Kicks for the Workplace
For me, buying shoes for the workplace isn’t as fun as buying kicks for everyday use. But it’s something that’s gotta be done. Luckily, Rockport shoes have been my staple for years. While I may experiment with other brands occasionally, I always come back to Rockport, specifically the Northfield Oxford
Usually, I get these from Macy’s on sale, but I haven’t seen them discounted for some time. And heck, Amazon is selling them at a good price so why not?
I’m Addicted to Coffee and Stars
I must be addicted to coffee and stars from the Starbucks Rewards program. Otherwise, how can I explain my stats for this month?
That’s right, that’s 40 stars accumulated over the past 30 days, leading to 4 free drinks as well. Forget that Star Dash offering 15 bonus stars for 30 purchases. Using this member exclusive special was way more fruitful and efficient.
Target Kailua Coming Soon
The sign is officially up – COMING SOON. And “Coming Soon” for the Target location in Kailua actually means two months with the opening set for March 8, 2015. It’s been a long time in the making with first rumblings of Target taking over the Don Quijote location back in 2009. Over this six-year journey, the pace has picked up greatly over the recent months to include neighboring road work to repave and re-stripe the lines and install a new traffic light. Only three months ago did the official Target signage go up.
While the exterior looks complete, the interior is still bare. The shelving is being installed, but there’s no inventory on the floor yet. Workers are busily getting the store ready and yes, there is police officer stationed there all the time.
Some highlights of this Windward location. The roadway entry is nicely decorated. There are touches of Hawaii to go along with the iconic red Target logo.
Speaking of that red Target logo…
The store itself is immense. You don’t realize how much real estate this location takes up until you walk from the Safeway side to the Post Office.
Accordingly, the parking lot(s) are huge as well. There are plentiful spaces on both sides of the main road entryway, and there are even more stalls on the Safeway side (maybe reserved for employees?). The paved grave material looks rough and rocky though.
No explanation needed for what this logo means. Looking in the window, the cafe area appears huge with space for lots of tables.
Living walls are only now beginning to take root.
Yes, there are two stalls for electric vehicles (sorry, there’s a coffee cup on top of the charger, but not mine).
The most significant change in my opinion? Connecting the Safeway parking lot. Yes, soon enough you can drive to the adjoining lots.
Just don’t mind the wild, free range chickens that’ll eventually roam the Target parking lots.
I can’t wait to check out the store in operation in March. Until then, here are a few more pictures of Target in late January.
Update: the Star Advertiser is reporting a March 4, 2015 opening date.
Want: G-Shock GA100CM-4A Camouflage Red
All I can say is WANT! G-Shock GA100CM-4A Camouflage Series – Red
The $150 Gas Cap
Whenever your car’s check engine light goes on, you never know what to expect. It could be bad, incurring a high repair cost. So when my aging Toyota’s light went on, I braced for the worst.
Diagnostics said there was a leak in the emissions/fuel system. After troubleshooting and testing, the problem ended up being a worn out seal on the gas cap. The cost of a replacement gas cap? $30. Tacking on the diagnostics fee of $120 gives me a brand new gas cap of $150. But hey, I’d rather take this than repairs costing in the thousands.
Alternate Uses of a Fan
Credit drivers of the ultimate driving machine for their smart, alternate use of fans. Sure fans are there to move air past its holder for cooling purposes, or you can also use fans to provide shade from the glaring sun.
Is this any safer than using a mobile phone while driving?
More Viable Than a Star Dash
While Starbucks’ most recent Star Dash is targeted for the addicted, a better, more viable alternative is this promotion for Rewards members.
That’s 4 bonus stars with the purchase of one espresso beverage like the new Flat White. So with one drink, you’ll earn 5 stars (one for the purchase and four bonus). Although this promotion is only good for about a week, I can see myself visiting Starbucks three times in a week to accumulate 15 stars.
Car Fire on Lehua
Did you hear about the car fire this morning on Lehua in the Pearl City area? Thanks to his dedication to work, @locke02000 was already in the area when the car went up in flames and the fire crew arrives on scene.
As far as I know, there’s no connection with this car fire and the discrepant story of pro golfer, Robert Allenby.
I Bought a Selfie Stick
But it’s okay. I passed the criteria set by The Oatmeal’s “Should you buy a selfie stick?” test. It’s all about the angles and versatility that led me to buy a selfie stick, not vanity (for real). I wanted a stick for my GoPro to get different angles for shots. But then, why buy a monopod made for one device? Why couldn’t I use the same stick for another device like an iPhone? I wouldn’t want two selfie sticks, right? That’s when I found the ThrillPro by The Alaska Life
Essentially the ThrillPro is a selfie stick, capable of extending 36-inches, but it’s sturdier, more versatile, and ultimately more costly than other products. But that’s okay. This single stick comes with different mounts so you can easily use it with a GoPro or any smart phone that fits its clamp (a regular encased iPhone 6 fits). In theory, you could also mount a video camcorder, SLR, or DSLR camera as well. Just don’t go too heavy. The ThrillPro is sturdy but not unbreakable. Once extended, lock rings keep everything in place.
The angle of the head of the ThrillPro can be adjusted to turn your camera on its side or to reverse its orientation. The included strap and clip latch securely fastens the stick to your hand or a bag.
The only negative I have is that the ThrillPro does not include a remote control capability. There’s no Bluetooth remote or other means to remotely snap a picture. You have to rely on the GoPro or iPhone’s self timer. Inconvenient but understandable. Incorporating an universal remote that can work with a GoPro, digital camera, smartphone, and camcorder would be too tall of an order. One option with a GoPro is to use a Pebble watch and GoPro app as a remote shutter, and it does work (albeit with some additional setup needed).
So if you’re looking for a versatile and sturdy selfie stick and don’t mind paying for the quality, check out the ThrillPro.
Star Dash for the Addicted
Wow, Starbucks’ latest personalized Star Dash is definitely one for the addicted. My goal to complete the Star Dash? Make 30 purchases to get a bonus of 15 stars. 30 purchases from January 20 to February 19, 2015.
I don’t think the motto of “Shine on” is appropriate for this challenge. More like “Shake on” after consuming all that caffeine and/or sugar. I’ll concede this Star Dash right now thank you very much.
Nike Max HAM for the Outdoors
So what if these Nike basketball shoes were made for 2013 outdoor play? I still like the Nike Max HAM shoes featuring high abrasion material to withstand balling on the blacktop. This colorway is surprisingly good (maybe the best color combo of the HAMs), and at Ross’ cost of 50 bucks, these pickups were a no-brainer. For $50, you get a tough pair with Air Max down low and Hyperfuse up top. The laces speckled with bright citrus is just over the top good.
Walking around the outdoor mall of Ala Moana constitutes outdoor play right?