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1. Local jewelry designer Michael Balios combines unique and interesting materials including brass and sandalwood beads, red Czech glass and black onyx to create his bracelets and necklaces. Spiritual traditions inspire many of his designs. Brass beads combined with turquoise create a beautiful combination in a bracelet that caught my eye, at left. But one of my favorite pieces is a mala bracelet — a strand of beads traditionally used for meditation and prayer — with 108 small matted onyx beads and a silver guru bead that serves as a clasp. The strand can be double-wrapped around the wrist. Each of these bracelets costs $44.99. Visit his Etsy store at 808ne.ws/oldmystictrader.
2. Budding artists will love the colorful crayon pouch available at Tini Manini in Haleiwa on the North Shore. The long piece of fabric houses 24 crayons and rolls up neatly, making it perfect for travel. The pouch, which comes preloaded with crayons and is handmade by Krafty Kona, costs $22. Tini Manini is at 66-250 Kamehameha Highway; call 637-8464.
3. I absolutely love starfish, so it’s no wonder that I found this dainty bobby pin. The appearance, texture and symbolism of these sea critters appeals to me. The starfish represents renewal and regeneration. They can even grow back limbs. These creatures remind me to be resilient and to replace negative emotions and mindsets. Plus, they are just so cute. I picked up this hair accessory at The Refinery in Kahala Mall for just $5.
4. Growing up, Clue was one of my favorite board games. I love mystery and intrigue, which also led to my love of JK Rowling’s “Harry Potter” books and all things Potter.
The Clue Harry Potter board game combines two of my favorite things. Take on the persona of a Harry Potter character — including Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny — and try to determine what happened to a missing student from Hogwarts. The goal is to find out who caused the disappearance, what spell or object was used and which room was the site of the crime. I found the game for $44.90 at Hot Topic in Pearlridge Center. Also at bedbathandbeyond.com and walmart.com.
5. This adorable seahorse bobs up and down in your teacup while brewing loose tea leaves to perfection. The silicone, BPA-free tea infuser is a cheap alternative to picking up a teapot and strainer. Made by Fred, the Under the Tea infuser opens and closes easily and is relatively easy to clean. If tea leaves are small, they may leak out of the holes, but I’m fine just putting a tea bag inside because it’s so delightful and fun to use. Available at SoHa Living’s Waikiki (Hilton Hawaiian Village) and Kailua locations for $14.80. The seahorse infuser, along with other animals, is also available at genuinefred.com.
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 author’s opinions and experiences; your results may vary. Tell us what you are loving this week by emailing features@staradvertiser.com.
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