Love, Paola ♥

Reviving this blog with some fun posts lined up ahead. I spent a day back reading old posts and to my amusement, this blog contains a lot more memories than I would've expected that's why I've decided to fill it up with much more. Just a few weeks back, we went to a one week stay in my favorite country, Japan, but this time we explored Osaka and its neighboring prefectures. The most ironic thing when I travel is that I super enjoy public transportation! It's amazing how everything is so efficient. Starting this series with our trip to Himeji Castle.

Perfect weather greeted us right outside the station!

First #ootd of the day! I super love dressing up for cold weather!

It was quite a long walk from the station to the castle, but these pretty streets were worth it.

Himeji Castle from a distance.

Right before entering the castle, we saw this adorable couple posing for the tourists.

On the way up to the castle are these Cherry Blossom trees, unfortunately they still haven't blossomed yet :(

We decided not to go inside the castle anymore, as the line was a little long and the castle garden was nice enough for our entertainment.

Of course, my mom and I just had to do our signature pose!

Right after touring the castle grounds, we went around to scout for a good place to eat and we stumbled upon some colorful food carts where I had my first ever taste of authentic takoyaki and tamago!

What I love about the Japan is that they never skimp on colors. Even just food stalls like these are so happy to look at.

After lunch, we walked through Honmachi Street for some window shopping.

Japanese pedestrians are always very organized.

On our way back, right outside the train station, we saw these dogs for the disabled. When I was young, I've always wanted a poodle like this because Barbie had the same one! Haha

When we got back to Osaka, we went straight to Yodabashi. It's one big building full of all gadgets you could think of - cameras, laptop, phones, tablet, watches, it's all there! It's where I finally bought my own baby SLR! I'm so happy with it!

Ended the night with some authentic Tempura and noodles, the first of many in this trip.

Love, Paola

It's possible that I might not totally be over our New Year Celebration this 2015, especially when I edited these photos, I'm reminded of how we make the best NYE parties. As I've mentioned in previous NYE blog posts, our celebration always has a theme. There are only 2 rules: (1) You cannot eat Media Noche when you're not in a costume and (2) No buying of one whole outfit (only props and accessories). These rules, of course, were made by me haha! This year's theme was Anime! I was worried at first that the parents and grandparents might not totally get what Anime is and that kiddies might have a hard time but everyone proved me wrong! As you scroll down the pictures, you'll see why.

See what I mean? My cousin Ariane was definitely the star of the night! The day before, we were just talking about our outfits and according to her, she's just going to improvise and dress up as one of the girl characters in Pokemon.. then she shows up like this! Haha! Apparently, one of her friends does Cosplay and she was able to borrow a costume for her and Tita Issa!

They both looked so pretty!

Family number 1 aka the most prepared family! Hahaha

I'm only posting a few solo pictures since we were too many, but of course I'm posting a photo of myself as Pikachu! Lol. It was a last minute outfit, I didn't know who to be cause I don't watch that much anime and Pikachu was the first character that came to mind!

Family number 2! My parents had no clue of what anime is at first but I'd say that there costumes were good enough!

My cousin Dani and his abs! So cute!!!

Family number 3 aka The Americans! Haha! At first I was worried that they might have a hard time since they brought limited clothes but everyone in the family was just so game and creative!

Family number 4! My tita's one confused anime character (at least she's cute)! Haha

And the almost star of the night! (I say almost since Ariane totally stole the spotlight from her haha) My lola, with her sewing skills, ALWAYS wins our costume party every year! She had no idea what Anime was but then I showed her a picture of Sailor Moon and she worked her way from there, it's amazing!

It's also the first time that my lolo dressed up so close to the theme! Usually his outfits are a little far off! Haha!

Let's not forget that family's baby, Olaf dressed up in an oversized shirt (totally not in theme) but who cares, he's cute anyway!

The daddies!

We we're all waiting for the reveal of the winners which were determined through voting.

And here they are! In first to third place, respectively! Ariane and I were always talking about how to beat Nanay during our costume parties and she finally did it! Haha!