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!

Zari got married!!!

One of my best friends, my closest cousin, my 'partner in crime' all throughout high school…

Zari Graham Ventura got married last night! And not just to anyone, but her high school sweat heart and father of her two children. I could not be happier for them!

Congratulation Zari and Michael Casil! 

Her are some of my photographs from her bridal shower:

Surprise drive up! 

Mother of the bride and my beautiful cousin.

Cousins

Sisters to be

Mother and sister in law to be

The bridal party:

Bridesmaid Nani. Maid of Honor, me. Bride Zari. Matron of Honor Chelsea. Bridesmaid Raeli.

Games:

What's in your purse? (Gift table in the background)

Blindfolded, check

Lipstick, check

Kiss the Bride's ass, check

Thank you to everyone who came and helped celebrate Zari getting married! 

I couldn't be happier for you Zari!

I have known her my entire life- she is a month and a day older than me. Our dad's were the youngest of five brothers and we grew up going to family parties and playing together.
I have a distinct memory of seeing her at our Grandpa and Grandma Ventura's house for a family Christmas party, after some time passing since I had last seen her. She was wearing camo pants, a metal chocker around her neck, and little buns all around her head.
I thought wow, my cousin's a badass! And she was… She raced motocross and was one of the first girls on the island to do so. Her room walls were lined with trophies from competitions
on and off the island. She was a badass. And she still is!
She has tamed down her crazy side, swapping in her motorcycle for her mom car with two car seats in the back. She swapped late nights partying with me, Mike and all his friends in high school, for late nights taking care of her babies. She swapped the ridiculously high slippers and heels that she would wear for comfortable shoes. She swapped shopping sprees on clothes and accessories for herself, for food and toy shopping for her kids :) She has created a beautiful life for herself and a healthy, fun loving family. I love them all, with all of my heart!


Some snap shots from the wedding:
(from friends and family- not mine)