I was spending the day with my mom after a long, hard week back at work. She treated me and Alaka'i to a late lunch at Neiman Marcus Mariposa restaurant. Thanks mom!

After this delicious meal I had an illy cappuccino with just the right amount of foam and my mom and I shared a rich and decadent four layer chocolate cake with ice cream and cherry syrup on the side. I only had a few bites because it was so rich yet utterly delicious.

Alaka'i had spaghetti and an ice cream sundae which I didn't have the chance to snap a shot of with my iPhone because he ate it up before I could take a picture.  When my boy's hungry, there's no stopping him to take a snap shot.  He wants to eat!! 

It was a nice break from the hectic work week I've had.  I know Alaka'i enjoyed his lunch and treat after having a long few days back at school.  (Yay for winter break being over!!)  

I don't really shop at Neiman Marcus except for  makeup and perfume but it's such a pretty store.   I have always loved the long strings of gilded butterflies (fake ones of course), strung from the 3rd floor ceiling and dangling down to the 1st floor.  Very pretty and delicate.  I like how they seem to sparkle and catch the light.  I think they're actually made up of feathers pinned together and spray painted gold.  Gorgeous nonetheless.  

When Alaka'i was really small we'd come in here once in awhile and he liked to blow the butterflies as we went up the escalator in the store.  When they moved, he used to think they were flying. So cute.  Even today, I caught a glimpse of him blowing them with that same wonder in his eye.  He's so precious to me.  

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you all have a lovely weekend.



All pictures taken with iPhone 4S and Camera+ app.

The word Aloha (ahh-loh-ha) has over time, become synonymous with saying "hello" and "goodbye" but it's much more than that.  Aloha also means to show love, compassion, mercy and kindness.  It is a Hawaiian value that when practiced properly, exudes pure and welcoming love and warmth to everyone you meet.  In my nearly 30 years of life I've watched the true Aloha spirit dwindle and fade as greed and stress have monopolized so many peoples' lives.  There is one place though that truly maintains, exudes and shares the true aloha spirit and that's Uncle Clay's House of Pure Aloha.  Tucked away in the newly renovated and growing Aina Haina Shopping Center, HOPA has become a regular stop on my daily jaunts to and from work and home.  Once known as "Doe Fang", Uncle Clay's House of Pure Aloha has not only been newly constructed, but the focus has shifted in a positive direction.

What is Uncle Clay's House of Pure Aloha?

My son and niece absolutely love going to HOPA to get fresh shave ice whether it's hot or breezy outside. The shave ice is light and the dozen or so syrups are made from all natural, locally grown ingredients.  I'd be lying if I said that I didn't enjoy it as much if not more than they do.  I love this place.  The fact that they use all green and recyclable packaging really adds to it.  It's so refreshing to have an ecologically sound business that not only says they care about the environment, but they live it.  

The fact that all of the syrup is all natural is one of the big winners for me.  I have a 10 year old and I appreciate the fact that he's not getting a stomach full of high fructose corn syrup when he has a shave ice here.  They also give a lot of shave ice for the money.  Bottom line, the shave ice is healthy and delicious and you get a good amount for the money.  It's all natural and I don't have to worry about my son's blood sugar level when he eats shave ice here.  Add to that the fact that it's a family owned and ran business and they're always friendly and welcoming, and you have a real winner.  Added bonus, they support LOCAL farmers!!!  

The syrup they use for their shave ice at Uncle Clay's is all natural and made with ingredients from Hawai'i farmers.  I appreciate that I'm getting fresh ingredients and it's supporting the local economy.  I'm all about supporting local businesses. 

Whether you're in search of a healthy treat or looking for something to cool you down on a hot Hawaiian day, I suggest you take time to come visit Uncle Clay's House of Pure Aloha.  Uncle Clay and his nephew Bronson really had it right when they came up with this idea.  It's a great place whether you're a local or you're visiting Hawai'i on vacation.  They're always welcoming and kind.  If you're like me and you're trying to watch what you eat and limit the sugar and processed food you intake or you're a parent looking for a sweet treat that won't have your children bouncing off the walls on a sugar high, HOPA is somewhere you have to visit.  You and your kids, will leave very happy!!