Two vases arch design, garden style

Spring is already here and depending on where you live, you may already enjoy some beautiful blooms in your garden. If you are planning a spring wedding or a spring event, we have an original design that will for sure dazzle your guests: a two vases arch design. This beautiful arrangement will look stunning on a buffet table as you can really appreciate its beauty from a distance. You can also use it as a centerpiece by making sure both sides are equally designed. So let's start the Spring season with a garden chic attitude!

The entire architecture of this design rests on a rather simple element: chicken wire. For the featured design, I have cut a 4 feet-long piece that I have gently folded into a tube. (Depending on the size of your table, you can play with the length while adjusting the recipe.) The arch-shaped tube is then inserted into 2 containers filled with water. To secure this structure, I'm inserting the curly willow inside the tube, knowing it will get even more stable as more stems will be added to the composition.

I am using the almost ethereal plumosa to hide the mechanic, although it would be ok to see some chicken wire in this garden design. Once the structure is in place and genuinely greened, you can start placing the blooms, always trying to play with their natural curves. To make your design easier, I would greatly recommend to leave the stems out of water for a couple of hours before starting the arrangement. The stems will become more "manageable" and will stay in the desired position once rehydrated*. You can also wire the carnations and tulips to achieve a better control.
*Make sure you make a clean cut before placing the stem in the container filled with water.


Two vases arch design
4" container
5 ½" container
4 feet - chicken wire
3 stems Plumosa
5 stems Larkspur
3 Carnations
2 Tulips
3 Bells of Ireland
4 Scabiosas
2 stems spray roses
3 stems Viburnum
3 short Curly willow

Note: The recipe provided is for a one-sided design. If you are planning on a two-sided design, you would have to double the number of blooms.

A special thanks to Miriam Somoano, AIFD that demonstrated this design in the certificate program she teaches at Golden West College.


Larkspur stems add a soft garden touch to this design.


Viburnum creates a nice contrast in color and texture when combined with darker blooms.


Scabiosa flowers come in shades of lavender, burgandy, pink and white.

Paradisiacal beaches of Southeast Oahu, Hawaii

Driving outside Honolulu is the best way to experience some truly paradisiacal beaches as well an authentic Hawaiian vibe. Although it is certain that most of Oahu' action and fun can be found around Waikiki Beach, if you dare to venture along Oahu Island, you will be in for quite a journey. Gorgeous, pristine (and yes almost empty!) beaches exist, and only locals seem to know about them. So pack up your sunscreen lotion and follow us in our day-trip to gorgeous Southeast Oahu!

To get a pretty good idea of what this day-trip has in store for you, we recommend to first stop at the Diamond Head State Monument, Hawaii's most famous landmark. Right at the skirt of Honolulu, this broad, saucer-shaped crater was formed about 300,000 years ago during a single, explosive eruption that sent ash and fine particles in the air. From the top of the 760-foot (232 m) extinct volcano, first time visitors will get the best bird's eye view of the island as well as a postcard view of Oahu's shoreline.

The trail to the summit was built in 1908 as part of Oahu's coastal defense system. The 1.6 miles (2.6 km) takes between 1 hour and 2 depending on your speed and the traffic. The Diamond Head Summit Trail starts rather gently at the base of the crater but does become steep and strenuous as you reach the summit. (The last 1/10 of a mile is all steep stairs). But you can rest assure that every drop of sweat will be well worth the effort when you'll finally reach the top.

As the observation station is limited in size, it is not uncommon to wait up to 30 minutes before being able to reach the final portion of the hike. To maximize your experience, we would recommend to come as early as possible (8 a.m. in summertime) to beat the heat and the crowds. Your hiking gear should include some decent hiking shoes, bottled water and of course, your camera.

Vista overlooking Maunalua Bay and Koko Head. On a clear day, from that view point you can see a glimpse of the islands of Maui and Moloka'i.


Most of the vegetation and birds were introduced in the late 1800s to early 1900s.


Golden meadows (Pennisetum) dancing on the top of Diamond Head.


From the observation station, you will get the most incredible vista of Honolulu.


Diamond Head viewed from the air.

After an early energizing hike, it is time to enjoy some more relaxing beach activities. As we follow road 72, we drive along Maunalua Bay to reach Koko Head, another impressive crater. At its base rests a pristine jewel named Hanauma Bay which translates into "Curved Bay". Hanauma as locals call it, is Oahu's most famous snorkeling destination. The bay's shallow shoreline water and abundant marine life draw snorkelers of all ages. The deeper water outside the bay is also great for scuba diving.

The small and horseshoe-shape white-sand beach is a marine conservation district, which means that fishing, damaging or feeding marine life is prohibited. Before getting access to the beach, first time visitors are required to go through the Education Center and view a nine minute orientation film that provides a cultural history of the area and exhibits about the importance of protecting its marine life. If you do not have your masks, fins, and snorkels, no worry. Snorkeling equipments and lockers are available to rent on the beach.

Whether for the day or just a couple of hours, a stop at Hanauma Bay will give you the feel of what real tropical reefs are all about.

Even from the overlook, you can easily see the reefs through the clear aqua waters.


This virgin beach is a great spot for sunbathing and picnics.


A colorful mosaic is welcoming visitors at the park's Education Center.


Koko Head and Hanauma Bay viewed from the air.

Past Koko Head Regional Park, we are now heading toward another interesting view point called Makapu'u Point. This spot has a breathtaking view of the ocean, mountains, and Manana Island (Rabbit Island), a picturesque cay said to resemble a swimming bunny with ears pulled back. Past that point, we are entering the Windward region of Oahu. The Windward side lives up to its name with ideal spots for windsurfing and kiteboarding. For most part, the waves are mellow and the bottoms are all sand, creating nice spots to visit with younger kids.

Surprisingly, the beaches along Waimanalo Bay were as beautiful as they were empty. In fact, these beaches are only visited by locals as few tourists rent cars to visit the Island. The lucky visitors we were, enjoyed a wide stretch of silky white sand combined with turquoise and jade water in an tropical green setting.

Alone in Paradise, it does not get better than that...

Postcard vista of Waimanalo Bay from Makapu'u Point.


Pristine and empty beaches along Waimanalo Bay.


Waimanalo Beach Park.


Mokapu Peninsula, a Marine Corps Air Station can be seen from Waimanalo Beach Park.

At the end of Waimanalo Bay, we are reaching Kailua, a small residential community of 36,500 inhabitants. Many of the people that work in Honolulu live in Kailua, and transit everyday through the scenic Highway 3 that literally cuts across the mountains to reach the capital. As you would guess, the restaurant selection here is not as wide as in Honolulu. However, we did discover a true gem worth visiting: Formaggio Grill, a sophisticated bistro-wine bar serving Italian-influenced French Med fare.

The restaurant caters non-stop lunches, happy hours and dinners to locals and occasional visitors. As we arrived past to 2 p.m., hungry and quite exhausted, we ordered many items from the menu. To our great surprise, everything was really good, the service was friendly, and all that for a reasonable price.

Who said you had to starve in paradise?

Formaggio Grill - Restaurant front on Hahani Street, Kailua.


Bruschetta Trio: Tomato and basil, portabella mushroom with truffle oil, roasted peppers and goat cheese - $12.99.


Tuna and artichoke tartins - Ahii Salad served open faced on grilled crostini - $12.49.


Chopped Greek Salad: cucumber, tri-colored peppers, sweet red onions, vine-ripened tomatoes, kalamata olives, oregano and feta cheese - $8.99.


Fresh fish tacos: Seared Island fish with pesto aioli - $12.99.


Chocolate molten cake a la mode - $10.

In our next article, we are ending our day-trip with the visit of the Byodo-in Temple in the Valley of the Temples. Stay tuned!

For more information

Formaggio Grill

Open Monday to Thursday: 11:30 am - 11:00 pm, Friday & Saturday: 11:30 am - 1:00 am., Sunday: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Award-winning restaurant in Kailua serving casual gourmet fare and offering an extensive wine list featuring more than 50 wines by the glass to celebrate happy hours in style. At "Happy Hour" time, a large selection of tapas and wine by the glass turns this quiet restaurant into Kailua hotspot. Live music every Friday and Saturday.
Our review: We truly enjoyed our lunch at Formaggio Grill. Everything was really fresh and tasty, and we need to mention that "The Tuna and Artichoke tartine" was divine. Our total bill for 4 dishes, 1 dessert and 2 glasses of wines was $100 (including taxes and gratuity), a real bargain for quality food in Oahu.
305 Hahani Street
Kailua, HI 96734
USA
Tel: (808) 263 2633
Website

Diamond Head State Monument
open daily from 6:00a.m. until 6:00p.m. The current fees is $5.00 per car or $1 per person for pedestrians.
Hawaii's most recognized landmark is known for its historic hiking trail, stunning coastal views, and military history. Diamond Head State Monument encompasses over 475 acres, including the interior and outer slopes of the crater. It takes about an hour to reach the observation deck and it is greatly advised to start very early in the morning to avoid the crowd and beat the heat.
For more information, please visit the Park's Website or consult the Park Brochure.


Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
open daily from 6:00a.m. until 7:00p.m. except on Tuesdays. The current fees at Hanauma Bay are $1.00 per car to park and $7.50 per person to enter.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, one of the most spectacular natural resources in Hawaii, is not a "beach park" for beach sport, but a Nature Preserve dedicated to safeguarding the fragile marine life in the Bay. You can rent masks, fins, snorkels and lockers at the beach. Try to arrive early as between 10a.m. and 1p.m. the parking lot gets full as the number of vehicles allowed in the park is limited.
For more information, please visit the park's Website.

Interactive map

Check out our interactive map of Hawaii to see where I took all the pictures featured in this article.

One day in Honolulu - Part 3: Sunset on Waikiki Beach

Following our venture into Honolulu's Chinatown Historic District, we headed to the famous Waikiki Beach to enjoy the sunset and a waterfront fine dining experience. First, we had to stop at our hotel for a well deserved shower and fresher clothes. We could have taken a rest at House Without a Key by getting some cocktails while enjoying the Hawaiian live band. But instead, we decided to walk down Honolulu's main street and shopping Mecca, Kalakaua Ave, down toward Waikiki Beach.

Kalakaua Avenue, named after King David Kalakaua, is the main road stretching for 1 mile (1.6km) through Waikiki. It runs parallel to Waikiki Beach and features many shops, restaurants and bars. It is fair to say that this is where the action is taking place. Shops along Kalakaua Avenue range from beachwear and surf shops to upscale boutiques such as Dior, Hermes and Louis Vuitton.

Louis Vuitton boutique on Kalakaua Avenue.


Dior boutique on Kalakaua Avenue.


Hermes window displaying some original guitars on Kalakaua Avenue.


Entrance of the Cartier Boutique on Kalakaua Avenue.

A short walk down Kalakaua Avenue and we finally reached Waikiki Beach. No beach anywhere is so widely known or so universally sough after as this narrow, 1.5 mile long (2.4 km) crescent of imported sand (to counter erosion and rising sea levels) at the foot of a string of high-rise hotels. Home to the world's longest-running beach party, Waikiki attracts nearly five million visitors a year from every corner of the planet. First-timers are always amazed to discover how small Waikiki Beach actually is, but everyone finds a place for themselves under the tropical sun here.

Waikiki Beach is also paradise to any surfer wannabe. Indeed, the turquoise and calm waters of Waikiki provide the perfect condition for getting a surfing lesson. Legendary Hawaiian waterman Duke Kahanamoku, grew up surfing the waves of Waikiki. This Olympic gold medalist in swimming actually taught visitors how to surf at the turn of the century and was later known as “The father of modern surfing.” Today, the Waikiki Beach Boys perpetuate Duke’s legacy by teaching visitors how to surf and canoe and the Duke Kahanamoku Statue has become an iconic symbol of Waikiki.

One of Waikiki's new and signature attractions is the tradition of torch-lighting ceremonies that occurs most evenings throughout Waikiki. Locals and visitors are all getting together on the lawn at Waikiki Beach Walk (Near Duke Kahanomoku’s statue and the large Banyan tree) to relax and enjoy the nightly hula pageant which begins with a torch-lighting ceremony and the call of a conch shell. The hour-long show starts just before sunset* and features the young men of the "Men of Hoêa" in a torch lighting ceremony, followed by the award-winning hula halau schools dedicated to hula and Hawaiian culture from throughout Oahu.
* Nightly except Mondays, weather-permitting. 6:30-7:30 PM (6:00-7:00 PM in Nov, Dec, Jan) at the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound

Traditional Polynesian boat.


One of the many Duke Kahanamoku tributes.


Young hula dancers before the nightly hula pageant show.


Waikiki Beach.

At the end of Waikiki Beach on the sand of Sans Souci Beach (trouble free in French), we ended our journey with an elegant waterfront dining at Michel's at the Colony Surf. The restaurant rolls up right on the beach, and offers a breathtaking ocean view as well as the best vista of Honolulu skyline. Many dine early to catch the gorgeous sunset from the terrace, but the fabulous after-dark lights of Waikiki is equally enjoyable.

Dinner here is a sort of sunset beach picnic with linen, china and chandeliers. This is arguably the most romantic spot in Waikiki for a sunset dinner for two. Michel's is synonymous with fine dining in the minds of Oahuans who have been coming here for more than 40 years. Over the years, Chef Hardy Kintscher has developed a très, très French menu with both classic choices (escargot, sauteed foie gras) and contemporary items - or a Hawaiian twist on a French classic such as the Hawaiian Bouillabaisse. We decided on taking the "Chef Hardy's Taste of Michel's", a 6 courses tasting menu.

An elegant French cuisine paired with a good bottle of wine and feet almost on the sand... Is there a better way to finish a day?

From the restaurant's terrace, you can enjoy an amazing view of Honolulu skyline.


Duckhorn Merlot 2006 (375ml) - $75.


1st course - Fresh iced oysters served with fresh lemon, cocktail sauce and shallot vinaigrette.


1rst course - Terrine of Hudson Valley foie gras with Guava port wine gelée and toasted raisin bread.


2nd course - Napoleon of seared Alaskan diver scallop layered with oven-roasted plum tomatoes and grilled zucchini; citrus vinaigrette.


3rd course - Belgian endive salad with Cambazola bleu cheese, watercress, dried cranberry and crisp prosciutto; Jerez vinaigrette.


4th course - Grilled Onaga served over sautéed spinach & pilaf rice, diced tomato & mango in a browned butter sauce.


5th course - Beef bourgogne (Boeuf Bourguignon) served with Parisian vegetable, rustic rice and red wine demi glace.


6th course - Molten chocolate cake served with apple banana gelato and fresh berries.

For more information

Michel's at the Colony Surf

Open everyday for dinner and for Sunday Brunch
(Sunday to Thursday: 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm, Friday & Saturday: 5:30 pm - 10 pm., Sunday Brunch: 10 am - 1pm)
Opened in 1962, Michel's remains one of Hawaii's longest-standing and finest restaurants, offering delectable dishes celebrating the rebirth of classical French cuisine.
Our review: We had a very enjoyable dinner at Michel's. The open terrace offers an incredible view on Waikiki Beach and Honolulu's skyline, and the live band playing soft jazz was a great addition to the experience. The service was very attentive and friendly. We decided to take the tasting menu, a 6 courses menu at $80. Every dish was tasty and well presented. Our final bill was $316 that included 2 tasting menu, half bottle of Merlot, espresso and water, taxes and gratuities. Taking into account the location, view, and live band, we can say that menu is more than reasonably priced. For a romantic evening, this is definitely one of the best spot in Honolulu. Try to book early enough to enjoy the sunset and request an ocean side table.
2895 Kalakaua Ave.
Honolulu, HI 96815
USA
Tel: (808) 923 6552
Website


Kalauka Avenue
Waikiki's main road is a two-mile-long oceanfront street, progressing from Ala Wai bridge to the impressive Diamond Head. As the namesake of Hawaii's lively final king, the street befittingly features legendary hotels, parks, and a host of deluxe shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Recently renovated by the city, the street at Waikiki Beach features new plantings, seating spots, and a waterfall that's a perfect site for a photo. If you don't want walk, a free Waikiki Trolley travels along Kalakaua Avenue.

Interactive map

Check out our interactive map of Hawaii to see where I took all the pictures featured in this article.