HAWAII :: MY HAPPY PLACE

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When I made my first trip to the Hawaiian islands I realized I’d spent a good chunk of my life TOTALLY MISSING OUT!  I very quickly worked to make that right, thoroughly exploring every island, many of them multiple times. It fast became my go-to when I need to check out, relax, and get some quality vacation time in.  I love the islands for their warm turquoise waters, the lush tropics, and the variation of experiences available. There is truly something for everyone!  Today I’m busting out some of our old vacation snaps, many of them taken long before this site was even a twinkle in my eye.  I’ll be waxing on about a few of my favorite things to do on the islands, and hopefully inspiring your next vacation!  xx- Sarah  Brought to you by The Hawaiian Islands 

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The first days of any of my visits to Hawaii are dedicated to planting my feet in the sand, reading a book, soaking up the sunshine and keeping cool with lots of ocean swimming!  I can practically smell the air and feel the sand between my toes just thinking about it.  The Hawaiian islands have some of my favorite beaches, some with more adventurous swimming (which for me means waves!), and some that are a little more protected and calm. I don’t discriminate though, I love them all equally.  And of course, snorkeling is always involved.  Nothing quite like seeing the fishies you’re swimming around with!  {so much more after the jump!}

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ROASTED SWEET POTATO AND RED ONION SALAD

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Are you looking for an insanely easy, exceptionally delicious and healthy meal that you can literally THROW TOGETHER?!  Ok, not literally.  Throwing food almost never works for making things delicious unless it’s pizza dough.  But you get the idea.  This dish is so simple and shockingly tasty.  I mean, I was shocked.  When I started it I thought I might’ve had an idea that was headed south faster than the snowbirds in January.  BUT. BUT.  BUT!!!!  Yes, three buts.  I was SO wrong.  Make it!  Please, please make it.  Then photograph it and share it with me on Instagram (hashtag #ahouseinthehills)  It will make my week.  It’s seriously the best thing since this salad when you guys share your kitchen adventures with me, I get huge amounts of satisfaction from it. Probably weird amounts.  Not creepy-werid, good weird.  OK!  I’ll go now.  xx- Sarah

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CURRENTLY WISHING….

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I haven’t done one of these in a bit, I’ve actually been laying low on the shopping.  But I just added the above to my wish list for spring and summer!  Yes, I’m thinking ahead.  But you have to know, it’s been in the mid 80’s here in the desert so summer is only a blink away for us!  And that romper- you guys it’s $80!  Which, considering it’s a whole outfit, is a major steal in my opinion!  And I’ve rounded up some extras below . Happy shoppping everyone!  xx- Sarah

SHOP THIS POST: 1. Romper  2. Ring  3. Clutch  4. Sandals  5. Fringe Bag  6. Sunnies

 

MINI POLENTA PIZZAS

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I’ve been working on the recipe for awhile.  And by “working on” I mean using this site as an excuse to make polenta pizza over and over and over again.  “But the crust could be a bit crisper, I should tweak the amount of cooking time” I’d tell myself while shoveling perfectly crisp little mini pizzas into my mouth like a famine survivor. Polenta mini pizzas my friend, you should get on this.  Perhaps you’ll even have to cook them 17 times to make sure you’ve really perfected the recipe.  I wouldn’t judge you for it, not this girl.  xx- Sarah  {more after the jump}

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FRIDAY LINKS

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Happy Valentines Day, you lovers you!  Do you have romantic plans on the books?  Lou ordered me vegan, sugar free, gluten free ice cream and the likelihood is high that I’m going to plant myself somewhere and eat it all. Those are my romantic plans.  Because you guys, I haven’t had any sugar since December.  And it’s Valentine’s Day.  So the combination of those two things really calls for an ice cream binge, doesn’t it?  IT ABSOLUTELY DOES!  Links for your weekend below.  I hope it’s a good one!  xx- Sarah 

This dish looks healthy and delicious and this unexpected combo is calling my name, loudly!

I’m dreaming of long, hot summer days and wearing this.  

I’ve got something fun in the works, here’s a sneak peek and I cannot wait to share more!  

Our dear friends in San Diego just opened THE MOST DELICIOUS PLACE TO EAT EVER.  With healthy options too. I die.

Make sure your volume is up to hear the best sounds in the entire world, ever. 

These are probably going to fly off the shelves- badass and affordable!

We just added this chair to our living room.  Update coming soon, I cannot wait to share!!! 

I think this is the best Valentine’s Day dessert idea I’ve seen so far! And an even healthier idea here. And ok, there’s also these. 

If you’ve been watching the Olympics and you love Girls, this is for you.

This was a fun peek into the daily life of one of my faves, Clare Vivier. 

The most genius use of an almost empty peanut butter jar, here! 

If you’re not following along with this house renovation, you are totally missing out.

We saw this movie last week- crazy intense and not an easy watch but some of the best acting I’ve seen in ages.

SO good and on sale: this, this and this.  Well done West Elm! 

I’ve been fantasizing about this for the past 20 minutes.  (I’d wear this there)

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GRILLED SWEET POTATO TACOS WITH LIME CREMA

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Yes.  A thousand times Yes.  I found another way to make tacos!  At this rate I’ll be able to eat a different taco every night for a month, and then start the rotation all over again on the first.  Which is basically my dream come true.  That’s normal, right?  Are you even listening to me or is the voice in your head drowning me out with a low chant… “TACOS, TACOS, TACOS, TACOS, TACOS!”  It’s ok, I hear it too.  Here’s what you’re looking at: grilled sweet potatoes, a tangy lime crema(made with cashews, so, dairy free!), homemade tortillas, purple cabbage and jalapeno.  And it gets better, you can add avocado.  That’s right!  Thank you and good day.  xx- Sarah

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