We’re baaaaack!

Posted on October 4, 2011 by tikigoddess

Things have been wild and crazy here at the Tiki Port and now that summer is over I can share some of the fun and good news.

Mai Tai One On was chosen for a special 99c week long promotion on Amazon’s Kindle and thanks to my friends and fellow authors, my family and everyone who craves the island lifestyle or dreams of a trip to Hawaii…Mai Tai One On soared up the e-book charts and reached #15 in the Kindle Store, #1 in Women’s Sleuth Mysteries and #11 in Fiction and Literature. I was right up there with my favorite Women’s Sleuth authors, Janet Evanovich…hey, so it took a 99c price tag to do it? At least Mai Tai One On was read by a whole LOT of folks and has gained great reviews. What a way to get the fire balls rolling!

We’ve spent a lot of time dispensing Mai Tais and other tropical beverages to guests in the Tiki Port (formerly the car port) here in our Hawaiian hideaway. Guests have included singer and long distance swimmer Diana Landis, the incomparable Ellen Landis, bestselling authors Kristin Hannah, Jill Barnett and Megan Chance, film distributor and magnet Ben Hannah, the much celebrated uke players Cali Rose and Craig Brandau (his CD is a bestseller in Japan right now) and Lou and Albert Kaku of Cerritos who were touring the islands and visiting his family in Kona. Thanks to Al for the Tiki Photos.

Enter At Your Own Risk

The talented Kauanui duo, Beverly and Patrick, as well as the Hui Hula O Kehaulani dancers and the Namolokama Ukulele Haumana join us weekly. That’s just to name a few of the celebrities who stop by. I’m sure there are more to be mentioned and I’m sure I’ll hear from them if I haven’t. (Keep those comments clean!)

The biggest news is that plans for Book Two of the Tiki Goddess Series is in negotiations.
Am I stoked?? You bet!

So stoked in fact that I’ll send out two autographed copies of Mai Tai One On to two lucky winners who leave the best tropical drink recipe with a comment. The two winning recipes will be  chosen by Julia Witford, the bartender at The Tahiti Nui in Hanalei. It’s Julia’s birthday tomorrow so we’ll give her the honors.

The “contest” closes on October 7th and winners will be announced on October 11th. Remember: leave a tropical drink recipe with your comment for a chance to be chosen for one of two autographed copies of Mai Tai One On.
Aloha!
The Tiki Goddess

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Easy Luau Centerpiece Idea

Posted on July 27, 2011 by tikigoddess

Aloha!

The Tiki Goddess promised this would be a fun site with lots of things related to beach and island lifestyle. So, for today, no more talk about books! (Except to say that Mai Tai One On is climbing to the top of the bestseller list! Many thanks!)

Here’s an idea for a fun and easy centerpiece for your next luau or backyard beach blanket bingo party. My friend Happy Parks designed it and we made a whole host of them for her birthday gala in April.

You will need…a basket (of your choice…high sides work best). We used these small lauhala squares that are really boxes and are available at craft stores in Hawaii. You also need a plastic container of the same shape and preferably one that doesn’t stick out over the top of your basket.

Last but not least you need the foam oasis that’s sold in most crafts departments at craft shops or places like Walmart in the crafts section.

Cut the oasis in the shape of your plastic “liner” containers. Soak them in water ahead of time if you like or just insert it in the containers and “water” them once you have the plants arranged.

Skulk through your neighbors’ yards and your own yard and cut and pick colorful greenery for filler. We used Star of India for its green and white striped leaves. We choose small red antheriums (spelling? hmmm) for color. We also cut the spines out of ti leaves and used them for height. You might have a plant with some slender sticks that you could use or perhaps some interesting twigs.

Easy luau or party centerpiece.

Fill the container with the greens first, evenly spacing them and making sure they hang out over the edge of the basket so your container rim is hidden. Carefully space the 3 color flowers you have chosen and then put the taller “sticks” you have selected into the arrangement.

Make enough for the center of all of your tables and a few more to scatter on serving tables.

A field of flowers...the luau baskets all finished.

Once the centerpieces were in place we threaded one plumeria blossom on the tip of each of the ti spine “sticks.” You can use any light weight blossom that doesn’t wilt quickly.

Have fun trying this easy craft for your next party. I’d love to see some photos of what you’ve done so leave a comment and let me know and we’ll try to get your pictures up through email.

Easy Luau Centerpieces

Have a great party and come back to visit soon!

The Tiki Goddess

 

 

 

 

 

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Summer Tropical Cooler the Gingerita

Posted on July 20, 2011 by tikigoddess

Aloha All!

While I’m plotting the next Tiki Goddess Mystery and making plans for a big booksigning event here on Kauai I’ve been taste testing a new drink (kind of like Uncle Louie in Mai Tai One On). I’m calling it the Gingerita…for lack of a better name.

Here’s the recipe. Try it at your own risk….

For a double or a drink to share.

2 shots of tequila

1 shot of Stirrings Ginger Liqueur

Some lime juice to taste.

A splash of Margarita mix if desired.

A splash of tonic.

Mix all with ice in a cocktail shaker and shake.

Pour into margarita or martini glasses rimmed with a combination of sugar and powdered ginger and sip.

Any suggestions for a better name?

As always, drink responsibly!

Umbrellas optional for a gingerita!

Can anyone think of a better name for the Gingerita? Leave a comment below.

Tiki on!

 

 

 

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It’s ALIVE!

Posted on July 14, 2011 by tikigoddess

At long last…MAI TAI ONE ON ebooks are up and ready to download. New links will be added to the Mysteries page on this website to make your life easier … and that’s what it’s all about right?

What an exciting day it is here on Kauai and in the Tiki Port! Mai Tais will be hoisted all over town once the word gets out that MAI TAI ONE ON is finally online and available to download. Don’t wait too long to get a copy and add to your summer fun.

Things are hopping here on Kauai. The Hula Maidens are in full force trying to solve yet another mystery so don’t get left behind. And remember…those recipes for tropical concoctions in the back of the book? Try them at your own risk!

Time to Toast the E-books

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Get Ready to Tiki!

Posted on June 20, 2011 by tikigoddess

The Tiki Goddess is on her way to New York City. Not quite sure whether or not I’ll be able to find any decent umbrella drinks in the Big Apple but it will be fun trying. I plan to meet up with the wild and wonderful publishers of Bell Bridge Books who are going all out to bring “Mai Tai One On” to life. What do they have planned? A video trailer and other fun promotional pieces.

For now, time to fortify myself for the journey.

Vintage Hula Maiden Mugs

Until next time….Tiki on,

The Tiki Goddess

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