Tea

There's a world of coffee and tea drinkers, and I proudly belong to the latter club. I prefer sweet, fruity teas with dessert and strong, caffeinated ones after a meal. Thank you to my dear friend Todd who showers me with tea gifts and fostering my passion for TEA!

Tea & Spice Herbs Bazaar

Cute little shop tucked in a not so quiet corner of Ala Moana. What's so cool about their selection of teas, is that you can eat the remnants when you're done drinking your cup! It looks and tastes like trail mix and candy.

Tea Farm Cafe

Besides enjoying the teas, soup and sandwiches, and decor, the Tea Farm Cafe serves scrumptious desserts and this gorgeous chocolate fondue that go perfect with…you know it-tea!

Tea Farm Cafe

The Tea Farm Cafe boasts hundreds of tea that you enjoy either in a cup or pot. I am partial to the Black Lychee for taste and the Rosebud for beauty! The lovely presentation and health benefits get me so excited that I can't wait for it to cool-ouch!

Tea Farm Cafe, Manoa

It took me this long to visit this Manoa gem? I've received delicious teas and elegant pots as gifts, but I've never set foot in the cafe. Loved it so much that I went two days in a row! Clean, spacious, attractive. I especially enjoyed the quiet nook where a comfortable sofa and a wall of books welcome you to enjoy a pot of tea!

Cranberry Oatmeal White Chocolate Cookie

Start the new year with a clean fridge is a must! Cranberries, oatmeal, and white chocolate near expiration date made it into a bowl of cookie dough. Especially liked the red, which according to Chinese tradition brings good luck.

Happy New Year

May your life, heart and love be full of laughter, love, heart and health!

New Year's Casino

My brother's Vegas style party is full of lights, color, and the best prizes!

Surfing

The more the merrier! Just remember…the best surfer in the water is the one having the most fun!

Christmas

This time of year can be hectic with correcting finals, cookie decorating parties, and endless lists, but I stop to reflect on being thankful to have a job that allows me time to travel, surf, and be with family. I'm also happy to include the newest addition to our family…Edward who has been a source of amusement and delight to us and his new brother Jack.

Cookie Decorating Party

What started as a way to create Christmas memories with Anna now includes her cousins and their children and friends we consider family.

Fruitcake

I've heard horror stories of fruitcake: hard as rocks and being used as a doorstop. I never grew up with fruitcake but I was recently introduced to this Christmas staple. Todd's mom is an amazing cook and baker and I never refuse anything from her kitchen. Her fruitcake banished every negative image of fruitcake and I look forward to having a slice next Christmas!

Brick Oven Pizza

Just as good as the one we enjoyed on Kauai!

HBT The Nutcracker

A Christmas tradition that I anticipate every year, not just for the ballet but for the Sugarplum Tea and bake sale.

Christine's Cookie Decorating Party

One party I eagerly anticipate is Christine's Christmas Cookie Decorating.

Vegetable Tian

Mimi Thorisson's gorgeous, new cookbook A Kitchen in France features this simple, colorful and delicious dish, great as a side or vegetarian entree.