1. Upon first glance, ceramic Hawaiian ipu and poi pounders created by Mary Mosely appear to simply be well-crafted works of art. But when you notice the power cords dangling in back and proceed to flip their switches, Mosely’s pieces instantly transform into working light fixtures.
Standing about 12 inches tall, the designs include palm trees, Hawaiian sea turtles and even the University of Hawaii football team logo. Everything is produced and painted by hand at Mosely’s Leeward Oahu studio.
The tea-light candle lamp ($27.50) can also be finished as a plug-in electric light ($49.50). The lamps are also decorated with kukui nut lei and/or fishhooks hanging from braided raffia. The only way to order one is directly through Mosely via Aloha Ceramics at 282-4474 or mary@alohaceramics.com.
— Jason Genegabus, Star-Advertiser
2. Pearl Pualani Ling has found a unique canvas for her Hawaiian mythology-inspired artwork: aaniu, the clothlike material at the base of coconut fronds.
“To me it represents strength,” Ling said. “I pray,” and then the aaniu “tells me that ‘we want to be this’ or ‘we want to be that.’”
Prices vary according to size. I bought her 3-by-5-inch artwork of a pueo for $30 — a bargain for something with authentic Hawaiian mana.
Ling appears at craft shows and regularly at Ko Olina resorts. Call 526-1313 for a schedule.
— Steven Mark, Star-Advertiser
3. Physicians Formula Super CC Color-Correction + Care covers up facial blemishes and sun spots, blending in without a trace. Plus, the tinted, quick-drying, brush-on liquid with SPF 30 is free of synthetic sunscreen chemicals.
It comes in a purse-friendly applicator and lasts a good two months, even though I use it every day. And it’s got staying power: After two hours of bicycling, walking and bodysurfing on a hot day, I looked in a mirror, and my concealer was still in place.
Find it at selected Longs Drugs for about $11.99 for the .14-ounce wand or about $14 in a 1.2-ounce tube.
— Mindy Pennybacker, Star-Advertiser
4. Only the most rewarding experiences will lure me into Waikiki, and Kona Coffee Purveyors’ black sesame kouign-amann is one of them. The exquisitely flaky, buttery pastry, similar to a croissant, is made sweet and savory with a filling of black sesame, and it’s irresistible.
Kona Coffee Purveyors’ partnered with San Francisco bakery b. Patisserie and chef/owner Belinda Leong to bring the French pastry to Honolulu. In San Francisco they are offered only twice a year, but here, we can get them anytime for $6 each. (Buy two for parking validation, offered with a $10 purchase.)
Call 450-2364.
— Elizabeth Kieszkowski, Star-Advertiser
“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.
