Throw away your scraggly straw beach mat and replace it with a fashion statement. From the bright-blue Mandala Hapuna design to the sultry Mandala Sunset, you’ll find a Dolkii beach throw to match your style. My favorites are the 70-inch “roundies” with fringe, $54 to $69. They are perfect for sunbathing or, better yet, a romantic beach picnic with your honey. Afterward, just toss the cotton throws in the washing machine — fab and functional.

And you can feel good about your purchase as Dolkii, founded by sisters Shaiyanne Dar and Yasmin Dar Fasi, donates a portion of its profits to Project Hawaii, a nonprofit that strives to enhance the lives of homeless and poverty-stricken keiki. Visit Dolkii.com. — Jermel-Lynn Quillopo, Honolulu

Set up a session to get luxe nail art

There’s something about having my nails done that makes me feel feminine, especially when I call on nail artist Miyuki Sato. The variety of gemstones, hand-painted art and high-quality Japanese gel she uses ensures a manicure or pedicure that will last for weeks. She’s in high demand and is available only through appointment by emailing mkmk1209@gmail.com. You can arrange for her to come to your house or meet at her space in a private salon. No walk-ins accepted. An average appointment takes two to three hours for the intricate artwork; rates are $50 to $120. — Lacy Matsumoto, Liliha

Compact blade sharpener is easy to use

After going through more than a dozen knife sharpeners — some costing more than $100 — I finally found one that works well. The AccuSharp Knife and Tool Sharpener, with diamond-honed tungsten carbide blades, doesn’t take much space and is easy to use.

Applying a little pressure, run the sharpener over the knife blade, and just like that, it’s as sharp as when it was new. (It even sharpens serrated knives and machetes.) Find AccuSharp for $10 at Mid City Restaurant Equipment, 500 Alakawa St. No. 118, in Iwilei, and at Bed Bath & Beyond. — Steven Gushikuma, Kaneohe

Bananas and berries round out tasty bowl

Eating ice cream for breakfast probably isn’t the best way to start the day, but you can satisfy your sweet tooth and get a nutritious boost with Leahi Health’s fantastic Ala Moana Acai Bowl. Pureed frozen banana is placed on a base of acai berries and topped with goji berries, bananas and a sprinkle of granola. The result is an ice cream-like treat that gives me energy for hours with no remorse. Try it for $10 at Leahi Health, 481 Kuulei Road in Kailua (it’s not available at the Kaimuki location). Visit leahihealth.com. — Erin Smith, Kailua

Old shirts get makeover in quilt form

One of the best gifts I’ve received in recent years was a T-shirt quilt from online retailer Project Repat. Send in 16 to 128 of your favorite shirts, and in about three weeks you will receive a quilt ranging in size from a lap blanket to king-sized bedcover. Thanks to my mom, who saved old T-shirts from my high school and college days, I now have something from my youth to share with my daughter that’s more than just an old picture. Prices start at $89.99 for a one-sided, 16-panel blanket. Visit projectrepat.com for more info. — Jason Genegabus