On Mixed Plate, I do my best to keep things fun for you. I like to share lovely handmade goods and try to keep my really “personal” stuff out of it. However, I thought that you might not mind if I share this with you, as it has been something on my mind and in my heart.

A cousin of mine has a 5-year-old son, Paliku, who is currently battling lymphoma. With his medical costs on the rise, everyone in the family has come together to hold a fundraiser at the Pacific Beach Hotel on Sunday, June 29. The event will include entertainment, food, crafts, games, prizes and more. A silent auction will be held for amazing donated items. Tickets are still available for purchase at the door on the day of the event.

If you are interested in learning more, feel free to contact me with any questions. Our entire family appreciates your support and well wishes. Also, see the article in the Honolulu Advertiser about the event.

Cash Donations can be sent to any Bank of Hawaii branch or:
“Friends of Paliku”
c/o Winchester Family
PO Box 701366
Kapolei, Hawaii 96709-1366

Event Info:
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Pacific Beach Hotel
9am - 1:30pm
$40 per ticket

Crafters for Critters has announced that they will be closing temporarily after 4 years of so much giving. The shop will close on July 1 to reorganize and think of different ways to raise funds. They plan to be back in action in 2009. Help clear the shop out and save 75% off your purchase. Simply enter code “BUYSTUFF” in the shopping cart for the discount! Crafters for Critters, by the way, has already donated over $17,000 to animal rescue groups.

Lilac Glass Greyhound Pins by Happy Owl Glassworks: $9.00/ea:

Brown Cropped Jacket by Amet and Sasha: $10.00 (sale):

Vintage Indie has teamed up with Eco-Chic Weddings and declared March, Indie Weddings Month. They created the Indie Weddings Guide to create a resource for brides to turn to when looking to minimize waste. Gabreial and Emily also offer ideas for using indie designers, a DIY attitude and those famous three R’s: Reuse, Recycle, Reduce. I only wish I had thought this way at the time of my wedding! So, check it out now if you’re in the planning process, know anyone who is or just want to practice your eco-skills.

I received a little email from Matt Regan of BlueFlip Art, a little art print site that he runs. How did I not know about him sooner?! BlueFlip Art sells high-quality prints of works by artists and illustrators that are super affordable. The goals is to get these pieces into the hands of as many people as possible. Nothing is priced over $45 and most prints are under $20.

One of my favorite things that Matt’s company does - the participating artists get to choose a non-profit charity to donate 10% of the sale price of the print to. Again, another purchase you can feel good about.

Every Monday a new limited edition print is released at 3pm PST. This week’s (November 5’s) featured print is called “The Alchemy of Love Songs” by Maryland-based artist John Shipman. 10% of every sale will be donated ot the George Harrison UNICEF Fund.

There are a ton of other fabulous prints that you should check out at BlueFlip Art. Thank you to Matt and the artists who are giving the world good art that’s affordable and donating monies to charity.

Yes! I have been patiently waiting for Kealopiko’s online shop to open…and it is here!!! Jamie, Ane and Hina are the gals behind this clothing company that is inspired by and celebrates the Hawaiian culture. The unique designs that are printed by the three talented owners all have very specials meanings. If you are not a Hawaii local or even if you are but may not be familiar with all of the terms, you are in luck. One of my favorite things that this company does - they include a description of the shirt and its message. That’s right, Kealopiko is actually helping to educate its wearers about aspects of the Hawaiian culture. Brilliant!

Moi (blue print candy stripe); Hihimanu (black crew):

Koae (longsleeve); Wiliwili (crew):

Something else that will make customers smile is that all of their original designs are printed for both men and women. There are a variety of colors and styles to choose from, so check it out. In addition to sharing some local knowledge with the world, Kealopiko gives back and supports organizations and businesses that are working towards a sustainable Hawaii. The Kokua Hawaii Foundation and Paepae o Heeia Fishpond have both received donations from this wonderful company. Yes, another purchase that you can feel good about…

Elepaio (red boatneck); The Big Five (crew):

{Moi (blue print candy stripe): $30.00; Hihimanu (black crew): $24.00}

{Koae (longsleeve): $30.00; Wiliwili (crew): $24.00}

{Elepaio (red boatneck): $30.00; The Big Five (crew): $24.00}

Marlese Sears of Canada-based Bobe Bath Essentials shot me an email a couple weeks back asking if I’d be open to trying a product or two.  I knew via perusing the website that this company really cared about the products they created.  I selected to try the Soy Fabulous Whipped Body Butter and a Lip Balm…and I am really glad that I did.

Since I received my sample pack, I’ve been faithfully puckering up with my Carnival Candy Apple Lip Balm (I’m a lip balm/gloss person so this made me happy).  The balm is smooth and you get just the right amount of scent without being overpowering.  As for my yummy Grapefruit Supreme Soy Fabulous Whipped Body Butter…citrus heaven!  I am always a bit hesitant when it comes to using anything with too much fragrance.  However, after applying some of the body butter I was hooked.  The formula is light enough for me to use in Hawaii yet gave me a nice smooth skin surface that I would bet would work in colder, drier weather.

Marlese launched Bobe in 2006 cooking up fresh batches of custom bath and body products, made to order.  A master mixologist, she combines exotic ingredients to create her unique line that includes body butters, lip balms, perfumes, lotions, scrubs and cleansers.   With over 50 scents and 70 lip balm flavors to chose from, you are sure to get something that’s perfect.

Here are a couple of goodies from the shop:

Soy Fabulous Whipped Body Butter; Lip Balm:

Eau de Parfum; Luxurious Body Wash:

Bobe also believes strongly in giving back and supporting the community.  You can feel good about all of your purchases with Marlese because each month, 5% of Bobe retail sales are given to a different charity.

{Soy Fabulous Whipped Body Butter: $8.71 (USD); Lip Balm: $3.84 (USD)}

{Eau de Parfum: $14.08 (USD); Luxurious Body Wash: $8.19 (USD)}

What are your plans for Friday? Feel like hanging out and making new friends? Maybe you’d like to get a good workout in while helping a good cause? I know, you’d like me to count you in, right? Come on over to Puck’s Alley in Honolulu to Martial Arts Family Fitness for the first KICK for a CURE!

Reiko Ho (owner of Martial Arts Family Fitness) will be hosting this event to help raise funds for the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s Passionately Pink for the Cure. It’ll be a special 90-minute kickbox class of Bands, Bootcamp and Bags. Everyone is invited and we look forward to seeing you there. Simply bring your $5 donation that will be collected at the door and get ready to KICK it!

Martial Arts Family Fitness
Puck’s Alley, 2nd Floor
2600 S. King Street, Suite 202
Honolulu, Hawaii 96826

Come on down to join in, send me an email (liana@mixedplateblog.com) or visit the site and contact Reiko. It’s guaranteed to be a good time!

The last time I featured Momi Chee’s clothing line, Lily Lotus, was in June. Now just a few months later we have the Fall 2007 Collection to enjoy. I have been spying a number of her current designs and have seen them in person. The clothing has truly stunning images with brushed metal and rhinestones. Here are just a couple of my favorites…

Buddha Burnout Tee; Mantra Tunic Tank:

Hamsa Burnout Longsleeve; Om Karma Cargo Pants:

Big Om Burnout Tank; Buddha Tunic Longsleeve:

Hamsa Burnout Tee; Big Om Zen Pant:

{Buddha Burnout Tee: $68.00; Mantra Tunic Tank: $56.00}

{Hamsa Burnout Longsleeve: $78.00; Om Karma Cargo Pants: $92.00}

{Big Om Burnout Tank: $62.00; Buddha Tunic Longsleeve: $68.00}

{Hamsa Burnout Tee: $62.00; Big Om Zen Pant: $82.00}

Remember that buying Lily Lotus products helps others out. Lily Lotus works with local community programs such as Lanakila Rehabilitation Center and also donates to the Hawaiian Humane Society.

If you haven’t done so yet, head over to the Hipp Benefit shop. You can get some great handmade goodies (start your holiday shopping) and can help out Jennifer and Annabelle Hipp (Taryn of MYMY’s sister and niece). Jennifer has some hospital bills to pay and all of the proceeds from the shop will go towards this good cause.  They’ve extended the sales for one more week and all of the items are now 20% off. Shop closes on Sunday, October 7.  Visit the blog to learn more.

Monster Pack Number 3 by Voz at Fishcakes; OddKids Card Set by Paper Lotus:

Crafty Scientist Crafty Tool Belt; Mix Tape Fabric Brooch from Bitter Mittens:

{Monster Pack Number 3 by Voz at Fishcakes: $12.00; OddKids Card Set by Paper Lotus: $2.40}

{Crafty Scientist Crafty Tool Belt: $16.00; Mix Tape Fabric Brooch from Bitter Mittens: $4.00}

Back in May I started a program called K.U.T. that changed my life. Kickboxer’s Ultimate Training is a nine week adventure of lifestyle change and dedication to being a better you.

Reiko Ho is the owner of Martial Arts Family Fitness, the studio where the K.U.T. magic happens. She is a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Hapkido, a personal trainer, an all-around good person and so much more. Along with her two instructors, Emily Jen and Grace Liu, Reiko motivates, inspires and sculpts not just bodies but lives and attitudes. M.A.F.F. is a place of growth, transformation and even an addiction to feeling good about yourself.

Kickboxing with Bags, Kickboxing Bootcamp, Cardio Kickboxing and Powerbands and Muscle Conditioning classes are all part of the K.U.T. training program (or you may sign up just for classes). All are offered throughout the week and classes are available during morning and afternoon hours. Also available at the school is martial arts training (Hapkido) for both adults and keiki. Everything listed is appropriate for just about anyone no matter what fitness level you’re at or even your age. To learn more about the different classes and schedules check out the school flyer and the keiki programs flyer.

So, did I get “kut”? I surely did. I successfully completed my nine week journey and am still on the path to my next goal. I am at the studio training and soaking in all of what Reiko has to offer six days per week (as many of us are) and genuinely look forward to it. I have even made great friends there. I have been able to combat some of the symptoms of having a low thyroid with no medication. Martial Arts Family Fitness is a positive and friendly environment to be in for working out and building strength. You can get K.U.T., too! Visit the website to learn more, check out the flyers and start your adventure today. You will not be disappointed!

Sure you do. You like to help folks out in any way you can, right? So then why not head over to the Wonderland Retreat shop and see if you could use a couple of goodies. There are great handmade items that would make perfect gifts (maybe even a gift to yourself) and it’s all for a good cause. If you recall the post I did about Elijah Wyman’s Rotten Kidneys, you’ll know how wonderful a reason this is for you to shop. The benefit for the Wymans will close on September 15, so hurry on over. Here are a couple of items at Wonderland Retreat:

Ruler Pouch by Wonderland Q; Two Birds Necklace by Handmade Julz; Small Lavender Thank You Gift by Botanical Earth:

{Ruler Pouch: $15.00; Two Birds Necklace: $35.00; Lavender Thank You Gift: $18.00}

Another crafty gal and Mixed Plate friend that could use your help is Taryn Hipp. She’s the sweetie that owns MYMY (and yes, she was the brains behind the Guest Star Blogger Spots here). Her sister, Jennifer, was in the hospital and now has a bunch of crazy bills. She’s a hardworking single mother with 2 jobs and also makes time to pitch in at MYMY. Find out more about her story at Taryn’s blog. Here’s how you might help out:

If you’d like to take part in the raffle, learn more here.
If you’d like to make a donation through PayPal, you can do so here.

The talented Amy created her shop after receiving many requests for her clothing. Friends, family and strangers would ask her when she would have a line that could be purchased. Enter Spiderlily Clothing.

Amy has been sewing and patternmaking for six years but has always had a love of fabric, textiles and beautiful clothing. Her education in Seattle, Washington at the New York Fashion Academy was just the beginning. Her love for creating clothes along with her skills and abilities grew and lead her to earn a degree from a Fashion Careers College in San Diego, California. She is currently attending the International Academy of Design and Technology in Chicago and is working towards her bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design.

Check out a couple of Amy’s pieces:

Black Vintage Inspired Top; Gray Vintage Inspired Top; Blue and Stripe One-of-a-Kind Top:

By the way…3% of all profits are donated to the Save the Redwoods League and the Sierra Club.

{Black Vintage Inspired Top: $45.00; Gray Vintage Inspired Top: $45.00; Blue and Stripe One-of-a-Kind Top: $45.00}