A Thousand Paper Cranes- Japan Tsunami Relief

Today, March 11, 2012 marks the first anniversary since the heartbreaking devastation in Japan that struck the world. We saw before our eyes massive destruction caused by an unstoppable earthquake and tsunami. Death toll rose to a little over 19,000.

This morning in Japan, people prayed and stood in silence to remember the vast earthquake, paying respects to those who lost their lives.

A project that I started with Fashion With A Mission last year after hearing of the tragedy was to fold one thousand paper cranes- one paper crane per dollar raised through FWM’s jewelry sales.

For those who are not familiar with the symbolism of one thousand cranes- Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish by a crane. In Japan, the crane is a mystical creature, believed to live one thousand years. The paper cranes are held together with a string- 25 strings of 40 cranes each.

This year continues with increasing FWM’s Japan Relief Fund, as well as folding of cranes. Once the goal is reached, FWM will then send the donation to assist orphans and children impacted by the tsunami. I am hoping to visit Japan next year. Although I am far from reaching the one thousand cranes, hopefully there will be others that will support the relief.

In observance of Japan’s catastrophe, I would like to share instructions on creating paper cranes, raising hope that one day, the shattered shores of Japan will be rebuilt stronger than ever.

You can use any paper, as long as it’s a square.  I use old fashion magazines.

If you have a few minutes to make a paper crane today, please do so. You are one more person believing in a better tomorrow for Japan.

Love,
Honey

*PS e-mail me a photo. I would love to share it.

The Man in the Moon

A couple of nights ago, while pulling into my garage, I saw one of the most magnificent full moons in the night sky.

I wanted to share it with you all, my darlings. Hawaii's weather hasn't been all the great this week, with the storm, flooding, hail and even a tornado, but I wanted to remind you that beyond these disasters exist the marvelous beauty, and wonder of nature...





Just like the scientists who, for centuries, have observed and studied the moon, I too, have always been fascinated by its mystery. From the eyes and heart of a dreamer, I look at the moon like I do the sunshine.

I think we can always turn to the man in the moon (or the goddess of the moon) to give us hope.

“The moon is friend for the lonesome to talk to.” ― Carl Sandburg

"We all shine on...like the moon and the stars and the sun.." - John Lennon

“We must strive to be like the moon.' An old man in Kabati repeated this sentence often... the adage served to remind people to always be on their best behavior and to be good to others. [S]he said that people complain when there is too much sun and it gets unbearably hot, and also when it rains too much or when it is cold. But, no one grumbles when the moon shines. Everyone becomes happy and appreciates the moon in their own special way. Children watch their shadows and play in its light, people gather at the square to tell stories and dance through the night. A lot of happy things happen when the moon shines. These are some of the reasons why we should want to be like the moon.”
― Ishmael Beah

“The moon is a loyal companion. It never leaves. It’s always there, watching, steadfast, knowing us in our light and dark moments, changing forever just as we do. Every day it’s a different version of itself. Sometimes weak and wan, sometimes strong and full of light. The moon understands what it means to be human. Uncertain. Alone. Cratered by imperfections.” ― Tahereh Mafi

“When hope is fleeting, stop for a moment and visualize, in a sky of silver, the crescent of a lavender moon. Imagine it -- delicate, slim, precise, like a paper-thin slice from a cabochon jewel. It may not be very useful, but it is beautiful. And sometimes it is enough.” ― Vera Nazarian

“I never really thought about how when I look at the moon it's the same moon as Shakespeare and Marie Antoinette and George Washington and Cleopatra looked at.” ― Susan Beth Pfeffer

When you feel like the whole world is crushing down on you, always look at the moon, and remember that there is a bigger, more complex world out there. That you are not alone. And yes, you can always talk to the moon ;)

Love,
Honey

Keep calm and have an Oreo Cupcake

To help endure this dreary weather, I decided to make cupcakes in celebration of Oreo's 100th Birthday.  With the help of two of the coolest teens you'll ever meet, we were able to create a batch of delicious Oreo Cupcakes.



Below is a basic recipe for Oreo Cupcakes, Miss Honey's version.  I deviated from the original Death by Oreo Cupcake Recipe, just a little bit.  The cupcake itself, as you will see,  is overloaded with oreo cookies.  Instead of making an oreo-filled frosting I decided to go with  plain vanilla frosting as it evens out the taste so you can enjoy the oreos and the cupcake bite by bite!  I hope you love them as much as we did.

Here ya go::

Oreo Cupcakes Recipe

Estimated Cooking Time & Preparation Time:  About 30 to 35 minutes

Ingredients

1 package Oreo Cookies, regular size
1 package Mini Oreo Cookies, for decoration (optional)
1 package yellow cake mix (mix according to directions on box)
16 oz vanilla frosting
cupcake liners

Directions:

1.)  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2.) Mix packaged cake mix according to directions (do not bake).
3.) Line cupcake tins with liner, place one regular size Oreo cookie in each liner.
4.) Take 1/2 of the remaining cookies, break into pieces and add to cake mix.
5.) Fill the cupcake tins
6.) Bake for 18-20 minutes
7.) Cool cupcakes and decorate using remaining regular sized Oreos (cut 1/4) or mini Oreos.













Hungry? Now  it's your turn to make some ;)

"Cupcakes make people happy."

Love,
Honey

Love Being a Girl!

March 3rd marked an annual celebration for girls- Hina Matsuri, a Japanese tradition also known as Girl's Day.

A little history for ya:: upon birth, Japanese girls would be given beautiful dolls dressed in kimonos, complete with fans and musical instruments. Young girls would display their dolls, and take them down before March 3, when they would have a special party with great food and gifts for themselves and their dolls. Hundreds of years ago, it was customary in Japan during Hina Matsuri that girls would receive gifts of peach blossoms and paper dolls as a symbolism of a prosperous marriage. In present days, it would be little boxes of delicious mochi or free lunch from a male colleague :)

This year, on Girls Day, I went on Facebook and asked a simple question “What do I like about being a girl?” The answer with the most feedback will receive a pair of earrings from Fashion With A Mission. I decided to ask this question to encourage a positive personal assessment, (since FWM’s purpose is to also bring out the very best potential in anyone and everyone.)

Most people who participate in this type of discussion- a question that requires them to not only think about the answer but also to dig deeper within themselves, and find remarkable characteristics about their selves are more inclined to help others.

Simply because people who acknowledge their worth are more likely to share these positive feelings with others. They have the most potential to inspire and spread goodness around them.

I was appreciative of those who responded, and I wanted to share some comments from the beautiful ladies who show us what it means to have GIRL POWER.

Thank you to the the lovely Kimberly Leong, ever-so-gorgeous Amber Wadtke, oh-so-cute Sierra Felicilda, my darling fashionista Jena Cudera, and my favorite drama class buddy Samantha Williamson.

Of course I am not leaving you without one from me ;) .....

Love,
Honey

Happy Birthday, Doc!

In honor of everyone's favorite Doctor + Children's author, Dr. Seuss, Read Across America will be observed on Friday, March 2, Dr. Seuss' birthday. (Also the opening day for the much anticipated animated film The Lorax.)

Read Across America is celebrated throughout the country, bringing children, teens and adults together. The nationwide observance promotes reading activities and events held by schools, libraries and community centers.



Read Across America shows kids and adults that reading is fun and important. Dr. Seuss himself said,

"The more that you read, the more that you know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."

There are several simple ways you can observe Read Across America. Read a book to a child, or even an elder. Read your favorite Dr. Seuss Book. Go to the library or a bookstore and pick up a book of your choice. Visit http://www.readacrossamerica.org/ and make a pledge to encourage reading. (I'm the fourth person from Hawaii to pledge assistance to build a nation of readers. Let's make it more than this darlings.)

By doing so, you can help increase awareness that reading is vital in mental development, improving literacy and creativity.

As our friends in Seussville remind us,

"You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child."

...or to read a book to yourself ;)

Love,
Honey

Lazy Chic Fashion

Ever have one of those carefree days when your anthem of the day is Bruno Mars’ The Lazy Song, and you’re screaming at the top of your lungs, “Today I don’t feel like doing anything!” You know, the lazy-Sunday feeling even though it's a Monday, or Tuesday, or pay day… you get the point.

Well, I do all the time. But I like to be fashionably chic about it.

Here’s a little secret to looking effortlessly stylish any day, anywhere.

Nothing says “I’m really tired today, but I don’t care because I still look like a superstar” than a white tee paired with skinny jeans. Complete the outfit with a pair of your favorite jaw-dropping stilettos (the shoes makes a fashion statement in the ensemble), and oversized sunglasses (to hide your weary peepers). Of course, smack on your brightest shade of pink lipstick (to add a sign of life on your tired complexion) and voila! You are ready to work that runway, errr sidewalk…



You're very welcome darling ;)

Love,
Honey

Giving Back- The Great Aloha Run 2012

The 28th Annual Great Aloha Run was held this past President’s Day, Monday February 20th and I had a wonderful opportunity to be a GAR volunteer alongside a few of my good friends Juvy & Jena Cudera, Retch Manipon and Slay Oyao.

Sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, the Great Aloha Run is an 8.15 mile course that begins at Aloha Tower and ends at the Aloha Stadium. This year had the largest number of participants. I was not physically prepared to run or walk 8+ miles, but assisting with refreshments for the runners was definitely a yes. At 4 in the morning I woke up groggy-eyed, but totally ready to pass out bananas and macadamia cookies to the finishers of the race. Yes, macadamia nut cookies…

It was another great bonding event for us amigas. Most importantly, we gave back to our community by contributing our time to assist in a charitable event that greatly impact our communities- improving the lives of those in need.

Volunteer work, whether it is miniscule or on a large-scale is personally fulfilling and satisfying as we recognize that we can make a difference- in people’s lives within our community, our country and even the world.

[gallery link="file" columns="4"]

Madness in my schedule will not take me away from my desire to save the world.

Love,
Honey