Renovation Updates: 6th Week

Last week was the 6th week and my kitchen was placed! I heard that the kitchen counter was so big that it didn't fit into the elevator, so the carpenter wrestled it up stairs! Thanks goodness X(



We will apply the ECOCARAT on this side wall (image below)!



This week, wallpaper will be applied. And finally, this coming Saturday, our home will be completed! Time to make a final confirmation :D

*Renovation Updates*
- 5th Week
- 4th Week
- 2nd and 3rd Week
- 1st Week
- The Start Date

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NEW MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt I/O

Amazing news!!!



Yesterday, new MacBook Pro was released, incorporating Intel's new Thunderbolt (formerly codenamed Light Peak) technology into the device. Thunderbolt pipeline is more than 12 times faster than FireWire 800 and up to 20 times faster than USB 2.0! It can create a professional video setup for the laptop!



The laptop also includes two USB ports, a FireWire 800 port, mic-in, audio-out, ethernet, and a SDXC camera card slot, all of which are shown in one side and SuperDrive slot for DVDs and CDs on the other side!

No wonder, I will get this soon :D

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Renovation Updates: 5th Week

My post is one week behind but last week was the 5th week of the renovation and our walls and ceilings (construction) were done.



All the fittings were framed and set. We fitted up some of the furniture in the room to save space!



This week, my kitchen and bathroom sink were done. I will update about it next week :D

*Renovation Updates*
- 4th Week
- 2nd and 3rd Week
- 1st Week
- The Start Date

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Creativity is the key to Business Success

Can I be proud of myself today?! LoL.

In 2001, I graduated from college with degrees in Fine Art and Business Management. Also minored in Computer Science.

Recently, I came across the post that refers to one of the Harvard Business School's Breakthrough Ideas for 2004: "The MFA Is the New MBA" by Daniel H. Pink.

Businesses have come to realize that the only way to differentiate their offerings is to make them beautiful and emotionally compelling - which explains why an arts degree is now such a hot credential in management. Meanwhile, MBA graduates are becoming this century's blue-collar workers: they entered a workforce that was full of promise only to see their jobs move overseas.

And in 2008, Daniel Pink again argued that "it’s time for our imaginative right brain, which sees the entire forest all at once, to take center stage." : Let Computers Compute. It’s the Age of the Right Brain.

I didn't master in my degrees, but before he formulated the theory, I naturally related the idea of an art and business while studying. Amazing, hah?! (I have nothing to be proud of, so let me say... LoL)

ART now seems one of the trends of the times. Even in the worst recession, it is highly appreciated: How High Can the Art Market Go?

Yes! Be creative!!!

But to add, I think moderate exercise is important of all things, because good health leads to vitality. I used to hate PE class, but now I love to exercise! I mostly come up with a new idea at the GYM. I hope I am on the way!!!

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Christchurch Earthquake

Yesterday (on 2/22), a strong 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit Christchurch in New Zealand at 12:51pm local time, after 7.0 earthquake on 9/4/2010. Police now have confirmed that 75 people have been killed and still 300 people missing.

As you know, Japan is prone to earthquakes so it concerns us a lot. It is said that there are more than 1,000 tremors which people can feel, per year. All buildings meet the quake-resistance standards but we always live with the fear of earthquake.

I listed this before but severe earthquakes have hit Japan since the beginning of the twentieth century.
In 1923, the Great Kanto Earthquake (magnitude of 7.9) took place, which caused extensive damage over a wide area including Tokyo. Then in 1995, the Great Hanshin Earthquake (magnitude of 7.2) took place, which devastated much of the Hanshin area, including Kobe and Awaji Island. And in 2004, the Chuetsu earthquake (magnitude 6.8) took place, which ravaged the central region of Niigata prefecture. In 2007, the Noto Peninsula Earthquake (magnitude 6.9) and the Chuetsu Offshore Earthquake (magnitude 6.6) took place.

In Kanto region we have frequent earthquakes these days, so we are overdue for a large one! No wonder, I am nervous about our new home. I wish to live there at least a month! LoL. But more than that, I hope to be alive...

Natural disaster can happen anywhere at anytime. We live busy lives, but the news made me stop and think.

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Mac or Win

I am a Windows user. The latest Mac I own is ibook G3. LoL.

Nevertheless, I have used my FUJITSU desktop PC for more than 6 years, so now I am thinking of getting a new one. Maybe a laptop because I believe they are now fast enough to do the video editting.

MacBook Pro or Sony VAIO E



No wonder, I love pink, so I was thinking of customizing Sony VAIO E series, but unfortunately, I cannot select the hibiscus pink VAIO due to the system requirements for video editing... so I am more for MacBook Pro now.

However, my worry is the compatibility. Is Mac now compatible with Windows?! What I remember from ibook is if I create something using ibook, many stuff got garbled on Windows X( I know I am talking about old days. LoL.

Are you a Mac or Windows user?

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Weekend Shopping

On Saturday, my darling and I finally decided on getting home electric appliances!!! Before we leave home, we called the electronics retail stores to compare prices. In Japan, you can negotiate the price at any major electronics retail store if you can prove that the other store has lower price (even a penny!).

Of course, we bought HITACHI Frost Recycling Vacuum Compartment Refrigerator on our wish list! We went for 475L because it was the thinnest with great capacity ;)

As for the washing machine, we bought Sanyo's AQUA AWD-TQ900(W)! The attracting unique function is ozone washing called "Air wash". You can clean your clothes without water! Oxygen in the air is converted to ozone, using an ozone creation device, and is sprayed on clothing inside the machine. Ozone has a strong oxidation action, which either destroys or disassembles the cell walls of bacteria. This allows for eliminating bacteria, odors, and dirt (organic matter). With this machine, you can wash delicate clothing, business suit, stuffed animals, and shoes!!! Of course it has a normal washing cycle that uses water as well.



Then for air-conditioning and heating equipment, we went for Panasonic with nanoe (air purifier which at the same time hydrates your skin)! For the living room, we chose one with additional self-clean function that cleans the filter automatically!



We still haven't decided on the room lights, so maybe this weekend...



Anyways, after shopping, it was already after 10PM!!! We tried to order healthy foods! Matcha-hi (shochu-based beverage) and collagen salad with salmon and ikura for a starter ;)



I am eating natto because I heard eating natto before bedtime is good for the skin! hehe



No wonder we run out of savings... but why not enjoy our lives!!!
My excuse X(

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Renovation Updates: 4th Week

Before it gets old, I will update the 4th week progress!

The base for the double flooring was done. As you can see below, all the pipes are placed underneath.



Kitchen side wall (for the water pipes) and double ceiling (for the air pipe) are almost done. Those works are done for my ideal counter kitchen :P



The below  is our bathroom. Hard to tell, but I took this to make sure we have enough space to change clothes.



We are visiting the place on the 6th week (next Saturday 2/26) to decide on curtains and window shades!

*Renovation Updates*
- 2nd and 3rd Week
- 1st Week
- The Start Date

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ECOCARAT

Despite our budget, we decided to apply the accent wall, simply because it is the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. LoL

What we chose is a healthy breathing wall called ECOCARAT by INAX. Cream beige bricks are our choice for the living room. We expect to create the perfect living room atmosphere where we can experience a warm natural feel and relax!

ECOCARAT is a completely natural ceramic material that utilizes tiny holes to absorb excess humidity in the room and release it when the air becomes dry, maintaining optimum comfort levels. ECOCARAT also absorbs and reduces unpleasant smells and harmful airborne toxins.



4 Benefits Applying ECOCARAT:

- Humidity Controller
ECOCARAT is capable of absorbing/releasing moisture 4 to 5 times better than diatomaceous wall surfaces, and 15 times better than hygroscopic wall paper. ECOCARAT inhales and exhales humidity, consistently maintaining comfort levels in rooms. Its efficient humidity conditioning during damp or humid weather conditions ensures crisp and comfortable room air during sticky summers.

- Mold and Mite Inhibitor
ECOCARAT maintains a comfortable humidity level, regulates condensation and dampness during the winter, reducing the spread of mold and mites.

- Deodorizer
ECOCARAT gets rid of the smell of those offensive pet and toilet smells.

- Toxin Absorber
ECOCARAT is capable of absorbing formaldehyde, toluene, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which have adverse effects on the human body. Perfect way to avoid sick house syndrome.

I hope our wall comes out nice :)

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Do You Have Any Rival?!

I hate to admit it but many of my cooking friends are in great success. They inspire me a lot but at the same time I get frustrated with myself.

I always think I need to try hard (look for new challenges) to expand my possibilities... because what I see is what I can do, which means, without a new experience, I don't even have a chance to start.

However, within a limited time, I can't try everything, so I have to move through wisely!

Do you have any rival? What is your thought?!

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HITACHI Frost Recycling Vacuum Compartment Refrigerator

On the weekend, my darling and I went to an electronics retail store, hoping to upgrade our current fridge-freezer at the time of the removal!

What interested me the most is HITACHI's Frost Recycling Vacuum Compartment Refrigerator model.



The "Vacuum Compartment" can reduce air pressure in the chilled room to 0.8 atm. It decreases the oxygen density in the chilled room, preventing the DHAs, vitamins and amino acids in food items from oxidizing. The front door of the chilled room is sealed by a rubber packing and pressed to the room by a lock handle in front of the door. It's like having a big "Ziploc container" in the fridge! How convenient!!! The chilled room is designed on the assumption that it is used 10 times a day for 10 years, so it can be opened and closed about 40,000 times.



"Super-Moisture Vegetable Compartment" assures vegetables retain moisture.



"Triple Compartment Freezer" is a smartly designed freezer consists of the main high-capacity compartment and two full-width sliding drawers, allowing easily organize and retrieve frozen products. I have many small items piled up in my freezer pocket, so this sounds very convenient!



As for energy-saving technology, the "Frost Recycling Cooling System" uses the air cooled by frost forming on the cooling device during the operation to cool the refrigerator and vegetable compartment while compressor stops.



This model has a volume ranged from 401L to 620L! I first thought of getting the largest one, but the smallest around 475L might be better, not to waste food! Will see ;)

BTW, I now own Sharp's 2 door fridge-freezer which volume is 140L (SJ-14H). Pretty small...

What kind of fridge-freezer do you have?!

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10 Million Visitors!!!!!!!

On 2/11, my Cookpad recipe page reached 10 million visitors!!! Cookpad is the biggest recipe site in Japan. I only update my page once a week but endurance makes you stronger.



Thank you!!! I will keep up at my own pace :D

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BEARD PAPA'S Fondant au Chocolat

My darling bought me BEARD PAPA'S Fondant au Chocolat for Valentine's Day! It uses the best chocolate for fondant au chocolat to bring out the rich finish! If you eat it as is, you can enjoy the richness of the chocolate. mmmmmmmm :)



Of course, you can warm it up but I prefer to eat it cold or at normal temperature because I don't want to eat fast chasing the running chocolate. haha.



BTW, BEARD PAPA'S is famous for their cream puffs.

We were both busy yesterday, so I thank him for his kindness and consideration :)

Actually, it snowed a lot last night. Walking along the icy sherbert road takes longer than usual to reach the train station X(



But spring is almost here!!!

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