Oshima Island Getaway

So to un-wind from the craziness of my hubby being deployed and being so busy are work. My wonderful amazing friend Lili invited William and I to go with her family to a cabin for an overnight stay. It was absolutely wonderful. So for the first day it was non stop raining and super muggy and with that I went with a fun bright outfit.

Top Hurley, Shorts American Rag, Rain boots from Target and nail polish from OPI Nicole in Respect in the World.

Our view from the cabin.

Rain boots here are a must in Japan especially during the rainy season where it can rain for days on end. Here are some options:

Betsey Johnson Baxterr Rain Boot

Chooka Classic Stripe Rain Boot

Retro Birdie Rain Boots by Target

Peacock Rain Boots by Target

Journee Collection Rain Boots by Meijer

So after you have found your favorite rain boots and get comfortable in them it will stop raining. Which is what it did for us on Sunday, we woke to perfect sunny weather. We stopped at the beach that was outside of our cabin and looked at jelly fish and starfish. And of course played in the sand. 

My Sisters Weakness

Here is a fabulous recipe to make a very simple Chocolate Eclair.

What you need to get started:
1 regular size container of Chocolate Fudge Frosting
1 box of Graham crackers
8oz Cool Whip
2 sm or 1 large box of instant french vanilla pudding
3-4c milk
9x13 pan

* I like to mix the pudding flavors up and use one small box of vanilla and one of lemon.

1. Line 9x13in  pan with whole graham crackers.
2. Mix pudding & milk by following directions on the box.
3. When pudding is set, fold in cool whip. Do not stir.
4. Put 1/2 of the pudding/cool whip on top of the graham crackers that you have laid in the pan.
5. Add another layer of graham crackers.
6. Add rest of pudding/cool whip mix on top of graham crackers.
7. Add a final layer of graham crackers to the top of the mixture.
8. Place frosting without lid and seal into the microwave for 30-40 seconds. This step makes it easier to spread on top of the graham crackers.
9. Spread the frosting on top of the graham crackers evenly.
10. Place Eclair into refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set.
11. Enjoy!

American Rag, I must buy you

If you were to open my closet or look in a shopping bag of my purchases. It's no lie that Im obsessed with American Rag clothing line.

So I am going to show you my mint colored pants by American Rag I bought from the Exchange. This was my St. Patties Day outfit from this year. I went super simple with a black top by Hurley and my black Madden Girl Pumps. Both top and shoes were also bought at the exchange.

The pants look wonderful with basic colors such as white, black or nude. If you are brave and go for a print, just match the color of the pants to a color in the shirt. Just remember not go to crazy with color or you may look like a walking crayon box and you will lose the boldness of pants. 

My bracelet is Lucky Brand and my earrings come from Francesca's Collection. The bracelet was a last minute buy while walking though Macy's while I was home visiting. If you want to spice up your outfit go with fun accessories when you go with simple tops. 

So in the future be prepared for my love of American Rag and I will show you some more options from our Exchange. Plus soon recipes for great baked treats!

~A

Who, What, Where & Why again?

I am asked questions all the time about how I made a frosting tie-dyed. What did you use? Where did you get this piece of clothing, really at the Exchange?! Why are you just now sharing these things with me?

So I decided that people want my recipes that I have very much guarded the last couple years needed to be shared. Being part of a military community we come and go. Become best of friends and knowing some years later down the road we will see each other again. Plus I think sharing of recipes are the best thing ever.

Why I did this too is so I can share to the world how to make these amazing deserts they have here in Japan. I would buy out the whole bakery if I had enough Yen to do so. Every time I step in there I end up spending 2,000 - 3,000 yen which is like $25.00-$30.00.

As for the fashion we are stationed in Iwakuni, Japan. Our base has a good exchange (store) with labels like Michael Kors, American Rag, Roxy, Hurley, True Religion and more. So with me no longer wanted to shop on line all the time I am going to show you what you can do with my limited selection.

So with all that info ( I promise your brain will not explode) we will start this thing! Get ready for a post tomorrow of fashion!!!

~Oyasuminasai (Japanese for goodnight, Im going to bed)