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Our “mother’s bag” evolved from tote to backpack as the kid grew
Baby era needed a big tote; toddler years demanded hands-free backpacks. Here’s how our bag changed with our kid’s age and what worked (or didn’t) in Japan.
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Trying stick-on acupuncture needles (Pharos vs. Seirin) for shoulder/low back pain
Deskwork aches led me to disposable press needles. They’re cheap, easy to apply on sore spots, and feel similar to salon taping/patches.
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Add zipper pulls to backpacks for easier opening
My KELTY daypack zipper was stiff and slippery with gloves. Copying outdoor jackets, I added zipper tabs—cheap cords that make opening/closing much easier.
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Low-Pressure Headaches: Why Rain Gives Me Pain and What Helps
I used to think “rain gives me headaches” was a myth. Then I tracked pressure drops and saw my own symptoms line up. Here’s what I learned and how I try to prevent it.
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Moldy Mochi? Don’t Eat It—Here’s How to Prevent Mold Next Time
My New Year’s mochi molded overnight. While scraping it, I dug into how to remove mold safely (spoiler: you probably shouldn’t) and how to store mochi longer.
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A sturdy range guard that doesn’t crumple like foil
Foil splatter guards bent and tore whenever pans hit them. A ¥1,000 galvalume-steel guard from Iwatani has survived two years of daily cooking.
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My go-to sore throat kit (lozenges, sprays, and caution)
When my throat flares up, these lozenges and sprays help. No miracle cures—just what’s worked and notes on how to use them.
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Year-end deep clean? Duskin’s PDF checklist is all you need
Duskin published a printable plan sheet for Japanese year-end cleaning. It maps tasks, areas, owners, and dates so you stop winging it—and reminds you to buy supplies first.
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Aohata peach jam is so good I now subscribe to it on Amazon
The “Marugoto Kajitsu” white-peach jam is hard to find in stores. It’s mellow, not too peachy, and available as a 4-pack Subscribe & Save.
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Taming outlet clutter with a cable box—options beyond Bluelounge
Hiding power strips cuts dust and tracking-fire risk, but Bluelounge boxes are pricey and yellow with UV. Here’s what I learned from my own boxes and cheaper alternatives.