keiki cards

raise your hand if one of your favorite parts of the holidays is tackling a crafty project or two. i must confess to spending endless hours every holiday surrounded by a ring of rubber stamps, glue sticks, ribbons galore, and various accoutrements from my crafty arsenal (project 07: pom-pom garland!). if handmade holiday cards are your thing, this year consider adding a few extra cards so you can send along some holiday cheer via keiki cards.

the oahu-based non-profit mails out handmade greeting cards every week to over 400 children fighting life threatening illnesses. you can imagine how many cards are required to keep all those mailboxes filled with handmade goodness especially since it can be a time intensive process. and, since kids always want to join the fun this time of year, this is a great project to involve little ones at home or at school.

the holiday season also means keiki cards is gathering up donations to gift the children on their list with a surprise from santa's elves. donations of toys &/or gift cards are welcome or, if you prefer, you can also sponsor a child. click over to the website for more details.

{update | jan 2010: keiki cards closed in 2008 due to lack of funding}

farm fresh goodness

ola recently unveiled pretty new packaging and intoxicating fragrances like sandalwood verbena, jasmine neroli and coffee chocolate across their tropical spa line. the big island company scores extra points for working with local farmers which allows ola to whip up their cane sugar scrubs, creme lotions and other bath goodies with sustainable ingredients grown in hawaii.

and, robin from ola has sent along a sweet deal to help h|h readers get a jumpstart on the holiday madness. save 30% on the entire line, including the oh so indulgent and gift worthy lauhala wrapped spa treats, stocked in ola's online shop when you enter the code below at checkout!

• secret code: holiday07
• expires: jan 15th, 2008

click rewind for more.

weekend muse

rockabella jewels + tamara catz

kristel from rockabella recently buzzed me about tomorrow night's muse event hosted by modern pacific weddings, smart magazine, and downtown @ hsam. the fashion show shines the spotlight on designer gowns by maui's tamara catz (plus nicole miller, jules bly, and kirstie kelly of the disney fairy tale weddings collection) versatile enough for both brides and fashionistas making the rounds of black tie bashes this holiday season.

rockabella jewels will also be in the house with new designs and there will be eco-friendly ideas on how to make your own soirées a bit more green.

• when: sat, nov 3rd - 7p to 10p
• where: thirtyninehotel
• rsvp: gowns [at] modwed [dot] com or 808.537.6762

and, if you are planning a destination wedding to the islands, be sure to click over to modern pacific weddings which is honolulu's newest one stop bridal shop. mpw will also host a trunk show featuring a few muse designers at their charming on-site lounge next week.

• when: tu/th/sa - nov 6/8/10 - 10:30a to 5:30p

{update | jan 2010: modern pacific weddings closed up shop last year}

sig zane anniversary sale

espresso pa hoaka

just because you live somewhere other than the big island doesn't mean you can't enjoy this weekend's 22nd anniversary sale at sig zane. markdowns on sz's bold screenprinted designs have been extended to the online shop with everything in stock, including new arrivals and the luxe leather goods collection, anywhere from 22% to 50% off!

the hilo shop will also have extended hours to coincide with tonight's 7th annual black & white night.

the online sale kicks off on fri, nov 2nd @ 9:30a hst and ends sat, nov 3rd @ 4:30p hst.

tabletop luau

a quick roundup of fun design finds which will add a little tropical spark to your thanksgiving table.

1/6 - floral and tiki summer melamine plates from target keep disposable serveware out of the trash and can be used season after season.

2 - napastyle's pig bowl is made of reclaimed wood for a one of a kind luau centerpiece.

3 -  italian ceramic hibiscus bowls add a pop of color for condiments and crudités.

4 - vessel's rechargeable luau lamp lets you take the party wherever you please.

5 - no worries about guests losing track of their drink with these reusable tropicalia clinqs.