oomph.

healthy market CBD cooling lotion.

2020-03-12T21:23:00.000-10:00

all my life i've slept on my back, hands on my chest and barely moving throughout the night. for some reason, probably a combination of cold overnight temperatures + bad pillows, i've been curled up in the fetal position on my side. as a result, i'm experiencing tension in my neck and aches in my shoulder.

CBD is known to help alleviate pain by calming inflammation, so i was excited to finally try a topical lotion. healthy market's products are non-gmo, gluten free, lab tested, cruelty free and have no pesticides, plus test results for each batch are available on their website...all super important when it comes to the quality of your CBD.

this zero thc hemp extract cooling lotion does just that...cools and soothes your tense muscles with a slightly addictive mint smell. but don't let that soothing scent fool ya...soon enough you'll start to feel the heat. i can imagine this cooling lotion would feel nice on the leg muscles after a long run or workout.

you can rub in 1-2 pumps depending on your level of discomfort or pain.

(400mg cooling lotion, gifted)

have you used CBD products before?

does this sound like something you could use?

* * *

learn more about CBD & Healthy Market at https://healthymarket.com.

[oomph.] eats. dean & deluca.

2020-01-16T23:41:00.000-10:00

the holidays always mean get togethers and good times.

and good food.

and new places.

when my friend comes to town, she always finds cool new spots for the gang to gather. this christmas it was brunch at dean & deluca at the ritz carlton residences in waikiki.

i didn't even know we had a dean & deluca here, let alone a restaurant! apparently they've been here since 2016, and according to our server, the dining loft was only six months new.

you enter through the store then head upstairs via elevator or stairs to the small and cozy 6-ish table loft. the brunch menu wasn't overwhelming with only five items from soufflé pancakes to ahi caviar to saffron bouillabaisse; all looked delicious!

we had fun chatting and catching up with each other, and to round out the great experience, service was excellent. oh, and did i mention mimosas?

bottomless mimosas.

head up to the loft via stairs or elevator.

cheese and crackers to start.

view from the loft overlooking the store below.

i chose the kunoa beef wagyu loco moco. the meat was tender the bamboo rice was tasty, the egg was perfectly jiggly...excellent!

a few seats at the bar + a handful of tables keep things intimate and cozy.

did i mention the bottomless mimosas?

the girls and i had a great time here. i definitely want to come back during their evening wine bar hours. they validate parking AND i hear another location is already in the works.

do you have dean & deluca in your city?

did you try a new place this holiday season? tell me about it!

target is life + IG GIVEAWAY! CLOSED

2019-11-13T21:06:00.000-10:00

calling all target lovers!

if you're like me and you shop at target for literally EVERYTHING, then this giveaway is for you! i'm always browsing the home section, the snacks and wine aisles, the holiday decor section, and i never leave without a new coffee mug!

i've teamed up with some fellow bloggers to gift one lucky winner a $150 target gift card. tis the season for gift giving, and who couldn't use extra cash right now?!

enter via this post on my instagram @rockoomph.

good luck!

[oomph.] eats. goen dining + bar.

2019-11-04T18:23:00.001-10:00

there's a new restaurant, my sister says...want to try it?

sure, i say.

one condition, she says...you have to eat their impossible burger.

*insert ewww emoji*

while i'd been hearing the name, impossible, i didn't pay much attention to the commercials and assumed it was just a big burger that was impossible to finish. i recently discovered it was a brand of plant-based [meatless] meat. i also read and heard reviews, including my sister's, that it tasted just like meat!

ohhhkay, then...i'm goen for it!

i'm goen to need a cocktail to wash this down!

we started with the mushroom fries. they were really good, but i was starting to wonder when the real food would show up!

we ended up sharing an impossible burger which truly was impossible for me to finish...even half of it. but, whew, real potato fries here!

first bite was great...just like a hamburger. as i continued to eat, my mind wanted to taste the plants, but the patty was seasoned well enough that i couldn't taste a difference while eating it altogether with the bun and tomato and lettuce and fries. however, there's a very slight difference in texture which might give it away if you ate the patty alone. it's moist and doesn't have the same toughness or chewiness as meat sometimes has.

overall, the impossible burger at goen dining + bar was tasty and enjoyable; i would order it again. i can't promise a fast food version will be as good.

goen lychee martini.

weekends are for brunch...these are their waffles.

have you tried the impossible burger yet?

tell me your thoughts on it!

pumpkin patch.

2019-11-03T20:02:00.001-10:00

ahh, the obligatory trip to the pumpkin patch.

if you follow me on instagram, i already expressed my feelings about pumpkin patches in hawaii. i love the idea of them, but it's just too hot. still, i return every year in hopes that it'll be more enjoyable...less hot and sticky, less crowded, ha. in all seriousness, though, i enjoy the hay rides, i like feeding the farm animals, but really, i'm there for the food.

this year we visited waimanalo country farms, one of two farms that hosts a pumpkin festival. this one is small and simple with only one food booth serving up burgers and hot dogs, a low boil, lemonades, and their very own buttered corn on the cobb. nothing wrong with simple; everything was delish!

waited in line for 20 minutes to get this lemonade!

i wonder how much this guy would cost?!

the pumpkin patch left us in a festive mood...

stopped for a pumpkin cream cold brew.

* * *

did you go to your pumpkin patch this year?

tell me about yours!

shop the look:

très chic geek.

2019-10-03T00:30:00.002-10:00

i admittedly spend a lot of time on my computer and phone for work and personal use. with all the concerns surrounding electronics and screens and the blue light they emit, i'll do whatever i can to prevent damage to my eyes.

these blue light blocking computer glasses from sojos not only help reduce eye strain, headaches, and poor sleep associated with prolonged computer exposure, they're also affordable and stylish. i've been trying to make it a habit to wear my glasses each time i get on the computer.

do you use a computer for work?

how much time do you spend in front of a screen?

these frames have a nice weight to them and can be used for prescription glasses.

the glasses arrived in great condition, they were packaged well, came with lots of accessories, and, most importantly, looked great!

(classic square blue light blocking computer glasses c/o SojoS glasses)

[oomph.] eats. surfers coffee.

2019-09-04T21:34:00.001-10:00

weekday mornings are pretty routine when it comes to breakfast, and i'm ok with that...oatmeal, toast with almond butter, fruit and yogurt. but every once in a while, i crave a ~~good~~ different breakfast.

on this day, we headed to surfers coffee, not far from home, for mochas + açaí bowls and decided to try their mochi waffle. it was so good. i tend to associate mochi with sweets and desserts, so i wasn't sure what to expect for a breakfast food, but it had the perfect amount of chewiness and sweetness served simply with honey and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. this time, we shared one. next time, i'm getting my own!

what's something different you tried lately...

a new dish? a new place?

nothing better than that first sip of coffee, amiright?

at first glance, i thought it was a small portion, but it ended up being just enough with a coffee or smoothie.

this is their medium açaí bowl, perfectly portioned. it comes with honey, granola and bananas...i added strawberries.

full and happy.

(aloha sweatshirt, bikinibird; Zara leather woven bag; Levi's denim shorts)

shop white sweatshirts:

the white jumpsuit.

2019-08-28T23:06:00.000-10:00

not gonna lie. kind of having a love affair with white.

i've always loved whites...the crisp white shirt, the structured white shorts, the summery white dress, the basic white v-neck (even white nail polish!)...all which usually end up in my wardrobe anyways. but now i find myself actually seeking out all things white.

hence, the white jumpsuit.

a long-sleeved jumpsuit is a whole lotta white, not to mention a huge canvas for food or red wine stains! but i survived a night out with friends listening to a friend play music at o bar in the alohilani resort. food and red wine were involved, but i my jumpsuit made in home unscathed.

are you team white or black?

the o bar is located where the oceanarium restaurant used to be near the lobby of the former pacific beach hotel.

(prophecy jumpsuit, one teaspoon; gucci bag)

shop the look:

Canvas Factory review + GIVEAWAY. 04

2019-07-24T09:49:00.000-10:00

[i was provided with one canvas print for review purposes; squeals of excitement and opinions are 100% mine.]

we capture so many great memories with our phones and digital cameras from our vacations and staycations, to our weekend adventures, and, of course, our food. Canvas Factory allows you to transform those memories into unique pieces of artwork. they can print on stretched canvas, aluminum, acrylic glass. they can even print collages, full wall displays, or split canvases. best of all, their website lets you easily upload photos from your computer or even directly from facebook, instagram, or flicker. the hardest part is choosing a photo!

from phone to canvas.

this photo was taken on one of my favorite hikes in central oahu; the views are amazing! i chose a 16" x 20" canvas print in landscape, uploaded the file from my computer, positioned it on the canvas, and that was it. my print arrived approximately one week later.

wrapped canvas, backing and hangers provided.

this is my fourth print from Canvas Factory, here are a couple of them behind my desk.

GIVEAWAY!

Want to have a unique piece of artwork that no one else will have? Canvas Factory is generously giving away a free canvas print to one lucky reader.

Can't wait? Head over to Canvas Factory and start creating your canvas art now! Otherwise, enter below.

giveaway open to US/CAN only, ends 8/7/19

enter using the rafflecopter widget below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

good luck!

stay in touch with Canvas Factory: facebook | twitter

Canvas Factory review + GIVEAWAY. 03.

2018-12-12T00:00:00.000-10:00

[i was provided with one canvas print for review purposes; squeals of excitement and opinions are 100% mine.]

we capture so many great memories with our phones and digital cameras from our vacations and graduations, to selfies and, of course, our food. Canvas Factory allows you to transform those photos into beautiful pieces of artwork. they can print on stretched canvas, aluminum, acrylic glass. they can print collages, full wall displays, or even split canvases. best of all, their website lets you easily upload photos from your computer or even directly from facebook, instagram, or flicker. the hardest part is choosing a photo!

from phone to canvas.

this photo was taken at a recent family get together at ala moana beach park. i chose a 16" x 20" canvas print in landscape. i uploaded the file from my computer, positioned it on the canvas, and that was it. my print arrived approximately two days later.

wrapped canvas.

provided with a backing and hangers.

this is my third print from Canvas Factory, here are a couple of them behind my desk.

GIVEAWAY!

Want to have a unique piece of artwork that no one else will have? Canvas Factory is generously giving away a free canvas print to one lucky reader.

Can't wait? Head over to Canvas Factory and start creating your canvas art now! Otherwise, enter below.

giveaway open to US/CAN only, ends 12/25

enter using the rafflecopter widget below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

good luck!

stay in touch with Canvas Factory: facebook | twitter

an [oomph.] review. Contours Rx Lids By Design.

2018-06-27T00:17:00.000-10:00

having single eyelids, my sisters and i grew up admiring and wishing for double eyelids. makeup application seemed easier, and our eyes just might look a little bigger...right? some friends we knew got surgery to create their folds, but it never seemed natural, and sometimes it was uneven! none of us wanted the risky surgery, and i remember my sister trying everything, first using eyelid tape before moving on to [eyelash] glue.

Contours Rx is the creator of non-surgical beauty enhancements, like Lids by Design, which are great alternatives to risky surgery. Lids by Design is medical grade, hypo-allergenic eye lift strips used to correct sagging, drooping, puffy, or asymmetrical lids. with six different sizes, you can correct with a slight 3mm lift to a dramatic 8mm lift.

to use, simply apply strips to clean dry lids using the tweezers provided. hold in place with fingers for at least 30 seconds, and that's it!

(4mm strips used in the left photo, natural lids on the right.)

my single eyelids (or monolids) have a very slight crease but no distinct fold. depending on how tired or puffy my lids are in the morning, sometimes there's no crease at all, or it might only be on one side. Lids by Design allows me to define my crease and create a fold. you can see the subtle yet distinct double lids in the photos above. it definitely takes some practice, but you can use one set to practice with, then use brand new strips for your final look.

if you need to apply makeup, use this primer pencil to create a base over the strips and prepare them for makeup. i only tried this pencil once, but it seemed to "hilight" and expose the strips. i will definitely need more practice with the primer.

my overall thoughts is that this is an excellent alternative to surgery. you will get instant results that make you look and feel good about yourself.

have you tried Lids by Design? would you consider surgery?

tell me your thoughts.

trending. straw bags.

2018-05-16T00:39:00.002-10:00

if you want in on the straw + bamboo bag trend, i've got you covered. in my quest to find one for myself, i came across so many cute ones that i'll share with you here. happy shopping!

i don't give in to many "trending now" items, but once in a while something comes along that really piques my interest. we [in hawaii] have been carrying straw bags and baskets around for ages, so this trend just fits in with my beachy lifestyle. this particular bamboo bag that i chose reminded me of 1) a bag my older sister used to have, and 2) those plastic jelly bags i used to have.

(large bamboo handbag)

fyi, this bag comes in small and large; i may have been ok with the small as the large is quite big.

this display at my local store grabbed my attention!

find these cute styles and more here.

* * *

did you find something you liked?

let me know if any of these piqued your interest!

the sherpa.

2018-01-22T23:39:00.000-10:00

if you didn't already know, i'm obsessed with sherpas. i purchased this one on a whim on christmas eve, totally raving about it to everyone i knew. long story short, i ended up giving it away on christmas day to a friend's daughter who really wanted it. in the end, i went on a mission to find and replace the one i "lost" and have been obsessed ever since.

yes, this is hawaii, but we do have chilly months. this sherpa is so soft and kept me so warm. i take it everywhere with me and keep it handy in the car.

hotel spa collection hooded sherpa robe, ross $16

i can't find this exact one anywhere online, and i think i purchased every single one of them on the island. i finally found a few that are totally oomph-worthy, and all of them are under $100!

magnolia cozy reversible jacket

curved hem sherpa fleece coat

shaila oversized jacket

wubby fleece pullover

what do you think about the sherpa?

do you own one?

POPSUGAR Clean Eating App. GIVEAWAY.

2017-09-25T21:50:00.003-10:00

[i was given a free download to try out the app, all opinions and inches lost are 100% mine.]

if you're like me and enjoyed summer a little too much...ate well, drank well (who can blame us?)...you're probably feeling like it's time to get back on track with exercise and healthy eating. with POPSUGAR's Clean Eating App, it's easy! you get a two-week clean-eating plan - five recipes a day, complete with photos, ingredients, and directions.

i thought, ok, it's going to be complicated recipes of things i don't eat or don't have in my kitchen already. i was surprised to find some simple recipes including some of the foods i already eat. for example, these mini tuna cucumber sandwiches were right up my alley. i eat tuna anyways, all i had to do was swap out the bread for cucumber. it was such a refreshing lunch, and so simple.

do you have to do some prep work? yes. do you have to cut out everything? no. there's ice cream recipes, pudding, chocolate, and yummy smoothies! will you have to go out and find ingredients? maybe. you don't have to stick to the plan or recipes exactly. if it's less intimidating, ease into it by trying one of the recipes per day, then increase each week. revisit recipes you love. i came across a couple of recipes i knew i wouldn't make, so i just swapped them out for ones that i liked and were easy for me to make. i use the app as a guide to help me through the week. it not only provides recipes, but inspiration to want to eat healthier.

create a shopping list, see step-by-step directions, and view nutrient totals.

these were a hit in my house!

* * *

GIVEAWAY

are you ready to clean up your act...er, eating?

i'm giving away a free iOS download for the POPSUGAR Clean Eating App to one reader who wants a jump start on eating clean and healthy. to enter, simply leave a comment with your email so that i can notify you if you win. winner selected at random end of my day tomorrow, 9/26.

let's do this!

Canvas Factory GIVEAWAY. 02.

2017-09-19T00:45:00.002-10:00

[i was provided with one canvas print for review purposes; squeals of excitement and opinions are 100% mine.]

we capture so many great memories with our phones and digital cameras from our summer vacations and graduations, down to selfies and our food. Canvas Factory allows you to transform those photos into beautiful pieces of artwork. they can print on stretched canvas, aluminum, acrylic glass. they can print collages, full wall displays, or even split canvases. best of all, their website lets you easily upload photos from your computer or even directly from facebook, instagram, or flicker. the hardest part was choosing a photo!

this photo of diamond head was taken from a catamaran ride on a recent staycation in waikiki. i chose a 16" x 20" canvas print in landscape. i uploaded the file from my computer, positioned it on the canvas, and that was it. my print arrived in the mail shortly after that.

this is my second print from Canvas Factory, and i was glad to see a small improvement on their prints. they now put a backing on the canvas which gives it a little more weight and heft.

wrapped canvas.

here it is behind my desk.

GIVEAWAY!

Want to have a unique piece of artwork that no one else will have? Canvas Factory is generously giving away a free canvas print to one lucky reader.

Can't wait? Canvas Factory is having a huge sale; start creating your canvas art now! Otherwise, enter below.

giveaway open to US/CAN only, ends 10/6

enter using the rafflecopter widget below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

good luck!

stay in touch with Canvas Factory: facebook | twitter | pinterest

POPSUGAR Must Have Box. August.

2017-08-12T23:02:00.000-10:00

happy birthday, POPSUGAR Must Have! august marks POPSUGAR Must Have's fifth year of curating fun and exciting lifestyle boxes delivered right to your door. creator, lisa sugar, gathered all of her favorite products and brands to create this special birthday box.

in case you're not familiar with POPSUGAR's Must Have Box, it is a monthly subscription box filled with full-sized beauty, fashion, and lifestyle products. for $39.95, you get 6-7 premium items plus a special item thrown in once in a while.

to celebrate their birthday, POPSUGAR Must have is hosting weekly giveaways throughout the month of august to current subscribers and those who sign up during the month of august. the grand prize for the final week of august includes one year of must have! subscribe now so you don't miss out!

here's what was in august's box:

1. pastel cheers lacquered tray

2. first aid beauty 5-in-1 bouncy mask

3. dogeared friendship bracelet with open heart

4. meri meri gold glitter candles

5. fringe studio free spirit journal

6. goodie girl cookies chocolate chunk

special extra:

7. shoptiques.com $25 gift card

who doesn't love chocolate chip cookies?

cheers!

first aid beauty is one of my favorite brands...great for sensitive skin.

you can check out my unboxing on periscope @ oomph if you have the app.

otherwise you can watch it here.

do you subscribe to any subscription boxes?

if so, which ones?

* * *

join POPSUGAR Must Have now and get the Must Have box for $39.95.

through the month of august take $10 off your first month with code: PARTY

see my june Must Have Box here.

see my october unboxing here.

see my july unboxing here.

see my june Must Have box here.

see my august Must Have box here.

see my november Must Have box here.

see my december Must Have box here.

POPSUGAR Must Have Box. June.

2017-07-21T00:44:00.002-10:00

june's POPSUGAR Must Have Box has to be one of my favorites to date. with all the aloha in this box, i felt like this box was curated just for me! i can't wait to sport my new aloha hat and pouch at the beach.

here's what was in june's box:

1. aloha collection mid size ocean coco palms pouch

2. captain blankenship mermaid sea salt hair spray

3. the seven husbands of evelyn hugo novel by taylor jenkins reid

4. ncla so rich mermaid tears

5. billabong aloha forever trucker hat

6. meri meri blue and white party straws

7. belgian boys mini cookie stash

special extra:

8. starbucks frapuccino chilled coffee drink

you can check out my unboxing on periscope @ oomph if you have the app.

otherwise you can watch it here.

with every box there is a theme. this summer-time box was all about relaxing at the beach with a good read...drink in hand.

those who know me know this aloha hat is all me!

do you subscribe to any subscription boxes?

if so, which ones?

* * *

join POPSUGAR Must Have now and get the Must Have box for $39.95.

take $5 off your first month with code: SHOP5

see my october unboxing here.

see my july unboxing here.

see my june Must Have box here.

see my august Must Have box here.

see my november Must Have box here.

see my december Must Have box here.

[oomph] eats. harbor restaurant at pier 38.

2017-07-20T23:22:00.001-10:00

while i love trying new places, i also have my favorites. a restaurant/bar makes my favorites list for either its amazing view, service, or food/drinks. secondary to that is its location, parking, and cleanliness. harbor restaurant at pier 38 hits the mark in almost all of the above. it's close to work, has a beautiful view of the harbor, the food is great, we always have great service, its location outside of downtown/waikiki means it's less crowded, and there's lots of parking.

dinner seating starts at 5pm, but you can arrive earlier to have drinks at the bar. they have a beautiful view of the sunset, although they tend to close the blinds during that time. however, they do reopen them in time to see a nice afterglow.

post sunset view over the harbor...the afterglow.

appetizers: prime rib bites and potato crisps & dip.

brand new and clean interior. love the high ceilings and open feel.

favorite drink: the sunset

(house infused cherry vodka, malibu pineapple rum, chambord, sweet & sour)

salmon salad

you can even bring your own bottle of wine, no corkage fee.

dessert: tiramisu

harbor restaurant at pier 38

1129 n. nimitz highway

honolulu, hi 96817

an [oomph] review. eshakti. 02

2017-06-02T23:01:00.000-10:00

[i received one dress for purposes of review; opinions good or bad are 100% mine.]

in case you aren't familiar with eshakti, it is an online clothing retailer that provides fit and style customization. this is a great option for those who are shorter or taller than average, have a longer or shorter torso, or anything else that makes you special! for me, it's my height. everything is too long for my 5'-2" frame. you can also purchase standard sizes without any customization.

every item starts with a base, like this palm print maxi dress below. i loved the tropical print but felt it would be overwhelming for my height as a maxi dress. so...some customization was in order. i took the length to just above my knees and shortened the sleeves to 3/4 length. i also entered all of my measurements to get a more customized fit.

the result is below.

the dress turned out exactly as i ordered. the new length and shorter sleeves make the dress more wearable. it is also lined, so it has a nice weight to it, and the pockets are an added bonus!

looking at the original dress and my dress...what do you think? would you take advantage of a customization service like this? let me know in the comments!

in case you missed it:

eshakti review. 01

eshakti beach coverup

memorial day weekend in photos.

2017-06-01T23:34:00.002-10:00

hope everyone enjoyed the long memorial day weekend if you had it. with schools out, we've been busy with graduation season, so this long weekend was much needed to recoup and relax.

to start off the weekend, i met up with long time blog friend, laura! we've been online friends and pen pals since 2010, and when she said she was coming to hawaii, i knew we'd have to meet. we met for dinner at piggy smalls and chatted about anything and everything while enjoying yummy food and drinks.

lap cheong crusted opah.

'milk & honey'

laura (formerly of the blog of worldy delights) and ben started a great new blog about mid-west living. keep up with them here:

stl living

view from the hawaii convention center

went to watch my niece's dance competition at the hawaii convention center. on the first night, she took GOLD for her solo dance. after, we had soodubu (soft tofu soup) at one of my favorite places, cho dang.

sunday was a chill day at home. it was hot, and foxy couldn't wait to swim. here she is waiting ever so patiently.

of course, on memorial day we took flowers to the graveyard. this particular cemetery is located near the beautiful ko'olau mountains where it is always lush and green. it poured while we were there, but we took that as a blessing.

the veteran memorial cemetery lined with american flags.

post-cemetery, we fueled up (japanese food from maruki tei) before partaking in some memorial day shopping.

we ended the weekend at the beach house...check out the mangoes!!

the absolute best part about a three-day weekend?

the four-day work week that follows!

[oomph] eats. Cafe Lani Hawaii.

2017-01-11T22:09:00.002-10:00

during the holidays, i tried several new eateries in town. on this day, we went to Cafe Lani. i had no idea what to expect here, except that [my friend told me] they had all-you-can-eat bread for $4.99. we arrived around 5pm on a weekday and were seated immediately.

walking into the restaurant is like walking into someone's home. the interior is white based with wooden accents, fun wall prints, couch-like pillows, and oversized lamps. the open floor plan allows you to see the chefs and bakers at work. we were greeted soon after and had excellent service throughout our dinner.

they are known for their unlimited bread for $4.99 with any entree. if you purchase a combo meal, like we did, the unlimited bread is included. this is a meal in itself! it's not just plain bread and butter...there are six different kinds on my plate, plus more that we didn't even get to try + 4 dipping sauces. they come around with a huge tray of breads. you can pick and choose what you want, but our waitress gave us one of everything to try. we were full before our meal arrived!

i ordered the chicken gratin set, $25; chicken gratin with gravy, french onion soup (or clam chowder), salad, and mini Lani pizza. the salad and french onion soup were really good. the gratin was decent, although i really couldn't eat much more at this point. i tasted a couple bites and packed the rest to take home. i took a bite of the cheese pizza, which was ok, but i also packed that to go. (mini-he appreciated that in the morning for breakfast.)

love the decor.

blueberry soda (with grey goose vodka).

my friend ordered the fedelini porcini cream sauce set, $25; porcini cream pasta + the same items as my combo. the pasta was really good. they also had a dessert menu with lots of yummy looking parfaits, but we were so full. next time!

after the fact, i read a lot of mixed reviews...probably more negative than good...complaining about the wait time, the slow service, the all you can eat bread scam, the prices, etc. we had a great experience, and i look forward to trying other things on their menu.

do you like to try new restaurants?

where have you been lately?

POPSUGAR Must Have Box. December.

2017-01-07T14:29:00.002-10:00

december's POPSUGAR Must Have Box did not disappoint. still in the spirit of the holidays, entertaining and/or attending parties, this box provided some fun tools to do just that. little dishes that could be used on the vanity or on the bar cart were my favorites in this box.

in case you're not familiar with POPSUGAR's Must Have Box, it is a monthly subscription box filled with full-sized beauty, fashion, and lifestyle products. for $39.95, you get 6-7 premium items plus a special item thrown in once in a while.

here's what was in december's box:

1 & 2. odeme catchall + ring dish

3. baublebar snowfall pendant

4. winky lux lip pill in bunny

5. mane message date night bobby pins

6. sister's gourmet baker's dozen chocolate chip cookie mix

7. dessange professional hair luxury color restore color protecting top coat serum

this winky lux lip velour in bunny is a cranberry color...perfect for the holidays. i love these little dishes, too! perfect for storing pretty little things like tiny earrings and other jewelry.

keeping my locks shiny with dessange top coat serum. it smells so good!

this cookie mix also makes a great hostess gift if needed. shown here with my favorite mug from POPSUGAR's october box.

do you subscribe to any subscription boxes?

if so, which ones?

* * *

join POPSUGAR Must Have now and get the Must Have box for $39.95 or the MINI Must Have for only $18.95!

take $5 off your first month with code: SHOP5

see my october unboxing here.

see my july unboxing here.

see my june Must Have box here.

see my august Must Have box here.

see my november Must Have box here.

see my december Must Have box here.

paisley romper.

2017-01-05T23:49:00.003-10:00

on this day, it was the perfect afternoon to hit the beach. the sun was out, the water was clear, the tide was low...and i could enjoy it all in this roomy romper from Driven Boutique. It looks and feels like a dress, but the shorts allowed me to frolic freely.

for as long as i can remember, i always loved paisley prints. (i have the pictures to prove it!) it had an "old" vibe and was usually associated with darker colors like maroons and greens. this bright romper was a fresh new take on paisley.

while many of you may be bundled up for winter, this is a great time to stock up on warm-weather items on sale. you can get this and many other fun items starting an only $8 at drivenboutique.com. use my code: rebecca10 for 10% off your purchase.

(bright paisley romper, $8)

keep up with driven boutique here: shop | instagram

[oomph] eats. moku kitchen.

2016-12-04T00:54:00.000-10:00

there are so many restaurants popping up around town, it's hard to keep up. but during the holidays, there's always a reason to get together, so i've been making it a point to try somewhere new each time. last night, i went to moku kitchen, a new eatery in kaka'ako's SALT district which supports local, organic, sustainable farming, fishing, ranching, and all that good stuff.

we arrived around 5pm with reservations. paid parking is fairly abundant, but since i was early, i circled a few times around several blocks and found street parking. the restaurant was filling up when we got there and was bustling with people by the time we left a few hours later. i'm not sure how long the wait would be for a table, but i would recommend making reservations.

love the signage, although i didn't see this until we left as i arrived on the backside.

the restaurant was clean with rustic elements of wood paneling inside and brick outside. i appreciated the simplicity of the furniture and decor. there was a bar and an outside patio as well.

in the glass: montepulciano d'abrezzo pinot noir

i was told there were only two wines available that night...a pinot noir and a pinot grigio. i didn't quite understand why when i saw a number of wines on tap...maybe they were out or maybe they only offer a few from the list each night? so i went with the red, of course, which turned out to be excellent anyway.

they have happy hour from 3-5:30pm during which many of their handcrafted cocktails are $3 off. they also have an extensive microbrew list.

there was live music in one corner of the restaurant. it was enjoyable because it was "background" music rather than loud music that competed with our conversations.

roasted brussel sprouts and garlic truffle oil fries.

while i only took one photo of our small plates, we also ordered pizzas, szechuan stir-fry green beans with mac nuts, roasted squash ravioli, and wood roasted wings to name a few more. all were excellent, but i enjoyed the brussels and green beans the most.

their dessert menu was simple...a small variety of cream pies (strawberry, banana, haupia, chocolate mac nut) and sorbet. i ordered a couple of strawberry slices (for the birthday girls) which looked simply like whipped cream with strawberries on top; but whatever it was, it was nicely presented and tasted good.

service was excellent. our server was attentive and there were a lot of expediters running food and drinks to the tables. we didn't have to wait long for anything, which made for a pleasant experience.

i look forward to coming back to try more of their menu offerings. highly recommend.

you can walk around SALT with me here on periscope.

have you tried moku kitchen yet?

tell me about a new eatery in your neighborhood.

POPSUGAR Must Have Box. November.

2016-12-01T22:56:00.002-10:00

christmas came early! i love receiving my pink must have box full of happy surprises. november's POPSUGAR must have box was perfectly curated for entertaining this holiday season.

my favorite thing about the must have box is that you get full-sized products in every box. for only $39.95, your box value will be well over $100. now you can take $5 off your first box with code: Shop5.

don't forget to check out the limited edition boxes, too! for $100 per box, you get full-sized luxe products worth over $200+. for the guys, they currently have a men's box available.

here's what was in my november box:

1) Kendra Scott Elaina Rose Gold Bracelet in White Pearl

2) Stowaway Cosmetics Dawn to Dusk Palette

3) AJ Goods Nest Wire Bowl

4) Pehr Chambray Wine Runner 

5) Meri Meri Star Party Picks

6) Oogie's Snacks Oogie's Gourmet Toffee Butter Popcorn

you can find more information on each product here.

wearing this pink lip color to match from too faced that i won from kim @ a very sweet blog.

do you subscribe to any subscription boxes?

if so, which ones?

* * *

join POPSUGAR Must Have now and get the Must Have box for $39.95 or the MINI Must Have for only $18.95!

see my october unboxing here.

see my july unboxing here.

see my june Must Have box here.

see my august Must Have box here.

see my november Must Have box here.

oomph.

healthy market CBD cooling lotion.

[oomph.] eats. dean & deluca.

target is life + IG GIVEAWAY! *CLOSED*

[oomph.] eats. goen dining + bar.

pumpkin patch.

très chic geek.

[oomph.] eats. surfers coffee.

the white jumpsuit.

Canvas Factory review + GIVEAWAY. 04

Canvas Factory review + GIVEAWAY. 03.

an [oomph.] review. Contours Rx Lids By Design.

trending. straw bags.

the sherpa.

POPSUGAR Clean Eating App. GIVEAWAY.

Canvas Factory GIVEAWAY. 02.

POPSUGAR Must Have Box. August.

POPSUGAR Must Have Box. June.

[oomph] eats. harbor restaurant at pier 38.

an [oomph] review. eshakti. 02

memorial day weekend in photos.

[oomph] eats. Cafe Lani Hawaii.

POPSUGAR Must Have Box. December.

paisley romper.

[oomph] eats. moku kitchen.

POPSUGAR Must Have Box. November.

target is life + IG GIVEAWAY! CLOSED