GREETINGS FROM JAPAN!🇯🇵
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KONNICHIWA!
We finally made it to Japan! I was nervous about our 14-hour flight but it actually went by pretty fast after I watched two movies and an entire season of Love on the Spectrum 🥹.
We started our trip in Tokyo, a whirlwind of people, trains, and shopping. Luckily we’ll be returning at the end of the trip, so I can go back and buy all the things I’ve had my eye on (may need to buy a duffel for all the goods I plan on bringing back with me:)) No surprise, Tokyo has some amazing food! On our second night, we had Michelin star Ramen (Hachigou Ginza). It was so flavorful and delicious, I’ll probably never have ramen this good again! And although I can’t say Japanese breakfast is my favorite, Jackson loves it.
We’ve also been very fortunate to see Mt. Fuji, apparently it’s rare to see Japan’s tallest mountain because of clouds and fog, but we’ve seen it at least 4 times on the trip so far! It really is breathtaking, and kind of looks like a Volcano (well it technically is) erupting in snow.
We took a speed train to Kyoto (I love how public transportation is always exactly on time here) and I’m enjoying the slower pace of this city with its equally delicious meals. The sushi we had the other day was insane!
I can’t wait to try and replicate some of these recipes when I get home! In the meantime, Nat will be selecting this week’s recipes for the Digest 😬
Cheers 🥂
CURRENT OBSESSIONS
Feat. the Pantry Sisters.
This section is a collab with my sister. While the kitchen remains my domain, Nat’s the real-life influencer of the family.
HIL’S SELECTS: FAVS FROM MY TRIP SO FAR 🥰
Zara Waterproof Puffer Jacket
I have the shorter version and it’s a staple in the Winter. My mom let me borrow her ankle-length one and it’s perfect for Japan especially since it’s been so chilly and wet! Mine is old but check out their updated style that can fair up to -4 degree weather!
Kiss Me Heroine Make Eyeliner and Mascara
Of course, I had to hit up the Japanese cosmetics. I’m currently loving this mascara and eyeliner and they last all day even out in the rainy Tokyo streets.
I’ve heard great things about Japanese skincare. This mask is soothing and hydrating and won’t break you out. I’ll be diving into the coveted Japanese SPF next and will report back!
I purposely didn’t pack any sneakers for Japan because I knew I’d be buying a pair here. Once I saw these classic green Converse with ‘Made in Japan’ on the back I had to have them. You can buy a similar pair here.
I can’t stop ordering this sweet, sour, and tart liqueur. It’s like a combination of lemon/mandarin, grapefruit, and hints of floral. So delicious!
NAT’S SELECTS
Salt & Stone Deodorant (Sensitive)
This has been all over my TikTok forever. I purchased the sensitive skin version a few months ago, and looove the scent! And for a natural deodorant, it does a decent job of smelling fresh all day!
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Beauty Blush Wand
I have these matte liquid blushes in PinkPop and DreamPop. I find some liquid and cream blushes can be too ‘glowy’ for me and fade quickly. The CT blushes dry matte and stay all day.
AS SEEN ON TIKTOK
CECE’S POMEGRANATE MARTINI
I featured this recipe in last week’s digest, but you can watch me make it here! It’s so delicious and tastes like you’re in Sex in the City at a trendy 2000s restaurant.
WHAT I’M COOKING THIS WEEK
When Hil’s away Nat picks the recipes! Since I’m not culinarily gifted, I tend to go towards recipes that are easy and make a lot of servings (I like to have leftovers for lunch). Here are some of my favs. Enjoy 💕
CRISPY POUNDED CHICKEN WITH ARUGULA & MARINATED TOMATOES
Growing up, my mom would make this chicken whenever we would have people over. It’s so simple and packed full of flavor. Always a crowd pleaser - even for the pickiest eaters.
Prep Time: 25 min Cook Time: 15 min Total Time: 40 min
BACCO ITALIAN CHOPPED SALAD
This salad is a recreation of one of my favorite chopped salads at Bacco restaurant in Michigan. It is lightly dressed in a lemon dijon dressing and topped with a piece of prosciutto.Â
Bacco is closing this spring! RIP :(
Prep Time: 20 min Cook Time: 0 min Total Time: 20 min
AIR FRYER SALMON WITH CASHEW BROCCOLI & WILD RICE
I love making salmon in the air fryer because the outside gets crispy while the inside stays moist. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can cook the salmon in the oven with the broccoli for the same amount of time. I prefer skin-on salmon because the fillet holds together more easily, and creates more moist and flaky results than salmon with the skin removed. Once the salmon is cooked, it will easily flake away from the skin.
Prep Time: 15 min Cook Time: 20 min Total Time: 35 min
MEDITERRANEAN HUMMUS BOWL
Hummus is the perfect base for your favorite protein, crispy chickpeas, and a cucumber tomato salad. This recipe uses chicken, but feel free to use beef, pork, or tofu in its place. I like to make my own hummus because nothing else compares to fresh hummus, but if you are short on time you can buy your own from the store. Try to find a high-quality hummus with just a few ingredients. Serve with a warm pita and you will not be disappointed.
Prep Time: 20 min Cook Time: 10 min Total Time: 30 min