Spring 2016

a perfect event

spring!

mother’s day diy decor trends cinco de mayo and more!

DL LOFT - FULLY STYLED - PARTY READY FOR EVENTS THE ULTIMATE PARIS APARTMENT FOR RENT 3050 NORTH LINCOLN AVENUE CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60657

LOFT

APERFECTEVENT.COM T. 773.244.9333

To whom it may concern: It is spring time. - Kurt Vonnegut Spring is a time of plans and projects. - Leo Tolstoy Despite the forecast, live like it’s spring. - Lilly Pulitzer 1, 2, 3 - here we go - ‘tis tulip time.

Is there any season more fun to celebrate, than springtime? Skies are blue, sun is shining, gardens in bloom.

Spring in Chicago means everyone buzzing the lake front paths, out and about enjoying the city, at long last. Days are longer, sunsets are brighter, everything comes alive with such beauty.

May means celebrating the season in NYC at The Stationery Show - and this year it will be three generations scouting paper and design trends together, as both my mom and Lilly (age 14) will join for a whirlwind weekend curating new collections for A Perfect Event’s design studio and 2016 parties. How fun is that?

Read on for everything spring - from fashion, gifts, recipes, party trends - it’s here.

And we’re ready to celebrate - cheers!

@DebiLilly debililly.com

photo credit Alissa Pagels

contents Spring in Napa 12

Sweet on Cinco de Mayo 68

Sunday in France 30

Hats off to Grads 70

In Love with Rose Gold 36

Maternity in Bloom 82

Spring into Action 44

Designs on Spring 94

Paris in Springtime 46

Garden Party 112

Cooking up a Spicy Cinco Three Cheers for Mom!

56

118

Aloha Hawaii 122

DONNA HALL interior designer Named Best in Design/Best in Customer Service

by Houzz, her style's defined by a long love affair with European architecture.

BETH PETERSON blogger

Whisk Together Inventive Home Entertainer. Dynamic World Recipe Champion. Food Writer.

The founder of Yummie Nation and you have recipe for all things pretty & yummie!

COREY AMARO

photographer

Her blog, Tongue in Cheek, is woven from her experiences of living in the south of France. Her tales are of linens, letters, vintage scraps & moments of these objects whispering in her ear.

We dare you to keep up with Kenny. His connection between art and photography, plus love of travel and culture, means he spans the globe snapping hundreds of weddings and destination events.

blogger

KENNY KIM

Spring in Napa

Napa in Spring b y K e n n yb yKKi m enny Kim

photo: Kenny Kim Photography

Napa is one of my favorite places to visit and to photograph.

Reminds me of the italian countryside.

Although they have four seasons just like the midwest, the temperature is always even, which makes Napa Valley a great place to visit all throughout the year.

If my Chicago clients are fans of great wine and food, we often do their engagement session in Napa, to mix it up and make a getaway weekend out of it.

It is a mecca for some of the finest wine in the US and a culinary heaven for the food lovers.

sunday in

France

by Corey Amaro, Tongue in Cheek

On any Sunday in France hundreds of flea markets pop up, from the classic well know ones like Saint Ouen in Paris down to the littlest brocante markets in the small neighboring villages.

Here is a sampling of some of the wonderful things you can find.

These lovely old wonders belong to my friends Jean Bernard and Nathalie.

-Corey Amaro

Remodelista has some creative top tips for using copper pipes as decor. Rose Gold accents play so nice with copper‌especially when it’s shiny and new!

In Love with Rose Gold by: Donna Hall, Donna Mondi Interior Design

If you know me at all, you know I LOVE to mix metals.

In my latest metallic quest I can’t resist rose gold! It’s warm, it’s romantic, and it’s not your baby girl’s pink.

Designer Aurelie Damm shows us how it’s done by pairing rose gold with rich navy. I adore!

Mix rose gold and pink with shades of gray for a sophisticated but sassy space!

Sold on the Rose Gold? I chose a few of my favorites that can be easily added for a springtime update.

Tom Dixon is a metal master and always on the front end of a trend. These tea light holders make it easy to add high design to your interiors.

Who needs an Instagram filter when you’ve got this rose gold mirror by Global Views?

I say yes please!

Architectural, sculptural, functional, and sexy! What more could you ask of a cocktail table?

Love this one from Nuevo Living.

I’m a sucker for a pretty trinket box and this one from One King’s Lane has me swooning!

Can I be straight with yo one with long legs. So hav change on a whim

“Fashion ch

Industrial never looked so sweet!

These pendants from Arteriors have me dreaming of Bubble Yum and blowing

ou? Rose Gold is a trend and likely not ve fun with it in small ways that you can m. But always, always be stylish.

hanges but style endures�

Coco Chanel

1

Spring 2 Act by stylist

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5

HIS

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1. Eidos Beige Raglan Sleeve Raincoat, $925, bloomingdales.com 2. Modern Half Rope-Cuff Bracelet, $125, miansai.com 3. Men’s ‘Made In France’ Piqué Polo, $165, lacoste.com 4. Cotton Cashmere Denim Slim Jean, $475, calvinklein.com 5. Goorin Bros. ‘Guillermo’ Straw Porkpie Hat, $52, nordstrom.com

g Into tion

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Eric Himel

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HERS

1. Tea Rose Appliqué Dinky Crossbody 24 Bag, $695, coach.com 2. Roberto Cavalli Cotton Plumage-Print Handkerchief Shirtdress, $1705, saks.com 3. ’Tabatha’ Trench, $250, phase-eight.com 4. Original Refined Back Strap Rain Boots, $195, hunterboots.com 5. Chloé ‘Isidora’ Aviator Sunglasses, $316, matchesfashion.com

Paris in Springtime

by Doni Belau, Girls Guide to Paris

I love Paris in the springtime, I love Paris when it rains... can you hear the song echoing?

April in Paris is a clichĂŠ for a reason.

Spring and fall are the two best times to jump on a plane and head to the city of light.

As per the norm, a lot is happening this spring in Paris.

No matter what itch you need scratched chances are you can find it in Paris.

Art

Let the seaside of Normandy inspire you. Works drawn or painted of the Normandy region by Monet, Renoir, Gaugin & Degas and Picasso at the Musée Jacquemart-André March 18 – July.

Contemporary Drawing is profiled during the Drawing NOW expo held March 30 – April 3rd at the Carreau du Temple.

Test out Le Fooding’s restaurant of the year, Dersou and try their five-course food & cocktail pairing for something a little different.

Foodie Enjoy a stress-free spring picnic with Picnics in Paris, they plan and provide everything. All you have to do is you spread down the blanket and uncork the wine!

Take a natural wine tasting tour with my favorite Sommelier, Michael Cohen founder of Les EndimanchĂŠs.

Book a table at Histoires for truly modern French food. Their newly anointed 2 Michelin stars are well deserved.

Throw your peanut shells on the ground at the voodoo themed Baton Rouge bar.

Cocktails Sip something that reminds you of spring at the nautically themed Copper Bay bar.

Stay and Play Staying at an apartment rather than in a hotel is the quickest way to feel like a Parisian for a week or more, plus you’ll save your pennies and enjoy extra space.

Girls’ Guide to Paris has put together a group of itineraries based on your individual needs and desires that are meant to be booked alongside your apartment stay. Sizzling Paris for those who want to experience the latest trends, plus: Girls’ Week, En Famille, Pure Romance, First Timers and Foodie Freaks.

To see the Apartments for rent & for more info on the itineraries contact: info@girlsguidetoparis.com

Cook ing up a

Spicy Cinco!

Recipes by Chef Billy Parisi

Cayman Jack Margaritas Ingredients 1 cup of fresh raspberries ½ cup of water 1 cup of sugar juice of ½ lemon red sugar for the rim lime wedges 1 jar of Cayman Jack Margarita raspberries for garnish ice

Instructions Add the fresh raspberries, water, lemon juice, and sugar to a small pot and cook on medium-high heat until thick, about 15 to 20 minutes. Be sure not to boil over. Chill immediately.

To Make: pour 1 to 2 teaspoons of the watermelon or raspberry syrup to 1 Cayman Jack margarita mixes and stir or shake with ice. Next rub a lime wedge over the rim of the glass and dip in a small amount of the colored sugar and pour in the flavored margarita mix. Garnish with respective fruit Enjoy!

Blackberry Peach Mojito Ingredients fresh blackberries sliced fresh peaches simple syrup club soda light rum lime wedges fresh mint leaves Instructions In a tall glass, muddle 2 limes, 3 fresh mint leaves, 2 peach slices and 2 blackberries until it is all mixed together.

Next, pour in some light rum, simple syrup, and ice and shake until mixed.

Top off with club soda and garnish with lime wedges, peach slices, fresh mint and blackberries.

Grilled Chop Salad with Sweet Mustard Vinaigrette Ingredients For the Vegetables: 1 yellow squash sliced longways 1 green zucchini sliced longways 1 thickly sliced red onion 1 small bunch of asparagus 3 ears of corn 1 cup of cherry tomatoes 1 bunch of green onions 1 red bell pepper, seeds and stem removed 1 head of romaine lettuce sliced in half 3 tablespoons of olive oil Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste For the Dressing: ¼ cup of Gulden’s® Spicy Brown Mustard ¼ cup of honey ¼ cup of white wine vinegar ½ cup of olive oil Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste For the Chicken: 2 large chicken breasts 1 tablespoon of olive oil 1 tablespoon of blackening seasoning

Instructions Preheat the grill to high heat.

Chicken: On a plate mix together the olive oil and blackening season and coat the chicken on all sides and place on the grill.

Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side or until dark grill marks are formed and they are cooked through. Set aside to rest for 2 to 3 minutes before dicing.

Vegetables: Place all of the vegetables on a sheet pan and coat them thoroughly in the olive oil, salt and pepper and roast on the grill for 3 to 5 minutes or until slightly charred and slightly crunchy. Removed them and chill. Note that the romaine will cook in 1 to 2 minutes and the corn in the husk will grill for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the husks, remove the corn from the ear and chill.

Once the vegetables are cool cut them to a medium dice.

Dressing: In a bowl whisk together the mustard, honey and vinegar until combined and then slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to whisk. Season with salt and pepper.

Add all of the chopped vegetables to a large bowl along with the diced chicken and dress with a few tablespoons of sweet mustard vinaigrette and toss until coated.

Mexican Fritata with Salsa Fresca Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter 2 cups of Jimmy Dean Sausage Skillet blend 5 eggs ½ cup of heavy cream 1 cup of shredded cheese blend (Colby, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack) one 16-ounce can of fire roasted tomatoes ½ small diced sweet onion 1 small diced jalapeño 1 clove of garlic 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro Avocado, tortillas, refried beans and cooked rice for garnish Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

Instructions In a large bowl whisk together eggs, cream, salt and pepper and set aside.

In a blender blend together tomatoes,onions, garlic, jalapeños and cilantro until smooth.

Season with salt and pepper and set aside.

In a cast iron skillet on high heat with butter, saute the Jimmy Dean Sausage Skillet blend for 3 to 4 minutes.

Next, add in the egg mixture and using a rubber spatula move the eggs and sausage blend back and forth for 2 to 3 minutes and then place the iron skillet in the oven and cook on 375° for 5 to 7 minutes or until the eggs are cooked.

When the eggs are done in the oven garnish with cheese and salsa fresca.

Serve along side avocados, tortillas, rice and beans.

Fire Roasted Salmon with Tomato-Garlic Amoigue Ingredients

½ small diced sweet onion 2 tablespoons of finely minced garlic 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil 28 ounce can of Hunt’s® Whole Peeled Plum Tomatoes, undrained (crushed with your hands) zest of ½ lemon two 8 ounce fresh salmon fillets 2 tablespoons of La Choy® Soy Sauce Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

Instructions Preheat the grill to high heat.

Place a cast iron skillet on hot grill with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and caramelize the onions and garlic.

Once they are brown add in the tomatoes, lemon zest, soy sauce and salt and pepper and let it stew on high heat for 10 to 12 minutes. Finish by stirring in 4 tablespoons of olive oil and keep warm.

While the sauce is half way through the stewing process, coat the salmon with the remaining olive oil, salt and pepper and cook on a hot spot on the grill for 4 to 6 minutes on each side or until dark grill marks are formed and it’s cooked through.

Plate by pouring in 1 cup of the moigue sauce into a bowl and top off with the cooked salmon.

Blood Orange Upsidedown Cake Ingredients 2 cups of Bob’s Red Mill® almond flour 1 cup of Bob’s Red Mill® corn meal 1 cup of Bob’s Red Mill® all-purpose flour 2 ½ tsp baking powder 1 cup of unsalted butter 1 cup of sugar 4 eggs 3 tablespoons of heavy cream zest of 2 blood oranges 3 thinly sliced blood oranges simple syrup – equal parts water and sugar boiled together and chilled Instructions In a large bowl mix together the almond flour, corn meal, all-purpose flour and baking powder until combined and set aside.

Cream together the butter and sugar in a standing mixer on high speed with the paddle attachment until light and fluffy, about 6 minutes.

Next, add in 1 egg at time until mixed in and then add in the heavy cream and orange zest.

Finish by adding in the dry ingredients on low speed until mixed in. Set aside.

Next line a 4” deep cake pan with parchment paper on the bottom and the sides. Use butter to help make the parchment stick.

Layer on the thinly sliced blood oranges on the bottom of the pan and slightly coming up around the sides and brush them with simply syrup.

Next, pour in the cake batter and level it to make it flat.

Bake in the oven for 60 to 70 minutes or until the cake is lightly browned and the center is firm.

Let the cake cool to room temperature before turning it upside down and serving.

Brush the oranges and cake again with simply syrup before serving.

Sweet on Cinco de Mayo Vibrant, Tasty Treats for your Cinco de Mayo Bash

Serve your guests a cactus topped cupcake to spice up the celebration

Pick a Cactus Cake:

Arrange cactus cupcakes on rustic cutting board

Cupcakes by Swirlz Cupcakes, Chicago

DIY Pennant Cake Topper: take washi and wrap it around a wooden kitchen skewer cut the ends on an angle to create a flag

have fun playing with different patterns and colors!

Sugar Hills Bakery, Chicago

Hats off

f to Grads

Pro Tip: feature school colors or favorite flavors honoring the graduate!

Smart Cookie Bar: Bake up your graduate’s favorite cookies to serve to all your guests for a fun take on a food bar.

Cake Bar: For a maximum impression offer many different cupcake flavors.

Donut wall: Pickup a canvas at your local craft store. Use large tacks to create the knob to hold the donut up. Once the wall is finished, decorate it with delicious donuts and dig in!

Oyster “Pearl� Cookies: So easy to assemble with a few ingredients right in your local grocery.

All you need are Madeline tea cookies, white gumballs, and icing.

DIY Graduation favors: What you need: gumball tube, black gumballs, black paper, double sided tape, mini tassels, and gold pushpins.

Gumball Tubes available at A Perfect Event!

DIY Graduation Cap Cups: These cups are an easy way to make your graduation celebration extra special. You can use a variety of glasses. For a kid friendly celebration use juice glasses. For a college graduate you can use champagne glasses!

Balloon Decor: What celebration would be complete without balloons? Fill your ceiling with balloons.

Use tape to attach a collection of your favorite pictures to showcase your graduate!

Maternity in Bloom

by Lotta Rodriguez

Styling & Florals: Mint Design | www.mintdesignca.com | @mintdesignca Photography: Mariel Hannah | www.marielhannahphoto.com | @marielhannah Make up and Hair: Nicole Johnson | www.nicolejohnsonhair.com | @nicolejohnson_hair Dress: Jen’s Pirate Booty | www.jenspiratebooty.com | @jenspiratebooty

“For this simple real maternity session we were inspired first and foremost by the almond orchards and the sweet blooms that take over. Our muse and mommy to be was looking gorgeous covered in her lace gown

by Jen’s Pirate Booty.

Her little girl Scarlet was matching in a mommy and me!

Too cute for words. We made a simple floral crown for her paired with a light and airy bouquet for her to hold to accent her baby bump. Jasmine vines were the perfect pairing for this soft and sweet inspiration.

Designs on Spring

grocery to gorgeous with Debi Lilly Design for Safeway A

Albertsons photo: YouMePhotography Roberta Smi Photography

Fling into spring with these brightly hued vases available right in the grocery!

now trending gold dipped everything!

Party planner tip: purchase vases you can also use with candles for multipurpose decor you can change throughout the seasons.

style the table with these adorable pastel cupcake candles - perfect for decor or party favors.

place on individual plates for a fun favor for each guest!

Hot trend - Geo!

Unroll our geo patterned paper runner too add an instant pop of color to your table or buffet

Fre we fleu glas drink or

ench obsession - Fleur De Lis e LOVE the new ur de lis colored sses - perfect for ks or floral vases votive candles

now trending : mix and match different geo shapes

Fast and easy floral fix: arrange bright spring tulips in vases

tipped tulips are the perfect touch to the glass geo vase

we love how tulips come in every color and style!

The “bloom� mason jar vases make the sweetest accents to lush florals

peonies are a dream!

Designer pro tip: mix spring pastels with bold colors

Did you know - hand cut from paper in Montmartre, we’re bringing Debi’s favorite souvenir - the Paris street art silhouette - to our new cameo candles.

psst: the perfect hostess and birthday gift!

The new white and gold Moroccan votives go perfectly with every tablescape, year round.

Pickup the spring glass candlesticks to instantly brighten up your home or patio - they come in 3 perfect, pastel colors!

We love filling the table with different floral clusters

Arrange the cupcake candles on a cake stand in your kitchen for instant home decor

Everyone loves a mason jar: and now in bold, bright hues!

mother’s day

Garden Party

by Ally Phillips, Ally’s Kitchen

Oven Roasted Grapes Ingredients: 2 cups mixed large sweet grapes (seedless--red, green, purple—or one color) Canola cooking spray Tad of Sea salt Instructions: Pull grapes off the stems. Place on parchment paper lined cookie sheet or in a skillet that’s been coated with cooking spray. Coat the grapes with canola cooking spray, sprinkle just a tad of sea salt all over, toss and roast in preheated 425 oven for about 15 minutes.

Remove and serve directly from the cookie sheet or skillet!

Salmon with Watercress Scallion Caper Vinaigrette Topping Ingredients:

1 lb. salmon, about 1 ½ to 2 inches thick in centermost part, skin on 2 Tbl. capers, drained 2 Tbl. deli salad bar garlic pieces, chopped 3 Tbl. black olives, chopped 4 green onions, sliced with green tops 1 cup watercress 4 Tbl. extra virgin olive oil, divided 1 large lemon, divided 1 tsp. coarse ground pepper, divided ½ tsp. sea salt, divided

Instructions: Prepare the salmon with 2 tablespoons of olive oil rubbed into the meat, then sprinkle on ½ teaspoon pepper and ¼ teaspoon salt.

Use a large heavy skillet. Get it hot on medium high heat then coat lightly with cooking spray. Put skin-side up first in the hot skillet. Cover with a lid. Pan sear for about 3 ½ to 4 minutes. Flip, cover and pan sear another about 3 minutes.

Remove from heat. Keep covered. Prepare the topping.

In a small bowl, combine the capers, garlic, olives, onions, water cress, two tablespoons of olive oil, one-half lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon salt and ½ tsp. pepper. Toss and blend.

Serve with the salmon in two small bowls. Use the remaining lemon for serving with the salmon.

Sweet & Savory Stuffed Strawberries Ingredients: 6 large fresh strawberries, with nice greens on them 2 Tbl. bleu cheese, crumbled (I used Maytag bleu.)

1 Tbl. balsamic glaze 2 Tbl. shredded coconut, sweetened 1 Tbl. mini chocolate chips

Instructions: Perch the strawberries on the green part. You might have to snip a little of the stem off to get them to stand without wobbling.

Slice each with a ‘cross’ about half way down. Gently push apart making an opening.

With three of the strawberries, add equal amounts of bleu cheese, then drizzle with balsamic glaze. Stuff the other three with coconut and chocolate chips on top.

Three Cheers for Mom! By: Heidy Best, BECLOTHESMINDED

Show your mom that you’ll love her forever with this gorgeous eternity band from Dana Rebecca. If you have siblings you can gift it together at a brunch in her honor!

Jennifer Yamina Eternity Band; $770.00

Wrap her up with your love and this scarf by Tory Burch. Logo Puzzle Scarf; $155 from Nordstrom

If she likes to travel with her jewelry then she needs this beautiful and organized jewelry case by Ted Baker.

Bow leather jewelry case; $85

n d .

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For the mom that never leaves home with having her makeup on. Create a little glam kit with your favorite makeup items and put them in this vintage cosmetic bag from Bloomingdale’s. Store front cosmetic case; $12

Moms on the go want to look good and be comfortable. That’s why I love this dress from Athleta. It can be worn to run errands, meet a friend for coffee, and even the next family vacation. Ikat Strapless Anywhere Dress; $89

Whether you are shopping for a gift for the woman that gave you everything or treating yourself on this special day, here are some of m y must have items of the season!

Treat yourself this Mother’s Day with a pedicure and these sexy suede sandals from Elie Tahari.

Hurricane Sandal in Earth; $250.

A woman can never have too many great handbags especially if they go with everything in her closet. I love that this pale blush crossbody bag also doubles as a clutch when the straps are removed. Love Crossbody; $295 by Rebecca Minkoff

If her baby barks instead of talks get her the Dogist a coffee table book with a collection of 1000 pictures and stories of dogs captured in the most adorable way.

Dogist; $24.95 from Anthropologie

Did your mom ever call you a pain in the neck growing up? Show her that you were listening by arranging for her to have a massage at her favorite local spa. If you live in the same city book one as well and the two of you can get pampered together. Just make sure to give the front desk your credit card beforehand so she doesn’t try and pay.

Flowers are always a lovely gift fir mom but the thought will last longer if you put them in a vase before you gift them. I love these unique hand-crafted vases from West Elm. Linework Honeycomb Vases; $19-$59

Aloha Hawaii

by Amy Boyle Photograp

i

phy

Words and Photography by Amy Boyle www.amyboylephotography.com @amyboylephoto facebook.com/amyboylephoto.graphy

Perhaps it’s the sweet kiss of her gentle breezes and sunshine, but once you say “Aloha” to the big island of Hawaii you’ll never want to say goodbye. For the geographically inclined, you may be surprised to learn this isolated outpost in the Pacific is as large as the state of Connecticut but home to less than 190,000 inhabitants.

Next door on the island Oahu, the bustling metropolis of Honolulu crams nearly twice as many souls inside the city limits.

In other words, if you’re seeking tropical seclusion, you’ll find it here.

Escape from the hustle, enjoy the fresh food and savor nature’s beauty while you’re here. I was amazed to learn that 70% of the island is dedicated to agriculture forever. Experiencing life in such lush and diverse landscapes will move your spirit.

Spending six days on the island only scratched the surface of all this beautiful location has to offer. Downshift out of the daily rat race, prepare for some windshield time and take a virtual journey with me as we tour a few of the big island’s many “must see” natural attractions.

If you’ve traveled from the mainland to get here, chances are your internal clock is still set a few hours ahead of the locals.

Your body’s not ready to sleep late anyways! Hit the road early and watch the sunrise from Mauna Kea, (13,796 ft) home to the world’s largest astronomical observatory.

As your vehicle carves through the inky predawn darkness, the first glow of light will appear over your shoulder, urging you on to the visitor center about halfway up the mountain’s flanks. The paved road ends and you step out of your car, the chilly mountain air feeling quite un-tropical. But as the brilliant arc of the sun emerges over the starkly rugged landscape, you remember why you came this far.

We know the Hawaiian islands are but the peaks of ancient volcanoes.

These are mountains that if measured to the bottom of the seafloor are higher than Everest. One reason you visited was to see the island-making process in action. Prepare to be impressed, though your results may vary depending on how active Pele happens to be at the moment. While the smoking Kilauea caldera in Volcanoes National Park is impressive during daylight, stop by at 2 sunset.

Make yourself comfortable with a crater-view table at the Volcano House and watch as the sun’s rays fade to black. The sight is not to be missed as the glowing molten rock issues forth from somewhere deep in the earth.

Somewhere in between, you’re bound to find yourself immersed in the incredible vistas of the Saddle Road. Ever seen a full grown humpback whale up close? Well, you won’t here either. But when you realize the massive size of these mammals are the reason you can see them from afar as they migrate past the island you’ll be thankful you’re observing them from a safe distance. And what’s that other speck of land off in the distance? It’s Maui. Unreal views.

No visit to a faraway place is complete without gaining some understanding of the native culture. There’s some disagreement as to exactly when, but Hawaii has been home to people for over a thousand years. Take the time to learn about Hawaiian traditions and you’ll come to appreciate the island even more. You may even learn how to pronounce all those vowels! Fortunately the National Park Service has preserved Pu’uhonua o Honaunau, the last remaining “place of refuge” for the kapu-breakers and defeated warriors to find safety and return to society.

Possibly weary from the intensive sightseeing, by now you’ll want to plunk yourself down on a pristine beach and gather your thoughts. You may find your toes roasting on the beautiful black sand at Punalu'u Beach.

But you’re not alone! Instead of hordes of fellow sunbathers, you find yourself with reptilian company of the four-legged kind. Gracefully awkward on land, the gentle sea turtles that call this patch of paradise home shuffle their way past, ignoring the attention as long as you allow them space.

Being in such an incredible place, a photographer could get over stimulated. Each new view could be studied for such a long time. The only cure for that type of fatigue is to book a return trip!

Mahalo

(Thank you)

I will be back!

Sweet Endings Rooftop Pool Party Boom! July 4th Recipes Set the DIY Summer Table and more

Up next June 1st school’s out for summer!

photo: YouMePhotography