Here’s my attempt at resurrecting an old blog idea I had months ago by writing a new “Manoa and Makiki Favorites” blog this week. My plan is to write about one of my “Favorites” in Manoa or Makiki about once a month… favorite place to grab take-out, exercise, or have a special dinner (send your ideas for topics!)… and ask you to add your favorites to mine. I figure that way, we’ll get to know our neighborhood (and each other!) a little better!

My favorite “little spot to shop” is a gift shop on the second level of Manoa Marketplace called, “Green Time.” The shop, originally opened about a year and a half ago as a café that also sold specialty items, was transformed five months ago into a full gift shop. Although I miss the shop’s tea, I love that it now has more room to display all of its unique items.

So why is it my favorite little spot to shop?

• Green Time is very serene and leaves me with a peaceful feeling (even after spending money!)
• The owner is very sweet and extremely helpful in helping you find that perfect gift. She also thinks of us, the consumers! She told me that she recently was able to lower prices on items in Green Time when she struck up a deal with the companies shipping them by purchasing the items in larger bulks. Rather than keep that extra money she was saving, she made her items even more affordable for us, knowing that we are all need every break we can get!
• The unique gifts (perfect for a girlfriend, mom, child, or new parents) that you can pick up here are hard to find elsewhere and really irresistible!

Just check out some of the items in Green Time! Every nook and cranny holds sweet treasures!

The gift shop’s located on the second floor of Manoa Marketplace, right above Island Manapua

Look through the door window- isn’t it already charming?

The sign outside the store announces its specials- these are great ones!

Here’s a display of Precious Moments- my mom used to collect them so there’s a special place in my heart for these sweet ceramic figurines

Wouldn’t these make great gifts for that friend who already has everything?

I fell in love with these large plush rugs (or are they stuffed blankets?). The owner told me they’re her top selling item, and customers swear by their ability to get babies (and pets!) to sleep peacefully. You have to feel them to believe how soft they are!

These made-in-Japan “cakes” are actually towels!

Here are the zoo of stuffed animals that open up to flat, comfy pillows

Here’s my own stuffed pillow bear from Green Time, given to me by my student, Ke’alohi. His home is my bed- I’m one of those big kids who loves to hug a stuffed animal every once in a while!

What’s your favorite little spot to shop in Manoa and/or Makiki? Share it here!

Green Time
Manoa Marketplace
2752 Woodlawn Dr. #5-213
Honolulu, HI 96822
(808)988-0588
Mon-Fri (10-6)
Sat (10-5)

This will be a potpourri of summer topics since I’m feeling a little scattered today. Feel free to jump in to this summer pool of conversation!

On ending the school year…

What can I say but I already miss my kids? This year’s was a really special group of children and parents, and we grew a lot together. And as much as I’d hope they’d remember the novels we read, they types of rocks that make up our Earth, and the names of the native plants and birds we studied, what would make me really proud as their teacher is to know that they’d remember my most important lessons… to keep asking questions and searching to find answers, that reading can open worlds and that writing from their hearts can inspire themselves and others, to listen to and respect people, and to always work hard, be positive, and try their best. I’m looking forward to hearing about their continued successes as they enter a busy and exciting fifth grade year!

On my summer home…

For the next month, I’ll be teaching a Sky and Space summer school course for fifth graders at the University of Hawaii’s Curriculum Research and Development Group (CRDG) summer program. Although I felt a little out of my element this week while preparing my new curriculum in my new classroom, everyone I’ve met involved with the program have been wonderful. I’m looking forward to an exciting summer as we explore weather, flight, astronomy, and space!

On my summer tips for students (I think all teachers say this)…

*Read, read, read! Check out your local library for exciting summer reading programs. My step-son, Kainalu, signed up at Manoa’s library this past week, and is especially motivated to keep reading by the weekly prizes (awarded for reading at least one book per week) and fantastic drawings.
*Keep practicing those math skills you learned throughout the school year so you’re ready to go next year!
*Keep a journal about the things you see and do this summer- then you’ll be set with lots of topics to write about when school starts
*Play a lot (enjoy the sun- with sunscreen, of course!)
*Have fun! You deserve it for working so hard during the school year!

On things for kids to do this summer…

Kai is enrolled in summer school at Nu’uanu Elementary School, and I know he’ll learn a lot there. He just finished participating in the annual UH men’s basketball camp, which he loved.

Always one of the highlights of the summer

Aside from enforcing all of the “academic” tips listed above at home with him, we’re looking for lots of ideas on how to play and have fun this summer. Any suggestions? Know of a good family movie that’s coming up? Games to play? Parks to visit? Hikes to go on? You get the idea… let me hear ‘em!