Blue Indigo Designs

Jordan Batha is the jewelry designer and creator of Blue Indigo Designs. Her local jewelry line is featured and sold at Barefoot Dreams in Kaimana, where she is also assistant manager. I previously worked with her at the boutique last summer. One day when I visited her at work, she asked what color and size earrings I wanted. A couple weeks later, she surprised me with a little box that held gold hoop earrings with turquoise beads. I was so excited to receive my first pair of customized earrings! Thanks again Jo!

Aside from making jewelry, Jordan is currently attending school to major in Communications with a minor in Fashion. Her fashion blog Off the Deep End is a collection of her jewelry creations, fashion inspirations, and motivating quotes. I love how her blog lay out is in collage form. Each picture she posts compliments each other. Check her blog out at: http://bathablog.tumblr.com/#19.

"It seems like the time of the year to let things go and to begin to focus on what you really want out of life. For me, its all unknown. I could never tell you where I will be in a year, let alone 6 months. I want to be free. I want to travel. I want to live life to the fullest...how its meant to be lived. A L O H A. Find your piece of mind even when its hidden in a life full of unknown CHAOS."-Jordan Batha

turquoise bubbles and gold lining,
Deanna

Travel Bug

I am addicted to www.pinterest.com, an online inspirational pin board. Where you can re-pin and post photos, recipes, and DIY crafts that inspire you. I created so many fun random board categories such as Cupcake Couture, Italian Sausage Recipes, and Multi-Purpose Jars. A lot of my boards that I post are travel related, with categories such as Places I've Been and Destinations of where I am going next. I think about traveling as much as I think about school and work. Traveling is embedded in my mindset. I say if you don't have school, work, and finished all your assignments and you see a good travel ticket deal, then buy it and go.

The beauty of traveling is seeing the different World art, trying new food, and being open to spontaneous  adventures. Some friends have told me that they are jealous that I have traveled quite a bit in this year alone. I ask them why? And tell them they can be doing the same thing too, but you have to learn to limit yourself to some things so that you can save to go wherever you want. For example, I don't go to every party or event, so that I can save to travel. Most of checks these past couple of months have been going airline tickets. Which result in me being semi-broke until the next check. But hey, I think it is worth the sacrifice to travel. Here are some re-pinned photos from my Travel Bug board.

Check out my Pinterest page at: http://pinterest.com/deannaflows/

Did you hear? Hawaiian Airlines now has a direct non-stop flight to New York! I am so excited to build my miles!!!

bitten by the Travel Bug,

Deanna 

November's Spotlight: Ciera Brocato

I remember my first day of work at Pualani Honolulu, a local swim suit boutique. It was the beginning of last summer, I remember being really nervous, since I was previously unemployed for almost a year. And I was intimidated by the other girls, who looked like swim suit models. A naturally beautiful, young girl introduced herself to me, saying her name was "Ciera." She automatically showed me the different styles,sections, and duties of the store. After conversing with her, I was put at ease by her warm welcoming. Although she was younger then I, she was very mature and held an old soul. I learned a lot from her, not just about the job, but also on her philosophies of life.

At the beginning of the fall semester I transferred to another job. Before I left, she told me that she was going to join a poetry club at her high school. I was so excited to hear that she was interested in getting involved with the poetry community. Last Friday, I attended the Youth Speaks Hawai'i Fall INTERscholastic Poetry Slam. Ciera had a solo performance to represent Kalani High School. Her performance was so beautiful! She was so poised, and delivered her message clearly. I am so proud of her, she inspires me so much!

photo taken by Tina Jo

"The Ultimate Drug"- Ciera Brocato

This is what you hear about in fairy tales
But unlike the pretty princess and her handsome prince there is no happy ending.
So while you’re reading “Once upon a time…” You’re the only one pretending
When I came pounding on your door you never welcomed me like you welcomed your sorrows
You’ll start your own silly game of hide and seek
Swear me off like a disease, like a godforsaken freak

I can play you like a puppet if you let me run the show
No, when, When you let me run the show.
Because it’s only a matter of time before I get a tight grip on your crippled mind
I’ll interlock my roots into your skull until I’ve sunken my teeth and I’ve gained full control
Your curiosity will have you questioning the rules of my game
So this is just a forewarning so I don’t take the blame, don’t give me the upper hand cause you won’t like where I intend to go
You can search hours for the map but I hid it so you’ll never know
I am what you fiend for in your dreams
But I’m the nightmarish monster behind the scenes
Watch out for when you give into my candy-coated charm you’ve let down you’re guard
You’ve let down your only arms
I’ll show you the best I have at first, hidden behind a mask I know is cursed
I will convince you that I am what is missing from your lonely life
Give you hopes to belong and release all your strife
I’ll tell you promises I don’t intend to keep, but I won’t bat an eye when that darling face begins to weep
With tears that burn with fire as they drop
There’s no plumber you can call to make the waterworks stop
I’ll build a cozy home within the dimensions of your restricted heart
If only it were as simple as push-to-start
I have hidden tactics up my sleeves, I’m irresistible if you just believe.

You begged for me, so I came.
Delivered straight from Cupid’s bow, I shot you down like the animal you are.
Aimed directly for the organ fastened to your chest
Jagged arrow tips with the most lethal poison I could get
You’re the greatest victim I ever had the pleasure to infect
Tranquilized you like a fool, as you sat mesmerized by the sheer force of my blast
Saying “this is the first for me and I swear it’ll be the last”

I am the ultimate drug.
The unshakeable addiction you fear, but never drop
If doctors could withhold me in a bottle, like clockwork, you’d take me everyday
Because it’s the only way you get high anymore.
First kisses captured in capsules, bottled and sold for that oh so sweet high
You’ll be soaring with the eagles I’m going to make your visions fly
I’ll take my candied lips and devour your soul
You’ve given me the spotlight, so I’m just filling in the role
You’ll be running non-stop with infatuation
Giving in to the lies behind admiration
I’ll be the crack whore sold off for your sick and twisted addictions
You can guess the course your life would take, but it’ll never play out to your predictions.
Like a placebo I’ll be whatever you wish me to, if you believe in me.
And trust me, you want to, so you will.
Swallow life down, get your ups with just one little pill
While dopamine slithers out through your brain it produces a similar high to that of cocaine
Cravings kick at you like the nicotine in your deathly cigarette
I’ll leave you paranoid, jumping at the creeping dance of your own silhouette
Vulnerability is dangerous, but it’s the only way I’m embraced
You can talk all the trash you want, but I’ll never be displaced

Downing from any high is sure to hit hard
Leaving you crumbled and emotionally scarred
I’ll leave you with broken organs and shattered ambitions
Bet you never thought that when balancing with your sanity there’d be a few unlikely conditions.
I’ll leave you blinded by the downs cause you’ve been way too spoiled by the light
You’ll try hard to kick the feelings, but you’ll never win the fight.

I am a universal law of truth.
Inescapable by all means, where I stir the ingredients of the souls of all human beings
You can place me above the clouds with Zeus and Apollo
Where empty hearts become filled that were once thick and hallow
I am an unbreakable immortal, with the strength of earth on my back
I make up for all the good that this world tends to lack.

I am love, and I cannot be defined.
And although dictionaries may try
I refuse to be confined by 26 scrambled ABC’s because I’m far more complex than people may believe
And although it takes only four letters for my creation, I am four letters that never lie.
There’s no silence to my “E”, I made it simple so you could try.
I am love, and don’t you just love me in your life.

Ciera is more than just a model, she is also a gorgeous poet,

Deanna

Island Folks

Aloha! Recently, two of my good friends "Dawnavin" and "Dara" started a local fashion blog called "Island Folks." Dawnavin is an ingenious photographer, who has a natural passion for styling. She styles me all the time! Dara is an aspiring fashion designer and model. The two fashionistas frequently post about their latest fashion inspirations, events, and adventures. Check out the duos fashion forward blog at: http://islandfolkshi.blogspot.com/.

photos courtesy of Dawnavin

                                                                                      First Friday in Chinatown (11/04/11)

                                                                                                     Barrio Vintage

Dawnavin and I at Mish Mash 

Dana picked out this olive green, vintage jacket at the Fashionista's Closet Swap.

Dara is hilarious!

                    Hallowbaloo, Chinatown (10/29/11)

loving the art movement of the candid photographs,

Deanna

Homemade Hummus

This morning, I attempted to make my first homemade hummus. Hummus is one of my favorite, yummy, healthy snacks. I especially love to eat it as dip with carrots and pita chips. I learned that it is actually cheaper to make, then buying the already made jar. Hummus is also made with only a few simple ingredients. I am going to start making hummus all the time now!

My homemade hummus recipe:

ingredients: 

- 1 can of chick peas

- 3 tbsp of olive oil

- 1/4 of a green bell pepper

- 2 cloves of garlic 

directions:

1) Add chickpeas, green bell pepper, garlic, and olive oil to blender.

2) Blend until the texture of the dip is thick and smooth.

3) Scoop out and transfer to plate to use as dip for carrots, hummus, or what ever!

4) Enjoy!

Did you know hummus originated from Levantine Arab cuisine?,
Deanna

Tragedies Are Reminders...

Today I have been hearing heart breaking situations all day long. I sit back and listen with empathy, and give my honest advice after. This morning I got a text from my friend saying he got his heart broken. After he briefly explained to me what happened, I responded by telling him "The advice I'm going to give you is simple, stay positive and productive and keep on going. You are young, sexy, single, have no kids, aren't married, so now is the time to travel as much as possible. If love happens naturally along the journey, then enjoy it, but until then get on the go. You don't have time to stop for or even glance at bs. You are going places with your life, you have to keep rising... and doing everything you can do to get there. As Meryll Streep, who plays Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada says "go..."

I also received another text from my another friend saying that she recently found out that someone who is close to her is dying, and how she is shocked. My response, "Stay positive, as much as it hurts, it is better for her to not be in pain and safe in Heaven, then to slowly suffer and die on land. Which is one of the most painful experiences to see. When the natural time is right, her physical spirit will flow away, but she will remain by your side as your angel. Although you can no longer see her, she will guide and protect you, remember everything she taught you..."

In social psychology class, we watched a few video clips on how many people in metropolitan cities witness tragedies but don't know how to react. Only a few care to stop and reach out to help intervene, while most stop to look then keep on going. For example there was this one clip of a little girl and man who were undercover actors, in a crowded area on the street. The man pretended to harass the little girl, she continuously screamed for help. As most witnesses passed by, finally after a while a group of young men ran up to attack the man in attempt to save the little girl. This is so sad to see that this happens all over the World. And without knowing, if your at the wrong place at the wrong time, then it could be over. The people who do intervene are angels on Earth. Hopefully over time, this percentage will increase.

During break, my other friend also came to me saying that her boyfriend, who she is in a long distance relationship with, was rushed to the hospital to get surgery for an appendix failure. An how she felt helpless, that she couldn't physically be there in person. I told her similar words of wisdom that I said to the second tragedy I shared. 

I'm currently sitting in my journalism class, we just finished watching a video clip on the past Colorado school shooting. It was so scary to see the different angles of the cameras, and the reactions of the different rooms filled with frightened students and teachers. The shooters shamelessly shot at innocent lives, which wasn't fair. Families of the victims suffered from their loss, and those who weren't shot at, were traumatized at what they witnessed. 

Tragedies happen when you least expect it, they are reminders to show you to not take advantage of life, and to live every single day as if it was your last. This is the reason why I always tell everyone "We don't have time for bs..." The brief quote may sound abrupt, but its the straight forward truth.

tonight I will burn my Caribbean Salsa candle, while I meditate and send positive light and energy to all the World wide tragedies,

Deanna

Vegas Baby

Last weekend, I flew out to Las Vegas to meet Dawnavin (from Malaysia & Finland) and Clara (from Brazil). The ladies arrived one day before me, I was only there for two days! But, boy did we make use of our limited time! We barely slept, I kept joking that our eyes looked like we could be in Michael Jackson's "Thriller" music video lol.  Some of the classy lounges/bars/clubs that we hit up: Marquee, Tao, and XS. This girls, get away weekend was an unforgettable experience that went by too quick. We had too much fun lol! As the saying goes "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas."

photos courtesy of Dawnavin

flashing lights bring out alter egos,

Deanna

Beauty Picks for November

Aloha! I haven't done a beauty review in so long! I used to wear a lot of make-up, when I say a lot I mean everything! Lately, I barely wear make-up and only have the time to put on the complete doll face if I am going out. I'm usually up really early in the morning for school, work, or to run errands. So, my recent daily face routine has been to wash, skip moisturizer, put eye liner, and if I have extra time I add mascara. I am going to start doing frequent beauty reviews again, to share with you all beauty tips, inspiration, and information on what is in trend. 

This past Sunday, I went beauty shopping at Sephora with Dawnavin. We took a while in the store, trying to decide what we wanted to buy, there were too many options. I decided to stock up on some beauty products that I needed to replenish. I bought the Soy starter kit by Fresh. The kit includes medium travel size samples of the Soy Face Cleanser, Soy Face Cream, and Soy Face Serum. Shout out to Miki, at Sephora Waikiki, she introduced Fresh to me. She even gave me a cute little sample of their Lotus Eye Gel. I need to get that product next! The gel is light and leaves your lids cool and refreshed. Thank you Miki! I've tried so many skin care line in the past, and I've got to say I'm in love with Fresh! 

The fragrance of the skin care line is made with 100% natural ingredients: made with rose water and cucumber extract. Amino-acid-rich soy proteins moisturize, soothe, and renews skin cells for a healthy complexion. The facial cleansing step order: 1) Use a dime sized amount of the cleanser, lather with a little water, then rise. 2) Pat dry, then press one small pump of the serum onto the back of your hand. Lightly apply an even layer on your face and neck. 3) Last, use half a dime size amount of the cream to moisturize your face. More facts about Fresh: its gentle for all skin types, paraben-free, and removes make-up. 

I also bought the Sephora Favorites Give Me Some Lip sampling kit. I love this lip deluxe sampler, it  includes one lipstick, three lip gloss, and two lip stains from some of the top make-up brands. I like the the glosses and lipstick shades where natural pinky shades for everyday wear. And the stains are good for a pop of color, that I would use for a dramatic pout at night. I took some photos with each lip color, to show lip swatches. I used my pink-ish-nude lip liner by Mac in "Subculture," to outline my lips (except for the last two lip stain swatches). 

"Fame"-Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss- True Color

"Leslie"-Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips

"Celebutard"-Kat Von D Painted Love Lipstick

"Rasberry Ice"-Lancome Juicy Tubes

"Moody"-Tarte LipSurgence Natural Lip Tint

"Bene Tint"-Benefit Rose-tinted Lip and Cheek Stain

I'm also going to be sharing some beauty presents that I received from my friends for my past birthday. My Norway and Sweden honeys: Monica, Maggie, Maddie, Marielle, and Ingvild got me a Sephora compact mirror and inside it was a gift card to the beauty store. Thank you ladies! One of the items I redeemed from the card was my favorite  waterproof mascara by YSL called "Singulier" in Vibrant Black. This mascara is the best! When I wear this mascara, I don't even have to curl my eye lashes anymore! This mascara truly is false lashes in a tube. People always ask me if I'm wearing false lashes, I proudly tell them "No, its YSL!" 

The thin spiral brush lengthens, adds volume, and separates the lashes all at the same time!

Tracy is one of my good friends, whom I know from middle school (back in the bay). She sent me a beauty package from her new home in Texas, one of the items included was a nail polish by Essie called "Splash of Grenadine." This cotton candy pink shade is so gorgeous and goes with any outfit. I like how Essie nail polish goes on really smooth, pigmented, and dries fast with a finishing shine. 

My Indonesian honeys: Febrina, Dara, Cinta and Aga gave me the "Gucci" by Gucci perfume. Thank you Indonesian family! This was my first Gucci product, so this was really a special moment lol. I wear this sultry scent all the time! The exotic fragrance is made with Chamomile, Tahitian Tiare flower, Guava, Rasberry, Pear, Spider Lily, Patchouli, honey, musk, and orange blossom.

rebuilding my new beauty regimen,

Deanna