Life of Larisa or LOL

I  think it's no coincidence that Star Wars Day (May the 4th) and Mother's Day (this year May 8th) fall in the same month. The similarities between Moms and Star Wars are well... let's just say I  know my kids often think of me as "the force" (or the Emperor or Yoda depending on the day). Mom is the force that tells them what to wear, when to go to sleep, what to eat, how to talk to people...it goes on and on and on. And this year, "the force" is also telling them to get outside and move more...with me. Mom.  I don't know about you, but my 12 year old isn't super excited to be hanging out with his Mom. No matter how cool I think I am, I just can't break into the pre-teen bubble (or the four year old bubble for that matter---see picture below, insert eye roll.) So, thank goodness for superhero movies, the beach, and the occasional sweet treat to bridge the gap and help me with my bubble problems. I've found that keeping my boys on the go ...

You know that feeling of happiness you get when you wake up in the morning to blue skies and 70 degree weather? That feeling when all your work is done, kids are fed, bathed, and in bed? That was the feeling on the farm today. Contentment. It was literally a blue skies, 70 degree day, but there was something else intangible and calming about this piece of land off the Waianae coast.  The same way that people call certain places home, not because they've lived there for their entire lives, but because something special has happened there, that is the feeling I got upon arriving at Ma'o Farms.  Zach (4 years old) and I had the opportunity to participate in the Farm to Fork program whose goal is "connecting students and communities to our 'aina with hands on activities, fresh food tastings, and a walking tour of our farm".  We did all those things while spending the morning together and outdoors, while making new friends, while learning. Working part time for the no...

...in Hawaii.  This year, my oldest son (12) started playing basketball. His first season was in the fall and now he is currently playing in his second season. He is enjoying playing on a team, learning some skills, and the exercise is a welcome outlet for pre-teen angst.  Last season, an added perk to playing basketball, was going to see the UH Manoa Men's Basketball Team alongside his own new basketball teammates. This season, we lucked out with the Harlem Globetrotters coming to town. Of course we were going! Me and three boys (ages 12, 9, and 4) went to see magic, 90 years in the making. This wasn't my first time seeing the entertaining Globetrotters. In Atlanta, growing up the daughter of a former high school bball star, it was kind of a given. Those memories are still vivid and I wanted to share the fun with my kids...and our family friend Gavin. The Harlem Globetrotters have changed their players around in the thirty years since I first was introduced to them, but the i...

Green Smoothie, minus the Kale (it's on my list) ...and 22 other things. Did you know a life without corn could exist? I didn't. This year, as you may have read previously, I turned 40 and decided to improve my life through food and exercise. The struggle is real. Here is a progress report, to keep those interested informed, and to keep me on track.  So, here I am, week one. Posting about non-corn foods on my blog. Blah. Boring. But necessary. Annnnnnnnd taking even more food pictures than I usually do.  Brown rice cake with fried egg (in a pan without butter) and tomato minus pepper (it's on my list). As part of hashtag healthy forty, I responsibly got my mammogram. Results all good. I went for my check-up. I had bloodwork done to inform me of what foods I am allergic to and should therefore stay away from. Eliminate. For three months. Then we reevaluate. I  am on week one . I'm not starving. But I am getting creative...and irritating to food workers everywhere.  I...

. ..not something I was previously accustomed to...unless said fruits and vegetables were on my pizza. But since taking on the challenge of no dairy and practicing Yoga four times a week, my eating habits are changing. So, I thought I'd share.  Food Credit: Larisa Majors, Brown Rice Cake with scrambled egg, tomato, yellow pepper  With pictures and words. In conjunction with the small garden we have planted in our backyard, routine Thursday visits to the Kapolei Farmers Market, and increased mileage on our wallet at Down to Earth (local vegetarian health food store) I have been coming up with some colorful and delicious healthy snacks and meals. And yes, the kids (12 and 4) are eating them too.  Food Credit: Arvo, Fancy Toast with avocado and lemon wedge Food Credit: Larisa Majors, Stir Fry with white rice, kale, spinach, tomato, bell pepper, cashews, mushrooms, cilantro Food Credit: Larisa Majors, Baked Potato with yellow bell pepper, mushroom, Roma tomato, homemade t...