Stay Like a Local on The Big Island of Hawaii at Veltris' Ohana!

When Eric & I finally arrived back in Hawaii after our European Summer, we ended up crashing with our dear friends Dan & Lisa. Not knowing how long our house hunt would take, we decided to get a short term vacation rental so we wouldn't cramp their style for more than a few days. Eric scoured Craigslist to find something clean, affordable and centrally located and found Sharon & Frank Veltris' Ohana. It was everything we needed for a home base while we looked, but I think it would be a lovely place for a vacation too.

It was clean, tastefully decorated, and well appointed with a living area, giant closet, partial kitchen (a stove, grill, mini fridge & micro oven)...

A lovely view from the spacious wraparound lanai where we enjoyed watching the sunset each evening...



And a two person jacuzzi tub complete with seascape mural & candles. So nice to soak with a glass of wine after looking at dismal studio apartments all day!

King size bed & cable T.V too- all for $40 a night? I had to tell all of you about it so you can come and see what life in Hawaii is like! You will need a car at this location in the hills above the elementary school, but you'd need one anyway to see all The Big Island has to offer. Sharon & Frank were so friendly and laid back- they made us feel right at home as we hunted for the perfect place. That's real Aloha. Please contact Sharon if you are planning a vacation on The Big Island. Get in touch with her at threespeakATaolDOTcom

Mahalo Veltris!

Bedroom Before & After: Reinventing a Furnished Apartment

Bedroom Before...
Before...
And After, all moved in! The furniture in this condo (which has led a double life as a vacation rental here in Hawaii) is quite tasteful, if a little dull. I'm always amazed at the power of textiles to transform a room and this duvet cover really punched it up. Now it feels tropical, fearless and fun. (The "For Like Ever" poster was a gift from our friends the Taylors on our wedding day. I only recently found the right frame for it!)

Mix & Match throw pillows never hurt anyone either. I embroidered this Taj Mahal design on a ready made cushion cover from Ikea and the birds were an odd piece of textile that caught my eye at a thrift store for $1. I just sewed the sides shut and turned it into a pillow cover.

I once read that all the best hotel rooms are neutral so that the inhabitants can bring their own color and life into the space. All I really wanted to do here was add some personality and flare. Nothing like displaying your jewelery to do exactly that. Plus I find I'm much more likely to use it all if I can see it all every morning when I'm getting dressed.

The "See it All Rule" is a good one to follow when displaying shoes...

And scarves too.
It's all just so pretty- who would want to hide it away in a box?

I have more posts to come on our other living spaces that I can't wait to share with you. It feels so good to be feathering my nest again. What special objects add personality and flare to your home?