May 31
The Saturday farmers’ market at Kapiolani Community College is an almost-overwhelming collection of veggies, fruits, meat, fish, baked goods, honey, flowers, snacks…you name it. We went for the first time recently and didn’t even know where to start. Soon enough we came to our senses and headed straight for what we came for: Kahuku sweet corn. Read more
I recently picked up some cheap-o glass goodies at our local Salvation Army, since in the midst of all this furniture restoration and yardwork, I was itching for some small, fun projects I could accomplish in an hour with minimal materials…think spray paint and tape. Among my thrifty shoppings were these three wavy-patterned glass dishes. Read more
Our yard is home to a mature, and very fruitful, avocado tree…or as I like to call it, the guacamole tree. We’d have a better view of Honolulu and the Pacific without this tree perched at the edge of the property, but we love it anyway. Every summer it bears a pretty impressive crop of beautiful, bright green avocados. And they really do make the most delicious guacamole. Read more
The night of my fantastic birthday staycation in Waikiki, I was craving some Italian appetizers and possibly a pizza, and didn’t feel like driving or cabbing it anywhere. So we headed over to Il Lupino Trattoria and Wine Bar in the Royal Hawaiian Center, just next door…which had the added bonus of outdoor seating under the beautiful palms of the Royal Hawaiian courtyard. Read more
Remember when I told you John had even more plans for my 30th birthday extravaganza? Well, those “more plans” entailed a sailing yacht, a feast, 8 of our besties out here in Hawaii, and an absolutely gorgeous late afternoon on the water. Say it with me…I’M ON A BOAT! Read more
We’re suckers for a good taco around here. While I don’t discriminate between chicken, short rib, fish, or just about anything else as my main taco protein, John’s all-time favorite is carnitas. And his very own carnitas recipe is pretty amazing, so there have been some frequent “Taco Tuesday” cravings in this house lately. Read more
Like several of the other pieces of furniture in the Hideaway vacation rental, this metal TV stand had been used and abused by the previous tenants and needed some TLC. While not necessarily something we’d choose on our own, the TV stand was functional enough, so we decided to keep it and spruce it up a bit. Read more
30th birthday + a planned power outage in our neighborhood thanks to electrical maintenance? Sounds like a perfect opportunity for a mid-week birthday staycation in Waikiki. Read more
Yes, there’s a store in Hawaii that shares its name with a race of creatures in the Star Wars universe. But that’s where the similarities end. Sand People — the store — is filled with interesting knickknacks, coastal decor, and gifts. Read more
While one of the bedrooms at the Hideaway was all set with nightstands (two metal and glass ones; I spray painted the base oil-rubbed bronze for an updated look), we were still on the hunt for a matching set for the master bedroom. After scouring Craigslist and thrift stores for some rehab-able nightstands, we stumbled upon Inter-Island Hotel Furniture. When hotels renovate, the old stuff gets sent here, where you can buy it for pretty amazing prices. If you’re into DIY, it’s an awesome resource. Hotel furniture may not always be the most stylish, but for the most part, it’s built to last. So with a sander and some new hardware, paint, or stain, you can create some really interesting pieces for your home. Read more
Aloha! We're John and Kristen, two transplanted East Coasters loving life on Oahu. We're DIY enthusiasts, foodies, wine lovers, and the property managers for the Hillside Hideaway. Follow us for a glimpse into our island life!
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