1, Every mermaid needs a mirror to refresh her sunblock, ensure there’s no seaweed between her teeth and check that her water-resistant mascara hasn’t run.
This lightweight seashell compact mirror in sea-foam white, encrusted with pearls and holding twin mirrors, is perfect for a quick makeup fix: It fits easily in a gym bag, glove compartment or tiny evening purse, and props open to rest on dashboard or desktop, leaving hands free.
It and similar mirrors in whimsical motifs are $6.99 each at Claire’s accessory stores.
— Mindy Pennybacker, Star-Advertiser
2. I found this bracelet in an antique store in Ocean Beach, Calif., but typewriter key jewelry is a THING all over Pinterest, Etsy and cute boutiques. There are even online tutorials on how to make jewelry from vintage typewriter parts.
People have created initial pendants, exclamation point cufflinks, backspace earrings, bracelets that spell out a message — all somehow modern and nostalgic at the same time. I kind of hate to think of old typewriters being scavenged for parts, but the upside is the keys get a hip second life.
This bracelet cost $50, which is around the going rate on etsy.com.
— Lee Cataluna, Star-Advertiser
3. Both rookie and veteran beer drinkers will benefit from exploring the pages of “The Scratch & Sniff Guide to Beer” (Harper Design, 2017).
The scratch-and-sniff concept is obviously appealing, with 10 different stickers covering the different flavors and aromas discussed in the book by Brooklyn-based writer Justin Kennedy. Among the featured smells are clove, pine, grapefruit, gooseberry and cedar. Each sticker is located near its accompanying text so readers can immediately connect each aroma with the beer being discussed, and I like how Kennedy provides a basic intro into the history and process of brewing before exploring traditional European classic beers along with favorite styles among beer drinkers in the United States.
Additional sections discuss the six main geographical regions that produce hops for making beer, the types of grains that go into making beer and which foods pair best with a cold one.
Find “The Scratch & Sniff Guide to Beer” for $22 at Barnes & Noble Ala Moana, or order online at Amazon.com.
— Jason Genegabus, Star-Advertiser
4. “Star Wars” has a legion of young fans around the galaxy, so why not channel that focus toward books and reading? DK, known for its beautifully designed nonfiction children’s books, published a trio of new hardcover specialty titles pegged to the most recent episode in the “Star Wars” cinematic universe.
“Star Wars: The Last Jedi: The Visual Dictionary” ($22.99; recommended for ages 9-12) provides matter-of-fact descriptions of characters, creatures, droids, locations and more. “Star Wars: The Last Jedi: Incredible Cross-Sections” ($22.99; ages 8-12) is for the obsessive fan, providing intricately detailed illustrations of the inner workings of 13 vehicles from the latest installment.
The 72-page “Star Wars The Last Jedi: Ultimate Sticker Collection” ($12.99) is the most fun and will appeal to younger readers, offering more than 1,000 stickers.
Find all three at bookstores and dk.com/us. — Elizabeth Kieszkowski, Star-Advertiser
5. Having never been very deft at makeup application, I marvel at women who can create perfect kissers with a couple swipes of a lipstick tube.
Clinique’s Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm, with mango and shea butters, makes it easy for me with natural-looking tints and a crayon-like tip that reduces the risk of scary-clown mouth. I don’t even need a mirror to apply!
And no need sharpen the tip when it gets low; just twist the bottom for more. Chubby Sticks are $17.50 where ever Clinique products are sold.
— Christie Wilson, Star-Advertiser