Life of Larisa or LOL

It may look like a small unimposing little piece of chocolate but they have packed more flavor into this little ball than there are drinks at Starbucks. The start of our summer vacation has already included a trip to the mall, multiple Starbucks trips, a red velvet cupcake, and this little nugget of yumminess . Many folks would associate ice cream with their ultimate summer treat, but I'm gonna have to go with this mouthwatering Pistachio truffle. It is a new flavor for Godiva and a new love for me. And even better than the taste---it was FREE.

Together eleven, married for ten...Happy Anniversary Isom ! This means I've been living with a boy for a decade. Wow. Here's a little trip down memory lane...most of the pictures are taken in or outside of a restaurant! What a great commentary on our life together thus far. Ten years of birthdays, trips, eating, drinking, traveling, movies, tv , friends, family, and laughing. And we don't want to kill each other...yet. Thanks to all our friends and family for being there for the two of us over the past ten years. I'm sure we couldn't have done it without you...or wine. And beer... Happy anniversary! Here's to ten more...at least~

Dinner with Jayme and Solomon. Two dollar fish tacos. Apple crumb cheesecake. A long desired Coke (I actually never drink soda). Gabe and Solomon had a fun time playing and eating chicken nuggets while the adults chatted (Jayme and Isom ) and I played Pac -Man . The Shack is super convenient, kid friendly (despite being an Army hangout bar), and they still manage to surprise you with random weekly specials. If you are having a hankering for Mexican drinks and food (so, the food is kind of a stretch), then stop into The Shack on Wednesdays. Since I was indulging in my Coke, I didn't have a beer, but next time for sure...a great compliment to the fish taco I had. I think the price clouded my taste buds a bit, but when I think about it, something is always clouding my taste...why not price? My dessert was more expensive than my meal but it sure was a handy way to get in my fruits for the day. A great end to Gabe's last day of first grade and my last night of sanity for t

Thank goodness yesterday was the last day of school. The cupcakes I bake for the next two months can be enjoyed by adults instead of six year olds . I decided to add a childhood favorite to the vanilla and chocolate cupcakes I made for Gabe's final day of school. I figured Oreos are great on their own but twice as nice with a cupcake underneath and three times as good when accompanied by a first grade version of a pizza party. I was lucky enough to join the kids for the last day of school where they devised clever "Dad" poems for Father's Day, played Candyland , watched "Curious George" the movie, played chase at recess, and of course pizza and cupcakes. My last day of school was never this fabulous. It was sad saying good-bye to the teachers who played such a huge role in turning Gabe into a FANTASTIC reader but having met next year's second grade teacher, we are confident for another fabulous year at Mililani Waena. Now we have arrived at the fi

Meet 23 year old me and 21 year old Isom . Meet bad decorating and bad camera angles. But we're pretty cute anyway. Thanks for these old photos Jesse! Thankfully other people aren't too lazy to scan in old photos. I, however, am. I probably have the most photos and the most time to do it, but...I'd rather watch Mad Men, read, eat. This is my old UH apartment---Christmas- ish 1999 is what I am going to guess. Before graduation, before Isom moved to Washington, before marriage, before Gabe, before I knew how unflattering wearing a boy t-shirt was! If anyone else isn't too lazy to scan in some photos, I'm happy to post them. I am a whiz at uploading pictures from my iPhone.

Alright, busted. This is an OLD photo. Three years ago was a good look for me. On Saturday, I enjoyed one of my Manoa favorites--- Waioli Tea Room . They have captured tranquil and they serve it up in the form of cucumber sandwiches, mango plantation ice tea, and lilikoi chiffon cake. Although I no longer work on staff for The Baby Hui , I still find time to attend their events and help out when I can. This year's volunteer appreciation luncheon was a great opportunity for me to do both. My Saturday morning and most of the afternoon were spent sharing in the experiences of some of Oahu's coolest moms. Treated to a kid free lunch on top of it? Ideal. See, I do have a heart...I might not buy a mug from random folks off the street...but I will support non-profit community organizations that empower women.

All I can say is, I'm not the only one planning a "wedding" and I'm not the only one who sees the joy in cupcakes! These mega cakes were made by the lovely ladies who planned and threw my friend Michelle a Bridal Shower yesterday. She will by tying the knot this Saturday (wow!) and we spent yesterday afternoon showering her. The view (despite the cloudy, rainy weather) from the Kaneohe home it was hosted at was beautiful. It just never gets old---mountains and ocean simply are breathtaking. And of course, it never gets old how I can never manage to take a good picture...not even of my favorite thing---FOOD. The picture is in my mind...and it's a good one. Red wine, pupus , a game (I won a prize) and I had to take off...I was hosting a shindig of my own. The LOST series finale EVENT (as advertised by ABC) was starting within an hour of me returning home from Michelle's shower. I love t.v. and a series finale is always exciting. This particular finale

Our little performer sang his heart out on Friday at his school wide songfest. Typically there is a May Day celebration, but due to Furlough Fridays this school year, they opted out and devoted a Friday (anyone see humor in that?) to the final quarter awards assembly...and SONGFEST. I do hope, however, they will continue the tradition (of Songfest that is...) The kids LOVED it and so did us parents. It is scheduled to be on local television in mid-June so we can relive the sensational first grade performance of Jack Johnson's "Upside Down" . Now there will be an alternative to the video I posted (and was then removed) from YouTube. Copyright, schmopyright . Gabe practiced for his singing debut, over and over. He had the words memorized and the hand motions down. He was very proud. As a treat for his successful performance (no weird voices used, no running around when the other kids were lining up, no giving "the finger" to the audience), I took him to

There's no place finer. Bread pudding was the perfect end to our fabulous local style diner dinner on Saturday (that's a mouthful...literally). We met up with the Pommerenks and enjoyed a hilarious waiter, delicious food, and street vendors. Upon entering the restaurant, Gabe and I were summoned by three little kids, a grandma, and who I assume was the young mother of the three kids. She sincerely explained how she had just lost her job (uh, I don't even have one lady), and wondered if we could help support her. I politely told her "Thanks but no thanks." and we continued on inside. I only felt a little guilty. Upon sitting down at our table, Sarah pulls out the above mug. "Oh, what is this? A belated Mother's Day gift?"...her husband had taken pity on the women and kids who were begging us for cash two seconds ago. For the eleven bucks he gave her...he got to take home the beautiful "Eye Candy" mug for his very own. So glad we didn&

...now that I know for sure (I mean, what a reliable source OK magazine is...does it even constitute a real magazine?) that Keanu and Charlize are NOT a couple. Phew. I can now proceed with the normal going ons of my life.

It was a riot. Seven kids under seven. And they were all FULL of personality. While Gabe was at school for a half day and Isom was at work, I drove to the Bayer Estate to join proud parents Mai Ly and Rob for their daughters first graduation ceremony. I enjoyed a beautiful view, a lovely serenade by Arwen , an aspiring gymnast (which consisted of one forward roll and an almost cartwheel), "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" on the bells, a dancing cheerleader ( "We Are The Champions" by Queen played in the background), and a dancing " Kung - Fu Fighter" (to the tune of every ones favorite 70s jam " Kung Fu Fighting" )...oh and I can't forget Mai Ly's beautiful home made fruit tray (even I could appreciate it). Why wasn't my graduation this entertaining?! The kids did a great job and were adorable in their home made graduation caps. It was a fun way to start the morning. Happy Graduation Arwen !

Do you ever take on a project not knowing how in the world you will actually accomplish it? Exhibit A above. But I did it...well, almost...still a few left to finish. But, anyway, these lovely little flower pots are for an upcoming luncheon...the flowers are pens...hand wrapped and glue gunned by yours truly. The difficult task of tying ribbon ? Also all me. Can you even believe it?Just like the baking...something I never thought I would do. Wouldn't little cupcakes look cute inside flower pots?! For another day...

The above is my fridge...in my dreams. I thought this particular cupcakery ( hee , hee ..more made up words), was only in Aina Haina ---the things you learn when you are on an industrious walk through downtown. Lehua and I started across from the Blaisdell and walked all the way to Floradec . I don't know how many miles that is, but if you live here, guaranteed you think it is far. Right? (Hopefully it's not just me) After checking out future strollers (for her) and future beds (for Gabe) and making a few party purchases at Floradec (good thing they aren't closer to my house...could spend days at a time in there looking at all the cool stuff), we headed back...low and behold "Cake Couture" ! Peanut butter for her...cherry chocolate for me. Both Lehua and I bake. Her cakes. Me cupcakes. She is much better skilled at her craft than me, but I am a much better eater than her. We both wonder, despite many hours in our own kitchens icing things, how they g

...and gone tomorrow. Messy chic up do . Here is a sample of how the hair might look for the big party in June. Didn't have a white flower available, but the silver was a fun spunky alternative. Thoughts? That is if you can distinguish what's going on in the terrible iPhone photography?!

And here is the culprit...the pain in my knee... the bike, not Isom . The boys have been riding bikes, and for some reason have been wanting me to tag along on these daily adventures. I am usually all for something that involves sitting. I agreed to participate if I could pick my bike. I chose the lovely pictured, Hello Kitty bike. It is for an adult. It is pink. It has a bell. It has a big, comfy seat. Yesterday, we set out on our first and last family bike ride. Okay, maybe not really the last, but ugh, my legs were sore during and after. And now today too. Have I mentioned? I'm super thrilled with how cute my bike is. Isom claims I look really cute on it too (I'm not so sure about this). I am not thrilled, however, about feeling old. There's Gabe (and for the most part, Isom too) cruising up hill after hill after hill with NO TROUBLE, no labored breathing, no sweat whatsoever. I am completely jealous. I may have to ride during the day to get practiced

The key part of the Key Lime Cupcake should be the meringue on top. Well, for me, this is the part of the cupcake that failed. They smell good, so that's a bright spot...I guess. The cake part of the cupcake turned out just fine too...another bright spot. But, if the sauce and the crust on the pizza are good but the toppings are junk, you don't want to eat it...right? This is how I am feeling about this Key Lime Cupcake. Today, I lounged on the couch re-reading "Eclipse" (fourth or fifth read maybe?) because my knee was hurting (thanks 3 mile bike ride). It wasn't a terrible way to spend a Sunday, but it wasn't a great way either. After washing down my Excedrin with a Java chip Frappuccino from Starbucks (had to take advantage of the last day of Frappuccino Happy Hour), I was feeling somewhat normal again. I thought...why not bake? But today's cupcakes ended up turning out much how I feel...not quite normal. Here's hoping tomorrows batch c

RED VELVET PANCAKES! For the record, I split these with two other moms. Cinnamon's in Kailua has managed to make a pancake I can eat...and enjoy . When it comes to breakfast I'm more of a bagel and cream cheese, maybe French Toast, kind of gal. I don't do waffles or pancakes. But when I read online about Cinnamon's red velvet pancake, I thought it might be worth a try. Do you have seven dollars? Then take it and go get these pancakes. You won't find them on the menu, but be sure to order them anyway. You will be angry with me for turning you on to such a breakfast delight. The syrup is a butter cream, the warmth from the pancakes melting it perfectly. It is not over the top sweet but it is soft and every bite from start to finish was a treasure. And then we walked all of our breakfast sin off at Kawainui Marsh. I HEART Kailua !

Proof that I am freaking out (most likely unnecessarily ) about our upcoming party?? I ate pizza and a cupcake, and totally forgot to blog about it. After our Mother's Day movie matinee, we drove to Waikiki for what I can only describe as OPTIMUM EATING UTOPIA. We tried a new to us restaurant, Giovanni Pastrami ...across from the Yard House. Our dining experience began before entering the restaurant---when I called ahead for instructions on parking. The guy on the phone was jokey and happy and gave perfect directions to the most convenient parking I've yet to have in Waikiki. Too bad our waitress wasn't as jovial. She still managed to bring our food and everything, but I guess I was expecting at least one "Happy Mother's Day! Thank you for dining with us today!". No. She must be mad at her mom. I was excited to try the pizza and was amused to discover the pizza they serve is not their own, but really Round Table Pizza. The best part about this, I u

It's not a typo. I wasn't actually referring to the movie 28 Days and typed 26 Days by mistake. I looked at the calendar and realized that's all the time I have until our big party. I think this is the biggest party I have ever thrown. Three weeks out, there seems to be so much to do. How is that possible? It's just some food and drinks! It's been weighing on my mind for months...how could more not have been done sooner? Oh yeah, because I am a HUGE procrastinator. I thought this flaw would only pose a problem in school. Guess not. So, instead of calling to confirm this or that, I sit here and type... Hopefully all my friends will understand (and remember that I'm a HUGE procrastinator) when they show up to the party and certain details have been left out... And for my next distraction tactic, I will now clean my already clean house, bake cupcakes (I heard there's a shortage), and prepare a gourmet meal for our family dinner tonight. Procrasti

...was a great way to spend Mother's Day afternoon---you know, as a "questionable" mom. After taking the opportunity of sleeping in, Isom made me delicious French Toast for breakfast. I opened a lovely present of fragrant lotion, body scrub, and bath gel from The Body Shop (the boys think I don't know that this is a hint) and decided I wanted to watch a movie on Mother's Day. I love movies, and could spend time with the boys without actually having to hear them talk. I'm grinning now. The first choice for movie was "Babies" (still planning on it...just not today). Then Iron Man 2 came into the conversation. I was a little unsure---PG-13, violence, good guys/bad guys. And, we decided to go anyway. We, no, I covered Gabe's eyes during the bad parts...he got to see about a third of the movie. The theater was packed...guess everyone and their mother decided to go to the movies. The music rocked, literally. The cast, amazing---four favori

It's not me. It's not Gabe. It's not Isom . Breathe your sigh of relief. I just finished reading this book. I hope if she is Googling herself, she comes across my blog. I already thought Sarah Silverman was a riot, but after reading her book, I find her even more endearing. Yes, the same woman who loves potty humor. I find my six year old endearing, why not her too? I'm lending this book out to anyone who wants a laugh (Sorry S. Silverman ...you won't be making those extra sales...but that's okay, your dad hates rich people anyway). I'm glad that celebrity books aren't being limited to reality stars. This was a very good first book. The sequel? "I Finally Got Diapers!". Looking forward to it. And the movies based on both.

...in my life right now. He's cute, has a nice voice, and even plays guitar (in his own mind). Tickets on sale now.

...has pizza! And it is the perfect place for your Siete de Mayo celebration...not Cinco de Mayo. Definitely not. An hour wait for semi decent Mexican food. I'm glad we waited two days instead. After a fun filled Furlough Friday with not one, but three kids, I was exhausted and hungry. We dropped off our friends and met Isom at Banditos Cantina by Pearlridge . I had a coupon and it was Friday, so I took a chance on the Mexican pizza. They kindly left the meat off, but maybe they thought taking meat off required adding extra jalapenos . I do enjoy a good hot pepper but it was a little much. I was only able to eat half of my pizza. I'm sure filling up on first a Dos Equis and then a basket and a half of chips and salsa were the true culprits. A note about the salsa---it has a delicious pepper (as in black) flavor. It is not chunky. I thought it would matter to me, but as it turns out, it doesn't. I love the Banditos salsa. Gabe ordered a cheeseburger.

I started the day with this! And a walk around Kapiolani Park, so no judging! At the end of my walk with Mari and her boy Sean, we checked out the fresh produce at the mini farmers market held in the parking lot across from the zoo....nothing better than hearing the monkeys while you check out bananas. Today was cause for double celebration. Boys Day and Cinco de Mayo ! I celebrate holidays from foreign countries. It was triple satisfaction with Shirokiya pizza (or focaccia bread), Shirokiya boys day cupcake (eh, I have a little boy), and breakfast from Starbucks (I feel it's my duty to check out all of their new products). Gabe was excited to find his Koi fish from Auntie Mari and his Koi fish cookie from me when I picked him up from school. Happy Boys Day Gabe (and you too Isom ).