From where this beach girl hangs, it does not look like any end is in sight for summer. Mind you that’s true in the tropics!

But, everywhere else other than on a paradisical beach, it seems that September beckons, and the dog days are winding down and into a back to school- back to work frenzy, and forward to Fall.

Labor Day–the traditional day to not work–is full of sales and even more closings. Close out the beach house, close out the pools, close out the holiday, last day at the seaside.

But is it really the end?

Indian Summer is not far away–that time of the early autumn when summer comes back for a drive-by–a last lingering glance at the love affair that was a full-on summer crush. Heat and humidity and sunshine roll in like a jilted lover taking over your life for a week or so. Then, poof–it’s gone, and what remains is often a frosty reproach!

Just like 5PM, though, remember it’s always summer somewhere!

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With the spate of holiday feasts just nudging around the corner–9 days precisely until Turkey Day–and only 39 until Christmas–it’s not too early to think ahead about stockpiling sweets for these celebrations.

If Betty Crocker or the Pillsbury Dough Boy are not lifelong friends of yours, let alone household invitees at your hale, then hele over to the Honolulu Cookie Company

Let’s breeze over the delicious back story at HCC:

Founded in 1996, there are now 12 locations/stores–even 2 on Maui!

Using the pineapple shape as it trademark and symbol of hospitality, each cookie is made with the freshest and finest of island ingredients in up to 16 flavors including Pineapple Macadamia, White Chocolate Coconut, Lilikoi Mango and of course, Kona Coffee.  Plain macadamia and the standard chocolate chips and cookies dipped in various chocolates are mainstays of the line that offers a cookie of the month and also 3, 6 and 12- month cookie gift plans.

Signature pearl green boxes, cheery red ribbons, tins and lauhala baskets are used for gift wrapping if they are not meant for immediate consumption.

At only $.85 a cookie these treats are both delectable and affordable. Start storing (or swapping!) these up–time is rolling on!

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Everyone is wearing it! Even Hermione of Hogwarts was seen sporting it.

Summer just bows its tawny golden head for a second and the dark force color brigade arrives in full swing, moody and serio. No matter if you are in Leicester Square London or in downtown Honolulu, black is back, and this time it’s got a ‘come hither’ sheer appeal in the form of lace.

See-through, suggestive, floral, delicate, flirty, spidery and vampy all at once, black lace is the mother lode of sexy. Check out this lace dress  from Topshop and you can easily see why.

If that’s too much information try on these amazing lace-capped tights that appear like gartered stockings but are all-in-one fun without creating a clean-out of the Christmas Fund to purchase.

The most predictable bit of lace has to be that lingerie edging that peeps out from a jacket or blouse. Who doesn’t resond to a black lace cami?

That’s the traditional bedroom eyes approach that black lace has taken for decades.

Or, you can punk lace up with Gothic elements–patent, PVC, chain detailing, crochet, and of course leather.

You could go all Puritan and starchy with white collared blouses, velvet and some stiff military tailoring.

Whether you choose to look like Lady Gaga’s boudoir, Ozzie Osborne’s megadeath twin or one of  Cromwell’s cronies, black lace is going to be present this winter in more than a trim kinda way.

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Recently Kikidoll has received some holiday snaps from various  loyal customers on holiday wearing items from her 2010 collection Signature Shell.
With this collection nearly sold out–only the Monster Leaf and Bamboo patterns remain in string bikini styles–and poised to launch the new 2011 Honolulu Honi collection any day now with the release of the newly designed website, Kikidoll is happy to see these teeny pieces travelling far and living the good life from the beaches of Southern California to the Indian Ocean.

Just in from a glamorous honeymoon in the Seychelles, Pink Multi Shell bandeau made an appearance and seemed perfectly paired in that tropical splendor. Just luscious.

Send any pics you have of yourself  wearing Kikidoll and they will be added to this collage, with a 10% gift certificate sent for your efforts!

Kikidoll on the road, over and out!

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Kikidoll launched her Cruise and Resort collection by way of sea-going bottles–21 f them!  Look for these to land any day soon on a beach near you!

Subtle shades of bamboo gold and dolphin silver for early winter sun escapes are the hallmarks of Kikidoll’s cruise and resort line ‘Bikini in a Bottle’.

An intricate octagonal print of sea shells fashioned into a Sailor’s Valentine makes up the classic string and bandeau styles. Each fully-lined  bikini has Kikidoll’s signature custom detailing of silver metal beads or rings on her unique and original prints.

Choose either solid or print and mix it up–it all works seamlessly together. Top it off with her silk Georgette coconut shell beaded poncho hoodie and the winter beach holiday look is both snappy and elegant.

All pieces are available for pre-order now for post Thanksgiving 30 November delivery just in time to cruise away and miss the flurries.  Order Dolphin or Bamboo prints or solids here.

Copyright©2010 Kikidoll Swimwear. All rights Reserved.

Check back weekly for more styles and cover-ups to round out the Bikini in a Bottle Cruise line.

Women’s Swimwear

Learn to surf or improve your surfing with Xoxxi in  Hawaii

By using proven teaching techniques, our surf instructors will make sure you are perfectly safe, while learning the basics surfing steps and having a great time!

With Xoxxi experience world class surf instruction, and adventure on the legendary North Shore of Oahu. All that while enjoying home cooked, healthy and organic meals, in stylish accommodation in the most authentic Hawaiian spirit.

Based in a stylish beach front home, only 15 minutes from Haleiwa downtown our surf camp provides daily surf instruction, outdoor activities, and delicious healthy meals. Mingle with the locals and enjoy the international surf scene in this legendary surf meca. Come alone, with friends or your loved one, and be ready to to get stoked!

Thanks to North Shore’s diverse range of surf breaks, that offer from perfect little waves to powerful big barrels, our surf camps are open to surfers of all skill levels. Our expert team is formed by certified lifeguards, world class big wave surfers, who are experienced in coaching from the first timers to the more advanced surfers.

You will not find a more professional surfer that the Xoxxi surf guide, a track record of competitive results in some of the mean north shores waves against some of the greatest surfers to ever live. To be taught by this man is to be taught by the very best in surfing.

Kikidoll Recommends: Xoxxi  Surfing Lessons

Kikidoll’s Bikini In A Bottle

Whats Kikidoll’s bikini in a bottle all about ?

Kikidoll is preparing to ‘launch’ her capsule Cruise Collection of swimwear for 2010-2011–literally–drifting towards a beach near you sometime this autumn.

Filling 21 bio-degradable sea-worthy bottles each with her newest 21 Hawaiian-inspired printed string bikinis that she just previewed at Miami Swim Week for next year, Kiki is sealing them up, ready for a  voyage of a lifetime.

Releasing them from her native Waikiki Beach, Honolulu next month, Kiki is relying on the very same equatorial currents that guided the Pacific peoples of the Marchesas and Tahiti to the islands of Hawaii several thousands of years ago by canoe and paddle.

It is estimated that each bikini in a bottle, will hit land between 60 and 90 days, using the current map, above, as a guide. Watch this space for updates and photos of the launch and any sightings when they hit landfall. Photos are invited from any lucky beachcombers!

The Southern currents will push the teeny bikinis in a bottle  towards the Pacific rim basin–Australasia and Pacific islands. Northern currents will take the bottles towards the Americas, north, south, Latin and central. The West wind drift will push them towards Europe and the Pacific drift will send some aloha to Canada.

The rule of finders-keepers applies, so get out there in time to scoop up a Kikidoll bikini amongst the shells and treasures of the ocean!

Bikini In A  Bottle

Kikidoll Womens Swimwear Cruise 2010-11

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Not since Woodstock have so many indie and mainstream bands descended on a farm for a summer festival of music, art, and, erm, camping.

Kicking off today in sleepy Somerset, England, the fans are already flocking in and setting up tent sites on Worthy Farm on or near the some 45 stages (yes, we said 45!), according to the organizers, in an orderly fashion.

Wait’ll the bass speakers pump up or the heavens open.

Glasto as it has been affectionately called since its inception 40 years ago is a rock chick’s paradise but it is well-known or well-cursed for being a muddy one. Rain at Glasto in Miller’s Analogy style is like snow at Christmas.  Not always dependably on target but adding to its charm.

The line-up of bands is impressive with oldies like Stevie Wonder sharing stage time with Florence and the Machine. Even The Pet Shop Boys are making a rare appearance. West End Girls or White Demon Lovers–there’s a band for everyone here. You could not see or hear the vast array of all that this year’s Glasto has on offer in its four days.

Aside from the obvious raving campground atmosphere, Festival fashion has a look and life all of its own. People wear things at Glasto that seriously would not see the light of day anywhere else in the world. When it’s sunny like today the bikini top with denim cut-offs is almost a school uni issue.

Resident Queen of meadow insouciance, Kate Moss, always manages to rock some look no one ever thought of let alone managed before. She then informs her Topshop line with a mini-me distillation, whether it’s micro short shorts with a cropped denim vest or body con 80′s revival pop art dresses so short they look like spray-painted tees. No one cares whether Amy has a beehive or a new tatt when Kate skates in looking so of the moment.

Bed hair, big clumping knee high Wellies and a dainty sundress out to get you through the first days of this hot and so far sunny 2010 festival.

One thing is for sure, it’s gonna be a blasto at Glasto.

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June 14th is always Flag Day.

Not the Monday after or the Friday before. No long weekend or day off, just a day for all Americans to celebrate and show respect for Old Glory, its designers and makers.

The Stars and Stripes as it is affectionately called is a strong visual symbol and representation of the hard-fought independence and unity of the nation. One nation, under God, indivisible– with a proud and glorious history, fought and defended by its many disparate people.

The flag was carried at the lead of every battle fought by Americans. Many people have pledged and died to protect it. Tattered in war or fresh from the hardware store, the flag is a symbol of endurance and survival, pride under duress and great hardship.

In Hawaii, the last of the 50 states to join the union, its own flag is a combination of its roots, both British and American.  King Kamehameha the Great commissioned the flag in 1816 and it has flown over the islands ever since.  A ‘mini-me’ Union Jack pays homage to Hawaii’s history with Britain and it sits in the corner over 8 alternating red, white and blue stripes–one for each of the islands he united, in homage of the  similar unification of the original 13 colonies.

So raise the flag today and fly it with pride!

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