Mindy Pennybacker, who's from Honolulu (she's the sis of filmmaker Robert Pennybacker) and lives in New York, knows green. As editor of The Green Guide, a national consumer newsletter, she gives the lowdown on ecologically sound products. Check the onetime surfer chick's tips out at www.thegreen guide.com or www.mothering.com/sections/experts/pennybacker-archive.html.

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Towels useful for potluck time
Here's a tip that's perfect for Hawai'i potlucks, from the magazine Real Simple: When you have several dishes or casseroles to transport, don't worry about them tipping off the back seat. Put them at the bottom of a box that fits into your car. Roll up towels to keep the dishes in place. The towels will not only keep the dish warm, but sop up any sloshed juices.

FINAL WORD

"Happiness is not at all common in modern American society, and it's even scarcer than it was in earlier, less affluent times."
—Dan Baker and Cameron Stauth | authors of "What Happy People Know"