All posts filed under: Travel

Saying goodbye to my island home

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A few months ago, I came back to Hawaii seeking comfort. And a few months after that, I decided I was ready to move on with my life. The islands healed me, and I knew I was ready for new adventures and a new chapter. Saying goodbye to my island home wasn’t easy, but it was time and I’m looking forward to what my future holds for me! Here’s what my last few days looked like on Maui. Man, will I miss those waters… Always in my heart, always my home. Hawaii I love you. Thank you for healing me. ❤ Have you ever left your home? This is my umpteenth time leaving, but it’s for good this time. I don’t plan on moving back. Visiting, definitely. Living there, never. This world is too big to stay in one place!

A Life on the Road | Leaving comfort behind for a life of exploring and discovering

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If you had met me a few years ago, I would have told you that having a secure, stable job, a home, and a routine were the most important things in life. I’ve grown since then. I’ve gone down that path and I’ve realized that following a structure like that only led me to being unhappy. I was secure and safe, yes. I was able to pay my bills and I always had food to eat and a roof over my head. But after I got it all, I found that I was still lacking something – true happiness and freedom. After all my searching, I was still lost. I thought that once I got that job, furnished that home, and found that person – I would be happy and complete. I thought that’s what life was supposed to be. But I was wrong. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity to love and be loved – but I came to realize that as long as I …

Visiting Las Vegas in the Winter

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I recently came back from a quick trip to Arizona and Las Vegas. It was one of the most incredible weeks I’ve ever spent, and it was definitely a much-needed vacation. Plus, visiting Las vegas during the winter time is such a different experience than visiting during warmer months. I’m not sure what it is… But Las Vegas in January is my favorite Las Vegas. And before you ask: Yes, people were still half-naked walking down the strip in 30-40 degree weather. But hey, it’s Vegas. I ate… a lot… during this trip… I easily gained 10 pounds (at least). But it was well worth it! Just a hunk ‘o burnin’ (wax) 😉 This was one of the best trips I’ve taken. Between driving through the desert in Arizona and walking down the Las Vegas strip, I’ve never felt so alive. I needed this trip to reset and step back from my life to look at it from a different perspective. I left a piece of my soul there in the desert, and I can’t wait to …

Driving through the Arizona desert

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I recently drove through the Arizona desert, and I fell in love. I’ve been dreaming of deserts, cacti, quirky roadside attractions and friendly in-the-middle-of-nowhere gas stations – and this trip was everything I wanted and more. There’s just something about driving through the desert. It feels warm even though it’s the dead of winter. It feel familiar even though I’ve never been here. There’s something about it, and I don’t think I’ll ever get enough. Here are my favorite photos from my trek through the Arizona desert. I left a piece of my soul there, and I can’t wait to go back. Have you ever been to a place and felt like you’ve been there before? Or felt like if you were stranded there, you’d be able to make it “home” quickly? If you ever drive Route 66, stop in this town (and specifically, this diner). I don’t remember the name, but I do remember the waiter, the good food, the comfy atmosphere, the streets lined with lights, light dusting of snow that made the …

Boating Day & Whale Watching in Maui!

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After finding out the Hawaii Missile Threat was a false alarm, we decided to make the most of the day by taking the boat out and enjoying sunshine, whale watching and good music – all things we’d miss had the missile threat been real. Here are my favorite photos from that day! ☀️ It was a beautiful, beautiful day in paradise. I laughed, smiled, sang, and truly soaked in how beautiful my home is. I was present. I felt the wind in my face. I tasted the salt air on my tongue. I watched my freckles come out of hiding. This was one of my most favorite days in a long, long time. ❤️

maui

Brighten Your Monday With A Little Maui Magic

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Happy Monday! I spend some time this weekend organizing (and reorganizing) my photos, and I found so many of these beautiful photos of Hawaiian skies. So I figured, what better way to brighten someone’s Monday than with these shots? If you’re dreading going into work today, just remember that we live on a planet full of beauty. And even if you don’t live in a place like Hawaii, simply remembering that places like this exist is reason enough to smile through your day. Spread the “Aloha Spirit” today and make someone smile, do a good deed, be positive, brush off negativity and just be happy. Have a great Monday! 💛 P.S. You’ve got a whole team of friends and family who love you and are rooting for you. And no matter what you’ve got on your plate, you can handle it. Give it your all. Try your best. Don’t be too hard on yourself, you’re doing all you can. And no one can ask for more than that.

Visiting Lumeria on Maui | Local Wild Food Challenge

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I’ve lived on Maui for 20 years, and it surprises me how much there is that I haven’t done or seen on this tiny island. The other day, I was invited to visit Lumeria on Maui. I’ve driven past it countless times, but I’ve never actually gone inside – and now that I have, I know I’ll be visiting often. Lumeria is a retreat for the mind, body and spirit. It’s a place that will help you transform into your best self through education, mindful yoga, and wellness retreat programming – sounds like heaven, right? While I was there, I didn’t want to be too invasive, so I didn’t take very many photos. But here’s a peak into the beauty that is Lumeria Maui! The second time I visited Lumeria was for the Local Wild Food Challenge, which our family business sponsored. It was a cooking competition that supported local hunters and locally grown food/produce. It was really fun to watch and I’m really happy we were able to support a great cause! (Plus, I FINALLY …

Fall in Hawaii

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One of the things I loved the most about living on the mainland is experiencing the different seasons. I love Hawaii, but I really wish we had all four seasons. Fall is my favorite season, and I’m definitely missing the changing leaves, crisp fall air, and the onset of winter. Here’s what fall in Hawaii looks like. Did you visit a pumpkin patch this year? If not, what’s your favorite fall tradition? ❤️

Maui

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About 2 months ago, I traveled back home to Maui and played “tourist.” Here’s some photos from that trip. First hug after being away for 2 years! Paia is one of my favorite places on Maui. I love all the little shops and the small town vibe. It makes me happy! Sometimes, the best way to see a place is from above. Helicopter tours in Hawaii are always amazing because you realize just how lush and beautiful the islands really are. Even rainy days in Hawaii are beautiful. They’re my favorite type of days here. My parents got married in this church! Lahaina is another one of my favorite towns on Maui, because of its oceanfront shops and restaurants that are built over the water. It’s such a unique place, and I miss it every time I’m not home. This is traditional Hawaiian food (my favorite type of food!) My brother and sister are my world. I’m so lucky to have them! Walking around Lahaina, the harbor, and having lunch at one of my favorite …

Halloween at Disneyland

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I grew up in LA, so it will always have a special place in my heart. There’s nothing quite like going back to a familiar place, seeing your old friends and family, and reminiscing on good times. And in my most recent trip to the City of Angels, I did just that. After I left Canada, I needed some girl time and something to make me happy… What better way to do that than at Disneyland?! Plus, it was all decorated for my favorite time of year: Halloween! It’s true what they say: Disneyland is the happiest place on earth! And I had the best time with my two favorite girls in the world. What’s your favorite thing about Disneyland? ❤️