A Photo Chick's Journal in Paradise

Winter Hawaiian Morning

Good morning, December 14th! What a beautiful start to the day!!!

Have a wonderful Monday, everyone!!!

 
 

Winter Hawaiian Sunset

After a very gratefully busy weekend it was nice to end today with this beautiful gift of a winter Hawaiian sunset!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Happy tomorrow!!!

 
 

Temporary

Back in September I photographed Jasmyn and Aikane's spectacular wedding in Kona on the Big Island. Fortunately, while I was there, I was able to take some personal time to explore this part of the Big Island which I've grown to really love.  

There is something extremely special about the Big Island...the energy there is so magical to me.  It is the youngest of our island chain and yet so ancient in it's history and ways.  It's really hard for me to describe. I do know, though, that the "mana" (divine power) is dominant there. 

One of my favorite discoveries were these beautiful tide pools at Honaunau Bay which is located right next to Pu'u Honua O Honaunau or The City of Refuge.  I enjoyed sitting on the lava boulders in the crystal clear ocean water while watching the evening sunset.  It was so beautiful!

  

I decided to visit the same tide pool two days later to enjoy the same experience again before leaving for O'ahu.  I discovered that it was low tide and most of the tide pools were empty.

   

As I sat there, in the same tide pool that I recently happily soaked in, I thought to myself that this was a great reminder how temporary things can be.  We shouldn't assume that life will always be the same. 

People, places, things change.  

The reminder here is to really take in and enjoy every single moment, every single person and every place that you are experiencing. Be mindful and treasure it.

 
 

Counter Bag Dryer

Hi Peeps! 

I just wanted to share with you one of the eco items I like to use in my kitchen. I love Ziplocs however, they can be terrible in our landfills. Fortunately, I found one of these Counter Bag Dryers on the web.  

I simply wash my Zips or Hefties really well and dry them out!  See?  Rewash, resuse!  It's a great way to be

kind to our aina (land) and our world!  It's sooo KANU HAWAI'I!!!

WD Caviar and a little BlacX

I purchased my first 1TB SATA drive.  ONE TERABYTE!!! Who would have ever thought!  

Because I'm a RAW shooter, I use up a lot of hard drive space.  Hence the 1TB by Western Digital Caviar Green. This hard drive is eco friendly because of it's reduced power consumption. It's cool and quiet. 

I bought this drive from www.newegg.com.  I think it was like $89.99 or something wonderful like that!

Until I can afford my very own Drobo unit, I opted for this BlacX to read my drive (Mahalo to bruddah Aaron Bernard of Liquid Light Images for turning me on to this!):

It's great because this docking station can also read my older SATA drives. You know like the one that was in Edna before she passed on?

Here's the hookup:

 Very simple!  And I just hope and pray that:

1) No geckos decide to chill out on it for warmth

2) The humidity in Kane'ohe doesn't get to the components

So far so good, peeps!!!

Puakenikeni Leis in Kane'ohe

After a very invigorating one hour walk at Ho'omaluhia this afternoon (I had to work off a delish Hokulani Red Velvet Cupcake), I saw this sign in the neighborhood while driving home:

You know, I just really appreciate signs like these. It's a sweet rustic reminder of what makes Hawai'i soooo special!  This was a good reminder for me to prep for Mother's Day so I decided to pick up a couple of leis for tomorrow.

And there they were! Sitting there, waiting to be picked up.  Their sweet scent wafting through the air. There were two bags left. PERFECT! Just what I needed!   

I was so happy and proud to buy from a local family, here in my backyard town of Kane'ohe, therefore, reducing my carbon footprint by not driving into town!

Cinco de Mayo, Crocs and Asagi Hatchery

Happy Cinco de Mayo, everyone!  Another voggy day in Hawai'i nei!

However, that doesn't put a damper on a beautiful, productive day for Hokuli'i Images!

Today I was determined to get through my "To Do" list.  One of the items on that list was to buy my first pair of Crocs!  Many of my peeps know that I've been hemming and hawing about getting  a pair of these things.  Going on and on about "what color should I get", "what style," "will it make my feet look fat??" etc.  Well, I'm proud to say that I finally did it!

I purchased these cool royal purple Beach Crocs from City Mill in Kane'ohe. I just love City Mill! It's locally owned and they have all sorts of cool stuff besides hardware and gardening products.

Crocs are like you either love them or you dislike them.  My BSS in San Diego is most likely thinking, "Ger, what were you thinking???"  And I would counteract in saying, "But Deb! They're so comfy!!!"  I don't know what it is but I've ALWAYS been fascinated by them!

Okay, so I got my Cinco de Mayo Crocs on and headed straight over the hill to Asagi Hatchery in Kalihi. 

I've been helping to care for an abandoned chick by the name of Kapa.  (I think you've seen her in my previous posts.) Well, I've learned from a couple of true chick Chicks (my girlfriends, La and Ilima) that it would be best that Kapa had a companion. So thanks to these two chicken fans, they sent me over to Asagi Hatchery.

I could tell by the weathered signs that this business has been a part of the Kalihi landscape for many, many years.  Actually about 74 years to be exact. They've been here since 1935!

They are the only commercial hatchery in Hawai'i.

OMG!  I totally loved this sign. I can't help it! It's my proud pinay blood that runs through my veins!

So me and my lovely new Crocs stepped into the store with anticipation and enthusiasm! 

I scanned the area with excitement!  My eyes wandered slowly at all the signs that were hanging on the wall and all the various garden items they had for sale.

I love that they sell organic!  And that they're promoting self reliance (sustainability or whatever you want to call it) by selling organic seeds!

I enjoyed looking over the photos that clients have sent to the hatchery. Proud chicken parents who love their fowl and Asagi Hatchery!

And there in the window were the fuzzy little loves all aglow under the warming lamp...

Ahhhh....

I was greeted by Sharene Asagi, the office manager with so much ALOHA!  She and her granddaughter, Chanel, helped me to make my first chick purchase.  

And here we have our first Asagi chick! She is a Rhode Island Red x Leghorn. Which in chicken lingo means that she's a layers chick and will have eggs.  PERFECT!

Isn't she sweet???? She was making quite a fuss which totally concerned me.  All these questions started racing around in my mind!  What if Kapa doesn't like her and then she'd be so lonesome? Why is she chirping so much???  I wonder if I should have a margarita today??  

After much thought, a quick conference call to the team, we decided that yes!  It would be best to get this chick a companion chick as well!  (So the original companion chick for Kapa is now getting her own companion chick...savvy?)

So they are!

Sharene and Chanel even helped me to the car! How is that for sweetness and GREAT Customer Service???

I love family run businesses in Hawai'i.  I think it is extremely important to support local!  To me Asagi Hatchery is very special since:

 1) They've been a part of Hawai'i for decades

 2) It's operated by the 'ohana (Sharene is grandmother to Chanel. I also got to meet one of Sharene's daughter's Maxie who also helps to run the business and who's birthday just happens to be TODAY! Happy birthday, Maxie!)

3) They're promoting something that we all should be looking into if you have the time and space to do it. C'mon, peeps! Our own fresh eggs! There's NOTHING like them!!!

4) They are the sweetest, kindest and patient people ever!!!

MAHALO NUI LOA to Sharene and Chanel for making my chick buying experience so fun. You were both so patient and understanding. I hope to be back to visit with you again!!!

And to my chicken mentors, La and Ilima. You two are such amazing people!! Thank you for teaching me about these beautiful creatures.  They really are a joy and your mana'o, concern, and excitement are soooo appreciated!

So here they are everyone!  Our Cinco de Mayo Chicks!

I'm sure I'll be writing more about them in the near future!  I'll keep you posted on their growth and how Kapa will take to them.  Stay tuned...

Earth Day at Red Ginger Cafe in Manoa

Today is Earth Day.  Actually, in my world, I try to make Earth Day EVERY DAY!!!  However, today is the designated day to "inspire awareness and appreciation for Earth's environment."

In honor of today I wore my one of my fave message shirts:

This was purchased from Adoracion Boutique some time last year. I love this shirt!

As much as I wanted to get my hands close to Mother Earth today,  I unfortunately didn't have time to plant anything.  Instead, I had two very special meetings which took place at one of my fave places to hang in Manoa, Red Ginger Cafe in Manoa Marketplace.

Aaaaahhhh...Red Ginger Cafe...I love this place! It's locally owned and it's owners are earth conscious business owners who help our islands by purchasing locally grown produce and other eco friendly gift items. 

Before I go on with the gift items, check out this beautiful salad my friend Melanie Kawai, Red Ginger Cafe owner (AND IMUA graduate), made for me:

Organic greens, grilled chicken, organic eggs, and advocado served with a Papaya dressing on the side.  That's my Earth Day purchase for today!  MAHALO, Melanie! It was sooo yummy!!!

Besides an array of salads and wraps they have parfaits, smoothies and not to mention their Acai bowls!

OMG!!! And I was soooo excited to try one of their hot selling items: Coldfyyre Ice Cream Sandwiches! (NOTE: These were just display samples.  They are NOT served in a martini glass with little glass balls)

Fortunately, Aubrey of Savoir Faire, who I was meeting with, also wanted to try one so here's what a REAL one looks like:

You guys!!!! It was soooo ono!!! This delectable treat is made locally from scratch and has NO PRESERVATIVES! That's right, baby, it's all natural!!!

YAY FOR ALL NATURAL! And SUPER YAY FOR BEING LOCAL!!!

Look at all the different flaves:

May I just say that I am soooo glad I had the emergency Lactaid pill in my wallet, kay?

Melanie told me that they were having a difficult time keeping these frozen treats in stock. Everyone LOVES them!  Even my clients who I was meeting with tried a little piece and ended up purchasing FIVE Coldfyyre Sandwiches!  Cool, huh?  (No pun intended!)

Yummy...

Okay, on to the gift items....

Just so you know, Red Ginger Cafe also sells several Eco-friendly items.  I have to say my favorite is...

These neat ENCORE bags are made from discarded and recycled drink pouches! Isn't that rad???

I LOVE THEM!!!

And here are some other fabulous organic items you can pick up at the Cafe:

I LOVE RED GINGER Cafe...not only because of their great food, fun and earth conscious gift items but more importantly for the ALOHA that comes with every purchase.  

Melanie and crew, you are truly ORGANIC and the heartbeat of this special place.  MAHALO NUI LOA for always welcoming us with your warm smile, caring customer service and for giving us a place to nourish our bodies and relax our minds in your easygoing atmosphere!

Please visit Red Ginger Cafe at Manoa Marketplace, peeps!!! And have a Coldfyyre for me, will ya???

HAPPY EARTH DAY!!!

Eneloop - Great Rechargeable Batteries!

As a pro photographer and gadget girl I use a lot AA batteries.  Fortunately, I'm also an eco-friendly chick who loves Mother Earth soooooo much!  So I've been using RECHARGEABLE batteries for the past several years now.  I noticed that my old rechargeables were no longer holding their charge so I started searching for better batteries that hold their charge longer.

I stumbled upon the Eneloop batteries by Sanyo several months ago while doing some research on-line. 

I love that they hold their charge longer than other batteries I've been using!  I think I purchased my original set from www.smallpower.com.  

While doing a Costco run I came across this:

 OMG!!!  THANK YOU, Costco!!! I was so happy to see my little Eneloop buddies in Aisle 14 (just a guess, I can't remember right now) that I even did a little dance!

In true Costco stlye, this pack gives you a whole lotta stuff! Not only do you get the 2 sets of four AA batteries and 1 set of two AAA batteries, you also get a Sanyo wall charger AND these things called SPACERS to now supersize those batteries into C and D sizes.  How's that!  

Here are some of the benefits of Eneloop:

Check it out...I already labeled my charger!!!  I love labeling my stuff!! That's a whole different post in itself!

These batteries work for me right now!  I really dig that they can last me several hours on a shoot. Please visit www.sanyo.com for more information.

And if you haven't already, please consider switching from alkaline batteries to rechargeables.  It's good for our environment!  In fact, it's a great birthday gift for Mother Earth!!

Peace out!

Kubota's Success on the Beach: Day 2

Yesterday's workshop was beyond fun, overwhelming and EXCELLENT!!!  You can imagine how excited I was for day TWO!!!

As you know, I'm into reducing my carbon footprint as much as possible so fortunately I got to catch a ride with Arna into town.  Speaking of a greener earth...look what we stumbled upon in her neighborhood.

I was so excited to see the line up of all these new magnificent green waste containers!!! They were all patiently waiting like good little soldiers to be placed at their new locations.  Wow!!! What a great way to start the day!!!

Before I go on, I have to tell you that I brought my other trusty fotog companion, Keoki. He wanted to know what all this workshop stuff was about so he tagged along.  He seemed pretty interested!

Okay, so today at The Willows we learned more about workflow, sales and marketing.  I really enjoyed learning from all of our instructors.

Here's Kevin Kubota going over his workflow.  He's doing some of his Photoshop/Lightroom magic on this beautiful image of Joanna.

Jed Taufer presented some workflow as well. Jed is soooo funny!  I learned during this time that he really likes burritos!

Vicki also taught us about a whole lotta invaluable stuff!  This woman along with her burrito eating husband, are brilliant!!!

What makes learning more fun???

PRIZES!!!!

So during the two days, Vicki, Jed and Kevin would pull business cards out of a bag and give out some really great prizes!!

I was soooo happy that Tiara won this cool frame from V-Gallery!!!

So many happy prize winners!!!

Honey Boy, is that you???? You go with your bad self!!!

We were all waiting in anticipation and excitement for our name to be called.  For many moments I felt like I was in the audience on that show...The Price is Right!!!

Of course, we were all so happy (and I'm sure a bit envious)at Nicole Seu who won the grand prize...A COMPOSER LENSBABY!!!!  Right on, girlfriend!!!

You know, The Willows' Kapa'akea Room worked out perfectly for the workshop.

It was a wonderful place to shoot, learn and not to mention EAT!!!

Here we find local photographers, Tiara Lee, Russ Ramos and Chrissy Lambert grinding under a canoe.

I'd like to call this the "Oh, Wow! Lau-Lau!!" shot!  And it's totally dedicated to Chrissy!!!

During the breaks I noticed that a lot of the attendees loved sitting on or near this rock like Brooke Allen here soaking up the sun...

Ahhhhh....only in Hawai'i!!!

Besides learning from all of these great instructors and being inspired by them, one of my most FAVORITE things about attending the Kubota workshops is seeing and reconnecting with old friends!  Like Ramona of Photo Visions...girl! I'll always remember this moment when we couldn't decide which of Vicki's item's we should get!!!

Dianne Reynolds from Kaua'i who I met at my very first Kubota Workshop back in...2002??? Was it 2002, Kev??? Dianne? Anyone?? It was the one located at St. Stephen in Kailua...

My Honey Boy, :Dave Miyamoto!

This guy again...

Canon Girls...Tiara Lee-Gustilo and Chrissy Lambert...

The "other camera brand" of peeps - Kris "Tonks" Labang, Derek Wong and of course, Arna!

And soooo many other wonderful colleagues!  

The additional benefit that comes next to that would be meeting and making NEW friends!!!

Like Tamra Wade of Finding Joy Photography...

I love this gal! And I loved meeting her beautiful daughter Rio!!!

(Hey there Jon Lagon of Visionari!!!)

Here's a Maui sandwich going on right here! These guys are so sweet!!! Meet Scott Drexler and John Motelewski! Whole lotta lovin' going on...  :)

Keith Uehara and Kathleen Davenport...

Loved seeing Fernando again and meeting his friend Captain Howie!

I'm pretty sure that lots of new friendships were made over these two days!!! I wish that we had more time so I could meet all of you!  :)

MAHALO NUI LOA to the Kubotas, the Taufers, Bill Moore, Craig and Sarah of Asuka Books for an extremely successful Success on the Beach!!!

And of course, to all of you, my fellow grasshoppers, for taking the opportunity to be inspired and empowering yourselves by attending this incredible workshop!!!  MAHALO NUI LOA to all of you for making it happen!!!

Can we say "HANA HOU???"

PS  Ummm...This is Keoki toward the end of the workshop. Yup bud, time to hele home!!!

 

Costco Rocks!

OMG!
Another find you guys!
Organic cage-free eggs at Costco!!

Ad2 Honolulu and Kanu Hawai'i

This morning I had the great opportunity to meet and work with the very talented and extremely funny Rae Huo.

I have admired her work through the years.  Her images have been published in many magazines such as "Hana Hou," "Honolulu Magazine," and other well known periodicals.  

Today Da Photo Chick was going to be on the other side of the camera.  The shoot was for Kanu Hawai'i.  An organization you all know I'm totally gung ho for! Kanu Hawai'i is the latest recipient of the a pro-bono marketing campaign which is organized by Ad Two Honolulu Public Service Committee.

I won't go into much details about what the shoot entailed as I would really love for you be surprised by the end result.  I can tell you that:

1) There were many participants who volunteered their time and energy for this campaign

and

2) We are all Kanu members!

The shoot was so awesome!  I was so delighted and intrigued by Rae's sense of humor!!

See what I mean?  This horse's head/mask totally slayed us! OMG!

Here's Tai Leong, co-chair of the committee and also art director for the shoot.

I cannot help but laugh every time I look at this photo!  (Tai, not at you, of course.)

Seriously, we all could not get over that horse's head.  We just totally loved it!

It would have been fun to have Rae photograph me as a horse however, I'm sure that would have been extremely tricky.  

It was super fun to watch Rae work and for such a great cause!

I was so happy to see James Koshiba again and meet his very cool friend Anim, who is the Director of National Programs for The Food Project in New York. Just a couple of bright, intelligent and ambitious guys who's making our world a better place, people!!!

Mahalo nui loa Kanu Hawai'i, Ad Two Honolulu, Ms. Tai Leong and of course, Rae Huo for making this morning so exceptionally special! What an honor to work with all of you!!!

A very HARSH Reality!!!

This is a very difficult post for me to write however, I am following my na'au (instincts) because I feel it is extremely important to share this with you.

On Dr. Martin Luther King Day I went out to the country to spend some time with my niece and nephew.  As we walked along the beach we found a young sea turtle basking in the sun.

As we carefully approached it (while keeping a respective distance) I was shocked and horrified to find that this poor creature had a tumor attached to it's head!!!

The feeling of anguish, sadness, anger and helplessness hit me all at once!!!  I felt strongly that pollution of our waters played a big part in the toxic growth attached to this innocent sea turtle's head. 

Here is this turtle... born to swim, play, eat and breed in our oceans.  They have NO CONTROL over the conditions of their playground!  And sadly, no voice to let us know that they are in trouble...

As I choked back my tears, I explained to my niece and nephew how important it is that WE help to stop pollution and keep our waters, land, and air CLEAN!!!

It is our kuleana, our responsibility, to take care of this beautiful place we call home! 

I LOVE the Kailua Boat Ramp!

While waiting to get started on Wainani's shoot this morning, I ran into my two surfah girlfriends who were ready to hit the waves.

I was so impressed with Ginger and Caroline's excitement to start their day with a little tryst in the ocean. They looked so relaxed and happy when they got back.

I loved seeing Caroline's Bubba Board. She was so proud to show it to me. You go girl! 

During Wainani's change into her second look, I wandered toward the boat ramp.  I was intrigued to find this gentleman lugging all this debris from the beach.

Meet Mr. Matt Holck, a Kailuaian, Hawaiian, beach and ocean lover!  I kindly asked him if he was cleaning up the beach and I was so happy to find out that he was!!!  He explained to me that all the 

preventive accoutrements that were being used to help the beach from eroding was now turning into dangerous ocean trash.

So he and his boys (along with their faithful canine) were there to clear some of the rebar, netting, etc. that were starting to wash away.  Since his family has been in Kailua since the 1950s, his love for this beach and city is deep.  He shared with me that this eroding beach used to go all the way out to the end of the boat ramp and there were many many rows of Ironwood trees.  Time has certainly changed and Mother Nature has been relentless...

I loved hearing Matt speak with so much passion for this special place.  He and his 'ohana are doing such an incredible service to the community.  And that's what it takes!  Each of us doing just a little bit of something for the greater good.  

MAHALO Matt, Holck Boyz and Holck Pup for your enthusiasm and devotion in keeping Kailua Beach clean and safe!!!

Day of Action in Hawai'i!

Happy National Day of Action, peeps!  Today, hundreds of Americans took part in being responsible for our nation's future.

Kanu Hawai'i has done a tremendous job bringing awareness to today's event which runs parallel to Kanu's own mission.  As a proud Kanu member, I made sure that I would spend part of today giving back to the community and more importantly, commit to an act of service that I could continuously take part in.  

Back in July of this year, I was angered and disturbed to hear the news of a Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle who was found mutilated and dead at Laniakea Beach.  "Honey Girl," who frequented Laniakea Beach, was treated inhumanely and with utmost disrespect.  I wept when I heard the news that this beautiful creature had been slaughtered at a place where she thought she would be safe.  From that moment on I vowed  to do something positive for "Honey Girl" and her fellow sea turtles.

I was sooo ecstatic to find that on Kanu's  list of Day of Action Activities was an event for Malama Na Honu.  "Malama Na Honu is an organization who's main focus is to help protect Hawaiian green sea turtles through education, public awareness and conservation in the spirit of ALOHA."  I spread the word of training to be a Honu Guardian and sparked others interest in the activity.  AWESOME!!!

So this morning, I woke up, picked up my fellow photographer and BFF Arna, and we took a drove out to the North Shore to Laniakea Beach.  

There, we met up with Alyson and Alika (one of my couples for 2009),

my fellow Honeys, Dave Miyamoto and Michelle Guda, 

and my niece, Casey Isabelo.

Laniakea Beach looked so beautiful!!!

What a great way for the Blog Squad to start a Saturday morning!

Dave even brought his underwater housing!  If you click on this photo it'll pop open even larger and you can see a reflection of Michelle and I. Slick, yeah????

Here I am admiring his housing...

Here's Dave working that housing!!!

This is probably what a Honu sees when they're looking at us humans...

(Thanks, bro, for this shot!!!)

Okay....enough of this Tom Foolery!!!

Meet Da Honu Dude - Patrick Doyle!

He is truly THE Honu Dude!  This guy is sooooo passionate, 'olu'olu, knowledgeable and just downright cool!!!

He welcomed each and every one of us so warmly and humbly thanked us for our time!  Despite having to unexpectedly train us on his own (there was supposed to be two Honu Guardian Trainers) he casually handled the whole session with such ease...

...and shared so much pertinent information about being a Honu Guardian and of course about these beautiful creatures, the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle.  Such as:

• they are a Threatened Specie and is protected under the Endangered Species Act and the Hawai'i State Law
• they are estimated to live up to 60-70 years old 
• they have excellent underwater vision and can see colors.  On land they are nearsighted due to the shape of their lenses which are adapted to seeing underwater 
• they get their name from the greenish color of its internal body fat 
• and here at Laniakea, most of the turtles have been basking ashore since 1999 

Even while "class" took place, we could see the turtles swimming around in the water!

 By the time we left, I counted four turtles hanging out and basking. 

 

We even met this beautiful Honu Guardian on duty, Uilani, with her keiki - a Honu Guardian in training!!!

I want to send a big MAHALO out to  Malama Na Honu - its leaders and volunteers for their time, energy and love that they have for these endangered species and our islands.

To Patrick Doyle, the Honu Guru/Dude, for your unconditional love, compassion and knowledge. I could tell that these traits do not only pertain to the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles but to everything you take on in LIFE!!!  I am so fortunate to have been able to spend some time with you today.  MAHALO for spreading the ALOHA to everyone you meet and for being such an inspiration!!!

To all of you out there for participating in this Day of Action!  MAHALO for your time, energy and commitment to taking care of our nation's and island's future!!!

Honey Girl, your death was not in vain....because of someone's malicious act, so much awareness and positive attention has come out of it.  Your death has brought prolonged life to your fellow species....

Please visit: Malama Na Honu at www.malamanahonu.org if you're interested in becoming a part of this wonderful cause and organization!!!

Also visit: Kanu Hawai'i at Kanuhawaii.org.  Please sign up and become a member!  Be an active part in preserving our island's future!!!

Da Blog Squad takes on Red Ginger Cafe

So, like, after my visit at Adoracion Boutique, I met up with my fellow Honeys - Dave Miyamoto and Michelle Guda, for a bite to eat at a new establishment in Manoa Marketplace - Red Ginger Cafe.  This place came highly recommended by Cheryl and Brandy.

Before I go on, I just want to make it known that I have now dubbed my fellow Honeys and myself - Da Blog Squad.  Yes, the three of us are admitted chronic bloggers. In fact, you should also check out their blog on Dave's site at www.davemiymoto.com.  Killer photos and and a very, very cool blog!!!  So fun!!

Okay...on with the story....

Red Ginger Cafe is located two doors down from Adoracion Boutique.  How convenient!

We walked in to find a fresh clean feeling of good eats!

We were happily greeted by one of the owners, Melanie Keanini Kawai, also a Kamehameha graduate (c/o '95).  

She and business partner, Suzette Sakurai, just opened their cafe.  And we were so happy to be there to try it out today!

Let's see...what to have....

We decided to share three of their delicious wraps.

The Turkey Cranberry Delight with turkey, lettuce, tomato, and Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread:

Chicken Salad with grapes and almonds:

And Grilled Portobello Mushroom:

While we anxiously waited for our meal, Mel was kind enough to share a sampling of Carrot Cake with us. 

OMG!!! My favorite (and Michelle's too. OH!  And my girlfriend, Carol too!  You'd love this girl!!!) cake!

That was really, really yummy!  I hope that they continue to have this item as I would love to drive to Manoa just for that!!!

As we continued to wait we learned more about Mel and the Cafe.  

Red Ginger Cafe is named after her dad, Jimmy's, favorite island floral. 

Mel shared with us that whenever he'd attend a party or gathering, he would always bring Red Ginger with him.

His photo sits proudly at the entrance of the cafe greeting patrons. 

 

What a handsome guy!!!

When our food arrived we devoured it in what seemed like seconds!  And even after that, Mel shared another sampling of one of the cafe's specialties: Red Ginger Acai!!!

Okay, you all know how much I LOVE and BREATHE Acai!!!  As stuffed as I was from that onolicious wrap, I totally polished of my Acai "dessert!"

Everything we put into our digestive system was ONO!! Fresh, clean and just plain broke da mout!!!

What we also loved about this place is that they use REAL kine utensils and glasses:

Their takeout containers are earth conscious:

And they buy all their organic fresh products and veggies from local farmers!!!  HURRAY!!!

Da Blog Squad highly recommends that you visit and grab a bite to eat at Red Ginger Cafe on the second floor at Manoa Marketplace.  Pass the word on to your 'ohana and friends, kay?

MAHALO NUI LOA to Mel Keanini Kawai for taking such great care of us. We wish you all  much success and prosperity!!!  

And to :Dave and MIchelle for yet another memorable and fun eating/blogging/photo excursion!!!

Holy smokes! Whole Foods is here!!!

Well, the long awaited arrival of Whole Foods Market is finally here!  

Today, my good friends Dave Miyamoto and his honey, Michelle Guda, and I decided to grab lunch at the newest addition to Kahala Mall.

As the automatic doors slid open, I was greeted by a wall of raw foods - mainly organic green veggies!

At that moment, I knew, my experience was going to be an overwhelming and exciting one!  Look at all the GREENS!!!!

I was floored at the produce section!  Rows and rows of veggies and fruits!!!  I don't know how I made it out of that area without disrupting the pyramid of advocados or oranges!

There was an actual Olive Bar which Michelle and I were "oooing" over.

I had no idea there were so many different types of olives!!!  (NOTE: I grew up on a filipino diet and there were no olives in my adobo or pinakbet!)

Right next to that we "aaaawwwed" over the cheese "bar."  There were so many cheeses!  

And as Michelle excitedly rattled off her favorite types of cheeses, we were both taken aback by this tower of humongous "forever" cheese!

That would be Dave checking to see if it's real!

What goes good with cheese???  Wine, of course!!!

Again, Dave, checking to see if the wine is fo' real!  

Check this out!  Even Eco Friendly wines!!!

As we all wandered around the market in different directions, I was just feeling a bit overwhelmed by the selection and amount of EVERYTHING!!!

Fresh Seafood section:

Meats and poultry:

OMG! Look at how many yogurts!!!

My other favorite section...food you can take out and eat!!!

They also have a big ol' salad bar which even had one of my favorites:

HARD BOILED EGGS!!!!  I LOVE hard boiled eggs! My friend, Grant, would LOVE to also know this eating tidbit!

Michelle and I cracked up at the little sign above the hard boiled eggs:

There was a hot food bar, sweets area, a fridge filled with Gluten Free treats, and the list goes on, and on and on!!!

After waiting for my head to stop spinning, I finally settled for a grab-and-go tofu salad and a little dish of hot lamb stew.  YUM!!!

I did get to do a bit of shopping after our meal (yes, I went into Whole Foods for a second time). My most favorite discovery at Whole Foods?

YUP!  They have one of my most favorite granolas which I could only find on the island of Kaua'i.  Anahola Granola!!!  Yum, yum!!! Now...where'd all that yogurt go???

(MAHALO to my Honeys - Dave and Michelle for an awesome lunch!  Can't wait for the next round at Whole Foods!!!  You're right, Michelle, we need to hit up the SWEETS section!)

Ho - SNAP!!!!

This is da good kine SNAP!

Check this out - Fabric Softner in a BOTTLE!!!  No more of those dryer sheets sticking to your laundry and more importantly NO MORE adding waste to our landfills!!!  Just sprinkle the stuff when you need it!

Here's the scoops from the manufacturer:

"Snap™ Fabric Softener is a space saving, convenient fabric softener that shakes freshness into every dryer load. Just one container of Snap Fabric Softener replaces up to 25 boxes of the leading fabric softener. Snap Fabric Softener is anti-static, virtually eliminating static cling and shock even on the most susceptible fabrics such as nylon, polyester, rayon, acrylic and triacetate. It will not become sticky or gum up, and it will never spot or stain your clothes. Snap Fabric Softener is multi-purpose; it easily freshens up hampers, gym bags and smelly shoes. It is perfect for freshening up pet bedding. It also deodorizes and removes static from carpet. Make laundry a SNAP! with Snap™ Anti-Static Fabric Softener!"

Sweet!!  

SNAPS for our environment!!!

Flatten Cardboard Boxes, Please!!!

During moments that I'm not processing in front of my Mac, out shooting or doing an ungaudly amount of lunges with Kimo Kockelman, I like to do something nice for our environment. 

This morning, I recycled my boxes at the nearby recycling bin at Heeia Elementary in Kane'ohe.

I love that the recycled materials (i.e. CLEAN boxes, paper, and glass) help out the school.

And yes, I most definitely clean out all my glass and plastic bottles (no roaches getting intoxicated by the remnants in wine bottles) and FLATTEN all my cardboard boxes!!!

My name is Geralyn. I love to recycle!

This post is dedicated to all the Kanu Hawai'i Members!!!  

Yu Shing Ting's Xposure in Midweek

I would like to thank one of my favorite writers, Yu Shing, for attending the Green is the New Black event for Kanu Hawai'i on Tuesday, 8/12/08.  And also, to thank her for taking this photo of myself with my all time fave local duo, Maila and Ben!

You rock, Yu Shing!!!

MAHALO to my bud, Davin Kazama, for letting me know about this photo in Midweek!!!

Aloha Tower meets Kanu Hawai'i!!!

Holy camoley, people!!!  This evening's TWC/Diva's Doing Good fundraiser for Kanu Hawai'i was DA BOMB!!!  The turn out was fantastic!

The afternoon started with a fun makeup session with my ever so talented brother-in-law, Jonathan Freitas (Makeup by Jon Freitas).  He worked on both Aubrey and I.

BEFORE:

 

(We thought we'd do the traditional "i-look-like-sh**-warmed-over" shot)

(Photo by: Kauanoelehua)

After applying his beautifying touches with his magical brushes he created this:

HELLO?!?!?  No wonder why the makeup and cosmetic industry brings in billions of dollars!!!! Now we can confidently expose ourselves to the real world!!!  

MAHALO Jonathan for making us look like divas!

We arrived at the historic Aloha Tower to find that the place was already hopping and jumping! In the distance I could hear one of my favorite island duets, Maila Gibson and Ben Vega, filling the event with their mele.  Shmooooooth....

I cannot even begin to tell you what a great time I had with my fellow J.U.Gettes!

Olivia, Kalele, Aubrey and I excitedly entered the event and were greeted by so many happy familiar faces.

One of my most favorite writers, Yu Shing Ting...

So nice to run into Mr. Jet Setter himself, Derek Wong..

Aubrey and I were so honored to be chosen as one of the 50 Divas Doing Good.  

Each of the honorary Divas needed to do a video interview and give their mana'o (thoughts) on what Kanu Hawai'i means to them and what commitment they are willing to make. 

My main commitment: To help clean up Hawai'i's beaches!

After we finished our interviews it was off to more grinds, hugging and laughing!! 

Great to see IMUA's Fred DeAngelo and his crew of Ola's volunteering their time, kau-kau and energies to a great cause!  

Fred's beautiful wife (another IMUA graduate), Cheryl DeAngelo

 

along with her equally stunning sister, Brandy Antonelis, joined in on the festivities as well.  

(Ummm...please note that it was a bit windy this afternoon)

Ladies, be on the lookout for these two sisters! They're opening up their own boutique in Manoa Marketplace in October and it is going to be fashion heaven!  I can't wait for Adoracion Boutique to open it's doors!!! Stay tuned for more exciting information!!!

Okay, where was I...oh yes!  On to the bar!

You can ALWAYS count on a good time when Dave Miyamoto and his honey, Michelle Guda are in da house!

I LOVED seeing CJ Bae with Kim and Tara!

We LOVE Erin!!!

It was awesome to meet the faces and driving forces behind Kanu Hawai'i. Here's Punahou's James Koshiba (one of Kanu's Directors) during the fashion show...

And I FINALLY got to meet the infamous Andrew Aoki, another Director for Kanu. What a cool guy!!!

I'd like to mention that the Silent Auction was a HUGE success. Ulu Art contributed a piece:

Here's my girls cheering the piece on!  Isn't she beautiful??? Kalo...Please visit Ulu Art for more information!  "To Inspire, To Reflect, To Change..."

It was fun partying with my sister, Daisy...

and kicking it up several CRAZY notches with The Wedding Cafe's Roy Kawaji!

Special MAHALO NUI LOA goes out to Naomi Lee of Les Saison

for donating and providing us these exquisite LOUNGE FURNITURE to rest our intoxicated selves!

We LOVE Naomi!!!

During the event, I briefly saw Kelly Sugano of a Perfect Day running around with her very busy crew.  I was so happy that Mary actually got to stop for a second for a quick photo.  MAHALO, Mary, Kelly and APD Crew for all your kokua!!!

It was great to see one of the contributing fashion divas, Allison Izu Song!

We LOVE Allison!  Goooo Lancer!!!

And of course, a great big MAHALO to the main Diva and her INCREDIBLE TEAM! 

Diva, YOU DONE GOOD!!!

MAHALO for allowing me to be a part of a very significant and empowering event!  

Peeps, remember to PLEASE sign up with Kanu Hawa'ii at www.kanuhawaii.org.  It only takes one commitment to make a difference!

Aubz, Lele, Olives, Daiz, you gals are such beautiful women and the bestest gal palz EVER!!! MAHALO for a sensational time!  We miss you Bee, Deb, KVN, Misty, Linda, Barracuda and Hawaiian!!!

Until next time...

Mickey's Ice

While walking to Longs today, I was disturbed to find this in the parking lot:

After closer examination, I noticed that it was a busted up bottle of Mickey's ICE beer!

The thing that I REALLY found disturbing and frustrating????  This glassy mess was only several yards away from a dumpster!!!!

It doesn't take that much to walk to the dumpster, or even better, a recycling center, to responsibly handle one's beverage container!!!!

Auwe!!!

I'm now thinking of keeping a little broom and dustpan in my car...

Hydrating with my Klean Kanteen!!!

I am soooo excited! I finally received my shipment from Klean Kanteen!!!

As many of you know, the water bottles we drink from are made from plastics that unfortunately LEACH TOXINS into the water that we drink!  With my Klean Kanteen, which is made from high quality food-grade 18/8 stainless steel (inside and out), I can rest assured that as I consume my 27 ounces of H20 it is free of toxins and there is no leaching going on!

Please consider "hydrating yourselves with this eco-friendly, reusable stainless steel water bottle which provides a safe, non-leaching and toxin-free alternative to plastic and other metal lined containers."

"One Planet, One You!!!"