December 1, 2013
The Salvation Army bells are jingling, Christmas music is playing continually on the radio and shopping center hours are officially extended. The holiday season is upon us, and I can’t help but reel with joy. We always decorate the weekend…
November 24, 2013
Here are a few tips that can go a long way toward making this Thanksgiving as smooth and stress-free as possible I feel like I have Thanksgiving on my mind all year. When I see a yummy recipe in a…
November 17, 2013
As my fiance and I continue our house hunt, we have certain items on our checklist that are must-haves such as rental potential, a yard, and something in between a fixer-upper and a turn-key home. But when it comes to…
November 10, 2013
Last night, I made some of the best tacos I’ve ever made. Instead of using the usual pre-made taco seasoning, I switched things up. I coated the pan in a little bit of sesame oil and seasoned ground turkey and…
November 4, 2013
When I moved to Hawaii, I had to get used to living with certain customs. Growing up in a Filipino household, I had grown accustomed to many of these before, although they were usually reserved for other Filipino friends and…
October 27, 2013
If you have floorboards that go squeak in the night, use the following simple tricks to silence the sometimes scary situation With Halloween fast approaching, it seems as though scary movies and TV shows are everywhere. The movie “Hocus Pocus”…
October 20, 2013
As I write this, I’m looking outside at a cloudy, rainy day. I have used my coverlet for the past two nights to keep warm and I’ve started opting for boots over slippers when going out at night. Summer is…
October 13, 2013
A few months ago, I started a small lanai garden. I planted edibles such as basil and mint, and also added a Monstera plant so I could have a steady stream of fresh foliage to use for decor around the…
October 6, 2013
In need of colorful new decor but haven’t pulled the trigger yet because it’s outside your budget? Arm yourself with a staple gun and transform your space in a snap When someone tells me I can’t do something, it makes…
September 29, 2013
Revive your wood furniture with a fresh look, even when on a budget, by brushing up on your paint skills One month into my engagement, and I’m knee deep in wedding plans. My fiancé, Scott, and I have a set…
September 22, 2013
When buying or maintaining a home, making sure the roof is in tip-top shape is key. Here are easy ways to check the condition of your roof Time sure does fly. It seems like just yesterday, I was getting ready…
September 15, 2013
I’ve been an avid fan of home renovation since I was young, and I’ve been writing about it for many years. My friends, family and neighbors often come to me when they’re working on projects at home, either to share…
September 8, 2013
Aside from the weather, the people and the food, there’s another big reason I love living in Hawaii: On Sundays, we don’t have to wait around for the start of football. Back in my home state of Ohio, we would…
September 1, 2013
I don’t know about you, but I’m having ribs tomorrow (and who am I kidding, I’ll probably have a cheeseburger and a hotdog, too). As long as I can remember, my family has made it a tradition to grill on…
August 25, 2013
Tomorrow marks the first day of school for University of Hawaii students. For me, it will be the 21st time I embark on a new school year. I’ve come to realize that each year, although distinct, starts out the same.…
August 18, 2013
It’s possible to bring down the temperature without using your A/C I’ve always been that girl. You know, the one who is freezing when everyone else is hot. I bring a sweater with me wherever I go. If I must…
August 11, 2013
Have you ever had that feeling, when, in the middle of some routine activity, everything around you stops? Your mind seems to go outside your body, allowing you to peer in as an outsider. You can’t help but smile because…
August 4, 2013
Tuesday afternoon I finally made my way back to Hawaii after being on the Mainland for a month. I can’t even describe my relief. Not only was I happy to finally come home, but I was also happy to have…
July 28, 2013
I’ve mentioned this before, but I’ve gone on quite a few trips this year. From graduate school visits to bachelorette parties, weddings and showers, I’ve logged more than 40,000 miles of flying time. To say my luggage has taken a…
July 21, 2013
It’s amazing to me how much my taste has changed over the years. When it comes to food, my taste buds have adjusted and things I used to snicker at, such as olives and pickles, are now appealing. When it…