Friday, February 29, 2008

LOCAL EATS

Typical Hawaiian breakfast
This is our typical breakfast here, it will never be complete without Portuguese sausage, usually i like it with bacon, egg and that so yummy portuguese sausages, and strong brewed coffee thats so perfect to perk up your morning...

Even McDonald serves this Local breakfast consist of rice eggs spam bacon and portuguese sausages. My hubby is so crazy about portuguese sausage his weekend breakfast will not be complete without fried portuguese sausages, it's so fatty and oily but I allow him to have it only during weekend, it's so good.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

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LOCAL EATING!

HULI HULI CHICKEN

"Huli-huli" means "turn-turn" in Hawaiian, a reference to the cooking method of this popular barbecue dish. I get so curious what my hubby is talking about when he say he likes to eat huli-huli chicken, sounds funny to me hehehe, Typically, huli-huli is made with chicken; they smoke the chicken in local kiawe wood. When I first taste it I automatically love it, it had a little sweet taste from apple juice as they use as brine with some herbs, smoke to perfection, thats so yum yum...

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

SHAKA SIGN!

The Famous Hand Sign in HAWAII

When I first saw this hand sign I was really wondering, and ask myself, whats that for?, why they often do that sign? what does it mean, and I get so sick looking everywhere anywhere doing that hand gestures, even my hubby do that all the time when we're driving or meeting with friends! why? why? ohh why?
Now I already understand it's meaning and appreciate it. The origin as they say prevailing local lore credited the gesture to Kalili Hamana of Laie, who lost the three middle fingers of his right hand while working at the Kahuku Sugar Mill. Hamana was then shifted to guarding the sugar train, and his all-clear wave of thumb and pinkie is said to have evolved over the years into the "shaka".
Now a days the shaka is use for various meanings, like "all right", "cool", "smooth", etc. Residents of states other than Hawaii who use the shaka may describe it as meaning "hang loose". It is also used to convey what locals in Hawai'i call the "Aloha Spirit," a gesture of friendship and understanding between the various ethnic cultures that reside within Hawai'i. It can also be used to signal a "hello", "goodbye", " 'till next time", "take care", "Alright!".
The sign is often followed by waving as a greeting or acknowledgement. It can be used when driving as a signal of thanks to other drivers (for example, someone who stopped to let another driver onto the road from a driveway). now I understand my hubby.
guys hang loose for more LOCAL LIVING.

Eating LOCAL

SAIMIN
I wish we could go back to Kauai Island and have this mouthwatering Saimin from a famous stand there, looking at it really makes me so hungry!
THE SAIMIN EVOLUTION:
Saimin is a noodle soup dish developed in and unique to Hawaii. Inspired by Japanese ramen, Chinese mein, and Filipino pancit, saimin was developed during Hawaii's plantation era. It is a soup dish of soft wheat egg noodles served in hot dashi (stock from Japanese bonito fish or shrimp). Unlike ramen (which is often incorrectly called saimin by locals), saimin noodles contain eggs and tend to crinkle when cooked. It is garnished with green onions, baby bok choy or Chinese cabbage, kamaboko (steamed fish cake), Char siu (Chinese barbecue pork), sliced luncheon meat (Spam is the most popular choice) or Portuguese sausage (linguiça), and nori (seaweed wafers), among other additions. Japanese pot stickers, called gyoza, as well as Chinese wonton, are usually added for special occasions. A pan-fried version, primarily inspired by Filipino pancit, is also popular, especially at carnivals, fair grounds, and catered parties.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Lets EAT Local

POKE
PINOYS don't get mad at me, POKE is a dish here in Hawaii, its like sashimi in Japanesse Poke means "small pieces or cut pieces", consist of raw fish, scallion, sea weeds, sesame oil, chili, tomatoes. But I'm a little bit squeamish of fish poke, cause I'm used to Pilipino kilawin with lots of vinegar.

But tako(octopus) and mussle POKE are so mouthwatering for me, I can even consume a pound of this poke version. Oh man, I want to eat mussle and taco poke now, hubby should go to deli store and get some for dinner.

BLUEBERRIES

The new health study show that blueberry have antioxidant that are thought to help protect the body against the damaging effects of free radicals and the chronic diseases associated with the aging process. But if you have asthma, you might be allergic to blueberries, like one of the kid in our neighbor, after he ate blueberry muffins he feels so itchy all over his body. Allergic reaction signs include swelling of the tongue, lips and face, a rash on the skin, wheezing, diarrhea or vomiting.

LAZY DAY

We're about to go somewhere when the rain starts pouring heavily, its so wet outside so we decided to stay home and have a lazy day. OAHU island where Honolulu is, it's just a small island about 596.7 square miles, but I find it funny cause the windward side of the island is wet and rainy and here in our side which is the leeward side is dry and hot. It make me so happy when we get our share of rain on our side, not to mention I love it when it rains.

This is my favorite side of the island the windward side, I want to have a home here one day, but hubby don't like the idea, it's so wet in this side and always raining which he said can cause molds and mildews on the roofs and walls of the house, whatever, I still wanted to have a home on windward side.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Let's EAT Local

SPAM MUSUBI! It's so popular luncheon food or snack here in Hawaii, a slice of cooked or uncooked spam, block of salted rice and typically surrounded by nori (dried seaweeds).Its a classic treat that is recommended by many locals, available at most deli-type stores. You can make it at home too, its easy and spam musubi rice molds are available at our local stores here.

SPRING

I smell spring already ,I smell the sweet flowers from our neighbor and the bees and butterflies are all happy buzzing around the tree, hmmm I don't know the name of that flowering plant and I can only smell her scent every time season starts, I went to my garden this morning and I'm thinking this is the perfect season to start planting some vegetable and herb seeds again, It's the time to dirty my hands.
HAPPY SPRING SEASON!...

Friday, February 22, 2008

Green Flashes


I have a long day today doing this blogging stuff, I feel so tired and my back ache a bit. After we have dinner tonight I decided to go to bed early to relax my mind and body. Oh we still have to get up early tomorrow for the kids basketball game.
I wish its summer already, I want to have suntan and relax at the beach, right now its not a good idea to hang-out at the beach since the water is still freezing hehehe. Hope you guys have a great weekend and having fun with family and friends. GOODNIGHT

CUP of COFFEE

I always start up my day with a big mug of coffee, and now I wonder if what health benefits I get from drinking a huge mug a day. I've research online and found out one site, "Want a drug that could lower your risk of diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and colon cancer? That could lift your mood and treat headaches? That could lower your risk of cavities?". Really? all I know is it lift up my day, well thats a good start for a cup of coffee, "Overall, the research shows that coffee is far more healthful than it is harmful," says Tomas DePaulis, PhD, research scientist at Vanderbilt University's Institute for Coffee Studies, which conducts its own medical research and tracks coffee studies from around the world. "For most people, very little bad comes from drinking it, but a lot of good.". I also read on one magazine I have that coffee can also help you slim down... okay, okay, more cups for me please.

What we eat affect our hair, when it comes to thick, shiny, flake-free tresses, what you eat is as important as the products you use.

To Grow Hair Faster Eat more eggs and milk. Both contains substantial amounts of Vitamin A, Which is essential for hair growth, Alvi Armani, M.D., A Los Angeles-based hair transplant sugeon.
To fight Dandruff Drizzle flaxseed oil on sala instead of olive oil; this souce of omega-3 fatty acids reduced oil secretions, which can lead to flaking.
To prevent split ends Go bananas: they contain tryptophan, an amino acid, as well as vitamin B, C and E, and natural oils that promote hair elasticity, says hairstylist-to-the-stars Jet Rhys, who has work with Annie Lennox and Rod Steward.

Consumer Reports

We received a catalog from consumer report yesterday, and want to share so some of whats inside it.

"WILD" Salmon, If you bought wild salmon out of season in winter, you may have paid extra for no reason. According to then they bought 23 supposedly "wild" salmon fillets: 13 came from salmon farms! That means you may be paying for extra for something you're not getting. Button line - only buy salmon in the summer where supply is abundant.

Whitening Toothpaste
Are you buying into a little white lie?
Think they can make your teeth sparkle? Don't start smiling yet. According to CR none of the 41 "whitening" toothpastes they tested did any better to actually whiten teeth than any other toothpastes. They say don't put the extra money where your mouth is.

Bagged salads
Paying more for brown, gooey leaves. It's not your imagination. Bagged salad can get old before itd used-by date. CR went through major brands, leaf-by-leaf, and found slimy salad and "off" odors - from 1% up to 83% per bag was inedible. For fresher, less expensive greens, you may want to forget the bag and toss the salad yourself.
This are just few, there a lot more product to check on 2008 Consumer Reports

Thursday, February 21, 2008

GOING BANANA'S!

Banana is one of my favorite fruit, I always buy banana's every time I go to grocery store. Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose - combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proved that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.A banana can help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must for our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND among people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work: Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronic ulcer cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer, tryptophan.

Smoking: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be re-balanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes: According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine", eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%"

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

A banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around.

Hawaii News


In this image provided by the US Navy a single modified tactical Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) launches from the U.S. Navy AEGIS cruiser USS Lake Erie Wednesday Feb. 20, 2008, successfully impacting a non-functioning National Reconnaissance Office satellite approximately 247 kilometers (133 nautical miles) over the Pacific Ocean, as it traveled in space at more than 17,000 mph. President George W. Bush decided to bring down the satellite because of the likelihood that the satellite could release hydrazine fuel upon impact, possibly in populated areas.

AP Photo/US Navy

Fragrance!!!

This is my favorite scent, hubby love it too, I have a collections of perfume, from different brands and scents, I prepare to collect perfumes than make-ups, not to mention I'm not good on doing make-up and I feel that I look weird with make-up. hehehe


Wednesday, February 20, 2008

SWEET LIPS


I'm a little picky when it comes to make-up and lip products, I easily know when the product is not good for me, I get pimple like acne and my lips cracks and like burning, I stop and trow away the product before it get worse. I personally like this product, it's not heavy and doesn't give my lips the burning sensation like other brand do, it's a combination of gloss and lip balm and they have the shade which I like, the firefly, well for me a little red lips is still sweet.

OPRAH WINFREY

How did she make those Billions of money? Born on January 29, 1959 at Koclusko, Mississippi, 1971 she was hired by Nashville radio WVOL to read news on air, she was named Nashville Miss fire prevention, late she enrolled at Tennessee State university. 1972 Oprah becomes Nashville first African-American TV correspondent and the youngest person to co-anchor the news for WTVF-TV. 1976 she moves to Baltimore to anchor the 6 o'clock news on WJZ-TV. 1978 Oprah began as local talk show co-host in Baltimore's WJZ-TV's "People are talking". 1984 Oprah relocates at Chicago to host WLS-TV's morning talk show, A.M. Chicago. The show become the number one talk show in the Chicago market one month later. 1985 A.M. Chicago was renamed to Oprah Winfrey show. she also makes a film debut as "Sofia" in Steven Spielberg's "The color Purple". 1986 Oprah receives Golden Globe and Academy award Best supporting actress nominations for her performance in " The color Purple", Harpo, Inc. is establish, the Oprah Winfrey show enters National Syndicate, Oprah stars as "Mrs Thomas" in the featured film 'Native Son'. 1987 Oprah hosts the 14th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards. 1988 Harpo Production Inc. is established, Oprah is named People's Choice Awards' Favorite Talk Show host.1989 Oprah stars in "Mattie michelle" in the ABC Television network miniseries 'The Women of Brewster Place' to make it short in 2000 the first International edition of O launches in South Africa, Harpo production Inc. created Dr. Phil a new daily syndicated show. There a lot more but its too long to write here

Through the power of media, Oprah Winfrey has created an unparalleled connection with people around the world. As supervising producer and host of the top-rated, award-winning The Oprah Winfrey Show, she has entertained, enlightened and uplifted millions of viewers for the past two decades. Her accomplishments as a global media leader and philanthropist have established her as one of the most respected and admired public figures today.
She became one of the Forbes Billionaire.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

HEALTH BUZZ

5 IMMUNE-BOOSTING FOODS




YOGURT
how it helps: It contains probiotics that strengthen the immune system. In one study, people who ate three-quarters of a cup of yogurt daily for a year have 25% fewer colds than those who didn't.
simple ways to savor: Stir into black bean soup.



EGGS
how it helps: Packed with amino acids, zinc and B vitamins, eggs build white blood cells and antibodies, which the body needs to fight off illnesses.
simple ways to savor: Hard-boil a couple for a Greek salad with spinach, olives, tomatoes and feta.



RED BELL PEPPER

how it helps: One pepper contains a whopping 200 mg or more of vitamin C ( an orange by the comparison, provides about 70).
simple ways to savor: Julienne a fresh pepper and dip into store-bought hummus.




GINGER
hoe it helps: An age-old Chinese cure-all for colds, fresh ginger may fight viruses by helping your body sweat out toxins.
simple ways to savor: Peel and finely chop a bulb and add to a stir-fry of shrimp and mixed vegetables.






GARLIC
how it helps: It contain sulfur-based compounds that may keep your body free of infection by boosting your immune system.
simple ways to savor: Dice a peeled clover or two and stir into your mashed potatoes.

AVRIL is EXPECTING a Lil' S8r Boi!



Avril lavigne and Deryck was spotted dropping around $500 at Lisa Kline Kids purchasing everything from a cheetah diaper bag to baby AC/DC tees, and, of course, a camo pacifier holder. Sounds a lot like she's preparing for life to get more complicated. She also made her way down the block to Kitson Kids pick up a few odds and ends too.

DAILY GOSSIP!!!

HEATH LEDGER

I come to know Heath Ledger on his 1999 movie with Julia Stilles "10 things I hate about you" it's a teen comedy, and I like his character, since then I follow his movies and his career.
Few weeks ago I was so shock when I saw the headline on one of online search engines, I thought it's just a joke or something, but when I read it, I can't believe he was found dead in his apartment in New York. According to the news, sleeping pills, a rolled $20 bill containing residue of an unknown substance and what appear to be drug baggies was also found in the apartment, though it's not unclear if this narcotics belongs to Heath.
According to a friend of the star, Heath was severely depressed following the August split from former girlfriend Michelle Williams, with whom he has a 2-year-old daughter, Matilda. "He frequently seemed comatose and out of it," the friend tells OK!. "Heath had serious problems with drugs, including cocaine and heroin."

At the photo is Michelle and Heath's sister, Kate ledger, arrive at the memorial service.
Last Feb 9,the family and friends of the actor honor his spirit by running into the ocean. At least 50 guest including Heath's former partner Michelle Williams, who had been attending the wake at the Indiana tea House, took part. Many of the woman wore their black dresses in the water, while some men stripped down to their underwear and plunged into the sea, laughing and cheering.
The moving tribute to heath, who died on January 22 in Manhattan at the age of 28 from a accidental prescription of drug overdose, ended a day of grieving by those close to the actor.


more buzz! click here

Monday, February 18, 2008

PAPARAZZI!!


Damn PAPARAZZI!

Papazarri are photographers who take candid photographs of celebrities, usually by relentlessly shadowing them in their public and private activities. Celebrities claiming to have been hounded by such photographers often use "paparazzi" and even "stalkarazzi" as a pejorative term.

Some observers blamed paparazzi for the deaths of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed, who were killed in 1997 in a high-speed car accident in Paris, France, while being pursued by paparazzi. Although several paparazzi were briefly taken into custody, no one was ever convicted, and the official French investigation of the crash concluded that they had not caused the accident, and in fact the cause of the accident was the drugged and drunken driver Henri Paul.

In 1999, the Oriental Daily News of Hong Kong was found guilty of "scandalizing the court", an extremely rare criminal charge that the newspaper's conduct would undermine confidence in the administration of justice. The charge was brought after the newspaper had published abusive articles challenging the judiciary's integrity and accusing it of bias in a lawsuit the paper had instigated over a photo of a pregnant Faye Wong. The paper had also arranged for a "puppy team" to track a judge for 72 hours, to provide the judge with first-hand experience with what paparazzi do.

Time Magazine (Style & Design) in 2005 ran a story entitled "Shooting Stars", in which Mel Bouzad, one of the top paparazzi in Los Angeles at the time, claimed to have made US$150,000 for a picture of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez in Georgia after their breakup. "If I get a picture of Britney and her baby," Bouzad claimed, "I'll be able to buy a house in those hills (above Sunset Boulevard)." Paparazzi author Peter Howe told Time that "celebrities need a higher level of exposure than the rest of us so it is a two-way street. The celebrities manipulate."

CELEB Buzz

The TOMKAT's Dream Home




Katie Holmes and tom cruise are now in the final days of preparation for their move into they're $35- million Beverly Hills Mansion. march 1st is the Big Day,Katie is so anxious to have all the works done and be move in. Although the mansion was in perfect condition when Tom bought it, the couple wanted to add the state-of-the-art security system as well as refurnish and redecorate the entire house. "Katie interest in fashion and art are really coming into play, you can see her influence throughout." No doubt Katie picked up some last minute idea when she and Tom attended the star-studded opening of the Broad contemporary Art Museum at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art on February 9.

more buzz! click here

Sunday, February 17, 2008



We used to think health canals were bad. Then we learn that poor oral hygiene can cause everything from heart problem to diabetes. Now more news: The state of your teeth may affect your mind too. Over ten years, doctors at the University of Kentucky tested 144 nun ages 75 to 98 on memory and everyday functioning, and analyzed dental records. Those with fewer than ten teeth at the start were likely to develop dimentia. Why? it may be due to inflammation of nutritional deficiencies, infection of childhood diseases ( which could affect the developing brain and lead to dental problems). More research is needed, but keep this study next time you're "too busy" to floss. In other news, a blood test with a 90% accuracy rate may one day predict Alzheimer's. The test also predicted who would get sick more than two years before diagnosis.

courtesy of Reader's Digest

Friday, February 15, 2008

RAINBOW Brite!




"where I live, there are rainbows" No wonder they call HAWAII the rainbow state, rainbows here are not shy, you can see then almost everyday even two or more at one time.
It's so fascinating to watch rainbow, I even stop and stare at it until it disappear, I feel like I'm a little child again every time I saw one, the colors that are like childhood dreams, a perfect world, a wonderland, fantasy are popping on my head.
Rainbow Brite! If you still remember Rainbow Brite, I'm fun of this animated television series introduced by hallmark on mid 80s. No wonder I feel like magical when I saw rainbow.


Wednesday, February 13, 2008

The foods that I come to know and love here in our Island



Malasadas, I get curious, what is malsadas, so I decide to buy some, I wonder why the line was so long, I best describe malasadas as fried donuts with variety of filling from custard, chocolate and the islands favorite, houpia (coconut) then rolled in sugar. It's mouth watering! standing on the long line is worth the taste! Yum



MANAPUA? whats that? hmmmm It's like Chines meat filled bun (SIOPAO in pinoy) it's baked to perfection and also comes in variety including curry chicken bun, char siu bun (our favorite), the coconut bun, the ham&cheese bun, the oyster sauce&chicken bun, and vegetarian bun, kalua pig bun, and more...



KALUA PIG? the preparation is they wrap the whole pig in banana leaves then cook for about half day inside IMU (hawaiian underground oven). The meat is yummy, kind of like roasted pig(pinoy lechon), they shred the meat before they serve it.



PORK LAU-LAU its a pork preparation, pork shoulder cubes, butter fish, and taro leaves wrap in ti leaves and steam for about 8 hours,until the taro leaves is cook thoroughly. But me and hubby like the seafood version, mahi-mahi fish, shrimp, scallops, crab meat, spinach, mayonaise, pinch of salt and dash of pepper, wrap in TI leaf and steam for 20 minutes... it's so good.

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