The Only Reason I'm Still Watching "The Hills"

It's this woman: Kelly Cutrone. Founder of People's Revolution, uber-fashion show producer, single mom, and bad ass. I adore her. I'm simultaneously in awe of her, inspired by her, and terrified of her. She's Whitney's new boss on the show this season, and showed up on an episode a couple of seasons back (she's the one who told Lauren backstage at a fashion show, "You're gonna have to learn to move a little faster if you want to work in fashion." Loved it. Love her.). I loved her in last week's episode when she said not once, but twice, "Since it's my company, we'll do it my way," during what looked like a a fun little evening of cocktails with the gals from People's Revolution, but actually turned out to be the night it was decided the unsuspecting bicoastal publicist would get canned. But then Whitney got offered her job! Do we think Whitney will be able to hold her own with Kelly? Stay tuned...

Sake Joy

The Joy of Sake is the largest sake-tasting event held outside Japan, featuring almost every brewing style and selections from every region of Japan. That's 327 selections to try! Well, I didn't try all of them. In fact, I probably only tried a few and I tend to look for interesting bottles and labels first. As far as sake goes, I can't tell a Daiginjo from a Junmai. But sake is fun to taste, especially winners and exclusives that aren't available domestically. But what makes this event even more joyful is the food. Selections from Chai's, Doraku, Hakkei, Halekulani, Hoku's, Kaiwa, Nobu Waikiki, Marians, Gyotaku, Hanamaru, Wasabi & Nadaman (that chicken ball soup with radish was awesome) and CakeWorks. Truly a joy–of sake and food.

The Hall

Finally went to the Road Runner Music Hall at Clear Channel Radio Hawaii to see Justin Nozuka perform a mini-set. I loved the feeling of intimacy in the room, although there were still a lot of people. His set was powerful and personal; his voice was mesmerizing. After the set, he signed autographs and took pictures with the fans–always a great sight to see. Super fun fact: Justin Nozuka is a nephew of Kyra Sedgwick and a cousin of Edie Sedgwick. Tonight, Justin will be at Pipeline. If you check him out, don't forget to head over to the SMART Launch Party at LOFT after the show.

Just One More and Then I'll Stop

I'm a little denim obsessed, I admit it. And since this is my third post about jeans in the last month or so, I think it's pretty clear that I think way too much about denim. But every couple of years, a new denim brand comes out that I can't get enough of. It's been J Brand for the last couple of years. Before that, I bounced around between Sevens, True Religion, Earnest Sewn and Joe's. Before that, I was so into Paper Denim & Cloth that it was scary. And now, I've found Current/Elliot. These jeans are perfect. First I was into the slouchy Boyfriend style. On back order al over the internet, I put my order in and sat back to wait. Then yesterday, I went to Neiman's, and there they were. I tried The Boyfriend style (love it!) and the Skinny in Loved Destroyed, shown above (perfect!) and was literally on the phone in the dressing room canceling my online order as I pulled the jeans off. Now, they're both mine. And I plan to wear them all the time. Seriously. You'll see me in these a lot. 

Finding Inspiration in Bikinis...???

I'm addicted to "Ashley Paige: Bikini or Bust" on TLC. I don't know when it debuted or if I'm even watching episodes in the right order (TLC and HDTLC show two episodes in a row on Fridays, and I DVR them), but the show is great. Ashley's an LA-based bikini designer who makes couture bikinis and has a celebrity following, but can't seem to get her business to the next level...or make her rent most months, for that matter. I actually saw her show at LA Fashion Week in October 2006, so one of my favorite episodes was when she had to create the looks for her Fall show this year in 2 weeks--and find $20,000 to fund it! The show is inspiring: designer/business woman with a vision and and a dream finds a way to overcome obstacles no matter what she's faced with. "Reality" show or not, Ashley's ambition and positive attitude really make you see that anything's possible. Add in her hilarious mom (she fed donuts to models at one of her daughter's castings) and Juan, Ashley's knitter, and you've got recipe for good TV. Love it!

Yum Yum

This lady (and her dog) know how to make everything that I want to eat. I wish I cooked. Not only do I not have a Japanese yam, I'm not even sure that I have grater. Help! 

The Art of Octopus Hunting and The Secret

My bf Shawn uses The Secret. Only he calls it "Tiger Paw." It's a principal that's based on manifesting and getting what you want...just like The Secret. OK, maybe it's not a "principle" exactly, but you get the picture. I wouldn't say I'm always a believer in this kind of thing, though I really want to be. Well, after this weekend I'd say I'm a believer. Shawn has been thinking about hunting for octopus for a few months now. He took up free diving exactly a month ago. He bought a figurine of an octopus and an octopus sticker, which are both on his desk. He bought a spear. He watched octopus hunters on YouTube. And last Saturday, he caught an octopus. On his spear. In the ocean. In like 60 seconds. I'm no fisherman, and even I know that he'e or tako hunting ain't easy. But he did it. I believe, I believe! 

Fresh Is The Word

About three months ago I wrote about Choco Flakes, my favorite snack ever from Japan. I mentioned that I hoped when Nijiya Market opened, they would carry Choco Flakes. So guess what? Nijiya Market is open and they have Choco Flakes! I can eat Choco Flakes everyday! Besides Choco Flakes, you'll find tons of stuff from Japan (like Don-Qui), but smaller and more specialized. It's a chain store from California and they're known as a "healthy" market. There's fresh produce, and some local items, too. Prepared bento boxes and sushi are freshly made and priced reasonably. If I lived in the University area, I would be very happy about this market. Heck, I'm still very happy! Lots of parking at Puck's Alley and Nijiya validates.

Ahoy Matey!

On Friday night, between HIFF Summer Film Festival opening night and The Candy Bar at Pearl, I stopped by thirtyninehotel to check out the launch of Soozou bags. Congratulations to Pia! The bags (from totes to clutches) are made out of recycled sails that have seen their last days at sea. Super fun fashion show of all the bags, spectacular decor by Tim John (the room was inspired, fun and pretty genius) and wonderful people all around. I wish I could have stayed longer, but I had to work.

Pa-Li-Ku!

Brent Musburger: "The lesson of life–never ever give up."

Waipio's 6-run rally to come from behind in the top of the 6th inning put them ahead of the team from Lake Charles, LA by 2 runs and ultimately to a win! Our Little League Baseball team from Waipio is going to the Championship Game versus Mexico tomorrow at 9:30 AM Hawaii time on ABC. 

One of the best baseball games I've seen in my life! (And I've seen a lot!) 

That's Tanner Tokunaga! 

They're On The Radio!

These guys have a radio show. If you have an HD radio, you can catch their show on Radio Free Hawaii (Star 101.9's "sister station" on the dial) or you stream it at www.hdradiofreehawaii.com. Find it. Listen to it. They're good.

From left to right: Star 101.9's Maleko, Flash of F/M Presents, and Sarah of SMART!

Brand New Bag, Part II

I need another pair of jeans like I need a hole in my head, but I've been obsessed with these Current/Elliot jeans for a while now...so I bought them. I ordered them online, and of course they're backordered. Lots of online retailers, like Intermix and Singer 22 have them on backorder until September and October, but chickdowntown.com has them shipping by end of August. I can't wait to get these jeans and rock them with heels and gladiators and wife beaters and button downs, and well, just about everything in my closet. Because of course, they WILL go with everything...or so I tell myself. It's the best way to justify the price tag.

LOFT Party!

Put it in your calendar. Buy a new dress. See you there.

Monopoly Massacre

I was on a roll last night! After Scrabble, I somehow managed to kick Shawn's butt in Monopoly, too. I ended the game with $3,900 and lots of prime property. Too bad I wasn't in Vegas--I'd have been a winner for sure. It was my night.

Scrabble Showdown

I'm not a big Scrabble player. Actually, I'm usually not that great at it. But I realized tonight that while it's totally a game of skill, there's some luck thrown in for sure. Shawn and I played tonight and we used up all the letters--something that rarely happens, at least when I've played in the past. There were some good plays (see "aqua" and "yenta," two of mine). And I whooped him--304 to 255. Yes! I should have made a wager and I'd be getting a foot massage right now.

Nu Shooz

Miss Sixty Ala Moana Center hosted a fabulous sale event on Saturday. Live DJs from Goodlife (spinning in the window), snacks and drinks, live art, prizes and giveaways from LUSH Cosmetics and Salon Blanc, 20% off all new Fall '08 merchandise and 60-70% off from the Spring/Summer '08 lines. I picked up a pair of sandals (I'm on a mission for more flats!) for $60. A steal. 

Give Dem A Run

Jamaica's Usain Bolt is the fastest man in the world. How gangsta was it to see him pound his chest while he was still running the race? I am officially an Olympics maniac. And I'm not even mentioning Phelps. EIGHT! And did someone say Dressage?

Keepin' It Kapahulu

Bisco Mondal performed at On Stage on Kapahulu last night. They are pretty rad. In the house: Jen, Blaine, Chris, Jeff, John + Mark, Kimizukas and more. They played my favorite song, "Ghostwriter." And they closed with "One Meatball." Yep, they have a song called "One Meatball." Find out when and where they are playing next and go. Go.

Bust A Move

Congratulations to Valerie and Joseph on their move to Ala Moana Center! Check out the new (and bigger!) Valerie Joseph store, street level, Ala Moana Center. It's next to Hino's on the Mauka side of the mall. Find fun and flirty dresses, tons of accessories, Body & Soul makeup, and trendy separates. As Valerie says, "Life is short, buy cute clothes!"

Happy Birthday Oink Pink!

My buddy Amelia (she is 5) has a Webkinz named Oink Pink. Yes, Oink Pink is a pig. To celebrate Oink Pink's 1 year birthday, we had a dinner party (yummy hamachi kama) and drawing time. Check out Amelia's masterpieces. I like Lavender's outfit!

How High

Dudes, you gotta see Pineapple Express. It's a comedy-action-stoner-buddy flick that had me hitting my thighs and laughing out loud. If the M.I.A. "Paper Planes"-scored trailer didn't getcha to buy a ticket, just look at cutie pie James Franco. Don't you want to see more of him? Like a whole movie? He's hot. And, there's also the next-level joint that they smoke. Bah-nanas. Thanks Dave for getting me an official promo green and yellow Pineapple Express duffle bag (weed not included). 

A Brand New Bag

Skinny jeans have been the thing for a while now. From super-skinny-skin-tight-almost-leggings to the basic cigarette leg, the trend has been pretty slim. Then, along came the wide-legged, higher waisted, almost 70's bell-bottom. The boot cut's been trying to worm it's way back in, but I'd say the jury's still out on that style, even if the 90's grunge thing is making a comeback--which it totally is. Which brings me to the latest look in denim: this baggy, boyfriend jean, as seen on Amanda Peet. This look is so perfect for where we're at now. A bad economy equals an easier, less is more, I'm-wearing-my-stylish-older-sister's-hand-me-downs kind of look. Let's call is Recession Chic.

The Mall

New stores open at Ala Moana Center: Stuart Weitzman, Forever 21, Valerie Joseph. Happy Grand Opening stores! I'm super happy about Forever 21––I don't need to drive out to Pearlridge anymore. $2.50 camis and $12.50 jeans? Yes, and it isn't a dream! Things at Forever 21 are cheap. On the racks, I just saw a little stretch denim strapless mini dress (with a belt!) for under $20. I can't think of a better way to spend an afternoon than trying on clothes at Forever 21 and being able to buy something (with a belt!) with a $20 bill.

Up North Trip

My friend Lorrie comes to Hawaii and vacations at Turtle Bay at least once a year. (Congratulations on the engagement!) It's super fun to hang out on the North Shore with her, and I also get to go to one of my favorite places: North Shore Okazu & Bento. It was first recommended by Donovan Dela Cruz, and he wrote a book called The Okazu Guide! But I don't even get a plate when I get there. I just get the hand rolls. Spicy Shrimp, Bacon Onion Crab, and Furikake Mahi are my favorites. Cheap, and seriously, the most delicious hand rolls ever.