full moon.

i cant sleep when it's full moon. it's 4am now...

i am very much moon affected.

love of handmade things.

I always try to find time to create things with my own hands. wish i could do more....

I feel joy to make something pretty for the beautiful souls resonate with mine.

love.

-A true Lover doesn’t follow any one religion, be sure of that. 
Since in the religion of Love, there is no irreverence or faith. 
When in Love, body, mind, heart and soul don’t even exist. 
Become this, fall in Love, and you will not be separated again.
Rumi

may your day be love filled and blessed♥

in my dream last night.

 i was rushing towards the train station, it looked like one of those historical places in Kyoto or Nara where i've never been to...strange no? 

"RUN! you are behind time!!!!!" 

the voice echoed.in my head. 

"Hurry up!!!" 

hey....what am i rushing for?

this evening in my yoga, i practiced focusing.

it's not easy.. it just feels like you're all over the place because the thoughts change constantly without you even noticing. 

yoga gives me great relaxation. it feels so good to be just being here and to breath in tranquility.

i practice believing that with focus and clarity we can live with gratitude. we will become more conscious of the effects we have on this earth and all its beings. 

♥

take it easy..

It's been raining a lot here in San Diego. 

I love a sunny day after rain, with spring flowers in full bloom.

I am craving some mellow time..
lots of yoga, reading, doing things at a slower pace.
Take it easy, it's Spring.

sorrows.

I tried to drown my sorrows, but the

bastards learned how to swim.

2012

The last year was filled with many new experiences which opened new doors for me,

and I believe helped me grow as an individual.

To all my friends and family who gave me love and support throughout the year,

I give you a big thank you.

Hope new year brings you happiness and peace.

negative ions please...

My sister in Japan is using some fancy negative ion generator from Panasonic and I here in the US found these no-technology-involved salt lamps that release negative ions as the internal light warms up the salt. Negative ions help to clean your air you breathe. I love them.. The beautiful glow creates an atmosphere of tranquility.

the love of Women Warriors

It's amazing to see how many people want to help others in need.
A selfless act is always beautiful.

Alma Bellydance Studio

Belly dancer YOSHIE -Japan relief party

agehah*Azarah  ::  Save Mind 100 Creation ::

Nese「Charity Show」

AmiKami

Keep up the great work everyone!!

Sunny Sunday Morning

Hillcrest Farmer's Market is one of the best San Diego has to offer.

There are so many wonderful vendors.

 

You can meet local artists, buy some locally grown organic fresh veggies & fruits and grab some healthy raw vegan snacks...(Raw foodies beware!)

This is why I love China.

oh look at how they wrap tea leaves. So cute, I thought that these were candies!

So many varieties of tea...it's just so fascinating.

I found this tea that says 牡丹花...it's too cute that I want to keep it forever....

－A heart-warming gift from my Chinese friend ♥

She says．．．

" Whatever you give a Woman, she will make greater. If you give her sperm, she will give you a baby. If you give her a house, she will give you a home. If you give her groceries, she will give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she will give you her heart. She multiplies and explands...whatever is given to her. So if you give her crap, be ready to receive a ton of shit."

this is so good, I had to post it..

love the Pima cotton

I love simple plain tees.

Many of my tees are made of Pima cotton. They are the softest and lightest, they almost feel as if you are wearing nothing... they are also incredibly strong and luster... If you have ever purchased a product made of Pima cotton you know what I mean. I think the organically grown Pima cotton tees are one of the best tees you can purchase.

What is Pima cotton?

Pima cotton is a generic name for extra-long staple cotton grown in Arizona, California, New Mexico and in very limited production in a few other locations around the world.
The name came in honor of the Pima Indians who were growing the cotton for the USDA in Sacaton, Arizona, where the government’s Pima breeding program was being conducted in about 1910.

sunbathing

I am a sun worshiper.
I think getting some sun everyday is good for you unless you expose yourself to direct sunlight for hours and hours.

Personally I feel sad without sun for too long, that's one of the reason why I moved to Arizona.
The sun makes me feel connected to the world around me, it brings us life.

gratitude

My answer to "what is your new year's resolution?" is...

nothing.

I am not one for new year's resolutions.
Everyday is a new day and change is something that I embrace moment to moment.
Each day teaches me, each moment, each conversation, each task...expands my vision and my universe...
However, as I've spent most of my life in Japan, I feel very sacred and tend to look deep inside me at this time of year.

It is also a time when I feel deep gratitude for people who have been a part of my path, given me love and support...and realize how blessed I am to be where I am today.

xo,
SHINO

Fall is in the air...

Fall has arrived in Arizona.

I love this time of the year when the weather starts getting chilly.
...snuggling up in my favorite cashmere robe and drinking hot tea.
ah, heaven:)

Today I spent the day without air conditioning for the first time this season.
It is such a nice feeling to open the windows and enjoy fresh air.

Love lace leggings!

well, leggings have never really been my thing, but these are so sexy and chic. They go so well with ankle/long boots or pumps with a tunic and a mini dress. I bought a pair you see in the picture below, gorgeous!

I can't wait to wear them for the upcoming cold season, it's still brutally hot in here... Kova & T, these are $145

Cute little things

So adorable!!
I heart this baby skull necklace and....























this cute little kitten.
by Michelle Chang Jewelry

I can spend hours (literally!) just browsing Etsy.
I like the whole concept of Etsy and
I love supporting independent designers and the handmade movement.

Yerba Mate

One of my favorite beverages-Yerba Mate. It's the national drink of Argentina and Uruguay. ‘Yerba’ means herb and ‘mate’ is the gourd used to drink yerba mate. So the drink literally means ‘herb in a cup’. It tastes like strong, earthy, bitter green tea (very addictive flavor!) (As being a coffee addict, yerba mate is a healthy and satisfying alternative for me;) ) 

 bombilla — a small pipe through which you drink mate, tipped with a filter, made of metal-usually silver. yerba plant

Back from Vacation

I just got back from a trip and I can't seem to fight this terrible jet lag.　My head constantly hurts and everything is blurry... I know the best way to overcome jet lag is a full night out on the town, but I really feel like crap:(( 

Anyway, my vacation was wonderful and I'm really happy that I had some good quality time with my family!