Wordless Wednesday

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Visit Lanai: Top 10 Reasons Why I Love Lanai

I can't believe I finally visited Lanai last year, and I really can't wait until I visit again.

Carriage ride through the city

Here are the top 10 things I love about Lanai:

1. The Aloha Spirit - The Aloha Spirit was evident everywhere we went - at the airport, at our hotel, and all throughout the city.  Riding on the shuttle I noticed drivers would constantly wave at each other; while on the carriage everyone we passed waved hello; even guests at our hotel exuded the aloha spirit - greeting us with "Aloha!"
2. No driving necessary - My husband loved that he didn't need to drive us around while on vacation.  The Four Seasons Resort Lanai provides a shuttle that transports guests between Manele Bay and the Lodge at Koele, as well as through Lanai City.
3. No car/booster seats needed - Since we didn't rent a car and a shuttle took us around the city, we didn't need to travel with a car or booster seat.  For our family that meant 3 less things to have to transport with us!
4. Nature's beauty -  The beauty of Lanai is evident everywhere - through the beaches, the mountains - everywhere!
5. Island charm - You won't find any "big box" stores or national fast food chains.  Instead you'll find local shops offering the best of Lanai.
6. Wildlife - Seeing wild turkeys roam the grounds of the Manele Bay and watching deer run across the road was quite a sight!
7. Dining - Whether you have a preference for fine dining or local specialties in a casual setting, Lanai has a nice variety of dining venues to choose from.
8. Short plane flight - Since I live on Oahu, the plane ride to Lanai is just a short 30-minute plane ride.
9. No traffic - Lanai has no stoplights and only 3 paved roads, which is a pretty good indication that you'll almost never run into traffic.
10. Something for everyone - Honeymooners wanting to be pampered, families wanting an adventure, or friends wanting a golf day will find what they need.  Relax in the spa, splash on the beach, go on a helicopter ride, indulge in fine dining, learn about Lanai's history and culture...there is just so much to do - which is why I need to go back to Lanai - there is so much more I want to do!

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Chili's Grill & Bar

I'm not ashamed to say that I enjoy dining at chain restaurants, and Chili's Grill & Bar is one of them.

On a recent visit I decided to try items from the new Fresh Mex menu.

Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada and Chicken Tostada

Skillet Toffee Fudge Brownie

I opted for the 2 items Southwest Pairing - Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada and Chicken Tostada.  Everything was delicious, and there was so much food!

We also tried one of the newer dessert items - the Skillet Toffee Fudge Brownie.  The combination of toffee brownie, toffee bits, vanilla ice cream, and caramel sauce made for one decadent dessert!

Unfortunately, on this visit, service was very slow, and the dish my husband ordered (a Half Rack of Ribs, not pictured), was very unsatisfactory to the point where he actually wrote in to express his disappointment with the meal (and Chili's promptly resolved the situation).

Normally, service is great and so is the food, and Chili's often offers great coupon deals, which is one of the reasons we often dine at Chili's.

Hopefully the next visit will be better in terms of service, and my husband won't be disappointed with his meal!

Chili's Grill & Bar
95-1249 Meheula Pkwy
Mililani, HI 96789
(808) 627-0888

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Not In the Mood for Chocolate? Bake this! Giada's Lemon Ricotta Cookies

I've wanted to go to Yelp's Annual Cookie Swap for a couple of years now, but the timing was never right.  I was super excited that I could make it to this year's event and decided to let it inspire me to try a new cookie recipe.  On a recent trip to Vegas, I fell in love with Giada's lemon ricotta cookie so I decided that was the cookie I was going to bake.  Luckily, her recipe is available right on the Food Network website and was pretty easy to follow.

You probably have all the ingredients at home with the exception of lemons and ricotta cheese.  These delicious cake-like cookies call for lemon juice and lemon zest.  I didn't realize how pricey lemons are in Hawaii!  I found the best deal at Costco.  I also invested in a zester and a small cookie dough scooper because I wanted these cookies to be uniform in shape and size.  Luckily these were two great purchases to add to my cookie baking arsenal.  

First, combine 2.5 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1 tsp salt.  In a separate bowl, mix 1 stick of softened butter and 2 cups of sugar for about 3 minutes.  The original recipe calls for unsalted butter but I used salted butter. Yes, I'm a rebel.  Or just lazy.  

 

 

Mix in two eggs, one at a time.  Next, mix in 1 (15oz) container of whole milk ricotta cheese, 3 tablespoons of lemon juice and the zest of one lemon.  Stir in the flour mixture in three parts. 

 

I love baking on parchment paper.  Makes those baking sheets a cinch to clean up!

Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes.  The cookies are done when they are slightly golden at the edges.  Let cool for 20 minutes before glazing. 

The glaze uses 1.5 cups powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of lemon juice and the zest of one lemon.  I left out the zest so that the glaze would be smooth.  The glaze will harden after about two hours.  

This cookie is amazing!  A real treat for lemon lovers and a nice change from chocolate. 

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Visit Hawaii Island: The `Ohana Suite at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka`upulehu

Normally when I write about hotels I briefly go over the type of room we stayed in, but after staying in the `Ohana Suite at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka‘upulehu, it was obvious that a post solely focused on the suite was a must - there is just so much to say about this suite!

Both paths lead to the `Ohana Suite on the ground level

Two `Ohana Suites are available on property, one near the Sea Shell Crescent, the other near the Beach Tree Crescent, providing ample room for families staying at the resort.

Our suite was near the Sea Shell Crescent, which was the perfect location since it was close to the Keiki Pool, and my kids could run back into the room from the pool whenever they needed a potty break.

So close to the Keiki Pool!

The suite itself was large and cozy, with a living area complete with a table and chairs, a sofa (which housekeeping converted into a bed during turndown service), and a flat screen television.  Kids' beds were also in the living area.

Living area

The large, bathroom included double sinks, a deep soak tub, a stand-up shower, and an outdoor shower.

Double sinks

Clockwise from top left: Shower, steam shower; outdoor shower, deep soak tub 

There was also a guest powder room and a steam shower.

Guest powder room

Throughout the bathrooms were Kawili Body Care products, a Four Seasons exclusive in partnership with L'Oeil du Vert.   I loved how the resort offered hand soap and body wash - two amenities that I normally have to pack on my own.

The bedroom included a king-size bed with a custom bamboo canopy headboard, a second-flat screen TV, a writing table, and seating area.

King bed with custom bamboo canopy and headboard

Writing table

Seating area to relax and read a magazine

There were numerous features in the suite that excited the kids, such as an Xbox Kinect and games, a telescope, and bean bag chairs.

The kids loved the bean bag chairs!

Just outside the sliding glass doors of our suite was a large patio with outdoor seating, and a beautiful lawn where kids could play (or in my youngest son's case, chase after bubbles).

Chasing bubbles

There were two closets (one walk-in), as well as plenty of drawer space, a refrigerator, drinking glasses, lots of outlets to recharge our smart phones, hooks (to hold clothes, towels, robes, and lei), ceiling fans, light dimmers, hand-towel holders (at a convenient height for my kiddos),  and so many other features that made our stay convenient and inviting.

Available for use were robes, hotel slippers, and even a tote bag perfect for the pool or beach, and with the suite we also received complimentary Wi-Fi, newspaper, and transportation from/to the airport.

I loved the warm and inviting decor, as well as the natural elements and nature-inspired elements found throughout the suite.

Love this lamp!

Housekeeping would come twice daily.  In addition to cleaning and replacing towels, they'd refill the ice bucket and water pitcher during the day, and in the evening they'd also set up a mini coffee bar to to enjoy the next morning, as well as set up the water pitcher, remote, and a reading light on one of the bedside tables.

Hualalai offers 243 guest rooms and suites, so whether you're traveling as a couple, a family, or with a large group of people, there are plenty of accommodations to choose from.

If you will be staying at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka`upulehu with your `ohana, contact the resort at 808-325-8000 to get more information about the `Ohana Suite or other room types to suit your needs.

Thank you to the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai for offering a media rate for our stay; gratuities were paid on my own.

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Visit Vancouver: Airport Eats - Canucks Bar & Grill

Before our return to Honolulu, our family decided to eat lunch at Canucks Bar & Grill in the Vancouver International Airport.

Kids Grilled Cheese with Fries

BLT Club

Kids Cheese Pizza

I had the BLT, which I thought was delicious. It was loaded with lots of crispy bacon, and the French fries were good too.

Kids meals are offered, though not on the menu, and were quite pricey ($8.99, no drink included), but high prices were expected since we were at the airport.

The hostess was very friendly, but overall service was pretty slow.

However, I did think Canucks Bar & Grill was a convenient spot to have a satisfying lunch before getting on the plane.

Canucks Bar & Grill
3211 Grant McConachie Way
Richmond, BC V7B 1M8
Canada

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Visit San Diego: My Top 10 Favorite Moments

There is so much to see, do, and eat in San Diego, and here are my Top 10 Favorite Moments from our trip:

1. Making music at the Musical Fountain at LEGOLAND California - We all had so much fun making music together as a family!

2. Riding the carousel in Balboa Park - It was very memorable as our entire family rode on the beautiful carousel together. 

3. Riding the Skyfari at the San Diego Zoo - It was both scary and exciting to ride the Skyfari!

4. Meeting Zoe and Elmo at Sea World - San Diego - My kids were ecstatic to see Zoe and Elmo in real life!

5. Watching how much fun my kids had at the Ball Wall at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center - They really could've stayed there for hours!

6. Going on the African Tram Tour at San Diego Zoo Safari Park - Seeing so many beautiful animals roaming the grounds, such as the Northern White Rhino, was simply amazing.

7. Indulging in ice cream from the Daily Scoop - Eating ice cream is always on the itinerary, and we always look forward to it!

8. Seeing the baby sea horses at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps - It was quite a sight to see such tiny creatures!

9. Walking through the Lost City of Atlantis exhibit at SEA LIFE Aquarium at LEGOLAND California Resort - One of my favorite exhibits from SEA LIFE.

10. Watching my kids eat a Monster Cookie from Corner Bakery Cafe - They were in cookie heaven!

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Into the Woods Movie Review

Starring Meryl Streep, James Corden, Emily Blunt, Anna Kendrick and Chris Pine, "Into the Woods" is a humorous and heartfelt musical that follows the classic tales of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel-all tied together by an original story involving a Baker and his Wife, their wish to begin a family and their interaction with the Witch who has put a curse on them.

My family and I were fortunate enough to attend a preview of Into the Woods.  I did some research on the Disney movie and found out that it is based on the award winning musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine which premiered on Broadway in 1987.  However, Disney made some family friendly plot changes which I was grateful for since I brought my two little ones, ages 7 and 4, to the movie.

I love musicals and really enjoyed the stellar performances by Emily Blunt as the Baker's Wife and Meryl Streep as the Witch, but the performance of the song "Agony" by the two princes absolutely stole the show.  It was hilarious.  I was a little disappointed with Johnny Depp's role as the Wolf and had expected to be dazzled by Anna Kendrick's performance of Cinderella since I'm such a huge fan, but sadly I wasn't.  

Although my 4 year old son liked the movie, I could tell it was too much singing and too little action for his tastes.  My daughter, on the other hand, was totally captivated.  At times it was a little difficult for her to follow the plot told through song, but she understood for the most part.  What really put her in a spin was when Cinderella's Prince kisses the Baker's Wife.  She asked us what stray meant and why the Prince forgot about Cinderella.  Those were not questions parents of a second grader were prepared to answer so be prepared.

On the upside, the message of the movie was to be careful of what you wish for as we see the consequences of the characters' wishes.  It was a great opportunity to teach my daughter this important life lesson.  The film is rated PG and is now playing in theaters.  Running time is 2 hours and 4 minutes.  Parents of little ones, compare this to the 1 hour and 37 minutes running time of Maleficent.  It's a little long.   

Watch the trailer here. 

 

Thank you to our sponsor for the complimentary movie passes.      

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Marukai Marketplace Bento and Deli Corner

Mochiko Chicken Curry Bowl

Marukai Marketplace, located in Kaka'ako, is mostly known for their wide selection of oriental groceries.  But did you also know that they have a huge selection of freshly made bentos and deli items as well?  

Yesterday I was short on time and needed to pick up lunch to take back to the office. I headed to Marukai and found what I was looking for - a great tasting mochiko chicken and curry bowl for $4.99!  

Marukai is a membership store, but it is open to the public.  Members are entitled to privileges such as preferred pricing and discounts to Marukai partners like Prince Court, Restaurant Suntory, Gyu-Kaku, Stage, Kissaten, Hakone, and many others.  Marukai has two locations on Oahu - Kaka'ako and Dillingham.  

Marukai Marketplace

1020 Auahi Street

Honolulu, HI 

(808) 593-9888

Mon-Sat: 8 am  - 9:30 pm

Sun: 8 am - 8 pm

Marukai Wholesale Mart

2310 Kamehameha Highway

Honolulu, HI 

(808) 845-5051

Mon-Sat 8 am - 8 pm

Sun: 8 am - 6 pm

Website: www.marukaihawaii.com

Twitter: @marukaihawaii

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Breakfast and Dessert from Rise and Shine Cafe

Over the past month I've been to Rise and Shine Cafe twice to meet friends for breakfast/brunch - one of the few really good places for breakfast in the Mililani area.

Corned Beef Hash & Eggs

Meat Lovers Omelet with Breakfast Potatoes

Corned Beef Hash Eggs Benedict

Kids Mini Pancakes with Fresh Fruit

Veggie Breakfast Burrito

Eggnog Cheesecake

On one visit I had the Veggie Breakfast Burrito for the first time, which was stuffed with eggs, black beans, avocado, potatoes, spinach, mushrooms, onions, and cheese. It was delicious and satisfying!

On another visit I had the Meat Lovers Omelet, which I've had a couple of times before, and it's really good. The omelet is full of bacon, Portuguese Sausage, ham, cheese, and onions. YUM!

During one of the meals I couldn't resist getting dessert for breakfast - Eggnog Cheesecake!

It was rich and creamy with hints of nutmeg.

Service is always great and I can't wait to go back - especially to try out more desserts!


Rise and Shine Cafe 
95-1057 Ainamakua Dr Ste F-6
Mililani, HI 96789
(808) 260-9312

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Visit Orange County: Top 10 Eats

In a year's time I visited the Orange County area three times, and here are my top 10 eats from those trips* (not including any eats from Disneyland or California Adventure - those will be in a separate post):

*Items may no longer be on the menu or have been offered as specials only.

1. Southern Garlic Cheese Bread from Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen - Garlicky, cheesy goodness!

2. Banberry Pie from Polly's Pies - I'm not much of a pie fan, but the combination of banana cream and strawberries was delicious!

3. Grilled Cobb Sandwich from Claim Jumper - The combination of chicken, bacon, avocado, and bleu cheese made for a delicious sandwich!

4. Cajun Turkey Club from Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen - Although not as spicy as I expected, the sandwich was filling and delicious.


5. Sparkling Volcano from Rainforest Cafe - What a way to end a meal - with a fun brownie dessert!

6. Santa Fe Omelet from Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant - A hearty breakfast with a little spicy kick!

7. California Chicken Sandwich from Red Robin Gourmet Burgers - Juicy chicken topped with bacon, guacamole, and more - YUM!

8. Awesome Appetizer Adventure: Chimi-Cha-Chas, Spinach & Artichoke Dip with Tri-Colored Tortilla Chips, Cheese Sticks, and Chicken Tenders. Served with Fresh Guacamole, Marinara and Coconut Curry Sauce from Rainforest Cafe - I loved the Chimi-Cha-Chas!

9. Chicken Club Sandwich from Johnny Rockets - I love club sandwiches, especially since bacon is usually included!

10. Ham & Cheese Omelette from Paul's Place - Reasonably-priced and satisfying!

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