Life of Larisa or LOL

I didn't leave out the second "R" in the title. This place really is Ricado's. I laugh every time because I can hear Isom saying it in a crazy way. This was the location of our impromptu date night. I guess this is what you get with impromptu...as Isom put it, the "Zippy's of Italian restaurants"...for those who aren't familiar with Zippy's, this is NOT a compliment. I should probably stop here and say that our food wasn't totally bad. My shrimp was actually really nicely prepared. But the rest, it was just okay. With Assagio's practically in our backyard, it's hard to go out for mediocre Italian food. Plus our waitress was a weirdy. I can't even put my finger on it...just like the restaurant, but something about the whole experience was a little off. Maybe I never got over the fact that I have never heard of the Italian name "Ricado" and was miffed that they couldn't name their restaurant properly. I had

Apparently I'll do anything that is cheap and anything involving music...like risking me, the unborn child, and Gabe's life to walk across the street. I'll start off with the negative (since that's my favorite thing to point out these days) and I'll let you know in advance that it does have a happy ending. I'm always interested in trying new things. I'm always interested in getting out of the house to keep from going crazy with summer cabin fever. When my friend mentioned checking out the Honolulu Zoo's Summer Concert Series, I jumped at the opportunity. We packed a nice picnic dinner, left the house a good two and a half hours prior to the start of the concert, had quarters for parking, a fully charged phone for picture taking...we were all set. And then we sat in traffic for over an hour to arrive at the zoo. And then we drove around for almost another hour looking for parking near the zoo. And then pregnancy attitude kicked in and I started get

Summer is half way over and I have finally taken Gabe to a kid friendly movie. At least I got around to it eventually. After spending a morning getting pelted by the world's finest sand in Lanikai and dodging Portuguese Man of War, we decided to spend the afternoon at a less stressful, less sunny venue. It has been five years since the first Cars movie. I think it was one of the first movies I took Gabe to see. We liked it and for a year at least, he had a whole lot of Cars paraphernalia---lunch box, t-shirts, water bottles, wallet, toys. You name it, he had it. I see that the marketing is just as bad this time around too. Luckily we are somewhat out growing that stage. But not enough to pass the movie by. Packed with adventure, action, and some light "car on car" violence, this movie had a well thought out plot, depth of characters (considering it was an animated flick), and that special mix of that Pixar has perfected of laughter for the kids and entertainment

Finally had the opportunity to eat pizza at the self proclaimed Irish Pub with New York Pizza from two guys in Chinatown. I'll have to go back, but not for the usual reason of loving it so much. I want to give it a second chance because our waitress was terrible. I should have known not to trust someone to get my order right that had big, bright, pink, flashing light lips on her t-shirt. Our pizza (which was just okay) took an hour to arrive at our table. First it took only a few minutes, but it was NOT our pizza so...we waited and waited and waited some more. While waiting we enjoyed the atmosphere (it is a great little pub) and a below average Caprese Salad and Calamari. I'm going to say it was an off night. I wanted it to be so much better. Maybe when I'm not feeling so critical (a.k.a pregnant), I will have a different, more positive take on the pints and pizza experience that others have praised J. J. Dolans for. Until then...I'm sticking to non-Chinatown

Sometimes its confusing on whether or not you should be thankful for someone informing you about a sweet treat or not. I need to be eating donuts like I need a hole in my head, but now that I know this place exists...well, you know I had to try it. I had the lucky excuse of pregnancy and it being Lena's birthday (so what it's really tomorrow). This morning we went on a donut adventure. Two kids in tow, we drove from our neck of the woods to down by the airport. It was worth it. The ladies inside the small bakery were cute and kind and their donuts sweet. I ordered a dozen, a variety of flavors such as Mac nut Guava, Coconut, Heath Bar Crunch, Buttermilk, Powdered, Strawberry, Blueberry, Orange, Cinnamon, FROSTED FLAKES! What a genius mix. There are picnic tables out front and a lovely Wyland whale painting on the building directly across the street, so we enjoyed art and donuts on a gorgeous summer morning. Good thing I don't work around there...I might start to res

So it was the third movie we saw in one week...at the actual movie theater. It is a nice alternative to getting sunburned at the beach. I don't usually like movies with animals as co-stars. Animals are not actors to me. However, this movie (based on a children's book as I understand) was better than most movies starring animals. Maybe I only like penguins with their cute little black and white suits. Who knows. The story line was cute and appropriate for both adults and kids (I'm redeeming myself from the Super8 mishap). The movie featured comic genius Jim Carrey (who toned it down and wasn't so overly Jim Carrey, a.k.a obnoxious) and screen legend Angela Lansbury...who apparently can't get away from solving mysteries. I would recommend this movie as an alternate to the Judy Moody flick. Popper's Penguins are amusing, cute, lovable, and cool---it was a refreshing way to spend a hot summer afternoon---wishing I were a penguin.

Look, the picture doesn't even make it look the least bit appetizing. There were several problems with this beverage/treat. One, the line at the drive thru was too long, so by the time I received this supposed McFlurry, it was ice cream soup...not a thick, shake like dessert. Problem two, I was short changed...literally. They gave me two dollars in change instead of three. Problem three, I thought there were Rolos in here! I couldn't decipher any...in the ROLO McFlurry. Problem four, left unsatisfied. I think I'll just stick to the fries at McDonald's. Even if they are cold and greasy, they still aren't half bad. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for the sad Rolo McFlurry.

I think I've forgotten what a person smiling in a photo should look like. Since I'm always trying to get a good shot of food, the person possibly holding the food has become secondary. At least that was true with this photo. Gabe and I met our friends for a morning of train riding, Koi feeding (the price went up to a whopping 50 cents), and infamous Dole Whip. The train ride was nice---not to hot. Our friend lost her slipper (was later retrieved by nice workers on a golf cart), and we enjoyed typically unseen views of the Waianae mountain range...no ice cream sitting on the mountains, so no photo). The Koi feeding was short lived as a Wahiawa rain shower began blasting our backs. We took cover at a table by the food. Perfect. The kids enjoyed a snack from home and unfortunately our friends took off---feeling under the weather. Gabe and I took this opportunity to indulge in a shared waffle cone treat of ice cool delicious Dole Whip. I couldn't remember the last tim

...better known as Safeway cupcakes. But wait, just last week I had the worst cupcake ever...and it was from Safeway. These brightly frosted birthday cupcakes were however...good! Thank goodness. No one wants a dry cupcake ruining the four year olds birthday party. Which was pretty awesome. We had never been to My Gym because, well, my kid is seven. He is past the roll on mats, tumbling, play with parachute phase. Or not. He had the best time at this birthday party. He was the biggest, not the oldest, kid there. And still, he sang the songs, watched the puppet show, played freeze tag, climbed in the ball pit---the works. I was so happy to see him being such a kid (as an only child---for now--- sometimes he seems to get lumped in and lost with all the adults). The Safeway cupcakes ended up being...the icing on the days cake. Happy birthday to our friend Solomon...his four year old zest was contagious.

Somehow it seems Father's Day was for me...this was our dessert! You may have heard me mention that I don't like Rocky Road. I don't. Well, the ice cream. The Starbucks rocky road cake pop is pretty tasty but it's not ice cream and it's small. I like chocolate. I like ice cream. I like nuts. I like marshmallows. Somehow the combination seems like the worst idea ever for ice cream...but last night after attempting to have Father's Day dinner at Outback (fail), CPK (double fail), and finally ending up at Big City Diner, their Father's Day dessert special sounded like something I needed to try. I strategically maneuvered around the marshmallows (the part of rocky road I feel should be left out) and thoroughly enjoyed my, I mean Isom's Father's Day dessert. It wasn't an eventful Father's Day this year, but with dessert like this and hand made mugs like this (pictured below), I think Isom knows how much he is appreciated and loved. Hap

The only nails that have been on my mind lately have been the ones possibly sticking out on our stairs (or what were our stairs), ready to stick into my swollen pregnant feet. With construction all around, I was feeling the need to make something, anything, look extra fancy. I'd been holding onto a gift certificate for a manicure/pedicure from my birthday for quite some time. Today, I finally used it. I was the only person there! Peace, quiet, massage chair, and my nails done? Unreal. Next door to the nail place there is a favorite Thai restaurant of ours...so after my nails were sparkling and shining, I enjoyed Thai ice cream...and did I mention I got to hold my friend's new baby girl in my arms this morning? It was a terrific day to be me.

Well, it finally happened. I ate a cupcake I did NOT like. Try not to spit your food out on the screen. Today Gabe and I found ourselves in town at a nicer Safeway than our little Mililani Safeway. Our Mililani Safeway offers free, hard, stale cookies to any and all kids whose parents will allow them to take one (yes, that's me). Our Mililani Safeway offers donuts, cheesecakes, and a small selection of pretty cheesy cakes...no beautifully crafted gourmet cupcakes. Now you see why I was forced to try one of the fancy cupcakes at the town Safeway. I decided to taste an "island inspired" cupcake. This translates to pineapple. I didn't realize it was cardboard inspired as well. It was a simple and cute looking cupcake, it just tasted like garbage. If I was hosting an Oscar the Grouch themed party, this would be perfectly acceptable. But, today I was just hoping to have a little sweet treat. Instead, it was more like a feet treat. I didn't even eat the whole

I wanted Judy Moody (we'll just call it that since the entire title is ridiculously long) to be a much cuter film than it was. I spent the majority of the time wanting to reach through the screen and brush that little red heads hair. Judy Moody is a quality piece of work---if an eight year old wrote, directed, and filmed it. But, I get the feeling that wasn't the case. Gabe loved it. It was made for his ultra silly sense (well, I think NO sense of humor) of humor. He really thought it was the best...so good thing we saw Super 8 the day before so he could have some idea of what a GOOD movie is all about. I can't let his taste in movies be Judy Moody...I will feel I have failed as a parent. Super 8 was a whole lot of not appropriate, but it reminded me so much of great Spielberg movies of the past, that I lapsed in parental judgment for two hours and decided a few four letter words, as long as I covered Gabe's eyes during certain scenes, was totally acceptable. We

One of both me and Isom's favorite meals is fish tacos. Thankfully, Isom is an expert fish maker. His blackened ahi beats any Hawaii restaurant. His blackened catfish brings me back to the South. Even ordinary salmon is turned into a culinary delight at his hands. Today, we had what I'd like to be the first of many Baja Sundays. Fish tacos and mocktails (cocktails come September). Light, refreshing, crisp, tangy, spicy. I could eat this meal every week, so why not every Sunday. Let's hope my tastes don't change after baby is born, because then I hope to eat three tacos instead of two...I literally did not have the room for more than two today...one baby and two fish tacos is my limit.

Leave Isom alone for more than two hours, and this is what you can come home to. He greeted me with "I have good news, and I have bad news." I can't remember what the good news was. The stairs are walkable again, but really, how many surprises does a pregnant lady need? I say the answer is NONE. As we await the arrival of baby steps from Zachary, we are making baby steps of progress on finishing our house. Isom has turned our ode to all things '70s town house into a modern, homey space...the road...stairs...to get there are just some times, well, much like a pregnant lady climbing a ladder.

First there must be inspiration. Once I realized we would be welcoming a new baby boy in August, the first thing I started thinking/dreaming about? How to decorate the nursery. From the beginning I knew I wanted a color scheme of red, black, and white. And then, the second inspiration hit... A rock inspired theme. No pressure or anything for the baby to be the next great rock guitarist. Many have questioned my colors and my seemingly adult theme, but my excitement can't be swayed...or rocked. Slowly, the pieces are coming together. With punches of color as seen in the pillows. Iconic rock pieces such as the always popular lava lamp. Framed John Lennon concert poster, framed Blondie and other albums (yes albums), and a concert t-shirt baby blanket...nothing rocks more. Except for maybe baby Z. Who we have decided we will name Zachary. Zachary Majors...a pretty rocking name for who we know will be a rocking kid.

...many might say I'm NOT since I don't even eat meat. BUT according to this definition from slashfood.com: "someone who has an ardent or refined interest in food.", I would say I am. I have a HUGE refined interest in Taco Flavored Doritos, Little Debbie Zebra Cakes, Nature Valley Granola Thins, and Nutella (the things that have been making my tummy happy these days). While I love a good meal out on the town made with organic veggies, and French sauces, paired with fine wine, I also love a good old bean burrito from taco bell. A true foodie should be able to appreciate all foods right? Here's to my Doritos...and granola thins. Thanks Alison for sending me the chips and Isom for buying not one, but two boxes of the granola treat from Costco for me. Food is love...and I'm feeling loved.

Some obsessions are from birth, others begin in childhood, high school, or are new found. The Eddie Vedder/Pearl Jam obsession has been going on since about 1992. It's had years to change and cultivate and grow with the many people I've been since I was a sophomore in high school. Mostly the obsession is due to the combination of good music, good lyrics, and highly soulful voice of Eddie Vedder. This seems a perfectly healthy obsession to have. When I was alerted of the availability of his latest solo album at STARBUCKS via text from the other EV obsessed (Sarah), I pretty much knew that I'd be taking a trip to Starbucks today, whether I was "thirsty" or not. It just so happened I was able to try a new flavor of Frappuccino and pick up the new CD with Hawaii roots (the best kind). While Ukulele Songs is a clear departure from any heavy guitar riffed rock anthems of his past, it is an album that folks of any age and background can enjoy and appreciate. It'

No more campfire needed. I know the broiler is no big discovery, but since making the magnificent marshmallow milkshake, I've had it in my mind to make s'mores by toasting the marshmallows in the broiler...thus one minute s'mores. Gabe helped by placing our marshmallows on the baking sheet. I spread Nutella on our graham crackers and then Gabe set the timer on my iPhone. One minute later I was pulling the most perfectly toasted marshmallows out of the oven. I placed the freshly broiled marshmallow on top of the Nutella covered graham cracker and Gabe and I had the perfect "passed my glucose test today snack". He suggested we eat our one minute s'mores on the back porch and I couldn't help but agree. So, with a little Eddie Vedder Ukulele Songs in the background, we enjoyed our summer snack in the summer breeze outside on the lanai, barefoot and happy.

This is a place that could make me want to eat meat again. The veggie burger I had yesterday was succulent. I almost felt like I was eating meat...had to lift up my taro bun a couple times to make sure. This was my first time using GROUPON and my first time trying the Honolulu Burger Company . I think I have discovered the perfect marriage...using coupons to try new places. A discount, just in case it's not to my liking. But, HBC was. I also had their fries which along with my burger, were some of the best I've had...the only one in recent memory that is comparable are the fries and veggie burger from The Counter. I will return for the ahi sandwich, a shake, and their version of sweet potato fries...GROUPON or not.

Summer of comedy. First Bridesmaids, and now The Hangover Part 2. And yes, it is as funny as the first. It might even be funnier, just for the fact that you know these characters from the first movie. I don't want to spoil too much from the movie, but I will say that two supporting characters from the first movie do make appearances again in this movie---you'll have to go to see who. The trio of the careful Dentist, the hot married teacher, and fat Jesus are all back (minus a baby...plus a monkey) and up to no good. This time around the boys find themselves in Thailand with no memory of their debauchery from the night before...and that is where the adventure begins. Throw in some gross out moments, some Russian bad guys, some over the top nudity, and you've got yourself another hangover. I do think they will be pushing it to do a third installment, but I love these movies so much, you'll probably find me sitting in for part 3...

...and alliteration too. Thank you Danielle, Facebook, and ValSoCal blog. It was a perfect trinity of these three elements that led to my discovery of this easy, delicious sweet treat. And now, all I can think about is all the different ways to make other fabulously fresh flavored milkshakes. The ingredients for yesterdays milkshake masterpiece were ice cream, milk, and toasted marshmallows (which for some reason I had never dreamed of simply placing in the oven on a baking sheet and broiling). I learned several things from making these milkshakes yesterday: 1. my husband of 11 years does NOT like milkshakes and we may no longer be compatible 2. milkshakes are easy and fun to make 3. I love marshmallow milkshakes 4. it takes 1 min to toast the perfect marshmallow (s'mores just got a whole lot easier) 5. my iPhone pictures are worse than I thought (Danielle took a milkshake iPhone photo that turned out super cute!) 6. despite the bazillion cups/mugs I have (if you've been

I didn't think I would like the fourth installment of this mega franchise. I am not a huge fan of sequels (except for Twilight stuff) to begin with and by the time you get to four? Forget it! But, I was surprised. Maybe because it is so adventuresome and based on nothing more than a ride at Disney, it has the freedom to wander and maintain interesting characters---whether they are dead or alive. I was surprised at how unimpressed with the Hawaii footage I was. It was a well done movie---acting, directing, cinematography, but it could have been on a movie set for the little bit of Hawaii presence there seemed to be. Gabe enjoyed the swashbuckling. I enjoyed Johnny Depp, Keith Richards cameo, and the humor. Penelope Cruz was not bad either. It is a long movie, over two hours, but we both stayed awake and didn't even have popcorn and candy as an excuse. Tonight I may need to go back and re-watch the first three. Aargh, I'm in pirate mode.