Glamorous Nail Art

I am always fascinated when I see glamorous nail art. Nail art is fun and can be modeled as a fashion accessory. The challenge is the amount of paint that can fit on the small surface of the nails. This is were creativity comes in hand. I admire how some of my cousins frequently update their nails by painting them with miniature designs. In the past, I've tried to attempt to imitate fancy designs, but one side is always nicer then the other! (lol) Patience and practice are the tools used to master nail artistry! Here are some nail art that will encourage and inspire you to paint away!

             Golden Cherries by Madeline (cousin)

              Cheetah Blossoms by Evania (cousin)

                                      
           Rainbow Zebra Clash by Marjorie (cousin)

                Green Apple French by Marjorie

       Skittle Shrooms by Samantha (journalism classmate)

painting my nails pink with a small white ribbon on my left, ring finger for breast cancer awareness month, Deanna

Fashionista's Market: Closet Swap

Last Sunday, Dana (my fashionista friend) and I attended the Closet Swap event that was hosted by Fashionista's Market. Fashionista's Market is one of my favorite boutiques located in Chinatown. The event was held at the Japanese Cultural Center in Moiliili. When Dana and I arrived at the hall,we were surprised to see how packed it was with dolled up fashionistas from all over the island. The introduction started with a breakfast buffet and open wine bar. 

While we ate at our tables, the ladies who hosted the event broke the excitement and chatter by welcoming us in the mic. The program began with the ladies thanking us all for being there and how it was there fifth anniversary holding this event. Anita (my personal stylist) went on to explain how the event was not only to exchange clothes, but also for a good cause. The money raised for the event went to women who fight against breast cancer and domestic violence on the island.

 The speech on domestic violence so touching that many women throughout the room where sniffling, including the speaker. I had to look down to prevent tears from spilling, as I thought about some of the close women I love who have been sexually, hardcore raped and abused. I felt so fortunate to be a part of this women empowerment contribution. 

After the announcements, we moved on to playing ice breaker games for prizes. During the games we got to know the other women at our table. The last game we played, was a group effort were we all worked together to create a recycled fashion outfit. The theme for the runway was Super Hero/Villain. All the groups were given a limited time of minutes to put together an outfit that relates to the theme, using only the materials that were provided. 

We dressed our model as the "Breast Cancer Fairy." Our group did a pretty good job! We used most of the materials on our table, we even used the stand for the table number as her wand! (lol) When the time was up, we were all asked to finish our last touches. We were all asked to sit down, as the runway battle prepared to begin. When the model from my group entered the stage, our whole table stood up and chanted "SAVE THE BOOBIES!!!" (lol) All the models who participated looked amazing, everyone was so creative and went all out. 

When the two winners of the recycled fashion show were announced, my group and I were disappointed that our model's name wasn't called. But we were still positive and to us, she was still a winner and as a group we had fun and still won. The two groups that won, were given an extra five minutes to enter the closet swap first. After those minutes were up, everyone was allowed to join.(it was like Black Friday shopping!  everyone running and going crazy, lol) 

At first, I couldn't find anything. I was so overwhelmed and didn't know which to choose from the large donation. Clothes racks and tables of accessories filled the hall. On the outside balcony there where shoes lined up and more clothes racks. Near the front of the entrance bottoms where piled on tables and jackets and  more clothes where hung on racks. Dana is a natural fashionista stylist, she dressed me for numerous occasions in the past. I was so thankful to have her help, she chose most of the vintage wardrobe I took home.

Dana has such a strong passion for fashion. She expressed to me that while many people don't have the patience to look through used clothes, she enjoys it and says that taking the time to go through and finding key pieces is the art of vintage. She told me that "one woman's garbage, is another woman's treasure." We all had a fabulous experience and look forward to next years Closet Swap. Thank you Fashionista's Market for holding this event, and thank you to Sufiya (our friend and fm stylist) who invited us.

small gifts rimmed the table for each of us, in the center was our materials for the games: magazines, newspapers, and other word print (I love it), the flyer says "Shop For a Cause"

                                                                                       Dawnavin and I

                                                                                Barefoot wine, my favorite!

                The Breast Cancer Fairy and I

                  Recycled Fashion Show Models

                                                                                   Closet Swap Madness! lol

vintage is the art of recycled fashion,

Deanna 

Dance With My Father Again

A week and a half ago, my dad came to visit me for one week. During his stay we mostly ate and shopped in local areas.  My dad has been here a couple times, so we didn't do any tourist activities. On weekdays I am always on the go, I felt bad since I couldn't show my dad around a lot. He understood that I'm really busy during the week days. So we spent time together in between my school and work schedule.

I love my dad so much! Here are some unforgettable father, daughter memories that we've had: When I was little he would take me to art events at the Presidio in San Francisco. Here we walked around the booths and made arts and crafts. When I was little I also had a rabbit named "Heart Girl." When she passed away, my dad comforted me as I was crying, while the people came to retrieve her body.

When I was a pre-teen, I used to be obsessed with Britney Spears and wanted to attend her tour concert in the bay. (lol) My dad called a lot of local places that where selling the tickets, but most were already sold out. She was my idol during the time and I really wanted to see her, so I started to cry. (lol) My dad left during my break down, after a while he returned back with the tickets.

In high school, I got my heart broken for the first time. At the time I thought my life was over. I remember going into my dad's room and breaking down to him. He told me how we all go through it, and that within time all will heal. After the break up, I was in depression mode. I remember he yelled out my name and I responded with an annoyed tone asking what he wanted. He told me I forgot my book on my desk in my room. When I went into my room, I saw my book with the latest Keyshia Cole cd on it. The album title was "Let It Go." The whole lyrics of the album really helped me heal in time.

Two years ago, my dad flew out with me to Oahu, to help me move into the dorm. He stayed with me for a week to set up my new room and get new appliances and necessities for my new home. On his last day, I was crying so much as we said good bye. His eyes were watery too as he gave me a long hug. When he finally let go, this was when I realized, how much I love my dad and all he has done for me through out my life.

Before he left this past Saturday, we exchanged our last words while he packed up his luggage. I asked him what he learned on the this trip. He told me I taught him to make healthier food choices and to reduce portions by sharing food when eating out. He told me that even though most of the time he was here, he was either waiting most of the day for me to get off from school or work, and how he didn't mind, just as long as he could spend time with me. He asked me if I was going to walk him to the shuttle pick-up that was near by. I told him I couldn't since the slow motion good-bye from two years ago was too hard too handle. So we said good bye at my studio door...again I cried as he gripped me good-bye.

You know that saying where a girl can be attracted to the qualities in their love interest, that remind them of the qualities of their father. I agree! Hopefully one day I will meet someone who will comfort, protect, and wait for me, the way my dad cares and loves me unconditionally.

Mac photo shoot of my dad and I before his departure:

some pictures of our food from some of my favorite local restaurants:
                                                                                       Henry's Place

Keo's Thai Cuisine

Kaka'ako Kitchen

Da Kitchen

Chiba Ken

Cha Cha Cha's

Big Kahuna's

my dad and I will forever share tears of love,
Deanna

Malie Organics Perfume Oil

Last week, the new perfume oils arrived at Malie Organics! The perfume oils come in all six aromas. My favorite is Pikake of course, but I also love the Mango Nectar as well. I love how the perfume oil has a perfect size as a portable product for your purse, pockets, and on-the-go. The application is very convenient, just twist the cap off and roll on your desired areas. 

I also like how the aroma of the perfume oils are just right, not too light or too strong. The pretty packaging is lined with a gold, lotus pattern. A major plus is the organic ingredients used in this beauty product, such as organic sunflower oil, kukui nut oil, organic extra virgin coconut oil, vitamin e oil, Hawaiian Hydrosol, and fragrance.

 

 

 

organic beauty products not only make you feel healthy and sexy on the outside, but on the inside as well, Deanna

Classic, Soulful, Elements: Earth, Wind, and Fire

Last Thurday night, my friend "Cinta" and I attended the Earth, Wind and Fire concert at the Neal Blaisdell Center. We were two of the youngest there, most of the crowd was older! But we didn't mind, we had so much fun! Even though we sat all the way in the back, most of the time we were up dancing with the surrounding rows in our section. 

At the end of the concert, a guy in front of us asked if we were too young to know the band. We told him that our parents grew up listening to it, so we listen to it too. Overall, Earth, Wind, and Fire put on a fabulous performance, they had the whole stadium dancing! Here is a look book of me and Cinta's concert day:

During our school break, Cinta and I met up at a local ice cream parlor "Bubbies." They are well known for their mochi!

For dinner, we ate at Shokudo, a yummy Japanese restaurant. I had the Spicy Scallop Roll. Cinta had the taco salad.

      For desert, we shared the signature "Honey Toast."

Multicultural crowd...beautiful

My favorite song from Earth, Wind, and Fire is September.(I am a Virgo baby!) Here is a link to the clip, sorry the camera is shaky! We were dancing at the same time lol.

http://youtu.be/TaXGMslU3SU

Cinta and I after the concert, good times...

 shining stars groove in Boogie Wonderland,

Deanna

Sustainability in Kahana Valley

Last Saturday, I attended a field trip for my Hawaiian Studies class at Kahana Valley. Kahana Valley is located towards the north side of Oahu, in Hauula. A group (hui) from our class, came to contribute (kokua) and care for (malama) the land ('aina) by participating in activities to connect with the Hawaiian culture. 

As we entered the state park, I marveled at the vibrant scenery. After we met with the class, we got to choose which group we wanted to take part in. Majority of the group volunteered to help pull the taro (kalo) from the taro pond (lo'i), which will be used to make poi (taro mashed with water) the following day. Meg, Zoe, and I went with Brother (bradah) Jay to clean in the garden. We trimmed and raked excess leaves that blocked the trees from the light of the sun. 

While we cleaned around the landscape, Brother (Bradah) Jay shared with us, his love for Kahana Valley. He told us a story about how he used to be a rebel when he was younger. But as he got older, he changed his lifestyle after his son was born, to be a role model as a father. Brother Jay is such a strong man. He told us about the various health problems he has gone through during the past couple of years. No matter how sick or injured he got, he always got back up quickly and healed by being productive. He loves to come to Kahana Valley as much as he can, to carry out the Hawaiian traditions. 

He made me realize how important it is to use traditional sustainability as a tool to survive in case of an emergency. He said that if the island of Oahu was hit with a natural tragedy, then many people will die in the city of Honolulu. He predicts this, knowing that many of us depend and only know how to live off of  electricity, gas, and money. Brother Jay's open heart, serene mind, and local soul is an inspiring example of Hawaiian power (mana).

Garner and Brother (Bradah) Jay

                                                                                           Before

                                                                                    our raked in pile...

                                                                                            After

The taro ponds (lo'i) after the group (hui) picked the taro (kalo).

Bradah Jay told us how this used to be a well.

                                    
                                                                                          so lush...

Meg enjoying the fresh starfruit. She is from Cali too!

Bradah Jay just pulled off the star fruits from the trees and told us we can eat it lol. This was the first time I tried the juicy, tender, and lightly sweet fruit. It was so good!

   After, we washed our hands in the fresh water (wai).

For the second part of the field trip, the groups re-united, and collaborated to pull and clean the taro (kalo) at another taro pond (lo'i). After, we washed up and gathered at one of the uncles house, to converse during lunch. 

I am so thankful that I was given the opportunity to come on this field trip! The class and I had a wonderful time! The description of what we did, may sound simple and easy to do, but really its a lot of hard work! I give props to our kumu and his friends who are dedicated and come to help at Kahana Valley every week.

The week before our class came on this field trip, our teacher (kumu), Alapaki Luke, told us that when we go to Kahana Valley it "heals you right then and there." Good karma flows when you take care of the land, the land will take care of you. 

cleansed from the island's natural beauty,

Deanna