I get a fair amount of questions from you guys about so many different topics that I figured it was time to put out an all-call to answer some in a big FAQ post. I put out a Google doc about a month ago and sent some reminders on Facebook and Instagram. The number 1 question was how I do my hair so I started with that. I was shocked by how many of you wanted to know this – eleven of you! So, without further ado – let’s get right down to the questions.
How do you do your hair?
I was surprised by how many of you asked about this! The reality is that I don’t love my hair, so I was pretty flattered to get this question! First a foremost, I don’t wash it very often, but I brush it multiple times per day. I rarely blow it dry and usually let it air dry on its own these days. I have naturally curly/wavy hair, so it’s got some texture that is nice to play around with. I curl it using my favorite EVER Sultra Curling Wand and use very little product so that I can pretty much go a full week with the style. I swear by dry shampoo (my favorite here, because it doesn’t leave my brown hair ashy looking) and if I need to tame any flyaway hairs I spray a little of this on my hands and run them through my hair.
What are your tips for creating an at-home office that inspires you to get work done?
Honestly – surround yourself with things that inspire you to be creative. I’m a writer, so for me that means tacking up a mood board by my desk filled with photos of family and friends, magazine clippings, colorful artwork, etc. In my old office, I took an entire wall and gave it a facelift using wallpaper, because every time I looked at it – it made me so happy. I need a space where I feel content in order to be productive. It also really helps to build a space with a door so you can – quite literally – close out distractions.
How much money do you make off your blog?
Wow, so forward! Ha! Enough to make it worthwhile to continue 🙂
How did you meet your husband?
My husband and I were set up through a mutual friend and wrote letters before we ever met in person. It’s a really long story but if you are into those sorts of things you can read the whole darn debacle here. It’s a really special story (I’m obviously biased), but I still get goosebumps thinking about meeting him in real life for the first time! Here’s a throwback photo from the archives….we’ve come a long way, baby! Taken in San Francisco’s Little Italy…ah, good memories!
What are your must-do Oahu activities?
My first question is always – how long will you be here and do you prefer beach or mountains? Oahu is JAM PACKED with so many amazing places to eat, drink, relax and explore. Are you into history? Want to hike? Plant your hiney on a different beach every hour? My full list of what to do on Oahu is here. Believe me when I tell you it’s the Ultimate Activity Guide. I’ve got you covered on beaches, restaurants, hotels, historical sites, hikes and more!
Who would I invite (dead or alive) to a dinner party?
Man this is such a tough one! I have two tables so does that mean I get to invite twice the people? Just kidding! I would definitely invite John F. Kennedy and Jackie, because I am just so transfixed by them. I have so many questions for John – mostly, what’s the deal with Marilyn? Was Jackie not a big enough freak in the sheets? And Jackie – where can I get some of those clean line skirts? So besides the Kennedys, I would also consider Frank Sinatra and Doris Duke (she’s my spirit animal – a fierce and fashionable heiress with a killer pad in Honolulu). Honestly – I could probably think of about 20 more (including Kate Middleton and Audrey Hepburn), but the question only asked about one. LOL!
What is my favorite childhood memory?
It took me awhile to think back on a specific favorite, but when I was 7 my grandparents won the lottery and took our family to Disney World. It was AWESOME! All my aunts, uncles and cousins, plus my grandparents and us went down to Orlando and rode rides, ate all the best food and even all bought matching yellow ponchos when it torrentially down poured rain. I tried in vain to find a photo of this killer event but couldn’t track one down 🙁
What past experiences and things do you think contributed to your talent and lead you to where you are today?
Getting told no. I think that there is a lot to be said about having to bust your ass and hustle to succeed in any field, but especially so creatively. Being turned down, rejected and having editors write me to say “we really love this, but…” has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. I think it’s really easy to be successful when you’ve never had to deal professionally or emotionally with the sting of something you love not being accepted by others. And quite truthfully – rejections ignite the fire within me to keep going, keep creating, keep writing, keep pitching, etc.
I also attribute a lot of my success to my parents and how they raised me. My parents weren’t my friends, they didn’t try to be “cool” or “popular” with my circle of friends and they certainly never accepted anything less than my very best effort. They were strict, they had standards and they set rules. And when I was a whiny bitch – I got the riot act. Growing up, I thought this was so damn annoying, but now, I am so thankful they acted that way, because I have so much more respect for them as both my parents and as people. I like to think I’m a better person because of it and on my 26th birthday, my mom finally accepted my Facebook friend request 😉
Where do you get your swimsuits?
Just about anywhere I can find one that fits me and doesn’t suck in my hips to make me look like I’m wearing sausage casing. Just kidding…kind of! My favorites are from Tori Praver and Maaji, but I’ve had random luck at Target as well! Where to find a good one piece is still a question that befuddles me, so if I ever solve that mystery I’ll let you know!
And that rounds things out! You guys had some great questions and I was blown away by how many of you sent messages! If I missed anything, be sure to let me know and maybe keep an eye out for future FAQ posts – this was fun!
The Big FAQ Post – 2019
Three Things Survey
So, Where Are You Moving?