Category: Let’s Shop
This HK “Supermarket” Sells Quirky Bags, Not Food
My social media algorithm led me to the reels of this “supermarket” in Hong Kong, where instead of actual food, you’ll find a whimsical selection of bags, purses, and pouches designed like everyday grocery items, such as fruits, vegetables, canned goods, and snacks. Toca Loca (the Spanish word for playful) is a lifestyle brand that […]
Who’s Your Favorite Obscure Disney Character?
While I grew up loving classic Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Chip and Dale, and Belle, as I got older, I started to appreciate the lesser-known characters. Whether you see them as minor characters, sidekicks, or secondary villains, many obscure Disney characters have gained their own fanbase or cult following. As a crazy […]
Left-Handed Tools In a Right-Handed World
International Left-Handers Day is celebrated every August 13th, not that every left-handed person knows about our special day. We left-handers make up only 10-12% of the world’s population, so I’ve gotten used to living in a world made for right-handers. I’m a lefty when it comes to writing, using the chopsticks, and eating with a […]
Best Non-Food Souvenirs From Taiwan
The art of souvenir shopping holds a different meaning for each traveler. For some, the curated process involves authentic, small-batch items from local artisans. For others with a limited time and budget, haggling for mass-produced items is part of the adventure. I sit somewhere in the middle. View this post on Instagram A […]
Best Travel Underwear to Pack
Underwear doesn’t seem to take up too much space in your luggage, but for women, packing multiple bras and panties for travel is serious business. The common formula for seasoned travelers is three pairs of underwear more than the number of days of your trip, but I can get away with packing just the right […]
Things To See and Do in Pier 2 Art Center, Kaohsiung
Taiwan’s largest port city, Kaohsiung, is gradually gaining popularity among tourists. But time seems to move more slowly here, especially if it’s your second stop after coming from the busy capital of Taipei. I picked a hotel in Pier 2, where the neighborhood felt eerily quiet. It was only on day 2 of my solo […]
Taiwan’s Character-Themed 7-Eleven Stores
Not all 7-Eleven experiences are created equal. When it comes to the kawaii culture and culinary 7-Eleven experience, no country can beat Japan, followed by Korea’s aegyo pop culture. But vying for a close third spot for me is Taiwan. The themed 7-Elevens in this de facto independent country stand out as tourist stops, where […]
Snoopy 7-Eleven in Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Out of the 7,000+ 7-Elevens around Taiwan, over 100 of them are specially themed, featuring characters or brands such as Hello Kitty and her Sanrio friends, Snoopy and the Peanuts gang, Lay’s, Tomica, Pokemon, Mickey Mouse, and so much more! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kate Alvarez (Kate Was […]
Sanrio 7-Eleven in Taipei
As an ’80s Hello Kitty kid, I jotted this down as my top itinerary during my recent Taiwan trip. When I finally laid my eyes on the Sanrio 7-Eleven in Taipei, I felt like a kid again—all warm and fuzzy inside. (Scroll down to the end to see the reel!) Window-dressed with Hello Kitty as […]