Mint Chocolate Chip Bark

"I want to have a good body, but not as much as I want dessert."

- Jason Love

That quote = my life! It is so hard to pass up an awesome plate of awesomeness - no matter how much I want that beach body.

Growing up, my favorite holiday dessert was my grandma's grasshopper pie. Mint chip, oreo crust, hershey's bars - drool. This year, I decided to try my own version of mint chip bliss. I got the idea from a Pinterst post, and gave it my own spin.

You will need:

White chocolate chips

Semi-sweet chocolate chips

Green food coloring

Andes mint candy (I found a baking verison that was already chopped - score!)

Directions:

Melt the white chocolate chips so you can easily spread into a baking dish. I put them in a bowl in the microwave for about 30 seconds at a time, stirring between warm ups until it looked like frosting.

Add a bit of green food coloring and mix until it turns a minty shade of green.

Spread into the dish until it evenly coats the bottom.

Next, melt the chocolate chips until it takes on the same consistency as the white chocolate ones.

Coat the now-green white chocolate with the semi-sweet.

Sprinkle the chopped Andes candy over the top and press into the chocolate, so once it hardens they won't fall off.

Place in the fridge for a few hours then serve! You can cut it into even pieces or break it up. So good and so simple. Enjoy!

- A



Holiday Party Favors

"It isn't the size of the gift that matters, but the size of the heart that gives it."

- Unknown



For the holidays this year, my husband and I decided to invite our friends who don't have family in the area over for dinner. I wanted to do more for them than just provide dinner and classic Christmas movies for entertainment, so I decided to make small gifts for each of them.

These can be themed for any holiday/occasion. It costs about $4 per person - right within our budget!

I went to our local craft store and picked up a dozen miniature mason jars, some ribbon, gift tags and seasonal candy.

I tied the ribbon around the top along with a tag, on which I wrote "Merry Christmas!" on the front, and signed our names on the back. It was super easy to put together - it took about 15 minutes for all 12.

Fill with candy and voila! Personalized gifts for everyone :)

Happy Holidays!!

 - A



Sprinkles on Top

“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.”

-Scott Adams

You will need:

- Base coat

- White nail polish

- About 4-5 bright colored nail polish

- Bobby pin

Optional: For a faster process. I used quick dry spray by Sephora O.P.I

Step by step:

1. Apply base coat
2. Apply white nail polish
3. Spray with quick dry
4. Wait 45 seconds
5. Apply second coat of white polish
6. Spray quick dry again
7. Use bobby pin to dot 1 color over desired area
8. Let dry/spray with quick dry
9. Repeat dotting process with different colors
10. Let dry
11. Apply top coat to finish look


Optional: To make this look a little more fun and girly, a glitter top coat is optional. 

Final Result

Sunday Brunch

"I went to a restaurant that serves 'breakfast at any time' so I ordered French toast during the Renaissance."

-Steven Wright

My favorite thing about Sunday mornings, besides sleeping in of course, is the chance to make my favorite breakfast dish: toast with avocado, spinach and eggs :)

Looks delish right?! It's extremely quick and easy to make. All you need is:

2 slices of whole wheat bread
1 avocado
baby spinach leaves
2 eggs

Start by spraying a little nonstick cooking spray in a frying pan (my not-so-secret way of frying eggs without them breaking) and turning it on medium.

Pop the pieces of bread in the toaster and slowly crack the eggs and drop them onto the pan.

While everything is cooking/toasting, cut the avocado into slices. I LOVE avocado so I put half on each piece of toast, but it will taste just as good if you use less :)

Once the eggs start to bubble slowly flip them over and turn the heat down a bit.

Spread the spinach across the toast and top with avocado.

Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, place them on top of the avocado.

Sprinkle on a little pepper and some fresh lime juice and enjoy!

- A

Blacked Out Zebra

“There are painters who transform the sun to a yellow spot, but there are others who with the help of their art and their intelligence, transform a yellow spot into sun”
- Pablo Picasso

With my new job, I'm not able to do as many 'fun' designs with my nails as I used to. So I wanted to do something different that's still on the subtle side. This is my black on black zebra nails. 

You will need:

- Base coat

- Black nail polish

- Matte nail polish

- Konad nail stamping plate

- Scraper

- Rubber stamper

- Q-tips

- Nail polish remover

Optional: For a faster process. I used quick dry spray by Sephora O.P.I

I used Orly Bonder, "What's a tire jack?" by Sephora O.P.I,
and Matte top coat by Sephora O.P.I. Also pictured is the
quick dry spray by Sephora O.P.I and the stamp plate
I used for the zebra print.

Step by step:

1. Apply base coat
2. Apply black nail polish
3. Spray with quick dry
4. Wait 45 seconds
5. Apply second coat of black polish
6. Spray quick dry again
7. Apply matte top coat
8. Let dry/spray with quick dry
9. Apply black nail polish on zebra pattern on Konad stamper
10. Scrap off any excess polish
11. Transfer pattern onto rubber stamper
12. Stamp zebra print on nail
13. Let dry
14. Clean up any mess around cuticles with a q-tip and nail polish remover
15. Do not apply a top coat. This design is supposed to be shiny on matte. 
16. Enjoy!

Final Result

Inspired by R

Wined & Dined

"It's important to watch what you eat. Otherwise, how would you get it in your mouth?"

- Matt Diamond

We wanted to mix up our happy hour routine so we decided to try a few new places. Here is a recap of our first impressions and experiences.

Amuse Wine Bar

http://www.amusewinebar.com/

We had always wanted to try out the infamous bar in the furniture store. After a long day at work, we rushed over to Amuse before happy hour ended. We quickly decided on a number of appetizers and ordered delicious sounding cocktails.

Food: 4/5

• Steamed edamame: Large portion. Served warm, which was good, but would have been better cold.
• STAGE frittes: BBQ flavored. Perfect amount of flavoring - sweet and tangy goodness :)
• Cheese and crackers: Brie was so-so, Havarti was yummy and the cheddar was a little on the mild side for our taste.
• Grilled cheese sandwich: Tasty but greasy.
• Pesto shrimp pizza: Best dish of the bunch! Equally balanced toppings, perfectly blended flavors. Served on a thin, crunchy crust.

Drink: 3/5

• We ordered the $5 happy hour cocktails. We tried four different drinks and they were all good, but not great. Next time we will try the wine from the electronic wine stations.

Service: 1.5/5

• We sat in the white room instead of the overly crowded main room. It took too long for a waiter come to our table and take our order. The service picked up until we got our first round then we had to hunt down someone to get our check. We realized the servers were more attentive to the customers in the main room.

Ambiance: 3.5/5

• Love the decor in the main room and the glass wall looking into the chilled wine room. The use of electronic wine dispensers was definitely unique. The white room we sat in was dirty and quiet - we couldn't hear the music from the main room. We felt a little isolated.

Overall: 3.5/5

• Despite the lack of service in the area we sat in, we would definitely go back for the food and try the wine.

Brasserie Du Vin

http://brasserieduvin.com/

This cozy wine bar/french bistro was recommended by A's former coworker. After months of discussion, we finally decided to make the trip to Chinatown to try Du Vin.

Food: 3.5/5

• Pommes frites: Fries seasoned with sea salt. Basic but good.
• French onion soup: Decent, not spectacular. VERY cheesy.
• Caprese salad: Perfecto.
• Chef's selection cheese platter: Okay, some of the cheeses were great, others not so much. There was only four pieces of salami - not cool.
• New Zealand Mince meat pie: Served with fries. Heavenly goodness. Could've been served warmer.

Drink: 4/5

• 50% off wine bottles on Tuesdays.... AWESOME!
• Cocktails: not very memorable :(

Service: 4/5

• No complaints until we wanted our bill.... I guess she didn't want us to leave ;)

Ambiance: 4/5

• The outdoor patio area was quaint and adorable. Felt like we were in Europe and had a great vibe. Tables were a little on the smaller side.

Overall: 4/5

• Would definitely come back again specifically for half off bottles! Best deal ever!

Bistro A Un

http://www.bistroaun.com/

One of R's former coworker owns the place. So we decided to check it out.

Food: 4.5/5

• Tuna and Avocado Tarter: Beautiful presentation. Fresh avocado, tasty sauce, and decent ahi. It was good.
• Fried Cheese: Be aware... NOT mozzarella sticks! Absolutely yummy.
• Fried Tofu with Soy Dashi: Soy dashi was delish! Perfect combination with the fried tofu.

Drink: 1.5/5

• Bartender did not know what went in the drinks... A little scary! Cosmopolitans and Fuzzy Navels are pretty much Mixology 101 basics. We definitely got our money's worth of vodka though.

Service: 4/5

• Attentive. Restaurant just opened, so we were among few in the place.

Ambiance: 3.5/5

• Small but comfortable... didn't feel cramped. Clean restrooms (very important!)

Overall: 4/5

• Definitely will be back for the food and to try the other things on the menu. Not so much a cocktail kind of place... more of a beer and sake joint.

Formaggio's Wine Bar

http://formaggio808.com/formaggio-wine-bar-honolulu.htm

Having dined at the Kailua location many times, A wanted to see if this place lived up to it's name.

Food: 3/5

• Pancetta & Pesto Pizza: Pizza crust topped with ceaser salad and shrimp. Not what we expected but still good. A little on the messier side to eat.

Drink: 4/5

• Wine: What else is there to say <3

Service: 3.5/5

• No complaints but nothing special. Mediocre service.

Ambiance: 3.5/5

• Super dark/romantic. Perfect for date night, not so much for happy hour.

Overall: 3.5/5

• Nothing stood out enough for us to want to return. However we will definitely be back to the Kailua location.

 - A & R

We just want to clarify that we do not in any way think we are professional critics and we are not getting paid or reimbursed in any way for these reviews. These are just our thoughts on our personal experiences and preferences. We do not wish to offend anyone :)

DIY Wall Art

"If you have a great idea, it will tell you how to execute it."

- Jack H. Summerford

I'm in the first stages of redecorating a few of the rooms in my house and I thought I would share a few of the DIY tricks and tips I've picked up in the process.

For my first DIY wall art project, I chose a simple, modern design. I will show you step by step how to create one of your own.

First, pick up some lumber at your local hardware/

home improvement store. Measure it into even sections and cut accordingly.

If you don't have a saw, the store will usually cut it for you. All they need is the measurements you want.

Secondly, choose a color scheme. I chose to alternate between white and yellow.

Once the paint has completely dried, use masking or painting tape to create a design. You can do a specific pattern or something random.

Paint over the tape with the second color. Once the paint has dried, remove the tape and you will have a two-toned pattern :)

Purchase a picture hanging kit. They can be found just about anywhere that sells home improvement items. Fasten the hardware to the back of the wood. I reccommending cutting the wire to size, or else it will take forever to fasten and you will end up with a thick and ugly hanging wire.

Now you're ready to display your art! I chose to hang mine on a blue wall, which is yellow's complimentary color, to give it an extra pop.

Enjoy!!

- A

Roasted Artichoke with Mint

"A woman is like an artichoke, you must work hard to get to her heart."

- Inspector Jacques Clouseau in The Pink Panther (2006)

Roasted Artichoke with Mint

So simple, yet so good.

What you will need:

- 10 oz package of artichoke hearts

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

- 1 garlic clove, minced

- 1 tablespoon crushed mint

- salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Meanwhile, toss artichoke hearts, olive oil, lemon juice and garlic in a bowl. When the hearts are coated, cut them in half.

Cover a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray and evenly spread the halved hearts on it. Add a dash of salt and pepper.

Bake for 15-20 minutes.

Remove and sprinkle with crushed mint.

Enjoy!

Inspired by a recipe found in Cosmopolitan magazine

<3 A

Hello Kitty Madness

"Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun." 

- Mary Lou Cook

I previously gave myself a newspaper manicure and it inspired me to be a little more creative one day. This was the outcome:

You will need:
- Base coat
- Top coat
- White nail polish
- Rubbing alcohol
- Orange Wood Stick
- Printed picture of Hello Kitty
- Printed picture of polka dots


Step by step:
1) Apply base coat
2) Apply two layers of white nail polish and finish with top coat
3) Let dry
4) Cut out printed picture to fit nail
5) Soak picture in rubbing alcohol
6) Apply to nail, press down and rub with finger or orange wood stick for at least 30 seconds
7) Make sure the ink from the image is properly transferred onto nail before removing the paper
8) Slowly peel paper off of nail
9) Clean off any residue of paper on nails with rubbing alcohol
10) Repeat on other nails
11) Finish with top coat

Side note: It may take a couple of tries to receive desired results... but practice makes perfect!

Inspired by R

Meet A...

"A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous."

- Coco Chanel

Meet A. . .

A female in her early 20's with a major passion for fitness and fashion. She enjoys all things fun and glamorous. She is always up for trying something new and never backs down from a challenge.

Her current obsession: party planning. Anything that involves good music, good food and good company = an awesome time! In a dream world, she would plan fabulous parties for her friends and family, and occasionally a star or two. As long as those around her are enjoying themselves, A couldn’t be happier!

She plans on making all of her dreams and goals a reality, no matter how difficult they might be. Anything is possible with a glass of wine and killer heels!

Meet R...

“Photography is my passion, Music is my sanity, Food is my drug, and Love is my life.”

- R.

Meet R... 

A female in her early 20's with a major passion for photography and cooking. She enjoys all things creative and beautiful. Easily distracted and constantly looking to learn new things, she tends to take on a new task before the first is even finished!

Her current obsession: Learning a different language.... or 2..... or maybe even 3... She loves to travel and hopes to one day experience all the different cultures that the world has to offer. R's dream job is to get paid to travel, eat, and shop! Just like they do on the travel channel!

Full of dreams and hopes, she's determined on making 'PLAN A' happen. No matter what it takes....

Grilled, Boiled and Baked

"One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well."

- Virginia Woolf

Always hungry. . .so it came as no surprise when we dedicated the day solely to cooking.

On the Menu

Lunch: Grilled Asparagus and Mozzarella Sandwich

For two sandwiches
- 4 slices of whole wheat bread
- 6 asparagus stalks
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons of butter

1. Chop asparagus stalks and toss into boiling water for 4 minutes. Drain.
2. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
3. Place butter-side down on cooking surface (we used a George Foreman grill but a frying pan will work just the same).
4. Sprinkle mozzarella and asparagus on top and close sandwich
5. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown.
6. Enjoy!

Inspired by http://www.closetcooking.com/2010/06/asparagus-grilled-cheese-sandwich.html

Dinner: Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Portabello with a side of Lemon Garlic Rice

For Stuffed Mushrooms:

- 2 tablespoons oil

- 6-8 medium sized portabello mushrooms, stems and gills removed

- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed, drained and coarsely chopped

- 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped

- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

- 1/4 cup mayonnaise

- 1/4 cup mozzarella

- 1 clove garlic, chopped

- salt and pepper to taste

- 1 tablespoon oil

- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

- 1/4 cup grated parmigiano reggiano (parmesan), grated

1. Brush the mushrooms with oil and roast in a preheated 450F oven on a baking sheet with the inside facing up until tender, about 10-15 minutes.

2. Meanwhile mix the spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, mayo, mozzarella, garlic, salt and pepper.

3. Mix the oil, breadcrumbs and parmesan.

4. Divide the filling between the mushrooms and sprinkle on the bread crumbs.

5. Roast until the filling is hot and the breadcrumbs are golden brown, about 10 minutes.

Courtesy of http://www.closetcooking.com/2012/02/portabello-mushrooms-stuffed-with.html

For Lemon Garlic Rice:

- 1 cup white rice

- 1 cup water

- 1 stalk cilantro

- 1/2 teaspoon crushed garlic

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 teaspoon pepper

- 2 tablespoons lemon juice

- 2 tablespoons butter

1. Boil water in medium saucepan.

2. While water is coming to a boil, mix all ingredients together.

3. Stir rice mixture into boiling water.

4. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes.

5. Serve it while it's hot!

Created by A and R

Here is the final product! But. . . the Oriental burnt the rice and the Italian put too much garlic! We ended up eating crunchy rice and a pound of garlic. Oh my. How does that even happen?!?!

To make up for our failure we decided to do chocolate face masks and have some hot chocolate for dessert.

For the masks, we combined 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons honey and 1 tablespoon natural yogurt. Mix, mix, mix, mix!

Apply mixture to face and leave on for 20-25 minutes. While waiting we relaxed and listened to Adele Pandora with a delicious cup of hot chocolate.

Rinse with warm water then pat dry. Don't forget to moisturize!

Inspired by bubzbeauty at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKbKgQyTc6Q

We hope you enjoyed our day as much as we did!

- A & R

The Promise

"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather recognizing and appreciating what we do have."

- Frederick Keonig

Meet A and R, two girls who became friends because of their love of fashion and all things glamorous. Fast forward through all the fun and fabulousness to a year and a half later, where they no longer see the flashing lights and beautiful people of the life they used to live but instead are stuck in a monotonous and mundane lifestyle that revolves around work, and not much else.

After what seemed like the millionth conversation about complaining how different their lives used to be and how they no longer feel the spark and excitement in their daily routines, they decided a change needed to be made. They made a promise to each other to have a different view on life and to never take any day for granted. With that came along La Via Della Felicita - The Path To Happiness. Through this blog, you will experience their love for fashion, food, fitness, and music.

Hopefully this blog will encourage you to find your path to happiness.