1. Holly Bowling is a classically trained pianist whose career took off when she became obsessed with the music of the famed improvisational jam band Phish and recorded an original note-for-note transcription of the Phish song “Tweezer” arranged for performance by solo piano.
With her recent double-disc CD “Better Left Unsung” (Royal Potato Factory, $18.95), Bowling uses the same classical piano techniques to reinterpret the music of the Grateful Dead. The Dead is generally thought of as a guitar band, and with good reason. Bowling’s insightful and imaginative arrangements of Dead concert classics such as “Wharf Rat,” China Doll,” “Dark Star” and the entire “Terrapin Station (Suite)” successfully place them in a new instrumental context.
Her work is also memorable simply as a relaxing musical performance.
— John Berger
2. If Dentyne Ice doesn’t do it for you anymore, it’s time to move on to the hard stuff. I’m talking about Lotte’s Black Black Hard chewing gum, $4.99 at Marukai. This minty blast contains gingko extract, cacao and guarana extract for a caffeine kick. Bazinga! (And credit the Japanese for providing a tiny pad of paper inside each pack for discreet gum disposal.)
It’s not the longest-lasting gum, but I’m willing to overlook that for the sinus-clearing rush provided by the first few chews. If you’re more of a mint person, Black Black in miniature tablet form is $1.99 for a slim, credit card-size dispenser of 50.
— Christie Wilson
3. The Boho Bandeau by Natural Life is a headband and so much more. In warm weather the wide, scrunchable loop of stretchy cloth makes a cool crop top under a shoulder-baring tank.
In the cold I like to wear it as a scarf or pulled overhead into an instant hood or cap. For a night out it comes in metallic cream, rose, black or gray. For any time I love it in retro granny and gypsy florals.
Available for $14 at Cinnamon Girl in Ward Warehouse and Kahala Mall.
— Mindy Pennybacker
4. I grew up in Kaimuki, before it went trendy. Now I can show my love for the evolving neighborhood and pay homage to its humble beginnings with an “I Love Kaimuki” T-shirt, a fundraiser for the Kaimuki Business & Professional Association’s scholarship for area high-schoolers.
The 2017 shirts sport a small image of the iconic Kaimuki Fire Station on the front and three ostriches peeking out from King David Kalakaua’s picture with the words “Kaimuki Ostrich Farm” on the back, a reference to its former purpose.The 2016 shirts, still available, depict the old Queen Theater on Waialae Avenue.
Find the shirts at Surf N Hula, 3588 Waialae Ave., where they cost $15 for cotton and $20 for moisture-wicking Sport-Tek — cash only. Or use plastic to order online at kbpahawaii.com for an additional $3 postage and handling.
— Donica Kaneshiro
5. Gone in 60 Seconds, a skin care formula from AminoGenesis, is less action-packed than the feature film with the same name but is just as exciting to some.
True to its name, the wrinkle-erase formula can be applied to fine wrinkles around the eye, minimizing their appearance once it dries. It doesn’t really get rid of the wrinkle, but serves as a dermal filler and plumper to mask it beautifully. When used properly, you’ll look a few years younger, or at least well rested.
That’s not to say it doesn’t have some benefit when used over time. It contains oxygenating peptides, micro collagen, sorghum, echinacea and gotu cola, a medicinal herb traditionally used to help heal wounds. Although users are instructed to apply under makeup, it can cause makeup to look cakey. It’s best to apply lightly over makeup or moisturized skin. (If your skin is too dry, it’ll dry to a white, chalky consistency.)
Buy it for $18.99 at Neo Plaza in the Waikiki Shopping Plaza, 2250 Kalakaua Ave.; call 971-0030.
— Nadine Kam
“5 Things We Love” is a shortlist of newly discovered stuff you have got to see, hear, wear, use or eat. Please keep in mind that featured products may be in short supply and may not be available at all store locations; prices may vary. Tell us what you are loving by emailing features@staradvertiser.com.
