May 2008

These days, everything old is becoming fashionably new again (but not the Bedazzler, no matter what anyone says).

Just ask Deb Mascia of Mu‘umu‘u Heaven, who brought tutu’s mu‘umu‘us into the 21^st century by sewing them into stylish tops, dresses and skirts. But vintage isn’t just for clothes anymore – Mascia recently launched a home furnishings line in collaboration with surf photographer Clark Little and retailer Pacific Home.

The first piece in the Heavenly Home collection is a reclaimed and refurbished sofa... Read more »

Lei Chic’s guide to the weekend’s best events.

Mom’s The Word
What: You still haven’t found a worthy Mother’s Day offering for mom, have you? Better get on it.
When: The next two days
Details: Some last minute suggestions from our file of favorites: Locally made, all-natural soaps, a year’s supply of coffee, Read more »

Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to witness the signing up of Lei Chic to the Kanu Hawai‘i community.

This ceremony will cement an island-style, online social networking relationship centered on creating a more tolerant and sustainable vision of Hawai‘i, committing to 100 percent doable personal change, and then leading by example.

Lei Chic, will you commit to at least one challenging personal commitment, such as recycling as much as possible, driving at a respectable distance behind the car in front of you, using a reusable mug instead of paper cups and a... Read more »

Your name isn’t Mister Sun Cho Lee, but it is May, which means you’re about to get plenty…lychee. When you get plenty lychee, why not give to me?

From May through September (give or take) share the fruits of the season with your friends, and we’re not talking just dropping bags off at the door. Make a batch of these divine lychee martinis—the best we’ve tasted—because now the recipe is yours, (unless you’re under 21—then we no give to you).

The All Lychee Martini
Serves One

- 1 ½ shots of... Read more »

No more boring stuffed animals or fad-toy-of-the-year for the kids on your list. Try these four ideas for something a little more special.

For the Clothes Horse…
Whether your keiki is a shy ‘opihi, a rambunctious pele kane, or your dearest pu‘uwai, Big Island clothier Keiki Kruisers has Hawai‘i-inspired, bright-colored animal onesies, rompers and tees to make them stand out, even as they roam free. Online at http://www.keikikruisers.com/

For the... Read more »

Need a reason to donate? Try three:

▪ You’re place is so cluttered it looks like a landfill.

▪ You peeked, and there’s no room to put your new Christmas gifts.

▪ Green is the new black, but giving the right thing to those who need it, instead of dumping in the rubbish or at Goodwill, is priceless.

What: Your retired Moto
Where: Read more »

It’s Valentines Day.

Are you:

1. a. Bursting with anticipation for the romantic evening you’ve spent weeks planning?
2. b. Having a panic attack because you put off doing anything until today?
3. c. Moping because you have no plans at all?

Before you answer, click through the Lei Chic archives for a cheat sheet of extra useful hints.

Answer A
The whole night is scheduled to the minute and you’ve covered details down to the candles. Make sure you’ve prepared for everything to go... Read more »

Planning your dream wedding? Making it perfect can become a nightmare of details. For your altar ego, a few tips:

Planning
Make your plans for the big day with un-bridaled creativity. Start by hitting up this weekend’s Wedding Expo at the Hawaii Convention Center , where hundreds of local vendors are all in one place. You can get an up-close look at samples of countless invitations, cakes, dresses, and photos.

For more ideas, head to the Wedding Café at Manoa... Read more »

10 ways to green-up your life on Earth Day (and every day) – the day we remember we’re not the only ones living on an island – our planet is one, too.

1 – Bottled Water Be Gone
700 years. That’s a plastic water bottle’s landfill life. Add the energy used to ship it to our islands – home to some of the world’s best tasting, cleanest, non-fluoridated tap water – and it’s a no-brainer to switch to Sigg Reusable Water bottles, made from sturdy aluminum with a non-leaching plastic liner (unlike No. 7 Nalgenes), in 144... Read more »

What? Forgot it was May Day tomorrow? No more flowers at your house? Neighbors raided your plumeria trees? Oh, but need to make lei still yet?

Search around your yard (or your neighbor’s – but be better and ask first) for these unusual, oldie-but-goodie lei making materials. Then grab your needle and get to work.

Hair Will Do
No, not your hair, but Pele’s hair, also called hinahina or Spanish moss. Be sure to leave some where it hangs, and take enough to braid or double twist, and knot together.

French Braid
... Read more »