"Da Lumpia Lady" is now open!

Yesterday was our FIRST day of being open!  Our hours are Monday- Saturday from 10am-3pm.  Anyway, our very FIRST customer ever- came a few minutes before 10 because she saw on Facebook we were open.  She said she just got done with her "Zumba" class and wanted to try it.  

That is MR. Lumpia in the picture with her! LOL

We have 2 types on the menu: "Hapa"- a mixture of beef, potatoe, beans, carrots, and special seasonings.  "Local"- a mixture of pork, beans, carrots, and beans sprouts!  All come with our house sauce!  By 2pm- we sold out of the "Hapa" and at 3pm we sold out of "Local!" 

Our lumpias are FRESH.  Meaning, not frozen and rolled THAT morning.  Yup, slaving away to bring Maui the best lumpia eva. Period. Ha! 

While, it may not be a big deal to some, to me- its a huge deal!  The recipes are MY own recipes, not passed down or anything.  I am a lumpia fanatic so I tweaked everything until I got what I wanted to eat.  So to me, the fact that we sold out- meant that everyone liked it!  Which means they like MY recipe!  If you are a cook, you know the feeling.  Nothing worse than people NOT liking your cooking/recipe.  KWIM?!  

You see my introduction?  And the bottom, I mention how I want to start a lumpia truck.  Anyway- I kept saying how I wanted one to my husband.. and within a 3 week time frame we got one made, permits done, and secured a permanent spot!  Yes, in 3 weeks!!! Sometimes in life, you just gotta do it! Initially, I was nervous.  "What happens if noone comes?" "what happens if they don't like it?"  Plus, what are we gonna do with the babies?  We enrolled Kiana in the BEST daycare I found on Maui, (they are like a mini "school" and she even acts "older" now, it is crazy) and I decided to just take Kailea with us!  

She helped me take the orders and Walt cooked!

As you can see, if you believe in a dream/product, nothing should stop you.  It is hard work, let me tell you.  Every morning I have to get up and make the lumpia at a commercial kitchen, and make sure all my Tiel work is pau.  Why do I do it?  Because I believe in myself.  I believe that my lumpia is awesome and I believe in having great fashion at affordable prices.  PLUS I think I am a workaholic.  LOL.  I LOVE to be busy.  Bye, Bye already non-existent social life.  Teehee!

By the way, I am helping 2 other people achieve their dreams/goals right now.  In fact, I will share their stories on a later time.  Due to my husband's urging (again, super BLESSED he supports me in everything), I am starting my own consultant group.  "Spangler Consultant Group" at your services!  In a few months, the website will be up so you can see what we offer.  Basically, because I have an idea on all the ins and outs of starting a business, including the tax side- I wanted to HELP others achieve success as well.  I don't care what your dream/goal is.  As long as you want to do it and believe in it, everyone should at least try.  You know?  What's the worse that can happen?  You try and it does not work out, OR you spend the rest of your life NOT knowing.  And I think that is worse.  

If you have an idea/product that you need help with, feel free to email me at SpanglerCG@yahoo.com! Yes- between the Ohana, Tiel, WOM and Da Lumpia Lady; SCG is it.  That is the last of my services! BUT I am starting a PRODUCT now. LOL You know it!  Keep a lookout!

SIDENOTES

1- Pau= means "finish", to be "done"

2- Ohana= means family.  But you already knew this! LOL

First Family 5k and "WOM"

Well, I did it! Ran my FIRST race with both the girls.  Let me tell ya, it was not easy but it was not too hard, either.  We ran the "Run til You Are Green" 5k, yesterday!  My unoffical time was 27:03!  Yes, with both girls!  Of course, my husband came in third overall!

  Man, pushing a double BOB is tough when you are just running, but in a race- that's a different story!  You have to make sure you aren't in anyone's way and you have to be able
to have room for the stroller when you pass people.  I started in the back, so I would like to think that my time is actually faster! LoL.  I also like to think that since I could not pass people- I was in the back, that it affected my time as well! (Haha!! Anything to make me feel like I was faster! KWIM?!)
  I bet you are wondering why I pushed the double BOB and not my husband?? Well, my husband is VERY fast.  He came in 3rd with an unofficial time of 16:30.  HE is THE runner of the family.  Cause he is fast as sh*t!!  He always wants to win his races and because he probably could, I told him, "Don't worry about the kids- I will run with them."  My husband supports my crazy ideas, the least I could do is support his passion!  I got tired of not having a babysitter to watch his races, so I said, "Screw it! I am going to run with them!"
Although, my husband is the fastest one in the family, he is not the only runner.  We did meet on the same track team in 6th grade!  He takes running a bit more seriously/competitively than I do.  On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the extreme), he is probably a 15 when it comes to running, while I am a 6/7.  However, my husband is bringing my competitive side out!  I mean, I am a Capricorn and all! LoL!  If I am going to run with a double stroller- I am going to be the fastest runner with a stroller!  Ha!

Before my husband came into my life, My running background consisted of a few runs in college.  I guess you could say I was the runner out of my friends.  We all lived close to each other, and I would just run to their house.  I did make it a point to run because it is just what I do.  I feel so much better after a run! KWIM?  I wish I did more races- because I think I was wayyy faster then than now!  I remember my friends and I decided a WEEK before to do the "Great Aloha Run" (8.1 miles) and we allll went out the night before.  I remember we were all hanging in the car and puking right before the race! Haha! Oh man, I miss college and days like that!  As you can see, I did not do that bad, considering I stopped to puke in the bushes a couple of times! HAHA!  After that, I did one more race- graduated from UH and moved to Vegas (2007).  I did not do any more races until I (re)met my husband and we did a 5k togethor (2009). I am not that fast, but with my husband winning left and right- it makes me want to be faster!

My 2 races in college! HA! Bottom is the "Great Aloha Run." It is pretty popular here in Hawaii.

And that would be my FIRST run with my husband!  Athlinks.com is pretty cool!  You can see all your race times.

After moving to Washiongton state (2011), I wanted to start getting into races with my husband.  It is just sooo cold before summer time hits, that you don't have the motivation to go outside and run.  And I hate running on a treadmill!  I still did as much as I could because I don't like not running.  I eat like a teenage boy, so If I don't run the little mileage I do- I would prob be 500 pounds.  Seriously, if you knew how much I ate- you would be surpised too!  I plan my day around my meals! "Nope, we can't go there during that time.  Why? Because it is lunchtime.  Speaking of- what are we eating for lunch?" Yup.  All the time.
Anyway, long story short- my husband had to get deployed; so I decided to go home to Maui and figured "Hey, why not do the Great Aloha Race while I am there?" So I started training and then found out I was pregnant! Oh, the irony.  However, that did not stop me!  I read articles on pregnant people doing marathons (that's a little too much for me pregnant or not), and figured if those women can do it, than I can run an 8 mile race.  Sooo I ended up running that BETTER than when I ran it- not pregnant.  I was about 5 months pregnant with Kiana at that time.  I also did a 5k race before and 10k after.  10k was not as good as I wanted because I was BACK in Tacoma and it was raining.  I can assure you, running in the rain sucks and I don't ever want to that again. Period. Haha!

Isn't that crazy? I ran the "Great Aloha Run" in 2012 better when I was pregnant, as opposed to above picture that showed my time in 2007!  Well, I was not hanging that time! Teehee!

I did not do any races after my daughter and then, ironically, when I started running again- guess who was pregnant?? AGAIN??  I tried to run as much as I could, but was not able to do any races pregnant with Kailea.

Now that we are back on Maui and the sun wakes me up at 7am, I have been making it a point to go running with the girls every morning (okay, maybe not EVERY morning- but most! LOL).  No excuses!! I may have 2 babies, but that will not stop me! I love my beer! LOL  Initially, I was scared to run a race with them but after doing it- I realize its not that bad.

So what's the moral to this story?
I get emails all the time from other women saying that they can't believe I have 2 babies.  While I feel good about it, it is also hard work!  Trust me.  I have to make sure I do some kind of HARD physical activity OR I would have to get carted everywhere!  I hope that I can encourage all those other woman out there to get motivated!  I gave a little back ground on my running history because I want to encourage those to practice being healthy even when you are pregnant.  DON'T PUSH IT, but keep active.

If I can make time in my day- to get a run in or do some pushups, etc.. YOU can, too!  I have 2 babies and 2 business but I always try to make time for it! NO EXCUSES! I don't have a babysitter- so the girls come running with me or I do exercises with them.

Also, if you follow our instagram @shoptiel- I post workout tips or a healthy meal recipe every now and then.  It is something that I like to do.  When I ran in pageants (ha, yes! I did a few.. back in 2002 and 2004)- my platform was, "Living A Healthier Lifestyle!"  So I guess you could say being healthy is a passion of mine.  Notice how I said HEALTHY and not skinny?!?! Do not get the 2 words misconstrued.  You don't have to be a size 2- to be healthy.  Remember that.

Anyway, I am actually on my way to getting a personal trainer certificate!  YES!  But in the meantime- those that LIVE on Maui, you can join me for "WOM!"  That is right!  A spin on "WOD."  "WOM" means- "Work Out Mom."  I am planning on doing some runs and workouts at Keopulani Park in the mornings, WITH your kids.  I want to show you that you can get a workout in, even without a babysitter!  Plus, the park is there so after you can let your kids play, too!  If you are interested in attending one- please email me at tiel808@yahoo.com.  I will bring weights, too.  Think of it as a mini boot camp with your kids!  And yes, we will be running the LONG trail! LOL

DA LUMPIA LADY

FashionSISTAS!!  I did it!  This is the project I have been eating, breathing, and sleeping on for weeks.  If you check out my "intro" to this blog- in the last line, I stated that a personal dream of mine would be a lumpia food truck......

Behold- "Da Lumpia Lady" food wagon!!!  

What is lumpia?  If you follow my instagram,  I posted this mouth-watering picture of the lumpia I made for my Auntie's party a few weeks ago.

Lumpia is a thin rice paper wrapped over filling and then fried.  Typically, these are known as "egg-rolls."  Lumpia is pretty much a party in your mouth.  A taste of heaven, if you will.  The best thing you will ever eat.  Period.  

I am OBSESSED with lumpia.  My instagram name is @lumpialuva because... well, it's self explanatory.  My family would always make sure lumpia would be served at all family events- because if not, I would not go! LOL Just kidding.  But if you tell me lumpia is being served, I am there an hour early! Haha!  Anyway, it is always hard to find lumpia.  And to find GOOD lumpia.  I want lumpia fresh and fried right when I order it.  It is like french fries, only good fresh or if you wait too long to eat it- it becomes soggy.  AND you HAVE to have the right sauce with it!  That is key. Not sweet and sour or ketchup or tabasco- or whatever sauce.. it has to be the Filipino style sauce: vinegar, minced garlic, and chilli peppa!  And it can't just be vegetables inside.  If I am going to eat something DEEP FRIED- lets make it worth it! KWIM?!?! (I am not a complete health food freak, but I am aware of what I eat.  If I am going to eat something deep fried- it better be something sooo delicious that I don't mind the extra workout! LOL)

Anyway, with all that being said- my husband, who absolutely LOVES my lumpia recipe, helped propel my idea of JUST selling lumpia- into a reality.  (My husband is great.  I hope everyone has a partner who supports everything you want to do and helps you achieve your dreams!) I have always said I wanted to open a restaurant that just serves a million different types of lumpia. Just lumpia.  Plain and simple.  So we are doing it!

We figured out all the paperwork, permits, etc.. to get a lumpia food trailer going!  It was a lot of hard work.  We literally started from the bottom.  Having never opened any type of food establishment, we researched everything and got a trailer made!  

We hired an amazing builder (email me if you want his information), and he worked with our vision!  The colors are obviously my idea! LOL Don't they look familiar?? That's right- it is the color of "Tiel Boutique!"

After a few weeks of busting a$$ to get this going- we are READY!! We should be opening up next week!  Unfortunately, it is only here on Maui.  If we get bigger, I hope to open up in a city near you!  Oahu will be the next place and then the wooorrrllld!! LOL 

Where will we be at???  You know the food truck area by Costco on Maui?  That will be our PERMANENT spot!  We are shooting to be open Monday at 10am-2pm.  Follow our instagram @dalumpialady and our facebook page, "Da Lumpia Lady" to see when we will open!! 

PS- We also cater for parties.  Email us at dalumpialady@yahoo.com for more information!

What is ALOHA? And how does one "spread it?"

If this is your first time visiting my blog, "Welcome!"
OR as we would say in Hawaii, "E KOMO MAI!"
 Obviously, I am from the gorgeous islands of Hawaii- Maui to be exact.  

After moving away after college, and living in the "Mainland" for a few years, it is nice to be home again!  It's really true how much you appreciate something when you don't have it anymore.  Now that I am home- I am always like:  "look at that sunset," "the water looks so peaceful today," "that flower looks soo pretty," etc.. Things that when I lived here before- I never really took the time to look and admire it.  And now I have a much  more deep rooted appreciation for my islands.

I also appreciate our culture more.  Especially the "ALOHA."  If you are an avid follower on our instagram @shoptiel, you would see I sometimes use #aloha or #spreadthealoha hashtags.  

What is ALOHA??

According to Wikipedia (I use this for everything. LOL):  Aloha in the Hawaiian language means affection, peace, compassion and mercy.  
In Hawaii, we also use the word "Aloha" to say "Hi" and "Goodbye."  
It is also used in reference to how one should live. 

    
  "Spread the Aloha"- 
is a saying that we use a lot here in the islands.  It is a way of life for us.  It means: to show compassion for others, always lend a helping hand, be mindful of one another's feelings, take care of the land, treat everyone with respect, do unto others as you would have them do unto you, be kind, show respect, etc.. etc..  You get the picture.  Those 3 simple words- explain a lot of the Hawaiian culture.  

Hawaii is truly the "Land of Aloha."  

Since I reach such a broad range of people from California to Florida, all the states in between, AND even overseas- I feel like it is my duty to share ALOHA and our culture with you all.  
Alot of the items I sell on our website (www.shoptiel.com), reflect the way we dress here in the islands.   I am also aiming to share a little of our culture with ya'll as well.  Maybe throw in some recipes, pictures of beautiful beaches, recommendations on where to go, etc.. just because I want to.  I mean, I just want to "Spread the Aloha" with everyone!! 

Not everyone is lucky enough to get to visit Hawaii.  Let alone Maui- the best island! LOL  Hopefully, through me, everyone will get a taste of the "Aloha" spirit!!!