Aloha Hawaii!

Is there anything better than a vacation? Rather, is there anything better than a vacation after a crazy couple of months at work? I wrapped up an event on May 10th, and then got up (far too) early on the 11th to jet off to San Francisco to meet up with mom and dad for our flight to... Honolulu!

After 8 long hours on 2 different airplanes (don't worry, I'm playing a tiny violin at my pity party), 

we arrived! Seriously folks, every single moment was a beautiful picture in the making.

This is where we spent most of our time during the week on the island of O'ahu. 

We stayed at the Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club and attended the Fia Fia luau on the property. This is one of the smaller - and more traditional - luaus on the island. We had so much fun and the food & entertainment were great!

Naturally, when there was an intermission in the Luau, it was time to take silly pictures!

Our luau was also the perfect vantage point for a gorgeous Hawaii sunset!

A visit to Hawaii is not complete without a stop at Pearl Harbor. I have never been a big history buff, but I totally geeked out while we were there. Especially after we watched the video about the (STILL) sunken USS Arizona. 

Below is part of the submerged USS Arizona - it was so eloquent the way the short film put it, but it is something along the lines of: the ship that was their post is now also their grave. So sad!

About mid-week, we were getting a little restless spending the majority of our time by the pool, so we loaded up in a small tour bus and spent the day touring the entire island of O'ahu!

One of our favorite spots was the blowhole lookout. It was so cool to see the waves hit the rocks, then see a spray of water shoot out of the top of the blowhole!

I mean, come on, how beautiful is this?!

Can't remember exactly where we were here - there was quite a bit of cloud coverage, but it burned off quickly.

This was a lucky shot - our guide said that once in a while you can see the large turtles on this particular beach. He also mentioned that we wouldn't be able to stop because it was a no parking zone and the ticket you'd get is incredibly expensive. So you can imagine our surprise when he put on his flashers and told us to RUN down to the beach, snap a pic and run back!

My favorite stop on the tour was probably the Dole Plantation. They have an entire garden area showcasing all the different types of pineapple. Who knew?!

 Dad and I played a game of ping pong - pretty sure I have never really played, and he said he hadn't played in years and years and years (his words!) 

We had a lot of laughs and the final score doesn't matter... says the loser.

By the way, did you know that mermaids do exist? 

These little guys were everywhere! I wanted to sneak a couple home so badly. 

Gorgeous Brazilian Cardinals!

All good things must come to an end, and it was finally that time in the week where we needed to leave for the airport. In true Elizabeth fashion, silly car pictures were necessary!!

Aloha Hawaii! It was a blast! xoxo, E

Looking Like My Home

I spent quite a bit of time last week accessorizing my living room. I have to say, it's seriously starting to look like my home!

Close up of the mantel. I plan to add some color to the "E" with washi tape.

I'm planning on getting a piece of plywood or wainscoting, painting it a bright color and installing it behind this piece. I hate seeing all of the cords behind the books!

I finally got around to putting together this corner of the living room - I've affectionately nicknamed it the reading and dreaming corner.

I also gave the succulent a friend by adding the green "E" to the cubbyhole.

I nearly jumped for joy when I saw a package from the Diva family sitting on my front stoop. I adore my new napkins and placemats! They did such a great job coordinating the colors to what I chose for my bathroom! Love you Diva girls!

I've got an event for work on Saturday, so tomorrow I'll be giving you a rundown of our trip to Hawaii 2 weeks ago. I'll see you on the other side of the weekend! xoxo, E

Miscellaneous House Happenings

This post will be the definition of hodgepodge...

Vicky splurged and bought herself a delightful DSLR camera a couple weeks ago. In true Vicky fashion, she decided that a photography class would be necessary so that she could make her photos as pretty as what she saw in her head. Gosh, can we talk about how much I love that girl?!

She asked if I'd be willing to be the subject for one of her projects. Naturally, I agreed! There was some running, twirling and jumping involved - but I have to say, this pic in front of my cheery yellow door is my favorite!

One night when I opened the garage to pull in, I realized that the overhead lightbulbs had burned out. No way this girl was going to brave the dark of the garage late at night... and there's no way my sweet, paranoid Vicky would allow that either. 

Luckily, I had some workmen at the house the next day, and they changed the bulbs for me!

I can finally pull my car in the garage, now that the furniture projects (and all of the unpacking) are complete! This is very important considering all of the severe weather we have in Oklahoma - 

hail, storms, tornadoes, oh my! All of the damage done by the tornado last week is devastating, please keep the Okies who lost their family members and their homes in your prayers.

I also opted to have the back - and side garage door - painted white to blend with the trim. Very happy with this choice!

   

 Excited to share some updated pics of my living room tomorrow! xoxo, E

Wash, Work and Repeat

BEFORE

Drab, drab, drab - ick, so much beige!

IN PROGRESS

Already the room is brighter and lighter! I am so glad that I have such a huge laundry room - it will also serve as my "office space."

AFTER

Call me silly, but how cute are my washer and dryer?!

I'm also seriously in love with this little corner of the room as well! I've never been good at using my desk, but with a space so girlie and cute, I just might start!

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go sit at that desk and pay some bills.

xoxo, E

Be... Our (My)... Guest...

BEFORE

Same old song and dance - refinishing floors, painting walls and woodwork and new ceiling fixture needed

IN PROGRESS

The room instantly looks better with "new" floors and repainted walls!

The guest room has a tiny closet, but it's perfect for my winter sweaters/coats/shoes and other random items to be stored. Obviously the wrong shelves were in the closet when this picture was taken.

AFTER

This chandelier was the catalyst that started the entire home buying process. Don't think me silly, but I'd been dreaming of this chandelier for months and my parents surprised me with it for Christmas. Obviously, I needed the proper place to house it (quite literally), so the house search began!

The guest bedroom is STILL in progress. It was definitely the catch all for the movers as they brought things into the house. Eek! What a mess!

Starting to look better - at least a little more organized!

Because of the size of the bedrooms, I opted to put my dresser in the guest room. I thought it might be a little bit of a pain to go into the guest for undergarments and pajamas, but so far so good!

I will actually have furniture for this room this summer sometime. Nanny is giving me the twin bed that was Momma's when she was little!

Happy Memorial Day!

xoxo, E