Hawaii Mom Blog: November 2013

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November 30, 2013

Heights Drive Inn

For some of the best fried noodles on the island, check out Heights Drive Inn in Aiea.

I always get the Boneless Chicken and Fried Noodles Special.

They give generous portions, and everything is just so tasty!

Heights Drive Inn
99-128 Aiea Heights Dr. Aiea, HI 96701
(808) 487-8884
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November 29, 2013

PB&J Mini Muffins Recipe

I love to make mini muffins, and I made some PB&J Mini Muffins recently based on the P B and J Muffins recipe from Allrecipes.



PB&J Mini Muffins (recipe adapted from Allrecipes)

Ingredients:
  • Non-stick cooking spray
  • 2 c flour
  • 1 1.2 t salt
  • 1 T baking powder
  • 1 c milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2/3 c sugar
  • 1 c creamy peanut butter
  • 1/3 c vegetable oil
  • 1/2 c jam or jelly of your choice

Directions:
  • Heat oven to 425 degrees F. 
  • Spray mini-muffin pan with no-stick spray. 
  • Combine flour, salt and baking powder in a large bowl. 
  • Add milk, eggs, sugar, peanut butter and oil to bowl. 
  • Mix until moistened. Do not over beat.
  • Fill prepared muffin cups evenly with half of the batter. 
  • Place 1/2 teaspoon jam or jelly in the center of each muffin. 
  • Evenly divide remaining batter amongst muffin cups. 
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes. 
  • Remove from oven. 
  • Cool in pan 5 minutes.
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November 27, 2013

Disney's Frozen Movie Review

Our family received complimentary tickets to the 3D screening.

Disney has done it again!  Frozen (rated PG) the all new animated feature from Walt Disney Animation Studios, is now in theaters, and I it's one of the best animated movies I've ever seen!

About Frozen:
Walt Disney Animation Studios, the studio behind “Tangled” and “Wreck-It Ralph,” presents “Frozen,” a stunning big-screen comedy adventure. Fearless optimist Anna (voice of Kristen Bell) sets off on an epic journey—teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff) and his loyal reindeer Sven—to find her sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf (voice of Josh Gad), Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom.

There's so much our family enjoyed about Frozen.

The animation, the 3D effects, the musical numbers, the characters, the comedy, and the story itself all combined effortlessly to create an amazing movie.

As we learned about the background of Anna and Elsa, and how the kingdom of Arendelle became buried in snow, the beautiful scenes and the 3D effects made us feel as if we were in a winter wonderland.

As Anna goes on her journey to find Elsa and save Arendelle, we get introduced to a lot of other characters who are integral to the story, many of whom provide a lot of amusement.

The kids "oohed" and "aahed" and laughed throughout the movie, and there weren't really any scary parts (there were scenes with wolves, and also a big snow monster, but my kids were not scared at all during those scenes).

For the most part Frozen was delightful and amusing.

Olaf the snowman provided a lot of comedy relief throughout the movie. My kids really enjoyed whenever he was on screen.  He was just so funny - whether it was things he said or things he did, he always got a laugh out of the kids, and even adults!

The songs performed throughout the movie were fantastic and so fitting.  I especially enjoyed the performances in which both Anna and Elsa sang together.  Their voices were beautiful, and the songs really helped to tell the story, as well as express the emotions of the characters (Do You Want to Build a Snowman was one of my favorite songs!).

I also enjoyed the lessons about love taught in the movie, which were presented in some surprising twists.

Frozen was simply fantastic.

I can't wait to get Frozen on Blu-ray, and I also can't wait to get the Soundtrack.

Frozen is in theaters now.  Click here to find a theater near you.
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Spread Sweet Holiday Cheer with Hawaiian Host

I received complimentary product for review purposes. 

When it comes to the holidays and giving gifts to friends and colleagues, Hawaiian Host always pops into mind.

I LOVE their AlohaMacs - I often buy the big tubs of single-serving AlohaMacs from the local warehouse club to send to the mainland, only to find myself eating several packages and having to go out and buy more!

Who can resist the creamy milk chocolate and the crunchy macadamia nuts?

Now that the holidays are upon us, Hawaiian Host makes it easy to spread some sweet holiday cheer.

Give a taste of the islands with every box and bite of AlohaMacs. Featuring Hawaiian Host’s new packaging design with our new Hawaiian Host-ess, every box of AlohaMacs offers the Islands’ finest macadamia nuts coated in Hawaiian Host’s secret blend of creamy milk chocolate. 

The Christmas Macadamia Medley is a newly designed, premium offering featuring an assortment of fan favorites of Hawaiian Hosts that includes our Maui Caramacs – decadent dark chocolate with whole macadamias, our signature double-nut macadamias covered in our secret chocolate blend, and our always-munchy MacNut Crunch.


Christmas Macadamia Medley

AlohaMacs
The Christmas Macadamia Medley makes a great gift - offering the recipient a sampling of some of Hawaiian Host's most popular items.  It even comes in a festive box!  I enjoyed each of the different types of concoctions, but the AlohaMacs are still my favorite.

The AlohaMacs are always popular - given amongst neighbors, co-workers, families, and friends, both locally and beyond.

Spread some aloha cheer this holiday season with Hawaiian Host!

Click here to find out more about Hawaiian Host's products, including where to buy.

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November 26, 2013

Bubbies Homemade Ice Cream & Desserts - Koko Marina Center

When it comes to locally-made ice cream, Bubbies is one of the most popular brands and establishments, and when we went to the Koko Marina Center, we knew we couldn't leave without indulging in some Bubbies ice cream.
Top left: Strawberry Cheesecake; top right: Oreo; bottom: Dark Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip (all kiddie scoops in a bowl).

Single scoop of Oreo in a cone.
Everyone enjoyed their ice creams!


Bubbies Homemade Ice Cream & Desserts
17192 Kalanianaole Hwy D103
Honolulu, HI 96825
(808) 396-8722
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November 25, 2013

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

I love cheesecake, and when I made these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars that I found on a Pinch of Yum, it was hard for me to not eat the entire pan myself.

It's that good.


Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars (recipe credit Pinch of Yum).

Ingredients:
  • 1/2 c butter, softened
  • 1/2 c sugar sugar
  • 1/3 c firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 c creamy peanut butter
  • 1 egg
  • 1 c flour
  • 1 t baking soda
  • 1/2 t salt
  • 1/2 c old-fashioned oats
  • 2 c chocolate chips
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 c sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 t vanilla
Directions:
  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  • Prepare cookie dough as directed below.
  • Prepare cheesecake filling as directed below.
  • Press half of the cookie dough in the bottom of a prepared 9-inch square baking dish. 
  • Pour cheesecake filling over dough. 
  • Crumble remaining dough and sprinkle over the top.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes; remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until tops is lightly browned and cheesecake layer is set. 
  • Cool completely and cut into bars.
Cookie Dough:
  • Cream butter, sugars, and peanut butter until smooth and fluffy. 
  • Add egg and mix well. 
  • In separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. 
  • Slowly add flour mixture to sugar mixture.  
  • Stir in oats and chocolate chips.
Cheesecake Filling: 
  • Cream cream cheese, egg, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

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    November 24, 2013

    Ginger House Chinese Restaurant

    My middle son wanted to dine at a Chinese restaurant, so one night we ended up at Ginger House Chinese Restaurant.

    From top left, clockwise: Chicken Fried Rice, Boneless Chicken with Orange Sauce, Boneless Garlic Honey Chicken, House Special Fried Noodles.  

    My favorite of all the dishes was the garlic honey chicken (it was my husband's fave too).  It was very flavorful, with a nice balance of garlic and honey.  My youngest son loved the fried rice (I thought it lacked flavor), and my middle son loved the orange chicken (I thought it was a little too sweet).  The noodles were pretty good too - tasty, with lots of toppings (veggies, seafood, meat, etc.).

    Service was excellent!  When we asked for a bowl for my 2-year old, they gave us a cute little toddler bowl; they gave the kids Halloween candy at the end of our meal; after I left hand-sanitizer on the table, one of the servers saw us outside and made sure we got it back.

    It was a nice dinner, and my middle son was happy to have eaten Chinese food!

    Ginger House Chinese Restaurant
    95-1249 Meheula Pkwy
    Mililani, HI 96789
    (808) 623-6988
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    November 23, 2013

    Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant & Market - Honolulu

    After doing some early holiday gift shopping in Ala Moana Center, we decided to go to lunch at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant & Market.
    Shrimp Po' Boy

    Kids meals come in a cute little shrimp boat.

    Mama Gump's Chicken Strips

    Holy Moly Macaroni & Cheese Pleeze

    Texas Cajun Chicken Sandwich

    I had the chicken sandwich, and it was a very filling sandwich (I could only finish half) with a nice spicy kick.

    The kids meals come with french fries, fruit (an orange slice) and dessert (a small cup of JELL-O).

    We didn't get asked any Forrest Gump trivia questions on this visit, but my middle son liked using the "Run Forrest Run" and "Stop Forrest Stop" license plates to get our server's attention.

    We had a great view overlooking Ala Moana Beach Park, and the service was great as well.

    Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant & Market
    1450 Ala Moana Blvd #3253
    Honolulu, HI 96814
    (808) 949-4867
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    November 20, 2013

    Kona Brewing Company

    My former co-workers always used to rave about Kona Brewing Company, and I finally had a chance to dine there recently with the family.
    Naalehu Nachos

    Kids Pig in a Blanket

    Kids KBC'illa (cheese quesadilla)

    Cubano
    I only ate some of the nachos - which our entire family shared.  It was a very large serving piled high with lots of toppings (especially cheese and jalapenos), but I thought it lacked a little flavor, and there were a lot more toppings than there were chips.

    However, my husband love the Cubano sandwich, and the kids devoured their meals.

    Service was great, and we had a nice view of the marina while we dined.

    If I'm in the area again I wouldn't hesitate to dine there - I'd just order something else the next time.

    Kona Brewing Company
    7192 Kalanianaole Hwy
    Honolulu, HI 96825
    (808) 396-5662
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    November 19, 2013

    Buca di Beppo - Ward Center

    Since my opinion about Buca di Beppo has changed (for the better), we took the kids there for lunch recently.
    Complimentary Bread
    Prosciutto Stuffed Chicken

    Kids Macaroni and Cheese


    Kids Cheese Pizza
    I'm normally not a fan of stuffed chicken, but the prosciutto stuffed chicken was very good.

    Portions were large, service was great, and the food was good!

    Buca di Beppo
    1030 Auahi St.
    Honolulu, HI 96814
    (808) 591-0800
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    November 18, 2013

    Cattle Company - Free Birthday Meal AND Dessert!

    Black Angus Steak House (Cattle Company) has a GREAT birthday offer when you join the Cattle Company Prime Club - a free dinner entree up to $22.99 when an entree of equal or greater value is purchased. 
    Complimentary Bread
    Garden Salad

    New York Strip Steak, Center-Cut
    Sesame Teriyaki Chicken Breast


    Kids Mac 'n Cheese

    Kids Chicken Strips

    Chocolate Chip Cowboy Cookie (complimentary)

    Kids Sundae
    All kids meals come with oranges, fries or rice, and a dessert.

    Service was a little on the slow side (it always seems to be slow there), but the food was great, and the free birthday meal and dessert was an awesome deal!

    Black Angus Steak House (Cattle Company)
    98-1262 Kaahumanu Street
    Pearl City, 96782
    (808) 487-0054
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    November 17, 2013

    Visit Seattle - Miner's Landing

    While on the Seattle Waterfront, we stopped at Miner's Landing to play some games, indulge in some ice cream, and ride on the carousel.




    There are numerous other shops and food vendors within Miner's Landing.

    Be sure to stop by to see all they have to offer the next time you're in the area!

    Miner's Landing
    1301 Alaskan Way
    Seattle, WA 98101
    (206) 623-8600
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    November 16, 2013

    Round Table Pizza - Kailua

    Island Views, Island News blogger, Nat, often raves about Round Table Pizza, and I FINALLY tried some when our family visited the Kailua location.
    Garlic Parmesan Twists

    BBQ Chicken
    My middle son LOVED the garlic parmesan twists (he didn't even eat any pizza), and I thought the pizza was very, very good.

    I'm glad I finally got to try Round Table Pizza!

    Round Table Pizza
    1020 Keolu Dr C2
    Kailua, HI 96734
    (808) 261-4644
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    November 15, 2013

    Visit Seattle - Gas Works Park

    Gas Works Park was a lovely park to visit while in Seattle.


    The old plant was a sight to see, and the colorful "children's play barn" (which didn't really seem safe to play in) was also very interesting.

    There were beautiful views of Downtown Seattle, and my kids were excited to see so many sea planes fly by.

    Be forewarned, however, that there are A LOT of geese, which means there will be a A LOT of geese poop.  I was astounded at how much poop there was - everywhere we stepped there were big pieces of poop and it was extremely difficult to avoid stepping in any.

    The grassy areas were covered in poop the most - so try and stay on the paths to avoid stepping in it (although you'll still find some poop there too, just not nearly as much).

    Thankfully the poop didn't smell!

    Gas Works Park
    2101 N Northlake Way
    Seattle, WA 98103
    (206) 684-4075
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    November 14, 2013

    Lee Kum Kee Sriracha Mayo Review

    I received complimentary product for review purposes.

    Sriracha has been popular in Hawaii for a very long time, so I was excited to try the new Sriracha Mayo from Lee Kum Kee.

    The Sriracha Mayo is creamy with a spicy kick, and great on sandwiches and super as a dip.

    Whenever I make sandwiches for lunch I now use the Sriracha Mayo instead of just regular mayo, and I love to dip chicken fingers or potato skins in it as well.

    It is so versatile!

    I can imagine using it on nachos, as a dip for fries or chips, and even mixed in with tuna or chicken salad.

    The possibilities are endless!


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    Nu'uanu Pali Lookout

    For breathtaking views of Windward Oahu, a visit to the Nu'uanu Pali Lookout is a must.

    The Nu`uanu Pali (the Hawaiian word for cliff) is an historical site - it's where the epic Battle of Nuuanu took place.


    The Pali is known for its strong winds, but on the day we visited it was not very windy.  And despite overcast skies, the views were still beautiful.

    Admission is free, but parking is $3 (free for kama`aina).

    Nu'uanu Pali Lookout
    Nu'uanu Pali summit from marked access road off Pali Highway (Highway 61)
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    November 13, 2013

    November 12, 2013

    Honolulu Night Market - Next Event Nov. 16

    Honolulu Night Market, a monthly gathering in Kaka`ako where foodies, fashionistas, artists, and more converge, is coming up again on Saturday, November 16.

    I attended last month's event with a couple of girlfriends.

    There were a lot less people than the other two times I attended, but we still had a nice time, and I really enjoyed the food.

    From Whatcha Fillin' I had the Cavalli (a waffle cake filled with veggies and cheese); from IL Gelato Hawaii I had the Milk Chocolate in a waffle cone.


    It was a nice way to spend a Saturday evening!
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    Visit Seattle - Northwest Railway Museum

    While we were in the Snoqualmie area, we decided to check out the free exhibits at the Northwest Railway Museum.





    They also offer paid tours, as well as actual train rides on certain days and for special events.

    My kids thought it was fun to see the old trains up close!

    Northwest Railway Museum
    38625 SE King St,
    Snoqualmie, WA 98065
    (425) 888-3030
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