3 Truths and 1 Lie

The Health Activist Writer’s Month Challenge

Tell us 3 things that are true about you, your condition, your Health Activism, or your life. Now tell us 1 lie. Do you think we will be able to tell the difference?

For those reading this blog who know me, will most likely be able to tell which one is the lie. But here goes.

I am in the process of starting a health and nutrition website with my AFPA Health and Nutrition Consultant certification.

Chris and I have backpacked through Europe and our favorite place was Tuscany.

I have had psoriasis for over 10 years and am now a National Psoriasis Foundation mentor.

I have family from Buenos Aires, Argentina and Spanish was the first language I spoke.

Can you guess which one is a lie?



Keep guessing?



Think you have it?



Well, by now you should know I do have psoriasis and have had it for a long time and I am also in the process of starting a health website. So if you guessed those, you're wrong!

Next, Spanish WAS actually the first language I spoke growing up. My mother is from Argentina and we would go almost every Summer. We had the best time.

So Chris and I have never backpacked through Europe. That is actually one of our long-term goals. He has only been out of the country once, and that was recently when we went to Vancouver. He has also been dying to go to Argentina since meeting me and hearing all these wonderful stories from my family. So our next, long, long-term goal is to take about a month off and go to Europe... before we have kids :)

Hope you enjoyed learning a little more about me and my life!

Think your close friends could guess the lie? Try it today!

This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

Take Time for 12 Things

Just recently we had some friends from Maui stay with us last minute due to some unforeseen family drama on their families part. Chris and I were glad we were able to be there for them and that they felt close enough to call us.

Before they left, Karen (whom I used to work with at The Grand) left me with a poem that hit home on way too many levels.

Last weekend made me realize that no matter how young or old you are, whether you're still in high school or not, whether it's work, home, friends or family drama—EVERYONE has it. But we have to make sure to take time for the special things in life, 12 things to sum it up. And always be grateful for the days we have with our family and friends, drama or not.

1. Take time to dream .... it hitches your soul to the stars.

2. Take time to work .... it is the price of success.

3. Take time to think ... it is the source of power.

4. Take time to play ... it is the secret of youth.

5. Take time to read ... it is the foundation of knowledge.

6. Take time to worship .... it is the highway of reverence and washes the dust from your eyes.

7. Take time to help and enjoy friends ... it is the source of happiness.

8. Take time to love ... it is the one sacrament of life.

9. Take time to laugh .... it helps with life's loads.

10 Take time for beauty ... it is everywhere in nature.

11. Take time for health .... it is the true treasure of life.

12. Take time to plan .... it is the secret of being able to have time to take time for the first eleven things.

— Author Unknown

Women in Power = Strength, Passion, Confidence

In this day and age it seems that women have to overcome so many barriers in order prove ourselves—at home, school and especially work. But it has been good to see many women breaking that glass ceiling and defying the odds.

A USA Today 2010 study says that women are out-earning their male counterparts in the USA's biggest metropolitan areas and that makes me very happy to read.

I wish I was in that category. Now, I am writing this as a 27 year-old married, jobless woman. Saying it's hard right now is an understatement. I want to be in that category, I want to be earning something—doesn't mean I need to make more than my husband—but yea, I want to be earning an income.

It's hard writing this as I do hear all these great stories of women entrepreneurs and friends getting their dream jobs. What am I doing wrong? What do I need to stand apart from the thousands who are probably applying for the same jobs as I am? Who do I need to network with? What am I missing? What happens if my husband loses his job? What else can I contribute to this marriage? When will I catch my break?

These are just some of the many questions that keep me up at night. I know I am very blessed with the many great opportunities that my husband and I have—most importantly his job. And it's a job he actually likes doing and is pretty good at it :) We have a great family, wonderful friends, a roof over our head, food in our bellies every day and we have each other. I do know the wonderful things that are going on in m life. Sometimes I just wish I did have a job.

All things are possible and I know this. I know this because of the strong female influences in my life: my mother, my former boss, a good family friend and of course my sister.

My mother has a wonderful job and she loves working with the City of Houston's WIC program, while my dad is retired. She is so passionate about what she does along with a strong work ethic. Did I mention her wonderful marriage and success at raising three beautiful children? If only I can find that perfect job and pull it off with the ability and strength she has.

My former boss, Laura Pennino, who gave me my first job out of college. She is a strong and determined female CEO of Pennino and Partners. She set goals and makes them happen. I have the confidence and experience all because of her and hope I can accomplish things with the force and strength she does.

My good family friend Alicia Jimenez. My sister and I were the flower girls at her and her husbands wedding, and her little girl Ashley was the flower girl at me and Chris' wedding. She is a loving wife, devoted mother and strong working professional. She handles her work life with strength and professionalism and her home life with love, smiles and lots of cookies! I hope to handle my work and home life like she does.

My sister—I can't say enough great things about my sister. She has been there for me when I needed her, had the courage and strength to finish college even when she didn't feel like she could and is making her mark at St. Augustine as the best 1st grade teacher and Reading Coordinator they have ever had. I hope to leave my mark at my perfect job one day with the strength and passion as she does.

All these women have, among many, one attribute in common and that is strength. They all are the strong, beautiful women I admire. They also give me hope. Hope that I will find a great job; hope that I will be a great working professional; and hope that I will one day balance it out with having a family and being a great wife at the same time.

Whether it be a woman in power, working mom, a stay-at-home-mom or married mom's to be contemplating of quitting all together—there is one factor that will always be there—their strength to be the best person they can be.

I know there is a job out there waiting for me (crossing my fingers) and God has great things planned.

As I wait, I continue to do some freelance PR for Lucky11Studios and I couldn't be happier to be doing what I love. Keep up with our work and recent clients and wish us the best!

"Pick the day. Enjoy it - to the hilt. The day as it comes. People as they come... The past, I think, has helped me appreciate the present - and I don't want to spoil any of it by fretting about the future." ~ Audrey Hepburn

2011 Pele Award Winner!

This weekend I had the humbling honor of accepting the Special Judge’s Award for Design at the 2011 American Advertising Federation (AAF Hawaii Chapter) Pele Awards for our “Best of Maui 2010 in 3D” special issue. This was really exciting because it was a top honor (right under Best Of Show) at the awards, and also because it was completely unexpected and surprising due to the amazing amount (and quality) of work in the show this year. In our category—Complete Publication Design—we received an Award Of Merit (Bronze), losing to the Best Of Show winner Clifford Cheng of Voice Design for Hawaii Skindiver Magazine. A big thanks goes out to our team at MauiTime for all the hard work on this issue, as well as Brad Parker for his amazing illustration work.

You can read the story from the Honolulu Star Advertiser here. Or read the MauiNow.com news story here. Or see the Coverjunkie.com post about it here.

You can also watch a video from the ceremony—including a message from the Head Design Judge Stefan Bucher of 344 Design—here.

Designed by Chris Skiles

Artwork by Brad Parker

On a side note: We made a whole weekend out of going to the ceremony because it was on Oahu. We have been on Maui for almost 2 years and hadn't visited any other island so it seemed like the perfect time. We were kind of missing the big city life BTW. We stayed in Waikiki; didn't rent a car; walked everywhere; visited the Honolulu Zoo(sooo much fun!); did a lot of shopping because that is one of the things Maui likes; ate some really good food (Wolfgang Puck Express; Epic Restaurant, local places and of course Chili's) and of course had our share of libations :) We had a great time and Christopher winning the Special Judges Award meant so much!

CHRISTOPHER TURNS 29 ON MAUI!

What a better place to spend your 29th birthday than on Maui! I surprised Chris with a weekend stay out at The Westin in Lahaina. We have stayed there previously and loved it, so I knew he was going to have a great time.

We both took Friday off—it was great not having to get up and do anything. I made homemade, breakfast tacos with fresh fruit for him to start the day and then we did a little bit of shopping to start our weekend. We headed towards Lahaina, stopped at Cilantro's—Maui's fresh Mexican food—Chris' favorite— for lunch. Time to check into the hotel!

With a special help from the PR director there, we got a Beach Bell Tower, Deluxe Ocean King room—it was amazing! Spacious room, ocean and Black Rock view for great whale watching from our room, flat-screen TV and the most amazing, comfortable bed you have ever laid on. Seriously, they are known for their beds—you can even purchase them they are that good. We were in heaven.

But the weather was not heaven. The forecast all weekend said it was going to be overcast and rainy. Thanks a lot! But we were determined not to let that get us down. The complimentary (and surprise to Chris) champagne and birthday cake that greeted us at 5 made our rainy day look a little brighter. We got our swimsuits on and went to the hot tub. Yes, it was rainy, but it felt good to be in the hot tub. Happy hour at the lobby bar, then off to Hula Grill for more drinks and dinner. Birthday night numero uno- sucessful!!

Weather the next day was the exact same, crap-tastic weather. Which I of course wasn't excited about because I had surprise, surf lessons set up for Chris and I. We still went, HAD A BLAST! and yes, we both caught some pretty decent ones. We totally rocked it. But honestly, I don't think I could do the whole surfer girl thing because 1- paddling is half of the work and that's way harder than you think 2- those board are heavy! and 3- the waves and having a wipe out freak the sh#^ out of me. I'll take lying on the beach any day and Chris could boogie board all day. Then I also had lunch set up for us at 'Ono Bar and Grill. I had the grilled chicken and mushroom ciabiatta sandwich—the chicken was sliced thin and juicy and the grilled mushroom and aioli sauce brought the entire sandwich together. I am craving it as we speak. Chris, of course, had the fish tacos. Fish was white and flaky and their special sauce hit the spot. It was now some shopping and hot tub time before dinner.

Chris chose to have dinner at Maui Brew Co. Definitely a mans-mans restaurant. Homemade brews, upscale burgers, adult mac and cheese, pizza and more brews. Chris had their jambalaya filled to the bowls brim with juicy shrimp, sausage and chicken mixed with tender rice. I

had the adult mac and cheese (my body craves cardio now!) with sausage, Gouda cheese and mushrooms. We finished dinner off with drinks at LuLu's. Funny story—there was a girl who was celebrating her 21st birthday that night and Chris bought her a shot since they had the same birthday lol! Birthday day/night numero dos—super successful!

You would think the weather would be different the next day? Nope! So, what do you do on Maui when it's raining all weekend?? You go shopping. And boy did we. We went to Whaler's Village Shopping Center and had a blast. Clothes, luggage, cookies, and more clothes. We have a blast s

hopping together and getting each other's opinions on what we choose. We also choose what we think the other would wear. We're right, most of the time! It was just fun to get out of the rain for a little while. We also visited and got our learn on at the Whale Museum.

Now, the sun was finally out! Thanks Sun, for coming out the DAY we check out. We still managed to get a couple of hours and drink time by the pool before we checked out and headed home. But of course, we didn't get enough Vitamin D the whole weekend, so we laid out by our pool and soaked up some more rays. It was great! We didn't want our weekend to be over.

In a nutshell, I think he had a blast and so did I. It was much needed. Though I say that about all the weekends we spend together, it's true. I think it's so important to get away from everything once in a while. Even if you can't afford to take a weekend trip, make it a stay-at-home weekend with your significant other, close friends, family, no computers, phones, and just stay in and watch movies or go outside and spend some time together. We get so wrapped out in everything we do during the week, that sometimes we forget to take the break our mind, body and spirit needs—needs to recuperate from the week, reconnect with ourselves and each other and refresh from the daily stresses.

When was the last time you had a weekend or day that you had time to recuperate, reconnect and refresh? Make it a priority one time, and you'll make sure it's part of your life for the rest of your life.

i love you Chris Skiles and I'm glad I was able to be apart of your 29th birthday and make it so special! Here's to many more together!

Wanna Be Happier??

I read Women's Health monthly and love all the interesting and creative articles. This month an article really stood out to me, and with Valentines Day here, I thought it came at a great time.

My personal life is amazing. But I'm having a hard time in my professional life right now—finding what I'm supposed to be doing, my new path towards nutrition counseling, wondering when I can use my PR skills here— basically trying to find happiness.

This Women's Health article help me to do just that. Titled Be Instantly Happier— it's an article I feel every woman should read.

The United States General Social Survey, a national poll that gauges social trends, women in this country have reported being less happy each year since 1972, and we're currently at an all-time happiness low.

"There are so many opportunities available to women now, but with that comes a lot of pressure to be fully self-actualized- to have the amazing career and family, and the ability to balance it all with ease. So you constantly end up feeling disappointed because you're not as happy or successful as you think you should be," says Ariel Gore, author of Bluebird:Women and the New Psychology of Happiness.

We basically already know how to be happy, we just need to tap into here. Here are a few suggestions.

The Joy of Simple Pleasures

Genuine happiness can be divided into two categories—moment-to-moment happiness (the small spurts of joy you get from every day occurrences like digging into a delicious dessert or receiving a compliment from your boss) and reflective happiness (see second blurb). "Humans are so good at rapidly becoming accustomed to changes, especially positive ones. But because we adapt to them so quickly, the high is short lived.

Small daily pleasures keep us emotionally afloat, balancing out life's low. All we have to do is notice, and appreciate them. Taking the time to stop and focus will help momentary pleasures sink it. Instead of stressing about what you have to do tomorrow, concentrate and the now. "

Couldn't have said it better my self.

Seeing the Big Picture

But savoring those moment-to-moment pleasures is only half of the equation. "Reflective happiness is the deeper satisfaction you feel when you examine your life as a whole and are content with the way it's going." I have been doing a lot of that recently. It's harder to when I see Chris doing something he is great at, and excelling extremely well— even garnering praise for his work. I honestly couldn't be happier for him and he knows that. I want to be making the same contributions to this as well. I think in some ways everyone feels like that too. I hope I am getting somewhere with my nutrition studying and counseling. I feel like I'm going in the direction God wants me to. Only time will tell.

When you consider the bigger picture, it helps you put a more positive spin on everything, including the stuff that is making you unhappy at the moment," says Elizabeth Lomardo, Ph.D. Looking at the big picture means being proud of your accomplishments and feeling as if you're working toward something meaningful. And that is exactly what I'm doing now. My nutrition studying will lead to my certification as a Health and Wellness Nutrition Consultant, which will (hopefully) lead to meeting my potential clients, which will (hopefully) lead to more and eventually I will be doing what I love—helping people find a healthy balance to their work life and eating right. What you pay attention to plays a huge role in how happy you'll be. If we take our "sad and low" points and the I-feel-sorry-for-myself time in our lives and use it as a chance to "reroute to a more direct path to where we want to go." Easier said then done right?

How to Boost Your Bliss

And we can't count out how genetics plays a role in our happiness. Scientist say each of us is born with our own personal happiness set point. This totally hit a spot with me. It can be as simple as on a scale of 1-10 (cheerful most of the time).

Have an attitude of gratitude: Take a few minutes out of your day to think about everything that has happened recently to make you smile and ask 'What am I thankful for?' I am super thankful to have a job right now in this economy and not completely hate it, I am thankful to have a wonderful husband who supports me in all my endeavors, my family who send us unconditional love... yea, if you start thinking in these terms, the little things don't seem too bad.

Banish the Comparisons: It's pretty simple."The irony is that in order to become less competitive (and a lot happier), you need to drop out of the race—meaning you need to start running at your own pace." If we're always comparing ourselves to others then how are we going to have time to be happy for US.

Find Meaning in Your Work: Experts say that whose of us who believe we're doing what we're destine to do feel more immediate and long-term happiness. Even if you're not jazzed about your current job, consider how your actions contribute to the common good.This one is a little harder for me to learn how to do. Because I know I'm not destined to do what I'm doing now (cross my fingers). I love working with kids, but I know what I'm good at— and that's public relations, event planning, marketing, and nutrition. I know God has a plan for me. He is certainly making me be patient, that's for sure. In the mean time, I know I am making a difference in these kids life and their vacation. I will take pleasure in that.

Hang With Happy People: "Happiness can spread from person to person to person in a chain reaction, through social circles. On average, every happy friend you have increases your chance of being happy by 9 percent." This one is an easy concept to grasp. But it's also harder for me to put in to action since we don't have our circle of friends that we had in Houston. Chris and I do a pretty good job feeding off the others energy—whether our happiness is at an 4 or a 10. We balance each other out well. What also works, is that we talk a lot about our friends and what makes us happy here. We don't dwell on the negative (what's the point?). We are living on one of the most beautiful islands in the world, taking full advantage of the opportunities we have that we know people pay thousands of dollars just to come here to do. Happiness is a big part of our relationship keeping us strong and focused on what we want from each other— and out of life.

When was the last time you were truly happy? Are you happy right now? What are you doing to make your happiness at a 10? It doesn't take a lot. Make the most out of your day with a smile on your face.

"Happiness is contagious, don't you want to put yourself in a position to catch it?"

Flyin' Hawaiian Time!

Last weekend we had the awesome opportunity to zip line with Flyin Hawaiian Zipline.

One of Chris' coworkers was shooting the photos for their website— they're just about 1 year old. So he asked if we wanted to be the "visiting white couple." Let's see: we can zip line for free AND get photos.... ummm yes please!

We had previously zip lined the Haleakala tour and honestly were not that impressed. It was our very first time zip lining so we were kind of expecting a lot but were kind of disappointed. We weren't that high, the lines weren't that tall and it wasn't that exciting. I feel bad saying that, but just telling the truth.

So, we were excited to be going to this one— it couldn't be worse than before. We definitely were not disappointed. It is Hawaii's longest and highest zip line.

Located in the West Maui Mountains, your canopy adventure includes 8 ziplines ranging from a 200 ft. warm up to a 3,200 ft. monster! With over 2.03 miles of ziplining excitement and exceptional panoramic views of The Valley Isle (Maui).

Flyin Hawaiian Zipline is dedicated to the enjoyment and preservation of Maui. All participants on tour are leaving a legacy that will grow and thrive long after they leave.

Needless to say we had a blast. The crew was energetic, lively and entertaining while also staying professional with the safety part. What I loved about this, besides the thrilling ziplines, was that the whole group we went with was able to plant a plant ourselves. They are very eco-conscious and wanting to get this certain plant off the endangered species list. By doing that, they are dedicated to learning about them and planting one each time a group goes up there. Pretty amazing.

The views from each different line were spectacular. The West Maui mountains, the oceans and the tropical plantations—we even saw whales out there.

After our thrilling adventures, we went over to Beach Bums "Hawaii's best barbecue" First of all, most places here, boast they are "the best" at whatever they are serving. But with us coming from Texas, you have to serve up something pretty spectacular when it comes to barbecue. Beach Bum's is actually quite good. I had their pulled pork sandwich— moist, tasty and their spicy barbecue sauce was the perfect compliment to it. Chris had their Chili cheese burger— you can't really go wrong with that.

These are two places we highly recommend if you're planning a trip out here :)

Pictures of this weekend to come soon!

SPD.org Best Cover List

Last week Chris was honored to be featured on The Society of Publication Designers website as a “Top Alternative Newsweekly Covers of 2010: 10 Runners-Up” list. Chris said, "I’m a big fan of SPD.org and read it frequently, so to be included on a list with so many other big-name industry Art Directors that I respect and admire was quite an honor."

A couple days later they posted another list of “10 More Alternative Weekly Covers” that barely missed the top 20, and Chris was also included on that list. Again, to have two of his covers in the top 30 of the year is such a big honor.

"A big special thanks goes out to industry legend Robert Newman for thinking of me while compiling these lists."

Weekend on the West Side

I definitely relish the weekends we have together here - because they don't come often enough. That is thanks to working in the Hospitality industry - open 24/7, 365 days a year - yay.

So when I saw that I actually had a Saturday off, I was ecstatic. We got to sleep in—well, let me rephrase that—Chris slept in, I slept till about 8:45. I honestly can't sleep any later. Once my body gets the 7-8 hours it needs, I'm good to go, literally. My body just naturally wakes up. I would have to say that I am definitely my dad's daughter in that aspect(among many). My day, still to this day, will be up at the crack of dawn. Doesn't matter what time he went to sleep, he is up to get his day started. Thanks dad, I like it this way too :)

I am also a big breakfast person. So I always love being able to stay home and fix breakfast for us. On the menu was homemade Huevos Rancheros—Christopher loves anything Mexican. I have to tell you , they tasted great! AND - he had breakfast in bed. I'm the best.

I put some left over turkey I had in the slow cooker, along with my recipe for Turkey Chunky Chowder so it would be ready for us when we got back.

We ended up spending the day in Lahaina (one of our top fav places here). We love shopping on Front Street. Yea, it's pretty much safe to see that we both have a shopping problem- which isn't good. Seeing as how that is the only thing we really spend money on here. Well, that and eating out. We have a blast going in to the real surf shops here. It by far was a tell-tale sign of the things we use the most here: Chris bought new Reef sandals and I bought a new Billabong swim suit. That's pretty much what we use the most here. Oh, and the day before, Chris was there with his family and bought a swimsuit for himself, too.

It's so weird to see how our wardrobe has changed. We honestly spend out time in shorts, swimsuits and flip flops, or "slippers" as they call them here- I do not like that word BTW. But I think we like the way it is right now.

Then of course, we had to eat lunch at Cool Cat's "Best Burger on Maui for 7 years in a row." Ironically, I had a mahi mahi sandwich, which was so flaky and moist- satisfied my fish craving. I eat their burgers all the time, I like to switch it up. Chris on the other hand, does not. "Why get something else, when I know what I'm going to get is good." We're SO different! I love to switch it up. But we balance each other - that's why we work so well, in case you were wondering.

Next, was beach time at Ka'anapali. It was such a pretty day, considering it had been raining like cats and dogs the last couple of days. Nothing like, beer in the hand, sun on our faces and crystal clear water to swim in. I tried to meet up with my cousin, Carla, but we always miss each other. Maybe next time.

Time to head home. The whole day was amazing. And even better - I didn't have to fix dinner. It was waiting for us. Thank you Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker. We even had the leftovers tonight and it tasted great.

I love weekends like this. I love spending time with my husband doing things we like to do. I love knowing we are making the most of our weekend/time/free time here.

Why can't I be off every weekend, or at least a Sat or Sun? Can all our weekends be like this?

Did you make the most of your weekend/free time?

A New Year, A New Us

Well, it's the 5th day of the new year and 2011 has started out pretty good.

We had an AMAZING 2010 - best of all I got to marry my best friend and got a great set of in-laws in two awesome sisters and a cool brother! Our wedding was the highlight of 2010 for us and we still can't thank everyone involved for making it truly the best moment in our lives.

We can only hope and pray that 2011 will be just as great, if not better. As everyone is making their New Years resolutions, here are the things we are looking forward to and will be working our butts off to do.

Exciting events lined up for 2011:
1. I am working on getting my Nutrition and Wellness Certification from AFPA (I am super excited!)
2. Chris gaining even more press and awards for the great work he is doing as MauiTime Art Director
3. Chris and I partnering together for lucky11studios.com to bring my PR background to Lucky 11
4. Great health for family (mom and dad!), friends and us
5. Starting the next phase of our life
6. Traveling to new places
7. Paying off Chris' car
8. Chris' brother, Cody, graduating from high school!
9. Learn how to surf
10. For me to get a full time job

We have been so blessed and lucky with everything and everyone in our life. So, thank you to everyone, especially our families, who have continued to support us in all our endeavors.

Instead of setting resolutions you probably wont keep - make a list of things you hope to accomplish this year. I promise, you will so much better.

2011 will be amazing!

What are your goals for 2011?

PR and Special Events Coordinator at Your Service

Currently, I am a Public Relations and Special Events Coordinator whom recently partnered with my husband Chris Skiles, award-winning Art Director for MauiTime to bring my PR and Marketing expertise to lucky11studios.

If you're looking for a fresh PR spin on your new company, need help building a brand from the beginning, need to update your current marketing materials (when was the last time you took a look at that company bio or mission statement?), or creating the next big event in your life or company.... I am available for your needs. Partnering with lucky11studios, you also get the best of both worlds as we can complete all of your design needs. Need a new logo? Having trouble mastering that fact sheet in INDESIGN? Let us know.

I also currently freelance for MauiTime writing bar and restaurant reviews. Check out my reviews here.


MY BACKGROUND
While working as the PR and Special Events Coordinator for Pennino and Partners, a PR agency in Texas, I coordinated all social media marketing efforts for WorldFest Houston International Film Festival, significantly increasing audience attendance and implementing their first social media campaign which is still in use today.

My first project with CORESTAFF Services, I secured media coverage with major news outlets including ABC, Associated Press, BBC, Bloomberg Business News, BusinessWeek, CNN, National Public Radio, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and many other local and national business media outlets. I also assisted them in achieving their media outreach goals by 100 percent.

My experience also includes public relations and media writing; social media marketing; securing on-screen media appearances for clients; developing marketing materials for publicity programs; client sponsorships and recruitment; planning, staffing and hosting media at events; planning special events; building relationships with reporters and pitching major news outlets.

For any questions, comments or to get a quote on your next project please send a message to sabrina.dreyer@yahoo.com. For your design needs, send a message to lucky11studios@gmail.com or find us on Facebook! With reasonable rates, project-to-project basis and no long term contracts, we will find a price right for you and your needs.

Look forward to helping you on your next project!

One Year Ago

This wont be a long entry. Just a reflection on the past year here and with my job at The Grande Wailea.

November 11 marked one year since I have been at the hotel. I am thankful to have a job right now and grateful for the many people I am meeting. I have realized that I like the hospitality industry a lot. But that comes as no surprise to me, because I love being around people and feel comfortable interacting with high-level clients as well as guests at the hotel. There have been some highs and lows, but I am proud of the way I have been handling things. It shows a lot about my character, the strength I have and that you must have a thick skin to work in this industry - that's probably true for most any job out there.

Chris and I had no idea we were going to be moving out here in the short amount of time that it happened. We had goals for ourselves when we moved here, and I'm proud to say we have accomplished most all of them. One was getting me a full-time PR job. We quickly realized that wasn't going to be an option here. As most of the job opportunities here are with the resorts, and there are no PR agencies here - I don't even think people here know the meaning of PR/marketing. It can be a hard concept to grasp :) I am thankful for the background I have and the amazing mentor I had, Laura Pennino of Pennino and Partners. I wouldn't be as confident in my PR background if it wasn't for her and her amazing leadership role she took with me.

But I have lots of exciting ideas and hopefully some new projects in the works. So stay tune and we look forward to what God as planned for us next.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Where were you a year ago today and have you completed the goals you set out for yourself?