classical

After graduating with my degree in piano performance, I find myself practicing less, but still making the best of my practice time. It really does feel different when you don't have to practice for lessons, masterclasses, or recitals. But I'm starting to think that this might actually be good for me, to be able to work at my own pace and practice pieces that I wish to play. I decided to bring back a couple of Chopin etudes back into my repertoire, since I neglected them in order to pursue Scriabin etudes (I love playing these and still am). Can't forget the Well-Tempered Klavier by Bach. I play other pieces here and there and still deciding on a sonata..

On a different note, I hope make it to Fuzjko Hemming's piano recital in San Francisco on July 15th.

I've seen her in recital twice, and her interpretations and playing are both quite unique. 

I really don't want to miss it!

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend. xoxo

Love,

Samantha Mariko

the golden gate

(denim jacket: vintage Levi's; sunglasses: H&M; 

shirt: Forever 21 Japan)

Additional photos from my SF trip! I know I sound like a tourist, but I finally got a picture with the Golden Gate bridge (the pictures from when I was a 5-year-old are a bit outdated). My boyfriend took us to a semi- remote area near the ocean, where you can walk along a dirt road to see the Bridge even closer. And luckily, the weather was perfect - sunny with a cool ocean breeze :)  We also stopped by Golden Gate Park to check out Alice's Summerthing, an outdoor concert hosted by Alice @ 97.3. Adam Lambert and and Boys Like Girls performed, but unfortunately, I didn't stay long enough to see them. But I did enjoy some amazing shrimp and chicken paella from one of the food vendors at the concert! Yum.

Thanks for reading! xoxo

Love,

Samantha Mariko

pride

I'm so happy to be back in SF, especially since I happened to arrive during Pride where festivities were in full swing. There was so much to do and see near City Hall: food stands, free concerts, street vendors, and artwork like the huge inflated lotus flower above. I also got my first ever henna tattoo :)

Later, Gabe and I drove up to Twin Peaks to view the SF night life that I love so much. We didn't expect to be able to see the Pink Triangle (apparently, it is a memorial of homosexual oppression created annually on Twin Peaks). My digital camera doesn't do it justice, but the view was absolutely gorgeous. I don't think I'll ever get tired of it.

I will be posting more photos soon, so until then... <3

Love,

Samantha Mariko

TOKYO EYE

Hello everyone!

I'm excited to announce that I will be making my first TV appearance tonight on NHK World's "Tokyo Eye!" The first showing will be at 5:30pm, and it will be aired a couple times after that. Akane Nakajima and I will be introducing Akiruno and Tokyo Summerland in Tokyo, Japan. 

You can watch the show online here and check the schedule here for additional airings (Tokyo Eye is towards the bottom of the page). 

You'll be able to view different parts of Tokyo, spots that are quite different from the city, and I promise it'll be worth your 30 minutes :) Thank you!!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

graduation!

I am excited to announce that I'm officially a UCLA graduate!

The School of Arts and Architecture Commencement Ceremony was lovely, with inspirational guest speakers like Herb Alpert. It was nice to see the familiar faces of my colleagues again as we congratulated one another on our achievements.

I'm so thankful to have made it this far, and it wouldn't have been possible without the love and support from my family, friends, professors, counselors, colleagues, and the boyfriend :) Thank you so much everyone! It was a great 3 1/2 years for me! Now looking forward to what is in store for me next :)

Love,

Samantha Mariko 

Artistry cosmetics

Yesterday, I had my makeup done for my graduation by Ami Kuroda, a multi-media makeup artist from Los Angeles. She did my makeover using Artistry cosmetics, a quality skin-care and cosmetics line exclusively from Amway. 

Ami used toner, moisturizer, foundation, concealer, etc... but it felt like I had nothing on. The makeup was so light, but it made a huge difference visually. The selection of eye shadow and lipstick colors were great, and their application was really easy. I was also surprised at how affordable Artistry cosmetics are (if I remember correctly, a lip gloss was about $10 and concealer about $15). Ami told me that Artistry cosmetics can be compared to department store brands, so you can pay less for quality makeup. 

On me:

Foundation - Bone

Eyebrow - Brown

Eyeliner - Ebony

Eye shadow - Fusion, Drift, Rich, Magic

Lip Liner - Pink nude

Lip Color - Neutrale

You can check out Ami's Facebook page here and her Tumblr here.

Photos from my graduation coming soon :)

Love,

Samantha Mariko 

Griffith Observatory

(dress: Uniqlo; denim jacket: from Japan; sunglasses: H&M)

Yesterday, my friend and I decided to drive up to the Griffith Observatory in LA to see what it was all about. We didn't realize we parked my car at the bottom of the hill and that we had an approximately 3 mile hike ahead of us. It was tiring, but the view from above was amazing. The observatory itself was better than I expected: there is no entrance fee, and the planetarium show is only $5! The exhibits were fantastic, and I thoroughly enjoyed the planetarium. It's hard to see, but I did get a picture with the Hollywood sign in the background. My friend and I gave up taking any more photos because of the wind constantly blowing our hair in our faces and the smog covering the sign. I definitely wouldn't mind going back again though.

We finished our day with shaved snow from Blockheads on Sawtelle. I ordered the #4, which was black sesame shaved snow with Oreos, rice cake and coconut drizzle. So delicious and refreshing! 

Thanks for reading!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

my new favorites

(from top to bottom - leather watch (gift); ear cuff and ring: Topshop Japan; 

heels: H&M Japan; purse: Zara Japan)

These are some of my new favorite items that I brought back from Japan. I know it's almost summer and I should be wearing brighter colors, but you can never go wrong with black. I snagged the Zara purse for a mere $40 - I love how it fits all of my things and there's still room for more. 

I miss shopping in Japan and always being able to find a good deal. I hope it won't be too long til I go back!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

in the toyko countryside

Finished my first day on set for NHK's Tokyo Eye.

Akane and I introduced different places in Akikawa, which is the countryside in Tokyo. I always imagined Tokyo to be all city life, but I was taken away by the breathtaking beauty of the Akikawa. First, we went to the hot springs and did a foot spa, which was a great way to start the day. Afterwards, we had a delicious Japanese-style meal at Kurochaya while enjoying the view of the garden. The most exciting part of the shoot was exploring the limestone cave. It was extremely narrow and cool, but the limestone was beautiful. It sort of reminded me of Disneyland's Thunder Mountain.

It was an extremely long day, but I had a great time with Akane and the crew. I'm looking forward to day 2 on set!

Love,

Samantha Mariko