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19 Apr 13:12

Maui photo journal, Part I + Paia apartment rental review

by Jean
I don't know why it took Nick and I so long to visit Hawaii for the first time, since it's a perfect compromise for adventure vs. relaxation-seekers! It seemed like the area was popular as ever for visitors (Maui was the land of baby bumps), probably thanks to Zika tainting so many other destinations. We split our stay across a variety of lodging - started at a cute apartment rental in Paia, moved on to the Travaasa Hana (a more remote, retreat-style resort), and spent the remainder of our trip at the Four Seasons on Wailea beach. These places definitely cater to different traveler styles and budgets, so I wanted to share some reviews and pictures in case it helps anyone planning a trip!

For this post I'm focusing on what we did/ate around Kahului and Paia, along with our apartment rental there. Paia is a small, laid-back surf town ... it's a short drive from the airport, and is also the starting point of the Road to Hana.
air maui helicopter tour ride doors off hawaii
Soludos striped espadrilles sz 5 flying over Molokai

Maui From Above
One of the first things we did was book a helicopter tour over West Maui and Molokai. I wanted to fly in one without doors, which is a new option offered by Air Maui (everyone who worked there was so helpful and nice). In addition to showing us the waterfalls and cliffs, our pilot kept an eye out for bonuses like whales and a herd of mountain goats, then hovered closer so we could all see. I sat in the outer seat and had heart palpitations most of the ride (but loved it)! As someone sitting on the interior, Nick said the doors-on option might be a similar experience for a lower price. And if you're a single traveler, they usually have last-minute single seats on the interior at a pretty discounted price of $100 per person.

air maui helicopter tour doors off flight gear
For the doors-off flight, you are allowed to bring only a cell phone (secured inside their lanyard phone cases), and you are required to wear closed-toe shoes, flight jackets they provide, plus some other super stylish safety gear, as modeled above.
gestes shrimp truck lunch maui hawaii

Where to Get the Best Shrimp
From there we went straight to Geste shrimp truck, which was probably our favorite, simple meal on the island. The Hawaiian Scampi shrimp (shell-on) were so flavorful, and the crab macaroni salad and rice were perfect for soaking up that garlicky sauce.

TIP: There's no seating outside Geste but it's right on this strip of water, so bring a towel or beach chair and enjoy your food with a view.

maui hawaii couple gestes shrimp truck beach
ASOS maxi skirt 00p, J.Crew tee c/o, Sea & grass bag (this one might be restocked soon)

Overarching comments on the food trucks we ate at in Maui:
- Don't rely on the operating days and hours posted online, since some places seemed to open when they please and close early when they sell out. Call first if there's a phone # listed.
- Service was usually very slow (even if we were the only customers), probably due to the leisurely pace of life. We didn't mind this; just don't expect to "grab and go" a quick meal.
- Oftentimes cash only
paia acai fruit bowls maui hawaii breakfast
breakfast at Paia bowls, walkable from our apt (JOA brand dress)

paia fish market maui dinner restaurants
dinner at Paia Fish Market

Exploring Paia (And the Surrounding Area)
Paia Fish Market was probably the most buzzing place in the town center, and under a 10-minute walk from our apartment rental. I'm a sucker for seafood pasta - I can never resist if I see it on a menu. The seafood in this dish was fresh and plentiful, however it was drowned in cream (no bueno for swimsuit bods). Nick loved his fish sandwich, though, and there were a number of healthier options like broiled fish.

ululanis hawaiian shave ice maui dessert

I can't stand snow cones back home because they're usually chunky balls of crushed ice drenched in artificial syrup. The shave (funny they leave off the "d") ice in Hawaii, though, is wonderfully fluffy, and usually topped with natural syrups where you can really taste the fruit. Nick literally had his head in his hands agonizing over which flavors to choose. The employees here were super friendly, and Ululani herself was there and chatted us up.

hookipa beach sea turtles maui hawaii
Old Navy dress xsp, Talbots sunglasses c/o, vintage bag
*dress in xsp is 14.5" across bust, 12" across waist, and has a stretchy elastic back panel

Ho'okipa beach is one of the three beachy areas within a short distance from Paia. It's a hotspot for windsurfers, which I was in awe at, because the crashing waves were downright intense at this location (not really a leisurely swimming beach)! Check out but don't disturb the dozens of Hawaiian sea turtles napping on the beach, nearly camouflaged by the rocks (look closely at the pic above : ).

cute paia maui airbnb apartment rental review
sprightly living room with pull-out sofa bed

Our Italian/Hawaiian Apartment Rental
On to our little Paia apartment...we were actually very pleased with this rental find. It's run by a helpful and responsive host, Manolo (I could tell we'd get along just based on his name, ha!), who designed and built the property just last year. It's a little slice of local living just a short walk from the center of Paia, and I liked the Hawaiian-meets-Italian vibe. There are four apartment units in the "villa" with different max occupancies - the owner lives in one of them and rents out the other three. Here are links to the different units (we booked #3):

Unit #1 (sleeps 4), Unit #2 (sleeps 2; only unit with AC), Unit #3 (sleeps 3)
And if you're new to Airbnb, you can get $40 off your first booking (referral).

paia maui hawaii air bnb apartment rental review
upstairs bedroom loft (more spacious than pictured, with 3 walls of windows + skylight)

What we liked:
- Recently-built and very clean; shoes-off outside your front door policy
- Under 10-minute walk from Paia center, with a grocery mart and liquor store along the way
- Has a kitchenette with basics (burner stove, microwave, mini fridge, coffee maker)
- Felt reasonably safe due to security monitoring system and locked gates.
- Host was helpful and also provided beach towels, swimsuit drying rack, cooler, snorkels (you do need to bring or buy your own shampoo)
paia maui airbnb rental review for coupls
bathroom with spacious walk-in shower

We didn't find these to be cons per se, but just wanted to point them out:
- No AC. There was plenty of breeze from multiple windows and ceiling fans, but it might get hot during summer. Unit #2 in this complex does have an AC unit.
- Bugs and noises of nature. The gardens on this property are very lush and tropical. I was bit a few times upon arrival, but promptly put on my repellent bracelets (wore these 24/7) plus bug spray and was fine for the rest of the stay. There are also roosters crowing at dawn which reminded me of Asia (and which Nick slept right on through), along with some neighboring dogs on the other side of the fence, just FYI.
- We saw the owner daily either outside his unit or maintaining the gardens, so this isn't for someone who prefers to stay at rentals where you never see the host.
paia maui airbnb apartment rental review
Left: our unit's private patio // Right: common area with grill (never saw anyone there)

asos pom one piece bathing suit petite fashion maui
ASOS swimsuit sz 0 (sold out), Ray-Ban sunglasses in blue/gold, Baublebar earrings 

Side-note, this ASOS swimsuit is unfortunately sold out, but hopefully some of you were able to pick it up from my older post! Here are two other swimsuits from there that I tried on:
Diamond mesh one-piece w/ removable straps - this one is so cute and flattering due to the strategically-placed mesh, but was long on me. Would recommended for someone taller or with a longer torso.
Weekday high-waisted textured bikini - I only got the bottoms for mixing and matching. They are very stretchy and comfy, and don't come up too high on a petite frame or feel restricting like some other high-waisted bottoms. If you want the full set, note the top is not padded. I wore my Bristols 6 "nippies" under some iffy swimsuits, and they stayed on fine for me in the water. Those covers are the best for wearing under tricky tops/dresses, and can be reused dozens of times which helps make up for the cost.
asos pom pom one piece swimsuit petite
16 Apr 18:27

Five Tips for Evaluating a Business Idea

by A Beautiful Mess
At our business, one of the toughest questions we ever face is whether an idea (be it product, venture, etc.) is strong. If it's not, this could lead to lots of lost time, money, and resources. Over the years, Elsie and I have tried a bunch of different business ventures. We opened a local vintage shop, started a catering business, sold advertising on our blog, launched our own independent (handmade) dress line, collaborated with larger companies on products (like clothing, accessories, camera bags, shoes, etc.), published books, self-published e-courses, and released an app for the iPhone and Android market. All of these business ventures seemed like good ideas to us at the time. Some made a lot of money, some made basically none (or we lost money doing them). Some of these projects we absolutely loved working on, and some turned out not to be what we expected. We've learned a lot over the years, making plenty of mistakes along the way! As we work to grow our little company and attempt to be savvy business ladies, we're still faced with choices all the time on whether a business idea is strong or not.  Sometimes you can fall head over heels in love with an idea before you evaluate if the idea is strong. This usually makes us really attached to the idea, and it can then be very, very difficult to let it go if it's not the right fit or the right time. 5 Tips for Evaluating a Business Idea: 1. Risk—What do you have to risk in order to make this idea happen? In my opinion, this should always be your first question that you ask once you've formed your idea. What will it cost to produce? How long will it take to bring this idea to life? Will you have to give something else up? Will you have to add any additional overhead to your business (e.g., will you need to rent space to house the product, build a website, hire an employee, etc.)? Business is risky. Always. It is pretty much impossible to predict the outcome of any business idea you may have. A big reason for this is because it can be very difficult to predict human behavior (how customers will respond). You could take a survey of all your friends and ask if they think a business idea is good, and 100% of them could say yes (and mean it). But then when you actually take your idea to market it completely flops. Did your survey respondents lie to you?! Probably not. It's more likely they are just like you, unable to guess how they will behave all of the time. If you are the type of person who really doesn't enjoy risk, starting a business is probably not for you. Assess how risky your idea is. Now, I bet you think I'm gonna say, "If your idea is too risky, it's a bad idea." And you're half correct. :) Risky ideas should be something you try once in a blue moon.They aren't bad, they're just... well, risky. If you have a great idea that isn't very much risk, now that's something you should probably do. Why not?  2. Audience—Do you have one? Will your audience love this product? No matter how awesome your idea is (it could seriously be the next iPhone), if you don't have anyone to sell it to it doesn't really matter. First thing's first. You need an audience/marketplace to take your product to. Think about it. Where do you see your product being sold? Who would love your product? Where are they? You have two options here. You can take your product to a marketplace, or you can build one where you are. Our blog is kind of like our marketplace. It's filled with readers (like you!) who are interested in all sorts of things: crafts, fashion, photography, food, etc. If we have a strong product, we can develop it and bring it to you. And, fingers crossed, hopefully you'll love it. If you're a blogger, you can (or already did) cultivate your own audience through your site. What if you don't have a platform? Where can you go? I highly recommend beginning to create a platform, in whatever way you want. But, there are also plenty of marketplaces already out there. A great example is Etsy. If you have a great idea for a handmade product, you should consider joining the Etsy community. It's a ready-made place filled with other handmade-loving customers. People could easily discover you by using the search function on the site, or you might even get featured on the home page or the Etsy blog. This represents a much stronger way of bringing your idea to market rather than creating your own independent website to sell your products (where customers are less likely to stumble upon you).  3. Demand—Is there space in the market for your product? Could there be a demand for it? There are many different versions of consumer demand. Some things we buy because we need them (e.g. parents of newborn babies need diapers). Some things we buy because we want them (e.g. big screen television). And some things we buy because we need them AND we like them (e.g. clothes, your favorite brand of bread or favorite vegetable, etc.). Consider where your idea falls. How can you make your idea more in demand? It can be a need, want or full-on luxury, but make sure there is space in the market for it. Is someone else doing something similar? What makes your idea better answer the demand? If the demand doesn't currently exist, can you create it? 4. Sustainability—Will this idea work in the long run? Can you sustain the amount of work or cost? This is an especially tough question to ask yourself sometimes since the future can be so unknown! Think about your idea. Does it rely on very specific resources that might not be available in the near future? Is your idea so time-consuming, from a production standpoint, that you don't know if you'll be able to continue to produce at that level for many years to come (or grow if your idea takes off)? Can your idea be scaled? Meaning, can it grow without breaking the bank or your back? If you start a catering company, let's say, at what point do you anticipate you'll have so much work that you'd need to hire additional help? Would you be able to afford extra help at that level (meaning you're making enough money to pay someone a fair wage to help and you still are turning a small profit)? If the amount of work has to double or triple before you could afford help, that might not be a good thing. Consider this before you dive headfirst into a business venture, as you could end up burning yourself out quicker than you think. 5. Love—Do you love the idea? Would you buy this product? How much would you pay for it? Most people start with this question. And while I wouldn't start here, I do think it's an important one to ask. The truth is, if you wouldn't buy your product or use your service, etc., then what makes you think anyone else will? Good ideas are born out of passion, love, and hard work. If you've already gone through the first four questions but then find that you're not absolutely in love with the idea, it might still be a good idea, just not the right idea for you. Save your resources for your passions.  xo. Emma Credits // Author: Emma Chapman, Photography by: Elsie Larson, Emma Chapman, Sarah Rhodes and Float Away Studios.
21 Aug 17:40

NYC: Where to Eat (Manhattan Edition)

by BrooklynBlonde
NYC_Eats_IV
After saying (over and over again) that I was planning to share some of my NYC favorites, it's finally happening. This has been one of my most requested posts and something I've been meaning to do for much longer than I care to admit, so it only makes sense to start with my favorite thing about this incredible city: the food.

 I often judge a restaurant by asking myself "am I excited to come back here?" and if the answer is yes, the place is a winner in my eyes. I've eaten at many, many restaurants in the city, and more often or not, I don't return. It doesn't always mean that I didn't enjoy it, but rather, there are so many places to try and after a while, they begin to blend together. But then there are those special haunts that make such an impression that I can not wait to go back. With that said, I'm excited to share with you my absolute favorites in Manhattan (Brooklyn portion coming soon).

*Disclaimer: I have not included any pizza places as I will have a whole other post dedicated to that alone. Naturally!
ABCKitchene
ABCKitchenSaltedCaramele
^^ ABC Kitchen ^^
Where: Union Square/Flatiron
 I'm not one of those New Yorkers who's a chef snob, but I do know that this is my favorite Jean Georges restaurant and easily one of my favorites in the city. It's pretty difficult to get a reservation, but when you do, you're in for a treat. The atmosphere is loud and lively, the interior is airy and beautiful and if you happen to be on a bad date, the people watching will  easily keep you entertained. While everything on the menu is delicious, the crab toast appetizer and sundae with salted caramel ice cream (pictured above) make my mouth water just thinking about them. It's my favorite way to start and end the meal here.
Tip: If you're not patient enough to wait a month before getting a prime time reservation, it's fairly easy to get an early or late dinner seating (5:30 or 10 PM; then again, that goes for basically any restaurant in the city).
CafeClunye
 ^^ Cafe Cluny ^^
Where: West Village
I've tried about half the menu and have yet to be disappointed by anything. The atmosphere is cozy enough to come with a friend, yet romantic enough to come with your significant other. It's also tucked away in such a charming part of the West Village, so whether it's before or after your meal, I highly recommend going for a leisurely stroll. 
Tip: They do take reservations, but only for dinner. Personally, I go during the week for brunch, and get seated right away (without a reservation). If you're planning to come for a weekend brunch, the place gets mobbed, so be prepared to wait.
L'ArtusiE
^^ L'Artusi ^^
Where: West Village
My favorite non-traditional Italian restaurant in the city. L'Artusi has the full package: a great ambiance, mouth watering food and top notch service. It's also beatifically decorated and the sitting bar overlooking the kitchen, is one of my favorite seats in the house. I've only come for dinner, but I've also heard (from several people) that they have a fantastic brunch.  
Tip: Their house made ricotta and olive oil cake are out of this world.
balthazar-sign copy
^^ Balthazar ^^
Where: Soho
A New York classic that's still has one of my favorite breakfasts & brunches (on top of fabulous people watching). Yes, it's always mobbed, both with locals and tourists, but it's going strong for a reason. The scene is loud and bustling and has the vintage vibe of a real French brasserie. For brunch, their eggs benedict and steak frites are my favorite.
Tip: If you're planning to spend a day shopping in Soho, this is a perfect way to start.
BarneyGreenGrass2e
barneybagele
^^ Barney Greengrass ^^
Where: Upper West Side
A true NYC institution and although the waiters can be a little, well, "New Yorkish," please don't take it personally! Sure, you might feel like you're in an episode of Seinfeld, but in my opinion (and Anthony Bourdain's) this is the best Jewish Deli in NYC. I'm a sucker for a bagel with lox and cream cheese ($15, yes a little steep), so that's always my favorite but I can recommend anything from the "Barney's Specialties."
Malatesta_VillageVoicee
Where: West Village
A hidden gem in the West Village that really feels like a a rustic, authentic Italian trattoria. The prices are cheap (especially for Manhattan!) and the homemade pasta dishes are some of the best I've had outside Italy (my picky Italian friends have also agreed). While everything on the menu is great, my favorites include the grilled calamari, spinach gnocchi, the spaghetti alla chitarra and the tagliatelle al ragu. The house wine is also a great bang for your buck.
Warning, this place is CASH ONLY! 
Tip: They take reservations, but only for a party of four or more. If you can't make reservations, come on a weekday as it gets very crowded on the weekend.
Bohemiane
^^Bohemian^^
Where: Noho
This place is mysterious, delicious, creative and  just down right special. It's also not for the picky eater, so if you're not open to things like uni croquettes, foie gras and short rib sashimi, I probably wouldn't come here and waste your time and money (it is not cheap). If you're not a picky eater, it's personally some of the best Japanese I've had. Part of what makes this place quite special is the mystique surrounding it. Bohemian has a hidden location and a private reservation line. Those interested in dining at Bohemian have to either get the number from a previous diner or send an introduction by way of e-mail. When asked why Bohemian insists on being so exclusive, their response "they want to make secret places where you hear about from a friend of a friend - where family and friends can go and hang out. That's the concept." You would think a place like that would be pretentious, but it's the exact opposite. Once you enter this kind-of-hard-to-find location, the atmosphere is laid-back and pleasant.  If any of you guys are seriously interested in dining here, shoot me an email and I'll give you the number :).
Tip: The food is spectacular but be sure not to miss the cocktails. They're as good, if not better, than many specialty cocktail bars in NYC. I've had the Burgamot and the Jaguar and both were incredible.
Fun Fact: This was once Andy Warhol's Studio.

*Friends Recommendation*
TFRe
 ^^ The Fat Radish ^^
Where: Chinatown/Lower East Side
When I asked two of my good friends, Keiko & Danny, what their favorite NYC restaurants were, they both had The Fat Radish on their list. My reply was "YES! I almost forgot about that one.." Because, like I said, there are just too many to remember. Their menu is seasonal, so I can't recommend one specific thing but everything I've tried in the past has been so good. Keiko did point out "make sure you mention the grilled cheese, which is incredible and not one of their seasonal items."

**********************
(Less Expensive) Odds & Ends Worth Making the Trip For
PBe
^^ Momofuku Ssam Bar ^^
Where: East Village
Two words: Pork Buns. Seriously. If you're in the area (or not) and looking for a snack, or to taste one of the items that has made plenty of  "best eats in NYC" lists, pop into here for a beer or cocktail + an order of pork buns. There are plenty of other wonderful things on the menu, but the pork buns steal the show.
Tip: Right next door is their famous Milk Bar, which is chef David Chang's version of a bakery. The most popular choices include the cereal milk ice-cream (you could try a sample first), the crack pie, the compost cookie and one of my favorites, the birthday cake truffles. I recommend getting a few things to share or bringing some back to your hotel or apt when that night time craving hits.
Photo Dec 09, 12 03 30 PM
 ^^ Shake Shack ^^
Where: Flat Iron
 One of my favorite burgers, hands down. Yes, there's usually a long line, but it does move fairly quickly. Don't eat meat? The shroom burger is the prefect choice for vegetarians. For the full shebang, don't forget a milk shake and (cheese) fries. 
Tip: There are a few Shake Shack locations, but I prefer the Madison Square Park one for a quintessential NYC experience. Also, try to go on a nice day since that location is outdoors. (there are other locations in the city which are located indoors).
cafehabana_restaurantgirl
^^ Cafe Habana Outpost ^^
Where: Soho
Years ago, I'd wait outside for 45 minutes before finally getting seated in this hole-in-the-wall Cuban/Mexican restaurant. While I liked the food, it was the corn that I would have reoccurring dreams about.  Luckily for all of us, they opened up an out post right next door that serves some of the menus post popular options (the corn and my other favorite is the tostones). There is very limited seating inside, so you'll probably have to grab your food to go.
Fun Fact: When they were dating, I had a Justin Timberlake & Cameron Diaz spotting here.
PFe
^^ Pomme Frites ^^
Where: East Village
A place that is all about my favorite food in the entire world...fries! What I love almost as much as french fries... dipping sauces. Basically, this place is the closest thing to heaven. I love to sample a few of their sauces, but my favorites are probably the mango chutney and the  rosemary garlic. Also, the poutine is so good.
Tip: They're open late, so naturally this place is even better after a night of drinking.


So there you have it. Some of my favorites! What are yours? I would love to hear!

photos taken by us, from the restaurant website and from Unconfidential Cook & what shi eats
xo, Helena