Welcome! Asian Lifestyle Design is about sharing Asian customs, traditions, and lifestyles.
Hi, I’m Jenny Nakao Hones, a third generation Japanese American, born in Hawaii and raised in Tokyo. As one of seven children, I am number five. Coming from a large family, with many relatives, we learn to survive among the crowd! Growing up, our family would always have large gatherings and people would be coming and going all the time. My parents also came from big families so this was all very comfortable, because that’s the only thing we knew.
My childhood is full of fond memories of our mom cooking large portions of good Asian food for all us kids, while we ran around in our shorts and slippers. Food and family were and still are a big part of our life. As a home economics major, my mom was also good at keeping us occupied with activities, from arts and crafts to sports. But, most of all, she was the one who shared her love of Hawaiian and Japanese culture with us.
Us kids went to the international schools in Tokyo. I believe that’s what contributed to shape our whole family’s love for cultures. Our friends were from all parts of the world and at the time it seemed so normal. Everyone followed their own cultural practices and everyone had their own national costume. At home, we played with the neighborhood Japanese kids, running up and down our little street and going to the local osembei (rice cracker) shop. Life was simple then.
As time went on, I ended up going back to the states to attend college and then went back to Tokyo and got side tracked. Along the way I met my husband, who is English from Bath. Due to his job we moved to Singapore, Kuwait, then ended up near Seattle. We have been blessed with three sons. They have all left home now and we are empty nesters. We are slowly adjusting to life without them. For a while I was a bit concerned about what I’d do once they all go. But who knew I’d like blogging….
I share Asian culture and Asian lifestyles, from an Asian American perspective. Because our family has moved around, I found that my feelings often change depending on where I lived. When in Japan, I missed American culture, yet while in the States I now miss Japanese culture. And the older I get, the more I appreciate and want to learn about not only Japanese culture but all cultures. While living in a suburb of Seattle, Washington, I began to study Form School Feng Shui from a Taiwanese master, Dr. Shan-Tung Hsu. Over the years, Dr. Hsu has taught me much about Chinese philosophy and culture, which has been so wonderful. I am most grateful for his continued guidance. Dr. Hsu and I have now published an e-book, Feng Shui: Truths, Myths & Misconceptions that I hope you will all read. And the learning never ends.
As parents we try our best to preserve all our cultures in the best way we can, with an open mind and an open heart. Family is a big part of my life, so is my and my husband’s heritage. I have found that as the world becomes smaller, we can all enrich our lives from many cultures. This also helps us from making uneducated assumptions about others. While continuing to enjoy your “home” country traditions, I would like to share Asian ideas and tips on culture, food and lifestyle ideas to both Asians and non-Asians alike.
First and foremost I am a mom. Also, as interior designer at 3 Frogs Design, I enjoy all aspects of the home. Through years of study with Master Hsu, I am also a certified Feng Shui consultant from the Blue Mountain Feng Shui Institute.
As empty nesters, our lives have taken a turn. My husband decided that he wanted to be a farmer! So, we sold our home and moved to the country. We are still in the process of trying to figure this all out. But, basically we have chosen to live a life that we feel good about. I’m still adjusting, but it’s been a welcome adjustment. I’ll keep you updated as we move along this life long journey.
What you will probably notice is I am extremely practical and like things kept simple. However, that doesn’t mean I have to give up on design. From a feng shui perspective, good feng shui is economical, functional, aesthetically pleasing, and has good energy!
Thank you for stopping by and please do share your comments and suggestions. You can also contact me at Jenny@Asianlifestyledesign.com.
In harmony!
Jenny