2014 Finance Factors Family of Companies Charity Golf Tournament Raises $20,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii

Finance Factors today announced a donation of $20,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii, a local nonprofit organization that provides one-to-one mentoring programs to children statewide. The funds were raised through the 2014 Finance Factors Family of Companies Golf Tournament, which took place Thursday, August 28 at Waikele Golf Club. Nearly 50 teams, including over 100 business leaders and community partners, participated in the tournament to raise funds for a great cause.

"On behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii and the over 1,400 "Bigs" and "Littles" we serve, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to Finance Factors for their generous and meaningful support," said Dennis Brown, president and chief executive officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii. "These funds will not only have a huge impact on our operations statewide, but will also enable us to continue providing Hawaii's keiki with personal relationships that improve their lives for the better."

Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii fosters one-to-one friendships for at-risk children across the state. Founded in 1963, the organization's mentoring programs have proven to have a positive impact for youth in the areas of academics, socio-emotional and behavioral outcomes, high school graduation rates, avoidance of juvenile delinquency and college or career readiness.

"Finance Factors is proud to support Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii as our beneficiary for this year's Charity Golf Tournament," said Steven Teruya, president and chief operating officer of Finance Factors. "As a kamaaina company founded by local island families, giving back is a key focus year-round for the Finance Factors Family of Companies."

In addition to a day out on the golf course, tournament participants had a chance to enjoy special treats and snacks prepared by Finance Factors volunteers, including Steve Teruya's famous cheeseburger dogs (cheeseburgers in a hot dog bun), imu-roasted kalua pork sliders, and curated cocktails. Over 25 volunteers from Finance Factors Family of Companies helped to put on the event.

Finance Factors supports the local community year-round, donating over $80,000 to charitable causes annually. Established in 1952, the Finance Factors Family of Companies includes Finance Factors, Ltd., Hawaii's largest depository financial services loan company; Finance Insurance, Ltd., a full-service insurance agency; and Finance Realty Company, Ltd., responsible for the operational oversight of properties owned by the Family of Companies in Hawaii, Alaska and California.  

  

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Waxelene Lip Tube Review

Disclosure: A complimentary sample was provided for review purposes.

I go through a lot of lip balms, but I have never used a lip balm as versatile as Waxelene.

Made from no petroleum jelly, but instead just four ingredients - organic soy oil, naturally moisturizing beeswax, organic rosemary oil, and natural Vitamin E oil - Waxelene works great as a lip balm.  I've been using it daily - not only on my lips, but also on dry spots on my hands (from all that dishwashing!), as well as rough spots on my heels.  

Just a tiny squeeze of Waxelene goes a long way.  Waxelene keeps my lips moisturized and really helps with the dry and rough spots on my skin without feeling greasy.

There are numerous other uses for Waxelene, which you can read about here. 

The small tube (.25oz) makes it the perfect size for toting in your purse or carrying onboard with you when you travel.  

Who knew a lip balm could be so versatile?

Waxelene products can be purchased online at https://waxelene.com/store (SRP $3.99) or at various other retailers nationwide.

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Treat Yourself at the Moana Lani Spa

I love being pampered and so for my birthday decided to treat myself to a spa day.  There are no shortages of spas in Hawaii, but I wanted this particular visit to be special and so I looked for a spa that was complete with a relaxation lounge and jacuzzi.  Many spas in the Waikiki hotels are short on real estate so there is really no place to relax after you have your treatment.  Not so with the Moana Lani Spa, located in the historic Moana Surfrider hotel, A Westin Resort and Spa.  With over 18,000 square feet, the spa features 9 custom massage therapy rooms, 3 custom facial rooms, 2 couples treatment suites (with private ocean front lanais and whirlpool tubs), separate men's and women's steam rooms, dry saunas and water therapy areas, and a 24-hour state-of-the-art Westin Workout fitness center for guest use.  Try to top that in Waikiki.

Women's relaxtion lounge.

Dry sauna

 The spa is open daily from 8:00am to 10:00pm and spa guests are granted in and out privileges to the spa relaxation facilities.  I arrived to the spa an hour before my appointment so that I could thoroughly enjoy the spa facilities.  After filling out some forms, I was taken to the women’s locker room and given a tour.   The women's relaxation lounge is spacious with a lanai that overlooks beautiful Waikiki beach.  The lounge is stocked with water, fine tea, fresh fruit and the most delicious trail mix with chocolates.  I visited the women's steam room, dry sauna and relaxed by myself in the serene whirlpool that gave me the best view of the ocean. 

Serene whirlpool.

Fine teas and delicious trail mix are offered in the lounges.

I was fortunate to complimentary receive the Moana Lani Spa’s signature lomi facial, an 80 minute service.  The facial utilizes lomi massage techniques which assist in reducing wrinkles, fine lines and strengthening facial muscles.  This facial combines local ingredients with the premier products of Rice Force, a premium Japanese natural skin care line known for its amazing hydrating ability, to complete this signature facial.  Debbie, my esthetician, had hands that can only be described as magical as she worked on my face.  This facial included a neck, hand and foot massage as well so it was very relaxing.  All facials are extraction free and performed only on request.  I didn’t request extractions, but every inch of my skin was clean and looked and felt sublime.  The skin on my face felt firmer, plumper and tighter.  I loved every minute of it and immediately texted my friend that we needed to set up a spa day. 

Beautiful view of Waikiki Beach from the spa.

The Moana Lani Spa gives new meaning to the phrase Lucky We live Hawaii!  With a local ID, the spa offers kama’aina 15% off massage, facials, and spa treatments plus complimentary parking.  Additionally, the spa offers membership to their Heavenly Club, an exclusive program available to Hawaii residents only and proof of residency is required.  For a $20 enrollment fee that covers two years, club members will enjoy a 30% discount off facials, massages, and spa treatments.  I am definitely taking advantage of that offer on my next visit.

The spa incorporates distinctive Hawaiian inspired customs.  For example, each of the spa’s treatment rooms features a wood bowl with Alaea Hawaiian sea salt (known for its healing and restorative abilities).  The guest holds the "ho'awe" filled with Alaea salt while placing all their troubles into the salt. Once the treatment is completed the salt will be placed in a collection bowl and at the end of the day the salt is thrown into the ocean allowing your troubles to be blessed and carried out to sea.  At the end of your treatment, the spa presents you with water and a Choco le'a truffle as well as a music CD by Natalie Ai Kamauu, Moana Memories.  

Leave your troubles at the door.

Whether you’re looking to pamper yourself, spend a day relaxing with your significant other or girlfriends, or treating your Mom, the Moana Lani Spa is the perfect solution.  Escape the hustle and bustle of life, if only for a day and leave your worries at the door.  I did and it made for the best birthday.  Celebrate.  You deserve it.  

www.moanalanispa.com

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Chocolate-Covered Graham Cracker Peanut Butter Sandwiches

My kids come home from school ravenous, and I try to make my own after school snacks whenever possible.

I recently made these Chocolate-Covered Graham Cracker Peanut Butter Sandwiches (with some help from my youngest son who was in charge of the sprinkles).

They are such a cinch to make.

Simply break apart graham crackers into rectangles (or you could leave them in squares if you wish), spread peanut butter on a rectangle and top with another rectangle, dip the "sandwich" in some melted chocolate (I used chocolate chips mixed with flavorless coconut oil), and add sprinkles.

Refrigerate up to an hour.

Easy!

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Wordless Wednesday

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Pierce Brosnan Back in Action as The November Man

About the Movie:  Peter Devereaux (Pierce Brosnan) is an extremely dangerous and highly trained ex-CIA agent, who is lured out of quiet retirement on a very personal mission. He must protect valuable witness, Alice Fournier, (Olga Kurylenko) who could expose the truth behind a decades old conspiracy. He soon discovers this assignment makes him a target of his former friend and CIA protégé David Mason (Luke Bracey). With growing suspicions of a mole in the agency, there is no one Devereaux can trust, no rules and no holds barred.  Based on Bill Granger's novel "There are No Spies" from the bestselling November Man book series, The November Man is the ultimate cat and mouse game set in the world of international espionage.

This spy thriller has all the elements to keep you on the edge of your seat.  CIA, spies, war ciminals, car chases, and an interesting plot with only mildly complicated twists and turns that will keep you guessing, but not lose you.  Brosnan, my all-time favorite Bond, is back in action and delivers a great performance as Devereaux, a much tougher, grittier version of the charming 007.  Beware that this film is long on violence and debuts a much darker side of Brosnan.  The action kept my pulse racing and I had to squeeze my eyes shut several times as I am a light weight when it comes to anticipating the outcome of nerve-wracking scenes.  The action continues at lightning speed as I’m left to wonder “wait, is she going to make it?” 

Newcomer Bracey and Kurylenko both give solid performances.  Kurylenko, who I thought was just going to be eye candy, surprised me with the depth she gave to her character.  She is an outstanding actress, but, wow, she is beautiful.  So gorgeous that when they flash her character’s driver’s license, I think they could have made her less perfect so that her license doesn’t looks as if it belongs to a super model rather than a case worker.  It won’t be in my top ten, but I did enjoy watching one of my favorite actors showcase his super spy moves in this action packed thriller.           

Rated R, 108 minutes running time, opens August 27^th.  

Thank you to the sponsor for the complimentary screening tickets. 

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Desserts Galore at Cafe Laufer

Wow.  How did I not know about this place sooner?  I live to eat desserts.  Heck, I have an IG page dedicated to my favorite desserts (hawaiisdesserts).  I can’t believe Gem and Natalie did not tell me about this place!  But I’m so happy I’m in the know now. 

Café Laufer is a small casual restaurant located on Waialae Ave. and serves lunch and dinner.  They don’t take reservations and you order at the counter.  I came here for dinner and tried the Chinese chicken salad and the tomato basil pasta.  The salad was delicious, but the pasta was just okay.  The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable.

But the stars of the show are the numerous desserts on display in the showcase.  I couldn’t decide (and it was my birthday) so I got the strawberry tapioca and the lemon curd.  My friends had the caramelized almond tart, peanut butter banana pie, and the banana oreo cookie torte.  After sampling all the desserts we came to the consensus that the caramelized almond tart was the clear winner.  Honestly, all the desserts were delicious.  You can’t go wrong with any of them.  I am totally coming back for the fruit dessert in the white wine gel…as well as all the others I did not try.      

The service at Café Laufer is top notch.  What a great find for desserts!  

 Our favorite: caramelized almond tart.

The lemon curd.

Peanut butter banana pie. 

She's a beauty! Banana Oreo cookie torte. 

Cafe Laufer

3565 Waialae Ave

808-735-7717

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Chef Chai

On a recent date night my husband and I dined at Chef Chai.

Complimentary Pineapple Relish Chicken Sate with...

Thai Peanut Sauce, Flat Bread, and Cucumber Salad

Sauteed Escargot & Prawns with Hamakua Mushrooms, Roasted Garlic & Chili Sauce

Miso Chilean Sea Bass with Pickled Vegetables

Steamed Coconut Milk Ginger Brown Rice

Whole Fresh Fish with Chili Ginger Sauce, Scallion, & Jalapeno

White Rice

White Chocolate Amore Gelato Truffle

Shredded Coconut Cheese Cake and Tahitian Vanilla Creme Anglaise

Our dinner was fantastic from start to finish.

I was impressed that instead of complimentary bread, guests were given the Chicken Sate platter, which I thought was really good.

I normally eat chicken or vegetable dishes whenever I dine out, but on this night I was a bit adventurous, and I chose the escargot and prawns for our appetizer. I did try escargot and prawns before, but I decided I wanted to try them again, and this appetizer was very flavorful and spicy. I admit, however, that I ate most of the mushrooms while my husband ate most of the escargot and prawns.

There was only one chicken entree - a chicken roulade, but since I don't care for rolled/stuffed chicken, I asked our server which fish dish he would recommend, and he advised the Whole Fresh Fish is delicious (but you have to work to eat it since it is the whole fish, after all), and his favorite dish was the Miso Chilean Sea Bass.

So my husband ordered the sea bass and I ordered the Whole Fresh Fish, which was Thai Red Snapper.

For someone who doesn't eat a lot of seafood, it was a bit startling to see the fish - teeth and all, on a plate, but the fish was fantastic - the sauce really made the dish.

And the sea bass was "like butter" according to my husband. I had a taste and it was indeed amazing.

The desserts were almost too pretty to eat! The cheese cake was sweet and light, but the gelato truffle was my favorite of the two desserts. Inside a heart-shaped gelato was raspberry sorbetto. It was delicious and refreshing.

Service was excellent, and our dinner at Chef Chai was one of the best dinners we had all year!


Chef Chai
1009 Kapiolani Blvd

Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 585-0011

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5 Reasons You Should See Kristin Wood for Eyelash Extensions

5.  You have a special event coming up.  Whether it’s your birthday, you’re a guest of a wedding, or your own wedding, eyelash extensions complete your head to toe look for the big day/night.  They are also very convenient for weekend getaways or vacations.  It’s one less thing you need to worry about which means less makeup and tools to pack.  Kristin can give your eyes just the boost they need.  

4.  You want to enhance your natural look.  Kristin can customize your eyelash extensions with varying lengths and thickness to get the natural look you desire.  You will still look like you, only better and because they are semi-permanent, when you go back for your re-lash in 2-3 weeks you have the option to change your look whether it’s classic or cat eye.  They also are nearly weightless that you will forget you have them on.      

3.  You want to go GLAM.  Not only can Kristin enhance your natural look, but she can take it and maximize it by giving you voluminous and gorgeous lash extensions that will enhance the length and thickness of your eyelashes.  The result will be dramatic and glamorous.  Those beautiful lashes will help you feel confident about your look too.        

2.  You need a nap.  Depending on what kind of eyelash extensions you desire, you may need to dedicate between 45 minutes to 3 hours.  Just you, the bed, and Kristin.  Not only will the lashes do wonders for your tired eyes, but you are sure to feel rejuvenated after that cat nap.      

1.  You value your time.  Or you don’t have much time because your three year old is tugging at your dress the entire time you are getting ready.  Eyelash extensions save you time and make getting ready a cinch as eye makeup is no longer needed.  As a mom to a teenager and a one year old, Kristin knows how hectic life can be for the modern woman and loves that eyelash extensions save women time.  You no longer have to worry about curling your lashes, applying coats of mascara or keeping eyelash glue out of your eye.  Your eyes will look bigger and more defined even with no makeup.   

Please stay tuned for my full review of my eyelash extensions experience from Kristin! 

About Kristin:  With over 18 years in the cosmetology industry, Kristin Wood is a renowned eyelash and beauty artist with an extensive following in her Honolulu, Hawaii studio.  She is widely referred to as the ‘lash maven’ for good reason, offering her incredible talent and technique to each client she works with.  Celebrated as a pioneer in the industry, Wood’s vision, creativity and passion for all-things-beautiful, has driven her to develop exclusive products and techniques that have redefined the industry.

Kristin’s studio is located at 1016 Kapahulu Avenue; (808) 738-7386

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A Taste of Hawaiian Airlines by Pili Group

Over the weekend I was fortunate to attend a social meetup at the LunchBox by Pili Group at Hawaiian Airlines.

Run by Mark Noguchi, the LunchBox offers Hawaiian Airlines employees a variety of dishes with an emphasis on using local ingredients.

At the social meetup guests were treated to some amazing dishes created by Noguchi and his team.

Top row: LunchBox at Hawaiian Airlines; Middle row:  DIY Italian Sodas; Bottom Row from L to R: Molokai Vennison Chukka Salad - Ho Farms Cucumber, Green Onion; Mrs. Chengs Tofu Custard - He`eia Limu, Ho Farms Tomato & Cucumber, Katsuo Dashi, Luau Stew - Pork, Kalo Leaves, `Ulu

Despite being born and raised in Hawaii, this was my first time ever eating limu, luau stew, and `ulu.  I must say - everything was absolutely delicious.    

The Molokai Vennison Chukka Salad was very flavorful, and the vennison was nice and tender.  The Luau Stew was melt-in-your-mouth good!  My favorite dish was the Tofu Custard, which consisted of a silky, soft tofu custard that was nicely contrasted with the saltiness and crunchiness of the limu from Paepae O He`eia.

Noguchi and Pili Group's passion for Hawaii's food-sustainability and the use of fresh, local ingredients was evident in all of the dishes.  

For those wishing to experience Noguchi's passion first-hand, join him and other world-renowned chefs at the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival Laulima at He`eia Event on Friday, September 5.

Hawaiian Airlines will also be presenting the signature Hawaii Food and Wine Festival event, Corks & Forks, on September 6.

To purchase tickets for Laulima at He`eia, Corks and Forks or other Hawaii Food & Wine Festival events, click here.

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PB&J Sandwich Cookies Recipe

I'm finally tackling all the recipes stuffed in a kitchen cupboard, and one recipe I've tried recently was from the January 2009 Redbook Magazine for PB&J Sandwich Cookies:

They turned out quite messy, but they were still a a hit with the kids (the cookies by themselves were really good too)!

PB&J Sandwich Cookies (Recipe credit Redbook Magazine):

Ingredients:
Cookies:

• 1 c all-purpose flour 
• 1/2 c unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 t baking soda 
• 1 large egg 
• 1/2 t salt
• 1 t vanilla extract 
• 1/4 t baking powder
• 1/2 c chunky peanut butter 
• 1/2 c packed light brown sugar 
• 1/3 c granulated sugar 
• 3/4 c quick-cooking oats

Filling:
1/2 c confectioners' sugar
1/4 c creamy peanut butter
2 T unsalted butter, softened
1 t milk
1/3 c strawberry jam or jelly

Directions:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees F. 
• Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. 
• Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder in a bowl.
• In a separate medium bowl, mix butter and chunky peanut butter until smooth. 
• Mix in sugars and stir until well blended. 
• Beat in egg and vanilla. 
• Stir in flour mixture, followed by oats, until just blended.
• Spoon level tablespoonfuls of dough into balls and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. 
• Using a floured fork, make a crisscross pattern on top of each ball by pressing dough into a flat 2 1/4-inch circle, about 1/4-inch thick. 
• Bake 10 to 12 minutes, or until lightly browned at edges. 
• Let cool on baking sheet 1 minute before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
• To make the filling, beat sugar, creamy peanut butter, butter, and milk until light and fluffy. 
• Spread 2 teaspoons of the filling onto bottom halves of cookies. 
• Spread approximately 1 teaspoon of jelly on bottoms of the remaining cookies. 
• Sandwich together peanut butter-covered cookies with jam-covered cookies.

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Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Activity Sheets

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day hits theaters on October 10, and below are some fun activity sheets (click on the photo to access a pdf file).

About the movie:

Disney’s “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” follows the exploits of 11-year-old Alexander (Ed Oxenbould) as he experiences the most terrible and horrible day of his young life—a day that begins with gum stuck in his hair, followed by one calamity after another. But when Alexander tells his upbeat family about the misadventures of his disastrous day, he finds little sympathy and begins to wonder if bad things only happen to him. He soon learns that he’s not alone when his mom (Jennifer Garner), dad (Steve Carell), brother (Dylan Minnette) and sister (Kerris Dorsey) all find themselves living through their own terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Anyone who says there is no such thing as a bad day just hasn't had one. “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day,” directed by Independent Spirit Award-winner Miguel Arteta (“The Good Girl,” “Cedar Rapids,” “Youth in Revolt”) from a screenplay by Rob Lieber, is a 21 Laps Entertainment/Jim Henson Company production. The film hits theaters nationwide Oct. 10, 2014.

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Paesano Ristorante Italiano - Aiea

When Nadia suggested a last-minute night out for dinner, I recommended Italian since I was craving it, so we, along with another friend, went to Paesano Ristorante Italiano in Aiea.

Top: Chicken Alla Saltimbocca Romana; Bottom L: Linguine Chicken Anchovy Olio; Bottom R: Sauteed Monchong

I had the saltimbocca, which I order at every Italian restaurant I go to, and it was delicious!  The White Wine Butter Sauce really made the dish, and it was very flavorful.  I had a small portion, which was actually a very generous portion.

Although service was a bit on the slow side, I thought the food was great, and my craving for Italian food was definitely satisfied!

Paesano Ristorante Italiano
98-1277 Kaahumanu St
Aiea, HI 96701
(808) 485-8883

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The Pig and the Lady

Last night I had dinner at the Pig and the Lady restaurant with some friends.  This was my second visit, but first time for dinner.  Located in Chinatown, Chef Andrew Le serves menu items inspired by Mama Le's home cooking and the food cultures of Vietnam, Asia and the Pacific.  The restaurant also features guest chefs and new artists to help promote and support Honolulu’s food scene. 

On my previous visit for brunch, I had the most delicious pho French dip banh mi and the yummiest Dutch pancake ever.  Note the pancake takes about 20 minutes.  Having just fallen in love with tsukemen, I ordered the pho tsukemen.  The perfectly cooked noodles are paired with 12 hour brisket, salt cured egg yolk, fried shallots, roasted peanuts, garlic chives and the pho tsuyu for you to dip all that goodness in.  It was incredible. 

But I couldn’t help be jealous of my friend’s signature pho in the steaming hot broth.  It looked absolutely delicious and it’s no wonder Frolic Hawaii recently named the P&L pho as their top pho in Hawaii.  I am definitely ordering it the next time. 

I really liked their interesting offerings of cocktails.  I went with the Golden Pig - champagne, lemongrass and crushed ice served in a skinny glass jar.  It was so refreshing and went really well with the pho.  

One thing that didn’t excite me much was dessert.  We ordered 4:  Pineapple Ice (chocolate cream, kulolo, kalamansi, shiso); Kaya Panna Cotta (lilikoi, star fruit, kaya, coconut churros, thai basil); Carmelized Avocado Cake (local bee pollen, strawberries, pea shoots, corn gelato); and Watermelon sorbet (compressed melon, ginger beer).  I liked the watermelon sorbet the best as it was simple.  The rest were a little too much for my palette to take. 

My advice is to skip dessert and order another cocktail.  The star of the show will always be the pho anyway.  Really love the ambience of the restaurant with its brick walls and high ceilings.  The restaurant has a great atmosphere that is friendly to patrons of all ages. 

The Pig and The Lady

83 N. King Street (Pacific Gateway Center Building) 

585-8255

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Chocolate Chip Shortbread Bars Recipe

I think chocolate and shortbread make a great combination, and these Chocolate Chip Shortbread Bars (based on this recipe from VeryBestBaking.com) sure proved it!

Chocolate Chip Shortbread Bars (Recipe credit VeryBestBaking.com):

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 3/4 c sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 t vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 c flour
• 2 cups chocolate chips, divided

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350° F. 
• In a medium bowl, mix butter and sugar until light and creamy.  
• Beat in egg and vanilla extract. 
• Gradually beat in flour. 
• Stir in 1 cup chocolate chips.
• Press batter onto bottom of prepared baking 9x13 baking pan. 
• Bake for 30 to 33 minutes.
• Immediately sprinkle top with remaining 1 cup morsels and let stand for 5 minutes.
• Spread melted morsels evenly over top.

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Wordless Wednesday

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Desserts at Forty Niner Restaurant

After having dinner in Wahiawa one evening, we sought out somewhere to have desserts, and Forty Niner Restaurant was the perfect spot.

Deep Fried Brownie a la Mode

Strawberry Cheesecake

Both desserts were very good, but my favorite of the two was the Deep Fried Brownie a la Mode. The brownie itself was really fudgy, and paired with the vanilla ice cream - the entire dessert delicious.

Forty Niner was a great spot for desserts!

Forty Niner Restaurant
167 S Kamehameha Hwy
Wahiawa, HI 96786
808-621-0049

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Shortbread Brownies

Everyone loves brownies, but if you want to take yours up a notch try this recipe with a delicious shortbread crust. 

Cut together 2 cups flour, 1 cup butter, and 1/2 cup sugar.  The mixture will be crumbly.  Press into a greased 9x13 pan and bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees. 

While the crust is baking, mix together a brownie mix as directed.  Pour the mixture over the shortbread and bake for 35 minutes and let cool before cutting. 

Enjoy this simple delicious semi-homemade recipe!  

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Jimmy Buffett's at the Beachcomber to Remain Open Under New Local Management

Outrigger Enterprises Group today announced that it has leased the Jimmy Buffett's at the Beachcomber restaurant space to JB Waikiki, LLC, a new entity created by Handcrafted Restaurants, LLC, operators of Hawaii's Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman. The restaurant, located on the upper lobby level of the Holiday Inn® Waikiki Beachcomber Resort, will continue to operate under the Jimmy Buffett's brand following a one-week closure from September 1-7 while the space and menu undergo a refresh.

"We are honored to carry on Jimmy Buffett's great operation in Waikiki and look forward to expanding on its popularity with a few changes to the facilities and new additions to the menu that highlight Hawaii local flavors," said Bill Terry, partner at Handcrafted Restaurants LLC. "The interview process is currently underway with restaurant management and staff and we expect a quick and easy transition."

Barbara Campbell, vice president of retail leasing at Outrigger Enterprises Group, commented: "We are pleased to have reached this agreement that allows Jimmy Buffett's at the Beachcomber restaurant to remain open under the direction of Hawaii's JB Waikiki, LLC, and continue to serve up the great food and drinks people have come to expect from the restaurant. I've had a chance to sample a few of the new island influenced menu items and know they will be a hit with patrons," Campbell added.

Jimmy Buffett's at the Beachcomber is a much-loved Waikiki restaurant and bar where guests can sit back,relax, and dine from a menu of regional cuisine that includes fresh seafood, steaks, burgers, island flavors and more, while sipping margaritas, mai tais or signature boat drinks on the restaurant's open-air lanai or poolside bar.

Handcrafted Restaurants LLC is a partnership between Hawaii Regional Cuisine founding chef Peter Merriman and restaurateur Bill Terry. The restaurant group also operates Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman's two locations in Ko Olina and Wailea, Maui.

For more information about Jimmy Buffet's at the Beachcomber, visit www.jimmybuffettsatthebeachcomber.com.

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Pa`ina Cafe

After doing some work at Ward Warehouse, Nat and I decided to have lunch at Pa`ina Cafe.

Dee's BLT+T (bacon, lettuce, tomato, turkey)

Small Crunchy Shoyu Ahi Poke Bowl with Brown Rice

The place was packed and the line was very long when we arrived at the restaurant, but luckily we found a table.

If you know me and Nat, then you'll know what we each ordered for lunch.

I had the sandwich, which was very filling.  I couldn't even finish it.

Pa`ina Cafe is a great spot to grab a casual, satisfying lunch.

Pa`ina Cafe
1200 Ala Moana Blvd.
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 356-2829

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Life Lesson #38: Treat Yourself on Your Birthday

This week I am turning 38.  First off, I am not happy about that extra candle on my cake, but I realize that at 38, with 2 kids and 10 years of marriage, I’ll be lucky to get a birthday cake.  I can’t even remember the last time I was able to blow out a candle and make a birthday wish.  Don’t get me wrong, I realize I sound about 10 and I am super grateful for the celebrations my family and friends have planned for me.  But as far as the special day itself, I wasn’t about to let it go uncelebrated.  I decided to take matters into my own hands and started with taking the day off from work.

 

My birthday celebration will begin after I drop the kids off at school and head over to the Moana Lani Spa, a Heavenly Spa by Westin and the only ocean front spa in Waikiki located in the Moana Surfrider.  I will be treated to their 80 minute signature lomi facial which will help in reducing my fine lines and wrinkles caused not only by aging but due to the lack of sleep for the past 6-7 years (note my oldest turned 7 in April). 80 minutes of relaxation? Sounds perfect and just what this Mommy needs.

 

After that indulgent experience, I will be heading over to the Kristin Wood Lash Studio, Hawaii’s premier eyelash studio, to be pampered with eyelash extensions because one must get gorgeous on their birthday (life lesson #37).  And these are not just any eyelash extensions, Kristen’s advanced new Ready-to-Wear product line Facet Lashes are designed for today’s modern woman.  The semi-permanent Facet Lashes dramatically enhance the length and thickness of the natural lash, while maintaining an overall natural look.  

 

Stay tuned for the results of my birthday experience.  I can’t wait to share them with you and hope to inspire you to treat yourself on your special day because you most definitely deserve it.    

 

http://moanalanispa.com/

http://www.kristinwood.com/    

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Chocolate Chip Blondies

It's been a while since I made blondies, so I decided to try this recipe I found on FoodNetwork.com.  I didn't have any chocolate chunks, as the original recipe calls for, but I used chocolate chips, and they still turned out great!

Chocolate Chip Blondies (Recipe adapted from FoodNetwork.com):

Ingredients:

• 1 c (2 sticks) room temperature butter
• 1 c brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1/2 c sugar
• 2 t vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 c flour
• 1 t baking soda
• 1 t salt
• 2 c chocolate chips

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Spray a 9x13 pan with cooking/baking spray.  
• In a medium bowl cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy.
• Add in the vanilla.
• Add in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.  
• In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt.
• Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. 
• Fold in the chocolate chips.
• Pour batter into pan.
• Bake for 30 minutes.  

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Introducing Lucy's Lab Creamery!

This weekend is the soft opening for Lucy's Lab Creamery, located on 435 Kamakee Street from noon to 9 pm, or until they run out. 

Ever since falling in love with the unique ice cream flavors from Salt and Straw on my recent trip to Portland, I was ecstatic to find something similar was coming to Hawaii.  According to Pacific Business News, Lee Wang, a real estate agent decided to open the ice cream shop after discovering small ice cream shops serving out-of-the-box flavors.  He is also dedicating the shop in memory of his mother, Lucy, who died of breast cancer and a portion of the shop's proceeds will go to breast cancer research.

The custom handmade ice cream shop offers kid friendly flavors like Tahitian vanilla and nutella.  Adults will flip for flavors like sea salted caramel, fruit loop vodka, honey lavender, earl grey and bacon whiskey.  I tried samples of the fruit loop vodka and bacon whiskey and they were both amazing, but beware, there is an essence of alcohol as the ice cream names suggest.  

Lucy's also offers ice cream desserts like ice cream sandwiches and pan de creme, which is a pandesal (a panini sweet roll) filled with your choice of homemade jam and ice cream.  I was tempted to try it, but I could not overlook the ice cream sandwiches.  They offer two:  nutella on doublefudge chocolate cake and Tahitian vanilla on white cream pound cake.  The nutella on chocolate cake was DELICIOUS!  The creamy ice cream went perfectly with the moist fudgey cake.  Most places offer cookie ice cream sandwiches so this was very special.  

Love this new ice cream shop and look forward to returning!  Ice cream comes in four sizes at $1 an ounce.  The pan de creme and ice cream sandwiches run around $4.50 each.   Street parking only.     

Friendly employees scooping delicious home made ice cream.

Single scoop Nutella with oreo cooking topping.

Keiki scoop of Tahitian vanilla.

Super delicious Nutella ice cream sandwich.

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