Look What Arrived In The Mail!

Whenever I think of Art & Flea events, two of the vendors I always see are Endemic & Paper Doll Hawaii. I love the dynamics of this brother-sister team, not only are they daring entrepreneurs, but their products are amazing. Plus they're always super friendly & what's not to love about supporting local?

A couple weeks before my Sweet Lychee 1st Blog Birthday Party, super gorgeous Lani Davan of Paper Doll Hawaii & Endemic messaged me on Facebook; saying she wouldn't be able to attend my party but wanted to send something to me. I usually dread checking the mailbox, since the only things that are addressed to me are bills, but today was different. I got a package from Lani & Reno that included a pink Endemic shirt & pink heart-shaped earrings from Paper Doll Hawaii.

Thank you Lani & Reno for the gifts, it was a lovely gesture. I can't wait to wear my new Endemic shirt to an event!

Help support local businesses like Endemic & Paper Doll Hawaii that sell a variety of products for men, women & children. If you get the chance to check them out & talk to them at an Art & Flea event, that's event better.

Here's what arrived in the mail:

Endemic shirt & Paper Doll Hawaii earrings

For more info visit the following:
Email: endemic.hi@gmail.com & paperdollhawaii@gmail.com
Facebook: Endemic Hawaii & Paperdoll Hawaii
Phone Number: 808.429.2978
Website: www.etsy.com/shop/PaperDollHAWAII

Upcoming Event: House of Aria's 1st Birthday Party

Help House of Aria celebrate their 1st birthday, by attending their party this Saturday (7/2).

They're gonna have SWAG bags filled with goodies for those that arrive early (first 50 people) & indulge in cake pops + other goodies. Along with a fabulous photo booth by Photo Ops Hawaii.

There's also gonna be an amazing BOGO (buy one get one half off) sale on the entire store.

This birthday celebration is open to the public & starts from 11 am & goes until 3 pm.





For more info visit the following:
Address: 98-450 Kamehameha Hwy, Suite 4. Pearl City, HI 96782
Facebook: House of Aria & House of Aria's 1st birthday party
Phone Number: 808.626.5982
Twitter: @houseofaria
Website: www.houseofariaboutique.com

Otto Cake

On several occasions, I've tried to visit Otto Cake but something always came up: no street parking or an event I needed to attend. Trust me, if you find street parking during lunchtime its like winning the lottery & when I spotted an empty stall in front of Otto Cake; I knew I couldn't pass up this opportunity.

When I stepped inside Otto Cake, I was overwhelmed by the number of cheesecake flavors they have, over 86 & counting. Only the cheesecakes shown in the glass display are the flavors available for that day & since those flavors change everyday; it's a good idea to choose wisely or get a slice of each.

To thank my {simply*awesome} sister (aka the biggest cheesecake fan I know) for helping me with my blog, I bought her a slice of a Amazing Plain cheesecake. I also bought a slice for myself & a cup of their Strawberry Ginger lemonade. As I paid for my goodies, I told the cashier that the owner Otto, used to a band with my friends; after he asked what the name of the band was (Patty Judy & The Dirt) I found out Doug (@ShakaTalk) was the lead singer of that band.

It was so nice talking to someone who knows really good mutual friends; even though I originally went to Otto Cake to purchase desserts, I returned with something just as nice in return.

*By the way, every Monday in the month of June you get a FREE cupcake with every cheesecake purchase. Better stop by this Monday (6/27) since the month is coming to an end*

Here's pictures from my trip:

Strawberry Ginger Lemonade

World's smallest Key Lime Cheesecake

Their super fun cash register

For more info visit the following:
Address: 1160 Smith Street. Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
Email: race131313@mac.com
Facebook: Otto Cake
Phone Number: 808.834.6886
Twitter: @ottocake
Website: www.ottocake.com

For more photos visit my Facebook page: http://ow.ly/dbISo

Bacardi Pool Party

In case you missed last month's CWSK + Bacardi Artic Grape Pool Party, here's a video created by Hawaiian Brian Productions. Don't miss out on the upcoming Bacardi Pool Party on Sunday (7/3), get there early cause its $10 entry & limited capacity.

Sweet Lychee's 1st Blog Birthday Party

I wanna give a SUPER big shout out to Mercury Bar for letting me use your venue. Ill Hill Society & Sing The Body for doing an amazing job performing. My {simply*awesome} sister & nephew for making the favors. Riana of RUDIFIEDmedia, Cheyne of Firebird Photography, Tracy of Nonstop Honolulu & Jonas of Honolulu Pulse for playing photographer. Joel of Rise Up Hawaii for the gigantic self-portrait & Kevin Tit for throwing me a party to celebrate my blog's 1st birthday.

When I was in elementary school, I always wanted my parents to bring cupcakes & juice for my birthday; but I never celebrated at school, since money was tight. But who says you can't fulfill a childhood fantasy, when you're older? Last night at Mercury Bar was Sweet Lychee's 1st Blog Birthday Party & it was a 1000x better than all of my childhood classmate's birthdays combined.

I'm usually the one promoting & supporting: businesses, bands, eateries & events (which is something I love doing) & it felt surreal that friends promoted my event. Its hard to describe in words how I feel about last night; I was overwhelmed by the amount of people who showed up to help me celebrate this accomplishment & my heart is filled with love.

Sweet Lychee Production's 1st birthday has been an adventure & it wouldn't be possible without love & support from loved ones, bands, businesses & friends (old & new). I also wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended my blog's 1st birthday party & everyone that's supported my passion!

I'm not 100% certain what the future holds for Sweet Lychee Productions, but as long as I've got a dream that continues to makes me happy, I'm not worried.

♥ Sweet Lychee

Here's some of my favorite pictures from my blog's bday party:

Sing The Body

Kevin Tit & Rudifiedmedia

Thanks Joel for the gigantic self-portrait

Ill Hill Society destroyed Pablo the pinata

Me & Ill Hill Society

Rudifiedmedia (Riana) & Sweet Lychee (me)

Photo cred: Last two photos are from Tracy Chan :D

For more photos visit my Facebook page: http://ow.ly/bpTnF

More pictures via:
Honolulu Pulse: http://ow.ly/bpTqR
RUDIFIEDmedia: http://ow.ly/bpTBR

Upcoming Event: The Summer Kick Off

Honolulu Dance Studio & Boogie Down Productions presents The Summer Kick-Off on Saturday (6/25) at Ala Moana Centerstage.

This event is free to the public & features a showcase of hip-hop classes & studio. The Summer Kick-Off starts at 7 pm.




For more info visit the following:
Address: 1007 Waimanu Street. Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
Email:

boogiedownprod808@gmail.com

Facebook: BDPHawaii
Twitter: @
Website: www.boogiedownonline.com

Cherry Blossom Cabaret Presents Femme Capulet

First of all, I wanna give a BIG SHOUT-OUT to Miss Catwings (@misscatwings) of the Cherry Blossom Cabaret (CBC) for inviting me to the Femme Capulet friends & family press night!

I think its admirable when someone takes a classic song/story & attempts to recreate it as their own; it's extremely risky since a standard has already been set. Last night I attended the Cherry Blossom Cabaret's latest production: Femme Capulet & wasn't quite sure what to expect with Director Troy M. Apostol's remix of Shakespeare's, "Romeo & Juliet" but I really enjoyed his remix of this famous love story.

Femme Capulet is different from previous MenageA3 events I've attended, but I love that the Cherry Blossom Cabaret continues to be innovative by mixing things up. Each of the CBC ladies immerse themselves into their characters & possess talent that will surprise a CBC fanatic.

I don't wanna give away too much since this is an event worth attending; but I promise you'll either: laugh, smile, shed some tears or sing along with Honolulu's favorite burlesque revue.

If you've supported the Cherry Blossom Cabaret throughout the years or you're a "virgin" to Hawaii's Premiere Burlesque Revue, purchase a ticket to this limited engagement. I guarantee the ladies & fellas (in the production) will appreciate your support & to all those burlesque virgins; after your "first time" with the CBC, you'll be screaming for more.

*Miss Catwings told me that those who attend Friday's (6/17) Femme Capulet, will be given wristbands to attend Hallowbaloo Music Festival Showcase for FREE. There will be Lehua Honey Cheesecake & Acai Bowl Cheesecakes from Otto Cakes + Vino from HSAR Wine Company*

Here's my favorite pictures from Femme Capulet:

For more info visit the following:
Address: The ARTS at Mark's Garage. 1159 Nu'uana Avenue. Honolulu, Hawaii
Email: cherryblossomcabaret@gmail.com
Facebook: CherryBlossom Cabaret & CBC Presents ... Femme Capulet - Directed by Troy M. Apostol
Phone Number: 800.838.3006
Tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/175558
Twitter: @cherrybl0ss0m <--- the o's are zeroes
Website: www.artsatmarksgarage.com, www.cherryblossomcabaret.com

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

MenageA3: Mustache Panache

The ladies of Cherry Blossom Cabaret know how to have a good time + they've always have fun themes for their MenageA3 events. Last Saturday's MenageA3 theme was Mustache Panache & the motto of the night was, "What happens at the Mustache party, stays at the Mustache party."

Unfortunately, I didn't see a single bearded lady at Apartment3, but there was a sea of good-looking guys & girls rocking their fake mustaches for June's MenageA3. I thought it was really cute that the girls used their eyeliner to draw mustaches on their faces & the Cherry Blossom Cabaret's flyer included a cut-out mustache (for those who can't grow a mustache). I think everyone enjoyed the giant mustache displayed in front of the DJ booth; especially since I kept hearing people say, "Who wants a mustache ride?" throughout the night.

If you missed this past MenageA3 event, make sure you attend their upcoming events which will add sizzle to your weekend. Red Carpet at Apartment3 - Cherry Blossom Cabaret celebrates 5 years as Honolulu's favorite burlesque cabaret, event happens on July 16th. You MUST wear red to attend this event.

Here's some of my favorite pictures from MenageA3: Mustache Panache:

For more info visit the following:
Email: cherryblossomcabaret@gmail.com
Facebook: CherryBlossom Cabaret
Myspace: myspace.com/cherryblossomburlesque
Twitter: @cherrybl0ss0m <--- o's are zeroes
Website: www.cherryblossomcabaret.com

For all photos visit my Facebook page: http://twe.ly/NVmb

Upcoming Event: Matt Bruening / Andy South / Summer 2011 Fashion Show

FLUX Hawaii & Next Door present the hottest Summer 2011 Fashion Show on Friday (6/24).

Summer 2011 Fashion Show includes new designs from designers: Matt Bruening & Andy South. There's also gonna be live performances from Clones of the Queen, ALT/AIR & Sick Tyte DJs will be spinning.

VIP portion of the event is from 8 - 9 PM. Doors open to the public at 9 PM. Fashion show starts at 10:30 PM.

This is a 19+ event. Cover is $10 at the door & $30 limited VIP pre-sale tickets available at Next Door's website.

For more info visit the following:
Address: 43 North Hotel Street. Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
Email: chris@nextdoorhnl.com
Facebook: MATT BRUENING // ANDY SOUTH // SUMMER 2011 FASHION SHOW
Twitter: @nextdoorhnl & @FLUXhawaii
Website: www.nextdoorhnl.com & www.fluxhawaii.com

Honozooloo Art Exhibition

Last month, I randomly discovered Hotel Renew with Riana (@RUDIFIEDmedia) & instantly fell in love with their decor & super gorgeous staff. When I found out that Aaron Yoshino aka Honozooloo's Art Exhibition was gonna be at this hotel; I knew I had to attend this opening.

Yesterday there were a few events I attended & wished I could've split myself into 3 different versions of myself, so I could enjoy all of them. Unfortunately, I don't have that magical super power & stayed as long as I possibly could for Honozooloo's Art Exhibition Opening. Hotel Renew's modern lobby was transformed into a mini art gallery of Honozooloo's landscape photography.

Honozooloo's proud family, friends & supporters filled the compact lobby, it reminded me of a giant bear hug; which is filled with love & happiness. If you missed out on Honozooloo's Art Exhibition Opening, you'll be able to view it in Hotel Renew's lobby from now until July 14th.

Here's my favorite pictures from Honozooloo's Art Exhibtion:

For more info visit the following:
Address: 129 Paoakalani Avenue. Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
Email: aaron@honozooloo.com
Facebook: Aaron Yoshino
Flickr: http://flickr.com/honozooloo
Twitter: @honozooloo
Website: www.honozooloo.com


For all photos visit my Facebook page: http://twe.ly/MVmb

Upcoming Event: Sleep, Talk Welcome Back Show

Sleep, Talk is back & having a show on Saturday (6/25) at 4 Play Night Club.

Enjoy performances by special guests: Die Slow, Pharaohs,
Arkeo & Ill Hill Society / \

This is an 18+ event. Show starts at 7 PM & goes until 10 AM.

Cover is $7 for those 18+ & FREE for 21+

For more info visit the following:
Address: 99-106 Kamehameha Highway. Aiea, Hawaii 96701
Band camp: http://sleeptalk.bandcamp.com
Facebook: Sleep, Talk Welcome Back Show & Sleep, Talk
Website: http://sleeptalk.com

Special Edition Post: Super Citizen

For the longest time, I was dying to check out the eco-friendly store: Super Citizen; but I'm usually in Chinatown at night. I started to feel a little depressed cause I'd pass the store's super cute window displays & feel sad that Super Citizen wasn't open at night. After numerous months, I was finally able to visit Super Citizen in the daytime & I got to touch all of their clothes, accessories & "green" products that looked/felt even better in person.

I think most people do little things to help the environment; I try my best to do my part & "Go Green" by reusing magazines & flyers as part of my "Mail Art" project. I recycle paper, bottles & cans & help reduce the landfill by donating clothing & books + I'll proudly show off something I bought at the thrift store. However, my contributions seem tiny compared to Sandra Fowler, owner of the environmentally friendly store:Super Citizen. I believe this sustainable lifestyle store continues to do an amazing job helping with the "green movement."

Super Citizen is located on the outskirts of Mark's Garage & offers fun + easy ways to help the environment; the clothing offered in the store is either organic, made from recycled materials: wine bags or recycled water bottles. Some of the purses carried within the store are constructed from vintage Kimonos; they also have notebooks made from sugarcane pulp. But my favorite thing about their clothes is the denim: skirts, jackets & jeans are made from remnants of denim that's been collected all over the world. If the denim wasn't reused, it would've been burned.

Sandra reminds me of a modern day Captain Planet & I think she answered what a sustainable lifestyle is best, "Every tiny bit counts, whether it's bringing your own re-usable bottle of water to work or driving an electric car... everyone's contribution matters, whether it's big or small."

I doubt we'll be able to save the environment in one day; but being smarter about our actions & what we purchase are tiny steps that help the bigger picture. If you want to help the "green movement" but you're not sure where to start & happen to be in Chinatown, make sure that a visit to Super Citizen is on your list of things to-do; their products are for the (new/experienced) eco-conscious consumer.

Here's some pictures from Super Citizen:

"Only you can make yourself happy, so live your life & try to do one green thing a day"
- Super Citizen

For more info visit the following:
Address: 22 South Pauahu Street. Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Email: supercitizenstore@gmail.com
Facebook: Super Citizen
Phone Number: 808.599.4333
Twitter: @supercitizen
Website: www.supercitizenstore.com

MenageA3: Mustache Panache Teaser

MenageA3: Mustache Panache's motto was, "What happens at the mustache party, stays at the mustache party."Almost everywhere you looked, guys & girls rocked mustaches (some real & most were fake mustaches) at last night's MenageA3 event. One thing is for sure, everyone loved the giant mustache in front of the DJ booth.

If you missed this event, enjoy this mini teaser. More pictures & review later this week!

Here's some of my favorite pictures from MenageA3: Mustache Panache:

For more info visit the following:
Email: cherryblossomcabaret@gmail.com
Facebook: CherryBlossom Cabaret
Myspace: myspace.com/cherryblossomburlesque
Twitter: @cherrybl0ss0m <--- o's are zeroes
Website: www.cherryblossomcabaret.com

Upcoming Event: Sweet Lychee First Blog Birthday

Help me aka Sweet Lychee celebrate my blog's first birthday on Wednesday (6/22) at Mercury Bar.

There will be live performances by Ill Hill Society & Sing The Body.
Birthday cake, pinata & more.

This is a 21+ event
NO COVER
Birthday party starts at 9:00 PM - 1:30 AM

Special thanks to Mercury Bar, Kevin Tit & RUDIFIED Media








For more info visit the following:
Address: 1154 Fort Street Mall #10. Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Email: sweet.lycheeproductions@yahoo.com
Facebook: Sweet Lychee Productions, Mercury Bar, Ill Hill Society, Sing The Body & Sweet Lychee's First Blog Birthday
Tumblr: http://illhillsociety.tumblr.com
Twitter: @Mercury808 & @sweetl_lychee
Website: www.sweetlycheeproductions.blogspot.com

Special Edition Post: Sing The Body

Last year, I attended the 1st annual Electric Car Rally at Mother Waldron Park & had my first encounter with Sing The Body. I was blown away by the band's energy; although, there's only two members in this band, their stage presence is hypnotic. While I decided who I wanted to interview for the special edition one year blog posts; Sing The Body immediately popped into my mind.

Very first time I saw Sing The Body perform:

Whenever I'm inspired by someone, the underlying reason is usually their passion & love for whatever they're doing. Sing The Body has this infectious energy that makes me wanna bust out my signature "Hammertime" dance move, whenever I see them perform. Sing The Body's members: Zack Shimizu (lead vocalists + guitarist) & Elijah (Eli) Oguma (plays drums, keyboard, tambourine & more) know each other through a mutual friend they were in a band with; even though that band is no longer together; it inspired the two friends to create their own act.

Sing The Body's dynamic chemistry derives from their collaboration on everything; Zack & Eli write their music together & they're open with the direction of where the song is going. Plus these two band members/friends approach each of their songs with a different mindset & always strive towards crafting their music.

The ultimate goal for the band doesn't include being rock stars, but making a living off playing their original music & going on tour. Zack & Eli already consider themselves successful because (success) is what you make it. With Sing The Body's definition of success & their passion to write music + perform; I have no doubt that this band will be the next big thing.

Watching Sing The Body live is nothing short of amazing & I'm excited to announce they're gonna perform at my blog's 1st Birthday Party on Wednesday (6/22) at Mercury Bar. If you can't make it to my party, look out for announcements about Sing The Body's next performance for Nemesis Production's Battle of the Bands. Also look out for Sing The Body's upcoming EP; they've been working hard to complete it in Soul Sound Studios located in Kaneohe.

Here's some pictures from their "No Sleep For Dreamers" performance:

"I think we feel successful already in the sense that we enjoy what we do & people seem react in a positive way to what we create" - Sing The Body

For more info visit the following:
Email: branapelese@gmail.com
Facebook: Sing The Body
Itunes: Sing The Body "Invent" Album
Phone Number (Booking): 808.428.6884
Twitter: @branapeles
YouTube: type: Sing The Body Hawaii (for a variety of their songs)

Upcoming Event: Jack Daniel's Honey Launch Party

Jack Daniel's Honey Launch Party happens on Tuesday (6/28) at The Shack Waikiki.

There's gonna be $3 Jack Honey specials all night, the Jack Bees (hot girls in bee outfits sampling the new Honey), mechanical bull rides, photo flip books & Na Hoku Hanohano Award nominated Angry Local DJ Osna spinning all your favorites.

This is a 21+ event that starts at 8 - 11:30 pm. Validated parking in the Waikiki Trade Center. Be sure to wear BLACK & YELLOW!

For more info visit the following:
Address: 2255 Kuhio Avenue. Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
Email: cw@supercw.com
Facebook: Jack Daniel's Honey Launch Party
Phone: 808.921.2255
Tumblr: http://betterbrands.tumblr.com
Twitter: @ShackWaikiki & @supercw
Website: www.shackwaikiki.com

Special Edition Post: First Lady: The Movement

Some of my friendships develop on Twitter, before I meet the other person IRL & Donna Mae Rizando is no exception; she's the ambitious Chief Executive Officer & founder of First Lady: The Movement. Donna's believes that women should stand together instead of tear one another apart; that kind of love & support for other females warms my heart.

When faced with hardships in our life, there are two possible outcomes: becoming consumed by one's self-pity or rising above one's challenges & transforming negativity into positive change. At the end of a serious relationship, Donna Mae Rizando went through a challenging period of her life; but she transformed that heartbreak into a movement. A movement that empowers women to use their passions, skills & talents in order to be successful in a man's world.

Donna Mae Rizando is a first lady who doesn't need to be in a romantic relationship to define herself & all of her actions are directed towards building & expanding First Lady: The Movement. She's living proof of her philosophy, "A woman can dominate a situation, a corporation, an empire- just as well as a man in our day can, & maybe even better." Not only does Rizando stand behind her words, but she’s also an example of a woman who isn’t living behind the shadow of a man.

Not only has Donna found purpose in her life but she's constantly working hard to reach her goals & progress as a person; in my eyes that makes her a successful woman.

First Lady: The Movement will have their second annual summer expo in late July. If you or anyone you know is interested in being a (female-ownder & operated) vendor, please email First Lady: The Movement for more information.

Here's pictures from last year's First Lady: The Movement's Launch Expo:

For more info visit the following:

Email: firstladythemovement@gmail.com

Facebook: First Lady

Myspace: myspace.com/firstladythemovement

Twitter: @FirstLadyTM

Youtube: youtube.com/firstladytm

Website: http://firstladythemovement.com

*Check out last year's recap of First Lady: The Movement's Launch Expo: http://ow.ly/7M1mo