Essence of Paradise

Papaya - A Super Food

2012-02-21T15:06:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite fruits to eat is the papaya. Christopher Columbus called the deliciously sweet papaya the "fruit of the angels". Papayas contain papain, which is a digestive aid and has been shown to assist in digesting proteins. This enzyme is especially concentrated in the fruit when it is unripe. Papain is extracted to make digestive enzyme dietary supplements and is also used as an ingredient in skin care.

Rich in potassium and vitamin C, one cup contains 55 calories, 0 grams of fat, 1 gram of protein, 14 grams of carbohydrates, 31% RDA of vitamin A, 144% RDA of vitamin C, 13% RDA of folate, 5% RDA of vitamin E, 5% RDA vitamin K, 10% RDA potassium, 3% RDA calcium and 3% RDA magnesium and 3 grams of fiber.

I love the papaya salsa sold at Trader Joes, but I found this wonderful recipe for a Pineapple Papaya Salsa that is delicious on salmon burgers. Let me know if you try it and like it!

Pineapple Papaya Salsa Ingredients:

3/4 cup ripe papaya, diced
3/4 cup fresh pineapple, diced
3/4 cup diced jicama
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1 serrano or jalapeno chile pepper, seeded and minced
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons grated lime zest
2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Great Hawaiian Magazines

2011-11-04T10:17:00.000-07:00

I don't always have time to cook but when I do, I love to try recipes from my favorite cooking magazine, Edible Hawaiian Islands. It's a wonderful Hawaiian magazine that both locals and tourists adore! I first found this magazine at the Kauai library in Koloa and have loved it ever since. Made with Macadamia Nut Wine, the following recipe from their magazine is fantastic! The Volcano Winery Macadamia Nut Wine unfortunately is not available on the mainland, however, if you live in Hawaii or are visiting, you can find it on every island. I have also substituted the Tedeschi Winery's Maui Blanc Pineapple Wine instead of the Macadamia Nut Wine and it was delicious! Check their website for mainland locations to buy the pineapple wine.

"CHOCOLATE-DIPPED MACADAMIA NUT WINE RECIPE Josh Valdez calls this a dessert that chefs, who visit the winery, always want to put on their menus.
• Take a wine glass and chill it.
• Melt dark chocolate and then rim the chilled glass with the melted dark chocolate
• Put the glass back in the fridge to allow the chocolate to harden.
• After hardened, fill the glass with any fruit (raspberries and blueberries are suggested) and pour cold macadamia nut wine on top."

Edible Hawaiian Islands sells hard copy subscriptions as well as digital subscriptions at their website. You can also "like" them on Facebook. Happy Aloha Friday!

BUY - MADE IN THE USA!

2011-11-02T17:13:00.000-07:00

One of our Kohana Skin Team members shared this with me today. I loved the suggestions and wanted to share it with you!

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?
Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamines on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.
Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?

2011 Organic Spa Magazine Annual Skin Care Guide

2011-07-20T14:22:00.000-07:00

The Kohana Skin Team is delighted to be included again in the 2011 issue of Organic Spa Magazine Annual Skin Care Guide. Organic Spa Magazine's Skin Care Guide is a list of the leading companies in the natural and organic beauty field. A few years ago, this list may have been limited to a few companies. Today, thanks to consumers' interest in a greener and cleaner world, the list has grown tremendously. To view the digital version of this issue, please click here.

Whale of A Tail!

2011-04-14T11:01:00.000-07:00

I have gone whale watching quite a few times in the past ten years, but I had an experience a couple of days ago that I will never forget. My son just bought a new boat and wanted to take us out in the channel between Maui and Lanai. The trade winds had died down and it was a perfect day to go out in the calm Hawaiian waters. We had been out for a couple of hours and had not seen any whales. Since it is near the end of the whale season and they are migrating back to Alaska, we figured there weren't too many around and probably would not see any that day. However, just at that moment, my son spotted a pod of whales just ahead of us. There were seven huge humpback whales. We spent about forty minutes watching them slap their tales and perform one breech after another. It was really thrilling to be close enough to hear their breath when they would spout. One whale did a full breech with a 360 degree spin, which was surreal! It was a wonderful day I will never forget.

New Ohana - Maui Ocean Center Gift Shop

2011-03-20T10:36:00.000-07:00

As Kohana Skin continues to grow, we are excited to announce our latest addition, The Maui Ocean Center Gift Shop. The Maui Ocean Center Gift Shop is an expansive and beautiful facility of more than 6,000 square feet featuring not only unique marine animal collectibles and souvenirs, but lovely handmade jewelry, vibrant island pieces of art and amazing sculptures that have been created by some of the island’s most prominent artists. Any visitor is certain to find unique and inspiring gifts including a complete line of Kohana Skin spa products.

I love this place and have been there many times. The Maui Ocean Center called the "The Hawaiian Aquarium" is the largest tropical reef aquarium in the Western hemisphere. The center offers tours by marine naturalists, presentations and exhibits of thousands of indigenous fish, sharks, turtles, stingrays and other fascinating marine animals. The Travel Channel had a great episode of Girl Meets Hawaii with Samantha Brown featuring The Maui Ocean Center.

These are photos in the aquarium I took on one of my visits to the Maui Ocean Center.

ALOHA FRIDAY LOVELY REVIEWS!

2011-02-11T14:02:00.000-08:00

We are very excited to receive a fabulous review from Jodi who is a salon professional and has created a great blog, Go Inspire Beauty. In her review, Jodi commented that "using these (Kohana Skin) products is more than just simple application - it is truly an experience." " The lush bath and body products go way beyond the basic scrub and moisturizer. They deliver a powerful dose of what I describe as Island Calm, delivered with incredible emollients and intense tropical fragrances that linger to extend the tropical experience." Look for the special discount, exclusive for Go Inspire Beauty readers! To read her entire review, please visit Go lnspire Beauty.

Two Kohana Skin products were selected as favorites in the NV Beauty 2010 Awards in the Skin Care arena! The lovely Nicole of NV Beauty selected Kohana Skin's Wild Ginger Tropical Moisture Creme and the Kona Coffee Body Scrub as some of her favorite skin care products for 2010. Visit NV Beauty blog to see all of the NV 2010 Product Awards at NV Beauty.

Les Nouvelles Esthetiques and Spa Magazine

2011-02-01T15:54:00.000-08:00

We are so excited to have our new organic Cleansing Milk featured in the Green Spa News section of the February 2011 Les Nouvelles Esthetiques and Spa Magazine. Les Nouvelles Esthetiques and Spa Magazine was established in Paris in 1952. It is currently published in thirty countries. The American edition is dedicated to up to date knowledge in the world of spas, well-being, beauty, and encompasses all aspects of the spa industry. To view the digital edition of the February 2011 issue visit http://www.lneonline.com.

Aromatique Skin and Body Care

2011-01-31T14:51:00.000-08:00

Kohana Skin continues to grow and we are elated to announce the newest addition to our ohana, Aromatique Skin and Body Care. Aromatique is a beautiful skincare salon and bath and body boutique located in the village of Claremont, California. Talented owner Lori Paley has created a unique atmosphere in this spa and boutique that is warm and inviting. She has transformed it into a gathering place where everyone feels very relaxed and comfortable. The spa offers a great menu of treatments and services, featuring facials, scrubs, body wraps and scrubs, hair removal waxing, make-up artistry, microdermbrasion as well as other skincare specialties. The elegant boutique offers a wide selection of skin care, bath and body, and gift items. For more information on this fabulous spa and boutique, visit their website at Aromatiqueskincare.com. If you are visiting or live near Claremont, California give yourself a little tender loving care and stop by Aromatique at 319-A West First Street, Claremont, California, 909-626-7422.

Ring In the New Year with Beauty A Go Go

2011-01-02T16:04:00.000-08:00

We are so excited to welcome an incredible salon and boutique, Beauty A Go Go to our Kohana Skin ohana! Beauty A Go Go is owned by Gretchen Tyler, former senior Vice President of Macy's Cosmetic and Perfume Division. This unique forties style boutique and salon has big umbrella lights that shine throughout the room like a fashion shoot where her clients are taught innovative makeup and skin care techniques. The salon also has a living room area where clients can relax and receive signature skin care treatments. Ms. Tyler was born in the Hawaiian islands and still feels a great connection to the culture and the beauty of the islands. Please give yourself a treat and stop by this fabulous salon at 212 North El Camino Real, San Clemente, California, which features Kohana Skin products as their premier line.

Designing Wahine Emporium

2010-09-28T09:57:00.000-07:00

We are thrilled to welcome a fabulous Maui boutique, Desgining Wahine Emporium to the Kohana Skin ohana! Designing Wahine Emporium is owned by the very talented Lisa Payne. Her boutique offers a wonderful selection of beautiful Hawaiian products as well as treasures from around the world. The 2011 Fodor's Maui describes Designing Wahine Emporium as "a haven for Hawaiiana merchandize and Bali imports." A line of Kohana Skin tropical Lip Butters created for Designing Wahine Emporium are available in Coconut Cream, Tropical Smoothie, Coco Vanilla and Juicy Pineapple. Connect with Lisa on Facebook and take a peek at her unique store. Next time you are in Maui be sure to visit Designing Wahine Emporium in upcountry Maui at 3640 Baldwin Avenue, Makawao, Maui, Hawaii.

The Multifaceted Papaya Fruit

2010-09-07T09:47:00.000-07:00

I love to eat sweet, ripe, papayas. Aside from their delicious flavor, they are used in natural medicine to help calm stomach problems, heartburn and indigestion. On livestrong.com it was reported that "The active ingredient papain found in papaya extract may play a role in reducing inflammation that has occurred in response to an injury or surgery, according to Drugs.com. Sloan-Kettering concurs with this finding, adding that studies show initial benefits but that not enough data is available to claim scientific proof. The proteolytic enzymes in papaya fruit and leaves can both protect the body from inflammation as well as heal cases of swelling and burn wounds."

In skincare, green papaya enzymes are used to dissolve dead and damaged cells, leaving new ones healthy and intact. Papaya has long been considered one of nature's best beauty enhancing fruits. It is a protein dissolving enzyme and is rich in antioxidants, vitamin A and vitamin C. Papaya has been historically known to boast restorative and revitalizing properties for skin. Ya learn something new everyday!

CELEBRATE ALOHA FRIDAY WITH OUR BUY ONE GET ONE FREE FALL SPECIAL!

2010-08-27T16:59:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Aloha Friday Specials with us every week and receive deep discounts on exclusive items. You can also subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on Twitter or find us on Facebook to get the latest deals!

Through September 15th, buy any of our luxurious super hydrating body cremes and receive an exotic body scrub of your choice FREE!

This is the perfect opportunity to try one of our amazing body scrubs for FREE! While you are enjoying a fabulous moisturizing experience with a Kohana Skin body creme, exfoliate those dead skin cells with one of our intoxicating body scrubs! Don't forget, you will also receive free ground shipping on orders of $75.00 or more.

Kukuiolono Golf Course in Kauai

2010-08-21T14:31:00.000-07:00

I am not a golfer but I love to accompany my husband when he plays golf at Kukuiolono Golf Course in Kalaheo, Kauai. It is a beautiful nine-hole golf course that is open to the public and you can play all day long for $7.00 or for $9.00 on the weekends! According to GoHawaii.com "This nine-hole course nestled on the hills above Kalaheo may be one of Kauai's best kept golfing secrets. Originally built as the personal course of sugar king Walter McBride, Kukuiolono Golf Course offers generous fairways, limited hazards, and panoramic views of Kauai's scenic southwest side. Great course for beginners. Following its creation, McBryde donated the course to the people of Kauai in 1919 and those fortunate enough to find this gem can give their 'aloha' as they pass his grave near the 8th tee."

Check out Yelp.com for some very interesting reviews of the golf course. One woman said that she got married there and raves about the location! The views are spectacular. My favorite view is from the practice range where you look out over the deep blue ocean to the Forbidden Island of Nihi'iau.

KOHANA SKIN IS IN ORGANIC SPA MAGAZINE!

2010-08-13T13:44:00.000-07:00

Organic Spa Magazine has published their Annual Skin Care Guide and Kohana Skin has been included as one of the leading natural and organic skin care companies! They have also created an iPhone App for those of you who are techies and own iPhones. You can download the Organic Spa Magazine Annual Skin Care Guide iPhone App right here!

Organic Spa Magazine iPhone App

We are so excited, we wanted to celebrated and offer 25% off every order until August 20th! You will need our special coupon code ALOHA FRIDAY to recieve the discount. Just enter it when prompted at checkout. You can also still receive free shipping on your order of $75.00 or more after the discount coupon has been applied.

Maui Swap Meet

2010-07-25T00:19:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite places to visit is the Maui Swap Meet, which takes place every Saturday in Wailuku. This morning, I found awesome tropical fruits, my sweet Maui onions, breadfruit and delicious ripe Kula strawberries. There were gorgeous Hawaiian tropical flowers and unique Hawaiian artwork from several local artists including Ken Loyd who created the beautiful artwork we use on our packaging. One of the things I love about the Maui Swap Meet is the beautiful handmade craft items sold by the artists who created them.

Spa Day at the Local Collection in the Glendale Galleria

2010-07-13T20:09:00.000-07:00

You can now find your favorite Kohana Skin products at the Local Collection in the Glendale Galleria. Please come and join us this coming Saturday, July 17th from 2:00 until 5:00 at the Local Collection. Kohana Skin and the girls at the Local Collection are ready to pamper you with a free mini facial with our new Pala'au Spa facial products! You also might enjoy participating in a body scrub demonstration and taking home a fabulous sugar scrub created for just for you! Enjoy refreshments, Kohana Skin product giveaways, and special product pricing Saturday only. We look forward to seeing you!

2010-07-05T12:17:00.000-07:00

I love the lush Hawaiian island of Kauai. It is astoundingly beautiful and there is so much to do if you enjoy the outdoors. I have had the opportunity to kayak the Wailua River and trek to the "Secret" Falls many times. I have also kayaked 17 miles of the wild Na Pali coastline in ocean swells of about 6 feet. I have seen octopus, moray eels, turtles and beautiful fish while diving in the beautiful warm ocean water and have also enjoyed some incredible hikes on the Kalalau trail. My favorite hike is an easy one on the south end of the island that offers spectacular scenery. Just beyond the Hyatt Resort in Poipu, you will find a trail that you can follow along Maha'ulepu beaches. It's a fairly well discernible trail that takes you along the edge of the cliffs, by a large cave and blow hole, and into a meadow, looking at Kipu Kai in the distance. The photo below is one that my husband took of a friend and me in underneath a natural arch.

I watched an interesting show about enjoying the natural beauty of Kauai a few days ago and thought that I would share it.

2010-07-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

It's Aloha Friday today and here at Kohana Skin we are celebrating the end of the work week and are looking forward to the 4th of July!

BEAUTY TIP: If you have run out of your Kohana Skin Papaya and Pineapple Enzyme Masque, try a quick and easy beauty treatment you can make at home with fresh papaya and pineapple fruit. It's good for your skin and smells delicious!

Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon of honey, 1 cup of fresh pineapple and 1/2 cup of fresh papaya. Puree the fruit together in a blender or food processor, add the honey and mix into a smooth paste. Apply the mixture to clean skin. Leave the masque on for 15 to 20 minutes, remove the masque and rinse thoroughly. Enjoy and have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Outnumbered3-1 and Eightymphmom Giveaways!

2010-07-01T00:31:00.000-07:00

Melissa at outnumbered3-1.com and Jennifer at eightymphmom.com are busy moms with fabulous blogs who share their insights about products with their readers and from time to time offer fantastic giveaways! We have been fortunate to have both of them review two of our products and receive some very nice comments about our Wild Ginger Tropical Moisture Creme and Lavender Travel Set. Melissa and Jennifer have been showcasing products in their Step Into Summer event and Kohana Skin has been included. Everyone loves a deal (how about 20% off), but even better, win some FREE products!

Kohana Skin is offering 20% off your entire purchase July 1st through July 7th. Just enter the coupon code "Step Into Summer" when prompted on the website at checkout. You can also receive free shipping if your purchase totals $75.00 or more after the discount has been applied. If you would like to try and win our Wild Ginger Tropical Moisture Creme from the Hawaiian Rainforest collection, enter at Outnumbered3-1.com or enter at eightymphmom.com to win our Pala'au Spa Lavender Travel Set. Good luck!

Maui Art by Ken Loyd

2010-06-29T20:09:00.000-07:00

It's been way too long since I have posted even if I have been busy! A few days ago, I visited a new Starbucks at the Wailea Marriott Resort in Maui. We went to visit that particular Starbucks not only to try their Coconut Mocha Latte, (which was delicious) but most importantly to see Ken Loyd's 8' by 16' mural. Ken Loyd is the talented artist who created the beautiful artwork we use on all of our packaging. He is a unique artist who paints mostly in oils. His depiction of the island winds swirling about has brought the feeling of Maui to collections around the world. If you are visiting Maui, you can find his work at the Four Seasons Resort in Wailea, in the Maui Hands Gallery in Lahaina, in many shops in Maui, in Starbucks at the Wailea Marriott Resort and be sure and visit him at the Maui "Swap Meet". It is a fun place to shop and you can meet Mr. Loyd in person there! If you don't find yourself in Maui in the near future, please visit his website at http://www.artbyloyd.com to browse and purchase his beautiful works of art.

Hawaiian Alaea Salt Harvesting

2010-04-10T16:09:00.000-07:00

Sea salt has been used by Hawaiians to cleanse, purify, and in blessing ceremonies for hundreds of years. It is also used in cooking to create some amazing dishes like kalua pig. It gets its distinctive color from volcanic baked red clay that enriches the salt with iron oxide.

I love this video about a local Kauai family and how they harvest alaea salt.

Bethany Hamilton - Soul Surfer

2010-03-31T10:08:00.000-07:00

I remember when I was in Kauai several years ago, watching the local news and hearing that a young 13-year-old local surfer, Bethany Hamilton, had been attacked by a shark. She had survived but lost one of her arms.

On October 31 2003, Bethany Hamilton went for a morning surf along Tunnels Beach in Kauai with her friend Alana Blanchard, and Alana Blanchard's father and brother. Around 7:30 a.m., she was lying sideways on her surfboard with her left arm dangling in the water, when a 15ft tiger shark attacked her, ripping her left arm off just below the shoulder. If the shark had bitten two inches further in, the attack would have been fatal. Bethany lost almost 60% of her blood that morning. Her friends helped paddle her back to shore, and fashioned a tourniquet out of a surfboard leash around what was left of her arm before rushing her to Wilcox Memorial Hospital. Her father was supposed to have a knee surgery that morning but she took his place in the operating room. She then spent six more days in recovery at the hospital."

Despite the trauma of the incident, Bethany was determined to return to surfing. Just three weeks after the incident, she returned to her board and went surfing again. Initially, she adopted a custom-made board that was longer and slightly thicker which made it easier to paddle. She has observed that she has to kick a lot more to make up for the loss of her left arm. After teaching herself to surf with one arm, she has again begun surfing competitively. She is now back to using competitive performance short-boards again and is the in the top 12 best women surfers in the world.

In 2004, MTV Books published Bethany's book, Soul Surfer, a True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board, which describes her ordeal. Bethany's story is also told in the 2007 short subject documentary film, Heart of a Soul Surfer http://www.heartofasoulsurfer.com/. The film addresses her courage in the aftermath of the shark attack, and follows her quest for spiritual meaning.

Now the movie Soul Surfer has just finished filming, starring Dennis Quaid, AnnaSophia Robb, Helen Hunt, Kevin Sorbo, Lorraine Nicholson and Carrie Underwood.

Check out this video on YouTube where Bethany talks about her experience. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duelon0MF2o

World's Best Coffee

2010-03-14T19:57:00.000-07:00

Today I began my day with a wonderful cup of Kona Coffee. There is no other coffee in the world quite like this coffee, for me at least. It's rich, dark, smooth and delicious. Kona coffee was first planted in the fertile volcanic soil of the Big Island of Hawaii in 1828. It is now grown on the western slopes of Manua Loa, which is the largest active volcano on the earth. it's' a beautiful area that looks down upon the coastline of the Big Island and to the deep blue Pacific ocean.

Kohana has created luxurious body treatments created from this wonderfully rich and aromatic coffee. The antioxidant rich coffee beans provide properties that aid in restoring skin suppleness and improve skin texture. Indulge your skin with a little bit of Kona coffee and enjoy a sensational skin treatment every day.

Upcountry Maui

2010-03-04T19:01:00.000-08:00

While reading the Travel section of our local paper yesterday, I came upon an article written by Gary A. Warner titled The Odd Side of Maui. In his article he said that most tourists come to experience the beautiful beaches in Maui, and there are plenty to go around since there eighty-one beaches on the island! Mr. Warner suggested that visitors take a couple of days out of their stay on the island and explore Maui upcountry. "Up here, you get pines instead of palms, the scent of lavender instead of the smell of the sea.

I love Maui upcountry and have really enjoyed spending time at the amazing Alii Kula Lavender Farm. The lavender farm grows 45 different types of lavender and you can tour the farm with a guide or do your own self-guided tour as I have done. This beautiful farm also grows other indigenous Hawaiian plants along side the lavender and magnificent Buddhas have been placed throughout the lavender fields.

I was surprised to find that lavender has been grown in the Hawaiian islands for over a hundred years. It has a long history of beneficial uses in herbalism and aromatherapy, but is also used by chefs in culinary creations! Recently, I enjoyed the most delicious lavender latte from a little coffee shop by my house, can't wait to try it at home! It's amazing how versatile this pretty flower can be.