April 2016: The Month of New Beginnings

Welcome to Yoko's Monthly Favorites! We're hearing from Mitera founder Yoko Shimada and learning what her favorites for April are. As a #MiteraMom and #WonderWoman, Yoko spends a lot of time in the motherhood world, so we know that all of her favorites are mama approved.

April means to me...
Being Japanese, April for me means the start of the school year.  I remember the excitement and nervousness of starting a new year under the beautiful cherry blossoms. Last month, thanks to our loyal customers, we were able to celebrate our first birthday. My daughter turned 3 at the end of this month. So, for me, this month marks the new beginning.  With renewed sense of responsibility and commitment, I am ready to make Mitera better and serve our customers better.

xx Yoko

Favorite for Mamas
The Sworkit app. As a start-up founder and a mom of two, I am trying to make 100 hours out of my normal 24. But I believe in self-care - if I am not healthy and happy, I am no good at taking care of my kids. So, I get up before the sun to squeeze in a workout. I sometimes run, swim, bike (I am a triathlete) but I recently found this awesome app to do quick 5 min strength, stretching exercises and yoga. I highly recommend it.

Favorite for Baby
I love love love this song by Renee and Jeremy. We used to sing this every night to our kids at bed time and we sometimes still do. What a gentle and lovely song. 

Favorite for the Home

I love lighting candles in the house. I admit I don't do it that often when the kids are around but when I do, it makes me feel very special and relaxed. Ebb and Flow Soy Candles - a friend of mine, a fellow female entrepreneur in NY, started this candle company. The fresh ginger lime is my favorite.

Favorite for Work

I am a notorious to-do list maker. I don't care what anyone says but it feels good to check things off the list even if the list keeps growing. I cannot live without Evernote.