Yummy Gummies Review and Giveaway

Disclosure: Complimentary product was received for review purposes.

In Hawaii, lemon peel / li hing gummies are quite popular, and I was fortunate to try locally-made Yummy Gummies, which combines gummies with li hing powder, lemon peel, and dried cherries

They are addicting!

I love li hing gummies as is, but the addition of the lemon peel and dried cherries give this snack a nice texture and tartness.

I almost ate the entire bag by myself...in one sitting!

Hawaii Mom Blog has teamed up with Yummy Gummies for a giveaway!  Visit Hawaii Mom Blog on Instagram to enter!

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Visit South Dakota: Backyard BBQ

Backyard BBQ offers authentic barbecue, using hickory, cherry, and apple wood to smoke meats for up to 12 hours.

We ordered a few sliders (choices included Smoked Pulled Pork, Smoked Chicken, and Smoked Beef Brisket). 

They were tasty, but what I loved most were the sides!  

Cheesy Hashbrowns

Cole Slaw

Molasses Baked Beans

Corn Bread

The Cheesy Hashbrowns and Corn Bread were my faves.  I could've just eaten all sides and I would've been happy.

 All kids meals come with a drink, side, and a cookie!

Mini Corn Dogs

Service was very friendly, and Backyard BBQ was a great spot to enjoy some delicious eats!

Backyard BBQ
3705 S Western Ave

Sioux Falls, SD 57105
(605) 444-1800

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Pups of War Fun For All Ages!

Disclosure:  Discount was received for review purposes.  All opinions are entirely my own.

My son having the time of his 9 year old life!

My son received his first nerf gun when he was 2 while we were staycationing in Kona and had foolishly made a stop at Target.  Since then, his grandparents have gifted him a new model for every birthday, Christmas, and just because it’s Wednesday.  As you can imagine, his nerf gun collection could arm the entire neighborhood.  Our house is littered with those foam darts and balls which I have resolved to ignore, but I admit I will lose it every once in a while when a stray bullet lands in our most unreachable light fixture.  Not. Fun.

So thank goodness for Pups of War, Hawaii's first and premier dedicated Nerf, Rival, and Gotcha Arena!  Thanks to the geniuses behind Pups of War, my son has a safe 4,000 square feet to battle it out with other kids and shoot to his heart’s content.  The padded arena is filled with structures and play areas that players can explore or hide in while they either refill their nerf guns with unlimited ammo or talk strategy.  Safety is a priority as all players are required to wear grip socks and safety glasses.  

Players at the Pearlridge location can come in for walk-on play as well as part of a party package.  All party packages are priced to include play for 15 players and two hours in designated party rooms which includes a refrigerator, tables, table covers, chairs, and paper goods.  Reservations for parties on weekends tend to fill fast so a week night might be a better option for your party.  

I opted for a simple birthday celebration for my son so we invited 4 of his friends for two hours of walk-on play.  What has always impressed me when checking in at Pups of War is the staff.  Each time they have been professional, extremely helpful, and patient.  The boys were super excited, but the staff member was able to get them banded and suited up with safety goggles and grip socks in no time.  One of the kids had brought his own nerf gun, but once he saw the collection Pups of War had, he quickly brought it back to me.  The kids loved being able to use the battery operated blasters in level 3 and having the option to access the level 2 Rival ball-type blasters and the level 1 basic dart-type blasters.  

Once in the arena players can roam freely, but the staff will also hold organized games like Capture the Flag.  I could safely watch from behind a net dividing the arena and the waiting area with ample comfy seating and televisions.  Before the two hours were over, 3 of the 5 kids were exhausted and in the waiting area with me drinking water.  Of course, I had to pull away my son from the arena when time was up.  He had so much fun, that he told me two hours was not enough.  This from the kid that knocked out in the car on the way home.  Pups of War has two other convenient locations in Windward Mall and Kapolei to tire your kid out too.

Choosing their weapons.

So many places to hide! 

The tombstones in the Gravyard make the perfect shield!

One of the party rooms.

Inside the “Dog Pound”

Behind the running kids is the net that keeps people in the waiting area safe from flying nerf bullets. 

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Waikiki Trolley's New Honolulu Dining Express

Last month I had a chance to experience Waikiki Trolley's new Honolulu Dining Express.

The Yellow Line Honolulu Dining Express begins at International Market Place, and takes you to twelve different stops throughout Waikiki and along Kapahulu Avenue, such as Leonard's Bakery, Market City Shopping Center, and Side Street Inn.

A one-way ride costs only $2 per person, or it's free with a one-day or multi-day all-line Waikiki Trolley pass.

The Honolulu Dining Express is great for locals and tourists alike, as parking in Waikiki and on Kapahulu Avenue can be scarce and / or expensive, and we all know how traffic can be in those areas.

Take a ride on the trolley and you can do your own food crawl!

At the International Market Place, indulge in some ramen at Goma Tei, pizza at Flour & Barley, or steak at StripSteak, then cure your sweet tooth with a slush float at Rainbow Drive-In and some malasadas from Leonard's Bakery.

And if you still have room, head back to the International Market Place and do a mini crawl inside The Street Food Hall by Michael Mina!

In addition to saving time by avoiding traffic and saving money by avoiding parking fees, when you ride on the trolley, you can relax and enjoy the pretty views!

$2 for a trolley ride is a deal when it comes to getting around Waikiki (the entire ride takes about an hour, dependent on traffic conditions).

For more information and to find out where the Honolulu Dining Express stops, visit https://waikikitrolley.com/index.php/honolulu-dining-express/.

Mahalo to the sponsor for the complimentary tickets.

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Visit South Dakota: Stensland Family Farms

Our South Dakota ice cream stop was Stensland Family Farms.

This family-run ice cream shop, part of the family-run farm, offers premium ice cream using their farm-produced milk (read why their milk is so special here).

Conquer the Craving

Strawberry Fields

Salted Caramel Pecan

Conquer the Craving consists of house made brownie batter with brownie chunks and cookie dough.

Salted Caramel Pecan is one of the popular flavors, and it's so yummy - a nice combo of sweet and slightly salty.

The ice cream was amazing, and if you find yourself in Iowa in the Spring, you should consider doing a tour of the Stensland Family Farm!

Stensland Family Farms
3101 West 41st Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57105

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Visit Minnesota: White Castle

My first visit to White Castle was in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

But silly me - I didn't even order The Original Slider!

I decided to get a Crispy Chicken Breast Slider (since I don't eat much beef), along with some Onion Chips.

I thought the chicken slider was okay, but next time I will order an original beef slider (or at least take a bite of it from someone in my family who ordered it).

I did like the Onion Chips, especially with the Zesty Zing Sauce.  I would definitely order that again!

White Castle
100 W LAKE ST
Minneapolis, MN 55408

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Angelo Pietro

I can't believe it's been four years since I last went to Angelo Pietro in Kaimuki!

Eggplant Penne Arrabiata

Teriyaki Cream Chicken & Mushroom

I had the Eggplant Penne Arrabiata, which had a nice amount of spice, as well as a lot of bacon and onions.  It sure was delish - I ate the entire thing!

A kids menu offers pizza or bolognese, with a soft drink.

Kids Pizza

Service was great, and hopefully it won't be another four years before I return!

Angelo Pietro
1108 12th Ave. C
(808) 941-0555 

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