Abby's Birthday Party at Ice Palace

The coldest place in Hawaii. Considering there's no snow nor hail on Oahu, it better be cold enough to freeze a huge block of ice for skating! A great place to escape the heat and humidity and to celebrate Abby's 12th birthday with bentos, lumpia, and floppy hats!

Uncommonly Good Bread Pudding

I'm always on the outlook for a good and simple bread pudding recipe that doesn't hundreds of eggs and even more loaves of bread, and tons of heavy cream. That was a bit of exaggeration but really, why does every bread pudding recipe have to be so big?! Recipe calls for Texas toast and I can guarantee that there is no Texas toast to be found in paradise, so in went sweet bread. Instead of breaking slices, I simply layered the pieces and poured the batter of eggs, sugar, milk, vanilla and melted butter with a garnish of semi sweet chocolate chips. I liked this version better!

Guacamole

Remember Katie Lee's version that used minced garlic? I've been using her recipe for years...until now! The Pioneer Woman has made me a convert! Simply make her pico de gallo, mash an avocado, then add the pico de gallo to the mashed avocado! I also like the idea of not using a food processor to mix everything which means less dishes to wash and sooner I can devour the guacamole!

Pico De Gallo

I used to chop huge amounts of tomatoes, some onions and just a sprinkle of cilantro and think it was pico de gallo. Boy, was I wrong! I followed the advice of The Pioneer Woman with equal parts diced tomatoes, diced onions, and chopped cilantro to make the BEST pico de gallo! This could easily replace ketchup as my favorite condiment.

Sand and Sea Creations

Tracy's collection is unique, reasonably priced, and obviously made with love. Check out her site. www.sandseacreations.com

My Hubby

My heart still skips a beat when I look at him, even after being together for 20 years. The blond hair has been replaced by salt and pepper and the face by handsome, distinguished lines. I sometimes stare at him when he doesn't know just to admire his beauty!

Left Point Beach

One of my hubby's favorite place to surf, but not my favorite to swim, considering the rocks, glass, and waves that break close to shore. The place is growing on me though, considering the birth of an monk seal pup, gorgeous view of a full moon over the ocean, and the company of friends!

Makapu'u Beach

Post card perfect view of one of the the most beautiful beaches in the world. The beach is gorgeous but the waves can be deadly! I had to take a break after being pounded by the shore break. Not a pretty sight when trying to get out of the water in a sexy, yellow bikini and then tossed and landing on your butt! So shame! Just a perfect day! I felt so blessed to be with my family, to be healthy and enjoy the ocean, and to be able to live in Hawaii!

Bread Pudding

I'm always on the lookout for a good bread pudding. This Food Network recipe was simple, tasty, and wetter than others. Is that grammatically correct? Or is wetter even a word? Nevertheless, it was good! It had to do for a neighborhood breakfast that our street hosts once a year. I never stop giving thanks for our wonderful neighbors

Caladiums

While other people get excited about the first swell of the season or a box of Krispy Kreme donuts, I get excited by the reappearance of my caladiums. The paper thin leaves and beautiful colors are an exotic sight to behold! By the way, I never had a Krispy Kreme donut. Is that a good thing?!

Pot Roast

My family did not appreciate my stint of veganism nor vegetarianism because they love a meal of meat and potatoes! While I am happily omnivorous, like many people I am eating a lot less meat these days than I once did. I have vegetarian meals for breakfast and lunch. But when dinner comes around, I ask, "Where's the meat?" The Pioneer Woman's recipe for pot roast was succulent, tender, and just...wonderful!

World's Best Lasagna

A recipe from allrecipes.com which requires a little work but totally worth it!

Bruschetta

Not only were they gorgeous from the colorfully vibrant and local tomatoes, speckled with fresh basil from my garden to look at, but these bruschetta were light, healthy, and satisfying! This pupu (Hawaiian appetizer) was perfect before a heavy meal of pot roast and potatoes.

Army Chicken and Potatoes

My hubby has been gone for 2 days and I wanted to surprise him with a home cooked meal of my dad's chicken recipe he learned in the Army and good ole' potatoes!

Surfing

I noticed as I was perusing surfing pictures that I always have a big smile on my face when I'm in the water. Just thought I mentioned that.

Happy 18th Anniversay

I've always taken comfort in the fact that our parents' marriages are happy and stable. Thank you for setting a great example to us!

Julia's Best Banana Bread

While other banana breads are light and moist, Julia's recipe is dark, sticky moist, spongy and dense. Actor Andrew McCarthy was on the quest to find the best and found it on the precarious road to Hana. I agree, this is THE best banana bread I've ever tasted. Thanks Andrew for doing the drive to Hana.

North Shore

A visit to the North Shore not only involves beach and surfing but shave ice and shopping!

Lorilee

You know how you have a friend you rarely see but when you get together, it seems like you just saw her yesterday. I feel like that with Lorilee who visited for a few days. I jam packed her visit with yoga and Zumba classes, surfing, and of course food!

Waialua Fresh

General store located next to the sugar mill where you can find fresh produce, cute tops and jewelry, and local sweets.

Summer Art

When I mustered up the courage to try surfing again, I was met head on by fear and anxiety. I figured since I'm already out of my comfort zone, let's add art. A summer of art has brought patience, unexpected joy, and saving money!