popping in with tardy new year wishes for happy everyday moments and delightful adventures be it nearby or faraway!

only a few days remain on my winter holiday filled with much needed sunshine and smiles. alas, an island hop is not in the stars this time around, but the lovely canvas & leather luggage collection designed by sig zane would certainly add a dash of aloha to crowded tsa queues and cramped overhead airplane bins.

three styles. gorgeous prints. made in japan.

$145 & up in-store + online.

if you are on the hunt for a fresh start in the new year, fishcake is on the lookout for a sales/marketing manager and maui rose needs a january intern.

buy 2, get 1 free at the butik is happy news for last minute holiday shoppers on budget.

p.s. off islands friends can save 15% in the online shop (stocked with fighting eel and wishing bridge jewelry) with secret code butikmas.

• when: now to sat, dec 24th
• where: 1067 kapiolani blvd, suite a-3

family sunday at the academy of arts celebrates the holidays with snow globe making, xmas jingles, and a visit from santa!

p.s. be a food bank elf and bring a few yummies to donate to the canned food drive.

• when: sun, dec 18th - 11a to 5p
• where: 900 south beretania street
• tix: free! (donations welcome)

lily lotus will treat you to a $20 in-store gift card for every $100 of yoga loveliness in your shopping basket.

• when: now to sun, dec 18th
• where: 609 kailua road, kailua

meet the lovely misa jewelry when she pops home for a trunk show starring her gorgeous sparkle!

• when: sat, dec 17th - 11a to 2p
• where: riches, kahala mall

posh pua flies in from maui and stops by the florencia arias flagship for a trunk show to debut the new resort collection (25% off!) plus bargain hunters can snap up $20 swim separates.

p.s. enjoy mimosas & sweets while you shop, plus save 30% off all clothing in-store and score a free tunic when you scoop up $100 of merch (while supplies last) all day saturday.

• when: sat, dec 17th - 11a to 2p
• where: 1161 nu'uanu avenue, chinatown

shop for handmade style from pretty tees to gorgeous sparkle during an 'ohana holiday sale hosted by designer sierra dew.

• when: sat, dec 17th - 11a to 4p
• where: under my umbrella, 2752 woodlawn drive, manoa

neighbor island friends: two trunk shows equal four chances to shop pearl.love, rockabella jewels, and sophie grace maui between now and next week!

• when: sat, dec 17th & sun, dec 18th - 10a to 6p
• where: seaside luxe, four seasons hualalai

• when: wed, dec 21st & thu, dec 22nd
• where: cabana boutique, four seasons wailea

on the mainland, l.a. lovelies are invited to indah's holiday trunk show by the beach.

• when: sat, dec 17th - 9a to 4p
• where: 2320 abbot kinney blvd, venice

in nyc? make your way to the artists and fleas market in brooklyn and scoop up letterpress holiday wishes from hour of nine.

• when: sat, dec 17th - 10a to 7p
• where: 70 north 7th street, williamsburg

online, ginger13 is offering complimentary shipping and a lucky bracelet with your order.

• secret code: luckyme
• expires: sat, dec 31st

after sunset, mu'umu'u heaven opens its online shop with complimentary shipping worldwide when you shop tonight!

• secret code: free shipping
• expires: sat, dec 17th - 10a hst

save 20% off organic skincare line pure & true. plus, score a complimentary refuge mask when you order $150 of beauty goods.

• secret code: holidays2011
• expires: sat, dec 31st

next week, slip on a xmas sweater for art & flea's final indie market of the year featuring local makers and vintage finds.

• when: thu, dec 22nd - 5p to 10p
• where: fresh café, 831 queen street, kaka'ako
• tix: $2

happy weekend!

a freelance deadline kept me unexpectedly away this week, but i am delighted to be back to prove that gifting can still be pretty even on a budget!

let's have a peek at 2011's most fabulous presents under $40 . . .

1 - every girl will want to make a date with gypsy's newest underpinning. {$34; save 20% off sitewide with secret code gypsylovesyou. offer ends mon, dec 19th.}

2 - malie organics' roll-on perfumes will delight eco lovelies with scents reminiscent of paradise. {$29; spend $200 and receive a complimentary scent and free shipping with your order. offer ends sat, dec 17th.}

3 - bikini loving beach goddesses will adore a kini pouch by acacia which is sewn of the same gorgeous fabric that lines their flirty collection. {$30; find in-store at i heart hanalei.}

more possibilities for your gift list after the jump!

4 - office mates can count the days to their next holiday on emi ink's desktop calendar. {$13; find at the wedding café at ward warehouse & menehune mac's windward mall holiday pop-up.}

5 - handpoured hawaiian lip balms by maoli perfumes (created by mama coco's keiki) will keep lips kissable with xmas cheer. {$5; first 50 orders receive 50% off with secret code hapahale. offer good sitewide and ends when the 50th order is placed or on fri, dec 24th.}

6 - remind time-crunched friends to live in the moment with little hand, watch faces remade with vintage embroidery by machinemachine. {$36}

back soon with the aloha friday scoop!

december has ushered in winter chills in my part of cali (brrrrr) so hooray for this fab video featuring 25 ways to wear a scarf making the rounds on the interweb.

if the kcc farmers market is on your saturday to-do's, look for the ali'i kula lavender elves who are flying over from maui to help fill oahu xmas stockings.

• when: sat, dec 10th - 7:30a to 11a
• where: kcc, 4303 diamond head road (parking lot c)
• fyi: peek this week's market tip sheet before you go

baby aWEARness hosts its first annual handmade holiday market filled with delightful keiki finds by local mama-preneurs.

• when: sat, dec 10th - 11a to 4p
• where: manoa marketplace, 2752 woodlawn drive (second floor)

save yourself the postage and fill your gift basket with chocolate-dipped shortbread from the big island candies holiday pop-up shop!

• shop hours: mon to sat, 9:30a to 9p & sun, 10a to 7p
• where: ala moana, level 2 (by macy's)
• fyi: pop-up closes after we ring in the new year

spoil your favorite surf art sweetie with a $100 gift certificate from chinatown boardroom and score a $20 gift certificate to spend on yourself.

• when: now to sat, dec 24th
• where: 1160 nu'uanu avenue, chinatown

[ki-ele] pops by nordy's for a holiday trunk show featuring designer marylea conrad's seaside inspired adornment.

• when: sun, dec 11th - 10a to 6p
• where: fashion jewelry department @ nordstrom, ala moana

dj spins, bubbly spirits, and 20% storewide are just a few ways roberta oaks is celebrating the two year anniversary of her chinatown boutique.

• when: fri, dec 9th - 6p to 10p
• where: 19 north pauahi street, chinatown
• fyi: spend $100 and score a free dress (while supplies last)

shop toast brings their collection of handcrafted favors and always merry treats to their final craft fair of the season.

p.s. jeremy & michelle just debuted a deal of the week with the tiny tins dart set marked down to $20 (retail $35; while supplies last).

• when: sat, dec 10th - 9a to 3p
• where: moanalua high school, 2825 ala ilima street, salt lake

on kaua'i, bungalow 9 invites one and all for a modern dash of holiday cheer plus 15% off storewide (including misa jewelry and nina kuna designs).

• when: sat, dec 10th - 10a to 9p
• where: kukui'ula village, 2829 ala kalanikaumaka, suite g141, koloa

next week, maui lovelies can scoop up tamara catz pretties for 30-to-70% off during a one day sample sale.

• when: fri, dec 16th - doors open at 9a
• where: 83 hana hwy, paia
• fyi: free gift with purchase (while supplies last)

happy weekend!

the mister and i rarely find ourselves on the north shore when home, but one of my favorite island moments is when you begin to coast down the hill by the pineapple fields and are greeted by the most breathtaking panaromic view stretching from the skies to the sea.

north shore artist christie shinn captured this swoon-worthy setting exquisitely with her paintbrush, no?

$35+ online.

p.s. if you haven't met christie yet, read more about her right here.

a few whimsical possibilities to dress up your december with a little island inspired holiday cheer!

1 - xmas greetings get modern with hour of nine's merry letterpress notes. {$18; enter secret code hapahale in the special instructions box at checkout & your order will arrive with preprinted return addresses on the envelopes}

2 - old school xmas lights are even more delightful when transformed into handmade felt ornaments by honolulu's danielle london. {$25}

3 - pretty up gift boxes with shop toast's happy wooden charms engraved with holiday cuties. {$6}

4 - mailbox smiles are guaranteed when heather brown's eco-friendly cards featuring the sweetest three little birds arrive with holiday wishes. {$20}

more merriment after the jump!

5 - tag presents with a personalized flourish printed by honolulu's pikake press. {$8}

6 - swap out your old cookie cutters for playful ninjabread men and gift the coolest baked goods ever. {$8.95}

7 - coral felt wool placemats by haleiwa's aestivation designs will decorate table settings with festive flair. {$85}

do you prefer to stay true to xmas traditions or do you adore mixing in newly discovered holiday delights every december?

{first friday highlights}

• fashionista's market: enjoy 20% off storewide plus shop genuine guava's collection of upcycled clutches and handbags. {4p to 8p; 1185 bethel street}

• fighting eel: save 15% off shop purchases when you acquire adornment from the padma & pickles and [ki-ele] trunk show. {4p to 9p; 1133 bethel street}

• florencia arias: featured window looks will be 50% off for one night only, plus enjoy bonus dollars when purchasing holiday gift certificates. {1161 nu'uanu avenue}

• roberta oaks: save 20% off your wishlist. {5p to 10p; 19 north pauahi street; enter secret code friday to receive discount & free shipping online}

• super citizen: lisa from modern philosophy previews her spring 2012 collection (select styles 10-to-30% off)and says goodbye to past season styles (40% off). {5:30p to 8:30p; 22 south pauahi street}

the ali'iolani craft fair will be stocked with style flown in by maui thing, new holiday goods crafted by shop toast, and more handmade possibilities for your gift list.

• when: sat, dec 3rd - 8a to 2p
• where: ali'iolani elementary school, 1240 7th avenue, kaimuki

aloha rag's winter sale has arrived in-store and online. save 30-to-50% off the house label and coveted designers including 3.1 phillip lim and alexander wang.

• where: 1221 kapiolani avenue, hnl + 505 greenwich street, nyc

the lanikai holiday craft fair returns with midori jewelry (free gift with purchase when you spend $50+), noelani designs, one shabby chick, wanko wanko scarves, and many more local artisans.

• when: sat, dec 3rd - 9a to 3p
• where: lanikai park, kailua (between aalapapa & mokulua)

embrace your inner willy wonka with madre chocolate's candy making classes and learn the tricks to gifting handmade sweets like chocolate truffles and your very own bean-to-bar creations.

• when: sat, dec 3rd (truffles) & sat, dec 10th & 18th (bean-to-bar)
• where: check calendar for locations & class times
• fyi: $45 to $50; advance reservations recommended

on kaua'i, a machinemachine holiday trunk show promises to dress your december with style.

• when: sat, dec 3rd - 4p to 8p
• where: work it out, 4-1312 kuhio hwy, kapa'a

socal friends are invited to uniqueLA to scoop up letterpress goods printed by joie studio (along with oodles of indie style & design delights).

• when: sat, dec 3rd & sun, dec 4th - 11a to 6p
• where: california market center, 110 east ninth street, downtown la
• tix: $10

in nyc, say hello to designer bliss lau who will be sharing her always daring jewelry collection during a holiday trunk show benefitting children's charities.

• when: sat, dec 3rd - 2:30p to 4:30p
• where: treasure & bond, 350 west broadway, soho

online, catherine weitzman invites you to choose your favorite holiday deal - 25% off or $25 off your order. plus, shipping is on the house!

• secret code: 25percent *or* 25dollars
• expires: mon, dec 19th

happy weekend!

naulu

makahiki season would certainly pass most of us by if not for the kealopiko 'ohana. in ancient times, when winter solstice neared native hawaiian life slowed down to celebrate happy times with 'ohana, feast on the bounty provided by the 'aina, and revel in delightful diversions from hula to surfing.

and so, makahiki has arrived and with it a welcome reminder for modern day kama'aina to breathe in the beauty of hawai'i and embrace all you love about island life.

happy congratulations ane, hina & jamie on five years of gorgeous handprinted goods inspired by hawai'i nei!

the makahiki celebration (+ weekend market details) begins after the jump!

kahuli * naulu

kahuli * aku

ferns pareu * puka square * eke scrap

aiea * kaka

if you have your heart set on the brand new eke scrap bag (love that they are reversible and crafted from remnant fabrics - hooray for one-of-a-kind style!), just know they are selling out within moments of arriving online, but you might have better luck at this weekend's holiday markets:

{na makua xmas gift fair}

• when: fri, dec 2nd - 5p to 9p & sat, dec 3rd - 9a to 5p
• where: afook-chinen civic auditorium, 799 piilani street, hilo

{makahiki market}

• when: sun, dec 4th - 9:30a to 4:30p
• where: town, 3435 waialae avenue, kaimuki
• fyi: wear a style from kealopiko's debut collection & receive 5% off your purchase

p.s. kealopiko's makahiki lookbook was photographed through the exquisite lens of jyoti mau.

there is just something about a puka shell setting that captures my fancy so it should come as no surprise that a lovely new offering by hinu jewelry instantly jumped to the top of my share list. say hello to the most becoming puka shell cuff - a pair of petite ocean treasures plucked from the shore and elegantly surrounded by the warm glow of 18k gold.

the addition of diamonds makes the design especially breathtaking.

handmade by hinu for lovelies of all ages.

price tag starts at $485 for a baby cuff and goes up to $800 if you simply must own diamonds.

p.s. email hinu to order but do inquire soon since only a limited number of cuffs are available. also, mark tue, dec 20th on your calendar as the absolute final day for expedited holiday delivery.

because the best things come in small packages . . .

1 - tea party guests will be delighted when handmade felt cupcakes crafted by ooh la lollipop are served by their hostess. {$12; save 25% off on your entire purchase with secret code etsysale25. while supplies last.}

2 - charm your honu-loving little one with rockabella's tiny gold & sterling silver turtle pendants. {$25; save 20% in the online shop with secret code hapaholidays. offer ends sat, dec 31st. order by mon, dec 5th for usps delivery by xmas.}

3 - handcarved rubber stamps by honolulu's hugfish and orange will inspire crafty cuties to fill endless playdates with the sweetest creations. {starting at $2.50; order by mon, dec 12th for xmas delivery.}

more pint-sized possibilities after the jump!

4 - expect giggles galore when your early reader pages through wave, an enchanting picture book about a little girl's first encounter with the ocean. {$15.99}

5 - pua jewelry's pretty seashell bobby pins are a sweet memento of happy afternoons spent by the seashore. {email lauren to order.}

6 - screenprinted mini minis by jana lam will keep her most beloved possessions tidy and ready for her next adventure. {$30; stocked at aloha 'aina in waikiki, super citizen in chinatown & wings hawaii in paia.}

7 - little sprouts celebrates the hawaiian alphabet with organic onesies and tees. {$22 to $24; save 10% off in-store and online with secret code hapahale; offer ends sat, dec 31st.}

happy shopping!