Dog Days Are Over

When so many things in your life change at once, it can be difficult to mentally & emotionally process everything; that's why I needed a mini blogging hiatus to refocus.

I won't go into detail about these changes, but I firmly believe, everything happens for a reason. I've made a conscious decision to dedicate my time & energy into things that bring me to life.

Blogging is something I'm passionate about; there's so many exciting things, I've got planned for my blog & I can't wait to share them with you!

♥ Sweet Lychee

PS- I'm happy to announce Sweet Lychee Productions has 500+ blog posts. Thank you for all of your continued support!

POW WOW HAWAII 2012 Murals around Kaka'ako

With all of the drastic changes happening in my life, I needed something to get me out of my blog funk & one thing that always calms my nerves is art. So I sacrificed getting a little hot & sweaty to walk Kaka'ako & take photographs of POW WOW HAWAII's 2012 murals, which has been on my mental to-do list forever.

I'm still bummed, I wasn't able to witness POW WOW HAWAII 2012 as it happened & regret not bringing my instax camera with me, but I'm thrilled, I was able to finally document this experience.

All of the hard work & long hours that every local & international artist invested into POW WOW HAWAII 2012 remains evident throughout the Kaka'ako community. Six months later, my mind is still blown away by this positive event & how much POW WOW continues to make a difference with their educational art workshops.

Thank you POW WOW HAWAII for everything you've done to strengthen the art community & I'm looking forward to what you've planned for 2013.

Here's some of my favorite photos:

For more info visit the following:
Address: 831 Queen Street. Honolulu, HI 96813
Email: info@welovecampfires.com
Facebook: Pow Wow, POW WOW Hawaii 2012, LOFT IN SPACE & FreshCafe Hawaii
Instagram: @powwowhawaii
Tumblr: http://powwowblog.tumblr.com/
Twitter: @POWWOWHAWAII, @LOFTINSPACE & @freshcafehi
Website: www.powwowhawaii.com & www.loftinspacehi.com

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

Happy 10 Year Anniversary In4mation!

Congratulations in4mation on reaching 10 successful years of hard work & dedication!

I love everything this brand represents, how in4mation has broadened their horizons with, "The Human Imagination" located in the heart of Chinatown & continues to change the game.

I'm excited to see what develops in the next 10 years! Congratulations in4mation!





For more info visit the following:
Address: 98-1005 Moanalua Road #231. Aiea, Hawaii 96701
Email: info@in4mants.com
Facebook: IN4MATION HAWAII & In4mation - I Shall Proceed & Continue
Instagram: @in4mhawaii
Phone Number: 808.488.0411
Twitter: @In4mation & @In4mants
Website: www.in4mants.com & www.in4mationbrand.com

Upcoming Event: Happy Bday Next Door & Summer Fun HI All Day Party

Kick off your Labor Day weekend with a "Happy Birthday Next Door & Summer Fun HI BBQ All Day Party" on Saturday (9/1) at Next Door.

Enjoy the musical sounds from the following DJs: Davey Shindig, DELVE, Casey, Packo, Matt Key, Compose, Mr. Nick, Kowai Kowai, Ross Jackson, G-Spot & Casey.

Enjoy live music from the following bands: Sample, Mano Kane, Sophia Nelson, Pink Mist, Animal Mother, Josh 86 & Virgin Mary.

Plus 7 years of visual eye candy from: Lancifer, Sergio Goes (RIP), ,Super CW Aaron Yoshino, Mike Keaney, Joah, Party Face Rob, La Cutie, Oliver Koning, Tittabyte & Joseph Paahana.

Happy Birthday Next Door & Summer Fun HI BBQ All Day Party is a FREE & ALL AGES event going down from 5 PM - 12 AM.


For more info visit the following:
Address: 43 North Hotel Street. Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
Email: lancifervisual@gmail & chris@myneighborsnextdoor.com
Facebook: Summerfun, Nextdoor Hnl, Lance Arinaga & HAPPY BDAY NEXTDOOR/SUMMERFUNHI BBQ ALL DAY PARTY
Instagram: @nextdoorhnl & @summerfunhi
Twitter: @nextdoorhnl & @summerfunhi
Website: http://NextDoorHNL.com, www.lancifervisual.com & www.summerfunhi.com

Mini Blogging Hiatus

There's a number of things happening in my life, which has made it impossible for me to concentrate while blogging.

I appreciate everyone who helped me reach 50,000 blog hits & I promise after my mini blogging hiatus there will be tons of brand-spanking new content.



Photo Courtesy: Jonas Maon

♥ Sweet Lychee

50,000 Blog Views

Life is full of unexpected surprises; I never thought in a million years, all of the time & energy, I invested into my blog would help me get over a breakup (that happened over 2 years ago) & I never expected to be so emotional about reaching 50,000 blog views.

There's not enough words in my heart to express my gratitude to anyone who read my blog & supported me.

My Sweet Lychee Productions blog would not be where it is today without your help.

Thank you!

♥ Sweet Lychee

There's No Place Like Home

I live on a tiny island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, it's heart-warming to know people who live here aren't quick to judge someone solely based on physical appearance.

We're a melting pot of ethnicities & lifestyles which probably makes it easier for us to connect with someone based on their personality.

My last trip to the mainland has reopened my eyes to the scenic beauty in & around the Pacific Ocean, including the lovely people who inhibit these Hawaiian Islands.

Although, I want to travel the world to explore different cultures, sample their cuisine & immerse myself in the richness of their art & history; I'm starting to realize there's no place like home to make you appreciate all the wonderful things in my life.

♥ Sweet Lychee

Nicole Naone's "Mass: Solo Exhibition"

When I found out, I was gonna miss Nicole Naone's "Mass: Solo Exhibition", I was really sad because she's such a talented artist. However, I didn't let this minor inconvenience prevent me from showing my support & promoting her event via my blog.

We live in a world full of contradictions; we spend hours slaving away to make ourselves look physically attractive to ourselves & the opposite sex, but feel embarassed to show off our hard work. How can we embrace our physical beauty without being labeled conceited?

This is why I love artists who bravely go against the grain & create larger-than-life pieces of art that capture an emotion & cause us to rethink our perspective. Thank you Nicole for reminding me, it's okay to embrace the body I was given & it's perfectly natural to love being a woman.

Congratulations Nicole! Your "Mass: Solo Exhibition" was jaw-dropping. I loved that you embraced the physical beauty & how you used various mediums to accentuate curves on a woman's body. I'm also thrilled I was able to view your exhibition with little interruption (First Friday madness).

If you missed the opening of Nicole Naone's "Mass" solo exhibition, don't worry it's viewable to the public from August 2nd - September 1st, 2012 at The Human Imagination.

Here's my favorite photos from the Mass: Solo Exhibition

For more info visit the following:
Address: 1154 Nuuanu Avenue.
Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
Email: Nicole@NicoleNaone.com
Facebook: Nicole Naone
Instagram: @nicoleforever
Phone Number: 808.538.8898 (HI)
Twitter: @nicoleforever& @HumaImagine
Website: www.nicolenaone.com, www.thehumaimagination.info & http://uhmart.blogspot.com/

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

Upcoming Event: Heartbeat City in Hawaii

Join Stussy Honolulu for Heartbeat City in Hawaii on Friday (8/24) presented by Architechs (@architechs) x Flash (@flashee) & Tantriq Hawaii (@tantriq).

Help celebrate the launch of Stussy Women x Lovemade Women's Collection hosted by Pauline Saunders & Linda Lovemade + dance Friday night away with DJs DELVE (@DJDELVE), Jami, Logoe & XL (@djxl). Dress to impress.

This is a 21+ event. Heartbeat City in Hawaii goes from 10 PM - 4 AM.

For more info visit the following:
Address: 500 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96813
Email: eyecandy@love-made.com, tantriq@facebook.com,
Facebook: Stussy Honolulu, Architechs Entertainment Hawaii, The Standard & Tantriq Enter Tainment
Look Book: www.nylonmag.com/?section=article&parid=8359
Phone Number: 808.529.0010 (M)
RSVP: eyecandy@love-made.com
Shop: http://lovemade.bigcartel.com/
Twitter: @StussyHNL, @iheartlovemade @mnlhnl, @Architechs, @flashee, @tantriq, @DJDELVE, @djxl & #TheManor
Website: www.stussy.com, www.love-made.com, www.mnlhnl.com, www.architechshawaii.com & www.tantriqhawaii.com

Krispy Kreme Donuts

There's only one Krispy Kreme franchise in Hawaii & it happens to be located on different island from the one I reside on; whenever I have the opportunity to indulge in fresh Krispy Kreme donuts, you better believe I don't waste any time.

When people are on vacation, they temporarily disregard their diets & make mental lists of places they want to eat. Krispy Kreme was at the top of my indulgence list & I'm thrilled I was able to cross this donut joint off my list twice.

As soon as I walked into Layton's Krispy Kreme Donuts, I was greeted by the sweet & savory smell of freshly made original glazed donuts on the conveyor belt. I'm a firm believer their original glazed donuts are little gifts from heaven & when I saw the sign for their, "75 birthday donuts" I HAD to try one for myself. I devoured a chocolate covered donut with rainbox sprinkles & white frosting in the middle.

Every bite of an original Krispy Kreme donut is what I imagine eating a cloud would taste like: light, fluffly & full of bliss. If you're in the Layton area & want to enjoy a tasty treat, make your next stop Krispy Kreme Donuts & if it's too hot to get out of your car, they've got a drive-thru.

Here's photos from my Krispy Kreme visits:

For more info visit the following:
Address: 968 North Main Street. Layton, Utah 84041
Facebook: KrispyKreme
Phone Number: 801.497.9001
Twitter: @krispykreme
YouTube: www.youtube.com/krispykremedoughnuts
Website: www.krispykreme.com

Upcoming Event: Manifest Hawaii's 3 Year Manniversary Party

Help The Manifest celebrate their 3rd year Manniversary on Friday (8/24) at The Manifest.

Enjoy live music from GOOD DJs Jon C & guests + dress in your best 70s Aloha attire.

The Manifest will be hosting the invite only portion of the party from 8 - 10 PM & it will be open to the public from 10 PM - 2 AM.








For more info visit the following:
Address: 32 North Hotel Street. Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
Email: manifesthawaii@facebook.com
Facebook: Manifest Hawaii
Phone Number: 808.523.7575
Twitter: @TheManifest
Website: www.manifesthawaii.com

Tucanos Brazilian Grill

The first thing that comes to mind, when I think of Brazilian food is the TMI movie scene from, "Bridesmaids", where the women get food poisoning. Thankfully, Tucanos Brazilian Grill in Salt Lake City, UT has reinvented the meaning of Brazilian food with something wonderful.

The first thing, you should know about eating unlimited Brazilian meat is the cue, which resembles a traffic light: Green = Go (keep the meat coming) & Red = Stop (waiting to digest my food or I'm gonna burst if I eat another bite). It might seem silly going into great detail about this tiny cue, but it informs the waiter whether or not your table are ready to continue (what feels like) an endless assortment of Brazilian-style meat.

How can you go wrong with $20.95 Tucanos Famous Churrasco which includes: assorted breads, fried bananas, unlimited salad festival & the full Churrasco selections? It took awhile for our waiters to arrive with enough Brazilian meat to feed our table of 10+ people, but once they got into the dinner rush groove, it felt like the meat just kept coming (insert that's what she said).

Every time the waiter came by with those long metal sticks stuffed with meat, I found myself raising my hand so I could sample another piece of meat; I couldn't believe what was happening, my stomach was telling me to stop, but my inner carnivore was afraid of missing out on the appetizing pieces of meat presented to me.

I'm absolutely thrilled with my Tucanos Brazilian Grill experience & was so happy I wasn't the one who drove us back to our hotels, I spent that time getting used to my Brazilian food baby.

If I'm ever visiting Salt Lake City, one of the first places I plan on revisiting is Tucanos Brazilian Grill, but I'll be prepared & wear stretchy pants next time.

Here's photos from my Tucanos Brazilian Grill visit:

For more info visit the following:
Address: 162 S 400 W. Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
Phone Number: 801.456.2550
Website: www.tucanos.com

Upcoming Event: POW WOW HAWAII Blank Canvas: A Fundraising Gala

Pow Wow Hawaii will be hosting BLANK CANVAS a fundraising gala on Saturday (10/6).

POW WOW HAWAII is a gathering of contemporary artist committed to community enrichment through the creation of art outreach programs, educational programs & engaging the community in the creation and appreciation of art.

The event will showcase local & international artist, exceptional food, amazing signature drinks, passionate entertainment, a large art based Silent Auction + a live art installation.

BLANK CANVAS a fundraising gala takes place from 6 - 10 PM at The Warehouse.

*All profits from this event will go towards funding the enrichment programs POW WOW HAWAII has planned for 2012-2013*

For more info visit the following:
Address: 683 Auahi Street. Kaka'ako, Hawaii 96813
Email: info@welovecampfires.com
Facebook: Pow Wow Hawaii & BLANK CANVAS: A Pow Wow Hawaii Fundraising Gala
Instagram: @powwowhawaii
Phone Number: 808.223.7462
Tickets: http://powwowhawaii.com/home/?p=289&fb_action_ids=10152034798655451&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=timeline_og&action_object_map={%2210152034798655451%22%3A10150931304871466}&action_type_map={%2210152034798655451%22%3A%22og.likes%22}&action_ref_map=[]
Tumblr: http://powwowblog.tumblr.com/
Twitter: @POWWOWHAWAII
Website: www.powwowhawaii.com

Famous Dave's BBQ

It was my first night in Utah & some of my new co-workers wanted to take my boss & I to eat BBQ. Despite my desire to stay in my hotel room & watch crappy reality TV until I fell asleep, I decided to fight the initial feelings of jet lag & try Famous Dave's BBQ.

Utah is known as the Mormon state & it's probably why the restaurant has a rule about checking someone's ID twice before being served their alcoholic drink. While the 5 of us waited for our meal to arrive, we played several "brain teasers", something Famous Dave's BBQ is known for & despite our combined intelligence, we were stumped.

Thankfully, those brain teasers distracted everyone from the rumbling in our stomach & everyone greedily devoured the All American BBQ Feast which included: a full slab of St. Louis-Style Spareribs, a whole Country-Roasted Chicken, 1/2 lb. of Texas Beef Brisket, Creamy Coleslaw, Famous Fries, Wilbur Beans, 5 corn-on-the-cobs & 5 corn bread muffins.

I was delightfully surprised everything on our platter was fantastic (that's not the jet lag talking), unfortunately, my experience was ruined by our waiter's open prejudice towards everyone at our table.

It's a long shot, but the intention of my review is to inform Famous Dave's BBQ of the horrible customer service I received; I understand Asians are the minority on the mainland & I'm aware the color of my hair & shape of my eyes vary drastically from majority of people in Utah, but it doesn't give anyone the right to make someone feel less of a person because of their physical differences.

If Famous Dave's BBQ is fine with letting their employees treat someone of a different ethnicity with open disrespect, maybe you should consider advertising a sign at the entrance of your restaurant so potential customers know what they're getting themselves into.

Here's a photo of my shared meal:

All American BBQ Feast

For more info visit the following:
Address: 1977 N 1200 W. Layton, Utah 84041
Phone Number: 801.773.3994
Website: www.famousedaves.com

Beauty All Around Us

Have you ever looked forward to something for such a long period of time, it felt like it would never happen?

I've been looking forward to this trip for months & there were moments, I wasn't sure whether or not, I'd even get to go, but now that I'm here I feel like things are going according to plan.

Sometimes, you have to physically get away from everything you've ever known to truly appreciate what you already have.

♥ Sweet Lychee