Thank You 2012

{painting by Camilla Engman}

I am so thankful for everything that 2012 brought my way!  2 new albums for Japan (one of which I produced!), writing a theme song for the Japanese drama "Soko wo nantoka", visiting my family in South Korea, singing with the legendary Shin Joong Hyun, a memorable trip to Kaua'i where 1 not-so-small reef shark was spotted 20 feet below me, and now the start of my 3rd full-length album!  And all of these wonderful experiences would not be possible without the love and support from my friends, family, and beautiful fans.  So if you're reading this, thank you so much for helping me keep my music alive, and giving me these wonderful memories that hopefully I can share with you through my music somehow.

This year, like every year, came with ups and plenty of downs.  I have to be so thankful for those "downs" too, because without them, I'd have no challenges to teach me the much needed lessons and reminders of 2012, that *hopefully* I can carry with me into 2013.

Lessons on how to take better care of this planet that I live on and will share with my children.

Trials to test my patience and compassion.

Reminders that I'm not perfect, and sometimes that's ok {insert deep breath here}.

Reminders that people can and do change.

Reminders that even though we live in a sometimes overwhelming world of war, senseless acts of violence, corrupt politics, and everything else that's depressing on the news... there are still people out there who are, one by one, doing their best to make a difference.  

Here I am in the studio being a dork.  I am having SO MUCH FUN making this new album.  Some of these songs are quite intimate, and some are songs you can dance to (but not Pop!).  Although I was super stoked to see my name come up on the iPhone app SongPop!  Ha!  (A game that I officially suck at since it took me almost 2 seconds to recognize my own song!)



Since I'm in the middle of recording, that means no touring right now.  So instead I'm doing a live online show through Stageit, on Jan. 17th.  Tickets are however much you want to give.  A portion of the proceeds will go to My Sandy Hook Family Fund.  (Dress Code: sweatpants and PJ's appropriate)

And last but not least, I would LOVE to hear from YOU!  Please share with me one thing you're thankful for in 2012, and one new year's resolution/goal for 2013.  I'm always inspired by your thoughts and ideas!

I wish you all a happy and healthy 2013 filled with love love love!

love,
♡priscilla

{photo by Casey Curry}

 p.s. My new year's resolution/goal is to start journaling every day again.  

Gift Guide 2012

This year I decided to do a bulk of my holiday shopping online, and I wanted to share some of my favorite new purchases with you, in case you needed unique and pre-tested (by me) gift ideas!  ;)  

Happy Shopping!

FOR THE CRAFTY

Purl Soho's Learn To Knit Kit

I recently bought one of these, and the yarn is SUPER soft!  I've never knit anything in my life... so this kit is sort of perfect.

Available Online

Hello Sandwich's Gift Wrapping Zine

I'm really not that great at wrapping presents...this downloadable PDF is full of creative and fun ideas that have proved to be quite useful.

Available Online

FOR THE HOME-Y

Bonjour Johanna's Pink Kiwi Porcelain Plates.

I bought two of these and LOVE them.  Each are painted by hand and quite unique.  I also adore her blog.

Available Online

Uguisu: Fog Linen Coasters

I recently ordered these coasters, along with a matching Fog Linen placemat and kitchen towel.  They are extremely high quality and beautiful to boot!  Sold by another one of my fave bloggers, Jollygoo.

Available Online

Cannelle et Vanille's Cookbook

Her photography is stunning, her recipes are easy to follow, and the end result is as delicious as it looks!  My favorite thing about the book?  It's organized by the 4 seasons of the year!  And it's completely Gluten-Free!

Available Online

FOR THE JEWELRY LOVER

Kathleen Whitaker: Earrings

Need to get something for a special someone?  You can't go wrong with any of KHW's earrings.

A very limited selection available online right now.

Check out where you can find a wider selection in stores.

FOR THE MUSIC LOVER

Hoodie Buddies

Plug your mp3 player into your pocket, put ear buds/ hoodie strings in, and you're set to go!  My favorite are the fleece hoodies.  p.s. They're machine washable.

Available Online

Vince Gauraldi Trio:  A Charlie Brown Christmas

My all-time favorite album to listen to during the holidays (and sometimes all year round).  :)

Available Online

MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY-Y GIFTS

Juniper Ridge: Douglas Fir Tip Tea

Made purely from Douglas Fir tree tips from the mountains of Northern California (I know this because my friend is going harvesting with them in the Spring), it smells like you're in the middle of a mountainous forest.  The taste is gentle and clean, with a hint of lemon.

Available Online

Thymes: Frasier Fir Candle

My favorite holiday candle for the past 3 years.  Most Christmas Tree candles smell too strong and synthetic, which is why I've avoided them for so long.  This candle is an exception to that theory.  It smells just like a real Christmas tree in your house.  

Available Online

At the end of this long list, I'd also like to remind us that this holiday season is not solely about the giving of physical objects wrapped in shiny paper and multi-colored MT tapes (as pretty as that is!).  With religions aside, it's a season of love, to each other and ourselves.  A time to slow down from another year that flew by and take a much needed break to spend with friends and loved ones, and remember how truly lucky we are to have each other.  (And thank goodness -- that's one gift that doesn't require a paypal login!)

Happy Giving

love,

p • a

My Personal December Reminders!

Things I need to remind myself of daily in December:

IN THE CAR

• Traffic is going to get a little nutty.  Just expect it.  Be prepared for it's inevitability, and aim to leave 15 minutes earlier than normal so that you're not stressed about time.  (If you live in L.A., add 30+ minutes!!! *sob*)
• If you find yourself in mind-numbing traffic or long commutes, be sure to have your ipod or favorite cds.  I like listening to my 2 favorite podcasts, "This American Life" and "Radio Lab". 

PARKING LOTS

• They are going to be more congested!  I spent 20 minutes on the roof of a parking structure looking for a space (and it wasn't even December yet!).  When that anxious, claustrophobic feeling starts to come on, try to take long, slow, deep breaths. 
• If possible, avoid the parking lots altogether!  Find a space on the street and enjoy the extra exercise.  

AT THE POST OFFICE

• Everyone's trying to mail packages and gifts out to people this month, so lines are going to be longer.  Be prepared!  
• Waiting in line is the perfect time to catch up on Instagram, Facebook, or blogs.  
• Try to mail presents and cards early if you can.

ONLINE SHOPPING

• I've decided to do most of my Holiday shopping online this year.  For one, I was sick for 2 weeks and had nothing better to do.  And secondly, I just didn't have the time to drive around searching for the perfect gifts this year.  (Some of my fave online gifts will be in my next blog post!)
• But don't do what I do, and buy gifts for someone...then forget that I ordered it and it's on it's way in the mail, and then buy them another gift.  
• Also, the earlier you place your order the better, so you don't have to pay extra shipping costs to get things delivered faster.  
• Personally, I'm on the lookout for gifts all year round.  If I see something that makes me think of a friend, I snatch it up and stash it away for when Holidays or Birthdays come around.  (Just don't forget that the gift is ready and waiting!)

HOLIDAY PARTIES

• Tis the season...  If you know you're going to throw a party, find a day the week before to do a big clean of your place, so you're not up til 2am the night before mopping and scrubbing.  If the majority of the bulk work is done, there won't be much to tidy up last minute.
• Prepare the menu in advance and buy food, drinks and decorations (I love fresh flowers around the house) the day before, so you're not running around the day of the party.  
• I found the last goop newsletter to have some useful tips for entertaining.  You can read it here. 

MY MANTRA FOR DECEMBER

Breathe...and avoid The Grove*.  ;)

Love,

p • a

* For those of you who don't know what The Grove is... it's an outdoor promenade in Los Angeles with lots of stores... sort of like an outdoor mall.  A lot of tourists, families with little kids, and young people on dates like to come here to have fun and shop.  

Many holidays ago... I decided to quick drop by a few days before Christmas to buy a few last minute gifts.  On this particular night, they had a stage set up in the middle of the Grove for a band that was about to perform.  I could care less about seeing a show that night.  I wanted to get in and get out.  But the security guards practically herded us together in front of this stage, and wouldn't let anyone leave!  I was smothered on all sides with other peoples' bodies and their bags of purchases.  In a moment of panic, I stepped up onto a wall and looked for a way out.  A security guard told me to get down.  I yelled, "You can't keep me here!" and I leapt off the wall and ran away.  

me + Grove + December = no thank you

The Little Shoppe

Now with Christmas feeling just around the corner (!!!), I've started thinking about gifts for family and friends.  However, this year, I think most of my holiday shopping will be done online... and so I wanted to share some photos of one of my favorite new shoppes in Tokyo, that originally began as an online store.  You've probably heard me talking about Hiki before, because she's the artist who created the new look and design of my website and blog.  

But let me introduce you again, to Uguisu: The Little Shoppe...

Located in the heart of Tokyo, you just never see architecture like this.

This is the building adjacent

Here is the adorable entrance to the shoppe

I easily spent an hour in here marveling at all her products...

For those of us who don't live in Tokyo, we can purchase most of these wares from her online store!

Such as.... 

beautiful sets of washi tape

(perfect for creative gift wrapping)

Japanese paper balloons

(fun for parties)

I actually bought these paper coasters on my last visit.  

They look perfect on my coffee table.  

Her Fog Linen tea towels are so beautiful.

These Japanese candles are super special.

These are all handmade by only a handful of Japanese artisans left today.

And here is the lovely Hiki herself.

I've only listed a few of the products she has to sell -- there are so many!  But they all would make unique gifts for friends or for yourself!  

Happy shopping!  

Love,

Priscilla

*****

P.S.  For anyone wondering why I promote certain products or stores... it is ONLY because I am a fan of these things and it makes me happy to share wonderful new discoveries with you!  :)

Hello Sandwich Workshop

Hello Sandwich is one of my favorite bloggers/crafters around.

I had one afternoon off from work in Tokyo, which lined up perfectly with one of Hello Sandwich's craft workshops!!!  I was so happy to finally get to attend one of these...

The workshop was located in the Ao Building.

Here is what we ended up making.

Handmade pins with ribbon and lace.

And I chose to make a strawberry out of this very special Martha Stewart clay.  This clay was so strange but so much fun!  Sort of reminded me of that weird foam stuff I used to play with as a kid.  Like "Gak" but foamy.

Here we are, hard at work.

Me & "The Sandwich" (Ebony Bizys) with our finished pins and totes.

 

A cute craft book featuring Hello Sandwich.

This is Hello Sandwich's newly released craft book!

It is all in Japanese, however there are many beautiful photos that are pretty self-explanatory.

Here is a link with photos and a great explanation of what's inside and where you can get your hands on one.

This is a photo from the book.

It might have to be my next project!  ;)

love,

p. ahn

 

Hie Shrine

I was recently in Tokyo for a very quick 5 day promo trip.  I stayed in Akasaka near the EMI offices, in a hotel where the Beatles once stayed.  Outside my window I could look down into this beautiful shrine.

Here they have a red carpet rolled out.  I'm not sure what this day is called, but many little girls were dressed in beautiful kimono.

I was drawn to this place.  It looked like a magical world in the middle of one of the biggest cities.  I felt like I could watch these trees slowly turning yellow one by one.

Even inside this world they have their own shadows.

30 minutes before I had to leave for the airport, I finally found this shrine.

I pray for peace.

love,

p. ahn

New Look!

Hi everyone!

I am so excited to announce the beautiful new look for my website and my blog!  All done at the hands of the always inspiring Hiki, all the way from Tokyo!  I have been a fan of her blogs and photos for quite some time now.  When I discovered that she also designed websites, such as this one, I leapt at the opportunity to meet with her last time I was in Tokyo.  It was a true joy working with her on this, and I couldn't be happier with my new makeovers.  And I'm very much looking forward to visiting her new shop, Uguisu: The Little Shoppe, that she just opened in Tokyo next week!  (If you're not going to be in Japan anytime soon, check out her online store!)

To celebrate the new look, I'm offering Free Shipping off of everything in my online store Worldwide this Saturday + Sunday only (PST).  I don't even know if it monetarily makes sense, but I don't care!  I feel like celebrating!  Just type in the code:  POLKADOTS when you check out.

love,
p. ahn

My New Website
My New Store
My New Blog

Hiki's Sites:
Blog 1
Blog 2
Online Store
4D Store

Analog Places

Today I am embarking to the desert to write songs for the next 3 days.  I'll be cutting myself off from phone and internet, which I'm pretty excited about actually.  But I thought I'd leave you with a few analog photos that I've taken with my Minolta camera.  These photos go back to 2 years ago, but I just recently re-discovered them.  

 Tokyo

Kyoto

Ko Samui

Los Angeles

love,
p. ahn

Big Weekend in a nutshell

It's been a while since my last post.  Things have been pretty busy lately.  I finally finished writing and recording a theme song for a new Japanese Drama coming out this Fall, called "Soko wo Nantoka".  And I've been writing new songs for my next album which I'll start recording soon.  In between I built a shelf for my new "office" speakers*, learned to shoot a rifle**, and have been starting many unfinished art projects***.

This past weekend was a big one.  In a visual nutshell:

 On Friday, it was my husband's LA premier of a fun new indie movie he stars in called "Brooklyn Brothers Beat the Best".  Yes, it's an alliteration.  You can see the trailer here.

Unfortunately, I missed his premier, because I was singing with Shin Joong Hyun that night.  I'm a terrible wife.

It was an incredible honor to perform with him.  He is 74 years old and can still shred in a super tasteful, yet distorted and psychedelic fashion.  One of my musical heroes.  You should check out his Best Of album here.

Headlining the night was the infamous Rodriguez.  For the sake of maintaining his mystique, I decided to only post this photo of him.  

Sunday night I had a show at Bootleg Theater, playing mostly all new songs I'd written, and am still working on, for my next album.  Everyone who came out was so amazing.  Communist Daughter and The Parlour Suite, both incredible bands from Minneapolis, opened up the show.

It was so great to see some people I hadn't seen in years at the show, as well as meet some wonderful new people!  I even received some beautiful gifts and special surprises! 

Flowers sent from Australia!

Beautifully wrapped gifts: A journal + Korean Ginseng Tea (both very good for the body + soul!)

I got to meet the beautiful Hayon and Jennifer, who are the creators of Spirit Ink.  They were sweet enough to bring me a huge collection of their newest temporary tattoos!  I was wearing this one at the show.  

Joel surprised me with this poster from my Japanese album, "Natural Colors", which he found online and had imported!!!

  And Communist Daughter were sweet enough to give me a copy of their new EP "Lions & Lambs", which I have not stopped listening to.  

I really heart this song:

"Speed of Sound" - Communist Daughter, Lions & Lambs E.P. Grain Belt Records 2012 from Communist Daughter on Vimeo.


So that was my weekend in a nutshell.  Hopefully I'll have more stuffs to share with you soon!

love,
p. ahn

* I realized that I am not a woodworker.  My talents do not lie in the workings of wood.  My shelf came out strong and sturdy, but it took way too much brain power and time for me to make a career out of it.  I think I'll stick with music for the time being.

** I sort of learned how to shoot a rifle before with my Dad, but I was young and it scared me.  The gun recoiled so hard into my shoulder that I started crying and told my Dad that I hated him and I ran back up to the house.  I was 25.

***  I'm a terrible procrastinator.  So I'm really good at starting things and not finishing them.  You could say I'm a professional.  I could start a career out of THAT, but I'd never finish it.