Bug Spray is an Amazing Thing.

For months, Daniel had been begging me to go hiking with him.  Finally, we went on hike to PCC Falls, which was actually more like half of a hike.  We didn't exactly make it to the waterfall.  (Sorry honey...)  Unfortunately, Megumi and I were attacked by killer mosquitoes that ate us alive.  Daniel didn't get a single bite, how is that fair?  Anyway, I don't know if you've ever experienced having hundreds of mosquito bites all over your body, but it itched like HECK!  I honestly wanted to rip my hair out.  We couldn't take it any longer so we decided to hike back.  On the way back we ran into some nice girls who let us use their bug spray.  It was a miracle!  I never knew that bug spray worked so well!  The hike back was MUCH better.  

We took turns carrying Noa.  Daniel and I will be such good parents someday. ;)

Someday I Will Be a Food Photographer.

My dream is to take pictures like this...

And I will create my own cook book, pictures provided by me (of course).  Someone else can come up with the recipes.  Anyone interested? 

Cenk Sonmezsoy is brilliant.  Check out his website for some  inspiration. 

I Miss Winter Clothes.

I never thought I would miss cold weather, but I kind of do, just a tiny bit.  The ONLY thing I miss about winter are the trendy winter fashions and, of course, BOOTS.  Oh, and I also miss cute hats, scarves, sweaters, mittens, coats, jackets, cardigans, tights, and...(you get the idea).  After living in Utah (pretty much my whole life up until now) I feel like it is only natural to continue on with my seasonal routine.  Winter.  Fall.  Spring.  Summer.  Winter.  Fall.  Spring.  Summer.  Not... Summer.  Spring.  Summer.  Spring.  Don't get me wrong, I REALLY do love Hawaii.  

People probably see me wearing my favorite mustard yellow scarf and think, "What the heck is wrong with her?  It's only 80 degrees outside!"  Someone actually said something like that to me once.  Oh well... 

P.S. - My new lens came in the mail today!!!  As a result, we went a little picture crazy.  

Obsession #8.

We have recently been introduced to the new best thing... THE best burger joint on the island, Kua'aina!  Haleiwa never fails to disappoint us. They always have the best restaurants.  

There's nothing like a big, juicy burger and crispy french fries. Ahhhh...Comfort Food. 

Friends. Sand. Beach. Waves. No Sun.

I was so excited to go to the beach on my day off this week.  I was very disappointed when I looked out the window that morning and saw CLOUDS.  The entire sky was overcast.  Dang.  Well, that didn't stop us.  We went to the beach anyway. 

The Gatherer.

This is how husband has been providing for our family lately:

He has been gathering passion fruits while out on his daily runs.  How does he carry them home, you might ask?  He takes his shirt off, wraps up the fruit, and carries them (switching hands of course) while running the rest of the way home.  Haha.  I love it.  Then he makes me delicious passion fruit juice.   

If you ever get your hands on some passion fruit then you should definitely make this recipe:

Passion Fruit Juice

2 Teaspoons Sugar

3 Medium Passion Fruit

4 1/2 Cups Water

Juice of 1 Lemon

1.  Cut the fruits in half, then scoop out the insides onto a plate

2.  Put into blender along with the other ingredients (except for the lemon juice) blend until smooth

3.  Strain and then add lemon juice

4.  Serve with ice

Makes 2 servings.

Yum! 

Farewell Aikele's.

We are so sad that you had to leave us, but I'm glad we got to hang out practically every day this past week before you guys left.

I will miss our awkward photo shoots. 

(This is what happens when girls are left alone for too long).

Dinosaur Face:

Cheerleader Face:

Asian Face:

Not quite sure face...

Alden and Ashley, we miss you guys already!

Good luck with everything in Cali.  

Don't forget us. :)

DIY Cake Stands.

Items you'll need:
- Plates
- Candle holders, glass cups, or wine glasses 
- Epoxy glue


Sand the bottom of the plate and the top of the candle holder so that they are rough.  This allows the glue to stick better.  Mix the epoxy then glue the plate and candle holder together.  With the plate upside down and the candle holder facing up, place some heavy books on top of it to hold it down as the glue dries (about 4-5 hours untouched). 


That's it! 

Homemade Mason Jar Light.

Thank you Design Sponge for always inspiring me with great ideas. 

Stupid Birds.

Today, Daniel and I went into town to do some shopping.  

We stopped at PF Changs in Waikiki for lunch.  

We ate outside in the outside seating area, since it was such a nice day.  

A pigeon flew onto Daniel's plate and tried to steal his food.  

Eew.  

The waitress apologized and gave us a free meal.  

Just a Little Bit of Good News.

Good News #1:
We have a new baby niece!! Sara & Jean Marcel just had a baby girl on December 31. 

This is Clementine. Isn't she precious? I can't wait to meet her!

Good News #2:

This good looking brother of ours just got his mission call!

He's going to the Cordoba, Argentina mission. He leaves March 23, 2011. Wahooo! Argentina seems so perfect for Connor. I am absolutely thrilled for him. 

Good News #3:

My BFF Jamie is ENGAGED!

Aren't they adorable together? She's marrying a guy named Daniel, so our husbands will have the same name! They are getting married on May 11 (my half birthday).  

Oh, and by the way, all of these events happened on the same day...New Year's Eve. Congrats. So happy for you all!