'ohana organics

earth day is the perfect time to makeover your vanity with sustainable beauty fixes. oahu girl tara cooper first discovered the world of herbal goodness while in college on the mainland and since 2000 has been the self-taught alchemist behind 'ohana organics which specializes in pampering skincare solutions made by mother nature.

all of 'ohana organics products are handcrafted in small batches infusing healing botanicals from the family's northern california organic farm in the line's garden salve, shea butter cream, and soon-to-be-released vegan tattoo butter formulated to protect your ink.

and, for those who have been searching for an affordable botanical alternative to their favorite island inspired fragrances be sure to check out the alcohol-free solid perfumes (95% organic) offered in scents like coconut spice and gardenia vanilla.

to celebrate earth day, two lucky readers have a chance to enjoy 'ohana organics' coco gift set complete with large organic shea butter cream, small da kine organic salve, and solid perfume!

here's the 411 on how to enter:

• email your name & current hometown to: aloha [at] hapahale [dot] com by thu, apr 23rd
• please put 'ohana organics giveaway in the subject
• one entry per person/household

click back on friday to find out if you are the lucky winner.

{update: winner list posted}

the missing wink

word is that purchases of little indulgences are, at least for now, recession-proof as people seek comfort in fancy chocolates, lip gloss, and other affordable treats. if your peepers have been yearning for a pretty pick me up then you may want to investigate the latest product launch from maleana cosmetics.

biolash promises lush lashes with a blend of 100% natural algae complex, plant-based phytohormones, and bio-informed ginger root extract infused in an olive oil and jojoba oil base while being free of parabens and synthetic hormones. at $59, this lash wonder may be considered an indulgent splurge unless your one and only wish whenever blowing on an eyelash is for an abundance of flirty lashes without the assistance of mascara or falsies.

in other news, the honolulu-based beauty parlor has gone web 2.0 and is now offering destination brides complimentary skype consultations so you no longer have to hop on a plane and hit the streets to book your makeup match.

you can pick up a tube of biolash and shop maleana's spring/summer 2009 color collection at the line's studio in kaimuki (phone/email orders are also welcome):

• where: 3405 waialae avenue, suite 203
• studio hours: mon to fri, 9a to 6p

lavender fields forever

i finally had a chance to page through a review copy of ali'i kula lavender's the maui book of lavender (one part memoir, one part growing guide & one part cookbook with a handful of herbal tips thrown in for good measure) and found it to be a quick read for anyone who fancies herself an amateur herbalist. friends who have visited the upcountry gardens rave about the

experience so it was fun to take a peek behind-the-scenes and discover the history of lavender in the islands while filing away a few kitchen tricks for my next cooking adventure.

one surprising revelation was that lavender was grown in hawaii more than a century before akl owner (and noted horticulturist) ali'i chang discovered the perennial while experimenting with drought-tolerant plants to grow on his maui farm. that was news to me and makes the current renaissance of lavender in the islands more than just a happy accident.

alas, lavender seasoning is missing from my pantry but culinary fans will enjoy sampling recipes which put a provençal twist on island favorites while those open to otc alternatives will welcome tips on how to incorporate lavender into everyday living (a few drops of lavender essential oil equals sweet dreams for me).

now it's time for the book and the lavender delights that arrived with it to find a new home which means two readers have a chance to win!

• email your name & current hometown to: aloha [at] hapahale [dot] com by thu, feb 5th
• please put akl giveaway in the subject
• fyi - note if you prefer the book or the surprise
• one entry per person/household

click back on friday to find out if lucky lavender was on your side.

p.s. email subscribers - simply hit reply and follow the instructions above for a chance to win.

{update: winner list posted}

happy hale*days 08: nalu edition

1 - towel off with raymond pettibon's whimsical design (part of the art basel 09 series at target) then hang this oversized delight out to dry for all to see.

2 - surfer girls get the letterpress treatment via byvik ink's cheery holiday greetings. (m's design here; p.s. wed, dec 17th is the last day to order for holiday delivery).

3 - coola's sport sunscreen sports a high spf, an endorsement from the american lifeguard association, and organic extracts (hold the parabens and paba) to pamper parched skin while it protects. (fyi - everyday spf can be had in mango and plumeria scents)

4 - local artist john c elliott's handpainted tubetops put a wearable twist on original surf art.

5 - paddlers will heart the graphic pop of 'oiwi ocean gear's stand tee.

6 - heather brown's delightful birdies make a happy appearance on her very merry chocolate trees surfboard (available at chinatown boardroom).

7 - hit the surf in old school style with sig zane's kai palaoa waiuli board shorts.

8 - a groovy rainbow of sorbet waves channel a retro polynesian pop vibe in phoenix artist jason hill's limited edition screen print.

happy hale*days 08: beauty edition

thankfully, the islands are well past the days when wicked wahine was the most well known beauty product made in hawaii. since pampering treats are always a welcome surprise under the tree (especially for peeps like me who have a hard time splurging on pricey potions), enjoy this roundup of luxe and budget finds for your favorite beauty junkie!

1 - malie kaua'i continues to green its product line and recently introduced an organic update to its popular coconut vanilla collection.

2 - pure & true organic beauty offers up a range of luxe skincare treats concocted with good for you & the earth ingredients. (budget tip: sample the line with the mini facial kit for $20; available in the online shop or at hot mama maternity in kaimuki)

3 - spoil fragrance lovers with nani, saffron james's newest eau de parfum inspired by princess ka'iulani. the fancy scent enchants with notes of pikake, pink plumeria, mimosa & ylang ylang. (budget tip: order up samples at the perfumed court)

4 - glamour girls will adore maleana's holiday gift collection which adds a little sparkle just in time to ring in the new year. (alas, no online shop yet but you can hele over to the kaimuki studio or phone in your order to receive free shipping)

5 - the packaging for the simply kukui line from lanikai bath & body says it all plus all orders score complimentary gift wrap for the holidays! (fyi - there are a few days left to enter to win a $250 gift set!)

6 - a blend of moisturizing oils, hawaiian beeswax, and aloe vera & mango butters make ola's lauhala wrapped tropical lip balm a sweet stocking stuffer.

7 - hawaiian bath & body mixes epsom & hawaiian sea salts with essential oils for a relaxing and detoxifying bathtime soak.

8 - scent your space with island herbal's pretty seashell potpourri infused with fragrant tropical floral notes.