Blue and pup pals ready for snuggling

Ever since "nemu*nemu: Blue Hawaii" debuted in the Star-Advertiser in January, I’ve been hoping that artist Audra Furu­ichi and her husband, Scott Yoshi­naga, would see fit to sell a 3-D version of the comic’s plush pup star, Blue. That hope has since become reality with new huggable plushies of Blue, Anpan, Nemu and Enchilada from the original "nemu*nemu" Web comic that are supercute and ready to take on any adventure. Buy one pup for $20, two for $35, three for $50 or all four for $60 at www.nemu-nemu.com and craft fairs; check the website for appearances.

— Jason S. Yadao

Love that lavosh

Hawaiian Tropical Lavosh by Rainbow Falls Connection of Hilo is really more of a flat cookie that’s crisp and buttery but not too sweet. I can devour a whole pack in one sitting! It comes in flavors such as coconut butter, mango butter and macadamia nut, but my favorite is ginger jelly. Also, I feel I’m supporting a good cause. The business has its origins in an economic development program for low-income residents in East Hawaii. Find the lavosh at Native Books/Na Mea Hawaii at Ward Warehouse, at Ka Lei Marketplace in Kaimuki and Chinatown, and online for $5.50 per box at gotlavosh.com.

— Carol Abe, Kailua

Vintage flatware given second life as jewelry

I’d been drooling over this necklace ($69) by Silver Spoon Jewelry for a long time, so when Cottage by the Sea at Ward Warehouse (591-9811) recently held a designer trunk sale, I couldn’t resist. Aussie designer Jennifer Northup, who calls all her customers "lovey," has turned ornate vintage flatware into original, contemporary jewelry. I gladly forked over the rest of my birthday money for a bracelet watch ($136) embellished with flowers. The boutique flies in Northup for special occasions, such as Valentine’s Day when she highlights her heart-shaped items, or Easter, to feature her unique crosses. In the meantime, visit the store or www.silverspoonjewelry.com.

— Pat Gee

Thanksgiving deserves decorative touches

Only 36 shopping days till Christmas, but don’t skip right over Thanksgiving. Give the holiday of gratitude its due by dressing up the table with adorable turkey placecards, below, from The Paperie at Kahala Mall; phone 735-6464. Boy and girl turkeys dressed as pilgrims are sold in a pack of 10 for $16; 3-D turkeys with dangling gems are $20 for 10. Add a couple of molded critters, above, bearing messages of thankfulness ($5 each) and your guests will be grateful for the thoughtful touches.

— Donica Kaneshiro

Hard stuff blooms with air

I always thought aeration devices were solely for wine snobs too impatient to let their grape juice air in a decanter. That was until I discovered Vinturi’s Spirit Aerator, designed specifically to enhance the flavor profile of your favorite hard liquor. Made from acrylic, the device holds up to 1.5 ounces of liquid, which is aerated at the touch of a button. The Vinturi website says you can use it with scotch, cognac, port, tequila, whiskey, vodka, gin and rum. I’ve poured some 21-year old Aberfeldy through the thing, and it definitely smooths out undiluted Scotch, making it even easier to drink — without having to wait for it to breathe. I’ve also tried it with other spirits, all with favorable results. Liquor just tastes better when aerated. With Christmas just around the corner, this could be the perfect gift for the discerning drinker in your life. The Vinturi Spirits Aerator, $29.99, is available at online and traditional retailers like Target and Macy’s. Visit www.vinturi.com.

— Jason Genegabus