Mainland*Girl

Strength to Love

2012-01-07T14:47:00.000-08:00

Strength to Love is my favorite book produced by Martin Luther King, Jr--it is a collection of sermons that he preached and personally selected for publication. A prolific writer and gifted orator, MLK Jr’s words as both preacher and activist, remind Americans past and present that the road to peace and justice is ever-long, though one not met without great hope. While he notes that his words are best audibly heard not read, this book invites us to re-invoke his voice, his presence, and his pause, so that we in the 21st century may be touched deeply yet again by the teachings, wisdom and practical insights that his sermons offer.

Included in the volume are his more memorable sermons including “Love in Action” and “Loving Your Enemies” which were both written while MLK Jr was in jail. “Pilgrimage to Non-violence,” the last sermon in Strength to Love, explains how his wrestlings with liberal theology, existentialism and teachings from Gandhi shaped his conviction for non-violent social action. It is here that we are given insight to the multiple influences and experiences that shaped MLK Jr’s thinking and theology, and here that he offers the reader a hopeful eye toward the future while drawing from the former trials and struggles he faced throughout the Civil Rights Era.

MLK Jr has long been one of my personal heroes. And as the years go on I realize that we share similar values of peace, love and justice that stem from a place of deep seated faith, with a hope to see goodness and righteousness flourish and prosper for all humankind (with a special arm stretched out to people and communities of color). Martin Luther King Jr’s life was short-lived and Americans often wonder how more our nation would have changed had he lived longer. And yet we are reminded this national holiday, that while he was alive MLK Jr lived closely and faithfully to the call and charge he was given, and that the fruits of his life (along with the work of countless others) offer a legacy of blessings that Americans continue to benefit from today.

Photographing with a Purpose

2011-12-14T11:04:00.000-08:00

Photography. My hobby and side business. The homeless. A community that my moves my heart.

And then there's Help-Portrait. A national and global movement of professional and amateur photographers (and make-up artists) who come together to volunteer their time, talents and services to "Give people a reason to smile."

This past weekend I had the amazing opportunity to serve as a photographer at a local rescue mission. The occasion: to show individuals and families how beautiful they are...in God's eyes. The gift? Their presence, their smile, their spirit. Not our photographic images.

Each person at the Rescue Mission has their own story to tell. For some, it's written on the lines of their face. For others in the brightness of their eyes. The first two young ladies I took pictures of were "graduates" from the Mission's transitional program. They were vivacious, fun-loving and confident women whose smiles exploded in front of the camera. It's been two years since they left the Rescue Mission and they are not simply surviving but thriving in their lives. And then there were others--some rehabilitating from drug and alcohol abuses, some single-parent families, women and children affected by domestic violence, and those who recently lost their job as a result of the economic downturn. Each story, ever-beautiful.

Help-Portrait is a 3-year old movement fueled by photo-groups that spontaneously spring up in most major metropolitan cities. Each photographic community works with a service agency, community or cause identified by the group of photographers and make-up artists. Some photographers travel to remote parts of Africa, Asia and Latin America to photograph local tribes and communities that would otherwise never have their photos taken--and hence see how precious, worthy and beautiful they are (inside and out). Help-Portrait photographers are restricted from reproducing, posting or publishing any images they take. The purpose is to not take from the communities, but to give life, hope and love through something as simple as a camera, a hug, or even one's presence.

At my site, the Rescue Mission, I enjoyed interacting with the families from the first minute I met them, during the shoot itself, and through the process of helping them select an image on the computer. The Mission wasn't crowded so we thankfully escaped what could have easily turned into an impersonal "assembly line" event. Instead, we had six different teams, and were able to spend time with each person/family and make new friends in the community. Each family/person was allowed to select only one photo, but we touch up the images, have them professionally printed (one 8x10 and two 5x7s), and then deliver them.

I had been looking forward to this event for weeks, a meaningful cause I'm committed to serving with each year. For those interested (my main readers in the U.S., Australia, Canada and the UK) please see help-portrait.com to get in contact with a local organizer in your hometown/country for 2012.

[many thanks to friend and fellow photographer NL for inviting me to be a part of his photo team]

Monopoly City

2011-12-07T11:53:00.000-08:00

Between the fresh scent of the twinkling Christmas tree, the warmth of cozy blankets and socks, and the patter of mom's holiday cooking in the kitchen, one of my favorite Christmas past-time is playing interactive games with my family.

And so this year I decided to buy a new board game, MONOPOLY CITY. While we haven't broken the plastic wrap off the box just yet, the game sounds a bit more fun, challenging and fast-paced than the classic version. Since I'm not able to write my own review just yet, I've included a review from the "boardgamegeek" site for those interested in hosting your own family game-nights or in need of a holiday gift idea:

"At first you think you are playing good old Monopoly where they just add some extra buildings to give a little twist. But the longer you play, the more you realise they actually made a whole new game. You start with more money than usual, which gives you the idea you will last longer (with a bit of luck maybe). The fact that now you can build right away when you bought a property, gives so much dynamic to the game. No more waiting until you have the whole set, or not having the set because one player refuses to trade. Even with a couple of single properties you can win the game.

But not so fast. Everybody wants to win of course. And with the 80 extra buildings they added to the game, nothing was ever so uncertain. On every property you can build residential or industrial buildings. The first is not protected against negative buildings (hazards) and requires positive buildings otherwise the property becomes worthless. The industrial buildings on the other hand are protected but they cost twice as much! So you will have to make choice. And the added electronic device will, besides timing deals, always indicate how many buildings you can exactly make.

There is also no community chest anymore, only chance. But they have changed the content of the cards which makes the game less predictable and more fun to play- watch your buildings being crushed because of an earthquake or not getting your rent because a player evades the number thrown with the dice.
Besides these changes, there are many more twists to the game which I will not reveal here but be sure that they all add to the greatness that once was and that now has even become better."

Tea Party Trinkets

2011-11-05T22:22:00.000-07:00

Isn’t this the cutest? A little tea bag paired with little tea cookies wrapped in an oval ramekin from Sur la Table. Cookies were homemade by SU, our friend the professional pastry chef. And the cleverest thing--homemade sticker labels ("Love is Brewing") placed on a clear bag of pre-packaged loose leaf tea from Trader Joes. All perfectly accented with a chocolate brown lined ribbon of pink. Adorable!

Sanjitas made our elegant tea party menu trimmed with a sweet polka dot bow. And cute rose bouquets in lipstick pink vases lined the long table. Thoughtful touches accented our afternoon tea party made complete with three-tiered plates arranged with finger sandwiches, salad, scones and petite fours.

I also took home a second-place prize for winning the fun and creative shower game--sewing Barbie (doll) a wedding gown in 15 minutes with a given bag of materials (e.g. multiple fabrics, different laces, tulle, diamond and pearl stickers, organdy and satin ribbons, wires of ribbon roses, a pair of scissors, needle and thread). Working as a team under time pressure, it was a micro-version of Project Runway! I do love the prize too--L'Occitane Verbena soap (coincidentally my favorite bath product brand and scent).

It was such a sweet occasion & I am especially happy for the bride-to-be, my dear friend AOL, whose mom was with us in spirit, smiling down from heaven. :)

[I dedicate this post to my friend with all my love]

Star Un-Struck

2011-09-20T21:01:00.001-07:00

Just a couple blocks down from my home (on the mainland), I ordered a handful of French macaroons and a roasted red pepper & goat cheese sandwich. “See that guy over there--he’s a famous actor,” the cashier at the counter informed me with a knowing look. I look over my shoulder to the man with the hat. “Really, I didn’t know,” I reply. In fact, I had just placed my laptop on the small table just six inches to his left.

Not having owned a television in over a decade, and watching TV just a couple times every three months or so, pop culture knowledge certainly is not my forte. Friends and family who know this accommodatingly fill me in on the latest music, movie and TV show updates I need to know to stay plugged in to the 21st century.

Chewing a salt-topped caramel-filled chocolate macaroon in front of my computer screen, the man sitting on my right speaks of Steven Spielberg and attending a party hosted by Prince. Yes, ‘the’ Prince. And I chuckle to myself that Prince’s name is now again Prince.

As I sink my teeth in the pesto lined ciabatta bread, I wonder what brings this Hollywood actor to my neck of the woods? I conclude that perhaps he is hiding from the paparazzi--especially as he makes child-visitation arrangements with a dark haired woman who I presume is his former wife--or simply that he is enjoying life in a quieter part of town.

I am told by the cashier that another actor frequents the little café. She tells me it is the guy who played the foil of Johnny Depp’s character in the Captain Hook movie. I give her a blank stare as question marks float over my head, then nod in appreciation that even movie stars—just like any other person—often enjoy the indulgence of a simple and sweet day.

Un-star struck, I block out the Hollywood jabber, and resume the work set aside for the afternoon.

And oh yes, the man to my right played a leading role on a movie with Will Ferrell …or something like that.

Hawaiian Style McDonalds

2011-08-29T18:41:00.000-07:00

With tables inspired by surfboards and signage utilizing Hawaiian words the once familiar fast food chain suddenly becomes a site to see. Serving spam, eggs, and Portuguese sausage for breakfast, saimin for lunch, and pineapple turnovers for dessert, local McDonalds can serve as a welcome treat.

Yee-haw (Makawao Rodeo)

2011-08-15T18:13:00.000-07:00

Paniolos, a.k.a. Hawaiian Cowboys, still keep the upcountry culture alive in Makawao town, Maui. Makawao hosts a yearly rodeo attended by paniolos from all over the Hawaiian islands (the only rodeo in the state). I was glad to attend my first event, rooting mostly for the tiny Filipina cowgirl dressed in a green t-shirt and jeans.

City of Refugee (Big Island)

2011-08-13T18:21:00.000-07:00

The cool breeze and tall trees made this island sanctuary a historically nice place of refuge. Those in battle could come here to rest and restore their weary bodies without fearing danger from enemy tribes. (A tourist must-see on the Big Island for those looking for Hawaiiana images.)

Hawaiian Petroglyphs

2011-08-10T18:29:00.000-07:00

I had always wanted to see ancient hawaiian petroglyphs, and was so happy to do so on the Big Island in Kona.

Whoa-Sign (Big Island)

2011-08-01T17:45:00.000-07:00

No stop signs here on this country town corner! (Parker Ranch, Big Island)

Ray of Light (Lana’i)

2011-07-25T18:01:00.000-07:00

It was dusk, and having missed the bus, I begun my walk down the long dirt road where I was greeted by a ray of hope and moment of inspirational beauty. (Norfolk Pines, Lana’i City)

Aloha Cows

2011-07-18T18:17:00.000-07:00

with such a fine ocean view, these grazing cows must be some of the most relaxed

Billy Goats

2011-07-11T17:48:00.000-07:00

new friends along the big island road…

Flowers Falling

2011-07-04T02:38:00.000-07:00

I'm on the Big Island for Fourth of July this year, but last year we were catching flowers falling from the sky over the Kaanapali Westin poolside to make a lei. It sounded like a great hotel activity, but it was quite an anti-climatical moment--the amount of flowers released was quite minimal and I don't recommend going out of your way for this event. Rather, there are plenty of firework shows on the islands. (see prior posts for details). Happy July 4th!

urban waters collide

2011-06-27T01:32:00.000-07:00

i sat, peered into the ocean, and reflected on the juxtaposition between the collision of ancient hawaiian traditions and modernity

a refreshing view

2011-06-20T10:10:00.000-07:00

one of my favorite places to sit, enjoy the fresh air, and let my soul breathe

[good to be back on the islands]

Mandarin Orange & Pineapple Beef Jerky

2011-06-13T13:21:00.000-07:00

What I'm eating right now... limited release of special flavored beef jerky from Hawaii's Costco.

rubbish as trash

2011-06-06T03:36:00.000-07:00

Did you ever notice that in Hawaii the locals say "rubbish," while on the mainland they say "garbage" and "trash"? And while mainland trash bins applaude your cleanliness with a "thank you," on the islands they bid you a warm "mahalo"?

Panna Cotta with Fresh Berries

2011-05-30T01:45:00.000-07:00

While a homemade tiramisu used to be my signature dessert, I now find myself shifting toward simplicity. So in addition to making poached pears (see previous post), panna cotta has become another of my go-to desserts. These two desserts are on the fly, on the go recipes—ingredients already in the pantry, 15 minute prep time, and recipes that I can make in Hawaii, the mainland, or at a guest’s home in a moments notice. They also look pretty and are always a hit with my guests.

Panna Cotta is a super easy dessert to make for a dinner party. It’s also a light pairing that complements a heavy preceding course. I like to serve it in extra large wine goblets (glasses I serve sangria in) as the wide open mouth holds more berries and is easier for guests to scoop out of.

PANNA COTTA WITH FRESH BERRIES

Giata de Laurentis
6 servings

1 cup whole milk

1 T unflavored powered gelatin

3 cups whipping cream

1/3 cup honey

1 T sugar

Pinch of salt

2 cups fresh assorted berries (e.g. blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries)

Place the milk in a heavy, small saucepan. Sprinkle the gelatin over and let stand for 5 minutes to soften. Stir over medium heat just until the gelatin dissolves but the milk does not boil, about 5 minutes. Add the cream, honey, sugar and salt and stir until the sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. Pour the cream mixture into 6 wine goblets. Cover and refridgerate until set, at least 6 hours and up to 2 days.

Spoon berries atop the panna cotta and serve.

{Mahalo to Alli for the “Everyday with Giata” cookbook}

Rice Pudding with Vanilla, Orange & Rum

2011-05-30T01:20:00.000-07:00

This recipe takes more care than making poached pears and panna cotta (don’t burn the rice), and calls for a couple ingredients you’ll need to prepare for (like a whole vanilla bean, bottle of rum, and a kitchen zester). I like playing with different ingredients to give rice pudding a fresh touch. You can also spice rice pudding with cinnamon, peacans, pistachios, figs, or even shavings of chocolate. Warmed berries, poached pears (love this paring), warmed mango slices, and fresh or dried blueberries are some of my favorites. In the recipe below, I find Giata's comibination quite nicely balanced.

Serve in martini glasses, mini serving or shot glasses, on the bottom of a poached pear, or next to a warm individually sized chocolate molten cake. (45 minutes prep time)

RICE PUDDING WITH VANILLA, ORANGE AND RUM

Giata de Laurentis
4-6 servings

5 cups whole milk

2/3 cup Arborio rice

1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise (or 1 T vanilla bean paste, William Sonoma)

½ cup sugar

2 teaspoons dark rum

1 teaspoon grated orange zest

Orange segments (blood orange is great for this)

In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and rice. Scrape in the seeds of the vanilla bean, plus add the bean. Bring the milk to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, stirring frequently, until the rice is tender, about 25 minutes. Stir in the sugar, rum and orange zest. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes longer. Discard the vanilla bean and spoon the rice pudding into 4-6 bowls. Cover and refridgerate until the pudding is cold, about 5 hours and up to 1 day ahead. Serve with orange segments. (And I sometimes sprinkle with cinnamon—very lightly—for texture and color.)

{Mahalo again to AC for the "Everyday with Giata" cookbook}

clouds over lanai

2011-05-23T00:22:00.000-07:00

a lovely pause off the shores of lanai

Urban Seascape

2011-05-19T12:26:00.000-07:00

The line of trashcans added to the irony of enjoying Hawaii's beautiful mountain and ocean view

...amidst city life.

{photo taken out of my car window as I drove by}

Bradley's Granola

2011-05-14T18:22:00.000-07:00

This is some of the yummiest moist granola I've had in a long time. It's simple to make and takes only 20 minutes. I like to top the granola with a dollop of yogurt (rather than add milk) to enjoy the flavors and texture. (Alternatively you can use the granola to top a bowl of fresh fruit and yogurt, or build a fruit parfait as in the photo below). Enjoy!

Bradley's Granola
6 cups rolled oats (not quick oats)
1 cup wheat germ
1 cup bran
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups chopped nuts (e.g. pecan, almonds)
1 cup coconut (optional)

1 cup agave nectar (or honey)
½ cup oil

2 cups dried fruit bits (e.g. apricot, cranberry)

Mix first 6 dry ingredients in large bowl.
Heat agave nectar and oil and blend well.

Pour agave/oil mixture over dry mixture and mix well.
Spread into well-greased sheet pan.
Bake in 350 degree oven for 20 minutes.
Stir 2 times while baking.
Add dry fruit.
Let cool and store in airtight container.

{mahalo to BBI for sharing the recipe!}

Taste of Wailea + Kapalua Wine & Food Festival - Tickets on Sale Today

2011-05-05T17:41:00.000-07:00

They are back for another year! The Taste of Wailea & Kapalua Food and Wine Festival

Get your tickets to try the very best resort restaurants at the Taste of Wailea outdoor food event. There is also the popular Taste of Chocolate event at the Four Seasons. The admission to each of these events also includes a Celestial movie ticket! ($120 for event+ticket). These events (and many others) are a part of the annual Mauil Film Festival where you can watch independent films on the lawn and under the stars at the Wailea Golf Course or the MACC. It's one of my favorite events on Maui!

Last year I met folks who flew in from different mainland states, just to come to this event as well as the Kapalua Food and Wine Festival (which starts on June 9th). This equally exciting festival is celebrating it's 30th Year anniversary and is always a hit. Try your wine pallet to sample over 200 wines, enjoy some tastey meals, or take a sommelier course. Tickets for this seperate week long event run $80-120.

What a fantastic week it is to be on Maui. Mark your calendars!

June 8-12 2011 | Kapalua Food and Wine Festival
June 15-19 | Maui Film Festival Events

For more info and to buy your tickets:
http://www.mauifilmfestival.com/tixSYS/2011/specialevents

http://www.kapalua.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=137&Itemid=897/

Local Knowledge

2011-03-21T03:01:00.000-07:00

For those with local knowledge, from where was this shot taken?

Bi-Coastal Living

2011-03-14T05:46:00.000-07:00

Loved this window display at the Ala Moana Nordstrom.

Would you see such a display in Manhattan or London, or only in Hawaii?

One of the things I appreciate about my job, is that it allows me to live bi-coastally. Six months on the mainland, and six months in Hawaii. Not too shabby. I can certainly get used to this lifestyle--a little work...and alot of rest and play in Hawaii's sunshine and ocean waters! It is nice to be back on the island.

Agents of Secret Stuff

2011-03-07T02:27:00.000-08:00

Ryan Higa, a Hawaii (Big Island) native, is a young and funny and talented film director, actor and script writer. Majoring in film studies he created short clips for his classes, and posted them online. He is known for having one of the largest (if not "the" largest) online subscribership. This piece is my favorite to date. It's funny, clever, well edited/directed/written/filmed...and has all of the elements one would want in a film. (Plus you can hear a hint of his pidgin every now and then.)

It's a storyline about ASSASSINS...

A.S.S. > Agents of Secret Stuff
fighting
S.I.N.S > Society Involving Not So Good Stuff

Hilarious!

Laduree, Paris - Macaroon History & Recipe

2011-03-01T14:03:00.000-08:00

Because I love all things French (and simply because I've been hunting down the best macaroon in Hawaii and the mainland) I thought I'd dedicate one post to my favorite macaroon place of all time: Laduree in Paris, France. (See their enchanting website here.)

The macaroon cookie was said to have been first created by two French sisters in 1792. A ganache filling was added 108 years later and this concoction has remained a French staple ever since. It's presence and trend in the U.S. is a little surprising to me as Americans don't typically have tastebuds for the small, for the textured, for the flavorful. (Juicy hamburgers, bursting hot dogs, and greasy fries are what seem to tantalize the American tongue.)

Laduree is the most famous and popular macaroon establishment in France, if not the world. Ernest Louis Laduree opened his first bakery in 1862 for the delight of his wife who dreamed for a place outside the home for women to gather for afternoon tea. With this entrepreneurial vision in mind, Laduree became France's first tea parlour, catering mostly to the city's bourgeois class. Laduree now has chains set in different European countries, and the growing macaroon trend in the U.S. may just put Laduree on the map of American minds.

After introducing macaroons to my dad, the adventurous chef, he toyed with the idea of baking his own macaroons. This would be quite a task as these delicate cookies are even too challenging for me to try. Yet for the bold and curious, here is a macaroon recipe from Laduree:

Macaroon Cookie:

2 cups confectioner’s sugar (480g)
1 cup plus 3-1/2 tablespoons ground almonds (280g)
7 egg whites
A few drops of flavoured food coloring, such as red raspberry

1. Preheat the oven to 355°F (180°C). Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
2. If using whole almonds, pulse in a food processor until very finely ground, 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add the confectioner’s sugar and process to a fine powder. Sift to remove any lumps.
4. Beat the egg whites in bowl with an electric mixer at medium speed, adding the food coloring as you go until you reach the desired shade. Then increase speed to high and continue to beat until the whites just hold stiff, glossy peaks.
5. Quickly and carefully add the almond-sugar powder. (Meringue will deflate.)
6. With a wooden spoon, mix from the center of the bowl outwards, turning the bowl as you go. You want to achieve a smooth, lightly colored mixture.
7. Spoon batter into a piping bag with a 1/4-inch round tip. If you don’t have a piping bag, use a plastic freezer bag, pressing out excess air. Snip off one corner to create a 1/4-inch opening. Pipe inch-wide macaroons onto the baking trays, about 1-1/2 inches apart. You should have peaked mounds of batter, about the size of a chocolate kiss.
8. Cook for eight to nine minutes, leaving the door of the oven slightly ajar.
9. Remove the macaroons from the oven. Pour a little water between the baking tray and the parchment paper; this makes the macaroons easier to lift off when they have cooled. Cool completely on racks, about 30 minutes.
10. Carefully peel macaroons from parchment; they are fragile. Sandwich a thin layer of fillings between two macaroons—ganache, marmalade, jam or whipped cream. The two bottoms face the filling.
11. If you can, leave the finished macaroons in the refrigerator for 24 hours. This allows the flavors and texture to develop and intensify.
12. Whipped cream macaroons must be stored in the refrigerator; others can be kept in airtight tins at room temperature for up to three days after production.

Chocolate Raspberry Ganache
3 ounces quality bittersweet chocolate (buy a 70% cacao chocolate bar), finely chopped
1/3 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
1/16 teaspoon quality raspberry extract

1. Melt chocolate with cream in the top of a double boiler, stirring until smooth. If you don’t have a double boiler, use a metal bowl set over a pot of barely simmering water. The bottom of the bowl should not touch the water.
2. When the chocolate is melted into the cream, remove bowl from heat. Add the butter and raspberry extract, stirring until butter is melted.
3. Let stand at room temperature until cooled completely and slightly thickened.

Best Macaroons in Hawaii

2011-03-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

French macaroons are overtaking the cupcake craze in trend-setting cities like New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles...and this classic french treat is starting to hit Honolulu as well.

The first time I had a macaroon was at the 19th century establishment, Laduree, in Paris, France. With appreciation for this classic french treat, I drove around Oahu just a few weeks ago hunting for the island's best macaroon. I was surprised to find that even Kaimuki's two french cafes, Cafe Laufer and JJ's Bakery, did not carry french macaroons. After visits to various patisseries, I've concluded that he island's best places for macaroons is located...(drum roll please)...at the Ala Moana shopping center!

The Honolulu Coffee Company (third level next to Godiva toward Sears) has the best quality macaroons (see photo above). Each cookie half is baked to perfection--light and delicately flaky outside, yet moist and chewy on the inside. The dough is shaped is a perfect circle with even edging. The ganache is smooth and creamy, the flavors well infused, and the assembly of the cookie evenly pressured and well painted/dusted. (All characteristics of a quality macaroon). My favorite is the caramel with hawaiian sea salt macaroon which I highly recommend. Haupia (coconut) and Lilikoi (passion fruit) are locally inspired treats.

The second best place for macaroons located just steps away from the Honolulu Coffee Company, is the Pacific Place Tea Garden (on the third floor overlooking Center Stage, in push cart kiosk near Louis Vuitton/Neiman Marcus). The Apricot-Lavender was surprisingly delightful and memorable, and the pistachio was bursting with flavor. The assembly was a tad sloppy--unevenly shaped and sized cookies, messy ganache fillings, and broken edges. The photo (below) shows the lack of french perfection of these macaroons. The Pacific Place Tea Garden has hit/miss macaroons (some flavors better than others) but are priced $0.10 cheaper than the Honolulu Cookie Company. Because these two places are only yards away from each other, I simply mix and match my favorite flavors from each place and enjoy them all the same.

I'll be back in Honolulu in just a couple of days, and look forward to checking out one more macaroon place: La Tour Cafe (888 N Nimitz Hwy). {Thanks for the tip, Auntie!} My tummy can't wait.

Hawaii Public Wall Art

2011-02-21T05:58:00.000-08:00

A wall once covered with graffitti, painted over, and chilled with the haunting legacy of Hawaii's past en arte publique. I remember sittng in my car with a sense of heaviness, silently captivated by this striking piece.

Ululani - Best Shave Ice + February Free-bee

2011-02-13T21:10:00.000-08:00

Ululani in Kahului and Lahaina, Maui, is simply my favorite shave ice shop on all of the hawaiian islands. The big kicker for me is their homemade syrup and fine shaved ice. Made from fresh fruits, the syrup is made daily by the owner who taste-tests the consistency and flavor for perfection. The guava syrup is thick, the lilikoi flavor comes complete with tad-pole looking seeds, and mango comes with small shavings of fruit. I tried almost all of their flavors and lychee is one of of my personal favorites.

Reasons why I like Ululani over others (matsumoto/aoki/waiola/etc):
- Ice is shaved fine
- They punch holes in the ice so the syrup flows through
- They give free added syrup if the bottom of your cone is dry and flavorless
- They provide a special plastic shave-ice stand to help support your table eating efforts
- They give you a punch card (buy 10 shave ice, get one free)
- They have a range of flavors from tropical, to tiger blood, to red velvet
- The workers have the aloha spirit
- Convenient locations

The lines are long but the wait is worth it. I like picking guests up from the Kahului airport and driving down Dairy Road straight to the Ululani stand (shack looking place on the corner of Dairy Road/Hana Hwy). Here you can eat under the patio shade at the neighboring restaruant tables (Ululani makes this permissible). There is also the orginal shop in Lahaina if you are staying in the Kaanapali/Kapalua side of Maui.

For the month of February get a free add-on to every shave ice order! Now that's a treat on top of a treat! Tanks eh, Ululani!

Where it's at:
http://ululanisshaveice.com/

Spam flavored Mac Nuts

2011-02-02T17:13:00.000-08:00

My mom laughed so long and hard that she cried. Indeed the combination of two popular hawaii flavors {mac nuts} + {spam} is as creative as it is confusing.

Not being a big personal fan of spam, I popped open a $5 can, only to be overwhelmed by a cloud of chemically produced spam smells. The oddly pink colored powder nestled atop the nuts beckoned a try, and after one nut was consumed I was left convinced that the two Hawaii flavors should really be kept apart. {mac nut} {spam} period.

Were the company to adds bits of dried spam into a mac nut can, I'd be prone to guess this would work much better to the pallett than to have artificial spam-flavored nut dust. Let me know your thoughts on this novelty item. You might think it's a hit! The limited cans of spam-mac nuts can be purchased at Target Hawaii in Salt Lake.

Sippers & Motorcycles

2011-01-25T17:32:00.000-08:00

while most wear leather boots, hawaii locals wear slippahs'

(photo taken out of the car window, amused)

Hawaii's Mac Nut Hershey's Kisses

2011-01-17T00:36:00.000-08:00

Over the past year, I found this to be another favorite omiayge gift to bring back to the mainland: Hershey's Mac Nut Chocolate Kisses. The best part...The little thin white wrapper tucked inside each kiss > the paper that usually bears the company's name > here reads,"Aloha!" How cool is that?! Now that's a special treat!

Where it's at:

Walmart (in the MacNut section, not chocolate candy section), $4.95/bag

Costco: in the local goodies section by the check out lines, $10.95/large bag

Longs: doesn't always have it in stock

john wooden redefines success

2011-01-09T02:04:00.000-08:00

the much respected former-ucla basketball coach, the late john wooden, on redefining success, choosing character over reputation, and implementing poetic life lessons.

Silent Night - Koko Head City Lights (photograph)

2011-01-01T00:13:00.000-08:00

A view of Waikiki and downtown from the top of Koko Head. Warmest wishes as you close 2010 and welcome the New Year!

Mele Kalikimaka 2010

2010-12-25T00:20:00.000-08:00

A special wish for a warm holiday season, to family and friends, in Hawaii and the Mainland!

40 Days in Hawaii

2010-12-21T15:26:00.000-08:00

nice to be back on the islands. left the mainland a week ago wrapped in scarves, knee high boots and long wool coats...departed the plane and walked straight into tropical humidity.

with the pace of life slowed and the warmth of the people in hawaii, my heart smiles. hawaii no ka oi.

back to simple living. no make-up needed and no need to do one's hair as the humidity melts them away. back to rubba slippahs, shorts and cotton tops.

a week ago i was dining with a dozen friends, dressed up for the evening in all black with glittery jewelry and 4 inch heels. dinner conversation consisted of talks about business enterprises, second houses, cars, and our careers. that's mainland living.

here in hawaii, those things matter less than the quality of relationships. refreshing. no pretense.

i enjoy the slow driving, talking-story with friends and family, eating simple-kine food, and walking along the beach before the sunrises--maybe catching some slack key guitar at a local joint.

life is simple on the island.
it's nice.

Playful Pylones (France)

2010-12-19T23:47:00.000-08:00

I adore this French line of whimsical kitchen products > why not make the mundane fun? Whoever is on the creative team of this company, Pylones (pronounced Pee-Lonh), has a fun sense of play, color and humor to go with it. I also appreciate that they often represent Asians and people from around the world in their product designs. "Lighten up, no need to take life so seriously!"

Where it's at:

Honolulu: Red Pineapple (Ward Center, next to Borders)

New York boutiques: Greenwich Village, SoHo, Lexington, Central Station

micael aram

2010-12-12T23:04:00.000-08:00

for well over a decade i've found intrigue with michael aram's play with nature at functional kitchenware. his pieces are different and interesting from all angles. there's a seriousness and somber to the pieces, as if to immortalize life via nature in silver, for a future age that may not know such wonders of trees, leaves and berries. there's a way that holding stick sculpted forks and spoons brings us back in touch with generations past (cave men perhaps) when the idea of disposable thumbs and tools were first conceived. to ornate these everyday tools in silver is to memorialize them and give them new meaning in the present century.

the coveted curler

2010-12-06T10:25:00.000-08:00

no longer available in the u.s.a., the ever so popular shu uemura's eyelash curler is a coveted gift that those flying to japan can bring back as the perfect omiyage (gift) or holiday present.

what's the big deal?: the curler is used in top fashion industries for a couple reasons: a) perfect even curl without a lash wrinkle b) grabs each lash evenly due to it's shape c) curl hold is said to last all day versus a couple hours before straightening. And...it is even more popular among asian americans whose eyelids are more almond shaped than round--this curler shape is perfectly angled and designed for asian-lids and gets every lash everytime without pinching the corners of ones eyes as other rounded curlers do.

i've been to all the major dept stores and websites (saks, neiman, nordstrom, etc) plus sephora and indeed all shu uemura eyelash curlers in stock have been removed.

but never fear, you can still get them here while they are still avaiable for $19. also, starting today for a week, you can get free shipping: enter code "fshipping." (ebay and amazon are the only other places to get them--and they are selling at high prices due to demand).

(and for those with sensitive skin and irritable eyelids, shu uemura has a popular 24k gold curler pictured above). shu uemura thinks of it all!

Island Edge - local fashion designers

2010-12-03T02:23:00.000-08:00

[the 3 finalists for the local designer contest]

I enjoy the pieces in this store--island flair without being overly-touristy. Sometimes I like the things in there, sometimes I don't. But what I do like is that while they stock reputable fashion labels (e.g. L.A. based designer, Tina Turk), they also create a space to support local hawaii-based aspiring fashion designers.

A couple days after the grand opening a few months ago, I bought an unusal silk blouse by Martinique at this store, as well as a couple of other pieces that I love (all of which are in the closet in Hawaii).

Starting Nov 22nd, those who stop by the store can vote for their favorite local desginer of the year--the state wide contest has been narrowed down to three finalists who need your vote to win $2000 and $500 for a local charity. For more info see: http://www.islandedgehawaii.com/home/News/

[Island Edge is Hilo Hattie's arm that is targeting a different consumer audience--in purchasing power, style and trends, and both locals and tourists.]

red, gold or hawaii?

2010-12-01T19:44:00.000-08:00

if this is the extent of my conundrum for today, then life isn't too shabby:

a) give $0.05 to the Global AIDS foundation with each swipe of the 2010 Jonathan Adler REDcard

b) maintain gold status to earn free drinks faster (a completely self absorbed option--plus printed personalized name plays to the users' ego)

c) use the limited edition (now obsolete) and very cool hawaii-only monetary card (simply because it reeks aloha!) :)

Win a chef's table at Mariposa

2010-11-27T02:06:00.000-08:00

Here is the Mariposa drawing blurb:

"Enter to win a private Chef's Table experience with chef de cuisine Marc Anthony Freiberg at Mariposa, located at Neiman Marcus. The winner will receive a personally-designed 4-course menu for two at the award-winning restaurant.

Plus, receive a $500 Williams-Sonoma gift card, courtesy of Ala Moana Center.

This is a gift that the foodie at heart will appreciate and use to whip up their own culinary treats.

Both of these treats, you'll only find at Ala Moana Center. With over 290 stores and restaurants, Ala Moana Center is where to go to grant every wish on your list."

To enter the contest, click here."

Poached Pears in Rose Wine Sauce (recipe)

2010-11-20T22:36:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite quick, easy and healthy desserts to prepare! It's also a pretty dish to serve as a finale to your dinner menu. (I serve individually in a large-bottomed and wide-rimmed sangria wine glass which helps the pear stand upright and holds the wine syrup nicely.)

I also served this a couple days ago paired with marscapone cheese mixed with honey, which was as a nice complement to the bumpy texture of the warm pear/sweet wine. This was my own creative pairing risk, but I think it worked well. Balance 4:1 part fruit to cheese as to not overpower. A warm chocolate sauce would also complement nicely if using red wine. In the past I've paired it with vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream. It may also work with a small side of ricotta/cottage cheese mixed with almond extract or honey (and perhaps add a smidgest of a sprinkle of cinnamon over the cheese for color and flavor).

6 pears (Bosc pears hold up well and are nicely shaped for this dish)
1.5 C Rose wine (red wine sauce alternative below)
2/3 C cranberry/apple juice
orange rind (fresh is best; from dried spice bottle ok)
1 cinnamon stick
4 cloves whole
1 bay leaf
5 T sugar

Peel pear. Pour wine and juice in sauce pan. Add orange rind. Add the rest of the ingredients. Heat gently so flavors simmer. Sir until sugar is dissolved. Put pears in upright. Pour cold water to cover pears. simmer 20 minutes until tender. Turn and baste occassionally. Use slotted spoon to transfer unto serving dish.

Boil liquid into a syrup (I usually add more sugar at this point to thicken), reduce by half. Strain syrup. Pour over pears.

Serve with warm chocolate sauce, marcapone cheese (add honey to sweeten and neutralize), vanilla or cinnamon ice cream, or ricotta cheese (with almond extra or honey to sweeten an neutralize).

An alternative: Use red wine sauce rather than Rose for a stronger taste. For red wine sauce, use 1/4 C lemon juice and lemon rind rather than cranberry-apple juice and orange rind; 1/2 t cinnamon, ground ginger and nutmeg. 1 clove optional. Nicely paired with warm chocolate sauce.

Vosges - Chocolate covered Bacon

2010-11-15T02:46:00.000-08:00

I was making a purchase at the Ala Moana Neiman Marcus the other day when I saw this unusal chocolate bar displayed on the cashier counter. I've always said, "EVERYTHING tastes better with bacon." But does this adage hold true when it's covered in dark chocolate?

I had to try it for myself. I was just about to plop down a whopping $10 for this candy bar, when the assistant sales person decided to open up a bar and cut it into bite sized peices--to provide as samples. So, luckily I got my fair taste of the "desert-al-food" and report that...

...while bacon and chocolate don't seem to go together, you really can't tell what you're even eating. It's like eating salted crunchy bits with the chocolate dominating 90% of the bar. Did it taste fine? Sure. Was it as unique as I had hoped? Nah. But try it for yourself. (I also tried chocolate covered pears by Vosges which was pungnant, chewy yet good.)

Payard Chocolatier (New York)

2010-11-15T01:36:00.000-08:00

Francois Payard, the nationally acclaimed chocolatier of the 20th century. His new location hosts a chocolate bar > hot chocolate, chocolate pastries, and of couse his signature chocolate pieces. His grandfather owned a pastry shop on the French Riveria > yes, he's the real deal. Payard trained at the some of the top New York restaurants and was recognized with a James Beard Award and frequently touted as the Best Pastry Chef in the country. And of course, chocolate is his signature touch.

Where it's at: 714 Madison Avenue, 4th Floor, New York (63rd/64th street)

Tartine (San Francisco)

2010-11-07T22:23:00.000-08:00

I was introduced to Tartine by AL who lived right across the street from this bakery in his smartly decorated Mission District apartment. It's a "too busy to talk" New York yuppie type of bakery right in the heart of friendly SF. The shop is dressed in white and silver decor (with a hint of wood), where every cup, napkin and pastry is lined up neatly > everything in clean lines. Folks in business suits read the daily paper while sitting on high stools...and the rest wait in a long line (usually out the door) for scruptous scones, cookies and pastries. Their baked goods are fantastic.

I went there nearly everyday for a week, and it still remains my favorite SF morning stop.
http://www.tartinebakery.com/

Citizen Cake (San Francisco)

2010-11-06T01:17:00.000-07:00

Great place for desserts, coffee and tea! Elizabeth Faulkner, a former film student, named her acclaimed SF bakery affectionally, "Citizen Cake" (after the movie Citizen Cane). When I first heard about this place, I trekked all over town to get here--the first two times it was closed, the next time, I arrived in time to have 15 mintues to slurp down a pot of hot tea with my cal-french slices of delight. Moving out of the Hayes Valley and into the Pacific Heights area, Faulkner's shop continues to maintain it's loyal following.

Best Places to Dine (Maui)

2010-11-05T21:24:00.000-07:00

[david paul's island grill]

Been to all three and recommend them all:

Pineapple Grill: Award winning: Best Restaurant, Best Wine List, Best Hawaiian Fusion. At the Kapalua Resort, 200 Kapalua Drive, Kapalua, 808.669.9600 (lunch: 11-2:30; grill menu: 2:30-5:30; dinner) lunch entrée: 9-17; dinner: 26-40; and a great happy hour (pupus/drink) menu on the lanai overlooking the pristine golf course. Of the three listed here, it is the most casual restaurant (perched within the confines of the Kapalua golf course). Very peaceful view and chance to relax with friends on the comfortable outdoor sofas under the sun, moon and stars. Live music from 7-8pm.

David Paul’s Island Grill: 900 Front Street, Lahaina, 808.662.3000 (average entrée $45). Great place for formal dining indoors and covered lanai. Everything from appetizers to dessert was delicious. Good wine list as well. Call for reservations as this place is usually busy.

Lahaina Grill (127 Lahainaluna Road, Lahaina, 808.667.5117); $10 off coupon at the airport baggage claim kioks. Average entrée: $40. Feels like a french bistro inside. Impeccable and attentive service. I also enjoyed the preparation from appetizers to desserts here. A popular mainstay in Maui.

Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple - "How to Live Before You Die"

2010-11-03T03:03:00.000-07:00

A humble and inspiring talk by Steve Jobs (CEO, Apple & Pixar) who never graduated from college but took unconventional risks, followed his passions, and trusted that life would somehow work out. (Stanford 2005 Commencement Speech).

Superman Socks

2010-10-30T01:22:00.000-07:00

[to see the video in full screen click on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJepBVE_NAo&feature=related]

I love these guys. Appreciate their video work, song writing, and artistic creativity for this music video, "Superman Socks" (a song based on a real experience where KassemG and NicePeter are confronted by an angry guy at Santa Monica beach who wears blue socks and threatens them by saying "if you knew what these [socks] were...")

After seeing this music video and the clip "Street Music" from which the song was based, I found myself watching all of the videos produced by these guys and their friends from 'TheStation.' I am especially a fan of KassemG.

Wine Stores in Honolulu

2010-10-25T07:07:00.000-07:00

Where to buy a bottle of wine on Oahu, Hawaii? Here are few good places:

Fujioka's Wine Time: 2919 Kapiolani Blvd ( 808/739-9463). Knowledgable service from die hard wine connoisseurs. They'll help you pick out the perfect bottle but they work from the assumption that you know a bit about wine. Some of the best quality wines here. Wine tasting too.

Tamura's Fine Wine & Liquor: 3496 Waialae Ave (808.735.7100). It's fun inside. They have stacked high bottles from around the world. You'll feel a bit claustrophobic from the racks and racks of wine--but in a good way.

Amuse Wine Bar: (Honolulu Design Center) I love this place, b/c you can try a 2oz sample of the wine before you buy the bottle. The owner is quite knowledgeable and very friendly too. Tell him what you're eating for dinner and he'll pick out a perfect recommendation.

Formaggio Wine Bar: (2919 Kapilani Blvd in Honolulu or 305 Hahani in Kailua). Outside of Amuse, one of my favorite places for wine and food. Buy wine by the glass and listen to live music. Great pizzas, bruchettas, and desserts. Would go here almost each week after photography class.

Vino: 500 Ala Moana Blvd (808.524.8466, Restaurant Row). An italian tapas place that sells wine by the bottle or glass. Sit at the bar and have the sommelier select a glass that he thinks fits your personality. He's usually right on--pretty amazing. Buy the bottle if you like it, or just enjoy a glass with some great tapas (appetizer sized) dishes.

The Wine Experience: (1016 Kapahulu Ave) Make your own bottle of custom wine or buy a house wine. Friendly owners and entrepeneurs who enjoy creating a space for wine-bottling parties and events. They're great about letting you sample a glass of their house wines.

The Wine Stop: 1809 S. King St (808.946.3070). Stopped by once, and it was closed. Oh well. Next time.

‘Elua Restaurant & Wine Bar (1341 Kapiolani Boulevard, 808-955-ELUA.) For serious wine drinkers and a traditional meal. Interesting concept to host two Italian and French trained chefs together. Elua is noted for their boutique wines. Excellent wine ratings by Wine Spectacular.

HASR Wine Co. (31 N. Pauahi St. 1B, 808.535-WINE). In Chinatown, they participate in First Friday events. Buy their glass for $5 and have a free refill at each First Friday event.

D'Vine (7192 Kalanianeole Hwy. near Blockbusters) just opened in Hawaii Kai. Has some vintages I hadn't heard of. Limited selection, but a unique niche for their collection. Too, east Oahu needs a good wine store. Weekly events held to foster a wine community. Friendly owners.

Recipe - Gourmet Mac 'n Cheese

2010-10-18T02:48:00.000-07:00

Try a gourmet twist on this easy comfort food...

Sage Butternut Squash Mac 'n Cheese

Melt Brie, Guerre, Fontina and Gorgonzola cheese. Add in elbow or corkscrew pasta to hold cheese. Bake the butternut squash. Add chunks of the baked butternut squash to the cheese coated pasta. Let sit. Top with cooked sage (fresh sage doesn't let out the perfume of the sage unto the dish) and thick slices of apple wood smoked bacon! Yum!

Golf Bits (Oahu, Maui, Big Island)

2010-09-30T21:37:00.000-07:00

Indoor Driving Range (Oahu)
For those like me who don’t want more sun freckles, head to the Aloha Golf Center’s indoor driving range! Just opened June 1, and the pro shop sounds fantastic. Will have to check it out soon. 2869 Koapaka Street in the Honolulu International Aiprot Industrial Area

Maui Golf Cartoon (Maui)
Called “Da Game”, Hawaii’s first gold cartoon airred locally and online starting in July 2010. It will cast local golf personalities, spoof sports news coverage, and simultaneously highlight Maui golf courses. Pretty clever marketing idea. We’ll see how it all flies.

Kama’aina Golf Rates (Oahu, Big Island)
Ewa Beach Golf Club: Kama’aina weekday rate: $45 for a round of golf (689.6565)

Waikele Country Club: kama’aina rate for any age, $30 twilite rate, 7 days/week; Senior rates: $40 on M, T, W if 60+ yrs and a Hawaii resident; military rates: $40 M,T,W (676.9000)

Big Island Country Club: kama’aina $45 Mon-Thurs
Book tee times & find local tournaments: www.808golf.com
Golf Club Radio Show: Saturdays, 7-8:30am: FM 99.5 (Oahu), FM 104.7 (Maui), FM 99.9 (Kauai), AM 670 (Hilo) ro radiogolfclub.com

Hawaii Coconut MnMs

2010-09-29T00:29:00.000-07:00

One of the coolest omiyage gifst i found in hawaii stores: Coconut MnM's!

meditation

2010-09-20T01:23:00.000-07:00

buddhist forms of meditation emphasize the practice of non-resistance. that is, rather than push suffering, pain, fear and distractions aside through various forms of psychological denial, one acheives a state of peace by accepting and sitting with pain and long-suffering. rather than fight it or run from it, there's an inner peace acheived through the element of accepting the things that one cannot change and simply letting things be and letting go of one's inner wrestlings. meditation is one path to achieving peace through the still process of simply 'being' with oneself, one's thoughts, one mind...and letting go of all the rest.

if this animation is an artistic interpretation of buddhist meditation, does it simply imply that the art of meditation and non-resitance is actually an alternative form of denial? that is, that in its effort to confront denial (of pain, sorrow, fear) must one bring oneself into an alternative state of denial vis-a-vis a re-imagined space of non-reality (such as the imagined place of cherry blossom trees in japan)? are they hence not both processes of denial? and thus is one form of denial really any different than the other?

hmmn, i need to meditate on that.

Sandy Beach (Honolulu)

2010-09-04T21:10:00.000-07:00

It's still like summer in Hawaii. Put away those east coast fall mittens, and foggy northern state wool caps...Sandy Beach offers year round surfing--though dangerous and nick named "broke neck beach" for a reason. Nice respite away for East Oahu residents. (My local beach for a midday break.)

Retro-nize your iPhone

2010-08-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

Take your 21st iPhone and blast it to the past > circa 1980-something, the years of mixed tapes. My favorite funny company, worldwidefred, produced "Tuned Up." In lieu of a rubber iPhone jacket > just pop your iPhone into the plastic tape case, and close it as you would a mixed tape. You get that retro look and feel (all awhile listening to music and talking on the phone) but 25 years later.

Can-struction for the Food Bank

2010-08-07T11:19:00.000-07:00

Here's what dedicated volunteers "can" do: Through Sept 27 donate a canned good to your local foodbank, and let it be a part of an on-going sculpture competition. Art pieces are displayed throughout the mall and created by architects, engineers, designers and students. Exhibits are free to the public.

Hawaii Snap Shots (Photographs)

2010-07-04T08:03:00.000-07:00

I left my camera on the mainland--purposely--to take a break from all activity of the year. But everything is so gorgeous here that I ended up buying the cheapest point-and-shoot pocket camera I could find at Costco. A pocket camera has its limitations in creativity and clarity but nonetheless, Hawaii's beauty speaks for itself.

"Precious" (Film)

2010-06-27T16:16:00.000-07:00

The novel “Push” (written by author, Sapphire) has gained much attention and acclaim in the African American community over the past few years. More recently “Push” has captured the hearts and minds of a broader national audience, the book now on the Top 10 Bestsellers list in 2010. Both the novel and it’s film adaptation titled “Precious” centers around the struggle for hope and survival of a Harlem high school student, C. Precious Jones, a character based on a composite of Sapphire’s real life students in inner city New York. Directed by Lee Daniels, the film translates the novel into a compelling and revealing story of one woman’s ‘push’ for life in a way that is raw, real and yet accessible to mainstream audiences. The film is well done.

When Oprah finished watching the film, she says she was left silent. I too found I had no words to say when the film ended. No critiques or analysis the film running in my head. It just was. So, rather than comment on the film, may I suggest that it simply be watched. {see addendum below}

“Precious” won the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress (Mo’nique) and received nominations for Best Picture 2009 and Best Actress for Gabourey Sidibe’s acting debut. There are appearances by Mariah Carey (unrecognizable social worker without makeup), Lenny Kravitz (the nurse), Paula Patton (school administrator) and BET’s Mo’nique (Precious’ mother). I personally feel the strength of novel and storyline speaks for itself, but perhaps Lee Daniels may have felt the need to hype up the film and garner audience support by casting these Hollywood stars (esp. Carey and Kravitz)?

{Addendum}: Okay, I take back my above statement of not having comments—I loved the film, and found it a brave story to put on the big screen. Not simply because of the subject matter (rape, abuse, pregnancy, illiteracy, obesity) but because it casts the African American community in a light that works against the community’s long time agenda and struggle to cast African Americans in roles that challenge racial, class and gender stereotypes (i.e. this is not the Cosby show). Yet in its bravery, “Precious” challenges us in the 21st to embrace both the Cosbys and the Jones (Precious’ family) as equally true representations of the African American experience in the U.S., and challenges us to explore the similarities of the Jones life all of our lives. I found this to be a film that speaks less about the Black American experience, as much as it does to the universal human experience > of despondency, hope, truth, fear, suffering, faith and courage.

Summer Reading > Books on My Shelf

2010-06-21T23:35:00.000-07:00

For the most part, I’m a quick reader and am generally able to whip through books like water. However this summer I’m having trouble starting and finishing the books I have in Hawaii. Perhaps I’m in a season of a mental hiatus (resting my brain) where it's physical activity that seems to be life giving at this time > golf, hula, yoga, running at the beach. Or perhaps I simply chose mediocre books this summer. While I've started some, I haven’t finished any. Here’s what on my shelf:

{ POP BOOKS }

“Three Cups of Tea” (Greg Mortenson and David Relin) – A mountain climber returns to Pakistan to build a school, leading to development of 55 schools for young women. #1 on New York Times bestseller list, and the most promising read of the summer. The only book I haven’t cracked open, but looking forward to turning the first page.

“Mennonite in a Little Black Dress” (Rhoda Janzen) – Memoir of a 40 year old female English professor who moves back to her parents home and hometown, a Mennonite community, after her husband of 15 years leaves her for…another man. Shortly thereafter Janzen gets in a serious car accident and after some recovery finds a way to move forward in life > she cleverly finds a way to go shopping with friends, for example, ingeniously using Velcro to strap her urine bag unto her leg as a way to hide her medical reprecussions under a long flowing skirt. The book is about Janzen's personal journey returning "home" and one I find only somewhat humorous--trying too hard perhaps, to be in the likes of “Eat, Pray, Love” (Elizabeth Gilbert). Janzen’s text, however, is more crass, the writing isn’t nearly as pithy, and by page 5 it’s clear that the prose is written for a limited female audience. Finding it hard to get through Janzen’s book, I am not sure that I will finish it…unless I am stranded at the airport or stranded on this island due to an unexpected natural disaster. Okay, I'm overexaggerating here. In all honesty, I think I just fell for good marketing--I liked the title and book cover.

“Committed” (Elizabeth Gilbert) – After the success of “Eat, Pray, Love” Gilbert tries her hand at round two…which struggles to stay afloat. This book is a cultural, almost anthropological, study of marriage in different parts of the world. How do women in Southeast Asia understand and make sense of gender roles, division of labor, love, independence, submission and ceremony? Gilbert tries to make her findings witty, humorous and engaging, but I find that I learn more about Gilbert’s own cultural stereotypes and perspectives of Asian women than I do about the exploration of marriage. She writes from a position of privilege, almost voyeuristic, clearly from the perspective of a well to do white woman from a first world nation (the United States). Thank goodness I bought the book with a 40% coupon! (“Eat, Pray, Love” junkies > the Julia Roberts film (Eat, Pray, Love) is due to open very soon! )

{SPIRITUALITY}

“Waking the Dead: The Glory of a Heart Fully Alive” (John Eldredge) A book about waking up one’s heart and reclaiming a life lived fully, the promise of the Christian faith as the key to helping all of us be set free, made whole, and be fully restored. I’m not fully captivated by Eldredge’s writing (despite his popular following of “Wild at Heart” among Christian men) but know that I will eventually finish this book. It was highly recommended for me and the themes and topics of the book seem a worthwhile read. I’m told that there is an underlying spiritual warfare theme to the book--a battle over our hearts.

“The Art of Power” (Thich Nhat Hanh) – Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize (by my hero Martin Luther King Jr), Hanh is a Vietnamese Buddhist Zen master, poet, political activist and author. In this book he argues that “power” is generally perceived to be something that affords us freedom, security and happiness, but is in actuality an illusion that traps us, drains us, and strains our relationships. True power, he suggests in zen master fashion, lies in being happy in the present moment. Another New York Times bestseller, this book explores how to cultivate, unleash, and handle power at home, work and in the global marketplace. It’s a tad repetitive, but good and helpful to understand how a Buddhist activist conceptualizes an integration of peace and power. (He has a new book, “Savor,” on healthy eating/food/politics which I find to be a interesting way of marketing the subject matter and/or Hanh himself.)

“The Power of Now” (Eckhart Tolle) I was listening to a really mind blowing lecture by a Catholic priest on my drive home from a monastery in Montecito (Santa Barbara). The talk discussed the humanity and divinity of the historical Jesus and divine Christ, and our position as children of God to likewise embrace the embodiments of our own humanity and divine nature (i.e. life via the holy spirit). Anyway, I’m not one who is prone to reading pop metaphysical literature, but this Catholic priest kept referencing Eckhart Tolle as an expert on “living in the present moment”(Oprah herself is a fan and make him an overnight national phenomena). So, I became curious as to what this guy has to say. I may or may not agree with his ideas (we’ll see) but I think it’s still good to be knowledgeable and conversational about Tolle. So far the books seems to suggest that the everyday act of thinking keeps us grounded and stuck in a living a provincial life (which we call reality) which is simply a limited level of spiritual awareness; the busyness in our minds, acquired through the act of thinking, prevents us from obtaining true freedom and enlightenment (i.e. living at a higher level of consciousness). Tolle discusses topics of fear, the ego’s search for wholeness, notions of time, happiness , relationships, the body, addictions, surrender, and choice. Will be an interesting read.

Maila Gibson's album "More"

2010-06-08T13:50:00.000-07:00

I saw Maila perform a duet with Hookena at the 2010 Hawaii Grammy's night at the Hawaii State Art Museum. It was an amazing outdoor concert featuring all of the state's best Grammy winners.

To see these legendary singers, groups and bands perform in a low key venue, free to the public, and without airs--in true Hawaiian spirit and hospitality, was truly refreshing. I don't imagine seeing Grammy winners gather together for an event like this in Hollywood. But here in Hawaii, it was the artists' way of saying mahalo to all of their loyal supporters. What a magnificent evening it was.

For some reason, out of the many many talented and famous Hawaiian artists, Maila's performance stood out to me. I don't know if it's because she was the underdog (newbie) of the evening (her experience mainly as a worship singer at New Hope Church) or if it was her stage presence or voice. But I liked her.

Great news is that she finally finished an album and it's due to come out soon. Ben and Maila's new 2010 album is entitled "More" and can be pre-ordered on mele.com (site to buy hawaiian music CDs) or by clicking here.

[mahalo to ry]

Koa Ukuleles

2010-06-03T06:47:00.000-07:00

Where to find that rare and beautiful koa wood ukulele?

Bounty Music Maui
111 Hana Hwy. #105
Kahului, Maui, HI 96732

Hawaii's Pussy Cat Winner

2010-05-30T17:05:00.000-07:00

Hawaii born Nicole Scherzinger (Pussy Cat Dolls) is the new season winner of Dancing with the Stars. Was neat to see Scherzinger improve her dance techniques over time and to see fellow Hawaii native Carrie Ann Inaba give props week after week to this fantastic dancer.

Loved this finale performance Nicole Scherzinger did for the season's end--great extensions and a sensual performance: "Lady in Red"

Watching this routine inspires me to look forward to my dance lessons in the fall--it's one of the things I've really enjoyed.

Ho'omaika'i to this season's winners.

Maui Hula Lessons

2010-05-19T13:04:00.000-07:00

For the most comprehensive listing of hula groups across all the islands of Hawaii, and also across the country see: http://www.mele.com/resources/hula.html

Listed hula classes on Maui:

•Kahului: Halau Hula I Kona Mau Lima
Ualani Smith, Phone: 808-283-3310
•Kahului: Halau Hula Ka Malama Mahilani
Cody Pueo Pata, Phone: 808-281-0714
•Kahului: Halau Hula Kauluokala
Uluwehi Guerrero, Phone: 808-250-8581
•Kahului: Kawaianuhealehua
Colsen Kaluawaipakui Kanei, Phone: 808-298-7821
•Kahului: Na Hanona Kulike O Pi`ilani
Kapono`ai Molitau & Sissy Lake-Farm, Phone: 808-249-8129
•Kihei: Hula Alapa`i I Maluuluolele
Sharon Ioana Balidoy, Phone: 808-879-5644
•Kihei: Manutea Halau
Mapuana Samonte, Phone: 808-268-8653
•Kihei: Na Pua Melia
Kalei Jaramillo, Phone: 808-276-4852
•Lahaina: Halau Hula O Ka`onohiokala ma Maui Nei
Akoni Akana, Phone: 808-667-0219
•Lahaina: Na Pua O Kapi`olani Hula Studio
K. Holoamoku Ralar, Phone: 808-669-8565
•Lahaina: Na Kamali`i Nani o Lahaina
Jan Kealani Kitaguchi, Phone: 808-661-5498
•Pukalani: Pukalani Hula Hale
Hi`ilei Maxwell-Juan, Phone: (none)
•Wailuku: Halau Hula O Na Pua O Pakipika
Keoni Ionakona Manuel, Phone: 808-757-0140
•Wailuku: Halau Ke`alaokamaile
Keali`i Reichel, Phone: 808-572-1280
•Wailuku: Halau Kekuaokala`au`ala`iliahi
Iliahi & Haunani Paredes, Phone: 808-283-4852
•Wailuku: Halau Hula Ka Makani Kili`o`opu
Luana Kawa`a, Phone: 808-243-9232
•Wailuku: Halau Hula O Ma Kau Kau Na Olapa O Maui
Kamalu & Kawainui Kekahuna, Phone: 808-268-1488
•Wailuku: Halau Hula O Mahailani
Mahailani & Kamuela Rodrigues, Phone: 808-442-2098
•Wailuku: K & K Hula Halau
Kimberly Kuloloia Juan & Kathleen Kuloloia Palalay, Phone: 808-344-4676

Try also "Hālau Hula Alapa`i I Malu Ulu O Lele" holding lessons in Kihei, Lahaina and Paukukalo.

Lahaina: Monday (5:30 to 7:00 adults) and Paukukalo: Wednesday (5:45 to 7:30 adults) on the last week of each month.

Contact :
Sharon & Ricky Balidoy
114 Kono Pl.
Kahului, HI 96732
808-871-1479 (home)
808-385-3016 (cell)
Email: balidoyr002@hawaii.rr.com

Lost in Translation

2010-05-16T17:26:00.000-07:00

Sitting in the cafe where I write, an older couple from Japan is struggling with hand motions to convey to the barista their desire for a cup of hot water. The Japanese man made a cup with his hands and put it to his lips as if to drink it. This seemed quite clear and easy...at first...until things quickly got complicated when he started to put the imaginary cup of hot water into a bowl (shaped with his hands) of noodles (which he attempted to "eat") with chopsticks. Oh my.

The poor employee started to get confused whether or not the couple wanted hot water to pour into a bowl of noodles, or if they want to purchase noodles to eat for dinner (which aren't even sold here). After the barista made some of her own gestures, swinging her arms in reply (dont try this at home kids), the couple looked even more puzzled than before and the cycle of charades continued...and escalated into more confusion. The desperate players looked at me, at my far away table, as if to ask for some intervention.

Having lived abroad in Japan, I know the real life game of charades all too well. I'm grateful to all the Japanese people were so patient with me, my limited broken Japanese language skills, and my animated hand gestures. Witnessing this couple's struggle, I decide to get out of my seat to 'assist' the floundering conversation.

Attempting to clairify the situation, I muttered, Que tu quieres? Hmmmn. That was of no help. Having lost all recollection of Japanese words and phrases, it became clear that I as useless as a cherry pie on a kitchen table. I could not even recall how to say the simplest words like "water" "hot" and "what do you want?" in Japanese.

It's as if the "foreign language" part of my brain only recalls the last language I worked with. When I was in France, I would only recall Japanese words. When in Italy, French phrases. And in Japan, Spanish. And as far as Hawaiian pidgeon goes, well, I just end up scratching my head alot.

{Actually, I tried to "practice" speaking pidgeon one day by giving my friend driving directions with a local slang. It went something like this: "try go out of the pocking lot, head mauka to da signal, nevamind dem pukas in the road, get one round about, turn left, and stop at da back house." To which I got a roar of laughter and screams begging me to "pleeeeeeease stop" for I was insuling rather than honoring local speak.}

But back to the Japanese couple. Having lost all skills in Japanese and only adding more confusion to the situation as I added in my own hand gestures, I finally came up with a better solution: Google.

Yes, when all else fails in life, Google always has the answer. Just log on to Google Translation, type in any English phrase you want, and out spits the Japanese translation--both in hiragana (Japanese characters) and romanji (English pronouncation): http://translate.google.com/

Nani o shi tai?

Once again, Google to the rescue. It sure beats hand gestures, puzzled looks and Spanish interjections.

Maui Film Festival 2010 - June 16-20

2010-05-12T23:54:00.000-07:00

This past winter friends and I headed to the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, a very nice performance theater, to watch "The Horse Boy" a documentary film about an American couples' trek to Mongolia to find a shamanistic cure for their son's autism. It was the last show of the winter season and the Film Fest organizer sadly announced they may not have enough funds and donors to continue the annual independent film festival. The good news is that as far as this summer goes, they will indeed host the annual outdoor event.

So, pull up your beach chairs and towels and support the 2010 film festival held in Wailea. Head to the lawn, grab some good food there, and watch foreign films and indy flicks under the stars. A fantastic Maui night! Coming soon, June 16-20th.

Tickets are usually $10/show. For ticket information and special VIP passes (tax deductible to support the MACC): https://secure.mauifilmfestival.com/tixSYS/2010/passes/selection

{ happy birthday to mom! }

2nd Annual Maui Brewers Festival

2010-05-10T03:35:00.000-07:00

On May 15th from 3-7 p.m., Maui beer lovers will gather for the island's second annual Brewers Fest.

The Festival will highlight hand-crafted beers (around 30 companies) along with local pupus (appetizers). Yum! Live music and entertainment from local artists will be there. And check out the fun giveaways and prizes.

The event is hosted by the Maui Brewing Company and held at the The at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. Tickets are $45 and includes admission, beer samples and pupus.

Hawaiian 101 - basic phrases

2010-05-07T01:54:00.000-07:00

Aloha kakahiaka :: Good morning
Aloha ‘auinalä :: Good afternoon
Aloha ahiahi :: Good evening

Pehea ‘oe :: How are you?
Maika‘i no au :: I am fine.

Mahalo nui loa :: Thank you very much.
‘A‘ole pilikia :: You’re welcome

E mälama pono :: Take care!
A hui hou ::Until we meet again.

wishing my dad a very happy birthday

India Arie

2010-05-03T00:12:00.000-07:00

i first heard about india arie through friends who know her. while i like some but not all of her songs and style, i mainly appreciate the raw-life issues she speaks of as a woman of color through lyric and composition. most of all, i simply appreciate her song titles.

"therapy" (video below)
"he heals me"
"wings of forgiveness"
"butterfly"

Maui Onion Festival 2010

2010-05-01T14:27:00.000-07:00

Known to be the sweetest onions around, Maui Kula Onions have put this Hawaiian island on the map. Afterall, Maui Onion potato chips are sold everywhere from your local Subway sandwhich chain, Trader Joes to major supermarkets.

Dedicated to the cultivation and promotion of the world-famous Maui Kula Onion and the festival claims to be attended by thousands of visitors each year. It started in 1990 and is celebrating its 21st anniversary this year.

*games, prizes, food & beer, hula and jazz entertainment, cooking demos, and more*

Here's what last year's chef contest winner cooked up:
Pan Seared Island Snapper served with Reduced Maui Onion Jus, Soft Polenta and Pickled Maui Onions (yum)

Where it's at: Whalers Village

For more information
call: Whalers Village 808.661.4567
email: info@whalersvillage.com

Profiteroles with Caramel-Chocolate Sauce

2010-04-27T20:50:00.000-07:00

Profiteroles > cream puffs minus the cream replaced by ice cream. This particular recipe, found in my grandma's Food&Wine magazine, was fun to prepare for friends. What made this recipe a little special is the rich caramel-chocolate sauce drizzled over the puffs topped by candied nuts.

Super easy dessert to prepare. Quick prep time. Cost is around $40 (hawaii market price) for a dozen big profiteroles (or 2 dozen mini puffs).

Makes 24 bite sized desserts | Chef Allison Levitt of La Tache, Chicago

Pastry Puff

1 C Milk

1 stick unsalted butter

1 t salt

1 1/3 C flour

5 large egg beaten with 2 T water

Candied Nuts

1 T sugar

1 T hot water

1 C (1/4 lb) unsalted pistachios, candied macadamia, almond or other nut

¼ c sugar in the raw

Caramel-Chocolate Sauce

1 C sugar

1 Cinnamon stick

1 C heavy cream

6 oz bittersweet chocolate (such as Gherardelli cooking chocolate chips)

2 pints vanilla ice cream (pre-scooped into 24 rounds and re-frozen) (Haagen Daz pistachio or peppermint bark makes for a holiday treat).

Pastry Puffs:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In medium saucepan, combine milk and better, vanilla and salt and bring to a boil over moderately high heat. Add flour and using a wooden spoon, beat until a smooth doughy forms. Reduce heat to low and cook dough for 3 minutes, stirring constantly to dry it out. Remove pan from heat and beat in 5 eggs, one at a time. (will look runny but keep working the eggs in). (also, in my opinion, I would add some sugar to the puff recipe).

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper (or you will burn the puff bottoms). Drop 1 ½ t size mounds of batter onto the sheet, space them 2 inches apart (or make 12 big puffs on 2 baking sheets dividing the dough evenly). Brush the puffs with the beaten egg wash and bake on 2 lower oven racks for 30 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 250 degrees and bake for 20 minutes longer or until the puffs are brown and dry. Let puffs cool on the baking sheets (don’t remove too quickly or will tear the bottom off).

Candied nuts: Raise oven temperature to 325 degrees. Lightly oil a large rimmed baking sheet. In medium bowl, stir white sugar into the water until dissolved. Stir in nuts then the raw sugar. Spread the coated nuts on baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until shiny. Let the candied nuts cool on baking sheet then break apart.

Caramel-Chocolate: In medium saucepan, combine sugar, cinnamon stick and corn syrup. Bring to a boil over moderate heat, stirring a few times to dissolve the sugar and simmer until a deeply colored caramel forms, about 10 minutes (don’t lower heat or it won’t caramelize).

Meanwhile, in another saucepan, bring the cream to a simmer. Remove the caramel from heat. Slowly and carefully pour the hot cream, stirring constantly. The caramel will bubble up. Keep stirring until the bubbles subside. Return the pan to the heat and stir to dissolve any hardened bits of caramel. Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the chocolate and let stand for a few minutes to melt. Discard the cinnamon stick and whisk the sauce until smooth.

Cut each puff in half. Fill profiteroles with ice cream and cover with puff tops. Pour the sauce over the puff and sprinkle with candied nuts. Serve immediately.

Puffs can be frozen for 1 month. Sauce can be refrigerated fro 5 days. Nuts can keep overnight in airtight container.

Departures - Foreign Film

2010-04-20T12:29:00.001-07:00

It won the 2009 American Academy Award for Best Foreign Film of the Year, and swept the Japan Academy Awards winning a slew of 10 additional oscars.

"Departures" is a film confronting the realities and rituals of death, and thereby ultimately embracing the beauty of life itself.

The story revolves around a 36 year old man who takes on a job as an encoffener after loosing his job as a celloist in the Tokyo Symphony. The story revolves around the conflict between the art of encoffening (that of providing the family of the deceased with an opportunity to remember their beloved in a beautiful state) and its impact on his marriage, family and community.

It's unique for film producers to take on such a stark topic for a film script, but the writers, producers and directors of this film unfolded dynamics of dying with such care and beauty that one leaves the film feeling more connected to and comforted by the inevitable reality of our eventually confrontation death in our lives. It's a light and tender movie, not one of haunting sorrow and sadness.

Americans strive to keep death and aging at arms length. Our markets are plagued with anti-aging products, new medicinal practices, and efforts to extend life for as long as possible, our western mindset leaving no room for the acceptance of death as a part of the natural course of life. It is a film produced in an East Asian country, I sensed, that would best be able to offer a cultural framwork that would allow others around the world to celebrate the art of both life and death. "Departures" and its Japanese cast and crew does this well.

The music score was beautiful, and particularly commendable given that the theme song had to be written with the cello as the main and dominant instrument. The cinematography was nice, but I think I've seen better > it wasn't the memorable and striking part of the film. It's really the script and the courage to bring this subject matter to the big screen that is most impressive.

Penguini - Best Gourmet Gelato & Sorbet in Paia, Maui

2010-04-12T11:15:00.000-07:00

Penguini is the best kept secret in Paia. I like revealing hidden finds and supporting local start ups, and mark my words...it’s just a matter of time before this place gets hoppin'.

Melissa, the chef-entrepeneur, makes fresh gelato and sorbets daily. You never know what flavor will be offered until you get there. She herself doesn't know what she will create until she wakes up in the morning, sees what fresh ingredients are around, and embarks on the process of exploring a new creative combination. Kula Strawberry and White Chocolate is her most popular sell. I enjoyed her Ruby Red Grapefruit with Mint sorbet, Goat Cheese Gelato, Coconut Kifer Lime Sorbet, Chocolate Hazelnut Rum gelato, and Green Tea gelato. As you can tell, her culinary training inspires her to work with flavor combinations, and use ingredients you'd not usually associate with frozen desserts (the goat cheese was fabulous, btw).

The texture of her gelato is smooth, creamy and rich. Her sorbets are light and filled with flavor. She uses local and natural ingredients when possible. And check out the unbeatable price: 2 scoops with your choice of flavors for only $3.00! Now that's a real treat!

Melissa McKelvy left her post as pastry chef at Wolf Gang Puck's Spago and opened up her own little joint in Paia. This sweet 30-something entrepenuerial chef kicked the fast paced beat of the glizy restaurant world to put her tastebuds to work under her own direction and whim. I was inspired by her courage to leave her post at a nationally reknown restaurant to start something small yet authentic to her soul. Her shop opened just six months before I stumbled upon it, and chatting with her was an inspirational delight.

Her shop front is a cozy little room in the back of Paia Inn. The location is pretty hidden and one would easily miss it were it not for a little "A" shaped sign perched on the sidewalk. Currently, the store is simple--it's just a wide window opening where customers order their treats (they have homemade cupcakes, petite pastries, Chai tea, and coffee too.) If you peek inside, the wall of her kitchen is painted a bright hot-peony pink, with a side door dressed in French inspired black and white toile window curtains. Her decor taste is whimsical and fun, and I can't wait until she's able to expand her business into a bigger space. For now, customers can enjoy her treates outside in the shade of a wooden bench.

See you there!

93 Hana Hwy #3 (look in the far back of the building)
808.214.4608

Hours: Tuesday – Sunday - 12:30p.m. to 8:30pm

2010-04-06T22:25:00.000-07:00

Mahalo to Leah who dropped such a sweet line of encouragement and appreciation:

"I've just returned to my home in Melbourne, Australia, after spending three weeks in Hawaii (two on Oahu, one on the Big Island). Just wanted to thank you for your blog! After stumbling across it during my trip research, i loved it so much that i printed out some of your tips and traveled with them.. especially your food tips ;) Wouldn't have known about half of the local treats and where to get them without your posts!Absolutely loved both islands, and can't wait to return at some stage. Thanks again!"

Thanks for dropping a line, Leah.

red peacoat (poem)

2010-03-30T01:23:00.000-07:00

My fingers lace around the ceramic
cup of chamomile
brewing gently of mint and orange.
As the crisp morning air alights on my rosy cheeks
I huddle in a wool sweater
smiling at the entrance of Fall
in California
where days like today my spirit is renewed
when sunlight glistens on golden amber and cardinal leaves
and kids in red peacoats, padded in brightly-colored scarves
kick fallen leaves on small town sidewalks
and laugh carelessly in play.

this is my original poem
mahalo to JT for the professional assistance which strengthens my poem ten-fold. his poetry advice: I would stop here. Listen to the music. Be wary of adjectives, summary, and commentary. first line: c sounds

apple ipad

2010-03-29T06:07:00.000-07:00

coming out in a month is this new apple toy, which i learned from my brother who just may be on the pre-order list for this latest techy creation. it's the i-pad. a finger-touch device to read newspapers, books and do email. it's like the iphone but a larger, lap version ($499+).

reports state that apple does not know how it's consumers will actually use the ipad. 27% polled say they will not use it as a reading device though another quarter say they will use it for emails. and despite the laugther it's name is getting (ipad) for sounding like a woman's sanitary napkin company (see mock ad below), 50% of polled women think the name suits fine (though another 50% find offense to the name). quite frankly, i didn't even correlate the two together

update: At church, rather than preach from a bible, the pastor preached from an i-pad! Good bye to paper bound bibles!

mahalo to cjs for the new i-touch! love it!

wacom intuos 4

2010-03-22T06:01:00.000-07:00

this is my preference for doing work with computer design programs. the intuous 4 by wacom. the "pen to pad" technology works like a mouse: it correlates your motions on the pad to the computer screen. the pen is light, and with a pressure sensitive tip your creative pen strokes will bleed heavy or thin lines depending on how much weight you put on the pen tip.

version 4 is ergonomic and comes with memory keys so you can switch back and forth with your favorite computer software such as adobe photoshop, indesign or illustrator. ($360)

eat pray love

2010-02-24T21:04:00.000-08:00

the lyrical writing of elizabeth gilbert touched the pallete of my visual eye the way that perfectly seared foie gras melts on your tongue with buttery smoothness. it's a delicious read that captured my mind's imagination as i ate the words of her pen one by one. like biting into the flesh of a ripe pommegrante, a carefulness as to not stain yet to enjoy its burst of unexpected sweetness.

gilbert is a gifted novelist. her sentences are packed with so much color (i studied her use of adjectives and adverbs with amazement) that i often felt like one phrase would send me around the world and place me standing right beside her.

i fell in love with, for example, the world's best pizza in italy (which made me so delirious i thought that it actually loved me back), medidated with frustration on the hard cold floors of india, and opened my heart in indonesia. her global escapades and year's journey are chaptered by the seasons she spends in the three countries she chooses because they start with the letter, "I".

it was actually the perfect read for my month sabbatical on maui. my own little adventure of food, faith and new friendships. i suppose my journey could be chaptered by the letter "F".

i read five books that month, but this one was my favorite. it tickled my tastebuds with delightfully smart prose.

some critique the book for being an elitest work, a journey that only a white woman with wealth and priveledge could have access to. rather than offering readers a fanticiful escape through some 200 pages, critics find repulsion to gilbert's understated support for literal escapism (via travel), her quests an unrealistic option for the average American reader who similarly faces divorce and depression.

for once i tried to not think analytically of a book, and enjoyed it for what it is. and i found "eat, pray, love" to be a humorously light memoir built on a foundation of skilled and colorful writing, and one that brought a new smile and welcome invitation to my soul.

Google 466453

2010-02-15T11:09:00.000-08:00

As I've confessed before, I'm a google-girl. Appreciate their technology-forward contributions and philosophy of global-tech democratization.

I've been using their handy google text service alot lately. Just send a text message with a business or company name in 3 seconds you will receive the address and phone number.

(yes, count it out loud "one one thousand, two...")

It's quick and easy!

Here's the number to text: G-O-O-G-L-E (or type in the respective key pad phone numbers: 466453)

For example, I was recently driving to my favorite Honolulu furniture store, Inspiration, but wasn't sure if the store hours had closed. I didn't have the store's phone number so I pulled over to the side of the road and typed the words "inspiration honolulu" unto a text message and sent it to the recipent "466453". In 3 seconds, I received a text message back providing me with the store name, store address, and store phone number. I was able then able to quickly call Inspiration to confirm their store hours and get back on the road.

Just think of it like doing a google search on your computer--but on your cell phone. It just costs the price of a text message (free, 10, 20 or 25 cents depending on your provider). All you need to do is type in key words for google to do it's search: (e.g. store name, city, zip, and such).

I stored the 466453/Google number in my cell phone and use it whenever I need store directions/hours/customer service and don't have access to the internet or am on the road!

This google service is available with many of the major cell phone network carriers: AT&T, Nextel, Sprint, T-Mobile, Celluar, Verizon Wireless and Virgin Mobile (and more).

Mahalo to Ace for passing along this super helpful tip!

news

2010-02-08T18:10:00.000-08:00

To get instant news from around the world, the "Newseum" is a nifty online site that allows you to read the daily headlines from around the world. Just place your mouse on the interactive map, and roll over the city you want to see.

To read the Honolulu news line, for example, drag the U.S. map to view the Hawaiian islands and place your mouse over the dot in Oahu. And whala, there's your headline!

The world is certainly getting smaller and smaller with each info-tech advancement.

Click here to see the Newseum site.

2010

2010-01-01T06:01:00.000-08:00

it's 2010 a new day has come. the nice thing about the warm hawaiian sunsets is that it reminds you that the day is done, to pause and soak in the moment, and to give thanks for another day's passing.

another year has passed and a new one is welcomed. how quickly time passes, how life's days roll into the next, unless we make the intentional effort to shift our conciousness to fully live in the present moment.

Beautifully Hanging

2009-12-25T09:23:00.000-08:00

Wishing you a joyous Christmas Day!

Maui Film Festival

2009-12-20T21:45:00.000-08:00

One of the neatest things to do in Maui during the winter (Nov-Jan), is to attend the Maui Film Festival...a chance to watch independent and international films under the stars surrounded by island beauty.

Before the movie, check out the pre-festival live music, organic wine, desserts, appetizers and cocktails. Movie tickets are $12 and showtimes and movie selections can be found at: http://www.mauifilmfestival.com/fl_index.php

The Cultural Center is currently featuring a free gallery exhibit on Contemporary Furniture and other musical performance of orchestral and jazz music (call for ticket info).

Where it's at:
Maui Arts and Cultural Center
808.242-SHOW

In Search of Power (Travel Tip)

2009-12-17T20:57:00.000-08:00

I was flying to LA from the East Coast just a couple days ago when the woman next to me asked me to help her plug in the laptop into the electrical socket perched between us. Wha..? Electrical outlet? I didn’t even know this was even available on airplanes. I generally bring two battery packs to last a five hour flight.

This woman looked “oh so New York” in her slick black power suit, deathly but fashionable stacked heals, tasteful leather quilted designer handbag, and exquisitely selected fine jewelry. Black, black and more black… down to her matching black laptop. Sparkles of diamonds offset this woman who would have instantly disappeared in the nightfall’s whisper. I thought it was pretty funny moment, this lady of “power” in search of power.

She worked at a frantic pace throughout the entire five hour flight as I munched on a chocolate chip cookie and wore my "fashionable" $2 airplane purchased headset. I felt “oh so L.A.” adorned in a casual cotton top and pair of relaxed jeans (my so-called power suit packed, not worn) as I laughed out loud to the movie Elf (I must have been in desperate need for entertainment that evening). We couldn't be more different, she and I, representing two different ends of the country yet sitting just a seat apart.

Yet it’s from L.A. en route to Hawaii that I write this piece. And I’m in fact able to do this because of my newfound “power” secret. I guess you can say that I’m now ‘plugged in’ with this new info > quite literally.

To see if you airplane aisle has power outlets, look at the overhead compartments where the seat number is written. There will be a symbol (often of a lightening bolt) and words such as “DC Electrical Power Outlet Available Under Seat” printed on the compartment. Funny how I never noticed that.

Extra Hands

2009-12-13T10:12:00.000-08:00

Every now and then we all need an extra helping hand. Now you purchase them--literally--for $98.

Fun Finds!

banana grip

2009-12-06T00:50:00.000-08:00

some christmas gift ideas...the irony > folks tend to slip...not grip...onto banana peels.

Shopping: Best Gifts to buy from Hawaii

2009-12-01T19:45:00.000-08:00

Say goodbye to tacky tourist souvineirs > to Hilo Hattie aloha shirts, fake ukulele's, dashboard hula girls and seashell leis from the ABC Store. Here are some other ideas....

{ ala moana shopping center}

Martin & MacArthur - my favorite tourist gift shop. most accessible place to get Koa jewelry boxes, hand crafted bowls, ceramic ornaments, tea pots, local inspired jewelry, koa paddles for home decor, a ukulele, a wall print. on the small gift side: woven slipper coasters for cocktail drinks or glass blown cocktail rings in shapes of slippers for a wine stem. anything you get here will be a welcomed gift. Walking through the store is always an artful pleasure.
Naole - one of my personal favorite gift stores located in the old ward shopping plaza. great place for art prints, hand blown glass ware, photography, gyutaku inked fish prints, koa pens, bowls and carvings, windchimes, handcrafted jewelry. place for one of a kind gifts. like this place (perhaps) even more than martin & macarthur. it's a toss up.

Koa Pens - koa wood. elaborate handmade koa pens. got my dad a pen from here as a gift. beautifully crafted. comes in a velvet bag and wooden box, signed by the artist. bowls and other giftables too. forget the store (kapahulu) but some vendors at the blaisdale center craft faire. also at the fine gift stores mentioned above.
Hawaiian Quilt - give a quilt, pillow cover or potholder. These quilts take hours and days to make. also ceramic themed tea pots, tea cups, and other items at the Hawaiian Quilt store at Ala Moana, Beach Walk or Duty Free Store in Waikiki.

Fine art - I'll have to plug my favorite local artist again, Heather Brown. Her work can be purchased at the Chinatown Boardroom (a small gallery) and on the North Shore. Other places that sell local art: Island Gallery (Hyatt Waikiki), Nohea Gallery, Maui Hands (Paia, Maui), Honolulu Academy of Arts gift center.Unique Hawaii Gift Cards: Only in Hawaii do stores create their own limited edition gift card designs. A gift folks can use in Hawaii or the mainland. Here are the places that create unique and collectible Hawaii themed gift cards...

Starbucks
Macy's
NordstromThings for your Office Co-Workers

(easy to pack in your suitcase, easy to share):

-Pineapple shaped gourmet cookies from the Hawaii Cookie Company.

- Big Island Candy(chocolate dipped cookies) are a classic treat--if you fly to the Big Island.
-Individually packed chocolate covered Mac Nuts from Costco
- Box of Choco Mac Nuts from Longs, Walgreens, and ABC Stores.

-Pens, calendars, magnets, postcard: Walmart (best), Longs
-Cracked seed/cuttlefish, shortbread cookies from Wholesale Unlimited.

For Young girls and Women:

Cinnamon Girl - a store only found in Hawaii(photo below). floral and feminine clothing, giftables, baby clothes. they also have some really fun finds...like lady bug dishwasing gloves, funky journals, holiday ornaments, and flower shaped kitchen timers. (look on the ground and on tables and in high places throughout the store.)

Fresh Lei - who can resist this unique gift? Purchase before heading on the plane to keep fresh. (Walmart, Costco, Cindy's lei and Lei Florist on University Ave, or most super market and Longs store).

For the Tea Collector: hawaiian loose leaf tea pineapple shaped tea infusers, hawaii flower tea cups or coffee mugs.

Fun, feminine and quirky stuff...check out Red Pineapple in Ward. (love this store)

Parents & Grandparents:

-hawaii cookbooks (costco)
-Mu'u Mu'u (if you must) - Sears (for non-touristy types)
-Handcrafted ornaments and Christmas giftables (do check out the Blaisdel Center Craft Faire, Fall months)
-Koa wood frame with a family photograph framed inside.
-Family Portrait session. Check out photographer Garrett Nose in Kaimuki. He's talented and great to work with.

Boys and Men:

Aloha shirts: Tommy Bahama (Moana Surfrider giftshop, Macy's, Nordstrom); Tori Richard (boutique in Ala Moana mall, Macys, Nordstrom). Vintage aloha shirts.

Hawaiian music - CDs (Jake Shimabukuru, Justin Young (love this guy), or oldees like Hapa, Kapena, Keali'i Reichel (my old school favorite--think i went to his concert way back when)

On the small gift side: Ikaika warrior helmet, Hawaii vintage liscense plates, King Kamehameha statue, finger surf board, surf designed t-shirts, hats and caps, Nostlagia postcards or photographs DVDs of Hawaii history, screen savers of photos...

{plenty more ideas. please share your recommendations too}

fallen leaves (poem)

2009-11-29T11:03:00.000-08:00

My fingers lace tightly around the smooth ceramic
cup of steaming camomilie tea
brewing gently to whisper a subtle aroma of mint and orange infusion
As the crisp morning air beams on my rosy cheeks
and I huddle in a soft wool knit sweater
smiling at the enterance of Fall
in California I’ve missed twice over
Where days like today my spirit is renewed
and my heart delights in the small moments of beauty
When warm sunlight glistens on golden amber and cardinal leaves
and kids in red peacoats padded with bright colored scarves
kick fallen leaves on small town sidewalks
and laugh carelessly in play.
I welcome the climate’s mildly changing seasons
and it’s quiet reminder of time passing

the ebbs and flows
of the sacred rhythym of life.

Tinted Sunscreen

2009-11-22T13:50:00.000-08:00

Sunscreen + Moisturizer + A Hint of Color.
What will they come up with next?

Love it!: tinted moisturizer...and tinted sunscreen...

{And if you think this is just for women...think again. It looks natural on guys too. Why should n't they benefit from moisturizers and sunscreen as well? I love that Shiseido (and Clinique) have products for men.}

I love the tinted moisturizer for overcast days, drizzly days in Hawaii, and days when I'm just too darn lazy to go through the whole beauty routine. This tube offers you a 3-in-1 on-the-go solution: moisturize your face, sunscreen it, and give it a tint for light coverage while you sit at that red stop light on your way to work. It's that easy! {scratch the last part, and concentrate on your driving.} The coverage is very light, so be warned that it doesn't cover like foundation. ($37)
Shiseido has won a ton of awards for their sunscreen. Now it comes in full-coverage foundation form with 43+ protection. All you need is a little drop of this thing to cover a part of your face. It's a thick and rich formula. So much so that you need a sponge (included) to even out the application. It's primarily a foundation with alot of sunscreen. (verses other way around). ($36 for a small 1 oz bottle)

This formula is waterproof, so it's super popular among surfer girls and beach goers. It lasts all day in the city. I do however, feel the need to touch up the sunsreen aspect of the foundation after 4 hours or so. It's recommended that one buys the Compact Foundation for touch-ups (which can be used in lew of the liquid foundation in the first place). ($25)They also have a new product for under-eye sunscreen to prevent wrinkles and spots under the eye ($31). Sounds ridiculous...but in Hawaii I got sunspots and freckles under my eye--indeed.

A few people have been asking for my recommendations on sunscreens. See my former post for the best sunscreen.

Makawao, Maui

2009-11-15T11:48:00.000-08:00

Don't know why, but strolling down the streets of Paia, I feel like I walk back in time to the 1970s and yet forward into good whole living. Slow pace, earthy folk, good organic eats, and an appreciate for the arts. Makawao (painting above) is another great little artist town that doesn't seem to have lost it's flower-power flavor. Both towns, I believe, have histories of being areas where hippie-types from the mainland came to settle, merging their values of community, artistry, and free-spirited living with the already laid-back subculture of Maui island life. I like it! Two of my favorite towns to visit on Maui.

To Do Tatoo

2009-11-08T00:26:00.000-08:00

funny. 'nuff said.

Hawaiian Sunburn - Aloe Vera & After Sun Lotion

2009-11-01T23:42:00.000-08:00

I gained more sunspots, freckles and wrinkles during my first 3 months in Hawaii than I gained in my entire life. I wear sunblock and a hat almost all the time in Hawaii, but the sun still manages to burn my face. My solution: Aloe Vera and After Sun products to naturally heal the sun damaged skin.

My favorite skin remedy for everything (redness, burns, itches, bites) is Aloe Vera. It instantly cools the skin and relieves the redness. I have sensitive skin, so Aloe Vera in liquid formula is especially great.

I particularly like the all-natural brand Auburn, which can be found at Whole Foods and other fine health stores. They are the only brand that I've found 100% Aloe Vera in pure liquid form. This treat comes at a price through. A small bottle runs $17 in comparison to it's gel form in other brands found at Longs, Walmart and markets ($3). (Auburn Aloe Vera is much easier to find in stores across Hawaii than it is on the mainland, so stock up!)

Another remedy is to buy "After-Sun" products. I had never even heard of After-Sun until a foreign exchange student had approached me for help in the McCully market one day. Together we looked for an item called After Sun and found it in the shampoo aisle. Again, I'd recommend Auburn brand because it's all-natural. (After sun is made by other popular brands like Banana Boat and such but contains more chemicals).

Shiseido puts out an After-Sun lotion, but you can only purchase these items in Asia and Australia. Some online shopping can get you the product. The product description reads: "A high-performance moisturizer that hydrates and pampers sun-exposed skin with a fresh, soft touch. Enriched with Vitamins. Excellent for face and body. Non-clogging to pores. Allergy tested." ($25)

Honolulu Gas Finder

2009-10-25T05:19:00.000-07:00

One of the most useful sites I use in Honolulu:

http://www.honolulugasprices.com

Provides up to the minute locations of where to buy the cheapest gas.

Just type in your city, zip code, or gas station you service at, and the locator will do the rest for you. Yes, it's that easy. Worth taking a serious look!

Oakley Headquaters - An Archetectural Quest

2009-10-18T13:03:00.000-07:00

Office... Retail Store...or Spaceship?

Love the design of this place. The building is unlike any I've seen in my global explorations. The nuts and bolts that hold the building in place are bigger than my face! True to the Oakley brand, their building follows in the same iconic artistic vision.

I guess I'd call it conceptual architecture--where brand marketing directly influences the design and experience of retail and office space.

{I only have point and shoot snap shots of this place, so sharing photos found online. The Headquarters is one of the few reasons that people head out to Foothill Ranch.} Enjoy:

And for real Oakley fans, check out this one of the kind Oakley baby stroller made special for the headquarters. Plus, this guy's blog is funny and fresh--mixes sarcasm, kid-finds, and politics from a dad's view--a unique blogsite: daddytypes.com.

{this post is my favorite architectural post. love this place!}

Foie Gras hot dog - Hot Dougs (Chicago)

2009-10-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

So from the looks of this photo this post is obviously not about Hawaii. You couldn't be caught dead wearing wool knitted hats and puffy down jackets on the island.

So...here you have it: According to a recent article I read titled "Top 13 Places You Must Eat At Before You Die"....Hot Doug's in Chicago was one of them (among 5 star notables around the world including "French Laundry" in Napa, CA--where it takes 3 months to get a reservation...if you're lucky).

I already wrote about Hank's hotdog in Honolulu and their gourmet dogs created by a former Chicago chef. So now, let's actually turn to Chicago...

Hot Doug's sells gourmet hotdogs such as the foie gras hot dog (photo below)--and check out their other specialities too ($7.50-9.00). Sounds so good, I wanna fly to O'Hare right now! Of course, Hawaii's has hawaiian hotdogs at Puka Dog's in Waikiki...but this Chicago joint seems to take the cake.

Foie Gras and Sauternes Duck Sausage with Truffle Aioli, Foie Gras Mousse and Sel Gris:

Others on the menu:
- Blue Cheese Pork Sausage with White Peach Puree, Rum-Infused Dried Fruit and Roasted Almonds
- Smoked Crayfish and Pork Sausage with Cajun Remoulade and Goat Cheese
-Cherry Pork Sausage with Cherry-Blackberry Cream Sauce and Sartori Raspberry Cheese
-The Atomic Bomb Spicy Pork Sausage with Spicy Passion Fruit Mayonnaise and Smoked Gouda Cheese
-Spinach and Feta Loukaniko with Skordalia, Kalamata Olives and Feta Cheese
-Bacon Cheeseburger Pork Sausage with Coca-Cola BBQ Sauce and Colby-Jack Cheese

And of course, this is the best type of Chicago haute yet hot (and sweaty) dogs in town (poor dogs):

Where It's At:
3324 North California, Chicago Illinois 60618
773.279.9550
Mon-Sat (10:30am-4pm); Sun Closed
http://hotdougs.com

Polarized Sunglasses in Hawaii

2009-10-11T11:58:00.000-07:00

Polarized sunglasses are the way to go in Hawaii. The strong sunshine and reflections coming off of the ocean waves necessitate that extra coverage to protect the health of your eyes.

Two lines I'd recommend are: Maui Jim and Oakley. I researched them both well, and found that they have excellent technology put into their product. They work with different levels of polarization and bake them into each layer of the lens. Other companies like Ray Ban (and women's fashion line sunglasses--e.g. Prada, DKNY, Channel) only spray coat a top layer of "polarization" so that they can officially quality as a polarized sunglass. Don't let the latter models fool you--the coat will wear off in time and through extensive use.
Maui Jim has one of the lightest wrap around frames ever--perfect for the avid golfer. Cuts out the glare for those winning shots, and won't fall off your face with your swing. They have other great pairs, and in my opinion have a strong line for men's sunglasses. You can visit their headquarters in Lahanina, Maui. (Great made-in-Hawaii souvineir for yourself as well).

Similarly, Oakley rises high on technology and has amazing life time warranty policies. It's sports a more athletic and urban sensibility, and their frames are more suited for mens--I have yet to find a women's pair that fits my face well. I did however, purchase the Whistler in a burnished gold frame and loved it. It was a bit on the heavy side due to the weight of the lens, but the metal frame itself was light. On Maui, the sunglasses got thrown off my head by a wave and I lost the pair forever. I was so sad. I lost my Anna Sui polarized glasses that week as well. I later bougtht a second Oakley Whitler in silver and lost this pair somewhere on Oahu. A couple months later I lost a Ray Ban pair on Hilo. I now just pick whatever is available at Costco. {Maui Jims, Oakleys and Ray Bans are all available at Costco in Hawaii only.}
Sunglass Hut has a special Oakley deal right now: Exclusive Oakley designs, Free Oakley cleaning kit, free shipping, and double American Express bonus points.

For those with REI membership, Oakleys and Maui Jims are sold there giving you double REI and Oakley life time warranties. (Maui Jim gives you one year). REI is wonderful about returns, warranties and membership points. It's the Nordstroms of sporting stores.

And if you haven't been to the Oakley Headquarters in Foothill Ranch, California (South Orange County) it's worth a visit...if you can find it. I think they filmed some sci-fi movies here. And you'll soon see why when you arrive. It's truly an architect's dream project.

Sunglasses as Marker of Cultural Difference

2009-10-04T11:33:00.000-07:00

In sunny Hawaii, I was surprised to find that alot of people don't wearing sunglasses on a daily basis. I mean, don't get me wrong, people do wear sunglasses. But it's not as prominent, noticeable or necessitated as in other cities.

In L.A. for example, almost everyone I know wears sunglasses...every day and during every outdoor moment. And it's not that the sun shines brighter in LA than Hawaii--because it doesn't. So it seems that sunglasses play a different role in SoCal life than it does in the Aloha State.

There is a particular cultural attitude toward sunglasses in L.A. Perhaps it's Hollywood's influence that makes sunglasses a cultural necessity to the way we live. Afterall, when you see a movie star on the red carpet what's the first thing they usually do? Pull down their shades and smile for the paparazzi. And if they're lunching at a popular Beverly Hills spot, what do they do? Keep their shades on--to look cool, remain unnoticed, and signal a desire for privacy. So, it's not that people in LA are consciously trying to imitate this Hollywood lifestyle, but I do think that a subtle scent of this sunglass-attitude has infused itself into the fabric of So Cal's unquestioned social mores.

In LA, sunglasses serve first as a fashion accessory and second as a functional piece.

In my recent return to LA I smile whenever I and my friends whip out our sunglasses at the brink of leaving any building. In a recent photo I took with friends, the first thing I noticed was that we were all wearing sunglasses. My brother uses 13+ Oakley sunglasses on a regular basis, my friends spend hundreds of dollars for each pair they own, and I usually switch between three different pairs depending on the occasion (evening glam/day time professional/outdoor athletic)--although I usually end up loosing all of them and relying on one inexpensive pair day in and day out.

In Hawaii, I think that folks are just as fine with the naked eye as with a pair of sunglasses. The cultural attitude toward the framed pair, is more relaxed. It's a matter of personal choice and preference...and a role and matter of functionality. And it's kind of nice that way. After all, you get to see the whites of people's eyes when they talk...you learn to appreciate seeing sun rays in their natural beauty, and if you ever forget your pair at home, you never need to feel "naked" without them. It's freeing, really.