5 Things We Love

1. Earlier this year, my uncle showed me a cloth hot pad that cradles bowls and other dishware while in the microwave, making it easier to remove the hot items when done cooking. I was sad to find out it was a handmade gift and I couldn’t purchase one.

Then, while shopping on Kauai at one of my favorite stores, Mailelani’s, I found the Micro Cuddle Buddy in two sizes and a variety of reversible Hawaiian-print fabrics for $12.95 to $14.95.

Order them online at mailelanis.com or buy them at the Made in Hawaii Festival, Aug. 18-20 at the Blaisdell Center.

— Michelle Ramos, Star-Advertiser

2. Do your part to protect Hawaii’s reefs — as well as your skin — with locally made Body Block organic sunscreen by Hawaii Medicinal. Made with zinc oxide, the same stuff used to block harmful UV rays in widely available commercial sunscreens, Body Block offers SPF 30 protection and is made with natural ingredients including naupaka, which is sourced on Oahu and infused into organic coconut oil.

What Body Block doesn’t contain is oxybenzone, a chemical compound that is believed to threaten the survival of ocean reefs. Hawaii Medicinal’s environmentally friendly, plant-based alternatives are a great way to take personal responsibility for maintaining Hawaii’s marine environment.

A 2.5-ounce container is $15 at hawaiimedicinal.com. Email hawaiimedicinal@gmail.com for more information.

— Jason Genegabus, Star-Advertiser

3. Unable to surf on either an empty or stuffed belly, I need a quick but potent nosh before my early morning sessions. My husband brought home the perfect breakfast from the KCC Farmers Market: plump Low Fat Oat Cakes With Flaxseed, made in Hawaii by the aptly named Akamai Foods.

Flavors include blueberry and cranberry with banana, mango-pumpkin pecan and cranberry-pumpkin pecan. The wholesome ingredients include rolled oats, fruits and nuts, unbleached pastry flour, honey and olive oil. I toast one at night, warm it in the microwave in the morning and eat half a cake, which fuels my waves for an hour and a half. Then I return for the other half.

They sell for $5.99 for a 12-ounce package from the Akamai Foods booth at the Saturday farmers market and some Times Supermarkets.

— Mindy Pennybacker, Star-Advertiser

4. Nina Thai’s translucent sea-glass earrings ($25) remind me of Hawaii’s waters on a calm, early morning. They’re embellished with a silver crown and glass crystal to reflect light and catch the eye.

Angels by the Sea also carries her bracelets and necklaces ($39 to $89) in its boutiques at the Waikiki Beach Marriott (922-9747) and Sheraton Princess Kaiulani (921-2747); angelsbytheseahawaii.org.

— Elizabeth Kieszkowski, Star-Advertiser

5. Colorful cotton headbands from Ocean Queen have become an essential distraction from the situation on top of my head as I continue my journey to “going gray.” I’ve gotten so many compliments, I’m pretty sure they’ll be joining my wardrobe on a permanent basis. You can wear them thin or wide, and the elastic back ensures comfort.

The headbands are “half price” at $4.99, but then, everything is always “half price” at the Himalayan/Tibetan handicraft shop.

Ocean Queen is relocating to Ward Centre; in the meantime, shop the Haleiwa store at 66-145 Kamehameha Highway.

— Christie Wilson, Star-Advertiser

“5 Things We Love” is a shortlist of newly discovered stuff you have got to see, hear, wear, use or eat. Please keep in mind that featured products may be in short supply and may not be available at all store locations; prices may vary. Tell us what you are loving by emailing features@staradvertiser.com.