living aloha

It’s been way too long, old friend. (at Sweet Home Cafe Waikiki) https://www.instagram.com/aloha_erica/p/Bu21LliDNKqFPwQAsg5xYJ2C23XT6pg9el5vMo0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1v6c8w08w2oia

Happy Friendversary to you, Melly, in both our time zones! We’re getting closer to a decade of LYLAS friendship, and I thank my lucky stars and God every day for your daily presence in my life, no matter where we are in the world. Knowing I can share my greatest joys and deepest fears with you gets me through it all. I miss and love you more than all the crêpes and accessories and purikura in Harajuku. 💕 (at Harajuku, Tokyo（原宿）) https://www.instagram.com/aloha_erica/p/BuD3ZiZB2MUocRNHpo3vJbMp0jG69_A1s0aZvo0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ddkh12d3ctst

Meet Niko (nee-koh)! 🐾 Born on Nov. 19, 2018, on a Kona coffee farm on the Big Island. He joined our family in mid-January and our life has been so full since then, I’ve neglected to do a proper post about him. He has been a bundle of fun, tail-wagging, coconut-destroying, yet still pretty mellow, energy so far. We always had dogs growing up and I cherished their presence in my childhood. I’ve wanted a Golden Retriever for what seems like my whole life (blame Full House), so it’s been especially fun for me. Getting pets you dreamt about as kid is adulting in the best way. I’m excited to see him grow up alongside Isa and Mei. #latergram (at Kaimuki, Hawaii) https://www.instagram.com/p/Btgs0nqBMMLhcqXWS9i31JwFiO4XnzEKDgStas0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ojg6vdzx4yl9

Thank you, Mr. Bourdain, for championing the far-off cuisines and cultures that a lot of us were made to feel embarrassed of as kids, and sharing them so enthusiastically with America. I know it gave me a sense of pride and recognition seeing those places on screen. Anthony Bourdain loved food, but he obviously also whole-heartedly loved people and culture. I've really tried to take his authentic, open-minded approach to new experiences with me around the world as I've traveled around the country and the world. You'll never be forgotten, Chef. (Photo: Eating halo-halo in Manila whole filming for Parts Unknown)

Was an incredible Day 2. Goodnight from Coachella Valley. 🌙🌟 #beyoncé #beychella (at Coachella)

You had me at safari tent. #coachella #lakeeldorado #luckytent88 (at Coachella)

Dedicating my #internationalwomensday post to #MarjoryStonemanDouglas, who I’ve learned so much about through the Parkland tragedy. The student-led #MarchForOurLives movement borne out of the high school that bears her name in Parkland has taken much inspiration from their namesake and her legacy of activism. She’d be so proud. Happy day to all of you girl fangs out there! 🚺♥️😍

No mud, no lotus. [@thichnhathanhsangha] (at Palolo Hongwanji)

Our halls are decked, we’re doing (hopefully) the last of our shopping this evening and we can’t wait to welcome @bausmaven back home to Hawai’i for the holidays tomorrow! The girls are so excited to see their “cousin” #coolkidleo. (at Kaimuki, Hawaii)

Getting my BBQ fix! Have to have it anytime I’m back in North Carolina. 🐖 💙 #latergram (at Fayetteville Dogwood Festival)

Dumpster art (at Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin)

Ten years ago, inside Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey, Charlotte and Emmitt Ray said goodbye. A decade later, their son Jason continues to be remembered. His decision to become an organ donor has touched countless lives — and now Carolina athletics has a new way to honor his memory. #UNCad

I love these mamas. We can go from deep convos to LOLs in two seconds flat. Totally recommend Kobo studio for their fused glass classes... It was so fun, the pieces are so pretty and it's BYOW! (at KoBo Glass)

That's my girl. Go, Isa! (My soccer mom-ness was inevitable, let's face it. Soccer girlfriend > soccer wife > soccer mom.) #keikibulls (at Waialae Iki Park)

Gahhh I miss you, @bausmaven. I know we haven't lived on the same island/landmass for 2+ years now, but I'm still not over it, clearly... Despite all the distance, thanks for still always showing up for me, every. single. day. Out-of-sight, out-of-mind has never been true for us, and I'm so grateful. Counting down the days until our next jet-set rendezvous next month! (I can say that because you live in the future and it's already September.) xo #tbt (at Tuscany)