What's On Our Minds

Wedding Progress

Today is my first official dress fitting. Too bad I feel so bloated. Luckily my new Victoria's Secret Bustier that really holds it all in came this week. I can't wait to see everything together. I'll post pics when I return.

Tomorrow is my first official hair trial. I plan to try out my wedding day makeup to see how my face and hair will look with my tiara and veil. Once again, will post pics of the results.

Sunday, one of my dear friends is having a book party for the release of her very first novel. I'm so proud of her.

Somewhere in the midst of all this, we've got to assemble our invitations. I went to the post office this morning and bought all the postage we'll need. I plan to have them in the mail on Monday. Our first guest could conceivably have them in hand by Tuesday, February 24. Right on schedule.

I'm so excited. I can't wait to start getting responses back.

The Road to Hana

Cool spray from a roadside waterfall... fragrant ginger flowers scenting the air.. spectacular cliffs plunging to the sea... the road to Hana is an unforgettable, multi-sensory experience. You must make the trip at least once, or you haven’t tasted the very essence of Maui. Here’s why:

1. Keanae (kay-ah-nye) — At once wild and beautiful, the Keanae peninsula is a paradigm of “natural” Hawaii. Waves pound the rocky shoreline sending up a salty spray, and taro patches form a verdant quilt. You can walk along the shore, but be cautious of the ocean at all times- large waves can appear out of nowhere. Another short safari awaits just up the road at the Keanae Arboretum, which offers a tranquil stream and swimming pond, as well as an easy walk through lush gardens and into the rainforest. Keanae is about halfway to Hana and a great place to get out and stretch your legs.

2. Waterfalls — Here’s the wet and wonderful reason there are so many bridges on the road to Hana! These mountain streams provide a refreshing reward for the many twists and turns the road dishes out, and even in the occasional dry season the remaining ponds are great for exploring. This side of Haleakala is so moist that a private network of 75 miles of tunnels and ditches provides water for the sugar cane fields carpeting the central plains and for part of the upcountry population. As you drive you’ll see water trickling out of the hillside through ferns and soft moss, and countless mini-cascades finding their way to the sea.

3. Scenery —As one visitor put it, “I feel like my camera’s going to explode!” Feast your eyes on bamboo jungles, breezy Eucalyptus groves, roadside fruit stands, brilliant tropical flowers and postcard-perfect panoramas that have remained basically the same for hundreds of years. If you’ve come to Maui to sightsee, this is it!

4. Waianapanapa (wy-ah-nah-pah-nah-pah) — If you still haven’t unwound, you will be once you’ve walked the trail along this stretch of lava coastline. You’ll pass over a sea arch with the water surging just below, discover tide pools and a blowhole, and end up at a black sand beach perfect for sunbathing and snorkeling (if the ocean’s not too rough). You might also want to explore the history-rich, water-filled caves that are actually freshwater springs. Or you might want to simply relax on the hill beneath the palm trees and watch for the family of dolphins that often cavorts in the bay. Paradise? You bet.

5. Hana town — After 52 miles of winding traverse, you’ve made it! Enjoy Hana Bay, where local families bring their children to picnic and frolic in the gentle waters. You can take a hike around the town for breathtaking views, or you can opt for sightseeing on horseback. Before you leave, don’t forget to stop at Hasegawa’s General Store, the landmark frequented by visitors and locals alike. Poke around the aisles chock full of trinkets as well as necessities. Where else can residents on this end of the road find Bisquick, blue jeans and fishing line all in one place?

After Hana, stop at the refreshing pools at Ohe‘o gulch.

Well, you should be convinced by now that a visit to Hana is well worth the effort, but remember, the drive itself is the real adventure. See ya on the road!

Tips for the Trip to Hana:

Enjoy a relaxed pace on the road, but pull over often to wave local drivers by—they’ve seen the sights before and prefer to hurry home.

If you like, leave the driving to the experts—companies like Valley Isle Excursions offer narrated excursions in comfy vans. Guides are friendly and knowledgeable.

Allow a full day for the trip, so you can savor the many lookouts and explore side roads.

Be prepared—bring insect repellent, a light jacket, lots of drinking water (don’t drink from the streams), sunscreen and a hat. You can get a bad sunburn even on cloudy days.

Bring way more film than you think you’ll need!

Stock up on snacks, supplies and gasoline in Paia. The next gas station is 52 miles away—in Hana!

Honeymoon Idea

Snorkeling/Cruise at Molokini

- Enjoy the crystal clear waters of Molokini.
- Our boat is a 55-foot glass-bottom catamaran, called "the boat for fun-lovers".
- We include snorkel gear, optical masks & instruction! .
- We include an open bar of beer, wine and soda for unlimited refreshment while you play!
- Our catamaran is equipped with a waterslide, glass-bottom viewing & 2 spacious decks!
- Three boarding ladders make it easy to climb in & out of the water at your leisure!
- Slide down the waterslide and splash into the clear waters![*] Our catamaran is equipped with a waterslide, glass-bottom viewing & 2 spacious decks!
- View the spectacular Molokini Crater, a volcano that never quite made it out of the water.

This is a lighter version of our morning classic because of the late start time (great if you like to sleep in), but just as fun! We make the short 2.5 mile sail to have some fun! Stay on the catamaran or hop into the water!

We include: an open bar of beer, wine and soda, snorkel gear & instruction, sport fishing, waterslide, glass-bottom viewing, two spacious decks, three boarding ladders and free optical masks.

The Four Winds II is a luxurious 55-foot glass-bottom catamaran, fondly referred to as "the boat for fun-lovers". Once onboard, discover why Maui's visitors consider this trip to be one of the best! With a crew that is dedicated to your needs and providing you absolute fun, this trip is a family favorite with locals and visitors alike.

Valentine's Day!

John and I had a wonderful Valentine's day together. John had to go to work early Saturday morning, so I got up while he was gone and started making breakfast. He called on his way home, so I was able to have it just about ready when he got back.

I made scrambled eggs with cheese, bacon and heart-shaped toast. We promised each other not to spend a lot of money since we're saving for the wedding, but he brought me a couple of roses anyway.

Breakfast

After breakfast we watched some television together and then we both took a long nap. Around 4 PM, I started cooking. 4 hours later, we ate dinner. Garlic bread with Chicken & Spinach Alfredo lasagna and a salad with Raspberry Vinagrette dressing. For dessert we had a heart-shaped brownie with chocolate syrup and homeade raspberry coulis and ice cream. I also made a raspberry chambord champagne cocktail to go with it. We ate so much that night we were still full the next day.

Dinner

We also exchanged gifts. John got me a tiny puppy stuffed animal because I'd had a dream about a puppy that was two inches high that I'd named "puppy-wuppy" in my dream-state. He also got my the Halmark Blushing Bears... because I told him I wanted them. I got him a little white arangatan that says I LOVE YOU and whistles.

This Cracked Me Up!

It's splitsville for Barbie and Ken
Couple 'will remain friends,' says Mattel
Thursday, February 12, 2004 Posted: 7:35 PM EST (0035 GMT)

NEW YORK (AP) -- Just like J.Lo and Ben, the romance is over for Barbie and Ken.

After 43 years as one of the world's prettiest pairs, the perfect plastic couple is breaking up. The couple's "business manager," Russell Arons, vice president of marketing at Mattel, said that Barbie and Ken "feel it's time to spend some quality time -- apart."

"Like other celebrity couples, their Hollywood romance has come to an end," said Arons, who quickly added that the duo "will remain friends."

Arons denied that there was any truth to rumors that the breakup was linked to the Cali (as in California) Girl Barbie, arriving in stores now. To better reflect her single status, Cali Barbie will wear board shorts and a bikini top, metal hoop earrings, and have a deeper tan.

This new style already has attracted a new admirer, Blaine the Australian boogie boarder.

Barbie -- the most popular fashion doll in the world, according to toy maker Mattel -- met Ken on the set of a TV commercial in 1961, and they have been inseparable ever since.

Arons hinted Wednesday that the separation may be partially due to Ken's reluctance to getting married. All those bridal Barbie dolls in toy chests around the globe are really just examples of Barbie's wishful thinking, she explained.

Another possible factor is Barbie's career. The doll who was "born" Barbie Millicent Roberts in 1959 has been everything from a rock star to military medic, and she's currently marketed in more than 150 countries. According to Mattel, every second, three Barbie dolls are sold somewhere in the world.

So where does that leave Ken? Said Arons: "He will head for other waves"

Chicken & Spinach Alfredo Lasagna

1 (8 ounce) package lasagna noodles
3 cups heavy cream
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, sliced
5 mushrooms, diced
1 roasted chicken, shredded
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 bunch fresh spinach, rinsed
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain, and rinse with cold water.

2 In a saucepan over low heat, mix together heavy cream, cream of mushroom soup, Parmesan cheese, and butter. Simmer, stirring frequently, until well blended.

3 Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir the onion in olive oil until tender, then add garlic and mushrooms. Mix in the chicken, and cook until heated through. Season with salt and pepper.

4 Lightly coat the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish with enough of the cream sauce mixture to coat. Layer with 1/3 of the lasagna noodles, 1/2 cup ricotta, 1/2 of the spinach, 1/2 the chicken mixture, and 1 cup mozzarella. Top with 1/2 the cream sauce mixture, and repeat the layers. Place the remaining noodles on top, and spread with remaining sauce.

5 Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until brown and bubbly. Top with the remaining mozzarella, and continue baking until cheese is melted and lightly browned.

Sunset Cruise

We booked this Cruise last week:

Maui Princess Sunset Dinner Cruise (Maui)

Experience the enchantment of a romantic dinner cruise on the Maui Princess. You'll see spectacular sunset views and night lights from the islands of Molokai, Lanai and Maui, while being served table-side by our friendly staff. Watch the stars come out over the ocean on our "open-air" upper dining deck.

Live music and dancing are featured after dinner in our air-conditioned main cabin, or you can stay at your table and enjoy the rest of your evening cruise along the Maui coastline.

TABLE SIDE SERVICE
LIVE MUSIC
MAUI'S LARGEST FLOATING DANCE FLOOR

SUNSET CRUISE
LARGE, STABLE YACHT
120' MAUI PRINCESS

MENU
The Maui Princess Dinner Cruise
Menu includes:

FRESH GREEN SALAD

Choice of:
Roasted CHICKEN
OR

12 oz. cut PRIME RIB
With Au Jus and Horseradish

Plus:

NEW POTATOES

FRESH BREAD

VEGETABLES

DESSERT SELECTION

FREE-FLOWING BAR
Cocktails, beer, wine

Honeymoon Excursion

We booked this tour last week:

Hawaiian Movie Tours (Kauai)

A full day of touring by ground and air. Start with hotel pick-up at most east and south side resorts. Tour some of Kauai's most stunning locations in our luxurious mini-coaches on our world famous Land Tour, then off to the heliport for a 60 minute full island ride, confident of complete safety on both tours.

This incredible flight covers the whole island, including Kipu Kai, film location for The Lost World, Hook and Six Days, Seven Nights, Manawaiopuna Falls, now known as Jurassic Falls, the Olokele Canyon, the stunning Waimea Canyon and the towering cliffs of the Na Pali coast. See Wailua Falls, made famous in the TV series Fantasy Island. And you will marvel at the stunning Waialeale Crater, the wettest spot on Earth.