A Photo Chick's Journal in Paradise

Cup of Love

This cup of morning coffee is dedicated to my Abalone Sister, Debbie Friedrich, who's cup is always overflowing with so much love and care for others!!!!

 
 

Abalone Sisters' Photo Shoot with :Dave Miyamoto & Co.!

Abalone Sisters' Photo Shoot with :Dave Miyamoto from Hokuli'i Images on Vimeo.

What a great way to start a fun filled weekend with my bestest Soul Sisters, Arna and Debbie!

Thank you to Dave and Michelle Miyamoto for the documentation of our sisterhood!

My Office

A lot of times, people will ask me, "So where is your office or studio located?"  Gratefully, I am able to extend my arms outward, above me and sideways to gesture and reply, "Everywhere!!!"  

Seriously, I don't have a physical office and my studio is all over our beautiful island and world! Wherever there's great smiles to capture and sweet light that place automatically turns into my studio.

My favorite phrase is "Do what you love, LOVE what you do!"  And gratefully, I am able to do so in a place that I love so much with people who I adore!!!!

How blessed am I!!!!  

Hale Macrobiotic

A couple of weeks ago my girlfriends and I decided to try this new organic healthy eatery called Hale Macrobiotic.  I'd never heard of Macrobiotic cooking before and decided to check it out.  

What is macrobiotic diet you ask?  It is defined by Wikipedia as, "A macrobiotic diet (or macrobiotics), from the Greek "macro" (large, long) and "bios" (life), is a dietary regimen that involves eating grains as a staple food supplemented with other foodstuffs such as vegetables and beans, and avoiding the use of highly processed or refined foods. Followers of the macrobiotic approach believe that food and food quality powerfully affect health, well-being, and happiness, and that a macrobiotic diet has more beneficial effects than others. The macrobiotic approach suggests choosing food that is less processed."

Google Macrobiotic. It's pretty interesting! I love the way it's not just about the food that's being eaten but the entire process of thought, how it's prepared, HOW it is eaten, etc.  This comes at a great time since I'm on an Ultimate Four Week Detox program (by Michelle Schoffro Cook) right now. So I'm eating mostly veggies and fruits.  No dairy, sugar, wheat, etc.  

Okay, so where was I...oh yes! Hale Macrobiotic which is right behind Sam's Club off of Keeaumoku near Ala Moana Shopping Center.

I was greeted by so many wonderful things and peeps such as:

This parking cone:

To my delight I also found my dear friend Alice Inoue's smiling face as soon as you walk in through the door! Hi, Alice!!!  So appropriate!!!

Right next to Alice is Chef Moco's Macrobiotic certificate:

And then, the next best thing, these two lovely ladies, Mana and Milani, ready to serve you and answer any questions that you may have!

I love the feel of the restaurant. I regret not bringing my Canon 5D to really capture the ambiance of the place. That's okay as this gives me a good reason to return, right Mana?

I saw this and felt like I was home...

Look at this! Fresh Tiare on every table!

And there at the grill is Chef Moco herself, ready to create something magical for us! She is so sweet and friendly!

After I took in my new Macrobiotic environment I proceeded to read the menu:

I LOVE IT!!!

Okay, so here's what we ordered:

Pita and Hummus (I could not eat this as it's not allowed in my detox diet. My gfriends had this delish dish)

Avocado (this, I happily consumed)!

The girls had this yummy risotto soup

And for dinner...voila!

Tempeh Reuben!

Look at the presentation, people! Isn't that beautiful???

Then there was dessert (which I, sadly, could not touch). The Moffle!

Everything was so delish!  

Mahalo to Mana, Milani, Chef Moco and the rest of the Hale Macro crew for making my first visit so enjoyable and tasty.  MAHALO also to my fellow healthy Spartan, Celise, for turning me on to this place! You go girl!

Thanks also to my girls for being sooooo patient with me every time a dish came out. They're so good about NOT touching the food and even styling it for me before I shoot it! You gals are awesome!!!

If you're in the mood for some great organic vegan cooking which is prepared with a lot of good energy then check out Hale Macrobiotic on Makaloa Street. It is awesome!  I will be back there soon, armed with my Canon 5D to capture more yummy foods that's good for my mind, body and SPIRIT!!!

Green Goddess Drink

This afternoon, I returned to the world of juicing!  With my trusty Jack Lalanne Juicer and Vitamix I created the Green Goddess Drink:

Here are the ingredients:

• Cucumber
• Celery 
• Kale 
• Apple 
• Pear 
• Carrots 
• Ginger 
• Lemon 
• Advocado 
• Flax 
• Choco Protein 
• Ice   

I make sure to wash all the fruits and veggies with Biokleen's Produce Wash which helps to remove chemical sprays, waxes and soil.  

All of the fruits and veggies are juiced except for the advocado, choco protein, flax and ice.

It's a delicious and healthy meal!  My body thanks me every time she has this delightful and nourishing drink!

Good morning, Thursday!!!

This is the studio God provided me to work at this morning...

What a beautiful way to start my Thursday!!! Mahalo, Ke Akua!!!

Earth Day at Red Ginger Cafe in Manoa

Today is Earth Day.  Actually, in my world, I try to make Earth Day EVERY DAY!!!  However, today is the designated day to "inspire awareness and appreciation for Earth's environment."

In honor of today I wore my one of my fave message shirts:

This was purchased from Adoracion Boutique some time last year. I love this shirt!

As much as I wanted to get my hands close to Mother Earth today,  I unfortunately didn't have time to plant anything.  Instead, I had two very special meetings which took place at one of my fave places to hang in Manoa, Red Ginger Cafe in Manoa Marketplace.

Aaaaahhhh...Red Ginger Cafe...I love this place! It's locally owned and it's owners are earth conscious business owners who help our islands by purchasing locally grown produce and other eco friendly gift items. 

Before I go on with the gift items, check out this beautiful salad my friend Melanie Kawai, Red Ginger Cafe owner (AND IMUA graduate), made for me:

Organic greens, grilled chicken, organic eggs, and advocado served with a Papaya dressing on the side.  That's my Earth Day purchase for today!  MAHALO, Melanie! It was sooo yummy!!!

Besides an array of salads and wraps they have parfaits, smoothies and not to mention their Acai bowls!

OMG!!! And I was soooo excited to try one of their hot selling items: Coldfyyre Ice Cream Sandwiches! (NOTE: These were just display samples.  They are NOT served in a martini glass with little glass balls)

Fortunately, Aubrey of Savoir Faire, who I was meeting with, also wanted to try one so here's what a REAL one looks like:

You guys!!!! It was soooo ono!!! This delectable treat is made locally from scratch and has NO PRESERVATIVES! That's right, baby, it's all natural!!!

YAY FOR ALL NATURAL! And SUPER YAY FOR BEING LOCAL!!!

Look at all the different flaves:

May I just say that I am soooo glad I had the emergency Lactaid pill in my wallet, kay?

Melanie told me that they were having a difficult time keeping these frozen treats in stock. Everyone LOVES them!  Even my clients who I was meeting with tried a little piece and ended up purchasing FIVE Coldfyyre Sandwiches!  Cool, huh?  (No pun intended!)

Yummy...

Okay, on to the gift items....

Just so you know, Red Ginger Cafe also sells several Eco-friendly items.  I have to say my favorite is...

These neat ENCORE bags are made from discarded and recycled drink pouches! Isn't that rad???

I LOVE THEM!!!

And here are some other fabulous organic items you can pick up at the Cafe:

I LOVE RED GINGER Cafe...not only because of their great food, fun and earth conscious gift items but more importantly for the ALOHA that comes with every purchase.  

Melanie and crew, you are truly ORGANIC and the heartbeat of this special place.  MAHALO NUI LOA for always welcoming us with your warm smile, caring customer service and for giving us a place to nourish our bodies and relax our minds in your easygoing atmosphere!

Please visit Red Ginger Cafe at Manoa Marketplace, peeps!!! And have a Coldfyyre for me, will ya???

HAPPY EARTH DAY!!!

Kubota's Success on the Beach: Day 2

Yesterday's workshop was beyond fun, overwhelming and EXCELLENT!!!  You can imagine how excited I was for day TWO!!!

As you know, I'm into reducing my carbon footprint as much as possible so fortunately I got to catch a ride with Arna into town.  Speaking of a greener earth...look what we stumbled upon in her neighborhood.

I was so excited to see the line up of all these new magnificent green waste containers!!! They were all patiently waiting like good little soldiers to be placed at their new locations.  Wow!!! What a great way to start the day!!!

Before I go on, I have to tell you that I brought my other trusty fotog companion, Keoki. He wanted to know what all this workshop stuff was about so he tagged along.  He seemed pretty interested!

Okay, so today at The Willows we learned more about workflow, sales and marketing.  I really enjoyed learning from all of our instructors.

Here's Kevin Kubota going over his workflow.  He's doing some of his Photoshop/Lightroom magic on this beautiful image of Joanna.

Jed Taufer presented some workflow as well. Jed is soooo funny!  I learned during this time that he really likes burritos!

Vicki also taught us about a whole lotta invaluable stuff!  This woman along with her burrito eating husband, are brilliant!!!

What makes learning more fun???

PRIZES!!!!

So during the two days, Vicki, Jed and Kevin would pull business cards out of a bag and give out some really great prizes!!

I was soooo happy that Tiara won this cool frame from V-Gallery!!!

So many happy prize winners!!!

Honey Boy, is that you???? You go with your bad self!!!

We were all waiting in anticipation and excitement for our name to be called.  For many moments I felt like I was in the audience on that show...The Price is Right!!!

Of course, we were all so happy (and I'm sure a bit envious)at Nicole Seu who won the grand prize...A COMPOSER LENSBABY!!!!  Right on, girlfriend!!!

You know, The Willows' Kapa'akea Room worked out perfectly for the workshop.

It was a wonderful place to shoot, learn and not to mention EAT!!!

Here we find local photographers, Tiara Lee, Russ Ramos and Chrissy Lambert grinding under a canoe.

I'd like to call this the "Oh, Wow! Lau-Lau!!" shot!  And it's totally dedicated to Chrissy!!!

During the breaks I noticed that a lot of the attendees loved sitting on or near this rock like Brooke Allen here soaking up the sun...

Ahhhhh....only in Hawai'i!!!

Besides learning from all of these great instructors and being inspired by them, one of my most FAVORITE things about attending the Kubota workshops is seeing and reconnecting with old friends!  Like Ramona of Photo Visions...girl! I'll always remember this moment when we couldn't decide which of Vicki's item's we should get!!!

Dianne Reynolds from Kaua'i who I met at my very first Kubota Workshop back in...2002??? Was it 2002, Kev??? Dianne? Anyone?? It was the one located at St. Stephen in Kailua...

My Honey Boy, :Dave Miyamoto!

This guy again...

Canon Girls...Tiara Lee-Gustilo and Chrissy Lambert...

The "other camera brand" of peeps - Kris "Tonks" Labang, Derek Wong and of course, Arna!

And soooo many other wonderful colleagues!  

The additional benefit that comes next to that would be meeting and making NEW friends!!!

Like Tamra Wade of Finding Joy Photography...

I love this gal! And I loved meeting her beautiful daughter Rio!!!

(Hey there Jon Lagon of Visionari!!!)

Here's a Maui sandwich going on right here! These guys are so sweet!!! Meet Scott Drexler and John Motelewski! Whole lotta lovin' going on...  :)

Keith Uehara and Kathleen Davenport...

Loved seeing Fernando again and meeting his friend Captain Howie!

I'm pretty sure that lots of new friendships were made over these two days!!! I wish that we had more time so I could meet all of you!  :)

MAHALO NUI LOA to the Kubotas, the Taufers, Bill Moore, Craig and Sarah of Asuka Books for an extremely successful Success on the Beach!!!

And of course, to all of you, my fellow grasshoppers, for taking the opportunity to be inspired and empowering yourselves by attending this incredible workshop!!!  MAHALO NUI LOA to all of you for making it happen!!!

Can we say "HANA HOU???"

PS  Ummm...This is Keoki toward the end of the workshop. Yup bud, time to hele home!!!

 

Ad2 Honolulu and Kanu Hawai'i

This morning I had the great opportunity to meet and work with the very talented and extremely funny Rae Huo.

I have admired her work through the years.  Her images have been published in many magazines such as "Hana Hou," "Honolulu Magazine," and other well known periodicals.  

Today Da Photo Chick was going to be on the other side of the camera.  The shoot was for Kanu Hawai'i.  An organization you all know I'm totally gung ho for! Kanu Hawai'i is the latest recipient of the a pro-bono marketing campaign which is organized by Ad Two Honolulu Public Service Committee.

I won't go into much details about what the shoot entailed as I would really love for you be surprised by the end result.  I can tell you that:

1) There were many participants who volunteered their time and energy for this campaign

and

2) We are all Kanu members!

The shoot was so awesome!  I was so delighted and intrigued by Rae's sense of humor!!

See what I mean?  This horse's head/mask totally slayed us! OMG!

Here's Tai Leong, co-chair of the committee and also art director for the shoot.

I cannot help but laugh every time I look at this photo!  (Tai, not at you, of course.)

Seriously, we all could not get over that horse's head.  We just totally loved it!

It would have been fun to have Rae photograph me as a horse however, I'm sure that would have been extremely tricky.  

It was super fun to watch Rae work and for such a great cause!

I was so happy to see James Koshiba again and meet his very cool friend Anim, who is the Director of National Programs for The Food Project in New York. Just a couple of bright, intelligent and ambitious guys who's making our world a better place, people!!!

Mahalo nui loa Kanu Hawai'i, Ad Two Honolulu, Ms. Tai Leong and of course, Rae Huo for making this morning so exceptionally special! What an honor to work with all of you!!!

A very HARSH Reality!!!

This is a very difficult post for me to write however, I am following my na'au (instincts) because I feel it is extremely important to share this with you.

On Dr. Martin Luther King Day I went out to the country to spend some time with my niece and nephew.  As we walked along the beach we found a young sea turtle basking in the sun.

As we carefully approached it (while keeping a respective distance) I was shocked and horrified to find that this poor creature had a tumor attached to it's head!!!

The feeling of anguish, sadness, anger and helplessness hit me all at once!!!  I felt strongly that pollution of our waters played a big part in the toxic growth attached to this innocent sea turtle's head. 

Here is this turtle... born to swim, play, eat and breed in our oceans.  They have NO CONTROL over the conditions of their playground!  And sadly, no voice to let us know that they are in trouble...

As I choked back my tears, I explained to my niece and nephew how important it is that WE help to stop pollution and keep our waters, land, and air CLEAN!!!

It is our kuleana, our responsibility, to take care of this beautiful place we call home! 

Rockin' the VOTE at Windward Mall!!!

After devouring a delicious lunch, my thoughts (and expanded stomach) headed to the polling place at Windward Mall. 

Yes, peeps, today I casted my vote, in what is surely to be one, if not THE HOTTEST election in our lifetime!!

May I kindly remind all of you to PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS on your ballots.

This is one of those few times that I actually color INSIDE the lines!!!

(IMPORTANT NOTE: If you decide to vote using the ELECTRONIC way, make sure you double check that your choices has been registered in the machine!  You know how technology can be.)  

This was the first time in my adulthood that I felt really, really excited about voting!!!  

This is an exciting time for all of us!!!

Please remember to VOTE!  And if you can, please vote early! 

Visit www.canivote.org for more information.  :)

Oh yes!  AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

Day of Action in Hawai'i!

Happy National Day of Action, peeps!  Today, hundreds of Americans took part in being responsible for our nation's future.

Kanu Hawai'i has done a tremendous job bringing awareness to today's event which runs parallel to Kanu's own mission.  As a proud Kanu member, I made sure that I would spend part of today giving back to the community and more importantly, commit to an act of service that I could continuously take part in.  

Back in July of this year, I was angered and disturbed to hear the news of a Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle who was found mutilated and dead at Laniakea Beach.  "Honey Girl," who frequented Laniakea Beach, was treated inhumanely and with utmost disrespect.  I wept when I heard the news that this beautiful creature had been slaughtered at a place where she thought she would be safe.  From that moment on I vowed  to do something positive for "Honey Girl" and her fellow sea turtles.

I was sooo ecstatic to find that on Kanu's  list of Day of Action Activities was an event for Malama Na Honu.  "Malama Na Honu is an organization who's main focus is to help protect Hawaiian green sea turtles through education, public awareness and conservation in the spirit of ALOHA."  I spread the word of training to be a Honu Guardian and sparked others interest in the activity.  AWESOME!!!

So this morning, I woke up, picked up my fellow photographer and BFF Arna, and we took a drove out to the North Shore to Laniakea Beach.  

There, we met up with Alyson and Alika (one of my couples for 2009),

my fellow Honeys, Dave Miyamoto and Michelle Guda, 

and my niece, Casey Isabelo.

Laniakea Beach looked so beautiful!!!

What a great way for the Blog Squad to start a Saturday morning!

Dave even brought his underwater housing!  If you click on this photo it'll pop open even larger and you can see a reflection of Michelle and I. Slick, yeah????

Here I am admiring his housing...

Here's Dave working that housing!!!

This is probably what a Honu sees when they're looking at us humans...

(Thanks, bro, for this shot!!!)

Okay....enough of this Tom Foolery!!!

Meet Da Honu Dude - Patrick Doyle!

He is truly THE Honu Dude!  This guy is sooooo passionate, 'olu'olu, knowledgeable and just downright cool!!!

He welcomed each and every one of us so warmly and humbly thanked us for our time!  Despite having to unexpectedly train us on his own (there was supposed to be two Honu Guardian Trainers) he casually handled the whole session with such ease...

...and shared so much pertinent information about being a Honu Guardian and of course about these beautiful creatures, the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle.  Such as:

• they are a Threatened Specie and is protected under the Endangered Species Act and the Hawai'i State Law
• they are estimated to live up to 60-70 years old 
• they have excellent underwater vision and can see colors.  On land they are nearsighted due to the shape of their lenses which are adapted to seeing underwater 
• they get their name from the greenish color of its internal body fat 
• and here at Laniakea, most of the turtles have been basking ashore since 1999 

Even while "class" took place, we could see the turtles swimming around in the water!

 By the time we left, I counted four turtles hanging out and basking. 

 

We even met this beautiful Honu Guardian on duty, Uilani, with her keiki - a Honu Guardian in training!!!

I want to send a big MAHALO out to  Malama Na Honu - its leaders and volunteers for their time, energy and love that they have for these endangered species and our islands.

To Patrick Doyle, the Honu Guru/Dude, for your unconditional love, compassion and knowledge. I could tell that these traits do not only pertain to the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles but to everything you take on in LIFE!!!  I am so fortunate to have been able to spend some time with you today.  MAHALO for spreading the ALOHA to everyone you meet and for being such an inspiration!!!

To all of you out there for participating in this Day of Action!  MAHALO for your time, energy and commitment to taking care of our nation's and island's future!!!

Honey Girl, your death was not in vain....because of someone's malicious act, so much awareness and positive attention has come out of it.  Your death has brought prolonged life to your fellow species....

Please visit: Malama Na Honu at www.malamanahonu.org if you're interested in becoming a part of this wonderful cause and organization!!!

Also visit: Kanu Hawai'i at Kanuhawaii.org.  Please sign up and become a member!  Be an active part in preserving our island's future!!!

Wainani Hansen

I'd like to introduce to you, Ms. Wainani Hansen.

She is smart and beautiful - inside and out.

She loves life and lives it to the fullest!

I met Wainani through one of my brides, Shanelle Sanborn Nakanishi.   

Shanelle and Wainani are close friends (Wainani was her Maid of Honor) and are both Kamehameha graduates.

Then recently, at Amy Gamble's wedding

I discovered that she is Amy's Pilates instructor!  What a small world!!!

When I first met Wainani at Shanelle's wedding, I thought she was so kind and beautiful.  What an honor it was to photograph her today!

She loves  yoga, pilates...

and dance!!!

I could tell by today's shoot how grounded, artistic and creative she is.  Her spirit is as beautiful as her movements.  

I am proud to share with you that Wainani is running for Miss Hawai'i 2009.  I strongly feel that she would be a wonderful representative for our state!  

She defines grace, kindness, beauty and strength all with a gentle confidence and quiet humility...

Mahalo, Wainani, for a fun and inspiring shoot!

Magnificent Murph!

Back to Crossfit Hawai'i gang!  Today's WOD (workout of the day) was .4 Murph.  Check it out:

Yes, you're reading that correctly!!!  80 pushups:

And 120 squats! Which as you know, the squat is my LEAST favorite move:

I would like to thank Coach Kimo and Melanie, the other Crossfitting wahine  (there were only two of us), for their encouragement and cheers!  

I completed .4 Murph in 23 minutes and 23 seconds!!!  HURRAY!!

Zen time for the Photo Chick

It is super easy for me to get sucked up with work. I love what I do for a living and I am a workaholic. 

With the advice from one of my best friends and soul sister, Debbie Friedrich I took some time off today to soak in our beautiful ocean and bask in the sun!!!

Mahalo, Deb, for being so righteously supportive!!!

Peace out...

Happy Birthday, Deb!

"In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed."

-Kahlil Gibran

Happy Birthday to my Soul Sister, Debbie Friedrich!!!  Thank you for filling my heart with your love and friendship!! Have a FABULOUS Birthday!!!

The Good Kine Mail

Mail...remember when it used to come in only one form? The kind in the actual mailbox on your street?

Today, we're bombarded by mail in the mailbox, mail on your computer, mail even on your cellphone!!! It could drive a person to go postal!  (no offense!)

Amongst all that mail, mail, mail, there's usually maybe ONE item that's worth looking at and even keeping. Sometimes there's none at all!  Well, today, I was so surprised to find a lovely gift in my actual mailbox (the street one).

I received this BEAUTIFUL, long awaited book written by my very dear friend and spiritual mentor, Alice Inoue.  

As soon as I pulled it out of the bubble wrap envelope, I felt this flood of overwhelming pride and love! Her book is beautiful!!!  

It's a simple and easy read with empowering words of wisdom, enlightenment and guidance.  I can't wait to read it!!!

Check this out!  It's even on Amazon.com:

This is sooo cool!!!

Congratulations, Alice!  You are a true inspiration and I celebrate the light & love that you continue to shine & share with all of us!!!  MAHALO NUI LOA!

Aloha Tower meets Kanu Hawai'i!!!

Holy camoley, people!!!  This evening's TWC/Diva's Doing Good fundraiser for Kanu Hawai'i was DA BOMB!!!  The turn out was fantastic!

The afternoon started with a fun makeup session with my ever so talented brother-in-law, Jonathan Freitas (Makeup by Jon Freitas).  He worked on both Aubrey and I.

BEFORE:

 

(We thought we'd do the traditional "i-look-like-sh**-warmed-over" shot)

(Photo by: Kauanoelehua)

After applying his beautifying touches with his magical brushes he created this:

HELLO?!?!?  No wonder why the makeup and cosmetic industry brings in billions of dollars!!!! Now we can confidently expose ourselves to the real world!!!  

MAHALO Jonathan for making us look like divas!

We arrived at the historic Aloha Tower to find that the place was already hopping and jumping! In the distance I could hear one of my favorite island duets, Maila Gibson and Ben Vega, filling the event with their mele.  Shmooooooth....

I cannot even begin to tell you what a great time I had with my fellow J.U.Gettes!

Olivia, Kalele, Aubrey and I excitedly entered the event and were greeted by so many happy familiar faces.

One of my most favorite writers, Yu Shing Ting...

So nice to run into Mr. Jet Setter himself, Derek Wong..

Aubrey and I were so honored to be chosen as one of the 50 Divas Doing Good.  

Each of the honorary Divas needed to do a video interview and give their mana'o (thoughts) on what Kanu Hawai'i means to them and what commitment they are willing to make. 

My main commitment: To help clean up Hawai'i's beaches!

After we finished our interviews it was off to more grinds, hugging and laughing!! 

Great to see IMUA's Fred DeAngelo and his crew of Ola's volunteering their time, kau-kau and energies to a great cause!  

Fred's beautiful wife (another IMUA graduate), Cheryl DeAngelo

 

along with her equally stunning sister, Brandy Antonelis, joined in on the festivities as well.  

(Ummm...please note that it was a bit windy this afternoon)

Ladies, be on the lookout for these two sisters! They're opening up their own boutique in Manoa Marketplace in October and it is going to be fashion heaven!  I can't wait for Adoracion Boutique to open it's doors!!! Stay tuned for more exciting information!!!

Okay, where was I...oh yes!  On to the bar!

You can ALWAYS count on a good time when Dave Miyamoto and his honey, Michelle Guda are in da house!

I LOVED seeing CJ Bae with Kim and Tara!

We LOVE Erin!!!

It was awesome to meet the faces and driving forces behind Kanu Hawai'i. Here's Punahou's James Koshiba (one of Kanu's Directors) during the fashion show...

And I FINALLY got to meet the infamous Andrew Aoki, another Director for Kanu. What a cool guy!!!

I'd like to mention that the Silent Auction was a HUGE success. Ulu Art contributed a piece:

Here's my girls cheering the piece on!  Isn't she beautiful??? Kalo...Please visit Ulu Art for more information!  "To Inspire, To Reflect, To Change..."

It was fun partying with my sister, Daisy...

and kicking it up several CRAZY notches with The Wedding Cafe's Roy Kawaji!

Special MAHALO NUI LOA goes out to Naomi Lee of Les Saison

for donating and providing us these exquisite LOUNGE FURNITURE to rest our intoxicated selves!

We LOVE Naomi!!!

During the event, I briefly saw Kelly Sugano of a Perfect Day running around with her very busy crew.  I was so happy that Mary actually got to stop for a second for a quick photo.  MAHALO, Mary, Kelly and APD Crew for all your kokua!!!

It was great to see one of the contributing fashion divas, Allison Izu Song!

We LOVE Allison!  Goooo Lancer!!!

And of course, a great big MAHALO to the main Diva and her INCREDIBLE TEAM! 

Diva, YOU DONE GOOD!!!

MAHALO for allowing me to be a part of a very significant and empowering event!  

Peeps, remember to PLEASE sign up with Kanu Hawa'ii at www.kanuhawaii.org.  It only takes one commitment to make a difference!

Aubz, Lele, Olives, Daiz, you gals are such beautiful women and the bestest gal palz EVER!!! MAHALO for a sensational time!  We miss you Bee, Deb, KVN, Misty, Linda, Barracuda and Hawaiian!!!

Until next time...