Life of Larisa or LOL

Ever hear of a place called Starbucks? Well, at this little coffee shop, they sell one healthy-ish thing, the oat cake. I have discovered how to recreate it. Not that I love it so much that I need to be able to make it at home. But sometimes its nice to have a nonfat version of a treat. For those events and days that you're with your health nut friends. Your "go green" friends. Your friends that don't like sugar. So really, they aren't friends. The recipe consisted of brown ingredients---this is the first tip off that things might not be headed in a good direction. Whole wheat flour. Soy milk (I used almond milk instead). Raisins. Two types of nuts. And no, I didn't forget to mention eggs and butter. They were NOT in the recipe. I think you are getting an idea of what this trail mix in disguise was like. Again, I'm hoping they weren't out of coffee at Isom's work---they'll need it to wash down this honey infused granola...muffi

I forgot to chop the pecans (I was too busy snacking on a few) and decided against adding dates to the mix. According to my recipe book these are cupcakes. I think they are muffins. They didn't have the sweet, moist consistency that a cake should/would normally have. So, I'm gonna refer to them as pecan muffins (thanks for the pecans grandma), great with coffee...and cream cheese spread on top. I had intentions of delivering the "muffins" to a friend who was feeling under the weather and another who was down on her luck (recently flooded house), but it didn't work out. I'd rather deliver something a little sweeter anyway. Isom's colleagues are enduring this baked concoction today. They are holed up in an overly air conditioned building surrounded by computers, so this should brighten their day...unless they ran out of coffee.

...better known as Sam Choy's . It should be breakfast, lunch, and OYSTER. It was oyster fest yesterday. This week is really getting off to a good food start. Garlic fest, oyster fest, and at the end of the week it will be Hello Kitty fest. It's like Christmas in October. I met two of my long lost Junior League pals for a working lunch yesterday. It's been at least a year since I've enjoyed a seafood meal at Sam Choy's. They have free valet parking, a boat you can eat in, and seafood. It is a dream. I had to order oysters since I didn't go garlic crazy the other night at garlic fest. I was not let down. It was a sandwich. It was fried. It had oysters. Yum. Oh, and it was great to see my JLH gals Bessie and Lynn---they are a riot. Here's to oysters and wiping the slate clean...you had to be there.

You can sort of see the progression as you scroll through the pictures. I wish I had taken more photos. I was really perplexed and caught up in this "assignment". It began easy enough with a simple email request for birthday cupcakes. Sure, no problem, what's a couple dozen cupcakes, after all, I bake them on a weekly basis. As it turned out, there was nothing "easy" about this project. It was one of those things that despite the best laid plans, nothing actually went according to plan. First, I have discovered that Target, Price Busters, and The Disney Store are the only carriers of Handy Manny things on island---but mostly big toys, cups, and pj's...not much use in decorating cupcakes. If you want Handy Manny and live on Oahu, you are relegated to online ordering. I don't do online ordering. The order was for sixty cupcakes, thirty vanilla and thirty chocolate (my Nemesis). Surprisingly, that part worked out just fine. It was the decorating

Here's what I want for my birthday cake. And I would like to enjoy it at the new Hello Kitty restaurant in Waikiki! Makitti has arrived! First Starbucks has decided to go with my idea (although not given credit for it) of serving alcohol. They are trying this out in Seattle. And now, the Hello Kitty themed restaurant (also my idea with no credit) has arrived in Hawaii. I will still patron both. Back to the cake. My cake buddy Lisa made this beauty. I'm so proud of her! (Hope it's okay I used your photo Lisa...it's such a pain when people steal your ideas and don't give credit, isn't it?!) Anyway, since I like to fill my blog with things I love and things that make me happy, I had to include this spectacular cake. Very reminiscent of another wonderful cake I remember from childhood...the Wonder Woman cake...or the cake that started it all. I did have a very trying baking weekend (you try making 60 Handy Manny cupcakes while stressed, feeling sick, and

...at Auntie Pastos. Since I was sick all weekend and didn't have much of an appetite, by the time Sunday evening rolled around, I was famished. After waiting patiently for me to get out of a meeting yesterday afternoon, the boys and I had dinner at Auntie Pastos. We were in the Kunia area so the two options were Thai or Italian. Isom got out voted. It was garlic fest at Auntie Pastos. We ordered nothing with garlic...until dessert...I had to try the garlic ice cream. I couldn't wrap my brain around how it would taste. It was creamy vanilla ice cream with an aftertaste of garlic. Just how our waitress described. The boys verdict? I think they might have liked my lemon avocado muffins better. I enjoyed it. I finally felt like I was doing my heart a favor by eating ice cream. My main dish wasn't half bad either, but a little salty for my tastes. I had the crab manicotti. Gabe took a departure from the norm as well--- pepperoni pizza. Isom had the Eggplant

Thanks to everyone who voted for my Grandma in the Better Homes and Gardens "Share the Plaid" contest. She won! I'm super excited for her...mostly because I want to hear (possibly taste) about what wonderful things she will be making with her new cookbook. Congratulations Tutu---a very well deserved win. It pays to hang on to your old books (especially cook books)...so maybe someday, I'll win the "Share the Vamp" contest by providing stories and old pictures of my "Twilight" books...

It's been so long since I've been to a new (to me) restaurant, that I've forgotten how to use my iPhone (sorry for the blur factor). Yesterday, after making an elaborate cupcake plan (I've been commissioned to make 60 Handy Manny Cupcakes for a 5th birthday party), executing my first fondant lettering, and a little shopping at Wal-mart with Lehua, we stopped into what I thought would be a roach invested shack. It wasn't . Phew. The outside of this restaurant is scary--- like has the health department seen this place, scary. The tobacco chewing, five o'clock shadow at 11:00 a.m. cab drivers hanging around on the corner weren't helping matters. And of course, I went in anyway. The inside is homey and pleasant. It is a Vietnamese/Vegetarian restaurant, so I knew I would enjoy a savory meal. I decided on the tofu fried rice. One of the dishes I miss most from my meat eating days is fried rice. They all have some sort of pork, meat product, or totally

Fresh, healthy, devoured . One of the few food items Isom and I might physically fight over. I made homemade guacamole a couple of days ago and was amazed at my restraint---in not eating it all. It was so good I wanted Isom to enjoy it too. Isn't that nice of me? Very easy recipe. Soft, ripe avocado garnered from friends avocado tree. Chopped onion and tomato mixed in. Salt, pepper, lemon juice, Tapatio spicy sauce and ole, (not a French dish, so can't really say voila) the guacamole is ready for tortilla chips...or to top on a burrito...or eat with a spoon. It's so good.

Believe it or not, I generally like to keep my blog posts positive. There's so much negative crap in life, that I'd rather focus on what's good---in my life, in my community, in my world. So, I'm not negative , just highly self absorbed. But every now and then, there are things that just get under my skin...usually things involving...you guessed it, food. Although I am not the best chef, only a moderate baker, and always find myself devastated when my food is not well received (please don't let this remark keep you from being 100% honest with me though), I do try to provide "service with a smile". If I'm dishing up a helping of pasta for you, I'll do it with love. If I'm placing a cupcake on a plate in front of you, I'll do it with a smile... I won't threaten, laugh at you, or scold you in the process of providing my mediocre food for you. Everyone is not like me. Here's why I won't be going back to The Creme Pot (a bre

I had actually been wanting to bake vegan cupcakes for awhile. I've made so many other varieties, I thought that a cupcake with no animal products or byproducts would be interesting at least. The opportunity to give back to my sorority and make vegan cupcakes presented itself today. The collegian sorority sisters are rewarded with dinner made (in some cases purchased) by the alumni if they make their quarterly/semester grades...well, these girls made the grade. And as a reward? Vegan cupcakes. Just kidding. One of the members is vegan. Since I know how it feels to not have something I can eat due to the meat limitations of my diet, I decided to take on the challenge of vegan cupcakes. It was actually quite easy. Since I don't have a picture (they may be "healthy and vegan" but they aren't that "cute"), I will provide the recipe instead...which you may like to call Banana Bread (they tasted eerily similar). Vegan Cupcakes 2 1/2 cups all-purpose f

Two Po Ke No nights in one month...what a fun bunch of ladies I know. For Saturday's Po Ke No party, the theme was...RED, BUFF, and SCREAM (a play on our sorority colors and Halloween). For my part, I made mini pumpkin cheesecakes. The last time I made cheesecake was back in May for my nephews sixteenth birthday. I thought it turned out fabulous (although my tastes have been being questioned lately). In honor of Halloween, and the fabulous pumpkin cheesecake I recently had at CPK, I decided to try my hand at it. CPK does a better job, but I think mine turned out decently . I mean no one got sick or anything. I learned that sticking with regular cream cheese and regular ricotta cheese (or as Isom puts it "double fat") is definitely a good idea...in an effort to be "heart healthy", I chose the low fat versions of both...not really a fan. But, the point is I did try. I didn't win the money pot this time but I did win Halloween Godiva chocolate...mmmm!

Thanks so much to everyone who was able to make a donation to the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure Fund . I enjoy walking---having the goal of raising awareness for cancer and getting together with a few girlfriends was a great excuse to put my walking shoes on and wake up at 5:00 a.m. Mari and I walked . Kapua and Michelle ran (and had very good times I might add---24 and 30 minutes! Something to work towards for sure). This year was my first year participating in the Race For The Cure. I am happy to do it again next year. It was well executed and very eye opening to visually take in a small portion of the people that breast cancer has affected. It was mind blowing. Thanks Mari for getting the information about this race to me and being my walking partner for it---it was a great experience. Please click here for the link to Nise and Brian's Blog to learn more about the incredible woman (and her husband) that was a catalyst for our participation this year.

Josh Duhamel can finally sleep at night knowing that I watched a movie with him in it...and enjoyed it. Last night, Sarah, Michelle, and I ventured out to the dirtiest movie theater on island---Pearlridge West. I go to movies here frequently enough, but I would go even more if they gave the place a little face lift...not a crazy Botox kind of lift, but a good sweep of the floors and maybe some Febreeze to get rid of the stale buttered popcorn smell that permeates every inch of the theater and then your nose. Despite my movie viewing adversity, I was able to relax, laugh, and enjoy (with a couple of choked up moments) Life As We Know It . Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel had good on screen chemistry that keeps you engaged and interested. The plot is predictable but lovable anyway...like a good cup of coffee. There was a cute-ish baby roaming the screen in baby pink converse. Bonus. There was a funny reference to Keanu Reeves. Huge bonus. There was poking fun at parenting and a

Here are two reasons people (okay, me) gain weight over the holidays. Everything is served with a HUGE dollop of whip cream. And it's all desserts. And rich. And fattening. But it's so good! Yesterday, I treated myself to my first Egg Nog milkshake of the season. It makes for a great lunch. After date night with a couple of the girls to see a movie, we followed it up with a glass of pi not and dessert---pumpkin cheesecake. Between the fall flavors at Starbucks, Jack in the Box, and California Pizza Kitchen, a girl can really do some pumpkin damage. It's a fruit...or is it considered a vegetable? All I know is, it's not meat. And so begins my tour of everything holiday and fall...where else will this adventure lead?!

I stand firm in my belief that these were tasty muffins. They had good, quality ingredients. They had a soft texture mild flavor. I enjoyed them. Isom and Gabe, however, thought they were the worst thing on the planet. Worse than cooked carrots (this is what Gabe thinks they serve in prison to the bad guys). They were practically barfing at the table. I ate one every day for a week for breakfast and was happy to do so. I even shared some with Lena (who will not be made to share her opinion on the muffins...if you didn't like them, that's fine...we just can't be friends anymore). In my defense, it was not a recipe I made up. It was also my first (and apparently last) time making these. And, anyway, Isom and Gabe have poor taste buds. I'd share the recipe, but I'm guessing no one is really all that interested in making their spouse and kid (and possibly good friend) gag. So, I'll just share my photo and be moving along...unless you are interested in

...here's what I was up to before our trip. I hosted "Girls Game Night" at my house and of course there was no shortage of tasty treats. Everyone contributed a yummy pupu and we enjoyed wine, gambling, and Po Ke No ! Unfortunately, I was not the big winner. Malia, Sarah, and Mary took home some cash...well some quarters...and we all walked away with "prizes". The prize theme was "The Written Word". There were book marks, pens, journals, magazines, book lights, "Twilight" posters, books...all sorts of nerdy goodness to be had. I am currently reading the book I won (thanks Diane)--- "The Mortal Instruments" series (it's on sale at Costco...go grab a copy). Book One is called "City of Bones"...so far it's very entertaining. I heard that others were on board for a monthly ladies game night. I'm thinking Poker in November...just not sure how I can turn that into a way to win a free book...yet.

Full disclosure: I did not bake, make, or frost these cupcakes. I did eat some though! Lehua gets credit for these cute s'more cupcakes. Homemade marshmallow topping on top, chocolate cupcake in the middle, and graham cracker crust on the bottom. I have talked about my love for cupcakes so much, now people just make them and bring them to me! My evil plan has worked.

...posts of couples...when I scrolled through the pictures for this post, I realized they were all winning twosomes. A couple doesn't have to just be husband and wife. Boyfriend and girlfriend. As shown below, it can be couples of friends, a goat and a boy, two dorks, a couple of orange shirt wearing construction guys... ...you get---the picture.

For Polish people, Isom's family sure does love Mexican food. El Sarape is our tradition. Whether it is at their Lacey, Olympia, or Tumwater location, we always enjoy good Mexican food when we dine there. And where else can you have this much fun with a hat? I had to give one more plug to our favorite Mexican home away from home. Everyone took a shot at being a Bandito. The kids had space to run around since they gave us a private party room in the back...they are either really nice or really didn't want to be bothered by us. I enjoyed a shrimp quesadilla on a wheat tortilla with a side of cilantro salad and black beans. It was a kick back dinner and my one opportunity to hang out with my old partner in crime from my days as a working girl---working girl at The Gap, that is. If you find yourself in Washington, make an effort to stop in at El Sarape. You can wear a hat, run around like a kid, and eat seafood. Their wait staff is friendly, they have the best Andes Candie

Gabe is a well traveled seven year old. Last year he traveled to Japan, Washington, Maui, and the Big Island. This year he has been to Arizona, California, and Washington again. I'm excited to see where next year will bring him (since of course I get to travel to these places too!). Our six day jaunt to the Pacific Northwest was a whirlwind. Last minute decisions can sometimes pay off. When the initial invitation to join in the celebration for Isom's grandma turning 80 arrived in my Inbox, we thought, sounds fun, but there's just no way. A few persuasive phone conversations from Isom's mom, and next thing you know, Isom is online and has found a killer deal for the three of us to fly over for an extended weekend getaway. So, in lieu of seeing Justin Bieber in concert at The Blaisdell Arena, we ate good food, hung out with family, and reconnected with old friends...all in the span of less than a week. Our first day was spent at Trader Joe's, driving around Ca