Showing posts with label Retail. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Retail. Show all posts

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Matcha Mania!

FINALLY! I managed to track down Tazo's Green Tea Latte Concentrate. I've heard about this for quite some time, but can never find it in grocery stores or any Starbucks. Ironic, ain't it? Its a Starbucks product, and they use it as a base when they make their Green Tea Frappucinos and Lattes. And where did I find it? At a Seattle's Best Coffee (same parent, different franchise altogether) inside a Borders in Summerlin! Weird, but whatever. It's an awesome treat for those times I want a sweeter tea. Just mix it half-and-half with skim milk and you're done. Since the honeydew-melon syrup is a tad bit too sweet (I like mine a little more tea-like), I usually add in a couple spoons of matcha powder, to give it a kick. Try it for yourself and experience some Tazo green goodness!

PS. The new designs for Tazo's packaging is interesting. All that intricate Middle-Eastern details has been pared down, and the color palette has been brightened and/or neutralized. It stands out on the shelf, as it's very basic and detailed at the same time, while not being flooded with images/illustrations, save one. And that one I am not too fond off. But its better than what's usually out there. Most importantly, the product itself is good, albeit a little pricey.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Someday...we'll shine together.

One of my favorite anime titles, Revolutionary Girl Utena, is getting a breath of fresh life in Japan. Director Kunihiko Ikuhara, is painstakingly doing a HD remaster for all of us. The 39-episode Tv series, stage musical, theatrical movie and soundtracks are all getting rereleased in three Box Sets. Great! But what's not so great? Well, its still on DVD and thus, R2 encoded. I'd have to buy a rerelease of this rerelease when it hits Blu-Ray. No english subtitles. And one helluva hefty pricetag, as everything will cost about U$D700+!!! I'll definitely be getting the remastered Soundtrack Box Set. But the DVDs themselves? I want to...bad! Now, one would say that I could wait for it to be released in R1 land. But I absolutely hated CPM's poor handling of the title, and I have very little faith that they will do any better if they're given a chance to. Guess I had better start saving up if I want to see any of my beloved Utena in her new revival glory.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Faux is Fresh and Fabulous!

Tortoiseshells. Feathers. Fur. Leather. Ivory tusks. The latest trend is coral. Live coral. That's wrong! They're living creatures, and an integral part to the ocean ecosystem! Yes, they're pretty, but for gawds sake, go faux. They make some really good replicas these days. Check out Tiffany, Pottery Barn and Michael Aram. While you're at it, please visit TooPreciousToWear.Org and save these creatures. "Faux Sure!" says Mr. Brown.

PS. I love their logo! Very modern, chic and sophisticated!

Saturday, April 26, 2008

New Artbook!

I've been watching Red Garden recently, and so far I am loving it. From the quirky art and designs to the atmosphere, mood and music, it's just ... intriguing. That being said, I managed to snag a copy of Red Garden ~ Stylish Motif from Kinokuniya. It close to being out-of-print, if it isn't already. The book contains some excellent character sketches, background art, and interviews with the 5 main seiyuus for Kate, Rose, Rachel, Claire and Lise. While I wish they included more illustrations, sketches, Japanese packaging art and coverage on the Dead Girls, I am still very happy with this book, because it's the only artbook that's available for Red Garden.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Shopping on the South Side

I recently visited Town Square with Taylor, and I must say that it is shaping up rather nicely. It was a beautiful spring day, and there were plenty of people everywhere. Their dogs too. And why wouldn't they? They have great restaurants like Louis's and Fish Camp, the Apple Store, Rave Motion Cinema and the best Borders in town. I'm bound to be there alot more once I get my wheels. You should too if you ever come to Las Vegas.

PS. The District II in Summerlin should be nice too, once it gets done.