On Monday, I saw a Facebook post that broke my heart. One of my best girl friends posted how they were a little disappointed on their birthday and while there were a million posts wishing her a great birthday, I knew exactly what to do to put a smile on that face. It took only a little time out of my day but it made me feel so happy to know in a few days- she would be super surprised by a bouquet of flowers at her doorstep.

I got the phone call last night that the received them and it made me so happy that I could make someone else happy.

Today, Kyle, another BFF of mine really made my day. I opened my door and to my surprise, I saw a bag of ginger candy, my favorite.  It brought a smile to my face knowing that she thought of me. Thank you Kyle for helping me start the day off right, with a positive mind and open heart! <3

SERVICE: As far as the service goes, it is okay. This would have been a five star review however I feel that sometimes, service can be slow. I’ve order coffee from here and had to wait 15 minutes. It would be one thing if there were tons of people in line but it was only myself. I look past that thinking that it may have been a rare instance.

Today though, I gave my order to the cashier, I asked for the mac n cheese, house salad, and coconut water. When she repeated my order she forgot the coconut water. I told her again but she must have not heard me. I thought to myself it is okay, it was not meant to be as I dont think it was a necessary purchase.

When we ordered the cheesecake for dessert, the same cashier asked did you want it now, and I said, yes please. We waited for a bit, and no one else is eating at the restaurant (we were there about 11AM). After 10 minutes passed i started to walk up and she saw me, darted to get the cheesecake ready.

This cashier has always been nice but I think she just might have a lot on her mind.

SELECTION + PRICE: The menu changes by season but is always filled with interesting and delicious parings. Today I had the mac n cheese which was AMAZING and for dessert I had the lemon basil cheesecake from Otto cake. everything was good! I cannot stop thinking about the cheesecake though, it is light fluffy yet has a flavorful crust! MMMmmm!!!

VALUE: Eat offers a nice atmosphere- away from the office. The food is really delicious and is good to go for a work meeting and these people even cater!

EAT
560 N Nimitz Hwy
Ste 102
Honolulu, HI 96817
(808) 538-0597
www.eathonolulu.com

I have been able to keep up with everything without completely crashing however, yesterday on my way home, I saw La Pizza Rina, one of my favorite pizza places. Now all I can think about is pizza! My mouth is watering as I type this!!! I’ve listed my top favorite pizza places on Oahu (no particular order), i can go to any of these places and chow down like no other.

1. Kailua Round Table Pizza: I love the fact that they use the old school brick oven- the crust is tastier than ever!
1020 Keolu Dr
Kailua, HI 96734
(808) 261-4644
www.roundtablepizzakailua.com 

2. Z-Pizza: Marketing gets me every time! Making “healthy” pizza- im there! My fav is the Berkeley!
Ward Center Auahi Street Shops
1200 Ala Moana Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 596-0066
www.zpizza.com

3. V-Lounge: O-M-G… talk about mouth watering options! I love it all!
1344 Kona St
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 953-0007
www.vloungehawaii.com

4. Prima: Since the owners are the same… ditto. I love the drive out to Kailua, it is always relaxing!
108 Hekili St
Ste 107
Kailua, HI 96734
(808) 888-8933
www.primahawaii.com

5. La PizzaRina: I love the ingredients that they use.  Its a perfect place for a first date or even just take out.
1425 S King St
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 941-6634

I always love trying new places and I hear JJ Dolans is good along with Bar 35 and Apartment 3. I’m always open to new suggestions, what are you favorite pizza places and who wants to grab pizza together?! This is of course after a work out

Ive had several incidents this weekend due to miscommunication in my personal and professional life. It happens to all of us and I know that no one means for this to happen-regardless it did. It is now spilling into my Monday and I am determined to forgive, let go and move on. That seems like the only real way to handle it regarding communicating with my family.

Verbal communication exist in two forms for first generation Chinese:
1. Yelling to get your point across
2. Then not saying a thing at all to protest and act in a passive aggressive fashion.
This may not be true for all Chinese families, but I know  that for mine, and some friends and agree that communication is not always a strength. We are much better at math and engineering (I need to exclude myself in this stereotype).

At this point with all that is going on, I know I need to take secret option 3.

Note to self (option 3): You cannot change anyone’s behavior or control what they say, only your reaction to it.
This is a lot easier said than done. But I know I can do it. I dont want to hold on to any negative energy as life is really what you make of it. 2012 has only begun and I want to do everything in my power to make it a positive one.

With work, there tends to be a million things happening all at once and I think I lose myself in the craziness. I was looking up ways to avoid miscommunication weather it be in a work setting or a family environment, and Psychology Today sums it up pretty well here: 9 Communication Tips to Help Improve Your Life

Another good site is Wiki How: How to Avoid Miscommunication 
I am determined to make sure that I take in and listen more, speak less and obverse each person and situation involved. Are there any other tips that you would suggest?

SERVICE: We came on a Thursday around 6PM and the restaurant was very empty.
It seemed a bit overstaffed since we only saw about 3-4 other people in the restaurant.

SELECTION + PRICE: There was a whole ikura section- which as most of my friends know- I AM IN LOVE! There are variations from ikura an salmon sashimi to ikura and unagi and the list goes on.

VALUE: This place offers a great value as the prices range from about $14-$23 depending on what you order. I went to another sushi place the other day and while I love sushi, for 2 orders of nigiri and one roll, the total was $22 something. At Sakura Terrace, you can have a WHOLE donburi for about $14. The fish is fresh and delicious, ample parking- you cannot go wrong!

I cannot wait to come back again!!!

1. Going to the gym 5 times a week + running 2 times a week outdoors
   I must thank Kyle, Lynda and Russell for being my cheerleaders and always pushing me to do more!
2. Bringing home lunch 5 days a week and eating dinner at home for 4.
   Most of the meals I have been making are pretty healthy such as chicken soup, salads, and this weekend I am going to attempt to make ozoni.
3. Giving myself a work/life balance.
   Im trying to work hard but to play hard too. Im going to try and give myself more me time as I know I have not been able to do what I want to do on my personal down time.
4. Being more patient – This is something that I STILL struggle with. I think this comes with time and being more conscious as a whole. If anything, maybe the key word is being conscious of my behavior and what I say and how I say it.This is a photo that definitely helps motivates me. How are YOU doing with your goals and resolutions?

(617) 254-8888

San Francisco: March 24, 2011
Banana House
321 Kearny Street
San Francisco CA. 94108
(415) 981-9090

San Francisco: March 23, 2011
Kui Shin Bo (aka Cindy’s Narnia Secret)
22 Peace Place
Ste 535
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 922-9575

San Francisco: March 23, 2011
YakiniQ Café
1640 Post St
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 441-9291

San Francisco: March 23, 2011
One Ferry Building
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 983-8030

San Francisco: March 22, 2011
Chinatown (Walking by a wig store)

San Francisco: March 22, 2011
Red Boots: I was in love

San Francisco: March 22, 2011
Shreve & Company
200 Post Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 421-2600

San Francisco: March 22, 2011
Boudin Sourdough Bakery & Cafe
619 Market St
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 281-8200

San Francisco: March 22, 2011
China Town: Dim Sum Nice Food

Tweet Up: February 10, 2011
Fun Run!

Tweet Up: January 2011
Petals and Beans

Girls Night Out: December 2010
Morimotos Waikiki
Sheryl, Edwina, Jenn, Logan

What does CAN-SPAM Act actually Cover?
What are the Consequences for Not Complying?
What are the Requirements of the Law?
Discussion of Court Decision that Applied the CAN-SPAM Act to Social Media

As an active social media and marketing person I thought that this was quite helpful on understand how to market to others via e-commerce while abiding the law.

I know many people hate “SPAM”, myself included and after attending this workshop it help clarify and define what SPAM is and how the CAN-SPAM act help protects companies and consumers.

SERVICE: The Green House crew is amazing, I love their hospitality and their whole way of thinking.

SELECTION + PRICE: They offer learning labs and shared work spaces, and best of all the opportunity to network and meet more brilliant people!

VALUE: This place is like cheers where everyone knows your name for the most part and it is about spreading ideas and aloha which I love!

I look forward to more events hosted by Green House and for more info, check out their calendar here: http://www.higreenhouse.com/ai1ec_event/law-lunch-can-spam-act/?instance_id=730

I think that while one of my plans is to save money 2011/2012, I can still window shop online. I saw this cardigan and fell in LOVE! I love chunky knits!