Saturday Mornings

Every Saturday morning there is a Farmers' Market held in the front parking lot of Kapi'olani Community College. Jill, Jack, and I went to the local event this past Saturday morning. There are multiple rows of local stands selling good deals of fresh produce, fair food, and tropical plants.

One of our favorite stops is the pineapple stand. We always buy mini pineapples from here. The main deal is two pineapples for only $5! Sometimes it is three for the same price! The items I purchased: 1 mini pineapple, a bag of Organic Manoa lettuce, 3 zucchinis, and two eggplants. The total was only $10! If I bought all of this at my nearest grocery store, it would have cost double to triple the total amount. Such a good deal for healthy food! Jill, Jack, and I always leave with healthy groceries, smiles, and satisfied tummies! 

During the week, there are various Farmers' Market events going on throughout the island. But this one is the most popular. I suggest if you plan on going, to set your alarm early! A little before 9:00 am it is always crowded with locals and tourists. The parking lot always fills up fast! Here is the link for more information: http://kapiolani.hawaii.edu/object/farmersmarket.html.

           Jack is so serious when he eats his banana! LOL

supporting local fresh produce vendors,
Deanna 

Caramel Truffle

Life can be really sweet, especially when you are not searching. An exciting adventure filled with unexpected surprises. When you are focused, positive, and productive your aura is in high demand. You attract new opportunities: career, connections, and love interests. Speaking of love interests, you even attract past lovers who try to attempt to come back into your life.  Most of the time when they come running back, it is already too late. Since you already realize your life is better without them, or someone else who is better has already entered your life. If they are lucky and genuine, they might be capable of receiving a second chance.

As I write this post, I just received a relatable text message from one of my cousins. She explained to me how she saw a guy last night, who stood her up in the past on her birthday. She told me he approached her and asked her if she remembered him. She said "sorry, no" and walked away to find her man. I am so proud of her! I told her fate reunited them at perfect timing. Since she looks so good (She is healthy, lost weight, and works out. She is so toned!), has a boyfriend who is good to her, and he sees she is fine without him. Like the saying goes when one door closes, another one always opens! 

Down below is a picture of baby Scarlett (one of my best friends baby, a.k.a my caramel truffle). Yesterday morning, she was making me nervous while our families and I were wine tasting. I was afraid she was going to get hurt, since she was jumping up and down the benches like Tarzan (LOL). Her mom said "don't underestimate her." She is right; I noticed that Scarlett's strength, spontaneous actions, and sweet charm attracts many everywhere she goes.

running young, wild, and free,

Deanna 

Aloha Sin City

Last weekend, I flew out to Las Vegas for my cousin Evania's 21st birthday. My cousins and I are like sisters, former enemies, and best friends. I love them so much! On Friday night, I met up with my best friend Jo and my cousin Marje. For dinner we went to Serendipity 3! I love the movie and original restaurant! After dinner we went back to the hotel to get ready to attend club XS. The reknowned DJ R3hab was the featured star for the event. We danced the night away, and met some new friends along the way.

Saturday evening we met up with the birthday girl, and my cousins friends at the Cosmopolitan suite we were all staying at. I love the chic decor in Cosmopolitan! At night time we got ready, then filed out the door into the elevator to the floor where Marquee is located. All I remember is going up and down so many stairs and getting lost! Thank goodness my cousin Cici and I ended up finding each other. Other then that, we had a really good time. My cousins and their friends are so fun, crazy, and know how to party! I was sad I had to leave early, but two days in Vegas is enough for me!

unzipping unforgettable memories of Sin City,

Deanna

Lovely Day

Today has been such a lovely day. I started my day by walking to work. After my morning shift, I walked back home to gather my workout gear while I sipped green tea. Early evening, I hopped on the bus towards Chinatown to attend a Warmm' Yin yoga class at Moonstruck Yogi. During meditation time, I sent out positive energy to my friend's dad in the East Coast who is currently in the ICU and to my friend who was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery. If you pray or meditate please keep them in your positive thoughts! After class, my instructor Tara offered us Chai tea. She is so sweet! On the way home, I picked up Caprese Salad to go from my favorite local restaurant Due Divino's. Besides work, most of the time I am with my friends. A couple times a week, I love to have alone time. Being alone lets you step back from the chaos, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of your day.

crisp basil, chopped tomatoes, and slices of mozzarella in my tummy,

Deanna 

Expel

Yesterday I went through my studio and threw out old clothes, loose papers, and other junk I do not need. I like to clean out my personal belongings frequently. Especially my purse, since I carry it with me everywhere. I learned this trait from my mom, who believes that when you deep clean you are decluttering your mind as well. When you remove old things from your personal space, you make space for new opportunities to enter into your life. Besides throwing away or donating things, I like to give away in good condition items to others. It is always good to share the love, and besides within time those items are replenished through gifts I receive or purchase. Expelling is also very helpful in your personal social life. Who you surround yourself with, influences your actions. Negative people will drain your energy, keep you down with them, and waste your time. Positive people will inspire, support you, and help you move forward. The choice is yours, so choose wisely.

The mollusk expels fluid to protect itself from the intruding irritant, over time these built up layers form the beauty of a Pearl,

Deanna

Phoenix and Peonies

I never realized how many people read my blog until I stopped updating for the past four months. During this break time, many people kept asking me if I still write and why I haven't blogged in so long. I think it is so cute how my parents, family and friends of all ages, and even guys read my blog too! They tell me they check every now and then to see if I posted anything, but noticed there isn't any recent posts.

I stopped blogging towards the end of last semester to focus on finals! I passed all my classes by the way! Yay! And in the beginning of summer I took a Creative Writing online class. This was a writing intensive class. I took a long break from personal writing to focus on my writing for school. It is so important for me to do good in school up until I graduate, since it will determine which East Coast college accepts me into their creative writing masters program.

Many people have been asking me what have I been up to lately. Last week, I started a yogi journey. I have never been so happy in my life! I will blog about this life changing experience really soon! I also want to say thank you to all my family and friends who call, text,  or message me multiple times throughout the week to tell me how much I inspire them in so ways! (creative writing, healthy food recipes/fitness inspirations, positive mindset, etc.) I really appreciate the sweet words! You all inspire me to keep writing!

photo by Dana Kaarina

rising from the ashes to write again,
Deanna

Drifting

Lately, I have been feeling like a balloon. Like this anonymous quote I heard a while back, "I'm like a balloon if you don't hold my string, I float away." I do not have time to be consistent with those who are inconsistent. There are more options in the sea.

photos via Pinterest:
                                                              

                                                                   

                                                                       

                                                          

                                                                 

                                                                 

                                                               

                                                                    

                                                                

                                                    

staying positive to take the chance again,
Deanna 

Coco Mademoiselle

Coco Mademoiselle perfume was created to represent the bold, independent, and adventurous spirit of Chanel. The scent is sexy, floral, and oriental. The perfume captivates many who give me a hug. The question that always follows, "What are you wearing?" "Coco Mademoiselle," I reply. I'm always amazed how others notice the scent. Especially when my last application was from many hours before; the perfume is truly long lasting. The scent is so powerful that even if I am talking to someone and standing a couple feet away in the wind, I still receive compliments on how good I smell. Everyday, I spray the Chanel bottle behind my ears, chest, and hair. The perfume has become my favorite, signature scent that is now apart of my daily beauty regimen.

photo via Pinterest

Last month, I had to write an advertisement analysis essay for my English class. I chose to write my paper on Coco Mademoiselle. Keira Knightley is the model for the commercial.

video clip via Youtube

cropped hair and beige sheets,

Deanna

Take It Easy

A couple times a week, a young woman weaves her way through a large crowd on a World known strip. Tourista stare at her and wonder why she is in a hurry; everyone else is walking slow and enjoying paradise. This young woman is me. You would think that after a couple of years, my pace would have slowed down. But instead, my stride remains the same; sometimes it even increases. The reason why I'm like this is because I'm afraid that if I slow down for too long; I'll get too relaxed to the point where I get comfortable with where I'm currently at, and never move forward in life. The negative to always rushing is forgetting or loosing things along the way.

This past Spring break, I flew out to Maui. Before I went through the security check, I took off my chic hat and put it into the bin. After my bins went through the x-ray like system, I hurried to gather my possessions, then met up with my friends. When we were waiting for our call to board, I noticed I couldn't find my hat anywhere. Everything was happening so fast; I didn't notice the disappearance until after. I haven't been frequently blogging, since I can't find the charger to my digital camera. I would use the camera on my phone, but I lost that recently too.

When times like this happen, I just try to stay positive and remind myself that sometimes it is okay to slow down. In the past, I would stress off lost items. I learned to not mourn in negative energy; you can always replace those items in time. Besides, I've been due for an upgrade for a new phone. I plan to get an I-phone soon. I'm not really into touch screens, but I like how it has Instagram. So I can blog and edit frequently, while on the go.

A couple months ago, I was rushing into a local convenient store to purchase food before work. An older local man was working at the cashier register. He has seen me a couple times prior; each time I was rushing. One day, as he was ringing up my purchases, he laughed and said, "Take it easy." He was probably thinking why is this young lady always rushing in paradise? I just smiled, but I wish I could tell him this:

People always remind me that I am so lucky to live in "paradise," yes I agree with them I am very thankful and love it. But it annoys me when people find out where I live, they assume that all I do here is party and go to the beach. Yes, when I first moved here I was partying every other day; I lived in the dorms, a party atmosphere. It was my first year away from home; I was going to unleash and go crazy. As time passes by, you learn that the party is only temporary.

At the dorms, I've met so many people from all over the World. Many of them stayed for a week, one semester, or one year. They ended up going back home due to letting partying take over, financial problems, or just missed home. Some drop out of the university, and are satisfied working two minimum wage jobs. School isn't for everyone; what I learned is that if you do choose the school route, time equals money. No one is perfect, even I messed up a couple times. Luckily, I have patient parents; they love me unconditionally, and give me chances to redeem myself. I am also thankful for my support systems in the mainland and on the island, who encourage me to keep going and believing.

Recently, I requested to have my hours cut at work. This was really hard for me, since I am a workaholic. The reason why I was addicted to work is because it is the only place on the island where I feel safe, productive, and earning all at the same time. I didn't like who I was when I didn't work and was unemployed for a while. I was passive and partying too much; I wasted time and money. I was laid off at a young age. This is why I work hard, hoping that I don't get laid off again. For the longest time, friends and family who were close to me mentioned that I take work too seriously. They noticed that I put all my energy to work before everything, including school. Since I was doing this for a while, it was difficult for me to balance all my classes.

Recently, I am learning to put school first. My mom and some friends remind me that it is important for me to put school first. So that I can gain my aspiring career within time. They also remind me that my current job in the moment is only a stepping stone. My cousin reminded me a couple times, to let her know when I want to intern for a national magazine in New York; she has connections through marketing. During last Christmas break, my best friend's fiance told me that if I ever move back home, he can introduce me to his friend. His friend is a creative writer for Pixar.

The connections are there and I have a strong work ethic; all I need is the paper. Graduation seems so far away, but time will zoom by so fast. Until then, everyday I am practicing to equally distribute my time and energy in all areas of life. Now when I see the same older man at the store, I make sure to slow down when he rings me up. Before he can say anything, we both laugh; I tell him, "I'm taking it easy."

photos via Pinterest

  

 decreasing the speed, with the press of the breaks,

Deanna

Faith Surf School

Last Saturday I worked a morning shift. A couple minutes before my shift ended, I randomly blurted out to two customers,"I'm so nervous! In a couple minutes, I'm going to go surfing for the first time. Have you guys surfed before!?" The curious ladies looked at me like I was crazy and laughed, then turned away to think of which beauty products they should purchase. The awkward silence broke when my co-worker (Anna Lisa) came in for her shift. In the back room, I quickly changed into my beach wear and thought oh my god what am I doing? As I dashed through the door, I yelled out "Anna Lisa pray for me!"

Jill and her baby Jack were waiting for me in front of Sheraton. As soon as I saw baby Jack, I opened my arms to him, he immediately opened his arms back and let me hold him. (such a beautiful moment, even Jill was surprised that he was showing me so much love, I usually have to bribe him to come to me lol) It's as if baby Jack sensed my worry and fear, he let me hold him to comfort me and let me know everything was going to be okay. While the three of us made our way to the Faith Surf School stand, I was telling Jill how scared I was and how I kept thinking what if I drowned or what if there was a shark? Jill replied, "You went sky diving! This will be a piece of cake!"

When we reached the stand, Kendall was waiting for us. Kendall is Jill's husband, and professional surf instructor. They told me to grab a rash guard from the rack. After I put the rash guard on, Kendall showed me a board demonstration on the sand. First, he told me to lie on the board behind the indicator (oval shape), which reminds you to not go past that mark. He also said to use the line, to center your body in the middle of the long board. Then, he told me to cup my hands and use my arms to make a scooping motion in the sand, from the front to the back, then bringing it up and around again. This helps you move forward on your board in the water.

He then showed me how to stand up on the board, you press your hands flat onto the board, push your upper body up, then spring up your lower body so that your hands are near your feet. Then you stand up with your body turned in the direction and step first with the foot that is most comfortable for you. (for me, I turned me my body to the right) Kendall said to keep your knees bent, and even though your body is turned, keep your head turned and look straight forward. I asked what do you do with your hands, he said to place the first hand on the the same side as the foot that is stepped forward first. Then to use your other, to match the opposite side. After a couple times of practicing the land tutorial, Kendall told me to attach the board strap to my ankle.

Tourista watched the four of us (including baby Jack who is only 1 years old and who switched off riding on Jill and Kendall's board) as we carried our boards to the water, balanced on them, then paddled out into the water. We paddled out past the small reef, to a spot where it wasn't crowded. I was so thankful that we could stand in the water, the water level was only at a stomach level. (I thought we were going to go deep in the ocean! LOL) I looked over at Jack who was on Jill's board, he was so happy and fearless. He was my inspiration, I thought that if he can do it then I can too.

Jill and Kendall explained to me that in order to turn the board you stick out the side of your leg in the direction you want to go and scoop the water in the opposite direction from moving forward. Once our boards were turned against the oncoming waves, Kendall gave me some tips to catch a wave. He said, "Once you stand up, look straight forward at the pink resort. If you look down that is where you will end up." In short notice, he pushed the back of my long board and told me to start paddling. As I was paddling, I turned a little to see the wave chasing after me, that was my cue that it was go time! (lol)

The wave lifted the end tip of the board, while I followed the land tutorial directions, then stood up. I was only standing up for a few seconds, until my body flew off into the water. When I rised to the surface, I could hear Jill yelling how proud she was of me for standing up. (she said usually it takes some people the whole hour just to stand) I met back up at the spot they were at and got back on the board. Kendall also gave me a tip on how its important to stay centered and find your stance on the board, so that when you stand your not last minute trying the fix the unbalance, and get distracted and end up tipping over the sides edge.

During the middle of the private lesson, there was one wave that I caught and rode for a while. When I stood up, I slowly checked off Kendall's tips checklist in my mind, as the wave caught up underneath the surf board. I found my stance and balanced in the center, bent my knees, and looked straight at the Royal Hawaiian Resort. I could hear Jill in the background yelling "GO GIRL!" My mind drifted away in multiple thoughts, as the adrenaline rush and speed of the wave carried my weight towards a closer view of the pink panther palace. I visually indulged on the sight and admired the beautiful land mark with awe. After a couple thoughts, I crashed into the water. When I shot back up to the surface, I could hear Jill cheering in the distance.

Every time Kendall pushed me before the wave, each time I stood up. We practiced over and over again. My main challenge was staying balanced with the wave for more then a couple seconds. Each time I flung into the water, I could hear my mom's voice in my head yelling, "You need to learn how to balance Deanna!" Everyday my biggest struggle is to balance all areas of my on the go life. When I am off balance I get distracted, or I focus on one or a couple areas more than others. I sometimes get overwhelmed, there is only one of me, and I can't be everywhere all at the same time. Which is why mom always reminds me to manage my time wisely. Surfing is more than just having a good time, its a daily life metaphor, that reminds you to stay balanced. And even if you fall into the water, get back up and try again to balance, it is the only way you will move forward with the wave and in life.

Also during the session, Jill and Kendall switched off holding and watching the baby, so the other can individually surf. Baby Jack went surfing too! Kendall paddled out then held the baby at the near the front edge of the long board, while they rode the wave together. I was so impressed with how fearless baby Jack was, I admire him so much! Towards the end of the session, Jill and Jack made their was back to the shore, while Kendall let me catch a couple more waves. After a little while, we paddled back to the shore. When my feet touched the dry sand, I felt so accomplished for finally learning how to surf. (I have been living here for almost 3 years, it took me so long to do it!) I have Jill, Kendal, and Jack to thank. I am so thankful that they taught me how to surf. The whole time they were all inspiring, patient with me, and made me feel comfortable. Surfing was an awesome experience, I can't wait to go again!

                            Jack and Kendall

 Jill and her daddy in SoCal 

my hair looks crazy! LOL

battling to align my life and sight, 

Deanna 

Moon Light Flow

About five months ago, my cousin and I were strolling along the side walks of Central Park. We were looking at the various art stands, I was looking for souvenirs to bring back to my friends. After I bought some gifts, I looked around for an artsy piece of the bustling city to hang in my studio back home. There were so many different versions of pretty photographs and art of the city, I didn't know which one to choose. Then I stumbled across a piece, that I wasn't originally looking for. 

The man who owned the booth said that he drew the piece, the simplicity of the piece called me. The drawing was of a woman with short black hair, big eyes, and looked like something was missing from her.(notice there is an outline missing from the side of her face) I didn't realize until after I bought the medium canvas, that the woman in the photo was Audrey Hepburn. 

Yesterday evening, I took a break from doing homework and looked up at my studio wall to see the classy beauty on display. Before yesterday, I didn't really know that much about Audrey Hepburn, besides the fact that she was the star of the classic movie Breakfast At Tiffany's. So, I decided to watch the movie for the first time. I pressed play, and the plot unraveled before my eyes. I was surprised to feel a connection to the story line.  

The setting of the plot takes place in New York. Audrey Hepburn plays Holly Golightly, a quirky, young woman who is always on the run with life. Many men always chase after her, but she just isn't interested or they end up being too clingy. When she first meets her new neighbor Paul Varjak, she is instantly interested, but she finds out that he happens to already be involved with someone else. 

Over time, the two become good friends. Paul is a writer who is inspired and intrigued by Holly's spontaneous lifestyle. He notices that in public she displays an image that shows she has her life together, when really he sees how vulnerable she is when they are alone. As the bond of their friendship strengthens, they realize that something similar is missing from both of their lives. 

photos via Pinterest

 Breakfast At Tiffany's

"Moon River"-Audrey Hepburn, music by Henry Hacini and lyrics by Johnny Mercer 

Moon River, wider than a mile,
I'm crossing you in style some day.
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker,
wherever you're going I'm going your way.
Two drifters off to see the world.
There's such a lot of world to see.
We're after the same rainbow's end--
waiting 'round the bend,
my huckleberry friend,
Moon River and me

flowing in the moon light,

Deanna

First Friday

Last Friday, I met up with Monika and Dawanvin for dinner at Brasserie Du Vin in Chinatown. We each ordered a glass of wine and chatted away in the sultry French restaurant. The atmosphere featured a dim setting, exuded positive vibes, and felt all around relaxing. For dinner, I had the Blue Crab Cakes served with Nalo greens and Sriracha aioli. The dish was delicious, I let the ladies try some too and they were truly impressed. Monika and Dawnavin both had the Baked Brie which had pecans and dried cranberries stuffed in a warm pastry puff, and drizzled with Dr. Kliks Manoa honey. They also received a side order of sweet, green grapes and apples, a perfect combo to eat with the dish. The ladies let me try some of theirs as well, speechless was how I was feeling, that is how good it tasted! Monika joked that it was like sex in your mouth. (lol) She is right though, the taste was simply sensational. The ladies and I loved Du Vin, we definitely will return again. 

Red Wine

                            Blue Crab Cakes
                                                          

                               Baked Brie

                         Dawnavin, me, Monika

     I look so serious in this picture that Monika took of me. (lol)

Meet Monika, she is my honey from Norway. Over Christmas break she sprained her neck, and now she has to wear a neck brace for the next couple of months. While she is healing, she can't be active in her normal hobbies, like surfing and running. I love how even though she has to wear her brace, she still rocks it in public with natural beauty and confidence. Monika and her boyfriend are such a cute, power couple, they both surf, travel the World, and plan to run the Honolulu Marathon together next year! There are times when I am running and I feel like I just want to stop, but then I think of her and all the others in the World who can't run, but would love to. She and all of them inspire me to keep going. 

After dinner, we went to the The Gypsy Night Market art event. There where colorful booths of various art lined against the the brick walls. One of the booths we stopped by to show support and love was at Lisa Coleman's She Grooves Photography. I was so surprised to see a large framed photo of me displayed on the very top of the display. The photo is Lisa's favorite shot of me from my Universal Lush photo shoot (she loves my tattoo in this photo and the vibrant contrast of the colors, I agree!) 

                             Holly and Lisa

Our next stop was upstairs at Barrio Vintage. Dawnavin's friends, Bradley and Jonathan own this trendy shop. They are so sweet, I love how they encourage everyone to play dress up. Barrio Vintage is like walking into one big treasure chest, it is filled with so many good deals for unique, good quality, vintage clothing and accessories. I bought two chic vintage blouses for only thirty dollars total! I can't wait to come back there for the next First Friday! 

displays and racks of vintage beauty

Bradley and Jonathan 

ceiling fan art 

After vintage shopping, we went into Sergio's artist loft. Sergio is a talented artist from Columbia who creates recycled art. (I love making recycled art!) His artistic visuals are strongly intense, abstract, and amazing. Check out his art blog at: http://sergiogarzoncafe.blogspot.com/.

          made with real hair, skin, and finger and toe nails

stunning, love the flow

Sergio was explaining to us how this painting is made with real urine, menstrual blood, and wax. 

My girl, Jolita posing with the canvas. This is so random but everyone always thinks Jo is my boyfriend! (LOL) When really it is the opposite, he is gay and I am straight. But since we can't be together, we know we can keep each other forever. 

love the spinal cord figures in the paintings 

 

edgy, but feminine at the same time, reminds me of Chanel love it!

 

celebrating exotic art,

Deanna