Hawaiian-style meatballs for those who can barely cook
So the first “meal” I ever learned to cook by myself was Hawaiian-style meatballs. It was my favorite food when I was a kid, but my mom took hours to make it the traditional homemade way. I discovered this way in college when my three roommates and I went shopping… hungover. It takes all of 8-15 minutes.
Avoiding turbulence: Keep in contact with family at home while traveling abroad
When we started planning our first international family trip, we had a few co-parenting hoops to jump through; negotiation and compromise is often the name of the co-parenting game. For this trip to happen, I had to assure my son’s father that he would continue to have the routine contact he enjoys in our daily life, and that we would keep him apprised of our travel plans. As I sat down to work all the kinks out in this travel agreement, I learned several valuable lessons we will continue to employ as we enjoy traveling as a family and keeping all branches of our family tree satisfied and smiling.
How to decorate and de-boring an above-ground pool
Remember my parent’s house in Maui? This summer their home improvement project was to install an above-ground pool — so very much more cost-effective than a below-ground pool, and just as refreshing. Though it may be just as refreshing, an above-ground pool is not just as attractive. So here’s how we made the outside of this pool as pleasant as the inside…
Adorable log cabin cloffice space
Y’all probably know that I love me a good cloffice (closet-turned-office space). But I’m pleased as punch over my friend Eve’s cloffice in her log cabin on the island of Maui that looks fit for fairies!
My families’ glittery, ocean-y, Maui island shack, fit for a mermaid
Did y’all know that my home-away-from-home is on Maui? My family owns a place there that we jokingly call “The Shack.” It’s the place where we got the hemp lamp, and the carbana. It may not look like much from the outside, but my mother has transformed the inside into a glitter girly mermaid-inspired island oasis. If you like all things shiny and ocean-y you’ll love this home tour.
Also, this begs the question… where are all my island-dwelling Homies? Let’s talk about this very awesome, but sometimes challenging lifestyle.
Bamboo fencing: my favorite island-style home decor
I’m working in Maui right now. Aloha, bitches! So I’m inspired to talk about one of my favorite decorating tools to instantly give your home an instant island feel — bamboo fencing! It’s obviously useful as fencing, but also has many indoor and outdoor uses to make your home feel like a tropical vacation.
Yarn-pocalypse: Boring corner overhaul
Big fuzzy yarn-fluffy thanks to Honolulu Homie Lauren for uploading this color orgy of a moment into our Flickr pool. Or as she referred to it… “Yarn-pocalypse: Boring corner overhaul.” The moment I saw it pop up like rainbow magic in our Flickr pool, I just had to know more… paintings, dinosaurs, what’s hanging up over the kitchen pass through!? Amazing. And Lauren was more than happy to tell us all about her moment.
How to pack for a 10-day trip with only carry-on bags
I am flying to Hawaii for ten days and only taking carry on luggage. I’m also not planning to wear the same clothes all week, smell funky, look awful in my holiday photos and probably fall out with anyone I’m traveling with. Nor am I planning on buying EVERYTHING when I get there (though i will buy a few key items). I packed smart and packed light, AND included all the things I’ll need for our various adventures. Here’s how…