a talent when they ask you

a.k.a. you treasure all the affection he gives you because he is literally the best boy and you would die for him

he worships you on the daily (lucky)

he says his heart beats irregularly whenever you are around because he loves you that much

it was actually scientifically proven during a tv show when you had to make other members’ heart rates fluctuate with aegyo

you hadn’t started doing anything yet, but just by looking at you his heart did a boom boom and everyone freaked out

holds the title of the member with the best hair second-biggest ship in all of nct and of course, it’s with you

fans have so many videos of jungwoo hanging off of you and being clingy

always talking about you like you put the stars in the sky

you know that video when jungwoo was giving mark “the look”? it’s like that with you but at least ten times worse and all the time because you are his baby, his world, his favorite member

always has to comment about what you two did that day

never ever forgets to talk about how much he cares about you

“yeah, y/n and i are close. i love them with all my heart. they are perfect!”

==≎==

Mark

see dreamies ver

==≎==

Haechan

see dreamies ver

[bigan-ryokosha-blog]

May 24: Academic Independent Excursion

Personal Refection

Today was our first free day, and let me tell you, it was a day.  I was so happy to get out and do something really cool and memorable. The start of the day was very good. The train ride there was quite lengthy, but I believe that it was worth every single second. The museum was so big that we could not get through all of it. Lights show everywhere. I really wanted to stay. Unfortunately, I left early because I had several errands to complete, things like an online class, shopping, and more exploring. Navigation the train system is not hard, but when you have to take multiple lines, that is the hard part. I tried going to an all vegan restaurant, but I got lost in Ginza. I stayed calm, but I started to panic since my phone was close to dying! I made a smart move by turning back home. To my surprise, I found a vegan ramen shop! Since eating, my day went smoothly! I was able to go thrift shopping!!! Japan is so cheap!!! I had such a great day. I realized that I love exploring alone 🍜♥️🌱, and that was the start of my independent freedom. 

Academic Reflection 

So, how did I come to find out about this place? Well, if anyone has social media and they follow really amazing traveling pages, I am so certain that they have seen this on “ What To Do in Japan”. I wanted to extend my search so I came across this article. The headlight reads,“ what happens when you combine 520 computers, 470 projectors, and up to 100 self-described 'ultra-technologists'? teamLab decided to find out.” From this article, I was able to learn that this museum was the first digital arts museum in the world! How crazy is that? TeamLab wanted to create something that people can lost within, and I believe that they got the job done. Spending so much money and energy into. The article points out how TeamLab wants to create a world where technology and people can exist in beautiful harmony. The author thinks that TeamLab provides an alternative view of how we can relate to, and interact with, cultural spaces in the future. Before I went in there, I had witnessed a few videos and pictures of this place. So, going in, my expectations were super high. When I got there, the media representation was the same, but the essence and beauty of the place were not captured clearly. The pictures that were taken did not do the museum justice that it deserved. The media was also off in the way that it showed how people interacted. For example, in certain exhibits( the really popular ones) you were timed and when that time was up, you had to leave. In the previous videos, people were just wandering in there carelessly. Moreso, this place deserves a star, and I strongly recommend it to everyone who is looking for something beautiful. romantic, and awesome in all one go. 

 https://www.britishcouncil.org/anyone-anywhere/explore/digital-creativity/first-digital-art-museum  

[surveysonfleek]

1295.

Favorite day of Homecoming Week? we don’t celebrate that here. Which youtuber have you learned the most from? hmm. geography now lately lol. What is your favorite type of church that you’ve visited? my friends got married at a cathedral a couple months ago. i was in awe of how grand it was. it was amazing. What different types of churches have you visited? so far i’ve been to catholic churches, russian orthodox churches, buddhist temples and a hindu temple. What type of church do you hate or dislike? don’t really have a type that i hate.

Who would you want to be the flower girl at your wedding? no idea! depends when i get married and the girls that’ll be in my life around then. Do you want to be married within the next ten years? yeah for sure. Do you feel like your life is too fast-paced, or do you wish it were busier? life has been passing me by. Do you prefer to be busy or bored? i’d prefer a super busy day and then a day of complete peace after. What are your current favorite hobbies? eh, not sure. i’ve been doing a ton of diy party stuff for my sister’s upcoming 21st. i’ve tried making a huge cake, balloon garlands and a huge 3d 21 sign covered in tissue paper made to look like flowers. What are some hobbies which you want to pick up? not sure. i haven’t had much time to think up of new hobbies. Does anyone encourage you to go after your dreams? yes. What group are you most active in on facebook? probably the group i’m in for work. it’s the one i use most anyway. Are you ashamed of anything? yes. where i am in life. What were your favorite Disney rides as a kid? i only went to disney like twice as a kid. i always loved tower of terror. What were your favorite rides at Cedar Point? never been. What are some places you want to visit that you’ve never been? japan, the bahamas, bora bora, new zealand. What are some places that you’ve been that you’d like to go to again? amsterdam, san francisco, singapore. What kind of dog is your favorite? i love corgis. List five youtubers you love. jkparty, itsjudyslife, daily dose of internet, no idea what else. i’ve been getting over youtube lately. What DIY project do you want to do next? probably more party related stuff. When was the last time you wore a sweater? yesterday. What color was the last sweater you wore? brown. Have you ever owned a succulent? nope. Favorite type of tea to drink in the fall? chai. Do you support small businesses? i will when i can. lately i’ve been saving hard so i haven’t done much spending. If a brand were to sponsor you, which brand(s) would you prefer? dyson. i just want their new air styler thing. Have you read the entire Bible? nope. Do you make bucket lists for each season? no. What is the next hobby you want to start? cooking seriously i guess. What do you need to buy at the grocery store next? idk. How old were you when you first dyed your hair? umm. maybe 12? it didn’t work since my hair was so dark. i didn’t bleach it until when i was about 15. Do you dye your hair regularly? i haven’t dyed my hair in over 3 years. What is the most comfortable type of pants, in your opinion? leggings. oh and sweatpants. What makes you depressed? life. What magazine would you like to be in? none lol. magazines are pretty obsolete. Do you think you could ever be famous? no. Do you think you have what it takes to make it big in the entertainment biz? nope. What industry is it that you want to go into? no idea. maybe the travel industry. Do you have a job now? If so, what is it? yes. What are some jobs you’ve had in the past? i’ve worked in retail, food and bev and social media. What are some jobs you want to or would like to have? List five. idkkkk. What are some jobs you have considered? i’ve considered so many different paths. i’m in between applying jobs so we’ll see where that takes me. List 10 favorite girls’ names. i can’t even name two. List 10 favorite boys’ names. ^ Which stereotype do you fit the most? none. Are you thankful for social media, or do you wish it didn’t exist? i didn’t mind back in the myspace days where it didn’t take over our lives too much. now it’s everywhere. businesses rely on it, there’s ads scattered everywhere and it’s a damn popularity contest. Do you think social media is beneficial? Or is it destructive? it can be both. i don’t really delve into social media that much. i use it everyday but don’t share too much about my life so i’m cool with that. Have you ever been socially awkward? yes. Have you ever acted awkward in front of a crush? duh. How old were you when you started puberty? hmm. 11 or 12. Do you think of baby names you like often? not really. i’ve liked the same names since i was a kid. What health issues do you have? idk. What are some health problems you have had in the past? idk. What are some of the best medications you’ve ever had? birth control for obvious reasons. painkillers. What is your favorite Vitamin? idk lol. Do you swallow vitamins or chew them? i don’t take them. What is your favorite pizza topping? all meats! Do you shop at thrift stores? not really. i check them out every now and then. Who are your favorite small youtubers? idk. Have you ever made money off of youtuber? yeah i have actually! and then they changed their conditions. What color is the rim of your full-length mirror (if applicable)? i don’t have a full length mirror. What was a video you watched over and over as a kid? maybe disney movies? Have you ever dyed your hair a wild color? not all of it, i used to have fire engine red streaks though. Do you own a pair of fishnets? no. Sugar skulls or zombies? sugar skulls. Are you sore right now? no. Have you ever experienced depression as a side effect? i don’t think so. Have you ever been suicidal as a withdrawal symptom? no. How old were you when you got braces? never had braces. How old were you when you started wearing glasses (if applicable)? later in life. i had reading glasses at maybe 18 but didn’t start wearing them everyday until i was about 23. Have you ever been told you have an accent? yeah. What is your favorite accent? idk lol. i don’t have a fave. Do you know a lot of people who were loving, and then turned cold? sure. Do you own anything plaid? nope. What do the first pair of Lularoe leggings you got look like? never owned them. Do you think Lularoe is too expensive? - Do people think you look your age? yeah i guess. i still get carded though. Are you good at guessing people’s ages? not at all. Are you good at remembering names? not really. i’m better at remembering faces. Do you prefer common names or unique ones? don’t mind. unique names are easier for me to remember though. What does your name rhyme with? reese. 

[gloomygalleon]

I’m so tired.

I have three days off from work and phew, it’s so well deserved. This upcoming paycheck gonna be pretty good at least. I’m thankful I get paid every week rather than biweekly.  I’m getting my passport taken care of on Monday thanks to my wonderful grandparents who totally understood my concern with time. I’m glad I can eat for so cheap- meal prep is the best thing I’ve ever been introduced to. I’ll always meals, I only have to cook once, my dishes are only dirty once, it’s cheaper and I save so much more in the end. Everything is officially booked for Japan! Our plane tickets, the air bnb, (nearly my passport), and a month from today we book our tickets to see the Ghibli Museum!  I’ve been watching a lot of videos recently on what to do. The list seems to be never ending. I’m mainly REALLY excited to explore Shimokitazawa and thrift a lot of clothing there. I can’t wait to see (but..probably not buy from) Harakuju, I want to see Shibyua Crossing! The Hachiko statue! Nakano Broadway! Ueno! So Much More! We have so much travelling to do by air and that’s a little stressful and I don’t want to think about it yet. Flying over Russia is a really cool thing to think about too, even if it’s a part that’s likely very uninhabited.  I’ve thought about what cameras I’ll be taking with me, and I think for now it’ll likely just be my DSLR and my phone. Be prepared for ten million photos!  I’m tired! I just got home from the one thing I had planned this weekend because now I need to clean my house and relax and also exercise!  I’m too lazy to think of a proper farewell! What else is new?

[chompwithcaitlin]

Chomp! with Caitlin: TOKYO

The biggest frustration I had with not being able to travel was thinking about all the food I was missing out on. So, when I found out I’d be traveling out of the country after 10 years of back-and-forth with documents and finances and free time, I immediately knew that I wanted most of my documentation to focus on the food I’d be eating on my trip. That’s when I got the idea for the Chomp series, and I’m doing this in hopes that I’ll be able to travel as often as I would hope and create more content along the way. I’m so excited to be able to share with the world the love and passion that I have for gastronomy.

My goal is for each blog entry is to help you, dear reader, navigate your way through the multitude of choices that you have during your food trips across the globe.

To kick things off, check out the ~6-minute video that I made featuring the highlights of my Tokyo trip!

https://youtu.be/vc9gzfgTsqY

Asakusa - Kaminarimon San-sada

Asakusa is brimming with people. Not to say that other places in Tokyo aren’t, but Asakusa specifically has a lot of tourists, most of whom are there to see the temple. My family and I went to see it, too, but didn’t stay very long because of the crowd. We also went to Asakusa in hopes of eating at Asakusa Imahan, which our lovely hosts (our relatives) said was “the best sukiyaki place in Tokyo.” Much to our disappointment, we would’ve had to wait an hour and a half to get a table. This is how we ended up in San-sada instead.

Kaminarimon San-sada is a 180-year-old tempura restaurant that’s just nearby the train station. According to their website (http://tempura-sansada.co.jp/index-en.html), they’re the oldest established tempura store in Japan, having been founded during the Edo period.

Their Ten-don Nami (seen in the video), a tempura bowl of prawn, squid, fish, and eggplant, is the dish I’ve been wistful about the most since I left Tokyo. It’s unlike any bowl you’ll have elsewhere, which is probably why I’m still dreaming about it! There were so many different textures from the perfectly cooked prawn to the out-of-this-world batter, both soft AND crunchy, which was PACKED with flavor. It was their batter, in particular, that blew me away, because it had the same flavor as the tempura sauce, giving it an extra oomph that you wouldn’t get from other tempura bowls. The addition of the eggplant tempura was sensational, because the batter worked so well with the smokiness and softness of the eggplant. The rice also soaked up some of the tempura sauce poured over the whole dish, giving it an extra layer of flavor.

Their prices range from 1300Y-3800Y for their tempura dishes, but I got my Ten-don Nami for just 1560Y.

Akihabara - Akiba Fukurou (Owl Cafe)

This isn’t food-related, but you may want to give this experience a shot. Akiba Fukurou is located in a small alley in Akihabara. It’s run by a married couple, both of whom are there to greet you and assist you with the owls. This place is by reservation only, so I would suggest you do that as you plan your itinerary for Japan. Here’s their website: http://akiba2960.com

As soon as we entered, we were already told to only talk by whispering since loud noises may tick off the owls. This may sound bothersome but it really just makes the hour you spend with the owls more peaceful and less disruptive. Each of us were then told to choose an owl to hold for a photo with your group, which the owners take (this comes with the package). They have a good number of owls to choose from, some of which may or may not be “on break time,” depending on what time your reservation is. After the photo, you can just hang out with the owl of your choice, being able to switch owls upon request. The owners are there to assist the whole time, going around the room to take individual photos of everyone with their owl. They also sell merchandise of the owls on the spot.

Shibuya - Ichiran Ramen

If you’ve done any research at all about places to eat in Japan, I’m sure you’ve encountered Ichiran. It has several branches across Japan, and even has their own line of instant ramen packs being sold at the restaurant and in grocery stores. Make sure to go to your chosen Ichiran branch early, or be ready to wait in line for quite some time. My family and I went to two branches during our stay in Japan, the ones in Shibuya and Omotesando.

Ichiran is distinct for their picture-perfect bowl of ramen, which you can eat in the privacy of your own small booth. Upon arrival, you’ll be met with a ticket machine where you can pick your set order. You’ll then be asked to fill out an order form, where you can specify your ramen preferences, such as how firm the noodles are, the richness of the sauce, the spice level, etc. You’ll then be seated at your own booth, which may be far from your group, depending on the availability of the tables. Each booth is divided by a panel on the table that you can fold back if you want to open one side of your booth and converse with the person sitting beside you.

After they collect your ticket and order form, your ramen will get to you in about 5 minutes or so. The ramen set that I ordered was 1490Y, which includes extra chashu (pork slices), nori sheets, kikurage (wood ear mushrooms), and a whole tamago (hard-boiled egg) still in its shell. If you don’t want the sides, you can get a regular ramen for 890Y.

The star of their ramen is the rich tonkotsu broth that packs a punch of flavor. It's salty enough (and spicy, depending on your preference) to get a kick at the back of your throat, then its umami soothes your palate, while the bland sweetness of the noodles balances everything out. Their chashu and tamago also gives you a hit of that salty-umami goodness, plus great additions of texture to your bite. This meal is unbelievably satisfying and filling.

Harajuku - Burn Side St. Cafe

Ever since we arrived in Japan, we were on the hunt for fluffy pancakes. After some research, we decided to visit Burn Side St. Cafe in Harajuku (but is a closer walk from Omotesando station). It’s hidden in one of the alleyways behind the main streets of the area, and it’s surrounded by specialty shops and clothing stores, which you may want to check out.

The cafe is modern in both its exterior and interior, and is a great place to sit back and have a cup of coffee. We got there around 7-8PM, and their meals weren’t available anymore, so their food choices only consisted of sweets like pancakes, french toast, and cake. But their desserts are definitely worth the visit.

What I ordered was their White Souffle Pancake with Maple Syrup (1300Y), which had a stack of three pancakes, sided with some whipped cream, maple butter, and maple syrup. It was heavenly. Light, airy, and cakey, with the taste of cream lingering in your mouth. Added a splash of the maple syrup and maple butter, and the pancakes were perfectly complemented. The whipped cream topped it all off and brought all the flavours together with each bite.

Roppongi - Gonpachi Nishiazabu (The Kill Bill Restaurant)

This is a must-go for any cinephile. Being in Gonpachi feels like you’ve been transported right into the House of Blue Leaves, waiting for O-Ren and Gogo to walk in at any moment. 

The restaurant is an Izakaya located 10 minutes from the Roppongi station, and 5 minutes from Roppongi Hills (walking). Roppongi is known for its parties and nightlife, and Gonpachi is one of the most popular choices especially because of its story. The place is packed around dinnertime, so be prepared to wait in line for quite some time. It’s a great place to have a drink and unwind, and they serve up a wide selection of bar chow.

We were able to try a handful of their yakitori, including their bacon-asparagus sticks, grilled chicken skin, chicken thigh, chicken-stuffed shiitake mushrooms, and foie-gras with strawberries. This is just to name a few. Every stick was perfectly cooked and seasoned, and they’re all made to pair perfectly with some drinks.

The sashimi boat in the video also came from Gonpachi. It’s a bit pricey at around ~4000Y, but this was an amazing spectacle of theatrics and flavors. Each slice of fish was thick and juicy, and the whole dish was served cold. More about sushi and sashimi later on.

Shimo-kitazawa - Ginza Ishii Tsukemen

Shimo-kitazawa is one of the places I looked forward to the most. I had done my initial research about it, and there were so many different things that people had to say. It’s well-known for its vintage thrift shops, where you can sell or trade in your old clothes. We tried this out in one shop, and they bought one of my aunt’s old dresses for a good price, and we got 10Y per kilogram for the rest of the clothes we brought.

Shimo-kitazawa’s streets are simple yet lively. We arrived around 7PM at the station and shops were still going through business. There are also a lot of surrounding restaurants and bars, but the vibe of the area was still very laid back in comparison to other areas in Tokyo. It’s also not as high-end as the other areas. A lot of people like to call Shimo-kitazawa the “hipster” area, which made sense to me as I saw a lot of fashion-forward people and shops in the area.

We had read about Ginza Ishii Tsukemen on the internet. We tried to call in for a reservation but they don’t allow it, but they did ensure us that there was a lot of space in the restaurant, so we’ll be able to dine as long as we were just in the area, and we did. Similar to Ichiran, there was a ticket machine just outside the restaurant with which you can select your order.

If you’ve never heard of tsukemen, a good way to imagine it is “deconstructed ramen”. The way of eating it, however, is different. Tsukemen is Japanese dipping noodles, served with the noodles separate from the broth. The broth of tsukemen has a thicker consistency than that of ramen in order for it to stick to the noodles after you dip it. Great places to try tsukemen in Manila is Mendokoro Ramenba (or Yushoken, if you’re from the South), Mitsuyado Sei-men, and Tsukemen PH.

I ordered the Special Tsukemen which cost 1100Y. This is also one of my favourite meals during my stay. The flavors were bold and fulfilling, with fishy and tangy notes standing out. I opted to add some spice powder to mine to add a kick to it. If you want a spicier option, they also have a Curry Tsukemen that I was able to try since my uncle ordered it, and holy moly, I wish I had ordered it. Its broth really knocks you out. The same flavors of the Special Tsukemen were there as a base, then you get the familiar flavor of Japanese curry, and then the chili hits you after everything else.

Hikarigaoka - Sushichoshimaru Hikarigaokaten

Hikarigaoka is one of the loveliest areas of Tokyo that I saw. We went there to see the ginko trees in the park since autumn was in full bloom. We were able to walk there since the house we were staying at was just in the neighbouring town, Nerima.

Sushichoshimaru was also one of the reasons why we went to Hikarigaoka. Our relatives told us that this was a better place to experience conveyor belt sushi than the more popular Kappa Zushi, not only because you get to avoid a crowd, but also because of better flavors and prices.

The pricing in Sushichoshimaru was indicated by the color of the plate, ranging from 130Y-580Y. They have nigiri making regular rounds at the conveyor which you can just grab and eat, but they also have specials that go around every once in a while, then you can order them from one of the servers.

The sushi in Japan, as you would expect, is otherworldly. Each slice of fish, no matter how thin or thick, is packed with twice as much flavor and juices. You have to wonder what’s in the water there. The nigiri featured in the video were salmon, shrimp, scallop, squid, and torched salmon with pollock roe (my personal favorite). Each of them had some wasabi swabbed underneath, right over the rice. Even the wasabi is different, as it’s less harsh on your tongue and has a smoother flavor.

I was also able to try their fish karaage, which was one of the special dishes on the conveyor. It was perfectly juicy white fish meat coated in crispy batter, and served with a lemon slice to help cut through all the richness.

Little Edo, Kawagoe

Kawagoe is actually in Saitama, but is easily accessible if you’re coming from Tokyo. There you’ll find Little Edo, a small town that preserved its traditional architecture from the Edo period. It’s home to Toki no Kane (Bell of Time), a bell tower that has become a popular tourist spot. The streets have a lot of novelty stores and souvenir shops, with a small shopping centre near the end of Little Edo. I would highly suggest this area if you’re looking for pasalubong.

At one of the corners of the main street, we found a shop that was both a toy store and a doughnut shop. Their doughnuts were simply that, fried dough, but I could eat so many of these. They were light and fluffy, with just a bit of sweetness to add some flavor. They sell these in packs of 5 or by the piece.

Another snack featured from Kawagoe that only my cousin tried was soft serve ice cream from a kiosk located just a few houses away from the bell tower. She got the milk flavor on a cone, and it was topped with a wafer shaped like a heart. The consistency is different from other soft serve. It was really smooth and airy, almost like whipped cream!

Tsukiji Fish Market

This had one of the longest features in the video, just because of how amazing it is to explore and feast on the best seafood a person could ever have. I was speechless by the end of it. People typically go there at around 4-5AM for the auction, but as it turns out, that auction has recently been discontinued. We got there around lunch time and the market was still very much alive and super crowded.

The Tsukiji Fish Market is a long strip of stalls serving up their daily catches at an unbelievably low price. You could get fresh large oysters at 400-700Y, and you could have more scallops than you ever thought you’d be able to eat in one day. 

The first food I featured in the video was the grilled unagi (eel), marinated and coated in a thick, sweet soy sauce. The fish was soft and juicy, with its skin still on, which still had a layer of fat underneath it. I asked for the stick with the most char marks because I like the flavor and texture it adds to grilled food.

In the same stall, they grill then torch scallops with uni (sea urchin) on top, and coat it in the same sauce as the eel. You can’t go wrong with the scallops in Tsukiji. They’re big and plump, so when you bite into it, all the juices run out. The uni was an amazing touch for additional flavor and texture.

For my family, the main event in Tsukiji was the oysters. You can get them fresh per piece, with the price depending on how big the ones you want are. But even the smaller ones are massive! Before they hand it to you, they add a splash of regular soy sauce, and serve it raw. I personally expected some unpleasant briney tones from eating oysters raw, but there was none of that. They were juicy and wonderfully refreshing.

In that same stall, we tried the other seafood they had, like the salmon and tuna sashimi. They were sensational. They’re served in really thick slices, with a generous amount of pieces per serving, also doused with soy sauce before you get it. 

My family also tried the uni served in the shell of the sea urchin. It was unlike any other uni they’ve tried, even those from Japan, because this batch was so sweet, the first thing that they exclaimed was “it tastes like fruit!” 

My personal favourite from Tsukiji (apart from the sashimi) was the tonkatsu oysters. Yup, you read that right. These were large oysters breaded, deep fried, then drizzled with tonkatsu sauce. I dream of it to this very day. It’s served in packed containers for the insane price of 500Y.

The greatest visual spectacle in Tsukiji was the scallops being grilled and torched right in its shell with all it juices. It starts off with a scallop still enclosed in its shell being placed directly on the grill. After a bit of time, it starts to slowly open on its own, soon wide enough to remove on of the sides of the shell. It’s then drizzled with soy sauce, then torched to a boil. This was the scallop to end all scallops. Since it’s cooked in its juices, it just reduces and takes in all of that brine, then the drizzle of soy sauce adds the slightest hint of caramelization, on the edges, and adds some sweetness and saltiness. Tsukiji really is the place to be for seafood.

Thanks for traveling with me!

I hope this helps you continue on your food journey around the world. For more updates, like and follow @chompwithcaitlin on Facebook and Instagram! :) If you want to contact me, you can send a message on any social media platforms or you can email me at chompwithcaitlin@gmail.com

[fadingfartconnoisseur]

The Best Mother-Daughter Getaways Around the World

Want to plan something fun for your mom? She deserves it. Skip the flowers, it’s time for an upgrade! After everything that she has done for you, make this the year that you treat her to a special getaway.

I moved to Cape Town earlier this year, basically on the other side of the world from my mom, and I miss her so much– especially with Mother’s Day right around the corner. She recently came out to Cape Town to visit, but as soon as she left, I was busy thinking of where our next Mother Daughter getaway could be.

From a cooking class in Barcelona, to wine tasting in California, to a yoga retreat in Bali, there’s endless options to pamper the special woman in your life.

Here are my all-time favorite mother-daughter getaways around the world!

– Wine Tasting –

Napa Valley: Is there any better way to bond with Mom than spending time over a bottle of wine? Napa Valley is the ultimate spot for giggling over glasses and finding your new favorite wine.

South Africa: I am totally head over heels for my new home country and its incredible wine region. My mom and I took a wine safari up Table Mountain, and it was such a great experience. Be sure to check out Stellenbosch too– it’s easily one of the world’s best wine regions.

Temecula: I couldn’t leave out my hometown! Full of family-owned wineries, Temecula Valley is one of California’s greatest treasures, and just down the street from where I grew up. You can find more than fifty wine varietals in a laid-back and fun environment.

Croatia: One of the most underrated areas of Europe, Croatia has incredible wine and flawless beaches. If you are looking for sun, fun, and vineyards, get to the coastal region of Istria.

– Enjoy High Tea –

London: High tea has been a tradition since the nineteenth century, and there is an endless array of amazing places to go for cucumber sandwiches and a proper English cuppa. From five-star hotels to quaint cafés, London has it all.

Bangkok: When you think of Thailand, high tea probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind, but there are some incredible internationally themed high teas around the city. Think Moroccan tea with French macarons.

Sydney: Have you ever seen a ten-page tea menu before? Welcome to Sydney! This is the perfect city for a mother-daughter getaway. Look out over the harbor, sip the finest exotic teas, and nibble at a scone.

Dubai: Dubai is the ultimate luxe city. Go for high tea on top of the world. In the world’s tallest atrium at the Skyview Bar in the Burj Al Arab, you’ll have the view of a lifetime.

Madrid: Go for a Spanglish-style high tea at any one of the cafés dotting the city. You can easily pass a lazy afternoon listening to Spanish guitar and sipping tea in one of the city’s many lush gardens. Check out my Madrid guide here!

– Plan a Spa Day –

Bali: Does your mom work hard? Then she deserves an escape to Bali! This tropical paradise is definitely one of my fave spots on the planet to indulge and treat myself.

Québec: There’s nothing like working up a sweat during a long day out on the Canadian ski slopes and then unwinding in a world-class spa like the Scandinave Spa in Mont-Tremblant.

Cancun: For a cheap and cheery spa break that’s just a quick flight from the United States, this is the place to go. And, while you can find great prices in Cancun, there are also five-star spas that will make you feel like a pampered goddess.

Palm Springs: California is full of amazing spas, but few can compete with Palm Springs. With natural healing mineral waters and a stunning mountain backdrop, the city is full of yoga retreats and luxury resort spas.

– Take a Cooking Class –

Chiang Mai: Whenever I travel, I make it a priority to check out the local food. It’s especially fun in Asia because the local food is often very different from what you find at Asian restaurants across the Western world. Thailand is one place that’s worth visiting for the food alone, and Chiang Mai is a perfect spot to find some cooking tips.

Tokyo: Did you know that it takes ten years to become a proper sushi chef in Japan? Your mom and you can learn a trick or two from these guys! I took a cooking class with Traveling Spoon, where locals teach you traditional dishes and show you the way through the markets– it was such a cool experience!

Barcelona: Get a local guide to take you through the vibrant markets of Barcelona, teach you the secrets of Spanish cooking, and show you why food is at the heart of Spanish culture.

Tuscany: Who doesn’t love Italian food? Forget about ripping open a bag of dried noodles and dumping on a jar of sauce. It’s time to learn how to cook like an Italian grandma.

New Orleans: Think American food is boring? Then you’ve never been to New Orleans! This city is a world unto itself with a culture and culinary scene unlike anywhere else.

– Go Camping –

Iceland: Traveling Iceland in a camper van is definitely one of my best travel memories, and I’d love to do it again with my mom. This breathtaking country has a natural beauty incomparable to any other place you’ve visited.

US National Parks: The United States is full of so many amazing national parks, like the Grand Canyon and Yosemite. When you’re from the United States, it’s easy to forget how geographically diverse and dynamic the country is. Take your mom for a camping adventure to fall in love with your homeland all over again.

British Columbia: Our neighbors to the north have so much to offer. From the vivacious cityscape of Vancouver to the spectacular mountains of Whistler, this province has it all. Enjoy a fun city break, and then pitch a tent in the mountains.

Galapagos: A nature lover’s deam come true, the Galapagos Islands deserve a place on every traveler’s bucket list. Far away from it all and without all of the distractions of modern life, this is an ideal spot to reconnect with your mom.

  – Go Scuba Diving –

Indonesia: Did you know that Indonesia is made up of more than 17,500 island? It’s a beach lover’s paradise, and the beauty of Indonesia isn’t limited to its shores. Once you’ve dived beneath the surface, you’ll see a whole other world.

Oahu: I don’t need to tell you that the Hawaii Islands are awesome. If you can pull yourself away from the beauty above sea level, do it; the sea life is truly unforgettable.

Bimini Islands: Just fifty miles from Miami, the crystal clear waters off of the Bimini Islands are the best spots in the Bahamas to go diving. Whether your mom loves diving or is thinking about taking the plunge for the first time, she’ll love it.

Maldives: On top of having some of the best beaches on the planet, the Maldives has incredible diving. You’ll see whale sharks everywhere, and there are turquoise waters as far as the eye can see. Watch my diving video here!

Belize: A massive sinkhole off of the coast of Belize, the Great Blue Hole is widely considered to be the world’s greatest spot for scuba diving. I stayed at Hamanasi Dive Resort and it was the perfect divers’ oasis.

– Hit the Beach –

Brazil: Brazil is home to some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen! Plan a getaway for Florianopolis.

San Diego: Maybe I’m a bit biased toward my hometown, but I think the beaches of San Diego can hold their own among the top coastlines in the world.

Costa Rica: With lush rainforests, dramatic volcanoes, and picture-perfect beaches, Costa Rica is a dream beach vacation.

Bahamas: What could be a better way to treat your mom than a Caribbean beach getaway? Head to the Bahamas for a guaranteed good time and an unforgettable bonding experience.

British Virgin Islands: With year-round perfect weather, the British Virgin Islands is another place in the Caribbean that you have to see.

French Polynesia: From Tahiti to Bora Bora, French Polynesia is absolutely heavenly. Go beach hopping, and make memories with Mom that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

– Take a Yoga Class –

Bali: On top of having dream beaches, Bali is one of the best spots in the world to go on a yoga retreat. Whether you are an old pro or a total newbie, you’ll have an incredible time.

India: Home of yoga, India is a must-see for any yogi. Take Mom to the southern city of Mysuru for a yoga retreat that she will never forget.

Costa Rica: It’s not all about the beaches! Costa Rica is also a top stop for mastering your headstand while looking out onto paradise.

California: Famous for its yoga retreats and new age vibe, Ojai is famous for its yoga sessions and the Ojai Music Festival in June.

– Shopping –

Los Angeles: Whether you want to go thrift shopping or hit up the ultraluxe stores of Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles is the place to go for a Mom-and-me shopping day.

Dubai: A mecca for shoppers, Dubai is the place where you can buy anything and everything. Grab some gold from the vending machine, and check out some of the most ostentatious sites in the world.

Paris: Is there anything chicer than a shopping trip to Paris? Treat your mom to some haute couture and a few selfies on the Champs-Élysée.

London: Another European favorite, London is the place to go for fun shopping. Get Mom a souvenir from Harrods, and then shop Oxford Street until you drop.

SHOP my favorite Mother’s Day gifts!

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The Best Mother-Daughter Getaways Around the World is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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[mtwy]

Mark Bego Interview 

Madonna was interviewed on the set of Desperately Seeking Susan by entertinament biographer Mark Bego

 Mark - Everybody was talking about you on the MTV Awards! Madonna - That and my underpants! (rolls eyes) If I ever see those cameramen, I will personally kill them! They unleashed cameramen on the stage; I had no idea they were going to be there. When I rehearsed, there were two cameramen: one was center stage and one was off on the side. When I did the actual show, there were, like, six all over the place. A camera up my dress! A surprise for everyone! Mark - How is it to work for Nile Rodgers? Madonna - Great! He's wonderful - real smart and a great musician. There are some dance songs on the album, but I have two ballads on it, and it's a lot more pop-oriented. Nile did it, so everything's got that beat to it. I used a lot of live drums on this album, whereas on the first, everything was synthesized on drum machines. Mark - What about your role in Desperately Seeking Susan? Madonna - Some scripts you read and you can just see yourself in the role. I can see myself in the role of this really free-spirited, adventurous girl that people follow around. This girl causes trouble - she's exciting and unpredictable, irresponsible, vulnerable. We're not exactly alike. She doesn't have any goal, it seems, except to complicate everyone's life - and I did! I want to be somebody, I have goals and directions. Susan doesn't have an occupation or any skills. She just appears and disappears. That gives her a real enigmatic feeling, a sense of fantasy. I think I have more of a definition about myself. Mark - Did you perform a song for the movie? Madonna - I'll be dancing, and the song we'll be dancing to is a song that I've written. I definitely want to write the title track and maybe one other song. They want someone to do background music, but they want one song that's the theme. I've already written it, and I'm waiting for the moment to give it in. Mark - Did you ever answer a personals ad in the newspaper (like the characters in the movie)?

 Madonna - No! Please - I've read them from curiosity. Mark - How do you interact with Rosanna Arquette in this film? Madonna - We don't actually meet until the end. I find her and she's got all my stuff. She takes over, from about ten minutes into the movie. Everyone thinks she's me because of a jacket of mine she gets from a thrift shop that I've traded for a pair of boots. In it is a key to the locker that holds all my personal worldly belongings. Rosanna gets amnesia after she gets the jacket, so when she wakes up she thinks she's me and goes and gets that stuff and starts dressing like me. She's completely the opposite of me. She doesn't smoke cigarettes, but she becomes me. In the end we meet up and we become friends and go away on a vacation together. Rosanna's husband, played by Mark Blum, his name is Gary Glass. I do most of my scenes with him. We connect because he wants to find his wife, and I want to get my stuff back. We become detectives together. Of course, I intimidate him and flirt with him all the time. I move into his house in New Jersey .

 Mark - What is it like making videos compared to movies? Madonna - The only difference is the movie takes longer, and there's dialogue, but in a lot of videos now, people are talking. A video is like a silent movie. Mark - What about the movie Vision Quest? Madonna - I just sing in it. I sing, I perform in a nightclub that the lead actor and actress come into. They dance a slow dance to a song. I have three songs, but I don't know what they're going to cut out of it. Mark - Have you always written songs? Madonna - I didn't start writing songs till about four or five years ago. Mark - You went to U of M? Madonna -  For a semester. I graduated from high school early. I came to New York , I got a scholarship to the Alvin Ailey School , I studied there for a summer. I got a scholarship at U of M and went there for a year and went back to the city and got back into the Ailey school, and that's when I met Pearl Lange and started dancing with her. Mark - What were your earliest ambitions? Madonna - I wanted to be a movie star, but when you grow up in some hick town in Michigan , there's nothing you can do that will make you feel like you're going to be a movie star. I was taking dance, ballet, and jazz classes, and I said, 'I know I can be a dancer.' I was always the lead in every musical and every play in high school. When I graduated I got the thespian award. That's my claim to fame. I was a rebel in school. I didn't really fit in. I hung out with all the misfits and freaks that nobody wanted to hang out with. My father thought it was immodest. He kept telling me how immodest I was. There were talent shows in high school, and I'd perform in them every year, and I'd do one outrageous thing after another. My father would sit and be horrified. One time I put a bikini on and painted my body with fluorescent paint. I painted weird designs all over my body and danced to a Who song with black lights flashing and the lights off. I was in all the plays, and I sang in choir at school. My father, up until about two years ago, was bothering me about going back to the University of Michigan . Mark - So you came to New York and went back to U of M? Madonna - I only went back there because there was a ballet teacher who said he would devote all his attention to me, to prepare me so I could go to New York . They had a dance company there, and I took advantage of the situation. Kind of like training for the Olympics!

 Mark - If you had a preference between videos, records or movies, which would you choose? Madonna - All of the above! Right now I'm enjoying making movies more than anything, but I miss singing. On my days off, I go work with this guy that I write songs with. I have a deal with Warner Brothers, I have to make several albums, or else! But I give people songs. I write songs for other artists, for other soundtracks. I wrote a song for Jellybean's album (Sidewalk Talk). There's a French singer named Natalie. RCA gave her a worldwide deal. I wrote her next song that they'll release in America . And I'll write the song for this movie (Desperately Seeking Susan), and another movie Jellybean's producing the soundtrack for (Fast Forward). I like to keep my hands in everything. My video from the new album (Like A Virgin) will be released, and I'll do one for the second single (Material Girl). I have decided on the director: Jean-Paul Goude. He was married to Grace Jones. Mark - Who directed the Like A Virgin video? Madonna - Mary Lambert. She did Borderline. She did Sheila E's video (Glamorous Life), the Go-Go's video (Turn to You). If I didn't have video, I don't think all the kinds in the Midwest would know about me. It takes the place of touring. Everybody sees them everywhere. That really has a lot to do with the success of my album. If I didn't make great songs and didn't make great videos...That's not the only thing that will guarantee your success, but it does allow exploitation. I think that I make consistently good videos. Mark - Will there be a video album? Madonna - Yes, for Christmas. Borderline, Lucky Star, and the new video, Like A Virgin. I just made the deal a couple of weeks ago. Borderline is my favorite video so far and in Lucky Star, none of the dancing was planned - I just did it! Or the black-and-white section in Borderline, and the part in Burning Up when I'm on the road. None of that was planned. I don't have MTV. I do see videos, I go to Private Eyes (a video club on West 21st Street ). I haven't seen any good videos lately. I like Sheila E's video (Glamorous Life). The last video I went crazy over and wanted to see over and over again was Billie Jean (Michael Jackson). The director (Steve Baron) did my first video, Burning Up. Mark - What about a concert tour?

 Madonna - I have to admit I'm not really thrilled about it, because I'm making a movie, and my attention's on that. If I go on tour, it means I have to go start auditioning all the musicians, sit for hours and hours and listen to a bunch of awful musicians, and then I have to get them to play all my songs right! And I don't like traveling when I'm working. I like to travel, but not in a van with a bunch of people! Mark - If you did tour, would there be a concept to the show? Madonna - Yes, definitely! Up to now, I've sung live to tape and used dancers. I'd combine dancing with it. I will do a tour eventually. I think I'll go to Japan and Australia in the beginning of next year. It's really bad to tour America in the winter. It's the worst: you get stuck everywhere! I'll probably do a major-city American tour in the spring. Mark - Do you have a vision of a stage concept? Madonna - Yes, but I'm not telling anyone. It's a long way off!