Okay, I really did spend most of my time in beachwear, what with two small boys in tow. Lots of fun activity, including the Atlantis submarine ride (we saw sea turtles and dolphins!), Wet & Wild, seeing a "Lei Day" show performed by the private school my friend's family runs, and going to the zoo. And of course, swimming and boogie-boarding galore! The kids got their pictures taken with parrots and were absolutely convinced the guy who owned them was a genuine pirate. I'll put up some photos as soon as I get them off the camera so you can see the cuteness!

However, on our last day, it was rainy and overcast - and it was Mother's Day. So part of my gift was an afternoon to shop by myself at Ala Moana, where I was finally able to check out some of the stores you all talk about that we don't have here:

Ann Taylor: I got a beautiful multi-colored skirt (can't find it on their web site) and the salesgirl talked me into a tomato red cardigan to match. Everything was 25% off for Mother's Day.

Levi's store: Where I got measured and didn't fit any of the curve profiles, despite trying all of them. Did not buy anything there.

Macy's: Where I stumbled upon a pair of Joe's Jeans petite Provacateurs that fit perfectly! Also found a gold sequin skirt on one of the mega-sale racks which rang up at $19! I opened a Macy's card to get a 20% discount and then immediately paid it off with my debit card - didn't know you could do that!

Nordstrom Rack: Found the Nic and Zoe jersey blazer in my size in the olive color for only $49! I think I might have done a little dance right there in the store.

Banana Republic: We do have one here, but the Hawai'i store is three floors and has petite sizes. I scored a denim shirt on sale which I love and wore yesterday.

I also visited Sephora where I got a sample of Jennifer Aniston's new perfume, which I really liked. Has anyone tried it out? There were about a million other places I would have gone (there's a 7FAMK store!) but in keeping with my YLF training, I tried to stick to what I knew would work for my needs and budget. I certainly would not have been so efficient and selective without all of your advice clanging around in my head!

Hopefully it will warm up enough here for me to wear the AT skirt soon - it was my favorite find.