Chili Pepper Wreaths

When thinking of the Southwestern United States, one of the first images that comes to mind is chili peppers. Indeed these red, green or yellow little peppers pop up in not only food, but local decorating.  Aren't they pretty?

Up, Up and Away! - A Tutorial to Boldly Go Ballooning

Have you ever gone up in a hot air balloon? I had not, until last week.  And since my motto is anything worth doing is worth doing right (and in style), it was fitting that my first-ever ascent was at the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, NM.

Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Recently I was lucky enough to visit beautiful Albuquerque, New Mexico with a group of friends. We were celebrating my friend Kathy's birthday. Her birthday is actually in January, but we decided to celebrate in October. Why in October you ask? The answer is simple: it is when Albuquerque hosts its annual International Balloon Fiesta, the most photographed event on Earth.

Florence and the Machine in Albuquerque

My lack of posting lately was due to yet another trip, this time to New Mexico, celebrating a friend's birthday. I am back now, however, and ready to tell you about my NM adventures.  First up, here are some pictures I took at the Florence and the Machine show in Albuquerque.

Mystery Plant

Last week I accompanied my friend Debbie to a few open houses in Kailua, and found this mystery plant in one of them. It looks great and I want one too! The only problem is I do not know its name. So if any of you readers can help me on this, I would very much appreciate it!  

Doris Duke's Shangri-La

One of my favorite places on the island of Oahu is Shangri-La, an oceanfront mansion built by the late heiress Doris Duke.  The property is now a museum, but can be visited only by reservation through the Honolulu Art Museum. They also hold events and receptions there occasionally, and I was lucky to get to visit at the night time. There is no photography allowed in the house. The pictures below were taken on the grounds during my last visit, when I accompanied some friends doing the "tourist thing".