MeleKalikimaka is the Hawaiian way to say Merry Christmas

Apologies for the light posting this week. We've been quite busy:

Doing holiday prep, shopping and wrapping (like all of you!) We hosted a cookie exchange last week which was loads of fun and I highly recommend. (All the glory, half the work, lots more wine and giggling!)

Attending a series of craft fairs- my first ever. They were a great learning experience and it certainly was fun to meet customers in person and watch them interact with my products and hear their thoughts and feedback.

Eric is in the midst of final exams for his students and final papers for graduate school.

Our landlords returned and I was anxious about them seeing the changes we've made to their lovely home. Lots of deep cleaning and primping was in order.

I've begun a new part time job at the local intermediate school as a classroom assistant and tutor. I think it will be a nice way to integrate into the community and also be more a part of the work that Eric and the other Teach for Americans are doing here.

And the nice big cherry on top has been a frightful cold passed from Eric to me that has left me woozy and lightheaded.

But I'm here now.

And I thought y'all would get a kick out of these photos of the Christmas trees in the town center. I couldn't resist the decorations- starfish, ukeleles and woven grass baskets. We've enjoyed wacky Christmases in Uganda and Thailand, but this one will have a special place in my heart. Hawaii has been a surprisingly difficult transition for me, but it's special charm is beginning to enchant me at last.

What about you? How is December treating you?

A Garden of Peacocks

E & I were lured off the road to Havi by a hand painted wooden sign that read "Botanical Garden". The garden part was a bust- it's quite dry there so the plants aren't the lush greens and intense colors one usually associates with the tropics. Lots of bougainvillea and a few succulents- nothing too thrilling.

However, there was a big payoff- an aviary full of gorgeous peacocks! We were quarterless, and therfore unable to feed the birds, but they came quite close.

It's no wonder peacocks are the royal bird of India- they are so regal looking and those feathers! They positively radiate iridescent light. And they just happen to be drenched in my favorite colors- blue and green.



We also spent some time admiring these baby turtles. So sweet! They look like old men even when they are tiny little things.

More adventuring updates to follow soon. I have a feeling this island will take a long time to explore throughly! What is your favorite bird? I'm always amazed by the variety of beautiful creatures on this earth.

Imagining A Wintery Wedding

Editor's Note: Please visit the Treasury while it's still live on Etsy, or click on the links to go right to the listings.

Someone I love very much has been doing some daydreaming about her big day lately and I got swept up into the romance of it all. The colors she has in mind- silvers and blues- are perfect for a wintry wedding full of sparkle and shine. Immediately, I thought of Zoey Deschanel with her porcelain skin, ebony hair and shocking blue eyes. Her vintage sixties inspired look would be a great fit for Katie too. It's simple, not frilly and has a youthful, edgy feel. Here are a few of my picks for her big day.

This dress would definitely need some taking in, (our bride is a teeny little thing) and I'd love to see the hemline rise for a carefree, young look. The sparkling embellishments call up glittering icicles and crackling ice. For a really fashion forward look, she could rock black stockings and towering black heels. (Why not show off those perfect legs?)

With such an ornate bodice, a simple wisp of a veil would be just right.

Festoon the reception hall ceiling with hundreds of these tissue paper pom poms in every imaginable shade of blue, white and grey. It would look like clouds, snowflakes or a shadowy submerged world full of beautiful jellyfish and floating plants.

For rings, something eternally chic and loaded with symbolism. I like this pair of rings for her, which would symbolize the commitment both are making to K's little one as well as a present and future together. They could give the second ring to Lou on her wedding day many years from now.

Some sleek jewelery for the groom's finger too.

The groom would look elegant yet masculine sporting this dapper bout.

The bride to be has great affection for matching bridesmaid dresses, but I can't help but think a range of blues would look awfully pretty up there at the altar. This would make a smashing bridesmaid dress.

This dress is a stunner too. I think simple bouquets of white chrysanthemums would be perfection.

These dupioni silk brooches would make sophisticated stand ins for the usual corsages.

A little guide to help the best man through his big moment at the reception. (Best Wedding Toast tip in Miss B's Opinion? Keep it cheerful, keep it brief.)

What about these adorable Russian Tea Cakes and raspberry champagne punch for something truly unexpected?

Dear Santa Baby, Here's my Etsy Christmas Wishlist!

Here are my Etsy Wishes, just in case Santa Claus (or his spritely helper elves) read this blog...

This super decadent Jam of the Month Club would be a dream. Eric & I have developed a ritual of an after school snack and I don't think I'd ever tire of tea and oat crackers slathered in cream and strawberry jam with black pepper and mint.

Mittens for Hawaii may seem bizarre, but I'm rationalizing it by reminding Santa that the summit of Mauna Kea is quite nippy. And I can't entirely escape visits to loved ones in the wintry north.

Apparently I've done a 180 on my anti coaster stance. I blame all the rented furniture in my life and these adorable tiles which would look just as nice on the wall. I'd pick The Cohen Brothers, Martin, Stanley and either Quentin or Woody...

This glorious piece of wearable art would liven up all my sun dresses. I wouldn't be afraid to wear them with slippahs. (Ahem, that's Hawaiian for flip flops.)

Obviously, these hula gals & uke gents would be an excellent addition to my cupcake topper collection.

I actually saw a real live Parrot in a tree on my morning walk the other day. I guess I really do live in the tropics.

A Hawaiian gal can never have too many beach bags.

A little vintage volcano action to keep a fire under my rear & keep me hard at work so I make the nice list next year too.

What are you wishing for this Christmas? (And how do you let Santa know? Are you as subtle as moi?)

The World is Just Awesome. (Part Deux)

Wowie. The first Discovery Channel "The World is Just Awesome" song literally brought tears to my eyes- that contagious spirit of curiousity is so incredibly joyful and I think they really captured it in their little commercial. The second one suffers from a cameo by a Transformer, but it will still make you smile. Enjoy.

Aloha Thanksgiving

How was your Thanksgiving? Ours was a wonderful jumble of new friends, good conversation and a feast to end all feasts (even if the Turkey was on Hawaiian time and wasn't ready until after the pies...)
This Champagne Punch inspired lots of gratitude from yours truly.

Erin's bread cornucopia is a tradition in her family and made a breathtaking centerpiece. Can you believe that much of that fruit came right from their backyard?

These plaid shirted folks are all roomies & fellow champagne enthusiasts.

Some action shots from the very busy kitchen!

This year I felt so thankful to be on yet another incredible adventure, surrounded by cool new folks, all set against a spectacular backdrop. It's so important to take note of the blessings, isn't it? What are you thankful for this year?

Brunch on the Beach

Our dear friends Moni & Josh have been patiently waiting for us to settle down before sending us a wedding gift, but we've just gotten to year three and a permanent home isn't looking any more likely. Their solution was a little something we can carry with us anywhere we go- A charming forest green picnic basket complete with pretty cloth napkins, beaded napkin rings, wine glasses, a platypus for vino on the go and silverware.

We took the picnic goodies on their maiden voyage at the beach a few weekends back.

We feasted on these very fancy egg sandwhiches and fruit salad. Fresh from the oven rosemary biscuits, scrambled cheesy eggs with lots of pepper, chopped parsley, canadian bacon and a few perky tomatoes. (All neatly held in place with a seashell toothpick, of course.) What is your favorite breakfast leisurely weekend breakfast?

Many thanks to our dear friends for such a thoughtful gift. I'm raising my mimosa to many more picnics in exotic locales. Merci beau coup!