I love boys who sparkle

Edward Cullen is sparklier than ever and still makes my heart go pitter patter.  Sigh.  Okay, I know I sound like a crazed adolescent, but there's just something about that perfect and beautiful icy cold skin of his that makes me gush.  Eclipse was great, but my opinion is biased because I'm in love with a vampire. 

Look how SPARKLY I am!  I'm sure if Edward ever met me, he'd totally forget about that Bella chic. ;)

{AA tunic, AE denim vest, MICHAEL by Michael Kors flats, F21 necklace + rings}

Took some snaps in the movie theatre!!

I still don't get the hype over Jacob.  Can anyone on Team Jacob enlighten me?

Love, S

***Check out my first Q&A here, on Snapshot Fashion.

From Japan with Love

The Hubbs and I decided to do an impromptu trip to Japan. 

{F21 dress | Levi's denim jacket | Jeffrey Campbell sandals | F21 belt & rings |

Hubby's diamond pinky ring (it's to small for him now, so it's mine!)}

Pffff. I wish! We actually went to a friend's baby shower at Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens in Wailuku. These shots were taken in the Japanese garden.

Tried to snap some twirly action shots, but my crappy point and shoot wouldn't cooperate!

Well since I won't be going to Japan anytime soon, at least I can still go get my sushi on!  Oku's here we come. Yum.  Hope all you lovelies had a fabulous Saturday so far.

Love, S

p.s.  I've been living in the JC Splendid's since I've gotten them (both the black and tan), so you'll be seeing them ALOT.  Pretty much the most comfortable 5" heel ever.  My feet are actually happy and not in pain. :)

Messy hair and grandma shorts

Lately my hair feels so dry.  Maybe because it's officially summer.  It was another day of not being motivated enough to even flat iron my hair.  For most of the day it was disheveled and a bit fuzzy.  It's not like me to leave the house with unruly hair.  I even sported a bun today.  I don't do buns, unless I'm about to exercise.  Despite the hair dilemma, I received a fabulous surprise when I got home from work.  Okay, it really wasn't a surprise since I knew it was coming.  My other Jeffrey Campbell Splendid's came in... the TAN ones!  I thought I wasn't going to like them and pass them along either to my sister-in-law, Leah or bloggy friend, Kristy, but I fell in love once I slid them on.  I think I like them better than the black ones.  I HAD to wear them immediately, so I decided to wear them with my "grandma shorts" that I got a couple weeks ago.  I was a bit unsure about the pairing of this outfit... but I think it's fun, so I went with it.

{Paul & Joe x Target thrifted jean shirt | AA basic bodysuit | thrifted floral shorts|

Jeffrey Campbell Splendid sandals | F21 belt and rings}

***Listening to David Guetta f/ Akon - Sexy Chick***

Early tonight, while perusing F21, I almost landed smack dab on my ass!!  Someone decided to spill a ton of lotion on the floor.  It's a good thing that I'm quite skilled at walking in 5" heels.  Happy 2nd day of summer everyone!

Love, S

I've got the best dad in the world

My dad is the most patient man I know and I love him for that.  He's also the best bug killer in the world!  Thanks dad for loving me, guiding me, and protecting me from all the evil bugs that want to attack me!  I love you.

Today, he taught me to make his pinakbet.  One of my favorite Filipino dishes.  We made this together for my father-in-law.  He LOVES this stuff.  It really is a simple dish to make and is generally healthy (minus the chicharon!, but who doesn't love a little pig once in a while).  Hopefully I'll be able to make this dish on my own one day... but for now, Dad will always make the best pinakbet ever!

1. basic ingredients; tomato, ginger, onion, eggplant, long beans, garlic, okra, chicharon  2.  Fish sauce! (bagaoong)  3.  Brown the garlic.  4. Add tomatoes, onions, and chicharon.  Make chicharon CRISPY!  5. Add eggplant and okra.  6. Add long beans and fish sauce.  7.  Cover and let simmer.  Toss and take a peek.  8.  When vegetables are tender, it's done.  Adjust taste with salt or more fish sauce.  Plate and enjoy!

Hope everyone had a great Father's day.  Any fun or yummy dishes your dad has taught you to make?

Love, S

A simple Saturday

I slept in today.  Hubby brewed the best coffee ever.  Made sammies for lunch.  Gabbed on the phone with the BFF.  Packed some opihi for the BFF.  Decided not to do anything to my hair.  Washed and air dried it.  Ate dessert before dinner.  Went to a bbq.  Listened to funny stories.  It was a good day.

{F21 body suit | Essentials by A.B.S. skirt | Jeffrey Campbell sandals | Tahari bag}

My bff says the reason I "talk too much" is because of the mole by my mouth. :)

***Listening to Angel Taylor - Like you do***

Love, S

Have you checked out Sway yet?  If not, check it out here. :)

Patience is a virtue

Today I felt exhausted.  Not sleepy, but tired.  Does that make sense?  I'm thankful that it's Friday and I can finally sleep in tomorrow!  I was so tired this morning I didn't have the energy to put make up on.  Not even mascara or blush... and I always have mascara on when I leave the house.  I needed to make my face look somewhat presentable, so a quick swipe of lipstick was needed.

I did get a fabulous surprise in the mail today.  My hubby swung by on my lunch break with a brown box from Nordies and I tore into it like a little kid on Christmas morning.  I got my new shoes (that I just ordered yesterday!) - Jeffrey Campbell Splendid.  I actually got these back in March (when I purchased the JC Snick and Studded Tick), but returned them because I felt guilty for spending $500 on shoes.  I'm glad I waited, because I scored the Splendid's for half off!  You can buy a pair for yourself here.  I love these sandals and like most JC's, they're super comfy and I get a 5" boost.  That makes me 5'9"!  Awesomeness.  I also ordered them in the tan color, because I'm obsessive like that, but those haven't arrived yet.  We'll see how I like those on.  If I don't like them, they'll be going to my sister-in-law, Leah. :)

Cheese.  I think a bang trim is in order.

{Tracy Feith for Target dress (about a year old) | Jeffrey Campbell Splendid | random belt |

thrifted over-sized clutch | F21 rings}

Pooma and I wish you a fabulous Friday evening!  Need to get off the comp and get ready for a partay!  Kisses.

Love, S

Messy, moi?!

My bff  sent me a super cute miniature bibimbap platter and some very useful books.  I'm sure Eli appreciates that she sent me the "How not to be a messie" book.  I'm definitely not skilled in that department, but hopefully this book will help me out!  Do you all have any tips on how not to be a messie?  I'd love to hear them.

And of course I wanted to congratulate the winner of the MissHillary bag giveaway.

Congrats Sandy!

from Sandy a la mode

All of you need to check out her sweet and inspirational blog. She's got great diy's, recipes, and captures beautiful photos!  Thanks to everyone who entered. :)

Love, S

***Listening to Colbie Caillat - You got me***

A. Wang and M.J.

Doodled an outfit tonight.  Now I just need to get my hands on the shoes and the bag. ;) 

This little doodle will be sent to my BFF.  She actually just sent me the dress I'm "wearing" in the doodle.  It's so sweet and so "me"!  I love the peter pan collar.  I also love sending her drawings of myself.  I send them so she doesn't  forget what I look like, not that she ever could!  But then again, she might.  Her memory is TERRIBLE!  I wish we could see eachother more than once a year.  Maybe one day we'll be lucky enough to live in the same state again. 

***Listening to Katy Perry ft. Snoop Dog - California Girls***

Happy Monday lovelies!!  You still have until tomorrow to enter my giveaway.

Love, S

Satisfied for now

I've been searching for a perfect summer hat for a while now, but haven't had any luck.  Anytime I come across something I like, it doesn't fit.  So when I found out the company I work for was offering a hat and bowl weaving class, I didn't hesistate to sign up.  I made a boater-esque hat out of coconut leaves!  This hat will do for now.  I can't wait until it dries and becomes a nice tan color.  I'll still be on the search for the perfect summer hat, but I'm satisfied with this one for now, especially because I made it with my own two hands and it actually fits my head!

{T by Alexander Wang tank | Gap shorts | Kensie Girl sandals | F21 necklace | diy coconut leaf boater}

I decided to keep the top of the hat completely open, so that I have the option of wearing further down or just at the crown.

Now I must go hone my domesticated goddess skills and tidy up and finish the laundry!  If someone ever comes across a machine that folds clothes, please let me know.

Love, S

***Listening to Snow Patrol - Crashing Cars***

Mr & Mrs Crafty

Hubby and I DIY'd tonight. 

I saw this great necklace diy over at ...lovemeagan and got inspired to make one for myself.   To see Meagan's instructions visit her blog here.  Thanks Maegan for the inspiration. You always have great diy's.

I had to improvise and found some stuff in my fabric and notions stash.

Waiting to be sewn together.

Ta-da!

Smile and enjoy!  I think it came out pretty great, but not sure if my neck is "long" enough to pull of necklaces like this. 

Check out the awesome shirt Eli created, here.

Love, S

Au Naturale

Milk. Cream. Sugar. Cocoa. 
This is probably one of the "healthier" ice cream choices out there.  I mean, the box says "All Natural", so it's HAS to be healthy. My favorite flavor is coffee, but the market didn't have any, so plain chocolate was the next best thing. 

{random top | F21 jeggings & ring}

Plain chocolate is great because you can add yummy things like peanut butter (or Nutella).  And peanut butter is GOOD for you too.  I'm pretty sure this doesn't count as the healthy type of peanut butter, but tonight I didn't feel like spending $12 for a jar of the "good" stuff.

Of course I needed to include a serving of fruit!  I heart banana's.  And since we're on the topic of monkey food, don't my feet look like monkey feet in this pic! OMG.  I swear they do not normally look like that!

***Listening to One Republic - All the right moves***

Happy Friday night guys!  We rented The Ugly Truth... off to eat some ice cream and cuddle on the couch with the hubbs and Poomtang.

Love, S

p.s.  I wish my hair was naturally wavy.  Possibly considering a digital perm.

p.p.s  Don't forget to enter my giveaway.  Click here.

p.p.p.s.  Have your heard of Sway?  If not, come Sway with me and click here to sign up now!  It's free and you don't want to miss out.  Sway will be launching this fall!

Etsy Love: MissHillary + Giveaway

Summer is in full effect here on Maui.  The high this week is 86 degrees with 64% humidity. Yeesh!  And what better way to beat the heat (other than a yummy glass of iced tea or lemonade), than to brighten your wardrobe with a fun and one of a kind tote!  Especially when the tote is handmade from Hawaii...

When I came across the Etsy shop, MissHillary, I was smitten.  Hillary's cheerful designs and her attention to detail is definitely something that stands out.  A few of my favorties from her shop are the Light Blue Denim Ruffle Bag and the French Kiss Bubble Bag.  She explains that, "Every stitch has been a learning experience for me, and one that I will forever be grateful for. Sewing has been such a blessing, and a hobby that I never thought would be so adventurous!"  Being self taught in sewing myself, I love that she shares the same passion.  Let's get to know Hillary a little better...

{etsy shop} {blog}

Meet the artist

-Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Hillary Akau. I'm 24 years old and married. I have 3 dogs named Naya, Zoey, and Kitty...yes, I named one of my dogs Kitty because she kinda looks like a cat and she jumps over everything like a cat! Hehe:) I enjoy being creative, sewing is my hobby! My favorite color is pink, I love anything and everything that's covered in pink!

-What inspired you to start up your Etsy shop?
When I saw all the creative handbags on Etsy, I thought I'd try to sell some of my bags too. So I set up a shop, and got some sales. After every sale, I get inspired to sew more and more. :)

-Where do you draw inspiration from?
I get inspired everyday. I can be walking around shopping and I'll get some inspiration in my head, then I'll go home pick out some fabrics and ta-da...my idea comes to life! I get inspired by beautiful colors, prints, and anything cute.

-Any advice to others who are thinking of opening an Etsy shop?
My advice to anyone thinking of opening up and Etsy Shop would be...go for it! You'll never know how many people out there in the world will adore your creative ideas! It's such a fun way to share your handmade items with people. Never stop creating!

-For anyone who wants to visit Kauai... what is a "must-do" there?
For anyone who wants to visit Kauai, you have to stop at Hamura's Saimin Stand and try their yummy saimin! Kauai is known as the Garden Island because of its beauty. If you're visiting for the first time, you have to tour the island and drive to Hanalei, it's very very beautiful there! Kokee is also a must do!

Hillary was also sweet enough to send me a bag of my very own!  I love the striped pattern and the color combo.  I also love the fact that I can put a ton of stuff in here.  Although it would be perfect for the beach, it's also a great bag to carry around during the day.  Her sewing skills are impeccable.  Each stitch is perfect and I know a lot of love and patience went into this bag.  Hillary, thanks so much!  I'll definitely be using this bag a lot this summer. 

Now, you too can own you very own MissHillary bag.  Hillary is giving one of my readers the chance to win this cute blue corduroy tote.  See giveaway rules below. 

Giveaway rules:
Mandatory
1.  Name and Email address (so I can contact you if you're the winner)
2.  Visit MissHillary's shop, here and tell me what your favorite item is.

Optional - for optional entries to count, please list each one you do in a separate comment. 
1.  Be/become a follower of my blog. (+1 entry)
2.  Be/become a follower of MissHillary's blog. (+1 entry)
3.  Blog about this giveaway or place the giveaway in your blog's sidebar. (+ 1 entry)

Giveaway ends Tuesday, June 15th - 11:59pm (HST). Open to everyone.

Love, S

Pooma and I

... wishes everyone a Sunny Sunday!  Put on a floppy hat, drink some homemade lemonade, and soak up some sun!  Oh and don't forget the SPF.  Protect your skin, it's the only one you've got. :)

Love, S

What I've been up to

Just wanted to share a few things I've been making.  Cardboxes for parties.

Love, S

Pretty. Flirty. Effortless.

Cinnamon Girl is definitely a store I could spend hours in.  I love everything they sell... and I love that Cinnamon Girl can only be found in Hawaii. :)  Tonight I got myself a pretty necklace and also a couple gifts for some very special people. 

{no label tunic | Old Navy shorts | Target sandals | Tahari bag | F21 bracelet}

Also swung by Sand People.... a cute beachy shop.

Do you lovelies have any fun shops you adore in your town?

Love, S

Clogs on my mind... again

The people in my life are probably sick of hearing me say... "I want NEED clogs!"  I've been wanting these, these, these, and especially these. I know I have my beloved Jeffrey Campbell Studded Snick, but if I could I'd really love to get these babies! 

{source}

This purchase is going to happen anytime soon.  Well, realistically never, (unless someone from Chanel is reading this post and wants to send a pair to me! Wishful thinking.).... so to my surprise while visiting www.Payless.com, I came across these. 

{source}

I'm also diggin' these style from Payless.  I think I'll need to take a trip there this weekend.

{L - R: Alice+Oliva, Alice+Olivia, Christian Siriano, LelaRose, LelaRose}

{source}

I also want to congratulate the winner of the InezDesigns giveaway. 

Congratulations to Jen of jennifhsieh! 

She's a total sweetheart and cutie patootie.  If you haven't checked out her blog yet, you must go right now! Congratulations Jen!  I'll be emailing you shortly to get your deets.  Thanks to everyone who entered.

Hope you all are having a cheerful Tuesday!

Love, S