It wasn’t long ago I was heading to the sunny shores of Honolulu with my partner and his daughter for a week of shopping, walking, swimming and relaxing.  It was going to be a great bonding time for Dad and Daughter, with me thrown in to ensure the shopping quota was maintained and that we didn’t get lost.

Early on in the holiday we somehow ended up with ‘nicknames’ being : Ding Dong, Telly Tubbie and Don Key (don’t ask who was who).  It certainly was funny seeing people’s faces when we used the names in public.  Whether we were in Macys or at the Cheesecake Factory, we managed to find a startled passer-by or two who laughed on hearing our names called out loud.  We also managed to work out a system that best ensured we all felt we had our say when it came to shopping, relaxing and eating time.

Lucky for me the 11 year old appreciates fashion.  Her favourite designer is Kate Spade at the moment and she is also familiar with Louis Vuitton.  You can see how we bonded over shopping.  She made herself right at home in the Saint Laurent store, while I spent a blissful  half an hour or so, looking at designer bags and wallets.  Her fashionable eye and discerning opinions were well articulated and she was fairly much on-point.

But the holiday wasn’t just about shopping.  We did manage to rent a car for a day and drive around to the Northshore and have a swim at the amazing Waimea Beach.  I went running in the morning (which I love) and did try yoga (just isn’t me) !! and although the weather wasn’t its usual self (thanks to Hurricane Lane) – it didn’t dampen our spirits.  We did also venture to the factory outlets and spent up a storm at Adidas.  We ate plenty, had lots of fun and laughter and can’t wait to go back!!