a new year, new beginnings. it's 2016!

Here's to a new year, new beginnings. Each year comes with ups and downs, happiness and sadness, success and failures. 2015 was another roller coaster ride for me, and I'm sure 2016 will be no different. I intend to accomplish at least some of my goals, if not all, find happiness in this world full of chaos, and enjoy the beauty in life. And to just simply be me and to always be a better version of myself. And these photographs by Eri Sakamoto are so perfect for my first post of 2016 - I can honestly say each and every photo is me, Samantha Mariko. Happy New Year.

All photos by Eri Sakamoto

Wishing you a musical 2016

It's already evening of New Year's Eve, and I'm off to celebrate the year end and my grandfather's birthday (New Year's baby!) in a bit with sushi and cake. I decided to test out my new Beats with my Pioneer WEGO and the sound is just fantastic. A HUGE thank you to all of you awesome readers, sponsors and friends for making this blog possible for another year. Wishing you all the best and see you next year! Cheers!


あっという間に大晦日になりましたね！これから、紅白歌合戦を見ながら、祖父母とお寿司とケーキを食べてきます！（祖父は１日の誕生日なんです）その前に、新しく貰ったBeatsをPioneer WEGOのコントローラーと使ってみました。やっぱり音がすごくいい！！

ではでは、読者やスポンサー、そして友達に：今年も本当にサポートありがとうございました！！また一年ブログを続けることができてとても嬉しいです。来年も頑張りますので、どうぞよろしくお願い致します！良いお年を！

Enzyme masks and face oils from Sephora

I wanted to amp up my skincare routine (yet again), and these are my most recent purchases from Sephora.

Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask

Tatcha Polished Deep Rice Enzyme Powder

Josie Maran 100% Argan Oil Light 

The argan oil has been a favorite of mine recently, so I stocked up again - great for combating the dry, cold weather. And I've been reading good things about enzyme masks, so I thought I'd give these a whirl. Something to look forward to for the coming year! 

A holiday look in navy & red

top: Uniqlo; coat: Forever 21

skirt: Zara; boots: Aldo

sunglasses: ZeroUV; bag: Epoi

necklace: Salvatore Ferragamo 

A bit late, but Merry Christmas & happy holidays ya'll. Christmas really gets me in the mood to dress up a little, and adding a pop of bright red with a simple turtleneck spiced up this holiday look. And fur, whether fake or real, is an easy way to add a luxurious feel to any outfit. These winged ZeroUV sunglasses are so fun! If you're still looking for a late Christmas gift to give (or buy for yourself), head over to ZeroUV!

I was working both Christmas & Christmas Eve, but I had dinner with some of my friends and ate too much cake than I normally do. My real holiday will be in 3 days where I'll have a couple days off to relax and hopefully catch up with my blogging and other things. Did you guys have a nice Christmas holiday? <3

ちょっと遅いですが、メリークリスマス＆ハッピーホリデー！クリスマスシーズンはドレスアップしたくなる季節ですよね。こんな風に、さし色で真っ赤なタートルニットを取り入れると、暗い色の多いコーデにスパイスが入ります。そして、本物でもフェイクでも、ファーでどんなコーデもエレガントに仕上がるはずです。このウィングティップのサングラスも可愛い！お手頃で可愛いサングラスは、ZeroUVで購入できますよ〜！

今年のイブとクリスマスは働いていましたが、友人とご飯食べに行ったりはしたので、楽しく過ごせました。ケーキも食べ過ぎた気がする。。あと３日で本当のホリデーがくるので、楽しみです！ブログやその他のことをゆっくりできそう。皆さんのクリスマスはいかがでしたか？♡

All photos by Paint with Stars Photography

Shinjuku lights

An evening stroll near Shinjuku station. These festive holiday lights remind me of the times my family and I used to walk around then neighborhood to see all the pretty Christmas decorations. 

新宿駅近辺のイルミネーション。こういうクリスマスライトを見てると、子供の頃家族と近所のクリスマスライト＆デコレーションを見に回ってた時を思い出す。