I have never been an outdoor person, but I LOVE hiking on this island. Maybe it is the gorgeous views on practically every ridge or peak. It could be all the plant life and greenery that still seems foreign to this Midwest girl. I know that it is the combination of exploration and physical activity;…
There are so many different websites and media dedicated to women. Entire bookstore sections are dedicated to women's health, beauty, fitness, and more. Magazines and advertisements are everywhere with images of the perfect female form. Yet how many are focused on your beauty, without standards or conformity to what society deems "normal?" Enter The Beautifull Project.…
I'm officially hooked on hiking. Not sure if this is purely a Hawaii thing, but I'm going with it while it lasts. There are so many amazing, natural sights to see on this island that I know feel as if I will never see them all. I also have to combat this thing called a job,…
It's been a hot minute since I have written. Why, do you ask? Because I have 4 kids, a husband, a job, a volunteer position, and a lot of books to read. I generally do not like to complain about how exhausting life can be (except to my husband), but lately the parenting has been…
I feel like the only pictures I post on Instagram now are of cute pets from work and hiking in Hawaii. For a self-proclaimed "indoor girl," I've really embraced the hiking opportunities here. This tiny island can seem just that - tiny - so hiking is a cheap way to explore, to kill some time,…
I've been a mother for over 13 years. I knew that as a young mother, I would have the advantage of retaining my cool factor for a little longer than most mothers. I could follow what was trending, the best clothes and music, the newest makeup trick or food fascination, etc. I liked the idea…
Continue reading ➞ When you realize you are not as cool as you thought
We love museums - any kind of museum, to be truthful. I'm raising some inquisitive, nerdy children, and I will not apologize for it. We spent a Saturday afternoon at the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, despite the fact that it was a sunny, gorgeous Hawaiian day. What can I say? We like to learn. This…
I've been in another slump recently. I'm not sleeping very well, some travel plans had to be put off, and I blame the husband-left, child-left voids in my life. It's so strange to me still that with all these living beings in my house, I can still feel sad with the absence of 1 or…
In honor of Addie's birthday today, I decided to conduct her interview. Addison is 8 years old today, and she never ceases to amaze me. She is energetic, adventurous, very literal in all she says and does, and she is unfailingly sweet and kind. I used to think that Anya would be my most sensitive…
Not much new to tell lately. More job interviews, more volunteer opportunities, more days that pass until the husband is home for a visit (eek!), and more everyday life in the Carpenter house. I have been driving a lot lately, and I think about many things while driving. I present you with some Tuesday Thoughts,…
