Disqus - Latest Comments for Keiko Lee-Hem

Re: How has astrology influenced your life or a decision?

Keiko Lee-Hem — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:20:18 -0000

I've never really delved too deeply into astrology, so don't actually know what it means to be a Leo (born on the 8th of the 8th in '79), besides the fact that Leos like the spotlight -- and I can believe that...

Re: What kind of clutter is in your life?

Keiko Lee-Hem — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:31:46 -0000

I confess to clothing clutter! I recently had my style statement done and that's really made me more aware that I'm holding on to clothing that really isn't "me". So: here and now I am commit to rid myself of all the too small, too trendy, too "not me" clothing that's weighing me down. I know that getting dressed in the morning will be quicker and I can spend that extra time in the a.m. stretching (or sleeping!) or actually sitting down to enjoy my cuppa.

Re: What kind of clutter is in your life?

Keiko Lee-Hem — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:52:13 -0000

I get that! Danielle often asks "where is....?) and I have either stored it, recycled it or given it away. I am too ruthless with stuff and not ruthless enough with my thoughts.

Re: What kind of clutter is in your life?

Keiko Lee-Hem — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:54:59 -0000

I love your commitment to beauty and utility, what a great guide.

Re: What kind of clutter is in your life?

Keiko Lee-Hem — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 19:02:53 -0000

Hey what's your Style Statement?

Re: What kind of clutter is in your life?

Keiko Lee-Hem — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 19:05:41 -0000

Ditto! Quality feels so good, ahhhh, I feel breathing space.

Re: What do you need to let go of?

Keiko Lee-Hem — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:41:49 -0000

I need to let go of a few things (thanks for asking)! Clothing that just isn't "me", opportunities that don't serve me but seemed too good to pass up at the time, childhood insecurities that it's (well past) time to grow out of, ideas about where I "should" be at my age. And the list goes on. It's one thing to recognize the areas that need work and another to actually DO something about all of this. Ok, here goes... this weekend... I'm going to sort through my clothing and put a call out for a clothing swap with friends (whose clothing I'd actually wear). It's a start.

Re: What do you need to let go of?

Keiko Lee-Hem — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:59:16 -0000

That's a good one about friends. I need to let go of friendships that USED to feed my soul, but somehow no longer -- not for lack of trying!

Re: What’s your favorite eco-friendly habit?

Keiko Lee-Hem — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:52:07 -0000

I was raised by a mother who would shriek "POLLUTION!!!!!" out the car window as we drove past a motorist with less than perfect air-care standards. You could say that I've got some green in my blood. Some of my faves are composting (we just moved to an apartment building and didn't have space to store our compost bin, so secretly stashed it behind a big bush and continue to use it -- hopefully no one tells on us!) I never accept bags when I'm out shopping (for clothing, food, electronics, whatever. That's when it's good to be a girl and carry an over-sized bag everywhere I go anyway :). I love that many shop clerks are now asking if I need one. I like to thank them for not assuming that I do! A new one I'm trying (but I admit it's hard) is getting takeaway food packaged in my own tupperware. It means showing up a little early to collect, or planning ahead if we go out to eat. Otherwise, I walk or bus and just joined a car co-op for those rare occasions that I need one!

Re: What’s your favorite eco-friendly habit?

Keiko Lee-Hem — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:55:31 -0000

I know! It's amazing all the little things we can do and so cool that so many of us are actually doing them!

Re: What’s your favorite eco-friendly habit?

Keiko Lee-Hem — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:03:30 -0000

Things were certainly made to last back in the day! I recently inherited a beautiful old 1960's kitchen mixer from a family member. Every part of it is made from metal and it weighs a ton, but boy, that baby still whips up those egg whites like a dream and I love that it's got so much history behind it!

Re: What’s your favorite eco-friendly habit?

Keiko Lee-Hem — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:14:37 -0000

We asked our building manager for permission to store it "legally" somewhere on the property, to which she replied: "If we let you, we'll have to let everyone." And I thought: "That's a bad thing?" But she's coming around. We recently got approval to start a little "apartment community garden" on our lawns which is a huge deal! Then we'll be needing compost and hopefully our bin can come out of hiding. (And yes, my mum IS awesome ;)

Re: What’s your favorite gadget or piece of technology?

Keiko Lee-Hem — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:24:27 -0000

In my recent history, I was the proud mama of a line of reusable shopping bags called AuMarché. I know you're not supposed to do everything yourself if you want your business to grow and flourish, but I did (go figure). My favourite bit of technology was actually a collection of software: Adobe CS3. I did a pretty dang good job of designing and building my website, if you ask me, and I couldn't have done it without my software (and training of course). The best part was I didn't have to wait for someone to help me update my products, or news section, so things were always up-to-the minute and fresh. Forgive me, I'm a total DIY gal!

Re: What’s your favorite gadget or piece of technology?

Keiko Lee-Hem — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:26:28 -0000

That's what they tell me here at the C&D studio! I'm learning to love it too but am still getting mixed up with my keyboard commands!

Re: What’s your favorite gadget or piece of technology?

Keiko Lee-Hem — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:34:16 -0000

Libraries, remember those? I'm kinda glad that I got to experience the "thrill of the hunt" while researching college papers at the library! Oh the college days...

Re: What’s your favorite gadget or piece of technology?

Keiko Lee-Hem — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:44:13 -0000

Good one Emily! Recently I was feeling a little isolated and "friend-less" and my boyfriend suggested that I CALL a friend and CHAT! My goodness, what a novel idea. Email has become such a standard way of communicating; short, sweet, edited, impersonal, non-committal, free (my cellphone plan isn't the best)...

Re: What’s your favorite gadget or piece of technology?

Keiko Lee-Hem — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:46:06 -0000

shh, don't tell anyone, but I'm a wee bit of a luddite too.

Re: If you had a totally open day, every day, what 4 or 5 things would you fill it with?

Keiko Lee-Hem — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:30:25 -0000

There would be good food at every meal, a deliciously challenging yoga class, connecting with family and friends over the phone or over food, some easy/inspired craft making and home decorating and some lovin from my sweetie.

Re: Pleasure Priorities: 19 Easy Livin’ Tips

Keiko Lee-Hem — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:41:02 -0000

I need to print this out and post it on my fridge! (Command+P...)

Re: What’s your favorite easy thing to cook?

Keiko Lee-Hem — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:14:35 -0000

A veggie curry using quick cooking mushrooms, onions, red peppers, a couple glugs of coconut milk and loads of cilantro at the end (so it's still green and fresh). Roll it up in a wrap with some rice (usually jasmine cuz brown just rice takes too long if I'm hungry and want it now!), maybe some plain yogurt for extra yum. It's oh so good. There's usually some left over for the next day's lunch which is a bonus!

Re: What’s your favorite easy thing to cook?

Keiko Lee-Hem — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:19:22 -0000

I hear you Dena! Sometimes there ain't no better feeling that calling the pizza guy!

Re: What’s your favorite easy thing to cook?

Keiko Lee-Hem — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:28:24 -0000

My guy loves to cook too, and I totally appreciate when he does, but boy-oh-boy, he's got some crazy ideas in the kitchen. I'm totally having to learn to open up my ideas of what "goes together". Case in point, yesterday he made guacamole with a touch of coconut milk. Or cilantro in spaghetti sauce! Don't get me wrong, usually it turns out yummy (in a different sort of way), but I guess I'm a bit of a purist when it comes to my palette.

Re: Photo Books: Made For You

Keiko Lee-Hem — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 23:18:24 -0000

Wow Ishita, I think I'm going to be a fan now too! Thanks for the tip.

Re: What adventure are you craving (or planning for)?

Keiko Lee-Hem — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:32:02 -0000

There are a few that I've been thinking of:
1. family reunion - my "little" cousins are now having babies -- that's how long it's been since I've seen them! And my amazing grandma is turning 90.)
2. yoga retreat for some indulgent one-on-one time with my body and to take my practice to the next level
3. silence retreat (!?) My bf's mum just returned from 10 days of no talking, no reading, no eye contact (etc.) I've never done anything like that and am curious to know what would shift inside me if I did that...

Re: What adventure are you craving (or planning for)?

Keiko Lee-Hem — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:38:04 -0000

ooo that's a lifelong adventure, isn't it?

Re: What adventure are you craving (or planning for)?

Keiko Lee-Hem — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:34:42 -0000

Thanks for that Benita! I'll have a closer look...

Re: If you suddenly inherited $10,000, what would you do with it?

Keiko Lee-Hem — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:14:25 -0000

I'd finally pay a visit to a financial adviser AND I'd invite a money savvy (i.e. successful and wealthy) friend over for a nice dinner. I think it would be worthy getting advice from both points of view. I would also consider paying down my student loan with half, and adding the rest to the "pot" for a down payment on our first home.

Re: If you suddenly inherited $10,000, what would you do with it?

Keiko Lee-Hem — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:11:32 -0000

Good point Carrie.

Re: What do you find sexy?

Keiko Lee-Hem — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:24:06 -0000

Capable hands and strong forearms. When I tell my man he looks hot, then how he carries himself for the rest of the night - with confidence and pride.

Re: What did you learn from your favorite mistake?

Keiko Lee-Hem — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:39:59 -0000

My long list of past boyfriends would really count as my "Favourite Mistakes". Each one taught me more and more about myself, what I like, what I dislike. My "must have" list became really clear and now I'm with a guy who fits the bill in all the most important ways.
Another favourite mistake was traveling through Europe on my own. "Mistake" because my naivety got me in some (seriously) sticky situations (let's just say I was happy to come out in one piece!) "Favourite" because I can really say I came out stronger (I survived that!) and more aware of what's important to me.

Re: What do you need to move your vision forward?

Keiko Lee-Hem — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:11:36 -0000

Since joining forces with my boyfriend (i.e. moving in together and speaking of "forEVER"), my vision for my future now includes another person. The trick now is combining his dreams, goals and vision for the future with my own. The even bigger trick is setting the time aside to have these oh-so imperative getting-on-the-same-dream-boat discussions. Our plan is to create a joint vision board so he can "see" what I want and vice versa. Now it's just to DO it!

Re: How do you know when a decision is “right” for you?

Keiko Lee-Hem — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:22:56 -0000

I was raised with mantras like "safety first", "think before you act", "you can't trust everyone", so when faced with big decisions, I usually err on the side of caution. A lot of times, the right decision for me is the one that challenges these old beliefs and forces me to step out of the safety zone.