Sweet Like Pineapple
MERMAID BLOG
Welcome to Ukulena’s world — where mermaid vibes, music, plant-based treats, and daily inspiration collide. Dive in for a playful mix of creative musings, vegan Disney finds, and positive reminders to keep your spirit shining.
Welcome to Ukulena’s Sweet Like Pineapple Mermaid Blog
— a glimpse into the colorful, creative world beyond the stage.
Here, Marlena — the heart behind Ukulena — shares the things that inspire her most: music, art, tropical daydreams, and moments of joy. Whether she's performing, writing songs, or unwinding at Disneyland, her love for creativity, adventure, and island charm shines through.
You'll also find her favorite plant-based food discoveries from the parks, reflections on life as an independent artist, and little doses of positivity to brighten your day. It's a playful mix — part mermaid, part pineapple, always rooted in music and magic.
Escape the ordinary, and embrace the dreamy.
Blog of the Week
The Reality of Being an Independent Artist
Booking gigs as an independent musician often feels like an uphill climb — especially for women navigating an industry still weighed down by gender bias. Without agency representation, finding fair, respectful opportunities can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Too often, venues expect free or underpaid performances, overlooking the time, talent, and energy we pour into our craft.
On top of that, the pressure to maintain a large social media following just to be considered for gigs is exhausting. It’s as if the value of our art is measured in likes and follower counts, rather than skill, passion, or originality. Building genuine connections and community feels nearly impossible when the system prioritizes numbers over authenticity.
In today’s crowded online world, creating meaningful art can sometimes feel like shouting into the void — fighting to be seen, to be heard, and to be taken seriously. Yet, despite the frustrations and barriers, there's still freedom in being independent. It allows us to stay true to our vision, our integrity, and our unique voice — even if the road is longer and tougher.
But despite the challenges, there’s nothing more thrilling than creating music from the heart and watching it connect with others. No matter how unpredictable this path may be, I’ll never stop making art, chasing melodies, and sharing my voice — because at the end of the day, this is what I was made to do. We create not for algorithms, but for the love of the music, the art, and the people who do listen.
Blog of the Month
Mermaid Musings: Positive Affirmations for the Independent Soul
Being a young woman in her late 20s — chasing dreams, creating art, building something real — can feel a lot like swimming against the current. The tides of doubt, comparison, and self-criticism can pull at you, especially in the wild ocean of independent artistry. But remember, even sirens need to rest, reset, and remind themselves of their power.
As an artist, a woman, and a believer in daydreams, here’s what I’ve learned under the waves:
🐚 You are allowed to be both soft and unstoppable.
The world might tell you to toughen up, but your gentle heart, your creativity, your sensitivity — that's your magic. You don’t have to harden to succeed; you can flow like water and still follow your dreams.
🐚 Your art matters, even when it feels like no one’s listening.
There are moments when it feels like you’re singing your song into the endless sea. But trust me — someone hears it. Even if it’s just you, that’s enough. Keep creating. Keep expressing. The ripples will reach the shore.
🐚 Comparison is a shipwreck — swim your own course.
It's easy to look at others — their numbers, their followers, their seemingly perfect waves — and feel behind. But your journey is your own. The ocean is vast, and there’s room for everyone to shine.
🐚 Being independent doesn’t mean you’re alone.
Building your path as an artist or young woman can feel isolating, but your tribe is out there — fellow dreamers, mermaids, musicians, creators. Find them. Support them. Lift each other up. That’s how we rise with the tides.
🐚 You are not behind. You are not lost. You are becoming.
Your timeline doesn’t have to match anyone else’s. The ocean doesn’t rush its waves — neither should you. You're growing, evolving, finding your rhythm — and that’s a beautiful thing.
So to my fellow mermaids, sirens, dreamers, and independent souls, or those just swimming through uncertainty — keep swimming, keep singing, and never let the world dim your shimmer. Your voice, your art, your presence — it matters more than you know.
“Sing Your Life.”
Affirm it. Believe it. Become it.
With pineapple love,
Ukulena
Magical Eats ‧₊˚ ⋅ 𓐐𓎩 ‧₊˚ ⋅Vegan/Vegetarian Disney Delights
Magical Eats ‧₊˚ ⋅ 𓐐𓎩 ‧₊˚ ⋅Vegan/Vegetarian Disney Delights
Are you a vegan seeking plant-based food at Disneyland? Part One of our guide to vegan and vegetarian options starts at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. From Main Street, through Fantasyland or Frontierland, you’ll find a Star Wars tunnel to Galaxy’s Edge. Visit Ronto Roasters for tasty choices everyone can enjoy, vegan or not. Our pick of the week is their vegan/vegetarian option, the: Ronto-less Garden Wrap. A plant-based Impossible Sausage, with a spicy Kimchi Slaw, sweet Pickled Cucumber, Plant-based Gochujang Spread, wrapped in Pita.
($14.49 or with magic key discount: $13.04)
