Happy weekend!

Sorry for the MIAness this week…it has been crazy to say the least!

Pioneer Woman book signing was super fun!  Pictures and post to come soon!!

Our bags are packed as we are spending the night at Nafan-chan’s to help get ready for Bubba’s 2^nd birthday party! 

For now, I wish you all a happy Friday and an awesome weekend!

XOXO!

Can’t wait to celebrate with you, Bubbas!  I love you!

Soul food

J posted this on her blog yesterday and it touched me deep within my soul. 

"So much of what is best in us is bound up in our love of family, that it remains the measure of our stability because it measures our sense of loyalty." - Haniel Long

Praising the Lord for my family (and friends!) and grateful for the blessing of them in my life. 

XOXO!

Weekend recap!

So, Think Like a Man won!  Good, not great, but we still had a fun time at the movies.

Saturday morning I ran errands while the mister painted at mommy and daddy’s, swung by the Cherry Blossom Festival with my parents, then went with my mister to our new office to prep our chairs.  After all the work was done, I picked Mommy up and we went to get beautified (mani, pedi, eyebrows and upper lip! J) and she treated me to everything!  Thank you, Mommy!! J  We ended our night with Bridesmaids and dinner and got home around 1am (my parents are party animals! Hee hee J).    

Sunday we were late to church as usual (this time we were really late…like Pastor Dave was already giving his sermon late…we have to get better babe :P) and had lunch with BG, the Chan’s and a new family we met at church (Mako, Amy and Jordan).  Sherwin dropped me off at my parents since he wasn’t going with us to Nafan-chan’s.  Actually, Sherwin won’t be coming with us to Nafan-chan’s for about 10 weeks.  :(  He was invited by Gary to play in another basketball league and their games are on Sunday nights...we’ll miss you love!  In my ongoing effort to be a good wifey, I am going to try to trade off…one week at Nafan-chan’s, one week at bball. J   Hung out with the fam bam, cooked my easy breezy mapo tofu for family dinner and finished the night with Get Shaved…MMmmmMM! Addy – I’m sure Get Shaved isn’t even close to Waiola or Matsumoto’s, but it’s what we make do with here in Cali.  J

The week ahead is going to be big fun!  Thursday, Michelle and I (and maybe Sonia), are going to meet the Pioneer Woman and on Saturday, we have Eli’s 2^nd birthday party!  Can’t wait to share pics with y’all!  Happy last week of April, everyone!

  Us all playing in the small house!

  Lolli Oli’s drawing for me…J

  Enjoying our Get Shaved!

POG, lychee and melona, topped with Li Hing Mui powder and condensed milk! Yummie!

Me and makeup

For as long as I can remember, I have loved makeup (and hair too)…putting it on myself and on my friends.  In fact, my girlfriends and I used to do makeovers on each other, then take pictures; sometimes at home and sometimes at Star Shots.  Wow, those were the days. Hee hee…

As life has it, just because we love something, doesn’t mean we’re always good at it, right?  I have taken classes in the past to educate myself (most major cosmetic lines offer free classes at Bloomingdales, Nordstroms, etc. and they are really good!) and have spent years practicing to perfect my makeup skills, but alas, still am a novice at makeup artistry.  My sister-in-law Sharlene is a professional makeup artist and I used to have a friend that was a MAC makeup artist, so I’ve gathered tips from them that have been helpful too, but none the less, I still yearn for more.  My passion has led me to look for a class.  I’ve been on the hunt for an academy that is certified, yet offers individual classes (I’m not interested in becoming certified and/or taking courses in theater, special effects, etc., but do want a legit class) where I can learn how to take better care of my skin (because after all, that is our canvas!), what colors really go with my skin tone, and master some makeup basics (smokey eye, contouring, etc.). 

On our way home the other night from BSF at around 9:45PM, I noticed this small store with their lights still on and people all around!  I looked closer and the sign said “April Love Pro Makeup Academy!”  I immediately googled as soon as I got home.  Turns out that they recently opened, are a fully certified academy, and offer personal makeup workshops, which is just what I have been looking for!  Browsed their website a little more and found out that were holding a free smokey eye class too!  The following morning I called, reserved 2 spaces and figured it would be a good way for me to see if I wanted to enroll in their makeup workshop. 

There’s more to the story but bottom line, Sonia and I attended the makeup class last week and it was spectacular!  April, the owner of the academy, was awesome.  She has an extensive background in makeup education and has been an artist for over 16 years.  She is super knowledgeable and gave us so many amazing tips!  Sonia and I left totally impressed and very interested in taking her personal makeup workshop.  I’ll keep you posted on if/when we actually go to the workshop (I have to ask the Mister J),but for now, wishing you a wonderful week ahead!

  Love eyelashes, mascara, not so much…BUT thought this quote was so funny! :P

  Sonia and I getting our education on!

  April, the educator, and the makeup model.

At the end of class…

We Heart Movies

My hubby and I love going to the movies.  It’s what we did on our first date and I would say that it’s one of our favorite things to do together.  We’re both good about going to see whatever the other person wants to watch (he more than I, probably J), and we just enjoy each other’s company, holding hands and cuddling in the big comfy chairs while munching on some yummy snackies.  We also like to go to the midnight showings if it’s a movie we really want to see (our last midnight outing was for the Hunger Games…wasn’t worth it.L). 

We finally have a free Friday night, and two movies are coming out that we want to see, so in theme with the This is Retail contest (I hope you’re all voting!), this is our matchup.  I think the top one will win, but since we want to see both, I’m sure the second will follow soon.

T.G.I.F and have a fabulous weekend!

VS.

Happy Birthday, Kristin!

This past Monday was Kristin’s birthday!  After the boys had their championship game (which I didn’t go to L, but in my defense, my hubby wasn’t in contention for 1st), we went to Fluff Ice for just that, some fluff ice!  Fluff ice is different than shaved ice…it’s shavings of flavored, frozen, condensed milk (I think, at least that’s what it tastes like J).  Put on some toppings (similar to frozen yogurt digs) and there you have it!  It is yummy, but I would say that the atmosphere and their cute decorations actually make the experience.  On this night, taste didn’t really matter because although we were there for some dessert, we were there to celebrate Kristin.

Kristin may seem quiet and unassuming at first glance, but underneath, she is quite a gal.  She is super organized, sweet, kind and generous.  The more I get to know Kristin, the more I realize how blessed we are to have her in our lives. 

Happy Birthday, Kristin!  Praying that this year will bring new blessings and continued growth in the Lord!  Hope you had an awesome birthday and glad that we could share your special day with you!  XOXO

Weekend recap

Our church is participating in a program called Family Promise, so on Saturday afternoon, Sherwin and I, along with Rand (Sherwin’s mentor) and his wife Janice, prepared dinner for the families that were staying at our church that night.  It was fun to meet the families and serve others in a very practical way!

We left church around 7:30pm and headed to Nafan-chan’s house for our cousins game night event!  On the way, we picked up El Pollo Loco (it was potluck style) and arrived about 8:30pm, just in time to hang out a bit with Lolli Oli and then tuck her in for bedtime (Bubbas was already sleeping).  As soon as the kiddies were down, we got our grub on and then the games began…and may the odds be ever in your favor (oh my, too much Hunger Games for me)! :P  We played two rounds of Monopoly Deal (cousin Stacy and cousin Justin won), then a round of Wits and Wagers (my Mister won, yayee!).  Throughout the course of the night, there was a lot of catching up, preggers talk (Justin and Lauren are expecting in July), laughter, and good food (Stacy brought the yummiest fruit tart from Porto’s..mmm!!).  We finally called it a night around 3:30am but by the time we got home and into bed, it was almost 4:30…yikes!

Sunday started at 7:45am when my blue plastic bag was delivered on my doorstep.  Then church and lunch with friends.  Since we had gone to my brothers the night before, we decided that we were going to forego our Sunday dinner there.  My parents had also been at a marriage retreat all weekend and needed to catch up on errands, so we decided to give them a Sunday free of us.  Then around 6pm, we decided to go to Disneyland to use our annual passes!  BG, Mommy, Daddy, Sherwin and I headed out to the happiest place on Earth for hours of big fun!  We ate yummy food, rode a few rides, watched Fantasmic and had lots of fun.  We thought we might stay till maybe 10pm, but before we knew it, the park was closing and we were exiting the parking garage at 12:30am. 

Whew – it’s Wednesday and I’m still trying to catch up on zzzZz’s. J  Hope you are having a great week (and voting!). 

The cousins – wow J, that wine did a number on your teeth! :P

Cousin Stacy and her yummy dessert…mmm!

Close-up – pretty and tasty!

California Disney – Soarin’ Over California was our first ride!

Top 5!

Good news everyone!  Eden in Love made it to the top 5 in the nation!! J  Like before, Addy totally does a better job of explaining the contest, so I’m going to totally steal her post (sorry Addy!).  I’m also short on time because I’m getting ready to go celebrate Kristin’s birthday (we’re going to have Fluff Ice! J) but wanted to share the good news before I left…oh and also to get my 10 votes in (with my 4 email addresses).  Hee hee…thanks guys!

And without further ado…here’s Addy!

“We are like busy little bees today. Have you heard the buzz? I apologize for another cross post, but this is just the most exciting news! Remember the This Is Retail contest I blogged about a little while back? Well, I am so proud, excited, and giddy to tell you that the video we produced for Eden In Love has made it to the top 5 in the nation! {Excuse my high-pitched squeal here!} I am just beyond excited. When we got asked to be a part of this project, I thought to myself, “EIL has a phenomenal story, and my husband has such a great talent for telling stories, I bet we’ll make it to the top 20.” Well this has blown me away! TOP 5?! WOW! I’m just so grateful for all of the support, retweets, reposts, everything, and of course for everyone who has been voting and spreading the word. EIL is really an awesome boutique, not only as an amazing shopping spot, but also as a heartfelt do-gooder, the video is pure testament to that, and this whole experience so far has been just amazingly fun. I don’t mean to sound like a Miss America contestant, but I’m pretty much that excited. So please continue to vote and spread the word so “We can put Hawaii on the retail map!” as Tanna says. Voting starts tomorrow (or at 6pm today if you’re in Hawaii). Vote for Tanna Dang and Eden in Love HERE. Thank you, thank you, and THANK YOU!”

Saturday and a showdown

A Saturday post!  I usually take the weekends off because they’re crazy, but this weekend the chaos doesn’t start until this afternoon, so the quiet morning has been nice.  I should actually say morning, because it hasn’t been quiet.  I’ve been rockin’ out while writing some thank you notes – making progress!

Then comes a text from Hongie – “I watched  hunger games last night! That main character reminds me of J!”  OMG – ahahahahahaha, I could not stop laughing!!  It was funny, but then I realized…you know how you laugh at a joke because what they’re saying is true?  The more I think about it, Hongie is right in some ways.  Although they are both independent, focused, and intense hot mamas, J is so much more.  Don’t worry girl – even though Katniss has some stellar fighting skills, that back of yours won’t be busted forever, and when you’re all better, you’ll be tough competition…hee hee. Oh, and BTW Hongie, the girl’s name is Katniss Everdeen (LOL J).  Boy do I love both those girlies dearly.

So as I wish you a wonderful Saturday, here’s my analysis of J vs. Katniss.  In fairness, I don’t know Jennifer Lawrence personally, but clearly from the list below, I think I have the better one in my life.  Love ya, J. XOXO

Julianna U.	Katniss E.
Beautiful Fierce Awesome laugh Amazing wife Great housewife Kind Loving Giving Funny Faithful Encouraging Supportive Intuitive Thoughtful Wonderful friend	Kinda pretty Brave Hardly smiles Can’t decide on a man Good actress

Hongie and J – beautiful bridesmaids!

Katniss Everdeen

Isn’t it clear who the obvious winner is?! J  Happy weekend!

Dinner guests

Since Sherwin and I have come home from our honeymoon 10 weeks ago, we have hosted 14 dinners/get-togethers and have already had our first overnight guests!  It has been BIG FUN! J  I should clarify – by dinners/get-togethers, I don’t mean that we are throwing fancy shindigs, but rather inviting loved ones over to our small, simple abode, to break bread with us. 

I feel like I have always loved deeply, but throughout the wedding process, a different seed was planted in my soul.  Maybe it’s because so many gave so freely their time, energy, love and support during our wedding planning.  Maybe it’s because I realize that as we enter into married life, we are going to need all the support we can get.  Maybe it’s because I’m just growing and maturing.  For whatever reason, I just know that I have a deeper gratitude and fiercer love for those in our life.  I’m sure as we journey together, there will be many more posts about the loved ones who have come thru our door, but this one is about Auntie Irene and Uncle Chet.

I have known Auntie Irene and Uncle Chet for as long as I can remember.  They used to go to our church and were my youth group leaders.  They have two sons, Ronnie and Brandon – Ronnie is one of Sherwin’s BFFs and Brandon is one of mine.  Their entire family is such a blessing to us both!  Auntie Irene and Uncle Chet welcomed Sherwin with open arms too, and have bestowed so much love and care upon him (Auntie Irene is the one person who consistently makes Sherwin’s fave snackies for him)!  They are loving, caring, giving, patient, and kind.  They are both so special to us and even though they aren't our blood relatives, they are Auntie and Uncle to us!

Auntie and Uncle – thank you for being so good to me for so long; for being so good to us, these past 10 years.  We are forever grateful for your words of encouragement, steadfast support and outpour of love.  From the bottom of our hearts, we love you!  Come over again soon!!

And on that note, Happy Friday everyone! 

And after dinner, came dessert!  Auntie made these yummie cheesecakes!

The city so nice, they named it twice

In my dream world, Sherwin and I, our families and friends, would all be living in New York, specifically in Manhattan.  I get choked up just thinking about how awesome it would be!  People tell me that I would hate the weather, get sick of the pace, and grow weary of the atmosphere, but deep in my heart, I know I would love it all…forever.  I love the shopping, the long hours (both professionally and personally), the food, the theatre, the fast walkers and the fast talkers.  I love Central Park and Rockefeller Center and before I die, I want to spend New Year’s Eve in Times Square and Thanksgiving on 6^th Avenue (or anywhere along the parade route J).

Our family friend Carol, shares my love of New York.  I was chatting with her at church a couple Sundays ago and she was telling me how she subscribes to the New York Times to get her NY fix.  OMG - I can’t believe I hadn’t thought of that earlier!!  Long story short, after researching online to find the best deal then trying to purchase my subscription, I ended up having to call.  I found out that since the Mister is a student, I get a super discount deal – incredible, right?!  I’m telling ya, God understands my love for New York and totally hooked me up. ;)

Best thing about newspaper subscription versus magazine?  IMMEDIATE DELIVERY.  You know how you’re all excited when you get a subscription to your fave mag, but then you have to wait like eons for your first issue?  I called Wednesday and on Sunday morning, a little bit of New York was delivered to my doorstep in a blue plastic bag. 

For now, I’ve just subscribed to the Sunday paper, but it brings me joy all week long.  Sundays were already marvelous with church and family dinner, but now the awesomeness just starts a little earlier (at 8:30 instead of 10). J

In my real world, I love being here in California, with our families and friends and couldn’t imagine being anywhere in the world without them.  Wendy once told me that home is where the people you love reside, not just where your stuff is.  Since no one we love lives in New York, home is right where we are…for now…but oh how I HEART NY.

My first New York Times delivery!!

Our honeymoon destination in the travel section!

   
Pictures from our most recent trip in 2008.

Voting and a video!

Thank you everyone for voting!  Eden in Love made it to the top 10!  Please continue to vote for them so they can advance to the next round! 

On that note, I think it’s was about time for a music video!  I’m eagerly anticipating JB’s Boyfriend video, which I’ll post the day it drops, but for now, I’ll share with you this British boy band I’ve come to kinda enjoy.  I read somewhere that if you’re not over the age of 18, chances are, you don’t know who they are, which means I totally know them! Hee hee…

Anyhow, hope this little pop number gives you a boost and a smile for today.  Happy Wednesday! J

Happy Belated Easter!

I hope you all had blessed Easters!  The Mister did show up for Easter Sunday service (barely J), and we had a wonderful Sunday with family and friends! 

Praising our Lord, amongst the egg hunts, full tummies, and gifts, for sending His one and only son to die on the cross for our sins, for His resurrection, and for His promise of eternal life for all who believe in Him.  Wishing you a basketful of blessings today and every day!

Now for our Easter weekend in pics!

On a budget this year, but it’s the thought that counts, right? J

Baking Easter cookies with Mommy!

One of our bunnies got too close to the egg – squirrel!

Lolli Oli’s HK candy apple from Auntie Wendy – SUPER CUTE!

Easter cards…YAY FOR MAIL! <3

Today, you will be with me in Paradise

My love went camping with the boys this weekend and even though he said he’ll meet me at church on Sunday morning, I’m not sold that he’ll make it.  I’ll give you an update on Sunday night. J

Since Sherwin is gone, Daddy picked me up for Good Friday service.  Mommy was coming from Nafan-chan’s house since she babysat today, and the three of us met at church.  Good Friday service was quiet, reflective, and meditative.  It was a good reminder of the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf so that we could have eternal life thru Him. 

During the service, we read corporate readings and sang songs in between.  Throughout the entire service, there are a few verses that hit home for me.  It spoke to my heart about Jesus’ power, His sovereignty, His grace, and His mercy.  I also relate with the sinner who recognized Jesus as God, confessed his sins, and was saved by his faith.

Wishing you all a blessed Good Friday, with excitement and anticipation for Easter Sunday!

“One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”  But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?  We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”  Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”  Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” 

-Luke 23:39-43

A post about a postage stamp, but so much more :)

I LOVE stamps…postage stamps and rubber stamps!  I’ll have to share my collection of rubber stamps another time, because today, I have to tell you about my recent quest for the Cherry Blossom Centennial stamps…and that deserves a post all on its own!

A few days ago, my good friend J blogged about the Centennial Celebration of the Gift of Trees (she’s an awesome blogger - visit her page and you’ll find hours of journalistic greatness!).  I decided to do some research because I felt uneducated and after all, this had to do with my heritage, both my Japanese side and my American side!  Turns out that in 1912, Japan gifted the US (sent to Washington DC) with 3,000 cherry blossom trees to honor  the friendship between the US and Japan.  Since then, annual celebrations have been held (with the exception of the late 30’s thru the mid 40’s during WWII) and have included parades, concerts, galas and cultural events. 

I have always loved cherry blossoms.  They are pink, delicate, beautiful, and from Japan, so what’s not to love?  I know I’m sounding a little ichiban-ish, but I’m not really…well maybe a little...heehee :P  So back to the cherry blossoms – I feel like they are just a symbolism of anew.  Although they are delicate, they are strong.  They have bloomed every season and have thrived in their new US home for already, 100 years.

When I decided to revive my blog, I wanted to give it a new look, something to say “I’m back” and for it to be refreshing.  As I said in my first post upon return, this is my round 2, I had turned 30, gotten married, and was starting a new season in life.  How ironic is that I chose cherry blossoms to be my background…or maybe not.

All this to say that the USPS released a Cherry Blossom Centennial (Forever) stamp.  It’s a panoramic stamp (love those!) and gorgeous.  I called 8 different post offices before I found one that had them in stock.  I asked them to be put on hold and excitedly drove to the neighboring town to pick the beauties up.  Aren’t they fabulous?!?! 

As we enter into this Easter weekend, these wondrous tress remind me of God’s resurrection, His constant love and mercy, and the renewal we have in Him. 

They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness! – Lamentations 3:23

Happy Good Friday, everyone!

Please vote!

My first real job while I was in college, was in retail.  I look back at that experience and realize that it was such a God-given opportunity.  I learned so much, worked under phenomenal mentors, and it built a strong foundation for me as I entered the corporate workplace after graduating.   

That being said, I do have a special place in my heart for retail (and because I LOVE to shop!).  The project that I’m about to share with you, is in retail, and also has such a good cause behind it…wanting to give back and make a difference. 

Our friends at 10th Letter Media (hi Addy and Julian – I hope it’s OK that I’m posting this on my blog! :P) are involved in a nationwide video contest.  Addy shares the story better than I do, and she posted the below on her blog earlier this week, so please watch Tanna’svideo and vote! 

Fun fact – I LOVE a store in Hawaii called Taj of Honolulu and they are in the Ward Warehouse shopping center that Eden in Love is in!  

“Hello friends. Please forgive the cross-post if you are a follower of our other blog over at 10th Letter Media. But we really are so very honored and excited to be in The National Retail Federation‘s This is Retail contest’s TOP 20!! About a month or so ago, Tanna Dang, owner at Eden in Love, asked us to produce their video entry for the This is Retail contest. We were so excited. Tanna and her team are not only fashion experts, but they are also professional do-gooders! Their Divas Doing Good campaign is an ongoing effort to raise awareness and funds for various local non-profits and organizations in the community. When we found out which project she wanted to feature for the contest’s video entry, we were doubly excited! I don’t want to give away too much, because I want you to watch the video and VOTE!

Today the TOP 20 were revealed, and there was a little blurb in The Star Advertiser, not to mention countless other press releases all over the web. Voting is supposed to start tomorrow, but…well, on east coast time, it is tomorrow already:) So friends, we are asking for your vote! Well, 10 of them actually! You can vote up to 10 times a day in each of the 10 bracket-style matchups. Right now, Tanna Dang’s Eden in Love video is in matchup 8. So we would LOVE if you would spread the word and get your vote on, right here! We are beyond excited to be partnered with such an amazing company! Woo hoo EIL!”

Sunday Funday!

Every Sunday our whole family goes to my brother’s house.  It’s nice because even as busy as we all are, we at least get to connect once a week.  The added bonus came when Lolli Oli and Bubbas were born. J 

Usually, since we’re there with my Mommy and Daddy, I have to share my “Auntie time” with “Grandparents time.”  Although we missed Mommy/Daddy this past Sunday, I have to admit it was nice having them both all to myself!  Nafan-Chan and my hubby went to see Act of Valor, Diana wasn’t feeling so great, so it was just me and them for the afternoon – BIG FUN!  

We played in the playhouse, swung on the swings, and sang till it was time for dinner.  Since y’all know I like sharing my music videos, thought I’d share the ones we made on our Sunday Funday! 

Hope you are all having a blessed Easter week! J

Meow, meow, meow?  Oh….merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream :P

Lolli Oli wanted to sing her song.  Eli wanted to sing his song.  As she got louder, so did he. 

I think Eli’s ABC’s won.

 

Proud that my girl knows some JB!  Sing it, Lolli Oli!