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    Outfits

    Lacey Desert Rose Dress


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    Lacey Desert Rose Dress

    DRESS: Revolve DVF similar and Revolve similar | 

    BOOTIES: BP “Trolley Ankle Bootie” |

    GLASSES: Ray-Ban “Pink Flash” Aviators (SO cute! I love these aviators!)  |

    If you ever get the chance to watch a sunset in the desert you won’t regret it! The desert never fails to produce beautiful sunsets and right at dusk, as the sun is going down, the desert seems to glow.  It is absolutely beautiful how the last remaining beams of light reflect on the earthy tones of the desert.  I am a lucky girl to have witnessed many desert sunsets in my life! And now that Fall is here (Can’t believe it! I’ll miss you summer!) the desert becomes a more livable place again haha because it starts to cool down! YAY!  I love triple digit weather (haha to many people’s surprise!) but it is always nice to have a cool desert too:)

    XOXO CHELSEA

    Find me on Instagram: @chelsea

    Outfits

    Ribbed Swing Dress



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    Ribbed Swing Dress

    DRESS: Kohl’s “Fire” Ribbed Swing Dress  (Revolve similar in black & gray here, Revolve red similar here, ASOS similar black here,  Old Navy here)  |
    BOOTIES: Nordstrom “Trolley” Ankle Booty  |

    As I type this my sweet little baby kitten, Mitzy, is frantically running around playing with this little crunchy ball toy she has and I am getting super distracted!  Hopefully it keeps her distracted for a while because she is usually crawling all over my arms resting right on my keyboard as I am on the computer.  Little stinker!  So her little crunchy ball should keep her distracted for a while! 😀  But anyways I really like my simple red shift dress. It is comfy while I move around throughout the day!  Put it on and pull your hair in a side braid and you are ready to go!  😀

    XOOX Chels

    XOXO CHELSEA

    Find me on Instagram: @chelsea

    Summer Travel

    Beach Villas at Ko Olina / Part 4

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    Beach Villas at Ko Olina / Part 4
    **This post is sponsored by Beach Villas at Ko Olina. As always, all opinions are my own.**

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    Every view from the Beach Villas at Ko Olina was fantastic!   The grounds were so lush and green.  There were beautiful tropical plants and little ponds filled with wildlife everywhere you go. However, as a big fan of flowers, the colorful flowers had to have been my favorite.

    I wanted to smell every flower that I saw!  (And that is an understatement!) Let me lay the scene for you… just me and the bees smelling every flower in sight. Being from the Arizona desert all of the tropical vegetation is so different from than what I am used to.  All the flowers were so bright and soft.  (Which may sounds funny!  But a lot of the vegetation in the Arizona desert isn’t always so bright, and definitely isn’t so soft!)

    And the weather!  Wow, the weather was beautiful with a temperature of 85 degrees during the day and 72 degrees in the evening.  Can’t beat that!

    Happy Summer time!

    XOXO CHELSEA

    Find me on Instagram: @chelsea

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    Romper: Forever 21 / Bag: Marc Jacobs bag here and here / Earrings: Pearls / Sandals: Tory Burch

    Summer Travel

    Paradise Cove Luau

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    Paradise Cove Luau

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    Paradise Cove Luau is an absolute must when you visit Oahu.   So much fun!

    Paradise Cove Luau takes place right on the beach at sunset time! It’s amazing!  While you get to experience a traditional Hawaiian luau, you also get to experience the breathtaking sunset coastal views.

    The whole event is roughly 5.5. hours, but there is so much to do and see the time flies by!   When you first arrive the staff greets you with a traditional Hawaiian lei and a drink! (Mai tai cocktails for all!)

    Once you enter the Paradise Cove grounds the sun is starting to set, so you get to take in all the coastal views as you find your table for dinner.

    You also have time to look around the Hawaiian Village to see traditional Hawaiian arts, crafts, and games.  It’s fun to watch the employees in the village make all the arts and crafts!  These little wooden sea turtles were my favorite.

    I really recommend going early to partake in activities before the dinner show.  Some of the activities include face painting, bracelet making, and an area where you can hold parrots! (Which I loved!  The parrots lay on their back and it’s very cute!)

    Additionally, you also have the opportunity to participate in some unique Hawaiian traditions.  Some of the traditions include “hukilau” on the beach which is the net fishing techniques of old Hawaii.  Or the the Royal Court Procession!

    And when the show (Paradise Cove Extravaganza) finally starts, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy listening to live music, songs, and dancing!

    Luau’s and Hawaii go hand and hand! Thus, luau’s are a must-do activity when you visit Hawaii!  Paradise Cove Luau is one of the best luau’s Hawaii has to offer!

    XOXO CHELSEA

    Find me on Instagram: @chelsea

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    Dress: Crochet-Back Dressie-Forever 21 (Similar Urban Outfitters here)

    Summer Travel

    Beach Villas at Ko Olina / Part 3

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    Beach Villas at Ko Olina / Part 3

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    **This post is sponsored by Beach Villas at Ko Olina. As always, all opinions are my own.**

    In common usage, the island of Oahu is divided into 5 large areas, more or less bounded by the 4 main points of the island:

    1. Leeward side – west coast, e.g. Waianae

    2. Windward side – east coast, e.g. Kailua

    3. North shore – north coast, e.g. Haleiwa

    4. South shore – south coast, e.g. Honolulu

    5. Central Oahu – interior highlands, e.g. Mililani

    By definition, “Windward” is the side of an island where the predominant wind travels from the sea onto the island. “Leeward” is the side of an island where the predominant wind travels from the interior of the island to the sea.

    The Beach Villas at Ko Olina are are on the Leeward coast of Oahu.  The leeward coast of Oahu is roughly 30 miles outside of Waikiki.   (If you are looking at a map, the leeward coast is on the left side of Oahu, or the west coast. )  Additionally, I also learned, that the Leeward coast of Oahu is generally more sunny and because it is more dry the sun is going to feel “hotter”.

    While Waikiki offers an urban city of hustle and bustle on the ocean, the Leeward side of Oahu is not as developed with smaller picturesque towns, and beautiful off-the-beaten-path beaches.

    Moreover, since the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, the west coast of Oahu (the Leeward coast) is going to have those beautiful picturesque sunsets!  And boy, did the sunsets at Ko Olina not disappoint.  They are unreal.

    You can seen the sun setting right where the ocean meets the sky.  It’s amazing.  Sunsets on the Leeward Coast of Ko Olina are a must see when you visit Oahu.

    XOXO CHELSEA

    Find me on Instagram: @chelsea

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    DRESS: (LOVE these White maxi similars Forever 21 here and here and here, Free People here and here, ASOS similar here and here, Nordstrom similar here / LIPSTICK: Pure Pout

    Summer Travel

    Beach Villas at Ko Olina / Part 2

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    Beach Villas at Ko Olina / Part 2

    First off, the leeward coast of Oahu, specifically, Ko Olina is one of the best locations to visit in Hawaii for families.   The location is very peaceful.

    But for now, I just want to talk about the Ko Olina lagoons because they are amazing.

    Ko Olina’s main attraction are the four magical man-made beach coves called the Ko Olina Lagoons.

    The lagoons are great because they are protected and safe.  Rock levies were built to act as sea walls to help encase the lagoons, allowing ocean water to enter the protected swimming area while keeping out the turbulent waves.  (Adding to reasoning why Ko Olina is great for families–because it is so safe!)

    These pristine crescent-shaped swimming holes are tucked away on the leeward coast of Oahu.  And they are definitely a “do not miss” when you visit Oahu.

    The four lagoons are not connected but rather a short stroll between each other.  And a  fun fact I learned is that the soft powder sand that lines the lagoon beaches was imported from Lanai, one of the neighboring Hawaiian islands.

    And since the lagoons are so safe, I would highly recommend snorkeling the Ko Olina Lagoons. Most of the time the lagoons are great for beginners and kids because they are protected and calm, but everyone will have fun seeing all of the fish and possibly turtles. (I saw sea turtles!)

    XOXO CHELSEA

    Find me on Instagram: @chelsea

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    DRESS: Local Boutique! But I am loving these flowy high-neck trapeze dresses! LOVE ASOS similar here/ Similar Nordstrom floral here and here / Similar Forever 21 here and here

    EARRINGS: Pearls

    HAIR EXTENSIONS: Bellami “Lilly Hair 260g 20″ Ash Brown” (use code “chels” for a discount!)

    Summer Travel

    Matsumoto Shave Ice, North Shore of Oahu

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    Matsumoto Shave Ice, North Shore of Oahu

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    On this day we  visited the North Shore.  But on the way we stopped to get Shave Ice at Matsumoto’s Shave Ice before heading out to the shore.

    You get a lot of recommendations of where to go and eat while in Oahu by locals on the island.  And Matsumoto’s seemed to be a location that people were consistently mentioning of where to go if you wanted  the best  Shave Ice.  It was very touristy,  but just as great as people were raving it to be!  I learned Matsumoto’s makes their own flavoring,  which is what makes it so much better than other types of shave ice in Hawaii.  (And I can attest to that! I tried  a few other shave ice in Hawaii and I can confidently say that Matsumoto’s was the most tasty!)

    The Matsumoto’s location we went to was in this cute little outdoor shopping/leisure area that had plenty of seating options outside.  It was really nice to relax outside and enjoy this tasty treat.  (Also it has been so hard for me to call it “shave ice.” haha,  I want to call it “Shaved Ice” so badly!)

    Afterwards,  we went to a beach on the North Shore that was super secluded! Basically my family and I were trying to find one particular beach (Turtle Cove) and got lost!  haha and decided to just stop at this random location and it ended up working out really well!

    There were hardly any tourists,  and it mostly seemed like a local beach!  So even though we were lost, it ended  up working out!  I feel like that happens to my family a lot! haha   We always seem to stumble upon spots and then end up liking them the most ! 😀

    XOXO CHELSEA

    Find me on Instagram: @chelsea

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    Ruffle Romper: I love ruffle rompers! Anytime I see one I automatically want it! haha This one I am wearing is no exception! I have seen a lot of cute ones lately too! From Nasty Gal, Neiman Marcus (more a splurge buy), Zappos, Lovers and Friends, Forever 21

    Summer Travel

    Beach Villas at Ko Olina / Part 1

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    Beach Villas at Ko Olina / Part 1

    **This post is sponsored by Beach Villas at Ko Olina. As always, all opinions are my own.**

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    The Beach Villas at Ko Olina resort is great — lovely pools, luxury rooms, excellent lagoon for swimming and snorkeling.  A relaxed and very quiet resort.  Not crowded.  It’s great!  (They also have this super awesome rock wall water fall! 😉 Had to snap a few pictures.)

    The grounds are super clean and absolutely lovely gardens.

    The mornings and evenings are the Beach Villas at Ko Olina are quiet so it is really nice to unwind.  It is super nice to be out of the of the busy Honolulu area, but is still close enough to in to Honolulu or Waikiki for activities.

    If you are looking for a laid back stay in Hawaii I would highly recommend the Beach Villas at Ko Olina.  As they would probably be your speed.

    It’s a location that allows you to enjoy the Hawaii you always dreamed about as it is not cluttered with commercialism. At the same time, shopping areas were all within a few miles. The location is very peaceful and the lagoons were not overly crowded. It was not unusual to see folks relaxing on the balcony because of the awesome views.

    I tried getting in the Hawaiian spirit everyday by putting flowers in my hair everyday!

    XOXO CHELSEA

    Find me on Instagram: @chelsea

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    Romper: I am wearing Misguided (Similar Forever 21, Nordstrom, Revolve, Charlotte Russe) /

    Sandals: I am obsessed with my bow sandals. They are seriously perfect sandals for the summer.  As they can get wet and not get ruined!  There are so many cute options out there right now! Here are my favorites! Century 21ShopBop, Nordstrom, and Nordstorm/

    Hair Extensions:  “Bellissima” 220g 22″ set in Chocolate Brown (Get a discount when you use the code “chels”!)

    Summer Travel

    North Shore of Oahu – Sunset Beach

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    North Shore of Oahu – Sunset Beach

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    Aloha!

    I loved frolicking on the North Shore of Oahu!  We visited Sunset Beach on the North Shore.  And, boy, was it spectacular! It’s a great Oahu Beach to watch big-wave surfers in action during the wintertime. However, we were there during the start of summer, so the waves weren’t as big as they are during the winter time.

    The sand was filled with shells and the water was so blue! Truly a beautiful sight! There was also the cutest little dog (that was definitely accustomed to the beach life) digging in the sand.  I was mesmerized by him!

    His owner (a little girl who looked about 13) was swimming in a small shallow cove next to the beach and she would call out to him to come and pick up the coconuts she was attempting to catch from the waves.  And the little guy would happily jump into the ocean and retrieve the coconut debris,  and then  bring them excitedly back to the shore and bury them in the sand.

    To me (a huge dog lover!), it was truly an amazing and super cute sight!  Though his  little head and nose were  full of sand,  you could tell  he was really having the best day!   I hope everyone is having as wonderful  a day as this cute little beach doggie digging in the sand!

    But above all, visit Sunset Beach for its name and reputation…when the sun is setting!  The beach truly lives up to its name.

    XOXO CHELSEA

    Find me on Instagram: @chelsea

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    Dress: love this lil’ floral dressy!

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    Directions By Car From Waikiki

    • Take the H-1 Hwy West to the H-2 Hwy North
    • Follow the H-2 Hwy to the Kamehameha Hwy (hwy 99)
    • Take Hwy 99 and continue into Haleiwa Town
    • or by pass Haleiwa Town , and continue on Hwy 99 and merge onto Hwy 83, which will lead you to the coastline.
    • As you continue on  Hwy 83, until you see a Sunset Beach State Park sign on your left hand side.
    • Turn into the parking lot and you are there.