UNIQLO AIRism Review and Giveaway

Thanks to UNIQLO Hawaii, my kids have been lounging around in their new favorite item - AIRism!

AIRism is an extremely comfortable inner layer apparel line that is not surprisingly very popular in Hawaii, due to our hot and humid climate.

Featuring the latest Japanese fiber technology, AIRism products breathe and wick away trapped moisture, and quickly dry.  Its anti-bacterial and anti-odor properties make it ideal for wear in Hawaii's weather.   And what my kids love most - AIRism is so soft!

My kids wanted to wear the AIRism tanks all day during a recent day out.  

AIRism is available for men and women as well.  For more information, click here.

UNIQLO Hawaii is slated to open in the fall at Ala Moana Center.  In the meantime, you can check-out their pop-up location near center stage.

Visit Hawaii Mom Blog on Instagram for your chance to enter to win AIRism kid tanks!

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Visit Japan: Osaka Castle

We had room for one castle visit during our quick trip to Osaka.  A friend had recommended Himeji Castle as the castle to see, but we ran out of time and Osaka Castle was more easily accessible to us.  If you are taking the subway, be prepared for a long walk to the entrance of the castle.  It was a hot day so we opted to pay a fee to take a tram ride directly to the entrance. 

Osaka Castle has a long history with its construction beginning in 1583.  The present day main tower is the third generation after being destroyed twice.  Inside the castle is the Osaka Castle Museum with many valuable and historical artifacts on display.  On the top floor is the observation deck which offers a beautiful panoramic view.  After we explored the castle, we took a walk in the park and found a shopping center with delicious ice cream. 

So much green surrounding Osaka Castle.

Gorgeous views from the observation deck.

Osaka Castle ice cream from a shop nearby.

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Visit DC: Korean War Vets Memorial

The Korean War Vets Memorial is dedicated to the 5.8 million Americans who served in the U.S. armed services during the Korean War.

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The memorial consists of 19 statues, a 164-foot Mural Wall, a Pool of Remembrance, and a United Nations Wall.

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Up close the etchings on the Mural Wall depict that of the soldiers.  From afar, it gives the appearance of Korean mountain ranges.

The Pool of Remembrance borders the Freedom Is Not Free Wall and Alcove which lists the soldiery costs of the war.

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Avengers: Infinity War Now Available on Blu-ray

Disclosure: Complimentary product was received for review purposes.

I'm a huge Marvel fan, and one of the best movies I've seen all year was Avengers: Infinity War, which is now out on Blu-ray!

According to a press release, “Avengers: Infinity War shattered all opening records, surpassed the $2 billion mark at the global box office in just 48 days, and remains the fourth highest-grossing film of all time." 

We have an entire library of Marvel Studios Blu-rays, so I was extremely excitement to add Avengers: Infinity War to our collection.

The whole family was glued to the screen as we watched the Blu-ray.  We watched intently as all of our favorite characters appeared on screen (I love Iron Man!) in trying to prevent Thanos from obtaining all of the gems for the Infinity Gauntlet.

The kids were thrilled to have received an oven mitt, along with a recipe and tools to make Infinity Stone Sugar Cookies.  We will definitely be making some to eat while we watch Avengers: Infinity War on Blu-ray again. 

One of my favorite features of the Blu-ray is the gag reel!  Check out the short clip below for a peek.  My kids loved watching the deleted scenes.  You'll find even more great content, such as featurettes, commentaries, and more on the Blu-ray!


Synopsis: In “Avengers: Infinity War,” members from every MCU franchise must sacrifice like never before in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe. The film stars Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/The Hulk, Chris Evans as Steve Rogers/Captain America, Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow, Don Cheadle as Colonel James Rhodes/War Machine, Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange, Tom Holland as Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa/Black Panther, Zoe Saldana as Gamora, Karen Gillan as Nebula, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Paul Bettany as Vision, Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch, Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Falcon, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier, Idris Elba as Heimdall, Danai Gurira as Okoye, Peter Dinklage as Eitri, Benedict Wong as Wong, Pom Klementieff as Mantis, Dave Bautista as Drax, featuring Vin Diesel as Groot, Bradley Cooper as Rocket, with Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts, with Benicio Del Toro as The Collector, with Josh Brolin as Thanos, and Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Star-Lord.

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Fresh Ahi Off the Boat Revisited

Fresh Ahi Off the Boat is one of my favorite places for a modern poke bowl.  By 'modern', I mean poke bowls that come with toppings and sides, as opposed to traditional poke bowls, which come with just rice and poke.

During my last visit here with my friend, we both opted to make our own bowl for $13.75.

My friend made his with salad instead of rice. It was huge!

I opted for a bowl with sushi rice, salmon poke, unagi, crab mayo, tempura flakes and nori. I devoured it in minutes.

For $13.75, it's a great deal, as it even includes a bowl of warm miso soup.

Also on the menu are assorted rice bowls, bentos, maki sushi, and salads.  And for large parties, they have a number of catering platters to choose from!

FRESH AHI OFF THE BOAT

815 KEEAUMOKU STREET

(808) 947-4444

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Visit DC: Ice Cream Jubilee

On a sweltering day in DC, we waited patiently outside Ice Cream Jubilee to open so we could cool off with some delicious, homemade ice cream.

Banana Bourbon Caramel

Cookies & Cookie Dough

We ordered the Cookies & Cookie Dough and Banana Bourbon Caramel flavors based on the recommendation of one of the employees.

Both flavors were really yummy!  If I had to choose a favorite it would be the Cookies & Cookie Dough -  cookies just pair perfectly with ice cream!

Definitely visit Ice Cream Jubilee for great, premium ice cream in fun flavors!

Ice Cream Jubilee
1407 T St NW

Washington, DC 20009

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Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites

A few years ago I stayed at the Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites for the first time, and was very impressed.

Almost three years later, not much has changed, as I recently stayed at the Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites again, and was once again impressed.

The Luxury Junior Suite Ocean View had a king bed, queen sofa bed, LCD TV, and a fully-equipped designer kitchen with stainless steel appliances, Italian cabinets, and granite counter tops.

The dreamy bed was welcoming after long nights of work events.

The bathroom was large with plenty of vanity space.

And the views from the balcony - no filter needed!

I felt right at home! 

Dining is just an elevator ride away at Cinnamon's at the Ilikai.  There's also an ice cream shop, fitness center, convenience store, coffee shop, spa, and more right on property!

A daily amenity fee includes such perks as complimentary Waikiki trolley rides, free Wi-Fi, Macy's shopping discount, Blu-Ray/DVD Player and Playstation 3 Console and rentals, complimentary newspaper, and so much more!

The Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites is ideal whether you're staying for business or pleasure!

Click here for special offers.

Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites
1777 Ala Moana Boulevard
Honolulu, HI 96815
808.954.7417

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