1. Hotel’s tea is cream of crop
Years ago, when I was craving an authentic afternoon tea experience in Honolulu, I called around searching for a place that served scones with Devonshire cream. None of my local girlfriends quite understood my obsession with Devonshire cream, but when I found out the Halekulani served it, they all came along to try it out. Years later, tea at the Halekulani has become a tradition in our group. We go for birthdays. We go for Christmas. And when one of those girlfriends got married, she had to have her shower at the Halekulani — because she’s now a fan of that cream, too! Halekulani’s Classic Afternoon Tea, with sandwiches, scones with Devonshire cream and pastries, is $32. Visit www.halekulani.com/living/dining/afternoon_tea. —Martha Shade, Atlanta
2. Get a cut, pick up eyeliner
I love getting my hair cut. My hairdresser, Kris, is just like the hairdressers in the movies — warm, funny and talented. Now I have another reason to visit Paul Brown Waikele: to pick up the most wonderful eyeliner around, Cailyn gel eyeliner. The liner goes on smooth and is water- and smudge-proof. The hues are so vibrant, a little goes a long way, making one pot of gel enough to last at least six months. It’s a deal for $22 at all Paul Brown locations. Colors include Chocolate Mousse, Mermaid (green with shimmer) and Iron (charcoal with shimmer) as well as black, blue and purple. —Joleen Oshiro
3. N. Korean ‘purity’ discussed in book
With North Korea threatening to attack the United States, "The Cleanest Race," by B.R. Myers (Melville House, $22), is a timely and fascinating read. The author analyzes North Korean domestic news reports, entertainment and other media to provide a clear account of the country’s official ideology. At its core is the belief that Koreans are a purer and more moral "race" than all non-Koreans and that their unique goodness has caused them to be exploited for centuries — by the Chinese, the Japanese and now the evil Americans. When a foreign leader or celebrity visits Pyongyang for any reason, the visit is described for local consumption as an act of homage. Food aid is represented as a tribute rendered by inferior nations seeking to curry favor with the godlike leader of Korea. How should other nations respond to North Korean threats and provocations? Myers’ book, first published in 2010 and updated in 2011, provides a frank and realistic answer. —John Berger
4. Small lanterns work inside or outside
Add some sparkle and ambiance to your table or dress up a room with these 4 1/2-inch-tall metal lanterns suitable for indoor-outdoor use from Pier 1 Imports. Choose from floral or butterfly designs with a jewel accent for $4.95. Just add a traditional or LED tea-light candle. Don’t expect a lot of illumination, but larger sizes are available for $10. —Nancy Arcayna
5. Goo Gone shows sticky residue who’s boss
You use masking tape for some little paint job but maybe leave it on for a bit too long. When you pull it up, some adhesive residue sticks to the wall or floor, and pretty soon you have an irritating little dirty spot as dust sticks to it. Enter Goo Gone, part of the wave of citrus-based cleaning products that has hit the market in recent years. It dissolves sticky stuff left over from tape, stickers, crayons and wax and can be used safely on a variety of materials, from wood to metal and upholstery. You might have to go back and clean the spot again with soap and water, but that sticky gunk will be gone. Find Goo Gone at Longs for $7.19 for an 8-ounce bottle; it also comes in a 12-ounce gel form for $10.79. —Steven Mark
