1. Somehow I missed the “Anne of Green Gables” novels as a kid. Just as well. The lack of background makes it easier for me to appreciate the Netflix series “Anne With an E.”
This isn’t the first attempt to re-create L.M. Montgomery’s novels in moving pictures, but it is the first to take such liberties as adding major black and gay characters. These and other changes have made many purists unhappy, but I am a blank slate, so I find it all just smart, breezy and satisfying.
“Anne,” set in the late 19th century on Prince Edward Island in Canada, is about an orphan adopted by a brother-sister farming family (their property is called Green Gables). Anne, played by Amybeth McNulty, says things like, “It is a scrumptious pleasure to make your acquaintances,” and she tackles fitting in, growing up, learning math — all with an infectious enthusiasm. You gotta love her.
The second season dropped in July. Both seasons are available on Netflix. — Betty Shimabukuro
2. I recently moved into an apartment in one of those brand-new, high-rise buildings in Kakaako. It’s a nice place, but it doesn’t include a dishwasher. This is a problem; I don’t do dishes. Enter my new Danby Countertop Dishwasher. It hooks up to my kitchen faucet (with an adaptor) and sits right on the counter. It only uses 3 gallons of water for each load, so I don’t have to worry about staying “green.” It cost less than $250 and saves lots of time after dinner to watch Netflix. Available online at bestbuy.com and other appliance websites. — Joel Kight
3. I have no patience to wait for paint to dry.
So when I heard of Color Street’s real nail polish in a sticker form, I was intrigued.
With little to no frustration, I press on the polish strips, cutting them off at the edges of each nail with my fingers. Within minutes, I have fully dry, manicured nails. (No more of my kindergartener paint jobs or chipped nails after a costly trip to the salon!)
I like to seal it with clear gloss, though unnecessary, to help keep the paint chip-free for several weeks.
They cost about $12 plus tax and shipping and come in dozens of designs, glitters and trendy colors. There are enough strips for an entire manicure and pedicure. Purchase at hokunails.com. — Kristen Consillio
4. A friend used to save a Sunday every other month for a “peanut butter run” to the North Shore. “You don’t understand,” she would say. “I am so in love with this stuff.” Happily for devoted (addicted) fans of North Shore Goodies’ coconut peanut butter, it’s now available islandwide in ABC stores, Foodland Farms and Island Vintage Coffee. The ingredients are coconuts and peanuts. That’s it. But the taste is mind-blowing. Variations include honey-coconut-peanut butter, chocolate-coconut-peanut butter and, yup, chunky. Sold online for $8 for a 10-ounce jar, but is closer to $12 in retail outlets. Go to northshoregoodies.net — Lee Cataluna
5. I haven’t met my 2-month-old nephew yet since he lives on the East Coast, but I’ve already started contributing Hawaii-themed clothes to his wardrobe. This darling “My Little Opihi” onesie caught my eye at the Made in Hawaii festival last month and I just had to get one. Artist Jessica Ke‘ala Kim of Limahana Art & Apparel creates her designs using hand-carved block prints, individually applied by hand. Since each is custom made, you can request specific colors. It takes about one to two weeks for her to make. They come in six-month, 12-month and 18-month sizes. Each is $20. Go to limahana.net or call 387-5197. — E. Clarke Reilly
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.
