With the stay home order in effect until the end of April... April 30th to be exact, and we are still in March, it may be helpful to come-up with some ideas to stay busy, entertained, gratified and equipped during these isolated times. Here's an easy guide to get your creative juices flowing, keep your heart pumping and your mind active.

First things first - make a to-do or honey do list.

1. Evaluate what your goals are and what needs to be done.
2. You can first organize your thoughts according to work.
3. Then prioritize your thoughts according to home. 
4. We know the possible end date, so now you have a realistic goal.
   
5. Try to engage some form of exercise every single day. 
6. It is ok to take a few days to catch-up on sleep, watch TV, binge-watch your favorites... but staying busy will help with endorphins, battling depression, anxiety and your overall wellbeing, 
7. Create tasks within the household, you may place a schedule or plan of action on the wall or in a viewable place, where it can be seen everyday.
8. Store junk foods where it is difficult to grab. On the highest shelf, in another room, or even where no one can see it... this prevents unnecessary bad food snacking. 
9. Clean the house - even if you vacuumed yesterday, you can still vacuum again today. I promise there will be more dust and more items to be cleaned each and every day. 
10. Clean-out and sanitize your cabinets, kitchen supplies and utensils. Here in Hawaii it gets very humid and you often can't see the mold spores if you have while or light colored walls, its mainly only viewable on dark objects or walls - so use a natural vinegar spray to cleanse the inside of all your cupboards. 

Yard work can be one of the most gratifying things around, you feel great from being outside, you get the vitamin D from the sun, you workout a little and you can see your hard work in the end. 

1. Cleaning the house is also very gratifying to have it organized, free from clutter and clean as a whistle.
2. Re-organize your closet - this is also a two-pronged approach (as long as no one is sick at home) I would recommend taking a good amount of your items in your closet and donating them to charity as well. You have a newly organized, fresh closet and you get rid of somethings while giving to a good cause.
3. Re-paint the walls, painting the walls in your home will give it a new, crisp and clean look. It may also add new color and excitement + bonus when you paint you have to move things and thus need to clean hehe.
4. Organize the food pantry - firstly throw away anything that is expired. Remember when in doubt throw it out. Then try to organize it in a better way where you can see what you have an certain items will always be in the same spot. Chips go on this shelf, canned fruits go on this shelf and so on.
5. Can you sew? Something you can do is to sew garments, clothing or items needed for hospitals. They can always you a little help.
6. Get ready to do your taxes. Even with the deadline extensions, it is better to go ahead and get everything ready so you have all the tools to file and be done.
7. Take online classes - you can try to learn something new everyday.
8. Power-wash the driveway - this is an amazing job and I love doing it because it is so gratifying! 
9. Go through everything in your house and see if it should be saved, donated or thrown away.
10. Clean the entire exterior of the house, windows, screens, storage, cars, etc 

​Since the government order to stay and work from home, we are all in the midst of trying to make this balancing act as productive, easy and painless as possible. I am lucky to say that my workload has probably tripled over the past two weeks. And, while I am grateful to be busy and have business, it is also a sobering reminder that a lot of people out there do not have jobs right now and our economic future is uncertain on a global scale. A lot of our work meetings and information sharing is done through technology and group/conference calls, virtual meetings and video conferencing. I wanted to offer a few tips to lead to a successful meeting that works out for everyone. 

Just under a week ago... I posed the question to those on FB and IG that they could "ask me anything."

The world we are living in right now is much different than the world we lived in 6 days ago. But hopefully as time goes by we grow, learn, are resilient, empathetic and resourceful.

​With that, I am going to answer your guys' questions here and also record a video answering them when the time is right. 

(Just want to note - my blouse in the photo is from The Mauve Fox - this is the cutest little boutique for ladies and the owner (a local gal) is so sweet and kind. Be sure to checkout her stuff... it's a great mix of garments for every lady that wants to look stylish and be comfortable -I love her clothes!!!). ​https://www.themauvefox.com/

I think this is in regards to my surgery last spring that involved trying to prevent breast cancer...by electing to remove both my natural breasts and move on with no reconstruction. My preventative bilateral mastectomy was a major surgery, but overall I always felt comfortable and didn't have any major complications. I have been all healed from the surgery and the scars are all set and done healing since July...which is when I went "public" about my decision. So how am I feeling? I feel great. My health is top notch, I am happier than ever, business is fantastic, I've been so busy with work, events, shows, shoots, writing that I feel like I am busier than ever! Thank you for all the support. 

Thank you for this question and I appreciate your asking. At this moment, the answer is 'no.' I can assure you there have been some potential possibilities and opportunities to return to the news, but I have not been interested in doing so. I understand that in time perhaps these opportunities may not be available ever again and I am totally ok with that. I am probably 400% happier doing what I am doing now and wouldn't change it for anything. A lot of people ask me if I miss the news or if I miss being on TV. That is a strange question because I never thought of being on TV as the motivator. It is actually a more stressful, uncontrollable and awkward life being on television 5 days a week. I don't miss it at all. The one thing I do miss is knowing everything about well everything. I would know every detail of most of the news stories and headlines and all the facts of everything that was making news here at home and abroad. That was power as you know knowledge is power. 

I would say to take things slow and don't grow up too fast. I look back and cherish those times and all the experiences which shaped me into the woman I am today. But often you are focused so much on growing up and being an adult that you forget to live life as a young person. I made a few mistakes.. some of them big and some of them small. I think most of them were driven by trying to be something I am not... Relish in your youth, appreciate what you have and don't try to rush everything. 

This is probably the hardest question ever. I am guessing it is just one meal and not a series --- so maybe I will say dinner so it can be 3 courses and have my favorite things. 
1. Shoyu Poke for my appetizer (no onions please)
2. Truffle Mushroom Pizza with extra cheese
3. Godiva Chocolate Souffle with a side of Haagen Dazs Vanilla Ice Cream
4. *Bonus Sour Patch Kids (Petite Fours) LOL

Sure thing, I would say... tips to build credibility are:
1. Always remain professional - people, businesses, business owners, corporations and etc may not treat everything/everyone with respect, communicate well or be the most professional, but you can hold yourself to a higher standard. Always communicate clearly, honestly and with kindness. If you remain professional in all your dealings, interactions, proposals, client endings, emergency issues and etc others will respect you, always remember you and you always want to leave on a high note.
2. Follow-Up - often people get busy and they forget to respond. I will send a gentle reminder and follow-up to see if there is still interest, nudge them a tad or remind them you're still here. That is admirable and you will seem reliable. 
3. Volunteer - if you don't have clients and are looking for some try volunteering for practice, to get involved, to network, to build character and to help others. You can't go wrong by offering your time and energy to something that needs it. I have had several clients come from my efforts spent volunteering in many aspects of life. I also know some of my grad school students did the same thing and ended up getting a job from it!

Absolutely, yes! I have been seeing Daniel Heu for 13 years now... we were married in May 2009 and he is the love of my life. I don't always post photos of him, as he is a bit shy when it comes to the Internet and social media, but you can rest assured that on Valentine's Day and in May I will sneak a photo of him/us. Sometimes I will post on Christmas or New Years too - just not constantly. 

Trust me there are hard days, bad days, sad days and so on... But I try to always focus on the glass being half full instead of half empty. I am a firm believer that a positive mind attracts much of what will come. I am always looking forward to something and with each day and every morning I focus on what I am looking forward to that day. It can be super simple like I look forward to posting a great photo I took for a client, or we are going to share new store hours and I am excited about that, plus I am always excited for lunches or dinners and what I am going to order. With all that you can find something to look forward to each day... a new episode you wanna watch, the day coming to an end, that McDonald's Ice Cream Cone you've been craving or hey it's ALOHA Friday. This is all related to being grateful or thankful as well. I am always thinking how thankful I am - to have a roof over my head, to have something to eat, a loving cat, an impeccable husband, friends who are my family --- that is how I stay so positive! (plus if you have been following this blog, you know I use it to release when I am stressed or upset and then I am cleared of the negative energy and I move on). 

I would have to say my favorite isn't really a beach, it's more of a snorkel spot - I love Shark's Cove. The diving, snorkeling and etc there is great. The water is clear, the fish are beautiful and there are spots further out (I am an extremely strong former competitive swimmer) where the water is super blue and so deep. Plus I love to go across the street and grab food and enjoy the sunset and relax. They have a bathroom and showers so it is convenient. 

Oh man... my guilty pleasure TV show is pretty much anything on Bravo - Vanderpump Rules, Below Deck, Project Runway, Shahs of Sunset... eeek - so embarrassing. LOL
My guilty pleasure food is a combo of sugar - either chocolates or fruity gummy candy. I have a severe addiction to sugar and I have to have something sweet after every meal. I try to eat dried fruit so as not to keep eating candy. 
I also have a super soft spot for rainbows. I always have to take pictures, videos or point out a rainbow when I see one. If you've known me a while you totally know and a lot of people will think of me when they see rainbows or butterflies.

For me personally, I am not scared and don't feel threatened by the illness part. Myself and my husband have been really really healthy our whole lives and our immunity isn't compromised. The majority of the severe cases and deaths are from people who were older or had compromised immunity. But the virus continues to change and that is alarming. It is a pandemic which means it is a global outbreak and has been taking the planet by storm which is really nerve-wracking. I have been at home 90% of the time and when I am out I stay away from people as directed, don't hug or touch anyone, don't touch my face and wash my hands. What does worry me is local businesses and in turn my work. I am very concerned about the wellbeing of our economy and how this is going to impact us all longterm. I am working 200% more and on overdrive to help with the crisis and provide the most up-to-date and accurate info on behalf of my clients and that changes daily. So, I hope I don't lose any clients and I hope people don't close their doors for good. But it may be inevitable for some businesses unless we rally and try to support them as much as possible. I think a lot of small business owners are going to be bleeding.  

As someone who has been managing social media for others for over a decade, I've seen the constant ebb and flow of the various platforms, algorithms, metrics and changes. Sure a lot of people base social media success with the number of followers you have... but if a page has 20K-100K followers but only has 40-100 likes per post, then your reach, impressions and return on investment isn't very high. 

First, what are engagements and how does this help me? 
Think of engagements as handshakes. You literally came into contact with each of these people, shook their hand, looked them in the eye and made an impression. They said something, you said something back and in turn the people with them or next to them saw you, heard you and perhaps was introduced to you too. This is how social media marketing works, but it's all virtual (online). Engagements come in the form of comments, likes, messages, replies, tags, and so forth. This also helps to boost your post and allow more people to see it. 
Highly engaged posts are the ones with higher reach and are seen, viewed, consumed by more people. The reach means someone saw you...and the engagements means someone spent some time looking and consuming your content. 

Comments
An easy way to create engagements is to prompt a response. Some will ask questions, others will ask you to tag a friend, while some posts may not directly necessitate a comment, you may be compelled to leave one. If you don't have time to leave elaborate responses to all the comments, it is ok to leave an emoji that depicts your reply. It is best to respond to the comment as soon as possible to assist with -- yes, you guessed it -- engagements. If you reply 2 days later the post won't really see as much of an uptick in metrics from your comment 48 hours late...unless it was featured on the explore page and a dozen other people comment too, then you might see some movement  - but not as much as when you first uploaded the post. You can also like the comment, but commenting back is even better and makes the person who left the comment feel important and special. 

Buying Followers
There are some third party apps that allow you to purchase new followers in the hundreds and sometimes thousands. While this may seem like a quick and fairly easy way to expand your growth/presence, often times the followers are from fake accounts that resemble annie123bx types of names, don't have any posts or very little posts and sometimes don't even have a profile photo. Why is this bad? First and foremost this is a violation of Instagram's terms of use/policies and if you are caught (which Instagram is able to track these things and can detect when someone signs into your account and uses automation) you're account can be suspended, or worse. Now once you buy these followers it will look impressive to have the growing number, but Instagram often purges fake accounts and your follower count will go back down... and others (people) can tell when you bought the followers, when you have little likes or it doesn't correlate to the number of likes and/or balance between the two. A quick look at an account follower list and I can spot fake accounts and bought followers in literally 2 seconds. Lastly, when you stop paying for the followers the growth stops and the fake followers eventually start to disappear or get deleted. So essentially it is a waste of money for a short term sense of false advertising. It's like buying fake friends who don't exist - it's just empty all around. 

So how do I get followers?
This is kind of tricky and takes a multi-level approach... 
1. You need to let people know you have social media, if you don't tell them they won't know to seek you out and/or follow you.
2. Follow similar or likeminded accounts.
3. Grow through grassroots - utilize all your partners, friends, collaborators and supporters to follow you and engage with you.
4. Following to unfollow can work but is a pet peeve of many, it is time consuming to keep track of who follows you back and who followed then un-followed you. 
5. Be authentic, informative, entertaining, visual and beneficial.
6. Offer incentives
There is no magic wand...but if you utilize social media in the best way with the best intentions success will come. Be aware of what you are trying to promote, be positive and always be open to try new things. 

So, I haven't blogged in a while (since Nov '19) and I suppose that's a good thing. Sometimes I am inspired to share and other times I am not. Lately, I haven't been too motivated because I don't think my life is all that interesting (and OMG people don't read now-a-days)... But then I realize because I am living it, it may not seem interesting to me, but indeed may be somewhat interesting to others. 

So here's a look at what I have been up to:

Business is really good. I have my staple clients that have been with me from the beginning and a few new ones that are inspiring. I decided mid-2019 that I was only going to work with people who were kind, overall good at heart, passionate and maintained good morals and ethics. I am not saying clients in the past were not of this caliber, but there were times when I didn't enjoy working with them and I didn't feel this was a positive and nurturing relationship. As life works in mysterious ways these people tend to weed themselves out and away, which I am truly grateful for. There have been times when I declined a client because I didn't feel a jive, complimentary personality or positive energy coming from them and I am glad that we didn't move along in the same direction. And I too have been told numerous times that they "decided to move in a different direction" of which is great and I am thankful for. Sometimes you have to go with your gut and if you are hesitant or you know you are not going to enjoy this experience, person or client, then it's ok to say 'no, thank you' and move on. 

Businesses are growing, some clients are making news headlines (you're welcome) and everyone seems very happy - which means I am doing my job of digital marketing very well (pat on my own back).

I wrote an article about Jean-Marie Josselin for HILuxury, look for that, I also wrote a feature on Mo'olelo for 'Aulani Magazine so that will be out soon too.

​One of my clients also flew me out to the NAMM Show which is the largest music trade show in the country and that was a wonderful experience. 

2019 was bountiful with on-camera projects. Thankfully so and I appreciate everyone for their support. 

Da Best Hawaii is growing and steadily moving along. Still available on all social platforms, Hawaiian TelCom and Hawaiian Airlines (watch in-flight, it's free). I've really enjoyed seeing my passion project continue to evolve and blossom. I recently partnered with Hawaii's Favorite Kitchens (the entire month of Jan), February will showcase local farmers, crafters, and etc from Aloha Farm Lovers and March will feature some Talk Story Sessions (shot in October) with some celeb/rockstar chefs from Hawaii Food & Wine Festival. You may recall last year I had 2 months of "Talk Story Sessions" with people like Robert Cazimero, Kalani Pe'a and Eli Mac (Camile Velasco)... There is another TV show on the air at the moment with a similar name... so I am trying to think of a new name for these special shows where it is just a sit down and chat version of Da Best Hawaii - let me know if you have any ideas. I started shooting these "talk story" videos in February 2019 and the one with a similar name launched in the Fall - so it's just a coincidence with almost identical name and concept. 

In September and again in November - I had the honor of co-hosting a series of shows for Doko Ga TV. This television show airs on K5, KHNL, Hawaiian TelCom and Hawaiian Airlines as well. I had a wonderful time traveling to Seattle and Alaska with Pali Kaaihue and our cameraman Kini. The shows all turned out great and I am looking forward to co-hosting a few more again this year (2020). 

Also later last year, I was working on a project with Servco Lexus and Restaurant Week Hawaii, wherein I was the host of a handful of videos showcasing some of the brand new Lexus cars and some of the featured chefs participating in Restaurant Week Hawaii. That was super fun and I got to drive some dream cars! At the same time I also had the honor of hosting a First Hawaiian Bank - Hawaii Food & Wine video showcasing the Crazy Rich Cocktails event held at Alohilani Resort. That was a busy week man, but truly gratifying and memorable. Some epic projects to be working on. 

Oh and Kaiser Permanente shot and produced a post-surgery interview video with me and my surgeon...so that may be making it's way out into the wild in a month or so. I just approved the final video. It may make you all teary at the end. 

Things are superb. Daniel is doing great and we are headed into our 11th year of wedded bliss. I've got some of the best friends on the planet and Rico (my cat) is amazing. 
Sometimes I can't believe that I had a mastectomy and my breasts are gone, as I am still adjusting to my new body. But overall I feel great, I am happy and healthy. 

I guess since the summer I've just been going and going... and once my birthday came then the holidays were here -  I blinked and it was 2020. So that's what i've been up to... how about you? 

So this has been weighing on my mind lately... When a friend, acquaintance, family member or even a loved one is going through a challenging time, a time of grief or loss, or is just dealing with a lot. How about a 'how to' and a 'what not to do guide'? I am not a therapist and I didn't study psychology, but I did study Communication and have a Master's Degree in Communication as well. So here are just a few words to share in case anyone has this issue to deal with in the future, from My Point of Heu of course.  

After my mom passed away last Spring, I didn't post anything on social media and I only told my close friends about it. Honestly for the first 24 hours I couldn't even talk, it was a really challenging time for an only child to a single parent to cope with that type of grief and loss.

​Anyhow, i can recall all the interactions that took place in the months thereafter and how it made me feel. Even now, 6 months after my mastectomy, you might say there is a period of loss or a minor time of grief in that case as well... And you either feel supported or you don't. So here's my insight and how to best help those who are coping during a challenging time. 

I noticed today is National Brave Day... My mind wandered as I thought about that word. Over the past few months, I have heard it many times, but I can honestly say that I had never really been called brave or referred to as brave in year's past. After opting to have a preventative mastectomy a few months ago (in an effort to reduce my chances of breast cancer) people started using that word. Even when I was in the hospital the prep nurse said it, multiple people said it to me as they were rolling me into the operating room, my close friends mentioned it when I was in recovery. In the beginning I would tear up, because I didn't think I was brave, I was just doing what I thought I needed to do. Looking at the risk and the possibility of being diagnosed with breast cancer in my lifetime, I wanted to reduce the risk as much as possible. I had never broken a bone or had a surgery before, so perhaps that was brave to take this preventative step toward saving my life. 

But as I did more research, I found that this day is not about bravery in the literal sense of the word. It is about women supporting other women and offering empowerment. This is something that I have found to be a constant struggle. Why is it that often times women seek to bring each other down? In many of the careers that I've had, I always felt a burden, competitiveness and a lack of support, kindness, sincerity and overall void of empowerment from other women. Especially in management, I always seemed to encounter women who sought to bring me down, demote me, complain about me or even ignore me. I have thought long and hard about this and I have had numerous conversations with men and women about this very topic. Even as a panelist at the Wahine Forum back in 2015 I spoke about it and it truly resonated with the audience. 

So here's what National Brave Day is about:
​
NATIONAL BRAVE DAY
​On the fourth Friday in September, National BRAVE Day honors women who lift each other up, rescue each other and make each other BRAVE.
Sometimes just a flutter of encouragement comes in the form of timely guidance from another woman.  Other times, it’s provided through the coordinated, thoughtful efforts of those who identified someone in need.  Women empowering women.

Despite varied experiences and backgrounds, women come together across generations to support each other.  Whether it’s a momentary reprieve over a cup of coffee during a hectic day or a well-written letter of recommendation for a job, these small tokens strengthen a woman who may have undergone unspoken tragedy or struggles. The opportunities to empower sisters, friends, family, even a stranger are limitless.  On National BRAVE Day, the goal is to seek out tangible ways to encourage women to keep moving forward and to be BRAVE.

The Sweetlife Women founded National BRAVE Day in 2017 in honor of their founder, Kaci Stewart. She has been the catalyst for making a difference in women’s lives. By honoring their founder, Sweetlife Women hopes the observance will be a spark of encouragement to women and a reminder to strengthen one another. Sweetlife Women has been in existence for ten years, and they look for ways to make women BRAVE and give help and guidance where needed. Their annual BRAVE Women’s Conference is every September. Find out more by visiting braveconference.cc.
In 2017, the Registrar at National Day Calendar® declared National BRAVE Day to be observed the fourth Thursday in September, annually.


Lets come together as one and support, love and honor each other - men, women and all of those who are BRAVE today and everyday. 

So far, 2019 has been a year full of momentous memories, great accomplishments and life changing decisions.
​After my choice to have a preventative bilateral mastectomy without reconstruction in the spring... My life focus took a new direction. Loved ones encouraged me to share my story and said that it would no-doubt help a lot of people. Most got the story right, while some misunderstood the details or heard minor inaccuracies. 

1. My decision was preventative and thankfully I did not have cancer. Once my breast tissue was removed pathology checked and found no signs of cancer cells. I made this decision with the hopes that I would prevent breast cancer from occurring. There was a brief scare last summer but it was not cancerous. 

2. I removed my natural breasts. All of my life I had never had a surgery before and some might have assumed that I had breast implants and thus had the implants removed, this is not correct. My breasts were real and I opted to have them removed without having anything else put in... So my chest is now flat without any breast tissue, or implants and no plans for future reconstruction. I know I've inspired many women with breast implants to seek having them removed due to other reasons and I applaud you, but I am not fully aware of this situation except to say that I believe you know in your heart what is best for your body. 

3. I've become an advocate... I am not an expert when it comes to cancer, I didn't have cancer. My aunt, mother and grandmother had breast cancer, but that definitely does not make me an authority on the subject. I am open to sharing my insights, experiences and thoughts, but if you have any serious concerns or need medical advice you should see a doctor. I am kind of finding my way in this new role as a breast cancer advocate and I hope you will continue to join me on this journey of awareness and prevention. 

I have been immensely uplifted by the 100% positive outpouring of love and support everyone has shone and shared with me. The aloha and positivity has been tremendous and I can't thank you all enough. With that... I think after spending 3 months recovering, somewhat isolated and unable to live my normal fast-paced and active lifestyle.., I felt uneasy. It's hard to describe but it was almost as though I felt I was holding myself to a higher standard and unsure of who I am now. 

Yes, I underwent a major surgery. And, I am the same person, but initially I felt uncertain of how people would look at me, perceive me and how to view myself. Often I try to give myself pep talks and analyze what kind of advice would I give to someone like me? I know that I must be who I am and who I have always been. I need to show others that I am the same and I don't need to change. Luckily, I am back to my old habits and able to do everything I was able to do before. My personality is the same (I hope) and I am enjoying the activities that I love. The only things that have changed are: I lost a little bit of weight on my chest, I am more cognizant of what clothing appears flattering on my body and I never have to wear a bra again!

At times you need to find yourself to be able to build your confidence back up. During those challenging times is when you really can pinpoint what makes you tick, what you enjoy and who you are. Sometimes your mind makes things larger than they really are and you have to just realize that you're doing the best you can and need to take it one step at a time. 

Sometimes you have to lose yourself a little to find yourself again. ​