So we've already established that I do not currently live in a tropical paradise, right? In case you need a refresher, here you go: Michigan is paradise to me. But tropical it is not. And in the winter I really miss the lush greenery. This year I decided to take matters into my own hands and recreate that lushness inside my home. Bringing the outside in, as they say. All you need is Keep Reading >>
Polynesian Christmas: Fancy POG
Pog. I discovered that POG is a magical elixir that magically add sunshine to my teenager. I can't explain it. Have you had POG? We can't find it outside of Hawaii but it's simple enough to make if you can source the three ingredients. All you need is equal parts passion fruit, orange, and guava juices. Sometimes I can find a can of guava, but never have I ever found POG. Even so, passion Keep Reading >>
Polynesian Christmas: Homemade Ball Ornaments
Sometimes I can't find what I want in the store. I have a clear image in my mind of what I want but couldn't find it anywhere. Never fear! If you can't find what you want, you can make it! Fortunately for me, in this instance the creation is a simple one. Start with paper mache ball ornaments. I used to find these at the craft store but this year they are available online only. While I didn't Keep Reading >>
Polynesian Christmas: Ukulele in a Snowstorm
In the soundtrack of nearly every show you can hear an ukulele with the mere mention of a tropical locale. Immediately your mind carries you to a world without deadlines, bills, and stress. Perhaps you can envision the waves gently lapping the shore; perhaps you imagine you're drinking something from a coconut. Ukulele music is certainly ubiquitous with Polynesian life. Keep Reading >>
Polynesian Christmas: Decorate Your Tree Island Style
The first Hawaiian ornament we received was a gift from my inlaws for our first or second Christmas. This egg is covered with delicate little feathers and comes from the island of Kauai. We have been very careful with this precious prize and it has survived nearly twenty years of love and cross country moves. We have several special ornaments on our tree that remind us of our time in the Keep Reading >>
Polynesian Christmas: Pineapple
Oh pineapples. You're so prickly on the outside, so soft and sweet and juicy on the inside. You're the symbol of hospitality. And dare I say it but the most charismatic of fruits? Or versatile? Plus they only cost a couple of dollars. Pineapples never last long in our home because we love so much to eat them. But we can't help ourselves from making this fruit a little festive around the Keep Reading >>
Polynesian Christmas: Origami Aloha Shirt
These are so easy, and so cute. I used these instructions from the Origami Resource Center and found them easy and straightforward. Yes, in the instructions they demonstrate a white dress shirt (with a tie!) But remember the rule of aloha wear: patterns are your friends. So grab your patterned paper and let's have some fun. If you use a full sized sheet of paper this would make an adorable gift Keep Reading >>
Polynesian Christmas: Deck the Palms
In the islands you make do with what you have. Yes, plastic Christmas trees are available in stores. But it is also possible to have some fun and keep on theme. Photo by Magda Ehlers on Pexels. String some lights and hang some ornaments on the palm tree outside -if you're in a tropical climate, or inside -if like me the weather outside is too frightful for such a delicate beauty. By the Keep Reading >>
Polynesian Christmas: Nativity
I love to see how different cultures around the world translate the visuals of the Nativity. They take a story passed down for centuries and carried across the world and design it with local resources and influences. (I loved the Community Nativity in Dallas so much because of this. If you live in the DFW metroplex and haven't been, you must.) With that in mind, I have a special affinity to Keep Reading >>
Polynesian Christmas: Tapa Wrap
A couple of years ago I posted an easy tutorial for a tapa copycat. So this year since I am adding Polynesian traditions to my holiday festivities as well as trying to be a better steward of the earth (see my Be Pono post) I have return to my brown paper bag tapa. You probably already have all the materials. Brown paper bag? Check. (Kraft paper works as well, but brown paper bags are as easy as Keep Reading >>