Part II: Strawberry Papaya or Pink Lady?

Girls' lunch at Bergdorf Goodman

Looking for "Strawberry Payapya" Part I? Click here.

Walking into Bergdorf Goodman after so many years was a girl’s fantasy come true. The beautifully appointed store was like an art gallery of all things fashion and beauty. In every department, the attention to detail in the displays, the merchandising, the svelte, perfectly groomed sales staff, spoke of quality and luxury.

In addition to the restaurant, the store’s top floor houses a children's department, housewares, antiques and estate jewelry. The elegant hostess invited us to have a drink of champagne at the bar or have a look around, as our table was not quite ready. We waltzed over to the estate jewelry. A handsome older customer pointed out a pair of vintage opalescent and rose-gold earrings priced at the equivalent of a new Mercedes and asked me, “Are these not the sweetest, most darling little earrings you’ve ever seen? Are you buying them?”

Part I: Strawberry Papaya or Pink Lady?

The Plaza New York

Growing up in Eastern Canada, I considered autumn one of the most beautiful times of the year. Trees with leaves turning shades of red, amber and gold lining the city streets. The crisp air and people walking at a slightly brisker pace, clad in shades of grey, camel and black, with cashmere scarves wrapped tightly around their necks. The food shops filled to the brim with displays of all things fall: pumpkins, gourds, pears, pomegranates and apples. The fond memory of climbing trees at our favorite orchard to pick MacIntosh apples to take home for baking pies.

Despite my love affair with the magical island of Maui, there are days when I miss those simple familiar fall rituals. When I lived in Canada, I used to start my day with a strong cup of coffee and a crisp apple cut into wedges. Since moving to Maui, I've made a steady diet of strawberry papaya for breakfast. Considered to be the sweetest, most flavorful of all papayas, this salmon-red fruit is a great source of vitamin C and A. But an unchanging diet, of anything, no matter how delicious, can become monotonous, and recently I have felt something lacking.

Empowering Women on South Maui

(from left) Meagan DeGaia, Publisher,
Neighbors of Wailea & Makena, with Wailea Girl 

I recently discovered that my little island of Maui has an abundance of amazing, inspiring women who want to make a difference—and I had the privilege of meeting quite a few of them at the "Women Just Want to Have Fun Gala Fundraiser." Held on June 3 at the King Kamehameha Golf Club in Wailuku, this event was the first fundraiser organized by Na Wahine Ho'omana, a new not-for-profit organization created to empower women on South Maui. 

The evening was so much fun. Dinner was followed by a fashion show featuring swimwear, lingerie, island boutiques and fitness wear, and musical performances by local singers. A silent auction showcased items from local businesses, all owned by women. I was thrilled to have been invited to support such a worthy organization, whose mission of empowerment mirrors my own.