During a recent stay with my grandmother, who makes the world’s best scrambled eggs, I noticed she was using a skillet that behaved like a nonstick pan but looked like it had a ceramic finish. It turns out GreenPan uses a ceramic coating called Thermolon, which tolerates the high temperatures that cause conventional nonsticks to degrade. GreenPan also is free of polytetrafluoroethylene and perfluorooctanoic acid, chemicals used in other nonstick surfaces.

I cannot yet verify claims about their greater longevity, but the pans perform beautifully. GreenPan products are widely available at kitchen and big box stores; a 10-inch Focus ceramic nonstick frypan is $29.99 at greenpan.us. — Stephanie Kendrick

Designer from Maui puts aloha in jewelry line

Display your aloha spirit with the ultimate symbol of local culture: shaka stud earrings by jewelry and swimwear designer Tiffany Chou. I got my earrings ($45), available in silver and gold, from Chou at her recent trunk show at Local Motion in Ala Moana Center. She also sells a shaka necklace ($50-$56) that is next on my list.

Chou is originally from Maui but now oversees her handmade jewelry and swimwear lines from New York City. Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan and Lucky magazines and on “American Idol.” Check out Chou’s ocean- and Hawaii-inspired styles at ­tiffanychou.com, which offers free shipping. — Karen Tashima, Aiea

‘Starbucks Evenings’ add alcohol to drink lineup

Starbucks customers are catching a buzz of a different type in the lobby of the Ala Moana Hotel. Along with coffee and tea, baristas are pouring glasses of wine or beer from 2 to 9 p.m. daily. Branded as “Starbucks Evenings,” this is the first Hawaii location to offer alcohol service, although there are several stores on the mainland that have introduced the concept.

Widely recognized craft beers — think Kona Brewing Co. and New Belgium Brewing’s Fat Tire Ale — will set you back $7, while eight choices of red and white wine are available for $8 to $14. The seating area here is nice and spacious, too, with a variety of two- and four-person tables along with a number of couches and easy chairs to relax in with your drink. — Jason Genegabus

Roller works out the day’s tension

My body is always stiff and tight since much of my day is spent sitting at my desk or commuting in my car. I’ve started using the MELT Performance Roller ($39.99) to stretch out my connective tissue, relieve tension and alleviate chronic pain, especially in my lower back and hip areas.

Using the MELT (Myofascial Energetic Length Technique) method, the roller is designed for self massage. It was an adjustment to get used to a soft roller but I can’t deny the results — I feel my muscle tension melting away when using it.

The compact roller — just 16 inches long and 5 inches in diameter — can be purchased at meltmethod.com/store. It’s the perfect size for travel. A separate instructional video is available for $29.99. — Nancy Arcayna

Mini ipus, poi pounders serve as mementos for special events

When Hawaii entertainer Jeff Apaka celebrated his 70th birthday in June, each guest received a miniature ceramic ipu as a memento. The 4-inch ipus ($20) came from Ceramic Hobbyist, 1204 Kona St., which supplies ceramicists of all levels of expertise and makes items to order. The shop also makes miniature poi pounders ($18). Either can be customized with the name and date of your special event for no additional charge. Call 593-4420. — John Berger