Hawaii Vacation Gifts by Double Brush-Hawaiian Gifts & Blog

Gifts from Hawaii--Everything Arrived in GREAT Condition!

Aloha Everyone! Today is Testimonial Tuesday, my favorite post of the week. Thank you for your continued patronage during this time. Our company could not exist without the support of our customer-friends. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

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Aloha, Cheryl,

The gifts were very well received. I ordered them before I made my visit to Oahu earlier in September so I wouldn't have to carry them back in my luggage. This worked out well, as all the items were in excellent condition when I mailed or handed them to friends and family. I have passed on your website name to those who were curious where they, too, could order such wonderful crafts.

Mahalo.

Clint C

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Everything arrived in GREAT condition!
Thanks, Cheryl.
I did appreciate the extras...
I'm using my petroglyph bookmark in my subway reading these days.
The Kisses & jam are wonderful and will be parts of Xmas gifts this year.
Thanks again
Jay

How to Grow Orchids on Trees in Hawaii

Growing beautiful orchids on trees is an easy and rewarding thing to do. Of course it really helps if you live in a famous orchid growing region (east side of the Big Island of Hawaii) where the temperature and humidity are so perfect that your orchids can grow on pure neglect! But please read on as I will also include a link to growing orchids on trees for people who live in other states.

For the past 13 years I have been growing all kinds of orchids on the native Hawaiian Ohia trees which surround our home. (Read how we saved hundreds of Ohia trees on our Big Island rainforest property.)

First carefully take your orchid plant out of its container or pot. Gently loosen the roots and shake off most of the potting soil. Next, look at the tree you have in mind for where you want to place your orchid plant. Try to position the plant where you will be able to see and enjoy it in bloom. The orchid flower blooms will last for weeks! It's nice if you have a crook where the branch comes out of the tree trunk so the orchid plant can nestle in it. If not, you can tie it directly to the side of the trunk securing the orchid plant to the tree with string. Make sure the string is tied snugly around the the plant and secured to the tree so it is not loose and could move in a breeze or fall, but not so tight that the string cuts into the plant. It is better to use natural string or twine so it bio-degrades naturally after some time. You can also add spaghum moss or a piece of hapuu fern bark if you live in a dry area. I did this at first but it rained so much here that it rotted the orchid plant roots and also attracted lots of ants that made a nest in it.

Observe where the direct sunlight hits your  tree during the day. Do not place orchid plants in places with lots of full sun unless it is the type of orchid that likes a lot of sunlight. Some of my plants shriveled up and died with the leaves burning and turning black. Most orchid plants do best in areas with filtered sun light or partial shade.

It is important in the beginning to spray your orchids with water (using a water misting bottle) completely everyday so it does not dry out, unless it is raining every day.

Every few months you can spray an orchid fertilizer over the whole orchid plant, according to the manufacturer's directions.

I have over a dozen different varieties of orchids in different sizes, colors, and fragrances, that bloom at different times throughout the year. Cattaleyas, oncidiums, eppidendrums, miltonia, dendrobium, dendrobium nobile, and some others that I forgot the name for.

The top photograph is of a cattaleya orchid plant, and the bottom photograph is of a "chocolate" orchid or brown oncidium orchids, both of these plants are a few years old and have been doing well in our yard.

Most orchids are epiphytic. Epiphytes which literally means "upon the leaf" are sometimes commonly known as "air plants". This means that they grow on trees or other plants and get their moisture from the air. Nutrients are obtained from rain carrying decaying matter over the roots.

Visit the American Orchid Society for all kinds of information on orchids including how to grow orchids on trees in your area.

Hawaiian Pineapple Pepper Dip Recipe--Made with Pineapples from Hawaii

Our last customer who ordered pineapples from Hawaii raved about how sweet the pineapples we sent him were, he told me it had something to do with how close we are to the equator line. I don't know if that is true, but I do agree that Hawaiian pineapples taste sweet and wonderful.

With winter coming soon, fresh tropical fruit from Hawaii would be a welcome treat to warm up anyone's tummy, and with this Hawaiian pupus recipe for Pineapple Pepper Dip, there is plenty of pineapple flavor to go around for everyone.

I came across this delicious sounding Hawaiian pineapple recipe for Pineapple Pepper Dip in a recent magazine. It is a great pupu recipe to stretch and share your exotic pineapples at your next party or special occasion. Half a pineapple is enough to make 3 cups of dip, but you could easily use the whole pineapple and double the recipe if you are entertaining a larger party of friends, family, or business associates.

Having delicious and memorable Hawaiian pupus or appetizers helps to make any special event that much more special. If you are planning a special event in the near future, keep this pineapple recipe in mind.

Hawaiian Pupus Pineapple Pepper Dip Recipe

1 cup chopped assorted bell peppers (red, yellow and green)
1 cup sour cream
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 fresh pineapple, chopped very fine with juice
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion
2 teaspoons finely chopped seeded Hawaiian hot pepper (or jalapeno)
1 teaspoon grated lime peel
1 teaspoon lime juice
Platter of assorted fresh vegetable sticks (and crackers)

In a small mixer bowl, combine chopped bell peppers, sour cream, cream cheese, crushed pineapple, salt, cilantro, green onions, jalapeno, grated lime peel and lime juice. Beat at medium speed, scraping the bowl often, until well mixed (1-2 minutes).

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve this festive looking dip with a platter of fresh vegetable sticks and gourmet crackers. Makes 3 cups of dip.

This Hawaiian pineapple pepper dip pupu recipe is courtesy of Edible Hawaiian Islands Magazine.

View our other blog posts about Hawaiian pineapple recipes and other cool things you can do with pineapples from Hawaii.

I also Love the Gardenia Candle--My Favorite Scent

Tuesday is the nicest day of the week for me when I am able to share our customer thank you emails for our blog feature called "Testimonial Tuesday." Mahalo to everyone for helping to keep our little company going.

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Hi Cheryl,

When I wrote earlier, I was actually thanking you in advance.  Today is Tuesday and I am thanking you now from the bottom of my heart.  Everything arrived perfectly and it's all WONDERFUL!
The perfume is lovely and mahalo nui loa for the lovely earrings, postcard, beautifully -smelling plumeria candle and Live Aloha brochure and sticker!  I love it all!  You really took me down memory lane! 

Thank you,

Karen

Hi Cheryl!

I am very happy to have found your site!  I need to give a little background
info.  My husband and I lived on Oahu from 1985-89 and 1992-99 while he was
stationed at a variety of military bases all on Oahu!  The Foster Botanical
Gardens was one of my favorite places to visit and I remember purchasing
fragrant solid perfume in their gift shop.  I was reminiscing about the
perfume and decided to google 'solid Hawaiian perfume' and that's how I came
upon your site!  At first I clicked on another site for the perfume but
found they required overnight shipping which was exorbitant.  Thank you,
thank you for the extras!  I know I will be in Hawaii, mentally at least,
when I smell your perfume! 

Karen  Z.

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Cheryl,
Thank you so much for being patient with me.  I got behind in reading my e-mail, but my husband told me about your phone call.  The Mac nuts arrived today and they are wonderful!  I also love the gardenia candle; it is my favorite scent and I can't wait to use it.
Thanks again for everything and I will probably be back in touch soon because I am getting low on the mac candy kisses; the kids come home from school every day and eat them.
Thanks again,
Sherry

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Aloha Cheryl,

I got the shipment and everything arrived perfectly!  Thank you so
much for the plumeria candle.  It smells amazing!  Do you sell those on your
website?  If so, I would definitely like to order some.

Thank you so much!
Jennifer

Enter the Garden in Paradise Sweepstakes and Win a Trip to Maui

The Garden Smart television show celebrates its 10th season this year. Garden Smart is a weekly gardening program shown on the PBS stations. Topics each week are varied and interesting for the experienced or novice gardener.

Garden Smart is sponsoring a Hawaiian Sweepstakes aptly named "Garden in Paradise Sweepstakes and Win a trip to Maui". The grand prize is a 6 day 5 night trip for two to the beautiful Hawaiian island of Maui in March 2009. Prize includes round-trip coach air transportation from major airport nearest winner's home, hotel accommodations (double-occupancy) and a rental car.

Enter this Hawaiian sweepstakes to Maui and see official rules here. Online entries must be received by December 31, 2008. Limit one entry per person per day.

Every Sunday we list a new legitimate sweepstakes to win a trip to Hawaii. See our current sweepstakes to Hawaii list here.

Best Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Dessert Recipes from Hawaii

I was extremely happy to find over a dozen delicious sounding authentic Hawaiian dessert recipes that use Hawaii macadamia nuts as a key ingredient, all in one place. Macadamia nuts are not only delicious and add a tropical exotic touch to any dessert dish, but macadamia nuts are also packed with nutrition.

The best tasting mac nuts are grown on the Big Island. We recently added a large 12 ounce bag of Hawaiian Macadamia Nuts by Hamakua Farms to our online Hawaii stores. This big bag of mac nuts are a economical choice in the kitchen for chopping or dicing and adding to your dessert recipes and other main dish or pupu's (appetizers) recipes.

These Hawaiian dessert recipes are brought to you from the island of Kauai courtesy of Kauai Menu Magazine. They are the Garden Isle’s premier guide to the best Kauai restaurants, dining, art, shopping, entertainment, things to do, activities, hotels, resorts, accommodations and travel.

Hawaiian Dessert Macadamia Nut Recipes

Chocolate Dipped Hawaii Macadamia Nut Shortbread Recipe

Macadamia & White Chip Cookies Orange and Macadamia Nut Biscotti Recipe

Chocolate Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Fudge Dessert Recipe

Macadamia Nut Cheesecake Brownie Dessert Recipe

Melt In Your Mouth Macadamia Nut Shortbread Cookies Recipe

White Chip Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Bars Recipe

Black Bottom Coconut Cream Tart with Macadamia Nut Crust Dessert Recipe

Pumpkin Cheesecake with Macadamia Nut Gingersnap Crust Dessert Recipe

Hawaii Macadamia Nut Pumpkin Crunch Dessert Recipe

Macadamia Nut Pie Dessert Recipe (Southern Style)

Macadamia Nut Kauai Coffee Brulee Dessert Recipe

Iced Lemon Macadamia Nut Pound Cake Dessert Recipe

Chocolate Hawaii Macadamia Nut Wontons Recipe

Chocolate Hawaiian Macadamia Truffle Torte Recipe

Macadamia Nut Cheesecake Dessert Recipe

Click here to go directly to the Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Dessert Recipes from Hawaii page.

Fresh Baked Hawaiian Rum Cake-From the Big Island to You

The secret is out. For the past several years the Kona Gold Rum Company has been busy at their Big Island Hawaiian bakery producing the most delicious yummy rummy cakes! Their signature Hawaiian rum cake is made from a modified rum cake recipe found in an old recipe book from Kona. The defining ingredient that makes this bundt style cake unique is the addition of lots of diced Hawaiian macadamia nuts.

Tortuga rum cake, Jamaica rum cake, Caribbean rum cake, golden rum cake, and Bacardi rum cake may be more well known than our local delicious rum cake from Hawaii, but that should change as more and more people taste this Hawaiian delicacy for themselves. What makes this gourmet rum cake special is the use of the finest ingredients like fresh eggs, butter, real sugar, Hawaiian macadamia nuts, and  dose of premium dark rum.

Our rum cake is based on a Hawaii style rum cake recipe and has a lighter rum taste than the Caribbean style rum cake which is more soaked in rum. Most people including children like our Hawaiian style rum cake.

This gourmet Macadamia nut Hawaiian rum cake passed our taste test review and we are now offering these Hawaiian baked goods at our online stores.

Hawaiian Rum Cake Taste Test Review:

The first thing you notice after cutting open the thick plastic vacuum sealed bag, is the heavenly fresh baked aroma. A mouth watering sweet and exotic smell that makes you anticipate getting your first bite. We sampled this cake at room temperature right out of the box, and the next night we ate it chilled, direct from the fridge. Chilling enhances the cake's rum flavor and the Kona Gold Rum Company recommends serving it this way. The cake tasted excellent both times. I also read that people serve and enjoy rum cakes warm. And no matter what temperature you like to eat your cake at, this cake is excellent paired with vanilla ice cream.

The Hawaiian rum cake has a nice perfectly baked brown color on the outside with lots of macadamia nuts embedded on the top. The inside of the cake is a lovely golden yellow color. The cake is very moist with a fine texture and rich buttery taste. It is not super light and fluffy like a chiffon cake, but it is not heavy and dense either. Paraphrasing Goldilocks, it is just right.

The cake is delicious, and again it is just right--not too sweet and not too overpowering with rum. The original addition of tasty mac nuts compliment this cake perfectly.

These bakery fresh rum cakes are made in small batches in order to retain a home-baked taste. Each cake is vacuum sealed and packaged in a beautifully elegant black hexagonal box. The shelf life of each cake is about 6 months (rum cake actually tastes better as it ages and the rum acts as a natural preservative), but will last indefinitely in the refrigerator or freezer. I however doubt that your cake will remain uneaten for long!

We carry the small Hawaiian rum cake (4.5 ounce) which is like a miniature bundt cake and can serve 2 people or 1 person who really loves dessert. The small gift box is perfect to add to our lauhala custom gift baskets, where you can choose among all of the Hawaiian products we carry to create your own Hawaiian gift basket.

We also carry the large Hawaiian rum cake which is one and a half pounds! (24 ounces) It is good value for your money and makes a charming and unique gourmet gift or to serve for any special event.

Your Box is Making Me Miss Hawaii Terribly!

We love sharing the wonderful notes we receive from our customer-friends:) It seems that everyone appreciates getting free surprise gifts with their order from Hawaii. Just our little way of keeping the aloha spirit alive with gifts and a personal touch. A big mahalo (thank you) to everyone.

Don't just say, "I miss Hawaii" and not do anything about it, let us send you some Hawaiian goodies and gifts from the islands to to enjoy now.

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Cheryl,
I have officially been back from your island for 1 week and your box is making me miss Hawaii
terribly!
It arrived in great condition and I really appreciate the "extras" you included; my girls will too!
The plumeria scented candle is heavenly.  Thank you!!
The wasabi macademia nuts are good but I think I like the Mauna Loa Wasabi and Teriyaki ones
better.  I did not see those on your website but for future reference, do you think I would be able
to order them from you?? *NOTE: I made a special trip to get some for her:)

Thanks again for everything,
Sherry Donovan

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Cheryl,

 

The Hershey kisses are wonderful. They arrived on Monday, one of the hottest days this summer. They were a little melted. I put them in the refrigerator and they are fine.

 

Thank you for the free gifts. I am going to give them to my Hawaiian friend. She misses home. It has been about 35 years. She will go back next year for her honeymoon and a family reunion.

 

It must have been your blog that made me look at your site. I am sure I will order again. I will need to wait until it cools down in Maryland.

 

Thank you again for your kindness. Linda

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Please forgive my slow response. The candy was in excellent shape when I received it. I gave to my granddaughter last weekend, @ which point everybody enjoyed. Thanks so much for all the extra gifts, I've already used the votive, It smelled so nice.

Wanda B.

Escape to Paradise Hawaii Sony Open Golf Tournament Sweepstakes

You and a friend or family member could be watching the Sony Open Golf Tournament in Hawaii next year if you win the Sony Open Hawaii Escape Sweepstakes 2009.

Besides passes to the golf tournament on Oahu, this grand prize also includes air transportation from the mainland, hotel accommodations at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa in Honolulu for a week (7 days and 6 nights), 3,000.00 in spending cash, tickets to a Pro-Am awards dinner with performance by a Sony BMG artist, advance screening of a Sony Pictures Entertainment movie, the opportunity to play one round of golf with a PGA Tour player in the Hawaii Satellite Pro-Am segment of the Sony Open, and ground transfers to and from the  Honolulu airport to the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort and Spa, and transportation from the resort to the Sony open golf tournament.

To enter the Sony Open Hawaii Escape Sweepstakes without a purchase, only mail in entries will be accepted and must be received by December 5, 2008.

We post a new legitimate sweepstakes contest to Hawaii every Sunday. See our current Hawaii Sweepstakes listing. Better yet, sign up for our Hawaii blog by email or with your favorite feed reader to be up to date on all the new free trip to Hawaii contests.

Kona Coffee with Original Hand Crafted Coffee Latte Art

Last week I blogged about a guy who invented a way to rig up a coffee latte art printing machine with free directions. Although it was an innovative technological invention, personally I love things that are handcrafted and show the art and originality of the artist or crafts person. The handmade touch is something I appreciate because we make our living from our hands. For our business we produce handcrafted soy candles, beeswax candles, natural soaps, and solid perfumes. For my artwork, I enjoy painting and drawing.

Traditional latte art refers to patterns made in the foam topping espresso drinks. A barista (expert in coffee preparation) may have a signature latte art design or style which can take her or him years to master.

Check out this coffee latte art site where baristas from around the world share their ephemeral coffee creations in a cup of coffee. There are dozens of coffee latte art designs with many different themes. Besides hearts, leaves, foliage, and abstract designs, there were also several animal faces (the monkey shown here is my favorite), and a galaxy theme complete with moon, sun, stars and  planets.

WikiHow has directions with photographs on how to make coffee latte art. You can also see several coffee latte art making videos on YouTube.

You may not always be able to make your cup of coffee look this good, but you are in control when it comes to how good your coffee taste. For guaranteed wonderful coffee, try our 100% pure Kona coffee direct from the Big Island where we live.

Read more information about Kona coffee and Kona coffee recipes.