Any blogging advice you read says not to apologize for not posting but here I go anyway. I’m sorry I haven’t blogging much lately. For the past few weeks I’ve been a bit out of sorts physically. Nothing anyone needs to worry about, just some random things that have made it a bit undesirable and uncomfortable to sit at a computer even more than I already do at my day job. For the month prior to that I was just busy and distracted with other things including several events and personal matters. So to catch you up, I thought I’d share a roundup of the events I attended during April.

Who said there isn’t anything to do on Maui?

On April 13th, I felt so fortunate to attend the Fantasia Ball at the Grand Wailea benefitting Imua Family Services. Imua is a non-profit organization based on Maui and Lana`i whose mission is to provide comprehensive early childhood development services to children and their families with the support and resources needed to achieve their full potential in life. To be honest, I didn’t know much about Imua Family Services prior to the ball but I’d say I’m the exception. This organization has assisted so many families at a time they needed them the most.  You could feel the dedication of the staff and volunteers at this event as they demonstrated how priceless and critical this organization’s services are to our community.

The Fantasia Ball was also a well-run and fun event. From fashion to shopping to ballroom dancing, I recommend you all attend in 2014.

An Evening in Emerald City benefitting Women Helping Women was fun and scary too (I kept running into wicked witches everywhere although they were pretty agreeable to posing for instagram shots). One of my favorite parts of the evening was the cake competition from the very talented University of Hawaii Maui College students, all with an Oz theme, of course.

I also stopped by the annual Art of the Trash Exhibit at Maui Mall and loved all the pieces. But I do confess the robots (and one tin man) won my art heart.

I don’t believe a water filter has ever been described as modern and elegant, until now. Introducing the SOMA.

SOMA Water met its Kickstarter goal in January raising over $147 thousand and expects to ship its first units this summer. The SOMA water filter design is reminiscent of a beautiful wine or midcentury coffee carafe. The vessel is made of glass and the filters from coconut shells and other eco-friendly materials. The filters are compostable. SOMA will also offer a subscription service to have the filters delivered just in time for replacement.

I try to drink water from the tap as much as possible as I don’t like to contribute to the overwhelming plastic bottle waste problem our planet is already facing. While the water in my current area is quite good, I often used a filter in my Honolulu neighborhood as the water was affecting my skin so I didn’t feel comfortable drinking it without running it through a filtration system. Any serious coffee drinker will also tell you how important filtered water is for good coffee and your coffee maker. The SOMA is sleeker than my past Brita pitcher and more importantly, it is not made of plastic.

There is a video on their site if you’d like to hear more from the product designers. You can also subscribe for product and release updates.

Image via Kickstarter.

I first noticed a problem with wheat during birthday celebrations at the office. I’d sing and many more to a lovely co-worker, devour 1/3rd of a slice of ono Broke Da Mouth dream cake and shortly after I’d become a headachy and puffy mess.

This type of reaction began to recur, always after a meal including bread or baked goods.  My doctor ran some tests and the verdict was in, I had developed a wheat allergy. So I began to eliminate wheat from my diet. At first I thought I’ll just stay away from foods traditionally made with flour. I’m an Okinawan girl who loves sweet potatoes and sushi; how hard it could be? By journaling I soon realized my wheat slip-ups involved some old favorites like pizza and pasta so I began to explore wheat free options. One of my favorite places is located right in Kihei and not only are they wheat free, they are a 100% gluten free restaurant. Maui Brick Oven, I appreciate you!

Maui Brick Oven is a family owned business, which came to be as two of the owners are diagnosed with celiac disease. Lucky for us, they are also chefs who decided to turn their struggle to find a gluten free environment into a blessing for others.

Thin crust pizzas, appetizers, desserts and salads that include local and organic ingredients are all tempting. Last week, I ordered the basil, goat cheese and sun-dried tomato pizza and mac-n-cheese (mmm, mmm, good). The customer service is impeccable. You feel welcome and appreciated when dining there and they are very accommodating with special requests (extra crispy please!). Maui Brick Oven definitely has a neighborhood feel, which I love.  They are located near Longs in Kihei and welcome take-out or eat-in customers. You  can check out their full menu and hours of operations here.

Please note I do not have celiac disease. My condition is a food allergy so small amounts of wheat on an infrequent basis don’t affect me in an adverse way. I do feature Maui dining posts from time to time that are not gluten-free as Maui Brick Oven is. For me, I can merely ask for certain items to be left out or order a wheat free meal and I’ll be fine.  If you have been diagnosed with celiac disease, Amanda is a Maui blogger who blogs about “eating gluten free on a rock in the sea” at Gluten Free Maui. Her homemade meals look so yummy and she also writes product reviews. 

Once upon a time, it was a Friday night and I was sporting a new haircut. I had no plans and da BF was on Lanai laying tile. What’s a girl with no man, no plans and a professional blowout to do? I decided to hop over to Monkeypod Wailea to chill at the bar and nosh on gnocchi while watching surf flicks. (nom nom, we’re talking fresh chard, mushrooms, tomato and chevre, I daydream about Monkeypod’s gnocchi at least once a week)

As I was heading back to my car with a tummy full of gnocchi, I decided to take a peek in Otaheite. The display table was filled with gorgeous and colorful handcrafted wallets and clutches by Cleobella.

I fell in love with the green and yellow piece and it’s now a favorite. It’s a large but light wallet so I can easily fit my iPhone and Lipfusion in it and also use it as a clutch. It has three zippered compartments, four non-zippered and a generous amount of slots for cards. The lace cuts created by hand provides for a bohemian feel, which makes me smile.

Angela and Jim created Cleobella and their collection of handmade bags, wallets, jewelry and home accessories after spending time in Bali. Cleobella is inspired by its namesake, Angela’s free spirited mother, a 70′s hippie child who loves nature.The pieces are made by artisans in Bali and Indonesia. Each item is hand dyed and embellished individually.

Their offerings include fringe bags, roomy clutches and gorgeous ikat pillows. There is an abundant feeling of texture and a global elegance throughout their collection.

If you find the stories behind companies interesting, I recommend you visit Cleobella’s site and click on “our story” (bottom middle). Our story is Angela and Jim’s share of how they began Cleobella with gorgeous shots of Bali and a bit of insight into how their products are made. I also loved the quick peek into Angela’s workspace in Bali with a simple pink desk and the shot of her sketching designs.

You can find Cleobella on Maui at Otaheite in Wailea or at Biasa Rose in Paia.

There’s no place like home, unless home is not a safe place to be. Women Helping Women is a not-for-profit organization that provides emergency shelter and programs for victims of domestic violence in Maui County. Their mission is to end domestic violence through advocacy, education and prevention; and to offer safety, support and empowerment to women and children.

They need our support so they may continue to support others. So dust off your red sequin shoes, click your heels together and join me for an Evening in the Emerald City.

The annual Women Helping Women fundraiser is for an important cause and it’s also a hot ticket.  Nosh on onolicious food by Chef Gannon followed by desserts prepared by our beloved Maui Culinary Academy students. Follow the yellow brick road with your bidder number in hand for the silent auction. If the wicked witch outbids you, no worries, there’s a live auction and entertainment too. Just look for Oz on the main stage at the MACC as the sun sets.

I’ll be there and I’d love to see you! See Women Helping Women to buy a ticket or to make a donation. If you are in need of Women Helping Women’s assistance, emergency contact info and hotline numbers are also on the home page.

Another way to support Women Helping Women is to donate to or shop at Revive, a boutique at Kahului Shopping Center that sells gently used furniture, clothing and household items. Merchandise donated will either be directly provided to Women Helping Women or sold at the boutique with the proceeds benefiting the programs of the organization. When women and children leave a violent situation, they often do so with no belongings in hand. Revive also seeks to provide vocational training in retail sales, customer service, merchandising and marketing to those women needing to re-enter the work force to support themselves and their families. If you follow me on Instagram, the pretty oak table and chairs set I shot was spotted at Revive this week.

All images of past Women Helping Women tea events were provided by Women Helping Women.

I must first confess I do not have a minimal wardrobe. If you saw my wardrobe, in its entirety, you’d take my minimal membership card away. Then you’d stomp on it and cut it up into a million pieces. I literally have shoes in cubbies all the way to the ceiling.

An important distinction for my Minimal Me process is to envision what minimal living means to me in different areas of my life. In the past I have de-cluttered because I was overwhelmed by my possessions, needed space or to remove items I no longer used or liked. The move to a minimal and simple lifestyle is much more driven than merely organizing and removing clutter. It is about visualizing empty space, eliminating excess choices and being satisfied with a handful of pieces.

All women have heard the same standard advice on how to build a wardrobe and organize our closets again and again. Style experts have taught us how to dress for our body shape, given us shopping lists of essential tailored pieces and advised us to add interest with accessories and color. Magazines have encouraged us to keep a journal or fill an app with pics of our favorite outfits for future reference, label our shelves and hang our apparel by color. We’ve even been tempted to take polaroids of all our shoes to be taped on the outside of each shoebox so we don’t forget about the cute ankle booties we bought on sale last year. Advice on how to build a basic wardrobe always seemed to imply that those basics are just the beginning, to be built upon, added to and supplemented with pieces that have more personality.

Throughout my life I’ve gone through many closet clean-outs prompted by weight loss or excessive consumer guilt only to fill the space up again. I’ve been afflicted with multiple style disorder. I don’t know if I’m modern, trendy, classic, coming or going. Rocker pieces, girly bows, bustled maxis, boho batik and Ann Taylor office lady are all looks I’ve embraced.

Quite recently I realized I was reaching for the same pieces again and again, sometimes the same item gets worn more than once in a week. Part of it is the heavier weight I’m currently at but most of it is my change in perspective. I’ve been dressing in natural fabrics in mostly black, grey and simple stripes. My clothes fit me fairly well but I wouldn’t say I look remotely sexy, tailored or fashionable.  I just feel comfy, covered up and at ease. Most of it’s jersey with fluid shapes. The only slightly structured pieces being a baggy boyfriend jean or army parka.

I’ve reached a point in my life where I want less choices, not more. I want to walk into my closet, grab a few things and get dressed in five minutes flat. Longer lasting clothes that feel good, are machine washable and fit me on fat or skinny days are what I’m after. Pieces that can be layered together for work, fun, weekdays and weekends. A system of dressing with a handful of interchangeable capsule pieces rather than a series of outfits is my goal. I long for simplicity and don’t want to stand out in a crowd. I just want to get beyond the clothes and move on with real life.

Since New Year’s I’ve been culling the walk-in.  I removed items that are a little too small and boxed those up (my weight has started to drop so we’ll deal with those smaller sizes later). I’ve filled bags and boxes with pieces that don’t work with a simple system of dressing, are ill fitting or just too complicated. Most items were donated and some of the more marketable clothing is ready to go find a new home via consignment. I still have way too much stuff but that’s okay, this is a process, not a weekend project.

One thing that did strike me recently as very telling is my jeans shelf. You can still see my labels on the shelf, boot/straight, skinnies and boyfriend. Yet, only two pairs of jeans and a chinos remains. The majority of the shelf is empty. Labels are no longer necessary.

I did buy a few new pieces this season but not much in terms of quantity but at a higher cost. It all started with one dress by Eileen Fisher. In the past, the EF label always struck me as intended for well-heeled seniors who drive Mercedes and live in Kahala, until I bought this dress. It was pricey but it fits me so well with a fitted top, lantern shaped skirt and three quarter sleeves. I’ve worn it to work every single week, on the weekend with slippas and to a formal event with a chunky chained necklace and super high heels (I was a little underdressed at the formal event but it didn’t matter. After all, this is Maui and my purpose for attending was to help publicize the event on social media channels). It’s made in the US, is machine washable and dries on a hanger, no iron necessary. If I had five of these dresses, I would have no issue with wearing it every day. So I bought another one when it went on sale. I also picked up the harem pant pictured above and a grey tank dress that works well layered under all my sweaters and quite a few tops. As I read about EF’s history and watched their YouTube channel, I realized their line is all about simple system dressing. While not all of the pieces work for me, the few I picked up are all that I needed to anchor my remaining items. EF is a company that also strives for sustainable practices. A portion of their line is manufactured in the US and they intend to increase their domestic production. They also take great care to use sustainable fabrics and dyes as well as utilizing alternative energy at their offices and warehouses. The EF line is available at Macy’s on Maui but the selection is limited. Eileen Fisher, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom online carry some pieces that are more contemporary in cut like the pants pictured in both images above and also carry some pieces with a slimmer cut.

Eileen Fisher began her company in the mid-80s, one year before Donna Karan made her debut. Fisher was working as an interior and graphic designer and struggled with getting dressed each day. With $350 and no sewing skills, she started her line based on her own desire to have a system of dressing with simple shapes and quality easy feeling fabrics. The Fisher system of dressing starts with a base of starter pieces like jersey dresses, simple stretchy skirts and tanks that serve as high quality underpinnings. These pieces are then topped off with a sweater, top or jacket that has an easy fit but cut with an eye toward proportion and architectural interest. Each season pieces are available in colors but a wide assortment of neutral colors are always offered including white, ash and black. The Company thinks of itself not as a fashion company but a clothing company and each season’s pieces are designed so clients can replace starter pieces as needed and also combine any new purchases with items from seasons past. Her system of dressing came from the mind of an artist who wanted getting dressed in the morning to be easy so the real work can get done.

Another system designer, Donna Karan broke into the fashion world with her own line of system dressing. Karan’s Seven Easy Pieces started with a bodysuit as a base. Jackets, skirts, sweaters, pants and wraps in soft jersey and cashmere could then be layered in endless combinations. The collection was neutral and monochrome in black and was introduced during a flamboyant time in fashion, 1985. Seven Easy Pieces also offered a strong, luxurious and feminine alternative to the masculine inspired suit worn by female managers and executives. Donna Karen’s brand has expanded to all lines of apparel and accessories but you can still see updated versions of her Seven Easy Pieces in the collections and stores of today.

Vera Wang often said in interviews in the early days of her line that she dressed very simply to work. I have no doubt that her closet contains all kinds of fabulousness but it also contains stacks of black leggings and slouchy Ts and sweaters so she can focus on her work.

System dressing goes beyond ensuring each piece you own can be located easily and used in more than one outfit. To me, it means having a minimal amount of pieces in your wardrobe that are completely interchangeable and appropriate for the events in one’s daily life. Sticking to a basic palette and investing in just a few quality pieces that you can move in and wear again and again even during a weight fluctuation so time can be spent living life.

Images via Eileen Fisher.

The Minimalists have a wonderful post on why de-cluttering is not synonymous with minimalism. Their post, Decluttering Doesn’t Work Like That, also discusses why letting go needs to be a mindful process.

I’m a huge fan of Core Bamboo‘s products from their home lunch utensil sets  to the gorgeous salt boxes (I keep my Hawaiian Salt mix in one). This set of cutlery is made out of organic bamboo and finished with natural oils. The pieces are food safe and re-useable. They had me at the colorful dipped handles, a home worthy trend.

This set is available via the dwell+ahalife collaboration, the living in zen group. Images via merchant’s online store.

One of my favorite Maui Events, the Ag Fest, was held last Saturday at Maui Tropical Plantation.

On the first Saturday in April of each year the Maui County Farm Bureau partners with local farmers, ranchers and supporters of agriculture to present the Maui County Agriculture Festival. The Ag Fest is an opportunity for families to enjoy a Saturday outing filled with ono food, entertainment and education about agriculture on the Valley Isle.

Did you know that Maui has hundreds of farmers and ranchers? Coffee, sugar, pineapple, taro, mangos, cattle and aquaculture are just a few of the products our local agriculture industry grows and cares for. Onions and strawberries grown in Kula are a must have in many Hawaii kitchens. The protea flower (pictured above) is the perfect anchor for a flower arrangement.

The Ag Fest is the perfect opportunity for the community to meet Maui farmers and other vendors who utilize locally grown ingredients in their products. Maui Preserved pickles local fruits and veggies, which make wonderful pupus or side dishes. Their offerings also include vanilla beans, hot sauce and jam.

Slow Food Maui and Maui chefs were also on site to present the Grand Taste Education. The Grand Taste Education included talk story sessions with local chefs and a twelve plate tasting fleet of dishes prepared by our chefs partnering with local farmers. If you’re a Top Chef fan, you’ve probably guessed  that is Maui’s own Sheldon Simeon of Star Noodle on stage in the orange cap (you can follow Sheldon on twitter, just search for handle chefwonder). 

The Antique Caterpillar Machinery Owners Club shared their collection. This was one of my favorite parts of the Ag Fest, after eating of course.

Maui Thing was on hand with a painting booth for the keikis. Did you know Maui Thing hosts Second Saturday Art for Keikis? Check out their blog here for cute graphic Ts with a conscience and event updates.

Are you interested in learning more? Visit the Maui County Farm Bureau and Slow Food Maui sites for more info.

If you’re a resident or visiting Maui soon and would like to visit a local farm, I recommend Alii Kula Lavender for its gorgeous grounds and soothing products and Kula Country Farms for its fresh produce stand and holiday events like pumpkin picking at Halloween. On my farm bucket list is also a tour of O’o Farm and the Surfing Goat Dairy (to die for goat cheese and truffles). Maui Country Farm Tours also offers special tour packages and the images on their blog are eye candy for the Maui lover. Ulupalakua Ranch is the place to go to get your wine on.

I’m obsessing over all the gemstone home pieces at Brooklyn Thread. This gemstone magnet set is screaming my name, begging to come to Hawaii and live on my little white fridge.

If magnets aren’t your thing, check out their other home temptations like the amethyst crystal wine stopper, pink agate trivet or rose quartz candle holder. If you prefer to wear your gems, the ring offerings are the druzy bomb.

Image via Brooklyn Thread’s online shop.  Founded in 2009 by Joanna Torres, Brooklyn Thread is a line of jewelry and accessories with a boho feel topped off by a little vintage and urban on top.

What do you do? This question can be an innocuous conversation opener or it can be fully loaded with intent to determine your status, intelligence or even character. Inquiries began when I was in elementary school with “what does your father do?”. In college, the focus moved to my post-grad plans, which big firms called me back for the coveted all day interview and what does my boyfriend do. Now, as a so-called adult, I get asked what I do during cocktails, lunch and grocery shopping.

Nine times out of ten, the question is a polite inquiry merely meant to show interest. Then, there are the times the person asking is not casually interested but truly does want to know, what do I do. I was once in the hospital visiting a family member who had been in a bad car accident. In the waiting room, the first thing out of her future mother-in-law’s mouth was “what do you do?” accompanied by a quick glance at my handbag. At my ten year high school reunion, a classmate didn’t ask me what I do because he was too busy telling me what he does. He also took the time to provide me with a quick definition of a financial statement as he assumed the former party girl couldn’t possibly do what he does.

When we spend forty, fifty and sixty hours a week at our jobs outside the home, it is easy to begin to internalize the impression our job title leaves on others and also to self-identify who we are with what we do.

For me, a meaningful minimal lifestyle means a life relatively free of ego, status and keeping up appearances. It also means a life where my self-worth is not dependent on circumstances beyond my control.

While I strive to do my job well and take pride in what I do, it is equally important that my job does not define me. Having a life outside the office filled with family time, friendships, good health and creative pursuits shouldn’t be an afterthought but a priority. My personal life should be the source of joy, not my job.

There is freedom in letting go of the importance you place on your job’s effect on your happiness. I’m not talking about the financial effect of being able to provide for yourself and your family but rather how we see ourselves when things don’t go our way. When you don’t rely on your job or co-workers to validate your worth or talent, you can focus on getting things done and be more productive. Letting go of ego also enables you to look beyond competitive behavior, gossip and office politics.

Losing a job or changing our career path in life shouldn’t make us feel as if we’ve lost our identity too. Change is easier to embrace if we’re haven’t tied our happiness to a job title or company letterhead.

Defining ourselves by our careers can also lead to consumerism as we unconsciously attempt to show the world how successful or how connected we are with luxury cars, bags and jewelry. There is nothing wrong with having an appreciation for well-made objects with good design but feeling it’s a necessary presentation because of what you do can only lead to wanting more.

The perspective that who we are is what we do can also limit our social interactions to certain circles and keep us closed off from new experiences and interests. Life is ultimately more complicated when we limit our options to fitting in with a specific tribe or community.

While our jobs or our spouse’s jobs are a huge part of our lives, how we put food on our table shouldn’t take precedence over what is truly important or determine how we feel about ourselves. It is easier to adopt a simple lifestyle when we aren’t overwhelmed with the trappings of a career that defines how we live and feel when not working.