Our Picks for the Weekend Star-Bulletin staff

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Nadine sez...

Chocolate helps reduce stress. Some chocolate is good for your health. Researchers are always looking for reasons to justify our love and consumption of chocolate.

Naturally, this indulgence deserves celebration and now's the time. American Chocolate Week runs Sunday through March 20.

Chocolate seems to be proliferating in Waikiki, where last fall, Clara Confectioners (926-3399) opened in the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, offering chocolate-dipped fruit and cookies, and Teuscher (922-5454) opened in the Hyatt Regency just before Valentine's Day, offering additive- and preservative-free Swiss chocolates and truffles.

Of course, dinner guests at Bali by the Sea (949-4321) at the Hilton Hawaiian Village can always count on a complimentary finale of a dark chocolate facsimile of Diamond Head, filled with chocolate truffles. Call 949-4321.

Don't be sad when the week is over. Chocolate-Covered Raisin Day (March 24) is just around the corner.

Jackie sez ...

Among my friends, I've been nicknamed Martha Stewart. As Stewart's pursuit of perfection is equal to my avoidance of it, l assume it's because I like to paint, make ceramics or do arts and crafts in my spare time.

For those who share my urge to pick up a glue gun, quilt, bead or whatever, quite a few classes are geared to us.

For instance, a "Creative Beading Workshop" takes place from noon to 1:45 p.m. Sundays at the Honolulu Community Art Center. Hawaiian Quilting classes take place at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m. Saturdays at the Mission Houses Museum.

Joleen sez...

Driving past the stadium during rush hour this week, I was surprised to see carnival rides. It's not Farm Fair time yet.

Turns out, the Sports Carnival is in town. Families can partake of the usual rides, games and food. And if you go Friday or Saturday night, enjoy an 8 p.m. concert by B5, an R&B group of five brothers.

Lucky for me, I can munch on curly fries and popcorn while my daughter and husband ride, ride, ride their hearts out all night long. That's thanks to those trusty wristbands, a mere $20 or so for hours of otherwise pricey entertainment. See Do It! on Page 3 for more information.