Wiz Khalifa

First of all, I'd like to give a super shout out to Yelp Hawaii for the two tickets to see Wiz Khalifa! After getting them in the mail, I put the tickets in my calendar & anxiously tweeted each passing hour until the concert started.

Attending the Wiz Khalifa concert was a night of many firsts: It was le boyfriend's very 1st concert, the first time le boyfriend was my +1 & the very first time we attended an event together (he always working on weekends).

All dressed up & ready to go, we made our way to Blaisdell Arena & found amazing seats in the general area. At first, I complained to le boyfriend about sitting on the sidelines like old fogies; the best way to experience a concert is standing in the middle of a crowd & being so close to the stage, you can taste the artist sweat. Even though, we sat on the side throughout the concert, it turned out to be a good decision (especially since my feet were killing me).

As much as I loved witnessing Chevy Woods, The Grouch & Eligh as the opening act & standing in the presence of one of the top ten soft rappers of our time; my favorite part of the Wiz Khalifa concert was le boyfriend's fascination with Wiz Khalifa's lyricism & ability to captivate the audience with his stage presence. I wish I took a picture of le boyfriend's face which reminded me of a little kid on Christmas morning & even though, I temporarily misplaced my digital camera, that concert will live in my memory for years to come.

The only pictures I'll post until I find my camera:

Thank you Yelp Hawaii for Wiz Khalifa tickets

Wiz Khalifa performing in Hawaii

Wiz Khalifa

For more info visit the following:
Facebook: Wiz Khalifa & Yelp Hawaii
Twitter: @RealWizKhalifa & @yelphawaii
Website: www.wizkhalifa.com &

808SPEAKERBOX Kickstarter & Promotional Blog Post Trade-off

• Hey guys! 808SPEAKERBOX needs help raising $3,000 by Saturday (12/10) 6:00 am EST in order to put together an amazing event showcasing Hawaii's hip hop talent.

To help increase donations, I'm doing a trade-off. For every $100 you donate, I'll write a promotional blog post about your band, business, eatery or event.

Here's the rules for the promotional blog trade-off:

1) You MUST donate $100 to 808SPEAKERBOX's kickstarter (http://ow.ly/77YdZ).

2) You MUST "like" 808SPEAKERBOX's Facebook
page (http://ow.ly/77YiQ).

3) You MUST send an email to sweet.lycheeproductions@yahoo.com, stating that you donated to 808SPEAKERBOX's kickstarter.

- After I verify that all of the rules have been followed. I'll send a confirmation email, discussing details about your promotional blog post.

*Promo blog trade-off is good for 1st 15 people who donate $100 & follow all the rules *

For more info visit the following:
Email: sweet.lycheeproductions@yahoo.com
Facebook: 808SPEARKERBOX
Kickstarter: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/808speakerbox/808-speakerbox-h4-help-hawaii-hip-hop
Twitter: @808SPEAKERBOX
Website: http://808speakerbox.wordpress.com/about/ & http://sweetlycheeproductions.blogspot.com/

Wouldn't It Be Nice To Time Travel?

Sometimes, I wish I could time travel & impart knowledge with my younger self; I could share future words of wisdom & hope the future turns out better.

Unfortunately, science & math were never my strongest subjects & there's comforts knowing the future is pleasantly unpredictable. Never in a million years would I imagine myself broadcasting my thoughts & opinions on the world wide web as a blogger or feeling uncertain about what I want to pursue as a career.

I'm not sure what's in store for me next week, month or year from now, but its exciting to remember tomorrow is an adventure waiting to happen. After all, if I'm too busy planning for a future filled with endless possibilities, how can I embrace the spontaneity of today?

♥ Sweet Lychee

Upcoming Post: RUDIFIEDmedia

I've been dying to write a blog post about one of my best friends whose a triple threat. Riana Stellburg is a talented photographer, graphic designer & writer.

Riana aka RUDIFIED (via twitter) also interns at Contrast Magazine & does freelance photography for Honolulu Pulse. This girl is going places & I can't wait for everyone else to fall in love with her.

Photo courtesy: Jonas Maon

For more info visit the following:
Email: contact@rudified.com
Facebook: RUDIFIED
Twitter: @RUDIFIEDmedia
Website: http://rudified.com

Upcoming Event: STEREO HEARTS a fundie for 808SPEAKERBOX

Workhouse presents STEREO HEARTS [a fundie for 808SPEAKERBOX] on Friday (12/9).

STEREO HEARTS will be hosted by Kwalified Emcee along with DJ Jon Cozy.

Enjoy live performances by Dayvon & Parlous, Noah Neevz, DEF!NiTON, Yung Matt, Drew Imagination, Maryanne, Decibel, JER-Z-RIC + live art by Brian Peralta & Parlous "Get Yo Ass Out My Face" Mixtape Release Party.

STEREO HEARTS is an 18+ event that starts at 9PM & rages until 2AM. $5 donation at the door & proceeds go toward 808SPEAKERBOX event on Friday (01/12/12) at The Loft.

For more info visit the following:
Address: 115 Hotel Street. Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Email: gumz3@ymail.com & 808speakerbox@gmail.com
Facebook: STEREO HEARTS [a fundie for 808SPEAKERBOX], 808SPEARKERBOX &
Kickstarter: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/808speakerbox/808-speakerbox-h4-help-hawaii-hip-hop
Twitter: @GUMZ3 & @808SPEAKERBOX
Website: http://808speakerbox.wordpress.com/about/ & www.Theloftgalleryandlounge.com

Manifest 2011 Man Challenge

The Manifest is looking for men capable of growing facial hair & willing to take a stand against testicular cancer.

Participants start their $15 pledge on Tuesday (11/1) for "Manifest Man Challenge 2011." If you're interested in participating make sure to arrive clean shaven & prepared to have your picture taken. A Fuji Instanx picture will be taken &

Participants can't shave, trim or alter facial hair from November 1st - December 1st.

There will be a "Man Up Party" on Thursday (12/1) to celebrate manhood & all pledges will take an "after" picture. There's also a "Best in Show" competition for the best facial hair & the winner will have their picture taken + the winner of a trip for 2 to Las Vegas will be announced.

For more info visit the following:
Facebook: Manifest Hawaii
Twitter: @TheManifest
Website: http://www.manifesthawaii.com/

Aaron De La Cruz "Long Walk Home" solo exhibition

I'm never been an artist, the closest thing that publicly showcases my work is my Sweet Lychee Productions blog; its been around over a year & its an endeavor I've invested my heart & energy into. Each blog post is like stepping into the pages of my diary that feature my observations & personal experiences about eateries, events, bands & businesses. Every time I click the "Publish Post" button, a feeling of apprehension arises; since I'm exposing my blog to the world wide web, its an opportunity for someone to judge me by the words I choose to express.

This is why I have a tremendous amount of respect for artist, they're brave individuals, who purposely showcase their artwork to an audience; they also hope people somehow recognize the meaning behind their hardwork & passion. Artists are also brave since there's never any certainity how people will react to their creation(s), but that's the risk they're consistently willing to take; it takes an enormous amount of courage to share your talent(s) with the world.

Here's Aaron painting at Pow Wow Hawaii 2011:

Last Saturday, I walked around the newly renovated Loft in Space & attempted to absorb the essence of Aaron's artwork, I fell in love with the versatility Aaron used to display his creative growth as an artist. Aaron usage of different mediums was presented on a BMW car, white bedsheets used in the recreation of his childhood bedroom & painted wood. My favorite part about the solo exhibition was watching video footage of Aaron drawing; once again, I was hypnotized by Aaron's talent & ability to make art look effortless.

Congratulations Aaron! Your "Long Walk Home" solo exhibition was a huge success; it takes a brave individual to showcase their work to the public & be fully aware of the potential criticism one's work might receive. I know the "Long Walk Home" solo exhibition is just the beginning of amazing things to come.

If you're in the mood for art & culture, be sure to check out Aaron De La Cruz's "Long Walk Home" new works exhibition, its viewable to the public from 10/15 - 11/11/11 at Loft in Space.

Here's my favorite pictures from the "Long Walk Home" event:

Aaron discussing his artwork

Recreation of his childhood bedroom

Loft in Space supporters: Tiffany, Prime & Jasper

Christa's BMW make-over

Past meets present

For more info visit the following:
Address: 831 Queen Street. Honolulu, Hawaii 96183
Email: jasper@loftinspacehi.com & tiffany@loftinspacehi.com
Facebook: Loft in Space & "Long Walk Home" New Works by Aaron De La Cruz
Website: www.loftinspacehi.com & www.aarondelacruz.com

For more pictures visit my Facebook page: http://twe.ly/l5sb

Sanoya Ramen

There's a laundry list of eateries, I've been keeping mental post-it notes to visit & Sanoya Ramen was one of them. I used to drive by this eatery, at night for years & say to myself, "One day, I'll eat there!" I'm finally be able to cross this eatery off my laundry list & proud to say, "I've been here 3 times."

I love that le boyfriend introduced me to Sanoya Ramen (especially since I'm always introducing him to eateries) & he's the person who accompanies me on our late night ramen excursions. I also love that Sanoya Ramen's specials (located on the back of their menu) has remained unchanged for years.

Sanoya Ramen is a hole in the wall & from the outside reminds me a fish bowl, since glass windows span the entire eatery. Sanoya Ramen is the perfect reminder that delicious food takes time, especially since there's usually only one waiter/waitress working; use this down time to share a plate of Gyoza & catch up with an old friend.

Whenever I eat at a Japanese restaurant, I always judge them on their Chicken Katsu & I'm happy to announce Sanoya's Chicken Katsu consistently meets my expectations. What I've tried on our late night excursions is yummy (I've dreamt about their mouth-watering WonTon Mein) & I'm always amazed by their portion sizes, since the prices are so cheap. I'm glad that Sanoya Ramen has been crossed off my eateries to try & its becoming one of my favorite ramen spots.

If you're in the mood for delicious Japanese food at a reasonable price, stop by Sanoya Ramen; they're open late, perfect for your late night cravings.

Here's pictures from our Sanoya Ramen excusion:

Le boyfriend destroyed his Croquette curry

6 piece Gyoza

I devoured my Chicken katsu, miso soup & kimchee

For more info visit the following:
Address: 1785 South King Street Suite 4. Honolulu, HI 96826
Phone Number: 808.947.6065

Upcoming Event: Red Bull Rivals Afterparty

Help celebrate the Red Bull Rivals After party this Saturday (10/22) at Bar 35.

Enjoy an opening set by DJ Jami & a dance your face off to live performance by the talented members of ALT/AIR.

This is a FREE event that starts at 9 PM & rages til late.


For more info visit the following:
Address: 35 North Hotel Street. Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Email: alyishikuni@gmail.com
Facebook: Alt/Air & Bar 35
Tumblr: www.alt-air.tumblr.com
Twitter: @WEARELATAIR & @Bar35
Website: www.bar35hawaii.com & www.wearealtair.com

Pow Wow Hawaii VIP Showcase & Fundraising Event

Pow Wow Hawaii will become an annual event that showcases local & international talent. To help make Pow Wow Hawaii 2012 bigger & even better, Pow Wow will host a VIP showcase & fundraising event on Saturday (11/12) at The Pacific Club. This event will feature live art, specialty drinks, heavy pupus & original pieces from Pow Wow 2011 up for auction.

Here's the Pow Wow Hawaii VIP Showcase video:

Check out their Facebook event page for details on how to obtain tickets & 100% of the proceeds for this event will go towards the February 2012 Pow Wow event.

For more info visit the following:
Email: info@welovecampfires.com
Facebook: Pow Wow & Pow Wow VIP Showcase & Fundraising Event
Tumblr: http://powwowblog.tumblr.com/
Twitter: @POWWOWHAWAII
Website: www.welovecampfires.com

For more insight about Pow Wow Hawaii check out my older blog posts:
POW WOW Open Studio & Live Painting Teaser: http://twe.ly/Tiob
POW WOW Hawaii's Live Painting & Open Studio: http://twe.ly/Uiob

Upcoming Event: NonStop Kaka'ako 2011

Be sure to save the date for the hugest foodie & entertainment event of the year: Nonstop Kaka'ako happening on Saturday (10/22) taking place on Coral, Keawe & Auahi streets.

Nonstop Kaka'ako is an urban, interactive, pop-up retail, foodie & entertainment event. Nonstop Kaka'ako will feature live music, live UH football inside a beer garden, games & activities + the announcement of the "Best of Nonstop" at the event.

NonStop Kaka'ako is a FREE event which starts from 4 pm & goes until 2 am. Be sure to get there early & experience everything Nonstop Kaka'ako has to offer.

For more info visit the following:
Address: 680 Auhai Street. Honolulu, Hawaii
Email: bestof@nonstophonolulu.com & rsvp@nonstopkakaako.com
Facebook: Nonstop Kaka'ako 2011 & Nonstop Honolulu
Twitvite: http://twtvite.com/NonstopKakaako2011
Twitter: @NonstopKakaako & @nonstophonolulu
Voting: http://www.nonstophonolulu.com/bestof/
Website: http://www.nonstopkakaako.com/

I Can't Go For That

There are certain individuals who resurface into my life like clockwork, intentionally doing things that bring me down. As much I treasure our history together, I can no longer accept the toxicity you bring into my life.

Growing up, I rolled my eyes, whenever my Dad lectured me about being naive, since our views about the world varied: I always tried to see the best in others & he believes most people have hidden intentions. I'm finally starting to understand the lesson, he tried to teach me in my childhood.

Everyday we're presented hundreds of choices & its up to us to determine the individuals who enhance our lives, in big & small ways. Our lives are far too precious to spend time & energy on people/things that don't matter; its never too late to rediscover the love & happiness that people closest to your heart bring.

I'm still a firm believer that most people deserve a chance & it took me almost ten years to discover not everyone is worthy of a second one.

Photo courtesy: RUDIFIEDmedia


♥ Sweet Lychee

Upcoming Event: FLUX Magazine & HIC Present The Throwdowns CD Release & HIC Pro Party!

Join FLUX Magazine for their 2 year anniversary & HIC PRO Party on Friday (11/4) at Hard Rock Cafe in Waikiki.

Enjoy special musical guest Skunkdog from Kauai & a live performance by Maui's own The Throwdowns + pick up a copy of their highly anticipated album, "A Leg of Their Own."

FLUX Magazine & HIC Pro Party is a 21+ event that starts at 10 PM & goes until 2 AM. No cover.

Parking is $6 with validation at the Bank of Hawaii Building & $5 flat rate at the Post Office.

For more info visit the following:
Address: 280 Beach Walk Avenue. Honolulu, HI 96815
Email: thethrowdowns@gmail.com
Facebook: FLUX Magazine, The Throwdowns & FLUX Magazine & HIC Present The Throwdowns CD Release & HIC Pro Party
Twitter: @FLUXhawaii & @thethrowdowns
Website: www.FLUXhawaii.com & www.throwdowns.com

HIFF DiSaronno Cocktail Mixologist Showcase

Growing up, my grandpa had the biggest movie collection I've ever seen, he constantly introduced our family to black & white, old school, foreign & indie films. If it were up to him, he'd spend the entire day glued in front of the TV; allowing each film to transport him into another place & time period. My grandpa introduced me at an early age to different cultures, lifestyles & through those films helped me develop a deeper appreciation for the arts.

Whenever the HIFF (Hawaii International Film Festival) fall season rolls around, I always make an effort to watch at least one film; I love indulging in the richness & diversity of cinema entertainment. HIFF is a non-profit organization "dedicated to the advancement of cultural exchange & media awareness."

HIFF also hosts various events like the HIFF DiSaronno Cocktail Mixologist Showcase (Super shout-out to Christa (@supercw) for inviting me to this fancy event:) It was fun being surrounded by gorgeous attendees in Halekulani's Garden Terrace, eating pupus delicious & hanging out with familiar faces; I can't think of a better way to kick-start my Fall 2011 HIFF experience.

If this is your first time experiencing HIFF or you've been a die-hard HIFF fan, make an effort to support the arts & fall in love with films that temporarily transform your state of mind. Remember the HIFF Fall season is from October 13 - 23, 2011.

Here's some pictures from my HIFF DiSaronno event:

Dave Newman Nobu Waikiki pix

Some of the tasty pupus

DiSaronno & HIFF signs

Lance & Riana of Contrast Magazine & Honolulu Pulse

For more info visit the following:
Address: 680 Iwilei Road Suite 100. Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
Email: info@hiff.com
Facebook: Hawaii International Film Festival
Phone Number: 808.447.0577
Twitter: @HIFF
Website: www.hiff.org

For more photos visit my Facebook page: http://twe.ly/P1sb

Upcoming Event: Christie Shinn Art Exhibition

Celebrate art with Christie Shinn for her solo art exhibtion opening reception on Friday (11/4) at Greenroom Hawaii.

Enjoy all new artwork & the special release of a collaborative tee between Greenroom Hawaii & artist Christie Shinn. Proceeds from the event will go toward "We are ONE" project via Go Naminori, which offers support toward the reconstruction of the earthquake & tsunami-affected areas of Japan.

"Christie Shinn Art Exhibition" is free & open to the public. Event takes place from 5 - 9 PM. Live music will be provided by DJ K-ing (Lotus).

For more info visit the following:
Address: 2350 Kalakaua Avenue A6. Honolulu, HI 96815
Email: greeroomhawaii@gmail.com
Facebook: "Christie Shinn Art Exhibition Opening Reception" & Greenroom Hawaii
Twitter: @greenroomhi
Website: www.greenroomhawaii.com & http://gonaminori.com/landing/2011/06/23/we-are-one

Saiki Motors

Both of my parents have been going to Saiki Motors for their automotive needs since I was a little kid & that's a testament to their services. Now that I'm older & wiser, I've come to depend on Saiki Motors as the only repair shop, I'll trust with anything car-related.

I've had my share of financial heartache due to car trouble. I've also had a number of auto repair shops empty my wallet & trick me into purchasing parts/services, I didn't need because I'm a girl (which makes it somewhat clueless about cars).

I recently experienced a bad day & my stress originated from my temperamental "girlfriend" Lucy (aka my car). I spent the day getting estimates & having to buy another tire (that's my 4th tire purchase in 2 years). Feeling defeated & worn out, I ended up at Saiki Motors & told them my car woes; a trust-worthy mechanic checked out my car & informed me that the original place that "diagnosed" my car problems, planned to rob me by overcharging me in labor & parts (that didn't need to be replaced).

I love that the Saiki Motors owners are honest & trust-worthy, which are difficult characteristics to find in the auto repair business. They'll you exactly what needs to be fixed & they're happy to talk to you about cars (when they're not busy, which is everyday).

If you're looking for an auto repair shop that never overcharges you, Saiki Motors is my #1 recommendation & I guarantee it will become your go-to for all things car-related.

Here's pictures from my last visit:

Worn out Saiki Motors sign

View of their office & garage

For more info visit the following:
Address: 94-825 Waipahu Street. Waipahu, HI 96797
Facebook: Saiki Motors
Phone Number: 808.671.1393

Mail Me Art Project Update 2

I've written a letter every week, for the past few months to my friends & my supply of decorated envelopes was running low; so I reluctantly carved time out for myself & spent the afternoon making mini masterpieces.

Sometimes the hardest advice to take is your own; I'm always emphasizing the importance of making time for yourself to friends, but find it difficult to apply my own advice. I decided it was finally time to clear my agenda & do something I never grow tired of: arts & crafts. If it was up to me, I'd lock myself in my room & spend a week creating little pieces of "Mail Me Art" & writing letters to my closest friends.

I invest so much time transforming plain envelopes, into envelopes with pizzazz because I want the recipient to know, its my small way of informing them, that I value our friendship & would give you a hug in a heartbeat (just need to figure out how I can ship myself to your address :)

♥ Sweet Lychee

Here's pictures of my Mail Me Art envelopes:

More Mail Me Art coming soon!

For more insight about my Mail Me Art Project check out my older blog posts:
Mail Me Art Project: http://ow.ly/7KJlm
Mail Me Art Update: http://ow.ly/7KJkM

Scene + Heard: The Power of Kickstarter

Last week Thursday, Riana (@RUDIFIEDmedia) & I started our 808SPEAKERBOX kickstarter (http://twe.ly/jJrb), & since then I've been feeling really anxious. We have until November 28th at 1 am, to reach our $5,000 Kickstarter goal; there's tons of pressure to succeed because if we're a $1 short, we get nothing.

I still feel anxious about our Kickstarter goal, I'm grateful & overwhelmed by the amount of support Riana & I have received since the creation of 808SPEAKERBOX. In August, Christa Wittmier (@supercw) wrote a debut article about 808SPEAKERBOX (http://twe.ly/DYpb) & recently, Sabrina Velazquez (@sabrinaland) mentioned our Kickstarter project in the latest Honolulu Pulse Scene + Heard article (http://twe.ly/fJrb).

It was wonderful reading about local musicians & bands, who were successful with their Kickstarter projects (including the multi-talented Sabrina Velazquez). The advice & words of wisdom they shared from their Kickstarter experiences, makes me feel like our $5,000 goal is possible; even though, we're a long way from reaching our goal, I'm confident we'll be hustling for Kickstarter donations, until the very last minute of our deadline.

Super shout out to Sabrina Velazquez for writing about 808SPEAKERBOX & sharing our Kickstarter with the community. There's not enough words to describe how much I appreciate your Scene + Heard article.

♥ Sweet Lychee

To view the Scene + Heard: The Power of Kickstarter article online, click this link: http://twe.ly/fJrb

For find out comprehensive info about 808 SPEAKERBOX, click this link: http://kck.st/oLnBgb