1. Find an array of locally made products to love at Red Barn Farmstand, 66-320 Kamehameha Highway in Haleiwa. The quaint store has everything from fresh produce and honey to soaps and handmade crafts.
Two of my favorites: Island Olive Oil’s mission fig balsamic vinegar ($11.99 for 12 ounces), which I like to mix with a little olive oil and drizzle over salad greens, and Rainbow Bees honey in macadamia nut and all-flora flavors ($3.50 for a 2-ounce bottle, $7 for 8 ounces).
While shopping, enjoy Gone Holoholo’s delicious hibiscus iced tea ($3.50), a blend of Hawaiian soursop, hibiscus and nasturtium. Brew at home for $6.50 for a package that yields about 30 servings. I plan to go back on the weekends for fresh corn with Hawaiian sea salt and herbed butter ($4 per ear, two for $7).
Call 753-4350.
— Nancy Arcayna, Wahiawa
2. Since the early days of the Made in Hawaii Festival, I have been buying jewelry from Creations by Keiko. Artisan Lynne Nakaura worked in ceramics back then but now makes gorgeous fused, dichroic glass jewelry. All of her iridescent colors seem to glow from inside. I am unable to resist and am working my way through the rainbow via my purchases.
Some of her designs are now available at Hawaii Hallmark stores, including her stud-style “dots” earrings ($18), “dangle dots” ($42) on long ear wires, rectangular dangles ($38) and small triangle pendants on cords ($30).
Her jewelry also is sold at the Polynesian Cultural Center and other select boutiques. Nakaura will be doing a pop-up sale from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 10 at Amy’s Hallmark Shop in Ala Moana Center. Info: creationsbykeiko.com.
— Erika Engle, Honolulu
3. Halloween is a holiday of the weird and strange. These bouncy balls are sold at Longs Drugs stores for the minimal investment of $1.49.
Choose one with eyeballs all around or one that lights up in a changing array of colors when you bounce it. Imagine a trick-or-treater roaming darkened streets holding up a couple of these — extra candy for that kid!
After Halloween they can be repurposed as stress balls.
— Betty Shimabukuro, Star-Advertiser
4. I was cursed with eyelashes that hang like a curtain. It’s a wonder I can see. Over the years I’ve tried every type of mascara, eyelash curler, false eyelashes and lash extensions for lift, but they all have their flaws.
Recently, I was due for travel and didn’t want to be bothered by this little detail, so off to L’mour Nail & Beauty’s Wax & Lash Bar at Pearlridge Uptown I went for a Volume Lift eyelash perm ($85).
I was ecstatic with the result. The painless process takes 45 minutes to an hour, most of it spent waiting for the perm and neutralizing solutions to work while your lashes rest over a silicone pad on your eyelid.
You shouldn’t wet your lashes for 24 hours, but after that you’re free to jump in the ocean; they’ll hold up for about eight weeks. Call 486-8885 for an appointment.
The service is also available at sister salons Lavish Nails & Wax Bar in Kahala Mall and Ka Makana Ali‘i in Kapolei.
— Nadine Kam, Honolulu
“4 Things We Love” is a shortlist of newly discovered stuff you have got to see, hear, wear, use or eat. Please keep in mind that featured products may be in short supply and may not be available at all store locations; prices may vary. Tell us what you are loving by emailing features@staradvertiser.com.