5 Things We Love

1. When Honolulu businessman Marvin Fong celebrated his 70th birthday recently, each guest received a brightly colored “amezaiku” (candy art) koi lollipop by Candy Art Hawaii as a favor.

Fong’s wife and business partner, Sandy Au Fong, explained that fish in general represent wealth and surplus, and koi in particular represent good fortune in business and academics. Swimming koi represent advancement and determination, and koi together in a pond also represent love and friendship.

All in all, a very auspicious memento for any birthday celebration. Each little work of art is handcrafted to order (koi $4, minimum order 10, available in several colors; candyarthawaii.com).

The company also offers on-site candy-art making for events. An amezaiku artist will wow guests as they expertly turn out myriad custom designs from tigers and ducks to tropical flowers and Hello Kitty figures.

The service costs $325 for an initial two hours; $50 for each additional 30 minutes.

— John Berger, Star-Advertiser

2. Gift shopping for the “Star Wars” buff who seems to have everything could be a challenge. But the folks at RedwoodStoneworks.com made it easier with a mini Porg planter, inspired by “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” sure to delight any fan.

At just a few inches high, the tiny vessel evokes huge smiles with its soulful eyes and playful pout. Handmade to order using “gypsum plaster, enamel or acrylic paint, love,” they arrive with a dehydrated air plant reactivated by soaking in water.

Turnaround time is three to four weeks, and they stop taking orders around mid-November to stay ahead of the Christmas crunch. Purchase just Porg ($15) or as a set with Chewbacca ($25, plus about $8 shipping). Other “Star Wars”- and Marvel-inspired characters are available.

On my wish list: Baby Groot.

— Ruby Mata-Viti, Star-Advertiser

3. Kekoa Collective, an active-lifestyle apparel retailer, has expanded its space and its offerings. Its big, airy, welcoming new store on the ground floor of Ward Centre has a view of Ala Moana Park and room to display its carefully selected surf and travel accessories and new merchandise, from supportive macrame hammocks to exercisewear and its own line of Hawaii-printed children’s T-shirts.

The soft, cotton/poly tees ($19.50) are silk-screened with slogans like “Mindful Living” or images such as a laid-back, vintage VW bus. Upstairs studio space hosts yoga classes and jiujitsu open mat.

Call 737-7873.

— Mindy Pennybacker, Star-Advertiser

4. I am getting to the age where anti-­aging products have become a slight obsession. I notice all those pesky blotchy spots, so-called character lines — otherwise known as crow’s feet — and the sudden onset of acne that has surprisingly made a comeback in my 40s.

As I scoured online reviews for the best products to help slow the aging process, I came across The Ordinary, a shockingly affordable Canadian brand that is “breaking the internet.” Well, at least the beauty blogs. With simple packaging and the same active ingredients at a fraction of the cost of higher-priced serums and creams, I was astonished at the almost immediate results: smoother skin, smaller pores and a noticeable glow.

Most products are $5 to $17 online at Sephora.com. Quick tip: Order online items in store (no minimum necessary) for free shipping.

— Kristen Consillio, Star-Advertiser

5. Four months into every not-so-new year, when I finally look for a purse-size calendar, there are usually none to be found. But last month at The Paperie at Kahala Mall, I discovered a trove of slim, 3-by-6-inch monthly organizers in bright-colored, floral and animal designs that contain not only 2018 but all of 2019 as well.

Printed on recycled paper in the U.S. by it takes two, a mother-daughter partnership, and plastic-coated to protect againsts spills, the datebooks are only $4.50 each. So I added a two-pack of pocket notebooks by the Rifle Paper Co., also made in the U.S.

The watercolor-printed covers inspire, and the thick, blank, cream-colored pages invite ink; $12 for two.

Call 735-6464.

—Mindy Pennybacker, Star-Advertiser

“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.