trending

Popcorn is starting to trend here.

Garrett's, a famous popcorn maker in Chicago, has a shop in Tokyo.

I've heard from several blog friends that their Chicago mix is super addicting.

Well, I don't have any plans to go to Tokyo any time soon, so I improvised and bought a bag of G.H.Cretors' Chicago Mix at an import grocer here...

I like how the caramel doesn't stick to your teeth, and how the cheddar makes your fingers neon-orange.

Sweet-salty...addicting...I like that these are non-GMO too.

What's trending where you are?

snackage

I recently stumbled upon the savory line from Biscot Tea.

Smoky sea salt--slight salty taste but not smoky

Spinach & Nutmeg--thought the nutmeg was a bit overpowering

Roasted onion & Jalapeno--love!

Rosemary & Red Chili--spicy and delicious!

Bleu Cheese & Black Pepper--could've been cheesier

I'm glad I tried these and would definitely buy the roasted onion one and rosemary one again.

virtual hugs

I woke up yesterday to something sad.

A bombing at the Boston Marathon. Senseless loss of lives.

My thoughts and prayers to everyone in Boston.

virtual hugs

Am stunned and shocked by the tragedies that have been taking place in the US.

Feel sad and helpless.

Someone that has the authority to change the laws on gun control...do it.

Sending virtual hugs to everyone.

remembering

10 years ago, I moved from Hawaii to Japan. It was during this year that we travelled to NYC and also to Tohoku.

Today is the 10th anniversary of a tragic disaster...what everyone calls 9.11.

It is also the 6th month anniversary of another tragic disaster, the one in the Tohoku area of Japan.

Though one was man-made and one was natural...both carry helpless feelings in my heart.

While I do not know anyone personally who died or who is missing, I feel for their families.

Sending out hugs.

hafa adai

"Hafa Adai"--sorry for the long pause we were in Saipan for a couple of days.

"Hafa adai" (which sounds like "half-a-day" to me) is the local greeting, kind of like Hawaii's "aloha" and Japan's "doomo".

The weather was predicted as rain on the weather channel website but we were really lucky to have beautiful weather.

Lots of photos to sort through and posts to write.

Check back often, have a great week!