Monday Musings and What’s New
Aloha from Hawaii. We arrived to warm, sunny, humid, weather that has lots of clouds and today there was rain. It’s a funny thing about Hawaiian rain…it’s lovely!
After I mentioned on Saturday that my dress was sold out, I discovered a few of them here. Wearing a rainbow isn’t my usual attire, but it works perfectly while on vacation. These colors are a smidge different from my dress but have a similar vibe. Then I went looking for multicolored dresses and discovered a few.
Sunscreens I’m Using In Hawaii
If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you know that I am a sunscreen fanatic. I even wear it on a cloudy day when I have no intention of leaving the house. For this trip to Hawaii, I packed my new favorite face sunscreen, Haru Hara Wonder, Colorscience Classic (which doubles as a slight foundation, Supergoop PLAY, and I’m trying this Sun Bum 70 for the first time.
This Haru Haru Wonder is elegant and smooth for my face and neck and is a terrific price…but not cheap enough that I’d want to use it for my entire body. I figured with zillions of positive reviews, I’d try the Sun Bum, and it’s great. It soaks right in, isn’t sticky, and provides tons of coverage.
You may wonder why I need the Supergoop. It’s for reapplying during the day when I’m out in the sun. Physical blocks work immediately, but chemical sunscreens need to be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure. So, if I feel I am getting too much sun, I can slather on some Supergoop for immediate protection…told you I was a fanatic. Of course, I am wearing a big hat, but the sun is intense, even reflected up onto my face.
Pilates In Paradise
We are doing lots of beaching, walking, and hiking, but it felt important to stay on track with my Pilates, so my daughter tracked down the most picturesque studio for us to try. How could you not enjoy a class when it feels like you’re up in a palm tree surrounded by exotic birds and tropical flowers?
In case you are wondering or are shopping…the Cyber Week deals are plentiful and huge. I’m shopping a few of them, so I thought I’d share what’s worth checking out.
J.Crew has a Black Friday Event with 50% off almost everything. It’s a great time to pick up gifts for the men in your life or round out your winter wardrobe.
Nordstrom has Black Friday deals on some of our favorite brands. Eileen Fisher can be pricey, so getting it on sale is a treat, and here’s what I found:
Amazon has so many Black Friday and Cyber Week sales that it’s hard to know where to start. My favorite dry shampoo is included, so I ordered a few of them. I love the body this gives my hair, even when freshly washed.
My Oura ring is on sale, which I highly recommend. I can honestly say that wearing mine for the last 6 months has changed the way I approach self-care, rest, exercise, and my health. The amount of info it provides helps me know when I’m being wise with my health and when I’m not…which is invaluable to me.
My Dyson hairdryer is marked down, which isn’t a common occurrence. It’s stupidly priced but worth every penny, IMHO. I do have several hair dryers, but this is my fav by a long shot.
I spotted this Scalp Serum on sale and ordered two more bottles. It works differently than Minoxidil and can be used as an add-on, so I’m giving it a try. I’m halfway through my first bottle, but I know I’ll need to use it for a few months to see the results. It’s easy to apply each night and doesn’t make my hair greasy or messy. I’ve saved a few other Black Friday, Cyber Week sales here to check out.
Have you finished your holiday shopping? I look at these as gifting opportunities but also a chance to stock up on things I love and use myself.
Mahalo…and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
Hi Jennifer
I have both Dyson and the Zuvi hairdryers . I was surprised that you prefer the Dyson as the Zuvi is suppose to be better for thinning hair ? Can you tell me why you prefer the Dyson ? I might have to start using mine again ! Thank-you !
I’m finding it easier to style and get some bend with my round brush. The Zuvi is great and very gentle but since the heat is so low, it creates silky smooth hair which I often need a slight bend in.
Mahola Jennifer,
Have a gorgeous family time. Happy Thanksgiving!!
You look so relaxed and happy in your colorful dress and hat! Thank you for the sunscreen ideas. I live in the Colorado mountains and our sun is intense even in the winter. I’ve gotten my worst sunburn out skiing years ago and learned my lesson. Snow and water reflect up into your face and is really dangerous to those of us with very fair skin. My husband has medium complexion and had several cancer spots removed this year. It is scary as we never had sunscreen growing up. Enjoy your wonderful vacation in Hawaii!
Thanks Sydney!
Happy vacation and Happy Thanksgiving, Jennifer! I found the Sun Bum 70 spray on sunscreen a few years ago when we were in Islamorada, FL to go scuba diving. I was so happy to find it because I’ve been a scuba diver since 2001 and know what damage human chemicals can do to the undersea environment. I’ve been using it ever since. It works well for me and the scent makes me think of being on vacation even in the middle of winter. My husband and I will be leaving for Atlantic Beach, NC at 6:47 am on Wednesday. Even though the weather will be far from as warm as you have in Hawaii, it will be wonderful to be by the ocean again. The place we are staying has its own private beach about 300 yards from our door. Have a wonderful time and God bless!
Christine in Fairborn, OH
Have a fabulous trip, Christine! Beach is beach to me no matter the climate 🙂
Hi, Jennifer: Your post made me nostalgic for my former home in Hawaii. Thanks for the updates on sunscreen. So important when living there! Mahalo, Nan
Aloha Jennifer!
You are in one of my favorite places in the world. Have a wonderful visit!
I appreciate so much about your blog, including your sensitivity to animals and the environment. Please let people know to look for and only use sunscreens labeled “reef-friendly” when going in the ocean.
Hawaii banned all others in 2021 because they are deadly to coral reefs, sea urchins, green algae and more. Let’s keep our oceans healthy and Hawaii beautiful!🌺
Mahalo nui loa!
It is glorious! The Sun Bum says in very large print, that it’s safe for coral reefs and use in Hawaii. It’s so easy to choose the right things if we’re informed.
You are living your best life! Enjoy every day and bask in sunshine and gratitude. Love your blog and read it every day 🙂
Enjoy Hawaii! Which island are you visiting? I’m on the Big Island, have been here for 5 years and loved every minute. Wanted to ask which reef-safe sunscreens you are using, or are you getting in the water at all? Alba is a good one and sold locally all over. Here’s a link to a list of other favorites and the ingredients to avoid https://www.hawaii.com/water-activities-in-hawaii/reef-safe-sunscreen/
Banana Boat also has a great one, reef safe sunscreens protect our coral reefs from bleaching. We’ve seen huge improvements in coral health since Hawaii instituted the ban on certain chemicals a few years ago. An other great alternative is to use a swim shirt – it provides much better protection against the sun as well as the sand, larva and coral you might run into while playing in the ocean.
I love the idea of a swim shirt for extra protection!
Mahalo for the sunscreen options, Jennifer! Have a wonderful, relaxing, refreshing time in Hawaii.
Enjoy your vacation!
Have a wonderful time Jennifer!
Happy Thanksgiving. What island are you visiting?
Thanks Mary Ann!
How lucky! I have been completely overwhelmed trying to plan a trip for 3 to Hawaii this summer! All of us coming from different places! Any advise?
Breathe deeply and pack less than you think you’ll need :). You can always pick up something here if you forget it.
Have a wonderful trip and I hope you get to relax. Love your colorful dress 🏵️
Thanks, Rosemary
Aww thanks for sharing your Hawaiian 🌺 holiday, your ‘ rainbow’ dress is so pretty on you, next summer
I will look out for something similar. I have made a note . Enjoy the rest of your holiday x
Enjoy your warm weather holiday Jennifer! You look amazing – zen.
And pilates in Paradise! Capture joy in the experiences!
Thanks Paulette!