ALICE IN CHINATOWN

The seductive ladies of Cherry Blossom Cabaret are at it again, with a performance full of shimmy-down dance moves and extravagant costumes. This time they will take you to the world of "Alice in Wonderland," including The Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit and a touch of sex appeal.

CBC's third annual theatrical show, VarieTease, focuses on drama; it's a change of pace from the troupe's typical nightclub performances. Their "Alice in Chinatown" takes place in re-created venues — thirtyninehotel, Mercury Bar and SoHo — and tells the story of a wild adventure through the eyes of Alice.

Cherry Blossom Cabaret's VarieTease: "Alice in Chinatown," at The ARTS at Marks Garage, 1159 Nu'uanu Ave., 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 6 p.m. April 25; $15 pre-sale, $20 at the door, 18 and older only. Get tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com or 800-838-3006. Find out more at www.cherryblossomcabaret.com.

— Lacy Matsumoto

MAN AGAINST MATERIALISM

Off the grid, or off his rocker?

Follow a Manhattan family's year-long urban eco-journey in "No Impact Man," a 90-minute documentary that raises questions about the trade-offs between consumerism and happiness. Punahou School will give a free screening of the film at 6 p.m. tomorrow at its Thurston Memorial Chapel. The film's part of the school's Food for Thought series on sustainability.

"No Impact Man" follows Colin Beavan, his wife and toddler as they attempt to create "zero net impact" on the environment, forgoing electricity, elevators, the subway — and disposable diapers — while living in the middle of New York City.

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with specialists, including Avril Jenkins, manager of The Green House, and Mindy Pennybacker, author of "Do One Green Thing: Saving the Earth through Simple, Everyday Choices"; 943-3609, www.punahou.edu/sustainability.

— Zenaida Serrano

HARD-ROCK VINEYARD

Back in the 1990s, when Tool's frontman was belting out "Stinkfist," who'd have thought he'd become a winemaker?

Yet here comes "Blood Into Wine," a documentary following Maynard James Keenan as he shares his passion for winemaking and swirls cabernet with Milla Jovovich.

"Blood Into Wine," directed by Ryan Page and Christopher Pomerenke, documents a year in the life of metal-rocker Keenan (Tool, A Perfect Circle, Puscifer) as he breaks into the world of winemaking on a northern Arizona vineyard. Keenan faces frost, water rights disputes and industry prejudice in the region, and though you see glimpses of an outlaw attitude, he's surprisingly soft-spoken, and he acts like an excited kid when he's describing his vineyard. Guy looks good in a cowboy hat, too. This could entice former metal-heads who've never touched a wine bottle to give it a try.

See "Blood Into Wine" at the HIFF Spring Showcase, 6 p.m. Thursday at the Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18; $12, $8 for HIFF members.

If this film gets you in the mood for wine, check out Sip with HIFF, 6 p.m. Friday at Fujioka's, Market City Shopping Center; $50, $45 HIFF members.

For more on both events, call 792-1577. Get tickets at www.hiff.org.

— Amanda Stevens

SALES & BARGAINS

• Check out Cinnamon Girl's new, super-girly and -comfy slippers for just $22 (pictured). The thong-style slippers have a flattering wedge and a rhinestone heart on the strap. Slippers come in black and brown. True to Cinnamon Girl form, you'll find matching slippers for little girls from 2 years old and up for $18.

Another Cinnamon Girl tip: If you're trying to get organized and have a taste for office chic, you must see their fabulous set of new stationery. A three-ring binder is $8, legal pad $4, file folder set $9, phone message book $9, and flip book set $7 (pictured).

Cinnamon Girl, Ala Moana Center, 947-4332; Ward Warehouse, 591-6532; Kahala Mall, 737-9425; Pearlridge Center, 484-1613; www.cinnamongirl.com.

• It's not too soon to think about a gift for your mom. Hawaii Potters' Guild is having an in-house Mother's Day Art Sale from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, with one-of-a kind pieces by 45 different potters.- The pots, ranging from functional to ultra-artsy (starting at $15!) will be displayed throughout the studio. Hawaii Potters' Guild, 2480 Bingham St.; 941-8108, www.hawaiipottersguild.org.

• Dying for new denim? Fashionista's Market is having a denim clearance sale from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. during First Friday, May 7. Any pair of denim is $10 with a purchase of $50 or more. Any pair of denim is free with a purchase of $100 or more — seriously. The sale will continue May 8. Fashionista's Market, 1185 Bethel St.; 537-1115, www.fashionistasmarket.com.

• Imagine this: a casual, Wednesday early-evening date. You're both sitting on a beachside veranda, taking in the ocean view, enjoying a fine pairing of wine and an appetizer for just $19 per person. The Moana Surfrider is introducing Wine Wednesdays, an early-evening escape that is kama'āina-friendly, letting you skip the traffic for a pau hana or a casual first date. Recognizing Earth Day, this week's event will feature a special "green" menu.

Wine Wednesdays take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the elegant Beachhouse restaurant in the Moana Surfrider. Complimentary valet and self parking is available for four hours. For more information, call 921-4600 or go to www.beachhousewaikiki.com.

— Amanda Stevens

SAVING THE PLANET, ONE CHOPSTICK AT A TIME

They say that if everyone does just a little bit toward a goal, we can get it done. So it is with Ecohashi — you can do your part to save the environment by taking your utensils with you, instead of using disposable chopsticks or plastic utensils.

According to Ecohashi's Web site, 63 billion disposable chopsticks are manufactured annually, using 25 million trees. All ultimately end up in landfills, generating tons of waste.

In Asia, it's become trendy to carry your own chopsticks; one can even make a fashion statement with the chopstick case. Based in Hale'iwa, local girls Kaimalie Colabello and Melissa Daley Shipman brought this concept to life with their line of washable chopstick holders in regular and organic fabrics.

Each pair of wooden chopsticks costs between $10 and $12 and comes wrapped in a colorful fabric case, in a wide array of prints. They're available at Red Pineapple, Cottage by the Sea, Global Creations–Haleiwa, North Shore Swimwear, Plantation Home D cor, and Island Treasures at the Marina, or www.ecohashi.net. Contact them at info@ecohashi.net or 310-916-9326.

— Melissa Chang