Foodie Blubs from Haleiwa, HI

Beach House Restaurant

62-540 Kamehameha Hwy #1, Haleiwa, HI

Yesterday, we went off in search of where the big waves show surfers what they're made of. This took us on a ride up to the North Shore, approximately 34 miles from Honolulu. I felt transported to another time and place as we passed Coffee Farms and Pineapple Plantations along this Pacific Coastal area. Our search ended at a restaurant called the Beach House overlooking the ocean and an amazing sunset.

I dined on a tasty House Fettuccini with mushrooms, onions, and asparagus. The dish was accented by a white wine butter sauce and a memorable balsamic reduction. Like most people, I was completely satisfied until I got a better look at hubby’s meal. Although I am vegan most of the year, I had to taste his Beef Short Rib, braised in red wine with roasted onions on top of tantalizing Yukon mashed potatoes.

The trip was well worth the meal and the stunning going down of the sun! Thank you, Haleiwa.

Speed of Life Stops!

Chronicling Europe & The Baltics 2018 – Another Surprising Connection

A big part of this European trip included research for my writing, both before we traveled and after we set sail. Reading about Tallinn was interesting and got me excited for the trip. Actually arriving in the city and seeing it with my own eyes was another thing altogether. I thought that I knew what the experience was going to be but it truly was so much more.

Walking the cobblestone streets and seeing the gothic influence in the buildings was amazing. These mixed in with modern structures and businesses harmonized with so many of the other cities in this part of the world. As usual we took a hop-on hop-off bus tour to see the things that we’d read about.

St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Tallinn TV Tower, Toompea Castle, and many other attractions were on our list. These were a part of the things that were expected. We had no idea that on one of our tour buses would be a familiar face. The world is definitely large but it would seem that it’s small at the same time.

An elementary teacher of my husband’s was there on the bus with us. A conversation about states and travel brought this truth about. How awesome and humbling to go around the world only to find another surprising connection. The Speed of Life is absolutely a real thing that makes its way back around.

It was inspiring, as well to see this woman not letting age or anything else keep her from what she loves. Travel and jazz are included among these things. Swirling around our conversation was the anticipation of Richard Elliot, a featured headliner for the main performance.

3 Quick Meals – Use 9 Standard Ingredients

Rice

Pasta

Cheese

Tomato Sauce

Canned Beans

Frozen Corn

Hot Dogs

Onions

Cold Cuts

These are some of the most common ingredients that are staples in homes. They are sometimes items purchased to prepare specific dishes. Some people purchase them simply because they are useful when the cupboard is getting bare.

Because these are standard ingredients they can be used to make meals that are tasty and budget-friendly. Let’s take a look at 3 individual meals that are quick and easy to prepare. All you need is these 9 ingredients, water, spices and olive oil or margarine.

Change these healthy options to suit your taste and the people eating with you:

Italian Dish – Pasta, Tomato Sauce, Cheese, Onions (sautéed) and Sliced Hot Dogs (pan fried with oil)

Mix cooked pasta and other ingredients to make a simple dish for lunch or dinner. You could add oregano, parmesan and other spices according to your palette.

Spanish Dish – Rice, Tomato Sauce, Cheese, Onions, Beans

Mix cooked rice and the other ingredients to make a side dish or an entrée if you’re adding ground turkey or beef. Chili powder, taco seasoning, salt and pepper are terrific additions to this meal.

Side or Entrée Dish – Rice, Frozen Corn, Onions (sautéed), Cold Cuts (diced and sautéed)

Mix cooked rice with the other ingredients to make a side dish or an entrée. Add a tablespoon of margarine or olive oil as you mix the dish. You can mix the sautéed cold cuts into the rice dish or use it as a topper.

Teen Conversations: Important Parental Moves

It's true that parents and teens often speak a different language!


This shouldn't discourage either from conversation. It is important not only to the relationship of the family. Keeping these lines of communication active promotes expression in the future.


Teens learn how to think critically and to verbalize their positions. Topics of these conversations can vary. The primary objective is to use the time wisely. Although the Speed of Life is challenging to families, it is essential that they maintain relationships in a healthy way. Conversation is a good tool for this!


Daily Lives


Some teens need to be encouraged to talk about the issues that trouble them. The things that occur daily are a part of these concerns. Setting aside time specifically for these conversations, shows interest and concern.


Current Events


There are confusing things happening in society. This is true for both parents and teens. Discussing current events nationally and internationally can help. The goal is not to figure out the world's problems. It's simply to pursue understanding and spark more conversation. 


The Future


The future is one of the things that troubles teens the most. Parents don't always understand because they've conquered their fears in some ways. Teens need and want direction for attaining the goals, whether short term or long term. Conversation could mean the difference between success and failure.


Let's start talking more. . .


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Finding Your Style

Everyone knows that there are far too many fashion magazines out there to choose from. Many point out what the season musts are for women. This sort of work serves to build a foundation, for those who don’t know what they like. There is nothing wrong with creating your own style and fashion. This may mean taking bits and pieces of trendy looks. Overall though, finding your style is about appreciating your beauty.

All of us are shaped differently and have a variety of terrific assets. Styles that accentuate are a tasteful way can be your own. Tailor them to include the colors and designs that you like best. Trying on a combination of ensembles is a great way to determine what looks good on your frame. Each season has its offering when it comes to fashion. Experiment with boutique, traditional and contemporary styles. Find what you love and wear it!

Here are some ensembles to consider:

Light flowery blouses / Textured vests / Designer print jeans

Long denim skirts / Straight collared shirts / Ruffled scarves

Extra-long tanks / Short graphic tees / Colored Capri shorts

Start Planning Your Cruise Vacation

I know that it's only the beginning of the year! It is never too early to start planning for your cruise vacation. This is the perfect time to look at the destinations that interest you. It is also a time to bargain shop for the best deals. There are a number of things that will factor into your cruise selection.

The size of your party is definitely one of these considerations. This will determine the number of cabins that you need. Airfare, ports of call, excursions and various other things will be important to your trip. Cruises usually include many of the top details that concern travelers. Let's take a look at some of these details.

Dining

A part of your cruise components will be complimentary dining. There will be a number of dining options included in the cost of the cruise. Along with these you will discover luxury dining locations onboard that require an additional cost.

Entertainment

Most large ships these days have staff that provide a wide array of entertainment shows. These may be musical performances or variety shows. You will find something entertaining onboard for everyone in your party.

Activity

Every ship, no matter the size offers activity choices. These take place both indoors and outdoors. Sports offerings, swimming pools and spas are generally onboard. Passengers can select from free activities and those that cost.

Booking sites like Cruise Voyant offer you the option to select cruises by many criteria. You can choose based upon price, destination, packaging or theme cruises.

New Year, New Opportunities!

Well, 2014 is finally here. Some people look at another year as a reminder of age or things not accomplished. I don't agree with that outlook at all. Every New Year brings with it new opportunities!

These are opportunities to achieve, accomplish, endeavor, invest and to love. There are always going to be things that didn't happen in the previous year. Some of those were simply not meant to be anyway. There are other things that didn't happen because we didn't put in the time and resources it required.

Here is another beautiful year and opportunity to make it happen. Most of our goals, need more than us to come into fruition. Our loved ones and circle-of-friends often factor into the process because support in important.

Along with those around us, goals are accomplished when we make up our minds to get moving. The Speed of Life keeps us active no matter what. Why not let that speed steer us towards our goals for the year?

Learn to Live on a Budget

The state of the economy has affected virtually every family in the country. The ups and downs of the market, as well as, the loss of millions of jobs have an impact. People are learning more than ever the importance of living on a budget. One of the results of the current economy is that many people budget who have never done so before.

In the past, this topic has been considered derogatory. Only people who were suffering dire financial troubles lived on a budget. Well this is no longer true today. People who want to get the most out of their money budget. Even those who want to keep track of their spending are included in this category. There are many apps and software products to ease the budgeting process. Simply tracking your purchases each month can provide you with the same information that software does.

Use cash and list it
One of the best ways to avoid overspending is to use cash instead of credit or ATM cards. There is a certain apprehension involved with spending all of your cash. People usually adjust their purchases to avoid feeling like they are broke. Listing what you spend will help you to monitor even better.

Pay off credit cards monthly
If you need to utilize credit cards, it is a good idea to pay them off each month. This is a great way to keep your budget in order. You can also look at your purchases to see if you’ve made any unnecessary purchases.

Shop wisely
A good way to take care of your budget is to learn how to shop. Wise shopping includes watching for sales and only making important purchases. Limiting the amount that you spend per week could save you a lot of money at the end of the month.