2014 the year of creation.

I can't believe four months have passed since the New Year already. I don't know about you, but time is flying by here on Maui. Before I know it, my year long position with West Maui Mountains Watershed Partnership will be over, and I'll be saying good bye to family to move back to Oregon.

I spent New Years Eve practicing yoga and going to bed early. 

It feels so much better to wake up on the first day of the new year refreshed and well rested, 

instead of hungover. People put so much pressure on having the party of a lifetime on NYE- 

when instead it should be a time of reflection of the past year, and goals setting.

I spent the day hiking through the old volcanic crater in Haleakala National Park with my little sister. We drove up the winding road feeling like we were approaching heaven as we passed through the clouds. It was a beautiful day and just the right temperature as the clouds came in creating a slight chill (it can get deadly hot up there). We hiked all the way down into the crater, practiced some yoga, then had lunch and some wine to celebrate. 

As we hiked out, I couldn't help feeling full of gratitude for all that I've experienced thus far in life. Gratitude for my family, my internship, finding the love of my life, all my educational 

and professional accomplishments, and in that moment being able to explore 

such a magnificent place on my home island. 

Women are awesome

I'm sure you've seen the People Are Awesome videos. 

One of the many 2013's video is seen below, in the case that you haven't.

But what about the People Are Awesome Women's Editions? You won't regret checking this out- especially if you are a woman! They aren't even close to covering all of the amazing things that women do in this world... but they still leave you in awe. 

Mele Kalikimaka

From me and a huge ass coconut:

Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas)!! 

The Truth About "True Love"

"The truth is that real love requires real inner work that most people just aren’t interested in. It requires that we first be happy in our solitude; that we come to know ourselves, accept ourselves and love ourselves. We have to find our peace of mind, find our purpose, our passion, our joie de vivre.

It requires that we lay down the ego’s defenses and be naked and vulnerable; that we give up our planning and fantasizing about the future and live in the Now. Only then are we really ready to love. When you fully grasp that tomorrow is not guaranteed—that this moment is truly all that we have—there is nothing to do but give everything you’ve got, expecting nothing in return." ~Ben Neal 

Read the whole article here: The Truth About "True Love"

Garbanzo beans // Bone broth

My mother made these garbanzo beans (a.k.a chickpeas) in organic chicken bone broth, 

Hawaiian chili peppers, and rosemary. 

Aren't they beautiful?! 

Garbanzo beans are a nutrient rich food, originally very popular in the Middle East and East countries. They are especially packed with tons of fiber, and contain essential vitamins and minerals.

But if you really want to talk about nutrient rich consumption, read up on the importance of chicken, fish, and beef bone broth/stock!! The West A. Price Foundation has a great article on it outlining some of it's history. The gelatin in bone broth is a cure for weak nails, hair and dry skin. 

We made hummus with some of the beans and it turned out amazingly. 

We blended the garbanzo beans with lemon juice, bone & chili pepper broth, ground hazel nuts and some spices to taste…. We had chips and hummus for a few days, 

and I made hummus sandwiches with cheese and loaded with veggies for lunch!