Nippon Adventure!

Woo hooo I impulsively bought a ticket to Japan! The country of my first home, my second home, my other home. It’s not for another 5 months but it feels good just to know that I’m actually going!

Bright Stationery

I’ve always been obsessed with paper goods. When I lived in Japan I spent most of my tweens and teens shopping for the perfect pencil case or the most kawaii annual planner. It was seriously my favorite weekend activity. I remember when I moved back to the states and had to go back to school shopping I was so bored by the school supply selection. For adults, the selection was even more of  a snooze fest. Who says folders and planners have to be plain black leather? I guess minimal has been equated with sophistication in the West. But I love seeing grown Japanese women in business suits busting out their Snoopy planner on the train with no shame. It makes me smile.  So, to honor the Japanese child in me, I’ve designed a line of colorful letter sets. Each set comes with 6 sheets, 3 matching envelopes, and 3 stickers to seal and post! You can take a look at the collection over at my etsy shop!

P.S. To launch my line I’m offering at 15% of discount. Just use the coupon code LIMEGREEN

Photography & Interiors

My latest adventures on my self-employed journey has lead to the world of architecture and interior photography with Airbnb. The assignments cover so many of my loves: photography, homes, and cute Austin neighborhoods. I’ve always been obsessed with homes and interiors. I’m one of those freaks that loves to go for walks around neighborhoods after dinner just to stare at interesting homes and snoop in on people’s lives. Needless to say, I really like this current gig. I recently got lucky enough to shoot this amazing modern home in South Austin. Isn’t it great?

Modern Home

My darling friend Jennifer rolled into town this past week to continue the never ending March reunion bash. She rented out this amazing modern home on airbnb. It was almost too pretty to leave and explore the city!

Sleepy Portrait

If ever you’re going through a tough time, surround yourself with great people. It’s a sure way to get out of whatever funk you’re in.

Happy Rainy Wednesday

Shugo Tokumaru: “Green Rain” from Videotapas on Vimeo.

It’s a cozy rainy down here in Austin, Texas. I’m trying to find the best music to match my mood. I think this one does it. By Shugo Tokumaru

Ahhh California

Ahh California. I didn’t want to become one of THOSE people. You know,  people who refer to themselves as a California girl/guy even though they never lived there. “Where do you want to live?” “Oh, you know I’m a Cali Girl.” But I have to say, I ended up leaving pretty smitten with that state.

I just got back from a workcation shooting videos for a company based in the San Francisco. The project was really fun and we shot at various locations around the Bay area so shooting ended up half being a tour of the region which was just serene.

After a week of dim sum and cute houses I flew to Long Beach to reunite with old friends and check out LA. I hadn’t been back there in almost 10 years and I guess I had come to the conclusion that I didn’t like LA just based off years of being told the city sucks. Surprise surprise, I actually loved it. Some of the neighborhoods reminded me of Spain and I just love the energy in that city. I can definitely see myself spending more time in the west coast. Alright, time to stop gushing, here are a few photos from my trip.

Do SXSW Right. Do it for Free.

I love SXSW. I LOVE SXSW. Here’s an article Arun Sood wrote and I photographed for The Guardian. It’s all about how to do SXSW 4 frizzle yo. Also, a playlist of showcased bands. Stay hydrated and have FUN!

Silent London

Anddd one month later, I’ve finally edited my pictures from my trip to Scotland and London. I flew to London the day after Boxing Day and stayed til New Years Eve. It was a complete ghost town! Half the shops were closed and I would only see a handful of people on the streets at a given time. It was strange and comforting in a weird way. It was nice to think about all the people fleeing the city to be with their friends and family during the holidays. Here are a few shots of deserted London. A couple of these prints are up on my etsy shop.

Clay Balls

Earlier this month I mentioned that I wanted to open a second etsy shop and expand my side business to sell some of my handmade designs. Many ideas are still storming around in my brain but I’ve been busy in production mode with a jewelry line of giant clay necklaces. It started as a fun Christmas present project for my friends but now it’s turned into a bit of a clay molding obsession. I guess I missed working with my hands. I’m hoping to have the shop up by the end of the month! Fun Fun Fun. Check out my instagram to see more of my work process!