New Beginnings

"Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking."

- Marcus Aurelius

Leaving something you love behind and starting over is never easy to do - especially when its Hawaii nei you're leaving behind. I followed R's lead and made the move back to the motherland a couple months ago. It's been tough, but it has also taught me a lot about appreciating what you have and learning to find the best in everything. Northern California is fantastic, but it doesn't have this dreadful hike:

Or this awesome scenery:

Or even this pink beer at an awesome outdoor beer festival hosted by the best gastropub ever. Deep fried deviled eggs will forever hold a special place in my heart.

It does however, have a different kind of beauty. It's home. It's where I grew up. It's a huge part of who I am today. I used to fill my Instagram with hashtags like #luckywelivehi and #hilife and #livealoha. I do really feel so lucky that I got to live the HI life in Hawaii. Aloha is tangible in that amazing place. I had a friend point out that it was mere months ago that I was celebrating my time in the islands, and that I am now praising Sacramento as though there is nothing better with the likes of #sacramentoproud and #californialove.

At first I thought, "Am I one of those people who wants others to think my life is awesome even though I am not truly happy? Oh sh*t." Then I realized that's not the case. I am a person who finds the good in every situation, and appreciates life. I love the fact that I am closer to family and that I get to watch my adorable nephew grow up (in person!). I am amazed at the change of scenery that comes with the change of seasons here - it's like moving to a new place every time the leaves turn. I cannot wait to try my monstrous list of restaurants in the area. There is a new farm-to-fork joint popping up every week.

I mean, how cute is he?! (Um, we)

There are so many differences between here and Hawaii, and although I can tell you about all of the great ones, not all of them are good (excuse me, 37 degrees at 1 pm? That can stop any time now.).

(Note the black and white-ness for dramatic effect)

But what is the point on focusing on the negative? It's so cliche but you are truly responsible for your own happiness. Life is what you make of it. Carpe diem. Etc, etc. If you choose to embrace the positive instead of focusing on how things could be different, you will feel much better.

I mean, how awesome is this sunset? I still can't get over it.

Random art on a building on J Street? Show me more!

All in all, I just wanted to share the wisdom that imparts that even though your situation may not be AT ALL what you were planning for, there is always something great lurking around the corner. You just have to take a look around.

- A

Just a few of my favorite things. . .

It's the little things that are vital. Little things make the big things happen.

- John Wooden

For no reason at all, I thought I would share a few of the things that bring little moments of joy to my hectic life.

Pura Vida Bracelets

These bracelets are fabulous for two reasons: 1) they add casual style to any outfit and 2) the profits the company makes go to provide jobs for local artisans. Awesome! Check out their website for more info: www.puravidabracelets.com

 

 



OPI "No Room For The Blues" Nail Polish

The name says it all. Who could feel down with a bright, fun pop of color on their fingertips?

Burt's Bees Honey and Shea Sugar Scrub

This product smells great, and feels even better. Scrub a little over rough patches while in the shower and your skin instantly smooths, and smells amazing. Plus, it feels AWESOME on your back :)

 

 



LUSH's Mask of Magnamity

This peppermint infused face/back mask leaves my skin feeling super clean and tingly after I use it. There is nothing better than a little pampering after a long work week. Throw on the mask while soaking in a bubble bath with a glass of wine and Adele on Pandora...ahhhhhmazing.

Clinique's Even Better Eyes

I don't know about you, but once Wednesday morning hits I feel like I can barely keep my eyes open. This stuff is a miracle worker. The cool, metal applicator feel great on my skin and helps to de-puff my eyes, making me look a whole lot better than I feel.

Chance by Chanel perfume
The scent reminds me of spring, which is one of the best seasons in my opinion. It's light and not too over powering.

Jamba Juice's Peanut Butter Moo'd
If you are watching calories, it probably isn't the best option, but it is delicious, filling, and perfect for on the go. The combination of peanut butter, banans, soy milk, and non-fat yogurt is a great way to start the day. (Notice the nail polish on my thumb...I really love it!)

Shock Top Honeycrisp Apple Wheat
This is my go-to drink when attending daytime festivities. It's sweet, but not over the top. Plus, it is super refreshing in the hot sun. Drink responsibly!

- A

30 Day Squat Challenge

"Wow, I really regret that workout."

- No one. Ever.

Although I love to be active, I had been slacking off in the exercise department in recent months. I kept coming up with lame excuses but once my favorite jeans were a little too tight, I decided it was finally time to get back on the grind. And what better way to do it than a challenge?

I had heard of the 30 day squat challenge via Facebook and decided to give it a try. I created a spreadsheet so I could check off my progress (I think being able to cross out a day on the calendar held me more accountable). Even though it was only 30 days, I saw some results!

Doing the challenge made me want to work out more. I started using the treadmill at the gym, going to Zumba with a friend, and doing light hikes on the weekends. There are now at least 10 people in my office taking the challenge!

I started an ab challenge earlier this week...stay tuned for results!

- A

Whiskey Barrel Coffee Table

"Whiskey is by far the most popular of all remedies that won't cure a cold."

- Jerry Vale



This whiskey barrel (yes, its an actual whiskey barrel!) coffee table was super easy and inexpensive to make. For less than $150 you can have a rustic-chic custom piece of furniture.

I snagged the barrel for just $30 at Home Depot! They can be found in the garden section, as they are usually used as planters. I also grabbed a pack of stick on bumpers to prevent the glass from sliding.

The glass is the most expensive part - the 36" round glass was $112 at Pier 1. But everything is more expensive in Hawaii (I think I saw it for $89 online).

You can leave the barrel empty so you can see the charred siding, or fill it with something decorative. I'm saving up my wine and whiskey bottles to place inside to see if I like it better than it's current filling - straw like material and wine corks. Get creative and make it your own!

Have fun DIYers!

- A

The Ultimate Perfect Cupcakes

“Find something you're passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.”

- Julia Child

The month of March was no sweets or desserts, and yet I did the most baking during that month. My workplace was holding a St. Patricks Day bake sale to raise money for the Hawaii Foodbank 24th Annual Food Drive. I decided to bake cupcakes which took a lot of self control not to taste test on my own. My family was more than willing to be my guinea pigs though!

Before the bake sale I did some online 'shopping' for inspiration. I came across some really good ideas and decided to combine a few together to create one product. I got the recipe for the vanilla cupcakes from Glorious Treats and could not have received better compliments from my 'guinea pigs' about the result. Hoosier Homemade had a great idea of layering different colored batters into a gradient effect cupcake. Last but most definitely not least, Just Call Me Maria inspired me on making Lucky Charm Cupcakes! I found an online recipe for buttercream frosting but the recipe absolutely failed so I will not be posting that link. My St. Patrick's Day cupcakes didn't turn out quite as I had planned, mainly due to the consistency of the frosting.



The idea of the layered colors did not work out so well with this recipe. The cupcake batter was too runny for the layering effect to come out right. I made a second batch of just plain vanilla cupcakes with no food coloring. 

All this followed with green frosting, a marshmallow out of the lucky charms cereal, and a holiday appropriate flag. I printed the template from How Does She. Last but not least I got the packaging idea from Pinterest. Using a 9oz cup fits the cupcake perfectly for a no mess packaging. 

The cupcakes were a huge hit that I made them again for Easter. This time around, I used purple frosting, pink sugar sprinkles, and Cadbury mini chocolate eggs. I used a different recipe for the buttercream frosting, from Cooking Classy. The result of the frosting turned out so much better, as you can see in the picture. 

- R

DIY Pallet Shevles

"It takes half of your life before you discover life is a do-it-yourself project."

- Napoleon Hill

I see so many posts about creative things one can do with pallets. From furniture to artwork - the pallet has endless uses! I gave my carpentry and DIY skills a work out today when I created these shelves. It's super easy and quick to make. Also, it was free!

I picked up a pallet from the local hardware store (they receive their merchandise on them and give away the excess for free).

I used a hand saw to cut the pallet after the second board on the end from each side. Then, I pried two planks from the remaining pieces to use as bottoms.

After nailing the boards to the bottoms, I gave the edges a quick once over with some sand paper to soften them up a little bit.

Now, find a spot to hang them and accessorize!

- A

12 Step Resolution

"Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right."

- Oprah Winfrey

Instead of trying to get through a long list of resolutions all at once, we decided to tackle one at a time. We all want to be happier, healthier and wealthier, and by focusing on one goal at a time it can be easier to get there. Aim to make these resolutions into habits instead of leaving them as temporary solutions.

January - Lean Machine

No fast food joints for the month! This includes McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Panda Express, etc.
February – Grain, Grain Go Away!

This month we are cutting out all grains. This means pasta, bread, rice and tortillas!
March – Say Goodbye to a Sugar High

No sweets or desserts! Say goodbye to cake, candy and ice cream.
April - Pay It Forward

Aim for one good deed a day. Even the smallest gesture can make a big impact.
May – Shopaholics Anonymous

Time to put away your credit cards! No shopping for unnecessary items for a whole month!
June – Sobriety Test

Say goodbye to happy hour! No alcohol for an entire month!
July – Run, Forest, Run!
Aim for a mile a day on top of your regular routine. Walk, jog or run at least 31 miles this month.
August – It’s A Wonderful World

Try new things, see new places and be adventurous for a month. Spontaneity counts!

September – Iron Chef

Time to pull out those cookbooks and show us your skills in the kitchen! Limit dining to one night a week, or none if possible. This does NOT mean instant noodles and microwavable meals!
October – Tone It Up

Work on tightening those key areas this month - abs, arms, thighs, and most importantly, your derriere!
November – Save the Cows

No red meat this month!
December – All Dolled Up

Congratulations! You've made it to the last month! Put on that party attire and let's toast to getting out and enjoying life! This includes getting pampered, nights out on the town, and spending time with those most important to you.

- A & R