Bright Spots

Weekend reading material

This week flew by, and I can't believe the weekend is already here. It's even harder to believe that Sunday marks the start of April, which means summer is less than three months away! After a jam-packed week of work I can't wait to spend this weekend doing absolutely nothing, with the exception of maybe getting out to the farmers' market or swap meet after my Sunday morning run. I'm also looking forward to reading The Hunger Games for the first time after seeing (and thoroughly enjoying) the movie last Saturday. Here's a look at a few other things brightening my mood right now.

Art deco-inspired earrings found for a steal at Forever 21

An adorable pocket mirror with a motivating message

This super simple salad of baby spinach, kale chips (recipe here), grape tomatoes & tuna mixed with Greek yogurt that's quickly become my new favorite lunch

Accessories & makeup in punchy pinks, corals & tangerine remind me that summer is just around the corner

Weekend Shower

Seating assignments were written with the bride's nicknames for each guest (mine is 'Martha Focker' and goes back to a joke from our freshman year of high school)

Sunday I attended a bridal shower for one of my oldest and dearest friends. We first met in the eighth grade and have been close ever since; in fact, she and her fiance started dating nine months after the S-man and I got together and were the first couple we'd go on double dates with. It's hard to believe her wedding is less than two months away, but I couldn't be happier for her and wish the two of them nothing but the best in starting their future life together.

Quick shot before heading out (Anne Taylor Dress & Cuffs {similar style here}, Thrifted Clutch)

Flower arrangements, table runners, party favors and presents were all in the bride's favorite color

A candy bar included take-home treats like pink popcorn, rock candy, cake pops & personalized M&Ms

With the beautiful bride-to-be

A giant (& completely edible!) cupcake on the bridal party's table

The outside balcony overlooked this -- gorgeous views for a gorgeous girl!

On a separate note, I've decided to change the "Monday Motivation" feature to an ongoing Friday post to be called "Bright Spots", which will be a review some of the highlights from the past week. As mentioned last week, I hope to start incorporating more outfit posts onto this blog, and I believe this change will allow for that.

Pretty in Pastels

I officially have caught a major case of spring fever, and the only cure is simple, effortless clothing -- silk blouses, flowy skirts and skinny jeans -- made even prettier when done in pastel hues. From minty green to soft peach and all shades in between, this weekend I plan on scooping up a few items similar to those above in order to inject a healthy dose of feminine sweetness into my wardrobe.

1. Equipment Signature Blouse, $146 (on sale!)
2. Chloe L'Eau de Chloe Perfume, $45-$85
3. Karen Walker 'Anytime' Sunglasses, $280
4. Simplicity Dweller Necklace, $28
5. Tibi 'Arizona' Pleated Skirt, $495
6. Current/Elliott Jeans, $185
7. Rebecca Minkoff Blazer, $348
8. Orla Kiely Scallop 'Robin' Bag, $450
9. Giuseppe Zanotti Patent Colorblock Sandal, $695
10. Dior Vernis Nail Lacquer in 'Water Lily', 'Incognito' & 'St. Tropez', $23 each

Daily Uniform

Dior Aviators (old), Tart T-shirt, Paige Jeans, Vince Camuto Wedges, Forever 21 Belt, Michael Kors Watch, Vintage & Gifted Bracelets, Forever 21 & Target Rings

One of the major reasons why I started this blog was to have a creative outlet where I could flex my fashion muscles. As far back as I can remember I've loved assembling outfits that are different from everyone else -- which actually is looked at as a bad thing on an island where the daily uniform is shorts, a T-shirt and slippers (known as flip-flops on the Mainland). In Hawaii, my laidback outfits are considered too dressy for the everyday, but I've learned to embrace my style and wanted to use this blog as a means of showing you can dress however you want, as long as you are comfortable in your own skin.

Now that it's been more than a month since launching Rise, Shine, Repeat, I thought it was due time to publish my first outfit post, and what better way to introduce myself to the blogosphere than with a rundown of my day-to-day uniform: comfy jeans, a relaxed tee (usually in some variation of a stripe), and accessories and shoes with interesting details.

I can't wait to play with more fashion trends and look forward to sharing each look with you in the future.

On Display

A decorative plate holds chain bracelets, vintage earrings & a vintage watch

Given my love of jewelry, one would think I'd have an immaculately organized system for storing my precious baubles and bangles. Not the case. Though I have a jewelry box purchased some years ago, I never use it. It seems a shame to hide away my collection of pretty necklaces, earrings and bracelets that are, in themselves, true works of art. After searching for the mate to a pair of earrings for nearly five minutes the other day (after which time I gave up and sped out the door earring-less), I knew it was time to get things in order. It took some time to sort through my hoard, only keeping my most-used pieces and regulating the unworn/dated items to the donation bin, but it was well worth the effort to see everything in its proper place and on full display in my closet.

This green-eyed vintage tiger pin guards assorted rings

Long necklaces hang from a thrifted 'peace' statue, while earrings, bracelets & shorter necklaces rest on a three-tiered cake stand 

Damaged jewelry to fix over the weekend

Some other things that resurfaced during the clean: My collection of reading glasses, an owl belt buckle, vintage pins and belts & a Gucci key ring

Tasty Tuesdays: Roasted Asparagus with Capers & Lemon

One of the surest signs of spring is the arrival of fat, crispy asparagus spears in the grocery store. My routine method for preparing asparagus is simple: roasting in the oven with just a bit of salt, pepper, garlic and lemon juice. However, after this trial with kale last week, I wanted to continue stepping out of my cooking comfort zone and find a new recipe for these sturdy green stalks. The one found here wasn't too far from my usual recipe but added just a little something-something extra that took the asparagus to a whole other level of deliciousness. With just the right amount of saltiness and spice, this flavorful side dish even had my veggie-phobic boyfriend willing to give it a taste -- the ultimate thumbs-up in my book of a success.

Monday Motivation

Finally dusted off my yoga mat & DVDs

I wish I could say this weekend consisted of adventures that I'm sad to see end, but to be honest the majority of my time was spent holed up indoors finishing up assignments for work. The moments when I did step away from the computer were rare, but I did manage to find a few ways to break the monotony of staring at a screen for hours. And while this past weekend may have turned out to be a wash in the fun department, I'm looking forward to a lighter workload this week and the chance to make up for the recent lack of "me time."

Repurposing a mirrored tray to hold my collection of sunglasses

Moving wedges and wooden heels to the top of my shoe rotation

A sparkly new way to help me stick to this resolution

I nearly jumped for joy at seeing my favorite food, kabocha, in abundant supply at the supermarket

Gold Finger

Two reasons to celebrate this weekend: St. Patty's Day and spring's official arrival

I'm a complete nail polish fiend. I believe the simplest swipe of color on your hands and feet can completely change your mood or elevate your outfit, which is why it is not uncommon for me to change my polish at least two times a week. As St. Patrick's Day is tomorrow, I decided to get into the spirit and paint my nails a rich emerald shade, adding a glittery golden touch to one nail for luck.

Two coats Revlon Nail Polish in 'Posh' + one coat Revlon Top Speed Nail Polish in 'Golden'

After the gold polish has dried, add a generous coat (or three) of Essie in 'As Gold As It Gets'

Finish with top coat and voila!

Tasty Tuesdays (on a Thursday): Baked Kale Chips

Growing up the closest I came to eating something green was the pickle on my cheeseburger. Albeit over the years I've learned to love a wide range of veg -- from asparagus to spinach to bok choy, broccoli and even Brussels sprouts -- sometimes I can get stuck in a rut and rely on the same three veggies week after week. In honor of St. Patty's Day, I decided to go out on a limb and try kale for the first time, using this recipe that calls for only three ingredients. The preparation couldn't have been simpler, and the slightly salty crunch of these baked kale chips is just as satisfying as that of the greasier potato variety, making them my new go-to side dish to pair with soups, sandwiches and, yes, cheeseburgers.

Hawaiian black lava sea salt adds a smokiness to these "chips"

Sprinkled on some nori furikake (seaweed and sesame seeds) for extra flavor

Playing Catch-Up

This week has felt like a constant game of catch-up. Between interviews, deadlines and impromptu family gatherings, there has hardly been a moment to spare for blogging. I still have a few more things to finish up before the weekend, but I decided I would multi-task and take a few photos to share while on a quick walk to the store. Enjoy these for now, and I pinkie swear there'll be more posts to look forward to in the coming days.