free shipping at ali'i kula lavender

click over to ali'i kula lavender's online shop today to enjoy complimentary shipping on all orders over $50. while aromatherapy may be the first thing that comes to mind when one pictures a field filled with the lilac hued bloom, ali'i kula lavender has partnered with local artisanal foodmakers to create an array of treats enhanced with lavender's signature floral flavor.

stock up on gourmet goodies made with the maui grown lavender and explore a culinary world of lavender infused lilikoi jelly, chocolate brownies, strawberry syrup and more.

bon appétit!

tamara catz bridal collection

maui designer tamara catz recently unveiled a bridal collection composed with the island bride in mind. poetic details include flattering empire waistlines, flutter sleeves, breathable textiles (silk chiffon & linen, natch), plus embellishments like embroidery with a tropical motif. all the elements combine to conjure up a gown ready to make its debut in a dreamy beachside romance.

and, the sweet taro mini featured earlier this year has been translated into a floor length style perfect for local brides seeking fresh ways to mix a little island culture into their big day.

no worries about experiencing the sticker shock so common when shopping for a gown since the more informal styles start at $220 with the collection topping out at $1200.

the bridal line is available both online and at the tamara catz boutique in paia.

an affair to remember

haiku mill

one glimpse at the pua le'a estate and i fell in love all over again. the setting is dreamy . . . an abandoned sugar mill in haiku restored with both earthly delights and vintage finds scavenged from paris flea markets by an owner inspired by the love of his life. it's like hawaii's very own taj mahal hidden in the hills of maui.

within the sugar mill's walls, a pergola constructed of glass creates a swoony setting for dancing under the stars. also on the grounds, a shabby chic plantation style cottage filled with sparkly chandeliers, whitewashed furniture, and more vintage treasures. the cottage doubles as a changing room for wedding parties as well as a post-bash escape for newlyweds.

for more details on booking a private event, click over to white orchid weddings where you can also take a peek at the slideshow.

ink & paper navigation

honolulu, circa 1934

i have been enamored with the idea of decorating my space with vintage maps ever since spying the idea in more than a few shelter magazines. an enlarged copy would serve a dual purpose - filling up the blank wall in the living room and acting as a sort of touchstone to home from across the pacific.

so it seemed like serendipity to discover lahaina printsellers, just days after reading yet another feature about decorating with maps, while flipping through the pages of hawaiian style magazine. the maui company got its start selling antique maps from the days when cartographers, not google maps, helped people find their way around the world.

now that the prices of antique maps have skyrocketed, they also trade in reproductions of vintage maps of the hawaiian islands (some dating back to the 18th century) for those of us who have better ways to spend $30k.

if you fancy yourself a map to call your own, take a peek at the online inventory which is stocked with maps of the hawaiian chain created upon its "discovery", detailed island survey maps from the days of king kalakaua, even colorful fun maps for tourists who would have arrived by steamer.

when on maui, stop by one of their galleries to soak up the old school world of cartography in person.

free shipping at ali'i kula lavender

yoo hoo! ali'i kula lavender is having a one day free shipping sale today on orders over $50. be sure to check out the new summer gift set filled with a moisturizing lavender tropical sunscreen, lavender mango lip balm, lavender shave gel, & aloe after sun cooler to pamper your skin after a day at the beach.

no secret code necessary since the free shipping offer will be automatically applied upon checkout.

of course, if you can wait until the end of the month, ali'i kula lavender will be at the kcc farmers market on sat, july 28th. to guarantee your favorite goodies are in stock, pre-orders will be accepted by phone until tue, july 24th. more info can be found here.

p.s. if you've got it, don't forget to use your hawaiian miles visa card to score 100 miles on your order.