Hawaii Vacation Gifts by Double Brush-Hawaiian Gifts & Blog

Wine and Cheese--the Perfect Pairing in One Gift Basket

What is better than a bottle of wine as a gift? A bottle of wine in a basket filled with tasty treats that are carefully selected to enhance the wine. Hence the popularity of the wine gift basket. Some may consider the gift of wine as a fashionable and trendy way to show you care, while others may see it as a more traditional type of gift.

So this brings us to the ageless and time honored tradition of pairing wine with cheese. The reason people like to drink wine and eat cheese together is that the cheese enhances the flavor of the wine, and the wine in turn enhances the taste of the cheese. There are wine and cheese connoisseurs with an experienced palate and extensive knowledge of the many different brands and types of cheese and wine available, and what tastes the best with each other. This is the type of person who put the wine and cheese gift basket together that we are offering.

Our wine basket featuring a bottle of Woodbridge Chardonnay 2005. This is a fruity dry white wine that is made from Chardonnay grapes. The Woodbridge winery is located in the Lodi region, one of California's oldest wine making areas. The owner of this winery is Robert Mondavi, known for producing hand-crafted wines of a distinctive style. The people at Woodbridge use gentle hands-on techniques in the vineyards and winery that result in smooth, great tasting wines.

"This Chardonnay is a perfect balance between fresh citrus and apple notes interwoven with rich, ripe tropical fruit character. Hints of orange blossom and spice add interest to the enticing aromas, while the creamy, lingering finish is laced with warm oak tones." EveryWine.co.uk

The Woodbridge Winery’s Chardonnay 2005 in our wine gift basket is offered with a delicious assortment of gourmet cheeses, crackers, nuts and snacks. Includes chardonnay havarti flavored cheese spread, Spanish olive and pimento cheese spread, wheat and water crackers, garlic and black pepper dipping pretzels, cheese biscuits and more including Grilled Vegetable & Parmesan Savory Wine Biscuits.

Update: November 9, 2008

Lovers of wine will appreciate a fine wine and cheese gift basket. Please consider our Double Wine & Cheese Gift Basket for your next special occasion, as we no longer carry the Woodbridge Chardonnay wine gift basket. We also have several other pleasing wine gift baskets.

NEW! We now ship wine gift baskets to Hawaii and deliver wine gift baskets to Alaska with NO additional surcharges! One great shipping charge to deliver wine baskets and wine gifts to most of the U.S. states.

Double Brush has Added Many New All Occasion Gift Baskets

Double Brush has an online reputation since 1999 for offering unique handmade Hawaiian gifts, tropical flower bouquets, leis, pineapples, papayas, Kona coffee and Hawaiian gift baskets. We are now expanding our vision to include many other wonderful gift baskets that are suitable for all occasions.

It took many months of research in order to bring the most exciting and delicious gift basket offerings for our customers. We have been able to offer this service by partnering with the best and most reputable companies on the mainland.

We have added gourmet gift baskets, fresh baked gift baskets, wine gift baskets, chocolate gift baskets, organic fruit gift baskets, sports and hobby gift baskets, gift baskets for women, and gift baskets for men.

I will be writing more in depth posts about each type of gift basket, but I am most excited about our fresh baked cookie gift baskets. I sampled a good variety of the baked goods that we are offering before deciding to sell them on our site. I really tried to choose the best quality and value gift baskets from the many gift baskets that are out there.

We  plan to also add other gift baskets by occasion. Gift baskets are the perfect gifts for anniversaries, birthdays, congratulations, weddings, a new baby, & housewarming. Gift baskets are also popular as a get well gift or sympathy gift. I am still undecided if I want to include those categories because of the sad gift notes I will have to read that may accompany them. Do you think I should list them?

Thank you Again for Making the Day so Special Hawaiian

Today is Testimonial Tuesday, a time for us to reflect and give thanks. Mahalo to all of the people who choose to do business with Double Brush Hawaiian Gifts and Gift Baskets. We  would be out of business without you.

Cheryl,
Really late getting back to you.  Wedding was the best ever - or so the guests said.  The wedding candles were a hit.  I brought some back to NJ and NC for guests that were not able to attend.  Was so glad we did not add any fancy ribbon, etc to the candles.  I think it would have detracted from their beauty. Thank you again for making the day so special Hawaiian.

Susan

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Hi Cheryl,

 

My mother LOVED the orchid lei and wore it to a wedding they were invited to on Saturday. 

 

Thanks so much for the wonderful service.  I will be calling you from now on when I need to order gifts. 

 

Mahalo,

 

Judy

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Cheryl,

Thanks again for sending the Hawaiian papayas.  They were a great hit.  My mom loved them.  Thank you so much for your help.

I will let others know about your website,

Thanks,
Dan Bachman

Do Not Take this "Simple Survey" to Win a Hawaiian Vacation

I was surfing the net in Hawaiian waters looking for another good Hawaii Sweepstakes contest. It is getting harder and harder to find current and legitimate Hawaii contests for our weekly Hawaii Sweepstakes Sunday feature post.

This time I clicked on a paid google listing for www.consumerexpressions.com It said enter to win a Hawaiian vacation or take $3500 cash instead. Consumer Expressions motto is, "Simple Surveys, Rich Rewards."

You can enter the 2008 $3,500 Extravaganza Sweepstakes from now till June 30, 2008, but I would not recommend it. I actually participated in their online survey so I could let you, my dear reader, know exactly what to expect. First you have to provide your name and contact info. (I suggest you use a free email account when entering contests, just in case you receive an increase in spam.) Since I already live in Hawaii and don't need to win a free trip here, I put down all bogus information--which I am now glad that I did. Next you have to check off that you read the following statement:

Yes, I understand that this is a market research based survey and will to the best of my ability answer questions honestly. I further understand that I am under no obligation to accept any offers that might be presented to me based on my responses, and that I need only to complete the survey to receive my entry into the sweepstakes.

Next you click off items in multi categories such as household interests, lifestyle changes, a few other general questions about yourself, buying habits, items you own or are planning to purchase soon, and if you are interested in other offers--many, many offers.

It was actually not what I consider a simple survey because it was lengthy and every time you answered yes to a question, the survey would get longer with more questions. After a while I clicked the No, No thank you, or none of the above check boxes. It took about 10-15 minutes to fill out, but if you were doing it for real it would probably take a lot longer. After completing the survey, I tried getting back to the original home page and it would not let me! It kept refreshing to another offer home page and I spent half an hour trying to get back to the original landing page so I could provide the exact link.

Red flag. Offers that disappear after you filled out lots of personal information is not a good sign. Usually I only post Hawaii Sweepstakes contests that only require a bare minimum of contact information.

I don't think I will ever participate in a marketing survey again.
ConsumerExpressions.com expects too much time and information from you with little chance of a rich reward.

Check out our EASY to enter Hawaiian Sweepstakes listings.

Hawaiian Lauhala Baskets Make Popular Gift Baskets

Many people who want a Hawaiian gift basket, want the Hawaiian gifts to be in a handwoven lauhala basket. A lauhala basket has come to symbolize Hawaii because of the ancient native Hawaiian tradition of weaving (the correct word is actually plaiting but most people say weaving) lauhala into numerous useful items. The Hawaiian people wove lauhala into canoe sails, wall thatchings, window shutters, roof linings, mats, and even clothing! Today most contemporary weavers make lauahala purses, placemats, napkin holders, and of course baskets.

What is lauhala and where does it come from? Before I tell you the correct answer, I was dismayed to see several online Hawaiian gift retailers mistakenly referring to lauhala as a lauhala grass, with their description of "lauhala grass basket". Lauhala does not come from a grass, it comes from the Hawaiian Hala tree. The Hawaiian word lau simply means leaf, so lauhala translates to the leaf from the Hala tree.

The Hawaiian Hala tree is a species of Pandanus, or screwpine, because the leaves grow in a screw pattern up the trunk of the tree. It is a wide spread native tree found growing on beaches as well as the mountains through out the Hawaiian Islands. The Hala tree has numerous long aerial prop roots, and long sturdy but flexible leaves with sharp razor like teeth or thorns on the edge of the leaves. It also has fruit that resemble a pineapple--creating a visual joke that locals have been playing on tourists since probably the start of tourism. Has anyone heard of pineapples coming from the "pineapple tree"?

Weaving a lauhala basket is a labor intensive process as the hala leaves need to be prepared and cleaned properly, then stripped into uniform strips before you can even begin to make the basket. View illustrated instructions on how to weave a lauhala basket.

If you don't want to make your own lauhala gift basket, please visit us if you are ever in the need for some great Hawaiian gifts packaged in lauhala gift baskets. We also do custom lauhala gift baskets where you can choose from any of our Hawaiian gifts to create a unique gift basket.

People called it the Most Original Favor they had ever Received!

Our Testimonial Tuesday blog post is one of the most satisfying to put together. Receiving so many lovely thank you notes all the time reminds us that people appreciate what we do. From our handmade original candles to our personal customer service, it is all about people helping people. A sincere mahalo to everyone who supports Double Brush, we could not exist without you.

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Hi Cheryl, I am David's wife, Jeanne, and I am decorating an hawaiian table for our church's "festival of tables". I wanted candles as a favor for my guest sitting at my table. I searched on-line and found your website. I thought the candles are beautiful! We were just in Hawaii this past Sept. and it was the memorable trip I have ever had!!!! It was just breathtaking!!!!!!!!! I was so worried the candles wouldn't be here in time, so thank you for being so prompt!

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I received my coffee on Saturday - I have to tell you it is out of this world!! So smooth and yummy!!! I found your site through google - and picked you because your lead in said: "Our 100 percent pure Kona instant coffee (freeze dried) is finally available again!! We have been waiting patiently since last Christmas...." - that made me curious because it sounded like it must be really popular. So I went to your site and decided to give it a try! Needless to say I am beyond thrilled! Also, thank you so much for the Plumeria candle - when I was in Hawaii last September, that was my favorite scent!!
Suzie

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I just wanted to let you know I got my order. They came in great shape, and I'm thrilled with it! I can't wait to give them out to my friends. :o) Thank you too for all the extra goodies! I especially like the square candle. I'll check around town for different kind of holders to fit. Thanks for sending me one of those!

It was a real pleasure doing business with you! I'll be buying again before the year ends!

Thanks and mahalo!

Jeanette
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Just wanted to thank you for the great candle party favors! They were a hit and people called it the most original favor they had ever received! The timing, packaging, quality, and service were all great! Thanks for the mango island candle and the postcards as well...that was very sweet of you.

If I need anything else, I'll definately call you.
-Namrata

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I received the package, thanks for all the extra goodies, that was very thoughtful of you. Everything looked great, I know the girls will love their gifts from Hawaii.
My son is getting married in March at the Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island, we are looking forward to spending time on Maui and Hawaii.
Again thanks for getting the merchandise to me so quickly!
Mahalo,
Jeanne

Do You Know the Name of Your State Soil? Hawaii's is...

While surfing on the net doing research for another blog post, I stumbled upon this information. I had no idea that Hawaii had an official dirt, or Hawaii official state soil. I thought it was unusual and that aina, the Hawaiian word for land, was so important to us culturally and socially that the state of Hawaii made up something special to honor it. However, after more digging around, the dirt I uncovered (sorry for the puns) is that each state in the United States has selected a state soil, twenty of which have been legislatively established. What is a State Soil?

A state soil is a soil that has special significance to a particular state. Each state in the United States has selected a state soil, twenty of which have been legislatively established. These "Official State Soils" share the same level of distinction as official state flowers and birds. Also, representative soils have been selected for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Areas with similar soils are grouped and labeled as soil series because their similar origins, chemical, and physical properties cause the soils to perform similarly for land use purposes. A soil series name generally is derived from a town or landmark in or near the area where the soil was first recognized. NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service

The official state soil of Hawaii is called Hilo Soil. The Hawaiian definition of the word “Hilo” is “first night of the full moon.” Also, the word is the Polynesian term for “Navigator.” Hilo is the main town located on the East side of the Big Island of Hawaii. Hilo soil covers about 14,500 acres and are considered prime agricultural land.

The Hilo soil series consists of very deep, moderately well drained soils that formed in many layers of volcanic ash with lesser amounts of dust from the deserts of central Asia. These dust layers are noticeable because their gray color contrasts with the dark brown and dark reddish brown subsoil formed in volcanic ash. There are several buried layers within the Hilo soil profile. Hilo soils occur on the uplands of the Mauna Kea volcano along the Hamakua Coast. Wikipedia-Hilo Soil

I find all of this ironic because I live half an hour away from Hilo near Keaau, and have no soil to speak of what-so-ever. Although we live in an endemic Hawaiian Ohia tree rainforest, we have only 2-3 inches of "mucky muck" over an ancient lava flow. If you peel away the carpet of grass and weeds, you can actually see the beautiful cool black pahoehoe smooth, ropy, billowy lava flow surface underneath it!

Share the dirt about your state with us via a comment!

Official Representative and State Soils of the US--United States

Alabama - Bama

Alaska - Tanana

Arizona - Casa Grande

Arkansas - Stuttgart

California - San Joaquin

Colorado - Seitz

Connecticut - Windsor

Delaware - Greenwich

Florida - Myakka

Georgia - Tifton

Hawaii - Hilo

Idaho - Threebear

Illinois - Drummer

Indiana - Miami

Iowa - Tama

Kansas - Harney

Kentucky - Crider

Louisiana - Ruston

Maine - Chesuncook

Maryland - Sassafras

Massachusetts - Paxton

Michigan - Kalkaska

Minnesota - Lester

Mississippi - Natchez

Missouri - Menfro

Montana - Scobey

Nebraska - Holdrege

Nevada - Orovada

New Hampshire - Marlow

New Jersey - Downer

New Mexico - Penistaja

New York - Honeoye

North Carolina - Cecil

North Dakota - Williams

Ohio - Miamian

Oklahoma - Port

Oregon - Jory

Pennsylvania - Hazleton

Puerto Rico - Bayamon

Rhode Island - Narragansett

South Carolina - Bohicket

South Dakota - Houdek

Tennessee - Dickson

Texas - Houston Black

Utah - Mivida

Vermont - Tunbridge

Virgin Islands - Victory

Virginia - Pamunkey

Washington - Tokul

West Virginia - Monongahela

Wisconsin - Antigo

Wyoming - Forkwood

Say Aloha To Paradise Sweepstakes--Win a Hawaiian Vacation

Say Aloha to Paradise Sweepstakes is your chance to win one of five dream vacations to Hawaii. United Vacations has teamed up with the top Hawaii hotels, car companies and activities to bring you the opportunity to win one of five dream Hawaiian vacations. These five Hawaii dream vacations are valued at over $28,000.00

Choose from an adventure on Hawaii's Big Island where you can enjoy rural outdoor spaces but stay at the luxurious Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort. Or experience the Hawaiian culture and family bonding time on Oahu and reside at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa or Outrigger Reef Hotel. You can also rejuvenate your body and spirit on Kauai while you relax at the Grand Hyatt Resort and Spa. Or enjoy a romantic get away to Maui and share a room at the Sheraton Maui Resort.

Enter the Aloha to Paradise Sweepstakes. Contest ends June 30, 2008.

Don't just dream about a vacation to Hawaii and not do anything about it. Dream about a vacation to Hawaii while entering to win a vacation to Hawaii at the same time. Every Sunday we post a new Hawaiian sweepstakes contest. Better yet, subscribe to our Hawaii blog by RSS feed or email so you don't miss out on any Hawaii contests.

Double Brush Celebrates Its One Year Blogaversary!

Our company blog Hawaii Vacation Gifts by Double Brush celebrates its one year blogaversary today!! I find it hard to believe that I have been blogging for a whole year. At the risk of sounding like a cliche, I can honestly say that blogging has changed my life!

Blogging has enabled me to share information I find useful or interesting, or strange, and I also get to write about things that I like and care about. However, the most precious outcome of blogging for me has been the friendships that I have formed with other bloggers--especially Sheila at Go Visit Hawaii and Evelyn at Homespun Honolulu. They both have been supportive, caring, and the most genuinely nice people I know.

Browsing over my past posts for the year, I came up with my favorite top 5 blog posts--as of today;)

1. How Double Brush Saved Hundreds of Trees
Saving our Hawaiian rainforest and not supporting clear cutting is something that I care deeply about.

2. What's the Big Deal with Interracial Marriage and Dating?
Using our families as an example, I show what true multiculturalism love means.

3. Wild Pigs on the Big Island Hawaii
We live in a rural area of the Big Island and wild pigs are a part of the environment here.

4. Maile Lei--The Most Rare and Special Hawaiian Lei
This is my favorite leis because of its intoxicating scent. The next goal is to plant some on our property.

5. The Rainiest City in the US is Hilo Hawaii
People find it hard to believe the east side of the Big Island gets 100-200 inches of rainfall annually.

Mahalo to all of my readers, subscribers, and commenters. Thank you for your continued support, I am pretty sure I would stop blogging if no one read my blog.

Please share with myself and everyone else reading, "What is your favorite Double Brush blog post?"

The following favorite blog posts were added via our reader's comments.

Would you mind Madame Pele for a neighbor in Hawaii?

Spectacular Lunar Eclipse Seen from the Big Island

Hawaiian Papaya Recipes and Papaya Information

Golfer's Dream Hawaii Vacation in Maui Sweepstakes

If you love to golf, and the idea of winning a trip to golf in Maui with 3 of your best golfing buddies sounds like a dream come true, then have we found the perfect Hawaiian Sweepstakes for you to enter!

The Golf Channel is sponsoring their "Big Break Escape to Paradise", also called "Big Break Ka'anapali" contest to Maui, Hi from now till July 15, 2008.

HAWAIIAN MAUI GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY:

Round Trip Airfare for 4 people to Ka'anapali, Maui, Hawaii

OCEAN VIEW accommodations at the beautiful Westin Maui Resort & Spa in Ka'anapali
for 4 people

Full Size Rental Car for 6 days

Spa treatment massage at the Heavenly Spa by Westin for 4 people

8 Rounds of golf at the Ka'anapali Golf Resort at the courses in Ka'anapali

Enter here to win for your Big Break Escape to Paradise Ka'anapali. Read the Golf Channel Hawaii golfing sweepstakes contest official rules here.

We take the time to find and publish the best Win a Free trip to Hawaii sweepstakes and Hawaii contests at our Hawaii Vacation Gifts by Double Brush blog every Sunday. Be sure not to miss out on any new contests by subscribing to our Hawaii blog by RSS feed or email.

Take a look at our current Hawaiian sweepstakes 2008 contests.

Who is Double Brush? Let Our Customer-friends Tell You

Here at Double Brush, having our own little arts and crafts home business on the Big Island of Hawaii is something we take seriously. Besides being known for hand crafting quality Hawaiian style candles and gifts, we also only carry high quality products from other companies that we believe in.

Lots of companies have great products, however I believe it is our personal customer service with aloha that sets us apart from other companies. The following is a sampling of the kinds of notes we regularly receive:)

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To Whom It May Concern:

I was directed to your site when another merchant there on the big island was unable to ship via US Postal Service. I ordered my wife a gift basket for her birthday. After using your products (Soul of a Woman) a few times, she has become absolutely enthralled with them. She absolutely loves them and has been letting her friends know about you. Thank you very much for the special "extra" gift of the earrings as well. She is very much a nature and earth conscious person, who is also very in tune with her body. When it comes time to restock on these items, we will be going back to you!!

A very big and heartfelt MAHALO to you and yours!!

David

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Aloha Cheryl,
We did receive the gifts late here since I had closed the office to allow everyone an extra day off. As a result everyone received their gifts today and were thrilled. I would imagine tomorrow there will be some very relaxed individuals in the office.
The flowers were received on time and after a few days of enjoying them, they were passed on to an elderly individual for further enjoyment. (twice the effect with one gift how sweet is that?)
Mahalo for your attention and efforts.
Mike

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Cheryl,
> My parents in Maine got the gift basket you sent and
> they love it. It was so well packed that everything
> arrived in perfect shape. Thank you so much.
> Best wishes, Ken

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Hello Cheryl,
I received my order today thank you so much you were very prompt in the delivery and everything looked wonderful and thank you for the two extra candles they smell heavenly. I will be placing a order for some flowers to be delivered here in Arizona.
Maholo
Karen

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Cheryl,
Big MAHALO for the beautiful candles! They arrived in perfect condition.
Your packing job was outstanding!
Thank you for the extra coffee candle. The other package has not arrived yet with the
coffee mugs. I will let you know when it does. I am so excited for gift
giving, and can hardly wait to hear what they think. I especially love that
they are given with the spirit of aloha, made in Hawaii by a talented
artist. Mahalo!

Aloha, Jennifer Lei

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The honu turtle cups just arrived today, they are all perfect.
Thanks so much for the postcard honu drawing, I love it.
The candle also smells real nice.

We will try to make it to Hilo and maybe try to stop by.

Mahalo

Terry Edgar

The Best Hawaii Blog Carnival Elegantly Rides into Town

Evelyn over at Homespun Honolulu has done it again! I can't believe she's hosting her 9th Hawaii blog carnival. I remember how nervous she was the first time she hosted the Hawaii blog carnival and I reassured her that it would be a big hit and she had nothing to worry about. Happily, it has proved to be wildly popular and Evelyn can add one more thing to her list of things that she is good at.

I was so busy in the beginning of this year I missed out on participating in some of the monthly blog carnivals. Evelyn sent me an email around midnight (knowing that I would still be awake) to let me know that the blog carnival was live. To treat myself, I spent the last 3 hours reading every one of the other blog participant's blogs and leaving comments.

Please support Hawaii bloggers by letting them know someone is reading what they are writing. Mahalo!

Win a Trip for 2 to the Picturesque Islands of Hawaii

Enter to win a trip for two to the picturesque islands of Hawai'i! You can choose to visit the island of Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, Kauai, Lanai or Molokai, or all of them. The catch is you only have one week to do it all in:)

This Hawaii sweepstakes contest is sponsored by NWA WorldVacations® in honor of their 20th anniversary. WorldVacations has been making it easy to travel with one-stop shopping for your entire trip and the lowest airfares on Northwest Airlines® with the purchase of an air and hotel package.

Enter by June 30, 2008 to win a trip for two to the enchanting islands of Hawai'i, including a 7-night round trip air and hotel package from World Vacations!

Vacation packages include:

* Round trip air transportation
* Choice of accommodations
* Orientation breakfast (Honolulu only)
* Assistance of a local host (located in Honolulu)

If you haven't already, don't forget to check out all of our Hawaii Sweepstakes contest listings published every Sunday. Better yet, enjoy the convenience and don't miss out on any Hawaii contest opportunities by signing up for our Hawaii blog by RSS feed or by email.