Rock a rad case part deux

So, this is an extension of a previous post regarding the power of the rad phone case. I don't feel I need to even elaborate. 😁

You can find these and more sick moschino phone cases at Homecoming Honolulu.

Rad Boutiques: Part One

I pride myself in finding shopping gems in my favorite cities, so I plan on doing a series on the best fashion boutiques I have found so I can help you guys figure out the coolest places to spend your hard-earned cash money. To kick off the series, I begin with my favorite boutique store in Hawaii, Homecoming Honolulu. This rad little shop is located on 12 S. King St., Suite 104, between Nuuanu and Bethel Streets. Walking by, it can be easy to miss-- the storefront looks like this:

When I have some cash to spare, this is the place I go to find unique and fashionable clothing and accessories. They have great stuff for both guys and gals. They carry many of my favorite brands like Brixton (most rad hats ever), Pendleton (most amazing towels on planet), Quay Australia (ladies, these sunnies will rock your world), Mink Pink (a super fun brand out of Cali), Jeffrey Campbell (SHOES FTW), Wonderland Honolulu (my favorite designer from Hawaii), Motel Rocks (a great clothing brand out of England), and my favorite snarky blogger / designer, Jac Vanek (see my favorite JV mug and my newest Quay sunnies pictured below).

Homecoming is nicely decorated and inviting. The shop girls are super helpful and stylish. The owner often brings in her adorable little pug that seems kinda like the shop sidekick. So adorbs, wish I had snapped a pic! 

 Here's the men's section (right-hand side of the store)...

And here is the girl's section (that also takes up the sale section in the back and the middle of the store displays...)

I always leave Homecoming with a refreshed wardrobe and a pep in my step. This is def a "treat yo' self" kinda place. The prices are sometimes a little steep (example: if you're buying Pendleton towels, expect to spend around $80), but the brands are quality and hip and worth it IMHO, if you can splurge a little. The sale racks in the back are also full of sweet clothes at great prices. Support local, shop small business, and pay a little visit to Homecoming Honolulu on your next trip to Chinatown. If you don't live in Hawaii, you can also shop their awesome inventory online. 

Shiseido Perfect Whip: BLISS in a facial cleanser

If you know me, you know I love trying out new beauty products. While I love trying new ones, I also have my all-time favorites. These are the go-to products that I make sure are stocked in my bathroom. One of them is this little value-priced luxury: Perfect Whip, an amazing face wash by Shiseido. The thing about this specific product is that I believe that they only sell it in Japan and select parts of Asia (I haven't yet checkedDon Quixote, though). An ex roommate of mine was Korean and had absolutely FLAWLESS skin, she turned me on to it and told me to order it from Amazon (and it only costs around $10). It feels like a luxury product but it's CHEAP! Score. Sold. Perhaps the only downside is that if you don't know Japanese, you won't be able to read the label. Directions are thankfully just like those of other cleansers, though. 

Perfect Whip is a super fluffy, gentle, soft, rich foam that penetrates pores to clean impurities and banish oil. Make sure to really lather it up to make it as fluffy as possible, it feels absolutely DIVINE to use and then rinse with warm water. After just a few uses, your skin is noticeably more soft, hydrated, clean and clear. BIG FAN. It seems to do well on my sensitive skin, and is the perfect daily cleanser in between my deep-cleaning facials at my face, Laka Spa (I recommend a basic Laka Signature Facial every 6 weeks or so for ideal maintenance).

What I learned from my "big" breakup (part one)...

So, I bought this rad makeup bag from Sephora on Sunday in Waikiki. "Losing you hurt, but losing my makeup bag would be a tragedy...." It is snarky AF, and undeniably chic-- but it actually prompted me to reflect on a breakup that I had within the last year that was kind of a milestone for me. I think everyone has a breakup that they consider the "big" one. The one that caught you off guard, threw you off balance, made you question yourself, took you to sad, lonely places. It's been long enough now that I am ready to write about it, and share what I learned from it. My intent is to help give some sunshine to those that may be going through something similar. Let's go with a list format, yeah? Everyone loves the list format.

1) DO YOU.

The whole cliche, "you can't make others happy until you are happy yourself..." - UMMM SO TRUE. I was so concerned with the day to day and maintaining the relationship that I completely forgot to spend time on myself. To work out. To plan for my future. To read. To create. To pamper. I lost touch with myself and didn't give myself time for Loryn. Quality "me" time. I realize now that I should've taken better care of myself rather than trying to pour energy into a relationship. Since then, I joined a gym. I took yoga classes. I picked up a book. I studied mindfulness and meditation. My happiness and "me time" is essential to my life now. And I'm happy about that.

2) IT TAKES TWO.

After lots of study into relationship dynamics and psychological / sociological theories, I realize that every relationship, whether it be with family, friends, or lovers, has conflict. You will have fights. You will disagree. This is NORMAL. The difference between relationships that work and those that don't is simple: the successful relationships CHOOSE to work it out-- both parties. If only one person is determined to problem solve and work through problems, it won't work. Both people need to WANT to work it out and actually dedicate their time and efforts to do so. Be with someone who absolutely adores you. Someone that sees your flaws and loves you nonetheless.

3) BREAK UPS ARE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES.

At first, my big breakup was almost unbearable. I missed him ALL. THE. TIME. It was painful, like physically. Now, I see that I had to go through the process to be a better version of myself. Loryn 2.0, 4.0-- whatever version is super rad. I learned the areas in my life that I needed to work on and improve, and I took steps to be a better me. The breakup was a blessing in disguise. It forced a self-reflection process that I hadn't been through before, and I am thankful. Deep thoughts, for real. On a lighter note- I also can appreciate my ex's small contributions to my life. Thanks to him, my interior design game is on point, and I have a profound love for Eames chairs. Go figure. Life is weird. And I freaking love those chairs.

4) FEEL THE FEELS.

Right after my breakup, I tried to stay so busy that I didn't have time to "feel the feels." Guess what? Sometimes, you gonna have to be sad. That is LIFE. Embrace the sad. Watch a sad movie. Cry your heart out. Be mindful. You are sad, and that's okay. Without the sad moments in life, the happy moments wouldn't be so wonderful. Another cliche, perhaps, but oh so true. There is no way around the sad. It's human, and strangely beautiful. Be sad, and eventually you will wake up and be like "holy crap, I'm happy!" YAYYY!!!

5) MAINTAIN FRIENDSHIPS.

I have had a tendency to really get into relationships when I am in love. I dedicate all my time to them, I adjust my schedule, I scale back on my business networking events and social engagements. I neglect friendships- to be perfectly honest. In my time reflecting, I am able to see that I need to maintain my support group. My lovely friends deserve time and make me happy. Just because you are in a relationship doesn't mean you shouldn't do your girl's / boys' nights, brunches with friends, pau hanas, etc. If you lose touch with friends and your relationship with a significant other fails-- you are left feeling lonely and with less of a support system. Love your friends and they will be there for you when you need them.

So that's that. Imma leave it at those 5 kernels of "wisdom" for now. Percolating on the "part deux."

And yes, losing him hurt at the time, but losing my makeup bag right now would be WAYYYY more of a major tragedy. Jus' sayin.

Treat yo'self

When you get a chance, take yo' fine self down to the pink paradise that is the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki, specifically the beach-side Maitai Bar, and ORDER THE PINEAPPLE DRINK (pictured above). Seriously. It is worth the $30 price tag. 

NOTE: It is NOT on the menu, for some reason, you have to ask for it specifically. For $30, you get a whole pineapple, cored and filled with a fruity alcoholic beverage of your choice. I chose piña colada, and it was refreshing and delicious. But it's not just a drink-- it's an experience! Like a mini staycation in the form of a drink, for real. Gazing out past the pink beach umbrellas and lusting after the oceans' many shades of blue, I soaked up the warm Hawaiian sun and felt those sweet tradewinds lightly graze my skin. In that moment, I was happy, admiring our island paradise. Happy with this ridiculous pineapple, complete with three umbrellas and cherries as garnish.

Treat yo'self--whether it be with one of these pineapples or something else that your heart may desire, and then remember how lucky you are to be in paradise.

Thinking about online dating?

I've been meaning to post this for about 3 months. This was a time in my life when I actually delved into the scary, pervy, complicated world of online dating for a very brief period of time. A friend told me to get on Plenty of Fish, so I did, desperate to forget the ex.


I have no words to describe the experience-- this photo of a message I received on the app PERFECTLY SUMS IT UP.

Eww.

I can't. I just can't. 

"Ready set.hell to tha no."

My best dish...

So, some people don't like brussel sprouts. If they don't, I'm pretty sure it's because they haven't tasted my recipe. It's the bomb dot biz IMHO. I want to convince the non-believers that brussel sprouts can be delicious if you prepare them well. Ironically, I learned it from my little brother, Justin. I'm pretty sure this is his "impress girlfriend" dish! Also, just to put it out there-- I don't usually cook. I'm busy and I usually find it cheaper and more convenient to get takeout! This is my exception to the rule. Easy peasy. Also, I don't like to measure things...as you will see by my lack of formal measurements below...

Ingredients:

-Bag of brussel sprouts 

-Two to three tablespoons olive oil 

-Two cloves garlic, diced 

-Squeeze of lemon, to taste 

-Parmesan, as much as you like! 

-Sea salt and pepper, to taste 

I actually eat this as a meal on its' own, it's so hearty and delicious. 

Let's do this:

• Cut off the stems of the sprouts and dice the Brussel sprouts into halves. 
• Place skillet on stove at medium low heat, heat up olive oil. 
• Place sprouts in skillet with lid on top, with air to "breathe" for about ten minutes, flat side of sprout face down on pan. 
• Let cook / steam slowly for between 6-10 minutes or until tender. 
• Add garlic and mix throughout. 
• Squeeze lemon, add sea salt, pepper, and Parmesan, to taste. 
• Turn up heat to medium-high, in order to gain the charred flat side of the sprouts. 
• Cook until fork easily pierces through and sprouts have your preference of char! 

Nom nom nom. You're welcome. A healthy and filling meal. Pair it with Chardonnay and we can be twinsies! 

Err on the Side of Fun

In my professional life, I usually err on the side of 'conservative' when it comes to business attire and accessories, meeting etiquette and so forth. I have my go-to starchy button-up shirts and staple, black pencil skirts. I have my black leather portfolio to take notes at meetings. My laptop bag? It's rather forgettable, to be honest. But, I think I am on to something...I have a new business / networking secret! Do you want to sit down at a business meeting and immediately start a conversation? Form a bond? Have a quick laugh? Relax the tone of a meeting? You can take it further-- do you want to go on a date and immediately have something to break the ice and talk about?

ROCK A RAD PHONE CASE. 

No joke. What's your phone case look like? I always opted for something basic. Clear. Black. I then upped my game to the striped Tory Burch or Kate Spade designs- basic and refined. Don't get me wrong, I still appreciate the traditional phone cases-- but I have discovered that showcasing your unique style through small accessories like phone cases or iPad covers affords one many benefits:

• It's a great conversation starter.
• It shows that you are human. 
• It tells people you have your own style. 
• People just might be more apt to relate to you. 
• It can be funny and start meetings with a nice laugh. 
• It can indicate creativity and fun.
• It allows you to tell a story.
• It's an amazing icebreaker, and usually you yourself are not the one initiating the conversation.
• It is memorable. 

Check out my last three phone cases:

Currently, my phone is housed in my french fry Moschino iPhone 6 case, and it has been the best conversation piece I have ever had, period. Who doesn't like french fries? I get people of all ages asking me about it. At the most serious of business meetings, I sit down, formal as usual, and set my phone on the conference table for all to see. The result? High-level executives busting out laughing and asking me about this crazy case. I've had people grab the phone and pretend they are eating it. It's hilarious!

It's such a simple thing, but I can't even begin to tell you the conversations that come from this $30.00 phone case. Now, every Christmas, I ask my family (who live in Okinawa, Japan), to get me the most crazy, unique, kawaii phone case that they can possibly find. See picture above on the left: crazy cloud pink bow thing, Christmas 2013. Far right: panda chewing dangly bamboo case - Christmas 2014.

My crazy phone cases have become a trademark, an attribute of my personal brand, a fun hobby, and the most sensational conversation piece I have in my arsenal.

Overall point of this post? Be yourself. Be unique. Err on the side of FUN. Don't feel that you always have to opt for the conservative option. Get a phone case, or purse, or attache that suits you and makes you smile. Work should be fun. Life should be fun. And people tend to like and gravitate to fun.

Now imma go eat some french fries....mahalo for reading.