Are you "E"- Ready?

In light of our recent Chino Hills 5.4 "E"arthquake, I have been busy updating our "E"-bags and plan of action. Mom requires physical assistance and being her primary caregiver, I need to be more informed on how to prepare both of us in the event of an emergency or disaster. Cee (my darling niece) will be learning how to put an emergency supply kit for her grandma and a "E" - bag for herself.

American Red Cross "Be Red Cross Ready" simple steps to being prepared for "E"mergency or disasters:

• Get a Kit
• Make a Plan
• Be Informed

Preparedness for People with Disabilities

YouTube video by SLOARC

Other TEErific sites:

• Prepare. Plan. Stay Informed - Ready.gov
• Grab ‘n Go Bags - pdf
• Jump" Kits - SFF.net
• Ready New York: Go Bag - NYC Office of Emergency Management
• Six Degrees Could Change The World - National Geographic
• Are you prepared? free download
• Emergency Kit for Earthquakes - YouTube by SFFDNert

I know it can be overwhelming & tedious in putting the kits together. Maybe setting time with the family and getting them involved in the project will make it easier. Everyone will be better informed on what to do in the event of a disaster or emergency.

A TEE tip: In addition to keeping copies of important documents in your kits, scan those documents and keep them on your flash drive. Add a password protect software to the flash drive. Flash drives are light & portable.

Be SAFE and READY!!!

Disneyland 07.19.08

Great Grand Twins 1st Disneyland Adventure. Photos courtesy of Cee'08.

Despite the pixie dusts in their eyes, it was still a TEErific magical day!!!

Stinky Rose

Stinky Rose is not a code name for a particular relative, in-law or enemy. But is a welcomed ally in our household. The real name is Allium Sativum commonly known as "garlic". Garlic is known universally as "the stinking rose". The term reportedly goes back to Greek and Roman times. Well the "stinking" part is very obvious (strong smell), but why "rose"? Who knows - garlic is an allium which is part of the Liliaceae family.

Our Bamboo Chef (Dad) used garlic just as much as the lemons for cooking & everything he can think of. He believed in its' natural healing properties. He was a garlic aficionado. I remembered when Dad found this printed canvas material in China. Upon his return, he quickly found a large frame and placed it over our fireplace mantle. He called it The Chinese, Chickens & Cloves of Garlic Saga(Photos courtesy of Cee '08).

Here are what others have to say about the culinary & medicinal uses of garlic:

• The stinking rose - not all garlic is the same - culinate
• 11 Uses For Garlic Other Than Spicing Up Pasta - The Bachelor Guy
• Garlic - The Stinking Rose - Quassia
• Benefits and Medicinal uses of garlic - revolutionhealth
• Uses for Garlic, Health Benefits, and Some History - Garlic Passion
• Are There Health Benefits in Using Garlic? - Gourmet Garlic Gardens
• Top Ten Unusual Uses and Benefits of Garlic - Culinary Musing
  

My TEEfavs:

• The Love of 50 Cloves of Garlic -The New York Times (this is in honor of our Garlic Aficionado)
• Roasted Garlic - Simply Recipes
• QuickBites: Dani's Garlic Bread - YouTube video
• Garlic Massaged Potatoes - Average Betty YouTube video
• Wild Garlic Pesto Recipe - nami nami
• Garlic Festival Foods - Gilroy
• The Stinking Rose Restaurant in Beverly Hills

YouTube video by starzship

Whatever smells good to you, ENJOY and make it a TEErific garlicky adventure!!!

Whatz the Skinny on Ice Cream?

The Death & Life of Ice Cream

YouTube video by MindPie

We all can scream for ice cream. In 1984, July was designated by President Ronald Reagan as National Ice Cream Month (3rd Sunday). The President recognized ice cream as a fun and nutritious food that is enjoyed by a full 90% of the nation's population. In the proclamation, President Reagan called for all people of the United States to observe these events with "appropriate ceremonies and activities."

The secret is out - you can enjoy this cold refreshment. Knowing the facts makes it easier to choose the right one for you. Weight Watchers has the skinny on ice cream.

So whatz your fav flavors? Check these out:

• Candied Bacon Ice Cream - david lebovitz
• Beet Ice Cream - cook & eat
• Barbecued Flavored, Mushroom-Pecan, Cucumber-Onion Ice Cream - washingtonpost.com
• Blue Cheese and Carmelized Shallot Ice Cream - Ice Cream Ireland
• Lobster Ice Cream - Ben and Bill's Chocolate Emporium
• Beer Ice Cream - beercook.com
• 101 Frightening Ice Cream Flavors around the World - whosucks

Feeling lucky?

• A Daily Scoop.com has a contest - 10 lucky runner ups will get a coupon for PhillySwirl Ice Cream cupcakes. And one grand prize winner will have their cupcakes shipped directly to his/her door.
• Ice Cream Journal is offering one lucky winner a year's supply of ice cream and a trip to Lancaster County to tour Turkey Hill Dairy.

Whatever cold treat you have in mind, ENJOY

and

make it a TEErific National Ice Cream Month!!!

TEE-GIF Weekend Fun 07.25.08

ABC7 Weather Forecast: SUMMER FUN

Check out some FUNtastic weekend activities:
1. Gilroy Garlic Festival
2. 2008 O.C. Fair Cattle Drive
3. Long Beach Ballet Ambassadors to China Performance
4. Summer Fun at Farmers Market
5. New Movies
- The X-Files: I Want to Believe Not Rated
- CSNY: Deja Vu - R
- Step Brothers - R

TEE-GIF Weekend Fun 07.18.08

ABC7 Weather Forecast: SUMMER FUN

Check out some FUNtastic weekend activities:

1. San Clemente Ocean Festival
2. Meet the Grunion - Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, San Pedro
3. 41st Annual Citrus Festival - Santa Paula
4. Hot Pedro Nites - San Pedro
5. New Movies
- Mama Mia - PG-13
- Space Chimps - G
- The Dark Knight - PG-13

Whatever you are in the mood for, ENJOY and make it a TEErific weekend!!!

HB Meglinsmom & Lins

Happy B-day to Tami (one of my awesome BFFs) and her daughter Lindsey. We met them when Cee was starting to dance hula @ Hula Halau 'O Lilinoe with Tami's other daughter Megan. That was almost 7 years ago. Megan decided to focus on her true passion - ballet. Plus her dad, David is the Artistic Director for the Long Beach Ballet. This year, Megan was chosen to be a participant in the United States Ballet Ambassadors to China. The selected group of 35 dancers will be on a performing tour in China during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Megan - 恭喜 Gong Xi (congratulations)!!!

Just FYI - The performance of The Nutcracker at the Terrace Theater in December is definitely a MUST-SEE.

Have a TEErific B-day & China adventure!!!

HO! HO! HO! - A Sunny Christmas to All

YouTube video by deankaydee

Christmas in July............why not?

Some people love the concept of Christmas in July. It makes more sense for families to get together in July for summer vacations especially when you have families that live in different parts of the country. The summer weather and travel can enhance stress-free & happier family reunions.

The holiday originated in Australia where it has been popular for some time. July is a cold month in some parts of Australia. Check out some more COOL info on Christmas in July.

• History of Christmas in July - Dan's Paper
• Places where Christmas in July is celebrated - The Holiday Spot
• Fun Ways to Celebrate Christmas in July - Associated Content
• Christmas in July (1940) movie - The New York Times Review

Here are some of my TEEfavs Christmas in July recipes:

• Yummy Vegan Dinners
• Life's Smorgasbord
• Oh For The Love of Food
• Should You Eat That?
• Fruitcake with Marzipan Icing - Open Food Source
• Trinidad Black Cake - TriniGourmet.com
• Roast Beef Tenderloin with Rosemary - All Holiday Cafe
• Feliz Navidad Cookies - DenverPost.com
• Taste.com-au

Our family will be celebrating a brand new tradition this year, Christmas in July. It will be exciting to see for the first time the great grand twins. Four generations under one roof...Whoo Hoo!!! Stay tuned for future posts.

Have yourself a Sunny TEErific Christmas in July!!!

Summer LemonAID

Lemon Jigsaw Puzzle by JigZone

Puzzled on what lemons can do for you aside from the regular lemonade drink ......here are some TEErific lemonAID tips found on the net:

• 10 Great Household Uses of Lemon Skins - Gomestic
• Green Uses for Lemons and Lemon Peels - About My Planet
• Uses for Lemon Juice - Organization & Cleaning - The Jewish Woman
• Everyday Uses For Lemon Juice - HubPages
• Extraordinary Uses for Lemons Around the House - Readers Digest
• Back to Basics: The Many Uses of Lemon -DIY Life
• 10 New Uses for Lemons - Real Simple
• The History of Lemons - Food Resource

Here are some of my TEEfavs recipes:

• Chinese Lemon Chicken - Blog Chef.net
• Meyer Lemon Sorbet - SimplyRecipes
• Lemon Curd - Joy of Baking
• Sconeworld video - Average Betty
• Shrimp Lemon Pepper Linguini - All Recipes
• Leek and Lemon Pasta video- Dani Spies
  

I developed my love for lemons & cooking from my Dad. He was THE CHEF in our family and everything he cooked had some lemon in the mix. Lemons were not reserved just for cooking. He used lemons everywhere & for everything - decoration, cleaning, bathing (skin softener), & medicinal purposes (Dad's 3 Cs - cuts, cough & constipation). Every home we owned had at least 2 lemon trees planted in the backyard. We are definitely reaping the benefits of those planted lemon trees - thanks Dad - we miss you!!!

Dad's culinary skill in making dishes taste great with lemons continues in our household. Lemon is the MAIN seasoning (salt substitute) in our foods - it is healthier & better tasting. Mom gives it 2 thumbs up!

Have a TEErific lemony summer!!!

Lots more Shakin' & Swayin' Island Style

1. Aloha Falsetto Festival - July 13
Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center @ 2pm

• Showcasing the award-winning talents of Raiatea Helm, Gary Haleamau, Hoku Zuttermeister, Steven Espaniola, Auntie Geri Brigoli, Ryan Souza, and Noelani McIntosh all on one stage together, this festival is truly the first and only one of its kind.
• Special house band features Grammy winner Jeff Peterson on guitar, Berklee School of Music grad Abe Lagrimas Jr on 'ukulele and Natusol bassist Taumata Grey.
• PLUS Hula Performances by Kaleilehua O Panaewa, Halau Hula Ka Lehua O Ka La'akea, Hawai'i Daughter's Guild of California & the Kama'aina Glee Club of Orange County. For more info http://www.alohafalsettofest.com/
• photo banner from website

2. Friends of Kingston Benefit Concert - July 20 @ The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano

• Proceeds go to the Clinical Research of Cincinnati Childrens Hospital and the UCLA Mattel Childrens Hospital.
• More info on the genetic disease XLP, visit http://www.friendsofkingston.org/
• Performances by Paula Fuga, Kua'ana, DJ Beatnik
• Hula Halau 'O Lilinoe a me Na Pua Me Kealoha
• Contact lamme1@msn.com or issac@friendsofkingston.org for concert tickets.

3. 1st Annual Hawaiians In California Festival @ Hula Halau 'O Lilinoe on July 26

• Featuring: Kaumakaiwa Kanaka’ole, Sean Na’auao, Holunape, Pilioha, & Raw Fish
• Hula Performances By Award-Winning Southern California Halau
• Food & Vendor Booths @ 10am
• Concert @ 5pm
• Contact lamme1@msn.com for more info.
• photos taken from Hula Halau 'O Lilinoe website

Enjoy & Hang Loose!!!

Makamae Melia O' Polynesia - 2nd place Ahuroa

Tahiti F'ete of San Jose July 1-3, 2008

TEErific News

Congratulations........Irene & Christiana's (mother/daughter) halau won 2nd place in the Ahuroa division at the Tahiti F'ete of San Jose last week.

Here is a video clip of Makamae Melia O' Polynesia award winning performance:

YouTube video by 00Anuhea00

Irene, my awesome and fav cuz'n will celebrating her 21st b'day (again?.... j/k) this month. She does not look a day over 21....and that's the honest truth! Hereditary I think.

Have a TEErific B'day!!!

TEE-GIF Weekend Fun 07.11.08

ABC7 Weather Forecast: SUMMER HEAT

Check out some FUNtastic weekend activities:
1. Lea Salonga @ The Walt Disney Music Center - Downtown LA
2. 31st Annual Lotus Festival - Echo Park
3. Bastille Day Festival - Los Angeles
4. Santa Barbara French Festival
5. New Movies
- Journey to the Center of the Earth PG
- Days and Clouds Not Rated
- Death Defying Acts Not Rated
- Harold PG-13

Whatever suits your fancy, enjoy and make it a TEErific weekend!!!

Summer FREEbies

1. Redondo Beach
Summer Concert Series - Veterans Park Bandshell
2008 Outdoor Family Classical Film Festival - Alta Vista Park
RB Pier Concerts - Pier

2. San Pedro/Wilmington
Fiesta Corazon Del Puerto - Wilmington
Music by the Sea Outdoor Concert Series - Point Fermin
Salt Marsh Open House - Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

3. Long Eeach
Rancho Los Cerritos FREE Outdoor Concerts
Thursday Night Concerts in the Parks - various LB parks
El Dorado Nature Center "Cultural Rhythms" Concerts

4. Marina Del Rey
Summer Concerts - Burton W. Chace Park

5. Santa Monica Pier
Twilight Dance Series

6. Orange County Free Concerts

Whatever you are in the mood for, enjoy the freebies and make your summer a TEErific one!!!

Livin' Large the UNICAT Way

Got buko bucks?

RVing & off road adventures in a "garbage truck" camper.......

YouTube video by mahalodotcom

The UNICAT featured in the video gets 8 miles per gallon and about $800 to fill the twin 120 gallon tank. Let see with current rising gas prices, monthly payment, multi purpose (RV, boat etc) insurance and routine maintenance costs......whoa - just got a brain freeze.

The interior has a good functional design & TEErifically well decorated - the cliche "don't judge the book by its cover" applies. The UNICAT has vehicles designed for the individual, professional (i.e. disaster response) and special needs (handicapped). The company also offers special travel tours with a UNICAT team.

Maybe this is where all the garbage trucks go when it is time to retire...... LOL

Happy Trails!!!

photos taken from the manufacturer's website UNICAT

Shakin' & Swayin' Island Style

The Hawaiian Inter-Club Council of Southern California (HICCSC) will have their 30th Ho'olaule'a (celebration) at Alondra Park in Lawndale, CA. Hula Halau 'O Lilinoe (our kumu Aunty Sissy Kaio) has been performing at this event for many years. Ho'olaule'a is 2 day festival featuring pacific islander cuisine, outdoor marketplace and Hawaiian & Polynesian music and dance performances.

Mark your Calendars.....
Date: July 19 & 20
Where: Alondra Park, Lawndale Entertainment Schedule & Map

Here is a video clip of another annual hula event Aloha Expo. Keith Dasalla, an awesome musician & our halau tahitian drummer/teacher is the sound & stage guy for the event. Our Halau is the featured entertainment (tahitian, implements & kahiko) you will see on stage towards the end of the video. Our food booth also serves the most delectable teriyaki chicken & famous breakfast/lunch meal with spam at both events...... 'onolicious!!!

Expo 2008 Santa Fe Springs YouTube video by Henry in the IE and RexReaper

Hang Loose ..........................have some TEErific island fun!!!

photo credit: "Shaka" sign from Wikipedia

Celebrate the Red White & Blue

Some more FUNtastic stuff to do this holiday weekend.
1. ABC7 Interactive Map 4th of July Events
2. Shopping
- Home Depot and Lowe's 10% off Appliances
- Macy 4th of July Sale
- Kohl's 4th of July Sale
- Payless Shoes BOGO 1/2 off EVERYTHING
- DisneyShopping online Take an extra 25% off on Summer Sale (Remember to enter the code)
- Check out CouponClock for more 4th of July Sales
3. Movies
- Moviefone recommendation of the Best Movies in Theaters

4. Have a backyard BBQ fun with the family & friends.

Here are some TEEfav Red White & Blue video clips:

Empire State Building Red White Blue colors. YouTube video by missykitty

The New White House (more info) YouTube video by emanuela85ec

Paris: 23.00 hours, Monday June 30. The Eiffel tower lights dim and come back on in blue with yellow stars to mark France's 2008 presidency of the European Union. YouTube video by EUXTV

Have a TEErific & safe Red White & Blue celebration!!!

4th of July Activities & Fireworks Shows

1. Southland Fireworks Shows
2. Independence Day Activities in the Southland
3. 4th of July Calendar Events
4. Fireworks in OC

YouTube video by MRB111

Patriotic Tribute to our Military

God Bless America.

Remember those men & women who are protecting our LIBERTY here and abroad!!!

Have a TEErific 4th of July celebration!!!

Sandwich Generation Month

Sandwich Generation (Merriam-Webster - noun, 1987) : a generation of people who are caring for their aging parents while supporting their own children

Top Ten Signs: You Are a Sandwich Caregiver

photo credit from David Hayward & Emme Levine @ Care Station

YouTube video by talkingeyesmedia

The Sandwich Generation

Check out PBS Life Part2 Relationship for more relationship stories, Nourishing Relationships Blog, Fox Business: Early Preparation is Key to the Sandwich Generation and MSN Lifestyles: Boomers Resources for the Sandwich Generation.

Lots more food for thought. To be continued...