Hawaii Mom Blog: August 2013

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August 31, 2013

Napoleon's Bakery

Whether you want a Napple, some malasadas, donuts, pastries, cookies, or cakes, Napoleon's Bakery has it all.

Recently we picked up a few treats for dessert.

Apple Napple

Blueberry Cream Cheese Napple

Cream Cheese Square

I'm not a big pastry fan, but I did try some of the Blueberry Cream Cheese Napple (since I love cream cheese), but I thought it was just "okay."  However, I thought the Cream Cheese Square was very good.

Napoleon's Bakery is a great place to pick up some sweets any time, day or night (most locations are open 24 hours).

All Napoleon's Bakeries are located in Zippy's

Click here to find a location near you.
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August 30, 2013

Fun Factory - Pearlridge

I recently took my youngest son to Fun Factory at Pearlridge.

He had so much fun going on the various kiddie rides and playing the kiddie games.






Although the number of kiddie rides and games is limited (there are a LOT more games for older kids and adults), it was enough to keep him busy and content for quite a while.

I'm sure he can't wait to go back!

Fun Factory
98-1005 Moanalua Road
Aiea, HI 96701
808-487-2449
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August 29, 2013

Down to Earth - Kapolei

I often go to Down to Earth to buy organic foods or homeopathic medicines, and during a recent shopping trip at the Kapolei location, I decided to pick up some lunch from the hot table.
Enchiladas

Lasagna and Potatoes

Hot entrees are $9.99/lb, and Down to Earth offers a great variety of hot entrees from the bar.  They also offer a salad bar, soups and chili, pizzas, sandwiches, baked goods, and more (all vegetarian)!

The items we tried were delicious, and I'd definitely go back to try more items!

Down to Earth - Kapolei
4460 Kapolei Parkway, Suite 320
Kapolei, HI 96707
808-675-2300




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August 28, 2013

Quinoa "Fried Rice" Recipe

I love fried rice, and lately I've been making fried rice with quinoa instead of rice.  I think the end result is a lot more flavorful (quinoa seems to absorb flavors better), and of course quinoa is a lot healthier than regular white rice.

The recipe is very versatile - you can add a variety of ingredients - shrimp, edamame, peas, carrots, pork, and more. 
Quinoa Fried Rice

Ingredients:
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 t + 2 T vegetable oil, divided
  • 1/2 c white onion, chopped
  • 1 c cooked chicken, shredded
  • 2 c cooked quinoa 
  • 2 T soy sauce
  • 3 stalks green onion, chopped
Directions:
  • In a pan, heat 1 t oil on medium-high heat.  
  • Beat eggs in a separate bowl and cook in pan until set. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • In same pan, heat 2 T vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add white onions and chicken.  Cook for 1 minute.
  • Add quinoa and soy sauce.  Cook for approximately 5 minutes.  Meanwhile, slice cooked eggs into thin strips.
  • Add eggs and green onions to quinoa mixture; cook and stir approximately one minute
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August 27, 2013

Oakley's New Store at Ala Moana Center and Kama`aina Discount

Last week I was fortunate to have been invited to an Oakley Media Event in which I visited the newly updated 1500 square-foot Oakley store in Ala Moana Center.

At the Oakley store, not only can you find their ever-popular performance eyewear, but you can also find an assortment of gear for golfing, running, hiking, swimming, and more.

From backpacks to water bottles, umbrellas to shoes, and tanks to tees, Oakley offers a variety of apparel and accessories for both daily life and sports enthusiasts.

Women's Gear

The new updated store in Ala Moana now includes an optical center where you can get your prescription eyewear needs. High-tech devices enable Oakley to obtain a customer's measurements more accurately, resulting in better-fitting prescription eyewear.

Joe can help you with your prescription eyewear needs!

At the store you'll also be able to create custom eyewear in just 3 easy steps (choose your frame; choose your lens; personalize color), at a very reasonable price, and in no time you'll have your very own custom Oakley eyewear!

Custom eyewear in 3 easy steps

The Oakley store also has an expanded women's section, as well as numerous Hawaii products.



Hawaii products
And if you need any help at all in finding the right sunglasses or the perfect gear, knowledgeable and friendly staff members are available to help you.

To thank their Oakley fans, Kama’aina receive a special 20% off apparel and accessories and 10% off items already on sale now through Sept. 2 at the updated Ala Moana location.

Visit Oakley.com for locations and to learn more about the company’s sport performance and lifestyle products.
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Romano's Macaroni Grill

Our family recently dined at Romano's Macaroni Grill for lunch (over a year since our last visit).

Complimentary Bread

Kids Mac & Cheese

Chicken & Mushroom Cannelloni

Chicken Scaloppine

Kids Chicken Strips

Lemon Passion

Homemade Chocolate Cake

Kids Vanilla Gelato

I ordered the Scaloppine, and although the dish was very flavorful, I was disappointed that the dish came with 3 TINY pieces of chicken (at first I thought it was only 2, but one was hidden under another piece).  For $17, I expected a lot more chicken.

Fortunately, the desserts made up for the entree.

I LOVE the Lemon Passion - so creamy, rich, and lemony.

I tasted the Chocolate Cake also and it was really good as well.

Despite being disappointed with the amount of chicken in my dish, our server, Jessie, was great, we had no problems using a mobile Facebook coupon offer, my kids loved drawing on the paper table covering, and everything tasted delicious.

Romano's Macaroni Grill
Ala Moana Shopping Center
1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Suite 4240
Honolulu, HI 96814
808-356-8300
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August 26, 2013

Waipahu Cafe

I recently went to Waipahu Cafe to meet up with a friend visiting from Oregon.

Complimentary Kim Chee

Shrimp Fried Rice Omelet

Banana Hot Cakes

"Famous Fried Rice Omelet"

Waipahu Cafe is known for their Fried Rice Omelets, and I must admit - it was quite good!  I finished the entire thing!

The kids had the Banana Hot Cakes - and they really enjoyed them,

Although service was a little slow, mainly because there were only two people working - the cook and the server, I didn't mind it that much, as it just gave my friend and I more time to catch up.

Waipahu Cafe is a nice little restaurant serving great breakfasts!

Waipahu Cafe
94-300 Farrington Hwy
Waipahu, HI 96797
(808) 671-0065
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August 25, 2013

Waikele Community Park

We love taking our kids to the playground at Waikele Community Park.

The playground equipment is identical to those that can be found at many other parks on Oahu, but I love that the playground at Waikele Community Park is beneath a huge tree which provides plenty of shade, and there's a short perimeter wall which provides seating for parents to watch over their kids.



There is a large grassy area if you want to have a picnic or if your kids want to run around, and there's also a larger park above the parking lot for even more places to picnic or run around (Waikele Community Park is popular for birthday parties).

Bathrooms are located in the back of the rec center (a bit of a walk). 

Waikele Community Park 
94-870 Lumiaina Street
Waipahu, HI 96797
808-678-0871





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August 24, 2013

Chili's Grill & Bar - Mililani

Chili's is one of our family's favorite restaurants.  The food is great, and I love when they come out with coupons for free appetizers, desserts, or kids meals!

Southwestern Eggrolls - my fave!

Chicken Crispers (my "usual")
Pepper Pals Macaroni & Cheese with Fries; Corn Dog with Fries; Cheeseburger with Pineapple
Jalapeno Smokehouse Burger

My kids love to peruse the Pepper Pals menu and choose what they want for their main entree, side, and drink.

Lately service has been a bit spotty at Chili's, but our server on this particular visit was excellent.

We can't wait to go back!

Chili's Grill & Bar
95-1249 Meheula Pkwy. Bldg. P
Mililani, HI 96789
627-0888

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August 23, 2013

Double Chocolate Cheerios Bars Recipe

We always have boxes and boxes of Cheerios in our home, so I decided to make some Double Chocolate Cheerios Bars.

Double Chocolate Cheerios Bars

Ingredients:
  • 4 T butter
  • 1 bag (10 oz) marshmallows
  • 6 c Cheerios
  • 1 c chocolate chips
  • 4 oz white chocolate
Directions:
  • In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  • Add marshmallows and stir constantly until completely melted.
  • Remove from heat, and stir in Cheerios until well combined.
  • Stir in chocolate chips and mix until Cheerios are coated evenly.
  • Spread evenly onto a parchment- or Silpat-lined baking sheet.
  • Heat white chocolate in microwave for 90 seconds (should be completely melted; if not melted, heat in increments of 30 seconds until melted).
  • Drizzle white chocolate onto Cheerios mixture.
  • Cool for approximately 1 hour.
  • Cut into bars.
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Waikele Community Park

We love taking our kids to the playground at Waikele Community Park.

The playground equipment is identical to those that can be found at many other parks on Oahu, but I love that the playground at Waikele Community Park is beneath a huge tree which provides plenty of shade, and there's a short perimeter wall which provides seating for parents to watch over their kids.


There is a large grassy area if you want to have a picnic or if your kids want to run around, and there's also a larger park above the parking lot for even more places to picnic or run around (Waikele Community Park is popular for birthday parties).

Bathrooms are located in the back of the rec center (a bit of a walk). 

Waikele Community Park 
94-870 Lumiaina Street
Waipahu, HI 96797
808-678-0871
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August 22, 2013

Chun Wah Kam - Aiea

There are lots of great places to get manapua, and one of my faves is Chun Wah Kam.

They have a large selection of manapuas - baked or steamed, with assorted fillings, and even mini ones!

On a recent visit I picked up some Kalua Pig and Original Char Siu Manapuas.
They were delicious!

Chun Wah Kam has so many other varieties of manapuas - even "dessert" manapuas!

I can't wait to try them out!

Chun Wah Kam
98-040 Kamehameha Highway
Aiea, HI 96701
(808) 485-1107
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August 20, 2013

Jurison's Inn - Waipahu (Waikele)

After spending some time at the Waikele Community Park with our youngest son, my husband and I decided to pick up some lunch from Jurison's Inn.
Mochiko Chicken and Meat Jun Combo

Tofu Katsu and Teri Chicken Combo

My husband ordered the Mochiko Chicken and Meat Jun, and he said everything was good.

I love the Mochiko Chicken, but I decided to try something different this time, and ordered the Tofu Katsu and Teri Chicken.  The Tofu Katsu was okay - a little on the bland side, and the Teri Chicken looked more like BBQ Chicken, but it turned out to be really tasty!
 
Next time I'll just stick to the Mochiko Chicken,

Jurison's Inn:
94-799 Lumiaina St.
Waipahu, HI 96797
(808) 676-1171

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August 19, 2013

Down to Earth - Kapolei

I often go to Down to Earth to buy organic foods or homeopathic medicines, and during a recent shopping trip at the Kapolei location, I decided to pick up some lunch from the hot table.

Lasagna and Potatoes
Enchiladas
Hot entrees are $9.99/lb, and Down to Earth offers a great variety of hot entrees from the bar.  They also offer a salad bar, soups and chili, pizzas, sandwiches, baked goods, and more (all vegetarian)!

The items we tried were delicious, and I'd definitely go back to try more items!

Down to Earth - Kapolei
4460 Kapolei Parkway, Suite 320
Kapolei, HI 96707
808-675-2300



Down to Earth Organic & Natural on Urbanspoon
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August 18, 2013

Buffalo Wild Wings - Pearl City

Buffalo Wild Wings is one of my husband's favorite restaurants, so we couldn't wait to check out the new Pearl City location!
Fried Pickles

Boneless Wings with Thai Curry, Hot BBQ, and Wild Sauces

Kids Macaroni and Cheese with French Fries


Kids Mini Corn Dogs with Fruit Cup

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sandwich

The Fried Pickles were a little salty, but still really good.

My meal, the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sandwich, was not as spicy as I thought it would be, but it was still good too.

My husband loved all of the wings.  When asked what his favorite was, he just couldn't decide!

I admit I was hesitant to go to Buffalo Wild Wings in Pearl City since it was still fairly new and I heard some stories about 45-minute waits for food and not-so-friendly service, but during our visit the food was served promptly and the service was great!

We'll definitely be back again soon!

Buffalo Wild Wings
1000 Kamehameha Highway
Suite 227 & 228
Pearl City, HI 96782
(808) 260-9464
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