1. I’m the first to admit that taking care of my skin and hair probably isn’t as much of a priority as it should be. Forget about the fancy stuff — I’m good with a bar of Irish Spring and a 99-cent bottle of shampoo on sale at Longs.
But then I discovered cosmetics retailer Lush while out shopping with my wife. I’m still not too keen on spending big bucks there, but I’ve come to realize that, as with a lot of things in life, you get what you pay for. Lush prides itself on selling handmade products that are not animal-tested, 100 percent vegetarian and packaged in recycled materials.
I’ve enjoyed all the products I’ve tried at Lush, but still have hangups on some of the prices. That’s why I love the variety of wash cards they sell for $1.95 each. A little bigger than a piece of chewing gum, each one is made with apple pulp to feel like a mini washcloth and can be reused two or three times. With cute names like What Would Love Do, Karma, All Good Things and Smugglers Soul, each one has a distinct scent that is also offered as both a liquid and solid perfume.
Lush has locations on Oahu at Ala Moana Center and the International Market Place; preview the wash cards online at lushusa.com.
— Jason Genegabus, Star-Advertiser
2. I recently went to Edible Arrangements on Bishop Street (near the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace) looking for a thank-you gift for someone. While waiting for the store to open, a little white paper cup filled with chocolate-dipped strawberries caught my eye.
“What a neat gift,” I thought. When the store opened, I inquired about its cost, and was surprised to find out it was only $5. I bought four to give to co-workers, along with the box of chocolate-dipped strawberries I had intended to get in the first place. Each cup contains seven to nine berries.
My co-workers were delighted with the impromptu treats; one of them mentioned it would make a good, inexpensive gift to give to her children’s teacher.
Available at Edible Arrangements stores; or order online for in-store pickup at ediblearrangements.com.
— Jenny Delos Santos, Star-Advertiser
3. The Dave Matthews Band has experienced some bad fortunes in recent years. They’ve lost two original members — saxophonist LeRoi Moore, who died in 2008, and violinist Boyd Tinsley, who left the band abruptly in February. Tinsley was subsequently accused of sexual misconduct in May, which he denies. Hard times have changed the sound they became famous for. Personally, it’s been a while since a DMB album really hit all the aspects of a great listening experience.
Six years since their last album, their new album “Come Tomorrow” debuted with a sound that reminds me of early albums. The band has collaborated with four different producers for over a decade; the result is a fantastic listening experience.
Nearly every track would be a solid song to rock out to in your room or in a stadium. Take a listen to the first album single, “Samurai Cop (Oh Joy Begin).”
— Joe Guinto, Star-Advertiser
4. A “giving key” necklace is made from an upcycled key stamped with a word that takes on a special meaning to the wearer. That word can represent a goal or serve as inspiration. The idea is once you have fulfilled the promise to yourself, you keep your eye out for someone who might benefit from the message and give them the key and your good wishes.
In Los Angeles, an organization that supports the employment of formerly homeless people makes vintage key jewelry through thegivingkeys.com. Here in Hawaii, North Shore artist Susan Valle makes custom hand-stamped keys, above.
Her online store is OneCharmingTreasure.Etsy.com and her pieces are also sold at Kai Ku Hale in Haleiwa and the Waimea Falls Park gift shop, with part of the proceeds going to support local nonprofits. Prices start around $20.
— Lee Cataluna, Star-Advertiser
5. When I bought my most recent box of Salonpas, the salesclerk commented: “I want to try that, but I don’t want to admit I’m old!” Yes, I avoided these stick-on patches with their aroma of menthol for years because I didn’t want to smell like an old person. But at a certain point — with oldness on the not-so-distant horizon and its aches already upon us — who cares?
Salonpas, made in Japan, has been around since 1934, used to treat minor pains, strains, even arthritis. The main active ingredients are menthol and methyl salicylate, both analgesics, or pain relievers. Methyl salicylate (aka wintergreen oil) is also an anti-inflammatory. The combination creates a cool heat, if you know what I mean, that penetrates directly into sore spots.
It’s not going to cure a serious owie, but it will help you get through your day, and it could make a simple ache, like a crick in the neck, all better.
I buy a box of 60 for about $10. The box comes with three sealed foil packets, so I can spread them around. You never know when pain is gonna getcha. They’re available at any drugstore.
— Betty Shimabukuro, Star-Advertiser
Please keep in mind that featured products may be in short supply and may not be available at all store locations; prices may vary. The information presented represents the authors’ opinions and experiences; your results may vary. Tell us what you are loving this week by emailing features@staradvertiser.com.
