Space, the final screensaver frontier

Tired of LOLcats as the background screen image on your computer monitor? NASA and assorted space-science agencies have made a mission out of taking spectacular photographs of the universe, although finding these pictures can be difficult. Science journalist and admitted “space dork” Dave Mosher has assembled on his blog a gallery of some of the coolest pictures. Go to davemosher.com/blog/2011/space-background-images and select some. They’re already sized for 1920×1200 monitors. Thanks, Dave!

— Burl Burlingame

Shots with sophistication

Toast the new year with these hand-carved and etched shot glasses by Kelli Ciccone. The artist is known for her patterns based on Hawaii’s flora and fauna, but I was attracted to the striking koi design and love the heft of these glasses in my hand. They would make for a coveted wedding or anniversary gift. The pair costs $120 at Nohea Gallery, Ward Warehouse; call 596-0074.

— Christie Wilson

Donations pinch less when they’re done in installments

Though I live on a budget, there are causes I am able to support because they allow “installment plan” contributions. At Hawaii Public Radio I give just $10 a month, something my pocketbook barely feels. But by year’s end I’ve given $120, an amount I’d be unlikely to donate all at once. The gifts continue until you tell them to stop. Because this setup is so painless, I’ve been considering support of another organization, The ARTS at Marks Garage, which is aspiring to become less dependent on public and private grants. Its donation program, “1001 Friends,” seeks to gather 1,001 supporters who will commit to giving $10 a month. Reach HPR at 955-8821 and Marks Garage at 521-2903, or visit www.artsatmarks.com/1001-friends.php. Or call an organization near and dear to your heart to see whether it offers similar installment plans.

— Joleen Oshiro

Feed far-off folks isle fare

Send a taste of Hawaii to the aloha-starved mainland with www.hawaiianfoodonline.com. Redondo hot dogs, Zippy’s chili, Napples from Napoleon’s Bakery and Ono Ono laulau are just a few of the offerings on this website that specializes in shipping perishable local goods. It’ll be a sure-fire hit with college students who can’t be home for family gatherings or expats wishing their next stop was Zippy’s.

— Donica Kaneshiro

Vintage-fabric appliqués set cute kids’ shirts apart

Hand-painted children’s tees are a dime a dozen, but these toddler T-shirts with multicolored, textured elephant and mermaid appliqués are fun and unique. Artist Kelly Payne of Kaneohe hand-cuts the appliqués out of vintage fabric for both onesies and tees. Besides the appliqué on front, the shirts also feature a small heart appliquéd on the back — a nice touch. Discovered at the Lanikai Craft Fair for $12 each, but you can find them at www.etsy.com/shop/sunkissedcottage, or look for Sunkissed Cottage on Facebook.

— Nina Wu