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| Ko'olani Betsy's Picks  Living in the heart of town allows us many choices in dining, beauty, clothing boutiques, fitness, childcare and more. Being an avid fashionista, workout addict and beauty expert - I have tried many options our wonderful location has to offer. From facials to THE perfect workout, I can help you find that perfect place!
Between working full-time, school part-time, being a Mommy and Wife, I have found that perfect balance for life. I love to save time and money whenever possible; yet spoil myself with the best. Sounds impossible, right? I love to recommend businesses that deserve it! I am always out looking for reputable places to patron. Each of my recommendations is “tested, tasted or tried” a short description of why I like it and a link for more information are also available. Contact me at kimop1999@gmail.com
 Women's Kick Boxing Fitness Class
This class is hardcore. We have had hardcore yoga people; paddlers and workout addicts come and get their booty whipped! It is a workout like no other! I started taking this class about 8 months ago, and have seen impressive results. If you are ready for all your friends to tell you how fabulous you look and how young you look (exercise does that to you!), and how you manage to eat so much and stay so tiny…come PINKbox! My waist has whittled down to a size 2, and my arms are toning up. Overall, I am much stronger and can feel myself gaining muscle that I never knew I had. Sensei Bobby pushes you to strive a little more. Push a little harder, get results. It is basically a training session that teaches the right way to work out.
It involves body conditioning and cardio that is anything but boring. Each class is a little different, so your body does not get used to the repetition, and you always challenge yourself.
Now let's talk about prices: I go 20 times a month at $10 a class, so I pay $200 a month. Plus you have to buy the pink hand wraps which are $8. I go on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday mornings at 9 am. The PINKboxing class is also offered on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights at 5:30 pm. Check out the website at www.pinkboxinghawaii.com
Sensei Bobby Duckworth is a Chief Instructor which means he has the top credentials that you can attain. He has been teaching for over 35 years. He is kind yet strict, so come and get your body sculpted and have fun! You can ride with me on Saturday and Sunday mornings!! or call Bobby at 808-371-5379
 Fringe A Paul Mitchell Focus Salon My hair is long and blonde. I take great care of it, considering how often I process it. My stylist and close friend Patrick Yoshikawa is an AMAZING colorist! He has taken my hair from bottle black back to its golden hue and it is healthy! This is one place that is not within town, I trek all the way to Kailua for that perfect color. And let me tell you, Patrick is worth it! Patrick works at Fringe, formerly Salon Generations and he has a gift with color. He weaves the perfect shades of honey, gold and caramel into my tresses. The price is right at $100 and the experience is heavenly. You get spoiled and treated like a Princess at this salon. From the friendly receptionist Margie to the scrumptious cup of espresso or island mimosa, to the ample stack of reading material, this Paul Mitchell salon is my sanctuary. I look forward to my touch ups, as Patrick is an amazing conversationalist and such a doll. You can thank me later <3 / 808-261-1303 or http://fringehawaii.com/
 Facials by Beverly
They come in glycolic, collagen-boosting, rejuvenating, microderm, acne removal, scar removal and so much more! I have found the best in skin correction facials come from Beverly Lum. They last over an hour, you sit in a recliner chair in a comfortable room with a flat screen and drink tea, and Beverly is amazing. Beautiful woman inside and out, she has a glow that we all want. And with her magical fingers, you can have the fresh, dewy skin of your dreams. She does NOT do facials, she does skin correction. She uses fruit enzymes to remove those dull skin cells and lightened those brown spots and wrinkles. Her products help with acne and acne scars. She tells you the PH balance of your skin and helps you maintain the spa quality at home with the affordable products from the Jeneal International line. The sessions are $50 and at that price, you are able to go at least once a month. Her business is located at the Kenrock Plaza, which is a short walk away from the Ko’olani. If inclined to drive, there is plenty of free parking available. Her suite is located upstairs. Tell her Betsy sent you and she will take extra good care of you. Her business phone is 941-6511 For more of a variety, such as microdermabrasion, glycolic peels and more, look no further than right across the street at the Makana Academy. The academy boasts a tranquil spa environment and uses the top of the line products that expensive hotel spas use. It is an academy, so it is students performing the procedures. They are trained and have been through the course. This is the last requirement by the State so they can get licensed. They are eager to please and highly skilled, as they have had the most current training possible. I got the glycolic peel and went back for a couple Microdermabrasion sessions, and let me tell you! This was the most soothing and gentle microderm I have ever had! I have had facials at the Ihilani, the Bellagio, Aveda, and other high end places and this place is up there! The prices are very reasonable, and you get the whole experience right across the street! Give them a call. 591-6090
 Body Art 808 Tattoo
Whether you are getting a tattoo for the first time, or finishing up that sleeve, I know of a great shop that I highly recommend. 808 Tattoo epitomizes the “art” of tattooing. I went in with a crazy idea of getting a mermaid, skull, ocean wave and flowers (so random, yeah?). Billy Whitney drew up just what I envisioned in my head. I now have a beautiful piece of art inked into my arm that gets compliments everywhere I go. The colors he uses are amazing…and the art he produces is second to none. Billy specializes in Polynesian and Japanese design, cover ups and he can draw pretty much anything your mind can imagine. His shop employs some of the best artists on the island. Anytime a friend from the mainland visits me, a tattoo from 808 is always on the to-do list. I have recommended many friends to 808 and ALL of them have been delighted with the tattoo. The waiting list for Billy is quite extensive, but you can walk in on Saturdays and see him. Tell him that Betsy recommended you! He will treat you like an old friend. The website is 808tattoo.com Check out the portfolios and be prepared to be amazed! The phone number is 234-1501. The shop is located in Kaneohe right next to Windward Mall and the Post Office. It is above Pake’s Restaurant.  Favorite Lunch and Late Night Spots around Ko'olani
My new lifestyle change has made me think about what I am putting in my mouth and into my body. I now eat very clean and healthy…except for my Mexican food! LOL some things never change. Here are some healthy and tasty picks along with some traditional picks for you meat eaters J I LOVE Z Pizza at Ward! They have the most amazing gluten free pizzas that will change the way you think about pizza! My son and husband adore the crisp and buttery taste of the crust while I love that their ingredients are organic, fresh and tasty. You cannot go wrong here! I have found the most amazing tofu chicken curry salad. It is vegetarian but I called it chicken because it tastes just like it! The texture and the taste is amazing and you will not believe it is not poultry! It is from Whole Foods in Kahala and it is worth the ten minute drive to Kahala Mall to eat. I brought some home for my husband to try and he gobbled it up thinking it was chicken. Tricked him into eating healthy! Whole Foods is one of my favorite places to shop now. They have a vast array of organic produce and if you eat meat, I MUST inform you that their meat is free range, raised without hormones or antibiotics and looks a heck of a lot better than any other meat department. They even have buffalo which is a delicious and healthy alternative to beef. Although I do not eat meat, I do let my six year old eat only free range and organic meat without hormones and antibiotics. So this is the only place I go for my family’s meat habit. Down to Earth also has an awesome selection of organic and healthy foods but the entire store is vegetarian so you must go to Whole Foods if you eat meat. My friend took me to the most amazing bar and lounge called Apartment 3. It is in Century Center and the ambiance is something out of a modern vampire novel. From the black lacy walls, white bird cages and sexy art on the walls, this place exudes a sophisticated vibe like no other place on Oahu. I love it that their steaks and burgers are local island free range beef, and their menu boasts plenty of organic and fresh ingredients. My cocktail of choice is the Dragonberry, which is Grey Goose mixed with fresh strawberries, dragonberries and lime. So delicious and beautiful! I tried the hummus and pita, the falafel sandwiches and veggie pizza and loved every morsel. This is my new favorite place to hang out with friends. You can check out their full menu and website at http://apartmentthree.com Lunch at Tango is one of my favorite occasions. The ambiance is modern with clean lines, I love the lamp fixtures. At night, the place is romantic with linens and candles. The chef creates amazing dishes and the lunch prices are great! I get the mushroom burger with a salad for $7.50! You cannot beat the quality and taste of Tango. The service is wonderful, your glass is never empty and the food comes in minutes. I have tried everything on their lunch menu and I love it all! The salads are HUGE and the dressings are house-made. The coffee is made with a press so it is strong and tasty. Mmm this is making me hungry! Of all the lunch spots, this is by far my favorite! Come taste and you will add it to your fav list as well! Phucket Thai is another lunch favorite. I love spicy food and this place can make your dish mild to extra spicy! I get the shrimp pad thai and of course the spring rolls! The curries are amazing here as well. This is a great place for the Thai lover. It has a great ambiance, art and the prices are pretty good. Dave and Busters makes some amazing salads as well! My favorite is the pecan and strawberry salad (minus the chicken) while my best friend always craves the warm spinach salad. My husband loves their burgers. The service is great, and the prices are good. The Korean restaurant next to Blockbuster on Piikoi is AMAZING! Their miso stew is to die for! My husband loves their kalbi, but I personally love the stew the best. It comes steaming hot in a bubbling pot. The portion is generous and filled with yummy-ness! Side Street Grill is THE place for the best porkchops on the island! Although I no longer eat meat, I do hold those chops in my dearest memory…This is a very popular spot, so if there is a game on, be sure to get there early! The drinks are strong and cheap as well. We love the Nalo green salad. It is healthy and huge. The mushrooms are so good, I dreamed about the butter garlic sauce…Everything here is perfect for family style dining. The fried rice is delicious. This is our go-to place for late night grinds. It is right across the street so no need to park, just walk!  Skinny Bitch
I just read a book that changed my life. Now, don’t let the title fool you…it is called Skinny Bitch and it is a must read. The book is written to help women “stop eating crap” and start being healthy and fabulous. It basically makes the reader aware of the food industry and how to choose foods that fuel your body and spirit. I have totally changed the way I eat. Gone are the days of eating processed, hormone infused, antibiotic dosed and chemical laden food! I feel sooooooooo much better and more alive. The book is very easy to read and it written in a sharp witty humor laced with naughty language. I LOVE it! If I were a billionaire, I would buy a copy for every American woman. I lent it to my mom, but if any woman living in Koolani would like to borrow it, I would love to share! If you wish to buy your own, head on down to Borders or shop online: http://skinnybitch.net I am in no way affiliated with the authors or the book. I just truly believe in the message it sends and it honestly is a life changer! My friend Helen told me about it and I must thank her from the bottom of my heart. I hope that you will read it and be aware of “you are what you eat” and live by that mantra. It is so true.  Products and Beauty Essentials
I am not ashamed to admit it: I LOVE looking manicured and maintained- having my makeup done and using the best skincare and makeup! Below are a list of my beauty products and where to get them. I see Arlene Tucker at Neiman Marcus for my Laura Mercier makeup. Now, being an upscale store and all, Neiman’s is exquisite but some of us (especially me with my arms covered in tattoos) get the shaft when shopping there. The employees size you up and down and compute your income worth by the labels or lack of labels you are wearing. Is that a place you like to spend your money? Not me! However, Arlene has been their saving grace. I about gave up shopping there until I met her. She is kind and honest and does not try to sell you the world (I hate that). She does the most AMAZING makeovers! She has magic in those fingers. Laura Mercier makes awesome tinted moisturizer and mineral pressed powder that will simplify your regime and make you look fresh and dewy. I love their Orleander cream blush, it is a beauty staple. My other favorite Laura Mercier products are the crème eye shadow and loose translucent powder. That is the only powder that will touch my face. All I have to say is try it and you will be a believer as well! I love Ken at Nordstrom. He used to work at MAC and is a bona fide genius at applying makeup. He did my makeup for a pageant night and I loved the look he created for me- sultry pinup girl without that tranny vibe that the artists at MAC tend to give me. Smashbox makes amazing lip glosses and liners and their primer is simply the best on the market. If you have a special event, he (or any makeup artist there) will do your makeup for free if you spend $50 or more in any beauty department at Nordy’s. How sweet is that? . By far my favorite, cannot-live-without product is Armani Luminous Silk foundation. Talk about a miracle in a bottle! I buy it online from Nordstrom since I refuse to purchase from anyone at Neiman Marcus but Arlene (they are the only store on the island that carries the Armani cosmetic line) and let me tell you- it will change your face! It makes your skin look radiant and luminous, like an angel! Being a hapa, I have a strange light golden skin tone that is impossible to match, but I found mine #4. You may have to go to Neimans to get matched since it is hard to tell the true color online. I also use their pressed powder in #4 if I am out and about. The best mascara I have found is Falsies by Maybelline! I have used everything from Chanel to Dior and this cheap drugstore one kicks them to the curb! On a daily basis, I get compliments on my lashes and sometimes people ask if they are fake! Talk about living up to their name…Falsies is a true lash batting, eye winking 10 on my scale! Get yours at Walmart for less than $7! My skincare is quite simple as I am young and oily- oil was my worst enemy growing up, but now I appreciate the fact that the oil has kept the lines at bay and that I get carded all the time! So I use La Roche Posay rose water spray to moisturize and an amazing eye cream from Avon daily. The Avon eye cream is called Anew Clinical Eye Lift and it has two different eye creams in one jar- one for your upper eye skin and one for your lower! How genius is that? Now being a healthy and informed consumer, I know about all the carcinogenic ingredients popular brands put in their shampoo, lotions and other beauty products. Having said that, I am still on the search for good foundation besides that mineral stuff (Laura Mercier is the ONLY one that doesn’t break me out) without all the harmful chemicals and synthetic ingredients. I am on the lookout for awesome makeup that does not put poisons in it, and when I do…you will be the first to know! Watch this video to be informed about the cancerous CRAP the cosmetic companies are putting in our products! http://www.komonews.com/news/18680399.html?tab=video This stuff gives people cancer! They put known chemicals in baby sunscreen! It leaves me scared and speechless that the FDA allows this. Our skin absorbs about 80% of what we put on it! So lathering up with sodium laureth sulfate (a known carcinogenic) on a daily basis is like putting potential cancer causing ingredients straight into your head! No thanks! I buy Desert Essences Organic Italian Grape Shampoo and Conditioner. I also use bar soap from Down to Earth in a yummy green apple scent. For lotions, I use Desert Essence Coconut or Bubba Shack’s line. comming soon Product price or special offer
comming soon Product price or special offer
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