You Can Always ADD a Little Color to Your Life...

     While growing up I didn't have many girlfriends (I was a bit of a tomboy) and never got to experience the thrill and danger of experimenting with my hair color while in high school...

     Thanks to my good friend Erika that is one thing I can cross off my bucket list! (loves you boo!)

Sally's

   
     We stopped at Sally's in Pearl City to stock up on all necessary items. First, we needed a bleaching kit (oh boy!), then I picked my color (PURPLE!), and thankfully she already had the Coconut Oil at home.

     We were ready and I was extremely excited!!!

     Erika aspires to know all that she can about beauty and hair and was eager to help! (I might have seen her rubbing her hands together like a Disney Villain but that could have been the fumes!)

   
     This evolution was a labor of love and I'm grateful and happy that Erika was with me every step of the way...

     As Erika continued to bleach my hair I could feel the burn and new that the product was working its way through my hair...SEE?

     O.K.! I was definitely blonder (not a good look for me) but a necessity if I wanted to add color to my hair.

     Erika tried to put on the cap that the bleaching kit brought after she added purple to my hair...I don't think it fits my big head!! (HA!) What do you think?

     LOL! Erika let me stew in the much smaller cap for all of 2 minutes and walked away laughing...

     Then she brought me one that actually fit! Thank you girl!

     We waited about 45 minutes and then washed the color right out of my hair! (you sang that last part didn't you?)

     Erika assured me the color was there and I could sorta see it but I was excited when she got her hair dryer out! Woohoo!

     Will you look at that! I've got PURPLE in my hair! YES! Erika definitely did her thing and it came out beautifully!

     It's subtle enough when I part my hair and I can bring my hair up and you can truly see the color throughout my lovely locks!

     But the MOST amazing part was when I put my hair up (like I normally do for my everyday look) and ALL you can see is PURPLE!! (I'm soooo happy!)

     Thank you so much Erika! I have fulfilled a long time wish of doing my hair with a girlfriend. I believe that it is a part of growing up that I missed on and I'm happy we were able to accomplish it together!

It's My Birthday...Italian Style!

     ...so it was my BIRTHDAY last week (August 2nd) and I had a blast!

     For me, birthdays have a double standard. It's a way of celebrating life but I don't feel we should break the bank trying to reaffirm that we're still here...(ha!)

     But that still doesn't mean we don't try new things and adventure out...especially on a birthday!!

     That's how The Husband (Joe) and I ended up at Bucca di Peppo at the Ward Village Shops!

 

     Joe and I are humongous foodies (Master Chef and Tasty) so we had always wanted to dine in a Chef's Table at a restaurant!

     Bucca di Peppo has one Chef's Table and we were able to reserve it for my birthday! 

     It was incredible! We got an amazing behind the scenes look at an authentic Italian kitchen!

     We (and by "we" I mean "I") started our meal with a Mozzarella and Tomato Insalata! Which of course is my favorite Italian style salad.

     The Mozzarella tasted like it had been made in that kitchen and the Tomatoes were off the vine fresh!

Linguine Frutti di Mare

     The Husband chose the Linguine Frutti di Mare! I think he picked it so that I couldn't share it with him!!! (HA!) I'm highly allergic to seafood...(sigh)

     This pasta looked so good! It was filled with shrimp, baby clams, mussels and calamari in spicy red clam sauce. (I did want a bite! YUM!)

     Joe was impressed by all the lovely seafood. He said that it was plentiful and the clams were nice and smooth...no grit whatsoever!

Penne San Remo

     I picked the Penne San Remo! How can you go wrong with a chicken breast, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes in a white wine cream sauce? (I told them to hold the peas!)

     This pasta was soooo creamy! I was in heaven! My only critique is that I like the chicken to have a bit more kick before submerging it into the saucy goodness...

     Sometimes when meats don't have enough seasoning, for me, it can get lost when a sauce is added to them and I find it a bit bland.

     Joe and I had great fun watching the hard work and camaraderie that the employees at Bucca di Peppo share.

     There were many moments that their culinary ballet could have ended tragically but...

     The kitchen was in sync and in full swing!

     Finally! The best part of the meal had finally come! The yummiest Cannollis this side of the Pacific are here in Bucca di Peppo!

     I have a full on love for these light crispy pastries filled with Cannoli cream and chocolate chips! I always ask for no chocolate sauce though...it has a cleaner taste for me without the sauce...(I know I'm difficult).

Cannolli

     Chef Kent had been a big part of our adventure sitting at the Chef's Table and we thanked him for hanging out with us whenever he had a moment (kitchen is always running!).

     As the night came to a close (Bucca di Peppo closes at 10pm) Chef Kent came by one last time and asked if we had a good night?

Chef Kent & Me!

      Bucca di Peppo Chef's Table was a unique gift for me and I'm ever filled with the love Joe shares with me everyday of our lives...Happy Birthday to ME!

     Oh! Yeah! We also went to see the new Star Trek: Beyond at Consolidated Ward Theatres before dinner! It was great fun...

     Ironically, the two people who don't drink alcohol got to see the new Star Trek in the "Adult Theatre" section...lol...(there was a police officer and everything!) but that might need another blog post in the future...

Beauty is in the Gloss of the Acrylic!

     Being part of the military (Yes. Spouses count too) I have had  to move every 3 years or so. 

     And as much as I love to visit new places and meet new people there are some things that I do NOT look forward to.

     Finding a good nail salon is (ugh) one of them!!

     I had been on the island of Oahu for 3-4 months scouring through social media trying to find a nail salon near me when I saw a Yelp review that caught my eye...

     I have been coming to Diamond Nails for almost a year and I LOVE it!!

     They are located on Salt Lake Boulevard at a reasonable distance from my house.

     As soon as I walked in they welcomed me in and asked what services I wanted. I met many of the nail technicians and they are all very nice.

     They all gave me a sense of family and that they had been working together for a long time...

     Steven, my main nail tech guy, is very warm and funny. He calls me his "very best friend". It's hilarious and there's a story behind it...

     One day, as he was doing my nails, we were discussing different techniques and how I wanted my nails shaped. He completely stopped and looked at me.

     He opened his mouth and said, "I do for you whatever you want...You're my very best friend!"

     I laughed so hard that tears came to my eyes and that has been my nickname ever since!

     Ahhh....the pedicure. I love getting them because I'm very conscious about how my feet look. I have been this way since college and I don't think I'll be changing any time soon...(lol)

     If you've ever gotten a pedicure you know how important that massage at the end is...

     I always close my eyes to get a better feel of what the person is doing and Steven is great at massaging my tired and sore feet. This is one of the things I look for when deciding on my salon of choice.

     Another good point is that Steven doesn't look at me crazy when I ask for different colors on my toes or strange polish patterns.

He just smiles and makes suggestions based on what I want and makes my toes look pretty! 

     I am a major klutz (I can dance...not walk). So, in order to counter that a bit I changed my acrylic needs (about 4 years ago) to colored acrylic. 

     It still looks like polish but it doesn't chip or fade...

     I had been looking specifically for a salon that had colored acrylics and in Hawaii its called Boogie Nights! 

     And Diamond Nails has this service!!!

     So if you're looking for a new salon or want to give mine a try Diamond Nails is the place to go!!!

Tell Steven that his "very best friend" sent you!! (HA!)

Seoul Searching in Hawaii!

     One of the best parts about being a parent is hanging out and getting to know your kids on a personal level.

     Yared, 16 years old, is my most stubborn and temperamental child. He is opinionated and has a clear definition of what he thinks is right and wrong... on the bright side you always know where you stand with him.

     Yared is always ready to learn new things and have big adventures. He is ambitious and he makes me laugh with his weirdness and puns (which we are both fond of).

"Goma Tei"

      Yared and I decided to stop and grab something to eat before we headed to the movie.

     After looking at some menus (YUM!) "Goma Tei" was what our tummies were rumbling for!

     We ordered the Gyoza to start off with but one side was a bit soggy and the meat kept falling out...(SMH)...

     Yared chose the Teriyaki Chicken Bowl, which was juicy and tender, and I picked the Tonkatsu and White Rice-which is a pork cutlet with a sweet sauce.

     We were seated quickly at the counter and the food arrived swiftly!

     I liked sitting at the counter because we had 2-3 waitresses checking up on us continuously through our meal and we never went without! (Happy Tummies!)

   After dinner we made our way to "Consolidated Theatres Kahala" to buy our tickets for "Seoul Searching"!

     We had never been to this theatre before and enjoyed the retro style and helpful staff.

     "Consolidated Theatres Kahala" made a smart decision in showcasing special movies that other theatres don't have access to and creating a cool niche market on Oahu!

"Consolidated Theatres Kahala"

        If you haven't guessed by now...(LOL)...I LOVE Asian Dramas!

     And as an avid KDrama watcher I love when stories are told in a way that reaches a wider audience!

     BananaMana Films created "Perfect Girl" (which is on VIKI) and Jetavana Entertainment created "DramaWorld" (also on VIKI) which have helped to bridge the gap beautifully between English speaking audiences and our love of Asian Dramas...

     Without exception I add another story to this wonderful phenomenon... "Seoul Searching"!

     This ensemble cast consist of Justin Chon ("DramaWorld"), Jessika Van, Teo Yoo, Esteban Ahn, Rosalina Leigh, Albert Kong, and In-Pyo Cha as Teacher Kim.

     This story is a bout a group of kids, who are Korean, but were not born in Korea. They participate in a summer program in the 1980s which promoted cultural understanding and reconnection to their roots.

     Of course things didn't quite happen the way the adults intended...

     Benson Lee, the Filmmaker, created this movie based on his own youthful experiences. It definitely stroke a cord with me and Yared.

     Benson had us crying one moment and then laughing hysterically the next! All the actors and actresses moved me throughout the movie... especially Sid... 

     "Seoul Searching" is an award winning film and premiered as an official selection at the Sundance Film Festival!

Wayne Brady LIVE @ the Hawaii Theatre Center!

     My Husband Joe and I have extremely similar senses of humor and once we get rolling you can hear us from a mile away (more me than him but you get the idea).

     So it was no great surprise (apparently not for Joe either even though it was supposed to be) that I got us tickets to see Wayne Brady this past Friday, July 1st.

     First thank you to Deep Promotions and Hawaii Theatre Center for bringing Wayne to us here on Oahu!

I know that Hawaii Theatre always has different events and after almost a year I was able to attend one! (YAY!)

     Hawaii Theatre Center has a Miyazakisan Film Festival starting this Friday, July 8th!

   

     I was sitting in the lobby and the doors to the theatre opened! I couldn't go in quite yet...

     I had forgotten money for the parking attendant and My Ookie graciously (?) went to the nearest ATM so that we wouldn't have to waste time after the show.

     We were finally in our seats awaiting the arrival of the funny one...Wayne Brady

     Hawaii Theatre Center is a grand ol gal of a theatre! She has personality and yet very intimate!

     There were a lot of couples around us and everyone's excitement grew and grew until the show started!

     If you're a fan of "Whose Line is it Anyway?" you missed out on a once in a lifetime experience because that's exactly how the show went!

     Hearing Wayne Brady sing "Sweet Tapeworm" to Prince's "Purple Rain" as the "Szeniths" to his show! Pure awesomeness!

     After we exited the theatre and were able to disappear from the herd we made our way to Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ for a late night dinner!

     This is my favorite Japanese restaurant in all of Oahu! Every time I come in I'm never rushed, always get great service, and yummy food! (YUM!)  

     Since it was late on a Friday night Gyu-Kaku was packed! 

     Our waiter Thomas was a delight but I don't think they told him that we had been seated so we had to wait a little longer than usual...but he apologized profusely and took our order quickly.

     I had told Thomas "no mayo" for my Fried Cheese Wontons...but he forgot... did I mention it was PACKED?

     Poor Thomas! Still, the salad was tangy and delicious, the meat we BBQ'ed was tender and juicy, and the rice...well...you see?

     Friday, July 1st, 2016 has been deemed Top 5 for best Sashily/Joe dates! (I counted the votes myself!)

       We laughed until it hurt (and were shushed by our neighbors) and ate till we burst (just ask Thomas!).

    Wayne Brady and Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ a perfectly matched evening...

1st Hawaiian Father's Day!

     It's that time of year where stores sell out of ties, aftershave, and "World's Best Dad" mugs! (we have our fair share) That's right! The Kling Family is celebrating Father's Day!

     We woke up late (and by we I mean me) and then we headed out for lunch to Cattle Company!

     After we waited over two hours (we should have made a reservations) we finally sat down in our very own booth!

     I knew it would take a moment for our waiter to swing by the table so we made a battle plan! 

     Menus ready and we scoured all the savory options.  We quickly came to our final decisions for our Father's Day lunch.

     Our waiter Bryant (who just came on to his shift) came and took our orders and he was happy that we are easy going and funny! (he was quickly slammed...ugh)

     Yatniel ordered the Prime Rib, Yared asked for the Top Sirloin, Yorick chose the Mac'n'Cheese with French Fries (what was he thinking?), I picked the Filet Mignon, and the guest of honor my Husband Joe chose the Rib Eye! (wow...that's a lot of steak!)

     The steaks were delicious and juicy! 

     Unfortunately, we knew we had to grab Bryant  for refills, extra bread, and dessert when we could! Lunch quickly deescalated to a game of "Catch the Waiter" but we knew the restaurant would be packed for Father's Day (...sigh). 

     Still the Klings had a great time at the Cattle Company!

     As an avid golfer all Joe wanted to do for Father's Day was play putt putt...(not my cup of tea!! But what Ookie wants...lol)

     Since we were in Pearl City we headed over to Tropics Mini Golf which is the miniature golf course next to the Pearlridge Mall.

   
     We easily saw the entrance and the boys received their balls and putters... but not Joe and Yorick! They brought their own! (HA!)


     Since golf is not my thing...I was elevated to keeper of the scores, referee, and Queen of the Course! Not a bad way to spend Father's Day!

     We had a blast at the Tropics Mini Golf which has a lot of cover (plants), interesting holes (Yared got a Hole-in-One!), and lots of places for the Queen (ME!) to sit...  

     After the last player finished on the 18th hole I added all the scores. It was a very close game but the winner is... Yared! (that Hole-in-One probably helped...?)

     We trudged back to the car and an exhausted Kling Family drove home. Our very 1st Father's Day in Hawaii was a complete success!

     We love and cherish Joe (my Ookie) for all that he is and all that he does. The kids and I are looking forward to next year's Father's Day! (ugh...just hope its not putt putt again...!) 

Back to Nature...back to MY Roots!

     We hadn't ridden on "Da Bus" on a Sunday before...I don't recommend it! (Ugh) I realize that public transportation is a great way to get from point A to point B but apparently not on Sundays...lol...

     To say it was highly packed is an understatement but we got the boys into some seats and after a while I and the Husband got some too! (Yay!)

     Our bus adventure (as Yorick calls them) didn't start out too early (yawn) but we had plenty of time to get to the Honolulu Zoo!

On "Da Bus"!

       
     As we crossed the lawn to get to the Honolulu Zoo entrance I was reminded of how beautifully breathtaking it is!

     Of course I took a few photos at the entrance! How could I not with those magnificent trees and that unfiltered light?

     We didn't waste any time, since the park closes at 4:30 pm and we got there after 2, to purchase our tickets.

     For my military brothers and sisters the Honolulu Zoo does offer discounts with a valid military ID! (YAY!)

     One of the first animals we saw was the Toco Toucan!

     It was incredibly funny that Yorick had a Toucan t-shirt on! (brothers from another mother...?)

     We saw the Black-handed Spider Monkeys swinging away. They were like Cirque du Soleil...it was amazing!

     We definitely took our time, hydrated, and took plenty of rests.

    Some animals were easier to spot than others... I did make sure to point them out to help (you're welcome!)

     We had to look to see where the monkey was hiding...the tail gave him away!

     The elephants were not much of a challenge (lol) but the last photo on the right hand corner...can you see where and what they are...?

     As we made our way to the exit, because the park was closing, we looked at each other and decided to grab something to eat. 

     My loving Husband spotted "Mami's Empanadas"! (Ay Dios Mio!) I had been looking for more authentic Hispanic/Latin food on Oahu and we literally stumbled upon it across the Honolulu Zoo! 

     We missed out on the chance to talk to Chef Alex Arango but we were still treated like royalty at this wonderful Colombian hideaway!

     I had an Arepa and shared some Buñuelos with Yatniel and Yared, Yorick had a coconut candy, and Joe (My Ookie) had a pineapple, macademia nut, mozarella empanadas!

My mouth still waters!

     Finding  "Mami's Empanadas" was the perfect taste sensation after a long walk through the Honolulu Zoo...we will definitely be back...maybe even to the zoo (HA)!

  

"Mami's Empanadas"