Mint Condition

A lovely package arrived in the mail today. Wonderful gifts from my dear friend Leanna at ParcelMint! (To anyone trying to find a gift for the holidays, anything from this shop would be a great idea!)

This package came with postcards and a journal. Everything is hand made and I love the detail that is put into each item. I especially love the sewn on accents that add the perfect touch to these simple and delicately beautiful gifts. I can't wait to write someone a postcard... who will it be?

36 weeks: Maternity Style

This week Dane and I explored the sunflower fields in Waialua on the North Shore of Oahu. Even on a cloudy, drizzly day these flowers are so cheerful!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone stuffs themselves silly today, on this day of feasting. Since my stomach is so jam packed with all my other innards and a big ol' baby at the moment... I will be having small but frequent meals all day (or at least till I fall asleep from all the tryptophan).

I know I will be in good company of friends and family, though I must admit, every year I greatly miss my mothers wonderful gravy and delectable pies. Well, just being home for the holidays in general and the crisp, cool air.

But today is not just about feasting, it is about being together with loved ones and being thankful. I am thankful for all the love and support Dane and I have gotten over the past months. With our little turkey baking in my belly I can not be more thankful for both of our good health and the joy that awaits us around the corner.

                                                               Gobble, Gobble!

I must admit, I do get a little nostalgic during the holiday season but I am thankful that I can wear a bikini on Thanksgiving and get a little sun tan too!

Lately

according to my iphone.

Dane and I. Floating around.
Dinner. Carrot cake.
Childbirth stories. Ice cream!
Spices. The ocean. 

Leahi Health

Another great place in Kaimuki for a quick pick me up is my friend Jason and Heidi's health bar called Leahi Health Beverages. Right on the corner of 9th Avenue and Waialae, next to a small fresh fruit and veggie market. Prices are unbeatable- $5 smoothies, coffee from $2.50- $4.50, and fresh and homemade Kombucha for $4 a glass! Not to mention this little ray of sunshine will be mixing up your wonderful beverage.

My smoothie had just about everything in it from Gogi berries to spinach, blueberries, cacoa, mint, you name it it was in there! All the good stuff for me and the baby!

I love that they have all of these wonderful ingredients to choose from: kale, celery, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, fresh papaya, an array of nuts and seeds, mint, organic peanut butter, and so much more. Check them out next time your in Kaimuki!

The Onesie

As most know, expecting parents seem to be given a plethora of white onesies ranging from newborn to 12 months in size. I continue to hear that they will all be used and white seems to be the it color, but I started thinking, why white? Especially since you arent supposed to use bleach on baby products. So what is the perk of white?

I thought about sewing different items or cutouts on the onesies (and probably still will) but I thought this absence of color was rather boring so... I tie dyed. How fun it is!

You never know what you are going to create, but I am pleased with my turn out.

I got a little carried away with the editing of the pics, sorry!

Orchid Obsession

Over the weekend I finally took myself to Olomana Farms around the east side of the island. I feel like I drive by this colorful orchid farm every week as Dane and I head for the beach but have never stopped until now. I was greeted by Peter, owner of Olomana Farms, who was so incredibly knowledgeable about orchids that I stood there and talked to him for an hour.

I have to admit this is now going to be my third time trying to keep an orchid alive so lets hope all goes well. Peter was able to help me to figure out what I was doing wrong with my previous orchids- little did I know all I had to do was re-pot them! These little suckers are so dang fickle but so beautiful and Hawaii is the perfect climate to grow them so I figured why not give it a whirl again.

This farm is run by a local family that has been on this plot of land for ages, they ship their orchids all over the world, are extremely honest in telling you if you chose a good orchid or not, and have really great prices. So if you are ever on the windward side of Oahu and whether or not you are looking to purchase an orchid stop by Olomana Farms and at least walk around the acres of colorful, majestic orchids they have all around.

32 weeks: Maternity Style

 

As some of you might know,  I just got home from a surprise visit to California to see my friends and family and to feel a little chill in the air (been overheating on this island!). It was a short but sweet visit. I was rather tired the whole time but I feel like I got so see a lot of important people to me while I was home and I am really thankful for that. 

This was my second year surprising my mom for her birthday which means a couple things: 1) It probably wont be a surprise any longer because she will probably start to expect it.  And 2) It is the start of the holiday season and I start to get a little nostalgic which is perfect because 3) Flying off island at the end of October is really cheap!

As for the bump, she is growing bigger and her kicks stronger.  When Dane picked us up at the airport I am pretty sure she could hear her Dad because she started doing backflips! Though the crisp California air felt amazing it feels good to be home. We are officially in the final stretch and start our lamaze and birthing classes at the hospital within the week. We still don't have a name for the little babe but I sure can't wait to meet her!