Inspiration Board :: Beachy Coral & Poweder Blue Wedding Inspiration

There is something so dreamy and romantic about the combination of powder blue and coral.  Add the scenic backdrop of a calm ocean and tall grass and you have the makings of a stunning pretty coral and powder blue wedding.  Some visual inspiration for your summer wedding or soiree.




{Photo Credits: Top Row:  cake, suit, salty dog cocktail, ikat pattern; Second Row: table setting, escort cards, bridesmaids; Third Row: bowties, robe, bell favors}





From ChiBeria to the Beach

The transition from minus 15 below to 90 can be rough.  I'm kidding, it is something I've been dreaming about for the past 2 weeks.  But I  was in need of some packing inspiration.  And since you can't be my stowaway, here's some beach weather inspiration for your Monday morning.  Happy Monday!

{via}

{via}

{via}

{via}

{via}

Emerald Green Engagement Dinner

I just thought a change of scenery was exactly what everyone needed on this wintry/slushy Chicago morning.  I'm loving the details of this vibrant emerald green engagement inspiration dinner on the beach.   First off, how adorable are the bride and groom-to-be!  Add in the gold accents, the string lights, the fabulous bar, and those gorgeous place settings and you've got the elements for a fabulous soiree.  Happy Monday!

{photos via Glamour & Grace}

And we're off...

to Mexico to celebrate our bestie's bachelorette weekend!  Hope you lovelies have a fabulous weekend planned, see you on Monday.



Beach Guide

This weekend we'll be in sunny Cancun celebrating a bachelorette party.  Here are some of my must haves for any beach getaway.

1. Reading Materials: Catching Fire, the second book in the Hunger Games trilogy

2. Sun protection: Sunscreen

3. A great bikini

4. Accessories: gold hoop earrings

5. Sun protection: a floppy sun hat

6. Accessories: Cat Eye sunglasses

7. Gorgeous sandals

8. A great bag to tote all your beach needs in.

9. Beach towels: these come with their own strap, perfect for carrying along.

Big Island, HI Recap

Big Island Recap:
   The Big Island was the first stop on our Hawaii vacation.  We stayed at the Fairmont Orchid, and I can not say enough good things about this place and their staff!! They even have this perfect (man made) lagoon where we laid out every morning and where I learned how to paddle board!  Our second day on Big Island we drove to Volcano National Park, this was about a 3.5 hour drive.  Volcano National Park was beautiful, we hiked over old lava flows, checked out pit craters, went through a lava tube, and saw steam coming off the active volcano.  The only downside was that there was no flowing lava that you could hike to or see via a boat.  We also stopped at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach which was beautiful and we saw a beached turtle!  In retrospect our return trip should have been through Hilo and thus seeing both Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls in the same day. 

Our favorite eats would include Sansei, where we had sushi and Upcountry Veggie Pasta- delicious!  Our other sushi recommendation would be Norio's at the Fairmont Orchid, with their fabulous array of yummy sushi.  On our way to Volcano National Park we ate at Kaiwe Kitchen, where we had delicious wood fired pizza.  This is right next to a general store, which is perfect, if you need to stalk up on goodies for your drive.


on the drive to Volcano National Park



Volcano National Park- steam from the crater



Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

Thurston Lava Tube

lava rock

Our first sunset in Hawaii!

the Mister chillin in the lagoon

Akaka Falls

road to Hilo, no editing, it just really is that beautiful

Rainbow Falls

Hapuna Beach State Park

Maui, HI Recap

Maui Recap:
Maui was our second stop on our Hawaii vacation.  We spent 4 fabulous days at the Hyatt Regency on Kaanapali Beach.  (There was some construction going on but we were in the Napili Tower and thus heard none of it.)  If you're in Maui and you have the time, you should definitely do the road to Hana.  We started with breakfast and a picnic lunch at Anthony's in Paia, Charley's is also another great spot.  The road to Hana is only 30 miles but it will take you an hour and a half to drive through it, that's without stops.  And you'll want to make stops at the many waterfalls, scenic points, and beaches along the way.

If you make it to Hana, take Highway 31 for another 30 minutes to the Haleakala National Park to see the O'heo Gulch also known as the 7 sacred pools.  These 7 pools flow directly into the ocean.

Our favorite Eats:

Cane & Taro in Whaler's Village.  The calamari salad is delicious as was the mahi mahi of the day.  You can do some shopping at Whaler's Village, and there's also a free shuttle that goes to all the hotels and resorts in the area. 

Front Street: There are plenty of little shops and restaurants on this strip.  We frequented Uhu Lalni's, during our trip, it's the best shaved ice!  My personal favorite is the Haleakala (coconut & lychee - party in my mouth).  We also had lunch at Aloha Mixed Plate - it's a great spot for trying traditional Hawaiian food.  We had the chow fun and ribs.

We tried to go snorkeling, but the weather was not cooperating (too windy).  But of all the snorkel trips I've ever been on, this was the best.  The Pacific Whale Foundation has the best staff - super friendly and knowledgeable (they're all marine biologists). 

We also ate at Star Noodle.  I loved this Asian place so much we ate there twice.  Things to try: The Ahi Avo (if you like Ahi poke, you'll love, love, love this), their malasadas (aka Portuguese donuts- pictured above) are delicious.  Noodles: I loved their Lahaina Fried Soup and Fried Saimin noodles. And their Soho Berry Sparkler is amazing.  We also had the pork buns and Vietnamese crepes. 

My other must have for Maui is Mama's Fish House.  It's such a Hawaiian experience, and the food is phenomenal and a bit pricey.  We had the Ahi Poke and the Upcountry Fish (the best fish I've had in a long time).  If you do go here, you should hit up Ho'okipa Beach it's a mile up the road and you can see some of the best wind surfers there, it's breath taking (pictured above). 
A couple of really good places that were recommended to us by our friends that we didn't get a chance to eat at are: Pacific O's and Merriman's.  Other than that we relaxed, soaked up the sun, and I learned how to surf!   We can't wait to go back.