Lucky I live Hawaii (LILH) - Graduation in Hawaii

Across the nation students are gearing up for their final exams if they haven't had them already. The semester and year for that matter is coming to the end and for some, it's time to celebrate years of learning with GRADUATION! After all that blood, sweat, and tears it's finally time to have your three seconds of fame and be recognized in front of an entire community. For us living in Hawaii, graduation is a huge celebration. Aunties, uncles, grandparents, friends, and even your parents friend's come to congratulate you on a job well done.

One thing that makes Hawaii graduations different than other places are the mounds of flowers and leis you receive. Regardless if you're from the islands or not, this tradition latches on to you and stays with you. When our students go elsewhere for college and graduate, this tradition also follows them. You can tell who the "Hawaii Kids" are because they're the one's with all the leis. So CONGRATS to all the graduates this year both near and far.

These photos are from my Masters Degree graduation exactly two years ago! Wow, time sure flies!

Style - Summer Beach Essentials

The temperatures are rising and Memorial Day is just around the corner... You know what that means? Summer is almost here! One of the fabulous things about living in Hawaii is that it's summer almost all year long. We have perfect summer weather. It never gets too hot hear like it can get in other places and our beaches are always about a 10-20 minute drive from anywhere on the island. So, in honor of saying good-bye to spring and hello to summer, here are my summer essential finds. 

           

          

     

Items can be purchased at the corresponding links:

Beach Umbrella   :  Over-sized Hat  :  Sunglasses  :  Swimsuit  :  Beach Bag  :  Beach Towel   :  Slippers  :  Sunsblock

Mothers Day Gift Ideas

Mothers Day is on Sunday! Haven't gotten your mom a gift yet? Here are a few unique and easy last minute gift ideas that mom might like:

Write down your favorite memories with mom for her to read when she's having a bad day

Create coasters out of Polaroids 

Hand print flowers

Re-package her favorite bath stuff and create special labels customized to her style

Cupcake rose bouquet 

A generational photo

BEAUTY - Ewok got a haircut

When we first got Ewok, he was a long haired dog and was really shaggy looking. We named him Ewok because of yhis look. For the first time yesterday, we took him to the groomers. The temperatures are rising here and recently noticed he likes to sleep on the bathroom floor since it's nice and cool unlike the bedroom carpet or on the bed like he usually does. Prior to his grooming, he trimmed him a couple of times because his hair kept getting in his eyes and having a long haired dog got pretty messy at times. I was a little nervous on how he would behave. He's generally a really good dog and loves to play. He's not afraid of strangers and likes to be pet so I was afraid that he would be too playful and give the groomers a hard time. When Titan picked him up the groomer said he was a very good dog and did well. I came home a little later and didn't know what to expect. All Titan told me was "you're not going to recognize him". I opened the door to my bedroom and there he was! A puppy that I definitely didn't recognize. He was so trimmed down that he no longer looked like an Ewok. I think it will get a little getting used to but what do you think? Too much of a trim or just right?

Lucky I live Hawaii - Hotel service

It's Aloha Friday! We made it through another week!

One of the many things you'll find in Hawaii are hotels. They're everywhere! With tourism being Hawaii's main economy stimulator it's no wonder why there are so many. Like many tourist destinations, the hotel plays a vital role on ones vacation. It's their home away from home, their temporary place of rest, and for some a place of escape. When us locals want to get away for a few days, it's easy to book a hotel room and feel like your away from it all. There's something about the hotel atmosphere that make all your worries go away and allow you to just relax.

Behind all of that magic though are the wonderful staff who make that happen. Many people here make their living by making sure you feel that sense of aloha as soon as you step foot on their property. Each hotel is different. Some will lei you upon check-in while others will have personalized gifts waiting for you at your room. No matter what, I think Hawaii definitely has one of the best hotel service in the world. One of the best things about being local and staying at a hotel here... Kamaaina discount! Now for those of you who don't know what that is, you can be sure that will make it to one of my lucky I live Hawaii posts one day but for now, it's a discount that only locals can get by showing your local ID. 

So kick your feet up, take a break, and relax. It's Friday! And if you live in Hawaii, take a staycation, you won't regret it! What are some of your favorite things about hotel service? I'd love to hear your experiences.

Photo taken at Halekulani Hotel on Oahu

Now why didn't I think of that?

Every wish there was something invented that would make your life easier but haven't found that perfect item at your local shopping mall yet? Well look no further, here are 12 creative ideas by Colby Almond that you've probably been searching high and low for but it's right in your own home.A little creativity and imagination can take you a long way. Do you have any other ideas or inventions you want to see or have done? Feel free to share them in the comment box!

STYLE - For the home (succulents)

Lately I've been really digging succulents. Every since about Easter or so, these fine creatures caught my eye. I love the subtle yet vibrant colors, the easy maintenance, and the pop of life it brings to the home. I've heard it's a good idea to talk to your succulents. Have a conversation with them. It's supposed to help them grow better and last longer. Now I'm a little skeptical about that one but I guess it's worth a shot. What do you say to your plants? Here are a few of my own succulents purchased from my local farmers market and home store.

Here are a few tips taken from about.com on how to care for  your succulent

Light:

Succulents prefer bright light, such as found on a south-facing window. Watch the leaves for indications that the light level is correct. Some species will scorch if suddenly exposed to direct sunlight. The leaves will turn brown or white as the plant bleaches out and the soft tissues are destroyed. Alternatively, an underlit succulent will begin to stretch, with an elongated stem and widely spaced leaves. This condition is known as etoliation. The solution is to provide better light and prune the plant back to its original shape. Many kinds of succulents will thrive outdoors in the summer.

Temperature:

Succulents are much more cold-tolerant than many people assume. As in the desert, where there is often a marked contrast between night and day, succulents thrive in colder nights, down to even 40ºF. Ideally, succulents prefer daytime temperatures between 70ºF and about 85ºF and nighttime temperatures between 50ºF and 55ºF.

Water:

Succulents should be watered generously in the summer. The potting mix should be allowed to dry between waterings, but do not underwater. During the winter, when the plants go dormant, cut watering back to once every other month. Over-watering and ensuing plant rot is the single most common cause of plant failure. Be aware, though, that an over-watered succulent might at first plump up and look very healthy. However, the cause of death may have already set in underground, with rot spreading upward from the root system. A succulent should never be allowed to sit in water. The following are signs of under- or over-watering.

A few of my own succulents I purchased from my local farmers market and home store: