Fun fact: The whorls of the lightning whelk shell coil in a counter-clockwise direction, with its opening on the left. This unique feature makes it easily distinguishable from other shells.
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Diving with Humpback Whales in French Polynesia
Feeling tiny and humble next to these underwater giants 🐋 Diving with humpback whales in Moorea last September was an experience I'll never forget. There's something profoundly awe-inspiring about being in the presence of these magnificent creatures in the crystal-clear waters of French Polynesia.
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I Got Engaged!!! - A Magical Engagement in French Polynesia
On September 2nd, my life changed forever in the most magical way possible. After spending the night in a luxurious overwater bungalow at the Hilton in Moorea, CJ planned an amazing day that ended with our engagement, set against the stunning backdrop of French Polynesia.
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Cooking is My Love Language: Preparing Hamachi Crudo
Cooking is my love language 🤍🐟, and one of my favorite dishes to prepare is Hamachi crudo, a delicate Japanese appetizer made from raw yellowtail. Crudo, which literally means “raw,” can include fish, shellfish, or beef. Unlike sashimi, where the fish is dipped in soy sauce, crudo is topped with olive oil, citrus, or some type of vinaigrette to enhance the dish.
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The Wagyu of the Sea: Bluefin Tuna Toro
Bluefin tuna toro is often considered the wagyu of the sea, and it’s easy to see why. The rich, buttery texture and delicate flavor of this prized cut make it a favorite among seafood lovers. I was thrilled to prepare meals for my friends and family with the bluefin tuna we caught on our travels.
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Diving in the Kelp Forests off Catalina Island
Kelp forests can be seen along much of the west coast of North America. Kelp are large brown algae that live in cool, relatively shallow waters close to the shore. They grow in dense groupings much like a forest on land. These underwater towers of kelp provide food and shelter for thousands of fish, invertebrates, and marine mammal species.
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Diving with Mola Mola in California: A Surreal Experience
Encountering a sunfish, or mola mola, was one of the most surreal diving experiences I’ve ever had. These fascinating creatures develop their truncated, bullet-like shape because the back fin they are born with never grows. Instead, it folds into itself as the enormous creature matures, creating a rounded rudder called a clavus. The name "mola" means "millstone" in Latin, describing the ocean sunfish’s somewhat circular shape.
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Discovering Tuna Spinal Jelly: A Culinary Adventure
CJ brought us a bluefin tuna while spearfishing in San Diego, and in an effort to use every part of the fish, we decided to try tuna spinal jelly. Inspired by a video from @sooziethefoodie, I asked CJ to save the bluefin tuna spines for me.
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Diving in the Blue Hole in New Mexico
Diving in the Blue Hole in New Mexico is a unique and exhilarating experience that every diving enthusiast should try. Nestled in the high desert, this natural wonder offers a stark contrast to the typical ocean dives, providing a freshwater oasis in the middle of the arid landscape.
Read MoreBahamas Birthday Bash - Spearfishing for Hogfish
Celebrating my 31st birthday in the Bahamas was an unforgettable experience, filled with adventure, laughter, and the thrill of the hunt. Surrounded by friends, we embarked on an exciting spearfishing trip, targeting the elusive and delicious hogfish.
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Finding the Moana Shell (Queen Conch) on an Abandoned Beach in the Bahamas
During one of my most enchanting shell-collecting adventures on an abandoned beach in the Bahamas, I stumbled upon a beautiful queen conch shell, reminiscent of the iconic shell from Moana. This discovery was not only unexpected but also a fascinating look into the local culture.
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A Birthday Surprise: Finding a Beautiful Queen Helmet Conch in the Bahamas
Last year, on my birthday, I made an incredible find by the dock in the Bahamas. This beautiful queen helmet shell was face down in just a few feet of water. From the surface, it looked like a big rock, but I decided to check it out, and I was not disappointed!
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World Turtle Day 2023
Did you know the day was created as a yearly observance to help people celebrate and protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats around the world?
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Harvesting Stone Crab | Salt Life Podcast
A few weeks ago I was with host Kieran Anderson from Salt Life to discuss stone crab fishing in Florida and why it’s considered one of the most sustainable forms of fishing. Listen to the Podcast!
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Diving with Kelly Young in Key West | Hand Spearing fish in murky water (catch, clean & cooking over primitive fire)
I went diving with Kelly Young a few weekends ago in Key West. I was busy taking pictures of mangroves and crabs but she was hand spearing mangrove snappers in murky water and the made dinner over the fire in the backyard! She prepared it with pineapple and Valentine Thomas’ Bahama Mama blackened spice mix and it was 🔥
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Free Dive For Longer! Must Know Exercises & Tips For EVERY DIVER
Salt Life Video - Let me walk you through my most effective exercises to free dive for longer. I focus on breathing techniques, stretches, exercises for depth, and more. Make sure your buddy knows what to do and stay safe- happy diving!
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New ♒︎ Life in Shades of Blue ♒︎ Merch Available Online
Life in Shades of Blue is inspired by the sea and made for all ocean people. It's for the sun seekers, the sea lovers and the day dreamers. For the girls with wild hair, salty skin, sun kissed souls who have a ☼summer state of mind☼ all year round while chasing a never-ending adventure.
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Sustainable Fishing - Save the Mermaid Podcast Interview
In this episode of @savethemermaidspodcast I have a chat with Chelsea & Blake (@themermaidchelsea @blakeintheblue)
As a water woman, photographer, and spear fisher, I have a massive love and respect for our oceans. We chat about my journey to the water, sustainable fishing practices, and what it means to care for the sea. You won't want to miss this interview!
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Spearfishing for Yellowfin Tuna in Costa Rica: A True Test of Teamwork
Our recent spearfishing adventure for yellowfin tuna in Costa Rica was an exhilarating challenge. I worked incredibly hard for this tuna! I shot at 4-5 tunas, and one of them was almost 200lbs according to CJ. Unfortunately, they all ripped off or barely poked the fish because I was just a little too far. Despite the frustration, I did some of my best diving.
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Regulating | Flowing | Aligning - The Art of Slow Living
I am in my ‘‘following my dreams & slow living era’’. I am taking care of myself, moving my body daily and doing pilates. I am swimming in the ocean whenever I feel like it, grounding myself with daily walks or sitting on the beach while looking at the water. I am reading books, journaling and listening to podcasts. I am sleeping 8 hours a day, cooking myself with healthy ingredients. I am feeling creative and energized. I am in the present moment and not worrying about what comes next. I am aligned and I am ready to receive the miracles of life.
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