• Home
  • Life
    • Apartment Living
    • Wellness
  • Travel
    • Tokyo Outings
    • Trips
    • Travel Tips
  • Style
    • Beauty
    • Fashion
    • Fast Fashion Finds Series
  • Food
    • Eateries
    • Small Kitchen Mission Series
    • Tokyo Restaurant Roundup Series
  • More
    • Weekly Web Tacks Series
    • 6 Happy Sights Series
    • The Daily 8 Series
  • About Me

100 TACKS

LIFE IS A ZIGZAG LINE

Posts Home » 6 Happy Sights Series

September 20, 2016

6 Happy Sights

September 20, 2016

ussights6

I’m back! Apologies for the silence on the space for the past few weeks. After having guests in town, I left for the U.S. for a whirlwind trip that covered three states and included a bachelorette weekend, a wedding and meeting my new niece. I started in New York, then headed to Michigan and ended the trip in Phoenix and I’m getting tired again just typing that.

Trying to keep up with work on the road made things a bit hectic, but now that I’m back in Tokyo, I’m thrilled to share more what we’ve been up to lately. Expect another quick DIY, some snaps from our latest excursions in Japan to Osaka, Nara and back to Kyoto and more. But first, here are my happy sights from my trip to the U.S., starting with this gorgeous shot my cousin took of my absolute favorite city.

I hope your week is off to a great start!

One of the highlights of my weekend in NYC for my cousin's bachelorette party was a wine tasting sail on the Hudson River. I must admit I spent the second half of it horizontally, as movement and my stomach apparently cannot be made friends by a double dose of dramamine and ginger gum.

One of the highlights of my weekend in NYC for my cousin’s bachelorette party was a wine tasting sail on the Hudson River. I must admit I spent the second half of it horizontally, as movement and my stomach apparently cannot be made friends by a double dose of dramamine and ginger gum.

I was thrilled to finally take an AKT class in person, especially after a successful morning shopping. But would I recommend doing in jet lagged? Maybe not.

I was thrilled to finally take an AKT class in person, especially after a successful morning shopping. But would I recommend doing in jet lagged? Maybe not.

Couldn't get enough of sweet new niece Gwen.

Couldn’t get enough of sweet new niece Gwen.

Joined my sister and her family at the newly opened OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale, Arizona, where I watched these guys from the bathroom.

Joined my sister and her family at the newly opened OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale, Arizona, where I watched these guys from the bathroom.

So thrilled football season has started! Had to make sure my youngest nephew was properly outfitted from head to toe for game day. Go Green!

So thrilled football season has started! Had to make sure my youngest nephew was properly outfitted from head to toe for game day. Go Green!

signature

Posted by Petra
Filed Under: 6 Happy Sights Series, More Tagged: Arizona, Detroit, family, Michigan, New York City, Phoenix, travel, U.S.

July 17, 2016

6 Happy Sights

July 17, 2016

BacktoAzabuSights6

At long last, a new batch of happy sights! No surprise at all, there’s a lot of food in here. I just love exploring my city by checking out local spots and tasting delicacies I’ve never had before. An errand also took me back to a neighborhood I hadn’t visited in a while which is home to a bakery that inspired one of my very first blog posts.

I’ll be honest, I haven’t been able to blog as much as I would like to, but this little outing reminded me how much this space helped me adjust to and celebrate my new home. I look forward to sharing even more happy sights from Tokyo and beyond.

I also recently enjoyed my first afternoon tea at the Aman Tokyo. I joined a wonderful group of ladies for a much needed afternoon of chat and delicious food. Just check out those scones above. In short, I tried clotted cream. I. GET. IT. NOW. I love tea — a love that’s only grown since moving to Asia — and I think it’s safe to say I get why people love this tradition so much. Let these pics inspire you to find a place nearby to enjoy afternoon tea with your friends — it’s like sugar-filled therapy.

An assortment of perfect bites and oh so much chocolate.

An assortment of perfect bites and oh so much chocolate.

A mural in progress.

A mural in progress.

You cannot visit Boulangerie Mont-Thabor without buying the milk bread. The blueberry version is my favorite.

You cannot visit Boulangerie Mont-Thabor without buying the milk bread. The blueberry version is my favorite.

The latest building to alter the Ginza landscape.

The latest building to alter the Ginza landscape.

A sweet finish to lunch at COCONOMA Season Dining.

A sweet finish to lunch at COCONOMA Season Dining.

signature

Posted by Petra
Filed Under: 6 Happy Sights Series, More Tagged: afternoon tea, Aman Tokyo, Boulangerie Mont-Thabor, COCONOMA Season Dining, food, Ginza, happy sights, tea

June 17, 2016

6 Happy Sights

June 17, 2016

HalfBirthdaySights4

It certainly has been a busy couple of weeks and Craig and I have been doing our best to make the most of the weekends. We recently explored Chinatown in Yokohama in celebration of my half birthday (when it’s the last year of your 20s, you get to celebrate half birthdays in my book). And just this week were in Kurashiki, which is the furthest south we’ve traveled on Honshu, the main island.

Enjoy some of the happy sights from the past couple of weeks that made me smile, starting with this gorgeous garden in Yokohama. More to come this weekend!

??

Xiao long bao (soup dumplings) will never get old.

>>

Shanghai-style xiao long boa, which were mighty tasty but mighty difficult to eat.

??

No Chinatown trip would be complete without Peking duck and this one was just a part of a far-too-big spread that left us wattling home.

Discovering the ancient in Kurashiki.

Discovering the ancient in Kurashiki.

It's an honor to be invited into someone's home to share a meal and no better way to learn from each other. We were lucky to begin our trip to Kurashiki with such a warm welcome.

It’s an honor to be invited into someone’s home to share a meal and no better way to learn from each other. We were lucky to begin our trip to Kurashiki with such a warm welcome.

signature

Posted by Petra
Filed Under: 6 Happy Sights Series, More Tagged: Chinatown, dumplings, food, half birthday, Kurashiki, shoes, shopping, travel, Yokohama

May 30, 2016

6 Happy Sights

May 30, 2016

MemorialDay6

Happy Monday! It’s Memorial Day in the U.S. and just this past Friday our commander in chief made a historic visit to Japan. Craig and I had a pretty insane week work wise, but I’m excited to have a new project to share with you soon. My happy sights for the week kick off with the farmers’ market we recently discovered in our new neighborhood. Can’t wait to check it out again.

Almond latte. Hello, new afternoon pick-me-up.

Almond latte. Hello, new afternoon pick-me-up.

Finally made it to Urth Caffe. Devoured this  taco bowl and that frozen strawberry lemonade is going to become a bad habit.

Finally made it to Urth Caffe. Devoured this taco bowl and that frozen strawberry lemonade is going to become a bad habit.

A little ombre at Artbar Tokyo to brighten our white walls.

A little ombre at Artbar Tokyo to brighten our white walls.

Yummy eel in Kusatsu. More pics coming tomorrow!

Yummy eel in Kusatsu. More pics coming tomorrow!

My lightening-fast reflexes are why this image is blurry. But seriously though, this hotel arcade was a trip back in time.

My lightening-fast reflexes are why this image is blurry. But seriously though, this hotel arcade was a trip back in time.

 

signature

Posted by Petra
Filed Under: 6 Happy Sights Series, More Tagged: coffee, farmers' market, food, Kusatsu Onsen, travel

May 2, 2016

6 Happy Sights

May 2, 2016

OldNewSights1

While the size of Tokyo can be overwhelming, what I love about it is there are always new neighborhoods and sights to explore. Just when I think I’ve learned an area, I stumble onto a new restaurant or shop. I can safely say we’re nowhere close to being bored here.

Work took me to some new areas last week for interviews and events and back to our old neighborhood as well. My sights for the week kick off with this news-inspired display in Ginza Station beneath department stores Matsuya Ginza and Mitsukoshi. My nerdy, journo heart just had to stop and give it a second look.

Happy Monday!

Enjoyed this fish platter (minus the rando macaroni and cheese with corn) from Aloha Kitchen while visiting with a friend.

Enjoyed this fish platter (minus the rando macaroni and cheese with corn) from Aloha Kitchen while visiting with a friend.

Spotted this small urban farm in Setagaya.

Spotted this small urban farm in Setagaya.

Weekend strolls in Ginza are something I miss since moving to a different neighborhood.

Weekend strolls in Ginza are something I miss since moving to a different neighborhood.

These doner kebabs were just one tasty thing we ate at the Nezu Shrine Azalea Festival (full post coming tomorrow).

These doner kebabs were just one tasty (and messy) thing we ate at the Nezu Shrine Azalea Festival (full post coming tomorrow).

Craig had a near-miss going through the torii, a problem I'll never have.

Craig had a near-miss going through the torii, a problem I’ll never have, thankfully.

signature

Posted by Petra
Filed Under: 6 Happy Sights Series, More Tagged: festivals, food, Ginza, Setagaya, shopping, Tokyo

April 16, 2016

6 Happy Sights

April 16, 2016

MidAprilSights3

Another insane week has come to a close. Our taxes are done and now it’s time to get at least a little rest. Being an expat means the joy of the tax refund eludes us for yet another year, so to all our friends and family heading to the mall, home improvement store or travel agency this month, we don’t wanna hear about it salute you. My happy sights for the week kick off with this adorable new friend Craig made golfing today. I hope you have a great weekend!

A half healthy choice for my lunch delivery from FUNGO.

A half healthy choice for my lunch delivery from FUNGO.

New jewels from Zara.

New jewels from Zara.

Unpopular opinion: Cold Thin Mints are better than room temperature, but I refuse to call them "frozen."

Unpopular opinion: Cold Thin Mints are better than room temperature, but I refuse to call them “frozen.”

Quickly eliminating products from my skincare routine after a week of using this oil.

Quickly eliminating products from my skincare routine after a week of using this oil.

Real estate aspirations in Nakameguro.

Real estate aspirations in Nakameguro.

signature

Posted by Petra
Filed Under: 6 Happy Sights Series, More Tagged: food, golf, Nakameguro, shopping, skincare, Zara

April 4, 2016

6 Happy Sights

April 4, 2016

SakuraThreeSights3

“It’s, a small world, after all!”

I continue to be amazed by the people we’ve reunited with in Tokyo, of all places. Last Sunday, we enjoyed a walk along the Meguro River with members of a Japanese family who participated in an exchange program with Craig’s family. This weekend, I’ll get to see someone I interned with back in New York City and couldn’t be more thrilled to reconnect after almost six years. Time really does fly and it’s incredible how our journeys can continue to intersect with those we thought were in our past.

The selection of beefy deliciousness you see above was from Hanno Daidokoro Dogenzaka, where we had dinner with yet another wonderful reconnection — a coworker of Craig’s from back in NYC and his wife who are visiting Japan for a vacation. Enjoy my happy sights for the week!

Can't wait to try out this housewarming gift from my mother-in-law! Get yours HERE.

Can’t wait to try out this housewarming gift from my mother-in-law! Get yours here or try my recipe.

This is our third year walking along Meguro River and the beauty of the sakura gets me every time.

This is our third year walking along Meguro River and the beauty of the sakura gets me every time.

I had the privilege at dining at Tokyo landmark Ginza Aster.

I had the privilege at dining at Tokyo landmark Ginza Aster.

I can officially cross emu of my list of foods to try, thanks to Popeye.

I can officially cross emu of my list of foods to try, thanks to Popeye.

Too handsome.

Too handsome.

signature

Posted by Petra
Filed Under: 6 Happy Sights Series, More Tagged: 6 Happy Sights, beef, emu, food, friends, Ginza Aster, Hanno Daidokoro Dogenzaka, Popeye, sakura

March 21, 2016

6 Happy Sights

March 21, 2016

MidMarchSights1

We’ve been in the new apartment almost one month and the explorations continue . . . with plenty of yummy discoveries. And one sort of dud, which you’ll see below. It’s a fusion dish we saw all over the place in Okinawa this summer.

I keep finding new little shops and restaurants on my walks which makes running errands a lot more fun and, expensive I suppose. Daikanyama boasts lots of vintage shops for clothing, furniture and accessories and my wish list is definitely growing. I need to start walking with blinders on, or really loud music. Who am I kidding, those won’t stop me. Sorry, Craig.

Springs sights are beginning to pop up all over town but there are still some signs of the holiday season left, as you can see in my first sight above. Now that’s walkway.

Tried my first taco rice. I wish I could say I loved it, but taco meat on sticky rice just isn't my thing.

Tried my first taco rice. I wish I could say I loved it, but taco meat on sticky rice just isn’t my thing.

A burst of color in Aoyama.

A burst of color in Aoyama.

This New York import had a line around the block.

This New York import had a line around the block.

Found a new happy hour spot. Champagne and cake? Yes, please.

Found a new happy hour spot. Champagne and cake? Yes, please.

Ringing in spring at Artbar Tokyo.

Ringing in spring at Artbar Tokyo.

signature

Posted by Petra
Filed Under: 6 Happy Sights Series, More Tagged: Aoyama, food, happy hour, Okinawa, spring

March 8, 2016

6 Happy Sights

March 8, 2016

March2016SightsOne5

Our apartment is really starting to come together and just in time for spring. The plum trees have begun to blossom and the countdown is on until March 26, when Japan’s national weather service, the Japan Meteorological Agency, predicts the sakura, or cherry blossoms will open. Get ready for lots of pink sights from around town here and on my Instagram as Japan goes hanami crazy.

My happy sights for the week kick off with my White Day present this year. I bought this vintage Gucci back in college and it’s been in need of a refresh since about then. Tokyo has many shoe and handbag repair shops, but the chain I kept seeing everywhere was Kutsusenka. In two weeks, they gave my bag new life.

I cannot stop making rice bowls. I think they're worse dishes I could be hooked on. Small Kitchen Mission coming soon!

I cannot stop making rice bowls. I think there are worse dishes I could be hooked on, am I right?! Small Kitchen Mission coming soon!

More of the gorgeous plum trees already in bloom.

More of the gorgeous plum trees already in bloom.

New curtains whose hanging was truly a painful labor of love. Thanks, IKEA.

New curtains whose hanging was truly a painful labor of love. Thanks, IKEA.

Taiyaki is one of my favorite Japanese treats and this version is made with croissant dough and filled with chocolate ganache.

Taiyaki is one of my favorite Japanese treats and this version is made with croissant dough and filled with chocolate ganache.

Figuring out how to do laundry shouldn't be this hard. Welcome to my hell.

Figuring out how to do laundry shouldn’t be this hard. Welcome to my hell.

signature

Posted by Petra
Filed Under: 6 Happy Sights Series, More Tagged: cooking, food, hanami, handbags, home decor, Kustusenka, sakura

February 23, 2016

6 Happy Sights

February 23, 2016

MovingSights6

This past Sunday, Craig and I took some time to walk around our new neighborhood. We located the essentials — grocery store, convenience store, closest train station, etc. — and enjoyed a tasty lunch. We sat at our table at Weekend Garage Tokyo, whose delicious burger is shown above, let out a sigh of relief and just allowed ourselves to relax. This new neighborhood already feels like home.

The rest of my sights for the week include more recent explorations, a couple of good luck charms I’ve spotted around and a very special birthday boy.

Our new neighborhood has no shortage of hills.

Our new neighborhood has no shortage of hills.

Some very pretty -- and delicious -- hummus.

Some very pretty — and delicious — hummus.

The first signs of spring are starting to appear.

The first signs of spring are starting to appear. I’m taking this to be a good sign.

Spotted in the lobby of our current building.

Spotted in the lobby of our current building.

And last, but certainly not least, we're wishing a very happy third birthday to our sweet nephew, Nolan!

And last, but certainly not least, we’re wishing a very happy third birthday to our sweet nephew, Nolan!

signature

Posted by Petra
Filed Under: 6 Happy Sights Series, More Tagged: clothing, Daikyanyama, fashion, flowers, food, moving, spring, Tokyo

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 8
  • Next Page »
Michigander. Recovering expat. Writer. Fashion and beauty enthusiast. Traveler. Food snob. Spartan.

Connect

Subscribe to 100 Tacks

Enter your email address to receive new posts from 100 Tacks by email.

Search

<div class="grab-button" style="margin: 0 auto;"> <a href="http://www.100tacks.com/" rel="nofollow"> <img src="http://www.100tacks.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/blog-button.png" alt=“100 TACKS” /> </a> </div>
Load More...
Follow 100 Tacks on Instagram
© Petra Canan Trudell and 100 Tacks, 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Petra Canan Trudell and 100 Tacks with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

More Info

  • About Me
  • Contact

Popular Posts

Catching Up: Repatriation
Tokyo, I Love You
The Big Surprise

Don't Miss a Post

Enter your email address to subscribe to 100 Tacks!

Theme by 17th Avenue · Powered by WordPress & Genesis