Cup of Goodness- Volunteering in Guatemala

There are some people in this world that you just have to be surrounded with. The kinds of people that are positive, energetic, and have a remarkable aura that make you feel good, be good and do good.

One of my darling best friends, and of course one of my favorite girls in this world, Kelsie Pascual are just one of those special people.  She is absolutely amazing.

I spent Sunday afternoon listening to her great adventure as a volunteer abroad in Guatemala.  She arrived at my house with some souvenirs- beautiful handcrafted butterfly decors (“They love butterflies in Guatemala!”,and….

surprise, surprise, traditionally handmade chocolate from Guatemala (“Hon, I actually learned how to make real chocolate!”)



I also learned within a few minutes that if mixed with hot water, these crunchy chocolates can turn into the most delicious hot cocoa ever made.



Hearing about Kelsie’s stories during her travel is like drinking from a never-ending cup of goodness.

Read below:::





How inspiring. Go Kelsie!

Love,
Honey

Love Being a Girl!

March 3rd marked an annual celebration for girls- Hina Matsuri, a Japanese tradition also known as Girl's Day.

A little history for ya:: upon birth, Japanese girls would be given beautiful dolls dressed in kimonos, complete with fans and musical instruments. Young girls would display their dolls, and take them down before March 3, when they would have a special party with great food and gifts for themselves and their dolls. Hundreds of years ago, it was customary in Japan during Hina Matsuri that girls would receive gifts of peach blossoms and paper dolls as a symbolism of a prosperous marriage. In present days, it would be little boxes of delicious mochi or free lunch from a male colleague :)

This year, on Girls Day, I went on Facebook and asked a simple question “What do I like about being a girl?” The answer with the most feedback will receive a pair of earrings from Fashion With A Mission. I decided to ask this question to encourage a positive personal assessment, (since FWM’s purpose is to also bring out the very best potential in anyone and everyone.)

Most people who participate in this type of discussion- a question that requires them to not only think about the answer but also to dig deeper within themselves, and find remarkable characteristics about their selves are more inclined to help others.

Simply because people who acknowledge their worth are more likely to share these positive feelings with others. They have the most potential to inspire and spread goodness around them.

I was appreciative of those who responded, and I wanted to share some comments from the beautiful ladies who show us what it means to have GIRL POWER.

Thank you to the the lovely Kimberly Leong, ever-so-gorgeous Amber Wadtke, oh-so-cute Sierra Felicilda, my darling fashionista Jena Cudera, and my favorite drama class buddy Samantha Williamson.

Of course I am not leaving you without one from me ;) .....

Love,
Honey

Giving Back- The Great Aloha Run 2012

The 28th Annual Great Aloha Run was held this past President’s Day, Monday February 20th and I had a wonderful opportunity to be a GAR volunteer alongside a few of my good friends Juvy & Jena Cudera, Retch Manipon and Slay Oyao.

Sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, the Great Aloha Run is an 8.15 mile course that begins at Aloha Tower and ends at the Aloha Stadium. This year had the largest number of participants. I was not physically prepared to run or walk 8+ miles, but assisting with refreshments for the runners was definitely a yes. At 4 in the morning I woke up groggy-eyed, but totally ready to pass out bananas and macadamia cookies to the finishers of the race. Yes, macadamia nut cookies…

It was another great bonding event for us amigas. Most importantly, we gave back to our community by contributing our time to assist in a charitable event that greatly impact our communities- improving the lives of those in need.

Volunteer work, whether it is miniscule or on a large-scale is personally fulfilling and satisfying as we recognize that we can make a difference- in people’s lives within our community, our country and even the world.

[gallery link="file" columns="4"]

Madness in my schedule will not take me away from my desire to save the world.

Love,
Honey

eternal sunshine

I was browsing through my online album and I came across one of my favorite photos. Taken five years ago by a talented aspiring photographer at the time, Keoni Kitagawa, this photo captured a candid, yet blissful moment.

It was nearing a day’s end in beautiful Hawaii nei, with the sun setting behind me. The weather was pleasant as I had remembered it- warm, yet breezy; not too hot, not too windy.

If I were to choose a photo that I could hold in my heart forever- to move me, to encourage me, to teach me… I would choose this photo.

Because this photo shows me an eternal sunshine.

The sun shining- whether it be rising, or setting, symbolizes hope to all. Sometimes we feel that the world is dark, and we may be at the bottom at times. But the sun is always there, and we will get back up, one way or another.

Figuratively speaking, no matter how terrible or rainy the day goes, you just have to breathe…because tomorrow the sun will rise. If the rain keeps coming, you just have to remember that it takes rain AND sunshine to make a rainbow ;)

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine."
Anthony J. D'Angelo

A daily dose of sunshine is good for you- it’s brightening and exhilarating. Drink it up, my darlings. Don’t live in the shadows.

Love,
Honey