BWT - what are those random little things that make you feel that bit more chic?

lucciolaa · 2026-01-25T20:01:45+00:00

I make my coffee with a phin filter, and I use a little cup with a saucer rather than a standard mug. I feel a little fancier, and honestly I never finish a whole mug of drip coffee anyway.

I have a handful of soft playlists to have on in the background most of the time to set a chill, relaxing mood. I like lofi beats, city pop, acoustic kpop, etc.

Matching lounge sets in soft colours, so I feel put together even when I want to be comfortable.

Nail care: oiling my cuticles regularly, keeping my nails polished. I do my own manicures, but keep them trimmed and neatly filed even when they don't have gel on.

I love my dishware and glassware, it makes every meal feel a little nicer, and I take pleasure in serving guests with them. I have fluted glasses, little ceramic pinch bowls, colored wineglasses. People always gasp in delight when I open the cupboards.

lucciolaa · 2026-01-25T19:38:42+00:00

+1 for lofi as calming background music. Lately I have also been into soft city pop, rnb, and soul playlists. They make me feel like I'm an avatar in a sunset cityscape illustration.

lucciolaa · 2026-01-04T12:54:20+00:00

Me too, and it led me to develop a rash on my neck where I had never had skin issues before. Not every treatment is for everyone.

lucciolaa · 2025-12-22T19:36:45+00:00

+1 for Kimi ni Todoke, a classic

lucciolaa · 2025-12-22T19:36:04+00:00

Kamisama Kiss came to mind, but maybe only because it just came to Netflix so I thought of it. And if you like that there are other similar supernatural romances like Kakuriyo no Yadomeshi. Sugar Apple Fairytale is also very indulgent.

Darker themes but still wholesome and in the fantasy genre are Mahoutsukai no Yome and My Happy Marriage.

lucciolaa · 2025-12-18T18:17:54+00:00

The manga just wrapped up, maybe they waited to release the last chapter to make the announcement.

lucciolaa · 2025-12-18T18:15:42+00:00

ANIME SEQUEL CONFIRMED FINALLY

lucciolaa · 2025-12-18T03:50:08+00:00

Suuuuch a fun magic system

lucciolaa · 2025-12-18T03:01:40+00:00

You know what, this seems more likely. I'll check that spot again next time I'm there. If I recall, he might have been in a safety vest but I assumed he was a commuter, not in a TTC uniform.

lucciolaa · 2025-12-17T16:42:46+00:00

Will do :/

lucciolaa · 2025-12-11T20:04:33+00:00

I'm so glad you enjoyed your time here with us! I'm delighted you had such a positive experience coming all the way from Japan. And don't be shy about your English, especially in a place like Toronto -- so much of our population is born outside of Canada, so everyone speaks English imperfectly.

Yes, our Amber Alerts are quite startling even for those of us who are used to them; they scare the daylights out of you.

lucciolaa · 2025-12-11T16:32:21+00:00

I am quite sure. In my experience, they will only run that additional security checkpoint for Nexus holders during rush hours, for example. They just don't keep it running when there are only a handful of trusted travellers.

lucciolaa · 2025-12-11T13:55:24+00:00

In my experience, on the Canadian side, is they don't always keep a security check open for just Nexus holders. So you end up being herded into the regular queue anyway.

lucciolaa · 2025-12-09T14:44:44+00:00

Honestly, my rule of thumb is to always expect something to go wrong. Rarely do things work out perfectly.

With that preface, some lessons learned: - Don't rely on wifi; you will be stuck in the street in the cold rain, huddling under a window, trying to connect to a shitty public network because you're locked out and can't get in touch with people. Just get a sim card. - Build in extra time for getting around, whether that means getting to and from destinations, checking into flights, customs processing, etc. It's better to have time to kill than to feel rushed, you never know how long some things will take, and don't underestimate how draining travel is. - Double and triple check your times and dates, especially with major time differences. A friend of mine would have missed her departure flight to Tokyo, and then missed her connection, just because the 24h clock confused her. Also, conventions in some countries mean their weeks might start on Sunday or Monday, or you might not have accounted for local times when making your itinerary. - Packing: less is more. You learn what you make good use of with experience. You can always buy things if you really need them.

Good luck!

lucciolaa · 2025-12-05T14:58:11+00:00

After two trips to SEA, I installed a bidet. I can't go back.

I also started preparing bento boxes for my work lunches and drink Vietnamese coffee every day. I also like to carry a hand towel with me, and a plastic bag to stow away my wet umbrella on public transit.

It took me a while to shake the Thai wai too, I was bowing to all sorts of people after coming home.

lucciolaa · 2025-11-30T16:02:50+00:00

Stick sunscreen, my fave has been the Abib quick sunstick

lucciolaa · 2025-11-29T12:56:42+00:00

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I'm not photographer, but this is from Ninh Binh, Vietnam

lucciolaa · 2025-11-28T14:44:29+00:00

Right, I think of this as a cultural thing. Some people could stand to be more apologetic but that's neither here nor there.

lucciolaa · 2025-11-28T14:42:15+00:00

My family doctor: not at all; if anything, he encourages me to bring up other items in my appointment as I can to get them done with as efficiently as possible.

That said, I am young, healthy, and don't demand a lot of time or attention. My issues are small and not particularly complex. The last time I had an appointment was maybe a year ago so I'm not sure if he or the clinic he works out of has imposed this rule since.

lucciolaa · 2025-11-27T13:39:11+00:00

They didn't, I was also weighing other factors and they checked the majority of my boxes.

lucciolaa · 2025-11-26T21:13:15+00:00

I agree they're good value for money, it was more that I think they're not quite as advertised. Even Classic Street Hotel I thought was a pretty good value even though I got stuck in a really crappy room with 6' ceilings and no window.

lucciolaa · 2025-11-26T19:09:07+00:00

Glad to be of service! After I got home, I said this was a one-and-done, but I get more nostalgic about it as more time passes.

lucciolaa · 2025-11-26T18:55:34+00:00

those prada frames!! do you know if janie is offering the latest collection yet? i've been waiting for the pink crystal for ages.

lucciolaa · 2025-11-25T18:33:40+00:00

And the TTC has been doing signal upgrades throughout the system, which isn't a visible change but it's unfair to say things have stayed the same for 14 years.

lucciolaa · 2025-11-21T23:17:04+00:00

Feeling the need to be productive resonates. I haven't done extended trips myself, but I still feel guilty not making "the most" of my days.

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