Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Hawaii Nei






Dress: Target

When we got off the plane in Kona, we saw a lei stand and Ben had never been lei'd (ha-ha) upon arrival so I picked up this pretty pink and white plumeria lei so that he could experience the full tourist-in-Hawaii feeling. Plumerias smell amazing and they are very common in Hawaii, blooming for much of the year and emitting the sweetest, tropical scent throughout the warm, lowland neighborhoods. 

Plumerias remind me of visiting my grandmother's old home in Lanikai (Kailua) on the island of Oahu. When someone was visiting, she'd send my brother and I into the yard to pick from the trees lining their front drive and we'd fill brown paper bags full of yellow and pink plumerias, dripping with white sap. Once inside, we'd string them onto thin thread with a needle, passing the needle through the hollow stem and sliding each flower down until they made a fragrant lei. The plumeria leis are so gorgeous and smell so sweet, but are quickly marred and wilt in the warm weather around your neck, so they are best enjoyed quickly and fully. Once wilted, they can be hung around the back of a chair, or laid on an ottoman so that they keep perfuming the room for days.

27 comments

  1. I adore this dress it's so pretty. And the story about the Lei's is very sweet.

    Mana
    Fashion and Happy Things

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  2. How fun! Seriously, I am dying to go to Hawaii--my husband and I both have never been, it's high on our list of travel destinations!

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  3. So jealous, I can't wait to get back to Hawaii again!
    Your blog is great too, going back to check out past posts now!
    Would you like to follow each other on GFC or bloglovin'??

    Kendra
    xx

    Blog: Stolen Inspiration
    Instagram: KendraAlexandra
    Facebook: StolenInspiration

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  4. Have fune in Hawaii. You're taking beautiful pictures! Love the seahorse dress, beyond cute!

    Sofia

    stylishlyinlove.blogspot.com

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  5. This your post is 100% fine I like women black and red dresses. and other accessories. keep it up.

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  6. What a gorgeous story! I hope to visit Hawaii some day!

    xo, Nina
    afterthe40barfinish

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  7. i love the photos! your dress is gorgeous :) hawaii seems to be amazing!

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  8. What a pretty lei! You are making me want to go to Hawaii badly!

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart
    PayPal Giveaway!

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  9. Very cute dress....the seahorse print so matches the beach vacay you're having!!!

    Rebecca
    www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

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  10. I am officially jealous. You look great!!

    xo Amy

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  11. That dress is so cute and of course the lei is beautiful!
    I just found your blog and was immediately drawn to it when I saw that the photos were in HI. I think it is the most beautiful places on earth and if I could ever afford even a shack on the beach as a vacay home I would certainly buy in. I have family in Aiea on Oahu and lived with them for a bit about 7 yrs ago. BUT the big Island is my favorite place ever!
    I am definitely following you now! Looking forward to more posts!
    Jen
    http://fashionablyfestive.blogspot.com/

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  12. Wow, it looks absolutely stunning there and I love your dress!

    xx
    Kelly
    Sparkles and Shoes

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  13. I've never been to Hawaii but these pictures are making me jealous. Sounds like y'all had a blast! Love that dress on you (I would've never guessed it was from Target!).

    Have a great day!
    Grace
    A Southern Drawl

    Also, I would love if you could check out a giveaway on my blog (it's only my second giveaway ever)!

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  14. Great place and lovely pictures!
    Greetings from Vienna :)

    www.alexavoncanisius.com/blog

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  15. how envious am I you were in Hawaii!! =)
    xo,
    nancy

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  16. Beautiful outfit and beautiful scenery! Have a wonderful time!!

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  17. I love that you're a Hawaii native! These pictures seriously have me wishing for another Kona trip. I seriously had the best time (and I love that little airport!).

    xo

    Ashley

    Southern (California) Belle

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  18. So jealous you are in Hawaii. Enjoy it!
    xx
    Staci

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  19. I love that seahorse dress! Hope you're having a wonderful time in Hawaii, it looks beautiful! :)

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  20. The last picture is so dreamy!

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  21. Oh my goodness. I want to be there! Glad you're enjoying your time! What gorgeous pictures!

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  22. Beautiful dress, and once again, lovely pictures of Hawaii.

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