Six Months of Life in Hawaii!
Rae Marshall: Hawaii Wedding Photographer
I can’t believe I’m already writing this post. I honestly feel like I just moved here last week, and now I’ve been here half a year already. It’s a little scary because I want to cherish this time and it seems like it won’t slow down for anyone.
Moving to the island of Oahu has definitely changed my life in many ways. Before this I lived in the South my WHOLE LIFE! Which is funny, because I am nothing like a typical southerner in many ways.
I was born in Texas, raised in Alabama, moved and worked in Nashville, and then we picked up and moved to an island in the Pacific. There are things I miss about the south, such as the copious amounts of macaroni & cheese and mashed potatoes at weddings and country music concerts at every bar, but I was ready for the change and have enjoyed being in Hawaii very much.
What has changed?
1. My wardrobe
The last place I lived with a strong fashion aesthetic was Nashville, where the trends are black ripped jeans, white (or black) shirt and brown beat up but very expensive boots. I pretty much wore black head to toe most days, with the occasional hipster hat. But all that had to change pretty quickly when I moved here on the first of June with no air conditioning!
Now I am loving vintage fitted shirts and sandals, or slippers as they say here. Actually I wear the same nice sandals almost every day because there is pretty much no reason to wear other kinds of footwear. I will say I really miss my black heeled boots and have tried to find reasons put them on every so often for a special occasion!
2. How I eat
There just simply are not enough chicken options on restaurant menus here. My husband and I went to McDonalds one morning while out to order breakfast chicken biscuits, and the cashier DIDN’T EVEN KNOW WHAT WE WERE TALKING ABOUT.
I’m getting into acai bowls and fresh fruit items on menus, as well as healthier juices. I’m replacing coffee with tea of my own personal choice and I’m still enjoying the local coffee shops as much as I ever have. Everyone agrees the mexican restaurants here are generally pretty bad, but there is ramen and sushi places galore!
But seriously. GIVE ME BACK CHICK FIL A AND PANERA!!!!!! YES IT’S THIS DRAMATIC FOR ME!!!!!
3. Being Used to Hotter Weather
So yes, it’s warmer weather all year round here. And by warm, I mean blazing heat in the summer time with no air conditioning in many homes, including my own. Philip and I chose to live off of a military base in a local area so that we could experience Hawaii life daily. This means that most homes don’t come with air conditioning. Now that it’s past the summer time I see that we don’t really need it, or even miss it.
I’ve gotten accustomed to not having cold air blasting constantly and feeling a bit warmer. We are able to use screen doors that let in an awesome breeze and can hear the tropical birds singing at night. I also figured out how to dress in things that are more comfortable in this weather.
Was it bad in June and July though? YEZ. Are we allowed to complain when it’s 55 degrees? YES. I don’t bring jackets anywhere with me?! I don’t wear pants?! Okay do you understand!?
4. My home decor!
I’ve taken up a love for decorating (even though it’s just for myself no one comes over lol) and my aesthetic has definitely changed since moving here. Our apartment called for different items with tan walls and an open lanai. My previous decor was all white. White shaggy rug, glass table and clear chairs, very modern. Now I’ve reversed it and gone more earthy and boho to suit my personality more as well. You can see more in the photos below!
5. I’m more active
I’ve never been much of an outdoor girl, besides photoshoots I never went hiking or exploring much on my own. I love shopping malls and my couch. But here is a completely different story. This is one of the most beautiful places in the world, there is too much to miss out on by not going out and finding the trails. I’ve definitely enjoyed more outdoor activities and have been trying to see as much of the island(s) as I can while I am able to.
My daily life in Hawaii
I decided to take some photos of my apartment here in Oahu and show you a little bit of what my daily life looks like! My dear friend Ashley came over for some photos and I included a few of her here too because she has been such a big part of my months living here. There hasn’t been many people I could walk into their house without knocking while carrying my groceries, in fact as I get older I’m realizing how much harder it is to find people who connect just right with us.
Anyway she’s been an amazing part of my life so I’m glad I can include her in my quick apartment tour below. Thanks to Ashley Bowman Photography for the photos of me and my sweet Dragon cats!
yes these are custom cat drawings I had done
I picked up this chicken souvenir from my most recent trip to Kaua’i
If you don’t know my cat “Dragon” by now, just know she is my literal angel sent from the heavens <3
This is Jack on the right! He hangs out on his own more but still loves attention when he feels like it.
hey girl hay
Thanks for stopping by! Check out these other recent blog posts for more on Hawaii life and more!
Behind The Lens – Day Trip to Kauai! – Kauai Wedding Photographer
Rae Marshall is an Oahu Wedding Photographer also specializing in elopements, engagements, families, senior portraits, fashion and more and travels to the other Hawaiian Islands.
