Following From Pineapples
Just started keeping track of From Pineapples which is more than a travel blog. Not sure if it matters any more, but I added this blog to my blogroll.
Passion
Valentine’s Day Pulpy Style
Here are some Valentine’s Day ideas styled the pulpy way.
Hostess Cupcakes featuring the lovely combination of raspberry and dark chocolate. These limited edition cakes are yummy.
You know and I know that these Nike women’s Free TR5 Flyknit do not belong in TJ Maxx or Nordstrom Rack. Even more so, this “Multicolor” colorway definitely doesn’t belong in Ross where I rescued them but not at $130.
Hope you have a great Valentine’s Day!
Feet Relief
Getting old sucks, and needing relief for my feet is just another sign.
Which ones are better for flat feet?
Samurai Insoles Orthotics for Flat Feet.
Or the Superfeet Carbon Premium Pain Relief Insoles.
Super Bowl Sunday at International Marketplace
Before the big game, we headed to the International Marketplace in Waikiki for some shopping. This was my first time back since that almost perfect night. But since then, the parking rates have been adjusted.
Two things I had not known before today. Crazy Shirts at the Marketplace has its own design for the shopping center.
Second, there’s morning yoga in the courtyard (and it was packed with practitioners).
I also had a few more revelations while shopping at Banana Republic. It seems the Japanese have a special mill from which fabric ideal for traveling is produced. This material dries quickly, is breathable, and is stretchy. Oh yes, it’s also expensive, but if you’re looking for clothes to travel in, BR and the Japanese have you covered (if you fit a slim fit).
I failed while taking this pic of an electrical outlet with USB ports to charge personal devices. What’s not captured in the image is the placement and surroundings of this outlet. Found in the dressing rooms of Banana Republic, this outlet is about eye level, and there’s a long but skinny shelf under it.
I scoffed when I first saw the outlet upon entering the room. How cute I thought, but who would really charge your smart phone while in the dressing room? Well, not me, but that shelf on the other hand… keys, wallet, sun glasses, and iPhone sat on the shelf while I tried stuff on (but not them slim fit travelers). So I could see upping your device’s battery percentage a few notches just because you can.
Lunch at Kona Grill was as expected with a Yelp rating of 3.5 stars. A Yelp check-in comes with a free starter or basic sushi roll so that was welcomed. The kids menu (for 12 and under) is by far the best deal. The $12 kids lunch comes with two sides that alone are filling and refills of drinks. My pasta dish took a very long time to come out, but it was good.
Kona Coffee Purveyors and b. patisserie continue to be bad influences. You can’t walk in without walking out with a box of goodies and a drink.
Next time we’re at the Marketplace, we’ll have to try out the new Flour and Barley Brick Oven Pizza. They have this awesome Mahalo sign near their entryway.
And yes, mahalo to the International Marketplace for a great morning on Super Bowl Sunday. Can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Signs of Hawaii: Beach
Recently in Kailua, I’ve seen a few of these kinds of signs posted on street posts.
Obviously, they are there to help out the tourists from Japan, but I don’t know who made and put them up. Nice job with the signs and demonstrating the Aloha spirit!
I Keen, You Ken?
Instead of those wimpy water shoes that don’t cost a lot and don’t offer any support, I got me a pair of Keens. Instead of getting my kicks wet and muddy while hiking, I figured Keens would be the best alternative. And let me say they did not disappoint while hiking to Secret Falls on Kauai.
My biggest decision for getting Keens was deciding what color to get. Lots of good color combos to choose from. Locally, Nordstrom carries a blue pair of Newport H2, but they’re too conservative looking for me. Luckily, Zappos carries a wide range of colors and can get them to you in two business days, even to Hawaii.
I liked the duck camo aka real tree, extra green but didn’t have my size. So I went with Brindle/Sunset.
You can also get Keens from Amazon so do some price comparison, you ken?
Got My Levit8 Portable Standing Desk
Hey, hey, hey, my Kickstarter-funded Levit8 portable standing desk arrived this week! Seemingly like many Kickstarter projects built overseas, getting the items to America causes issues and unexpected delays. Nonetheless, my coral-colored, medium-sized Levit8 is here… and I’m befuddled.
Just how do you “assemble” this puzzle? I had to watch the video tutorial several times until I got it. It is cool and definitely a conversation piece. Can’t tell you how many coworkers stopped at my desk after seeing the angled structured Levit8 holding up my MacBook Air.
It’s sturdy and doesn’t feel like it’s going to tip over easily. The weight of a MacBook Air is easily supported, and I’m guessing the folds and angles provide enough strength to support heavier laptops. My only minor issue is the footprint base for your laptop. For a smaller machine like my 13-in Air, the footprint extends from the front of my machine to the very back. There’s not much leeway at all. Although it won’t, there’s a slight sense that the laptop is going to fall in to the Levit8 itself. But supported on the sides, this, of course, can’t happen.
I haven’t yet tried the Levit8 with my new (and bigger) MacBook Pro. The larger 15-in frame of the Pro will probably eliminate that sense of the laptop falling in.
Love the color combination, love that it folds flat, and can’t beat the price tag compared to other standing desks.
Stance Socks Buying Tip
So I’m a Stance socks convert. I love these socks though I can’t buy all the ones I want. To help alleviate my passion for Stance socks, here’s a buying tip – check out clearance sales at surf shops. Yup, surf shops like HIC in Hawaii carry some Stance socks, and they don’t necessarily sell out. So if they happen to have a sale or clearance, you have good odds of finding high quality Stance socks at good prices.
I picked up two pairs at HIC for a total of $16 including this Dikembe Mutombo one.
Afterall, you can’t have too much finger waving during your day.
Snapchat Spectacles in Hawaii
When I first learned of the Spectacles dispensing machine making random appearances in California, I doubted it would ever come to Hawaii.
No way a @Spectacles vending machine makes it to Hawaii
— Gee Why (@geewhy) November 13, 2016
On the last day of 2016, I admit that I was wrong. Witness the Aloha Tower on New Year’s Eve.
— Spectacles (@Spectacles) January 1, 2017
Bravo Snapchat, bravo.
My Next Shoe Venture – Allbirds
The world’s most comfortable shoe? I’m there… or at least, I plan to give Allbirds a try. Only available in one model, the Wool Runner, I’d like to make my own assessment of their comfort level, especially with the 30-day return policy, but the colorway has to be right. The black and grey colorways are okay, but this maroon one with contrasting laces speaks to me more.
Kailua Cinemas Good Enough
The movie theaters in Kailua continue its renovation as Kailua Cinemas. Over the years, these theaters have changed names, most recently known as Water Garden that showed older movies at reduced prices. But the phase has begun with Kailua Cinemas featuring luxury reclining seats.
While the theater is open for business, the remodeling is still underway. Concessions is limited to popcorn and bottled soft drinks. No other food is available, and the fountain drink dispenser isn’t ready yet. The bathrooms are nice, but some walls need finishing. The main thing is the projection and (loud) sound system is working. And oh yes, the very red reclining seats are new. Just don’t touch any of the wires coming out of the walls. 😉
It’s a good thing UPS delivers hand rails.
But hey, good enough. Can’t beat the convenience and $6 movies on Tuesdays.
Starbucks Cheer Parties and Free Drinks
Starbucks is hosting Cheer Parties at designated locations across America. Starting on December 23 and ending on January 2, 2017, visitors can get free (tall) drinks and discounts on items by visiting a cafe hosting a Cheer Party. Which cafes are hosting? You need to check daily on the Starbuckscheer.com site then go there between 1 and 2pm.
For Hawaii, the December 27 Cheer Party was at Financial Plaza – Bishop & Merchant.