The Changing Profile of Ward
The Ward area in town continues to change Before the Ward Warehouse are is razed, here’s a shot of the changing profile that now includes high rises.
Starbucks Evenings on Oahu
Heh, I didn’t realize that there’s a Starbucks on Oahu featuring its Evenings Menu. Even though the Evening program has been officially cancelled, it still lives on across from Rumours in the Ala Moana Hotel.
The Evenings Program pairs alcohol offerings along with the coffee and espresso lineup with the idea of bringing in customers during the evenings. Although the program is cancelled, it sort of lives on in upscale Starbucks Roastery locations.
If you want to experience the Evenings experience, head on over to the lobby of the Ala Moana Hotel and look for the spacious Starbucks. I’m sure the lines get long when guests visit, but during (daylight) off hours, it’s a pleasant visit compared to the crowds in the mall locations.
Torture Is…
…standing in back of a group of young teens at Starbucks. Yes, they all ordered individually but thankfully did not place orders for friends who weren’t physically there. Yes, they ordered time-consuming drinks like Frappuccinos and various pink drinks.
Luckily, my iced non-fat, no whip Smoked Butterscotch Latte was prepared somewhere in between the kids’ orders, so I didn’t have to wait too long. But that no whip part was lost in the translation since there was a mound of it with my name on it. No, I wasn’t about to wait any longer to fix this fatty oversight.
No, I have no pictures of this tortue. Yes, the SBL with whip was good.
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.
Item Pickup Today Does Not Mean in Stock at Walmart
Obviously, I assumed too much when seeing this meter stick on Walmart.com. Sure, it’s available for pickup at the Pearl City location today if I order/buy it online. So I guessed that for the item to be available today, it should be in stock at the store. Otherwise, how can it guarantee the item be ready for pickup?
Well, of course, the item is NOT in stock at the Pearl City location. I asked the clerk who checked inventory and said they are indeed out of stock. Thanks Walmart. But I did find a tape measure with metric markings at a close enough price.
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.
Endoscopy Drop Off and Pickup
Just what do you drop off or pickup from a private endoscopy clinic? That box is huge!
Kinda Creepy
Am I the only one kinda creeped out by this doll sitting alone on this chair at Macy’s Ala Moana?
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!
The Beauty of Bankruptcy
Sadly, the Ewa Wing of Ala Moana has been brutal to food-based businesses. The first (and quick) casualty was Gloria Jeans Coffees. Then around the end of 2016, Magnolia Bakery closed, both the cupcake-serving kiosk and the sit-down eatery. Its mainland success just couldn’t be replicated here in Hawaii it seems.
Most recently, popular Nitrogenie also shut its doors. Tied to Magnolia, the ice cream from magic couldn’t make up for the cupcake losses.
I must say though that Ala Moana does its best to mask the ugly side of bankruptcies. Notice any empty storefronts all have facades of beauty and style.