Nikko Nights.

There's this tradition that our family has every Thursday. A tradition that involves food, which, to me, is one of the best traditions to have! 

Every Thursday, Mom, Dad, Anton, and I have the best sushi dinner over at Nikko Garden. We've been doing this for throats couple of years and have become quite the regulars, even developing while a relationship with the gal in charge,Mrs. Nikko. 

And when we're there, we are on a roll. Hehehe get it? 

Dad is the sushi guru in our family. He was actually the first to get me hooked on sushi betting me $5 to try a piece. And now I pay $5 for the sushi!

The wait between order time and consuming time is always a rough one. My teeth protrude and my eyes begin to wander...

But once the sushi starts rolling out, all is well!

Here, we have your classic crunch roll. Mom likes these because they aren't spicy. She doesn't do spicy!

Everyone has a sushi face. This is what my brother's looks like...

The hot 'n sexy roll. Totally how I like to roll. 

Cheers!

And this one was named after Dad, for he's such a valued customer (prolly eating there earlier today at lunch), called the Dr. Henry roll. 

The Nikko roll.. Full of crab and shrimps. 

Here, Dad poses with the Big Boss. Fitting. 

It was just going to be an outfit pose, but then my dad slipped in, and then my brother followed because he claims he's not on my blog enough. So here we are. 

I soon noticed that my dad was up on his toes because I was taller in my booties. 

Love these guys of mine!

What Makes Your Heart Sing?

It was just the other day that my friend Caroline let me borrow a book that she had just finished reading. It was the title that caught my attention- Talk Like TED. Yes, as I had thought, "Ted" refers to the hugely successful and popular conference where there have been Ted talkers such as Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, and many other inspiring speakers and leaders. 

Ever since my Speech class, I have been more and more interested in the idea of speaking in front of audiences. It comes naturally to me, thanks to my theatre experience, but what also comes natural is my passion for the one subject that seems to be ever present in my mind- healthy body image. And the more and more that I read this book, the more inspired I become. 

I haven't been able to put it down since. I've been reading out loud to my cat, slipping in a few pages in the car, sitting down to read it at breakfast, and I can't help but feel that this book is speaking to me. As quoted in the book: When God puts a dream in your heart, you know you're going to succeed. Every 'no' means you're one step closer to 'yes.' 

Granted, I haven't really done much on making this passion of mine a career yet, but that quote really put that extra tough layer of skin on me and has inspired me even more. 

Today's question actually came from the book and I think it's such a simple yet powerful question. What makes your heart sing? We're often asked what are our hobbies, what is our GPA, how long have you worked for said company, what are your strengths and weaknesses, and I can't help but feel that those questions are dry! Asking what makes your heart sing? Now that's where your personality comes forth. 

For me, what makes my heart sing, what pumps up my veins, and what get's me really excited to speak in front of audiences, is the importance of promoting healthy body image in women. It's of educating women on the importance of self-love, rocking that confidence, and being comfortable in your own skin. That's my calling. 

I still have much to read in this book, but I know it won't be long before I finish it. And when that happens, I know my hands will itch to do something that goes along with my passion and my drive to help women feel beautiful and confident. 

But enough about me. I want to know, what makes your heart sing?

And on a slightly irrelevant note, here's me today. I think we shouldn't be afraid to feel beautiful and happy, and we certainly shouldn't be afraid to share how we look and feel because happiness is contagious, it's a proven fact!

Also, don't be afraid to laugh at yourself. Take today- just check out those awkward tan lines of mine. 

What I wore: black TOM FORD sunnies (used), Black Hills gold cross necklace, strapless navy MAEVE dress with birdies (major sale at Anthro), toffee silk scarf, and tan MIA gladiator sandals (Nordstrom Rack).

Fishing with Father / Day 2

Waking up to a view like this was pretty incredible. Alaska's beauty still ceases to amaze me and I am forever astounded by its pistcard perfect looks every way I turn. 

It may sound cliche and sappy but it's how I feel! 

 

 

It's also Fourth of July, so horrah for America. 

I couldn't resist also slipping on this Alaskan vest of mine.. 

 

And instead of the incredible sunshine that Dad and I were lucky to have yesterday, we were instead blessed with rain...

And lots of kelp. 

Breakfast was at the same spot as yesterday; in fact, just inside to where we dined yesterday! 

 

Cups of coffee to warm these bones and wake up these sleepy souls..

 

Dad and I both had breakfast burritos, which proved to be quite tasty and filling! 

 

And then the fishing began. Fishing unfortunately wasn't as good as yesterday. We caught some cod, Irish Lords, skates.. 

 

...And two of these questionable sea creatures. They look exactly what they look like. Must be males. 

We did catch two treasures! Mom and Alyeska hitched a boat ride with a friend and the family was reunited. 

 

Alyeska was the first to reel in the one and only fish of the day- a silver! 

 

But it was fun being out on the ocean together. 

On the way back, however, we ran into some rough seas. We spotted this white cap on the fat horizon and pretty soon, we were bouncing every which way to the chops and unpredictability of Mother Nature. I myself find rough seas to be fun, especially when I've got such a fine sea captain as my dad! 

 

And of course, we made it back safe and sound. 

Before hitting the road with Alyeska, we decided to hit up some of Homer's fine dining establishments. We stopped for a delicious maple latte on the spit..

And stopped for a slice of the good stuff at Fat Olives. Your classic Fourth of July!