A-L-O-H-A

Everyone needs a little bit of the aloha spirit in their life.  While the word "aloha" is known mostly as a greeting ("hello" and "goodbye"), it also means affection and compassion.  When locals say to "spread aloha", they mean to spread love.  And the aloha spirit is the spirit of love, compassion, peace, and mercy - four things that we often forget in our day-to-day lives.

But in order to spread love and joy to others, you have to feel it in yourself.  Most days we go about our daily routines (work, school, kids, chores, etc.) trying to make everyone else happy and not taking time to make ourselves happy first.  That time you have for yourself is important.  You can't "live aloha" if you don't feel it.

I know it can seem like it's such a big burden to set aside time to make yourself happy when you're always busy and on-the-go, but just doing a tiny thing for yourself everyday will do wonders for your life.  Treat yourself to a cupcake, paint your nails, meditate, dance around your house in the morning, sing a ballad at the top of your lungs in traffic...all these little things can make your day seem a whole lot brighter because you're making yourself (and nobody else) happy.  And if all else fails, put on something bright and fun so you can't help but smile while you're wearing it.

Top:  Papaya [$21]  //  Shorts:  Handmade by me  //  Necklace:  Charlotte Russe [$5]  //  Sandals:  Payless Shoes [$15]  //  Bathing Suit Top:  Target [$17.99]

I handmade these shorts after being inspired by the wonderfully talented Sharon Lei of Elisharon.  Her style is AMAZING and her sketches are crazy awesome!  And if you need a second opinion, H&M chose her to be the Hawaii ambassador for their 50 States of Fashion campaign!  Anyone still questioning her awesomeness?  No?  I thought so.

Now go and get your happy on, feel the aloha, and then hop on over to Elisharon and spread some aloha by congratulating her on such an amazing accomplishment!

Fitness Friday: Body Image

So I've been contemplating this post for a while now and after a recent beach session I figured I may as well get on with it.

Most of you should already know that I'm a mother to three crazy/awesome/wonderful kids.  Some of you may also know that I dabbled in modeling and gogo dancing in my prime.  But here's something that none of  you know:

I've struggled with my body image issues through it all.

Let's take a look back, shall we?  And please excuse the excess of skin, facial expressions, and vulgar hand gestures.

2003:

Skinnocent = skinny + innocent

2004:

A little thicker

2005:

Still uncomfortable in my skin

2006:

April - A little thinner

June - Gained a lot of weight

2007:

Pregnant

2008:

2009:

2010:

2011:

2012:

2013:

Sorry if I just made you throw up.  Lol.  Anyway, as you can see, my weight has fluctuated quite a bit throughout the years.  It's been like that since the 8th grade but it still bothers me when I notice myself gaining weight.

Since having kids, I've gotten a little more of a belly than I used to have.  I'm sure there are a LOT of other moms who will tell you - that pouch is damn near impossible to get rid of!  At first I was disgusted with my body.  Every time I saw myself in the mirror I would get depressed.  I would cover up as much as possible and would be ashamed to wear a bathing suit in public.

It wasn't until I went back home to Hawaii and saw everyone and their mothers baring it all that I regained my confidence.  I got back my "idgaf" attitude and started wearing monokinis, then got back into two piece bikinis.
 
No, I don't have a flat stomach and tiny waist, and yes, I do have some stretch marks - so what?   I've never been a healthy eater (I love my bacon) and I'm not really an athletic person (is blogging a sport yet?) but I'm working on it!

Moral of the story:  love yourself, no matter what.  Body image isn't everything.

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♥ Duckie.