Life of Larisa or LOL

Three weeks from tonight I will be in the theater...munching on these sweet candies my grandma hauled all the way from Phoenix...and getting ready to enjoy the third installment of Twilight---Eclipse...better known as the best of the series. I can not wait. In preparation for the upcoming movie, I have picked up a few things to keep the excitement building. I am a chapter into the novella, or "spin off" of Eclipse. I'm skeptical. But then again, I was skeptical about reading Twilight the first time. I mean, Vampires? Werewolves? Forks, WA? Come on. But, I ended up being surprised...and now obsessed. Today I was once again sucked in by the marketing genius behind Starbucks and Twilight (aha moment here...maybe they are one in the same?!), when I was able to walk into my neighborhood Starbucks, order my usual ice tea, and purchase the soundtrack for Eclipse. Caffeine, Twilight, music, and Starbucks?! It does not get any better. I ended my Eclipse- ing day by pu...

We always have fun when Tutu visits. Today we headed out to Waipahu to the old Plantation Villages . It was a first for all of us. Our tour guides for the day: Charlie and Tomo (a light brown Pomeranian ). We spent two hours back in time. We saw old artifacts and houses from turn of the century plantation Hawaii. The museum and tours are open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and it is a wonderful way to spend a morning---whether you are Kama'aina or not. We saw fields of Taro, ponds with goldfish and Tilapia . We enjoyed a fruit tasting at the end of our tour, which included fresh guava, lilikoi , mammee apple, mountain apple, bread fruit and sugar cane (Gabe's favorite of course). I hope that he'll get the opportunity to go again with his school---it is the perfect place for a field trip. The weather was just right---not too hot, and with a cool breeze. I think this really added to our enjoyment. Charlie showed us a house from each of the ethnic groups...

This post proves that I am willing to try things even after proclaiming that I dislike them. Thanks to our awesome neighbors (on either side of us) for contributing to last nights family dinner. It was either this or Mexican food leftovers...and wouldn't you know, I still chose a Mexican appetizer. The generosity of our friends and family has been amazing to see and experience during this entire vow renewal process (last nights meal was sponsored by gift cards received for our anniversary). Even though I knew our bill would be entirely covered by our recent gifts, I was still apprehensive about going to a known bad service, bad food place. After last nights dinner however, I could tell RT was really trying to improve their restaurant and the customer experience. They have revamped their menu, serve fancy ice teas, are not as focused on the salad bar, and even serve breakfast on weekends now. I'm not going to go overboard and say that Ruby Tuesday's is a new favorite, b...

I don't even know where to begin. I haven't blogged in a week, and I can barely stand it! By most standards a week hiatus is probably no big deal, but I feel like a huge chunk of my life has not been documented. Dramatic, I know. So, I guess I'll just start here and now. Today, the aftermath of the big ten year party. The clean up and oh my God I'm tired day (and conveniently Isom's first day at his new job...we like to keep it exciting around here). It was a long process, expensive, tiring, BUT fun and well worth it. I'm anxiously awaiting pictures from our trusted friend and photographer for the day, Mai Ly (and she also played the role of chauffeur and her husband the role of bartender---many mahalos !). I won't bore you with too many details of the day, but a top five list is definitely in order... 1. Isom (he cleaned up good) 2. Gabe (half-way participating in our vow renewal with us) 3. Family from the mainland 4. Getting my nails, hair,...

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?!