Lighter Happy Meals a treat for all

Like most kids, my boys have never met a french fry they didn’t like. But they also devour fruit any time it’s set in front of them. Previously, when we made a detour through the McDonald’s drive-thru, I had to buy bags of Apple Dippers separately from the Happy Meals to get both salty and sweet cravings sated. But with the recently updated Happy Meals, McDonald’s now serves half-sized portions of fries and apple slices. (Parents also can choose a double portion of either fries or apples.) Spending fewer dollars at dinnertime makes it a happy meal for me, too. — Donica Kaneshiro

Turn up the volume on cute

I picked up these Hello Kitty foldable plush headphones at Ross for a mere $9.99. OK, so they don’t measure up to Dr. Dre’s standards or Bose, but they do provide a comfortable fit and decent enough sound for the money. And I absolutely love the red HK design. — Nancy Arcayna

Book serves up heartbreak remedies

It’s such an enormous cliche that people turn to food for comfort when they’re depressed. But you can also use food to elevate your mood, both in the process of creating it and then consuming it. Some years ago, former Honolulu Star-Bulletin writer Jeanne Ambrose was tossed some lemons in a relationship breakup and she began investigating the effect food could have as cheerful medicine. Along with daughter Lindsey, also a foodie journalist, the result is "Heartbreak Recovery Kitchen — Recipes and Remedies for Mending and Moving On" (Handcrafted Words, $16.95). It’s a book filled with field-tested recipes, including fried rice with portuguese sausage (you can take the girls out of Hawaii …), as well as some pithy get-over-it advice. Naturally, the book includes a recipe for the world’s greatest comfort food, the grilled-cheese sandwich, but the authors suggest using various types of cheeses, painting the bread with pesto and adding thin slices of apple, pear or tomato. See? You feel better already just thinking about it. — Burl Burlingame

Lauhala Lady crafts woven wonders

Lauhala Lady Linda Schweitzer began weaving as therapy after one of her arms was impaired by cancer. More than 25 years later she continues to craft museum-quality hats, bracelets and other accessories, including these charming earrings ($15). She is especially known for her two-tone pieces. Working at home in Pahoa, Hawaii, Schweitzer prides herself on using only locally grown lauhala she gathers herself. Unfortunately, she ventures to Oahu infrequently, selling her handicrafts at the Made in Hawaii Festival and other select events, but the Lauhala Lady can be reached via email at lauhalala@aol.com. — Christie Wilson

CD set celebrates rap record label

Celebrate Black History Month by immersing yourself in the history of a groundbreaking label with "Giant Single: The Profile Records Rap Anthology" (Arista/Legacy, $13.94 retail). Started by a couple of Jewish New Yorkers in their 20s back in 1981, the boldly independent Profile became known for putting out 12-inch vinyl singles that have gained historical importance. Hits include "Walk This Way," the groundbreaking crossover collaboration between Run-DMC and Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith; "It Takes Two" by Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock (pictured); and the Poor Righteous Teachers’ "Rock Dis Funky Joint." With solid liner notes from Dan Charnas (who started his career in Profile’s mailroom), there are great tracks sprinkled throughout the two-CD anthology. Local listeners will dig the "Genius of Love" sample in Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde’s "Genius Rap" and one of the first reggae-rap hits, Asher D & Daddy Freddy’s "Raggamuffin Hip-Hop" from 1987. — Gary Chun