Oil treatment won’t weigh down hair

I’ve tried other oil-based treatments when coloring products and the elements conspire to make the outer layers of my hair dry and brittle, but they were always too heavy and — well — oily. Neuma’s Argan Treatment with organic plant extracts, essential oils and Phyto UVShield is surprisingly light and nongreasy. Irub two or three drops in my palms and apply to wet or dry hair. The oil is instantly absorbed, leaving my tresses soft, shiny and incredibly silky. It’s a miracle worker. A 2.4-fluid-ounce bottle is $24 at Lloyd Horibe’s Hair­scapes at Waterfront Plaza, but Neuma products are sold at many salons. — Christie Wilson

Saimin joint’s chicken dish delights

My daughter and I went to dinner at Tanaka Saimin on a Monday night, not knowing the special was baked stuffed chicken for $11.95. I asked the waiter what the chicken was stuffed with, and he replied, “Bacon, spinach, rice and mac nuts.” It was well stuffed and very tasty. I loved every bite. The chicken is covered in a creamy gravy and comes with white or brown rice or mashed potatoes and a choice of salad or fried noodles. Tanaka Saimin is at 888 N. Nimitz Highway. Call 524-2020. — Toni Agustin, Hono­lulu

Going nuts for coconut macarons

If you are confused by the terms “macaron” and “macaroon,” you are not alone. Many recipes use them interchangeably, and the nutty cookies evolved in tandem. But here’s what my research has found: Among English speakers, macaroon more commonly refers to a shredded coconut cookie. Macaron more commonly refers to an almond flour cookie sandwich with flavored filling. But The French Connection — a local bakery with French roots — labels its macaroons as coconut macarons. Don’t be confused, just eat. Whatever you call them, the coconut treats are fantastic, moist and slightly lemony. Buy them ($6.29 a bag / 79 cents a piece) at Kokua Market, 2643 S. King St. in Moiliili, 941-1922. — Stephanie Kendrick

Quick-dry undies avert overpacking

Packing for a long trip — and, let’s face it, almost any trip from Hawaii is a long one — always poses the dilemma of weight and bulk versus need. Underwear is one of those necessities, but having to bring along seven or eight sets seems absurd. ExOfficio has a solution with its nylon/Spandex Give-N-Go undergarments that air-dry within hours. The fabric is treated with a microbe shield to eliminate odor-causing bacteria as well.

The marketing slogan is “17 countries, 6 Weeks. One pair of underwear. (OK, maybe two.)”I’m not sure I’d do that, but I’d recommend it for that occasional one- to two-week trip. Men’s T-shirts are $38, boxers and briefs are $26 at Bag ’n Baggage at Ala Moana Center. (Women’s styles are $18 to $20 for underwear and $40 for a camisole.) Visit exofficio.com. — Steven Mark

Cotton swab’s design is great for dust

Who would’ve thought cotton swabs could be so versatile? I found Face Secrets to help me, of all things, clean my dryer lint screen in the nooks and crannies where normal cotton swabs or cleaning cloths don’t fit. These swabs are versatile in that they have a pointy end and a rounded flat end. I love these things! I’ve even used them to get dust out from the corners of cutout cabinets and other tight spots regular dusters can’t reach. You can find them at Sally Beauty Supply stores in Kapolei (674-9586) and Pearl Highlands (455-3501) for $2.99 for 50. — Alyne Meyers, Ewa Beach