I’ve been taking ikebana classes from Sogetsu-style master Carole Sakata for nearly four years now, and I’m still considered a novice. But don’t let that keep you from learning this beautiful Japanese art form; the motto of the contemporary Sogetsu school of ikebana is “Anyone can enjoy ikebana anytime, anywhere, using any material.”

Sakata, who holds the ranking of “riji,” ikebana’s highest, starts a new series of Friday classes this week. Her students will learn to make basic and free-style arrangements with tropical and other floral varieties. Cost: $115 plus a $60 materials fee (flowers included). Visit honolulumuseum.org.

—Lacy Matsumoto, Liliha

CoolBag keeps gear secure, waterproof

Maybe I should have more faith in humanity, but I’ve always been a bit nervous when leaving my bag poolside on vacation. Whether I’m using an iPad as a camera or my cellphone to find my husband in a sea of beach chairs, I don’t want to feel tethered poolside or have to run back to the room to lock up my pricey tech.

The CoolBag sports a detachable handle that can be looped through the leg of a beach chair (think fabric-covered bike lock) and a combination lock built into the zipper, securing my gear while I take a dip. It also has a waterproof cooler pouch to keep gadgets from overheating and to carry cold drinks. Plus, it’s great on a plane when I don’t want to tote my carry-on to the bathroom. Order it online at coolbag.com for $123; enter the promo code Aloha10 for 10 percent off.

—Donica Kaneshiro

Urban fantasy books full of magic, humor

I love author Patricia Briggs’ Mercy Thompson urban fantasy series for its mix of magic, clever humor, romance and plot twists. The best-selling novels are set in modern-day Washington state and center around a half Native American Volkswagen mechanic who can turn into a coyote. The Tri-Cities area is populated by werewolves, demons, fairies and monsters, and though the heroine often takes a beating, she comes out on top. Briggs is an expert at creating well-rounded secondary characters — from the vampire who loves Scooby Doo to Mercy’s cranky supernatural boss — who do more than just further Mercy’s story.

Catch up with the series now; the ninth book, “Fire Touched” (Ace Books, $27), will be released March 8.

—Samone Yuen, Laie

Hearty Chinese stew inspires isle designs

Official Lunar New Year observances might be over, but you can continue to celebrate good fortune and good health with “Goong Goong’s Jai” dish towels and T-shirts by Grant Kagimoto of Cane Haul Road. He said the design was inspired by Lynette Lo Tom, author of “Hawaii Cooks: A Chinese Cookbook” (Mutual Publishing, $21.95) and a frequent contributor to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s Food section, who wrote about the hearty stew of vegetables and fermented tofu made by her goong goong (grandfather).

The towels ($9) and T-shirts ($18) are available at Wabi Sabi, 1223 Koko Head Ave. in Kaimuki; 734-3693.

—Christie Wilson

Tasty, affordable, local noodles

While I was buying pancit seasoning and dried rice noodles at the store, a customer standing behind me told me about the ono noodles from Oahu Noodle Factory, which he said are better than anything his mom cooked with. Although I still prefer the skinny rice noodles for the Filipino dish, Oahu Noodle Factory’s Pansit Miki noodles were delicious and cost only $1.30 for a pound. I just toss them with whatever veggies are lying around the kitchen to make a dish that can feed at least four people. The chow mein noodles and pei (won ton wrappers) are equally cheap. It’s such a bargain that I can experiment with recipes without breaking the bank. Oahu Noodle Factory is at 1924 N. King St. in Kalihi; 841-0077.

—Michelle Ramos