Janet Jones, Kihei, Maui, Hawaii Home Staging/Interior Redesign's Blog

MAUI HUMANE SOCIETY--SPRING FLING--MARCH 30-APRIL 1, 2012

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:40:27 -0700

Can you imagine one of these adorable pets being yours? Well all of these animals are available for adoption and are just waiting for you! Join the Maui Humane Society for the ASPCA Mega Match-a-thon Adoption weekend from Friday, March 30, through Sunday, April 1. This is a 3-day weekend devoted to finding homes for at least 70 orphaned pets here on Maui. You will have plenty of opportunities around the island to meet and adopt the pet of your dreams.

Friday, March 30--"Waggin' Walkabout". The staff and volunteers of Maui Humane Society will visit many locations across the island with shelter dogs. While they are "walking about" they will also be promoting the events during the rest of the weekend. But, who knows, you could find your special dog on Friday, so keep you eyes out for this group, and then go meet the dogs.

Saturday, March 31--Adoption Extravaganza. Visit the Kmart on Dairy Road in Kahului between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and meet the dogs, cats, and other critters looking for wonderful new homes. Pet adoptions will be $20 or less. What a small price to pay for a new, loving friend.

Sunday, April 1--Pick-a-Pet Palooza. If you haven't found your perfect pet by Sunday, then visit the Maui Humane Society's shelter in Pu'unene between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to help you find the newest addition to your family. Adoptions will still be $20 or less. And there will be music, food, kid's activities and more--which of course means going home with your loving new animal friend.

Remember, the goal is to find homes for at least 70 pets this weekend. That means the Maui Humane Society needs your help to adopt now. For further information, please visit their website at MauiHumane.org.

NA ALI'I OF COMEDY--CASTLE THEATER--FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:50:44 -0700

"Na Ali'i" translates to "the royalty", and there will be a royal line-up of comedians this Friday, March 26, on stage at Castle Theater. For the first time ever five legendary comedians are coming together for one very funny evening. You won't want miss this.

Here's the all-star line up. Frank De Lima has been entertaining Hawaii for 36 years. He is a 14-time winner of the Na Hoku Hanohano Award and spends much of his time with his student enrichment program visiting school children throughout Hawai'i.

Ed Ka'ahea is the sole surviving member of the comedy trio, Booga Booga. He has spent over 30 years in the entertainment industry.

Mel Cabang is both a comedian and a businessman and has been entertaining for over 40 years. He has done numerous TV programs and commercials.

Andy Bumatai has been a headliner in comedy clubs across America and has opened for many of the biggest acts in the industry; including, Tom Jones, Paul Anka, Kenny Loggins, The Beach Boys and Lionel Richie.

Augie T. performs for live and TV audiences throughout the United Stages. Voted the funniest comic in Hawai'i by Star Bulletin and Midweek, he has been the driving force behind the revival of comedy in Hawai'i over the past several years.

Don't miss this one-time event. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Castle Theater at the MACC in Kahului. For further information or to purchase tickets please visit www.mauiarts.org or by call 808.242.SHOW.

ROTARY CLUBS OF MAUI--MARCH MADNESS--SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2012

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 19:34:59 -0700

Here on Maui, March Madness isn't about college basketball--it's about crazy hats. Join the "madness" this Saturday, March 26, for the second annual Rotary Club fundraiser hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Kihei Sunrise, Kihei-Wailea, Valley Isle Sunset and Upcountry. The Crazy Hat Contest is only part of it.

This event will be held at Mulligan's in Wailea and from 5 to 9 p.m. you will enjoy heavy pupus and a no-host bar while bidding on the silent and live auction items. Rumor has it that there are some really amazing items up for sale in these auctions that you don't want to miss!

Music will be provided by Jimmy Mac & the Kool Kats, so you know you have to bring your dancing shoes along with those crazy hats. And when you're not dancing, you'll be amazed by Kale the Magnificent as he dazzles you with his magic tricks. And, yes, there really is a Crazy Hat Contest and you still have time to get really creative to participate.

Rotary International is comprised of business leaders who work together to improve the community. All proceeds will benefit a variety of community programs that are supported by the Rotary Clubs as well as their student scholarships.

The entire community is invited to participate. Tickets are $50 and to purchase tickets or for more information, please visit their website: www.kiheirotary.org.

ART MAUI 2012--MARCH 26 THROUGH APRIL 20, 2012

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:20:12 -0700

The 34th Art Maui Exhibition will open this Monday, March 26, 2012. This is a juried art exhibit featuring the works of local artists and includes every media you can imagine--painting, ceramics, photography, jewelry, video, woodworking, and quilting.

In case you missed the Studio Maui weekends in February, this is an excellent opportunity to see what have been judged to be the best works of our local artists. In total 327 artists registered 512 works of art for the exhibition. The jury selected 144 works by 128 artists. To see a complete list of the artists and their works, please follow this link: Art Maui (selected works).

The exhibition will be held at the Schaefer International Gallery in the Maui Arts and Cultural Center (MACC) in Wailuku. Please visit the MACC between March 26 and April 20 and enjoy the amazing artistic abilities of our local talent. The exhibition will be open from 11 a.m. through 5 p.m. daily, with extended evening hours before Castle Theater shows. For further information, please visit Art Maui's website: Art Maui.com.

Art Maui is a non-profit organization that strives to "promote, encourage, and recognize excellence in the visual arts". Along with these goals they have reinstated the High School Senior Art Scholarship Awards Program this year. Aspiring artists who are high school seniors living within the County of Maui are competing for three $2,500 awards. Award winners will be announced during this exhibition on April 14, 2012.

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION--14th ANNUAL MAUI HEART WALK--SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2012

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:24:16 -0700

Did you know that cardiovascular disease is the number 1 killer in the United States? That's why it's so important to raise awareness and join the American Heart Association for the 14th Annual Maui Heart Walk this Saturday, March 24.

This 5K fun walk/run is not only about the benefits of exercise, but after the walk you can visit the Health Fair and learn about prevention of this disease for yourself and your loved ones.

The Maui Heart Walk is held at Keopuolani Park in Wailuku. (Please note that all parking is at War Memorial Stadium, across the street from the park.) The starting point is in front of the Boys & Girls Club. Registration begins at 6 a.m., with opening ceremonies at 7 a.m. Then at 7:30 a.m. there will be a t-shirt contest, followed by warm-up Zumba at 7:45 a.m. The Heart Walk will begin at 8 a.m. and the route is twice around the park. At 8:30 a.m. the Health Fair opens and events continue until 11 a.m. Snacks and water will be provided to all participants.

Strollers are welcome as are well-behaved leashed pets. You may run this 5K and if you want to do so it is suggested that you make your way to the front of the group when the race starts.

This is a free event, however, donations are requested to support the American Heart Association. The money raised through the Heart Walk funds research and initiatives that promote the prevention, treatment, and better patient care in the areas of cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association is the nation's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke. For further information, please visit their website: Maui Heart Walk. org.

THIRD ANNUAL MAUI VALLEY TO THE SEA HALF MARATHON & 5K/10K--SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2012

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:05:44 -0700

It doesn't really matter what distance you want to run or walk on this island. When you participate in a race every setting is spectacular. This one is no diffierent.

The 3rd annual Maui Valley to the Sea Half Marathon and 5K/10K races are sponsored by the Hawaii Elite Track Team. The half-marathon starts in beautiful Iao Valley in Wailuku at the end of Route 32, crosses the valley between Haleakala and the West Maui Mountains passing endless sugar cane fields, and ends at the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary in Kihei, with the ocean at your feet.

For those who are running the 5K or the 10K, the start and finish line will be at the finish line of the half-marathon in the National Marine Sanctuary. The 5K race is run along the beach, and the 10K is run half on the road and the other half on the beach.

All races start promptly at 7 a.m.

Once your cross the finish line there will be live Hawaiian entertainment, food, and of course, awards for each age division.

Proceeds from this race benefit Hawaii Elite Track team, a non-profit organization which was established in 1992. The Elite track team works with athletes between the ages of 3 and 18 and uses these funds for clinics, camps, National meets, training, equipment and uniforms for these young athletes.

For further information or to register for these races, please visit their website: ValleyoftheSeaHalfMarathon.com.

4th ANNUAL ORCHID BALL--MONTESSORI HALE O KEIKI--MARCH 24, 2012

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:34:57 -0700

Montessori Hale o Keiki will host its fourth annual Orchid Ball this Saturday, March 24. The theme this year is "Tinsel Town Nights". Imagine stepping back into 1940's Hollywood--red carpets, glamour, sumptuous food and wine. And don't forget those fabulous clothes. Vintage dress is so appropriate (but not required) for this event. Dig in the back of your closets and come smartly dressed.

This year's event will be held at Gannon's Restaurant in Wailea. What intrigues me about the event this year is that instead of a plate dinner, there will be food stations from some of the best restaurants on Maui--Gannon's, Nick's Fishmarket, Joe's, Sarento's, Hai'imaile General Store, and Son'z at Swan Court. I am going to make sure that my "vintage" has extra space in it with all these delightful choices.

Early registration starts at 5:30 p.m. There will be a silent auction beginning at 6 p.m., with dinner stations opening at 7 p.m. The evening continues with a live auction at 8 p.m. and dancing with music by DJ Dan at 9 p.m. This should be a fun and spectacular evening.

Montessori Hale o Keiki is a non-profit alternative education program for children from pre-school through 14 years of age. It is the only independent school in South Maui and they have been serving this community for 20 years. Their educational philosophy is, ". . . providing a curriculum and environment in which each child will develop physically, intellectually, and spiritually to his or her fullest potential."

All proceeds benefit Montessori Hale o Keiki. For tickets or further information, please visit their website: Montessori Hale o Keiki.

RUN 'TIL YOU'RE GREEN--ST. PATRICK'S DAY 3-MILE RACE--SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 2012

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 17:55:23 -0700

Since St. Patrick's Day falls on a Saturday this year, we're packing everything Irish we can into Maui on this one day. If you want to celebrate St. Patrick's Day into the evening, why not start with a 3-mile fun run? You can guess since the race starts and ends at Kahului Ale House that the after-race activities are going to be a lot of fun.

The race itself starts at 5 p.m., with same-day registration and packet pick up between 3:45 and 4:30 p.m. Entries in the race include a t-shirt, one beverage (either a domestic draft beer or soft drink) and an opportunity to win age-group awards and $100 in cash. Even if you're not Irish, just the fact that you get to enter into an Irish named age group is fun. Here they are:

Leprechauns (17 and under)
Celtic Warriors (18-39)
Druids (40-49)
Arch-Druids (50-59)
Grand Druids (60+)

At 6 p.m. awards will be given three-deep for men and women. There will be mugs for age group winners and medals for 2nd and 3rd place finishers.

Kahului Ale House is located at 355 East Kamehameha Avenue in Kahului. Run, drink (safely), party, and celebrate being Irish for one day!

For more information, please visit Maui Running.

SHARING THE GREEN--GOLF AND EXTREME BOCCI--SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 2012

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 18:47:11 -0700

You can guess that we don't have a huge St. Patrick's Day celebration on Maui, but there is still a great way to celebrate this day and help two local charities at the same time. Sharing the Green Golf & Extreme Bocce Tournament will take place on Saturday, March 17, which is indeed St. Patrick's Day. It will benefit Back Pack Buddies of Kamali'i Elementary School and Hospice Maui.

Why is this event on St. Patrick's Day? Because three local Irishmen host this event: Mike O'Dwyer, owner of Mulligan's on the Blue restaurant; Barry Helle, General Manager of the Wailea Old Blue Golf Course; and Patrick Kilbride, Regional Sales Manager for Title Guarantee.

There is a lot going on with this event, so here are the details of the day:

Golf Tournament. Four-person scramble. Registration is between 6 and 6:30 a.m., with tee-offs at 7 a.m.

Extreme Bocce Ball Tournament. Registration is at 8 a.m. and the tournament starts at 9 a.m. Why is it "extreme"? Because the lanes have challenges--you'll have to play to find out!

Lunch and silent auction will begin at noon.

Here are some bonuses:

Any golfer who scores a hole-in-one on the 18th hole will win a new Harley Davidson courtesy of Cycle City.

Any golfer who scores a hole-in-one on the 12th hole will win $10,000 courtesy of Mulligan's.

Location: Mulligan's on the Blue in Wailea and the golf tournament is held on the Old Blue Course at Wailea (adjacent to Mulligan's).

For further information or to register for this event please visit www.HospiceMaui.org. You may also register for the golf tournament by calling Mulligan's on the Blue at 874.1131 or the Wailea Old Blue Golf Course at 879.2530. For further information on the Extreme Bocce tournament, please contact Patrick Kilbride at 264.4289 or pkilbride@tghawaii.com.

In case you are not familiar with these two charities, let me take a moment to tell you about them and how your contributions will help:

Hospice Maui has been providing physical comfort and emotional support for people who are terminally ill for 30 years here on Maui. They all support and assist their families before death and during the grieving process. My Mom was in hospice before dying a number of years ago and I will never forget the compassion and love of the hospice workers.

Back Pack Buddies to benefit Kamali'i School. Backpack Buddies is a national program that literally puts food in back packs for children on Friday when they leave school so that they have food to eat over the weekend. This program is for children who qualify for free or reduced-price school lunches because their parents cannot afford lunches for them. We always like to believe that poverty and need are somewhere else, but they are very close at hand here on Maui.

Enjoy your St. Patrick's Day and celebrate by helping two local organizations that do so much for people here on Maui.

MAUI AIDS FOUNDATIONS--MARDI GRAS MAUI--MARCH 16-17, 2012

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:42:56 -0700

It has been five years since the Maui Aids Foundation has hosted Mardi Gras Maui. So it seems only fitting that it returns this coming weekend with the theme, "We're Back!"

It also returns to the King Kamehameha Golf Club where the event kicks off with a Champagne Reception for VIP ticket holders and sponsors at 7 p.m. At 8 p.m. all General Admission tickets join for the Art Show, cocktails, food, and yes, lots and lots of dancing at this party.

Artists featured during the 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. art show will include: Chasity Cadaoas, Jamie Clark, Erica Danielle Franz, Michael Guerriero, James Hanlon II, Michael Horton, Yohne Marks, Kim Mosley, Kevin Omuro, Jennifer Owen, Kolea Schonwalter, Sidney Yee and many others.

Cee Cee will emcee and there will be special performances by the Maui Roller Girls and Girly Show. Then dance the night away to the music of Men in Black II, AstroRaph and CIA.

This is Mardi Gras, so prizes will be awarded for the best costume! Get creative.

The mission of the Maui Aids Foundation is this:

To stop the spread of HIV infection and AIDS by raising public awareness and understanding.

To maximize the quality of life for those affected by HIV/AIDS through client services.

To advocate for improved HIV/AIDS services.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit MauiAIDS.org or call 242-4900. The King Kamehameha Golf Course is located at 2500 Honoapiilani Highway in Wailuku.

4th ANNUAL FUN RUN--WOMEN HELPING WOMEN--MARCH 10, 2012

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:00:37 -0800

"Run because you WANT to . . . for women who run because they HAVE to".

This Saturday, March 10, is the 4th Annual Fun Run to support Women Helping Women. Women Helping Women is a non-profit organization providing emergency shelter, crisis intervention, a 24-hour emergency hot line, and support services for victims of domestic violence. The registration fees and the pledges raised by participants help to continue the work of this organization here on Maui.

This is a family event with something for everyone. There are timed 5K and 10K events for runners and walkers. There is also a 2K fun run/walk for children. New this year is "Stroller Strides Maui"--a total fitness program for parents with babies that includes interval training with resistance bands as well as walking/running.

All races start and end at the Women ReVive Resale Boutique in the Old Kahului Shopping Center. Race day registration starts at 6 a.m. Races start promptly at 8 a.m.

The first three male and female finishers of the 5K and 10K races will receive awards. All participants who finish will be entered into drawings for several prizes at the awards ceremony. Following the races there will be music, food, and entertainment.

For more information or to register for this event, please click on the link to their website: www.whwmaui.net.

You can help end domestic violence in our community. Take a stand and walk or run this Saturday to raise the money so critical to the program's continuing success.

ULUPALAKUA REMEMBERS--SUNDAY DRIVE, MARCH 4, 2012

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:11:58 -0800

It seems like just yesterday that I was writing about Ulupalakua Sparkles for the Christmas Season and now its already time for the next quarter's event. Each Spring they celebrate "Ulupalakua Remembers" which honors the heritage and the legacy of the ranch.

This year they are "remembering" Ulupalakau artist Reems Mitchell. His life-sized sculptures can be found at many locations around Maui, and visitors love having their photos taken with them. One of his sculptures is pictured on the right.

All of the Ulupalakua Sunday Drive events feature great food served at the Ranch Store, complimentary wine tasting at Tedeschi Vineyards and great entertainment. This years entertainment lineup includes Grammy winner Richard Ho'opi'i & 'Ohana, Ukelele virtuoso Derick Sebastian, Hawaiian Steel guitarist Joel Katz, the Seabury Hall Hawaiian Ensemble, and Uncle Benny Uyetake.

The event runs from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. this Sunday, March 4. Entertainment is free. Ulupalakua Ranch is located on Highway 37, about 45 minutes from Kahului. For more information, please call 878-6058 or visit their website at: www.mauiwine.com.

HALE KAU KAU FUNDRAISER--SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 18:37:41 -0800

Hale Kau Kau, loosely translated is "House of Chow" or more formally, "House of Meals". Aptly named because this non-profit organization provides meals to the needy, shut-ins, and elderly. And Hale Kau Kau has been doing this for over 20 years, never missing a day.

Based out of St. Theresa's Church on South Kihei Road, they are the only meal program in South Maui, and serve on average 140 meals each day. The number of meals continues to grow from year to year.

In addition to their mostly volunteer staff they still need our support, and you can provide that in a number of different ways.

One way is to participated in their 13th annual fundraiser this Saturday, March 3. It is their biggest fund raising event of the year.

The theme is "Music Feeds the Soul", just like their work feeds the hungry. Purchase tickets to this event and enjoy dinner and headlining entertainment by MAKANA, Hawai'i's youngest slack key guitar master. Participate in the live and silent auctions, helping to raise money for food and supplies.

This event begins at 4 p.m. and it is being held at The Wailea Beach Marriott Resort and Spa in the Aulani Ballroom. The Wailea Beach Marriott Resort is located at 3700 Wailea Alanui in Wailea.

Even one hungry person is too many on our little island. If you have followed my blog for a while you know how much I support The Maui Food Bank, which also provides food to Hale Kau Kau. Let's dedicate ourselves to eradicating hunger here on Maui now!

For further information please call 857.8754 or email hkkmaui@yahoo.com.

FREE PANCAKES--NATIONAL PANCAKE DAY CELEBRATION--FEBRUARY 28, 2011

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 09:45:55 -0800

Yes, that's right--FREE PANCAKES. In 2006, IHOP started National Pancake Day to raise money for local charities in the communities it serves. Since the program's inception it has grown exponentially, and IHOP has raised nearly $8 million.

Last year alone they served over 4 million free pancakes and raised $2.5 million for childrens' charities. They expect to serve even more free pancakes this year and the goal is to raise $2.7 million to benefit Children's Miracle Network Hospitals© and other local charities.

So on Tuesday, February 28, visit our local IHOP in the Maui Mall at 70 E. Kaahumanu Avenue in Wailuke, enjoy your free short stack of Buttermilk pancakes, and in return make a donation to the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals©. Free pancakes will be served between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals© was founded in 1983 by Marie Osmund and her family. They have two goals--help as many children as possible and keep the funds in the communities where they are raised. Since 1983 they have raised over $4.3 billion with the majority of that money coming from small donations of $1 or $2 at a time.

I would like to say a special thank you to IHOP for this program to help raise money for children and especially for the commitment to keep the funds locally. Let's all make it to IHOP on Tuesday to enjoy our free pancakes and help IHOP meet their financial goal for this year.

MAUI OPEN STUDIOS--WEEKEND THREE--FEBRUARY 25-26, 2011

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 19:02:01 -0800

MAUI OPEN STUDIOS--WEEKEND THREE

If you haven't made it to either of the previous Open Studio Weekends this will be your last chance until next year. I know it is definitely high season here and there are so many events scheduled each weekend that it's hard to fit it all in. This weekend, Maui Open Studios takes you all the way to Hana--that little jewel of a town on the east side. The drive there through the rain forests is splendid and the views are always so spectacular.

This Open Studios Weekend starts off a little differently. There is an artist's reception on Friday, February 25, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Travaasa (formerly the Hotel Hana Maui) with no-host appetizers, a cash bar, and entertainment. It's another opportunity to meet the artists and plan your visits.

Then on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m., seven individual artists and twelve artists at Source Interactive Arts Festival are opening their studios for tours and demonstrations.

You can pick up a copy of the guidebook at Friday's reception or you can find maps and a list of this week's Open Studios by visiting the Maui Open Studios website. I've connected a link here to the Weekend Three schedule. It's also a great way to preview the artists' works.

ALOHA AINA DAY--RECYCLE BENEFIT FOR BALDWIN HIGH SCHOOL--SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2012

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:44:16 -0800

Aloha Aina means to love and respect the land. By now you all know that reusing, repurposing, and recycling are top priorities for me. When you live on a small island you really understand how important that is.

This Saturday, February 25, Hammerhead Recycling and Community Work Program have joined together to promote recycling and reuse of household items and this is one of several events they will be sponsoring across Maui this year. What a great time to clean out your closets, storage sheds, garage spaces, and remove all those things you've been storing under the beds.

Help keep these items out of our landfills, raise money for Baldwin High School, and food for the Maui Food Bank. Please gather up all those items and donate them on Saturday. Between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. you may drop off the following items:

scrap metal
bicycles
appliances
beverage containers
cooking oil
cellular phones
household batteries
vehicle batteries
laptop batteries
printer cartridges
newspaper
cardboard
telephone books
magazines
plastic grocery bags
used eye glasses
hearing aides
books
reusable paint
clothing
other household items

Please note that they will not be accepting electronic equipment, TV's, tires, motor oil or other hazardous fluids.

As part of this program, participants are also asked to bring a non-perishable item for the Maui Food Bank (which is another group that is near and dear to my heart).

This event will be held in the Baldwin High School parking lot at 1660 Kaahumanu Avenue in Wailuku. For further information you may call 877.2525 or visit: cwdhawaii.org.

MAUI HUMANE SOCIETY FUR BALL--FEBRUARY 25, 2012

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:14:07 -0800

Don't you just love the name of this charitable event? The Maui Humane Society hosts its annual Fur Ball this Saturday, February 25. And since we know it's much too warm to wear furs here on Maui, the name can only mean that this is to benefit our furry friends.

This year's theme is Senior Prom: Happily Ever After. If you really want to get into the mood then dig out those old formals and the polyester suits--because "black tie" apparel from any era will be appropriate!

The Fur Ball is being held at the Haleakala Ballroom at the Grand Wailea Hotel. It will feature dinner, a cash bar, live and silent auctions, music and dancing, and runs from 5 to 11 p.m. For even more entertainment, join "The After Party" at the Tsunami Night Club at the Grand Wailea which runs from 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.!

To continue its work of providing shelter for homeless pets, providing medicine, and furthering its spay/neuter program, The Maui Humane Society needs our support for events like this. Tickets are $150 each for the Fur Ball and The After Party or $135 for the Fur Ball. You may also purchase tables of 10 for $1,400 (which includes The After Party) or $1,250 for just the Fur Ball. To purchase tickets, either click on this link: Maui Humane Society Fur Ball, or call 877.3680, extension 32. Advance tickets are only available for purchase until Thursday, February 23, at 5 p.m.

WORLD PREMIER--"LIVING IN LIGHT" DOCUMENTARY--FEBRUARY 25, 2011

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 22:07:39 -0800

Maui is not the place I would except to catch a world premier--let alone one devoted to a subject near to my heart--spirituality. So imagine my delight in learning that the new documentary, "Living In Light", will premier here this coming Saturday night.

If you have read the "Conversations with God" series by Neale Donald Walsch then you are already familiar with the subject and the narrator. A simple summary is that the documentary explores the true nature of human existence--the nature of consciousness and divinity. The documentary interviews a number of great spiritual teachers, including Gangagi, Eli Saxon-Bear, Alan Cohen and Mirabai Devi. That might be enough but the added bonus is that these four individuals will also be attending the screening. What a great opportunity to meet them in person.

I've embedded the trailer below. This documentary was filmed here in Hawaii, so the gorgeous scenery just adds to the beauty of this subject.

The details--Saturday, February 25. The reception begins at 7 p.m., followed by the premier at 8 p.m., and dancing, music, and pupus will follow the screening. Tickets are $15 in advance; $20 at the door and can be purchased on-line here: Living In Light or by calling 575.9390. The premier will be held at Studio Maui which is located at 810 Haiku Road in Haiku.

For those of you who won't be able to make the screening, the DVD is also available for purchase at Living In Light Movie (you will find the purchase option at the bottom of that page).

MAUI OPEN STUDIOS--WEEKEND TWO--FEBRUARY 18-19, 2011

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:17:11 -0800

MAUI OPEN STUDIOS--WEEKEND TWO

Have you already planned your visits for the second weekend of Maui Open Studios? The weekend is almost here and there will be fifty-two artists opening their studios for tours and demonstrations. This weeks artists include painters, glass artists, sculptors, woodworkers, jewelry, ceramic and mixed-media artists.

The studios that will be open this weekend will all be north and upcountry. With so much going on this weekend all over Maui I'm thinking maybe a quiet drive upcountry could be just the ticket. All studios will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.

If you haven't picked up a copy of the guidebook you can find maps and a list of this week's open studios by visiting the Maui Open Studios website. I've connected a link here to the Weekend Two schedule. It's also a great way to preview the artists' works if you weren't able to make last weekend's kickoff.

2012 WORLD WHALE DAY--MAUI

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:18:21 -0800

This Saturday, February 18, hosts arguably one of the most popular events on Maui all year--World Whale Day. Sponsored by the Pacific Whale Foundation, we set aside an entire day to celebrate the thousands of humpback whales who spend their winters here in the waters around Maui.

World Whale Day runs from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. and has added a second stage this year to bring in more entertainment. Start by watching the Parade of Whales which begins at 9 a.m. at the intersection of South Kihei Road and Alanui Ke Ali'i Drive and ends at the Kihei Public Library on Waimaihaihai Street.

Following the parade, make your way over to Kalama Park for the remainder of the World Whale Day activities. There is something for everyone of every age to enjoy. Here are the highlights:

Keiki Carnival--everything for the kids. Inflatable rides and games. With the addition of the second stage there is now entertainment for the children from 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. For the complete schedule, please follow this link: Keiki Carnival.
"Made on Maui" Artisans Fair--shopping!!!
Maui Restaurant Food Booths-- great food for every taste!!!
Silent Auction--ah, more shopping and help support the Pacific Whale Foundation.
Entertainment--John Cruz is back this year. Also performing are Anuhea, Willie K, and a host of others. Follow this link for the complete list: On Stage.
Wild & Wonderful Whale Regatta--Maui's version of a rubber ducky race--except that we have little rubber whales. Sponsor a whale and if it wins you win two round-trip tickets between Maui and the mainland (or the mainland and Maui).
Eco-Alley--This is your opportunity to visit with non-profits, businesses and government agencies all working on protecting our local environnment.
Pacific Whale Foundation Exhibits--learn more about the whales and current research. Take an opportunity to thank the people who created this event 32 years ago.

Join us Saturday to celebrate the whales. This event it not to be missed.

HOME STAGING AND REDESIGN--COLOR BALANCE

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 01:06:13 -0800

If you walk into any room or see a room in a photograph or magazine and it just doesn't feel right then generally something is out of balance. We feel comfortable in spaces that are balanced and we tend not to linger in ones that are not.

Balance encompasses many design elements, including furniture placement, scale, color and texture. Today I am just going to address color balance.

I find color balance so important because you can often overcome some other minor "out of balance" issues if you get the color balance correct. And it's really pretty simple.

The photograph of the room on the right is a master bedroom in a small condo. The room looks pretty good, but it's not going to make the cover of Architectural Digest. And, more importantly, it doesn't make me want to dive into that bed and stay for a while. Do you know why?

If you actually look at the photo for a few moments you may start to notice that the bed reminds you of a large marshmallow sort of adrift in the room. That's because the color is out of balance. The wall of espresso-colored cabinets dominates the room and their color "weight" is all on one side.

So how do you balance the color and anchor the marshmallow? I simply added a throw to the foot of the bed that is the same dark color as the built-ins and changed the accent pillows to also pick up this darker color. Voilà. Color Balance. Now your eye "walks" up the foot of the bed and the bed seems unified with the built ins. Wouldn't you would want to linger in this room a bit longer now, have breakfast in bed--maybe even make an offer on this property?

There are a myriad of little details like this that professional stagers and redesigners consider when either preparing your home for sale or redesigning a room. Whether it's to create a home that buyers fall in love with or redesigning your master bedroom so that you never want to leave it, call a professional in your area today.

BEST CHOCOLATE ON MAUI FOR VALENTINE'S DAY--SWEET PARADISE

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 17:53:13 -0800

Valentine's Day--hearts, flowers, roses and chocolate. Ah, chocolate. Certainly my favorite food group. And the best place to indulge that craving is by heading over to Sweet Paradise in Wailea.

Owner Melanie Boudar opened this shop last June in Wailea Gateway Place. Once you walk in the door you will recognize that this is no ordinary store. Bright red walls, red carpets, and a piano greet you. But for me, it's straight to the chocolate display cases. They are dazzling and it's no surprise since Melanie actually spent 30 years as a diamond and gemstone buyer. Eventually her lifelong love of chocolate won out and now we all benefit from that. Just imagine the best chocolate in the world blended with the tropical flavors of the Hawaiian Islands.

Who wouldn't melt opening a box of Valentine's chocolates that look like these? Each is a work of art. You may wonder how chocolate will survive in our 80 degree temperatures--but I never give that a second thought--since mine just never seem to last that long! The chocolate is amazing and the choices almost unlimited. My favorite is the special Island-themed box of seven chocolates--coconut creme brulee, Kona coffee, macadamia nut, lilikoi silk, mango ginger, pineapple starfruit and island spice.

Sweet Paradise is located at 34 Wailea Gateway Place (the corner of Pi'ilani Highway and Wailea Iki Drive) in Wailea. You can call them at 808.661.4764 or order online at www.sweetparadisechocolate.com.

SPEED DATING--MAUI HUMANE SOCIETY--FEBRUARY 12, 2012

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:18:08 -0800

Speed dating--you know how that works--meet someone for three to five minutes and determine if you ever want to see that person again. Then meet the next person for three to five minutes and make another decision. Well, the Maui Humane Society has adapted this human event to the world of dog adoption.

This Sunday, February 12, is Speed-Dating--Dog Adoption. Starting at 11 a.m. with the larger dog breeds you are welcome to visit with the shelter dogs for three minutes each. This will be followed with a second round for the smaller breeds.

Find the perfect dog and fall in love--after all it is close to Valentine's Day. And since it is so close to Valentine's Day, as a special bonus the Maui Humane Society is offering 50% off of these adoptions.

Seems I have been writing a lot about animals lately--first the whales and my last two posts have been about dogs. You could say these are my two favorite animals. The whales needs us to protect their environment and the dogs need us to provide loving, safe homes. You can't adopt a whale, but you can certainly welcome a new four-legged member into your family this weekend.

The Maui Humane Society is located at 1350 Mehameha Loop in Puunene. For more information you may either call them at 877.3680 or visit their website: Maui Humane Society.

MAUI OPEN STUDIOS--WEEKEND ONE--FEBRUARY 11-12, 2011

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:58:25 -0800

MAUI OPEN STUDIOS--WEEKEND ONE

This is the Weekend One for Maui Open Studios following last week's kickoff. Geographically, studios will be open in West, Central and South Maui. With only two days, so many artists to see, and a lot of area to cover, it is best to grab your guidebook and plan your visits carefully.

During Weekend One forty artists will have their studios open for you to visit--many will feature live demonstrations. There are photographers, glass artists, oil painters, jewelry makers, ceramic and mixed-media artists.

I've been working and reworking my planned route this weekend and have finally decided to see all of them over both days. It's such a great treat to watch the artists at work. All studios will be open from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.

If you haven't yet picked up a copy of the guidebook you can find maps and a list of this week's open studios by visiting the Maui Open Studios website. I've connect a link here to the Weekend One schedule. It's also a great way to preview the artists' works if you weren't able to make last weekend's kickoff.

It should be another beautiful weekend here on Maui and what a great way to enjoy it!

HAWAI'I CANINES FOR INDEPENDENCE--VALENTINE'S BENEFIT--FEBRUARY 11, 2011

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:10:19 -0800

On Saturday, February 11, Hawai'i Canines for Independence will host its annual Valentine's Benefit and auction. This event will be held at Gannon's Restaurant and will start at 5:30 p.m.

Of course, Gannon's Restaurant means amazing food from award-winning chef Bev Gannon. There will also be live music by the David Choy Jazz Trio. And let's not forget about the live and silent auctions (I hear there will be jewelry from Tiffany & Co. among the many great auction items). Gannon's Restaurant is located at 100 Wailea Golf Club Drive in Wailea.

Hawai'i Canines for Independence was founded in 2000 to raise, train, and place Assistance Dogs throughout the State of Hawai'i. They have graduated over 30 service teams since then and continue to expand their range of services. These additional services now include training Seizure Response Dogs, Facility Dogs for hospitals, Therapy Teams to visit local nursing homes--and two which I really admire--Courthouse Dogs for children who have been victims of crimes and assistance dogs for veterans called the Wounded Warrior Program. Imagine the difference a service dog makes to the lives of people receiving these wonderful dogs.

This Valentine's Benefit and your on-going support allows the Hawai'i Canines for Independence to continue their amazing work throughout the State. For tickets, please call 298-0167.

For further information on Hawai'i Canines for Independence, please visit their website at http://www.hawaiicanines.com/. Just watching the videos on their website will bring a tear or two to your eyes.