// another year ends...

and a new year is about to begin... what are your new year resolutions?

just like the rising of the sun, it's a beginning of a new journey... a journey that awaits for you to embark on. you can choose your own adventure, make it what you want to. know that anything is truly possible and nothing is ever too late. you are the bearer of your own destiny.

i have my own new year resolutions, but one of them is definitely to never stop growing mentally, spiritually, emotionally... i want to learn as much as i can from people, situations, experiences... you only live life in your own body once right? better to go all out, me thinks.

happy new year + looking forward to spending another year with you!

p.s. some changes/announcements coming your way early in 2011... stay tuned!

(photo: up in the clouds during a flight to japan in 2009)

// tomorrow's the big day...

where we will be announcing our wish to be together forever.... a.k.a. married! 

i dedicate this post to K, who has been there for me through my darkest moments and my happiest, has been my sanctuary when i needed to get away from the chaos, who understood me even if i was talking crazy and has been the person who has supported my deep need to follow my heart and chase after my dreams. he let me know that having dreams and wanting to make them a reality wasn't an insane idea. there's no one else i would rather be with for the rest of my life. thank you accepting me whole-heartedly. 

(photography: bonnie tsang)

if you would like to see more of her beautiful work, take a peek {here} + her lovely lifestyle blog {here}!

i {heart} work : mina tabei

i am especially loving the logo designs from graphic designer, mina tabei. a wondrous balance between functionality and playfulness. so fun!

// mina tabei

// ho-ho-ho merry christmas!!

merry christmas everyone!!

while going through some old picture albums, i came across this where i am shooting who knows what, but something must have been important enough for me to pick up a camera! hope you are also capturing moments with loved ones and enjoying life enchanting connections.

here's to a joyous ho-ho-ho season! cheers!!

(photo: courtesy of mama shibuya)

foodie dreams : danielle tsi

one thing about singapore is the amazing culinary fusions. with so many different cultures coming together, the dishes are a harmony of different spices, ingredients, colors and flavors, much like the people who live there. 

speaking of food, i came across the work of danielle tsi, who is originally from singapore, but now practices in san francisco. everything she photographs looks so enticing! if you're getting as hungry as i am looking at her work, then definitely go take a peek at the rest of her site... delicious!

// danielle tsi

// adventure awaits

hello! starting today, i'll be on a 3-week trip to singapore + japan, which includes a wedding (my own... eek!), seeing + visiting family and other fun things that will be announced in a few weeks. while i'm away, this blog will continue to be updated + i'll also be tweeting. if you like, please come join me there too!

although i won't be walking on the beach while i'm gone, i do hope to get some relaxation time and enjoy the sights of both countries. 

//constance jablonski by regan cameron for vogue uk may 2010

i want : the national art center tokyo

for most of the items that i purchase, whether it's clothing or for the home, i tend to gravitate towards simpler designs with soft, natural colors, but within that, i like to incorporate a little unexpected fun to bring an element of surprise. i think these pieces from the national art center tokyo's museum shop would do this job perfectly.

// national art center tokyo

fashion*obsession : moussy

japan's fashion powerhouse, moussy, is synonymous with being young and stylish. i'm really loving the lifestyle photos from their 2010 A/W collection... a mix of relaxed cool and feminine allure.

// moussy

i {heart} work : dana tanamachi chalk lettering

i am lusting over dana tanamachi's chalk lettering. can you believe that all this was done with chalk and a very talented hand? in our world where many visual things are created by the computer, there's something so inviting about the timeless art of hand lettering and done the way that people used to create signage... so warm. 

// dana tanamachi

wish list : harada yuzuru

delicate pieces by ceramic artist harada yuzuru. simple clean lines with just enough small details makes every piece special...

// harada yuzuru

product*obsession : crate

these bowls are just perfect for some porridge or minestrone soup during the cold winter months. love how their so perfectly imperfect in shape + size. feels so human + warm.

// crate shop + blog

zakka nouveau x dwell's product of the day

such good news to share with you! dwell magazine's product and furniture editor, jordan kushins, kindly featured our cinnamon bun apron as their product of the day! to read more, take a peek {here}!

// dwell

foodie dreams : american spoon

after being introduced to apple butter by the lovely bonnie tsang (who definitely knows some good eats!), i couldn't help but wonder if anyone sold this wonder spread. little did i know, there was someone and not only do they sell apple butter, they sell so many other types of spreads that all look equally appetizing! how does one choose...... 

// american spoon

website {crush} : another something

so many beautiful blogs out there now that every morning i'm usually going through my 'blog subscriptions' for at least an hour! i call it blogfast (blog + breakfast) as it's a way to wake up my mind, see some eye-candy and get inspired before beginning the day. wouldn't you say it's a good way to start the day? i certainly think so.

although many of the blogs that i subscribe to are geared towards women, i do enjoy some blogs that have a masculine point of view. one of my favorites from this grouping is another something. along with their studio, another company and shop, another shop, everything that they present is tasteful, refined and purposeful. since their feed only comes in once a week or so, i get so excited when i see it in my inbox!

// another something

i want : the little things

the little things is those items that although might not be significant to someone else, gives you that giddy feeling when you see it. here are some little things that i've been eyeing lately...

01. triangle pillow 02. lines tote 03. leather bowtie bracelet 04. ceramic jar 05. frankie spaces book 06. pen pocket pouch 07. wooden table calendar 08. bright yellow leather flats

publication*obsession : lines & shapes

lines & shapes is an independent art and design collective curated by maria veltese and lena corwin that publishes books. need i say more? just look at these gorgeous publications. i want every single one of them! filled with images to inspire any design/art/visual artist, each book can be purchased from their site here.

i think i've found what i want to start collecting next... aside from my japanese craft books.

// lines & shapes

shopaholic : stripe inc.

located in nagano, japan, stripe inc. is a shop of 5 stores, each with it's own character and fashion sense. not only do they carry japanese brands, but also incorporate international brands into their selection. their store philosophy is "to offer a large selection to choose from in order to have something that speaks to a wide range of fashion senses and generations."

although it seems that their clothing is geared more towards a male audience, i see some cute things that even i would want! maybe some christmas present ideas for your significant other?

// stripe inc.