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Indigenous 

"For all of us, becoming indigenous to a place means living as if your children's future mattered, to take care of the land as if our lives, both material and spiritual, depended on it." - Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass

Ronan’s First Day of School

9/17/2018

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My little guy is growing up so fast. But this Mama held it together for the whole 4 hours he was out of my sight. I’m so glad he was excited about starting preschool. We’ve been talking about it for the past month especially the week prior. Last night it dawned on him that I would be leaving him and he said in a worried voice, “No Mama?” I reassured him that he would have fun time learning with Ms. Jenny. Plus I told him when I pick him up I’ll have a special treat waiting for him. I’m not above bribing or treat training my kid. He did it! He made it through his first day. I dropped him off easily (for him) lol. He said bye and started to explore his new environment. His teacher sent me a couple pictures which made me so happy. I went to pick him up and he shared how much he liked school and wants to go back. Now we’re home chilling on our beanbag.
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My Top 5: Disney Sing Along Songs

9/8/2018

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Here’s my fave 5 songs I love to belt out! Of course it’s in the privacy of my home or car where no one else can hear any strained flat notes I may hit. This list spans from my childhood til the present. Of course I could expand on this list, but then it wouldn’t be a Top 5, would it? Enjoy my friends. Just curious, what is your Top 5? Disney only...
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I don’t sing because I’m happy. I’m happy because I sing.
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Voyages

9/3/2018

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I was born and raised here in California. Growing up I was aware of my ethnicity being half Samoan (Father) and half Maori (Mother). It wasn’t until I was a young adult I finally felt the need to reconnect and learn more about my family’s origin . So taking the time to journey and visit the lands of my parents was such an enriching experience. I’m grateful my parents moved to America so we could have the opportunity to live the “American Dream”. I’m also grateful that I can still connect back to cultural traditions and incorporate them into my modern life and my son’s upbringing.
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“This beautiful throw blanket was designed by Inspired Natives Collaborator, Kyle Reyes (Hawaiian), in honor of the first peoples of the Pacific to navigate the ocean, gather resources and information, and bring it back to their people. The name "Voyages" refers to the voyage each Pacific Islander and indigenous person must make to connect to their histories and heritages, inviting them to do so with purpose and intention. Rich with meaning, the design weaves together elements from six different Pacific Islander traditions: Hawaiian, Tongan, Samoan, Fijian, Maori, and Tahitian...The blanket incorporates symbols from these traditions that represent courage, time and space, previous generations of warriors and leaders, the blood spilled in defense of the aina (Hawaiian) or whenua (Maori), and the lines of canoes who journey together in community. It principle colors, brown and blue, symbolize the connection between the ocean and the wood of the navigator's vessels. The blanket's central paddle design comes from the original Native Hawaiian flag from before Hawaii was colonized, paying homage to Kyle's people and the Kingdom of Hawaii.” - 8th Generation
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Available at...
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Favorite place to be...

8/10/2018

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My favorite place to be is with my family. Especially with my boys. This summer has gone by so quickly. But I’ve enjoyed spending time with Greg & Ronan. Watching our little boy grow and develop 😍 It’s such a privilege and blessing to be his Mama. Plus I love sharing this experience with my best friend and Baby Daddy 😘. Summer is quickly coming to an end, but there’s so many more memories to make. 😁
Spend time with those you love. One of these days you will say either , “I wish I had” or “I’m glad I did.”
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Rich Faiva

8/8/2018

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My cousin, Rich Faiva, is an extremely talented photographer. He specializes in lifestyle and wedding photography.
​I love the way he captures both our family and our culture .
The following link showcases Rich’s trip to Samoa. I love seeing my father’s homeland through his eyes.
www.richfaivaphotography.com/blog/
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Reflection & Embrace Your Beauty.

8/6/2018

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The beautiful art of Michelle Lowden, from Acoma Pueblo, New Mexico.
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The Reflection blanket represents the prayer for rain. During monsoon season, the cisterns at Acoma become full again. It is then the people visit the cisterns to gather water for drinking. When you look down to see the cisterns full and you are met with your reflection, you can't help but smile with gratitude. It is a reminder that "water is life." The design features Acoma Pueblo abstract symbols representing mountains, clouds, and rain.
Embrace Your Beauty earrings are a vibrant design featuring a color palette inspired by the orange seashell earrings with turquoise accents commonly found in Pueblo Country. Wear these exquisitely detailed, mixed-media earrings and no doubt that you will be noticed where ever you go.
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#InspiredNatives


Available at....
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Family 2018

1/2/2018

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Family time is key to my happiness.
It’s my goal this year to continue to cultivate family relationships especially within my own little family unit. We started off the first of this year Whale Watching at Newport Beach with family. It was great watching the kids eyes fill with awe and wonder as we explored out on the ocean. I feel blessed to be with my family.
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Midnight Madness

12/11/2017

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When I find it hard to sleep I like to Pinterest. My latest pin accomplishment is organizing my Fridge. I never knew there way a breakdown I could follow. I liked this diagram the most and after 2 hours of trashing & cleaning. My fridge is no longer an eyesore. Plus now I know exactly what I have and nothing is expired.
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My Fridge 😁🙌🏾
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Inspired Native

12/1/2017

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Bold, Simple, & Strong

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Feather Necklace ☀️Feather Tribe
www.etsy.com/shop/FeatherTribeFamilyhttps://www.etsy.com/shop/FeatherTribeFamily

Navajo Beaded Earrings ☀️ Mia Woody Beadwork
instagram.com/mia_woodys_beadwork

Kia Kaha Bracelet ☀️ Taryn Elan Creation
https://www.etsy.com/shop/TarynElanCreations

Outfit + Hat ☀️ Lularoe Ana Aiono Dowden
​m.facebook.com/groups/1759457991008198

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Friday Favorite: Color

11/17/2017

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Where would we be without color? Don’t get me wrong, like I’ve stated before, Black is my go too, ride or die, favorite color. But I love mixing it up and embracing the beautiful Colors of the Rainbow. Sometimes you need that POP of color to brighten up a dreary day, chase away that lonely gray 😉. I’m grateful for all the lovely shades out there and I encourage us all to shine bright. 😘✨🌈
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    ​Ana

    "Behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women, who have her back."

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