PUSHING THE ENVELOPE

With e-mails, text messages and social networking sites on top, you may think the tradition of writing a letter is long gone. Not so for 26-year-old Kane'ohe resident Shauna Kahiapo, owner of Fresh Inc., a new stationery and environmentally conscious gift shop in Windward Mall.

Kahiapo's love affair with stationery began as a child. "My grandma Carole moved to the Mainland, and she would write me letters filled with empowering and inspirational words," says Kahiapo. "Her influence through those letters helped to shape who I am today, and I kept every single one. ... I've always enjoyed being the go-to friend to design wedding invitations, and now I get to help couples create beautiful announcements every day."

Her shop has stationery choices for every occasion, from weddings to thank-you notes. And all items in Fresh Inc. are Earth-friendly, made of recycled paper goods. "The most memorable letter I received from my grandma was written on paper embedded with wildflower seeds that grew when you planted the card. I carry the same type of card in my shop," she notes. Fresh Inc., Windward Mall, 428-6756, www.freshinc.net.

— Lacy Matsumoto

SALES & BARGAINS

• What do graduates really need now? Well, it's not flower lei. Tradition is tradition, and we don't want to mess with that, but all we really wanted back then was cash. And today? In our cash-strapped economy, the next-best grad gift is something meaningful, and consumable. Who needs more "stuff"? Deck out your grad with a mani-pedi, dinner out, a massage or a salon gift certificate. They'll need to look ready for the work world or the next step up (college), and it's a must to do it in style. Picks: Rainbow Nails, 1154 Koko Head Ave., Kaimuki (735-1751); town restaurant, 3435 Wai'alae Ave., Kaimuki (735-5900); Aveda, Ala Moana Center (947-6141); J Salon in the IBM building, 1240 Ala Moana Blvd. (550-4441).

• The sun is in full force, the days are hot, and the rain has ceased. All we want to do is spend hours each weekend lying out at the beach, but better judgment and a fab fake tan tint are stopping us. That's where Benefit's Talk To The Tan comes in. The bottle's looks are enough to have us sold, but the product really works. And unlike fake tanners that keep you guessing if you've had "enough," with this sheer facial tint, what you see is what you get. If you overdo it, just wash it off! At $26 it's a whole lot cheaper than the fancy eye creams you would otherwise need later, hiding the fact that at one point you got a little sun happy. At Macy's, throughout the Islands; www.macys.com.

• Add a cute suit to the mix this summer. With Memorial Day just a week away, it's time to find the perfect one. Urban Outfitters online just marked down swimwear, including brands Betsy Johnson, Billabong, Kimichi Blue and Brazilian designers Despi and Salinas, among others. Prices are marked 20 percent off and more, with a Volcom top starting at just $14.99. Shipping isn't bad either, starting at $10; you might want to throw in a totally great spinning bird earring rack for just $32. Check it! www.urbanoutfitters.com.

• Sometimes good things in life really are free. Book your appointment for a free Kerestase treatment and blowout this Wednesday at J Salon, Chop, W, Heaven on Earth, Salon Blanc, Allure and Beauty Bar. Our Treat event invitations are available online: www.kerastaseusa.com. Bring your printed invitation with you.

— Pualana Lemelle

DJING 101

So you want to be a beat-juggling, scratching, master DJ? At the QBert Skratch University, you can take scratch lessons from the master himself. DJ Qbert's online school gives tips, step-by-step instructions, and an introduction to new music to help you with your new hobby or possible career. No matter what your DJing level or skill, the video curriculum makes it easy to cut into the classes and take the time you need. Your personal questions can be submitted and will be directly answered by Qbert. He even offers feedback on your freestyle skills. Enroll at www.qbertskratchuniversity.com. The introductory price starts at $60 for a three-month membership.

— L.M.

CHAMPAGNE AND CHAIRS

The mission — to make a chair out of wire, cage, foil, glue, cork and no more than two champagne bottles. Using craftsmanship, creativity and innovation, 50 contestants created miniature chairs for the National 2009 Design Within Reach Champagne Chair Contest; three chairs were honored as winners.

With some 50 chairs on showcase at the DWR Ala Moana Center location, the exhibition includes the top three winners, 47 other designs and a chair from Honolulu designer Andrew Numan. Today's the last day of the chair exhibition; check it out at Design Within Reach, Ala Moana Center; 941-1140, www.dwr.com.

— L.M.

NEW YORK CONNECTION

Satomi & the New York Connection will put on a special two-part concert at The ARTS at Marks Garage on Friday, in two sets that cut across a wide swath of jazz and Latin music influences.

Seven New York musicians join up with local musicians for the show. Shawn Conley, a Punahou grad and now a bassist based in Brooklyn, is flying in.

The Valery Ponomarev Quintet holds down the first set, with Ponomarev (far right) on trumpet, Satomi (right) on piano, Darryl Pellegrini on drums, Reggie Padilla on sax and Conley on bass. Ponomarev was formerly with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers.

The second set features the Arturo O'Farrill Septet, with bandleader O'Farrill on piano, Vince Chenico on drums, Jim Seeley on trumpet, Ivan Renta on sax, Luis Bonilla on trombone, Tony Rosa on conga, and Conley. O'Farrill, a 2008 Grammy Award winner, is leader of the Arturo O'Farrill Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra and a regular at Birdland.

Satomi & the New York Connection, 7:30 p.m. Friday, The ARTS at Marks Garage, 1159 Nu'uanu Ave.; $20; tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com or 1-800-838-3006. Tickets may also be available at the door.

WHAT’S ON YOUR IPOD?

Mike Licata, Acid Wash

1. "Where the Streets Have No Name," U2

2. "Strawberry Letter Number 23," Brothers Johnson

3. "Oliver's Army," Elvis Costello and the Attractions

4. "Beggin'," Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons

5. "How Soon is Now," The Smiths