1. Pixelmator is an image-editing steal

For budding graphic artists and photo editors using Macs, Adobe Photoshop’s been the gold standard for as long as anyone can remember. But at more than $550 a copy, it’s a pricey piece of software for casual image manipulation or professionals on a budget. Veteran users of Photoshop also complain that it hogs memory, storage space and processor cycles, not to mention pricey upgrades. Pixelmator is a refreshing upstart to Adobe’s hegemony. Designed exclusively for Macs, Pixelmator is attracting a growing dedicated user base that finds it is just as powerful, with almost as many features, as Photoshop. There’s very little Photoshop can do that Pixelmator can’t, and with each new regular update it gains new features that close the gap. Best of all is the price tag: $15 in the Mac App Store. Apple was so impressed that Pixelmator was named Mac App Store app of the year for 2011 and an Apple Design Award winner. — Wayne Akiyama, Los Angeles

2. Bop along to quirky French pop

Phoenix is such a "French" band. The group’s English lyrics really don’t make sense sometimes, but that doesn’t matter when you’re dancing to such catchy songs as "1901" and "Lisztomania." The band’s latest album, "Bankrupt!," due out April 22, probably will continue its French pop sound. If Phoenix’s latest single, "Entertainment," is any indication, we’ll be hearing more of the band’s music in car commercials, romantic comedy movie trailers and remixed dance videos on YouTube. To download the new single or preorder the album, visit www.wearephoenix.com. — Joe Guinto

3. Seasoned peas pack flavorful crunch

Snacking on crunchy peas makes me feel like a constructive person: I can indulge my need to munch while also consuming a vegetable. My favorite version is Majans’ Crunchy Seasoned Peas, featuring a lively, aromatic mix of Indian spices such as chilies, turmeric, cumin, coriander and paprika. If you love lots of spice, as I do, you’ll quickly become addicted. Chomp away — the snack is cholesterol-free, gluten-free and contains neither trans fats nor MSG. Plus there’s another nice bonus: It’s available in a large 28-ounce bag at Costco for a mere $7.19. — Joleen Oshiro

4. Get lush lashes that don’t come off

Falsies are in full effect these days, but if you don’t want to pay for pricey eyelash extensions, try Benefit’s They’re Real! Mascara. Staggered bristles grab onto even the tiniest lashes close to the root, resulting in luxurious, full lashes minus the price of fake. Cost: $23 for the 0.3-ounce mascara or $10 for a 0.14-ounce mini at Sephora or www.benefit­cosmetics.com. — Kristen Consillio

5. Organizer lends a hand — and head

This little guy may not have the ability to lighten my to-do list, but he does have the power to declutter my desk. He offers his whole body — from his magnet head that keeps my paper clips contained, to his hex-bolt hands that keep pens from rolling away. The Chip Deskbot Organizer is available for $24.99 at Simply Organized in Kapolei and at Kahala Mall. — Donica Kaneshiro