Shopping at the Farmers' Market

The Mister and I were one of hundreds of people who packed into a parking lot at KCC (Kapiolani Community College) to shop and eat their way through the Saturday Farmers' Market.   We had been wanting to go to this farmers' market for a while now, and I'm happy to say, it was totally worth the wait.     Not only did it make me happy to be buying fresh produce, it was nice to know that we were supporting local growers.  

These Hamakua Mushrooms were amazing, even after being chopped and cooked, the mushrooms did not cook down; they maintained their shape and firmness, and had a very distinct (but not overpowering) taste.  

 Fresh bread is always a winner!

Fresh salad greens. 

 Sweet onions.

 I couldn't resist the beignets!

Happy New Year (and Happy Belated Bday Daddy)

Happy New Year! 

I hope everyone's 2011 has gotten off to a wonderful start.  I spent the first day of 2011, the best way I could think of: with family and friends.  

The Mister and I kicked off the new year by waking up pretty early to go to Ala Moana for FUKUBUKURO! 

Fukubukuro, which literally translates to "lucky bag,"is a tradition on January 1st.  Many merchants in the mall will participate by making grab-bags and selling them at 50% of the retail value, and shoppers rush to the mall to grab their "lucky bag"which can range from $20 to $5000 (@Gucci).  This was the first year I made it to fukubukuro, and with some help from the Mister, selected a bag ($100) from Vera Bradley.  

{the line of shoppers outside Vera Bradley, after selecting their lucky bag(s)}

{my lucky bag}

{what'd i get, what'd i get?!} 

{showing off my loot}

I had such a wonderful time checking out the fukubukuro around the mall and watching the other shoppers go crazy as they picked their bag(s), some using shake, squeeze, stare at, repeat.  -and I crossed off the first item from my "Thirty before 30" list (more to come in a future post).

After our Fukubukuro adventure we had a birthday lunch for my future FIL and then headed over to my parents' house where we celebrated my dad's birthday with family and friends.  (Yup that's right, both our dads have the SAME birthday!!!) 

I am confident 2011 will be a wonderful year to share with family and friends filled with lots of happiness, love and laughter!  Cheers to everyone and a splendid 2011!  

Painting the Town Beautiful

On Saturday, Mother and I went to "Paint the Town Beautiful," Nordstrom's Cosmetics Fall Trend Show. We arrived to a Nordstrom worthy spread of fruit, pastry, and coffee.  Soon after we were escorted through the doors and immediately given a black bag handbag filled with all sorts of freebies other goodies.

{Anastasia, the eyebrow queen} 

The main event was fashion show style on the second floor (we had seats in the second row!!!).  Representatives from many of the main cosmetics brands were there to present new products and do demonstrations.  I was so excited to find out that one of the presenters was Anastasia Soare, the eyebrow queen!!! I was hoping to get a quick consultation with Anastasia but unfortunately, all of her appointments had booked way in advance of the event.
After the show, Mother and I had oxygen facials from Philosophy, a makeover from Chanel (Mother sampled and later purchased their Sublimage cream), and I had a smokey eye done at Smashbox, and Orgasm blush from Nars.

{a sampling of my loot}

I had such as wonderful time with Mother as we Painted the Town Beautiful and later as we sat in my living room to inventory all of our loot! Whoo hoo!

Biker Chick

Although the weather here doesn't really call for a leather jacket, I just couldn't resist!

Thank you Michael Kors, it's a beautiful jacket! 

Mighty Python

It's been a long week at work with people out on vacation and an office move on the horizon.  In the next 43 days we have to pack up our office, upgrade an entire computer system, prepare the new office, learn a new phone system and conduct business as usual! Crazy! The constant office craziness has left me in desperate need of therapy... RETAIL THERAPY!  

I figured, since I will be schlepping tons of boxes and going between the two spaces I might have to put my pumps on the shelf (for just a bit), and find something practical, but definitely chic. 

I went strait from work to the mall and picked... the Kate Spade "Dina!" Dina isn't your average loafer! The leather upper features python inspired texture with a metallic sheen and chain detail over the vamp. The rubber soles make it non-skid and best of all, Dina is uber comfortable - perfect for work and play!!!

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1.  Tory Burch Snake Print Reva Ballerina Flat - Grey Snake - $235 - toryburch.com

2.  Jimmy Choo Western Star-Studded Flats - $495 - saksfifthavenue.com

3.  GUESS Women's Equate Ballet Flat - $76 - endless.com

4.  Steve Madden Kobbe - $74 $60 - lorisshoes.com

5.  Kate Spade Women's Dina Slip-On - $230 $164 - endless.com

6.  DKNY Women's Alexandria K1004033 Ballerina Flat -$185 $143 - endless.com