Flash Tat your HYDRO Flask!

What we aim to do with our hand-MADE on Kauai blog series it to be relevant. And what is more relevant than water?! Whether we are surrounded by it, in it, or drinking it, water is most relevant in our everyday life (especially with a bikini).

Basically all of Kauai has ditched the plastic bags and bottles- and are proud owners of every size and color hydro-flask. Some are dec'd in stickers, handles, wrap carrying bags and different accessories. - but what if you dressed them up in... (wait for it) flash tats?

This creative idea first stemmed from KaiKini owner, Taryn, suggesting we take the Kauai-Made sparkly temporary tattoos (Tats4Now) that we sell on our website, and tatt-up a flask! So we experimented, and results were epic! Check out the video below.

Some tips and tricks for decorating: 

• Once on the flask, the tattoos REALLY stick and are durable, so make sure the layout is what you want before applying! 
• When applying, make sure cloth is really wet! Damp cloths will not activate tatt. 
• Hold wet cloth on tattoo for 15 seconds or more, or until you see the paper slip off of the flask
• DO NOT try and remove tattoo with alcohol or acetone based substances- it will take the paint off your flask! 
• The Tats4Now can be removed by scrubbing it off (gently) and then washing area with warm water and soap. 

Pair it with the Aloha Set (triangle beaded top and okole bottoms) and you'll be beach ready and eco-chic all summer long! 

Tats4Now also donates 10% of sales to Kauai Food Bank!  @tats4now

hand-MADE on Kauai Series

While being one of the most renowned vacation destinations today, the island of Kauai is actually either missing or unrecognizable on most maps. All 1,430 kilometers of greenery and waterfalls in the middle of the Pacific offer some of the world's best produce, products, people, and places on the planet!

KaiKini Bikinis is a locally owned and operated, hand-MADE on Kauai, and is the largest bikini manufacturer in the state of Hawaii! Being located at least 3,000 miles away from any major city and shore line only makes us appreciate and value our out-of-state and international customers even more!

As I walk into headquarters today, music is bumping while Kristen and Kim are running production, Allison (model) and Keith (photographer) are photographing new arrivals, Desirea is marketing and processing sales, and Taryn is directing the whole show.

Everyone was in their own element, zone, and specialty- flowing gracefully. Mama said they'll be days like this! She also warned that there would be days in which you aren't as fluid. Times when you'll be faced with bumps in the road, and the inevitable question of why are you not so inspired?

For anyone on a daily basis it's a rut we know all too well. You snack a little, check your email, scroll through social media, edit your selfies, and drain your brain of motivation while trying to squeeze out of yourself any shred of inspiration.

But maybe the inspiration doesn't come from you. Maybe it comes from other people and requires you to put yourself in their shoes and to see the ambition from their point of view.

Looking around at all these talented people, I found that that kind of empathy breaks my writers block and in turn gives my position and voice an opportunity to represent everyone around me.

I think of all the beauty and talent in Kauai and my community and can see where KaiKini's design inspiration comes from. The blues of the ocean represent the teal, white set suits, the glowing Polihale sunsets radiate both magenta & neon nights collection, and the Aloha print represents the colorful spirits of the people.

As you can guess, our next series of blog posts all stem to honor the community and environment in which we create our bikinis and reside, Kauai- Hawaii.

KaiKini would also like to challenge our readers to ask yourself, where do you come from, who is surrounding you, and what influences your thoughts and behavior when you create? Let us know!

Step outside and consider that the creative process is NOT only about you, but instead you are an honorary channel for others. Lets help make something of each-other!

Hand-MADE on Kauai with Aloha- KaiKini Bikinis
Mahalo-Kona-Kai

P.S- stay tuned for posts through out the week of Kauai Made features!

Source of Creativity- What's original?

Have you ever thought that every book ever written after the dictionary is just a remix? Every scientific theory is just a version of the big bang? Every garment is based on the last? And how in the world are you supposed to find good music, food, art, or heaven forbid a bikini that no one else has? Is there any thing we can say is totally original these days? _________________________________________________________________

 Being a new employee, I am able to see the manufacturing process from an outside perspective, and couldn't be more impressed with the Kaikini team. With the summer rush coming in, and the bikini bods heating up, production records are soaring! The beautifully decorated headquarters offer a positive environment for the creation of award winning suits from the ashes of organization, expertise, design, laughter, honesty, and everything in-between. The only direction is up for Kaikini's and we are progressing every day! But as we all know too well, growing also entails stepping out of your comfort zone and by doing this we are talking on a few extra projects we are excited about!

I love this company because we communicate. Nothing is swept under the rug and topics and ideas are always being discussed.

 A popular subject that seems to be in the hot seat is the source of originality, main focus on bikinis. We recently discovered some bizarre knockoffs of our suits on EBAY, copywriting of model's pictures, and replicas of ours and other suits in popular magazines and media.

And so we discussed: Being an apparel manufacturer and to work in an industry where copying is the rule, NOT the exception is a hard and humbling concept to grasp. Especially when the swimsuit industry is booming and everywhere you turn a new bikini manufacturer pops up usually with styles looking very similar to the last 10 you've already tried on.

 We took the high road and asked ourselves; do you think the swimsuit industry actually thrives because designers borrow and steal from other designers? Can you actually replicate something so much that it re-invents itself as something new?

 Then we took the low road and asked ourselves, is it legal for them to copy designs like this? Should we be watermarking every image? Should we get a lawyer? As you can see, it was easy for us to get upset when a swimsuit that looks remarkably similar to that of which just took months for us to design shows up in a popular underwear catalog.

 But the facts are in the fashion industry- there is very little intellectual property protection. Anyone can copy an image, but to create utilitarian 3 dimensional object to wear and sell is TOTALLY legal.

We also considered our customers: Do more options make it easier or harder to choose a bikini? What criteria is considered when purchasing? Fit? Material? Price?

We then questioned KaiKini's trademark styles that we considered original. What about the day-one scrunch butt bottoms that have been perfected? Or the traditional bikini top that ties around the back of your neck (which gets caught in your hair and strains your neck) that we modified so the straps crisscross in some creative way for more support and comfort?

Sigh. Unfortunately these designs can all be replicated.

So how can we distinguish ourselves? What makes us different from all the other bikini companies out there? Ding! Our tireless efforts to give you the best swimsuit to fit your lifestyle. The consistency and perfectionism applied to every suit that is made. The dedication and persistence to treat every customer with repect, and to make our products affordable. The production management, the designer's ideas, the quality control- all these things are original to us.

I know KaiKini will always continue to transform the things that CAN be copied, by combining the elements we are inspired by; our customers, surroundings (Kauai), adventure, and YES- other bikinis. For all of those who know how hard it is to pick a bikini, we hope we meet your expectations in inspiration and originality.

 So... we welcome all bikini manufacturers, all budding designers, and all dreamers who are willing to create. If your creative impulse is feeling unoriginal don't get discouraged- use it as inspiration! Don't let images from others filter into your work.
Instead perfect your product by putting together what you have in the present moment and be your OWN creative genius! Focus on being innovative, understanding, hardworking, and YOU!- that can never be replicated!

 Hand-made with originality and Aloha, -Kaikini HQ :)

 Mahalo- Kona-Kai Wilson

Styled for Adventure with our Tanned & Salty friend, Tayler

As a self-proclaimed bikini connoisseur and (almost) mermaid, I know a rad bikini when I see one. Kaikini Bikinis have always been the experts on creating amazing designs with the surfer girl in mind. Their suits are perfect for stylish babes who live an active lifestyle, accentuating your curves while giving you the support you need while you surf.

When I heard Kaikini was releasing new and improved Okole bottoms, I was stoked! I couldn't wait to see what they had come up with, especially since their original styles were already fantastic. After giving both the original Okole bottoms and the new designs a spin, I am excited to give you all the deets! The original design was just what any beach babe would need, sleek, slimming, figure flattering, and super easy to adventure in. Oh ya, and they make your booty look AMAZING! I couldn't imagine how Kaikini could possibly improve on this already amazing fit.

Needless to say, Kaikini did it again! The new and improved Okole bottoms have all the great features of the original bottoms, but their new seamless design is simply outstanding. These bottoms hug your curves just right without pinching or squeezing. And trust me, if you wipe out hard, these babies aren't going anywhere.

I can't wait to show off my Okole bottoms, they are definitely my new beach day essential! If you are looking to accentuate your booty and do some serious shredding, the new and improved Kaikini Okole bottoms are a must have. After all, you didn't do all those squats for nothing!

 Your tan & salty friend,

 Tayler <3

Customer Service... from the other end of the line

Every day millions of consumers shop online and wait patiently (or not) for a shiny new treasure to arrive at their mailbox. The wait is painful – but surprisingly addictive! I have to think it stems back to the excitement of getting mail as a kid. It still makes me giddy!

But sometimes... and I know we’ve all been there… something goes wrong. Mr. Postman gets lost, or confused – the size is wrong – they shipped the wrong item – or worse I see the package arrived 1 day after I left on the vacation I’d been planning for 6 months. WHY?! (Yes, this happened to me, and the wound is still fresh!) So, I proceed to find out how to contact customer service and spend the next hour composing a “somebody done somebody wrong song” - and - if they catch me on the wrong day, I just might jump down the throat of the first person who tries to help me.

And sometimes, that’s the only way to get things done, right?

WRONG.

In this day of everything-I-want-is-online-and-I-want-it-right-NOW we've skipped over the person to person interaction and rarely see a face or smile to go with the purchases we make. Worse yet, somewhere along the way we forgot to be nice – on both ends. There are places I frequent that maybe aren't my favorite or I 'll even pay more for something just because the person on the other side of the counter is SO wonderful I can’t help but want to support them! Finding good customer service these days is like a Diamond in the Rough. (Like my Disney reference girls?) Likewise, the internet has made it easy for us to be abrupt, demanding and downright rude because we know we’ll never meet the person on the other end of that email or phone call.

But you know who is on the other end of that email or phone call?

Me. 

I’m not pointing any fingers – I’m as guilty as the next person – but being the face of customer service for KaiKini has opened my eyes in a major way. Gone are the days where I immediately assume the person on the other end of that line doesn’t care about my problem. We DO care! You’re the reason we get to make bikinis on a gorgeous little island in the middle of the Pacific. But sincerely, please be understanding as much as possible and believe we are doing our very best to make you feel the ALOHA.

I’m not saying it’s all bad!

I have to give a major shout out to our amazing customers, because for the most part, you are sweet, understanding and gracious. You have no idea how much it means when I get to post a good review about our Kinis or get a ‘Thank you for the amazing customer service.’

So, THANK YOU. You rock my world!

Who's tougher than a boy but hotter in a bikini?

We are wrapping our month of giving thanks with our inspiring leader, Taryn! She's one of the toughest women we know, leading KaiKini fearlessly to spread aloha and conquer the bikini world; but she's also got a heart of gold and rocks a bikini like no one else we know! Let's catch up with the head KaiKini Wahine as we give thanks for this beautiful life we live!

Name: Taryn Rodighiero
KaiKini Position: CEO/Founder/Creative Director AKA "Da Boss"

What’s Your Sign: Cancer (July 19)

Hometown: La Cañada, CA

Favorite Color: Red

Favorite KaiKini at the moment: Plum Shell Bandeau & Kahuna Bottoms

Any secret talents?

I'm an excellent water skier!


Words to live by:
Do it with passion or not at all.

Top 3 destinations on my bucket list:

Bali - New Zealand - Antarctica (to see the glaciers)

Most expensive item I've ever bought?
Does KaiKini HQ count? :)

Cutting the ribbon with hubby Tyler at our new
KaiKini HQ!

Best way to stay fit:
Outrigger Canoe Paddling & Bikram Yoga

What do you collect?
Yoga shorts & Bikinis

Name the best thing about living on Kauai:
The lifestyle and sense of community. I've never lived anywhere that people genuinely wanted others to succeed as much as they do here. We all help each other succeed. Businesses collaborate and promote each other rather than compete.

Collaboration with Kauai designers to put on our
Grand Opening fashion show!

Such an honor to share the
runway with Louda Larrain!

Last book I read?
#Girlboss

What inspires me?
Success stories. I love reading about people that accomplish things that seem impossible.

Best gift I've ever received:
Taeya

Best. Gift. Ever.

Meet the Meanest employee at KaiKini

Okay... maybe she's not really the Meanest... but her nickname IS Mina! Our a capella singing, paper-cutting, cookie baking, stranger-than-strange(-in-all-the best-ways) movie critic does more than help sew each and every bikini - she makes sure they all meet our rigid quality standards and look perfect before reaching your mailbox. With her artistic flair she's also great at helping solve design problems and has helped bring some of our newest styles to life! Hooray for mean girls! Read on to learn more about why we're so thankful for Miss Mina...

Name: Marina Loew

KaiKini Position: Quality Control Manager & Seamstress AKA The Cookie Monster

What’s Your Sign: Cancer (June 25)

Hometown: Dryden, NY

Favorite Color: Fall Colors (at the moment!)

Favorite KaiKini at the moment: Kahuna bottoms!

Favorite thing about working at KaiKini: Other than the awesome group of girls I work with, I’d have to say that one of the awesome things about KaiKini is that it’s the first job where I've been able to put my art degree to good use. Education money NOT wasted!

What’s the last book you read? 

“Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline. As a closet gamer and RPG addict, I LOVED it! 

Stripper Name (middle name + first road you lived on):
Sophia Lake…which sounds more like a cross between a stripper and an opera singer

Theme song at the moment?
I’m currently on a sick-of-all-my-music-especially-if-it-has-words kick (yes, random), so I’m gonna go with one of my favorite songs from the Amélie soundtrack, “Comptine d’un autre été, l’après-midi” by Yann Tiersen.

Any secret talents you’d like to reveal?
Not really a secret, but I've been a weaver since I was two and used to teach classes back in high school. I've got my own floor looms and everything.

What inspires you?
Art. Particularly from the Renaissance and Art Nouveau eras. And the amazing brush strokes of the Impressionists.

What are your hobbies outside of making bikinis?
If you haven’t guessed it yet, it’s making art. Knitting, painting, paper cutting, needlepoint, lithography, encaustic, carving, beadwork…if it’s a form of art, I’m doin' it.

Favorite way to stay fit?
Outrigger paddling. The main reason (other than Kaikini, of course!) that I’m still here on Kauai.

Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas?
Can I answer “Hallothanksmas”?

Any secrets you’d like to reveal?
I joined an ocean outrigger club to face my fear of big waves.

What’s your favorite childhood memory?
Sappy answer, but my sister is my favorite childhood memory. Having ‘bull fights’, designing our own parachutes and testing them out on our dolls by throwing them off the balcony, water ballet in the St. Lawrence, getting buried in the ditch by the snowplow, bribing her with my stashed Halloween candy…we've been on a lot of adventures. Love you, sible!

What are you giving thanks for?
My island ohana; for embracing me so warmly and making me feel at home even when I'm so far from it.

The finishing touch that makes all the difference...

Meet the other half of our dynamic-sister-duo, Kim! No bikini would be finished without 'Trim'-berly's final touch - she's the last stop for each and every bikini that comes through production! Let's take a time out with our favorite fan-girl and give thanks for her help making each and every KaiKini look perfect!

Name: Kim Oakes

KaiKini Position: Seamstress AKA Fan Girl Extraordinaire

What’s Your Sign: Gemini (June 8)

Hometown: Sterling Heights, MI

Favorite Color: Orange

Favorite KaiKini at the moment: Black Halter & Brown Cheetah Kai

Favorite thing about working at KaiKini: That my sister works here and I get to see her EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. (ok.. maybe that's not the best part) My favorite thing about KaiKini is that it never feels like work. I get to do something I enjoy all day while hanging out with my favorite girls! <3

Theme song at the moment:
Vacation - The Go-Gos

Favorite dessert:
Any kind of ice cream!

Favorite food:
Sushi, or any kind of sweets!

Celebrity crush:
Big Time Rush Boys (I can't decide which one!)

I'll take one of each please!

If you could marry a cartoon character who would it be?
Johnny Bravo :) Whata hunk!

Favorite way to stay fit:
Staying away from Marina's delicious treats! (Yes, Marina brings us cookies and other delicious)

Best words to live by:
LIVE IT UP.

The perfect day is...
Having no plans, yet filled with adventure!

Enjoying life on a beach in Hawaii...

Best thing about living on Kauai?
Sun all the time!

How many bikinis do you own?
Oh my... way too many. But never enough.

What's your favorite time of day?
As I'm laying in bed to fall asleep!

What are you giving thanks for?
For having such an amazing sister, Kristen. (Okay maybe Kristen put her two cents in on this one too...) haha! I am thankful for my family. Without them I wouldn't be where I am today. They are great supporters with anything I decide to do in my life.

What happens when a girl from Kansas ends up in Hawaii?

She turns into a mermaid! Well, almost... :)

This month, in honor of one of our favorite holidays, we're giving thanks for the KaiKini Wahines: the ladies behind the bikinis. Kauai brought five ladies from all over the US to this little piece of paradise with one passion in common - making the best bikinis. This week we're giving thanks for Andrea, our Sales Manager and resident bikini tester.

Going for a swim with my Pakala shark-dog

Name:  Andrea Rayne

KaiKini Position:  Sales Manager AKA The Smooth Operator

What’s Your Sign:  Scorpio (Oct 27)

Hometown:  Solomon, KS

Favorite Color:  Red

Favorite KaiKini at the moment:  Don't make me pick!! Anything with our Aloha Print!

Favorite thing about working at KaiKini: These girls – we all say it, but we really are family and I love them like crazy. I also have a slight bikini addiction, so getting to see these beautiful creations come to life is really rewarding!

Favorite Food?

Put cheese on it and voilà!

Vodka, Rum, Whiskey or Tequila?

Tequila. every. time.

What’s something you collect?

Shells, beachglass, coral, rocks... anything I can find beach-combing. Oh, and bikinis.

Favorite way to stay in shape?

Running is death - I don't know how people do it. Gyms scare me. I've found my happy place with yoga & surfing.

Still smiling after getting worked

How many bikinis do you own?

Over 100. You could say I'm working at the right place. ;)

Bikini Trend you wish would go away...
Crochet. Pretty, but quite possibly the least functional material you could make a bikini from. And don't get me started on these one-piece suits with high cut legs circa 1980. Just stop. Please.

What’s your favorite childhood memory?

Christmas - everything about it. Decorating - The build up around it... (opening my presents before the day and re-wrapping them so my parents wouldn't know) - family coming together - laughter, joy, warmth & delicious food!

Top 3 things on your bucket list?

New Zealand - Northern Lights - Swim with sharks (no cage!)

Best thing about living on Kauai?

Endless Adventure and living in a constant state of wonder. It's truly never-never land - I feel like I never have to grow up!

What are you giving thanks for?

Happiness - living in this beautiful place that reminds me daily I have so much to be thankful for - my family, friends and to get cheesy for a second... my hubby. :)

Congratulations Grand Prize Winners!

Our Grand Prize Winners Priscilla & Mariah are made for adventure and have been #spreadingaloha all over Kauai for the past couple weeks! They each will be receiving a tour of our new headquarters and 5 custom bikini sets!

Want in on the fun? Our Bucket List is far from complete! We have 4 Location Prizes left right here on Kauai (see below for rewards available) and we'll be expanding to the other Hawaiian Islands and around the US & World next, so stay tuned!

HANALEI PIER: Take a pic on the pier with 2 other girls wearing a KaiKini *all of you wearing KaiKini* 

KILAUEA LIGHTHOUSE: Take a unique perspective pic in front of the lighthouse (make it look like your holding the lighthouse in your hand, etc.)

REWARD (still available): I ♥ Kauai tank top + Hand-painted KaiKini trucker hat

KAPAA BIKE PATH: Take a pic riding a bike anywhere on the path with the ocean in the background

SECRET FALLS: Take a pic at Secret Falls with a rock tower and the falls in the background 

REWARD (still available): Custom Bikini Set & Tour the New KaiKini Headquarters 

KILOHANA TRAIN: Take a pic riding the train in your KaiKini

REWARD (still available): Bikini Top of your choice

MENEHUNE FISHPOND OVERLOOK: KaiKini Love! Take a pic at sunset kissing someone special at the overlook 

SPOUTING HORN: Take a pic in front of the spouting horn (must be spouting) and there must be a chicken in the picture too! 

HANAPEPE SWINGING BRIDGE: Take a pic on the bridge wearing your favorite KaiKini 

REWARD: I ♥ Kauai tank + 30% Off your next order

PIHEA LOOKOUT - WAI'ALE'ALE SIGN: Take a pic next to the famous "wettest spot on earth" sign doing a yoga pose

NAPALI COAST FROM THE WATER: Take a pic anywhere on the Napali Coast from the water holding up double shakas! (You can be on a Kayak, on a tour boat, sailboat, doesn't matter as long as you're on the water!)

Bucket List Photo Challenge - 10 Locations, 10 Prizes

Join us for the KaiKini Bucket List Challenge! Our first 10 locations are right here at home on beautiful Kauai. We took KaiKini to the top of Sleeping Giant to start off the challenge and had a blast on the adventure!

Everyone is welcome to participate! The winners will be announced as each challenge is completed. The winner will be featured on KaiKini.com & Facebook and the first two Runners-Up will also be featured on our website. We can't wait to see KaiKini all over Kauai! To see the official contest page visit our website!

Next our bucket list will be heading to the other Hawaiian Islands and the top 100 places we want to see KaiKini around the WORLD! Stay tuned!

To participate:

1.  Grab your favorite KaiKini Bikini (at least one piece top or bottom must be showing) 
2. Be the first to tag @kaikinibikinis and #kaikinibucketlist completing the challenge (be sure to read the details!) 
3. We will verify that you are the first to complete the challenge successfully 
4. Photo will be posted on KaiKini.com & Facebook - Rewards will be given out as each challenge is completed 
5. Complete ALL 10 places on our Bucket List and win our GRAND PRIZE!! (Read on below!)

Contest entries must be submitted before 12/31/14

Grand Prize:

TOUR THE NEW KAIKINI HEADQUARTERS + 5 CUSTOM BIKINI SETS

Are you made for adventure?! Spread Aloha visiting all 10 places on our Kauai Bucket List & complete the challenges to meet the KaiKini Wahines and tour our new facility in Kapaa! You'll also have the opportunity to get a behind the scenes look at our little piece of paradise and choose 5 custom bikini sets (or 10 pieces)!!! You do not have to be first for each individual location on our list to win our Grand Prize but you must be the first complete ALL of the challenges as instructed in the details below.

1. Hanalei Pier:
   CHALLENGE: Take a pic on the pier with 2 other girls wearing a KaiKini *all of you wearing KaiKini*
   REWARD: You and your 2 friends receive a promo code for 35% off your next order! 
2. Kilauea Lighthouse:
   CHALLENGE: Take a unique perspective pic in front of the lighthouse (make it look like your holding the lighthouse in your hand, etc.)
   REWARD: I ♥ Kauai tank top + Hand-painted KaiKini trucker hat 
3. Kapaa Bike Path:
   CHALLENGE: Take a pic riding a bike anywhere on the path with the ocean in the background
   REWARD: Bikini Set of your choice 
4. Secret Falls:
   CHALLENGE: Take a pic at Secret Falls with a rock tower and the falls in the background REWARD: Custom Bikini Set & Tour the New KaiKini Headquarters 
5. Kilohana Train:
   CHALLENGE: Take a pic riding the train in your KaiKini
   REWARD: Bikini Top of your choice 
6. Menehune Fishpond Overlook:
   CHALLENGE: KaiKini Love! Take a pic at sunset kissing someone special at the overlook REWARD: Hand-painted KaiKini trucker hat + 30% Off your next order 
7. Spouting Horn:
   CHALLENGE: Take a pic in front of the spouting horn (must be spouting) and there must be a chicken in the picture too!
   REWARD: Bikini Bottom of your choice 
8. Hanapepe Swinging Bridge:
   CHALLENGE: Take a pic on the bridge wearing your favorite KaiKini
   REWARD: I ♥ Kauai tank + 30% Off your next order 
9. Pihea Lookout - Wai'ale'ale Sign:
   CHALLENGE: Take a pic next to the famous "wettest spot on earth" sign doing a yoga pose REWARD: Bikini Set of your choice 
10. Napali Coast from the water:
    CHALLENGE: Take a pic anywhere on the Napali Coast from the water holding up double shakas! (You can be on a Kayak, on a tour boat, sailboat, doesn't matter as long as you're on the water!)
    REWARD: Custom Bikini Set & Tour the New KaiKini Headquarters

Win these Sunnies!

Throwback to last weekend's photoshoot with a few of the beauties from 

Kauai Juice Co. 

The results: Pure Glowing Goodness.

  

Like these sunnies? We're doing a giveaway with Kameleonz this weekend so watch our Instagram for the details!

A big thanks to Ariel, Robin & Stefanie! XoXo!!