FREE (AND ALMOST FREE) THINGS TO DO ON OAHU, HAWAII

I thought it would be fun to participate in the C.R.A.F.T. -- Creating Really Awesome Free Trips link-up. 

10 FREE (AND ALMOST FREE) THINGS TO DO ON THE ISLAND OF OAHU, HAWAII:

1. Sharks Cove: (Named for it's shape, not for having sharks) Perfect beach for kids... and adults to explore.  I've always loved tide pools.  This one is beautiful.

 (google images)

 2. Matsumoto Shave Ice: The absolute best on the island.  Then you can walk and shop around Haleiwa Town.

 (matsumoto shave ice)

 3. Watch big waves on the North Shore during the Winter:

(google images)

4. Maunawili Trail Hike:

 (google images)

5. Kapiolani Community College (KCC)  Farmer's Market: Browse around and try all kinds of food samples.

6. Stroll through Waikiki -- Fireworks, Entertainment, Street Performers, Activities, Lots of Cute Shops...

 (Free Fireworks Show in Waikiki)

 (Free Entertainment and Activities at The Royal Hawaiian)

7.  Have a Picnic at Moanalua Gardens:

(google images)

8. Antique store hopping in Kailua Town:

 (google images)

9. Rainbow Drive- in: My go to place for comfort food.  I always order a BBQ Cheeseburger, French Fries, and a side order of Rice with Gravy. And Marc always gets the Mix Plate with BBQ Meat, Mahimahi, and Boneless chicken with rice. Yum!

(google images)

10. See an Ancient Fishpond in Heeia:

(google images)

For even more ideas... go here.

To see things to do in other cities go here.

MONDAY LOVE

A little late on this bandwagon, but Lego...and Muji?  The Japanese company known for their minimalistic goods has collaborated with LEGO! 

Look at all of this LEGO-Paper Craft goodness:

You can still find them here, and here.

(images from google images)

ART + FLEA

This Month's Art + Flea was so good! Here's what I got:

1.  Machine Machine Maxi Dress

2.  Robert Oaks Dress -- Second-Hand for $20!

3.  Machine Machine Toddler Dress

4.  Machine Machine Toddler Dress

5.  Cerulean Sunrise Shell Necklace

6.  Machine Machine Strapless Dress

See more of my obsession with Machine Machine here, and here.

Close-up of the necklace...

WHAT I'M PLAYING THURSDAY

 

With We're Just Like You, Only Prettier.

Since my car adapter thingy broke, I've been without my ipod in my car for a long time.  I finally bought a new adapter.  FINALLY.  I had resorted to listening to the CDs I happened to have in my car.  This included several CD mixes from 2006, Kidz Bop, and a Queen Rockabye CD...I missed my IPOD immensely!

Here's the first thing I listened to...

FLEETWOOD MAC!

Don't you love Stevie Nicks?

stevie nicks by jo_annie808 on Polyvore.com

FILL IN THE BLANK FRIDAY...ON SUNDAY

Yay! Computer is up and running-- thank goodness.

fill in the blank friday...

1.   People always tell me I look like : this is really weird, but I have had several people tell me that I remind them of "Kelly" (Jennie Garth) from 90210. one of them was a 12 year old girl.  weird right?  an asian version, I guess.

2.  Friends don't let friends:  stop themselves from changing, growing, learning, and hoping.

3.  A sunny day is perfect for: A picnic in the park with my family.

4.  My favorite accessory is: my bueno bueno key necklace.  I wear it all the time.

5.  If I could afford it I would : work part-time.

6.  The cure for boredom is: to find a good book to get lost in.

7.  I am currently "in like" with:  sanrio jewelpet, and this etsy store.

HAVING COMPUTER PROBLEMS...

BE BACK SOON, I HOPE...

YUM! FISH DINNER!

Marc caught an Ono (Wahoo) this past weekend, and my Dad cooked it last night for dinner.  It's his specialty-- shoyu, black bean sauce, ginger, green onions... flash fried in peanut oil.  Delicious-- just had to share!

DIY MINI ZINES TUTORIAL

Make Mommy and Me Mini Zines!

Em and I had lots of fun this weekend making little fashion mini magazines.  Making a mini zine is super easy to do, which makes it a perfect activity for kids. 

Except for the part where your toddler decides to dig all of the glue out of the gluestick and smear it on the table. And after telling her to use the glue correctly, or not at all says-- "mommy why are you scolding me, why?".  Sound like I'm speaking from experience? Oh, yes.

Other than that little bump in the road though, the rest was smooth sailing.  And tons of fun. It's amazing how therapeutic simple cutting and pasting can be for an adult.

MATERIALS:

• 2 sheets of copy paper-- one for mommy, one for child
• old magazines
• glue
• scissors
• pens for doodling
• color copier
• other collage items (optional)

How to make a Mini Zine




When your zines are folded, it's time for the fun part.  Cut out images you are drawn to or that match the theme of your zine.  Zines can be about anything.  We did a fashion-ish one, but you could do dinosaurs, cars, animals, recipes, poetry, all pictures, or all written word, things to do in your town-- anything goes.
All of our images came from an old (2008) issue of Sweet Magazine from Japan. 

Em picked out all her images, I helped her with the cutting.  Then I let her go at it with the glue.

After you complete your little book, open it up and let it dry.

When completely dry, run it through a color copier and fold the copy into a mini zine for a clean, smooth version of your book. Make lots of copies, and give them away. Leave them in random places for people to find!

Em Jay's pages...

Mommy's pages...

MONDAY LOVE

Interesting and beautiful accessories and jewelry.  All found on Etsy.

Customized Constellation/Astrolgy Sign Cuff by Julie Nolan

Quartz Crystal Cuff by Gather Jewelry

Double Heart Vintage Bracelet from A Common Thread

Secret Stash Bag Bracelet by Ashaloo

i d a Bracelets by A Little Dot

Set of 3 Gold Bangles from Frieda Sophie

Vintage Bird Cuff from A Common Thread

Dream Catcher Bracelet by The Purple Shmurple

Brelok Necklace 9 by Neawear

Rumer Point Necklace by Briana Rose

Night Shift Necklaces by Chelsea 3349

CUTE BLOCKS

Yesterday we went over to my cousin's house to help pack things before her renovation.  Em Jay inherited a set of super cute blocks that belonged to her kids when they were younger.  I just had to share them...

These are my favorites...

 

Aren't they cute?

MACHINE MACHINE

I'm still obsessed with Machine Machine...

I'll be so sad when Ems outgrows these. See my Machine Machine haul here.  Word on the street is that she'll be having a booth at this month's art + flea. Can't wait!

FILL IN THE BLANK FRIDAY

This week with My So-Called Denver

1. If I had to use 3 words to describe why I am undoubtedly lazy they would be: television, magazines, and couch. ha!
2. Something that happened to me in life that initially seemed bad but turned out to be good was: my grandpa passing away when I was 18...which eventually inspired me to become a hospice social worker.
3. Something I inherited from my mom is: her need to explain her point. in detail. in many different ways. until someone (marc) says, "okay, I get it."  Also her "young" attitude toward life.  I remember our Christmas stockings one year when I was in high school.  She had put in this little balloon animal making kit.  She told us-- "you guys need some fun in your life!"  And you know what... I am close to 33 years old, and would still be really happy with a little balloon animal making kit!
4. Something I inherited from my dad is: his appreciation for anything amazing-- like really good music, noteable lyrics, or interesting history, art, or films...
5. My goal for this summer is to: get to the beach
6. The best thing about this week is that: it's almost over-- I need a weekend.
7. Something I couldn't give up if I tried is: soda, soda, SODA!!!!

DIAGONAL NAILS

Here's my version...

Using this idea from hello, sandwich.

On another note, I really hope Blogger can restore my previous post of "lovely links".

LOVELY, LOVELY LINKS

A list of random links too fabulous not to share:

1. Orcas made from drinking straws? Yes, Please!  See the D.I.Y. over at Curbly.

2. Kawaii Kamaboko Karp. Try saying that 5 times fast.  Then head over to Adventures in Bentomaking to learn how to make them.

3. Genius D.I.Y. rope bracelets from Honestly...WTF , via beacuse I'm addicted.

4. Diagonal nails that I must try-- I'll post a picture when I do.  Seen on Hello, Sandwich.

5. I am now on a mission to find a vintage leather skirt like this one via tick tock vintage blog.

6. A monochromatic rainbow cake as seen on Lucky Pony.

7. The cutest little A-Frame Home (saw it on Happiness Is...).  Looks like it would belong to a Gnome.

8. Misako Mimoko. Love, love, LOVE.

That was Fun!