(Belated) Report on Da Kine Dog Day

The first annual Da Kine Dog Day in Kailua (reported on in an earlier blog) was a big success. This picture shows our doggie central free bones, slobber towelettes and books by Colleen Hanabusa, "Little The Ko 'Olina Dog."

We were visited by many dogs and their owners, including Mitch D'Olier -- sort of the town overseer, and his beautiful one and a half year old golden retriever.
More than 1500 people gathered behind Long's for giveaways and a mini doggie marketplace, including a costume party with actual winners. This was followed up by a doggie/owner parade.

Truly nuts. But that is how people are about their dogs, and we must admit we feel the same away about our dogs, too. That's why we introduced IslandMango Poi Dog Shampoo during the Year of the Dog, and why we sell Snoozles (the very cool reversible neckerchiefs for dogs), soggy dog towels and soaps which are carved to look just like your favorite pup!

For you, or your dog, Lanikai Bath and Body is the place to go for luxurious treats.
See you soon!

Orange Blossom : Our True Neroli

According to Wikipedia, "Neroli oil is a plant oil similar in scent to bergamot produced from the blossom of the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium var. amara or Bigaradia).

As an essential oil, used in aromatherapy and massage, Neroli is considered to have a soothing effect on the nervous system. Traditionally, neroli oil was used not only to relieve tension and anxiety, but also to increase circulation and heal thread vein scars

It is a non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing, non-photo-toxic substance. More than 12% of all modern quality perfumes use Neroli as their principal ingredient.

Lanikai Bath and Body's Orange Blossom lotion, wash, scrub and butter are made with true neroli essential oil. It may be something you have to develop a (feel) for --- but for those whose nose knows neroli -- it is considered among the best!

What A Wedding Cake

We just had to share a photo of this wedding cake with you --- because it was a cake to be reckoned with. A gift to Colleen and John from one of their friends, Jr. Grace, it was magical, overwhelming and delicious.

This was just one part of a wedding that came together with love and support from friends and family in honor of Colleen and John. They married on 08.08.2008 in a stroke of Chinese good luck, and we are writing about it on a day somewhat less magical(but then, every day at Lanikai Bath and Body is magical. Their wedding was a splendid success and we wish them all the best.

Sunset at Ko`Olina

Taken a few weeks ago at Lanikuhonua, this beautiful sunset is a perfect example of why we are lucky to live in Hawaii.

It was taken by Mark at the wedding of Colleen Hanabusa and John Souza -- where no gifts were allowed.

But had gifts been allowed, we'd have taken plenty of MeBath ice cream bath bombs for John, Poi Dog shampoo for Little -- the Ko Olina Dog who had her own white leather leash for the wedding, and Tahitian Gardenia and Kamuela Rose lotions for Colleen.

They missed out on the gifts, but the wedding reception was great and, as they say, "a good time was had by all."

Rainbow for Our Anniversary!

This beautiful rainbow appeared at a friend's birthday surprise party at Pu'ualaka'a Park atop Round Top Drive on the other side of the mountain from Kailua.

But we can appropriate it for our anniversary because there are rainbows everywhere in Hawaii, and we could, quite possibly, have a rainbow this Sunday -- which marks the third anniversary (or birthday) of Lanikai Bath and Body. At least the third anniversary of its opening, after close to a year of dreaming, planning, designing --and three years later, there is not much we have changed.

Among the 20 different scents we had at our opening, we eliminated Cucumber Melon within the first year, and added Pineapple Coconut, Pikake and Puakenikeni. In 2006 we introduced Island Mango Poi Dog Shampoo because it was The Year of the Dog. It turned out not to be a tradition we could continue, because 2007 was The Year of the Pig.

This weekend, in honor of our third anniversary/birthday we are having a storewide online and in-store 20% off sale. We have a customer who visits every year at this time, and who is sure to remind us about our anniversary -- I think it is her birthday as well. So Happy Birthday!

Popularity Contest

Hawaiian Tap 22 ounce bottles continue to be among our most popular products. In terms of sales, they topped the list in August. In terms of sheer numbers, Plumeria 2.2 ounce lotions topped the list, followed by the slipper soaps.

Other big sellers included Plumeria and Pikake 8.5 ounce lotions, Poi Dog Shampoo, Hawaiian Tap "Big Green" one litre bottles, Tahitian Gardenia 8.5 ounce lotion, Tea and Lantern LunaKai candles,hair towels and BeHappy bags.

The list does on and on, as does our product offering. Lanikai Bath and Body is full of all things good and wonderful. Life's neccessary luxuries? We have them!

Ian's Turtle

A month ago while walking the beach, Ian saw a sea turtle floating on top of the ocean. It wasn't moving, and he went out to see if it was okay, and it was clear that the turtle was disoriented and sick.

Ian brought him to shore and called NOAA. Meanwhile, he and a passerby got towels wet, covered the turtle and kept pouring water on it. The NOAA folks arrived and took the turtle away, promising to call Ian with news of its health. Alas, a few days later the turtle died.

The people at NOAA said it wouldn't be in vain, that it would offer an opportunity for others to study what had happened.

Our green sea turtles are very beautiful and their existence is a tribute to the health of our ocean. We all need to take care ... and when a turtle is not in danger, we need to stay clear of them.

Still Hot. It's September! And We love YOU!

For those of you who don't know Hawaii, September and October are usually the hottest months. Last year, it even went in to November, but we're hoping not this year.

We are approaching Lanikai's third anniversary -- this weekend, on September 28. Exactly three years ago, our first customer came in while we were still working on setting up the store, and Dave said if you have a credit card, we'll make a sale, which we did.

It has been an interesting three years -- we really appreciate all of our customers, both at the store and online, and we are super grateful for your support of Lanikai Bath and Body.

We will be having our usual 20% off anniversary sale this weekend -- online and in store ... so you can get in some early Christmas shopping -- or buy some cool stuff for yourself.

Five Days to Da Kine Dog Day

On September sixth, next Saturday, numerous Kailua stores will open early and welcome dogs on the first annual Da Kine Dog day.

There will be a costume contest, prizes for dogs, and discounts at stores, especially on doggie related stuff. At Lanikai Bath and Body, you will be able to get 15% off all doggie products, including doggie towelettes for the slobber in him (or her), soggy dog towels, tres chic ascot type scarves, poi dog shampoo and a limited supply of carved doggie soap.

We love dogs, and hope you do, too. The dog pictured here is a Portuguese Pondego.
I have never seen one but maybe someone will bring one to Da Kina Dog Day.

Lovely Labor Day. But Hot.

This weekend was perfect end-of-summer weather for anywhere in the U.S. -- and a harbinger of more hot weather here in Hawaii at least through October.

The trades are blowing, but not always -- so we have a good idea to make yourself more comfortable. Carry with you some of the small packets, from this larger package, of lemon towelettes. Allure magazine says they're great, but more importantly, so do we and so do our customers.

Lanikai Bath and Body has lots to soothe you --- beginning with lemon, lavender, and eucalyptus towelettes.