Diary of a Foodie

A post about my first TRUE love ...food! <3 love love love homemade Japanese meals, local Hawaiian style mixed plates and trying other ethnic delicacies.

This summer, I've been a major fan of Tenkaippin Ramen - authentic Japan style noodles and broth that have cured just about everything so far from a hangover to bronchitis to the Sunday blues.

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Assari raamen with shoyu/chicken broth

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Karaage chicken

And a few homemade dishes from the past week ..oishikatta! (it was so tasty!)
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Tofu salad w/ beansprouts, watercress, takuan, & taegu

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Lemon pepper shrimp w/ mayo

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Ribeye suteeki

Absolutely love cooking and grilling - from the grocery store shopping to recipe hunting (except washing dishes). Real. simple. food made in paradise and served fresh daily!

xo Ashen Diamonds

It's Aloha Friday

Elle Japon, August 2009

...the quintessential style guide and Hawaii book in book.

World Wide Wisdom: book in book (BIB) in Japan is a special insert/separately bound section of a magazine that focuses on a specific feature i.e. HAWAII!!



The Peach at Level 4 night club made the list at #10 - for the top activities on Oahu. Such a great honor *congratulations* to my bf, his cousin, and @architechs for hosting this weekly Friday night hot spot.

Also from this issue, a few style tips that made its way into my wardrobe - that which flows freely meets structure:


What I wore:

Folli Follie ceramic & stainless steel watch, Tiffany's atlas cuff, vintage belted bracelet

Vintage DIANE von FURSTENBERG shirt, Audrey Cantwell exposed zipper skirt, Sam Edelman wedges, Louis Vuitton clutch

Love Is In the Air

Congratulations to my sister and her fiance on their engagement! Below is an inspirational color board. Whimsical dreams - so lovely. Lucky me, I'm responsible for the food and wedding cake - crossing fingers for a newbie success story.

World wide wisdom: In Japan, the traditional bride's dress is called "shiro maku" -"shiro" meaning white and "maku" meaning pure. The white wedding hood is called "tsuno kakushi" and is meant to hide two front golden "tsuno" or horns during the wedding ceremony to symbolize obedience.

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Above is part of the postcard announcement from my cousin Miki's wedding in Japan. Even as the world seems more connected than ever, there are still so many intricacies of traditional culture the west has yet to know.

Hot Off the Press

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My 1st press check ever - how exciting! X-referencing color proofs of ads with final printed pieces hot off the press. According to the experts - Tiffany's signature blue is the hardest color to match.

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Magazine sheets fly off the conveyor belts at ridiculous speeds. I cannot imagine fixing a paper jam in a printer the size of my bedroom.

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Proofing materials for an international magazine, My Hawaii Pacific Journey in Japanese, Korean, & Simplified Chinese - I spy Dior, Bottega, Anteprima, MiuMiu and more. Loves it!

What I Want Right Now

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Dripping with edgy flair and ethnic spice - love the Bushido SS09 collection by Barcelona designer, Gemma Degara. Ordered today via snail mail - cannot wait for it to arrive!

World wide wisdom: bushido in Japanese translates to "the way of the warrior."

(Source: audreycantwell.com)

Bondage strap leggings from Montreal designer, Audrey Cantwell...lost! In my Hawaii closet? forgotten in my LA appt? borrowed and never returned? Must find asap. p.s. lovely black leather booties.

Emerging, underground designers with worldwide influence and inspiration - fresh ideas served daily.

Breakfast at Neimans

July 30, 2009 - Neiman Marcus Hawaii
Fall Fashion Media Coordinator Event at Mariposa

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Neiman says fall fashion is...leopard. red. high impact bejewelry. biker leather. leggings. and the MAJOR black dress.

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Food. fashion. models. media. Yumm - super sweet pineapples and fresh strawberries decorate frittata with crispy scallions.

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Media pass! Sneak peak at upcoming fall favorites - deliciousness and luxury served daily at Neiman Marcus Hawaii.