Thursday, October 10, 2024

"Life is Either a Daring Adventure..."

 "... or nothing at all." ~ Helen Keller

At Guam International Airport Ready for our 11am flight into Narita, Japan.

    Hey guys, here's Part II of my Sistercation adventures. Part I is here. My sister and her husband are enjoying Guam and we had a family BBQ this past Sunday prior to Lita and I going to Japan for a few days. The plan was to spend three days and two nights in Narita, make our way to Harajuku and the Takeshita Dori so that my sister could experience the train rides and do a bit of shopping. We arrived at the Guam Airport without any major issues, except for a lot of rain, ugh. We parked my car, and had to run for the building. Haha! A bit wet, we made our way to the TSA line. Once we made it to our gate, the plan was to get into Narita, catch the shuttle bus to our hotel, check in and then head to Aeon Mall for a bit of shopping.

In the taxi to Aeon Mall.

We ended up taking a taxi to the mall only because the shuttle bus wasn't for another hour and we were ready to eat dinner. Once there we got some fresh fruit and snacks for our hotel room. We strolled the 1st floor first and then headed to the 2nd floor. My sister isn't really into sushi, so we ate at Burger King for dinner. We found some cute things at a Hobby shop, and played some Gatcha machines too. The Daiso had some items like toiletries we'd need for the next three days.


Cute Baby Nanci, I wish I could take her home! LOL

Found a hat for my hubby!

Baskin Robbins Cotton Candy ice cream, Yum!

After Daiso, we called it a night and headed to the shuttle bus depot to catch it and head back to our hotel. The line was short, when we got there, but as soon as the bus was parked, my gosh that line got crazy crowded. We almost missed the bus, because he parked further back since another bus there. We got in and it was standing room only!! Luckily, once the bus stopped at the first hotel, then there was room. Whew! We got to our hotel and we were in for the night.

Avacado and Cheddar Doritos!! Were yummy!

They didn't have strawberry sandwich so I got this one!

I had to get myself one!! Kind of expensive though.

 The next morning both Lita and I got up early, I mean 4am early! Haha! Just relaxed, showered, and waited for our time to head over to the breakfast buffet. We were the first ones to the restaurant. Once in we ate, had our fill and made our way back to our room to change and get ready for the day! The plan was to catch the shuttle bus back to the airport but at Terminal 2 and get our tickets for the Keisei Line into Tokyo, then catch the JR Yamanote line for Harajuku.

Breakfast buffet, was delicious! Yes, that's Melon soda!Ha

Our Keisei Line ticket with reserve seats.

The lady at the train ticket counter was so sweet, she even helped us get tickets to the JR line, and gave us directions. Once on our reserved seated train, we just relaxed and took in the scenery. There were a lot of stops and we arrived at the JR line about an hour and a half later. Once at the JR Yamanote line, we kind of got lost trying to figure out which train track to go too. Haha! But, we found it with a bit of help from a shop keeper. Once on the JR line, Lita got to experience the crazy morning rush with all the suits and teen school kids headed out. She was surprised at how crowded the train was and that personal space, was feeling a bit violated. Haha! 

Once at our stop for Harajuku, we got out and I tried to remember how to get to Takeshita Dori from the train. My memory was foggy and the last time I had been there was 2015 with my family!! LOL The rain didn't help anything either. We just ran across the street and went into a little doorway, waiting a bit. A young woman was heading into a cat cafe and I asked her how to get to the street and she directed us. But before we headed toward the street we decided to get out of the rain and go to the Starbucks to wait it out. 

Starbucks for a break! Mango smoothie!

We made it to Takeshita Dori!!

We left through the back side of Starbucks an found a street that took us into Takeshita. We could see Daiso from the street we walked out of. It was still sprinkling a lot so we headed to Daiso first! Three floors of cute! Lit and I headed to the first floor, it was so crowded. We didn't stay on 1st floor for long and then we headed to 3rd floor next. After 2nd floor. It was good, lots of cute things to buy, but I mainly liked what I found on the 2nd floor, some Rose of Versailles merch!! Yup, Merch!! I made sure to grab all the styles I could! So I got a makeup case, glasses case, bento bag, wash cloth, and smaller makeup case.

Rose of Versailles Merch from Daiso!!

Airport Terminal 2 shopping.

When we left Daiso, we made our way to Mcdonald's for lunch and it was still raining. Ugh. My sister was tired and we just didn't want to wade through the somewhat crowded street and in the rain. So we made our way back to the JR line. I told her we could head back to the airport and shop there, and she agreed. So back onto the JR line and this time because it was only 11am still there was no crowd on the train. We also took the non stop Keisei Line back tot he airport. Yay and got there by 1pm. Ate at a Japanese curry restaurant and then did more shopping. I sat while Lita enjoyed looking around.

Last breakfast before heading back...

When she had her fill of shopping, we caught the shuttle bus back to our hotel and bought some snacks for that night. We just relaxed packed our bags and planned for the next day and catching the shuttle bus back to the airport for our flight back to Guam. We had breakfast at the Buffet, went back to our room, dressed and were ready for the airport. Once at the airport, we did some last minute shopping for family. Then sat at our gate ready for our flight. We arrived back on island by 3pm that day. I told my sister at least we tried and made it to Takeshita Dori as planned. It was a great Sistercation adventure and with my first best friend, my sister! Now her vacation is coming to a close and it will be time to head back to WA.

I'm so glad I made the trip to WA and spending time with my sister was a dream. I will definitely try to visit her again next year. I hope she enjoyed it as well and her partner. Sometimes you have to get out of your comfort zone to experience things and I'm glad I was able to help my sister do that!

Happy October guys! More on finds next time!

Thank you for looking! ~ ggsdolls

 

Saturday, October 5, 2024

"I'm Going on an Adventure!!"

 ~ JRR Tolkien, "The Hobbit".

    I hope you all are having a great beginning to October! I went on a very short trip to WA to get and bring my sister back to Guam for her vacation. Her and her husband are here for a little vacation. The last time they each have been on Guam was before the pandemic began and her husband even longer, around over 13 years I believe! My trip began on Saturday and I went through of course my usual legs, Narita, San Francisco and then Seattle. Very uneventful I must say and it was quite relaxing honestly.



While my layover in San Francisco was long, I just sat and watch the planes land and take off. It was quite busy too. Once I got into Seattle, then I was even more relieved to be at my destination. It was evening and I arrived a few hours later since the plane leaving SFO was late to arrive...

Once at my sister's place, I went to bed after a good shower. The next day we did a bit of shopping since she was off from work! She took me to Popeye's for lunch! I definitely enjoyed it! We don't have a Popeye's off base, so those of us who aren't military can't go in and get some. Ugh!

We also went to the Capital Mall and stopped by a few of the anime and Sanrio shop there. Mini-So had some awesome blind boxes, some were S. Korean brands I believe, and others are Japanese brands. I was very tempted, but I knew that I could find them via Japan when I go. So I told myself not to get any. Besides, one box was like thirteen dollars versus me getting them in Japan for a lot less at two dollars!!

I saw some awesome doll themed ones too. I was so tempted. Haha! But I told myself if it wasn't available to buy, then it wasn't for me to buy them. Haha! Below, we went to Walmart and I caught a glimpse of Mt. Rainier! When I landed it was dark and overcast so I didn't see it. But, that day was nice and clear! Cold at nights and the trees are turning colors already. So beautiful I must say!! I do enjoy fall and seeing all the colors, but glad I live on an island with warm weather. Teehee!

I was able to visit my older brother as well and his wife. She even made us lunch, yum. Good food and good conversations, we left almost 2 hours later. Haha! Missed my big brother for sure. But, I hope to visit them again on the way back. Flights on the way back to Guam were not fun, I felt anxious and it was very stressful that I couldn't sleep at all this time, ugh. Not Fun, but we are back on island now.

We left middle of last week and are getting ready to have a big BBQ for them this weekend! More later! No vintage thrifting this time around, maybe next time!!

Mcdonald's Hello Kitty toy from Narita!!
 

Happy finds guys and I!

Thank you for taking a look! ~ ggsdolls

Thursday, September 19, 2024

"There is Nothing New...

 ...except what has been forgotten." ~ Marie Antoinette


    I've always wanted to own lovely wigs that Marie Antoinette wore, mostly from the Kirsten Dunst Movie version of "Marie Antoinette". Maybe not the real fancy ones, but something similar. So last year when I saw one on a model from one of my fave shopping websites. I had to have it! Sadly, the listing I saw, showed that it had already sold out. Darn!! The nice thing about this site, is that they often do restock and since Halloween is coming up, they did! So, I bought a blue wig first to see how it looked, and after receiving it, I ended up buying the other two colors available!!

    The blue one above, I simply love the roses and carnations placed on it and the pink satin bow. There is actually a whole costume that goes with each of the wigs, if you chose to buy them. But I just love the wigs. Besides I have a perfect dress to go with the wigs already! Below the pink and white versions. I must admit I love the white version most of the three! Very simple and made lovely, not too extravagant and still gives the same Marie A. vibe! The ones I've seen at our local Halloween costume store, is a bit too expensive for my taste as well as ones I've seen online. These were priced more reasonably for me. Yay!

 
    I did find this lovely vintage Disney Bambi Ladymate music box from Japan last month. I sent it via small packet mail and it took almost 60 days to get to me!! In lovely condition and works. I've added this adorable vintage piece to my shop! Just gorgeous!


 

    Above, a short video on my IG of the lovely wigs I got!! Teehee! It was fun to make for sure!! I also got some more vintage Sunstar memos from Japan. This lot of four, has a mod lovely memo, that matches the stationary set that I use as my profile on IG. The Teen Mode memos are just amazing as well and the letter stationary shown too. Very Teen Mode mod for sure. Then, lastly for today, I finally caved and found a Band Marcher hat for my Soldier Bear. He was just missing something and I couldn't take it. At first I had planned on making him a hat by hand...


... But then decided not too reinvent the wheel and found a vintage soldier ornament made in Japan with a lovely hat I liked and got it in the mail recently. Now my Soldier bear is complete! He is just the sweetest guy for sure and sits on my dresser. One of the few Rushtons I have left in my collection.

Welp, I hope you all have a lovely rest of your week! Happy Thrifting!

Thank you for reading! ~ ggsdolls

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

"Summer Has Come to Pass...

 ...The innocent can never last, Wake me up when September ends." ~ Green Day

    The month of September has been quite thrilling thus far... My eldest child is another year older and my 2nd child is on her journey of motherhood. It has been a quite busy one at that. This past Saturday we welcomed our third grandchild into the world. This time, this grand lives on island! Yay! I'll get to enjoy the baby a bit more! So, I haven't really been thrifting these days. But a few things did make it into the store collection...

    These adorable New/Old stock Noel Christmas ornaments were truly a cool find. Two soldiers and a clown, in mostly excellent to great condition. I've added them to my shop last week! All three are available for purchase. Below, a closer look at the Alice in Wonderland child hanger. So cute. I just love the graphics and can imagine a child's bedroom in Alice theme with this hanger on the wall! The hanger is also available!



    Next, I couldn't resist this lovely Dolly costume from Dollskill. The dress comes with stockings, a hair bow clip, and heart locket necklace!! Just truly dreamy. I love the color combination. Great for Halloween this year too! I was on TikTok watching a few vids and came across the Jill Stuart lip stick line. I could not resist and though I don't wear make up, I had to get this adorable Bloom lip stick. Just look at how lovely the lip stick is as well, a flower shape and the colors are just dreamy. It's just gloss but I will use it mostly as a prop! Haha!



    Lastly, I got these miniature Licca dolls in boxes key chains. Showcasing the 1st generation Licca doll,  through to the Licca doll from in the 90s! Just too cute for words. Below, I was commissioned to find a "Winky" skunk by Rushton, found him, but then the customer changed her mind about him. Ugh. But not to worry, there are always other buyers interested! So I listed him in my shop and he was snatched up and adopted quickly! Yay!

    I hope your September is starting off wonderfully! Enjoy it! Because the year is going way too fast! Happy hunting guys!

Thank you for stopping by! ~ ggsdolls

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Tickety Tockety!!

 

@ggsdolls_vtg A closer look at these Vtg Sunstar erasers & cases with artwork by Yukiko Tani πŸ’•πŸŽ€ #vintage #kitsch #japan #stationaryjp #sunstar #yukikotani ♬ ηŸ₯らγͺい - εˆιŸ³γƒŸγ‚―

 ~ ggsdolls

Saturday, August 24, 2024

Hickory Dickory Dock, The Mouse Ran Up The Clock...

 ..."The Clock Struck One, The Mouse Ran Down. Hickory Dickory Dock." ~ Mother Goose Nursery Rhyme.

August is on its way out... Here are some finds from the past week! Below, 1963 New York Expo Napco shakers, boy and girl repaired. Still a lovely vintage shaker set. They are just too adorable. I've added them into my shop and by the way, since Friday, I have been running a 25 percent off sale in my shop! check it out sale ends Monday, August 26th.


Above, this item is not vintage, I made sure to get myself a lovely handmade beaded "Shroom" bracelet by Acid Banana. Susie has so many cute beaded items and this one I just had to go for because of the lovely pastel colors. A great addition to my jewelry collection. Below, I got several vintage pieces from Japan. A lot with anime girl coloring books and memo, along with an Alice in Wonderland hanger still in its package!! Most of the items will be added to my shop.

This amazing find, Alice hanger, was what made me buy the lot. Faded, but still lovely. The hanger is mint in package and I removed it to clean up the hanger. Still with tag. She has some wear, but just too cute. I may decide to keep her. We will see... Haha! 


The next few items are already listed in my shop, this lovely coloring sheets from the 1950s are unopened and I believe includes a paper doll and sheets to color. This lot of 9 Seika Brand coloring fashion doll overlay and memo notebook. My favorites because the dolls remind me of Lotte Pretty Lady Gum dolls. Kimiko Tanaka is the artist. The booklets are available in my shop, your choice with Free Shipping!!


A boys vehicle memo booklet case with memo pad, includes lovely art of different vehicles like a motorcyle, ship, train and spaceships, unused. Below another fashion doll coloring book also in my shop. These items are in unused condition and lovely for any collector!!

This adorable plastic toy compact, watch and lipstick set, comes with a mirror, brush, and necklace. I love vintage jewelry sets, this one I wanted for the lipstick and compact. Mostly because it reminds me of Max Factor compact and lipsticks. This is the first lipstick to look more realistic so it will make a great prop for my photos!! I have a second set that is in my shop if you are interested! Below, I worked on a glass bottle I got from the Goody store and added a Meyercord decal to it and bow. This bottle is also in my shop. It turned out lovely too!



Last but not least this adorable My Toy pink and white bunny with rubber head. I cleaned her up and added a bow. Her face was touched up a bit. She is already listed in my shop and ready to be loved. I hope you all had a decent August, now let's enjoy the holidays coming up...

Happy Thrifting Y'all!!

Thank you for looking! ~ ggsdolls