outfitting: pearl harbor memorial

Angie Floral Apron Dress:
- @ Marshalls

Rock Fiji Red Bikini:
- @ Quicksilver

White Wayfarers Sunglasses:
- $4.80 @ Forever 21
- See Aloha! We're In Waikiki and Kayak, Snorkel, Luau

Lime Green Elastic Headband (worn around wrist as bracelet):
- Free from LF Store
- See Who's Geoff?

Neon Yellow Plastic Jelly Ring:
- $0.20 @ Linda Vista Multicultural Fair Toy Booth

Roxy Naples Sandals in White:
- Free from Sport Chalet Birthday Gift Card
- See Aloha! We're In Waikiki and Kayak, Snorkel, Luau

Waikiki, Oahu - Morning 3

One of the reasons I chose the ResortQuest Waikiki Beach was the free breakfast to-go. I loved that they had miso soup, spam and RICE! Yummy!


Pearl Harbor, Oahu - Day 3

We hopped on a bus and headed to Pearl Harbor right after breakfast to try and beat the crowd. The wait to go on the ferry and over to the USS Arizona Memorial wasn't as long as I anticipated. While we waited we toured the visitor area and caught up on the history of Pearl Harbor with the various books at the gift shop. If you ever make a trip out to Hawaii, this historical landmark is a must-see. Once we got off the ferry and was inside the memorial, the mood became immediately somber yet uplifting at the same time. The memorial was eerily beautiful and I was instantly emotional when I saw oil droplets on the surface of the water. The oil came from the oil tanks still aboard the USS Arizona at the bottom of the ocean and is also referred to as "Black Tears." This was an unforgettable experience for me and I'm really thankful that Emil made sure we visited Pearl Harbor.

Waikiki, Oahu - Evening 3

Back in Waikiki, we strolled through the shops along the street and then we had dinner at the Seaside Bar & Grill.

Fruity drinks are extra delicious in Hawaii!


Waikiki, Oahu - Night 3

A relaxing ending to another great day in Hawaii is watching a movie on the beach as the sun sets.

outfitting: kayak, snorkel, luau

Hollister Brown Ruffle Bikini:
- $31.80 @ Hollister

White Wayfarers Sunglasses:
- $4.80 @ Forever 21
- See Aloha! We're In Waikiki

No Boundaries Yellow Leather & Gold Chain Bracelet:
- @ Wal-Mart

1st Choice Hawaiian Print Dress:
- @ Holy Family Christian Closet

Roxy Naples Sandals in White:
- Free from Sport Chalet Birthday Gift Card
- See Aloha! We're In Waikiki

Kailua Bay, Oahu - Day 2

We're all suited up and ready to row!

I'm sportin' the latest in kayak couture.

Believe me, paddling ain't no walk in the park!

Kailua Bay

This crab has probably seen better days.

Vacationing in Hawaii rocks!

This isn't a very attractive picture of me, but it perfectly illustrates my enthusiasm and excitement over snorkeling. Fishies galore and even a sea turtle sighting!

Waikiki, Oahu - Night 2

I wanted to attend a real luau (with a whole pig buried in the sand), but they were really expensive and sold out for the night, so we went to a luau-like dinner and Polynesian show at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani hotel instead.

I may be smiling here, but throughout dinner my entire body was excruciatingly sore. I wanted to tear off my limbs! It didn't help that the food was nasty.


Emil shakes his rump with the hula dancers.

This is the real reason we came to Hawaii. Hot damn!

outfitting: aloha! we're in waikiki

Ezekiel Petra Dress in Bright Plum:
- From the Dean

Purple Racerback Tank:
- @ Urban Outfitters

No Boundaries Blue/Rainbow Bikini:
- @ Wal-Mart

White Wayfarers Sunglasses:
- $4.80 @ Forever 21

Hawaiian Purple & Pink Plumeria Small Poly Clay Earrings:
- @ Pacific Islander's Festival in San Diego

H&M Divided Gold Charm Bracelet:
- @ H&M

Yellow Striped Anchor Purse with Rope Handle:
- @ Target

Roxy Naples Sandals in White:
- Free from Sport Chalet Birthday Gift Card

Waikiki, Oahu - Day 1

The Hawaiian Airlines meals weren't entirely disgusting. My red mush was a bit more appetizing than Emil's block-like sandwich.

Airplane window P.O.V.

We only travel in style: exclusive inside look at our '70s deco limo-taxi.


Welcome to our awesome hotel. The moment I saw the pictures of the hotel on Expedia, I knew we had to stay here. I love the urban-Hawaiian beach theme in the lobby (surfboards and all) and the sunburst pool on the deck. Everything about the hotel screams bright, fun, vacation!


This is what it looks like directly across the street from our hotel. I think it's a great scenic section of Waikiki Beach. Literally steps away...


Our room wasn't quite ready yet when we got there, so we strolled around taking pictures and then decided to meet up with Thoeun and David to eat our first official meal in Hawaii.


On our way towards their hotel, we stopped by this shopping center for bathroom break. There were tons of stuff to buy, but I was able to stop myself from shopping for souvenirs already. The women selling leis were just grabbing the orchids right off the plant and stringing them together!


All four of us were pretty hungry by the time we caught up with each other, so we had a delicious meal and fruity drinks at Duke's on the beach.


I love our hotel room's private lanai. It's a great place to lounge, catch some rays, and look at the spectacular views: the ocean is to the left, the mountains to the right, other hotels across the way, and the pool below.


Flat-panel TV, King Bed, and retro Hawaiian bedding. Doesn't this look like a room Elvis or Stitch would be staying in?


Taking a dip in the Pacific Ocean


I just can't get over how beautiful the views are in Hawaii. Clear, blue skies and swaying palm trees are gorgeous.


The sun sets and we end the night listening to tunes from the hotel restaurant, Tiki's Grill & Bar.

memorial day bbq '07

Emil's mom had a mini-BBQ in the backyard in celebration of Memorial Day and her baby boy's upcoming 24th birthday (5/31).

As you can tell, I didn't really shower or put on appropriate clothes for the occasion. I just rolled out of bed, threw on my glasses, and tied my hair up and was ready to grub on burgers, hot dogs, sweet corn, and grocery store birthday cake.

So basically we spent the day in the sun eating and throwing around the baseball. The things Emil would do to get Kayla to play a game of catch with him.

Don't worry, I eventually decided to bathe...

outfitting: megan's confirmation

Patrick Robinson Pleated-Front Medallion Print Baby Doll Dress:
- $29.99 @ Target

SM New York by Steve Madden Brown Grooviee Ballerina Flat with Bow:
- @ Mervyn's

"The Lord is my shepherd; surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." - Psalm 23:1,6

To my little sister Megan:

As you confirm this faith in God -- a faith of your very own, may you know from deep within you
that you'll never walk alone; that God is there to guide you along life's changing ways...

...to comfort you in trouble, to share your happy days, to support you when you stumble, to correct you when you're wrong and sometimes just to listen as together you walk on.

Though your Confirmation Day will soon be at an end, your journey lasts a lifetime and you've found a lifelong Friend.

Love Always,
Your big sister

outfitting: eat green eggs & talk to statues

Proenza Schouler Long-Sleeve Polo Sweater:
- $29.99 @ Target

Proenza Schouler Dobby Striped Canvas Shorts:
- $22.99 @ Target

Red Wool Beret:
- @ Mervyn's

Oversized Black Sunglasses:
- Free from a Gift Bag
- See Optometrists, Mongols, BO-rritos

Harajuku Lovers Music Double Def Watch:
- $29.99 @ Nordstrom Rack
- See Optometrists, Mongols, BO-rritos

Dooney & Bourke Brown Suede Bag:
- $10.00 @ Baras Thrift Store
- See I Heart Chicago's Magic Bean, Chicago Sights & Deep-Dish Pizza, Welcome to the Windy City, Buffets Are Good 'Til You Need To Barf and Drive, Sleep, Drive, Arrive in Vegas

Bongo Silver Sequined Shoes:
- $14.99 @ T.J. Maxx
- See Chicago Sights & Deep-Dish Pizza, Optometrists, Mongols, BO-rritos, Jewel Tones, Day Trip to Santa Barbara, BooBoo Arrives on Valentine's Day, Winter '07 TCA Press Tour, Christmas Day at the Bahia and Shark! at Scripps

On our last day in Chicago, we had a green eggs and ham breakfast at Kitsch 'n on Roscoe -- the vintage restaurant that was featured on "$40 a Day with Rachael Ray." The place was cozy and the food was yummy. For the rest of our day before our flight home, we did a ton of walking around downtown. We checked out the "Married with Children" fountain, Navy Pier on Lake Michigan, Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, and the Cool Globes exhibit scattered outside of the museum. We took tons of pictures, but the best part was just hanging out with Liz and being able to talk about our lives. Definitely a great end to an awesome trip to the Windy City.

outfitting: who's geoff?

Patrick Robinson White Poet Blouse:
- $29.99 @ Target

Citizens of Humanity Avedon #133 Skinny Leg Jeans:
- $110.00 @ The Warehouse Sale

Ann Taylor Orange Belt w/ Tortoise Shell Buckle:
- @ Baras Thrift Store

Patent Yellow Heels:
- $13.99 from eBay
- See Boxeight Collective Show, Kitten Fashion Week and Day 1 of Top Model Buzz Session

Pink Elastic Headband:
- Free from LF Store

After a couple shots at the Sofitel Hotel Bar, Liz and I decided to roam around our hotel. We took pictures behind a bar, inside the bathroom, and in front of the elevators. We then proceeded to print out our boarding passes at the business center and that is where we met Geoff Stults' acting coach. I think Liz and I are the only two people actually watching "October Road," so to almost meet a star of the show was pretty exciting for us -- it may have also been the alcohol. And of course being in front of a computer forced me to go on Myspace to leave a comment for Liz (who was sitting right next to me) about how we needed to find out which room Geoff was staying in at the hotel even if it meant that we had to knock on a bazillion doors. We never actually found him, bummer.

outfitting: i heart chicago's magic bean

Ezekiel All-Over Print Nina Hoodie:
- From the Dean
- See Day 1 of Top Model Buzz Session

Patrick Robinson Brown Wide-Leg Linen Pants:
- @ Target

N.Y.L.A. Blue Leather Ballet Flats:
- @ Macy's

Dooney & Bourke Brown Suede Bag:
- $10.00 @ Baras Thrift Store
- See Chicago Sights & Deep-Dish Pizza, Welcome to the Windy City, Buffets Are Good 'Til You Need To Barf and Drive, Sleep, Drive, Arrive in Vegas

Liz and I went out for another day of sight-seeing in Chicago and even though we had to run back to our hotel in the rain, I had so much fun taking loads of pictures at Millennium Park. Oh how I love the giant mirrored bean (aka Cloud Gate). Crown Fountain was amazing and the various sculptures make great photo ops. We were there for hours until it started sprinkling. Believe me, running with flats in the rain and without an umbrella ain't pretty.

outfitting: chicago sights & deep-dish pizza

Patrick Robinson Blue Short-Sleeve Woven Shirt:
- $19.99 @ Target

DKNY Jeans Neon Shorts:
- @ Marshalls
- See Neon Signs

Bongo Silver Sequined Shoes:
- $14.99 @ T.J. Maxx
- See Optometrists, Mongols, BO-rritos, Jewel Tones, Day Trip to Santa Barbara, BooBoo Arrives on Valentine's Day, Winter '07 TCA Press Tour, Christmas Day at the Bahia and Shark! at Scripps

Dooney & Bourke Brown Suede Bag:
- $10.00 @ Baras Thrift Store
- See Welcome to the Windy City, Buffets Are Good 'Til You Need To Barf and Drive, Sleep, Drive, Arrive in Vegas

outfitting: optometrists, mongols, BO-rritos

A&F Long Sleeve Sequined Top:
- @ Abercrombie & Fitch

Viktor & Rolf Red Bubble Skirt:
- $59.90 @ H&M

Harajuku Lovers Music Double Def Watch:
- $29.99 @ Nordstrom Rack

Bongo Silver Sequined Shoes:
- $14.99 @ T.J. Maxx
- See Jewel Tones, Day Trip to Santa Barbara, BooBoo Arrives on Valentine's Day, Winter '07 TCA Press Tour, Christmas Day at the Bahia and Shark! at Scripps

Oversized Black Sunglasses:
- Free from a Gift Bag