My First.... Pair of Kicks

I've always wanted a pair of kicks, but since I own more pairs of high heels than sneakers; I thought it might be an excessive purchase. But after dancing in heels at the Next Coast: KID SISTER event, investing in a pair of heels seemed necessary for future event coverage.

Since I'm a recovering shoppaholic, one of the "rules" I try to follow is, "If I don't love it, then I won't buy it." I had a hard time trying to decide between two pair of kicks & held both of them in my hand for a few minutes. While I tried on the pair of kicks featured below, the Red Bull girls came into KICKS/HI! This was the second time, I saw these lovely ladies in a week & I took it as a sign that these kicks were meant to be.

You can tell when I'm really excited about something I purchase, cause I'll refuse to take off whatever I tried on & walk out of the store with it. Sorry DJ SSSolution for making it difficult to ring up my purchase; I couldn't help that I fell in love with my kicks. I also purchased the set of 4 super awesome pins featured on their blog; KICKS/HI you guys are geniuses, showcasing what customers can expect to see in the store (the pins were the reason I stopped by yesterday :)

If you're a sneaker head or browsing for your first pair of kicks, I recommend stopping by KICKS/HI. You can tell the staff loves what they do & the products in the store; I love that I didn't feel pressured to buy something I wasn't absolutely in love with.

Here's pictures from my Kicks shopping adventure:

Check out their new mascot: Pineapple Dude on their window

Pins I bought for my camera strap

The kicks I fell in love with

They have super nice bags

For more info visit the following:
Address: 1530 Makaloa Avenue. Honolulu, Hawaii 96805
Email: kicks.hawaii@yahoo.com
Facebook: Kicks Hawaii
Myspace: www.myspace.com/kickshawaii
Phone Number: 808.941.9191
Twitter: @KICKSHI
Website: www.kickshawaii.com

CHEEE HUUU Battle 1 Recap

Here's the recap of Aloha Army & In4mation CHEEE HUUU Battle:


In case you missed the 1st CHEEE HUUU Battle, there's a 2nd round of Prelims back at Mai Tai this Friday (6/3)!


For more info visit the following:
Address: 98-1005 Moanalua Road #231. Aiea, Hawaii 96701 (In4mation Pearlridge), 1450 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 & 226 Lewers Street. Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 (Aloha Army Waikiki)
Email: info@alohaarmy.com, info@in4mants.com & jcarvalho@bubbagump.com
Facebook: Aloha Army - Pride of the Islands,IN4MATION HAWAII & Mai Tai Bar
Twitter: @in4mants, @in4mation & @MaiTaiBarOahu
Website: www.alohaarmy.com, www.in4mants.com & www.maitaibar.com

TheJumpOff.com Presents Bacardi Pool Party

Its been forever, since I enjoyed this gorgeous weather; it feels like every time the sun is shining I'm always working indoors. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate that my job puts money in the bank, but I've been dying to have some fun in the sun. That's why I was so happy to attend another Bacardi Pool Party over Memorial Day weekend.

Super CW's the type of person who knows how to have a good time & always throws the best pool parties. Plus whenever Super CW tag teams with DJ Eskae from Nocturnal Sound Krew, Contrast, Bacardi & (recently) TheJumpOff.com is when the magic happens.

At the Bacardi Pool Parties you can always expect the Marriott's 3rd floor to be packed, that guys & girls are ready to show off their bikinis & boardshorts & by the end of the pool party you'll have a nice tan. But this past Bacardi Pool Party Super CW filled it with lots of surprises: pool party turned into a foam part + the promised surprise DJs: DJ Switch of Major Lazer & Red Bull DJs spun throughout the afternoon & kept everyone happy.

Be sure to thank Christa for working hard & throwing another amazing pool party & if you missed this past Bacardi Pool Party, where were you? It was the most fun in the sun you could have + gorgeous eye candy in one day. But don't worry, I'm sure Christa's working on amazing events planned for the rest of the summer.

Here's some of my favorite pictures from the event:

For more info visit the following:
Email: jpollak100@gmail.com
Facebook: Christa Wittmier
Twitter: @supercw
Website: www.thejumpoff.com & www.supercw.com

For more photos visit my Facebook page: TheJumpOff.com Presents Bacardi Pool Party

FLUX Hawaii Talk Story Sessions

Yesterday was insane; I spent most of the afternoon taking pictures for the Bacardi Pool Party & then headed to the New Edition Hotel for FLUX Hawaii's first Talk Story Sessions. This all day event featured a series of workshops by musicians, artists, graphic designers & small business owners; it also featured live performances by local talent.

Out of all the Talk Story speakers, I really wanted to hear the guys from In4mation; they also happened to be the only speakers I was able to hear (since I had to celebrate my grandma's birthday). I was excited that 3/4 partners: Jun Jo, Rhandy Tambio & Ryan Arakaki from In4mation were on the panel & I was dying to hear their experiences as a business that has local & worldwide reach.

The guys talked about their life experiences & how its helped shape In4mation into the lifestyle action-sport brand it is today. It was refreshing to learn that these guys are real & they're not in this business to make millions of dollars. As each of the panelists spoke, you could feel passion & discovered their perseverance to progressively improve their brand, which is evident with their continuous success.

I hope that FLUX Hawaii has more Talk Story Sessions in the future since you're able to connect with successful individuals around the island & hopefully, leave inspired to continue pursuing your dreams. This is definitely an event worth talking about.

Here's my favorite pictures from the event:

For more info visit the following:
Address: 2849 Kaihikapu Street. Honolulu, Hawaii 96819
Email: contact@fluxhawaii.com
Facebook: Flux Hawaii & In4mation - I Shall Proceed and Continue
Phone Number: 808.628.6256
Twitter: @FLUXhawaii, @in4mants & @in4mation
Website: www.fluxhawaii.com, www.in4mants.com & www.in4mationbrand.com/in4brand.html

Upcoming Event: Red Bull BPM Hawaii

Check out the Red Bull BPM event sponsored by Nonstop Honolulu & happens this Thursday (6/2) exclusively at Next Door. introduces Red Bull introduces BPM, the application that turns your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad into a complete DJ set-up.

Nocturnal Sound Krew’s DJ ESKAE & DJ COMPOSE will deliver a special headlining performance together, with the opening sounds provided by SuperHandsome & Architech's DJ DELVE all utilizing the Red Bull BPM app.




This is a 21+ event. Event starts from 9 pm & goes until 2 am. RSVP for free entry by texting "BPM" to 72855 or $5 at the door.

For more info visit the following:
Address: 43 North Hotel Street. Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
Facebook: Red Bull BPM Hawaii
Email:chris@myneighborsnextdoor.com
Twitter: @eskae @DJDELVE, @nextdoorhnl, @nonstophonolulu & @redbullaloha
Website: www.djeskae.com, www.NextDoorHNL.com, www.nonstophonolulu.com & www.redbullusa.com

Next Coast: KID SISTER / Anit / Lacy Love

I think by now everyone knows, I'm HUGE a fan of Red Bull! While I attempting to find street parking in Chinatown, I spotted the Red Bull car & made it my mission to find the Red Bull girls before the Next Coast event. Last night was amazing for many reasons: I attended the first female edition of Next Coast & danced the night away + I finally met the Red Bull girls, took a picture with them & got a huge 16 oz can (for FREE). I feel like my life is complete.

I'm absolutely smitten with Next Coast, because every month its better than the last. I was relieved that I was able to purchase my ticket for May's all star female line-up of Next Coast, which included: KID SISTER, DJ Anit (from CrazyBox), DJ Lacy (from The Hot Muffins) & DJ Matt Ratt (resident DJ from Next Door). Maybe I'm being a sexist but Beyonce sums it up best, "Who run the world? GIRLS!"

DJs Anit & Lacy killed it on the turntables, I couldn't stop dancing; the only downside was my decision to look cute & wear heels (my feet were killing me). Next Door was filled with people who danced to the fast-paced & energetic music that prepared us for KID SISTER's electrifying performance. I'm still in awe of KID SISTER's performance; I've never seen anything it. Her presence was infectious & I couldn't stop dancing or taking pictures of KID SISTER.

KID SISTER is so gorgeous & talented that when she jumped off stage, I heard a guy scream, "KID SISTER, I wanna have your babies!"

Seriously if you MISSED the female edition of Next Coast, make sure you don't miss their next one. Next Coast takes place the last Saturday of every month & features Hawaii's very own hip hop.

Here's some of my favorite pictures from KID SISTER's Next Coast event:

For more info visit the following:
Address: 43 North Hotel Street. Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
Email:chris@myneighborsnextdoor.com
Myspace: myspace.com/kidsister
Tumblr: http://cookiesandcruisecontrol.tumblr.com/
Twitter: @nextdoorhnl & @KIDSISTER
Website: http://NextDoorHNL.com & www.kidsistermusic.com

For more photos visit my Facebook page: http://twe.ly/4Plb

Upcoming Event: GODDESS ALCHEMY PROJECT

Join Kings of Spade, the Sex Puppets & Shakti Dance Movement on Saturday (6/4) for a live performance by Goddess Alchemy Project.

Goddess Alchemy Project is an all female crue, that features west-coast based indie musicians, synthesizing lyricism, poetry, & melodic vocals with an eclectic spread of electronica, underground hip-hop, world music & soul.

This is a 21+ event. Doors open at 9 pm, show starts at 9: 30 pm. Pre-sale tickets are $15 & $20 at the door.

For more info visit the following:
Address: 43 North Hotel Street. Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
Email: chris@nextdoorhnl.com
Facebook: GODDESS ALCHEMY LIVE in HONOLLULU w/KINGS OF SPADE. SHAKTI. SEX PUPPETS & Nextdoor Hnl
Tickets: goddessalchemyproject.eventbrite.com, UH Campus Center & Next Door
Twitter: @nextdoorhnl
Website: www.goddessalchemyproject.com & www.Nextdoorhnl.com

Nocturna Lounge

First of all, I wanna give a shout out to Gene Park for inviting me to Nocturna's VIP party, Riana (my +1 for the night) & I had a blast!

I used to think all karaoke places were the same; there's a dark room with a big TV, a handful of wireless microphones, a gigantic book containing songs from every genre + a mixture of old & new friends bonding over songs that remind us what it feels like to be alive. However, Nocturna Lounge proved me wrong & quickly changed my mind about what karaoke places should be: upscale & classy.

As soon as you walk inside Nocturna Lounge's doors you're greeted by their gorgeous staff & they have one of the prettiest bars around the island. The lounge & private rooms have brand spanking new flat screen TVs; some of the TVs connect to game consoles, so guests can play old school Street Fighter, Rock Band & Xbox Kinnect.

I love that there's always something going on; whether you're waiting for your turn to play Rock Band, getting a cocktail at the bar, listening to someone sing their best rendition of "Don't Stop Believing" or sitting on their comfy chairs. Nocturna Lounge has something for everyone.

The only downside to this upscale karaoke lounge, Nocturna Lounge doesn't have a kitchen = they don't serve food. So if you're the type of person that gets hungry throughout the night, make sure you eat before heading to Nocturna Lounge.

If you wanna experience Nocturna Lounge for yourself, the grand opening of Hawaii's first NextGen Lounge is tonight (5/28). Doors open at 8 pm & there's NO COVER! The attire is dress to impress (cocktail attire required) & remember this is 21+.

Here's pictures from Nocturna's VIP party:

Me & Lindsey Photo credit: Tracy Chan via Nonstop Honolulu

HAD to take a picture of the drink with a lychee

Tracy, me & Riana

2/3 of the owners: Tricia & Gavin Morita

Rock Band

State of the art TVs

For more info visit the following:
Address: 500 Ala Moana Blvd. Suite 5-D. Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Facebook: Noctruna Lounge
Phone: 808.521.1555
Twitter: @NocturnaLounge
Website: www.Nocuturnalounge.com

Upcoming Event: Talk Story Sessions

Join FLUX Hawaii this Memorial Day weekend for Talk Story Sessions on Sunday (5/29) at the New Edition Hotel.

CMA Hawaii & FLUX Hawaii magazine are partnering with the Waikiki Edition hotel for a daylong event of workshops & presentations by creative-industry leaders Bernad Uy of Wall-to-Wall Studios & professor Mari Matsuda.

Talk Story Sessions will also highlight 11 success stories in the following fields: graphic design, photography, academia, retail & music to help build a stronger, more diverse & coherent community of cultural producers, creative thinks, activists & leaders based in Hawaii.

In addition members from Menomena & emcee Kid Sister will share their experiences. Also live Performances at Crazybox by: Narwhal, GRLFRNDS, Malaya Elle P 'Paisley' & Seph 1

For more info visit the following:
Address: 1775 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
Email: contact@fluxhawaii.com
Facebook: TALK STORY Sessions at Waikiki Edition
Phone Number: 808.943.5800
Register: http://fluxhawaii.com/archives/tss/
Twitter: @FLUXhawaii, @EDITIONHotels
Website: www.FLUXhawaii.com & www.editionhotels.com

HELICOPTER - Art & Flea After Party

Lately, I've felt like a zombie & lost my zest for life, because I've been working + focusing all my energy into projects. People underestimate the importance of having fun on a regular basis (I'm guilty of this) & when I turn into a zombie, I HAVE to make time for myself. Something that makes me feel 1,000x better is dancing & even though my dance moves will make you laugh; it doesn't matter cause I'm not dancing to impress anyone.

You have no idea just how excited I was to finally go dancing (after talking about it for weeks) & to dance at Next Door (my favorite venue) on a weekday was the cherry on the top! It was a special edition of Helicopter since it was the Art & Flea After party & CD Release for local band Vice Vicarious + their last show.

It was bittersweet to watch Vice Vicarious, this was my first time seeing the band perform & it was their last show. However, my sadness was temporary cause after Vice Vicarious' amazing performance, all I could think about was dancing. I can't thank DJ Matt Ratt enough for playing, "Hello" by Martin Solvieg ft. Dragonette, this song brought me back from my zombie existence. It also made me realize, I need new dance moves; good thing I'll have plenty of time to practice since it's summer.

Here's pictures from HELICOPTER - Art & Flea After Party:

Riana

Me & Riana. Photo credit: Rudified Media

Vice Vicarious last show

I danced with Jessica (winner of the robot dance off at March's Art & Flea)

Aly & Matt

Jessica & her bf

Tracy Chan danced with me!

THANK YOU! Matt for playing this song :D

Thank you Kasi for tickets to the Goddess Alchemy Project show

For more info visit the following:
Address: 43 North Hotel Street. Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
Email: artandflea@gmail.com & chris@nextdoorhnl.com
Facebook: ArtandFlea Hawaii, Helicopter Honolulu & Nextdoor Hnl
Twitter: @ArtandFlea & @nextdoorhnl
Website: www.artandflea.com & www.NextdoorHNL.com

Upcoming Event: Brian C. Lo: In Between States (Opening Recepetion)

Gallery of Hawaii Artists is proud to present Brian C. Lo's "In Between States" solo artist exhibition on Friday (6/10) at the Gallery of Hawaii Artists (GOHA).

This solo art exhibition is comprised of mixed media pieces that include: digital prints altered with paint, ink & collage.

There will be light pupus, drinks, art & a special one-night only pop-up installations!

In Between States exhibition will be viewable to the public from 6/13 - 9/5.

For more info visit the following:
Address: 1888 Kalakaua Avenue. Suite #312. Honolulu, Hawaii
Email: carolyn@galleryofhawaiiartists.com
Facebook: Brian C. Lo In Between States
Phone: 808.447.8908 (ask for Carolyn Mirante)
Twitter: @gohawaiiartists
Website: www.galleryofhawaiiartists.com

Photo Shoot Giveaway!

Check this out Elle Reed has a pretty sweet deal, she's trying to reach 150 Facebook fans by July 1st & she's giving a photo shoot giveaway.

In order to qualify you MUST "like" her Facebook fan page: Elle Reed Photography & Events. Then you have to share her fan page on your Facebook wall.

A random winner will be chosen every Friday until July 1st. Let's help Elle reach her goal!

For more info visit the following:
Email: bookellereed@gmail.com
Facebook: Photo Shoot Giveaway!!!! & Elle Reed Photography & Events
Phone Number: 808.634.4639
Twitter: @ElleSpeak
Website: www.ellereed.com