all over the place.

Lots going on.

I couldn't perfect my vlog so I will just announce the winner of the giveaway the old-fashioned way...congrats to Lauren of Wayfarers and Worksheets! If you could just get me your shipping address, I will be sending you your package of Hawaiian treats soon! You're probably wondering what you've won...

Hawaiian Host Macadamia Nut Caramel Chocolates
Hershey Kisses with Macadamia Nuts (the best!)
Dark Chocolate Espresso Bar with Kona
Maui Onion Sea Salt Seasoning
Honolulu Cookie Company Shortbread Cookies

I am really enjoying Hawaii Five-O! Not just because I love Hawaii, but I really do think the show is entertaining and clever (and Alex O'Loughlin...yum). This week's episode featured our hotel and surrounding area A LOT so that may have made me enjoy it even more.

We started watching Dancing with the Stars this season and it is good! I like most of the teams, but poor Michael Bolton really has to go.

Last Sunday, C and I had to escape the Valley heat so we went to Venice Beach for the Abbot Kinney Festival. We had so much fun and I found the cutest vendor, Bungalow 360. I am kicking myself now for not buying more because all of the wallets, wristlets, and tote bags were $5 each! She sells them on the website for waaaaaay more.

Speaking of the festival, there were also an abundance of food trucks there. C and I had to try Baby's Badass Burgers to compare them to the Grill 'Em All guys. So supposedly, Ryan (the owner of Grill 'Em All), worked for Baby's for 2 weeks before he quit and opened his own truck! There is a big divide here in Los Angeles over who has the best burgers. And apparently C and I are divided as well. I choose Baby's...he likes Grill 'Em All.

Do any of you watch the Cooking Channel? I was watching a show called Unique Eats and saw a pie place in New York called Four and Twenty Blackbirds. They make a very delicious looking "Salted Caramel Apple Pie" that was featured on the show. It looked AMAZING! So I googled it and found the recipe...definitely going to be trying this soon!

Okay, I didn't realize this post was so food centered, but who are we kidding? We all know I love my food :)

I hope you are all having a wonderful week!

be inspired.

I just watched this video, and had to share...



Read more here.


Truly inspiring, no?

vlogging is hard...

I just want you all to know that I really, really, really want to do a video blog to announce the winner of my Hawaii giveaway. And it's not for lack of trying that it hasn't happened because believe me, I've tried! I think I've driven C crazy with all the "tries" and I still can't get it right. First of all, anytime I find myself in front of a video camera, I freak out...big time! I can't handle it! I have no problem with getting my picture taken or making speeches/presentations in front of my boss or classmates, but when a video camera is within 100 yards of me, it's over. Not to say that I haven't improved because anything that's not 5 straight minutes of giggling or 30 seconds of sheer silence and panic is improvement in my eyes [both of which I may or may not have done Friday night while practicing].

So the point of the story is that it may be a long time before I ever successfully film my video blog or before I convince C to start the video over "one more time"...whichever comes first! I am going to keep trying, but if I can't get it soon, I will just announce the winner the old fashioned way. How boring, right? :)

Wish me luck!

image found here

Let's Talk...

Television!

Top Chef DC - I was VERY surprised to see Kevin win because I thought that Ed was the strongest chef left in the competition. For me, he seemed to peak at the end, whereas Angelo really seemed to falter and lose confidence in himself as the show progressed. I also noticed that Kevin seemed to get stronger as the weeks went on, but he never stood out, per say. Did he even win an elimination challenge? Anyway, it's very clear that the judges base their decisions on the food that is presented to them in that episode, not ever thinking about the chef's overall performance in the competition. I think this is how Kevin won. He made the best food of the night, but I don't think he is the strongest chef of the three. To me, he seemed to play it safe with all of his dishes (regular competition included) while Ed really showcased his different skills and talents as a chef, with innovative food and ideas. Unfortunately, he just didn't do as well as Kevin that night. I also think his horrible decision to leave the dessert to his sous chef was a big part of why he didn't win. And Angelo?? Forget him. I'm pretty sure he's a self-sabotager and can only cook Asian food.

Nikita - One word...OBSESSED. As in, I am obsessed with this show. If you aren't watching it, you really should be. The return of Shane West aka Landon Carter (A Walk to Remember! I know I'm not the only one that loved that movie) and the awesome bad-assness of Maggie Q is a winning combination. (CW, Thursday at 9 pm)

Survivor: Nicaragua - Holy cow...hilarious! From contestants like Jimmy Johnson to the sarcastic comments from Shannon, this is going to be a good season! Plus, I have a crush on Jeff Probst :) In all seriousness, I am surprised that the tribes are split into "young" and "old" and am curious to see what kind of challenges they'll have to compete in. It will be interesting to see if young bravado or old strategy will prevail. (CBS, Wednesday at 8 pm)

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The Great Food Truck Race - The season finale of this show is Sunday! I can't wait to see if Nom Nom Truck or Grill Em All Truck takes the prize! Both of these trucks are from Los Angeles, and I was actually lucky enough to go to an event that they were doing together and try their food (pictures below). I'll be excited for either of them to win. (Food Network, Sunday at 9 pm)

C with Misa, of Nom Nom Truck...

kinda like meeting a celebrity!

banh mi?

I want you to know that I waited 2 hours and 15 minutes
in line for Grill Em All...totally worth it!

yummy!

Both have great food, and surprisingly, the Grill Em All guys were EXTREMELY nice (I think they come off as rude on the show but it couldn't be further from the truth). Luckily, we got there early so we had a decent place in line (and I still waited over 2 hours), but by the time we left there was still a line of at least 150 people waiting to order. It was crazy, but I'm glad we went!

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This week is full of premieres. Here's what I'll be watching:

Monday
Hawaii Five-O (CBS) 10 pm

Tuesday
Glee (Fox) 8 pm
NCIS (CBS) 8 pm
NCIS: LA (CBS) 9 pm

Thursday
Bones (Fox) 8 pm
The Mentalist (CBS) 10 pm

Sunday
The Amazing Race (CBS) 8:30 pm

What's on your Must Watch List this season?

an island state of mind

Thought I would post this for my preppy friends...
Everything has an island flair in Hawaii..even J Crew!

Hope everyone has a fun weekend!

[taken on oahu]