Da Kine Star-Bulletin staff and wire services

---

Center caters to kindergarteners

Children preparing for that big step into kindergarten are invited to a special event, "Countdown to Kindergarten" Saturday at the Children's Discovery Center.

The program is aimed at easing the transition and generating excitement about the first day of school.

Soon-to-be-kindergarteners will be admitted for $5. Others pay $8, or $6.75 for children.

Organizations such as Good Beginnings Alliance, PATCH, Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture, Department of Health and PARENTS Inc. offer resources to parents and provide activities that help kids flex the skills they'll need in kindergarten.

The Children's Discovery Center is at 111 Ohe St. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; parking is free at Kakaako Waterfront Park. Call 524-KIDS or visit www.discoverycenterhawaii.org.

Styx tickets on sale Saturday

Tickets go on sale Saturday online for Styx's Oct. 11 concert on the Big Island. The classic rock band's concert comes two days after the group plays the sold-out Blaisdell Concert Hall.

Styx brings their list of chart-topping hits like "Blue Collar Man," "Renegade," "Fooling Yourself," "Grand Illusion," "Too Much Time On My Hands" and, especially, "Come Sail Away," to the two island concerts.

Tickets for the show at the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Waikoloa Village are $50, and go on sale at 10 a.m. at www.kingmichelconcerts.com. Ticket sales at retail outlets A'ama Surf and Sport, CD Wizard and all Big Island Surf locations begin Aug. 25. Call (808) 345-3100.

Toddlers to vie for savings bonds

Meadow Gold is seeking contestants for the 55th annual Healthy Baby Contest.

Toddlers will be judged on appearance, health and personality, with five winners to receive savings bonds ranging from $500 to $2,500.

Entry deadline is Aug. 22. Entrants must have been born on or between Dec. 9, 2005, and Jan. 9, 2007, and must be residents of Oahu. Neighbor island contests will be held as part of their county fairs.

Preliminary judging will be held Sept. 6 at Pearlridge Center and Sept. 13 at Ala Moana Center. Finals will be held Sept. 20 at Ala Moana. Visit www.lanimoo.com.

Cherry Blossom contestants sought

The Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce is seeking contestants for the 2009 Cherry Blossom Festival Queen Contest.

Contestants will take classes in Japanese culture and heritage, polish public speaking and leadership skills, and participate in community-service projects. In the fall they participate in a two-week Goodwill Tour of Japan.

Applicants must be of at least 50 percent Japanese ancestry, between the ages of 19 and 26, single, a U.S. citizen and a Hawaii resident. Applications are available at www.cbfhawaii.com. Deadline to apply is Aug. 1.

STYLE FILE

Live Green now

Cottage by the Sea is hosting a monthlong "Think Green, Live Green" event during which customers can save 15 percent on purchases, and know that 15 percent off all proceeds from sales of collections by Marlo M Jewelry, Potting Shed plants, Marjorie Victor jewelry and Cottage by the Sea bags will be donated to the nonprofit Earth Share organization.

In addition, every time you make a purchase during the event, which runs now through Aug. 31, you will be entered to win one of two Live Green necklaces by designer Mauri Pioppo.

The boutique is at Ward Warehouse. Call 591-9811.

Peek in skinscope

Peer into the skinscope at Sephora this weekend and you'll come face to face with one possible future you. The device reveals blotches and spots that are signs of damage lying beneath the skin, that has yet to surface.

Murad consultants will be offering 30-minute skin analysis from noon to 6 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday, and suggesting ways to protect the skin and reduce the visible signs of aging and damage.

Call Sephora at 944-9797.

For the bride

Modern Pacific is hosting "The Glass Slipper Event" Saturday at its location at 3620 Waialae Ave.

There will be a mini bridal fashion show with styling tips, a raffle, gift bags, plus shopping with 15 percent off bridesmaid jewelry and veils. Those who purchase a Kirstie Kelly Disney wedding gown will receive a free pair of shoes from Pink & My Wedding Shoe.

Call 737-0638.

New looks at FM

Fashionista's Market has brought in new inventory for a summer event taking place 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Honolulu Design Center's Cupola Theater.

Featured brands include Hale Bob Paris, ABS by Allen Schwartz, T Bags, Jully Kang, Frenzii and Hourglass Lilly designed by Jully Kang, Voom, Romeo and Juliet Couture, Sharagano, Harajuku Lovers, Level 99 and more, including items for men, all offered at a fraction of retail prices.

Admission is $3 Fashionista's Market members. Becoming a member is free by signing up at www.fashionistasmarket.com. General admission is $7.

A portion of proceeds will benefit the Autisum Society of Hawaii.

The art of the lash

Instructors from Glitznow. com are coming to Hawaii to offer classes in applying eyelash extensions. The training's not cheap, and geared toward industry professionals.

There are two classes offered, "Lash Extensions Part I (Basic)," and Part II (Advanced). Tuition for either class is $449; or $698 for both, with an advanced kit sold separately.

Classes are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday and Monday. Go to Glitznow.com for details. You'll get a $50 discount by mentioning their email notice.

Call 1-888-898-LASH (5274).