thank god for public libraries

One of the first things I did when I got to Hawaii was join the library.  I love my public library card.  I go every week (free books!  what is better than that?!).

Recently finished Holly Black`s WHITE CAT & Poison Eaters, Robert T. Kiyosaki`s Rich Dad Poor Dad (an interesting read from a controversial author but I can tell why it was a bestseller - simplified writing style about a subject many find difficult littered with old cliches said in a new way though I can also see why it was criticized so heavily - some of the facts about taxes are incorrect, obvious embellishment and a condescending tone towards traditional education).

Now reading: Donald Trump`s Never Give Up (a bit surprised at how easy a read it is but all the information presented is not very exciting for me because my dad pretty much personified his attitude towards life and business so not really learning anything new but I can see why it is popular), Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill (really enjoying this one so far, love the historical context surrounding it!), Sarah Rees Brennan`s The Demon Lexicon (heard a lot of good things about this book but the beginning so far is wishy-washy and I am not very impressed with the writing but hoping it will get better - sometimes it takes a while to fall in love with the characters...hoping this is the case!). 

Got any recommendations or books you love?  I could always read more!

google +

Perhaps you have noticed that I do not reply (much) to comments made on this blog.  This is for several reasons, one of which I learned from my old blog: pressure.  After I made responding to comments a habit, I often felt some type of pressure (my own, social, peer, because it is the "good blogger thing to do!" or simply because I thought it didn`t take that much time!) to always respond no matter how what the comment was (perhaps, the person who left the comment didn`t even care for a response!).  However, I do like growing relationships online (I`ve met & made several awesome friends this way but also I learn from differing opinions--we don`t always have to agree on the same topics).  On the other hand, constantly responding takes time (& mental energy) away from my work/blog posts/personal projects & the blogger platform is not a good platform for discussion.

So if you want to get in touch with me, comment on a post, or just chat me up then the best way to do that is through google +.  I just got started so it is blank slate at the moment but don`t let that stop you from talking to me.

taking control

Change makes things happen.  Recently, I have taken control of four things in my life.

1. My eating habits.

2. Exercise.

3. Learning.

4. Financial freedom.

These four things are very important to helping me live the life I want. 

a few of my favorite things

Sinful Kissing mentioned wanting to see what my apartment looked like.  It is still a work in progress (I can`t believe we only moved in two weeks ago!) but already I have a few collections of things I love.

Streamlined black, white, gold & red.  I love the Bath & Body Works heat oils...nothing makes our place smell better except cookies baking in the oven.  Also, kept a few things from Japan to give our new apartment some old memories.

shot in yokohama

A music video I was in: Mischievous of Alice.  My part took a total of six hours, no joke.  It was a nice last experience to have in Japan.

ysl rouge volupte is a look best mixed with blackberries

I am in love with YSL`s Rouge Volupte lipstick & homemade blackberry jam.  To make the jam:

Blackberries (however many you want, frozen or fresh!) in a pan.  Pour a generous amount of sugar until the blackberries are covered (but not so you have to dig to find them).  I use organic light brown sugar.  Heat on low until sugar begins to melt (this will take awhile so go read a book) and then stir every-so-often.  When all the sugar is melted your jam will be ready to be put into a glass jar and placed in the fridge.  It is better than anything you could buy at the store (& healthier, within reason!).  You can adjust the sugar amount through trial and error (I use less sugar now but I use the jam everyday so it goes quick).  More sugar = longer lasting.  I tend to make a new batch each week or every two weeks. 

welcome to paradise

This is the view from our balcony.  Everyday I stop and marvel at how beautiful our surroundings are.  I don`t miss Tokyo at all.