The Word of the Day is "`Ānela"

Credit: Depositphotos.com/Ewa Mazur

Aloha mai kākou,

Atop our tree is an angel whose wings light up and cast a spherical light around the room. What does an angel symbolize to you? The `ānela (ahh nay lah) signifies peace to me, as it does to many. I have been graced with many different forms of angels this past year. In times of need, or when things seem a bit chaotic, friends and family have shown their generosity more than I could ever ask for.

Like the past 3 years, I took my children to the Mall and picked out 2 angel tags from a charity sponsored Christmas tree. My children shopped around for the items requested, purchased them, and returned them as an anonymous donation. This organization had helped a family member of mine years ago. I hope that my children will continue this tradition of the ‘angel tree’ to remember those who don’t have much. My daughter asked me, “mommy, what do you want for Christmas? I want to make sure I have enough to get the best gift for you”. Of course I replied, “ The three of you are my everlasting gifts from God, and I will be forever content”…..

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Lā`au Kalikimaka"

The Christmas tree, or “lā`au kalikimaka” (lahh ow kah lee kee ma kah) is finally up and decorated. We are fortunate to have fresh Christmas trees, cut and flown to Hawai`i. It’s the evergreen fragrance, that permeates throughout the house, letting everyone know, what time of year it is. Unfortunately, I have an artificial one, but the decorations of silver and turquoise, brightened up the whole place. Not sure why Hilo gets our Christmas trees, the week before Thanksgiving, but the scent….. is amazing!

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Kanaka Hau"

Credit: iStockPhoto

Aloha mai kākou,

Along with the theme of December and Christmas, “kanaka hau” (ka na ka how) is the Hawaiian word for snowman. Living on the Big Island, our 2 tallest mountains are capped with snow from around late December to about February. With the change of climate in the past years, we haven’t been so fortunate to have the mountains stay white before melting!

I have to admit sadly that I haven’t been able to get up to actually see or touch the snow. People with breathing problems and/or asthma are advised to be careful or not ascend to the top of Mauna Kea (mao na kay ya). The first and only time I experienced snow was in New Zealand atop Mt. Ruapehu. Honestly, that was a little too cold for this Hawaiian girl! Lol. We did manage to make a Hawaiian snow woman, complete with a sarong and a head lei (sorry I don’t have the picture to prove that!).

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Kēkēmapa"

Credit: Depositphotos.com/Pavel Chernobrivets

Aloha mai kākou, Bring out the warm clothing, wax up the surfboards, hit up the malls, and welcome our last month of 2012. December in Hawaiian is “Kēkēmapa” (another letter for letter translation) and its that time when the North Shore’s waves increase to monstrous levels! We get our cooler temperatures, and though some people think Ugh boots are a vital part of the wardrobe, I prefer my slippers! Lol. Yup, 62 degrees is COLD to us locals, so don’t be alarmed if you see those boots, scarves, heavy jackets, gloves and beanies….. We’re actually freezing!!!! Hee hee hee…. A hui hou, Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Kālā"

Cedit: Depositphotos.com/Carsten Reisinger

Aloha mai kākou,

As the month of November comes to an end, and the ads of Christmas continue to flood our media, I have chosen today's word to be what most of us will be spending to celebrate the season of giving….. Money$$$ Lol. Kālā (kahh lahh) is exactly what it sounds out to be…. Dollar or the greenback of cash. Is it just me, or did Santa Claus come before Halloween and Thanksgiving???? All in all, Christmas is my most favorite holiday, and I have no qualms in aiding Santa in what to bring my kids this year. I’m trusting he knows what he’s doing, and leave it at that. *giggles* I can’t wait to cook my first prime rib, without the help of my mom! We’ve always had the surf n turf, or whatever the family comes up with, but this year, my goal is to whip up the best meal for my hubby and kiddos. Anyone have a suggestion on how to prepare the best primerib? Feel free to comment, and leave me some tips please…..

A hui hou and keep an eye on the Christmas associated words for the month of December,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Āhinahina"

Credit: Depositphotos.com/Marek Poplawski

Aloha mai kākou,

Now that Thanksgiving is over, I can get back into the groove before the Christmas holidays arrive. Is it just me or has this year gone by so fast? It’s a little nippy here in Hawai`i, though nippy means 68 degrees F to me! Lol! Today’s word of the day, is “`āhinahina” (ahh hee na hee na meaning ‘very gray’), the Hawaiian word for the Silversword plant, that grows atop of Haleakalā National park, on the island of Maui. Listed as an endangered plant, its silvery velvety leaves are as beautiful as the place itself. It grows anywhere from an elevation of 7,000 to 10,000 ft., and it's found on Haleakalā (ha lay ah kah lahh, house of the rising sun) and Mauna Kea (mao na kay yah, white mountain). Conservative measures have brought the plant back from near extinction. So, like other delicate native plants, it is important to adore its beauty from afar.

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Pelehū"

Credit: Depositphotos.com/David Smith

Aloha mai kākou,

As the countdown begins to Thanksgiving, I almost had a turkey crisis, before the actual day! Yep, for the first time in my Thanksgiving cooking adventures I waited too long, and the stores were sold out! Thank goodness for an awesome friend, who had shared that she bought 2 turkeys, and had another one given to her as a gift. I was like, “hey, can I buy one?” and she said, “of course, I just thought about it now!” ….. *wiping my brow* Turkey disaster averted! Lol. Turkey in Hawaiian is “pelehū” (pay lay hoo), and there is one special way that probably sets Hawai`i apart from traditional methods of baking or deep frying. The turkey is cooked just like our kālua pork, in an underground oven, or imu (ee moo). The meat just falls apart easily and has a delicious smoked flavor. You have to try it when you get here! I’m looking forward to the leftover turkey, in which we make up baked sandwiches, turkey ala king, and Juk (Chinese rice gruel with turkey). My husband and I are going to share the cooking duties for the first time. I can’t wait actually, this is going to be a fantastic meal. I’m so hungry right now! Hang in there, we have one day to go…..

A hui hou,

Haunani