Unlimited Drive

Independent women have unlimited drive, are multi-talented, but still remain balanced through their power, beauty, and strength. Here are some pictures of women who inspire me:

Eva Longoria was recently featured in July's InStyle Magazine. Her recent marriage ended in a divorce, due to her ex-husband cheating. Instead of regretting or seeking revenge, she moves on maturely by being productive then ever. She is currently going back to school for her masters degree, is a producer, actor, opened up a couple restaurants, and recently unleashed her new cook book. She is so much more then the desperate house wife character that she portrays on television.

I am obsessed with Beyonce's new hit "Run The World (girls)". I love how her song embraces women hood! Beyonce is a singer, actor, fashion designer, dancer, and business woman. I remember watching a youtube video of Beyonce's past concert performance, where she missed a step, tripped, and went tumbling down the stage. Instead of stopping, she got right back up and started dancing with full energy. She didn't care what anyone thought, she just kept on going. This shows that she is a true performer.  

Olivia is my manager at the swimsuit boutique that I work at, I look up to her so much and admire how multi-tasks all of her jobs. She is constantly on the go, besides her full time career, she is also store manager at Pualani, and a single mom. She is so hilarious, outgoing, and always has a positive aura. She inspires me to work hard, no matter how many jobs your juggling. 

Jill is my friend, whom I met from cosmetics. I love how she always believes in me no matter what. She always encourages me to get back out there, and hooks me up with gigs to gain experience, that lead to making my dreams come true. She is a cosmetologist, manager at Barefoot Dreams(the organic boutique that I will soon be working at too), and a mommy! Her bubbly personality always brightens up my day.

Earlier, this evening my friend Thai and I went to the Youth Speaks Hawaii writing workshop hosted by Darron Cambra. We had so much fun! We started off the class by introducing ourselves and sharing news that was either good or bad. After we walked around the art center and looked at the featured art on display. Which was pictures and quotes of people who lost one of their senses, but use their creativity as their unlimited drive. We also brainstormed an idea word bank as a group. Last we did a free write for seven minutes, where we had to choose one of the quote options, to use as our opening line. To close the workshop, we all went around the circle and shared our pieces. Here is what I came up with...(I also dedicate this poem to the independent women who are featured in this post)

I barely even knew you...but once I seen your quotes on life's vision of gratitude and humbleness, I seen a different angle, a different light, although you have lost a sense, no nonsense is produced by you, instead a substitution of all senses as a multi-sense, your imagination, runs wild with your talent to express yourself, creativity is your sense, you flow against the wind, an exotic beauty, so free, with an open mind, you rise, rise, and rise, unstoppable, unbelievable, an unlimited drive, barefoot dreams growing...

Standing up for women empowerment,
Deanna 

My Bucket List Before 2012 Ends

For many of us, its easy to say things but get distracted or never follow up and complete them. By creating and organizing your to do list, it reminds and inspires you to finish each task/goal. Here is my bucket list that I will complete before 2012 ends.

1) support Youth Speaks Hawai'i (complete)

2) transition my carnation tattoo into a Phoenix (still in progress)

3) tone up and become a member at a boxing studio 

4) skydive in the North Shore (complete)

5) fly to New York for my 21st birthday (complete)

6) learn how to surf

7) Honolulu marathon with my auntie in December (complete)

8) horse back riding

9) flatten my tummy

10) Vegas trip as 21 (complete)

After I check each number off the list, I will be blogging about each experience.

Remember, to not let anyone discourage you from rising and reaching your dreams, use their jealously and negativity as positive energy to encourage you until you reach your goals, to not only prove them wrong, but to do for yourself.

photo taken by Emi, on the way up Diamond Head, thanks for the shirt honey!

Prepared and getting ready to complete each one with a positive state of mind,
Deanna

Daily Verbal Communication: Poetry

In the past two days, I've attended back to back poetry events with my some of my friends. I love attending these events because you get to meet others in the art community, theres so much love and support, and its fun and affordable. This past Thursday, I attended Rhythm and Rhyme, an art, music, and poetry event created by my friend Princess Pizo(she has a beautiful singing voice), held at a local bar/lounge called "4Play" in Aiea. She asked me to be on the line-up, of course I said "yes!" lol. I performed my recent piece called "Pearl". Other poets, singers, bands, and rappers performed as well, everyone was amazing. The night and early morning was filled with talent, artistic bonding, and hilarious moments(my homeboy Thai and I could not stop cracking up lol).

Yesturday, my friend Lisa and I went to the Youth Speaks Hawaii Slam held at Farrington High School in Kalihi. Sterling Higa hosted this event, a poetry competition between local high schools. Some featured guest poets were featured in between as well. We came to support the youth, its important to support the next rising brave voices. We had such a good time. After the show we bought Youth Speaks Hawai'i legend books, which features some poems from the team members, champions, and mentors. I read half so far, I love all the poems, the pieces are all inspiring! I encourage all of you to go out there and find poetry events to attend, in some places it may be underground, but they are out there, you just have to research and find them. Once you find these treasure spots, volunteer to share by stepping up to the mic, or sit back and enjoy the artistic showcase.

    Photo taken by Thai, performing my recent piece "Pearl"

Encouraging you all to get inspired through art,
Deanna

Sensual Nutrients

Nutrition and sexual appetite are closely connected. When we eat, we use all of our senses to devour our meal. And when we engage in sex, we use all our senses to express passion towards our partner. Both bring sensuality, enjoyment, and pleasure.

There are many studies that show that aphrodisiacs can increase your desire for sex, while others claim that eating aphrodisiacs is only a psychological belief.  Some common examples are: chocolate, oysters, and nuts. 

Besides depending on aphrodisiacs here are some natural foods that can increase your healthy sex life: 

Indulge on a variety of foods that contain zinc! Zinc is used during sexual function, and is also used to make sperm. Some foods that have zinc: seafood, meat, and whole grains. 

Vitamins to load up on: Vitamin C- found in citrus fruits, creates riboflavin, which strengthens the blood vessel walls and women's reproductive tract.

Two major excuses, that cause lack of desire: fatigue and depression. To increase your drive, it is important to get daily exercise. By working out, your brain releases endorphins, a chemical that causes euphoria, stress relief, and relaxation.Other brain chemicals that influence sexual behavior: Seratonin(found in sugars and starches) and Dopamine(found in protein.) Endorphins, Seratonin, and Dopamine are key ingredients that create our natural high from our activities and food choice. 

The solution to improve your sex drive is simple, work to maintain a balanced diet with an active mind. By doing this you will experience increased levels in constant blood flow, energy, and sex hormones, leaving you ready for your next sexual performance.

Happy Sensual Nutrients!,

Deanna

Morning Rush

For breakfast, I had half a papaya and a White Chocolate Macadamia, Luna Protein bar. Breakfast is a must!

Why is it important to eat breakfast?

-fuels you with energy to jumpstart your day

-keeps your metabolism running

-satisfies hunger cravings

Reasons why you shouldn't skip breakfast...

-no energy can prevent you from thinking and choosing decisions wisely

-feeling starved, is an empty, harsh feeling on your tummy

-crash dieting can cause yo-yo weight gain(yes you can loose an automatic five pounds from skipping a meal, but once you start eating normally again, your weight instantly shoots back up)

Some people have the excuse of not having enough time to make breakfast, because they are in a "rush". if that's the case and your always on the go, pick up a vegan smoothie or protein bar real quick. They're tasty, fast to eat, and perfect for the on the go lifestyle.

When I was previously in San Francisco for two weeks, most the time for breakfast I either had fresh fruit, sprinkled with 1 teaspoon of organic brown sugar, over 1/4 cup of steel-cut oats or my favorite home made,vegan smoothie.

I forgot to take a picture of the vegan smoothie ingredients, but here is my recipe:

"Choco-Peanut-Butta-Banana Smoothie"

-1 cup of Chocolate almond milk or vanilla soy milk

-1/2 banana

-1 tbsp of organic Peanut Butter

-5 ice cubes

-blender!

I hope this inspires you all to make beneficial breakfast decisions!

Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Banana lover,
Deanna