5 Things We Love is a shortlist of newly discovered stuff you have got to see, hear, wear, use or eat. What are you loving this week? Send a brief description of your latest favorite thing, where to find it and how much it costs, along with your name and contact info to features@staradvertiser.com.
1. Compacts offer beauty inside and out
Most women I know love pretty, shiny things. If you can’t afford the obvious combinations of precious metals and gemstones, you can still fulfill the basic requirement with any one of a new series of Shine Classic compacts from Sulwhasoo for quick touchups or to use as foundation. The designs are an ode to the beauty culture of Korea, with classic motifs of lattice patterns made of mother-of-pearl — some with ornamental tiles and foliage scrolls, and others depicting a patchwork quilt pattern. Inside the refillable compacts is a translucent powder that protects skin from the elements while helping any woman achieve a smooth, glowing complexion. Considering the gift is both beautiful and practical, Mom will be glad to learn she didn’t raise no dummy. The compacts are $150 at Neiman Marcus.
— Nadine Kam
2. Quirky headsets boast retro flair
Like all good, overbearing moms, I’m on the phone with my kids almost daily, prying into the precious little details of their lives. But phone fatigue sets in when you’re holding a mobile device to your ear for any length of time and keep hitting the "mute" key by accident. That’s why I love this plug-in handset that cuts background noise and allows you to navigate your smartphone while talking. (Plus, it’s great for taking notes during phone interviews!) Sadly, it doesn’t come with a guarantee the kids will pick up, but old-school moms will appreciate the handy design. Get the Hype Retro Handset ($9.99), pictured, at Bed Bath & Beyond. Native Union’s Pop retro handset ($29.99) comes in fun colors and a wireless Bluetooth version ($49.99); check online and at stores that sell phone accessories.
— Christie Wilson
3. Do good, feel good through Heifer
Do your mom proud and practice what she preached by donating to Heifer International, a nonprofit that supports self-reliance for the world’s impoverished. Pass on your mom’s sweetness with a Honeybees gift ($30), which provides a family with bees, a hive, beekeeper training and a means to generate income. A Bountiful Harvest Gift Basket ($72) nourishes the environment with bees to pollinate plants and rabbits to provide compost for richer soil. Does your mom knit? The Knitter’s Gift Basket ($480 or $48 per share) buys four animals to supply ample wool to keep warm and the basis for a cottage business. Supporting a family in Mom’s name will give her a priceless gift — bragging rights and the assurance of a job well done. Heifer International (www.heifer.org) will even mail her a beautiful card describing the benefits of her gift.
— Joleen Oshiro
4. Foot massages benefit entire body
There’s nothing better after a long day than a foot massage. And the one at Oasis Spa across from Ala Moana Center isn’t just a massage, it’s almost a workout. Therapists work — and work hard! — the 64 reflex zones in your feet that are connected to other parts of your body like the heart, brain and digestive tract. So not only will your feet feel good, your body will too. It’s $35 for 30 minutes; add a 10-minute shoulder, neck, hand, arm or head massage for $15 more. Oasis Spa is located at 1430 Kona St., No. 203; call 979-9000 orvisit www.oasisspahi-usa.com.
— Catherine Toth, Aina Haina
5. Pictures Plus makes memories last
For Mother’s Day, transform a favorite family photo into a gift of a custom canvas printed in Hawaii and framed in koa at Pictures Plus. Order online by Wednesday and it will be ready for pickup by Sunday, or have the store ship it across the miles. Prices are $17.95 for an 8-by-12-inch unstretched canvas and $26.95 stretched, $44.95 for the same size in a koa frame, and $46.95 for a wooden frame with a black matte finish (shipping is extra). Select options at www.picturesplus.com.
— Steven Mark
