Christmas, Hawaii-style

Honolulu Hale dressed up for Christmas, including traditional and palm trees, and several decorated trees on exhibit inside the building, including a Dr. Suess tree.

Celeb in the house

Actor/comedian Tim Meadows was at the Trump at Spa Waikiki's holiday open house.

Hawaii's culinary Rising Stars

At Halekulani Hotel, Hawaii's 14 Rising Stars chefs, as named by StarChefs.com, shared the stage with their mentors, and plated up some of the dishes that put them at the top.

First look at Vintage Cave Honolulu

Had a first peek Oct. 23 at Vintage Cave Honolulu, a luxurious, soon-to-open wine club open to members at $5,000 for a regular membership, $50,000 for special membership, and $500,000 for charter members. The artwork here is amazing, including Picassos and "Hiroshima" centerpiece by Ardon Mordecai, depicting the World War II tragedy of the city destroyed by the atomic bomb. Dinner prices are tentatively set at about $295 per person.

Holiday sparkle

Photographed Daniela in Escada, among other designers, for a holiday fashion feature. At the bar at Morton's the Steakhouse.

'Wicked'

Went to see "Wicked" at the Blaisdell Center.

Ramen Lab pops up at Lucky Belly

Enjoyed Sun Noodle's Ramen Lab popup at Lucky Belly in Chinatown, where Ramen Lab executive chef Shige Nakamura, in from New Jersey, cooked up three styles of ramen, including a tomato broth Italian version dubbed New York Heritage.

Chef Nakamura and his wife Maiko.

Day at Honolulu Museum

I always enjoy the serenity of the grounds at Honolulu Museum, especially sitting near the lily pond in the Chinese courtyard.

Ah, holidays

Thanksgiving at the Kam house.

Setting the holiday table with style

Renaissance man Kensei hosted a pre-Thanksgiving dinner at his apartment, setting the table with extraordinary dishes he cooked up and presented on his best china.

Parc marks 25th year at Nobu Waikiki

At the Waikiki Parc Hotel's 25th anniversary at Nobu Waikiki Nov. 20, guests celebrated by tossing quarters into Iona Dance Theatre's Living Fountain, and enjoying some of Nobu's best hits, including rock shrimp tempura, black cod in butter lettuce cups, Peruvian beef antikucho, and my favorite, yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño. Yum!

Models bring vintage Shaheens to life

At the Alfred Shaheen fashion show at the Bishop Museum, we were treated to a show of new and vintage designs by the print master. This classic 1950s Hawaiian bombshell dress was modeled by his granddaughter Brianna Rose. The show was held in conjunction with the "HI Fashion: The Legacy of Alfred Shaheen" exhibition that will run through Feb. 4, 2013.

ITAA brings fashion show to Hawaii

The International Textile and Apparel Association of fashion universities brought 500 members, dozens of workshops and talks, and a student and faculty fashion show to an outdoor stage at the Marriott Waikiki Beach Spa & Resort. These are just a few of the 136 pieces shown on the runway and on mounted display.

Gown with 70 yards of tulle.

Gown of VHS tape evoking old Hollywood glamour.

Jellyfish inspired.

Inspired by the youth of Marie Antoinette, her look-at-me nature, and her coronation gown.

Early Thanksgiving

Early Thanksgiving sampling of ham, turkey and all the trimmings at Whole Foods Market Kailua.

In the air

Flying home from Connecticut, chasing daylight all the way, with a stop to change planes in Detroit, over flatland and the snow-capped Sierras in Nevada, the sunset over San Francisco, and enjoying Delta's first-class meal of grilled chicken with corn and roasted potatoes, and dessert of tiramisu.

Fall colors

Fall in New England.

Red barn and snow

A couple days' difference. Sunny two days ago; snow on the ground today. In Lakeville, Conn.

First snow, 2012

Just outside the house, Lakeville, CT.

Voting day

Last chance reminders with future of the nation at stake. Election Day 2012, Salisbury, Conn.

Fireplace

Fireplace, Lakeville, CT.

Stop at Rubiner's

Favorite stop when passing through Great Barrington, Mass.: Rubiner's Cheesemonger's & Grocers at 264 Main St. Also connected to Rubi's Coffee & Sandwiches, where, during summer months they grill all manner of sausages for sandwiches, outdoors.

Check out www.rubiners.com or http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rubiners-Cheesemongers-Grocers/366688871264