We Now Return You to Our Previously Scheduled Program . . .

When life karate chops you in the throat, there's nothing like good friends to help you breathe again. So I want to thank all of you for your kind comments in my last post. I appreciate all your thoughts and well wishes so much.

Now let's get back to the craft and cute, shall we? :)

I've been lucky enough to take part in two great swaps with pals Linda of The Adventures of Molli fame, and Milkberry.

Look at all of the goodies from Linda and Molli! There's three beautiful sun dress/ bead headband sets; a watermelon head Sonny Angel; a travel Re-Ment set with a little suitcase; and a teeny, tiny little bunny book just to name a few.

And what's in the mystery box with my name on it, you ask?

It's a lovely silver necklace with a topaz stone. I just adore how pretty, clean, and simple it is. It's perfect, Linda!

Here's Loovee wearing her favorite dress set from the swap. It's such a sweet, playful, little outfit, don't you think?

Thank you so much for another wonderful swap, Linda and Molli! Loovee and I are so overwhelmed with your generosity and kindness.

Now Milkberry and I had a very different kind of swap -- a super yummy-licious candy swap! Milkberry, who lives in Japan, came up with the genius idea to trade Japanese candy for American ones. Let the salivating begin!

My favorites by far are the flavored KitKats. In Japan, they do KitKats in the most wonderfully odd flavors. Milkberry sent over KitKats in tea, watermelon, and strawberry flavors. Yippee!

Thank you so much for swapping with me, Milkberry! I do hope you enjoy your American candies as much as I am enjoying mine.

So a couple of weeks ago I was kindly given the Brillante Weblog honor by fellow crafty bloggers, Ismoyo and Milkberry. I'm so tickled! Thanks so much, you two!

In return for accepting this honor, I now have the pleasure of awarding it to five other blogs that I enjoy visiting.

The Adventures of Molli -- Loovee highly recommends you take a peek at her best friend's blog. A must visit if you are a B-girl lover.

Berrysprite -- A kawaii and crafty blog by a fellow Hawaii resident. Check out her Etsy shop, too.

The Pigwidget Chronicles -- One of my new favorites.

Mushroommeadows -- I just adore her simple, yet super cute doodles.

In Company with Sparkles -- Such a sweet, little blog. I've been enjoying reading about her recent round the world adventures.

Now all of you above please pass this honor along to other blogs you admire!

Thank you all for visiting once again!

We Interrupt Our Regularly Scheduled Cute and Crafty Broadcast . . .

Sometimes life bashes you in the head with a big dose of reality that no amount of crafting and cuteness can ignore.

Unfortunately, this is one of those times.

In memory of:

G. L. B
1948-2008

and

R.F.R, Sr.
1913-2008

I am so grateful to have known you.

Much love,
Rima Lani

A Field Trip for Loovee: Waikiki

I have a love-hate relationship with Waikiki, Hawaii's most famous beachfront. I love the energy and excitement, but I hate the crowds. I love the vast variety of restaurants and shops, but I hate how commercial it has now become. I love that it is so renown that people all over the world want to visit, but I hate that it seems like a new hotel is being built every week to accommodate them.

Anyway, Loovee wanted to show you that despite Waikiki's hustle and bustle, and all the construction going on at the moment, there are still a few places that are green, serene, and reminiscent of the the real Hawaii.

The following three photos were taken at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. It is a huge resort, which features manicured tropical gardens, ponds with waterfalls, and a man-made lagoon.

This is one of the Hilton's many ponds. They are often filled with colorful carp fish and it's not unusual to see the resident ducks swimming by.

Resting in the shade of a palm tree.

Here's Loovee observing the cascading water.

The next two pictures were taken at Leahi Park, which overlooks the beautiful ocean.

Lounging on the seawall.

Watch out for those big waves, Loovee!

Finally, Loovee ends the day in front of Diamond Head Crater as the Hawaiian sun starts to set.

"Aloha and mahalo for visiting!" Loovee says.