Yes, we can: As we pledge to reduce our personal carbon footprint for Earth Day, we will take our own coffee mugs to our favorite coffee shop in the morning; we will purchase local and organic foods; we will use our reusable nylon grocery bags; and we will turn in our hemp clothing for Recycled Sweetheart.

"I got started on making recycled clothing because I loved collecting fabrics that came from my tutu's closet. The colors were always so vibrant, and I felt like a kid in a candy store every time I found a new vintage fabric," says 26-year-old designer and owner Moani Silva, a Kamehameha Schools grad who attended the Fashion Institute of Design in California. "I don't have a favorite design — I love them all. I think it's because every dress is its own individual," she says. Recycled Sweetheart designs can be found at Shasa Emporium in Kahala Mall at $40 to $140; 735-5122, www.recycledsweetheart.com.

— Lacy Matsumoto

CUTE TO BE GREEN

Everyone's doing them — reusable grocery bags, that is. With so many of these green bags to choose from, the question now isn't to be green or not, but which is the most practical and fashionable way to do it?

Renee Osborne, owner and designer of Renee Osborne designs, decided it wasn't necessary to reinvent the wheel with the shape and size of her bags. She focused on the patterns embellishing them. "I thought, 'Let's make a designer grocery bag with really cute and bright designs,' " she said. "We also offer customers personal grocery bags, that they can create with their logo. It's a great way to advertise your company."

The durable nylon bags take less than 20 seconds to fold and be placed back into their carrying case, which attaches to your purse. Two or three bags can fit in one purse. Check out the bags at www.reneehawaii.com, and find them at Island Keepsakes in Chinatown, 1050 Nu'uanu Ave.; 550-0996.

— L.M.

GET OUTDOORS

Now that the windy, rainy, overcast days are behind us (we hope!), the parks and beaches will be packed with barbecuers, picnicking couples and people catching the rays. If you want to spend some time outdoors, and aren't in the mood for crowds, head up to The Contemporary Museum in Makiki Heights for a little "Lauhala and Lunch." The Contemporary Cafe offers lunch for two in a picnic basket for you to enjoy out on their lawn. The basket comes with a mat to sit on, choice of lunch for two, drinks for two, and a dessert, all for $30. Great for a date with that special someone, or for a nice lunch break with a co-worker. They even have mosquito repellent! The Contemporary Museum Cafe, 2411 Makiki Heights Drive; 523-3362, www.tcmhi.org.

— L.M.

SALES & BARGAINS

• Target is finally here, with lots of decent but cheap stuff! We found this chic lamp for $69; its design and simplicity stand up to something you'd find for twice as much elsewhere. We also love Target's Sonia Kashuk brushes — they stand up to a beating (and are totally washable) at half the price of a department store brand; get the angled blusher brush, $9.99, and 6-piece eye brush set, $9.99, and don't miss out on the $14.99 hair brush that imitates a $300 Mason Pearson! Not just in England anymore, Boots face creams and toners get our thumbs up, too. And while you're shopping, check out the new summer sandals by designer Miss Trish of Capri, with glitzy metal accents that pair well with a sarong. Salt Lake, 4380 Lawehana St., 441-3118; and Kapolei Commons; www.target.com.

• We like quick fixes — and beauty bargains. The best drugstore products stand up to pricier brands, including L'Oreal Voluminous mascara; it's thick, and piles on well for those coveted dense lashes. Meanwhile, Oil of Olay face creams and washes keep our skin looking fresh and supple, and consumer testing shows they work.

• Banana Republic has lots of easy-breezy spring and summer dresses on sale. We found some cute ones online for just $39.99; www.bananarepublic.com.

• No need to blow the bank on pretty lingerie; Nordstrom Rack has you covered. Our pick for the most comfy thong is Hanky Panky, and the low-rise version is perfect for those with short waists. It's a plus that they come in a rainbow of colors and in lace, at $8.99 to $11.99 (normally $18). Nordstrom Rack, 330 Kamake'e St., Ward Centres; 589-2060

• Lush Shower Jellies have us singing in the shower these days: They're luscious, won't dry out your skin and, surprisingly, are not too fragrant! Another total treat that we've recently discovered are the Lush bath bombs and jellies. Freeze or chill them for what they call an "invigorating" experience. The texture is addicting, and we do love how our skin feels after use. Lush, Ala Moana Center, 941-7400; Royal Hawaiian Center, 923-5874.

— Pualana Lemelle

WHAT'S ON YOUR IPOD?

Peter Oasis, Live 'N Direct, NYC

"1901," Phoenix

"I Poker Her Face," Kid Cudi feat. Kanye West, Common

"Double Dare," Roxy Cottontail

"As I Em," Asher Roth feat. Chester French

"Insane Freestyle," Torae, Marco Polo

CREATING A CLAMOR

Ida Maria Borli Sivertsen came caterwauling out of the gates just over a year ago with "Oh My God," an insistent slice of musical agita in which the nervy young Norwegian shouts out her existential crisis. "Find a cure/ Find a cure for my life," she begs over a tension-building two-note guitar riff before landing on the explosive chorus: "Oh my God/ Oh, you think I'm in control?"

She sings with undeniable urgency throughout. Rarely has pop catharsis sounded so compelling — or catchy. That track and several subsequent singles (not least, the frisky, high-fructose pop-rocker "I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked") have made Ida Maria, at 24, a minor star — though in the United States, her first full-length album, "Fortress 'Round My Heart," is only now washing ashore.

When she's good — which is to say, when she doesn't sound sedated — Ida (pronounced "EEE-dah") Maria is often great.

— J. Freedom du Lac, The Washington Post