Hawaiian Foliage:

      
      As a person who loves plants and gardening, I couldn't help but notice the exotic foliage and blooms in Maui.  My eyes were continually being attracted to the neon vibrant flowers and leaves that seemed so friendly with the tropical island atmosphere. A favorite memory from my excursion would be taking a walk under 30' tall plumeria trees and breathing in their delicate and foreign scent. While I know the proper names of some of these plant varieties, I'd like to pick up a book on Maui plant life next time I'm at my local bookshop to identify the rest! 

Hibiscus were everywhere in Hawaii. 

These are the striking yellow and white plumeria flowers that I was mentioning earlier. Their fragrance really is so unique!

Sugar cane, yum!

More Hibiscus! 

Yours,
Nico

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A Beachcomber's Island Dream:

Sunglasses- Chloe via Neiman Marcus Last Call, Tank- Target, Bathing Suit- Victoria's Secret, Pineapple Necklace-
 Maui Diver's Jewelry, Wrap Skirt- Vintage Escada, Sandals- DVF

      I have long since returned from my trip to Maui, however I am still enjoying sifting thru images from the island on my camera. I can still imagine the comforting sun on my skin and the faint scent of plumeria trees clinging to the salty ocean air. This particular beach in Lahaina was dotted with bits of ocean treasure, including coral, along the shore. More of this exotic mermaid loot lay waiting to be discovered in the clear blue waters and I relished the chance to snorkel for hidden gems on the ocean floor. I feel so lucky to carry this memory with me even now, while back at home in Santa Cruz.   

A favorite travel brush shaped like dinosaur bones along with some coral I collected (Notice the piece shaped like a heart?).

I was fortunate enough to spot not just one, but two gigantic sea turtles while snorkeling near Black Rock. Considering the fact that my get away was only 29 hours, I felt so elated to see such gentle creatures in their natural habitat by sheer chance and luck.

Chanel nail colour #521 Rose Cache.

     One of the most cherished elements of this trip was that I got to accompany my close friend Bridgett who I have know since I was 14 years old. Not only did we grow up together in Stockton, but we have also spent years living in the same city of Santa Cruz together. Until this trip, we had never savored a vacation together and I am now happy to cross that item off of my bucket list. Bridgett graduated with a degree in photography and was kind enough to snap all of these photos, special thanks for that! 

Yours,
Nico

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Maui In 29 Hours:

Beach combing was my favorite way to get from place to place.

      

      Last Sunday I was lucky enough to jet set off to Maui for a quick get away vacation. I flew stand by for the first time in my life and for anyone else who has attempted it, you know how nerve wracking it can feel in the airport! However, once I boarded that plane I could feel the excitement welling up in my stomach like butterflies and not just because we were leaving the ground! I anticipated lazy swaying palm trees, lush foliage, and a photo worthy view from every direction that my eyes could see. Once arriving, Hawaii did not disappoint in the slightest! In a place where the sky is typically pink at some point during the day, it's hard not to see the world thru rose colored glasses!

Small preview of an upcoming post.

That pink sky that I love so much.

Pineapple lamps at the hotel that I wanted to take home with me.

A tiki that greeted me as I walked onto the beach.

This wasn't my first time in Hawaii, but it was my first time on Maui and being able to see a neighboring island from the shore!

The comfiest white bed and bathrobe at my hotel.

Reading material I brought along paired with treasure that I found. Coral, sea glass, and shells
were some of my most prized gifts from the ocean while on this trip.

One of the views from the lanai (AKA: balcony).

Loved hearing the wind in the leaves of these slender palm trees while taking long walks.

Souvenirs I adored but did not buy. 

Yours,
Nico

Vegetable Soup In The Vegetable Garden:

      As the Summer just begins to show whispering hints of chilled crisp Fall air, I try to cherish meals in my garden as often as possible. While I really love spending time in my kitchen cooking (as seen here), after spending the day tending to my garden I sometimes want to skip standing over a hot stove. This dish of artichoke soup is from Gayle's Bakery, one of my favorite local places to pick up an easy meal. With each warming spoonful, I watch as my own vegetables ripen on their vines. The tomatoes will be used for caprese, jalapenos for spicy salsa, and finally, the lemon cucumbers will make an appearance in fresh end of summer salads. Simple living is what I most enjoy about the last bits of Summer. I relish taking a walk thru a favorite local natural wonder, maybe letting the breeze fly past my face on a lazy tree swing, or just having a slow meal in my backyard vegetable garden. 

Yours,
Nico

Painting The Roses Red:

      I've always had an affinity towards the book, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. There are so many fantasy filled moments to savor, one of my favorite scenes would be when a trio of cards are feverishly painting white roses to red, in order to please their queen and avoid having their heads guillotined! That particular encounter on Alice's colorful journey happens to be the inspiration for this floral arrangement. I repurposed an empty diptyque votive candle holder (get yours here) for a vase and filled it to the brim with white roses plus one solitary red beauty. I love when something as simple as fresh flowers can evoke memories from a beloved book. 

Yours,
Nico