1 & 2. You’ve got exactly one week to pull those Easter baskets together, people, so lemme help you out with this can’t-miss stuffer: Hawaiian Stuff’s Musu-Beanies. These musubi-size stuffed animals are part of the “tsum tsum” fad of cute, stackable stuffed characters, but with a distinctively local spin.
The choices include Ipo the poi dog (ilio in Hawaiian, as its Velcro “nori” wrapper states), Makoa the puffer fish and Mana the green sea turtle, all pictured above.
A “nutritional” label shows the amount per serving of love, cuddliness and other daily requirements, “based on an individual’s current need for something adorable.” Musu-Beanies are widely available for $6.99 each at Target, ABC stores and elsewhere.
Still at a loss? Make Longs a part of your holiday by picking up fun basket stuffers like a Peeps solar bobble-head ($5.99) in yellow, pink or blue, because nothing says Easter like Peeps. Regular, old-hat slime won’t impress your kids, but who wouldn’t want to play with color-changing Unicorn Poop? The You*niverse kit ($4.99) comes with everything you need, including white glue, sodium tetraborate, colored sand, glitter confetti, measuring cup and mixing utensils.
Cradle the fuzzy Palm Pet ($3.99) in your hand and it cheeps like the real thing. I’m quoting the regular prices here but the discounts have begun. You’re welcome!
— Christie Wilson, Star-Advertiser
3. David Bowie did not want his final days to become a media circus. Those close to him respected his wishes so well that his Jan. 10, 2016, death from liver cancer, two days after the release of his long-anticipated album, “Blackstar,” surprised fans and media alike.
“BOWIE: The Illustrated Story” (Voyageur Press; $40), is a fascinating in-depth retrospective on the music and style icon, the vast body of work he created, and his legacy as one of the most imaginative artists of the Rock Era.
Biographer Pat Gilbert covers Bowie’s childhood in what we now call a “blended family,” the early years when he performed as Davie Jones (a variation of his birth name) and his rise to international superstardom as the characters Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane and the Thin White Duke.
The story continues with Bowie’s pop chart successes in the 1980s, his successful careers as a stage and film actor, and on through the final music video released less than a month before he died.
— John Berger, Star-Advertiser
4. When springtime in Hawaii brings chilly winds, I’ve got the perfect, pop-on dress to snuggle up in.
Soft, billowy and lightweight in looseweave cotton, the ivory, blue-striped Rylee & Cru babydoll dress ($64) reminds me of an old-fashioned nightshirt — but cute, with bell sleeves. It can also be a chic tunic over jeans.
It’s part of a full spring line, including baby clothes, newly arrived at Owens & Co. in Chinatown, where owner Missy Owens knows from stylish, comfy clothes.
The boutique is at 1152 Nuuanu Ave; call 531-4300.
— Mindy Pennybacker, Star-Advertiser
Please keep in mind that featured products may be in short supply and may not be available at all store locations; prices may vary. The information presented represents the author’s opinions and experiences; your results may vary. Tell us what you are loving this week by emailing features@staradvertiser.com.
