Baltimore’s Inner Harbor

Who knew Baltimore is so beautiful?

I was blown away by the sights and people of Baltimore.  Unlike Tokyo and Atlanta, where almost all of the buildings are newly built, so much of Baltimore still has its original historic architecture.  There are so many renovated warehouses built into stores, restaurants, or lofts.  Mixed in with the more modern glass buildings, it’s such a beautiful city!

All of these photos were taken in the touristy Inner Harbor, but there’s lots of other cute neighborhoods to stroll.  The whole city has a laid back, friendly vibe.

And there were tons of boats – big, small, modern, throwback, motorized, or paddle.  It had it all.

Are there any places that you recently discovered to be gems?

Miss Shirley’s Cafe: Baltimore

Crab cake eggs benedict.

Did that get your attention?  It definitely caught mine!  So when my mom and I arrived into Baltimore for my dearest friend Susie’s wedding, we beelined straight from the airport to Miss Shirley’s Cafe.  As much as I love weddings, the dress fittings and planners could wait.. for brunch.

Hello Again!

~ It’s beginning to look a lot like summer ~

This is my favorite season in Tokyo (and the perfect time to visit!) – the short few weeks with sunny, mildly humid days and warm nights before it gets scorching hot.  I’m so happy to come home from my vacay to this perfect weather after some odd weather in the States.  I’m ready to report back after my month of traveling back home for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and just plain ol’ fun!  In the meantime, I’ve also changed the theme of my blog.  What’d ya think?

Hermes Screen Leather Freebie

I love free downloads – especially when they’re from Hermes!  Download these cool leather desktop wallpapers in all sorts of animal skin textures and colors.  With 35 of them to choose from, there’s one for everyone.  Textures so chic and rich, even PETA wouldn’t complain!  Get yours here.

Also check out Hermes’ DIY Paper Clutch or their DIY cuff over at Adorn London.

Gingko Nut Crafts

Thinking about getting crafty?  Gingko season is over so if you’ve got some leftover nut shells and some really nimble hands, these little animals may be right up your alley!  My fingers aren’t so artistic (or patient), but they are definitely cute and unique!

Kids + Weddings: Checklist

Can I tell you a secret?  I’m not great with kids and babies.  For some, babies fit like puzzle pieces in their arms.  For me, I avoid holding babies at all costs.  I’ve gotten wonderful at excuses – “Oh you go ahead first!” or “My hands are dirty” or “I’ll grab some water first.”  Although so many of my friends are having kids, I’ve never held one of them.

I always thought I would have an all-adult wedding, but when we decided on a destination wedding, all the kids would have to be included.  We planned a very chic lounge area around the dance floor, and when one of the mothers told me that she’d put her son there to sleep (“Umm.. Excuse me?”), I knew we had to make some special arrangements.

Udon: It’s All About the Broth

My friends sometimes ask me if I eat sushi every day since I live in Japan.  I would love to eat sushi all the time, but my pockets aren’t that deep, and I crave hot, cooked food once in awhile!  One thing that people eat very often in Japan is noodles.  They’re usually affordable, accessible, and really tasty!