Kerry Washington GWU Speech…

This woman continues to inspire and astound me…so much poise, grace, compassion and benevolence to live a life of purpose. What a lucky class who got to be inspired by her on their graduation day-and the rest of us who get to share in their light by watching it online. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did and continue to answer the call, push past our comfort zones and reach our full potential. Congratulations to all graduates of 2013!

Sunday Reflections…

The past 2 weeks have been my head spinning, trying to tap into my business brain and focus myself on my professional goals and career trajectory (hence why my blog has been a bit lacking). I have certainly not had a shortage of fun, fabulous food and amazing people to fill my days and remind me when I sit down to write these reflective posts that I am blessed beyond measure. Lots of exciting things to come in the next few weeks so I will keep it updated as much as possible…gotta love the summer vibes that make each work day that much harder when the beach weather is so alluring, but makes the weekends that much more incredible! Maui life is too good to be true most days, and oh how thankful I am for it! Here are some pics from my iphone from the past 2 weeks…

Some of the members of Halau Na Lei Kaumaka O Uka at our 5th Annual Halau Golf Tournament Fundraiser

 

My gorgeous mom and baby brother with the stunning Mother’s Day flowers we got her from the Seabury Craft Fair

 

Baby bro serenading us and giving little Lo something to dance to!

 

A happy bowl of floral sunshine

 

Perfect writing view from the studio…jungle rain

 

The writer’s life for me: getting down to deadlines

 

A basketful of Maui goods from the Upcountry Farmer’s Market

 

An amazing meal of kalua pork tacos with pineapple salsa

 

Unbelievable chocolate goodness thanks to mama Snow

 

Since we are a family of Shock Top lovers, we had to try the new summer ale…and we love!

 

Conner Snow & Ryan Glavor serenading Makawao Town at Third Friday

 

Words of Wisdom…

Sentimental moments…

Sunday Reflections…

Yet another wonderful weekend has passed, and one that makes me stop and reflect upon how truly fortunate I am to live in this incredible paradise of Maui. I have loved seeing pictures and hearing of the warmer weather changes happening lately, especially for my friends and family in the Pacific Northwest. I know after living there for 4 years in college how difficult the grey skies can be for so many months at a time, but when the sun comes out and the flowers are in bloom, the beauty of Oregon is immaculate. Yet because I am lucky enough to live in Hawaii with warm weather year round, I sometimes forget just how blessed we are. Here are a few iphone pics of my weekend to share some Maui inspirations…

Traipsing through the jungles of Huelo with Shaunna

Gorgeous gardenias on our walk

Absolutely breathtaking Maui Magic

Friends, coworkers, and apparently long lost relatives

Cinco de Mayo beach essentials, including homemade pineapple mojitos

My favorite beach afternoon

Keeping up the cinco de mayo festivities with a delicious Mexican lunch

With the start of a new week it makes it that much easier to focus on work after such a wonderful weekend-truly made me  stop and appreciate my surroundings. And now its time to shift gears…work hard to play hard! Hope you all enjoyed your weekend and start the week of well!

Friday Favorites…

Mango Sorbet Squeezups from Whole Foods

Dolce Vita Tremor Wedges

Metallurgy Compact from BHLDN

Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil

iPad Ultra-Light Battery Charger by Arclyte

Hers: Design with a Feminine Touch by Jacqueline deMontravel

Kendra Scott Danielle Earrings

Thirsty Thursday…

Can’t deny my love for a great cocktail, as I have certainly been enjoying my favorite glass of pinot grigio and seasonal summer Blue Moon ales as the temperature rises, but nothing compares to a carefully crafted cocktail that is as aesthetically delightful as it is delicious. Here are a few inspiring and beautiful cocktails that indulge the mixologist in me…

And for a refreshing, bubbly cocktail that is easy and delicious, try this amazing Pear, Nectar & Thyme Mimosa for a sweet summertime drink, from The Glitter Guide:

Photography: Sarah Culver
Recipe & Styling: Caitlin Moran for Glitter Guide

PEAR NECTAR & THYME MIMOSA

Ingredients & Directions:
1 chilled bottle of Prosecco or Champagne
12 oz. pear nectar
4-6 sprigs of Thyme

Fill each glass with 3 ounces of peach nectar and a sprig of Thyme. Top with Prosecco or Champagne and add an additional sprig of Thyme to garnish. For entertaining, combine chilled wine and pear nectar in a pitcher with 6 sprigs of Thyme. Cheers!

 

Cheers to May…

I’m not quite sure why it feels like today feels oddly renewing, as though the first of May is giving me the chance to refocus, refuel and re-evaluate my priorities. Figure out how to strategize as spring falls in the rearview and summer starts to come into focus. Part of this excitement I know happens because summertime means great things: friends and family returning home for summer break, mango season, beach weekends with pogmosas and poke bowls from Eskimo Candy, my birthday, more amazing Oahu adventures with my love, and an exciting trip with him back to the good ol’ Pac NW.

During my amazing yoga class at Om Maui tonight my instructor Tai talked about recommitting to our goals starting tomorrow and the goals she has for all of us in our yoga practices to begin in the month of May, which got me thinking about what goals I had for myself in all areas of my life. While flipping through my favorite Oprah Magazine when I returned home from yoga, I read the editor’s note of the May issue and loved what she says about growing:

There’s a reason they call it growing older-because it can help you grow wiser, stronger, and consequently, happier. I’m not saying age magically brings knowledge and joy. I’m saying that if you put yourself in the right frame of mind, you can use the years you’ve racked up to make those to come even better.

I have always loved birthdays, my own and others. Getting the opportunity to celebrate those you love and shower them with appreciation just never gets old. And I love getting older for that very same reason, putting into perspective where you’re at in life, what matters and who matters most, and filling your days with simply that. Starting tomorrow I hope to begin the coming months with a summer strategy to prioritize the things that matter most and to approach each day with a deeper sense of self and gratitude for all the incredible blessings in my life. The start of the month feels right to begin with that perspective, and hope it does for you too! So to start off the month of May here are some fun tropical pics to brighten your day from my  trip to Oahu over the weekend:

Hiking in Lanikai with some of my favorites

Gorgeous views of Lanikai

My gorgeous cousin and her boyfriend between the Mokulua islands we kayaked to

My handsome man and I before an afternoon of stand up paddling in Haleiwa spotting tons of turtles!

Words of Wisdom…

Foodie Inspirations…