honolulu chocolate company

chocolate truffles

hopefully, your love connection is as steadfast and true as the combination of valentine's day and a box of chocolates. if you really want to splurge, stop by the honolulu chocolate company at ward center and worship at the altar that is their chocolate filled glass case. their specialty is artisanal chocolates with everything from decadent truffles (on the last trip home, i sampled one with li hing powder) to chocolate dipped strawberries made just for valentine's to tempt your tastebuds.

if you can't get to their shop, an edited selection of goodies are available on their website however ordering is a bit old school since you have to either fax or call in your order. and remember that valentine's is the shop's second biggest day of the year so don't procrastinate if you want to treat your sweet.

you + pacific home = 20%

ooh, today is customer appreciation day at pacific home so swing by ward and score 20% off everything whether it's new furniture for you or a little something for your favorite design junkie.

there will also be some winter cheer in store with designers sharing their tips for creating stylish holiday table tops and refreshments to enjoy while you shop.

• sale hours: today, 10a to 7p
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after thanksgiving sale

typically black friday is all about scoring deals on holiday gifts for your loved ones. however, if you prefer to avoid the crowds at the mall, make a detour to pacific home and check out their after thanksgiving sale this weekend.

yep, everything is 20% off so it's a great time to pick up a few well designed accessories for the home. and if you venture back to the warehouse you can save up to 70% off!

details:

• sale dates: fri, nov 24th to sun, nov 26th
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the wedding cafe

tucked in the back of the manoa marketplace is a safe haven for island brides-to-be and the grooms who love them. the wedding café is a one stop shop for all things wedding with everything from a library filled with required reading, information & goodies from island vendors (like h|h favorite miemiko atelier), plus workshops to help you plan your perfect day.

and yes, there really is a café which means you can get a little sustenance in between your research and chatting with other brides (because, let's be honest, it's way more fun to dish about your plans with someone who understands the importance of all the arcane things that make a wedding happen). and, fyi, if the only way you're going to a wedding is by crashing it, there's no need to fib to get in the door since all are welcome to dine at the café.

the wedding café is also the spot for mint, a modern take on tea service that takes place on the first sunday of the month (next mint: dec 3rd). make a reservation and invite your friends for an afternoon of civilized refreshment and ladylike conversation (gloves not required).

{update | jan 2010: the wedding café has since relocated to ward warehouse where you can plan, shop, and nosh}

redesign on a dime

dr. pitt * orbit lounge

shopping for a gift for my friend's housewarming gave me the perfect excuse to stop by pacific home off ward avenue during my last trip home. this is definitely the place to go to deck out your digs with stylish and modern furniture and accessories not typically found in hawaii.

pacific home is the exclusive hawaii dealer for mitchell gold (fyi - many of the pieces at pottery barn and crate & barrel are designed by mg) and is design junkie nirvana since it is the only place in the islands to find thomas paul pillows, lights up! lamps, amenity bedding, and angela adams rugs under one roof.

the new showroom is huge and i just want to warn you that, even if you weren't planning on it, you will probably be ready to redecorate your home after your first visit. good thing pacific home is throwing a sale this month!

• sale dates: oct 13th to 23rd
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