Hawaii's Favorite Snack

Photo Courtesy Flickr
So what is it? It's Spam Musubi!

It's like sushi, except that the protein is Spam. They grill it, put it on top of rice and usually use the seaweed as a wrap to hold it together. They're found everywhere - convenience stores, supermarkets, and local restaurants.

I'm an adventurous eater, a food snob, a "foodie" if you wilI...but I draw the line at "mystery meat." Have you tried Spam?

Aloha!

Hawaii Bucket List

Here are some of the things I want to do while in Hawaii. So far, I've completed one - watching Polo games on Sundays!

Pick sea glass Surf Watch pro surfing competition Polo Sundays Moonlight Kayaking Paddle Surf
Picnic at sunset on the beach Whale and dolphin spotting Horse-back riding on the beach
See an active volcano Jump down a (small) waterfall Acquire original Heather Brown art
Find Japanese glass floats Snorkel Collect Hawaiian fabric Ukelele concert Hike Diamond Head

Humble Abodes

I was curious to see what a million dollars buys you on Oahu, and after some quick research on realtor.com, I wasn't really shocked. But I thought I'd play "realtor" and give you a virtual tour, in case you were looking for a vacation home.

This first house is located in Haleiwa, an adorable historic surfing town, boasts over 2100 sq. ft., has beautiful wood floors, with updated bathrooms, and an ocean view! It's listed for $1.4 million. Not too shabby!

(all photos courtesy of realtor.com)

There's the ocean view!

Open floor plan

This second house is actually a condo, located in the prestigious and desirable Diamond-Head area. This 900 sq. ft. unit's best feature is the view. Even the most mundane of tasks - like folding piles of laundry - would be a relaxing meditation.

Nice-sized bathroom

Pretty kitchen with marble counter tops....

...but where's the bedroom, you ask? It's in the living room, of course!

I don't know why they don't call this a studio! It's completely unrealistic for anyone with a child, or a dog. We'll have to pass on this one. Good thing, too, since we don't have $998,000 lying around.

This third one is considered a Town Home/Row Home and it's located in the same area, Diamond Head. It's a little more spacious: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and over 3,500 square feet!



The view is amazing, but if I lived here, I'd constantly complain about the kitchen, the carpet, the gold mirrors, and even the tile in the bedroom. I know, it's ON the beach, but whatever. Next!

We're still in the Diamond Head area for this next home. 3 stories, swimming pool, and ocean and sunset views (although no pictures of these are provided). Here are the pictures we can see:


I love the kitchen, but I would decorate it differently. If someone wants to buy it for me, as is, though, I wouldn't object!


And finally, if you are the Duggars, the Gosselins, the 9 by Design family, or a person who just likes to clean all day, here is an 11-bedroom home for you. Yes, you read that correctly. 11 BED-rooms.


It's 3,200 square feet, has 6 full baths, 3 open parking spaces, and has a "hill/mountain view"

Curiously, these are the only 2 pictures shown. So I'd be a little wary.

I hope you enjoyed the little tour. I'll keep researching...

Aloha!

I Heart Surfer Art

My favorite local artist is Heather Brown. Her art epitomizes Hawaii for me: bright colors, bold strokes, and a connection to nature, especially the ocean. But really, I love her work because it just makes me happy when I look at it!

I can't WAIT to get my hands on one of her pieces, although I'll have to settle for a print, or maybe (if I'm really good), I'll get a glicee as a gift!

"Outer Reef"

Art is the only way to run away without leaving home. ~Twyla Tharp

Aqua and lime green is my favorite color combo - it was love at first sight!

You can see more of Heather's artwork (and even have a little piece of Hawaii in your home) on her website. As for me, I hope to catch a glimpse of Heather's art at next weekend at the Haleiwa Arts Festival.

Aloha!