Life of Larisa or LOL

As a parent, I don't feel obligated to enjoy or even pretend to like all the places I have to go or things I have to see because of my child. For example, I'm not going to pretend that this crazy Teddy Bear Museum in Waikiki was the highlight of the weekend. It was not. In fact, it was rather like walking through a school project (on a limited budget) as opposed to a corporate funded exhibit. But, sometimes as parents, we make sacrifices. Sacrifice our time, our wallets, our sleep, our sanity... This place was so weird. Of course I still made Isom take pictures though. Gotta document everything...especially the weird! Essentially the Teddy Bear Museum is a self guided tour of poorly dressed Teddy Bears in bizarre situations. I suppose it is mildly amusing, but very random. At least Gabe enjoyed himself, we killed some time before our true destination (dinner at Hard Rock), and a few cute pictures came out of it. Oh yeah, and I have now seen an Elvis concert performed

Steel. That's the gift you are supposed to give/receive on an 11th anniversary. Well, I'd say staying in a luxury hotel made of steel will suffice. After sixteen weeks of watching the Celebrity Apprentice on Sunday nights, it also seemed fitting that our steel hotel of choice was the Trump Hotel in Waikiki. Isom booked our two night staycation and I made plans for Gabe to spend the night with friends. I bought a new dress ($10 at Ross!) and suggested we eat at the swanky steakhouse at the bottom of the Trump Hotel, BLT. Our plan was coming together. I must say that Isom goes all out every year to make sure our anniversary is something memorable, special, extravagant. We spend the rest of our year living a pretty average life, but when it comes to celebrating the day we got married, it is no holds barred. A quality I love...appreciating what's really important. Each year our anniversary, like our marriage, has just gotten better and better. This year really trumped

Dedicated service deserves dessert. So, for Memorial Day we had a BBQ to honor service men and women. And I made a flag cake. I should have spent more time on it...I see where it could have used some more strawberries now that I am looking at the picture. But, it tasted delicious. I'm not sure how a holiday to honor the memory of fallen service men has become the kick off to summer and all things fun, but it has. And I'll honor that too. Happy summer, happy day before our official 11th anniversary, happy flag cake eating, happy flag wearing, red, white, and blue-ing days to come. And thanks to the service men (and their spouses) in my life...from grandpa to Isom, they've been around the world and back. And I'm just here baking them dessert.

If only I adored peanut butter as much as Gabe does. If only I adored anything as much as he does. The boy has heart. Passion. Yes, it's for peanut butter and Legos, but passion nonetheless. I do enjoy being in the kitchen, however, so this no bake treat was fun. This recipe was from my favorite cooking duo, The Neely's again. The cooking duo of Larisa and Lehua made this summer treat happen. Lehua had made a much more complex version of the peanut butter ball before. Since I don't adore peanut butter or complex things, I had pretty much written this treat off...until The Neely's showed me how to dumb down the recipe. So, eight ounces of melted chocolate and eighteen ounces of (mixed with sugar and vanilla extract) peanut butter later, a frozen treat fit for Gabe's last day of school---last day of second grade that is---was made. My heart was breaking yesterday so I had to do something to keep myself busy. Maybe I should have focused on the complex recipe

Genius is often misunderstood. I should know. Smile. I was a fan of Morgan Spurlock's other well known movie---Supersize Me. I didn't eat McDonald's for months after that. I wish I could say that I won't watch t.v. or movies and notice all the "evils of advertising" after watching this movie, but there are some things that just can't be done...unless we lose power for a month. As a documentary film maker, Spurlock already has qualities that I admire in any artist/film maker---he is obviously motivated and interested in making a point on something he is passionate about, not just churning out crap for the sake of making millions of dollars. The premise of the film is a behind the scenes look at what it takes to make a blockbuster film in America these days. The answer, advertising and marketing. Branding. Linking your ideas/brands with another bigger, richer company to get to the masses. So, this is what The Greatest Movie Ever Sold does. The ent

, ...pregnancy photo! And, oops, there's not even a shot of the belly. But shots on the table! None for me...I was the designated driver at our friend Amanda's birthday bash. And now I know why pregnant ladies don't normally go out to clubs. While it was fun socializing and dressing up (well, as best someone with an overly large belly can do), it was somewhat traumatic maneuvering through hoards of tipsy people who were very unaware of my belly. I'm hoping a few elbows to the ribs weren't too upsetting for peanut. I look forward to joining the girls out sometime this fall, when hopefully the belly won't be protruding, at least not from a baby.

These were a collaborative effort for my coworker Dio. I can appreciate his love for the "red star" since one, it's beer, and two, I have a few obsessions of my own...maybe you've noticed? Starbucks? Cupcakes? These turned out really cute despite the word Heineken being left off. The cake is red velvet, Martha Stewart's recipe. Cream cheese frosting, and fondant bottle caps to represent Heineken. The treats were taken and devoured at work, always a good sign. Thanks Lehua for your help on this project!

I can't remember the last time I saw an all woman ensemble comedy. The women of SNL have made a memorable, laugh out loud movie almost on par with The Hangover (possibly the funniest movie ever). So, I'd say to come close to that is success. There was actually way more plot to the movie than I expected. Be prepared for a few grosser than gross moments...but only in the movie and not from the audience like my experience. Here's a tip for those suffering from Tuberculosis. If you have TB, watch movies on DVD. Don't infect and distract other movie goers please. My TB audience member decided hacking up a lung and two hours worth of phlegm was a good idea. He also thought spitting indoors was appropriate. Yum. So, as long as there is no grosser than gross movie goer in your theater, you should be good to go. And for those who love Mad Men, there's a nice cameo from Jon Hamm. Coming off of being a bridesmaid in my friend Jeannine's wedding last year, I mus

Insomnia can be a good thing. I couldn't sleep again last night and ended up waking up early. I was able to get my beach baking out of the way early, before things got too hot around here. We are having a work potluck today and of course I signed up for cupcakes. I had to theme it up...we are having a swim suit and slipper sale...sooooo, the cupcakes are mini beaches. Umbrellas, sand (graham crackers), shells, slippers, and ocean (blue frosting) in little pails that I embellished with slipper stickers. It was a fun project. The tricky part was figuring out a way to transport it. Once that was worked out, it was smooth... sailing .

I don't know how a man can write books (well) from a woman's perspective. And I don't know how, a white woman can write (very well) the story of black maids in Jackson Mississippi in the 1960s. Kathryn Stockett has unleashed phenomenal characters, written a phenomenal story, published a phenomenal book. The last story of the South I read with this much ooomph was The Lords of Discipline by Pat Conroy. It's still a book that sticks with me as I know The Help will as well. The movie will be out before I know it, and I do look forward to that, but really I just want to spread the word on what everyone, especially women, if they are literate and have a week to devote to reading, should read. The characters come alive in a way that make you believe you are reading a true story. The characters are not real, but their emotions, relationships, fears---completely real. Living in Hawaii all these years, I haven't given thought to black/white race relations in quite some

Clearly I'm off my rocker. Who else drives into town from Mililani twice in one week for some cupcakes. I mean, I could bake some for myself. These are better though. Look how fancy. Days off from work are obviously dangerous for me. Death by cupcake. I also thought I might be mugged in Chinatown. On the way there, I would have had to fend off my attacker with my favorite handbag. And on the way back, I would have had to decide between physical harm and dropping my box of cupcakes (clearly I would not be dropping any cupcakes). Thankfully, neither scenario occurred, but my imagination ran wild when as I slipped the car into the parking spot (yay me, first try in a tight spot, parallel parking), a shirtless, toothless, dirty, and crazed individual immediately began eyeing me and the car...not in an "aloha" kind of way. But, since I was determined to get some fresh baked cupcakes, I decided to ignore what otherwise screamed danger. Living life on the edge...and

Of course my pictures of dessert come out crystal clear but the one of the birthday girl...blurry and weird light. Well, happy birthday anyway. Celebration last weekend at Assagio's, celebration today at Murphy's...it was a restaurant and dessert, week long adventure. First, I don't know what the free dessert is at Assagio's, but it was chocolate times three. Delicious times three. I think I ate more than the birthday girl. Today's dessert celebration was a Li Hing Mango cupcake (Lehua loves mango) from Let Them Eat Cupcakes (yes, twice in one week...I have to be a fair judge by trying multiple flavors!) and mixed berry pie from Murphy's. Which I hadn't been to in about fifteen years. I'm ready to work downtown so I can go here for lunch once a week. The inside is what I hope Ireland to be (there are TVs everywhere) and they serve mango bread pudding and strawberry rhubarb pie! What is not to love? And you can wash it down with a good Irish be

A slogan right in the name of their shop. Genius. And so are the flavors at this cute new cupcakery in Chinatown . For all the Facebook naysayers, this is a reason to like Facebook...I learned about a new cupcake place via Facebook! So there (sticking out tongue). I had the opportunity to sample their last cupcake yesterday---a peppermint chocolate delight. Frosting creamy. Cake light. Flavor not too sweet and not too bland. It was the Goldilocks of cupcakes...just right. I will be paying them (in money) and another visit on Friday...to pick up my order of Li Hing Mango cupcakes (what?!) and Snicker doodle cupcakes. We'll call it an after Mother's Day gift. Friday can not come fast enough.

A no bake pie is clearly the best pie for summer time. It's hot enough right now. Why would I want to make it hotter by turning on the oven? Thank goodness for my favorite married TV cooking couple, The Neely's, where I learn how to make all those Southern dishes that I remember from childhood. As I was cleaning out the DVR yesterday, I came across two episodes in which they were making the limeade and frozen lemonade pies. So, besides being no bake, they both have under five ingredients. And here they are, in alphabetical order: C ondensed Milk, C ool Whip, F rozen lemonade (or limeade), and G raham cracker crust. That's it. Fold the ingredients together, pour into pie crust, freeze for three hours, eat at three hours and one minute after freezing, and thank me (or the Neely's I guess).

...was spent with my favorite people doing my favorite things---me, Isom, and Gabe at the movies. I dragged them to see the cheesy Disney movie PROM...after they baked me fresh, delicious homemade blueberry muffins for my Mother's Day breakfast. Luckily, I had the day off from work (of all kinds) and relaxed and enjoyed the most perfect card from Gabe. Homemade muffins, homemade card...a day spent mostly at home, feeling at home with my wonderful boys. And baby boy must have been feeling at home as well...he kicked all day (a gift also)...even more proof I was completely relaxed on my special day.

So, John Krasinski, you know, that guy from The Office, stole the movie. If it weren't for him, I might not have laughed at all. I read this book several years ago for my original book club because the author went to college with one of my friends in the book club...small world. I enjoyed the book because it was a love triangle of people from my age group. The movie did a good job capturing all that I loved (and could remember) from the book. With Kate Hudson as Darcy, she was much more lovable than I remembered. And let's just say the newcomer who played Dex, very fun to watch. There's no mystery or shock in this love and friendship gone bad story, but it's obviously a classic storyline for a reason...everyone can relate to at least one of the characters. The book is interesting...told from Rachel's (Ginnifer Goodwin) perspective and followed by the sort of sequel Something Blue (told from Darcy's perspective). So, I'm wondering...do we have more t

According to "the book", I should be feeling fewer mood swings (I'm sure Isom would disagree), continued absentmindedness (what was I talking about again?), some boredom with the pregnancy (could explain the excess of movies I've been to lately), and anxiety about the future (yeah, of my house...there is flooring, painting, and drywall to be done!).What to Expect When You're Expecting isn't very fun, light reading. Pout. But, I guess it's pretty informative. At my doctor's appointment today, they measured my belly and I listened to the heartbeat and learned I have not gained an excess of weight (yet). A successful visit! I'm sure a pregnancy picture is LONG overdue (hee, hee) but, I just can't seem to get the right angle myself and those "fewer mood swings" are preventing me from asking the hubby. Soon, though...I promise...as long as I don't forget.

...no, it's not the name we have picked out for baby boy two. I have succumbed again. First the iPad and now this. I'm a technology slut. And I would be reading away on my Kindle right now, but I have to let it charge...and then the fun can begin. Taking your ebook recommendations starting now! Let's hope this device doesn't make me dizzy and nauseous. Happy early Mother's Day to me!

Out of all the cupcakes I have made over the past two year blog/bake journey, these are my absolute favorite. How could they not be? They are mini Starbucks Frappuccino's! And they tasted good! And they looked good! They came about thanks in part to the other Starbucks fanatic at my work. Yesterday was her birthday, so I thought, who better to appreciate a cupcake with a Starbucks theme? Happy birthday Maili...I think it was success?! It's so nice to be inspired. These were an absolute blast to make. Chocolate cake. Coffee frosting. Chocolate sprinkles. Simple. Delicious. Cupcakes. Starbucks. Perfection.

The perfect quirky comedy. With a little life lesson and two tears thrown in. Before watching Arthur , I wasn't sure if I hated Russell Brand or not. But, he found his niche in this movie. It's been thirty years since the original Arthur starring Dudley Moore. Russell Brand found a way to make the character his own and not deflate the original all at the same time. The character/actress I did find irritating was Jennifer Garner. After all this time of being considered the girl next door actress, I have decided she is the girl you want to forget. Good thing her husband has a bit more talent, otherwise they'd starve. Helen Mirren, always a class act, had remarkable chemistry with Russell Brand and the two of them carried the offbeat comedy. Although you could probably wait until this one comes out on DVD, I think you'll find it a great addition to the Netflix queue. To get in the spirit of the movie, you could enjoy it with a stiff drink while taking a bubble

These two cakes got rained on. Literally. Not before I was able to take significant tastes of them both, however. Lehua and I had just enjoyed lunch at JJ French and decided to head right up the road for dessert from Cafe Laufer . Always the dessert adventurer, I was ready to see what this little place had to offer. It's the perfect place to stop in and grab a slice of cake after the movies with your honey. The cutest place to enjoy lunch with your girlfriends. The closest place last Friday to pick up dessert to be enjoyed at the park...and then it rained. It wasn't terribly expensive so I didn't feel bad about the last halves being sprinkled on. After all, I got my pictures first...and just enough of a taste to know I want to go back.