Aloha to the world of blogging...Today I'm starving for the tropics!

As a nod to summer and my very first blog post, I've decided to get into the Hawaiian spirit of things. Because we can't go on a tropical vacation this summer due to the fact my husband is chained to his desk 24/7 (he's a first-year associate at a hotsy totsy law firm) and I'm currently in search of job number seven (but who's counting), I'm bringing the steamy, Plumeria-scented days and nights to the World Wide Web.

Fanciful hibiscus sequin pieces from revolutionary Indian label, Ashish, are embellished with my favorite 80's adornment, the metal spike (pictured above). Emporio Armani's lycra sandals are on my splurge list as they combine the classic Hawaiian shirt print with modern sophistication, becoming the perfect shoe for an evening of Waikiki shopping. And, newly released swimsuits from one of my bodacious blond girl crushes, Tori Praver, are unique, colorful and totally wearable. These selections are all inspired by a single page I spotted and fell head over heels in love with in this month's Elle.

All my besties know I would've walked down the aisle in a couture, custom-made Vera Wang bikini with matching sky-high wedges. Therefore, I think my first go at this blog "thing" is very fitting. So, light up a fruity candle and enjoy the fashions you're about to see while trying out one of my favorite childhood recipes for Pineapple upside down cake (see recipe below). If you're not a fan of this old-time favorite, you will be after seeing how easy it is to make and how buttery it tastes for breakfast, brunch or even a midnight snack. Acting as a dinnertime dessert is really not its strength; that's why you've probably turned your nose up at it in the past.

I'll be baking away in my bikini to pretend I'm in Wailea this summer...how are you going to play make believe? Try my solution...you won't be sorry.

Shop the items (from top to bottom): Emporio Armani Lycra Sandals (Emporio Armani, Honolulu); Ashish Sequin Dress (Net-A-Porter.com); Ashish Sequin Tank Top (Net-A-Porter.com); Sunner Carly Shirt (Chickdowntown.com); Paul & Joe Sister Play Pants, Paradise Jumper (Shopsheboutique.com); Forever 21 Earrings (Forever21.com); Tori Praver Daisy Swimsuit (Toripraverswimwear.com); Tori Praver Betty Swimsuit (Toripraverswimwear.com); Stella McCartney Palm Earrings (theoutnet.com).








Upside-down Pineapple Cake
Makes 9 Servings

1/4 cup margarine or butter
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 can (16 oz.) sliced pineapple
7 marachino cherries
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup shortening
3/4 cups milk
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 egg

Heat Oven to 350 degrees

Heat butter in ovenproof skillet or square pan until melted
Spinkle brown sugar over melted butter
Arrange Pineapple slices on top
Place one maraschino cherry in center of each pineapple slice
Set aside

In large bowl with electric mixer (on slow speed for like 30 secs.), combine flour, sugar, shortening, milk, baking powder and egg
Once combined beat on high for 3 mins. scraping bowl
Pour over fruit

Bake 45 to 50 mins. for skillet; 55 to 60 minutes for pan or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean

Turn skillet upside down on heatproof serving plate right away.

Let skillet remain over cake a few minutes. Serve warm.

-From Betty Crocker's New Boys and Girls Cookbook (Pg. 111)