Pink Chopsticks

I was hanging out in one of my favorite crafting network site – Etsy.com and I was searching for Asian themed paper products, party favors and birthday invitations. We have a family party coming up in a few months and were thinking of incorporating Asian elements to the theme. I’m really partial towards elegant Japanese scenes and designs so I ended up oohh ahhing over some really awesome crafts that are Japanese inspired.

I specially loved this Kanji Notecard Set by BadCandyStudios. I love the colors used and the idea that you can pick a notepad set with 8 words you picked in Kanji.

And its affordably priced too! I might just order a few sets and these would make excellent gifts too..

Oh I like this! I could never be counted on to name all SNSD ladies. So at least this one’s gonna make me learn which name goes with which face. Lol! Anyways, Marie Claire Korea is releasing a special edition issue May 2011 (?) featuring the Girls Generation on nine covers.

The girls are looking all lovely…I find the styling beautiful.

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I fell from the Asian drama bandwagon some two years ago and its only just recently that I got back into it. Perhaps because I’m living in a foreign country and I wanted something to keep me from feeling so homesick that I rediscovered Asian dramas again.

I’ve just finished watching Korean drama Playful Kiss which was a light, fluffy rom com, lots of things I could nit pick (lots of loopholes in it) nonetheless, I enjoyed it thoroughly. I’m also watching Sungkyunkwan Scandal and I think I’ll also include Dr. Champ in my list of to watch before 2010 ends.

I’m also waiting for Moon Geun Young and Jang Geun Seuk’s drama Mary Stayed Out All Night. I know haha I’m so giddy with anticipation with this. I’m a Jang Geun Seuk-shipper! I just luv him. He’s a guy I have this totally inappropriate crush on. It must be the voice. Lol! I mean he looks dainty and prettier than most girls but I still can’t help but drool over him. I think this drama would make me lose my wits.

Since I’m committed to totally acting like a fangirl, I’ve taken too to stalking forums. My personal favorites would be Soompi.com and

D-addicts.com. It’s only now that I realize this Asian drama thing is a huge thing, coz I’m in serious amazement at the number of people usually online on each thread that I think they need to have managed hosting to keep up with the visitors.

Hmm,lots of things to look forward to…

International Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi appears on Harper’s Bazaar China’s August 2010. Here’s some eyeful of the beautiful Ziyi courtesy of sohu.com/Harper’s Bazaar.

Curiosity! That’s the reason why I’m posting this. I’m a mad online shopper and one of the sites I can’t live without is eBay. But if you’ve been lurking and buying from eBay from sometime, you’ll soon realize that a big number of sellers there are from Asia, most notably China. These sellers are just everywhere and they are doing good business judging by the transactions they have. They sell everything from apparel, electronics, craft supplies even e-cigarettes! I think I won’t be exaggerating if I say, name it and they have it

So I’ve been thinking perhaps goodies from over here in Asia are priced more competitively and I was also wondering if there are really legitimate Asian shopping sites where its safe to shop online and at wholesale prices.

I’m particularly looking for Asian clothes since some of my nieces are really so into that funky Asian street wear, some like those Japanese gothic/Lolita style and as for me, I have developed a liking for those really feminine Korean tops and dresses. And a lot of bags and shoes are also nice.

It’s surprising really that upon searching online, there are literally hundreds if not thousands of Aisan shopping sites! But which ones are legit and quite frankly I’m scared to purchase without learning about others experiences but also I’m excited at the prospect of shopping Asian! Sites like lightinthebox.com, dhgate.com, zipia.net, yesstyle.com etc are just some of the places online I’ve just recently discovered and I’m keen to try them out.

Will be listing sites I discover soon and would be posting reviews also of each site I’ve tried to purchase from..

I’ve been browsing Sina.com and found these awesome birds-eye view photos of the Himalayas..

This place is definitely awesome, one of my dream destinations. It looks so remote and fantastically beautiful even just in photos.

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I was thinking of what my first post should be and I thought, well, this blog’s name is Chopsticks and I am also a chopsticks aficionado so I might as well start with that.

The dictionary defines chopsticks as “a Chinese eating implement: either a pair of narrow sticks that are held together in one hand and used when eating or preparing East Asian food.”

The chopsticks mainly originated in China and is usually made of bamboo. Used by the elite for a thousand years, chopsticks became popular among the common people of East Asia around 410 BC.

Nowadays, the use of chopsticks is no longer limited to Chinese and East Asians but has spread throughout Asia particularly South East Asia. The spread of Chinese, Japanese and other Asian cuisine to Western shores has also brought the chopsticks-culture to Western people.

A big number of Asians use chopsticks particularly when eating noodles and rice.I personally find eating with chopsticks more satisfying as I tend to eat slower and savor the food so I end up eating less but I feel fuller.

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