Miles off the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii and 15 ft below the ocean’s surface I find myself eye-to-eye with a living dinosaur. Yet, in this life-changing moment, my thoughts are less on the historical significance of the animal swimming next to me, and more on its terrifying pop-culture portrayal. The subject of horror movies, nightmares and phobias, sharks have gotten a bad rep over the last few decades (thank you, Jaws). However once you cast aside any preconceived notions about these animals, gather enough confidence to dive into shark infested waters, and meet a shark IRL, your outlook on ..read more

For me, one of the hardest aspects of this pandemic is not being able to travel. Although, I’m blessed to be spending these days in a place as beautiful as Hawaii, I’m still going a bit stir crazy without a vacation to look forward to. To combat this restlessness, I’ve been finding ways to get my travel fix without any plane ticket required. My solution has been to do regular staycations in different areas of the island. This past weekend I headed up to Holualoa, Hawaii for a mini staycation that was inspired by my L’Oreal Paris Lash Paradise Mascara! Right now the mascara comes with a lugg ..read more

There are many places in Europe that feel like a fairytale. However, few of them compare to the car-free village of Giethoorn. Here narrow waterways surround historic thatch-roof houses, and visitors can tour the charming (albeit compact) village by boat or bike, as walking paths and canals replace streets. That’s right, this idyllic little village has no roads or modern transportation; only canals, walking paths, and 176 bridges. This makes Giethoorn just as peaceful as it is difficult to access. Visiting the vehicle-free village means leaving your car in designated parking lots outside the ..read more

It’s well past sunset at the base of Mount Naeba in Niigata Japan. I’m on a mission to find the “Field of Heaven” while wandering (decidedly lost) down a narrow boardwalk that meanders through a thick, dark forest. The full moon and my phone flashlight provide just enough light to prevent me from falling off the walkway while I take in my surroundings. The forest on either side of the boardwalk is adorned in decor ranging from beautiful to creepy. I pick up my pace and finally arrive at a clearing, where colored flood lights illuminate the surrounding trees, turning the circle of evergreens ..read more

Dreaming of palm trees, white sandy beaches and blue turquoise water? Hawaii is a destination known for all that and more. While each island is beautiful, there are important differences from one island to another. If you’re wondering “Which is the best island in Hawaii for me to visit” read on for a guide to choosing the best Hawaiian island for you. For as long as Hawaii has been a state, there’s been the age-old question of “Which Hawaii island should I visit?”While first time visitors to Hawaii may assume each island is similar, that’s far from true. Each island in Hawaii is as unique as i ..read more

I visited Napa Valley for the first time at the ripe young age of 21. Wide-eyed, enthusiastic, and relentlessly curious I arrived at my very first vineyard (EVER) with one goal in mind: to drink as much wine as possible. Tasting notes and growing methods were unbeknownst to me — I just wanted to get wine drunk! (You know, in a classy way) However, my plan was intercepted by an older gentleman named George, who thought it important we actually learn about the wine before we began drinking (er, “tasting”)  it. George gave us an in-depth, educational tour of his vineyard, barrel room and producti ..read more

Although the term “lay-low” may not be the first verb that comes to mind when considering the confluence of chaos that is Waikiki, The Laylow — Marriott’s new autograph collection hotel — beautifully complements the hustle and bustle of Honolulu by providing visitors a convenient refuge above the city’s perpetual ruckus. Situated in the heart of Waikiki, Laylow feels like an outpost of safety and comfort; a place that offers an easy retreat from the bustling streets below.Inside, the hotel’s design and decor blends midcentury modernism with Hawaiian heritage presenting a vibe that can best be ..read more