5 Things We Love: Fountain of Youth facial, copper roses and more

1. For a glow-up before Valentine’s Day, or any other special occasion, the Moana Lani Spa in the Moana Surfrider offers a 50-minute Fountain of Youth facial that uses heat stimulation to help the body produce more collagen in treated areas. I’m not getting younger, so appreciate any noninvasive treatments that help to plump up sunken areas while smoothing out wrinkles. The facial starts with cleansing and finishes with a soothing, firming gold mask. After the treatment, which costs $225, you can continue to relax by making use of the spa’s steam rooms, dry saunas and water therapy areas.

Membership in the Kama’aina Club at the Moana Lani Spa also makes a nice gift for V-Day. Hawaii I.D. is required for a yearlong introductory $209 membership that includes many perks, starting with a complimentary 50-minute Heavenly massage, plus discounts on all spa and salon services, retail, wellness classes and at some of the property’s restaurants. Call the spa at 237-2535. — Nadine Kam, special to the Star-Advertiser

2. Lately, some women are breezing about town carrying lightweight muslin totes instead of heavy leather bags. When I bought some pants at Here, a Kakaako boutique, co-owner Yuki Peterson wrapped them in a capacious cotton tote bearing the Zen-ny message “You are Here.” Sturdy, deep and body-hugging, so valuables don’t spill out, the bag works perfectly cross-body while walking and biking. Free with a purchase, such as these cute peach shorts with zebra stripes ($125), they can also be bought in medium ($5, shown) or large ($10), sparing your wallet as well as neck and back. Here is located at 685 Auahi St., 369-2991. — Mindy Pennybacker

3. Audiobooks revived my extracurricular reading habits, which had suffered in recent years due to end-of-day exhaustion and eye strain. I look forward to “plugging in” to a good book while driving around town or riding the bus and on my daily strolls.

Madeline Miller’s 2018 best-seller “Circe” (Hachette Audio) — vividly narrated by British actress and “Magnum P.I.” co-star Perdita Weeks — had me circling the block to hear more of this fresh, feminist take on Greek mythology that’s also a riveting page-turner.

Audiobooks are available in hard-copy formats such as cassettes and CDs, or you can download them from various services including iTunes (where “Circe” was $18.99) and Google Play ($14.95). I subscribe to Amazon.com’s Audible for $14.95 per month, which gets me one audiobook and two Audible originals per month.

But don’t overlook the Hawaii State Public Library System, which offers more than 20,000 audiobook options for adults and kids. Visit librarieshawaii.org for details. — Christie Wilson

4. Surprise your love this year with a rose that won’t ever wilt. These “forever” copper roses are made by Honolulu Community College students in the school’s sheet metal and plastics technology program. The annual project is a fun diversion for the students whose usual classwork includes creating everyday industrial items such as storm drains and air-conditioning ducts.

The shiny flowers, which will eventually develop a rich patina, can be purchased from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or until sold out) Thursday, Valentine’s Day, at HCC’s Building 17, 874 Dillingham Blvd. Each rose is $15, or four for $50. Tip: Get there early as parking is limited and a line can form before the sale begins. — E. Clarke Reilly

5. You can’t miss the pastel-pink stall inside Shirokiya Japan Village Walk’s entrance. The window screams, “ALL YOU NEED IS ICE CREAM.”

Japan-based Eddy’s Ice Cream opened its first Hawaii location as Charmy. (yes, with a period) in November at Ala Moana Center. Staffers make all the chocolate and cookie toppings (Sanrio’s Pochacco is among the shortbread choices) at the shop and then shape the creations into delicious kawaii designs. Order a plain ice cream cone for $6. If you’re feeling brave, choose from a menu of elaborate ice cream cones ($7.50 to $13). I enjoyed the “Flamingo” ($11): Creamy vanilla-and-strawberry swirl served in a Fruity-Pebbles-coated waffle cone topped with pink-chocolate “Love” letters, a flamingo-shaped cookie and a dark-chocolate palm tree. Surprisingly, the toppings didn’t make it overly sweet. Unless you’ve got a big appetite, bring a friend to share.

You can also pick your own flavors, cone and toppings (from $1 to $4 each).

Tip: Bring a selfie stick. A photo booth offers the perfect place to pose with your Instagram-worthy dessert.

— Diane S. W. Lee

Japan-based Eddy’s Ice Cream opened its first Hawaii location as Charmy. (yes, with a period) in November at Ala Moana Center.

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 authors’ opinions and experiences; your results may vary. Tell us what you are loving this week by emailing creilly@staradvertiser.com.