Ancient Chinese Secret, Huh?

It isn’t any secret that I like pampering myself.  And by pampering myself, I mean giving myself special treatments, not putting on Pampers diapers and just chillin’. I’m pretty sure there wasn’t any confusion as to what I meant, but some of my readers are pretty weird so I figured it was better to clarify.

Last night I gave myself a relaxing night in featuring some oriental trinkets that I picked up in random China towns and in…umm…Florida. So you know they’re super legitimate and the real deal. Don’t judge.

I started my regime by grabbing my kimono style robe and throwing my hair up in a messy bun. The good thing about having short hair is that it’s always messy so my bun was actually a regular bun, but with short hair. Years ago, whilst browsing the different robe options and patterns, I was most drawn to a black, knee length (floor length is like, too intense for me) item decorated with pinkish/red cherry blossoms and birds. It’s super chic. And it was made in Japan. (Come to think of it, most of the things I’m going to mention have been made in Japan, but I couldn’t think of a good title with Japan/Japanese in it besides “I’m Turning Japanese” which is actually kind of gross.)

Kind of like this but not the exact same.

Next, I took out our cool tea set that we spent a long time picking out. My husband and I wanted a teapot, but we thought it would be even cooler to purchase an oriental teapot with matching cups. Ours is a pretty sea foam color with beige brush strokes on the cups. The handle on the teapot is wicker and it just sets the scene perfectly. I wish I knew who made the set. There’s just a Japanese symbol on the bottom of the pot and cups sooo yeah. I haven’t the slightest clue who made them.

I grabbed my tin of black Chinese Tea and scooped some into the tea strainer. Is that what those things are called? Tea strainers? That sounds wrong. Also, let me just note that I would’ve used a bag, but I like having the option of loose tea. It feels more traditional. Now if only I had someone to read my tea leaves.

Feeling super relaxed and super Asian, I lit some incense. I have two different scents to choose from: flowery lotus, or masculine cedar wood. Lotus relaxes me more whereas cedar wood makes the place smell like campfire. Naturally I chose lotus and it definitely helped ease my soul.

That night I also happened to bring home sushi for dinner and ate it with these really cute chopsticks I bought. As you can see, I was quite thorough with this theme. Ramen is also a quick, Asian style meal possibility that would fit with the flow of the night.

By the end of my rituals I was feeling extremely relaxed and zen. I was only missing a bonsai tree. And a Saki serving set. And a silk fan. And a Mikimoto pearl necklace.