Author Archives: Mae

The Healthy Way to Get Your Vitamin D

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Aloha, Lovecat!

If you’re curious or confused about Vitamin D and how to get the recommended dosage? Keep reading. This post may clear up some uncertainty for you!

As a Lupus Survivor, learning about this health issue was eye-opening and extremely important for my well-being. After a particularly bad lupus flare after being in the sun for 6 hours (with sun protection, mind you), I decided I needed to do a little more research about UV exposure and Vitamin D was a huge topic that kept on popping up. My fellow auto-immunies may find this article particularly helpful.

Vitamin D, ETSIS, Sun Protection, Prevent Skin Cancer, How to Get Vitamin D, How to get vitamin D safely

{Vitamin D3 Supplements: one of the healthiest, cheapest ways to get your recommended daily dose of the bone-strengthening stuff.}

Until recently, everyone touted Vitamin C as the wonder ingredient and miracle nutrient. And yes, it’s true, Vitamin C is essential in any anti-aging and healthy skin and body regimen, but new research shows that Vitamin D is one of the best things you can put in your body.

Why Vitamin D is Good For You

Vitamin D is like calcium’s co-pilot. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, fortifying the bones. It’s essential for bone health. Vitamin D is also essential in the “modulation of cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function, and reduction of inflammation,” according to the National Institutes of Health. Considering that many cells in the body—up to 2,000 genes, reports Women’s Health— respond to or are regulated by Vitamin D, it is basically a nutrient that every part of your body needs.

Vitamin D Deficiency

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{Some very mis-informed, old-school doctors blame safe sun practices like use of sunscreen or wearing sun protection clothing for some individuals’ Vitamin D deficiency.}

The lack of Vitamin D in the body has been linked to a myriad of health problems, including, but not limited to, “depression, heart disease, pregnancy problems, birth defects, skin and other cancers, and multiple sclerosis” according to Women’s Health.

Some doctors blame excessive sunscreen and sun protection use as the culprit for Vitamin D deficiency. But I argue that that view demonizes one of the most healthy lifestyle choices a person can make without examining or even mentioning other important causation factors or the health risks of obtaining vitamin D through sun exposure.

Firstly, Vitamin D is severely lacking in the traditional American Diet. Cold water fish (cod, tuna, sockeye salmon, sardines), fortified dairy (yogurt, milk, cheese) and mushrooms all have vitamin D. But the average American doesn’t incorporate these into his or her diet to get enough of the recommended dose. Additionally, some vegetarians and vegans, in particular, will often find themselves Vitamin D deficient because they don’t consume foods containing the nutrient. However, over-eating any of the Vitamin D rich foods may lead to some health risks, and most foods don’t contain enough IUs to get the recommended amount.

Skin color plays a part in Vitamin D deficiency as well. Melanin blocks UV rays from penetrating the skin, decreasing Vitamin D conversion. The darker your skin, the more melanin you have. So, lighter-skinned people will absorb more UV and Vitamin D, whereas darker-skinned folks, less. People of color often age slower than their Caucasian counterparts, but they can often be Vitamin D deficient as well.

Lastly, sunscreen usage and sun protection plays a role in Vitamin D blockage, but has inherent health risks.

Vitamin D from UV Exposure = Unfriendly Fire

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Some old-school, mis-informed Doctors prescribe tanning or sun bathing during peak UV hours (10AM – 3PM) to their Vitamin D deficient patients. A big no-no, according to the National Institute of Health.

UVB rays interact with the skin and convert it into Vitamin D3. BUT! (And it’s a big one!) In order to get the right amount, you’d need to be completely un-protected and exposed to the sun between peak UV hours (10AM – 3PM in broad daylight) for 15 minutes, or you’d need to tan in a tanning bed. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), sunscreens over SPF 8 do appear to block some amount of UVB. HOWEVER, NIH cautions that most people in general don’t use sunscreen properly or reapply as instructed. “Therefore, skin likely synthesizes some Vitamin D even when it is protected by sunscreen as typically applied.” (NIH.gov)

Numerous health organizations, American Academy of Dermatology, the Skin Cancer Foundation AND the National Institute of Health all agree that trying to obtain Vitamin D from sun exposure poses serious health risks: namely, skin cancers. NIH goes as far as to state: “there are no studies to determine whether UVB-induced synthesis of Vitamin D (Vitamin D from UV rays) can occur without increased risk of skin cancer.” Additionally, if you live north of Atlanta, Georgia, during the fall and winter you can’t get enough UVB to produce the recommended amount of Vitamin D, anyway. Even if you’re able to synthesize Vitamin D from UV rays, most people go over and above the recommended 15 minutes, after which, UV rays begin to damage the skin at the cellular level, leading to collagen and elastin breakdown, resulting in wrinkles, crepey skin, spots and sagging. And remember, UVB is what produces Vitamin D, but the whole time you’re outside, you’re absorbing UVA rays, too, which don’t do ANYTHING for you, health-wise, and certainly not aging-wise.

sun protection, how to get vitamin d, how to get vitamin d safely, sun bathing feet, etsis

National Institutes of Health: “There are no studies to determine whether UVB-induced synthesis of Vitamin D (Vitamin D from UV rays) can occur without increased risk of skin cancer.”

UV rays can trigger flares of certain auto-immune diseases as well, such as lupus and arthritis. Personally speaking, whenever I spend more than an hour or two outside, I often get serious lupus flares, even though I cover up, wear UPF gear (rash guard, hat) and apply/reapply SPF 50+ broad spectrum sunscreen.

The health and skin health risks of getting Vitamin D from sun exposure seriously outweigh any benefit. Why try to do your body good only to risk cancer and severe aging?

The safest way to get Vitamin D

The safest way to get your Vitamin D is to ingest it the old fashioned way: take your vitamins. Supplements come in easy to swallow gel caplets. Laura Armas, M.D., assistant professor of endocrinology and a researcher in the Osteoporosis Research Center at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, tells Women’s Health that Vitamin D supplements are the “easiest, cheapest and safest way to make sure you’re covered.”

taking vitamins, how to get vitamin d safely, how to get vitamin d, sun protection, ETSIS

Do like your mama told you: Take your vitamins (and wear a hat)!

Take a Vitamin D3 (important to note that it is D3) capsule of at least 600IUs to get the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for the average person aged 1-70. After age 70, aim for 800 IUs. You can get supplements at any drugstore, health food store, super market or Costco for minimal cost.

There have been some concerns that it is possible to OD on Vitamin D, resulting in blood toxicity. Because D is fat-soluble and not water-soluble (like Vitamin C), your body won’t pee out the excess. However, recent studies have shown that the body can tolerate even large doses of D over long periods before reaching toxicity. According to the Mayo Clinic, you’d have to take 50,000 IUs daily for several months to reach toxicity.

Doctors may prescribe more Vitamin D3 than the RDA to treat certain auto-immune diseases or health disorderS. My Rheumatologist prescribed 3,000 IUs of Vitamin D3 daily and told me to limit my outdoor activities to a couple hours or less and always wear sun protection, in order to reduce chances of severe lupus flares.

In conclusion, Vitamin D is essential to maintaining good health and strong bones. The sun doesn’t play as nice as you think. If you want to keep the wrinkles at bay, stay healthy, reduce your chances of skin cancer AND save money, just do like your mom told you all those years ago: take your vitamins and put a hat on before going outside.

Rock on, Lover!
Me ke aloha ~ With love + aloha,
Mae Xx

Originally featured Escaping The Sun In Style.
Resources:
American Academy of Dermatology. “Vitamin D.”
Bailey, Cynthia, MD. “The Best Year Round Sun Protection.”
Bowman, Alisa. Women’s Health Magazine. “Why You Need More Vitamin D.”
The Mayo Clinic. “What is vitamin D toxicity, and should I worry about it since I take supplements?”
National Institutes of Health (US Government). “Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin D.”
The Skin Cancer Foundation. “Make Vitamin D, Not UV, a Priority.”
The Skin Cancer Foundation. “Vitamin D.”

Image credit (All Images): 123RF Stock Photo. www.123rf.com

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The History of Makeup [infographic]

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Aloha, Lovecat!

Anyone who knows me really well, or has been reading me for awhile, knows that I am a self-professed beauty junkie. I love makeup, I hoard skincare products and probably have spent more on beauty than on my shoes and clothes combined (this might be slight hyperbole here, but still). But if I think I could probably be many dollars richer if I just decided to skimp on makeup and my sundry skin care products. BUT I NEED THEM! You only get ONE SKIN. That is, if you don’t believe in reincarnation!

So of course, I found this infographic on the history of makeup throughout the centuries highly interesting.

{The History of Makeup}

History of Makeup
{Click graphic for larger image.}
Via: Medical Insurance Blog and Quotes

Thank the heavens most makeup nowadays doesn’t contain ingredients like lead, arsenic or mercury–ingredients so toxic you could severely damage your skin, develop serious illnesses and health problems, or even die!

These days, there are controversies brewing over animal testing of ingredients, toxicity of and cancer risks of certain chemicals and ingredients, green-washing of brands, debate over whether natural is more effective than chemical-based products, etc. Regardless of how the discussions and technologies change, vanity is an enduring aspect of the human condition, and therefore, makeup is here to stay. Hell, it’s been around for more than 6,000 years! I just wonder what beauty companies will think of next?

Whether you’re a beauty fanatic, just a basic user or a beauty newbie, there is no denying the power of makeup to transform a person.

Here are some of my personal favorite beauty articles I’ve written over the years:

Now have a seriously beautiful day!
Me ke aloha ~ With love + aloha,
Mae Xx

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Day in the Life: Letter to a Stuffed Animal

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Aloha, Lovecat,

Does a dear one in your life hang on to something, and, for the life of you, you just can’t understand why?

My husband N, age 34, has a stuffed bear that sits on his bedside table, gathering dust, mites, perhaps even mold, and is almost as old as he is. For years I wondered, why not throw the tattered, ratty, disgusting thing out? N is neither a proverbial “Man’s Man” nor an effeminate man who enjoys the softer side of life. N is, for lack of words, just a regular dude–he hikes, he surfs, he likes video games, The Walking Dead and pizza and writes software for a living. So why hang on to a dirty stuffed bear which has seen better days?

After some time, I realized I could learn a few things from the 3 decade-long relationship between N and his bear. It took me several tries to write this letter, not realizing it would evoke some very emotional reactions and tears as I wrote it.

{Lessons in Love and Life from a Childhood Teddy Bear}

Dear Crimmie the Christmas Cub,

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Crimmie lives on N’s nightstand.

N’s had you since he was 4, when his mother gave you to him for Christmas. Being so young, he couldn’t say Christmas, and so called you Crimmie. You’ve been in N’s life since then, and you became a part of mine when N and I started dating.

For years, I could never understand why he could hold on to you after such a long time. You were tattered, your nose button had fallen off somewhere, you made me sneeze whenever I moved you out of the way to clean the nightstand, you were no longer snowy white, but a dingy pale grey. N wasn’t a super sentimental type, so having you around always seemed strange to me. Most adults grow out of their childhood toys and eventually let them go, donating them to second hand stores or giving them to younger siblings and family so that they could be enjoyed by someone else who appreciated the soft comfort of a stuffed animal. Despite having given away most of his childhood toys, he kept you, and I just didn’t get it.

But, after wracking my brain for reasons, and, after living many years with N, I realized you have taught me important lessons about my husband.

You’re here with us, living on N’s night stand, as a reminder of a mother’s love. Because N grew up and moved away from his mother, you remind him of a comforting presence in his life. Next to a mama’s hug, a cute stuffed bear is pretty comforting. To him, you will always be a reminder that his mama loved and will always love him.

As you know, N went through rough times when he was 8, when his parents divorced. He had his human friends, but they, also being his age, didn’t get it and couldn’t offer the level of comfort and empathy he needed to get through that time. As his favorite playmate, you were there for him, empathized with him, snuggled with him and kept him warm on those nights he was sad and didn’t understand what was happening. I’m sure you listened to his young voice telling you about all of his confusion and sadness late into the night during those rough months when everything in his little world seemed to be falling apart.

But you were also with him before that scary time, back when the family was together and happy.

You are not only his longest-standing close friend, you’re also a reminder of the carefree childhood he had with his family.

Even as N grew up and grew out of childhood things like stuffed animals and hide-and-seek, you were one of the enduring things from his childhood that stayed with him. You went to high school and college with him. You even came along when he moved out and into his own place. And now you’re with us. For all those years, you’ve been by his side, watching over him from his nightstand.

You’ve taught me that, to my husband, family is the utmost important thing in his life. (Whereas with some people, friends might be.) And the second is enduring, deep friendship. You also taught me that my husband values loyalty and understanding and quiet gestures of love rather than other love languages–an empathic ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, a comforting hug to warm the coldness of a hard, sad day. You also show me that my husband is a devoted and loyal friend himself. Despite how you’ve both aged, you’ve been together for the better part of 3 decades–you’re almost as old as I am.

With the example of your long relationship with N, I know I can look forward to a long, loving relationship with him, too. I know that I can be the warm, comforting presence in his life that you remind him of, but I can also be the compassionate, loyal friend to him that you have always been, and I know that I can expect the same from him. I know that I will one day, someday, give him a loving family, and together, we’ll make a warm, happy home. And, because I know these things give N’s life meaning, I know that our life together will be happy… and hopefully long.

Thank you for teaching me these lessons.

I guess this means that I won’t be throwing you out. But it certainly means it’s time you’ve had a bath.

Love,
Mae

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Life in Pictures: Last Week, According to my iPhone

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Aloha auinalā, lover!

How are things in your world? Last week things were pretty fun, my uncle visited and stayed with us for a week after working the Honolulu 1st International Auto Show, and so we took him around our Island home here and there. It was pretty fun.

{ Life in Pictures / Week in Pictures: What We Were Up To Last Week, According to My iPhone }

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{Max pouting in bed on Sunday morning after a particularly rainy morning walk.}


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{A shrine dedicated to a deceased surfer, Karl Shinsato, who died in 2005.}


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{Even in the darkness, there is a golden ray of hope. Tourists and other sunset chasers (like us) at Diamond Head beach.}


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{Authentic Asian cuisine that’s super healthy and deliciously filling at Sweet Home Café in Mo‘ili‘ili.}


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{Max the Bear and Uncle L sunset chasing at China Walls, our normal sunset watching spot.}


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{While sunset chasing, we ran into some Instagram Friends, D, D and R, who also have a Wheaten Bear back home! Hi, guys!}


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{Tuesday’s OOTD.}


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{My quirky bunny ear headband and arm party on Tuesday.}


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{Max and his dad, N, sprawled out in the living room Wednesday Morning.}


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{Feelin’ pretty for small show with Jon Yamasato and Herb Ohta, Jr.}


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{Family portrait on Thursday after dinner with my cousins and uncle at our usual Thursday spot, the Kailua Farmers Night Market.}


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{Max was all loved up on Uncle L, one of his favorite uncles.}


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{The epic and lush Windward Side (East side) of Oahu as seen from the Pali Lookout – Kaneohe Bay and Kaneohe town in the distance.}


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{Kaneohe Bay glitters aqua and bright.}


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{More views of the lush landscape of the Windward Side looking toward Kailua and Kapa‘a Quarry in the distance.}


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{Uncle L and the amazing Windward Side landscape sprawling below.}


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{Cliff jumpers contemplating their fate at La‘i‘e Point on the North Shore, Oahu.}


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{Epic waves batter the sharply textured rocks at La‘i‘e Point on the North Shore. Husby and Max in the distance.}


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{My favorite place to get amazing locally grown Hawaiian coffees on the North Shore: Coffee Gallery.}

{My Hawaii Life in Pictures}

  • Sunday: Lazy day cleaning the house and hanging with Max.
  • Monday: Dropped off Uncle in Waikiki before work, then picked him up after his lazy beach day, took him sunset chasing at Diamond Head Beach, and then do dinner at Sweet Home Cafe in Mo‘ili‘ili
  • Tuesday: Worked, then met Uncle, Husby and Max at China Walls, our normal sunset chasing haunt, but our sunset blocked by clouds. However, we ended up running into some Instagram friends, D and R and their daughter D, who also have a Wheaten Bear back home in California! Yay, FRANZ.
  • Wednesday: Worked, then jammed into town to see Jon Yamasato and Herb Ohta, Jr., local recording artists play some beautiful Hawaiian music.
  • Thursday: Worked, then jammed over to the Windward Side to eat dinner with my cousins (who were also visiting Hawaii at the same time) and my Uncle at the Kailua Farmers Night Market. We forgot to snap photos with my cousins, but we did get a family portrait with a very hyper Bear[Dog].
  • Friday: Took Friday off work for Doctor’s appointments and to hang out with la familia in the evening, heading out to Lanikai Beach where I also forgot to take pictures. Oops.
  • Saturday: Morning appointments, then a massage at my regular spot, gifting a session to my uncle as well! Lunch, and then afternoon road trip up the east shore and up to the North Shore with lots of pictures to be snapped.
  • Sunday, Uncle left, but I’ll save these photos for next week’s post.

How was your week last week?

Rock on, Lover!
Me ke aloha ~ With love + aloha,
Mae Xx

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Life Inspo: Live with Passion

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Aloha, Lovecat.

Here is this week’s inspiration in my journey of seeking happiness: Passion, passion, passion.

{ Life Inspiration: Live Passionately }

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Life life passionately, any less is a waste.

Passion…it lies in all of us, sleeping, waiting.

And though unwanted, unbidden, it will stir, open its jaws and howl.

It speaks to us, guides us. Passion rules us all and we obey. What other choice do we have?

Passion is the source of our finest moments. The joy of love, the clarity of hatred, and the ecstacy of grief. It hurts sometimes more than we can bear.

If we could live without passion, maybe we’d know some kind of peace. But we would be hollow–Empty rooms, shuttered and dank.

Without passion…we’d be truly dead.

— Angelus – “Passion” (Buffy the Vampire Slayer 2:17 episode 29)

Passion, small or large, lies in all of us, and sways the course of our lives.

Life is too short to do things half way. Life is too short to only half enjoy it. When you infuse passion and care into your daily life, you will find you enrich your life and squeeze the juice out of every moment. If you only get once life (YOLO), why not get everything out of it that you can? Love hard, work hard and, as your reward, play hard!

The secret to finding happiness in this life is to infuse passion into the different aspects in your life. When you care deeply about your work, you are more fulfilled. When you love strongly, you are rewarded with a deeply profound and equally strong relationship/friendship. Life has an input/ouput aspect to it. What you put in, you will get out of it. So if you put bullsh*t in, you’ll get bullsh*t back. What’s the point?

It might be a tough lesson for some, but it’s definitely one worth learning!

{ For you reading, do you have a secret to infusing passion and getting the most out of life? }

Rock on, Lover!
Me ke aloha ~ With love + aloha,
Mae Xx

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Room Tour

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Room tours and apartment/home tours are all this big thing on YouTube. I thought, why not show you a little bit more about my life, including welcoming y’alls into my home.

{ My Life in Pictures: My Tour Mah Boudoir! }

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{ Oh, Hai! Welcome to my room! }


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{ This stitching picture was a wedding present from a dear friend. It hangs on the small wall facing our door and greets me when I come in my room. Two nerds, together forever. }


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{ What you see when you walk in. Our first “grown up” bed… }

This is the first full view of our bedroom from the door. This is our first “grown up bed”… our first bed was an Ikea hand-me-down. It didn’t have a headboard. It was white. We appreciated being able to sleep without splashing out for a bed, and we were grateful to our relatives for the gift. Of course, since we moved here without a bed, we needed to get one anyway, but as 30 Somethings, we thought it was finally time to upgrade to a real adult bed and migrate out of the whole Dormroom Chic decor look.

As people who are rather lazy when it comes to style (function is key in our home), we opt for easy beddings instead of super sick stylish ones I lust after in magazines. We don’t need to undress and re-dress the bed with 5,000 decorative pillows. Two each suffice. Each pillow should serve a function, instead of gathering dust on the bed or on the floor just to make a pretty picture. I end up using his extra pillow for support. He’s a blanket hog, and I’m a pillow whore. It’s all about balance.

The orange picture is by one of our favorite designers, Aaron Draplin, and this limited edition print is every logo he’d ever designed up through mid 2009. He’s one of the most brilliant designers I’ve ever heard of/seen–he makes fonts for his logos by hand!

The blue print above our bed is actually symbolic in a couple of ways:

  1. The Na Pali coast on northwest Kaua‘i is where Husby and I hiked a perilous, painful 9 mile hike and got engaged at the 7th mile on August 27, 2008. Almost a year later to the day, we got married in a castle in my homeland (Canada).
  2. This particular print was created by a local designer, Nick, based out of Ewa Beach. You can buy this print along with many other lovely prints in his Etsy Store Everything is Jake. Support Local.

We love how the aqua blue ties in with our desired design palette of grey neutrals plus pops of yellow, blue, green and orange.

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{ By Draplin Design Company. Every logo designed by Aaron Draplin through May 2009. }


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{ Where we got engaged during a particularly terrifying hike in 2008. Husby popped the question at mile 7 above Hanakapi‘ai Beach. }


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{ This rug from UO makes me so happy. It’s quirky and adorable with the overly trendy mustache. Don’t care. }


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{ MY side. So cluttered. Ottoman with tray as side table. Functional and fun. }


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{ Small pops of color, like this yellow tray from Target and this ocean candle bring energy to our otherwise neutral room. I keep lipbalms and antiaging treatments in the JewelMint box to apply before bed. }


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{ His side. Michigan love and his Nintendo DS. }


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{ We got married in the X-Men castle. NERDS!!! Photos from the happy day. }


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{ From when he was too sick to touch me. Kisses and hugs. }


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{ Waiting for my kisses and hugs. }

So, in case you were wondering, those Post-Its on the headboard aren’t just some random notes or clutter. During the time these photos were taken, Husby had been suffering from Shingles. Given that I have lupus and that I am extremely susceptible to sickness, my doctor and his doctor advised we severely limit contact until the illness subsided. Separate beds, separate rooms, no touching, different laundry baskets, etc. Since this meant no Snuggles and no smoochies, N came up with a system of showing his affection using different colored Post-Its. Blue = Kiss. Green = Hug. He would stick them on a wall or somewhere random for me to find and I collected them above my bed to remind me how much he loves me before I went to sleep… ALONE. So cute. I still have the Post-Its in the JewelMint box next to my side of the bed.

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{ My jewelry collection on top of our dresser in the corner. }


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{ Organized chaos? }


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{ Things I love: Fifi Lapin, local boutique Fighting Eel and their awesome logo, tea cups for jewelry. }


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{ Krisatomic prints accompany my lone necklace organizing rack from UO. Yet another work in progress. }

We have very little counter space, so I tend to just toss all my jewelry in cups and containers in a huge jumble on top of our dresser in the corner. The dresser is too tall to see much, and as such, is not the most ideal place to store jewelry, since you wear what you can see. I bought the gold leaf hook thingy on the wall from UO on clearance and so far, it’s helped me wear chains and necklaces I forgot I had after they no longer hid in the bottom of a cup.

I would ideally love to fill this wall with a mosaic/patchwork of different quirky and adorable prints I find here and there. But finding the right frames is a project.

blogger room tour, room tour, thereafterish, hawaii life, living in hawaii, decor, decor inspo

{ Playing with a flower pouf I intend to hang one day — it’s been sitting on the floor for THREE months. }

As with everything else in my house, the decor of my space is far from ideal, but right now it works. Budget, time and lack of style constrains me. Right now, this is the most decorated of a bedroom I’ve ever had. Eventually, it’ll come together. But why not show you what it is now instead of waiting til it’s finished… it’ll probably never be finished. Like myself, my style, my room and my house are all works-in-progress.

Did you enjoy this room tour? One day, I’d like to show you the rest of our home.

Rock on, Lover!
Me ke aloha ~ With love + aloha,
Mae Xx

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Preview: Bonjour, Boudoir!

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room tour, thereafterish, hawaii style, hawaii fashion blogger, fashion blogger room tour

{ Bonjour, Mae’s Boudoir! }

Wanna see my room? Coming soon to a browser near you. Details tomorrow… so late, can’t stay awake…. time for sleep.

Good night, lover!

Mae xx

zzz

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Life Inspo: Just. Breathe.

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Here’s my inspiration for the week: { Just Breathe. One Moment At A Time. }

{ How to get through the day? Repeat after me: “I’m going to be okay.” }

And I will be okay, even though it’s Monday. I got through half of it so far. I can keep going.

Sometimes, when you struggle with a constant war with something insanely difficult, getting through one day is a battle won in and of itself. It’s okay if, for one day, just breathing and surviving is your mission.

Lesson to learn: You’re going to be OK. Just breathe. You’ll make it to tomorrow.

Rock on, Lover!
Me ke aloha ~ With love + aloha,
Mae Xx

Be my homies! | Instagram: @maeluu | thereafterish. life & style blog RSS | thereafterish. on Facebook | Pinterest | Bloglovin’ RSS | YouTube | Xx.

Life with Lupus: Write Me a Letter, Put Your Picture In It, Too.

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Sometimes, a girl has to voice her frustrations with her situation and let it all out. When I’m stressed, I like to write letters. Then I throw them away, and hopefully the stress I had clinging heavily to my back gets thrown away with that letter.

{ Life With Lupus: Dear Lupus, You Suck. }

I wrote lupus a letter on Facebook.

thereafterish, ring party, ootd, what i wore, eff lupus, lupus survivor, life with lupus

{ If you’re going to tell someone to eff off, do it with style. }

Dear Lupus,

You supremely suck. I wish you’d just go away. Especially today.

I’m going to find a way to kick your f*cking *ss to the curb, come hell or high water. Trust, bitch.

Sinsurly,
Mae

There. That feels a little better!

{ How do you deal with stress or frustration? }

Rock on, Lover!
Me ke aloha ~ With love + aloha,
Mae Xx

Be my homies! | Instagram: @maeluu | thereafterish. life & style blog RSS | thereafterish. on Facebook | Pinterest | Bloglovin’ RSS | YouTube | Xx.

Style Cravings: Luxury Lounge

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After I discovered lux casual/lounge brand Emerson Fry, I decided my new mission is luxe lounge, luxe casual looks: things I can comfortably work and run errands in, but still look polished and chic. When I’m sore with a lupus attack, comfortable clothes are of the utmost importance, but I don’t want to look or feel like a slob, otherwise, I risk exacerbating my condition.

{ Lusting After: Luxury Casual }

Easy separates and comfy maxi dresses that I can get in and out of quickly when I’m sore. Things like that make a huge difference when you have inflamed hips or stabby knees or a spine that feels like a bat’s been taken to it. Any of my readers who suffer from arthritis, lupus, fibro, celiac, or whatever other Auto-Immune condition we have, will understand completely. When you’re going through a flare, you don’t want to look as cr*ppy as you feel, because that might make everything worse (mental affects physical and vice versa), but you also don’t want to don something super complicated to put on or something that will hurt, like jeggings or a super tight dress. You need something soft, with give and will be as comfortable as pajamas, but won’t make you look like a slob.

Hence, Luxury Cazh.

Luxury Lounge

style inspiration, thereafterish, lux tops, lux lounge, luxury casual

{ Lux Casual / Lux Lounge – Craving stylish blouses and button downs that are comfy and polished }

Luxe Casual Tops

  1. Victoria’s Secret Silk button down blouse.
  2. Emerson Fry Emerson pockets silk blouse. (Similar HERE.)
  3. Emerson Fry A-line mod tank. (Similar HERE.)
thereafterish, street style, style craving, luxe casual, luxe tees, luxe casual

{ Style Craving of Luxury Casual calls for luxuriously soft but comfy tees. }

Luxe Casual Tees

  1. Emerson Fry E Lux v tee (not yet available). (SIMILAR James Perse v neck tee & American Vintage v neck tee .)
  2. Emerson Fry Word boyish tee. (Similar Wildfox Loved tee & Wildfox First Date tee – LOVE THIS ONE.)
  3. Emerson Fry Big R tee. (Similar Joie luxe soft tee & Soft Joie drape tee & LnA sheer loose tee.)
thereafterish, street style, style craving, luxe casual, luxe tees, luxe casual

{ Luxury Casuals for Spring call for amazing spring colors interspersed with traditional neutrals. }

More Luxe Tees

  1. Emerson Fry E Lux racerback tank (not yet available). (SIMILAR James Perse luxe racer back tank & Splendid soft racerback tank & Joie metallic trim racerback tank.)
  2. Victoria’s Secret essential boxy tee in Cabana Green. (Similar striped boxy tee here.).)
  3. Victoria’s Secret scoopneck muscle tank.
thereafterish, street style, style craving, luxe casual, luxe tees, luxe casual

{ Luxe loungy pants: polished and chic and easy to get into! }

Cazh Luxe Lounge Pants

  1. Current/Elliot leopard print skinny jeans. (SIMILAR HERE.)
  2. Zara Elastic hem trouser. (Similar here & HERE.)
  3. Emerson Fry Lee banded hem trousers. (Similar Relaxed trouser & luxe drape trouser.)
thereafterish, street style, style craving, luxe casual, luxe tees, luxe casual

{ Luxe Lounge dresses: easy to get into and look amazing no matter what. }

Sexy luxe cazh dresses

  1. Emerson Fry Bib Shirt dress. (SIMILAR A.P.C. shirt dress.)
  2. Victoria’s Secret high low dress. (Similar: Splendid high low tank dress & Aryn K high low dress.)
  3. Victoria’s Secret ‘must have’ maxi dress. (Similar aqua maxi dress.)
style inspiration, thereafterish, lux tops, lux lounge, luxury casual

{ Comfy but cheeky and simple pullover sweaters or sweatshirts can be dressed up or dressed down. }

Sexy luxe cazh sweatshirts / jumpers

  1. James Perse raglan sweatshirt.
  2. Sincerely Jules Dream Believe Achieve sweatshirt.
  3. Wildfox ‘Love is Everything’ sweatshirt.
Do you like these picks? Would you wear them? What are your style cravings lately?

Rock on, Lover!
Me ke aloha ~ With love + aloha,
Mae Xx

Find out how I earn cash back from 95% of my online shopping! Click here to learn more: http://bit.ly/YB8oHX

Be my homies! | Instagram: @maeluu | thereafterish. life & style blog RSS | thereafterish. on Facebook | Pinterest | Bloglovin’ RSS | YouTube | Xx.

Words to Live By: A Beautiful Mind

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You might be brilliant, but that’s not enough. Beautiful lives call for beautiful minds that work–that is, put in the work.

It is not enough to have a good mind; it is more important to use it well. — Descartes

Are you inspired to put your mind to work today?

Rock on, Lover!
Me ke aloha ~ With love + aloha,
Mae Xx

Be my homies! | Instagram: @maeluu | thereafterish. life & style blog RSS | thereafterish. on Facebook | Pinterest | Bloglovin’ RSS | YouTube | Xx.

Architecture of an OutVID: How to Wear Bunny Ears

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Bunny Ear Headband + Muscle Tank Maxi Dress = A little playful, a little skanky, a little boho, a little out of date and totally out of season. It’s my…

{ Architecture of an Outfit VIDEO: Boho Summer Bunny }

OUTFIT ARCHITECTURE
Cheap Monday muscle tank maxi dress. American Apparel twist wire headband. Bamboo Sky neon bralette. HRH Collection (Glossed ombre bracelet & Ultra Luxe Bracelet) and vintage arm party. Marc by Marc Jacobs East West tote.

ALTERNATIVES

DRESS: Cheap Monday Melinda Tank Dress (exact same). Black racer back tank maxi dress. Cut out racer back maxi dress.
TOTE: Marc by Marc Jacobs East West Preppy Tote (exact).
ARM PARTY/ARM SWAG/ARM CANDY: Silver chain bracelet. Multi-color chain bracelet. Gold tone chain bracelet. Chunky chain bracelet.
HEADBAND: Polka dot wire headband.

thereafterish, ootd, bunny headband, arm party, hawaii fashion blog, street style

My OOTD: Marc by Marc Jacobs East West tote, American Apparel Bunny Ear headband, Bamboo Sky bra, Cheap Monday Muscle Tank maxi dress, HRH Collection arm swag.


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Wire headband allows me to do bunny ears, bows, and other quirky styles. :)


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Room for muffin top… if you don’t bend over so the muscle tank part shows. ^_^


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My trusty MJ briefcase carries my computer, iPad, iPhone and my girly daily essentials and has weathered 2 trans-ocean trips.


thereafterish, ootd, bunny headband, arm party, hawaii fashion blog, street style

OOTD: Cute dress, but totally quirky


thereafterish, ootd, bunny headband, arm party, hawaii fashion blog, street style

Arm Swag: (L-R) HRH Collection Luxe bracelet, random polka dot watch, vintage, HRH Collection Ombre bracelet.


thereafterish, ootd, bunny headband, arm party, hawaii fashion blog, street style

Random rhinestone drop earrings.


thereafterish, ootd, bunny headband, arm party, hawaii fashion blog, street style

Built-in air conditioning with side vents in the “muscle tank” part.


thereafterish, ootd, bunny headband, arm party, hawaii fashion blog, street style

Dork.

HAVE AN AMAZING WEEK!

Rock On, Lover.
Me ke aloha ~ With love + aloha,
Mae Xx

Find out how I earn cash back from 95% of my online shopping! Click here to learn more: http://bit.ly/YB8oHX

Be my homies! | Instagram: @maeluu | thereafterish. life & style blog RSS | thereafterish. on Facebook | Pinterest | Bloglovin’ RSS | YouTube | Xx.

Life Inspo: Body-Image: Throw Out Your Measuring Tape

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My thoughts on seeking happiness by rewriting the ways we measure our own body image.

Healthy body image, measure of beauty, ideal body measurements, how to be happy, seeking happiness

The ideal body size and measurements for Miss America in the 1920s. Today, these measurements are considered “big” by the modeling/fashion industry. Not healthy.

Forget everything today’s society tells you is the “measure” of ideal beauty. 90 years ago, super-models were much more curvy, voluptuous and buxom than today’s angular, stick-like women that clip-clop down the runway. In today’s day and age, the ideal figure would now be told to go on a diet and get her sh*t together.

That type of ideal forced on us to accept and swallow and aim toward is not only sometime unattainable, but it’s unreal. Something forced down my throat from a young age to model myself after, which I will never be able to look like, no matter how hard I try… that’s not my ideal of beauty. That’s my idea of emotional and mental torture.

I’m petite, a little curvy with some soft bits in places I wish they weren’t. But I’m healthy and I’ve taken the better part of 10 years to be moderately OK with my body as it is, as long as I know I’m working on it and trying my best to dress myself for my shape, stature and health level. I will never be an A/B cup, 5’6″ – 5’11″, with a 23″ waist and a 32″ hip line. I’ll never fit those jeans with a 32″ inseam. And, as I get older, it’s inevitable that my size 3 will expand to a size 6 or 8 or 10. But I’ve accepted it and I will make sure to focus on feeling as healthy inside as possible, and let that health and happiness radiate outward.

I will never be that milky white, leggy blond on those runways, or those tall, gorgeous Chinese models that the fashion world seems to be all enthralled with.

I’m okay with that. But how many women have reached that same level of acceptance about their body, health and size that I have? I’d go out on a limb and say not many.

It shouldn’t be about how tall or short or big your thighs and waist are. That’s not a real measure of beauty. Because, when it comes down to it, isn’t “beautiful” about how you feel about yourself, rather than how you compare to a set of measurements and specs? You’re not a car or a motorcycle. You’re a living, breathing creature.

Let’s throw out this stupid measuring tape notion of beauty and stop comparing ourselves to those thin, monstrously tall stick-thin figures that stomp down the runways in amazing garb non of us would ever feel comfortable wearing (or be able to afford). Let’s focus on how our body feels inside and how much we take care of ourselves by living a healthy lifestyle, exercising and treating ourselves well as a measure of beauty.

How do you feel today? Did you sleep well? Did you dream wonderful dreams? Did you exercise today and get your dose of oxygen and endorphins? Did you eat good meals that helped you age slower, live longer and think more deeply? Did you do things you enjoy? Did you wear an outfit you really liked? Did you use makeup that makes you feel bright and glowy? Did you have reasons to smile today?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, there is your measure of beauty for the day. Let THAT be your guide.

It’s a struggle for me, but I’ve thrown out my mental “beauty tape measure,” and I don’t intend to ever use it again. How about you?

Rock On, Lover.
Me ke aloha ~ With love + aloha,
Mae Xx

Photo credit: posted by Oxygen Magazine on Facebook… Oxygen Magazine FB Page.

Find out how I earn cash back from 95% of my online shopping! Click here to learn more: http://bit.ly/YB8oHX

Be my homies! | Instagram: @maeluu | thereafterish. life & style blog RSS | thereafterish. on Facebook | Pinterest | Bloglovin’ RSS | YouTube | Xx.

Preview: Bunny Head

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Preview of next style post (OOTD Style Video).

thereafterish, ootd, bunny headband, arm party, hawaii fashion blog, street style

Bunny ear headband trend… always late to the party.

I’ve been loving wire headbands to create bunny ears. These are so circa end of year 2011, it’s not even funny. But I’m always, always late to the party, so who cares what was a passing trend here or in Asia however long ago? If I like it, I like it.

Do you ever feel that way?

More details and video coming tomorrow or Saturday.

Rock on, Lover!
Me ke aloha ~ With love + aloha,
Mae Xx

Find out how I earn cash back from 95% of my online shopping! Click here to learn more: http://bit.ly/YB8oHX

Be my homies! | Instagram: @maeluu | thereafterish. life & style blog RSS | thereafterish. on Facebook | Pinterest | Bloglovin’ RSS | YouTube | Xx.