Tropical Paradise Overnight Oatmeal Parfait

I think in another life I could have been Hawaiian. Long black hair, gorgeous milk-chocolatey skin, hula dancing skills like you've never seen... that could've been me. But I guess it wasn't in the cards cause I'm definitely white and cannot hula dance to save my life. :)

And sadly, I haven't even visited the islands of Hawaii, much less hail from them. It's on my bucket list, don't you worry. I just haven't had the opportunity yet. But when I do, you better believe I'm on that plane in a heartbeat with my sunscreen in one hand and 5 dollars in the other for one of those flowers they stick behind your ear. 

When we got engaged and were discussing potential honeymoon destinations, the hubby (then fiancee obviously) mentioned Hawaii. I got excited of course and said YES, but was soon deflated when he said, "yeah, I love Hawaii". Oh. You've been there before? Yeah. Just 5 or 6 times. It was dumb but that kind of ruined it for me at the time. I wanted our honeymoon to be a new and exciting adventure for both of us, not a repeat thing.I wanted an exploration buddy, not a tour guide. Dumb, I know.

Looking back, I really should have taken him up on the offer cause I ended up bundled up in mittens and scarves for my honeymoon. Because it was February. In Chicago. Can you say windchill? Negative 2 degrees is a painful experience I really would rather not revisit in the near future. Or the distant. 

And let me tell you, Hawaii was lookin better than ever. 

But more about that later. What I really want to talk about is how Hawaii and pineapple go together in my mind like PB & J or socks and gym shoes. They are meant to be together. They need one another. I guess this probably stemmed from when my parents visited Hawaii when I was younger and brought back all sorts of treasures, my favorite being the freshest, most juicy and delicious pineapple I have ever had in my life.  So when I was piling the pineapple onto my oats last night I just kept day dreaming about that pineapple my parents brought home and re-promised myself that I will go to Hawaii and eat pineapple while sitting on the beach, even if I have to swim there. 

Have you been to Hawaii? Which island is your favorite??