hello again

rainbow connection

perhaps catching the red-eye isn't the best way to jump back into life bright eyed & bushy tailed. i have been smacked down by jet lag and various ailments since my return earlier this week, but wanted to pop in to say h|h will be back on monday with all the goodness from my trip home.

until then, a few picks from my field notes . . .

• if you haven't already been, do go to the kailua & kcc farmers markets and behold the bounty of the 'aina. alas, no photos of all the tasty treats and beautiful blossoms since my camera decided to leave home without its battery. curses! oh well, it redeemed itself by snapping this photo on my last day home.

• candy is dandy! finally stopped by the candy shop and admired all the indie goods from local designers roberta oaks and akane clothing. tcs is also the exclusive stockist for cutnsewn (the buzzworthy line created by uh fashion grad dan weaver) which gets extra brownie points for tempting my fella (along with those sweet keep sneaks) with its uber-hep threads. and much love to toast for the very lovely cherry blossom note cards which has been happily added to my stockpile of stationary.

• and finally, even with just one onolicious spoonful, i now know why haupia is roselani's top selling ice cream. it is usually sold out at the market when i go home but my aunty scored a carton at foodland much to my delight. if you happen across it, drop it in your cart and think of me while you devour it this summer.

and many mahalos to everyone who sent along their condolences. i owe more than a few emails and hope to catch up with everything & everyone over the weekend!

a visit to hazelnut cottage

oh meet me at the sea

in a world of fast fashion, one way to make your mark is via the charming hand stamped designs from hazelnut cottage design. the romantic in me thinks this would be a lovely way to send/keep a secret message to/from your beloved near to your heart.

honolulu designer jan avellana's soul sings through her profile which describes her long journey from the corporate world to embracing her lifelong dream of artmaking. each .925 sterling silver piece is crafted by hand and then oxidized to create the effect of a vintage find discovered in a paris flea market.

sister

complimentary gift wrapping is available and, as with most etsy shop purveyors, custom orders are always welcome.

picnic in the park

because hawaii is the land of the picnic and the potlock, why not surprise everyone at your next shindig with partyware that is both pretty and gentle on the earth. i am loving the organic shapes and pleasing palette that comprise this biodegradable set from decor craft which is a guilt-free way to go disposable when toting stacks of breakable dishes is just not practical.

more proof that good design not only puts the fun in functional but is also eco-friendly to boot. stock up on your favorite color over at plum party.

treasure hunters in paradise

take one part da vinci code, mix in the amazing race, add the islands as your backdrop, and the intoxicating result is ravenchase adventures. if you have ever daydreamed about cracking codes while racing around the island, the time has come to gather a few friends and sign up for ravenchase's next treasure hunt to hit the pacific.

alas, there is no million dollar prize waiting for the winners, but the victorious team scores bragging rights and a hard earned trinket or two for their efforts. it's truly all about the journey for goonies at heart who must decipher clues with only a treasure map to guide them (and a few actors placed strategically along the way) to hidden nooks and crannies around the island which tests not only your teamwork skills but your knowledge of both the terrain and arcane of hawaii.

races typically take two hours with town and waikiki as the primary playground, however the neighbor islands are getting a little ravenchase love with recently rolled out adventures taking place on the big island and maui.

entry fees start at $25 for kama'aina ($35 for non-residents) and hit the $60/75 mark if you want to join the two day quest for the golden gnome race scheduled on oahu the weekend of june 16th (be sure to read the fine print before booking your reservation).

learn a few winners' tricks while living vicariously with the midweek team who raced all the way to the number one spot last year.

home sweet home

just a quick update that i am flying home for an expected but still unexpected visit to attend my aunty's memorial service. between that and surprising our nephew on graduation day, i expect to be slammed with family obligations on this trip so my apologies to any friends reading this who i may not see this time around.

oh well, an abundant to do list means there will be lots to share upon my return . . .

hope the sun is shining wherever you may be!