Toto Toilet Flapper
First, the handle cracked and now the flapper has problems opening and closing. Time for a flapper replacement.
Life
Ala Moana Mauka Wing Must Be Hurting
With the migration of Nordstrom to Ala Moana’s Ewa Wing, the Mauka Wing has lost its main draw and businesses there must be hurting. Throughout the mall, there are signs telling shoppers there’s still life in the Mauka Wing.
My Contribution to “Oblivious People in Asia Wearing Racy English T-Shirts”
While cruising in China during the summer of 2015, I saw this native wearing this shirt which is my personal contribution to Oblivious People in Asia Wearing Racy English T-Shirts.
No Go for These #RossFinds
Had to say no to both of these shoes found at Ross aka #rossfinds. While each had its merits, they didn’t win me over in the end.
LeBron 11 Low
I’ve been looking for shoes featuring the full length Air Max 360 for a long time. Finally, I came across these LeBron 11 Lows in the lava colorway in my size. While I could have definitely rocked the lava colors, King James and me don’t share the same foot shape. Even with the solid Air Max foundation underfoot, the arch support wasn’t enough. I could feel the inner, medial sides of the shoe flexing with the smallest of steps. I was targeting the 11 Lows as a lifestyle shoe, but if they can’t provide the support while walking around, what’s the point? Sadly, I put these and their paint-speckled Air Max bubble back on the shelf.
Jordan Flight Time 14.5
For the longest time, I never knew what these Jordan-branded kicks were. For the record, they are the Jordan Flight Time 14.5. I always thought the 14.5 looked distinctive for a Team Jordan shoe. Each colorway works, especially these Chicago Bulls-inspired red, black, and white version.
The look is clean. The padded collar is a nice touch, and the fit was great for my feet. Although narrow mid-foot, these provided better arch support than the LeBron 11 Low. There’s decent tech in the shoe and best of all, they’re only $40. But look at them. They’re made to see court action, and that’s no longer me. I held on to these for some time before also putting them back on the shelf.
Instead, I’m actually looking forward to the upcoming Adidas Crazylight Boost 2016. Even at full price, this shoe looks uniquely different from other shoes on the market and features full length Boost. But I won’t find these at Ross for some time if ever.
A Chaotic Feeling at the New Nordstrom
I can’t quite place my finger on it, but personally, I felt a sense of chaos while touring the new Nordstrom in the Ewa Wing of Ala Moana. It was just weird and different from the vibe of the original Nordstrom.
While the store is nice and new, the layout just felt chaotic for me. Like the recently-added Bloomingdale’s, distinguishing each department means decorating it differently. There are no walls or exceptionally tall partitions to separate floor space and departments. Multi-storied, the new location is essentially different floors of empty, flat space, not rooms or sections. I guess the original location was similary built, so maybe it’s the high ceilings with all that extra space that exacerbates that bad vibe.
Then I hit the men’s shoe department. Usually, I enjoy the great finds here, enjoying some unique kicks. But I could hardly make my way through this “department.” It just felt so confusing like I was going the wrong way, and it was like I couldn’t get a good look at the shoes. Do I walk clockwise, counterclockwise, straight through? Even with the variety of shoes there, I just couldn’t bring myself to enjoy or even look at them with the chaotic layout too distracting.
And you know what I think the cause is? Again, it’s weird, but I think it’s the right side of the all the pairs of shoes on display. Thinking about it, I think most stores display the left shoe. Why? I don’t know, but I’m sure there’s some reason. So browsing amongst all the right pairs was just so disconcerting. The shoes were pointing one way, but I felt like I had to walk against this natural direction. Or maybe it’s because I’m right handed and picking up the right shoe in the displayed orientation, I would see the inner, medial side of it. But really, the outer side of the shoe is where it’s at.
I have to go back one day and see if that sense of confusion is still with me, but man that new Nordstrom just feels too chaotic.
Sports Authority Ending
The end of Sports Authority is nearing as stores are clearing out their inventory. Even though the clearance has only recently begun, the stores are emptying out quickly. The Waikele location, the first on Oahu, makes no secret about the discounts.
Although I didn’t take pictures inside the store, it was very empty. Items are still available, but I’m guessing all the “good stuff” is gone. And the discounts aren’t that good yet. There were Air Max running shoes in various sizes but still at $140 (before the discount which in general is 10%).
Disappointed with the New Nordstrom eBar
Oh eBar, you were my coffee oasis when queues were long at Starbucks. With two locations, a caffeinated drink was readily available after a short walk. But with your new single location in the Ewa Wing, I am saddened.
Sure, the new eBar location looks great. The interior is bright and modern and the outside seating is plentiful and shaded by huge umbrellas. But the coffee. And the wait. That’s not what I remember about the foregone eBar.
Yes, I had to wait in line. There were two people ahead of me to order my drink and three patrons already waiting to get their drink. Then when my Orange Iced Coffee came out, disappointment hit. How much coffee do you see? And how much orange foam do you see?
That’s not my idea of a worthwhile drink. Not having this drink before, I gave eBar the benefit of the doubt. But really, I shouldn’t have. And my goto drink, the Mexican Mocha, wasn’t on the menu anymore. I’ll give them another shot but with lowered expectations.
Reviewed Timmy T’s and Japanese Restaurant Aki
Did my Yelp duty and reviewed Timmy T’s Gourmet Grinders and Japanese Restaurant Aki. Definitely liked the sub sandwiches at Timmy T’s over the Japanese dishes of Aki. Doubt I’ll go back to Aki but will give Timmy T’s One More Try.
Light It Up!
Looking for a floor lamp that lights up the area for reading purposes, not overall room lighting. At 4.8 stars out of nearly 2000 ratings, this Brightech floor lamp looks like it’ll do the job.
Target Kailua Getting Self Serving
Now this is a very welcomed change to the Target location on the Windward side. Check this out.
Yes, that is a self checkout station. One of several in fact that’s being installed where the previous express registers were. If you’ve shopped at Target Kailua, you know of the line imbalance. There’s usually one or two open regular cashiers and one express cashier. But most of the buyers have a handful of items, so that express line is packed and not so express. The buyers with carts overwhelm the regular cashiers. Needless to say, buying stuff is a time consuming hassle.
These self check out stands have got to help. I’ll report back in a week or two…
The Largest Starbucks?
This is most likely the largest Starbucks I have ever seen or been in, and this is at Universal Studios Hollywood. Keep in mind that Universal has several Starbucks locations. There’s one undergoing renovation at the CityWalk.
If you’re going to ride all those escalators to the Lower Lot, Universal has your Starbucks needs covered there.
But the biggest location is in the Upper Lot. Its signage doesn’t give away anything about the interior size.
But when you walk in, you’ll see an expanse of people in line, waiting for orders, and dining in.
While the ordering line may look daunting, it moves fast, mainly because there’s like four dedicated registers going at the same time.
I had to stitch together a panorama to capture the vast dimensions of this location. When you really take a look, you’ll realize how big this place really is.
There are some cool highlights of this Upper Lot Starbucks. The ceiling lights are distinctive.
The product wall has interesting artwork.
And I especially like its look at night.
Even though inside an amusement park and servicing crowds of caffeine-deprived parkgoers, this Starbucks menu was up-to-date featuring the Caramelized Honey Latte that launched that day (March 22, 2016). Now, if Starbucks collaborates with Universal Studios for unique combinations that would be super cool. Butterbeer Latte anyone? A Chocolate Frog Frap?